278 SABLE ISLAND—MACDONALD. 
In subsequent years companies were formed in Boston and 
elsewhere for the purpose of hunting wild cattle on this island 
for their hides. 
One of the party reports having seen over 800 head of cattle 
and many foxes, some of which were black. Unfortunately we 
have no dates from which to arrive at its former size, except that 
furnished by loss of area since the establishment of the govern- 
ment life-saving station, during which time (85 years) it has 
been reduced to one-half its extent. 
This is independent of charts and surveys, which. some have 
thought may not have been reliable, but such changes as neces- 
sitated the removal of buildings, light-house, ete. 
iam not at liberty to assert that the present rate of deunda- 
tion has been in force ever since those early voyagers visited the 
island. Nevertheless, after careful consideration and allowing 
for periods of comparative repose it may have enjoyed, I think I 
am warranted in placing the dimensions of this island at 
the time of its occupancy by the French convicts at least equal 
to an area of 80 miles in length, 10 miles in breadth, and a 
height not less than 300 feet, with an extensive harbor, havinga 
northern entrance and a safe approach. 
I do not believe an island of smaller extent so situated and sur- 
rounded by the same influence would at the end of 280 years be 
above the breakers. 
As late as 50 years ago it had a commodious harbor, to which 
fishing vessels on the banks would run for on approach of a 
storm. 
During a gale in 1836 its entrance was closed, shuting in two 
American vessels, whose ribs are now buried in the sands. 
Early English charts show an entrance on the north side 
which, in consequence of the depth of water on this side, would 
render approach thereto quite safe. 
At that time also the survey gave the elevation of the sand 
cliffs as 200 feet, which enabled vessels to make the harbor more 
readily. A shallow lagoon now exists in its stead, separated from 
the ocean by a narrow ridge of sand. 
In order to show the ravages committed by storms and curs 
rents on this island I will enumerate a few instances. 
