tion, called the Philadelphia Company, having obtained an extensive grant of land within this District, despatched a few families from Maryland, to settle upon it; each of whom received as a bounty for emigration, a farm-lot and a supply of provisions. Eight years afterwards, the Company transported in the ship Hector, thirty families more from the North Highlands of Scotland, but having neglected to furnish them with provisions, the emigrants were in danger of perishing from hunger. They arrived too late in the season to raise either grain or vegetables for the ensuing winter, and their predecessors were wholly unable to supply them with food, for any length of time. There were at that period no other settlements on the shore for a great distance, and there was no road to Colchester. Wholly unaccustomed to travel through the woods, they were compelled to undertake this long and formidable journey, some with and some without their families, and after incredible labour and fatigue, they reached the Bason of Minas. Some of them remained there for several years, until they had acquired by their industry sufficient means to commence a settlement, and others, receiving their wages in provision, carried it on their backs to Pictou, for the support of their families, and returned to labour for more. These people were hardly seated on their lands, before they were joined by several other families, who had emigrated from the County of Dumfries, in Scotland, to the Island of St. John, from whence they made their escape to Pictou, in the greatest poverty and distress, and must inevitably have perished, had it not been for the kindness of the Highlanders, who supported them

until they could provide for themselves. In the Spring of 1784, they received a great addition to their number, by an influx of disbanded soldiers, who had served in the American War; but many of these people were idle and profligate, and soon removed to other places, and only fifty families became permanent settlers. The same year that the military arrived, the former inhabitants held a public meeting for the purpose of raising the necessary funds, for the support of a Minister. They voted the sum of £80 currency, as a salary for the first two years, £90 for the two succeeding years, and then £100 per annum, which they resolved to augment in future, in proportion to their means. They solicited one of the synods of the Secession Church of Scotland, to send them a person properly qualified to perform the arduous duties of this remote and scattered Parish, under the impression that a Clergyman from that body would not only be more sound in doctrine, but more dilligent and laborious. Upon this application

the Rev. Doctor M'Gregor arrived in Pictou, in the year 1786, where he still continues at an advanced period of life, to minister to the spiritual wants of the people. As soon as it was known in Scotland, that the Gospel was preached at Pictou, in Gaelic, the stream of emigration was directed thither, and in a few years they required an increase of Clergymen. In the year 1795, the Rev. Duncan Ross arrived, and eight years afterwards the Rev. Dr. M'Culloch. The high standing which the latter gentleman soon acquired in the Province, from his literary attainments was such, that, on the establishment of the Academy at Picton, the Trustees solicited him to be

come its President, and it is now, after struggling for years with the most illiberal opposition, alone supported by his reputation and zeal. From the arrival of these gentlemen, until within a few years past, the population of the District has been increased by a succession of emigrants from different parts of Scotland. The principal port in this District is Pictou harbour. It has a bar across its mouth, rising to within twenty-two feet of the surface at low water, (outside of which is a shoal, called the middle ground, only seven feet under water,) inside of the bar it forms a beautiful and capacious Bason, in which there are soundings in five, six, and nine fathoms, with muddy bottom. About three miles from the mouth, and on the north side of the harbour, is situated the town of Pictou; the first house in which was built in the year 1790. Several years afterwards another was added, and in process of time it assumed the form of a village, when its growth became rapid. In 1827, it contained a population of 1439 souls. Although the town is not so well laid out as many others in Nova-Scotia, the dwelling houses are in general much better, many of them being built of stone. It is the resort of coasters from all parts of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, the eastern shores of Prince Edward's Island, and the north coast of Cape Breton. The quantity of oil and fish brought thither annually is very great, and the exports to the West Indies, have increased in proportion to the extent of its coasting trade. From the year 1805 to 1819, upwards of 100 sail of vessels were annually loaded with timber for the British market, and although the alteration made by parliament at the latter period, in

the duties on Foreign timber, caused a depression in this branch of trade, there is still a great quantity of Birch, (which is said to be the best in British America) exported from the harbour of Pictou, in the vicinity of which it is found in great abundance.During all the period just mentioned, its exports amounted to nearly £100,000 per annum. It has lately been erected a free port to facilitate its export of coal. It contains four places of worship, an Epis copal Church, a Roman Catholic Chapel, and two Presbyterian Meeting Houses, also an Academy, a Grammar School, a Court-House, and pubiic Library. The Academy was projected as early as the year 1804, for the purpose of affording to the children of Dissenters, who were excluded from the honours of King's College, those literary and scientific acquirements which might qualify them for the learned professions. Difficulties, which were then unforseen, prevented the execution of the plan at that time, and it was not resumed until the establishment of Grammar Schools throughout the Province, rendered it necessary to provide means of instruction in the higher branches, which were taught only in the College at Windsor. On this condition subscriptions were raised, and a petition presented to the Legislature, for a charter, which was obtained in the year 1816, together with a grant of £400, which sum has been annually voted for its support until this year.-The Corporation consists of twelve Trustees, who fill up vacancies in their number, subject to the Veto of the Governor, and who, contrary to the wish of the founders of the institution, are required to be Presbyterians or members of the established Church.

No religious tests however are required of the Students, and it is accordingly attended by young men of the several denominations in the Province. The course of education at present adopted in the Academy, is completed in four years, during which the following branches are taught in the subjoined order : Latin and Greek.

First year.

2d.

3d.

4th.

Logic, the principles of composition, and other collatarel branchesMoral Philosophy, Mathematics and Algebra, Latin and Greek continued.

Natural Philosophy, Mathematics and Algebra, Latin and Greek continued.

Each year contains two terms of equal length, with a Summer and Winter vacation; at present there are two Teaches, and the Trustees have it in contemplation to add a third. It is rapidly spreading around it a spirit of education. Its pupils are now filling many respectable offices with credit to themselves, and what this Province wants exceedingly, it is furnishing, a race of qualified schoolmasters. It has hitherto been noticed for the moral deportment and good conduct of its students. On Sunday the Scriptures are read and explained in the Seminary, at which exercise the Students are required to attend, unless their parents or guardians express a wish to the contrary. It contains a library, not very extensive but valuable, and also a museum of the Natural History of Nova-Scotia. It is the most extensive collection of the Zoology of the Country, which has yet been made. The birds in particular are finely preserved and make a beautiful appearance. This branch is nearly completed, and exhibits in one group