CHAP. XXV. IIARBOUES OP ANTICOSTI. 77 



water, than Gamaclie Bay. The distance across its mouth 

 is a mile and a half, mth half a mile of deep water in 

 the centre, extending np the bay nine-tenths of a mile ; 

 the whole depth of the indentation being one mile and 

 two-tenths. 



' These two harbours occur in the same geological for- 

 mation, while the rock presents a very regular and com- 

 paratively level surface, over which a road could be 

 easily constructed from one harbour to the other — the 

 distance being 120 miles. By such means the whole 

 island would be brought to within a moderate distance 

 of a road having; a natural harbour at each end. 



' It belongs to an engineer to say how far these natural 

 harbours might be capable of artificial improvement. 

 The belt of reef, about a mile wide, that hues the shore 

 within them, is composed of argillaceous limestones, in 

 nearly horizontal beds, which are diy at low water of 

 spring tides. Possibly one mode of improvement might 

 be to make excavations in the limestone to the depth 

 required, and to use the materials thus obtained partly 

 to raise the sides of the excavations high enough for 

 piers, and partly for the construction of breakwaters 

 outside. The depth of water on the reefs at spring tides 

 is about six feet, and the strength of the breakwater 

 might be made accordingly. I have been informed that 

 a vessel of 500 tons has been loaded with a cargo of 

 timber in Gamache Bay. 



' During a heavy wind from the east, while I was at 

 Fox Bay, a schooner ran in for shelter, and appeared to 

 be quite safe. On account of the safeness of this 

 harbour, a provision post was established in it ; but 



