200 A VISIT TO SABLE ISLAND 



of ten miles ; and a low valley continues from six miles to the 

 north-east end of the island. Lake Wallace is sometimes connected 

 with the sea by means of a channel through the south bar ; at 

 other times the channel is entirely closed by storm. When there 

 is no channel, the sea flows into the pond over the low sandy bc;u -h 

 only during high tides and heavy gales. 



When seen from the north, from a distance of nine or ten miles, 

 the island presents the appearance of a long range of sand-hills, some 

 of which are very white. On a nearer approach many of the sand- 

 hills are seen to have been partly removed by the wind, so as to 

 form steep cliffs next the sea. In most parts the island is fringed 

 by a broad beach, which, however, cannot be reached without 

 passing over bars of sand covered with only a few feet of water. 

 These bars, which are parallel to the shore at distances not exceeding 

 one-third of a mile, form heavy breakers, and are dangerous to 

 passing boats. 



The quantity and variety of vegetation on this gigantic sand- 

 bar is extraordinary. Besides two kinds of grass, there are wild 

 peas and other plants affording sustenance to wild ponies as well 

 as to the domestic cattle. There are four or five kinds of edible 

 berries in great abundance, and many flowers and shrubs, but 

 no trees except in a plantation experimentally established in 1901. 

 There are good gardens at the several stations. The climate is 

 much milder and more equable than on the neighbouring mainland ; 

 but high winds are frequent, and in winter storms salt spray is 

 carried across the land, scalding and destroying all but the hardiest 

 vegetation. 



Fresh-water can be obtained in almost any part by digging d\vn 

 a few feet into the sand in the flats or from the numerous ponds. ' 

 Seals and abundance of wild-fowl frequent the island in their 

 seasons. The fisheries around the island are exceedingly valuable ; 

 but the danger of remaining near its formidable bars has hitherto 

 restricted the number of vessels engaged in them. 



The establishment on Sable Island for the relief of shipwn k <! 

 persons is supported by the Government of Canada, with the assi>t- 

 ance of an annual grant of 400 by the Imperial Government ; a 

 small revenue is derived from the periodical sale of wild ponies, 

 cranberries, etc., and occasionally from salvage on the sale of wrecked 

 vessels and their cargoes. 



Four lookout stations, together with two lighthouses, form 

 a chain of posts from which the shores of the whole island with 

 its bars are watched in clear, and patrolled in thick or bad, weather. 

 No wrecks can take place on the island at a greater distance th.-m 

 five miles from some one of these posts. 



