SOIL. 311

the women are often grandmothers at forty; and the mother and daughter may each be seen with a child atmthe breast at the same time.”*‘6

The diseases at present commonly known, are usually the consequence of gglds or intemperance, if we except consumptions, which I have observed in most cases to be constitutional; and the young women born on the island appear to be more sub- ject to this malady than those who remove to the colony from Europe. \The climate is decidedly salu- brious. ”Bilious complaints are unknown; and I have conversed with several people who were affected with ill health previous to their settling in this colony, who afterwards enjoyed all the comforts of an unim- paired constitution.

The absence of damp weather and noxious exha- lations, those certain generators of disease; and the island having no lakes, or few ponds of fresh water, while it is at the same time surrounded by the sea, will account satisfactorily for the excellence of its climate.

The general structure of the soil is,first,a thin layer of black or brown mould, composed of decayed vege- table substances; then, to the depth of a foot, or more, a light loam prevails, inclining in some places to a sandy, in others to a clayey character; below which, a stiff clay, resting on sandstone, predominates. The prevailing colour of both soil and stone is red.

9‘ Account of Prince Edward Island, by John Stewart, Esq., late paymaster to the forces at Newfoundland. London, 1806.