LETTERS OF AGRICOLA. 13 



met with in any language. It was not to be wondered 

 at that, throiigli the exertions of Mr Young, a provincial 

 Board of Agriculture should have been established, and 

 many county agricultural societies, which still exist, 

 though less patriotically urged forward, perhaps, than in 

 his time. 



The publication of the Letters of Agricola marks 

 an era in the agricultural history of the province ; the 

 writings of the author of Sam Slick an era, not only 

 in its social history, but in that of the steam traffic and 

 intercourse of the world. Both writers must rank 

 among the truest patriots of Nova Scotia. Is there none 

 in the province now who can take up the mantle of 

 Young again, and re-awaken, in behalf of agriculture, 

 the spirit which, thirty years ago, when less v/as known 

 of its principles, he was so successful in creating ? 



If we are permitted to draw any conclusion from the 

 increase of population in Nova Scotia, this province would 

 appear to have advanced as rapidly as almost any other 

 part of North America. The number of its inhabitants, 

 at different periods, is stated to have been — 



The province has many resources in fishing, mining, 

 and agriculture, and cannot be prevented from increasing, 

 both in population and in wealth. But its progress will be 

 more rapid in proportion to the wisdom, energy, and 

 singleness of purpose of those whom the colonists — to 

 whom all public officers are now responsible — may select 

 to manage their affairs. 



It possesses an area of nine and a half millions of acres, 

 of which five and a quarter millions are granted to private 

 parties, and four and a quarter still remain in the hands 

 of the provincial Government. It does not grow corn 



