S Statist leal Account of Upper Canada. 



that within a limited period they should bd settled with 

 inhabitants; a principle calculated to excite that very spirit, 

 of eiTii2;ration in nthers for which his lordship has been so 

 inconsiderately blatned, and which he only endeavoured to 

 regulate for ultiinrste benefit to the empire. He has built a 

 village for the Highlanders, and they are now very com- 

 fortably established. Soon after their arrival a disorder si- 

 tnilar to the jail fever broke out among them, and carried 

 oft a considerable number ; they have since, however, par- 

 ticipated in the general healthiness of the climate. His 

 lordship, by importing Spanish and English rams, has im- 

 proved the breed of his sheep; and he has already obtained 

 wool equal to the best English, in some instances perhaps a 

 euperior quality. At no very distant period we may there- 

 fore presume that Canadian \yool, as well as hemp, will be- 

 come a staple article of commerce. 



The use of tobicco has considerably abated in Europe, 

 and perhaps universally; but as in many situations it is 

 found a salutary and preventive medicine, it is likely to con- 

 tinue still a respectable branch of American commerce. It 

 crows luxuriantly in the western district, and may therefore 

 be regarded as one of those productions which in time will 

 constitute the principal exportable commodities of the pro- 

 vince. It is also probable that Canadian wines will be added 

 to the variety of European luxuries; for the vine throughout 

 the whole country is surprisingly fruitful, and the grapes 

 uncommonly delicious. The mineral riches of Upper Ca- 

 nada are little known, nor has it ever been supposed that 

 the precious nictals were to be found there. Accident, hov. - 

 ever, has led Mr. Gilkiion to believe, that, if judicious in- 

 vestigations were instituted, jjold might be discovered in the 

 country beyond the Lakes. One day an Indian brought ta 

 him a quantity of a very heavy substance resembling the 

 filings of a metal, and whieh he, as well as those to whonl 

 it was shown, conceived to be gold. Mr. Gilkison brought 

 this specimen with him for the purpose of ascertaining its 

 value; but it was lost along with luggage in the shipwreck 

 of the vessel by which he came to Britain. The Indian as- 



aurgc^ 

 6 



