XI 



adopted, many more should have been unwill- 

 ingly laid aside until the coming of a more 

 propitious period for carrying them into effect. 

 That period, so long sighed for by suffering 

 millions, is perhaps nearly arrived, when the 

 talents and attention of statesmen will have no 

 other view than to diminish the chance of simi- 

 lar calamities recurring, and to give energy 

 and fresh vigour to industry and the arts of 

 peace ; at such an epoch the wants and claims 

 of the British North American provinces will un- 

 doubtedly obtain the notice they are entitled to. 

 In what manner their internal situation can be 

 most beneficially improved, their population 

 most speedily increased by the encouragement of 

 industrious settlers, and particularly the cultiva- 

 tion of hemp and flax supported, which may, in 

 fact, be pursued to almost any extent, belongs 

 to the sagacity of political economists to point 

 out ; and if the means proposed should receive 

 the countenance and support of the imperial 

 government, their safety, welfare and prosperity 

 will neither be dubious, or, after a short period, 

 liable to sustain serious injury from casualties. 

 The interior of Lower Canada being so little 

 known beyond the limits of the province, a be- 

 lief that a detailed account of it would not only 

 be useful by shewing its present state, but by 



