New Brunswick -- Description and travel; New Brunswick -- History
But little can be said about the mineral or fossil productions of a
country which is yet in its infancy, and where the industry of the
inhabitants can be more profitably employed on the surface of the earth
than in ransacking its bowels. Minerals cannot be procured and
manufactured without money. To work mines effectually, many things are
requisite that cannot be expected in a new country. Such as capitalists
who can risk money on experiments, and wait a long time for returns:
for all property employed in the first working of mines is uncertain.
The next thing is abundance of cheap labour--then a demand for the
articles produced; next to produce it of such a quality, and at such a
price as to make it find a market: with many other considerations
sufficient to deter men who feeling themselves straitened in pecuniary
resources, see the necessity of employing what little they possess in
the way that will give a sure and quick return; and to such persons,
the surface of the country covered with pines, holds out a more
inviting prospect than the concealed riches of the earth. From the
appearance of the country, there is reason to believe it is rich in
minerals, and that the mountains contain ores of different metals in
abundance; but as no attempts of consequence have been made to procure
specimens or assay them, it cannot be expected that any particular
account of them could be given in this short work. It is probable the
time is not far distant when men of intelligence will turn their
attention to investigate scientifically the different natural
productions of the Province. Coals are found in abundance at the Grand
Lake, and specimens have been discovered in several other places, so as
to leave no doubt of the Province being well stored with that useful
article. Limestone of a good quality is found in different parts of the
Province; particularly at the narrows, near the mouth of the river St.
John, where there is not only sufficient for the use of the country;
but to supply Europe and America for ages, should they need it. Gypsum
is also found up the Bay, near Cumberland, and Manganese at Quaco.
This Province abounds in different kinds of excellent Stone for
building, and other purposes. Grindstones are manufactured in abundance
for home use and exportation. Veins of Marble, of different species,
have been discovered, some of which have been partially explored, and
small quantities manufactured.
The vegetable productions are, Wheat, Rye, Oats, Barley, Maize, Beans,
Peas, Buckwheat and Flax, with a variety of Roots, Grasses, and
Hortulan Plants.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account