It is a well known fact that the Indians lived on P.E.I. before the French English settlers came here. In library searching for their history, nothing definite could be found of this settlement except memories of five older residents that during summer months they had camps not far from where the saw mill was on King MacInnis land. This was a very convenient place beside a - good water spring, near railroad track and surrounded by acres of woodland where material could be found to make their handi- crafts, which they sold to this community and surrounding dis- tricts. This district has constant reminders of the Indian peo- ple as from day to day the M.V. Abegweit can be seen going to and from Borden, a part of this school district in by gone days. Abegweit (resting on the wave) being the descriptive name give to P.E.I. by the Indians before European settlers came.

ICE BOAT CROSSING So far as I can ascertain the earliest regular crossing began in 1828, the couriers getting $16. per trip. At the outset the trips were only monthly, then weekly and for many years daily when the weather allowed.

The contract had been in many hands since the enterprise started, but the names of Lewis Muttart and Philip Irving will always be associated with the work owing to their long, faithful service. It is stated that while these men were in charge, no passenger had been injured by frost or othewise and no letter or package was mislaid. Muttart made his last trip in the ice boats in 1897 when considerably past four-score.

A passenger had not only to walk but also to assist in hauling the boat with its load, an arbitrary arrangement against which some are disposed to kick but the rules were unbending.

Crossing at the Cape from Prince Edward Island

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