Eastern Townships. 61 



stage, is a very pretty place, the Black River passing directly 

 through the village, and affording great water-power; it is 

 noted for its manufacture of sole leather, of which laree 

 quantities are annually exported. Traces of gold have been 

 found at Acton, but in too small quantities to repay the 

 search. Upton, six miles further on the railroad, has noth- 

 ing of any interest, except a number of small rapids on the 

 White Run, one mile distant, where there are abundance of 

 trout. The only other feature of interest that we meet with 

 now, the whole country here being very flat, is St. Hy^- 

 cinthe, 35 miles from Montreal. This is one of the four 

 cities of Lower Canada, situated on the Yamaska River, 

 which divides it into two parts, and it is possessed of a large 

 local trade. There are a number of really elegant public 

 buildings here, of which the college is the most deserving 

 of notice. It is a handsome cut stone building, over 700 

 feet in length, and surmounted by a well proportioned cupola, 

 from the top of which a fine view is to be had. The course 

 of studies here is said to be only equalled by the best Jesuit 

 Colleges in France. The chemical laboratory, physical and 

 astronomical apparatus and library, are of the highest order, 

 and every facility is offered for a thorough university educa- 

 tion. The Cathedral here is also a fine building. The 

 annual autumn meeting of the Montreal Turf Club is held 

 here, and the pleasure grounds of the Hon. M. Laframboise 

 are a favorite resort for pic-nic parties. The section of 

 country from St. Hyacinthe to Montreal is essentially French 

 Canadian, and the provincial word habitant is said to be more 

 strictly applicable to the inhabitants here than in any part of 

 Canada ; the proper interpretation of this word, the people 

 who ctdtivate small farms, is fully exemplified here ; and from 

 spots by the roadside marking the boundaries of parishes, or 

 perhaps with some trifling legend attached to them, being 

 rendered prominent by large wooden crosses, the mind at 

 once distinguishes the gradual change from the English set- 



