IMPROVEMENTS IN CANADA. &J 



England, particularly its strength, and felting qualities 

 among the hatters; which assures me, that rabbits' wool 

 from those bred in Upper Canada will do the same; and 

 there are some millions of acres, within the latitude and 

 boundaries which I have before described, suited to the 

 nature of the warren rabbit ; nor do I apprehend that the 

 wolves, foxes, &c. of Upper Canada will be half so de- 

 structive as the poachers in England. 



The Guanaco, 



or camel sheep of South America, no doubt will be a na- The guanaco 

 tional object at some future period. This is a tame, do- 

 mestic animal, very hardy, and used with much cruelty by 

 the natives in travelling over the mountains with their bur- 

 thens. It shears a fleece of wool of from 2lb. to 3 lb., which 

 is of a dusky red on the back, on the sides inclined to 

 white, and under the belly quite white; its texture is very 

 fine, yet strong; its felting qualities are very powerful; and v 

 it is worth, when ready for use, from five to fifteen shillings 

 per lb. This animal would no doubt thrive, and do well 

 in England, Upper Canada, and in particular I should sup- 

 pose in New Holland, 



The Beaver 



might be propagated to great advantage in Scotland, Ire- The beaver 

 land, and the northern parts of England. It is an animal, might be intro- 

 when tamed, very familiar, and will eat bread and jnilk, ta ^o\TrelaiuL 

 willow sticks,* elm bark, &c, and no doubt might be im- 

 ported with safety; but as these two last mentioned animals 

 are not likely to be attended to immediately, I shall say no 

 more respecting them for the present. 



Pine Timber. 



There are many thousands of large pine trees on the pines for mast*, 

 borders of the lakes, rivers, &c, in Upper Canada, which 

 might be marked and secured for naval purposes, and 

 which might be floated down to Montreal and Quebec 

 with great ease, and which no doubt would be of great be- 

 nefit 



