The reasons here alleged for annulling the former rates of tonnage duty, and substituting these in conformity to the American standard, manifests a disposition for friendly intercourse; a disposition which it is to be hoped will be obviated on both sides as well by the governments as their respective subjects. A war of legislation, although not so destructive as a war of arms, would occasion serious inconveniences. On the other hand a free commercial intercourse, on liberal terms, is not only pleasant, but mutually beneficial. Instances of national civility have been witnessed with much satisfaction. Of that character was the act passed by Congress, to exempt from impost duty, Governor Gore's carriage, which was landed at New York, on its way to Upper Canada. Such civilities have a conciliatory tendency, and are far more gratifying to a benevolent mind than acts of retaliation or reciprocal irritation. At the session of the Provincial parliament in 1816, the annual labour required by law to be expended upon roads was extended, and some other alterations made in the statute. The important object of improving the public roads continues to occupy the attention of the legislature. 4 In addition to the statute labour annually required of the inhabitants, liberal grants have, from time to time, been made from the provincial funds, and applied under the direction of road commissioners, appointed for that purpose in the several districts. The provincial revenue has increased to such a degree as to enable the legislature at their session this year (1816) to make liberal grants. The view of this subject, contained in a preceding Sketch, as taken from the statements of the year 1810, gives no adequate idea of its present state. An authentic abstract of the amount of the several sources of revenue for the last year could not be obtained in season to be inserted in this appendix. At the same session, the jurisdiction of the courts of requests was enlarged to five pounds, in cases of liquidated debts; but their process was declared to be confined within the limits of their respective justiciary divisions, instead of extending through the whole district. Provision was also made for regulating the police of the town of Kingston. This town is now progressing rapidly in population and buildings, as well as business. From 1811 to 1816, the number of dwelling houses only increased from 130 to 300; but it is estimated that a hundred more will have been erected at the close of this year. A regular market is established; though the country immediately around is not yet cultivated enough to furnish sufficient supplies of vegetables and other provisions. Improvements in many respects are taking place throughout the town; but further regulations had become necessary, and are provided for by the act. These regulations respect the repairing, paving, and cleaning of the streets, removing nuisances, regulating slaughter-houses, restraining cattle, providing fire engines and buckets, and forming companies of enginemen, and promoting in general the health, comfort, and security of the inhabitants. For these valuable objects, the magistrates are authorized to lay a town tax of a limited amount. Here closes a very fair and impartial account of Upper Canada, up to the year 1817. A destructive war seems to have had little effect in repressing the prosperity of the Province. Kingston continues to increase rapidly: Queenston "is in a flourishing state,” &c. In 1817 great changes took place; partly from external circumstances, which affected the world at large; partly from the internal policy of the executive government, or rather its impolitic haste, in running counter to established law and confirmed good practice. The change alluded to will little appear from the perusal of the following Reports; for the world does not contain a more contented people than those of Upper Canada: indeed a cow in clover takes little heed of the scythe which does not scratch its hoof; but if the clover is yet made into good hay, the cow may have no reason to complain of a temporary stint.-R. G. Note A, omitted, page 116.-I visited Apanee river, for the express purpose of observing the phenomenon of the tide. Having not then heard it ascribed to the lake winds, I conceived it to be caused by an eddy in the lake, originating from the discharge of the great rivers Niagara and Genesee into its opposite side. At Queenston lower wharf there is a constant ebbing and flowing of one foot in a minute. At the whirlpool there is a tide of three feet every four or five minutes on the western side of the pool. I mention these circumstances to direct attention to a pleasing and innocent study of nature; not in contradiction to the opinion given in the text. Did the winds cause the tide, then such a tide should be observable all round the lake; but I never heard of any on its southern or western shores. A person residing in the neighbourhood, told me that in general the tide of Apanee took about 50 minutes to flow and 100 to ebb; and that the rise varied from 14 to 17 inches.-R. G. 1st. Name, Situation, and Extent of your Township? 2d. DATE OF THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF YOUR TOWNSHIP, NUMBER OF PEOPLE AND INHABITED HOUSES? 3d. NUMBER OF CHURCHES OR MEETING HOUSES; NUMBER OF PROFESSIONAL PREACHERS, AND OF WHAT SECTS? 4th. NUMBER OF MEDICAL PRACTITIONERS ? 5th. NUMBER OF SCHOOLS, AND THE FEES PER QUARTER? 6th. NUMBER OF STORES? 7th. NUMBER OF TAVERNS ? 8th. NUMBER OF MILLS, AND OF WHAT DESCRIPTION, WITH THE RATE OF grinding, sawING AND CARDING WOOL? 9th. THE GENERAL CHARACTER OF THE SOIL AND SURFACE? 10th. THE KINDS OF TIMBER PRODUCED, NAM ING THEM IN ORDER, AS THEY MOST ABOUND? 11th. WHAT MINERALS, IF ANY, HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED OR INDICATED; COAL, LIMESTONE, IRON, STONE, PLAISTER OF PARIS, SALT ROCK, SALT OR OTHER REMARKABLE SPRINGS? 12th. BUILDING STONES, IF ANY, OF WHAT QUALITY, AND HOW MUCH PER TOISE THEY CAN BE OBTAINED FOR AT THE QUARRY? 13th. IF BRICKS HAVE BEEN MADE, AND THEIR COST PER THOUSAND? 14th. IF LIME IS BURNED, AND THE PRICE PER BUSHEL, AT THE KILN? 15th. WAGES OF BLACKSMITHS, MASONS, AND CARPENTERS; AND THE RATE OF THEIR PIECE-WORK RESPECTIVELY? |