Upon this table it is necessary to remark, that it was formed at a period when the collection of the quit rents was ordered to be enforced; and as a report was made at the time of the relative number of the religious sects, apprehensions were entertained that this information was gathered for the purpose of assessing a tax for the support of the Clergy of the Church of England, or for the maintenance of that portion of the Civil List at present borne by the Mother Country. In consequence of these idle fears, many persons returned the schedule of their stock, and the amount of their agricultural produce, in a manner calculated to make any exaction fall as light as possible upon them. We are therefore to consider it as falling much short of the truth, and also to bear in mind that there was a general failure in the wheat crops of 1827. The number of horses, when compared with that of horned cattle, exhibits a striking error, in maintaining such a disproportionate stock of unprofitable animals, in a Country where the winters are long and provender expensive, and where their place can in most instances be as well supplied by oxen. They are a mixed race, containing crosses of American, Canadian and English stock, and are surprisingly hardy. They have, however, become much degenerated, and it has been found necessary to import some English blood horses to improve the breed. The horned cattle are very superior; which, considering the little attention paid to breeding, must be attributed in a great measure to the richness of the pastures. The oxen are tall, full bodied, short jointed and well shaped, and are both handsome and strong, tractable in labour and easily fatted. The

cows, whenever well fed and attended, are large and in general good for the dairy. The most profitable and the hardiest stock are sheep. In a new Country they are indispensible to a farmer. They clothe and feed his family, enrich his fields, are easily supported, and destroy the saplings that the forest land, when first cleared, produces in the greatest profusion.-The sheep of Nova-Scotia are exempt from many disorders to which they are subject in Great Britain, and when not confined to wet land, or too much crowded together, are remarkably healthy. They have undergone so many changes, that they do not properly belong to any class of English sheep. They weigh from 10 to 20 pounds a quarter, and yield a fleece from two to eight pounds, according to the treatment they receive.

As the productions of every country offer the best illustration of its climate, we shall close the consideration of this subject, by adverting to the orchards. The French, in all their villages in Nova-Scotia, planted small clumps of apple trees, some of which are still in existence. The example was not lost upon the emigrants from New England, who had been accustomed to the enjoyment of fruit, and therefore seldom failed to establish an orchard wherever they settled; a practice which has been generally and successfully followed by their descendants.Hant's, King's and Annapolis Counties, are particularly distinguished for extensive plantations of apple trees, in all of which they appear to be thrifty and fruitful. It has often been asserted that New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, constitute the region in which the apple makes the nearest approaches to

perfection, and that it degenerates in proportion to its distance from those states, either northward or southward. Of the summer and autumnal fruits this may be true, at least sufficient pains have not been taken to make such a comparison as to warrant us in controverting the fact, but it may be questioned how far this is correct, with respect to what is called "winter fruit." Of this class of apples great quantities are raised, of a very superior quality and flavour, although not even ordinary care is taken in their culture. Cider forms a considerable export from these counties, and is equal to any manufactured on this side of the Atlantic.. Plumbs, pears, quinces, and cherries, are found in all good orchards; are perfectly naturalized to the climate, and bear abundantly. The following table, compiled from the returns of 1808 and 1827, shews the increase of stock during nineteen years :

Under this general appellation is included every variety of apple, that ripens late in the autumn, and becomes fit for the table during the following spring and summer.

CHAPTER VIII.

An Historical Sketch of Colonial Trade-Tables exhibiting comparative statements of the Trade of Nova-Scotia at different periods-Revenue, &c.

When America was first discovered, the motives which induced individuals to migrate to the Colonies, were, in some instances, the mines and precious metals, and in others relief from religious persecution; but the parent state had no definite object in view. Public opinion was much divided, as to the expediency of engaging in these transatlantic settlements. Hume informs us, that "speculative reasoners during that early age, raised many objections to the planting of these remote Colonies, and foretold that after draining the mother countries of inhabitants, they would soon shake off her yoke, and erect an independent government in America." The British Colonies, therefore, owe their origin more to fortuitous circumstances and civil commotions, than to the wisdom or policy of the government of that day; and