[ganong] historic SITES IN NEW BRUNSWICK 21B 



interested reader may, with these descriptions and maj^s in hand, locate 

 on a modern map, or go in person to, the exact spot. 



Unlike some other phases of history, archœological studies such as the 

 present should be undertaken as soon as possible after the events have 

 occurred, for their evidence is found not so much in documents reasonably 

 sure of long preservation, but in perishable materials and alterable locali- 

 ties. While these sites are still determinable, therefore, they should be 

 fixed for the future, partly by accurate maps showing their relation to 

 neighbouring objects less liable to change, and partly by monuments or 

 other memorials of lasting materials. This placing of tablets or stones, 

 suitably inscribed, to mark historical sites yet well known but liable to 

 be lost in the future, seems a most appropriate work for local historical 

 societies. This excellent custom has been carried to a very gratifying- 

 degree in Massachusetts and other parts of New England, but as yet we 

 have done nothing to mark our important sites in JSIew Brunswick. 



The princii^les of the investigation of such a subject as the present 

 are extremely simple. First of all, one must guard against preconceived 

 opinions and a desire, based on local pride, to magnify the importance of 

 some particular locality. Then he must supply himself with all known 

 documentary and cartographical evidence, and visit the locality, calling 

 to aid all local tradition, and especially minutely examining the ground, 

 excavating if necessary. Kothing in such a study as this can replace the 

 actual visit to the locality and its leisurely inspection. Even a single 

 glance at the spot and its surroundings will often settle questions that 

 inspection of maps alone leaves doubtful. If actual remains are visible, 

 undoubtedly those of the fort or other object sought, the student is 

 indeed fortunate, and his search ends. But if no such traces are visible, 

 one turns to tradition, which, for very recent events, especially those 

 within the memory of men now living or of their fathers, may be of 

 much value, but which for more distant events rapidly lessens in value ; 

 while for events of several generations ago, particularly if the vicinity 

 has not been continuously occupied, tradition is well-nigh valueless, 

 or even worse than that, actually misleading. Tradition dearly loves 

 a sensation, and manufactures it from a small basis. It loves, too, an 

 explanation of things that are odd, and is much influenced by coinci- 

 dences, so that it tends to link any odd place or object with some past 

 striking event, and, once flxed, is so satisfied with itself that it is beyond 

 the reach of reason. The psychology of tradition would form a cui-ious 

 subject for investigation. The seeker for local sites must use tradition 

 rather for hints than as evidence. When tradition fails him, he can only 

 fall back upon probabilities based on the nature of the locality and of the 

 event that happened there, in which he will be greatly aided by a full 

 knowledge of the customs of the time. Forts are not built in marshes 

 when there is high land near, nor do early settlers seat themselves on 



Sec. XL, 1899. 15 



