394 CAPE BRETON . Inhabitants, along the banks of which there were extensively cultivated farms when 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 , which is divided by Lennox Passage from . It lies near the south entrance of the Gut of Canseau, opposite , on which there is a light-house. 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 . 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 , and to Hali¬ fax. The mercantile houses who support this fishery, are, with two or three exceptions, managed by people from Guernsey or .