i 



The etymology of the name of Canada is 

 very uncertain, and Avhether given by its 

 aboriginal inhabitants, or bestowed by its first 

 European discoverers, there is not sufficient 

 authority to warrant a positive decision; there- 

 fore, it must suffice to say, that since the year 

 1535, when Jacques Cartier, a Frenchman, 

 explored the river St. Lawrence, so called by 

 him from first entering it on St. Lawrence' 

 day, we find the name of Canada applied to 

 the country on both sides of the river as far as 

 he ascended it. Cartier had visited the gulf 

 of St. Lawrence in 1534, but did not attempt 

 any discoveries beyond its shores, although 

 most probably he conceived a design at that 

 time, and sketched a plan of operations, which 

 was put into execution the year following, 

 when he sailed up the river to Montreal, or 

 rather the Indian village, on the spot where 

 that city now stands. Here ended his re- 

 searches, and Canada has attained its present 

 extension by the various discoveries of indus- 



siiits between the grantee of the crown and the seignorial tenant 

 have originated ; others may, perhaps, frequently recur, as this 

 part of the province is now in a flourishing state of cuhivation, 

 unless the governments of both provinces bestow some con- 

 sideration upon the subject, now that the claims of individuals 

 settled on each side of the line may be more easily adjusted, 

 than after long and undisturbed possession has produced great 

 improvement upon the estates. 



