NAVIGATION IN THE ST. LAWRENCE. 16 



northern current, in through the Straits of Belle Isle, is accelerated 

 by the flood and checked by the ebb, while the other is accelera- 

 ted by the ebb, and checked by the flood tide. These modifying 

 causes, viz., the tides and winds, give rise to various combinations 

 and consequent irregularities, in the direction and strength of these 

 streams which it is extremely difficult at all times to estimate." 

 The idea, then, that in so narrow an area as that occupied by the 

 Straits, and the Gulf and River St. Lawrence, the main currents 

 are constantly diverted by counter currents and inconstantly influ- 

 enced by wind and tide, shows the truth of my words when I say 

 that navigation in these waters, especially when impeded by 

 adverse winds and weather, and enveloped in the thick fog so char- 

 acteristic of these regions, is anything but easy, even to the experi- 

 rienced seaman ; many are the tales of horror, at which the heart 

 sickens, known only too well to be true, that might be told of An- 

 ticosti, as well as other prominent places along the south shore es- 

 pecially of the St. Lawrence. Among the causes influencing the 

 current, especially in the river are the spring freshets, annually 

 descending the small streams, and pouring their bodies of water 

 into the St. Lawrence. Here, of course, the accumulation of win- 

 ter's snow and ice, thawing, descends in the shape of an accumula- 

 ted mass of fresh water and makes its influence felt far into the 

 river. Then, too, the tide of the sea reaches far up the river and is 

 also often mistaken for a current in the river itself. All these agents, 

 acting in more or less harmony, often produce a current of three and 

 even four knots an hour, decreasing in velocity as it approaches the 

 Gulf. There are also great differences in strength and direction of 

 flood and ebb tides, that frequently produce strong ripples on Various 

 parts of the coast, and differing according to locality, so that unless 

 a seaman has studied local phenomena carefully, he will be entirely 

 deceived as to the proper course to pursue to keep his vessel from 

 running aground upon the numerous sandbars here present. It is 

 safe to say that the river St. Lawrence, from Quebec to the Gulf, 

 is one of the most difficult of our large American rivers to navigate 

 ^n all seasons, with continually varying wind and weather. The 



