425 



as projecting over the great precipice, still re- 

 mains: if it be true that at the time of his 

 visit the beams had begun to feel the gnawing 

 tooth of time, they must be now in a very 

 precarious state ; indeed, it would be prudent 

 to have it removed immediately, rather than 

 allow it to fall by its natural decay ; for while 

 it keeps its present position, curiosity will at- 

 tract many an unwary visitant, and perhaps 

 ultimately produce a fatal catastrophe. The 

 provincial parliament has recently passed an 

 act for erecting a bridge across the Montmo- 

 renci. The houses, farms, &c. near the river, 

 formerly the property of General Haldimand, 



now belong to Patterson, Esq. From 



Dorchester bridge, passing towards the falls, 

 some traces yet remain of the field fortifications 

 thrown up by the French in the memorable 

 year 1759? as a defence against the British 

 army. Along the beach there is a road at low 

 water, which, when practicable, is always pre- 

 ferred by the country people, passing with their 

 carts and sleighs to and from market, not only 

 because it is rather shorter than the high road, 

 but for the much more important reason of its 

 saving the toll at Dorchester bridge. 



The description of the various seigniories on 

 the north side of the River St. Lawrence ha vino* 

 brought us close down to Quebec, an account 



