21 



cions system practised, — destruction wliicli would have 

 been lasting had it not been for the timely discovery 

 referred to. 



It is now my purpose to draw attention to that which 

 more nearly concerns Canada, and to ask the question, 

 " To be, or not to be ?" Are we to permit utter destruc- 

 tion to come upon our fisheries, or are we to learn wisdom 

 from the dear-bought experience of others, and preserve 

 to ourselves, by proper legislation enacted and enforced, 

 our Fisheries, which, by persons competent to judge, ex- 

 ceed in value one hundred thousand pounds per annum ; 

 a fact which will not be doubted by those who will care- 

 fully follow my journeyings to the St. Lawrence and 

 its tributaries. 



CHAPTER V. 



Eoll on, thou dark and deep blue river, roll. 



This majestic river, this grand artery, this Nature's 

 Grand Trunk, this highway of commerce with its chain 

 of immense fresh-water lakes, unequalled by any in the 

 world, forming one of the most striking features of British 

 North America ; issues from Lake Superior, and, passing 

 successively through Lakes Huron and Erie, narrows at 

 the eastern extremity of the Erie and forms the River 

 Niagara, thence, dashing o'er the stupendous falls, flows 

 into Lake Ontario. Meandering onwards, it passes the 

 fairy scene, the Thousand Islands, which must be seen to 

 be enjoyed, — all description avails but little. Onward 



