CHAr. XXIV. ICEBERGS IN THE GULF. 61 



one year, he has seen two hundred icebergs and large 

 pieces of ice in the straits, while in another year durmg 

 the same month, not more than half a dozen were observed. 



Many of the dangers arising from ice in the summer 

 would be very materially lessened if a series of ice signals 

 were adopted, and employed during the season of navi- 

 gation, by the keeper of the lighthouse on Belle Isle. The 

 maintenance of a separate post for this purpose, at a 

 suitable point near the entrance to the straits, would in- 

 volve but trifling expense, when compared with the 

 great interests at stake. 



The unfortunate steamer Canadian was lost last sum- 

 mer (1861), on or about June 4, by striking against an ice- 

 berg or field of ice near the straits, of which warning might 

 have been given by signals designed for the purpose. 



Constant attention to the thermometer on this coast is 

 of the utmost importance. The proximity of ice is often 

 indicated, particularly in the summer months, by this 

 valuable instrument. The temperature of the waters of 

 the gulf and estuary of the St. Lawrence is not only 

 influenced by the presence of ice, but is greatly dependent 

 upon depth and surface currents, so that, in ascertaining 

 the temperature of the water, tAvo or more trials should 

 be made at different depths. Generally, the temperature 

 of the surface over banks or shoals, away from the land, 

 is always less than where the water is deep. Near land 

 the water is sometimes warmer than at a distance from 

 it, although, on approachmg land from the centre of the 

 Gulf, the surface is generally colder.* 



* On the Temperature of the Surface Water over the Banks and near the 

 Shores of the Gulf of St. Lajorence, by W. Kelly, M.D. 



