John M. Gow’s Cape Breton Illustrated (Attractions of Cape Breton for Tourists) is a vivid tour of the island through Victorian eyes, a snapshot of the island as it was in 1893. As Gow guides us through Cape Breton’s landscapes and communities, he shares his personal views on the island’s economic potential and occasionally offers his thoughts on faith and religion. This is Victorian writing in its fullest sense – unhurried, elegant and unapologetically thorough. As we continue our work exploring the lost world of Cape Breton Island, we are delighted to share this audio version of a chapter from John M. Gow’s 1893 classic, another piece of the island’s rich and often overlooked history.