In normal times, provisions were scarce and in only Malpeque, Covehead and Tracadie were the settlers com-

paratively self-sufficing.

'The settlement obviously prospered to the extent that the first road constructed under the British regime ran from Charlottetown to Covehead. The Reverend James MacGregor, the first Presbyterian

minister of the area, records his first impressions on his arrival

in 1791.

"Our readers, however, may suppose that at that time the country was both physically and socially in a very backward condition. There was not a road on the Island with the exception of one between Charlotte Town and Cove Head. There was scarcely even a blaze between other settlements. Thus from Charlotte Town to Princetown, the course was to proceed up the banks of the Hillsborough, then cross to Cove Head, and thence to proceed along the north shore of the Island. I think it was this summer, (1791) that I paid the first visit to (St. John) Prince Edward Island. The session appointed me two Sabbaths to St. Peter's and two to Cove Head. Having taken passage to Charlotte Town, the metropolis, sixth miles from Pictou Harbour, I landed next day, after an agreeable passage. In a few minutes I found Charlotte Town to be wicked enough for a far larger town. Swearing and drunkenness abounded. I was directed to a Mr. Rae, a Scotch merchant, a sober man, with whom I

lodged agreeably.

Next day, I hired a horSe, and rode out to Cove Head, sixteen miles, on an agreeable road. Near the end of my journey I missed my way, and calling at a house for information met the land- lord at the door, and asked him to shew me the way to Mr. Millar's. Pointing with his hand across the creek or small bay he said, 'There

is Mr. Millar's'.

24