TRANSPORTATION
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Quebec (Province).
Dept. of Crown Lands.
REPORT ON THE
ELGIN COLONIZATION ROAD

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R E PORT *:
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ON THE
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ELGIN COLONIZATION ROA'íř
FREE GRANT OFFICE, (,
St. Jean Port Joli, 7th January, 1862.
To the Honorable
P. M. WANKOUGHNET,
Commissioner of Crown Lands,
Quebec. #
SIR,--I have the honour to transmit with this, my Annual Report, a Surplementary
Statement, containing full details relating to the establishments of those settlers who had
taken up locations upon each side of the Elgin Road, previous to the 31st December, 1861.
This statement will point out the number of lots conceded; the names of the resident set-
tlers, with the number of persons composing each family; the number of acres under cul-
tivation; the number of acres upon which the timber is felled; the number of houses, barns
and stables erected thereupon, as well as the state of cultivation on each lot, and the quan-
tities of produce harvested by each family on each lot, during the past year. By this
statement you will observe that the number of lots conceded, as free grants, reaches the
figure of 250, 67 of which are settled upon by seventy-three resident families. . Of the
latter number, twenty-nine families, numbering 131 persons, have taken up their locations
during the year which has lately closed. If the number be not found very large, it must
be attributed to the miserable crop of 1860, which, from its scantiness, was the cause of
preventing many families from settling upon the road, as their limited means would not
enable them to wait for the crop of 1861. Nevertheless, owing to the abundant crop of
the past year, I have reason to hope that the progressive movement, which had slackened
on account of this untoward circumstance, will now take a new start, and assume more
encouraging proportions. I am informed that, even now, several families are prepºring to
leave for the Elgin Road in a few days, particularly those settlers who harvested crops on
their lots last fall. •
The 73 resident families, of which I have spoken above, are composed as follows:–
Men ....... © º 0 & 0 & 0 e o e e º e º e o e o e s e e e s e a e e s e e o a c e e º 'º e º e º 0 tº e º e o 4 º' a tº e e e 73
Women........ ..................... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
Boys, 12 years of age and upwards........................... 41
Children. Girls, do ......... ......... t c e a e s tº a º 35
'l Boys, less than 12 years of age................................. 94
Girls, do ................................. 72
242
Forming a total population of........................... 369 souls.
All the families of French Canadian origin have emigrated from the parishes in the
Seigniories of the County of L'Islet, with the exception of two families, one of which is
from Chester, in the Eastern Townships, the other from the City of Quebec.
The increase of cattle also furnishes a satisfactory proof of the prosperity of the set-
tlers. This species of property may be divided as follows:–38 horses, 16 team-oxen, 5
'steers, 40 milch cows, and 43 sheep, forming in all 142 head of cattle, equivalent to an in-
crease of 50 per cent. upon the stock of the previous year. The frequent rains of th


2 ELGIN colonization Road.
months of May and June last, interfered with the burning of the slashed timber (abattis)
of the previous year. Scarcely more than 128 acres could be burned, cleared, and pre-
pared in season to receive seed for the first time. 669 acres were sown, leaving about 300
acres in meadow and pasture, besides 731 acres of slashed timber (abattis) the greater por-
tion of which is hewn and piled (tassée et pilée) in a fit state to be burned next spring,
should the season be sufficiently dry. The number of houses and barns, constructed dur-
ing the year, reaches the figure of 48, which, added to the number previously erected,
will form a total of 142 buildings.
I submit the following statement of the quantities of seed grain and crops during 1861 :
Tran Seed. Minots. Crops, Minots.
º Wheat, ................. ......... 50; .................... .... 474
Rye .............................. 59 ........ tº 0 e o e º e º e º e º e º 'º e 569
Barley ......... tº e o e º 'o e e o 'º e s tº e º e º o 189 ........................ 1880}
Peas and Flax Seed............ 17} ........................ 88
Oats ............................ • 285% ...................... 2806%
Potatoes ........................ . 268; ........................ 3646
Turnips........................... ..................... . 125
Total. .................... 8693 .................. e e o e º e 9589 Minots.
If we take into account the numerous obstacles against which the settlers have to con-
tend,--as, for instance, want of proper agricultural instruments to break up effectually, a soil
laden with moss and rotten uprooted trees, we cannot fail to perceive, in the above synop-
sis of the season's operations, a convincing proof of the good quality of the soil, which, not-
withstanding all the above mentioned disadvantages, has produced at the rate of more than
11 minots for each minot sown, and nearly 14% minots to each acre under cultivation ; a
result well worthy of attention.
During the year a new saw-mill has been constructed on the Rivière Ouelle, which
has lately been put into operation. Two other saw-mills are now in course of erection,
and will very soon be prepared to go into operation. When the two last mentioned mills
shall have been put in working order, the settlers on the Elgin Road will possess the im-
mense advantage of having four saw-mills, at convenient distances along the road, which
will spare them from the necessity of travelling long distances to have their timber sawn;
a difficulty under which many of them now labor. The active proprietor of the new mill
at Rivière Ouelle intends to erect a grist mill without delay. I am using every exertion
to obtain the realization of this scheme, as it is urgently required by the locality, and would
be a most valuable medium in the development of its resources.
At the present day, some of the settlers have 30 miles to travel before they can reach
a grist mill. In spite of these difficulties, which are of course usual in new settlements,
there is no discouragement. They are all hopeful and expcet to succeed. There is more
apparent easiness of circumstances among the familes of the settlement than last year.
Peace, contentment, and a good understanding seem to exist among the settlers of the
Colony, and they willingly assist each other when it is necessary to do so. Those who are
established in the vicinity of the Taché Road are now preparing the timber required for
the erection of a chapel.
There is nothing which more fully assists the work of colonization, and which more
effectually implants courage in the breasts of the settlers, than the establishment of a house
of prayer in the locality. Its existence brings to their minds the sacred duty of offering
to Almighty God prayers of devotion and thanks for the great blessings enjoyed through
His munificence, º
It is my intention, at an early date, to make the necessary application to the IIonor-
able the Postmaster General for the opening of Post Offices with weekly mails between the
Taché Road and St. Jean Port Joli, in order that facilities may be afforded to the growing
commerce of the respective localities and the social intercourse of the families settled there.
I beg to solicit, very respectfully, your powerful support in this undertaking, as I am actu-
ated by a desire to render myself useful to the localities placed under my care. Apart
from the increase of the population, which renders an efficient postal communication abso-
lutely necessary, there is also the importance of this tract of country, the resources of
which are becoming rapidly developed, as you will be enabled to judge by the following
synoptical statement of the value of the crops and produce during the year 1861 –
ELGIN colonization Road. 3.
474 minots ......... Wheat. ......... Valued at $1 25 per minot ......... $592 50
569 “ ......... Rye ......... (& 0 80 “. ......... 455 20
1880% “ ..... ... Barley ......... ( & 0 60 “ ......... 1128 30
88 “ ......... Pease ......... {{ 1 00 {{ © tº º º gº 88 OO
2806; “ ......... Oats ......... ( & 0 38 “. . . . . . . . . . 1066 47
3646 minots ......... Potatoes ...... {{ $0 25 “ ......... 911 50
125 “ ......... Turnips ...... {{ 0 15 “. ........ 18 75
12 tons ......... Hay ............ {{ 14 00 per ton ......... 16S 00
. 180 “ ......... Straw......... wº & 4 5 00 “ ......... 900 00
11440 lbs. or 57 qts. Pork ......... © & 4 1600 per qt. ......... 912 00
20150 lbs. or 2013 “ Sugar.......... { % 8 00 “ ......... 1612 00
162 M. ......... Shingles ...... © . 2 00 per M. ......... 325 00
37000 feet ......... Sawn Lumber & 4 7 00 per 100 pcs......... 259 00
$8436 72
Increase since last year................................................. $3445 72 . .
To the value of the agricultural products above detailed, it is proper to add an esti-
mate of the value of the improvements effected during the year, such as clearing opera-
tions, buildings, cattle, &c., &c., shewing the increase of capital thus obtained:—
3 Saw Mills, valued at ......... . . . . . . . ................................... $1400 00
9 Houses, at $50 each...................... ...................... ... we tº e º e º 'º º e º º 450 00
40 Barns and Stables, $25 each ............................................. ... 1000 00
1284 Acres Land, cleared, at $12 per acre............................... 1539 00
114? Do. ... do. (abattis) slashed timber, at $8 per do............ 918 00
20 Horses, at $50 each....... ................................................. 1000 00
10 Cows, at $20 each....................................................... . 200 00
1 Steer, at $15..................................................... ........... 15 00
21 Sheep, at $2 each.................................... ........ . . . . . . . . . . . 42 00
$6564 00
forming a grand total, of capital created during the year, of $15000 72.
In order to point out more clearly the total value of the property and effects realized
in the settlement, from the time at which I was placed in charge of the Colonization of the
Elgin Road, 2 years and 8 months ago, I will take the liberty of referring you to my An-
nual Report of last year, from which the following statistics have been extracted, which,
added to the quantity of produce harvested during 1861, will give the following result:-
Products of Agriculture and Manufactures in 1861......... .* * * * * * * * * $8,436 72
Farm Cattle:– -
38 Horses, valued at $50 each ........................ .. $1,900 00
16 Oxen, “ 25 do. ........................... 400 00
40 Cows, ( & 20 do. ........ .................. 800 00
5 Steers, “ 15 do......... e s e o e e s e o e º e s e e e o 'o e 75 00
43 Sheep, “ 2 do. ................ ......... 86 00
- $ºº 3,261 00
Landed Property:-
4 Saw Mills, valued at .............................................. 1,800 00
62 Houses, valued at $50 each........ • e º e e s e e s e e e º 'º e º e º e º e º 'º e s e e e 9 • e 3,100 00
80 Barns or Stables, $25 do. ................................. * † e e º º - 2,000 00
9693 Acres cleared Land, at $12 per acre .................. ......... 11,631 00
7813 Do. (abattis) slashed timber, at $8 per acre................... 5,850 00
Total value of the Settlers’ property and effects............... $36,078 72
This remarkable result, obtained in a locality which, but three years ago, was an un-
touched forest, is a convincing proof of the happy effect produced by the Free Grant sys-
tem upon colonization, and leads us to trust confidently in the future, in view of the orga-
nized exertions of the Government in favour of colonization, and the patriotic efforts of
Some political men, seconded by the press of all parts of the country.
Moreover, I submit annexed, a comparative statement in detail, of the progress of
4 ELGIN colonization Road.
settlement on the Elgin Road during the years 1859, 1860, and 1861, shewing the property
and effects realized during that time. This will enable you to see at a glance, without
further research, the results which have been obtained.
STATEMENT shewing the progress of Colonization on the Elgin Road, during
the years 1859, 1860 and 1861.

º © | Clearings. Buildings.
gº : .92 5 cº :
sº : e gº gº .
'. E. E. 3. 33 | 3. e 2.
tº # º E. & ; : £ s...} •S
# É •º Ö º .2. E .2 8 º º
sº | 3 º * # 3 | ##3 # *
P+ 3 : : Tº : 3 5. 3's Total. 3 É. Total.
© 3 É ºr , 3.5 3 : br; à
ſ P CO
1839'. Y83 24 144 45 45.7% 252 709% 24. 4 28
1860 238 | 44 238 95 841 6.16% 14573. 53 41 94
1861 250 73 369 142 969; 731+ 1700+ 62 80 142
Grains. Results.
|
º: Tº . f .#
‘s # ‘s ## 42 c5 REMAnks.
& H = | e : 5 2 < *;
Seed. Crop. ### # #: g • 3 Total.
- §§§ tº #: CD
<! >
$ cts. $ cts. $ cts. $ cts.
195 1672} 910 80 13,706 00 991 00 15,607 80
866+. 51553% | 3,291 30 20,773 70 2,129 00 |26,194 00 || Increase of $10,586 20 over 1859.
869% 9589 5,328 72 27,489 00 3,261 00 |36,078 72 ||Increase of $9,884 72 over 1860.
Shewing an increase, in two years
f •over 1859, of
$20,470 92
* Two-thirds of the crop completely destroyed by frost.
sº I Tºº Tºº" -ºſ.
Owing to the short time which has elapsed since the opening of the Taché Road
through the Districts of Garneau, Lafontaine and Chapais, I am unable to make a Special
Report with reference to them; but I trust that the statistics of the Elgin Road, which I
have given above, will serve as a substitute, as they furnish proof of solid progress in that
direction, only however until colºnization has become developed upon the new road placed
under my care *
With regard to the Elgin Road, there remain still 5 miles to complete before reach-
ing the Provincial Line. As there are some families settled upon this unopened portion of
the road, and as all the lots are granted, I would respectfully recommend that a sum of $2,500
be appropriated for the opening and completion of this road during the approaching summer.
In conclusion, you may rest assured, Sir, that I am using every exertion to forward
the interests of colonization in that part of the country which has been assigned to my care.
. . . . . . , s \ , . . . . I have the honor to be,
g Your obedient servant,
(Signed,) STANIsíAUs DRAPEAU,
- Agent of the Taché and Elgin Roads.
H E E O F. T
ON THIS
MATANE AND CAPE CHAT
COLONIZATION ROAD.
RIMonsk1, 18th January, 1862.
To the Honorable the Commissioner of Crown Lands: *
SIR,--I have the honor to submit for your consideration, this my general report,
which contains all the information which I consider it my duty to furnish, in order that
you may be enabled to form a correct idea of the numerous advantages resulting from the
system of Free Grants and from the opening of Colonization Roads by Government in this
part of the Proyince.
Annexed will be found statements of the progress of colonization on the lands situated
between Matane and Cape Chat, in the three districts crossed by the road between these
two points, and on the Metis section of the Kempt Road. In order that you may be
enabled to judge at a glance of the nature of this progress, I purpose analyzing it in the
following manner, viz.:- o
The number of settlers established on the Matane and Cape Chat Road, on the 31st
December last, was 67, all natives of Canada and agriculturalists, hailing principally from
the surrounding parishes. We find among them, heads of families in easy circumstances,
who have taken advantage of the Frce Grant system on this road to establish there chil-
dren there, as the paternal property was not sufficiently large for the settlement of the whole
family, and they actually take such interest in the success of their children that in many
cases they have gone to reside among them, in order to alleviate the toilsome labor of
beginning the work of colonization and to facilitate their operations. The number of
settlers in possession of lots, but not settled upon them, was 61 at the same date. Of this
number, 4 are in possession of lots which cannot be granted as Free Grants, on account of
their importance, as they contain water powers and fishing grounds . They will be sold
according to the rules of the Depatment, at the ordinary price charged for Crown Lands,
adding a price for the said water powers and fishing grounds, which will be established
by valuation. - .
The population at the same date numbered 333 souls, all professing the Catholic
religion. The number of buildings was 56 houses and I chapel; also two saw mills in
course of construction. I may perhaps be permitted to draw your attention to that portion
of the law which renders the immediate crection of a house obligatory upon the settler.
I have found frequently this requirement very difficult to meet, on account of the danger
of fire. The settler who is free from this requirement generally builds a hut, which serves
him for the first few years, and only builds his house when the danger of fire has disap-
peared. Several located settlers have not yet built their houses, but, in the meantime,
they reside with families already established there, thus becoming entitled to the exemption
from building. - -
781 acres of land have been cleared and placed in a state of cultivation, also 705 acres
have been slashed (“en abattis.”) . A tract of 476 acres has been sown this year, and the
following has been the produce of the crops:– 4. -
2 MATANE AND CAPE CHAT COLONIZATION ROAD.
Wheat, 640 minots, valued at $1.50 per minot... $960 00
<< 1.00 tº gº º
Rye, 804 “ . 840 00
Barley, 2,499 “ “ 50 “ ... 1,249 50
Peas, 150 “ << 1.20 * ... 180 00
Oats, 504 “ “ 40 “ ... 201 60 \
Potatoes 3,211 “ << 80 “ ... 963 30
Turnips—50 minots valued at 30 cents per minot. $15 00
Hay—675–100 bundles “ $5.00 per 100 bdls. 33 75
Total value of the Crop................ $4,443 15
The manufacture of Maple Sugar, in the Spring of 1861,reach-
ed the figure of 4,225 lbs. (3) 10c. per lb................... $422 50
Codfish, caught by the settlers during the season, 667 barrels;
1st Salt, sold at $2.00 per barrel............................ 1,334 00
116 barrels Fresh, sold at $1.00 per barrel..................... , 116 00
Cattle of different kinds belonging to the settlers—
: Horses......... ..................................... º e e º e D e º e e e s e e 27
Milch Cows......... ............................................. 40
Young Oxen and Heifers...................................... 22
Sheep ...... ... • . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 159
Pigs.............................................. • e o 'º e e s e e o e s e e s e o e 147
395
Pounds of Wool, 250, with which were manufactured:
Fulled Cloth..................... ....................... 228 yards
Flannel.... ...... ........................................ 98 do
The crop this year among the settlers produced but little, in consequence of the
general destruction of the grain sown, by the fire which originated in the slashed timber,
(abattis) during the month of May. The quantities contained in the above statistical
statement, are, with a few of the settlers, but the product of a second sowing; and with
others, the small quantity saved from the fire. There is no doubt that the crop would
have yielded abundantly, and would have been highly remunerative, had the settlers been
spared from this misfortune, which befel them. Nevertheless, many of them hope to find
in their crop sufficient grain to meet the requirements of the current year.
In addition to the industrial branches usually attended to in all new settlements, we
must add the cod-fishery; this fish being plentiful all along this fine coast. You will have
remarked, by the statement furnished above, that the settlers sold codfish of the value of
$1,450, equal to an average of $21 for each settler. This is a valuable resource, as it is the
result of work which is done during the season immediately following seed time, and before
the harvest.
The average yield of grain and other produce from the clearings of this tract, has
been something more than $66 in value to each family, the yield of maple sugar about $6,
and the revenue derived from the increase of cattle, (according to my calculations) say
$25. The whole of this, added to the yield of the fisheries, will form an average revenue
of $119 per each family; of course, irregularly distributed among the settlers. -
When we consider that out of this small revenue, they have nothing to pay for rent
and firewood, that other small necessaries of life are occasionally earned by themselves by
working in the neighboring parishes, and that the value of their labor is accumulating con-
tinually on their land, in the form of improvements upon an established inheritance, I
think we can safely conclude, that colonization on such conditions, is assured of a success-
ful future. -
At the two extremes of the road, in the districts of Cherbourg and Romieu, coloni-
zation has progressed in a greater degree than in the central districts of Dalibert.
This anomaly is easily accounted for. The two former districts are in the vicinity of
MATANE AND CAPE CHAT COLONIZATION ROAD. 3
the two old settlements of Matane and Cap Chat, where trade and manufactures have con-
tributed largely to their progress, more particularly on account of their easy means of
communication with Saw and Grist Mills. The district of Dalibert being in a more
isolated position, does not possess these advantages; moreover, the bad condition of the
road has been one of the principle causes of this retardment. At the present moment the
road is in good repair, activity is apparent in every direction, the clearings are becoming
rapidly enlarged, and I have reason to hope that between this and the spring, I will be in
a position to submit facts, which will prove that the progress of the settlement has been
satisfactory. On every part of the road, the soil is of a quality which renders it fit for
cultivation, and the climate is well adapted to the production of all kinds of grain.
The 61 persons who are in possession of lots, but who are non-residents, live in the
parishes in the vicinity of Matane aad Cape Chat. Several of these continue vigorously
to increase the clearings commenced last year, and have expressed their intention to take
up their residence there in the spring. Others, but happily a very small number, appear
to preserve their claim upon them, merely for speculation. I am watching them closely,
and have already informed them, that if they fail to conform to the spirit and conditions
of the law, their lots will be resumed without further notice.
I am happy to be able to report that perfect harmony exists among the settlers estab-
lished upon this road, and that, at the present moment, no single case of disputed land
claim exists.
The settlements on the Metis section of the Kempt Road, have also progressed in a
remarkable degree. These new settlements in the interior, however, are subject to a
, scourge from which the establishments on the sea shore are spared. The latter have the
advantage of the sea breeze, while the former are subject to heavy frosts. The limited
extent of the clearings, in the new forest settlements, prevents a free circulation of currents
of air, thus, when the atmosphere is still ; very frequently at certain seasons of the year,
during the night, while the air is laden with moisture which arises from a soil not yet
thoroughly drained, heavy frosts cause serious damage to the growing crops. This occurs
in all settlements similarly situated, and on that account we find that the settlers give more
of their attention to the cultivation of hay crop, for which there is a ready market in the
neighbouring parishes.
I submit the following recapitulation of agricultural products, extracted from state-
ment No. 4, hereunto annexed, shewing the state of colonization on this latter road :
The area of cleared Land is sº tºp g • - 215 acres.
({ & in a state of preparation - 90 “
The number of acres cultivated in 1861 was - - - 192 “
Which produced a crop of:—
Wheat...160 minots, valued at $1 50 ......... • e e s e e º e º e e º s e º & $159 00
Rye......122 “ {& 1 00 ........................ . 122 00
Barley...570 & 4 {{ 0 50 .................. ...... 285 00
Peas ..... 28 & 4 {{ 1 20........................ . 33 00
Oats ... .254 C & ( & 0 40 ........................ ... 101 60
Potatoes.590 { { {{ 0 80 ........................ , 177 00
Turnips...115 . “ & 4 0 80 ........................ . 34 50
Hay... 8,100 bundles “ 5 00 per 100 bundles...... 405 00
Total value of Crop........................ $1,817 70
Cattle belonging to the Settlers:—
orses. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . * , e. e. e. e. * c e e o e º e 10
Milch Cows........................................................ 10
Young Oxen and Heifers...................................... 19
Sheep................................ ............... tº a º 'º e º 0 tº º e º e s e e . 39
Pigs.............................................................. ... 21
–99
wool, 73 lbs., with which were manufactured:—
Fulled Cloth......................................................... 68 yards.
Flannel ............................................................... 24 tº
4. MATANE AND CApr: CHAT ColonizáTroN RUAD.
Settlers established 31st December, 1861.................. © e o e s e e s e e s e e 14
“ in possession of lots “ © s e º e s is e & e e s e e º de v e º e a g º e e º e º e e e 12
Total population..................... ...................................... . 26
Number of Houses. ............................................. .......... 6
sº
This settlement is older than the former one; thus we find, that in spite of the frosts,
and the absence of fisheries, the average of the general result is greater than in the more
modern settlement. Before closing the present report, it is proper that I should draw
your attention to the want of a proper system of roads, suited to the requirements of these
small isolated settlements which are scattered through the forest. This want is a great
obstacle in the way of successful colonization... The maintenance of roads is here very
difficult, even in the midst of the settled districts. I cannot, therefore, too strongly
recommend the adoption of some efficacious system of roads, which would be in conformity
to the wants of the settlers.
I must draw your attention to the applications for grants, made by settlers who wish
to establish themselves on the new Matapédia Road, where a few squatters have located
themselves, although the division lines are not yet surveyed. I have been prevented from
giving my undivided attention to the new settlements, owing to the mission which you did
me the honor to entrust me with, viz.:-the exploration and location of that new portion
of the Taché Road from the district of Pohénégamonk in the rear of Kamouraska, to the
Matapédia Road. I have kept your Department informed of the nature and progress of
three months' operations on that part of the road already traced, whereby I have laid out
nearly 70 miles of new road through the forest, and through a fine practicable country.
The whole humbly submitted.
(Signed,) J. B. LEPAGE,
Agent.
UNIVERSITY OF MICH IGAN
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3 9015 02104 3537
*** :- ; : * - - - - - -
Transp. Quebec (Province)Dept.
TE of Crown Lands t
27 Report on the Elgin
• Q3 colonization road.
A424
L862
DATE DUE