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Canada is not satisfactorily accounted for by Mr. Gray, who gives a definition which, he confesses, appears more whimsical than true. Tradition says the country had been visited by the Spaniards before the French; the former finding neither a fertile soil or favourable climate, nor gold, frequently exclaimed, in the hearing of the Indians, "Aca nada," signifying, here is nothing. When the French visited the country, the Indians, in hopes of getting rid of them, and supposing them Spaniards, repeated frequently Aca nada, which the French not understanding, thought might be the name of the country; hence they called it Canada. You may take this definition," adds Mr. G."till you can find a better." One of the peculiarities of this frozen region attracted the Author's attention soon after the ship entered the St. Lawrence; and that was, the vast volumes of smoke which are suspended over the forests, produced by the consumption of the wood in order to clear the land. Many miles of the shores present a dreary aspect, and the signs of population are seldom observable till the passenger reaches the island of Bique, where vessels bound for Quebec and Montreal usually take pilots." This place is the rendezvous for the merchantships, and the frigates appointed for their convoy. The distance from Quebec is 150 miles, and 350 from Montreal. The numerous beautiful islands scattered in the stream of the majestic St. Lawrence, and the magnitude of the river, now forcibly struck Mr. Gray, who observes, "for though it is about 20 miles broad, I found, on tasting some of the water at half ebb-tide, that it was perfectly fresh. I really do believe that there is more fresh water thrown into the ocean from this river than from all the rivers in Europe put to gether. I have seen many of the largest of them. A dozen Danubes, Rhines, Rhones, Taguses, and Thameses, would be nothing to twenty miles of fresh water in breadth, from ten to forty fathoms in depth."

The high banks and headlands have a very fine effect from the midst of the river. Between those and the vast dark mountains at a distance, the house, villages, and churches, mark the line of cultivation; but at

the close of May, the time when the Author first saw the country, vege tation had advanced but very little towards perfection. The situation and view of Quebec must, judging from Mr, Gray's description, exceed all other cities on the globe. The scenery of the confines of the river is extremely grand. On the left point, Levi appears with a romantic church and scattered cottages: on the right, is the upper point of the island of Orleans: and beyond, the distant country. "And you are struck," says Mr. G. "with the magnificent falls of Montmorency. A river called the Montmorency, as large as the Thames at Richmond, is seen precipitating itself in a body over a perpendicular precipice of 246 feet. It is allowed to be one of the finest waterfalls in the world. The eye then ruus along a cultivated country for about half a dozen miles; aud the prospect is terminated by a ridge of mountains on the right, and by Cape Diamond and the plains of Abraham on the left, where you see the city and battlements of Quebec, com manding majestically the surrounding country." Every writer on the subject of America, whatever portion of that quarter of the globe he may have visited, has observed the vast scale on which the whole detail of the country is constructed. Mr. G. fully agrees with his brother travellers on this head; and declares the stamp and impression of originality are visible in every direction. The pigmy operations of man, with their diminutive marks of civilization, meet the eye; but they have not effaced the general appearance of one immense forest, and the mountains, lakes, rivers, trees, cataracts, and precipices, stand unrivalled. original settlers of Canada had many difficulties to encounter, exclusive of the rigour of the climate, as they were compelled to the alternate fatigues of clearing the country and fighting its inhabitants; and, when those were in some degree overcome, their descendants had to contend with new enemies in the infant Provinces of British America. Indeed their Government, even after it had taken the colony under its immediate protection, seems to have paid more attention to the fur-trade, to exploring the interior of the country, culti

The

vating the friendship of the Indians, and spreading the Roman Catholic religion, thax to the improvement of the country in agriculture, and the promotion of the arts, and the domestic pursuits of civil society."

Mr. Gray pays a handsome compliment to the Missionaries employed in disseminating their faith, who, though we disbelieve the doctrines they maintain, cannot be denied the merit of disinterested perseverance in meeting the most horrid tortures and death, in performing what they conceived to be a duty. "Where the intention is good," adds our Author, "praise is due; and, we may suppose, will have its reward from Him who knoweth the heart."

Quebec was founded by Samuel de Champlain, in the year 1608; and never was more judgment demonsirated, than in his choice of the site. The St. Lawrence suddenly contracts to a mile in breadth opposite the city, though the bason, as it is termed, immediately below it, is five, and it again expands above the town. The grand battery of Quebec, composed of very heavy ordnance, and several 13-inch mortars, is judiciously placed, so as to command the narrowest part of the river, which is about 100 feet in depth, and affords good anchorage. The description of the city is concise and satisfactory; and we are informed that the shipping discharge their cargoes at wharfs built from low-water mark, close to extensive warehouses; and that the inhabitants, having suffered greatly on accidental fires, from the combustible nature of their cedar shingle roofs, now use tin plates in many instances, which are not only very brilliant, but durable coverings in this dry climate.

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In speaking of the religious houses, Mr. G. observes, "I believe I can safely say, that no where do the Roman Catholicks and Protestants live on better terms than here. They go to each other's marriages, baptisms, and burials, without scrupie; nay, they have even been known to make use of the same church for religious worship, one party using it in the forenoon, and the other in the afternoon.. There is something truly Christian in all this; it evinces a meekness of spirit, and a degree of charitable forbearance with one another, which greatly promotes general happiness.

By the Quebec Bill of 1774, the Roman Catholic Clergy are per mitted to exact tithes of their own parishioners; but the Protestants or their lands are not subject to this contribution for that particular religion; the tithes of the latter are paid to persons appointed by the Government, and the amount is reserved for the support of Protestant Clergymen actual residents in the Province. The Governor for the time being is authorised to erect parsonages, and endow them from this fund: and the proportion of Ecclesiastics was, when Mr. Gray wrote, one Bishop and twelve Priests of the Established Church, about 200 Roman Catholic Priests, and but three Ministers of the Scotch Church.

The Plains of Abraham, remarkable for the battle which gave the sovereignty of Canada to England, and the death of General Wolfe, extend for a considerable distance to the South-west of Quebec. These plains are nearly on a level with the fortifications, and spread as the distance from the city increases, to the breadth of one and two miles, deviating but little from the level, yet sloping towards the river St. Charles on the North, and less on the opposite side. The bank next the St. Lawrence is of great height, and "almost perpendicular, and generally covered with wood where the slope will admit of it, which is not always the case. Notwithstanding the difficulty of as cent, General Wolfe, with infinite labour, contrived to carry his little army and a few small field-pieces to the top of the bank, and took his stand on the Plains of Abraham." Mr. Gray attributes the success of the British arms after this moment to the precipitation of General Montcalm, who, instead of concerting a joint attack with a commander of a French army of 10,000 men, encamped at Beaufort, a few miles from Quebec, sallied forth, and, taking the whole of the contest upon himself, was defeated and killed. The precise spot where our gallant Wolfe fell, and the stone on which his friends laid him, are still shewn; but the latter is much reduced by the frequent attacks made on its surface for fragments to preserve as relicks.

We shail now turn our attention to

those matters which more immediately

excite public interest at the present moment. Aware of the capricious policy of Russia, particularly since the infatuation of the Councils of that Empire has laid it at the feet of Buonaparte, Government is making every practicable attempt to encourage the culture of hemp in Canada, where it seems the soil and climate are perfectly congenial to its nature. These have generally succeeded; and several agents, lately sent for this express purpose, have had land assigned them, and they are required to undertake the difficult task of convincing the native farmers of the advantage they may hereafter derive from a species of agriculture with which they were previously unacquainted. "However," says Mr.G."as Government has agreed to pay the farmer a price certain per ton; and, as this price is more than what he would receive for the wheat produced on the land that produced; it is probable the quantity raised in the country in general will increase very fast. One circumstance mentioned by our Author appears worthy of the consideration of Government: at the time the work before us was written, hemp had not been subjected to the payment of tithes; consequently the Clergy would feel themselves impelled to use their influence in preventing its growth. We hope that this error has ceased to exist, and, if otherwise, that it will be corrected without delay. The forests of Canada offer more certain and permanent advantages. In the present instance, neither prejudice nor unfavourable seasons can have the least effect; experience and judgment in selecting the various kinds of timber necessary for building and equipping of ships, is all that is necessary: Nature has profusely spread her gifts before us, and we have their unlimited use. Mr. Gray informs us, "No part of the productions of Canada is likely to become of more importance to Britain than the produce of the forests, which consists of an abundance of different kinds of wood, fit for the purposes of the dock-yard, as well as for the use of the house-carpenter and cabinet-maker. The dock-yard can be supplied with masts of the largest size. Some have been brought down to Quebec 120 feet in length, and about four feet in diameter. It is the white pine which arrives at this

immense size, and may be styled the. monarch of the Canadian forest." The Upper Canada oak is generally considered as superior to that brought to England from the Baltic, and infe rior to none but the British in quality. The grain of the wood is more open than that produced in our island, and, being softer, is not so durable. The noble and imposing height to which the oak grows in Canada, and the perpendicular position, with few branches, renders it perfectly conve nient for planks and staves, but it furnishes little of the timber required for knees. This circumstance may, however, be remedied, by bringing the pine-roots to England, which, according to the opinion of ship-carpen ters, answer the purpose extremely well. Much useful information is given in this part of the work, and Mr. Gray seems to have taken every opportunity of rendering it almost essential for the consultation of the British trader. The Appendix, be sides, contains a list of the duties payable in Canada on importation, under several acts of the British Parliament, with others levied by that of the Province, part of which expire in 1811. Allowances at the Custom-house. Post-office regulations. Roads and distances in Canada. List of the Governors of Canada from the conquest, with the date of their appointments. List of the Counties in Lower Canada. The number of Representatives in the Provincial Assembly, and the num ber of Parishes. An account of the principal articles of Provision and Lumber imported into his Majesty's Colonies in the West Indies, in the years 1804, 1805, and 1806; distinguishing each year, each island or colony respectively, and the several countries from which such articles were imported. The real value of Exports from England to all parts of America and the West Indies (exclu sive of the United States) in three years, ending in October 1808. Real value of Imports from the United States of America. Real value of Exports to the United States of America. Exports from Quebec 1809. The Memorial and Petition of the Merchants and other Inhabitants of New Brunswick. Another from the Inhabitants of Halifax and Nova Scotia. Address from the Council and House of Representatives of New Brunswick,

Brunswick, respecting the Islands in Passamaquoddy Bay; and the Declaration as to the boundaries of the

river St. Croix. A good Map of North America faces the Title.

6. ERIN, a Geographical and Descriptive Poem; 8vo. pp. 112.

"SIX and thirty years of my life, dedicated to the public service (f, as an Assistant in a Public School, I have executed my duty faithfully) entitle me to the regard and esteem of those, to whose education I have in any degree contributed."

After such a forcible appeal to his Westminster Pupils, we rejoice to see Mr. Smedley's publication honoured by a numerous and respectable List of "Men occupying couspicuous situations in the service of their Country," both in Church and State.

A small but neat Map of Ireland is prefixed; and the design of the Poem is taken from Dr. Campbell's "Political Survey of Great Britain ;" who says,

"In respect to Ireland, we have more than once observed, that, except Great Britain, there is not perhaps in the world an island that possesses more natural advantages. The climate, soil, and productions of this country are such, as render it wonderfully commodious to its inhabitants, as furnishing them with all the necessaries, and most of the conveniencies of life, with a large surplus of valuable commodities."

On this theme Mr. Smedley very largely and agreeably expatiates : Fair Erin, daughter of the Western Main, [tain Whose cliff's rise proudly, destin'd to sus

The war of waters rolling to thy shores,
Where uncontroul'd the vast Atlantic
roars ;
[raves,
As around Skelig's rocks fierce Ocean
And wastes the strand with never-ceasing
waves;
[foul,

Or on Rathlint, with many a shipwreck
Night after night destructive tempests
howl;

Britain thy aid demands in War or Peace;
With thine her pow'rs diminish or in-

crease.

Whene'er her crimson banners she unfurls,
And o'er the globe her vengeful thunder
hurls,

If Plata's flood demaud a soldier's toil,
Or Asia's plains, or Afric's burning soil,
Where dauntless Abercrombie nobly
bleeds,
[ley leads;
Where Stuart conquers, or where Welles-

Thine with her offspring, liberal as brave,
To vanquish hasten, and exult to save.
Nor do the perils of the deep affright,
Where glory hovers o'er Trafalgar's
height,

Aud gallant Nelson to his comrades calls,
Tells them their duty, then triumphant falls;
They stand prepar'd for victory or death,
And cheer the hero at his latest breath."

Ireland is justly celebrated by Mr. Smedley for its early and zealous attachment to Religion; and a proper compliment is paid to "the Maiden Queen," by whose bounty were,

"Under one name, most honour'd, most
rever'd,
[rear'd ‡."
Twin seats of science in two kingdoms
The many natural advantages also
possessed by Ireland are enumerated;
particularly its safe and capacious
Harbours, where

"A thousand fleets expand their swelling
sails §."

* "For a description of the Skelig islands, the reader is referred to Dr. Smith's Natural and Civil History of the County of Kerry, p. 111; but, as this book is not every where to be met with, the following extract may afford some entertainment :'The great Skelig stands about nine miles W. S. W. from Puffin island. It is a most high and stupendous rock; and the middle part of the island is flat and plain, consisting of about three acres of ground, formerly cultivated. This place is surrounded with high and inaccessible precipices, that hang dreadfully over the sea, which is generally rough, and roars hideously underneath. There is but one track, and that very narrow, that leads to the top, and this ascent is so difficult and frightful, that few people are hardy enough to attempt it.' Here follows a description of the difficulties which pilgrims experienced in gaining the top.-There are two curiosities on this island: the first, the exquisite workmanship of the cells, or small chapels, built in the antient Roman manner, without cement. The other, the wells of fresh water on the rock."

+ "Rathlin is an island situate at the Northern extremity of Ireland."

"Queen Elizabeth founded Trinity-college, Dublin; and gave the statutes by which Trinity-college, Cambridge, is governed."

δ "When the North-east wind prevails, ships can scarcely make their way up Channel. In this respect, the harbours of Kinsale and Cork are of infinite advantage to British fleets, not only on account of their seasonable supplies, but (prior to our complete sovereignty of the seas) for their affording protection from the enemy, as well as GENT. MAG, July, 1810. security

The following beautiful portrait will readily be recognized :

"Heard ye the Shepherd's legendary
tale,

Under old Mole, in soft Armulla's dale?
Saw ye the villagers around him throng,
Attentive still to hear his rustic song,

And Muila, list'ning, stop her native
speed,

To catch the sound of harmless Colin's
reed?
[ring;
Kilcolman's woods with Colin's carrois
Kilcolman's ruins sad remembrance bring.
Ill-fated swain! what boots it to have
sung
[phies hung,
Of knights, of dames, of halls with tro-
Of tournaments and necromantic pow'rs,
And damsels sleeping in enchanted bow'rs,
Fays, giants, goblins, dwarfs of horrid
mien,

And all the glories of thy Fairy Queen!
Slow chilling Penury, the Poet's fate,
And Disappointment, on thy evening
wait,

Hope for the morrow; Evil for the day;
To stoop to those who smile but to be-
tray,

To know of sad dependance all the fears,
To court the bounty of reluctant peers;
From barb'rous spoilers not a remuant

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"Flow, Mulla, flow; though Colin be [shore Though Colin's Friend reluctant leave thy To court new smiles, and give his youthful sail

To all the dangers of Ambition's gale."

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Their leafy honours o'er the lake display'd.
But now the nymphs their wonted haunts
deplore,

Hereynian forests are beheld no more :
Frantic with loss, the desolating heir
The growth of centuries disdains to spare,
Infatuate sets upon a single cast
The pride of ancestors for ages past,
And hears unmov'd the frequent strokes
resound,

That lay the forest level with the ground. Britain, beware! for, should the time arrive, [shall thrive, When, Heav'n forefend! nor elm nor oak Mr. Smedley brings to view, by vaIn glen, or valley, or on mountain steep, rious proofs, the misfortunes brought To float thy sov'reign thunder o'er the upon a Country by Inroads of Savage Hordes and Invasions; and introduces several historical anecdotes both of persons and places; amongst which we are particularly delighted to meet with a venerable and much-respected Friend:

deep,

[coast,

Then shalt thou mourn thy wealth-deserted
Then must the empire of the sea be lost."
Mr. Smedley adds,

"The flights of humour and of comic
mirth,
[their birth:
Which Farquhar penn'd, to Derry owe

secnrity to those who had made successful captures.-Ann. 1665, several rich prizes, taken from the Dutch, were brought into Kinsale.-1667, Sir Jeremy Smith came into Kinsale with eight men of war and some Dutch prizes of great value; two English East Indiamen, valued at £300,000. and the West India fleet of 130 sail, were preserved in Kiusale harbour.-In 1673, the St. David, with twenty East Indiamen, and forty other rich merchantmen, waited for a convoy from England. In 1678, several rich French prizes were brought in.-In the beginning of May, 1703, the Virginia fleet came into Kinsale. -November 16, 1704, the transport ships from Portugal sailed from Cork.-1705, the homeward-bound Virginia fleet, 72 sail, came into Kinsale harbour, as also, on the 28th, five ships of the line and nine rich East Indiamen. These, among many other instances, are sufficient to show the value of these two ports

to Great Britain."

"Many Companies belonging to the Corporation of Loudon have large estates in this part of Ireland."

Thalia,

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