CHAP XXV. IMPORTANCE OF ANTICOSTI TO CANADA. 85 



harbours slioiild be improved, and the sites of two towns 

 laid out. If encouragement were given to settlers, there 

 can be no doubt that Anticosti would rapidly become a 

 very important adjunct to the British Provinces, rivalling 

 Prince Edward's Island in importance ; * and, in the present 

 aspect of events, it is desirable that all the fisheries of the 

 Gulf should be secured to British subjects, and be preserved 

 and encouraged by every means that can be suggested. 



The long line of breakers on either side, and the many large stones so far 

 from the shore ahead, will present anything but an agreeable appearance to 

 those who may approach this bay for the first time ; but there will be no 

 danger if the following directions be attended to : — In approaching the bay 

 from the westward, with westerly winds, run down along the outside of the 

 reefs off Cape Henry by the lead, and in ten fathoms, until the following 

 leading marks come on ; namely, the west side of "White Cliff, on with the 

 east side of the westernmost of two hills, far back in the country, and bearing 

 NE. I N., then haul up with these marks on, and they will lead you into 

 smooth water close under Cape Henry reef in three and a half fathoms. 

 Continue running on with these marks on till Gamache House bears N. 

 by E., then haul up for it, and anchor in the berth which I have previously 

 recommended. The lead should be kept going, and the reefs on either side 

 should not be approached nearer than three fathoms in any part imtil you 

 arrive at the anchorage. 



In nmning for the bay from the south-eastward, with an easterly wind, 

 come no nearer to the west point of Cape Eagle Reef than seven fathoms, 

 imtil the east side of White Cliff come in with the east side of the same 

 hill as before ; then haul up Avith this mark on till the houses bear N. by E., 

 and proceed as above directed. Take notice that the west side of White 

 Cliff is used for the leading mark in westerly winds, and the east side in 

 easterly winds, the intention being to keep the vessel in either case from 

 going too near the lee side of the channel. On the outside of Cape 

 Henry, and continuing to the west point of Anticosti, reefs extend 1^ mile 

 from the shore, and vessels approaching it should keep the lead going and 

 attend to the soundings in the cha.rt.—Baij[/ield. 



* Prince Edward's Island lies wholly within the Gulf of St. Lawi-ence ; in 

 1857 it had a population of 71,496 souls, a revenue of 32,848/., and exported 

 articles to the value of 134,465/., its imports during the same period amount- 

 ing to 258,728/. The island is 123 miles long, 32 broad at its widest part, 

 and 4 at the isthmus, where two deep bays nearly meet. 



