10 The French in Prince Edward Island

visited only rarely by fishermen and traders; and that these, apart from discovering its location and its insular formation, confined their explorations to the immediate necessities of drying codfish, bartering for furs, or chasing the walrus and the seal. Such necessities did not involve a knowledge of either the rivers or the harbors, as a landing could easily be effected in many little bays, coves, or beaches all round the coast where their temporary establish-

ments would leave few indications of their restless activities.