SECTION III. MIDDLE DIVISION. This Division contains three Counties,--Hant's County, Lunenburg County, and Queen's County. THE COUNTY OF HANTS Is bounded on the west by Horton, on the north by the Bason of Minas, on the east by the Shubenacadie river, and on the south by parts of the Counties of Halifax and Lunenburg. It contains six townshipsWindsor, Newport, Rawdon, Kempt, Douglas and Falmouth. Windsor. This place is distant from Halifax fortyfive miles, the road to which, by many late alterations, is level and in an excellent state of repair.After passing the boundary of Halifax County, the appearance of the land indicates a decided change in its quality. The sombre spruce and fir, and the dwarf birch that clothe the Country for twenty miles from the Capital, are succeeded by a growth of beech mingled with hemlock, elm, and maple; and the surface of the ground is no longer encumbered with heavy masses of stone. From the Ardoise hills, the whole of this township is displayed to view, and on a nearer approach it loses nothing of the charm impressed upon it by this distant prospect. The ancient name of Windsor was Pisiquid, an Indian word that signifies the junction of two rivers. It was held in great estimation by the French, on account of its extensive and fertile meadows, which they enclosed with dykes, and brought into a high state of cultivation. The crops of wheat which they raised were so superabundant, that for many years previous to the war of 1756, they exported a great quantity to the Boston market. Although immediately occupied by the English after the removal of these unfortunate people, it underwent no material changes until within the last twenty years. The most valuable lands were granted to gentlemen residing at Halifax; among whom were many of his Majesty's Council. That portion of it which fell into the hands of resident proprietors, was divided among a few individuals --and thus was introduced a system of tenancy, which in Nova-Scotia neither contributes to the improvement of the soil, nor the profit of the landlord. Under these circumstances, the appearance of the place remained stationary for many years, until in the progress of time the transfer of property and the increase of population gradually worked a change in this defective system. Almost all the upland in this township, lying between the south mountain, and the rivers Avon and St. Croix, consists of a strong productive soil, but the mountain land is cold and poor, adding indeed much to the richness of the scenery, but little to the value of its resources. It is covered chiefly with poplar, spruce, white maple, and juniper; and as its sides are in many places steep and abrupt, this diversified hanging wood, gives a peculiar beauty to the landscape. The dyke lands, of which there are 2544 acres, are decidedly the best in NovaScotia, the deepest, richest, and most productive.-With some few interruptions, occasioned by projecting high lands, they skirt the St. Croix for nine miles, and the Avon the same distance, varying in width according to the windings of the river, and the formation of the upland. The peculiar situation of this place, surrounded by a range of mountainous land, sons. and protected from the bleak winds, and chilly fogs, experienced on the sea coast, is peculiarly favourable for raising tender fruits. Peaches, though subject from the early blossoms they put forth to be injured by frosts, have been known to ripen without artificial aid, or even common shelter; and grapes, pears, quinces, and a great variety of summer and autumnal plumbs arrive at perfection, in all ordinary seaThe embouchure of the Avon receives the waters of the Kennetcook, St. Croix and Cockmagon rivers, and conducts them into the Bason of Minas. The rise and fall of the river at Windsor, is about twenty feet at neap and thirty at spring tides. The whole of the salt water flows and re-flows, and the bed of the river at times is totally exposed. The two channels,by dividing the fresh water supplied by the lakes, form two small streams resembling brooks, and are constantly forded by carriages, and often by foot passengers. As a ford, it is unpleasant and inconvenient; and to those unacquainted with the tides unsafe. This extraordinary ebb of the rivers, emptying into the Bay of Fundy, facilitates the drainage of the dyked marshes. These lands are encircled by a small embankment of earth, and the creeks are closed by aboiteaux constructed with sluices. The drains. are conducted to the creeks, and the water when collected in these reservoirs escapes through sluices, the gates of which are closed by the rising of the river, and exclude the entrance of the tide. But although it is attended with this convenience, and the change of air produced by these rapid currents, is conducive to health, and renders the climate salubrious, the red slimy banks, and the long sand-bars of |