THE ST. LA\VRE^"CE RESERVATION. 85 



vate Steam yacht, these boats varying in size and cost according to the needs or 

 bank account of the islander. While they are not usually of sea-going size, some 

 represent an investment of a hundred thousand dollars. Many of the occupants of 

 the smaller but substantial cottages have naphtha launches fitted out with elegant 

 roomy cabins, and some have sailing yachts. One can see here sailing craft of all 

 sizes, from the famous St. Lawrence fishing skiff, rigged with a sail, to cabined yachts 

 that tour the Great Lakes. Regattas are held each season, in which the rivalry and 

 interest is as keen as among salt water yachtsmen. A few years ago a small type of 

 boat, about twenty-five feet long with two bat-wing sails, carrying a crew of five, 

 called the St. Lawrence racer, developed a speed unequaled by any sail boat of its 

 length on record. Then, again, there are the large freight steamers carrying grain 

 from Chicago to Ogdensburg, great hulks with cargoes that will fill half a dozen 

 freight trains ; and, increasing the variety and interest, occasionally is seen an old- 

 fasliioned picturesque lake schooner with three masts, fore and aft rigged, or some 

 old-fashioned barges — belated specimens of a rapidly passing style of fresh water 

 architecture. 



The better class hotels, being conducted for the Iiigher class of tourists and 

 pleasure seekers, provide entertainment of as high order as is found at any summer 

 or winter resort. Fine orchestras are provided, and usually the manager arranges a 

 series of hops or other social functions for the pleasure of his guests. In many 

 instances the occupants of the neighboring cottages are w'elcomed at such 

 entertainments. 



There is much social intercourse between the summer residents, with many 

 private and semi-private picnics, or other affairs of local interest occurring in which 

 the yachts and house boats of the cottagers are brought into use. Famil}' friend- 

 ships and alliances are frequently created, which in many instances continue in the 

 city homes of the people. Matrimonial affairs, sometimes of romantic interest, are 

 contracted. The searchlight of a passing excursion steamer many times, almost 

 every night, reveals to the tourist a glimpse of lovers whiling away the evening 

 hours along the shores or swinging in hammocks. A person of literar\' inclina- 

 tions will find abundant material on which to base fascinating stories of a romantic 

 character. 



If the tourist is interested in historical matter, much will be found in this locality 

 that will occupy his or her time. It was the early through highway of discovery 

 for the pioneer t'oyagfiirs of the French before the English occupation, and having 

 been the national frontier between two nations in three wars, and a favorite location 

 with the Indians, historic places and incidents are many. It is claimetl, also, that a 



