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THE VALLEY OF THE ST. JOHN
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form herbage "unsurpassed by the natural grasses of any portion of the American continent." The apples grown in valley orchards have a high reputation for their flavour and blooming cheeks. One of the eight New Brunswick shires watered by the St. John, the County of Kings, produces in a year a million and a half pounds of rich cheese and butter. In profile, the narrow peninsula of this county which lies across the outlet of the river plainly resembles on the map of the valley a running horse with ears laid back and mouth dropped open. Along the under line of the outstretched neck is the expansive bay formed by the Kennebecasis River. Long Reach, a straight passage 20 miles in length, extends from the muzzle to the ears, and Belleisle Bay from the crest to the withers of this imaginary steed.

The steamer makes frequent calls at wharves from which passengers and produce are embarked. Above Hampstead (33 m.) the channel is cumbered by a group of oddly-shaped islands endowed with "intervale" soil. Twisted Long Island has a pond in the centre. Lower Musquash admits the river to its heart through a slender strait. At this point Washademoak Lake joins the out-going flood. Ten miles to the north is Gagetown, the seat of Queens County.[1] On the other side of the river

  1. The St. John Valley R. R. (St. John—Grand Falls) has recently been under construction between Gagetown, Fredericton and Woodstock.