CHAP. XXV. ANTICOSTI 69 



the years 1845 and 1857, was furnished by Mr. Wayght, a 

 gentleman who, at the time of our visit, resided on Bryon 

 Island, viz. : — 



Ten vessels wrecked (gave tlieir names) off Bryon Island. 



One vessel driven ashore, but got off in twenty-four Liours. 



Two vessels abandoned at sea. 



Six vessels wrecked on Magdalen Islands. 



Four vessels wi'ecked on Bird Rocks. 



' It is not, however, to be expected that this hst, made 

 from memory, contains a full catalogue of such disasters. 

 If we cannot presume to say to what extent such casual- 

 ties would be avoided by establishing a light and projjer 

 signals, in case of ' fog ' or snow-storms, on the ' Bird 

 Eocks,' their certain diminution would create not only 

 such a degree of confidence in the St. Lawrence navigation 

 as would tend to lessen the rates of insurance of both 

 vessels and cargoes ; but, what is of far greater conse- 

 quence, it would be no mean advance in the right direc- 

 tion towards promoting the cause of humanity.' 



The Magdalen Islands, north of Prince Edward's Isle, 

 are inhabited by Acadians, who employ themselves in 

 fishing and whaling. Some of the inhabitants have lately 

 emigrated to Esquimaux Point on the Labrador coast, 

 and founded a new settlement there, which will be 

 described in another place. 



Anticosti, first discovered by Cartier in 1534, and called 

 by him in his second voyage ' Assomption ; ' by the pilot, 

 Jean Alphonse, in 1542, 'Ascension Isle ;' by the Indians 

 Natiscotee, which the French transformed into Anticosti.* 

 This fine island, 122 miles long, 30 broad, and 270 miles 



* The Natiscotee River empties itself into the Gulf on the north side of 

 the island. 



