REVIEWS. 283 



its bearings. The length to whicli our present notice has extended, 

 compels us to pass over this portion of the work ; but we may com- 

 mend it cordially to the reader's attention, both for its practical and 

 unprejudiced. views, especially in reference to our relations with the 

 United States, and for the large amount of information which it 

 offers in a condensed and exceedingly readable form. The main 

 argument, advocated not only here, but throughout the entire book, 

 may be summed up in the author's own words : "There is only one 

 line of policy to be adopted with regard to our canals : a policy not 

 simply beneficial to Western Canada, but one which will advance 

 the well-being of the whole country. At this moment we have no 

 one generally accepted view as regards the future. "We see district 

 struggling against district : the east endeavoring to obtain a monopoly 

 of advantages ; the west, sensible of an inferiority and taking no steps 

 to remove it. There is no provincial policy which, without advocacy 

 of local interests, would have in view the development of the material 

 prosperity of the whole, and, at the game time, an increase of the 

 revenue of the public works. Our course of action is suggested by 

 the magnitude of the trade of the Western States, which if turned 

 into its natural outlet, the St. Lawrence, would lead to the important 

 results all yearn to effect. We can gain this trade, if we improve 

 the St. Lawrence, and deepen the canals to 15 feet, and construct a 

 chain of locks 250 feet by 45 feet wide. Here is the true policy for 

 us to pursue. If we fail to follow it, we neglect every advantage, 

 geographical and commercial, that we possess : we shall continue 

 unchanged, and remain discontented and impoverished. If we de- 

 velope it with ordinary skill and energy, we may hope for better 

 days, for competence, prosperity, and contentment." e. J. C. 



