408 CAPE BRETON.

the faith which has descended to them from their forefathers, and have the service of their church performed in almost all the settlements, by priests educated in Canada. There can scarcely be said to be any stationary clergymen of other persuasions, except at Sydney ; and lately a Presbyterian pastor was fixed at St Ann’s, among the orderly and industrious people settled there. Presbyterian, and, more commonly, Methodist preachers, go occasionally among the in- habitants, to preach and baptize.

The colony, being now, however, a component part of the province of Nova Scotia, begins already to feel the advantage of the connexion. It is probable the benefits of instruction may, in a few years, he received in every part of the island. Travelling by land through the country will also, in a short period, be rendered less difficult. As the country becomes more populously settled, the inhabitants will improve in their mode of husbandry, gradually change their habits of living, become more industrious, and feel a pride in having their houses neatly built, as Well as comfortably furnished ; neither of which is at pre— sent generally the case, although it is well ascertained that nothing but industry and good management is required to enable them to obtain all the necessaries and conveniences of life.

The Scotch Highlanders and islanders, who form the majority of the population, are not mixed with settlers by whose example they might be stimulated to exertion, and from whom they might learn a bet- ter system of agriculture and domestic management.