The oft-repeated remark, “aca nada,” or ‘there is nothing here,’ made by the Castilian adventurers when disappointed in their search for gold, was judged to be of importance by the Indians, who frequently repeated it to Jacques Cartier. Cartier is sup- posed to have mistaken this oft- heard expression for the name of the new country. A more likely derivation, however, is found in the Indian compound word Caugh- na-daugh, or ‘village of hytsf and this, it is thought, has gradu- ally settled into the euphonious and easily pronounced name of ‘Canada.’

In later years the Micmac Indians were along the shores of the Gaspé Peninsula in large numbers, but more recently they have almost deserted the region, and are to be found in New Brunswick, etc.

It is related that when Lord Aylmer was Governor-General he once went on an excursion to Gaspé. Micmac Indians to the number of nearly 500 flocked to welcome the ‘great chief.’ When the governor landed with a brilliant staff, he was met by Peter Basket, the great Micmac Chief, at the head of the aboriginal deputation. The chief, a fine, powerful man, and surrounded by his principal warriors, at once commenced a long oration in the usual solemn, singsong tone, accompanied with frequent bowings of the head.

It happened that a vessel had been wrecked in the Gulf some months previously, and the Indians proving themselves ready and adroit wreckers had profited largely by the windfall. Among other things they had seized for personal adornment was a box full of labels for decanters, marked in conspicuous characters, ‘Rum,’ ‘(3in,’ ‘Brandy,’ etc.

The chief had his head liberally encircled with the usual orna-

ments, and, in addition, had dexterously affixed to his ears and nose some of the labels as bangles.

At first they were not particularly noticeable amid the general novelty of the spectacle, but while listening to the prolonged harangue of the chief, the governor began to scrutinize his appearance and dress; and then his ears and nose with the labels inscribed ‘Brandy,’ ‘Gin,’ ‘Rum,’ etc. Glancing towards his staff he could no longer

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