Sutherland, George (1861) Manual of the Geography and Natural and Civil History of Prince Edward Island. John Ross, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island. 164 pp.

The Rev. George Sutherland records on the title page of his book that he is a ’Pastor of the Free Church, Charlottetown, and a member of the Board of Education’. Without further research, this is all the information that is readily available about him. In the preface, he states that, though he considers his book to be of use to families and emigrants, it is designed mainly for ’the Public Schools of the Island’. it was in fact undertaken at the request of the Board of Education and was intended as a school textbook that would introduce the island ’8 school children to subjects such as geography, history, botany and zoology by using locally-based subject material — an approach that after decades of abandonment would be revived a century later in the 79603 Its publication reflects the spirit of pride and independence that was permeating the self—confident colony in the 78605. The book has only two references to the forests of the island: one is a mention of a fire that had occurred at some unspecified time in the past in the south—eastern part of the island, the other is a fairly comprehensive list of the island ’3 tree species, included as part of a more general list of flowering plants. / have also extracted from his zoological section all references to forest animals.

The name Wood Islands, at the southern extremity of the county, are now two barren rocks 'WOOd /S/a”d3'- one of which is partially occupied. They were evidently at one time heavily wooded,

from which they obtained their name. [p. 251 A fire in the

65. Woodville. This settlement joins Belfast on the south, and extends from Flat River to the county line. It is in general low-lying and sandy. The climate is the mildest on the Island, much less snow lodging there than in localities farther north. A great part of it was once covered with very large pine timber, which was over-run by a great fire, and hence the name of "Burnt Woods" was, at an early period, given to it. Its present designation has reference to its ancient pine forest. Some settlers were located on it about the same time with Belfast. The majority are immigrants of a much later date. The progress of the settlement has been slow, but steady....

[pp. 30-31]

south-east.

West Prince

County 95. Cascumpec. This district was at one time the scene of considerable activity, in

the export of timber. This soon failed; and the fishery, in which the people principally engaged, proving often precarious, the settlement has been materially retarded. Latterly it has much improved,

97. A great part of the central district west of the Ellis River, is yet covered by the forest. Wide sections of two, or more townships, between Richmond Bay and Holland Bay are barren wastes, incapable of cultivation.

98. On the banks of streams, and wherever the land is high, the prevailing character of the soil returns ; it is fertile, and if unoccupied, covered with forest. .pp. 38-39]

Con/fer trees, 71 . Conifers or Cone-bearers. This extensive and valuable timber family derives its name from the cone—shaped case which protects its fruit. The members of the family in this Island are the White, and Red Pine; the Hemlock; Black, Red and White Spruce; Larch or Juniper; White Cedar; and the Fir, called Var, whose medicinal balsam is so justly prized. There are some short species of little use, such as, the Ground Hemlock; and the Ground Juniper which yields berries.

Hardwood trees. 72. Hardwood Trees. 1 . The Betulaces or Birch family include the Yellow Birch, the Black Birch, the Canoe Birch, and the Poplar-leaved Birch; and the Alders. The Canoe Birch is used by the Indians in making their canoes, and other articles. The Alders, so abundant on our low, swampy lands, afford very good charcoal; the young shoots make a good dye, and the bark is valuable for tanning. Birch timber is our largest and

173