394 CAPE BRETON.

Inhabitants, along the banks of which there were extensively cultivated farms when Cape Breton was taken, falls into a bay of the same name at the northern end of Lennox Passage. The lands on each side of this river are fertile, and have been set- tled for many years. The interior lands are also excellent, and covered with luxuriant woods.

Arichat is situated on the south side of Madame Island, which is divided by Lennox Passage from Cape Breton. It lies near the south entrance of the Gut of Canseau, opposite Cranberry Island, on which there is a lighthouse. Its harbour is safely sheltered, and has a sufficient depth of water for the largest ships. The population of this place is increasing fast; the present number of inhabitants may be esti- mated at two thousand, consisting principally of Acadian French, who are engaged in the fisheries and coasting trade.

It is a port of entry under that of Halifax, and must be considered the most important and thriving place in Cape Breton. The town, or rather long village, with its chapels, court-house, dwelling-houses, stores, Wharfs, and fishing-craft, has a pleasing, in- dustrious, and trading appearance. The fishery is here conducted to an important extent; and several cargoes of dry cod and pickled fish are annually ex- ported to Spain, Portugal, to the countries Within the Mediterranean, to the West Indies, and to Hali- fax. The mercantile houses who support this fishery, are, with two or three exceptions, managed by people from Guernsey or Jersey.