CATAl “eALS lECLMAT I i iSCCCHCTj CANADA EAST AT THE * INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. I CATALOGUE OF PEODUCTS FEOM CANADA EAST, I “MEDALS” AND “HONORABLE MENTIONS” AWARDED TO CAN'ADA, AND THE DECLARATION OP PRIZES TO THE COLONIAL EXHIBITORS, JULY 11, 1862. TO WHICH IS ADDED A SUCCINCT ACCOUNT OF THE EASTERN TOWNSHIPS OF LOWER CANADA. BY HENRY H. MILES, M.A. • COMMISSIONER FOR CANADA AT THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1862. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1862. COMMISSIONEES FOR CANADA IN LONDON. SiE W. E. Logan* Chairman. B. Chambeelin, Esq., Secretary. Peof. H. H. Miles. J- HtJELBUET,t Esq. Mem. The Exhibition was also visited by the following gentlemen, appomted by % the Canadian Government. Colonel Thompson, of the Canada Board of Commissioners—also a Juror— (returned to Canada after the'Distribution of Awards on July 11th.) W. Bowman, Esq., Honorary Commissioner. Colonel Ehodes, y, T. Keeper, Esq., „ Major Campbell, „ ♦ Also a returned to Canada on leave, after the l^stribution of Awards, ^ t Also a Juror — duties as Commissioner ceased from the Distnbution of Awards, July 11th. 862 , '{crdtrj. appoktai lyUi) nlrlltlL fniylltli. A CATALOGUE OF TIIE PRODUCTS OF CANADA BAST, AT THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, LONDON, 1862 . N.B.-The names of Exhibitors to whom Medah and Honourable Mention were awarded by the International Juries have the letters M and H M respectively prefixed. OBJECT. 1. Economic Minerals, Rocks, Metallic Ores, Metals, &c. &c. Bog iron ore 3 pieces ready for furnace Washed bog ore • Slag from the smelting . 5 qualities of pig iron, one piece re-cast 1 railway wheel . 3 nail rods .... llorse-shoe nails . Piece scythe iron . „ „ hammered . 1 pair railway wheels that nave run 150,000 miles Sjpecimens^ magnetic iron ore. Specimens, bog iron ore Specimens, red hematite Specimens of hematite Magnetic iron ore Galena, undressed lead ore ) Hand-picked priDs . J Undressed lead ore Specimen of ilmenite . Yellow sulphuret of copper . EXHIBITED BY M~A. La Rue and Co., Three Rivers Geological Survey of Ca- nada . . . . C. C. Gloster, Gaspe James Wright and Co. . Geological Survey of Ca- nada . . . . G. B. Moore and Co. Geological Survey of Ca- nada . . . LOCALITY AND REMARKS. Procured from the neighbour- hood of the St. Maurice and Batiscan Rivers for the Radnor forges ; about 2000 tons annually produced. Hull^ Lot 11, range 7 ; and Grenville^ Lot 3, range 3. Vaudreuil, — contains 50 per cent of iron. St. Vallier, county Belle- chasse. Sutton^ Eastern Townships, Lot 9, range 11, and Lot 6, range 9.— 20 to 50 per cent of iron. Brome^ Eastern Townships, Lot 3, range 1. — 10 per cent. Sutton, Eastern Townships, Lot 9, range 9. — 38 per cent. Indian Cove, Gaspe. Upton, Eastern Townships. St. Urbain, — composed of oxide titanium, of iron, and magnesia. Upton, Eastern Townships, Lot 51, range 20.-11} per cent. Bissonette’s mine, Upton, Eastern Townships, Lot 49, range 20. — 10 per cent." PEODTJCTS OF CANADA EAST, OBJECT. EXHIBITED BY Minerals, — -continued. Variegated sulphuret copper „ » J'gge*! ■ „ „ rough dressed „ tye work AVaste from the tyes Polished slab of the ore Eock of the country Plan of the mine. Sulphurets of copper . Plan of the mine, by Messrs. Willson and Eobb . TeUow sulphuret of copper Plan of the mine by Willson and Eobb Yellow sulphuret of copper Variegated and vitreous sul- phuret of copper . „ >5 „ from lowest bed „ from highest bed „ dressed Plan of the mine. Yellow sulphuret of copper Plan of mine, by Willson and Eiobb. Variegated and vitreous sul- phurets of copper . Variegated sulphurets of cop- per . • • Plan of mine by Willson and Pobb. Variegated and vitreous sul- phurets of copper, from a bed. Plan of mine, by Mr. Eich- ardson. Vitreous sulphuret, with green carbonate of copper Sulphurets of copper. . Copper pyrites with iron. Yellow sulphuret of copper from a bed. HM— W. H. A. Davies, and C. Dunkin . LOCALITY AND HEMABKS. Acton Mine, Acton, Eastern Townships, Lot 32, range 3, about 17 per cent of copper. Pomroy, Adams, and Co., Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships . Pomroy, Adams, and Co., Sherbrooke, Eastern Townships . Shaw, Bignol and Hunt, Quebec M — English and Cana- dian Mining Co., Que- bec . . . • Flowers, Mackie and Co. Griffiths and Brothers, Sherbrooke, E. T. Flowers, Mackie and Co. H M — Sweet and Co. North Sutton, E T. G. D. Eobertson and Co. Geological Survey of Ca- nada. H M — Tho. McCaw, Len- noxvDle, E. T. Wickham Mine, Wickham, Eastern Townships, Lot 15, range 10 — 30 per cent. Yale’sMine, Durham, Eastern Townships, Lot 21, range 7, supposed to belong to the same band as the Acton Mine Black Eiver Mine,St. Flavien. Harvey’s Hill mine, Leeds, Eastern Townships, Lot 13, range 15. St. Francis Mine, Cleveland, Eastern Townships, Lot 25, range 12. Jackson’s Mine, Cleveland, Eastern Townships, Lot 26, range 13. Coldspring Mine, Melbourne, Eastern Townships, Lot G, range 2. Sweet’s Mine, Sutton, Eastern Townships, Lot 8, range 10. Craig’s Mine, Chester, Eas- tern Townships, Lot. 8, range 5. Nicolet Branch Mine, Ham, Eastern Townships, Lot 28, range 4, abundant water power near, for crushing and dressing the ore. Garthby, Eastern Townships, Lot, 22, range 1. Haskell Hill Mine, Ascot, Eastern Townships, Lot 8, EXHIBITED AT THE INTEENATIONAL EXHIBITION. 5 OBJECT. EXHIBITED BY LOCALITY A2ID REMARKS. Minerals, &C. — continued. Plan of mine, by Willson and Eobb. Sulpliuret of nickel Native gold . Stream gold in nuggets Stream gold in dust Stream gold — a nugget with quartz Auriferous blende Grains of gold in bitter-spar Grains of Platinum and of Iridosmine Chromic iron Chromic iron Specimen of chromic iron Specimen of chromic iron Molybdenite Dolomite Magnesite . Magnesite . Soapstone (steatite) Cut specimens of soapstone Potstone (compact chlorite) Uncut specimens mica rock Cut and dressed plates, mica and crystals of do. . Specimen oi 'plumbago Specimen of plumbago Specimen of plumbago Asbestiis from a vein . Geological Survey of Ca- nada. Benj. Walton, Montreal Eussell and Co. Geological Survey of Ca- nada .... A. Cowan Geological Survey of Ca- nada .... range 8, Ore from this mine without any dressing, has been sent to Boston, and yielded on an average about 8 per cent, pure copper Orford, Eastern Townships, Lot. 6, range 12. Fief St. Charles, C. E. — Nincy among the nuggets, weigh from 10 dwts. to 126 dwts. Vaudreuil, C. E. — the nugget weight 80 d^\i;s. Eapids of the Chaudiere, C. E. — Occurs in a vein with galena, &c., the vein from 2 to 3 feet thick. LeedSy Eastern Townships, Lot 15, range 14. Fief St. Charles, C. E. — Se- parated from gold dust foimd in the drift. Mt. Albert, Gasph. JIamy Eastern Townships, Lot 4, range 2 — the bed 14 inches thick. Bolton, Eastern Townships, Lot 23, range 6. Melbourne, Eastern Town- ships, Lot 23, range 6. Quetachoo river, Manicouagan Bay, C.E. Brome, Eastern To^vnships, Lot 16, range 11. Sutton, Eastern Townships, Lot 12, range 7. Bolton, Eastern Townships, Lot 17, range 9. Bolton, Eastern Townships, Lot 24, range 4. Sutton, Eastern Townships, Lot 12, range 7. Bolton, Eastern Townships, Lot 26, range 2. SJiipton, Eastern Townships, Lot 18, range 5. Grenville. Pointe du Chene Graphite Mine, Argenteuil, C.E. Grenville, C.E. Lochaber, C.E. St. Joseph, C.E. G PEODUCTS OF CANADA EAST, OBJECT. Minerals, &c. — continued. Specimen of clay and pottery made from do. . Cube foot of dressed lime- stone .... Do. » Do. Do. )> Do. » Do. » A foot cube of dressed sand- stone Do. 5, A foot cube of dressed Labra- dorite A foot cube of dressed gneiss Do. „ A foot cube of dressed syenite Do. j> A foot cube of dressed granite Do. >) YelloAvish white marble Spotted green and white mar- ble White marble White marble . White and green marble . Dove-grey marble Black marble Eed and veined marble Grey marble Grey and red spotted marble Dove-grey marble Drab marble Brownish black marble Greenish black marble Grey marble Do. . . . Specimen of cream- white mar- ble, striped vnth yellow Dark grey and yellowish marble Dawn, yellow, and white marble Brecciated and green serpen- tine marble Light green marble . Dark green, and striped mar- ble EXHIBITED BY Michael Finley, Quebec C. E. Cheeseman, Phil- lipsburg Geological Survey of Ca- nada H. O’Donnell, Quebec . Geological Survey of Ca- nada LOCALITY AND EEMAEKS. C. E. Cheeseman, Phil- lipsburg Geological Survey of Ca- nada St. Foy, near Quebec. Phillipsburg, St. Armand. Caughnawaga, C.E. St. Dominique. Pointe Claire. Montreal. Chevotriere Augmen. of Grenville. Quin’s Point. Abercrombie. Jeune Lorette. Grenville. Grenville. GrenviUe. St. Joseph. Barnston, Eastern Townships Grenville, C.E. Aug. of GrenviUe, C. E. Phillipsburg, St. Armand. St. Armand. St. Joseph. Caughnawaga. St. Dominique. Esquimaux Island. Pointe Claire. Montreal. Dudswell, 'Eajatevn To\vnships, Lot 23, range 7. Excellent and beautiful marbles ob- tainable here. The dark grey sometimes resembles the Portor marble from Italy. The streaked and spotted are thought by some to excel the cele- brated Egyptim. Orford, Eastern ToTNOiships, Lot 6, range 13. Orford, Eastern Townships, Lot 12, range 8. EXHIBITED AT THE INTEBNATIONAL EXHIBITION. 7 EXHIBITED BY LOCALITY AND REMABKS. OBJECT. Minerals, &c. — continued. Green and white serpentine marble Dark and light green ser- pentine marble Brecciated grefen serpentine marble Brecciated green serpentine marble with white veins Specimens of roofing slate Specimens of roofing slate Do. „ Do. Do. „ Haw cement stone Do. „ Baw limestone Prepared lime . Bed bricks ... Common red bricks Common building bricks Pressed front do. Badiating front do. Circular do. Clay used in making sewer- age pipe tiles A six-inch sample of pipe tile Cut whetstones . Benj. Walton, Montreal Geological Survey of Ca- nada M — B. Walton, Montreal Geological Survey of Ca- nada 11 11 11 11 11 13 11 11 Peel & Compte, Montreal HM — Bulmer and Shep- pard, Montreal. H. O’Donnell, Quebec Geological Survey of Ca- nada. 11 Melhourney Eastern Town- \ ships. Lot 20, range 5. Melbourne, Eastern To'v^ii- . ships. Lot 20, range 5. St. Joseph. Melbourne, Eastern Tow- ships, Lot 32, range 6. Ex- cellent slate, equal to the best Welsh and French. Supplied in upwards of 20 different sizes for roofing, and placed on the railroad cars at prices from 2 to 4 dollars per square of 100 feet. Far less costly for roofing than tin or iron, and only about one-third more than common wooden shingles. Orford, Eastern Townships, Lot 2, range 5. Tring, Eastern Townships. Kingsey, Eastern Townships, Lot 4, range 1. Cleveland, Eastern To wships, Lot 6, range 15. Hull, C. E. Magdalen Biver. Montreal. — About 270,000 bushels per annum manu- factured — price about 8c?. sterling per bushel. St. Jean. — About 2,000,000 have been made there in a year. Montreal. — 6,000,000 annu- ally, at 5 to per 1000. Montreal. — 6,000,000 annu- ally, at prices from to 12$, according to form of brick. — Boaden’s machine used. Quebec. — Used for main sewers and house drains. More than 150,000 laid in Quebec. — Price, according to diameter, ^d to 4« dd sterling per linear foot. Stanstead, East Townships, Lot 15, range 1. Hatley, Massawhippi Lake, Eastern Tow nships. 8 PEODUCTS OF CANADA EAST, OBJECT. EXHIBITED BY Minerals, &c. — continued. Cut whetstones . Do. „ A Buhrstone, dressed . Specimen of marl . Do. „ Do. „ Brownish iron ochre Brownish black do. Yellow ochre Green and yellow ochres Purple and yellow ochres Cut and polished specimens of Labradorite . Cut and polished specimens of Epidosite Sandstone, for glass making . Specimen of peat . 2. Agricultural Products. Half bushel, Canadian barley „ two-rowed Eng- lish barley Half bushel, English oats „ early peas „ late do. „ autumn rye „ black sea wheat „ wheat „ flax seed . „ Timothy grass seed Half bushel, two-rowed barley „ Indian com ,, oats * , m „ peas . „ wheat „ barley „ beans „ Indian com „ white com „ potatoe oats , , early Canadapeas „ Black Sea w'heat „ buck wheat Geological Survey of Ca- nada E. Caron Geological Survey of Ca- nada. Agricult. Society, county Beauharnois. Agricultural Society of Huntingdon M — W. Eoflf, St. Laurent, Montreal . LOCALITY AND EEMABKS. Bolton^ Eastern Townships, Lot 23, range 6. Kingsey, Eastern Townships, Lot 7, range 2. Grenville, C. E., Lot 3, range 5. Montreal. Anticosti. St. Armand. St. Anne de Montmorenci. Cap de La Madelaine. Pointe du Lac. Abercrombie, C. E. Shickshock mountain, Gaspe. Williamstown, Beauharnois. Chambly, C. E. Grown by J ohn Galbraith. „ Dugald Thompson „ David Benning. „ Jos. Geudron. „ John Brodie. „ J. B. Feliatreau. „ Charles Tait. „ — Me Donald „ M — Celestin Bergeoin. „ M-^Charles Tait. „HM — M. McNaughten, 45 bushels per acre. Grown by S. Schlinger, 25 bushels per acre. Grown by J. Muir, 80 bush- els per acre. M — Grown by JohnPercil,40 bushels per acre. Grown by P. McFarlane, 25 bushels per acre. 30 minots per arpent. 50 minots per arpent. 25 minots per arpent. EXHIBITED AT THE INTESNATIONAL EXHIBITION. OBJECT. Agricultural Products— coti- tinued. Samples, Indian corn meal „ oat straw Half-bushel, barley „ Black Sea wheat One bushel, barley „ Horse beans „ Two rowed maize ,, Oats , „ Spring wheat 1 crock of butter Half-bushel, barley „ Black Sea wheat „ Barley „ Fife wheat „ Variety ditto Sample, bearded wheat Half-bushel, barley Samples of flax „ of wool . Half-bushel, barley „ Indian com One box, maple sugar . Half bushel, Canada beans „ Broad Windsor do. „ Dwarf Marrowfat peas „ White Canada do. „ Black-eyed do. „ Early field do. „ Cofiee do. . Half bushel Timothy grass seed 6 ears Indian com (white) „ (red) 30 lbs. Maple sugar 1 Cheese Sample, 2 varieties clover „ Flax seed „ Timothy grass seed One trace, Indian corn One bale, hops (1861) Half bushel, oats Half bushel, oats EXHIBITED BY W, Botty St. Laurent, Montreal JP. Beaudry^ St. Damase F. Beaudry^ St. Damase H M — James LognUy Pe- tite C6te P. Maloy St. Damase G. Maloy St. Damase D. McKinnony Somerset, Eastern Townships Antoine BocheleaUy St. Bruneau H M — (7. Wilkins y Eouge- mont M — W, BvanSy Montreal M — D. BrowUy Cowans- viUe, Eastern Townships LymanSy ClarSy and Co. Montreal . Bierre Martiny St. Lau- rent Thos. Dawes a/nd Son, La- chine H M — T. Badhamy Dmm- mondville. Eastern Towmships H. Mathieu, St. Hya- cinthe EEMABKS. 30 minots per arpent 15 „ „ \ 30 minots per arpent. 15 „ 35 bushels per acre 32 „ >* 30 bushels per acre 27 min. per arpent 36 do. „ Unrefined, as usually made by farmers 30 min. per arpent. 10 PEODUCTS OF CANADA EAST, OBJECT. Agricultural Products— cow- tinued. Half bushel, peas Specimen maple sugar One box, maple sugar Half bushel, buckwheat Half bushel, spring wheat Half bushel, wheat Half bushel, wheat Half bushel, wheat III. Products of Forests and Waters. 1. Woods. Specimens of 73 varieties, with branches, leaves, and Howlers „ of 74 woods „ of 71 „ „ of 73 „ „ of 72 „ „ of 72 „ Specimens of 23 kinds of squared timber, with 20 do. of pine and spruce planks and staves Specimens of sawn woods 2. Pharmaceutical Products Canada balsam . EXHIBITED BY EEMAUKS. Henry Cumming, Megan- tic, Eastern Townships H M — Eev. F. L’Heureux, Vercheres J. B. Alixt St. Cesaire L. Brunelle, St. Hyacinthe Jos. Drummond, Petite Cote John Drummond, Petite C6te J. Lamonde, St. Damase D. Stewart, Inverness, Eastern Townships M — The AIM Brovancher, St. Joachim HM— .F. F. Brieur, St. Vincent de Paul J. B. Le Bage, Eimouski Dr. Duhord, Three Eivers David Brice, Chicoutimi H M- C. E. Coutlee M — Messrs. Duncan, Pat- ton and Co., Quebec H M— Geo.Giugras, Que- bec Mr. Olivier Oiroux, Drug- gist, Quebec 50 min. per arpent. 15 min. per arpent. 25 bush, per acre. The numerals printed on white paper „ on green paper ; on yellow paper „ on pale rose colour „ on red paper „ on blue paper Collected in the Quebec market Gum of Balsam Fir extracted from Black Spruce, for making Spruce and Beer Spruce oil ... Extract of spruce Canadian Sarsaparilla . Gold thread (Coptis Trifolia) Wild endive (Cichorium intybus) Canadian Dragon’s Blood (Sanguinaria Canadensis) . Wild anice root (Anychia Canadensis) Ginseng (Panax quinquefo- lium) .... Winter green (Pyrola umbel- lata) .... Capillaire (Adiantum peda- tum) .... Castoreum (in its natural state) . . . . Cod liver oil . . . >» »» V f ■I EXHIBITED AT THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. 11 OBJECT. EXHIBITED BY BEMABKS. Products, &C. — continued, 3. Preserved Fish. Smoked Salmon . Salted Salmon Smoked Herring . Salted Labrador Herring Salted Herring (from Bay Chaleurs) Salted Rimouski Herring Salted Cod Salted Eel . Salted Sardine 4. Substances obtained from Cetacea and Fish. White porpoise skins Skins of seal. Oil of white porpoise Oil of shark Cod liver oil 5. Furs. Skin of moose deer Skin of bear Skin of red fox Skin of black martin Skin of beaver Skin of pecan Skin of racoon Skin of mink Skin of otter Skin of Canadian lynx Skin of skunk Six skins of musk rats Skin of marmot . 6. Birds. One case containing 103 spe- cimens of birds found in Canada East Specimen of weasel (Mustela vulgaris) .... Red squirrel (Sciurus Hud- sonius) .... IV. Manufactured Articles. 1. Chemical Products 1 dozen arctusine 2 lbs. Canadian yellow wax . Toilet soap .... 2. Substances used for Food. 2 smoked hams 2 dried bacon hams 1 piece smoked beef Messrs. Turgeon and Ouellet, Merchants, Quebec Mr. C. H. Tetu, River Owelle, county of Ka- mouraska. Mr. Olivier C6te, of Quebec Two sides, undressed. Two, in their natural state. Undressed, H M — Jas. Thomson, Esq. Montreal S. J. Lyman and Co., Montreal J. Wheeler, jun. Montreal M — G-. Reinhart, Montreal In glass case. Prices attached, from to l\d for the ham and bjicon \ 10(f per lb. for the beef. 12 PEODUCTS OF CANADA EAST, OBJECT. EXHIBITED BY EEMABKS. Manufactured Articles— cow- tinued. 1 piece smoked bacon . 1 piece dried bacon 2 bologna sausages 2 cases wine Forest wine 3. Railway Plant. Railway wheels from Radnor forges, St. Maurice . Improved railway wheel, from the Radnor forges . Model of direct action, self- balanced oscillating cylinder 4. Carriages. A four-wheeled open carriage 5. Manufacturing Machines and Tools. Brick and Tile making Ma- chine, small Model of Pug MiU .... Model of Improved Water Wheel .... 6. Agricultural and Horti- cultural Machines and Implements. An Iron Plough . An Iron Swing Plough 7. Philosophical Instru- ments and Processes. Diagram of mean diurnal changes of temperature, of air and water of the river St. Lawrence . 8. Photography. A case containing two port- folios of Photographs G. Reinhart, Montreal . >> N. Pigeon, Montreal Madame Paulet, Montreal M— A. La Rue and Co., Three Rivers Joshua Lowe, G. T. R. of Canada East Clovis Leduc, Montreal . W. Bawden, Hochelaga, Montreal H M — E. O. Richard, Quebec M— J. Jeffery, Cote de Nieges, Montreal, C. E. M — J. Paterson, Montreal T. D. King, Montreal M — W. Notman, Montreal Prices attached, from ^\d to for the ham and bacon ; lOd per lb. for the beef From Canadian wild grape; price attached 4^ 2d per gallon. From Canadian wild grape; price 4iS 2d per gallon — 1« 8d per bottle. Have run 150,000 miles in a post office car of the G. T. Railway. Pattern now in use on G. T. R. and G. W. R. of Canada. For locomotive, marine, or stationary engine. Price attached, £90. Price attached, 10 guineas. The Bird’s-eye maple case was made by J. and W. Hilton of Montreal, and silver-mounted by R. Heu- dery, Montreal. The port- folios are the work of J. Lovell, Montreal. The Portfolios are labelled Ca- nada and Canada West respectively. EXHIBITED AT THE INTEENATIONAL EXHIBITION. 13 OBJECT. EXHIBITED BY BEMAEKS. Manufactured Articles— ti/nued. 9. Surgical Instruments. Apparatus for detecting con- sumption and testing the lungs .... 10. Woollens, &c. 2 lbs. woollen yam 5 pieces Canadian tweed 1 piece Canadian spring tweed 1 piece of check . 1 piece Etofte (light) . 11. Paper, Stationery, Printing and Bookbind- ing. 1 ream printing paper 1 ream Manilla paper 12. Educational Works and Appliances. Collection of 17 School and Text books, printed in Ca- nada . . . Journal de T Instruction Pub- lique and Journal of Edu- cation for the years 1857, 1858, 1859, 1860 and 1861, 5 sets Eapport sur T Instruction Publique, and Eeport on Education in Lower Canada for the years 1855, 1856, 1857, 1858, 1859, and 1860 Acts of the Provincial Parlia- ment concerning Educa- tion and Schools in Lower Canada, 2 copies in each language 3 sizes of desk and seat for schools 12. Furniture, &c. Samples of 18 kinds of brooms, whisks, and dus- ters G. S. D. Bonald, Medical Student, McGill Uni- versity, Montreal M — Mrs. P. Dunphy, St. Malachi M — AVm. Stephen and Co., Montreal Angus and Logan, Mon- treal . . . . M — Hon. P. O. Chau- veau . . . . M — W. Nelson & Wood, Montreal . With an illustrative diagram. Prices attached, from 2s Qd to Ss Gd per yard. Approved, according to law now in operation, by the council of Public Instruc- tion, as class books in schools in Lower Canada. The sets are in paper and in cloth boards respectively. Made by W. Allen, Montreal, approved by the Council of Public Instruction and in use in the schools. Classified as extra and com- mon — prices attached to the latter from Is 6d to 9« Sd per dozen. 14 PKODUCTS OF CANADA EAST, &c. OBJECT. Manufactured Articles— tinued. 13. Iron and General Hard- ware. 3 sheets of nail-plate from “ Canadian Pig Metal,’* “ Scotch Pig Metal,” and “ Scrap Iron ” . 3 pieces of iron, cut ready for nail machine A chain of cut nails 14. Pottery. Specimen of drain-tiles 15. Manufactures not in- cluded in previous classes. 1 fount of Long Primer, Ho- man 2 type cases Stand for cases Specimen impression in frame Cigars of Canadian manufac- ture, 9 kinds . 16. Architectural Drawings. View of the Lower Canada Industrial Exhibition Build- ing at Montreal EXHIBITED BY H M— W. H. SneU, Vic- toria Iron Works, Mon- treal, C.E. . M — Missisquoi Tile and Drain Co., C.E. C. T. Palsgrave, type- founder, Montreal. • 93 99 99 99 99 99 P. Henry, Montreal, C.E. J . W. Hopkins, architect, Montreal, C.E. . Interior view of a skating rink Photographs of the Liverpool and London Assurance Of- fice, Montreal, and of the new Unitarian church 17. Oil Paintings. V iew of the Shawenagan Falls, on the St. Maurice Hiver, Canada East View on the St. Maurice Ei- ver, Canada East Lawford & Nelson, archi- tects, Montreal, C.E. Hopkins, Lawford and Nelson, architects, Mon- treal, C.E. . O. E. Jacobi, Montreal, C.E. . . . . >> 99 BEMAEKS. Puddled Bent when cold, showing their extreme toughness. Price per lb. attached, Is Gd Prices attached ; from £5. 35 Sd to £16. II 5 8d per 1000. The Exhibition held during the visit of H.E.H. the Prince of Wales. Frame of inlaid Canadian woods, by J. Guidi, Montreal. Erected for the Victoria Skating Club, Montreal. Photographed by Notman, Montreal. The property of A. J. Pell, by whom the frame was carved and gilt. Price, with frame, 200 guineas. The property of A. J. Pell. Price 50 guineas. commprpp wW sterling money ; and those attached to articles of commerce whose value is fluctuating, were the market prices in Canada in March 1802. A LIST OF THE AWARDS TO CANADA. Note. This List is not confined to successful Exhibitors from Canada East, but includes those belonging to hoth sections of the Province. NAME OP EXniBITOn AND AWARD. OBJECT REWARDED, AND REASONS. CLASS I. Mining, Quarrying, Metallurgy, and Mineral Products. Medal. Billings, E., of the Geo- logical Survey English and Canadian Mining Company Eastern Townships, C.E. Foley and Co. . Hunt, T. Sterry, of Geo- logical Survey La Eue and Co., Three Eivers, Canada East. Montreal Mining Com- pany. Taylor, A. The Officers of the Geo- logical Survey of Ca- nada. Walton, E, Melbourne Eastern Townships, C. E. West Canada Mining Company. Williams, for Canadian Oil Company. Honorable Mention. Davies, W. H. A., Acton, Eastern Townships, C.E. For his published decades on Ca- nadian fossils, and his valuable general contributions to palaBon- tology. For the skill and perseverance with which they have opened their ground, and the discovery of deposits conformable with the stratification. For plans of mines, ores, and lead, smelted in the colony. For the instructively - described series of the crystalline rocks of Canada, and his various pub- lished contributions to geological chemistry. For excellent cast iron railway wheels from bog iron ore which have run 150,000 miles. For interesting series of copper ores, accompanied by plans and sections of the workings. For good specimens of crude and prepared gypsum, with plans and section of the gypsum mines. For an admirably prepared collec- tion of specimens, illustrating the mineral resources of the pro- vince. For the discovery of good roofing slates. For specimens and plans illustrating a well worked copper mine. For introducing an important in- dustry by sinking artesian wells in the Devoman Strata for pe- troleum. For interesting and instructive spe- cimens from a remarkable de- posit. IG AWARDS TO CANADA. NAME OF EXniBITOE AND AWAED. OBJECT EEWAEDED, AND EEASONS. CLASS I. — continued. Mining, Quarrying, Metallurgy, and Mineral Products. Hon. Men. — continued. McCaw, T., Ascot, East- ern Townships, C.E. Sweet, S. and Co., Sut- ton, Eastern Townships, C.E. For fine and instructive specimens of ores, running with the strati- fication and illustrating the struc- ture of the country. For fine and instructive specimens of ores, running with the strati- fication, and illustrating the struc- ture of the country. CLASS II. Section A. Chemical Products. Medal. Benson and Aspden Canadian Oil Works McNaughton, E. A. Pearson, Brothers . Samples of Indian com starch. For the excellent quality of samples. For an extensive exhibition of the derivatives of petroleum. Flour and potato starch — for the excellent quality of samples. For an extensive exhibition of the derivatives of petroleum. CLASS III. Substances used for Food. Section A. Agricultural Produce. Medal. Agricultural Board of Upper Canada . Agricultural Society of Huntingdon, one medal to grower, Canada East Agricultural Society of Wellington Agricultural Society of Wentworth and Hamil- ton, (three medals for growers) Boa, W., Canada East . Denison, E. L. Evans, W., Canada East Fleming, J. . Johnstone, B. Logan, J., Canada East . Peel (County) Agricul- tural Society — Medal to John Lynch, Secre- tary .... Shaw, A. . . . Agricultural Society of Beauhamois, Canada East (two medals to growers) Wdson, J. . . . For samples of wheat from various counties, of excellent quality. For peas, 40 bushels per acre, grown by John Percil. For wheat of excellent quality. For blue-stem wheat grown by J. H. Anderson; for red chafi* wheat grown by John Smith ; for po- tatoe oats grown, by A. Gorie. Very superior in quality. For all his samples in collection. Indian com stalks. For extraor- dinary growth. For collection of grains and seeds, excellent and interesting. For seeds and grains, as excellent and interesting. , For sample of Soule’s winter wheat, of excellent quality. For spring wheat of excellent qua- lity. For barley, peas, and two kinds of spring wheat, all of excellent quality. For rye of excellent quality. For fiax seed gi'own by C. Bergoin ; for grass seed grown by C, Tait. For oatmeal of excellent quality. AWAKDS TO CANADA. 17 CLASS III. Substances used for Food. Section B. Grocery and Prepa- rations of Food. CLASS IV. Animal and Vege- table Substances used in Manufac- tures. Skctfon C. Vegetable Substances j used in Manufac- ! tures. I NAME or EXHIBITOR AND AWARD. Honourable Mention. Tlie Agricultural Society of Huntingdon, Canada East .... The Agricultural Society of Wentworth and Ha- milton Badham, F., Eastern Townships, Canada East Logan, J., Canada East . Shaw, A. . . . Wilkins, C., Canada East Medal. Brown, D., Cowansville, Eastern Townships, Canada East Eeinhart, Gr., Montreal, Canada East Honourable Mention. L’Heureux, Rev. F. L., Canada East Medal. Blaikio and Alexander . Bridge, Andrew Eddy, E. B., Ottawa Iiigersoll, C. Lewis Laurie, James McKee, Hugh Moore, T. Nelson and AVood, of Montreal, Canada East Patton, Duncan and Co., Quebec, Canada East Provancher, the Abbe, Canada East OBJECT REWARDED, AND REASONS. For barley grown by Mr. McNaugh- ton. The collection of wheats. Good- ness of quality. For oats of good quality. For barley. Goodness of quality. For Indian corn and marrowfat peas, excellent quality. Indian corn, goodness of quality. Maple sugar. Excellence of quality. Hams. Excellence of quality. Maple sugar. Illustrative. For dressed flax. For a tub on a new principle of construction, exhibiting much taste and ingenuity. For machine-made wooden pails and tubs— at exceedingly low prices. For a cask constructed on a new and ingenious principle, for live liquids. For planks and logs, and 21 named specimens of woods from Ontario district. For a scientifically-named collec- tion of 98 of the woods of the colony, accompanied with leaves, &c. For a large collection of excellent handles for tools and implements in hickory and other woods. For whisks and brooms of Sorghum straw, at very low prices, from Is to 6s per dozen. For 19 very fine squared logs of timber. For a very extensive, accurately named, and extremely well illus- trated collection of the woods of B 18 AWAEDS TO CANADA. ITAME OF EXHIBITOn Am) AWARD. OBJECT EEWARDED, AJH) .REASONS. CLASS IV. — continued. Animal and Vegetable Substances used in Manufactures. Med. — continued. Sharp, Samuel Skead, James Van Allen, D. E. . the colony, accompanied with dried specimens, useful informa- tion, vning Street, 4th June, 1862. My dear Dr. Lindley, Now that the Colonial Department of the International Exhibition is very nearly complete, I must express to you, first, my thanks for the trouble you took in showing me the various productions, and, next, my extreme admiration of the spirited and successful manner in W’hich the Colonies, with scarcely an exception, have responded to the invitation of the Commissioners to send specimens of their natural pro- ducts and their industry for the information and, I may well add, the instruction of the Nations of Europe. It is impossible that such a display of what the Colonial portions of the British Empire can produce should be without a very material infiuence upon the future prospects and prosperity of each of them. In gold and other metals, in cereal produce, in timber, in wool, above all in cotton, the visitors of the Exhibition will find the English Colonies eclipsing all competitors, and I am much mistaken if Foreigners will not find in the department allotted to them more to excite their admiration and wonder than in the more showy and artistic displays, which do so much credit to the taste, energy, and manufacturing power of the mother country. I assure you that not only officiaUy but individually I am delighted at the position before the world which the Colonies have assumed in the Exhibition. I am, my dear Dr. Lindley, Yours very sincerely, Newcastle. 29 Copy of a Letter addressed hy the Canadian Commissioners to Dr, lAndley, Canadian Department, Exhibition Building, July 14th, 1862. Dear Dr. Liin)LET, The Canadian Commission here having been reorganized in consequence of the approaching departure of some of its members, we feel that we cannot separate without tendering to you our heartiest thanks for the unwearied attention you have given to Colonial interests, and for the assiduous labour you have devoted to the discharge of the onerous duties imposed on you as Colonial Superintendent. The governments and people of the several Colonies represented here owe you a debt of gratitude for what you have done in their behalf on this occasion, as on that of the first great International Exhibition, to which on behalf of Canada we desire to give expression. We consider ourselves fortunate in having been brought into official connection with a gentleman who so thoroughly understands and appreciates the great resources of the Colonial Empire. Wishing you many happy years in which to enjoy the general esteem, and the distinction in the scientific world which you have so fairly won, We remain, dear Dr. Lindley, Your very obedient servants, W. E. Logan, J. Hurlburt, B. Chamberlin, Henry H. Miles. John Lindley, Esq., M.D., F.R.S. &c. &c. Copy of Dr. Lindley s Beply. August 41 h, 18G2. My dear Sir, The flattering letter you have been so kind as to send me on the part of the Canadian Commission demands my warm acknowledgments. Could anything add to the satisfaction of feeling that one has done one’s best to execute faithfully a public duty it is the knowledge that the endeavour is appreciated by those best able to form a correct judgment. I must, however, observe that nothing which I may have done would have been of value to Canada in the absence of the admirably-directed and untiring exertions of yourself and your brother Commissioners. Pray do me the favour to convey to them the assurance that I feel most sensibly the extremely kind manner in which they and yourself have done the honour to address me. I am, yours very sincerely, John Lindley. B. Chamberlin, Esq., Secretary, Canadian Commissioners. f I k I Ptyriiu’ii/' QUEBEC THREE R/yERS idington\ blandforcX. NELSON \ STAN FOLD BULSTRODE/ WENDOVER INVERNESS HORTON jSJ^AND Of ^ HALIFAX GRANTHAM WARWICK SIMPSON \ BROUCHTO^A CHESTER IRELAND THETFORD \ WICKHAM KINCSEY TINOWICK .CTON WOLFESTON IRAINE DURHAM ADSTOCK CARTHBY ROXTON ST JOHN^ nWOTTON MELBOURNI •ORSVTj SHENLEY WINDSOR CRANBY / [STRATFORI JERSEY SHEFFORD WEEDOJ BROMPTON DUDSWELL \ AYLMEI DORSET STUKELEY WINSLOW .^STANBRIDCE ® ' n 1 1 u MARLOW/ GAYHURST WEST BURY ''^/uuInvoJCiy n ^ BOLTON MACOC, hen/irr EATON HAMPDEN Wxtlai'iJJf NEWPORT CLIFTON AUCKLAND / HEREFORD Ilf tl)r EAS TERN TOWNSHIPS OF J.OWEli CAXADA Sca/x: of S/iz/u/r Mi/as to "W / (SC T- HATLEY, MAGOG . POTTOIVj^^^;.'"^ - E / _ CO kTLEY i STANSTEAD " ^ Siztnxstecul BARNSTON S'' ""X LINGWICK \ ' V- WHITTON BIXBOROUCH ./■ MARSTON SPALDING I / ' • \'“ / DITTON jr ^DITCHLEY cheshamXlintq^.''"^^ / i /"■--. / / 'y ‘ Z-r - / ' *' N / Coburn ' \ t 1' A«hb«* Bcd£jrtl 55 Ccmr THE EASTERN TOWNSHIPS OF LOWER CANADA. CHAPTEE L INTRODUCTION — OP CANADA GENERALLY. Colonists sojourning in England are sometimes amazed at the vague- ness of the knowledge possessed by the English public on subjects relating to their own possessions abroad. It might of course be expected that people generally would be ill- informed about the more recently founded colonies — but it is remarkable that such should be the case with respect to those which have cost England dear for their acquisition, defence, and maintenance, and which, in the increase of their population, the development of their internal resources, and their progress in self-government and the arts of life generally, are beginning to afford indications of fitness to assume, at no distant day, the position of independent nations. Not to speak of the several communities of British North America, but confining the attention to Canada alone, it cannot but be a subject, both of regret and of surprise, that the value of this great province, as an integral portion of the British Empire, should be so imperfectly realized here. Every person who is really acquainted with Canada, and who is not under the influence of prejudice or party spirit, knows that this is the case. Whether Colonist or not, no man can doubt it ; one has only to refer to the course of current events, the debates in Parliament, the editorials of leading newspapers, and the tone of conversation out of doors. Under these circumstances, the writer of the following notice, although his aim is to present information about a mera section of Canada, finds it necessary to his purpose to begin by referring to the country at large, seeing that it is in name alone really known to the majority of the British public. Let us understand, at the outset, that the past progress of the Province, its value and future prospects, can be far more distinctly apprehended through statements made in the American House of Congress than through what transpires from the lips of members of our own British Parliament. In Eeports prepared by American Committees of the House of Eepre- sentatives all facts of material importance relative to Canada are pro- minently set forth for the information of their own people ; all the hitherto discovered natural resources, peculiar advantages of position with respect to contiguous territory, progress achieved in past years, and estimates of what may be looked for in future, are brought out with so much clear- ness and force that no man can rise from the perusal of those Eeports 32 without reflecting that, were they not framed expressly in view of dealing with certain commercial treaties now subsisting between the United States and the Province, the Americans must be contemplating the arrival of that period when John Bull’s apathy about his foreign possessions should attain its climax, and when that ancient Province should be cast adrift on the world. After duly placing on record “ that Canada consists chiefly of a vast projection into the territory of the United States — that it possesses a coast of nearly 1000 miles on the river and gulf of St. Lawrence, where fisheries of cod, herring, mackerel, and salmon, are carried on successfully, in addition to the valuable fisheries in its lakes — that it is rich in metallic ores and the resources of its forests— that its territory is peculiarly favour- able to the growth of wheat, barley, and other cereals,” these Reports present two remarkable statements worthy of the attention of every thoughtful well-wisher of the British Empire. “ The British possessions on this continent have now a population nearly equal in number to that of our Union at the time of its origin, and nearly twice as large as that of the seven originally seceding states, sprung from the two great rival nations of the Old W orld,” and “ during the last quarter of a century the population of Canada has increased more than fourfold, from 582,000 to 2,500,000 ; and it is computed that Canada alone, if her past and present rate of increase is continued, will have twenty millions of inhabitants at the end of this present century, numerically exceeding the population of Great Britain when this century began.” The foregoing extracts at least prove that our American rivals do not regard the “ Canadas” with any feeling akin to contempt, while the state- ments embody facts which the truly loyal Canadian people would earnestlv desire their fellow subjects in England to give them some credit for when- ever partizanship at home takes tlie form of uudervaluing the colonies, or of menacing them with tlie withdrawal of British military protection. Lying between the meridians of about and 90“ west, and, for tlie most part, between the parallels ot 13“ and 53“ of north latitude, Canada is within ten or eleven days’ sail of the principal English and Irish sea-ports. It is possible however, on occasions of importance, for intercom municatiou to take place in about six days through the aid of telegraphic connection between England and Queenstow'ii or Londonderry on this side of the Atlantic and between Belleisle and Quebec on the other. In fact, so far as distance is concerned, Canada may now" be held to be virtually no further off from the British Isles than Scotland or Ireland were from the Metropolis seventy or eighty years back. Nor has the advancement of the country been confined solely to the discovery and development of natural resources. Conjointly with these and the increase ot population noticed in tlie American Reports, very great progress has been accomplished in all that goes to constitute foundations tor future national existence. Even if comparison be made with the 33 United States themselves there has been no greater improvement during any decade of their wonderful history up to the breaking out of their civil war than that witnessed in Canada during the ten years terminating in 1861. Yery important and for a long time embarrassing questions, relating to municipal and political privileges, religion, education, adminis- tration of the law, and the abolition of feudal tenure, have been satis- factorily adjusted. Nor can there be any reasonable doubt but that all remaining hindrances to the political and social welfare of the people of Canada will in due time be surmounted. Prom the narratives of emigrants and visitors issued twenty years ago, people in England who have not looked further into the matter can form no just estimate of the facilities for conducting all the internal business of the country. Long journeys of 400 and 500 miles can now be performed by rail with a degree of comfort, speed, and punctuality not surpassed in any country of Europe. Indeed there are at least 2000 miles of railroad communication in operation in Canada alone. At the same time there is scarcely any settled locality in the Province from which the inhabitants do not enjoy perfectly easy access to other parts, and from which, whether travelling for pleasure or for business, they cannot readily pass to any leading place in the American Union or to the sea-board for the purpose of embarking for Europe. The gigantic river St. Lawrence, expanding in the interior into five immense lakes or inland seas, supplies, at least during seven or eight months of the year, the requisites of cheap water communication through the entire length of the country. Through this natural channel vast stores of grain and provisions are transmitted from the west to the ports of Montreal and Quebec, and, as may be conceived, while we are speaking of a water route of thousands of miles, the lumber and other products of the forests and soil of Canada, find their way to the same outlets through numerous considerable rivers, by which the regions lying north and south of the St. Lawrence are drained into that river. Impediments to naviga- tion at several points above Montreal are surmounted by means of a mag- nificent system of canals, whose construction, though costly, was indis- pensable tor procuring a free communication between the ocean and the Lake regions, by means of steamers and sailing vessels. A very common objection to Canada is stated to be its rigorous climate. It would be easy to demonstrate to the satisfaction of every candid mind that the objection is without any real foundation. The inhabitants themselves do not find their ordinary avocations interrupted by severe weather to an extent greater than is the case, in some form or other, in all the known countries of the world. Indeed the atmospheric irregularities of all countries under the sun are probably felt by their own inhabitants to be as objectionable (and in most cases more so) as the occasional extremes of heat and cold in Canada. The monsoons of the East, the siroccos of Italy and Spain, the whirlwinds and hurricanes of the West c 34 Indies, the drenching and continuous rains of the Tropics, and even the foggy, moist atmosphere of Great Britain, might, with equal force, be cited in disparagement of regions contentedly occupied by millions of the human race. In fact, the lowness of temperature which occurs a few times between December and March is proportionably compensated by the dry, pure, and quiescent state of the air, of which the effects are healthful and exhila- rating. The monotonous aspect of a vast tract covered with snow from the beginning of December to the end of March does not afflict the feelings of the Canadians as it appears to do the minds of those who quote it in England as a drawback. Eor then is the time for the most joyous inter- change of visits of relatives and friends throughout the country, and residing separated from each other by considerable distances. While there is plenty of profitable occupation at home of various kinds, for those who have farm premises and stock to look after, the repose of nature and the excellent snow roads invite all to indulge themselves with occasional holiday trips across the country. Very few indeed are so poor that they cannot participate in such winter recreation as is afforded by a sleigh-ride ; not to speak of the convenience to all, both rich and poor, wherever located, of having access to neighbouring markets over roads more smooth and comfortable than the finest turnpikes of England. In short, to the great bulk of the inhabitants of Canada the winter time is the happiest, and perhaps no greater calamity could befal them than during one winter season to have their territory denuded of snow, seeing that this at once provides them with ready and agreeable means of locomotion, and protects vegetation, preventing its temporary suspension from becoming perpetual through the destructive agency of frost. It may appear to some not a little singular in connection with what is here said about Canadian winters that the people of England should be so generally impressed with senti- ments of an opposite kind. As a probable reason, we may, perhaps, attribute their origin to the narratives of the earliest visitors to British North America, followed in more recent times by the accounts of trials endured by the earlier settlers and emigrants, who went ill-prepared to encounter any considerable changes of climate. The misapprehensions existing on the subject have thus come down as an established tradition to the present time. They operate, it is feared, in preventing the most ancient and nearest colonies from receiving speedily such accessions of emigrants as are alone needed to place them on a footing of permanent pi^osperity. Some persons, indeed, emigrate who are unfitted to prosper either at home or abroad, and such are too ready to ascribe to causes external, and beyond their control, their own want of success. It may be added, that as yet colonial life in any part of the world is necessarily accompanied with the experience of a state of things different from that which subsists in the oldest and most civilized countries ; so that those who are only fitted to exist amidst the superabundant requirements of elegant life in England and Erance, usually do, when they come to Canada, 35 complain of the unexpected high and low temperatures that sometimes occur there. But, so far as respects people in general and the ordinary avocations of agricultural, professional, and even refined life and inter- course, there is no substantial reason for asserting that the climate of Canada unfits it for becoming the seat of a numerous, prosperous, and contented people. On the contrary, various facts, which will present themselves in a more advanced part of this notice, amply suffice to disprove the objections commonly raised on that score. It is understood that the territory of Canada embraces a surface of about 350,000 square miles. Her present population may be stated at about 2,600,000, having under actual cultivation upwards of 10,000,000 of acres of land. Of the whole population, about 2,250,000 may be reckoned as belonging to the rural districts, the remainder, being about one-tenth of the whole, living in the towns, and constituting the population of the seven principal cities, Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa, Kingston, Toronto, Hamilton, and London. The cities of Montreal and Quebec in Canada East are by far the most populous in Canada ; and the former is progressing in wealth and every substantial advantage, at a rate of which there are few parallels in the whole world. The population of Montreal probably exceeds 100,000, while that of Quebec, which was only 40,000 in 1851, has now attained to between 60,000 and 70,000. The cash value of all the farms and live stock of the rural population may be set down at upwards of ^110,000,000 sterling. When we reflect that this large amount of property is owned by people who for the most part, either themselves or their immediate predecessors, took little or nothing with them into their adopted country — that they want for scarcely any single blessing, whether political, municipal, spiritual, educational, or social, that appertains to the prosperous portions of any civilized community elsewhere — that throughout Canada a man with his family can retire to rest at night with a conviction that when morning comes again he will rise secure in the possession of what belonged to him the day before, and in the same perfect liberty of speech and action — we cannot refrain from wondering that so many thousands of families, consti- tuting the surplus population of G-reat Britain and other crowded European countries should unnecessarily continue to live in comparative scarcity and anxiety about their daily wants. It is only, however, by descending to actual details that any exposition of Canadian resources can be made clearly intelligible to those for whose benefit chiefly it is intended — besides which descriptions applicable to dif- ferent parts of the country would necessarily vary much. The writer, therefore, does not conceive that there is occasion to devote more space to remarks about the colony at large, but that it will be more useful to confine himself chiefly to a brief description of that important section, with the circumstances of which, by personal experience, be is best acquainted. c 2 3G \ CHAPTEE II. m THE EASTEEH TOWNSHIPS. GEOGEAPHICAL POSITION AND NATUEAL PEATUEES — EAELIEST SETTLEES — POPULATION AND OCCUPATIONS OF THE INHABITANTS — COMPAEA- TIVE EEFEEENCE TO THE UNITED STATES AND NEW SETTLEMENTS IN THE FAE WEST — POLITICAL AND MUNICIPAL PEIVILEGES — TAXATION. The earliest European settlements in Canada were distributed in the vicinity of the Grulf and Eiver St. Lawrence, more especially where the cities of Quebec and Montreal now stand, and in the splendid and exten- sive valley of that great river. In this valley, to the south of the St. Lawrence, the most prosperous settlements were permanently established, and there, to this day, the great bulk of their descendants flourish, consti- tuting the majority of the French Canadian population of Lower Canada. Further south of the St. Lawrence, beyond the French settlements, and lying eastwards of Montreal, an extensive tract is included under the designation of The Eastern Townships.” It is a tract of about one-sixth the size of England, if we take in all the portions of territory which is comprehended in the Government Surveys. A full “ township” should enclose a surface of ten miles square^ or one hundred square mileSf and there are between ninety and one hundred such divisions ; so that the Eastern Townships may be spoken of summarily as a region comprising nearly six millions of acres. The settling of the Eastern Townships, now occupied by what may be called an English speaking Protestant community, may be stated to have begun about the beginning of the present century. Many of the earlier occupants of the territory were royalists from the neighbouring New England States, persons of indomitable energy, who accomplished by their self-reliance, industry, perseverance, and skill, a conquest more or less complete, in various directions over the obstacles presented by nature. *These have for the most part passed away, after stamping deeply upon the character both of their descendants and of the emigrants who joined them from other parts of the world, the impress of their own enterprising and virtuous dispositions. Through the efibrts and assistance of the Govern- ment at different times in establishing roads and encouraging settlement by grants of land, much was done ; but still more credit is due to the exertions and example of various patriotic individuals, and especially to the officers of one of the settled institutions of the townships — The British American Land Company — of which some account will be given in a future page. At the present time, as will be shewn, the occupants of the Eastern 37 Townships have attained to the possession of all requirements necessary to the happiness of a civilized community, and, favoured by all external circumstances, and with such accessions to their force as may reasonably be looked for in the shape of good inhabitants, attracted from the over- crowded populations in the old world, they will undoubtedly exercise a great influence upon the future destinies of Canada. In order to accelerate the results hinted at, nothing more seems to be needed than to make known in the proper quarters, their peculiar physical and other ad- vantages. The appended Map indicates the relative positions of the several ^ Townships, and the situation of the entire tract with respect to Quebec and Montreal and the adjoining territory of the United States. The most contiguous of the States are those of Maine, New Hampshire, Ver- mont, and New York. The map also shews the courses and positions of several principal rivers. The Chaudiere eastwards, the St. Francis pursuing a circuitous route through the midst of the Townships, the Yamaska and the Eichelieu to the west— all pursuing a northerly course and emptying into the St. Lawrence. The surface is everywhere intersected by other smaller streams, running for the most part into those which have been already named, and which, with many rivulets, beautiful lakes, and innumerable springs of the purest water gushing out of the ground, render the Eastern Townships one of the most picturesque and best-watered regions in North America. It is this circumstance — the abundance of running water with the diversified cha- racter of the scenery and surface throughout the Eastern Townships— conjoined with excellence of soil for agricultural purposes, that, physically speaking, confers so great an advantage upon them over all the rich alluvial tracts in the far West, which have of late years been so sedulously held up to view for emigration from the old world. The population of the Eastern Townships in the year 1862 may be stated at about 200,000. A great number of them . are as yet but very sparsely inhabited. The most populous, as weU as those longest settled, and most ^ advanced, are the townships of Orford and Ascot, Compton, Eaton, Mel- bourne, Shipton, and upwards of twenty other townships included in the counties of Stanstead, Missisquoi, and Shefford. Taking the whole of the townships together, as appears from the results of the late census, the average increase of population in ten years has been dhovit fifty per cent. It must be understood, however, that the great apparent increase which has occurred in those most recently occupied has arisen chiefly from the encouragement given to many families to remove into the new townships from the older settlements near the St. Lawrence. The greater part of the inhabitants of the townships are engaged in agriculture. The agricultural capabilities will receive a more particular notice further on. But although, as yet, the manufacturing portion of the population is small, it is believed, not even excepting the State of Massa- chusetts, no section of country in North America is more amply provided by nature with the fundamental requisites for establishing profitably manufactures of all kinds. Some progress has indeed been already made by the people themselves in that direction, as will be seen. In proportion to the inhabitants, the other occupations are duly fol- lowed ; Law, Medicine, Education, Commerce, engaging the services of a considerable number of persons. It may also be mentioned, in speaking of the population generally, and as a happy circumstance, w^hen the Eastern Townships are compared with the new settlements in the far West, that they are exempt from those hideous consequences attendant upon rapid growth in population and material prosperity, unaccompanied by a regard for the observance of the Sabbath, and provision for spiritual interests. A numerous and truly efficient body of clergy and ministers of religion of various Christian denominations live amongst the people, stationed at or near all the principal settlements in the district. In fact it has been for many years past too much the fashion to present to the minds of intending emigrants from over populous localities in Europe, the claims of those parts of North America which are situated, in many respects, beyond the confines of civilization. More remote from the great markets of the world, those distant, though fertile regions are known to be less healthy for settlers — far less fitted for becoming the seats of manufacturing as well as agricultural communities, far less amply stocked by nature with valuable timber and building materials, and, finally, those who have been attracted thither by glowing accounts of fertility which it would be idle to claim in favour of the more easterly British provinces, have commonly left behind them nearly all the advantages of civilized life. Many have returned ; many more would return, if it were in their power to do so, from parts where money is borrowed with avidity at fifteen to twenty per cent, interest, and where the crops of grain when raised cannot be profitably sold, and have even been employed as fuel because they could not endure the cost of transport by rail or steamboat. In fact, the inhabitants of the Eastern Townships are at the present time consuming, in the shape of flour, at about Jive dollars {one sovereign) per barrel of I961bs., wheat raised in the Western Country, and offered for that moderate price at their doors. Grain which has been transported so far for consumption, and which has been handled perhaps two or three times in its progress, cannot, as a matter of course, after expenses for storage, and the intermediate profit of agents and vendors, realize much to the parties chiefly interested — the growers. With the inducements ofiered for the introduction of more abundant capital for carrying on mining operations, for the working of the valuable deposits of marbles, soapstone, and other minerals, and for turning to account in various manufactures the immense amount of water power available within the limits of the Townsliips, it may be hoped, as has been already said, that it is only necessary to diffuse in the right quarters, 39 reliable information about their resources, in order to attract a more just share of the attention of emigrants from the British isles. Of persons dependent on agriculture alone, at least 20,000 additional families possessing small capitals, and industriously disposed, might at once locate themselves, and enter upon a career of comfort and usefulness which, in England or Scotland, as small farmers, they can have no reason- able prospect of attaining. Eor agriculturalists in a larger way, and possessing capitals from £1000 and upwards, there is no section of country in North America which holds out a more certain prospect of success. And, as regards families with moderate independent incomes, to whom, in Great IJritain, the present is so commonly embittered by thinking of the future, and by the feeling that while they have quite enough to live upon economically, they are quite unable to educate and start in life their chil- dren according to their wishes, a settlement in the Eastern Townships would at once give a new and agreeable turn to their prospects, relieving their minds immediately of all doubt and embarrassment. In view of considerable accessions to the existing population of the Townships, it may be stated that even in North America there are tracts of country less well fitted for agricultural occupations, less extensive, and at least not better provided with the natural requisites for establishing works and manufactures, which are found to have space for a very much larger number of inhabitants. Several of the States of the American Union might be cited as examples ; but it will be enough to refer to the New England State, Massachusetts. Although settled at an early period, this State is smaller than the territory of the Eastern Townships ; its soil is for the most part inferior. Its manufacturing capabilities have been industriously promoted, and its people display at all times a wonderful amount of energy of character, so that as a distinct community they exercise a very considerable infiuence upon the national proceedings. The number of its inhabitants is about 1,250,000, and will doubtless far exceed that in future years. If we make fair allowance for the better soil of the Eastern Townships, for their mineral and forest resources, and for their equal, if not greater natural facilities for manufactures, it becomes difficult X. to see why they also may not comfortably accommodate upw^ards of two millions of people. The parallel here suggested might appear over-strained, if it were not mentioned that the noble harbour of Portland, virtually a Canadian sea-port, and the natural outlet of the Grand Trunk Railway passing through the Townships, from which it can be reached in a few hours, is decidedly superior, in natural fitness for all commercial pur- poses, to the harbour of Boston. Another reason favouring the same inference is the immediate connection by railway between the Townships and each of our own cities and sea-ports, Quebec and Montreal. Nor should we omit all allusion, in this case, to our own form of government, more reliably permanent, and better fitted to the genius of the British colonists than that of their republican neighbours. The people of the Townsliips, while they enjoy perfect political freedom, derive an immense advantage from the absence of those perpetually recurring local, state and national elections (with accompanying changes of office-bearers) by which the whole of the United States are affiicted, and the minds of their inhabi- tants kept in an almost constant state of turmoil. It is proper in this place to say a few more words respecting the political and municipal advantages enjoyed by the inhabitants of the Eastern Townships, and we shall conclude the chapter with a statement of the amount of taxation to which they are subjected. Every man who comes from Great Britain to the Townships, retains all the privileges of a British subject, and a foreigner becomes naturalized after residing continuously for three years, on taking the oath of allegiance and residence. The possession of real estate worth £5 sterling a-year, or payment of an annual rent of £5, qualifies to vote for a representative in each branch of the Provincial Legislature — the Legislative Assembly and the Legislative Council. As representing and elected by the whole people of Canada, 130 members are returned to the former, or Lower House of Parliament, and 48 to the Upper. The Electoral Districts of Canada East are such that the Eastern Town- ships are virtually represented in Parliament by fourteen members in the Assembly, and five members in the Council, as portions of the Townships are in some cases included in contiguous territory. The right of petition is freely enjoyed — petitions being addressed, con- formably to certain simple formalities, to the Sovereign (represented by the Governor-General), and to each of the two Houses. The Session of Parliament usually begins in the winter time, about February, and con- tinues three or four months. Every man who is a householder, or resident possessor of real estate, votes in the election of seven JHunicipal Councillors lor the Township in which he resides, by whom one member, selected from amongst themselves, is appointed Warden, who acts as Chairman of the body, and represents his own Township in the County Council By these Town and County Councils, acting in conformity with their respective by-laws, all the local affairs are regulated — such as the imposition and collection of the taxes for constructing and maintaining roads, bridges, schools, proceedings of agricultural societies, &c. The powers of the Town and County Councils are prescribed by the laws of the land, as set forth in Acts of the Provincial Legislature. From what has been stated it will be seen that the inhabitants of the Townships enjoy all the privileges of representation in Parliament and of local self-government. On the important subject of Taxation, it may be added, that the indi- rect taxes, paid by the people on articles of consumption, are imposed by the Legislature for the sole purpose of meeting the expenses of the public service and the just claims of the public creditor; and the matter is so 41 adjusted that the burden falls lightest upon those classes who are least able to bear it. The local taxation, Established from time to time by tho Municipal Councils, is conducted on similar principles, and is freely open to the supervision of the parties principally concerned, and to correction in case of any inadvertence or inequality. But, in fact, the taxes are very small compared with the ability to pay them, while the prices of food and all the necessaries of life admit of a man’s living comfortably on what in England would be considered a very insignificant income. In cases of cleared land rented, although this is not very common in the Eastern Townships, a man in England would pay from £2, 10^. to £4 per acre annually, for land of less value than he could rent in the Townships for 15^, taxes inclusive. CHAPTEE III. CAPITAL TOWN, AND OTHEB TOWNS AND VILLAGES OP THE EASTEEN TOWNSHIPS. The capital of tho Eastern Townships is Sherbrooke, a town which for electoral purposes has between GOOO and 7000 inhabitants. It occupies both banks of the river Magog at its confluence with the river St. Erancis. The former river, after leaving the lake, called Little Magog, a few miles above Sherbrooke, descends in a rapid stream towards its junction with the St. Erancis, into which it rushes tumultuously after a succession of falls, thus creating an amount of water*power which, associated with the other natural advantages of situation, will, it is believed, render it the principal seat of manufactures in Lower Canada. The town also extends to the opposite bank of the St. Erancis, the communications across both the rivers being maintained by substantial bridges. It is represented in the Provincial Parliament by one member. The principal Courts of Law of the Townships are held here, and it is the chief way-station of the Grand Trunk Eailroad leading from Montreal and Quebec to Portland. Various manufactures are prosecuted; there being, besides iron foundries and mechanics’ work-shops, a woollen factory, paper mill, pail and tub factory, machine factories, grist and saw mills. A very well supplied market for provisions and all kinds of country produce is held twice a week, in addition to the monthly Cattle Fairs, established last year by the officers of the Land Company, to the great benefit of the district. The mails arrive and depart twice daily. Various chartered Companies have their head-quarters or branch offices in the town ; among 42 which may be named The Eastern Townships Bank, The City Bank of Montreal, The British American Land Company, The Mutual, and several other Eire and Life Assurance Companies. There are two local newspapers— the Sherbrooke Gazette, which has a large circulation in the Townships and elsewhere, and has now been con- ducted by its present editor and proprietor, with remarkable ability for about twenty-five years; and the Sherbrooke Leader, a paper recently established, and issued twice a week. The new Town Hall, of which a cut is given, with accommodations in the open space and sheds underneath, is built of brick, and adds greatly to the substantial appearance of the town. Of other public buildings and places of worship, St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, the Boman Catholic Church, the Congregationalists’, Methodists’, and the buildings recently built for schools, are all handsome structures, erected at considerable cost, of brick and stone, and remarkable for their appropriateness of design and architecture. The town is abundantly supplied with shops and stores, where every necessary and convenience of life can be procured — the old system of long credits and high charges, formerly so great a drawback to the country, being now discountenanced by all the principal business men, who, it may be added, are, as a body, distinguished for their integrity and fair- dealing. The medical and legal professions are represented by gentlemen of the highest order of abiKty in their respective callings, and of whom it is not too much to say that any where, even in the principal towns in England, they would necessarily command the respect and confidence of the people. There is as yet no local infirmary or hospital. The County Graol, erected many years ago near the Court House, is larger than experience has shewn to be needed by the number of criminals, of whom seldom more than one or two of a really bad class have ever been immured at the same time. Ho country town in America is better off for inns ; among the principal ones may be named the Magog House, conducted by Mr. Cheney, the Hotel of Mr. H. Cameron in Eactory Street, that of Mr, C. Cameron in Wellington Street, and Mr. Boote’s Hotel advantageously situated close to the Eailroad Station. In these inns the sojourner can procure very comfortable entertainment ; the charges are quite moderate, and, what is usually of equal consequence to strangers, one meets with the utmost civility and even kindness. There are many handsome private residences, both of wood and of brick, in and around Sherbrooke ; we may instance, on the north side, those of the Eev. C. E. Eeid, Sheriff Bowen, and Mr. Clarke ; and within the town, those of Dr. J ohnstone. Dr. Brooks, Mr. Sanborn, the late member for the county of Compton, Mr. Walton, Dr. Worthington, Mr. Eobertson on the bank of the Magog, and, on the street leading southwards, the TOWN HALL SHERBROOKE. 43 house of the mayor, J. G. Eobertson, Esq. The Hon. A. T. Galt, the Town member of Parliament and late Pinance Minister of Canada, also resides in Sherbrooke, as well as Mr. Henneker, the Chief Commissioner of the British American Land Company, the Hon. Hollis Smith, the elected member for the Wellington district to the Upper House of the Provincial Legislature, and the Hon. Mr. J ustice Short. Sherbrooke is situated in about 71® 55^ west longitude and 45° 22! north latitude. It would be impracticable to furnish here a full description of each of the numerous smaller towns and villages scattered through the Eastern Townships. Eor the most part they are situated near to the rivers and small streams, so plentiful throughout the region, and there are very few indeed so placed as not to have, in addition to grist mills, structimes with machinery erected for the purpose of applying, at least on a small scale, the abundant water-power. One universal characteristic strikes the eye of a visitor to the Town- ships. Every village has its church or other place of worship, its neat academy and school-house, and its one or two blacksmith’s forges. The contiguous country is almost always beautiful and picturesque, and there is no greater treat to a lover of fine scenery than to drive along the roads leading from one village to another. In the county of Compton we may mention the villages of Lennoxville (more particularly described in the appended letters), Huntingville, Waterville, Compton, Uafon Corner, Cooh~ shire. Bury, and Lingwiclc, BLuntingmlle, on the banks of the Salmon Eiver, is remarkable for its tannery and the long established and excellent grist and saw-mills, equipped in the most perfect manner by their enterprising proprietor, Mr. Mallory. Further south, at Waterville, about five miles from Lennoxville, on the line of the railroad, rather extensive works, including Iron Foundry and various applications of machinery, have been established, chiefly through the influence and exertions of Charles Brooks, Esq., the Warden of the County and Mayor of the Township of Ascot. It has a magnificent back country and many highly cultivated farms adjacent. The village of Compton, which has about 300 inhabitants, about 16 miles distant from Lennoxville, 18 from Sherbrooke, and one mile from the line of railway, is the immediate centre of a district presenting evi- dences of great agricultural prosperity, and the surrounding scenery is of the most beautiful description. The other villages named are in the eastern portion of the county. Eaton Corner with about 250 inhabitants, is 13 miles from the line, and is a thriving place, with a daily mail from the cities, and commu- nicating by stage with a great number of settlements in the adjacent townships. CooksUre, the county town, is the residence of the county member of Parliament, John Henry Pope, Esq., to whose enlightened and enterprising 44 character and liberality this portion of the country, and, indeed, the Town- ships at large, are deeply indebted for the promotion of their agricultural and other interests. The place stands on a site commanding one of the most beautiful and extensive views in the province. Circuit Courts are held here. It has communication daily with other neighbouring places and with the cities by stage to Lennoxville and Sherbrooke, from w^hich latter Cookshire is distant about 16 miles. Its population is from 250 to 300. Bury^ with a population of about 120, and Lingwick, are the most dis- tant villages in the county eastwards — the former 24i miles from Sherbrooke and the latter 35. The lands in their neighbourhood have attracted much attention during the last twenty years, and are thought to be equal to any in the province, and to offer very favourable prospects to settlers with small capital. Coaticooh, in the Township of Barnston, on the line of the Grand Trunk Eailway, about 20 miles south of Lennoxville, is a very thriving village of three or four hundred inhabitants. It is on the river Qoctticooky and in the vicinity of some of the principal rapids of that small river. As there is access to any amount of water-power, and the soil of the adjacent country is very rich, it is so favourably placed that it will probably become hereafter a large town. It is a port of entry, and several manufactures have been already established. The small towns and villages in the Townships south of Compton are numerous, and each is the centre of a fine farming district where the land is highly cultivated, and much attention given to the raising of the best breeds of live stock— horses, sheep, cattle, and pigs. Stamtead, close to the boundary line, has a population of about 1200. It is the residence of the late Provincial Secretary, the Hon. T. L. TerriU, as also of the County Member, Albert Knight, Esq. It is the county town, and the Circuit Courts are held here. There are also the Provincial Bank, Library Asso- ciation, and Mechanics Institute, the Academy, of high local repute, several branch Insurance Offices, and good hotels, and almost every descrip- tion of business is carried on. In the same county are Hatley (two villages of this name, called East and West Hatley), the beautiful village of Oeorgeville and Magog at the outlet of Lake Memphramagog. The scenery all across the country sur- rounding these last named places is such as to afford the most lively satis- faction to all visitors. Hear Hatley it is diversified by the presence of a considerable lake, whose margin consists, in part of bold hilly surface, and in part of cleared and richly cultivated land. Eurther on towards the south-west, Qeorgevilley stated to have about 300 inhabitants, is placed on the east side of the Lake Memphramagog y much visited of late years by tourists, e lake is about 30 miles in length, and extends across the line into the mencan territory. A small steamer plies on its surface during the summer season, affording, in the course of its daily run up and down the \ 45 lake, a prolonged succession of views of wliat many pronounce to be the most picturesque and most romantically beautiful scenery in Canada. In her trip the little steamer always calls at “ The Mountain House,’’ which is simply an inn on the west side, about midway down the lake, built at the foot of an eminence called the “ Owl’s Head,” rising abruptly from the water’s edge to a height of about 2000 feet. Here, as well as at George- ville, where there are two excellent hotels, many a visitor and tourist lingers awhile every season in enjoyment of one of the richest treats to be had anywhere throughout the province. Now that the passage across the Atlantic is accomplished with such speed and facility, it is not too much to expect that summer tourists from the British Isles may ere long begin the practice of going over for the purpose of witnessing for themselves the novelty and the attractions of this whole section of country, and of viewing nature under one of its most charming aspects. Lake Memphramagog can be reached from the railroad station at Sherbrooke or Lennoxville in a journey of less than 20 miles, over good roads. At the village Magog ^ where the water of the lake issues and forms the river of that name, there is a vast amount of water-power available, and which has been already applied to a considerable extent in various manufactures. Its population is rated at about 250. Northwards of Sherbrooke, and in the counties of Eichmond and Drummond, are several thriving small towns and villages, among which we may mention Eichmond, Melbourne, Danville, Durham, and Drummond- ville, with populations of from 200 to 400. The most noted of these from their situation are Eichmond and Melbourne, which are virtually one town, whose parts are connected by a covered bridge over the St. Erancis river. Eichmond occupies the right bank, and Melbourne the left, the united population of the two being between 700 and 800. As the Townships advance they are likely to become places of increasing importance, on account of the junction here of the Quebec, Portland, and Western branches of the Grand Trunk Eailway, and from being the seat of one of the leading Township educational institutions, Francis College, The surrounding country is rich in attractions both of scenery and soil, and contains many fine farms. Druifimondville is stated to have about 400 inhabitants, and Danville 300, the latter being near to the line of railroad between Quebec and Eichmond. Durham is about eight miles below Melbourne, on the St. Prancis, and has a population of about 220. Nearer to Sherbrooke are situated the rising settlements of Windsor and Bromp- ton Palls ; the latter remarkable for immense water-power and the great saw-mills established there, and conducted by Mr. Clarke the proprietor. These mills, being perhaps the most extensive of their kind in America, merit a more particular notice, and will be referred to further on. The village of Dudswell is 20 miles east of Sherbrooke, and contains about 120 inhabitants. The surrounding country is very hilly and pictu- resque. There are enormous deposits of limestone and the whole region t 46 is remarkable both for the facilities of procuring the best quality of lime and on account of the presence of various valuable minerals. Extremely beautiful varieties of marble are found in the vicinity, and as there is abundance of water-power it is believed that the attention of capitalists will be engaged in establishing works there on an extensive scale. It is also one of the best farming tracts in the Townships. Westwards of Sherbrooke are some of the oldest villages of the Town- ships, in the counties of Sheffordy Brome, and Missisquou The country in these directions possesses the richest soils, and is everywhere well stocked with water-power and valuable minerals. The scenery throughout is beautiful, and in many parts romantic. For a long time the inhabitants have enjoyed the benefit of excellent roads, but more recently their com- munications with the city of Montreal have been vastly improved by the construction of a second township railroad, called “ The Stanstead, Shefibrd, and Chambly Eailroad,” which is intended ultimately to connect with the terminus of the Passumpsic road, passing through the valley of the Con- necticut to Boston in the United States. The principal villages on this line of railroad are Waterloo, West Shefford, and Granby in the county of Shelford, and West Farnham in Missisquoi. W aterloo is a place of about 250 inhabitants, has a local newspaper, and a branch of the Eastern Townships Bank. West Bhefford is 68 miles distant from Montreal, and is situated on the pretty river Tamaska, with about 200 inhabitants. It is the resi- dence of the Hon. A. B. Poster, elected two years since a member of the Upper House of the Provincial Parliament. Granby in the same county, about 50 miles from Montreal, vid rail- road through St. John’s, has between 400 and 500 inhabitants. It also has a local newspaper, and various manufactures are carried on, and is a place which probably will become very important through its situation in a fine farming country contiguous to the railroad, and the existence of copper ores understood to lie in its vicinity. Froste Village, in Shefibrd, is a smaller place, of 150 inhabitants. West Farnham, in Missisquoi County, 35 miles from Montreal, has a population of about 800. Extensive saw-mills have been carried on here for some time, and large quantities of sawn timber prepared and exported to the United States, Frelighsburgh, Cowansville, Stanbridge, and Dunham, also in Missisquoi County, are considerable villages, of about 350 inhabitants in each. Philips- burg, in the same county, has a population of 500, and is the residence of the Hon. Philip Moore, of the Legislative Council. Stanbridge, in the township of that name and county of Missisquoi, has about 300 inhabitants, and is the centre of one of the wealthiest farming districts. The corporation of Eastern Townships Bank have recently established a branch of their institution in this place. In the county of Brome there are the villages of Knowlton^ Brome, 47 and Mansonville, with about 200 to 250 inhabitants each, Brome is the residence of the Hon. P. H. Knowlton, also a member of the Legislative Council of Canada. In addition to the foregoing towns and villages, mentioned by name as existing in the Eastern Townships, there are numerous smaller places and settlements springing up in different parts, of which there does not seem to be occasion here to offer any particular description. CHAPTER IV. - CLIMATE OF THE EASTEEN TOWNSHIPS — AGEICIJLTUEE — MANUFACTtJEING CAPABILITIES. We have already alluded to the long-prevailing misapprehensions respect- ing the climate of Canada in general. These make it difiBcult, in relation to any one section of the province, to procure that amount of careful attention to the facts which is necessary to enable a mere reader to acquire for himself a rational knowledge of the subject. A person’s previous experience of the climate of the British Isles, as indicated by numbers expressing the temperature^ moisture, &c., is a very poor guide in this case, and few indeed of the thousands w^ho annually emigrate are either fitted to make correct deductions or willing to encounter the trouble this would involve. It may be added that the effects upon the feelings are usually not measurable by means of the numerical statements. A damp winter, for example, in England, may, on the whole, produce more disagreeable sensations of cold (with a thermometer seldom descending to ten degrees below the freezing point) than those experienced by residents in Canada, who occasionally witness a temperature 40 or 50 degrees lower down in the scale. Under these circumstances, the writer, in presenting the following brief Summary of the Climate of the Eastern Townships, will confine himself chiefly to the statement of such facts as any general reader can found a judgment upon, writhout neglecting altogether to furnish the data required by those conversant with meteorology. The chief authority at present on meteorological matters in Canada East is Dr. Smallwood, whose observatory is situated in the neighbourhood of Montreal. Eor ingenuity of device, fidelity of observation, and sagacity in generalising the results and deducing useful practical deductions, he is well known to scientific persons on both sides of the Atlantic. He was preceded in these pursuits by a gentleman who has long occupied a prominent 48 position in liowcr Canada, and who has boon styled by Professor Smallwood himself the “ Pioneer of Canadian Meteorology,” now the Hon. Mr. Justice McCord, and the Chancellor of the University in the Eastern Townships. Other observers m different parts of the country have preserved records of the principal facts relating to temperature and the general state of the weather, some of which extend back more than thirty years. Prom printed reports for a series of years, kindly furnished by the above-mentioned authorities, the following small table has been prepared, shewing at a glance the conditions of mean pressure, temperature, and moisture for that part of Canada, both for the whole year and for each month : — Mean An- nual. Jan. Feb. Mar. Apr. May. June. July. Aug. Sept Oct Noy. Dec. Barometer (inches) . 29.7 29-7 29-7 29.5 29-7 29.6 29-7 29-7 29-7 29*7 29-6 29-8 29-6 Thermometer (Fahr.) 42® 13J» 17® 26i® 40® 54ji® 64® TIJ* 63i® 58® 46® 32® 16i® Humidity .... (Saturation, 100) 87 80 83 81 77 77 74 76 81 82 82 83 Note. — In a recent article on ‘‘Hardy Fruits in the International Exhibition,” a writer in the English Gardener's Chronicle and Agricultural Gazette makes use of tables of tem- perature (slightly differing from the above) for the vicinity of Montreal, deducing the conclusion “ that abundance of fruits can be successfully grown in Upper Canada but, in fact, the deduction, so far as reference to tables of temperature is concerned, should have been made for Canada generally, including Eastern Sections, where, as is well known, most j of tlie productions named are found in perfection, especially apples, plums, cherries, and most of the smaller fruits grown in gardens, or met with in a wild state. In the “ Colonization Circular,” No. 21, issued in 1862 by Her Majesty’s Emigration Commissioners, it is stated at page 95 that the Tnean range of the thermometer, ohser- vations taken for one year in Eastern Canada is for three summer months, and ll^® for the winter months. Not to dwell on the fact that the term mean range is here used in quite another sense than that intended by meteorologists, it is to be lamented that results for one year should ever be employed for such uses, as it not unfrequently happens that the mean for one of the three months included is from 4® to 8® higher or lower than the mean for the same month in a series of years. Thus, for July of last year (1861) the mean tem- perature was about 7® below the average ; and the December mean for 1859 was the lowest on record by about 5®. Instead of 1 1® for the mean winter temperature, as given in the Colonization Circular, it would probably be nearer the mark to say 13® or 14®. Twenty years ago, as estimated by J udge McCord, the mean winter temperatiu'c was given at from 16® to 17®, and the summer mean at 67® — the one differing from the result in the Coloniza- tion Circular by 5® or 6®, the other by upwards of 10®. The year selected for illustration of the climate of Canada must have been otherwise remarkable and exceptional, for we read on the same page that there were 309 fine days, and only 56 on which there was snow or rain in Eastern Canada — ^results which differ very (;pnsiderably fix)m those stated in the text. The tables for Montreal may, without essential variation, be employed to illustrate the climate of the Eastern Townships. Although these as yet possess no established observatory, the following statements may be con- fidently relied on, as the result of many years’ observation. I i 49 liiere are about ISO fine clear days annually, and from 90 to 100 more upon \\ hich we should call the weather fair. During some years (as in 18GI, an exceptional year, in this respect,) it has rained on upwards of lOi) days ; but m general, and including the continuously rainy, showery, foggy days, as 'w ell as tliose upon which snow falls, the average number scarcely exceeds 100. About 41 inches of water falls in the form of rain, mid 11 inches more in that of snow, making a total of about 62 inches. The amount of evaporation (allowing 20 inches and 10 inches respectively or summer and winter) is about 30 inches each year. Taking one year with another the direction of the wind is westerly for more than five months, but seldom blows from that quarter continuously above three days at a time. Thunder-storms occur from 12 to 15 times a year, and do not last long. Whereas in England not more than from 40 to 50 nights a year are understood to be suited for astronomical observations, this species of work can be prosecuted in the Townships on at least 120 nights. Occasional severe cold is experienced in the months of December, • an u.ar\, February, and March; but when the temperature is lowest the air IS usually clear, as well as conducive to good health and spuits. A j moderately low temperature, accompanied with wind, is far less grateful to > tlie feelings than those beautiful bright days for which the climate of Eastern Canada is celebrated, but upon which, judging by the thermometer alone, an European might be led to imagine the weather intolerably cold. W inter may be said to set in generally about the latter part of November, . commencing with a snowstorm and an easterly wind. The fall of snow is from seven to eight feet for the whole winter, which has usually disappeared roni the clearings by the second week in April. It is not uncommon, Jiowever, to find the snow later in coming, and the weather not unfit for out-doors farming operations, such as ploughing, &c., up to the close of JSovember. Sometimes the ordinary gardening processes may be begun in t le rst week of April. As a matter of choice, however, the inhabitants 1 would oil the whole welcome the access of snow at any early period after / the 15th of November, and its disapjiearanee about the same date in April. I In distant parts of Western Canada, where the winter season is a few days / later in commencing and where it is said not to linger so long by perhaps I 10 or 12 days, the advantage is not near so great as might be supposed, owing to the greater exposure of vegetation to frosts and the impassable clmracter of their spring roads. The statements of mean temperature, whether for summer or winter, do not however furnish adequate means of realizing either the intensity of tlie cold or the absolute heat occasionally experienced in the Townships. For example, although the means for January and February are stated respectively at 13sf and 17 , yet once or twice during each winter, gene- m the night shortly before sunrise, the thermometer sinks as low as o or 30» below zero, and even lower sometimes. Again, in the height of summer a temperature of 95“ to 100“ is occasionally registered, occurring 50 -usually in July, and for a short period, at about two or three o’clock p.m. Such incidents of low and high temperature occasion no particular incon- venience, and frequently pass unnoticed except by those who are in the habit of registering meteorological phenomena. Their occasional occur- rence is anticipated, and all possible evil consequences provided against in the common modes of building and securing beforehand adequate means of warmth in winter and cool currents of air in summer. In fact, throughout ' the Eastern Townships, the bodily comfort of the inhabitants generally during the winter season greatly exceeds that of the residents in most houses in England, because fuel is abundant and cheap food plentiful, and the other precautions requisite for protection from cold simple and of easy application. The occasions of intense cold customarily occur early after snow-storms, and are immediately followed by mild weather. A great many persons declare their preference of the winter to the summer season, i Erom about the latter part of August the weather in the Townships is exceedingly pleasant, and it is doubtful whether, in this respect, the climate of any country in the world is more agreeable. Towards October the scenery of the country becomes peculiarly attrac- tive, owing to the gradual changes of colour in the foliage which then present themselves. Wherever there are trees in view, the leaves are seen to be tinted with various hues of colour. Patches of wood, scattered over the surface, and especially extended masses of forest-trees viewed from any eminence, offer to the eye a very gorgeous spectacle, which, for brightness of colour, variety, and the charming aspect of the whole scene, would inspire disbelief if it were ever so truthfully delineated by the painter’s art alone. Some of the most pleasant weather of the whole year often occurs just before the winter sets in, and at that period commonly desig- nated the “ Indian summer'' This is accompanied with a peculiar hazy appearance skirting the distant horizon. The soft, balmy character of the air then resembles that of the real summer, as if it were, indeed, lingering on and trespassing on the confines of advanced autumn. In the Eastern Townships there is very little of that damp, foggy weather so well known to the inhabitants of London and other parts of England in November, when, as is alleged, the Londoners frequently find it so dark at eight or nine o’clock in the morning that they need artificial light to breakfast by. As respects salubrity and general suitableness for agricultural purposes, the climate of the Townships is probably superior to that of any other part of Canada. In page 95 of the “ Colonization Circular,” already referred to, it is stated : — The climate of Canada East, like that of the Lower Provinces, is unquestionably the most healthy in North America.^ Disease is unknown among the usual population, except that caused by inequality of diet or imprudent exposure to atmospheric changes. The dryness of the air is shewn by the roofs of houses covered with tin remaining so long bright, and by a charge of gunpowder remaining for weeks uncaked in a gun. ... If the real excellence of a climate depends upon the earth 51 yielding in perfection and abundance the necessaries of life, or those which constitute the principal articles of food for man and the domestic animals, then Canada East may compare favourably with any part of the world. The steadiness and the uniformity of the summer heat causes all grains and fruits to mature well and with certainty.” In proof that the climate of the Townships is healthful and conducive to longevity, it would be a good test to examine the census returns. Un- fortunately, the whole of the census report for 1861 is not yet published. We can, however, in this instance, partially illustrate the matter by means of the returns for the year 1851. In those of the Townships which were included in six counties as then constituted, and which had a population of 91,275, there were returned 2792 persons between 60 and 70 years of 1074 between 70 and 80, 327 between 80 and 90, 40 between 90 and 100, with 7 who had survived their hundredth birthday. This state- ment exhibits a fair proportion to the whole number of people that of the aged. A more extended examination of those returns furnishes similar favourable results as respects the mortalifj/ at the various periods of life> and especially in the case of children under five years. The people of the Eastern Townships are entirely exempt from aywe— that terrible scourge which is so prevalent through all the western districts of North American settlement. It is difficult to approach any discussion of the agricultural capabilities of the Eastern Townships without incurring a risk of seeming to advocate the claims of one section of Canada at the expense of another. This the writer desires by all means to avoid, as being both unpatriotic, and, in its tendency, injurious to the general interests of the country. As in England, i ranee and Belgium, so in Canada, different sections vary in a greater or less degree^ Some rich alluvial tracts in all extensive regions are pre- eminently fitted for the cultivation of the more important cereals — such as wheat with tlie attendant disadvantage of being less healthy as the seat of a numerous population. Others surpass in aptitude for the coarser grains and root crops as oats, barley, potatoes, turnips, and the grasses required for the profitable raising of cattle, sheep, and horses. In a country where labour is dear, as in Canada, it is plain that the agriculturist best consults his interest in applying himself to the cultivation of those articles M hich yield the greatest profit in proportion to his expenses for work. Now it happens, that while many of the farmers in the Townships do grow V heat of excellent quality — enough to supply their own wants — they find it more advantageous to attend to the rearing of sheep, cattle, and horses, and the cultivation of grass and the common grains, than to the growing of wheat on an extensive scale. It is, in fact, cheaper for them to allow their section to be supplied with flour from Western Canada than to raise this article themselves in sufficient abundance for the wants of the whole population of Canada East. Thus it happens that Canada East generally is less distinguished than Canada West as a wheat-growing d2 country. But the grass is better, as well as most of the ordinary root crops and coarser grains. The testimony of competent practical judges who '■ have paid great attention to this matter, and whose veracity cannot be impeached, goes to prove that the Eastern Townships are unsurpassed, if equalled, by any other tract in Canada for the purposes of sheep, dairy, j] and grazing farms. In the average, the Township farmers raise 40 or 50 bushels of oats per acre, sometimes 80 bushels, or more ; from two to three hundred bushels of roots, such as potatoes, &c. ; 40 to 60 bushels of maize or Indian corn ; and excellent grass year after year from the same fields from one to one and a half tons per acre. The climate and soil are excellently adapted for the cultivation of hops and flax. Of the last named article, flax, it may be confidently stated, that in no part of the world could it be grovm of a better quality and to better advantage. The region abounding in pure water — so necessary for the processes by which the fibre is separated from the straw, and on the careful attention to which the quality so mainly depends — with a climate and soil especially adapted for its growth, it is not unlikely that the Eastern Townships may become a great flax-growing country in the course of the next few years, stimulated by the extraordinary and increasing demand for fibre of a fine quality for the Leeds, Dundee, and Belfast markets. The early settlers of the Townships were in the habit of sowing small patches solely as a means of supplying themselves with house- hold linen. The separation of the fibre, and the spinning and weaving, were effected by comparatively rude processes, although a very excellent quality of linen was often produced. The domestic manufacture has, how- ever, decreased much of late years. But the old doctrine that flax-growing impoverishes the soil having been exploded, and replaced by the admission that under a proper system of rotation of crops and attention to ordinary requirements, the land is actually improved in its capabilities for every agricultural purpose, it is believed that advantage will now be taken of the opportunities offered in this direction. Flax is known to be one of the most valuable crops that can be raised, the return per acre being greatly in advance of that for wheat or any other cereal, Recently, a “ flax associa- tion ” has been formed in the Townships, under the auspices of E. W. Henneker, Esq., Commissioner of the British American Land Company, aided by some of the most influential farmers— the main object being to encourage this branch of agriculture by disseminating useful information about the cultivation of flax and its preparation for market. In the Townships farming is carried on upon every variety of scale — from the clearing of 12 or 15 acres with small loghouse as a homestead up to magnificent farms of several hundreds of acres wnth substantial dwelling- houses and out-buildings. Uncleared lands can be bought at two or three shillings per acre in some parts and at from 5 up to 25 or 30 dollars per acre for fine large farms, according to extent and situation. The steady persevering cultivator of the soil having a little capital to begin with, can 53 with prudence and tolerable management secure not merely a livelihood but also a comfortable competence, which has indeed, in hundreds of instances, been acquired by persona who had at first no pecuniary funds to start upon. Owing to causes which the writer does not feel called upon to discuss here, however much it may be a subject of regret, the display of Agricul- tural products of the Townships at the Great Exhibition is very small indeed. Accordingly, in such objects Mr. Brown of Cowansville, and Mr. Badham of Drummondville, alone received rewards — the former a Medal for his maple sugar,* and the latter an Honourable Mention for sample of oats. It appears certain that if the agricultural products and the local manufac- tures had been adequately represented by specimens prepared in their best fashion, a much larger number of awards would have been assigned to them, and the result altogether such as to present their section of country on a most favourable footing in comparison with any other portion of the British Colonies. The great natural capabilities of the Eastern Townships as a seat of manufactures has been already alluded to. It is believed that the advan- tages in this way could scarcely be over-stated. The inhabitants are most desirous that British capitalists should visit the country, look about them, and judge for themselves. In nearly evpry village and town, as well as in innumerable localities throughout the unsettled parts, there are water privileges to be had on almost any terms that a capitalist could desire. The facilities of a home market will steadily increase, whUe the low rates of taxation, easy access by railroad to the cities and to the United States and the seaboard, with the contiguity of splendid farming regions, and building materials of aU sorts to be had for the labour of procuring them on the spot, invite the attention of all manufacturers who export goods to America under great comparative disadvantages. Machinery driven by water-power can be kept running throughout the year, in winter as well as in summer, as is done in the capital town, Sherbrooke, and throughout the New England States. A theory loosely thrown out some vears ago by persons not conversant with these facts, and taken up in a few instances y interested persons— viz., that the water-privileges might prove unavailing in winter, has been entirely exploded. The same thing was alleged formerly respecting the working of Eailroads even in England, and durin^^ t le infancy of those undertakings the suggestion exercised some influence on timid minds. In fact, the grist and saw mills of the Townships are usually kept in operation throughout the winter, unless there should exist some temporary deficiency of water in the smaller streams, or some other cause, rendering it undesirable, in the judgment of their owners, to work ^I^*^**^ manufactures on a small scale are prosecuted generally by the inhabitants— including various processes in the use of iron and some * Most of the farmers supply themselves with this article of domestic nse from their cmn Co. Lombard Street, London, with the direction that it is to pass to “ The Eastern Town- ships Bank, Sherbrooke, Canada East,” in which case it is remitted by tlie eailiest mail through the “ City Bank of Montreal,” the city correspondent of the Eastern Towmships ' Bank, at whose office in Sherbrooke tlie amount would be paid to the parties entitled to ' receive it. In the case of purchasing shares in the Bank stock, the process would be * similar, accompanied with the requisite instructions to the cashier. Gl • low rates in the Old Country, for the benefit of residents in the Townships, can now be as securely lodged there, on the spot, and becomes productive of much greater revenue to the recipients. With a Bank of their own under the vigilant control of the resident stockholders, and the management of responsible Directors nominated by themselves, it would be difficult to overrate the advantage of this very useful institution, whether we consider its subserviency to the general interests of the section, or its convenience in the above named particulars to those who have occasionally to transact money business with correspondents in distant countries. Up to a recent period, and during the earlier history of the Townships, banking facilities were afforded by an Agency^ or Branch Bank, maintained , in Sherbrooke by the City Bank of Montreal. It is believed that this establishment, so far as it could safely spare any portion of its moderate capital from requirements in the city, accorded all reasonable accommoda- tion to the pecuniary wants of the community in and around Sherbrooke. Its connection with the Townships has not altogether ceased, since the Agency is still kept open for most kinds of money business, while its head office in Montreal acts as the city correspondent of the Eastern Town- ships Bank. The British American Land Company , — The interests of the Eastern Townships have now for thirty years been so intimately associated with the proceedings of this Company and their employes in Canada, that no account of the condition and progress of this section of country could be made \ intelligible without setting forth in some detail the nature of their opera- ' tions. In this connection tlie writer feels called upon to premise that he is entirely unbiassed by those partizan political feelings which in Canada are so frequently permitted to affect a judgment upon the actions of incorporated bodies. It is well known that sentiments unfavourable to corporations are often loosely expressed by people who take no trouble to think for themselves, and who, unacquainted with the real facts, accept, as such, the exaggerations and partial statements that sometimes find a hearing even in the Provincial Parliament. However much such a state of things is to be regretted —the necessary incidental accompaniment ^ possibly, of the pioneering days of a youthful people endeavouring to work out for themselves the destinies of self-government — there does exist ' a certain amount of touchiness on those subjects, which, whenever it is worked upon, has the harmful effect of strengthening prejudices, and of preventing those who may be under its influence from judging fairly about matters in w'hich their own interests are concerned. Eortunately for the Townships, however, prejudices of that nature have not been able to prevent them from deriving very great advantages from their connection with the British American Land Company, although this body has not been exempt from occasional attacks growing out of and founded upon those feelings. The Company, in England, is represented by a Court of Directors, con- G2 Bisting of a Governor, Deputy Governor, and ten other gentlemen, who, with duly appointed auditors, a Solicitor, and a Secretary, hold their business meetings in London.* In Canada, their affairs are conducted by a Commissioner^ whose head-quarters are established in the town of Sher- brooke, and who presides over the duties of a numerous staff^of officers and agents required in the management of the local business. In the selection of their Commissioners the Company have been singu- larly fortunate, and indirectly instrumental in benefiting the province at large. Some years ago the office was filled by Mr. Oalt. In his case, the Township people themselves subsequently endorsed the choice by electing him to represent Sherbrooke in Parliament, a position which he has continued, in virtue of successive elections, to hold to this day ; and, it may be added, the whole of Canada has in some sense expressed a concurrence and appreciation of the value of his services by his advancement to the post of Finance Minister in the Government. The successor of Mr. Galt, and the present Commissioner of the Company, is Mr. Henneker, who took up his residence in Sherbrooke some years ago. The active countenance which this gentleman has given to all measures for promoting progress, his business tact so valuable in local matters — the fairness which characterizes his dealings with the people who have transactions with the Company, as well as his kindly intercourse with all, and his high social qualifications, have rendered him an object of universal esteem in the Townships. A Company which has virtually given to the service of the colony two such men would be, on that account alone, entitled to grateful consideration. In the great work of colonizing and settling the territory of the Town- ships, the Company have necessarily exercised a very strong influence in consequence of being so large a proprietor, and because this description of proprietary is unaccompanied by the disadvantages of absenteeism. For the wild lands held, and for their property generally, it pays the legal taxes, and bears its share in the construction of the roads, bridges, &c., requisite to the opening up of new settlements. The lands possessed are not all in one block, but distributed through various distinct townships, in which every sale that occurs under its auspices, and every improvement effected, confer additional value upon adjacent properties. Immense opportunities of water-power are owned by the Company at Sherbrooke, and lower down the St. Francis on the opposite bank to Clarke’s Mills, and in a great many other localities. In the application of this, more particularly at Sherbrooke, mills and other works have been erected at the Company’s expense. These are placed by lease at the disposal of manufacturers and persons willing to carry them on upon equitable terms. In many instances all the capital * Offices, 35^, New Broad Street. 63 required for starting has been furnished by the Company, who, through their Commissioner and agents, assist in every way that can be reasonably expected, both as regards the prosecution of manufactures, maintenance in a state of repair and in rebuilding, and in rendering as small as possible losses which occur through fire and unavoidable accident. The Company have, in fact, virtually founded the town of Sherbrooke, the principal sources of its increase in wealth and population being the natural results of their own business or consequences of proceedings for developing the general resources of the section in which they have always taken a conspi- cuous part. In contributing to bring the railroad through that part of Canada, in promoting the establishment of the Eastern Townships Bank, and in various smaller undertakings of local importance, the Company has done that at the proper time and in the proper manner, which, if then omitted, would have left the Townships in a very much more backward condition than they have now reached. In the sale of their lands, “ the terms vary according to circumstances — the principal object being to secure an industrious and thrifty class of Settlers. “ A small payment at the time of sale is usually demanded to insure that the application is made in good faith ; and time is given for the pay- ment of the balance of the purchase-money. ‘‘ The price of Land varies from Ten Shillings to Twenty Shillings per acre, but the average price of good Farming Land is about Twelve Shillings and Sixpence per acre. ‘‘Improved Farms, with Buildings complete, may be purchased in any part of the Eastern Townships, at from £200 to £750 for a lot of 200 acres. “ Town Lots, in Sherbrooke Town, for trade or manufacturing pur- poses, may be obtained at from £30 to £50 per quarter-acre building lots, or rented, with water-power for manufacturing purposes.” The terms of the Company for water-power are very much more favour- able to the lessee than those customarily afforded throughout Massachusetts and in New England. The foregoing statement about the British American Land Company, as a Township Institution, would be essentially defective if the writer neglected to refer to its co-operation, through its officials, in all efforts for advancing the educational, social, and religious welfare of the inhabitants. The Commissioner is a trustee of the local university, and exercises a most useful influence upon its counsels. Assistance in money and donations of land have been contributed by the Company in order to promote religious worship in the settlements. The officers of the Company and their families add in a considerable degree, by their mere presence, to the social attrac- G4 tions of the neighbourhood, rendering it an object to new settlers having ! families to locate themselves within reach of intercourse with them. They are all gentlemen of intellectual character, and much respected in the community. The important office of Mayor of Sherbrooke is now filled by ■ J. Gr. Eobertson, Esq., who presented the Address on behalf of the Town ' on the occasion of the Prince of Wales’ visit, and was formerly for many years one of the principal officers of the British American Land Company. We shall now turn our attention to those institutions which are more expressly intended to promote intellectual, moral, and social progress. Without these, it i^ scarcely necessary to say, no country, however bounti- fully endowed with natural resources, can be held to be in the possession of * the essential requirements to happiness needed most by those who, leaving behind them the civilization of Great Britain, go to establish homes in the colonies. Education,-— In order to form an idea of the state and prospects of education in the Eastern Townships, it is necessary, in the first place, to say a few words about the laws of the Province framed in that behalf. The State places opportunities of education within the reach of every child. Whether the opportunities be made use of or not, taxes are required to be paid for educational purposes by all parents and owners of property. The public schools, more particularly the subject of Legislative enactment, are classified in three grades, — Primary, or Common Schools; Model Schools; ' and Academies^ or Grammar Schools — in which the instruction given rises by gradation from the most elementary up to the higher branches, for the further prosecution of which recourse must be had to colleges ^ud uni- versities, which latter grades in Eastern Canada, are included under the name of Superior Schools. The municipalities are divided into two or more School Districts, in each of which school-buildings must be erected and maintained, and in each municipality five School Commissioners are elected to form a corporation, to hold office for three years, and to execute various duties imposed on them by law. The duties include all objects appertain- ing to the management and disposal of property applicable in their districts to public education, the appointment and removal of schoolmasters and schoolmistresses, the regulation of course of study and fees, the raising of money from assessment and other sources, with power to prosecute persons who may neglect to pay their lawful portion of school rates. In conjunction with the foregoing provisions. Boards of Examiners are established, whose members are nominated by the Governor General with a jurisdiction extending, in the case of each Board, over the school districts contained in several counties, for the purpose of certifying the qualifications of teachers, who must hold diplomas from ^hese Boards before appointment fitiTirr*riMiiftr' 66 to oflBce by the School Commissioners. The regulations under which the Board of Examiners act, are prescribed by the Council of Fullic Instruct tion, whose provisions in that behalf, and in regard to the text books to be used in the schools, become law, after receiving the approval of His Excel- lency the Governor General. Every candidate for the office of teacher must be provided with certi- ficates of age and of good moral character — the latter to be signed by the minister of his or her own faith, and by school commissioners of the district lived in during the previous six months. For the due execution of the various provisions of the Educational Laws, there is a Superintendent of Education, appointed by the Governor General. The superintendent, who has a seat in the Council of Public Instruction, receives the reports required periodically from school commis- sioners and boards of examiners, and prepares annually a statement exhibit- ing the condition and progress of education throughout the country. He also receives and distributes, under the sanction of the Governor, the public funds allotted for educational purposes. It would require a large volume to present in detail an account of the scheme of education as established by law for the benefit of the present and future inhabitants of Canada East. In this section of the Province very great progress has been made in all essential particulars. Under the auspices of the present Superintendent of Education for Canada East, the Hon. P. O. Chauveau, who has now been in office a number of years suf- ficient to test the applicability of the laws to the wants of the people, the advancement has been, proportionally to circumstances, considerably more rapid than in the western section of the Province. It is due to that gentle- man to say, that those who have watched the course of things during his administration, including persons of a diflferent religious creed from his own, are agreed in ascribing to bis tact, enlightened views, and other admirable qualifications for office, the largest share of credit for success attained. Indeed, many of those who were at first quite opposed to the introduction of existing modifications and amendments upon the older educational laws, have quite changed in their sentiments on witnessing the ability and impar- tiality with which the duties of his important office have been discharged. It is perhaps well to mention that the educational scheme embraces the maintenance of three Normal schools for instructing and training teachers who are made to prosecute a course having special reference to the duties of their profession. In about fifty of the Eastern Townships, those most settled and occu- pied by English speaking and Protestant inhabitants, the latest publisheb statements of the Superintendent report upwards of 500 Educational £ Institutions of all kinds, attended by about 20,000 pupils. Amongst these are included 1 university and 2 colleges, attended by upwards of 300, together with 22 academies having more than 2000 pupils, and, of pnmary and model schools about 490, with about 15,000 scholars. The academies and other schools of the Townships are included . in two large districts, in each of which an Inspector, acting under the authority of the Super- intendent, is constantly employed. The duties of the inspectors are very onerous, requiring for their discharge the services of gentlemen of a very high order of ability. In their intercourse with the School Commissioners and Board of Examiners and for visiting the various schools under their local supervision, they must possess a combination of qualifications very difficult of acquisition, comprising a perfect knowledge of details of the Educational Laws, familiarity with the habits of the people, and experience in the arts of teaching and training youth so as to enable them to furnish useful suggestions to the teachers as well as to take up readily any branch of instruction for the purposes of examination on the occasion of their official visits. The post of Inspector in the important district which includes Sherbrooke and Townships in its vicinity has been filled for some years past with remarkable ability by Mr. Henry Hubbard. The Inspectors render periodical reports to the Superintendent, who is himself legally em- powered to inspect affairs and demand direct reports from any of the boards, officials, and institutions mentioned above. Under such arrangements, together with others, which it would be tedious to detail, a provision is made for executing the requirements of the law in regard to Public Education in the Townships. The whole business is, in fact, placed on a footing that would be pronounced highly satisfactory in comparison with the state of things existing in most European com- munities. Although the amounts to be raised by assessment in the Municipalities need not necessarily be more than equal to those allotted for educational purposes from the public funds, yet they are not unfrequently and volun- tarily doubled. The ratio of attendance is about one in six of an age fit for school, which exceeds that given by the returns of most countries. At the same time attendance is not absolutely compulsory, for this would be repugnant to the disposition of the people, but certainly it is encouraged by the requirement that every man must pay school rates whether he has children at school or not. The public schools adverted to derive additional support from tuition- fees, payable by the attendant pupils, who are, however, in cases of indigence, excused from any such charge. The fees chargeable in the primary schools may not exceed two shillings, and at the discretion of the G7 School Commissioners may be reduced to threepence per month. The Commissioners are not empowered to establish a higher rate than 30150 for the building of a model school or academy, and 3075 is the legal limit for a primary school. The lower grades of schools are not required to be kept in operation more than 8 months in each year, thus affording time for scholars of an age to work to assist in agricultural and other labours. In some of the public schools, especially in some of the academies^ the opportunities, both as to mode of teaching and appliances, and as regards extent of knowledge to be gained, are very superior. For the most part, however, they are limited to the more common, useful, and elementary branches of instruction, the provisions of the law contemplating chiefly what is necessary or indispensable in the way of general education. The terms College and Classical Colleges^ as respects Lower Canada, are usually applied to those institutions which, on a higher footing than the academies^ include some additional and special provision for teaching the elements of classical learning and of science. They receive a larger portion of public money towards their expenses than the other schools. In the classification adopted by the Superintendent, the classical colleges are placed in order after universities, and having what are styled industrial colleges inter- vening between them and the academies, which latter are placed fourth on the list. In the Eastern Townships there is one industrial college with upwards of 60 pupils and situated at Sherbrooke. Of the grade of Classical Colleges, there is also one, established at Richmond, and incorporated a few years ago under the name of St. Francis College. This institution is attended by upwards of 100 pupils, and has been afliliated to the McGill College of Montreal. It receives about 1100 dollars a year in aid from the public funds, and is supported by the efforts of private individuals, who are for the most part resident in the vicinity of Eichmond and Melbourne. The building, which is of brick, is situated on an eminence near the line of railway. The most important of the Educational Institutions located in the Eastern Townships is the University at Lennoxville. It was incorporated in the year 1843, under the name of “ Bishop’s College,” in consideration of the active part taken and the munificent contributions to its endowment made by its chief founder, the present Bishop of Quebec. Eoreseeing that the time would arrive when the youth of the country would need access to opportunities of prosecuting studies in the highest branches of literature and science, and anxious to secure in the future university a Eaculty of Divinity for the education of candidates for the ministry in the Established Church, his Lordship, with the advice and assistance of many friends E 2 68 resident in the cities and in the vicinity of the site selected, entered upon the arduous task of founding an institution of that highest class in t e Eastern Townships. It went into operation in 1845, at first with a very slender staff, and encountering, as a matter of course, various obstacles incidental to the circumstances of a new country. In due season, however, and in addition to the provincial charter of incorporation, it received the Eoyal charter conferring upon it the privileges of an university. It has now been in operation about 17 years. Its buildings consist of a plain brick structure, laid out internally in lecture rooms and accommodations for resident students, communicating in one direction with a handsomely- buUt wing appropriated as a residence for the chief officer. At the other end the main building is connected with a large Dining Hall, over whic apartments are fitted up for the use of the divinity students, having beyond it the College Chapel, a handsome edifice of brick and stone, whmh, thoug on a smaller scale than is customary in the European colleges, is probably superior in simple beauty and internal equipments to anything of the same kind yet erected in America. It is roofed with slate, procured from "Walton’s quarry in the Townships, and the interior woodwork, including the panelling, stalls, &c., is made of the tree {Juglans Cathartica\ grown in the neighbouring forests. Within the past two years extensive additions have been made, at a cost of from 25,000 to 30,000 dollars, laid out principally in the constniction of a very fine building, also of brick and stone, for the use of the Junior Branch and Grammar School of the College, which had previously occupied quarters in the village at some distance from the new structure. A little beyond this last stands the residence of the Sector in charge of the Junior Department. These new buildings are far in advance of any others in the Townships, and the lofty haU appropriated to the use of the Grammar School is superior in dimensions and equipments to anything of the kind that can be found in Lower Canada. The site of the university is on a slope contiguous to the confluence of the two rivers whose banks are occupied by the village of Lennoxville, and its buildings present to the eye a very pleasing appearance from almost every point of view, surrounded as they are by scenery of the most picturesque and charming description. _ i v 4 . 1 , As some particulars relative to this institution are mentioned by the writer whose letters are appended to this summary, it is unnecessary here to enter into them at any great length. It receives aid from the pubbe funds to the extent of about 2000 dollars a year. The number of its pupils, including those both of the higher and of the lower branches or departments, have amounted to about 130 during the past few terms. In its aims it embraces all the legitimate objects of scholastic, collegiate, and UNIVERSITY BUILDINGS , LENNOXVILLE 69 university education, and, without being in any sense exclusive, it does not dissociate, as is the case with its Protestant rival, the McGill College of Montreal, the work of education from special recognition of the obligations of religion one daily attendance in the College Chapel being required by the regulations. It differs also from the institution just named in pos- sessing a Divinity Chair, as well as in devoting a more strict and more lengthened attention to the classics and to pure mathematics, as the two fundamental branches of collegiate learning. The customary branches of modern and general science are included in its course. The McGill Col- lege in Montreal, having attached itself to the previously existing faculties of Medicine and Law, for each of which the city had long been famous, and also to the old-established High School, is able, on occasions, to suggest an appearance of force and progress, which, strictly speaking, do not belong to any of the three Universities of Lower Canada, and in the face of which inferences have sometimes been drawn to the disparagement of the one founded in the Townships. But the truth is the country itself, and especially the Protestant portion of the community, have not yet made that progress in numbers and wealth necessary to the full development of institutions of the highest class. The present staff of the University at LennoxviUe consists of a Principal, Vice- Principal, Bursar, Librarian, and four Professors in the Arts’ Faculty, with one in that of Divinity. One of the Professors is Eector of the Junior Department and Grammar School, and has under him a sufficient staff of instructors ranking as College Tutors. Each Professor occupying a chair in the University is required by the regulations to exercise a certain super- vision over the work done in the Junior Branch and School in relation to the course of instruction in his own special department. In a country where the French language is necessarily so much used it became important to provide definitely for that subject. Accordingly, a professor of the French language and literature was recently appointed. In due season, w hen the growth of the neighbouring town of Sherbrooke affords the requisite facilities, and when the progress and wants of the country render it necessary, it is contemplated to establish in the university the faculties of Law and Medicine, In the junior department and school, which are attended by youths from various places in Upper and Lower Canada and from the Lower Provinces, much encouragement is given to healthful out-doors exercises, and to physical training, the regular services of the drill-sergeant being employed in that behalf. Had this institution been founded in either of the principal cities of Eastern Canada, instead of being located in the Townships, it would doubt- less have earlier attained to its present stage, and avoided some of the numerous ohstaeles it has met with. At one time, indeed, through unforeseen deficiencies in its then slender revenue, the work must have been suspended, if not finally closed, but for the timely assistance and liberality of its friends in Quebec. Since then its progress has derived a strong impulse from the counte- nance of the Metropolitan of Canada, who has taken a lively interest in all its concerns. The annual convocations of the university are presided over by the Chancellor, the Hon. Mr. Justice McCord, who also, as well as other influential gentlemen of the city of Montreal, have contributed most materially to its advancement. The last annual meeting, held in June of the presents year, was attended by Sir T. Williams, Commander of the Forces in Canada, and by numerous other distinguished visitors, and, judging from the interest shewn on this and the like occasions during tlie past few years, there is reason to anticipate its attaining ultimately to that measure of usefulness and strength which shall serve to perpetuate its existence. But it must be admitted that there is much remaining to be accom- plished. Its library, and museum, and endowment fund are still very incomplete, and the heavy expenses entailed by the erection of the new buildings have placed the university in a position to need pecuniary aid. The Prince of Wales, when His Eoyal Highness visited Canada, gave the college £200, which sum was appropriated in founding a prize, to be bestowed in his name annually for scholarship and merit. The people m many parts of the Eastern Townships, as well as benefactors resident in Quebec, Montreal, and elsewhere, have subscribed, in proportion to their means, towards relieving the institution from the pressure of its building expenses, and it is hoped others may be found to assist in removing it altogether. It would be difficult to over-estimate the influence for good which a well-appointed Protestant University is calculated to exercise hereafter in that part of Her Majesty’s dominions, in the interest of learning and good morals, in fostering loyalty, and in strengthening the bulwarks of civil and religious liberty. Before finally leaving the subject of education in the Townships, it may be proper to allude to the Educational Journal, published monthly both in French and English, under the auspices of the department presided over by the Superintendent of Education in Eastern Canada, the Hon. P. 0. Chauveau. It is a work of very great merit and usefulness, and, no doubt, was chiefly instrumental in influencing the Judges on Educational Appliances at the International Exhibition to award a Medal to that gentleman. Although not peculiar to the Townships — indeed, it is printed- in Montreal 71 — this journal is largely distributed there, and falls into the hands of many of the teachers and others concerned in the progress of education. It abounds with information on topics of interest to persons of that class, keeping them acquainted with every occurrence of note affecting them or appertaining to their pursuits. Official notices are published in it, discus- sions on the teaching of various branches, original poetry, narratives, copies of reports, summaries, and valuable extracts from other publications. The general tone and style are excellent, tending to inspire loyal and patriotic feelings. There can be no doubt but that it serves a very useful purpose in co-operation with other means of sustaining and promoting educational interests throughout the Townships. The work, moreover, is supplied to persons concerned in education at the low rate of four shillings sterling for a year’s subscription, for both English and French copies, or for either, each monthly number containing about 20 large pages of two columns, and very well got up as to type and paper. We shall conclude this part of our summary with mentioning the Teachers' Associations, consisting of teachers of all classes, and persons, officially or otherwise, connected with educational pursuits in the Town- ships. Their meetings are held at intervals of six months in different towns or villages, and are usually well attended, and continued during two or three successive days. The discussions which take place, interspersed with the delivery of written addresses and of speeches, are of a most instructive and interesting character. The meetings are open to the public, and a general holiday is kept up by the inhabitants of the neighbourhood, and hospitalities of all kinds indiscriminately extended to visitors. It is easy to see that such proceedings are calculated to produce much advantage in furtherance of educational objects generally. For the establishing of the Teachers’ Association, and for its operation in attracting public attention usefully to a great cause, the Townships are indebted chiefly to the services of the Eev. C. Pearl of Waterville, and J. H. G-raham, Esq., of St. Francis College, the active zeal and eloquence of these gentlemen being most conspicuous at every session. The Frees. — Within the memory of persons still living there were only about five newspapers published in all Canada, and almost confined in their circulation to the cities of Quebec and Montreal. At the present time there are six newspapers issued in the Townships alone, exclusive of another published at St. Johns, and which ought perhaps to be counted as virtually belonging to the local press. In the year 1837 or 1838 a paper was started in the then inconsiderable village of Sherbrooke, entitled the “ Sherbrooke Gazette and Eastern Townships Advertiser," The ability with which this publication has been conducted has been already adverted to, and it is still Bustalned the first in rank amongst its more youthful competitors by the largest circulation. The following remarks, extracted from Lovell’s Canada Directory, pub- lished in 1858, page 1145, and there made use of in reference to the journalism of the Province at large, possess a special applicability to the circumstances of the Eastern Townships “ The information itself should ‘‘ prove alike suggestive and instructive. It encourages the belief that the moral and intellectual advancement has kept pace with its political and “ material progress, and it inculcates very earnestly upon all the duty and “ necessity of adopting such measures as may best preserve the character “ and usefulness of the periodical press In variety of information and in moral sentiment the newspaper literature of Canada ‘‘ will compare favourably with that of any other land ; while, through the “ unexampled liberality and cordial co-operation of the Legislature, carried “ into effect by the untiring exertions of the Post-office Department, it has “ been able to find free access to the homes of our people, and has thus “ brought to the door of the most humble a blessing which has been regarded “ as belonging exclusively to the luxuries of the Old World.” There is only one newspaper in the Eastern Townships which is issued oftener than once weekly. This is the “ Leader,"' published also in the town of Sherbrooke every Tuesday and Friday. The other Township papers are ‘‘ The Stanstead Journal," commenced a few years later than the Sherbrooke Gazette; the Shefford County Advertiser" of Granby ; the “ Advertiser" printed in the village of Waterloo ; and the “ Bichmond Guardian" published at Eichmond every Friday. The facilities furnished by the Post-office and railways enable most people to receive their papers on the day of their issue, which is also the case with such city newspapers as find a circulation in the Townships. In the Beading Boom of the local university most of the leading pro- vincial periodicals are also received, as well as several of the principal British newspapers. The ordinary annual cost of subscription to the Eastern Township papers is six shillings sterling. Beligion, — The intercourse of the members of the different religious denominations scattered through the Eastern Townships is characterised by mutual Christian kindness and forbearance to a degree which is not generally experienced in other countries. Persons of all religious creeds are on terms of perfect equality, politically, and in the eye of the law, none either possessing or attempting to exercise exclusive privileges, or comport- ing themselves in a manner calculated to give offence to the feelings of others. Of the Protestant population, those belongmg to the TTnited Church of England and Ireland are relatively the most numerous. They have churches m all the older and more settled localities, and about 35 pastors occupying fields of labour in the Townships, which are included within the limits of the two Diocesan districts of Quebec and Montreal. The other Protestant denominations, of whom the most numerous are the Presbyterians, Wesleyan and other Methodists, and Congregationalists, have also their places of worship and ministers stationed in all the principal centres. In the town of Sherbrooke there is a large church, built some years ago by the Eoraan Catholics, and contiguous to it a seminary for the use of members of that creed resident in the town or within a moderate distance. It is a happy circumstance, in view of the welfare and progress of the Townships, that the harmonious feelings above referred to should be so pnerally prevalent ; nor is there any just reason for believing that the instincts and good sense of the majority of the more enlightened inhabit- ants will not always in future suflSce to repress the growth of less favourable sentiments. Other Local Institutions . must now allude briefly to some other features indicative of the condition of the Townships. The agricultural interests of the Eastern Townships are protected and fostered by means of Agricultural Societies, formed in the several counties, receiving, in addition to the subscriptions of their members, aid from the Provincial funds. Their operations, which include the periodical holding of Shows of animals and of all kinds of farm produce, with the distribution of prizes, are conducted under the auspices of a special branch of the G-overnment. It should be mentioned also that a Provincial Show is held annually in one or other of the principal places of Canada East for the exhibition of everything relating to agricultural industry. The Provincial Show is sometimes held in Sherbrooke. It took place there in 1855, and was opened by the Governor- General, Sir Francis E. Head, attended by a number of distinguished persons from various parts of the Province. During the present year (in September, 1862), it is appointed to be again held in the capital of the Eastern Townships. As these gatherings afford opportunities of free personal intercourse among the farmers, and for competition in every department of agriculture, they serve at once to manifest its condition and progress, and to stimulate observation and further efibrts in behalf of this great fundamental basis of all wealth. An impulse has been given recently to the agricultural opportunities by the establishment of a Fair, held at Sherbrooke on the first T\Tednesday in every month. For this great improvement the Townships are indebted 74 to the enlightened exertions of the Commissioner and other officials of the British and American Land Company, who saw that the existing facilities were incommensurate with the wants of the country. The Pair is chiefly for the sale of cattle, horses, sheep, hogs, &c. The grounds on which it is held adjoin the railway station in the town, having every convenience for loading and unloading without risk, and including a weighing house and complete arrangements for the transaction of business. The undertaking proved highly successful last season, under the personal supervision of Mr. Kellam, a well-known agriculturist of Compton. At present its immediate arrangements are placed under the charge of Mr. Pennayer, of Sherbrooke, who has long been connected with the Land Company, and is intimately conversant with the agricultural concerns of the Townships. The Pairs are well attended, and by attracting dealers from Montreal and Quebec, and by bringing face to face the farmers of the Townships, and purchasers from all parts, benefit the interests of both parties, to the exclusion of middle-men and intermediate agents, by whom such business used formerly to be executed throughout the country. The formation of a local association for promoting the cultivation of flax as a staple production of the Townships, has already been alluded to. As the country is so essentially dependent upon the state and progress of agriculture, everything relating to it assumes an importance that could hardly be over-rated. The local newspapers, therefore, are usually found to contain judicious extracts from the agricultural and horticultural publi- cations of other countries, besides which the Agricultural Journal^ issued in the Province under the auspices of a Department of the State, as well as similar periodicals published in the United States, keep people Informed of all the improvements of the day. Under all the circumstances which have been alluded to, it is scarcely possible that the Eastern Townships should not make progress in all branches of agricultural industry. In connection with local facilities appertaining to the general advantage of the community, it is proper to allude to such as grow out of the pro- visions of the laws for “ Promoting the development of mechanical talent among the people of “ the Province, by disseminating instruction in mechanics and kindred ‘‘ sciences, extending encouragement to arts and manufactures, and ‘‘ stimulating the ingenuity of n^echanics and artizans by means of dis- tinctions awarded on the same principle as has been already so success- fuUy applied to the encouragement of agriculture.” Under these laws, a Board of Arts and Manufactures for Lower Canada,” has been created. The enactments contemplate a connection 75 between and joint co-operation of a Central Board in Montreal, and the Mechanics Institutes of the country parts. Such institutions, under the designation of Mechanics Institutes, and Bibrary Associations,^* do indeed exist in towns and villages of the Eastern Townships, although they may not, as yet, have produced all the advantages usually expected from them. Their meetings are sometimes well attended, affording opportunities of self-improvement, and,- during the winter season more especially, of spending evenings profitably, through the services of professional persons and other residents. Of several other local associations, for the promotion of religious objects, temperance societies, and so forth, it is not considered necessary here to offer any description, as it might prove tedious, as well as superfluous, to discuss matters so well known, and proceedings so similar in their nature everywhere. CONCLUSION- We shall close this summary account with a few additional particulars of information relating to houses, farms, settling upon cleared and uncleared lands, and in the villages, embodying in these some brief reference to the classes of persons whose removal to the Eastern Townships might be attended with happy results both to themselves and the country. The houses of the people are, for the most part, built of wood. In the capital town, as well as in some of the larger villages, there are buildings of brick or stone. The wooden buildings are so constructed as to continue comfortable and otherwise serviceable, without any great cost for repairs, for a period of twenty-five to forty years, or more. The cost is, compared with houses of corresponding pretensions in England, very small, so that the farmers, and nearly aU the business people and private residents, build or purchase their own habitations. A dwelling, which in England would cost from five to seven hundred pounds sterling, is customarily finished at about half that expense, notwithstanding the higher prices paid in Canada for the unskilled labour which may be needed in the work. It is a great advantage that alterations and additions to existing buildings may be inexpensively made, owing to the nature of the materials required, and the facility with which they can be everywhere procured. Good taste is often 76 displayed, especially in the vicinity of the towns and villages, in the appearance of smaller dwelling houses, such as suffice for moderately large families, and have not cost for their construction more than £125 to £175 sterling. A family can usually buy a good-sized and neatly finished house in a village, recently built, with outbuildings, fences, &c., complete, and an acre or more of land attached, for about £200 to £350 ; or where none are vacant or for sale, the same may be procured through the services of resident artizans and contractors. Land suitable for building purposes is procurable in the villages at about £20 to £100 for an acre, according to situation and other circumstances. In n;any cases the cost of the ground is not one half of the sum named. Artizans and persons desirous of establishing themselves in business near water privileges, can usually purchase the necessary ground, and erect their buildings at inconsiderable rates. Such persons coming into the Town- ships, with only a little capital to commence upon, are welcome everywhere, and can do much for themselves to spare the outlay of money necessarily attendant upon hiring the labour and services of others. In some parts, indeed, where thriving settlements have been commenced, suitable lots can be had at the most insignificant prices, in consequence of the desire of enterprising owners of land, and of the settlers already established, to promote the growth of the neighbourhood. Whenever land, building lots, water privileges, mill-works, or dwellings, are sold to a purchaser, easy terms of payment are accorded, rendering it next to certain that a man having small capital, and starting in his business at once, will soon be enabled to possess the freehold. Of course there must be temperance, and the exercise of ordinary common sense in the management of one’s afiairs, as, without these essential qualities, a person cannot fairly expect to succeed in life in any part of the world. The farm buildings, from the small log dwellings and out-houses in the back settlements, up to the comfortable neat-looking structures, equal to those of the villages, and occupied by substantial farmers, are constructed at rates of expenditure too various to admit of description here. A farmer can usually provide his buildings, deriving materials from his own grounds, and contributing the assistance of himself and his own labourers, or with the reciprocated assistance of his neighbours, at an outlay in money not exceeding one-half of the sums mentioned for village habitations. This is a very common mode of proceeding, especially when a new dwelling-house is to be erected on the same farm, and when repairs are to be made or new out-buildings constructed. But those who buy farms partially or wholly cleared commonly find the requisite buildings already prepared. The prices of such farms as have been last mentioned vary of course according to ELMWOOD COTTAGE, LENNOXVILLE, THE RESIDENCE OF C RAWSON ESQ« 77 circumstances. But as this is a very important matter, and as the writer is most anxious not to over- state opportunities and advantages, it seems best to descend more fully into particulars. Taking, therefore, as an example (of which the facts are derived from personal knowledge) the Townships of Ascot and Orford and the County of Compton, which latter includes the Townships of Compton, Eaton, Bury, Ling wick, Clifton, and Westbury, with six others, farms with buildings and more or less cleared land can be purchased at prices from .sGlOO to 56IOOO, according to size and state of cultivation. Farms of 400 acres, with sawmills, good house, and out- buildings, within a mile or two of villages and easy access by excellent roads, are purchaseable at about 56900. In some of the above-mentioned Tow’nships a great many farms of say 100 acres, with 20 to 50 acres cleared, and buildings, can be had at from 56 1 00 to 56200. These are the properties which would best suit most of our British small capitalists and yeomen, who could take out only a very moderate capital to start with, because these would not be able to settle upon the selected wild lands (purchasable at seven or eight shillings per acre) so cheaply as persons w’ho are already experienced in the occupations of the country. At the same time, the present occupants, consisting generally of the persons who have made those clearings, are, for the most part, willing to re-commence on new lots, selling their already partially-cleared lands to successors more skilled than themselves in agriculture, though less fitted profitably to make fresh inroads into the forests. So far as the writer can judge from his own knowledge of facts and the reliable testimony of others, the above plan of procedure can be most safely recommended to British farmers of the class and amount of means referred to. Of such, it is known that thousands in Britain subsist in anxiety if not in absolute penury, to whom, having the comparatively small capital required for the first purchase of farm and stock, with a surplus adequate to their family wants until they get in their first harvest, a removal to the Eastern Townships would be attended with plenty and comfort. The cheapness of food and of all the actual necessaries of life, combined with access to the other advantages stated in the fore- going pages, would undoubtedly make the country to them a veritable land of promise. In connection with what is said above about settling on lands wholly uncleared, it should be distinctly understood by the intending emigrant that the Government Free Grants are of that kind. They are offered only to actual settlers, who must reside upon their lots a certain time, and during that period bring a certain quantity under cultivation. This affords the opportunities to both parties referred to above, as it enables the man who sells his partially cleared land to the new comer to take up a fresh lot. 78 without purchase. It is quite true, however, that persons only conversant with British modes of agriculture have gone into the backw^oods of Canada and eventually succeeded in effecting comfortable settlements. But as a general rule the other method — that of settling on partially cleared land, is likely to prove the more economical to the small British capitalist. For British farmers and yeomen of more considerable means, whose thoughts have been directed towards emigration, whether through failure of crops, increasing families, or deficiency of profit on their business, enough has been said to shew that these could at once step into a sphere of existence where most of their anxieties would cease ; where one-half of their present capital would suffice for establishing themselves on good farms to supply a comfortable living, and the other half, invested, would yield revenue for educating their sons and starting them in life with prospects not open to them in Britain. It is unnecessary here to dwell upon the larger opportunities of usefulness in aU local, municipal, and political affairs that would at once present themselves in their adopted country. But on the subject of investments it is perhaps well to say, that eight per cent on perfectly good security is readily procurable by those who lay out money at interest in the Eastern Townships. In the rural parts of England, as is well known, a ratio of capital of from £5 to £10 per acre is required in order to rent a farm ; so that if we take the case of a person farming about 500 acres, we might assign £4500 as the capital needed. Of this amount less than one-third would enable the possessor to become owner of a very fine farm and good habitation in the Townships, with a money income besides to assure and perpetuate the respectability, comforts, and the highest social advantages attending the enjoyment of a moderate competency. In consequence of the establishment of the local University, and of the School founded in connection with it, as well as the free opportunities now accessible throughout the Townships, an English gentleman can now establish himself in the country on a footing of comfort to himself and family, and giving his sons an education of the highest order, on a capital which in the old country would scarcely yield revenue enough to pay one boy’s expenses at Eton or itugby. At the same time, the writer would not desire it to be assumed that persons of any class, removing from Britain to a Colonial home in the Tow nships, would not in some degree experience sensations of longing^ and even occasional regret, when their minds reverted to circumstances by which they were previously surrounded. The hallowed associations which bring up the scenes of one’s youth and intercourse wdth former friends in 79 the dear land of one’s birth, cannot be flung aside like an old garment the moment it ceases to suit present requirements. They must recur in an experience of young colonial life, when this is placed in comparison with the time-honoured usages of England. But it is a fact that living under British Law, surrounded by British Institutions, and in the midst of a people who aspire at handing down the British name unstained to the latest posterity, is calculated to mitigate and to do away with any acerbity that might, under other conditions, prove intolerable. The knowledge, too, that Britain is within ten days’ sail, instead of four or five weeks when the earlier settlers came to Canada, removes that sense of exile by which, as we read, they were often impressed. On the contrary, few persons from the old country who have lived in the Townships some years, in the enjoyment of health and moderate prosperity, would be found willing to resume a residence in Britain, where, to speak generally, there is more anxiety and even sufiering on account of the mere necessaries of life in a single small city than would be met with in Canada from one end of the Province to the other. Without questioning the presence of what is good and great and venerable in English society, it is plain to every thoughtful observer, that a large emigration alone can sensibly aftbrd relief from evils pressing upon it in all quarters. As some mmt emigrate, and as others dedre to do so, impelled by various causes short of absolute necessity, there does not appear to be any good reason for laying much stress upon minor drawbacks growing out of the feelings alluded to, and which, after all, are for the most part temporary, and as nothing, compared with those occasioned by the sufiering inevitable in an overcrowded popu- lation. Erom the statements made in the foregoing pages persons of intelli- gence intending to remove from Britain to her nearest colonies can judge for themselves how far the Eastern Townships of Lower Canada ofier the facilities they need. It will be seen from the incidental remarks made and the character of the information furnished that the writer has by no means solely in view the classes of emigrants chiefly referred to in the publications issued by Companies and by the G-overnment authorities. In addition to capitalists with large means for embarking in manufactures and mining, 'private gentlemen of moderate fortune, as well as the better class of British farmers, under any inducement whatever for emigrating, will infer that the country is quite in a state of preparedness to meet their views also. Leaving Britain these need not dread that they are putting behind them for ever the refinements and other concomitants of civilized life. On the contrary, the writer feels able to assure such that in all pro- bability they would for the most part enjoy the change on various accounts. but chiefly because of the extended sphere of usefulness in wTiich they would be placed amongst a people thoroughly in earnest in their appre- ciation of the blessings of civil and religious liberty, and who under their free government and with their valuable municipal privileges have already achieved a good start in the occupation of the avenues leading to a well- grounded state of social happiness. The exercise of the Legal and several other professions is so regulated by the laws of the Province that gentlemen dependent on these callings for a livelihood could scarcely expect to benefit themselves by coming to the Townships. In fact, the excellent Provincial Schools for the education of professional men form a source of supply adequate to the demands of the country. It is, however, barely possible that competent medical prac- titioners to whom, coming from any part of the British dominions, the Boards of the Province are authorized to grant a licence to enter upon practice immediately, might here and there find an opening. But such opportunities may be stated to be rare. As respects the prospects existing at present in the Eastern Townships for emigrants of the class dependent upon labour and having no capital, it is difficult with any degree of confidence to say what they are. If the anticipations should be realized relating to a more considerable influx of those other classes which have been previously mentioned, then it is obvious there would arise a very great demand. The official returns issued a short time back by the Canadian Bureau of Agriculture furnish a state- ment of the numbers immediately required in 21 municipalities of JEastern Canada. They include farm labourers, female servants, boys and girls over 13 years of age, in all, it is stated, 1660 persons— but how many of these would be directed to the Townships does not appear. It should be distinctly understood that while there is customarily a demand for the services of respectable domestic servants there is little or no encouragement to induce females of higher pretensions to go out in the expectation of immediate employment on arrival. Educated ladies, such as governesses, when they do obtain engagements, usually do so through the agency of private recommendation. The writer cannot close these remarks without alluding to a topic which has of late been the subject of much discussion— Loyalty. To speak of this matter here, in reference to Canada, generaUy, is unnecessary, as the disparaging insinuations which had been permitted to intrude in some quarters in England have been satisfactorily refuted in the published letters and speeches of Canadians now on a visit to this country. But as respects the people of the Townships, it may be said they are not surpassed by any in the Province in the amount of their attachment to 81 their Queen, constitution, and country. They have manifested this on many occasions. The Queen’s birthday is customarily observed with demonstra- tions, bonfires, &c., m the towns and villages. When subscriptions have been made in the colonies in behalf of national objects and sympathies, the Township people have shared in such eflforts in proportion to their ability. Several corps of volunteers and riflemen were raised among them to con- tribute to the defence of the country, when, recently, there were appre- hensions of a war with the United States. In fact, they are no more deficient of loyalty than are the inhabitants of any English county. It should be stated, however, that while there can be no doubt but that the people of the Eastern Townships would, in any just cause, not fall behind any other community in the Province, or fail in doing all they could in their own defence and to aid their country, still, the peaceable nature of their avocations, the peculiar position of their territory, as well as the long- continued friendly intercourse which has subsisted between themselves and the contiguous States, all unite in rendering the prospect of a war between England and that country extremely repugnant to the feelings of the majority. It is plainly quite natural that such should be the case, and that no imputation of disloyalty can be justly founded upon it. To allege the contrary would be as unreasonable as to impute disloyalty to the vast ^ majority of the inhabitants of the British Isles for entertaining feelings ^ which would make them deplore the breaking out of a war with their near neighbours, the people of Prance. The writer has pleasure in appending the substance of some letters, from a resident of the Eastern Townships, of a few years standing, to a cor- respondent in England. Although confined almost entirely to a single locality, the statements are generally applicable, and may serve to assist the reader in forming an opinion about social and other characteristics. Ik F Lennoocville, JEastern Townships^ Sept, 1861. My dear P. So I find my guess was an over true one. I had touched the sore in hinting that the arrival of No. 10 and 11 was not quite so joyous an event as the welcome of previous additions to the old stock. It has had one good effect, however, in inducing you to think whether, after all, it would not he better to move the whole of the incumbrances to a cheaper country. Bely on it, such is the result : their arrival will prove to you the greatest blessing that has ever been sent to you. Grladly will I answer your queries ; and though I confess to a strong bias to my new country, I will give you as honest an opinion as I can. I will confine myself as much as possible to facts ; and as you will of course make enquiries from other sources, before finally deciding on moving, you will easily ascertain if my facts are indeed facts. Xou say you are surprised at ray former descriptions of the English appearance of the country — of the English tone of feeling, society, manners, &c.— so different from what you had supposed. You must please remember that Canada is a large country. To give an honest and fair description, each writer must confine himself to an account of that part with which he is personally acquainted. His description may therefore differ as much from another account, equally honestly given, only from another place, as would be the case with two accounts of life in Cornwall and the North of Scotland. Persons reading descriptions of this part of the country, and going west, have no right to consider themselves misled, if they find the reality differ from their expectations, and vice versa. Now I have no intention of writing to you about all Canada. I have lived in the West, have seen other parts of Canada, and have formed my own opinion as to where I my- self prefer to reside.. Others, however, may have different tastes. Lennoxville is an exceedingly pretty little country village, consisting of one large wide street, with another crossing it at right angles. The centre of the village is a large open square, with two large clean comfortable hotels. On the left of the road, a little out of the village, stands the brick church, with its high tin-crowned steeple. Opposite are the pretty English looking cottages of some of our gentry. Going through the village by the cross-road, we come to the Railway crossing (the Montreal and Portland part of the Grand Trunk system), which runs through the village : then comes the house of our good clergyman, and next that of one of our Uni- 83 versity Professors. Then we pass through one of the bridges over the river Massawhippi, peculiar in build to this part of the country, being entirely covered and closed in at the sides. Beyond this, on a rising ground, about 100 yards from the bridge, stands the imposing (for Canada) pile of the College buildings — built of red brick, in the G-othic style, with its pretty chapel flanking it at one extremity, and looking down on a wide reach of the river St. Prancis, and the junction of that river and the Massawhippi ; and beyond this may be seen the churches and chapels of our county town of Sherbrooke, about three miles distant. The village lies in a hollow, with well cultivated hill sides rising from the valley, very prettily wooded, with the farm houses dotted about on each clearing. The village boasts its three or four excellent shops or stores, as called here, where almost every thing can be obtained ; a post office, two forges, saddler, watch-maker (who is also a first-rate photographic artist), and a very neat railway-station and large freight house. It has also a consider- able saw-mill worked both by water and steam power. In the cross street is a neat Wesleyan Chapel ; and the plain but most useful Town Hall, the public room of which is in continual request for meetings, singing classes, &c. stands in the main street. The Inns are large, clean and comfortable. I never knew greater comfort or attention in any English country inn than I have experienced at the Albion, and its charges are so moderate as to astonish any one who has lately come from England. Three shillings a day (currency not above half-a-crown sterling) provides excellent bed and sitting-room — meals three times a day with meat at each, and everything properly cooked. We have a Doctor in the village, but strange to say, and almost incredible, neither a lawyer nor a rat ! W e boast of being head- quarters of three companies of Volunteer Eifles, all uniformed at their own expense, but supplied with arms by the Government. The uniform is the regulation uniform, almost exactly similar to the 60th. Connected with these is the excellent Brass Band belonging to the Eirst Company, and consisting of 19 performers. The village also has a large covered Bink — that is, a covered Skating Koom — 80 feet by 40, with dressing-rooms attached, heated by a stove. In winter this is the great meeting-place for all the yoimg folks (and many old too) of the neighbourhood — and a pretty gay sight it is to see the beauty of Lennoxville enjoying this most fascinating and healthy amuse- ment. Very few^ places in Canada, except the large cities, possess Rinks like those of Lennoxville and Sherbrooke. About three miles north of Lennoxville, lower down the St. Francis, is our county towm of Sherbrooke, a large thriving bustling town, through which the river Magog pours, tumbling from one fall to another -afibrd- ing perhaps the finest and most valuable w’ater power to be found in all Canada. It principally belongs to the British American Land Company— who own a large breadth of valuable land in this part of the Townships, and whose affairs are placed under the spirited and enlightened management of their present Chief Commissioner, E. W. Henneker, Esq., who is ever anxious to advance the true interests of the Townships. A few miles further on the Eailway are the Brompton Mills. To the south and south-east of Lennoxville is the thriving manufacturing village of Waterville, distant about six miles, and beyond this, other centres of important agricultural neighbourhoods, where farming is carried on on really scientific principles, and which contains farms second to few either as regards stock or high cultivation in any part of the world. I will answer your questions about the College and School here in my next letter, and also about prices, climate, &c. Mt deae P. LcTiTioxvillfi^ Eclstevn Townships, November Zrd, 1861. I now proceed to perform the promise contained in my last letter, and shall makeup for my past delay by writing to you this time a long one. To begin with a point which naturally interests you very much, viz. how you are to get good education for your boys, I will say a little about the College here and the Grammar School founded by and closely connected wdtli it. It has been established nearly 20 years, and is probably destined to be to this Province what Oxford and Cambridge have been and are to England. It has a Eoyal Charter with the privilege of granting all degrees. It is conducted under regulations prescribed by its Corporation. The Principal of the University is Dr. Nicolls, of Oriel College, Oxford— whose resi- dence forms the left wing of the buildings. He is also Classical Professor The Vice-Principal is Professor H. Miles, Professor of Mathematics, and Natural Philosophy. The Divinity chair, which has been vacant, for a short time, is about to be filled by a gentleman from England, not yet, or only just appointed. The Eev. W. Williams is Professor of Belles Lettres, with charge of the Junior Department and Grammar School. The exami” nation for degrees takes place yearly, and they are conferred at the Meeting of Convocation in J une. The Students have their private rooms, attending lectures from the various Professors. There is a large and very handsome Dining Hall, where the Students have their meals under the superinten- dence of some Professor. There is daily service in the Chapel, a gem of its kind. The subjects of study are quite as advanced as at the TlngHali Uni- 85 versities. The course extends over three years. A gold medal prize has been instituted through the generous endowment of the Prince of Wales. Many of the Students are residing in College. The charges are very moderate. The College fees for tuition are ^27 or £5. 10«, and for their rooms, use of the College Library and firing, ^9 or £1. 16« per annum. Students who have parents or friends residing in the neighbourhood (and this is a very important consideration for families settling here) may attend the Lectures, only paying the tuition fee of ft 19, having all the advantages as if resident. Though Bishop’s College is of course founded in connection with the Church of England, no intolerance of religious feeling is shewn. None are required to attend the Chapel services who have a conscientious objec- tion, and the degrees are not limited to the members of our Church. Closely connected with the College, and situate in the Quadrangle, but distinct from it as a building, is the High School of Bishop’s College, numbering at present above 100 boys, under the charge of the Rector, the Rev. J. W. Williams. Under his management, the School has already taken a high position, and is drawing scholars from other British Colonies, as well as from Western Canada. In the course of study, French, being a necessary qualification for success in every profession or business in this Province, is specially provided for. Besides the Rector, the School has two English and one French Master. The charge for boys boarding on the establishment is only ft 3 or 12s sterling per week, and the tuition fees are ft 36 a year, or £7. 6s. Wash- ing Is a week. The whole expense for 40 weeks amounts to £35. 6s. Several families in the vicinity accommodate boys whose parents prefer tin’s, at a charge of from ft 3 to ft 5 per week. The great advantage, how- ever, to families residing in the neighbourhood, is that they can board their sons at home, and have only to pay ft 36, or £7. 6s, for the tuition fees, for which they will receive as high a class education as any school in the world can ofier — the school having the great advantage of the supervision and assistance of College Professors of the highest standing in addition to the teaching of the masters. The boys have a Drill Instructor, and they have proved their loyalty by establishing a Corps of Volunteer Rifles, which has been enthusiastically supported. Three of the elder boys were gazetted as Captain, Lieutenant, and Ensign. All English manly games are in full use here. The boys have their cricket clubs, football matches, &c., besides skating, snow-shoeing, &c., all manly, athletic games being encouraged. The advantages for education cannot be surpassed in any country neigh- bourhood, either here or in England, whilst the cheap cost at which it can be obtained, especially for residents in or near Lennoxville, renders it a most desirable locality for families such as yours. Lennoxville is a particularly healthy neighbourhood. Eever and ague, that bane of the west, is utterly unknown here ; and notwithstanding our cold winters, coughs and colds are very uncommon. Our houses are well- warined, either by open fire places or stoves, and so little is the out of door cold thought of, that English ladies drive about in open sleighs with little change from English winter costume, except perhaps in using a fur cap in- stead of a bonnet. With the thermometer between 20 and 30 degrees below zero we have large parties turning out to enjoy our lovely moon- light nights, and none sufier by it. We are fortunate in having a very excellent society in and around Len- noxville. The Professors of the College, all of them English University men, and their families, would alone form the nucleus of a superior circle of society, but in addition there are many English families settled here and in Sherbrooke who contribute greatly to render it agreeable. Lennoxville is a particularly cheap neighbourhood for all the necessaries of life, the prices of which contrast most favourably with those in the old country, and the quality is equally good. Beef from October to March costs to 5 cents, or 2d to 2^d sterling — from April to September it is higher, about 6 cents, or ^d per lb. ; mutton, 6 to 8 cents (3^? to ^d ) ; lamb, 6 to 10 cents (3c? to bd ) ; pork, 5 to 7 cents {2\d to ^\d) ; potatoes, 10c/ to Is Qd per bushel ; butter, to 9c/ per lb. ; flour and other articles in proportion. We get excellent fresh fish from Portland at 3 cents, or lie/ per lb., consisting of cod, haddock, mackerel, &c. Lobsters and oysters are also very cheap. Raspberries and strawberries grow wild in the greatest abimdance and of delicious flavour. They are brought to the doors in great quantities by the children for sale. All English garden vegetables succeed well, especially asparagus. There is a very general complaint about the difficulty of getting good servants, but still such are to be found. Wages for a cook are $4 to $7 per month ; housemaids, ^3 to ^5; nurses, ^3 to $6; waitress, $5 to ft 7. Men servants in livery are unknown in the country parts of Canada. As every English gentleman comes to Canada with the British mania for being a landowner, 1 will now mention the price of farms that have lately been sold in this neighbourhood. I must premise, however, that I think that it would be better for the great majority of emigrants, especially those who look principally to educational advantages, to content them- selves with a few acres of land (there are hundreds of beautiful sites) near 87 the village, on which to build cottages to suit their own tastes. A very- good house in the Grothic style, with high roofs lined outside with brick (a very warm and cheap style of building) would cost from |800 to |1200, ^200 to £350 sterling. If without the brick casing it would be consider- ably cheaper. In fact, a good two-storied cottage with four rooms on the ground floor and five bed-rooms above, with kitchen in a side wing, built on stone foundations, and well cellared and surrounded by a verandah, has been built for $800, or £160 sterling. The land would cost according to situation near the village from $20 to $400 per acre, £4. to £80. During the last two years the following farms have been sold : A farm of 450 acres, 8 miles from Lennoxville, 150 acres cleared, with good house, outbuildings, barns, &c. ; very good land, for $3400, or £680 sterling. A farm of 115 acres, 4 < miles distant, 40 acres cleared, with good log hut, cellared, and good barn, for $4000, or £800 sterling, payable by instal- ments in 4 years. A farm of 360 acres, close to the village, 200 acres cleared, an excellent stock farm, indifierent house and buildings, $6000, £1200. This farm has some beautiful sites for villas. A farm of 600 acres, 5 miles from I u nd a rv ^st\ PoiiSauC\ UNITED ^ STATE territory Giv€IlB«^' DuBuqu^ Mncnmes Caira f’ <^f. fieri nthin i\h<>rd£Kfii Shemng the IRAND TRUNK RAILWAY OF CANADA, CLfvcO i/6' Cvrtnee/ions 6y STEAMER & RAILWAY, ■ -svilh