I36 HISTORICAL SKETCH 0F PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND

complete: these were accompanied by a supply of blank and ball ammunition for each arm. The guns on their arrival were mounted at Fort Edward,—the only battery of four now remaining—for the protection of the harbor should there unfortunately be war between the mother country and any foreign nation.

A most terrible calamity happened on the morning of the 15th July, when a fire broke out at the east corner of King and Pownal Streets, spreading rapidly to Water and Dorchester Streets, across Queen Street to near Great George Street, where at length by the heroic exertions of the Fire Department, troops, and citizens generally, its progress was checked, not however before it had destroyed one hundred buildings, and left thirty families homeless.

The Rifle Competition for the year did not take place until the 4th of October,—owing to Captain Smith having to attend to his regimental duties,—when 120 competitors put in an appearance, but the day proved unfavorable for target shooting, a stiff breeze blowing at right angles with the line of fire, the clouds were dark and lowering, with slight snow showers announcing the near approach of winter. There were three matches and twenty-two prizes. Ranges for the first match were 300 and 500 yards,~position, standing at the first range and kneeling the second. The firing commenced at 10 o’clock, continuing until the evening when the first prize—including the National Rifle Association medal—was awarded Major Pollard. The second and third matches fired atizoo and 400 yards, were concluded on the following day.

On the 15th of january, 1867, a new drill shed, situated to the west of lower Kent Street, was opened by the Commander- in-chief. A number of militia and volunteers having assembled under their respective officers, were formed in line, and after being inspected by His Excellency, the parade was then put through manual and other exercises; this was followed by an address by His Excellency, when three hearty cheers were given by the soldiery. Meantime the volunteer band dis- coursed its choicest music, greatly to the delight of the citizens who had collected to witness the proceedings.

The new drill shed was large, commodious and brilliantly lighted, having an armory for small arms of sufficient capacity to accommodate four or five rifle companies. Here from that