EXPLANATION OF THE MAP. THE Map fronting the title-page of this volume was engraved in October, 1820, as a mere sketch, illustrative of what I was then writing on the subject of the Grand Canals of Canada. My political friends in the Upper Province had then been reported by newspapers, as making the great majority of members returned to the new parliament; and I was sanguine, that they would insist on having a commission sent home, to invite the supreme government to inquire into the state of public affairs. I hoped that a new order of things might be introduced:-management for mis-rule, activity for sloth, and prosperity for wretchedness. I was disappointed:-mis-rule, sloth, and wretchedness continue their reign over the loveliest country upon earth; and, with utmost reluctance, I have laid aside, for the present, my schemes for its improvement. To make the sketch still useful to this work, I have now had engraved upon it the roads, names of principal places, &c. Sooner or later, Lakes Erie and Ontario will be connected by a canal, and I may take this opportunity to throw out a few leading hints, to engage conversation on the subject. No plan, on a small scale, should be thought of. The canal should be such as to admit schooners of 100 tons burden, and steam-boats of 500;-vessels sufficient to carry on the whole traffic, without unloading, from Quebec to the remotest shores of Lakes Michigan and Superior. If eternal peace shall reign between the United States and Canada (and such is my hope), the course of the grand Niagara Canal should be nearly that by A, B, C, D, E. The mouth of Niagara River is, and probably ever will be, the best harbour on the south side of Lake Ontario; and considerable advantage is to be gained by conducting the canal to some distance westward on Lake Erie shore. Vessels taking departure from Fort Erie and Buffalo, not only have insufficient room for tacking, but must labour to avoid the current which draws into Niagara River; and are often wind-bound for many weeks together. The advantage of gaining a good point of departure, conjoins with others to decide that the junction of the lake navigation must proceed through Canada at all events. Should any apprehension of war continue, that course marked by dotted lines would be the best. Other courses are laid down, chiefly to shew that many are practicable; and that nature calls loudly for the assistance of art. Let not the eye be withdrawn from the spot now in view, without serious reflection. If there is one on earth intended for a paradise more than another, it is this. In point of climate, soil, variety, beauty, grandeur, and every convenience, I do believe it is unrivalled; yet we are told by a late writer (Howison), that the "depravity" of the inhabitants of this earthly paradise "has been confirmed and increased by the circumstances in which they are now placed."-What circumstances? On the face of this map we may observe, that the sword has been drawn for bloody strife in no less than eight places. What circumstances caused this? Whence came these fightings?-from the depravity of the inhabitants? I think not. Gentle reader! say rather, from the depravity of government. ΤΟ JOSEPH HUME, ESQ. M. P. SIR, London, 26th January, 1822. You have had good opportunities, and used them well. Better opportunities await you; and, having now gained public confidence, much is in your power. You may indeed immortalize your name, simply by continuing that calm, correct, and business-like course, which happily you have chosen. Retrenchment has hitherto been your principal aim; but should your attention be directed to the state of our North American Colonies, you may discover a double object: you may perceive, that while a vast expenditure could immediately be saved in that quarter, a considerable revenue may be acquired merely by good management. Should you find time to peruse these volumes, I would not at first desire your consideration to the greater and more complicated schemes which are proposed in them. Adverse circumstances have conspired to crush me in every way; and the completion, even of necessary explanation, is not accomplished. A third volume was required, to elucidate my plans; and that, for the present, is withheld. In these volumes, to which I now earnestly solicit your notice, you will find, I think, sufficient matter for a beginning; and, were inquiry fairly begun by you;—were Parliament once awakened to a serious consideration of the profit and loss of North American Colonies, I should not despair of an advance to greater and greater good. I have the honor to be, Sir, Your obedient Servant, ROBERT GOURLAY. |