New Richmond is prettily situated in the midst of hills and valleys in a country that is finely wooded. The district is well watered, situated as it is between the two Cascapedia Rivers. The head waters of the main stream reach well up towards the St. Lawrence, and almost into connection with the Matane. There are lakes of good size within convenient reach.
The country from here to Carleton, at the foot of the majestic Tracadiegash Mountain, is full of interest and beauty. Gray sand, dark firs seeking a foothold on the mountains, the meadows, the hay fields, the bright yellow of the grain crops, the dark brown nearer mountains and the blue-black distant range, overcapped by clinging clouds, and the steamy vapor in long filaments lining the folds of the hills that fade away into distance to right and left, are all fair to behold. The pure white wings of the seabirds, even when far away, are outlined with sharp cut distinction against the lofty mountain background.
Here and there a tiny little hamlet hides modestly behind the sheltering green, and the first glimpse of its presence is often the top of the church spire barely showing through the leafy canopy. Yonder a few dark roofs peep out from over the trees of lesser growth, and down the shore are lighthouses and neat little wharves for vessels and steamers. Owing to the long and narrow dimensions of the farms, and their subdivision for various crops, the shore often presents the appearance of a great checker-board, the dark and light patches frequently alternating with exact regularity.
Carleton is a pleasant and cool little spot, spreading out crescent-shaped on table land at the foot of the hills and right on the shore, fronted by a clean sand beach. The village is peopled by descendants of the Acadian French who came here from Tracadie. It lies almost in a nook, nicely sheltered. The Bay of Carleton is a fine sheet of water, with the points of Miguasha and Tracadiegetch at its western and eastern boundaries. The little river Nouvelle empties into its western end. It is a good place for sea fish, and the brooks and streams inland are stocked with trout.
The Chaleur Bay shore of the Gaspé Peninsula has many attractions for summer visitors, for being somewhat removed from the regular highways of travel it still preserves its old-time appearance. Those who spend a vacation in any of its homelike villages or towns cannot fail to be pleased with all they will find there. The great hunting and fishing opportunities are described under the chapter “Where to Go.”
In leaving the Gaspé shore, the province of Quebec is left behind, and further progress east and south is in the province of New Brunswick.
The once fire-swept, but again busy and prosperous, town of Campbellton stands at the head of the navigable deep-water of Chaleur Bay. The surrounding country is well diversified and exceedingly picturesque with its valleys and conical hills. The Sugar Loaf boldly overlooks all from an elevation of over 900 feet. An excellent view of the broad Restigouche River may be had from almost any part of the town. Campbellton has good wharves and much shipping; it is also a busy Intercolonial Railway centre. Because of its admirable situation it is a natural centre for hunting, fishing and canoeing trips, and it makes a good base for camping-out parties. It is also finely adapted for summer residence of those who like to spend their vacation in a town centre convenient to outlying country and places of interest.
Almost directly over the river is Cross Point, sometimes called Mission Point. Here there is a reservation occupied by 500 Micmac Indians. They are skilled in woodcraft and the management of canoes, and make excellent guides.
