368 PRODUCTIONS AGRICULTURAL SOCIETIES. 



CHAPTER V. 



Productions Agricultural Societies Want of Pasturage Pro 

 gress of Forest Settlement First Crops on Forest Land Worn- 

 out Soil Mildewed Wheat Misrepresentations of Canada 

 Mr Ferguson s Statement Township of Nichol Praises and 

 Detractions Choosing a situation Advantages and disadvan 

 tages of Upper Canada for different Emigrants State of the 

 Inhabitants Constitution Game. 



THE productions of the country are various, and embrace 

 almost every thing that is desirable in life. Wheat is the 

 staple commodity. Indian corn ripens well in the most 

 southerly parts, but is not extensively cultivated any where, 

 and, in the present state of the country, is an uncertain crop 

 beyond 4U- degrees of latitude. Oats, rye, barley, peas, 

 and millet, number amongst the grains. Tobacco, turnips, 

 potatoes, melons, apples, pears, and peaches, amongst the vege 

 tables and fruits. The climate of the southern parts is genial, 

 the industry of man applied to the cultivation of the soil ren 

 ders it fruitful. 



The agriculture of Upper Canada has not been reduced to 

 a system in the oldest cultivated parts, and is carried on in the 

 rudest manner in recently settled districts. The legislature 

 having lately appropriated L.I 00 to each district for the 

 encouragement of agriculture, societies have been formed for 

 this purpose in Niagara and other districts. I am possessed 

 of a copy of the Niagara District Agricultural Society s rules, 

 and its exertions will, in all likelihood, be directed to the 

 improvement of stock. 



In all countries perhaps, and more especially in one covered 

 with dense forests like Upper Canada, the first efforts of the 

 inhabitants are directed to the growing of grain for their own 

 subsistence, and pastural agriculture is introduced at a later 



