latter date not a sod had been turned for Palace Beautiful. It was only in 1861 that the foundation-stone was laid, and then it was right royally done by the hand of the Prince of Wales. Mr. Chamberlin on the Gatineau River had alluded to the Wrights as being the first settlers at Ottawa; it was a pleasant episode to meet (quite accidentally) one so intimately related to them as their nephew. Mr. Chaute spoke feelingly of England, saying that he venerated the old country, although he had never visited it. Two of our laws displeased him, viz: Primogeniture and the connection of Church and State, still he feels as acutely as we do the danger of having a Government not openly Protestant. He says that he has always pleasure in meeting Englishmen; and he gave me a very cordial invitation to visit him at his own home in the United States. From individual Americans I have received kindnesses so many and often, that my countrymen will I trust give them credit for the affectionate memories which they as a nation cherish of the old home, even though some of their turbulent spirits talk of driving our red-coats from Quebec, and hoisting the Stars and Stripes on the towers of Palace Beautiful. THE GOLDEN BELT. OE sure and sail down the Lake of the thousand islands' and if possible make the journey in May, so as to arrive in Quebec on the Queen's birthday." The advice came from an Englishman who had visited Canada some years before. It was however later in the season than May, when I reached this classic region. From Lake Ontario, the steamer passes into the St. Lawrence; then is gradually unfolded to view this wonderful panorama of islands. It is the largest collection of the kind in the world. Dots of land, small and great, are set in the river in greater number than the tales of the Arabian magician; although matter-of-fact geographers have limited the rôle to a thousand. Smith, in his "Past, Present, and Future of Canada," thus describes these islands: Islands of all sizes and shapes are scattered in profusior throughout the waters; some covered with vegetation, others bare and rugged rocks; some many acres in extent, others measuring but a few feet; some showing a bare bald head, a little above the level of the water, while, a short distance off, a large island or rock, crowned with a considerable growth of pine or cedar, will rise abruptly out of the water, to the height, probably, of 100 feet or more. These islands are mostly of granite or sandstone. An acquaintance from Ohio, told me he had been spending a week on this fairy lake. With a couple of Indian boatmen, he had sailed from isle to isle of the river attendant of our train was a model of courtesy combined with executive administration. Canada West is pushing ahead in prosperity; every town from Kingston to Hamilton bears evidence of an old saying, that "nothing succeeds like success." Never was there more material and moral progress in the Province than now; and never a less desire to migrate into the domains of their great neighbour over the borders. Far to the West however lies the Golden Belt. To reach it, the Great Lakes must be passed. Fast steamers run from Collingwood on the shores of Georgian Bay. One or two of them have that long low build, which would fit them for blocade-running; for racing against the land engines, or breasting the surges of Huron and Superior. Conspicuous among thousands of islands; (barring out Lake Huron, save where the waters find entrance through a channel north of Cabot's Head,) is anchored Grand Manitoulin Island. Into this wilderness-lodge, Sir Francis Head gathered the Indians in a settlement or reservation. Some of them spend their time upon the fishing-grounds of lake or river; others become faithful forest-guides to officers or sportsmen; many adopt the civilization of the white men in part, and also equal him in his vices. Lake Superior is considered the most beautiful of the chain. It is entered by the famous Falls of St. Mary, or Sault St. Marie, as they where called by Jesuit pioneers, who came here and founded a village two centuries ago. The rapids decline with a steady flow; canoes and steamers may Irun" them without danger. The St. Mary's Ship Canal has been constructed on the American side, for the transit of goods; its massive locks are perhaps the largest and finest in the world. Lake Huron is very deep; it is said that soundings have been 66 made off Saginaw to a depth of 1800 feet, yet no bottom found. Superior is more shallow, and its water is in many places very transparent. More than 200 rivers flow into it, pouring in the drainage of 100,000 square miles of land, thus feeding the largest body of fresh water in the world. A young engineer engaged upon the Government survey, told me that he had coasted it 220 miles in an open boat. Through the clear waters he could see veins of lead, copper and silver, run from shore into the Lake. The wild cliffs surrounding, have been exposed for ages to winds and waves; mineral matter exuding from above, has colored the bluffs with strange shapesmade still stranger and more weird by the play of stormcurrent, the grip of winter cold, and the growth of lichens. To all who journey on the Lake they are known as the "Pictured Rocks." All along the northern shores of Lake Superior, extends the hunting grounds which have been recently surrendered to the Dominion by the Hudson's Bay Company. The most valuable lands of Canada are as yet almost undeveloped. They are situated in the North West, extending from the head of Lake Superior to the Rocky Mountains. Millions of acres of prairie-lands, are as yet roamed only by herds of buffalo and elk. They may not show signs of auriferous deposit, but they possess those treasures which are infinitely more permanent in giving stability to a colony; viz rich virgin soil, and coal measures. The possession of such prizes entitle this belt of territory to the rank of "golden." Unfortunately it has too long remained isolated from the older provinces. From Toronto to Fort Garry settlement is about 1,100 miles, and as yet there is no direct means of communication. Government are now taking the matter in hand and are going to spend £1,000,000 (i.e.) half a million in opening up a road and half a million in helping emigrants to settle there. attendant of our train was a model of courtesy combined with executive administration. Canada West is pushing ahead in prosperity; every town from Kingston to Hamilton bears evidence of an old saying, that "nothing succeeds like success." Never was there more material and moral progress in the Province than now; and never a less desire to migrate into the domains of their great neighbour over the borders. Far to the West however lies the Golden Belt. To reach it, the Great Lakes must be passed. Fast steamers run from Collingwood on the shores of Georgian Bay. One or two of them have that long low build, which would fit them for blocade-running; for racing against the land engines, or breasting the surges of Huron and Superior. Conspicuous among thousands of islands; (barring out Lake Huron, save where the waters find entrance through a channel north of Cabot's Head,) is anchored Grand Manitoulin Island. Into this wilderness-lodge, Sir Francis Head gathered the Indians in a settlement or reservation. Some of them spend their time upon the fishing-grounds of lake or river; others become faithful forest-guides to officers or sportsmen; many adopt the civilization of the white men in part, and also equal him in his vices. Lake Superior is considered the most beautiful of the chain. It is entered by the famous Falls of St. Mary, or Sault St. Marie, as they where called by Jesuit pioneers, who came here and founded a village two centuries ago. The rapids decline with a steady flow; canoes and steamers may run " them without danger. The St. Mary's Ship Canal has been constructed on the American side, for the transit of goods; its massive locks are perhaps the largest and finest in the world. Lake Huron is very deep; it is said that soundings have been 66 |
