NATURAL HISTORY AND PHYSIOGRAPHY OF NEW BRUNSWICK. 247 



passed by those from the summit of Mount Carleton,* for here from 

 one spot the eye may range without hindrance in every direction, and 

 there cannot be a grander outlook over a more rugged country any- 

 where in this province. Everywhere lie the splendid hills with innum- 

 erable crests, as if the sea, with its rollers and breakers were suddenly 

 stilled to stone. They stretch away vast, silent, patient, as unvexed 

 by the little affairs of man as by the shadows of the summer clouds 

 floating above them. They are nearly all forested and unburnt, a 

 great contrast with most other parts of the province. As one stands 

 upon the summit of one of these rarely-visited hills on a fair summer's 

 day, and looks upon these unspoiled hills and forests, the very rugged 

 foundations of his native land, he cannot but feel an exaltation which 

 is one of the best joys of life. 



Nictor Lake, therefore, lies to-day not only by nature the most 

 charming place in the interior of New Brunswick, but as yet entirely 

 unspoiled. But the doom of the summer hotel even now threatens its 

 shores, and the pulp-mill its forests. But why should not the people 

 of New Brunswick prevent its despoiling, and set aside the lake and 

 its shores as a provincial park, to be kept wild and beautiful for their 

 enjoyment forever? It can be sacrificed for a small present profit, or 

 saved for a large one in the future. But there is another reason for 

 the preservation of the lake region. In the very near future New 

 Brunswick must turn her attention to systematic forestry, or else lose 

 her chief source of wealth, and resort to direct taxation of her 

 citizens. The first step towards such forestry must be the setting 

 aside of certain areas to be managed on good principles, as a nucleus 

 for forestry extension, and for instruction in forestry management. 

 Nowhere in the province in an equally accessible place is there so fine 

 a forest as here, or one which it would be easier to manage on correct 

 principles. Various states of the United States are making reserva- 

 tions about the heads of their principal rivers for the purpose of 

 preserving forest and game and water supply, as well as for wild parks. 

 Let us be warned in time and set aside here a forest and game preserve 

 and wild park for the future instruction and enjoyment of our people. 



* Mount Carleton is most easily reached from Nictor by taking a compass line to it from 

 the highest point of Sagamook. 



