THE EXCURSION TO OTTAWA. S77 



the city, and several pages of blank paper for the use of those who wished to 

 make notes. The train rushed on at a rapid rate, and shortly before reaching Hull 

 the first view of Ottawa was had. No stoppage was made^at Rull, and the train 

 swept on to the long bridge over the Ottawa River. The view from this struct- 

 ure delighted all, and the only expression of regret was and it was a universal 

 one — that there was not longer time to enjoy it. Looking up the stream was the 

 pretty panorama of the many picturesque islands which stud the water, the chan- 

 nels sprinkled with floating cribs and logs, and further up the rapids of the Little 

 Chaudier and the waters of Deschesne Lake. On the other side of the town, be- 

 low the bridge, could be seen the spray rising from the " Big Kettle," into which 

 the gigantic mass of water seemed to silently disappear, for the loud roar of the 

 '* fall " was lost in the rumble of the wheels, and before and behind was spread 

 the vast array of lumber mills and the yards and the factories which have been 

 created about the Chaudiere and which are justly the wonder of all visitors to the 

 Capital of the Dominion. 



From the Chaudiere the party proceeded via Duke Street to the central part 

 of the city, passing en route the waterworks. Here the full force of the pumps had 

 been put on and a grand jet was thrown up from the yard in front of the pump- 

 house. Both the water and waterworks at Ottawa are unsurpassed in this coun- 

 try. 



The Parliament buildings were reached after a rapid drive along Wellmgton 

 Street. The carriages entered the grounds at the western entrance, passing up 

 along the Supreme Court buildings and between the conservatory and the western 

 facade of the west block and thence to the summer-house west of the Parliament 

 buildings. At this point all alighted and viewed the surrounding scenery. The 

 magnificent panorama drew enthusiastic remarks from all as a view of extraordi- 

 nary beauty. 



The Library was next visited, and the opinion expressed by all was that it 

 was the finest structure of the kind on the continent. The busts of the various 

 ■statesmen about it were curiously scanned,' none more attentively than that of 

 Sir William Logan. The House of Commons and the Senate Chamber were also 

 visited, but owing to the repairs now going on in the former and in the main en- 

 trance, and the Senate Chamber being covered up, the rooms could not be seen 

 to fair advantage. After inspecting the buildings the carriages were again taken 

 to the Drill Hall, where luncheon was prepared. The hall had been very taste- 

 fully decorated for the occasion. The walls were handsomely draped with bunt- 

 ing and military trophies and decorated with shields bearing the coats of arms of 

 the provinces and chief cities of the Dominion. 



Midway along the western hall a stand had been provided for the few dis- 

 tinguished gentlemen who were expected to say a few words on the occasion, and 

 for the representatives of the city appointed to receive them. The Uttle party on 

 the platform consisted of Dr. Dawson, President of the Association, Dr. Gray, of 



