212 . ANTICOSTI.

Indian word, Natiscoti, but it is more likely from the Spanish Antecuesta. It is situated in the Gulf of St Lawrence, and near the entrance of that great river. It is within the latitudes of 49" 5' and 49" 55’, and longitudes of 610 54’ and 65° 30’. The whole of its north coast is high, and without harbours. The rocks that present themselves are calcareous, and contain various animal petrifactions.

The water, close to the cliffs, is very deep; and there are some coves where vessels may take shelter with the wind blowing off the land. The south Shore is low; the lands wet and swampy, and covered with birch and fir-trees. There is a bar harbour near the west point, which will admit small vessels. It can scarcely be said that this island has any rivers, if that called Jupiter river be not an exception. On the south the water is shoal, but the soundings are regular; flat rocky reefs extend a considerable distance from the east, west, and some other points; sandy downs line a great part of the south coast, within which there are lagoons or ponds, filled by small streams running into them from the interior. During stormy wea- ther and high tides, the sea frequently makes its way over the sands into these lagoons, out of which, also, there are small streams running into the gulf. Shipwrecks have frequently occurred along the shores of Anticosti; and the crews have, in many instances, perished after landing, from severe cold, and want of food.ale

9‘ The fate of the crews of three ships wrecked on this island,