The great coal fields contained in the district, and accessible only by the waters which flow into its harbour, mark it as the first part where the forest is likely to disappear; and also as the site of the manufacturing establishments. When considered in reference to the coast, to Halifax, Quebec, Cape Breton, and Prince Edward Island, it is also equally evident, that this abundance of fuel will render it the centre of steam navigation. There is but one point in which it is inferior to Halifax, the harbour is oftener frozen over in winter, but even in despite of this serious inconvenience, it is more likely to become the rival of the capital, than any other seaport in the province. At present its population is from four to five thousand souls, whose houses, unlike most of those in our other colonies, are generally built of stone; it contains several places of worship; an Episcopal, Roman Catholic, and two Presbyterian chapels; an academy, grammar school, court house, and public library. As a free warehousing port, its trade in timber, coal, and fish, has rapidly increased, the exports alone amounting to upwards of 100,000l. per annum. Pictou harbour has twentytwo feet over a bar at low water; inside it is a capacious basin with five to nine fathoms sound anchorage.

The soil is in general of a superior quality, and susceptible of a high state of cultivation. As an agricultural district, it is inferior to none in the province, and although its settlement is comparatively of recent date, the census of 1827 shows that a greater quantity of wheat was raised within it than in any of the other counties or districts.

CUMBERLAND County is bounded on the northwest by Chiegnecto Channel, the Missiguash River, and part of New Brunswick; on the east by the Straits of Northumberland; on the south-east by the district of Colchester; and on the south by the township of Parrsborough and part of the Bay of Fundy. Previous to the year 1784 (when New Brunswick was created a separate government), the township of Sackville was contained within the limits of this county, but it is now a part of New Brunswick, and is called Westmoreland. Cumberland county contains two townships, Amherst and Wallace, and a number of settlements not comprised within either; viz.-Fort Lawrence, Maccan, Nappan, Minudie, West Chester, Pugwash, Fox Harbour, River Philip, Goose River, &c. Adjoining the boundary line, is Fort Lawrence Settlement, lying between the Missiguash and the La Planch. On the former river, which is navigable about two miles, there are 2000 acres of dyke land, one half of which is in New Brunswick; and on the latter river 4000, one moiety being in this settlement, and the other in Amherst. It is unquestionably the most productive part of Nova Scotia, and not inferior to any other portion of America of the same extent. Here stood the two rival forts of Beau Sejour1 and Lawrence, separated from each other by the little stream of Missiguash. From the bastion of Beau Sejour Fort, there is a splendid view, embracing the great

1- After Beau Sejour was captured, its name was altered to that of Cumberland.

Tanteimarr and Missiguash meadows, Baronsfields, Westmoreland, and the country at the foot of the Shepody mountains; vast stacks of hay cover these alluvial lands, as far as the eye can reach, and the substantial farm houses, and numerous herds, bespeak the wealth and independence of the yeomanry.

The township of Wallace contains several flourishing settlements. Wallace Town is situate at the mouth of the noble bay of that name, which is navigable for the largest ships above six miles, and for smaller ones above twelve. The river Remsheg, after a course of twenty-five miles, discharges itself into the bay. Pugwash Bay is one of the finest harbours in the county; the shore is so bold that vessels of 500 tons burthen may lie at all times in safety within twenty yards of it: above the channel, which is not more than a quarter of a mile wide, it becomes a beautiful basin, into which the Pugwash river discharges itself. The river Philip, which unites with several others, also discharges itself into the sea, near Pugwash Harbour. Fox Harbour, on Pugwash Bay, was settled twenty years ago by Scotch Highlanders, who are now both comfortable and affluent.

Besides coal, freestone, and grindstone, plaster of Paris abounds at the head of Chiegnecto Bay, and occurs on the Macan. Lime is also found in the vicinity of Amherst, at the River Philip, and at Macan and Napan. Although its value in agriculture is not unknown to the inhabitants, it has not been often applied to that purpose, nor is it probable it will ever enter into general use: the numerous bays, rivers, creeks, and coves, with which Cumberland is inter

NOVA SCOTIA,

D

vale, exceeds 17,250 acres. simple and not less valuable manure. land in this county, exclusive of salt marsh and intersected, presenting in the alluvial deposit, a more The dyked

Great Britain, and from the north of Ireland. tions, and of emigrants from the county of York, in emigrants from New England, before the revoluThe inhabitants of this district are composed of