navigable channel of the lake. In 1815 the government of the United States commenced the construction of a strong fortress at Rouse's Point; but on running out the boundary line between the United States and Canada, under the treaty of Ghent, this point was found to be north of the 45th degree of north latitude, and the works were suspended. United States Boundary Line." This line was fixed in 1842, by treaty negotiated by Lord Ashburton and Mr. Webster, on the old line formerly supposed to be the 45th parallel of latitude. Immediately after the close of the last war the United States government commenced building a fort on a low point to the northward of Rouse's Point landing, which should completely command the passage up the lake. By the survey of this line in 1818, it was found that this point was north of the 45th parallel, and the work was consequently abandoned; but by the late treaty the fort was secured to the United States, and the work has recently been resumed. An opening through the woods like a road, on the east side of the lake, and about 200 rods north of the fort, marks the place of the Line as now established." At Rouse's Point is erected a long and substantial drawbridge, crossing the foot of Lake Champlain, for the accommodation of the railroad traffic passing from Montreal and Ogdensburgh to New York and Boston. During the winter months this bridge affords the exclusive thoroughfare at this point between Canada and the Eastern States. The railroads which here terminate are the Vermont and Canada Railroad, connecting with the Vermont Central Railroad; the Northern Railroad of New York, 118 miles in length, terminating at Ogdensburgh; and the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad, 44 miles in length, terminating opposite Montreal. On arriving and departing from Rouse's Point, travelers are subjected to the inconvenience of having their baggage examined by custom-house officers; this is a great port of entry as well as thoroughfare. The town of ALBURGH, Vt., is a triangular body of land projecting from Canada into Lake Champlain, by which it is surrounded, excepting on the Canada side. On the eastern shore lies the village of Alburgh, a port of entry, and a few miles north is Alburgh Springs, where is a small settlement and several hotels. This justly celebrated watering-place lies near the Missisquoi Bay, and is easily reached by railroad, being situated seven miles east of Rouse's Point and 16 miles west of St. Albans, Vt. HIGHGATE SPRINGS, three miles from Swanton Station and 17 miles from Rouse's Point, near the village of Highgate, Vt., is another and favorite watering-place, attracting much attention. It is situated near Missisquoi Bay, affording fine fishing-grounds, and an opportunity to enjoy aquatic sports and hunting. MISSISQUOI BAY, connecting with Lake Champlain on the north, is a large and romantic sheet of water lying mostly in Canada, or north of the 45th degree of north latitude. This bay and its surrounding shores afford most romantic and delightful scenery, varied by high land and picturesque points Hunting, fishing, or pleasure sailing can here be enjoyed by those fond of such sports, while the invigorating climate gives strength and elasticity to the weak and debilitated. During the summer and autumn months a steamer runs around the bay, landing at Phillipsburgh, Can., Highgate, Vt., and other landings. ASH ISLAND, four miles north of Rouse's Point, is considered the foot of Lake Champlain. Here the Richelieu, or St. John's River, as the outlet of Lake Champlain is called, is about half a mile wide. The land on both sides of the stream seems almost level with the water, and presents this low and flat surface for many miles. ISLE AUX NOIX, situated in the Richelieu River, 12 miles north of Rouse's Point, is the first steamboat landing after entering Canada. Here is a strong fortification commanding the channel of the river and occupied by British troops. RAILROAD ROUTE FROM ROUSE'S POINT TO OGDENSBURGH, via NORTHERN RAILROAD. On leaving Rouse's Point for St. John's and Montreal, the line of the Champlain and St. Lawrence Railroad extends along the west side of the Sorel or Richelieu River, over a level and productive section of country, passing La Colle, six miles from Rouse's Point. ST. JOHN'S or DORCHESTER, 150 miles from Whitehall, is advantageously situated on the west side of the Richelieu River, at the foot of navigation; a bridge connecting it with the village of St. Anthanase, on the opposite shore. It is 23 miles north of the American line, 22 miles southeast of Montreal, and contains about 2,200 inhabitants, 275 dwelling-houses, a custom-house, and extensive barracks for soldiers, one Episcopal, one Roman Catholic, and one Methodist church; ten hotels and taverns, ten stores, and two forwarding houses, one extensive glass factory, one stone factory, two tanneries, and mechanics shops of different kinds. The Chambly Canal extends from St. John's to Chambly, on the northwest side of the Richelieu River, a distance of 12 miles. It was completed in 1843, at a cost of about $400,000. There are nine locks on this canal 120 feet long, 24 feet wide, and six feet deep; lift ten feet each, making a total descent of 90 feet in 12 miles. This canal was constructed by the Provincial government. It affords navigation for vessels of 100 tons burden between Lake Champlain and the St. Lawrence River, thus furnishing an uninterrupted water communication from New York to Quebec. The railroad from St. John's to Montreal, 21 miles in length, extends over a level section of country, the St. Lawrence River soon coming in sight. The aspect of the St. Lawrence is truly grand and interesting, as you approach it on the south from Rouse's Point. Toward the west is seen the La Chine Rapid, one of the most dangerous on the river. Opposite Montreal it is two miles wide, embosoming the beautiful island of St. Helen, which is fortified and garrisoned by British troops. As you approach Montreal by water, the new Victoria Bridge, the city, shipping, and wharves are seen to great advantage. The latter the wharves-probably exceed any thing of the kind in America, consisting of a range of massive and solid masonry extending along the river for upward of a mile. THE following beautiful lines, descriptive of one of the sources of human happiness, is from the gifted pen of N. P. WILLIS, and may be appropriately inserted at this place: ""Tis to have Attentive and believing faculties; To love the voice of waters, and the sheen Of silver fountains leaping to the sea; To thrill with the rich melody of birds, Living their life of music; to be glad In the gay sunshine, reverent in the storm; To see a beauty in the stirring leaf, And find calm thoughts beneath the whispering tree; To see, and hear, and breathe the evidence Of God's deep wisdom in the natural world." |