58 HISTORICAL SKETCH OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

which was extremely difficult, as a number of deep creeks and inlets of the sea had to be crossed, rendering a long circuit necessary, unless the traveller should be fortunate enough in obtaining a crossing in some rudely constructed canoe formed from the trunk ofa single tree, which was then the only means to be expected. However the Legislature in due time had good passable roads run through the forest to the principal towns and settlements, affording them a direct communication with the capital, as well as opening up the country’s merits through which they passed.

An interesting and graphic sketch of the Island’s history, by John Hamilton, Esq, of New Perth, having appeared in the city papers during the autumn of 1895, we take the liberty of making the following quotations therefrom :

“ The fifty odd years that intervened between Governor Patterson and Ready’s administrations may be characterized as the dark ages of the Island history, although considerable progress had been made in clearing the land, and some schools and churches had been established. The agriculture of the settlers beyond the limits of the town and Royalty of Charlottetown was in the rudest state, implements of labor were of the most primitive con- struction, and the condition of the people, in regard to food and clothing was, for the most part, destitute of comfort. Ship-building was carried on to a considerable extent at the outports, and the exports, besides some small cargoes of native produce and live stock sent to the mainland, con- sisted chiefly of ships, pine, timber and deals. The imports always included a generous allowance of rum, brandy, Geneva spirits, wine, molasses, salt and ship findings—together with sundry other articles of British manufacture.

.“ The whole Island at one time was under the jurisdiction of the Chief Justice of Nova Scotia, who came over to Charlottetown in term time to attend sittings ofthe local court. Jurors were summoned from all parts, and asingle Sheriff executed the decrees. No Catholic could vote at an election, hold any civil office, or sit as a member of the Legislature without subscribing to an oath which his church and clergy alike condemned.

“There were no threshing mills, but here and there a plough with a wooden mouldboard, which the owner frequently lent to a neighbor who had none. The farmer who had a cart with a wooden axle was considered well advanced. It is safe to assert that of light wheeled carriages not more than two or three gigs were to he found in all King’s County at the time under review. Some saddles were imported from England, and when business or professional men had occasion to go a distance from home they rode on horseback.

“ The grain, after threshing by the flail, was separated from the chaff by the free winds of heaven as it rushed from side to side of the barn through its opposite opened doors.

“ The emigrant mothers of the colony brought their spinning wheels and check reels from the old country, whereon they spun their flax and woolen