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 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 1 
 
 2 
 
 3 
 
 4 
 
 5 
 
 6 
 
 k 
 
TI 
 
 CO 
 
SAILING DIRECTIONS 
 
 FOE 
 
 THE GULF AND RIVEE 
 
 ST. LAWRENCE; 
 
 WITH 
 
 AN APPENDIX, 
 
 CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF THE HARBOURS OF 
 
 
 HALIFAX, AND ST. JOHN'S, N.B. 
 
 fiamjito txm \\t mm\ xmn\ Swrbtp, 
 
 LONDON, E.: 
 PUBLISHED BY JAMES IMKAY AND SON, 
 
 CHART AND NAUTICAL BOOKSELLEBS, 
 
 89 & 102, MINORIES. 
 1862. ^ 
 
■^v.* Communications for the future improvement op this, or 
 ANY OP our Works, will be gratefully regeivi;d and 
 acknowledged. 
 
 3AVILL WD KDWAUDS, PHINTBE8, CHANDOS STUBliT, 
 COVBNT GAUDEN. 
 
INDEX. 
 
 
 PAQK 
 
 Aggebmouj!: Rock 39 
 
 Alcide Reef 73 
 
 Alright Jyland aud Reef 9 
 
 Amet Sound 40 
 
 Amherst Inland 9 
 
 Ann, Cape St 70 
 
 Anne's Harbour, St 49 
 
 Anticosti Island 11 — 13 
 
 Arachat Harbour 52 
 
 Ashpee Harbour 49 
 
 Barometer, The 4 
 
 Barrett Ledge 77 
 
 Bathurst Harbour 30 
 
 Bayfield Islands 82 
 
 Beaumont Reefs 83 
 
 Bcdeque Harbour 67 
 
 Belle Chasse Island 83 
 
 Belleisle Spit 98 
 
 Bell Rock 97 
 
 Bergeron Coves 68 
 
 Berthier 83 
 
 Betchewun Harbour ..,.., 17 
 
 Bic Harbour and Island 72 
 
 Billhook Island 59 
 
 Biquette Island 73 
 
 Birch Islands 22 
 
 Bird Islets 10 
 
 Bowen Rocks 17 
 
 Brasd'Or 49 
 
 Breton Island 48—53 
 
 Brulfe Peninsula 41 
 
 Bryou Island 10 
 
 Buctouche Road and River .... 37 
 
 Canso, Gut of 46 
 
 Caraquette Harbour and Shoal ... 31 
 
 Cardigan Bay 65 
 
 Caribou Island and Harbour ... 42 
 
 Carlisle 28 
 
 Cascumpeque Harbour 58 
 
 Catch Harbour 100 
 
 Cawee Islands 64 
 
 Chaleur Bay 27—33 
 
 Charles Island 19 
 
 Charlotte Town 66 
 
 Chatte, Cape 70 
 
 Chedabucto Bay 63 
 
 Coacoacho Bay 14 
 
 Cocagne Harbour 37 
 
 CookCove 71 
 
 Cod Banks 16 
 
 Coffin Island 10 
 
 Collins Shoal 17 
 
 Compass Variation 1 and 5 
 
 Comwallis Island 96 
 
 Coudres Island 79 
 
 Crow Harbour 63 
 
 Currents, &c 6 
 
 Dalhodsie Harbour 29 
 
 Devil's Island 96 
 
 Directions, General 61 
 
 Directions, General ...... 87 
 
 Doyle Reef 10 
 
 tAGH 
 
 East Cape (Anticosti) 11 
 
 East Cnpe (Prince Edward's Island) . 54 
 
 East Channel 17 
 
 Ebouleniers Bay 79 
 
 Eddy Point , ' 47 
 
 Ellis Bay 12 
 
 English Point 65 
 
 Entry Island 10 
 
 Eacuminac Point 34 
 
 Esquimaux Island and Harbour . . 20 
 
 Father Point 71 
 
 Fisherman Ledge 31 
 
 Fisherman's Bank 55 
 
 Flint Island 51 
 
 Fogs 2 
 
 Fox Island Anchorage 63 
 
 Fright Island 20 
 
 Gabarus Bay 52 
 
 Garde Rock 17 
 
 Gasp^, Cape and Bay 25 
 
 Gasp^ Harbour 26 
 
 General Directions 61 
 
 General Directions 87 
 
 General Remarks 1 
 
 Genevieve Islands, St 17 
 
 George, Cape St 45 
 
 Goose Island 82 
 
 Governor Island 66 
 
 Grandique Shoal 37 
 
 Grange Rock 13 
 
 Green Island (Mingans) 20 
 
 Green Island (River St. Lawrence) . 75 
 
 Grenville Harbour 59 
 
 Grindstone Island 9 
 
 Grosse Island 9 
 
 Gull Island 20 
 
 Gulnare Shoal 67 
 
 Guysborcugh 63 
 
 Halifax Harbour (Appendix) ... 96 
 
 Hare Island and Bank 76 
 
 Heart Shoal 39 
 
 Heath Point H 
 
 Herring Cove 99 
 
 Hillsborough Bay 55 
 
 Hood, Port 62 
 
 Horse-shoe Shoal 34 
 
 Hunting Island 17 
 
 Ice 2 
 
 Indian Rocks 55 
 
 IvesKnoU 98 
 
 John, Cape 41 
 
 John, River St 62 
 
 John's Harbour, St. (Appendix) . . 100 
 
 Jourimain, Cape 38 
 
 Judique Bank and Shoals .... 63 
 
 Kamourasca 91 
 
 Eamourasca Isles 78 
 
 Kegashka Bay ........ 16 
 
 Large Island . 22 
 
 Lark Reef 69 
 
 Laurent Shoal 39 
 
 Lewis Reef 39 
 
INDEX. 
 
 PAQB 
 
 LichBeld Rock 97 
 
 L'Islet 81 
 
 Liverpool 36 
 
 Lobster Bay 65 
 
 Louiabourg Harbour 61 
 
 Macnab's Cove 103 
 
 Macnab's Island 96 
 
 Magdalen Isles 8 
 
 Magdalen River 70 
 
 Mai Bay 27 
 
 Mai Bay 79 
 
 Malpeque Harbour 69 
 
 Mauicouagon Point 67 
 
 Manitou River 63 
 
 Mars Rock 97 
 
 Matan River 71 
 
 Maugher's Beach 98 
 
 McGarth Patch 61 
 
 Merigomish Harbour 46 
 
 Metis, Great 71 and 87 
 
 Middle Channel (River St. Lawrence) 80 
 
 Middle Ground 98 
 
 Milford Haven 63 
 
 Mille Vaches Point 68 
 
 Milne Bank 64 
 
 Mingan Harbour 24 
 
 Mingan Island 28 
 
 Mingan Isles 16 
 
 Miramichi 36 
 
 Miramichi Bay 33 
 
 Miscou Harbour 32 
 
 Miscou Island Light 33 
 
 Mizzenette Ledge 31 
 
 Montreal 84 
 
 Monts, Point de 66 
 
 Moutange Island 23 
 
 Murray Bay 78 
 
 MuiTay Harbour 66 
 
 Musquarro River 14 
 
 Natashquan Point 15 
 
 Neuf, Port 68 
 
 Neverfail Shoal 97 
 
 Niapisca Island 22 
 
 Nicholas, Cape St 66 
 
 Nicholas Harbour, St 66 
 
 North, Cape 49 
 
 North Channel (River St. Lawrence) . 79 
 
 North Point (P. Edward's Island) . . 68 
 
 Northumberland Strait 60 
 
 Orignbaux Point 78 
 
 Orleans Island 83 
 
 Panmure Head 65 
 
 Partridge Island 101 
 
 Patrick's Hole 84 
 
 Paul's Bay, St. ....... 79 
 
 Paul's Island, St 8 
 
 Pearl Reef 10 
 
 Perc^e Rocks ; ' ; ^ 
 
 Perroquets, The . 23 
 
 Peter's Harbour, St 60 
 
 Peter's Island, St 66 
 
 Pictou Harbour ,43 
 
 Piotou Island 42 
 
 Pilgrims, The 77 
 
 Pillars, The 81 
 
 Pilotage 94 
 
 Pleasant Shoal 98 
 
 PIOI 
 
 Pokesuedio Shoal 31 
 
 Portuguese Shoal 97 
 
 Prince Edward's Island . . . 64 — 60 
 
 Prince Shoal, The 69 
 
 Pugwash Harbour 39 
 
 Quarry Island 22 
 
 Quebec 84 and 94 
 
 Quin Island 20 
 
 Razadb Islets 74 
 
 Red Island 76 
 
 Reed's Rock 98 
 
 Richibucto River 86 
 
 Richmond Bay 69 
 
 Rifleman Rocks 65 
 
 Rimouski ,71 
 
 Ristigouche River '30 
 
 Riviere-du-Loup 76 
 
 Rock Head 97 
 
 Rosier, Cape 70 
 
 Rustico Harbour 69 
 
 Sagubnat River 68 
 
 Saints Channel 18 
 
 Saints, The 17 
 
 Sambro' Island 96 
 
 Sand Lark Reef .23 
 
 Sapin Ledge 36 
 
 Savage Harbour ....... 60 
 
 Scatari Island 61 
 
 Seal Island 63 
 
 Seven Islands Bay 63 
 
 Shediac Bay 87 
 
 Shippigan Sound 82 
 
 South and S.W. Breakers .... 14 
 
 South Bank (River St. Lawrence) . . 74 
 South Traverse, The ... 81 and 92 
 
 S.W. Point 12 
 
 Spear Shoal 39 
 
 Stone Pillar, The 82 
 
 Sydney Harbour 60 
 
 Tadousac 69 
 
 Tatamagouche Bay and Harbour 40 and 41 
 
 Thomas Point, St 83 
 
 Thrum Cap Shoal 98 
 
 Tides 35 
 
 Tides 54 
 
 Tides 60 
 
 Tides 73 
 
 Tides 86 
 
 Tormentine, Cape 88 
 
 Tracadie Harbour 60 
 
 Traverse Spit 80 
 
 Trinity Bay 66 
 
 Vaches Patch 69 
 
 VerteBay 88 
 
 Wallace Harbour 40 
 
 Walrus Island 20 
 
 Wash-shecootai Bay 14 
 
 WaughBank 41 
 
 West Point (Anticosti) 12 
 
 West Point (P. Edward's Island) . . 57 
 
 Whale Island 19 
 
 Wildfowl Reef 68 
 
 Wind and Weather 3 
 
 Wolf Bay and Isles 13 
 
 Wolf Island 9 
 
 Wye Rocks, ITie 83 
 
 coi 
 gat 
 
FAOl 
 31 
 
 97 
 —60 
 69 
 39 
 22 
 id 94 
 20 
 74 
 76 
 98 
 86 
 , 60 
 £5 
 , 71 
 ' 30 
 , 76 
 . 97 
 . 70 
 . 69 
 , 68 
 . 18 
 . 17 
 . 96 
 . 23 
 . 86 
 . 60 
 . 61 
 . 63 
 . 68 
 . 37 
 . 82 
 14 
 74 
 ,nd92 
 12 
 39 
 82 
 50 
 69 
 a,Dd41 
 83 
 98 
 35 
 54 
 60 
 73 
 85 
 88 
 60 
 80 
 66 
 69 
 38 
 , 40 
 . 20 
 . 14 
 . 41 
 . 12 
 . 57 
 . 19 
 . 68 
 . 3 
 . 13 
 . 9 
 . 83 
 
 SAILING DIRECTIONS 
 
 FOB THE 
 
 GULF AND RIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 *^^* The Bearings and Courses throughout this work are by 
 
 COMPASS, unless EXPRESSED THUS (E.N.E.), AND ARE FOR STILL WATER ; 
 THE UTMOST ATTENTION SHOULD, THEREFORE, BE GIVEN WHENEVER TIIEY 
 LEAD ACROSS THE STREAM OP TIDE, WHETHER DIRECTLY OR OBLIQUELY, 
 AND DUE ALLOWANCE BE MADE FOR THEIR INFLUENCE. ThE DEPTHS 
 R5PER TO LOW WATER, SPRING-TIDES ; THE RANGE OF A TIDE MEANS THE 
 DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ITS LOW AND HIGH WATER LEVELS. ThE DISTANCES 
 ARE IN NAUTICAL MILES OP 60 TO EACH DEGREE OF LATITUDE. 
 
 The AMOUNT of westerly VARIATION IN 1861 AT THE VARIOUS POINTS 
 WITHIN THE LIMITS OF THIS WORK, WAS AS FOLLOWS : — 
 
 24° 45' 
 22° 45' 
 26° 30' 
 25° 00' 
 22° 6' 
 22° 
 
 24° 18' 
 22" 35' 
 
 Cape Ray 27° 45' 
 
 Cape North (Breton I.) . 25° 45' 
 ScATARi Island .... 
 Gut of Canso .... 
 St. Paul's Island . . . 
 Amherst I. (Magdalen Is.) 
 
 PiCTOU Bay 
 
 MiRAMicHi Bay .... 
 Chaleur Bay (Entrance) 
 Dalhousie (Chaleur Bay) 
 
 Cape Gaspe 25° 48' 
 
 Anticosti (East Cape) . 28° 18' 
 
 The estimated annual increase in the Gulp of St. Lawrence is 
 6', and the general line of equal variation runs n.w. by w. 
 AND S.E. BY E,, true. In the River St. Lawrence it is 4', and 
 
 THE LINES OF EQUAL VARIATION RUN N.W. J W. AND S.R ^ E,, true. 
 
 Anticosti (West Cape) 
 Cape Whittle . . 
 Natashquan Point 
 MiNGAN Islands 
 The Seven Islands 
 Cape Magdalen 
 Cape Chatte . . 
 Point des Monts . 
 Bic Island . . . 
 Green Island . . 
 CouDRES Island 
 Quebec 
 
 27° 
 
 18' 
 
 31° 
 
 50' 
 
 30" 
 
 18' 
 
 28° 
 
 18' 
 
 26° 
 
 15' 
 
 25° 
 
 45' 
 
 24° 
 
 15' 
 
 23° 
 
 45' 
 
 20° 
 
 25' 
 
 19° 
 
 12' 
 
 17° 
 
 0' 
 
 15° 
 
 1^' 
 
 PART L 
 
 THE GULF OF ST. LAWRENCE, 
 
 GENERAL REMARKS. 
 
 It has always been supposed that the navigation of the Gulf and River St, 
 Lawrence is attended with considerable difficulty, and the numerous accidents 
 constantly occurring to vessels would seem to show that the opinion is well founded. 
 
 Admiral Bayfield, R.N., has remarked that, " Among the difficulties of the navi- 
 gation, may be mentioned the ice. In spring the entrance and the eastern parts of 
 
 BT. L. B 
 
ICE AND FOGS. 
 
 the Gulf are froauciitly covered witli it, iind vessels nro sometimes Voset for many 
 days. Heing untitt.jd lor contending with the danger, they often Huller from it, and 
 are occaHionally lost ; hut serious accidents from this cause do not frequently occur, 
 because the ice is geni'raliy in a melting state from the powerful effect of the sun in 
 spring. In the full of the year accidents from ice seldom occur, except when the 
 winter commences suddenly ; or when vessels linger imprudently lato from the temp- 
 tation of obtaining high freights. 
 
 Hut all danger from ice is far less than that which arises from the prevalent fogs : 
 they may occur at any time during the open or navigable season, but are most fre- 
 quent in the early part of summer ; they are rare, j-nd never of long continuance 
 during westerly winds, but seldom fail to accompany an easterly vvind of any strength 
 or durution. Tlie above general observation is subject, however, to restriction, ac- 
 cordiu"- to locality, or season. Thus winds between the south and west, which are 
 usually clear weather winds above Anticosti, are frequently accompanied with fog in 
 the eastern parts of the gulf. Winds between the south and east are almost always 
 accompanied with rain utid fog in evtry part. E.N.E. winds above Point de Monts 
 are often E.S.E. or S.E. winds in the Gulf, changed in direction by the high lands 
 of the south coast, and have therefore in general the same foggy character. I speak 
 of winds of considerable strength and duration, and which probably extend over 
 great distances. Moderate and partial fine weather winds may occur without fog at 
 any season, and in any locality. In the early part of the navigable season, especially 
 in the months of April and May, clear weather N.E. winds are of frequent occurrence, 
 and they also sometimes occur at other [seasons, in every part of the Gulf and Kiver 
 St. Lawrence. 
 
 The fogs sometimes last several days in succession, and to a vessel either running 
 up or beating down, during their continuance, there is no safe ^uide but the constant 
 use of the deep-sea lead, with a chart containing correct soundings. 
 
 The fogs which accompany easterly gales, extend higher up into the atmosphere, 
 and cannot be looked over from any part of the riirging of a ship. They, however, 
 are not so thick as those which occur in calms after a strong wind, and which are 
 frequently so dense as to conceal a vessel within hail ; whilst the former often, but 
 not alvv..ys, admit the land, or other objects, to be distinguished at the distance of 
 half a mile, or more, in the daytime. 
 
 The dense fogs which occur in calms, or even in very light winds, often extend 
 only to small elevations above the sea ; so that it sometimes happens, that when 
 objects are hidden at the distance of fifty yards from the deck, they can be plainly 
 seen by a person fifty or sixty feet up the rigging. In' the months of October and 
 November the fogs and rain that accompany easterly gales, are replaced by thick 
 snow, which causes equal embarrassment to the navigator. 
 
 The prevailing winds, during the navigable season, are either directly up or 
 directly down the estuary, following the course of the chains of high lands on either 
 side of the great valley of the St. Lawrence. Thus a S.E. wind in the Gulf becomes 
 E.S.E, between Anticosti and the south coast, E.N.E. above Point de Monts, and 
 N.E. above Green Island. The westerly winds do not appear to be so much guided 
 in direction by the high lands, excepting along the south coast, where we have 
 observed a W.S.W. wind at the island of Bic becoming West, W.N.W., and N.W., 
 as we ran down along the high and curved coast, until it became a N.N.W. wind 
 at Cape Gaspe. These winds frequently blow strong for three or four days in suc- 
 cession ; the westerly winds being almost always accompanied with fine, dry, clear, 
 and sunny weather j the eastei'ly winds as frequently the contrary, cold, wet, and foggy. 
 In the spring, the easterly winds most prevail, frequently blowing for several weeks m 
 succession. As the summer advances, the westerly winds becom'^ more frequent, and 
 the S.W. wind may be said to be the prevailing wind in summer in all parts of the 
 lliver and Gulf. Light south winds take place occasionally ; but north winds are not 
 common in summer, although they sometimes occur. Steady N.W. winds do not 
 blow frequently before September, excepting for a few hours at a time, when they 
 generally succeed easterly winds which have died away to a calm, forming the com- 
 mencement of strong winds, and usually veering to the S.W. The N.W. wind is dry, 
 with bright clear sky, flying clouds, and showers. After the autumnal equinox, winas 
 to the northward of West become more common, and are then often strong steady 
 ■winds of considerable duration. In the months of October and November the N.W. 
 
 
 trel 
 
 n 
 
 1 
 
 bar 
 
 iigl 
 
"WIND AND WEATHER. §'- 
 
 wiiul frcfmeiill} 1)1<)\vh with j^iciit violtMice in heavy squallH, witli passing showers of 
 hull and hhow, and attcndid with Mharp IVost. 
 
 Thun(h'i'-Htornirt are not uncommon in .Inly and Au^'unt ; thoy seldom la^t uhove 
 an hour or two; but the wind proceeding from them is in gencrul viohMit and nud- 
 den, mirticnhirly when near the mountainouM part of tlie coast ; sail should, there- 
 fore, be fully and (luickly reduced on their approach. 
 
 Stron<^ winds seldom veer (puckly from one quarter of the compass to another 
 directly or nearly contrary : in general they die away by df«,'ree» to a calm, and aru 
 succeeded by a wind in the opposite direction. I do not mean, however, by this 
 oljservation, that they may not veer to the amount of Heveral points. N.W. winds 
 seldom or never veer round by North and N.E. to East and S.E. ; but they do 
 frequently, by degrees, to the S.W., alter becoming moderate. S.W. winds seldoiik 
 veer by the N.W. and North to the eastward, but sometimes by the 8outh to S.E. and 
 East. Easterly winds generally decrease to a calm, and are succeeded by wind fiom 
 the opposite direction. 
 
 In the tine weather westerly winds of summer, a fresh topgallant breeze will oftttn 
 decrease to a light breeze or calm at night, and spring up again from the samo 
 quarter on the following morning: under these circumstances oidy may a land breeze 
 otf the north coast be looked for. I have observed the same ott'the south coast also, 
 but not so decidedly or extending so I'ar off shore. I have occasionally carried the 
 north land wind nearly over to the south coast just before daylight, but have never 
 observed the south land wind extend more than five or six miles off, and that very 
 rarely. Under the same circumstances; that is, with a fine weather westerly wind 
 going down with thesim, a S.W. land breeze will frequently be found blowing oil' the 
 north co*ist of Anticosti at night and during the early part of the morning. If, how- 
 ever, the weather be not settled fair, and the wind does not fall with the sun, it will 
 usually prove worse than useless to run a vessel close in shore at night in the hope 
 of a breeze otf the land Such is the usual cour.se of the winds in common st^asons, 
 in which a very heavy gale of wind will probably not be experienced from May to 
 October, although close-reefed topsail breezes are usually connnon enough. Occa- 
 sionally, however, there are years, the character of vyhich is decidedly stormy. Gules 
 of winds, of considerable strength, then follow each other in quick succession and 
 from opposite quarters. 
 
 The marine barometer, which is at all times of great use to the navigator, becomes 
 particularly so in such seasons ; and the following remarks upon its general indica- 
 tions, when taken in connexion with the usual course of the winds and weather in 
 the St. Lawrence, may therefore be useful. The barometer has a range from 29 to 
 30'5 inclii'S in the Gulf and Kiver St. Lawrence during the navigable season, and its 
 changes accompany those of the winds and weather with a considerable degree of con- 
 stancy. The fluctuations of the barometric column are much greater and more 
 frequent there than in lower latitudes ; and sudden alterations, which in other 
 climates would be alarming, may occur there without being followed by any 
 corresponding change either in the wind or the weather. But the navigator 
 should not be inattentive to those minor changes, as a constant attention to the 
 instrument can alone enable him to appreciate those decisive indications of tlie 
 mercury which seldom or never prove deceptive. The following remarks will 
 apply to those well-marked changes which usually indicate the approach of a 
 gale of considerable strength, or of a shift of wind and weather; the correct 
 anticipation of which is often of the \itmost importance to the safety of a vessel, 
 as well as to the length of her voyage. When after a continuance of westerly 
 winds and fine weather, the barometer has risen nearly to its greatest height, say 
 some tenths above thirty inches, or begins to fall a little, an easterly wind may 
 be soon expected. If to this notice given by the barometer be added a warm 
 hazy atmosphere during the day, and a heavy precipitation of dew at night, with 
 very bright twinkling stars, or a coloured aurora borealis, the approach of an 
 east wind is almost certain. If land be in sight at such a time, and appears 
 much distorted by terrestrial refraction, or if vessels in sight have the relative 
 proportions of their hulls and sails changed by the mirage, or present double or 
 treble images, such appearances will render the more probable indications of the 
 barometer certain. At the commencement, the easterly wind will probably bo 
 light with fine clear weather, but this will not last above a few hours if thu 
 
 B 2 
 
4 THE BAKOMETER. 
 
 barometer continuoB to fall ; on the contrary, tlio wind will grndimlly incrense, 
 and iw it doen ho, the sky will bo ovcrouHt by dejfrecH \intil it iH conii>lt'tely clouded. 
 liotU rain and fo^ will follow, and continue dnrinj? the continuance of the easterly 
 wind, with little intennisBion, until they are di»Bipated by u fresh breeze from the 
 
 contrary quarter. . , , 
 
 If the fall of the barometer, durinj? the continuance of tlie easterly wind, be very 
 slow, the gale will probably continue, and not be very violent : if rapid, it will pro- 
 bably be ol" Hhort duration, and of gveater strength : at any rate, when the moicury 
 falls towards 29 inches, a change is certainly at hand, and the gale will in general come 
 from the N.W. The strength of this gucceeding gale will be in proportion to the fall 
 of the barometer, and to the strength of the easterly gale which preceded it. In such 
 a case, there is seldom many hours' interval between the one gale and the other. The 
 oaet wind generally dies away to a calm, and in a very few hours, or sometimes in much 
 less time, the N.W. gale springs up. A heavy cross sea remains for some time from 
 the previous gale. The barometer sometimes begins to rise in the interval of calm 
 which precedes the N.W. gale, at others at its commencement : the fog and rain cease, 
 and tiie weather becomes quite clear, generally in a few hours, and sometimes almost 
 immediately. The strength of the westerly gale is usually greatest soon alter is 
 commencement, and diminishes as the barometer rises, veering gradually to the Wes 
 and S.W. It is worthy of remark, that the circumstances just mentioned are exactly 
 the reverse of those attending the easterly gale. The gale usually commences with 
 clear weather and a high barometer, light at first from the South or S.E., and 
 gradually increasing as it vecns to the eastward, with a falling barometer. To return 
 to the westerly gale. If, after it has veered to S.W. and become moderate, the baro- 
 meter remains steady at a moderate height, fine weather may be expected. If it 
 remains at a cor.siderable height, but still fluctuating and unsteady, within certain 
 limits, variable but not heavy v/inds, and variable iveather, may be expected. If, on 
 the contrary, it rises quickly to a great height, a repetition of the easterly gale will 
 not be improbable. We have experienced seasons in which the barometer may be 
 said to have been no sooner blown up by one wind, than it has been blown down by 
 another, and this stormy alternation to have continued for several months, whilst in 
 others we have scarcely had a double-reefed topsail breeze during the whole summer. 
 
 There is in fact so great a ditl'erence in the phenomena of the weather in different 
 seasons, that it becomes very difficult to write anything respecting it that shall not be 
 liable to many exceptions. There are, however, some strongly marked cases of con- 
 nexion between the indications of the barometer and changes of the winds and 
 weather, which, within our own experience of eight or nine years, hav9 been subject 
 to few, I might almost say no exceptions. The first of these cases is that most 
 common one, which I have endeavoured to describe, of an easterly gale, with a falling 
 barometer, being always wet and foggy, and succeeded by a strong wind from the 
 opposite quarter with a rising barometer. A second case, not of so frequent occur- 
 rence in common seasons, excepting in spring or early in summer, is the easterly 
 wind with a rising barometer ; which, although it may not be at first for a few hours, 
 will almost always become fine and clear, and end in fine weather. A. third case may 
 be considered certain : if the barometer fall suddenly and greatly, at any time, a 
 northerly, and most probably a N.W. gale, of great strength, may be confidently ex- 
 pected. It does not follow that it will be immediate, for it may be preceded by a 
 strong gale from S.W., for a few hours, during which the barometer will seldom rise, 
 and even, probably, continue to fall ; but when the S.W. gale dies away, the northerly 
 or N.W. will soon succeed, with a rising barometer. 
 
 In conclusion, I may remark that as, on the one hand, a considerable fall of the 
 barometer ma^ occur, without being followed by a strong wind ; so, on the other, a 
 breeze of considerable strength may come on without any indication from the baro- 
 meter, but not anything that deserves the name oi & gale. There has never, within 
 our exp< ence, occurred a gale, so heavy as to be of serious consequence to a good 
 vessel, the approach of which has not been indicated by the barometer. But it must 
 be remembered, that a high barometer, in this climate, and under the circumstances 
 which I have mentioned, is often indicative of an easterly gale. It is remarkable that, 
 in the gulf and estuary of the St. Lawrence, a high barometer may be considered as 
 the forerunner of wet and foggy weather, which usually accompanies its fall ; whilst 
 a low barometer renders it equally probable that dry weather will ensue, since it often 
 
 . 
 
TUB COMPASS, CURRENTS, «&o. 
 
 accompanies its rise. I am fully of opinion, that tlio marine Imrometor ih of tlio 
 greatest assistance in the nuvijfation of the Gulf and Uivor St. Lawronce, and that by 
 attt'iidinjf coiiHtantly to its state and chanpw, with relerenco to the winds and weather 
 which preceded them, combined with the indications afforded by the appearance of the 
 sky, Sic., those clianj,'es of the wind and weather, which are about to take place, may 
 bo Miiticipat.d with a dejjree of certainty sufficient, in most cases, to enable us to avoid 
 beiiif^ caufjht on a lee-shore, or in an unsafe anchoraj^e, as well as to regulate our 
 course in a voyage, in anticipation of the coming change. 
 
 An opinion is prevalent that the compasses of vessels are disturbed in the Gulf 
 and Kiver St. Lawrence, and such disturbance has been attributed to the magnetic 
 ores of iron in the hills, particularly those of ths north coast. The magnetic oxide 
 of iron does exist abundantly, and attracts the nedle very powerfully at some points, 
 
 Sarticularly along the coast from the Bay of Seven Islands eastward. Among the 
 lingun Islands, we found the variation to vary from this cause from 19° to 31'' W. 
 At Port Neuf, and on Manicouagon Point, the needle was also diaturbed. Put these 
 effects were only noticed when the instrument was placed on the shore. In two 
 instances onlv, when sailing within two miles of the shore, have we observed any 
 effect of the kind upon the compai.ses on board the Gulnare (the vessel in which the 
 survey was made), and then only to the amoimt of a few degrees. 
 
 When running from place to place, at greater distances from the coast, nothing of 
 the kind has been noticed ; so that I feel sure, that in nine cases out of ten, wliero 
 this source of erroneous reckoning has been alleged as the cause of accidents to 
 vessels, they originated either in errors of the chart, or iu tha local attraction on 
 board the vessels themselves." 
 
 CUllliENTS, &c.— Admiral Bayfield, R.N., says— "It is a generally received 
 opinion, that a current sets constantly to the soujji-eastward out of the Gulf of St. 
 Lawrence, between Newfoundland and Cape Breton Island, and also that it is frequently 
 deflected to the southward, towards the shores of the island last named, by another 
 current from the northward, which is said to enter the Gulf by the Strait of Belle Isle. 
 
 I have mjyself observed tliat a current sets out, between Cape Ray and St. Paul 
 Island, durmg westerly winds and in calm weather ; but it is checked by easterly 
 ■winds, and I believe that it may sometimes run in a contrary direction from the same • 
 cause. Northerly wind.-., and perhaps also the above-named current from the north- 
 ward, may cause the stream to set to the southward towards Cape Breton Island. 
 But the truth is that winds, both present and at a distance, possess so powerful and 
 iiTegular an action upon the set and strength of the currents and tides in this entrance 
 of the Gulf, that I can say nothing certain or definite respecting them. 
 
 The reality of a current inwards through the Strait of Belle Isle is confirmed by 
 the presence of icebergs, which it transports into the Gulf tjvery summer, against the 
 prevailing S.W. winds ; frequently cttrrying them as far as Mecattina, and sometimes 
 even to the neighbourhood of the east point of Anticosti. Its strength is very much 
 increased by a prevalence of N.E. winds : at such times it runs at the rate of 2 knots, 
 through the Strait, and for 30 to 40 miles further to the westward ; diminishing 
 gradually in force as it spreads out in the wider , ts of the Gulf. Usually, however, 
 its rate is much less. At times, when S.W. windb nrevail, it becomes very weak ; and 
 it has even been reported to me, that a current hac been observed setting out of the 
 Gulf, in a contrary direction to the N.E., for days together, but this was never observed 
 by us during either of the three seasons which we passed there. There is, however, 
 no doubt that this current is extremely irregular, as might be expected at the narrow 
 outlet of a great inland sea, where winds, both within and without, must of necessity 
 possess great influence. 
 
 After entering the Gulf, it runs along the north or Labrador Coast, at the distance 
 of 2 or 3 miles from the outer islands ; leaving a narrow space in-shore, in which the 
 streams of the tides, when uninfluenced by winds, are tolerably regular. Passing out- 
 side of Mistanoque, the islands of Grand Mecattina, and the Southmakers Ledge, it 
 pursues a direction given to it by the trending of the coast, till it is turned gradually 
 to the southward, by the weak current whicb is often found coming from the westward 
 between Anticosti and the north coast, during westerly winds, and which is set off to 
 the southward from Natashquan Point. The tmited streams continue their southern 
 course at a rate diminishing as they become more widely spread, and which seldom 
 exceeds half a knot ; and, finally, joining the main downward current out of the gt. 
 
6 
 
 CUEEENTS, &c. 
 
 1 1 
 
 Lawronce, of which an account will be given immodiatoly, thoy all pursue a S.E-^ 
 direction towards the main entrance ol' the Gulf, between Ca^xj Uay and the Island of 
 St. Paul. It is this current, IVom tae northward, which is felt by vessels crossing 
 from off the Bird Rocks towards Anticosti; and which, I'^gether with neglecting to 
 allow for the local attraction of the compass, has been the principal cause of masters 
 of vessels so often finding themselves, unexpectedly, on tlie south coast. Many ship- 
 wncks have arisen from this cause near Cape Rosier Gasp<?, Mai Bay. &c. 
 
 JiJffect of the Tides on this Current. — Both these currents, viz., that from the north- 
 ward, and the main downward current of the St. La,"vence, are modified by the tides,^ 
 but in a way directly contrary : fov the northern curi'ent, in through the Strait of 
 Belle Isle, is accelerated liy the flood, and checked by the ebb; whilst the other is 
 accelerated by the ebb, and checked by the flood tide. These modilying causes, viz., 
 the tides and winds, give rise to various combinations, and consequent irregularities, 
 in the direction and strength of these streams, which it is extremely difficult at all 
 times to estimate and allow for correctly. 
 
 Main Current of the River. — The current along the south coast appea'is to be 
 superficial : at least we found it so in the lower parts of the Estuary, where observa- 
 tions upon the specific gravity of the water on the surface, and taken up from different 
 depths, proved to us that the water of the St. Lawrence and its numerous tributary 
 streams was widely diffused over the Estuary. It has also been observed that tha 
 current is sv.'ongest in spring, soon after the opening of the navigat'.on, when the 
 rivers are swelled by the recently dissolved snows of the winter. But, tJthough, gene- 
 rally speaking, there seems no doubt that this current is the tribute of the St. Law- 
 rence on its way tc the ocean ; yet, in the upper part of the Estuary it is not alone, 
 and at all times, caused by the discharge of the St. I^awrencie, but depends also upon 
 peculiarities in the set of the tides^ Thus, when our observations had confirmed the 
 truth of the report, that the current always ran down on the south side of the Estuary 
 from a few miles below Red Island towards tha Island of Bic, we could not {-t first 
 account for the fact; for it appeared impossible that this could be the comparatively 
 fresh water of the St. Lawrei.ce flowing on the surface towards the sea, when we knew 
 that the whole body of water a fe' : miles above, from shore to shore, on either side of 
 . Hare Island, and alfCo in the Saguenay River, was running up during the flood tide. 
 Attent"'>n, and numerous observations, together with an examination of the tempera- 
 ture ..a specific gravity of the water, informed us that this was an eddy flood, which 
 is thus explained. 
 
 The flood tide ascends in a wide channel more than 100 fathoms deep : when it; 
 arriv3s at the comparatively narrow pass formed by Green Island, Red Islet Reef, and 
 the extensive shoals off the entrance of the Saguenay River, it is obstructed thereby, 
 ns well as by the shoalness of the channel to the southward of Hare Island. There 
 IS not room for so great a volume of water to pass, and part of it is in consequence 
 turned back, and forms &n eddy flood, setting trom below Red Islet Reef, towards the 
 Razade Islets. During the ebb tide, the stream of the Saguenay sets over to the 
 southward in the same direction, hence the current on that side is always down. 
 
 There is no upward stream of the tide (excepting so close in-shore as to be useless 
 to ships) all along the south coast from Cape Gaspe to a few miles below Red Islet, in 
 consequence of the union of this eddy flood with the main current of the river ; an'' 
 they have, therefore, so much influence ou the navigation that I shall endeavour t ^ 
 trace their course more particularly. 
 
 Commencing from a short distance below the Red Islet Reef, the current is there 
 very strong— about 4 knots. It decreases in velocity as it proceeds to the south-east- 
 ward, slanting over towards the Razade Islets ; ott' which its rate is from 2 to 3 knots. 
 It runs strongly along the northern edge of the Bank of Soundings off the south coast, 
 upon which, especially in spring tides, a weak stream of flood will be found flowing 
 m the opposite direction, and the boundary of the two streams is usually marked by 
 a strong ripple. I'rcm Father Point to Cape Chatte, the rate of the downward 
 current varies from a | to 2 knots, according to the tide, direction of the wind, and 
 season of the year. 
 
 During the ebb tide the stream runs down on both sides, stronger on the south 
 than the north coast, and weakest in the middle of the Estuary. It is deflected, or 
 turned off to the southward, by the Points Mille-Vaches, Bersimis,Manicouagan,and 
 Point de Monts, and by the ebbing streams of the large rivers between them j a circum- 
 
^ 
 
 S.E. 
 and of 
 ossing 
 ing to 
 lusters 
 
 ship- 
 
 the 
 
 CUEEENTS, &o. 7 
 
 stance which should be carefully attended to hy vessels coming up with a northerly 
 wind ; as they will infallibly be set over to the southward upon a lee shore, if they do 
 not make the necessary allowance by keeping their wind well over to the northward. 
 
 During the flood tide this stream still continues to run down outside the Bank of 
 Soundings off the south coast, although with diminished velocity, and is felt about half 
 way over towards the north shore. In the middle of the Estuary there is usually 
 slack water; whilst along the north coast the stream of flood is regular in its recur- 
 rence,^ increasing in force as we ascend the Estuary. The strength of the stream of 
 flood 13 greatest in-shore, and diminishes as we proceed over to the southward, till at 
 the distance of about 3 leagues it becomes insensible. These differences in the 
 strength and direction of the streams produce strong ripples in various parts of the 
 Estuary, but their position varies with the different times of tide, and perhaps from 
 other causes, so that they cannot safely be trusted for any guidance to the sen man. 
 
 Eound Point de Mont.< there is little or no stream of flood, excepting very close 
 in-shore ; the downward current is constant, or nearly so, off that point ; and it 
 requires a fast-sailing vessel to beat round it against a westerly v/ind. Point de Monts 
 turns this current over to the S.S.E., at a rate varying from 1 to 2 knots ; so that a 
 vessel, having a west wind, and standing over to the southward on the starboard tack, 
 will be carried towards the south coast at a r<ipid rate, having the current on her 
 weather quarter ; during her board tack to the northward she will be retarded, tiie 
 current being then directly opposed to her course. When sailing at the rate of 4 
 knots, it will usually require only about half the time to go from near Point de Monts 
 over to the south coast, that it will take to return from tlie latter to the former. This 
 is a most important circumstance, which it is necessary to carefully guard agni'.ist, when 
 beating up the Estuary in this part during dark nights, and especially in foggy weather. 
 
 Below Point de Monts tht) current is no longer fel'i; neai the north coast, nor, 
 indeed, anywhere to the northward of a line joining Point de Monts and Anticosti. 
 It is confined to the neighbourhood of the south coast, which it follows in its curve 
 to the southward, running strongly past Cape Gaspe, Flat Island, and Bonaventure 
 Island ; whence, curving gradually to the South and S.E., it continues its course 
 towards the entrraice of the Gulf^ with a rate very much lessened in consequence of 
 the gi'eat space over which it is now spread. The usual breadth of this stream from 
 Magdalen River to Cape Gaspe is 3 or 4 leagues; but this, I believe, is not uniform. 
 When S.W. winds prevail, it appears that this current, or a branch of it, is driven 
 over from the vicinity of Magdalen River towards Anticosti ; part of the stream 
 ruiming round the west point of that island, sets across nearly towards Large Island 
 (one of the Mingans), whence turning gradually down outside the Mingan and 
 Esquimaux Islands, and along thfl north coast, it sweeps round the curve to the 
 westward of Natashquan Point and is turned off to the southward, as has been 
 already mentioned. The other part sweeps round the large curve, or bay, between 
 the west and S.W. points of Anticosti, and is turned off to the southward by the latter 
 point, frequently causing a great ripple off it, which has been mistaken for breakers 
 on a mucli more extensive reef than exists there. 
 
 I have noted the rate of this current, off different parts of the south coast between 
 Capes Chatte and Gasp^, in the months of June, July, August, and September, and 
 in different years, and scarcely ever found it the same. It varipd between 1 and 2 
 knots in westerly winds. It was weaker, often nearly hisenslble, in easterly winds ; 
 and in one instance, off Mont Louis River, in a calm which was followed by a strong 
 breeze from the eastward, it could not be perceived. 
 
 Vessels beating up the St. Lawrence against westerly winds usually experience 
 little difficulty in making good way to windward, after having weathered the west 
 point of Anticosti and arrived on the north coast: because there is seldom any 
 current on that side, and the tides, although weak, are tolerably regular. It is in 
 general very easy to beat from the Seven Islands to Point de Monts ; for there the 
 stream of flood is stronger than the ebb ; the latter, as well as the current, being 
 turned off to the southward by Point de Monts. There seems, at times, also to be 
 an eddy current there, sweeping round the great bay or curve between the above- 
 named points. It sets off from above Egg Islet to the S.S.W. ; and is the probable 
 cause why vessels, which shape a direct course |'or Point de Monts with a leading 
 N.W. wind off the land at night, so often find themselves obliged to haul up for, or 
 unable, to fetch the light." 
 
8 
 
 ST. PAUL'S ISLAND, THE MAGDALEN ISLANDS, BRYON ISLAND, 
 
 THE BIRD ISLETS, ANTICOSTI. 
 
 ST. PAVl'S XS&AirB. — This island is nearly 3 miles long, and 1 mile broad. 
 The bearing and distance from the south point of the island to Cape North are, 
 W.S.W. ^ W., 13 miles ; and from the north point of the island to Cape Ray, the 
 bearinj? and distance are, E. by N., 41^ miles. The margin is i >■ liv and precipitous 
 almost all round, indented by coves, in which shelter, during the prevalence of 
 certain winds, may be obtained. A small detached islet forms its N.E. point, 
 which is separated by a very narrow channel, from a peninsula, between 300 and 
 400 feet higii, which, together with the isthmus, is so precipitous as to bo nearly 
 inaccessible. 
 
 Two octagonal-shaped white lighthouses are established on this island ; one on 
 the northern end, and the other on the southern point, one of which will always be 
 open, unless to a vessel very near the central rocks. The northern light is fixed, 
 and visible about 20 miles all round the compass, except on the bearings between N. 
 by E. and E. by N., when it will be obscured by the hills to the southward oi it. 
 The southern light revolves once in every minute, at about the same elevation as the 
 northern one (140 feet), and is also visible about 20 miles on all bearings, except 
 those between West and S.S.E., when it is concealed by the land. At the southern 
 lighthouse a bell is kept tolling in foggy weather, worked by machinery, and a gun 
 fired every 4 hours, commencing at 4 a.m. 
 
 About a mile from the south point on the west side of the island, is Trinity Cove, 
 at the northern part of which is a provisi(m post ; and on the opposite side of the 
 island is Atlantic Cove : a landing may be effected in either of these. The cove on 
 the N.W. affords a small and bold beach, about 150 feet long, where a landing may 
 be effected, but generally with difficulty, by reason of the continual swell of the sea. 
 The interior of the island rises into three hills, the highest being nearly in the 
 centre, and terminating in a square summit of about 50 feet on each side, nearly 
 perpendicular, and estimated to be about 500 feet above the level of the sea. The 
 surface of the island is, in general, rocky, with some spots of marsh or bog, which 
 probably supply the fresh water issuing from the rock. Stunted fir and white birch 
 trees are the only products of the isle, but some drift wood may be picked up. 
 
 There is anchorage all round the island, and close in-shore, which circumstance 
 enables vessels to lie there with any winds, by shifting their stations as the wind and 
 weather require ; — a mode practised by the privateers of the United States during 
 ttie late war. There are tolerably regular soundings off the north side, at the 
 distance of half or three-quarters of a mile ; on the N.E. side a bank lies off about 
 three-quarters of a mile, with from 7 to 8 fathoms of water. The general depth of 
 the soundings around the island, at half a mile from the shore, is from 20 to 40, but 
 the water soon deepens to 100 fathoms, so that there is little or no warning by the 
 lead when approachmg this island in foggy weather. There is a plentiful fishery of 
 cod and mackerel around the coast, and also an abundance of seals. 
 
 MAODAXiliX XSitAXTDS. — These islands form a chain, in an irregular curved 
 direction, and lie between the parallels of 47° 12' and 47° 39' N. The Magdalens, 
 wheu first made from sea, appear like several hilly islands, with channels between ; 
 but, on a nearer approach, they are seen to be all connected together, with the excep- 
 tion of Entry Island, by a double line of sand-bars and beaches, enclosing extensive 
 lagoons, having very narrow entrances, by which the tide finds access and egress. 
 In some parts these sand-bars are only a few feet above the sea, whilst in others 
 they rise into hills of sand of considerable height. They appear to be increasing, 
 since there are generally lidges of sand, with from 9 to 12 feet water, parallel to and 
 from 50 to 100 fathoms outside the beach. Between these ridges and the shore 
 there are 3 and 4 fathoms of water, a circumstance which has proved fatal to the 
 crews of vessels wrecked upon these shores. The central parts of these islands 
 attain an elevation of 200 to 580 feet. They contain a population of about 1100 
 inhabitants, whose priu^ipal dependence is upon the cod-fishery. Wood, for fuel, is 
 scarce near the settlements, and large spars are not to be had. Small supplies of 
 fresh provisions may be obtained, especially from Entry Island ; and water may be 
 had from Amherst Harbour. These islands possess no harbours for ships ; but there 
 are three fit for small vessels, named Amherst, House, and Grand Entry Hai-bours. 
 
 1 
 
THE MAGDALEN ISLANDS. 
 
 The names of the islands are Entry Island, Amherst, Grindstone, Alright, Wolf, 
 Grosse, and Coffin Islands; exclusive of 13ryon or Cross Island, and the Bu-d Islets, 
 which lie more to the north. 
 
 AMHERST ISLAND. — The most southerly and principal island of the group is 
 Amherst Island, which is connected with Grindstone Island by a double line of sand- 
 bars, enclosing an extensive lagoon, 6 or 6 miles long, and from 1 to 3 wide, the 
 southern part of which is named Basque Harbour : it has three outlets into Pleasant 
 Bay ; the southernmost is the deepest, but has only 3 I'eet at low water. To the east 
 of this, and N.E. of the island, is Pleasant Bay, which is the best roadstead in the 
 Magdalens, and the only one where vessels can venture to lie with all winds, during 
 June, July, and August. The best anchorage is in 4 fathoms, with the rocky point of 
 j the entrance of Amherst Harbour bearing S. W. ^ W. two-thirds of a mile. Amherst 
 Harbour is situated in the S.W. corner cf Pleasant Bay ; its entrance is very narrow 
 and crooked, and over the bar is 7 feet least water. 
 
 The hills in the interior of Amherst Island rise to the height of 550 feet above the 
 sea. Towards the S.E. part of the island, and about a mile to the N.W. of Amherst 
 Harbour, is the very remarkable conical hill, named the Demoiselle, 280 feet hig!:. 
 At 7f miles, N.W. ^ W., from the western part of Amherst Island, is situated Dead- 
 man's Islet, which is about 3 cables in length, and 1:|^ in breadth, and is about 170 
 feet high ; a reef extends from it, about one-third of a mile, towards Amherst Island. 
 At 7 uiiles N. 60° E. from Deadman's Islet, and 5^ miles W.N.W. from Gull 
 Islet is a very dangerous reef, named the White Horse, which is small, only about a 
 cable's length in diameter, and has but 10 feet water over it ; on it the sea otten 
 
 GRINDSTONE ISLAND.— This island is the next largest of t)ie group, being, 
 in respect of size, intermediate between Amherst and Alright Islands. Its highest 
 point is elevated 550 feet above the sea at high water. On the west side of the 
 island is a dangerous reef, with 18 feet least water, named the Pierre de Gros Cap, 
 which is seldom seen, as the sea breaks upon it only in very heavy weather : it lies 
 N.E. by E. ^ E., e miles from the White Horse; N.W. by W. from Hospital Cape; 
 and 3f miles from Cape la Trou, the nearest part of Grindstone Island ; this reef, as 
 well as White Horse Reef, may be cleared on the west side by not bringing Dead- 
 man's Islet to bear westward of S.W. ^ W. 
 
 ALRIGHT ISLAND.— This island lies to the eastward of Grindstone Island. 
 Cape Alright is the southern point of the island, and is remarkable, the cliffs being of 
 a greyish-wh'.te colour, with occasional brick-red low down, and 400 feet high. The 
 south extremity of the cape is low, with a small rock close off it. To the N.W. of 
 Cape Alright, about 2f miles, is the entrance to House Harbour ; it is narrow and 
 crooked, with only 6 i'athoms water in it. 
 
 Alright ReefWes S. 80° E., 3^ miles from Cape Alright, to the outer edge of the 
 reef, which is 400 fathoins long by 300 wide ; it is of white pointed rocks, having 
 only 6 feet over them. To clear it on the S.W. side, keep the well-marked summit 
 of Grindstone Island open to the south-westward of Cape Alright ; and to clear the 
 S.E. side of the reef, keep the east side of the woods of Wolf Island (seen over the 
 bars) open to the eastward of Shag Island. 
 
 WOLF ISLAND. — From Grindstone Island the sand-beaches continue in a north- 
 easterly direction, for 10 miles, to Wolf Island, which is about three-quarters of a 
 mile long, with low sandstone cliffs ; from Wolf Island the sand-beaches recommence 
 and continue, with occasional sand-hills, 9 or 10 miles farther, to the North Cape in 
 Grosse Island. A rocky shoal, of 3 fathoms, named the Wolf Rocks, lies about half 
 a mile from the shore off Wolf Island, and 10 miles north-eastward of Hospital Cape. 
 
 GROSSE ISLAND.— The northern point of Grosse Island is the North Cape gf 
 the Magdalens, and is a precipice of considerable height. The North Cape Rocks lie 
 to the westward of the cape, the outermost being about 600 fathoms from the shore. 
 The sandy beaches and hills continue, from Grosse Island, curving to the eastward, 
 6 miles farther up to the East Point. 
 
 The East Point of the Magdalens is of low sand, enclosing several shallow ponds, 
 and having several sand-hills, extending westward to the N.E. Cape. Off the East 
 Point is the Long Spit, a ridge of sand, with from 2 to 3 fathoms of water, extending 
 1^ miles S.E. ^ S. from the point ; and for 1:^ miles farther in the same direction the 
 depth is from 4 to 6 fathoms. To clear this spit in 5 or 6 fathoms, take care not to 
 
10 
 
 BIED ISLANDS, &o. 
 
 bring Old Harry Head, the N.E. point of Coffin Island, to bear to the southward of 
 West. It is extremely dangerous, and there is a heavy breaking sea on it. 
 
 Duffle Hecf lies 8.E. ^ E. 6f miles from the East Point. The least water on it is 
 3 fathoms on one spot, and 12 to 13 fathoms all round it. It seldom shows, but is 
 one of the worst dangers of the Magdalens. The only mark to clear it is the North Cape 
 of the Magdalens open two-thirds of its breadth to the N.E. of the North-East Cape, 
 which is a remarkable hill, 230 feet high, on East Island, which stands at the head of 
 Grand Entry Harbour, and can be seen over all the sand-hills. 
 
 COFFIN ISLAND.— This island lies to the S.W. of East Point, and its N.E. point, 
 named Old Harry Head, lies W.S.W. 4^ miles from it. The Columbine Shoals are a" 
 patch of rocks, with only 3 fathoms on then;, lying S.S.W. ^ W., 2| miles, from Old 
 Harry Head. There are numerous small shoals and patches within them, towards 
 Coffin Island, on some of which are only 3 feet. This is a dangerous part, and should 
 not be approached at night, or during togs. 
 
 The entrance of Grand Entry Harbour, situated at the S.W. end of Coffin Island, 
 is extremely narrow, and ought not to be attempted without a pilot. The depth in 
 this entrance is not more than 10 feet least water, and the harbour itself is extensive 
 and well sheltered. 
 
 At 6 miles W.S.W. from the entrance of Grand Entry Harbour, is Shag Island, 
 which is small and low, and out of the way of vessels. 
 
 ENTKY ISLAND.— At 7 miles S. i E. from Cape Alright, is the N.E. point of 
 Entry Island, and the channel into Pleasant Bay lies between them, and also between 
 Alright Reef and the Pearl Reef. The summit of Entry Island is 580 feet above the 
 level of the sea, and is visible 8 or 9 leagues off, in clear weather. The red clifi's of 
 this island are magnificent and beautiful, rising at the N.E. point to 350 feet, and at 
 the south point to 400 feet. The S.W. cliffs of Amherst are also steep, but of less 
 height; and as there is no land to the southward and westward, it cannot be 
 mistaken. 
 
 The Pearl Jieefin a small dangerous Reef of white-pointed rocks, having only 8 
 feet water over it. It bears E. by N., 4^ miles, from the N.E. part of Entry Island, 
 and S.E. ^ S., 8:^ miles from Cape Alright : even with a moderate swell the sea breaks 
 heavily upon it. Demoiselle Hill kept more than half a point open to the northward 
 of Entry Island, will clear it to the northward, and the same hill shut in with Entry 
 Island clears it to the southward. 
 
 BSTON ZSKAITD. — This island is about 4 miles long in an E. by S. and W. by 
 N. direction, and is only a mile broad. The north side is the highest, and on the 
 south side are some coves, where boats may easily land with the wind off shore. Its 
 eastern end bears from the East Point of the Magdalens N. by E. | J'l lOi miles, 
 but its S.W. point approaches to .vithin 8f miles of the North Cape of tnese Islands. 
 A reef runs off from the S.W. end of the island 1| mile ; another from its east end 
 I of a mile to the N.E. ; and there is a third running off to the southward from the 
 b.W. point of the island, 1| mile. Close to the eastwai'd of the last of these reefs 
 there is good anchorage, in 4 or 5 fathoms, or in 6 fathoms a mile from the shore. 
 Small vessels often ride out heavy N.W. gales under this island, close to the reef. 
 Between Bryon and Magdalen Islands the soundings are regular, from 9 to .11 fathoms, 
 excepting a patch of foul and rocky ground with 5 fathoms upon it, lying between 
 S.W. ^ W. and W.S.W. from the west end of Bryon Island. Although the soundings 
 in approaching Bryon Island are regular, great care must be taken in approaching 
 the reefs before mentioned, as they are very steep, especially the one running to the 
 southward. 
 
 T8B BIRD ZSXiETS* are small and not far apart : they are of moderate height, 
 and Hat and white at the top. In the passage between them there are rocks. The 
 southernmost is the largest ; from the east end of the N.W. Bird Rock there extends 
 a ledge of rocks. 
 
 Nearly midway between Bryon and Bird Islands there is a rocky shoal, said to have 
 only 4 fathoms on it in one part, but not less than 7 have been found on it. This, a? 
 well as the patch 3| miles W.S.W. of Bryon Island, should be avoided by large ships 
 in rough weather. 
 
 At 4 leagues to the eastward of the Bird Islands is the edge of the bank of sound- 
 
 
 
 I 
 
 • We believe it ifl intended to erect a lighthouse on one of these islets. 
 
ANTICOSTI ISLAND. 
 
 IX 
 
 
 inga, on which are 55 fatliomn. You should come no nearer the east side, in thick 
 weather, than 40 fathoniH. 
 
 AWTTXCOSTI.— The island of Anticosli lies at the entrance of the River St. Law- 
 rence, and is about 40 lea^mes in length by 10 in breadth. It is of moderate height, 
 beinfjf estimated to be nowhere more than 700 feet high, and is extremely barren, 
 aftording scarcely any support for the few quadrupeds which inhabit it. Although so 
 destitute of sustenance, yet streams of fresh water may be found on every part of the 
 coast, but generally too small even for boats. These streams become rapid imme- 
 diately within their entrances ; and even the largest of them, Observation Kiver, to 
 the westward of the S.W. Point, is barred with sand, excepting for short intervals of 
 time after the spring freshets or heavy rains. There are no harbours or anchoring 
 
 {)laces suitable tor large vessels. The only inhabitants are the people in charge of the 
 ighthouses and provision posts, -md at Fox Bay at the east end of the island. 
 
 Upon the island there are various provision posts established by the Government 
 of Lower Canada for the relief of castaway crews, one of which is at Ellis Bay, 2 
 leagues S.E. from the west end of the island ; the second at the lighthouse on the S.W. 
 Point; a third at Jupiter River or Shallop Creek ; and a fourth at Heath Point. 
 
 There have also been placed direction boards at different parts of the island, near 
 the beach, to assist persons, who may have had the misfortune to be wrecked, in 
 finding the provision posts above mentioned, which are nailed to trees with their 
 branches cut off, to render the writing visible. They are, or were, placed as follows : 
 — 1st, on the west point of the island ; 2nd, 4 leagues south-eastward of Ellis Bay ; 
 3rd, 10 leagues westward of Jupiter River ; and the 4th, 7 leagues eastward of 
 Jupiter River. 
 
 Heath Point Lighthouse is of the same form and colour as that on the S.W. point 
 of the island. It shows a bright fixed light from W.N.W. to N.E. by N., at 110 
 feet above the sea, and can be seen 15 miles in clear weather. This lighthouse must 
 always be kept open southward of Cormorant Point. 
 
 EAST CAPE.— The East Cape, in lat. 49° 8' 25" N., and long. 61° 39' 59" W., is 
 a perpendicular cliff, 100 feet high. To the southward of it, at the extremity of the 
 low land, is Heath Point, with its lighthouse. This building at a distance appears 
 like a sail, and is useful in marking the extent of low land to vessels either to the east 
 or west of North. Between Heath Point and East Cape is Wreck Bay, in which there 
 is no anchorage. 
 
 A dangerous reef runs off Heath Point about 2 miles in an E.S.E. direction ; be- 
 yon.d which are 5 fathoms, increasing to 7 fathoms at the distance of 3 miles I'rom the 
 point. To avoid it, come not nearer to the east side of the point than 20 fathoms ; 
 to the south-westward of the point the shoal water only extends off three-qua. ters of 
 a mile. A little farther to the westward is one of the best open anchorages on this' 
 side of the island, where you may anchor in 10 fathoms, with the lighthouse bearing 
 !Ei. by N., and Cormorant Point W.N.W., on a bottom of sand and mud, at nearly 2 
 miles from the shore. 
 
 During westerly winds it would be dangerous to approach too near the east side 
 of Heath Point, for the winds coming along the land on each side of the island, some- 
 times do not meet until several miles to the eastward of the point. Between them you 
 will be becalmed, and a strong current round the point might set you upon the reef. 
 
 About 6 miles W. by N. from Heath Point is Cormorant Point, beyond which, at 
 the distance of Itt^ miles, is South Point, off which a reef runs nearly 1^ miles, causing 
 heavy breakers. To clear this reef at the distance of 2 miles, bring Heath and Cor- 
 morant Points in one bearing E. by S. South Point has a beacon 40 i'eet high upon 
 it, situated in lat. 49° 3' 43" and long. 62° 18' 30" W. 
 
 From South Point to the lighthouse on the S.W. Point, the distance is 56 miles, 
 and the intervening land has a similar appeal ance throughout. Between these points 
 are the Jupiter River or Shallop Creek, Pavilion River, and Salt Lake River and Bay. 
 
 At Jupiter River, which lies 13 miles N.W. of South Point, are the houses of the 
 provision establishment. Pavilion River lies 10 miles from Jupiter River, and its 
 locality may readily be distinguished by the beacon erected near it ; between, the 
 coast is all low, but may be approached safely by the deep-sea lead, the reefs nowhere 
 extending more than 1^ mile off. At nearly 21 miles to the north-westward of 
 Pavilion River are Salt Lake River and Bay, whence to S.W. Point the coast is 
 higher and bolder, aud should be approached with caution in foggy weather. When 
 
12 
 
 ANTICOSTI ISLAND. 
 
 standing in-shore at nig;ht, do not bring the lifjhthouse to bear ^o the westward of 
 N.N.W. Off the centre of'Salt Lake Bay is indifferent anchorage in 7 fathoms, which 
 must be very cautiously taken ; six miles eastward of this bay there is a beacon, the 
 latitude of which is 49° 17' 30", and the longitude 63° 20' 30'' W. 
 
 S.W. POINT.— The S.W. Point Lighthouse ia built on the extremity of the point. 
 The tower is built of grey stone, of a conical form, 75 feet high, and shows a bright 
 light, revolving every minute, which can be seen from N.N.W. round by west and 
 south to S.E. by E. The lantern is 100 feet above the level of high water, and the 
 light can be seen 15 miles from the deck, and 19^ miles when the eye is elevated 
 50 feet. To the lighthouse is attached a provision post, which forms a conspicuous 
 landmark. 
 
 The S.W. Point is a low point, with a small cove on its north side, and has a reef 
 running off it about half a mile towards the we and south-west, 2 miles outside 
 of which are 30 fathoms. In this cove vessels may anchor in 12 or 13 fathoms, sand 
 and gravel, with the extremity of the point bearing S.S.W. ^ W., distant three- 
 quarters of a mile, sheltered from N. by E. to S. by W. ; but the anchorage is not 
 recommended, being exposed to westerly winds, and the ground being indifferent. 
 Hence to Ellis Bay the coast is lined by reefs extending out, in most parts, about a 
 mile with 10 or 12 fathoms close to them ; and there is no safe anchorage for vessels. 
 In running down this shore the lead should be kept going. 
 
 About 5 miles to the northward of S.W. Point is Observation River, the largest 
 stream on the island, having 5 or 6 feet water at the entrance, but barred with south- 
 westerly gales. On the north side of the river are some high sandy cliffs, and 16 
 miles farther westward are some others, named the St. Mary's Cliffs, of less height 
 and less remarkable, but not difficult to distinguish, as their situation is pointed out 
 by a beacon, in lat. 49° 40' 30", and long. 63° 58' W. Beyond St. Mary's Cliffs at 
 the distance of 7 miles is a small stream, falling into a cove, uamed the Becscie River ; 
 this cove affords shelter for boats. 
 
 Ellis Bay affords tolerably good anchorage. Its east point is named Cape Eagle, 
 and its west point Cape Henry. 
 
 A reef of flat limestone runs off a mile south-westward from Cape Henrv ; and 
 another reef runs off three-quarters of a mile to the westward from Cape Eagle ; the 
 entrance between them is 600 fathoms wide, from 3 fathoms on each side. Both the 
 reefs show themselves by a line of breakers. 
 
 In approaching this bay from the westward, run down along the reefs off Cape 
 Henry in 10 i'athoms, until the west side of the White Cliff, which is on the east side 
 of the bay, comes on with the east side of the westernmost of two hills, back in the 
 country, bearing N.E. | N., then haul up with these marks on, which will lead you 
 •into smooth water, close under Cape Henry Reef, in 3^ fathoms. Continue running 
 on until Gamache House bears N. by E., then haul up for it, and anchor in 3 fathoms, 
 muddy bottom, about half a mile from the flats at the head of the bay, and 300 fathoms 
 from those on either side. Keep the lead constantly going. 
 
 In rurming for the bay from the eastward, with an easterly wind, keep along Cape 
 Eagle Reef, in no less than 7 fathoms, till the east side of the White Cliff comes on 
 with the east side of the same hill, as before ; then haul up till the houses bear N. 
 by E., and proceed as before. It is high water at Cape Henry, full and change, at 
 Ih. 43m. ; spring tides rise about 7 feet, neaps 4 feet. 
 
 Ellis Bay may be readily known by Cape Henry, which is a bluff point, and the 
 land at the head of the bay being low causes the entrance to show distinctly. Two 
 ridges of hills, back in the country, will help to distinguish it. 
 
 WEST POINT is low and wooded, with reefs extending not more than a mile 
 from the shore. It may be safely rounded in 15 fathoms, at the distance of If mile. 
 Between West Point and Ellis Bay, the shore is lined with reefs to the distance of 
 If mile ; it must not therefore be too closely approached. 
 
 West Point lighthouse consists of a circular stone tower 109 feet high, faced exter- 
 nally with fire-brick of a light colour, and the light, which is fixed, is shown at an 
 altitude of 112 feet above the level of the sea, and may be seen in clear weather at a 
 distarice of 15 miles. Lat. 49° 52^' N., long. 64° 32' W. The light is exhibited 
 trom 20th March to Slst December. Signals are given by means of an air or fog 
 whistle, sounded at short intervals during foggy weather and snow storms j or, by a 
 mne-pouuder gun fired every hour whenever the whistle is out of order. 
 
ANTICOSTI ISLAND. 
 
 18 
 
 The coast from West Point to North Point is low, with reefs* running off about a 
 mile, and should not be approached nearer than 25 fathoms. From North Point to 
 High Cliff, the distance is 13 miles, with a moderately low and wooded shore. High 
 Cliff mav be easily known by being the only one on the island that has not its base 
 washed by the sea. 
 
 White North Cliff lies 26 miles south-eastward of High Cliff; this part of the 
 coast is dangerous, for at about one-third of the distance from High Cliff the reefs 
 extend fully 2 miles from the laud, and continue so for some distance. On approaching 
 Whit« North Cliff they only reach about half a mile from the shore. White North 
 Cliff may be seen 6 or 7 leagues off, appearing like a white patch. 
 
 Carleton Point lies 10 miles south-eastward of White North Cliff; under this point 
 vessels may anclior in fine weather, and procure wood aud water. 
 
 About 10 miles south-eastward of Carleton Point is Cape Observation, a high, bold 
 headland, under which vessels may anchor during westerly winds and fine weather, 
 and obtain supplies of wood and water verv conveniently. Farther eastward, at the 
 distance of 12^ miles, is Bear Head, a similar headland to Cape Observation, and 400 
 feet high, which last-named cliff may be easily recognised, as there are no high cliffy 
 headlands of equal height to the westward of it. 
 
 Between Bear Head and Cape Robert is Bear Bay, which is considered to be the 
 best roadstead on this part of the coast of Anticosti, as the bottom is excellent, the 
 dopth moderate, and the shelter extends from N.N.W. round by west and south to 
 S.E. by S. It is divided by two high cliffs into three bays, in each of which is a 
 fine beach of sand and shingle and a fresh-water stream. The best anchorage is in 
 13 fathoms, with Tower Point (the southernmost of the cliffs) bearing N.W. ^ W., 
 Cape Robert S.E. ^ S., and Bear Head N. by W. i W. 
 
 To the south-eastward of Cape Robert, distant 19 miles, is Table Head, ^- markable 
 by its hill of a table form, immediately behind it ; the coast between contains several 
 small bays, but no anchorage. Four miles farther is Fox Head, much lower than 
 Table Head, and to the southward of the head is the bay, affording good anchorage 
 for small vessels during the summer months. The southern point of the bay is named 
 Reef Point, and has a reef running off it fully 1^ mile, close off the end of which are 
 10 fathoms, so that to avoid it vessels should not approach nearer than 18 fathoms. 
 The north point of the bay has also a reef running from it, fully half a mile. Winds 
 from E. by N. to E.N.E. blow directly in. 
 
 Hence to East Cape the coast is cliffy and about 100 feet in height, but bold and 
 free from danger. About half way is Cape Sand-Top, between which and East Cape 
 vessels may anchor during westerly winds, in 16 to 20 fathoms, fine sand, at a mile 
 from the shore. 
 
 THE NORTH COAST OF THE GULF. 
 
 CAPE WHITTLE TO THE MINGAN ISLANDS. 
 
 The first bay to the westward of Cape Whittle is Wolf Bay, a place full of rocky 
 ledges, but which, however, all show. On the west side of the bay is the island of 
 the same name, of a greater height than the islands usually are off this part of the 
 coast, being about 150 feet high, hence it is easily recognised ; nearly a mile S.W. 
 by S. from it is a small low islet (Outer Islet), and 1^ mile S.W. by S. from this,* at 
 a spot where the depth has hitherto been considered 22 i'athoms, lies the Grange 
 Sock, with only 16 feet water oyer it ; it is ^ a mile long, very narrow and steep-to. 
 
 * This is the position assigned to it by Capt. Orlebar, K.N., but Gapt. Grange, whose vesBel, the 
 S.S. North American, struck upon it in Sept., 1868, places it further out; he says, at that 
 time, the " outer islets, Wolf Island, were fair abeam, 3 to 4 miles distant, and very nearly in line, 
 bearing N.N.E. ^ £." It might, however, be, as Capt. Orlebar observes, " the whole of the coaiit 
 is dangerous of approach, and the appearance of the land under dlfTerent states of the atmosphere 
 very deceptive as to distance. 
 
 Therefore, I would recommend no approaching nearer than snfScient to make ont objects ; and 
 that, at least in thick weather, vessels should maintain 50 fathoms water in running along the 
 land between Kegashka and South Breakers Ledge, for outside this depth there is no dang«r." 
 
14 
 
 THE COAST OF LABRADOE,— 
 
 To the woHtwartl of Wolf iHlet in Coucoacho Bay, affording; the only nnchorage 
 for lurj^e vchsuIhoii tliis part ol' the coast, and wiiieh \» represented to be easy of access, 
 although the number of islets and rocks scattered about would convey a different 
 impression. At ihe head of the bay is the Basin, an excellent harbour, and another 
 harbour is formed by an arm running in an E. by N. direction, named the Tertiary 
 Shell IJiiy, which is equally sale. Farther out than these harbours the bay is more 
 than half a mile wide, and quite Bufficieutly sheltered for the safety of any vessel with 
 good anchors and cables. 
 
 Outside the entrance of the bay are two small dangerous ledges, named the South 
 and South-west Breakers, the first of which has only 12 feet on it, and shows only in 
 heavy weather; it lies W.N.VV. \ W. 2 miles from the small low islet (Outer Islet) 
 outside Wolf Island, and has, at ^ of a mile S.W. from it, another small and steep 
 siioal with 18 feet on it, which with the Grange Rock constitute the outermost 
 dangers on this part of the coast. The South-west Breaker has but 3 leet on it, and 
 bears N.W. ^ N. 2^ miles from the South Breaker, and West 2^ miles from the 
 outermost of the Audubon Islets, on the west side of Coacoacho Bay. 
 
 The passage into the bay lies between these breakers, and in sailing in, the rule 
 is, to leave Outer Islet and the rocks to the northward of it, 300 fathoms to the 
 eastward, and when abreast of these rocks, a chain of low rocks, extending off to 
 the south-west of Emery Island, will be seen right ahead. Bring the point of this 
 chain to bear N.E. | N., when it will appear on with the extreme point of the main- 
 hind, on the N.W. side, near the head of the bay, and run in on this mark, leaving 
 some rocks, which lie 600 fathoms off the east side of Audubon Islets, to port, and 
 then haul to the northward a little, so as to leave the Emery Rocks on the starboard. 
 Their outer point bears N.N.E. \ E., 3 miles from Outer Islet, and when up to 
 them, the bay is open before you, and clear of danger. The farther in, the better 
 the ground, and the less the swell with S.W. winds, which are the only winds that 
 send any swell into the bay. Tertiary Shell Bay is quite clear, excepting a small rock, 
 one quarter of a mile within the entrance, which you must leave on the starboard 
 hand ; within it is pertiectly land-locked, with from 5 to 11 fathoms muddy bottom. 
 
 To enter the Basin, you leave Tertiary Shell Bay, and the point of low rocks to 
 the north ard of it, to the east, and continue the course till within half a mile of the 
 island, at the head of the bay. Then steer over to the eastward, towards that island, 
 to avoid a shoal of boulder stones, extending 2(X) lathoi is off the west side of the bay, 
 leaving a deep channel between it and the island, 100 fathoms wide. Leave the 
 island 60 fathoms to the eastward, and as you pat-s through, the water will deepen 
 from 9 to 19 fathoms, and as soon ps you are past the inner end of the island, haul to 
 the N.W., into the mouth of a small bay, anchoring in 8 fathoms, over mud, and 
 perfectly sheltered. On the east side of the entrance of the river, is a house occupied 
 for fur-trading and salmon-fishing. 
 
 In running for the bay from the westward, you may either pass between the South- 
 west and South Breakers, by bringing the inner or N.E. end of Wolf Island to bear 
 E. \ S., and steering for it; or by bringing Outer Islet to bear E.IN.E., and running 
 towards it, until you are within less than a mile, when you may haul in for the 
 Emery Rocks, as before ; in this latter course you will pass in between the Grange 
 Rock a.. \ the 18-(eet patch, lying | of a mile sonth-west of South Breaker. 
 
 Thirteen miles westward of Coacoacho Bay is the River Olomanosheebo, Paint, 
 or La Romaine, for each oi these names it bears. It is very shoal, and has a 
 trading post' on its east side, and can scarcely be seen from the sea on account of 
 the islets, but may be known by the low sandy cliffs, covered with spruce trees, 
 on either side of the entrance. The coast to the eastward and westward is 
 fronted with innumerable islets and rocks. When sailing westward, soon after 
 leaving the river, you will see Treble Islet and Loon Rocks; the latter are 
 3 miles from the main and always visible, and ai-e the outermost dangers on this 
 part of the coast. 
 
 Wash-shecootaiBay, 10 miles west of Olomanosheebo, has off its entrance several 
 small rocky ledges, making it very difficult of access. Three miles within Cloudberry 
 Point, the western point of the bay, the bay contracts to a very narrow inlet, with 
 several rocks and islets in it, and after proceeding about 8 miles you will reach a 
 trading post of the Hudson Bay Company. 
 
 Musquarro Biver, another post of the Hudson Bay Company, 4^ miles westward 
 
CAPE WHITTLE TO THE MINGAN ISLES. 
 
 15 
 
 of Cloudberry Point, is situatod 3 miles within the west point of a bay full of mnnll 
 iHlutH und rucuH, and becuincH narrow und rapid just within the entrance. It will be 
 known by the houseH on the east side of the entrance, and also by a remarkable pre- 
 cipitous red ridge of granite, about 200 feet high, and 2 uiileii to the west of the river. 
 It can be used only by boats and very small veHsels. 
 
 Kkgasuka lixY. — About 4^ miles westward of Musquarro River is Curlew 
 Point, iiaving oft' it several low bare rocks and ledges, which are always visible ; this 
 point forms the eastern side of Kegashka Bay, a wild place, sate only in tine 
 weather, and has a sandy bottom with bad holding ground. The western side of 
 the buy is Kegashka Point, consisting of an island nearly joined to a rocky peninsula, 
 and distinguished from all other islands on this coast, by being partly covered with 
 spruce trees. A chain of small islets, wide apart from each other, atlord very indif- 
 ferent shelter from the prevailing southerly winds, and the heavy sea which they 
 roll in upon the coast. The best berth is m the N.W. corner of the bay, where the 
 vessel must be moored with an open hawse to the eastward, and have a third anchor 
 on shore to the S.W., so as to be able to haul close in under the point, in the S.W. 
 and southerly gales ; her bows will then be within 15 or 20 fathoms of the rocks, and 
 the spray of the sea, breaking on the point, will reach her bows. 
 
 To enter the bay, the best channel is between a small and low black islet, lying 
 between Green Island (which is cov<^re with grass, three-quarters of a mile east- 
 ward of Kegashka Point) and K gaslVa Point. This channel is 170 fathoms wide, 
 and 8 deep, and is quite clear ; the only direction necessary when coming from the 
 westward, is to give the south extrerai'iy of Kegashka Point a berth of a quarter of 
 a mile, or to go no nearer than 8 fathoms ; then run along the east side of the point, 
 which is quite bold, leaving all the islets on the starboard hand. Three-quarters of 
 a mile on a N.E. ^ N. course will bring you to the narrow channel between the 
 westernmost islet and the inner end of Kegashka Point ; haul round the point to 
 tiie north-westward, at the distance of half a cable, and when within it, anchor as 
 before stated. 
 
 In coming from the eastward, give Curlew Point a berth of half a mile, and run 
 N.W. \ N. 'd\ miles, till the inner end of Kegashka Point bears North, and then 
 proceed as before. It is high water on the days of full and change of the moon at 
 10^-h,, with a rise at spring tides of 5 feet. 
 
 Three miles westward of Kegashka Bay is the river, which aftbrds only shelter 
 for boats. Within the entrance there is a fishing station. 
 
 NATASHQUAN POINT.— From Kegashka River the coast runs 15 miles 
 westward to Natashquan Point, in nearly a straight line, and presents nothing 
 remarkable, coiisisstiug principally of a sandy beach in front of sandy cliffs covered 
 with spruce trees. 
 
 About halt- way between Kegashka Bay, or 10 miles eastward of Natashquan 
 Point, and Ij mile from the shore, lies a small and very dangerous 2-feet rock. (See 
 note at foot of page 13.) 
 
 Two miles before reaching Natashquan Point is Mont Joli, a small eminence 
 scarcely distinguishable. Captain Bavfield remarks that " Mont Joli has no exist- 
 ence, at least there is no mountain, nor even anything that deserves the name of a 
 hill ; but near the termination of the sandy clitt's, which end at the S.W. e^ .-emity 
 of Natashquan Point, the sandy ridge, with spruce trees, rises into a slight mound, a 
 very little higher than the rest of the country. This is Mont Joli ; but so little remark- 
 able in its appearance that we should not have noticed it, had it not been for its name." 
 
 The Cod Banks off this part of the coast are of sand, gravel, and broken shells, 
 and have 24 to 40 fathoms on them. They are from 6 to 11 miles from the shore, 
 with 50 fathoms between. There is a small cod bank, with 4j fathoms least water, 
 at 1^ mile S.W. from the S.W. end of Natashquan Point 
 
 On the west side of Natashquan Point is ttie river of the same name, having an 
 entrance of about a mile in width. An island divides this entrance into two narrow 
 channels, the northernmost of which is nearly dry, but the southernmost has 9 to 11 
 feet water at high tide. At the distance of half a mile from the island, on the south 
 shore, there is a trading-post and fishery. Above this the river is navigable only 
 for boats. 
 
 At the distance of 3^ tiiles from the river, is Little Natashquan Harbour, formed 
 by a number of islets and rocks, and fit only for small vessels. The entrance to it is 
 
16 
 
 THE MINQAN ISLANDS. 
 
 between some isleti on the east, Ijin^ near the mouth of the Little Natushqunn 
 stream, the westeinmoHt of which Ih much the largest, and on the woHtern Hide is 
 ft rather hijfh and round-backed iulet of grey granite, with a wooden crosH on it. 
 Offthitt islet a reef extends S.W. by S. rather more than half a mile. 13etween the 
 two iides of the entrance i» a central reef, part of which always shows, and which is 
 bold-to, on its eaHt and south sidea; the other sides munt have a berth in paHsing 
 them. To enter the harbour, having arrived in 12 fathoms at half a mile diutant 
 from the harbour, and made out the islets at the entrance, bring the west point 
 of the longer irtland on the east side to bear N.E. by N., and the islet with 
 the cross on it will bear N. by E. ^ E. ; and then steer for the latter, till a^^reiist 
 of the outer part of the reef to the westward, and then bear sufficiently to the east- 
 ward to pass on either side of the central reef, keeping clear of the shoal water of 
 its north and north-east ends, and anchor in the centre of the harbour in 4 fathoms, 
 with the rock of the central reef bearing S.S.W. ^ W., 180 fathoms oif, and the cross 
 N.W. by W. i W. 
 
 Five miles N.W. of Little Natashquan is Washtawooka Bay, an intricate 
 and dangerous place, full of small islets and shoals. Outside the bay is an islet or 
 rock larger than the rest, named Shag Islet, which will help to distinguish it. Ten 
 miles from Little Natatdiquan is Agwanus River, a stream difficult of access on 
 account of the small rocks at the entrance; and 5 miles farther is Nabesippi Kiver, 
 onlv admitting boats in fine weather, with a trading station on its west bank. 
 
 Hence to the westward are Pashasheeboo, Mushkoniatawee, and Washatnagu- 
 nashka Bays, which are full of rocks and too difficult of access for a stranger, although 
 visited by the coasting vessels. Beyond these are the bays of Quetachoo-Manicoua- 
 gon, Peashtebai, and Appeeletat, to which a similar observajtion may be applied. 
 
 A f;ood mark to know this part of the coast is Watcheeshoo Point on the east sido 
 of Quetachoo-Manicouagon Bay, which is composed of granite, 127 feet high, and 
 bare of trees ; it is a peninsula, having the appearance of an islet, higher than the 
 rest, when seen from a distance. It bears E.S.E., 14 miles, from St. Genevieve (one 
 of the Mingan Islands), and N.W. by W., 18 miles, from Nabesippi. Inland, 6 miles 
 from this, is the Saddle Hill, 374 feet high. Along the coast between the Natash- 
 quan and the Mingans, there are innumerable small and bare islets and rocks, but 
 nowhere extending from the points of the main beyond 2^ miles. A vessel, there- 
 fore, ought not to approach nearer than 20 fathoms. 
 
 TBB MIMrOAXr XBliAXVBS are low, and estimated nowhere to attain an ele- 
 vation exceeding 300 feet above the sea, being in general much lower. They possess 
 very little soil, but nevertheless are thickly wooded with spruce, birch, and poplar, on 
 the side towards the mainland ; though, towards the sea, barren tracks often occur, 
 composed either of bare limestone, or of banks and ridges of limestone gravel. 
 Supplies of wood and water can readily be obtained from the principal islands, wild 
 berries are abundant in their season, and so are different kinds of wild fowl. Quadru- 
 peds are scarce, but there are plenty of seals upon the limestone reefs, and a few 
 cod-fish off the coast. 
 
 The coast of the mainland proceeding from west to east, from St. John River to 
 Mingan, is of sand and clay, low and thickly wooded, and with a fine sandy beach. 
 Farther eastward the shore is sometimes of granite, and at others of limestone, the 
 latter rock lying immediately over the former. 
 
 Mount St. John, 1416 feet high, is the highest point of the mainland in this neigh- 
 bourhood. There are other hills, estimated at 1000 feet above the sea, about 6 
 leagues farther eastward, about 6 or 7 miles inland, and nearly opposite Quarry 
 Island. With these exceptions the main is low, especially opposite the Eastern 
 Islands, where the hills are far back in the country. 
 
 The tides among these islands never exceed a knot, excepting in very narrow 
 channels. They are often rendered irregular by the winds, but in fine settled weather 
 there is a constant alteration of the streams of flood and ebb between the islands and 
 the main, and also within the distance of 2 or 3 miles from the southern shores of 
 the islands. 
 
 None of these islands, of which there are 29, are inhabited ; some of them are very 
 small, and the largest does not exceed 11 or 12 miles in circumference. They are 
 arranged parallel to the coast, and extend along it 45 miles frffm St. Genevieve Island, 
 the easternmost, to the Perroquets, the westernmost. 
 
THE MINOAN ISLANDS. 
 
 17 
 
 E. 
 
 of 
 
 Clear Water Point, which IhII miles to the westward of St. Genevieve, projectH 
 out rto a« to interru^)t the continuation of the chain of iHlands, and thus rtrpanitoa 
 them into two divinuons, the oasternnioat of which luw been nan)ed the Esquimaux 
 Irtlands, a mime which should be contined to the ihland properly ho called in the 
 wehtern divinion. 
 
 ST. GENEVIEVE, the easternmoHt of the Mingan Islands, is about 5 miles in 
 circumference. Its N.E. point is a bluff headland, being the terminaticm in that 
 direction of the highest part of the islind, which is about 200 feet above the sea, and 
 slopes irregularly down to the south\/ard. 
 
 Mount St. Genevieve is an isolated table hill on the mainland, of liniiistone, 
 332 feet above the level of high water, bearing N. \ E., rathey more than 2 miles 
 from the N.E. point of the ishmd of St. Genevieve. This moiintain, and the high 
 N.E. point of tiie island, distinctly point out to a vessel at sea the position of the 
 channel between the island and the main. There are two patches of rock which 
 render it necessary to approach the island of St. Genevieve with caution, viz., the 
 Saints, and the Jlowen Rocks. 
 
 T/ie Saints are two low and bare rocks, lying about three-quarters of a mile to the 
 south of St. Genevieve. There is a channel 6 fathoms deep, but with foul groimd, 
 between them and the island ; and reefs under water extend from each of them fully 
 300 fathoms to the South, S.E., and S.W. 
 
 T/ie N. W. Bowen Rock, with 3 feet least water, lies about 1^ mile E.S.E. i 
 from the eastern Saint, and with the south side of the latter ou with the centre 
 the western Saint. 
 
 The S,E. Bowen Roch, with 6 feet least water, lies two-thirds of a mile S.E. \ S. 
 from the north-west Bowen Rock, and S.E. bv E. \ E., 1^ mile, from the eastern 
 Saint, which is just open to the northward of the western Saint. These very danger- 
 ous rocks lie nearly in a line from the S.E. point of St. Genevieve, at the distance of 
 \\ and 2 miles, respectively. There is very deep water between and close to them, 
 and also for rather more than a mile to the southward of them and the Saints. Tiie 
 soundings are here extremely irregular, varying from 4 and 6 fathoms rock to 43 
 fathoms sand, sometimes in a single cast of the lead. The whole of this dangerous 
 part should be avoided by vessels. 
 
 HUNTING ISLAND, the next westward of St. Genevieve, is low, thickly wooded, 
 and broken into many coves, fringed with small islets and rocks on all sides, excepting 
 towards the mainland ; it is about 11 miles in circumference. Its longest diameter is 
 
 Sarallel to the coast, and about 4 miles. Off its S.W. point, and extending to the 
 istante of 1^ mile, lie Wood and Gun Islands, leaving no passage between, and 
 having reefs running out from them 300 fathoms to the southward. They are both 
 low, and the latter is bare of trees, but covered with grass and peat, in which multi- 
 tudes of puffins burrow and rear their young. 
 
 The Garde JKocA;, always above water, lies rather more than a mile off to the south- 
 ward, from near the centre of Hunting Island ; it would be highly imprudent for any 
 ship to attempt a passage between it and the island, as there are many ledges scattered 
 along the southern side' of the island, and the Garde is itself the termination of a 
 long ridge of sunken rocks. The south-eastern end of the island is likewise beset 
 with several reefs, some of which extend three-quarters of a mile to the southward. 
 
 Collins Shoal, a small patch of rocks, with 12 feet least water, lies 2f miles South 
 from the S.E. point of Hunting Island. The marks on this dangerous shoal are the 
 east point of St. Genevieve just open to the eastward of the western Saint, bearing 
 N. 38° E., and the north point of Wood Island on with the south side of the Garde 
 Rock, bearing N.W. Between Collins Shoal and the reefs off the S.E. point of 
 Hunting Island, the soundings are irregular, from 4 to 17 fathoms over rocky bottom, 
 and vessels should not pass there, as in such a place it was impossible to be sure of 
 having discovered every point of rock which may approach a few feet nearer the sur- 
 face than the rest. 
 
 St. Genevieve and Betchewun Habboubs. — The first is situated between the 
 island of the same name and the mainland, and the second, between Hunting Island 
 and the main. Both are exoellent harbours, not difficult of access or egress, and fit 
 for the largest ships. There are two channels leading to these harbours ; namely, 
 the East, and the Saints Channels. 
 
 To enter by the East Channel, with an easterly wind, observe the following diric- 
 81. L. C 
 
I 
 
 18 
 
 THE MINGAN LsLA^iDS. 
 
 
 I 
 
 tioiiB ;— B»'ing nt ft (listaiico from St. Gcnovicvo Islimd, of not It is than 3 milcH, to 
 be Hiirc tluit you ar« faiUitT out than Howcn KocUk, lu'inj; thi> N.K point of St. 
 (icncvievi) in one with Indian Point (a h)W woudfd point of the main, forniin<^ tlio 
 oaht point of PilhiK't' Hay), hcarinjf N. .'iri ' W. Run in with this nuirk on, and yoii 
 will Icavi' the llowcn Um-kn liidl' a niih' to tlm westward, and will pass them in l.t'twiTU 
 20 and HO fiithon>H, over a hottoni of lino Hand and coral. VVhon tho S.K. point of 
 St. (tL-nt'viovo and tho west Saint come in one, chan^'y your courBo a little to tho 
 northward, so nH not to j,'o too near a flat shoal, whieh extends nearly HOO fithomrt 
 from the east Hide of St. Genevieve. Give the N.K. point of St. Genevieve u herth 
 of ft cahlti's length, and paHslnjr as close to the Hhin^jly north point of that island an 
 yon please, hrinjj up.in 10 fathoms, mud hottoin, half way between the latter and 
 Anchor Ihland, which will be seen lyinj,' close within the N.W. point of St. Gene- 
 vieve. 
 
 If you wish to proceed to Hetehewun Harbour instead of anchorinj^ ut St. Gene- 
 vieve', pasfl to the northward of Anchor Island, which is quite bold on that hide, and 
 you will see the entrance of Hetchewun (between the iu)rth point of Hunting Island 
 and Partridge Point) bearing W. by N. Mount Partridge, on the N.E. side of the 
 oint of the same name, will be easily recogni.^ed, being a wooded and steep-sided 
 ill, similar to, but much lower and smaller than Mount St. Genevieve. The north 
 point of Hunting Island is also a clilly mound, with a cove on the east side of it. It 
 18 (luite bold, and you must i)ass close to it, to avoid tho Shoal off Partridge Point, 
 which extends a full quarter of a mile to the southward, and diminishes the navigable 
 breadth of the entrance to ;}50 lalhoms. When in the entrance, you will see a low 
 islet in the centre of the harbour; steer for it, and anchor with it bearing W. by N., 
 and distant one-third of a mile. The depth of water in the harbour is from 9 to 18 
 fathoms, over mud bottom. 
 
 Tho distance across from the N.E. point of St. Genevieve to the main is about a 
 mile, but the navigable breadth of the entrance is reduced to half a mile, by the rocks 
 and shoal water off Ledge Point, which is composed of numerous rocks of granite 
 close together. Tho shoal water extends from Ledge Point directly across Pillage 
 Bay, to Partridge Point, and you must not approach these shoals nearer than 7 
 fathoms. This east channel is the best with easterly winds, and may bo used with 
 nioderato westerly winds during tho flood tide, by vessels not too large to work in 
 such narrow channels, but they must be careful lu their boards to the northward, 
 especially in that towards Ledge Point. 
 
 Saints Channel. — To enter St. Genevieve and Betchewun Harbours by the Saints 
 Channel, observe the following directions : — Bring the west points of St. Genevievo 
 and Anchor Islands in one, bearing North, at a distance of not less than 5 miles from 
 the former, to be sure that you are outside of Collins Shoal. Run in upon this 
 leading mark, until the north sides of the two Saints come in one, bearing E.S.E. 
 i E. The east sides of Mount Partridge and of Hunting Island (or rather of an 
 island joined to it at low water) will come in one at the same time, bearing N.W. 
 by N. ; steer upon this last-named leading mark to avoid a reef which extends 280 
 fathoms from the S.W. point of St. Genevieve, until the "east side of Mount St. 
 Genevieve, seen over the sandy S.E. point of Anchor Island, comes in one with 
 the N.W point of St. Genevieve Island, bearing N.N.E. -3- E. Change your course 
 now to North, which will take you in through the centre of the channel between 
 St. Genevieve and Hunting Islands, and you may either proceed to St. Genevieve 
 Harbour, round Anchor Island, giving its west end a berth of 2 cables' lengths, or 
 to Betchewun Harbour along the N.E. side of Hunting Island, which is quite 
 bold. 
 
 These directions for the Saints Channel will lead a ship in between the dangers 
 off St. Genevieve and Hunting Islands, in not less than 20 fathoms water, and 
 she will not have a less depth until she is in as far as Anchor Island. The 
 breadth of the channel between the shoal water off the Saints, and the shoals off 
 the S.E. point of Hunting Island, is a mile. It dimiiiishes to half a mile between 
 the reef off the S.W. point of St. Genevieve and the east end of Hunting Island, 
 which is the narrowest part of the channel. Within this narrowest part, the ground 
 becomes good for anchoring, as it is everywhere between St. Genevieve and Betchewun 
 Harbours. Indeed, so little sea comes in, that the whole space may be considered 
 aij a harbour capable of holding a great number of vessels of the largest clasd. 
 
 
Till] MING AN ISLANDS. 
 
 10 
 
 Woml anil wfttor may b« obtalnoil, tlio l.ittor from Hmall Htroams, eithn* on tlio 
 niiiiii or uii the irtlatuls. 
 
 TluTo in an iimcr liiulxmr iit ll'tclicwuti, to the wCHtward of tlio low i.nli't whi.Ii 
 Imrt beoii nu'iitioiiod, but tbcnco tbero is no chiimu'l, oxco[)ting for bouts, to pasH 
 out to the \v(»f«twar»l bt'twccu lluntiiij; iHlaiul ami the iiiaiit. 
 
 The titU'rt botwot'Ji St. (ifiioviovn and Hunting Ishinds, and tho moinland, aro 
 much inllucnct'd by tho winds; but their rates sul(h)ni amount to u knot ut any 
 time, and aro usually much less, exeeptinj; throuj^h the shallow and narrow channi I 
 at the west end of IJetehewun Harbour, wliero there is at times a contplote rapid. 
 
 CHAULES ISLAND, the next westward of Hunting Inland, is W ujiles loiif,', lies 
 parallel to the coast, and \\ mile wide. It is about 20() f'e»;t high, bold, and free I'voui 
 fihoals ; but at the distance of three-cpjarters of a mile- South from its east point, thero 
 is a natch of rocky ground on winch no less than 5 fathoini* has been found, but wliicli 
 hud bettor be avoided by large vessels. 
 
 The east point of Charles Island liears N.W. by W., nearly 2] miles, from the west 
 point of(iun Island. The former of ihesio points is (piite bold, and so is the latter to 
 the N.W. ; but to tho S.W. it has u reef extending 2(K) fathoms. Hetween them In 
 the entranco to Puilin Hay, whi(;h is open to southerly wiiuls. VVithin the east point 
 of Charles Island and half-way towards n shoal cove in this island, there is good 
 nnohorage in 7 fathoms, mud bottom, at the distance of'2 cables from the island; but 
 S.E. winds 8ei\d in u, considerubK? swell. In the N.E. corner of this bay is the 
 narrow entrance (between shoals olf liagg Point and Hunting Island) to Ragg Day, 
 which has tolerable anchorage in its N.VV. part, but has very deep water on the side 
 towurd^; Hunting Island, and is separated from the western part of lletchewun Har- 
 bour by the shoal and narrow channel for boats between the island and tlie main, 
 before mentioned. 
 
 Charles Harbour, between the island and t!ie main, though very narrow, is perfectly 
 secure, and deep enough for vessels of any si/.", but its entrances aro only 8l) fathoma 
 wide. Within, it expands to a quarter of a mile wide by three-quarters of a mile in 
 length, lloth entrances are 7 fathoms deep, but you nmst pass over 4 liithoms if you 
 enter from the eastward through PutUn Bay. The depth within the harbour is from 
 4 to 6| fathoms, with mud bottom. 
 
 Strong winds occasionally cause tho tides to run at the rate of 2 knots in tho 
 entrances of the harbour, but in general thero is only a weak stream with either tide. 
 
 To enter this harbour from Puffin Bay, bring the N.J5. point of Charles Island, 
 which is high and cliffy, to beur N.W., then steer for it, and give it a berth of 100 
 to 180 fathoms, as you haul round it to tho westward into the harbour. 
 
 To enter from Trilobite IJay, give the N.W. point of Charles Island a berth of GO 
 to 140 fathoms, as you haul round it to S.E. by E. into the harbour. All the way 
 from the eastern narrow enf -ance into Charles Harbour there Ts a broad isone of shoal 
 water, which curves round parallel to the mainland till it joins Whale Island, and 
 nearly fills up all the N.W. part of Trilobite Bay. 
 
 WHALE ISLA^ID, one quarter of u mile from the east side of Ammonite Poiul^, 
 and with shoal water between them, is distant 800 fathoms to the westward oi Charles 
 Island. Both islands are bold and clitly, and Trilobite Bay is between them, with 
 excellent anchorage, well sheltered from all but southerly winds. The only danger to 
 be avoided when working into Trilobite Bay is a reef off Ammonite Point, which 
 includes a small islet, and extends half a mile off-shore. The mark to clear this reef, 
 when running along the coast, is to keep Gun Island open to the southward of Charles 
 Island, and when hauling in from the v^restward, into Trilobite Bay, keep the noi th 
 point of Charles Island well open to the southward of Whale Island. 
 
 Clear Water Point, about 2 miles westward of Ammonite Point, and2i; milas west- 
 ward of Whale Island, is low, with shoal water extending about a quarter of a mile 
 from it to the southward. 
 
 The coast forms a large bay between Points Clear Water and Esquimaux, along 
 which there are high and conspicuous cliffs of sand and clay, that distinguish this part 
 of the coast to a vessel at sea. The shoal water extends a considerable distance from 
 the shore all round this bay, and opposite Sea Cow Island the 3-i'athom line of sound- 
 ings is a mile out from the sandy beach. 
 
 Due West, and 1| mile from Clear Water Point, lies a rocky 3-fathom shoal ; and 
 there are three others, with 2 fathoms, lying northward of the first, and in a 
 
 c 2 
 
20 
 
 THE MINGAN ISLANDS. 
 
 line from the point, towards Walrus Island: the outer or westernmost of them being 
 rather more than 2 miles from the point. 
 
 The mark for the outermost of these shoals is the south side of the high land of 
 Niapisca Island in one with the south point of Gull Island, bearing N.W. By W. | W. ; 
 or the north point of Fright Island, on with the south side of Esmiimaux Island, and 
 open to the southward of Green Island, bearing N.W. bv W. The leading mark for 
 passing outside these shoals, at the distance of half a mile, is the south points of Gull 
 and Fright Islands in one, bearing N.W, by W. 
 
 WALRUS ISLAND lies 4 miles to the W.N.W. from Clear Water Point, and Sea 
 Cow Island is close to the N.E. of it. The two islands together cover the space of 
 1| mile, in a N.E. direi ' ion, and are steep and p.ecipitous, excepting to the south- 
 ward, in which direction the reef off Sea Cow Island extends three-quarters of a mile, 
 and that off Walrus Island, 200 fathoms. 
 
 There is a clear channel to the westward of these islands, and also between them 
 and the Clear Water Shoals. This latter channel is 1\ mile wide, and, although not 
 the best, may be used in proceeding to Esquimaux Harbour from the eastward, by 
 running upon the leading mark, which has been given for clearing the shoals to the 
 westward of Clear Water Point, until the east sides of Esquimaux and Walrus Islands 
 come in one. Then steer for the N.E. side of Sea Cow Island, and haul round it, 
 at the distance of not less than 2 cables, to the north-westward for the east entrance 
 of the harbour. 
 
 GREEN ISLAND, small, low, covered with grass, with reefs stretching north and 
 south, 270 fathoms, but bold to tho east and west, lies five-sixths of a mile W.N.W. 
 from Walrus Island, and a third of a mile E.S.E. from Esquimaux Island. 
 
 GULL ISLAND lies a mile W. ^ S. from Green Island, which it resembles, 
 excepting that it is rather smaller. It is distant half a mile from the S.E. point of 
 Esquimaux Island, bnt there is no passage for ships between them. The south point 
 of Gull Island is bold, and may safely be passed at the distance of 2 cables 
 
 ESQUIMAUX ISLAND, 2| miles long, and If mile wide, is 200 or 250 feet 
 high towards its north side, sloping to the southward. From its S.W. point a shoal 
 extends towards Fright Island, which also has a shoal stretching towards E.squimaux 
 Island. The channel between those, leading north-eastward towards Esquimaux 
 Harbour, is 380 fathoms wide, with extremely deep water, but as there are no 
 leading marks for it, and the reefs on either side are extremely dangerous, it cannot 
 be recommended. 
 
 FRIGHT ISLAND is nearly a mile from the west point of Esquimaux Island, and 
 about half a mile long, in a N.E. direction; it is bold on the south and S.W.,on which 
 sides vessels may pass at a cable's length, but reefs extend off it to the east, N.E., and 
 N.W., to the distance.of three cables. 
 
 QUIN ISLAND lies ivithin, or N.E. by N. from Fright Island, from which it is 
 distant a short half mile : it is nearly 1:^ mile long, in a N.N.E. direction, and its 
 shoves are bold, with the exception of a broad reef running out half a mile to the 
 W.N.W. from its north point. 
 
 ^ There is a deep channel of two cables' width, between Quin Island and the reefs off 
 Fright Island, named the Fright Channel. This channel may be used with a 
 westerly wind for proceeding to Esquimaux Harbour, by hauling up to the east 
 of Niapisca till the south end of Quin Island comes in one with the south side of 
 the cove in Esquimaux Islands, bearing E.S.E., then steering so as to pass close 
 round the south point of Quin Island, which is quite bold, and thence E. by N., 
 2 miles to the entrance of the harbour. 
 
 But the best channel from the westward towards Esquimaux Harbour is Quin Chan- 
 nel ; it lies between Quin Idand and the main, which, at Point aux Morts, is distant 
 two-thirds of a mile to the N.N.E. from the north point of the island. The shoal 
 water extends only a cable's length to the northward from the latter, but off Point 
 aux Morts, and also off the small islets which lie rather more than a third of a mile 
 to the W.N.W. from it, the reefs extend 200 fathoms to the southward, and the shoal 
 water is continuous to the eastward, across the mouth of the wide bay, which is to the 
 northward of the harbour, and between Point aux Morts and Esquimaux Point The 
 depth of water in Quin Channel is from 5 to 7^ fathoms, with rocky, eravellv, or 
 sandy bottom. *' ° '' 
 
 Esquimaux Habboue lies between the north and N.E. points of the island of the 
 
THE MINGAN ISLANDS. 
 
 21 
 
 eing 
 
 id of 
 
 W.; 
 
 and 
 
 for 
 
 Gull 
 
 same name, and between that island and the mainland. The island is 400 fathoms 
 from Esquimaux Point, whicli bounds the N.E. part of the harbour. Esquimaux • 
 Point, having the entrance of a small river on its west side, consists of sand, and is 
 quite bold to the S.W., although shoals extend from it across the bays on either ^ide, 
 as has been mentioned. The north and N.E. points of Esquimaux Island are also 
 bold, and may be passed at the distance of 70 fathoms by the largest ships. The depth 
 within the harbour is from 5 to 15 fathoms, over a sandy bottom. The space in which 
 vessels may anchor is nearly 1^ mile long, in a N.W. \ W. direction, wliich is the 
 bearing of the points of the island from each other, and the average breadth of the 
 harbour 4 cables' lengths. There is therefore room for a great number of vessels, which, 
 if they anchor wel' over towards the island (that is, within the line joining its north 
 and N.E. points, and in not more than 11 fathoms water), will be sheltered from all 
 winds. Supplies of good water may be procured from the river at Point Esquimaux, 
 or from small streams on the island, and wood is plentiful. 
 
 Brief directions have been already given for Sea Cow, Fright, and Quin Channels, 
 leading to this excellent harbour. For the best channels from the eastward and west- 
 ward, observe the following directions : — 
 
 The best channel with easterly winds is the Walrus Channel, lying between Walrus 
 and Green Islands. This channel is three-quarters of a mile wide, with 8 fathoms 
 least water, and it is only necessary to give either island a berth of 200 fathoms to be 
 clear of all dangers. Being 2 or 3 miles outside of these islands, bring the N.E. 
 point of Esquimaux Island to appear about half-way between the two islands abovo 
 mentioned as forming the channel, and it will bear about North. Steer for it, and 
 giving it a berth of a cable's length, haul round it to the north-westward into the 
 harbour, and anchor in the depth and position whi< ^ has been recommended. 
 
 The best channel with westerly winds is to the westward of Fright and Quin Islands, 
 between them and Niapisca Island, and then between Quin Island and the main. The 
 extent and position of the reefs off' Fright and Quin Islands have been already given. 
 Niapisca Island, however, has reefs of flat limestone extending half a mile to the 
 southward ; and also a quarter of a mile to the eastward, from its S.E. and east points, 
 between which a very remarkable group of flowei-pot rocks will be seen standing on 
 the limestone just above high-water mark, From its east point, which is the south 
 point of a bay in the island, another reef runs out half a mile to the N.E. by E., but 
 there is ample space between these reefs and Fright Island, the channel being over a 
 mile wide in the narrowest part, and between 30 and 40 fathoms deep. 
 
 In running for this channel from the westward observe the following directions : — 
 First, observe that the leadi.ig mark for clearing the south reef of Niapisca Island by 
 more than 2 cables' lengths, is the N.W. point of Fright Island in one with the south 
 end of Quin Island : do not therefore open those islands clear of each other, until you 
 have brought Moniac Island (bearing N. ^ E., 2^ miles from the nearest point of 
 Niapisca) in sight to the eastward of Niapisca. Having done so, haul in through the 
 channel, steering N.N.E. ^ E., and when you open Moutange Island (next westward 
 of Moniac) to the northward of Niapisca, you will be clear of the N.E. by E. reef 
 above mentioned. Haul up now, if necessary, to clear the reef, which projects half a 
 mile W.N. W. from the north point of Quin Island, until you not only open the north 
 point of Esquimaux Island to the northward of Quin Island, but also the north point 
 of Sea Cow Island to the northward of Esquimaux Island. Run in between Quin 
 Island and the main, with the last-named marks just open, bearing about S. 54° E., 
 and they will lead you past the north point of Quin Island, at the distance of about 
 200 fathoms. 
 
 Take notice that the mark for the shoals off" Point aux Morts, and the small islets 
 westward of it, is the North and N.E. points of Esquimaux Island in one, bearhig 
 S.E. I E. ; if you open them before you are as far to the eastward as Quin Island you 
 will be ashore. Having passed Quin Island, continue your course towards the north 
 point of Esquimaux Island; and haul round it to the south-eastward into the 
 Harbour. 
 
 The tides usually run at the rate of about one knot through Esquimaux Harbour, 
 the flood coming round Clear Water Point from the eastward, and passing to the 
 westward between Quin Island and the main. The ebb flows in the, contrary direc- 
 tion. The flood also draws in between Fright and Niapisca Islands, and the ebb sets 
 out through the same channel. But these streams are much influenced, both iu their 
 
22 
 
 THE MINGAN ISLANDS. 
 
 rafo and duration, by the winds, and the ebb is much accelerated by westerly winds 
 in Esquimaux Harbour, running there at times fully 2 knots. 
 
 NIAPISCA ISLAND; the reefs of which have been already mentioned, is rather 
 more than 2 miles long, from north to south ; it is partly covered with wood, and 
 has three principal hills, not exceedinpf 200 feet in height. 
 
 QUARRY ISLAND, nearly 2^ miles long, and about the same height as Niapisca, 
 is separated from the latter by a channel 370 fathoms wide, with a small islet in it, 
 but no safe passage for shippmg, because of shoals in the bay to the southward, and 
 of a reef which stretches beyond the small islet. Other reefs also run out one-third 
 of a mile from the west side of Niapisca, and from the south side of Quarry Island. 
 
 Quarry Cove is on the north side, and two-thirds of a mue to the north-westward 
 of the east end of the island. It is 230 fathoms wide, ar.d about 400 deep, with 22 
 fathoms of water in the entrance, shoaling gradually to 4 fathoms, with mud bottom 
 close to its head. The islands and shoals along i he mainland are distant only 3 
 miles to the northward of this cove, which thus becomes a completely land-locked, 
 tliough very small harbour. No other directions are requisite, than keeping the west 
 side nearest on board in entering, and to anchor near the centre in 9 or 10 fathoms. 
 Good water may be obtained from a small stream in the S. W. corner of the cove. 
 
 There is a clear channel, named Quarry Channel, between Quarry Island and Large 
 Island, which ic the next westward. This channel is 400 fathoms wide from island 
 to island, in the narrowest part, where the shoal water off Large Island diminishes the 
 navigable breadth to 330 fathoms. The only directions necessary are to bring the 
 channel to bear N.N.E. ; then run in, keeping in iis centre until two-thirds of a mile 
 within the S.W. point of Quarry Island, after which you may keep that island close 
 on board, as the remainder of the channel, 1^ mile, is quite bold on that side, while 
 the shoal water extends 150 fathoms from Large Island. The flood runs slowly in 
 through this channel, and the ebb as slowly out. 
 
 LARGE ISLAND is of an oval shape, the longest diameter from north to south 
 being 4 miles; it is rather more than 11 miles in circumference, thickly wooded, and 
 in its highest part estimated at 200 feet above the sea. R^efs of flat limestone extend 
 olf its south and S.W. points to the distance of nearly three-quarters of a mile, and 
 the mark for the south point of these reefs, in 2 fathoms, is the south points of Niapisca 
 and Fright Islands in one. On its west side, a mile to the northward of its S.W. 
 point, there are many flower-pot and arched rocks, standing on the flat limestone 
 above the present high-water mark. 
 
 The Middle Reef lies just within the line joining the south points of Large and 
 Mingan Islands, and 2 miles westward of the former. A part of this reef is always 
 above water, but it is not 30 fathoms in diameter, though the shoal around it is 
 half a mile long in a N.E. by N. dii-ection, and one-third of a mile wide. The mark 
 for the east side of this reef^ in 4 fathoms, is the east sides of the two Birch Islands 
 in one. 
 
 The navigable passage between this reef and Large Island, named the Large Chan- 
 nel, is If mile wide, and has a depth of 54 fathoms. This is the channel that should 
 be used by a vessel proceeding to Mingan Harbour w^ith an easterly wind, and in 
 doing so the only thing necessary to be observed is, that the reefs extend to the west- 
 ward off" the shore of Large Island, from 3 to 2 cables' lengths, as far in as the Flower- 
 pot Colunms, after which the island becomes bold. There is little or no warning by 
 the lead on the Large Island side, but the Middle Reef may be approached to 13 
 fathoms, which on the east side is more than half a mile from it. Farther in, the 
 Birch Islands form the west side of this channel, at the distance of nearly 2 miles 
 i'rom Large Island ; the east side of the Outer Birch is quite bold, and the shoal 
 water extends only 150 fathoms off" the east end of the Inner Birch Island. 
 
 The OUTER AND INNER BIRCH ISLANDS lie to the northward of the 
 Middle Reef, and in a line from it towards the west side of Harbour Island. The 
 channel between the Outer Birch Island and the Middle Reef is almost a mile wide 
 and 30 fathoms deep, and the shoal water extends only 150 fathoms from the south 
 point of the former. But there is a very dangerous reef off" the west side of the Outer 
 Birch Island, extending 650 fathoms from the shore. The channel between the two 
 Birch Islands is 300 fathoms wide, but the ground is all foul, and not more than 3^ 
 fathoms could be carried through by a stranger. The Outer Birch Island is about 
 a mile in diameter, and about 300 feet in height, and it has a remarkable flower-pot 
 
THE MIJ^GAN ISLANDS. 
 
 23 
 
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 her 
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 3ca, 
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 lii'd 
 
 lis 
 
 irard 
 22 
 com 
 3 
 
 ked, 
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 >ms. 
 
 rock on its S,W. point. The Inner Birch Island is rather larger; its N.W. point ia 
 long and low, extending half a mile westward from the hody of the island, with 
 a curve to the S.W. ; off this point there is a reef rmming out half a mile westward, 
 and having 12 fathoms within a cable's length of its edge. 
 
 Half a mile S.W. of the same point, there is a small low islet, close to the 
 south point of which stands a very remarkable rock, named the Hulk Rock, from its 
 resemblance to the hulk of a wrecked vessel. The reef of flat limestone, dry at low 
 water, which connects this islet and rock to the low west point of the Inner Birch 
 Island, extends 300 fathoms off the rock to the S.W., and also 200 fathoms to the 
 westward. The flood tide sets out to the S.W. between the Birch Islands, and also 
 between them and the Middle Reef. 
 
 Between the Birch Islands and Mingan Island is Birch Channel, which is the best 
 by which to proceed to Mingan Harbour with westerly winds. It is 3 miles wide, and 
 all deep water. 
 
 MINGAN ISLAND, Z\ miles westward of the Inner Birch Island, is nearly 
 2 miles long, in a N.N.E. direction ; and, including two small islets close to its wesl 
 side, nearly a mile broad. It is about 100 feet in height, and bare of trees. The shoal 
 water does not extend above 300 fathoms off' its south point; but to the S.W. and 
 west the reefs, including the islets, run out nearly 600 fathoms. The island is bold 
 on its north and east sides. 
 
 To the S.W. ^ S., 3j miles from the south point of Mingan Island, and with the 
 south point of the Outer Birch on with the north point of Large Island, lies the 
 Mingan Patch, which consists of rocky ground of 9 fathoms least water, yet there is 
 a very heavy swell on it at times. There are 22 fathoms of water between it and 
 the island. 
 
 The PERROQUETS, the westernmost of the Mingan Islands, are four small islets, 
 low, and bare of trees. The north-westernmost is higher than the others, surrounded 
 with cliffs, and has a superstratum of peat on its flat summit, in which great numbers 
 of pufiBns burrow and rear their young. The two easternmost of these islets are 
 distant 2 miles N.W. by W. from the centre of Mingan Island, and have a reef of 
 flat limestone extending off them three-quarters of a mile to the S.S.W. There 
 is also a shoal northward of them one-third of a mile, and a narrow channel be- 
 tween them and the other two, but of no use to vessels. The north-westernmost islet 
 has shoal water off it to the distance of a quarter of a mile, both to the eastward and 
 westward, but a vessel may pass to the northward of it, at the distance of 200 fathoms, 
 in 14 or 15 fathoms of water. The Perroquet Chanriel, between these islets and Min- 
 gan Island, is 1^ mile wide, and has a depth in mid-channel, varying from 30 to 40 
 fathoms. Both the flood and ebb set out through the channel, the former to the S.W., 
 and the latter to the southward. 
 
 All the islands above described, from Niapisca Island to the Perroquets, inclusive, 
 are bold, and free from danger on their north sides, so that Mingan Channel, which 
 lies between them and the main, is safe throughout. Moniac Island, lying on the 
 mainland side of this channel, is less than half a mile in diameter, aud stands nearly 
 opposite Niapisca Island, from which it is distant about 2^ miles. 
 
 MOUTANGE ISLAND, 1^ mile westward of Moniac, is about 1^ mile in 
 diameter, and situated off a bay full of little islets, and in which there are several small 
 rivers. Moutange is directly opposite Quarry Island, at the distance of 2^ miles. 
 These islands, Moniac and Moutange, are distant three-quarters of a mile from the 
 nearest point of the main, but the shoals within and between them are nearly dry at 
 iov;^ water. 
 
 The shoals do not project above 3 cables' lengths off to the southward of Moniac 
 and Moutange Islands, but there is rocky ground, with irregular soundings between 
 4 and 10 fathoms, out to the distance of a mile to 'Aie southward of them both ; so 
 that a vessel beating in the Mingan Channel had better not stand over to the north- 
 ward beyond l:j mile from the northern shores of the outer islands, or into less than 
 10 fathoms. 
 
 Sand Lark Reef, Si miles N.W. by W. of Moutange Island, 2| miles E.S.E. from 
 Mingan Harbour Island, and rather more than a mile from the mainland, is small and 
 low, but always above water. The shoal water does not extend off it above a cable's 
 length, and there is a clear channel with deep water on all sides of it ; but there is a 
 rocky patch, with 5 fathoms of water, 1^ mile from it, on a line towai'ds the south 
 
24 
 
 THE MINGAN ISLANDS. 
 
 II :• 
 
 l"'i 
 
 side of Moutiinge Island. This shoal water has not been closely examined, and should 
 til ere fore be avoided. 
 
 Between the Inner Birch Island and Harbour Island, the Minj^un Channel is 1^ 
 mile wide, with rocky and irregular soundings^ between 7 and 20 futhoms. The 
 deepeet water is over towards Birch Island, where the bottom is generally of sand, 
 gravel, and shells. 
 
 Between the Perroquets and Long Point, and also between Mingan Island and the 
 latter, the Mingan Channel is 2^ miles wide, and free from all danger, excepting a 
 sandy shoal extending off the shore, immediately westward of Long Point, to 
 withm a mile of the Perroquets. There is often a great ripple off this shoal, caused 
 by the flood tide being turned off by Long Point toward the S.W. This channel 
 may be conveniently used, in going to Mingan Harbour with a northerly wind. , 
 
 Long Point consists of sand, and there is a fine beach thence to the eastward, as 
 far as Mingan Harbour, inclusive. 
 
 Mingan Harbour is the narrow but well-sheltered space between Harbour Island 
 and the mainland ; the latter is low, and has a fine sandy jjeach, while the island is 
 of limestone, about 100 feet in height, thickly-wooded, precipitous and bold towards 
 the harbour, but shelving and shoal to the southward to the distance of a quarter of 
 a mile from the shore. The length of the island is 2 miles, and its greatest breadth 
 does not amount to half a mile. 
 
 The reel's ofFthe east and west ends of the island, and which are the principal things to 
 guard against in entering the harbour, extend 240 fathoms out from the high-water 
 mark. 
 
 The mainland recedes from the island in the eastern pt^rt of the harbour, which 
 would, in consequence, be exposed to easterly winds, if it were not for a sandy shoal, 
 dry at low water, which extends 700 fathoms out from the entrance of the Mingan 
 River. This river is only capable of admitting boats at high water, and its mouth is 
 opposite the east end of the island. The eastern entrance of the harbour, between the 
 above sandy shoal and the island, is 200 fathoms wide; the western entrance between 
 the mainland and the island is 170 fathoms wide ; the whole breadth in both entrances 
 being in deep water. The space within, in which vessels may anchor in safety, is 
 about a mile long by 270 fathoms wide, with plenty of water for the largest ships, 
 over a bottom of fine sand. 
 
 Altho^igh these entrances are so narrow, there is little difficulty in taking a vessel 
 in of the size of a sloop of war, and large frigates have occasionally visited the 
 harbour. 
 
 To enter Mingan Harbour, observe the following directions : — In approaching", it 
 from the eastward, bring the north or inner side of Harbour Island to bear N. W., and 
 the houses of the Hudson Bay Company's post ought then to appear open fuliy their 
 own breadth to the northward of the island. Steer for those houses so open, leaving 
 the east end of the island 150 fathoms to the southward, or on your left, and taking 
 care to keep the south side of the sandy point of the main, which forms the western 
 entrance of the harbour, shut in behind the north side of the island ;. for when they 
 are in one, you will be on shore on the sandy shoal off Mingan River. After you have 
 passed the east end of the island, run along its north side at the distance of a cable, 
 and choose your berth anywhere near the centre of the harbour, in from 9 to 13 
 fathoms, sandy bottom. 
 
 When running for the harbour from the westward, run in towards the sandy beach 
 of the mainland at the distance of three-quarters of a mile westward of the island, 
 until the sandy point of the mainland, which forms the west end of the harbour, 
 comes in one with the faceofthe clay cliffs, to the eastward of the Hudson Bay Com- 
 pany's houses, bearing E. by S., or until you are in 11 fathoms water. Run upon 
 this mark, or course, along the beach, and give the above sandy point of the mainland 
 a berth of half a cable, as you pass into the harbour, and choose your berth as before 
 directed. 
 
 Mingan Harbour is perfectly secure in all winds, and, like Esquimaux Harbour, it 
 has this great advantage, that vessels can enter or leave it either with easterly or 
 westerly winds. 
 
 From Long Point, a broad beach of fine sand reaches to the River St. John ; out- 
 side of which shoal water extends to the distance of three-quurters of a mile. 
 
n 
 
 the 
 
 THE WEST AND SOUTH COASTS OF THE GULF. 
 
 CAPE GASP^ TO POINT ESCUMINAC. 
 
 CAPB OA8VB is a remarkable headland, of limestone, having on its N.E. side a 
 range of cliffs, which rise from the sea to the height of 692 feet. Otf the south- 
 east extremity of the cape there was till recently a very remarkable white rock, 
 named the Flower-pot Rock, Ship's Head, or Old Woman. The base of this rock 
 had been worn so much by the action of the sea, as at last to cause its fall into deep 
 water. 
 
 Off Cape Gasp6 there are several rocky patches, frequented by the fishermen. They 
 all lie in the same direction from Flower-pot Rock, S.S.E. ^ E. The first is a small 
 patch with 8 fathoms least water, the second has 16 fathoms, and the third 10 
 fathoms. Their distances from the rock are seven-eighths, 1|, and 13 miles respectively. 
 There is deep water and irregular soundings between them, and the last-mentioned is 
 on the bank of soundings lying off this coast. 
 
 At the distance of 7| miles, S.S.W. ^ W. from Cape Gasp^, is situated Point 
 Peter, forming the N.E. point of Mai Bay, and the south point of Gasp6 
 Bay. It is of low sand-stone, and thickly covered with the white houses of the 
 fishermen. 
 
 Flat Island lies about 400 fathoms off Point Peter, and is small, low, and of sand- 
 stone. Between the island and the point there is a clear channel, but no good 
 anchorage : for although vessels occasionally anchor to the northward of the island, 
 yet the ground is so foul, that there is great danger of losing an anchor from its 
 hooking the rocks. From Flat Island to Cape Gasp6, across the mouth of Gasp^ 
 Bay, the course is N.N.E. 7i miles. 
 
 GASPE BAY possesses advantages which may hereafter render it one of the most 
 important places, in a maritime point of view, in these seas. It contains an excellent 
 outer roadstead, off Douglas Town ; a harbour at its head, capable of holding a 
 numerous fleet in perfect safety ; and a basin where the largest shins might be hove 
 down and refitted. The course up the bay, from Flat Island to the end of Sandy- 
 beach Point, which forms the harbour, is N. by W. ^ W. rather more than 16 miles. 
 From Point Peter the land rises in undulations to the chain of mountains about 5 
 miles inland from the south-western shore of the bay. The south-western shore of 
 Gasp^ Bay, from Point Peter to Douglas Town, a distance of 12 miles, presents a 
 (succession of precipitous headlands. Shoal water extends nearly a third of a mile 
 from the cliffs, and vessels beating should beware of this, since the water shoals too 
 rapidly to allow of much warning by the lead. 
 
 In the N.E. side of the bay there is an anchorage, with good holding ground, but 
 in not less than 17 fathoms, except within a quarter of a mile of the shore, abreast of 
 St. George Cove, Grand Grdve, and Little Gasp6. This side is bold, and free from 
 danger in every part with the exception of the Seal Rocks, which are the only detached 
 dangers in the bay. 
 
 The Seal Rocks are 6f miles within Cape Gaspe, one mile S.E. by S. from Cape 
 Brule, and half a mile off'-shore. The length of this reef, from 3 fathoms to 3 
 fathoms, and in a direction parallel to the shore, is half a mile ; and its breadth a 
 quarter of a mile. The least water is 4 feet, and there are 3 to 3| fathoms between, 
 it and the shore. When on the outer edge of the Seal Rocks, Cape Brul^ is in one 
 with the next cliffy point up the bay, bearing N. 35° W. by compass, and this only 
 mark is sufficient for the safely of vessels beating, for the rocks are out of the way 
 with fair winds. 
 
 Douglas Town is a village of fishermen and farmers, standing on the rising ground 
 at the south side of the entrance of the River St. John. The roadstead of the town 
 is extensive, and vessels may anchor in any part of it, and iu any depth from 11 to 6 
 fathoms, over sand and clay bottom ; although the best berth is in 7 fathoms, with 
 the entrance of the River St. John bearing N.W. by W. 1| mile. The course and 
 distance from Cape Gasp6 to this anchorage is N.W. by W. 7f miles. There is, how- 
 ever, no shelter from winds between S.E. by E. and S.S.E., which blow directly into 
 the bay, and roll in a heavy swell. The ridiing is, nevertheless, much less heavy on 
 ttuch occasions than might be expected ; and, as the ground is excellent for holding, 
 
26 
 
 GASPE HAEBOUE. 
 
 
 a vessel may safely anchor here during the summer months. "Water may he ohtainod 
 by ascending the River St. John to the islands, a distance of 2 miles. In the spring 
 of the year, there are often 9 feet of water in the entrance of this river, which is between 
 two points of sand ; and there are 12 feet of water in the narrow channel for some 
 distance within. At the islands the river becomes shallow and rapid. Two miles 
 northward of Douglas is Cape Haldimand, a bluff" point of cliff", and the south-eastern 
 termination of the range of hills which separates the harbour, basin, and S.W. arm, 
 from the, valley of the river St. John. 
 
 GASPE HARBOUR.*— From the N.E. side of Cape Haldimand, Sandy-beach 
 Point runs out to the northward, and forms the Harbour of Gasp6. It is a very low 
 and narrow point of sand, convex to seaward, on which side the water deepens 
 gradually from high-water mark to the depth of 3 fathoms, a distance of nearly half 
 a mile : on the inside it is as bold as a wall. Thus this spit, apparently so fragile, 
 becomes a natural dam or breakwater, upon which the heavy swell, which often rolls 
 into the bay, can produce no efflect, expending its strength in the shoal water before 
 reaching the beach. The water deepens immediately outside of 3 fathoms, all along 
 the outside of Sandy-beach Point, and also off" its north extremitv ; so that it is both 
 dangerous and difficult to beat in or out of the harbour at night j the lead giving 
 little or no warning. 
 
 To the northward of Sandy-beach Point, at the distance of nearly a mile, is a low 
 sandy peninsula, covered with spruce-trees, and with several whale-^heds near its 
 west point. Between the shoal water in the bay to the south-eastward of the peninsula, 
 and that which extends from the extremity of Sandy-beach Point, is the narrowest 
 part of the entrance to the harbour, which is 420 fathoms wide and upwards of 11 
 lathoms deep in mid-channel. 
 
 To run into the Harbour of Gasp^, attend to the following directions and remarks : 
 — On the N.E. side of the N.W. arm there is a wooded point with low clay cliff*, 
 25- miles above the peninsula. This point appears as if it were the extreme on that 
 side, when seen over the end of the peninsula from a vessel approaching the 
 entrance of the harbour, and is named Point Panard. Now this point (seen over 
 the peninsula) in one with the inner or north side of the whale-sheds before-men- 
 tioned, is the mark for the northern extreme of the shoal off" Sandy-beach Point. 
 The extremity of the spruce-trees is as far within th^ whale-sheds as these last are 
 from the sandy extremity of the peninsula. On the inner side of Sandy-beach 
 Point, and near to its junction with the mainland, stands a wooden windmill. Keep 
 Point Panard in one with that extremity of the spi'uce-trees on the peninsula, 
 bearing N. 47° W., until the windmill, just mentioned, comes in one with the west 
 or inner side of the end of Sandy-beach Point, bearing S. ^ W., when you may haul 
 intt) the anchorage under the point, or steer for the basin. When beating in, tack 
 by the lead from the N.E. side of the bay, and in the board towards Sandy-beach 
 Point, put the helm down the instant the marks for leading in, just given, come in 
 one. 
 
 At night, when neither Sandy-beach Point nor the peninsula can be seen, it becomes 
 rather a difficult affair to take a vessel into the harbour. The only guide then is the 
 lead : soundings should be first struck on the N.E. side of the bay, about two miles 
 outside of the entrance of the harbour, and the edge of the shoal water on that 
 side should be followed, in from 5 to 7 fathoms, until you judge, by the distance 
 run, and the change which takes place in the direction of the edge of the bank 
 which you are running upon, that you are approaching the peninsula and have 
 passed Sandy-beach Point, and can in consequence venture to haul to the south- 
 ward into the anchorage. To form this judgment accurately is the diflBcult part 
 of the process, and as a failure in this would probably cause the loss of the 
 vessel, if the usual heavy swall should be rolling into the bay with S.E. winds, 
 Admiral Bayfield recommends a vessel rather to trust to her anchors off" Douglas 
 Town than to make the attempt. In the case of a vessel losing her anchors, the 
 directions which have been given may prove of use. Within Sandy-beach Point, 
 the shelter is complete from all winds ; the bottom is mud, and the depth nowhere 
 exceeds 11^ fathoms. 
 
 
 * This is now, we believe, a free port ; and we are also informed that tlie inland uavigatiun, 
 vid the at Lawrence and the laked, has likewise been declared free of charges. 
 
 M 
 
MAL BAT, &c. 
 
 27 
 
 Admiral Bayfield says:— "There are regular but weak streams of flood and ebb in the 
 entrances of the harbour and basin. In the bay the streams of the tides are irregular, 
 and are usually almost imperceptible, excepting near the shores, and even there they 
 are so weak as to be of little or no consequence to a vessel. 
 
 The current down the St. Lawrence runs strongly past Flower-pot Rock over 
 towards Flat Island, especially in the ebb tide, which often increases its rate to 
 two knots, and this should be remembered by vessels making the bay with a 
 northerly wind. This current, when it meets the swell which so often prevails 
 from the south and S.E., causes a high, short, and breaking sea, all along the coast 
 from above Cape Rozier to Cape Gaspd, and extending across the entrance of 
 Ga3p6 Bay. When the wind is light, a vessel becomes quite uwmanageable in this 
 sea, and it is extremely dangerous to be caught in it, close to the shore, by a light 
 breeze on the land. 
 
 In fine summer weather there is often a sea-breeze blowing right up the bay from 
 about 9 A.M. until sunset. At such times there is generally a light land-breeze at 
 night down the arms, which often extends for several miles out into the bay. In tha 
 outer part of the bay, however, it will generally be found to be calm, even at times 
 when a fresh breeze is blowing outside Cape Gaspe and Point Peter The wind at sea 
 on such occasions is generally from the S.W." 
 
 MAL BAY. — Point Peter, as before mentioned, is the N.E. point of Mai Bay. This 
 bay is between 5 and 6 miles wide, by 4 miles deep, and entirely open to the S.E. 
 A fine broad sandy beach extends right across the head of the bay and encloses a shal- 
 low lagoon, into which a considerable river and several small streams discharge their 
 waters; this lagoon has an outlet, named the Tickle, in the N.W. corner of the bay, 
 admitting boats at high water and in fine weather. There is anchorage all round the 
 shores of Mai Bay, but as a heavy sea and thick fog often precedes a S.E. gale, and 
 render it difficult for a vessel to beat out, it cannot be recommended. There is an 
 open cove or small bay on the N.E. side, in which a vessel can be occasionally moored 
 close to the shore, and in 3 fathoms water. 
 
 From Point Peter to Cape Despair the distance is 13^ miles, and between lies the 
 Island of Bonaventure, having bold and perpendicular cliffs on all sides except the 
 west, from which side shoal water extends to the distance of a quarter of a mile. 
 Thei'e* is anchorage in 15 fathoms between the island and White Head ; but the 
 riding is insecure and heavy in consequence of the swell, which, in bad weather, rolls 
 round the island. Between Bonaventure Island and the Perc6 Rock to the north- 
 westward, the channel is about Ij mile wide and free from danger. 
 
 Within Bonaventure Island, and close to the main, to which it is joined by a reef, 
 nearly dry at low water, is the Perce Rock, so named from having tv:o large holes in 
 it, one so large as to admit the passage of boats at high water. It is so precipitous 
 as to be nearly inaccessible, and 288 feet high, and at a distance appears like a citadel. 
 A reef runs out from the shore to the southwai-d of the rock, about half a mile, on 
 either side of which small vessels occasionally anchor. 
 
 The town of Perc6, behind the perforated rock, is inhabited principally by the fisher- 
 men, who have an excellent beach to dry their fish on. At the back of the town is the 
 Mont Perc6 or Table Roulante, 1230 feet above the sea, from which it rises abruptly 
 on the north side, where the precipices of red sandstone and limestone, 666 feet high, 
 are washed by the waves. At one mile to the southward of Perce town is White Head, 
 off which are 8 to 12 fathoms. 
 
 CHa:leur bat. — The N.E. point of the Bay of Chaleur, named Cape Despair, 
 is of a moderate height,and has at rather more than 1^ mile S.S.E. from it, the Leander 
 Shoal, which is rocky, but with a clear passage between it and the cape. It is about a 
 quarter of a mile in diameter, and has 16 feet least water on one spot, which, however, 
 it is difficult to find. The line of the White Head, in one with the inner or N.W. end 
 of Perc§ Rock, passes just outside of the shoal, in 7 I'athoms ; therefore the whole of 
 Perce Rock, well open to the eastward of the White Head, will lead clear outside of 
 all. From a half to the whole of the Perc6 Rock, shut in behind the White Head, 
 will lead between the Leander Shoal and Cape Despair. 
 
 Chaleur Bay is 25 miles wide at the entrance, between Cape Despair and the north 
 part of Miscou Island, with a depth in mid-channel of about 40 I'athoms. It is in 
 general easy of navigation, a frequent use of the lead giving good warning of an 
 approach to the shoals. The tides are regular, and have but little velocity, excepting 
 
23 
 
 CHALEUR BAY. 
 
 ''■■1 
 1 
 
 U' 
 
 at the eiitr.'iiioo, wlioro they are bo irreguhir that but amall ilependenco can bo placed on 
 tliem, IiLside the bay the dense fogs so prevalent in the Gull" are seldom met with; 
 tlie climate is a.\»o much mildeT . 
 
 T/te North Shore. — From Cape Despair the coast trends to the westward 7 miles to 
 Giand River, with its shallow bar, outside of which to the westward there is a shoal 
 running' half a mile from the coast. Beyond this, at the distance of 4 miles, is Little 
 Pabou, ai;d at about the same distance farther to the westward is Grand Pabou, both 
 of which arc small fishing-places. At 83 miles farther is another small fishing-place 
 named Newport, off which small vesnels occasionally anchor under shelter of a hhoal. 
 To the south-west of this place, distant 6 miles, is Point Maquereau, bold-to and dark 
 coloured, rising to the height of 200 feet, and covered with trees at the top ; outside the 
 point are 40 to 60 fathoms. 
 
 A few miles to the westward of Point Maquereau is an extensive bay named Port 
 Daniel, where supplies both of wood and water can be obtained. At the head of the 
 bay is the outlet of a small river, near which are the houses of the fishermen. The 
 west point of the bay has a detached rock off it. Port Daniel is exposed to the S.E., 
 and winds from that quarter roll in a heavy swell. This port may be easily recoj^nised 
 by a high hill, one mile to the westward of the harbour, the summit of which is 400 
 feet above the sea ; it is the highest land on this part of the coast, and often appears 
 like an island. 
 
 From Port Daniel the coast runs 9 miles to Nouvelle River, a place of no importance, 
 and 5^ miles within this is Paspehiac, off which is an excellent roadstead. The point 
 is low, being composed of sand and shingle, and encloses a small lagoon. The town 
 is considerable, although straggling along the coast ; and there is an English and 
 Roman Catholic Church. On the west side of the point are a number of fislung-huta, 
 and the extensive white buildings belonging to the fishing-establishment of Messrs. 
 Robins and Co., of Jersey ; on this side of the point is also the roadstead, in which 
 vessels lie sheltered from S.E., round north, to West, although open to southerly 
 winds. Jersey vessels lie moored here all the season, on excellent holding-ground. 
 A sandy spit runs out south-westward, about two-thirds of a mile from the point, and 
 affords some shelter to the roadstead. The best berth to anchor is in 6 fathoms, 
 clay, with the sandy point S.E., and Robins' flagstaff East. 
 
 In rounding Paspebiac Point from the eastward, keep Daniel Hill well open to 
 the southward of Nouvelle Point until the Roman Catholic Church opens to the 
 westward of the south end of the sandy spit N.N.E. ; keep the lead going, and 
 steer towards Carlisle Point, until Robins' flagstaff (at his northernmost large 
 white store) and the above-mentioned church come in one N.E. \ N. ; when you 
 may haul in for the anchorage by your lead, taking care to give the spit a berth in 
 going in. 
 
 Carlisle Town is 3^ miles westward of Paspebiac, and is rendered conspicuous 
 by the jail and court-house, which can be seen from the anchorage. The point 
 is covered with wood, and atisists in sheltering the roadstead of Paspebiac from 
 the westward. 
 
 Five miles to the westwaru of Carlisle is Bonaventure Point, formed by a low red 
 ^sandstone cliff, off which h rocky shoal extends to the westward fully a mile, and con- 
 tinues along the coast to Red Point, a distance of about 8 miles. Here vessels may 
 anchor, sheltered from the eastward, riding in 6 or 7 fathoms, with the point bearing 
 S.E. ^ S., the church N.E. \ E., and the entrance of the river E. \ N., 1\ mile. From 
 the extremity of the point the coast trends to the northward 2 or 3 miles to the river 
 of the same name, which is too shallow to be of any use to navigati(m ; and 10 miles 
 farther is another small stream named the Caplin, off the entrance to which there is 
 a reef. 
 
 Hence the coast runs to the northward 10 miles, and then trends to the south- 
 west^yard a similar distance to Carleton, forming the bay of Cascapediac. At the head 
 of this bay is a stream, available only for boats in consequence of the flats which 
 extend out 2 miles from the entrance ; to the easward of this is the village of Rich- 
 mond, having anchorage before it, in 3 fathoms, with the church bearing N.E. f E., 
 and Black Point, the east point of the bay, S.E. | S. ; but you may anchor farther out 
 in 5 or 6 fathoms, although not so well sheltered. When approaching Richmond 
 from the eastward, in order to avoid the shoal that stretches off" to the westward 1^ 
 mile from Indian Point, keep Red Point well open of Black Point S.E. \ E., and 
 
 W. 
 
 Cai 
 
 Dul 
 
CIIALEUE BAT. 
 
 29 
 
 
 approach no nearer than 4 or 5 fathoms, until tho church hears N.E. hy E., wlieii 
 you may steer for it, and anchor as before. 
 
 On tho western side of the bay are extensive settlements, at the bac'/< of which are 
 some lofty hills, conspicuous at a great distance, the highest of which, Mount 
 Carleton, is estimated to he 1830 feet high. 
 
 Tracadigiish or Carleton Point, the west point of Cascapediac Bay, is low and 
 encloses a shallow lagoon, which admits small craft at high water. On the north side 
 of this lagoon is the village of Carleton, behind which are the Carleton Mountains. 
 Off the point a s^it runs half a mile, which can be cleared by keeping in 10 or 9 
 fathoms, or by brmging Mount Dalhousie just open of Point Maguacha, bearing 
 about W.N.W. f W. To the westward of this spit there is good anchorage in 6^ 
 fathoms, mud, with the point bearing S. by E. ^ E. ; Carleton Church E. by S. ; and 
 the watering-place N. by W. }j W. : here you will lie, little affected by the tides. 
 
 From Carleton Point the coast trends round to the westward 7 miles to Maguacha 
 Point, which is composed of red sandstone cliffs, and has a reef running off it about a 
 mile to the westward. Between, in the northern corner of the bay formed by the 
 two headlands, is an extensive lagoon, nearly dry at low water, into which the New 
 Eiver falls. Outside this basin the water deepens to 2^ fathoms at the distance of a 
 mile. Maguacha Point forms the northern, and Dalhousie Point the southern side 
 of tho entrance to the River Ristigouche, which is a broad estuary running some 
 miles into the country. 
 
 DALHOUSIE HARBOUR is frequented principally by vessels loading with 
 timber. Off the town is a high and rocky but well-wooded island, 2 cables in length, 
 named Dalhousie Island, which is connected to the shore by a shoal drying at low 
 water ; and to the westward of this, at a short distance, there is another islet, also 
 connected to the shore by a sandy spit. Between these islets a sandy strand joins the 
 shore, and it is along the edge of this that the vessels anchor in 6 and 7 fathoms 
 perfectly secure from all winds. 
 
 Off the island, on the north side of the harbour, is the Middle Ground, having 6 
 feet least water on it. Its eastern side is very steep, and a buoy mirks its north- 
 eastern extremity. The channel between this part of the Middle <jround and the 
 Canadian shore to the north-eastward, is about three-quarters of a mile wide, with a 
 depth of 12 to 15 fathoms ; here the tide runs about 2 knots. The harbour of Dal- 
 housie is very much sheltered from the northward by this shoal. 
 
 When making Dalhousie you may do so either from the eastward between th« 
 island and the Middle Ground, or by running round to the northward of that shoal, 
 enter it from the norfh-westward. In this latter course there is much more room, 
 but you have to cross a flat of 3 fathoms water ; the other passage is 1^ cable's 
 length wide, with a depth of 6 fathoms, and is quite safe. 
 
 To run for the harbour, and being 5 miles south from Carlisle Point, steer N.W. 
 by W., 34 miles, which will bring you midway between the east point of Heron 
 Island and Tracadigash Point j in this run you will shoalen your water from 35 to 
 10 and 12 fathoms. Off Heron Island a bank runs out some distance, which you 
 may clear by bringing the highest summit of the Scaumenac Mountains open north 
 of Dalhousie island ; and you may also clear the spit running from Tracadigash Point 
 by bringing Mount Dalhousie just open of Point Maguacha, bearing about W.N.W". 
 f W. From this position (midway between Heron Island and Tracadigash Point) 
 steer about W.N.W. towards Dalhousie Mountain, and when near Maguacha Point 
 avoid the reef running from it, by bringing the highest part of the Scaumenae 
 Mountains open to the south-west of Dalhousie Island; continue sailing on this 
 mark until you get into 9 or 8 fathoms, when the Bonami Rocks will bear about 
 S.W., distant half a mile. Haul now to the northward, keeping in the same depth 
 of water, until Lalime Point, the western point of New Brunswick, comes just open 
 north of Dalhousie Island and the islets and rocks westward of it, and bearing about 
 W. by N. Steer with this mark on, and enter the harbour, being careful not to 
 approach the island nearer than 50 or 100 fathoms ; when in the harbour you may 
 anchor in 5 or 6 fathoms. 
 
 To enter the harbour by the western and more roomy passage, instead of steering 
 W. by N. for Point Lalime, steer to the N.E. until you get intjo 8 fathoms on the 
 Canadian shore, in which depth you must continue to work to the westward until 
 Dalhousie Church bears S.W.Hjy S., when it will open to the westward of the islaud. 
 
80 
 
 CHALEUll BAT. 
 
 I 
 
 Tlien steer to the westward ilirectl}' up the I'stuary, until the church bi!ars S. \>y W,, 
 when you must Hte»!r for it, tukinj; care not to brinjf it to the westward of that bear- 
 iiiff, and crossing u 3-futhoui Ihit, you will enter the harbour, where you nuiy anchi." 
 ai before. 
 
 lUVEU RISTIGOUCHE.— From Dalhousie the river runs up about 12 miles to 
 Campbell-town, and is navigable for largo vessels to within 4 miles of that place, 
 when the channel becomes both mvrrow and intricate. At its entrance, just opposite 
 Dalhousie, is Fleurant Point, off which is u very convenient anchorage, in (> or 7 
 fathoms, for vessels visitiiij; the river for supplies of wood or water : it is easy of 
 access and affords facilities for getting under weigh, in all winds and at all times of 
 tide. Half a mile westward of the point is a brook of excellent water, and a little 
 farther westward is a dangerous reef named the Mussel Bank, which extends nearly 
 half-way across the river. 
 
 Campbell-town is situated at the foot of a lofty hill named the Sugar Loaf, 
 estimated to be 950 feet high. Here it is high water at 4h., with a rise at spring 
 tides of 9 or 10 feet, and at nea))s of 7 feet water. When the tide is up vessold 
 drawing about 20 feet water can ascend the river as far as the town, oif which tln'y 
 may lie afloat at low water. Small craft nuiy ascend still farther up. 
 
 The South Shore. — From Dalhousie the coast runs to the eastward aboui 1^ mile 
 to lionami Point, off which are some high steep rocks, with no passage between 
 them and the shore. Hence to the small lliver Carlo the distance is 4j miles, with 
 a shallow lagoon about half-way between, named the Eel River; and 3 miles 
 farther is Heron Island, whicli is 4 miles long and of moderate height. Between 
 the islainl and the shore there is a channel of 3 to 5 fathoms at low water, in 
 which is good anchorage, but it is narrow and contracted by the shoal water on either 
 side; near the eastern part of the channel, and directly in the middle, is the Heron 
 Rock, a danger of only 6 feet water, with 4 to 5 fathoms all round it. It is recoui- 
 mended always to take a pilot, as the navigation is very intricate. 
 
 Three miles from Heron Island is the entrance of the River Nash, resorted to by 
 vessels for timber, which moor outside in 4 fathoms, muddy bottom, with the east 
 
 Joint of Heron Island bearing N. by W., 2^ miles, and Black Point N.W. one milo, 
 n this position they are much exposed to easterly winds, but the ground being good, 
 they are enabled to ride in safetv during the summer months, i 1 out 3^ miles S.E. 
 from Heron Island and 1^ mile off-shore, there is a rocky ledge upon which not 
 less than 4 fathoms Aras lound, yet there may be less water. Hetice to Belleduno 
 Point the distance is about 9 miles, when the coast turns to the southward, a distance 
 of 16 miles, to the entrance of Bathurst Harbour, at the head of Nifisighit Bay; in 
 this last distance the only objects of particular remark are the churcli and village of 
 Rochette situated about half-way. The whole of this coast is low and moderately 
 clear, and may be approached by the lead, but a largo vessel is recommended not to 
 get into a less depth than 10 fathoms. 
 
 BATHURST HARBOUR is about 2 cables' lengths in width, between Carron and 
 Alston Points, which are of sand, with stores and other buildings upon them. There 
 are two beacons on Carron Point, on the S.E. side, which, when kept in one, bearing 
 S.W. i S., lead in through the narrow channel over the bar, in 7 feei; at low watei-, 
 and 14 at high water, spring-tides. From 3 fathoms outside the bar to the entrance 
 of the river is 1^ mile, very narrow the whole distance, and between sandy shoals, 
 nearly dry at low water. Between the sandy points, or just outside in 3 or 4 fathoms, 
 vessels generally moor to take in timber. It is high water at Bathurst Harbour at 
 3h. 15m. ; spring-tides rise 7 feet, neaps 4. 
 
 The Town of Bathurst is well situated 2^ miles within the entrance, and at tlie 
 head of the basin. A depth of 14 feet at high water can be carried up to the waar . es 
 of the town, and vessels may lie in 14 feet at low water, in some parts of the channel ; 
 here the tide runs from 1^ to 2 knots, and sets fairly in and out over the bar, which 
 should never be crossed without a pilot ; they are always on the look-out for vessels. 
 The bar bears from Paspebiac Point, on the Canadian shore, S.W. by W. | W., 
 distant 8 leagues. 
 
 Some few vessels load inside the bar, but the usual place of anchorage is just out- 
 side in 6 or 7 fathoms, muddy bottom, where there is safe riding in the summer 
 months, but exposed to N.E. gales, which are attended with a heavy sea. 
 
 From Bathurst Harbour the coast runs to the norf^-eastward to Point Mizzenette, 
 
 ext 
 in 
 
 Mi 
 ish 
 wi 
 th( 
 
 de( 
 
ClIALEUR BAY. 
 
 81 
 
 a distance of 20 iuIIoh, and \a clour, with th« exception of a 3-futliorn hIiouI, three. 
 .jiuirterH of ti inilu from the 8hore,nbuut U miles iVoni M.ithurHt; it may in Keiieml ho 
 HjHirotteiied to the depth of 10 futhoniH, which is near enoujfh in the nijjiit-time. 
 KuMtwnrd of Miz/.enctte Point the ahoal water extends half a mile out. 
 
 CAKAQUETTE llAUHOUU.— After passing' iMizzenette Point the coant lino 
 falls hack and is bordered by several islands and dangerous shoals, within which 
 tliero is an excellent harbour affording safe anchorage in from i to 2A fathoms. 
 
 Nearly 3 miles E.H.E. of Point Mizzenotte is Cara<iuette Island, which is low and 
 wooded, and 12 mile long in a direction nearly parallel to the coast. Sandy (Mjintii 
 extend from both ends ot the island towards the mainland, or to the southward, so 
 as to form a bay, in which there is a perfectly land-locked anchorage for vessels not 
 drawing more than 15 feet. There is no passage for shipping between the island and 
 Point Mi/zenette, but oidy a very narrow channel for boats on the side next the 
 island. The island stands on an extensive hank of Hat sandstone, partially covered 
 with sand, and which, commencing at Point Mizzenette, extends to the eastward 
 parallel to the coast ull the way to the entrance of Shippigan Sound, u distance of 8 
 or 9 miles. 
 
 Caraquelte Shoal extends 4^ miles to the eastward of the island, from which it 
 dries out occasionally in very low tides to the distance of 2 miles, and is very 
 shallow in every part. From its east end, (Jaraquette steeple bears W. ^ 8., and in 
 one with the extreme of the trees on Caraquette Island ; and Shippigun steeple. 
 South, in one with Pokesuedie Point. This latter bearing clears the shoid to the 
 eastward in 3 fathoms at low water ; but a large ship must keep Poit»t Pokesuedie 
 bearing S. by W. | W., and in one with Point Marcelle. 
 
 Mizzenette Ledge of Rocks, with 5 feet least water, bears N.N.W. IJ mile from 
 the west end of Caraquette Island, and will be cleared to the northward, in 3^ tiithoms, 
 by keeping Donax Point just open to the northward of Point Mizzenette, bearing 
 W.N.W. f W. ; which mark will also lead to the eastward alon^ ,he northern edgo 
 of the Caraquette Shoal until it strikes the Scollop Patch, which has 16 feet least 
 water over a rocky bottom. When on this patch, Caraquette Church steeple and the 
 ■ N.W. end of Caraquette Island are in one, and the S.E. end of the island will bear 
 
 S.S.W. i W., distant 2 miles. 
 
 The Fisherman Ledge is a detached bed of rocks, with 10 feet least water, lying to 
 the northward of the Caraquette Bank, and separated from it by Fisherman Channel, 
 which is a mile wide and li'om 4 to 7 fathoms deep. This ledge, lying more in the 
 way of vessels than any other in the Bay of Chaleur, is 1| mile long in an E. \ S. 
 direction, and a third of a mile wide I'rom 3 fathoms to 3 fathoms. The northern 
 edge of this ledge is distant 3 miles from Caraquette Island, and its east and west 
 ends bear N.N.E. from the corresponding points of the island. The points of clilF at 
 Great Anse and Donax Point in one, bearing W. by N., lead through Fisherraau 
 Channel > it cannot, however, be recommended to large vessels. 
 
 Pokesuedie Shoal is an extensive flat of sand extending 2 miles to the northward 
 and eastward from Pokesuedie Island, and has only 6 or 7 feet water over the greater 
 part of it. Caraquette steeple and the sandy S.E. extreme of Caraquetie Island in 
 one, bearing W. \ S., lead ov<jr its north point in 2 fathoms at low water; and if 
 the steeple be kept half-way between the extreme of the sandy point, and the 
 extreme of the trees on the same island, the north point of the shoal will be cleared 
 in 4^ fathoms. 
 
 The channel forming the entrance to the harbour of Caraquette lies between the 
 Pokesuedie and Caraquette shoals for about 2^ miles, and has water enough for the 
 largest ships ; but it is crooked, and only 220 fathoms wide between very steep shoals, 
 and without sufficient leading marks ; nence its navigation is attended with some 
 difficulty. The harbour commences immediately within, or to the westward of Poke- 
 suedie Island, and extends westward between the mainland and Caraquette Shoal and 
 Island. Caraquette Church stands conspicuously on a ridge nearly opposite Point 
 Mizzenette, and the fish-stores and houses of Lower Caraquette nearly opposite to the 
 island. There are 5 and 6 fathoms in the eastern part of the harbour immediately 
 within Pokesuedie, and there are not less than 3| fathoms till within half a mile of 
 the S.E. point of the island. 
 
 Between the island and the main, the channel is only 120 fathoms wide and 2^ 
 deep; but farther westward it increases to a quarter of a mile wide and 4^ fathoms 
 
32 
 
 CIIALEUR BAT. 
 
 11 
 
 deep, and ix flicrc Hlu'ltcrod by the Mizzenetto Saiulw, which dr- at low wntiT noiirlr 
 AcroHH tu thf ixhiiid. Thu bottom Ih HUiidy in the entrance ol Caruquctte Chat) tiel, 
 and of nnid within the harbour. Althou^'h thin harbour iH excellent for nienhunt- 
 vchhcIm of larjff tonnage, it Ih exceedingly dangcroUH to attempt to run for it without 
 a pilot. The tides ribe from 3 to feet, and neldom run atiunger thau one knot per 
 hour. 
 
 SlIIPPIOAN SOUND.— ThiB exton«ive place in formed by Pokoaucdie I»land and 
 the mainland on the went, and by Shi]>pigan Inland on the eaiit. Simon InU>t, which 
 ih the bcHt harbour in the Sound, in nituated on the wcHtcrn Hide within PokoHUcdio 
 Irtland : here you can lie landlocked in water deep enough for large uhips. The baya 
 of Alemek and Little Alemek lie on the opnonito or Shippi^an Hide. >lcmek Day lies 
 inont to the southward, and irt an excellent liarbour containing 3 and 4 IkthomM water. 
 A bar of mud and Hand extends acroHs the Sound which limitH the depth that can bo 
 carried into Alemek Bay to 2^ fathonin, and into Shippigan Harbour to 2\ fathoms 
 at low water. On the Houth side of the bay stand the church and village of Shippigan, 
 and off them is the harbour of Shippigan, a narrow channel with 2^ to 4 iathonis 
 water Iving between shoals of mud and eel-grass nearly dry at low water. This narrow 
 channel continues 2^ miles beyond the church, and terminates at Shippigan Qully, 
 the southern entrance of the Sound, which is used by shallojjs and fishing-boats. In 
 Shippigan Gully the tide is generally very rapid, and there is often a heavy surf on its 
 bar ol' sand, which partly dries at low water, leaving a channel only 4 or 5 feet deep. 
 The harbour of Shippigan is perfectly secure in all winds, and it is there that the 
 greater part of the vessels which have recently visited this place for timber lie moored. 
 At a short distance westward of the church is the watering-place at a small streuui 
 in Basse Bay. 
 
 The channel leading from Shippigan Flats to the church is 9 miles in length, with 
 deep water, but it is narrow and crooked, without leading marks ; and some of the 
 banks are very steep, so that an experienced pilot is absolutely necessary to navigate 
 a large vessel into this harbour with safety. In Shippigan Harbour it is high 
 water F. and C, at 3h. 42m. ; spring tides rise 5J or 6 feet, neaps 3 feet. In the 
 channel the rate seldom exceeds a knot. The stream is regular in fine weather, 
 running in at the Gully, to the northward, through the Sound, into the Bay of 
 Chaleur, from about hall-ebb to half-flood by the shore, and in the reverse direction, 
 or to the southward, from about half-flood to half-ebb. 
 
 A flat extends 2f miles ofl' the north side of Shippigan Island, and is the most 
 northern of the Shippigan Shoals. It consists of sandstone, thinly and partially 
 covered with sand, and has on some parts only G feet of water. There is good warn- 
 ing by the lead all along its northern side, which may be safely approached to 6 
 fathoms in a large ship, and to 3 fathoms in a small vessel. This flat separates the 
 channel leading to the harbours of Caraquetto and Shippigan from that which leads 
 into Miscou Harbour. 
 
 MISCOU HARBOUR, between Miscou and Shippigan Islands, lies just within 
 the sandy spit at the S.W. extrem ; )f Miscou, where there are from 4 to 6 fathoms, 
 for upwards of a mile in length, aur. 2 cables' lengths wide. This forms the harbour 
 for large vessels; but the harboi i for small craft is still more extensive, there being 
 a considerably greater breadth with 2 and 2^ fathoms water, and also a narrow 
 channel extending eastward through the flats of mud and weeds to within a mile 
 of Miscou Gully, which boats can only enter at high water. Within the harbour the 
 bottom is soft mud; in the channel, just outside the entrance, sand ; and, between 
 the shoals farther out, sandstone. This place is much frequented by the Ameritiun 
 fishermen, who are good pilots lor it. The Miscou Channel, leading to the harbour, 
 between Shippigan Flat and the Shippigan Shoals on the S. W., and the Miscou Fhits 
 on the N.E., is only 170 fathoms wide in one part, between shoals so steep that the 
 lead affords not the slightest warning. Only small vessels should attempt this 
 harbour without having first buoyed the channel, or secured the assistance of a 
 good pilot. It is high water F. and C, at 3h. 30ra. ; spring tides rise 5 feet, neaps 
 3 feet. 
 
 At fully 4i miles off to the N.W. of the S.W. point of Miscou, is the 5 -fathom 
 edge of the Miscou Flats, and at 2| miles from the same point there are not more 
 tlian 3 fathoms. These flats, of sandstone, extend 4 or 5 miles to the N.E. of the 
 harbour ; and towards their northern termination there is an opening in the trees 
 
CHALEUR BAY. 
 
 88 
 
 which oxtondH iirrosH tlio iHliiiul, and which has been iniHtukcn hy voshoIh, at nij^ht or 
 in lo^^is'y WfiiUhT, I'ithur lor tho hiirlx^uror the <iully, uoconUiij; um thoy wero went or 
 CRHt of tho iMiuiid. Tho roiniiindfr of the shoro in toloruljly Im)1i1, with Htfi'p mmdy 
 boachort Murroundinjf tho north ond of Mi«cou Irthmd, wIuto tho hutn and litoiCH of 
 fishoriuon will bo soon uloiij; the ahoro. Tho mtrth-eatif, HoinotinioH oHHod tho north, 
 tmint of Misrou Island Um a lijfhthouso uiK)n it, exhibitinj; a rod lijfht 7<J foot abovo 
 nij,'h water, visible 12 inilos in dear weathor. HhaHow wator oxtendH 3 inilen in a 
 N. by E. direction from tho li^'ht, but on other bearings it nmy bo approached from 
 tho eastward to within a inilo of tlie shoro. 
 
 Tho north point of Minfou Island is further distlnguishi'd by a green mound or 
 grassy sand-hdl, and the nhallow wator does r.;<t extend more than one-third of a mile 
 ort-shore; but to the e.u Aurd, opposite a small lagodii, where there are several hutu 
 and fishing-stores, shallow water, to 3 fathoms, strotchos otf a mile north-eastward, 
 and to 5 fatlioms 2.^ mileH in tho name direction. At 1^ mile south-eastward 
 of tho north point is Birch Point, which is a steep cliff of sandstone alwut 10 feet 
 liigh, and may easily bo recognised by the white birch-trees, which are higher there 
 than in any other parts near the shore. A reef of stones and sand extends half a mile 
 out from the shore. The shoal off tho north point may be avoided either by day or 
 night, by the soundings on tho chart. Very good anchorage may be obtaine(l on 
 either side of it; under the north point in from 5 to 10 fathoms, with southerly winds, 
 a)ul off Birch point, in from 3^ to 6 fathoms, with westerly winds — the bottom being 
 of sand, which holds sutEciently well for off-nhore winds. 
 
 The Miscou Banks extend about 22 miles eastward of Miscou, and the Boundings 
 upon them will fully direct u vessel approaching this part of the coast. The 
 shoalest part of the banks are on an easterly line of bearing from Birch Point, 
 whereon, for the first miles off-shore, there are only from 5.^ to 7 fathoms on u 
 rocky bottom ; after which tho water deepens rapidly, there being from 12 to 17 
 fathoms with red sand, rock, and shells ibr the next 9 miles, ^t the end of which it 
 deepens to 20 fathoms ; 7 miles farther, with depths between 20 and 30 fathoms, over 
 red sand, gravel, shells, and broken coral, brings us to the edge of tho bank, where 
 the depth increases rapidly to about 40 fathoms, and the soundings change to nuid. 
 The northern edge ot the banks, in 30 fathoms, is 7 or 8 miles northward of the 
 easterly line from Birch Poiiit, and passes the north point of Miscou, at the distance 
 of 4 miles, into the Bay of Clialeur, thus affording excellent guidance to vessels. 
 These banks continue to extend off the coast to the southward, but with more regular 
 soundings, and a greater general depth than in the part to which the name of the 
 Miscou Banks has been applied. 
 
 The Coast Southward. — From the east side of Miscou Island to the lighthouse on 
 Point Escuminac the course is S.W. by S., and the distance from the north point of 
 Miscou to the same object is 58 miles. The coast between is low and wooded, with 
 sand-bars and beaches, enclosing several lagoons, the entrances to which, called Gullies, 
 have shifting bars before them. They all afford shelter tor boats ; but in the whole 
 distance there is not any harbour for shipping until we arrive at Miramichi. The 
 coast may be safely approached to 10 fathoms in the night-time, and to 6 or 5 
 fathoms in the day-time, as there are no detached shoals during this course, though 
 in several places shoal water extends to a considerable distance, as at Wilson Point, 
 on the east side of Miscou Island, where a sandy shoal extends a mile out to 3 fathoms, 
 and 1^ mile to 5 fathoms at low water. Again, the shoal water extends two-thirds 
 of a mile off Miscou Gully, 7 miles southward of the north point of Miscou ; and 
 4 or 5 miles farther southward, off the low sandstone diffs of Shippigau Island, 
 there are rocky patches with little more than 2 fathoms, upon them, and nearly 
 a mile off-shore. Still farther southward, along the coast of Shippigan Island, and 
 6 miles northward of Shippigan Gully, there is another similar patch at nearly the 
 same distance from the shore. 
 
 MXRAM ICBZ BAT. — The north point of the Bay Js Point Bl?ckland, which is 
 low and swampy, with steep and black peaty banks, Round it and within the sandy 
 bars, there is a boat communication between Tabdsintao Lagoon to the northward and 
 the inner Bay of Miramichi. 
 
 The outer bay is about 14 miles wide from tho sand-bars off Point Blackland to 
 the lighthouse on Point Escuminac, and 6^ miles deep from that line across its 
 mouth to the main entrance oi' the inner bay, between Portage and Fox Islands, Tho 
 
 ST. L. O 
 
84 
 
 MIRAMICHI BAT. 
 
 ,1 ! 
 
 U 
 
 outer and inner bays are separated by a ranee of low sandy islets, between which are 
 three small passages and one main or ship channel. 
 
 Escuminac Point Lighthouse is built of wood, and painted white ; it exhibits a 
 fixed light at 70 feet above the sea, visible 14 miles. 
 
 The northernmost of the sandy islets is named Negowac Sand- Bar, which, toge- 
 ther with several sand-bars lying off Point Blackland, ''orm the shore for 4 miles 
 to the W.S.W. from Tabisintac Gully. Between Negowac Sand-Bar and a small one 
 to the S.W. is a gully 280 fathoms wide, and 3 fathoms deep; but a sandy bar of the 
 usual changeable character lies off it nearly a mile to the S.S.E., and had about 9 feet 
 over it at low water at the time of Admiral Bayfield's survey. There is a very narrow 
 channel within the gully, leading westward up the inner oay, but it is only fit for 
 boats. Between Negowac Gully and Portage Island, a distance of 1^ mile to the 
 S.W., there are several shoals which dry nearly at low v/ater. 
 
 Portage Island is 4 miles Ion? in a S.W. by S. direction, and the channel between it 
 Bijfl Fox Island is H ™ile wide. Fox Island is 3f miles lon^, in a S.S.E. direction ; 
 and between it and Huckleberrj Island is Fox Gully, which is 150 fathoms wide at 
 high tide, and has from 2 to 2t fathoms water, but there is a bar outside, with only 
 7 feet on it at low water. Huckleberry Island is about 1^ mile long in a S.E. 
 direction ; and between it and the mainland is Huckleberry Gully, 200 fathoms wide, 
 but not so deep ae Fox Gully. Both Fox and Huckleberry Gullies are only fit for 
 boats or very small craft. At rather more than a mile from Huckleberry Gully, 
 towards Point Escuminac, stands the South Beacon, which is large and white, and 
 has a white-roofed barn behind it; and for 2 miles along the shore, to the eastward 
 of the south beacon, there are houses, where some of the pilots reside. Point Escu- 
 minac is low, covered with spruce-trees, and may be known by its lighthouse, painted 
 white, which exhibits a fixed light at 70 f?et above the level of the sea. Escuminac 
 Reef is very dangerous, as it runs off fully 2 miles to the N.E. to the 3-fathom mark, 
 and nearly 2| miles to 5 fathoms. At night come no nearer than 10 fathoms. 
 
 Eastward of these islands the shallow water runs off to a considerable dis- 
 tance. Prom thr north-east end of Negowac Sand-Bar, in a S.W. direction, to the 
 middle of Portage Island, a distance of 6 miles, the shallows run off about 1:^ mile; 
 tlience they run in a S.E. by S. direction, 6 miles, to the entrance of the Ship 
 Channel ; in the latter distanf*e the shoals run off fully 3 miles from Fox Island 
 and the south part of Portage Island. An extensive flat also borders the south side 
 of the bay, from Huckleberry Island to the pitch of Escuminac Reef, and in its 
 aastern part, for fully 3 miles, extends 2 miles from the shore; but when you 
 approach the pilots* houses and the south beacon, you may approach within a mile of 
 the shore. You cannot approach the land so near in any other part of the bay as off 
 the south beacon. 
 
 Upon the bar of Miramichi there is only a foot or two of water in some places at 
 low spring-tides ; but there is water enough for small vessels near Portage Island, 
 and there 's a still deeper part near its S.E. end. The S.E. extreme of this bar will 
 be cleared by keeping the church at French Village in the Centre of Fox Gully, 
 bearing W. ^ S. A black buoy is moored at the S.W. extreme of the bar, in 3 
 lathoms at low water, and must be left on the starboard hand going in ; and about a 
 mile N .N.W. from this black buoy there is a red buoy moored in the same depth of 
 water on the Lump (a shoal with 2 fathoms least water on the west side of Ihe chan- 
 nel), and which must be left on the liort hand going in. Within this red buoy the 
 dianncl is clear and straight, about 500 fathoms wide, and from 4 to 7 fathoms deep, 
 running in a N.W. f N. direction for 3 miles, until you arrive at the Spit buoy, which 
 is also a red buoy, and must likewise be left on the port hand going in. 
 
 On the north point of Fox Island two small beacons will be seen on the sand-hills, 
 the one red and the other white : these kept in one, and bearing S.E. * E., lead in the 
 deepest water, from 2^ to 2| fathoms, to the outer red buoy of the Horse-shoe. 
 
 The Horse-shoe Shoal is 3 miles long north and south, and 2^ miles wide. It con- 
 sists of sand and gravel, with 3 feet least water, and not more than 6 feet over many 
 parts of it. Its north-east exhcme is nearly joined to the shoaJs of Portage Island, 
 there being only a narrow and intricate channel left which is never used. Good 
 anchorage may be procured in 4 or 5 fathoms water between the Horse-shoe and the 
 south end of Portage, where vessels, drawing too much water to cross the inner bar, 
 |3Qay safely anchor during the summer months. The Horse-shoe Shoal is separated 
 
 
 ra 
 
MIEAMICHI BAT. 
 
 one 
 fthe 
 
 feet 
 
 vrow 
 
 for 
 
 the 
 
 from the shoal which connects Fox, Egg, and Vin Islands, by the very narrow ship 
 channel, which in one part is only 180 fathoms wide, and 2} fathoms deep. This is 
 named the Horse-shoe Bar, or Inner Bar, over which are 18 feet water in ordinary 
 spring- tides. The south side of the Horae-shoe is marked by buoys, which must bo 
 all left to the northward, the best water being within the distance of half a cable from 
 them. The S.E. point of the Horse-shoe extends 350 fathoms farther out to the etvit- 
 ward than its outer red buoy ; and there is besides a patch, or mound of sand and 
 gravel, with only 10 feet water, lying off the S.E. point of the Horse-shoe to the S.E. 
 no as to narrow the navigable channel between it and Fox Island to a third of a mile. 
 The two small beacons on the north point of Fox Island are useful in enabling vessels 
 to avoid that mound, which renders the passage of the Horse-shoe Bar so difficult for 
 a large vessel. 
 
 The Bar of Miramichi should never be attempted by a large ve?8el, or by persons 
 not properly acquainted with it, without a pilot. The Miramichi pilots will generally 
 be found cruising about off Point Escuminac in small schooners ; but should you 
 not meet with a pilot off Point Escuminac, and it is too late in the day to cross the 
 bar before dark, you should stand off and on till daylight, and not shoalen your water 
 to less than 12 fathoms, particularly with the wind from the eastward. 
 
 MIRAMICHI is a place of great trade, and a free warehousing port; and the 
 different towns on its banks are rising in importance. Large quantities of timber are 
 annually shipped here; and the salmon and Gaspereaux fisheries are also carried on 
 in their season. The four principal towns are Chatham, Douglastown, Newcastle, 
 and Nekontown. 
 
 Chatham, the principal town on the Miramichi, and containing, at a rough esti- 
 mate, about 2000 inhabitants, lies about 17 miles westward of the Horse-shoe Bar, 
 f -d extends along the south shore about 1:^ mile. Here vessels lie in 6 to 8 fathoms, 
 olose to the wharves. It is a straggling but rapidly increasing town, having some 
 good houses, and an English Episcopalian, a Presbyterian, and a Koman Catholic 
 3iurch, besides two other chapels or places of worship belonging to the Wesleyans 
 and Antiburghers. These buildings are all of wood, neatly painted and finished, 
 and together with the steam saw and grist mills of the Messrs. Cunard form the most 
 remarkable objects. 
 
 Douglastown is on the north shore, about 1^ mile above Chatham, and contains 
 about 400 inhabitants. It is prettily situated on a rising ground, and has sufficient 
 water at its wharves for the largest ships. The Marine Hospital, built of stone, is 
 the most remarkable structure. The ship-building establishment of Mr. Abram is 1} 
 mile above Douglastown, on the same side of the river; and opposite it, on the 
 south shore, is the English Episcopalian Church of St. Paul. 
 
 Newcastle, 1^ mile farther up the river, and on the north shore, is the county 
 town, containing the Court-house and Jail, a Presbyterian church, a Wesleyau 
 ehapel, and some other good buildings. It is pleasantly situated, and contains 
 about 1000 inhabitants. Here are 6 or 7 fathoms water close to the wharves of the 
 town. 
 
 Nelsontown is the last village : it is a straggling place, with 200 or 300 inhabitantf , 
 chiefly Irish. Here is a large wooden Roman Catholic church: it stands on thw 
 south shore, opposite the east end of Beaubeve Island, and a mile above Newcastle. 
 The river is navigable as far as Beaubere Island for any vessel that can cross the 
 Horse-shoe Bar. 
 
 TIDES. — It is high water at Miramichi Bar at about 5h. ; spring-tides rise 5 feet, 
 neaps 3 feet. At Sheldrake Island, at 6h. ; spring- tides rise 5 feet, and neaps 3 feet : 
 the ebb-tide runs at the rate of 3 miles an hour in the Sheldrake Channel. It is high 
 water at Beaubere Island, F. and C, at 6h. 30m. ; spring-tides rise 6 feet, neap-tides 
 4 feet ; the ebb runs at the rate of 2 knots, and the flood about a knot At the 
 rapids, in both the S.W. and N.W. arms, the tides flow until 8h., and they rise her© 
 about 2 feet. 
 
 POINT ErfCUMINAC TO THE GUT OP CANSO. 
 
 Point Escuminac, as before mentioned, is low, covered with spiuce- trees, and 
 rendered conspicuous by its lighthouse, which is painted white, and seiTcs to warn 
 veftsels of their approach to the reef which runs off 2 miles N.E. from the point. 
 
 D 2 
 
86 
 
 EICHIBUCTO EIVER. 
 
 Sapin Ledge.— ki 6^ miles S.S.W. from Point Escuminac is Point Sapin, and the 
 intermediate shore is very low and shallow. The Sapin Ledge lies directly off the point, 
 and is very dangerous, having only 12 feet on it, and lying right in the track of ships 
 running alongshore. In the night-time it should not be approached nearer than ^ 
 fathoms; and it should at all times be remembered that there are 5 fathoms at only 
 about 2 cables' lengths from it. This ledge is 1^ mile long from east to west, and 
 half amile broad; from its outer edge Escuminac lighthouse bears North, distant 6 
 miles, and Point Sapin E.S.E. \ E., 2\ miles. A depth of 3^ fathoms will be found 
 between it and Point Sapin. 
 
 From Point Sapin to Kichibucto Head the course and distance are S. ^ W. nearly 
 20 miles, across Kouchibouguac Bay, the shores of \yhich are very low, with sand-barg 
 and beaches, enclosing lagoons, through which rivers flow into the sea. Kouchi- 
 bouguac River, after flowing more than a mile through an extensive lagoon, nearly 
 dry at low water of spring-tides, enters the sea by an outlet through sand-bars about 
 9 miles S.W. I'rom Point Sapin. This river has a bar of sand which frequently shifts. 
 A depth of 9 feet at high water and spring-tides could be caixied in over the bar at 
 the time of Admiral Bayfield's survey in 1839. The tides rise from 2\ to 4 feet, and 
 flow 8 miles up the river. In all the northern part of Kouchibouguac Bay the shoal 
 water (that is, to 3 fathoms) extends to some distance off-shore, till it joins the Sapin 
 Ledge. 
 
 RXCRZBVCTO RZVER is, among the rivers on this part of the coast, inferior 
 only to the Miramichi, either in the distance to which it is navigable, or in the depth 
 of water over its bar. On its banks there are flourishing and rapidly increasing 
 sdttlements. The town of Liverpool stands about 3 miles within the entrance, on 
 the north side of the river. 
 
 The entrance of the Richibucto lies between two sand-bars, several miles in length, 
 named the north and south beaches, on which there are sand-hills 30 feet high ; it it 
 about 360 fathoms wide. Any vessel that can pass the bar may be taken 13 riH js^ 
 up the river, and small vessels can go up nearly 20 miles. A pilot is absolutely 
 necessary'.* 
 
 A reef of sandstone extends off Richibucto Point (which is the S.E. extreme of the 
 south beach, and 3^ miles from the river's mouth) to the distance of a mile from the 
 high-water mark, and continues 2 or 3 miles farther to the southward, to Richibucto 
 Head, which is 50 feet high, and composed of sandstone and clay cliffs. 
 
 The course and distance from Richibucto Point to the S.E. extremity of the Buc- 
 touche sand-bar is S. 14^ miles. In this space there is nothing worthy of notice 
 excepting the small river Shockpish, which affords shelter to boats at high water. 
 
 The North Patch, of only 12 feet, must be carefully avoided when approaching 
 Buctouche Roads from the northward ; it has 5 fathoms just outside of it. It lies on 
 the N.E. part of the outer bar of Buctouche, and 2 miles off the shore, with Cocagne 
 steeple and the N.W. extreme of Cocagne Island in one, bearing S.S.W. \ W., and 
 
 — ■ - ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ II ■ . , ■ ■ ■ . — ., . . .1 ■ I . I I —— I I.I i ■■ ^ .., ■■ 
 
 * The bar of this river appears to be more dangerous than formerly, it haying been said that 
 vessels drawing 12 feet are unable to cross it. We copy the following from the Shipping Gazette 
 ot Nov. 25th, 1853 : — " The entrance to the port is impeded by a sand-bar, about 3^ miles from 
 the town of Liverpool. It is stated, in the sailing direction book for this coast, the depth of 
 water on the bar is 13^ feet at low, and 17^ feet at hij;h water, spring-tides. We find that vessels 
 drawing 12 feet of water have been detained several weeks for want of sufficient water on the bar. 
 The tides are more or less influenced by winds. Ac the entrance is exposed to heavy gales fVom 
 tlie N E., it has occasioned a decrease in the depth of water, which is extremely dangerous to 
 vessels drawing above 12 feet when loaded, as they must complete their loading outside of the 
 bar, riding in an open sea, so that if it blows a N.E. gale, a vessel must unavoidably go on shore ; it 
 is almost impossible to escape. There are no less than ten wrecks at the entrance of said harbour 
 (if not more). Another danger is, wlien outside with rafts of timber or deals alongside, that it 
 often occurs the last tiers of the rafts are lost in consequence of the heavy swell that a N.E. 
 breeze occasions, which separates the tiers, and they then go adrift. 
 
 We would recommend masters of vessels not to load to a deeper draught than 1 1 feet 9 inchei, 
 to ensure their going over the bar at high-water springs." 
 
 But again, in August, 1860, the New York Journal of Commerce published a paragraph, wherein 
 it was stated that, " a great objection to the harbour of Richibucto has been the risk run by large 
 8hip<i, which have had to finish loading outside the bar at an extra expense, and in an exposed 
 situation. Of late years the water has been gradually t'nereosin^, and it is now stated that the 
 sand which had reduced the depth on the bar fVom 18 feet some 20 years ago to 12 or 12j feet in 
 1855, has been displace*!, and there is now a clear channel, enabling ships drawiug 17 feet to pass 
 in or out without diffloulty at stream-tides." 
 
 
 
 ne 
 ov 
 
BUCTOUCHE, Ac. 
 
 37 
 
 the 
 Dint, 
 ihips 
 in Q 
 only 
 
 Hnd 
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 >und 
 
 early 
 •bars 
 uchi- 
 early 
 ibout 
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 shoal 
 Sapin 
 
 u 
 
 the south end of Buctouche Sand-bar S.W. by W. ; by keeping in five fathoms you 
 will pass outside of it. The Outer Bar of Buctouche is a long ridge of sandy and 
 rocky ground with from 2^ to 3| fathoms, extending to the southward, and parallel 
 to the shore from the North Patch nearly to Cocagne, a distance of 7 miles. Be- 
 tween it and the shore there is a narrow channel of various depths, from S^ to 5 
 fathoms. 
 
 Buctouche Roadstead, off the entrance of Buc<^ouche River, and in the widest part 
 of the channel within the outer bar, is perfectly safe for a vessel with good ground 
 tackle ; the bottom being stiff clay, and the outer bar affording protection from any 
 very heavy sea. It is here that vessels of too large a draught of water to enter tho 
 river, lie moored to take in their cargoes. When approaching this anchorage there 
 is nothing in the way of vessels that do not draw too much water to. cross the outer 
 bar, except the North Patch, before mentioned : but large vessels will find more water 
 (not less than 3^ fathoms) by approaching from the northward, by attending to the 
 following directions. If off the coast, with a leading wind, bring Buctouche steeple" 
 to beat to the southward of West, and run in-shore with it on that bearing, in order 
 to pass to the northward of the North Patch. As you run in, you will, if the weather 
 be favourable, observe Cocagne steeple open out to the westward of Cocagne Island, 
 80 as to be seen between the latter and the mainland; and you must continue your 
 course till the steeple comes on with the extreme of Dickson Point, a small peninsiiUi 
 point about 2\ miles to the southward of the sand-bar. Change the course inime-' 
 diately, running with Cocagne steeple and Dickson Point in one, bearing S.S. W. \ W,, 
 and they will lead you close inside of the outer bar, and clear of a small shoal lying 
 between it and the shore, on which there are not less than 2f fathoms. Take care 
 not to shut' the Cocagne steeple in behind Dickson Point, as you run along the sand- 
 bar, and immediately after Buctouche steeple opens out to the westward of the sm;ill 
 sandy islet which forms the S.W. point of Buctouche Sand-bar, you will observe two 
 white beacons on the mainland come in one bearing N.W. by W. | W. ; anchor with 
 them in one, and Cocagne steeple open about its own breadth to the left or eastward 
 of Dickson Point, and you will be in the best berth in 3| or 4 fathoms at low water, and 
 with excellent holding-ground. If the state of the weather should prevent the leading 
 mark from being distinguished, the chart and the lead ought to be sufficient guides. 
 
 Buctouche River enters the sea to the S.E., through the shallow bay witiiin the 
 Buctouche Sand-bar. The two white beacons, before mentioned, which point out the 
 best anchorage in the roadstead, are intended to lead in over the bar of sand and flat 
 sandstone, in the be'ct water, namely, 8 feet at low tide, and 12 feet at high water 
 in ordinary spring-tides. To enter the river, the assistance of a pilot is absolutely 
 necessary, as the channel is narrow and intricate. 
 
 Cocagne JELarhour, 6 miles south of Buctouche, lies between Cocagne Island on the 
 north side and Point Renouard on the south side. It is a very small harbour, and 
 requires the assistance of a pilot. 
 
 At nearly 4 miles southward of Cocagne, and nearly 10 miles S. \ E. from 
 f -le S.E. point of Buctouche Sand-bar, is Shediac Point, off which the Grandigue 
 S'oal, with from 14 to 18 feet water, extends to the distance of 2 miles, having the 
 ) 'dst water near its outer edge. You can pass outside of this shoal by not approaching 
 the shore nearer than 5 fathoms at low water. 
 
 SHEDIAC BAY is 6^ miles wide from Shediac Point to Point Bouleaux, and 
 about 5 miles deep. Near the head of the bay is the island, within the north end of 
 which is the village, accessible for small vessels. A small fixed light is shown from 
 a lantern on a pole at Ch^ne Wharf, during the summer season ; it is 15 feet high, 
 and visible 6 miles. The harbour lies between the S.W. point of Shediac Island and 
 Point Chene; the latter bearing from the former S.S.E. three-quarters of a mile. A 
 sandy bar runs out from Point Ch^ne to the northward, 800 fathoms, and is dry for 
 nearly half that distance at three-quarters ebb. This bar, together with the shoal farther 
 out, off the S.E. point of Shediac Island, render the harbour very secure. Near the 
 middle of the bay, which is all shallow, there are two rocks, of 7 and 8 feet, lying 
 E.S.E. from the centre of Shediac Island. The easternmost, named Medea Rock, lies 
 2 miles from the island ; the western, named the Zephyr Rock, lies nearly rudway 
 between Medea Rock and the island. The passage into the harbour is to the north- 
 ward of the above rocks, and along the eastern side of Shediac Island, about two-third« 
 of a mile from it, between the shoal off the S.E. point of the island and Zephyr Rock. 
 
 %' 
 
 I 
 
38 
 
 SHEDIAC BAT, &c. 
 
 Shediae, although well situated, ia not a place of much trade, only a few cargroes of 
 timber, principally deals, being shipped at it annually for the British market. Stran- 
 gerd bound to this place should have the assistance of a pilot. The depth that can 
 hi carried in by a good pilot is 14 feet at low water, and 18 feet at high water in ordi- 
 nary spring-tides. The Shediae and Scoudouc are very small rivers, only naviji^able 
 for boats for a few miles. The tides at Shediae, when unaffected by wmds, rise 4 
 feet in ordinary spring-tides, and 2 feet in neap-tides ; and the rate oi the stream of 
 cither ebb or flood seldom exceeds half a knot. 
 
 Between Point Bouleaux and Cape Bald are Bouchagan and Kouchibouguet Rivers, 
 which can only b^ entered Vy boats at high water. A reef extends more than a mile 
 irom the shore off Point Bouleaux, but Cape Bald, 11 miles eastwai'd of Shediae Island, 
 is bold and may be safely approached by the lead to 5 fathoms. 
 
 From Cape Bald to Cape Bruin the bearing and distance are S.E. by E. nearly 13 
 miles. In this distance the coast is free from danger, the shoal water extending only 
 about half a mile ofl'-shore : and a vessel may safely approach at night to the depth 
 of 6 fathoms at low water. But greater caution will be requisite farther to the east- 
 ward on account of the dangerous shoals which commence off Peacock Cove, which is 
 ill the bay between Cape Bruin and Cape Jourimain. Great and Little Shemogue 
 Elvers are 7 and 9^ miles respectively to the S.E. by E. of Cape Bald. They aro 
 only fit for boats and very small vessels, having very narrow and intricate channels, 
 over shifting bars of sand. Good anchorage may be got off these rivers in 5 or 6 
 fathoms sandy bottom. 
 
 Cape Jourimain bean '^.E. by E. \ E., 6^ miles from Cape Bruin, and is the north 
 extreme of the Jourimain i 'S, and forms the extreme point of land to vessels 
 
 running through the Strait oi ;humberland, either from the eastward or westward. 
 There is good anchorage in the bay between Cape Bruin and Cape Jourimain, in 5 
 fathoms, sandy bottom, and shelter with winds from the S.E. by E. round by south 
 to W. by N. The Jourimain Shoals are very dangerous to vessels in the night, and 
 the lead should always be kept going when approaching them in dark weather; and 
 when to the eastward of them, come no nearer than 9 tathoms, but to the westward 
 they may be approached as near as 7 or 6 fathoms. Shoal water extends from the cape, 
 N.N. W. 1^ mile, and from thence it extends i\ miles to the S.E. ; near this point of 
 the shoal is a patch of only 6 feet at low water, as shown by the chart ; this lies If 
 mile Irom the shore, and is very dangerous, being bold-to on the east side. To the 
 westward of the cape the shoal water extends luUy 4 miles, and runs off fully 2 miles 
 ii-om the shore ; but you may approach this part to 6 or 6 fathoms. 
 
 CAPE TORMENTINE is the great headland which forms the eastern extremity 
 of New Brunswick within the gulf. Indian Point may be said to form the southern, 
 and Cape Jourimain the northern points of this headland, which is a place of im- 
 portance in a nautical point of view, not only from its position, but from its dangerous 
 and extensive shoals. The Tormentine Beefs are very dangerous in consequence of 
 the strong tides in their vicinity. They extend off Indian Point rather more than 3 
 miles to the E.S.E., and there is rocky ground, with 4 fathoms, fully a mile farther 
 <»fi-shore. The part of these reefs which dries at low water is very small, and bears 
 E.S.E. ^ E., 2f miles from Indian Point. These reefs should, at all times, be ap- 
 proached with caution by the lead, and should not, particularly with light winds, be 
 approached nearer than 9 fathoms, when north-eastward of them, as the flood-tide 
 sets over them to the southward, into Bay Verte, at the rate of 3 knots, causing 
 a great rippling over the part that dries, and thus indicating its position. There is 
 a patch of rooks, with 7 feet at low water, nearly midway between the dry part of 
 the reef and Indian Point. Small vessels carry a depth of 2^ fathoms at low water, 
 between that patch and Indian Point, and oftei? take shelter under the latter in 
 northerly winds. 
 
 _ BAY VEKTE is 9 miles broad across its entrance, from Indian Point in New 
 Brunswick, to Coldspring Head in Nova Scotia, but contracts to the breadth of 
 2a miles near its head. It is 11 miles deep, and separates the two provinces just 
 named; their boundary continuing across the isthmus from the head of Bay Verte 
 to Cumberland Basin, a distance of about 11 miles. There is no harboui- in Bay Verte, 
 and it IS completely open to easterly winds, as well as very shallow near its head, 
 where flats of mud and weeds dry out to a distance of three-quarters of a mile from 
 the shore. 
 
 
 ot 
 
 w 
 b 
 
BAY VEETE, &c. 
 
 39 
 
 ssof 
 ran- 
 can 
 )rdi- 
 able 
 86 4 
 m of 
 
 Gasperean River lies in the northern corner of the head of the bav^and half a mile 
 southward of its mouth are the remains of Fort Monckton, on Old Fort Point, cow 
 waHhed by the sea. 
 
 Tignish River, the principal stream in the Bay of Verte, enfers the bay on the 
 south side near its head. When the tide is out, the very narrow channel of the river 
 has only 3 feet of water, and it is approached by a narrow channel, from 3 to 7 feet 
 deep, through flats of mud and weeds, which dry out a little from its mouth. Con- 
 siderable quantities of deals are annually railed down this river, whence they are 
 chiefly taken in small schooners, or in raits along shore, to Pugwash, to be shipped 
 for the British market. Spring-tides rise 9 feet, and neap-tides 6 feet. 
 
 Tignish Head lies on the eastern side at the mouth of the Tignish River. There 
 are two patches of stone with 3 and 5 feet water, at the distance of half and three- 
 quarters of a mile N.N.E. i E. from Tignish Head, but as these are within the 
 2-fathom line, they require no farther notice. At 4^ miles south-eastward of Tignish 
 Head is Boss Spit, which dries out to its edge, and is so steep that there are 17 I'eet 
 of water close to its outer point; you should keep in 3^ fathoms when passing thi» 
 spit. At 3i miles south-eastward of Boss Spit is Coldspring Head, which lies N.N. VV. 
 i W., 8 miles from Lewis Head. 
 
 In the entrance to Verte Bay are some shoals, which should be avoided when navi- 
 gating this part of the Strait of Northumberland, viz., Aggermore Rock, Laurent 
 ohoal. Heart Shoal, and Spear Shoal. 
 
 The Aggermore Rock, v/ith 18 feet least water, lies N.E. \ E., 2| miles, from Cold- 
 spring Head, with a deep-water channel between ; but in a N.VV. by N. direction, 
 towards Cape Laurent, not more than 3 5 fathoms will be found at low water, and in 
 some places less. 
 
 Laurent Shoal, of rock and sand, with 16 feet least water, is about three-quarters 
 of a mile long, by half that in breadth. On the shoalest part Cape St. Laurent bears 
 N.W. by N., 2i miles, Indian Point N.E. by E. \ E., and Coldspring Head S.S.W. 
 \ W. There are 4^ fathoms close to the east side of this shoal. 
 
 Heart Shoal, with 9 feet least water, lies S.W. by S., 1^ miles, from Cape Spear. 
 There are 15 feet between it and the shore. 
 
 Spear Shoal lies about a mile E.S.E. from Heart Shoal, and has a patch of rock 
 with 10 feet least water near its east end, and from 15 to 18 feet in other parts. It is 
 a bank of sand and stones, resting on sandstone, about a mile long, from east to west, 
 and one-third of a mile broad. When approaching this shoal from the eastward the 
 lead gives little warnin"^, as there are from 3^ to 4^ fathoms close to it on that side; 
 but by coming into no less than 4^ fathoms, vessels will avoid it, as they pass it to 
 the southward. From the shoalest part, Cape Spear bears N.W. by N., l| mile, and 
 Indian Point N.N.E., 2:^ miles. Between it and Ca^e Spear there are 3? fathoms. 
 
 From Coldspring Head to Lewis Head the hearing and distance are S.S.E. ^ E., 8 
 miles, and at 2:^^ miles E. by S. of Lewis Head is Pugwash Point. Between Lewis 
 Head and Pugwash Point is a bay into which the Rivera Philip and Pugwash run, the 
 former in its western side, and the latter in its eastern. Lewis iJe^extends 2^ miles 
 to the N.E. from Lewis Head ; its outer part is composed of detached rocky patches, 
 on which there are from 14 to 18 feet of water, with a greater depth between them ; 
 but the inner part is very shallow, and has as little as 6 feet of water at the distance 
 of 1^ mile from the shore. 
 
 Philip River disembogues to the southward of Lewis Head, and between the latter 
 and Bergeman Point. There is a dangerous bar of stones and sand across its mouth, 
 80 situated as to leave only a very narrow and crooked channel of 8 feet at low water, 
 through which the new vessels, built up the river, and brought down light, are 
 taken with difficulty on their way to Pugwash, where they load, and where, also, the 
 lumber and produce brought down this river are taken to be shipped. Boats can 
 go up about 9 miles, and there are increasing settlements along the borders of this 
 river. 
 
 PUOWA8B BAXBOVR lies at the head of the bay of that name and to the 
 southward of the point. There is a depth of 14 feet at low water on the bar, in 
 ordinary spring-tides, within which is a crooked channel, Irom 50 to 100 fathoms 
 wide, leading to the harbour : to sail through this channel requires the aid of a pilot, 
 who will be obtained in answer to the usual signal. The harbour is a land-locked 
 basin^ having a depth of nearly 7 fathoms, in which vessels loading lie moored ia 
 
40 
 
 PUGWASH AND WALLACE HAEBOUES. 
 
 Ill 
 
 I'.iji > 
 
 ^1. 
 
 M 
 
 perfect security. There is high water at Pugwash, F. and C, at lOh. 30m. ; ordinary 
 spring-tides rise 7 leet, and neap-tides 4 feet. The rate of the tidal utreains seldom 
 exceeds a knot in the roadstead, and in the entrance of the harbour it is generally less 
 than 2 knots. 
 
 A reef runs out from Pugwash Point three-quarters of a mile N.W. by W., and 
 dries out about half that distance. At | of a mile off the point to the North and N.E. 
 there are rocky patches, with 11 and 12 feet of water, and there are others farther to 
 the eastward, a full mile out from the shore : there is also uneven rocky ground, with 
 a less depth than 4 fathoms, 2 miles ofi'-shore, and which renders it unsafe for a 
 stranger in a large ship to go within the 5-fathom line. 
 
 The roadstead is sheltered by Philip Bar and Lewis Reef from West and N.W., and 
 by Pugwash Keef from East and N.E. winds. It affords excellent anchorage, in from 
 16 to 19 feet at low water, sand and clay bottom ; but exposed to winds between 
 N.N.W. and N.N.E., although the shallow water outside prevents any sea from 
 coming in sufficient to endanger a vessel during the summer months. To take 
 Pugwash Road, you ought to have a pilot, but if unable to get one, then, should you 
 be to the northward, in 5 fathoms, you must bring the English Church steeple, at 
 Pugwash, so as to be seen over, and only just within, the west extreme of the low 
 cliff of Fishing Point, the east point of the bay, bearing S. by E. | E. ; running 
 with these marks you must not open the church in the least to the westward of the 
 point, until the south point of Philip River (Bergeman Point) bears S.W. by W., or 
 until the water decreases to 3^ fathoms : you will then be close to the N.W. end of 
 the Pugwash Keef; now change your course to S.S.W., three-quarters of a mile, when 
 you may anchor, in 16 or 18 feet at low water, with Fishing Point E. by S. \ S., 
 distant about half a mile, or you may lie in 14 feet, half a mile farther to the 
 southward. 
 
 At 9 miles E.S.E. from Pugwash Point is situated Cape Cliff, and 3 miles farther 
 to the S.E. is Oak Island. The coast between is unbroken and terminates in Point 
 Mackenzie, which is separated from Oak Island by sand-bars and a gully for boats 
 nearly dry when the tide is out. Oak Island is about a mile long, and has Jerry 
 Island half a mile westward of it, on the north side of Fox Bay, just within 
 Point Mackenzie. To the southward of Oak Island a bay runs in westerly about 2 
 miles, to Mullin Point, which point separates Fox Bay on the north-west from Wallace 
 Harbour (formerly Ramsheg) on the south-west. Fox Bay runs in 3 or 4 miles to 
 the north-west, with a channel through flats of tenacious red clay and weeds, which 
 are nearly dry at low water. In this channel are 3 or 4 fathoms of water ; but a 
 depth of 8 or 9 feet is all that can be carried over the bar at low water in ordinary 
 spring-tides. 
 
 tVAXiXiACli HABBOUH. — This harbour is the best on the coast, excepting 
 Pictou, and has 16 feet over its bar at low water of ordinary spring-tides, which rise 
 8 feet, so that it is capable of admitting very large ships. The entrance, which is 
 W.S.W. ^ W., 2i miles from Oak Island, and between two sandy points, named 
 Palmer and Caulfield Points, is 2 cables' lengths wide, and 6| fathoms, deep ; above 
 this the channel is crooked and difficult, although it is 160 fathoms wide. A pilot is 
 always, therefore, necessary, and may be obtained by making the usual signal. It is 
 high water, F. and C, at lOh. 30m, ; spring-tides rise 8 feet, neaps 5 feet, and their 
 velocity does not exceed 1^ knot. When approaching Wallace Harbour from the 
 northward. Oak Island should have a berth given it of nearly a mile ; or keep in 
 5 fathoms, to avoid the reefs off its east side. 
 
 From Oak Island to the eastern point of Saddle Island the bearing and distance 
 are S.E. by E. 6 miles. This island is small and low, and joined to the shore by 
 shoals drying at low water j from its eastern point a dangerous reef extends about a 
 mile, and has on it a rock named the Wash-ball, dry at low tide. To clear this reef 
 on the north side, brin^ Treen Bluff just open north of Saddle Island bearing W. ^ 
 N., and you will avoid it in 4 fathoms. A frequent use of the lead should be made 
 when in the vicinity of the reef, and a nearer approach should not be made than 6 
 fathoms on its eastern side. 
 
 From Saddle Island the bearing and distance to Cape John are S.E. by E. | E., > 
 miles. Within this line of bearing the coast-line bends inwards and forms a largb 
 bay named Tatamagouche, in which are several harbours and anchoring places. 
 TATAMAGOUCHE BAY, ob, Amet Sound.— Immediately outside the entrance 
 
TATAMAGOUCHE BAY. 
 
 41 
 
 or this hay are Amet Islet and Shoals, and the Waugh Rank, which render the hay 
 rather difficult of access. Tlie islet is small and flat at the top, and covered witli 
 coarse grass. It is about 20 feet above the sea at high water, and was formerly much 
 larger than at present. Shallow water extends 300 fathoms to the westward Jrom the 
 island, and may be cleared in not less than 3^ fathoms if the English steeple at the 
 Eiver John be not shut in behind the western side of the cape of the same name ; 
 but large ships should stand in only to 6 fathoms, and take notice that in every other 
 direction shallow water extends from the island to a far greater distance. The shoals 
 extend nearly 4 miles eastward of the island, and 2 miles to the south-eastward 
 toward Cape John. In both directions are rocky patches of 5 or 6 feet, at rather 
 more than a mile from the island ; but there are not less than 16 feet beyond the 
 distance of 2 miles, although there is a patch of that depth at fully 3 mile to the 
 eastward of the island. The marks for this latter patch are the north extremes of 
 Amet Islet and Treen BluflT in one, bearing W. i N., and Cape John S.W. ^ S. The 
 northern side of these shoals is very steep, and should not be approached by a large 
 ship in the night-time nearer than 10 fathoms. 
 
 The Waugh Bank is to the westward of Amet Islet. It is about 1| mile long, 
 with soundings of 2 to 5 fathoms, and from its position and steepness is very 
 dangerous, so that it should not be approached from the northward nearer than 7 
 fathoms, that side of the shoal being the shallowest and steepest. To clear it on the 
 N.E. side in 5 or 6 fathoms, bring the eastern extremes of Amet Islet and Cape John 
 in one, bearing S.E. ^ S., or the western side of Cape John and the English Epis- 
 copal steeple at the River John in one, bearing S.S.E. | E. ; and, on the S.E. side ia 
 4 fathoms, the eastern extreme of Mullegash and Chambers Points in one, S.W. | S. 
 Chambers Point is low and at times difficult to distinguish, on account of the high 
 land behind it. 
 
 Cape 'John, the northern point of the bay, is about 40 or 50 feet high, and has a 
 reef extending from it about 4 cables' lengths, on the inner part of which are two 
 rocks always above water. This reef is steep-to, especially at its western part, where 
 thei'e are 7 fathoms close-to, being deeper here than anywhere else. Prom the north 
 side of the cape shallow water extends naif a mile to the depth of 3 fathoms, rendering 
 it necessary for vessels to keep in not less than 4 or 3^ fathoms. Within the cape is 
 John Bay, which runs 4 miles to the S.E., and as far as the entrance of the riyer is 
 clear of danger, yet the shoals from its shores are steep and should not be approaclied 
 nearer than 3^ fathoms. Sandy shoals occupy the head of the bay, drying out half a 
 mile. Oil the bar of the river there is only a foot at low water; here several ships 
 are built. 
 
 Nearly in the centre of Tatamagouche Bay is Brulh Peninsula, which is rather low 
 and wooded, and has a reef extending from it 400 fathoms towards the N.W., partly 
 drying at low water, and so bold that the lead gives but little warning ()f approach. 
 On the point are some shoals extending 1\ mile to the northward ; which are rocky 
 with irregular soundings, and have 9 feet least water not far from their outer edge. 
 They should be approached very cautiously, as there are 4 or 5 fathoms close to the 
 edge. Within the peninsula is the harbour, having upon its bar a depth of 14 feet 
 at low water ; when inside the bar there are 19 feet for a short distance, but the 
 channel soon becomes very narrow, running between flats of mud and weeds. The 
 anchorage outside the bar, in 3^ fathoms, muddy bottom, is considered the best shel- 
 tered place in the sound ; to anchor in the best berth bring Brule Point N.W. by N., 
 Conn's white house* S.W., and Cape John N.E. 
 
 Tatamagouche Harbour is to the westward of Brul^ Peninsula, lying between it 
 and Mullegash Point. It is 2>\ miles wide at its entrance, and runs in 7 miles to the 
 westward, affording good anchorage everywhere, on a bottom of soft mud, but large 
 ships cannot go far up. From 5 fathoms at the entrance the depth decreases to 3 
 fathoms 1^ mile up the bay, and to 2 fathoms at 4 miles, the remainder being ail 
 shallow, part drying at low water. A rock, with only seven feet on it, lies 3| cables' 
 lengths off the northern shore, 2 miles within Mullegash Point; Amet Island and 
 Mullegash Point touching, bearing E.N.E., clear it to the southward, distant 120 
 
 ■A i 
 
 * This stands a short distance back from the southern shore of the harboor, and is at present 
 (1847) the only two-storied house in that place, and has a large bam close to it. It bears S. by VV. 
 If mile firom Brul^ Point. 
 
42 
 
 PICTOU ISLAND, &o. 
 
 * 'i 
 
 fathoms. A straneer may Hafely approach to 3 fathor. i at low water ; but in entering 
 keep well over to the northward, to avoid the Bvxxlh Shoals, extending I'njm Bruld 
 Point. On the N.E. side the English Church nteeple at the River John, just open 
 to the northward ol' Long Point, bearing 8.E. ^ E., clears them in 3 fathoms. The 
 north and N.W. sides are very steep, but the east and S.E. sides may be approached 
 by the lead. 
 
 Tatamagouche River is in the S.W. corner of the bay, 5 miles within the entrance. 
 Several vessels visit this river for lumber every year; they anchor oft' it in 11 or 12 
 feet at low water, and lie aground on soft mud, as the tide falls, without ii\juryi High 
 water, full and change, at lOh. ; spring-tides rise 8 feet, neaps 6 feet. 
 
 When approaching Tatamagouche Bay from the eastward oetween Cape St. John 
 and Amet Island, keep nearest the cape to avoid the Amet Shoals, that narrow this 
 channel to about three-quarters of a niile^ When coming in to the westward of Amet 
 Island, the passage between Amet Lsland and the Wau^h Shoal to the westward is a 
 full mile wide, and from 6 to 10 fathoms deep ; the leading mark for running through 
 this passage is Brule Point and Conn's House in one, bearing S. by W. The western 
 passage into Amet Sound, between Waugh Shoal and Saddle Reef, is a mile wide, with 
 6 to 8 fathoms in it. When bound to John River, or Tatamagouche, pilots may ba 
 obtained by making the usual signal. 
 
 From Cape John the coast trends S.E. by E. \ E., 15 miles to Caribou Island, and 
 is free from dangers. The island is about 4i^ miles long, and appears at a distance 
 like several islands, but a nearer approach shows these to be joined together by sand' 
 bars. A reef extends from the eastern point of the island towards the N.N.E., nearly 
 three-quarters of a mile, and is composed of large stones ; it is very dangerous, as 
 there is deep water very near its north point and eastern side. 
 
 Caribou island with the mam encloses a harbour available for small vessels. At 
 its entrance is a small island, named Doctor Island, on either side of which there is a 
 passage. From the eastern point of the island a reef runs to the eastward 1:^ mile, 
 »nd partly dries at low watei. To the southward of this and two-thirds of a mile 
 fi'om the same point of the island are the Seal Rocks, dry at low water, from which 
 t)ie shallow water, forming the bar of Caribou Harbour, extends to Logan Fointj 
 the north point of Pictou Bay. Caribou Harbour is about 6 miles long and one 
 broad, and is too shallow and difficult of access for any but small vessels. 
 
 PICTOU ISLAND lies to the north-eastward of Caribou. It is about 4ii milea 
 long by about 1^ broad, of moderate height, and well-wooded. Its western point may 
 be passed in 3 fathoms within halt' a mile, but on either side of it there are rocks, 
 nearly dry at low water, extending 300 fathoms from the shore. The north shore of 
 the island should not be approached nearer than 9 fathoms, particularly at night, but 
 the southern shore may be approached to 6 fathoms. Off" the east point of the island 
 a dangerous reef runs nearly a mile to 6 fathoms, and partly dries at low water ; near 
 it are 9 fathoms, so that ^reat caution is required when sailing in its vicinity, par- 
 ticularly at night, and with a flood- tide ; this point is now distinguished by a square 
 white lighthouse, exhibiting a fixed light at 52 ieet above the sea, visible 12 miles. 
 
 Prom Pictou Island a bank extends to the west and south 3^ miles, upon which 
 are 2f to 6 fathoms, on a bottom of sandstone thinly covered with sand, gravel, 
 mud, and broken shells. On the northern part of this bank is a series of rocky 
 patches, named the Middle Shoals, having 11 feet least water. They are about If 
 mile in extent, in a W. by S. direction, and may be cleared to the northward in 4 
 fathoms by bringing Roger Point (the middle point on the south side of Pictou Island) 
 and the west point of the same island in one ; but large vessels should not approach 
 them on that side nearer than 7 fathoms. 
 
 Between Pictou Bank and the shoals extending from Caribou Island is a channel 
 about half a mile wide with a sufficient depth of water for the largest vessels. It is 
 somewhat difficult to navigate, being so crooked that no leading marks direct through 
 the whole extent, nevertheless the following instructions by Admiral Bayfield may be 
 of some service ; he says that, " the safest mode of running through this channel to 
 the westward, is to strike soundings in 6 or 7 fathoms on the edge of the shoal water 
 oft' Doctor Island, and follow it to the N.W. until Mackenzie Head is just shut in 
 behind Logan Point, bearing S. i W. Then steer from those marks, keeping the 
 Head just shut in, and they will lead across the deep water, and afterwards along the 
 ■western edge of the Pictou Island Bank out to sea. If the wind were strong Irom 
 
PICTOU HARBOUR. 
 
 4d 
 
 the S.W. with an ehb tide, it would be preferable to keep on the weather side of the 
 channel, in which cane tlie ed^^o of the nhoal water off Doctor Inland should be followed 
 further to the N.W., until Logan Point is only a little open to the eastward of Doctor 
 Point, bearing S. | E. Those i)ointH in one lead along the east side of Caribou Reef 
 at the distance of a cable, and m 4 fathoms. Keep Logan Point a little open, and it 
 will lead clear out to sea in not less than 4| fathoms. The same marks and directions, 
 taken in a reverse order, will enable a vessel to take this channel from the northward 
 or westward, it being only necessarv to add, that she should not haul to the eastward 
 until the Uawksbill is well shut m behind Caribou Point, nor open out the former 
 again after having shut it in, until the lighthouse at Pictou is open to the southward 
 of Cole Point ; the lighthouse and Cole Point in one, bearing S-VVT. by W. f W., being 
 tlie mark for clearing the south extreme of the Pictou Island Bank m 5 fathoms." 
 
 VZOTOV BAXBOVSt about 3 miles to the southward of Caribou, is in every 
 respect the finest on the southern shores of the gulf, being capable of receiving ships 
 of any burthen ; here are coal-mines, valuable quarries of building stone, and a 
 finely settled country in its neighbourhood. Pictou has been declared a free ware- 
 housing port; and its trade is very considerable in lumber, coal, and the fishery. 
 The trade of this port appears to be rapidly increasing, and the town of New Glasgow, 
 up the East River, in the neighbourhood of the coal-mines, promises to be of consider- 
 able importance. Coasters from all parts of the gulf resort to Pictou ; and its 
 exports have amounted to £100,000 in one season. A steamer runs regularly 
 between Pictou and Quebec ; and there id a regular communication by land witn 
 Halifax. 
 
 The town of Pictou stands on the north shore of the harbour. The houses are 
 crowded together along the shores of a small bay, but all except the church steeples are 
 hidden from vessels entering the harbour, by Batteiy Point, which shelters them 
 from easterly winds. Many of the dwelling-houses are of stone, and the population 
 upwards of 2000. Opposite the town the harbour expands into three arms, at the 
 heads of which are the East, West, and Middle Rivers ; the two latter are only used 
 by boats. 
 
 The north point of entrance is Logan Point, and the south point is Mackenzie Head^ 
 which may be easily recognised by presenting a sharp-pointed cliff of clay and sand- 
 atone 40 feet high. Off Mackenzie Head to the N.E. by E., nearly a mile, is a shoal 
 of 16 feet least water, with no safe passage between for large vessels ; the marks to 
 clear it at one cable's length to the eastward are Caribou and Doctor Points in one 
 } aring N. by W. | W., and to the northward at the distance of 200 fathoms, the 
 lighthouse in one with the town point at Pictou bearing W. ^ S. From Mackenzie 
 Point to the lighthouse the water is shallow for about half a mile out; about half-way 
 between is Boat Harbour, the entrance to an extensive lake. 
 
 On the opposite or northern side of the harbour reefs extend from Logan Point 
 fully half a mile, which may be crossed in 14 feet at low water by bringing the light- 
 house and Cole Point in one, bearing S.W. by W. J W., but vessels should not 
 approach nearer than 4 fathoms. Prom Cole Point, a mile to the southward of Lo^an 
 Point, a reef also extends out about one-third of a mile, and continues westward to 
 the commencement of London Beach on the north side of the entrance to the harbour. 
 
 The Lighthouse, an octagonal wooden structure, on the southern side of the 
 entrance, is painted vertically with red and white stripes, and exhibits a fixed light 
 at 65 feet above the sea, visible 11 or 12 miles ; a small red light is shown below the 
 lantern ; neither are lighted when the navigation is encumbered with ice. When the 
 lighthouse is brought in one with Cole Point, bearing S.W. by W. | W., it clears 
 the reef off the east end of Pictou Island, half a mile ; and also the southern 
 extremity of Pictou Island Bank in 5^ fathoms. If beating into the harbour, tack, 
 when standing to the northward, the moment the light begms to disappear behind 
 Cole Point If running in, keep the light W.S.W., till you get soundings in 6 
 iathoms, at low water, off Logan Point, and follow that depth IJ mile to the S.W., 
 tiiking care not to bring the light to the northward of West. Here you may anchor 
 iu the roads till daylight. 
 
 The pilots at Pictou (who are generally active, experienced men) are always on the 
 look-out for vessels ; but should you not meet with one, there is good anchorage in 
 Pictou Roads in 5 to 6 fathoms, with the lighthouse bearing West. Here you might 
 wait for daylight to obtain a pilot; a stranger, particularly in a large ship, should not 
 
u 
 
 PICTOU HAEBOUR AND EOADS. 
 
 nttempt to crofls tbo bars without one, although thcro is pood wntor on hoth bars. 
 The outer bar has 21 feet at low water, bottom of sand; crossing this vou fall into 
 4, 5, or 6 futhoms for about a mile, when you suddenly shoal again to 18 or 19 feet 
 on the inner bar ; this bar is also of sand, about a cable's lengtn wide, and d ^tant 4 
 cables' lengths from the lighthouse; when across this inner bar the water continues 
 deep to the entrance of the iiarbour. There is very good anchorage between the bars, 
 but it is open to N.E. winds. From the lighthouse to the anchorage off the east- 
 ernmost wharves at Pictou, the chainiel of the harbour is direct, nearly one-third of 
 a mile wide, deep enough tor the largest shins, and clear of danger. 
 
 To enter Pictou Haroour with a fair wina, when without Mackenzie Shoal, bring 
 the lighthouse and town point of Pictou in one, bearing 1 or 2 degrees to the sMuth- 
 ward of West ; or, which is the same thing, with Smith Point, the extreme of the land, 
 on the same side beyond the town. Run with these marks on, until Logan and Cole 
 Points come in one, bearing N.E., when instantly sheer a little to the northward, 
 sufficient to bring the town point in one with the north extreme of the Sandy Spit. 
 Keep the last-named marks exactly in one, until the Roaring Bull comes in one with 
 Mackenzie Head, bearing S.E. by E. | E., when change the course smartly, and 
 run from those marks, keeping the Roaring Bull just in sight, until the north 
 extreme of Moodil Point (the first point on the south side within the lighthouse) opens 
 to the northward of the Sandy Spit ; then haul to the westward, at first towards the 
 ? W. extreme of London Beach, and afterwards so as to pass midway between it and 
 the Sandy Spit into the harbour. With a beating wind a pilot is indispensable. It 
 is high water, full and change, at the lighthouse, at lOh. ; spring-tides rise 6 feet, 
 neaps 4 feet. With good tides you will carry 4 fathoms over the bar. 
 
 Mr. George Peacock, Master of H.M.S. Andromache, 1839, gives the following 
 account of Pictou Roads and Harbour : — 
 
 " Pictou is a place of rising importance ; its timber trade has rather fallen off of 
 lat€, but the coal-mines in the immediate neighbourhood have opened a verv brisk 
 trade in that article, which occupies some hundreds of vessels, of all dimensions, in 
 the coasting and foreign trade, many of which carry from 500 to 700 tons, chiefly 
 trading to the United States. 
 
 The best anchorage in Pictou Roads is in ,7 fathoms, with the following bearings : 
 —the lighthouse West ; Point Caribou North ; and the Roaring Bull Point S.E.; 
 the latter is a high bluff, pointing to the southward, and has a small white house on 
 the slope. Prom this b! jff a reef extends North three cables' lengths, and from Point 
 Caribou another, West, nearly half a mile. Here you are sheltered completely from 
 the S.Iii, by the south, round to north, and, in a great measure, as far as N.E. by the 
 isla-.d and reefs off it. In fact, the only winds that throw in any sea, are those 
 from the S.E. by E. to N.E. by E., and they are fair for running into the harbour, 
 which may be attempted, in almost any weather, by ships drawing from 18 to 20 feet. 
 
 To run in, bring the small white house to the left of the lighthouse, and close to it, 
 on with a long building appearing off the starboard point of the harbour, (it lies to 
 the left of a small but remarkable gap in the N.W. land,) bearing W. ^ N. ; keep 
 them on until Roaring Bull Point begins to be shut in with the east land, by which 
 time you will be pretty close to the low sandy beach on which the lighthouse stands; 
 then haul over to the northward, toward a bushy tree, standing by itself on the north 
 shore, until you are in mid-channel between it and the lighthouse point. You may 
 then proceed up the harbour, West, in mid-channel, toward the point with the build- 
 ing above mentioned, and rounding it at a convenient distance, anchor at pleasure, 
 off the town, in 7 or 8 fathoms. Or, if only taking the harbour for shelter, you may 
 anchor anywhere within the lighthouse, in mid-channel. The holding-ground la 
 excellent, and you are here secure from all winds. 
 
 On the inner bar, at high water, spring-tides are from 22 to 23 feet of water ; on 
 the outer bar, 6 fathoms ; between the bars 7 and 8 fathoms. The tide on full and 
 change, flows at lOh., springs rise from 6 to 8 feet, according to the wind ; neaps 
 rise from 3 to 5 feet. The lighthouse, which is painted red and white, in vertical 
 stripes, IS very conspicuous, and shows a fixed light. 
 
 In order to proceed in the night, with a vessel of easv draught, bring the light to 
 bear W. a N. and steer for it until within about 50 fathoms off it, and then haul 
 round it gradually, at abput that distance, not going into less than 3 fathoms. 
 
 Pictou appears to me to be a harbour very easy of access, and very capaciona. 
 
^rERIOOMISII AND ANTIGONISH nARBOUIlS. 
 
 48 
 
 The roftdHtend ia certainly one of the best in the world, the bottom clay and mud. 
 Tliaro is unclioraj;e under Pictou Inland, but it in by no niennn to be recommendi'il. 
 This island may bo B»!en from a Hhip'ndeck 4 or 5 leugutw olf ; a reef extends from its 
 east end about a mile, and from its west end more than half-channel over. The 
 thrcu-fathom bank, marked in some charts, it is said does not exittt." — Nautical 
 Maqazine, 1839, p. 146. 
 
 iVm the lighthouse the distance to the Roaring Ihdl, a clifTy point enclosing a 
 small lagoon, named Chance Harbour, is 4 miles in an easterly direction. From this 
 point a reef runs out 300 fathoms. Two miles hence in the same direction is Little 
 Harbour, a place tit only for boats, as, although of some extent, it is full of shoals. 
 In the middle of the bay is Roy Island, off the north side of which there is a 
 dangerous ledge of 9 feet ; there is also a reef of sandstone, partly dry at low water, 
 running out from Colquhoun Point, half a mile to the eastward. As all these dangers 
 have 5 fathoms close to them, vessels should be careful not to stand into less than 
 6 fathoms along this part of the coast. 
 
 Merigomish Harbour, east of Little Harbour, has 14 feet over the bar, and a depth 
 fiulHcient for large vessels; but it is so intricate and ditKcult of iu;cess that a pilot is 
 indispensable. On the eastern side of the harbour is the island of the same name, 
 '6\ miles long and \\ broad, rising to the height of about 150 feet, the eastern end 
 of which is united to the shore by a sand-bar. Hence to Cape George the coast runs 
 E. by N. 27 miles, and is bold and free from danger, and contains no harbour for 
 shipping. The country is covered with settlements, and the hills rising from the 
 coast attain an elevation of 1100 feet at 2 or 3 miles from the shore side. 
 
 At 8^ miles from Merigomish is the village of Arisaig with its wooden pier, afford- 
 ing shelter to boats and shallops in easterly winds, but none in winds from between 
 North and West. East of this pier, about a mile, is a remarkable rock named the 
 Ram. Three miles farther eastward is Malignant Cove and Brook, where there is 
 good landing for boats ; this place will be known by the Sugar Loaf Hill in its rear, 
 which is 680 feet above the sea. 
 
 Cape St. George has a square white lighthouse upon it, exhibiting, at an altitude 
 of 400 feet above the sea a revolving light, which attains its greatest brilliancy 
 every half minute, and is visible about 25 miles; it is only shown during the navi- 
 gable season. Under the cape there is good anchorage in 10 to 7 fathoms, sheltered 
 Irom westerly winds. 
 
 About 10 miles S. by W. from Cape George is the entrance of the harbour of Anti- 
 gonish, where small vessels load gypsum or plaster, of which there is abundance in 
 the neighbourhood ; but the harbour is so shoal, that they are obliged to complete 
 their cargoes outside the bay, in very indifferent anchorage. The rivers falling into 
 this harbour run through many miles of fine country, and the population of the 
 neighbourhood is considerable. 
 
 At Pomquet Island, 6 miles south-eastward of Antigonish, ships of any size may 
 load in safety. In sailing in, when from the northward, leave the island on the star- 
 board hand, keeping close to a rock which appears 5 or 6 feet above the water. This 
 rock is steep-to, and lies off the east end of the island ; without it, at the distance of 
 three-quarters of a mile, are some dangerous sunken ledges. After passing the rock, 
 a bay will open on the starboard hand, which you should stand into till you are shut 
 in with the island, where there is anchorage in 3^- fathoms, at about half a mile from 
 the island. 
 
 Prom Pomquet Island to Cape Jack the distance is 7^ miles ; between are two 
 small bays, named Great and Little Tracadie. Off Cape Jack there is a dangerous 
 shoal at the distance of about three-quarters of a mile, which must be carefully 
 avoided when running for the Gut of Canso ; outside it the water soon deepens from 
 4^ to 7 fathoms. 
 
 Between Cape Jack and the entrance of the Gut of Canso, there is a small harbour, 
 named Havre Bouche, in which small vessels of 15 to 50 tons are owjasionally built. 
 Hence to the Gut of Canso the shore is lined by a ledge of rocks to a short dis- 
 tance out. 
 
 Between Cape George and the Gut of Canso, in fine weather, the winds draw from 
 the southward and south-eastward ; and from the Cape to Pictou from the southward. 
 In general they are variable near the cape. 
 
46 
 
 .1 ! 
 
 h^.! 
 
 ^M 
 
 BRETON ISLAND, Ac. 
 
 OUT or OAW ■©.— The lighihouHo on tho wostern hIiIo of the noitliorn entrance of 
 th« Out of Canso, Htamln in lat. 'i6° 41' 49" N. and long. «1 ° 28' 58" W. ; it in painted 
 white, and stands 12<) yards from the shore. The light Ih fixed at 110 feet above the 
 level of the Hoa, and can be Keen at the distance of 18 inileH, or between Cape George 
 and Henry Iiiland, and is thus very useful when approaching the gut from (ieorgo 
 Bay. Under the lighthouse there is good anchorage with oil-shore winds. 
 
 The Uut of Canso is the passage separating Breton Island from the coast of Nova 
 Scotia. It is the best passage for vessels bound to and from Prince Edward's Island 
 and other places, as it is shorter and has the advantages of anchorage in case of con- 
 trary winds and bad weather. Its length is about 5 leagues, and breadth about three- 
 quarters of a mile. The east side is low with beaches, but the west side is mostly 
 high and rocky, particularly that part named Cape Porcupine. The deepest water 
 is on the western shore ; but both shores are bold-to and sound, excepting throe 
 ■anken rocks lying near the eastern shore, one of which lies about midway 
 between the southern entrance of the gut and Ship Harbour, and nearly a cable's 
 length from the eastern shore ; the second lies near the western side of Gypsum 
 or Plaster Cove, abo- ^> half a cable's length from shore ; and the third about 100 
 fathoms without Bear's Island, the S.E. jpart of the gut : these rocks have G or 8 
 feet water on them. There are several places, hereafter described, which afford 
 excellent anchorages, with a m(xlerate depth, and out of the stream of the tide, which 
 generally sets in from the southward, but very irregularly, being much influenced by 
 the winds. After strong N.W. winds, which happen daily during the fall of the 
 year, the water in the Gulf of St. Lawrence is rendered low, which causes the current 
 to run northward through the gut, at the rate of 4 or 6 knots, and the contrary 
 happens ufler southerly wmds. 
 
 Mill Creek is on the Nova Scotia side of the gut, near its up]ier end, and here you 
 may stop a tide, or lie wind-bound if it does not blow hard. Keep the creek open 
 and anchor in 8 or 10 fathoms on the south side of the creek, within a cable's length 
 of the steep rooks. It will be necessary to carry a hawser on shore U te rocks, to 
 steady the ship, as the tide runs in eddies. Fresh water may be obt& t low tide. 
 
 Nearly opposite Mill Creek is Balaches Point, off which at nearly u uiioie's length 
 from shore there is a sunken rock, readily distinguishable by the tidal eddy. Half a 
 mile southward from hence is Gypsum Cove, from which Cape Porcupine bears nearly 
 S.W. When sailing in keep near the middle, and let go your anchor in 10 fathoms. 
 You will find sufficient room for swinging round, in 7 fathoms. 
 
 Ship Harbour, half-way down the gut on the eastern side, is a good harbour for 
 vessels of 10 feet draught, and very useful to those bound northward, as it has a good 
 outlet. If bound in from the southward, give the starboard side a berth of a cable's 
 length (it being flat), and run in until you shut in the north entrance of the gut, and 
 ancnor in 4 or 5 fathoms, soft bottom. You may obtain wood on the Breton side, 
 and water on the opposite shore, at Venus Creek. The port side of this harbour is 
 bolder-to than the starboard side, and has the deepest water. Without the harbour, 
 one-third from the Breton side, you may anchor in 9, 10, to 13 fathoms, loose ground, 
 in the strength of the tide. 
 
 Good anchorage may be had at Holland Cove, nearly opposite Ship Harbour, in 8 
 or 7 fathoms, muddy bottom, and out of the strength of the tide. 
 
 At the south end of the ^ut there is a fine bay, on the Breton side, named Inhabi- 
 tant Bay, in which there is good anchorage and shelter. When sailing in, keep 
 near Evans Island to avoid Long Ledge, stretching off the north shore, after passing 
 which, run up in mid-channel, keeping the lead constantly going. Tarbalton and 
 Sea-Coal Harbours, the former on the east and the latter on the west side of the bay, 
 each afford good sheltered anchorage in 4, 5, and 6 fathoms, on a muddy bottom, and 
 are very convenient when N.W. winds prevail at the south entrance of the gut. 
 When bound southwards, if caughc with a southerly wind, you will find good 
 anchorage under Tarbalton Head, where you may ride safely in the bay, in 5 or 
 6 fathoms. 
 
 The following directions have been given for the gut, and may still be found useful : — 
 
 " If from the northward, you may proceed through the gut in safety, by keeping 
 neai'ly in the mid-channel, there being no danger until you arrive off the south point, 
 
 
THE GUT OP CANSO, 
 
 
 named Eddy Point;* but, from this point extumlii n lon^ Hpit of Mtid, witli Urf^e 
 round HtonoH, which tnunt be h«ft on tiio Hturbourd Hide, at the diHtuuoo of hiiU' u 
 luilti from wiiut may be Hevn above wator. The race of the tide will nerve tu guide 
 you from it. 
 
 Having pasned the npit of Eddv Point, you may Htcor to the S.S.E. until abroaMt 
 of an iHland which appuarn covered with green spruce-trees, having red bark. llenu« 
 you proceed straight out to sea. 
 
 Be cautious of running in the direction of a dangerous tt«ep rock, named the Cer- 
 berus lioek, with only 10 feet of water over it, and on which the sea breaks occa- 
 sioually. This rock lies with the centre of Verte or Green Inland in a line with Cap« 
 Hogan, or Iron Cape, on the Isle of Madame, at the distance of about 6 miles from 
 Cape Argos, and about 3^ miles from Cape Hogan. It may bo cleared on the west 
 side by bringing Eddy Point in one with liear Island.f 
 
 Near the end of the gut, within a mile of Eddy Point, there is a middle ground of 
 7 to 12 fathoms, on which ships may stop a tide in moderate weather. To the west* 
 ward of this ground there is a depth of 18 futhomn, and to the eastward of it 20 to 
 25 fathoms. With the wind inclining from the southward, steer in nearly Went, and 
 keep the lead going, until you shoalen to 11 fathoms, whon you may let go your anchor. 
 
 If wishing to anchor in Inhabitant Hay, bring the farm that is opposite to Bear 
 Head open with Bear Head bearing W.S.W. This mark will lead you clear, and to 
 tlie southward of the Lon^ Ledge, and in the mid-channel between it and the steep 
 rocks on the east or opposite shore: at the same time take your soundings fioui the 
 Long Ledge or north shore, all th** way till you arrive at Flat Point ; then keep in 
 mid-channel between Flat Point and the island opposite, from theN.E. side of which 
 runs off a spit or ledge of rooks, at the distance of a cable and a half's length ; then 
 port your helm, and run under Island Point, and come-to in 6 fathoms, muddy 
 Dottoin. Up the River Trent are plenty of salmon, in the season, and there you may 
 find wood and water. 
 
 The leading mark to clear the steep rocks of Steep Point is, to bring the peninsula 
 in a line over the point of Tarbalton I lead, bearing South or S. \ E. until you open the 
 island to the northward of Island • oint ; then haul up for the outer harbour, and 
 come-to in 10 or 12 fathoms, muddy bottom. 
 
 Theite who are bound up the Out of Canso, and taken short by a North or 
 N.W. wind, at the south end of the gut, and who are desirous of good and safe 
 anchorage in 10 to 12 ^thorns of water, may coine-to on the north side of Bear 
 Island ; but, should it blow hard, to a gale of wind, down the gut, thin 
 anchorage is not altogether so secure as a careful master or pilot would wish. 
 You must then leave the road of Bear Island, and sail round the south end of 
 Bear Point, giving a berth to the spit that runs off it, of 3 cables' lengths, and 
 haul round to the N.E. into Sea-Coal Bay, and come to anchor in 4, 6, or 6 fathoms, 
 sand and muddy bottom. 
 
 The marks for anchoring are, Bear Head in a line over Flat Head, bearing W.S. W., 
 or W. by S., and Cariton Cliffs to bear N. by E. or North, in 5 or 6 fathoms, where 
 Tou will have a good berth and lie sheltered from the W.N.W. and North windn. 
 Here is sufficient room to moor ten or twelve ships of the largest class. 
 
 Ships coming down the Gut of Canso, which may have passed Eddy Point, as 
 far as Cape Argos, and caught with a S.E. to a S.S. W. wind, and cannot hold their 
 own by beating to windward, may bear up and come to anchor in Tarbalton Bay, 
 under Tarbalton Head, where they may ride safely in 5, 6, or 7 fathoms of water, 
 muddy bottom. The marks for anchoring in the bay are, to bring the peninsula 
 point in a line over Tarbalton Head, bearing South or S. ^ W. ; or a point of land 
 inland, a little up in the country, from Cape Argos shore, with pine-trees on it, open 
 to the eastward of Red Head ; or the said point of land with pine-trees on it, over the 
 pitch or point of Tarbalton Head ; you are then sheltered by the rocks, or spit that 
 runs from Tarbalton Head, in 4 to 5 and 6 fathoms of water, and will ride very safely 
 on good holding-ground. But should the wind shift to the S.W. or N. W., you must 
 take up your anchor, and beat out of the bay into Chedabucto Bay, and proceed on 
 
 * On this point there is a square lighthouse, painted white, with a black diamond on the sea- 
 ward side, which exhibits two fixed white lightd, visible about 8 miles, 
 t This rock is awash at lo^r water, and is, we believe, marked b;' a spar bao^. ^ 
 
48 
 
 BEETOX ISLAND —GENERAL EEMAEKS. 
 
 
 Uti-r. 
 
 your passngo to the southward. Should the wind over-blow, at S. W., so as to prevent 
 your beatitifif to windward into Chedabucto Bay, you may cotne to an anchor in Eddy 
 Cove, brinjj;ing the low part of Eddy Point to bear S.S.E. or S. by E., in 5, 6, or 7 
 fathoms of water, taking care to give tlie ship sufficient cable, lest you drive off the 
 bank into deep water, from 16 to 20 fathoms." 
 
 BRBTOir SS&AITB is a large island of a triangular form. Its length is about 
 loo miles, and its breadth about 85 miles. In the centre of the island there is a largo 
 lake, named the Bras d'Or, which pnetrates a distance of nearly 60 miles, and occupies 
 a large portion of its area; by this lake the island is nearly divided into two parts. 
 The entrance to the Bras d'Or is formed into two passages, named the Great and Little 
 Entrance, by the long narrow island of Boulardrie ; the latter channel is impracticable 
 for ships, and is seldom used even by boats. The shores of this lake or gulf contain 
 numerous bays and suiall harbours, in which timber is shipped for Great Britain. 
 The open part of it forms four large arms, of which the southern and the largest con- 
 tains many small islands, and terminates at the isthmus of St. Peter, which is about 
 900 yards wide, and separates the waters of the Bras d'Or from those of the Atlantic 
 at the Bay of St. Peter. 
 
 The island is generally mountainous, and the high land appears in many places 
 close to the coast, and on the shores of the Bras d'Or. Cape En&ur..6, 20 miles north 
 of St. Anne's Harbour, is said to be 1800 feet above the level of the sea. 
 
 In that part of the island which is south-east of the Bras d'Or granite prevails. 
 In all parts of the island are found mica-slate, clay-slate, and sienite ; transition 
 limestone, greywacke, gypsum, and coal, are very generally distributed. The 
 principal coal field lies between Miray Bay and Sydney Harbour, and contains the 
 Sydney and Bridgeport mines, from which increasing quantities are annually shipped. 
 
 The N.W. coast of Breton Island, from Cape North to Cape Linzee, is, in the 
 inland parts of the country very high, but in some places it falls gradually towards 
 the shore. Sailing along on this side of the island, from the northward, you may 
 safely stand in to the distance of two leagues from shore. Having arrived off Cape 
 Linzee, and proceeding along the Breton shore towards the Gut of Canso, care must 
 be taken to avoid the judique Bank and Shoals, the former of which has 4^ fathoms 
 over it, and lies about 6 miles southward of Henry Island, at 3 miles from the shore ; 
 the Shoals are situated nearly 3 miles further to the southward, and extend 1^ mile 
 from the land. The mark for clearing all these dangers is the high land of Cape 
 Porcupine just open (bearing S. ^ E.) of the east shore of the gut. 
 
 The eastern coast of the island is commonly made by navigators bound from 
 Europe to Nova Scotia; its appearance on the sea-shore, and also to some distance 
 up the country, is barren and rocky ; and the tops of the hills, being much alike, have 
 nothing remarkable to distinguish them. The lighthouse and town of Louisbourg 
 serve, however, to point out that part of the island on which they stand. A light- 
 house, painted white, now stands on the east point of Scatari Island, and exhibits a 
 revolving light, visible one minute and invisible half a minute. A lighthouse, showing 
 a fixed light 160 feet above the sea, stands on Flat Island, upon the eastern side of 
 the entrance to Sydney, and may be easily distinguished fiom that on Scatari Island* 
 by its being painted vertically red and white. Louisbourg Lighthouse stands on the 
 eastern side of the entrance to the harbour, and in order to distinguish it from the 
 other lighthouses, and to render it conspicuous when the back land is covered with snow, 
 it is built square, painted white, with vertical black stripes on either side. The coast 
 continues rocky on the shore, with a few banks of red earth, which appear less barren. 
 
 The N.E. coast of Breton Island, between Scatari Island and Cape Dauphin, is 
 low ; but, from Cape Dauphin to Cape Ensume, it is high. Between Scatari Island 
 and the entrance to Port St. Anne, a vessel may stand in-shore, to 15, 10, and 7 
 fathoms in clear water with gradual soundings. 
 
 Blancherotte, or White Cliff, is situated on the south-eastern coast of the island, 
 and is a remarkablo cliff of whitijh earth in lat. 45° 39', ?,nd long. 60° 25'. At 4 miles 
 ■westward of it is a small wocdy island, at upwards of a i ,'e from shore, and 
 olF the little harbour of Esprit. The land hence to Madame Island is generally low, 
 and presents several banks of bright red earth, with beaches between them. Albion 
 Cliff, on tlie south side of Madame, is rocky, remarkably high, and preuipitoos. Of 
 the interior of Breton Island, like Newfoundland, but little is knowiu 
 
BRETON ISLAND, «S:c. 
 
 49 
 
 When approachin<^ the i«hind, from any direction, too much caution cannot be 
 exercised on account of the currents setting alternately about Cape North accordinjj 
 to the winds at sea, both from the westward and eastward 
 
 CAPE NORTH is a lofty promontory at the N.E. extremity of Breton Island, in 
 lat. 47=^ 2' 40", and long. 60"^ 25' 23". the entrance into the Gulf of St. Lawrence is 
 formed by this cape and Cape Ray, and the latter bears from the former E.N.E. | E., 
 distant 18^ leagues ; the depth of water between, excepting near the Island of St. 
 Paul, is generally above 200 fathoms. 
 
 From Cape l^orth to Ashpee Harhour the course and distance are S.W. ^ S. 6 
 miles. In this harbour vessels may find shelter, and good anchorage may be obtained 
 behind the island, where boats can land, and water and provisions be obtained. For 
 want of knowledge of such an establishment, many have been obliged to endure both 
 hunger and fatigue unrelieved. 
 
 At two miles to the southward of Ashpee Harbour is situated Aralsow Cove, from 
 which the coast runs 2 miles to the eastward, and then trends S.S.W., 11 miles, to 
 Naganish Island, between which and Cape Ensum^ a good bay is formed, fully 2^ 
 miles deep, with 4 to 9 fathoms in it. Another deep bay lies on the south side of 
 Cape Ensum^, nearlv as large as the former, with 7 to 10 fathoms in it ; but they are 
 both open to easterly winds. Prom Cape Eiisum^ to Black Point the course and 
 distance are S.\y. by S. 20 miles. Black Point forms the western, and Siboux Islands 
 the eastern side of the entrance to St. Anne's Harbour. 
 
 ST. ANNE'S HARBOUR.— This harbour was named by the French, when in 
 th ;ir possession. Port Dauphin, and is a very safe and spacious harbour. It has but 
 a narrow entrance and by those who are acquainted a depth of 16 feet can be carried 
 over the bar, but by strangers perhaps not more than 12 or 13 feet. When in mid- 
 channel of the entrance, you will have from 9 to 12 fathoms, and when over the bar 
 and in the harbour from 5 to 10 fathoms, muddy bottom. On the north side the 
 land is very high, and ships-of-war may lie so near to the shore that a water hose 
 inay reach the fresh water, and a ship may be loaded in one day, from a cascade 
 which runs from the top to the rock. The Guernsey and Jersey men dry their fish 
 on this beach. 
 
 Mr. Backhouse has given the following directions foi*St. Anne's Harbour : — " After 
 you have passed the Siboux or Hertford Isles, on the east side of the entrance, keep 
 the south shore on board, if the wind be to the S.E. ; and as you approach Paasa<;e 
 Point, bring Cape Ensum^, or Cape Smoke, which lies to the northward, nearly on with 
 Black Point ; steer with these marks in one, until you are nearly abreast of Passage 
 Point, off which lies a sunken rock, of 6 feet watei', and opposite to which begins the 
 spit of St. Anne's Flat, and the narrowest part of the channel. Now keep a small 
 hummock up in the country, nearest to the shelving high land to the westward of it, 
 which hummock is on the middle land from the water side, in a line over the fishing- 
 hut, or fishing-stage erected on the beach : this will lead in the best water, until you 
 enter the elbow part of the beach. When advanced thus far, keep the opening open 
 (about the size of two gun-ports) which makes its appearance up the S.W. arm. This 
 opening looks like two steep cliffs, with the sky appearing between them, and will 
 lead you between the beach and the south shore, in mid-channel, through 9 and 10 
 fathoms, and past the beach-point, off which a spit stretches to the S. W. about 2 
 cables' lengths. Having passed this spit, come to anchor in either side of the harbour, 
 in from 5 to 10 fathoms, muddy bottom, and iheltered from all winds." 
 
 LA BRAS D'OR. — There are two entrances to this lake or inlet, the Northern or 
 Great Entrance, and the Southern, or Little Entrance: they were thus described 
 Some years since by Mr. Thomas Kelly, pilot of the place ; but the names of the 
 places he refers to are generally unknown, and cannot be applied to any publication 
 extant. 
 
 Sailing Directions f&r the Grand Bras d' Or Entrance. — " Ships from the south- 
 ward must give Point le Conie a berth of about 2 miles, and steer from thence for the 
 eastern end of the inside of Bird Island, until you bring M'Kenzie Point and Carey's 
 Beach in one. Make for the Black Rock Point until you have Messrs. Duffus's Store 
 just open of Point Noir ; then steer for Gooseberry Beach until you bring a clearing 
 on Duncan's Head over M'Kenzie's Point. It is to be observed, that slaps com.'ng 
 in with the tide of flood must keep Point Noir well aboard, to avoid the eddy and 
 whirlpools on the north side of the Gut, which has various settings. You must then 
 
 ST. L. > 
 
 Si 
 m 
 
 
50 
 
 BRETON ISLAND, &c. 
 
 ■'^1 
 
 steer for Point Jane, to keep the fair stream of tide as far as the Round Cove, where 
 there is fair anchorage in 7 or 8 fathoms, good holding-ground. When abreast of the 
 Round Cove, steer over for Duncan's Head ; and when abreast of this head, steer for 
 Long Beach, until you bring a tall pine-tree on the Upper Seal Island in one with a 
 notch or valley in the mountain. You will then make for the point of the Upper 
 Seal Island, which will carry you clear of the shoals on the islands, as also the South 
 Shoal, or Middle Ground. The marks for this shoal are a white rock in the bank for 
 the eastern end, and a white birch-tree for the western end. When abreast of the 
 western end of this shoal you may keep the middle, there being no difficulty until you 
 come to Red Head. If bound to Kent Harbour, ai'ter doubling the Red Head, steer 
 for a remarkable red bank, covered with small bushes, until you bring Mr. DufFus's 
 house entirely open of the beach which is on the island. There is a depth of from 4 
 to 5 fathoms in this harbour, and good holding ground. 
 
 Directions for that arm of the Lake named St. Patrick's Channel and up to Whoa- 
 kamagh. — From Red Head you will steer well over for the Duke of Kent's Island, 
 to avoid a mud-shoal which runs off from M'Kay's Point. When abreast of the 
 western end of the Duke of Kent's Island, sail lor Wassaback Head, until abreast of 
 Stony Island. Then steer for Cranberry Head so as to clear a shoal lying off from 
 Wassaback Head ; when abreast of Cranberry Point, sheer well over for the Bell Rock, 
 to avoid a shoal lying on the south side of the channel ; when abreast of the Bell Rock, 
 steer for Green Beach, observing to keep Baddock River shut in until you are well up 
 with Green Beach. You will then steer for a beach on the south shore until you cross 
 the opening of the Narrows ; you may then sail through the Narrows, keeping the 
 middle until you come to the western end, when you must haul round the southern 
 shore (beach), keeping the south shore until abreast of the Plaster Clifi's : you are then 
 clear of all, and in the Whookamagh Lake. 
 
 Of the Anchorage through the Bras d' Or. — The first anchorage is the Round Cove, 
 where you may ride in 7 or 8 fathoms. You may anchor, in 5 or 6 fathoms, in the 
 centre of the harbour, on a middle ground ; the marks for which are, to bring the 
 Table Island a handspike's length open of Black Rock Point, and Point Jane bearing 
 N.W. On the north side of the harbour is good anchorage as far up as the Lower 
 Seal Islands, and to the eastward of the Upper Seal Islands, in 5 fathoms, and to the 
 westward of the same islands in 7 fathoms. There is no other place of anchorage 
 from this to the Big Harbour, where you may ride in 7 or 8 fathoms ; from thence 
 you may anchor at any time. 
 
 Setting of the Tide in Grand Bras d'Or. — The first quarter-flood sets from the 
 northward, directly over the shoal, last quarter W.S.W., being directlj' through the 
 channel, and meeting with the tide coming over the shoal, sets toward the Black Point, 
 which occasions it to shoot across the Gut, making a number of whirlpools and strong 
 eddies on each side of the channel, which slacks two or three times during the tide. 
 The first quarter-ebb sets over the shoal to the northward; last quarter directly through 
 the channel. N.B. — The tide of ebb is the fairest s tting-tide. The tide runs in until 
 half-ebb, and out until half-flood, in regular tides; but the winds make a great altera- 
 tion ; N.E. winds make high tides, and S.W. neaping them ; also tides running out 
 with S.W. winds tmtil high water, and in until low water with N.E. winds. Tide^ 
 rise four feet, unless affected by winds. High water ten minutes past eight o'clock, 
 full and change. Bearings by compass. 
 
 Observations. — Messrs. Dufl'us's store is a fishing establishment. Mr. Duffus's 
 house is on Kent Island, formerly Mutton Island. Mr. Thomas Kelly piloted 
 the ship Pitt, of St. Kitt's, burthen nearly 400 tons, laden with timber, and 
 drawing about 18 feet of wat^r, safely through the foregoing described channel from 
 Kent Harbour. 
 
 SYDNEY HARBOUR, formerly named Spanish River, the entrance to which lies 
 4 leagues S.E, of that of St. Anne's, is an excellent harbour, having a safe and secure 
 entrance, with soundings, regular from sea, in 5 fathoms. In going in, give the two 
 points of the entrance a berth of two or three cables' lengths, approaching no nearer 
 than 6 or 5 fathoms. The soundings are regular to each shore to 5 and 4 fathoms. In 
 the inner part of the antrance, Beach Point and Ledge, on the south side, are steep- 
 to ; but Sydney Flacs, on the opposite side, are regular to 4 fathoms. When past the 
 Beach Point, you may run up the River Dartmouth to the S.W., and ox)me to anchor 
 in any depth you please, iu from 5 to 10 fathoms, fine muddy bottom. 
 
 
BRETON ISLAND, Ac. 
 
 51 
 
 lere 
 
 the 
 
 foi* 
 
 tha 
 
 )per 
 
 uth 
 
 for 
 
 the 
 
 This harbour is capable of containing the whole navy of Great Britain. On Flat 
 Poiiit without the east side of the entrance is the lighthouse before alluded to, in lat. 
 46° 16' 12", and long. 60° 7' 23" W. It is an octagonal tower of wood, 5 1 feet in height, 
 painted vertically red and white. It exhibits a brilliant fixed light, at 70 feet above 
 the level of the sea, which may be seen in clear weather at 14 miles distant. Pish 
 of various kinds, cod, haddock, &c., are caught (m the coast in great abundance. The 
 tide in the hai our flows at 9h., and rises 6 feet. 
 
 South-east of Sydney Harbour are Indian Bay and Windham River, both places of 
 anchorage, and fit for small vessels to run into, although little frequented at present ; 
 southward of tb-se is Morien, or Cow Bay, at the northern point of which is Flint 
 Island, where there is a lighthouse exhibiting a light with a bright flash every 15" 
 at a height of 65 feet above the level of the sea, and visible i'rom all points of the 
 compass at a distance of about 12 miles; lat. 46° 11' 5" N., long 59° 45' 50" W. : 
 there is a passage between this island and the main, with 14 fathoms water, but this 
 should be adopted with the greatest caution, on account of the numerous rocks under 
 water that are scattered about. This bay is open to the north-eastward, and its head 
 is encumbered with an extensive shallow flat, which dries at low water. 
 
 Miray Bay is farther to the southward, its entrance being between Cape Morien 
 and the Island of Scatari ; the bay is wide, and runs in 3 leagues, branching ofl' at 
 its upper part into two rivers ; there is deep water in it, from 20 to 6 fathoms, and 
 clear from dangers, but it affords no shelter for shipping. 
 
 SCATARI ISLAND lies in about the lat. of 46° N. ; its length from east to west is 
 nearly 2 leagues, and its breadth about one league ; there is a channel between it and 
 Cape Breton leading into Miray Bay, but it is too hazardous for strangers, and fre- 
 quented only by those coasters who are well acquainted with its dangers. 
 
 On the east point of this island, which is also the easternmost land of Breton 
 Island, is a lighthouse, in lat. 46° 2' 18", and long. 59° 40' 18" W. The tower is 
 painted white, and exhibits a revolving light, at about 90 feet above the sea ; visible 
 one minute, anf'i invisible half a minute, alternately. A boat is kept to render assis- 
 tance to vessels in distress, and a gun to answer signals, when requisite. The light 
 should never be brought to bear eastward of N.N.E. nor to the southward of S.S.W., 
 nor should it be approached nearer than 1^ mile. 
 
 As vessels from Europe frequently first make the land about Scatari Island, the re- 
 volving light on the eastern point will be found of great service. It appears, by the 
 late survey of the St. Peter's Bank, that in lat. 46° N. the western e Ige of the bank, 
 in 40 fathoms, pebbles and broken shells, lies E S.E., or (East, true,) 111 miles from 
 the lighthouse on Scatari Island. A bank witli 8 fathoms oti its centre is said to 
 have been found by Capt. McGarth, of th" fishing schooner Martha, and to lie about 
 24 miles south-eastward of Scatari Isla in lat. 45° 47' N. and long. 59° 17' W. 
 The depth in this neighbourhood has hithei o supposed to have been aboiif 70 ithoms, 
 which throws some doubt upon the correctness of this report Should ucii a bank 
 really exist, it will prove of great importance, and amply repay a eyeful exami- 
 nation. 
 
 LOUISBOURG HARBOUR, situated on the S.E. side of Cape Breton Island, to 
 the westward of Scatari Island, is very easy of access and egress. In a tiling your- 
 self of it be careful to avoid the Nag's Head, a sunken rock, oi: the starboard hand 
 going in. The east part of the harbour is the safest. The i habitants consist of a 
 few fishermen only. Water is plentiful, but wood is scarce. The Nag's Head Rock 
 lies nearly one-third from the lighthouse point, and has no more than 3, feet on it at 
 low water. The port side going in is the boldest. 
 
 There is a lighthouse on the north-eastern side of the entrance ' Jie harbour at 60 
 fathoms in-shore. It stands on the site of the old French ligiaiiouse, (which was 
 succeeded by a beacon,) and shows a fixed light, at 85 feet above the sea, visible 
 about 16 miles from off Cape Portland to the south-eastern extremity of Cape Breton. 
 The lighthouse (which is a square building,) is painted white, with vertical black 
 steipes oh either side, in order to distinguish it from other lighthouses, and to render 
 it conspicuous when the back land is covered with snow. 
 
 The following remarks were written some years since, and may still be of service to 
 vessels bound to Louisbourg :— When coming i'rom the eastward, they should bring 
 the light to bear W. by N., or more northerly, before they run for it ; and from west- 
 ward, N. by E., or more northerly, in order to clear Green Island and the Ledges, 
 
 £ 2 
 
5!f 
 
 BRETON ISLAND, &c. 
 
 m 
 
 
 I; •**•- 
 
 which He three-quarters of a mile S. bv W. ^ W. from the li^ht. When in the 
 entrance of the harbour, which is nearly halt a mile wido, with the light bearing 
 N.N.E. two or three cables' distance, steer W.N.W. for naif a mile, to avoid the 
 Nag's Head, a sunken rock on the starboard side, bearing W. by N. from the light. 
 The N.E. arm of the harbour affords the safest anchorage. The light of Louisbourg 
 bears about S.S.W. ^ W. from "the revolving light on Scatari Island. 
 
 GABARUS BAY. — From the entrance of Louisbourg to Guyon or Portland Isle, 
 tlie course is S.W. by W., and the distance more than 3 leagues. Between lies a 
 hi)aciou8 bay, named Gabarus Bay, having a depth of from 20 to 7 fathoms. Off 
 Cape Portland, the south point of this bay, lie the Cormorants, a number of dangerous 
 islets and rocks. About 4 leagues to the westward of Gabarus Bay is the Forked 
 Harbour, a narrow winding inlet, which small vessels may run into, and lie land- 
 looked, and 5 miles south-westward of this is the remarkable white cliff, already- 
 noticed, named Cape Blancherotte. The shore now winds to the westward, to Cape 
 Hinchinbroke and the Isle of Madame. 
 
 ARACHAT, OR AROCHETTE.— Arachat Harbour, on the S.W. side of the Isle 
 of Madame, has two entrances : the N. W. one, being very narrow, ought never to be 
 attempted without a leading wind, as there is not room for a large ship to swing to 
 her anchors, should she be taken aback. When going in, give the ledge extending 
 westward from Seymour or Jerseyman Island a good berth, not approaching it 
 nearer than 8 fathoms, and then keep as near as possible in mid-channel. To enter 
 by the S,E. passage, ateer for Point Marache, roundmg it in 8 fathoms, at about two 
 cables' lengths off; keep that shore on board, at nearly the same distance and depth 
 (»r water, until the church '^■ears North; you will then see a small house (the Dead 
 House) on the top of the hill behind the church ; bring that on with the east end of 
 the church, and then steer in that direction ; you will thus pass midway to the east- 
 Wiud of the Eleven and Five-feet shoals, and also to the westward of the Fiddle- 
 Head Shoal. Proceed with this mark on, until a red house on Fiddle-Head Point 
 comes on with the dark rocky extreme of the point, bearing E. ^ S. ; you will then be 
 to the northward of the Twelve- feet Shoal, and may haul up to the westward, where 
 youVill find excellent anchorage on soft mud, opposite to the low sandy beach oa 
 the middle of Seymour Island, in 10 fathoms. When making for Point Marache care 
 is necessary to avoid the Cerberus, already described, and a shoal with 3 fathoms 
 over it, lying about | of a mile S.W. by W. from the said point. 
 
 On Point Marache, the eastern side of the entrance to Arachat Harbour, there is a 
 square white building which shows a fixed light at 34 feet above the sea, visible 
 about 8 miles. From it Cranberry Lighthouse bears S. 3° E. ; Winging Point S. 5° 
 W. ; Ragged Head, north shore of Chedabucto Bay, N. 79° W. ; and Little Arachat 
 Head N. 40° W. 
 
 The general appearance of the coasts of the Gut of Canso has been already 
 described. On proceeding towards this strait from the Atlantic it should be re- 
 marked that |he Isles of Canso, on the Nova Scotian side, are surrounded with many 
 low white rocks and breakers. The south shore of Chedabucto Bay is iron-bound 
 and steep-to; its north shore is of red cliffs an*' beaches. Of the Gut of Canso, from 
 the southern entrance northward, the western shore, throughout, is high, rocky, and 
 steep; the eastern shore low, with beaches. From the north end of the gut, the 
 eastern shore to Jestico, or Port Hood, is distinguished by high, rocky, red clifi's. 
 The opposite shore has several remarkable cliffs of gypsum, or plaster, which appear 
 extremely white. Cape George, the western extremity of George's Bay, is iron-bound 
 and very high ; its summit being estimated to be 600 feet above the level of the sea. 
 PORT HOOD, situated on the western side of Breton Island, is a safe harbour for 
 frigates with any wind, but particularly from the S.W. to S.S.E. round by the north- 
 M'ard; the anchorage is in 4 to 5 fathoms, mud and sandy bottom: here you may 
 get both wood and water. The leading mark going in is Cape Linzee on with the 
 highest sand-hills that are on the N.N.E. side of the beadh, bearing N. by E. or 
 N. N.E. : these kept in a line will lead you clear of Spithmd, in 4 to 6 fathoms. On 
 the opposite shore is a long and broad flat, stretching fiom the shore three-quarters 
 of a mile, named the Dean, to which you should not approach nearer than in 4 fathoms. 
 On the south side of the entrance there is a white square lighthouse, which shows a 
 fixed light at the height of 54 feet, visible about 10 miles, appearing red on the north 
 a4id )>right on the south side. < 
 
CHEDABUCTO BAY. 
 
 63 
 
 of the islands formiiiff Port 
 small shoal of 4s fathoms. 
 
 At 6 miles S. b^ W. from Henry Island, the outermost 
 Hood, and 13^ miles E. by S. f S. from Cape Georj^e, is a 
 named the Judique Batik, distant from the shore of Breton Island about 2'1 miles. 
 It is about three-quarters of a mile in extent, and has 8 to 7 fathoms all round it. 
 Within this shoal, to the southward, are some reel's, which join the shore, from vvhicli 
 the outermost part is distant 1^ mile ; they are named the Judique Skoals, and have 
 5 to 6 fathoms just off their outer edge. To go clear of all these dangers, bring tli« 
 high land of Cape Porcupine, on the west side of the Gut of Canso, open of t\ui 
 eastern shore ot the Gut, bearing S. ^ E. 
 
 At 4 miles E. b^ N. from Cape Linzee is the Mabou River, which is wide at the 
 entrance and contmues so fully 4 miles, where two streams fall into it. On the 
 eastern side of this river stands the village of the same name, from which to Cape 
 Mabou the bearing and distance are N.E. 6 miles. 
 
 Seal Island, Sea Wolf, or Margaree Island, lies 12 miles N.E. by E. from Cape 
 Mabou, and is about 1^ mile in length, boldto, and distant 2 miles from the shore, 
 having 16 fathoms in the channel between. Upon the middle or summit of the 
 island stands a white square tower, showing a fixed light at an altitude of 298 feet 
 above the sea at high water, visible about 21 miles; lat. 46° 21' 30" N., lonjr. 
 61° 15' 33" W. To vessels in dangerous proximity to the island, the light may 
 become obscured by the abrupt cliffs forming its shores. 
 
 At 7 miles, E.N.E., from Sea Wolf Island is the western point of Salmon River, 
 and at 9 miles N.E. from Salmon River is Cape Beaque. At 3 miles to the north- 
 eastward of the Cape is the entrance to an inlet, which runs in south-westward, 
 4 miles, near the head of which is a settlement ; its entrance is about half a mile wide, 
 on the eastern side of which is Chetecan Harbour, fit for small vessels. From Cii|n< 
 Beaque to Cape St. Lawrence the bearing and distance are N.E. by E. 31 miles, and 
 from Cape St. Lawrence to Cape North, the bearing and distance are E.S.E. 8 miles. 
 Between these last two capes the land curves in to the southward : near the head of 
 this bight are 12 fathoms water. 
 
 CKIiBABVCTO BAY.— Although Chedabucto Bay is not in the limits of this 
 section, yet as it is necessarily traversed by vessels sailing through the Gut of Canso, 
 it will not be considered out of place to make a few remarks on it here. 
 
 The bay is wide and spacious, and bold-to on both shores and free from danger. 
 On its southern side, which is high and nearly straight, are Fox Island and Crow 
 Harbour. Fox Island is small and lies near the shore. 
 
 At the southern entrance of the bay, a lighthouse stands on Cranberry Island, 
 eastward of Cape Canso. It is an octagonal tower 60 feet high, striped red and 
 white horizontally, standing in lat. 45° 19' 54", and long. 60° 55' 29" W. ; it 
 exhibits two fixed lights, one above the other, at altitudes of 40 and 75 feet above the 
 sea, visible respectively 9 and 15 miles. 
 
 Fox Island Anchorage is one of the greatest mackerel fishery stations in North 
 America during the months of September and October. When sailing in you must 
 pass to the westward of Fox Island, giving it a berth of a quarter of a mile, as there 
 are rocks about it both above and under water, with 3 and 4 fathoms close to them. 
 You may anchor in from 4 to 10 fathoms, with the west end of the island bearing 
 from E.N.E. to N.N.E., keeping about midway between the island and the main. 
 The water shoals gradually to the bar, which extends from the island to the shore, 
 and has not more than 6 or 7 feet on its deepest part, drying in one place about one- 
 third of the distance from the island to the main : with northerly and with westerly- 
 winds, the fishing vessels ride to the eastward of it in from 2 to 4 fathoms, and shitt 
 to the westward with easterly winds. 
 
 Crow Sarhour, on the south side of Chedabucto Bay, is capable of containing 
 ships-of-war of the fifth-rate, merchant vessels, &c. The bottom is good, and the 
 mark for entering it is to keep the beacon, on the south side of the harbour, in a line 
 with a remarkable fine tree upon the high land, which will lead you clear of the 
 Corbyn Rocks, and also of Rook Island Rock, which lies 25 fathoms off the N.W. 
 point of Rook Island. 
 
 Milford Haven, or the Harbour of Guysborovgh, at the head of the bay, is im- 
 peded by a bar, but a vessel of moderate size may pass over it. Within the bar 
 vessels lie in perfect security ; the tide, however, sets in and cut with great rapidity. 
 The town is, at present, a place of little trade ; but it \& protected by a battery. A 
 
54 
 
 PEINCE EDWAED'S ISLAND. 
 
 umall fixed light is shown, visible 8 miles, from the west side of the entrance, near 
 Peart Point : it is 30 feet hij^h, and the lighthouse, which is of wood, is coloured 
 white. 
 
 Prom Manchester round the north shore of Chedabucto Bay, the shores are full of 
 settlements. On the northern side of Chedabucto Bay you will uee several red clifls ; 
 thin shore is sandy, with regular soundings in the middle of the bay : the water is 
 deep, from 25 to 35 fathoms. 
 
 TIDES. — The tide has great strength in the Gut of Canso, running in the nar- 
 rowest part, at Cape Porcupine, at a rate of seldom less than 4 or 6 miles an hour. 
 Here it Hows, on the days of full and change, at 9^h. 
 
 Along shore past Havre Bouche and Antigonish, the tide sets towards Cape George, 
 and, rounding tnat cape, proceeds towards the N.W. 
 
 The tides are materially affected by the winds ; and it has been found that, at 
 times, the stream in the Gut of Canso has continued to run one way for many sue* 
 cessive days. 
 
 
 m 
 
 t' Am.- 
 
 PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND. 
 
 This island is a distinct government, though subordinate to the British commander- 
 in-chief in North America. It is well settled, and possesses a good soil, fit for all 
 general purposes. The island is exempt from fog, while the surrounding coasts of 
 Nova Scotia, Breton Island, and New Brunswick, are frequently covered with it. 
 Tiie climate is generally healthy and temperate, and not subject to the sudden 
 changes of weather experienced in England. The winter here sets in about the 
 middle of December, and continues until April ; during which period it is colder 
 than in England; generally a steady frost with frequent snow-falls, but not so 
 severe as to prevent the exertions of the inhabitants in their various employments. 
 The weather is generally serene, and the sky clear. In April, the ice breaks up, the 
 spring opens, the trees blossom, and vegetation is in great forwardness. In May, 
 the face of the country presents a delightful aspect. Vegetation is so exceedingly 
 quick, that, in July, pease, &c. are gathered which were sown in the preceding month. 
 The country is generally level, or in rising slopes, and abounds with springs of fine 
 water, and groves of trees, which produce great quantities of excellent timber, &c. 
 The greater part of the inhabitants are employed in farming and fishing. Charlotte 
 Town, situated between York and Hillsborough Rivers, on the southern side of the 
 island, is the seat of government. 
 
 The coast Ibrms numerous harbours, many of which are, however, fit for small 
 vessels only. The principal loading ports are, on the eastern side, Cardigan Bay, or 
 the Three Rivers, and Murray Harbour : on the S.E., Hillsborough Bay and River; 
 Bedeque Bay on the southern side ; Richmond Bay and Holland Harbour on the 
 north. 
 
 SOUTBSRM' COA8T.-CAPE EAST, composed of red sandstone, is a cliff from 
 50 to 60 feet high. Prom the point a reef runs off nearly a mile to 5 fathoms, and 
 two-tiiirds of that distance to 3 fathoms. Great caution must be exercised in approach- 
 ing this reef, as the flood tide sets strongly over it from the northward, and thence 
 to the south-westward, at the rate of 2^ knots. Great ripplings are frequently 
 caused by this tide ofi'the point; and a large ship at night or in dark weather, should 
 not approach the point nearer than 20 fathoms. The sea is very heavy off this point 
 in N.E. gales. To the southward of the point, between it and the outlet of East 
 Lake, there is good riding with northerly winds. 
 
 To the southward of Cape East there is an extensive bank of 5 to 7 fathoms 
 extending in a N.N.E. and S.S. W. direction, about 5f miles. It is named the Milne 
 Sank, and is about 5f miles long, with very irregular soundings : towards its southern 
 end, and close to the outer edge, there is a shallower part of 4| fathoms, extending 
 lor a distance of 1| mile, which bears between South and S. by E. 4^ to 6| miles from 
 the cape. The mark for the northern end of this shallow ridge is Souris and Dean 
 Points in one, bearing W. by N., and for the southern end, Swanton and Chepstow 
 Points, W.N. W. ^ W. ; these marks lead over the ends of the bank in 5 fathoms, but 
 are so distant that they cannot be seen unless it is very fine weather. All round the 
 
PRINCE EDWAED'S ISLAND. 
 
 55 
 
 \r 
 
 id 
 
 lof 
 
 I's; 
 is 
 
 bank there are 10 to 15 fathoms. It has steep edges, and the sea breaks heavily in 
 strong N.E. gales. 
 
 CARDIGAN BAY, or the Three Rivers, lies between Boughton Island and Pan- 
 mure Island ; it is the common entrance to three rivers ; namely, Cardigan River, 
 Brudenell River, and Montague River. In the former there are from 7 to 3 fathotns 
 of water, and in the others from 4 to 2 fathoms. George Town stands on a penin- 
 bula between the rivers Brudenell and Cardigan. In these places many large ships 
 load with timber. There is anchorage without, in Cardigan Bay, in from 10 to G 
 fathoms, where a pilot may be obtained. 
 
 On Panmure Head, the south point of the entrance, stands an octagonal shaped 
 and white wooden lighthouse, 49 feet high, which exhibits a fixed light at an elevation 
 of 89 feet above the sea, visible 14 miles ; if kept open eastward of Terras Point it 
 will clear the reef extending from Cape Bear. 
 
 Ftakerman's Bank is composed of sandstone, thinly covered with stones, gravel, 
 and broken shells. It is 3 miles long from east to west, by 1^ nnle broad, vvithiu 
 tlie depth of 10 fathoms ; but the shallow central part, of from 4 to 5 fathoms at low 
 water, covers scarcely half that space. The least water, 4 fathoms, bears from Capo 
 Bear, the nearest land, E.S.E. \ E. 7\ miles ; and there is another patch with 5 
 fathoms three-quarters of a mile farther eastward. It has deep water all round it. 
 In A gale, this bank should be avoided by large ships. . 
 
 MURRAY HARBOUR lies close to the north-westward of Bear Cape ; and the 
 entrance is narrow and shoal, difficult of access, and with not more than 10 feet of 
 water. Vessels from the eastward, and bound to Murray Harbour, must avoid 
 approaching too uear to Bear Cape, as a ridge of rocks extends out a full mile 
 from it. 
 
 The bar of Murray Harbour is exceedindy dangerous, having only 10 feet at low 
 water ; and easterly winds send in such a neavy sea, that breakers extend all across 
 the bay, upwards of 2 miles. The channel in is buoyed and beaconed, but a pilot is 
 at all times necessary to ensure safety. From Bear Cape to the Wood Islands, a 
 distance of 13 miles, the coast is all clear ; and near the shore is anchorage in 3 to 4 
 fathoms. 
 
 About a mile S.W. by W. from the Wood Islands are the Indian Hocks, some very 
 danj^erous rocks, extending If mile from the shore. There is almost always a rippling 
 on those parts which dry, by which their position is generally indicated. Spring -tides 
 run 3 knots near these rocks, and rise 6 feet ; and it is high water, full and change, 
 at 9h. 45m. At night come no nearer their S.E. part than 13 fathoms, as there are 
 10 fathoms within a quarter of a mile of their southern edge. There is a narrow 
 channel between these rocks and the shore, but of no use to shipping. 
 
 The Rifleman Rocks lie 4^ miles to the westward of Indian Rocks, and are one of 
 the greatest dangers in the strait. There are only 5 feet water on the shoalest 
 part, and from its outer point, in 3 fathoms, Prim Point Light bears N.N.W. ^ W. 
 8 miles. This shoal should always be approached with great care, particularly ia 
 foggy weather, as the soundings are very irregular, and there are 16 fathoms withiu 
 half a mile of it, with a less depth farther out. At night. Prim Light should not be 
 brought to the westward of N.N.W. 
 
 The Pinette River, 4 miles eastward of Prim Point, has a rocky dangerous bar, 
 and is flt only for small schooners ; the bar is nearly a mile without the entrance, 
 and the shoals run off a mile farther. These shoals are dangerous, and should 
 not be approached nearer than 6 fathoms at low water. At Pinette it is high water, 
 full and change, at lOh. ; springs rise 8 feet, neaps 5 feet. There are only 2 feet 
 water on the bar at low tide. 
 
 ■» BZKIiSBOSOVOH BAT.— Prim Point, the south-east point of Hillsborough 
 Bay, is low, with cliffs 10 to 15 feet high. The lighthouse upon it is 100 yards 
 within the Point, and consists of a white brick circular tower 50 feet high, and shows 
 a fixed light, 68 feet above the level of the sea at high water, and may be seen at a 
 distance of about 13 miles, which is of great service to vessels coming from the east- 
 ward, in guiding them clear of the Pinette and Rifleman Shoals, and enabling them 
 to enter Hillsborough Bay in the night. The west extreme of St. Peter's Island 
 
 W., 7| miles; and the west end of Governor's Island 
 
 bears from it N.W. 
 N. I E., 5 miles. 
 A reef of a forked shape runs out to the westwai'd from Point Prim, and has upon 
 
I 
 
 m 
 
 ■D: 
 
 66 
 
 PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND. 
 
 ip'f," ■ 
 
 III 
 
 
 K 
 
 Pi 
 
 it uneven Boundinpfs. Its north point, in 3 futhoms, bears N.W. by W. ^ W., 2 
 miles from the lighthouse, and itHwentern point W. by S., 1^ mile; but to the depth 
 of 5 fathoniH it extends out nearly 3 miles. The nuu'ks to cluur the extreme and in 
 the latter depth are the Bloek-houHe Point and the nauare tower of the PreHbyterinu 
 Church at Cnarlotte Town in one, bearing N. by E. J E. As these objects can>u)b 
 always be seen, you must attend to the lead, and you may safely round the reef by 
 it, and the bearing of the lighthouse, in 3, 4, or 5 fathoms, according to your vessel's 
 draught of water. 
 
 St. Peter's Island, on the N.W. side of Hillsborough Bay, is about 3 miles in 
 circumference. You may approach the south side of the iKlanu within I3 mile ; but 
 there are extensive shoiils running ofi'to the eastward from the island, in an E. by N. 
 direction, 3 miles ; this spit dries 2 miles from the island. Otf the end of the spit lies 
 the Spit-head, a rocky shoal of 8 feet. Close to the eastward of the Spit-head there 
 is a beacon-buoy. The western side of the channel trends North, 2^ miles from the 
 Spit-head buoy to the Block-house Point at the entrance of Charlotte Town Harbour. 
 About half a mile S. by W. \ W. of Block-house Point lies the Trout Rock, of 7 feet, 
 having 14 to 16 feet around it ; the Government-house and Block-house Point in one 
 just clears its east side. 
 
 Governor Island lies E. by N., 4^ miles from St. Peter's Island, and S. by E. ^ E., 
 4 miles from Block-house Pomt. It is low, partly wooded, and surrounded by shqals 
 to some distance off. This island, lying near the centre of the bay, forms, with its 
 shoals, the eastern side of the entrance of the channel to Charlotte Town Harbour, 
 as well as the western side of the channel leading to Orwell and Pownell Bays. The 
 Governor Shoals extend to the S.W. from the island, and have some shallow patches 
 a considerable distance from the island ; to the westward these shoals run off 
 nearly 2 miles, to 5 fathoms. The Fitzroy buoy lies in 4 fathoms, a cable's length 
 within the end of the shoal ; it lies with Battery Point and the square tower of the 
 Presbyterian Church in one, N. by E. ^ E. You may pass on either side of this 
 buoy ; but very large ships should pass to the westward of it. The Sqijaw Shoal, of 
 12 feet, lies 2 miles N. by W. from the N.W. part of Governor Island, and must also 
 be passed to the westward. Huntly Rock, of 12 feet, lies S. by W. ^ W., If mile 
 from the west end of the island, aud must be passed on the west side when going to 
 Charlotte Town. 
 
 Hillsborough Bay contains within it the principal harbour and capital town. 
 Charlotte Town is situated on the northern bank of the Hillsborough, a short dis- 
 tance within its entrance, and at the point where the deep water approaches nearest 
 to the shore. While the navigation is open, a small fixed light, visible 9 miles, is 
 shown all night from the roof of the block -house on Block-house Point, the west 
 point of entrance, at about 35 feet above the level of the sea. It is high water here 
 on the days of full and change at lOh. 45m., and the rise in ordinary spring-tides is 
 9^ feet, and in neap-tides 7 feet. Ships generally lie off the wharves of the town, 
 where the channel is nearly 10 fathoms deep, and 280 fathoms wide. 
 
 A pilot should be procured by strangers bound to Charlotte Town, but if one 
 cannot be obtained outside, the bay may be entered and good anchorage will be found 
 N.W. of Governor Island, until one be obtained. Approaching from the westward 
 with a fair wind, bring the N.W. point of Governor Lsland and Pownell Point to 
 touch, bearing E. by N., and run from them until the Presbyterian Church comes in 
 one with Block-house Point, bearing N, by E. ^ E. ; when you must steer N.E. by 
 E. or N.E. ^ E., according as it may be Hood or ebb tide, until the west side of 
 Government-house and Battery Point come in one, bearing N. ^ E. ; these latter 
 marks lead up the deep-water channel to Sea Trout Point, at the entrance of the 
 harbour. If the leading marks cannot be made out, follow the southern and eastern 
 edge of the St. Peter's Shoals in 5 fathoms up to the Spit-head Buoy, th.n anchor. 
 
 When approaching from the eastward with a fair wind, the Rifleman Reef must 
 be avoided by attending to the soundings in the chart, and by not bringing the light 
 on Prim Point to bear to the westward of N.N.W. A large ship should round Prim 
 Reef by the lead in 10 fathoms ; a smaller vessel may go nearer with attention to the 
 soundings. When the light bears to the southward of E. by S. ^ S., (the vessel being 
 in not less than the low-water depth of 10 fathoms,) or when the north side of Prim 
 Island bears E. by S., the most northern point of the reef will be past, and the course 
 across the bay must be North or N. ^ E. at night or in thick weather j the object 
 
PEINCE EDWAKD'S ISLAND. 
 
 57 
 
 })«injj to Htrikc soimtliujfs on the Houtliern edjjo of the bank ofl' St. Poter'H Island, niul 
 then to follow it to the nortli-ea«tward in 5 fjithoins, until about 2 niik's within 
 the Fitirov Rock, where there \h excellent anchora^je oH" Governor Island, and where 
 the vessel had better wait for daylight. In clear weather, your course from the outer 
 end of Pritn Ueef, in 10 fathon)s, will be N. by E. ^ E., about 5 miles. To run 
 farther up, a pilot is indispensable. 
 
 The bearing and distance from St. Peter's Inland to Capo Traverse are N.W. ^ W. 
 20 miles. The shoal water extends off from the land a considerable distance all 
 along this part of the coast, but the lead affords sutHcient warning, and in 5 fathoniA 
 you will be fully half a mile off the outer edge. Tryon River is situated about 5^ luilis 
 to the eastward of Cape Traverse, and small schooners enter it with the assistance of 
 the tide, which rises from 6 to 8 feet. The Tryon Shoula dry out 1^ mile off shore, 
 between Tryon and Brockelsby Rivers, and their S.W. extreme, in three fathoms, bears 
 S. by W. ^ W., distant fully 2 nules from Trvon Head, the nearest part of the shore. 
 To clear the S.W. point of the shoals in 5 fathoms, at the distance of a long half mile, 
 an excellent leading mark is Carlton Head and Cape Traverse in one, bearing N.N. VV. 
 i W. These shoals may bo safely approached to any convenient depth, when farther 
 eastward ; yet as the tides meet off them, and cause variations in the strength and set 
 of the streams, the lead should never be neglected when in their vicinity. The ebb 
 from Bay Verte frequently sets over towards these shoals, so that a vessel standing 
 along the land with a scant southerly wind will often find herself dropping to keward 
 towards them much faster than her usual amount of leeway would lead her to expect. 
 
 The bearing and distance from Cape Traverse to Carleton Head are N.N.W. ^ W. 3 
 miles, and from thence to Sea-Cow Head N.N.W. ^ W. 6 miles. Off these headland j 
 the shoal water does not extend beyond 300 fathoms ; but in the bays its 3-tatho)u 
 edge is sometimes twice that distance froni the shore ; and as the line of 5 fathoms is 
 sometimes quite close to it, the general rule for vessels at night should be not to 
 approach nearer than the depth of' 7 fathoms. 
 
 BEDEQUE HARBOUR is situate northward of Sea-Cow Head, and runs 
 in to the eastward between Indian Head and Phelan Point. Indian Point, the sout b 
 
 Eoint of entrance, is faced by sandstone cliffs 25 feet high. As the entrance to thi* 
 arbour is narrow and intricate, a pilot is requisite ; altliough, when inside, there is 
 sufficient water for the largest ships. Until a pilot can be obtained, a vessel should 
 anchor in the roadstead outside, where there is safe anchorage during the summer 
 months in 22 feet at low water, sand and clay bottom, although open to S.W. winds. 
 In approaching from the eastward with an easterly wind, Sea-Cow Head may be safely- 
 rounded at the distance of two or three cables, and Graham Head may be passed at 
 twice that distance. It is high water in Bedeque Harbour at lOh., the rise being 7 
 feet in spring-tides and 5 feet in neap-tides. At Green's Wharf, when the navigation 
 is open, a small fixed light is shown all night from a lantern placed on a pole at the 
 height of 15 feet above the water, visible about 7 miles. 
 
 Prom Sea-Cow Head to Cape Egmont the beai'ingand distance are N.W. | W., 144 
 miles ; between them is a bank of 3^ to 4| fathoms, which extends fuUv 3 nnles from 
 the shore; when about midway between the points, you may safely keep along its 
 southern edge in 5 or 6 fathoms. A rock, 30 feet high, named the Dutchman, will 
 be seen about a mile to the northward of Cape Egmont, at a cable's length from the 
 shore. Cliffs of sandstone, 50 feet high, render Cape Egmont a remarkable headhmd : 
 the cape is bold to the southward ; but there is shallow rocky ground, half a mile off 
 shore, to the westward, which should not be approached nearer than 6 fathoms at low 
 water. 
 
 At 4^ miles to the eastward of Cape Egmont are Fifteen Point Church and Village, 
 ■which stand near the shore and can be seen at a great distance. A low rock above 
 water, named the Little Dutchman, lies at the extremity of the point, one mile to the 
 eastward of the church, and shallow water extends to the distance of a long mile off 
 shore. Sandbury Cove, 9 miles to the eastward of Cape Egmont, is an extensive 
 place, but nearly dry at low water. 
 
 The Egmont Bank (4 fathoms least water) is narrow, and 2^ miles long in a S.S.E. 
 and N.N.W. direction. Its northern end bears W.N.W. ^ W., 5 miles, from Cape 
 Egmont, and its southern end W. | S., 4 miles, from the same headland, and there 
 are as much as 8| fathoms and a clear channel between it and the cape. 
 
 WEST POINT bears from Cape Egmont N. by W. | W., 17 miles ; between is 
 
58 
 
 PEINCE EDWAED'S ISLAND. 
 
 Hi!, 
 
 V « 
 
 
 In ' 
 
 It % 
 
 m 
 
 m 
 
 Enftnont Bay, which affords excellent anchorage with off'-shore winds in from 4 to 7 
 fathomH, 8)111(1 and clay ; but vesnelH should not anchor in less than 6 fathoms any- 
 where excepting on tne N.W. side of the bay, because there is rocky ground, with 
 only 3i fatnoms water off the riyer at its head, lying just within the 5-fathom line, 
 and at the distance of 3 miles from the shore, whilst along the eastern shore 6 fathoms 
 would be too near the edge of the shoals. On the northern shore of the bay, Wolfe 
 and Brae Kiyers are sandy places, dry at low water. 
 
 The Perciyal and Enmore Rivers are only fit for boats and small crafb; and the 
 approach to them is yery difficult. On the east side of the bay, from the entrance of 
 these rivers to within 3 miles north of Cape Egmont, the shallows run off a full 
 mile to the depth of 3 fathoms ; 5^ fathoms is near enough for a ship to approach 
 this side of Egmont Bay. Jaques Church, 5 miles north of Cape Egmont, is con> 
 spicuouflly situated. 
 
 The West Point consists of sand-hills 12 feet high, and there is good anchorage 
 under it with winds between north and east, in 4 fatnoms, bottom of sand. The West 
 Spit runs off in a N.N.W. direction, 3 miles from West Point ; on some parts of it 
 there are only a few feet water, on a bottom of sand ; the northern part of this trends 
 N. by E., parallel with the shore, with 2^ to 3^ fathoms on it. Between the spit and 
 the land there are from 6 to 4 fathoms, opon to the northward, but no outlet to the 
 southward. To avoid this opening when coming from the northward, and to keep 
 without the West Reef, come no nearer the shore than 12 fathoms. 
 
 The West Reef is a narrow rocky reef, 4 miles long, in a north and south direction ; 
 its soundings are irregular, being from 6 to 2| fathoms : the least water near the 
 middle is 16 feet, and there are 18 feet near the south end ; this latter part bears N.W. 
 ^ W., if^ miles from the West Point, and is 2^ miles from the nearest land ; its north 
 end in 4^ fathoms is 3J miles from the land. This reef is very dangerous to shipa 
 rounding the West Point at night, or in foggy weather, as the deepest water is near 
 its outer edge, having 13 fathoms close to it in one part. At night, to avoid it with 
 certainty, the soundings should be taken from the main land ; and by keeping off the 
 edge of the bank in 9 or 10 fathoms, you will pass 3 miles to the westward of it : 
 near the outer edge of the bank, the tides run sometimes 2^ knots, causing a heavy 
 sea, on a weather tide. 
 
 The NORTH POINT is low, with red cliffs. Vessels should always give this point 
 a wide berth at night, or in foggy weather, on account of the reef which runs off' from 
 it to the north-eastward fully 2 miles to 5 fathoms, and 1^1^ mile to 3 fathoms; without 
 the 6-fathom line rocky uneven soundings extend out to 10 fathoms, sometimes 
 causing a dangerous breaking sea. 
 
 From the West Point to the North Point the land trends about N.N.E., 6 miles, 
 to Cape Wolfe, then N.E. by E., 27 miles. This coast is unbroken, and chiefly 
 composed of red clay and sandstone cliffs. The shallow water runs off" some of the 
 points a considerable distance, so that large ships at night should keep off" in 11 
 or 12 fathoms, when running along this part of the coast. 
 
 WORTBIiXxr COAST. — Along the northern shore of the island the anchorage 
 
 generally, excepting a few places off" the bars of the harbours, is very bad, the bottom 
 eing of red sandstone, thinly covered occasionally with sand, gravel, and broken 
 shells. The entrances of the harbours are narrow, between sand-bars, with dangerous 
 bars of sand at various distances from the shore. They are only fit for small vessels, 
 with the exception of Richmond Bay and Cascumpeque, and even these could not 
 be safely run for in bad weather, and with a heavy sea running, at which time 
 the breakers on their bars extend quite across, leaving no visible channel. The 
 northern shore of the island forms a great bay, out of which the set of the tides 
 and the heavy sea render it very difficult to extricate a ship when caught there in 
 N.E. gales, which frequently occur towards the fall of the year, and occasionally 
 blow with great strength and duration, at such times proving fatal to many vessels. 
 
 From North Point to Cape Kildare the bearing and distance are S. by W. ^ W. 11 
 miles. The River Tignish lies about midway between, and has only 2 feet in its 
 entrance at low water, but it affords shelter for fishing-boats. Between North 
 Point and Cape Kildare there are rocky ii-regular soundings, of 3 to 5 fathoms, 
 frequently extending 2 miles off shore. 
 
 CASCUMPEQUE HARBOUR is situated 5 miles S.W. | W. from Cape Kildare. 
 Several very high sand-hills, 3^ miles to the southward of its entrance, distinguish 
 
PEINCE EDWAED'S ISLAND. » 
 
 thin har' inr, as there are no high oand-hillR to the northward of the harbour. The 
 entrance is 180 fathoniM wide, and there are two sand-bars, with 10 feet on them at 
 low water, upon which account it is absohitely netiossHry for a stranger to be prt»« 
 vided with a pilot. On the north side of the entrance there is a white octagonal 
 wooden tower, from which, at the height of 32 feet, a small fixed light is shown all 
 night during 8 months of the year, visible 8 miles. It is high water here on the 
 days of full and change of the moon at 5h. 40m. ; rise in ordinary spring-tides is 3 
 feet, and in neap-tides 2 feet ; but this is not regular, and 12 feet over the bar at high 
 water is all that can bo safely reckoned upon on any particular day, unless when 
 strong easterly winds raise the water a foot or more in all the harbours on this coast. 
 At certain seasons the tides are very irregular. The morning tides in summer are 
 much higher than the evening tides, which sometimes disappear, leaving only one 
 day tide during the 24 hours. 
 
 KICHMOND 13AY is of great extent, running in 10 miles to the S.W., and con- 
 tains seven islands and a number of creeks and rivers, some of which are navigable 
 for voasels of considerable burthen, and all of them by small craft and boats. Grand 
 River, where there are fine settlements, can be ascended a distance of 7 or 8 miles. 
 There are also settlements at Port Hill, in the N.W. part of the bay within Lennox 
 Island, a settlement on Lennox Island, and large settlements at the head of the bay. 
 On Billhook Island, the west side of the entrance, stands a pole with a lantern on 
 it, contuining a fixed light, visible about 8 miles, and shown all night during 8 
 months of the year. 
 
 Malpequb Habboub, situated on the eastern side of Riclimond Bay, is very 
 superior to any other on the northern coast of the island. There are generally 14 to 
 16 feet over its bar at low water, and from 18 to 19 at high water, ordinary springs, 
 with space and depth enough within for any description and number of vessels. The 
 principal entrance is between Fishery or Billhook Island to the northward, and 
 the Royalty Sand, which dries out fully half a mile from Royalty Point. Just within 
 this entrance the anchorage is good and well sheltered. 
 
 The West Gully is the other entrance ; it lies on the N.W. side of Fishery or Bill- 
 hook Island, and is so narrow and intricate as to be only fit for boats, or very small 
 craft, although it has 9 feet on its dangerous bar 1^ mile out from the shore. 
 
 The Bar of Malpeque runs off from Fishery or Billhook Island, E. by S., 2| miles ; 
 it then runs to the southward, so as to join the shore to the eastward of Cnne Ayles- 
 bury. This bar is exceedingly dangerous in bad weather, the bottom bemg sand- 
 stone ; then all signs of a ciiannel are obliterated by heavy breakers. The northern 
 part of this bar, to the distance of 1^ mile to the eastward of Billhook Island, is 
 very shallow, having in some places only 4 feet at low water. 
 
 Vessels may anchor outside the bar, in 7 to 5 fathoms, to wait for a pilot, and 
 all strangers should endeavour to obtain one, and not attempt to take the bar in 
 blowing weather. 
 
 The tides run the strongest at the entrance to Richmond Harbour, and here springs 
 run 2 J knots; within the bay they are much weaker. It is high water here on the 
 days of full and change, at 6h. ; springs rise about 3 feet, neaps 2 feet. N.E. winds 
 raise the tides, and westerly winds the contrary. The niorning tides are the highest 
 in summer months. 
 
 Between Richmond Bay and Cape Tryon the coast is nearly straight and free 
 from detached dangers ; but a large ship should not approach nearer than 6 or 7 
 fathoms, as the shallow water runs out a considerable distance. Cape Tryon is a 
 remarkable cliff of red sandstone, 110 feet high; at 1^ mile^S.S.E., from the Cape, 
 is Grenville Harbour. 
 
 GRENVILLE HARBOUR.— The entrance to this harbour is one-third of a mile 
 wide, and 3 fathoms deep; it is situated at the north-western extremity of a long 
 range of sand-hills, the nighest of which is 55 feet above high-water mark. The 
 harbour is only fit lor small vessels, as there is a shifting sand-bar, over which there 
 are sometimes only 5 feet water, and the channel in is narrow. The bar extends out 
 to the distance of two-thirds of a mile from the entrance, and the shallow water 
 one mile, at which distance there are 5 fathoms over sandy bottom. 
 
 At 8 miles S.E. \ E. from Cape Tryon is Cape Turner, the highest cliff on the 
 island, being 120 feet high. 
 
 GREAT RUSTICO HARBOUR.— Thb harbour has two narrow sandy entrances. 
 
CO 
 
 NOHTHUMBEKLAND STIIAIT,-T1DES. 
 
 '1 
 
 8 'if' : 
 
 ylr* 
 
 
 
 1 
 
 V* ■ 
 
 on either fide of McAuhMh iMliind, which arediMtant .1 and 5 inileH riMpnctivcly totho 
 S.E. of CujHJ Turner. Very dungerouH xhiftinjf bjirn of 4 to feet, and exti'iidinf^ 
 three-quurterii of a mile from Hhore, reiidur thiM place onl^ Hi for Hmull HchoonerH. 
 Two buoys, whose poHitioim are changed oh occaaion rc(|uirett, point out the line of 
 deepettt water over each of theHe bars. 
 
 At 9 miles ''^.E. from Cape Turner is Htanhope Point, on which there is a sand-hill 
 80 feet high. A dangerous reef runs out from it three-cpiarters of a mile, to the 
 depth ot 3 fathoms, and one mile to 5 fathoms. There is only one foot of water ou 
 some parts of this reef, at a distance of ^ a mile I'rom the shore. 
 
 At naif a mile to the westward of StanhoiMt Point lies the narrow sandy entrance 
 of Little liustico Harbour, which is only fit for boats. 
 
 TUACADIE IIAKHOUK is situated 13 nules, S.E. by E., from Capo Turner, and 
 4 miles from Stanhope Point. A remarkable range of sand-hills, 60 (»r 60 feet high, 
 lies on the east side of its entrance. Tiie bar of sand shifts in heavy gales, and 
 extends out three-quarters of a mile from the entrance, with 5 to U i'eet on it. The 
 place is only fit for small craft, and even they require the assistance of buoys, and 
 favourable weather, to take the bar with safety. Within the sand-bar the harbour is 
 3 miles wide, and 2,^ fathoms deep. 
 
 SAVAGE HAKBOUK lies 9 miles to the eastward of Tracudie, and has only 
 2 feet at low water over its bar, and is therefore only fit for very small craft. 
 
 ST. PETER'S HAUliOUU lies 3 miles farther to the eastward, and is of consi- 
 derable extent. Although it runs in 7 miles in a S.E. by E. direction, with a depth 
 in some parts of 3 fathoms, yet as its bar of sand has only 5 feet over it at low water, 
 the harbour is only fit for small vessels : the outer edge of the bar, in 3 fathoms, is 
 distant two-thirds of a mile from the shore. The channel through the bar, in which 
 this depth of 6 feet at low water could be carried, is liable to shift in heavy gales. 
 It is high water here on the days of full and change of the moon, at 8h. 30m. ; 
 springs rise 4 feet, neaps 2 feet. 
 
 From St. Peter's Bay to Cape East the coast runs E.S.E. 33 miles. The shore is 
 unbroken and formed of red sandstone cliH's. There are in general 10 fathoms wat«'r 
 within one mile of the shore of this division of the coast; and as the bottom is of 
 sandstone, the anchorage is consequently bad. 
 
 xro]tTHVMBliKX.iiMD 8TXAZT.— TIDES.—Of the tides of the Northum- 
 berland Strait, Admiral Bayfield says : — 
 
 The principal tide-wave, after entering the Gulf between Cape Breton and New- 
 foundland, sends off, laterally, waves to the S.W., on either side of the Magdalen 
 Islands. The first of these, which I shall call the eastern wave, coming from between 
 those islands and the western shore of Cape Breton Island, arrives at the eastern 
 entrance of the Strait soon after 8 o'clock, and proceeds to the westward, making high 
 water later in succession from east to west as I'ar as Pictou, which it reaches at 10 
 hours. At the same nominal hour, but 12 hours later, the other or western wave 
 arrives at Cape Tormentine, having been retarded by the long detour which it has 
 taken to the northward and westward of the Magdalens, and by the great extent of 
 comparatively shallow water wh;ch it has passed over in its subsequent progress to the 
 S.W. This wave makes high water later in succession at places along the eiistern 
 coast of New Brunswick, as we proceed to the southward ; and, alter entering the 
 Strait, Ironi N.W. to S.E., contrary to the course of the other or eastern wave. 
 
 Thus, it is high water on the full and change days at Miscou at about 2^ hours ; at 
 Point Escuminac and the North Point of Prince Edward Island forming the western 
 entrance of the Strait, soon alter 4 hours ; at the west point of Prince Edward Island 
 at 6 hours ; at Shediac 8 hours ; and at Cape Tormentine 10 hours. When, therefore, 
 the eastern wave arrives between Pictou and the Wood Islands the western part of 
 the preceding tide-wave arrives between Cape Tormentine and Cape Traverse. They 
 then meet, and combine to make high water at the same hour, namely, 10 hours, or 
 a little later in the harbours, all over the central portion of the Strait from Pictou to 
 Cape Tormentine ; causing also an amount of rise of the tides everywhere more than 
 double, and in some of the harbours nearly three times as great as that which occurs 
 at either entrance of the Strait. 
 
 The eastern flood stream enters the Strait from the N.E., running at the rate of 
 21 knots round the East Point of Prince Edward Island, but is much weaker in the 
 oiling and over towards the southern shore. It runs round Cape Bear, and with an 
 
 
NORTHUMBERLAND STRAIT,— DIRECTIONS. 
 
 01 
 
 increasin;;^ rnto alon^ tho laiul to the weHtwunl ; in ntron^cnt in tho (I(,<>p wutor n<*nr 
 tiin ItuicI, mid ruiiH ut itn exttuino rutii uf 3 knntrt cIomu puHt thu Iiuliaii Koukn uiul 
 Kitk'tniui Iteut'. LoHiii}^ Htti'ii^tli un it proccudH further to thu N.W., it in qtiito a 
 weak HtroHin when it uwuin the other Hood Htreniiiotr the Tryoti HhouU. ThiituuHtcrii 
 flood Htruiitii iH not ho Htroii^; idoii),; the Houthern or Novii Scotia Hhoro, unleM it bo 
 in Caribou Channel I'ur u nhort Hpuco nearl^aribou Ueof; aitd it iH weak, not goncrully 
 exceeding half a knot, in the middle of the Htrait. 
 
 Tho otlier or western Hood ntrcam coineH from tho northward, alonjj the went coo«t 
 of Prince Edward Island, Hweepinj? round the We»t Point, and ruiniing stronffent in 
 tho deep water lu'iu* the VVoHt Ueef, where itn rate Ih 2^ UnotH. Over towardn tho 
 New HruuHwick shore itH rate neldom exceodn 1,^ knot, and tluH in itn avera^'o rato 
 as it purnueH itn courHO to the S.E., until we arrive near Cape Tormentine, where tho 
 stron^oHt part of the Htntum runn near the tlourimain ShoaJH, and thenuo to the Houth- 
 ward round and over the dungeruUH Turmontine UeefH with u great ripple, and ut the 
 rate of 3 knots. 
 
 B^'om this account of the tidul'Htreams it appears that a ftiHt-Builin^ veMsel, under 
 favourable uiruumHtancuM, might enter the ntruit with the Hood, and, arriving at Cuim; 
 Tormentine hoou after high water, might there take the ebb, and thus have tho Htreum 
 with her, with but slight interruption, from one end of tho Strait to the other. Or, 
 a voHHol beating with the Hood, might so time her arrival at tho same point, oh to be 
 able to continue her voyage in tho same direction with the ebb. 
 
 The following directiuiis for navigating tho Northumberland Strait are also by 
 Admiral IJayfield : — 
 
 " YeHsels Dound to Miramichi, and the ports in the Strait to the westward of CaiH) 
 Q ormentino, after entering tlie G ixlf on either side of the Island of St. Paul, usually 
 piiss to the southward of the Magdulens, and round the North Point of Prince 
 Edward Island. The roof of this last-named point is exceedingly dangerous, and 
 tho lead should be kept constantly going when approaching it at night or in foggy 
 weather; bearing in mind the prooability of having been previously set to the 
 southward in crossing from the Magdalcns, especially if the wind has been from the 
 northward. 
 
 Under the same circumstances, after rounding the North Point, the course should 
 be shaped well to the westward, so as to ensure clearing the West Reef, which should 
 be passed by the lead, running along tho edge of the bank oH' the New Brunswick 
 shore. Proceeding south-eaatward, after having passed tho West Reef, the lead will 
 afford sufficient guidance along either shore, reference being hud to tho soundings, 
 until we arrive near the narrow part of the Stra't at Cape Tormentine. 
 
 There, if the vessel be bound further to the eastward, the shore of Prince Edward 
 Island should be preferred, the soundings on that side being quite sufficient to guide 
 tho vessel past Carleton Head, Capo Traverse, and more particularly the Tryon 
 Shoals, if the irregular tides off tho latter, and the frequent set of the ebb stream 
 towards them, be remembered. The tides, however, in this narrow part of the Strait, 
 are not very strong along the Prince Edward Island shore, off which tho anchorage 
 is good in the event of the wind failing ; whilst on tho opposite shore there is deep 
 water, and very strong tides close to the Jourimain and Tormentine Reefs. 
 
 If the wind be adverse, or scant from the southward, with the ebb tide running, a 
 stranger had better not attempt this narrow passage at night, or when the land cannot 
 bo seen. Under such circumstances, it is recommended to anchor to the westward of 
 Cape Tormentine, till daylight or a change of tide renders it less hazardous to proceed. 
 Vessels bound to poi-ts in the eastern division of the Strait, enter the Gulf either 
 through the Gut of Canso or by the Island of St. Paul. In the first case, the bearing 
 of the light at the northern entrance of the Gut will gnide them up to Cape George, 
 from which, if bound to Pictou, there will be no difficulty in running along the land 
 to the westward, if due attention be paid to the soundings, and afterwards to the 
 bearing of Pictou Light. If the weather be thick, or the light not seen, beware of 
 the reef off the east end of Pictou Island, which should not then bo approached nearer 
 than the depth of 10 fathoms, especially if the flood tide be running. 
 
 Vessels approaching from St. Paul's, and entering the Strait at the East Point of 
 Prince Edward Island, should not approach the latter nearer than 20 fathoms in dark 
 nights or thick weather. 
 
 Cape Bear and its reef should not be rounded in less than 15 fathoms, under the 
 
'#. 
 
 62 
 
 EIVEE ST. LAWEENCE. 
 
 same circumstances ; and then, if bound anywhere to the westward of Pictou, the 
 vesHel should be kept more over towards Pictou Isla.id and the southern shore, where 
 the Boundingt' will guide her, till the Indian Rocks and Rifleman Reef are pasNed. 
 The Light on Point Prim will greatly assist in passing the last-named danger, after 
 which the lead will again afford sufHcient guidance along the Prince Edward Island 
 shore, past the Tryon Shoals, and through the Strait to the north-westward. 
 
 On tne opposite, or Nova Scotian shore westward of Pictou, the principal dangers 
 to be avoidea are the Middle Shoals, between Pictou Island and Caribou, Amet Island 
 and Shoals, and Waugh Shoal. The approach to all these is sufticiently indicated by 
 the soundings, and therefore a constant use of the lead, and a careful reference to the 
 chart, will enable the intelligent i<eaman to pass them at all times in safety ; and also 
 to conduct his vessel to any of the harbours of this coast, where pilots will readily be 
 obtained." 
 
 PAET II. 
 
 EIVER ST. LAWRENCE; 
 
 
 
 NORTHERN SHORE, FROM THE RIVER ST. JOHN TO THE SAGUENAY. 
 
 Fkom the River St. John the coast runs W.N.W. 69 miles to the River Moisic, 
 and, although appearing bold from a distance, it should not be closely approached, 
 on account of the many dangerous rocks lying nearly a mile from the shore. Betweea 
 Magpie and Bason Rivers 20 fathoms are considered to be a sufficiently near approach, 
 to the shore, and frora thence to Point St, Charles 40 i'athoms, as the rocks are steep- 
 to, and have this depth within a mile of them. 
 
 RIVER ST. JOHN.— The entrance of this river lies in lat. 50° 17' N., and long. 
 64° 23' 30" W., and is 130 fathoms wide ; but immediately within it increases to half! 
 a mile, and then narrows again, ruiming several leagues up the country between high, 
 cliffs of sand and gravel, over clay, with small sandy islands occasionally. A bar„ 
 shifting with every gale of wind, lies at the distance of half a mile from the entrance, 
 having 7 or 10 feet on it at high water, according as it may be neap or spring-tide ; 
 it is rendered quite impassable during southerly and westerly winds, which cause a 
 very heavy surf. Good anchorage may be procured outside the bar, to which you 
 may safely approach by the lead. At 11 miles to the north-eastward of the entrance 
 is Mount St. John, an isolated saddle-backed hill, 1416 feet above the sea at high 
 water, which fornis an excellent mark for the river. 
 
 At the distazice of 8 miles, W.N.W., from the River St. John is Magpie Point, 
 between which lies Magpie Bay, where good anchorage may be obtained with off- 
 shore winds, in a moderate depth of water. Magpie River disembogues in the 
 liorthern part of Magpie Bay, and is a rapid stream, with a very narrow entrance. 
 Nearly a mile west of the river is a rocky shoal at a quarter of a mile from the shore, 
 on which the sea breaks. 
 
 At 3i miles, W.N. W. + W., from Magpie Point is Ridge Point, off which a long 
 narrow ledge, of 4 to 6 fathoms, extends 4^ miles to the westward, ht^vin^ within 
 it one large and several small islands. This ledge is rooky and steep-to, and at times 
 the sea breaks very heavily on it, occasioning great risk to large vessels. 
 
 About 11 miles farther to the westward is Saw bill River, easily r-^ cognised by the 
 remarkable barren hills on either side of it, and also by the clay cliffis just within the 
 entrance. It afforas shelter to boats and small coasters, and can only be entered in 
 very fine weather. About 9 miles to the southward of this river there is a bank of 
 sand, gravel, and broken shells, of 3 to 50 fathoms water, ou which cod-fish abound : 
 between it and the shore are upwards of 60 fathoms. 
 
 
 * See note at foot of page 26. 
 
mVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 6d 
 
 About 7^ miles to the westward of Sawbill River is the Shallop River, affordinj^ 
 Piielter for boats, which can only enter when there is no surf. Off this, ns well as off 
 Sandy River, 2^ miles farther westward, there are several rocks, both above and under 
 water, some of which \\>^ fully half a mile from the shore. 
 
 Manitou River. — Thiu river lies 4^ miles, N.W. by W ,from Shallop River, and 35 
 miles westward of St. John's River, and is the largest on this part of the coast. It 
 may be readily known, even at a distance, by two remarkable patches of clay clifl's, 
 one of which is close to the eastward and the other about a mile to the north-westward 
 of the entrance. At a short distance within the entrance of the river is one of the 
 most magnificent waterfalls in Lower Canada, which falls 113 feet perpendicularly in 
 one unbroken sheet of water. In fine weather, and with off-shore wmds, good an- 
 chorage may be procured off" the river in 15 fathoms, with the entrance bearmg N.E. 
 \ E. ; but small vessels may anchor farther in-shore. A small rocky shoal lies W. 
 by N., 2^ miles, fvom the entrance of the river, about three-quarters of a mile from 
 the land. 
 
 About lOi miles from Manitou River is Bason River, having a spit of large stones 
 running out about 150 fathoms from its east point of entrance. It is only fit for 
 boats, and there are rapids within a short distance of the entrance. At \\ mile 
 from this river is Cape Cormorant, 5f miles from which is Blaskowitz Point, having 
 between some islets joined to the shore at low water, off which at about a mile from 
 the shore is the Cormorant Reef, having 12 feet on it : this reef bears W. \ N., 2^ 
 miles, from Cape Cormorant, and lies with Points Blaskowitz and St. Charles in one, 
 W.N.W. nearly, so that vessels on approaching should keep the latter point open. The 
 coast to Cape St. Charles is lined with rocks, and must have a good berth given to it. 
 
 Point St. Charles forms the eastern point of Moisic Bay, and has a dangerous reef 
 running off it, some of the rocks of which are above water, but the outermost 
 patches are alwavs covei'ed ; these latter lie S.S. W., three-quai ters of a mile, from the 
 point. This reel is so steep that there is no warning by the hand lead and very little 
 by the deep-sea lead. Vessels beating here should guard against getting becalmed to 
 the westward of this reef, lest the heavy S.W, swell should carry them towards the 
 reef, for tha water is too deep to anchor until close to the breakers. 
 
 Moisic Bay is about 11 miles in extent, with a depth of 50 or 60 fathoms between 
 Point St. Charles, the eastern point, and Point Moisic, the western point. Trout River 
 is nearly in the centre of the bay. The eastern shores of this bay are rocky ; but the 
 western shore, from Trout River to Moisic River, is a bold'sandy beach. Shelter for 
 small boats is afforded in Seal House Cove on the eastern side of the bay. 
 
 At Point Moisic is the Moisic River, which, although larger than the river St. 
 John, is so much obstructed by sand-bars that boats cannot ascend at low water. 
 Proin the eastern point of entrance a bar runs hall" a mile and dries at half-tide, close 
 to which are 40 fathoms of water. A bank runs off, in a westerly direction, 83 miles 
 from Moisic Point, and forms a large triangular shoal, of from 1 to 2 fathoms, having 
 near its S.W. extremity the Moisic Rock, of only 9 feet, which lies If mile from the 
 shore, and is very dangerous, being as bold as a wall on the south and S.W. sides, and 
 can generally be seen in fine weather, from the change in the colour of the water. 
 When a vessel is standing towards this rock, she should tack when the north side of 
 Manowin Island comes on with the south side of Great Boule Island, bearing W.N.W. 
 f W., as then she will be a mile from the edge of the shoal. 
 
 At 9 miles N.W. by W. from the Moisic Rock is Sandy Point, having Boule Bay 
 between, into which vessels should not venture, on account oi its exposure to the 
 southerly swell. Near the centre of the bay are the East Rocks, always above water, 
 low, and bai'e of trees. 
 
 SBVCUr ZSKAITDS BAT. — Off the entrance of the bay are the islands giving 
 the name to the bay, which are high, steep, and thinly wooded, and may be seen 7 or 8 
 leagues off. The two easternmost islands are named the Great and Little Boule, and 
 are separated by a narrow channel, which is considered to be unsafe, on account of 
 the baffling winds and strong tides. Westward of these and parallel to them are the 
 Basque Islands, and to the south-westward of these are Mono win and Carousel Islands. 
 Thus there are altogether six islands, and they are all of considerable height; the 
 seventh island, so called, is the peninsula forming the western part of the bay, which, 
 at some distance, appears like an island, and is estimated to be about 730 feet high. 
 Between Monowiu aud the peninsula are the West Rocks, which are small und low. 
 
 4" - • 
 
61 
 
 EIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 
 .11 
 
 tef 
 
 
 11!^! 
 
 I'; '' 
 
 If * 
 
 Ui 
 
 j 
 i 
 
 Seven TslantlR Bay is 2f miles wide. A fine broad, bold, sandy beach extends for 
 three miles northward from the east point of the bay to the entrance of the principal 
 river, near which stands the Hudson Bay Company's trading post. You cannot see 
 these houses from the outer parts of the buy ; but there is a wooden store on the 
 beach, off which vessels usually anchor. This fine bay is sufficiently extensive for 
 the largest fleets to lie in perfect safety, and so nearly land-locked as to resemble a lake. 
 
 There are three channels leading into this bay, the eastern, middle, and western 
 channels. The eastern channel, between Sandy Point and Basque Island, is seldom 
 used, on account of a rock in its centre, which is only covered at high tides ; a reef 
 also runs off to the eastward of the rock, one-quarter of a mile, with 6 to 9 feet on 
 it. The principal and best channel is the middle one, between Carousel and Monowin 
 on the west, and the Basque Islands on the east ; you leave the West Rocks and 
 point Chass^ on the peninsula, on your port hand, giving the latter a good berth, to 
 avoid a reef that runs off 120 fathoms. The course through the middle channel into 
 the bay is North, by compass. 
 
 The" west channel, though much narrower than the middle one, is also free fi-om 
 dangar, being three-quarters of a mile wide, between Point Croix and the West Rocks, 
 off which there are two or three rocks at the distance of a cable's length to the north- 
 ward : therefore give the West Rocks a berth of 2 cables' lengths in passing. The ebb 
 tide is turned off towards these rocks by Point Croix, which must be attended to. 
 No leading-marks are necessary ; for simply by giving the shores a berth of 2 cables' 
 lengths in every part, you may enter the bay with safety, even with the largest of ships. 
 With a scant wind from the north-westward, this channel is preferable to the Middle 
 Channel, as it will save a good deal of beating into the bay. The ground is not fit 
 for anchorage until you are well within the bay. 
 
 Admiral Bayfield says : — " The best berth for a large ship to lie at anchor in Seven 
 Islands Bay is with Sandy Point and the north side of Little Boule Island in one, and 
 with Point Chass^ on with the west side of the West Rocks. The N.W. extremity of 
 the sandy beach near the entrance of the river will then bear N. by E= ^ E. : the 
 vessel will be in 9 fathoms at low water, over clay bottom, nearly I mile from the 
 jsandy beach to the eastward, and nearly three-quarters of a mile from the 3-fathom 
 edge of the shoals, which occupy the northern part of the bay. Smaller vessels may 
 lie closer to the shore, in 6 fathoms at low water, which is as near as a vessel ought 
 to anchor. In this anchorage there is a considerable swell with a strong southerly 
 vrind, but never enough to endanger a vessel, although sufficient to prevent boats 
 from lauding. Those that may wish to lie perfectly smooth, may anchor in the S. W. 
 
 {)art of the bay, in 13 fathoms, soft clay bottom, where they will be perfectly land- 
 ocked." 
 
 Outside the islands the v;ater is very deep, and a vessel is enabled to stand in 
 almost close to their rocky shores. 
 
 Prom Seven Islands Bay the coast runs to the S.W. by W., 60 m.iles to Point 
 de Monts, and is in general of moderate height, with a few hills back in the country. 
 The shore, generally, is clear of danger, and may be approached by the deep- 
 sea lead. 
 
 The first river met with after leaving Seven Islands Bay is St. Margaret's River, 
 which is about 8 miles from Carousel Island. On either side of the river's mouth is 
 a sandy beach, and a bar extends three-quarters of a mile off the entrance. 
 
 St. Margaret's Point, on the west side of the bay into which the river falls, is of 
 moderate height, and has a reef extending one-third of a mile off, which is bold-to, 
 having 70 fathoms within a short distance of it, so that little or no warning is given 
 by the lead. 
 
 About S.W. by W. i W., 16 miles, from St. Margaret's Point is Great Cawee 
 Island, liaving a low coast between, bordered with small islets and rocks close 
 in-shore ; but this part may be approached by the lead to 20 fathoms : the deep- 
 sea soundings off this part of the coast are very irregular. Great and Little 
 Cawee Islands are higii, and bare of trees. On the N.W. side of Great Cawee 
 Island there is a bay, in the mouth of which anchorage may be found at a cable's 
 length from the island, with shelter from W. by S. round to N.E. and easterly ; 
 but S.W. winds blow right in, and send in a heavy sea. The entrance to this place 
 is dangerous and intricate, and too small for large ships, yet it might be of use to a 
 vessel in distress. 
 
 
RIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 65 
 
 To enter this anchorage from the eastward, steer N.W.,pa8t the N.E. side of Great 
 Oawee Island, going not nearer than half a mile, to avoid the shoal off the month of 
 the cove, until the point of the mainland to the westward opens clear of the north side 
 of the island. Then steer for the point of the mainland, keeping it midway between 
 the nort)i side of the island and the large rocks to the northward of it. When you 
 arrive between the rocks and the island, hp"l into the mouth of the small bay, which 
 you will see on the N.W. side of the latt v, nnd anchor in 7 fathoms at low water. 
 There are 12 or 13 fathoms in the middle ui the channel, and upwards of 9 fathoms 
 can be carried through. 
 
 In running for this anchorage from the westward, a vessel may pass between Little 
 Cawee and the ma^'i, keeping in mid-channel ; but the better and safer way is to pass 
 between Little anci Great Cawee Islands, hauling close round the west point of the 
 latter into the anchorage. In this route there is nothing in the way, excepting the 
 round rock to the south-westward . "^ the south point of the Great Cawee Island, which 
 can always be seen. 
 
 The tides run fairly through between the islands and the mainland, at a rate seldom 
 exceeding 1^ knot, and generally of much less. 
 
 At 11 miles S. W. by W. from Great Cawee Island is English Point, between which 
 there is a good open roadstead named Lobster Bay, affording plenty of accommodation 
 for the largest vessels. On the west side of the bay are the Crooked Islands, between 
 which and the reef extending off the eastern point of the bay, named Point Sproule, 
 there is good anchorage in 5 to 12 fathoms, on fine clayey sand, well sheltered from 
 S. W., round by west and north, to East ; but all winds from East, round by south, to 
 S.W. go right in with a heavy sea and thick weather. 
 
 About 1^ mile to the westward of the Crooked Islands is Pentecost River, having an 
 entrance only 90 feet wide, with 7 feet in it at low water. It is navigable for boats 
 a distance of 2\ miles, and at high water, and when the depth increases to 12 or 
 16 feet, small coasting vessels may run in and obtain shelter. Hence to English 
 Point the shore consists of a fine bold sandy beach. 
 
 ^English Point has a shoal of large stones extending off it to the distance of about 
 one-third of a mile, which is bold-to on the east and south-east sides. About 2 miles, 
 S.S. W., from the point is Egg Island, having between them the N.E. Reef and North 
 Rocks. Egg Island is low, narrow, without trees, and about three-quarters of a mile 
 long, in a jf .N.E. ^ E. direction. The North Rocks, always above water, lie 4 cables' 
 lengths N.N.E. from, the island, and form a black, low, narrow reef, 3 cables' lengths 
 in the same direction, bold towards the main and likewise towards English Point. A 
 reei under water runs out from these rocks in a S.S.W. direction, 2^ cables* lengths, 
 leaving a very narrow channel between them and the island, with only 3 fathoms in 
 it. The N.E. Reef runs off 6 cables' lengths from the N.E. part of Egg Island, and is 
 the greatest danger on the coast between Point de Monts and the Seven Islands ; 
 some of the rocks are awash at low tides. 
 
 The island and the reefs form a natural breakwater, If mile long, in a N.N.E, 
 direction ; the northern end is three-quarters of a mile from the mainland, and the 
 southern nearly a mile. Within, and westward of this breakwater, is good anchorage; 
 but it is very much narrowed by flats running off from the main, which, opposite to 
 the north end of Egg Island, diminish the width of the channel to 370 fathoms. The 
 best anchorage is to the S.W. of this narrow part, in 9 fathoms, sand. As the water 
 is deep towards the island and reefs, a ship should have a good scope of cable with a 
 westerly wind, lest the anchor should start, and you drive on the rocks before a second 
 anchor can be let go; with easterly winds you drag up hill, and there is not much 
 danger of the anchor starting. The best anchorage is with the S.W. end of Egg 
 Island bearing S.E. by S., and the inner side of the North Rocks N.E., in which posi- 
 tion you will lie sheltered from all winds except those between S.E., round by south, 
 to S.W"., and even with them a vessel may find shelter by changing her berth more 
 to the eastward, in 7 fathoms, sandy bottom. 
 
 There is nothing in the way when entering this anchorage Irom the southward and 
 westward, the S.W. end of Egg Island being bold. If you intend running through 
 between the island and the main, stand to the northward to 8 or 9 fathoms, or until 
 English Point is open half a point to the northward of the North Rocks ; then steer 
 for English Point, giving the inner side of the North Rocks, a berth of a cable's 
 length, until you have passed them one-third of a mile ; you will then be in 7 fathoms, 
 
 ST. L. F 
 
66 
 
 EIVEE ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 tv 
 
 ft-. 
 
 m : 
 
 If 
 
 Ir ;■; 
 
 
 •i. 
 I' 1- 
 
 and may haul out to sea, not going to the southward of S.E. by E. till clear of the 
 N.E. reef. You may run through this channel from the eastward, by reversing the 
 direotions. 
 
 About 2^ miles W. by S. from Egg Island is a small stream named Cidumet River. 
 Hence to the southward, lor the distance of about a mile, the shore is boijdered by 
 reefs of large stones having 15 fathoms off them at the distance of half a mile to sea- 
 ward. To the S. W. of these reefs, as far as Trinity Bay, the coast is free from danger, 
 and may be approached with safety if due caution be used. There are 20 fathoms at 
 the distance of hall'a mile to 1 mile, and 40 fathoms from 2 to 3 miles from the shore. 
 S.W. by S. from Egg Island, distant 8| miles, is Caribou Point, a small rocky penin- 
 sula, having sandy uoves on either side of its isthmus, in which pilot boats find shelter, 
 and often remain on the look-out lor vessels. 
 
 Trimty Say. — This bay is 5 miles to the southward of Caribou Point, and affords 
 safe and convenient anchorage for vessels unable to beat round Point do Monts. 
 Pilots are generally found waiting in the bay for vessels when the wind is from the 
 westward, but in easterly winds they take shelter in St. Augustine Cove 1\ mile to 
 the westward of Cape de Monts. 
 
 In the N.E. part of the bay are two rocks, the northern one of which dries to the 
 main with spring ebbs, but the southern one dries nearly a quarter of a mile to the 
 southward of the point. This bay is 3 miles round, and a river of excellent water falls 
 into it ; another stream may also be found about half a mile to the westward of the 
 west point of the bay. Wood is abundant. 
 
 To sail into Trinity Bay, either from the S.W. or N.E.,come not nearer either shore 
 than 15 fathoms until the bay opens ; then haul in, and anchor in 7 fathoms, with the 
 lighthouse on Point de Monts bearing S.W. by W. Small vessels may anchor in 3 
 fathoms, just within the reef, the western point bearing S.W. ; and large vessels may- 
 take a berth a little farther out. 
 
 POINT DE MONTS.— This point is of moderate height, and has a lighthouse 
 upon it> showing a bright fixed light, 100 feet above the sea, visible about 15 miles. 
 A ledge of rocks, having 9 or 10 feet water on it, lies S.W. from the lighthouse and S.E. 
 from the extremity of the point, extending half a mile from the shore, and there is 
 another rock with two fathoms on it at half a mile S.S. W. from the lighthouse. A third 
 rock, with a little moi'e wate: over it, is said to lie E.S.E. from the lighthouse at nearly 
 the same distance. In approaching these shoals great caution is necessary; 15 fathoms 
 being considered to be as near as safety will permit. 
 
 Vessels being to the eastward, in a dark night, when the land cannot be seen, should 
 tack when the light bears W.S.W., or even W. by S., if they are as near as Trinity Bay. 
 Vessels to the westward of the light should tack as soon as it bears E. ^ N. ; when it 
 bears East, it will be shut in by the land. 
 
 At 1^ mile to the westward of Point de Monts is St. Augustine Cove, which is a 
 place of shelter for boats, and where pilots may occasionally be found. 
 
 CAPE ST. NICHOLAS lies 17 miles W. by N. from Point de Monts. About half 
 way between is Goodbout River, which is available only for boats. At 3 miles before 
 reaching the cape is St. Nicholas jyariowr, affording excellent shelter. The entrance 
 is 75 fathoms wide and has 14 to 17 I'eet at high water, but at low water spring-tides 
 there are only 5 feet. The shoals on the east side dry out so far as to leave a channel 
 only 30 fathoms wide, in which are a few large stones which can be seen and avoided 
 if the tide be not high enough to pass over them. In the deepest part of the harbour 
 are 9-1 fathoms. From Cross Point, the western point of the entrance, which is bold, 
 the shoal water extends across a small bay to the westward of the point, 4 cables, 
 and off shore 1 cable. The anchorage between the shoals off the harbour's mouth 
 is too much confined for large ships, being only about 3 cables' lengths in width, but 
 the ground is good and depth moderate; here you may anchor, and prepare for 
 warping in. 
 
 To enter the harbour, bring the end of Cross Point to bear N.N.E., then steer so 
 nearly for it as to leave it not more than 50 nor less than 30 yards distant on the port 
 hand. If the wind will allow, continue to run in, at the same distance from the shore 
 on the west side, until you deepen your water; but if you lose the wind, or be met with 
 light baflling flaws out of the harbour, as often happens in westerly winds, send a line 
 on shore on the wes.t side, or drop your anchor underfoot as soon as your vessel loses 
 her way, and warn into deep water. The shoal water, which may be called the bar. 
 
EIVBK ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 67 
 
 ' 
 
 and commences at Cross Point, continues for 2 cables' lengths within it, and the rhannel 
 is rendered narrow by shoals off the eastern side, for an equal distance far'ier up 
 the harbour. In order to have as much room as possible, a vessel should anchor 
 farther in than the three large rocks, which will be seen on the eastern side 
 of the harbour. To run out again, a vessel must wait f^r a N.W. wind or take 
 advantage of the land-wind in tlie early part of the mornii ,', which often occurs in 
 line weatiier when westerly winds prevail ; or, lastly, she must warp out in a light 
 breeze or calm, to the entrance of the bay outside, and to a position from which she 
 can make sail. 
 
 South-east winds blow right into the harbour, and are consequently most favour- 
 able for running in, but with a strong wind in that direction, and at high water, 
 when the shoals ai*e covered, there is generally some sea outside the narrow entrance ; 
 an accident at such a time might be attended with serious consequences, and therefore 
 it is only in very fine weather that the entrance should be attempted with a S.E. wind. 
 
 North-west winds blow right out of the harbour, and often with great violence. A 
 W.S.W. wind is the safest for running in, for the entrance and bay outside are then 
 quite smooth, the sea being turned off by Cape St. Nicholas ; but this wind will seldom 
 take a vessel completely in ; it will usually only enable her to shoot so far within Cross 
 Point that a line may oe sent ashore, or a kedge ahead, for the purpose of warping in 
 the remainder of the way, which may be quickly done if due preparation has been made 
 beforehand. The entrance should be attempted in the last quarter flood, then if the 
 vessel touches the ground she will receive no damage, and there will be time for her 
 to warp in before the tide begins to fall. 
 
 It is high water, P. and C, at Ih. 55m, ; spring-tides rise 12 feet, neap-tides 7 feet. 
 Water can be easil}' obtained on the eastern side of the harbour, or at the head of the 
 harbour at high water. 
 
 At the distance of 13^ miles, W. ^ N., from Cape St. Nicholas is Point St. Giles, 
 which is high and rocky. Between tliese two points are St. Pancras Cove and English 
 Bay, of no use to shipping. About 5 miles to the south-westward of Point St. Giles is 
 Manicouagon Point, which is low and thicklj' wooded, with a broad sandy beach like 
 the rest of the coast westward to Outard Bay. 
 
 Between Points St. Giles and Manicouagon is Manicouagon Bay, which is dry at 
 low water, with the exception of the narrow channels leading to the river. The bay 
 is too dangerous a place to be of much use to shipping. 
 
 Off Manicouagon Point a sandy shoal extends, having many boulders on its eastern 
 and southern parts ; the easternmost point of this extensive and dangerous shoal lies 
 E.S.E., 2^ miles, from St. Giles Point, and E. by N., h\ miles, from the N.E. part of 
 Manicouagon Point. From the south point of the shoal it continues to the westward, 
 curving with the land past Outard Point fully 16 miles, and extending from the shore 
 from 2 to 2i\ miles. Near to Outard Point are all sand and clay cliffs. The tide of 
 flood and ebb sets all along the edges of this shoal, but it is not perceptible more than 
 5 or 6 miles off shore. Great ripplings are frequently met with without the edges of 
 this shoal, particularly off its south point. 
 
 From Manicouagon Point the coast runs 11 miles to Outard Point, on the north side 
 of which is the river, which is useless for vessels. Prom Outard Point to Bersimis 
 Point the distance is 9 miles ; between them the coast forms a bay, having three rocky 
 islands in it which appear as two from seaward. ln_the western side of this bay 
 
 there is anchorage in 14 fathoms, mud, with Bersimis Point bearing S.W. by S., 3^ 
 miles ; but in running for it caution is required to avoid the bar of Bersimis River. 
 Here you will be exposed to easterly winds. 
 
 Bersimis River, in the western part of Outard Baj^ has sands and shoals extending 
 1^ mile outside the entrance, which dry at low water and render the place useless to 
 shipping. Immediately outside these shoals the water suddenly deepens to 60 fathoms 
 within a mile or two. Bersimis Point is low and covered with spruce-trees, and as 
 the lead affords no warning, it is very dangerous to approach it either at night or in 
 foggy weather. 
 
 From Bersimis Point the coast runs 5| miles W. -| N. to Jeremy Island, which is 
 small and lies close to the shore. From thence it runs 5 miles S.W. by W. ^ W.,to 
 Cape Colombier, which is rocky, with a small islet close to its western shore. About 
 If mile from off this cape lies the Gulnare Shoal, a narrow ridge of granite rock, nearly 
 2 miles long, running parallel to the shore, with 2 to 3 fiithoras over it at low water ; 
 
 F 2 
 
68 
 
 EIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 I If'' 
 
 
 I ■/ ■■',.' ■ 
 
 m 
 
 W 
 
 l^'V 
 
 it is very dangerous, as there are 23 fathoinH close to its S.W. end, and also along its 
 southern shore. Between it and the shore are 4 to 5 fathoms. Wildfowl Be^Wea 4 
 miles S.W. hy W. ^ W. from Cape Colombier ; it consists of a largo bed of rocks, 
 extending three-quarters of a mile from the shore. Vessels therefore should be careful 
 when standing in towards this part of the coast, 30 fathoms being quite near enough. 
 
 Between Cape Colombier and the Wildfowl Beef the coast bends inwards and forms 
 a shallow bay full of rocks, named Plongeur Bay, and 4 miles hence to the westward 
 is the Bale ae Laval, having a rocky island at its entrance, within which it dries at low 
 water. Vessels may safely stand in towards it, as the soundings decrease gradually 
 from 10 fathoms at the distance of 2^ miles from the shore. Off the clay cliffs to the 
 S.W. of the bay there is good anchorage in 6 or 7 fathoms, clay bottom. 
 
 At Port Net^f, 8 miles farther to the south-westward, is a station of the Hudson 
 Bay Company, which with the church can be distinctly seen from the offing. About 
 three-quarters of a mile E.S.E. from the church, upon a low narrow peninsula, there 
 is a clump of pine-trees ; this peninsula runs N.N.E. for about 2 miles, and joins the 
 clay cliffs before mentioned. There are 7 to 12 feet water between the main and the 
 peninsula at high water. Here small vessels may find good shelter, by lying aground 
 on the sand at low water. 
 
 A small patch of sand, having 3 J fathoms on it, lies with the church at Port Neuf 
 bearing S.W. by W. -3- W., from l| to 3 miles, which would be dangerous to a vessel 
 in a heavy sea. From hence the Port Neuf Sands extend round the peninsula to Point 
 Mille Vaches, and run out from the shore about If mile ; they are very dangerous, 
 as there are 20 to 30 fathoms close to them. 
 
 POINT MILLE VACHES is low and sandy and covered with spruce-trees. The 
 shoals off this point narrow the navigable channel between them and Biquette, on the 
 opposit . ;de, to 11^ miles ; both sides are hold-to, and as the set of the tides and 
 currents Is very strong, the greatest attention to the soundings and a good look-out 
 a? 9 absolutely necessary to a vessel running up in dark nights or I'oggy weather. 
 
 Into the Bay of Mille Vaches several small rivers fall, the principal of which is the 
 Sault de Mouton, which has a fall of 80 feet just within the entrance. In the bay are 
 a number of shoals and rocks which dry at low water. Good anchorage may bo ob- 
 tained in this bay, sand and mud bottom, with shelter from S.W. by W., round by 
 noi-th, to N.E. by E., with the south extremity of Point Mille Vaches on with the 
 inner or north side of the pine-trees on the peninsula of Port Neuf, bearing N.E. -J E., 
 at the distance of 2 or 3 miles from the point, and three-quarters of a mile Irom the 
 shoals. There is not much tide, and the ground is good. 
 
 The course and distance across the Bay of Mille Vaches to two large rocks, which 
 have three small ones nearly a mile to the S.W. of them, and are named the Esqua- 
 mino Islets, is S.W. f W., nearly 12 miles. The coast to the south-westward, from 
 the Esquamine Islets to Little Bergeron, a distance of 16 miles, consists of granite 
 rock, steep and bold, and free from all danger, excepting a flat which occupies a bay 
 on the west side of Cape Bondesir, but which does not extend above a quai'ter of a 
 mile outside of a line joining the points of the bay, and is consequently very little in 
 the way of vessels. There are upwards of 50 fathoms water close to the rocks along 
 this part of the coast. 
 
 Tides. — The tides are regular, increasing in strength as you approach the compara- 
 tively narrow pass on either side of Red Islet. The flood is the stronger tide of the 
 two, the ebb being deflected over towards the southern shore by the stream out of the 
 great River Saguenay. The flood does not extend above 5 or 6 miles off the north shore 
 below Bergeron, and the closer to that shore the stronger is the stream. Its rate at 
 Point Mille Vaches, where it does not extend far off shore, is from 1^ to 2 knots j and 
 off Bergeron from 2 to 3 knots, in spring-tides. 
 
 Great and Little Bergeron are two coves separated by a point. They are both 
 full of large boulders, which dry at low water, and have small streams at their heads. 
 Little Bergeron is of the two the most to the S.W. From it Green Island Light 
 bears S. by E. \ E., 11^ miles, and the Saguenay Cliffs, at the east point of entrance 
 of the River, S.W. by W., 6^ miles. 
 
 You majr anchor, with the Saguenay Cliffs bearing W. by S., distant 3 miles, in 7 
 fathoms, with the S.W. end of Green Island and Red Islet in one, nearly a mile off 
 shore ; but immediately without this you fall into deep water. 
 
 THE BZVSB SAOUSITAT has its entrance between Vaches Point on the 
 
RIVER SAGUENAY, &c. 
 
 G9 
 
 the 
 
 tE., 
 
 the 
 
 Mght 
 
 eastern, and Lark Point, com|)08ed of low clay cWiYn, on the western side, from each 
 
 _ _ by a black buoy, 
 to be left on the starboard hand when entering the Saguenay ; and that I'rom Lark 
 Point, named Lark Reef, projects to the southward 3| miles to a small patch, always 
 uncovered, and marked by a red buoy, and also to the eastward a similar distance, 
 where its outer warts bear the names of Lark Islet Spit and IJar Reef, the eastern 
 extremity (4 fathoms) of the latter having u chequered buoy upon it, to be left cm tho 
 l»on, hand. A small rocky patch of 18 leet water lies | a mile S.S.E. from this 
 chequered buoy, with Lark Point bearing W. :f N., distant 3f miles, and Vachen 
 Patch black buoy N. by W. If mile ; this shoal is named Prince Shoal, and if tho 
 western side of the Brandy Pots is brought in a line with the western side of White 
 Islet you will clear the south and south-east edges of Lark Reef, but pass right over 
 this danger. These reefs leave an entrance into the Saguenay only 4 of a mile wide, 
 though nowhere less than II or 12 fathoms deep. 
 
 This extraordinary river, which was imperfectly known till the late surveys, is m 
 remarkable for the great volume of water which it brings down to the St. Lawrence, 
 as for the enormous depth of its bed, which is fully 100 fathoms lower than that of 
 the St. Lawrence. It comes from the Lake St. John, and at Chicoutimi, a trading 
 post of the Hudson Bay Companv, which is 65 miles above its mouth, it becomes 
 navigable, and 6 miles above which, to the rapids, the tide ascends. To Point 
 Roches, 57 miles from the St. Lawrence, and 8 miles below Chicoutimi, it is navigable 
 for the largest ships ; and up to this part there is no danger in the river, the shores 
 consisting of steep precipices, some of the headlands rising more than 1000 feet in 
 height. 
 
 The current runs down with great force, the ebb-tide varying from 3 to 5 knots, 
 according to the breadth of the river, which is from two-thirds of a mile to 2 miles. 
 At the mouth of the river this ebb-tide runs at the rate of 7 knots over Lark Islet 
 Spit, and off the S.W. extreme of Point Vaches. 
 
 Tadousac, which is on the eastern shore, about 1^ nnle within the entrance of the 
 river, was formerly the principal post of tlie French for trading with the Indians. 
 It has declined, and now belongs to the Hudson Bay Company. 
 
 The harbour is abreast the settlement, and is well sheltered ; but a heavy anchor 
 should be cast close in-shore, on account of the eddies which sometimes set into it 
 from the river. 
 
 Fronting the mouth of the river there is a kind of bar, upon which are 12, 20, and 
 28 fathoms, but immediately within, the depth increases to above 100, and a little 
 farther up to 150 fathoms. The current setting strongly over the bar, meeting with 
 the spring ebbs of the St. Lawrence, cause breaking and whirling eddies and ripplings; 
 and these streams opposed to a heavy easterly gale, cause an exceedingly high, cross, 
 and breaking sea, in \yhich no boat could live. On the flood at such times, there is no. 
 more sea than in other parts of the river. 
 
 To enter the Saguenay, have the beginning of the flood, and sufficient daj'light to 
 reach Tadousac. Winds from the S.W., southward to N.E., will take vessels 'into 
 the river with the flood, but the N.E. is most to be depended on ; but whether you 
 approach from the S.W. or N.E., bring the Brandy Pots open to the southward of, or 
 j ust touching White Island, bearing S.S. W. | W. Run upon this mark (and it will lead 
 you well clear of Point Mille Vaches Patches, Prince Shoal, and Lark Reels, ott' the 
 mouth of the river,) until La Boule Point comes in one with Point Hot, bearing N.W- 
 by W. \ W., which will clear the S.W. side of Point Vaches Reef ; Point Hot bein^ 
 the rather low N.W. point of the Harbour of Tcdousac, and La Boule a high and 
 round-backed hill, forming a steep headland, 4 miles above Tadousac, and the extreme 
 point seen on the same side of the river. 
 
 Haul in upon the last-named leading mark, keeping the S.W. extreme of La Boule 
 just open, whiclywill clear all dangers ; and when as far in as Point Rouge, bear 
 towards the trading post, into the harbour, dropping your outer anchor in 16 fathomtf, 
 .and the inner one close to, or within, low-water mark. 
 
70 
 
 fji 
 
 ft 
 
 '4 '■ 
 
 i 
 
 if 
 
 t :' 
 
 I;,..' 
 
 'I 
 
 11 
 
 lii'. 
 
 SOUTHERN SHORE FROM CAPE GASPE TO BIC ISLAND. 
 
 The coast between Capo Gaspo and Capo Chatto is high and bold, free from danger, 
 and destitute of harbourH ; but althou;;h free from danger, it must, nevertheless, be 
 guarded against in dark foggy nights, »ince the water is everywhere too deep to afford 
 sufficient warning by the lead for the safety of vessels. The shore along its whole 
 extent, excepting in some of the bays, is of hijfhl}' inclined slate and grey wackeroQks, 
 which would cut through a vessel s bottom in a very short time ; and such is the 
 impracticable nature of the country, that those who might escape to shore would run 
 great risk of perishing from want before they could reach a settlement. 
 
 Cape Hosier. — At 7 miles from Cape Gaspd is Cape Rosier, which is low and has 
 shoal water extending from it about one-thiraof a mile : in the bay to the southward 
 of it there is also a reef extending half a mile from the shore. Under Cape Rosier 
 there is shelter from N.W. winds, but it is not considered desirable anchorage. Upon 
 the extremity of the cape stands a circular stone tower 112 feet high, and faced 
 externally with fire-bricks of a light colour, from which a fixed light is exhibited at 
 the height of 136 feet above high water, visible in clear weather 16 or 17 miles. It 
 is lighted on the 20th March and continued every night till the Slst December. 
 Lat. 49° 51' 37" N., long 64° 12' W. Signals are given by means of an air or fog 
 ■whistle, sounded at short intervals during foggy weather and snow-storms, or by a 
 nine-pounder gun every hour whenever the whistle is out of order. 
 
 About 7 miles to the north-westward of Cape Rosier are Griffin River and Cove, 
 affording shelter for boats, and 6 miles farther is the Great Pox River, off each point of 
 the entrance to which are reefs sheltering the anchorage. Here vessels may anchor 
 for a short time in summer, and obtain supplies of wood, water, and fresh pro- 
 visions. At 16 miles from Great Pox River is Great Pond, a small creek affording 
 shelter to boats. 
 
 The Magdalen Biver is 24 miles N.W. \ W. from Groat Pond. It is sheltered from 
 the northerly winds by a reef which extends out from the north-west point (Cape 
 Magdalen) of the entrance about 200 fathoms, in a direction parallel to the coast. 
 The river has 13 feet water at spring-tides, so that small vessels are enabled to run in 
 when the sea is smooth and the weather fine. In the bay vessels may anchor in fine 
 weather in 7 fathoms, sand, gravel, and broken shells, at the distance of three- 
 quarters of a mile from the sandy beach, with the N.W. point bearing W.N.W. ; here 
 they will be well sheltered from W.N.W., round by south, to E.S.E. 
 
 About 16 miles from the Magdalen River is the Bay of Mont Louis, in which 
 small vessels may anchor in 8 to 16 fathoms during fine weather, riding nearer the west 
 than the east side; here they will be sheltered from W.N.W., by south, to E.S.E. At 
 the back of the bay is the river, but as it has only 7 feet at the entrance at high water, 
 none but boats can venture in. 
 
 CAPE ST. ANN.— From the Bay of Mont Louis to Cape St. Ann the distance is 
 26 miles, and the coast is of moderate height with cliffs. Inland, and bej^ond the 
 cape, are the mountains of St. Ann, which commence about 4 leagues south-westward 
 of tlie cape, and continue in that direction 10 or 12 leagues. They are of great 
 altitude, and may be seen 80 or 90 miles in clear weather : the highest peak lies 14 
 miles within Cape Chatte, and is estimated to be 3970 feet above the sea; these hiUs 
 are therefore the highest in British America. 
 
 There is a settlement at St. Ann's River, about 3^ leagues E.N.E. from Cape Chatte, 
 where a few families reside, who are always ready to afford assistance if necessity- 
 should require it; but this as well as the little river near Cape Clhatteare both barred 
 at the entrance, and afford very little accommodation to shipping, although the lormer 
 river, St. Ann's, may be entered by small schooners at high water. Cape Chatte River 
 becomes almost dry at low water, except one spot, where 10 feet may occasionally be 
 I'ound. These rivers are therefore but little frequented. 
 
 GAPB CBA.TTE, in long. 66° 49' W., can easily be distinguished, as it appears like 
 a round hill, separated from, but of less height than, the land behind it. It is the 
 most northerly point of land on the south side of the River St. Lawrence. Hence 
 to the River Matan the distance is nearly 11 leagues on a W. i S. bearing ; between 
 there are several coves having the appearance of affording shelter, but none is attain- 
 able. The shore is all bold, with high cliffs, and affords nothing but wood and. 
 
 of 
 E. 
 bo 
 wa 
 
 N. 
 
IIIVER ST. LAWllENCE. 
 
 71 
 
 water. Off this part of tho coast the soundinfjs are all of sand beyond the dopth of 
 15 UitliomH, but within that dopth thoy are hard and foul. In 15 tatlioins watoi- you 
 will not be half a mile from tho rooka, and in some places close to them. The watei- 
 deepens very fast from 15 lathoms; so much so, that 1^ mile from shore you will 
 have 50 and 00 fathoms, with fine, clean sand, and somewhat farther olf no i^round 
 at 100 fathoms. 
 
 The tide Hows, by tho shore, till 2 o'clock nearly, at Cape Chatte ; but the tides in 
 the River St. Lawrence are very much influenced by the winds; so much ho, that stronfj 
 easterly winds make thom flow much stronger and rise much higher, while westerly 
 winds have a contrary effect. Common springs rise 12, neap tides feet. 
 
 Tho Hiver Mafan is small and with a narrow entrance, and only available for small 
 vessels. When abreast of the river, and not more than 3 or 4 miles from it, you ^Vill 
 see several houses, and a bluff cliff standing by itself close to tho west side of the 
 entrance. If desirous of entering, you should never attempt it without a pilot, as the 
 bar shifts, and there is seldom more than 4 feet at low water, and 16 at high water, 
 spring-tidcs. Outside the bar there is anchorage, in 5 fathoms, at half a mile ofl' 
 shore, or a little farther out, in 10 fathoms, bottom sand and clay. A very rapid tide 
 sets out of the river during the ebb. 
 
 Pilots and provisions may bo procured here if you should be in want or distress. 
 Tho tide flows at 2h. on the days of full and change. 
 
 When a few miles to the eastward of Matan, and 3 miles from shore, you will see 
 the Paps of Matan bearing S.W. ; they stand in-lund, to the westward of the river, and 
 are with difficulty to be distinguished, although this is the best bearing upon which 
 to see them ; Mount Camillo will then bear S.W. by W, ^ W., distant 14 or 15 
 leagues : this mountain appears to the northward of all the land t!\en in sight, in tho 
 form of a circular island. 
 
 Prom Matan to Little Metis Bay the distance is 22 miles along a low, rocky, wooded 
 shoi'e. The bay is small and divided into two rocky coves, dry at low water, into the 
 southern of which a stream falls. Metis Point, the outer point of the bay, has several 
 buildings on it, and a reef runs from it to the eastward, which affords shelter to small 
 vessels from the N.W. winds. This reef partly dries at low water, and may be 
 passed by the lead in a depth of 4 fathoms. 
 
 Grand Metis is separated from Little Metis by Metis Point. In the western part 
 of the bay is the river, which is of but little use to ships, as the bay nearly dries at 
 low water; however, small vessels may anchor there with S.W. winds, in 3 fathoms 
 at h)w water, but with westerly winds they will have no shelter. Notwithstanding, 
 vessels lie here during the summer months, to load timber; they generally moor 
 with the river bearing S.S.W., distant Ih mile, in 6 fathoms at low water, bottom 
 mud. A vessel may occasionally anchor anywhere off the bay, in 6 to 12 fathoms, 
 bottom good, and sufficient room to get iinder weigh. Grand Metis has risen into 
 notice from the saw-mills erected on a fall about 3 miles up, where quantities of fine 
 spruce deals are cut. 
 
 Cock Cove, 14 miles to the westward of Metis Point, affords good anchorage in 3 
 fathoms at low water, with shelter from the winds along the coast ; from it Mount 
 Camille bears S.E. by S., distant 8 miles. 
 
 Father Point lies 4^ miles westward of Cock Cove, and may be distinguished by 
 its lighthouse, an octagonal white building, in lat. 48° 31^' N., long 68° 30' 40" W., 
 showing a fixed red light, visible from a vessel between the bearings of W. ^ S., 
 round southerly, and E. by N. i N., and being 43 feet above high water, may be 
 seen to a distance of about 10 miles. It is not ligliied during the winter nights, 
 namely, from 10th Dec. to 10th April. Here there is also a telegraph and pilot- 
 station. 
 
 Bimoushi. — About 3 miles W. by S. from Father Point is Barnaby Island, and 
 between them is the road of Rimouski, where vessels anchor during the summer to 
 take in cargoes of lumber. The best berth is considered to be with the eastern point 
 of the island bearing W. by N., Rimouski Church S.S.W. \ W., and Father Point 
 E.N.E. ; the depth will then be 4 fathoms, at low water spring tides, over mud 
 bottom. Small vessels may anchor farther to the westward in 3 fathoms at low 
 water, with the east end of the rocks, off the eastern point of Barnaby Island, bearing 
 N.W. by W., and distant a quarter of a mile. 
 Off the eastern end of Barnaby Island a reef extends about one-quarter of a mile, 
 
72 
 
 RIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 iHiji ' 
 
 IJ >i 
 
 li.. J 
 
 ■lii I 
 
 n 
 
 \i 
 
 \U \ 
 
 
 ■•/:;t- 
 
 which may be pasncd in 4 futhoniB. Ikrnaby iBland is about 3 miles long, low, and 
 wooded ; there is a channel between it and the shore, which dries at low water, and 
 Hhouid not bo attempted even at high water by veHsels drawing more than 8 feet. 
 At the back of the island, on the main, are the Church and Village of Uimouski ; 
 hero there is a landing-pier 2150 feet long, with a depth of 8^ feet at low water at 
 •its head ; hence to Quebec the distance is 150 miles. 
 
 Near the middle of the outside ui' Barnaby Island there is a 3-fathom shoal extending 
 out 4 of a mile, and the reef olF its western end runs out in a W.S.W. direction more 
 than three-quarters of a mile. Between the western end of Barnaby Island and the 
 mainland there is a large, high, and bare rock, which is distant from the island 
 about two-thirds of a mile. Midway between the western points of the island and 
 the bare rock, bearing North and South from each other, there are two fathoms at low 
 water in Barnaby Koad, over mud bottom, affording good anchorage to small 
 vessels, in all but westerly winds. Rimouski Church in one with the eastern end of 
 the rock will lead over the tail of the reef plF the west end of Barnaby, and into this 
 anchorage. 
 
 From the east end of Barnaby Island the eastern end of Biquette Island bears 
 W. -} N. 14 J miles, and Cape Arignole W. by S., southerly, 13^ miles. Cape Arignole 
 and the east end of Bio Island lie due North and South of each other ; the west end ot 
 the island bears N.W. from the cape, and the east end of the reef, which extends S.E. 
 from the island, N. by E. ^ E. ; the distance from the cape to the body of the island 
 being about 2| miles. 
 
 Between Barnaby and Bio Island are the River Ottey and Old Bic Harbour ; the 
 former bears S.W. from Barnaby, distant about 5 miles, and is of little use to shipping 
 except to water at ; the latter is still further to the westward, about 3 miles, and is a 
 very good place for small vessels to lie sheltered from westerly winds. This hurbour 
 has two round islands on the east side of it, which contract the entrance to two-thirds 
 of a mile in width ; the anchorage is midw • between the westernmost island and 
 the west side of the harbour, in 3 fathoms , w water, the west point bearing West, 
 distant one-third of a mile ; when coming from the N.W. ibr this anchorage, keep the 
 westernmost of the two islands its own breadth open to tiie eastward of the west point 
 of the harbour, as it will lead you clear of the eastern rock of the Cap3 Arignole Keef, 
 which is the only danger in the way. * A family resides here, who occasionally can 
 furnish provisions, if necessary. 
 
 Within Bic Island is Cape Arignole, on the east side of which is the reef, which 
 runs out E. by N. one mile. It consists of two rocks, the western end of the western- 
 most of which is always above water, and bears South 2| miles, from the east end of 
 the S.E. reef of Bic, and E. i N., 1:^ mile, from the N.W. extremity of Capo Arig- 
 nole; but it is distant only a quarter of a mile Irom the rocks off the east side of tlie 
 cape ; this rock is a quarter of a mile long, and very narrow. The eastern rock is 
 small, covered at high tides, and one-third of a mile east from the other. These two 
 rocks are very bold to the northward, and there are 5 or 6 fathoms of water between 
 them. Vessels may pass between them and the main by keeping close to them, but 
 can seldom have occasion to try so dangerous a passage. A good mark to clear this 
 reef, when going in and out of Old Bic Harbour, is to keep the swashway* in the 
 S.E. part of the harbour well open to the eastward of the west point of the harbour, 
 bearing E.S.E. i S. 
 
 On the west side of Cape Arignole is Ha-ha Bay, off the entrance to which there is 
 excellent anchorage in 4 fathoms with easterly winds. 
 
 BIC ISLAND is of moderate height, and about 3 miles long in a direction parallel 
 to the coast. It is thickly wooded, and affords supplies of water, excepting in 
 very dry weather. On its east, west, and north sides are reefs. The N.E. reef is a 
 small patch of black rocks, dry at low water, lying 400 fathoms from the east side of 
 the island, and which may be cleared by bringing the Bicoques Islets on the east side 
 of Old Bic Harbour open to the eastward of the S.E. reef, bearing nothing to the 
 
 * The swaahway here mentioned is formed by a river running doflm between the mountains, 
 and has, just to the westward of it, land appearing lilce chalk, but which really is white barren 
 rock. This is a very good mark for small vessels coming from the westward, and intending to 
 anchor at Old Bic, as the east part of the reef of the cape is covered at high water, and is all 
 rocks, which dry When the tide is out. 
 
RIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 73 
 
 eastward of S.E. by S. The S.E. reef exteiuU oil' IJ milo E. by S. from the Bouth- 
 uuRt imkI of the iHlund, and lius throe rocks on itH outer piirt, which are bold on the 
 north and tiouth sidcB, and always dry. The West Grounds are an extensive flat 
 of slate, partly dry at low water, the outer point of which is distant threc-quarterK 
 of a mile W. .], S. from the west point of the island ; it may be approached to 5 
 fathoms. 
 
 Biquette Island. — A short distance from Bi(; Island, on its northern side, is Hi- 
 quette Island, which is small, being not more than half a milo in extent, and KH) 
 leet hijjh. The channel between is narrowed by some rocks extendinjj off the east 
 and south-east sides of liiquette, and by two or three lying off its west end, to 
 nearly the distance of a mile, so that it is dangerous and intricate for a stranger to 
 attempt this passage. The best time is at low water, when the dangers show, at 
 which time from 5 to 9 fathoms, irregular soundings, will bo obtained in mid-channel. 
 The northern side of the island is steep-to, there being 15 fathoms at a short dis- 
 tance of!'. 
 
 TheN.W. rcefof Uiquette is very dangerous; it lies IJmiledueWest from the island, 
 with the west end of liic in one with the N.E. iwint of Ha-ha Bay, bearing S.S.E. 
 \ E., but this last-mentioned point is not'so easily recognised, on account ol'the high 
 land behind it. In approaching it from the westward, the north extremity of Capo 
 Arignole should not be shut in behind the west point of Lie. This reef is composed 
 of two rocks about 150 fathoms long, and just covered at high water, and like Ui- 
 quette Island are steep-to on the north side, having 12 fathoms close to. At the dis- 
 tance of 2 miles North of the island there are 21 to 30 fathoms, and only 1^ milo 
 from the reef there is the same depth, with bottom of sand. Further olF no bottom 
 will be found at 50 or GO fathoms. 
 
 The lighthouse on Biquetto Island shows a light of the Hrst class, which is lighted 
 from the 15th of April to the 15th of December. It is 112 feet above the sea, and 
 revolves in 2 minutes. A gun is fired every hour during fogs and snow-storms. 
 
 Behind Bic Island, on the main, is the high land of Bic, the highest part of 
 which is 1236 feet above the level of the sea, and bears S.W. by S. 2.t niiles from 
 the cape. 
 
 Alcide Reef. — The Alcide Reef, lying between Bic and the main, is very dangerous, 
 as it is so bold all round that no warning whatever is given by the lead. It is a small 
 rock of about 6 feet in extent, having 4 feet on it at low water, and stands on a rocky 
 shoal 100 fathoms long, lying parallel to the coast. It lies due S.W. from the west 
 
 Soint of Bic, distant 3^ miles : and there is no close leading mark for clearing it, but if 
 loiuit Camille be not entirely shut in behind Cape Arii,'nole vessels will be in no 
 danger of it. 
 
 Under either end of Bic Island there is excellent anchorage, and also between it 
 and the mainland, according to the wind; and vessels which may be met by an 
 easterly wind, had better anchor than attempt to beat down the estuary in the long 
 and foggy nights of the fall of the year. More shipwrecks have arisen in consequence 
 of vessels obstinately endeavouring to beat down against an easterly gale with its ac- 
 companying fog, than from any other cause, and yet all that they can gain by such u 
 course might be run in a few hours of fair wind. 
 
 TIDES, &c. — To the westward of Bic the first of the flood corn's from the N.E., 
 but there is very little stream of flood in neap-tides between Bic and the mainland, 
 excepting close to the latter. In spring-tides it runs through the channel at the 
 average rate of 1^ knot, being strongest near the mainland. It also runs between 
 Bic and Biquette, but the stream extends only a very short distance outside the latter 
 island. 
 
 The stream of flood continues its course along the mainland, passing inside, and 
 also very close outside, of the Kazades, Basque, and Apple Island : but nowhere 
 extending a sufficient distance off shore to be of use to ships beating to the westward 
 much below Green Island. That part of the stream of flood which passes farther out 
 towards Bic, and also that which passes between Bic and Biquette, runs at its full 
 rate only until half flood, after which it becomes gradually weaker, turning to the 
 N.W., round the west end of the island, and finally to the North and N.E., towards 
 the end of the tide. 
 
 The stream of flood becomes weaker, and of less duration, as you proceed to the 
 westward of the islands. Half way between Bic and the Kazades, there is slack 
 
74 
 
 EIVEK ST. LAAVKEiNCE. 
 
 ■}t , 
 
 
 
 wnlor for nhowi an lionr ftt tlio end of tlio obb ; nftor which a Wi-alc flood mnho^ duvin^f 
 the fiiHt quaitor uf thut tide, at the nitu of u ntinrtor of a kiioL; and tliiH is Hiiuceoded 
 by thu uddy flood at thi) rato of 1 J knot, or 2* at the cd)(o of tho iiunk of Soundin^H, 
 which comoH from tho wontwurd, running in tiiu Mauiu diruotion as the ebb during tho 
 remainder of the flood-tide. 
 
 Tfie Hct of tho latter part of tho flood to tho nortlnvard, past tho went end of Bic, 
 Hhould 1)0 remembered by veHsels wei^hin^ from tlio western nnchoru;?e, or approach- 
 ing the island with light winds, especially in the night, or thick weather. 
 
 The first of the ebb sets off shore, or from tho wouthward, and this U more par- 
 ticularly remarkable at the eostorn unchoruge, but it only lasts for a very short time, 
 .itlcr which the stream runs fairly between tho islands, and along tho coast to tlu' 
 eastward for the remainder of the tide. Its rate, in westerly winds, varies from 2 to 
 'J.^ knots, according as it is neap or spring tide, but it does not run so strongly in 
 easterly winds. . « 
 
 The Saulk Bank is both to tho eastward and wentward of Bic and Biquotte, und 
 the assistance which tho soundings on it may ailMrd to vessels at night, or in togs, 
 will be evident. If vosi'els, on approaching those islands from either direction, will 
 but use their leads in reference to the soundings on the chart, and attend to i\u' 
 directions given, they can scarcely run foul of Bicjuette, or its reefs, as has so often 
 occurred in times past ; the 30 fathoms' edge of the South Bank is 7 miles northward of 
 ikrnaby Island, and \\ mile northward of the N.W. reef of Biquette. Between those 
 points tho edge of tho bank continues in a slightly undulating line. Everywhere 
 within that lino there is much less water, and to tlie northward of the South Bank, 
 in every part, there is no bottom with from 60 to 80 fathoms of line, quite over to tho 
 north coast. Tlie 30 fathoms' edge of tho bank is 4 miles northward of the N.E. 
 liazude Islet, and is nearly straight from that point eastward to off the N.W. reef of 
 Biquotte. 
 
 To the westward the South Bank becomes gradually wider, its northern edge pur- 
 suing a direction from off the Ra/ados towards the north side of the lled-Islet Reef. 
 There are nowhere more than 36 fathoms at low water upon it until you arrive 
 within 2 miles of tho line joining the N.E. extremities of the Red-Islet and Green 
 Island Ueefs, and this increase in tho depth of water is a valuable indication to u 
 vessel approaching that dangerous pass in thick weather, when the Green Island 
 Llgh^ eannot be seen. There is anchorage in 10 or 12 I'atUonis, with good holding 
 grouad, all along the south coast from Bic to Green Island. 
 
 
 14. i,i 
 
 n 
 
 BIC ISLAND TO QUEBEC. 
 
 Between Bic and tho Razades tho coast of the mainland is high und rocky, and, 
 with the exception of the Alcido Rock, is free from danger to small vessels, that may 
 stand close in, but ships shoula not stand in further than 7 fathoms at low, and !) 
 iathoms at high water, because of a long ridge of rocky ground extending 5 miles to 
 the E.N.E. from the N.E. Razade Islet, with 17 feet water near its eastern end. To 
 clear every part of this ridge, keep Basque Island its own breadth open to the north- 
 ward of the N.E. Razade. 
 
 The Razadb Islets are two large rocks which bear from each other S.W. \ W. 
 1.J mile. The north-eivsternmost of these islets bears from the N.W. reef of Biquette 
 S.W. f W. nearly 15 miles, and is distant IJt mile from the mainland to the south- 
 ward. Between them and the shore there is no passage for vessels. W.S. W. from 
 the N.E. Razade Islet, distant 5 miles, is Basque Island, about 1-^ mile long, and 200 
 fathoms wide. It is rocky, and there is no passage for shipi> between it and the 
 shore, from which it is distant 2 miles. From the S.W. end of this island a sandy 
 spit runs out a quarter of a mile to the southward. Close, off' the end of this spit 
 there is a long and narrow hole, di or 5 fathoms deep at low water, in which small 
 craft may be secured. The shoal water extends half u mile to the northward of Basque 
 Island, and there is a reef of rocks to the N.W. and W. of its west point. On the 
 western extremity of this reef, and about 600 fathoms distant from the island, is a 
 round rock which shows at half tide. 
 
EIVEK ST. LA.WltENCE. 
 
 70 
 
 lulled 
 tho 
 
 par- 
 rne, 
 tlu» 
 
 2 to 
 
 y ill 
 
 i'A'^ 
 
 Apple Ittland in W.S.W. j W. nenrly 3 milet from 'n««qiio iHlnnd. Between It 
 and tti« hhoro there U no panHnjfe for HliipH, but itii north »ide in very boM, there 
 boin^ 4 futhomH nt the distunco of a ciiblo'it length. 
 
 GUEKN ISLAND.— Tho eaMt end of thin inland in n lon^^ nnd narrow p)int of 
 rockrt, always above water, and running out more than half u mile from the trees 
 towards Apple Ivland, which \a ditttant from it 2} mileM in an K.N.K. direction. 
 Half thiH (liMtnneo towardtt Apple Iitland iit occupied by reels of Mlat(! which dry at 
 low water. In the remainder, there are a few feet of water, nifordin^ a paiiHa^'e i'or 
 small schooner!!, which run in between Green Island and the main at hi^h water. 
 
 A lighthouse stands on the north point of the island, nearly 2 miles from the 
 eastern extrenuty of the rocks above water oH' its east point ; and W.S.W ] W. 'lij 
 miles from Apple Island. It shows a fixed light, GO feet above the sea, and can be 
 seen in clear weather, from the distanite of about 12, 11, or 17 miles, according as 
 the height of the observer's eye is 10, 20, or tK) feet. The tower is square white, 
 and 40 feet high. Behind the lighthouse, at the distance of about a (piarter of a 
 mile, and bearing S.8.E. i E. from it, there is a white beacon, which, when 
 brought in one with the lighthouse, will clear the tail of the Ued-Islet lieef to the 
 eastward. 
 
 The Green Island lleef, which is very dangerous, runs out from the lightliouse 
 N.N.E. ^ E., l| mile, to the 3-fathom mark. Erom its N.E. extremity it trends E. 
 by S. till it joins the shoal water connecting Green and Apple Islands. Its N.W. 
 side is straight, running S.W. by S. from its N.E. extremity to the shore close to the 
 westward of the lighthouse, off which it extends only 2(K) fathoms to the N.W. Tlie 
 rocks on it dry at low water, nearly three-quarters of a mile out from the high-water 
 mark. On tho eastern side this reef may be safely approached by the lead to 7 or 
 even G fathoms at low water, but on the north, north-west, and west sides, there is no 
 bottom with the hand lead until close to it. Half a mile north, and north-west of it, 
 there are between 20 and 30 fathoms of water. At tho distantje of 1 mile N.W. from 
 its N.E. extremity, there are between 40 and 50 fathoms ; and at the distance of 1^ 
 mile, in the same direction, there is no bottom for a short space with 50 i'athoms of 
 line. 
 
 Deep as the water is to the northward of this dangerous reef, there is no other 
 guide, in u thick fog when tho light cannot be seen, but tlie soundings ; yet it will 
 never do to lose command of the vessel by rounding to, in the rapid ebb tide, (which 
 sets upon tho reef at the rate of 5 knots,) for the purpose of getting bottom in the 
 usual way by the common deep-sea lead. 
 
 To clear Green Island lieef, in the day time and clear weather, keep the summit 
 of the high land to the southwai'd of Cape Arignole (or the high land of Bic), well 
 open to the northward of Basque Island. 
 
 There is excellent anchorage in westerly winds under tlic Green Island Reef; it is 
 the general rendezvous of vessels waiting for the Hood, to beat through between 
 Green and Bed Islands. But as the first of the flood comes from the northward, and 
 sets on the shoals, vessels had better not anchor with the light bearing to the west- 
 ward of S.W. ^ W., or in less than 7 fathoms at low water. With that depth, on 
 that bearing, they will be 2^ miles from the light, one mile from the eastern edge of 
 the reef, and the same distance from the shoal water to the southward. If they wish 
 still more room, they may choose their berth in i), 10, or 11 fathoms, and will find a 
 hottoni of stift' mud in either depth. 
 
 The S.W. end of Green Island is low and bare, and has a dangerous reef running 
 from it to the westward above a mile ; this reef, which dries nearly the whole of its 
 length, curves round to the northward, so that its outer edge bears S.W. by W. i W. 
 from the lighthouse. Its northern side is very steep, and iTie flood tide runs strongly 
 over the tail of the reef towards Cacona, and the ebb the contrary. Mafiners, there- 
 fore, should not approach it nearer than 25 fathoms, nor bring the light to bear to 
 the northward of E.N.E. 
 
 About 3^ miles S. W. by S. of the south-west end of Green Island is Cacona, a remark- 
 able rocky peninsula 300 or 400 feet high, which is joined to the main by a low 
 marshy isthmus. At 1^ mile south-westward of Cacona, and just to the northward 
 of the stream of it are the Fercoe Rocks, two clusters, occupying an extent of 1^ 
 mile. They lie about a mile from the main, ar.d are nearlv covered at high water. 
 To the southward of them there is a narrow passage with 3t fathoms in it ; and you 
 
7G 
 
 BIVER ST. LAWBENCE. 
 
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 1 1 
 
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 ■i 
 
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 will always go clear of them to the northward by keeping in not leKn than 8 fathoms 
 water. 
 
 Itiviere-du-Loup en-.pties itself into the St. Lawrence 5 ^ miles south-westward of 
 Cacona Peninsula ; bi'.t at its entrance are only 3 feet at low water of spring tides,, 
 tliough wh'jn within it vessels caa lie aground and load in salet}'. Vessels anchor 
 in 4>h fathoms, mud, at- from f to a mile northward of Loup Point, the northern 
 pomt of the river's mouth, with Riviere-du-Loup Church open westward of 
 th.it point. Here there is a landing-pier 1667 feet long, with a depth of 16 feet 
 at low water at its head ; hence to Quebec the distance is 06 miles. 
 
 RED ISLAN I) is a low, Hat islet, of a reddish colour, and without trees. A rocky 
 bank or reef, I-3 mile broad, extends 2^ miles to the N.E., and is nearly dry in some 
 parts at low water ; but the islet is quite bold at its S. W. end. Anchorage in 10 
 fathoms, good holding-ground, may be had to the S.E. of this reef. This island is 
 situated very nearly in the middle of the river, and bears fiom Green Island Light- 
 house N.W. by W. ^ W., distant 5^ miles. A lighthouse is erected on Red Islet, 
 which is 51 feet high and painted red, and exhibits a red fixed light at 75 feet above 
 the high-water Idvel of the river, visible about 12 milea. Near the east end of 
 Red Island Reel" p buoy, painted red, has been laid down ; it lies in 5^ fathoms, 
 with the south side of Red Island in one witli the north side of Hare Island; and 
 th? beacon on Green island open a little to the eastward of the lighthouse. Should 
 you be suddenly caught to the northward of Red Islet Reef by a shift of wind to 
 the eastvard, so that you cannot fetch round the east end of the reef and gain 
 the south channel, you may safely bear up and run to the westvvard, by giving 
 the N.W. tides of Red Island, White Island, and Hare Island, with its reefs, a 
 berth of If or 2 miles, on your port hand, in passing. When you are 10 miles to 
 the westward of Hare Island, you may salely haul across for the south channel. 
 Observe, that by keeping Kamor.rasca Church just open to the westward of Grand 
 Island, bearing S. by W. \ W., you will clear the S.W. end of Hare Island Reef 
 (on which a red buoy is placed) in 3 fathoms at low water. As the river is all clear 
 to the westward, there is no iiecessity {^je hauling across so near to the reef. There 
 is an anchorage along the N.W. side of Fare Island in 6 to 8 fathoms water, but 
 this is very closo in. 
 
 HARE ISLAND, &c. — In the middle of this part of the river are Hare and White 
 Islands with their reef/ihc Brandy Pots, &c., which divide this part of the river into 
 two chaiiiieis. They altogether occupy an extent of about 20 miles. The North 
 Channel, though not that -.vhich is generally used, is clear, deep, and broad, and 
 might be used advantageously under proper circumstances, as in the case of scant 
 and strong N.W. winds ; but with easterly winds and thick wehlher. or at night, it 
 must not be attempted, f.s ther? are no leading marks, and the depth is too great and 
 irregular to afford any guidance, besides the want of shelter or anchorage on the 
 nor'.h shore. The South Channel, between the reefs and the south shore 01 the river, 
 is generally preferred, as the tides are not so strong, r>or the water so inconveniently 
 deep, as in the otlioi chaniiol ; besides which it has good anchorage \,^ every part, and 
 a sufficient depth of water lor any ships. We will begin in our description of this 
 range ol islets and reefs at their western extremity. 
 
 Have Island Bank is separated from the western endof Hare island by a channel 
 half a mile wide, in which are 3-^ to 4 fathoms. It is of great extt-nt, lying along the 
 rorth side of the South Channel for a distance of 9 miles, and 1?^ mile broad, with 
 soundings over it of 1 to 23- fat'ionis. On the northern part c^f this bank, there is a 
 portion always dr}-, which is cov'rcd with grass and bushes. All along the south 
 bide of the bar.k there is good anchorage in 7 fadioms, and no vessel should 
 approach it nearer. TJu; ijouth-west end of the bank may bo cleared in 3 fathoms, 
 by keeping Kamourasca Church just open to the westward of Grand Island, bearing 
 S. by \V. ^ W. 
 
 The south-west end of Hare Island ]3ank is marked by a red buo)'^, which lies wiHi 
 Kamourasca Church a little open to the westv/ard of the large island of Kamourasca, 
 and the north sir^e of the Hare Island Rf;ef in o^e with the north side of Hare Island, 
 bearing N.PL \ N. At the east t-nd of the bank there is a knell of 12 feet marked 
 by a red buoj^ which lies with tiie west end of Hare Island btiaringN.W. .{ W., and 
 the south side of Hare Island and the middle of White Island in oiic. To the easc- 
 
BIVER ST. LAWEENCE. 
 
 77 
 
 ward of this buoy, at two-thirds of a mile, is another knoll of 2| to 3 fathoms. From 
 these knolls a narrow ridge, of 3^ to 4 fathoms, runs N.E. by E., about 5 miles, to the 
 Middle Knoll, on which there is a white buoy. This Middle Knoll is a small patch 
 of rocks, upon which there are 10 feet at low water, with 4 to 8 fathoms close-to all 
 round : it lies exactly in the line from the extreme of Loup Point to the N.W. point 
 of the Brandy Pots, the latter bearing N.W. by W. ] W., and the south point of the 
 same islands bearing N.W. .V W., 1^ mile. 
 
 Barrett Ledge. — Between Barrett Ledge and the Middle Xr.oU there are 4 to fi 
 fathoms. Barrett Ledge is composed of two detached rocks. On the south-western 
 rock lies a chequered black-and-white buoy, having the northern extremity cf the 
 mainland within Green Island, in a lino with the northernmost high land of Capt'^ 
 Arignole, bearing N. iy\F E. ; the summit of the southernmost mountain of the high 
 land of Kamourasca in one with the south point of Great Pilgrim Island, S, 30° W. ; 
 the eastern side of the trees on Haro Island in one with the west cape of the Bay of 
 Rocks, (on the north shore,) N. 47'^ W. ; and two houses near the River du Loup, 
 S. 29° E. ; the latter are the only two houses between the church and River du Loup. 
 The rocks of Barrett Ledge bear from each other N. 63° E., and S. 63° W., one 
 quarter of a mile. The N.E. rock has 10 feet over it; the S.W. has 12. Between 
 them is a depth of 8 fathoms. The leading mark through this part of the channel, 
 leaving Barrett Ledge and Middle Ground to the northward, and Percoe Rocks and 
 Pilgrim Shoal to the southward, is Green Island Lighthouse just shutting in with the 
 S.W. point of the island, N.E. f E. 
 
 Hare Island is about 7 miles long, and about a mile broad. On its southern side 
 and near its eastern extremity lie so i,-^ islets named th< Brandy Pots, on the southern 
 and smallest of which there is a ten;,;raph. The northernmost Brandy Pot is the 
 highest, being about 150 feet high, and is covered with trees; at itsH.W, point there 
 is a good spring, but it dries in very hot weather. A little to the eastward of the 
 Brandy Pots, and connected with them at low water by a chain of rocks, is the Noggin, 
 a small islet covered with ti-ees. Half-way between the Noggin and the east end of 
 Hare Island is a reef of rocks, which dries at low water; it lies close to Hare Is.land, 
 and therefore not in the way of shipping, and by keeping in 7 fathoms you will always 
 go clear. 
 
 To the westward of the Brandy Pots, the south side of Hare Island has a flat of 
 hard ground extending I'roni it, 4 miles in length, and about halt a mile in breadth. 
 The whole of this side of the island is bounded with rocks. 
 
 From the east end of Hare Island a leuge of rocks extends to the north-oastward for 
 about 5 miles, and dries for tlie greater part of that distance. This ridge is extremely 
 dangerous, because there is no mark to clear it, and the flood-tide sets strongly upon 
 and over it into the North Channel. Near the middle of the reef is the White Islet, 
 which is small, low, and covered with trees. On the N.E. end of the reef, the north 
 sic'eof Hare Island and the south side of White Islet are touching, and the west point 
 of Cacona bearb S,L. \ E. Vessels should como no nearer to it than 10 fathoma <*t low- 
 water : here there is generally a black buoy. The passage between the N.E. end ol" 
 the reef and Red Islet is 6i miles wide, and free from danger. 
 
 THE PILGRIMS a.e live islets lying at the di stance of 1$ mile from the shore 
 on the south side of the South Channel, with no passage between. They are about 
 4!r miles in extent, aud are eoimected together by rtsels, which dry at low water. 
 The largest i»h«t is also the highest, being about 300 leet high, and partially covered 
 with trees : abreast of it is anchon^e for small vessels, m 2^ fathoms v/ater. Out- 
 side the Pilgrims hIiouI water of 2 fathoms extends to the distance of aoout half a 
 mile, and thence it extend* to the eastward and westwai'd parallel to the shore, from 
 which it is distant fully 3 mile*. To the eastward of the Pilgrims this shoal water 
 takes the name of the Banc du Loup, and to the we.stward of those islands the Banc 
 de St. Andre. 
 
 The Pilgrim Shoal is long and narrow, and runs for the distance of 4 miles in a 
 direction nearly parallel to the shore, from which it is distant only 2 miles. On the 
 northern side there is a black buoy, lying in 4^- fathoms, with the west ends of Hare 
 and Great Pilgrim Islands in a line bearing N.N.W. \ W., and S.S.E. \ E. The 
 eastern end of the shoal, in 3 fathoms, lies with the N.E. end of the trees of Hare 
 Island and the eastern side of the Brandy Pots in one, bearing N. 2 E. On this 
 
78 
 
 EIVER ST. LAWBENCE. 
 
 shoal there aro 2\ fathoms. The leading-mark through, between Pilgrim Shoal and 
 Hare Island, i« the north side of Burnt Island just open of Grand Island, bearing 
 S.W. •'' w. 
 
 THE KAMOURASCA ISLANDS lie nearly 6 miles to the westward of the Pil- 
 grims, and 2a miles from the shore. Behind them are the cliurch and settlement of 
 the same name. The islands altogether occupy a space of about 3 miles ; the two 
 northern named Grand and Burnt Islands are steep-to on the northern sides, and must 
 be approached with care. Off this part of the coast there is good anchorage, with 
 the Church of Kamourasca just open to the westward of Crow Island, bearing 
 S.E. ^ E., and Grand Island just open to the northward of Burnt Island. Here you 
 will anchor well sheltered from the prevailing winds, but exposed to the N.W. ; the 
 depth is 7 fathoms, stiff mud, at a short distance from the 3-fathoms edge of the bank. 
 Large vessels wishing for more room may anchor farther out anywhere to the west- 
 ward. 
 
 Erom the Kamourasca Islands a shoal bank lines the coast to the w^estward, which 
 may be approached to the depth of 7 fathoms u^ o the buoy on the shoal of St. Ann. 
 
 From Crow Island Cape Diable bears S.W. ^ W"., distant nearly 3 miles ; from the 
 cape, in the direction of Crow Island, a rocky reef runs off, the easternmost part of 
 which is covered at a quarter- flood. At 2^ miles above Cape Diable is Point St. 
 Denis, to the southward of which is a little cove, having good riding opposite at 1^- 
 mile from the shore, in from 8 to 8 fathoms. 
 
 Point Origneaux lies nearly 2 miles westward of Point St. Denis ; here there is 
 a landing-£jier 1200 feet long, and with 15 feet of water at its head at low tide; 
 lience to Quebec the distance is 66 miles. 
 
 The land from St. Denis runs 5 miles south-westward to Point Quelle, and is all 
 low, with rocks before it. From Point Quelle a bank runs off, and lines the shore 
 for a distance of 8 miles to the westward, as far as Point St. Roque, and extends off 
 the coast fully 4 miles ; over this sand and mud flat are scattered many large stones. 
 Just under Point Ouellftis the river leading up to the church and settlement, which 
 will admit vr ssels drawing irom 10 to 15 feet water. The coast between Points 
 Quelle and St. Roque bends inwards, forming the Bay of St. Ann, which is shoal all 
 over by reason of the sand and mud flat previously mentioned ; at the back of this 
 bay is a settlement of the same name. At the northern edge of this bank, 3| miles 
 N.W. from Quelle Point, is a black buoy, and at 4 miles N.N.W. from St. Roque is 
 a lightvessel, both of which must alway» be left on the port or south bide when bound 
 upwards. 
 
 THB ZrOBTH SKORB FEOM THE SaGUENAT TO CoUDRES IsLAND. — From the 
 
 Saguenay to Coudres Island the northern shore of the river is boid and mountainous. 
 In most parts the granitic hills rise immediately from the I'iver, forming steep pre- 
 cipitous headlands. Near the entrance of the Saguenay these hills are about 1000 
 feet high, but those of the Ebouiemens attain an elevation of 2547 feet above the 
 tide- waters of the river. 
 
 At 6| miles S.W. of Lark Point is situated Cape Basque, and about 1^ mile to the 
 northward of the cape lies Echafaud Islet, a small rocky islet in the mouth of a cove ; 
 it bears 5 miles W. ^ S. from the S.E. extreme of Lark Reef, the shoal of which ex- 
 tends as i'ar as this place. Basque Road is a well-sheltered anchorage lying off this, 
 the best position being the Echafaud bearing W.N.W., rather less than a mile dis- 
 tant, in 10 or 11 fcithoms, over clay bottom. 
 
 Th(' Bay of Rocks is about 2^ miles south-westward from Cape Basque, and affords 
 shelter only :o boats. At 5| miles S.W. | S. of Cape Basque is Cape Dogs, which is 
 quite bold and high ; and similar to it is C^ape Salmon, which is situated S.W. \ S., 
 9| miles distant from it. About l|t mile farther to the westward is Port Salmon^ 
 which, like Port Parsley and Shettle Port, to the eastward, are oniy boat harbours. 
 Hence to Quebec the settlements a^o nearly continuou^i. At 5 miles S.W. by 
 W. \ VV. from C:*pe Salmon is situvited Cape Eagle, which is of the same character. 
 
 MURRAY BAY. -This bay lies Q\ miins W, by H. froni Cape Eagle, and is li> 
 niile wide, and nearly as deep. A rapid and nnnavigable river i'alls into the head of 
 , ; and the bay is nearly all dry at low wuter, except the shallow channels h?adirig to 
 the rivcv. The anchorage is ;'lose under the high rocky shore, a little to the eastward 
 of the bay; with Point Ga/e, its west point, bearing S.W. \ W. ; Point Pique, its 
 oast poiiit, W. by N., about 400 fathoms j and Point Heu E.N.E. i PJ. 
 
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RIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 70 
 
 Mai Bay. — Goose Cape lies 9^ miles S.W. \ S. from Point Gaze ; it Im bold and 
 rocky, and lorms the westei'n extremity of Mai Bay, while Point Gaze, on the west 
 of Murray Bay, forms the eastern extremity. Mai JJay is formed by a slight in- 
 curving of the coast, and shoals extend a quarter of a mile off shore, and thoro is 
 no good anchorage in it. There is a landing-pier here 475 feet long, and with 
 a depth of 18 feet at its head at low water ; hence to Quebec the distance is 60 
 miles. 
 
 At .3 miles W. by S. from Goose Cape is situated Cape Martin. Between these 
 capes the shore is very slightly indented, and the shoals dry out about one-quarter of 
 a mile, that is, nearly to a line joining the two capes. About halfway between 
 them, but rather nearer Goose Cape, a stream descends a ravine, and off the mouth 
 of the latter there is a very large boulder stone named the Grosse Rock. Anchorage 
 may be obtained in 7 fathoms, with Grosse Rock bearing N. by W. ; here you will 
 be sheltered from the tides, which run past Goose Cape with great rapidity, and 
 occasion at times a strong rippling. 
 
 JElioulemens Hay is between Capos St. Martin and St. Joseph, and is full of mud 
 and large stones, but there is a landing-pier in it> 920 feet long, with a depth of 9i 
 feet at its head at low water ; hence to Quebec the distance is 53 miles. 
 
 COUDRES ISLAND.— This isknd is ab . 5^ miles long and 1\ wide. The east 
 end of the island bears from Cape Martin S.W. by S. 2y miles. Rocks and shoals line 
 its south shore, and extend a mile out from it, as they do also off its N.E. point ; but 
 the north side of the island is bold ibr about 2 miles to the eastward of Prairie Bay. 
 Prairie Bay lies near the centre of the north side of Coudres Island, and off Point 
 Prairie, its west point, a shoal, covered at high water, extends 620 fathoms to the 
 N.W. from high-water mark, and shelters the bay from S.W. winds. The line of 
 Notre Dame Church in one with the N.E. end of the low clay cliff of Point St. 
 Joseph passes 100 fathoms within the .3-fathoms north extreme of this shoal ; but 
 if the church be kept on with the N.W. end of the same cliff, it will lead clear of the 
 shoal in deep water. The cross mark for the north point of the shoal is St. Pierre 
 Church and the east side of St. Paul's Bay in one. 
 
 
 THE NORTH, MIDDLE, AND SOUTH CHANNELS TO QUEBEC. 
 
 THE NORTH CHANNEL lies f^o the northward of Coudres Island, and runs 
 along the northern shore of the river; and on the south side of it is the line of shoals 
 which extends from the west side of Coudres Island to Burnt Cape Ledge and the 
 Bayfield Isles. It is a fine channel, and although not so convenient for the purposes 
 of navigation as the South Channel, which is the most generally used, still it may 
 be of service at times, as it frequently remains open, or free from ice, some time after 
 the South Channel becomes unnavigable in the fall of the year. 
 
 The eastern entrance to this channel is between the reel' which extends a mile to 
 the E.N.E, of the N.E. end of Coudres Island and the shoals off Eboulemens Bay, 
 where there is a large settlement and a landing-pier. You may clear the shoals, on 
 each side of this part of the channel, by keeping one mile from the northern shore, 
 or not approaching it nearer than 10 or 12 fathoms water ; the mai'k lor clearing 
 the shoals westward of Cape St, Joseph being Cape Goose and Cape Martin in one 
 E. by N. 
 
 St. Paul's Bay, opposite the west end of Coudres Island, is shoal and rocky ; it 
 has a great ripple at some distance off, around Cape Corbeau, its eastern side. Its 
 western point, named Cape Labaie, has shoals of mud and large stones extending off 
 it for three-quarters of a mile, and which also extend for 11^ miles to the south- 
 westward to an equal distance off sliore ; to clear them off Labaie, you must bring 
 the extrame western Capes Rouge and Gribanue open to the southward of Cape 
 Mail bird S.W. \ AV. 
 
 After cleuviiig the N.W. reef of Coudres Island by the before-mentioned mark, there 
 Is H fine straight channel from \\ to 2,j miles bvoud, entirely free from danger, and 
 oxtonding 18 '>r 15) miles to the Burnt Cape Jjedgc _ Tiio depth does not exceed 17 
 futhouihi, aud tlieic is good unchuiagt; luvvaida the sides, out of the strength of the 
 
80 
 
 EIVEE ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 IK: '4 i 
 
 tides, which run stronger and with more sea in this long and open reach than in the 
 South Channel. 
 
 The southern side of this channel is a bank, extending, as before mentioned, from 
 Coudres Island to Burnt Cape Ledge. Its edge is nearly parallel with the coa;»t, and 
 is easily followed. 
 
 The Neptune Kock is nearly 15 miles S.W. from Coudres Island, within the edge 
 of this southern shoal, and is easily recognised. 
 
 The North Shore is high, and, as previously mentioned, is lined with shoals. At 
 1] mile S.W. of Cape Maillard is a landing-place named Abattis, 2 miles to the 
 south-west of which is the Sault au Cochon, where the shoals, which line the shore, . 
 cease. There is only one landing-place, La Gribanne, between Abattis and Cape 
 Tourmente, a distance of 11 mil^s. To the westward of the Sault au Cochon the 
 mountainous and uninhabited coast is quite bold, the high and precipitous capes, of 
 various granitic rocks, being washed by the river as far as Cape Tourmente, where 
 the Seminairo Bank commences, and the mountains trend to the N.W. away from 
 the shore. 
 
 The Burnt Cape Ledge, nearly opposite Cape Brule, from which it is distant 1^ 
 mile, is composed of slate rocks, and is very dangerous. Its S.W. end is always 
 above water, and bears S.W. | W., 4| miles, from the Neptune Rock. 
 
 The Brule Banks are to the westward of the Burnt Cape Ledge, and are joined to 
 it by shoal water. Their northern edge is only 6(X) fathoms from Cape Brule, and 
 the depth of water between them is 7 to 10 fathoms. Between their N.E. point and 
 Burnt Cape Ledge there is a bay, but it has no passage through to the westward, 
 and must therefore be avoided. On the N.E. point of the Brul6 Banks, in 3 fathoms, 
 the west end of the Burnt Cape Ledge is in one with the east side of Heron Island, 
 bearing S.E. 
 
 The Traverse Spit lies between the Brule Banks and the eastern point of Orleans 
 Island, its N.E. part forming, with the S.W. part of the Brule Banks, the Eastern 
 Narrows of the North Traverse, which is only 250 fathoms wide ; 4 fathoms can be 
 carried through within this breadth. The Traverse Spit and the Horse Shoe Bank 
 to the N.W. of it, as well as the Brule Banks, dry, for the most part, soon after half- 
 ebb, and thereby greatly lessen the difficulty of the passage. 
 
 Four fathoms can be carried through the Traverse, and the mark for leading through 
 the Eastern Narrows into it is, the S.W. point of Reaux Island and Point St. Vallier 
 in one, bearing S.S.W. f W. From the Eastern Narrows the Channel runs S.W. by 
 W. close along the southern edge of the Traverse Spit, leaving all other shoals to the 
 southward. At the distance of 2^ miles you come to the Western Narrows, which are 
 also 250 fathoms wide and 44 fathoms deep. Trie Western Narrows are between the 
 Traverse Spit and the West Sand, a sand which is 1^ mile long, and has 7 feet least 
 water upon it ; its eastern extremity is, or was, marked by a chequered buoy. The 
 mark for leading through these narrows, after having arrived as far as the east end of 
 the West Sand, (which will be when Berthier Church is just open of the S.W. point 
 of Reaux Island, bearing S. i W.,) is Points St. John and Dauphin, on the south 
 side of Orleans Island, in one, bearing S.W. \ W. 
 
 Having cleared the Western Narrows, there is a fine clear passage between Orleans 
 Island and the banks of Madame Island, not less than two-thirds of a mile wide and 
 with good anchorage all the way to the South Channel at Point St. John, a distance 
 of nearly 7 miles. 
 
 The channel to the northward of the Island of Orleans has water enough for the 
 largest ships, but it is too narrow and intricate for general use. There arc also no 
 leading marks which could be made available. 
 
 THE MIDDLE CHANNEL lies between the shoals and islands which form the 
 northern yide of the South Channel, and the long line of shoals and reefs wh'oh 
 extend from Coudres Island to Reaux Island, at the east end of the Island of Orleans. 
 The entrance, to the north of the Seal Islands, has not more than 3 fathoms at low 
 water ; but having passed this shallow part, there is depth and room enough for the 
 largest ships, until you arrive at the Bayfield Islands, where the Middle Traverse 
 communicates with the South Traverse by various narrow passages between the 
 islands. There is plenty of water at .ill times in most of these passages, bv\t the tides 
 set strongly through them : and though it would be pousiUe to takv ovcu xhn largest 
 
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EIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 81 
 
 ships up to Quebec by the Middle Channel, were it requisite from any cause to do 
 so, yet they are too intricate and difficult for general navij^ation. 
 
 THE SOUTH TRAVERSE.— Between Point St. Roque and St. Thomas the 
 south shore of the St. Lawrence is low, but gradually rises into wooded ridges of 
 considerable elevation at the distance of a few miles back from the river. All along 
 the south shore the houses are numerous, and are grouped into villages round the 
 Churches of St. Jean, L'Islet, St. Ignace, and St. Thomas, where supplies may always 
 be obtained. 
 
 L'Islet. — The Churches of St. Roque, St. Jean, and L'Islet stand low down near 
 the water's edge, and are distant nearly 7 miles from each other, the last being 
 opposite Goose Island Reef, and having near it a landing-pier 1200 feet long, with a 
 depth of 8 1 feet at its head at low water ; hence to Quebec the distance is 40 miles. 
 The River Jolie lies about 2| miles above or to the south-westward of the Church of 
 St. Jean : and the River Trois Saumons a mile farther in the same direction : both 
 afford shelter to small craft and good landing for boats, excepting at low water, and 
 there are 12 feet water in their entrances at high watei', spring-tides. At 13 i 
 miles to the westward of the Church of St. Jean lies that of St. Ignace, which stands 
 about tluee-quarters of a mile back from Cape St. Ignace, a small round, rocky penin- 
 sula, which will be easily recognised. At 5^ miles to the westward of the Church of 
 Ht. Ignace lies that of St. Thomas, which stands on the western bank of the River 
 Sud, and nearly opposite the west end of Crane Island. The River Sud falls into the 
 St. Lawrence by a cascade of .30 feet just within its entrance. 
 
 In this extent of coast shallow water extends out to a considerable distance, and is 
 generally called the South Bank. The part of this bank which projects t miles out 
 from Point St. Roque to the lightvessel at the Traverse, and is known by the name 
 of the Shoal of St. Roque, is extremely dangerous, being composed of a thin covering 
 of sand, mud, and stones, over slate rock. Over these shoals the depth of water in 
 many parts docs not exceed 9 or 10 feet. 
 
 The Narrows of the South Traverse lie between these shoals and the Middle 
 Oround ; the east end of the Middle Ground lies with the east end of Coudres Island 
 N.W. by W,, distant 3-^ miles. The eastern end of the narrowest part of this clnumel 
 is pointed out by a lightvessel, moored in 3 i'athoms, just otf the norlli-east edge of 
 the St. Roque Shoals, and bearing two fixed lights, of which the main light is 1 feet 
 higher thafi the other; they are visible at a distance of about 9 miles in clear weather, 
 and lie 5| miles W.S.W. \ S. from the black buoy* on St. Ann's Shoal ; these must be 
 left on your port hand going up. The utmost attcmion is requisite here, as it is con- 
 sidered, and with reason, to be the most intricat part of the river, and the currents 
 are various, irregulai*, and strong. In the middle of the river a bank stretches all 
 the way from Hare Island to the Middle Ground ; it is generally about a mile wide, 
 with 8 to 14 fathoms on it; this was formerly named the English Bank. The 
 soundings are regular, and the bottom sand and nmd, affording good anchorage. 
 
 At nearly a mile VV. by S. of the lightvessel is a red buoy on the Middle Ground, 
 to be left on the starboard hand ; and nearly opposite is a black buoj' on the Shoal of 
 St. Roque, to be left on your port hand : and 2 miles S.W. from this is a black buoy, 
 to be left on the port hand, opposite to which is a red buoy on th<> S.W. end of the 
 Middle Ground, to be leit on youi starboard hnvd. Th*^ narrv^^x extend frojn these 
 latter buoys to the lightvessel, a distance of 3 xuiles, and *«» little moiv than one 
 qtiarter of a mile wide, with 4 to 10 fathoms at low water, s^Mring tides. A^v^her black 
 buoy lies nearly 2^ miles S.W. ^ S. from the last black hiioy, and is to be left on 
 your port hand; there is also a black buoy on a 13 I'eet patch off St. Jean, 2 les 
 further to the S.S.-westward, atul a liUle farther on is a chequered black-and-white 
 buoy, on the Traverse Patrh, of 3 fathoms, to be left on your starboard hand; but 
 there is plenty of wiilol on tlu> north side of this buoy. Hence a S.W. by S. 
 course, 2^ miles, brings you abreast of the Stone Pillar, on vvhich is a revolving 
 light. 
 
 The rillai's,i'Src.—T\\e Avignon, a half-tide rock, round on the top, and dry nt 
 three-qwrtvtoV* ubl>, Ho* at the distance of 2 cables' lengths S.E. from the body of the 
 
 * \\y a recent olficial notice, uU the buoys on the south bank are said to be black, ami those oa 
 tUo north banks r«d, with a few exceptions. 
 it. L. f 
 
82 
 
 EIVER ST. LAWEEJSCE. 
 
 rr 
 
 o 
 
 Stouo Pillar, with a depth of 7 fathoms close to it. Crane Island, kept well open to 
 the southward of the large reef off Goose Island, leads clear to the southward of it. 
 The Pilier Boisu, or Woody Pillar, a high round rock, with trees on the western 
 part of it, lies at a niilo and a quarter westward of the Stone Pillar. At half a 
 inilo to the east of it is a rock named the Middle Eock, with a beacon upon it, 
 dry at half-ebb. To the northward of the Piliers or Pillars are the Seal Islands 
 and Reefs, having an extent of nearly 4 miles N.E. by E. and S.W. by VV. In a 
 considerable extent the rocks which form these reefs are dry at low water. The bank 
 on which they lie is extensive on the N.E. towards Coudres Island. At 1^ mile 
 S.W. I W. Irom the Stone Pillar, is the commencement of a ledge of high rocks,, 
 named the Goose Island Reef, extending thence 83 miles S.W. ^ W., the western 
 part of which is composed of rocks, always above water, and steep-to on their 
 south side. There is a narrow channel, only fit for small craft, between it and 
 the N.E. end of Goose Island, to which it lies parallel at the distance of a long- 
 half-mile. 
 
 On the Stone F'lllav there is a light revolving every 1-]- minute. The buildin 
 is of stone, conical shaped, painted white;, and 38 feet high, and the light beln 
 .shown at an elevation ot 08 fieet above the water, can be seen about 13 miles oft*. 
 
 GOOSE ISLAND is connected by low meadow land to Crane Island, the whole of 
 which occupies an extent of 11 miles in the direction of N.E. \ E. and S.W. \ W. 
 Prom the south side of this lowland a shallow Hat runs off' n^iirly a mile, and nar- 
 rows the channel very much as you approach the Be-.vujeu Bank, on each end of which 
 a white buoy is now placed. The eastern buoj lies with Onion Island N.W. by W. 
 \ W., and the western buoy with the farmhouse on Crane Island N. by W. A farm- 
 house may be seen on Goose Island, to the eastward of which, and close to low-watef 
 mark, there is a large rock named the Hospital Rock. Two miles and a half 
 westward of this rock is a long reef, dry at low water, but it is out of the fairway 
 and close along* the island. The north side of Crane Island is in a good state of cul- 
 tivation. On drawing toward it you will see a farmhouse on the east end. To the 
 S.E., at half a mile from this house, is the edge of the Beaujeu Bank, a narrow shoal, 
 which extends 2 miles theuce N.E. \ E., and has, on its shallowest part, only 8 
 ix3et at low water. It is separated from the flat that runs off from the main by a chan- 
 nel, having 4 to 5 fathoms in it, but just within the west entrance of this channel 
 lies a Icnoil, of only 12 feet. The channel between Beaujeu Bank and tl)>e eastern 
 end of Crane Island has 4 to 5 fathoms in it ; but its breadth scarcely exceeds a 
 t|uarter of a mile. Two red buoys are placed on the N.W. side of this channel^ 
 opposite the white buovs on the Beaujeu Bank. 
 
 BAYFIELD ISLANDS lie to the west of Crane Island. Exclusive of a number 
 of small islets and rocks, the principal are Canoe Isle on the north side of Crane 
 Island ; the Margaret Island ; next westward is the Grosse Island, and the Isle du 
 lleaux, and the westernmost is Madame. The whole of these islands, from Crane 
 Island to the west end of Madame Island, occupy a space of 14 miles. There are 
 several passages between the isles, but they ai'e too intricate to be understood without 
 reference to tht chart. 
 
 A reef of rocks extends half a mile from the western end of Crane Island, and dries 
 at low water; and a sliallow spit runs out 1:} mile farther westward, on which a red 
 buoy is placed, Avith St. Thomas's Church bearing S.S.E. ^ S. Grosse Island is inha- 
 bited, and is 2 miles in length, lying N.E. by E. and S.W. by W. 
 
 Eeaux Island is about 150 feet high, and lather longer than Grosse Island, but 
 narrower. Madame Island is somewhat smaD^r than Beaux Island; both are 
 covered with trees. A rocky reef extends S.W. by W. 2.V miles from Madame 
 Island, and dries for the most part at lovr water ; and ships ought not to go nearer 
 to it than 7 or 8 fathoms water. The mark to clear it is, some pai-t of Reaux 
 Island kept open to the southward of Madame Island. The western extremity of 
 the reef lies with St. Vallier's Chui'ch bearing S. j E. A red buoy now marks the 
 western point of this reef, which here divides the western extreme of the north from 
 the south channel. 
 
 At Grosse Island is the quarantine station, the entrance to which lies between the 
 i.sland and Marga)-et Island, and is marked by a red buoy on the south, and a che- 
 quered buoy on the north side ; vour course in from the South Channel is about 
 N. by E. 
 
BIVEll ST. LAWKENCE. 
 
 83 
 
 POINT ST. THOMAS on tiik souxnEnN snoiiE.— Point St. Thomas is low, and 
 lies 3 miles W. \ N. from the entrance of the liiver Sud. 
 
 From the land of St. Thomas a flat, or mud-bank, partly dry at low water, named 
 the Bank of St. Thomas, extends more than half-way over toward Crane Inland. Its 
 northern extrtjmity is 2 miles S.W. by W. from the south point of the island: at 
 this extremity a black buoy is now placed, with St. Thomas's Church bearing S. ^l E. 
 
 The Wj/e liock.'i lie immediately to the north of the Point of St. Thomas. They 
 are separated from the western part of the Bank of St. Thomas by a channel nearly a 
 quarter of a mile wide and 1 fathoms deep. They form a nanow ridge 400 fathoms 
 long in a S.W. direction, and have 4 feet least water at their western end. The clear- 
 ing mark is Belle Chasse Island and Point St. Vullicr touching ; this leads about 2 
 cables to the northward of the rocks, and also along the nortliern edge of the Bank of 
 St. Thomas in 4 fathoms. 
 
 Berthie)\~M b^ miles W.S.W. J W. from Point St. Thomas is situated Berthier 
 Church and Village. The intermediate shore is rocky and rather low, with shoal 
 water extending olf it a third of a mile. Close to the eastward of the church is 
 situated the Trou de Berthier, a tide harbour for the river craft, dry at low water ; 
 here there is also a landing-pier 587 feet long, with a depth of 15 teet at its head at 
 low water ; hence to Quebec the distance is 20 miles. 
 
 Belle C/ia.sie JTs/rtwc/ lies parallel to the shore, and its west point bears W. by N., a 
 mile, from Berthier Church, and not mo-re than ^1\ fathoms can be carried through 
 between the island and the main. The island is composed of high, steep, and bare 
 greywacke rocks. North from the centre of the island, and at a distance of 110 
 i'athoms, lies a small pointed rock, nearly dry at low water, and with from 4 to 
 lUthoms between it and the island. A shallow bay lies within the island to the south- 
 westward, with the small i iver Belle Chasse running into it. 
 
 At 2^ miles W. \ S. from Berthier Church is situated Point St. Vallier, which is 
 remarkable as being higher than any other point below it on the south shore, above 
 the Traverse. At 3,j miles W. by S. from Point St. Vallier is situated Point St. 
 Michel, which is very low. Keefs of slate, dry at low water, extend a considerable 
 distance to the N.E. from both these points, but especially the latter. On the shore 
 of the shoal bay between Points St. Michel and St. Vallier, and at 2 miles S.W. by W. 
 from the extremity of the latter, stand the church and village of St. Vallier. The 
 Bank of St. Vallier fills the whole bay between these points, and extends nearly three- 
 quarters of a mile to the N.E. from Point St. Michel. At 2 miles W. by S. from Point 
 St. Michel stand the Village and Church of the same name, and at Point Durantaye, a ' 
 mile to the westward of the chm-ch, shoal water extends only 100 fathoms off shore. 
 
 The Beaumont Reefs commence from Point Durantaye, extending more and more 
 from the shore until opposite Point St. Lawrence, on the Isle of Orleans, where their 
 northern edge, in 3 fathoms, is neatly three-quarters of a mile offshore. They extend 
 less from the shore as we proceed farther to the westward, and may be considered to 
 cease about a mile to the westward of Roy's Mill, the shoal water there reaching only 
 130 fathoms <rom the shore. These shoals are rocky, and dry in part at low water ; 
 and their northern edge is steep, with very deep water close-to. The warning by the 
 lead is insufficient in a vessel going fast, aind therefore these shoals should be ap- 
 proai;hed with great caution. A black buoy is now placed on the northern edge of the 
 Beaumont Reefs, with St. Lawrence Church bearing North. 
 
 At 5 miles W.S.W. of St. Michel stand Beaumont Church and Beaumont Mill, and 
 a mile to the westward of Beaumont Mill is situated Roy's Mill, where there is a water- 
 fall. At Q\ miles from Beaumont Church stands St. Joseph Church, on Point Levi. 
 Between Point Levi and Roy's Mill the shoal water nowhere extends above a quarter 
 of a mile from the shore. Oft'' Point Levi a reef extends 180 lathoms to the north- 
 ward, and should not be approached nearer than 10 fathoms from between the north 
 and west, or 7 fathoms from between north and east. 
 
 ISLAND OP ORLEANS.— -This island is 18 miles long, and its extreme 
 breadth is 4| miles. It rises gradually from generally steep banks to the central 
 elevation, estimated at 350 or 400 feet above the water. It forms by its southern shore 
 the northern side of the South Channel, from opposite Madame Reel' to within 3 iniles 
 of Quebec, a distance of nearly 14 miles. Its northern shore is flat and muddy, with a 
 reef of rocks running along it; but, on the southern side, it is fine sand, with a few 
 pointed rocks rising up here and there. 
 
 G 2 
 
84 
 
 EIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 »iii ' 
 
 
 ii. 
 
 
 rr^ '^ 
 
 The Churclies of St. John and St. Lawrence BtanJ near the soutliern shore, the dis- 
 tance between them being 5^ miles ; this part h highly diversified with gardens and 
 houses. Patrick's Hole is a little to the westward ol' Point St. Lawrence, and is a khIo 
 and well-sheltered cove, where vessels outward-bound commonly anchor in 10, 12, or 
 14 fathoms, previously to taking their final departure; the ground cannot be considered 
 good, but it is well sheltered from easterly gales, and the river here is bold on both 
 sides, and is about 1^ mile wide. On the western part of the point is a cluster of 
 neat houses, where accommodations of all kinds may be obtained. 
 
 About a mile eastward of the west end of Orleans are the Maraud Rocks, ruiming 
 out 2^ cables' lengths from the shore ; they have 6 to 9 feet water over them, and 
 10 fathoms in sailing past them. At the S.W. part of the island are other rocks, 
 which dry at low water ; these are close to the land, and may be safely passed in 10 
 fathoms water. The Church of St. Peter is situated about 4 miles from the western 
 point, and nearly opposite to the Palls of Montmorency. 
 
 QVBBBC. — The Basin of Quebec is about If mile wide from Point Levi across to 
 the shore of Beaufort, and about three miles long from the west end of Orleans to 
 the India Wharf at Quebec. The Harbour of Quebec extends from off the River St. 
 Charles up to the Chaudiere River, a distance of 5 or 6 miles. 
 
 The Port of Quebec comprehends all the space between Barnaby Island and the first 
 rapid above Montreal. Information respecting quarantine is given to the ooramandev 
 of vessels by the pilots when they first come aboard ; and a book containing the 
 bye^laws and harbour regulatit/Us of the Trinity Board is delivered to each vessel on 
 her arrival by the harbour-master. 
 
 The City of Quebec* is situated on Cape Diamond, and it is difficult to imagine any- 
 thing more beautiful than the view which suddenly bursts upon a stranger ascending 
 the St. Lawrence and entering the Basin of Quebec, as the vessel opens out the 
 Palls of Montmorenci on the one hand, and the City of Quebec on the other. 
 
 The navigation of the River St. Lawrence is closed by the ice from about the 25th 
 November to the 1st May, The navigation sometimes, although rarely, closes by the 
 middle of November, and remains closed to the 8th or 10th of May ; at others it 
 would be possible to navigate it till near Christmas, and ships have arrived in the 
 middle of April ; but these are exti'aordinary seasons, and the period first named is 
 that during which the navigation usually remains closed ; the river seldom or never 
 freezes below Quebec, and only occasionally opposite the city ; but it is full of heavy 
 ice, moving up and down with the tides with irresistible force. There is generally, but 
 ' not always, a bridge of packed ice formed 5 or 6 miles above Quebec ; and higher up, 
 as far as Lake Ontario, the St. Lawrence is everywhere frozen across, excepting in 
 places where the current is very strong. 
 
 The River St. Lawrence extends from Quebec to the City of Montreal, from which it 
 is distant 155 miles, and from the Island of Bic 270 miles ; it is navigable to the 
 Rapids of Richelieu for vessels of 600 tons ; the impediments are few, and those very 
 easily surmounted. 
 
 Prom Quebec, the shores of which are exceedingly lofty, the hills gradually decline, 
 and become less elevated, until you reach the River St. Maurice, where the tide 
 entirely ceases : here on the north side of the river, stands the town of the Trois 
 Rivieres, or Three Rivers, beyond which, at the distance of 33 miles, is the Richelieu 
 Rapid, at the entrance of which, and above the Lake St. Pierre, is the town of William 
 Henry, formerly named Sorel. Lake St. Pierre is 22 miles long, and in some places 
 nearly 8 in breadth : but its western part is encumbered with numerous islands, 
 which divide it into several channels, two of which are navigable ; but that on the 
 south is the cleanest, deepest, and best, and is pointed out by a lightvessel and buoy. 
 The banks here are low, and shelve off to a considerable distance, leaving only a 
 narrow channel of from 12 to 18 feet water : the river here is obstructed by masses of 
 rock, and at the ebb-tide the descent of the rapid becomes so great, that the utmost 
 caution must be taken to pass it ; vessels, therefore, should wait lor a proper time of tide, 
 and, if necessary, they may anchor at the bottom of the rapid until a proper oppor- 
 
 * The longitude of the fla<,'8taff at tlic King's bastion of the cittidel at Quebec, as determined 
 by Admiral Bayfield, from a number of lunar and sidereal observations, is 71° 12' 44" West of 
 Greenwich. But Lieut. Ashe, K.N., in 1857, by the aid of the electric telegraph, in connexion 
 with Cambridge Observatory, U.S., which served Sum as a primary meridian, places it 28"« 
 (139. of time) further eastward, or in 71° 12' ir,"i ^y. 
 
odis- 
 8 and 
 ti ituiu 
 12, or 
 dered 
 both 
 Ler ol" 
 
 iniii^ 
 , und 
 rocks, 
 in 10 
 stern 
 
 BIVER ST. LAWREXCE--TIDES. 
 
 tiinity occurs. ]lenco to IMontreal the banks are of moderate height, and uniformly 
 
 Montrpnl is estimated as the moat fertile part of Lower Canada : its port ia conve- 
 nient, and situated on the S.E. of the city. The harbour is not large, but vessels 
 drawin<,' 15 feet water can Ho close to the shore, near the Market Gate, and both 
 deliver and receive their cargoes with expedition ; the depth is generally from 3 to 
 4i fathoms ; its great inconvenience arises from the Rapid of St. Marj- which is 
 about a rnilo below, whose current is sometimes so powerful, that without the benefit 
 of a N.E. wind, or a steam-boat, vessels may be detained for weeks, within two miles 
 of the spot where their freight should be delivered. 
 
 Between Quebec and Montreal steamers regularly ply ; and ships bound to Mon- 
 treal with cargoes, may engage steamers for towing at Quebec. There is a regular 
 rate of charges for towing ships, according to their draught of water and 'iveudth of 
 beam, for the whole or any intermediate distance that may be required. 
 
 TIDES IN THE RIVER ST. LAWRENCE. 
 
 On the days of full and change, it is high water in the river as follows : — Near Cape 
 de Monts, on the north side, Ih. 52m. In Manicouagon Bay, at 2h. ; here spring- 
 tides rise 12, and neaps 7 feet. At liersimis Point, 2h. On the south coast, near 
 Cape Chatte, the time is l^h. Here spring-tides rise from 12 to 14, and neaps 8 feet. 
 Off the river Matan, the time is 2h. ; springs rise 12 and neaps 6 feet. At Grand 
 Metis Bay, the time is 2h. 10m. ; springs rise 13, and neaps 8 feet. Off shore 
 hereabout, the current on the surface always runs downward, from 1| to 2^ 
 knots. 
 
 The time of high water at Green Island, is 2h. 45m. ; spring-tides rise 16 and 
 neaps 9^ feet. In the middle of tlie river, olf the eastern part of this island, the flood 
 from the north shore turns to tl>o southward and sets thence eastward ott' the south 
 shore ; and thus below the Isle Bic, the stream sets constantly downward, at the rate 
 of 2 to 3 knots, as before mentioned on page 73. 
 
 At Kamourasca, 4h. ; at the Brandy Pots, 3h. ; in the Traverse, 4h. 30m. Off Point 
 St. Roch or Roque, 4h. 50m. Here it ebbs 6f hours, and flows 5^. At the Isle Bic 
 the stream never bends to the westward until an hour's flood by the shore. The 
 neap-floods are here very weak ; and, with westerly winds, none are perceptible. A 
 spring-flood is, however, always found, within 4 miles of the shore, between Father 
 Point and Bic. The ebb-stream from the River Saguenay sets with great force 
 south-eastward toward Red Island Bank. Olf Green Island, between it and Red 
 Lslet, there is little or no flood, but a great ripple. All the way hence to Quebec, the 
 tide, when regular, flows tide and quarter-tide ; but it is influenced greatly by the 
 wind, and by no means to be depended on, as to its running, anywhere below Hare 
 Island, though above it there is a regular stream of ebb and flood. 
 
 Between Barnaby and Bic the stream of flood sets in from the N.E. at the rate of 
 about 2 knots ; then fair through the channel until last quarter flood, when it sets to 
 the N.W. by the west end of Bic, and then gradually to the N.E. as the flood slacks. 
 The whole of the ebb, both to the eastward and westward of the island, sets strongly 
 to the N.E. This current between Biquette and the north coast is generally very- 
 strong to the N.E., without any regular change. In the summer and autumn, as well 
 as in spring-tides, this current slacks, and, near Biquette, runs to the westward, during 
 flood ; but, until the upland waters have all run down, and the great rivers have 
 discharged the freshes caused by the thawing of the snows in the spring of the 
 year, this current always runs downward. 
 
 From Bic to Green Island, on the southern side, the stream of flood is nowhere per- 
 ceptible at a mile and half from the islands. The ebb, or rather current, comes 
 strongly from the N.W., out of the River Saguenay, and through the channel to the 
 northward of Red Island, and joining the eddy-flood, before explained, increases the 
 constantly downward course of the stream. Here it always runs in a S.E. direction, 
 2 miles an hour, with a westerly wind : but only so to the southward and eastward of 
 Red Island. iJetween Red Island and Green Island, the ebb runs from 4 to 6^ knots. 
 
RIVER ST. LAWRENCE-TIDES. 
 
 |"f 'ii 
 1 1 I 
 
 ji';^ til 
 
 to: 1 
 
 Jn crossing over to the north shore, this easterly current will bo found to diminish ; 
 I'or, on the north side, the Hood is jn-etty n><;ular, and the ebb nmch weaker. East- 
 ward of the Kazade liocks, and near Bic, the current assumes a N.E. direction, and 
 sets stronj^ly between Bic and IJiquette. To the southward of Bic, snring-Hixjds run 
 at the rate of a knot and a half; neaps are not perceptible. Ships that come to the 
 southward of Bic, with a scant wind from the northward, must steer W. by N., to 
 check the S.E. current, until they come into 18 fathoms of water, or up to Bascjue, 
 whence they proceed for Green Island. 
 
 The first of the flood, sprinj^-tides, nets from the N.E. alonj^ the north sid(! of Green 
 Island, and strongly towards the west end of it ; then S.S.W. over tho reef toward 
 Cacona. In the middle of the channel no flood is porocptiblo. At two miles to the 
 southward of Ked Island it sets strongly to tho N.W. and the ebb contrary. Diu'ing 
 spring ebbs, the meeting of the N.E. and S.E. tides, near the middle of Green Island, 
 causes very strong rippling.s ; and, to tho eastward of Green Island, the S.E. ebb 
 comes strongly about the east end of Red Island; here meeting, tho N.E. tide causes 
 a high rippling, much like broken water in strong easterly winds ; but in neap-tides 
 the floods are very weak, and in the spring of the year there are none. This renders 
 the part of tho river now under notice more tedious in its navigation than any other, 
 unless with a free wind. 
 
 Prom the west end of Green Island a regular stream of flood and ebb commences, 
 which runs five hours upward and r,even downward. At tho Brandy Pots it flows tide 
 and quarter-tide ; and, above the Percee Rocks, on the south shore, it sets regularly 
 up and down, N.E. by E. and S. ^V. by W. 
 
 Prom the Brandy Pots, the strc^am of flood sets toward Hare Island ; and to tho 
 west and north-west with great strength, through the passage between tho island and 
 bank. Above Hare Island, the flood sets regularly up the river ; the ebb contrari- 
 wise. Prom the Pilgrims up to Cape Diable the flood is very weak, but it thenco 
 increases up to the buoys of the Traverse, where it runs at the rate of (5 knots. Tiio 
 tir.st of the flood sets towards tho English Bank and Hare Island Shoal, when 
 abreast of the greater island of Kamourasca, and the ebb contrary. In La Prairie 
 Bay, on the north side of the Isle aux Coudres, the time of high water is 4h. 2om., 
 and here it flows six hours ; the ebb stream continues an hour and a quarter after 
 low water, and the flood three-quarters of an hour after high water. 
 
 The tides in the North Chantiel being half an hour earlier than in the Southern 
 channels, the first of the flood sets strongly on the St. Roque and St. Anne's Banks ; 
 and the fir.'?t of the ebb sets strongly across the shoals in the middle of the river. In 
 tho Traverse, spring-tides rise 18, and neaps 11 feet. 
 
 At the South Traverse, on the full and change, the tide on-shore flows at half-past 
 four, but it continues to run to the westward until six o'clock, when regular in the 
 channel. With westerly winds there is a deviation, but it is certain that the tide on 
 shore rises 3 feet before the stream bends to the westward : and this allowance must 
 always be made in every part of the river. In the Traverse, the first of the flood sets 
 from N.N.E. ; at the buoys, at a quarter flood, it takes a S.W. direction, and when 
 the shoals are covered at half-flood, at the Seal lleefs, it sets until high water S.W. by 
 W. The ebb in a contrary direction runs with great strength ; frequently in the 
 spring of the year at the rate of 6 or 7 knots. 
 
 Between the Piliers, or Pillars, it is high water at 5h. The ebb here runs 6 hours 
 and 50 minutes ; the flood 5 hours and 25 minutes. Both streams continue to run 
 an hour after high and low water by the shore. From Crane Island the flood sets 
 fair up the river, but the first of the ebb off L'Islet sets to the northward for half 
 an hour, then fair down the river, and at the rate of not more than 3^ knots in 
 spring-tide. 
 
 At the Isle aux Reaux, or Rat Isle, below Orleans Island, it is high water at 5h. 32m. 
 It ebbs by the shore 7 hours, and flows 5 and a half; the streams run an hour 
 later. Oft' the S.W. end of Madame Island, it is high water at 5h. 40m. ; springs 
 rise 17, and neaps 13 feet. At Quebec, the time of high water is 6li. 37m. Here it 
 ebbs by the shore seven hours and forty minutes, and flows four hours and forty-five 
 minutes. Both streams run an hour after high and low water by the shore. Springs 
 rise 18, and neaps 13 feet. 
 
87 
 
 [t«Ii ; 
 
 and 
 
 run 
 
 th(5 
 
 to 
 
 que, 
 
 ring 
 and, 
 
 3bb 
 
 III 
 
 UntECTIONS FOU SAILIN(i UP THR KIVKR ST, LAWRENCE TMOM 
 
 ANTICOSTI TO tiUEBEC. 
 
 The current from tho river aets continually down to the souili-castwnrd between the 
 iS.VV. point of Anticosti und tlie coust of the district of (JaKp*' ; but in tlio Hpriii;; of 
 the year it is ntronjjeHt, and is cnusod, as is Hupposed, by the vast (juaiitity of snow 
 wiiicli tliawH about this time. In summer it may be uvcraj^ed at about the j^'cneral 
 rate of 2 miles an hour; but in spriiij^, its rate, tlK)u<!;h it has nniouut(!(l to '.\\ miles 
 an hour, varies according; to the (piantity of ice and snow that has accuiuuiiited. It 
 has been said that there is a dillerenee of 2 or '.i feet in the hivel of the river between 
 the months of May and August, which hus been supposed to arise from the quautit}' 
 of ice and snow melted in the sprinj,'. 
 
 Those advancing towards the river, in the fairway between tlie S.W. point of Anti- 
 costi and Capo Hosier, with the wind from the North or N. by E., if ignorant of the 
 current, may think that they are makiiiLj a reach up, when really approaching the 
 south shore. This is to be guarded against, particularly during a long night, or in 
 dark and thick weather. It is always besttotaok in time, and get out of the strength 
 of the current, which will bo found to diminish towards the north coast. 
 
 If you are far enough to the westward to weather Anticosti, when coming up with 
 contrary winds, you must stand to the northward and keep within 3 or 4 leagues of 
 the land up to the extremity of the Cape do Monts. The laud is all bold, and tho 
 tide along it favourable. After getting up to Trinity Cove, or the coast to the N.E. 
 of the cape, the flood will be found setting along the north shore. 
 
 When between the S.W. and west points of Anticosti, both the currents and swell 
 set in shore; and as the bottom is bad, the anchors will not hold; therefore tho 
 greatest caution is necessary, on the first appearance of a decrea8(; of wind, to endea- 
 vour to stand oft' the land ; or in tho event of a calm, you miglit bo set on shore, by 
 the current, near the St. Mary's clill's, as a heavy swell sets in frequently some hours 
 before there is an}' wind. 
 
 When ofi' the west end of Antico. 'i, with a fair wind, steer well to the northward, 
 .10 as to keep out of tho strength of He current, steering about W.N.W. or towards 
 English Point : when you have run better than half of the distance, you must steer 
 more southerly toward Point do Montn, and endeavour to make the light, which is 
 situated not on the extreme point, but 1\ mile N.E. of it; and there are rocks | a 
 mile from th' point. In thick weather this is a most dangerous pai't of the naviga- 
 tion ; for w' tiie wind is fair it is generally thick ; and the greatest caution is neces- 
 saiy when oaching this point ; the ship should be put under snug canvas, and 
 the deop-so; 1 be kept going; for it you are to the northward of the point, soi\nd- 
 ings will I obtained 5 or 6 miles from the laud, in 40 to 50 fathoms. The vicinity 
 of Cape Chatte li is long been the dread of mariners navigating this river, from the 
 number of wrecks, ana :ill more numerous hair-breadth escapes that have occurred 
 near it; ! ' ■ errors in the variation in the old charts, the current and local deviation, 
 all tending Lo draw vessels upon tho south shore. 
 
 In clear weather you may run along the south shore; from off Cape Chatte, a W. 
 \ S. course, 1 or 12 leagues, will bring you abreast of Matan, the paps of which, 
 when on a S.W. bearing, will appear as two hills standing somewhat inland ; Mount 
 Camille will also be visible, bearing W.S.W., distant 14 or 15 leagues, in the 
 shape of a circuLvr island, and appears to the northward of all the southern 
 land. From off Matan to abreast of Mount Camille, steer W. by S., according 
 to the wind. Continuing that course, you will pass Little and Great Metis ; 
 and continuing on W. by S., 5 leagues from Great Metis, you will arrive at 
 Father Point, the principal residence of the pilots, and from which Mount Camilla 
 hears S.E. i E. 
 
 Great Metis is 2 leagues west from Little Metis, and is ai > only fit for small 
 vessels, which may find shelter and anchorage with S.W. wind.-^, but as the place 
 nearly dries, it is of little use to shipping. Little Metis may be 'distinguished from 
 Great Metis by a round bluff rock, lying S.E. from the north reef, distant 1^ mile, 
 and u small sugar-loaf hill to the eastward of the rock. Great Metis has a largo 
 rock in the middle of the cove j Little Metis has none ; but you must bo within 2 or 
 

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 EIVEK ST. L/ WEENCE-DIEECTIONS. 
 
 i ' 
 
 
 ^leagues of the shore to distinguish those coves, for the points of land b3'which they are 
 formed are very low. The bank of Koundings extends 4 or 5 miles off from these coves ;. 
 but to the eastward of Matan you will have 60 fathoms only 3 miles off' the shore. 
 
 When beating up, it requires a tolerably good sailing vessel, and a flood-tide, lo 
 beat past Point do Monts against a wind right out ; but short boards round the 
 
 Joint, and along the north shore, up to Cape St. Nicholas, will most readily succeed, 
 t is not, however, advisable to keep this shore close aboard farther to the westward, 
 lest the wind should fall to a calm ; for there is a strong indraught towards the 
 mouth of the Manicouagou River during the flood-tide. If an easterly wind 
 should chance to spring up, after the vessel has been drifted near the mouth of 
 English Bay, it might be difficult to beat out, or weather the eastern side of the 
 Manicouagon Shoals. 
 
 A vessel standing over to the southward from Point de Monts, with a west wind 
 on the starboard tack, will be carried over to the south coaot at a rapid rate, having- 
 the current on the weather quarter ; during her board tack she will be retarded, the 
 current then being directl}' opposite to her course. When sailing at the rate of 4 
 knots, it will usually require only about half the time to go from Point de Monts over 
 to the south shore, that it will take to return li-om the latter to the former. This is. 
 a most important circumstance, which it is necessary to guard against when beating- 
 up during dark nights, and especially in foggy weather. 
 
 When running up, during foggy weather, when the land cannot be seen, the object 
 should always be to strike soundings on the bank along the south coast, about Metis, 
 or Father Point at farthest ; and then following it as a guide to the weistward. 
 Father Point is low, covered with houses, has a white lighthouse upon it (page 71), 
 and is the regular rendezvous of the pilots. With the lighthouse bearing South, by 
 compass, distant 5 miles, the depth is 30 fathoms, soft clay ; but you may haul in- 
 shore to 10 fathoms, in foggy weather ; and by bringing to with your head off", and 
 firing a gun or two, you will get a pilot off'. 
 
 The distance from Cape Chatte to the west part of Father Point is about 24 leagues ; 
 nnd thence to the anchoring place at Bic Island, is 13 miles ; make an allowance foi' 
 the current, ajnd any ship may run it with safety. 
 
 While advancing from the eastward toward Father Point, and being off" Little 
 Metis, the high land to the southward of Cape Arignole may be seen before the cape 
 itself or IsW Bic comes in sight. From off' Mount Ci'mille, in clear weather, Bic may 
 be clearly seen. To avoid mistaking Barnaby Isle for that of Bic, observe that, in 
 thick weather, a ship cannot approach the land, near Father Point, without gradually 
 shoaling the water ; consequently if, while keeping the lead going, you come into i> 
 fathoms, and make an island suddenly, it must be Barnaby ; or, if falling in with an 
 island on any bearing to the westward of W.S.W., one cast of the lead will be sufficient 
 to ascertain which it is ; for, with Barnaby from W.S.W. to West you will have from 7 
 to 5 fathoms only ; but with Bic on the same bearings you will have from 15 to 12 
 fathoms. But the lighthouses on Father Point and Biquette will remove the possi- 
 bility of this mistake. 
 
 If with the lead kept going, and no soundings be found, you suddenly fall in with an 
 island to the southward, it must be Biquette. With this island, S.VV., half a mile,, 
 tliere are 16 fathoms of water. At 2 miles eastward from it are 10 fathoms, and a ship 
 advancing into this depth, from the deeper water, may either haul off to the northward 
 and wait for clear weathei', or proceed b}' sounding around tht reef running from the 
 east end of Bic ; steer thence W.S.W. 2 miles, and come to an anchor, within the 
 island, in 12 or 11 fathoms. At 4 miles north of Biquette are 50 fathoms of water. 
 
 With an easterly wind, if requisite to anchor on the south side of Bic, to proceed 
 from windward, run boldly to the southward, and look out for the reef extending from 
 the east end of the island ; the latter may be seen, being always above water. Give 
 the reef a berth of a quarter of a mile, and run along, in mid chanu 1, until Cape 
 Arignole bears S.S.E., the body of the Island then bearing N.N.W. In 10 or 11 
 fathoms is a large ship's berth, the ground clear and good. Small vessels may run 
 up until the island bears N.E. in 9 fathoms, at about a quarter of a mile from the 
 island, but here the gi-ound is not so clear as in the deeper water. Fresh water is 
 obtainable in the cove just to the westward of the east end of the island. 
 
 If, during a westerly wind, a ship should be to the windward of the island, and it 
 be required to bear up, in order to anchor, stand to the southward, into 11 fathoms :. 
 
EIVER ST. LAWEENCE-DIEECTIONS. 
 
 89 
 
 then run down and anchor, as above directed ; but particularly noticing that, with 
 little wind, 10 I'athoras is the pi'oper depth of the fairway, and that the last quarter- 
 flood, and all the ebb, sets strongly between Biquette and Bic. 
 
 Should you, with the wind easterly, be too far to the westward to fetch round the east 
 cud of Bic, in order to gain the anchorage give Biquette a berth of half a mile, then 
 run up until the west end of Bic bears S.E., when Cape Arignole will be open of it. 
 The latter mark loads to the westward of a i*eef that covers at high water, and bears 
 west 1^ mile from Biquette, while another reef always visible, lies between the for- 
 mer and Biquette. By hauling round to the southward, with Cape Arignole open, 
 you will pass athwart the opening between Bic and Biquette, in from 16, to 12, 10, 
 "and 9 fathoms ; the water thence shoalens into 6 fathoms, on the spit of mud and sand 
 lying S.W. by W. from Bic, 1 mile. After crossing this spit, you will deepen into 
 and 10 fathoms, when the passage will be open, and you may come to an anchor. 
 
 The N.W. ledge of Bic, the west end of that isle, and Cape Arignole, are nearly in 
 a lino when bearing S.E. When beating into Bic from the westward, while standing 
 to the southward, do not shut in Mount Camille with Cape Arignole, or, in standing 
 to the northward, do not shut Mount Camille with the Isle Bic. 
 
 In foggy weather it is not recommended to run inside of Bic without a pilot, unless 
 3'ou are very well acquainted ; and this passage must at all times be run for with great 
 caution. i 
 
 Banh of Soundhif/s. — In the offing, between Bai'naby and Bic, are regular sound- 
 ings, decreasing from 35 to 30 lathoms, generally of clean ground. Ships may, 
 therefore, anchor in any depth, but no nearer than a mile and a half, with Bic 
 bearing from W.S.W. to S.W,, :;» otherwise the channel on the south of that island will 
 not be open ; and, with a sudden shift, of wind, you may not be able to quit the island. 
 
 At N.W. from the eastern extremity of the S.E. reef of Bic, and just to the south- 
 ward of the stream of Biquette, is the N.E. reef, a dangerous ledge, seen at low water, 
 spritig-tides only. To avoid it, give Bic a berth of 1^ mile. Westward of Bic the 
 edge of ^he bank of soundings trends to the south-westward up to Basque Isle, and 
 ships may therefore stand safely to the southward by the lead, 12 fathoms being the 
 fairway. 
 
 Isle Bic to Giieen Island. — From the Isle Bic, Green Island bears S.W. by 
 W. I W. 9| leagues : and the course will therefore be from W.S.W. to S.W. accord- 
 ing to the distance northward from Bic, &c. In this course and distance, you pass 
 the Alcide Kock, the liazades, Basque, and Apple Islands. From the Hocks of Apple 
 Island to the eastern reef of Green Island, the bearing and distance are W. by S. 2 
 miles. This reef extends nearly a mile from the trees on the east end of Green Island, 
 and is always uncovered. The small channel on the south side of Green Island is 
 nearly dry at low water. 
 
 The edge of the bank is steep to the northward of the Kazades, «fec. ; but from 35 
 fathoms, inward, there are gradual soundings. Between Bic and Green Island there 
 is anchorage all the way in 14 fathoms ; and for small vessels, in fine weather, in 9 
 fathoms. If up to the east end of Green Island, and the tide be done, you may 
 anchor in 10 fathoms, off the reef, and in the stream of the ledge extending N.E. by N. 
 from the lighthouse point, at the distance of a mile from the extremity of that shoal. 
 
 Between Bic and Basque the ground is all clean ; but thence to Green Island it is 
 foul. A small vessel may find shelter under the east end of Basque, in 2\ fathoms 
 at low water, giving the east end of the reef extending from that island a berth of 
 a quarter of a mile. The anchorage is with the island bearing VV. hy S. 
 
 The lighthouse and reefs about Green Island have been already described on page 75. 
 The lighthouse bearing S.W. by W. leads safely up to Green Island. The high land to 
 the southward of Cape Arignole kept open to the northward of Basque Island, leads 
 clear of the lighthouse ledge. With the lighthouse bearing S.W. by S., this ledge 
 will be exactly between the ship and lighthouse. 
 
 Between the lighthouse and the west end of Green Island, in fine weather, you 
 may stop a tide in 20 or 25 fathoms, close to the north side of the island; but, if the 
 wind be fresh, the ground will be found to be bad for holding, and too near the shore. 
 During N.E. winds, small vessels may anchor between the S.W. reef and Cacona, in 
 \ fathoms ; but it will be better to bear up for the Brandy Pots, lest they be caught 
 hy adverse weather, &c. 
 
 Should you, therefore, have passed the lighthouse on Green Island, and no pilot be 
 
00 
 
 RIVER ST. LAWRENCE— DIRECTIONS. 
 
 If.' 
 
 ■ ' f I 
 
 If ; f' 
 
 obtained, the weather clear and the wind fair, steer boldly on S. W. ^ W. or S. W. by 
 W. 3 leagues, you will then have White Island W. by S., and Hare Island with the 
 Erandy Pots S. VV. by W., or nearly ahead. Give the Brandy Pots a berth of three- 
 quarters of a mile and run or a mile or more above them, tlien anchor in from 7 to 
 14 I'athoms ; or should the wind shift to the westward and your vessel bo up to White 
 Island, the tide being spent, stand to the southward into 9 fathoms, or towards White 
 Island into (J or 7, then anchor ; the ground is good for holding. 
 
 Red Island bears from the lighthouse of Green Island N. W. by W. ^ W. nearly 
 5| miles. The eastern extremity of its extensive reef bears from the same lighthouse 
 nearly N.W. by N., and is cleared by the lighthouse and beacon on Green Island in 
 one, bearing S.S.E. ^ E. When coming up in the night, that light should not, there- 
 fore, be brought to the eastward of S. by E. until you are certainl3' within 5 miles of 
 it. If, with the light bearing S. bj' E., you cannot make free to enter the narrows, 
 wait for daylight ; and should the wind be scant from N.W. you nay then borrow 
 on the south side of Red Island, but so as to have White Island bearing S. W. ^ W. 
 On drawhig to the westward, you may approach the Shoal of White Island by the 
 lead, remembering that the ebb-tide sets strongly down between White Is^'j.nd and 
 Red Island, and the flood in the contrary direction. A vessel may anchor, in fine 
 weather, on the south side of Red Island Reef, in 12 fathoms, at the distance of about 
 three-quarters of a mile. The tide hereabout, as already shown, sets in all directions. 
 The lighthouse of Red Island has already been mentioned on page 76. 
 
 The soundings between Green Island and Red Island are very irregular. At a 
 rnile from each are nearly 30 fathoms of water. The water, during ebb-tide, with an 
 easterly wind, appeal's broken, but there is no danger. The mark to sail through 
 between Green and Red Islands is the Brandy Pots bearing S.W. -^ W. 
 
 The Nosth Coast. — The Point de Mille Vaches bears from Biquette N.W. by W. 
 4| leagues. The extensive shoal, which surrounds this point, commences oft' the river 
 of Port Neuf, on the east, and has its southern extremity at 1^- mile from shore, 
 and very steep-to ; the greater part of the shoal is dry at low water. Above the 
 point the land forms the Bay of Mill© Vaches, which is shoal, and full of rocks. At 
 11 miles S.W. hy W. from Point Miile Vaches, there are two islets, named the Esqua- 
 mine Isles. In the Bay, at 4 miles west from the point, is a small river, named Sault 
 de Mouton, having a fall of 80 feet, near the mouth of it, which may be always seen 
 when pasrjng. Between the Esquamine Isles and Saguenay River, a distance of 7| 
 leagues, S.VV. by W., are three small rocky inlets, named Bondesir and Les Berge- 
 ronnes, which afford shelter to fishing boats. 
 
 In proceeding lor the Saguenay River, should the weather be thick, it would be 
 advisable to drop anchor at the Brandy Pots, until the weather becomes favourable, 
 when the entrance can be easily effected with a leading wind. The leading marks 
 are good, and the entrance a mile wide between the shoals. The Bull (Laboule) is a 
 round mountain on the north side of the Saguenay, about 4 miles up, and by keeping 
 the Bull open from the points, there is no danger in running in ; and when abreast 
 of the port or houses at Tadousac, they may run up on whatever side they think they 
 have most advantage, but with ebb-tide there is less current on the north-east side of 
 the river. 
 
 Other directions have been given in the description of the river and its entrance 
 on p. 69, and it may be added here that there are good anchorages at the Anse 
 St. Etienne, 10 miles above Tadousac, at St. Louis Island, 15 miles Irora Tadousac, 
 at the Anse St. Jean, 22 miles, and at the Bale de TEternite, 28 miles above Tadousac, 
 at all of which vessels might lie well to load ; in other parts of the river the depth is 
 far too great to anchor. 
 
 Ships working upon the north side, between the Esquamine Isles and Red Island, 
 should keep within 2 leagues of the north land : the shore is clear and bold, and the 
 flood pretty regular. But should a ship, to the northward of Red Island, be caught 
 by a sudden shift of easterly wind, so that she cannot fetch round the east end of Red 
 Island Reef, she may safely bear up and run to the westward, giving Red, White, 
 and Hare Islands, a berth of 2 miles in passing. At 3 leagues above Hare Island, 
 she may haul to the southward, and enter the south channel toward Xamourasca, and 
 thence proceed as hereafter directed. 
 
 Gbeek Island to the Beandy Pots. — The Percee Rocks, Barrett Ledge, White 
 Island, and che Brandy Pots, have been described on pages 75-77. From Green Island 
 
EIVEE ST. LAWEENCE— DIEECTIONS. 
 
 91 
 
 to the Brandy Pots, the course and distance are from S.W. ^ W. to S.W. by W. 
 'i leagues. The mark to clear Barrett Ledge, is the southernmost mountain of 
 Kamounisca in a line with the saddle of the Great Pilgrim, or an islet lying off the 
 N.E. side of Green Island, touching the high land of Cape Arignole : either of these 
 marks will clear the ledge, but it is not recommended to go to the northward of it 
 unless you are visiting the anuliorago at the Brandy Pots. 
 
 In advancing toward the White Island Eeef, you may trust to the lead, bat 7 
 fathoms is near enough to tack or anchor in, and this depth is in the fairway to tlie 
 Brandy Pots. The Brandy Pots are steep on the south side, 10 fathoms being near 
 to them. 
 
 There is good anchorage to the eastward of the Brandy Pots, in from 9 to 7 fathoms, 
 and good anchorage above them, in from 9 to 11 fathoms. This is the best roadstead 
 of any part of the river, during easterly winds, excepting that of Crane Island, and is 
 the usual rendezvous for vessels b(mnd down the St. Lawrence, and waiting for a wind. 
 
 The best passage is to the southward of the Barrett Ledge and Middle Ground, and. 
 between them and the Pilgrim Shoal. The mark is the lighthouse on Green Island 
 just shutting in with the south-west point of the island, and bearing N.E. f E., but 
 the lead must be kept going so as not to approach the Pilgrim Shoal too closely. In 
 mid-channel are soundings of 9 to 10 fathoms. 
 
 The Bbandy Pots to the South Traverse and Goose Island. — The flat on 
 the south side of Hare Island above the Brandy Pots is bold-to, there being 7 fathoms 
 close to it nearly up to the west end, and the whole of this side of the island is bordered 
 by rocks. When leaving the Brandy Pots for the south channel the passage is across 
 the 3^-fathom spit extending between the Middle Ground and the south-east end of 
 the Hare Island Bank ; but should your vessel draw more water, it is better to run 
 round to the eastward of Barrett Ledge, which is marked by a buoy, and so enter the 
 channel. Having entered the channel bring the north side of Burnt Island just open 
 to the northward of Grand Island, bearing S.W. ^ W., and it will lead through between 
 the Pilgrims and Hare Island Ileef ; keep the lead going, as the shores on either side 
 are steep-to. When past the red buoy on the west end of Hare Island Bank, the river 
 is all clear to the westward, so that you may stand from the south bank over to the 
 iiorth shore until you are up to Cape Goose. 
 
 In standing to the southward from Hare Island, above the Brandy Pots, you will 
 find 16 to 18 fathoms of water. On the north side of the Middle Bank, 4 to 8 fathoms ; 
 but there are 8 and 9 fathoms on the south side of this bank, with gradual soundings 
 to the south shore. Five fathoms is a good depth to tack in. 
 
 At night, or in hazy weather, alter crossing the Middle Bank from the Brandy 
 Pots, you should take either the north or south side of the channel as a guide lor 
 running up by the lead, in about 7 fathoms ; until you are up as high as the middle 
 of the Lor.g Pilgrim you may take either side ; the south side of the Hare Island 
 Bank should then be followed in the above depth, as the western part of the Pilgrims, 
 Banc de St. Andre, and Kamourasca Islands, are all so steep-to as to give no 
 warning b}' the lead. When past Kamourasca, keep along the edge of the south bank, 
 in 7 or 9 fathoms, up to the black buoy of St. Ann's ; if in a large ship, you may 
 keep ofl' in 10 i'athoms. 
 
 The direct course from the Pilgrims to the buoy on the St. Ann's Shoal is about 
 S.W. by W. ^ W., and the distance 7i leagues. The South Traverse and coast 
 between have been fully described on page 81, &c. The bank between the Pilgrims 
 and Kamourasca Isles is steep-to. The mark for tacking here is not to shut in the 
 
 south-west land with the great Island of Kamourasca ; 
 
 in standing to the north- 
 
 ward, you will gain the depth of 20 fathoms. 
 
 Kamourasca. — From the west end of Crow Island, the third of the Kamourasca 
 Isles, the church bears S.E. nearly a mile. Between is a place where ships may 
 safely be run on shore ; to run in, bring the church to bear E.S.E., or some distance 
 to the westward of Crow Island, and run for it. In passing in, you will carry 14 feet 
 in common spring-tides, and 10 feet with neaps. The bottom is of soft mud. 
 
 Cape Diable bears from Crow Island S.W. i W. about 3 miles, and a reef extends 
 from the cape as already explained, the easternmost part of which is not more than 
 a mile and a half from Crow Island. Ships from the westward, therefore, in order 
 to get iu, should run down along the reef in 6 fathoms^ and haul in for uhe church, as 
 above. i- 
 
92 
 
 RIVER ST. LAWRENCE— DIRECTIONS. 
 
 ii 1 
 
 Ir 
 
 "With easterly winds, the liirgo cove on the S.E. of Cape Diable ia a fine place for 
 a vessel to run into, siiould she have lost her anchors. To enter, bring Kuiuourasca 
 Church to bear E.S.E. as before. Having arrived within the reefs, run up to the 
 westward, leaving an islet that lies above the church on the left side ; then put the 
 ship on shore in the S.W. part of the cove, and she will be safe. Should the wind 
 be westerly, put her on shore a little to the eastward of the church. 
 
 South Thaverse. — From Cape Diable to the South Traverse, the course, if at 3 
 miles from the cape, will bo S.W. by W. f W., 5 leagues, which will lead you to the 
 lightvessel at the entrance of the Traver.se. The banks on either side of this channel 
 are buoyed. The course through is S.W. 3- S., 4 miles, along the edge of the St. 
 Eoque Shoal up to the third black buoy, and thence S.W. by S. to the chequered buoy 
 on the Patch. The pausage is then to the southward of the Stone Pillar with its 
 revolving light, from whence you steer S.W. by W. past Goose Island Reef towards 
 Crane Island. In these courses allowance must be made lor the tide, which, 
 whether ebb or flood, runs strongly, and you should tack on the first shoal cast, as 
 the banks are steep. 
 
 If running from off Cape Diable for the Traverse, during the night or in a fog, 
 strike the bank off that cape in 7 or 8 fathoms, and steer about W.S. W. By keeping 
 that depth, it will lefid to the lightvessel. On passing the point of St. Roque Shoal, 
 the water will suddenly be ibund to deepen, whence you must haul to the southward, 
 keeping the south side on board, and proceed as above. 
 
 If entering the Traverse with little wind, be careful to allow for the first of the 
 flood, as it sets strongly toward the point of St. Roque Shoal. On going through, 
 if more than half-flood, allow for a set to S.W. by W., and be sure always to keep 
 the south bank on board. Above the Piliers, or Pillars, the tide sets fair up the river. 
 In beating into and through this passage, be careful and tack from side to side on 
 the first shoal-cast of the lead ; but more partieuiarly so to the northward, on the 
 edge of the Middle Ground. Ten fathoms is near enough to the bank ; and it is to 
 be remembered, that the ship will always go farther over tov;ard the Middle Bank 
 than to the point of St. Roque Shoal. 
 
 Anchorage. — Between the Brandy Pots and Traverse, there is ancliorage all along 
 the English Bank, and upon the edge of the flat on the south side, between the 
 Pilgrims and the greater Kamourasca Isle, in 9 fathoms : under the Pilgrims, in 3 
 fathoms ; off Cape Diable, in 10 fathoms ; and thence, along the flat, up to the 
 buoys. 
 
 Should the flood be done, when a ship is in the narrows, or between the buoys, or 
 if any occurrence render it necessary to anchor, do not bring-to in the channel, but 
 on either side, as most convenient, and come-to in 7 fathoms ; the tides will be found 
 much easier after half-ebb. In the deep water the tides run with considerable 
 strength ; therefore if you should be obliged to come-to, do so in 7 fathoms, with 
 a good scope of cable before the tide becomes strong; for, if the anchor once starts, 
 you may have to cut from it, as it seldom takes hold again, the ground being foul 
 and unfit for holding. 
 
 Near the Pillars the tides aie much easier than below, as at and above them they 
 set at a rate of not more than 3^ miles an hour. Ships bound down, with easterly 
 winds, may anchor at two miles to the north-eastward of the South Pillar, in 7 
 fathoms ; or, to the southward of it, in the same depth, with good ground. 
 
 From abreast of the Stone Pillar, or of the Avignon Rock, the direct course and 
 distance to Crane Island are S.W. ^ W; 4 leagues. On this course you pass Goose 
 Island, and arrive at the Beaujeu Bank, the channel to the south of which is that 
 generally used ; the depth in it is irregular, varying from 5 to 3 fathoms ; and there 
 are two rocky patches of 2^ fathoms in the way, and ditacult to avoid. The marks 
 for passing the southern edge of the »Beaujeu Bank, along the eastern half of its 
 length, are, the Stone Pillar, its own breadth open to the southward of Goose Island 
 Reef; and for the western part of the bank, which turns up slightly to the northward 
 towards Crane Island, Point St; Vallier open \ oi & point south of the south side of 
 Crane Island ; but must hence take a circuitous route, in order to avoid this and 
 other shoals. The south side of the channel is a muddy flat, of 3 and 2 fathoms, 
 with regular soundings toward it. There is hence good anchorage all the way up to 
 Crane Island. Stand no nearer toward Goose Island Reef than 10 fathoms ; but 
 above it you may stand toward the island to 7 fathoms. 
 
RIVER ST. LAAVTRENCE— DIRECTIONS. 
 
 at 3 
 
 r, in 
 
 but 
 
 When up to the body of Crane Island, you may approach safely, as it is bold and 
 clear, with 7 fathoms close to the rocks. 
 
 From off the Pillars to Crane Island there is, all the way, j^ood and clean ground. 
 There is, also, a good road off the body of Crane Island, in 8 fathoms. The best road 
 in the river, during easterly winds, is at a mile to the westward of Crane Island ; and 
 ships bound downward, if at the P-llars, and caught by strong easterly winds, had 
 bett"r run back to this place, than ride below, and risk the loss of anchors. 
 
 Crane Island to Point St. Valliee. — The direct course and distance from Crane 
 Island to Point St. Vallier are from W. by S. to W.S.W., 4 leagues. Between are tlie 
 mud bank of St. Thomas, the Wye Rocks, the Belle Chasse Island, and the bank of 
 Grosse Island. When St. Thomas's Church bears S.E. ^ E. you will be abreast the 
 point of the bank named Margaret's Tail, having a red buoy, and may thence steer 
 directly up, W.S.W. The mark for the southern edge of Margaret's Tail Bank 
 is, the south side of Haystack Island and Crane Island Church in one, bearing 
 E.N.E. 
 
 To avoid the Wye Rocks, never stand to the southward of 6 fathoms in the night : 
 and by day, observe that the long mark to keep clear of them is Belle Chasse Island 
 and Point St. Vallier, touching, bearing W.S.W. They are out of the way of vessels, 
 with a fair wind, and the cross mark for them is the Seminaire on the north shore in 
 one with the east point of Reaux Island, and Crow Island just open to the westward 
 of Middle Island. 
 
 To the west of Margai'et's Tail is a narrow rocky shoal named Grosse Patch, with 
 7 feet least water ; between this shoal and Margaret's Tail is a channel 270 fathoms 
 wide, and 6 fathoms deep, leading to the Quarantine Establishment on the southern 
 side of Grosse Island. For the guidance of the numerous vessels which stop there, 
 a rod buoy has been placed on the S.W. end of Margaret's Tail, as before mentioned, 
 and also a white buoy on the N.E. of Grosse Patch ; but in the absence of the buoys, 
 the east points of Grosse Island and the Brothers in one, bearing N. by E., will lead 
 through. There is a passage to the west of Grosse Patch, between it and the Island, 
 but care must be taken to avoid a small rock, with 7 feet least water, lying 180 fathoms 
 off Grosse Island, and on which a chequered buoy has been placed. 
 
 When above Margaret Island, stand no fai-ther to the northward than into 6 
 fathoms. Reaux or Rat Island and Madame are flat to the southward ; 7 fathoms 
 will be near enough to both. The south side of the channel, up to Jieiie Chasse 
 Island, is all bold ; 8 fathoms are close to it, with 7, 8, 9, and 5 fatlioms, quite across. 
 There is good clean anchoring-ground, and easy tides, all the wa}'. 
 
 When up to Belle Chasse Island, stand no nearer to it than 8 fathoms, and to 
 Madame than 6 fathoms. The shoal extending from Madame has already been 
 noticed. 
 
 The mark for clearing the soiAhern side of Madame Bank, as well as the Grosse 
 Island Tail and Patch, is. Race Island kept just open to the southward of Margaret 
 Island. The mark for the S.W; extreme, which is the point of the entrance of the 
 North Traverse, is, the north side of Reaux Island just open to the northward of 
 Madame Island, bearing N.E. f E., and St. Vallier Church bearing S. i E. Tlie 
 cross mark for clearing it to the S.W. is, Berthier Church and tlie west end of Belle 
 Chasse Island in one. 
 
 The North Channel and Traverse and the Middle Traverse are but seldom used, 
 and the description of them will be found on pages 79 and 80. 
 
 St. Valliee to Quebec. — From the Point of St. Vallier to that of St, Lawrence 
 in Orleans, the course and distance are about W. by S. ^ S. 9^ miles. Both sides arc 
 bold ; 10 fathoms in the fairway from Orleans, and 8 fathoms from the south shore. 
 Ships may anchor toward the island, in from 16 to 10 fathoms. 
 
 The Shoal off Beaumont is steep-to. Make short boards until you are above Point 
 St. Lawrence, when you will be above it, and may safely stand to the southward into 
 10 fathoms. 
 
 From Point St. Lawrence to Point Levi, the course and distance are W. by N. 2 
 leagues. At 1^ mile westward from St. Lawrence's Church is St. Patrick's Hole. 
 Here, in about 10 fathoms, is the fairway to tack from. The depth in the middle is 
 19 fathoms. 
 
 From off Point Levi to Quebec, the course is W.S.W., and the distance about 
 2 miles. The Shoals of Beauport, on the north side, may be easily avoided; in 
 
M 
 
 EIVER ST. LAWEENCE—PILOTAaE. 
 
 ^■:|i 
 
 Btandinjj toward them advance no nearer than in JO fathoms, as they are steep-to, 
 and are, in some parts, studded with rocks. 
 
 Ships arriving at Quebec, with flood tide and an easterly wind, should take in 
 their canvas in time and have cable ready, as the ground in the biwin is not very 
 good for holding. The water is deep, and the tides strong, particularly spring-tides, 
 ir obliged to come-to in the middle, there will be found from 16 to 20 I'athums 
 abreast of the town ; but near the wharves, or at 2 cables' lengths from them, is a 
 depth of 11 fathoms: and here vossels are etisily brought up: but in the offing 
 16 fathoms of cable will be required. On the Point Levy side is a depth of nearly 
 30 fathoms, and the tides are stronger here than near the wharves. With a wind 
 heavy from the eastward, the best riding will be above the wharves, off the cove 
 named Diamond Harbour, in the depth ot 10 fathoms. 
 
 The Ballast Ground, or place appointed by law for heaving out the ballast in, is to 
 the westward of two beacons fixed on the south shore, above Quebec. These beacons 
 stand on the brow of a hill, above a cove named Charles Cove, and when in a line 
 bear N. W. and S.E. of eatili other. 
 
 i; 
 ■fi 
 
 
 
 
 m 
 ,-j' 
 
 ^M- 
 
 RATES OF PILOTAGE. 
 
 The following were the rates of pilotage a few years since, and are added, as we 
 believe they still remain the same : — 
 
 From Bic to Quebbc. Per Foot. £ s. d. 
 
 From the 2nd to the 30th of April, inclusive 10 6 
 
 1st of May to the 10th of November, inclusive 18 
 
 11th to the 19th of November, inclusive 13 
 
 20th November to the Ist of March, inclusive 1 8 
 
 From Quebec to Bic. 
 
 From the 2nd to the 30th of April, inclusive 18 3 
 
 1st of May to the 10th of November, inclusive 15 f» 
 
 11th to the 19th of November, inclusive 10 9 
 
 20th November to the 1st of March, inclusive 15 9 
 
 Rates of pilot-water and poundage on pilot-money are payable at the Naval Office, 
 
 by masters and commanders of vessels. 
 For every foot of water for which masters and commanders of vessels are bound to 
 
 paj' their pilots from Bic to Quebec, and from Quebec to Bic, 2s. 6d. currency, per 
 
 foot. 
 For vessels going to Three Rivers or Montreal, > ^ '' " 
 
 Of 100 to 150 tons, inclusive, £2 cvin-ency. / - ., 
 
 Of 151 to 200 tons, inclusive, £3 „ 
 s ; ■ • Of 201 to 250 tons, inclusive, £4 „ ;, ' : , 
 
 Of 250 tons and upwards £5 „ 
 
 On settling with pilots, masters or commanders of vessels, or the consignees of such 
 vessels, ai'C to deduct Is. in the pound for the amount of the sums to be paid for 
 pilotage, which will be exacted by the Naval Officer at clearing out, the same being 
 funded by law, under the direction of the Trinity House, for the relief of decayed 
 pilots, their widows and children. 
 
 EEGULATiONs/or the pilotage above Bic to Quebec. 
 
 At or above the anchorage of the Brandy Pots^ 
 
 Two-thirds of the present rate for a full pilotage. 
 At or above the Point of St. Roque — 
 
 One-third of ditto. 
 For above the Point aux Pins, on the Isle aux Grues (Crane Island), and below; 
 Patrick's Hole— 
 
 One-fourth of ditto. 
 And at and above Patrick's Hole, £1 3s* 4>d, 
 
s. d. 
 
 6 
 
 18 
 
 3 
 
 8 
 
 EIVEE ST. LAWEENCE-PILOTAGE. 05 
 
 For shifting a vessel from one wharf to another, between Brdhant's Wharf and 
 i" a Carcw, or to tlie stream from or to any of the above wharves, ll.v. 8(^ 
 lor shiftmg a vessel from the stream or from either of the above wharves, to St 
 Patrick g Hole, or to the Basin of Montmorency, or to the Ballast Ground, the Basin 
 ot the Chaudiere, the Wolfe a Cove, and as far as the River Cap Kouge, £1 3*. M. 
 
 Rates aio?;e ^//e IlABBoun o/" Quebec: — 
 
 FroM QHchec to Port Xa^ , , . . ^« Qmbccfrom Port Xcnf. 
 
 ±or vessels of registered measurement, 
 
 \ £4 currency. not exceeding 200 tons £2 10*. currency. 
 
 m » If above 200 and not exceeding 250 tons £3 30*. „ 
 »o „ If above 250 tons £4 Q.y_ 
 
 To Three Kivcrs or above y,^^ Three Rivers, and above 
 
 xonixeut. Port Neuf 
 
 £0 currency. For vessels not exceeding 200 tons £4 0*. currcncv. 
 
 £7 „ . If above 200 and not exceeding 250 tons £1, lOs. „ ' ' 
 £8 „ If above 250 tons £5 10.?. 
 
 To Montreal and above From Montreal, and above 
 
 Three Kivcrs. Three Itivers. 
 
 £11 currency. For vessels not exceeding 200 tons £7 10*. currency. 
 
 £13 „ If above 200 and not exceeding 250 tons £8 15.v. „ 
 *16 „ If above 250 tons £10 15,v. 
 
 Pilots are at liberty to leave vessels forty-eight hours after they arrive at the placo 
 01 thwr destination. 
 
APPENDIX. 
 
 V-'i 
 
 THE HARBOUllS OF HALIFAX AND ST. JOHN, etc. 
 
 A DESCKTPTION of the coasts of Nova Scotia and New Brunswick does not properly 
 cotno within the limits of the present work ; hut as many shipmasters, hound to the 
 River St. Lawrence, may also visit the harbours of Halifax or St. John's, it has been 
 thought desirable to append instructions for those ports. For more minute accounts 
 of them, as well as for the various harbours of Nova Scotia and New Jirunswick, the 
 reader is referred to the Sailing Directions for the coast of North America, from 
 Cape Canso to New York Harbour. 
 
 RAIjXFAX JKAMBOVIL lies about 120 miles westward of Cape Canso, and 113 
 miles eastward of Cape Sable, and is one of the finest in British America.* It is easy 
 of approach and accessible at all seasons, and is large enough to accommodate almost 
 any number of vessels in perfect security. Its direction is nearly North .\nd South, 
 and its length about 14 miles. The channel up to the town is nowhere less than 
 ^ a mile broad, nor under G fathoms in depth, except in two places where there 
 are only 4.j fathoms ; these are named the Neverfail and Middle Shoals. Its upper 
 part, known by the name of Bedford Basin, is a beautiful sheet of water, containing 
 about 10 square miles of good anchorage. The town of Halifax is the capital of 
 Nova Scotia, and contains above 18,000 inhabitants. High water on the days of 
 full anu change at 7h. 49m.; springs rise 6 and neaps 4^ feet. 
 
 The land about the Harbour of Halifax, and a little to the southward of it, is in 
 appearance rugged and rocky, and has on it, in several places, scrubby withered 
 wood. Although it seems bold, it is not high, as it is only to be seen from the 
 quarter-deck of a 74-gun ship at 7 leagues distance ; excepting, however, the high 
 lands of Le Have and Aspotogon, which have been seen 9 leagues olF. When 
 Aspotogon highland, which has a long level appearance, bears North, distant 6 
 leagues, an E.N.E. ^ E. course will carry you to Sambro' Lighthouse. 
 
 The entrance of the harbour is between Chebucto Head and Sambro' Island on the 
 western, and Devil's and Macnab's Islands on the eastern side. Sambro' Island is 
 small and rocky, lies 4 miles S.W. of Chebucto Head, and is surrounded by a 
 multitude of rocks and shoals, bearing the general name of Sambro' Ledges, through 
 and among which are deep water passages^ but too intricate for a stranger to 
 attempt. To avoid them, give the island a berth of at least 3 miles. Pilots may 
 be obtained from Sambro' Island, and if a vessel tires a gun during a fog, it will be 
 answered therefrom. Devil's Island lies close off Hartland Point, is small and 
 rocky, and connected with the main b}' a Hat nearly dry at low tide ; in passing 
 give it a berth of ^ of a mile or more. Macnab's, or Cornwallis Island, forms 
 the eastern side of the channel iitto the harbour, and is connected with the 
 eastern shore by a flat of 8 to 12 feet, upon which is situated the little island named 
 Lawler. The passage on this side of the island, named the ^outh-east Passage, is 
 too shallow and confined to be used by any but boats, so that vessels always use the 
 Avestern passage into the harbour. From the south end of the island a shoal extends 
 about 1^ mile to the southward, and upon this flat there is a small island, named 
 
 • Longitude of the Dockyard Observatory at Halifax 63° 35' 14" \V., according to Admiral 
 Bayfield, and 63° 35' 15" W., according to Professor Bond, of Cambridge Observatory, U.S., and 
 Lieut. Shortland, Il.N., whose observations were made by means of the electric telegraph, and 
 based upon the known position of the latter observatory. 
 
HALIFAX, N.S. 
 
 n 
 
 tho Tlirum Cap. Koitliwanl of Mucnab'n Ittliuul is George Island, a small iHlim;l 
 lyinjj neurly in mid-clmnnel oppoaite tlio town. Close oil' it tliciv aro L to 8 iatlioniH, 
 and in the channol between it and tho town are 8 and 1 L lathonirt, while to tli« 
 eastward of it are from 10 to 11 fathoniHj both chaimelb bein^ free from danger to 
 within a cable's lenj^th of eitlier shore. 
 
 Lights. — Sambro' Island has a white octajfon-shaped li;;hthouso upon tho middle 
 of it GO foot hij;h, showing a fixed light at 115 feet above the level of tho sea, visible 
 20 or 21 miles. 
 
 On the southern end of Devil's Island there is a building painted brown, with a 
 white belt, from which a light, appearing red towards tlic sta, is shown at the height 
 of 45 feet above high water, visible about 8 miles. From this island pilots iwixy bo 
 obtained. 
 
 Near the extremity of Maugher's Beach, a gravel spit extending fnmi tho middle 
 of the western side of Macnab's Island, there is a white circular tower having a red 
 roof, from which u fixed light is shown at the height of 58 feet above the sea, visible 
 10 miles. When Sambro' Light bears W.S.W., tliis light should not be brought to 
 the westward of North, and it will clear the Portuguese, Kock Head, and Thrum 
 Cap Shoals. 
 
 Dangers. — The rocky promontory of Chebucto Head, south-westward of whicli, 
 and around Sambro' Island, are numerous rocks and shoals, must always be care- 
 fully approached when entering the harbour from the westward. Tho assistance of 
 local knowledge is absolutely requisite to enable you to sail among these dangers, 
 and therefore a stranger should give Sambro' Island a berth of 3 or 4 miles in 
 passing, and not attempt any of the channels inside them. 
 
 Sell Rock. — This is a small rock of 6 feet, lying -^^ of a mile from the 
 shore, nearly midway between the entrance to Catch Harbour and Chebucto Head. 
 In a northerly direction, towards the coast, it has a spit of 4^ fathoms, extending 
 from it a short distance, but in other respects it is steep-to, there being 7 and 8 
 fathoms close to its eastern, and 13 and 24 fathoms close to its western, side. 
 Between it and the shore there are 14 and 8 fathoms, but no ship should attempt to 
 pass inside it, on account of the dangerous rocks, named Duck and Duncan lleefs, 
 which extend from the land and nearly block up the passage. Bell Rock bears from 
 the extremity of Chebucto Head nearly S.S.VV. \ W.one mile, and from White Head, 
 the east point of Catch Harbour, E. \ N. about \ a mile. To avoid it on the east 
 side, do not go to the westward of the line of Sandwich Point in one with Chebucto 
 Head, about N. \ E., as that mark will carry you clear of it, and also to the east- 
 ward of the Sisters, and the other ledges in the vicinity of Sambro' Island. 
 
 Portuguese Shoal. — This is a small shoal of 4^ or 5 fathoms, the putermost of 
 those lying before the entrance to the harbour. It lies 3 miles S.W. ^ W. from the 
 ' lighthouse on Devil's Island ; 4 miles S. \ E. from the lighthouse on Maugher's 
 Beach ; and 2^ miles N.E. \ N. from the extremity of Chebucto Head. Close-to 
 it all round are 6 and 7 fathoms. Its western side is marked by a black 
 buoy, lying with George Island open a little westward of the light on Maugher's 
 Beach. 
 
 Roch Head. — This shoal lies nearly f of a mile to the E N.E. of the 
 buoy on the Portuguese Shoal. It is about \ of a mile in extent, and has 
 3| to 4j fathoms upon it, with 6 to 10 fathoms close-to all round. To clear it, as 
 well as the Port>iguese Shoal on the east side, bring Sambro' Lighthouse Island 
 open east of White Head, bearing S.W. ^ W. A black buoy with white bell and 
 frame is placed on its south-eastern side. 
 
 Lichfield Rock. — This small shoal lies on the western side of the approach to 
 the harbour at rather more than f of a mile from the shore, in the direc- 
 tion of S.E. by S. ^ S. from the mouth of Herring Cove. It has upon it 2^ 
 fathoms, and there are 9 to 16 and 17 fathoms at a short distance from it, the deepest 
 water being between it and the coast, whei'o there is as much as 20 fathoms. It is 
 marked by a white beacon buoy, moored on its eastern side. 
 
 Neverfail Shoal. — This is a shoal of 4^ fathoms, lying in the middle of the 
 approach to the harbour, at nearly midway between the Lichfield Rock and the 
 Thrum Cap Shoal. It has 5 and 6 fathoms immediately around it, and, we believe, 
 at present is not marked by a buoy. You may sail between it and the Lichfield 
 Rock by bringing the flag-staff of the Citadel open east of Sandwich Point, bearing 
 
 ST. L. H 
 
08 
 
 HALIFAX, N.S. 
 
 
 N. i W., or l)otwpcn it nnd Thrum Caii Siioal, by bringing Gcorgo Ihbitid open a 
 little to th« wfrttwanl of Man<^bi'r'H Ileach Li^^hthoUHt'. 
 
 Mars Rock. — ThiH rock lii's Himtbuiird of and undi'r Sandwich Point, tlio wcstorn 
 point ol'tlui harbour, ut from \ to ^ of a mile from the land. On itn Hhoalest nart 
 there arc 3i fathoins, and immediately around it are 8 and 10, deepening to 11) and 20 
 fathom:*. Its eawtern ed^;(« is marked by a white beacon b\my. 
 
 Tlintni Cap Shoal. — Tius is t sliailow flat of 1^ t«» U fathoms, extending a milo 
 to the S.S.W. from tiio Kouth ejid of Macnab's Inland, on the eastern side of the 
 harb(mr. It must be carefully avoided when making the harbour from tiio east- 
 ward, and the red beacon buoy on its edge should always be passed on its south side. 
 
 Maufjhers lieach. — From the south side of this beach a Mat cif 2J to A<\ fathonm 
 extends about \ a mile, and bus on it, near the extremity, a patch of 3| fatlunus. To 
 clear this Hat when running into the baibour, bring the Konum Catiiolic Chapel, at 
 Dartmouth, in one with the east point of George Island, bearing N. \ K., and you will 
 avoid it in 10 or 11 fathoms. There is also a shoal running 1^ L'ablo's length oil' from 
 the m)rtlH rn side of the beach, and named the Horse Shoe Reef. 
 
 The Middle Ground is a snudl gravelly patch of 4^ fathoms, lying right in the 
 fairway of the channel, with Mau'^her's lieach Lighthouse bearing S.E. by S. \ S., 
 distant J of a mile; close-to all round are 6 and 7 fathoms. It extends East and 
 West a cable's length, and is about IJO fathoms broad ; as you fall oil' to the eastward 
 of it you will have from 7 to 1:} fathoms water, nmddy bottom, while on the west 
 side there are from 10 to 14 fathoms, coarse and rocky bottom. 
 
 Pleasant Shoal extends from Pleasant Point nearly half way over towards the 
 north-west end of Macnab's Island. There are but 3 and 4 feet over it in many parts, 
 but its extremity is marked by a white buoy, which should always be left on the port 
 hand in entering. 
 
 Reed's Rock, a small rock having 4 feet over it, lies in-shore, about half way 
 between Point Pleasant and Halifax. The thwart-mark for it is a farmhouse in the 
 wood over a blaclv rock on the shore, bearing W. by S. There are 5 and 7 fathoms 
 around it, and a white beacon buoy is ujoored off its eastern side. 
 
 Jves Knoll has but one foot of water over its centre, and from 9 to 15 feet on other 
 parts ; it lies off the north end of Macnab's Island, separated therefrom by a narrow 
 channel 4 and 5 fathoms deep, and on its western side there is a red buoy, moored 
 opposite the white one marking Reed's Rock. 
 
 Belleisle Spit extends \ of a mile from the shore at the south end of Halifax, oppo- 
 site the south point of George Island, and has a white beacon buoy on its outer edge. 
 One-fourth of a mile further in, on the same side, is the white beacon buoy on the edge 
 of the Leopiiird Shoal. 
 
 DiEKCTiONs. — No vessel ought to attempt the harbour of Halifax without having 
 a local pilot on board. In the event of not being able to get one, the following direc-* 
 tio'.is may be serviceable. 
 
 In sailing into Halifax Harbour from the westward, you should advance to the 
 eastward so as to pass Oambro' Lighthouse at the distance of a league, taking care 
 not to approach nearer to it on account of the various dangers in its vicinity. When 
 the lighthouse comes to the westward of N.N.W. you may proceed K.E. or N.K. \ 
 N. about 4^ miles, which will bring you off Chebucto Head. Here you will bring the 
 leading mark on, which is the Citadel Flagstaff, just open of Point Sandwich, N. \ VV., 
 and, by keeping them thus open, you will pass between the Portuguese black buoy, 
 and the Neverfail and Thrum Cap Shoals on the starboard, and Lichfield white beacon 
 buoy on the poit hand, up to the white beacon buoy on the edge of Mars Rock, which 
 must le left also on the port side by opening the flagstaff a little more to the eastward. 
 Sandwich Point, which is bold-to, may now be approached, and passed at the distance 
 of a cable's length, and by keeping Chebucto Head a little open of Sandwich Point, 
 about S. J W., you will continue in the fairway up to George Island, leaving the 
 Middh 'iiound a little on your eastern side, and the white buoys on Pleasant Shoal 
 and Ri ed's Rock on your western. Oi, when up with Mars Rock buoy, you may haul 
 to the eastward and bring Dartmouth Roman Catholic Chapel in one with the east 
 
 E)int of George Island, N. \ E., which will lead in between Maugher's Beach or 
 ighthouse Bank and the Middle Ground, up to abreast the town, passing the red 
 buoy on Ives Knoll on the starboard side, and the white ones on Pleafaaut Shoal, 
 Reed's Rock, and Belleisle Spit on the port side. 
 
HALIFAX, N.S. 
 
 Or, whon abreast of Chobucto lloaJ, or whon Satnbro' lij,'ht boar« W.S.W., tbo 
 lif^hton Maii^lu'r'.H HimcIi Hhould iiovcr bo br()U;^'bt totbo wontwurd of North. Koop. 
 111^5 the li;,'lit from North to N. by K. will Icail in clo.ir (»(" all tlio shoals, oxi'cpt th« 
 N(!Vi'rfail, uj) to al)rLiast Saiidwich Point. Tho>« advancing' I'-oin (ht; wcstwaid will 
 Hco tba lijflit. oil Mauj;hiM''s Hfach, when they arc as far up as Chcbucto Head; it is 
 then a :o«)d mark up to Sandwich lleatl. 
 
 Ii» nailing into Halifax /farfjuiir from f/ir ea.tfiiutrJ,'* of^n.^'hiWy vfHhnn t^asterly 
 wind, and intendinfj topaarf iti bctwoou the Ko<lc Ili-ad and Thrum Cap Shoals, Hteor 
 towurdrt DevD'H Island, k-ave it I a milo to tlii' northward, and sti'i-r VV«.'hI, maldnjij due 
 anowance for the inllutMU'ci of (be tide. If this course be made i^ood you will pass 
 above a mih; northw:«rd of the bell buoy on the south end of UocU Head Slioil, and « no- 
 third of a milo southward of the red buoy olf the south-west end of the Thrum Cap. 
 As soon as Geor;;o Island ajjpears open westward of M author's Li;;hthouse, haul up 
 and proceed on that lino of bearing,', and as you near Sandwicdi Point, open the island 
 gradually more to the westward, till the Uoimin Catholic Chapel comes in lino with 
 the east end of George Inland, then proceed as before directed. 
 
 In turning to windward, give the upper or inner part of Maugher's Heach a berth 
 of 2 cables' lengths, in order to avoid the Ilorse-Shoe lieef, that runs from the north 
 part of tho beach to the distance of 1,^ cable's length. You nniy stand to the Sand- 
 wicli Point side to within two ships' lengths, that being bold-to; hut stand no farther 
 over to the westward, to avoid Point Pleasant Shoal, than keeping Chebucto Head 
 well in sight without Sandwich Point. 
 
 When up with George Island pass it on either side, as most convenient, giving it a 
 berth of 80 or 100 fathoms, and choose your anchorage at pleasure, in from I'.] to 6 
 fathoms, muddy bottom. From George Island into Hedlbrd Basin there is no obstruc- 
 tion to shipping, if a moderate berth be given to th.o shores. 
 
 Capt. Orlebar, ll.N., says that " a rock, with 14 feet least water over it, lies 50 
 fathoms from the end of Lyle's Wharf, and bears from Government House E. 12^ S., 
 distant 180 fathoms. It lies within tho depth of 6 fathoms, but in passing up the 
 harbour no vessel of size should approach tho wharves until well past this bearing 
 from Government House. If York liedoubt bo kept open of tho wharves this 
 rock will be cleared." 
 
 Ships of war usu; 1ly anchor off the Naval Yard, which may bo distinguished at a 
 distance by the masting sheers. Merchant-vessels discharge and take in their cargoes 
 at the town-wharves. 
 
 Small vessels, from tho eastward, occasionally proceed to Halifax by the S.E. pas- 
 sage, within Macnab's Island, and on the eastern side of Lawler's. On the shoalest 
 part of the bar of sand, which obstructs this passage, there are, however, but 8 feet 
 at low water. Above the bar the depth increases to 5 and 10 fathoms, bottom of mud. 
 On the bar of the channel between Macnab's and Lavvler's Islands, there are but 3 
 feet at low ivater. 
 
 Herring Cooe, on tho western side of the harbour, 1\ mile south-westward of 
 Sandwich Point, has an entrance about 100 fathoms wide, and quite bold on either 
 side, with 7, 5, and 4 fathoms up to the elbow that forms the inner cove, where small 
 vessels may lie in perfect seairity in a depth > '' 7 to 9 feet. 
 
 • It i8 said that there is Rreat difficulty in making Halifax from the eastward, particularly in 
 the winter weason, in oonsequfnce of the windi being too frequently from the W.S.W. to N.W., 
 and blowing so hard as to reduce a ship to very low canvas, if not to bare poles, and should the 
 wind come to the eastward, it is invariably attended with such thick weather as to prevent an 
 obfiervation, or seeing to any great distance ; hi.iice, under such circumstances, it would be impru- 
 dent to run for the shore, more purticularly in winter, when the easterly winds are attended with 
 Bleet and snow, which lodge about the masts, sails, rigging, and every part of the sliip, becoming 
 a solid body of ice so soon as the wind shifts round to tiie N.W., which It does suddenly from the 
 eastward. These are circumstances of real ditiiculty ; and it has been recommended, in such a 
 case, to run far to the south-westWHrd (avoiding the Gulf Stream), and thence from the S.W. 
 coast, to keep the shore on board, all the way to Halifax. 
 
 Admiral Bayfield says, " In the present very imperfect state of our knowledge of the banks 
 which lie off this coast (Nova Scotia), of the deptli and nature of the soundings on them, and 
 between them and the shore, no further directions can be safely given to vessels approaching the 
 land during a dark night or in a thick fog. than not to go nearer than the depth of 40 fathoms, at 
 the same time bearing in mind that there is that depth at a less distance than 3 mUea from some 
 of the most formidable of the dangers between Canso and Halilax." 
 
100 
 
 HALIFAX AND ST. JOHN'S. 
 
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 In Marnah's Cove, formed by an indent of ilie island on the nortliern side of 
 Maugher's Beach, there is good anchorage in from 9 to 4 fathoms, mnddy bottom. The 
 best spot i8 represented to b'^ in 7 fathoms, with the extremity of Mangher's 
 IJeuch touching Sandwich Point, and the tower on George Island touching Ives 
 Point. 
 
 Mr, Davy, R.N., of H.M.S. Cornwallis, made the following remarks while 
 proceeding from Hnlifax to Quebec. The Cornwallis lelt Halifax on June 4th, 
 1838:— 
 
 " Wind north, with fine weather, sailed with Pearl, Dee, and Charybdis for the Gut 
 of Canao. Passed out between the Thrum Cap and Hock Head Shoals to within a 
 cable's length of the Thrum Cap buoy, having 10 fathoms waier ; this channel ia 
 quite safe. Being thus clear, 27 miles led us to the southward of tht Jedore Shoals; 
 then east for White Head, wind and weather looking favourable. Just to the east- 
 ward of Cole Harbour* is a remarkable iV.A cliif, making in a well- formed saddle; 
 the red is bright, and the eastern coast, thereby, is easily recognised; while the coast to 
 the westward of Halifax is known by its white cliffs. It is advisable for strangers 
 running from Jedore to Canso not to approach the coast nearer than 10 miles, until 
 abreast of Tor Bay. This is a spacious bay, having Berry Head at its western point 
 and Cape Martingo \t its eastern, 5 miles apart. White Head Island, immediately 
 to the eastward of Tor Bay, is the most remarkable land on the coast, and is as a 
 beacon to the pilots : it stands well out, and from the westward terminates the eastern 
 view. Jeing 10 miles south of it, steer N.E. by E. for Canso Lighthouse, which is 
 a tall white building, and makes well out to seaward, on a small low island, named 
 Cranberry Island. It exhibits good fixed lights, which must be brought to bear West 
 before keeping away ; then steer N.N.W., until George Island bears West, thence 
 N.W. and N.N.W. for Cave Argos. Avoiding the Cerberus Shoal, which is very 
 dangerous, and directly in the track ; leave it on your port hand. Cape Argos makes 
 like a round island, and is bold to approach ; passin„ this, the distance across the 
 gut becomes narrowed to l\ mile." — Naut. Mag,, 1839, p. 299. 
 
 Catch Haeboue. — At 1^ mile south-westward of Chebucto Head is the small 
 harbour or cove named Catch Harbour, which has a bar of 9 feet at low water, right 
 across the entrance, over which the sea breaks heavily, when the wind blows on shore. 
 Within the bar there are 2 and 2^ fathoms. This harbour is too small, and the access 
 t ' is too difficult, to allow it to be frequented by any but the smallest vessels. At 
 i^s head there is a stream of good fresh water. 
 
 Coast westwaed of Halifax. — On the coast from Halifax, westward, to Mar- 
 garet's Bay, the country appears, from the offing, very rocky, with numerous inlets, 
 the shore being steep-to, and bounded with white rocky cliffs. The high lands of 
 Aspotogon, on the east side of Mahone Bay, are very remarkable ; and proceeding 
 eastward from Mahone Bay the rocks which surround the shore are black, with some 
 banks of red earth. Between Cape Le Have (which is a remarkable promontory, 107 
 feet above the sea, bald on the top, with a red bank under it, facing the south-west- 
 ward) and Port Metway, there are some hummocks in'and, about which the country 
 appears low and level from the sea ; and, on the shore, white rock ar, 1 stony beaches, 
 with several lew bald points ; hence to Shelburne Harbou* the land is woody. About 
 the entrance of Port Latour, and within land, are several barren spots, which, from 
 the offing, are easily discerned; thence, to Cape Sable, the land appears lev( and 
 low, and on the shore are some cliffs of exceedingly white sand, particularly at tha 
 entrance to Port Latour, and at Cape Sable, where they are very conspicuous from 
 the sea. 
 
 ST. 70BN'S BARBOUTi. — The entrance of this harbour bears from the entrance 
 of the Gut of Annapolis N. \ W., 11 leagues, and may be distinguished by the light- 
 house on Partridge Island, which shows a fixed light at 119 feet above the level of 
 the sea, visible 20 miles. The tower is painted red and white, in vertical stripes, 
 and is furnished with a bell, to be tolled in thick or foggy weather ; its position is 
 lat. 45° 14' 2" N., and long. 66° 3' 30" W. 
 
 As a guide to vessels making St. John's, a large iron fog-bell has lately been placed 
 m 1\ fathoms, at the entrance of the harbour. It lies with Cape Spencer bearing 
 S. 59° E. ; Cape Mispick S. 62° E. 3f miles ; Partridge Lighthouse N. 21° E. 1^ mile; 
 
 * A very shallow bay 4 miles er.8tward of Devil's Island. 
 
ST. JOHN'S, N.B. 
 
 101 
 
 Sheldon Point N. 49° W. If mile ; Meclgini*h south-east point N. 76° W. 2 miles; 
 Cape Negro, red mark, S. 81*^ W. 4i miles ; and Cape Split S. 78° W. The height 
 of the bell above fhe buoy is 19 feet. 
 
 A heaco.t light is ohown within Partridge Island, from a tower erected upon a spit 
 or bar which runs out from Sand Point S.S.E. about half a mile, and which dries at 
 two-thirds ebb. This light is of great utility to the coasters, and all other vessels 
 having pilots on board, as it enables them to enter the h.irbour at all hours of the 
 night. 
 
 North-east from the beacon light, just off the town, is a ridge of rocks which is 
 covered at 2 hours' flood ; from this ridge and eastward of the town are extensive 
 flats of sand and mud, which dry at low water, and extend along the road to Cran- 
 berrv Point, stretching off about 2 tables' lengths. 
 
 The bottom, for several miles southward of Partridge Island, is muddy, and the 
 depths gradual, from 7 to 20 fathoms, affording excellent anchorage ; the passage 
 westward of this island has in it 10 feet ; that to the eastward has 18 feet ; and 
 abreast of the city are from 7 to 12 fathoro-?. 
 
 A breakwater has been erected on the eastern side of the entrance to the harbour, 
 below the town, for the purpose of reducing the inset of the sea, especially during a 
 southerly gale. 
 
 The CITY OF ST. JOHN stc.nds on the River St. John near its mouth, and 
 carries on a considerable trade, and many ships are built here. Within the harbour 
 is a valuable fishery, where large quantities of salmon, herrings, and chad are cured 
 for exportation. In the most severe winter it is free from the incumbrance of ice. The 
 country on the banks of the river abounds in excellent timber, coal, limestone, and 
 other minerals. Partridge Island is about 2 miles to the southward of the city, 
 answering the double purpose of protecting the harbour, and, by its lighthouse, 
 guiding and directing the mariner to its entrance. , 
 
 The entrance into the river, 2 miles above the town of St. John, is over the Falls, a 
 narrow channel of 80 yards in breadth, and about 400 long. This channel is straight, 
 and a ridge of rocks so extends across it as to retain the fresh water of the river. The 
 common tides flowing here about 20 feet, at low water the level of the river is about 
 12 feet higher than that of the sea ; and, at high water, the level of the sea is from 5 
 to 8 feet higher than that of the river ; so that, in every tide, there are two falls, one 
 outward and one inward. The only time of passing this place is when the water of 
 the river is level with the water of the sea, which is twice in a tide ; and this opportu- 
 nity of passing continues not above 10 minutes : at all other times it is impassable, or 
 extremely dangerous. After passing the Falls, you enter into a gullet, which is about 
 a quarter of a mile wide,^ and two miles long, winding in several courses, and having 
 about 16 fathoms in the channel. Having passed this gullet, you enter a fine large 
 basin \\ mile wide, and 8 miles long, which enters the main river. The river branches 
 some hundreds of miles up, in a serpentine manner, and runs through a country which 
 abounds with timber, coal, limestone, and many other minerals; and the surrounding 
 lands are now becoming highly cultivated. There is water enough to navigate vessels 
 of 50 tons as high as Frederickton, and in all the branches of the lakes adjacent 
 except in dry seasons. At times of great freshes, which generally happen between the 
 beginning of April and the middle of May, from the melting of the snow, the Falls are 
 absolu+^^ely impassable to vessels bound up the river, as the tide does nof rise to their 
 level. 
 
 The following directions for St. John's Harbour and Meogenes Bay were written a 
 few years since by Mr. Backhouse. It should be mentioned that from Captain Owen's 
 survey it would appear that the passage on the east side of Partridge Island is the 
 best, there being in the other only 7 to 12 feet, and some shoal spots of less water at 
 low tide. 
 
 " When you make Meogenes Island, or Partridge Isle, so as to be distinguished 
 from the lighthouse on the latter, then make a signal for a pilot, and the intelligence 
 from Partridge Island will be immediately communicated to the city of St. John, 
 whence a pilot will join you. Should the wind be contrary, or any other obstruction 
 meet you, to prevent your obtaining the harbour that tide, j u may sail in between the 
 S.W.'end of Meogenes Island and the main, or between the N.E. end and the main, 
 and come to anchor in 4 or 6 fathoms at low water, mud and sandy bottom. The 
 mark for the best anchoring ground here is, to bring the three hills in the country to 
 
102 
 
 ST. JOHN'S, N.B. 
 
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 ihe N.E. in a line within Rock j Point Island,* and the house on Meogenes Island to 
 bear S.E. by S. 
 
 Should the tide of ebb have taken place at the beacon, you must not, by any means, 
 attempt to gain the harbour that tide, but wait the next half-flood, to go over the bar, 
 as both sides of the entrance of this harbour are nothing but sharp rocks dry at lovr 
 water : and the tide of ebb is so rapid in the spring, when thp ice and snow are dis- 
 solved, that all the anchors on board will not hold the ship fio a driving. 
 
 On the Nova Scotia side of the Bay of Fundy, your soundings will be from 50 to 
 60, 70, 80, to 95 fathoms ; stones like beans, and coarse sand ; and as you draw to th« 
 northward, the quality of the ground will alter to a fine sand, and some small shells 
 with black specks. Approach no nearer to the south shore than in 50 fathoms ; and, 
 as you edge off to the N.W. and W.N.W., you will fall off the bank, and have no 
 soundings. 
 
 When you have passed Meogenes Island, edge in-shore toward Rocky Point, until 
 Meogenes Point {Negro Head) is in a line over the N.W, corner of Meogenes Island ; 
 sailing in between Rocky Point and Partridge Island, with these marks in one, will 
 lead you in the best water over the bar (9 to 15 feet), until you open Point Mispick 
 to the northward of the low point on Partridge Island ; then starboard your helm, 
 and edge towards Thompson's Point, until the red store, at the south end of St. John's, 
 is in a line over the beacon ; keep them in one until you pass the beacon at a distance 
 of a ship's breadth; then haul up N.N.W. up the harbour, keeping the blockhouse, 
 at the upper part of the havbour, open to the westward of the king's store, situated 
 close to the water-side, which will lead you, in mid-channel, up to the wharves, where 
 you may lie aground dry, at half-tide, and clean your ship's bottom, or lie afloat in the 
 stream at single anchor, with a hawser fast to the posts of the wharves on shore. — 
 N.B. The tide of flood here is weak, but the ebb runs very rapidly all the way down 
 past Meogenes Island." 
 
 The following directions are based on the details of the survey of Lieutenants 
 Harding and Kortright, acting under the orders of Captain W. F. W. Owen, of the 
 Royal Navy, in 1844 
 
 When running for St. John's avoid the rocky ledge running off Inner Mispick 
 Point, the eastern side of the entrance, to the distance of 2^ cables* lengths, and which 
 is steep-to, with 30 to 40 feet close off; and having brought the stone barracks in 
 one with the Wesleyan Chapel,t at the back of the town, bearing N. f E., steer iu 
 with this mark on, and it will cai-ry you outside of the shoal water extending from 
 the eastern side of Partridge Island. When Carleton Church comes in one with the 
 cliff end (the termination of the cliffs forming Negro Point), bearing about N.W. | N., 
 you must change your course to this direction, and it will lead you in from 15 to 
 22 feet at 1^ cable's lenofth to the northward of the shoal ground extending between 
 Partridge Island and Kegro Point. Continue in this direction until the stone 
 church at the back of the town comes on the end of the breakwater, when you must 
 run up with this mark past the beacon-light into the harbour. When just above the 
 beacon-light steer N. by W. or N. by W. \ W., and anchor off the town. Be careful 
 to keep the lead going when following these directions, that you do not strike on the 
 shoal spots. 
 
 To the north-eastward of the beacon-light, and just off the town, is a ridge of rocks 
 which is covered at 2 hours' flood. From this ridge, and eastward of the town, there 
 is an extensive flat of mud and sand which dries at low water ; this extends along the 
 coast to Cranberry Point, and runs about 2 cables' lengths from the shore. Cran- 
 berry Point is cliffy, and has some rocks running off it. 
 
 It is high water on the days of full and change at lib. 44m. ; spring-tides rise 23 
 to 25 feet, and neaps 21 to 23 feet. 
 
 Signals. — The following signals are displayed at Partridge Island, on the approach 
 of vessels to the harbour of St. John : — 
 
 One ball close for 1 square-rigged vessel. 
 
 One ball hJf-hoisted for 2 „ 
 
 * This ig an islet, lying at a cable's length from the point, and more properly named the Shag 
 Bock. It is surrounded by sunken rocks. 
 
 t This building will be known by its octagonal tower with a circular top. It is situated in the 
 
 N.£. part of the town. 
 
ST. JOHN'S, N.B. 
 
 103 
 
 Two balls close for 3 gquare-rigged vessel. 
 
 Two balls separated for 4 „ 
 
 A pendant of any colour for 5 ,, 
 
 A pendant under a ball for 6 „ 
 
 A pendant over a ball balf-hoisted for ... 7 „ 
 
 A pendant under two balls close for 8 „ 
 
 A pendant under two balls separated for 9 i» . 
 
 A flag of any colour for 10 or more. 
 
 The above are displayed at the east or west yard-arm, according to the direction in 
 which the vessels are first observed ; and as soon as their rig can be distinguished, 
 descriptive colours will be hoisted at the masthead in the following order : — 
 
 A union jack, with a white pendant over for a small armed vessel. 
 
 A blue pendant „ merchant ship. 
 
 A red ditto „ merchant brig. 
 
 A white and blue ditto ..*. „ foreign vessel. 
 
 A white ditto (without a ball) „ top-sail schooner or sloop. 
 
 A red flag, pierced white „ steamboat from St. Andrew's 
 
 and Eastport. 
 A ball at the mast-head vessel is on shore or in distress. 
 
 Should immediate aid be necessary, guns to be fired. In foggy weather, a gun 
 will be fired on Partridge Island in return for each heard at sea. Should a vessel 
 require a pilot, her descriptive pendant will be displayed at a yard-arm, in the place 
 of a ball. 
 
 In regard to the time for going through the Falls, near St. John, it may be men- 
 tioned that the Falls are level (or still water) at about 3^ hours on the flood, and 
 about 2^ on the ebb, which makes them passable four times in twenty-four hours, 
 about 10 or 15 minutes each time. No other rule can be given, as much depends on 
 the floods in the River St. John, and the time of high water or full sea, which is oftea 
 hastened by high winds, and in proportion to the heiifht of them. 
 
 THE END. 
 
 Shag 
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