274 CANADIAN NIGHTS 



occur. It is becoming more and more improbable 

 every year as the two nations learn to understand 

 and appreciate each other better. But, at the 

 same time, it is highly inexpedient that the produce 

 of any portion of the British Empire should, in 

 seeking its natural market in other portions of the 

 same Empire, be compelled to pass through the 

 territories of another nation. When that produce 

 consists of the first necessary of life, the inex- 

 pediency is increased. 



Another line of railway has now been con- 

 structed for the carriage of grain from Manitoba 

 to the north shore of Lake Superior, whence it can 

 be transported by ships or barges over the broad 

 waters of the great lakes, and down the majestic 

 current of the St. Lawrence to the ocean. But on 

 this line also there is a difficulty, an obstruction. 

 The waters of that inland sea. Lake Superior, pour 

 themselves into Lake Huron in a boiHng, tumul- 

 tuous flood dovm the rapid known as the Sault 

 St. Mary. This rapid is quite impassable, and 

 ships go round it through a canal which is in the 

 State of Michigan. This is a disadvantage to the 

 route, but not a very great one, for the canal is 

 only a few miles in length. A convention, I be- 

 lieve^ exists between the Canadian and United 



