Montreal to Quebec. 87 



tne deep seclusion of a thick wood, are the Falls of the 

 Chaudi^re, a river which, flowing through the auriferous 

 district of the Eastern Townships, and abounding during its 

 course of one hundred miles in rapids, precipitates itself 

 upwards of a hundred feet into a rocky and chaotic basin, 

 where, during the spring freshets, the roaring of the waters 

 and the fantastic cliffs and ledges on either side combine to 

 make a very deep impression on the mind. In consequence 

 of the cavities and chasms in the rocks, the foaming fury of 

 the fall is increased, and the spray evinced by this produces 

 all the colours of the rainbow in the sunshine. The deep 

 green foliage of the woods overhanging, the roar of the 

 cataract, and the solitude of the place, especially as you 

 emerge suddenly from the forest fastnesses, on the scene, 

 produce a strong and vivid impression, not soon to be 

 forgotten. 



Below thi^, and nearly opposite to Queoec, we pass Point 

 Levi, or Levis, on the Lauzon or southern shore, with its 

 river Britya^ite (so called from its roaring being heard in 

 Quebec before a south-easterly storm), or Etchemin, as is its 

 proper name. Levis has grown into importance within the 

 last few years, as being the depot of the Grand Trunk Rail- 

 way for Quebec. The difficulty of crossing the river in 

 winter from this point, has also greatly contributed to ren- 

 der this place worthy a passing notice. To those who do 

 not know Quebec in winter, it is scarcely possible to convey 

 any idea of the interest that is felt in the formation of the 

 " ice bridge" from Point Levi to the city. When the ice 

 does not take between the two shores, there is often much 

 difficulty in crossing the river. The stream is then full of 

 masses of ice, varying in size from a few feet square to 

 many hundred feet, through which the traveller is taken in 

 a heavy canoe. Should the boatmen be fortunate enough 

 to strike a good crossing and get clear water the journey is. 

 quickly made, and is not unpleasant, This, however, is not 



