Salt Spring Island

Daily Press
July 25, 1861

The latest accounts from this agricultural district are of the most flattering nature. The soil, wherever properly tested, has succeeded beyond the expectations of even the most sanguine. There are already between seventy and eighty settlers on the Island, and we have no doubt, after the character of the crops of the present year becomes generally known, large additions will be made to the farming population. We have received several samples of wheat, oats, and barley, grown on the farm of Mr. Abraham Copland [Copeland], which are certainly not to be surpassed on the coast. This gentleman has about 15 acres under cultivation on Tate's settlement. There are several other farms in the same place exceedingly promising.