CHAP. XXIV. TRIBUTARIES OF THE ST. LAWRENCE. 55 



fifteen feet above the level of those points still supported in the 

 water. 



At Quebec the St. Lawrence is 1,314 yards wide, but 

 the basin below the city is two miles across, and three 

 and three-quarters long. From this point the river goes 

 on increasing in size, as it swells onward towards the 

 Gulf, receiving many large tributaries, among which is 

 the famous Saugenay, 250 feet deep where it joins the 

 St. Lawrence. 



One hundred and three miles from Quebec are the 

 Brandy Pots, where, in former times, merchantmen used 

 to congregate before proceeding to sail under convoy; and 

 at the Bic Island, 153 miles below Quebec, the ships of 

 war usually waited the coming down of the merchantmen. 

 Below Quebec the St. Lawrence is not frozen over, but 

 tlie force of the tides incessantly detaches ice from the 

 shores, and masses so huge are kept in continual move- 

 ment, that navigation is impracticable for three or four 

 months. 



The channel on the north side of the island of Orleans 

 always freezes, owing to the set of the current and 

 the shallow devious passage for its waters. No doubt 

 steamers properly armed at the bow could often reach 

 Quebec during the winter season. 



The coast of the estuary of the St. Lawrence on the 

 south side, from the magnificent Gaspe Bay to Cape Chat, 

 a distance of 117 miles, is bold, high, and destitute of 

 harbours, yet free fi'om danger to mariners. The moun- 

 tains everywhere approach the shore, which is steep and 

 rocky, displaying grand cliffs, often rising to a great height. 



