Mo7ttreaL 69 



Road, through the Tanneries, where is a regular old fashioned 

 French Church, returning by the Lower Road, past the 

 rapids (to be presently described) is very pleasant, both 

 roads being in excellent condition. Lachine is said to have 

 taken its name from the fact of Champlain in 161 3 having 

 applied it to the river above the rapids, meaning to 

 point out that it was the way to China, so firmly was he 

 convinced of this in his own mind. It is a pretty little 

 village, divided into Upper and Lower Lachine, and is a 

 great resort in summer for the business people of Montreal, 

 who find it easy of access. There is excellent boating to be 

 had here, and boats can always be procured at the Ottawa 

 Hotel, kept by Mr. Laflamme. 



Another beautiful drive is out to the Back River by the 

 Mile-end road, to the village of St. Vincent de" Paul and the 

 Sault ate Recollet and Priests' Islaiid, a lovely spot, framed 

 for pic-nics, well wooded and close to a picturesque old mill, 

 where certain conveniences requisite for parties "outing" 

 can be had. From whatever side we approach the city on 

 our return, the scene is magnificent ; but perhaps from the 

 river, taking in at one view, the splendid towers of the 

 Cathedral, the tall spires of Christ Church Cathedral, St. 

 Patrick's Church, &c., the elegant front of Bonsecour Market, 

 and the noble old mountain in the background, the tout en- 

 semble is perhaps scarcely equalled in America. 



The Champ de Mars, in front of the Court House, is a 

 splendid parade ground, and kept in excellent order ; and 

 the visitor should not fail to view the exercise and parade of 

 the different regiments in the garrison, which daily takes 

 place here in summer. At night, too, there is generally a 

 military band playing here, and on certain days in McGill 

 College grounds and Viger Square, making those places a 

 fashionable lounge, with its enlivening strains. 



Perhaps no other city of its age and size possesses so few 

 historical attractions. In 1668, a party of Iroquois Indians^ 



