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hitherto been; for surrounded as the Island is with danger to shipping, and in the direct track of vessels bound from Europe to a considerable portion of the North American Continent, it must be expected that, with the increase of trade, wrecks will more frequently take place on it; and it might so happen, that four or five hundred persons might be thrown on the Island about the same time, and obliged to remain there four or five months; for, as there is no harbor whatever in the Island, and as a heavy surf even in fine weather, is always setting on it, the only kind of boat that can be used, is a small light whale boat, and the only safe chance therefore of communicating with the main is afforded by the vessel which is sent twice a year to the Island from Halifax.
Humanity demands that provision should be made against such emergencies, and that the establishment should be rendered in very respect adequate to attain the great end for which it was formed. Its present deficiencies are numerous: The houses, built 20 years ago, being now in a state of decay, others must be built in their stead; more persons must be hired to live on the Island; three or four more boats are required; one or two life boats of the most approved construction, and an apparatus for