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ACMOWLEDGEMENI‘S

This history was written with the help of all those whose family stories and memories made the Leard Papers possible. Much of the early history of Souris and of the sea had already been researched and written by George A. Leard himself. Those who are familiar with his work will recognize his light touch and his sense of humor inherent in his writings. It is unfortunate that he did not live to complete the history he knew so well. But with the help of his widow, Olga, and his nephew, Waldron Leard, the book has been com- pleted. We are fortunate indeed to have use of many Pictures of the Past from the Leard Collection to add to the understanding of early Souris history.

We wish to thank Nancy MacBeth and Nicholas de Jong of the Public Archives of Prince Edward Island and Orlo Jones of the Prince Edward Island Museum and Heritage Foundation, Leo Cheverie of the University of Prince Edward Island Library, Lloyd Soloman, Harry Baglole, St. Mary’s Parish, P.E.I. Photo Labs, Charlottetown, P.E.I., Alan Indge, Lilian Baker, Marjorie McLean and Catherine McQuaid.

A special thanks to Peter McQuaid who engineered the production, Sheila Peters our patient typist and Ann Thurlow our editor. And a very special thanks to the Town of Souris who made the publication of this book possible.

So many people, with their interest and encouragement, helped us that it is not possible to name them all; nevertheless, our sincere thanks goes out to them as well.