72 Montreal 



during winter. Those unacquainted with the glorious 

 Northern sport of skating, can form no idea of the fascina- 

 tion it exercises over those who indulge in it. After once 

 the frost sets in sufficiently severe to form the ice, the rink 

 is seldom empty. At " The Victoria," military bands per- 

 form frequently, and fancy-dress entertainments take place 

 two or three times during the season, which are thronged by 

 enthusiastic skaters and spectators. The effect of this stir- 

 ring crowd, with the inspiring music, brilliant lights, and 

 extra illuminations, render it more like a palace of fairy land 

 than of earth. At Guilbaulf s Garden, on Upper St. Law- 

 rence Street, there is a very good menagerie of wild beasts, 

 and the garden is pleasantly laid out and well worth the 

 entrance fee of 25 cents. With regard to game, great thanks 

 are due to the "Fish and Game Protection Club," for their 

 active exertions in endeavouring to enforce the laws, and it 

 is to be hoped that the fish will again return to their old 

 haunts in the course of a few years. 



The visitor must not leave Montreal without paying a 

 visit to the Rapids, and coming over or "shooting" them, as 

 it is called. For this purpose he must take the early train 

 to Lachine, take one of the boats that touch there at about 

 eight a. m., and having accomplished his object, he finds 

 himself again in Montreal by nine, with an appetite for break- 

 fast improved by his morning's outing. The sensation of 

 shooting the Rapids being associated with danger, may deter 

 invalids or nervous ' persons from attempting the feat ; we 

 therefore give a description for the benefit of those who 

 cannot enjoy the scene themselves : — 



After taking passage on the steamer at Lachine, the best 

 position the traveller can take is on the upper deck, beside 

 the wheel-house, as being able to view from thence, without 

 being wet by the spray, the whole scene. The steamer will 

 lie to opposite Caughnawaga for two or three minutes, wait- 

 ing for an Indian pilot to come on board. As great nerve 



