406 GEOLOGICAL STEUCTUEE AND FEETILITY. 



It is interesting to observe how geological structure 

 is connected with and explains all this. Over the lime- 

 stone formation, which is observed about the upper 

 Metapediac Lake, lies a thick deposit of sandstone, which 

 forms the surface of the pine-clad country I passed 

 through for a considerable distance on my way towards 

 the south. To this succeed a series of beds of a more 

 mixed, shaly, calcareous, and sandy nature, which form 

 the improved hardwood lands that border the shores of 

 the Restigouche River, harbour, and bay, and of the 

 broader Bay de Chaleur. They comprehend the repre- 

 sentatives of the Devonian and mountain limestone 

 systems, though, in a new country like this, so little 

 explored, and, from its covering of forest, so difficult to 

 explore, the limits or details of these two formations, or 

 of their subdivisions, have not as yet been made out. 

 But it is to the presence of these formations that the 

 good land of this region is to be ascribed, and by their 

 extent, in a great measure, that it is limited. Climate, 

 therefore, unless it be extreme, is by no means the most 

 influential element in determining the agricultural capa- 

 bilities of a country. Its geological character has still 

 more to do with its economical prospects, and is deserving 

 of a study not less careful and minute, both by natives 

 and foreigners, than is usually given to climatic con- 

 ditions. 



The part of Lower Canada to which I have so often 

 alluded as forming the northern shores of the Restigouche 

 and of the Bay de Chaleur, constitutes what is called the 

 county of Bonaventure. In this county, especially along 

 the shore towards the east, there is much good land, 

 many villages or towns, intelligent settlers, and extensive 

 settlements. From all I saw and learned, I believe it to 

 be one of the most favourable parts of Lower Canada for 

 the homes of British settlers. It is far from the seat of 

 Government, and on that account more likely to suffer 



