tolerably correct idea of the place may be formed.

The general course of the river St. Lawrence is from south-west to north-east. Above the island of Orleans, the St. Lawrence expands, and a bason is formed by the junction of a river called the St. Charles, which comes from a lake of the same name, situated amongst the mountains towards the north. After passing an Indian village, about ten miles from Quebec, called Lorette, situated upon elevated ground, the St. Charles takes its course through a plain, which is separated from the great river by a ridge of high land, about nine miles in length, extending from a place called Cape Rouge, to Cape Diamond. The general breadth of this ridge is from one to two miles. Cape Diamond is a bold promontory, advancing into the river St. Lawrence, of an elevation of 350 feet above the river, nearly perpendicular; and the bank the whole way to Cape Rouge is nearly of the same elevation, rising from the river almost perpendicular: the ridge slopes towards the north till it reaches the

valley, through which the river St. Charles runs. This ridge of land has every appearance of having been an island, surrounded by the great river. The valley is full of large round stones, and other matter, which indicate the presence of water at no very remote period, and the operation of a strong current.

On the north-east, or lower end of the peninsula, Quebec is situated; and the line of its fortifications runs from the river St. Charles, across, to the top of the bank which overlooks the St. Lawrence; the distance is about. half a mile: and from the line of fortification to the point of Cape Diamond the distance is about a quarter of a mile: within this space stands the city of Quebec. It consists of an Upper and Lower Town: the Upper Town may be said to be situated on Cape Diamond, at least upon the side of it, which slopes towards the river St. Charles. It is much elevated above the Lower Town, and separated from it by a line of steep rocks, which run from the cape towards the river St. Charles. Formerly the river St. Lawrence, at high water, came up close to these

rocks; but as the tide rises and falls here about fifteen feet, it gave an opportunity of taking from the river a considerable space; wharfs were built at low watermark, and even at some places beyond it, and the intermediate ground filled up to such a height that it remained dry at high water. Upon this situation streets were laid out, and houses built. These streets run from the upper side of Cape Diamond down to the river St. Charles, a distance of about half a mile; they are of considerable breadth, and the houses are large and commodious; those next the river have attached to them very extensive warehouses (called, in the language of Quebec, hangards), and vessels come close to the wharfs to discharge their cargoes; at some of them the vessels remain afloat at low water, at others, which are not carried so far out, or where the river does not deepen so suddenly, the vessels lie dry at low water.

The Lower Town is not included in the fortifications, but the passes to it are commanded by the batteries in the line of fortification, which surrounds the Upper Town;

so that the approach by land to the Lower Town will hardly be attempted by an enemy. It is true the Americans attempted it in the winter of 1775, but they were repulsed with great slaughter.

General Montgomery, in the winter 1775, besieged Quebec with an American army, and when reinforced by General Arnold attacked the city by assault on the night of 31st December. They were repulsed; the general and two of his aidsde-camp were killed. The blockade continued during the winter: but on the arrival of troops from England in the spring, the siege was raised, and the Americans driven out of the province.

During the winter the town was defended almost wholly by the inhabitants; there were only forty soldiers in the garrison. Luckily two king's ships wintered there, the crews of which assisted in the defence of the town. The deficiency of men in the garrison arose from their having been carried into the United States to fight our battles in that quarter. The defeat of the Americans on the plains of Abraham, and their being obliged to raise the siege,

has contributed, amongst other things, to distinguish Quebec as a strong hold.

The communication from the Lower Town to the Upper Town is by a winding street; at the top of which is a fortified gate. On entering this gate, you find on the right hand a large area, in which is situated the house (dignified with the title of a palace) in which the bishops of Quebec formerly resided; at present it is used for public offices, and accommodates the supreme council and house of assembly. Beyond the palace you have the grand battery, on which are mounted many pieces of heavy artillery, besides mortars, which certainly command the channel of the great river.

Turning 'to the left soon after entering the gate, you find yourself in another area or square; on the side next the river you see the Chateau de St. Louis, in which the governor resides. It is situated on the brink of a precipice, and you have the Lower Town of Quebec under your feet. The view from the gallery at the back of the chateau is extensive and grand. Opposite to the chateau on the other side of the