has since been termed the “Garden of the Gulf," and the HMillion Acre Farm.”

Together with the Magdalen Islands it was tentatively settled by the French in 1668, and was always included as part of Acadia; but its real settlement dates from the time when the Acadians came hither after being expelled from Nova Scotia. Peasants from Bretagne, Picardy and Normandy participated in the settlement; and later, English and Scotch set- tlers followed. Many hoards of arms, furniture, cooking utensils, etc., have been found hidden in the woods, placed there by the early Acadians.

Some ten thousand descendants of this hunted people are living on the Island, and as they do not readily mix with others, and thus preserve their old manner of living, they are a very interesting part of the population. To some extent they live by themselves in their own Villages, speaking the original tongue, wearing the simple dress and keeping alive the old traditions. They are simple and kindly, and give color and charm to the more populous communi- ties that surround them.

In these places the maidens still weave, sew and lay by linen for the expected marriage; and the simple social gatherings for weddings, barn-raisings, etc., still attract their people of all ages. Many of them still believe in HLoups-garous” and other fictions of ghost, and haunting spirits, etc. The principal Acadian settlements are at Rustico, Tignish, Abram’s Village, and Miscouche.

The quaint broken English of the old Acadian is shown in this extract relating to our little friend the grosbeak :

H

An’ mebbe you hear do grosbec

Sittin’ above (10 nes’ An’ you see by dc way he's goin’ De ole man’s doin’ his bes'

Makin’ de wife any baby Happy as dey can be— An' proud he was come de fader

Such fine leetle familee.”