was also witness to the rise and decline of mussel mud and fox farming industries. With the improvement of machinery and the introduction of various agricultural groups, farmers in the St. Peters area have made a significant contribution to the "Million Acre Farm" over the years. The French Settlers established the basis for farming in the St. Peters area. The hard work of the French settlers resulted in St. Pierre being one of the best agricultural areas on the Island by 1752. The work done by their French predecessors gave the immigrating British settlers a good start. Classified as "good-fair" by Holland while doing his survey of the Island, the land in St. Peters by 1827 was considerably cleared and cultivated and was indeed "improved." (2) The period from 1830 to 1880 has often been referred to as the "golden age" of Prince Edward Island , a period where the Island's economy was based on the small family farm. (3) The horse replaced the use of oxen. The introduction of the two-handed plow in 1810, threshing mills in 1820, and the reaper machine in 1830, replacing the one- handled iron plow, scythe, and sickle, and greatly enhanced the small farm's productivity. Advertisements ran in local papers promoting modern equipment and the benefits it would bring farmers. In one such article, "Manny's Celebrated and Wonderful Mowing & Reaping Machines" was advertised for sale, which could be bought from a list of agents, including a J. A. McLean Esq., of St.. . (4) Although this was considered the "golden age of PEI ," there were many obstacles to overcome in order to make a living at farming. After the arduous task of clearing the land, the farmers faced the reality of not having much to work with. Suitable seed was scarce, and the quality of livestock was poor. In addition to this, many farmers could not own their land. The reality of Absentee landlords caused farmers much frustration. This was an Island wide problem with the St. Peters area being no exception as indicated by an 1851 article in the Examiner: CATTLE SHEEP AND AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE (5) The Tenants and Settlers on Townships 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, and 44 are hereby called upon to make payment of all sums of money due by them for rent. And they are notified the Cattle, Sheep, Pigs, Wheat, Barley, Oats, Potatoes, Turnips, Flour, Oatmeal, Beef, Pork, Pickled Salmon, and Mackerel, and Dried Codfish will be taken in payment at the Market prices to be delivered at the Morell Farm to Mr. JOHN B. COX , or in Charlottetown at Mr. DESBRISAY 'S warehouse. JAMES PEAKE CHARLES HENSLEY JOHN M. HOLL THEO DESBRISARY August 21, 1850. ' This is typed as it appears in the 1851 article in the Examiner. 92