OLD AND NEW CANADA. 1 753-1844. HISTORIC SCENES AND SOCIAL PICTURES, OR THE LIFE OF JOSEPH-FRANCOIS PERRAULT. He most lives Who thinks most, feels the noblest, Acts the best. -P. y. Bailey. BY P. BENDER, M.D., Author of «« Literary Sheaves, or La Litterature au Canada Fran^ais." DAWSON BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS, 1882. f Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year 18S3, by P. Bender, M.D., qiiebec, in tlie oif.ce of the Minister of Aeri- Culture. TO THE MEMORY OF |i ^omixQ J:'dnxn% WHO, WHILE OUR LIVES RAN TOGETHER, WAS EVER AN ABLE TEACHER, A WISE COINSELLOR, AND A DELIGHTFUL COMPANION, THESE PAiilS ARE GRATEFULLY AND AFFECTIONATELY ^nmilred. PREFACE. The present is a hasty and, it is feared, an imperfect work, designed to carry out a cherished object of the author, althougli its production, in the first instance, was decided upon wholly for the gratification of the relatives and friends of the late Mr. Perrault. They had frequently expressed their high regard for his character and their admiration of his worthy life, and regretted that no literary memorial existed of a nature to make both better known to the present generation. In mitigation of any defects or shortcomings, may fairly be pleaded the writer's limited leisure, from the call of exacting daily and nightly pro- fessional duties, and the paucity of his materials, greatly lessened by the wear and tear and accidents of time. Des- pite these disadvantages, he has endeavored to throw all available light on the character, talents and ijhilanthropic labors of the subject of this memoir, making use of such published and n anuscript matter as could be procured for the purpose. The author strongly feels, as do many others, that all means of perpetuating the memory VI. PREFACE. of public benefactors, and oi recording their important and honorable actions, should be taken, not only in justice to them, but also as an example to their successors, who enjoy the benefits of their labors and sacrifices. Another object of the biographer has been the presentation of facts of Canadian history and experiences of pioneer life and travel in North America, from 1753 to 1844, through a more interesting medium to the general reader than that of for- mal and elaborate histories. The writer has carefully verified the dates and statements connected with the narrative, in introducing such information as may enable Canadians of to-day to form a more correct and vivid picture of the periods treated of in this memoir. Should he even moderately succeed in these and kindred objects, which need not be here explained, he will deem the time and effort devoted to this work not a wholly fruitless outlay. P. BENDER, M.D. Quebec, January 20, 1882. CONTENTS. pagf;. Introductorv xiii. CHAPTER I. The Cession of Canada i CHAPTER II. Mr. Perrault's autobiography — Family History 9 CHAPTER III. Three Rivers — Qiiebec and environs in 1763 — Social Life 14 CHAPTER IV. Sailing in the St. Lawrence in 1772 : its perils — Mission- ary Life — Coureurs de bois — Shipwreck at San Do- mingo — Life in the West Indies — Slavery — Dangers of Cape Florida — New Orleans 20 CHAPTER V. Travelling by the Mississippi — Scenery — Indian and other dangers — St. Louis 30 CHAPTER VL Mr. Perrault sets out for Virginia — The Ohio — Capture by Indians — Running the gauntlet twice — Wilderness Wanderings — Hardships and Perils — Escape to Detroit 39 CHAPTER VII. Hon. M. Dupferon Baby — Heroism of Madame Baby — Detroit — Loyalty of the French Canadians 53 Vlll. CONTENTS. CHAPTER VIII. PAGE. Picture of Ville-Marie (Montreal) : its Social Life 58 CHAPTER IX. Q^icbec Act of 1 774 — Its results 63 CHAPTER X. The American Revolution of 1775 69 CHAPTER XI. American Invasion: Allen, Arnold and Montgomerv — Attitude of the French-Canadians CHAPTER XII. Official duties in Qiiebec — Parliamentary Lite — Profes- sional and Literary Labors in Montreal — Broad. Liberal Views So CHAPTER XIII. Woman: Her Mission — Conjugal Lite — Bereavement... S5 CHAPTER XIV. The Constitutional Act of 1791 — Opinions Respecting it. S9 CHAPTER XV. Early journalism in Canada — Social Amenities of Old Rivals — Mr. Perrault one of the Founders of the Literary and Historical Society of Qiiebec — Great utility of such societies — Incidents of Life in Q^iebec. 92 CHAPTER XVI. Social reunions in the Capital — Fetes Champetres at Spencer Wood — Travelling between Qiiebec and Montreal in 1818 — Visit of the Micmac Indians to Qiiebec towards the end of last century loi CHAPTER XVII. The War of 1812 — Loyalty and Patriotism of the People — Gen. Brock — Lieut. Col. de Salaberry 1 1 1 CONTENTS. IX. CHAPTER XVIII. pa(;k. Grateful and Aftectionate Recollections 121 CHAPTER XIX. Personal appearance of Mr. Perrault — His habits 126 CHAPTER XX. Anecdotes — Characteristic Traits 130 CHAPTER XXI. Chateau Bigot : its Souvenirs and Associationf5 138 CHAPTER XXII. Popular Education — Mr. Perrault's Sacrifices and Enter- prise — Hon. James McGill and Dr. Morrin : Pro- moters of Intellectual Education 14S CHAPTER XXIII. Mr. Perrault's Educational experiments — Establishment of his Free Schools — Opinions respecting them, of com- petent authorities 154 CHAPTER XXIV. Statistics of the state of Educationin Ontario and Qiiebec 162 CHAPTER XXV. Mr. Perrault's Projects of Law in 1S41 — Free Elementary Education ; Franchise to the educated ; Trades to be taught in school ; Compulsory attendance; Industrial and Agricultural Education combined with Scholas- tic Institutions; Civil Service Examinations; Agri- cultural Colleges and Model-Farms ; Houses of Industry — Abolition of Mendicancy 16S CHAPTER XXVI. Education for the Dominion — Zeal of the Hen. G6deon Ouimet — Valuable services of his ex-deputy, Dr. Miles — A recent and useful friend to education, Hon. W. W. Lynch 178 X. CONTENTS. CHAPTER XXVII. page. Mr. Perrault's Home, Asjle Champ^tre, and Family Circle — His Hospitality and Liberality — New- Year's Customs 185 CHAPTER XXVIII. View of Qiiebec environs from Chateau St. Louis — De- scription of St. Louis and Ste. Foye Roads, Falls of Montmorency, and " Natural Steps." 193 CHAPTER XXIX. First Visit of the Cholera to Canada — General Suffering — Great Mortality — Remedial and Benevolent Measures — Dr. Perrault, son of Mr. Perrault, one of the Victims 203 CHAPTER XXX. The Troubles of 1837 — Constitutional Reforms 209 CHAPTER XXXI. Lakes Beauport and Berryman — Their Enchanting Scenery 219 CHAPTER XXXII. The Union of the Provinces — Its Results — Confederation — Sir George Cartier — Sir Etienne Tach6 225 CHAPTER XXXIIL Mile. Reine Perrault — Hon. Louis Panet's Residence — Coucy le Cnstel — F^tes Champ6tres — Genuine Hos- pitality — Characteristic Scene 231 CHAPTER XXXIV. Advantages and Importance of Immigration to Canada recognized and urged by Mr. Perrault — Natural Wealth and Prospects of the Province 23S CHAPTER XXXV. Little River Road — Route Mis^re — Lorette Falls — Ch&teau d'Eau 247 CONTENTS. iJfl. CHAPTER XXXVI. page. Qiiebec, its progress, embellishments and future pros- pects — Earl of Dufferin's artistic and sjstematic scheme of improvements — Railway and other enter- prises — Provincial Agriculture 256 CHAPTER XXXVn. Mr. Perrault's Habits of Life and Domestic System — His death — Family Necrology 26c CHAPTER XXXVni. Tributes to the Works and Character of Mr. Perrault. . . . 270 CHAPTER XXXIX. Conclusion 281 Appendix 286 ERRATA. At p. 5, 13th line, after *'de," read "St. V'eran and de L^vis," instead ot ♦• de L^vis & St. Vdran." At p. 6, 3rd line, " Prince Edward Island " is a misprint. At p. 14, in tit'e of chapter read " 1763" for '• 1673." At p.^, 6th line, after "founded in," read " 1717 by a Canadian, de Bienville." LeMoine d'Iberville founded the colony of Louisiana in 1699. At p. p. 36, 39, 40, " Kaskaskia " is wrongly spelled. At p. 160, 20th line, read " iSaS " instead of " 1S30." At p. 359, 16U1 line, after " Quebec Central," read " hivis and Kennebec Railway." INTRODUCTORY. Men, usually styled great, write their own history in making a permanent impression upon the men and transac- tions of their time, which prevents the possibility of their importance being overlooked, or their actions forgotten. With good men it is otherwise. The virtue of humility enters largely into their character, and the merit of much of what they accomplish consists in the privacy of their designs, efforts and sacrifices. They " do good by stealth, and blush to find it fame." But the historian, who is desirous of rendering justice to the most meri- torious spirits of the community, to the living and dead, feels compelled, however retiring they may have been, to bring their characters and careers honestly within the full fall view of the public, on moral grounds affecting both present and future interests. For such reasons, as well as with the desire to throw all possible light upon the early history of the ancient province of Lower Canada and its political, social and educational systems, the .writer pur- poses to give a sketch, however brief and imperfect, of the life of the late Joseph-Francois Perrault, whose name to the older inhabitants of the capital and province, can not XIV. INTRODUCTORY. fail to recall grateful recollections and patriotic impressions. Citizens, who remember him, will readily admit that his benevolent labors and aspirations have not received that justice from the annalist and historian which is due to his services, and that his memory has not been cherished by the public with adequate affection. Philanthropists deserve the highest praise and honor, as well for their projects and hopes as for their actual achievements. In fact, no spectacle can be more touching to any sympathetic mind than worthy schemes but partially realized; not through any want of ability or zeal on the part of their authors, but from a lack of those means, which alone after all, can move and maintain in effective operation the great social machinery of our age. It was thus that some of the most deserving and promising schemes of the subject of this biography failed wholly, or in part, to realize his ex- pectations, and those of his most hopeful well-wishers. But on other grounds the life of this eminently patriotic citizen commands the attention of the present generation. He was a link between the old and new regime, between the past and present century — a man born and brought up during the most eventful years of the age gone by, when the fate of this continent was decided for all time, — when the old European systems of government, with their political relations, tottered and fell before the mighty forces of modern revolution and Anglo-Saxon enterprise. None can doubt that the most important and striking events, not only from a social but a national point of view, which constitute part of the history of this contest, marked the latter half of the last century. Notwithstanding that the hardy French Canadian trappers and pioneers had made their way, by the most daring and patient efforts, to INTRODUCTORY. XV. the base of the Rocky Mountains, had penetrated to the head-waiers of the Mississippi, Ohio and Illinois, and descended to their outlets ; had explored the wilderness and the prairies to the utmost limit of the great Hudson Bay regions, north and west; had with inimitable daring and heroism planted the fteicr de lis of France at every important strategical point, along those great water-ways of North America, from Quebec to New Orleans, thus evincing a vitality and courage, inspired by a laudable religious and material enterprise, worthy of any race or any age — still, in 1753, French rule in North America, with its military pageantry and its peculiar social and mediaeval ideas, usages and establishments, was crumbling to the dust, and the French political systems in their oldest seats no less than at this historical capital, Quebec, were undermined and paralyzed by such vices, corruption and incompetence as stained the reputation of that Intendant Bigot, whose administration will enjoy an immortality of infamy, from the society which it demoralized and the country which it ruined. OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER I. The Cession of Canada. Although the plan of this work does not embrace an elaborate description of the period at which Mr. Perrault first saw the light, or anything like a full record of the historical events, contemporaneous with his early years, it will be the endeavor of the author to give a sketch, however short, to afford some idea of the impressions which they were calculated to produce on the mind of even a youth of that day and to illustrate the condition of the country. All living in Canada, between the decline of the French and the succession of the English rigime, could not fail to be powerfully affected by the mighty events of those eras, which were of a nature to leave per- manent traces upon the characters of even the most indifferent. Shortly before the great French and English armies, whose collision was to decide the fate of this continent, were marshalling their forces for the grand encounter on the Plains of Abraham, M. Louis Perrault, the father of the subject of this work, removed with his family to Three Rivers. He, with keen prescience, formed such an estimate of the character of the coming struggle as to deem it wise to take this course, in order to exempt his household from the dangers and hardships of a siege, to 1 I I OLD AND NEW CANADA. which the citizens of the chief stronghold of France in the New World were doomed to be subjected. Events speedily proved the wisdom of this determination. Mean- time, for a considerable period before the actual outbreak of hostilities, everything portended the early beginning of that war, which was finally to decide the old and momen- tous question, as to whether the French or English sys- tem of government should prevail on this Northern conti- nent. It is impossible, at this period of the nineteenth century, to realize the feelings with which the English or French of 1755 regarded the coming struggle. Its causes were numerous, potent and not a few of them ancient, and it is not strange that both they and the stirring events to which they led have afforded an abundance of interesting material to the historian, poet, novelist and philosopher. Among the principal incentives to the contest may be mentioned that long-standing national rivalry and antipathy, w^hich for centuries had marked and marred the relations of the t^"'o leading states of Europe, which might have accomplished so much more for the welfare of their peoples and the cause of civiliza- tion, throughout the world, by such a policy of mutual respect and friendship, as they have happily pursued dur- ing the last thirty years. French and English, in the first part of the eighteenth century, intrigued, plotted and fought against each other with as much energy and bitter- ness as in the prime of Le Grand Monarque ; their chief ambition being the destruction of one another by the inflic- tion of the severest disasters by sea and land. Their armies deluged central Europe with blood, while their fleets shattered and destroyed each other on every sea. Each in turn rejoiced over victories and writhed under OLD AND NEW CANADA. S defeats ; both as certainly succeeding in adding enormously to their debts and the sufferings of their populations. In the East and West Indies, England had wrested from France some of her fairest colonies and gained important naval victories; almost to the destruction of the latter's marine, before the great death wrestle for the supremacy in North America, in which Canada was more particularly concerned, commenced. The attention of the English and French colonists had long been firmly and sternly fixed upon each other in connection with the absorbing, political and military problems, as to which race should rule this continent ; which should possess the free and unmolested use of its great rivers, lakes and other com- mercial routes to the north, west and south ; which should have the benefit of the future settlement of the virgin forests and prairies and the development of their vast resources. Even at that early day, the importance of building up a great colonial empire in North America, with French, or English connections, was clearly appreciated by all, in both the Old and New World. The two races then girded themselves for the contest with a gallantry and determin- ation worthy of their past and of the magnificent prize for which they had long striven. The eyes of the French and English colonists were eagerly turned to their mother- countries for that sympathy and practical aid so necessary to success. The conditions of the belligerents were peculiar and their chances strikingly unequal. Both col- onies were founded under circumstances which developed the vigorous and martial qualities of the transplanted races, and stimulated their self-relianee and energies to the utmost. They had each greatly gained, physically and morally, by the stem discipline of life in the wilderness 4 OLD AND NEW CANADA. and upon the great rivers and lakes, where, amidst toils and perils innumerable, their ingenuity and endurance were constantly put to the severest strain. But the Brit- ish colonists entered upon the war with every advantage, apparently, in their favor ; although the American militia were often justly censured for apathy in these colonial contests, and for unfairly throwing upon the British soldier, the chief burden of the war. Their superiority and ultimate success were, howewer, largely due to that sympathy and assistance, in men and money, granted by Great Britam, which far exceeded any aid given the Canadians by Old France, and enabled their enemies to overcome them, considerably earlier than would no doubt otherwise have been possible. Besides, the whole Cana- dian colony did not, in 1755, exceed 80,000 souls; their rivals to the south numbered about 3,000,000, and pos- sessed a naturally richer country and greater resources and powers of aggression. Tae illustrious war minister, Pitt, the elder, proved the mighty ally of the Anglo-Saxon colonists, arousing in Great Britain the warmest zeal in their cause, and promptly sending them well-equipped armies and supplies. And England resolved to subdue the Canadians, feeble in means and number, harassed and impoverished by profligate and dishonest administrations, and disheartened by the miserable neglect of the ignorant, corrupt and incompetent government of Louis XV. As some offset, however, to these disadvantages, the French colonists had the good fortune to possess a,bler and more daring commanders than the British, in the earlier years of the war, and a more powerful force of Indian allies. With these means at hand, existed a method of marshalling or "making soldiers" in a prompt and effective manner, OLD AND NEW CANADA. 5 which enabled them, notwithstanding the numerical and other advantages of their enemies, to gain material suc- cesses, with only the result, however, of embittering and prolonging the strife, which, in the nature of things, could not but end in the way finally witnessed. The " seven years'" war formally began in 1756, when France, Austria and Russia entered the lists against England and Prussia. Among the greatest advantages which the latter powers possessed at the time, were the guiding spirit of Pitt, and the military genius of Frederick the Great. The campaign of 1756, in Canad?. terminated in favor of the French, who were ably led by Montcalm, de Levis and St. Veran. They had no opponent worthy of their splendid abilities and dash in the feeble Aber- combie and his colleagues, on the British and American side. Montcalm opened the contest by a clever feint and rapid march on Oswego, from whose bastions the British commanded Lake Ontario. Abercrombie, then at the head of a considerable force, remained inactive at Albany, and in a short time, Montcalm captured Oswego, more than 1600 men, a number of vessels and valuable war material and stores. The struggle, with varying results, continued to 1757, the French gaining the principal suc- cesses, including the capture of Fort William Henry, on Lake George, so well known in romance and border story. Notwithstanding these successes it was very evi- dent to all observant on-lookers that a crisis was impending, for the French were reduced to the greatest straits from short crops and neglect of all trade ; cases of starvation were numerous and the consequent scenes heart-rending. Various operations marked the campaign of 1758. At the outset a gleam of success flashed upon the British 3 OLD AND NEW CANADA. arms at I.ouisbourg, the capture of which fortress gave them comjjlete jjossession of Cape Breton and Isle Royale (Prince Ekiward Island) ; but Abercr^mbie's wretched failure to take Carillon (Ticonderoga), shortly aftenvards, owing to the superior generalship of Montcalm and the bravery of his soldiers, was a source of great humiliation to England. While France was neglecting the most earnest api>eals of her colonists for assistance, and at a time when hundreds were dying of starvation in Quebec, England was making herculean exertions to excite the courage and energies of hers for a grand and decisive blow. In a short time the French were driven to act upon the defensive, on the lakes and elsewhere the British were advancing and obtain- ing substantial successes. Forts Frontenac (Kingston) and Niagara, which commanded the inland waters, were captured. Fort Duquesne (Pitt) was abandoned by the French, owing to a rapid and skilful march on the part of Colonel Washington, who planted the British flag on its ramparts. Carillon and Crown Point soon became English prizes, but these minor operations at the different gateways to Canada were destined only to direct attention to the grand citadel and centre of French dominion, Quebec. Montcalm was enjoined by his government to resist the enemy, and preserve, at all hazards, at least a foothold in Canada. His reply was that he would " save the country or die in the attempt," — a promise he literally carried out. In the spring of 1759, the English fleet, sailed up the St. Lawrence and anchored before Quebec. The battle of Beauport took place on the 31st July, when the English were signally repulsed. For nearly six weeks Quebec was besieged, but the assailants gained no advan- OLD AND NEW CANADA. 7 tage, for the military foresight of Montcahn seems to have forestalled every movement. But the genius of Major- General Wolfe, who commanded the English forces, suggested to him a bold scheme, apparently impossible of realization, but which was successfully carried out — the scaling of the heights at the cove, since called Wolfe's Cove — on the 13th September. By daylight, the ■ English were in possession of the Plains of Abraham, threatening the only weak point in the defence of the city with an army of 4,828 men, eager for an encounter with their traditional enemy. Montcalm, without hesitation, took up the gauntlet thrown down by his rival and met him on the field with a force of 7,520 men, many of whom, however, were half famisiied and imperfectly armed. The operations of each army were equally honorable to its commander and its soldiers ; the most heroic deeds on the British side being offset by the gallantry of the French. Wolfe was killed on the battle field and Montcalm suc- cumbed to his wounds the following day. The dying words of both, which evidenced deep patriotic love of country, are known to all and need not be repeated here. Montcalm's appeal on his death-bed to Gen. Townshend, the successor of Wolfe, to befriend the French-Canadians, is touching and worthy of his generous heart. The loss of two such heroes were national misfortunes, but the great struggle in which they passed away ended the long and stubborn rivalry for the possession of North America. In the following spring, de L^vis, at the head of nearly 7,000 men, attempted to surprise Quebec, but- the English had been informed of his intention, by an unfortunate gunner, who had escaped accidental drowning by climb- ing a hummock of ice, which floated him past the city. 8 OLD AND NEW CANADA. After his rescue, in his delirium before death, he divulged the secret of the intended attack. Murray, at the head of over three thousand men, left the city on the 28th of April to meet the coming enemy, and was defeated after a hard fought battle. The French then invested the city ; but on the 15 th of May, when both armies were daily expecting reinforcements, vessels bearing the English flag were seen rounding Pointe Levy. The French general hastily retreated to Montreal, leaving behind him his camp equipage and munitions of war. The last days of the French regime were fast closing ; three English armies surrounded Montreal, and when it capitulated on the 8th of September, 1760, Mr. Perrault was seven years of age. OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER II. Mr. Perrault's Autobiography — Family History. It has often been remarked by the biographer and phil- osopher that, through some strange fate, or regrettable series of accidents, the most interesting materials of his- tory and biography have been lost, only barren dates and unsuggestive landmarks remaining with regard to events and personages, the most trifling circumstances in relation to whom are now regarded with the deepest concern. It is desirable that all should know more of such facts and of the illustrious men who have passed away. Nothing could give greater proof of the hold men take upon their fellows than that absorbing interest, which will not be sat- isfied with anything short of the amplest information. The great of both ancient and modem times have afforded the spectacle of admirers endeavoring, from the slightest shreds of biographical knowledge and the merest hints of char- acter, thrown out by their writings and actions, to portray likenesses, which do faint justice to the originals, but at any rate, create the desire for more intimate acquaintance- ship with characters who have won the highest place in the esteem of mankind. These well known facts are recalled by the experience of the author in regard to Mr. Perrault, who, while his sincerest admirers do not claim for him more than his actual merits, cannot help/egretting the difficulty in his case, also with respect to the scantiness "of material for the biog raphy, at different important periods of his life. Not- 10 OLD AND NEW CANADA. withstanding that many of his friends, for years before he died, showed great concern in the incidents of his boy- hood and manhood, he abstained from giving the requi- site data, supplying only the barest skeleton of an autobiog- raphy to meet the urgent requests preferred on the subject. Unfortunately the present writer has at his disposal only such scraps of information and fragments of reminiscences as were thus left, wth some contributions from relations and friends, who failed not to accompany them with the assurance ^that they could not fully illustrate his character and talents. Although his name, at one time, was as familiar as a household word, to the older generation, fast disappear- ing, many pleasing anecdotes, which centered around his personality, have been unfortunately lost. From the few which have been rescued from oblivion, however, there are many indications of a peculiar originality and force of character on the part of Mr. Perrault, which attracted notice in his lifetime, often excited no little amuse- ment and furnished the theme of general and friendly remark. With even these details a fair picture may be presented to this generation of a man, who undoubtedly should not be overlooked or forgotten by any impartial historian or thoughtful citizen of Quebec. Mr. Perrault's autobiography, written in the French language, deserves a careful perusal, not only on account of the pleasing character of its story, but of the style of its writer, which is marked by a quaintness and idiomatic force and a candor, which rivet the attention of the reader from the beginning to the end. One is no less charmed by its conciseness than its vigor ; some of the expressions and turns of thought reminding us of the style in vogue ♦. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 11 in the days of Louis XIV, and being amusing from their naivete and quiet humor. These merits are the more '•^i -arkable, inasmuch as this autobiography was written at the patriarchal age of eighty-one, and " without spec- tacles," as the writer ingenuously says, on the title page ; an age when the faculties of the majority of men are hope- lessly weakened and thoroughly incapable of any sustained, clear and vigorous effort. It is also but fair to mention, that his object in writing this sketch was not any vulgar desire of self-laudation, but a polite and loyal wish to gratify his friend. Lord Aylmer, the Governor-General, who manifested a great interest in his life and labors. There is reason to believe its publication was desired by Lord Aylmer, not only to appreciate well-meant and suc- cessful efforts, but to create a spirit of emulation in others, who had equal and even greater means of benefitting their fellow-citizens, and upon whom "they, as far as duty was concerned, had even stronger claims. As a specimen of Mr. Perrault's literary style, and in illustration of his feelings and motives, an extract from the first page is here inserted : " A son Excellence le tres honorable Matthew Lord Aylmer, Gouverneur en chef du Bas et du Haut Canada, etc., etc., etc. My Lord, — // ne peut y avoh' que le desir de vous plai?'e qui ait pu ni engager a vous detailler la vie d'un sujet aussi mince que moi; tout le merite qu'aura cette narration sera d'etre vraie dans toutes ses parties ; les evenements de ma vie n'ont rien d 'extraordinaire si ce n'est sa longueur, la jouis- sance pleine et etitiere de nies facultes intellectuelles et cor- porelles a un age ou presque tous les hommes en sont 12 OLD AND NEW CANADA. depotirvus ; ce que je dois a la lecture^ dans ma jeunessey d'un trait e sur la longevitc da?is lequel Vauteur avan^ait deux propositions qui me sont restees profondement gravies dans r esprit, ' que la temperance et la sobriete etaient le fondemetit de la longevite, et procuraient deux avan- tages de la derniere importance, celui du Salut et de la Sante.' "y; friends used to say that he merely tasted the dishes before him. He had from his youth practised self-denial and moderation, in order to attain a ripe old age ; and with what success the reader shall know. Every morning at precisely the same hour he left for his office, about a quarter of a mile from his residence ; in fine weather on foot ; when it rained, in his carriage j he would return home punctually at half past eleven, continuing this practice up to his ninety-first year.* His was a large yellow carriage on low wheels and entered by the sides, unique in appearance ; its handsome gray ♦Previous to the building of the Court House on St. Louis street, in 1804, this office was in the Jesuit barracks. 132 OLD AND NEW CANADA. ponies were as well known to every one as its patri- archal occupant. On many occasions, poor and infirm travellers on the road would be given a seat by Mr. Perrault's side. After dinner he enjoyed the traditional " forty winks," and then took exercise and diverted himself in the garden ; subsequently visiting his schools and attending to such private matters as he deemed important. He ever strove to economize and make the best of his time. At eight o'clock, one morning of each week, he met and settled with his creditors, and at no other time could one venture to call upon him for such a purpose. Those who knew him at home and in his office found, as it were, two different men. At his own fireside he was gentle, affectionate and patient, whilst at the court, were he needlessly interrupted, he was irritable. If business people, and those who understood the value of time, ex- perienced satisfaction in their rel ' ^ions with him, on the other hand, the frivolous and stupid dreaded to accost him. To this day members of the Bar tell many anecdotes of the old gentleman, only a few more of which, as speci- mens, shall be presented. A farmer once asked him, at liis office : " Can you let me have my deed of donation, Mr. Perrault ? " " What is the name of the donor ? " enquired Mr. Perrault. " Jean Serien. ' (Sounding like, in French, I don't know ; ) " Nor do I," said Mr. Perrault ] " when you do, come back." The man sheepishly stand- ing by for some time, Mr. Perrault put the question, " What are you waiting for ? When you know the name of the donor, come back." " But, Mr. Perrault," he replied, "I have told you, Jean Serien dit Langlais," which reply threw all into a fit of laughter. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 133 His long connection with the courts brought him to regard the lawyers and officials as his children, and they looked upon him with the greatest respect, and generally took in good part any rebuke he chose to administer. On one occasion the presiding judge asked him to refer to " Pige?u," on the question under discussion. Mr. Perrault gave his opinion, but the judge reiterated his wishes, when the former said : " I do not need to refer to Pigeau : Perrault is worth Pigeau any day." His memory was sound, and he was certain of what he affirmed. A judge once maintaining that he had not rendered a certain judgment, Mr. Perrault asserted that he had, and afterwards procured and handed him his notes of the de- cision, adding : " One should think before speaking." He often assisted young lawyers by giving counsel as to questions of procedure and other matters. Once having done so to a beginner, the advocate on the opposite side asked instructions of Mr. Perrault, in an undertone, when the first counsel appealed to the court to prevent the clerk giving such assistance. Mr. Perrault reproved this gentleman in that caustic manner so characteristic of him, by means of an epigram : " Frottez les bottes (Tun vilain et il jurera que vous les lui brulez,^^ The youth- ful advocate long remembered the retort : nor did his friends allow him to forget it. Though loyal to the core, or, as is said, ^^Jusqu'au bout des ongles^^ he was controlled by his judgment. When the volunteers were being called out in 1837, ^ grandson, like many other youths, dazzled by the brilliant side of military life, and anxious to display a gorgeous uniform, asked him to procure a commission for him, never dream- ing of all the bitterness which the recollection of his 134 OLD AND NEW CANADA. having enrolled himself with the adversaries of many of his countrymen would afterwards cause him. But Mr. Perrault wisely replied : " Let us wait until we are called upon, and we will go together." * His remarks usually contained thought for the heedless. A member of his household, returning from church, com- mented upon the sermon, alluding to some contradiction in it, when Mr. Perrault said : " What matters to us the preacher's logic ? it is enough to know that the teachings of the Church lead to our happiness both in this life and in the next." One of the old school in regard to politeness, Mr. Perrault was wont to feel much annoyed by any one entering his office with his hat on. Then, as now, many people did not deem it necessary to uncover in public offices. One day an old, gray-haired lawyer, who from' his birth had borne the title of honorable, entered Mr. Perrault's office without taking off his hat, and addressed him : " Mr. Perrault, would you be kind enough to explain the meaning of the words in the French law, ^^DoJiner du decouvert a son voisin V " With pleasure, sir," replied the prothonotary, " first ; decouvert, means take off your hat. I am sorry to remind one of your age that it is only in stables people keep on their hats. I will now give you the other meaning of the phrase." These gentlemen afterwards became the best imaginable friends. A distinguished politician, also, once entered Mr. Per- rault's office with his hat on and without knocking. Being addressed several times, Mr. Perrault, without answer- ing, rose and conducted him to the door, informing him that when he knew how to properly enter an office, he would reply to his question. Shortly afterwards a knock OLD AND NEW CANADA. 135 was heard and Mr. Perrault, seeing his former visitor entering uncovered, rose and affably requested him to be seated and treated him with the utmost courtesy, as if nothing had happened. Another day, while in his office, Mr. Perrault had fre- quent occasion to refer to records at the other end of the room, and while away, an absent-minded lawyer had thrice placed his fur cap upon his papers. Mr. Perrault then told him he would throw it into the stove if he found it there again. Finding it a fourth time en his papers, he carried out his threat. The hat being missed, the pro- thonotary quietly informed its owner that he would doubt- less find what was left of it in the stove. Seeing so many advocates received during his profes- sional life, he could not help exclaiming : " So many men forced to steal in order to live ! I shall yet certainly see some of them hanged." When afterwards, during the troubles of 1837, three judges were suspended, he said to them : "I have often predicted that I should see some of you hanged {pendii) ; there are now three of you sus- pended (suspendti), which is nearly the same thing." It is related of Buffon that when he wrote he attired himself in his best costume, with frills and ruffles ; Mr. Perrault, on his part, delighted while writing to have •children gambolling and romping about him. Though their screams and noise might be deafening to others, they seemed only to agreeably excite his brain. If they stumbled against his table, which was in the centre' of the room, he would simply cry out " Take care ; " and when a lull occurred he would exclaim : "What are you about .'* Is there no life in you? " Should they leave the room, he would go in search of them and ask if they could not 136 OLD AND NEW CANADA. amuse themselves where he was, and then would suggest new games. A well-known lawyer of this city relates the following : On a certain occasion a gentleman thrust his head into Mr. Perrault's office, and, after looking round the room and seeing no one else present, thoughtlessly inquired, " Is Mr. So and So, in?" Mr. Perrault, doubtless amused at so absurd a question, gazed round the room, then opened the stove door and looked in, and quietly replied " he is not here." As an instance of his gentleness and patience, the bio- grapher may relate the following incident : One day, whilst driving with one of his grandsons, the latter thoughtlessly began to whistle, when Mr. Perrault quietly checked him, saying it was not polite. The heedless youth shortly afterwards again began to whistle, to be once more reproved. This offence against politeness was repeated even a third time, and yet Mr. Perrault did not raise his voice above the ordinary tone, when he reminded him that he had already twice corrected him. A few years before the death of Mr. Perrault, the custom of leaving cards on New Year's day, instead of visiting in person, began. At that time the Governor-General called at Mr. Perrault's and sent in his card by the foot- man. Mr. Perrault, happening then to be near the door and not at all relishing the new custom, recalled the servant and handed him one of his own cards, remarking that this was his acknowledgment of his master's favor. As a characteristic trait it may be mentioned that when a subscription list was opened to construct the Archiepiscopal palace in this city, he entered the name of each member of his family and proteges on OLD AND NEW CANADA. 137 the list, for $io each, thus endeavoring to incite their pride and sense of duty. Beneath their names he ap- pended his own, for a similar amount, so that no invidi- ous comparison could be made between his and their contributions. There are many other anecdotes characteristic of his caustic wit and humor, impatience of stupidity and con- tempt of humbug, which are yet in circulation and fre- quently repeated by members of the Bar; but the author's space forbids their being recorded. 138 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER XXI. Chateau Bigot; its Souvenirs and Associations. To men of the old regime and lovers of the antique and picturesque, no spot in the vicinity of Quebec has ever presented a stronger interest than that containing the ruins of Chateau Bigot, in the forest of Beaiimanoir. It was occasionally the resort of the members of Mr. Perrault's family, who were bom and brought up amid the retiring shadows of that old French rule, with which the name of the last intendant will ever be associated. On one of the delightful slopes of the Laurentides, about six miles north of the city, is the site of this cha- teau, the melancholy ruins of which are all that remain to recall the old chivalric times of French sovereignty, with the chequered and miserable events of its decline and overthrow. It was built by Intendant Talon, in 1668, and called Chateau Beamnanair. Its early fame connects it with the name of Jolliet, Pere Marquette, de la Salle and others, honorable in old colonial story, who passed many pleasant days under its plain, substantial and hospitable roof, and amid its charming gardens and romantic woods. With the name of Bigot was stamped upon its records that impress of infamy, which no friction of change, or time can ever erase. In the midst of the solemn silence of a mountain forest, stand the shattered and crumbling remains of this structure, an emblem of the system and dynasty to which it belongedr old' and new CANADA. 130 as well as a sad commentary upon the miserable results of base selfishness and wickedness. All, who now gaze upon the mournful memorial of the glory and shame of other days, can not but recall from the dust and gloom of the distant past the varied scenes of which the cha- teau was the theatre ; the frugal, honorable and industri- ous lives of the earlier governors, with their mingled schemes of business enterprise and hostility to the Eng- lish, and the selfishness, dissipation, and rapacity of the later rulers, Bigot especially, which helped to precipitate the events of 1759. Many experience great enjoyment in such tours, their minds actively reviewing its past history ; while the prin- cipal points of scenery by the way are ever a source of the greatest pleasure. The castle and grounds are reached by an agreeable drive through varied and attractive views, from Charlesbourg church, a few miles to the northward. Following the heights of Charles- bourg, one enjoys a full view of Quebec, which remains in sight as the road ascends the mountain, till the wooded descent is reached, where the trees shut out all distant ob- jects with their many-hued foliage and commingled boughs. The road soon narrows to a cool and leafy forest path, the carriage having at points to force its way through the tangled shrubbery. Emerging at last from the gathering gloom of the forest and crossing a limpid, gurgling stream, by a rough-hewn bridge, the visitor is startled with- a picture of ruined art and past civilization, amid the still- ness, seclusion and prolific wildness of nature. The mountain solitude is impressive, and the mind intuitively reverts to the far-off time, when the woods around formed the brilliant, or glowing background of charming pictures, 140 OLD AND NEW CANADA. when the decaying ruins were gorgeous halls and brilliant salonSi with smiling lawns and rich gardens, for the enter- tainment of the greatest men of the old colonial era. From the mountain summit, in front, overlooking the chateau may be obtained views, which, for beauty and mag- nificence, are almost unsurpassable. To the distant south, as the day sets, appears Quebec, " the rock-built city,'' bathed in the roseate and golden hues of the declining sun^ the silvery spires and shining roofs, varying and enhancing the glory of the spectacle. The lofty heights of Levy further east, crowned by its picturesque town and vil- lages, form a similar picture, softened only by distance, while, like an azure band between, rolls the deep, calm St. I^wrence in its ocean course, on its bosom bearing fleets of vessels. Following the river to the east, is the Island of Orleans, a scenic gem, and the long glittering line of villages of Beauport with its double spired church. Painter and poet in vain might attempt to do justice to these grand scenes ! Downward the eye alights upon the ancient edifice of Chateau Bigot, of which remain but twf weather-beaten gables and a centre division wall, on whose rugged and plastered surface are scrolled the names of visitors, ambitious of paying a tribute to the remains of departed greatness, or of shining in borrowed light. The basement is filled with fallen stones and debris, from which numerous shrubs, red alder trees and haw- thorns sprout, emblematic of the wild passions which once revelled in this fair domain ; while the flowers of the lilac and the blossoms of the apple tree and the thorn strive to conceal from vulgar gaze those pitiful relics of by-gone days. The fame of the chateau has led to the desecration of its precincts by the himters of treasures, whose deep pits in OLD AND NEW CANADA. 141 all directions evidence their energy and the strength of popular tradition. In relation to the locality, it may be observed that no traces exist of the unfortunate Caroline, whose sad story forms a romance in connection with Bigot, which has been artistically treated by M. Mar- mette, in his work entitled L Inteiidant Bigot. The romantic attachment of the intendant, and the tragic end of his fair inamorata form a most entertaining narrative. The tourist, reclining upon the soft verdure in the shadow of trees and of the gable ruins, inhaling the per- fumed air of the valley, as he feasts his eyes upon the beauties of the scene, and taking in every change of light, every freak of cloud, can not but reflect that this must have been one of the most delightful places in the days when vice-regal taste and wealth exhausted all their re- sources to enhance its natural charms, when wits, gallants and frail beauties lent their presence to its animating influences. His imagination leading him on, he can fancy he hears the joyous shouts and the merry rippling laughter of those careless loiterers, breaking the silence of the peaceful woods. Among the approaches to this historical locality, in Mr. Perrault's day, were winding paths through flowery shrub- bery and fragrant pines, overshadowing the wild straw- berry, cornel berries, marsh marigold, silver ane monies, tufts of lady's slipper and groups of graceful ferns, while the branches of the birch and maple were animate with the cheery, melodious notes of the thrush and linnet, the warbling of the rossignol and the whistle of the robin. The chateau was two stories in height, with attics ; six windows, and a door in the centre, on the basement floor, and seven windows on the second fiat. The cellar door 142 OLD AND NEW CANADA. and a portion of the tower at the west end of the house, mentioned by M. Amedee Papineau, in 1831, existed until some years ago, but the memorial stone, with the initial C engraved upon it, has long disappeared. Dur- ing the siege of 1775, several Quebec families sought a safe asylum within these walls, where they waited with dread the result of the threatened attacks upon the city. By the habitants in the neighborhood, the place is believed to be haunted, and after dark it is impossible to get any of them to approach it. M. Amedee Papineau, son of the late Hon. Louis- Joseph Papineau, relates his visit to this locality in Le Repertoire National, which the author translates, leaving out a few details : " There being here no road for vehicles, we were obliged to leave ours and entered the bush, when, after a short walk, we reached the foot of the mountains. Soon we came to a little stream which we crossed and then found ourselves on a well-cleared although deserted plateau. One could not look upon a lovelier spot ; to our right and behind us was a dense wood ; to our left we saw in the distance a smiling country, rich pastures and white cot- tages ; towards the horizon, on an elevated promontory, the city and citadel of Quebec ; and before us a pile of ruins, crumbhng walls, overgrown with moss and ivy, a half dilapidated tower, a few rafters and the remains of a roof. After rambling over the homestead, we inspected the chateau, and it was with the greatest interest that we examined each vestige attached to these old ruins. We climbed the walls, ascended the second story, the stair- ways of which trembled and creaked beneath our weight, and with torches in hand we descended into the dark and OLD AND NEW CANADA. 143 damp cellars and penetrated each recess, startled at every instant by the reverberation of our footsteps and the rushing of bats, which were frightened by so unusual a visit in their dark and silent abode. " I was young and timid, the least sound alarmed me. I kept close to my father and hardly dared to breathe. Oh ! never shall I forget that subterranean journey. But my alarm was increased tenfold when I saw before me a sepulchral stone, which we stumbled over. Upon it we deciphered the half obliterated letter C, and after a mourn- ful silence we gladly quitted this realm of death. Leaving the ruins, we found ourselves once more on the green sward, which evidently, from the peculiar laying out of the grounds, with its pathways, along which were lilacs, plum and apple trees now grown wild, was formerly a garden. " Till then I had not dared utter a single word, but at last my curiosity got the better of me and I asked for an explanation of the mysteries surrounding this tomb-stone. We seated ourselves at the foot of an old and flourishing maple tree and my father's friend began his story as follows : " * You have doubtless heard of the Intendant Bigot ^ who governed Canada during last century ; you are also aware of his defalcation and his thefts from the public treasury ; you know that his misdeeds caused him to be hanged in effigy by order of His Most Christian Maje^y ; but what you may not know is the fact that this intendknt, like all the favorites of the ancient regime, wished to lead the same life of dissipation and luxury as that in old Gaul. The revolution had not yet levelled classes, you see. He had himself built this country house, the ruins of which 144 OLD AND NEW CANADA. you now behold. * Here he came to enjoy himself after the performance of his official duties and gave those sumptuous entertainments, to which flocked all the elite of the capital, without distinction, not even excepting the Governor. Nothing was wanting to make these fetes enjoyable, and a visit to this new Versailles was enchant- ing. Hunting, the noble pastime of our ancestors, was not the least in the list of amusements of the intendant. There were few more skilful or intrepid sportsmen than he One day, when chasing an elk, he lost his way as night was approaching. In vain he endeavored to retrace his steps to his residence. In this sad plight, worn out by fatigue and entirely prostate, he lay down to rest at the foot of a tree. Soon the moon rose, brilliantly and resplendently shining, and, thanks to its gracious beams, the unfortunate sporstman could distinguish the objects about him. Lest in thought, pondering over his awkward position, he suddenly heard a footstep and per- ceived among the bushes a white object coming towards him. His excited imagination led him to believe he saw a phantom of the night, a manitou of the desert, or one of those genii, who delight in inflaming the ardent and crea- tive spirit of the Indian. The alarmed intendant arose, seized his gun and took aim, but before he could fire a human being, such as poets love to dream of, one of those nymphs, fairy inhabitants of the forest, stood tr^jiblingly before him. It was the Sylphide of Chateau- briand ! It was Malx f It was Velleda / A charming figure with beautiful large brown eyes, a brilliantly fair complexion, long black hair flowing in ringlets down * In Uie beginning of this chapter the reader must have seen that Intend- ant Talon had the ch&teau built and not Bigot.— 7^; Author, OLD AND NEW CANADA. 145 her shoulders, which were whiter than snow, the light breath of the zephyr air waving them around her, and a long white dress, negligently thrown over this maid of the forest, completed a typical and attractive picture. One could imagine Diana, or some Arcadian beauty ! She was Caroline a child c^ love, bom on the banks of the Ottawa ; her father was a French officer of high rank, and her mother, a [squaw of the powerful tribe of the Castors, of the Algonquin nation. " * The intendant, not a little excited, requested her to be seated. Impressed by her beauty, he began questioning her, told his adventures and finally requested her to guide him out of the forest. The beautiful Creole grace- fully consented and conducted him to his home, when he made himself known and induced her to remain at the chateau. ** ' At this stage of my story, you must be told that the intendant was married, but that his wife seldom visited this domain of pleasure. * However it soon became generally known that he had a mistress at Beaumanoir (the other name for Chateau Bigot). This news reached the ears of his wife, which to her solved the mystery of his frequent visits to the country. But jealousy will lead to terrible events as will be shown. " * The intendant slept on the ground floor, in a tower at the north-west of the chateau ; in the storey above was a chamber occupied by his beautiful protegee. A long corridor led from this latter room to a large hall and also to a little secret stairway by which the gardens were reached. * This is a mistake as the intendant was not a married man. The Author, 10 146 OLD AND NEW CANADA. " * On the 2nd of July 17..., the following tragedy occurred : It was evening, eleven o'clock ; the most pro- found silence reigned throughout the chateau ; all lights were extinguished ; the moon shed her pale rays through the gothic windows, and all the inmates of the domain were wrapped in slumber : Caroline alone was awake. " ' She had just retired to rest, when suddenly the door was opened and a masked figure, disguised, approached her bed, and made a sign as if to speak to her. She attempted to cry out but was instantly stabbed to the heart. The intendant awakened by the noise rushed to her chamber and found her bathed in blood, with a dagger plunged in her body. He endeavored to recall her to life ; she opened her eyes, related what had happened, and, casting upon him a last loving glance, closed them forever. The intendant, horror-stricken, raved through the chateau, uttering heart rending cries ; and the inmates, now aroused, searched everywhere for the assassin, but he had escaped. '' * Rumors of all kinds were rife as to the perpetrators of this crime, but it was never ascertained who the guilty party was. Some stated they had seen descending the secret stairway a woman, who immediately fled to the woods ; and they believed her to be the intendant's wife. According to others, the mother of the unfortunate victim was the assassin. Whatever may be said, a veil of myster)-^, even to this day, hangs over this dreadful murder." ' * " It was the intendant's wish that Caroline should be ♦ Mr. Wm. Kirby has also weaved a most interesting story of romance in connection with the events at Chdteau Bigot, the different episodes in the life of Intendant Bigot, and the fate of Caroline, in a work entitled Chien eTOr. He ascribes the death of Caroline to La Corriveau, who committed the act at the instigation of Angelique des Meloise. — The Author. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 14*7 buried in the vaults of the chateau, beneath the lower where she had been assassinated, and the stone which we saw he placed above her tomb." This delightful retreat was occasionally frequented by- pleasure seekers and lovers of nature, and also by the members of the Club des Bons Vivants,^ when bent upon a merry time. Here some of the inmates of L'Asyle Champetre would wander over the grounds still bearing signs of cultivation, and roam through the halls and sa-Ions of the deserted mansion, probably dreaming as we do now of past glory and shame. ♦The Abbe Ferland says : " I visited Chdteau Bigot during the summer of 1834. It was in the state described by M. Papineau. In the interior the walls were still partly papered. It must not be forgotten that about the be- ginning of this century a club of Bon -vivants used to meet frequently in the Chdteau.''^ Mr. W. Henderson states that " three celebrated clubs flourished here (Canada) long before the Stadacona and St. James' clubs were thought of. The first was formed in Quebec about the beginning of this centurj'." ** It was originally called," says Lambert, " The Beef Steak Club, which name it soon changed for that of the Baron's Club. It counted twenty-one members who were chiefly the principal merchants in the colony, and were styled barons. As the numbers drop off" their places are supplied by knights elect, who are not installed as barons until there is a sufficient num- ber to pay for the entertainment which is given on that occasion." 148 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER XXII. Popular Education — Mr. Perrault's Sacrifices and Enterprise — Hon. James McGill and Dr. Morrin — Promoters of Intellectual Education. From an early period of this century, Mr. Perrault was greatly impressed with the importance of the education of his fellow countrymen on every ground, religious, moral and material. He was one of those thoughtful members of the community who wisely set a high value on the edu- cation of the people. Having liberally quaffed at the fountain of learning himself, and largely benefitted by the refreshing and stimulating draughts, none valued it more highly, both for its own pure sake and its potent aid in the accomplishment of the most useful and praiseworthy objects. The extension of education among the people by every suitable and efficient means, old or new, early took possession of his mind, as a duty to be performed with all the powers at his command. Whatever other projects might be cherished at times, and occasionally laid aside for one reason or another, the mission of promoting popular education, and that by the easieh and most attractive methods, and of increasing the resources of the poorer classes by as much practical instruction and industrial training as they could be made to receive, was one that ever stood foremost in his estimation to the last day of his active life. No other cares could cool Mr. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 149 Perrault's ardor in regard to the formation and establish- ment of a proper school system for the country, more efficient than the old, and not simply up with, but rather ahead of the most advanced opinions on the subject at home and abroad. Intelligent and benevolent men, feeling an interest in education, are wont to recall to their minds its effects in the various countries in which it has made any progress, and to contrast the social improvements springing from it with the social deficiencies and evils inseparable from a condition of general ignorance. All capable of reflection upon this subject unite in admitting the impossibility of rapid, or material improvement in any community, un- provided with an efficient educational system. A review of the state of the different nations at present, or within the last two centuries, in regard to this important matter would be pregnant with interesting information. No one could fail to remark the advantages derived by any country from a good school system, in the more intelligent, moral, enterprising condition of its people, or be struck with the degraded, immoral and stagnant condition of any people left in the depths of ignorance. All lands /umish striking evidence of the truth of these remarks. It is only necessary to instance Prussia, Great Britain, France, the United States and our own country to convince the most sceptical, if candid, of the immense value of education in elevating and civilizing the masses, and in enormously increasing the national powers of development, wherever it exists in anything like vigor. Understanding the social circumstances of the people of his native province, for whose education over half a century ago but scant provision had been made, and 150 OLD AND NEW CANADA. that under systems neither modem nor well devised, Mr. Perrault keenly felt that a great public want in this respect remained to be supplied, and ihat it was not only his duty, but that of all, who possessed means and intelligence, to endeavor at the earliest moment to improve its educa- tional facilities.* It is true that the middle and upper classes, if they may be so distinguished, had sufficient opportunities for classical and superior education in the seminaries and institutions under control of the clergy, but the great want deeply felt, and which has unhappily left serious traces to our own days, was an efficient system of popular educa- tion. In the country districts particularly it was rare to find a good common school, and a few weeks instruction in winter would, in many cases, be all that was considered necessary for the intellectual training of the people ; and the slight improvement gained would be too rapidly effaced by neglect and indifference during the remaining portion of the year. In this frame of mind he carefully scanned the progress of education in Europe, the United States and other countries, noting every change or experiment promising the slightest improvement upon the ancient methods. Long and patient study of this broad subject in all its bearings, together with frequent comparisons of methods, old and new, gradually led him to, certainly for that time, novel no less than practical conclusions, the value of which each year's experience could not but confirm. * In another field and only ^ short time afterwards, in 1829, another phi- lanthropist, M. Francois Labelle,did effective service in the same direction. His important deeds and numerous sacrifices are eloquently and ably detailed by A. Dansereau, in Annales Historiques du Collide de PAf umt^tion. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 151 The result was the modelling of a system of education mainly designed for the elevation of the poorer classes, and their efficient assistance in the task of procuring a livelihood, which a spirit of good-will to the whole community compelled him to apply on every fitting opportimity. Nor can all the fruits of such zealous and long-sustained exertions be accurately judged by the mere tangible results, or effects remaining in these days. Fifty or sixty years ago the majority of communities, not only in new countries like this, but even in the old leading nations of Europe, were very indifferent with regard to the benefits of popular instruction. If the laboring classes in town and country were mostly provided with employ- ment and sufficient food to maintain life and enjoyed, besides, the advantages of religious ministrations, the natme of which they but imperfectly understood, they were con- sidered by the higher orders sufficiently cared for. Their mental wants and social improvement we'- objects of but secondary importance, the belief of j . •' being that workmen needed little, or no knowlcGj^ , Deyond that necessary to the proper- performance of their manual tasks. "Popular rights," " popular , instruction " and " popular franchise " were phrases rarely or never heard in an age of aristocratic jealousy and exclusiveness ; me- diaeval routine and prejudice were still supreme, while national objects centred in dynastic wars and schemes of self-aggrandizement. Clear-sighted and philanthropic men, like Lancaster and the subject of this biography, were by but too many regarded as well-meaning theorist's, whose projects were entitled to a modest, if not too expensive trial, but in regard to which there need be no heavy, or material outlay. These and similar pioneers of true reform 152 OLD AND NEW CANADA. had the satisfaction, however, of witnessing substantial results of their labors and sacrifices, even in their own lives, with abundant indication of still greater gains ere many years after their death. Mr. Perrault systematically applied his means and abilities to the task of interesting his fellow-citizens in the education of the people, in the best and most attractive methods. Though he had not the satisfaction of creating as great an interest in this question as that which animated himself, he succeeded in enlisting some of his more culti- vated neighbors in his schemes, and attracting atten- tion which otherwise would have been devoted to less worthy and beneficial objects. It was, however, a source of regret to him that he could not inspire as many as he wished with his own zeal in this noble cause, and that his means fell far short of the operations he would gladly have set on foot. It was regarded, at the time, and has often since been asserted by old citizens acquainted with his '='fforts in the noble work of public instruction, that his 1j oors and sacrifices imparted a stimulus to education in lay circles. Had there been less political excitement, less rivalry between the different nationalities, less class prejudice and a warmer interest felt in the condition of the lower orders, the greatest success would have attended his efforts. But he was not denied the satisfaction of partial reward, and of witnessing good fruit from the trials he made of the system which be had carefully devised and affectionately tested. It was a great pleasure to him, limited as necessarily were his means, to see so many children of the poor carefully taught and trained in right principles, and their mental as well as religious wants receiving every possible care. There can be no doubt OLD AND NEW CANADA. 153 that the success of Mr. Perraalt's schools, to be elsewhere more particularly noticed, did much good in various ways ; not the least being the example they afforded of worthy labor and sacrifice, and of the educational benefits obtainable from even the brief maintenance of an intelligent and practical system of instruction. In reviewing this part of his life, it cannot but be regretted that he could not find many coadjutors in his well-meant work, which, if it had been carried on, on an extensive scale, must have greatly improved the condition of the people. However, in Montreal, an eminent Scotch merchant, the Hon. James McGill, had established for himself a permanent claim to the gratitude of its citizens by his noble endow- ment of an educational institution named after him. His example was subsequently followed in Quebec by the late Dr. Morrin, who promoted higher intellectual cultivation by founding the college, which now bears his name and is affiliated with McGill University. Names such as these deserve ever to be held in the highest esteem by the friends of enlightenment and social progress. 154 OLD AND NEW CANADA, CHAPTER XXIII. Mr. Perrault's Educational experiment — Establish- ment OF HIS Free Schools — Opinions respecting THEM, OF competent AUTHORITIES. In 1828 Mr. Perrault erected, at his own expense, two schools, one for boys, in Artillery street, and one for girls, in St. Michel street, in St. Louis suburbs, at which, in the morning they were instmcted in reading, writing ar.d arithmetic. In the summer afternoons, the boys were taught gardening, and in the winter, the manufacture of agricultural implements ; and the girls to knit, spin, weave, and make and mend clothing. The boys' school was provided with joiners', carriage-makers' and other tools ; and the girls' with implements necessary for the arts above mentioned, including carding and spinning wheels, looms, &c. In a report published by a citizen of Quebec in 1834, on the elementary schools in the district of Quebec, a description of these two is given, the substance of which the author translates from the French : " Having arrived at the boys* school, whose outward appearance is graceful, our attention was drawn, on entering the school grounds in front, to a little yard surrounded by a wall, crowned by a veranda, to protect the children from the heat of the sun and the rain, should the doors not be open on their arrival. The front door is surmounted by a capital, bearing in gilt letters, Ecoles Elementaires de M. Perrault^ and, above the windows to the right, OLD AND NEW CANADA. 155 Hautes Classes ; above those to the left, Basses Classes. " I found one hundred little boys seated on fonns in the best of order and engaged, some in reading and others in writing. The master, assistant, monitors and scholars continued their ordinary exercises, notwithstanding our presence — a rule enforced by Mr. Perrault. Every- thing in this house attracted attention ; a spacious aisle from the door leads you to the platform of the mas- ter, above which is a triangle, with the motto in gilt letters, A la gloire de Dieu seul. In the upper storey there are two galleries, one at each extremity of the buildin^ : that to the right is used as a workshop, fur- nished with carpenters' and joiners' tools, a turning lathe and two benches ; and that to the left as a storeroom, where are the agricultural implements manufactured in the year previous by the pupils, such as rakes, harrows, ploughs, seed-bags, racks, sledges, berlines, barrows and a grain thrasher, with eight flails ; in fine, everything representing trades. The ingenious systems adopted in this school," the particulars of which he details at full length, " assist the pupils in making astonishing pro- gress in a very short time, in rapidly becoming efficient in reading, writing, spelling and arithmetic, and also learn- ing history, geography, linear-drawing, &c. They are thus enabled, when leaving school, to improve themselves in the different careers of life they may afterwards choose to follow ; to compete successfully with others, become useful citizens and bons peres defamille. I wish that our legislators could appreciate these establishments at their true value, secure their purchase, or encourage them in such a way as to ensure the inappreciable advantages from them, which I foresee." 156 OLD AND NEW CANADA. The following day, this gentleman visited the girls' school; thereon he found, "above the doorw?.y, inscribed in gold letters, Ecole de jeunes filles. This building is thirty feet square ; the first storey is divided by a passage of eight feet in width, on each side of which are three rows of benches. In the morning are taught the usual rudi- ments of education, and in the afternoon the useful domestic arts already mentioned. In the upper storey, the different articles of wearing apparel, stockings, mittens, underclothing, ^'tc., are exhibited. In this school there is an attendance of forty pupils, and for their benefit the founder has expended ;^i,ioo in the purchase of the machines above alluded to. In an out- building are a lavatory and fulling-tub of a new design, worked by a system of cranks, which greatly facilitates this labor ; in the upper part was a large stock of flax. The elementary education, civil and religious, in these schools is free, and the work performed by the pupils is paid for by Mr. Perrault, according to its value, and money prizes are weekly awarded to the deserving. The teachers also receive their remuneration from him, the pay-list often amounting to ^^15 a week. The text- books," and he enumerates them, " were composed and arranged by the founder himself, and are considered greatly superior to the ordinary school-books of the day, both as to matter and classification of lessons, and the hints for instruction and other things interesting and useful, equally to teacher and pupil ; all of which were published at the sole expense of Mr. Perrault." The author of the report, from which the above extracts are taken, adds, " these schools are worthy of admiration, from their suitableness to our wants ; also as the best OLD AND NEW CANADA. 157 regulated, the most economical and the most useful for an agricultural population like ours. He who first con- ceived the idea of adding industrial branches to civil and religious elementary education was a benefactor of his race." The writer of the above description also pays a very warm tribute to Mr. Perrault, which any one who impartially estimates his object cannot fail to acknowledge as his due. Besides English, French and Latin grammars, vocabu- laries, abecedaires and manuals for the use of teachers, then not known and which formed the foundation of many of the best text-books now in use, treatises on La Grande et Petite Culture, which were works dealing with agriculture, horticulture and arboriculture, and disserta- tions on veterinary medicine, also came from his pen expounding the latest ideas and methods of the best writers on these subjects to the student, in a practical form. His chief object was the removal of every possible obstacle from the pupil's path and the practice of the simplest and most useful system of instruction. For the purpose of imparting useful information in agriculture, the chief occupation of our people, he established a model farm at Lorette, under the direction of a Mr. Girod, from Switzerland, who subsequently shot himself to avoid capture during the rebellion of 1837; ^^^ ^^^ enterprise shortly failed, through want of means and en- couragement on the part of the public. Failure could not but prove very painful to a mind so sensitive as Mr. Perrault's, but fortunately he could offset this disappointment with the gratifying success of two other i ^ricultural schools, cheering him to still greater efforts and enlightening him as to the best course to adopt for the achievement of the great object he had 158 OLD AND NEW CANADA. at heart. He remarks with characteristic candor in a part of his autobiography, " If I have felt the pain of witness- ing the failure of an establishment I considered a very important one, I have been compensated therefor by the success of two others, which are prospering to my entire satisfaction, and which I perceive will likely serve, in course of time, as models for the country." As the writer of the previous quotations states, consider- able sums of money were expended in these educational experiments, and also in kindred charitable objects, such as the providing of clothing for children whose parents were unable to do so ; and he mentions that on one model farm alone was spent more than ^^ 1,500. His zeal in this respect was evinced by his often binding himself, by no- tarial deeds, to furnish needy pupils with garments on condition of their being sent to his schools. His manner of proceeding was the following : if the parents pretended they could not send their children to school for the want of wearing apparel, he would offer to supply them with it and would impose the condition that if the children were not sent, he wonld exact a penalty, unless it could be proved that their absence was due alone to illness. Of course his confidence was often abused, and he finally determined to make an exathple of some. He sued and levied the penalty in two or three instances, whioh, as might be expected, gave rise to a hue and cry among these people, in a report submitted to the Legislative Assem- bly of Canada some years before the Union, by a committee appointed to investigate "le then existing state of educa- tion in the country, a witness, who had heard something in reference to these suits, ignorantly stated that Mr. Perrault had sued parents for failing to pay for the educa- OLD AND NEW CANADA. 169 tion of their children, whereas it was well known in the city that his schools were free. In fact, his generosity was such that an impression prevailed among the recipients of his bounties that he was merely the agent of the govern- ment, whose money he was disbursing. In his autobiography he barely mentions, and that with the greatest modesty, these useful acts. His friends remonstrated with him on the omission, in this pub- lication, of many kind and generous deeds which he could not be induced to notice, although their recital could not have failed in strengthening, if possible, the regard enter- tained for him by all. even those but partially acquainted with his worthy character. In the Quebec Gazette of October, 1829, Mr. Per- rault's valuable services are recognized in unmistakable terms : — " This gentleman is an enthusiastic friend of education. His school-house could not have cost him less than ;^40o, which he built at his own expense. This is not the only sacrifice which Mr. Perrault has made in the same cause ; * * * he has liberally subscribed to charity schools, over which he has often actively presided. He has himself presented several bills on education to the Assembly and had others submitted. Although some difference of opinion may exist as to the different systems of education, such actions must ever be meritorious and place Mr. Perrault in the list of the public benefactors of this city." Le Canadien of May, 1831 thus refers to the opening of one of Mr, Perrault's schools : — " This gentleman is widely known for his educational zeal, not only for the part he has'taken in establishing several elementary edu- cational institutions, which are now in a state of pros- 160 OLD AND NEW CANADA. perity, but also for the establishment, at his own cost, of a new school-house for girls in St. Louis suburb. The building was consecrated on Tuesday last in the presence of a large number of people, id can accommodate 216 to 250 children. That suburb may congratulate itself on possessing so indefatigable a citizen in regard to edu- cation. It must be remembered that Mr. Perrault does not content himself solely with erecting schools, but that he is the author of several elementary works of great merit, and that he has recentl]' compiled an abridged history of Canada for the use of schools." It may be asked^y some readers, why did these schools, established by Mr. Perrault, entirely disappear from the roll of our educational system? The answer is not diffi- cult to find. He had reached a patriarchal age before his circumstances enabled him to carry out this most cherished object of his life, and he was unable to give all that personal attention required for their efficient management. He kept his schools open, however, from 1820 to 1837, when the modest government grant was withdrawn, partly in consequence of the political troubles and financial and military measures and precautions of that year. This annual grant was but six hundred dollars, yet it was a useful help which could not well be dis- pensed with at the time, owing to the fact that his income had materially diminished during the two preceding years. Furthermore, truth compels the writer to state that Mr. Perrault's means were largely absorbed by these outlays, and that when he died he left little or nothing to his family. It would be unjust to his memory to overlook the fact, that in various unknown and unobtrusive ways and by OLD AND NEW CANADA. 161 numerous benevolent and modest methods, by which a man's store, however moderate, may be made to meet the many demands and necessities of friends, relations and the needy generally, Mr. Perrault's fortune played a use- ful and meritorious part in the good work of charity, imrecognized but by its recipients, and in the more public service of the community in connection with his schools. Not only by substantial contributions to education and liberal assistance to numerous connections and acquain- tances, in providing them with education and the means of a livelihood, did he endeavor to make the best use of his money and opportunities, but his influence and re- commendations were never withheld when an occasion offered for the advancement of any one having the least claim to merit. 11 162 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTERXXIV. Statistics- of the state of Education in Ontario AND Quebec. In view of the great importance of education and the general desire among the population to benefit by its advantages, the author would wish to give a sketch of the commencement and growth of education from the founda- tion of the colony, but the plan of this book, no less than its limited space, prevents anything like a complete his- tory and necessitates brevity. Those desirous of further information on the subject are referred to the work of the Hon. P. J. O. Chauveau, L histruction Publigue, the best extant. The following able resume of ihe progress of education, from the time of the cession to the period when Mr. Perrault's efforts took practical shape, is from a work of many and varied merits, which has but recently appeared, " The Intellectual Development of the Canadian People," by Mr. J, G. Bourinot : " After the conquest the education of the people made but little progress in Lower Canada. Education was confined for the most pait to the Quebec Seminary, and a few other institutions under the control of religious communities, permitted to remain in the country. Lord Dorchester appointed a commission in 1787, to enquire into the whole subject, but no practi- cal results followed the step. Ji 1792 the Duke de Rochefoucauld wrote that ' the Canadian who could read was regarded as a phenomenon.' Tlie attempt of the * Royal Institution for the advancement of Learning ' to OLD AND NEW CANADA. 163 establish schools was comparatively a failure ; for after an existence of twenty years it had only thirty-seven schools, attended by one thousand and fifty-eight scholars An educational report of 1824 informs us that 'generally not above one-fourth of the entire population could read, and not above one-tenth of them could write even im- perfectly.' In the presentment of ihe grand juries, and in the petitions on public grievances, so frequently presented to parliament, the majority of the signers were obliged to make their marks. During the year 1824, the Fabrique Act was passed with the view of relieving the public grievance, but unhappily the public difficulties, that pre- vailed from that time, pre^^ented any effective measures being carried out for the establishment of public schools throughout the province. Nor wp s education in the western province in a much better state during the first period of Parliamentary Government, that is from 1792 to 1840." The author will now give the latest statistics on the state of education in Ontario and Quebec, showing the vast proportions to which the school systems, in both provinces, have developed since Mr, Perrault's day. From the last annual report of the Education De- partment of Ontario, the following facts are obtained : Every county, district and township, new or old, have been supplied with schools. Education is free and attendance enforced, children from seven years and up- wards are required to attend school for four months in each year ; the failing to do so entails the punishment of their parents. The system has undergone important changes since 1876, with regard to its superintendence and direction. It is now under the control of the Executive Council, 164 OLD AND NEW CANADA. presided over by the Minister of Education. There is a High school in every county, or union of counties, in which, among other subjects, chemistry, natural history, Latin, Greek, and French, or German, are taught The teaching of the classics in the higher institutions is compulsory. In 1879 there were 104 of these establish- ments, with 298 teachers and 12,136 pupils; the salaries of professors paid amounted to $241,097 ; cost of main- tenance, $400,788. There are normal schools at Ottawa and Toronto, with a model school attached to each, one for boys and one for girls. There were 247 pupils at the Toronto school that year, and 182 at the Ottawa. The primary schools include the separate schools for the Roman Catholics and number 5123. The subjects taught include reading, writing and arithmetic ; and the great mass of the youthful population attend these schools ; boys, 259,056 ; girls, 227,956 ; of male teachers there are 3153 i of female, 3443; total, 6596. This number in- cludes 789 Roman Catholics, of whom 456 are employed in the common schools and 338 in the separate. In the same year there were 191 separate, or Catholic schools, with an attendance of 24,779. The total sum paid out for the latter schools was $129,092. The whole amount disbursed for teachers was $2,072,822. The total expendi- ture on the public schools for that year reached the large sum of $2,833,084. M. Paul de Cazes states that the average salary for male teachers in Ontario county schools is $383, and for females, $249; for male teachers in the town schools, $616, and for females, $270 ; for males in the city schools, $,662 and for females, $296. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 1 65 According to the last report (1879-80; from the super- intendent of PubHc Instruction for the Province of Quebec, the educational institutions are divided into five classes : 1st. Superior schools or Universities, of which there are three — McGill, to which are affiliated St. Francis and Morrin Colleges, Laval University and Bishop's College at Lennoxville, with 119 professors and 1013 students. 2nd. Secondary schools, comprising classical, or indus- trial colleges and academies, of which there are 239 with 1 149 professors and 36,364 students. 3rd. Normal schools, the Laval at Quebec and the McGill and Jacques Cartier at Montreal, having 48 profes- sors and 310 students. 4th. Special schools, comprising schools of applied science and art, asylums for the blind, and the deaf and dumb, of which there are 18, with 76 professors and 1,783 pupils. 5th. Primary schools, divided into superior and elemen- tary, of which there is a total of 4489 with 5514 teachers and 196,673 pupils. This makes a grand total of 4752 educational institu- tions with a staff of teachers of 6906 and an attendance of 236,143 ; giving on the population of Quebec an aver- rage of i pupil for every 5.34 inhabitants. The expenditure on the schools of Quebec includes : government grant, $332,524.13, and the sum of $1,981,- 079.62, contributed by the municipalities, making a total of $2,313,603.75. Of this amount there is employed for common schools purposes about $2,135,645.08. In a spirit of warm appreciation, the author acknow- ledges having perused with great interest the clever work 166 OLD AND NEW CANADA. of M. Paul de Cazes, Notes sur le Canada^ in which are, besides useful information upon various subjects, impor- tant details on the present vast educational resources of the Dominion. He says that the teachers in Quebec are paid on the following scale which falls far below the Ontario figures. Of the 645 male teachers of the country schools, 332 receive less than $200 a year; of the 4119 school mistresses, 1999 are paid less than $100 ; only 152 receive more than $200. It seems hardly credible that so many men and women of intelligence and fair education could be found to accept such paltry sums for their labors and anxieties in con- nection with the instruction and training of the young. How they can exist, nay, even procure sufficient food and clothing with such an allowance, seems a mys- tery, cheap as board and lodging may be in country places. Then a great number of the male and female teachers receive salaries under $200 a year for teaching in the more densely populated districts, where the ex- penses of living approach city rates. A re'^pectable educa- tion is obtained at many ofthese establishments, requiring teachers of considerable attainments, necessitating trying and conscientious labor on "heir part. The remuneration is far below the proper standard, and must entail untold suffering upon the teachers, which cannot but injuriously react upon the scholars. In extenuation of this evil of insufficient salaries, of course the limited means of the province may be pleaded, but it would be well, for the sake of the rising generation, not to speak of justice to the important body of our school-teachers, male and female, to make every effort to increase their remuneration at the earliest opportunity. Their means of usefulness OLD AND NEW CANADA. 167 are very great, their services to the public important, and upon the efficient discharge of their duties the future well-being of our people and the prosperity of Quebec largely depends.* * The present Secretary of the province, the Honorable Theodore Paquet, with whom any measure tending- to the amelioration of our educational laws must originate, might perhaps be prevailed upon to introduce a lavr next session to redress this g^evance. He has already manifested good* will towards the extension and encouragement of this, the g^atest and most needed blessing. 168 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER XXV. Mr. Perrault's Projects of Law in 1841 — Free Ele- mentary Education; Compulsory Attendance — Franchise to the Educated — Trades to be Taught — Civil Service Examinations — Agricultural School — Houses of Industry — Abolition of Men- dicancy. Among the fruits of Mr. Perrauit's ripe reflections was a bill which, in 1841, he intended to submit to parlia- ment, though his friends in public life did not then think the time opportune.* In the preamble, he states that in 1822 a public meeting was called in Quebec to promote the cause of education, at which resolutions in favor of adopting the Lancastrian, or Monitorial system were passed. This system was very much thought, of in England, and very properly so. A working committee, of which Mr. Perrault >^as named president, was appointed to test that method practically. This honor was but one of many indications of the high opinion of his views on such subjects entertained by his fellow-citizens. At the outset, L serious obstacle presented itself — there were no suitable school-books. It became his duty at once, there- fore, to set about the anything but trifling task of composing or compiling a set of school-books, which he ♦ This project of law, in the handwriting of Mr. Perrault, is in the possession of his grandson, at Montmagny. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 169 had also to get published. He was not a man prone to exaggeration, yet he stated to his relations and numerous friends that the results of this experiment exceeded his most sanguine expectations. He thus gained clear and practical conclusions with regard to the best means of supplying the educational necessities of this province. There were, however, defects in the system, as applied in Quebec, which his constant study of the subject enabled him to detect. He earnestly desired to remedy these defects, but he was trammelled by the obstinacy of certain members of the committee, who opposed all innovations. In 1828, he consequently determined to open schools at his own expense, and though his experience in school matters and with respect to the new methods and courses was in every way valuable, he found them very costly — in fact, beyond the means of any but the wealthiest, for more than a brief period, and in 1837 ^^ ^^^ compelled to close them. The bill of 18 41 embodied the results of Mr. Perrault's studies and reflections since 1803, and not a few of its pro- visions have since been adopted by educational reformers. Some of its proposals may be found in the school sys- tems of Ontario, of Quebec and other countries, while others bid fair to be utilized at no distant period. The subjoined synopsis of the bill will fairly exhibit its character, and the merits of the systems it proposed, and also afford the means of estimating the advanced views of ]\s author, and material for speculation as to the probable benefits to the country, had it become law and been vigorously acted upon up to the present time. Among other things, he proposed free primary instruc- tion to all, enforced school attendance on the part of 170 OLD AND NEW CANADA. children between the ages of six and twelve, in default of which penalties were to be imposed upon the parents. A fixed number of years after the passage of the Act, all those unable to read and write were to be disqualified from voting for members of parliament ; and tue appoint- ment of two superintendents, one Catholic and one Protestant. If children displayed any marked talents after this course, they were to be sent to seminaries or universities, and if not, to secondary schools, where trades would be taught. In the secondary schools, besides the teaching of trades, the curriculum included linear drawing, geo- graphy, use of globes, history, sacred, English and Cana- dian, applied arts and sciences, book-keeping by single and double entry, and a commercial course in the cities, with agriculture in the country. The mode of instruction was to be mutual and simultaneous, either French or English, according to the nationality of the majority of the pupils. One of the clauses of this bill was to the effect that after ten years from its passage no person should be eligible to any position in the Civil Service who was not competent to pass an examination in these several branches. Another was, that a certain fee was to be exacted from the pupils, to be fixed by the superintendent and committee, in proportion to the means of the parents. And thirdly, he proposed the establishment of schools for agricultural instruction exclusively, of a theoretical and practical character. Only ^ u[;'ls who could read and write were to be admitted. The question of the establishment of Houses of Indus- try had also frequently occupied his thoughts. He was OLD AND NEW CANADA. 171 convinced that, were the poorer classes provided with employment, crime would be considerably diminished, for, as he said, " idleness was the mother of vice." He, therefore, drafted another project of law to be sub- mitted at the same time as the above, for the establish- ment, outside of the city limits, of Houses of Industry, furnishing plans for the same and submitting details for their efficient working, wherein the poor and vagabond would receive in exchange for their work, shelter and just remuneration.* In connection with these buildings, shops were to be opened for the sale of the articles manu- factured, and certain privileges granted the enterprise, to make it profitable. He also wished to have it enacted that begging should be made a punishable offense— con- finement in this House of Industry, where offenders should be made to work. There is ir. reason why these latter plans might not have been as effectually carried out here, as they have been in Europe. Those two foregoing projects of law alone were enough to preserve from oblivion the name of one whose highest thoughts and most ardent exertions were, throughout the greater part of his life, unceasingly devoted to the amelioration of the condition of his fellow-beings, especi- ally of that portion of them most in need of the philan- thropist's and statesman's care and protection ; and they most certainly evidence an amount of foresight and judg- ment really remarkable. Although parliament had passed an act for the establish- ment of free elementary schools in iSoi and another in 1829, and clergymen and leaders of the different sections ♦This bill is also in the possession of the same gentleman who holds the former. 172 OLD AND NEW CANADA. of our population had manifested some interest in the cause of popular instruction, there was unfortunately much apathy with regard to the education of the lower classes, and that evil Mr. Perrault sought to remedy. He insisted that at least the rudiments of education should be im- parted to every healthy intelligent child ; and if later they gave evidence of the possession of talents, they were to be sent to higher educational establishments, or if not, to schools where they would be taught trades. Again and again he would argue that you can not expect to make sensible and virtuous citizens without teaching them in childhood, to read and write and learn thuse elements of religion and morality, which form the basis of all honest and useful civic character. The indifference of the poorer classes to education caused Mr. Perrault to think of some system by which he could compel them to send their children to school, and thus secure for them early and beneficial results. The idea was looked upon with mingled feelings of surprise and indignation, many naturally contending that every man had a right to do as he pleased with the time and faculties of his offspring. But the broader and wiser view of obliging all to make the best use of their youth and talents, at a period when habits of life are most easily formed, and when its controlling influences are beginning to appear, did gain the approval of a few of the more thoughtful in the community, as it has been since recog- nized by the leading minds of every country. To emphasize the value of education, he also proposed to make the possession of a certain amount, a condition of the exercise of the franchise, which he regarded, as it is now generally considered, both a duty and a right. His OLD AND NEW CANADA. 1*73 opinion was, that no ignorant man should have the privil- ege of pronouncing upon questions affecting the interests and honor of the state. He contended that a citizen should only be allowed to vote when he could form some intelligent judgment with regard to the merits of the questions proposed for public decision. In this way imwise verdicts would be avoided, as also serious errors, and the law-makers of the country would be held to a more strict account.* In a spirit of fairness and liberality, characteristic of Mr. Perrault, he proposed that there should be two super- intendents of public instruction, one Catholic and the other Protestant. He wisely foresaw that the latter ele- ment in our community would shortly acquire such proportions as to be entitled to a representative ; and a few years later an educational bill with this provision was passed in parliament and became law. It would be unjust to overlook the value of the proposal of industrial and agricultural education, in his secondary schools, which was one of Mr. Perrault's favorite ideas. In his time when anything like Canadian art and industry were in their infancy, the opportunity of acquiring useful trades was but very partially enjoyed by the majority. There were scarcely any Canadian manufactures, the great bulk of the people depending on agriculture, which they *As late as 1863 a celebrated reformer, the late Prdvost Paradol, urged, as an original idea, the adoption of a law disfranchising those who could not read and write, after the expiration of a certain number of years. This, he believed, would prove the most powerful incentive to edu'cation, and be even more efficient than enforced school attendance, since all would be ashamed to make so public an acknowledgement of their ignorance. There is a similar clause of disfranchisement in the constitution of the State of Massachusetts. Chapter 6, clause ao. 174 OLD AND NEW CANADA. but imperfectly understood, and that variety of occupation and interests upon which well ordered, progressive societies largely depend was sadly wanting; and Mr. Perrault thought that that want should be supplied in the speediest and most effective way possible by a system of industrial and agricultural training in the public schools. The scheme of civil service examination might then be regarded as a novelty. Appointments were mainly de- cided by personal influence, wholly apart from the quali- fications of the individual, and Mr. Perrault thought that this system was both unjust in itself and injurious to the public interest. He argued that no one in the community had any inherent right to the benefits of ofiice — that public employment had for its main object the advantage of the people, and that any man aspiring to the position of an office-holder should present certain indisputable menis and qualifications. The only way in which his fitness could be properly tested was a public examination ; but anticipating a very proper objection to the system of strict action, or decision upon an ordeal of this kind, namely, that it militates against the timid and the modest man, Mr. Perrault would have depended largely upon written answers and such tests of capacity as could be honestly produced within a reasonably brief period. The scheme of agricultural education, to meet the wants of the toilers of country and town, though not destined to realization for over a quarter of a century, at length, both in Quebec and Ontario, has been carried out with more or less fidelity to th-^ original ideal. The Agricultural College at Guelph, a successful institution, honorable to the enterprise and liberality of the great province of Ontario, makes a remarkably close approxi- OLD AND NEW CANADA. 175 mation to Mr. Perrault's project. He would have hailed such a patriotic experiment, as well as those of a like character, under our eyes in his native province of Quebec, with che deepest gratification, and none would have more earnestly labored to still further enhance their efficiency. But a short time before Mr. Perrault proposed the formation of Houses of Industry or Work-Houses, Eng- land and every country in Europe, in fact, presented but too many glaring instances of the evil of indiscriminate and thoughtless charity. Thousands of the strongest and healthiest, as regularly as the winter would return, would throw themselves upon the sympathy and taxes of their neighbors, many of them not at all able to bear such a burden. In the spring these paupers would resume their work in the fields, mines, or fisheries, with the settled policy of falling back upon public support when disap- pointment, bad weather, or ill-fortune would set in. How to deal with this crying evil was for long a very serious prob- lem in British politics, but at length, after much thought and various experiments, the best thinkers in public life, reached the conclusion that a sharp test of some kind was wanted to discriminate between the various applicants for public assistance. It was considered that if men would demand the help of their neighbors, they should render some useful service in return. The result was a system of Work-Houses, which speedily effected a great social and industrial reformation in Great Britain. It made a very great difference with thousands, in every part of the country, when they found that the receipt of public charity meant systematic, compulsory labor, from the beginning to the end of the winter. The army of paupers rapidly diminished and habits of industry and application 176 OLD AND NEW CANADA. were enforced, where such virtues were unknown before. Of course in Canada there was no such argument for that ■system as existed with respect to England, or other old •countries, but Mr. Perrault saw that, great as were the resources of his native country and sparse its population, €vils which naturally sprung up in all lands, would, in time, develop themselves here too, and that among them none could be more baneful than mendicancy. He thought then and always, that not only should there be a proper stigma affixed to the position of pauperism, but that the recipients of public help should be made to render some service therefor, and learn trades and habits which would be helpful to themselves and the community, after their departure from these charitable institutions. No thoughtful man who has followed the course of public affairs in the leading states of Europe and America, can fail to be struck with the influence upon public feel- ing and legislative action of the proposals of original and farsighted men like Mr. Perrault. Ideas, which seemed philanthropic or Utopian dreams in I822 and I841, have since, with the enlarged and more varied experience of the foremost nations, been cautiously tested under the most diverse circumstances and found to work satis- factorily, being also eagerly followed up to their re- motest and most felicitous consequences. With what benevolent pride might not Mr. Perrault, who was one of the first, if not the first, to propose for Canada free ele- mentary instruction, compulsory attendance, franchise to the educated, the appointment of a Catholic and a Protest- ant superintendent, industrial and agricultural education combined with scholastic institutions, civil service examin- ations, exclusive agricultural schools, formation of Houses OLD AND NEW CANADA. 177 of Industry and the abolition of mendicancy, regard the progress of thought and legislative enactments in this direction, in the Dominion, were it possible for him to revisit the land he loved so well ! Most of the systems as already stated, which Mr. Perrault advocated, have been adopted in the leading countries of Europe, the United States and the Dominion, and they are likely to be taken up by the slower nations, within a very brief period. At any rate, he submitted practical, promising theories to the people, elicited dis- cussion in reference to them, as well as proposals of various kinds in support or opposition, and in this way reforms, in all countries, whatever may be their immediate fate, are ultimately carried. 12 178 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER XXVI. Education for the Dominion — Zeal of the Hon. GeDEON OUIMET AND VALUABLE SERVICES OF HIS EX- DEPUTY, Dr. Miles — A recent and useful friend TO Education — Hon. W. W. Lynch. The subject of obligatory education is now one of almost general discussion in Canada, likely before many years to become a leading question. And this is to be expected when the evils of ignorance are so conspicuous in every large community, with great nations, like Ger- many, England and France, and several states of the Union and Ontario, adopting the principle of compul- sion in their national school systems. A glance at its benefits, so far, warrants the conclusion that it is a genuine improvement, and one that promises marvellously bene- ficial results at no distant period. There is room for difference of opinion as to whether it is as much needed in some countries as in others ; but few candid observers, however attached to the principle of individual liberty, and averse to the idea of state or municipal meddling in domestic affairs, will deny that sufficient inducements, pressure, or compulsion of some sort should be applied in order to secure the attendance at school of the great mass of our youthful population. While no one pretends that education is a perfect safeguard against crime, or immor- ality, few will gainsay that it is one of the most im- portant forces on the side of social improvement and national prosperity. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 1T9 Opinions vary, in our province, in relation to the above subject, and the author subjoins an extract from a paper by an officer of the Pubhc Instruction Department, to enable the reader to become acquainted with the views of some of our educationists : " We can not shut our eyes to the fact that obligatory education is a problem, which, some day or other, must necessarily assert itself in every democratic country such as ours. Happy is the country which anticipates its necessity, for, to anticipate it, is to partially solve it, and to prevent in the future much trouble and agitation. Education is a necessity for a people, who govern them- selves, that is to say, who are frequently called upon to decide questions regarding their highest interests ; they are their own masters, no longer children or in pupilage j they are consulted before their fate is decided, and if their intelligence is not sufficiently trained, what must become of them ? The wisdom of a people consists in understand- ing that they must be educated to decide wisely in all questions in the future which may affect their destiny ; it would be felly to allow these questions to come up without being prepared to meet them. Apart from other undesir- able results which may follow, incompetency through ignorance may provoke the impetuous ones to propose to render obligatory'elementary education and from that may arise most dangerous agitations." La Lot Elector ale, 1873. It would certainly be absurd to deny that much remains to be done in the province of Quebec for the promotion of education. Too many of our people, particularly in the country districts, remain in a state of ignorance injurious to themselves and the community in general, receiving but the barest rudiments of education, \ 180 OLD AND NEW CANADA. which, after school-days speedily disappear from their minds, when they soon relapse into a condition of ignorance and apathy, as complete as that of their pre- decessors for generations. Although no guarantee can be provided for the creation, or maintenance of a literary spirit, or a taste for improvement in our rural population, or the working classes generally, after the school period, yet the duty of the state can be more satisfactorily dis- charged in enforcing such an attendance as will secure to the great mass of our children a knowledge at least of reading, writing and arithmetic. Another obstacle to education is the necessarily short period of attendance in many country places, where farm and field work and the difficulties of our winter season compel the closing of the schools for sev^eral months of the year. It is satisfactory to witness in our day the greater in- terest felt by all elements of our population in the sub- ject of education, and to observe the extent of the educational undertakings of both provinces. Vast num- bers of schools of all classes, universities, seminaries, colleges, and normal and special schools attest the immense strides made within the present generation. The different races and creeds existing in Quebec have mani- fested a creditable and beneficial rivalry in this noble crusade against ignorance, each and all making great sacrifices to provide a useful education for its youth, with a moral and religious training, designed to promote their highest welfare. Though the circumstances of our people prevent as great efforts in this direction as are made in wealthier communities, much important work has been effected in the cities and the remotest parts of the OLD AND NEW CANADA. 181 province ; a plain, common school education being now within reach of the poorest in any parish, or municipality of Quebec. In 1875 a law was passed by the Provincial Assem- bly, which did away with the portfolio of Minister of Education, and the Hon. Gedeon Ouimet was appointed superintendent, on the 30th Januar>' of the following year, which position he has worthily continued to occupy ever since. The difficulties and labors of such an honorable post require zeal and capacity for the satis- factory fulfilment of its varied duties, especially in a mixed community like ours. It is very generally admitted that there has never been greater hannony among the employes of the department, the members of the council, the school inspectors, and the teachers themselves, than under the present superintendent. Notwithstanding the numerous and trying duties of his office, Mr. Ouimet has consolidated the different laws affecting education, which will greatly simplify the solution of questions relating to it. Too much praise cannot be given to such faithful and efficient work, and it is to be hoped that his future efforts will be crowned with still greater success. " The project of encouraging nati^'e literature, inaugur- ated by the Honorable Gedeon Ouimet, in 1873, whilst Minister of Public Instruction, and continued by him since his advent to the office of superintendent of that de- partment, deserves more than passing mention. Abandon- ing the stereotyped method of the 'mportation of foreign books, for bestowal a? prizes to the successful pupils of our various schools, that gentleman bethought himself of encouraging native talent by selecting works marked by their originality and ability, and already received with 182 OLD AND NEW CANADA. favor by the public, as premiums for the encouragement of the pupils. The object was, in every sense, patriotic, and the results have justified Mr. Ou'imet's motives and anticipations. Canadian writers, formerly less encouraged than they should have been, were obliged to wait longer for that practical success, to which the great majority of literary men look fonvard with concern, manifested their appreciation of these opportunities by closer attention to the character of their works, by the improvement of previous editions, and greater amLiticn, generally, to excel in the domain of letters than had been hitherto evinced. The numerous works of fancy, history and criticism, which have issued from the press, within the last few years, attest the value of this patriotic stimulus, no less than the ster- ling qualities of the authors. This is a new departure deserving of all praise, and the good fruits of which, in great abundance, may be hereafter confidently looked for. The change will never cease, by an appreciative public, to be associated with the name of a gentleman who, from his learning, zeal for public instruction, and patriotic ambition, was the worthy source of so excellent an idea. With re- gard to the practical operation of the new scheme, it may be stated, that abbreviated editions of the works of writers of note in the province, of every race, creed and party, have been purchased and distributed as prizes among the scholars ; in this way benefitting alike our poorly remun- erated authors and our young folk, by placing in the possession of the latter these abridgments, which, in many cases, comprise choice specimens of literature and history. Last year the department distributed in this way, 14,868 French and 3,790 English works." * * Literary Sheaves, or La Litterature au Canada Frangais. p. 5. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 183 The official career of Dr. Miles, who for years acted as the deputy-superintendent, cannot be omitted in this chapter. This gentleman's functions were more closely connected with the British and Protestant elements, whose rights and interests received due attention at his hands. He enjoyed the reputation of a painstaking and conscientious officer, who strove to act fairly towards all parties, and to efficiently discharge his important and delicate duties. To his credit be it said, he foimd time, apart from his official labors, to contribute important works on history to the literature of this country. Among the recent friends of education none stand higher than the Hon. W. W. Lynch. Himself a graduate of McGill University and a prominent member of the Bar, as well as a cabinet minister, he feels his indebted- ness to a good education, and has shown, since his entrance into public life, a proper sense of its value, as well as an honorable disposition to bring as many of his countrymen as possible within the sphere of its benefits. Both in the Eastern Townships and in the city of Quebec this gentleman has labored to improve our school system by the removal of obstacles and the adoption of ameliorations, wherever practicable. Though but a comparatively short time in public life, in his speeches and labors, he has repeatedly manifested the greatest interest in and desire to do all within his power to further this noble cause. On school boards, legislative commit- tees, in the Assembly and elsewhere, he has worked with zeal and intelligence for the promotion of reform in our school system, and has had the pleasure of awakening the interest of colleagues and fellow-citizens in this important subject, with the result of securing their useful co-operation. 184 OLD AND NEW CANADA. Not only does the British element in particular appreciate the gains already obtained by such services, but it looks forward to still greater advantages from future labors of this kind, should Mr. Lynch continue in public life. Had Mr. Perrault been fortunate enough to have secured the aid of such zealous friends of education as the above gentlemen, his work would have gained a much earlier and more substantial success. But, it was in a certain respect with him a fight against the stream, and men to whom he might have looked for sympathy and encouiagement unfortunately held aloof He did not consider the immediate tangible fruits of efforts in is direction any measure of the value of the cause itsei. setting, however, moral importance upon the example of disinterested labor for the advantage of fellow citizens. To labor for its own sake, as well as for its promising ultimate consequences, was a maxim that he frequently enforced. He believed that an idle brain is the workshop of all evil influences, and he strove, not only for the sake of healthy intellectual exercise, but for the material bene- fits connected with the reasonable and practical instruc- tion of the people, to throw his energies, with all the vigor at his command, into this worthy mission. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 185 CHAPTER XXVII. Mr. Perrault's Home, Asyle Champetre, and family CIRCLE — His Hospitality and Liberality — New Year's Customs. In these days of ambitious, showy villas and grand mansions, whose lofty and imposing proportions, elabor- ate architectural ornaments, conspicuous verandas and prominent sites are all designed, not only to gratify the taste and pride of their owners, but to excite the wonder and admiration of the ordinary observer, it may be interest- ing to give a description of Mr. Perrault's residence ; a fair specimen of a comfortable and well-ordered dwelling of the olden time. The author's object in describing it is to convey to the present generation some idea of the taste and domestic architecture of the past, especially of those who, in culture and social position, might truly be regarded as representative men. For a similar purpose he has thought of presenting such pictures of the good old times, of its habits and customs, as will convey an in- structive lesson. Mr. Perrault's abode was a building of one storey with attics in front, and two in rear, in the style of the eighteenth century, on the north side of the St. Louis Road, on the spot known to historians as les buttes a JVepveu, to-day as Perrault's hill, upon which the residence of Mr. Henry Dinning now stands. As all students are 186 OLD AND NEW CANADA. aware, this is classic ground ; here the main struggles of the battles of the Plains of Abraham and of Ste. Foye took place ; on the same spot Murray's troops entrenched themselves on the eve of the engagement with de Levis, and the latter occupied the same defences after his victory. A stone wall with a neat railing divided the property from the main road, near which was a graceful little summer- house of trestle-work, overgrown with vines and creepers. Through an avenue with flowery borders, between lines of lofty vases, filled with blooming plants, the visitor reached the house, which occupied the centre of a garden of four acres. Above the door, at the summit of a flight of steps, was inscribed in gilt letters, Asyle Champetre. The house was a double one with a conservatory at each end, the first erected in Canada, filled with exotic and native plants ; and at some distance on either side were miniature Norman turrets. Mr. Perrault had selected this favor- able site for his residence, carefully noting all its advan- tages. The rays of the morning sun flashed through the front windows, cheering him in his early labors, while, as the day wore on, a flood of mellow light suffused the western portion of his chamber. From such vantage ground, he could of an evening observe the movements of the heavenly bodies, the positions of the planets and the various phenomena of our northern skies, the study of which usually excited in his mind the most devout sentiment. On entering, the visitor found himseh*" in the reception room, which was about twenty-four feet square, with a large bay-window towards the north and used as a drawing- room and study. In whatever direction one looked the view was attractive ; to the south, on the rising ground OLD AND NEW CANADA. 1 87 approaching the river bank, two Martello towers * stood in sight, with the heights of Point Levy in the further distance, and the chasm between filled by the St. Law- rence ; to the east, the imposing old citadel, or martial crown of the city, on Cape Diamond, and some miles further off, the picturesque Island of Orleans, dividing the great river into two channels ; to the north, the winding river in the beautiful valley of the St. Charles, the heights of Charlesbourg, the shore of Beauport, the faint trace of the embouchure of the Montmorency, and the grand Laurentian mountain range in the distance ; and to the south and west, the battle fields of 1759 and 1760, memor- able for their heroic scenes and momentous results — viewp at every season most charming and impressive. The grounds in front of the house were utilized as a model garden and orchard, in which every improvement in horticulture had been adopted. They were laid out in plots, divided by gravel walks. In rear of the house was a miniature pond, enlivened by water-fowl and turtles ; the banks were adorned with aquatic plants and ferns, and recedmg thence were plateaux^ covered with flowers of every description. In addition to the picturesque situation and command- ing position of Mr. Perrault's house, the internal arrange- ment of the apartments deserves notice, particularly as in them often met the leading men of Quebec, where they discussed the movements of the public mind, benevolent enterprises and matters of general interest. The parlor * There are four Martello towers built on the ridge of land stretching from the St. Lawrence to the cliff above Saint Sauveur. They are of stone and about forty feet in height; they are weakest towards the city side, that Uiey may be easily battered down, in the event of their falling into the liaods oj the enemy. 188 OLD AND NEW CANADA. in the Asyle Champ etre^ well know i to the elite and leaders of society of that day, was elegantly, but not luxuri- ously furnished ; the carpet was made of flax sown and grown on the grounds adjoining his schools, and woven by his pupils ; the walls were hung with valuable paintings and ornamented with objects oi virtu, artistically arranged. From the centre was suspended a lustre of candles at the two rear angles were large circular mirrors, one concave and the other convex, with lights on each side, reflecting every object, or movement in the apartment. Two bronze statues, or candelabra, with lights, guarded either side of the hall door, in keeping with the surroundings ; the hangings and furniture were in the style of Louis XIV., in which the colors harmoniously blended. On the left side of this apartment was Mr. Perrault's library, in which was a choice collection of Greek, Latin, Eng- lish, French and Spanish works, on philosophy, history and les belles lettres. No one had a higher respect for the classics than he ; the odes of Horace, the poems of Virgil and the orations of Cicero were as familiar to him as the best sermons of Bossuet, or the tragedies of Racine. On the right was another room with a piano and organ, to which the family devoted much attention. Those who had the privilege of enjoying his hospital- ity on ordinary occasions could not forget the hearty welcome of their whole-souled entertainer, and on two particular days, the first of January and the fete de St. Joseph, his patron saint, they had still better reason for its remembrance. These social gatherings were for months looked forward to as the events of the season, and for many a day subsequently they recalled most agreeable experiences. As was then the custom, the guests arrived OLD AND NEW CANADA. 1 89 early in the afternoon, and took their departure at the un- fashionable hour of nine. In this interval they enjoyed themselves in dancing, in games, in listening to brilliant execution on different musical instruments and the rich melody of well-cultivated voices, in ballad and song, and in bons-fnotsj clever repartees and intellectual conversa- tion ; while the supper table, laden with all the delicacies procurable, afforded a continual feast. The guests were escorted down the avenue by their host and his family, or driven home in the family carriage, and, as he bade them good night, the shouts and merry laughter of the young would ring joyfully in the night air, attracting the notice of the wayfarers by their joyous spirits. * M. M. Bibaud, senior, in L Encyclopedie Canadienne^ of which he was the editor, writes an account of a visit to Quebec in the summer of 1842, in which he thus refers to Mr. Perrault : — " * * * j ^^^g especially charmed .during my short stay in Quebec, with a visit to M. Perrault's domicile. On leaving the steamer and after -securing lodgings, I immediately proceeded to his residence on the St. Louis Road, that classic and historic highway leading from the city to Ste. Foye. There I saw one widely known throughout the country by his numerous writings, deeds and charities. On entering the house, I remembered the words of a Canadian poet : ^Laj'aivdVhomme heureux qui priche par Vexemple.'' M. Perrault preaches by example, firstly by his virtues, then by his industry, excellent domestic and rural economy, * The Asyle Champetre^ which the author has attempted to describe, was destroyed by fire in 1847. The neat and comfortable cottage, owned and inhabited by Mr. Henry Dinning, was built a few years subsequently, but the site of the latter is nearer the main road, and occupies a less command- ing position than the Asyle did. 190 OLD AND NEW CANADA. his love of study and work, his pabHc zeal, his benevolence and beneficent bounty, his patriotism and his faithful citizen- ship ; in fine, by aii that is true and good. With his usual weil-known politeness, he took me to his library, in which his published worKs and manuscripts filled a large space. I saw tlT^re uuodecimos, octavos and even quartos, all neatly bound. * * * * ^, Perrault, who has reached the age of ninety years, has lost none of his old love of study j he still writes and has the good fortune of not being obliged to use glasses. " It is needless to say that agriculture and horticulture are carried out in his place according to all its canons. He was kind enough to take me to his kitchen and fruit gardens ; I found them deserving of the highest commendation, and became convinced that M. Perrault was perfectly qualified to teach his fellow-countrymen on such important subjects. *' The site occupied by his residence is really enchant- ing, and a more lovely spot can hardly be imagined. The grandeur of the surrounding scenery was the handi- work of Nature, but]the immediate vicinity has been beauti- fied by himself. His many deeds of charity entitle him to be respected and venerated, and his name transmitted to posterity. On parting from him I felt with Virgil : '^ Fortunate senex, certe tua facta tnanebunt.'" Mr. Perrault's table had a wide reputation, and, al- though he never issued formal invitations, it was rarely without two, or more guests, for those who happened to be at the Asyle at meal time were cordially invited to share the family repast. His board always presented a tempting display, but as regards himself he was most abstemious, partaking sparingly of but few dishes, while to his guests his hospitality was unbounded. His old OLD A O LEW CANADA. 191 cook sometimes found her labors trying, or pretended so ; and on one occasion, returning from confession, she remarked that she had said to M. le Cure, when he counselled patience and submission to the ills of life, "/(f voudrais hien vous y voir, vous^ (I would like to see you in my place.) Even in those days cooks were testy, for, when Mr. Perrault found fault with her, she would answer, as saucily as the old Highland cooks, whose airs created the impression that they simply tolerated their masters and served them as a matter of favor : " Voulez- vous que je vous dise la verite ? vous commencez a etre degoute de tna cuisine'' (Do you want me to tell you the truth ? you are getting tired of my cooking.) To the sore-tried masters, the conduct of many of the old time cooks would often recall the proverb, no doubt intended more as a reflection upon bad cooking — that " God sends meat and the devil sends cooks." A custom illustrative of the habits of that period was the visit of relations on New Year's morning. Old and young presented themselves at five o'clock and repaired in file to Mr. Perrault's bedroom to receive his blessing. He afterwards rose, dressed and made all happy by giving them suitable presents, and paying graceful compliments. Later in the day was witnessed a still more interesting scene, when his pupils of both sexes, and doubtless to their fullest number, arrived at his hospitable mansion to offer him their grateful acknowledgments of his kindness. A table close by where he sat, in a large arm-chair, was covered with " horns of plenty," filled with sweetmeats, and to each he presented one with a small piece of silver ; while those children needing more substantial gifts had but to make their wants known to be rarely refused. On that 192 OLD AND NEW CANADA. day he also made calls, immediately after Grand Mass, in the extremity of his politeness carrying his hat under his arm, regardless of the weather, with the queue of his wig blown to and fro by the wintry wind. His arrival, as a matter of course, would cause a flutter of pleasant excite- ment, often recalled with pleasure by many afterwards. How many more interesting pages could not the author give of similar social pictures were he not limited as to space ! He may, however, revert to this subject in a subse- quent chapter. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 193 CHAPTER XXVIII. View of Quebec environs from Chateau St. Louis — Description of St. Louis and Ste. Foye Roads — Falls of Montmorency, and " Natural Steps." On an intensely cold day — the 23d of January, 1834 — the Chateau St. Loiiis^ an old historical building, dating as far back as the early days of the settlement of Quebec by Champlain, was destroyed by fire.* The site is now known to all as Durham Terrace. In this castle by the St. Lawrence figured the warriors, the diplomats, the proud dames, the beaux and belles of the old and new colonial eras. Here were discussed the last news from Paris and Versailles, the adventures of the zealous missionaries and bold coiireurs des bois with the fierce and dangerous savages ard wild beasts of the Lake forests, and the last expedition against the hated and encroaching New England colonists. Here were ♦•'The length of the modern castle of St. Louis, including the wings, was more than two hundred feet; and that was the extent of the gallery in front, commanding one of the most beautiful views in the world. The depth was about forty feet. Its exterior was plain and unassuming, the interior well arranged, and apparently well adapted for the purpose for which it was designed. The apartments on the first floor, in which the Governor-in- Chief resided, were furnished in an elegant and tasteful manner, ornamented by valuable paintings, drawings and prints, and various objects of t/>/w . Although by no means large, or equal to those found in the private residen- ces of the nobility generally, they presented a very pleasing coup cToeii, when thrown open to those who were honored with the entrie. Here were given the private entertainments of the Governor, to which the gentry of the city and vicinity were freely invited during the winter, always the season of hospitality in Canada." Hazvkins' Picture of Quebec. 13 194 OLD AND NEW CANADA. social and political intrigues hatched to their ripest de- velopment, and military schemes propound sd with scien- tific Skill and hardihood. Where are now all these actors ? How vain were their toils, plots and sacrifices ! In the language of Gray's Elegy, the honor of the authorship of which Wolfe is reported to have valued above the capture of Quebec, the night before he succeeded in that brilliant exploit — " The boast of heraldry, the pomp of power, And all that beauty, all that wealtli ere gave, Await alike the inevitable hour : The path of glory leads but to the grave." The commanding views of the St. Lawrence from the Chateau and environs have been appreciated evci since the earliest days. The French and English governors, however inviting the pleasures of the table, could offer their guests a more exquisite treat in the contemplation of the noble panorama visible from that exalted position. Mr. Perrault had been, on many occasions, a guest, and was drawn to it by both practical and senti- mental considerations. From its windows he too had often enjoyed the splendid spectacle, the great mountain fort- ress, the citadel and stronghold of British power in America, on the right, and the majestic St. Lawrence stretching with a magnificent sweep between its lofty banks, on its seaward course. Especially attractive would be Point Levy heights, covered by an almost unbroken forest. Their summits, which even overtop Cape Dia- mond, were occupied by Wolfe and his troops in 1759, and from them the city was bombardv^d ; and again in 1775 they were held by Arnold with his New England volun- teers. The only semblance of civilization was a couple OLD AND NEW CANADA. 195 of houses, dating further back than the cession, on the margin of tlie river beneath ; one at the foot of St. Joseph's hill (Begin's) and the other opposite the city (Labadie's) ; while near the point of St. Joseph could be distinguished the wigwams of the Micmacs. Looking north, the eye would be fascinated by the graceful bay formed by the river to meet the descending waters of the St. Charles, which here mingle with its ample tide. Directing the vision to the north-east, a line of white cottages, then as now, traced the shore to the great Montmorency cataract ; and beyond, to the villages of L'Ange Gardien, Chateau Richer and Ste. Anne, the dwellings of the more adven- turous settlers might be descried. Still farther to the north, forming a remoter background, appeared the mour. tains, their blue tops merging with the deeper azure of the sky, while on the bosom of the great river proudly re- posed the beautiful Island of Orleans, richly wooded from its shores to its centre. To all these scenes was attached an historic interest, created by the records of Indian encoun- ters, of French and English hostilities. Tbj beholder of this enchanting picture might reflect that he stood at the gateway of the St. Lawrence, with all the grand possibilities of Western exploration and settlement before him, and that the time was fast approaching when Quebec would be the chief highway of a vast commerce between the old and new worlds, of enormous advantage to both. The Count de la Galissoniere declared " Whoever rules Quebec will sway the destinies of the continent," and Montcalm was prophetic when he stated that few years would elapse from the capture of Quebec ere Great Britain should lose her American colonies ; and he appeared to derive a species of national satisfaction from 196 OLD AND NEW CANADA. this conviction. The earth had not long covered his mortal remains before the musket volleys of Concord and Lexington announced the beginning of the severe struggle, which, as he predicted, changed the destiny of North America. The environs of Quebec were in 1836, as they have been ever since, the resort, pa? excellence^ of the lover of nature. Though tourists wee not numerous in those earlier days, nor did the people as frequently leave the city, the unrivalled charms of the scenery, combining the picturesque with interesting and imposing features, ever proved a powerful source of attraction. Some of the inmates of LAsyle Champetre^ on many a pleasant afternoon would be seen leisurely driving along the Ste. Foye or St. Louis roads, enjoying the beauties of the landscape and drinking in, as it were, its inspiring influences. The views of that day proved perhaps more fascinat- ing to some than those of the present, exhibiting less the traces of art and civilization. Where pleasant meadows and cultivated fields now arrest the gaze, only sombre forests were visible, whose stillness would be broken but by the scream of the wild bird and the murmur of the brook ; where primeval and impressive scenes abounded, now appear happy homesteads. The contem- plation of the most striking scenery, from the loftiest points on those beautiful drives, was a great treat — a source of the purest gratification. Especially, on reaching the neighborhood of Ste. Foye church, visitors would halt to admire the magnificent panorama before them ; in the foreground the undulating plain of Ste. Foye and the radiant valley of the St. Charles, rejoicing in rich cornfields OLD AND NEW CANADA. 19" and meadows, p-easantly varied with gardens and bocages, with the tree-clad hills and heights of St. Aiigustin, Lorette, Charlesbourg and Beauport beyond ; and in the far distance to the west, north and east, the bold mountains of the Laurentian chain, whose towering summits formed a grand background to one of the noblest pictures of nature in America — a magnificent scenic semi-circle of over forty miles. All who, like the author, have visited this point for the enjoyment of the spectacle, can understand the delightful impressions of which it is the fruitful source. The minor and softer features of the picture no less affect the mind and memory, particularly in t>e balmy spring, when the deepening tints of green, overspreading hill and dale, with nature's reviving thrill — the opening flowers, the blithesome notes of the feathered songsters, and the grate- ful odors of the violet, columbine and clover combine to enhance the sense of the beautiful. To the Quebecer, especially, such pleasures are doubly dear after the endurance of a prolonged semi-arctic winter, the very thought of which, even in midsummer, as he passes under the grateful leafy canopy of the nearer Ste. Foye road, will sometimes send a chill through his frame. The lover of arborial effects and pleasing rural pros- pects can find everything to gratify his taste in the prime of summer, along this favorite suburban course, which one ever quits with regret. At many points on the way, a keen appreciation of the charms of the scenery attracts attention to views of the landscape, beyond, which are truly magnificent. The drive to the Falls of Montmorency was in Mr. Perrault's time a favorite trip. His family, not seldom 198 OLD AND NEW CANADA. gladly set it down on their holiday programme. The Falls, in the earlier part of the century, had a larger vol- ume of water than at present, and were always an object of wonder and admiration. The Quebec district, so rich in natural beauties, can boast of no scene of a bolder or more awe-inspiring character than the locality now under description. The dark, wild, romantic river, after a long descent from the northern hills, between picturesque and precipitous banks, now rugged and rocky, now soft and moss-grown, liere fringed with graceful shrubbery, there spangled with odoious wild flowers, gathers up its flood as the great St. Lawrence comes in sight, for its final dread plunge into the dim abyss two hundred and fifty feet below. Every point on either shore opposite this leap, affords an exciting and impressive sight. At that time, at some distance above the falls, a rustic bridge spanned the wild, tumultuous stream. The course of the Montmorency, about a mile above the great fall, presents many striking features. The dark, agitated waters are confined on the eastern bank by a grey lofty, perpendicular wall, whose rugged surface is hidden by brilliant drapery of clinging plants, which flourish in the cool shade of the whispering pines crowning the summit. Opposite, the eye is impressed by the continued series of rocky beds or layers, which have suggested the idea and appellation of " Natural Steps." The floods, frosts and tempests of ages have wrought their savage will with the steeps of this rocky mountain, leaving many a deep cleft, rough floor and fantastic form — a fierce impress of awful power. But the grandeur of the scenery is at points relieved by the picturesque effects of nature's gentler aspects. In the crevices of the rocky banks, vegetation OLD AND NEW CANADA. 199 displays its richest varieties of ferns, wild flowers and shrubbery, a pleasing adjunct to the leafy masses of the birches, maples and evergree which give such grateful shade to the visitor on this side, enjoying the different views of the river, eddying here and there, and leaping, foaming or splashing, yonder, in its frantic rush to the grand final plunge. But who could do justice to the Falls, the very beau ideal of loveliness and sublimity — a glorious curtain of foam leaping over the dizzy rocks to the yawning chasm beneath ! The volume of the torrent, the fantastic freaks of the spray, the sparkle of the descending waters, the bright hues of its miniature rainbows, the mysterious disappearance of its waters, set every fancy aflame, thrilling even the dullest heart. This whole district is clothed with historic interest and is rich in stirring associations. It was just above the Falls that H. R. H. the Duke of Kent, Her Majesty's father, lived, in the " Mansion House," a site of the most charm- ing description. The main portion of the Lodge is unchanged since the Duke's time, even the table and chair owned by him, are still there. Both banks of the river formed the battle-ground of the armies of Wolfe and Montcalm, before the successful assault of the British upon the city of Quebec. From the beeches and ever- greens lining the western bank proceeded that rain of deadly missiles which staggered, and ultimately repelled the stout battalions of King George, while the unceasing thunder of the great Falls aggravated the murderous din of battle, striving to drown its fiercest clamors. What a sad and sickening change the contest of the 31st July, 1759, produced! In a few hours a smiling, peaceful 200 OLD AND NEW CANADA. scene had its silence rent by the wild clatter of musketry and the roar of cannon — the lofty green banks of the Montmorency and the long grassy slopes of the St. Lawrence were strewn thick with the mangled bodies of dead and dying, while the life-blood of England's best soldiers flowed into the great river below. It is more pleasant, however, to contemplate the succeeding peaceful, gratifying scenes for which this locality has long been famed. Such views prepare one for a due appreciation of the charms of the return drive to Quebec, the majestic pano- rama formed by the beautiful Island of Orleans, to the left, cleaving the St. Lawrence into two great streams, with the precipitous Point Levy heights to the south, and the verdant valley of the St. Charles in front, over- looked and offset by the lofty and imposing rock-based capital of Quebec, with its frowning battlements, towering citadel, sparkling roofs and graceful church spires, crown- ing the river's bank and trending downwards to the water's edge. One of the enjoyable trips of Quebecers from the earliest times, certainly from the early years of the present century, when Mr. Perrault was still in the prime of life, was a drive over the ice-bridge of the St. Lawrence to the Falls. And this is still a favorite excursion, enjoyed by thousands of the citizens of Quebec and strangers on a visit to the capital. After a quick, enlivening drive over the ice-bridge, to the mouth of the Montmorency, they would set about indulging in that amusement for which the place seems so admirably designed. Especially pleasing to the sentimental were the excursions by moon- light over the convenient and fantastic formations of OLD AND NEW CANADA. 201 ice and snow. Nature then appears in her stern, solemn and imposing aspect, the gigantic features of the scenery, inckiding the lofty banks, hills, capes and moun- tains of the mighty St. Lawrence, with their snowy robes and icy garniture, standing out in the clear moonlight, grander and more impressive than at any other time. Nor could the effect fail to be heightened by the sight of an occasional humble cottage on the banks, almost smothered in the snow, representing the extreme of human weakness, loneliness and isolation, in presence of scenes and forces so wintry and grand. The splendid display of northern glories, of which the Falls and the frosty airs are the cunning architects afford sparkling pictures, suggestive of Arctic regions and splendors which exert upon the fancy and memory an indescribable charm. The bright descending mantle of waters is transformed by the icy, magic breath of winter into glacial hillocks and crystalline shapes of fantastic beauty, which challenge admiration as masterpieces of nature's cyclopean and decorative workmanship — graceful folds and handsome fringes of clearest crystal, delicate in form and exquisite in design, sparkling prisms reflecting the rainbow tints, bright icicles of most curious shapes, with the massive, ever-growing cones at the base, and the muffled thunder of the cataract stunning the ear — all dazzle and enchant the beholder. The verglas covering the trees in the spring also offers a brilliant spectacle as they scintillate in the rays of the sun and moon. Nothing could be more exciting and exhilarating than a slide, on sleigh or toboggan, from the lofty summit of the ice-mound or cone down to its base, at lightning speed, and thence along, with a sense of relief, but with 202 OLD AND NEW CANADA. blinding velocity for hundreds of yards, on the level, glassy roadway which hides the St. Lawrence from view. This is yet and must always continue a delightful pastime to all who love feats of daring and vigorous exercise in the open winter air. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 203 CHAPTER XXIX. First Visit of the Cholera to Canada — General Suffering — Great Mortality — Remedial and Be- nevolent Measures — Dr. Perrault, son of Mr. Perrault. one of the Victims. In 1832 Quebec was visited by that dreadful disease "known as the Asiatic Cholera, the name of which alone sends a shudder through most hearts. Starting at the eastern seaports of the Dominion, its course westwards was rapid, appalling and deadly, no human means or appliances seeming capable of even diminishing its pro- gress, or mitigating its violence. Not the least stricken of its awful paths was the St. Lawrence valley, along which the graves of its victims could be counted by the thousand. " Grave " is, in fact, too sacred a name to assign to the horriole pits at Grosse Isle, twenty-five miles below Quebec, and elsewhere, in which the remains of those victims were cast in haste and dismay. Most villages, towns and cities in this province, not to speak of the regions farther west, were smitten by the pestilence and paralyzed by its attendant terrors ; and gloom, grief and anguish pervaded nearly every home. The whole land lay in mourning ; grim despair resting like a chilling pall over the stoutest hearts. In Quebec, especially, the mortality was something frightful, nearly 3,500 people succumbing during that epi- 204 OLD AND NEW CANADA. demic. Of the multitudes stricken, but a small percentage survived, and of these only the very shadows were left to startle their neighbors and call forth by their wasted torms and pallid faces, the deepest sympathy of the fortunate ones who had escaped. The daily sights witnessed were of the most harrowing kind. At all hours of the day hearses and open carts, often containing five and six coffins, piled one upon the other, could be seen slowly driving through the streets towards " The Cholera Bury- ing Ground," in St. Louis street, wilh occasionally one or two mourners following, but oftener none. One of the municipal regulations enforced, forbade the people keeping their dead over night — all who died previous to seven o'clock in the evening had to be given sepulture that day.* Many sought safety in flight, but often only to die else- where, having lurking within them the germs of the disease ; and in this way the infection was spread from place to place. What to do to arrest, or, at least, to some extent diminish its violence, was the all absorbing problem of the day? In the presence of such havoc among the people and such widespread suffering and distress, no one could be indifferent, none feel secure. All sighed for that remedy and protection which medical science was utterly unable to supply. Able, zealous and humane physicians did their utmost, unquestionably, to stay the progress of the fell destroyer — to rescue the people from what the Psalmist so pathetically describes, as "the pesti- lence that walketh in darkness, and the destruction that wasteth at noon day" — but sanitary laws were not sufficiently understood, and the professional experience of * Charles Gu^rin, by P. J. O. Chauveau, p. 393. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 205 physicians was sadly inadequate to the difficult task. The cholera, consequently, had an unobstructed field, of which it made remorseless use.* Mr. Perrault and his son, Dr. Charles Norbert Perrault, did all they could think of to meet this trying emergency. In systematic and energetic advice with regard to proper diet, cleanliness and temperance more especially — in the recommendation of the best known remedies — they strove to avert all the evil possible and circumscribe, to the greatest practicable extent, the spread of the disease. But good counsel and an active interest in all preventive measures did not exhaust their efforts ; they could risk their lives too — one in supplying the wants of the afflicted and consoling the bereaved; and the other in tending the sick night and day, from the beginning of the epidemic until the i6th of June, when he fell a victim to his devotion to humanity. The acts of both father and son were not soon forgotten, many of the comforted and assisted retaining for theirt ever afterwards, the warmest place in their hearts. As in the work of education, Mr. Perrault thought it his obvious duty to do everything within his power to better the condition of the victims ; but his gratification at the relief, or prevention of suffering was, naturally, deeper than any similar feeling connected with the bestowal of less needed favors, however congenial to his tastes and aspirations the latter might be. From this time forward he manifested a still stronger interest in sanitary reforms, intently followmg their progress in England, and urging * Quebec was subsequently visited by choiera in 1834, 1S49, 1851, 1S53, 1S54; but with a reduced mortality on each occasion from the first.— The author. 206 OLD AND NEW CANADA. the adoption by the local magnates, of a proper system of scavenging, the supply of pure water, better drainage and wider streets — improvements which now-a-days are gener- ally recognised as undeniable maxims of sanitary science- These subjects became themes of discussion with him, by voice and pen, with the pleasing result of witnessing a gradual awakening to their importance, a sense of which has since been seen to be absolutely indispensable to the preservation of health. Yet it wa. not till 1854 that the present system of water-works and sewerage was intro- duced into Quebec. In nothing is the astonishing progress of our days more marked, than in the precautions against infection and the mode of treating cholera. Much might be said with reference to the old time neglect of all proper sani- tary provisions against its importation and dissemination, and also as to the prevalence of that ignorant, superstitious feeling which ^ ought excuse for such neglect and for the failure of the unintelligent, inadequate curative means employed, in a species of absurd fatalism — in attributing those diseases and their mortal results mainly to the will of that Providence, which governs all things. In no spiri*;. of professional controversy or boasting it may be fairly said, in regard to this important subject, that allo- pathic physicians, for the most part, have almost universally abandoned the systems of treatment followed over 40 years ago. At that time and during subsequent epidemics, patients were often drugged to death, as Sir Boyle Roche would have said, " in order to prolong their lives." But a larger experience, better knowledge of the pathogenetic and therapeutic effects of medicines, including a clearer apprehension of the nature of the vital forces, a more OLU AND NEW CANADA. 207 thorough acquaintance with sanitary laws, and wiser views as to diet, have led to a sensible diminution of the mor- tality from cholera. Truth also compels the statement that the treatment which has proved most successful, by the testimony of impartial judges, is the homceopathic, which has of late years rapidly gained ground in popular favor. Dr. Mac- loughlan, an allopath of wide experience in the treatment of cholera, and inspector of the general Board of Health, in England, made a report to the House of Commons in 1854, giving the percentage of deaths under the two sys- tems respectively. From this return it appears that the death-rate under allopathic treatment was 59.2 per cent., while under the homceopathic, but 16.4. In presenting their report to the House the Medical Council of Health omitted this statement of facts, which, upon motion of Lord Ebury, however, had to be furnished, after which it was published in a parliamentary paper dated 21st May, 1855. Such figures speak for themselves, being eloquent of the superior benefits of the new system to humanity. In relation to the prevention of this terrible disease, there has been a vast improvement since 1832. Greater knowledge of the conditions of health and physical im- provement, has been acquired with the enlarged experience of the profession, enabling it to wonderfully restrict the ravages of this much-dreaded enemy of mankind. To a Quebec physician. Dr. Wm. Marsden, a gentleman who has witnessed six visitations of cholera, we are indebted for a scientific system of quarantine, based on the theory of infection, which, wherever appHed, has had for result the total extinction of the disease. The system rests upon the principle of complete isolation and thorough 208 OLD AND NEW CANADA. disinfection of all clothing. The learned doctor has written much on this important subject, including an able ** Essay on the Asiatic C olera, in its relations to Quaran- tine ', its infection, contagion, portability and communica- bility, with a brief history of its origin, course and progress in Canada from 1832 ; " and an " Original plan of Quaran- tine for Asiatic Cholera," which has won the approval of most of the medical journals and associations of America, and been accepted by the United States government, the Sanitary and Quarantine authorities of New York and Boston, and is in successful operation at the port of New York.* Mr. Perrault would frequently remark that it is in such ways, through the mysterious agencies of Providence, that the fruit of good devices, with increased knowledge, is extracted from appalling evils, which, in ancient times, but scourged and stupefied mankind. * With regard to Dr. Marsden , it is but just to say.that he has devoted a large amount of thought and study to this very important subject for many years, giving, with a disinterestedness for which he is well known, in this city and province, his views to the public and the Canadian Government through newspapers, essays and reports ; and the profession have frequently testified to their scientific character and utility. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 209 CHAPTER XXX. The Troubles of 1837 — Constitutional Reforms. Although he did not prominently identify himself with British schemes or interests, Mr. Perrault accepted British rule and lauded its benefits. It cannot be doubted that, when the more aggravating questions of national rights sprang up, he felt deeply concerned. No one, however, in the community ever suspected his sincerity or patriotism; for all knew that he was actuated by the most conscientious motives, and that his horizon of duty was not bounded by any petty feeling of race or religion. He loved Canada for its own sake, and particularly for the sake of its various elements. As has elsewhere been noticed, he loyally accepted the decision of the fortime of war, and laudably exerted himself to induce others to do the same. He endeavored to reconcile his countrymen to British rule, to giving it a fair and generous trial ; and to efforts such as his must be attributed the success of Britain in converting such a population into loyal subjects. The well-known sympathies of the King who so cordially respected the attachment of the French-Canadians, and, at a time when liberality was not the order of the day, also materially aided this feeling. He cheerfully granted them rights from which his subjects in Ireland were de- barred. No royal regard was ever better invested. In the course of the growth and development of the colony, difficulties arose between the British and French-Cana- 14 210 OLD AND NEW CANADA. dian elements. Ideas of toleration and justice were not so prevalent as they are to-day, and men enjoying temporary advantages, through hap-hazard circumstances, were often too much inclined to make capital out of their position, regardless of the irritation or effects upon the feelings of their fellow-subjects of a different race and creed. Shortly afterwards a distinct class sprang into existence, called the British office-holding clique, whose loyalty and interests supported "aore the supposed policy of Great Britain than that of the country in which they resided. The old " Family Compact," in Upper Canada, and the British official class, in Lower Canada, will not soon be forgotten, and although they included many men of ability and fair cultivation, their influence was baneful to the progress of the country, in discouraging settlement and liberal enterprise, and in the perpetuation of a sys- tem suited only to the old times of George I. and Louis XIV. Mr. Peirault, convinced of the necessity of reform, moderately but honestly advocated such measures as would secure it, but in his character no revolutionary element existed. A friend of church and state, and encouraging the cause of reform, he sought in every way to moderate the passion of extremists by reminding them that the disposition of the British Government was not hostile, and that but the want of knowledge of our actual political condition, and characteristic apathy, pre- vented it from granting Canadian reformers those perfect rights to which, a little later, they considered us fully entitled. He would state that within the resources of the Brit- ish constitution, there were sufficient means for the re- OLD AND NEW CANADA. 211 moval of the greatest grievances ; that to remedy such it was not necessary to overthrow a monarchy, and that the foundations of the state should not be tampered with but for the gravest reasons. By such arguments he influ- enced men of weight, who knew that his official position did not affect his private judgment ; that if the authorities wished him to adopt an inconsistent, or unpatriotic course, he would rather resign his office than consent ; his chief object being the advancement of the best inter- ests of his fellow-countrymen. Mr. Perrault was one of those who saw that loyalty to England and the upholding of Canadian connection could be preserved only by reasonable concessions on the part of the Mother Country ; and although he did not adopt the role of a blatant agitator in ofliicial and other circles, he quietly exerted his influence to assist in the removal of grievances and the creation of better relations for the future. The influence of such a man at so important a crisis of our history cannot be overrated : a French-Canadian Catholic, well-known for his independence of character and respect for the different elements of the population, and his motives beyond che breath of suspicion, his coun- sels would naturally possess great weight in the highest as well as the lowest quarters. There were many others in the city who sympathized with Mr. Perrault's views, and were fully alive to the advantages of British institu- tions, and who consequently desired the continuance of the connection. They remembered the conditions under which Canada had been ceded to Great Britain, and properly demanded their full rights under the British con- stitution. There can be no doubt that this vigorous 212 OLD AND NEW CANADA. agitation gave an impetus to the reform movement in Great Britain, which was destined so soon to triumph over mediaeval obstacles and class exclusiveness. While the community in Lower Canada was in the throes of the revolutionary excitement of 1837 ; while one class insisted on annexation to the United States, and while another loyally clung to the Mother Country, Mr. Perrault's course was unswervingly true to the principles enunciated above. Condemning the excited passions of the crowd, and looking beyond the events of the passing time he pictured in his mind, a Canada which should em- brace all the British possessions on the continent and develop into a mighty nation, free and practically inde- pendent, of which every English subject would be proud. Although it is not the object of this work to give a history of any of the great national, revolutionary, or poli- tical events connected with this period of Mr. Perrault's life, one reason being that he was a citizen of calm temper, moderate desires and conservative Instincts, who abstained from connecting himself with any violent agitation, yet the author will give some details of the troubles of 1837, 80 that the reader, not familiar with all the facts relating thereto, may form a correct estimate of them. The fol- lowing clever resume is from the pen of a contemporary writer of considerable fame, Mr. John Charles Dent : " In both Provinces the representative branch of the Legislature began to be frequently at issue with the exe- cutive. The Canadian constitution was confessedly modelled upon that of Great Britain, but in Canada the executive declined to act as its prototype in England would have done upon finding itself out of harmony with the popular branch of the Legislature. Here, the place- OLD AND NEW CANADA. 213 men who made up the executive refused to surrender their power, patronage and emohiments at the bidding of the ^xssembly, and declined to admit the analogy between their position and that of the executive at home. When the principle of executive responsibility was propounded, they scouted and denounced it as a democratic sophism unworthy of serious consideration. This was the begin- ning of the discussion, energetically waged and long maintained, on the vexed question of Responsible Gov- ernment. Long impunity, and the countenance of suc- cessive Governors, made the executive very bold, and in process of time the want of unison between the latter and the Assembly came to be regarded by those in authority as a very insignificant matter. This involved constant hostility and irritation between the Assembly and the Government. The popular leaders in the Assembly of the Lower Province were driven further in the direction of opposition and radicalism than they would otherwise have felt disposed to travel. By their influence the As- sembly was induced to pass various measures to curtail the prerogative. It was evident that to such a strife as this an end must come sooner or later, and what that end would be was not doubtful. The foundations of the con- stitution must give way. The Government then appears to have conceived the idea of interposing the Legislative Council between itself and the Assembly, and in pursu- ance of this policy appointed to that Council persons who were bitterly hostile to the leaders in the popular body. The "iult was frequent and violent collision between these two branches of the Legislature. The opposition became almost inconceivably factious, and in some instances measures were passed by the Assembly for no 214 OLD AND NEW CANADA. Other purpose than to induce their rejection by the Coun- cil. In 1828 the discontent of the people was expressed in a petition of grievances addressed to the King, to which petition 87,000 names were appended. Many crying evils were pointed out, and a clause was inserted praying that the Legislative Council might be made elective . . . but the system of appointing Legislative Councillors remained unchanged, and it was not long ere the popular discontent was greater than ever At last the Assembly of Lower Canada resorted to the extreme m.easure of stop- ping the supplies. The example was followed in 1836 by the Assembly of the Upper Province. In each case the Government got over the dilemnia by appropriating such public funds as were at the Crown's disposal. Then came the rebellion. " It was evident to the Imperial authorities that some change in the Canadian constitution was imperatively required. Their weak but well-meant efforts to govern the colony in accordance with the popular will had thus far proved ineffectual. The condition of affairs was much more serious in the Lower than in the Upper Province. In the latter the great mass of the people were loyal sub- jects, and though many of them had been goaded into rebellion by the domination of the Family Compact and the more unwise administration of abitrary Lieutenant- Governors, there had been no widespread desire to throw off the British yoke. The local militia and volunteers had been found fully equal to the task of putting down the attempted insurrection. Very different was the case in Lower Canada, where a large majority of the people had long been disaffected and ripe for revolt. Regular troops were called into requisition. Several conflicts took place OLD AND NEW CANADA. 215 which might almost be dignified by the name of pitched battles, and there was considerable effusion of blood The Imperial authorities found it necessary, in the month of February, 1838, to suspend the constitution of Lower Canada The plan finally determined upon by the Home Government was to send out a high functionary to Canada, armed with extraordinary powers, to report upon the condition and requirements of the country, civil and political The statesman fixed upon to under- take this important mission was Lord Durham." "^ As has already been said, while not approving of resort to arms, or falling into the mistakes, or excesses of either of the contending parties, Mr. Perrault sym- pathized, though not ostentatiously, with the efforts made to obtain needed reforms. Men like M. M. Quesnel, Cuvillier and John Neilson (friends of Mr. Perrault) pursued a similar course and discountenanced rebel- lion. He viewed the struggle, its character and objects, which he deemed worthy of advocacy, much in the spirit of an author, who has, in a marked degree, dis- played most of the requisites of the historian and whose work, to this day, remains the best extant on the history of Canada : " For some time past, Mr. Neilson, noting the railway speed {entrahiemeni)., with which a majority of the representatives were pursuing their opposition career seceded from M. Papineau's party. Several in- fluential French-Canadians, such as M. M. Quesnel and Cuvillier, along with some others, had before done tlie like. These enlightened men, whose experience and judgment gave them great weight, acknowledged the jus- tice of the demands by the majority ; but they feared to * The last forty years since the Union of 1841, p. ai. 216 OLD AND NEW CANADA. lose, in a struggle for rights not yet conceded, those that had already been latterly obtained. Lord Goderich had made concessions and initiated reforms which were not to be despised ; considering, too, that he had so acted in presence of the rooted prejudices of the British people against everything French or Catholic in its nature. In proportion as progress was made in putting those preju- dices to shame, our oppositionists rose in their demands for further reforms. M. Bedard, senior, Mr. Neilson and M. Papineau, were three of the most eminent statesmen (constitutional) Canada had yet known ; and the political separation of the two latter was a real misfortune for the country Both had been intimate, almost from childhood upwards ; and both had hitherto fought, side by side, for the common cause. M. M. Cuvillier and Quesnel, again, were liberals, but of a moderate stamp ; both lovers of their country, and enjoying a reputation among their fellows which reflected honor on all parties, M. Papineau, in parting company with so many of his wisest compatriots, and running headlong into a contest with the authorities of the British empire, took upon him- self a perilous responsibility." * The feelings animating Mr. Perrault served to moderate^ within a certain circle, revolutionary ideas ; for, while he concurred with his friends in urging every reasonable reform, he warned them against the excesses of republic- anism and an agitation, which, though promising tempor- ary benefits, involved dangerous consequences in the future. *" VHistoire du Canada^ of F. X. Garneau, translated by Andrew Bell, vol. iii. p. 330. The original work has long been out of print; but his son — M. Alfred Garneau — is presently engaged preparing another edition, which will be entirely re-written and with copious additions. M. Garneau brings to his task unusual abilities, and none is better fitted to revise so important and useful a publication. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 2 IT No one in Canada more highly enjoyed the patriotic efforts of M. Louis-Joseph Papineau than Mr. Perrault, and none was more disposed to further his worthy objects and appreciate his oratorical successes ; and no mere difference of opinion could for a moment restrain him from awarding the highest meed of praise to that patriot. But he plainly saw that M. Papineau was fast drifting towards republicanism,* and that, he felt it his duty to oppose with all the influence at his command. The author of a recent, well-written and impartial work, entitled, Les Evenements de 1837-38 par L. N. Carrier^. says, in criticizing the leading personages of that period :. " This agitation was but the result of a projected inde- pendence for Canada, and consequently its formation into a republic, a cherished scheme of M. Papineau's, as confirmed by subsequent events, ind by a letter of his, found among the papers of Mr. Nelson." But the great refonn movement of 1837 ^^^^ destined to succeed. The eloquent and heart-stirring appeals of Papineau, Lafontaine, Nelson and Morin moved a por- tion of the French-Canadian population to its utmost depths, and in Upper Canada these inspiring speeches found a sympathetic echo in the halls and conventions of that pioneer province. These men, after the sharp struggle of 1837, which resulted in the realization of what the patriots had demanded, untrammelled self-govern- ment, walked steadily in the path of reform in order to secure for their fellow-countrymen all the blessings of responsible government. The cabinet formed by MM. Baldwin and Lafontaine marked an era in our history, its * L ^Histoire du Canada depuis sa decouverte j'usgu'd nos Jours, ande edition, par F. X. Gameau, vol. iv., p. 235. 218 OLD AND NEW CANADA. labors being devoted to securing the fullest advantages possible from a free constitution. Prominent and venerable citizens like the subject of this sketch did good work for the country, in the way of conciliation and judicious advice with the different gover- nors sent out from England ; and it was this knowledge which confirmed such men, in their determination to avoid strife, and resort to moral influences to shorten its dura- tion, while quietly promoting deserving projects of reform. Mr. Perrault thought long and anxiously upon the mo- mentous issues between the Papineau party and the Imperial Government ; but he could not sympathize with the extreme pretensions of either. He held that much harm can be done, as well as much good, by energetic agitation, and that theorists and political agitators often excite more popular discontent and alarm than the actual grievances warrant, while frequently, by their exaggeration and extreme courses, retarding rather than advancing a good cause. Besides, he knew too well both human nature and the circumstances of his countrymen to imagine that all the evils were to be cured by any form of consti- tution, or any species of legislation, how perfect soever. But he ever set th'e highest value upon the great healing and elevating forces of moral influences, which have done so much for our race in every age and clime ; and the success which they had achieved, under even moderately favorable conditions, inclined him to urge their employ- ment to the extent of all the available resources and energies of the truest friends of mankind. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 219 CHAPTER XXXI. Lakes Beauport and Berryman. — Their Enchanting Scenery. As early as 1830, the sportsman explored the neighbor- ing lakes with a view of enjoying the fishing and shooting thereat, which were abundant in those days. Mr. Perrault was not fond of such pastimes, but he would occasionally visit the different localities to note the changes produced by trade and settlement, and appreciate thj attractions of the scenery. Lakes Beauport and Blue (another name for Berryman) distant twelve and fifteen miles, respec- tively, from the city, northward, were favorite places of resort for members of his family. These localities have changed but little within the past generation, so that a description of them, with the enjoyments *hey afford, written some years ago by the biographer, after a visit thereto in company with friends, will give a fair idea of those lakes as known to the older inhabitants and visitors of Quebec : "At the request of those with whom I lately had the pleasure of making a short tour into one of my favor- ite localities, I venture to attempt a slight description of our journey and its incidents. The task is not an easy one, particularly to an amateur scene-painter, and its difficulty in my case is increased by the desire to do jus- tice and realize, however faintly, the expectation of my companions on that occasion. 220 OLD AND NEW CANADA. "The shady and thorny path of life is occasionally enlivened by social events, which leave a deep impression upon the memory. It is, after all, the society of friends that gives a flavor to our experiences of the world, and which charms and beautifies the ordinary course of life, reconciling us to tasks and toils that might otherwise prove highly distasteful and even oppressive. The happy little reunion of a few days ago came like a ray of sunshine to the minds and spirits of us all, and I believe will leave traces that even the disappointments and sacri- fices of life will fail to efface. A somewhat threatening sky at the outset made us apprehensive of bad weather, but as we wended our way by the picturesque Charles- bourg and St. Pierre roads, the clouds disappeared and a clear, serene sky smiled upon us, giving promise of unusual pleasure. We had diverged from the main highway and entered a country lane ; at every step, the road now grows more inviting ; on the left, the eye is delighted by a smiling valley with commanding background of moun- tains, and a variety of upland and lowland feature ; on the right the senses are treated to the fragrance of the green woods, which add to the softness and varied charms of the picture, while its grander hills and mountains, with their lofty summits and sombre or brighter hues make up a panorama of natural beauty, which would arouse the enthusiasm of any. At one point of our course, we are almost embowered in woods, with alluring, umbrageous spots, exhibiting both the solitary pine and ^he graceful elm. " We pay a hurried visit to the attractive Lake Beau- port, glorying in every feature of exquisite scenery, and the fascination but grows and strengthens with I'T^e and OLD AND NEW CANADA. 221 repeated visits. Its deep, clear, placid waters, environed by wooded mountains, whose bases are bright and odorous with tasteful gardens, and smiling wheat-fields and meadows, all present to the enraptured senses a thousand charms. At every turn some fresh allurement appears, rich, grassy margins, sunny slopes, crowned by picturesque cottages and flowery hillocks, challenging the beholder's admiration and wreathing around his feelings a magic spell. At every season this lovely lake presents a beauty all its own ; its cool depths supplying to the patient angler speckled trout of finest flavor. In autumn, when the leaves have donned their gorgeous livery of many colored hues, the sight is still more enchanting. " We resume our journey and become lost in a perfect maze of hills, whose emerald sides and crests are bathed in brilliant sunshine, and whose grand proportions elicit from the spectator intense admiration. The most unsenti- mental critic must, in such a neighborhood, confess nature's generosity in picturesque effects ; the mountains monopolize attention and seem to vie with each other in eflbrts to scale heaven, and excite the rapture of the ^azer. Every phase of natural beauty has here a repre- sentative ; every position is nobly occupied with nature's masterpieces. At no point is there anything tame or uninteresting ; and no pencil could do justice to the chang- ing and yet brilliant colors of this rare spectacle. The tints of the brightest landscapes are here conspicuous ; every passing cloud, every outbreak of sunshine adds to the beautiful effects ; lights and shadows inter- mingle, or create contrasts of color and brightness, which astonish and enchant. Even the prosaic jehu, whose soul is not above whips and bridles, had his 222 OLD AND NEW CANADA. phlegmatic spirit aroused by the scene, for he gave vent to language which, though below the character of the occasion, proved he understood that there was something unusually stirring, which he criticised by the remark that " the country was not beautiful, but wild." However, even such a verdict formed a contrast to the other incidents of the trip. The journey still increases in interest as we advance ; there is no end to the surprises with which we are greeted in a region so highly favored. Before one has had the opportunity of fully appreciating the attractions of one view, another bursts upon him. Hills and valleys, shady ravines and lofty uplands follow in a perfect profusion of rare and imposing effects. We next approach the turn in the road leading to the path which opens to view the charming lake; the terminus of our journey. Again have we matter for ardent admira- tion ; the tranquil lake has for its setting a grand circle of mountains, near and distant, of evtry form, shade and color. Its lovely marge is gracefully wreathed with verdure and foliage, which offset its pure and calm waters. We now indulge in an excursion on the twin lakes Berryman and Bonnet, where the quieter charms of the scene impress themselves upon our attention, which is every moment appealed to by some fresh or startling beauty. We seem to be completely isolated from the great practical busy world, whose jars and conflicts heighten the contrast of the peacefulness and retirement of the scene. We move upon the clear and sparkling waters, mere specks of hu- manity with nature's grandeur and excellence in every form around us ; the attractions of the spot being enhanced by the wonderful echoes created for the enjoyment of their spell. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 223 " It would be unfair to conclude this sketch without some tribute of praise to the sheltered and beautiful bay in the vicinity of the house, which, in its graceful proportions, its picturesque surroundings, the pellucidness of its waters, forms a type of loveliness seldom excelled. It mirrored every passing cloud on its quiet breast, while the sunlight sparkled and sported with its glassy sur- face. The eye here enjoys a great treat ; but no poet's pen, nor painter's brush could do j stice to scenes so entrancing, nor could one hope to reflect even f^ itly its attractio IS. One might imagine that the ambition of this little bay was to sketch the proportions and reflect the beauties of its verdant banks, rejoicing in graceful shrub, and not merely to reveal, but vary and heighten their loveliness. '' Nor can I now quit this alluring theme without an allusion to the little natural-wooded, rocky bridge be- tween the two lakes, which links them by a miniature yet picturesque causeway suggestive of feelings of unity and friendship, particularly grateful to myself. There I have spent many happy hours in years gone by with friends no longer present, and to this inspiring spot memory fondly returns. I have indulged in quiet siestas amid its rich vegetation, and enjoyed the soothing effects of the stillness reigning there, and the perfumed airs wafted towards me from mountain and glen. The sensations I then experienced are ineffaceably stamped upon my mem- ory. But my mind is too deeply moved for any lengthened description ; our last pleasant trip thereto forms an additional bond of sympathy and affection, for the place itself and the friends of the present and the past. " All things, however, must come to an end, this day 224 OLD AND NEW CANADA. included ; and who of us could fail to recur to this social treat, the place and the time heightening the natural enjoyment so generously afforded us ? The happiest art of description could convey but the slenderest idea of all that we saw, thought and felt, during this delightful expedition. All seemed equally impressed and charmed. The feelings of sympathy and mutual regard animating us, and the enlivening conversation by the way also con- tributed to our pleasure. I could long dwell upon this gratifying theme, but I must have some regard for your patience." Mr. Perrault being a lover of nature lost no opportunity of calling the attention of tourists to the attractions of the Quebec neighborhood, and many a friend from a distance would be conducted, or induced to visit some of our most enticing localities. He naturally desired that others should enjoy the charms which he felt so powerfully him- self, and also considered that material benefits might be the result of a better acquaintance with this city and vicinity. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 225 CHAPTER XXXII. The Union of the Provinces. — Its Results. — Confede- ration; Sir George Cartier: Sir Etienne Tache. The position of Mr. Perrault towards the scheme of Provincial Union is a subject deserving of a few remarks, not only on account of the interest felt by many at the time in his opinions, but of the lesson his moderation and loyalty conveyed. A gentleman of the old school, bom and bred in a truly conservative atmosphere, he was naturally averse to changes, merely for the sake of variety or experiment. His mind, by its constitution and education, was always accessible to reason, and when circumstances justified any departure from old methods and policies, he could sensibly favor such a course, regard- less of the accusation of inconsistency. He had witnessed, even before middle life, great constitutional, political and material changes in his country and the Western pro- vince, some of which were not in all respects to his taste, but over which no private citizen, however able and influential, could have exercised any control ; and he was prepared for further modifications of existing condi- tions in the general progress of society. The great Republic to the south and the Western Canadian pro- vince were every year rapidly increasing in population ; the English language and its related civilization fast spreading towards the Mississippi on the southwest, and the remoter great lakes on the north-westj and the pros- pects of still more wonderful results in this direction steadily increasing. 15 226 OLD AND NEW CANADA. He readily perceived that, as the United States rapidly expanded and developed their illimitable resources, the greater need was there for Canadian growth and ex- pansion under the monarchical system, from which the population of both nations sprung ; and, although there might be local grievances to redress and provincial con- troversies to settle, he felt that these were petty obstacles — indeed, mere pebbles in his country's path — which good sense, friendly feeling between the different sections of its population, mutual loyalty to the cr>untry's institu- tions, and a common sovereign would, at no distant day, sweep out of sight. Thus, although at first, pending disputes between Upper and Lower Canada, respecting the division of the customs' duties and other matters, and the difficulties between the French and British elements in the Eastern province, previous to the Union, Mr. Perrault, like many of his countrymen of the same origin, disliked that proposal, for the reason that it would complicate the constitutional machinery under which the country would be governed, he, at length, after weighing the arguments on both sides and carefully consideriug the probable dangers of disunion, including provincial jealousies and quarrels, with local troubles and agitation, arrived at the conclusion that the scheme was likely to remedy existing evils and benefit both provinces.* He thenceforth suffered no feeling of local, or national prejudice to influence his mind against a policy promis- * •' The legislative union of the two Canadas was in itself a makeshift, and was only adopted as such. Lord Durham would have had it otherwise if he might; but he did not see his way then to anything like the complete federation scheme afterwards adopted. But the success of the policy lay in the broad principles it established , and to which other colonial system as well as that of the Dominion of Canada owe their strength and security to-day."— ui History of Our Oxvn Times, by Justin McCarthy. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 227 ing substantial advantages to his countrymen of both races, but supported the cause of Union with char- acteristic sincerity.* It may be as well here to add, for the information of some who may have formed incorrect opinions in relation to the exciting events of the Union era, exaggerated by partial, or ignorant writers, that, after the reasonable demands of the French-Canadian reformers, including the right of responsible govern- ment and the control of the public pwrse by the popular Chamber, had been granted, the majority of this race be- came fully satisfied, only a small minority favoring the idea of an Independent Republic. The Roman Catholic clergy also opposed this latter disloyal project, as they did all c.her previous movements of a similar nature, and little was heard of it after the Union. Mr. Perrault lived four years after this, long enough to see the wisdom of the policy recommended by Lord Dur- ham, as testified by the close and friendly connection of the two Canadas, and the early material development of their valuable resources. He witnessed the good results of the change in the rapid increase of the population by natural growth and immigration, the extensive clearing of the forests, the construction of public works and the material expansion of trade and commerce. But even had this marked progress of the country proved slighter and less gratifying, the allayment of sectional strife and the establishment of good feeling between the sister pro- vinces, which that measure produced, would have been ample justification of it. *Sir Hypolite Lafontaine and others considered the imposition of the Act of Union a crying^ injustice to the province, but were of opinion that the position must be accepted and a fair trial given to it. The Autkpr. 228 OLD AND NEW CANADA. In one terse sentence M. L. P. Turcotte sums up the results of the Union. He writes in Le Canada sous t Union : " Notwithstanding countless, bitter political struggles, the union of the Canadas resulted in the forma- tion, in the space of fourteen years, out of two provinces dissatisfied and sparsely populated, of one, prosperous, populous, independent and satisfied." Sir. Hypolite Lafontaine's name exerted a healing in- fluence in social and national controversies, which was felt for many years after his promotion to the bench. It was men like him, who made the Union of the (^^anadas fruitful in political benefits to both provinces, who eradi- cated the old prejudices and jealousies, by which 'ts different races had been too long divided. And here it may be stated that no one in Lower Canada so closely followed in the footsteps of Sir Hypolite or oftener professed that as his chief aim, than Sir George Cartier. While professing conservatism to its fullest extent, he was ever animated by the spirit which guided the policy of that gentleman, and in our day no man more completely secured the confidence of all nationalities in his liberality and honest intentions than Sir George. An admirer of British institutions and op- posed to annexation, rather than consent to a separation between Upper and Lower Canada, he favored the scheme of confederation. Nothing was more repugnant to his mind than the thought of a severance from Eng- land ; but at the same time he felt so sensitiv e as to the rights and sentiments of his co-religionists and French- Canadian countrymen that he would not countenance any political arrangement, which might, in iche slightest degree, imperil their interests. Thus it: was that OLD AND NEW CANADA. 229 when in 1864, Canadian politics had come to a dead- lock, and parties continued to be equally divided, and no outlet from the difficulty presented itself, he accepted confederation as a dernier ressort. There can be no doubt that this was the only practicable solution of the difficulty, short of revolutionary changes, or doubtful ex- periments. Though Upper Canada had a larger population in 1864 than Lower, she had no more influence in the Legis- lature, where each province was equally represented. The Liberals of that day contended in the councils of the country that she had less, on account of the alliance of a considerable number of the British representatives with the great French majority led by Sir George, who, it was asserted, managed the public affairs regard- less of Western feelings and interests. This view was always denied by the conservative party of both provinces, which professed to do them equal justice, and did not fail to remind the advocates of a larger representation for Upper Canada, that at the time of the Union it had as many representatives as Lower Canada, though contain- ing a considerably smaller population. The propriety of the demand of Upper Canada for an influence in the Legislature, commensurate with her contribution to the public exchequer and larger population, was tacitly ad- mitted by the party led by Sir George and Sir Etienne Tache, in their approval of the present Federal constitu- tion, which at once gave Upper Canada a numerical superiority in the House of Commons of seventeen mem- bers. It may be said, in concluding this part of the sub- ject, that the scheme of confederation has worked favor 230 OLD AND NEW CANADA. ably to the peace, harmony and prosperity of the pro- vinces, and that the Dominion already occupies a high rank among the nation^^ of the world. A Lower Canadian, whose name will ever be mentioned with honor for his ability and patriotic services to the public, is that of Sir Etienne Tache. No one in public life more thoroughly understood the value of such labors as those rendered by Sir Etienne than Sir George ; and he greatly strength- ened himself in Upper Canada by associating himself with this honorable and respected knight. There, not a voice was raised against the character or intentions of Sir Etienne, whose popularity, if possible, was increased by his well-known remark, " That the last gun that would be fired for British supremacy in America would be fired by a French-Canadian." It is certainly true that such a favorable impression prevailed in Upper Canada with regard to his liberality and national feeling that, throughout the province, he would have been treated with great respect. To the influence and character of such men as Sir Etienne is largely due the better feeling which now exists among our Canadian population. He considered it his mission to smooth down race and creed prejudices, to remove all causes of contention and to incite the different elements of the population to a species of honorable rivalry in promoting the general welfare. It is a satisfaction to notice that, under such influences as Mr. Perrault favored, was educated the generation which produced such men as Papineau, Lafontaine, Morin, Tache, Baldwin, Mackenzie and Blake, of both provinces. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 231 CHAPTER XXX-III. Mlle. Reine Perrault — Hox. Louis Paxet's Residence — CoucY LE Castel — Fetes Champetres — Genuine Hospitality — Characteristic Scene. No visitor of L'Asyle Champetre but cherished a high regard for Mile. Reine Perrault, whose character may be judged from the fact that she was known to every intimate friend of the family as la cousine. She entered with enthusi- asm into her cousin's benevolent schemes and nothing gave her more pleasure than the education and moral improve- ment of the youth of both sexes who attended his schools. Naturally averse to public display, or self-assertion, she labored in private for their advancement, and their suc- cess in life gave her great satisfaction. It is pleasant to record that Frangois-Xavier Garneau, when sending her a copy of his first volume of his Histoire du Canada, in a letter dated the 15th November, 1845, acknowledged with candor and gratitude the value of the schools of his benefactor, Mr. Perrault, and his indebtedness to herself for some of the earliest lessons he had received from them ; adding that he had endeavored to improve the good work then begun, and profit by those advantages. Mile. Perrault took great interest in horticulture, and strove to impart to her pupils the value of the latest additions to this art; her greatest pleasure was the knowledge that they benefitted by her instructions. Among the minor incidents of life at LAsyle^ and which are related with the view of the entertainment of 232 OLD AND NEW CANADA. some readers, and the conveyance of a fuller idea of some of the occasional occurrences of Mr. Perrault's house- hold than could otherwise be communicated, it may be here stated that this lady, besides the care of the gardens, her particular part of it being the floral parterres in front of the house, superintended the care of the pets and domestic animals. She was especially fond of two peacocks, upon whose backs two ducks would per- sistently perch, to the great annoyance of one, who was ever influenced by a sense of the proprieties. She would rush at the offending birds with uplifted broom-sticky vowing punishment for their rudeness. On one occasion, at Easter-tide, the same incident occurred, when she lost her patience, which she regarded as a sin, fearing that " these wretched animals would yet prevent her doing her Easter duties." It was very seldom indeed that one of her equable temperament was betrayed into anger, but in her case, also, human weakness was destined to an- other illustration. In fine weather it was her custom to work in the garden, or promenade in the neighborhood, followed by her pets, three or four dogs and as many cats. She has been pictured by one who knew her well in her ad- vanced years, as with hair white as snow, regular features and pleasing countenance, whose expression of benevo- lence impressed all who approached her. The other inmates of Mr. Perrault's household gratified their tastes, which were sufficiently varied, in a way not only to enjoy themselves, but to please their numerous friends, whose frequent visits kept the Asyle in a state of continual pleasurable excitement. He himself delighted in refined society, in dispensing hospitality and in giving entertainments, which were equally pleasant to the house^ OLD AND NEW CANADA. 233 hold and the guests. These reunions generally began before noon and concluded at nine o'clock in the evening. To visitors and friends, the chief characteristic of the members of his family was the virtue of genuine hospital- ity, a virtue displayed with a refinement truly agree- able to the frequenters of the house. Many stories on this subject can be told by old residents of Quebec, who appear to take greater pleasure as time advances in indulging in such memories. One of the old favorite resorts of Mr. Perrault's family was the hospitable mansion of the Hon. M. Louis Panet, Coucy le Castel, on the southern bank of the Little River.* This was one of the loveliest spots in the vicinity of Quebec, the resources of art happily contributing to off- set and enhance its charming natural advantages. These picturesque grounds, which had been early planted and laid out with exquisite taste, were divided by neat hedges of fir, hawthorn and spruce kept in admirable condition, and rejoiced in a wealth of noble pines and oaks, under whose grateful shade were rustic benches — " For talking age and whispering lovers made." Variegated flower-beds sparkled in every nook and corner. A fish pond, close to the house, enabled anglers to indulge in their favorite pastime. The house, occupying a commanding position, was an old-fashioned two-storey double building, with a roomy piazza, front and side, and an aviary at one end filled with birds of many climes, and embowered in beauti- ful climbing vines. A row of poplar trees lined the avenue leading to the house. On the margin of the river stood a * The present proprietor of this charming retreat is the Hon. J. T. Tas- chereau. 234 OLD AND NEW CANADA. platfoiTTi, commanding a view down the stream as far as that attractive spot spanned by Scott's bridge, and up to the graceful bend of the river, arched by verdant foliage and bordered by pebbly beaches. One of the enjoy- ments much appreciated at that time was a trip to the Castel by water, which could be indulged in only in the spring and autumn, owing to the shallowness of the water at other seasons. The entertainments given at this rural home were of the most recherche kind, attracting the brilliant society of the capital and neighborhood, the officers of the army -and navy, and distinguished strangers. The guests on the occasion of these fetes champetres arrived at one o'clock in the afternoon, when dancing on the greensward would immediately commence. In the intervals between the dances the lively pleasure-seekers enjoyed quiet saun- ters with their partners in the delightful groves of the home, or gayly strolled upon the airy platform. In the evening a variety of pleasing games beguiled the hours, and the representation of charades and petites comedies •contributed to the general enjoyment. The host of the Castel Coucy^ in this year of 1881 eighty-s . years of age, took a leading part in all these sports and entertainments, and wore the drollest costumes at times as he entered into the spirit of the occasion with all the zest and vigor of youth. On the anniversary of this gentleman's natal day, his grounds presented a scene peculiarly fascinating. In all the glory of floral wealth and forest beauties, they were opened to the public, while the city band discoursed tWe choicest music of its ripertoire to the great delight of the numerous visitors. In his hall, refreshments were liber OLD AND NEW CANADA. 235 ally dispensed to the guests. The crowning event of such occasions, of course, was when the host appeared before his welcome visitors to thank them for the honor they did him, when immediately afterwards the band, amidst applause, would strike up the Canadian national air. A noteworthy and characteristic virtue of the old French-Canadian race was the genuine affection they dis- played towards relations and friends. There can be no doubt that in Canada the ties of relationship were treated with marked respect, manifesting a spirit of fraternity and a ■deep regard for domestic affections and duties. The subject of this memoir may truly be instanced as an illus- tration in point. Not only he, but the several mem- bers of his family showed themselves keenly alive to the obligations of such ties, their example in this respect producing a good effect upon those of less emotional dis- position, in the language of our cooler and more practi- -cal times. At this house, to which, in regard to the hospitality therein dispensed to a large circle, might well be accorded the term " open," the poorest and humblest were made as welcome as the richest and most influential, and as -cheerfully aided by counsel and other means. All under- stood that their host was a friend in every sense of the word and on all occasions. The space at the disposal of the writer does not permit his recording a tithe of the -evidence in support of this remark. The following incident, however, will not be inappropriate : A distant relative of Mr. Perrault, with his Indian wife and child, from Lake Su- perior, paid him a visit. As a matter of course, they were well received, neither the lady's pure aboriginal blood, nor her forest habits lessening in the slightest degree the respect- 236 OLD AND NEW CANADA. ful attention of their host. Though not prepossessing either in appearance, or manner, in the acceptance of civilized notions, Mr.Perrault evinced a kindly interest in her, during her stay, which he strove not unsuccessfully to make as agreeable as possible. Her habits however would at times excite the amusement, and at others the terror of ihe young people, who knew not in what light to regard her. Much to their annoyance, she would rush into the drawing-room whenever visitors were announced ; but Mr. Perrault, with characteristic politeness, would introduce " the squaw" as his cousin, the courtesy being performed with his usual chivalric regard for the sex, in a manner to avoid giving offense to the most susceptible. This ordeal often proved very trying to some of the guests, as well as to the young folks at I'Asyle, whose inclination to laugh could hardly be suppressed. The tenacity with which French-Canadians adhere to the ancient customs of their ancestors and native pro- vinces, hrtS often formed the subject of comment, not unmixed with compliment. In this new world, with its entirely different circumstances, its various distractions and dissimilar customs and interests, a conservatism, so like that of the French of the olden time, appears doubly interesting and highly suggestive of by-gone days and events. Many instances of this spirit might be cited were there any doubt on the subject, but the following will suffice for the author's present object : — This last autumn he witnessed a scene which, perhaps, could not be noticed outside of Brittany. On the way from -A ncienne Lorette, to Quebec, in the vicinity ot a rustic bridge, a noise on the left attracted his attention. The sight resembled the subjects of some of the old pictures of OLD AND NEW CANADA. 237 French or Flemish rural life. About a dozen men, women and children composed a merry group, the figures set out in mani-colored costumes, red and blue predominating ; the men wearing the national bonnets, rouge et bleu, and the women light, pretty shawls of different tints, gracefully spread over their heads and shoulders. The party were engaged in flax-dressing, with brakes. For a moment, as the writer came in sight, work was suspended, but soon resumed, the toilers keeping time and striking the flax with their brakes, to the tune of — " Lui ya longtemps qiieje faime^ yamais je ne f ouhlierai.'" This picturesque group, in connection with the surround- ings, made up a scene in every way enchanting. In the background stood a low cliff", and at its base a blazing fire, to the left a gorge spanned by a railway bridge, to the right a saw mill in full operation, and in the foreground a a pretty, running stream, with a motley autumn sky commanding and encircling the whole. In response to the refrain the author could nut help exclaiming Jamais je ne foubiierai, which in his case referred to the charming pay sage before him. 238 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER XXXIV. Advantages and Importance of Immigration to Can- ada RECOGNISED AND URGED BY Mr. PeRRAULT — Natural Wealth and Prospects of the Province. It is usual, nowadays, to form a very lofty idea of the superiority of the present era to all its predecessors, and to take credit to latter-day schemes and policies for merits infinitely transcending those of previous times. The praises of modem days and modern notions are continually sounded in our ears, their eulogists, in a spirit of self- complacency, not confining their efforts to the actual feats and conceptions of recent times — many of which, no doubt, merit all that can be said in their favor — but striving to render the weight df modern honor absolutely crushing by the appropriation of projects and theories, which have really come down to us from previous genera- tions. Thus, among the schemes fraught most truly with benefit to our country, which are supposed to be peculiarly recent and due to statesmen of our own days, must be set down the encouragement of emigration to the British North American provinces. Now, no fair-minded person, who has any acquaintance with this subject, would seek for a moment to disparage the sensible and worthy efforts that have been made by the different Canadian governments, within the last thirty- five years, to attract desirable emigrants to our growing towns and cities, and particularly to our large, fertile tracts of land in Ontario and Quebec. Men of all parties OLD AND NEW CANADA. 239' in their legislatures, as well as outside, have agreed on this policy, if on little else, and with the sanction of this consensus of intelligent opinion and foresight, liberal grants of money have been made for over a quarter of a century to promote it vigorously. With this object, too, the public lands in both Quebec and Ontario, formerly Lower and Upper Canada, have been surveyed, marked off and opened up to settlement by means of good and useful colonization roads, by desirable information and valuable encouragement to settlers, in the form of merely nominal prices for the lands sold. The results unquestionably have proved, so far, satis- factory, especially within the last few years. Immense tracts of the primeval forest have been penetrated, cleared and added to the ever-extending domain of civilization, hundreds of thousands, a very large portion of them British and other immigrants, having, in the process, been trans- formed from ill-paid, hopeless laborers and poor, rent- oppressed, small farmers into prosperous, independent and happy Canadian yeomen, owners of productive and remunerative farms. The social and materiiil advantages thus afforded immigrants and native Canadians alike, within even the last forty years, and the benefits thereby secured to these pioneers, are beyond calculation. Through such liberal and far-seeing policy, our country has been enabled to double its population and increase its wealth and productive resources fully tenfold. But while these facts, which also suggest innumerable kindred statements and equally gratifying reflections, de- serve to be brought into due prominence, in any work treating, even incidentally, of the political and industrial history of the Canadian pioneers, it is but right to record 240 OLD AND NEW CANADA. the no less certain fact that the policy of encouraging immigration and, as rapidly as possible, reclaiming the Canadian wilderness, is one which dates far beyond the present energetic and enterprising generation. In the early days of the present century the old U. E. loyalists and a few enlightened Canadians, including Mr. Perrault, gave most earnest attention to this vital subject, which was rightly considered by them quite as important as we regard it in our more peaceful and advanced age, with the older provinces well settled and developed and in the enjoyment of the brightest prospects. Two severe conflicts with the neighboring Republic had taught Canadians a sharp and trying lesson with regard to their numerical weakness and paralyzing disadvantages, in connection with the vastness and wildness of the region over which they were thinly scattered, the resources of which were but lightly touched at a few points ; anything like even modest development being wholly beyond the small, ill-connected and straggling population of that period. The old Canadian leaders and statesmen, both French and British, limited as was their knowledge of the enormous natural wealth and resources of these provinces, very soon recognized the important fact that to turn even what were known to good account, for the benefit of the actual inhabitants and the advantage of the country, to which all were attached, a large immigration was to the last extent desirable. The fathers and founders of our present Canadian state, despite differences of political opinion, and difficulties and distractions incident to their position in a new country, suffering from so many disadvantages and drawbacks, generally agreed and acted up to their belief, that a large OLD AND NEW CANADA. 2tl and rapid increase of the population was the one thing necessary to Canada, to make of it an energetic, prosper- ous and happy young nation. Of course, all were not equally ardent in this conviction, or prepared to make as great sacrifices for the object the majority professed to have at heart ; but, considering the state of the country at the time, the fewness of its inhabitants, particularly in the western province, their struggling condition and scanty means, creditable interest was manifested in this cause and comparatively great exertions were put forth. The subject of this sketch was one of the far-sighted men who desired the early settlement of the Canadian wilderness, and wished to make the most of the country's resources. The chief obstacle to such enterprises sixty or seventy years ago, was the almost universal ignor- ance abroad in regard to our country, climate, resources and innumerable advantages offered the working classes, coupled with the magnetizing influence upon the Euro- pean mind of the great dynastic wars, with their exhausting expenditure of life and treasure. An era of peace, active commercial enterprise and rapid growth of wealth and population was needed, not only to repair the losses of prolonged destructive wars, but to enable the poorer por- tions of the great old world communities to learn cf the superior prospects presented by the new world, and to devote their energies to the task of reaching it. Canadian patriots and statesmen of the olden time were, accordingly, highly gratified at witnessing the beginning of that wonderful westward movement of the European, particularly the British and Irish masses, which has already changed the face of North America, trans- forming its boundless forests and prairies into regions 16 242 OLD AND NEW CANADA. of the highest civilization, boasting of enlightened and progressive populations, now numbering over fifty millions. Even Mr. Perrault, who always showed great pride in his country's growth and development, and who anticipated for it a great future, could hardly have dreamt of progress so wonderful, within so short a period. The value he set upon the proper education of the poor mani- fests the importance of the sphere he desired them to all in life, not only as intelligent and well-behaved, but as industrious and energetic citizens of a youthful and grow- ing community, with a heritage of half a continent and a noble part in the grand drama of modem civilization. The efforts made by the different provincial governments since confederation to open up and settle the back regions of the province of Quebec are wortny of all praise. Hundreds of miles of colonization roads have been con- structed on both shores of the St. Lawrence, sums of money, vast for the resources of the province, having been voted to societies having this laudable object in view; liberal aid, monetary and otherwise, has been granted new railways intended to bring the remoter sections into easy communication with the older districts, the towns and cities ; and the scheme of repatriation of French Canadians in the Eastern Townships and elsewhere is also working favorably. Colonization societies have too been formed by wealthy English and Canadian capitalists, from whose operations most beneficial results must accrue to the province. Nothing is better calculated to advance the true inter- ests of our province and the results, so far, have been very gratifying, and there is the hope that still greater benefits may flow from such a wise and enterprising policy. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 243 Alchough the population of the province does not show any very marked increase for the last decade, a marked im- provement of the material circumstances of the people has been effected. Comforts and conveniences formerly un- known have been provided in all parts of the country ; good roads, better schools and kindred ameliorations now exist, to the great advantage of all. It is something to be able to claim that the province has made considerable advances, despite the great competition of the United States and the newer and very attractive western regions. Jt is also something to boast of that notwithstanding the severe time of depression, lasting from 1873 to 1880, and the various facilities for travel and communication with the Republic, with the gratifying success of a very large number of Canadians of all origins, in the United States, the province has made, on the whole, good progress in comparison with previous periods. It is worth remember- ing too that large districts hitherto unknown to the masses of the people have been opened up to enterprise, and that broad tracts of the wilderness have even recendy been reclaimed. * The province of Quebec can boast of over 200,000 square miles of territory, being half as large again as Ontario, nearly twice the size of Great Britain and Ireland and a little larger than France. As yet, though colonized for over 250 years, but a comparatively small portion of our extensive territory is settled. The bulk of our population is scattered along the valleys of the St. Lawrence, Saguenay, River du Loup, St. Francis, Magog, Richelieu, Chaudiere, St. Maurice, Gatineau and * Last year over three hundred thousand acres of land were surveyed and laid out in settlers' lots by the Crown Lands Department of the province. —Official Report of the Hon. E. J. Flynn. 244 OLD AND JIEW CANADA. Ottawa, the settlements mostly forming strips of no great depth. Beyond them, in many places, lie great tracts of good, uncleared land, ready, when brought into cultivation, to yield abundant crops. Much might be said of the excel- lent opportunities to the farmer and lumberman presented by the splendid Lake St. John region, — large enough to make a small European Kingdom — and the valuable lands of the Eastern Townships, which hold out the greatest attractions to industrious, respectable citizens. It is a common saying in regard to Compton, Brome and other districts, that their inhabitants need not go to Manitoba for good soil — they have a Manitoba at home. The same remark applies to the counties of Beauce and Dor- chester, adjoining the Maine frontier, to which the Quebec Central Railway is fast penetrating, being now only some fourteen miles from the naturally rich township of Met- germette Nord. Nothing is more surprising than the rapid growth of villages and settlements along the lines of the new railroads. A spirit of enterprise has been developed, even in the older sections, which promises valuable results to the province at no distant epoch. Among the newer industries which have sprung into existence, of late years, is the mining, which is being prosecuted with success at the St. Maurice, on the north shore of the St. Lawrence, in the Beauce district and in the vicinity of Sherbrooke and Capelton. In the counties of Beauce and Dorchester, especially, indications of the precious metals have attracted American and Canadian capitalists, whose large bands of skilful miners are already enlivening those localities and demonstrating mo c profitably the solid character of their mineral wealth. Elsewhere, also, the s.Tne cheering OLD AND NEW CANADA. 245 progress is manifest. Those works employ large numbers, having greatly relieved, even this past summer, the overstocked labor market of Quebec and other cities of the province. The phosphate and plumbago mines of the Ottawa region, the north shore, have afforded em- ployment and fostered business to a considerable extent within the last three years. There are several other im- portant industries flourishing in our province which need not be mentioned here, but one new resource is entitled to notice. To the practical efforts of a few far-seeing political economists are due the organization of one powerful loan company, whose operations are rapidly extending, and whose means have already begun to create a good effect in various departments of commerce and in- dustry. In this way men in business, or owning lands, are enabled to obtain money at moderate rates of interest, and to carry out undertakings which would not otherwise be practicable. Another good result of this policy has been a flow of capital from France to our shores, seeking investment, and the formation of social connections with the mother-country of the larger portion of the population, both of which will lead to pleasant material results in time to come. A young country like Canada, with a very large portion of Its natural advantages but partially developed, needs an encouraging tariff, and a largCi: volume of foreign capital to supply it with that stimulus and strength required for the building up of a prosperous nation. Mr. Perrault's views in favor of economy and the care- ful management of the provincial resources would have favored the accumulation of the capital wanted for those promising public undertakings ; but he was altogether 246 OLD AND NEW CANADA. opposed to a system of economy which, by neglecting productive schemes, would have in the long run proved foolish and benumbing, every way obstructive to the country's prosperity. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 247 CHAPTER XXXV. Little River Road — Route Misere — Lorette Falls — Chateau d'Eau. Of a summer's afternoon cowards 1830, and subse- quently, Mr. Perrault would occasionally driv^e to liis model farm, on the south shore of the beautiful Little River, the Cabire-Coubat of old, on the road to Lorette ; his inspection terminated, he would generally visit the neighborhood to feast his eyes on the charms of its scenery. Its varied, low, gently sloping or elevated banks, sunlit or shaded ; its cool, winding flood, babbling at one point over a pebbly bed, or boisterously rushing over a miniature cataract on its way to the great northern father of waters — the St. Lawrence ; heie narrowed and deeply obscured by steep and bushy banks, and there pleasingly opening out to the gracious influences of sun and air, mirroring on its glassy breast the passing clouds or the trembling boughs — form features in the land- scape that in every sense deserve the epithet of lovely, and which Mr. Perrault could never weary admiring. Among the floral delights of this romantic stream may be named the beautiful purple trillium^ the brilliant and many-colored leaves of the Smilacina, the bright-hued orchis and anemonies, the graceful pitcher-plant, the delicate forget-me-not, the sweet-scented honeysuckle, the rhodoras of the thickets, the fragrant pines, all perfuming the air with delicious odors. 248 OLD AND NEW CANADA. At dawn of day, in the spring or autumn, some of the youths of the city, and among them the grandsons of Mr. Perrault, at times wended their way with fishing rods towards the Little River. They began whipping the waters at Scott's bridge and ascended as far as the Falls of Lorette, and occasionally still further, by canoe, to Lake St. Charles. They seldom returned without baskets filled with finny prizes, among which were frequently salmon, caught at the foot of the Lorette Falls and the rapids be- low. The stream then was fuller than at present and sport infinitely better. The river, some distance below the Lorette Falls, on Route Misere, divides into twin channels and washes the shores of a tiny island whose graceful shrubbery coarts the breeze and mingles shadows on the dimpling waters. The path thence to the Falls crosses shrub-clad slopes, bosky , valleys, the features becoming bolder and the thunder of the cataract louder as the Chaudiere is approached. The picturesque Falls rivets the eye by the sparkle of its descending waters and the clouds of foam, which whirl and dance in maddest glee at the rage and recklessness of the torrent. The view of this wild scene from the old- fashioned bridge above is well worth the trip, but the sight from below is still more attractive. The river in its course from above hurries through a romantic gorge, bounded by bushy banks ; the rapids divide midway into two branches, which lower down reunite in tumultuous confusion and pursue their brawling course through the narrowing channel, producing charming effects of light and shade, with the play of cloud or sunshine upon its wavelets, seething waters and frothy billows. The Huron village then presented very much the OLD AND NEW CANADA. 249 same appearance as now, the habits of the aborigines differing but slightly from those of the present day. Then, too, Indian boys displayed their skill, '' shooting at coppers." No dam marred the wild aspect of the river at Chateau d'Eau ; no clearances softened the primeval aspect of nature ; forest and torrent with bold blue moun- tains in the distance forming an impressive scene. Among the features of the river above the cataract were beaver dams.* and the rich flora of the banks, whose cool and scented air was ever pleasing. The scenery, as far as Lake St. Charles, maintained the same enticing character, novelty and beauty challenging admiration at every turn. To be once more somewhat errant from the main stream of this narrative, it may be said that after a visit to Lorette, by way of Route Misere, the writer of these pages, a few years ago, indited a letter to a friend which con- tained an account of a trip thither, that may give the reader an idea of the beauties of that locality at the present day : — " Behold me a few days ago on a trip to old suggestive Lor- •ette ! The Chateau d'Eau was the goal ; the way thither being by the Misere road. A charming day with a bright blue sky, in which scarcely a cloud floated, but whose iDrilliancy was softened here and there by fleecy specks. The landscape was arrayed in robes of summer brightness, the colors enriched with the mellow tints of early autumn, a forerunner of the coming change. The air, redolent of pine trees and flowery meadows, was soft and balmy, the ♦ An elderly friend of the author inform«5 him that, in the fall of 1837, ^^ ascended this river in company with two friends, ,is far as Lake St. Charles ■without meeting with any obstruction ; but ten days later, upon their return, it was completely dammed by the beavers in two places, the neig^hboring creeks all overflowing. It took the party several hours before they could hew .their way through by means of axes. 250 OLD AXD NEW CANADA. whole scene, rich and tranquil, presenting a picture and evoking sensations which never can be forgotten. The inspiration of nature met in my spirits and inclination con- genial allies, to realize sensations worthy of the day and surroundings, such as would create pleasant oases in the desert of ordinary experiences, to be hereafter gratefully dwelt upon by memory in perhaps future gloomy days. What wonder then that we lingered before the various masterpieces of nature on the route ! What words can paint their charms and the thoughts excited by such a profusion of scenic beauties and luxuries ? How much was there to arrest the admiring gaze and stimulate the mind, in distant mountains, towering to the skies, yet fading into a sublime outline of blue ! How much in deep, solemn, shady ravines, concealing in parts and revealing in others the pure brawling stream, meandering or rushing to its ocean outlet ! How much to charm and stimulate in the smiling plain, sparkling with wild flowers and dotted with peaceful hoaiesteads, in the bright cheerful headlands of the north shore, or in the commanding heights and martial crown of distant Quebec, with its lofty spires and glistening roofs — in the neighboring Levy and St. Joseph, with their grand natural features of blufif, moun- tain and valley, to enhance the splendors of the panorama I The mind may appreciate the elements, the lights and shadows, the forms and outlines of such a grand display ot nature, but words strive in vain to convey even a faint impression of its character and enchanting effects. Each new contrast of sunshine and shadow, of meadow and mountain, of highland and ravine, of wild rapid and placid stream, gives fresh objects for admiration and adds new fire to imaginations susceptible to the influences of OLD AND NEW CANADA. 251 beauty. One of the gems of this magnificent scenery is found below the Lorette Falls, on the Misere road, where the river divides, leaving in the midst of the diverging streams a miniature island — a level, shady, peaceful spot,, strikingly contrasting with the towering, verdure-clad, tree-crowned banks of the stream. " On the margin of this river for nearly two miles are sheltered, grassy nooks, offering tempting opportunities to the tourist and admirer of rural beauties. The very spot for picnics, with the softest of greenswards for loungers and the lovers of the Terpsichorean art I Taking the road past the quaint little church of the Indians, the odd medley of Huron huts and cottages excites one's curiosity and interest. Soon again we come to a country lane, following the winding of the river, giving pleasant sur- prises, in striking views of the stream, on its southward course. At this point also, 'umbling over rocks and ledges in its rush for the great liver, its roar breaks the stillness of a spot that would otherwise be tranquil and solitary enough for a hermit. The whole forms a fitting in- troduction to the romantic stream of the aqueduct, which is the chef-d^oeuvre of this attractive locality. Here we took a boat above the dam and headed towards the upper part of the river. The scene now is of a very different kind ; no sudden contrasts of the grand and picturesque, of soft and stem elements, with a background of mountains, to absorb or impress ; quiet, secluded beauty is all pre- vailing. The clear and peaceful river with its rich green banks, and overhanging fringes of luxuriant brush, reflects upon its pure, transparent bosom the objects which adorn its sides, as well as the brilliant sky above. The deep, pellucid waters sport with the imagination, picturing the 252 OLD AND NEW CANADA. -arching verdure as springing from below with a distinc- tiveness and accuracy of outHne, which the transparent air itself fails to excel. In this little domain of natural loveliness one sees a heaven below as well as above, clouds and sky shining from the river's depths in striking resem- blance to the gorgeous firmament. " About half a mile above the dam on the right bank is Castor Ville^ the residence of the Hon. Louis Panet, whose pretty log-cabin and neat and comfortable cottage pleasingly attract the eye. In the adjoining forest is a minia- ture hut filled with a variety of curiosities, and reached by by-paths through primeval groves. Generally the proprietor, a refined, genial old gentleman, wearing a broad-brimmed straw hat, may be seen promenading in his sylvan retreat, but on this occasion he was absent. We missed his enlivening conversation and courtesy, which one cannot soon forget. "After we had rowed up this fairy river for upwards of an hour, we landed in a secluded copse and enjoyed an alfresco lunch, for which we had now acquired the keenest .appetite. It was soon evident that we were not alone, for our repast was cheered by a concert of feathered song- sters, whcje music heightened the enjoyment of the delicacies so temptingly placed before us on the green sward, tastefully ornamented by luxuriant bouquets of maiden-hair, ferns, cornel-berries and wild flowers. Cool breezes, fanning our faces as we reclined on the grass at the foot of shading trees, added to our comfort, and to that " feast of reason and flow of soul " considered by the poets the acme of delight. " Some of our party afterwards indulged in a siesta, for vwhich the fatigues of the drive had well prepared them ; OLD AND NEW CANADA. 263- others sauntered into the woods, cool and fragrant, thanks to the evergreens, so thick in the neighborhood. LolHng under the trees seemed very refreshing to our fair com- panions, who soon enticed us into conflicts of wit and badinage, in which they as usual came off best. Under their exciting influence, a bon-mot, or spicy retort, evoked shouts of laughter and thus a few hours were agreeably whiled away till we made a fresh start. "As we ascend the stream the desire for its exploration grows with its enjoyment. The scenery is of the same character, every new prospect vying with, if not excelling, the old. A rustic bridge, beneath which W2 pass, almost compels us to bend to the gunwale of the boat to avoid an upset in ;o the water, which would not, under other circumstances, be distasteful ; but here accidents through other causes in this land-locked, remote locality, never for a moment seem possible. It is, therefore, not aston- ishing that one loiters in such a region, trying to almost absorb its charms and to forget the cares, the troubles and the repellent verities of the hard, unsentimental world outside. " The many and varied beauties of this river might justify the happiest effort of the most skilful word-painter : — " Earth has not anjrthing to show more fair." At times one may imagine himself an intruder upon the domain of some water nymph, or some woodland sprite, for which a guardian spirit, or other occult power, will inflict dire punishment. "But a declining sun and fresher airs, forewarning night's approach, recall the necessity of returning. The journey downwards gives a rencA^al of those agreeable sensations, which I have above attempted to describe, emphasizing 25'i OLD AND NEW CANADA. them, however, for recollection in future days and in less inviting hours. To the motion of the boat and cadence of the oars go the notes of " Pinafore," sung by the com- bined voices of the party, which resound pleasantly over the clear and tranquil waters. Our leader, or captain, would occasionally make a hit, giving zest to such passages a- I am Monarch of the Sea," and " Sweet Little Buttercup" — the craft being a very tiny representative- of the warlike monsters carrying the Queen's flag over the stormiest waters. The ladies present might be supposed to form a - ;ornical representation of ' his sisters, his cousins, and his aunts,' and ' never — well, hardly ever,' did one of Her Majesty's ships carry a more amiable crew. But a truce to badinage. " Our drive home was equally pleasant with the other incidents of the day. We took the road by Jeune Lorette and Charlesbourg, and in the shades of night enjoyed a clear sky and brilliant stars, the planets Jupiter and Mars being particularly resplendent. Our sights by the way claim little notice ; the distant city of Quebec brightly shining, and at every commanding point absorbing attention by its grand position and outline. I have striven to place you in harmony with my reflections on this delightful theme, and I fain hope I have succeeded." A day in the country and in our beautiful early autumn too ! What pleasing associations does it not recall ? Cares and worries are forgotten for the moment, in the flush of joyous expectation of a return to the scenes and a renewal of the delights, which for years have shone as happy land- marks in memory's waste. How enjoyable to quit the city to indulge in those rural pleasures, that mental calm, and that physical repose so grateful and beneficial to its OLD AND NEW CANADA. 255 hard-worked, denizens ! ^Vhat an agreeable change from "a great wilderness of brick" to the charms of commanding scenery, or the winning aspects of a lovely champaign, where the senses are gratified with every pleasing influence, including the odors of wild flowers ! And where could a rambler go for a greater treat of this kind than to some of the justly admired resorts in the vicinity of Quebec ? 256 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER XXXVI. Quebec, its progress, embellishments and future PROSPECTS — Earl of Dufferin's artistic and sys- tematic scheme of improvements — Railway and other enterprises — Provincial Agriculture. In the third chapter the author has endeavored to con- vey to the reader some idea of the form, condition and stage of development reached by Quebec about the time of Mr. Perrault's early manhood. The plan of this work does not permit of anything like an elaborate sketch, or topographical details, such as can be found in Quebec- its Gates and Environs, and other works, by Mr. LeMoine ; but it is appropriate in this connection to assert, as might readily be supposed, from what has already been related of Mr. Perrault's character and projects, that every move- ment tending to the amelioration of the city's conveniences, its local aiid foreign trade, and better sanitary appli- ances, found in him a willing and zealous advocate. Not only on grounds of taste or art, but o\\ the broader and more tangible ones of public profit and advantage did he, at all times, counsel wide, clear and well-maintained streets, and buildings larger, airier and better adapted to modem wants and business purposes than the high- roofed, thick- walled, contracted dwellings and marts of the olden time, not a few of which yet remain to excite the wonder of the tourist and mark the contrast between the past and the present, in the civic life of our venerable French capital. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 257 While totally opposed to mushroom progress, premature change, or vandal-like alterations, he favored a progress in civic ameliorations equal to the advances of the most en- Jightened community. Of course in his day, as at present, the question of such improvements was always felt to be complicated with the natural difficulties of the site, the fortifications ana related military arrangements, not to speak of antiquarian feelings which yet exist in com- mendable vigor. Bui wherever, despite such obstacles, advantageous innovations could be secured — when municipal and other conditions could allow of it — ^he lent all his influence to facilitate the change. And slow as some are in the habit of regarding the ancient city, whose difficulties unfortunately outnumber and outweigh those of most other cities in the Dominion, an intelligent use of the visitor's eyes will convince the most sceptical that progress, great and substantial, has here been made in the means of street locomotion, architecture and other forms of improvement, within even the last twenty years. Much of the city in its most easily accessible and com- manding localities may be called new, while facilities cf business and travel, and other important requirements of beneficial city life show, on all sides, material increase. The advance in the character of its architecture, especiaMy, as compared with the stage reached in 1844, the year of Mr. Perrault's death, is marked, and it might be well for the benefit of strangers to call attention to certain new features and agreeable landmarks worthy of notice, though the subject has already been treated of by more compe- tent authorities. * A spirit of justice and gratitude, how- ever, compels a brief notice of the last extensive, artistic, *Quebec Past and Present. Maple Leaves, etc., by J. M. LeMoine. 258 01 J AND NEW CANADA. and systematic scheme of improvements devised for Quebec, by tfie Earl of Dufferin, our late governor-general, whose name will thereby be forever connected with it, as also in its union with our magnificent terrace, the finest promenade in North America and perhaps in the whole world. In brief the creditable and friendly project contemplated a system of ramparts and bulwarks, and handsome gates, calculated to maintain the old military and mediaeval 2 ^atures of the city, relieved and adorned by ameliorations not only pleasing to the eye, but largely promotive of the public convenience. Crumbling walls, ragged bastions and weather-worn curtains and embrasures were to be repaired and renovated, an aspect of neatness, newness and strength succeeding that of age, ruin and decay with which our citizens and their visitors have been so long familiar. Comfortable promenades were to be furnished by the summits of those military walls, in localities affording the most charming views, while some of the old gates and other points of historic interest to men of French and English blood, alike, were to be replaced with more artis- tic kindred structures, and made still more attractive and noticeable by works commemorative of their ancient and enduring fame. But while projected and partially finished improvements and adornments would have highly gratified such men of the olden time as Mr. Perrault, who ever evinced a deep pride in the prosperity of Quebec, the progress actually made would have been a frequent theme of congratulation. With what pleasure and hope of still greater results would they not have contemplated the Dufferin Terrace, the St. Louis and Kent gates now completed, and the magnificent OLD AND NEW CANADA. 259 series of Parliament buildings on Grand Allee which will soon be finished ! The latter are works not only highly attractive and imposing, but in classic design not sur- passed by any other building in America. They are admirr.bly adapted to the objects in vie , and in their interior arrangements evince the very latest improve- ments in art and science. But in other most important directions, besides, the present generation can point to undertakings which would equally have gladdened the eyes and stirred the blood of patriotic citizens like Mr. Perrault. What would they have thought of the Quebec Harbor improvements which promise such enormous benefits to Quebec trade and Canadian commerce ; of our splendid Quebec, Montreal, Ottawa and Occidental Rail- way ; of the Grand Trunk Railway ; and of the Quebec Central Railway which, in less than six hours, can carry the citizen or the habitant^ to Montreal on the one side, or the Eastern Townships and American boundary on the other ? In less than a dozen hours by the North Shore Railway the traveller is now enabled to reach Ottawa, the new, from Quebec, the old Canadian capital. A worthy beginning is also made of the much-needed railway into our fine, distant northern region, by the Quebec and Lake St. John Railway which now reaches to Lake St. Joseph, while the great Intercolonial to St. John and Halifax, gives us constant and swif*: communi- cation with the open sea at all seasons. Apart from those splendid and fruitful factors of national progress, constituting and creating most productive and helpful resources, we have such liberal and statesmanlike encouragement, of late, given to our provii. Jal mineral and forest interests, by the waters of the Ottawa, the 260 OLD AND NEW CANADA. Chaudiere and other valuable streams, as have kindled profitable enterprise, increasec^ the fund of labor, attracted foreign capital, set afoot new industries like the manufac- ture of beet root sugar and inspired a spirit of hopefulness and enterprise throughout our province, which will doubt- less lead, at no remote period, to the best and most permanent results. Whatever fault, on grounds personal or political, may be found with this or that party leader, or political organi- zation, or with the fruits of this or that series of actions, no one can deny the existence of an ambition and a measure of enterprise on the pait of the ministers who conducted the affairs of Quebec from 1867 to 1878 which have, along with some inevitable disadvantages, including the creation of a large and inconvenient debt, provided it with those vast and valuable public works whicli will yield a rich harvest of profitable results in the early future. To the credit of all parties it must be said that the Liberal Administration, which ruled about eighteen months, fol- lowed energetically in the footsteps of its predecessors, in the great work of completing the North Shore Railway and fostering the development of our material resources, so that, despite political changes, no time was lost. The province can, at present, boast of an amount of progress achieved in this direction of which much larger and wea!lhiei countries might well be proud. It will be remembered that Mr. Perrault took a deep interest in the agriculture of his native province, and con- sidered this industry deserving the most careful consider- ation of its political economists and leading men generally. He urged upon them the importance of inculcating among the people its true principles; and he mide lessons in OLD AND NEW CANADA. 2G1 farming a part of the curriculum of his schools — not the prevalent methods of husbandry in his day, but the most recent and improved systems followed by intelligent and enterprising cultivators of the soil. In the course of his travels in early and middle life, in the great western and southern regions of the United States, as well as in Upper Canada of the olden time, he had studied the respective natural features of those countries, their climates, agri- culture and various advantages, and he was wont to make comparisons between them and the physical charac- teristics and resources of Quebec, which were highly favorable to the natural capabilities of this province. Convinced of their superiority, he deemed it his duty to resort to such pr'^ctical means as lay within his power, to impress upon all the value of turning to much more profitable account the rich soil, promising mines and extensive forests within their reach. It was abundantly evident to thoughtful men in the early part of this century, that not a tithe of those valuable resources was properly developed, while the labor and capital of the people were largely employed in compar- atively unproductive undertakings, such as defective methods of cultivating, long-settled and worn-out lands. Farming was then, as it is still, the great fundamental industry of the country, which maintained all others, and yet its methods were ancient, unprogressive and less remunerative than was desirable It appeared, therefore, that if the rising generation of farmers and a certain class of city youths could be inspired with a proper pride in rural life, and particularly in the adoption of every improvement then known, that an important gain would be achieved in the work of national advance- "262 OLD AND NEW CANADA. ment. No cause appeared worthier, or more fraught with bright promise to the people. Mr. Perrauh hoped in this way to fostrr thought among the habitants and excite in them a spirit of rivalry and imitation, thus bettering their condition, mental and material. His experience but supplied another instance of that disappointment which has ever attended the worthy efforts of reformers and philanthropists ahead of their time. But if he did not achieve any considerable success, through lack of sufficient means, and public apathy, he enjoyed that inward sat"sfacton which waits upon kindly aspirations and duty faithfully performed. The thoughts of many were, however, directed to progress elsewhere, which insensibly created a desire for better things. The knowledge of the territorial extent of the province of Quebeo, and of its vast and varied resources, forty or fifty years ago, was slender indeed, compared with that now available to every school boy ; and with some pride one may reflect that the interests deemed most valuable would be thought still more so were their capabilities fully known. Every day affords more encouragement to one who loves his country, and the new light thrown upon this subject, and the larger opportunities thus supplied to the capitalist and the laborer are of the greatest value. Indeed were the forests, fertile lands and rich mines of all sorts, and the numerous promising facilities for manufacturing which we possess made more of, which is easily practicable with our present advantages, a comfortable living could be found for thrice our population — aye, for three and a half to four millions of inhabitants. But perhaps nothing more strikingly shows the advance of enlightened ideas and a true spirit of enterprise than OLD AND NEW CANADA. 263 the establishment, within the last 15 years, of no fewer than three Agricultural Schools, one at Ste. Anne, another at L'Assomption, and the third at Richmond, to serve the interests of their respective districts. These institu- tions, in many respects, approach the ideal set up by Mr. Perrault, who would have been delighted to see them in successful operation. But it is unfortunate that the means for their foundation on a larger and more effective scale, with suitable farming lands attached, and in their imme- diate vicinity, were not at command. They also lack enough implements of the newest and best kinds, and sufficient first-class stock to enable them to make a vigor- ous start and carry out with the speed desirable, their useful educational purposes ; but the province is not in a position, so say its Ministers, to supply these wants. The great length of our province, and the different races and sectional interests rendered it obligatory on the Govern- ment, some state, to set up three schools, where one, under other circumstances, might have sufficed ; indeed, many argue, to-day, that with a more liberal spirit abroad, in those races and sections, the three might be merged in one complete, efficient College, to which all races and creeds should have easy access. The means now dissi- pated among three could do more good concentrated upon •one, conducted in a spirit of liberality, and encouraging among teachers and pupils a proper, a most desirable and beneficial spirit of mutual toleration and respect. One such institution could thus be made attractive, useful and national in character. Ontario with its various races and creeds does well vyith but one such College, and no complaint from any quarter is ever heard ; and it is generally admi*^*^^'^ that there is only one institution of the 264 OLD AND NEW CANADA. kind superior to it on this continent. Why should Quebec lag behind the great sister province in this respect ? But it is well to have made even the present beginning in Quebec, which, doubtless, will, with a little'more pecuniary and other encouragement produce, ere long, most excellent results. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 265 CHAPTER XXXVII. Mr. Perrault's Habits of Life and Domestic System — His Death — Family Necrology. Notwithstanding the incessant occupation incident to his praiseworthy schemes, official and private duties, Mr. Perrault, evidently with a feeling of satisfaction, states that it had developed an intellectual and physical activity, which contributed to the strengthening instead of the en- feeblement of his faculties. He well knew this result to be in accordance with the laws of Nature, which de- mand for the highest state of mental or bodily vigor, constant and systematic exercise. Such exercise would be judicious were there no higher object in view ; but Mr. Perrault had additional inducements to obeying the dic- tates of reason — the performance of a duty to his less favored fellow-citizens, and ^or its accomplishment he labored with the greatest zeal. He characteristically appeals with earnestness to all who love life to pursue such a course, and predicts for them the same agreeable results as he himself experienced. Towards the conclusion of his autobiography, Mr. Per- rault thus addresses His Excellency, and his language and style are worthy of literal translation : — "As probably Your Excellency will be curious to ascertain, also, what rigime I have adopted to enjoy such a long life and vigorous health, I will explain with as little pretention and assumpticn as I have shown in treating of the events 266 OLD AND NEW CANADA, of my life. I have generally followed the maxim of Martial, * that mere existence is not sufficient, we must at the same time value life,' — Non est vivere, sed valere vita; and that of another author, whose name I do not remember, Si tibi deficiant medici, tibi fiant hcec tria: mens iaeta, requies, moderata diceta — if you have no physician, pursue these three rules, cheerfulness, rest, and moderate diet. " I have imposed upon myself the following regulations, ■to which I have strictly adhered : — " I. To be as moderate m pleasure 2,% in trouble; I have ^consequently not run to excess in the enjoyment of the first, nor allowed myself to be overcome by the second ; •convinced that they were sent to me for my good, as I had experienced when I was brought back to my native country a coupe de bdton, to lead there a happy and peaceable life, instead of a miserable and wandering one. "2. To be as moderate in happy as in unhappy emo- tions, since Providence sends both in its wisdom for our good. "3. Labor and rest, so necessary to man, should be governed by moderation. My work has been conf^tant, ■but not forced, for I have never exhausted myself by it. Jf I have written much, it is because I had leisure to em- ploy ; and if a friend happened to drop in upon me, I •cheerfully left my task to receive him and enjoy his con- \versation, and resumed it with a light heart after his de- parture. I usually began to write about four o'clock in the morning in summer, and at five in winter, and again took up the pen in the afternoon and continued until nine o'clock, when I retired. I still follow this system without inconvenience, and I have seldom infringed OLD AND NEW CANADA. 2^7 nipon these hours of labor and rest. I sleep soundly the whole night, unless some unforeseen incident should suddenly distract me, ere I have time to reflect and com- pose myself. "4. Moderation in drinking and eating, although not in fashion, has been strictly observed by me, and I have never seen a table laden with viands and wines without reflecting that they were the enemies of mankind and more destructive than the last unwholesome addition to the menu of the gourmand, and that more died through the excesses of the table than by the sword — nonplus gladio, quaw occidere gala. I generally take soup at dinner, a little boiled meat, or any other dish ; after soup I take a glass of claret and a goblet of ale during the re- past ; afterwards half a wine-glass of cognac, and I finish dessert by a sip of slxcrry, which suffices me for the day. I breakfast at half-past six, taking a cup of tea, a slice of bread and butter, or a small piece of sausage ; my supper, 3X the same hour in the evening, consists of a cup of tea with a piece of bread steeped in it. Such is my ordinary routine^ and, as I am a stranger to an overloaded stomach, I enjoy tranquil sleep and do not snore. I was omitting to state that for forty years, the first thing I do in the morning and the last on retiring for the night, is to drink a few mouthfuls of cold water, which always produces a most agreeable sensation and an indescribable sense of elation." » In this practical age, we judge of the efficacy, or utility of a course by its results. In Mr. Perrault's case, by his frugal and abstemious manner of living, he secured a probation beyond the usual earthly span, without a moment's illness. Until a short time before his death, hiST^ -o^ 268 OLD AND NEW CANADA. form was still perfectly erect, he could hear as well as a youth, could see without spectacles, and needed no help from any of his relatives, such as persons of advanced age are generally offered. He could easily sharpen his quill pen, a feat difficult to even many young men, as one of his grandsons proudly states, and in every way showed an amount of vigor and vitality perfectly astonishing. When anyone proposed to help him to take off his coat, he would laughingly refuse saying that he wished " to keep his faculties from rusting." His physical powers continued excellent till within a few months of his decease, when the only change that oppeared was a gradual, painless decline, instead of any sharp transition from strength to weakness ; and his intellect maintained its brightness to the very last minute, without failure of memory, or diminution of inter- est in his cherished schemes. He was aware of his approaching end and viewed it with calmness, confiding in a merciful God ; but like other true men he was conscious of his unworthiness, and often expressed regret that he had not done more in accordance with the claims ot Christian duty. He was a man of large faith and reverent mind, desirous always of rendering true worship to his God and discharging to the utmost of his ability his duty to all about him. This was ever the steady aim of his mind, always impressed, like the Psalmist, with the fleeting character of life and the in- finite importance of setting in the foreground of human aspiration the right, and the unceasing discharge of life's highest duties. On the 4th of April, 1844, this good and wise man breathed his last at the ripe age of 91, surround- ed by his affectionate and disconsolate family. Mr. Perrault's family consisted, as already stated, of OLD AND NEW CANADA. 269 two boys and three girls, whose social positions and ami- able characters secured and retained for them, throughout life, a very large circle of friends. The eldest son was Fran9ois Xavier Perrault, who was for many years Clerk of the Peace in Quebec and a leading officer of the volun- teer force in which he held the commission of Lieutenant Colonel. He devoted a great deal of his time to the interests of the force and was popular with the most social men of his time. His reputation as a bon viva?it was widespread, and men from other parts of the province gladly sought his hospitable house on the occasion of a journey to Quebec* He died December 27, 1853. The other son. Dr. Charles Norbert Perrault, made his mark in the profession, short as was his life whieh ended June 16, I S3 2, during the cholera period, as recorded in a previous chapter. The other members of the family were Therese, married to Dr. Louis Albert Bender, who died October 13, 1846; Eleonore, wife of Jacques Le- Moinede Martigny, deceased 9th Dec. 1858, and Olympe, wife of Dr. Francois Fortier who died March 28, 1845. These ladies were all remarkable for that wit, intellectual refinement and social disposition which distinguished both their parents. They possessed talents for music, and, without any pretentions to high art, could entertain their friends in a way to elicit well-deserved commendation ; and their conversation was a mental treat appreciated by visitors and friends. They also evinced the hospitality of their father, the name in fact being synonymous for hos- pitality, and their houses were frequented by the leading minds of the province. * His resilience was corner of Mount Ciirmel and des Carriferes streets, now- owned by Mr. Jos. Louis. 270 OLD AND NEW CANADA. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Tributes to the Works and Character of Mr. Perrault, •' An honest man's the noblest work of God." It is gratifying to know that gentlemen of the highest culture, and especially interested in the progress of edu- cation and literature, on both benevolent and professional grounds, did not hesitate to publicly testify their appre- ciation of Mr. Perrault's efforts and sacrifices. In proof of which the first Superintendent of Education after the Union, the late Dr. Meilleur, thus speaks of him at page 293 of his book, entitled Memorial d' Education : '^ The venerable Joseph-Frangois Perrault, prothonotary of Que- bec, a true philanthropist, is the author of numerous elementary works on the history of Canada, agriculture and primary education, one of which is in manuscript form and is to be found in the library of the department of Public Instruction, to which I have sent it, as being the best place for its preservation and utility at need. The author had given it to me, several years before his death. M. Perrault not only founded schools, but model farm"*, which he conducted in the most exemplary manner. He knew well how to impart his views to others on education and agriculture." The second Superintendent of Education of the pro- vince of Quebec, the Hon. Mr. Chauveau, now Sheiiff of OLD AND NEW CANADA. 271' Montreal, also felt it a duty and a pleasure to bear cheer- ful testimony to the generous labors of this gendeman. He wrote, thus, when reviewing the history of Canada, of a period preceding the Union of the two provinces, in L Instruction Publique ati Canada : '* ' The Society of Education,' under the control of Catholic ladies and gentlemen, was founded in 1821, and its first president was M. Joseph-Frangois Perrault This distinguished philanthropist operated independently, and founded schools in which he introduced the ' Lancastrian system,' and instruction in the arts and trades ; he also published, at his own expense, a great number of school books." In " Hawkin's Picture of Quebec," Mr. Perrault is referred to as " the venerable and consistent promoter of elementary instruction in his native city." In the Dictionnaire Historique des hommes illustres du Canada et de I'AmSrique, by M. Bibaud, Junior, is the following extract in reference to Mr. Perrault : . . . . " One of the finest characteis to which Quebec has given birth His treatise on La petite et la grande Culture was awarded a prize by the Horticultural Society of New York. The learned Pascalis, in his report to the above society, and published by its orders, says, * He appears to have built the philosophy of his art upon long experience, and imparted to it a judicious practice and a wholesome theory. He treats his subjects with a charming simplicity, combining a clear judgment with such purity of language, that his work deserves to be placed among our standard books. It is well adapted to the rising generation, whom ne desires to see instructed, in agriculture His utilitarianism is not 272 OLD AND NEW CANADA. limited to his own country ; he also corresponds with American agricultural theorists, who, we doubt not, will be delighted to unite with him in his philosophical labors and to circulate among our farmers the useful works of this author.' " L ' Encyclopedle Canadienne^ of June 1842, refers to Mr. Perrault's comprehensive plan of education as follows : " Mr. Perrault is well known in this country and abroad as the author of several elementary works on different sub- jects, civil law, history, agriculture, etc., all tending to enable the youth of the country to acquire such knowledge as may be necessary in their future stations in life. This book is not one of those elementary works. . . . We find in it not only the materiel of a system of teaching, if we may thus express ourselves, but also of moral reflections, or rather the reasons by which, according to the author, the proposed plan should be adopted. If it be, or be not possible of putting it into practice, our readers may judge by what we say in the following summary : " . . . . Mr. Perrault approves of and recommends mutual instruction, or the Lancastrian system, improved upon He desires that educational institutions should be supported not only by the inhabitants who wish for them, but also by those among whom it should be done ; and this, he says, in the same manner, as when they assist, or are forced to assist, in the building and repairing of churches and presbyteries. By this means, he contiuues, the province would be relieved of a burden which sooner or later must become very oppressive. " . . . . Such is the summary of ihe system of public education of Mr. Perrault. Some may perhaps look upon it as an impracticable, or Utopian system ; others as being OLD AND NEW CANADA. 273' somewhat arbitrary and despotic ; but all must allow that on the whole, it is that of a well-meaning and energetic citizen, zealous for the public welfare." The reader need hardly again be told that this system as proposed by Mr. Perrault, has now been long in force- in our province. The Quebec Mercury, of May 1830, thus alludes to the fact of a prize being awarded Mr. Perrault, by The Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, for the best thesis of a comprehensive system of education, calculated to advance the prosperity and intellectual advancement of Canada : ''A silver medal was adjudged to J. F. Perrault, Esquire, one of the prothonotaries of the Court of King's Bench for this district, to whose zeal and generosity, as president of two educational societies, and as founder of a French ele- mentary school, the country is so greatly indebted. The essay, composed by this gentleman, will appear in the volume of the transactions of The Literary and Historical Society of Quebec, for the present year ; but as it is sold at a high price and will be in the hands of but a few persons, and as the worthy prothonotary desires that the public should more generally benefit by his works, he has had it printed in pamphlet form. He intends devoting the pro- ceeds of its sale to the purchase of clothing for the poor children of his elementary school, during our rigorous winter." The Abbe Casgrain, one of our cleverest French-Cana- dian litterateurs, and the author of several meritorious works,* also speaks of him in his interesting biography of F. X. Garneau, and says : " That worthy man, the * Vide, the author's work, Literary Sheaves, or, La Lttterature am Ca. nada Fran^ais. 18 274 OLD AND NEW CANADA. friend of literature and students, who imposed upon himself so many sacrifices in the cause of education . . . . , M. Garneau ever held in grateful remembrance his old benefactor." In Quel que s Notes pour Servir a r Hist o ire de r Agri- culture au Canada^ by Professor Hubert Larue,* refer- ence is made, in terms of warm appreciation, to the subject of this biography : " In 1830 appeared, one whose name is seldom mentioned in our history, but who has been one of the greatest benefactors of the community, Joseph- Francois Perrault." Then follows a list of his patriotic and benevolent deeds, many of which have already been enumerated. An appropriate notice of Mr. Perrault's work in behalf of education in the Province of Quebec is found in Les Notes sur le Canada^ by M. Paul DeCazes : " Among those who made efforts and sacrifices in the interest of education, was J. F. Perrault, .... who devoted his leisure hours and a portion of his fortune to this emin- ently patriotic work. This philanthropist was the author of a great many works on the history of education and agriculture." From E. Lareau's Histoire de la Litterature Cana- 4iienfie, the author selects some appreciative remarks with regard to the subject of this memoir : " When he first devoted himself to literature, books were scarce in the country. He copied, translated and compiled many, and by dint of energy and perseverance he amassed a large * Since the penning of the above, Dr. Larue has died. His untimely- death will be regretted by all lovers of literature. For the author's appre- ciation of the professor's writings he refers the reader to his work, Literary Sheaves, or, La Litterature au Canada Francois. OLD AND NEW CANADA. 275 amount of useful and practical knowledge. Besides his numerous works on agriculture, education and law, which I will more fully examine, we owe to him a History of Canada This work, which now can hardly be procured, was written, like all M. Perrault's publications, to supply the wants of the people. ..... His style is not strictly pure nor precise, but his faults disappear before his good-will and the services which he has rendered his country. Men of his stamp are rare in our days. . . M. Perrault is one of the shining lights, a Canadian who is in the same category, in our national literature, as Com- mander \'iger and M. Bouchette. Historian, legislator and agriculturist, he has left behind him writings on all these subjects. In respect to each, he deserves the esteem of posterity. He has his niche among our country's patriarchs, who so lovingly and patriotically watched over the future of Canada " Joseph-Frangois Perrault is one who, at the time he lived, rendered the greatest services to his country by his pen. His works are numerous for that period, when there were few books whereby to enlighten one's self, which, doubtless, explains the unfinished style of his writings." As regards the correctness of the language and the purity of the style of Mr. Perrault's writings, the author must coincide with the remarks of M. Lareau. It is apparent that he ever aimed more at the value of the thoughts and ideas he wished to impart than the form in which they were couched and presented. For the time when he wrote and the literary advantages of his day, his writings were remarkable productions. 276 OLD AND NEW CANADA. As further illustrating the esteem in which he was held by his fellow-citizens, and the appreciation of his efforts in behalf of the needy, the following obituary notice, which appeared in Le Journal de Quebec, contains many complimentary allusions to the eminent services and pat riotism of the deceased : •' The faithful performance of his official duties was not the only, or greatest, of M. Perrault's merits in the eyes of his countrymen. The sacrifices which he made to procure them education and advancement in life, more effectively touched their hearts. " When elected member for the county of Huntingdon, he introduced a bill for the establishment of parish schools and another for Houses of Industry. Unfortunately the country was not sufficiently advanced for such measures, and he had to abandon these noble projects. " He was nevertheless the father of education in Canada, and no one can rob him of that glorious title. An intrepid traveller and accustomed to dangers and obstacles of every kind, he was the first to venture into this field, which was still in its virgin state. There were then excellent institutions for higher educa- tion, but they were too learned and consequently be- yond the reach of the great mass of the population. Later on, the first seed? planted by this venerable citizen in an uncultivated soil, yielded abundant fruit, for it wan naturally rich. Education became the order of the day ; the Legislature voted considerable sums of money, and elementary schools were started in every parish. But amidst this mental activity, which conduced to give intellectual culture to the people, of which they stood in need, we ask why the name of M. Perrault did not appear in the parliamentary records ? The fact is, he was never OLD AND NEW CANADA. 27*7 called upon by the Assembly to throw light on a subject which was his special study. It is a well-known axiom, that in all phases of society, men have ever been unjust, and the evil passions of one or the other were always in the way to prevent the carrying out of useful reforms and projects. Unfortunately, a difference of opinion occasioned the Joss 1-0 this country of much educational ardor. How- ever, this unjust forgetfulness did not wholly damp his zeal, and, what he could not do for the country through the country, he did by himself. He erected schools for both sexes in the St. Louis suburb of Quebec. " M. Perrault expended more than two thousand pounds on these objects, and as there were no elemen- tary school-books in the country, he edited and published several at his ov/n cost In fine, to com- plete his works, he established a model farm, and all these enterprises were undertaken with the view of instructing his countrymen in useful arts, and they cost him six thousand pounds. These efficient institutions have now disappeared, while those, who had in their charge the well- being of the people, should have continued and sup- ported them, and thus benefitted the country. " Such was the devotion of this excellent man, whose remains now lie in the church of Notre Dame, Quebec, and who impoverished himself in the performance of noble deeds ! Where is the recognition of his eminent services ? Does it lie buried with him in the tomb ? No, it was depicted upon the sorrowful countenances of the many who followed him to his grave, including the Christian Brothers and their pupils and the youth of the country, who all deplored the loss of the father of Cana- dian education. 278 OLD AND NEW CANADA. " His habits were without reproach and his faith with- out stain. He was moral and religious, and for seventy years he followed an abstemious rule of life, which brought him to a ripe old age. Death approached him imperceptibly and his end was painless ; he was ready for eternity, and thanked the Almighty for so easy and calm a departure. At the moment he was about to appear before his Maker, he was speaking with that lucidity and clearness, which were characteristic of him during a life of nigh a hundred years. It is believed that he was the last of those bom under the French regime^ From among the several oth ■ obituary notices pub- lished shortly after the death of Mr. Perrault, the author submits a few passages from the pen of M. N. Aubin : " We wish it were in our power to give our readers who are unacquainted with a life so replete with interest- ing details, the complete biography of a man of whom the country has every reason to be proud ; of a man, celebrated not for the brilliant or active part he took in politics, but for his private and civic virtues, of which he gave an example during his long life, by the many and important sacrifices he underwent for the spread of edu- cation among his fellow-citizens. We would have wished especially to publish the numerous anecdotes and bons mots characteristic of this gentleman, which are so well known and ever listened to with interest, but fast being forgotten. We are unable to assume the task of perpet- uating them, but we hope that others who possess more information will take up and complete the imperfect notice, to which we are compelled to confine ourselves. . . " Before and after office hours, he found time to write OLD AND NEW CANADA. 279 or compile a number ot instructive little books for the use of the young ; but, not content with devoting his leisure hours in spreading useful knowledge among his fellow-citizens, he expended considerable sums of money in the establishment of schools on an entirely new system. At a time, when countless theories were prevailing theories, which each did his best to uphold by specula- tive reasons, M. Perrault acted by precept and example. In this way, at considerable expense, he established two excellent schools, where the children of the poor were taught, at the same time enabling them to gain a liveli- hood and acquire a trade. These establishments, then too recent to be self-supporting, were consequently too expensive for the means of one individual, and, not receiv- ing any assistance from the legislature, he was obliged partly to discontinue them. We believe that the time is not far distant when, after trying all the systems of popu- lar education, we shall be obliged to return to that which this venerable doyen of Canadian philanthropists wished to adopt ; but, as often happens to the benefactors of mankind, he did not experience the cheering reward of his works and sacrifices, nor witness their happy results in the triumph of that truth, which he preached and prac- tised. M. Perrault saw that the children of the indigent required education more than those of the wealthy, as the uneducated are indifferent and require, in default of compulsion, inducements ; he, therefore, compelled the young to work out of their class hours and paid them for their labor : thus endowing them with a trade, with a primary education, sufficient for their future vocation, and to those parents, who were destitute, he granted pecuniary aid. Such an idea, preached in so practical a '280 OLD AND NEW CANADA. manner, entailing the sacrifice of fortune, is certainly worthy of being recorded in ineffaceable terms. " The country has produced numberless orators, able jurisconsults, profound politicians and erudite writers ; but how many practical philanthropists, like the venerable patriarch of Quebec, has it known ? " In 1861, and again during the present year, M. J. N. Duquet, a well-known ex-journalist, fully impressed with the important character of the services rendered the com- munity by the subject of this biography, made- urgent appeals to the government and citizens of this province to pay a well-merited tribute of gratitude and respect to his memory, by the erection of a monument on the site of one of his model farms, on the south side of the Little River. Without questioning the good taste of M. Duquet it may be observed that no monument or tribute to the memory of Mr. Perrault, could be more acceptable to his relations and admirers, who are imbued with his spirit, than the furtherance of some of those well-meant projects, which occupied so large a share of his time and affections. CLD AND NEW CANADA. 281 CHAPTER XXXIX. Conclusion. The authoi has thus traced the life of a man, who is truly entitled to be styled a remarkable character, and whose history will, it is hoped, not only shed light upon the ...xnals of his country, but contribute in at least some slight degree to render them more interesting to the present generation of Canadians. His life connected him with the two great eras and political systems, the French and the English, which constitute the basis and frame-work of our history — in fact of the history of the North American continent for the last 250 years. Born under the French regime, when every sign of those eventful times marked to the sagacious observer the early coming doom of that national and political system, which had weathered the storms of nigh two centuries, and proved its rugged vitality by surviving the gloomiest perils and severest hardships in the trying climate of a Northern Wilderness, and harassed by terrible Indian wars and weakened, not seldom, by fierce, unequal con- flicts with the lusty Anglo-Saxon colonists to the south, Mr. Perrault seemed to inherit the lieroic qualities of the two great colonizing, conquering races, which were destined to bring the whole northern continent within the pale of an advanced and elevating civilization. As has been shown, his boyhood reaches back to the last eventful years of Intendant Bigot's rapacious rule, which 282 OLD AND NEW CANADA. formed the culminating point of Imperial misrule and colonial maladministration — his early impressions and experiences minglinj^ with the haze of that romantic and heroic time, which revolutionary changes and the wonder- ful growth and development of all the settlements in North America, more than the lapse of intervening years, cause to appear as remote, strange and antiquated as the Middle AgQs themselves. The conquest of New France, with all its thrilling events, mighty changes, and far- reaching consequences, were the absorbing subjects of his youth and early manhood, as the civil war in the United States and the Franco-Prussian war have been to the men of the present generation. Nor can it be doubted that, notwithstanding the fair and generally wise policy of the British government, liberally carried out in its earliest days by General Carleton, towards its new French subjects, neither the spirit of conciliation on the one side, nor the dictates of self-interest on the other, aided by the healing influences of time, had as yet removed all traces of the irritating wounds to patriotism and national vanity inflicted by the cession. Men, of such good understanding and liberal views as the subject of this biography, whose practical good sense reconciled them to the irreversible decisions of fortune, were needed in the troubled early days of English rule, to settle the seething elements of national rivalries and antipathies, and lay broad and deep the foundations of a Franco-British state, which should meet the wishes and subserve the best interests of both races, make rapid strides in the path of progress, and give full scope to the genius and energies of men of every race, in the grand and glorious work of extending civilization over half a continent, and of build- OLD AND NEW CANADA. 283^ ing up a nation which, for liberty, equal social opportun- ities, natural wealth, means of livelihood and ps^-sonal advancement, might challenge the admiration of the world. Quietly but effectually were the influences^of sound intel- lect, true loyalty and good social position employed during the first twenty years of British rule to bring about satis- faction with it, and that union and beneficial co-operation of both races which promised not only the advantages of order, but of material progress, to the province of Quebec. Never were social and political virtues productive of better fruit; f>r former enemies speedily became amicable neighbors and willing fellow-laborers in all undertakings of business, friendship and public duty. Nor could the most seductive blandishments and promises of the Ameri- can rebels, but fifteen years after the cession, shake the allegiance of the new subjects of King George. They chivalrously manifested their loyalty in the most arduous and perilous v'^nterprises against the enemy, during con- tests which shook both countries to their foundations. Mr. Perrault's early manhood, described in preceding chapters, as well as the period of his middle life, afforded him valuable opportunities of seeing the American world, North and South, and becoming acquainted with its physical characteristics, varied resources, and climatic, social and political conditions, of which he made the very best use. His West Indian experiences, his romantic and perilous labors by land and water, on the vast journeys of those days between Quebec and New Orleans, and other points, comprised more exciting adventures and consumed more time, entailing greater risks to life and limb on dangerous rivers and difficult, gloomy forest paths, beset by blood-thirsty Indians, than a trip round the world 284 OLD AND NEW CANADA. would in the present time of railroads, steamships and tele- graphs. Yet they proved enlightening and inspiring experi- **nces of the highest value. Who can overrate the marked effect upon an observant and reflective mind, of thrilling adventures and hair- breadth escapes from injury, captivity, and death — of arduous pilgrimages through the northern forests, of tedious voyages in bark canoes through the great chain of rivers and lakes extending from the Gulf of St. Law- rence to the Gulf of Mexico ? Lessons of patience, •endurance, and business enterprise were learned, which affected the whole character and subsequent career of this worthy man. The disposition and habits of the Canadian voyageiir, the American frontiersman and the Indian hunter, became thoroughly known to him, and he was thus enabled to form an estimate of their value and influence in the colonization and development of the vast western and southern solitudes of North America, which he foresaw in the course of no verv remote period would be converted into prosperous settle- ments and busy towns and cities. This useful experience of the western world and of the character of its popula- tion, with its vast and varied resources, helped to suggest to him broad,benevolent and patriotic views in regard to his fellow-citizens. It is, indeed, a subject of just pride to his admirers and surviving relations that he was in a position to contribute more than a mite to the philanthropic enter- ' prises of his latter days, and was spared to witness some return, in moral and intellectual results, from the seed sown with such affectionate longing for an abundant of good fruits. Like many o'her philanthropists, OLD AND NEW CANADA. 285 ii^ pitinfully experienced the consciousness of possessing means wholly inadequate to the charitable objects of a generous nature, and lamented his inability to achieve the still greater success, attainable only by greater means. But the gain to society from such a life lies, perhaps, more in the unselfish benovolent spectacle it presents, and the wholesome influence it exerts than in the tangible results accomplished. Good men are still more needed than great, even were there no truth in the poet's concep- tion that " The good, alone, are great.'* But who can measure the potent, far-reaching effects of true moral worth and Christian character, united with a spirit of active benevolence, when they blossom forth in practical benefits to mankind ; and when a noble ambition kindles a fraternal interest in the condition of the neediest classes of society ? Reviewing thus briefly the worthy aims and honorable deeds of one of the most excellent and praiseworthy citizens, of which the province and capi- tal of Quebec can boast, the author can surely find another illustration of the truth, so beautifully expressed by Longfellow : " Lives of great men all remind us We can make our lives sublime, And, departing, leave behind us Footprints on the sands of time." FINIS. 286 OLD AND NEW CANADA. APPENDIX. A list of the works written by Mr. Perrault is herewith appended. In 1789, he published " Le juge de paix et officier de paroisse, pour la Province de Quebec ; " a transla- tion of Lex parlia?nentaria, or a treatise on the laws and customs of parliament, of which a second edition was issued in 1803 ; in 1805, Dictiounaire po^tatif et abrege des Lois et Regies du Parlement Provincial du Bas- Canada; in 18 10, Questions et Reponses sur le Droit Civil die Bas-Canada, dedicated to students at law; in 1 8 13, Manuel des Huissiers de la Cour du Banc du Roi du District de Quebec ; in 1 8 1 4, Questions et Reponses sur le Droit Criminel ; in 1829, Manuel Pratique de rEcole Element a ire ; in 1824, Ext rait ou Precedents tires des Registres de la Prevosti de QuSbec, containing judgments from 1726 to 1756 inclusive. "( This work appears to have been compiled with much industry and judgment, and is a curious and valuable acquisition to the libraries of our leg?u practitioners. Can. Mag. (Mont.);" in 1825, Extrait ou Precedents des Arrets tires des Regis- tres du Conseil Superieur de Quibec. (The publication of this work, which will prove a valuable acquisition to the libraries of our professional men, affords a further proof of the active zeal of the worthy prothonotary, who, at an age, when most men seek only ease and retirement, APPENDIX. 287 devotes liis time and labor to the service of the com- munity. Can. Mag. (Mont.);) in 1830, Trait es de la Grande et FetiteCuititre, in 2 vols. ; in 1830, P/an raisonnc d' Education Genera k et Pcrmancnte ; in 1832, Moycns de conservcr nos Institutions^ noire Langue et nos Lois ; also in the same year, the two first parts of Abrcgc de rHistoire du Canada^ the first part being from its discovery to the cession, 1769-60; the second part from the cession to the establishment of a House of Assembly in 1792 ; in 1833, ^^e same history from the establishment of the Assembly to 181 5, and in the same year, the fourth part, from the departure of General Prevost to that of the Earl of Dalhousie ; and in 1836, the fifth part, from the departure of the Earl of Dalhousie to the arrival of Lord Gosford, and the Royal Com- mission, for the redress of grievances, of which works, subsequently appeared 2nd and 3rd editions ; in 1831, Trait e de Me decine Vetertnaire ; in 1832, Code Rural a T usage des habitans tant anciens que nouveaux du Bas Canada; and in 1839, ^^^'^^ d' Agriculture adopt e an climat du Bas Canada. Other works were also published by him, namely : Plaidoyers dans deux causes celebres ; Mo deles d entree de procedures aux termes de Cour Super ieur ; Mo deles d' entree de procedures aux termes de Cour Iftferieure ; Methodes pour enseigner la lajigue Anglaise; Methodes pour enseigner la langue Latine; Methodes pour enseigner la langue Fran^aise ; Methodes pour enseigner V Arithinetique ; Methodes pour enseigner P usage des Globts celestes et terrestres ; Methodes pour les examens des ecoles primaii'cs; Mamiel pour enseigfier le dessin lineaire ; Abecedaires et vocabulaires Fran^ais ; Histoire d'Atigleterre; Histoire Saint e; Preuves de la 288 OLD AND NEW CANADA. Religion Chretienne, translated from the Spanish of Brey- nard, and Preiives du Christianisme, also from the same Spanish author; Ma?iue/ a /'usage des Greffiers de la Cour ; Manuel pour toutes les parties de mathematiques applicable aux arts et metiers; Manuel pour la tenue des livres a parties simple et double ; Manuel pour r etude du commerce; Manuel pratique des ecolcs secondaires, dr., dc JXDEX. 289 INDEX. A. Abraham, battle of the plains of, 7 Agriculture, provincial a6o Agricultural Schools 363 American Revolution of 1775, its causes, 69, 71 ; Allen's ad- vance upon Montreal and his capture -~- "apture of Montreal by Montgomery, 7S ; Mont- gomery & Arnola's assault upon Quebec, 79; death ot of Mrntgoiner\', ib. AsyleChampHre, Mr. Perrault's n jme, 184 ; commanding views from it, iS?; inmates 333 Autobiography of Mr. Perrault. dedicated to Lord Aylmer. ... lo B. Baby, Jacques Duperon, uncle of Mr.. Perrault, 51,53; Mrs. Baby's heroism 54 Beauport, battle of 6, 199 Beauport Lake , 319 Bedard, T. P 84 Bender Mr. Albert, grandson of Mr. Perrault i3i Berryman Lake 319 Bibaud, M. M., his description of Mr. Perrault's home, 18S; his appreciation of Mr. Per- rault's character and works.. 271 Bigot, Intendant 143, 144 Bourinot, J, G., on education .. 163 Brock, General Isaac i iS C. Canada, its condition and popu- lation in 1755 4 Canadian pioneers and mission- aries 33 Cape Haytien 34 Carrier,!,. N 3i7 Cartier, Sir George 238 Casgrain, Abb^ 273 Castor Ville 352 Cession of Canada ^ i 19 Chdteau Bigot^ its description, souvenirs and associations... 13S Chdteau d '£au 24S Chdteau St. Louis, 16, 193 ; view of Quebec and environs from, 194 Chauveau, Hon. P. J. O., on education 162 Cholera of 1833 303 Colonies, English, their popula- tion in 1755, 4; policy of Eng- land towards them 66 Colonies, French,their condition in 1763... 4, IC Cori^