Formerly, the Legislature complained that they had not enough power over the revenues of the country, and in 1837 Delegates were sent to England to represent their grievances. In that year all cause of complaint was removed, and the resources of the Province were put under the control of the Legislature. Large grants are made annually for the construction and repairs of roads and bridges. The remaining part of the funds is applied to education and other branches of Colonial improvement. This settlement of a vexed question was called " a boon to the country;" and so it really was, until, by the treaty of Lord Ashburton, a valuable part of the Province, and its chief timber districts, were given away to the Americans. Since that period, it has been proposed to call upon the Imperial Government to be reimbursed for the loss. From having gained a full treasury, a high degree of extravagance followed, until the Province became involved in debt and difficulty but since 1843, there has been more care and economy, and with an increase of trade the Colony is rapidly advancing.

The increasing commerce of the Province has been accompanied with much enterprise. Between 1835 and 1840, Joint-stock Companies were formed, whose united stocks amounted to £2,000,000. It is true, that of these Companies, not all have gone into operation; yet some of them have made extensive improvements.

Branches have been extended to Miramichi and Woodstock. No

interest is allowed on deposits; but, as the stock is worth 6 per cent., capital may be safely invested.

The Local Insurance Companies are very respectable. They are, at St. John

Agencies for these and some of the London and United States Offices are established in different parts of the Province. There are a number of Companies for other objects: of these, we may mention

At St. John, there is a Chamber of Commerce, composed of a number of active merchants and shipowners. This Board watches with a careful eye over the vicissitudes of trade, and communicates with the Government on subjects connected with the commerce and general improvement of the country.

Now dissolved.

CHAPTER X.

POPULATION, AND RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL, AND POLITICAL STATE OF NEW BRUNSWICK.

THE population of New Brunswick has increased, perhaps, more rapidly than that of any other British Colony excepting Canada. The great influx of Loyalists in 1783 has been followed by a steady flow of emigration from the neighbouring Colonies and Great Britain; and, from the healthiness of the climate, the rate of increase is high. It has been justly remarked by Mr. M'Gregor, that a suspicion prevails among the working classes all over America, that the taking of a census implies. the levying of a poll-tax, and therefore the real numbers of many families are withheld. Such an opinion is still common in New

Brunswick.

In 1783, the population of New Brunswick, by estimation,

POPULATION OF NEW BRUNSWICK in 1840, according to the Census taken by direction of the Provincial Legislature.