IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) ^ ^%. /£ I/a f/. 1.0 I.I "* — mil 2.0 1.8 1.25 111.4 U^ < 6" — ► Photographic Sdences Corporation 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, NY. 14580 (716) 873-4S03 ■ -; -:- ■ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHM/ICMH Collection de microfiches. ■1j Canadian institute for Historical IVIicroreproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques Technical and Bibliographic Nstaa/Notas tochniquas at bibliographiquas The tot The Inatitute haa attempted to obtain the beat original copy available for filming. Featurea of this copy which may be bibliographicaliy unique, which may alter any of the imagea in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. D □ D Coloured covers/ Couverture de couieur I I Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagie Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaurie et/ou pelliculAe Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque Coloured mapa/ Cartes gAographiques en couieur Coloured ink (i.e. other than blue or black)/ Encre de couieur (i.a. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illustrati'jns/ D Planches et/ou illuatrationa en couieur Bound with other material/ Reliii avec d'autrea documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serrie peut cauaer de I'ombre ou de la distortion le long d« la marge intAriaure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have been omitted from filming/ II se peut que certainaa pages blanches ajouties lors d'une restauration apparaiasent dana ie texte, mais, lorsque cela Atait possible, ces pages n'ont pas 6t6 filmies. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplAmantaires; L'Institut a microfilm* le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a it* possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplaire qui sont peut-*tre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier un9 image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger une modification dans la mithode normale de filmage sont indiquis ci-dessous. D n n D • n n Coloured pagea/ Pages de couieur Pages damaged/ Pages endommagies Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restauries et/ou peilicuiies Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages dicoiories. tacheties ou piquies Pages detached/ Pages ditachies Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of print varies/ Quality inigaie de I'impresaion Includes supplementary material/ Comprend du matiriei suppi^mentaire Only edition available/ Seuie Mition disponible Pagos wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc., have been refilmed to ensure the bast possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiellement obscurcies par un feuiilet d'errata, une pelure, etc., ont 6ti fiimies A nouveau de facon it obtenir la meiileure image possible. The pos oft film Ori( beg the sior othi first sior oril The sha TIN whi Mai diff( enti beg righ reqi met This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est tiimi au taux de rMuction indlqu* ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 26X 30X 12X y itx 20X 24X 28X 32X '\l: ti,J The copy filmed here has been reproduced thanke to the generosity of: Nova Scotia Pulilie Archivtt L'exemplairo filmd fut reproduit grice A la gAnirositA de: Nova Sootia Pubiie Archivat The images appearing here are the best quality possible considG^ing the condition and legibility of the original copy and in Iceeping with the filming contract specifications. Lea images suivantes ont At6 reproduites avec le plus grand soin, compte tenu de la condition ot de la nettet* de I'exemplaire film*, at en conformity avec las conditions du contrat de filmege. Original copies in printed paper covers are filmed beginning with the front cover and ending on the last page with a printed or Illustrated impres- sion, or the back cover when appropriate. AIF other original copies are filmed beginning on the first page with a printed or illustrated impres- sion, and ending on the last page with a printed or illustrated impression. Les exemplaires originaux dont la couverture en papier eut imprimte sont fllmfo en commenqant par le premier plat at en terminant soit par la dernlAre page qui comporte une emprelnte d'impression ou d'iiiustraxion, soit par le second plat, salon le cas. Tous les autres exemplaires originaux sont flimis en comrnenpant par la premiere page qui comporte une emprelnte d'impression ou d'illustration et en terminant par la dernlAre page qui comporte une telle emoreinte. The last recorded frame on each microfiche shall contain the symbol "-«»> (meaning "CON- TINUED"), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever applies. Un des symboles suivsnts apparaftra sur la derniAre image de cheque microfiche, selun la cas: le symbols — ► «ignifie "A SUIVRE", U<, symbols V signlfie "FIN". Maps, plates, charts, etc., may be filmed at different Mduction 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, tebleaux, etc., peuvent Atre fllmte A des taux de reduction diffirents. Lorsque le document est trop grand pour Atra reproduit en un seul clich6, il est film6 A partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A drolte, et de haut en bas, en prenant le nombre d'images n^cessaire. Les diagrammes suivants illustrent le mithode. 1 ■ 2 3 1 ' ''• '■'■,■'1. 1 2 3 4 8 6 * ' .r.-^h--:-i. ot ^^ k^ 1 ^ }\ , C u. ', mmifW'iW Public A^'^hives of Mcva Scotia HALIFAX, H. S, THE EMIGRANT AND TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO AND THROUGH CANADA, BV WAY OF THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE, AS WELL AS BY WAY OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA ; WITH SOME dTnentll^ ^tihict on iEmbar&atton ; THE DETAILED COST OF TRAVELLING ON EACH ROUTE. AND MUCH OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION TO THE SETTLER. BY JOHN MURRAY. .■A " I see ln{this world two heaps of human happiness and misery ; now if I can take but the siuaiiest bit from one heap and add to the other, I carry a point. I should ite K:tad, indeed, to do greater things, but I will not neglect this." Rbv. John Nbwtok. LONDON : SMITH, ELDER AND CO., CORNHILL. :'m^ 1835. [Price One Shilling end Sixpence.] I'ifi-A'./.. V* ^_v- . .'.'"l!pH9BWl''- "w^ LONDON*. PRINTED BY STEWART AND CO., OLD BAILEY. 4» "■«■— imi -iifiii iimwiBiit— * f;i'- '.;.''*r,'7."J7f^Tr'«":.7?,' PREFACE. The design of this little work, as noticed in the title page and table of contents, would render a preface superfluous ; did I not think it necessary (in order to insure its more favourable reception) to state most distinctly, that it has been completed, without the influence, or even the knowledge of either of the for- warding companies, land companies, or any landed proprietor in Canada. If, therefore, there is any appearance of partiality in the description of either route, it must be attributed alone to my own un- biassed conviction. Although only a temporary resident in Canada, I felt the want of a smell work of this kind ; and having frequently witnessed the de- lay, imposition, and trouble which the like want occa- sioned the poor settler, I was induced to undertake it, and in its accomplishment, have endeavoured to give only the most useful information, in the shortest and cheapest form: how far I^ have succeeded, remains a2 ''^^>^Jpp^!fw^.(l^p^l!^^.^l|llf Pfi|i|^,j tv^iififfimmmijmf «'>w* i : If \ I 4 PREFACE. for the public to decide. If their opinion of it, in its present shape, should be favourable, a future edition, with maps and a few plates of the most interesting points, may render it still more worthy of their noiice. I here also take the opportunity of acknowledging to the several editors of newspapers throughout the provinces, the useful hints and information I have taken from their several publications ; and it now only remains for me to state to the public, that any amount realized in the sale of this little book, over the cost of printing, is ordered to be remitted, for the exclusive use of the Orphan Asylum of Montreal. JOHN MURRAY. Montreal, Jan, 10, 1835. ■■"s'»'i''n*' r 4 CONTENTS. r Introductory observations . . . . . Advice on Embarkation General cause of distress to Emigrants on landing at Quebec Best mode of bringing money to Canada Explanation of difference of monies of England and Canada Arrival in the River St. Lawrence .... Quarantine — ought not to create aneasiness Leaving the quarantine station .... Arrival at Quebec, and short description of the City . Departure for Montreal Cabin passenger, landing at Quebec . • Rate of living at Quebec Arrival at Three Rivers — at Sorel .... Landing at Montreal . ... Depaiture of the settler from Montreal to Upper Canada, by canal-boat . ..... . Rates of fares, distances, &c Wages in Upper Canada ..... Cabin-passenger landed at Montreal — hotels— description of the City, &c. Departure from Montreal to Upper Can? da, by stage — dis tances, fares, &c. ... . . Description of the route to Kingston . , Cornwall, Presrott, Ogdensburg, Brockville, Kingston Delightful situation of Kingston — cheap livin there, &c. Route continued — Cobourg, Port Hope, Toronto Page 7 10 12 13 13 14 14 15 15 16 17 17 18 19 20 21 23 23 24 26 27 29 31 ! 'W^w^v^fmrFism^imfi^^^ P CONTENTS. 6 . Page Directions to the settler leaving Quebec for Upper Canada, by the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal . . .33 Cabin-passenger — proceeding to Upper Canada by the Ottawa — fares, &c. 36 Description of the route 36 Arrival at Kingston — departure for Toronto • . .39 Toronto to Niagara — Queen's Town — falls, &c. . . 39 Emigrants proceeding from Niagara to Lake Erie . .41 Ch'.ppawa, St. Catherine's, Port Dalhousie , . .41 Toronto to Hamilton, Dundas, London, and Goderich . 42 Eastern townships of Lower Canada . . . .44 Climate of the townships — their productions, favourable situ- ations, &c 46 The three roads to and through the townships — descriptions of each, &c. 48 Route to Canada, via the United States . . . .50 Arrival of the settler at New York, and how to proceed to save expense 53 Departure for Canada by three routes— each route described, C£C. 54 Cabin-passenger leaving the United States for Canada . 56 Conclusion . . . * 58 Meteorological table * 69 Navigation opens between Montreal and Quebec — first arrivals, &c. 60 mportsbysea — exports by sea 61 Statement of arrivals and tonnage for four years . . 62 Population of Canada 62 Total number of Emigrants arrived at Quebec the last ten years 62 Total number of Emigrants arrived at New York — year 1834 63 I**" + V A INTRODUCTORY OBSERVATIONS. It is not many years ago, when a voyage across the Atlantic to North America was considered, in Great Britain, a daring enterprize — a wonderful under- taking ; and the man whose adventurous spirit led him to take his family, and seek his future home in the wilds of Canada, was looked upon as a rash or discontented mortal. Time and a kind Providence have altered all this: — many favourable circum- stances have combined to facilitate the intercourse,, and develope the resources and amazing fertility of this fine country ; population has rapidly increased, is largely increasing, and with it, almost in an incre- dible degree, are the comforts and conveniences of life, and improvements of transport from village to village, and from town to town, increasing, and ren- dering it one of the most productive and valuable possessions of Great Britain. The tide of emigra- tion that has been flowing hither for some years past, instead of diminishing, seems every season to receive a fresh impulse ; and the pleasing changes on all sides, of towering fine trees giving place to light spires of village churches, and enclosures with neat cottages, abundantly evidence that all have found a fruitful country and a happy home. 8 Introductory Observations. To the man of humble life, who is about making up his mind to leave his country, in the hope of finding a more fruitful and happy retreat in Canada, as well as to the man of easy fortune, contemplating a move, these pages will perhaps be found more particularly interesting; for it is with a desire of something more than an hour's amusement, that the man who is pondering on a purpose which is to fix his future prospects in life, seeks from the observa- tions of others information which is then so highly necessary : he, unlike the general reader, finds little to amuse in glowing description ; what he wants, is plain matters of fact, in plain language ; — what he is to find on arrival, how he is to get on, and what it is to cost him, in order that he may be enabled, by bringing his own circumstances and feelings to the test, to come to a decision himself, rather than trust to the conclusions of others on such an important subject. Herein then, I hope, the man so circum- stanced will not be entirely disappointed ; for my sincere desire is, to endeavour to bring only such objects to his notice as will make him feel, on his first landing on this side the Atlantic, somewhat at home; that his time, then generally so precious, may not be lost in inquiries, which to the newly arrived in a strange country are most frequently so very disagreeable and perplexing. With this design in view, I will commence with Quebec, .le capital of Lower Canada and port of debarkation ; from thence proceed, by the hitherto usaal route of the St. Lawrence, to Toronto (late I 1 ^ Introductory Observations, 9 York), the capital of Upper Canada ; then we shall return to Quebec, and proceed by the new route, the Grand or Ottawa River, and Rideau Canai, to Kings- ton, where it unites with the before mentioned route to Toronto ; again return to Quebec, and thence, by the route recommended, to the eastern townships of Lower Canada, and lands of the British American Land Company. This order I have adopted, as de- noting the order in which the country has been opened to the traveller and emigrant. A few years ago, the first was the general, and, in fact, only route to Upper Canada ; the secpnd, the labour of many years, at enormous cost, is now in successful opera- tion; and the last, from the great encouragement given to settlers, and the circumstance of the speedy operations of so powerful a Land Company as has been lately formed in England, is, at the present day, engaging the attention of .the public, as well as the notice of emigrants. Having conducted the traveller over these several routes, with as particular a description of each as the design of this little work will allow, I will finally describe the roads and distances to the different parts of Upper and Lower Canada, by the way of the United States ; with the several costs of conveyance. Numbers of settlers and others have, within these last few years, taken this route into Canada, and the comparative expense and facility of approach by the St. Lawrence, and by New York, has become the subject of much argument. Here, therefore, the traveller will be satisfied at being able to count the ^spR5|^,i|)|i!W,)^f »i^W|lJp[iij|^^ ' 10 Introductory Observations, cost, and distance, and time of each route, himself. The greater part of the various routes have been tra- velled over by the writer, and the information of the others received from the most authentic sources, such as the agents of steamers and canal boats, and proprietors of stage coaches in the different direc- tions here travelled over. To make my plan complete, however, I must first meet him on his own shores, for the purpose of offer- ing a short, but, as I think, very necessary piece of advice ; and which would come too late, when once embarked : that is, to be more careful to have a few pounds in his pocket, than a quantity of baggage and furniture to encumber his every movement. A false idea is very often entertained, of what it is necessary to bring — what is, and is not to be found, in this new country, as it is called ; but let me tell him, there are few articles, either of convenience or luxury, that have not found their way here long since, fronj all parts of the world, and most of them to be had cheaper than he can buy them at home. A good stock of wearing apparel is certainly to be recommended, if his means are adequate ; but if he is at all shortj let him bring only such articles of clothing as are absolutely necessary : he can add to them at Montreal, at a cheap rate, if his circum- stances will allow it ; but it will be difHcult, if at all possible, to turn clothes into money, if hard pushed on the road. Let his amount of muaev be as large as he can possibly make it, and lei him watch over the expenditure of every penny with the utmost care ; T 1^ •r »- T '';s»PflP" A Introductory Observations. 13 mode of living and travelling that he may be en- abled, or rather disposed to adopt. A very small sum is but absolutely necessary ; at the same time a very large one may easily be expended. The best mode of bringing money to this country is in gold sovereigns, or Spanish silver dollars ; the former is worth at present 24s., and the latter 5s., of Canada money. Those are the most current and profitable coins to bring ; but if the sum to be trans- ported is large, and it is inconvenient and dangerous to risk it, the best mode is, to deposit the amount with some respectable mercantile house connected with Canada, and take their letter of credit for the amount ; which can readily be drawn for at Quebec or Montreal. The money of Canada, is, as in Eng- land, called pounds, shillings, and pence; and as the former is known all over the world as sterling, the latter is known throughout the British North American possessions as Halifax currency. The par, or difference between one pound sterling and one pound of this currency, is one-ninth added to make sterling, and of course one-tenth deducted, to change currency into sterling: thus, if you have 18/. in England, when you arrive and drpw your bill for it, you will have in hand 20Z. currency, and further, the rate of exchange, called j^^^emium (always in favour of England), which at present is 8 per cent., and would thus make the whole amount to be received 21/, 12s. currency. The money current (that is, in use,) is Bank-notes, Spanish silver dollars and their parts, and French crowns. y^WileP'rmf^m^^'^w^^rlW- iwrW^^ff^'^^?'^ 14 CHAPTER I. Arrival in the River St. Lawrence — Quarantine at Grosse lie — Arrival at Quebec — Description of the City — Passage to Mon- treal. 1 On arriving within eighty to one hundred miles of Quebec, the country on each side of the St. Lawrence, but particularly on the south shore, assumes a beau- tiful and inviting appearance. The numerous white farm-houses, and glittering steeples of the several parish churches, which you pass in quick succession, form a pleasing foreground to the green corn-fields and fruitful orchards in their rear. The quarantine station is situated on a small island called Grosse He, where all ships bound up to Que- bec are obliged to anchor, and receive the visit of the officers of the establishment. To many, the very name of quarantine and health-visit is sufficient to create an uneasiness, and the idea of having to submit to this very necessary ordeal, to destroy that buoyancy of spirits and feeling of pleasure which safe arrival so naturally inspires, and to implant in their place a restlessness and contradiction, that only serves to render themselves miserable, and the duty of the officers both unpleasant and unnecessarily severe. A moment's sober reflection ought surely to prevent or remedy this ; the consideration that an establishment exists, that has for its object the mu- tual safety and comfort of the newly-arrived and residents, ought rather to produce feelings of com- posure and thankfulness, as it is a warranty, that by < » : m Description of Quebec, 15 it will be avoided the risk of landing at Quebec amid the disease and misery so likely to be introduced, without this necessary guard, in a confined and heated city, among such a large and mixed emigra- tion that land there in so short a space of time. ^ Do not therefore, be annoyed at a short detention, nor wonder how it can be necessary to detain you, who are healthy and cleanly : recollect that you are but one, twenty, or at most a few hundred, out of forty or fifty thousand that will probably pass here in a few months; rather encourage in your own mind, as well as in the minds of those around you, a lively gratitude to a kind Providence, that has con- ducted you in safety and in health to a country that is watchful to secure to you such blessings. If you are well, the detention and visit are but trifling ; and if you are ill, you have the consolation of knowing that aa airy situation, and good medical and other , attendance are provided for you, instead of being forced out of your ship in a crowded and bustling city, and most likely obliged to put up with poor accommodation and an expensive doctor. On leaving the quarantine station, you are soon in view of the fertile Island of Orleans, between which and the south shore of the river, you pass up to Point Leni, and on rounding the Point, the city of Quebec is full in view. You now immediately find yourself amid the bustle of steam-boats, shipping, and all the apparent confusion of a crowded business port. This city, containing about twenty-five thou- sand inhabitants, is situated in lat. 46° 49'. north, , and long. 7P 16' west, about four hundred miles from the entrance of the river at Cape Rozier : it is walled, and divided into what is called the Lower and Upper town ; the former comprising one or two streets in width only, immediately from the wharfs, and td Departure for Montreal. the seat of business; the latter, or upper town, sur- rounded by the wall, built on the very high cliffs of the natural bank, which seem to overhang the houses below. The gates are approached by very steep roads, and in some places by flights of steps ; the houses are of stone, the roofs of which, as well as the steeples of the churches and convents, being covered with bright tin, give this city, on a fine day, from the river, a beautiful appearance, to which the unrivalled scenery of the surrounding country adds a further charm. Those who wish for a more parti- cular description, will be highly gratified on reading a book lately published at Quebec, called the " Pic- ture of Quebec," to which I must refer them, and go to other matter. If you intend to proceed immediately to Montreal or Upper Canada, and are of a party, or have a fa- mily, you had better not be in too great a hurry to get on shore with your baggage, as much confusion occurs at the wharfs during the business season ; and once out of your ship, it will require all your attention to take care of your family and effects. The steam -boats by which you proceed to Montreal, leave Quebec every day, so that you cannot be dis- appointed when you are perfectly ready to go ; and by arranging to take your baggage from your ship direct to the steamer, will save you some money and much trouble. The office of the Government agent for emigrants, A. C. Buchanan, Esq., is in Saultau Matelot-street, Lower Town, where, in case of need, every information you may require will be cheerfully afforded you, free of expense. It may be of service, however, here, to remind you, that you are entitled to remain on board your ship for two days after arrival, and then to be put on shore at the usual place of landing : this, therefore, will give " * \^ri\. ■■; ■ * .■•,'''y;'ftV:*";';'7^ , Rate of Living at Quebec, 17 «« 9 you plent) of time to look around you, and settle your plans. The numerous settlers that are now arriving and proceeding above, are taken to Mon- treal, a distance of one hundred and eighty miles, for one half-dollar, or 2.s. 3^. English, each, steer- age passage ; this, however, is lower than usual, by reason of the great competition. The fare at ordi- nary times may be considered one dollar, or 4s. 4c?. each. Should you purpose stopping at Quebec a few days, you will find in the lower town and sub- urbs, lodging and boarding at cheap rates. The wages of a day-labourer at the present lime, July, 1834, are 3s. currency per day ; of mechanics, such as carpenters, coopers, blacksmiths, tailors, &c.from 5s. to 6s. 6d. per r'ay. The cabin passenger or traveller disposed to re- main a short time at Quebec, will find several very good (motels and boarding-houses in the upper town ; where he will be comfortably accommodated, at from one dollar or 4s. 4d. sterling, to one and a half, or 6s. 6d, per day. The cabin fare in the steamer to Montreal is six dollars, or 26s. sterling, well found, and with excellent accommodations. The rate of living at Quebec may be best judged of, by noticing the following list of market prices of provisions, house rent, servants* wages, &c. The prices of provisions vary at different seasons of the year, but of the principal articles not very materially. I give the prices as in season, viz. — Currency. Beef, per lb. - - 4d. Veal, per quarter 2s. 6d. to 5s. Mutton, per quarter 2s. to 3s. Pork, per lb. - - 5 ,,yv^jp^^^.,. Wages in Upper Canada, 23 . ■* * allowing for the highest rate of passage between Quebec and Montreal : — but if, as it has been this season, half a dollar, or 2s. 2d. sterling only, is de- manded, — the whole sum will be three dollars and a half, or 15s. 2d. sterling. The rate of wages in Uppt. Canada may be consi- dered as follows, viz. : — Labourers, per month, with food, from ten to twelve dollars, or 43s. 4d. to 52s. sterling. Mechanics, first-rate, without food, per day, 8s. currency, or 7s. '3d. sterling. Mechanics, 2d, 3d, 4th, and 5th rate, per day, 4s. to 6s, currency, or 3s. 8d. to 5s. 5d. sterling. I must now return to the cabin passenger, who will, I fear, be getting annoyed at my having, so contrary to the usual custom, attended to the poor man first ; as, however, the attempt in these pages is principally to add to the comfort and welfare of the poor settler, I shall make no apology. I left him paying his passage from Quebec to Montreal, six dollars, or 26s. sterling, and settling with the steward for his wine and porter, the former of which he will find has cost him 3s. currency the pint bottle, and the latter Is. 3d. per quart bottle, — both excellent. On going on shore, he will find good accommo- dation at the Exchange coffee-house, Rasco's, Orr's, or the British American hotels. The city of Montreal, as I before remarked, situ- ated one hundred and eighty miles from Quebec, contains above thirty thousand inhabitants, and is rapidly growing into importance, both as respects trade, population, and superior style of building : the very excellent stone quarries near the city, afford every facility of bringing the latter to great perfec- tion. The French church, new market-house, new jail, splendid range of houses in St, James's-street, i^Siw?^iwiif.ijiiyi.i|i|«|^!(^i;»1^ 24 Montreal — to Kingston, and warehouses in S<^. Paui and St. Peter-streets, abundantly evidence this conclusion. The streets are mostly narrow, and as yet, very roughly paved, or badly macadamized. The country immediately around the city, is gene- rally level, with the exception of an abrupt rise in rear of the we^* quarter, called the Mountain, and which, indeed, contrasted with the surrounding coun- try, is not inaptly named. The view from the road leading round this mountain, is splendid in the ex- treme. The waters of the Grand or Ottawa river, and the St. Lawrence, the Island of St. Helen's, and that of the Grey Nuns, — the villages of Longueil, and La Prairie on the opposite shore, — and the whole city of Montreal, with its many church steeples, and buildings covered with bright tin, give, from the se- veral points of observation, acoup-d'ceil truly delight- ful, and from many parts of the city, the Moun- tain, covered with rich foliage, and studded at its base with pretty villas, the summer retreat of the opulent, and fruit grounds of the peasantry, afford, both a bold and pleasing relief to the flat country on every other side, — but •! am getting beyond my de- partment. Having concluded to leave Montreal for Upper Canada, you have only to send your name to the stage-office, as a passenger for Kingston, and the hour will be named at which the coach will call for ^v)u. The fare tiirough to Kingston, two hun- dred and twelve miles, performed in two days, is ten dollars, or 43s. 4d, sterling ; meals extra, which may be generally estimated to cost in travelling throughout Canada, Is. Sd. sterling each, without wine. A part of the above fare (eight dollars) is paid on starting at Montreal, and the remainder at Pras- cott. The following is the route^ viz. : — i ' ] ' i 1- Montreal to Kingston, 8^c» Montreal to Lachine, by coach Lachine to Cascades, by steamer Cascades to Coteau du Lac, by coach Coteau du Lac to Cornwall, by steamer . Cornwall to Dickenson's landing, by coach Dickenson's ianding to Prescott, by steamer Prescott to Brock vi lie, by ^learner Brockville tO Kingston, by steamer 25 Miles. 9 24 16 41 12 38 12 60 212 At Kingston, you can take a steamer (which offers, every day, with but litUe variation,) to Cobourg, Port Hope, Toronto (York), Hamilton, and Niagara. The fare, and time employed in the several dis- tances, as follows : — Kingston to Cobourg, 100 miles — 12 hours — three dollars, or 13s. sterling. Kingston to Port Hope, 107 miles — 14 hours — three and a half dollars, or 15s. 2c?. sterling. Kingston to Toronto, 177 miles — 20, or 24 hours — six dollars, or 26s. sterling. From Toronto to Niagara, is forty miles — five hours — fare, two dollars, or 8s. 8c?. sterling, — and from Toronto to Hamilton, is the same distance, and same fare. *> fc 26 CHAPTER III. Description of the route to Kingston. — Town of Kingston. — Koute continued. — Cobourg. — Port Hope. — Toronto. The road from Montreal to Lachine, is very good, and the distance, nine miles, is generally performed in little over an hour. The scenery in fine weather is truly beautiful : on one side you have the high grounds leading to the Mountain, and on the other, a luxuriant and highly cultivated prairie country, ex- tending immediately from the river, and through which passes the canal from Montreal to Lachine ; formed to avoid the tedious and dangerous boat na- vigation of the first rapids. These rapids, as well as *:he Nun's Island, and Other interesting points, are successively, and, in- deed, from some passes all in view, and well worthy the particular notice of the traveller. Lachine is a small village, owing the importance it possesses to its being, as it were, the starting post to the Upper Provinces, both by the St. Lawrence and Ottawa rivers. This was more particularly the case before the canal was cut, when much of the goods and produce up and down, were in the one case carted here from town to be embarked, and in the other, d'sembarked, and sent by the road to the city ; rather than risk the rapids at particular s'^'\- son;^. Directly opposite this village, lies the Indian town of Caughnawaga; the residence of a tribe of the Iroquois. I Cornvmll. 27 1 Arrived at Lachine, you are as before-mentioned, immediately conducted from the stage to the steamer, ready to start as soon as your luggage is safely put on board, for the Cascades, twenty-four miles dis- tant. The country on each side of the river here is low ; still, the passenger will find sufficient to interest him for the little time in v^hich the passage is made ; par- ticularly on nearing the rapids of the Cascades ; to avoid which, as well as the rapids of the Cedars, is the object of landing, and taking coach to what is called the Coteau du Jac, a distance of sixteen miles, and passing through a pretty and cultivated country. At the Coteau du Lac, you again take the steamer to Cornwall, forty-one miles distant. The town of Cornwall, the first settlement in fact after leaving Montreal, that has any claim to the name of town, is delightfully situated, well laid out, and apparently fast progressing in population, and superior style of building. The humble cottages of the first settlerSj giving way to the larger and more durable houses of stone, or brick ; t'" 'hich the neat flower and kitchen garden give an air of comfort and affluence. The population at present amounts to about twelve hundred, having several churches, school-houses, post-offices, hotels, &c. You have now entered Upper Canada, having passed the boundary about twenty miles below this place. You here leave the steamer, and again take to the stage for twelve miles, to avoid the rapids of the Longsault, in view of which, the road passes ; rendering the ride in fine weather extremely interesting. But in rainy or un- favourable weather, the road here is so very bad, that the only comfort you can possibly enjoy is, in the thought that the journey is only twelve miles 28 Prescott — Ogdensburg. long. A canal is now constructed here, to lead the small craft and steamers navigating the St. Lawrence safely past these dangerous rapids; which, also at the present time, gives the ride an amusing and lively character. Having got over the twelve miles, you are now at Dickenson's landing, from whence, to the head of Lake Ontario, as well as to all parts of the Bay of Quinte, the travelling is by steam-boats. The steamer that you embark in here, takes you to the town of Prescott ; a distance you will find on referring to the table in the preceding pages, of thirty-eight miles, passing up through the rapids Du Plot, and the rapids Du Galoup, stopping at Williamsburg to take additional fuel, and arriving at Prescott in about eight hours. Prescott contains about eleven hun- dred inhabitants, and from the circumstance of its being the lowest point, to which the steamers of the lake and bay of Quinte proceed with their freight and passengers, to be here disembarked for the several conveyances down the river, has a busy and bustling appearance. The American town of Ogdensburg is situated im- mediately on the opposite shore, in distinct view to and from which a small steamer plies every half hour. At Prescott you embark in one of the lake boats, each of which has its regular day and hour of start- ing, — all of them very fine boats, with good accom- modations, and excellent fare. In a little over an hour from leaving Prescott, you reach the delight- fully situated town of Brockville, twelve miles dis- tant : here the steamer merely stops to land, and re- ceive passengers ; but if any delay takes place, the traveller will be amply repaid for ascending the hill, on which it is situated, in viewing the neat houses as he passes up, and the very fine prospect of the Kingston — Lake Ontario. 29 river from the heights. Brockville has a productive country around it, and is fast growing into import- ance. The population at present, is about fourteen hundred. The only stopping place between Brock- ville and Kingston, is, at the village of Gananogue, a few miles below which, you enter and pass up amid the famed scenery of the Thousand Islands, reaching Kmgston in about twelve hours from leaving Prescott. The town of Kingston, containing at pr(;sent about five thousand inhabitants, is situated in a delightful bay, at the eastern extremity of Lake Ontario, and at the embouchure of the Cataraqui river, which leads into the Rideau Canal. The waters of Lake Ontario, here narrowing into a river, may be called the head waters of the St. Lawrence. Kingston, thus favourably situated, offering two lines of com- munication with the Lower Province, (St. Lawrenbe, Rideau Canal, and Ottawa) is, in consequence, the general resort of all the steamers, and stopping place of all the trading craft, of the surrounding and upper ports. On that side of the harbour immediately op- posite the town, called Point Frederick, is situated the Naval-yard, and a little beyond, in view, on the same side, is Point Henry, forming with Point Fre- derick, a safe and extensive navy bay : on the heights of the latter, extensive fortifications are now erecting, which will effectually protect the naval establishment, as well as the harbour and town of Kingston. A long wooden bridge crosses the Cataraqui, connect- ing the town with Point Frederick, in which there is a draw-bridge to permit the steamers and craft to pass towards the Rideau Canal, and Ottawa river, on the route to Bytown and Montreal. If you are not destined to any particular part of the country, and have time and means to spare, (I fi ^ 30 Kingston. speak to the settler) a stay of a few days here, may be of great advantage to you, in order to gain in- formation, and settle your future plans ; and before you conclude your purchase of lands, and place of abode, I would strongly recommend a visit up the Bay of Quinte ; which may be made, to and from this, in a few days, or may be taken in your route to Toronto, with little or no detention. The hotels at Kingston are very good ; in fact, the *' Commercial," in which I now write, is the best hotel I have been in, in British America ; and the charges are mode- rate, being 5s. per day for passing travellers, and considerably less for monthly boarders. As a place of abode for families seeking a pleasant retirement, Kingston offers many advantages ; the principal of which, I may remark, viz. — pleasant situation, good society, cheap living, churches of every denomination, and good schools for children ; to which I may add, the very great facility of com- munication v/ith Montreal and Quebec, as well as with New York, — a journey to Montreal occupying but from one and a half to two days; to Quebec, three ; and to New York, by Oswego and Albany, four days ; all by easy and comfortable conveyances. The following list of market prices at Kingston, will give a correct idea of the expense of living, viz. : — i^ Currency. Flour, per 112 lbs. . lis. 6d. Beef, per lb 4d. Mutton, per lb. ... 4d. Veal, per lb, ... . 3d, to 4d. Pork, fresh .... 6d, Hams, pork, per lb, . . 6d. to 7d. Cheese, per lb. ... 5d. Butter, per lb. ... 8d. Kingston to Port Hope, 31 Eggs, per dozen Fowls, per pair Candles, per lb. (moulds) Soap Potatoes, per bushel . Oats, per bushel Barley, per bushel Fire wood, per cord . 5^d. to 6d. 2s. to 2s. 6d. . 8d. . 4d. to 4Jrf. Is. to Is. Sd. Is. Id. to Is. 3d, 3s. . Sd. to 9d. House rent from 251. to 501. per annum. Leaving Kingston on the direct route (as before mentioned) by steamer, we arrive at Cobourg — one hundred and twenty miles distant, in about twelve hours. The town of Cobourg is built on the north shore of Lake Ontario, in rather an exposed situa- tion ; so much so, indeed, that in stormy weather it is very difficult of approach from the lake; but having a fine country around, and in the rear of it, has become a thriving place ; its present population is about one thousand : having three churches, a post-office, good schools, &c, ; it is situated in the township of Hamilton, county of Northumberland, district of Newcastle. Passengers landing here, are conveyed to Sully, on the Rice Lake, by a land con- veyaiice of thirteen miles, and from thence to Peterboro, by steam-boat, twenty-five miles. The next place you arrive at is Port Hope, distant from Cobourg only seven or eight miles. The circum- stance of being so situated, as to command the near- est communication with the Rice Lake, from whence a canal is projected to unite its waters with Lake Ontario at this place, making it the outlet of the fertile townships around the Rice Lake, has given to Port Hope the important prospect of becoming at no very distant day a large and flourishing town : it has at present, four places of public worship, post- 32 Port Hope to Toronto* office, hotels, &c. ; it is situated in the township of Hope, county of Durham. From Port Hope, tra- vellers may proceed to Bewdley, on Rice Lake, — nine miles land conveyance ; from thence to Peter- boro, by steamer, twenty-nine miles ; from Peterboro to Bridgenorth, (on the Chemong Lake), land car- riage, six miles, and from Bridgenorth, through Smith, Ennismere, Harvey, Verulam, Ops, Cart- wright, and Fenelon ; a distance of eighty-one miles, by steamer. Stopping but a short time at Port Hope, to land and receive passengers, the steamer proceeds on to Toronto, which you reach in about seven hours. You are now at the capital and seat of government of Upper Canada, and although you may on your approach, be inclined to think unfavourably of its appearance and extent, as a city ; when you land, and have leisurely walked through King Yonge and Market-streets, looked into the numerous extensive and showy shops, warehouses, markets, hotels, and public buildings, that have rapidly risen, and others in progress of building; you will be induced to ad- mit, that this is indeed the growing city of the flou- rishing country that it has been represented. The land on which the city is built is low, as well as all the surrounding country ; and the eye here turns in vain, for that varied and delightful landscape, it has met in the Lower Province, particularly around Quebec and Montreal. Toronto, (late York) at the present time, may be said to contain about ten thousand inhabitants, judg- ing from the increase of the last eight years ; here, the governor of the province resides, and the legis- lature meets ; here, also are situated the crown land offices, land company's offices, and all offices con- ■>.■;>■'"« f')'" Passage by the Ottawa and Rideau Canal. 33 irected with the transaction of business with govern- ment. Having now arrived at Toronto, before we go any further, we will, according to my plan, return to Quebec, and follow up the route by the Ottawa River and Rideau CanaK CHAPTER IV. Directions to the- settler leaving Quebec for Upper Canada, by the Ottawa river and Rideau Canal — Rates of passage, &c. Cabin passengers proceeding by same route. — Description of the route. On landing at Quebec, and proceeding to Montreal (as before mentioned) with a view of journeying to Upper Canada, by the Ottawa River, and Rideau Canal, by the cheapest conveyance, you will pro- ceed as before directed with your baggage, to the forwarding stores of the company, who are the pro- prietors of the boats, on this route. These stores are situated near the Lachine Canal, at the same distance from the wharf where you land from the steamer, as the stores of the forwarders on the first mentioned route, (the St. Lawrence) but on the other side of the canal, — taking care to inquire for the stores of the Ottawa line. Here, you will have your baggage taken care of, and will find comfortable and decked boats, or barges, to embark in ; by which you will be conveyed through the Lachine Canal, a distance of c 34 Montreal to Kingston^ hy canal. t) I nine miles. At Lachine, the boat is taken in tow by a steamer, to the entrance of the Grenville Canal ; and having passed through it, a distance of fourteen miles, is again taken in tow by another steamer, as far as Bytown ; from whence you are taken by steam boats on the Rideau River and Canal to Kingston, after stopping at several small towns, and villages, to land and receive passengers, and freight. The passage from Montreal to Kingston, is usu- ally made in four or five days, and the fare, or pas- sage money, (finding your own provis'ons, which you had better attend to at Montreal ; being much cheaper there than at the stopping places on the route) through — that is, from Montreal to Kingston, will be as follows : Every full grown person two dollars, or 9s. sterling. Children between the age of seven and fourteen years, one dollar, or 4s. 4c?. sterling. Between three and seven years 3s. 4d. currency, or 3s. sterling, fifty pounds of luggage, allowed to each person — all luggage over fifty pounds, at the rate of 2s. 9c?. currency per 112 lbs. At Lachine (nine miles from Montreal, as before stated) passengers by the canal boats, are allowed the privilege of embarking on board the steamers by which these boats are towed ; if they prefer it. For emigrants of Fmall means I should consider this route to Upper Canada, much preferable to the other (by way of the St. Lawrence). The boats on this line are larger, and being decked completely over, you are not exposed to the weather, as you are by the other, where the boats are open, and you are ex- posed day and night; and that, during a longer passage : particularly early in the spring, and late in the autumn. The advantage of getting on board the steam boat, (if preferred) is also another great >v Montreal to Kingston, by stage. 35 advantage. On your arrival at Kingston, you can proceed to Cobourg, Port Hope, Toronto, or Bay of Quinte, as before directed ; as the two lines of con- veyance meet here, as explained in the description of the situation of that town. Travellers or emigrants in better circumstances who are disposed to proceed from Montreal by stage, have only to leave their names and residence at the Ottawa stage-coach-office, in M* Gill-street, and the stage will call for them, in which they proceed to Lachine, nine miles, (as described on the route by the St. Lawrence ;) here they go on board a steamer, and are conveyed to the Grenville Canal ; having passed through which, they are transferred to ano- ther steam-boat, in which they are taken to Bytown. At Bytown, one hundred and twenty miles from Mon- treal, the Ottawa and Rideau lines of conveyance intersect each other, and being here embarked in one of the steamers that run on the Rideau, they proceed on to Kingston through the canai. The passage money is as follows, paid on starting at Montreal. From Montreal to Bytown, seven dollars, or 30s. 4c?. sterling. From Montreal to Perth, ten dollars, or 43s. 4c?. sterling. From Montreal to Kingston, twelve dollars, or 52s. sterling. Travellers on this route are furnished with meals. From the 20th of May, to the 20th of October, the stages leave Montreal as above, at ten o'clock A.M.; and from 20th of October to the 20th of May, at five o'clock A. M. Although the latter description of travellers do not reach Kingston by this line, in as short a period by two days, as by the St. Lawrence ; yet the fine country that is passed through, and its beautiful c2 -»T 36 Description of the Route scenery^ particularly about the Fall ^ of the Chaudiere, and the magnificent works at the Rideau Canal, offer sufficient inducement (if not pressed for time ) to prefer this route. On leaving Lachine, the steamer passes along the shores of the Island of Montreal, through the St. Ann's Rapids, and up the Grand or Ottawa river to Carillon, a distance of about forty miles : you then pass through the Grenville Canal, and arrive at Gren- ville, situated at its extremity, and distant from Mon- treal, sixty miles, the same evening. The next morning you embark in another steam boat which takes you to Bytown, and Hull, situated opposite each other ; the former, being on the Upper, and the latter, on the Lower Canada side of the river ; here, you arrive towards evening of the second day, after stopping at Longuiel, Petite Nation, — Alfred, — Plantagenet, — Lochabar, -^ Clarence, — Templeton, -^— Buckingham, and Gloucester, having an opportu- nity of enjoying by full day light the delightful scenery of the Ottawa* At Bytown there is much to attract the attention, and engage the interest of the traveller. I may merely mention the wonderful and extensive government works in its vicinity, the falls of the Chaudiere, and the unrivalled scenery around it, a more particular description is beyond my limits. Should the traveller wish to proceed further up the Ottawa, he can go from Hull to Aylmer, by coach, ten miles, from whence, a steam-boat runs through the Lake of the Chats, to Fitzroy harbour, which is close to the rapids of the Chats ; and stop- ping on the way, at Nepean, — March, — Turbalton, ' — Eardley and Onslow : the two latter places are in Lower Canada, the others in Upper Canada. At Bytown, — following up the route to Kings- ton, — you enter upon the line of the Rideau Ca- between Montreal and Kingston. 37 nal. To make myself better understood, in the following short description of its passage, it is ne- cessary for me, first to explain to you, that this canal, differing from the long, even, narrow form of an or- dinary undertaking for some purpose ; is a continued succession of lakes more or less extensive, commu- nicating with each other, and into which many small streams and creeks empty. To clear away the numerous obstructions to navigation, that presented in this long of communication, was the great work accomplished in the construction of the canal. Proceeding up the Rideau River, and having pass- ed through the locks at the rapids ; you enter upon a beautiful sheet of water, called the Rideau Lake, through which, in its extreme length, about twenty miles, lies the course of the canal ; the breadth of the lake varying from half a mile, to six miles ; and abounding with the most delightful and varied scenery. This lake receives the tribuuiry waters of many small rivers ; the most considerable of which, is the River Tay ; flowing into it from the westward, and on which, eleven miles from its confluence with the lake, is situated, the small, but flourishing town of Perth ; already containing upwards of a thousand inhabitants, and being the capital of the Bathurst district. A joint stock company have opened a canal from Perth, to the lake ; and erected warehouses and a wharf in an island, at which the steam-boat stops on her passage up and down, to land and receive passengers, and freight. Having passed over this picturesque lake, you next enter upon, what is called, the Upper Rideau Lake, which formerly formed one with the preced- ing ; but is now divided from it by a dam, which it was found necessary to construct, across what is called the Narrows, in order to raise its waters to a naviga- 38 Rideau C nal — The Lakes, ble depth ; this dam is constructed of wood, extend- ing through the water a distance of four hundred feet, and to pass which, there is a lock, with a lift of about five feet. The fine material of which these locks are constructed, and their superior workman- ship, must engage the attention of every traveller. The waters of this lake are the summit level of the canal ; their elevation being, one hundred and sixty feet above the level of Lake Ontario ; and two hundred anu ninety feet above the waters of the Ot- tav;a : crossing this Is^ e, you arrive at the Isthmus, which is a neck of land of about a mile, between the Upper Rideau and Mud Lake, which is the name of tlic next 'ake, that receives the steamer ; and taking this appellation from the muddy appearance of its waters. Through the Isthmus above mentioned, there is an excavation of from three to twenty-five feet ; and a lock of four feet lift, is passed, on en- tering into the lake. Passing Mud Lake, the en- trance into the next, which is called Clear Lake (from tho contrast of its waters with those of the last men- tioned, being as beautifully transparent and clear, as the other is dark and turbid ) is narrow and tedious, there being barely room enough for the boat to pass through. Clear Lake h only al out two miles long, but is surrounded by fine bold scenery ; with some pleasing cultivation among tne large growth of timber on its banks. A cut of two hundred feet long and fifty feet wide, forms the passage into the next lake, — Indian Lake, — the distance that the line of the canal takes in this lake is short, and you quickly enter Lake Opinicen ; the communication with which is by a creek, which has been cleared and enlarged for the purpose. A j»tone dam and a lock of ten feet lift, completes the passage into and across a small part of the lake, towards Sand Lake, v/ith Toronto to Niagara. 39 which it is connected, by a lock at Davis's Mills, of nine fee^ lift. Sand Lake is r.bout four miles long and \U waters being thickly dotted with islands, its passage offers a continued variety of pleasing scenery. You are now at the end of what is called thu Lake navigation ; and having passed the circuitous course, and delightful scenery of Jones's Rapids, the naviga- tion of which has been effected by a dam, you are quickly landed at Kingston ; the distance from By- town being one hundred and thirty miles. A steamer leaves Kingston every day for Toronto (York,) and the other ports of Lake Ontario, (as be- fore mentioned,) so that if the traveller is not disposed to remain here, no time is lost. CHAPTER V. Toronto to Niagara — Queenstown Falls — Chippewa — St. Catherine's — Port Dalhousie — Toronto to Hamilton — Dun- das — London — Goderich. Having again arrived at Toronto, before we return to Quebec to take the ri^ute to the eastern townships of Lower Canada, it liiay be Interesting and usetul, — although (in order to render this a cheap publi- cation for the poor man,) it did not come within my first plan, — to take a brief view of the facilities of transport to the neighbouring districts, where lands are clearing, towns buildings, and population increas- ing, to a wondeiiul extent. A steam-boat leaves Toronto every morning for 40 Falls of Niagara. Niagara, at seven o'clock, making the passage gene- rally in about four hours, and returns to Toronto, in the afternoon of the same day. The passage money for the deck, or steerage, is one dollar, or 4s. Ad. sterling ; and for the cabin passenger, two dollars, or 8s. Sd. sterling. The town of Niagara, is prettily situated at the entrance of the river of the same name ; and directly opposite the town, on the American side of the river, is Fort Niagara. The river here is about a mile wide. The land around Niagara, is rich, and generally well cultivated ; and within the last few years, has greatly risen in value. The celebrated Falls of Niagara are only fourteen miles from the town, and stages are always in readi- ness to convey passengers to this in cresting spot. The road passes through Queenstown, and over the heights near the base of Brock's monument.* The view from the top of this pillar, is extensive and splendid in the extreme, — the surrounding richly cultivated and picturesque country, the American town of Lewistown, on the opposite shore, and the river, winding its way into Lake Ontario, visible on a clear day to its opposite shore, form altogether, a scene truly grand. Queenstown is seven miles from Niagara, — that is, half way to the falls. The stages that take travellers to Queenstown, and the falls, go direct on to Chippawa on Lake Erie, distant from Niagara seventeen miles, and the lowest point on the lake on the English side, to which the steamers come i here, you can take passage to Buffalo, — Cleveland, — Detroit, and the various other parts of the lake. * Erected in memovy of the gallant general who was killed near the spot when leading the forces under his command, in that brilliant display of British valour on these heights, during the last American war. 1 St. Catherine's — Hamilton, 41 or of Settlers who do not wish to go on from Niagara by coach, will find cheap conveyances by wagons pre- pared for them on their landing from the steamer from Toronto, and are taken on to Chippawa, for about 2s. 6d. or 3s. sterHng each ; and the steerage passage by the steamers, to the [oits on Lake Erie, will be found comfo. table and reasonable. The cost of conveyance by coach from Niagara to Chippawa, and by cabin passage from thence to Cleveland, will not exceed ten dollars, or 43s. 4c?. sterling ; and to Detroit, twelve dollars, or 52s. sterling ; the distance being three hundred and fifty miles ; and by wag- gon and steerage passage, not more than one fourth of that sum. From Niagara, conveyances are readily had for St. Catherine's, a flourishing little town about eleven miles distant, at the entrance of the Welland Canal from Lake Ontario ; as also to its neighbouring village, at Port Dalhousie. Leaving Toronto for the Gore, London, and west- ern districts, the emigrant and traveller will find a steamer leaving every morning for the town of Ha- milton, in the Gore district, which he reaches early ir :.he day : the fare is the same as to Niagara, viz., two dollars for cabin passengers, and one dollar for deck passage : the distance is also the same, being forty miles. The town of Hamilton, which a few years ago numbered but a few hundred inhabitants, has rapidly grown into importance these last two years, from the emigration to the surrounding ferdle country: it now contains about fifteen hundred inhabitants, and iias many good private buildings, churches, ho- tels, &c. From Hamilton, you can proceed by coach, or wagon, through Dundas, five miles distant to London, in the London district, a distance of about fifty-six miles. IPM ■■■« 42 Hamilton to Goderich, In order to give a correct idea of the rapidity, with which this luxuriant country is advancing in cultivation and population, I need only state, that the building of the town of London was only com- menced late in the season of 1826, and that it now contains upwards of two hundred and twenty build- ings, and twelve hundred inhabitants ; has a court house, several handsome churches, post office, hotels, several manufactories, merchant stores and trades* men's shops i*^ '^ ^^ituated on the river Thames, which, passing Chatho runs into Lake St. Clair, and thus gives it a communication with Lake Erie, and through the Welland Canal to Lake Ontario, and the waters of the St. Lawrence. The cost of conveyance to travellers between Ha- milton and London is four dollars and a half, or 19s. 6d, sterling. Settlers with their families, or by going several together, can hire wagons, and make their own bargain. The road from Hamilton to the Huron tract runs through London. The flourishing town of Goderich situated at the extremity of this territory, a tract on the banks of Lake Huron, is distant from Hamilton one hundred and six miles, and from London fifty miles. From Hamilton you can proceed to Goderich also by another route, viz. through Dundas five miles, to Gait nineteen miles, to Gulph sixteen miles, to Goderich eighty-two miles, making the whole distance by this route one hundred and twenty-two miles. It is not more than six or seven years since the beautiful and highly fertile cour.^ry, in which Gode- rich is situated, was unexplored by any but the Indians ; it is now fast clearing, and settling, by wealthy farmers from other districts, and respectable emigrants from Great Britain, and who have drawn hither, the last three years, thousands of the newly arrived settlers, and labourers. The town of Gode- Town of Goderich. 43 rich at present contains about one hundred and twenty buildings, among which, are several churches, hotels, and well furnished stores. The beautiful situ- ation of this town on the lake shore, gives it the ad- vantage of direct water conveyance M^ith Lake Erie, tind through the Welland Canal, as before described, with the ports on Lake Ontario : there is indeed al" ready a considerable trade opened with Detroit, Cleveland, and Buffalo; it also enjoys a plentiful supply of the finest fish from the lake, such as the salmon, herring, white bass, and other descriptions of less esteem. The fare from London to Goderich, by the regu- lar conveyance, is three dollars and a half, or 1 5s. 2d. sterling ; settlers with their families and large bag- gage, will of course find it for their advantage to make their own bargains, for other and cheaper con- veyances, as before mentioned.* • The following route from Hamilton to Goderich, is advertised by'the Upper Canada Land Company : — miles. From Hamilton to Dundas ... 5 To Cornell's . - - . 8 To Henry Erb's - - ... 7^ ToThoman's - - . . - 7| To Swartz', by StaufFer's, over the new bridge on the Grand River ----- 6J To Rychart's (Wilmot) - - - - 4 ToHobson's (Wilmu) - . . - 5^ To Helmor's, (first tavern on the Huron tract, North Easthope) 6 To Fryfogle's, (South Easthope) - - - 3 To Stratford-on-Avon, (South Easthope) • - 9^ ToSebach's(Elllice) - ... 3 To the River Thames (Logan) - - - 7^ To Carron Brook (Hibbert) - . - 5 To Silver Creek, (M'Killop - . - 6 To Ross (Hullett) - - - . 4 To Vanderburgh's (Tucker Smith) - - 6 To Hicks', (Goderich) - - . - 3 To the town of Goderich - - - - 10 Total miles 106 mmm \'t , ■i-i •iw^^i'w/fi';; s-^-; V 44 CHAPTER VI. Eastern TowD ships of Lower Canada — their situation — climate-r- — productions — road from Quebec — from Three Rivers — from Montreal. We now return to Quebec, to proceed with the set- tler and traveller in the course we designated in the introduction, as the third route or direction ; to which on landing, they may be disposed to turn their attention, viz. the Townships of Lower Canada. It is no small difficulty on arrival in a new coun- try, and among a strange people, to fix in our minds., during our numerous inquiries, anything like a toler- ably correct remembrance of localities and distances. The distinction, for instance, between Upper and Lower Canada, is easily preserved ; but, when in a short period, we are told of fifty different places, in as many different directions,— some of French, some Indian, and some English names — it is far different, and we often find ourselves only per;^lexed, instead of being informed. It is for this reason, I am here induced to be more particular, than may at first appear necessary, in a work of this humble descrip- tion. The tract of country of which we are at present treating, — which at Quebec, and Montreal, you will hear called the Townships, the Eastern Townships, and not unfrequently, the St. Francis Townships, — has been, until within these last six years, but little known ; and in fact, ^t the present day is fa? iiiliHiilil ■,^^,V^^*;-"-. ?".»'"-■- v:^:,.l,: ■-'•-^^ny^'-.^'i^'f The Eastern Townships, 45 from being well known. The vast resources, however, of this large portion of Canada, from its extensive cultivable lands, large forests, and numerous rivers and lakes, are now coming into more particular no- tice, from the late surveys, and the large purchases of the British American Land Company ; who, at the present moment, are taking active measures for the speedy settlement of this favourably situated and valuable country. The Eastern Townships are situated to the south of that portion of the river St. Lawrence, which lies between Quebec and Montreal, but not immediately on its banks, — the seigniorial lands of the Canadians extending from fifteen to twenty miles from the river. Immediately adjoining these seigniories, the Townships commence, and extend, nearly in a southerly direction, to the United States, their boun- dary; a distance of from forty to ninety miles. The whole of this tract, is comprehended between the forty-fifth and forty -six and a half degree of north latitude; and seventy-first and seventy-third degree of west longitude. These Townships are from eight to ten miles square; and so favourably situated, with respect to the large markets, and only shipping ports of Canada, Quebec, and Montreal, that in no one part are they much more than one hundred miles distant ; and several within forty, fifty, and sixty miles. The great rdvantage that this proximity to the best markets will give to the settlers of this country, when the roads and outlets are improved, over the settlements of the west parts of Upper Canada, is obvious ; L»oth as regards sales of their products, and purchases of supplies. The general appearance of the whole of this country, is highly picturesque, — hill and dale, — river and lake, are to be met with, in increased variety at every turn : 46 Climate of the Townships, I ? the forests offer large supplies of valuable timber, and fine game ; and the waters an abundant sup- ply of the most delicious fish ; such as the salmon, black bass, trout, and maskinonge. The numerous springs of wholesome water, that are to be met with in every direction, ensure a ready and constant sup- ply, even in seasons of the greatest drought ; ano- ther great advantage they possess, over many other parts of Canada. The climate of the Townships is considered very healthy ; in confirmation of this, it need only be stated ; that in the year 1832, and during the past summer 1834, when nearly all Canada was suffering from disease (cholera), the townships alone escaped the contagion. The winter season is longer, and more severe than in Upper Canada ; but the productions are mostly of the same character ; such as wheat, barley, oats, pease, pota- toes, &c. and its capabilities as a grazing country, are very great indeed. The snow falls here, so as to remain, about 25th of November to 15th of Decem- ber ; and from that period, until the 1st to the 10th of April, afibrds excellent roads for carrying pro- duce, and returns to and from Montreal, and Que- bec ; as well as felling timber, and other necessary work, that this season is most suitable for. Several roads of communication are also opened, and open- ing to the United States, and their markets, of which Boston in particular offers inducements for sale of wool stocks, &c. The beautiful river St. Francis, after traversing the centre of the townships, in a north course, and re- ceiving the waters of numerous tributary streams, falls into the St. Lawrence, or rather Lake St. Peter, (which is but an expansion of the St. Lawrence) a few miles above Three Rivers — about two hundred miles from Quebec, or nearly midway between that British American Land Company, 47 city and Montreal. The part of the country most numerously settled, are those townships nearest the American boundary, particularly about Stanstead, Compton, Hatley, Barnston, Ascot, Clifton, &c. The first contains about six thousand five hundred ; and the others from one to two thousand each. As you approach the St. Lawrence, the settlements are much thinner, the land there being found less valu- able. The population of the whole townships at the present time, is about fifty thousand. In this territory, as in Upper Canada, the English law obtains, and all lands are held in free and com- mon socage; and being regularly registered, no dif- ficulty or doubt can arise respecting good and suffi- cient title, in purchase or transfer. The price of lands may be taken, at present, at from 3s. to 40s. sterling per acre, according to situation, quality, &c. The crown lands are annually offered to the pub- lic, by notice and a particular form of sale. Here, no seigniorial rights, or feudal encumbrances, so revolting to the English purchaser, in other parts of Lower Canada, are to be met with ; nor are there any taxes, other than light local asj^e^sments, for the repair of the roads actually used. The townships are, at the present day, represented in the provincial parliament, by ten members t and with increased population, will, no doub»t, soon take a higher stand in the legislature of their country. The lands of the British American Land Company, are situated in the counties of Stanstead, ShefFord, and Sherbrooke ; and have been described to me by a friend employed on the late survey, as rich in the extreme, in every feature calculated to arouse the energies of the settler : — plenty of suitable timber and stone for building ; running waters for mill scites : lakes and booki supplying more fish than 48 The Three great Roads can be used, and the sugar-maple tree, yielding sugar, and denoting the excellent quality of the land upon which it grows. The attention of the company is, in the first place, I understand, di- rected to the improvements of the roads ; and a large amount will be expended, in the early part of next season, for that purpose. The principal roads to, and through these town- ships, which was to have been the main object of our notice, I shall now endeavour to describe. There are three great, or main roads open to and through the townships, which I shall notice in or- der, supposing the settler or traveller at Quebec. The first is called Craig's Road ; and part of it Dudswell Road. To proceed by this route, you leave Quebec in the ferry-boat, for St. Nicholas, about twelve miles distant on the opposite side of the river : here, Craig's Road commences^ and passing through the seignory of St. Giles, and St. Croix, about thirty miles, diverges to the south-west, or right hand, ten miles to Hamilton, in the township of Inverness. Continuing on the main road, through the county of Megantic, you reach the township of Leeds, thirty- three miles from Quebec ; — Ireland, seventeen miles further on, and entering the county of Sherbrooke, to Dudswell, thirty-five miles ; — Eaton, twenty miles; — Clifton, ten miles; to Hereford, in the county of Stanstead, seventeen miles ; which is the southern extremity, bordering on the American state of New Hampshire ; and is distant from Quebec about one hundred and thirty-two miles. Should you wish to proceed to the county of Drummond, towards the St. Francis river, you turn off at Ire- land, as above, — fifty miles from Quebec, to the right hand, or westward, and proceed to Chester, about fifteen miles ; — Singwick, sixteen miles ; to to the Townships. 49 the village of Richmond, in the township of Ship- ton, nineteen miles, and just one hundred miles from Quebec. Craig's Road is not much used, be- ing considered as very ill laid out, and passing over a very hilly and uneven country. There is, there- fore, no regular stage, and the travelling is per- formed ill strong but light wagons ; neither is there any settled fare, and it is necessary to make a bar- gain with the farmers, or others, to carry you on. Settlers or travellers destined to the eastern part of the county of Sherbrooke, or to what is called the St. Francis Territory, might take this route ; but I would recommend them rather to choose either of the others, as much to be preferred. The second great road is that, by the St. Francis River, and the one now recommended to the set- tler ; and will, in all probability (from its central direction) be further improved, and rendered the great throughfare for settlers, and travellers, to the Townships. To proceed by this route, you take one of the steam-boats, which leave Quebec every day for Three Rivers, (as described in the route to Mon- treal). A stage leaves Three Rivers, three times a week, for Sherbrooke, ninety miles ; and on to Stanstead, one hundred and thirty miles distant ; — fares, four dollars to the former, and six dollars to the latter place ; but the settler may choose a cheaper conveyance, and by bargaining with the many that he will find disposed to take him on, — if he has a family or is travelling with others, will get forward at a low cost. Having crossed the St. Lawrence at Three Rivers, to Nicolet, on the south shore, ten miles distant, you proceed to St. An- toine, twelve miles ; and leaving the seignorial lands, pass up the easi banks of the St. Francis, enter the townships, and arrive at Drummondville, in the D tT . y •«^-^ VVT *' ' rr'-'-'"^'-'*'^ .50 Sherbrooke — Stanstead, county of Drummond, twenty-two miles — or forty- four from Three Rivers. Continuing on, and pass- ing through the townships of Kingsey and Shipton, you arrive at the villages of Richmond and Mel- bourne, on the opposite side of the river, twenty-four miles from Drummondville : from hence you go on to the town of Sherbrooke, which may be called the capital of the Eastern Townships ; the courts of law being held here, and having a registry office, several churches, schools, hotels, stores, &c. with a popula- tion of about one thousand inhabitants. As the country around Sherbrooke is compara- tively well settled, and populous, the best informa- tion, whether in regard to purchase of lands, or em- ployment, will be obtained here. From Sherbrooke, you can also proceed to the St. Francis territory, about twenty to thirty miles distant. Leaving Sherbrooke, for Stanstead ; you pass through Lennoxville, three miles, to Compton, ten miles farther, and arrive at Stanstead, twenty miles ; or as before mentioned, one hundred and thirty miles from Three Rivers. Stanstead, is the most populous town in the Townships; and among other advan- tages which it possesses, has that of being nearest to Mont-eal, as well as the nearest to the American town of Burlington on Lake Champlain ; to both which, the roads and conveyances are very good. The town of Stanstead, in the county Stanstead, of which we are now speaking, contains about twelve hundred inhabitants; is well situated, and sur- rounded by a flourishing country. The town is well laid out, and already has three churches, an excellent academy, printing office, hotels, and many mer- chants' stores ; to this, as well as to Sherbrooke, the settler will find it to his advantage to proceed, to gain information with regard to purchase, or to seek ^"9^^.=^"^ ' "■ Third Route. 51 for employment, should he not previously be des- tined to some particular spot. It now remains for us to proceed by the third route. For this purpose, you leave Quebec, in the steamer for Montreal, as before described ; (paying your 4s. 4d. ifor deck passage, or 26s. for the cabin.) On arriving at Montreal, you (I speak to the settler, who wishes to proceed by the cheapest conveyance,) will enquire for the steam-boat to Longueil, to which place, about five miles distant, you proceed in her. Should you find that you will be detained longer than you wish, for the steamer, you can take a cart for your baggage, and direct the driver to proceed to the cross, about two and a half miles from your landing at Montreal ; and heie you will find a horse-boat crossing to Longueil, every half hour. At Longueil you can bargain with some of the farmers or carters to take you to Chambly, twelve miles, from thence through the seignories of Monnair, and St. Hyacinth, to the village of St. Cesairej fifteen miles ; then, on to Abbotsford, six miles, and en- tering the Townships, arrive at Granby, ten miles from Abbotsford, and fifty miles from Montreal. Leaving Granby, you pass on to ShefFord, four- teen miles, thence through Bolton to Georgeville, twenty-eight miles, and arrive at Stanstead, thirteen miles from Georgeville, and one hundred and two from Montreal. Here, as before stated, you are in the most populous township ; and within about thirty miles of Sherbrooke, the next in importance in point of settlement ; and from which you can best arrange your future plans. The traveller, preferring another mode of convey- ance, will find a stage leaving Montreal twice or three times a week ; passing over the country just described, by a tolerably good road, with highly D 2 '.y >'^'-'^. . -T- -'•■^v^,.^^^^^^ 52 Route via the United S*ntes picturesque scenery on all sides, particularly after arriving within the Townships, at Granby. The fare by the ^tage, from Montreal to Stanstead, is five dollars or 21s. 8c?. sterling. CHAPTER VII. Route to Canada via the United States — Port niost adviseuble to embark for — arrival of the Settler, and how to proceed, to save expence — Departure for Canada, by three routes — Cabin passenger leaving New York for Canada, his route, &e. Having endeavoured in the preceding pages, to make my reader acquainted with his situation, on his arrival in the St. Lawrence, as well as with the several routes through Canada, that may then en- gage his attention, I proceed lo describe the several routes, and cost of conveyance to Canada, via the United States of America. New York is the sea-port, for which the settler and traveller destined to Canada by way of the United States, will find it most to his advantage tr» embark ; not only, as being >:he most direct route, but also in possessing water conveyances^ the whole way to Canada, — a great consid";ration to the set- tler with a large family, and much luggage. Should, however, circumstances lead the traveli^r to embark for Boston, it will be adviseable for him to go to New York, (not quite a day's journey) as a starting point ; or if he takes passage to Philadelphia, (also but a day's journey from New York,) the same object may be kept in view. Th*^ traveller who prefers proceeding by stage coach, and does not much regard the expense, can .,.„J-, ■,'"trv;Tr'r"^ 5d Conclusion, f#. falls of Niagara; and seventeen miles from the town of Niagara. The traveller of larger means proceeds to Buffalo from Albany, as follows. Rail-road to Schenectady (as before) sixteen miles, — canal boat to Rochester, two hundred and thirty eight miles, and from thence to Lockport and Br 'valo, as just described ; the whole distance by Schenectady being three hundred and forty seven miles, and fare through, thirteen dol- lars, eighty-eight cents, or 60s. 2c?. sterling, well found. On this route, as well as on the last de- scribed, the travelling can be varied, by taking the stage at any of the numerous towns, and villages passed through. ! i i CHAPTER VIII. Conclusion — Meteorological table — Imports and Exports — Arri- vals and Tonnage — Population of Canada — Immigration the last ten years. — Although this little work has already extended to a greater length than I had anticipated, my first and great object being to make it generally useful at a small cost, I must not, however, conclude, without making the sattler, and traveller, more generally ac- quainted with the climate, — trade, — population, and immigration of the country, to and through which these pages are intended to render his progress more easy, and agreeable. For this purpose, and consistently with my first design, I will only refer to the facts contained in the following tables, leaving them to draw their own conclusions. 59 METEOROLOGICAL TABLE. MONTREAL, 1834. Noted at 7 a. m. and 3 p. m. Date. Mean of Mean of State of the Thermom. Barometer. Weather. January 4 and 10 15. .5 30.. 85 all fair. 11 and 17 13. .0 30.. 20 6 fair, 1 snow^ 18 and 24 9..0 30.. 26 all fair. 25 and 31 11. .0 30.. 25 6 fair, 1 snow. February 1 and 7 22. .0 30.. 19 all fair. 8 and 14 21. .0 30.. 19 6 fair, 1 rainy. 15 and 21 35. .0 30.. 7 all fair. 22 and 28 31. .0 30. .5 4 fair, 3 snow. March } land 7 29. .0 30. .1 5 fair, 2 snow. 4 8 and 14 30. .0 30.. 2 all fair. -)F 15 and 21 33. .0 30. .16 4 fair, 1 rain, 2 snow. 22 and 28 37. .0 30. .13 all fair. i^ 29 and 4 36.. 30. .29 6 fair, 1 snow. ^ April 5 and 11 50.. 30.. 66 all fair. 12 and 18 59. .0 30. .11 all fair. ; 19 and 25 43. .0 29.. 98 4 fair, 3 rainy. ■' 26 and 2 48.. 5 29. .71 5 fair, 2 rainy. May 3 and 9 56. .5 30. .1 5 fair, 2 rainy. t % 10 and 16 46. .0 29. .98 6 fair, 1 rainy. '4 17 and 23 59. .0 30.. 23 6 fair, 1 rainy. 24 and 30 64. .0 29. .93 Ditto »? 31 and 6 65. .0 29.. 81 all fair. ^ f June I 7 and 13 69.. 5 29. .91 all fair. • 14 and 20 61. .0 29. .91 4 fair, 3 rainy. ' 21 and 27 67. .5 29. .93 5 fair, 2 rainy. 28 and 4 67. .0 30. .2 6 fair, 1 rainy. July 5 and 11 79.. 29. .96 all fair. 12 and 18 78.. 30.. 20 Ditto . s ;■■■■■ ■f. \ 60 Date. Mean of Thermom. Mean of Barometer. State of the Weather. July 19 and 25 79. .0 30. .14 all fair. 26 and 1 71. .0 30.. 1 Ditto August 2 and 8 70. .0 30. .3 all fair. 9 and 15 71. .0 29. .81 Ditto 16 and 22 69. .0 29.. 96 6 fair, 1 rainy. 23 and 29 65.. 30. .13 all fair. 30 and 5 71. .0 30.. 12 6 fair, 1 rainy. September 6 and 12 62.. 29.. 99 6 fair, 1 rainy. 13 and 19 65. .0 30. .28 Ditto 20 and 26 60. .0 30. .8 5 fair, 2 rainy. 27 and 3 55.. 30.. 6 Ditto October 4 and 10 53. .0 30.. 10 6 fair, 1 rainy. 11 and 17 48. .0 30.. 25 6 fair, 1 obscure. 18 and 24 42.. 5 30.. 25 5 fair, 2 rainy. 25 and 31 33. .0 30. .28 all fair. November . 1 and 7 38. .0 30. .30 6 fair, 1 rainy. 8 and 14 38. .0 27. .89 6 fair, 1 rainy. 22 and 28 32. .0 29.. 38 6 fair, 1 snow. 29 and 5 30. .0 30. .4 6 fair, 1 snow. December 6 and 12 18. .0 30. .9 4 fair, 3 snow. 13 and 19 8..0 30.. 22 6 fair, 1 snow. 20 and 26 7..0 30.. 28 6 fair, 1 snow. 27 to Jan. 2 4..0 30.. 22 all fair. The steamers were running between Quebec and Montreal on the 1st of May. The first arrival from sea at Quebec was on the 8th of May. The last ship for the season left Quebec on the 25th November. Th6 last steamer for the season arrived at Mon- treal, from Quebec, on the 4th of December. The steam ferry-boat between Montreal and La Prairie went into winter-quarters December 6. ■■■■■ ^^^1 61 IMPORTATION, BY SEA —Year 1833, Blacking Bricks Candles Coals Coffee Do. Earthenware Fruit — Figs Almonds Raisins Do. Glassware — Bottles Do. Window-glass Grindstones Hemp Indigo Iron— Flat and round Flat Do. Hoop Pig Sheet Canada Iron Ware- Nails casks 912 - 553,000 boxes 1314 tons 21,108 bags 473 - barrels 36 packages 3,521 packages 1,292 do. 427 boxes 8,646 barrels 3,000 crates 573 mats 566 boxes 17,306 1,358 tons 213 chests 36 tons 1,538 bars 80,223 bundles 4,868 do. 29,581 tons 1,129 bundles 3,437 plates 15,564 packages 12,663 15,913 2,274 Ovens and Pans Spades and Shovels Oil- Linseed - jugs 313 Do. - casks 835 Oil- Olive Do. Palm Pepper Pimento Pipes Powder Salt Soap Spirits — Brandy Gin Rum Starch Tallow Tin Sugar — Muscovado Do. - Do. - Refined Molasses Wines — Port - Do. - Madeira Teneriffe Fayal Spanish Sicilian Sherry French Unspecified pipes 233 boxes 152 - casks 248 bags 1,455 do. 76 - boxes 2,108 packages 1,490 tons 9,067 boxes 14,752 pipes 1,978 - do. 1,263 puncheons, 9,000 boxes 1 ,191 casks 881 - 6793 hhds. 2,946 barrels 2,166 bags 4,630 hhds. 1,640 casks 723 pipes 493 cases 193 pipes 300 291 38 2,465 383 329 hhds. 321 pipes 638 EXPORTS.— Year 1833. "Ashes — Pot Pearl Timber — Deals Pine Elm barrels 23,116 do. 12,906 pieces 2,100,000 do. 168.684 Timber — Oak Staves Wheat Flour Beef - do. 10,965 Pork do. 23,588 do. 4,585,000 bushels 659,000 barrels 92,393 do. 5,227 - do. 12,382 -4.' wm 62 STATEMENT OF ARRIVALS ALD TONNAGE. Years 1831,32, 33,34. Year. Vessels, Tonnage. 1831 1009 259,876 1832 961 248,038 1833 1007 271,147 1834 1122 315,863 POPULATION OF CANADA, 1833. Lower Canada ... 626,429 Upper Canada . . . 322,095 Statement of the Total Number of Immigrants arrived at Quebec, up to the end of each month, to the close of the Navigation in each year, from 1825 to 1834. Up to the end of 1825. 1826. 1827. 1828. 1829. June July August September October November 4,924 7,218 8,663 8,906 9,009 9,097 4,844 7,806 10,056 10,360 10,711 10,731 10,384 15,163 15,267 16,818 16,862 16,826 6,240 9,413 10,928 1 1 ,492 11,691 11,697 624 8,893 12,257 13,061 13,346 13,357 Up to the end of 1830. 1831. 1832. 1833. 1834. June July August September October November 14,407 18,948 23,174 24,014 24,361 24,391 30,457 J7,305 42,334 47,566 49,181 49,250 32,198 41,449 46,175 49,378 57,349 51,422 10,963 16,293 20,970 21,612 22,014 22,062 17,737 23,572 28,844 29,769 30,217 30,217 [ 5. 1 J 'W :• 63 All these tables, with the exception of the first, are taken from the valuable statistical papers of the Montreal *' Daily Advertiser;" the first is from ano- ther Montreal paper, the " Herald." The following is from the New York '* Emigrant." EMIGRATION. Number of Steerage Passengers arrived at the Port of New York from the British Isles, from the commencement of the pre- sent year up to the last week, inclusive 27,380 Arrived since last week : — By the Europe, from Liverpool . 18 Josephine, ditto . 29 Garonne, London . 21 Ganza Bristol . 6 From the Continent of Europe, from the commencement of the present year up to last week, in- clusive . . . 12,324 Arrived since last week : — By the Normandie, from Havre 9 Isabella, from Bremen 59- 27,454 ■12,392 Total from Europe since the 1st of January, 39,846 *^^* These returns are drawn from official sources, being prepared with great care by a gentleman in the Custom-house, expressly for this paper. ** Emigrant," New York, Dec. 24, 1834. ■I55SHB APPENDIX. Average Rate of Labour in Lower Canada, in 1831 and 1832, taken from the answers to the official circular forwarded by the Civil Secretary, to about 200 persons in various parts of the province. 1st. Agricultural labourers capable of managing a farm, aver- age, throughout the year, 2s. 6(/. per day, or from £30 to £60 per annum, without board or lodging. 2d. Common labourers, 2s. 2^^. per day, iverage, throughout the year, without food or lodging. 3d. Mechanics of peculiar qualifications, Bs. a day. 4th and 5th. 2d and 3d rate do., from 3s. 9d to 5s. 6d., scarce. 6th and 7th. Carpenters, 4s. to 5s. average, scarce. 8th. Working Blacksmiths, 5s. 6d. average, scarce. PUBLIC WORKS. Rates of wages paid for labour, at public works in Lower Canada in 1831 and 1832. For labour at Cape Diamond, under the Royal Engineer Department, 2s. to 2s. 6d. the year round. At the Chambly Canal and other works, 2s. 6d.y 2s. 9d., and 3s., without food. IN THE TIMBER TRADE. At the Coves about Quebec, and on board ships for about six months ; labourers on shore, 3s. to 4s., without food ; on board ship, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 6d., with food, and a large allowance of rum. Broad-axe men, 4s. 6d. to 7s. 6d, per day. Narrow- axe men, 4s. to 5s. , do. Boom-men, 4s. to 5s. do. Sawyers, 5s. to 6s' do. Rate of porterage or labour at the wharfs and warehouses, by the job or piece, generally from 6d. to l^d, or 8d. per hour, or from 2s. 6c?. to 4s. a day, in summer. UPPER CANADA. From official returns in 1831 and 1832'. Agricultural labour, average, throughout the province, 2s. lid., 3s. 2d. per day, or lowest rate, 2s., highest, 4s., without food. Wages per month and found, by the year, lowest nine dollars, highest fourteen dollars. Blacksmiths and Millwrights, 5s. to 8s. per day. Masons, 4s. to 7s. 6d. Carpenters, 3s. 6d. to 7s. 6d. Female servants, 15s, to 30s. per month, and found. Montreal Herald, July 8, 1834. London, Printed by Stewart and Co., Old Bailey, Public Archives of Nova Scoffs n:....,. . HALIFAX, N. S.