ADAM'S WILL AND TESTAMENT. 259 



quest of the renowned Northwest Passage. He also thought it 

 incumbent upon France to assert her right to a share in the 

 explorations and discoveries which were making Portugal and 

 Spain both famous and rich. He caused his project to be laid 

 before Francis L, who had long viewed with jealousy the suc- 

 cessful expeditions of other powers, and who is said once to have 

 exclaimed, " Where is the will and testament of our father 

 Adam, which disinherits me of my share iiv these possessions in 

 favor of Spain and Portugal?" He at once approved the pro- 

 position; and, on the 20th of April, 1534, Cartier left St. Malo 

 with two ships of sixty tons each. No details of the outward 

 voyage have reached us. It was rapid and prosperous, however, 

 for the ships anchored in Bonavista Bay, upon the eastern coast 

 of Newfoundland, on the twentieth day. 



Proceeding to the north, he discovered Belle Isle Straits, and 

 through them descended to the west into a gulf which he called 

 St. Lawrence, having Newfoundland on his left and Labrador 

 on his right. He thus assured himself of the insular character 

 of Newfoundland. He discovered many of the islands and 

 headlands in the Gulf of St. Lawrence, and some of them bear 

 to this day the names he gave them. He had interviews with 

 several tribes of natives, and took possession of numerous lands 

 in the name of the King of France. In the middle of August 

 east winds became prevalent and violent, and it was impossible 

 to ascend the St. Lawrence River, at the mouth of which they 

 now were. A council was held, and a return unanimously de- 

 cided upon. They arrived safely at St. Malo, after a rapid and 

 prosperous voyage. 



Francis I. immediately caused three ships, respectively of one 

 hundred and twenty, sixty, and forty tons, to be equipped, and de- 

 spatched Cartier upon a second voyage of exploration, with the 

 title of Royal Pilot. He started in May, 1535, and after a stormy 

 voyage of two months arrived at his anchorage in Newfound- 

 land. From thence he proceeded to the mouth of the St. Law- 



