94 TRAVELS THROUGH LOWER CANADA i 
corn, wheat, to use the common phrase, f<r will 
run wholly to straw where it has been sown 
in the first instance, the stalks have frequently 
been found fourteen or fifteen feet in length, 
two-thirds of them lying on the ground. 
On the margin of Niagara River, about three 
quarters of a mile from the town, stands a 
building called Navy Hall, erected for the ac¬ 
commodation of the naval officers on the lake 
during the winter season, when their vessels are 
laid up. Opposite to it there is a spacious 
wharf to protect the vessels from the ice during 
the winter, and also to facilitate the landing 
of merchandize when the navigation is open. 
All cargoes brought up the lake, that are des¬ 
tined for Niagara, are landed here. Adjoin¬ 
ing the wharf are very extensive stores belong¬ 
ing to the crown, and also to private persons, 
Navy Hall is now occupied by the troops; the 
fort on the opposite side of the river, where 
they were formerly stationed, having been de¬ 
livered up pursuant to the late treaty between . 
his Majesty and the United States. The troops, 
however, are only to remain at the hall until a 
blockhouse is erected on the top of the banks 
for their accommodation; this building is in a 
state of forwardness, and the engineer hopes to 
have it finished in a few months. 
The fort of Niagara stands immediately at- 
