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308. A great part of the million undulating acres which compose the pastoral kingdom are improved. In this regard Prince Edward is more like the Mother Isles than any Canadian province. Geologically it is of the newest period, as Gaspé is of the oldest. Its florid sandstone, the only dramatic note in a lyric landscape, accentuates the green of groves and sleek meadows and the yellow of the oat-fields. Carmine embankments hem the wide arms of Northumberland Strait; on the gulf shore white sand hills girdle a succession of bays and lagoons which are frequented in summer by the islanders and their visitors. Strangely, the deepest inlets are on the side least vexed by the winds and breakers. The province is nearly divided into three by the intrusion of the bays of Hillsboro, Bedeque and Malpeque. This intimacy of sea and country-side is one of the island's most pleasing characteristics. Besides, there are fresh water streams that run all ways to the surf,—rills, creeks and placid rivers in which trout, and only trout, abound.

Canadians east of the Quebec line call the junior province "The Island"; the Indians in accordance with savage custom gave it a descriptive appellation, "Home on the Wave." Probably Champlain, though some say Cabot, called it Isle St. Jean, the name it retained until English landlords changed it to New Ireland. In 1800 it was christened for Edward, Duke of Kent, at that time