S6 



The attention of the Government has been very wisety 

 directed to the improvement of our Nature's Grand 

 Trunk, the St. Lawrence. Upwards of one hundred thou- 

 sand pounds have been expended in the erection of 

 wharves and lighthouses. Further improvements are in 

 progress, other lights and beacons are about to be placed 

 on the points and shoals where necessary ; and it must be 

 admitted, that whatever expense may be judiciously in- 

 curred in facilitating the navigation of the St. Lawrence, 

 6ught not to be objected to, but ought to be, not only the 

 bare duty, but the great aim of every resident of Canada, 

 inasmuch as it conduces to the interests of all parties, 

 directly or indirectly. Again, to facilitate the despatch of 

 vessels upon their arrival in the Gulf; two powerful and 

 splendid iron steamboats, as strong as wood and iron 

 combined can make them, have been built by an eminent 

 Scotch firm for the enterprising Government contractor : 

 F. Baby, Esq., and much good ha& been already eflfected 

 to the mercantile community, by the use of those boats in 

 towing vessels up and down the river. They are called 

 the Qaeen Victoria and the Napoleon III. 



The shipping interests both here and elsewhere, can yet 

 scarcely appreciate the value of these powerful iron steam 

 tugs. 



How often has the delay occasioned by contrary winds, 

 after entering the Gulf, equalled the time taken in cross- 

 ing the Atlantic ? without instancing the many and sad 

 wrecks, and the loss of life, that used more or less to oc- 

 cur every spring and fall. Now ! the dangers are almost 

 overcome by the btiildingof Light houses and Beacons, 

 and by the use of the Tugs. What a change comes over 



