338 



directions round it, and in many places groups 

 of fine trees, as decorative as they can be con- 

 ceived to be in a well preserved park, give to 

 the whole view an appearance most beautifully 

 picturesque. Lac aux Outardes connects with 

 St. Paul, and participates in the general amenity 

 of the situation; it derives its name from the 

 immense quantities of birds of that species 

 (bustards) that formerly frequented its borders^ 

 although now even one of them is but rarely seen, 

 as the increase of settlements has long since 

 driven them to more solitary situations. The 

 Isle Dorval, a small low island, covered with 

 underwood, divides the entrance of the Becan- 

 eour into two channels. Just above this island, 

 and on the west side of the river, are the hemp- 

 mills, &c. established by government, and 

 placed under the direction of Mr. Campbell: 

 the spot was selected by him, and with respect 

 to situation and soil is admirably well cal- 

 culated for the production of that article > but 

 whatever pains have been taken to give fqll 

 effect to the plan, the success has been only 

 partial: perhaps something like the real cause 

 of failure may have been mentioned in a former 

 page of this work, as well as some of the means 

 that might be adopted, and would ensure more 

 favourable results in the cultivation of that va- 

 luable plant. The church of Becancour, with 



