386 CAI' E BRETON . CHAPTER II. Description of Sydney and other Principal Settlements, &c. &c. Sydney, which is considered the metropolis, or county town, of , was founded by Gover¬ nor Desbarres in 1823. It is situated a few miles south of the entrance to Bras d'Or, on a point of land lying between a small river which branches to the south, and the larger continuation of Dartmouth river; and about two miles above the junction of the latter river with the west arm of Sydney, or . It was, previously to the re-annexion of to Nova Scotia , the residence of the lieutenant- governors. Its situation is very beautiful, having a steep bank, with deep water on the west, from which the site of the town descends gently to the east. The surrounding scenery, presenting woods, water, culti¬ vated land, and some other picturesque features, is interesting and pretty, but not romantic ; the town is regularly planned, contains from sixty to seventy houses, rather handsomely built, with gardens at¬ tached, and a population of about five hundred. The government buildings are the barracks,stores, and government-house, at the north end of the town.