477 



every year, it is not only productive of much 

 amusement, but of great advantage to the city^ 

 as well as to the inhabitants of the southern 

 shore, who can at that time brmg their produce 

 to market in large quantities without inconve- 

 nience. Ha3% fire-wood, and all bulky articles 

 of consumption are furnished in abundance, and 

 the consumers usually experience a great reduc- 

 tion in price in consequence of such an influx. 

 As soon as the surface is deemed sufficiently solid, 

 the road across it is immediately traced out, and 

 continues under the inspection of the Grand 

 Voyer of the district, who causes proper beacons 

 to be set up on each side, and at intervals where 

 they are required. When the river has taken 

 in the north channel between the Island of 

 Orleans and the Main, (the southern channel is 

 never frozen over) which is the case every year, 

 the markets of the city never fail to feel the 

 effect of it, as abundance of provisions of all 

 kinds, the growth of that fruitful spot, which 

 have been prepared for the approaching season^ 

 are immediately brought in : considerable sup- 

 plies are drawn from thence during the summer; 

 but such as do not spoil by keeping are com- 

 monly retained, until this opportunity admits 

 of their being sent with much less trouble and 

 expense. The summer scenery of the environs 

 of Quebec may vie in exquisite beauty^ vari^tj, 



