186 



tally unobstructed, and it would besides mate- 

 rially contribute towards drawing much of the 

 produce of the populous townships on the 

 American territory into the hands of British 

 traders, for the purposes of exportation by the 

 Saint Laurence, at all times either in war or 

 peace. This route to a certain market would 

 be shorter and much less expensive than to con- 

 vey the growth of these districts to New York, 

 or other places, for exportation ; and whoever 

 is acquainted with the character of an American 

 farmer, will be convinced that he will always 

 continue so keen a speculator as to prefer that 

 market by which he can most speedily convert 

 the produce of his fields into capital without 

 risk : prompted by an insatiable desire of gain, 

 any convenient mode of realising his profits 

 will obtain a much greater share of his atten- 

 tion than the prohibitory laws that deprive him 

 of choosing the persons with whom he would 

 deal. The increasing value and importance of 

 the EngUsh townships and settlements on this 

 line will, in a few years, become apparent, and 

 is a subject at this period well entitled to a 

 serious consideration, as they will not only be 

 instrumental in enlarging the prosperity of the 

 province, but mainly contribute to its future 

 safety and protection. If the attention of go- 

 vernment could be directed to this point, with 



