90 Addiliomd Notes on the 



effect is greatest. These torrents, by undenniuiiig' the 

 bank, soon make it top heavy, and the superincumbent 

 mass falling, is gradually removed to the bay, where a 

 species of delta is forming. The operation of this cause is 

 constant throughout the year, but with diminished effect, 

 nor does there appear any prosjiect of its being arrested, 

 until a decided change is effected in the course of the river, 

 by which a large portion of the property belonging to 

 ])roprietors on the western shore will be cut off and bestowed, 

 (if the river be considered a legal boundary here,) upon their 

 neighbours on the eastern shore. May we not expect to 

 Jiear of an action being instituted one of these days, by the 

 Seminary versus the heirs of Madame Drapeau ? — What 

 would be the judicial decision in such a case ? In equity 

 the Seminary has a right to its land ; but so has the other 

 party to its water lot. To sink piles or construct other 

 expensive works in order to resist these encroaching waters, 

 appears to be out of the (question in the present state of the 

 country, but something of the kind must eventually 

 be done.* On the bank of this river are often seen 

 jirostrate ti'ees deeply embedded in its sandy alluvium, and 

 this is characteristic of much of the alluvial land of the 

 Lower Province. In a deep section formed by a river 

 which crosses the Charlesbourg road, near Quebec, they 

 may be seen in some abundance. It is remarkable that 

 these trees are generally cedars, which arc now rare iii 

 these parts. 



• Captain B. Hall describes similar cncrracliracnts of the Mississippi near 

 T«pw Orleans, but of course on a much more extensive scale. There tlie 

 river, whatever alieratiiin in its course ni;\y take place, appear* to bf' the 

 boundary on one side, aiid the inhal)itants are said, in conse<pience, to use 

 artii rial means to increase the encroachment, aMhoii|;h at the risk of losing 

 more than they had previouiily gained. 



