PRINCIPAL HARBOURS. 201 rivers, and numerous minor inlets ; and then, along the strait of Belle Isle to , 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 were formerly resorted to, during the fishing season, by the fishermen from , before the French were allowed the privilege of those parts. Between John's and , the principal settlements and harbours are Bay of Bulls, Brigas, 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 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 1762, the French, by this route, proceeded to and took 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 and their deputies; and it is said that for some time it became the seat of the trans- muses.