MRS. WILTON.  “What bays must we pass to get to Hudson’s Straits?”

EMMA.  “Mosquito Bay is the only one I can perceive; but there is Mansfield Isle, and Cape Diggs to make before we reach the straits; and in the straits there are several bays, the principal of which are North Bay and Ungava or South Bay.”

MRS. WILTON.  “Quite correct, Emma.  The straits were discovered by Hudson, in his voyage of 1610.  The eastern coast of Hudson’s Bay forms part of the peninsula of Labrador.  Will any member vouchsafe some information concerning this country?”

CHARLES.  “All that we know of Labrador is, that it is a mass of mountains and rocks, intersected with numerous lakes and rivers, and inhabited by Esquimaux.”

MRS. WILTON.  “Once more in the Atlantic, the great highway and thoroughfare of civilized nations.  Where sail we next?”

EMMA.  “Through the Straits of Belle-isle into the Gulf of St. Lawrence.”

MR. BARRAUD.  “This gulf abounds with fish in a remarkable degree.  The bears here combine together in numerous herds, to catch the salmon near the cataracts in the rivers, where great numbers are stopped in their ascent, and are exceedingly relished by that animal.  Some of them plunge into the water, and pursue their prey, while others more idle watch them from the banks.  There are only two islands of note in this gulf,—­the island of Anticosti, 90 miles long and 20 broad, covered with rocks, and wanting the convenience of a harbor; and Prince Edward’s Islands, pleasant fertile spots.  The Gulf of St. Lawrence washes the shores of Nova Scotia and Cape Breton Island.”

MR. WILTON.  “Nova Scotia is about 350 miles long, and 250 broad:  its chief town is Halifax.  This island, with regard to fishing, is scarcely inferior to Newfoundland, which place is connected with the government of Nova Scotia.”

MRS. WILTON.  “Cape Breton, or Sydney Isle, lies north-east of Nova Scotia, from which it is separated by a strait only a mile broad.  Its length is 100 miles, its breadth 60.  A remarkable bed of coal runs horizontally, at from 6 to 8 feet only, below the surface through a large portion of the island:  a fire was once accidentally kindled in one of the pits, which is now continually burning.  Cape Breton has been termed the Key to Canada and is the principal protection, through the fine harbor of Louisburg, of all the fisheries in the neighborhood.”

EMMA.  “The next important bays in our southward course are Bay of Fundy, Delaware Bay, and Chesapeake Bay:  then we come in sight of the Bahamas.”