“11"?" The Bay of Gaspé is both long and " ’ wide, being about twenty miles in length,

with a width of five miles or more in its

widest part. Rather more than half- ’ way in a small peninsula makes out from the sandy beach to the south, and another from the north— ern shore. These afford admirable protection for the upper water or harbor, where there is room for a great fleet to ride at anchor. The View from the water approach to the town is delightful.

“The mountains of Gaspé are fair to behold, With their fleckings of shadow and gleamings of gold.”

Several rivers empty into the bay and harbor, there are noble hills around, and behind the town the high mountains rise. A goodly fleet of Whalers and fishing schooners leaves from this port, and the smaller craft with the numerous boats, etc., add greatly to the pleasant View that meets the eye on entering the port. No better spot could be selected for enjoying yachting, boating and fishing; while the cool air and splendid scenery leave nothing lacking for the enjoyment of those who come here. There are many visitors in the summer, and the life is a pleasant and social one.

It was at Gaspé that Jacques Cartier landed, took possession of the country in the name of his king, and erected a cross thirty feet high adorned with the fleur-de-lis of France. Here, also, a great naval engagement took place between the French and English, and here, too, in later years a great English fleet arrived and captured the village. The Gaspé Peninsula was formerly a province, with its seat of government in this very town of Gaspé. It is now part of the Province of Quebec. In this part also there survives a distinct tradition of the Norse discovery of America.

The early Indians of this region are said to have been the most intelligent of all the North American tribes or peoples. They were far advanced in civilization, and had a fair knowledge of geography and astronomy. In connection with the visits of the Spaniards Velas- quez and Gomez, and their meetings with the Gaspesian Indians, a fanciful tradition survives in relation to the origin of the word ‘Canada.’

122