HARVARD COLLEGE LIBRARY ه . 1506 . 33 ن ، .. لي ، ت Francis Parkinan او John S. FOLDS, 5, Bachelor's. Walk, PREFACE. They have carefully examined the several new publica- tions on the subject of emigration, many of which they freely and candidly admit possess much valuable informa- tion, and are written with the most anxious desire not to mislead the public ; but they feel it their duty not to with- hold any thing within their power which they conscien- tiously believe contains much really useful matter, and which is not to be found in similar publications. Mr. Evans emigrated to America in the year 1813, and shortly after procured a grant of land near Drummond- ville, in Lower Canada ; from time to time he visited various parts of the Canadas, and particularly within the last eight years, as about the year 1824 he was appointed Agent to the Eastern Townships in Lower Canada, and this office obliged him to become intimately acquainted with the actual state of that extensive district, in order that he might be qualified to communicate fully with the Authorities at Quebec, as at that period these townships had no Representatives in the House of Assem- bly (they afterwards obtained them in the year 1829). The official duties of Township Agent obliged Mr. Evans to visit Quebec frequently, and when there, to become acquainted, from the most authentic sources, with the state of the entire province, for the purpose of enabling him to procure for the particular district with the interests of which he had been entrusted, equal advantages with those parts then enjoying the privilege of being Represented in the Provincial Parliament. It is presumed Mr. Evans's PREFACE. conduct gave general satisfaction to the inhabitants of these Townships, as he was repeatedly re-elected by them to fill the same situation, and therefore the publishers feel no hesitation in submitting and recommending “The Emi- grants' Guide” to the public, as a work containing within a very small compass more real, useful and practical infor- mation than is to be found in any other of a similar nature of double the extent. Some persons may consider these observations too strong, but time, which is the true test of most things, will determine how far they are accurate. Mr. Evans having felt considerable anxiety respecting his friends in Ireland in consequence of accounts having reached him of the breaking out of the cholera in Dublin, wrote from Quebec in the month of June last, at which time he was in the enjoyment of perfect health, but before his letters reached their destination, he was laid in the grave, and that within nine hours from the period of the attack. If Mr. Evans had lived, it is probable he would have transmitted additional matter which would have been an- nexed to, or embodied in this work, as he had been writ- ten to on the subject, but his premature death put an end to such expectations; however, some hopes are entertained that all his valuable papers on British America will be for- warded to Ireland during the spring for publication. The publishers, desirous that the “ Emigrants' Guide” should be as perfect as possible (and not having, for the reasons mentioned, procured the expected communication PREFACE. ' from Mr. Evans,) have, in the Appendix, given such further information respecting the Canadas as they con- ceive may not be altogether unacceptable to the Emigrant, and upon which Mr. Evans has not fully written, it may, in the spirited language of the “ Backwoodsman," be called a chapter of “ Odds and Ends,” and has been ex- tracted from the latest and most authentic publications on British America, Emigration, &c. The importance of the British settlements in North America as connected with the trade of the United King- doms, may be estimated from the fact ascertained by the Custom-house returns, that every man, woman and child in these colonies, on an average, makes use of forty dollars worth of British goods annually ; whereas, if the thousands who have emigrated from these countries remained at home, they would not, on an average, consume one-third of that amount; therefore, upon this ground alone, emigration is of considerable advantage to the mother country, and we most cordially approve of the motto from Napoleon, prefixed to the “Backwoodsman," viz. “ Ships, Colonies, and Commerce.” Dublin, 10th March, 1833. CONTENTS. Page SECTION 1. General description of Lower and Upper Canada - 1 Lower Canada - - - - - - - 2 Upper Canada - - - - - - - 9 Roads and distances from Quebec Roads from Three Rivers - - - - - - - William Henry - - Montreal - - - SECTION II. General directions on arriving in Canada - - SECTION III. Directions relating to various parts of Lower Canada favourable for settling in, with a few observations on the settlements already formed - - - 37 SECTION IV. Comparative view of both provinces, with some further remarks on the Upper - - - 67 How to ascertain the quality of lands - - - 73 Directions relative to the obtaining of lands_securing titles therein, with some remarks on the several kinds of title, &c. - - - Currency, or coin current in Canada Matters to be provided on proceeding to settle - 84 Building - - - - - - - - 87 Clearing land - - - - - - - 91 CONTENTS. Page 133 137 Fencing - - - - - - - - 95 Sowing and planting new cleared land - - - 96 On making maple sugar - - - - - 105 General observations on Ashes, Salts, Timber, &c. 109 Conclusion - - - - - - - 113 APPENDIX - - - - - 118 Upper Canada 127 Eastern Section 131 Eastern District 132 Ottawa Johnstown 136 Bathurst Midland 138 Central Section 140 Newcastle District 141 Home - 143 Western Section 145 Gore District - 146 Niagara - 149 London 151 Western - 153 Cities and Towns 156 City of the Falls 161 Lakes and Canals 163 New Brunswick 165 Advice to Emigrants, by A. C. Buchanan, Esq. Government Agent for Emigrants - - 168 Information for Emigrants . 179 ADVERTISEMENT. HAVING now for eighteen years been a resident of British America, and having in consequence of my official appointment as Agent to the Eastern Town- ships of Lower Canada, frequently visited various parts of the new settlements, I have been enabled to obtain, from personal observation, a larger share of information respecting them than most persons, from time to time I have taken notes on my several journeys, with the intention of publishing an exten- sive work on the state of the Canadas (and which I had partly completed for the press,) but I considered that at present it might be more useful to persons disposed to emigrate, to publish a small work, giving such information as might be absolutely necessary to direct them to a suitable settlement according to their inclinations, occupations, or habits; and to this determination I was strongly led, by observing the vast increase of Emigrants that arrived at Quebec last season, and who, generally speaking, had very little correct information respecting the British pro- vinces, and were, in every sense of the word, “ Strangers in a strange land," and therefore liable A 3 ADVERTISEMENT. to be imposed on by interested persons, who cared little for their future prosperity. At a very late period of the last season, a work somewhat similar to this, entitled “Hints to Emi. grants," appeared at Quebec, brought out by some emigrants who had then arrived. It is published in the name of “ Martin Doyle," and though evidently not written from personal observation, yet it contains considerable information ; however, as its object appears to me to be directed in favour of Upper Canada exclusively, I have felt it my duty at once to transmit this work to my native country, in order that it might be published immediately, so that an opportunity should be given to the public of forming a correct opinion of the present state of British America, and of the great advantages which it pre- sents to the industrious. I shall merely add, that this work has been sub- mitted to persons in authority here, and it is now offered to the public, with their sanction and appro- bation. It has been extracted from my papers with per- haps too much haste, but the persons for whose use it is principally intended, will not, I am persuad- ed, greatly fault the style or composition, provided they find it what it professes to be, namely, a “ DIRECTORY AND GUIDE to obtain Lands and effect a Settlement in the CANADAS." FRANCIS A. EVANS. Quebec, 1832. THE . . EMIGRANT'S GUIDE TO CANADA. SECTION I. A GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF LOWER AND UPPER CANADA. LOWER and Upper Canada formed but the province of Quebec until the year 1791, when, by an Act of the British Parliament, it was divided into two pro- vinces, and a similar Constitution given to each, viz. :- a Governor, Executive Council, Legislative Council, and House of Assembly elected for four years, who possess similar legislative powers, within their res- pective provinces, as the King, Lords, and Commons of Great Britain and Ireland; however always admit- ting the Imperial Parliament to have the supremacy. The king appoints the governor and executive council during pleasure, and the legislative council for life ; the executive council are the governor's legal advis- ers, and are somewhat in the nature of a privy council. THE EMIGRANT'S Lower Canada. Lower Canada is bounded on the north, by Hud- son Bay and Labrador territories; on the north-east, by the Gulf of St. Laurence; on the south and south-east, by the States of Maine, New Hamp- shire, Vermont, and New York, and the province of New Brunswick; and on the west, by Upper Cana- da; being about 700 miles long from N.E. to S.W., and 300 miles wide from N. to S., comprising a sur- face of about 200,000 square miles. It is situated between 45 and 52 degrees of north latitude, and between 63 and 81 degrees of west longitude; the great river St. Laurence running from S. W.to N. E. through the province, into which a number of large rivers and streams run north and south, watering the country at both sides of this river, to the greatest perfection, in every settlement formed, or that can be formed, in the province. The principal rivers that fall in on the north shore of the St. Laurence, are the Saguenay, Malbay, Montmorency, St. Charles, Jacque Cartier, Portneuf, St. Anne's, Batiscan, Champlain, St. Maurice, De- loup, Ymachiche, Masquinouge, and Ottawa. Those that fall in on the south shore, are the Chandiere, Becancour, Nicolet, St. Francis, Ymaska, Richelieu or Chambly, and Chateauguay, with many of less note. A great number of these rivers are navigable for large vessels, for some distance from the St. Lau- rence, but boats can proceed very far into the inte- THE EMIGRANT'S tain and Shefford road, from Montreal to the said townships. There are also roads from Montreal to Upper Canada, and up the Ottawa river to Holl; with many other cross roads from one settlement to another, and which are too numerous to insert here in detail, as they lead to all parts of the province. .. Lower Canada is at present divided into five law dis- tricts, (somewhat similar to what are called circuits in Great Britain and Ireland,) viz. :-Quebec, Montreal, Three Rivers, Gaspe, and St. Francis ; in each of which courts of justice are held for the administration of the laws. These districts are subdivided into forty counties, viz. :-Gaspe, Bonaventure, Rimouski, Ka- mouraska, Lislet, Bellchase, Dorchester, Beance, Megantic, Lotbiniere, Nicolet, Ymaska, Drummond, Sherbrooke, Stanstead, Missiskoui, Shefford, Riche- lieu in which is the borough of William Henry, St. Hyacinthe, Rouville, Vercheres, Chambly, Laprairie, L'acaidie, Beauharnois, Vaudreuil, Ottawa, Lake of the. Two Mountains, Terrebonne, Lachenaie, L'as- sumption, Montreal and city, Berthier, St. Mau- rice in which is the town of Three Rivers, Cham- plain, Portneuf, Quebec and city, Montmorency, Saguanay, and Orleans. The chief cities and towns are, the cities of Quebec and Montreal, each con- taining nearly 30,000 inhabitants ; the town of Three Rivers, containing about 3,000, and the borough of William Henry, about 2,000 inhabitants. The coun- ties, cities, towns, and boroughs, return eighty-four members to serve in the assembly of the province, GUIDE TO CANADA. who are elected by freeholders having a freehold of forty shillings or more, yearly value. The civil laws of Lower Canada are of French origin, with the laws and ordinances of the provin- cial parliament, but the English criminal law is es- tablished in the province. Courts of king's bench sit in the several districts of Quebec, Montreal, and Three Rivers ; the two first holding four terms each, and the last three terms in every year; each term continues for twenty days. Inferior terms are fre- quently held in the several districts, and commis- sioners' courts are established in many parishes, for the recovery of small debts. • There are five French colleges, and many semina- ries for education in this province, exclusive of ele- mentary schools established in every settlement, all of which are well supported by the province, or by lands allocated for that purpose. At Montreal a Protestant college is in progress, and several public seminaries in the townships are well endowed. A great portion of the inhabitants profess the Ro- man Catholic faith, and that chureh is well sup- ported in the different villages and settlements on the banks of the St. Laurence: it is under the su- perintendence of the Roman Catholic Bishop of Quebec, under whom, in this province and Upper Canada, are several other bishops, and a consider- able number of inferior clergy, who are generally respectable, and are well provided for by a small tithe of one twenty-fifth of the grain raised by GUIDE TO CANADA. The taxes and duties are very moderate; a small duty of 21 per cent. is paid on all goods imported, and a duty of 5 per cent. on all liquors. Retailers of liquors, tavern-keepers, and hawkers and pedlars, pay an annual licence. These, with fines and for- feitures, and the sale of crown lands, constitute the revenue of the Canadas. There are three incorporated banks in this pro- vince; one in Quebec, one in Montreal, and one in Stanstead, possessing capital of about £750,000; the Montreal bank has a branch of that establishment in Quebec. The trade of the province, which of course in- cludes the imports of Upper Canada, gives employ- ment to about 1,200 sail of vessels, annually, having about 12,000 men on board, and tonnage of at least 300,000 ton, if not more. - The face of the country, for about twenty miles back on each side of the St. Laurence, is level: on the north, the settlements do not extend to any very considerable distance, except up the Ottawa river. To the south of the level tract on the south bank of the St. Laurence, the country rises into gentle swells of land, or hills, but not broken ; and the tract in that direction generally known as the Eastern Townships, cannot be exceeded in fertility in any part of British · America. These townships are situated on both sides of the river St. Francis, and extend southward to latitude 45°, the boundary line between Lower THE EMIGRA Canada and the United States. An immense quan- tity of land remains still to be occupied in that pro- vince, as the country distant from the St. Laurence is rather thinly inhabited. The population of Lower Canada is now estimated at about 650,000 souls; 'eight-tenths of the inhabitants being of French ex- traction, and two-tenths of British birth or descent; being little more than three persons to every square mile, including the populations of the cities, towns, and villages. The lands bordering the St. Laurence, and near it, were laid out in seigniories by the French gou vernment, but are not of equal extent, some being very extensive, and others small, somewhat like townlands in England and Ireland. The townships were laid out under the British government, and contain, on an average, about ten square miles, or 60,000 acres each ; and these again are subdivided into lots of 200 acres, every seventh lot being re- served for the Protestant clergy, and called clergy reserves : an addition of ten acres is given to each lot for roads. The township lots are 103 rods or perches wide, by 300 rods in length, which is the same in Upper Canada also. The lots in the seig- niories are laid out by the arpent, or French acre. which is equal to about four-fifths of an English acre; the lot is usually three arpents wide by thirty arpents long. In another part of this work, the reader will GUIDE TO CANADA. find a more particular description of those parts of Lower Canada most suitable to the emigrant, with a minute account of the roads and distances. Upper Canada. This province lies west and south-west of Lower Canada, and is separated from the United States by Lake in the Woods, lakes Superior, Huron, St. Claire, Erie, and Ontario, and by the river St. Laurence from lake Ontario to its entry into Lower Canada. It is bounded on the north, by Hudson Bay territory; and west and north-west, by the British Indian ter- ritories; being about 550 miles in breadth, from north to south, and about 1100 miles in length, from east to west. It lies between 45 and 53 degrees north latitude, and between 73 and 97 degrees west longitude. This fine province is altogether inland, but stands unrivalled as to its possessing the best in- land navigation in the world, having several thousand miles of lake, or fresh water shore, and also nume- rous rivers flowing from various parts of the country into these lakes. The principal rivers are, the Ottawa, (for a great part of its course to near its junction with the St. Laurence, separating this province from Lower Canada,) the Rideau, the Trent, the Humber, the Welland, the Ouse, the Thames, the Maitland, and the Severn, with many others of minor importance. Upper Canada is gene- rally a level country, and the rivers have much dead or smooth water for boat or sloop navigation, even B 5 10 THE EMIGRA more so than Lower Canada. The St. Laurence is navigable from Prescot, upwards, to lake Ontario, for the lake vessels ; but from Prescot down to Montreal, a distance of about 120 miles, the navi- gation is interrupted by rapids in several places, being however, navigable for boats: considerable improve- ments have been made in several parts, by short ca- nals and locks, for the purpose of avoiding the worst of the rapids or falls. Good roads pass through all the settled districts, exclusive of the main or leading ones along the banks of the lakes and rivers ; these roads generally run more inland than in Lower Canada, and are placed under the inspection of the authorities. (See “Roads and Distances.”) The Welland canal, lately opened, connects lakes Ontario and Erie, and enables vessels to pass from one lake to the other, and thus surmount the great falls of Niagara, which are the most surprising works of nature, and of which it would be impossible to convey an adequate idea : the awe and dread created by the fall of such an immense body of water over a precipice of 137 feet, cannot be conceived, much less described. The Rideau canal, (now nearly com- plete,) passes from the lower, or north-east end of lake Ontario to Bytown, on the Ottawa river, and from ten to sixty miles distant on the north of the St. Laurence, opening a fine healthy tract of coun- try, well situated for settlements. This canal, when finished, will enable steam boats, (having been made GUIDE TO CANADA. 11 sufficiently large) to go from Montreal to all the up- per lakes, thus opening the most extensive line of inland navigation in the world. Of the great lakes from which this country derives so great a facility of inland navigation, lake Huron is 246 miles in length, and 220 in breadth, being about 1,000 miles in circumference: this lake receives the waters of lakes Superior and Michagan, the latter of which does not fall much short of the Huron, in extent, and the former is 1,500 miles in circumference. The contents of these stupendous sheets of fresh water, to expand whose surfaces a variety of sources con- tribute, are again received, through the river St. Clair, into lake St. Clair, from whence they pass, through the Detroit river, into the other great lake (Erie), and after rushing with inconceivable impe- tuosity down the great falls of Niagara, already no- ticed, they fall into lake Ontario, thence continuing their course through the river St. Laurence, until they at length, themselves, contribute to swell the waves of the Atlantic. · The chief town in Upper Canada is Kingston, about 200 miles south-west of Montreal, near the outlet of lake Ontario, and at the head of the Ri.. deau canal. It contains about 6,000 inhabitants, and has got a navy yard for the lakes. The next is York, which is the seat of government for the pro- vince: it is about 170 miles west of Kingston, si- tuated on a convenient harbour of lake Ontario, and has got a population of about 3,000. There are 12 · THE EMIGRANT'S many rising villages scattered throughout the prou vince, to many of which reference will be seen in the “ Account of Roads and Distances.” This Province is divided into eleven Law Dis- tricts, consisting of twenty-six Counties, and subdi- vided into 266 Townships, each of which is about ten miles square; but vast tracts remain yet unsur- veyed.-1. The Eastern District, includes the Coun- ties of Glengarry, Stormont, and Dundas.--2. The Ottawa District, the Counties of Prescot ard Rus- sell.-3. The Bathurst District, the Counties of Carleton and Lanark.-4. The Johnstown District, the Counties of Grenville and Leeds.-5. The Mid- land District, the Counties of Frontinac, Lenox and Addington, Hastings, and Prince Edward's.-6. The Newcastle District, the Counties of Northumberland and Durham.-7. The Home District, the East and West Riding of York and Simcoe.-8. The Gore Distriet, the Counties of Waltown and Wentworth. 9. The Niagara District, the Counties of Lincoln and Haldimand.-10. The London District, the Counties of Norfolk, Oxford, and Middlesex.-11. The Wes- tern District, the Counties of Kent and Essex. Through all these districts or circuits, assizes are held by the judges, as in Great Britain and Ireland. The British statutes both civil and criminal, as far as applicable with the acts passed by the provincial legislature, form the law of the province. The Con- stitution is similar to that of Lower Canada, and consists in like manner of a Governor, Executive · GUIDE TO CANADA. 13 Council, Legislative Council, and House of Assem- bly. The House of Assembly is elected for four years by persons possessing freeholds of the clear yearly value of forty shillings and upwards. . · The present population of this province may be estimated at about 250,000, but is rapidly increasing by. emigration from the United Kingdoms, as well as from other countries, and also by the numerous births consequent upon the location of married per- sons, and who are generally in the prime of life. Education is well supported, and making considerable progress in the country; there is a College in York, and besides the district and other academies, there are, in the different settlements, elementary schools. There are the remains of many Indian tribes here, but they do not altogether exceed 15,000. They are a rambling, unsettled people, and pay little attention to agriculture: some experiments have been tried by the formation of settlements for them, and so far they have answered the expectation of the persons who benevolently lent their countenance and aid to the undertaking. It is hoped that in a short time the remainder of these tribes may be induced to fol- low the example thus set them, and become what they are capable of being an industrious, orderly, and sober people. There are two archdeacons, and about thirty other clergymen of the church of England settled in va- rious parts of the province, and are yearly increasing under the superintendence of the present excellent 14 THE EMIGRA Lord Bishop of Quebec, the Honourable and Right Reverend Doctor Stewart. This church is supporto ed by Parliamentary aid, the British Church Mis- siopary Society, and the seventh of the lands of the province, which at present yields a very small in- come, but will, in time, be very valuable; the in- habitants only provide churches and keep them in repair. Methodists, Presbyterians, Roman Ca- tholics, Baptists, Mennonites, and other sects, have considerable congregations, but the Methodists and Presbyterians are considered to be the most nu- merous. A number of churches and meeting- houses have been erected in various parts of the country, and add much to the beauty of the land- scape; and to the well-disposed it is a cause of much thankfulness that temples have been erected in the forests for the worship of the Most High, where they can bow the knee at His altar, and sup- plicate a blessing upon their exertions in a new country, far removed from the homes of their fa- thers; so that now, such emigrants as have been ac- customed to make religion a consideration of the first importance, need not be disheartened by an ap- prehension that they are about to sacrifice to the prospect of an improvement in their temporal con- dition, the whole of the religious advantages, with which the inhabitants of Great Britain and Ireland enjoy the privilege of being abundantly supplied in the lands of their nativity. The chief trade of this province is with Lower GUIDE TO CANADA. 15 Canada, and the United States of America, but prin- cipally with the former. The climate is somewhat more moderate or mild in winter than in the Lower Province, but in the vicinity of the lakes and swamps (which are numerous) fever and ague very much af- flict, the inhabitants, especially in the south-western parts of the province. Moose, and several other sorts of deer, are nume- rous; and to the north-west, especially in the ex. tensive plains north-west of lake Superior, buffaloes are very easily met with. Brown bears, wolves, foxes, &c. are common, but not dangerous: these, with deer, and a variety of other animals, are to be found in the lower province. Rattle-snakes abound in Upper Canada, but are easily avoided; they are not found in any other part of the British provinces. The Canada Company have large tracts of land in several townships, which they offer for sale at fair prices. Land may be purchased at various rates, from three shillings to ten shillings per acre, accord- ing to quality and situation, the value being consi- dered nearly the same in all parts of the province, except in the immediate neighbourhood of towns, or places having some other peculiar advantages : the foregoing prices apply only to woodland in its origi- nal state. Land partly cleared, with houses erect- ed on the farms, can be had, but at a much higher rate of purchase, and is suited to persons possessing some capital. Labour is higher in this than in the lower pro- 16 THE EMIGRANT'S vince; the usual hire for farm labourers is from 8 to 12 dollars per month, with board. · The districts of this province lying between Lower Canada, or the Ottawa River and Kingston, are the most healthy, and through these the Rideau Canal passes. The tract north of lake Ontario and Nia- gara is next in point of healthiness, but is further inland; and the western tract, though more fruitful, is least healthy. In all parts of the country lands can be procured from the Government, by purchase,as in Lower Canada, from the Upper Canada Land Company, and from private individuals in the different townships; and the only difficulty the settler feels, is that of having so many lots or farms to select from, that he is at a loss to determine or decide upon which to take. · The settler can proceed from Montreal, either up the St. Lawrence, or by the Ottawa river and Rideau Canal, to Upper Canada; the line between the pro- vinces being about 50 or 60 miles above Montreal: and on the route he can make such inquiries and ob- servations as may be useful to enable him to form a correct judgment of the most suitable place to settle in, according to his means and circumstances. He will perceive little difference in point of climate or soil, between Kingston and Montreal, to affect the interests of the farmer. From the following enumeration of roads and dis- tances from Quebec, Montreal, Three Rivers, and William Henry, to various parts of both provinces, and to other places, an idea can be formed of the route to GUIDE TO CANADA. 17 . any section of the country to which the emigrant may wish to proceed: the distances are setdown according to the latest calculations, and will be found correct. Roads and Distances from Quebec. : The main and post road from Quebec to Montreal and on to Upper Canada, runs along the north bank of the St. Laurence. It has been well made, and is kept in good repair ; it is also very populous, pre- senting an almost uninterrupted chain of farm · houses and comfortable dwellings, generally not more than one hundred yards distant from each other ; handsome villages also, and churches, are situated at distances varying from 4 to 9 miles, and present a most agreeable prospect to the traveller by land or water. The town of Three Rivers lies half way between Quebec and Montreal, being 90 miles from each city. On this road bridges have been erected cover all the rivers, except four, and these are in pro- gress : where bridges have not been erected there are good ferry boats which convey passengers, horses, carriages, and goods, across the rivers, with great care and safety, at very moderate charges. Quebec to St. Augustine 12 miles; to Point aux Tremble 24; to Cape Sante 31 ; to Port Neuf 35; to De- chambault 45; to St. Anne's 60; to Batiscan 66 ; to Champlain 75; to Three Rivers 90 ; to Point du Lac 99; to River du Loup 112; to Berthier 135; to Bout del Isle, the foot of Montreal Island 165; to Montreal 180 miles. From Port-neuf, on this line, 18 THE EMIGRA a road is made into the country for about 6 miles, to a new settlement, where the emigrants are doing well. From Berthier a road leads to the townships of Rawdon, Kilkenny, and Kildare, where a large settlement has been formed by emigrants, whose spi- ritual wants are attended to by a resident clergyman of the Church of England; the road extends from Berthier into the interior of the country nearly 30 miles, and from the same place there is a ferry across the St. Laurence, to William Henry, on the south side of the river, where it is four miles wide. Va- rious other roads lead to different parts of the coun- try from the main road to Montreal. A road leads from Quebec to lake Beauport, N. by E. of Quebec, 13 miles distant, and passes through Charlesbourg : at lake Beauport there is a large set- tlement by emigrants. The road to the townships of Stoneham and Tewkesbury, and to lake St. Charles, from 12 to 15 miles distant, passes also through Charlesbourg. Near lake St. Charles is also another emigránt settlement. A road leads from Quebec to Vale Cartie settlement, N.W. of that city, and passes through Loretto: this settlement was formed by emi- grants, and is in a flourishing state, the nearest part being about 15 miles, and the most distant part not more than 30 miles distant from Quebec. A road leads down the north shore of the St. Laurence, through Beauport, by Montmorency Falls, St. Paul's Bay, Malbay, &c., to the end of the settlements in that direction. GUIDE TO CANADA. 19 From Point Levi, opposite Quebec, and to which steam and team ferry-boats pass and re-pass every hour, a road leads down the south bank of the St. Lawrence, and is the post road to New Brunswick, Halifax, the Bay Chaleur, &c. The distance from Quebec to Kamouraska is 90 miles ; to the Portage 110 miles, all well settled along that distance; to Timisconata, across the Portage 146; to Frederick- ton, the capital of New Brunswick, down the river St. John 426 ; to Halifax in Nova Scotia 706 miles. The road to the Bay of Chaleur leads down the St. Laurence, from the Portage, and by the new road to Ristigouche, at the head of the bay, which is about three hundred miles distant from Quebec; a road leads from thence to Mirimichi, on the south shore of the Bay of Chaleur, distant about 70 miles. Another road leads from Ristigouche along the north shore of the Bay of Chaleur to New Carlisle 60 miles; to Percee 120, and to Gaspee 140 miles. A road leads from Quebec, by Point Levi, to the township of Frampton, south-east of Quebec, being a new emigrant settlement, and about 30 miles dis- tant. The Kenebec road also leads from Point Levi, south to St. Mary's 32 miles ; to Aubert Gallion 62; to the height of land dividing Lower Canada from the State of Maine 92; to Portland 230; and to Boston 260 miles: this is the shortest road to the States of Boston and New England. · The Craigs road also leads from Point Levi to St. Nicholas 12 miles; to which place, there are also, 20 THE EMIGRA steam and team-boats from Quebec, for passengers, carriages, and such other things as may require to be conveyed that way. From Point Levi, by St. Ni- cholas, to St. Giles 28 miles; to Leeds 40; to Ire- land and to Inverness 54; to Richmond in Shipton 104 miles, through Halifax, Wolfstown, Chester and Tingwick townships. From Ireland, a branch called the Dudswell road leads on to the head of Connec- ticut river, passing through Wolfstown, Weedon, Dudswell 94 miles; through Bury, Westbury, Eaton 120 miles; and through Newport, Clifton and Here- ford townships, to the Connecticut river, which is 150 miles from Quebec. There are only one or two families settled on this road between Ireland and Tingwick, a distance of 30 miles, through the woods. At Richmond the Craigs road intersects the roads running up the river St. Francis. On the Dudswell branch there are only three families settled between the townships of Ireland and Dudswell, a distance of 40 miles through the woods. From Eaton a road leads to Lennoxville, 13 miles; to Sherbrooke 17; to Hatley 28, and Stanstead 43 miles. · From Point Levi a road also leads up the south bank of the St. Laurence, through many villages in the south-west bounds of the province, of which the principal ones are St. Nicholas 12 miles; Lotbiniere 45; Nicolet 99; La Bay 108; Ymaska 123; Wil- liam Henry 135; Varronne 165; Boucherville 171; Longueil 180, being opposite Montreal, on the south bank of the St. Laurence; Laprairee 188 miles ; GUIDE TO CANADA. Chateauguay 198, and St. Regis 230 miles, being the south west corner of the province. Roads from Three Rivers. From Point au Sable, or St. Gregoire, on the last mentioned road, opposite Three Rivers, the St. Gre- goire road leads south to the eastern townships on the river St. Francis, at Long Point; the distance from Three Rivers to Douglas is 18 miles; to Long Point, in Kingsey township, 40 miles. From La Bay village, on the same road, and 18 miles above Three Rivers, the stage and post road to the Eastern Town- şhips runs to the south; the distance to Campbell's Mills, on the St. Francis, from Three Rivers, is 33 miles; to Drummondville ferry 35; up the same bank to Whitney's, opposite Drummondville village 42; to Long Point, in Kingsey, 54, (where the St. Gregoire road joins this road;) to Richmond village in Shipton 60 (here the Craigs road from Quebec joins this road;) and to Brompton ferry 65 miles, where this road passes over to the south west bank of the St. Francis, and joins the road on that bank from Drummondville ferry, passing through Drum- mondville village, Durham, and Melbourne. To Sherbrooke, from Three Rivers, 82 miles; to Len- noxville 86 (where the road from Eaton and Duds- well joins the road as already noticed ;) to Compton 96 ; to. Charleston village, in Hatley, 101, and to Stanstead Plain village (two miles north of latitude 45, the south province line) 116 miles. From Stan- GUIDE TO CANADA. 23 where it joins the road from Montreal to Shefford, Stukely, Stanstead, &c. Other roads lead from Wil- liam Henry up the Richelieu river, to Chambly 45 ; and Dorchester, or St. John, 57 miles, at which the lake Champlain United States steam boats arrive, and again sail from it for Albany, New York, &c., by the lake, and a short canal to the Hudson river. Between lake Erie, at its eastern extremity, above the Falls of Niagara, and the Hudson river there is a direct com- munication by the Erie Canal, in the United States ;, and of this great canal many emigrants take advan- tage, who by way of New York wish for a more ex- peditious voyage to Upper Canada. ROADS FROM MONTREAL. From Lapraire seven miles above Montreal, on the south side of the St. Laurence (and to which there is a regular steam ferry-boat from the city) a road leads to St. John, which is also the mail stage road to New York and other places. St. John, (between which, as already mentioned, and the States of New York and Vermont there is a communication kept up by steam-boats,) is 18 miles from Lapraire; the dis- tance from St. John to Albany is 150 miles, and from thence to the city of New York 165 miles. A rail-road is in progress between Lapraire and St. John, and a canal between the latter place and Chambly. · A road leads from St. John to the town- ships of Dunham, Farnham, Stanbridge, Sutton, Brome, and Missiskoui bay, distant from 20 to 40 24 THE EMIGRANT'S miles, and from whence are various roads to the other eastern townships. Several roads also lead from Lapraire, southward, to the townships of Hemmingford, Hinchinbrooke, and Godmanchester; also to Chateauguay, Cald- well's Manor, L'Acadie, and on to the western part of the state of New York. The last mentioned townships are from 15 to 30 miles from Lapraire, and are situated between the Richelieu river and the St. Laurence. . From Longueil, opposite Montreal, on the south shore of the St. Laurence, a mail stage road leads to Stanstead, Boston, and other places; from Mon- treal Ferry to Langueil 2 miles; to Chambly Bason 14; to St. Cesaire 30; to Ymaska Mountains 40; to Granby 50; to Frost village in Shefford 65; to Stukeley, 75; to outlet of Magog lake, 90; to Georgeville village 100; to Stanstead Plain village 115; and from Stanstead to Boston in the United States, 200 miles. From Ymaska mountain a new road is opened through Milton, Roxton, Ely, and Melbourn, to Richmond village in Shipton, a distance of about 30 miles. From Granby, on this road, a road has been opened to Farnham, which also communicates with other places. From Shefford and Stukeley roads lead to Brome, Dunham, Missiskoui Bay, and to other parts. From the outlet of Magog, roads lead along the west shore of that lake to Pot- ton and Bolton; another road from the outlet to Sherbrooke, distant 20 miles ; and one to Charleston GUIDE TO CANADA. 25 village in Hatley, distant 15 miles, from whence roads lead to Barnston, Compton, and Eaton, besides several other places with which they communicate. The roads now enumerated are the principal ones leading from the south east bank of the river St. Laurence to the Townships and United States : large grants of public money have been lately expended on the most of them, and they are now generally in pretty good repair. A post road leads from Montreal to the north west, up the north east bank of the Ottawa to Hull, and Bytown as follows.-From Montreal to St. Martin's, 12 miles, to River du Chene 18, to St. Andrew's 45, to Grenville 60, and to Hull 124 miles. Bytown is below Hull on the south west bank of the Ottawa, and at the mouth the Rideau of Canal, which leads to Kingston, and there joins Lake Ontario in Upper Canada. From this line of road others also lead to the Perth settlements in the upper province; but the Ottawa river being now navigated by steam vessels adds much to the convenience of travelling in this section. Perth is 193 miles, Richmond 122, and Bytown 113 miles from Montreal. The main post and stage road to Upper Canada from Montreal runs up the north bank of the St. Laurence to Kingston, and in the summer season while the navigation of that river is open, a stage conveys passengers to Lachine from Montreal 9 miles, where they take a steamboat which conveys them up the St. Laurence to Coteau du Lac, 36 miles ; and GUIDE TO 27 CANADA. . CANADASECTION II. GENERAL DIRECTIONS ON ARRIVING IN CANADA. Emigrants who have left the land of their nativity and made choice of America as their future country, have done so no doubt with a view of bettering their condition, or to avoid apprehended changes in their circumstances, to which most persons in the middle and lower classes of society are subject in the united kingdoms; and here it may not be improper to re- mark, that any industrious well meaning man is certain of acquiring in the Canadas a competency for himself and his family, without fear of those sudden alterations of fortune which often destroy the fruits of long and painful toil and exertion. It is de- sirable that such expectations should not be frus- trated, or the emigrant delayed in the attaining his object by want of information respecting the country in which he is a stranger; this small work has therefore been written with the intention of furnishing such general knowledge of the most im- portant portions of the Canadas, as will enable him to form a proper estimate of the soil, climate, produce of the country, amount of population, state of so- 28 THE EMIGRANT'S ciety, religion, agriculture, cities, towns and villages, roads and canals, lakes and rivers, the system of go- vernment, and of the various means of obtaining land and the title therein. It is not unusual for the emigrant on arriving in America to feel disappointed and dissatisfied, and many for a short time regret having left their native country. Every thing appears strange, especially to the warm-hearted Irishman; he cannot forget the hos- pitality to which he has been accustomed—strangers and interested persons are frequently to be met with -the scenery, manners, customs, and the language of a considerable portion of the inhabitants, differ from what he has been accustomed to at home, and many are watching for opportunities to take advan- tage of his inexperience. He is therefore for a time disposed to form an opinion unfavourable to America, without considering that he has but just landed in a strange city or seaport town, and that it was never his intention to settle in such a place. It is also pro- bable that he may have conceived too high expecta- tions of what was to be immediately possessed in the country—a thing which not unfrequently happens, from the numerous exaggerated and extravagant ac- counts that have been transmitted by ignorant and foolish persons of very little experience themselves ; it is therefore necessary to caution the emigrant against suffering himself to despond, as many persons have been led astray by such expectations, as well as by the equally fallacious and more flattering state- GUIDE TO CANADA. 29 ments of others who may have pointed out various distant settlements where ease and comfort are to be had. The stranger travels from place to place, and at length, when his means are exhausted, he is ob- liged to settle in a situation far inferior to many that he has passed by; finding, when too late, that he might have obtained good land in many ad- vantageous situations, without spending his money and time as he has done, and which he could have avoided had he received a fair and unbiassed account of the country. To emigrants of the labouring class, I would re- commend a speedy application for work, and if it cannot be had in Quebec immediately after they land, they should at once proceed into the country, to some of the nearest settlements, where they will most pro- bably succeed without any considerable delay. Let them, however, not refuse the first fair offer of em- ployment, as it is much better to be engaged; and in a short time they will become acquainted with the manners and customs of the people, their method of farming, &c., and, if industrious, sober, and honest> they will speedily get higher wages and certain em- ployment. Public works are also carried on, such as canals, roads, bridges, and public buildings, in which many find employment and good wages, varying from half a dollar to three shillings per day without board. In the Townships of Upper and Lower Canada, higher wages for labour are given than in the French Canadian settlements near the St. Laurence: the in- habitants on each side of that river, all through THE EMIGRANT'S Canada, and to the extent of five or six miles back from its north and south banks, are generally of French extraction and speak that language; for which reason, to the British labourer many difficulties pre- sent themselves that are not to be feared among his own countrymen. There are many, however, that can speak English, and if the emigrant can obtain em- ployment he should not refuse it, as he may have offers in the French settlements; but it would not be adviseable for him to seek for work among them, when the Townships, which are inhabited by British and Irish emigrants, lie so convenient, being immedi- ately in the rere of the French Seigniories. In a short time, the labourer will be enabled to purchase a lot or farm, which is easy to be had in all parts of the country; so that in a few years, he may, by sober honest industry, expect to live comfortably, and get forward in the world. When he once becomes the proprietor of a piece of land, all his work is for bis own benefit, no rent or taxes being to be paid : he has the full produce of the soil for his support; and the surplus he can send to market, when and how he pleases, as he is not in dread of the agent coming to distrain him for the rent, or the collector of the county cess, or the tithe proctor, with many others which are the daily visitors of the farmer in England and Ireland. It is this that makes the Canadian farmer feel really independent;—in fact he is the lord and master of his own estate, and many that have landed in Quebec without a pound in the world, have been GUIDE TO CANADA. able to realize by this course what is here represented, and can now, from their having had themselves sub- stantial proof of its reality, testify that it is not an imaginary picture, but one to be met in Canada every day. However, it is necessary to observe that the idler, the drunkard, or the seditious, must abandon his vicious practices and habits, and in fact become ano- ther man, before he can expect to succeed in Canada : -to such it holds out no expectations of success; and many are to be met with who, while they have left their native country, have not, however, left be- hind them their former vices—these were poor and wretched before they set out for Canada, and their condition has been little improved by change of country. How galling has it often been to the sym- pathies of a tender-hearted emigrant, to recognise some old neighbour reaping the fruits of his miscon- duct, while chained to the stocks or undergoing some other deserved penalty, notwithstanding a hope he might have entertained that the unbappy culprit had left home with full purpose of amendment. · Emigrants who have got any capital should, as soon as possible after landing, decide on the part of the country they wish to settle in, and at once proceed to examine it; the distance and delay to be measured by the depth of their purses—that is, if their means be small they must seek for land as near as they can match themselves, and not foolishly exhaust their money in moving to distant places, while suitable situations may be obtained near at hand. Prudence 32 THE EMIGRANT'S and promptitude should guide their conduct, and they may comfort themselves with the expectation that in a reasonable time, by perseverance and industry, their exertions shall be crowned with success. Strangers on arriving in Canada are often liable to be imposed upon, not because in it are to be found more impostors than in other countries; but they meet many person willing to offer their advice, which, an- less from an intelligent friend, should be received with the utmost caution. Wild, visionary, or romantic ideas or situations should not be the objects of pursuit, and nothing, however attractive at first view, should determine the choice, unless upon sober deliberation it were found to have circumstances connected with it to render the speculation a prudent one :-the salu- tary counsel of a disinterested friend should always be a desirable thing, as it will ever be found to be of great service, but especially in cases where inexperi- ence is a bar to the competency of our own unaided judgment. In Quebec his Majesty has appointed A. C. Buchan- nan, Esq., Resident Agent, for the purpose of giving information gratis to settlers; to him they should apply, as he will be able to give them much useful informa- tion and instructions, and point out where lands and employment may most probably and readily be ob- tained. Before giving further directions it may be neces- sary to insert a few cautions to the stranger arriving in Canada. And in the first place, temperance is 34 THE EMIGRANT'S his welfare as they will assert; but, on enquiry, they are generally found to be individuals interested in the disposal of lands to which they would direct the at- tention of the unsuspecting emigrant, or in steam boats and other modes of conveyance from which, of course, a profit must be derived to themselves pro- portional to the number that may avail themselves of the accommodation which they offer to persons pro- ceeding in the same direction. Nothing is more common in Quebec on the arrival of a vessel with passengers, than for agents of steam boats, and such friends, to go on board and advise those who are about landing to proceed to Montreal since, according to their representations, no wise person would stop short of that part of the country. * The poor deluded stranger is again advised in Montreal, by other pre- tended friends who may be found interested in trans- porting goods or passengers to Upper Canada, that he should by all means proceed upwards ; for what wise man, say they, who has yet to settle himself, would remain in the lower province where he could get nothing but French onions and soup meagre.- The thankful wanderer is in this manner handed from one to another until he is at length introduced to the blessings of the western wilderness ; and no doubt should often be forwarded to the pacific ocean, if his * It is but fair to state that the proprietors of the steamers on the St. Laurence are very liberal to emigrants in reducing the fare. GUIDE TO CANADA. 35 purse continued unexhausted, or could he find friendly carriers to accommodate him with the modes of con- veyance. He will also meet friends still more lavish of their benevolence, who would fain persuade him, that no wise man desirous of pursuing the most effec- tual plan for the advancement of his interests, should remain in the British provinces, and that friendly persons could be procured who for a reasonable com- pensation would conduct him into the United States. Such has been heretofore the practice, and the newly arrived emigrant would do well to weigh in the ba- lance of sense and discretion the advantage and ne- cessity of proceeding very far inland, as, if led on by no other prospects or certain inducements than wild speculations, he may run the risk, after having considerably diminished his capital by the expenses connected with travelling, of being reduced to the alternative of taking up his abode in a settlement considerably inferior, in point of all advantages, to what he might have procured lower down, with much less trouble, and before he should have incurred the expenses of his journey; or, taking all things into consideration, not better than he might have possessed himself of in a week after landing. Doubtless, hav- ing connections in distant parts, and particular views, with various other considerations, will and should influence a man to make a choice and proceed accord- ingly; but more on this head hereafter. These cautions are given merely to make the stranger aware, that every inducement which may be held out to him GUIDE TO CANADA. SECTION III. DIRECTIONS RELATING TO VARIOUS PARTS OF LOWER CANADA FAVOURABLE FOR SETTLING IN, WITH A FEW OBSERVATIONS ON THE SETTLEMENTS ALREADY FORMED. HAVING briefly given a general outline of the Lower and Upper Provinces, with the roads and distances between the several places of any impor- tance, and having suggested a few particulars which the newly-arrived emigrant may find of use to put him on his guard against imposition; we shall now proceed to take a view of several of the most favour- able parts of Lower Canada, such as may probably prove most agreeable to the settler, and have also got the greatest quantity of wild land still unoccu- . pied. The Seignorial parts of the Province being mostly taken up by Canadians of French extraction, or likely to be so in a short time by their families, the Townships present the most encouraging field to the industry of the emigrant; being in fact also the best land in the Province, and English being the language spoken among the inhabitants in consequence 38 THE EMIGRA of their being themselves persons not long arrived from the United Kingdom, and from the States. There are, however, many parts of the Seigniories yet unoccupied, in which are to be found very favour- able situations as well as cleared farms easy to be obtained; and many emigrants bave purchased farms of this description in the Seigniories, especially in the vicinity of Quebec and Montreal. In the country parts hereafter mentioned, the emi- grant may apprehend that he should be at too great a distance from the great markets of the Province, not being acquainted with the country; but it may be observed that farmers residing two hundred miles or more, from Quebec and Montreal, if on good land, can live well and improve in their circumstances if not better, at least as well as those who have taken up their residence within a few miles of the cities.- This being the fact, I feel desirous to impress it on the minds of those for whose information I am writ- ing these pages, that the colonist who makes choice of a more distant settlement is not liable to the ex- penses incurred near Towns, and farms are had on much cheaper terms. For many years he finds for the surplus of his produce a consumption on the spot among those who are daily arriving, and who must for some time, before they can enjoy the fruits of their own labour, supply themselves with the articles necessary for present use from the stock of those who have already settled themselves; and fat cattle, hogs, and horses are easily conveyed to distant markets, or GUIDE TO CANADA. 39 they are bought up by the drovers before it is found necessary to remove them. The first I shall notice are the Townships in the county of Beauce; lying about 30 miles south by east of Quebec. In one of these, the Township of Hampton, there is a settlement newly formed by emigrants, which contains at present a population of seven or eight hundred. The land, though light, is of a very fair quality, and the occupiers generally doing well. In this, and in the adjoining Townships, what is denominated wild land can be purchased at five shillings an acre, or even less. Carters may be engaged at Point Levi, to convey loading to this place, at from 7s. 6d. to 10s. Od. per load; and to that part of the country the road is good. From Beauce we shall proceed to describe in succession as they extend to the west, the several Township Coun- ties heretofore known as the eastern Townships ; though they are more properly the southern Town- ships of the Province. - The next to Beauce, and to the west of it, is the county of Megantic, the way to which from Quebec is by the Craigs road, or the Kennebec road up the Chaudiere river. The settlements already established there, are situated on and near the Craigs road, in the Townships of Leeds, Inverness, Ireland, Hallifax and Broughton; the principal ones being in Ireland, Leeds, and Inverness. These have only been lately formed, and in a manner very much to their credit, and furnish a demonstration of the industry of the occu- 40 THE EMIGR . piers who amount to about 2000 souls. Leeds, as has been shown in the Account of Roads and Dis- tances, is from Quebec 40 miles S. by W., and is the place of election for this county. The lands in these Townships are generally good, easily cleared, and such as in which situations can be had that present to the industrious a variety of advantages: they are well irrigated by the head waters of the St. Francis, Nicolet, Becancour, and Chaudiere rivers, and the face of the couutry undulated with gently rising hills and fertile vallies. Several small lakes, (the most considerable of which is the Megantic, at the head of the Chaudiere River, from which the county derives its name,) with ponds, brooks, and a number of rivers, beautifully diversify the scenery, and to the places through which they pass impart an unusual fertility; so that of this it may in truth be said that it has experienced from the bountiful hand of Nature much liberality in the distribution of her favours. Mill-sites and water power are to be found in abundance, and will not be wanting when a nume- rous population may require these necessary conveni- ences ; saw-mills in particular are indispensible ap- pendages to all new settlements in the wilderness. Grass when cultivated, or the seed sown, grows with great luxuriance in all the Townships, and here all the other productions of the soil in this province may be raised with advantage; and among the many other luxuries with which the agriculturist may ex- pect to have his industry rewarded, is to be reckoned GUIDE TO CANADA. the maple sugar which, in its proper season is extracted from the trees of that name in such man- ner as shall be hereafter described. Although a very considerable proportion of the lands in the neigh, bourhood of the settlements, has been already grant- ed, but a very small - part, however, is yet settled on. Many thousand acres, of excellent quality, are the property of the heirs of Joseph Frobisher, Esq. and are now offered for sale. Here the price of land va- ries much, being from four to ten shillings per acre, near the settlements; but in other quarters may be had on much cheaper terms. Two small lakes, one in Ireland, and the other in Halifax and Inverness, both connected by a small river, form for boats a water communication of about twenty miles, which could be easily extended north to the St. Laurence, eighteen miles, and south to the lake St. Francis, two miles. It could still, with com. paratively trifling expense, be continued down the St. Francis to Lennoxville, and thence through lakë Massiwippi to lake Magog, in Stanstead. This would be of incalculable advantage to the townships. For such a communication as I have now described, Na- ture appears to have formed this rout between Que- bec and lake Magog, as vallies, gullies, ponds, lakes, and dead waters, seem to invite the hand of man to lend its co-operation, and take advantage of the faci- lities which they offer to the rapid progress of art : and what presents most encouragement to such a work is that, than the tract of the country through GUIDE TO CANADA. 43 large, is not populous, having but about 3,000 inha. bitants. It comprises the townships of Aston, Bul- strode, Horton, Stanfold, Athabaska, Chester, Ham, Wotton, Tingwick, Warwick, Wendover, Simpson, Kingsey, Durbam, Wickham, Grantham, Upton, and Acton, with their gores and augmentations. The part of it to the north, in the townships of Wen- dover, Simpson, Upton, Grantham, and part of Wick- ham, and adjoining the seignories, is generally of an inferior quality, except in a few situations. In these latter townships generally, the land does not appear to be inviting to emigrants; yet it is freely taken by Canadians of French extraction, who exhibit much patience and perseverance in turning their attention to the improvement of such places. Interspersed many lots are to be met with of a superior quality, and furnishing to the improving occupier, an abun- dance of blue marley clay, which can be conveniently raised to enrich the lands requiring such ame- lioration. South and east of these townships, in the same county, the land is very good, few in the province exceeding in quality of soil, &c., the townships of Kingsey, Tingwick, Chester, Durham, and part of Wickham : they are also well watered by the St. Francis and Nicolet rivers, whose fertilizing powers are aided by the friendly contributions of many small streams. Drummondville village, which is forty-five miles from and to the south of, Three Rivers, and thirty- 44 THE EMIGRANT'S six miles south-east of William Henry, is the county town, being the place of election, and where the Re- gistry Office is kept. It contains about twenty houses, a Protestant Episcopal, as also a Roman Ca- tholic church, a school-house under the Royal Insti- tution, several stores, a post-office, and two good ta- verns. This section was a wilderness until the year 1815-16, when government decided on forming a set- tlement on the tract of waste land between the seigniories on the St. Laurence, and the townships to the south. Drummondville was chosen for a mili- tary settlement, that is, for discharged soldiers ; not to the exclusion of any other emigrants who may choose to fix their residence there: each settler was located to one hundred acres of land, and had a year's provisions granted by government, as also a variety of tools and some other matters that might have been considered necessary to contribute to the comforts of an infant colony. The expense attendant upon such encouragement becoming enormous to the govern- ment, it was found necessary to withdraw it, which check, combined with the failure of the crops in the years 1816 and 1817, and with the circumstance of the land itself being generally of inferior quality, caused many who had settled there to abandon it. Since that time many of the deserted lots have been occupied by families of French Canadians, with every favourable prospect of success. This village was al- most wholly consumed by fire, in the year 1826 ; but has since arisen from its ashes. About half a mile GUIDE TO CANADA. 45 lower down, is the seat of Colonel Herriot, C.B. and P.A.D., who, from the commencement, was superin- tendant of this settlement, and has been exerting all his influence to forward its importance: he was the first member returned to represent, in the provincial parliament, the county, after its establishment in the year 1829. Being a near relative of the late much lamented General Brock, Governor of Upper Canada, who lost his life at the battle of Queenstown, in the late war with the States; and having also distin- guished himself during the same war, as Field Officer in command of the Lower Canada provincial troops, Colonel Herriot now deservedly enjoys the confi- dence of his government. To the Indians of the St. Francis, or Abinaquois tribe, belongs a large tract in the township of Dur- ham; but, though given to them on condition of set- tlement, they have never effectually attempted to improve it. Some years since, their agent, with their own consent, leased a number of lots to persons who removed from the Drummondville settlement princi- pally, the land in which the Indians had property being very good. The leases were given for twenty- one years free; after the expiration of which term the tenant is obliged to pay annually, one-third of the produce of all crops raised. Litigation and trou- ble are likely to arise from this confused and uncer- tain tenure; but the land being of such a quality as presents striking inducements to its cultivation, im- provements have been made with considerable advan- GUIDE TO CANADA. ville, meeting the road up the western bank of the St. Francis, to Durham, Melbourn, Richmond, Sher- brooke, &c. The populations of the settled townships respec- tively, are nearly as follow :-Upton, 200 ; Horton and Aston, 100; Wendover, 200; Grantham, 600; Simpson, 50 ; Wickham, 300; Durham, 500; King- -sey, 600; Tingwick, 203; Chester, and scattered in the other townships, 100 souls. The next county of importance to the emigrant, being more extensive and more thickly inhabited than either of the former, is that of Sherbrooke, lying south-west of Megantic, and south of Drummond counties, and north of latitude 45, and the State of Vermont. It comprises the townships of Garthby Hatford, Whitton, Marston, Clinton, Woburn, Stan- hope, Croydon, Chesham, Adstock, Tingwick, Wee- don, Dudswell, Bury, Hampden, Ditton, Emberton, Drayton, Auckland, Newport, Westbury, Stoke, As- cot, Eaton, Hereford, Compton, Clifton, Windsor, Brompton, Shipton, Melbourne, and Orford, with their gores and augmentations. This county is well wa- tered by the head waters of the rivers St. Francis and Nicolet, with brooks, which are to be found in great abundance; the face of the country is billy, but not mountainous, unless a small ridge in Stoke and Westbury ; and both soil and climate are more favour- able than in the counties before described. The townships near the leading roads which pass through this county, offer considerable advantages to the agri, THE EMIGRANT'S culturist; most of those already settled there have been brought up in the wilderness, having chiefly emigrated from the United States, whose industry, enterprising dispositions, and habits of settlement in a new country, have, in a great measure, opened this tract to the more easy access of such other settlers as may feel disposed, by setting their steady and per- severing examples before them, to participate in their comforts. There are also in this county many others, who have emigrated from the United Kingdom, to- gether with some families of French descent; they are settled in a way both advantageous and creditable to themselves, thus, by their present condition, de- monstrating that this country bountifully rewards the efforts of those who steadily pursue a course of ap- plication and industry, in places teeming with bene- fits to as many as here court the favours of Provi- dence, by bringing the fertility of the soil into active and skilful operation. The population of the whole county may, at present, be estimated at about 10,000 individuals. The village of Sherbrooke is the county town, in it being kept the Registry Office; but the election is held at Richmond, in Shipton, as well as at Sher- brooke. The latter is also the seat of judicial pro- ceedings for the district of St. Francis. It is situated on the south-west bank of the river St. Francis, where it is joined by the waters of the Magog, whose descent into the former affords many of the advan- tages of water communication. It contains about GUIDE TO CANADA. 49 thirty houses, besides a court-house, a good substan- tial brick jail, a Protestant church, a Roman Catholic church, a meeting and school-house, flour and saw mills, pearl-ash works, a post-office, several country stores, &c.; also a woollen factory, lately erected by C. F. H. Goodhue, Esq., which is likely to do well. This village appears well situated for trade, and has a good deal of intercourse with the different parts of the district. Although it has not much flourished heretofore, it is to be hoped that through the enter- prising spirit and activity of the chief proprietors, the Hon. Mr. Felton, and C. F. H. Goodhue, Esq., it will make a rapid progress in the several branches of improvement, situated, as it is, in the midst of a beau- tiful country, and surrounded with good land, which is as yet but partially settled on, to the east, west, and north. A Weekly Newspaper is published here. About six miles west of Sherbrooke is Belvedere, the residence of the Hon. Mr. Felton, Commissioner for the management and sale of crown lands, and what are called clergy reserves. In the year 1816, he com- menced his settlement in this place, then entirely a wil- derness; and, with a great expenditure of capital before roads were opened, cleared about a thousand acres, and built a handsome dwelling-house, offices, farm- houses, &c. A road passes Mr. Felton's place, from Sherbrooke to outlet of Magog, and meets the Stanstead and Montreal road.* * See Roads and Distances, &c. 50 THE EMIGRANT'S The village of Richmond, in the township of Ship- ton, twenty-two miles below Sherbrooke, is, as has been already observed, the other place of election for this county; and is situated on the east bank of the river St. Francis, where the Craigs road, from Quebec, meets that river. This village has about a dozen good dwelling-houses, (several built of brick,) a Protestant Episcopal church and school, two excellent and extensive hotels, a post-office, three or four country stores, tanneries, hatteries, also large stone-built grist and saw mills, with ex- tensive pearl-ash works, &c., chiefly the property of W. S. Wales, Esq. An academy to be built of brick, is in progress, which, when finished, will be of great advantage to this part of the country. On the side of the St. Francis, opposite Richmond, in the town. ship of Melbourne, is also a rising village, which has got several good buildings, a meeting-house, stores, &c. Also ten miles north-east from Richmond, on the Craigs road, commonly called the Back of Ship- ton, there is a flourishing settlement, and a village, the name of which is Danville: having several stores, a meeting-house, schools, pearl-ash works, fulling and carding-machines, &c. Between Dan- ville and Richmond may be seen a small, but neat, Roman Catholic chapel ; and in the township are also Presbyterian and Methodist congregations. South of Sherbrooke, about four miles, is situated the village of Lennoxville, which has got about a dozen good dwelling-houses, a Protestant Episcopal GUIDE TO CANADA. 51 church, a meeting and school-house, a country store, a tavern, post-office, &c. From Lennoxville a road runs eastwardly to Eaton, which is rather well settled. In Eaton, there are two Episcopal churches, two stores, several schools, tan- neries, pearl-ash works, &c.; there is also here a Baptist Society, and some others of various denomi- nations. The country from Lennoxville to Compton, a dis- tance of ten miles, is well settled. In Compton, there are two country stores, an Episcopal church, a post-office, several mills, &c. &c. Eaton and Compton contain each a population of about 1,500; Ascot about 1,200; Shipton, 1,500. Melbourne, 800 ; Hereford, 200 ; Clifton, 150 ; West- bury, 100; Dudswell, 250 ; Stoke, 20; Orford, 300 ; Brompton, 300; and Windsor, 200; these being the only townships colonised in the county, The chief roads are—the Dudswell, passing from the county of Megantic, through Weedon, Dudswell, Bury, Westbury, Eaton, Clifton, and Hereford, into the state of Vermont, at the head of the Connecti. cut river--a branch of this leads from Eaton to Len- noxville ; the Craigs road, leading from Quebec throgh the counties of Megantic and Drummond, and passing through Shipton to Richmond, in this county; the roads leading up each bank of the St. Francis, through Shipton, Melbourne, Windsor, Brompton, Orford, Ascot, and Compton, continuing on towards 52 THE EMIGRA Stanstead; and the Ymaska mountain road passing through Melbourne.* From the observations that have been made it will be seen, that few places offer more advantages to set- tlers, than the chief part of this county. Wild lands may be purchased at prices varying from 2s. 6d., to -7s. 6d., per acre; and partially cleared farms also, may be had on reasonable terms. Should a man de- cide on buying crown or clergy lands, he may effect the purchase at once on the spot, from Mr. Felton, or from his agents at Sherbrooke. Baggage may be conveyed from Three Rivers to Sherbrooke, eighty- two miles, at from four to six dollars per load ; and travellers by the mail stage, for five dollars. We shall now proceed to give a description of the county of Stanstead, lying south-west of the county of Sherbrooke ; it is bounded on the south by lat. 45, the provincial line between this province and the state of Vermont, and on the west, by the county of Missiskoui. It comprises the townships of Hatley, Stanstead, Barnston, Barford, Potton, and Bolton ; and is tolerably well colonised, having a population of about 10,000, chiefly emigrants from other parts of America; but there are still in all its townships, ex- cept Stanstead, large tracts of wild land of a good quality. The township of Stanstead is the best set- tled in the province. Many partially cleared farms might be obtained in this county on easy terms, and * See Roads and Distances, &c. GUIDE TO CANADA. mile distant, is a neat free church for the accommo- dation of all parties. Throughout this county, and, indeed, in the east- ern townships generally, schools for elementary in- struction are never neglected after the settlements are once formed; a circumstance which attaches much credit to the character of the inhabitants; and where they are not provided with churches, they meet in the school-houses regularly on the Sabbath, for social re- ligious worship, convinced of the obligation under which they lie, of paying a tribute of praise and thanksgiving to Him who is the author of every good gift; and that it is not only a “reasonable service," but also their interest to pray for a manifestation of his grace among them, his guidance, and his protec- tion. Thus, by the aid of Divine grace, do they mu- tually contribute to promote among each other, the growth of religion, without which all other blessings are but imaginary ; but which, when earnestly sought after and possessed, can temper the cup of affliction with happiness, (should such in the dispensations of Providence ever fall to the lot of its possessor,) and convert the most distant land into a home. , Montreal is the chief foreign market for this county, unless for horses and cattle, which find a readier sale in Quebec. Vast quantities of pearl ashes are sent by waggons and carts in summer, and by sleighs in winter, to the former of these cities; and in return are brought back such commodities as there may be demand for in the villages aud other parts of GUIDE TO CANADA. 57 than any of the former; the post roads from that city to Stanstead pass through it. The usual route to Shefford from William Henry and Montreal is by Ymaska mountain, Frost Village, the centre of the county, is distant from both these towns about sixty miles. This village presents a handsome appearance, and has got about thirty houses, an Episcopal Church, a school house, taverns, several country stores, a post office, pearl ash works, a tannery, and several other conveniences; it is also the place of election for the county, and where the registry office is established. About five miles west of Frost Village is the small village of Waterloo ; and about ten miles further on towards Montreal is Granby Village, consisting of about a dozen houses, stores, school, &c. From these villages roads lead in several directions to the different townships in this county as well as to Missiskoui, Stanstead, Sherbrooke, &c. - The Ymaska river might by, a little improvement, be rendered navigable to boats into this county, which is well watered by its head branches. The land is generally good upland, interspersed with many fertile valleys, with which, in alternate succession with gently rising hills, the face of the country is indented. Of the inhabitants three-fourths are American emigrants, and the remainder are from the United Kingdoms.-- Many are in the possession of good farms, and the easy access there is from this to the Montreal market renders the situation a very eligible one. The price of wild land varies from two and six- D 5 58 THE EMIGRANT'S pence to seven and sixpence for the acre, but no doubt will rapidly rise in value; and a great portion of the best quality remains still unoccupied, but henceforth no doubt many persons will feel it their interest to direct their attention that way, as roads are now opened through it in several directions, the chief of which are those already noticed, and the road from Ymaska mountains to Melbourne, lately opened, and passing through Milton, Roxton, and Ely. The population and townships comprised within this county are as follow.—Shefford about 1200- Stukeley 500-Ely 50–Roxton 20-Milton 50- Brome 1100—and Farnham 1000 souls. At Ymaska mountain, joining to, though not in, this county, is a flourishing settlement of American and British emi- grants, who are provided with an English church, schools, stores, post office, &c. The land is good but not in the townships, it being a Seignory. The county of Missiskoui, lying south of Shefford and west of Stanstead counties, next claims our at- tention; and of those formed ont of the Eastern townships is the only one that remains to be noticed. In this also were made the first settlements in the townships in the year 1794. It is small, consisting only of the townships of Dunham, Stanbridge, Sut- ton, and the Seignory of St. Armand; but is how- ever the most populous of the township counties, as it contains a population exceeding 10,000; and, ex- cept in Sutton, most of the lands are occupied. It GUIDE TO CANADA. 59 lies adjoining the state of Vermount, having on the west Missiskoui Bay on Lake Champlain. The country is intersected in every direction by a number of roads leading to the other townships, to the United States, St. John, and Montreal, from which city the centre of the county is about fifty miles. The principal village is on Missiskoui Bay, and contains between sixty and seventy houses, with re- gular streets and some wharfs, a seminary, school houses, two Baptist meeting houses, a Methodist chapel, an Episcopal church, stores, a post office, pearl ashe works, &c. &c. The Bay is about four miles wide, opposite this village, which is favorably situated for trade, and has considerable share, being about a mile north of the province line. The village next in importance is Dunham, which is one of the places of election, and where the registry office is kept. It lies about 16 miles north east of the former, and consists of about forty houses, an Episcopal church, stores, schools, and a post office; in it are also to be found pearl ash works, country ma- nufactures, &c. &c. · The other place of election is Freleighsburg in St. Armand, about ten miles west of Missiskoui Bay on Pike river; which contains about thirty houses, an episcopal church, nail factory, post office, stores, schools, &c. In this county there are not any large rivers, but it is well irrigated by Pike river, which discharges itself into Lake Champlain, and by some other smaller 60 THE EMIGRANT's streams. The land is generally good, and the farms in a flourishing state ; and in all the settlements, which are making a rapid progress in wealth and res- pectability, the agriculturist and tradesman possess abundant facilities of mutually contributing to the advancement of each other's interests, through the medium of those various factories that have been already noticed. Wild lands are worth from five to fifteen shillings per acre according to situation. It is colonized chiefly by American emigrants with some from Great Britain and Ireland, who are all both enterprising and intelligent. The population may be estimated in the following proportion.—The Seigniory of St. Armand about 4000-Township of Dunham 3000——Sutton 1000—and Stanbridge 2500. Between this county and the Richelieu river, St. John, Chambly, &c.; many American and British emigrants are settled on good lands in the Seignories; being well situated for settlement. The aforesaid counties now described contain that tract of Lower Canada heretofore known as the Eastern Townships, and lately divided into the said counties of Megantic, Drummond, Sherbrooke, Stan- stead, Shefford, and Missiskoui. Before this division they were attached to the Seignorial counties and de facto had no representation in the legislature of the province. Roads and public improvements were left to the industry of the inhabitants, and these being scattered over a large tract of country were extremely bad. But in 1829, after many fruitless applications, 62 THE EMIGRANT'S of farmers who, from their own experience, are well acquainted with the plan of laying out and clearing a wooded country. South of Montreal, and west of the Chambly or Richelieu River, are the Counties of Chambly, La- Prairie, L'Acadie, and Beauharnois. They are laid out in Seigniories, except the townships of Sherring- ton, Hemmingford, Hinchinbrooke, and Godman- chester, lying near the Province Line, lat. 45, which divides this province from the State of New York. The townships have been generally colonized of late with emigrants from the United Kingdom, but the seigniories are almost wholly settled with French Canadians, among whom, however, are many British and American emigrants, particularly towards the „south part of these counties. Farms, partially cleared, are easily obtained ; and also seignorial uncleared lands of a good quality. The climate, soil, and situation, are all favourable to industry: its vicinity to Mon- treal, (distances from various parts of from ten to thirty or forty miles,) and to the garrisons of Cham- bly, St. John's, and the Isle of Noix, renders it doubly so. This section of the country is intersected with many roads leading to Montreal and the United States. A number of Canadian villages and churches greatly ornament the face of the country, which is quite level with the exception of a few isolated remarkable lumps of rocks or mountains of peculiar forma- tion which tend to diversify the scenery and ren- der it attractive to the traveller's eye.-Through 64 THE EMIGRANT'S Andrews, the township of Chatham, and the vicinity on the Ottawa River. It still offers many inviting tracts for settlement from 20 to 50 miles north and west of Montreal, with which it enjoys an easy com- munication by good roads and the Ottawa River. West of Montreal, and joining Upper Canada on the west, is the county of Vaudreuil; lying between the St. Laurence and Ottawa rivers. By roads from Montreal to Upper Canada, passing through the county from east to west, as also by the rivers, there is free communication with that city, from which it is distant from 15 to 50 miles. This county is grant- ed in Seigniories, having only one Township-New- ton. The principal villages are Coteau du lac, the Cedars, and Vaudreuil. The land is generally good, and has many situations on which the agriculturist may speedily find himself amply remunerated for his pains. A number of emigrants from the United Kingdom are settled in various parts, and are in pos- session of good productive farms; with other com- forts which they enjoy, may be reckoned the advantage of a climate, if not better, at least equally good as that of any other part of the Lower Province. North-west of Montreal, and on the north-east bank of the Ottawa River, is the county of Ottawa ; being a north-west Township county lately laid out, and north-west also of the county of the Lake of the Two Mountains. It has much good and produc- tive land, as well as a large supply of valuable timber; from which is chosen a considerable portion of the GUIDE TO CANADA. 65 timber exported from Quebec, and is found to be of a superior quality. The settlements are confined to the bank of the Ottawa; the principal of which is Hull, and was commenced by Phileman Wright, Esq. who in this place, more than twenty years since, had to struggle with the inconvenience of settling in a wilderness far away from civilized society; but by active industry and perseverance surmounted every obstacle, and at length effectually succeeded in shewing the beneficial effects and advantages that can be derived from a steady course of application. The inhabitants, who amount to 2500, are emigrants from the United States and Great Britain, and are much employed in the timber trade. The Navigation of the Ottawa is improving, and is expected to be in a short time navigable for Steam Boats from Montreal to Hull; and in connexion with the Rideau canal, now nearly finished, will be naviga- ble to the same sort of vessels through Upper Cana- da to Lake Ontario, &c. Along this line, and in this section of the province, are wide and encouraging fields, which afford to the emigrant full scope for the exercise of an enterprising spirit. With this county may be concluded the observations on the Lower Province, which it has been considered he may find of some use in directing him whither to turn his atten- tion in choice of a resting place from his wanderings, before he can proceed to that actual expenditure of capital and labour from which he may expect to de- rive his future comforts; being well persuaded that 66 THE EMIGRANT'S if he cannot find situations to his taste and satisfac- tion in the parts noticed, he will find it difficult to please himself in Lower Canada. Besides the parts described, there are certainly other places in this province, which hold forth to the emigrant fair prospects, but these being thought fittest for him, have been described more minutely, with an earnest wish that this attempt may have the desired effect, in giving him correct information, and enabling him to make such a selection as will best answer the end for which he has, or shall have emi- grated from his native country. GUIDE TO CANADA. SECTION IV. COMPARATIVE VIEW OF BOTH PROVINCES, WITH SOME FURTHER REMARKS ON THE UPPER. There are, no doubt, many emigrants who find that they have reasons of sufficient weight and importance to decide them in favor of settlements in the Upper Province. To as many as know their own reasons best, and have already given due consideration to the cir- cumstances that should justly influence them not to confine their speculations to the Lower Country, it may be observed that it was not with the intent of forcing into a different channel from what they had marked out for themselves, the choice of such, that the cautions suggested to guard an inexperienced stranger from imposition and from being led astray upon his first arrival in America have been given ; for convinced as the writer of these pages is, that there are very many who, from the time they first make up their minds to emigrate, have upon fair and rational grounds decided upon going at once to some part of the Upper country, and that there are others who may yet before they leave their own country feel it their interest to pursue the same course, he 68 THE EMIGRANT'S certainly does not presume that upon their determi- nation should operate hints that are given only for the guidance of those who may be quite undecided whi- ther to turn themselves, and have no reasons of their own sufficient to prevail upon them to give one province a preference beyond the other. But as it is not practicable to be equally minute in detailing the several particulars connected with the present state of Upper Canada, as with that of the Lower Province, in consequence of its not being so exten- sively settled or taken up for agricultural purposes, they who may feel disposed to make choice of some part thereof as the scene of their future industry and improvement, are refererd to the more general des- cription already given, as also to what has been noted respecting the facilities of communication already established by roads, and the improvement of Inland Navigation. In the general view its peculiar advantages by reason of which many will think them- selves warranted in preferring it to the Lower Pro- vince have been stated; where it has been observed that it is generally a level country, and that the ri- vers have much good level water for boat and sloop navigation, even more so than Lower Canada. Another of its peculiar advantages there noticed, is the more moderate climate, a consideration which should often preponderate when put into the scale against other advantages by such as have regard to whatever is calculated in any measure to preserve to them the blessings of a sound constitution ; but those GUIDE TO CANADA. 69 who know how to estimate duly so valuable a posses- sion as good health, should guard against fevers and ague, to which persons residing in the vicinity of lakes and swamps, especially in the south western parts of the province, are exposed; against this in- convenience, however, we may set that arising from the fogs which often prevail towards the sea in the Lower province. It may also be observed, that though in the latter province there is such a vast extent of good land that many years must roll over our heads before it can be all so taken up as to render it difficult for the newly-arrived colonist to settle himself to his satisfaction; however in the Upper the soil is more generally good and seldomer interrupted by veins of a more inferior quality; and generally because it has not yet been so extensively cultivated, land is cheaper- a circumstance which of course deserves to be taken into account by those who have got but a very trifling capital ; although, as has been already stated, what- ever be the depth of a man's purse, he can meet no great difficulty in suiting himself in the lower pro- vince, and that before he has incurred the additional expense of travelling so much further up the country. To those also of the labouring class, if they can con- veniently compass the expense of so long a journey, Upper Canada presents the encouragement of higher wages. It is hoped that because the subtsance of what is here given in this comparative view of the relative advantages of both provinces has been already stated in former parts of these pages, it will not be consi- 70 THE EMIGRANT'S dered superfluous in this place, as it has been consi- dered necessary by presenting every thing in the most impartial light possible, to guard the reader against any misconception that it is by an excessive partiality for the lower province, the author has been induced to more minuteness in his account of it than of the upper. But though the present state of that province does not call for so much minuteness in describing settle- ments, villages, and various other particulars con- nected with its localities, some information may be given which the emigrant who may decide npon giving the preference to Upper Canada will find of use to assist him in his choice of a settlement. Those who seek the advantages of obtaining a speedy conveyance to the larger markets, for such commodities as they shall have to dispose of, and with equal dispatch to get in return whatever being indis- pensible to the agriculturist, is not to be found among the productions of his own farm, will find a settle. ment on the banks of lake Ontario, and not far re- moved from Kingston, a very desirable one, if they be possessed of capital sufficient to enable them to make a purchase, where a combination of so many advantages must render land very dear. Heretofore between this and Montreal, navigation has been much impeded and rendered dangerous, by the numerous rapids that are to be encountered in the St. Laurence ; but this cause of complaint will not long exist, as by the great canal works noticed in the more general GUIDE TO CANADA. 71 view of the province, steam boats will have a free and easy course to the Ottawa river, which joins the St. Laurence, within a few miles of Montreal, from which place to the Atlantic, the navigation is free from all manner of local interruption. Settlements formed along the Rideau canal, will be found to con- fer considerable advantages on their occupiers, from the connexion that it must establish, when com- pleted, between foreign commerce and the agri- culture of that country. Another circumstance that renders the situation a desirable one, is the opposite, but equally beneficial, effects which lake Ontario has on the temperature of both seasons ; from its very great depth it is never frozen in winter, on which ac- count the neighbourhood, during that time, enjoys the benefit of a comparatively clement season ; so, in summer, the breezes that pass over its surface, con- tribute greatly to cool the atmosphere. The same ef- fects are, of course, to be expected from the other large lakes, upon the places immediately in their vicinity. But the Huron, a tract which extends over 1,100,000 acres, in the London District, besides the strong re- commendation which it receives from the properties it possesses in common with other tracts, holds forth to a farmer of small capital, the additional inducement of cheap land; and even in that remote quarter, set- tlers who make choice of situations on the great lake of that name, are not cut off from the benefits of na- vigation, as it communicates with the Atlantic through lakes Erie and Ontario. 72 THE EMIGRANT'S Goderich, the chief town of this district, is situ- ated where the river Maitland discharges itself into lake Huron, and from its many advantages, presents favourable prospects of rising to considerable impor- tance. Several establishments, which must promote the interests of agricultural commerce in the sur- rounding tract, are here contemplated. It is true, that there are other parts where land can be obtained even cheaper than in this tract; but this alone cannot be a consideration sufficient to influence a judicious farmer to settle himself, where he must do it to the exclusion of more important advantages; and as this has met with the unqualified approbation of many persons of good judgment, by whom it has been explored and carefully examined, it may, for many reasons, be found such as will suit the circum- stances of persons whose own inclinations would lead them to choose a remote settlement. The unsettled emigrant, who may expect to derive information of any value from the perusal of these pages, (in which expectation, it is hoped, that he shall not find himself disappointed,) is now left, by a comparison and care- ful observation of what has been said, both generally and particularly of each province, to decide where a settlement may best suit his peculiar circumstances ; and to him who has already decided upon the situ- ation on which he purposes to plant himself, what is to follow may be found to convey no unacceptable information. 74 THE EMIGRANT'S face. Emigrants, however, seldom like to settle on such land, while the French Canadians generally pre- fer it, the largest tracts of this quality being found in the seigniories, near the St. Laurence, in Lower Ca- nada. This sort is not susceptible of such speedy cultivation as the former kinds, it being generally ne- cessary to drain it, and extract the roots of the trees, before it can be ploughed or cultivated to advantage; while, on the other hand, hardwood upland can be immediately cultivated the same year, after having cleared off the timber, without extracting the roots; or even beforehand, the crop often amply repaying the expense of clearing and bringing it to that state. DIRECTIONS RELATIVE TO THE OBTAINING OF LANDS . -SECURING TITLES THEREIN-WITH SOME RE- MARKS ON THE SEVERAL KINDS OF TITLE, &c. Government heretofore adopted various methods in settling the waste lands, by several successive plans laid down for that purpose. A complement of land was given gratis to every settler, on certain condi- tions of settlement; but this is now no longer the case, as at present all the crown lands are sold on easy terms of payment. Officers and discharged soldiers however, receive grants gratis, in the following pro- portions :-Privates, 100 acres; sergeants, 200; ser- geant-majors 300; Subalterns 500; Captains 800; majors 1000; and all higher officers 1200 acres. It is thought the British Government were led into GUIDE TO CANADA. 75 the plan of selling land, from the comparative failure of the several other plans that had been previously adopted, and from a hope that such a system would tend to prevent the accumulation of large tracts in the hands of unimproving individuals. Commission- ers for the sale of crown lands have been accordingly appointed in the several provinces, who keep offices for this purpose at the Seats of Government where all persons may purchase at a fixed rate, called “ The upset price.” There are also for the same purpose in various parts of the country, Agents appointed by these Commissioners. In several places, at certain periods of the year, “ The upset price” being fixed by Government, lands are set up for sale and struck off to the highest bidder on any of the follow- ing conditions. In the first place, to such as pay the full price, they immediately get from the Crown a direct title in free and common soccage for ever. Next, to those who pay down one fourth of the pur- chase the three other parts in annual instalments, free of interest: no right further than occupying it is given, until the whole purchase money is paid; and the land, if not paid for as agreed, may again be sold. Poor persons wanting 100 acres, or less, may have the same by paying down one year's interest on the amount of the purchase, and every other year doing the same till the principal shall have been paid up; the land being liable to revert to the Crown, if the interest be not punctually paid :—the purchaser may however, instead of continuing the plan of paying GUIDE TO CANADA. 77 In other cases when the settler purchases land from private individuals, or from proprietors on an exten. sive scale, who are always met with in large towns, good titles may be had, but he will do well to have proper legal advice as to the manner of sale, security of title, &c. In the townships of Lower Canada, and in Upper Canada, offices are established for the registry of any incumbrance affecting real or landed property, and in such places secure titles may be easily obtained ; otherwise, great caution is requisite in persons who are unacquainted with the laws and customs of the colony, as in a considerable extent of the settled parts of Lower Canada it is difficult to procure good or sufficiently secured titles to land. Partially cleared lots which would make desirable farms, may be had for ever in most settled parts; they can be procured more easily, and on cheaperterms, than wooded land could be purchased for and afterwards cleared by a person who is a stranger to that business, and are more desirable to the British farmer who, by availing himself of such lots, would be at once able to settle and keep stock to farm with, and thus be the sooner in the actual enjoyment of comforts, and free from those inconveniences that are sometimes felt by those locating in the woods. In many cases such farms with from ten to thirty acres or more of cleared land, can be purchased for less money than wood land, adding thereto the cost of clearing, being put into that state by persons who prefer clearing to farming; therefore to the settler who has got sufficient money for that purpose, 78 THE EMIGRA such farms would be an advantage if the soil be good on the contrary, if bad, the labour of clearing is thrown away, and his circumstances become the most uncom- fortable. Bad land being harder to be cleared than good, which fulfils the old Yankee proverb, “it is like a bad horse, hard to be caught, and when caught, good for nothing." Another method of obtaining land, of which it may be necessary to apprise the settler, prevails in the Canadas.--Persons advanced in life are often met with, who, either not having children, or having them already settled in life, desire to make their old age comfortable without labour. They will give their farms, implements, and stock, to an honest industria ous person, who binds himself either to support them during their lives, or else may pay them a cer. tain rent for the same term, upon the expiration of which, the tenant enjoys the whole without further payment. In such cases, he will do well to be cau- tious, and consult an honest lawyer on the form, con- ditions, &c. before he involve himself in what, if not properly secured, may ultimately prove to have been - a severe burden. But if all things are found regular and fair, the acquisition of a cleared farm and stock by this means, would be a great advantage to the poor settler. It is common also to rent farms for terms of from one to seven years, longer leases not being frequently given; in such cases the yearly rent is from seven shillings and six pence to fifteen shillings per acre 80 THE EMIGRANT'S by the crown ; and in this manner the land is sold and transferred from one to another, subject to no condition or reservation unless by mutual agreement. In Lower Canada that tract along both banks of the St. Laurence, from its mouth to Upper Canada, and extending back from the river from ten to twenty miles or more, having been granted by the French government before the conquest, is conceded under a description of title not familiar to the British set- tler; it shall, therefore, be described more particu- larly, as there are many desirable tracts of seignorial land, very favourably situated near the St. Laurence, and easily obtained. The substance of what follows on this head is taken from a work on Canada, by Colonel Bouchette, Surveyor General. . The lands alluded to were conceded by the French king in Seigniories, Fiefs, or Baronies, according to the Feudal system. The Seignior holding the seigniory, fief, or barony, from the king as lord paramount for public settlement, each seignior as he comes into possession, and on the accession of a new sovereign, is obliged to do homage and fealty for his seigniory, and on all transfers or sales of the seigniory to pay to the king a quint or fifth part of the purchase, which, if paid instanter, causes a reduc- tion of two-thirds ; so that in fact the seignior was not much more than an agent to the king, to settle a portion of the country, and receive certain emolu- ments for doing so and taking care of the same. The seigniory is more or less in size from one to one hundred square miles in surface. The seigniors are GUIDE TO CANADA. 85 if not more immediately contiguous. Whether they be in the vicinity of, or have easy access to, a market of some kind, either store, village, town, or city, as any one of them will generally answer the generation that settle the land; grist and saw mills are equally necessary, not forgetting the neighbour- hood, neighbours, &c. And lastly, but not of least importance, the security or validity of the title in the land to be purchased. By paying due regard to these particulars, and acting with discretion and pru- dence, he may proceed at once to his land, and under the blessing of Divine Providence need not fear the result: sobriety, industry, and perseverance, will be sure to crown his exertions with the desired success. In proceeding thus at length, after he has sur- mounted all his preliminary troubles, to settle him- self on his farm, he will require to ascertain if pro- vision can be got in its immediate vicinity, if not to provide them in the most convenient place possible, as it will be well to save the expense of carriage ; otherwise he should buy them in the town before starting. He should be also provided with suitable axes for chopping, with strong hoes, a spade, grind- ing stone, pickaxe, hand-saw, files, chissels, planes, a cross-cut saw, spoke-shave, hammers, nails, hinges, locks, glass, and putty. The axes, hoes, and grind- ing stone, are what he will find necessary for clear- ing, but the other implements will be found very convenient, as the settler will be able to do and get dune many useful and necessary jobs by being pro- 86 THE EMIGRANT'S vided with them. Many, if not all, of these arti- cles may be got near the farm, especially the axes, and if cheap it will be best to buy them there, other. wise to purchase them where most convenient and cheapest. Loading, whether passengers or luggage, will be conveyed for one penny a mile per cwt. land carriage, or less, according to circumstances: French Canadians will cart cheaper than any other, but the employed will remember to make the best bargain he .can. In travelling by land it is customary to carry provisions for the road; and to stop at any farmer's house for refreshment, as public houses are not always convenient on the different roads. It is in no wise recommended to the settler of contracted means to buy horses for a new farm, on which there is not much grass. A cow or two with a yoke of oxen (with a yoke and chain to work and clear land) can be easily supported on brushwood, and will live well in the woods, a few acres of which may be in- closed with fallen trees, so as to prevent the cattle from straying away ; but when accustomed to get a handful of salt once or twice a week, they will always - return of their own accord; however a good cow-bell should be strapped about the neck, to indicate, if necessary, where they may be found. Horned cattle may be nearly supported during the winter also on hardwood tops and brushwood. The following prices of cattle and articles are, what are generally given at present in Canada, which will not be found to differ much in either province, unless when the size GUIDE TO CANADA. 89 general houses of this description are not so large. Under the house should be dug out a good cellar, where potatoes, and all such other provisions as may require this precaution, could be preserved during winter from the frost, and in summer from the heat. It will be found easier to do this before the house is built, and if laid up with small logs, they will prevent the earth from falling in; the cellar should not be within three feet of the breadth or length of the house, and ought to be five or six feet deep, if the place can be conveniently sunk so much. When a sufficient num- ber of logs are provided, the usual practice is for a few neighbours to assemble and assist the new settler in laying up the walls of his house, each log being mortised half way through at the angles for the cross one to rest in; and by this means it becomes a firm building while the timbers last, which they may be expected to do for about twenty years. . On laying up the logs over the parts intended for the doors and windows, notches are made large enough to admit a saw, that when the walls are up there may be no trouble in sawing them out to the proper size. When the rafters and ribs are set up, the may be covered with shingles of split pine or spruce, or with boards, if to be had near; but if these cannot be provided, the bark of elm, pine, or spruce, may be easily peeled off in June or July, which makes a good covering for a few years, and is again easily got and renewed. After the house is covered in, if boards cannot be got, split basswood, fir, or pine, is used for flooring, hewn 90 THE EMIGRANT'S smooth, and pinned to the sills or beams of the floor. A house thus built, covered, and floored, may be got up for about 101. by contract, but will not cost half so much if the economical plan here suggest- ed be attended to; the owner will then have to finish it off as may be convenient and suited to his taste.- The usual practice is to get small sashes and have them fitted in, a door hung on, stones collected and a chimney built in one end of the house, moss and splinters of wood stuffed well between the chinks of the logs, and plaistered over with mortar made of clay and sand; and after all this has been executed, the house may be divided to suit the occupiers' com- fort and wishes. In such a house a family may live comfortably, cheered by the gratifying reflection that they are residing on their own estate, which will be- come more valuable every year, and for which they have not to pay rent, taxes, nor any other of those charges, which have been to them, while in their native country, a source of perpetual uneasiness : where they can taste the sweets of freedom, indepen- dence, serenity, and repose. At the approach of winter it will be necessary to bank up the house with earth, about a foot high round the foundation on the outside, in order to secure the cellar against frost, and make the dwelling as warm as possible. In effecting these or other local improvements, informa- tion and assistance may be always got from those pre. viously settled, who are ever found ready to contri- bute in every possible way towards promoting the GUIDE TO CANADA. 91 comforts of a new comer to the bush : a fellow feeling that prevails on such occasions, as well as a desire to see their neighbours settled, causes all to interest themselves in the welfare of the industrious new settler. A small pig or two may be advantageously fed on the offal of the house, a yard being enclosed for them, and the ensuing year they will be found to contribute to the comforts of the family, after pota- toes and other agricultural produce shall have been raised. In parts where beech and oak grow, hogs feed and fatten on the nuts and acorns, without any other assistance ; but care should be taken that they trespass not on the neighbours' crops. A few fowls will also be a convenience, and are easily kept; it will be necessary, however, to defend them from hawks, foxes, and any other enemies to which they may be liable to fall a prey. CLEARING LAND. In clearing land to advantage, there is need of much art and dexterity, and notwithstanding any directions that may be given, a settler desirous of learning, will gain more by trying to derive practical information from observing those who are well acquainted with that business, than by volumes written on the theory. He is therefore advised to observe for himself, or employ some person who has been brought up in such work, or at least well acquainted with it; for some will clear an acre of land with one third of the la- 92 THE EMIGRANT'S bour that others have in doing so, and labour saved in that way is as good as money saved. However, for the information of the stranger, I will here add methods usually pursued in clearing, as he may not always find it easy to get such labourers as are most profitable ; and useful practical hints may occasionally prove salutary, A piece of dry land, or tolerably so, near the house, is the most advisable to begin with. The most approved method of clearing, especially if hardwood land, is to cut down the brushwood close to the ground, with a bush-book or axe; in order to preserve the edge, the blow should be given up, but as close to the ground as possible, that the stumps should not afterwards obstruct the harrowing. This should be thrown in heaps, that when dry it may burn off the better, on burning the other timber. When the brushwood is cut and piled on the piece intended to be cleared, chopping down the large timber may be proceeded with according to the following plan :- Observe to which side the tree inclines, if to any, and on that side or near it chop in about two feet from the ground; chop sloping down above, and straight in below, so as that the stump shall be left quite flat. After having cut in more than half way, minding to do it straight across, begin to cut on the opposite side, about an inch or more higher than the former in- cision ; and work in as before, having one cut sloping down, and the other horizontal; when the tree begins to crack or shake, it should be watched at each blow of GUIDE TO CANADA. 93 the axe, until you see it begin to fall; and then step one side, sufficiently out of the way, as trees often bound, and are dangerous in falling. Care should also be taken that it fall not upon another tree, as the getting it down will be attended with some trouble and danger: dead, dry, or broken limbs should also be watched lest they should fall on the chopper. Up- right trees may be made fall in any particular direction that may be desired, by chopping first and deepest into the side at which it is required it should fall ; a little experience and observation, with presence of mind, caution, and prudence, will only be necessary. When the tree is fallen the limbs should be cut off into heaps, after which the body is to be cut up into lengths of 10 or 12 feet; then take another and pro- ceed in the same manner, which will cause them not to interfere with one another. Six men accustomed to this work, will, if diligent, chop about an acre in a day. In about a month or six weeks, or sooner if in sum- mer when the leaves are on, the timber thus cut will be fit to burn, particularly if there be a few dry days previous to firing it; it will be best to do so when there is a light wind blowing from the buildings, and then the fire should be put in the windy side of the field chopped down, and it will spread the betteramong the fallen timber: it should be done about 10 or 12 o'clock in the day. When the fierceness of the fire is past, the brands and small wood may be thrown in heaps on the larger timber; and the heavy logs are afterwards to be hauled together with oxen, or rolled with hand- 96 THE EMIGRANT'S of the logs to lie in; and by again laying on this ano- ther row of smaller logs as before, the fence is com- pleted, three rows high being generally sufficient, if the logs of which they are composed be large. Some drive two stakes by each side of every length of the logs to cross at the top, on which they place long heavy poles, to render the fence firm and strong. Others again lay up what is called a zig-zag fence, which they construct with poles, and find to answer very well; but the former will stand fifteen or twenty years and is very firm. The settler may, as soon as he has got his land cleared please himself by a choice of the many sorts of fencing used in the country; and as good and firm ones are so very necessary to preserve the fruits of the farmer's labour, he will do well to have his land sufficiently secured that way, in order to guard against trespassers which would in a short time ruin the prospects of a crop, if it were left at their mercy. SOWING AND PLANTING NEW CLEARED LAND. When the settler has a piece of land cleared, he should not think of sowing wheat after the first of June, although it is sometimes done in Lower Cana- da, on new well burnt land, any day during the first week of that month; the author himself had a good crop of wheat which was not sown till the eighth of 100 THE EMIGRANT'S inches deep on a dry loft or floor to dry and season. Others make a crib two or three feet wide, and as long as may be necessary, in which they put the cleaned ears of corn, and cover them in to protect them from the wet; the air passing through hardens and dries the grain. When hard it may be shelled, and if dry enough, ground up for use; unless it be very dry will become mouldy when ground, if much be left together ; therefore the meal should be spread thin and loose in a box or bin made for that purpose, else it will be soon unfit for use.—Much then of this should not be ground at once, unless extremely dry or kiln-dried. Indian corn, besides being good for family use, is good for fattening hogs, cattle, &c. and may, when ground, be mixed with pumpkins or potatoes; the soft unripe ears are also picked out at the time of harvest, and are excellent food for hogs, being thrown to them without any further preparation :-in fact, Indian corn, when it succeeds well, is one of the best productions of a new farm. The pumpkins, when the corn is being gathered, may be carted home, as they do not keep well when exposed to frost and thaws, and are therefore given to the cattle and hogs in the fall or early in winter. Hogs fatten well on them when cut up, and boiled and mixed with a little potatoes and meal; but they may be given raw to the larger cattle, which are very fond of them :-a great quantity will grow on an acre with the Indian curn. GUIDE TO CANADA. 101 Potatoes, the best root a farmer can raise, and which are easily raised on a new farm, next demands the attention of the settler. The quantity of seed re- quired is about ten bushels to the acre, the large round white potatoe being preferred. When the land, after the burning off of the timber, is well harrowed according to the plan already laid down, four or five cuts or seed ends are laid on the surface of the ground, about six inches asunder, in a square ; the earth is then hoed up on them, forming a hill nearly as large as the contents of a bushel measure emptied out; this plan is proceeded with, till the piece of ground intended for that purpose be covered with these hills, which one with another will occupy each about a yard square. Until fit to take up in Septem- ber, they will require to have no further labour ex. pended on them, unless weeding, which is seldom necessary. They are very easily taken out, and may be deposited in small pits in the field, covered lightly with earth, or put in the cellar of the house at once; otherwise, if wanted to be kept till spring, they may be laid up in large pits, in a dry situation, covered as usual with about two or three feet of earth, and they will keep all the winter—but should not be opened till the April following. They yield from two hundred to four hundred bushels per acre, and the earlier planted after the middle of May, the drier and better. Turnips may be sowed in June or July in new land, and require little attendance unless to thin or 102 THE EMIGRANT'S weed them: they require to be lightly harrowed, and sowed before rain, and they will then grow fast. Beets, carrots, parsnips, mangel wurzel, and Swedish turnip, require to be sowed earlier, and will do well: all these must be sowed broad cast, in new land. Melons, cucumbers, and other garden vegetables of this description, grow in the open air, and are easily cultivated. French or dwarf beans are planted in the same way as Indian corn, but not more than one foot asunder, and are a very profitable crop for a fa- mily: the white or mottled ones that do not run to vines are the best to plant, and may be put down from the middle of May to the middle of June. In saving crops of grain, potatoes, and other ve- getables, the same custom as-in Europe may be fol- lowed, unless in the additional care to prevent roots from the frost. The whole of the crops in Canada, when saved, are laid up in the barn, stable, root- house, or cellar. The Canadian farmers reap their corn greener than is generally done in Europe, and spread it thin in the field as cut: after it has been left lying for some days in fair wea- ther, they bind it in large bundles and carry it to their houses, which answers well in this country. They also bind up their hay in bundles of fifteen pounds each, and sell these by the hundred, equal to two-thirds of a ton. It will be wisdom in the settler to follow any good plan he may observe in useful operation among persons long settled in the country, and so far as he is able, to improve upon them; but GUIDE TO CANADA. 109 scum, sediment, and last run of the sap from the trees which is not good for sugar, should be boiled together one half down, and being bar- relled, will, by allowing it to ferment, make good vinegar : it may be well to put in a little leaven or yest, though it will answer without it. Each tree will average a produce of about two pounds of sugar in the season, which extends to the end of April. Two men will be able to attend from two hundred to five hundred trees, and by attention will make good profit at a season, when they are not wanted for other purposes; the sugar being worth from four pence to seven pence halfpenny per pound. By a little exa- mination and experience, better than by any further direction, the settler may in a few days obtain a per- fect knowledge of the process; and if for a short time the labour be found severe, the reward will be sweet. GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON ASHES, SALTS, • TIMBER, &c. Before bringing to a close the observations relative to the course an agriculturist is to pursue on newly- cleared land, a few other remarks are added, which may be conducive to his advantage on settling in the woods. The first is respecting the ashes that may be saved of the heavy hardwood timber burned on the land: the şorts producing the best for pot or 110 THE EMIGRA pearl ashes are, elm, maple, basswood, large birch, and brown ash; the same use can be made of all others that can be got, but these mentioned produce most and best. In order to keep it uninjured, as before observed, from wet or damp, when the tim- ber is burned, the ashes should be collected and placed in a bin or safe ; this may be simply made of small logs, floored with logs or boards, and covered over head from the rain. They should not be put in or near a house, lest if put in hot they might burn the building; they have been known also to take fire if vegetable oil be poured on cold ashes. In such a safe or bin, as has been described, they may be preserved until sold or otherwise disposed of; therefore care should be taken to preserve all that can be collected, as they are worth from six pence to one shilling per bushel, according to the price of pot and pearl ashes ; and if a fair price can be obtained for them in this state, it is better for the settler to sell them than boil them himself, as he is not accus- tomed to the process. The older settlers manufacture their ashes, for sale to the country merchants, into what is called the salts of lye, when there are no purchasers convenient to buy them before taken through any such process. To effect this, they provide themselves with two or more deep tubs called leeches, which hold six or eight bushels of ashes, with a spigot in the bottom; they are placed on a stand a foot or two from the ground, with troughs underneath them to receive the lye GUIDE TO CANADA. 111 when it runs off. 'A few brick, stone, or a handful of brushwood, are put inside over the spigot, on which is placed a little straw to prevent the ashes running through or rendering muddy the lye: over this the dry ashes aré poured, nearly filling the leech, and gently pressed down; on which is poured boiling water for the first run, that is, until with it the ashes be perfectly soaked through: cold water may be then used until the strength is all taken from the ashes, which is known when the lye running off is weak like water. Two or more kettles, as in sugar-mak- ing, are bung over a fire to boil down the liquid that has run from the ashes, one boiler being kept filled from the other, and that again filled from the lye running off the ashes, until all gets boiled down to the consistence of tar, which, when cold, is as hard or harder than pitch. This substance is called salts of lye, and is the pot or pearl ashes in a crude state; it is readily purchased by all Canadian country mer- chants, who have pot or pearl ash works, in which this is again manufactured by another process not necessary here to be described. Salts of lye can be · sold in the country, if not for more, at least for · one-half the price that pot or pearl ashes will fetch in the ports or cities. The ashes saved from an acre of good hardwood land will produce three or four, and in some cases five cwt. of salts, which sells this year (1831) at seventeen shillings and six pence per cwt. A handy man will boil 1 cwt. in a day, and almost sixteen bushels of good ashes will produce so ' GUIDE TO CANADA. . 113 tiful: the farmer then by degrees may raise and fat- ten hogs, beef, sheep, and horses; which will carry themselves to market, though at a great distance, and in the different large towns and cities, or near the fisheries or ports, meet a ready sale. Thus, in the beginning of his settlement the emigrant can save his ashes and valuable timber for sale; as these decrease in the course of cultivation, the produce of the farm will more than compensate for the want: and in this manner, much may be gained from the wilderness while he is extending his farm for the good of the country, himself, and his family; with a sure pros- pect of ultimate success. CONCLUSION. To attain this desired result with satisfaction, in- dustry, sobriety, and perseverance, only are neces- sary. The country affords the materials, which only require to be acted upon ; protected as it is by a powerful state, in the enjoyment of civil and reli- gions liberty; and where the law affects no man for · his opinions and actions, unless so far as his conduct may be personally injurious to public or private inte- rests. As this is the case in the Canadas, it would conduce much to preserve the blessing of public tranquillity, if every emigrant and settler coming to the country would lay aside all political animosities and other intolerant feelings, and to live and let live 114 THE EMIGRANT'S . in mutual forbearance and christian charity; having a portion of that kindly feeling for our fellow men, that the Most High has for all. With such senti- ments and a watchful care to preserve the public rights, supporting the government in all its constitu- tional privileges, and discountenancing every effort made to the contrary, the settler may live and enjoy himself in comfort and happiness, the birth right of every peaceable and upright British subject. · In the foregoing pages much pains have been taken that nothing be withheld in point of information, whether topographical, commercial, or agricultural, on which the emigrant may depend to guard him against uncertainty, imposition, wild or hazardous speculations; and to which, as to a directory claim- ing no other merit than accuracy, faithfulness, and impartiality, he may with safety and without fear of disappointment, be referred for instruction in every step, which he shall find it necessary to take, from the time of his first landing on the shores of British America until being himself a settled' and expe- rienced agriculturist he shall find it no longer neces- sary to seek instruction from the experience of any other individual. It has been the author's aim, while he gave, without any exaggeration, a fair view of the inducements which this country presents to the ho- nest, the enterprising, and the industrious man, at the same time to put him in possession of the difficul- ties he must at first have to struggle with, and the inconveniences to submit to, in order that he should GUIDE TO CANADA. 115 not flatter himself with such hopes as may afterwards cause him to exclaim, like the Irishman in the play, in the agonizing effusion of a disappointed spirit, that, “ though he had left his native land in expecta- tion of shoveling up the dollars out of the street, he had not yet fingered the ghost of one." It is then only to such persons as can be content to endure a little labour before they can regale themselves with its pleasant fruits, that the instruction contained in the foregoing remarks can be of any value. Each indi- vidual is better acquainted, than another can delineate to him, with his own condition and circumstances ; and can therefore, by comparing them with what has been here submitted to him, calculate how far the favourable prospects, connected with emigration, can compensate for the sorrow of a separation from many intimate friends, and of a residence far removed from the scene of his early recollections. Certainly if a man enjoy the blessings of a permanent competency for himself and his family, combined with a freedom from any distressing apprehensions as to what may probably befal them at some future period, this ought to be a consideration sufficient to induce him not to abandon his native home, as such a step, in order to better a condition already well enough, may be an act of wantonness well worthy of being punished with woful disappointment: but how many are there who, though in the enjoyment of a competency for the present, and able to supply their families with all necessary comforts while kept together, and under 116 THE EMIGRA their own protection, yet have no fair prospect of being able to provide for them individually; and must consequently find their tranquillity and happi- ness often interrupted by forebodings so excruciating to the tender feelings of a loving parent; that they all may in a few days, if deprived of his care, be sent forth to be tossed on the troubled waves of poverty and affliction. Such apprehensions and uneasiness can indeed be alleviated by a belief in the superintendence of His providence who ordereth all things according to the council of His own will, and by whom the very bairs of our heads are all num- bered, but when He gives us an easy access to the means of relief we are bound to accept them with a grateful hand, and then leave the things of futurity to be disposed of according to the wisdom and bene- ficence so cheeringly exhibited in all his dispensations. Again, how many are there who, after having not only expended their money, and often defrauded the jaded body of a portion of its necessary repose, while trying to realize an income on some unpro- ductive piece of land, but have also plentifully watered the same with many a weighty drop of sweat, must nevertheless, if they survive the expi- ration of the term, be content to get a preference, from some relentless landlord at the highest penny that can be extracted from it when worked up to the me- ridian of its fertility; and it is unnecessary to remind the improving and indefatigable tenant on an Irish farm how often he is denied even that preference APPENDIX. It has been justly, observed that what are generally called men of fortune ought not to go to Canada, except they have determined to fix their residence either at Quebec or Montreal. In these cities not only all the necessaries, but most of the luxuries of life can be procured with ease and at moderate prices ; they can enjoy the elegancies of life, refined and literary society, &c., but of course in a more limited degree than in European cities. Beyond these places such persons must not attempt to stir, unless they can determine to become men of the world, and cheerfully submit to take things as they find them. And we have no doubt that there are many high and noble- minded men (and those rich men too,) who could live in many parts of Canada, and enjoy more real happiness in witnessing and promoting the development of a new world than in all the parade and ceremony connected with what is called fashionable life. Canada is, truly speaking, the poor man's country ; in it he can live comfortably, and pro- cure good wages, and the man of small fortune can make money, acquire property, and provide for his family with comparative ease. * Emigrants should not on any account burthen themselves with heavy or troublesome articles when proceeding to Canada; however they will do well not to omit a tolerable supply of strong warm clothing, bedding, shirts, and house linen, cooking utensils, a clock or time piece, hosiery, 120, APPENDIX. was to afford information to persons desiring to emigrate, or to assist others emigrating to British America, and in the first place to define the nature of the assistance to be expected from Government. No pecuniary aid will be allowed to emigrants, or after their arrival will they receive grants of lands, gifts of tools, or a supply of provisions. Land is now disposed of only by sale at moderate rates, but generally it will not be sold for less than from 4s. to 5s. per acre; and in situations where roads have been made, or where the ground has been partially cleared, the common prices lately have been 7s. 6d., 10s., and 15s. per acre. Agents will be maintained at the principal colonial ports, whose duty it will be, without fee or reward, from private individuals to protect emigrants against imposition, ac- quaint them with the demand for labour in different dis- tricts, point out the most advantageous routes, and furnish them with all useful advice upon the objects they have had in view in emigrating. And when a private engagement cannot be immediately obtained, employment will be afforded on some of the public works in progress in the colonies. Persons newly arrived are strongly urged to consult the Government Agent for Emigrants. The fol- lowing Agents for Emigration have been appointed :- Quebec, A. C. Buchanan, Esq. ; St. John's, A. Wedder- burn, Esq. ; St. Andrews, C. N. Smith, Esq.; Miramichi, J. Canard, Esq. ; York, (name not yet reported). No effort will be spared to exempt emigrants from any neces- sity for delay at the place of disembarkation, and from uncertainty as to the opportunities of at once turning their labour to account. The ordinary charges for passage to Quebec is then given, but on this subject the emigrant will be enabled to judge for himself, as the price varies at APPENDIX. 123 money can be employed to advantage by investments in almost every description of property, if done with judg- ment, in purchasing land particularly near towns and vil- lages that must increase, in building houses, mills, &c., in establishing breweries, distilleries, furnaces, forges, and manufactories, &c. Before proceeding to describe in detail the several dis- tricts of Upper Canada, we shall notice more particularly the counties of Two Mountains and Ottawa, situate on the north side of the St. Lawrence. The county of Two Mountains contains six townships, viz. Arundell, Chatham, Grenville, Harrington, Howard, and Wentworth. The land in the township of Chatham is rather uneven in its surface, part being mountainous, but contains excellent pasturage, and the land is calculated to produce hemp, and flax, and the best sorts of grain ; some excellent tim- ber is to be found, and which can be readily floated down the North River, passing through this township to the Ottawa. It is also watered by West River (which is na- vigable for some distance) several small lakes and numerous streams. The public road from Montreal to the upper townships passes along the front near the Ottawa, and two other roads lead towards the rere. This township is inha- bited by English, Scotch, and Irish, Americans, and a few Canadians; the population may now be estimated at about 1,500; it contains one village called Davisville, having saw-mills, country stores, taverns, school, &c. Ad- joining this township, and in the rere of the Seigniory of Argentuil, is a small tract called Chatham Gore, inter- spersed with several beautiful lakes, which make the coun- try picturesque and romantic; they abound with fish, particularly lake Bouchette, whose waters are remarkably 126 APPENDIX. which nearly 6000 are now improved; he and his family, as a reward for his great industry and management, have been granted 5000 acres in the township of Templeton, and nearly as much in Lochabar. This township is in a state of high cultivation, and the whole is well watered by the river Gatineau, several lakes, some of which are extremely beautiful, and various small streams. Several roads have been opened by Mr. Wright, towards the interior, from the town of Hull, which is about 124 miles from Montreal ; there is also the village of Wright on the south-east angle of this township, which contains a handsome church, with a steeple 120 feet high, a comfortable hotel, and several other edifices, such as schools, tanneries, &c. The popu- lation of this township is rapidly increasing.' Eardly is the next township on this river, or rather what is there called lake Chaudiere, it is indented by two large bays of the lake into which small rivers flow, is thinly set- tled, and as yet the roads have not been completed. The land is good, and it is probable, will very shortly become well settled. Onslow and Bristol are thinly settled, and very little is known respecting them. The soil or surface do not ap- pear to present many inducements to settlers. Clarendon is the last township up the Ottawa that is partly settled. Little is known respecting it, except that it is well watered, and has got corn and saw-mills, &c. It may not be improper here to notice the interesting river Gatineau, which flows from some lakes far in the in- terior, traverses Hull, and falls into the Ottawa, in the western front of the township of Templeton. This wide, and in the upper parts rapid river, is navigable for steam- boats, nearly 5 miles from its mouth, then becomes rapid APPENDIX. 131 are now in comfortable circumstances. The streets are sixty-six feet wide, and on a hill near the centre of the town a jail and two churches have been erected. The popula- tion is now considerable, and many of the houses are fur- nished with considerable taste and judgment. The relative situation of this place near the Rideau canal, in the midst of a fertile country, gives good promise of its future pros- perity and importance. Bytown, situated on the southern bank of the Ottawa below the Chaudiere falls, and opposite Hull, in Lower Canada, stands upon a bold eminence surrounding a bay of that river, and on both banks of the Rideau canal which here meets it. The streets are wide, and laid out at right angles ; the number of buildings are rapidly increasing ; the greater number are of wood, and executed with much taste. The excellent residence of Colonel By, a large and commodious hospital, with three barracks, all of stone, are delightfully situated on the elevated banks of the bay, commanding a prospect over the river, its falls and rapids, that can be scarcely equalled in the Canadas. EASTERN SECTION. The first or eastern section of this province, in which tħe before-mentioned towns are situate, consists of that tract of land lying between the St. Lawrence and Ottawa, bounded on the east by the county of Vaudreuil, in the lower province, and on the west by the Newcastle district. It is divided into five districts, viz. the Eastern, the Otta- wa, the Johnstown, the Bathurst, and the Midland. The entire of this section is of moderate elevation, with gradual depressions towards the different rivers with which it is bounded and intersected; the soil in general is rich 132 APPENDIX, and fertile, with a mixture of soft and marshy spots. The timber in the forests is large and lofty, and of the different descriptions herein before mentioned. On the banks of the St. Lawrence and Ottawa, the land is thickly settled, particularly from Point au Baudet to the head of the bay of Quinte. The EASTERN DISTRICT, commencing at the boundary line of the province on the east, has the St. Lawrence on the south, the district of Johnstown on the west, and the Ottawa district on the north. It is divided into twelve townships, in two ranges, viz. Lancaster, Charlotteburgh, Cornwall, Osnabruck, Williamsburgh, and Matilda, on the banks of the St. Lawrence; and Lochiel, Kenyon, Rox- hurgh, Finch, Winchester, and Mountain, in the rere of the former. The township of Lancaster is well settled, and the land generally good. The rivers Bodatte and Delisle, with several other smaller streams run through it. The principal road from the lower and through the upper province called Dundas-street, passes through this town- ship. Lochiel is also well settled, and the land of like quality as the former township ; the River La Grass, and several small streams which flow into it, waters this town- ship, and the river Delisle crosses the south-west corner ; the road from Cornwall to the Ottawa, and several others, pass through this township; grist and saw mills have been erected on the rivers. Roxburgh is partially settled, some of it having been granted to New England Loyalists, and a considerable portion being Clergy reserves; it is rather swampy, the north branch of the river Aux Raisins, and a branch of the river Petite Nation called the Pean, rises in this township. The road from Corn- wall to the settlement on the Petite Nation passes by the APPENDIX. 133 east side of the ninth concession. Finch is thinly settled, and contains some excellent land; a considerable portion of it was granted to the families of New England Loyal- ists, which has fallen into the hands of speculators, and has operated against the settlement of this township. The river Petite Nation runs through it crossways and the Pean river lengthways. Little has been done to roads, which is an inconvenience to settlers. Mr. Crysler has become possessed of large quantities of land, and has · erected saw and grist mills. Winchester is generally good land, but parts swampy, population thin, and in great want of roads. The Petite Nation runs through it, and in winter answers the purpose of a road, as well as a naviga- tion in summer. Mountain has a fine thriving settlement along the Petite Nation, with some good roads ; the land is very good, and some large tracts have been granted to individuals. Several mills have been erected in this towu- ship, and when the contemplated improvement in the na- vigation of the Petite Nation by the communication with St. Lawrence shall be completed, the value of land must be greatly increased. Williamsburgh is well settled by Loyalists who served during the first American war with the States ; the land in this township is generally good ; mills have been erected on streams which flow into the Petite Nation. THE OTTAWA District is exactly in the rere of the former, bounded on the north by the Ottawa, on the west by Johnstown and Bathurst districts, and on the east by the boundary of the lower province: it is divided into eleven townships, viz. Hawkesbury East, Hawkesbury West, Alfred, Plantagenet, Clarence, Cumberland, Glou- cester, (all on the Ottawa,) Caledonia, Cambridge, Russel, 140 APPENDIX. Kingston to York passes through it (as has been noticed in the account of roads and distances) and it is not impro- bable that it will become a place of considerable note. Steam boats call at the various ports and villages on the lake, and by the time they reach Kingston, the deck is ab- solutely heaped with four-barrels and other produce. Steam navigation has done more for Canada, within the last few years, than could have been effected in a century, under the old system of inland water conveyance. The river Trent passes through the townships of Huntingdon, Rawdon, and Sidney, falling into the head of the bay of Quinte. The Nappanee river waters the townships of Loughborough, Portland, Camden, and Richmond, and also falls into the bay.' Various other rivers, besides many considerable lakes, water the several townships, and will, no doubt, afford considerable facility to settle in those re- mote from the lake. The labyrinth of the thousand islands, at the entrance to lake Ontario, and through which the steamers pass and repass from Prescott to Kingston, affords some splendid scenery,—the river, in fine weather, smooth as a mirror, reflects minutely every tree and rock. On every hand, numerous channels present themselves, and wooded islands of all sizes and forms, well stocked with water-fowl. CENTRAL SECTION. This section of the upper province is divided into two large districts, namely, the Newcastle, and Home, and embraces an extensive tract of country, lying to the west of the midland district, and extending 120 miles along the front of Lake Ontario, bounded on the north by the Ot- APPENDIX. 141 tawa, French River, and Lake Huron, and on the west by the Gore and London districts. This section contains se- veral extensive lakes, and York, the metropolitan town of this province, is situate in the Home district. THE NEWCASTLE DISTRICT extends from Lake Ontario to the Ottawa, and is nearly four times the extent from north to south that it is from east to west. It is well watered by Rice, Balsam, Trout, and other lakes in the interior, and also by the Otanabee part of the Trent, and various other rivers. The colonization experiments of 1823 and 1825, under the control of Mr. Robinson, were made in this district. A very considerable portion of this district has been surveyed or laid out in townships. The following are the only ones yet named or settled, viz. Murray, Cramahe, Haldimand, Hamilton, Hope, Clarke, and Darlington, on Lake Ontario ; Seymour, Percy, Aln- wick, Asphodel, Otanabee, Monaghan, Cavan, Manvers, and Cartwright, being the second range from the Lake; Belmont Dummer, Douro, Smith, Emily, Ops, and Mari- poda, on the third range ; Methuen, Burleigh, Harvey, Verulam, Fenelon, and Eldon, on the fourth range, making in the whole twenty-nine townships. This district is thickly settled, and in a rapid state of progression. The river Trent, on the east, is crossed by a ferry, and the road from Kingston enters this district (crossing the townships on the lake to the home district) and upon which the im- proving towns of Cobourg and Port Hope are situate. Cobourg is now a place of considerable trade; through the spirit and enterprise of its merchants, and contains several good houses and stores, an Episcopal Church, Methodist Chapel, good hotels, several distilleries, mills, &c. The exports and imports are very considerable. An excellent 144 APPENDIX. street, which leads to Gwilliamburg, a village 32 miles to the northward, and from thence to Cook's Bay, 5 miles distant, from whence by Lake Simcoe there is a commu- nication with Lake Huron. The land in the neighbour- hood of this road is very fertile and well cultivated ; seve- ral other roads diverge from York to various places. The · townships on the Lakes are thickly settled, with a few exceptions, where the soil is bad, and the entire is well watered. The rivers abound with fish, particularly salmon. A considerable portion of the district to the north of Lake Simcoe has not been surveyed, but the southern part has been laid out, and contains fifty-three townships, as fol- lows, viz. Whitby, Pickering, Scarboro', York, and Toron- to, on Lake Ontario ; Reach, Uxbridge, Markham, Vaughan, Gore of Toronto, Ettibocoke, and Chinguacousy, (in rere of the former,) Brock, (whose north-east angle borders Lake Simcoe), Scott, Whitchurch, King, New- market, Albion, and Caledon, being the third range of townships from Lake Ontario ; Georgina, bounded on the north by Lake Simcoe ; east, west and north, Gwilliam- burg, surrounding a bay of the same lake, Tecumseth, Adjala, Mono, Amaranth, and Luther, Innisfil bounded on the east by Lake Simcoe, Essa, Tossorondio, Mulmur, Melancthon, and Proton ; Oro on the north-west shore of Lake Simcoe, and divided from Innisfil by a bay, Vespra, also adjoining the bay ; Sunnidale, bounded on the north by Lake Huron, Merlin, Ospry, and Artenesia, Java, Alta, and Zero, bounded on the north-east by a bay of Lake Huron, called Nottawasaga, and into which the river of that name flows, Euphrasia ; the narrow township of Thorah, Mara, and Rama, lying between Lake Simcoe and the Newcastle district ; Orillia, opposite Rama, on the APPENDIX. 145 other side of the lake ; Maichudash on the River Severn, which flows from lake Simcoe into lake Huron, Medonte, and Flos, whose west angle touches Nottawasaga bay ; Tay and Tiny, peninsular townships, extending into the Georgian bay of lake Huron ; the Nottawasaga river rises in the township of Amaranth, and takes its course to the Huron lake, passing Mono, Adjala, Tecumseth, Essa, Vespra, Flos, and Sunnidale ; several tributary streams join this river from other townships : this district is highly recommended by many persons, as presenting to emi- grants a large quantity of good land, numerous roads kept in tolerable order, several water privileges and convey- ances, excellent markets, a fine climate, and thriving co- lony. WESTERN SECTION. This Section embraces all that tract of country, from the head of lake Ontario ; bounded by lake Erie on the south, lakes St. Clair and Huron on the west, the Indian territory on the north, and the Home district on the east : its extreme length, from north to south, exceeds 200 miles, and is in breadth, from east to west, in its widest part, nearly as much. Its surface is generally, level, having few eminences—the principal of which is that ridge which forms the Falls of Niagara, as has been already men- tioned. The soil is, without exception, better than in any other part of the Canadas ; the whole tract is alluvial in its formation, and the surface is a deep and rich vegetable mould, sometimes intermixed with a rich sandy loam, highly fertile in its properties—extensive quarries of lime- stone are to be found in various parts of this province ; freestone is occasionally found on the shores of the lakes. 148 APPENDIX. stock large, and in excellent condition; the inhabitants are mostly Dutch-their dwelling-houses, offices, and gar- dens, are kept with a degree of neatness not to be sur- passed in Canada. Occasionally the traveller meets the residence of a negro family, whose house and farm speak the steady labour that has been bestowed on them, and clearly proves, that the negro will not prove too indolent for labour in a state of freedom : numbers of these poor creatures escape from that land of liberty, the United States, and settle in various parts of the Canadas. Galt is on the bank of the Ouse, and the proprietor of the township resides here ; and by his judicious and liberal conduct, have produced a great influx of emigrants, from whom he receives payment of the purchase money of land by instalments, in money or produce, at such times as they can afford to pay; and even in some instances, he has supplied the means of purchasing oxen, implements, and seed. Flour and saw mills, cooperage, &c., have been established here ; and it has been lately ascertained that the Ouse is 'navigable to the Welland canal, a dis- tance, by water, of 100 miles, and which is a discovery of incalculable value to this district, as farming produce can now be conveyed by this line to lake Ontario, at one- third the cost which had been theretofore incurred. Many very superior lots of land are to be met with in this dis- trict, in convenient situations, and at moderate prices ; the emigrant must not forget that in the Canadas a very few years produces more change in the appearance of the country, and in the value of land, than he can almost ima- gine ; and that these changes are for the better, so much 80, that it would almost require an annual publication to give a true picture of the Canadas. APPENDIX. 149 The NIAGARA District is bounded on the east, by the Niagara river, which passes from lake Erie to lake Onta- rio ; on the west, by the London district ; on the north, by lake Ontario, and a part of the Gore district ; and on the south, by lake Erie. It is in shape nearly an oblong ; the Ouse traverses a considerable portion of it ; and the Welland canal before mentioned, connects the navigation of the two lakes passing through this district. There are several towns and villages in Niagara : the principal of which are, Hamilton, a neat town, with a handsome Court- house erected for the district ; Fort George, or Niagara, also called Newark, on lake Ontario, and at the mouth of the Niagara river : it is a thriving town—the arrival at and departure from, of the various steam-boats, sloops, and other vessels employed on the lake, must greatly in- crease its prosperity. It is protected by a fort, in which there is a large detachment of military ; a weekly market is held in the town, which is well attended. Grimsby is eighteen miles from Hamilton, on the road to Queenston. The country along this line is, in many places, romantic and beautiful, with fine farms, and rich orchards of peach, plum, cherry, apple, &c. The crops in general are of the best description, and most abundant, particularly the wheat ; the road runs by the ridge which passes round the head of lake Ontario, and over which the waters of the Niagara fall. Grimsby is a neat town, near the margin of the lake, under the brow of the ridge ; St. Catharine's is upon the summit level of the Welland canal, and which at this point descends by wooden locks to the level of the lake-the canal was opened about a year since. The country between this and Queenston is mostly under cul- ture, interspersed with numerous fine orchards. 150 APPENDIX. . Queenston is situated on the Niagara, opposite the American village of Lewiston ; the monument erected to the memory of the gallant and lamented General Brock, is on the loftiest part of the heights of Queenston, and forms an object of much interest to the traveller. This town contains a church, court-house, government stores, and has a numerous and increasing population. Four miles west of Queenston, is the village of St. David's, on a small stream called Four Mile Creek. Chippewa, on both sides of the Welland river, and ten miles from Queenston, contains a barrack, small fort, and some neat houses. At the head of the Niagara river, and sixteen miles from Chippewa, near Fort Erie, is the village of Waterloo, opposite Black Rock and Buffalo, on the American bank ; (convenient to the Falls, in the States, is the village of Manchester, having good hotels, and vari- ous mills ;) other villages and hamlets are scattered in this district, but those already mentioned are the principal. There is a splendid establishment near the Falls of Nia- gara, called Forsyth's Hotel, where every accommodation can be had, and is much frequented by persons visiting the Falls. Mr. Fergusson says, when speaking of Nia- gara, that “the most eloquent description will prove ina- dequate to convey a just conception of the scene, nor can the pencil ever do it justice. A cataract may be said (as regards the painter's art) to differ from all objects in na- ture: the human face and figure, the rich and varied land- scape, the animal and vegetable world, may, with suffi- cient propriety, be delineated at rest ; but quiescence forms no feature here : the ceaseless roar, the spray mounting like clouds of smoke from a great lime-kiln, with the enor- mous sheet of water which rolls over the precipice, can be APPENDIX. 151 felt and understood only by repeated visits to the scene.” The rapids above the Falls, are extremely interesting, and excite admiration and wonder. A short distance above the Falls, the river is a mile across, and presents one con- tinued sheet of foam ; below the Falls there is a ferry to the American side, and from it the scene is magnificent- the Horse Shoe, the American Fall, and Goat Island be- ing all in view, with the great cauldron boiling and eddy- ing in fearful and endless disorder. Much might be writ- ten respecting this very interesting district ; but here any thing further would exceed the limits prescribed for this work, except stating the respective townships into which it is divided, and of which there are twenty-one, viz., Bar- ton, Saltfleet, Grimsby, Clinton, Louth, Grantham, and Niagara, on the south shore of lake Ontario ; Glanford, Binbrook, Caistor, Gainsboro, Pelham, Thorold, and Stam- ford, in rere of the former ; Canboro, Moulton, Wainfleet, Humberstone, Bertie, Crowland, and Willoughby, partly bounded by the north shore of lake Erie, and on the east by the Niagara river. Several highly respectable indivi- duals have published a project of an intended city at the Falls, intended or designed to be the Bath or Brighton of the North American continent. The LONDON DISTRICT, including the Indian territory, is bounded on the east, by the Niagara, Gore, and Home districts ; on the west, by the Western District and lake Huron ; on the north, by the same lake : and on the south, by lake Erie. The quality of the soil, in this extensive district, is extremely good, and generally composed of a deep, rich, black loam, and thinly timbered. The Thames, Quse, Aux Sables, Maitland, and several other rivers wa- ter this tract in various directions, in addition to the ex- 152 APPENDIX. tensive water frontier which it possesses. On the road which passes the frontier of lake Erie, is the village of Dover, in the township of Woodhouse ; ten miles fur- ther is the village of Charlotteville, in which iron works have been established, and which are well supplied with ore from the neighbourhood. To the north of Charlotte- ville, on the post road, is another village, called Victoria ; Oxford, on the road called Dundas-street, is ninety miles from York ; London, situate on the Thames and on the same route, is 123 miles ; the village of Dellaware also on the Thames, and not very distant from London, is prin- cipally inhabited by Indians, and near which there is a Moravian settlement, who, by industry and good conduct exhibit an example to the Indian converts over whom they exercise a missionary superintendance ; the settle- ment is in a flourishing state, and the lands highly culti- vated ; the Indians appear cheerful, contented, and happy, and many of them are very intelligent. Goderich, on lake Huron, is a town recently founded by the Canada Company in their tract—the river Maitland falls into the Huron at this town. It is the only port on the Canadian side of the lake, and is capable of containing vessels of 200 tons burthen. The town has been judiciously planned on the elevated shores of the lake, by which, and the Maitland, it is surrounded on three sides ; the streets di- verge from an octagon-shaped market-place ; roads are in progress to various parts, and the Canada Company have engaged to expend a sum of £48,000 in this tract, in the making roads, improvement of water communications, building of churches, school houses, bridges, wharfs, and other works, for the benefit and accommodation of the public. On the shore, and about the centre of lake Erie, 156 APPENDIX. the interior adjoining Sombra ; there is also a considera- ble tract towards the North, and adjoining lake Huron not yet named ; the London and Western districts have been called the Garden of Canada, and there is not in America so large a tract of unexceptionable land, it is based on limestone rock, over which there is a stratum of clay, then a layer of gravel, varying in thickness, and the surface or mould is of a loamy description, sometimes sandy and clayey, but in every case highly productive. In many parts of this province Gypsum is found in great abundance, which makes a superior top dressing for grass lands, and is a most valuable manure, acting upon land, as lime does, but used in a lesser proportion. Salt is also much used in the Canadas, and perhaps it is more necessary there than in the United Kingdoms, the atmosphere being in the inte- rior so far removed from the influence of the sea. CITIES AND TOWNS. Quebec is proudly seated on Cape Diamond, on the northern banks of the St. Lawrence, the lower town is at the foot of the promontory, and is excessively crowded with buildings, for the convenience of the shipping. The warehouses and stores are built on the wharfs; the streets are narrow and not very clean ; the ascent to the Upper Town irregular, but the houses and buildings improve as you advance; they are mostly built of grey stone, with high sloping roofs, generally covered with tin or sheet iron. The view from the ramparts of the citadel of the celebrated plains of Abram beyond can scarcely be equalled. The citadel is built on the river-ward edge of the rock, at the height of 350 feet above the level of the St. APPENDIX. 157 Lawrence. Here also stands the Governor's residence and other public buildings, also a monument to the memory of WOLFE. The Upper Town is entered by a fortified gate from which streets diverge in various directions, and one of which leads to a large and spacious square. The streets in this part of the town are wide, and the houses large and respectable. The population is about 30,000, or up- wards. The customhouse is in the lower town. Govern- ment has expended large sums of money upon the fortifi- cations of Quebec, and which are almost impregnable ; the walls of the citadel are forty feet high, and the ditch about fifty feet wide, cut out of the solid rock. From the old Cavalier's Battery, on the summit, there is a magnifi- cent view of the noble St. Lawrence, underneath is the city, with its wharfs and numerous shipping. On the op- posite or southern shore rises Point Levi, enlivened by many a gay building, and improved farms. To the east, the isle of Orleans is seen dividing the river, and on the north east the river Montmorenci precipitates its waters over a fall 240 feet in height. The plains of Abram ex- tend to the westward, and the main road to Montreal in- tersects them. The inhabitants of Quebec are of various nations, French Canadians, English, Irish, Scotch, Ameri- cans, Indians, and various others. Law proceedings are conducted in English and French, being the languages ge- nerally spoken. The influx of emigrants to the port of Quebec to the 16th of September, 1832, amounted to 49,569, being an increase of 3,500 over the preceding year to the same date, and it is probable that nearly 5,000 arrived after that date. Several steam-boats arrive at and depart from Quebec every day, and of which Mr. Mol. som is the principal proprietor. , 158 APPENDIX. There are several public buildings in Quebec, some of them equal to many in European cities, the principal of which are the houses in which the Provincial Parliament hold their sittings, the Seminary or Collegiate building, Court-house, Gaol, Metropolitan Catholic Cathedral, Pro- testant Cathedral, Ursuline and other Convents, Armoury, Bank, Library, Exchange, and various others usual in prin- cipal cities. Between St. Louis and St. John's Gate is a fine esplanade, and is the usual place of parade for the troops of the garrison. Point aux Tremble is a considerable town on the St. Lawrence, twenty-four miles from Quebec, and contains a Collegiate Church, a Convent for Nuns, and a consider- able population, all of whom are French Canadians. Three Rivers is situate on a point of land on the north bank of the St. Lawrence, where the St. Maurice (on which the celebrated iron works and forges are erected). falls into it. This is one of the oldest towns in Canada; it contains a Protestant and Catholic Church, a Convent of Ursulines, which may be more properly called an Hos- pital and Seminary for Female Education, Courthouse for the district, Gaol, Barrack, &c. The population exceeds 3,000. The houses are generally built of wood; there is a considerable trade carried on at Three Rivers. The forges on the St. Maurice are about seven miles distant. Berthier is midway between Three Rivers and Montreal, and through which the stage coaches pass. It contains a handsome Church, inns, shops, and over 900 inhabitants. It is a place of considerable importance, and has many stores for general merchandize. William Henry is 135 miles from Quebec, on the south bank of the St. Lawrence, having the Richelieu river on APPENDIX. 159 the west ; it is regularly laid out with a square in the cen- tre, and contains well-built Protestant and Catholic churches, block-house, Hospital, and a small garrison, From its salubrious and pleasant situation, this town is ge- nerally the summer residence of the Governor of the pro- vince. The population is about 2000. The steam-boats take in fuel here. Montreal is situated on the south of the island, and seigniory of Montreal. The new and upper part of the city is well laid out, and contains some good streets ; many of the houses are handsome ; the view of the city as it is approached from Prairie is splendid, the glistening tin- roofs of houses, nunneries, and churches, give it a magnifi- cent appearance rarely equalled, while the mountain, with its woods, orchards, villas, and rocks, forms a beautiful and romantic back-ground to the picture, Many of the pub- lic buildings are well designed and executed, particularly the Court-house and Gaol, and the Roman Catholic Ca- thedral, lately erected at an expense of 100,000). The material employed for building is a fine dark grey lime- stone susceptible of a good polish. The shops and houses are generally provided with iron shutters, which gives the city a gloomy and prison-like appearance on Sundays. As yet no quays have been built, but they are in contempla- tion. There are two market-places in Montreal, in one of which stands a monument to Lord Nelson, which is a Doric column, surmounted by a colossal statue of the na- val hero. The Champ de Mars is an agreeable esplanade planted round with Lombardy poplars, and contains seve- ral handsome buildings. The troops of the garrison are reviewed here, and the military bands perform during the evenings, in summer and autumn, for the amusement of the 160 APPENDIX. fashionables who promenade there. There are several churches and protestant places of worship in this city, the principal of which is in Notre Dame-street ; it is a hand- some stone edifice with a beautiful spire. There are a considerable number of charitable institutions, colleges, seminaries, libraries, and other public buildings, in Mon- treal, there are several excellent hotels, and one of them near the river is more like a public edifice than a house of entertainment. The population exceeds 30,000, and is of a very mixed character, native Canadians in their grey surtouts ; Indians wrapt up in their blankets ; English, Irish, and Scotch, are seen bustling along, with priests and bands of pretty little female choristers arrayed in white, flitting from church to convent, and some few mendicants soliciting alms. The artillery station is on the river St. Helen's opposite the lower end of the city. For the ac- commodation of trade, it is expected that a Custom-house will be erected, but at present all vessels clear out from Quebec. The royal mountain which overlooks the city, whose altitude is 800 feet above the river, is considered for soft luxuriant beauty, not to be equalled in America.- Round this mountain is the favourite drive of the citizens. The principal towns in the upper province have been already noticed in their respective districts, and therefore it is not necessary to mention them again, it may not, however, be uninteresting to the public to mention, that a new city is about being erected at the Falls of Niagara, and the following is the substance of a paper recently published or circulated in the Canadas, and United States : APPENDIX. 161.. CITY OF THE FALLS. Mr. Forsyth having disposed of his interest in the pro- perty at the Falls of Niagara, it is proposed to found a city on the elevated grounds contiguous to the falls, a situ- 'ation the most healthful on the North American Conti- nent. After mentioning several probable causes for the salubrity of this place the places of attraction in Ame- rica, anid that none of them possess the advantages to be found in any of the many places of fashionable resort in Europe, the situation of the Falls for the formation of a city embracing the several advantages necessary, is pointed out, and particularly the various means for internal communication with the entire Continent of America. It is alleged, that the proposed “ City of the Falls” is placed like the heart in the human body, standing in the direct route of persons travelling to and from various parts of this country, and affording an easy approach for the annual assemblage of the fashionable, the learned, and the great. These considerations have led to the formation of a company of gentlemen, who have purchased Forsyth's grounds, houses, &c., and who propose to lay out the lands so purchased, in streets, or lots to be sold for build- ings, according to a scale, insuring the comfort of the new community. The association propose to place the Pavilion and Ontario house under proper superintendence ; so that all who resort there will find a union of comfort with eco- • nomy, in the midst of a society truly desirable. Baths are to be erected near the cataract, and over these a splended pump-room, reading-room, library, &c., for the accommodation of all visiters—the grounds to be laid out 162 APPENDIX. in the most approved style ; lots will be set apart for pub- lic buildings ; cottages to be forthwith erected and fur- nished for private families resorting to the falls during Summer. The Pavilion is intended for those who propose remaining over a week ; Ontario-house for those staying a shorter period ; both to be well supplied with every ne- cessary accommodation, at moderate charges. Peculiar advantages are held out to such as may erect houses during the present year for permanent or Summer re- sidences ; streets to be laid out and marked in building lots ; materials are from 50 to 100 per cent. cheaper than in New York ; the city will afford a most agreeable, permanent residence for respectable farailies of limited income, the necessaries and luxuries of life being remark- ably cheap ; good schools will be formed, and the best society met without the expense of entertaining them. A charter is to be applied for, so that aliens may hold real estate in the city ; proprietors, Hon. W. Allen, James Buchanan, Esq., Hon. Thomas Clarke, Hon. J. H. Dunn, Thomas Dixon, Esq. Lieutenant-General Murray, James Robinson, Esq., and Samuel Street, Esq. The survey was to have been completed the 1st of August last ; and an agent is in attendance to give every necessary infor- mation. General Murray has already fixed his residence at the new city, and several other gentlemen contem- plate building immediately. 164 APPENDIX. the Canal is 56 feet in width at the surface of the water, 26 feet at the bottom, and 84 feet in depth. THE RIDEAU CANAL, between Kingston on Lake On- tario and Bytown on the River Ottawa, is 135 miles in length, including the numerous lakes and dams in its course, and of which the Rideau Lake forms a portion of 24 miles (being about 250 feet above the level of the Ot- tawa, and 150 feet above the level of Lake Ontario). There are on this Canal 47 locks, each 142 feet in length, 33 feet in breadth, and 5 feet in depth ; there are also on this line 20 dams, whereby the waters of the rivers and lakes are raised at different points to the levels required, and by which means the expense of excavating to an enor- mous extent is saved ; this is a new principle in engineer- ing, and well suited to the waters of these provinces. THE GRENVILLE CANAL is on the northern bank of the Ottawa for the avoiding the rapids on that river; it is in three sections, namely—opposite the long Salt rapids, the Chûte â Blondeau and the Carillon rapids. These canals are 48 feet in breadth at the surface of the water, 28 feet at the bottom, and 5 feet in depth. THE LACHINE CANAL, from Montreal to the village of Lachine, along the banks of the St. Lawrence, was made for the purpose of avoiding the rapids, or cascade, called Sault St. Louis, it is about 8 miles in length, 48 feet in breadth, at the surface of the water ; 28 feet at the bottom, and 5 feet in depth ; the locks are 100 feet in length, by 20 feet in breadth ; but these will be altered to the same size as those of the Rideau, if another canal is not cut at the rere of the Island of Montreal. It is very probable that various other canals will, in a short time, be made in Upper Canada, when the country APPENDIX. 165 becomes better settled, and a consequent necessity for such means of conveying the produce of the land to market; and particularly in this country where the great expense of such works is considerably reduced by the nu- merous rivers, whose level waters only require occasional locks or dams, or short canals, to open communications be- tween them, many persons in the Canadas are favourable to rail-roads ; but on the whole, it is considered, that for many years water conveyance will be found more advan- tageous to the interests and improvement of the country. NEW BRUNSWICK. As the province of New Brunswick is closely connected with Lower Canada, and many persons may feel disposed to settle there, the following short notice has been pre- pared, by which it will appear that it is by no means an unimportant portion of the British dominions in America :- it is about 180 miles in extent from East to West, and 200 from North to South, and is situate between the boundary line of the United States on the South West, and the bay of Chaleur and river Ristigouche, which di- vides it from Lower Canada on the North, and has to the East an extensive sea-coast from the bay of Chaleur to the bay of Fundy ; a great part of the country is still a com- plete wilderness, but the soil in general is extremely rich and fertile ; a small portion near the coast, on the bay of Fundy, is rocky and hard to cultivate ; the immense forests which cover the country are principally composed of pine, birch, beech, and maple, with some others ; the trees are of enormous size, and considered the finest in America ; the land is very level, having few hills, and none that can be properly called mountains. At particular seasons in APPENDIX. .169 generally about wharfs, and landing places frequented by strangers. To guard emigrants from falling into such errors, they should, immediately on arrival at Quebec, proceed to the Office of the Chief Agent for Emigrants, in Sault-au-Matelot-street, Lower Town, where every in- formation requisite to their future guidance in either getting settlement on lands, or obtaining employment in Upper or Lower Canada, will be obtained (gratis.) . The following Directions are of importance to the Emigrant arriving in Canada, and are addressed to him in the simplest language. Previous to disembarkation, arrange your baggage in a small compass, the fewer packages the better, but have them well secured,-old dirty clothing, large boxes, and other useless articles, are not worth the carriage. If you have any provisions left, such as oatmeal, potatoes, &c. you can sell them at Quebec at a profit, and avoid the expense of transport, and you can purchase baker's bread, butter, tea, sugar, and other necessaries more suited for your journey. All sorts of provisions may be bought cheaper, and generally of a better quality, in Montreal and Upper Canada, than at Quebec. Dress yourself in light clean clothing. Females frequently bring on sick- ness, by being too warmly clothed. Cut your hair short, and wash daily and thoroughly. Avoid drinking ardent spirits of any kind, and when heated do not drink cold water. Eat moderately of light food. Avoid night déws. by attending to the preceding directions, sickness will be prevented, with other serious inconveniences. When every thing is ready for disembarkation, and if the ship is lying at anchor in the river,-take care in passing from the APPENDIX. 173 to go farther into the details of the first settlement, as on all these points you will be guided by your own observa- . tion on the spot, and the advice you will get from the local agents and superintendents. Great caution is neces- sary in all your transactions. When you stand in need of advice, apply to the government agents, or other respect- able sources. You will find many plans and schemes offered to your consideration, on your route from Quebec to your destination in Upper Canada ; but turn away from them, unless you are well satisfied of the purity of the statements. Should you require to change your English: money, go to the banks or some well known respectable person. The currency in the Canadas, is at the rate of 5s. to the dollar, and is called Halifax currency. The value of English gold, or silver, is regulated by the rate of exchange in England, which fluctuates. At present the gold sovereign is worth 23s. 6d. to 24s. currency. In New York 8s. is calculated for the dollar ; hence many are deceived when hearing of the rates of labour, &c.—55. in Canada, is equal to 8s. in New York ; thus, 8s. New York currency is equivalent to 5s. Halifax. In Upper Canada, and in the Townships of Lower Canada, the tenure of land is “ Free and Common Soccage," as in England. In the Seigneurial or French parts of Lower Canada, the feudal or French tenure is the custom. In the Canadas you live under the British laws and constitu- tion, and are less incumbered with taxes or local imposts, than in any other country on the face of the globe. You ought, previous to leaving Quebec, to apply at the Post- office should you expect any letters, and if you are writing to your friends in the United Kingdom by post, you must pay the postage ; so also when writing to the United I 3 174 APPENDIX. States. Letters from one part of the Canadas to the other do not require to be post-paid. Emigrants may forward letters to the United Kingdom from Quebec, by taking them to the keeper of the Merchant's Exchange, and pay- ing one penny for each. Having arranged all your business at Quebec, you will proceed without loss of time to Montreal, by steam-boat, on your route to Upper Canada. Two steam-boats ply daily to Montreal, 180 miles up the St. Lawrence, which is performed in 24 or 30 hours. The fare for deck passen- gers, is 7s. 6d. for adults ; children under 12 years pay half-price, and under 7 one-third. These steam-boats be- long to private individuals. Government is in no manner connected with them. At Montreal you will find a govern- ment agent, who will advise you should you require it. Routes to the principal places in UPPER CANADA, as follows :- Quebec to Montreal, by steam-boats, Montreal to Prescott, by Durham boats, Prescott to Kingston, by steam, Ditto to Coburgh, or Port Hope, Prescott to York, Capital of Upper Canada,) Hamilton and Niagara, 78. 6d. cost. 63. 3d. 58. Od. 7s, 6d. 108. From Niagara, you proceed by land to Fort Erie, op- posite Buffalo on Lake Erie, where steam-boats, or sailing schooners, will convey those destined to Port Talbot, or other parts of the London districts, or vicinity of Lake St. Clair. Persons going to settle on the lands of the Canada Company will proceed to York or Burlington Bay head of Lake Ontario. At most of the preceding towns and landing places, you will find government agents. If you are bound to Perth or New Lanark, or the vicinity, disembark at Prescott; APPENDIX 175 -or you may go via By-Town on the Ottawa. If for the thriving settlements in the Newcastle district, disembark at Coburgh or Port Hope, on Lake Ontario. Those going to the townships of Seymour may proceed from Kingston by the beautiful Bay of Quinte, to the mouth of the Trent River, from whence a road, distance 18 miles brings you to Seymour. If proceeding to the Home or Western districts, disembark at York, the Capital of Upper Canada. Emigrants going any where beyond York, will in general find it their interest to make it their route. If for the London districts, proceed by the Niagara frontier, to Lake Erie, and the Talbot Settlement. If for By-Town, Grenville, Hull, Horton, or other situations on the Ottaway River, proceed from Montreal, and Lachine, by the usual conveyances. Crown lands, of the most fertile quality, are prepared for the reception of emigrants in many parts of Upper Canada, and will be sold, payable by instalments. The following offices have been opened by the Commissioners of Crown Lands in Upper Canada, for the convenience of Emigrants :- In the Bathurst District, Mr. M‘Naughton will open his office at By-Town. Major Campbell, of the Township of Seymour, for the Midland District. Mr. Ritchie for the Home District, and will reside in Sunnidale. Mr. Mount, Deputy-Surveyor, for the Western District, between Carradoc and the St. Clair. Emigrants may obtain employment for two or three months, on the roads, in several Townships, in the Western and Home Districts of Upper Canada. 176 APPENDIX. Routes to the principal settlements in LOWER CANADA, are as follows :- District of Quebec, south side of the River St. Law- rence. Township of Frampton, 36 miles from Quebec by Point Levy, a thriving settlementinhabitants mostly Irish. Townships lying contiguous to the Kennebec road beyond Frampton, offer good prospect for settlement. The lands are principally private property. The seig- niory of St. Giles, 30 miles from Quebec, by St. Nicholas and the Craig's road, is favourably situated for emigrants, from its contiguity to the capital, and is increasing rapidly ; its population is principally Irish. New Argyle, in the seigniory of St. Croix, 8 miles from Richardson's Tavern, on the Craig's road in St. Giles, and 38 miles from Quebec ; the new road to the Township of Inverness passes through. this settlement. Inhabitants principally Highlanders from the Island of Islay, and Irish.—The lands in this part are of good quality. The settlements of Ulster, Yorkshire, Dublin, and New Hamilton, commence four miles beyond New Argyle, and 42 miles from Quebec, and are situated in the flourishing Township of Inverness, through which a new road has been nearly finished to the borders of the Township of Halifax. The inhabitants of Inverness are from various parts of the United Kingdom. Those from England are principally from Yorkshire; those from Ireland, mostly from the northern counties ; and those from Scotland are chiefly Highlanders from the Island of Arran. Beyond Inver- ness lie the Townships of Halifax, Chester, and Tingwick, good lands for settlement ; but at present there is no con- venient road to them. The Township of Athabaska joins Inverness, and is a desirable place for settlement. 178 APPENDIX. and is surrounded by thriving settlements, particularly Stanstead, where industrious farming labourers or me- chanics are much wanted, and are sure (by good conduct) to do well ; as also the Townships of Stanbridge, Brome, Dunham, Potton, and the seigniory of St. Armand, the route to which is by St. John's. Chambly is 40 miles from Sorrel, and 18 from Montreal. Labourers may get employment at the canal now making at Chambly, Chateauguay, Godmanchester, and Shering- ton, from 25 to 40 miles from Montreal, south side of the St. Lawrence, are thriving situations. . North side of the river St. Lawrence, and in the district and vicinity of Quebec, are the settlements of Beauport, Stoneham, Tewksbury, Valcartier, and Jacques Cartier, Deschambault, and the settlement of Portneuf. In- habitants principally Irish. Three Rivers and its vicinity, 90 miles from Quebec, give employment to many emigrants. In the rere of Berthier, 130 miles above Quebec, are the Townships of Brandon, Kilkenny, Rawdon, and Kildare. New Glasgow settlement, in the seigniory of Terre- bonne, is about 30 miles from Montreal. Persons bound for the Townships bordering on the Ottawa river, parti- cularly Lochaber, Templeton, Hull, &c. will take their route and departure from Montreal. There are many desirable situations for settlement belonging to private individuals in Upper and Lower Canada. The names of the proprietors or the agents may be had on application at this office. It is particularly recommended to emigrants to be ex- ceedingly cautious in ascertaining the titles to such lands as they may settle on. 180 APPENDIX. The government will incur the expense of building a small log-house for the temporary accommodation of set- tlers on their respective locations, and will afford some assistance towards opening roads to the lands proposed to be settled, but will make no advances in provisions or utensils, and the settlers must depend entirely upon their own resources for bringing their lands into cultivation. Settlers with means will have opportunities of purchas- ing Crown Lands in several parts of the province at the public sales, due notice of which may be obtained on ap- plication at the Commissioner of Crown Lands' office, York, or to the following government agents :- Ottawa and Į Mr. M.Naughton, at Bytown. Bathurst District, Š Newcastle District, Mr. M.Douall, Peterboro. Home District, Mr. Ritchie, Township of Medonto. Western District, Mr. Mount, Carrodoc and St. Clair. A. C. BUCHANAN, Chief Agent.