upper province, is a place of considerable importance in the eyes of the inhabitants; to a stranger, however, it presents little more than 100 wooden houses, most of them well built, and one, or perhaps two, of brick.

In noticing the principal cities or towns of Upper Canada, we cannot deny ourselves the pleasure of mentioning Perth and Lanark. The former, founded by settlers from Perthshire, stands about 40 miles to the north-east of Kingston, upon a tributary stream of the Utawa, named Tay, and is rapidly rising into importance, possessing, according to late accounts, 1000 inhabitants; the latter, founded by settlers from Lanarkshire, situated about 14 miles north by west of the former, is likewise built upon a fine stream, also a tributary of the Utawa, named Clyde.

Lord Selkirk's Colony.] The earl of Selkirk's colony on the Red River, in Upper Canada, is now in a thriving condition. All the settlers are accommodated in houses situated on elevated and healthy spots, further back than they used to be from the river. The fisheries on the Manitoba and Winipeg are an inexhaustible and certain means of supply to the industrious colonists, who, even should their crops fail, are thus in no danger of starving. It would be good for the colony were the buffalo never to come near it for, hitherto, many of the colonies depending entirely on hunting for a livelihood, suffered severely when the buffalo kept far off in the plains. Tame black cattle now swarm at the colony, butter and cheese are made in abundance, and there are plenty of hogs and poultry.

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The Talbot Settlement.] The Talbot settlement lies parallel to the shore of Lake Erie, along two great roads which extend 70 or 80 miles, besides back-settlements.

Canada Company Settlements.] We extract from the Gore Gazette-a paper of Upper Canada-the following information, relative to the progress and prospects of the Canada Land company. The tract of land in the Gore district, upon which the company's agents are at present employed, being 42,000 acres of crown reserves for the Six Nations, is now called the township of Guelph. The soil is a deep, black, and fertile sandy loam ; the timber is beech, maple, elm, ash, and cherry, with some pine, cedar, and hemlock. The surface is gently undulating, enough so to make it pleasing to the eye, without affecting its accessibility to cultivation. From this circumstance, also, the streams flow rapidly, and there are no marshes or pools of water to render it unhealthy to the settler, or to generate those diseases by which the inhabitants of new countries, during the process of clearing and draining, are often afflicted. The river Speed meanders through the township from north to south, and discharges itself into the Grand River, at the distance of 7 miles from the border of the said township. Its tributary streams flow into it in various directions, and distribute a plentiful supply of the purest spring water. The proposed town of Guelph, is situated on the river Speed, about 12 miles from its confluence with the Grand River; 5 from Waterloo; 14 from the village of Galt; about 30, by the present circuitous route, from Ancaster, and in a straight line, 25 from Burlington bay, the head of Ship Navigation on Lake Ontario. A road, 8 rods wide, connects the town with the bay.

CHAP. III.-NOVA SCOTIA.

Boundaries and Extent.] THE boundaries of the province of Nova Scotia Proper, or that portion of the continent known under that name, are the strait of Northumberland, which separates it from Prince Ed

ward's island on the N.; the gut of Canseau, which divides it from Cape Breton on the N.E.; the Atlantic Ocean on the S. and S.E.; and the bay of Fundy and New Brunswick on the W. It lies within the 43d and 46th parallels of northern latitude; and between the 61st and 67th degrees of western longitude. It is about 300 miles in length, but of unequal width. Its superficies is estimated at 15,617 square miles, or 9,994,880 acres.

Civil Divisions.] The civil departments of the province consist of divisions and counties. Of the former there are five: viz. the Eastern, Middle, Western, Halifax, and Cape Breton divisions. There are ten counties, which are again subdivided into districts and townships.

Historical Notice.] In the beginning of May, 1497, John Cabot and his son Sebastian, supposing that a shorter route to India might be found in the north-west, sailed from Bristol in a westwardly direction. On the morning of the 24th of June, these intrepid and skilful mariners were surprised by the sight of land. Being the first they had seen on their voyage, they called it Prima Vista; and it is generally supposed to have been some part of Nova Scotia; but the Marquis de la Roche was the first European who visited Nova Scotia with an intention to colonize. He sailed from France in 1598, and landed a few convicts on the isle of Sable which is situated about 50 leagues to the S.E. of Cape Breton. In 1603 we find M. De Monts appointed governor-general of all the country from the 40th to the 46th degrees of northern latitude, that is, from Virginia almost to the head of Hudson's bay, by Henry IV. In the commission of De Monts the whole of the country now called Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and part of the state of Maine, was called Cadie. The same territory seems to have successively borne the appellations of Acadia, L'Acadie, and Arcadia. De Monts found the country thinly inhabited by fierce and savage Indians. The colony planted by this intrepid and enlightened Frenchman was poorly supported by the mother country; and in 1621 James I. of England gratified his secretary, Sir William Alexander, with a grant of the extensive tract of country lying on the E. side of a line drawn in a northern direction from the river St Croix to the gulf of St Lawrence. This country was named in the patent Nova Scotia, which circumstance gave rise to a tedious discussion whether Nova Scotia and Acadia were the names of one and the same country; or indicated two distinct provinces. Charles I. confirmed bis father's grant by patent, date 12th July, 1624, and also founded the order of Knights Baronet of Nova Scotia ; but in 1632 he resigned to Louis XIII. of

The following particulars regarding this order, are copied verbatim from a periodical publication, dated December, 1775:-" The order of baronets in Scotland was projected by king James the I., for the plantation and cultivation of the province of Nova Scotia, in America, the first settlement made by the Scots beyond the Atlantic. His son, king Charles the I., executed his royal father's plan, and instituted this order soon after his accession to the throne. The first person dignified with this title was Sir Robert Gordon of Gordonstone, a younger son of the earl of Sutherland, the head of one of the most ancient and respectable families in Scotland, whose patent bears date the 28th of May, 1625. Many other gentlemen of the most respectable families were soon after admitted, whose titles by their patents, till the restoration, were uniformly descendible hæridibus masculis quibuscunque. Each patent, till Nova Scotia was given up to the French, conveyed a grant of 16,000 acres of land in the province to the paten tee, his heirs, and assignees. Several very honourable clauses are inserted in many of these old patents. It has been said, that this dignity was to be obtained by purchase. This was not the case. Some of the patents contain an express exemption from the payment, without fee or reward whatever, on account of procuring this new dignity, and some from the payment of the ordinary fees of the seals, and of extending the patents. By the rules of the institution, king Charles was pleased to grant, for himself and his successors, a right to the eldest sons and heirs apparent of the baronets

France the right which he had claimed to New France, and Nova Scotia, along with Cape Breton and Canada, were immediately taken possession of by the French government. By the 12th article of the treaty concluded between England and France on the 11th of April, 1713, all Nova Scotia, with its ancient boundaries, as also the city of Port Royal, were ceded to Great Britain; but the English did not display the same zeal in the settlement of the country which they had manifested in its conquest: a small garrison, totally insufficient for the purpose, was maintained at Annapolis-as Port Royal was now calledto overawe the Acadians. In 1749, an expedition sailed from England, under the command of colonel Cornwallis, who founded Halifax, and instituted three courts of justice; and, in 1753, a body of German emigrants founded Lunenburg. The early history of these and successive settlements presents little else than a constant succession of struggles with the surrounding savages; but the authority of the government was gradually established, especially under the able administration of governor Lawrence, and emigration began to flow towards the country in a constant and steady stream from the colonies on the American continent, and from the north of Ireland. By the 2d article of a definitive treaty, executed at Paris in 1762, France renounced all claim to Nova Scotia, with Canada, cape Breton, and the islands in the St Lawrence; and since that period Nova Scotia has enjoyed uniform tranquillity and repose. In the beginning of the last war between the United States and Great Britain, the governor of Nova Scotia, Sherbrook, issued a proclamation, recommending to the people under his care to abstain entirely from hostilities against the Americans, whose territory borders upon theirs. He represented to them that the main events of the war could be little affected by their feeble efforts in a corner of the world so remote from the principal scenes of action, and that to make inroads into the country of their neighbours, merely for the sake of plunder or revenge, would be wicked and inhuman in the extreme. By this humane and conciliatory proclamation, he not only gained the esteem and affection of his own people, but excited also the admiration and respect of the Americans. During the whole war not one act of hostility was committed on the border of the two rival countries by either party.

Physical Features.] The face of this country is agreeably diversified by hills and dales; but though undulated in surface, it cannot be described as a mountainous region, for the loftiest hill does not rise more than 600 feet above the level of the sea. The ridges run N. and S., branching off into irregular and hilly land, which terminates sometimes in abrupt cliffs on the coast, and sometimes sinks into gentle declivities in the in

when arrived at the age of 21 years, to claim the honour of knighthood without fees. His majesty was so desirous of adding every mark of dignity to this his favourite order, that, four years after its institution, he issued a royal warrant, granting them the privilege of wearing a ribbon and medal, which last was presented to each of them by the king himself, according to the words of the warrant. All the privileges of the order, particularly this of wearing the medal, were confirmed, at the king's request, by the convention of estates in the year 1630; and in order to establish them on the most solid foundation, they were again confirmed by an act of the parliament of Scotland, in the year 1633. This mark of distinction fell to the ground, with all the other honours of this country, during the usurpation of the long parliament and of Oliver Cromwell. It continued in general, though not total disuse, after the Restoration. There have been former meetings of the order to revive the use of it, one in the year 1721, and another in 1734. These meetings proved ineffectual, because the proper steps towards its revival were not taken. But last summer, such measures were concerted as have effectually answered the end in view."

terior. The scenery, therefore, cannot be generally described as sublime; but the numerous and beautiful lakes,-the harbours studded with islands, -the profusion of rivers, brooks, and streams, give the whole a cheerful and pleasing appearance. The shores are generally bold and rocky, especially along the southern coast. The most remarkable cliff on the whole coast is the summit of Aspotageon, which is about 500 feet in perpendicular height, and is generally the first object seen in approaching Halifax from Europe or the West Indies.

Climate.] The climate of this country seems, with the process of cultivation, to be undergoing amelioration: the winter has been diminished by the prolongation of autumn, and showers of snow are neither so frequent nor heavy as heretofore. Winter, however, is not unfrequently found "lingering in the lap of May," and the spring is consequently late and irregular in its approach. But when vegetation commences, it is very rapid, and in a few days alters the whole face of nature. About the end of May, the fields afford sufficient food for cattle. The heat of summer is generally moderate and regular; it is greatest in August. The autumn is decidedly the finest portion of the year in Nova Scotia; the mornings and evenings in this season are cool, and the sky generally clear and cloudless. This season often continues, though with occasional rains, and a progressive increase of cold, until January, there seldom being any severe weather before the 20th of December. January seldom passes over without a remarkable thaw; February is distinguished for the heaviest falls of snow. The greatest quantity of rain falls in the spring and autumn. Upon the whole the climate of Nova Scotia is salubrious. The air of the forest, notwithstanding the density of the wood, is far from being noxious; while the infinite number of streams, the aromatic effluvia of balsamic trees, the invigorating N.W. wind, and the varied surface of the country, all conspire to render residence here healthy and agreeable. The climate is not remarkable for the generation of any disease peculiar to itself; but in common with other parts of North America, it disposes to acute and inflammatory disorders.

Soil and Agriculture.] In such an extent of territory as is contained in Nova Scotia, there must necessarily be a great variety of soil. Haliburton, estimating by a scale of 12 parts, is of opinion that there may be 3 parts of prime land, 4 of good land, 3 of inferior, and 2 incapable of cultivation. Of these the two latter classes of soil are chiefly to be found on the southern shore, from Cape Canseau to Cape Forchee. The soil may be divided into three classes: upland, interval, and marsh. The quality of every variety of upland is known by the species and size of the timber it produces. İnterval is a term peculiar to America, and denotes that portion of land which is composed of the alluvial deposit of large brooks and rivers. Marsh in its natural state, produces a strong coarse aquatic grass; but when enclosed and drained is exceedingly fertile. Wheat is raised with some difficulty in Nova Scotia, being subject to many more casualties than either oats, barley, buckwheat, rye, or Indian corn. On good upland, the average crop of wheat is from 16 to 25 bushels; on interval and dyke it is much more. The climate is so congenial to oats, rye, and barley, that they are raised without difficulty. Oats yield here on an average 25, rye 16, and barley 20 bushels, per acre. Maize, or Indian corn, is extensively cultivated in the western part of Nova Scotia ; a large crop of beans may be raised off the same ground at the same time. Potatoes thrive well; their average produce being 200 bushels per acre.

Reaping begins in August, and is finished in September. One of the greatest difficulties experienced in rural affairs in this country, arises out of the rapid progress of vegetation, which limits the time for planting and sowing to a very short space, and, if any irregularity occurs, not only requires great exertion, but occasions these labours to be very imperfectly performed. The cattle are very good; but the most profitable and hardiest stock is sheep. These animals are here exempt from many disorders to which they are subject in Britain. Apples are extensively cultivated; and plumbs, pears, quinces, and cherries, are found in all good orchards. Population.] In 1749 the population of this colony amounted to 18,000. After the removal of the Acadians, or French settlers, the British settlers were estimated in 1755, at 5,000. In 1781, their numbers amounted to 12,000; but two years afterwards they were joined by 20,000 loyalists from North America; so that, in 1784, the population amounted to 32,000. In 1827 the population of Nova Scotia, exclusive of Cape Breton, amounted to 123,848 souls; of whom 28,659 were returned as belonging to the church of England; 37,225 as Presbyterians; 20,401 as catholics; 9,408 as Methodists; 19,790 as Independents; and 2,968 Lutherans. The majority of the present inhabitants are natives, the descendants of emigrants from Great Britain and the United States. In the eastern parts of the province the majority are Scotch. The descendants of the Acadians are chiefly located at Clare, Pubnico, and Menudie. They speak a very corrupt French patois. A remnant of the Micmac tribe, sometimes called Indians, exists in Cape Breton; and there are above 3000 blacks in the province.

nor.

Government.] Nova Scotia is governed by a lieutenant-governor, who also takes the title of commander-in-chief of the province. He is assisted by a council of 12 members, who form a constituent part of the legislature, their consent being necessary to the enacting of laws. In their capacity of legislators they sit as the upper house, distinct from the goverAt present, however, the governor has not only the power of nominating, but of suspending the members of this council. The members of the House of Assembly are elected by the freeholders. Halifax chooses 4 county and 2 town-members; all the other counties send 2 each; and each town one representative. The qualification for a vote or representation are either a yearly income of 40s. cleared from real estate, or a title in fee-simple to a dwelling-house, or the possession of 100 acres of land. The governor is chancellor in office, and he and his council constitute a court of error. The supreme court is composed of a chief-justice, 3 assistant-justices, and a circuit associate. There are courts of common pleas in each county, and courts of general sessions. Besides these there are sheriff and justice-of-peace courts.-The revenue of Nova Scotia in 1829 was £38,360, of which £20,000 was expended in making roads and bridges.

Militia.] The number of enrolled militia amounted, in 1829, to 21,897; throughout the last American war it was in a very effective state. Halifax Division.] The Halifax division comprises only a part of the country of that name, and contains 4 townships: viz. Halifax, Dartmouth, Preston, and Laurence Town.-The harbour of Halifax is one of the finest in America. A thousand vessels may ride in it in safety. The town itself was founded in 1749, and now contains about 1,000 houses, and 23,000 inhabitants, one-third of whom are Irish. The Province Building, as it is called is the best-built and handsomest edifice in North America.