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BOOK V.

CAPE BRETON. .

CHAPTER I.

Geographical Situation—Configuration and General Description—Sketch of , its History.

CAPE BRETON is bounded on the south and east by the Atlantic ocean, and on the north and north- west by the Gulf of St Lawrence. The Gut of Canseau separates it on the west from Nova Scotia, and forms. also a deep and safe passage into the gulf ; to which, however, the principal entrance, 57 miles in width, is between Cape Ray, in Newfoundland, and the north cape of Cape Breton. _

The aspect of Cape Breton is romantic and moun— tainous. The coast, washed by the Gulf of St LaW-. rence, is of dangerous access, and without harbours, and its iron—faced cliffs arehigh, and in many places perpendicular. On the Atlantic, the shores are broken and rugged,but indented with numerous harbours and bays. A vast inlet, named the Bras d’Or, entering by two narrow passages, and afterwards spreading into