Canadian Scenery, Volume 2 (of 2)Willis, Nathaniel Parker
History
Canadian Scenery, Volume 2 (of 2)
Willis, Nathaniel Parker
Canada -- Description and travel; Canada -- History
The English establishments, both for religion and education, are also
very respectable. The Episcopal church in the street just named, is a
very handsome specimen of modern architecture, and is surmounted by a
lofty spire. The Scotch church is plain, but attended by a highly
respectable congregation. In 1814, a most important donation was made by
a wealthy individual—the Hon. James M^{c}Gill—to found a college for
the principal branches of education. The endowments consist of a
valuable estate at the Mountain, with 10,000_l._ in money. It has not,
however, yet come into operation, in consequence of a law-suit, which
did not terminate till 1835, when the available funds in the hands of
the institution amounted to 22,000_l._ It is to be conducted on the most
liberal system,—individuals of every religious persuasion being
admitted as students, and even as teachers. There is a Natural History
Society and a Mechanics’ Institution, whose labours have been
meritorious. The private establishments for education are also
respectable. The limited means of the Hôtel Dieu are amply compensated
by the more ample income of the Montreal General Hospital, which was
built in 1821-2 by voluntary subscription, at an expense of nearly
6000_l._ It is said to be one of the best regulated institutions of the
kind in America.
The harbour of Montreal does not seem to have received all the attention
which its importance merits. It is somewhat confined, and has no
wharfage, though close to the bank, in front of the town, is a depth of
fifteen feet, sufficient for the largest vessels which ascend to this
point. Its chief disadvantage consists in two shoals, and in the Rapid
of St. Mary’s, about a mile below, which vessels often find it difficult
to stem. Important improvements are now contemplated, and a grant for
the purpose has been even voted by the legislature. The communication
with the opposite sides of the river is carried on by means of ten
ferries, on several of which ply a number of steam-vessels. A wooden
bridge was once constructed from Repentigny, on the northern shore, but
in the spring after its completion it was carried down by the masses of
ice. It is still thought that one of larger span might be constructed
free from that danger.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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