HAMILTON, one of the chief cities of Canada, capital of Wentworth county, Ontario. It occupies a highly picturesque sit uation upon the shore of a spacious land-locked bay at the western end of Lake Ontario. It covers the plain stretching between the water-front and the escarpment (called "The Mountain"), this latter being a continuation of that over which the Falls of Niagara plunge 4o m. to the east. Founded about 1778 by one Robert Land, the growth of Hamilton has been steady and substantial, and, owing to its remarkable industrial development, it has come to be called "the Birmingham of Canada." This development is largely due to the use of electrical energy generated by water power, in regard to which Hamilton stands first among Canadian cities.
The manufacturing interests of Hamilton are varied, including the largest plough works and implement works in the British em pire. In addition Hamilton is the centre of one of the finest fruit-growing districts on the continent, and its open-air market is a remarkable sight. The Canadian National, the Canadian Pacific, and the Toronto, Hamilton and Buffalo railway and two electric radial roads afford Hamilton ample facilities for transport by land, while during the season of navigation a number of steam boat lines supply daily services to Toronto and other lake ports. Entrance into the broad bay is obtained through a short canal intersecting Burlington Beach, which is crossed by two swing bridges, whereof one—that of the Canadian National railway—is among the largest of its kind in the world. Burlington Beach is lined with cottages occupied by the city residents during the hot summer months. Hamilton is rich in public institutions. The educational equipment comprises a normal college, collegiate in stitute, model school and more than a score of public schools, for the most part housed in handsome stone and brick buildings. There are four hospitals, and the asylum for the insane is the largest in Canada. There is an excellent public library, and in the same building with it a good art school. Since its incorporation in 1833 the history of Hamilton has shown continuous growth. Its population in 1921 was 114,151 and in 1931 was The Anglican bishop of Niagara has his seat here, and also a Roman Catholic bishop.