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IMIaps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too large to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, as many frames as required. The following diagrams illustrate the method: Les cartes, planches, tableaux, etc., pauvent Atre filmis i des taux de reduction diff Arants. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clichA, il est film6 A partir de Tangle supirieur gauche, de gauche A droite, et da haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images nicessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent la mithoda. ' ■ 1: t 3 1 2 s : ^ • I THE ailBOUBS AND paii^ i, . ,' ^ f'^.t',- m A „i 'i >-. ^f*, - [ ! J» A spglES^OF-WRT^ jfeMmiEn BY A DES(]BIPTIW. 0^ fecH : . WtfTHOUSp. HAfeBQI^ft LlOJffl^, DEPTK OF WATER, ^ THE CHARTS OF CAPTAl^ mm AND UEIIT: HERBERT, if* AS \r»m. AS FBOM PKRSONAJi OBSERVATIONS. BY EDWAR1> M. HOI>t>ER M. 1>, comiosau 9t f*i >mu uxammi vaok* cun. -^' MMI TORONTO: AlACtlSAR & C©., Ifli KINtt BTSWif BAST. 1857. M»1 #tMi i-&« '■WlmiM^- •4 ■"_ ,*;!*^'Hy-^S^h^- The EDITH and LORNE PIERCE COLLECTION of CANADI ANA ^eerCs University at Kingston ?urcysed CANAOIANA aZt COLLeCTiON Rkhardson QUeGN'S Memorial \ i^^^^ - 4«-*-i Fund UNivensiiy AT KiNQSTON ONTARIO CANAtJA TUE HAKBOUES AND PORTS OP LAKE ONTARIO, IN A. SERIES OE CHARTS, ACCOMPANIID BY A DXSCRIPTION OF KACD ; TOGETHER WITH THE LIGHTHOUSES, HARBOUR LIGHTS, DEPTH OF WATER, COURSES AND DISTANCES, &c. &c. COMPILED FROM AUTHENTIC SOURCES, THE CHARTS OF CAPT. OWEN AND LIEUT. HERBERT, FROM RtlCENT SURVEYS, AS WELL AS FROM PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS. BY EDWARD M. HODDER, M.D., COMMODOBK OF THK BOTAL CANADIAN TACIIT CLUB. TORONTO: MACLEAR & CO., IG KINQ STREET EAST. 1857. v3 -^v O ' ) i v3 PREFACE. n 0: In offering this little work to the public, at the earnest solicitation of several of the CaptainH of schooners navigating these waters, I have been actuated solely by a desire to supply n want which I have frequently hoard lamented, by all those with whom I have conversed on the subject. Fully aware of the many deficiencies and imperfections which exist in it, yet I venture on its publication, confident in its general correctness. The materials I have derived from such authentic sources as have been within my reach, from the Admiralty Chart of Captain Owen, R.N., corrected to 1851, from surveys by the Corps of Topographical Engineers of the United States, and from information obtained from some of the oldest and most experienced Sailors on the Lake. And here let me express my Avarmest thanks to Captain Carr of the Maple Leaf, Captain Young of the Ohief Justice, Captain W. Bate of the Schooner Water Witch, and others, who have most kindly seconded my efforts by giving me every information in their power. I have myself visited every Port, with the exception of Sackctt's Harbour and Port Ontario, and have sketched the entrances to them, taken their compass bearings, soundings, &c. &c., but from the want of the time requisite, as well as a practical knowledge in the use of surveying instruments, the charts must bo looked upon only in the light of mere sketches, not drawn to any definite or particular scale. The distances from port to port may appear great, when compared with those which have commonly been acknowledged as correct ; I have, however, carefully taken them from Captain Owen's Survey, .and preferred giving them as by him laid down. I shall consider myself most happy if my humble attempt should stimulate some abler head than mine to improve upon and complete a task, which I am well aware I have only commenced ; and it will gratify me still more, if through any effort of mine a single life is saved, or the smallest craft that navigates this noble Lake is preserved from wreck. DEDICATION. Fob the Members of the Koyal Canadian Yacht Club, this little work has been compiled, and to them it is dedicated, in tho hope that it may not only interest, but also excite and encourage in them a taste for that invigorating, truly British pastime, and manly sport, Yachting, and make it rival in their aflfections the glorious game of Cricket, the Hunt, or the Gun : to the love and encouragement of these, may not Old England mainly attribute the courage and daring, the athletic frames, and hardiness of her sons ? for let it not be forgotten, that the effeminacy of a people is the surest forerunner of the decay of a nation. May it also be useful to thera, by giving such sure and accurate information relative to the various Harbours and Ports on Lake Ontario, as may create in them a fondness or cruising, from the conviction, that in any weather they can speedily reach some haven of refuge, where their gallant little Barks may, in shelter and in safety, ride out the fiercest storm. By their sincere Friend, THE AUTHOR. i • Toronto, Apbii-, 1857. HARBOURS AND PORTS. has been tcrcBt, but (h pastime, la game of lay not Old lavd'mcss of 1 tUc surest ,tlon relative m a fondness y reach some [ safety, ride XJTHOII. NOTICE.— The depth of water jjivon in the TariDim Porta !d the moan or average depth taken in the month of August: at the opening uf the navigation in thoHpring, when t'le Lake level \» higher, tiiis average will bo ozueedod by from ton to tifcoon inches ; in the autumn, I ..ore the rainy season •eta in, it will be dooreaood from six to twelve incliGs. TORONTO HARBOUR, OR BAY. This spacious anchorage is without doubt tho best natural harbour on Lake Ontario. It is ncirly circular, being formed by tho main land on the nortli, and by a long, low, and narrow spit of sand, on tho east, south, and south-west, called tho Peninsular or Island ; it extends in a south-westerly direction from the highlands in the township of Scarboro', and terminates in a point which suddenly turns to the north opposite the Old Garrison, and upon which trees of stunted growth are thickly scattered : thus ia enclosed a beautiful basin of about two and a half miles in diameter, capable of containing a great number of vessels. LIGHTHOUSE. The south-west extremity of this island is called Gibraltar Point, on which is erected the Lighthouse, 66 feet high, having a fixed bright light. CHANNEL. Tho entrance to tho harbour is by a narrow channel at its north-west corner between the Queen's Wharf and a row of buoys south thereof, which are placed in about ten feet water. The present channel is 300 feet wide, and about 600 or 700 feet long, having an average depth of 11 feet ; but owing to the extreme narrowness of this passage, largo and heavily laden vessels often find it difficult, sometimes impossible, to beat in or out against a head wind. This channel, however, is being widened from year to year by the constant use of the dredge ; and I believe it is the intention of the Harbour Master to continue this useful work until a clear available space of 400 feet has been obtained. HARBOUR LIGHTS. On the Queen's Wharf are placed tho Harbour Lights — the northenmost a fixed red light, the other a bright beacon light on the western extremity of the pier. These lights Avhen brought into line indicate the entrance to the channel. They bear N. by W. of the lighthouse on Gibraltar Point. 3o^m:D 6 HARBOURS AND PORTS In working up the Lake from the eastward at night, give the shore a good two-mile berth when abreast of tlie Scarboro' heights, otherwise the light on Gibraltar Point will be hidden by the trees on the Island. If bound into Toronto Harbour, keep nearly a mile to the W. of the lighthouse, then steer N. for the harbour lights. In the spring and fall, fogs are prevalent, which hang near the surface, and do not ascend more than thirty or forty feet from the water ; the harbour lights, then, will not be seen, in which case, when well to the westward of the lighthouse on the Point, steer for the North Star, immediately under which will be lound the red light on the wharf. When the fogs are so dense as to obscure all the lights or other land marks, the only safe guide is the lead line, and ti»e shore should not be approached where there is 1«S8 than six or seven fathoms water. SHOAL. A sandy shoal stretches into the Lake for a quarter of a mile in a S. W. direction off Gibraltar Point, and is thence continued along the W. side of the Island extending N. to the Bar Buoys which mark the channel into the bay, at an average distance of a quarter of a mile from the Island. Vessels running for shelter from an easterly g.ale should anchor on the W. side of the Island about one mile from the shore, where there is good holding ground in six or seven fathoms water, mud and clay bottom : if too near the Island the anchor will not hold in the sand, and a sudden shift of wind will put them ashore on the bar. I DANGER. There is a large boulder stone within five feet of the surface, nearly midway between the Queen's and Garrison Wharves, and a little to the south thereof. REMARKS. Much having of late been said regarding the advantages which Navigation, Commerce, and the City generally would derive from an eastern entrance to the Bay, I cannot allow the present opportunity to pass without raising my voice loudly against a measure, which if carried into effect, must be followed by the most disastrous consequences to the best natural harbour on Lake Ontario. The authors of the able reports on "The Improvement and Preservation of the Toronto Harbour," — to whom prizes were awarded in May, 1854, by the Harbour Commissioners — are unanimous in condemning, not only as useless, but actually prejudicial, a canal through the bend or south-eastern portion of the Peninsula. If the integrity of the Island is maintained, there is not the slightest fear of the present channel ever closing, even if left entirely alone; it may become narrower, but it would never become so completely blocked up, as to convert the present bay into a small lake or pond : natural causes are at work to prevent it. During the eight months of the year that the Bay is clear of ice, the amount of water taken from its surface by evaporation alone is enormous : experiments prove incontestibly that three-fourths of an inch a day is a fair average to allow for loss from this source •done. Let us assume, however, that only half an inch takes place. What will be the result ? From the 1st of April to the 30th of November we have 244 days ; this divided by 2, gives 122 inches, or 10 feet 2 inches, the quantity of water taken from the surface of the bay during the above-named period. Again, taking the soundings of the Bay from the water's edge to its deepest part, we find that ten feet would be a C| stl sJ ON LAKE ONTARIO. two-mile tar Point lui", keep ;ht8. In do not then, will he Point, ht on the oarks, the re there is direction extending listance of W. side of mnd in six anchor will he bar. ,vly midway cof. Navigation, 5 to the Bay, mdly against st disastrous nation of the the Harbour but actually 'eninsula. If if the present ■rower, but it nt bay into a ing the eight akcn from its iitestibly that m this source What will be >44 days ; this er taken from the soundings eet would be a fair average depth ; thus we perceive that there is actually more water removed by evaporation than the Bay is capable of containing at any one time. How, then, is this loss supplied ? By an uAder-current of cold water constantly rushing into the Bay from the Lake, between the end of the Queen's Wharf and the bar buoys. This is clearly proved, both by expTiment and by resorting to the same means which put mc in possession of the fact. I have dived at least an hundred times from a boat moored in the channel near the buoys, and when at the bottom, with my eyes open, I have invariably seen myself drawn inwards towards the Bay, nor can I call to mind a single instance Avhore the under-current set outwards or in the opposite direction. I am well aware that the surface or upper current will often run out of the Bay, while the under current is running in, for this I have seen a minute after coming to the top of the water ; neither will I deny, that occasionally, just after an easterly or south-east gale, when the waters of the Lake are driven up towards its head, and when the Bay in common with the Lake partakes of this rise ; or after a strong S. W. blow, which produces the same effect, that this under-current may be overcome by the pressure of the increased quantity of water in the Bay, and that a reflux current may for a short time be established. The form or shape of the bar immediately opposite the Queen's Wharf, also proves the steady indraft into the Bay. I have always likened it to a man's foot ; the shoal which runs from the N. point of the Island, terminates suddenly near the spot where the red buoy is usually placed, this I have compared to the heel ; the northern end of the bar runs parallel with the wharf, and represents the sole of the foot ; and the many sandy prolongations which run easterly may be likened to the toes. To this natural cause, and to this alone, the persistance of the channel at the Queen's Wharf is dependant : do away with this current or lessen its force, by another opening at the east end of the Bay, and in ten years' time the sand would gain such a mastery as to bid defiance to the dredge. There arc many other weighty reasons against making a canal at the S. E. end of the Bay ; they are, however, so ably set forth in Captain Richardson's admirable report, that it is quite unnecessary for me to allude to them. Might it not be desirable to build a short pier of crib work, say two or three hundred feet long, parallel with the Queen's Wharf, and at whatever distance from it to the south that the Harbour Commissioners may deem suflScient for the width of the channel, and upon the ends of which lights should be erected? This pier would not in any way interfere with the escape of ice in the spring ; it would clearly indicate the width of the channel, and for which purpose the present buoys arc perfectly inadequate at night ; and it could not have any injurious effect in causing the sand brought in by the wash of a S. W. wind from being deposited in any other situation than that in which it now takes place. Should this suggestion not be deemed worthy of the consideration of the Harbour Commissioners, they should, in common justice to all sailing vessels (more especially strangers) visiting this port, cause to be placed at the narrowest part of the channel south of the Queen's Wharf, either a small beacon light (which might be lighted with gas), or a buoy fitted with bells, and which the action of the water alone would be sufficient to sound. 8 HARBOURS AMD PORTS COURSES AND DISTANCES. FROM GIBRALTAR POINT, Taken from the Admiralty Chart, surrejed by Capt. Owen, R.N. From Toronto to Burlington Canal (Hamilton) S. W. 85 miles. Port Dalhousie, S. by E. 33 miles. Mouth of Niagara River, S. E. by S. 35 miles. (When on the bar bring the Fort Niagara to bear S. E. by B.) Devil's Nose, E. by S. 86 miles. Genesee River (Rochester), to clear Braddock's Point, E. by S. J E. 110 miles. Oswego, E. J S. 176 miles. Long Point Light, E. J N. 136 miles. Cobourg E. N. E. J E. 78 miles. Whitby N. E. by E. 34 miles. No variation to be allowed for compass when within 20 m. E. or W. of Toronto. <( (I '■i (( (( «( (( (( THE PORT OF LIVERPOOL, OR PICKERING, FORMERLY CALLED FRENCHMAN'S BAY. This Port is 26 miles N. E. J E. of Toronto. It is formed by a deep bay running into the land, and separated from the Lake by a sandy and gravelly beach, through which the Harbour Company have cut a Canal 100 feet wide. HARBOUR LIGHT. On the east pier there is a low miserable lighthouse, the light from which cannot be seen five miles in the Lake. The harbour itself is well sheltered, being completely land-locked, but from the foulness of the bottom (principally from weeds) an anchor will not hold during a hard blow. DEPTH OF WATER. The average depth of water inside the bay is 9 feet 6 inches ; at the outer mouth between the piers, 11 feet 6 inches ; and at the inner mouth 7 feet 6 inches. Through this canal a current runs in and out with great regularity, once in* about every four minutes. WHITBY HARBOUR. Six miles to the eastward of Liverpool, and 34 vn les N. E. by E. of Toronto, is the Harbour of Whitby, one of the best and most secure on the north side of the Lake. It stands near the centre of a deep bay, between Raby Head on the E. and Scarboro' Heights on the West, aad three and a half or four miles north of line drawn between these two points. S.E.byE.) ?oint, E. by ON LAKE ONTARIO. V The harbour is formeJ ' *. strong breakwater of rip-rap or crib-work, stretching across the head of the bay, ' which it is separated from the Lake ; thus is enclosed a capacious basin, the entrance to which is at its eastern extremity, between piers running south a considerable distance into the Lake, 250 feet apart, and with 13 or 14 feet water in the channel. HARBOUR LIGHT. The lighthouse is 12 feet high, built on the end of the west pier, (which extends a little further into the Lake than the cast,) having a fixed white light, badly seen in approaching from the E. or W. but good from the southward. . of Toronto. BRING, bay running each, through which cannot but from the iuring a hard TIDE. A strong tide or current sets in and out of this harbour, which at times is so strong as to turn a vessel's head round, when entering with a light wind. On entering this harbour, blowing fresh from the S. S. E. or S. W., steer for the Red Store House, keeping as close to it as safety will permit ; then luff your vessel sharply to the wind, back the topsails, to check her way, and anchor as indicated in the chart. DANGER. Midway between Whitby and Liverpool there is a nasty shoal in shore, one mile W. of the township line. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Whitby to Toronto, S. W. by W. 34 miles. " " Burlington Canal, S. W. J W. 70 miles. " " Port Dalhousie, S. S. W, 65 miles. " " Rochester (clear of Braddock's Point) E. S. E. } S. 93 miles. *' " Oswego, E. by S. 153 miles. " " Long Point Light, E. 107 miles. I outer mouth hes. 3nce in* about OSHAWA. Poronto, is the s of the Lake, and Scarboro' Irawn between The Port of Oshawa is 6 miles E. of Whitby. It is situated in the bend of a small bay, and consists of a well constructed wharf, running out from the main land into 10 feet water. LIGHT. At the south end of the wharf there is a small store-house painted red, and under the angle formed by the roof, is placed a large lamp, which serves the purpose of a lighthouse. This port is well secured from any wind north if E. or W., but sadly exposed to the Southward of th'jso points. The west side of the b.ay of Oshawa is formed by a high clay bank, almost perpen- dicular towards the Lake, on the extreme point of which stand three or four trees. 10 PORTS AND HARBOURS DANOER. The E. point is called Oshawa Island, bearing S. by E. from the wharf: the water here is very shoal, and a reef of large boulders extends into the Lake S. E. for 800 or 400 yards, which must be given a wide berth. From the point of land about midway between Whitby and Oshawa, there is another reef of large boulders running out E. S. E. into the Lake. PORT DARLINGTON. The Port of Darlington is 8 miles to the eastward of Oshawa, 50 miles E. N. E. of Toronto, and 29 miles W. by S. cf Cobourg. The Harbour Company have much improved this snug little port, by extending the piers into 12 feet water, and dredging the land locked basin within, where vessels drawing 9 feet or less may lie in safety in any weather. The W. pier extends about 50 feet farther south than the E. pier, whereby the roll of the Lake during a S. W. blow is materially broken. ; I 4 t LIGHT. A lighthouse is erected on the E. pier ; but, although the light is bright and good, it, in common with most of the Harbour lights on the Canada side, is far too low to be seen at any great distance in the Lake. RABY HEAD. One and a half miles W. of Darlington is the hiqh, perpendicular, and bluflF clay point called Raby Head. Near the Lake it is destitute of trees or bushes, but farther back stands a farm house and barn, surrounded by several lofty poplars and other trees. Neither thp buildings or the trees can be seen from the Lake when due south of Raby Head. Darlington is the Port of Bowmanville, from which it is distant two miles ; the Grand Trunk Railway Station is within half a mile of this thriving harbour. For Courses, &c., see Bond Head. BOND HEAD, OR PORT OF NEWCASTLE. n Between 4 and 5 miles E. by N. of Darlinfrton is the Port of Bond Head. It con- sists of a wharf run out into 10 feet water ; but from its exposed situation can only be approached in fine weather, or when the wind is off shore. g' ON LAKE ONTARIO. U f r the water 5. E. for 800 ere is another DANGER. Four miles E. of thia port there is a large boulder some distance in the Lake, called the Peach Stone, and 4 miles E. of this, again, there is a reef of boulders extending 200 or 300 yards into the Lake in a southerly direction, off a headland. COURSE. In running from Darlington to Port Hope or Cobourg, steer E. J N. for 18 or 20 miles to avoid these dangers, giving the shore a good mile berth; then N. E. bj E. J E. for Port Hope, and E. N. E. J E. for Cobourg. 88 E. N. E. of extending the w'liere vesseltt lercby the roll ight and good, \ far too low to and bluff clay ics, but further plars and other ?n due south of two miles ; the arbour. PORT HOPE. STLE. Head. It con- tion can only be Twenty-three miles E. J N. of Darlington is Port Hope Harbour, which is formed by running two rows of piers or crib work out into 13 feet water, having a pond or basin at their inner or northern extremity. During a South, S. E., or S. W., gale, this Port cannot be made by large vessela drawing over 9 feet water with safety, owing to the tremendous swell rolling in from the Lake ; besides which, the piers being only 125 feet apart at the mouth, and the basin very small, there is not room to check the speed of a vessel, or to snub her,, without danger to herself or others. During a southerly gale, also, the swell in the basin is so great as to cause much injury to vessels by rubbing. From any wind N. of E. or W., however, this is a perfectly safe and snug harbour. LIGHT. The Lighthouse is built on the E. pier, — a fixed white light. DANGER. See Cobourg. COBOURG. The Harbour of Cobourg is situated seven miles east of Port Hope, and is formed' very much in the same way. A shifting bar of sand is thrown up during a S . W. gale, which renders the entrance to it still more dangerous than Port Hope for vessels of deop draft. The Harbour is more capacious, and when once entered, more secure,, than that of Port Hope, having a second or inner basin with plenty of water, where no sea can injure or disturb the vessels that lie therein. The mouth of the harbour is 130 feet wide, with water varying from 10 to 13 feet.. LIGHTHOUSE. The lighthouse is built on the E. pier, 20 feet in height ; the light is bright and! good, and can be seen on a clear night seven or eight miles off.. 12 HARBOURS AND PORTS DANGERS. In entering this port, particularly at night, great care must be taken not to run too dose to the south end of the west pier, where broken crib work and numerous piles project nearly 100 feet father into the Lake than the end of the E. pier. SHOAL. Midway between Port Hope and Cobourg there is a dangerous shoal called Gull Island, which is about two miles long, and about or.e mile from the shore ; it is some- times bare, and has erected upon it a lighthouse 45 feet high, having a bright fixed light, which on a fine night can le seen from ten to twelve miles. When sailing between these ports, give the shore a good two miles oflSng, and on no account attempt to pass between the lighthouse and the land. VARIATION OP COMPASS. When within 20 miles E. or W. of Cobourg, allow J a point W. for the variation of eompasB. REMARKS. In running down the Lake from Hamilton to Long Point, there is nothing by which one harbour light can be distinguished from another, with the exception of the red light on the Queen's Wharf, at Toronto, and this cannot be seen a mile or two south of Gibraltar Point. Would it not be desirable, therefore, in so important a port as Cobourg, where all the steamers plying between the head of the Lake and Kingston, are in the habit of calling, besides numerous sailing craft, to have its light coloured so as to distinguish it from all others ? This could be done at an expense of a few pounds, by substituting stained glass, either blue, red, or green. COURSES AND DISTANCES. Cobourg to Toronto, W. S. W. J W. 78 miles. " « Port Dalhousie, S. W. J W. 90 miles. Burlington Canal, S. W. by W. 113 miles. Rochester, S. E. by S. 67 miles. Oswego, E. S. E. 105 miles. Long Point, E. J S. 61 miles. Presqu' Isle Point, E. by N. 24 miles. (( <( u u « GRAFTON. The village of Grafton is about 8 miles E. of Cobourg, having a wharf run out •&om the land in the Lake into 10 feet water. COLBORNE. Between 8 and 9 miles below Grafton is the village of Colborno, with its wharf for the accommodation of trading craft. t to run too lorous piles called Gull it is some- bright fixed 5> and on no ON LAKE ONTARIO. 13 Both those ports are exposed to the heavy seas of the Lake, and afTord no shelter to vessels, except ,hen the wind is off shore, or to the northward of E. or W. The villages themselves being small, they offer no inducement to the numerous Lake steamers to touch at their ports, and which are frequented only by small schooners carrying wood, or in the fall of the year, produce of different kinds. DANGER. One mile W. of Colborno there is a projecting point of land called Ogdon'a Point, off which is a reef of boulders. In approaching tlic Port of Colborne from the Westward, care must be taken t» give this point a wide berth. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Cobourg to Colborne, E. by N. lU miles. " Colborne to Prcsq' Isle Point, E. by S. 8 miles. variation of ng by which of the red or two south nt a port as id Kingston, I; coloured so ise of a few harf run out its wharf for PRIiSQU' ISLE HARBOUR Twenty-four miles E. ^ N. of Cobourg h the west or "oluff point of Presqu' Islo, well wooded, and with 90 feet water withi-i a short distance of the shore. LIGHTHOUSE. Five miles N. E. by E. of this point will bring you abreast of the lighthouse, which is 67 feet high, and upon which there is a very good fixed bright light, that can be seen, in fine weather from 12 to 15 miles. Immediately under the lighthouse, to the southward, there is shoal water with boulders ; but by keeping half a mile from the shore, this danger is easily avoideil. CHANNEL. The channel which leads into this fine harbour now becomes difficult, owing to the- shoals which surround it being entirely destitute of buoys or beacons to mark them. When making this harbour in the day time, steer to within | or | of a mile S. by B.. of the lighthouse ; thence N. by E. for a very large and solitary Pine Tree, which stands on the main land, some distance from the shore ; (this object is so conspicuous as to render a mistake impossible ;) continue this course for a mile and a quarter, or until the range lights (in the harbour) are brought into line ; then alter your course, and steer S. W. directly for the eastermost of the two lights. HARBOUR LIGHTS, At night, as the pine tree cannot so well be seen, steer N. by E. until the range- lights are seen in line ; then change your course, steering directly for them, (that ia- S. W.) keeping within fifty yards N. of the point on which this range light is built, (or even nearer,) as there is from 18 to 22 feet water directly under it. Having passed this point, anchor in the little bay between the two range lights. DANGERS. 1. Between the main lighthouse on the S. E. point and the range light on the N. E.. point, extending in a north-easterly direction for about J of a mile, is a shoal called m HARBOURS AND PORTS 4 the ** Middle Ground" havine only from 4 to 6 ft. water on it, and formed of coarse gravel, Band, and mud. Captain llalbutt, who has traded to this port for many years, told me, that when the Lake is high, he is in the habit of taking his schooner across this shoal, through a channel close to the two lights, his vessel, when laden, drawing 9 feet. 2. To the north of the lighthouse built on the N. E. point, running out from the main land, there is a low, marshy spit, destitute of timber, but easily recognised by a large dead Elm tree, bearing duo N. of the lighthouse : from this point, extending west and south-west, there is another formidable shoal, upon which the Patsport got «shore on 29th October, 1866. I have called this, Elm Tree Point and Shoal : the channel between the beacon light, middle ground, and elm tree shoal, is about i a mile wide. 8. W. N. W. of the second range light, there is another small shoal called, " Four Acre Shoal" nearly half a mile from the shore, but with plenty of water all round it. The existence of this shoal renders it hazardous at night to stretch too far into the bay beyond the second range light. 4. Two miles E. S. E. of the main lighthouse, there is a dangerous rocky shoal in the Lake, with only from 3 to 6 feet water upon it. It is to the eastward of the course steered from the lighthouse for the Scotch Bonnet ; and one mile S. E. of this, . again, there is another but smaller shoal. These shoals would materially obstruct the entrance into Weller's Bay. SCOTCH BONNET LIGHTHOUSE. The Board of Works have just completed an excellent lighthouse on Egg Island, or 'the Scotch Bonnet, which is one mile S. S. W. of Nicholas Island. It was lighted for the first time in September, 1856. A bright fixed light, bearing S. E. of Presqu' Isle Light. Can be seen 13 miles. REMARKS. This nearly land locked haven of refuge, when once entered, is perfoctly secure from every wind or sea ; there is plenty of water with good holding ground ; its dimensions are ample for the whole navy of the Lake ; it is well lighted ; it is easily entered with any wind, except from the N. W. ; and when it blows from this quarter, shelter is easily obtained in many other places ; yet, from the want of a few beacons or buoys, vessels often keep the open Lake, or run for much less secure places, rather than face the dangers of the shoals. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Lighthouse to Presqu* Isle Point, S. W. by W. 5 miles. " Presqu' Isle Point to Cobourg, W. J S. 24 miles. " " Lighthouse to Scotch Bonnet, S. E. 10 miles. " Lighthouse to Geneseo River, S. I E. OO miles. " Scotch Bonnet to Long Point, E. by B. 25 miles. WELLER'S BAY. " The Underwriters, Forwarders, Shipmasters, and others interested in the naviga- tion of Lake Ontario are about to petition the Government for the construction of a ON LAKE ONTARIO. 16 med of coarse r many years, :hooncr across iden, drawing out from the jcognised by a int, extending ! Paisport got an the beacon called, " Four sr all round it. oo far into the rocky shoal in ,8tward of the e S. E. of this, Egg Island, or It was lighted E. of Presqu' ;tly secure from its dimensions ly entered with irter, shelter is aeons or buoys, •ather than face Harbour at Wellor's Bay, in the County of Prince Edward. An opening one hundred rods wide, with a channel one hundred and fifty feet wide and fourteen feet deep, hu within a few yean past, been made through the beach from the Lake to Weller's Bay, which is said to be capable of sheltering all the vessels which navigate Ontario. The entrance to the harbour of Presqu' Isle is difficult and frequently attended with casualties, and it is justly considered necessary to construct a harbour at the place mentioned, which the mariner can safely enter in a storm. Several vessels, as our readers know, were driven ashore within a few miles of Weller's Boy, or, rather the opening leading into it, which might have been saved, had the entrance been known to the masters. There can be no doubt that the Government will entertain the prayer of the pe- titioners, and immediately take proper steps to erect a Harbour of Refuge to our fresh water seamen, that will serve to encourage them in their arduous and dangerous calling. In fact, *' it is the duty of Government to render every aid in facilitating and advanc- ing the interests of marine invt^tments, which contribute so largely to the revenue of the Province and the convenience of the people ; and we feel confident the object will be acceded to without any circumlocution or useless delays." — Kingston Newt, Jan. 7, 1857. If the entrance to Weller's Bay was not rendered more dangerous than the entrance to Presqu' Isle Harbour, by the existence of the two shoals to which I have above al- luded, tlie prayer of the petitioners would, in all probability, have the favourable con- sideration of the Government ; but the existence of these two formidable shoals at the very entrance of the bay, exposed as they also are to the full sweep of the Lake, during a south or south-west wind, (the very winds which would render it necessary for vessels to run into Weller's Bay for shelter,) would, I conceive, be an insuperable objection to the expenditure of so large a sum of public money as it would require to make this bay an eflicient harbour of refuge during a dark and stormy night. Far better would it be to petition the Government to expend one fourth of the sum in improving the entrance into Presq' Isle, and which is already well lighted. The shoals, bad as they are, are so land-locked and protected from the heavy ■iurge of the sea, as hardly to endanger any vessel which might be so unfortunate as to get aground on them. The shoals opposite the entrance to Weller's Bay are rocky, and have only from 3 to 5 feet water on them : they are also so exposed, that any vessel running ashore on them during a gale, must soon go to pieces. leg. miles. i in the naviga- jonstruction of a KINGSTON HARBOUR. Kingston Harbour, next to the Bay of Toronto is the best natural harbour on Lake Ontario ; the approach to it, however, is intricate — consequently, dangerous. It is situated at the N. E. corner of Lake Ontario, just where the Lake terminates and the River St, Lawrence begins. CHANNELS. There are three channels by which it may be made, Ist. The Batteau Channel between Wolfe or Long Island, and Simcoe or Gage Island : this is generally used by small craft only, having in several places little more than two fathoms water. 16 HARBOURS AND PORTS < >l 'U 1l 2n(l. South Channel, between Simcoo or Gngo Island und Snake lalund ; hero, also, the water bcconies shoal, having only 2} fathoms. 3rd. North Channel, which is the best: it runs between Snake Island and the main Land, which, although it increases the distance a little, is by fur the safest, having from 4 to 10 fathoms water in it. From South Bay Point in Prince Edward's District on the west, to Stoney Point in New York State on the cast, the navigation of the Lake is interrupted by numerous islands, shoals, and rocks, which renders the approach to Kingston Harbour danger- ous to vessels unacquainted with it. SOUTH CHANNEL. In making this harbour from any of the western ports of the Lake, steer for the Mid- Channel between the Real and the False Ducks ; then alter the course to N. E. J E., which will take the vessel through the south channel direct to Kingston Harbour. Should there be a head wind, make this course the base line, never passing it to the southward, but stand off and on to the northward and eastward until inside Nine Mile Point on Simcoe Island; keep close to Four Mile Point, (on Simcoe Island,) leaving Snake Island, which may bo known by a single tall elm tree, and upon which the Board of Works arc about to erect a lighthouse,) bearing N. W. or to the left ; from thence the course is clear to Kingston. In running along Simcoo Island from Nine Mile Point Lighthouse* to Four Mile Point, do not follow the curve of the island, as the water becomes very shoal. NORTH CHANNEL. Should the North Channel be preferred, when inside Nine Mile Point Lighthouse, steer due North till midway between snake Island and the main land : this course will clear a shoal bearing N. W. of the lighthouse, and give Snake Island a good half-mile berth to the eastward, thence due east into the harbour. In making Kingston '"rom Oswego, two courses may be taken. Due N. will take you to Nine Mile Point, clearing the Ducks, leaving them to the westward, and Pigeon Island and Charity Shoal to the eastward. North by West (which is the best course) will take to mid-channel, between the True and False Ducks. h DUCKS LIGHT. At night the stationary bright light of the Fa^so Ducks will bo first seen ; but in the day time. South Bay Point, which is high bushy land, will be seen before the Ducks. SOUTH BAY POINT. Should a gale be coming, up from the W. or S. W., good anchorage and shelter can be obtained inside South Bay Point : to make it, keep to the eastward of the Outer Drake Island, and tu the north of the Inner Drake (the False Ducks) and anchor off the N. E. point, or run alongside a small wharf which will be found there.^ UPPER GAP. If obliged to run for shelter behind South Bay Point, Kingston may afterwards be made by passing through the Upper Gap ; that is, between Indian Point on the West, * The Lighthouse on Nine Mile Point ia 45 feet high, and furnidhod vrith a good stationary, bright light. here, also, ul tlio main est, having icy Point in y numerous lOur danger- for the Mid- N. E. i E., arbour, ing it to the lo Nine Mile md,) leaving n which the le left ; from ;o Four Milo hoal. b Lighthouse, is course will ■ood half-mile N. will take , and Pigeon between the seen ; but in ;n before the d shelter can of the Outer nd anchor off e- afterwards be t on the West, ON LAKE ONTARIO. 17 and Amherst Island to the East. Steer N. by E. till between Amherst Island and the main land, then E. N. E. till North of the Brothers, thence E. to Kin^^ston. REAL DUCK. . ' Shelter and good anchorage can also be obtained inside or to the N. E. of the Real Duck Island. Note. — There id a channel between South Bay Point and the Outer Drake, which, however, should not bo attempted except with a leading wind, in fine weather, and by a good pilot, as a dangerous shoal exists between this island and the point COURSES AND DISTANCES. Kingston to Snake Island, S. W. by W., 4 miles. " Nine Mile Point, S. W. by S., 8J miles. " Mid Channel between True and False Ducks, S. W. J W. 27 m. Nine Mile Point to South Bay Point, S. W. by W. 26 miles. " " W. end of Galloo Island (Lighthouse) S. by E. ^ E. 23 m. Mid Channel between Ducks to Long Point, W. S. W. 25 miles. " " " Oswego, S. by E. 40 miles. " " " Genesee, S. W. 75 miles. " " " Port Dalhousic, W. S. W. 166 miles. From Long Point Light to Toronto, W. by S. 136 miles. SACKETT'S HARBOUR. ary bright light. I have not visited this Harbour, and I have experienced some diflSculty in obtaining authentic information respecting it ; that which is here given, however, can be reliea upon. It is not a port of so much importance in a mercantile point of view as many others, although, from the great depth of water in the bay, its secure and sheltered position, and tolerably easy access, it should be ranked amongst the best on the Lake. These recommendations, together with its capabilities of being strongly fortified, have induced the Government of the United states to make it their Naval Depot or Arsenal. SITUATION. It is situated on the south shore of Black River Bay, an arm of the Lake running: several miles inland, having point Peninsula bearing W. by N. about nine miles, Great Stoncy Island and Great Galloo Island, bearing W. by S. eleven and fifteen miles I respectively. LIGHTHOUSE. % Tlic lighthouse is built on a rock called Horse Island, at the South-Westcrn point of ;l Black River Bay, one and a half miles W. of the Harbour ; it has a good fixed bright S light. The lighthouse on the Galloo Island is at its S. \V. end, bearing W. by S. J S.^ "' distant 21 miles. IS HARBOURS AND PORTS 'ii In making this harbour from the wcHtward, Htoor for the mid-channel, between the Ducks anil Galloo Island, thcnco E. by N. direct into the bay, midway between the light on Horse Island and Point E'eninHiila. From Oswego, N. J E. for Oalloo Light, and wluin well to the north of the iHland, E. by N. as before. From Kingston, after passing Nino Mile Point on Simcoo Island, two courses may bo taken : 1st S. by W. for about ton miles, until south of Charity Shoal, thenco E. S. E. 15 miles, till abreast of Point Peninsula, thcnco E. into the harbour ; or, 2nd, if the wind bo favourable, after paHsing Nino ^Iilo Point, steer S. E. 23 miles till oft* Point Peninsula, thenco E. as before. This course will leave Pigeon Island and Charity Shoal well to the westward. There are other channels by which this harbour may be mndo in fine weather, or andcr tho guidance of a good pilot, but they are more intricate and dangerous than those laid down. Black River Bay is clear of shoals or rocks, with depth of water sufficient for vessels • of tho largest size. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Sackett's Harbour to Light on Ilorso Island, W. by S. IJ mile. " " Point Peninsula, W. by N. 9 miles. " « N. E. point of Great Galloo Island, W. by S. 15 m, «« « N. E. point of Great Stoncy Island, W. by S. 11 m. «« « S. E. point of Ducks Island, W. i S. 28 miles. " " Long Point Light, W. by S. GO miles. From Horse Island Light to Stoney Point Light, S. W. by W. 12 miles. CAUTION. Nearly mid-channel between Stoncy Point and Great Stoney Island there is a shoal 1 with only seven feet water :— From Stoney Point to tho False Ducks, passing to the Southward of the Great Galloo Island, W. by N. 32 miles. From the N. E. end of Stoney Island to the W. end of Grenadier Island, N. N. W. 11 miles. CHARITY SHOAL. From Nino Milo Point to centre of Charity Shoal, S. by E. 9 miles. " Great Galloo Light to do. N. by W, 13 miles. " Horse Island Light to do. W. N. W. 22 miles. " Anchorage at Real Ducks to do. N. E. by N. 12 nvlcs. *' Ducks Lighthouse to ■'- ^' ^^ ^ '^ do. E. N. E. 20 miles. riGEON ISLAND. From Pigeon Island to Nine Milo I'oint Li^'lit, N. 7 miles. ii ii (( Charity Shoal, S. E. by E. yj miles. Galloo Light, S. S. E. 10 miles. Horse Island Light, E. S. E. 26 miles. Point Peninsula, S. E. by E. h E. 18 miles. Ducks Light, S. W. by W. 18 miles. Anchorage at Real Ducks, S. S. W. 12 mileSr til sai f vh- con con mu between the between the )f the Isknd, ► courses muy Shoiil, thenco our ; or, 2ntl, J niiloH till oft* n Island and weather, or mgcroua than cut for vessels ON LAKE ONTARIO. PORT ONTARIO. 10 Twonty miles N. E. bv E. of Oswog.., .md N. of Mexico Bay, ia Port Ontario on Salmon Creek, a place of no considerable imuortance, yet possessed of a good harbour, which ia entered between piera running W. K. W. a considerable distance into tlie Lake. LIGHT. The Lighthouse is on the N. pier end, is 52 feet high, having a fixed bright light. The land both north and south of it is very low, and cannot be seen at any great distance ; there is, however, good depth of water in every direction. I have not been into this port, and have been unable to obtain reliable information as to the soundings inside the harbour. ni ilo. V. by S. 15 m. V, by S. 11 m. I. 28 miles. I'S. 12 miles. hero is a shoal d of the Great ;nadier Island, ailea. J miles. 2 miles. 12 in'lcs. miles. iiiles. I miles. I OSWEGO HARBOUR. This excellent Port is in a great measure '•eclaimed from the Lake by skilful engineering, and at an enormous expense. It is situated at the mouth of the Oswego lliver, and protected from the heavy seas caused by westerly and north-west gales by walls of solid masonry. Capiicioiis ns lire the basins, slips, and other parts of the liarbour, they are oven now barely suflicioiit for the accommodation of the ntimcsrous steamers, propellers, and schooners, which bring their valuable cargoes from all parts of tlie Upper Lakes to this busy and proi^perous city. The enterprising merchants and citissens of Oswego, aware of the insuflSeient accommodation aifonlcd to the shipping visiting their port, arc now engaged in devising plans for the enlargement and improvement of this important harbour : amongst those may l)c mentioned — Ipt. The construction of a pier from a point IJ miles west, to a point north of the lighthouse, 800 or 1,000 feet in the Lake. 2iid. A similar liar1)0ur east of tlie river and nortli of the Fort. ord. Thr ('(instrnction of a lock to admit vcs-sels into the pond above the dam, 500 feet wid.^, iiml one mile long. Tlu; rivor OsAvego lias its source very near the head of the Mohawk ; it passes llirough Lake Oneida, and in its course to Lake Ontario receives the Seneca River, besides the waters I'i' several less streams and numy small lake.'*. The waters from these in the spring ant' fall of the year so greatly swell and increase its current, that sailing vessels are uuaLle to stem it, except when favoured by a strong northerly breeze. To obviate llii dilhculty, uuiucrous small but powerful tug boats are constantly plying about the luoutli of tbo liavliour, and Aviien a large and heavily laden schooner como3 within a mile ov so ol' tin port, tli y runout, seize upon their helpless prey, and conduct it alongside the wharf or war. louso to which it may be consigned, with us much ease and precision as a carrhi^^'' m be driven up to a street door. ( 20 PORTS AND HARBOURS There are no rocks or shoals to be feared in approaching this port; the only- dangers consist in the very heavy sea, which rolls into the harbour during a westerly blow, and the want of room to manoeuvre or work a vessel when inside. LIGHTHOUSE. The lighthouse is built on the west pier, is 82 feet high, and has a very good bright fixed light. COMPASS. When within twenty miles East or West of Oswego, allow V or 1° 30' West for yariation of compass. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Oswego to Kingston :— Due N. will take inside Real Ducks to Nine Mile Point on Simcoe Island, which has a fixed light, 56 miles. N. by W., which is the best course, will take to the light of False Ducks, 40 miles, then N. E. J E. for Kingston Harbour, 80 miles.* From Oswego to Big Sodus Bay, W. S. W. J S. 32 miles. •' Genesee River, W. by S. ^ S. 66 miles. Port Dalhousie, W. till abreast of Thirty Mile Creek, then S. S. W. 164 miles. Toronto, W. i N. 172 miles. Cobourg, W. N. W. 105 miles. Long Point, N. W. I W. 48 mile*. a u tt » !i LITTLE SODUS J3AY, About sixteen miles S. W. of Oswego is Little Sodus, an inlet or bay of considerable extent, and with depth of water sufficient for the largest class vessels that sail on the Lakes. Unfortunately, however, the water in the channel does not exceed an average of six feet, so that this otherwise secure basin is almost useless. The entrance is between piers 250 feet apart, run out 1300 feet in the Lake, into fourteen feet water. The depth of water inside the bay ranges from twenty-five feet to forty feet. There is no lighthouse. BIG SODUS BAY. Thirty-two miles W. S. W. J S. of Oswego, and thirty-six miles E. J N. of Genesee River is Big Sodus Bay, the most capacious and best harbour on the south shore of Lake Ontario. It is entered from the Lake by a channel 470 feet wide, between piers which extend out into thirteen feet water. * In the daytime, when steering for the FrJsc Ducks, the high bushy land of South Bny Point will b« seen before the lighthouse, but at night, the light •Vfill be visible first. aBI»' ON LAKE ONTARIO. 21 the only 1 westerly ood bright rWeat for Nine Mile alse Ducks, >eek, the» considcraWe sail on the an average le Lake, into ;nly-five feet of Genesee )uth shore of which extend ny Point will b« HARBOUR LIGHT. The pier on theW. side is 1,200 feet long, and has on its northern extremity a fixed bright beacon light ; that on the E. is nearly 1,000 feet long. The average depth of water in mid-channel is ten feet, but immediately on entering the bay, the depth increases from twenty-five to 40 feet, with good holding ground. Should the wind blow heavily from the northward, round the wooded and bushy spit marked P. in the Chart, and anchor where indicated ; here the vessel is protected from overy wind or sea. LIGHTHOUSE. The lighthouse, which is 66 feet high, is built on a hill about three-quarters of a mile due W. of the beacon light on the pier end. It is a good revolving light easily seen ten or twelve miles in the Lake. This picturesque and fine harbour runs south or into the land for about six miles, and in its widest part is upwards of three miles. It is but little frequented, being used principally for ship-building purposes ; the timber, however, is nearly exhausted. Several small islands are situated at the upper or S. end of the bay, and a village, where provisions can be obtained, is reached by following the crib-work on the west side towards the lighthouse. CURRENT. A strong current sets out of the bay about 2 J knots. COURSES. Brown's Point bears W. by N. 8 miles, and Nine-mile Point (west of Oswego) E. N. E. i N. 23 miles. Note. — This port cannot be mistaken at night, as it has the only revolving light between Port Dalhousie and Oswego. GENESEE RIVER. The port of Genesee, leading to the City of Rochester, is situated on the W. side of the cmboucheur of the Genesee River. It is protected from the violence of the Lake gales by piers about 2,000 feet long, running N. E. and S. W. into the Lake, and 400 feet apart. The river is narrow and tortuous, rendering it difficult to beat up ; but the wharves, when once reached, afford «overy accommodation and shelter LIGHTS. The beacon light is on the end of the W. pier ; the range or main lighthouse is 83 feet high, and built on the hill side ; these must be brought in line to shew the "direction of the west pier. Both these lights are bright and stationary. In making this port from the westward, bring the pier light to bear S. S. E., and in running into the harbour, keep the pier light a little more than a vessel's length to the «oastw4ird of the lighthouse. 82 ll HARBOURS AND PORTS DANGER. About twenty feet oflF the end of the W. pier there are some piles and a sunken crib, ■which must be given a wide berth. NoTB.— In Owen's and Herbert's Charts, a shoal having only eight feet of water is laid down, midway between Braddock's Point and the pier ends. This supposed danger haa no existence, there being plenty of water everywhere to within a short distance of the shore. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Genesee River to Presqu' Isle, N. J W. 60 miles. " " Mid-channelbetweenRealandFalseDucka, K. E. 75 m. « « Galloo Island Lighthouse, N. E J E. 87 miles. « « Oswego E. by N. J N. 66 miles. " « Braddock's Point, N. W. by W. 10 miles. From Braddock's Point to Port Dalhousie, first W. by N. till opposite Oak Orchard Creek, then W. by S. 90 miles. ' « « Toronto, W. by N. J W., 110 miles. " « Cobourg, N. W. by N. 67 miles. COMPASS. When off Rochester, allow 1° for variation of compass. OAK ORCHARD CREEK. i From the mouth of the Genesee River to the mouth of the Niagara River, there ia not a port or harbour where a vessel drawing six feet or upwards can enter, the only boat harbour being Oak Orchard Creek, 35 miles W. of Rochester, and 52 miles E. of Niagara. The entrance to this Creek is between two piers running N. and S. into 6 feet 6 in. water, and 160 feet wide. The west pier is 844 feet long, the cast 734 feet ; the basin or pond within has plenty of water and is well secured. There is no lighthouse or wharf light. NIAGARA RIVER. The waters from all the Upper Lakes, after coming over the falls of Niagara, descend the river for about seven miles in a rapid and turbulent manner as far aS' Queenston ; the stream there becomes wider and deeper, and admits of free navigation for vessels of any size, until it empties itself into Lake Ontario, at a point S. E, by S. of Toronto, 87 miles W. of the Genesee, and 12 miles to the eastward of Port Dalhousie. ON LAKE ONTARIO. 23 of water is losed danger ; distance of N. E. 75 m. IC3. pposite Oak iver, there i» iter, the only 2 miles E. of G feet 6 in. et ; the basin At its mouth this river is about 1000 yards acroBS> with from 20 to 40 feet water, and consequently it affords an easy entrance for shelter, and good anchorage during a storm. The town of Niagara is a mile S. of Fort Mississauga, on its W. bank, where there are extensive wharves ; and the village of Youngstown, which is nearly opposite Niagara on the east side has also good wharves and accommodation for shipping. LIGHTHOUSE. The lighthouse is 78 feet hi^a, and placed on the top of Fort Niagara, which is built on the E. side of the mouth of the river. It has a bright stationary light, which can be seen ten or twelve miles off. On entering this river, keep near its centre, and bring Fort Niagara to bear S. E. by E. When W. or W. by S. of the Fort, the shores become bold, and may be approached to within a short distance, especially on the E. side. With a northerly wind meeting the current, there is a short chopping sea on the bar. DANGERS. Extending into the Lake for about a mile N. W. of Fort Niagara is a shoal with only six feet of water on it, and under Fort Mississauga on the W. bank there is another shoal, extending E. N. and N. W. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Niagara River to Port Dalhousie, W. by S. 12 miles. Burlington Canal, W. J N. 42 miles. Oakville, W. N. W. 38 miles. Toronto, N. W. by N. 35 miles. Cobourg, N. E. 80 miles. Long Point, E. N. E. 126 miles. Mid Channel between Real and False Ducks, E. N. E. JE. « <( PORT DALHOUSIE. To sailing vessels, this is without doubt the most important Port on the Lake. Every vessel bound to or from the Upper Lakes is obliged to pass through the Welland Canal, and consequently to enter or leave this Port. It has the advantage of being easily made in any weather, and with any wind. of Niagara, ncr as far as fee navigation It S. E. by S. ward of Port LIGHTHOUSE. It is furnished with an excellent Lighthouse, built on the end of the east pier,., containing a revolving bright light. There are no shoals or dangers of any kind to be feared in approaching Port Dalhousie ; the only caution requisite for a sailor, is to guard against standing inside 34 HARBOURS AND PORTS ill the range of the West Pier in working in, as between it and the remains of an old wharf there are two rocks and a shoal (all below water) on which he would put his vessel ashore. The piers run N. and S. to the bend, thence to the lock N. E. and S. W. ; they are about 3,000 feet long, 200 feet apart, with an average depth of 12 feet water. The basin or pond to the east of the steam-boat landing is too shoal to be of any service, and it reflects no little discredit upon the Commissioners for allowing 80 much valuable space to be lost, when at a comparatively small cost the capacity of this important port could be so greatly improved. It has been told me as a fact, that between three and four miles N. or N. by Vf. of the lighthouse, the compass dips, and for a short time becomes so disturbed as not to be relied upon. I have not been able to verify this, but shall feel much obliged to any of the Captains frequenting this Port, communicating to me the result of their experience. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Port Dalhousie to Burlington Canal, W. f N. 32 miles. " « Oakville, N. W. by N. 32 miles. Toronto, N. by W. 33 miles. Whitby, N. N. E. 55 miles. Long Point, E. N. E. 136 miles. Mid-channel between Real and False Ducks, E. by J N. 174 miles. Niagara River, E. by N. 12 miles. Devil's Nose, E. by N. ^ N. it <( (( (( « « « « PORT OF HAMILTON & BURLINGTON CANAL. The Port of Hamilton occupies the extreme Western end or head of Lake Ontario ; it is separated from the Lake by a long low ridge of sand and gravel, resembling the Peninsula opposite Toronto. This ridge stretches across from the northern to the Southern Shore in a S. S. E. direction, converting that portion which is to the west into a large bay, called Burlington Bay, the entrance to which is by means of a Canal upwards of half a mile long, with an average width of 200 feet. Unlike most canals, or piers entering a harbour, the width is not uniform, the entrance from the Lake being its widest part, that into Burlington Bay its narrowest ; the former is 225 feet wide, the latter 130 ; while at the ferry (or about its centre) it ifl 150 feet across. During the year 1850 several alterations and repairs have been made. Additional crib-work has been added to the eastern or Lake extremity of the South Pier, 300 feet in length, and considerably higher than the old work. Instead of following the old line, or N. E. J E., the new part runs a more northerly course, or nearly N. E. by N., which has had the eifect of making the entrance still more difficult than it was before, particularly when the wind is strong from the east f r south. I have heard from persons residing on the spot, that it is next to impossible for Bailing vessels to enter this canal during a gale from the E. or S. E. without coming in contact with the end of the north pier, whereby the weaker of the two is likely to be seriously damaged ; to obviate this catastrophe, however, several oak piles have been ON LAKE ONTARIO. 25 N. E. and 5pth of 12 shoal to be »r allowing japacity of driven into the bottom, which serve the purpose of a fender, and materially lessen the concussion that would otherwise take place. The same wi8e arrangement has been made at the opening into the bay, except that the new work is added to the north pier, and the fenders to the south. The old lighthouse which stood near the centre of the canal on the isthmus was destroyed by fire, and a new one has been erected on the east end of the south pier, with a stationary bright light, the old beacon light not being used. The depth of water at the entrance from the Lake is variable, owing to a deposit taking place during an easterly or south-east blow ; it is, however, never less than eleven feet. Burlington Bay is upwards of five miles long, and about three miles wide, with from twenty to forty feet of water, except near its edges. There is good holding ground immediately inside the canal. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From the Canal to Toronto, N. E. 35 miles. " " Whitby, N. E. i E. 70 miles. Niagara River, E. } S. 42 miles. Port Dalhousie, E. i S. 32 miles. OAKVILLE. NAL. ce Ontario ; embling the lern to the to the west of a Canal niform, the narrowest ; s centre) it have been oaity of the Instead of r course, or ore difficult 3Uth. possible for t coming in ikoly to be I have been The Port of Oakville is 22 miles W. J S. of Toronto, and 14 miles N. E. by N. ol Burlington Canal. The piers, which are about 100 feet apart, run nearly N. and S. in the Lake, into twelve feet water. Within there is a basin, which if properly dredged would afford excellent shelter and accommodation to a large number of vessels- As it now exists, there is little more than a channel by which schooners of 200 tons are enabled to run up to the storehouse to load or unload. LIGHTHOUSE. The lighthouse is built on the East Pier ; although forty feet high, it is so bad as to be scarcely visible six or seven miles in the Lake. DANGERS. Between this port and Port Credit there is a shoal, and numerous large boulders extend a considerable distance out from the shore, which should not be approached nearer than a mile. COURSES AND DISTANCES. From Oakville to Toronto, N. E. | E. 22 miles. Burlington Canal, S. W. by S. 14 miles. Port Dalhousie, S. E. by S. 32 miles. Niagara, E. N. E. 40 miles. Devil's Nose, E. i S. 100 miles. Long Point, E. by N. 155 miles. (( 26 HARBOURS AND PORTS PORT CREDIT. This port resembles Oakvillc in its construction, the piers being run out into deep water ; the pond or basin within is large, and would accommodate a large fleet of schooners ; the want of a dredge, however, renders it almost useless. This port is 12 miles S. W. by W. of Toronto, and 10 miles N. E. by N. of Oakvillc. LIGHTHOUSE. The lighthouse is on the E. pier, low and bad, and not even lighted with that regularity which the safety of vessels trading to the port absolutely demands. WELLINGTON SQUARE, AND NELSON OR BRONTE. These small ports are situated between Oakvillc and the Burlington Canal. Their wharves run out into ten feet water, but from their exposed situation, except when the wind is off shore, they are rarely visited, except by the smallest class of coasting vessels. PORT BRITAIN. Having been favoured by J. Morrell, Esq., the President of the Port Brituin Harbour Company, with a detailed account of the works now in progress, and having received a copy of the Report, drawn up by E. G. O'Brien, Esq., and Captain Weatherley, for the President and Directors of the Company, it affords me great pleasure to be able to lay before the public an authentic account of this excellent Harbour of Refuge. I am also indebted to Messrs. Armstrong, Hime, and Beere, for an excellent Photographic Plan of the Harbour, of which I have availed myself. Port Britain is situated in the centre of the Township of Hope, in the County of Durham, about sixty miles to the eastward of Toronto, four miles west of Port Hope, and nearly opposite the City of Rochester. The great advantages to be derived from this Harbour, will arise from the splendid anchorage afforded by a blue clay bottom, entirely free of boulders, which is not to be attained to the eastward of this port, and which under any extremity will form a safe and secure refuge for all vessels navigating the Lake, protected as it is by the bluffs both to the eastern and western limits of the harbour, and will thus form a shelter for any vessel, in the almost impossible event of her inability to obtain the shelter of the piers or harbour itself. ON LAKE ONTARIO. 27 ut into deep argc fleet of lis port is 12 ed with tliat ncls. The Inner Harbour rvill bo formed by the natural basin, having an area of about 15 acres, with 12 feet depth of water ; and the Outer Harbour will be formed by piers extending about 700 feet from the shore into the Lake, 300 feet apart at the entrance, with 14 feet depth of water, enclosing a surface of six acres, and thus available to vessels of any draught navigating the Lakes. There will also be lights on both pier ends. The progress of those works has been so rapid, that the outer harbour will be accessible to vessels by the middle of June, and I am informed that a portion of the inner harbour will be completed so as to afford every accommodation to shipping for the fall trade. It is not, however, the intention of the Company to complete the whole of the inner harbour immediately, their principal object being to ensure a secure Harbour of Refuge, extensive enough to meet the present exigencies of commerce, leaving the completion of the work, until such time as the rapidly increasing trade of the country may require. iNTE. )anal. Their 3cpt when the s of coasting Port Britain i, and having and Captain rds me great Lhis excellent an excellent he County of f Port Hope, the splendid 1 is not to be 1 form a safe by the bluffs I a shelter for shelter of the Extracts Jt. : the Report of E. G. O'Brien, Esq., and Captain Weatherley. " I first directed my attention to the anchoring ground, both outside and within the intended basin, good holding ground being essential to a harbour of refuge, and without which no place can be safely used as a trading port. This condition of a good harbour I found fulfilled more satisfactorily than I anticipated. * * * * * * The bottom, both outside and within, as it will be when cleaned out to a depth of about fifteen feet, is a clay, and as far as I could ascertain, free from boulders, making the best holding ground possible. The construction of the harbour, as shewn by the plans, I consider preferable to any of the artificial ports which I have Been ; being not only more safe, but much larger than any other on that part of the coast of Lake Ontario. Opening wide east and west within, it allows the entrance between the piers extending south into the Lake to be made more direct and wider than would otherwise be safe ; and again, the piers protecting this entrance, diverging from each other as they approach the inner harbour, give the wave rolling in, room to spread, and thereby lessen its force. For all commercial purposes, it possesses the great advantage of ample room for wharves, stores, ship-yards, or lumber-yards, with the Grand Trunk Railroad running along its entire length, and accessible at all points. The whole is surrounded by an amphitheatre of rising ground, at such a distance as to allow the freest circulation of air, and at the same time afford suflScicnt protection from westerly, northerly, and easterly winds." :'i|i i I ( =$; EXTEACT moM "AN ACT TO COMPEL VESSELS TO CARRY A LIGHT DURING THE NIGHT, AND TO MAKE SUNDRY PROVISIONS TO REGULATE THE NAVIGATION OF THE WATERS OF THIS PROVINCE." 14 & 15 VlCTORIiE, ClIAP. 126. Passed, August, 1851. 1- ****** ^nd it ia hereby enacted by the authority of the same, That all Steamboata, whether propelled wholly or in part by steam, while navigating the waters of Upper Canada, shall be provided during the night with lights, to be exhibited and affixed as follows : — When under weigh — a white light on flag-staflF aft, a bright white light on the foremast head a green light on the starboard bow, a red light on the port bow, to be fitted with inboard screcJ9_ When at anchor, a common bright light at foremast head, as illustrated and explriucd in the Schedule A. That Schooners and other sailing vessels shall be provided during the night with lights, to be exhibited and affixed as follows : — When sailing before the wind, a pale light, "\ When sailing on the starboard tack, a red light, >• on the Pawl bit, or Knight head. When sailing on the larboard tack, a green light, ) When at anchor, a pale light in the foremast rigging. Sailing Vessels running before the wind, or with the wind free, and making a Steamer's light dead a-head, shall pm j on the starboard side ; but if to avoid jibing their mainsail, or for any other good reason, they shall wish to pass on the larboard side, then shall show their green light, indicating that they are on the larboard tack, when the Steamer will pass under the Vessel's stern. In case of two Sailing Vessels approaching one another on opposite tacks, the vessel on the starboard tack shall keep the wind, and the one on the larboara tack shall keep away, always when tacking ship at night, shifting the light. A Vessel in distress shall show both red and green lights. 2. And be it enacted. That any such Steamboat, Schooner, or Vessel as aforesaid, shall be provided with a Fog Ilorn or a Bell, of a weight not less than twenty pounds, which it shall be the duty of the Master, or person commanding such Steamboat, Schooner, or Vessel, under the penalty in the seventh section of the said recited Act contained, to cause to be sounded or rung at regular intervals of not less than five minutes at a time, with an intermission of two minutes, during the time that any such steamboat, schooner, or other vessel as aforesaid shall be in a fog. *********** 11. And be it enacted, That if any damage to any person or property shall be sustained in consequence of the non-observance of any of the provisions contained in this Act, the same shall in all Courts of Justice be deemed, in the absence of proof to the contrary, to have been caused by the wilful default of the Master or other person having charge of such Steamboat, Schooner, or other vessel as aforsaid ; and the owner thereof in all civil proceedings, and such Master or other person in all proceedings, whether civil or criminal, shall be subject to the legal conse- quences of such default. 30 EXTRACT FROM NAVIGATION ACT. i ■■ 12. And bo it onactod, That tho ponaltios imposed bv this Aot may bo suod for by information or action of debt, in the namo of Ilcr Majesty, in any Court of Ilocord of competent jurisdiotion, and one-half of such penalty shall bo paid to tho informer. SCBEDUL8 A. The following Diagrams arc intended to illustrate tho working of tho Plan proscribed by this Act. FIRST SITUATION. In this situation, the Steamer A will only seo the red light of the vessel B, in whichsoever of the three positions tho latter may happen to bo, because- rST* tho green light will bo hid from view. % A will bo assured that tho larboard side of 6 is towards him, and that tho latter is therefore crossing tho bows of A in some direction to port. A will therefore (if so close as to fear collision) jwrt his nelm with confidence, and pass clear. On the other hand, tho Vessel B, in either of the throe positions, will seo the red, green, c RED bREEN and mast-head lights of A appear in a triangular form, by which the former will know that a Steamer ifl approaching directly towards him : B will act accordingly. It is scarcely necessary to remark, that the mast-head light will bo always visible in every situation till abaft the beam. SECOND SITUATION. Here A will see B's green light only, which will clearly indicate to the former that B is crossing to starboard. Again, A's three lights being visible to £, ^ill apprize the latter that a steamer is steering directly towards him. CREEN aRCEN CR£EN c l—lTCREEN THIRD SITUATION. A and B will sec each other's red light only, the screens preventing the green lights being seen. Both vessels are evidently passing to port. FOURTH SITUATION. Here a green light only will be visible to each, the screens preventing tho red lights being seen. They are therefore passing to starboard. FIFTH SITUATION. This is a situation requiring caution : the red light in view to A, and green to B, will inform both that they are approaching each other in an oblique direction. A should put his helm to port, according to the standing rule mentioned in the next situation. SIXTH SITUATION. Here the two coloured lights, visiblo to each, will indicate their direct approach towards each other. In this situation it ought to be a standing ride that both should put their helms to port. CREE B RED 0. sm;il! kept rostnr bo jx !!!■ information juriBdiotioiii bed by this ROYAL HUMANE SOCIETY'S DIRECTIONS rOR TUI lij^htB of A approaching ble in every B SiSSv* REOCVERY OF THE APPARENTLY DROWNED. CAUTIONS. Avoid all rough usage. — Never hold the body up by the feet. — Nor roll the body on casks. — Nor rub the body with salt or spirits. — Nor inject tobacco smoko or infusion of tobacco. METHODS OF TREATMENT. 1. Siipptrt the body carefully^ with tho head and .shoulders in a raised position. 2. Stiip tho body, and rub it dry; then wrap it in hot blankets, and place it in a. warm bed. 3. ^\'ipe and cleansfi the mouth and nostrils. 4. 111 order to restoro the natural warmth of the body: Move a heated covered warming pan over tlu! back and spine. — Put bladders or bottles of hot water or heated bricks to the pit of the .stoniMch, tho arm pits, between the thighs, and to tho soles of the feet. — Foment the body with hot )l;miiols ; but, if pus.iible, — Immerse tho body in a warm bath as hot as the hand can bear without pain, as this is preferable to the other means for restoring warmth. — Hub the body brisldy with the hand ; do not, however, suspend the use of the other means at the same time. <). Apply sal volatile or hoitshorn to the nostrils ; if tho power of swallowing be returned, small .|uantitios of warm wine or weak brandy and water may be given ; the patient should be kept in bod, and a dispo.'^ition to sleep encouraged. Great care is requisite to maintain the restoreil vital actions, and at tho same tiino to prevent undue excitement. The treatment is to be peivsevered in for three or four hours. It is an erroneous opinion, that persons are irrecover- iiblo lioauso life does not soon uciIto its i^ppcarancc. r 1 1' ' KACLBAB, T0OHAA i CO., I'BINTKUS, KIKO HTREKT BAST, lonONtC. f 1l /< I'ifl m ^^jfiii fe V fWHW I >^ A ^■^\i{ oon /3 f^ /2 /If n n lit f? fit •CO K 15 n 16 f1 A/ 'toofi Bcac'OM Tiigli+ 16 16 ,.: /// is.iul<.'Mrril) Port of 7 9 to — . .. > 0" : (SouiidiTigs f^re iuTeet a > mmmmrmmm 5 t^ ^ 'Jo !-*II I J.> •■(■()] 3 IE. :- ?l %ft %f» ^ ^ .^ ^^ a; »H 1 4 ^ P Q ^ ? f4 ^ CO C W A :.' '• ii './.iH" . U f l«* 11'' «i3 .•%, .! ' 1 ^ w^f -rmfi^; _^ * .? ['V^H| M^Hl^H Ufl^H Bv^Hvj'flH W^ It, jiy^ ^m F QC'OaC'i* ' .'11? *'Ty •" '/ ' ' '"•"^fl ! Lj^- '5i ^P^Tv'' *'t« ^1^' '^ f So ' «^ p ^ 1 3 v^ /p ^ y ^ , ^* !^ ^' -fl ^'^'\ .*^!#C ^'dlii^H ,i^ f ... 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