I40 Toronto to Collingwood. 



tremendous effect for hundreds of miles in this region, and 

 the denuding influence of the elements have placed channels 

 between them, that in some places are widening with every 

 wind that blows, and in others are filling up and forming 

 shoals. The Indians are reported to be harmless and indo- 

 lent, too often neglecting the cultivation of the soil for the 

 more uncertain pursuits of fishing and hunting, although a 

 considerably large clearing is to be seen indifferently culti- 

 vated. 



In a group of islands lying in the Georgian Bay to the 

 north, called La Cloche, a peculiar kind of stone is found, 

 which emits, when struck sharply, a sound like a bell ; this 

 has probably given the name to these islands. Similar stones 

 are found in Scotland^ and have been so arranged as to pro- 

 duce different notes in good harmony. 



At about the southernmost portion of the Georgian Bay, 

 in the wide extent of it called Nottawasaga Bay, lies 

 Collingwood, the terminus of the Northern Railway, 94 

 miles from Toronto, and a place of great activity during the 

 summer, whence steamers run for Milwaukee, Chicago, Bruce 

 Mines, Sault St. Marie, Fort-William (one of the Hudson 

 Bay Company's stations), and other ports on Lakes Huron 

 and Superior. A steamer, the " Clifton," also runs to Owen 

 Sound. Ten years ago Collingwood lay only on the maps 

 of Surveyors, and what few houses there were lay in a small 

 pine clearing. Now it is a town, where shipbuilding is 

 carried on, large elevators have been erected for the tran- 

 shipment of grain, and huge quantities of freight to and from 

 the West may be seen piled upon its wharves. Here is a 

 pier 800 feet in length, a break-water, and a light-house. 

 There is nothing in the vicinity to attract attention save a 

 few rocky islets called the Hen and Chickens, and it is not 

 a desirable place to remain in, though ^ood fishing may be 

 had in the waters of the Bay around it. Some idea of the 

 value and extent of the fishing operations promiscuously 



