PRESENT CONDITION . 385 and has a smaller population, in proportion to its superficies, with the exception of Newfoundland and Labrador , than any of the colonies. When the mighty importance attached to it by France , the abundant fisheries on its coasts, its numerous harbours, and its producing plenty of wood for building vessels and boats, and also a soil capable of producing grain, vegetables, and excellent grazing, together with its coal mines, are taken into consideration, it appears difficult to account for this colony having been so long neglected, while the attention of government has been directed to the colonization of countries so distant as the Cape of Good Hope, and Van Dieman's Land, except by sup¬ posing that the advantages and resources of have been imperfectly understood, not only by government, but by individuals desirous to emi¬ grate. VOL . I. 2 13