112 SABLE ISLAND—(CONTINUED).—MACDONALD. 
possessed in early times of the coast and the adjacent islands was 
even greater than ours of to-day. And it is difficult indeed to 
give a satisfactory explanation of the variation of those charts 
unless we attribute it to actual changes undergone. But let us 
proceed. 
In 1850 the late Hon. Joseph Howe visited this place as 
commissioner, for the purpose of making himself personally 
acquainted with the Island and its requirements. In his report 
he called the attention of Parliament to the rather startling fact, 
that by actual measurement the island had decreased at the west 
end 11 miles in the last 30 years. And further, for the safety 
of navigation and the prevention of disasters their first duty 
with regard to Sable Island was to have the position defined. 
In the cabin of the “Daring” before him lay a chart by 
which that vessel was supposed to be navigated, also another 
compiled from observations taken by Capt. Darbyin 1829. The 
discrepancy between which, and its possible effect on navigation, 
was appaling to contemplate. 
The variations were as follows :— 
The cutter’s chart, W. E. 60° 32’ W. lon. 
‘ i E. E. 60° 03’ i 
Darby’s chart, W. E. 60° 10’ W. lon. 
i Hy B98) 1 F 
Difference 22 miles. 
This chart on board the cutter appears to have been one 
issued about 1815, on which the island is made to be 29 miles in 
length, a difference of 2 miles smaller than the chart of 1799. 
On the strength of Mr. Howe’s report, the admiral was com- 
municated with, who ordered Commander Bayfield and staff to 
the island for the purpose of making anew survey. A corrected 
chart was issued by Bayfield the following year, locating the 
Island as follows: W. E. 60.08., E. E. 59.45., showing a still further 
reduction of area, and placing the west end 2 miles still further 
eastward than shown by Darby’s chart of 1829. 
Surprising as this evidence of change may appear it is fully 
borne out by the testimony of all those whom fortune has led in 
the interests of humanity to dwell upon its shores. 
