The country of Canada is intersected by moun tainous ridges, which extend from the coast far into the interior, and between these lie extensive Valleys, •which are generally pleasant and fertile. On the. southern shore of the St Lawrence, a ridge of heights rises near the eastern extremity of Lower Canada, which runs close to the river for upwards of 100 miles, and forms its rugged banks as far as Cape Tourment, about 30 miles below Quebec. Here the ridge, taking a direction west south-west, termi nates on the river Ottawa, about 88 leagues above its confluence with the St Lawrence; extending west ward from Cape Tourment along the course of the river about 800 miles. The tract of country lying be tween it and the St Lawrence, which may be estimat ed at from 15 to 80 miles in breadth, is beautifully picturesque, well watered, and level. Towards the westward, more• especially, it may be considered, both in respect to population, soil, and skilful cultivation, so the choicest part of the province.
That part of Canada which lies on the north side of this ridge, is comprehended within the Ottawa river on the north-west, the 81st parallel of west longitude, and the 52d of north latitude. It is inter sected by another and higher range of mountains, which runs into the interior in a north-west direction, at the distance of about 200 miles from the former ridge, and which forme the height of land by which the tributary streams of the St Lawrence are divid• ed from those that fall into Hudson's Bay. Of this extensive wilderness, which has been but imperfect. ly explored, all that we know is, that it is covered with immense forests, whose dreary solitudes are only interrupted by hunting parties of wandering savages.
On the south side of the river St Lawrence, a ridge commences nearly 100 miles below Quebec, taking a south-west direction ; and, opposite to this city, it is about 10 leagues distant from the river. The intervening country is a fertile and well•culti• vated level, with several insulated hills, or rather rocks, of a singular form, and thinly covered with small trees near their summits. The same chain, continuing in a south-west direction, crosses the boundary-line between Canada and the United States to the west of Lake Memphremagog, and proceeds in the same course until it meets with the Hudson river. The tract between this ridge and the St Lawrence, with the exception of some occasional ridges, is nearly level ; and, from the richness of its soil, is covered with populous and flourishing settle.
ments.
Beyond this ridge, at about the distance of 50 miles, is another and a higher ridge, generally dens minted the Land's Height, as it divides the tribe. Lary streams of the St Lawrence from those which flow towards the Atlantic Ocean, and its summit is also supposed to constitute the boundary•line be. tween the territories of Great Britain and the United States. This range of mountains commences near Cape Rosier, in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and, run. Ding into the interior in a direction nearly parallel with the course of the river, and with the former chain, it terminates upon the eastern branch of Con. necticut river, being in length nearly 400 miles. The country lying between these two ridges, varies in its quality and fruitfulness, according to its peculiar tuation. From the 45th degree or north latitude, which is the boundary-line between Canada and the United States, to the river Chaudiere, within a few miles of Quebec, there is a tract of excellent and fertile land, divided mostly into townships, many of which are settled and under cultivation. This part of the country, both from its luxuriant soil, and from the great advantage of its being contiguous to the United States, and its comprehending the main roads and principal points of communication between the two territories, will probably become the most flop rishing portion of the province. From the river Chaudiere eastward to Lake Temiscousta, the land is broken, irregular, and of an indifferent quality ; interspersed, however, with some good and produc• tive tracts, of which the returns would amply repay the expences of cultivation.
From Lake Tewiscouata eastward to Cape in the Gulf of St Lawrence, the country has been but partially explored. But it to be of a rugged and mountainous character, and parts of it as are known exhibit an or sterility which holds out no encouragement to the labours of the farmer. On the banks of the St Law. rence, however, some fertile spots are to be found, on which settlements might be established with advan• Cage. On the south tide of the ridge, 'down the shores of Gaspe and Chaleur Bay, the countr.); ie ge. aurally barren and mountainous, interspera with occasional spots of excellent land, some of Which, especially these on the shores of Chaleur Bay, are well settled. They contain about 8000 inhabitants, most of whom, being employed in the fisheries, be stow comparatively little attention on agriculture.