PRINCIPAL HARBOURS. 201

rivers, and numerous minor inlets ; and then, along the strait of Belle Isle to Cape Norman, the most north—westerly point of Newfoundland, a straight shore prevails, along which an old Indian path is observable.

Several of the harbours north of Cape John were formerly resorted to, during the fishing season, by the fishermen from Conception Bay, before the French were allowed the privilege of those parts.

Between St John’s and Cape Race, the principal settlements and harbours are Bay of Bulls, Brigas, Cape Broyle harbour, Ferryland, Aqua-forte, Fer- moise, and Renowes.

Bay of Bulls is a good harbour, but rather dan- gerous. Sunken rocks render a pilot necessary. In 1796, Admiral Richery destroyed several of the stores and houses. It is rather populous, and a respectable business was once carried on here by the merchants. A foot-path leads from it to St John’s, a distance of twenty-seven miles. It is, however, a dangerous road, and crosses several fords, over which two or three false steps would be attended with destruction; yet, in 17 62, the French, by this route, proceeded to and took St John’s.

Ferryland is the oldest place in Newfoundland, and there is a considerable extent of the surrounding land under cultivation, planted originally by Lord Baltimore. It was for many years the residence of the Lords of Avalon and their deputies; and it is said that for some time it became the seat of the trans-Atlantic muses.