IN PRESS BY THE SAME AUTHOR. 
 
 Will shortly appear, "Old and New Canada," a work 
 designed to recall the leading incidents of the life of a philan- 
 thropist, the late Joseph-Franpois Perrault, and to give some 
 idea of the old French rigime and life in Canada after the 
 cession, adventures in the Far West and South, social expe- 
 riences, benevolent enterprises, and educational and other 
 efforts. It will also contain interesting descriptions of 
 Montreal and Quebec and of the favorite scenic localities in 
 the neighborhood of Quebec, etc.. etc., etc. 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES, 
 
 OR 
 
 La Litterature au Canada Francais 
 
 Jhe Prama, j4iSTORy, J^omance, Poetry, Lectures, 
 
 Sketches, &c. 
 
 BY 
 
 P. BENDER, M. D. 
 
 Speak of me as 1 am, nothing 
 extenuate. 
 
 Nor set down aught in malice. 
 Othello. 
 
 |ttontrtal : 
 DAWSON BROTHERS, PUBLISHERS. 
 
 i88i. 
 
^aC 4J>2.19 
 
 ^/7 ^£ ^e, ID 
 
 Entered according to Act of Parliament of Canada, in the year i38i, 
 
 by P. BsNDBR, M.D. 
 in the office of the Minister of Agriculture. 
 
 Printed by the Gaz«ttl, Printing Company, MontreaL 
 
TO THE 
 
 HONORABLE WILLIAM WARREN LYNCH, 
 
 Queen's Counsel, Soiicitor General of the Province 
 of Quebec, Member for Bronte. 
 
 a true friend of education, an earnest worker 
 
 in the cause and a man of broad views 
 
 and kindly feelings towards all 
 
 races and creeds, this work 
 
 is with much friendly 
 
 regard inscribed. 
 
 The Author. 
 
*i 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES 
 
 OR 
 
 La Litterature au Canada Francais. 
 
 "Le style est rhomme m6me." 
 
 — Buffon, 
 
 The history of the education of any people perhaps 
 furnishes the best test of its progress and civilization. No 
 wonder, therefore, that the patriotic in all lands display a 
 deep interest in this subject, and cheerfully recommend 
 and make sacrifices for the proper instruction of their 
 fellow-subjects. Our own province supplies a gf"Dd ex- 
 ample of the truth of this remark, with results in 
 every way gratifying. The advance of education in 
 Quebec in the last decade has been remarkable, and 
 the coming census will show very creditable improve- 
 ment in this respect. Our people have borne, for their 
 circumstances, what may tnithfully be described as oner- 
 ous burdens for the spread of education, and have already 
 
2 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 enjoyed the satisfaction of reaping substantial fruits from 
 their labors and sacrifices. In this disposition, and with 
 such laudable objects, it is not strange that the subject of 
 compulsory education should have received, especially of 
 late, no little consideration. From a careful survey of the 
 results of this system in other lands, and deep reflection 
 upon the peculiar conditions and needs of their own coun- 
 try, they have largely come to the conclusion that a system 
 of obligatory education is called for at an early day. Nor 
 is there any apparent reasonable obstacle to such an ex- 
 periment as regards the limited, or defective, character of 
 our present educational system, in all the provinces of the 
 Dominion, particularly in Quebec and Ontario, which have 
 enjoyed an efficient educational machinery for over forty 
 years, annually improving in quality and being adminis- 
 tered by agents constantly gaining experience. As 
 to the nature of the means to be employed in the several 
 provinces to accomplish this object, there are perhaps 
 differences of opinion ; but there seems, from all that the 
 careful reader of newspaper literature of the day can ob- 
 serve, a general agreement that it is both injudicious and 
 improper to allow any section of the community to grow 
 up in ignorance, a prey to all the vices and evils to which 
 such a condition opens a wide and ready door. In On- 
 tario, for years, the principle of compulsory education has 
 been applied with the very best results. Every important 
 district is familiar with the countenance and labors of the 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 3 
 
 truant officer, whose influence is usefully felt, not only by 
 the wayward pupil, but by his negligent relatives. Nobody 
 now denies either the doctrine of the duty of the State 
 towards all its subjects, or the elevating and steadying char- 
 acter of the instruction of youth. The example of Prussia, 
 in the establishment of such a system, which has been 
 followed by other European countries to a greater or less 
 extent, the latest being England and France, is so far 
 highly satisfactory, as is also their united experience. 
 The same may be said of some of the States in the neigh- 
 boring Republic, which have acted for years in a similar 
 direction. Any possible doubts on this subject could not 
 last a moment's reflection from the advanced and ever 
 advancing character of the States, which have bent their 
 energies to this great social and moral improvement. It 
 is almost certain that its early adoption by every province 
 of our Dominion will create equal satisfaction, both in a 
 moral and mental point of view. •-• -. 
 
 My object in publishing the following series of reviews 
 is of a twofold character ; not only to make the English 
 reading public acquainted with the merits and resources of 
 French-Canadian literature, but also to excite a friendly 
 mutual interest on the part of the different elements of 
 our population, which can be promoted only by a more 
 thorough knowledge of each other. It is very creditable 
 to the national feeling evoked by Confederation that our 
 annals and social circumstances are becoming subjects of 
 
4 LITERARV SHEAVES, OR 
 
 absorbing interests to all inquiring minds in the different 
 provinces. 
 
 Though my leisure is limited, I have been persuaded 
 to undertake an analysis of French-Canadian literature, as 
 published under the auspices of the Department of Pub- 
 lic Instruction, in order to enable the English reader to 
 judge of the spirit and character of a literature, declared 
 by able Frenchmen to be an honor to the intelligence and 
 taste of the nineteenth century. The only regret I feel, 
 in connection with this subject, is the insufficiency of time 
 at my disposal to convey an adequate idea of its high and 
 varied merits, whether grave historical events or dramatic 
 and poetic conceptions be dealt with. French-Canadian 
 literature exhibits a style and animation worthy of the most 
 cultivated writers, and there is the more satisfaction in notic- 
 ing its development from the fact that, though too little 
 recognized and appreciated by the British element which 
 mingles with our social life, it is generally free from any 
 feeling of prejudice or acerbity, and is evidently inspired 
 by a desire to render justice to every writer, who has con- 
 tributed to build up the literary honor and interest of the 
 country, as well as to every subject and event deserving 
 of commemoration. 
 
 - The project of encouraging native literature, inaugu- 
 rated by the Honorable Gedeon Ouimet, in 1873, whilst 
 Minister of Public Instruction, and continued by him 
 since his advent to the office of superintendent of that 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 5 
 
 department, deserves more than passing mention. Aban- 
 doning the stereotyped method of the importation of 
 foreign books, for bestowal as prizes to the successful 
 pupils of our various schools, that gentleman bethought 
 himself of encouraging native talent by selecting works 
 marked by their originality and ability, and already re- 
 ceived with favor by the public, as premiums for the en- 
 couragement of the pupils. The object was in every sense 
 patriotic, and the results have justified Mr. Ouimet's 
 motives and anticipations. Canadian writers, formerly 
 less encouraged than they should have been, were 
 obliged to wait longer for that practical success, to which 
 the great majority of literary men look forward with con- 
 cern, manifested their appreciation of these opportunities 
 by closer attention to the character of their works by the 
 improvement of previous editions, and greater ambition 
 generally to excel in the uomain of letters than had been 
 hitherto evinced. The numerous works of fancy, history 
 and criticism, which have issued from the press within the 
 last few years, attest the value of this patriotic stimulus, 
 no less than the sterling qualities of the authors. 
 This is a new departure, worthy of all praise, and the 
 good fruits of which in great abundance may be hereafter 
 confidently looked for. The change will never cease by 
 an appreciative public to be associated with the name of 
 a gentleman who, from his learning, zeal for public instruc- 
 tion and patriotic ambition, was the worthy source of so 
 
6 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 excellent an idea. With regard to the practical operation 
 of the new scheme, it may be stated that abbreviated 
 editions of the works of writers of note in the province, of 
 every race, creed and party, have been purchased and 
 distributed as prizes among the scholars; in this way 
 benefiting alike our poorly remunerated authors and our 
 young folk, by placing in the possession of the latter these 
 abridgments, which, in many cases, comprise choice 
 specimens of literature and history. Last year the depart- 
 ment distributed, in this way, 14,868 French and 3,790 
 English works. 
 
 It is desirable to afford the public some opportunity of 
 judging of these Canadian works, which have been thought 
 worthy of official selection for the purpose above men- 
 tioned, and also on account of their own intrinsic merits. 
 It is but right to admit, at the outset, that an adequate 
 idea of their value cannot always be conveyed through 
 the medium of translation, or by criticism, however care- 
 fully and candidly performed. One of the chief objects 
 of the author of these sketches is to furnish the public, 
 unacquainted with the French language, or prevented by 
 the pressure of business, or occupation from a proper study 
 of these works, a fair and sufficient synopsis, to enable 
 it to form a correct opinion with regard to their sub- 
 jects, merits and style. Another object is the awakening of 
 sufficient interest in those creditable labors to encourage 
 their study by the community generally, French as well 
 
LA LITTERAIURE AU CANADA FRANCAIS. T 
 
 as English, and the enlightenment of strangers with re- 
 spect to the nature and character of our more recent 
 French-Canadian literature. ' ■' ' ' ' - 
 
 I propose to notice our different Canadian authors in 
 iheir order of seniority, without regard to their well 
 earned popularity, both at home and abroad, and before 
 later meritorious works appeared. .. .: 
 
 y 
 
 . . > - 
 
 •'. I .. .. 
 
/ 
 
 «*M . « 4- 
 
 / « ' ' 
 
 
HON. PIERRE J. O. CHAUVEAU. 
 
 The name of Mr. Chauveau will ever be held in high 
 respect by all acquainted with his character and his 
 services to the cause of public education in the province 
 of Quebec. By his learning and ability he had won a 
 leading position in the political world before particularly 
 identifying himself with that cause ; but his acceptance of 
 the appointment of Superintendent of the Department of 
 Public Instruction, at the time and aftenvards, was re- 
 garded by those who knew him as a most appropriate 
 course, and fraught with hopes of the best results. 
 Mr. Chauveau, it was felt, had accepted a suitable and 
 congenial mission, in which he could find ample scope 
 for his well-trained intellect and benevolent aspirations. 
 The contest with ignorance, and the extension of the 
 blessings of education form a noble work, in which he who 
 gains even moderate success establishes a title to the 
 gratitude of his countrymen. No man, who compares the 
 state of education in Lower Canada, when Mr. Chauveau 
 first entered upon his duties, with its condition when he 
 resifrned, can help acknowledging the great strides it had 
 made in the interval and the 'mprovement in the system 
 of public instruction, in the standard and usefulness of 
 
10 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 school-books and in the general facilities for the impart- 
 ing of information. Vigorous efforts had been made to 
 substitute good and productive for old and sterile methods 
 of teaching, and in all essential respects to keep pace with 
 the most progressive countries in the spread of popular 
 enlightenment. It is but candid, however, to admit that 
 greater results might have been achieved, and that educa- 
 tion might have been considerably further advanced in 
 this province than it is at this day. Fairness, at the same 
 time, compels the admission that want of means, excep- 
 tional social circumstances and physical difficulties con- 
 nected with our climate, and numerous sparsely settled 
 areas, are largely accountable for the existing deficiencies. 
 Wealthy, thickly settled districts, enjoying easy communi- 
 cation and more moderate winters, and whose people are 
 less isolated from the great centres of modem thought 
 and enterprise, possess advantages in respect to the en- 
 couragement of their school systems but slightly experi- 
 enced in 1 country like Quebec, many of whose older 
 rural inhabitants, unacquainted themselves with the bene- 
 fits of education, have not been able to appreciate them 
 in the interest of their children. It is also but right to 
 notice, in this connection, the satisfaction which Mr. 
 Chauveau has generally given the Protestants of Quebec 
 in his administration of that important department. No 
 complaints of prejudice or partiality have been proved 
 against him ; on the contrary, he ever seemed to evince as 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 11 
 
 great satisfaction at the progress of the McGill, Lennox- 
 ville and other Protestant scholastic institutions, as if a 
 member of the minority himself. His judicious counsel, 
 his presence at examinations, and his desire to encourage 
 their educational efforts have always been available, 
 and with the best moral and material results. 
 The minority had long regarded him as an able, liberal- 
 minded friend, and no section of the community more 
 deeply regretted his retirement from the Education De- 
 partment. His successor, the Hon. Gedeon Ouimet, 
 appears desirous of following in his footsteps, and with 
 good results so far, and better yet may be looked for. 
 
 L' Instruction pubiique au Canada, by the above gentle- 
 man, was, with the exception of the two last papers, pub- 
 lished in Germany some years ago, in the Encyclopddic 
 •des gesammtem Erzichungs und Unterrichtswesens, edit- 
 ed by Dr. Schmid, of Stuttgart, who had, at the time of a 
 visit paid by Mr. Chauveau to him, extracted a promise that 
 he would write an article on Canada for the second edition 
 of his Encyclopaedia, which pledge Mr. Chauveau was 
 called upon to perform in March, 1874 It need hardly 
 be stated that there is no one more capable of doing 
 justice to this subject ; it is an elaborate, reliable and 
 complete history of Canadian education. Mr. Chauveau 
 in this performance, brought to his aid vast experience 
 as a director of education, evincing marked grasp of 
 thought and versatility of expression. 
 
12 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 The introduction to the volume gives a sketch of the 
 extent of the Dominion, and refers to the clauses of the 
 British North America Act affecting the religious minori- 
 ties of the two provinces of Ontario and Quebec, render- 
 ing them independent of their respective majorities. 
 
 Ontario is first treated of by the author, and, in an ex- 
 haustive manner, he places before the reader an accurate de- 
 scription of the state of education in that province, beginn- 
 ing with the Department of Education, and continuing with 
 the High, Normal, Model and Primary Schools, including 
 Common and Separate Schools and public libraries ; giving 
 the salaries of superintendents, inspectors and teachers of 
 different grades, male and female, the system of internal 
 economy, the curriculum followed in each case, and the 
 grants by government, with a comprehensive history of 
 the rise and progress of education. The total sum paid 
 by Ontario for educational purposes in 1874, amounted 
 to $3,587,951. • : -c . • 
 
 To the province of Quebec Mr. Chauveau devotes a 
 large part of his work. He begins with the introduction 
 uf education by the priests accompanying the first settlers ; 
 the foundation by eminent men and women of educational 
 mstitutions, such as the Jesuits* College in 1637, the Ur- 
 suline Convent in 1639, Convent of the Congregation de 
 Notre Dame of Montreal in 1653, the Seminary of St. Sul- 
 pice, in 1647, the Grand S^minaire of Quebec in 1663, 
 and the P^tit S^minaire in 1668. At the cession there 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANC^AIS. 13 
 
 were few institutions besides the above, and primary in- 
 struction for boys was difficult of access, and this state of 
 things continued till 1801, when was created, by Act of 
 Parliament, " The Royal Institution," for the purposes of 
 education, but, according to the evidence of competent 
 people, it was not successful. 
 
 The report of the Secretary, the Rev. Mr. Mills, states that 
 in 1 834 there were but twenty-two schools, with 398 free and 
 590 paying pupils, inclusive of 202 pupils of the school 
 superintended by Mr. Marsden, the father of our esteemed 
 fellow-citizen, Dr. Marsden, and 150 uf Mr. Holmes' 
 school in Montreal. Fabrique Schools about this time 
 were inaugurated for the Roman Catholics, and in 1836-37 
 were first instituted the Normal Schools, while extensive pri- 
 vate schools were established at Nicolet, St. Hyacinthe, Ste. 
 Therese, L'Assomption and Ste. Anne. An excellent 
 school at Quebec, under Dr. Wilkie, was productive of 
 good results at that time, some of our most prominent 
 citizens sending their children to it. " The Society of 
 Education," under the control of Catholic ladies and gen- 
 tlemen, was founded in 1821, and its first president was 
 Mr. Joseph Francois Perrault, of whom Mr. Chauveau 
 says : " This distinguished philanthropist operated inde- 
 pendently, and founded schools in which he introduced 
 the ' Lancastrian system,' and instruction in arts and trades ; 
 he also published, at his own expense, a great number of 
 school-books." In another passage, Mr. Chauveau places 
 
14 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 this gentleman in the first rank among the pioneers of lay 
 education of this province, and says that " he published, 
 besides the books above mentioned, treatises on jurispru- 
 dence, agriculture, history of Canada, &c." And he might 
 have added that Mr. Perrault erected these schools, and 
 paid the teachers thereof, mostly at his own cost ; and that, 
 besides the rudiments of a good education, the boys were 
 instructed in gardening, joinery and the manufacture of 
 agricultural implements ; and the girls in sewing, knitting, 
 carding, spinning and weaving ; and for those purposes 
 he supplied, at his own expense, all the implements, tools 
 and machinery necessary. And in instances, where the 
 parents were destitute, he paid for the children's clothing ; 
 and to the deserving weekly distributed money prizes, be- 
 sides allowing fair wages for the work done. In fact, such 
 were his enthusiasm and his liberality in the cause, that 
 the recipients of his generous bounties were under the 
 impression that not from his own funds was he dispensing 
 these liberal gifts, but was acting simply as the agent of 
 the government. This benefactor of his race died in 
 1844, at the ripe old age of ninety-one, respected and 
 venerated by all. 
 
 In 1 82 1 McGill University received its charter, and to 
 it many of our best scholars are indebted for their educa- 
 tion. In 1852 was incorporated the University of Laval, 
 which has been the a/ma mater of almost all the French- 
 Canadians of note from that time. Mr. Chauveau replaced 
 
LA LITTtR.\r nE VU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 15 
 
 Dr. Meilleur as Superintendent of Education in 1855, and 
 introduced many reforms which contributed to the progress 
 of education. He quotes from his official reports and 
 describes the advantages of the adoption of his proposals. 
 In every portion of his department he was indefatigable 
 in abolishing abuses and furthering the cause so dear to 
 him. The educational institutions are divided into five 
 grand classes : ist, Universities ; 2d, Secondary Schools ; 
 3rd, Normal Schools ; 4th, Special Schools, and 5th, Pri- 
 mary Schools. A description of these divisions and vast 
 important statistical information are here given. The 
 systems of education followed in New Brunswick, Nova 
 Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, Manitoba 
 and British Columbia are consecutively and succinctly 
 described, with accurate statistical tables. In concluding 
 this chapter, the author gives a comprehensive recapitula- 
 tion of what has been so fully investigated. 
 
 In Chapter XL, Mr. Chauveau, under the heading, 
 ^^Mouvement litter aire et inteilectuely* gives a most inte- 
 resting digest of the state of literature in Canada, com- 
 mencing with the publication of newspapers, magazines 
 and scientific journals. He lightly sketches the different 
 works of importance in all the branches of literature which 
 have appeared in the Dominion ; this is invaluable to the 
 litterateur, supplying at a glance the names of most of the 
 books published in this country, and the names of their 
 authors, carefully classified. In it are also noticed the 
 
16 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 ** Literary and Historical Society of Quebec," the " Institut 
 Canadien " and other similar societies. The book closes 
 with the reproduction of a lecture upon " Public Education 
 in Canada," delivered by the author at the Canadian Con- 
 vention in 1874, in Montreal, and forms a brilliant retro- 
 spect of Canadian literature. 
 
 This work has extended abroad the fame of its author 
 considerably more than any other of his writings, although 
 several of them entitle him to the highest rank as a writer, 
 possessing clearness of thought, conciseness of expression 
 and soundness of judgment. 
 
 Mr. Chauveau may be considered as the doyen of 
 French-Canadian litterateurs. He made his debut whilst 
 still a very young man, and has ever since faithfully and 
 diligently worked in the same field. One of his earliest 
 productions was " Charles Gu^rin," which is an intellec- 
 tual novel, treating of the social habits and customs of the 
 first half of this century. It had a few detractors, but 
 many admirers ; none more readily admitted its faults 
 than the author himself — faults of all young writers. The 
 speech made by him in 1855, on the occasion of the in- 
 auguration of Le Monument des Braves on the Ste. Foye 
 road, on the centenary of the battle of Ste. Foye, and com- 
 memorative of that day, was a model of oratory, entitling 
 him to the first rank as a distinguished orator. This high 
 standing he also enjoys in both languages ; his discourses 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANi^AIS. 17 
 
 are more classical than political, — not by any means a 
 fault, however. The poetical effusions of this gentleman 
 are numerous and bear the evidence of inspiration from 
 the best sources. 
 
18 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 J. C. TACHfi. 
 
 This well known gentleman is one of the pioneers of 
 French-Canadian literature, forming with M. M. Quesnel, 
 Bibaud, Parent, Gameau, Laberge, Lenoir and Chauveau, 
 a galaxy of Canadian talent of which any country might 
 well be proud. Mr. Tach6 made his mark as a journalist 
 many years ago, being a vigorous and hard-hitting oppon- 
 ent, whom his adversaries had often good cause to remem- 
 ber. He has rendered no little service to the public in a 
 number of interesting and clever reports upon important 
 subjects. 
 
 In Trois ligendes de mon pays^ are grouped three 
 legends of old Canada, which, the author states, in his 
 prologue, constitute the three parts of a moral drama — 
 similar to the Greek trilogies — symbolizing the religious 
 and social history of the aborigines of the country. In 
 the first, the natives are represented with all their ferocious 
 instincts and in a state of barbarism, before the arrival of 
 the missionaries ; — Christianity unknown. In the second, 
 is detailed the conflict of conscience in these wild children 
 of the forest, as they are taught the Word of God; — 
 Christianity preached. And in the third, the final struggle 
 of conscience, followed by the supremacy of religion ; — 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANC^AIS. f$ 
 
 Christianity triumphant. In other words, here are three 
 legends ilhistrative of the different phases of mind the 
 savages experienced. 
 
 The first, LlUt au massacre^ on rEvangiU ignore^ 
 opens with the picture of a Micmac encampment on the 
 shores of the Bay of Bic, which is suddenly alarmed by 
 the news that a strong war party of Iroquois was march- 
 ing against it. A council of chiefs meets, and immediate- 
 ly the old and helpless are sent off to a place of safety 
 down the river. The Micinacs detail two small parties, 
 one to follow the Iroquois and to notify the village of the 
 approach of the enemy, the other to harass them, '^'hile 
 the remainder, with their wives and children, seek the 
 shelter of a cave on the island. The first party finds a 
 number of Iroquois canoes and a cache of provisions ; 
 two of them then leave for the River St. John, to secure 
 the aid of the Malechite tribe, who promptly accede to 
 their request. The Iroquois by this time make their way 
 to the Indian encampment, surround and find it deserted ; 
 they, however, next day discover the retreat of the Mic- 
 macs on the island and attack them ; two assaults are 
 successfully repulsed by the besieged, who are aided by 
 the in-coming tide overflowing the sands and compelling 
 the retreat of the enemy. But a third attack succeeds, 
 and the Micmacs are all massacred. The victorious 
 Iroquois then turn their faces homewards, and divide into 
 :wo parties, one in search of their canoes and cache of 
 
20 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 provisions, the other to follow more slowly with the 
 wounded. Of the first a number are slain by the reliev- 
 ing party of Malechites, who had come to the assistance 
 of the Micmacs and waited in ambush near the canoes. 
 On the return of the vanquished Iroquois to their camp, 
 they find that all their wounded, twenty in number, had 
 been slaughtered, leaving but fifty warriors of the original 
 hundred, twelve of whom, unable to move from their 
 wounds are despatched to prevent their falling into 
 the hands of their enemies, and their scalps burnt, rather 
 than hang as trophies at the belts of their foes. Again 
 are the Iroquois attacked and lose eleven more men, 
 when the remainder are hunted down and 'all but five 
 killed, two of whom are claimed as prisoners by the Mic- 
 macs and three by the Malechites. The first two are 
 taken to the island, where the Micmacs had been massa- 
 cred, and are there tortured with the most fiendish ciuelty 
 and finally burnt at the stake. The other three are taken 
 to the Malechite encampment on the Madaouaska. The 
 author concludes : It is thus the aborigines acted towards 
 each other before Christianity had been made known to 
 them ; — Christianity unknown. 
 
 The second legend, Le Sagamo du Kapskouk ou LEvan- 
 gile prechie, depicts the missionary labors of Le Fire 
 Masse among the Malechite Indians, on the River St. John. 
 With intense interest the Indians listen to the develop- 
 ment of the Christian doctrines, but when the mission- 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 21 
 
 ary preaches the forgiveness of enemies, Le Sagaino turns 
 a deaf ear, for he has sworn an eternal enmity to the Iro- 
 quois. He tells the priest how, when his tribe wished to 
 follow the war-path against the Iroquois, his father's two 
 sons refused to take up the hatchet and were expelled the 
 camp. In despair they joined their natural enemy in 
 company of an Iroquois prisoner, who had been adopted by 
 the Malechites. The following year a large war party of 
 Iroquois, led by the two brothers, descended the 
 River St. John to attack the Malechite village. It was 
 night when they were silently paddling down the river ; 
 suddenly, as they neared the Falls of Kapskouk, the 
 war-whoop sounded from two men, standing upright in 
 the foremost canoe, and, as if by enchantment the river 
 shores were lit up by innumerable flambeaux, illuminating 
 and casting a ghastly glare over a most tragic scene ; nigh 
 two hundred warriors swept to destruction over the foam- 
 ing cataract. To obtain this satisfaction the old warrior 
 had been willing to sacrifice the lives of his two sons, for 
 it gave him the melancholy pleasure of boasting to his tribe 
 that ^''Mes fits sont des hommes'' And Sagamo adds : 
 " My father made me swear on his death-bed that I would 
 ever be the bitter enemy of the Iroquois, and to transmit 
 this hatred to my children. How then can you ask me to 
 love my enemies ? " But the good priest still perseveres 
 in his mission and in preaching the gospel of truth and 
 love. The precious seed was sown and it required but the 
 
22 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 generous rain and the rays of the sun to bring forth a 
 rich harvest ; — Christianity preached. 
 
 The third legend, Le geant des Mechins^ ou L'Evangile 
 acceptie^ is the sudden conversion of an Indian through 
 terror of Outikou, the great eater of men, who had been 
 seen by him, and whose apparition was supposed to be 
 followed by fatal results. Outikou is exorcised by a mis- 
 sionary and forced to leave his favorite locality near the 
 Ik aux Mechins, and his bdi ^n transformed into a cross. 
 The pagan Indian then willingly receives the sacrament 
 of baptism, and his mind is set at rest ; — Christianity 
 triumphant. - ■■. , 
 
 This volume reflects upon its author credit for his learn- 
 ing, good literary taste and lively imagination. These three 
 legends are written with much art, breathing a spirit of 
 poetry and religious enthusiasm, and the dict'on employed 
 is remarkable for purity and elegance. Any desirous of 
 further studying the style of this author can not do better 
 than read his best effort : Forestiers et Voyageurs, 
 
LA LITTfeRATTRE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 23 
 
 J. M. LeMOINE. ' ' ' ' 
 
 Among Canadian writers, no name is better known in 
 English circles than that of Mr. LeMoine, and there can 
 be no doubt that his patriotic labors greatly contributed 
 to making the Dominion more fully known both at home 
 and abroad, and to exciting a deep interest in its past 
 records, institutions and history. With a diligence and 
 public spirit, rare in any community, this gentleman has 
 devoted himself — and no weaker word than dez'oted would 
 convey the full sense of his untiring labors and researches 
 in the work of discovery — to publishing the most valuable 
 archives of the country, dating from the foundation of 
 the colony and illustrating these memorials with remarks 
 upon its topography and history ; in fact, carefully accu- 
 mulating a mass of useful, historical and legend- 
 ary materials, to which French, English, American and 
 Canadian writers have frequently confessed their in- 
 debtedness. He has had the good fortune to gain access to 
 private manuscripts and journals of the oldest families, 
 and these have considerably aided him in disentangling 
 those portions of history hitherto involved in the mazes 
 of doubt and uncertainty. Every event, ancient, or recent, 
 awakening the interest or exciting the patriotism of the 
 
24 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 public, has been carefully canvassed and sifted ; his writings 
 throughout, in tone, sentiment and fact exhibit a genuine 
 love of country and a pride in the transactions of her 
 eminent men, from its first settlement to the present day. 
 The reading community cheerfully acknowledge their 
 gratitude to his valuable and voluntary literary services ; 
 in the preparation of Old and New Canada in which I 
 have been engaged since last year, I have had several 
 occasions of referring to this gentleman's works and I 
 may add with gratifying results each time. 
 
 Quebec^ Past and Present ^ a History of Quebec, with 
 illustrations, by the above gentleman, is divided into two 
 parts ; the first treats of the history of the colony from 
 1608 to 1875 ; ^^^ t^^ second comprises a description of 
 the city of the present day. 
 
 In the introduction, the author gives a rapid sketch of the 
 discovery of Canada, Jacques Cartier's landing at Stadacona 
 (1535), and his subsequent voyages. The intrepid mariner 
 of St. Malo and his men passed their first winter on the banks 
 of the St. Charles, where they underwent untold sufferings 
 from want of provisions, cold and scurvy. All but three 
 or four were attacked by this distressing disease, and were 
 cured only through the advice of an Indian to use a der 
 coction of spruce. In the spring of the following year^ 
 Jacques Cartier returned to France, and again visited 
 Canada in 1541, when he sailed up the St. Lawrence and 
 explored the rapids above Hochelaga, in the hope of find- 
 
LA LITT^RATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. .8P 
 
 ing a passage to China. In the autumn, discouraged and 
 despairing, he left the colony, in spite of the wishes of 
 Roberval, whom he met in the Gulf, and who continued 
 his voyage to Quebec and made his winter-quarters at 
 Cap Rouge. It was only by strict discipline an harsh 
 measures, that he succeeded in keeping the members of his 
 party together, and shortly afterwards he returned ta 
 Europe. Mr. LeMoine adds : " Canadian annals from 
 1542 to 1608 offer a perfect blank, no Europeans having 
 remained behind." 
 
 The work proper begins with a fanciful description of 
 the laying of the foundation of the settlement of Quebec 
 by Champlain in 1608. On the site of the present church 
 of Notre Datne des VictoireSy in the Lower Town, he 
 erected a habitation, and storehouses, of which a wood- 
 cut is given, and, although without perspective, or propor- 
 tion, conveys a good idea of this group of buildings. 
 Later, barracks were built for the soldiery in the Upper 
 Town, in the vicinity of the Place d\irmes» Shortly after- 
 wards, Champlain believed himself obliged to take 
 sides with the Hurons against the Iroquois, a power- 
 ful combination of five nations, whose warlike char- 
 acter, ferocious disposition and atrocious cruelties were 
 a terror to all other tribes. This led to fierce wars 
 which lasted over a century, and ended in the almost 
 complete annihilation of the Algonquin and Huron 
 nations. It would be difficult to compute the myriads of 
 
26 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 lives that fell victims to their reeking tomahawks and 
 bloody scalping knives. In 1615, the Recollet Fathers 
 arrived in Quebec, and in 161 9 they founded a monastery 
 on the banks of the St Charles, where now stands 
 the General Hospital. In 161 7 and 1618 a famine raged 
 amongst the colonists and scurvy thinned their ranks to 
 an alarming extent. Champlain brought out to Quebec, 
 two years later, a young and beautiful bride, on which 
 occasion there was great rejoicing in the city, but the 
 rigors of the climate, the constant dread of Indian 
 attacks and the hardships of a colonial life were too 
 much for one of her delicate frame, and soon she 
 returned to France. During her short stay her winning 
 and graceful manners endeared her to all. In 1629, 
 Champlain was obliged, through stress of circumstances, 
 to deliver up the fortress of Quebec to the Kirke brothers, 
 who were bearers of Letters of Marque from the King of 
 England. Quebec was, however, by the Saint Germain 
 Treaty of 1632, restored to France, and Champlain re- 
 turned to the colony in 1633, accompanied by the Jesuit 
 Fathers, Masse and Breboeut, and in this year, in perform- 
 ance of a vow, he erected a church to Notre Dame de 
 Recotivrance on the eastern portion of the site of the 
 present Basilica. This latter was commenced in 
 1647. C)n Christmas day, 1635, Champlain died 
 after two months' illness, at the age of sixty-eight. 
 In 1637, the Jesuits' College was constructed, and 
 
LA LITTiRATURE AU CANADA FRANgAIS. 27 
 
 rebuilt in 1720 on a much more extensive scale; 
 known to the present generation as the lately de- 
 molished Jesuits' barracks. In 1639, the Ursuline 
 and Hospitalieres nuns reached Quebec ; the fornier, ac- 
 companied by Madame de la Peltrie, who founcid the 
 Ursuline Convent, for the purpose of instructing the In- 
 dian children, and eventually those of the colonists ; the 
 latter ladies to undertake the care of the sick, and to that 
 end, assisted thereto by the generous liberaliLy of the 
 Duchess d'Aiguillon, established the Hotel-Dieu. The 
 history of both these institutions is given at length ; the 
 good thcv have effected and the importance, which they 
 have attained, have been recognized by all denominations 
 from those early times to the present, and are enthusiasti- 
 cally dwelt upon in this volume. In 1649, the Jesuit 
 missionaries — Fathers Gabriel Lallemant and de Breboeuf, 
 after enduring inconceivable tortures, were cruelly mur- 
 dered by the Iroquois, near Lake Simcoe. In 1659, Mon- 
 seigneur de Laval landed at Quebec as its first Bishop. A 
 description of the earthquake of 1663 is given, and of the 
 extraordinary celestial phenomena attending it. It is 
 related to have been felt at intervals for nearly six 
 months, during jwhich, three distinct suns were visible ; 
 *' the true sun in the centre, and the reflected ones on 
 either side." The same optical illusion occurred seven 
 days later and a total eclipse of the sun shortly afterwards ; 
 during that time the earth was violently convulsed. In 
 
28 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 the same year, Quebec was granted a Royal Government, 
 and an extensive system of fortification was inaugurated, 
 under the able administration of the Count de Frontenac, 
 with whom were sent out several companies of the famous 
 Carignan regiment. These immediately commenced the 
 construction of forts in different parts of the country, prepar- 
 atory to taking the offensive against the Iroquois, who had . 
 hitherto carried war into the heart of the colony, but had . 
 been left unmolested in their own chateaux-forts. On the 
 4th February, 1667, the first " ball " in Canada was given 
 at the Chateau St. Louis and theatrical performances were 
 acted, — net only there, but within the walls of the Ursulines 
 and Hotel-Dieu, to the great scandal of many, especially 
 Bishop I^val. But the Count de Frontenac was a 
 firm ruler and all had to bow to his mandates, be he priest 
 or layman. Mr. LeMoine gives interesting details of the 
 habits and customs of these days, which will be agreeable 
 reading to many. The Intendant's Palace, a full descrip- 
 tion of which is furnished, fell a prey to the flames in 1 7 13, 
 but was rebuilt on a grander scale by the Intendant 
 Begon at the expense of the French King. After the 
 cession it fell into decay, was occupied by the American 
 troops in 1775, during the winter of the blockade, and was 
 finally destroyed by the bombardment from the city. The 
 dreadful " Lachine massacre" occurred in 1689, creating 
 the greatest dismay among the colonists and rousing 
 them to reprisals against the supposed instigators. Then 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANC^AIS. 39 
 
 were planned the New England campaigns, which proved 
 so disastrous to the Anglo-Saxon colonists. This, of 
 course, led to retaliations, and expeditions by land 
 and water were organized to avenge the disasters of 
 Schenectady and Salmon Falls. The land force, under 
 Winthrop and Schuyler, proved a perfect failure ; while 
 the fleet, under Sir William Phipps, attempted an ineffectual 
 bombardment of Quebec. The Admiral essayed a land 
 attack with no better results, and he returned discomfited 
 to Boston. It was on this occasion that Frontenac de- 
 livered his famous and dauntless reply to the English en- 
 voy. From England, in 171 1, was sent Sir Hovenden 
 Walker with a large fleet to secure the conquest of Canada ; 
 but the expedition ended most disastrously. Several 
 frigates, with their crews, marines and soldiers, were 
 wrecked and hopelessly lost f Egg Island, obliging the 
 return of the Admiral to England. A thrilling word- 
 painting of this awful catastrophe from Les Promenades 
 du Gol/e, by Mr. Faucher, is given and will be reviewed in 
 this volume. For the deliverance from these two imminent 
 dangers, the little chapel in the Lower Town was 
 dedicated to Notre Dame des Vicioires. The Chdteau St. 
 Louis and the gay times, which made merry its sombre 
 walls, are next related. As an interesting relic of the old 
 past, are described the proceedings followed in the cere- 
 mony of a vassal rendering " faith and homage " to his 
 seignior, and also those of a seignior to his sovereign. In 
 
30 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 1748, the infamous Bigot arrived as Intendant of New 
 France. Mr. LeMoine dilates upon the execrable acts of 
 this worthy, and to him he ascribes all the miseries and 
 misfortunes which soon overtook the colony.* A dire 
 famine weighed heavily upon it in 1755, but this merely 
 gave to the unscrupulous Bigot opportunities of making 
 profits out of the provisions, sent by the French King to 
 his famishing subjects. He established a store in connec- 
 tion with his Palace and vended these provisions at exor- 
 bitant prices to the starving poor : hence was derived the 
 name of La Fripontie. Mr. LeMoine states that as many 
 as three hundred died from inanition and its consequent 
 miseries ; and that these wretched beings were to be seen 
 staggering about the streets of Quebec the whole day long, 
 vainly imploring aid. In the midst of all this poverty and 
 distress, Bigot held high revelry and was surrounded by 
 courtezans and sycophants, who rioted in luxury and 
 vice at the public expense. His extravagant follies vied 
 with even the wild recklessness and lavishness of the 
 French court. But this heartless profligacy was soon to 
 end ; and great was the excitement on both sides of the 
 St. Lawrence and in the capital, when in the spring of 
 1759 an English fleet proudly sailed up the river. Old 
 and young gallantly volunteered for the defence of 
 their "hearths and homes," and a general enthusiasm 
 
 *This, methinki, a somewhat orerdrawn statement, for there were many other 
 causes operating to bring about the final overthrow of French power . 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN<;aIS. W^ 
 
 prevailed among " seignior and vassal." Rapid prepara- 
 tions were made for the coming struggle ; weak places in 
 the fortifications were strengthened and new lines of earth- 
 works raised. The men-of-war, frigates and sloops of the 
 English fleet, with their numerous transports, made an im- 
 posing sight in the grand harbor of Quebec. On the night 
 of the 28th June there was an attempt to fire this fleet, which 
 was anchored near the Island of Orleans, by launching,, 
 during the ebb-tide, fire ships and rafts charged with deadly 
 fire-works, grenades and other combustibles, which, as they 
 approached the vessels, sent up their lurid flames into the 
 sombre night, casting reflections on the clear surface of the 
 river and producing the grandest spectacle imaginable, 
 but entirely failing of injuring the fleet. The battle 
 of Beauport, on the 31st of July, so disastrous to the 
 army of Wolfe, is fully described ; as also that of the Plains 
 of Abraham, 1 3th September, with the death of both gen- 
 erals on its blood-stained field. On the i8th Quebec 
 capitulated, and the red cross of England replaced the 
 fleur-de-lis on the citadel. A sorry sight the city pre- 
 sented after the seige ; there was hardly a building left 
 standing which was not riddled through. Famine, scurvy 
 and other diseases created great ravages during the fol- 
 lowing winter, especially among the soldiery, nearly one- 
 half of whom died. The French, under de Levis, with a 
 fairly disciplined and strong force, reappeared before the 
 city on the 28th of April following, when Murray rashly 
 
» 
 
 32 LITERARY SHEAVES, OK . 
 
 led out his troops, engaged the enemy at Ste. Foye and was 
 defeated. At this battle the loss was four thousand men (?) 
 on both sides, and had the French acted with promptness, 
 the city might uuve been easily retaken. The arrival of 
 an English fleet shortly afterwards caused the French army 
 to retreat with precipitation, abandoning all their camp 
 equipage and v\'ar material. With the subsequent surren- 
 der of Montreal, on the 8th of September, 1760, terminated 
 the French regime in Canada. 
 
 Shortly after the inauguration of British rule, the 
 Quebec Gazette appeared in French and English. The 
 " new subjects " soon became reconciled to the changed 
 order of things and matters went on smoothly in the 
 colony until the passage of the Quebec Act^ in 1774, which 
 <:reated discontent among the British. The seige and 
 blockade of the city by Montpmery and Arnold, in 1775, 
 are minutely detailed, and the chivalrous conduct of 
 General Carleton is highly lauded. A well merited 
 tribute is paid to the loyalty of both French and English, 
 who honorably resisted the blandishments and seductions 
 held out to them by the American rebels. The phenomena 
 of the "two dark Sundays," the 9th and i6th October, 
 1785, are mentioned, and to meteorologists will be inter- 
 esting. Admiral Nelson's love affair with a daughter of Que- 
 bec, when captain of H.M.S. " Albermale," and the rough 
 method adopted by his brother officers to end a romantic 
 affair are recounted. In 1791, H.R.H. Prince Edward, 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 33 
 
 visited Quebec, and a public reception was given him ; that 
 same year Canada was divided into two provinces by pro- 
 clamation, and the same year the first parliament was 
 held in Quebec, The revolutionary events in France in 
 1793 painfully affected the residents of Quebec, and Lord 
 Dorchester issaed a proclamation against the emissaries 
 of anarchy. Upon this plea, says the author, on several 
 occasions later on, the French Canadians were needlessly 
 and purposely oppressed. A description of a visit to 
 Quebec, towards the end of last century, of the Micmacs, 
 numbering four hundred, in full war-paint and costumes, 
 and their antics is a graphic recital. In 1804, the English 
 Cathedral was erected upon the site of the church and 
 monastery of the Frcrcs Recoiiets, which were consum.ed by 
 fire on the 6th September, 1796. The first trial for high 
 treason, under British rule, was that of David McLane, in 
 1797, who was condemned and put to death in a barbar- 
 ously cruel manner, in obedience to the draconic law 
 of that period. The tyrannical operations of press gangs 
 are noted. Towards the end of last century, slavery was 
 still in existence here, but was finally abolished in 1803. 
 Steam navigation was first accomplished between Quebec 
 and Montreal, on the 6th November, 1809, the passage 
 occupying sixty-six hours. In March, 1810, Z^ Canadien 
 was suppressed for publishing libellous articles on the 
 policy of Sir James Craig, tlie then Governor-General ; 
 
 and a short time afterwards M. M. Bedard, Taschereau 
 3 
 
34 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 and Blanchet were arrested on charges of sedition. There 
 are furnished short sketches of the war of 1812, between 
 England and the United States, with the alternate suc- 
 cesses and defeats of either side. Among the incidents of 
 that war is mentioned the arrival in Quebec, as a prisoner, 
 of General Winfield Scot:, who afterwards distinguished 
 himself in Mexico. In 1824, "The Literary and His- 
 torical Society of Quebec " was founded by the Earl of 
 Dalhousie. In 1827, was erected the monument in the 
 Governor's garden, to the memory of Wolfe and Montcalm, 
 a description of which is supplied. In 1832, the first 
 ocean steamer, the " Royal William," built at Quebec, 
 sailed from this port to cross the Atlantic. The dreadful 
 scenes, during the cholera of 1832, are depicted in all 
 their ghastliness, and derails of its subsequent visitations 
 of 1834, 1849, 1851, 1852 and 1854 are also given. The 
 numerous acts of robbery and violence, committed by the 
 Chambers' gang and the wide-spread terror existing in 
 consequence, and their final arrest and punishment are 
 noticed. Of the r volution of 1837 Mr. LeMoine makes 
 but slight mention. He, however, treats this subject at 
 length, in his " Maple Leaves." Lord Durham's rule is 
 alluded to in flattering terms ; and he is praised as one of 
 the truest friends Canada has ever known. Then follows 
 a series of sad and heart-rending misfortunes. The " fall 
 of the rock" in Champlain street, in 1841, crushing many 
 houses and their inmates : the fires of St. Roch and St. 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANyAIS. 115 
 
 John suburbs, in 1845, rendering thousands homeless and 
 causing more than forty human beings to perish in the 
 flames : the burning of the theatre near Durham Terrace, 
 when nearly fifty people met an appalling death : the fever 
 epidemic among the emigrants in 1847, when hundreds fell 
 victims to this dreadful disease, and myriads of orphans 
 were thrown upon the mercy and charity of the world : and 
 the frightful loss of the steamer " Montreal," and a portion 
 of its living freight, by fire, in 1857. These are all 
 events conjuring up hosts of trying memories to most 
 Quebecers. On the other hand, as gleams of sunshine to 
 relieve the above sad pictures, are the formation of a 
 line of steamships between England and Quebec, and the 
 opening of the Grand Trunk Railway ; both of which 
 enterprises have materially contributed to the prosperity 
 of Canada. The Ste. Foye monument " to the braves of 
 1760" was inaugurated in 1863, with great eclat and 
 ceremony ; the monument and neighboring scenery are 
 graphically portrayed. In 1864, the military laboratory 
 in the Artillery Park exploded and several soldiers 
 lost their lives; while in 1866, St. Roch was again 
 reduced to ashes, when Lieutenant Baine, of the Royal 
 Artillery, met his death in chivalrous and praiseworthy 
 endeavors to save life and property. The English troops 
 evacuated the city In 1 871, and the citadel and other 
 fortifications were handed over to the Dominion Govern- 
 ment. In 1872, Lord Dufferin arrived as Governor-Gen- 
 
36 , LITERARY SHFAVES, OR 
 
 eral ; his fame, as a statesman and a litterateur, had pre- 
 ceded him, and it was with genuine satisfaction he was 
 greeted upon his arrival. It is no exaggeration to state 
 that he was the most popular governor who has ruled 
 Canada, not only in his official character, but in his pri- 
 vate capacity. He sailed from these shores, bearing with 
 him the regrets of all, and leaving behind the most pleas- 
 ing memories of his intellectual abilities and social 
 qualities ; his admired countess was equally popular 
 throughout. In 1867, the era of confederation was 
 inaqgurated, which has so completely altered the political 
 condition of the different provinces, and formed out 
 of a number of petty, divided states, a powerful and 
 wealthy Dominion, which even now cla ses as fourth 
 in the list of maritime nations. In the same year, the 
 remains of the iiistorian Garneau were translated to 
 Belmont Cemetery, accompanied by a vast concourse of 
 friends and admirers, and, on this occasion, the Hon. P. 
 J. O. Chauveau delivered one of his master-pieces of 
 oratory, worthy of the great man whose memory he was 
 honoring. The proceedings of the Laval bi-centenary 
 are faithfully and interestingly detailed. The chapter 
 then closes with a description of the theatrical represen- 
 tation, at the citadel, of the scene enacted on De- 
 cember 31st, 1775, when Montgomery made his unsuc- 
 cessful attack upon Quebec Mr. LeMoine reproduces 
 an article of " The Chronicle," " upon the plans of 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANAADA FRAN(;AIS. 37 
 
 improvement of the City of Quebec, suggested by Lord 
 r fferin, with designs of the new ca«;tle of St. Louis, and 
 the different gates " to be constructed. 
 
 In the second part of this work are given full 
 descriptions of the citadel and fortifications, the walls, gates 
 and the forts of Levis, with views of the ancient gates, and 
 also valuable information respecting the different institu- 
 tions and buildings of the city. 
 
 In dedicating " Quebec Past and Present " to our citi- 
 zens, Mr. LeMoine presented them with a valuable 
 work, replete with information unknown to many of them, 
 and he richly deserves thanks for his untiring zeal and re- 
 search in collecting the material for such a book. To the 
 tourist and general traveler it will be a sine qud non, and 
 as necessary as their satchel and traveling rug. It will 
 supply them, while in the city, with the details they need 
 in reference to the different localities and their history, and 
 with interesting reading matter, which will not be soon for- 
 gotten. This work evinces study of points of history 
 and topography of the regions traversed by the author ; 
 the lights and shadows of life are agreeably presented and 
 interwoven with historical facts and local traditions. 
 
 With regard to Mr. LeMoine's style, a few ungenerous 
 comments have, at times, been made, but, as he says in 
 his prefac " " It is less fine writing and elaborate sentences 
 I aim at than a familiar narrative." It must be remem- 
 bered that he writes in two languages, and is necessarily 
 
38 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 limited as to time, while often composing under the influ- 
 ence of that natural zeal which urges an early publication 
 of valuable information, regardless of merely literary orna- 
 ment One of the striking characteristics of the works 
 of this author is the enthusiasm with which he narrates 
 facts. The animating principle guiding him deserves 
 the highest respect of the community, for it is simple pat- 
 riotism and a commendable desire to preserve and illus" 
 trate the glorious annals of our country. His books might 
 justly be called repertoires of the valuable historical data 
 of the primitive experiences and most important events of 
 the old French colony down to the time of the Cession, 
 and thence to our own day. The value of such writings 
 can not be overestimated ; in fact they are of a public 
 character, and should be cherished and prized by every 
 private citizen and lover of his country. 
 
LA LIITERATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;AIS. 
 
 :/ » '. 
 
 L'ABBE R. H. CASGRAIN. 
 
 The anecdotes and legends of our old Canadian history 
 must ever prove attractive and fascinating, not only to the 
 patriotic reader, but to every one capable of appreciating 
 the elements of lofty sentiment and stirring romance. In 
 this valuable historic domain much excellent work has 
 been performed by L'Abbe Casgrain and other writers, 
 whose books will be noticed in these reviews, and in it 
 yet remain materials of the most useful kind, for the 
 uprearing hereafter of many a fair fabric of history and 
 fancy. None of the laborers in this department has 
 worked to better advantage so far, or gained more credit 
 than the Abbe. Employing language happily suited to 
 his subject and animated by the romantic and chivalric 
 spirit of the age he treats of, he depicts with sympathy 
 and admiration some of the most moving events of the 
 olden time, — deadly combats with the aborigines, incidents 
 of their savage warfare, tortures of captured enemies, 
 perilous adventures of all kinds, arduous struggles of the 
 hardy pioneers against the most varied difficulties and 
 misfortunes, beauties of Canadian scenery at every change 
 of season and prospect, multiform and most vigorous 
 passions,-everything in fact which goes to make that world 
 
40 LITERARY SHEAVES. OR 
 
 within and that larger universe without, which have been 
 the mysteries of ages, as perplexing and insoluble as when, 
 three thousand years ago the sages of ancient Greece 
 strove with sharpened intellects and profound insight to 
 reveal its attractive yet evasive secrets. I may mention, 
 at the outset, that the Abb^ states that the legends and 
 anecdotes he recounts are not mere creations of the imag- 
 ination, but authentically substantiated, which, doubtless, 
 will render these narratives still more interesting to the 
 reader. 
 
 Les Opuscules bv the Abbe is divided into two parts : 
 Firstly, Les Pionniers Canadiens^ in which is given the dark 
 side of Indian life ; the murder of a white man and his wife 
 and the abduction of the latter's sister, whose fate is never 
 ascertained. The tale involves the dastardly slaughter of 
 a young officer and the subsequent miserable death of the 
 murderer from the bite of a snake — his loathsome corpse 
 repelling all beholders. In harrowing phrase, the writer 
 describes the murderer's attempt to force a lady, who had 
 been a witness of his crime, to drink of the dead man's 
 blood, and the consequences of the fiendish act. The 
 story is effectively told and is worthy of perusal, if for 
 notliing else than the light it sheds upon early Canadian 
 life. The author believes that it is the perpetration of 
 such crimes, which have brought upon the Indians the 
 maledictions which hang over them to this day, resulting 
 in their gradual extinction. 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN<;-AIS. 41 
 
 Secondly, Un pelerinage a Flsleaux Coudres^ which is a 
 graphic pen and ink description of the Island, its principal 
 souvenirs, historical and legendary, with faithful delinea- 
 tions of the customs, habits and occupations of its inhabi- 
 tants. Jacques Cartier landed here and heard the first 
 mass celebrated in Canada — 7th September, 1535. The 
 English fleet, under Wolfe, anchored opposite it, and 
 the grandson of Admiral Durell was taken prisoner while 
 ashore shooting and brought to Quebec. The wreck of 
 two vessels " The Rosalind " and " John Balckfoot " in 
 1832 is related, and the kind treatment of the officers and 
 men, during the winter they passed on the island, exhibits 
 the hearty and hospitable nature of its primitive people. 
 A delightful and absorbing account follows of the Arca- 
 dian life of the first settlers, and of the happiness and in- 
 nocence of the children. The book closes with the tra- 
 dition of the death of the Rev. Pere de la Brosse in 1782, at 
 Tadousac, at the age of sixty-eight. He was hale and 
 hearty and sitting at a game of cards with a few friends, 
 when he suddenly infonned them that he should die that 
 night at twelve o'clock, and that his death should be pro- 
 claimed to them by the tolling of the church bell. They 
 were incredulous, but at midnight, hearing the predicted 
 ominous sounds, his friends ran to the church and there 
 found the venerable priest, prostrate before the altar, cold 
 in death. At the same moment, the church bells of the 
 different parishes, in which he had officiated at one time or 
 
mm LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 another, rang loudly; and the Rev. M. Compain, then 
 cure on the island, was informed by a solemn voice of 
 the death of the rev. father, and that a canoe would 
 meet him at the end of the island and convey him 
 to T-'dousac.to perform the funeral rites of the deceased. 
 I'ere de la Brosse had also given instructions the evening 
 of his demise to send for the Rev. M. Compain, who, he 
 said, would be ready to accompany the party sent in search 
 of him. In 1846, a living witness testified to the truth of 
 these facts. 
 
 The original settlers of the island must have possessed 
 wonderful appetites if M. Francois Tremblay's version 
 be correct. Perhaps it may be pleasing to give 
 an account of an entertainment in those days, the cos- 
 tumes worn by the guests, and the bill of fare. I there- 
 fore quote M. Tremblay : " Imagine," he asks you, 
 " thirty or forty good eaters, of those times, at table. . 
 There was little ceremony, but everything was offered 
 in the heartiest manner and each took the place he 
 could find. Chairs were not in common use ; on each 
 side of the table were blocks of wood on which boards 
 were placed, and trunks here and there were used as seats ; 
 the guests not thus accommodated, standing. On the 
 table were leaden or common delf dishes, and if there were 
 enough for all it was an indication of wealth. The few 
 forks were reserved for the women and each provided his 
 own knife. The clothing of the men consisted of grey 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 4S 
 
 home-spun pants of country cloth and a pair of hottes 
 sauvages ; and the bonnets bieus, generally worn out-of- 
 doors, were laid aside. Their toilette was completed by a 
 dicky, without which — dreadful to relate — they were not 
 entitled to partake of pie, a favorite dish of the habitant. 
 The costumes of the women consisted of a blue skirt with 
 white stripes, and a flowered Indian shawl and a white cap 
 completed their attire on gala days. The preparations 
 for a festival were something formidable, if one is to judge 
 from what follows, and recall the feast of Gargan- 
 tua. In the first place was prepared a ragout of pork, 
 beef, or mutton, in a thirty or forty gallon boiler ; minced 
 pdtes, large pies, pork chops, appretes in a variety of 
 ways ; quarters of veal, mutton, fowl and game. Besides 
 the viands, there were pastries of different kinds, cooked in 
 lard or porpoise oil, and cakes now known as croquig- 
 noles. All these were simultaneously placed on the table, 
 and each helped himself as he pleased. Those who had 
 no plate took a piece of pastry from a pdte and used it as 
 a dish. Politeness required that each should see that his 
 neighbor lacked nothing. When it was noticed that the 
 supply of food was becoming short before any one, he was 
 addressed as follows, " Brother, you excite pity," and was 
 immediately provided with more. Whilst the eatables 
 were being partaken of, the host went round the table and 
 poured out a glass of liqtior to each in a cup or pewter 
 goblet. The utmost gaiety prevailed ; hunting and fish- 
 
44 LITERAPY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 * ■ 
 
 ing exploits were recounted and the feast ended with songs, 
 the choruses of which were joined in by the whole com- 
 pany." This narrative is quaintly told and has to be 
 perused in the language of the author to be thoroughly 
 enjoyed. 
 
 A rather amusing incident, which might have been 
 followed by tragic results, is given ; some men in an open 
 boat are overtaken by a storm and in imminent danger of 
 being drowned ; one is praying very fervently, when sud- 
 denly a heavier gust of wind nearly upsets the boat, which 
 calls from him the following comical though touching 
 appeal : "Oh, God ! if you mean to do anything, do it 
 quickly ; were we at the bottom it would be too late ; how 
 could you allow us to perish ? my poor old mother, my 
 wife and children are still dependent upon and require 
 me;" and he continues, ''^a/ions, mon Dieu, encore un 
 petit coup de coeur, fa/ions echapperT It is just such 
 episodes that give the student a correct insight into traits 
 and characteristics of a people. 
 
 The captivating style of the Abbe is further manifested 
 in Les LSgendes Canadtennes, which first appeared in Les 
 Soiries Canadiennes. One can not lay down this book 
 unfinished without feeling an eager desire to read it 
 through, for, by soul-stirring legends and stories, the writer 
 rivets one's attention, and fills him with a sense of the 
 reality and picturesque character of his tales. It was only 
 the other day that a friend of mine, a distinguished littira- 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANC^AIS. 45 
 
 ieur, reminded me how anxiously we had looked forward to 
 each number of Les Soiries Canadiennes^ containing the 
 work under review, and the effect its perusal had in ex- 
 citing our imagination, and charming away many hours. 
 " For my own part," he added, " the reading of these 
 Legendes and that of Les Amiens Canadiens first created 
 in me a taste for a literary career." Many more have 
 doubtless derived inspiration from the same sources. 
 
 The first legend is, Le tableau de la Riviere Ouelle^ one 
 of the earliest productions of the Abbe, and which abun- 
 dantly exhibits the spirit of exuberant youth, delighting 
 in thrilling events and striking colors. Bui this natural 
 effervescence allowed for, the book, in matter and style, 
 maintains a decided interest throughout. Of a stormy, 
 blustry winter evening, at Riviere Quelle, a mother, with 
 her little folk around her, narrates to please them the 
 following tradition : Towards the middle of last century, 
 a father and son, officers of the French array, attended by 
 a soldier and an Indian guide, are tramping through the 
 forest on the south shore of the St. Lawrence. The guide 
 is killed by an Indian of another tribe, who, in his turn, is 
 shot by the yoimger officer. The remaining three proceed 
 on their way, but, as might be expected, soon lose them- 
 selves, become exhausted from fatigue and hunger, and the 
 father and soldier succumb to their fate, while the survivor 
 falls into a sort of trance, in which, arrayed in her heavenly 
 splendor and surrounded by clouds of glory and bright 
 
46 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 visions, the Blessed Virgin appears to him and promises 
 aid. He awakes to find coming towards him a Jesuit 
 father who carries him to a habitant house ; a genuine de- 
 scription of which is given ; — a faithful counterpart of the 
 dwellings ot the present day. This picture of a rural 
 dwelling has been greatly admired for its quaintness and 
 truthfulness and has often been reproduced by many emi- 
 nent French writers. The young officer afterwards pre- 
 sents a painting to the chapel in the vicinity, now the 
 old church of Riviere Quelle. This Tableau to be appre- 
 ciated in its varied features has to be read in its entirety. 
 
 The next tale in this volume is La JongUuse. It opens 
 in the City of Quebec, in the olden time. On a dark 
 night, Madame Houel, attended by a. coureur de bois named 
 Le Canotiery and an Indian, Grande Couletivre^ is leaving 
 the city with her son, a lad between eight and ten 
 years of age, in a bark canoe, to join her husband, some 
 ninety miles down the river. The boy, shortly after their 
 departure, has a vision, — a white woman who scowls 
 threateningly and terrifies him. It is the apparition of 
 Le /ongieuscy a sort of Indian witch, who, it is said, with 
 fiendish cruelty inflicts more agony than the severest tor- 
 tures of the redskins. Her appearance is but the fore- 
 runner of evil, for they are soon attacked by the Iroquois 
 and nearly captured. They succeed in escaping 
 through a clever stratagem of Le Canotier, who, favored 
 by the darkness, noiselessly slips into the water, swims 
 
LA LlTTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANC^AIS. 47 
 
 towards the Indians, seven in number, and upsets their 
 canoe. Madame Houel and her party escape and go 
 ashore to camp for the rest of the night. The following 
 day, in the absence of Le Canotier, the Indian is killed and 
 scalped, but not before he had slain two of the attacking 
 party ; and Madame Houel and her son are carried off as 
 prisoners. When Le Canotier returns, he is stricken with 
 grief at the sight of the corpse of the friend ht had loved 
 so well, and who had been his companion for many years in 
 the chase and in the field. He mournfully fulfills the last 
 offices, and plants over his grave a wooden cross, in the 
 centre of which he transfixes with the knife of Grande 
 Couleuvre the scalps of the two dead Indians. ''Etrange 
 et terrible trophee^ mais digne de ce heros des bois.*^ 
 
 Many years have elapsed, and young Houel, now grown 
 to manhood, returns with Le Canotier to the vicinity of 
 La Riviere Quelle to recover the remains of his mother 
 and transport them to France. The sequel of the above 
 tragic events is continued. The Iroquois who had 
 captured young Houel and his mother take them down the 
 river in canoes. In a few days afterwards, at the instiga- 
 tion of Lajongleuse^ the death tortures are prepared. After 
 much preliminary and ingenious cruelty, an Indian climbs 
 a tree and bends down a large branch, to the end of 
 which he attaches two long leather thongs, one of which 
 is wound around the trunk of a tree, whilst the bough is 
 still bent and one end placed in the hands of the boy 
 
48 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 and the other tied around the neck of his unfortunate 
 mother. The ordeal is a terrible one, for were his 
 strength to give way he should become the executioner 
 of his mother. The critical position is realized by 
 both ; he receives her blessings and last adieux. Over- 
 come by fatigue and exhausted by intense excitement, 
 nature gives way and he temporarily loses conscious- 
 ness. In terror, he awakes to find the thong slipping 
 through his benumbed fingers and to hear its grating 
 sound on the bark of the tree. With a desperate effort 
 he renews his grasp, but he succumbs and again swoons. 
 On regaining his senses later on, he beholds the corpse of his 
 beloved mother pitilessly swinging in the air. Such refin- 
 ement of cruelty can hardly be conceived and the effect was 
 frightful on the mind of the poor boy who was ever after- 
 wards haunted by the ghastly spectacle. Nothing in pathos 
 can exceed the description of the death of Madame Houel 
 at the unwilling hands of her helpless son, her heartrend- 
 ing appeals, her martyr-like resignation and her prayers 
 for her inhuman executioners. > 
 
 Le Canotier then takes up the thread of the story : 
 After having repaired the canoe, which the Iroquois had 
 cut in several places, he starts in pursuit and reaches 
 their vicinity a {it'tt days later. He finds them eight in 
 number holding an orgie with La JongUuse; they had 
 carelessly left their loaded guns unguarded, which he 
 secures, and, cautiously creeping up to them, he succeeds 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 49 
 
 in killing six, when the two remaining rush towards him. 
 He aims at the first but his gun misses fire; nothing 
 daunted, however, he throws his dagger at the Indian 
 with such force that it pierces his heart. The survivor, 
 a man of giant stature and immense strength, closes with 
 him. After a violent struggle Le Canotier wrests from the 
 Indian his knife and puts an end to the conflict. Then he 
 vainly searches for La Jongleuse^ and returns to find the 
 body of Madame Houel suspended to a tree, and the 
 inanimate form of her boy near by, whom, after assiduous 
 care and attendance, he succeeds in bringing back to con- 
 sciousness. To his horror the boy's hair from a jet black 
 had become white as snow. 
 
 On the evening of the recital, M. Houel and Le Cano- 
 tier leave the shore in a canoe, bearing the remains of 
 his unfortunate mother, and were watched with tearful 
 eyes by the kind-hearted habitant, till they had rounded 
 the point of La Riviere Quelle. The fate of La Jongleust 
 is unknown, but it is thought to have some relation to the 
 death of an Indian woman, who had the reputation of 
 being a witch, and who, in her last moments, at her 
 own request, was attended by a priest. Thus by a strik- 
 ing dispensation of Providence, the prayer of Madame 
 Houel had found acceptance. Certain writers pretend 
 that the lugubrious wailing sounds heard at Rividre 
 Quelle, which terrify so many are the lamentations of La 
 Jongleuscy who implores the prayers of the just. It will 
 
i« LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 be observed that the Abbe has followed in all his legends 
 the rules he laid down, to give " d'tm cote le tableau his- 
 torique conserve sur des monuments encore existants — de 
 r autre, rimage feerique, refletee dans Ponde populaire'' 
 
 L'Abbe Casgrain is imbued with the spirit of Chateau- 
 briand and Lamartine, especially of the latter. The 
 beauty of his style, its form, the sonorous amplitude of 
 the sentences are deeply characteristic of him. He delights 
 in rounded periods, brilliant words and a rush o*" sympa- 
 thetic phrases, whose refrain strikes harmoniously on 
 the ear. Like the possessor of a well-trained vocal organ 
 he is pleased with his own voice ; he sings and listens to 
 himself with rapture ; but he sings well and pleases others 
 besides himself. The Abbe's works are read with ever in- 
 creasing interest. His varied knowledge, industry and 
 research are worthy of the highest eulogium. His de- 
 scriptions are full of the power and intensity of true poetry ; 
 and the events and episodes of which he treats stand forth 
 in clear and coherent outline. Dramatic power, vigorous 
 portraiture and artistic construction are other features 
 characterizing his productions. The Abb^ has written 
 several other works, but it is generally conceded that his 
 masterpieces are his Histoire de la Mere Marie de C Incar- 
 nation, and L Histoire de F Hotel-Dieu de Quibec. His 
 achievements in poetry are also very creditable, but I can 
 not here write of them. 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN<;:AIS. 51 
 
 I ? 
 
 PROFESSOR HUBERT LaRUE. 
 
 All will read with pleasure a work published by a gentle- 
 man of the culture of Dr. LaRue, for there can be no 
 doubt that his literary performances excite public attention. 
 It is very much to his honor, that in the intervals of his 
 many occupations, and, during hours by others devoted 
 to amusement and relaxation, he finds time to contri- 
 bute to the store of Canadian literature. 
 
 Milangc (Tkistoirey de litteratureet (f iconomie politique y 
 by the learned professor, is a series of essays and sketches 
 evincing much knowledge of life. Under the compre- 
 hensive title of Nos qualitis et nos defauts, he treats of 
 four subjects. The first is, La Langue Franfaise au 
 Canada^ in which is criticized the French used in 
 this country ; the author contending, that the habitants 
 have preserved their mother-tongue with greater purity 
 than any other class, and that the expressions 
 employed by them are still in vogue in France, in the 
 different departments from which their ancestors emi- 
 grated. Mr. LaRue gives instances of the singularity of 
 some of the expressions and compares them with those 
 found in the earliest writers, proving that they are 
 identical. The language of artizans and laborers, 
 
52 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 he, however, finds freely intermixed with Anglicisims, 
 which he ascribes to their intercourse with English 
 speaking nationalities. Mr. LaRue taxes advocates and 
 others of the liberal professions with speaking incorrectly, 
 and appeals to them to set a better example ; he also 
 exhorts the ladies to use their influence in preventing 
 the use of Anglicisms. This desire, on the part of so well 
 educated a gentleman, to preserve sa belle langue in its 
 purity, is praiseworthy and natural. He feelingly alludes 
 to the injustice done French-Canadians by Chateaubriand 
 in his brilliant works on America, in Hine, Atala et les 
 Natchez especially, wherein he represents them as savages, 
 living in a still more savage country. The Professor 
 believes Chateaubriand to be responsible, to a great 
 extent, for the erroneous impressions prevailing in France 
 and elsewhere, concerning this coimtry. In illustration of 
 which he relates seeing a picture in a shop window, at 
 Louvain, having for title " Canadian mothers at their 
 children's graves," which ludicrously excited him, and the 
 description of which must convulse his readers with 
 laughter. . .,,., -. 
 
 . The second paper, Par esse et Travail ^ is a dissertation 
 on the dangers and seductions of idleness, and the reward 
 of labor and perseverance. It is written in choice and 
 correct language, flavored with laconic humor of a dis- 
 tinctive kind. 
 The third paper, Luxe et Vaniti, is simply to be con- 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN9AIS. 53 
 
 sidered comparatively, for what might be thought a 
 luxury by one, would be the necessity of another ; many 
 things assumed to be luxuries are in reality matters of 
 custom and almost indispensable. In regard to another 
 subject, the author is also right ; a certain class of our 
 population spend on their clothing more than their means 
 justify ; in fact they often stint themselves at table, in order 
 to indulge in the vanity of dress. Then follows an elo- 
 quent picture of the folly of such action. If these 
 remarks could reach those they are intended for, they 
 might prove very beneficial, as the advice is worthy of seri- 
 ous attention. The present generation of Canadians differ 
 greatly from their ancesters, in this respect, and also from 
 the same classes in France to-day, who are thrifty and 
 economical to a degree, not easily understood by our- 
 selves. The recuperative powers of France, as mani- 
 fested since the Franco-Prussian war, are undoubtedly due 
 to this commendable practice. 
 
 The fourth and last paper, Not aires Avocats et Mede- 
 dnSi is a highly humorous sketch of the different pro 
 fessional traits of the members of the liberal professions, 
 showing up their peculiarities and comical aspects. The 
 pictures are not overdrawn, being but too faithful in many 
 instances. Celtic humor pervades this paper, and renders 
 its perusal highly agreeable. 
 
 Le difricheur de langue^ tragtdU bouffty is a cleverly 
 written parody of an article " hi-falutin " and ludicrous to 
 
M LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 a degree upon La langue Fran^aise et la Nationality, 
 which appeared in a periodical called La Ruche littiraire, 
 published in Montreal by an eccentric French refugee, 
 M. H. Emile Chevalier, and another equally amusing on 
 L'Histoire d^une bonne poesie, by M. Vogeli. These 
 shafts of ridicule proved the death-blow of the magazine, 
 such keen shafts of wit and satire, made La Ruche 
 littiraire the laughing stock of the whole province. 
 
 Eloge funibre de M. L'Abbe Louis- Jacques Casault, the 
 founder and first rector of Laval University, is an able 
 resume of the valuable labors of the deceased, and especially 
 of the great services he rendered that celebrated institution. 
 Mr. LaRue recounts the manifold difficulties that Mr. 
 Casault had to contend with before maturing his project 
 of endowing Canada with a university, that should be 
 second to none in America. It was fitting that he, who 
 had conceived the idea, should have the administration, 
 and from its inauguration, in 1850, to his death, in i860, 
 it remained under his wise and efficient guidance. Mr. 
 LaRue pays, in an appropriate strain, a high tribute to the 
 energy, ability, erudition and charity of the departed. In 
 grateful terms, he expresses personal indebtedness to 
 valuable kindnesses of which he was the recipient. The 
 great intellectual advantages, accruing to Canada from 
 this institution, are forcibly brought out ; and they cei- 
 tainly can not be overestimated. 
 
 Discours de fin d' Annie is, as its title indicates, a short 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;AIS. 55 
 
 valedictory address to the students of I>aval University, 
 on the eve of the long vacation, in which is given the his- 
 tory of holidays from the earliest times. The author 
 states that there is no record of any protest on the part 
 of students against conges, nor has legislation ever been 
 sought to prevent their recurrence. The directions to 
 the students are wise and thoughtful. But who can ever 
 forget the delight we all have experienced on such occa- 
 sions? This thought conjures up in my mind the pleasur- 
 rable emotions of boyhood and excites unavailable regrets 
 that I can never again experience similar happiness. 
 
 Un naufrage dans le Golfe Si. Laurent, is an exciting 
 narrative of a shipwreck, with all its harrowing details. 
 This story is fairly well told. 
 
 Lcs " Memoires " de M. de Gaspe. Those, who have 
 read these Memoires, can easily imagine how they would 
 be appreciated by one possessing the tastes of the pro- 
 fessor. Mr. LaRue says : '^ J ai lu ce livre tout d'un trait 
 sans m\irretet un instant. ^^ This is a great compliment, 
 but it is deserved, for a more pleasing book, it has seldom 
 been my lot to read. The author selects the most telling 
 passages, with which to delight his readers, and to give 
 an idea of the characteristic style of Mr. de Gaspe. One 
 of our distinguished journalists once wrote : " Although 
 Mr. de Gaspe is seventy-six years of age, he is, in spirit, 
 our youngest writer ; " and this every one will acknow- 
 ledge. There can be no doubt that the Memoires are a 
 
• ' 66 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 chef-cT csuvre of their kind, and while many passages ex- 
 hibit naive traits, there is a spirit and vigor in the com- 
 position, very fascinating. Mr, LaRue has done full 
 justice to Mr. de Gaspe in this paper. 
 . Les fetes patrdnales des Canadiens-Fran^ais^ is a pleas- 
 ing history of the different fdte-days observed in Canada 
 including those of the patron saints. The origin of the 
 name Jean Baptiste^ so often applied to the French- 
 Canadians, is given as follows : during the war of 1812, an 
 English officer while calling off the rolls of the militia, no- 
 ticed the frequent recurrence of the namt/ean Baptiste, 
 and turning to one of his comrades, said, " D — n them, 
 they are all fean Baptistes" which appellation has clung to 
 them ever since. Mr. LaRue informs us that Saint Joseph 
 was the first patron saint of Canada, and that he was 
 afterwards supplanted by Saint Jean Baptiste^ who was 
 first known as Saint Jean, the first of whose f&tes took 
 place at Quebec, on the 23rd June, 1646, as stated in 
 Les Relations des Jisuites, The different ways of cele- • 
 brating that day in several parishes are described by the 
 professor, and are certainly interesting to us of the present 
 age. Mr. LaRue attributes the motto, Nos Institutions, 
 Notre Langue et nos Lois, to Mr. Etienne Parent, and 
 refers to other details, equally absorbing which want of 
 space alone prevents my noticing. 
 
 Les Richesses Naturelles du Canada, written in 1869, 
 gives an excellent account of our great resources, with the 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANgAIS. 57 
 
 expression of the opinion by the author, who, from his 
 scientific attainments, in this particular department, 
 should be an authority that Canada is one of the richest 
 countries in the world. He tells us that we have gold and 
 other metals in abundance. All we require to develop 
 these resources and bring wealth to our doors are a mar- 
 ket and capital, which, in the course of time, must inevit- 
 ably be found. He assures us that we have within our 
 territory everything requisite to secure prosperity, and 
 prophecies a brilliant future for the Dominion. But he 
 deprecates the course pursued by the habitants^ in ne- 
 glecting to enrich the soil, and says that they must be 
 taught the evil of such neglect. He appeals to the Gov- 
 ernment to prevent the rapid destruction of our forests. 
 The question of annexation is also treated, but no new 
 light is thrown upon that subject. . - - 
 
 V Agriculture dans la Province de Quibec, and De 
 r Etude et de r Enseignement agricoles, published in 1869, 
 are two papers deserving the closest attention, inasmuch 
 as they refer to subjects or which depend the prosperity 
 of our province, and are expounded by a gentleman who 
 has made them his especial study. The development of 
 the agricultural wealth of this country, must necessarily 
 depend upon the knowledge brought to the task. Mr. 
 LaRue says that " Canada is and ought to be an agricul- 
 tural country, that the soil is of unequalled fertility, and 
 that the most important grains and cereals necessary to 
 
58 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR ' , 
 
 man, here grow and arrive at full maturity in rich harvests." 
 To the objection that our winters are too long, he replies, 
 *' it is well that it should be so ; for, through stabling 
 cattle, the farmer is enabled to procure manure for the 
 enrichment of his land." This reasoning may appear far- 
 fetched to some. He emphatically affirms, that if there be 
 poverty among the agriculturists, it is entirely due to their 
 ignorance of the rotation of crops and the knowledge of 
 farming. To people our country with farmers, who would 
 get the best yield out of the soil and still maintain its rich- 
 ness, he suggests that the government should appoint a 
 commission of competent men, one for each district, 
 whose mission should be to investigate the systems in use 
 and point out their defects and the means of removing 
 them, in a report, which should be printed and distributed 
 gratuitously to the farmers in the localities thus inspected. 
 He also urges that the elements of agriculture be taught 
 in all rural primary schools, and he gives other equally 
 good and sound advice, which, if adopted, w( Id doubt- 
 less bring about satisfactory results. The late Mr. 
 Francois Perrault advocated this and practically carried 
 it out in his schools as early as 1828. 
 
 L Association de Medecinc Canadienne. This paper 
 treats of professional matters, but that portion of it referring 
 to public hygiene and sanitary statistics must be interest- 
 ing to all. The author's opinion, in 1867, on the 
 sanitary condition of our public buildings, schools and 
 
% LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANC^IAIS. 59 
 
 hospitals, is not a flattering one by any means, but on 
 the contrary rather alarming. He states that in none 
 are the laws of ventilation observed, and the results are 
 disastrous, as evidenced by the tedious convalescence of 
 patients and the loss of health by pupils. The doctor 
 loudly calls for legislation to remedy this crying evil. I 
 fear that Mr. LaRue has had no cause to change his opin- 
 ion since he wrote. As regards hospitals, however, he 
 could certainly except the Jeffrey Hale, which, under the 
 able management of Dr. Racey, has ever been a model 
 one, not only in reference to ventilation, but in many other 
 respects. 
 
 Whilst legislation is imperative on the subject of statis- 
 tics, the doctor regrets that nothing has been done by the 
 authorities to obtain complete returns of prevailing dis- 
 eases, the influence of climate and seasons on the different 
 races inhabiting the Dominion, the causes of disease and 
 duration of life. The country should be in possession of 
 such information and agitation kept up until it be obtained. 
 
 Some may be surprised to hear that the author be- 
 lieves that " no race is so little afflicted with pulmonary 
 consumption, or longer-lived than the French-Canadians." 
 To these facts and the proverbial prolificness of his 
 countrymen, he ascribes their astonishing increase in num- 
 bers — from 60,000 at the time of the cession, to nearly a 
 million in 1867, and this without the aid of immigration. 
 Since Dr. LaRue's writing, these figures have been con- 
 
.60 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR , 
 
 siderably increased ; it is now stated that the French- 
 Canadians number nearly two milUons in Canada and the 
 United States. The author, therefore, concludes that 
 they are destined to play a most important role on this 
 part of the American continent. i . « 
 
 Coup (T oeil sur C etat actuel de la Medecine and riliade 
 et la Medecine are on a theme, which the confreres of the 
 doctor will fully appreciate. They are written with that 
 acumen and knowledge which might be expected from a 
 man of his intellect and experience. 
 
 Scenes de Moeurs Canadiennes^ are in three parts and 
 form interesting studies of the life, customs and habits of 
 the habitants. 
 
 First, Les Danses rondes is a graphic description of a 
 Sunday evening, spent in a country house. The moment 
 the guests are assembled, they discuss the merits of the 
 sermon preached by the cure at la grande messe^ and com- 
 ment upon the marriages and deaths announced. Then 
 follow the events of the day, which are fully canvassed. 
 Next come games of cards, in which all join except the 
 lovers, who prefer flirting in the comers ; but the children 
 are restless and must be amused, and the old people get 
 up a round dance. When they are tired, the grand-par- 
 ents assemble them and tell stories eagerly fistened to by 
 the wonder-struck and gaping little ones. Other amuse- 
 ments are provided, such as games of forfeit, blind-man's- 
 buff, and similar innocent pastimes ; finally, la tire is passed 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 61 
 
 round, when, shortly afterwards, the party breaks up — all 
 satisfied with their evening's pleasure. The behavior of 
 the children, the description of games and the toilettes are 
 given with accuracy and animation. 
 
 Second, Chansons (TEnfants is a brief notice of French- 
 Canadian nursery rhymes. To my mind they are inferior 
 to their English rivals. Nothing in them can equal " Sing 
 a song of Sixpence," " Old Mother Hubbard," and " There 
 was an old woman who lived in a shoe. These, apart 
 from amusing children, stimulate memory and develop 
 intelligence and should be in the hands of them all. 
 
 Third and last, L Isle d* Orleans. Mr. LaRue pleasingly 
 dwells upon the attractions of this island. No one ought 
 to know it better than himself; he was bom and passed 
 his boyhood there. He gives many important details 
 concerning its early traditions and history, which will prove 
 useful material to future writers on the island. With this 
 paper, the author closes this highly interesting volume. 
 
 Dr. LaRue is a lively and facetious writer ; science and 
 art are happily blended in his compositions. Accurate 
 and felicitous exposition of ideas render his works, which 
 in parts would be dry and technical to the general reader, 
 as interesting as the " last new novel." His style is 
 original and at times laconic, and the old French idiom is 
 loyally observed ; his diction is pure ; nothing offensive 
 to the best literary taste being found in his descriptive 
 statements, or turns of thought. Possessed of a clear and 
 
62 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 cultivated mind, he makes his meaning undtrstood at 
 once, by lucid and appropriate expressions. His melanges 
 have a value for style, wholly apart from their practical 
 information, but, as a friend of mine observed the other 
 day, " le docteur, tout en etant un ecrivain charmant^ est 
 toujour s double du ' Medecin malgre lui,' d^ MolUre." 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 63 
 
 \ \ 
 
 PHILIPPE AUBERT De GASPE. 
 
 It speaV well for the salubrity of our climate that a man 
 of the ripe age of seventy-six could compose such i book as 
 Zes Anciens Canadiens, full of the recollections of the past 
 and teeming with anecdotes and legends of that chivalrous 
 period, when the settler had to be as skilful with the rifle 
 as with the spade, and ready at any hour of the day or 
 night to lay down his life in defence of his hearth and 
 home. The author with a memory as fresh and active as 
 when the events occurred narrates them with the force and 
 energy which characterized his share in the incidents of 
 the olden time. Not only his own lively adventures does 
 he recount, but those of others as they were related to him, 
 of some of the most important incidents of the last cen- 
 tury, so rich in momentous transactions. Mr. de Gaspe 
 weaves his reminiscences into a romance in which the read- 
 er is told that the son of a seignior, M. d'Haberville, and a 
 Caledonian youth, Archie of Lochiel, form a friendship 
 whilst pupils at the Quebec Jesuits' College, which, despite 
 adverse circumstances, lasts through life. They spend 
 their vacations at the Manor House at St. Thomas, of which 
 an interesting description is given ; the sa/on, the principal 
 rooms and the out-buildings, creating the impression 
 
64 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 that such mansions must have resembled the feudal 
 chdteaux ol the old world. Archie's character may be 
 illustrated by a daring act, by which he rescued a man 
 from drowning, on the occasion of the breaking up of the 
 ice on La Riviere du Sud, at St. Thomas, while on a 
 visit to his friend — Jules d'Haberville; a deed which 
 gained for him the undying respect of the rensitaires 
 of the seigniory. The scene is graphically described with 
 all its harrowing incidents : how one Dumais, while cross- 
 ing the river in his carriole, breaks through the ice, and 
 horse and vehicle disappear ; but he himself succeeds in 
 leaping upon a block of ice and escapes death ; his leg, 
 however, is caught in a crevasse and broken. One Cap- 
 tain Marcheterre, on his way home to the village that 
 evening, ascertaining what had occurred, runs for "jelp. 
 Soon afterwards a tremendous crash follows and the ice 
 suddenly moves and Dumais is helplessly whirled down- 
 wards with the glacial mass. Hundreds of pitying specta- 
 tors on shore witness his perilous position ; the alarm bell 
 from the church steeple dismally peals forth its sad sum- 
 mons, and in despair the doomed man waives his adieux. 
 The priest recites the prayers for the dying and grants him 
 absolution. The scene becomes still more appalling ; the 
 rushing ice of the Riviere du Sud comes into violent col- 
 lision with that of Riviere du Bras, a tributary of the 
 former ; for a few minutes the whole mass remains station- 
 ary, but, again it moves, and carries along with it the un- 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANi^AIS. H 
 
 fortunate Dumais. This tragedy is visible by the Hght of 
 scores of flaming torches borne by the horrified spectators 
 on the shore. The despairing man's wife arrives, melting 
 all hearts by her frantic appeals to save the father of her 
 children — but, in vain, courage fails all. The hummock, 
 bearing Dumais strikes against the solitary tree of a 
 submerged island in mid-stream, which he seizes in wild 
 despair and swings in mid-air. At this crisis, Archie 
 arrives and instantly takes in the situation and resolves to 
 save Dumais, or " die in the attempt." He coils a rope 
 around his body, jumps into the river, and, after daring 
 and repeated efibrts, which for a time seem fruitless, 
 he saves the man whose strength was fast failing. The 
 incidents of this thrilling episode are depicted with true 
 and impressive skill. The customs and habits of the 
 seigniors are charmingly sketched; their ceremonies, 
 dignity and banquets receiving ample notice. The 
 fete days at such manor-houses were observed with 
 feudal splendor — La fete de Mai and that of St. fean 
 Baptiste were particularly honored ; nor are the festivities 
 of the kitchen nor the roysterings in the hall in those good 
 old times forgotten. 
 
 Near the manor lives a M. d'Egmont, a gentleman who 
 had spent his fortune in profuse and lavish entertainments 
 to a horde of ungrateful and selfish so-called friends, who de- 
 serted when misfortune overtook him. One only remained 
 
 faithful and mindful of previous benefits, an old valet, a 
 5 
 
9$ LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 foster-brother, who retires with his master to a cottage at 
 St. Thomas and supports him from the savings laid past 
 in his employment. From M. d'Egmont the author ex- 
 tracts much misanthropic philosophy, which, however, is 
 assumed, as he is kind and gentle to all. On the 
 estate also lives a sorceress, who foretells disaster to the 
 youthful seignior and his sister, Blanche, and almost curses 
 Archie, as one certain to bring misery to the d'Haberville 
 family, — predictions which, strange to say, are afterwards 
 painfully verified. Mr. de Gaspe sketches the whole 
 history ot the genus sorcerer at that time, and mentions 
 many instances with that of Corriveau, who, after being 
 hanged on the Plains of Abraham for murder, was ex- 
 posed at Levis in an iron cage. He then proceeds with 
 his tale ; matters run smoothly enough with the youths till 
 they adopt the career of arms, one in the French and the 
 other in the British army. In the course of events, Archie, 
 a subaltern in the army of Wolfe, is obliged in the per- 
 formance of his military duties, to destroy the villages and 
 houses on the south shore of the St. Lawrence ; the manor 
 house of the d' Haberville family, in which he had received 
 so many kindnesses, shares the same fate as that of others. 
 Whilst Archie is sadly contemplating the ruin and devas- 
 tation, of which he had been the involuntary perpetrator, 
 and upbraiding himself for his part in that wanton and 
 cruel act, he is captured by Indians, among whom he 
 afterwards recognizes Dumais, whose life he had saved. 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 67 
 
 and who repays the debt by obtaining his liberty. On the 
 heights of Ste. Foyo, April, 1760, Archie and Jules meet, 
 the latter now a bitter enemy, under the conviction that 
 his friend had proved a traitor. Meantime M. d'Haber- 
 ville is obliged to accept the hospitality of the recluse, 
 M. d'Egmont, for the war has ruined him ; but through 
 the influence of Archie, he regains his property. After 
 mutual explanations, friendly relations are restored be- 
 tween Archie and his old friends, and Archie proposes to 
 Blanche, but her patriotism forbids the acceptance of an 
 Anglais as a husband ; to which determination she 
 adheres, despite her brother's pleadings. Archie resign- 
 edly accepts his fate and purchases a property in the 
 vicinicy of the d'Haberville seigniory, and settles into a 
 a staid Canadian farmer, with Dumais as chief assistant. 
 Archie and Blanche for many years pass their evenings 
 in such social amusements as playing chequers. So ends 
 this charming book. The author gives, in an appendix, 
 many important and valuable notes. 
 
 The life and movement peculiar to Mr. de Gasp^'s 
 anecdotes and descriptions prove his actual connection 
 with them, or his inspiration by the real actors. Les 
 Anciens Canadiens forms but a part of a still more fascin- 
 ating work of the author, his Mimoires^ in which we have 
 further information as to the generous hospitality dispensed 
 in those days, and other details of the inner life of the 
 old Canadians, pregnant with animation and local color. 
 
68 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 It is unfortunate he did not earlier cultivate literature, his 
 present achievements showing what treasures might have 
 issued from his wonderful memory, vigorous intellect and 
 felicitous pen. Mr. de Gasp6 does not excel in mere 
 style, but his more solid qualities, as well as his verve 
 and entrain,, compensate for any disappointment on this 
 score. 
 
 •■.M.i 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 69 
 
 ABBE E. D. BOIS. 
 
 This reverend gentleman possesses literary and antiqua- 
 rian tastes, effectively noticeable in the writings which have 
 flowed from his pen. He is animated by the literary spirit 
 which manifests itself mainly in the interest of history and 
 learning. Not desirous of public notoriety, his good taste 
 is equalled by his modesty which shrinks from the publi- 
 cation of his name in connection with his works. Even 
 the book about to be reviewed does not bear his signa- 
 ture. He is a careful and reliable recorder of events, his 
 facts and dates being set forth with clearness and in a 
 way to prove helpful to the annalist and historian. 
 
 Under the title of Le Colonel Dambourges, the author 
 writes the biography of one whose military and patriotic ser- 
 vices were not, he believes, appreciated at their full value. 
 Francois Dambourgds was bom in 1742 at Salies, a small 
 town in the department of the Basses- Pyrenees, where he 
 was educated ; but, being active and adventurous and 
 brought into contact with the Basque fishermen, who were 
 wont to follow their calling on the banks of Newfoundland 
 and elsewhere, on the American coast, he became fired 
 with the ambition of trying his fortune in Canada, where 
 he arrived in 1763, and opened a sort of general store at 
 St. Thomas, Montmagny. He so prospered that, in 1767, 
 
70 LITERARY SHRAVES, OR 
 
 he returned to France and brought out with him his father 
 and brother. In the war between England and her rebel- 
 lious colonies, the services of M. Dambourges were 
 accepted by the government and he was detailed to 
 harass the American hordes sent to invade Canada. He 
 shortly afterwards receivecf a captaincy in the Royal 
 Emigrants, under Colonel McLean. 
 
 On the 31st December, 1775, Montgomery and Arnold 
 attempted to carry Quebec by assault. The former met 
 his death at Pres de ville^ and, in the attack upon the bar- 
 ricades at Sault au Mateiot sXittt, the latter was wounded. 
 The city was defended by but sailors and marines belong- 
 ing to the vessels in port, the Royal Emigrants and the 
 Canadian militia, altogether amounting to about fifteen 
 hundred men.* Although Arnold was hors de combat, his 
 men endeavored to force the barricades, and took pos- 
 session of the houses beneath the cliff, from which they 
 polled their volleys into the defl usrs' ranks. It was at 
 this moment that M. Dambourges distinguished himself. 
 Procuring a ladder, and accompanied by but a single fol- 
 lower, named Charland, he effected an entrance into a 
 house through an attic window, and cleverly captured thirty 
 prisoners. His example was followed by Major Nairn in 
 another building. Thus through the bravery of these two 
 men the contest was brought to a close. The prisoners 
 
 * The officia. statement of the total number of men bearing arms gives. 
 cightecD hundred.— The Author. 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;AI£. 71 
 
 taken numbered four hundred and t%venty-rix, and there 
 was also a large number killed. The besieged lost but 
 five and two wounded. For this act of h^^roism M. Dam- 
 bourges received a commission in the 84th Regiment, 
 which was, however, some short time afterwards, dis- 
 banded. He was subsequently elected a member of the 
 legislature, but refused re-election, in order to accept an 
 appointment in the Canadian Volunteers. After this he 
 received a commission in the Grenadiers of the regular 
 army. In the course of his military duties he contracted 
 an illness from which he died in the city of Montreal, 
 on the 13 th December, 1798. 
 
 In this book, are published letters from James Thomp- 
 son, Colonel L. DeSalaberry and J. Hale, which testify to 
 the gallant behavior and bravery of M. Dambourges, at 
 the time of the seige. His widow received a pension of 
 ;£$o sterling, during her life, from the British Govern- 
 ment, in recognition of his distinguished services. 
 
 When the Prince of Wales visited this country, a peti- 
 tion was presented to him on behalf of the Dambourges 
 family, who were in great distress, but when His Royal 
 Highness made enquiries as to the nature of the services of 
 M. Dambourges, he could receive no satisfactory informa- 
 tion. To supply this want the present book was written. 
 
 The historical details are to the point and ample enough 
 for the purposes of the writer. The diction is pleasing and 
 the style simple. It will repay perusal, as interest and 
 history are agreeably combined. 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 M. FAUCHER DE SAINT MAURICE. 
 
 One of the most original writers of the day in Canada 
 is Mr. Faucher de Saint Maurice. He especially excels 
 in recounting incidents of travel, of which he gives his • 
 readers a faithful record, displaying powers of observation 
 and an amount of knowledge, industry and literary ability 
 of a marked character. In a variety of respects, his writ- 
 ings are striking, of which I will give abundant evidence 
 in this risumS of his abbreviated works. In France, 
 there is hardly a French-Canadian writer better known 
 and more generally appreciated ; in support of which I 
 may mention the distinction conferred upon him, a few 
 years ago, by his appointment to an honorary member- 
 ship of La Sociiti des Gens de lettres de France, accorded 
 only to distinguished writers. 
 
 A la veillee, contes et rhitSy by the above-named gentle- 
 man, is a collection of short sketches, in which he gives free 
 rein to his imagination. There is a delicacy of sentiment 
 and refined humor, very characteristic of the author, which 
 any one privileged to intimately know him will readily 
 recognize as peculiarly his own. The first is entitled Ni 
 pour /aire un Monsieury and graphically depicts an even- 
 ing in a habitant house of a Lower St. Lawrence parish. 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 73 
 
 There are here recorded personal experiences of imag- 
 inary feats, eclipsing even those of Baron Munchausen. 
 Marvellous exploits in shooting and fishing — subjects 
 always rather trying to the virtue of veracity — are 
 narrated with the sang-froid and vraisemblance of a Gas- 
 con, and listened to without an incredulous smile on the 
 part of the hearers. These yams are occasionally varied 
 by an old-time song or ballad, and at intervals moistened 
 by a larme de rhum. Mr. Faucher is an adept in this 
 species of composition, more apparent, perhaps, in his 
 conversation than in his writings, giving faithful pictures 
 of the long winter evenings in the old rural settlements of 
 Quebec, their games, jests and pastimes, which are usually 
 followed by fervent family prayer. , ^. 
 
 LAmiral du Brouillard is an imaginative account of 
 the loss of Sir Hovenden Walker's fleet, and forms a 
 striking contrast to the admirably written historical ver- 
 sion of that disastrous expedition, which will be here- 
 after reviewed. 
 
 Lefett des Roussi is a well- rendered tradition of the Bale 
 de C/ialeursj concerning the courtship and marriage of a 
 reformed rake to i true and virtuous girl, who dies from the 
 effects of an accidental scalding, previously receiving from 
 her husband a promise never to indulge in spirituous 
 liquors. In this good resolve he leads a steady life, but un- 
 fortunately a friend of his wild youth visits and accompanies 
 him on a fishing excursion. When far from land, a storm 
 
74 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR ^ 
 
 overtakes and drenches them with a freezing rain. Almost 
 paralyzed with cold, the fisherman is tempted by his friend 
 to take some rum to revive warmth. The next morning, 
 the boat is found bottom upwards ; and to this day a 
 phantom light haunts the spot where Roussi broke the 
 pledge he gave his dying wife. The story is well told by 
 Mr. Faucher, but it is not stated, how it came to 
 be known that Roussi had actually broken his promise, 
 inasmuch as neither of the dead returned to tell the tale. 
 Since penning the above, I have had occasion to refer to 
 the author's work, A la Brunante, which contains the 
 tale of Roussi in its entirety. Tn the latter, the writer con- 
 cludes his story more consistently : the tempter is saved, 
 and it is he who relates it. 
 
 Le fantome de la Roche is also a tradition of an after- 
 death appearance of a debtor, who in his lifetime had 
 promised a Eraser to acquit his debt, whether dead or 
 alive. He had gone on a hunting expedition, when death 
 overtook him ; and the creditor was terrified one evening 
 to see the ghost of the departed, who notified him of the fact 
 of his decease, and how to obtain payment of the debt due 
 , him. It is said by the peasantry that no Fraser dies with- 
 out the reappearance of this spirit. 
 
 . Mon ami Jean is a tale of youthful friendship, and 
 separation. One party enters matrimony and becomes 
 "the head of a family;" but poverty begins to harass 
 him, and he seeks relief in exile. In rapid succession fol- 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN<;:AIS. 75 
 
 low distress, destitution, illness, loss of children, the death 
 of his wife in an hospital, the disposal of her body to the 
 dissectors, his own decease in the same institution and 
 a pauper's grave. A sad, sad picture, but too com- 
 mon in this " vale of tears ;" the gloomy effect of which 
 is enhanced by the graphic skill of the author, who sweeps 
 the chords of human suffering in the deepest diapason. 
 
 Dodo Fenfant depicts a family meeting around the 
 evening hearth, when the traveled son describes an audi- 
 ence granted him by his Holiness, the Pope, and the emo- 
 tions it aroused. The gentle words, which the head of 
 the Church addressed to him, and the thoughtful enquiries 
 concerning what he called " mon pays de predilection^* 
 indelibly impressed upon his mind, are repeated to the 
 circle, and listened to with fervent admiration. The 
 ihapelet bini is produced and assurances reiterated that 
 it is the very same given to him by the Holy Father. 
 The death of the old grand" mere, the void she leaves 
 behind her and the scene on the occasion of the burial 
 are rendered with a delicacy of feeling infinitely touching. 
 The question asked by the little grandson beside the 
 grave, " Why is grand' mere lying there and men throwing 
 earth and stones upon her?" will bring tears to many, 
 eyes. 
 
 • Le Crucifix outragi, is an account of a trial in Montreal 
 in 1742, for sorcery and sacrilege, when the accused, 
 Flavart, was convicted and condemned tc kneel at the 
 
*76 LITERARV SHEAVES, OR 
 
 principal door of the parish church, in his shirt, bare- 
 headed, with a cord round his neck, holding a lighted wax 
 taper in his hand, and to declare in a loud voice that he had 
 wickedly and sinfully profaned the words of Our Lord 
 Jesus Christ ; also to be beaten with rods, to be sent to 
 the galleys for three years, and to be banished from the 
 district for a similar period. The crucifix, which was 
 desecrated in this manner, is now in the possession of the 
 sisters of the Hotel- Dieu, in this city. 
 
 Mexico. This paper is an enquiry into the origin of the 
 ancient Mexicans, and in a brief space exhibits much re- 
 search. The inferences, however, are merely hypothetical, 
 as there are no means of arriving at safe conclusions on 
 the subject ; — mere legends being unreliable material. In 
 their religion are traditions of Adam and Eve and of the 
 flood ; and in it is acknowledged the existence of the one 
 God, who rules all things and is omniscient. The doc- 
 trines of baptism, symbolized by the sprinkling of water, 
 which purifies and regenerates, and of the Cross, are pro- 
 fessed ; but with them are associated the horrors of human 
 sacrifices and anthropophagism. The author gives a vivid 
 description of they<?/^, LAme du Monde, in which, out of 
 a host of prisoners, is chosen one, who to them is perfect 
 in form and beauty. For a year, he is supplied with every 
 luxury and all his tastes gratified ; he is laden with gifts 
 and honors and even worshipped and adored. Costly 
 raiment is provided him and a continual feast is his ; 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. Vt 
 
 while six of the most beautiful virgins of the country are 
 given him as wives. The rich fawn upon and the poor 
 bow down before him ; he is more than a king, he ap- 
 proaches a god. But the end comes and on the fatal day, 
 wlien the year expires, he is taken in a boat, attended by 
 six priests, one of whom is clothed in a blood-red robe, to 
 a temple on the border of a deserted lake, where he is 
 stripped of all his grandeur and seized on by five of the 
 priests, while he of the red garment cuts open his breast 
 and takes from it his palpitating heart and offers it up to 
 the god. In the evening, his remains afford a feast to 
 princes, lords, and high dignitaries. In this nation, flour- 
 ished the sciences, arts, painting, and poetry ! Of the 
 Creoles the author does not seem to be enamored, unlike 
 many other writers, who describe them as of perfect 
 beauty and excellent taste. The men of this nation have 
 a mixture of Spanish pride and Indian cupidity, while their 
 passions are vices of the worst kind. When not embroiled 
 in revolutions, they endeavor to acquire wealth by illegal 
 means, in order to gratify their inordinate love of gamb- 
 ling, which is the ruin of all classes. Mr. Faucher mentions 
 the case ' .' a once wealthy man, who is to-day a beggar in 
 the streets. In one night's sitting, he lost land, money, 
 the caTiage and horses waiting for him at the door, his ser- 
 vants' liveries and his own wardrobe. They are mean, 
 vindictive, rancorous and fanatical, without energy, or 
 honesty. Bull-fighting and the cock-pit are their principal 
 
78 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 amusements ; their farms are neglected to carry on the 
 better paying calling of highway-men. From 1 538 to 1864 
 Mexico has had sixty viceroys, two emperors, three dic- 
 tators, and thirty-one presidents, and political changes 
 have been incessant. 
 
 This book mentions other attractive events and inci- 
 dents, which limited space forbids my treating, and is 
 written with a freshness and vigor, which add to the plea- 
 sure derived from its perusal. 
 
 Deux ans au Mexique^ published in La Revue Cana- 
 dienne in 1864, and subsequently in 1874, in book form, 
 is the diary of a stirring period, during which Mr. Faucher 
 played a part, however modest, in the world's military 
 and civil affairs, in this much distracted country. In the 
 former and present edition the author continues the history 
 of the events, which transpired after his departure from 
 Mexico, such as the death of the ill-fated Maximilian, the 
 trial and condemnation of General Bazaine, etc., thus 
 making his work a complete record to the very time of 
 publication. The period, to which it refers, is that con- 
 nected with the struggle between Maximilian and Juarez 
 for the establishment Of the rival systems of imperialism 
 and republicanism ; Napoleon's powerful aid being given 
 to his Austrian protigi. The American war ended, the 
 influence of that republic was thrown into the scale of 
 the native, or Mexican party, whose war cry was liberty 
 and self-govern \ent., with the result of overthrowing the 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. t9 
 
 imperialisls, who claimed to be the party of order and 
 true liberty, and bringing the unfortunate Maximilian to 
 a traitor's death. The restoration of the rigime of cut- 
 throats and robbers, Mr. Faucher states to have been the 
 outcome of the contest. The preface of this abbreviated 
 edition, now under review, is by M. Coquille, the editor 
 of Le Monde of Paris, in the finished style of that well- 
 known writer. A participant in the struggle, the author 
 enjoyed the best opportunities of judging of the merits of 
 the quarrel, as well as those of the combatants and of 
 witnessing and describing the extraordinaiy condition of 
 the country during his residence therein. He was attached 
 to the start" of General D'Hurbal, with the rank of captain, 
 in the 2nd batallion. Light Infantry of Africa, and in con- 
 stant communication with the officers and soldiers of 
 Maximilian's army. In relating his experiences, he grace- 
 fully conducts the reader behind the scenes, introduces 
 him to the leading characters en deshabille, as it were, and 
 exposes the springs of important events. 
 
 In 1864, Mr. Faucher reaches the city of Vera Cruz, 
 which he finds squalid and repulsive, a very difierent picture 
 from that presented from the steamer's deck on entering 
 the harbor, when " distance lent enchantment to the view." 
 Armed with his despatches he leaves for Mexico, arriving 
 at the village of Soledad by train, and thence travelling uy 
 diligence. At the village of Camerone, on the route, sixty- 
 two men o»"the foreign legion had distinguished themselves 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 by sustaining a siege in a hacienda against two thousand four 
 hundred Mexicans ; lieutenant Maudet, with seven men, 
 had at the point of the bayonet, compelled a large body of 
 the enemy to retire, and covered his retreat into an outbuild- 
 ing, where he and his companions heroically died. As- 
 cending the Cordilleras, the author is thrown into ecstasies 
 by the profusion of nature's beauties and wonders, the 
 grand variety of the flora, the delicious fragrance of the 
 woods and the wondrous diversity and brilliancy of the 
 plumage of the feathered songsters, whose notes thrilled 
 in choicest melody. At Orizava, he meets with a begging 
 admiral and purchases cigars from a general of brigade — 
 representatives of the vicissitudes of fortune. He finds 
 the city of Mexico filled with a nondescript horde of 
 all nationalities in search of personal advantage. The 
 National Museum presented a valuable and strange, 
 but ill-arranged collection ; from the half-buried cities 
 of Mexico, Yucatan and Honduras, monolith mon- 
 uments, temples, hieroglyphics found in the depths of the 
 forest, eloquent of a long past and unknown civilization. 
 If a Champollion (the discoverer of a key to the Egyptian 
 hieroglyphics) could be found for Mexico to decipher the 
 innumerable Aztec hieroglyphics already discovered and 
 yet to be discovered, the advantages to archaeology and 
 science generally would be very great, and I hope that such 
 a one may yet appear from amongst that phalanx of scholars 
 who are daily startling the world with revelations from the 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 81 
 
 forgotten and hitherto unknown. Affinities have been 
 noticed between the languages of these countries and 
 those of the Algonquins, Chinese and Finns. The 
 monastries and convents contained valuable MSS. and 
 paintings, which were daily 'leing destroyed by the bandit 
 iconoclasts of that land of anarchy and misrule. The 
 author here eulogizes Maximilian for his devotion to 
 science, archajolc gy, poetry and art and for his chivalry 
 and courteous urbanity. He was a bibliophile ; he had 
 collected seven thousand volumes, all bearing upon 
 America, which by a faithful friend were transported when 
 danger was imminent, from the palace in Mexico to 
 Europe, where the collection was afterwards sold in the 
 ciiy of Leipsic. 
 
 In the town of Tacubaya the author becomes intimate 
 with Prince Augustin de Iturbide, the youngest son of the 
 first Emperor of Mexico (who was shot by his own people) , 
 a colonel of cavalry in the Mexican Lancers. When a 
 child the prince had visited Quebec, and was pleased to 
 frequently recall the occasion. His erudition and wit 
 made him a charming companion and a great favorite. 
 His untimely death, which occurred later, calls from the 
 author an expression of deep regret. In the park of 
 Chapultepec are cypress trees five thousand years old — 
 patriarchs, indeed. Near the town of Puebla once stood 
 a penitentiary, which was destroyed by fire by order of 
 General Ortega, on which occasion all the prisoners per- 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES, OK 
 
 ished in their cells. A custom obtains in the latter city of 
 decorating with flowers the street, in which a death has 
 occurred, and in some parts of Mexico, when a child dies 
 the salo7i is embellished with the most fragrant and the 
 brightest colored flowers, and the greatest gaiety is indulged 
 in, for " an angel has gone to heaven." Near Puebla 
 is the holy ci^y of Cholula, in which is a pyramid, 
 teocali, whose base is twice that of Cheops. Here the 
 author is offered for sale an extraordinary animal plant, 
 with a miniature tree, leaves and flowers growing 
 out of its back, of the same species as the Cicada plebeia 
 of Lmnaeus. Mr. Faucher here treats his readers to a long 
 and scientific dissertation on the subject. He next gives 
 an account of the warlike operations of the campaign and 
 siege of Oajaca, which commenced with a brilliant de- 
 fence of the convent of San Antonio, under captain 
 Noyers, who was surprised by the enemy while all but 
 twelve of his men were bathing. The latter, when com- 
 municated with, although almost in a state of nudity, 
 brilliantly charged their foes with the bayonet ten 
 times successively ; reinforcements happily arriving, the 
 Mexicans were defeated with great loss. The troops of 
 Juarez were a villainous crowd, pillaging churches and ' 
 convents and ransacking private houses. On the 13th of 
 January, Marshal Bazaine assumed command of the army. 
 The siege of Oajaca continues, and surprises, ambuscades, 
 and skirmish' s follow each other rapidly, and the instances 
 
LA LITTEIRATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;AIS. 83 
 
 of personal bravery are frequent and graphically recalled 
 by the author. In fact it is more to this branch that he 
 confines himself, as also to descriptions of the country 
 and its history, than to the strategic movements of the 
 armies. Political events and the important changes, which 
 took place during those days, do not seem to have inter- 
 ested him. The beauty of the country and its extraordin- 
 ary fertility in all kinds of products are continual causes 
 of wonder, — subjects entered into with gusto. At this 
 siege, the author was wounded in the foot by a piece of a 
 shell, from which, however, he rapidly recovered, and was 
 on duty within a few weeks. He records the countless 
 charities and kindnesses of the ill-fated Maximilian and 
 of " poor Charlotte," who sent immense sums to be dis- 
 tributed to those who had suffered during the war. On 
 the 9th of February Diaz surrendered Oajaca. When in 
 possession of the city, the French were astonished at the 
 stupendous preparations which had been made for its de- 
 fence, and were unable to understand why the Mexican 
 general had surrendered, when he might have success- 
 fully resisted an assault. Leaving three battalions to gar- 
 rison the town, the French army returns to Mexico. Mr. 
 Faucher, in relating the history of the siege, mentions the 
 name of many friends, whom he made there, and sketches 
 their career. These biographical souvenirs frequently end 
 with obituary notices, and the recollections which he so 
 faithfully reproduces and so touchingly portrays are of those 
 
84 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 who have gone to that " bourne whence no traveler re- 
 turns." To a man of Mr. Faucher's fine sensibilities 
 it must have been a cause of infinite sorrow that, in the 
 many friendships, which he formed at that period of his 
 life, death so often intervened and claimed its victims ; 
 and the melancholy vein, frequently met with in his 
 writings, may be partly due to such oppressive influences 
 and to shocks given by family affliction. Mr. Faucher 
 has been reproached by certain critics as being too much 
 inclined to sentimentalism in his writings ; to all but his 
 detractors the above will be a sufficient explanation. 
 
 The arrival of the army in Mexico is the signal for a suc- 
 cession of balls, parties, receptions, and tertulias (a species 
 of at-home); which season of gaiety is, however, interrup- 
 ted by orders for a march on Morelia, in the neighborhood 
 of which several murders had been committed. The 
 execution of the bandit chief Romero and four of his com- 
 panions is an incident of those days ; a man who at last 
 met with a just retribution for his many atrocious murders 
 and shameful depredations. A touching account is given 
 of the death of three officers, who lost their lives in assist- 
 ing at a fire. One of these unfortunate men was the 
 Vicomte de la Brousse, an intimate friend of the author. 
 This death renders Mexico unendurable to him, and he is 
 delighted to receive orders to proceed to the interior, Sai- 
 tillo, occupied by the Mexican general with a large force 
 of infantry, cavalry, and artillery. Commanded to make 
 
LA MTTERATURE AU CANADA FRANC^AIS. 86 
 
 a reconnaissance at night, in charge of sixty men, Mr. Fau- 
 cher falls into an ambuscade ; whilst wounded and in- 
 sensible, he is taken prisoner. Upon recovering con- 
 sciousness, he finds himself confined in the quarters of 
 General Negrette. The next day, however, he is placed 
 under parole for one year and exchanged, and shortly 
 afterwards, the Mexican general abandons Saltillo to the 
 imperial forces. His health, having suffered from his 
 wounds and exposures, Mr. Faucher obtains leave of ab- 
 sence, and returns to Canada, where he says : — "Je me 
 suis aper^u que le bonheur sur terre gisait au sein de la 
 famille.'' Shortly afterwards he marries, and sends in his 
 resignation, which is accepted, and thus closes his military 
 career. 
 
 In Deux ans au Mexique the author evinces a thorough 
 acquaintance with his subject. He is eloquent and lucid 
 in his naratives, explanatory in his history and particular 
 in his facts. He treats his subjects clearly, succinctly 
 and vividly, and explains doubtful questions with per- 
 spicacity and discrimination. There is solid instruction 
 submitted in the pleasantest form and with much 
 naturalness. , ^, ;, ^ 
 
 Promenades dans le Golfe St. Laurent. In the height 
 of a Canadian summer, with its broiling suns and oppres- 
 sive nights, what more refreshing thought than a visit to 
 the briny waves ? The denizen of the hot dusty city 
 yearns for a sight of what Disraeli calls ** the melancholy 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 ocean," but what more cheerful word-painters describe as 
 the joyous, resdess, bracing and inspiring sea? How 
 pleasant to recall the delights of rowing, fishing, or cruis- 
 ing, with a steady hand at the helm and a cunning eye at 
 the mainsail ! No wonder the "salt water" is such a 
 welcome subject to many, and a holiday in the Lower St. 
 I-awrence, with its enjoyable opportunities of physical and 
 mental recreation, ever cheerfully hailed. 
 
 This book is another souvenir of a trip made by the 
 author and a few friends, on board of the Government 
 steamer " Napoleon III." when distributing provisions 
 and stores to the different lighthouses m the river and 
 gulf of St. Lawrence, and is a revised edition of a volume 
 published by the author in 1877, under the title of De 
 Tribord a Bdbord. It is by far the most complete and 
 attractive work, descriptive of the scenery and history 
 of the gulf that I have seen. 
 
 I will endeavor to express something like a fair, if in 
 color, somewhat appreciative opinion of its character and 
 style. Here will be found much interesting information, 
 well arranged, and in language both clear and concise, 
 furnishing pictures of the life and incidents connected 
 with the lighthouses and other important points in the 
 gulf Events, grave and gay, in the lives of the simple, 
 contented, middle-aged inhabitants of vhese remote sta- 
 tions are sketched with effective skill, and in a way 
 reproductive of picturesque elements and contrasts of 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 87 
 
 light and shade. With the same artistic effect, are related 
 anecdotes, traditions and historical facts full of illustra- 
 tion, illuminating solid information and dissipating dry 
 and repellent ingredients. The chief attraction of such 
 holiday sketch-books is a happy combination of fact and 
 fancy, each element being treated so as to offset and 
 heighten the charm of the other. Thus, on the one hand, 
 the author presents useful information, and on the other, 
 adorns it with flowers of imagination. The romantic 
 stories and events of the olden time constitute a worthy 
 addition to the historic literature of the country, some- 
 times flavored with pungent citations from old writers, or 
 actors connected with these famed regions, whose deeds 
 and utterances are thus made to contribute fresh pleaures 
 to a generation, which could otherwise never have known 
 them. So the old notabilities are rescued from oblivion, 
 whose lively chronicles awaken curiosity in the dullest, 
 and whose creative spirit repeoples with truthful and 
 interesting characters, scenes that must else have remained 
 unknown to us forever. Felicitous touches, happy 
 instances and quotations thus vividly reproduce the event- 
 ful years of long ago. 
 
 This volume opens with a lively rketch of the author's 
 compagnons de voyage^ and the staff of the little steamship ; 
 and at the outset the reader is satisfied that he has with 
 him enjoyable company. 
 
 The figure-head '"' ' & work is Agenor Gravely whose 
 
88 LrrERARY SHEAVES, OR. 
 
 bons mots and exuberance of animal spirits continually 
 enliven the reader, and whose individuality is merged in 
 the person of a very intimate friend of mine, whose verve 
 iniarissable and rare conversational powers I hope long to 
 have the pleasure of enjoying. 
 
 As Mr. Faucher progresses on his voyage down the river, 
 in the gulf, the island of Anticosti, and the archipelago 
 of the Magdalen Islands, he notes down his impressions, 
 describes the history of the localities with their traditions, 
 the kind of life led by the fishermen and guardians of light- 
 houses, the shipwrecks along the coast, and a variety of 
 other exciting details, in language choice and clear. The 
 observant and well-informed tourist is evidtrt in every 
 page. The " Napoleon " soon reaches Isle aux *^ufs^ 
 when the authors thoughts naturally revert to the dreaafnl 
 shipwreck and loss of life in connection with Sir Hovenden 
 Walker's fleet, the memorable year of 1 7 1 1 . This episode 
 in our history is narrated by a master-hand, and will be 
 read by historians with genuine delight. Melancholy 
 reflections must inevitably recur to the reader when he 
 recalls the many precious and promising lives which have 
 been sacrificed on our shores to the god of wnr ; of men, 
 whose abilities, if utilized in other channels, might have 
 exercised powerful influence over the human intellect. 
 Mr. Faucher next describes the arduous labor and self- 
 sacrifice of the keeper of its lighthoui' Aon Cote, and 
 his family, who, when the machinery had become disar- 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN<;;AIS. 89 
 
 ranged, took it in turn to revolve the light every minute 
 and a half, during five weeks of the autumn of 1872, and 
 five weeks of the following spring. The cold at times 
 was so severe that their hands became numbed, but still 
 the machinery had to be kept working to prevent the 
 dangers, which might have followed to mariners, had the 
 light not been visible. A very amusing interview between 
 the author and Barthelemy ler, is related in a happy 
 manner. Each locality in the St. Lawrence has its rem- 
 iniscences, and most of them are sad and gloomy. The 
 author, at Sept Is/es, is reminded of the sudden death of 
 the late commander T6tu, so well and favorably known in 
 Quebec, and which was a source of deep sorrow to 
 him. The account is narrated with much pathos and 
 forms a delicate tribute of friendship. Fox Bay 
 has also its tale of horror: in 18 18, thirty persons, the 
 crew and passengers of the " Granicus," were cast away on 
 that bleak and inhospitable shore. They all died cf star- 
 vation, the last survivors having been obliged to feed on 
 the dead. Their bodies were accidentally discovered by 
 a trapper, who, finding a cord suspended from a rock 
 and taking hold of it, was terrified by hearing the 
 ringing of a ship's bell. Overcoming his fright, he followed 
 the windings of the rope, and carre upon the half-eaten 
 corpses of the victims of this dsaster. In 1736, the 
 French vessel " La Renomm^e " was stranded on the 
 Island of Anticosti, with fifty-four souls on board, many 
 
90 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 of whom were lost when attempting to land. The survivors 
 divided into two parties, one remaining on the island and 
 the other proceeding to Mingan for assistance. It was 
 winter, and the attempt to reach that difficult locality 
 was nearly proving a failure, when, through the superhuman 
 exertions made, under the greatest trials and deprivations, 
 by the reverend P^re Crespel, aid was finally obtained for 
 the famishing and hopeless remnant. This is a most 
 noteworthy passage, and is an excellent specimen of 
 instructive condensation — a whole volume in about 
 sixteen pages. At the lighthouse, on the west point 
 of this Island, a touching scene occurs on the return 
 of a son to his father, after a long absence ; — a happy 
 suggestion to a painter. A tragic incident, a -Kiid 
 burnt to death in the woods, whither she had gone, un- 
 known to her father, and which had been set fire to by 
 him to clear his land, is pathetically narrated. Mr. Faucher 
 gives a detailed history of the origin, operations and signal 
 failure of the Forsyth company, of the Island of Anticosti, 
 and he comments upon their wasteful extravagance in 
 purcha'iing immense stores of unnecessary articles, which 
 eventually had to be sold at a great sacrifice, bringing ruin 
 to all concerned in that unfortunate enteqjrise. A 
 biography of the great pioneer and discoverer, JoUiet, is 
 also given and is deserving of attentive reading. Pieces 
 of artillery of the seventeenth century found on the beach 
 of the island, which the author believes to have belonged 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN(pAIS. 91 
 
 to one of the frigates of the ill-fated expedition of Sir 
 William Phipps, would form objects of interest to an- 
 tiquarians. Such mournful relics, strewn along the coasts 
 of the gulf, tell their own tale. The name of the once 
 dreaded Gamache, the croquemitame of the island, natur- 
 ally comes to the mind of the author, and he gives a short 
 sketch of the life and mysterious death of this noted 
 character. His wonderful career form pages that will figure 
 in the future history of the place. 
 
 Isle aux Oiseaux was visited uy Jacques Cartier 
 in 1534; at that time, as now, the resort" of myriads 
 of birds. The island is most difficult of approach, 
 inaccessible except in the calmest of weather. From 
 a boat, the adventurous traveler must take his 
 chance of missing his footing in attempting to ascend 
 an almost perpendicular ladder of ninety feet in height. 
 On the summit of the rock is built the lighthouse. 
 Mr. Faucher nearly lost his life there on one occasion 
 whilst making this ascent ; he suddenly became dizzy, and 
 only by an extraordinary effort of his will he overcame the 
 feeling. Provisions and stores are hoisted by means of an 
 elevator. The vast number of birds' nests is a subject of 
 increasing wonderment ; they appear to the eye a collection 
 of miniature towns. Useful information is given of the 
 geology and resources of the Island of Bryon, as also 
 observations regarding its people. Scientific men are of 
 opinion that the archipelago of the Magdalen Islands 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 originally formed but one, and facts are adduced in sup- 
 port of this theory. The Hon. Mr. Fortin's scheme of 
 bringing these islands into telegraphic communication 
 with the mainland is highly commended, and its utility 
 demonstrated. The Island of Saint Paul is described ; 
 terrible ship-wrecks occurred there at various times. 
 The government has built a lighthouse to obviate 
 accidents in its dangerous neighborhood. On the 
 1 6th August, 1S76.. a water-spout, a stranger in the 
 gulf, swept over the island, levelling buildings, wreck- 
 ing vessels and damaging crops. This sudden phe- 
 nomenal visitation is graphically 'described. Approaching 
 Cape Breton, the author indulges his fancy by presenting 
 before the mind's eye the royal city of Louisbourg, with 
 its encircling walls of fifty acres in extent, which " rose to 
 the sky like threatening giants ;" there stood its cathedral, 
 its theatre, its hospitals, its convents, its private residences, 
 soldiery at their posts on the ramparts ; there were heard 
 the sounds of martial fife and drum amid the thunder- 
 ing roar of fire-belcliing cannon ; its gallant ships of war, 
 proudly sailing from its port undauntedly to meet the 
 coming foe ; the attack upon the city begins, and a con- 
 flict to the death ensues ; but hope dies and the proud city 
 capitulates. The stirring events of the past, the heroes 
 and great men of that day are marshalled before him, and 
 his imagination, further leading him on, he speculates upon 
 what might have been, if Woltis had not lived, if Montcalm 
 
LA LlTTfeRATTRE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 93 
 
 had not died ! Mr. Faucher delights to recall these ancient 
 times and their old associations, and he revels in the vivid 
 portrayal of these scenes. The Acadians and their his- 
 tory conjure up a host of sympathetic memories, and their 
 descendants, inhabiting the Magdalen Islands, find in the 
 author a dauntless champion in their grievances. The 
 land tenure laws weigh very heavily upon them, and are 
 thought by Mr. Faucher to be even more severe than those 
 of Ireland. Ke urges the Quebec Government to pur- 
 chase the islands from the Coffin family, to whose ancse- 
 tors they were donated by Lord Dorchester, in the name 
 of the Crown. The author notices the similarity of the 
 accent and dialect of these people to those of Gascony 
 and of the banks of the Garonne. The same remark 
 applies to the fishermen of Chezetcook, near Halifax, who, 
 have not only preserved their old home accent, but their 
 costumes unaltered from the time their forefathers left 
 their native soil. It is not, therefore, surprising that 
 Mr. Faucher feels a deep interest in these primitive 
 people, who remind him of his happy sojourns in 
 that old France, of whose glories in the past her children 
 and their descendants, on both sides of the Atlantic, are 
 so justly proud, and whose name to them is emblematic 
 of all that is dear and honored. Mille et autre choses, 
 of greater or less importance, figure in this vol 
 ume. Moore's poem on Deadman's Island forms an 
 appropriate peroration to a book, which may boast of the 
 
94 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 finish and sentiment of the poem on subjects, inherently 
 in the domain of poetry and romance. 
 
 Les Provinces Maritimes — La Gaspesie is the continua- 
 tion of Les Promenades dans le Golfe Saint Laurent of 
 which it forms the second volume. The *' Napoleon III '* 
 cruises onwards to Pictou for coal. Here the travelers 
 are struck with the Presbyterian austerity with which Sun- 
 day is observed in this Scotch town. On the following 
 day they visit Halifax, when the author explores the citadel, 
 and is charmed with the magnificence of the view, which, 
 he says, can not easily be forgotten. He visits the 
 cemeteries, where he notices the singular custom of placing 
 shells at the base of tombstones, which, he poetically in- 
 terprets as a means of communication with the dead 
 through their murmuring sounds. The market is charac- 
 teristic \ the vendors being of three distinct groups ; the 
 Indians, solemn and reserved ; the negroes, demonstrative 
 and childishly uproarious and decked in gaudy colors ; 
 and the whites, with each their peculiarities. The 
 author, accidentally addressing an Acadian, is startled 
 to find in him the descendant of a common ancestor, who 
 had arrived in Quebec in 1669. A trip round the harbor 
 enables Mr. Faucher to judge of its wonderful advantages, 
 where all the fleets of the world could anchor in saf<^ty. 
 On this trip he is sensitively reminded of an appalling dis- 
 aster, which occurred in 1746, to a fleet sent to the relief of 
 Acadia, of eleven vessels and three thousand men, which, 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 95 
 
 in view of Chibuctou, now Halifax, was suddenly dis- 
 persed by a violent cyclone ; some of them being driven 
 as far as the Antilles and others wrecked on Sable Island. 
 Again the fleet was about entering Halifax harbor, when 
 a frightful epidemic broke out among the crews, eleven 
 hundred of whom died, including the admiral, in forty 
 days, making two thousand four hundred lost since the 
 departure from Europe ; and only four vessels of the fleet 
 returned to France. Arriving in Truro, the heart of ancient 
 Acadia, the author falls into a reverie, and the past unrolls 
 itself before him. In 1604, M. de Mons witnesses the foun- 
 dation of Port Royal, now Annapolis ; Champlain next ex- 
 plores the Baie Fran^aise and the coast of Maine, and the 
 colony is full of life and promise ; but days of misfortune 
 and trial are in store. Sir Samuel / rgyll captures Sainte- 
 Croix and destroys Port Royal ; then follow quarrels, dis- 
 sensions and combats, similar to those bet\\'een the barons 
 of the middle ages, and the many acts of oppression and 
 their retaliation, familiar to historians, during which the 
 Acadians are gradually weakened. After the capitulation 
 oi Beausijour, they realize their inability to contend further 
 with their enemies, and lay down their arms and devote 
 themselves to agricultural pursuits. But their dispersion 
 is decreed, on the 5th of September, 1755, it is harshly 
 carried out by the English : families are divided, husbands 
 torn from their wives, parents from their children and trans- 
 ported to all parts of the British colonies. This act of heart- 
 
ii LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 rending cruelty is a blot upon the fair fame of England and 
 forms the groundwork ot Longfellow's beautiful poem, 
 " Evangeline." Far be from me any desire to excuse Eng- 
 land for this atrocious deed, but it will be remembered 
 that the Acadians wer*^ a source of continual annoyance 
 ever in open revolt and planning expeditions lo destroy 
 English power throughout the country ; and besides, it 
 would appear from history, that Great Britain was not the 
 first to conceive such a method of reprisal, for Denon- 
 ville, through his agent Calli^res, submitted to Louis XIV. 
 a similar plan to be carried out against the New Eng- 
 landers. In speaking of the mines, Mr. Faucher states 
 that coal, iron, copper, gold, gypsum and silver were dis- 
 covered long ago by the coureurs des bois. Thirty mines 
 are now in operation representing a capital of twelve 
 million dollars. The " Napoleon III " next leaves for 
 Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, which impresses 
 the visitor with its broad, tree-shaded streets. He points 
 out all the advantages that would accrue to the Dominion 
 from the construction of the Baie Verte Canal. It 
 appears that it is the intention of the Government to 
 assume, at an early day, this undertaking and to adopt a 
 very ingenious system of dockage, devised and submitted 
 to them by a young and promising engineer, Mr. Eugene 
 Bender of Montmagny, by which a great saving upon the 
 origmal estimate will be realized. The steamer then visits 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;;AIS. ' Wt 
 
 the lighthouses at Capes Tourmentin, Cassie, near Shediac, 
 Richibuctou and Escumin. 
 
 The second part treats of New Brunswick and the Baie 
 des Chaleurs. Miramichi is difficult of access, but the 
 Federal Government has greatly improved the entrance 
 thereto. In passing, are seen on the port side Chatham, 
 and on the starboard Douglastown, while in the distance 
 is Newcastle, at which Mr. Faucher and party are cordially 
 received. Za Tracadie is next visited, where are, as it 
 were, entombed, the victims of leprosy. It is described as 
 having been a hell of blasphemy and obscenity, till six 
 ladies, from the Hotel-Dieu of Montreal, courageously de- 
 termined to sacrifice themselves to the care of the patients 
 afflicted with this dreadful and loathsome disease. It is 
 stated that segregation is causing a great decline in the 
 number of these outcasts. Relieving the lighthouse at 
 Shippegan, the " Napoleon III " proceeds to the Island 
 of Miscou, once, according to tradition, the haunt of a 
 huge monster, in the shape of a woman, who was wont to 
 devour the Indians wholesale, and by whom she was called 
 " Gougou." The island now contains only about a dozen 
 families. They next stop at Caraquette, the oysters of 
 which are extolled, when they proceed to the Baie des 
 Chaleurs and land at Dalhousie, the beauty of whose sur- 
 roundings excites enthusiasm. A little beyond Dalhousie 
 are points A la garde and A la batterie, near which, in 
 
 1 760, a French fleet was destroyed by the EngHsh, who sub- 
 7 
 
LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 sequently set fire to Petite Rochelle, Mr. Faucher relates the 
 zeal of Pdre Le Jeune, among the Micmac Indians of the 
 Restigouche, and quotes from Prof. Dawson of McGill 
 University to prove the similarity of many words of their 
 language to Greek and Latin. Thfe author then relates 
 the great service, rendered by the Rev. Edouard 
 Faucher de Saint Maurice, an uncle of the author, to the 
 English settlers of the Restigouche, when on that mission, 
 by preventing their v/holesale massacre by the M icmacs, 
 through his influence over them and promises of redress 
 of their grievances by the English government. 
 
 The third part of the work treats of La Gaspesie. 
 Leaving Dalhousie they arrive at Carleton, where the 
 lobster trade is carried on, on an extensive scale. He de- 
 plores the non-existence of a legal check upon lobster- 
 fishing at certain seasons ; for this fishery must eventually 
 be destroyed by the present indiscriminate slaughter. In 
 a geological collection of Mr. Meagher, he saw specimens 
 of jasper, agates, red feldspar, syenite, porphyry and 
 white, yellow and green quartz, found in the locality. 
 At Paspebiac are the monster fishing establishments of 
 the MM. Robin & LeBouthillier. At Port Daniel he 
 falls into ecstasies over the beauty of the scenery, and 
 being off Cape d'Espoir, he relates the loss of a vessel 
 there, which he believes to be the " Feversham," of Sir 
 Hovenden Walker's fleet. While at Perce Rock, he recalls 
 its past and marvels at its millions of birds. He also 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 99 
 
 alludes, in connection with the history of Perce, to two 
 English frigates, which, in 1690, arrived there, when their 
 crews landed and burnt the village and desecrated the 
 church, using the altar and the sacred vestments in a 
 sacreligious manner. At Pointe St. Pierre, is met the gov- 
 ernment yacht, La Canadienne, when civilities are ex- 
 changed. Gaspe Basin is next visited, characterized by 
 Admiral Bayfield, as " safe as a dock." In 1628, Admiral 
 Roquemont was defeated in its waters by Kirke. In 1 7 1 1, 
 Sir Hovenden Walker took shelter from a fearful storm, 
 and in 1759, some of Wolfe's vessels revictualled here. 
 The " Napoleon III " arrives on a gala day, for the Federal 
 steamer " Druid," with His Excellency Lord Dufferin on 
 board, whom the people enthusiastically welcomed. Mr. 
 Faucher highly eulogizes this most popular governor, 
 describing him personally and his eminent services to 
 literature and his country. He r'^fers to the petroleum 
 mines of Gaspe and gives a description of Cape Rosier, 
 relating the shipwreck there of the " Carrick," in 1847, 
 when one hundred and seventeen immigrants were lost. 
 The author lands at the Cape de la Madelaine, and ref»:rs 
 to the famous Braillard and relates the legend how it was 
 caused to cease by a reverend Father there resident, but 
 who would never divulge the means he had adopted, nor 
 his experiences on the occasion. Leaving tlie Cape, the 
 " Napoleon III " steers for Quebec, to the delight of the 
 travelers, notwithstanding their agreeable journey. 
 
100 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 Mr. Faucher de Saint Maurice has been searching in 
 his enquiries and his statements bear the stamp of truth. 
 In his pleasant narratives and sketches, he has made 
 use of facts and traditions with the best results, his 
 humor not seldom illuminating both. This author has the 
 faculty of happily expressing what his subjects felt and 
 thought. His imagination revels in such descriptions as 
 that of Isle de la Madelaine, Baie des Sept Isles and other 
 scenes, whose attractions are enhanced " by thoughts that 
 flash and words that bum." This book presents an 
 elaborate mosaic, every fragment of which has been col- 
 lected from the records of early settlers, original documents, 
 manuscripts and letters, or to use another figure, Mr. 
 Faucher' s fine taste and unwearied industry have collected 
 a mass of varied and fascinating materials, which, passed 
 through the alembic of his mind, have issued in forms of 
 practical utility and literary beauty. 
 
 I must congratulate the author upon the honorable 
 recognition of the value of this book by the French Min- 
 ister of Marine, who has ordered several hundred copies 
 to distribute annually for ten consecutive years to the 
 different libraries of the Department of Marine and naval 
 schools. 
 
 ■ I repeat, M. Faucher's style of narrative is felicitous, 
 clear and graceful, flowing on like a smooth living stream. 
 His contributions on Canadian history are valuable addi- 
 tions, throwing new light on passages hitherto somewhat 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN<;:AIS. 101 
 
 obscure, and correcting errors touching the names of famous 
 localities. While supplying fresh information on a variety 
 of topics, and lucidly and briefly giving facts, difficult of 
 access to the mass, thus exhibiting a practical spirit, his 
 productions sparkle with humor and natural vivacity, in 
 a way calculated to carry along the reader with exhilar- 
 ating effect. His descriptive powers are excellent, as may 
 be recognized when depicting landscapes, ocean scenek, • 
 coast adventures, and thrilling incidents of peace and war. 
 Power of imagination and broad sympathies in unison 
 with graphic skill are reflected in his works, giving them 
 an intellectual flavor captivating to all. Where so much 
 calls for the highest praise, it may seem captious to point 
 out any blemish, if what I am about to mention may be 
 considered such ; but the reviewer has faithful duties to 
 perform. The resort to reveries as a mise en scene is (*• 
 very effective, but its frequent repetition ought to be 
 shunned. I would also suggest his avoidance in future 
 of the employment of words not in daily use, for his 
 diction renders his works somewhat difficult to those not 
 very familiar with the French language. I hope our 
 literature may receive many more contributions from the 
 facile and brilliant pen of Mr. Faucher de Saint Maurice. 
 
102 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 L. H. FRECHETTE. 
 
 Pieces choisies, is a small volume of selections from our 
 national poet, who has lately received the highest honor 
 in the gift of the Academy of Paris, for his poems, Les 
 Oiseaux de neige and Les Fleurs Boriales. It is many 
 years since he attempted his first poetic flight, under the 
 title of Mes Loisirs, which won for him more than local 
 fame. His writings are distinguished by a delicacy of 
 thought, loftiness of conception, a felicity of expression 
 and a purity of style, which evince the true soul of poetry, 
 charming all its lovers. 
 
 In the stanzas Dicouverte du Mississipi, which is one 
 of his finest efforts, the grandeur and the solemnity of the 
 mighty river are powerfully impressed upon the reader : 
 
 « Le Roi-des-Eaux, n'ayait encore. . . . 
 
 • • • • • 
 
 Depose le tribut de sa vague profonde, 
 Que devant le soleil et Dieu." 
 
 An eulogistic poem, addressed to the Abb6 Tanguay, 
 for heralding to the world names, otherwise forgotten, 
 though meriting immortality, says : — 
 
 " C'cst V0U8, 8avant abb6 1 c'est votre livre, ami 
 Qui 86 fiait leur vengeur, et r^pare u demi 
 L'ingiatitude de rHistoire." 
 
LA. LITTER ATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;ALS. 103 
 
 Two glowing poems, addressed to the favorite American 
 poet, H. W. Longfellow and our Poet Laureate, Pamphile 
 LeMay, are full of genuine admiration, forming a noble 
 tribute of friendship to both. 
 
 Renouveau and Le \er Janvier are poems of nature, re- 
 plete with beautiful thoughts ; as is also Impromptu 
 
 written at Chicoutimi. 
 
 In the lines, A ma soeur, the poet lovingly dwells upon 
 the beauties and charnis of spring, and how welcome it 
 will be to her in her youth, but how unmeaning and void 
 to the exile, whose only balm is, — 
 
 " Ce doux baume. trop rare, helas ! 
 C'est I'assurance que \k bag 
 Quelqu'un nous aime 1 " 
 
 Then follows Sur sa tombe, of the sister just addressed 
 who has seen but ten of those glorious spring-times, and 
 
 " C'6tait, dans son prisme vermeil, 
 La goutte d'eau du ciel venue, 
 Et qui remonte dans la nue, 
 Avec un rayon de soleil ! " 
 
 La nuit and Le matin are two delightful pieces spark- 
 lingly brilliant. A PEglise is full of sympathy. Alleluia 
 is a religious festival poem, which, some believe to 
 be the most affecting of his effusions It is addressed 
 to M. L'Abb^ Thomas Caron, V.G. A mon filleul and 
 A une enfant are poems to youth and incline towards a 
 
104 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 melancholy view of life rather disheartening to the young ; 
 
 but hope is strong in its spring-time and even the 
 
 poet's forebodings and discouraging advice can not cru sh 
 it out : 
 
 " Enfant ue sonde pa8 les secrets de la vie ; 
 Helas ! reste tou jours enfant ! " 
 
 La derniire Iroquoise is a tragedy in verse, harrowing 
 and awe-inspiring. A squaw not satisfied with the mur- 
 der of a pale-faced child, but, 
 
 " Comme un vautour feroce, aux entrailles s'attache, 
 Lui decouyre le coeur, de ses ongles I'arrache, 
 Et le devore tout sanglant ! " 
 
 The recall of these horrors is revolting, although too 
 frequent in the past of this country, but more aesthetic 
 subjects are preferred in the present age. 
 
 Le lac de Beauport will revive many pleasant times and 
 still dearer associations, never to be forgotten. 
 
 Laforet Canadienne is a subject on which Mr. Frechette 
 dwells con amore, especially in the glorious autumn. The 
 beauties of the woods at that season " are a joy forever j " 
 he revels in expressive words and brilliant metaphors. 
 Some of these descriptions are perfect gems, poetically 
 apostrophizing charming localities, so numerous in Canada. 
 
 There are several other choice pieces of the author not 
 found in this volume. I miss especially La voix dun 
 ExiU, in which are many passages that would vie with the 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 105 
 
 best of Victor Hugo's ; but, unfortunately it contains 
 allusions of such bitter enmity to political antagonists as 
 to detract from their poetic effect. 
 
 Mr. Frechette's verse is chaste and highly finished; 
 pathetic or tragic, as he wills it. He excels, however, in 
 descriptive paysages, events of olden times and love 
 passages. In his Mississipi, he soars to the highest 
 realms of fancy, displaying striking originality. Compari- 
 sons have frequently been made between him and our 
 other national poet, the late Octave Cremazie. Frechette, 
 in his Poisies choisies is a rippling, woodland stream, and 
 Crdmazie, in his effusions, a roaring mountain torrent. 
 One draws from his silver lute notes of infinite sweetness, 
 and the other from his war trumpet calls to arms and 
 ushers one into the heat of battle. 
 
106 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 OSCAR DUNN. 
 
 Few who have followed the events of Canadian joum^I- 
 ism need be reminded that one of the most accom- 
 plished contributors to our ephemeral literature is Mr. 
 Dunn, whose compositions are usually marked by a 
 spirit of liberality, as well as soundess of information, not 
 frequent among writers of the press, in this country. 
 Always desirous of retaining the pure idiom of the French 
 language, he made an impression in Canada that was even 
 reflected in Paris, on one of whose papers, Le Journal de 
 Parisy under the control of the well-known M. Weiss, 
 he occupied an influential position. In such a school 
 and with his talents, Mr. Dunn could hardly fail of 
 becoming a good writer. Whatever literary schemes this 
 gentleman has in view, and I believe they are not few, 
 nor discreditable to the reputation of les belles-lettres 
 of Canada, he will always tell the truth for its own 
 sake, and convey even unpleasant information in a lan- 
 guage as polite and classical, as to excite the approbation 
 of lovers of Massillon, Corneille and Racine. On the 
 Paris press, Mr. Dunn's literary efforts were acknowledged 
 as possessing merit, and it was a common remark, in that 
 great centre of European art and taste, that that gentle- 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 107 
 
 man might have been bom in Paris and educated in 
 France. 
 
 Under the title Lecture pour tous, Mr. Dunn publishes 
 a collection of papers and essays, dedicated to the memory 
 of one of our promising litterateurs^ the late Professor 
 Lucien Turcotte, of whose short life he gives a brief 
 sketch, complimentary alike to the head and heart of 
 the writer. 
 
 The first paper in this series is on the question, Pour- 
 quoi nous sommes Fran^ais, written in 1870, at which 
 time the French arms had suffered overwhelming re- 
 verses in the Franco-Prussian war. Mr. Dunn asserts 
 that the French-Canadians, although politically English, 
 are French at heart, a condition possible, he admits, 
 through British liberty, which guarantees them their 
 language, their religion, and their laws ; England at the 
 cession being glad to receive and proud to retain them 
 on those terms. He next portrays the marked differ- 
 ences between the French and English temperament, the 
 one being the antipodes of the other. The beauties of 
 the French language are eloquently signalized, its preser- 
 vation being, in a great measure, due to its gallant use in 
 intercourse with le beau sexe, to the Roman Catholic 
 clergy, in the work of Education, and to the legislature 
 through its employment in official documents and debate, 
 besides the action of the French- Canadian authors and 
 journalists, with the same end in view. In remaining 
 
108 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 French, he thinks, they become the agents of France 
 and the Church, which has done so much for Car.ada, 
 and thereby enjoy an influence in the world, which they 
 would lose were they to divest themselves of their old 
 nationality and become Anglicized, as Louisiana. This 
 article has been frequently cited by prominent French 
 writers, when treating of Canada, n a laudatory manner 
 among others, MM. Rameau and de Bonnechose. 
 
 The second paper is also on the subject of nationality, 
 entitled, Nos gloires nationaies,. It recalls the glories of 
 the past, and appeals to the French-Canadians in the 
 United States to return to their native land, whose free 
 institutions nearly approaches the ideal of enlightened 
 lovers of liberty. He endeavors to impress upon them 
 that it is their duty to remain in Canada, and be true 
 to their traditions, their laws, their customs, and their 
 religion. The effect of such eloquently stirring words 
 must have been electrical, and with results in the direction 
 aimed at. 
 
 The third paper is Le pouvoir temporel. Mr. Dunn 
 is a true son of the Church, and a zealous and earnest 
 supporter of the temporal power of his Holiness, the 
 Pope. He argues that the Papal States, having been 
 assigned by their princely rulers to the successor of 
 St. Peter, not as a personal gift, but for the purposes 
 of the Church, no vote of the Roman people could 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CA'J/tA FRANC^AIS. 109 
 
 deprive him of them, and, that even were such admissible, 
 every Catholic in the world had a voice in this matter as 
 well as the small Roman minority, whose act was not a 
 legitimate alienation. Mr. Dunn believes that Napoleon 
 III., who was chiefly instrumental in depriving the Pope 
 of his territory and power, met his deserts at Sedan ; 
 Napoleon's countenance and aid brought about the uni- 
 fication of Italy, which led to the formation of the German 
 Empire and its subsequent successful rivalry with France. 
 By many it is looked upon as the fulfilment of the scrip- 
 tural prophecy, that punishment will descend to the third 
 and fourth generation, for it was Napoleon Bonaparte, 
 who first conceived and carried out this policy, his nephew 
 merely following out this policy. The picture of the 
 venerable Pio Nono, " the prisoner of the Vatican," is 
 touching. 
 
 The author's fourth paper is entitled, LInstruction 
 Publique^ a subject which he is admittedly competent to 
 handle, from his position as a chief officer of this depart- 
 ment. He cleverly combats the theory that education in 
 the colleges is too classical and not sufficiently suitable to 
 practical life, but rather calculated to incline students 
 to the professions. He contends that the best prelimin- 
 ary preparation for a commercial, or agricultural, career 
 is a course of classics, which is the only sure basis for 
 solid enlightenment. The mental training, secured by 
 
110 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR . 
 
 classical instruction, gives marked advantage to its pos- 
 sessor in the contest for the lead in all important move- 
 ments. On the other hand, he acknowledges with regret, 
 the general desire of farmers to push their sons into the 
 professions, now and long overcrowded, under the 
 mistaken and pernicious idea that there is something 
 degrading in trade, or agriculture, which students after a 
 college course are only too prone to believe. For the 
 children of the poor, he advises the establishment of 
 primary schools where agricultural chemistry, drawing, 
 book-keeping, etc., would be taught. He praises the pre- 
 sent system of education, but admits there are defects, 
 which may be remedied by increasing the remuneration 
 of school inspectors and teachers, and thus securing more 
 competent men. He urges the immediate attention of 
 the authorities to the subject, and recommends the estab- 
 lishment of mercantile schools in the cities of the pro- 
 vince. Although some may differ from the author on a 
 few points, his ideas are broad and liberal, and discussed 
 in a fair spirit. 
 
 The last paper, L' Amirique avant Christophe Colombe, 
 is an enquiry into the different traditions and accounts 
 of the discovery of the people of America before 
 the landing of Columbus. The traditions of the 
 Egyptians and other ancient races, regarding the 
 Island of Atlanta are dealt with in a pleasing style • 
 the visits of the Basque fishermen receiving due notice. 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANgAIS. Ill 
 
 The magnificent ruins of Central America and Guate- 
 mala, and the supposed derivation of their languages 
 from the Sanscrit, or Aryan sources, and the similarity of 
 their religions to those of Egypt, Greece and Asia Minor, 
 are topics treated with erudition and skill. He thinks the 
 American continent could easily have been reached 
 from Asia by the Aleutian Islands, Behring Straits and 
 Alaska ; and from the Atlantic by way of Scotland, the 
 Faroe Islands, Iceland and Greenland. Archaeological 
 researches have proved that the Northmen visited America 
 five centuries before Columbus, and found it inhabited by 
 red men, propably of Asiatic origin. The names of sev- 
 eral pirates and adventurers, who had visited various parts 
 of America are given, who were there as far back as 
 725 A. D.; and there is mentioned the birth ota Northman 
 in America in 1000, A.D.— 483 years before Columbus. A 
 description is given of the Dighton Writing Rock, found 
 on the banks of the Taunton River, county of Bristol, 
 Mass., U.S., with which is connected a very old tradition. 
 As for Greenland, it was thickly settled in the tenth 
 century, and in 1121 the first bishop was consecrated 
 there. But a legend, in China, far outshadows all these. 
 It refers to a country called Fou-Sang, evidently the west 
 of America, being visited by the Chinese, 700 years before 
 Columbus. Be they wha they may, those who first dis- 
 covered this continent found there before them inhabi- 
 tants, whose history is unknown and whose origin is 
 
112 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 hidden in mystery. Mr. Dunn goes over the several 
 theories in reference to this vexed question, but they are 
 mere theories, and lead to no positive conclusion. To 
 people of antiquarian tastes, in particular, much matter, 
 both alluring and instructive will be found in this treatise. 
 Dix ans de journaiisme is also by Mr. Dunn, and is a 
 collection of able articles, culled from his many contribu- 
 tions, whilst a journalist. It is an acknowledged fact that, 
 in proportion to the labor and research, necessitated in 
 the preparation of an article, the author values his work ; 
 and these papers, being the result of careful stu^y and 
 mature reflection, the author has rescued them from the 
 oblivion, to which all effusions in the daily press are 
 doomed. 
 
 The first in this volume discusses L Affaire Guibordy 
 which excited so much interest in Montreal some 
 years ago. After a recital of the facts of the case, the 
 writer proceeds to give his views, which are strongly in 
 support of the position taken by the ecclesiastical authori- 
 ties, who refused Guibord burial in consecrated ground, 
 he having died while under the censure of the Roman 
 Catholic Church. The cause of that censure was his con- 
 nection with VInstitut Canadien, which has long been 
 under the ban of the church. This society contended 
 that no excommunication could deprive a citizen of the 
 civil right of burial, and his widow appealed to the courts 
 to compel the cure ofthe parish to give her husband sepul- 
 
LA LITTERATIRE AU CANADA FRAN'VAIS. 113 
 
 ture in consecrated ground. The author discusses the 
 whole question at length, including the right of the court 
 to interfere and coerce the ecclesiastical authorities. He 
 argues that canonical censure properly deprives the ac- 
 cused of any such rights. It is well to state here that 
 the Institute was condemned on account of its possessing 
 books on the Index; and an appeal to Rome on the 
 subject resulted in the confirmation of the censure and a 
 sentence of excommunication against all who continued 
 members of the Institute. Mr. Dunn, therefore, con- 
 cludes that its members, being fully aware of the judgment 
 passed upon them, could not complain of their deprival of 
 ecclesiastical rights, or privileges, if they remained dis- 
 obedient to the church. He also contends that the civil 
 law can not override the decrees of the church, especially 
 as to the right of burial ; thai the union between church 
 and state in Canada exists theoretically, as fully as under 
 French rule ; which means the supremacy of canonical de- 
 crees ; that the civil courts can not pronounce ^n matters 
 ecclesiastical; and that the excommunication of the 
 church deprived Guibord of certain civil rights, by 
 virtue of his loss of those ecclesiastical. 
 
 Notwithstanding the able arguments of Mr. Dunn, in 
 behalf of the case ri the church, the highest authority 
 in the realm decided against it, and Guibord was buried 
 in consecrated ground. 
 
 Z: Union des Catholiques. In 187 1, certain politicians 
 8 
 
114 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 adopted what was known as the Programme CatholiquCy 
 which many feared would affect the prestige of the clergy, 
 weaken the influence of the Catholic community and create 
 a split in the conservative party. This apprehension the 
 author shared, and in consequence, he thought it his duty 
 to give the warning in the treatise under review. The 
 counsel contained in it may have had some influence, for 
 subsequently the Programmistes disappeared from the 
 political horizon. The author says that properly 
 speaking, there is no nationality on this continent ; 
 we are simply composed of groups of different races 
 which have not yet amalgamated. Immigration has 
 thrown upon our shores " ready-made " citizens, with 
 ideas already formed, with national prejudices, reli- 
 gious animosities and peculiar habits and customs. 
 These widely different elements have lived amicably 
 together, for each is bent upon amassing wealth. The 
 contrast between the severe regimen of European 
 customs and laws and the enjoyment of untrammelled 
 libert have also co-operated towards this end. Immi- 
 gration has prevented that assimilation to a homogeneous 
 population, which would otherwise have been practicable. 
 These various races, although living peaceably together 
 and working unitedly for the public weal, still preserve 
 all their home traditions and original traits. The author 
 wishes that the Catholics ^vould follow this example ; but, 
 he regrets to add, that they are far from united. Isolated 
 
♦ 
 
 LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 115 
 
 and receiving no support from their co-religionists in the 
 United States, their preservation demands their organiza- 
 tion in a compact body. Politically speaking, to divide 
 the Catholics is to divide the conservative party. Mr. 
 Dunn points out that in our midst exists a dangerous 
 school, Canadian rationalism, against which it is well to 
 be warned. The French-Canadians, he says, have inherited 
 from iheir ancestors, the Normans and Bretons, a love of 
 litigation and a bickering disposition, and it is owing to 
 this national characteristic that dissension exists in their 
 ranks. Another cause is that Canadian Catholics, believ- 
 ing that they possess the sole truth, are inclined to be in- 
 tolerant of adverse opinions among themselves, a dangerous 
 fault aggravated, says the author, by politia^l difficulties. 
 One more evil is the confounding of Canadian with Euro- 
 pean politics, which often leads to misapprehension. The 
 title conservative in one country may not mean a conser- 
 vative in a wholly different one ; there is more con- 
 fusion however, in the use of the term liberal in France, 
 Canada and other countries. A Canadian liberal, as 
 regards his views on religious and moral questions, or 
 ecclesiastical rights, might stand shoulder to shoulder with 
 a French conservative. In France a liberal is a free 
 thinker, rebelliug against all religious authority ; but, in 
 Canada he may be an ultramontane. To avoid miscon- 
 ceptions with regard to foreign questions, parties, the 
 author says, should be classified as conservatives, radicals 
 
116 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 and liberals ; the latter appellation then would not be so 
 distasteful to Catholics. Other causes of disunion include 
 Gallicanism, real or imaginary. The clergy have never 
 attempted to form a national church, since the civil code 
 respects all its doctrines. Mr. Dunn foresees an anti- 
 clerical reaction not far off, and to meet it he advises his 
 co-religionists "/;/ necessariis unitas, in dubiis libertas, 
 in omnibus c/iaritas, and above all things to avoid bitter- 
 ness, for irritation is an evil counsello:." 
 
 Apres le combat : union des partis politiques dans la 
 Province de Quebec. This paper was indited after the 
 electoral contest of 1873, when the conservatives were 
 defeated and the ?.Iackenzie government came into power. 
 Mr. Dunn thinks that in this struggle the liberals were 
 aided by many conservatives, including not a few of their 
 journals, and that the liberals formed but a fraction of 
 the majority. To obtain their success the latter had 
 departed from their usual tactics and encouraged the 
 Catholic sentiment. The mass of the people, although 
 supporting the liberal chiefs, was still conservative. He, 
 therefore, concludes that the principles of liberalism were 
 not triumphant ; an anomaly, to be removed but by a 
 fusion of parties. The author then discusses the possi- 
 bility of such a fusion. He states that, as the national 
 party coalesced with the liberals and favored confederation 
 and independence, later, there is no essential difference 
 between them and the conservatives. Confederation hav- 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 117 
 
 ing created a new equilibrium of interest, race and reli- 
 gion, has considerably contracted the field of action, and 
 consequently liberalism is not the same as before 1867 ; 
 and the nationalists have not so far professed any radical 
 principles, so that the conservatives can not object to a 
 fusion with either of these parties ; for neither conserva- 
 tives nor Catholics have ever voted for divorce, or mixed 
 schools, and there is no vital question at issue between 
 them. Conservatives are in favor of confederation 
 and as an indispensible adjunct, the construction of the 
 Pacific Railway. The denomination of parties, at Ottawa, 
 should be national conservatives and radicals. Mr. Dunn 
 appeals to the Canadians to be united and thus avoid 
 being subject to constant menacing control. The author 
 claims that confederation was framed for this province 
 alone, all the others at the time being in favor of legisla- 
 tive union. Through the energy and perseverance of Sir 
 George Cartier, it was thus carried, ensuring to Quebec 
 its peculiar institutions. He adds, that the construction 
 of the Pacific Railroad is essential for the retention of 
 British Columbia and Manitoba in the confederation ; that 
 they would otherwise secede and become annexed to the 
 United States, which would break up the Dominion and 
 end in annexation, which he would infinitely regret. Mr. 
 Dunn also objects to Imperial Federation, as it would 
 leave Canadians without a country, or, at any rate, with 
 one that would not satisfy the aspirations of a people, 
 
118 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 predestined, sooner or later, to form an independent 
 nation. He draws a picture of what Canada would be, 
 if annexed to the neighboring republic, a mere state, with- 
 out a nationality, and its people scattered in all directions, 
 with their farms and houses in the hands of American 
 speculators and a different language, religion and customs 
 prevailing throughout the land. In this the author effec- 
 tively appeals to his countrymen to rally and unite their 
 forces for their national safety. 
 
 Then follow four papers on L Instruction Publique. 
 The first three have already been noticed in these reviews ; 
 the fourth is a Pitition au Minisire de rinstruction Pub- 
 iigue, in the form of a letter written, as it were, by an in- 
 habitant of St. Xiste, who implores, in the name of 
 humanity, assistance for a poor school teacher in that 
 parish, who is eking out a miserable existence upon a 
 mere pittance. The school-master is a young man of 
 thirty, a graduate of the Normal School, the father 
 of three children, possessing talents and enjoying the 
 esteem and confidence of the respectable people of the 
 locality, with a salary of three hundred dollars, to feed 
 and clothe himself and family. He is almost starving. 
 At one time, he nearly loses his situation ; for one who 
 could glibly read the Devoir du Chretien offered his ser- 
 vices as teacher for two hundred and fifty dollars. That 
 year the parish had suffered losses, and economy was 
 considered necessary and urged by the parishoners. This 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. HD 
 
 proposal was rejected by a majority of only one of the 
 school commissioners. The teacher is so provoked at 
 this indignity, that he threatens to leave, but is prevailed 
 upon by friends to remain. He again conscientiously 
 resumes his work of instructing the youth. On another 
 occasion, he applies for an increase of salary, and is saved 
 from dismissal but by the influence of the cure. Thus 
 he continues struggling, and, being unfitted for any other 
 work is withoi:t hope ; despondency takes possession of 
 him and his pupils are neglected, for he has lost heart. 
 " Will you not come to his aid. Monsieur le Minisire ? "' 
 piteously cries the petitioner : " He will surely die of 
 hunger, or be driven to desperation, if he be not aided by 
 Providence, or the government." The great value of the 
 services, rendered by that humble and unappreciated class 
 in our community, is ably set forth, and an appeal made 
 which should not be overlooked. The petitioner suggests 
 that every primary school teacher, receiving a salar>' of 
 three hundred dollars, or more, shall be paid an equal sum 
 from the provincial Treasury. I agree with Mr. Dunn 
 that it is indeed time that justice should be rendered so 
 deserving a class. Retrenchment may be the order of 
 the day, but it should not be practised at the expense 
 of those, whose hardships are a crying evil in a civilized 
 community like our own. 
 
 La Question Ajp'icoie. In this paper, Mr. Dunn taxes 
 the French- Canadian farmers with extravagance in living, 
 
120 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 in neglecting the system of rotation of crops and man- 
 uring the land. He further deplores the absence of 
 schools having proper agricultural instruction, and calls 
 upon the cures to recommend to their parishioners pru- 
 dence, frugality and moderation. He insists upon the 
 instruction of the rising generation in agriculture, which 
 will be simplified by the manual on that subject by Dr. 
 LaRue, which has been widely distributed in the country 
 parts. The author says, that the child should be taught 
 a catechism of agriculture similtaneously with religion. 
 In the province of Quebec this instruction is now obli- 
 gatory from which the best results may be expected. 
 
 La loi ^lectorale. In this paper, Mr. Dunn refers to 
 the more salient points and objections in the working of 
 this act. He assails the clause, requiring of members a 
 property qualification of the value of two thousand dol- 
 lars. In England it was considerably modified in 1838, 
 and totally abolished in 1858. The solid qualifications 
 of a member should be honesty and an interest in the 
 country. The author is of opinion that senators and 
 legislative councillors should be qualified by the posses- 
 sion of property, they being, in this country, where no 
 aristocracy exists, the representatives of the landed in- 
 terest ; n counterpoise and check to the elective chamber. 
 In reference to the vote by ballot, Mr. Dunn says, that it 
 will enable those, who receive money for their votes, to 
 record them against the briber, and those, who are in 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 121 
 
 fear, or in the power of another, to vote according to their 
 conscience. In England, this method has been successful, 
 while in the United States it has not failed, and in Nova 
 Scotia, after a short trial, it has been abandoned for ti.i 
 old system of open voting. The author quotes apj)rov- 
 ingly the late M. Prevost Paradol's recommendation, 
 that only those who write should enjoy the franchise, 
 which would prove an incentive to education. This was 
 advocated in 1840 by that educationalist reformer, the 
 late Mr. Perrault. Mr. Dunn devotes a short space to 
 compulsory education and its inevitable adoption in this 
 country. The propriety of granting the franchise to 
 educated people, to the members and students of the 
 learned professions and to employes and others, who are 
 in the receipt of four hundr^. j dollars a year and over, 
 is urged. The author believes the law against bribery 
 and corruption is not too strict and predicts that it will 
 be found efficient in securing purity of elections. On 
 the subject of the oath, he gives several instances of its 
 evasion, in reference to the receiving of bribes, such as 
 presents to the elector's wife, or children, or purchase from 
 him at extravagant rates. With respect to the word 
 "indirectly," in the oath, he pretends, that it is not gene- 
 rally understood in its full meaning, and is often 
 unhesitatingly taken by those, who have knowingly " in- 
 directly" received bribes, but who are unaware that this 
 is covered by the oath. Mr. Dunn's strictures on the 
 
122 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 act are well taken, but since his writing there have been 
 many amendments, which have improved the operation 
 of this law. 
 
 Charles Laberge. The subject of this short biography, 
 Mr. Dunn says, was one of the distinguished band of 
 liberals, who founded the Institiit Canadien. Prominent 
 in their ranks was this gentleman, who was bom in 
 Montreal, 20th October, 1827, and educated at St. Hya- 
 cinthe College; on leaving which, he was crowned by 
 the Hon. L, J. Papineau, the then Speaker of the House 
 of Assembly, for oratory. He was admitted to the bar in 
 1848. In 1852, he left Montreal and settled at St. Jean 
 d' Iberville, where he soon formed a large clientele. Mr. 
 Dunn says, that he was the most brilliant contributor to 
 L'Avenir, among many of the best writers in Canada. He 
 was elected to the Legislative Assembly in 1854, as mem- 
 ber for the county of Iberville, and took first rank in the 
 group, of which M. Dorion was chief, who were known as 
 La pleiade rouge, M. Laberge entered the Brown-Dorion 
 administration as Solicitor-General, and, upon its fall, after 
 an existence of but forty-eight hours, he retired from 
 public life and devoted himself to the practice of the law. 
 In 1863, he was appointed judge ad hoc to replace Mr. 
 Justice Bruneau ; but when the conservatives returned to 
 power, he was not continued in this position. Besides 
 his writings in LAvenir^ he occasionally contributed to 
 the Franco- Canadien and also to L'Ordre, in which latter 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 123 
 
 paper, he published several remarkable communications 
 over the signature Liberal mais Catholique. As a wnter, 
 he was eloquent, correct and even dignified ; he also fre- 
 quently indulged in verse. Mr. Dunn pays a high tribute 
 to his religious and charitable character, and in an en- 
 thusiastic manner eulogizes his many and great abilities. 
 
 VHon. A. A. Dorion. Mr. Dunn gives a pithy sketch 
 of this gentleman and his political career, in language at 
 times severe and sarcastic. In fact he is far from being 
 an admirer of M. Dorion's public life. This gentleman 
 was bom on the 17th January, 1818, at Ste. Anne de la 
 Perade, was educated at Nicolet and admitted to the bar 
 in 1842. At this time, he sympathised with M. Papineau 
 in his opposition to the union between Upper and Lower 
 Canada, and was among the irreconcilable youths of that 
 period. The revolution of 1848, in France, suggested to 
 him the founding of a republic in this country, and in 
 1849, he published a manifesto to that end. With Papin 
 and Daoust, he belonged to iht Club national (fjmocratique. 
 Unlike others of the party, he was not violent, nor given 
 to exaggerated language, but on the contrary, calm and 
 polite. He was elected to the House of Assembly for 
 Montreal, in 1854, and was immediately recognized as the 
 chief of the liberal party ; but the author states that this 
 distinction was due more to his personal dignity, courtesy 
 and his persevering labor, than to his intellectual superi- 
 ority over Laberge and Papin. The author deems it best 
 
124 LITERARY SHEAV^ES, OR 
 
 to ignore his political career, his anti-Catholic votes, his 
 project of annual parliaments and his proposal to make 
 justices of the peace elective. In 1857, he refused to form 
 a part of the conservative administration under Cartier, 
 and in the following year was the chief of the short-lived 
 Brown-Dorion cabinet. In 1861, he was defeated in 
 Montreal by Cartier, and in 1862, he accepted a portfolio 
 in the Macdonald-Sicotte ministry. Six months later, 
 di'st-nting from his colleagues, nominally on the Inter- 
 colonial Railway question, he resigned. He subsequently 
 became a member of the Macdonald-Dorion government, 
 which was defeated in 1064. The author says, that the 
 only important act of his political life was the appointment 
 of M. Sicotte as judge, and that his public career was a 
 failure. He did not carry the fire and energy, which charac- 
 terized his pleadings at the Bar, into the House, and on its 
 floor he was tame and timid. The people looked to him 
 for new departures in politics and the inauguration of 
 brilliant policies, but were disappointed. From the incep- 
 tion of Confederation, he has been the bitter opponent of 
 the conservative party, and on the accession to power of 
 the Liberals, he accepted ofiice under the Mackenzie 
 government, but retired from it, upon receiving the chief 
 justiceship of the Superior Court. Mr. Dunn says he was 
 a leader at the bar, but not in the House, and that as a 
 judge he will be an honor to the bench. 
 
 Lucien Turcot te. This is a graceful tribute to a de- 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANl^AIS. 125 
 
 parted friend who, the author says, was as dear to him 
 as a brother, and that their friendship was cemented 
 during a period of mutual intercourse in Paris. His grief 
 at M. Turcotte's death was rendered the more poignant, 
 inasmuch as he was deprived, through unavoidable cir- 
 cumstances, of the melancholy satisfaction of tending his 
 friend in his dying moments and hearing his parting words. 
 
 Lucien Turcotte was the third son of the late Hon. J. 
 E. Turcotte, and at the same time his pupil, for it was 
 from his father that he learnt, with infantile lips, the first 
 lessons in the art of rhetoric, in which he afterwards so 
 excelled. He was sent to Paris by the Laval University 
 to complete his legal studies and on his return from 
 Quebec, was appointed a professor at law in that institu- 
 tion. The author enthusiastically testifies to his abilities 
 as a speaker and a writer, to his loving and sympathetic 
 nature, and to his deeply religious and virtuous character. 
 He died 12th January, 1874. These affecting pages are 
 worthy of the author and his subject. 
 
 A propos du '''■Patois Canadien" This paper is on a 
 theme to which Mr. Dunn has devoted much thought and 
 research. He first remarks upon the very general ignor- 
 ance, in France, respecting Canada, on the part of, in 
 other respects, well informed men, travelers who have 
 written miserable accounts of pretended experiences in 
 this country. He denies the existence of a Canadian 
 patois. He admits, however, that in the lower St. Law- 
 
126 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 rence the habitants mispronounce the r, and give the 
 sound of d and / followed by / as if there was a z between 
 them ; for instance dire is pro> meed dzire^ and partir^ 
 partzir. It is more the intonation that is at fault ; in fact, 
 the French spoken here is purer than that of the French 
 peasant. The author, however, thinks the misfortune is, 
 that his countrymen have not had the advantage of real 
 French conversation, and, being mostly engaged in business 
 and constantly obliged to speak English, fall into the 
 habit of using the idioms of that language, not only in 
 conversation, but in writing. Canadian journalism has 
 been accused of being too much given to ideal speculation 
 and theological discussions. Mr. Dunn, while asserting 
 that the material progress of the country has not been ne- 
 glected by its writers, does not endeavor to refute this 
 accusation ; but on the contrary, rather glories in the im- 
 putation, that, on a continent where every knee bends to 
 the "almighty dollar" and where hard realities alone are 
 appreciated, the French-Canadian press devotes some of 
 its energies and abilities to che discussion of religious 
 and philosophical subjects. It is a misfortune, he says, 
 that here there is an utter absence of true criticism. 
 Judgments are pronounced upon personal, or party con- 
 siderations and not with regard to intrinsic merits, or faults. 
 He concludes this well-penned article by quoting Paul- 
 Louis-Courier, who says : " In France, there are five or 
 six who know Greek, and fewer who know French ; ' the 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 127 
 
 author adds, — and in Canada ! well, let us be satisfied that 
 we do not speak z. patois ^ In strict trftth Mr. Dunn could 
 have affimied that there are not more than five or six in 
 Canada, who write French correctly ; for but few have 
 captured this fair and coy maiden and become her master. 
 Mr. Dunn has just rendered an important service to 
 Canadian literature by the publication of a clear, methodi- 
 cal and etymological work, entitled Glossaire Franco- 
 Canadien. It is evidently his aim, not only to show the 
 historical development of the French language in this 
 country, but even those irregularities and licenses (locu- 
 tions vicieuses) indulged in by men, who pretend to be 
 guides and controllers of modern style in literature. 
 Mr. Dunn's guiding star is the preservation of the genius 
 of la latigue Gauloise, and such a transparent reflection of 
 French thought and research, as will command the re- 
 spect and improve the mind of every admirer of that 
 literature. 
 
 The results of the introduction into our schools of 
 Mr. Dunn's Manuel de dessin industriel, has been gratify- 
 ing. In 1876, before they were in use, there were less 
 than four hundred pupils taking lessons in linear drawing, 
 but last year the number had increased to fifty thousand. 
 These Manuels, with their accompanying series of geo- 
 graphical charts, are composed after the method of Walter 
 Smith's system. 
 
 Mr. Dunn's qualities as a writer are clearness, precision 
 
128 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 and purity of language. Kindly feeling animates his 
 compositions, which attract attention by certain pleasing 
 peculiarities. He has, moreover, the power of rendering 
 abstruse subjects attractive, in particular those he prefers, 
 by judiciously seasoning them with Gallic salt. In the 
 Petition an Ministre de rinstruction Publiqne^ he is 
 eloquent, touching and persuasive. The author has 
 somewhat adopted the style of the famous Lett res d'un 
 Vigneron^ by Paul-Louis-Courier, not unworthy of his 
 model. From beginning to end, it is in the same affecting 
 strain. To succeed in such a delineation of real hard- 
 ship, a writer must be both sympathetic and forcible. 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 129 
 
 ARTHUR BUIES. 
 
 The name of Mr. Buies is well known to the reading 
 community of this province. All admit that he is one of 
 our most sparkling writers. His style is animated and 
 happy, irradiated throughout by flashes of wit and humor. 
 He has been called, by those who simply look upon the 
 spicy side of character, the Henri Rochefort of Canada. 
 Liberal in spirit and delighting in the literature of his 
 country he has done his best to give practical evidence of 
 these feelings and to increase its valuable store. To him, 
 Mr. Hector Fabre and Carle-Tom (Mr. Gelinas) must be 
 accorded the honorof being the only eminent c/ironiq'ueurs 
 in the French language, of whom Canada can boast. 
 
 Ze Saguenay et la ValUe du Lac St. Jean, by that 
 gentleman has been published at an opportune moment, 
 when the attention of all in the p ovince of Quebec is 
 directed towards this territory, which undoubtedly will be 
 the future abode of many thousands of our countrymen. 
 
 Of this book, he, in his preface, expresses himself as 
 
 follows : " We now present to the reader a work which 
 
 shows its own fruit, the compiling of which has rendered 
 
 it dear to us, — which we have tasted and loved, according 
 
 as it imposed upon us fresh labors and its importance 
 9 
 
130 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 . grew before our eyes, — a work, in fine, which we hope 
 
 will benefit all who carefully study it and seek in it fidelity 
 
 as to facts as well as descriptions, and a jealous care to 
 
 . neglect nothing that may answer in advance all enquiries 
 
 which may be suggested to the mmd." 
 
 In the beginning, Mr. Buies refers to the recent opening 
 up of this too long unknown country, through which 
 their burning zeal, when the greater part of America was 
 still undiscovered, had led the pious and fervent mission- 
 aries of the olden time to face all difficulties and to tempt 
 hidden dangers in order to make known the Christian 
 faith to the savages of the forest. The love of adventure 
 had drawn the plucky coureurs de bois also away from 
 civilization into those mysterious regions. A well merited 
 compliment is paid these zealous missionaries by the 
 author in the succeeding lines : " Let us not forget them 
 above all, these soldier apostles, who everywhere sought 
 the most obscure retreats to offer up their lives. Let us 
 not forget that their incessant labors, their extensive mis- 
 sions, recounted by them with a humility as great as their 
 devotion, form the most complete history of an epoch, 
 wherein courage, patience and a spirit of self-sacrifice were 
 carried, as it were, beyond human endurance, and seemed 
 as a daily repeated miracle in the precarious existence of 
 our poor colony." 
 
 Mr. fiuies gives details, referring to the different lo- 
 calities, in a comprehensive manner, as also a geo- 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 131 
 
 graphical description of the former and present districts 
 of the Saguenay, furnishing the names, positions and 
 boundanes of the different townships. i..s description 
 of the river Saguenay itself and its lofty and imposing 
 rocky outlet, capes Eternity and Trinity, are an excellent 
 specimen of word-painting. He gives a faithful and 
 poetic idea of the famous echoes of the locality, so much 
 admired by tourists and lovers of nature. Grande Baie, 
 or Ha ! Ha ! Bay, he looks upon as the future commer- 
 cial centre of the territory, and it will doubtless become 
 so. Twenty- five rivers fall into the Saguenay, twelve of 
 which are na\ngable by canoes, and two or three by vessels 
 of small dimensions ; some of these are famous as s.\lmon 
 rivers, among which may be mentioned the Sainte-Mar- 
 guerite. 
 
 In 1828, when an official exploration of the country 
 was made, Tadoussac contained not a dozen buildings. 
 Mr. Buies gives its history from 1640, then under the 
 Jesuit missionaries, supplying the names of the different 
 fathers and priests, thence to 1863. In 1837, was formed 
 a company of French-Canadians, to manufacture lumber 
 in the Saguenay country, and, in the following season, a 
 colony settled there and built saw-mills, selling the deals 
 to the late Hon. Mr. Wm. Price. The latter eventually 
 became proprietor of the whole establishment, which was 
 greatly enlarge jy him and his sons. A short sketch is 
 given of the life and doings of a singular character, a 
 
132 • LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 Scotch half-breed, Peter McLeod, who was at the same 
 time, " as brave as a h*on and gentle as a child." From 
 church registers and census returns, Mr. Buies demon- 
 strates the advancement of the country, especially of the 
 townships of Chicoutimi, Saint Dominique, de Joachim, 
 Normandin, Le Haut Saguenay, Labarre and Lake St. 
 John, and the parishes south and west of that lake. Next 
 follows a chapter, descriptive of the great tributaries of 
 Lake St. John, among which he mentions Chamouchouane, 
 Mistassini and Peribouca. 
 
 , Chapter XII is very interesting and is devoted to the 
 scenery and physical character of the Saguenay. It pos- 
 sesses not only a general, but a scientific interest ; the 
 geology, atmospheric effects, climatic influences, its fauna 
 and flora being fully and attractively treated, and every 
 natural object, worthy of attention, adequately depicted. 
 The author advances the theory that at one time a great cat- 
 aclysm rent and deluged the Saguenay region ; mountains 
 were cleft, torrents raged, vast rivers disappeared and new 
 streams burst over virgin courses ; the whole face of 
 nature was violently changed, leaving the extraordinary 
 features which this romantic district now presents. The 
 exposition of this not improbable theory, calls forth a dis- 
 play of descriptive power which every man of sentiment 
 and lover of nature must cordially admire. 
 
 In reference to the road between Quebec and Lake St. 
 John, Mr. Buies tells us that it can be traversed, in winter, 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 133 
 
 in a few days, but much remains to be done to render it 
 practicable in summer. Important statistical information 
 respecting public instruction throughout the rural parishes 
 and municipalities is offered the reader. 
 
 A chapter on the railroad to Lake St. John relates the 
 history of the enterprise to the present date, including the 
 bill, presented by E. Beaudet, Esq., the energetic mem- 
 ber for Chicoutimi, at the last session of the local legisla- 
 ture, the passage of which assured the success of the road. 
 
 This useful and important volume, which is illustrated 
 with charming artotypes of the most important 
 locahties, closes with the history of the St. Lawrence Tow- 
 boat company, and its large traffic with the oaguenay 
 district. 
 
 The character of this book is of the practical kind, 
 being mainly, as I have already stated, a record of his- 
 torical, statistical and topographical facts, which may not 
 be as attractive to the general reader as others of the 
 author's works, such as his Chroniques ; yet, its value to 
 the historian and the friend of colonization can not be 
 over valued. He has noted the phenomena of the great 
 wave of immigration and acquainted the reader with the 
 toils, hardships and successes of settlers. The life and 
 general social experience of this class have been well de- 
 scribed ; Mr. Buies' relations and comments being marked 
 by a sympathetic spirit, highly appreciative and credit- 
 able. 
 
134 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 Few will gainsay the fact that Mr. Buies is one of our 
 purest and most elegant writers in the French language, 
 and that his diction is of the choicest. He does not, 
 however, sustain this purity and elegance throughout all 
 his works, and this laissez aller is not by any means con- 
 fined to him, as has been frequently noticed in these 
 reviews. Plis best compositions are certainly found in 
 his earlier Chroniques, several of which are classical in 
 style and original. A vein of satire runs through the 
 best pages of his compositions, rendering their perusal 
 entertaining and amusing. 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;:AIS. 135 
 
 JOSEPH MARMETTE. 
 
 The historical and romantic incidents of early Cana- 
 dian life, the traditions of the dim but interesting past, 
 have ever formed an attractive mine to the patriotic and 
 antiquarian writer. There is nothing in recent events — 
 the ordinary experience of a prosaic, practical age — to 
 rival in charm and pathos the far-off experiences and 
 scenes, religious and sentimental dreams, the struggles 
 often too tragic, the hopes, toils and fears of the bold, ad- 
 venturous men, who laid on the solid old rocks of the 
 Lauren tian Hills and plains the stable foundations of La 
 Nouvelle France^ the present great province of Quebec. 
 Few French-Canadian prose-writers have sketched with 
 more felicitous pen those remote events and scenes, 
 which inspire at this day even foreign writers, than Mr. 
 Marmette, the author of Hiroisme et Trahison. In this 
 volume, the writer has been happy in the choice and 
 treatment of his subject. 
 
 Under the first heading, Heroisme^ he describes the 
 chivalrous defence of Fort Vercheres, by Mile, de Ver- 
 chdres, on the 22nd October, 1692, against a band of 
 forty-five Indians, she having no other protection than 
 her two brothers, under 1 2 years of age, one servant, two 
 
136 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 cowardly soldiers, an old man of eighty and some 
 women and children, who, in their terror, embarrassed 
 her with their screams and lamentations. With a sublime 
 courage, equal to that of Jeanne d'Arc, she simulated 
 with a like skill a state of preparation and confidence, 
 which fortunatei) prevented any serious attack, till assist- 
 ance arrived from Montreal. She is well described, not 
 only as acting with extraordinary heroism within the 
 little fort, but, though under fire of the enemy, as thrice 
 making sorties ; once to warn a party arriving in a boat 
 by the river, again to secure some clothing, and once 
 more for the protection of cattle in danger of falling into 
 the hands of her vigilant foes. The act of this young 
 girl, of barely fourteen years of age, whose splendid 
 courage and fortitude have been fully recognized by even 
 foreign authors (Parkman included), effectually checked 
 the Iroquois, who on every occasion of success became 
 emboldened and destructively aggressive. Mr. Marmette 
 appends at the end of his book the memoir addressed by 
 Mile, de Ver^.heres to his Majesty Louis XV., preserving 
 all the peculiarities of style and composition of the orig- 
 inal manuscript. 
 
 The author next relates some incidents which occurred 
 at Quebec between 1755 and 1759, under the caption of 
 Traitres et Braves. These are taken from his historical 
 novel L' Intendant Bigot ^ the most popular and certainly 
 the most dramatic of his four works. In the year 1755 a 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 137 
 
 grievous famine raged, sweeping off large numbers of the 
 poor, whilst the unscrupulous Bigot and his satellites were 
 rioting in shameless profligacy. It is midnight of Christ- 
 mas, when an old officer, M. de la Rochebrune, pinched 
 with cold and hunger to the last degree, resolved to pawn 
 his St. Louis cross of gold at the Intendant's palace stores. 
 On the way thither, the officer and his young daughter, a 
 lovely girl of fourteen are startled at the blaze of light 
 illuminating the palace windows, during one of the In- 
 tendant's festivals. The pleasures of the evening are 
 suddenly interrupted and shaded by the entry of the aged, 
 suffering M. de la Rochebrune and his wan-visaged, but 
 beautiful daughter. Words of galling truth are addressed 
 to Bigot before his painted courtezans and his other de- 
 praved attendants, whose hearts are too hard and whose 
 consciences too seared to be touched by either misery, or 
 reproof; and the ruffian varlets eject both father and 
 daughter to the furies of the midnight blast. The ball 
 ended, Bigot leads Mme. de Pean to her vehicle, when 
 she stumbles over an object which, when torches are 
 brought, is found to be the corpse of the suppliant rebuker 
 of a few hours previous, alongside ot which lies the uncon- 
 scious form of his daughter, half buried in the drifting 
 snow. " Mon Dieu,'' exclaims Mme. de Pean, "y<? ne 
 dormirai pas de la nuit, c'est bien sur." This tragic event 
 is narrated with thrilling effect, in the author's best style. 
 Chapter II. graphically describes a conflict between 
 
138 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 the French and Indians, and outposts of Wolfe's army, 
 before the battle of Beauport, the sacking and burning by 
 the British of the villages on the north and south shores of 
 the St. Lawrence and the Island of Orleans. Next is given 
 the disclosures of a plot of Bigot's and his two associates, 
 de Vergor and Soumois, to deliver Quebec into the hands 
 of the English, to secure which they communicate with 
 Wolfe and promise him an easy ascent to the Plains of 
 Abraham. It is true that Bigot's character was vileness 
 and wickedness itself, but it is doubtful if it be laden 
 with the weight of this treachery, which may be assumed, 
 of course, by the novelist for dramatic purposes. He was, 
 doubtless, equal to such a crime, but the high character of 
 Wolfe would probably form an insuperable barrier to its 
 perpetration. An account of the battle of the Plains is 
 written in a spirited manner. The author has here also 
 taken the novelist's licence in reference to the number of 
 combatants engaged, giving the majority to the English, 
 whilst the official statement proves the contrary; he 
 further makes out the battle to have been long contested, 
 whereas it is generally admitted that but a few minutes 
 elapsed from the first encounter when the French ranks 
 broke and fled. The concluding chapter is devoted to 
 the punishment of the wretched Bigot and his accomplices. 
 This little book forms a creditable contribution to Can- 
 adian literature, of which its author may be proud. 
 
 Le Tomahawk et LEpee^ also by Mr. Marraette, is a 
 
LA LITTtRATURE AU CANADA FRANC^AIS. 139 
 
 series of historical anecdotes, taken from two of his works, 
 Le Chevalier de Mornac, published in 1873, and Franfois 
 de Bienville^ in 1870. In this volume he treats principally 
 of the hostilities and their savage character between the 
 French and the Iroquois, previous to the arrival of the 
 famous Carignan regiment in 1665. In Le Chevalier de 
 Momac, he has succeeded in typifying the gentilhomme 
 gascon, daring, courageous, and poor, but generous to a 
 fault. The first incident has for subject, La dispersion 
 des Hurons. It is supposed to be related in 1664, in the 
 house of Mme. Guillot at St. Thomas, Quebec, by Renard 
 Noir, a Huron chief, to the hostess, Mile Richecourt, 
 and her cousin, le Chevalier de Momac. The sky was 
 radiant with the aurora borealis, an account of which is 
 given, and also of the terrible earthquakes of the year 
 previous, recorded in Les Relations des Jisuites, which 
 were preceded by the same resplendent phenomena. 
 Renard Noir relates that he had joined Champlain when 
 a young chief, and had learned from him, not only the 
 art of war, but various useful accomplishments, and had 
 been converted to Christianity. He tells how he and 
 several others of his tribe were, when near Three Rivers, 
 attacked by their enemies, the Iroquois, whom they de- 
 feated after a severe struggle. On the return to the 
 village to reap the reward of victory, they were met by an 
 old man, an inhabitant of it, who transformed their delight 
 into utter wretchedness by the announcement that their 
 
140 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 village had been assailed by another Iroquois party, and 
 all their squaws, children, and old men massacred, or cap- 
 tured. Renard Noir also narrates with touching pathos 
 the annihilation, almost, of his tribe at Fort St. Louis, and 
 its dispersion later, throughout the length and breadth of 
 the land. The Indian paints his scenes in the quaint, 
 expressive language of his race, which heightens the dra- 
 matic effect of the narrative. 
 
 On the 30th June, 1665, the Marquis de Tiacey arrived 
 at Quebec as Viceroy of New France, to the great satis- 
 faction and amid the rejoicings of the inhabitants, for 
 several companies (some historians say twenty-four, I 
 believe) ot the expected Carignan regiment had arrived. 
 Mr. Mamiette's descriptive talents do justice to the grand 
 display of feudal pomp and dignity, which marked the 
 progress of the Marquis and his cortege from the land- 
 ing to the Chateau St. Louis. Four companies of the 
 Carignan regiment were immediately despatched up the St. 
 Lawrence to build forts on the River Richelieu and else- 
 where, to prevent the depredations of the Iroquois. When 
 the Richelieu fort was about completed, a midnight attack 
 was made upon it by Gr iff e d' Ours and his band, who 
 were repulsed, and himself taken a prisoner. Notwith- 
 standing the request of the commanding officer, the In- 
 dians, friendly to the French, proce*^ Jed to torture Griffe 
 d'Ours in the most ingeniously cruel manner. Among 
 the most eager for this inhuman abuse of power was 
 
LA LITTtRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 141 
 
 Renard Noir, whose squaw, in the attack upon the 
 village, Griffe d' Ours had murdered and scalped. At 
 this moment Renard Noir is in a dying condition from 
 wounds received during the attempt upon the fort, but, 
 still bent upon revenge, crawls towards Griffe d' Ours ^ and 
 by a superhuman effort gathers sufficient strength to scalp 
 his enemy, and then falls back exhausted. The to uring 
 of Griffe d'Ours now begins in earnest j they cut out pieces 
 of his flesh and apply red hot coals to his wounds, whilst 
 their victim smiles derisively and goads them on by re- 
 minding them, how much better he had succeeded in 
 similar cruelties practiced upon their people. He is tied 
 to a post and the funeral pile set fire to ; the binding 
 cords are burnt and Griffe d' Ours falls into the flames, 
 but suddenly rises with a firebrand in each hand and hurls 
 them in the midst of his enemies. A struggle follows and 
 he is overpowered ; they cut. off" his feet and hands and 
 pitch his trunk back into the flames. For an instant he 
 does not move : — " Mais tout a coup^ o horreur ! ott vit 
 ce corps muiiU^ dichirt^ bruU^ s'agiter encore, se rouler sur 
 lui-meme et se soulei>er a demi sur cts tisons ardents, et 
 Id^ montrant a nu son crane sanglant^ ses membres in- 
 crustes de cendres chaudes et de charbons ardents qui 
 sifflaient au contact du sang, il se traina dans les flammes 
 et cracha une derniere insulte d ses bourreaux interdits" 
 The enactment of this frightful scene is similar to one 
 witnessed by Pere Jerome Lalemant. It is one of the 
 
142 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 most revolting incidents of the Indian warfare of that time, 
 and affords the author a well used opportunity for the 
 display of his descriptive powers, and is depicted in a 
 manner painfully graphic. 
 
 The first novel Mr. Marmette published was Franfois 
 de Bienville^ which established his reputation as a con- 
 scientious and faithful portrayer of the social customs and 
 habits of La Nouve/le France of the seventeenth century. 
 It abounds in true and careful descriptions of Quebec of 
 that day, and of the trials of the people of the period. 
 The love passages of the novel, which are treated with 
 delicacy of feeling, relieve the narration of the tragical 
 events of the historical drama. 
 
 In LEpee there is an account of the second siege 
 of Quebec and other tableaux historiques, extracted from 
 the above novel. It opens with the arrival at the capital of 
 the Count de Frontenac, the then Governor. The author 
 gives particulars of a bill of fare of those days in the Cha- 
 teau St. Louis, and the nature of the different dishes served. 
 Phipps had destroyed Port Royal on his way to Quebec, 
 and he now imperiously summons the Count to surrender 
 the city. It is graphically told how the messenger was 
 received, blindfolded, and deceived as to the state of the 
 stronghold, and the haughty reply of the Governor : " I 
 will answer your general only by the mouths of my can- 
 non, that he may learn that a man like me is not to be 
 summoned after this fashion. Let him do his best and I 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 143 
 
 will do mine." The exchange of cannonades, the capture 
 of an English flag by two Canadians, named D'Orsy 
 Bienville and Clermont, and the bombardment, are all 
 cleverly witten, as also the defeat of the English at 
 Beauport. Phipp= is at last compelled to raise the siege 
 and sail for Boston. A few hours after his departure, 
 he had the misfortune of losing several vessels, com- 
 pleting his discomfiture and humiliation. 
 
 La Mori d'un Brave relates the surrounding by a body 
 of Canadians under Francois de Bienville, v/ho was second 
 in command to de Vaudreuil, at Repentigny, of a band of 
 Iroquo'i, who had taken refuge in a house. The latter 
 have the advantage of cover, and the assailants decide 
 to storm the building, in which was the chief Z><f/// de 
 Loup^ the ennemi acharne of Bras defer^ who was among 
 the attacking party. Bienville, the fearless, with axe in 
 hand, rushes to the door to break it open ; but Dent de 
 Loup from the cellar shoots him down, and he is borne to 
 shelter by Bras de fer. As he peacefully passes away, 
 giving advice to his brother and sending farewell messages 
 to his mother, the fierce howls and death song of the j)er- 
 ishing Iroquois are heard from the burning house, amid 
 the crackling of the flames and the fall of its timbers. 
 
 Les Macchabies de la Nouvelle France is dedicated by 
 Mr. Marmette to his father, a well educated and noble- 
 hearted physician, residing at St. Thomas, Quebec. This 
 is a purely historical study of an important period in the 
 
144 LITERARY SHRAVES, OR 
 
 annals of this country, and relates the history of the 
 Canadian family Le Moyne, from 1641 to 1763. Charles 
 Le Moyne, for several encounters with the Indians and 
 their defeat, and for successful peace negotiations, received 
 from the Crown \kitfief de Longueuii, opposite Montreal, 
 besides large money grants. The Hudson Bay expedition 
 of d' Iberville and de Sevigny was crowned with success, 
 reaping high honors for the daring brothers ; while de 
 Maricourt proved victorious in many skirmishes with the 
 Iroquois in and around Montreal. Again, de Maricourt 
 and d' Iberville's campaigns in Newfoundland were a series 
 of brilliant achievem.ents, and d'Iberville carried terror to 
 the English in the far-off settlements of Hudson Bay. 
 The latter was also one of the discoverers of the mouths 
 of the Mississippi, and made valuable researches in that 
 then unknown region. De Sevigny had the honor of 
 driving the Spanish from Florida, whilst de Bienville 
 founded New Orleans. The above are a few of the im- 
 portant services rendered by this valiant family, not only 
 to France, but to the world. On the ocean and in the 
 pathless forest, these brave men were equally at home, 
 achieving success and crowning themselves with glory ; 
 some of them dying in the hour of victory and the heyday 
 of life, whilst others reached a ripe old age, laden with 
 honors and renown. The author had good scope for 
 description in the voyages of his heroes from the glacial 
 borders of Hudson Bay to the sunny shores of the Gulf of 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 145 
 
 Mexico, and he made capital use of his opportunities. 
 This family was deserving of having their deeds recorded 
 in the world's history, and Mr. Marmette's able sketch will 
 materially assist in spreading their fame. 
 
 Two of the novels above referred to, Francois de 
 Bienville and Le Chevalier de Mornac have been urama- 
 tized and placed upon our Quebec boards on several 
 occasions before delighted and enthusiastic audiences. 
 Last winter he composed a comedy based upon social 
 episodes entitled : " // nefaut disespirer de rien" which 
 was also a decided success, and critics on that occasion 
 spoke of it in the highest terms. Mr. Marmette is pre- 
 sently engaged in writing a work treating of our social 
 traits, peculiarities and customs, " A travers la vie;'' the 
 first chapter of which appeared in a new review, " La 
 Nouvelle France" under the able management of Mr. 
 Jacques Auger, which promises to be the most important 
 in the French language in the country. Judging by this 
 first instalment, I would say that it will be Mr. Marmette's 
 master-piece. 
 
 This author's works maintain their interest through- 
 out. He recalls the distant past by a vivid imagination, 
 appearing as an actor himself in the stormy scenes, by the 
 force of his sympathy and word-painting. One enjoys, in 
 his writings, not only the pleasures of romance, but the 
 valuable information of history. The old Canadians re- 
 vive under his pen and appear to us in their quaint, homely 
 10 
 
146 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 costumes, their simple, social, and gallant characters, and 
 interesting habits and customs. His stories, in their sub- 
 jects, style and spirit, breathe the odour of chivalry, 
 while the reader can fancy himself within the sound of 
 martial music and the clash of hostile arms. The adven- 
 tures of the old coureurs des bois are vividly told, the 
 descriptions of Canadian scenery by flood and field, of 
 dangers heroically faced, of heart-rending scenes evince 
 lively powers of fancy and delineation, forcibly proving 
 that the author has made his native land, its history and 
 characteristics his favorite study. 
 
 Mr. Marmette perhaps makes too free use of adjectives, 
 but this is a fault that few authors have avoided in their 
 earlier literary efforts. However, it is but just to add that 
 in his later publications, which I have read, I have noticed 
 a great improvement in this and in a few other details. In 
 dialogue, the stumbling block of so many writers, he excels ; 
 and in other respects he is deserving of high encomium. 
 
LA LITTtRATTRE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 147 
 
 NAPOLfeON LEGENDRE. 
 
 A mes En/ants, by this gentleman, are short tales, 
 whose object is to elevate the youthful, by instilling into 
 them pure and good thoughts, and show a knowledge of 
 the heart and a power of interest particularly befitting his 
 purpose. Generous and noble actions are presented in 
 an attractive guise that cannot fail to please. 
 
 One story, L'Encan, a sale by authority of justice, is a 
 tale of misery, the like of which is too often witnessed. 
 It is worthy of reproduction and of occupying a con- 
 spicuous place in Le Magazin de V Education d'Hetzel 
 de Paris, which is the ne plus ultra of such periodicals. 
 Interspersed with the narratives are short poems, which 
 might be called hymns, and are worthy of being attentively 
 read. Few books are better calculated to warn children 
 against evil and encourage them to good than this ; its 
 spirit, even in warning, being kindly, cheering and per- 
 suasive. Mr. Legendre does not pretend to paint model 
 children, who, he says, and with truth, are generally 
 failures. He depicts the characteristic idiosyncrasies and 
 precocities of children, which appear in them so interesting 
 and captivating, and often verify the old adage, " the child 
 is father to the man." 
 
 In Le collier bleu de Mariette, the author brings to 
 
148 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 light a hidden fault in a young child, who was really not 
 given to its commission and she is rebuked for it, but 
 methinks the remedy was severe and the punishment too 
 humiliating. In fact there is also a stain of duplicity in 
 the apparently effusive behavior of the parents which was 
 to end in cruel exposure, but doubtless the author believes 
 in the old axiom, " aux grands maux les grands remedes'* 
 Mr. Legendre is certainly an accurate writer and par 
 excellence the narrator of children's stories. There are 
 passages in this little book that must set vibrating in the 
 soul of every parent sympathetic chords, and in every 
 child a spirit of emulation. Mr. Legendre is also a poet 
 and has written charming effusions, more graceful however 
 than forcible. One of his pieces has pleased me greatly, 
 a poetic rendering of the Lord's prayer, entitled Le soiry 
 which is admirable and will find a prominent and lasting 
 place in our literature. 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;AIS. 149 
 
 BENJAMIN SULTE. 
 
 Au coin diifeu^ by this author, is a very readable work 
 of history and fancy. The first sketch describes the 
 Pilissier cavern, in the township of Wakefield, county of 
 Ottawa, in the Laurentian range, which contains six or 
 seven rude caverns or grottoes ; there are twenty-two or 
 twenty-three in other parts of the country. The Pelissier^ 
 named after its discoverer, is the most wonderful, extend- 
 ing six hundred feet into the bowels of the earth, with a 
 descent of one hundred and fifty feet. The grottoes are 
 as white as snow and resemble polished marble, with grey 
 corridors, black walls and drab alcoves; presenting a 
 perfect combination of colors. In other parts are visible 
 white quartz and ferruginous stones, which brilliantly scin- 
 tillate in torch-light. No vestige of vegetation, not even 
 moss, is to be seen in these arid chambers. At the further 
 end, by a ladder, a lower story or chamber is reached, 
 containing a rock-imitation of a seat, on which sat Lady 
 Dufferin during a visit she made to this weird region. 
 The cavern is supposed to have formed a portion of the 
 channel or outlet of a lake in the immediate neighborhood, 
 and many believe there is a subterranean one beneath. 
 
 Une Chasse d I 'ours and Le LoupGarou, are sketches 
 of bush life, evidently by an experienced bush-ranger. 
 
150 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 The bear and loup-garou appear only in fancy to draw out 
 the author's humor. 
 
 The historical papers, Jean Nicolet and Iroquois et 
 Aigonquins, evince much research. The first in render- 
 ing justice to one of the most intrepid pioneers and 
 travelers, and the second in tracing the tangled historical 
 shreds of the two Indian nations more immediately con- 
 nected with Canada. The latter especially is interesting 
 reading. 
 
 Le Canada en Europe is a clever expose of the ignor- 
 ance displayed by English and French, in general, touch- 
 ing matters Canadian. The mistakes committed by those 
 otherwise well informed, on this subject, are certainly 
 amusing. He states that prominent London journalists, 
 who are supposed never to make mistakes, can not tell 
 whether Canada forms part of the Cape of Good Hope or 
 the Argentine Republic. M. Gustave Aimard, one of 
 the best portrayers of Indian life in America, when speak- 
 ing of Canada, says, " that it has a population of twenty- 
 five thousand, but could contain six times that number." 
 The author makes the calculation, 150,000; which is 
 about the population of Montreal. Six years ago, a 
 despatch from Downing street requested the Governor 
 General to immediately forward arms and military stores 
 to British Columbia by land, instead of by water ! A post 
 office clerk, in France, when given a letter to post to 
 Quebec, asked whether it should be sent via Panama, or 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;;AIS. 151 
 
 Cape Horn ! It appears that one of the impressions 
 prevaiHng among a number in France and England, is 
 that " French Canadians are in the habit of taking squaws 
 for wives ! " It was only the other day that the Figaro of 
 Paris, stated that " Mile. Lajeunesse (Albani) is of French 
 extraction, although (quoique) born at Montreal." The 
 author adds, " ^^ ' quoique ' est a croquer." Anthony 
 TroUope, twenty years ago, wrote that " at Montreal and 
 Quebec, the French Canadians are all water carriers and 
 sawyers of wood." I may mention myself, the fact that 
 the English government long annually sent out a flag-post 
 for the citadel of Quebec, which probably had been grown 
 in Canadian forests. I have heard it related by a lady 
 that when traveling in Ireland, she was asked by a 
 professor of Trinity College, Dublin, whether she was 
 really a native of Canada, and on being assured that 
 such was the case, he expressed his astonishment that 
 " she was so fair ; " and his air did not suggest the slightest 
 flavor of " blarney." Many will recall the ludicrous state- 
 ments, as to Canadian geograpl.y, made by certain English 
 statesmen, in the Commons, during the Trent affair ; one 
 declared that Canada was separated from the United States 
 by the Isthmus of Panama. 
 
 Mr. Suite is severe in his reproaches against France for 
 the neglect of her quondam colony. The last provincial 
 loan obtained, through the skilful financing of the Hon. 
 J. A. Chapleau, from France, and the operation of the 
 
152 LITERARY 8HEAVES, OR 
 
 Cridit Fonder (a sequel to the policy of the Premier) 
 will assuredly bring about relations between the two 
 countries, most advantageous to both. Other indications 
 in the same direction are various industries started by 
 French capitalists in different parts of the province ; all of 
 which must be gratifying to the author as they are to the 
 public generally. 
 
 The book closes with an amusing sketch of the wonder 
 and even terror produced on the inhabitants of an out-of- 
 the-way French Canadian village, by the ear-piercing shriek 
 of a steamboat whistle, and an inquiry into the history of 
 the brass cannon, found in 1826, on a sand bank, opposite 
 Champlain, in the St. Lawrence. 
 
 Mr. Suite is one of the most versatile of French- 
 Canadian writers and has dealt with many subjects, relating 
 to Canada; history, voyages, essays, reviews, sketches, 
 ballads and sonnets have been alternately his themes. In 
 prose and poetry he is equally at home ; no one, however, 
 can be facileprinceps in so many branches, and he forms 
 no exception to this rule. In matters referring to the 
 history of La Nouvelle France, he is thoroughly au fait, 
 and they are generally treated in a pleasing and graceful 
 manner. He has written some excellent things, especially 
 in poetry, but his diction, at times, might be purer. 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANi^AIS. 153 
 
 LOUIS-P. TURCOTTE. 
 
 A perusal of Le Canada sous /' Union, 1841— 1867, by 
 Mr. Turcotte produces a strong feeling of regret that the 
 author, a young man of true literary taste, and of intellec- 
 tual gifts and painstaking disposition did not longer live 
 to further enrich Canadian literature. His aim was to 
 give a correct and impartial risume of the history of 
 Upper and Lower Canada of this period. In the intro- 
 duction is an excellent epitome of the history of Canada 
 from 1608 — the year of the foundation of the city of 
 Quebec by Champlain — to 1840, that of the union of the 
 two Canadas. Without endorsing all the opinions of the 
 author, it is but fair that I should mention some of them 
 in illustration of the tenor of his thoughts and the scope 
 of his work. 
 
 Mr. Turcotte accuses the first governor, after the union. 
 Lord Sydenham, of an anglicizing and protestantizing spirit, 
 adding that when his death at Kingston left the office to Sir 
 Charles Bagot, that gentleman showed himself honest and 
 well-intentioned. Unfortunately he was trammelled by a 
 weak coalition cabinet, but strove to carry out the inten- 
 tion of the English government, and modify the laws so 
 unjust and oppressive to the French Canadians, who had 
 reason to complain of the usurpations of the English 
 
154 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 minority, especially represented by the " Family Compact." 
 This government collapsing was succeeded by the LaFon- 
 taine-Baldwin coalition, which heartily assisted Sir Charles 
 in abolishing or amending the objectionable statutes. It 
 was under this administration the American Boundary 
 question was settled, so much to the disadvantage of* 
 England and Canada — a bad precedent too often followed 
 since, as history testifies. The death of Sir Charles Bagot, 
 in 1843, ^^'^s deeply regretted by the Canadians. He was 
 succeeded by Lord Metcalfe, when Montreal became the 
 capital. A difficulty between him and his ministers, 
 with regard to the exercise of patronage, brought about 
 their resignation, when the Viger-Draper cabinet was 
 formed. Lord Metcalfe is described as liberal and just to 
 all races and parties. His successor, Lord Cathcart, the 
 then commandant of the English forces in Canada, was 
 appointed in 1845 ^ ^^ being deemed advisable to have a 
 military governor on account of the troubles then existing 
 between the mother country and the United States. Under 
 him the militia was organized and brought to a fair state 
 of efficiency. Mr. Turcotte expresses admiration of Lord 
 Cathcart's administration. Lord Elgin was the next 
 Governor-General, his advisers being the Sherwood 
 Daly cabinet, succeeded by that of the LaFontaine- 
 Baldwin, when the use of the French language in par- 
 liamentary debate was again sanctioned. The indemni- 
 fication, or rebellion losses controversy is clearly noticed, 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;;AIS. 155 
 
 and also the difficulties which marked its sanction by 
 His Excellency, including the riots and the burning of 
 the parliament buildings in Montreal, with the splendid 
 library and important public documents contained in it — 
 a loss exceeding $400,000. Lord Elgin's administration 
 is not unreasonably described as the most important 
 under the Union, not only on account of the gravity of 
 the measures passed, but of the simultaneous progress of 
 the country. The public revenue had risen from one to 
 four million dollars. Reciprocity with the United States 
 was obtained and the settlement of the wild lands greatly 
 extended. The population rose to two millions, and the 
 national credit stood high. In 1854, Sir Edmund Head 
 succeeded Lord Elgin, his advisers being the McNab- 
 Tache administration, which soon dissolved, owing to 
 jealousies between its Upper and Lower Canadian mem- 
 bers. Sir Edmund Head, requested Colonel Tach^ to 
 form a new cabinet, an honor well deserved, as the 
 colonel's high principles entitled him to every confidence ; 
 his views were broad and enlightened ; his parliamentary 
 experience extensive and varied and his probity above 
 suspicion. The measures of the Tache-Macdonald Minis- 
 try were important, including the codification of the civil 
 laws of Lower Canada, the Judicial Decentralization 
 Act, reforms in the administration of Justice, prison 
 and asylum management, the making of the Legislative 
 Council elective, acts for the promotion of education, 
 
156 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 colonization, and the encouragement of trade and agricul- 
 ture. In 1855, Mr. Chauveau succeeded the veteran 
 Dr. Meilleur, as Superintendent of Education, whose 
 valuable services therein can not be over-estimated. The 
 author highly praises Mr. Chauveau's administration of 
 this department, crediting him with numerous useful re- 
 forms. In 1866, after Her Majesty's decision, the govern- 
 ment was removed to Ottawa, the selection of which was 
 a surprise to many public men, and I may add, has been 
 since regretted by all parties. In 1857, Colonel Tache 
 abandoned political life for needful rest after having served 
 his country during ten consecutive years in various qfficial 
 positions of tlie highest importance, and was regretted by 
 the leaders of both shades of politics. Shortly after his 
 retirement, in acknowledgment of his public services, he 
 was knighted. A short review of the literature and beaux- 
 arts q{ that period is here given. The Macdonald-Cartier 
 cabinet was the next formed, a few years after which the 
 liberals obtained office and remained in power but a few 
 hours, when the Cartier-Macdonald cabinet was formed. 
 The administration of Sir Edmund Head, though not in 
 all respects happy or popular, particularly with the people 
 of Upper Canada, was yet characterized by a pretty rapid 
 growth and development of both provinces. He was 
 succeeded by Lord Monk, in whose term the American 
 civil war broke out and the Trent difficulty occurred, 
 nearly leading to hostilities between England and the 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 157 
 
 United States. Great patriotism was manifesced on that 
 occasion and he specifies particularly the French Canadi- 
 ans who again gave proof of their fidelity and attachment 
 to the British Crown. In 1864, the Macdonald-Dorion 
 cabinet was obliged to resign through insufficient support, 
 when Sir Etiennt Tache was summoned by Lord Monk 
 to form a ministry. He accepted the task with great 
 reluctance, feeling that his health v/as not equal to the 
 strain and excitement of political life, but his patriotism 
 overcame these objections. At the next session the Tach^- 
 Macdonald government was defeated, and the "^ach^- 
 Macdonald & Brown coalition came into existence. In 
 
 1864, Sir Louis H. LaFontaine died, an eminent states- 
 man and distinguished jurisconsult, and on the 20th July 
 
 1865, followed him. Sir Etienne Tache, universally la- 
 mented as an eminent patriot. Many believe that his 
 death was hastened by the cares and anxieties of office, at 
 a time when his health required absolute rest and absten- 
 tion from all excitement. Mr. Turcotte says that this 
 noble gentleman had completed a brilliant career, having 
 received the highest honors from the Crown, been 
 twice chief of cabinets, knighted by his Sovereign, and 
 elected President of the Confederation Convention at 
 Quebec. His funeral took place at Montmagny with 
 great solemnity and pomp, and was attended by his col- 
 leagues, by eminent statesmen, judges, military officers 
 and the dignitaries of the church. Sir Narcisse Belleau 
 
153 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 was the next premier. Meantime Confederation had been 
 agreed upon and adopted by the Legislatures of Ontario, 
 Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia, — when a new 
 era dawned on Canada. With truth the writer con- 
 cludes : " Notwithstanding countless, bitter political strug- 
 gles, the union of the Canadas resulted in the formation, 
 in the space of fourteen years, out of two provinces dis- 
 satisfied and sparsely populated, into one, prosperous, 
 populous, independent and satisfied." 
 
 Mr. Turcotte has supplied our youth with a valuable 
 text book, exhibiting industry and research in the 
 amount and arrangement of its information. He treats 
 the acts and policy of the ministers of both parties with 
 fairness and candor, giving credit for success and noticing 
 impartially failures and mistakes of whatever party. His 
 object appeared that of an honest and faithful historian, en- 
 deavoring to do justice to all alike. He ever remembered 
 he was a French-Canadian, priding himself in the progress 
 of his race, particularly in its courageous and determined 
 efforts to secure its full and just rights ; the amplest rights 
 of British subjects, whether in remote colonies or on the 
 free soil of Great Britain. LHistoire du Canada^ by 
 L'Abb^ Ferland, L Histoire de Cinquante ans^ by M. 
 Bddard, and Le Canada sous f Union form a complete 
 trilogy of the history of Canada, beginning in the dim 
 past, to the era of Confederation. Sir Francis Hincks did 
 the author the honor of proposing to translate his work 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 159 
 
 into English, but he feared that its publication might 
 endanger his position as an employe in the civil service ; 
 for, to certain passages some political partizans had taken 
 umbrage. For my own part I must say, in all honesty, 
 that I have failed to find in them anything blameworthy ; 
 on the contrary, as I have already said, he is just, impartial 
 and dispassionate. In reference to the work itself, it 
 might have been more carefully written, and betrays the 
 youth and want of experience of the author. His prema- 
 ture death i'- the more to be regretted, since he might 
 have in a new edition expunged such errors and given 
 greater vigor, nerve and consistency to his style. 
 
160 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 . PAUL De gazes. 
 
 For some years, Canada had the advantage of being 
 represented in France by a gentleman who, during that 
 time, proclaimed the advantages and resources of Canada 
 by his diplomatic skill and in a series of able articles, 
 which appeared in Le Monde of Paris, and other journals 
 of the same high standing. In this Mr. de Cazes not 
 only carried out the obligations of his official duties, but 
 followed the dictates and sentiments of his patriotism. He 
 sought, on every occasion, to make the climatic and gene- 
 ral physical advantages of Canada, his adopted country, 
 widely known throughout Europe, and to correct the 
 false impressioiis there existing, namely, that we had no 
 literature, no history, no reputation. Besides dissemin- 
 ating facts in regard to our resources, financial prosperity 
 and growing importance, he commented upon the excel- 
 lence and high standard of our educational system and 
 the ability and cleverness of our authors ; their style and 
 characteristic traits of composition being brought out in 
 an able manner. He made every effort to acquaint the 
 literary and reading public of Europe with the fact that in 
 Canada, as in France itself, no work regardless of truth, or 
 of the purest taste, would receive any countenance, and 
 that not only national but literary pride controlled every 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 161 
 
 thinker on social, historical and political subjects in La 
 NouvelU France. The contributions of Mr. de Cazes ex- 
 cited a great deal of attention at the time, and elicited most 
 favorable comments. No one, who can estimate the merits 
 of good French composition, can possibly overlook his 
 writings — they exhibit a lucid, plain and logical style in 
 conception, whose greater proportion reflects the earliest 
 history of this country with fair impartiality ; while his criti- 
 cisms upon the literary labors of compatriots are distin- 
 guished by justice and friendly interest. Those who 
 visited Paris, while Mr. de Cazes was the representative of 
 our Government, can not soon forget his courtesy and 
 urbanity. 
 
 At the time of the Paris exhibition, this gentleman 
 wrote a work, entitled Notes sur le Canada, a second 
 edition of which, with much additional and valuable in- 
 formation, I now review. 
 
 It is not every day that one is privileged to read a book, 
 containing such an amount of interesting and important 
 matter within so small a compass. Its facts must repre- 
 sent the essence of many volumes carefully digested ; and 
 yet this condensation does not affect the ease and grace of 
 style, for which the writer is famed, both here and abroad. 
 Its characteristics include lucidity, aptness of expression 
 and felicity of illustration. The matter is not sacrificed 
 to the style, nor the latter to the former. Multum in 
 
 parvo has been the author's guiding rule ; a rule which 
 11 
 
162 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 can not be too rigidly followed by youthful iittiratmrSy 
 or contributors to the press. 
 
 In a few short pages, Mr. de Cazes gives an able sum- 
 mary of the events connected with Confederation ; after 
 which he treats of our climate, sanitary circumstances, 
 increase of population, vast wealth of fuel of 'the best 
 kinds, mines, agriculture, manufactures, forests and fish- 
 eries. The second chapter is a clever risumt of 
 Canadian history under French rule, ending with the 
 battle on the Plains. In reference to the numbers of men 
 engaged on both sides in that celebrated encounter, he 
 like Mr. Marmette places the numerical advantage on the 
 side of the English. He also states that victory was 
 long undecided, whereas as I have already mentioned, 
 it is generally admitted that within a few minutes of the 
 general attack the French were defeated. Then follows 
 an account of the British domination. He concludes with 
 the remark, which is worthy of reproduction here : — 
 ^^Qu*aucun peuple au monde ne possede de plus grandes 
 libertis politiques et reiigieuses.*' 
 
 Chapter III. deals with our natural and industrial pro- 
 ducts, and is replete with interesting details to the student 
 of political economy. Mr. de Cazes fears that the Cana- 
 dian farmers are affected with a leaning towards luxury, 
 and instances proofs in support of his assertion. All 
 hope that his prediction of a great industrial future 
 for Canada will be realized. In the chapter, entitled 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 163 
 
 Commerce International, are given the tables of imports 
 and exports from 1875 ^^ 1879, inclusive. From them is 
 argued a steady progress, notwithstanding the disastrous 
 year of 1875, which he attributes to the financial crisis in 
 the United States and the overstocking of the markets 
 with all kinds of goods. He also refers to the increasing 
 trade with France, and claims that many of the entries 
 credited to England should go to France — the former 
 actinr as middlemen, at an expense to Canada that 
 mighcbe avoided, by importing direct. The figures of 
 the trade between France and Canada show a steady 
 improvement since 1874. The fact is recognized that 
 Canada ranks fourth in the list of maritime nations. The 
 author takes the Canadian census of 1865 and 1871 for 
 comparison, showing that Canada stands favorably with 
 the United States. The numbers of Catholics and Pro- 
 testants, English and French, in Quebec and Ontario, are 
 compared with interesting results. Of the Indian popu- 
 lation, but 29,827 remain in Canada of the 190,000 of 
 the time of the colonization bv France. 
 
 In regard to education in this province, Mr. de Cazes 
 alludes to the flattering mention M. Lavasseur made in 
 his report of 1875 to the Academy of Moral and Political 
 Sciences, and quotes, from the report of Hon. Mr. Ouimet, 
 the statement that Quebec was awarded at the Paris Exhi- 
 bition four diplomas, four bronze medals, and four hono- 
 rary' distinctions for possessing " one of the most perfect 
 
164 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 systems of primary instruction." This must have been 
 very gratifying to the superintendent for his conscientious 
 and painstaking efforts on behalf of this good cause. The 
 author gives an exhaustive report of the system of edu- 
 cation in force here, and a great deal of statistical inform- 
 ation in regard thereto and also lengthy extracts from the 
 reports of the two gentlemen who have latterly had the 
 direction of the Department of Public Instruction in this 
 province, M.M. Chauveau and Ouimet. Mr. de Cazes 
 traces the history of education from 1616 to the present 
 time. He states, that the progress of elementary educa- 
 tion was very slow until 1836, when the primary schools 
 in actual operation numbered only 1,321, and the pupils 
 in attendance, about 36,000 ; but soon afterwards, how- 
 ever, several colleges were established, which have since 
 become important educational institutions, and these, 
 combined with the efforts and zeal of the clergy and of 
 certain men bers of the laity, gave a fresh impetus in the 
 right direction. He mentions among '1- last, and "as in 
 the first rank, Mr. Joseph Francois Perrault, the then 
 prothonotary of Quebec and an ex-member of parliament, 
 who devoted his leisure hours and his means to that 
 eminently patriotic object of fostering and developing 
 education in this country." 
 
 Mr. de Cazes, in continuing the history of education, 
 gives other important and interesting details. He pro- 
 nounces a high eulogmm on the course adopted by the 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 165 
 
 government to promote its advancement and dissemi- 
 nation. 
 
 The state of education in the other provinces is 
 enquired into and their statistics given. In fact, Mr. de 
 Cazes has written an able epitome of the scholastic insti- 
 tutions of the provinces of Quebec, Ontario, New Bruns- 
 wick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and 
 British Columbia, which will be of great service to those 
 seeking information on this important subject. In 
 proportion to the population of Quebec, the school attend- 
 ance on the part of children is i to 5*5 inhabitants ; in 
 Ontario, i to 35 ; in New Brunswick, i to 9*9 ; in Nova 
 Scotia, I to 3*09. The author holds, on the question of 
 immigration, that it benefits both countries affected ; but 
 little was done by Canada to promote it until 1870. Still, 
 it may be remembered that Messrs. McGee and McDou- 
 gall were Emigration Ministers before that time, and agents 
 were sent to Ireland and England, and money voted to 
 secure this object. The book closes with tables of 
 nationality and religion, and valuable information in 
 reference to postal matters. 
 
 There is only one thing wanting in connection with this 
 attractive volume — the map which accompanied the first 
 edition ; always of great assistance to strangers. But in 
 every other respect it is an improvement upon the latter, 
 and shows on the part of the author much persevering 
 
166 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 labor and valuable research, with results creditable to his 
 feelings towards this country, and his industry and intel- 
 ligence. His style, I have already said, merits particular 
 commendation, forming an additional attraction of the 
 work. 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 167 
 
 JOSEPH TASSE 
 
 Les Canadiens de F Quest ^ by Mr. Tasse, is the result of 
 ten years of labor and research, respecting the settlement 
 and civilization of the Great West. The book (two 
 volumes), will be most useful to students and untraveled 
 readers generally, and to historians and writers of romance 
 will present a rich harvest of episodes an ' incidents of a 
 varied and d amatic character. It, everywhere, gives 
 creditable evidence of conscientious and careful work in 
 compiling the biographies of the hardy French pioneers, 
 who first explored and setded the western wilds. In 
 these lives and narratives will be found exciting pictures 
 of undaunted courage, ardent toil, plucky enterprise and 
 successful achievements, of which Canadians may well be 
 proud. Not a few of these scenes of struggle and labor 
 of these intrepid pioneers are now great cities and thriv- 
 ing towns ; the tangled wilderness and lonely plains, once 
 the home only of the savage, the bear, the wolf, and the 
 buffalo, being transformea into pleasant homesteads, farms 
 and orchards, where happy thousands live in comfort and 
 contentment. Portraits of some of the best known ex- 
 plorers illustrate these volumes, whose contribution to 
 our early history will be read with profit and pleasure. 
 
168 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 The index is carefully compiled and will be of great utility 
 to the reader and student. In the narration of events and 
 delineation of character, Mr. Tasse is very particular, 
 and his facts, as to costumes, habits, etc., are reliable. 
 His style may here and there lack warmth of color and 
 animation, making a few of the relations appear some- 
 what monotonous, but he generally writes in neat phrase- 
 ology, is happy in his descriptions and unaffected in his 
 pathetic narration. 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 169 
 
 LA LITTERATURE CANADIENNE. 
 
 Under the above caption two volumes are published. 
 The first contains a selection from newspapers and peri- 
 odicals ; learned lectures, airy sketches and entertaining 
 essays which are presented in a convenient form for the 
 improvement and amusement of the reader. The design 
 of the work is highly commendable, for the productions 
 of many of our literary men and able journalists are lost 
 through not being published in a more durable shape than 
 the columns of a newspaper or magazine. In this well 
 arranged literary scrap book will be found information, 
 thoughts and reflections well worthy of preservation and 
 which will, no doubt, often delight the reader. 
 
 The first four papers in the first volume are from the pen 
 of Mr. Etienne Parent who was long known as the veteran 
 of the French-Canadian press, and during his journalistic 
 career did effective service in the cause of popular rights 
 and liberties. The earliest treatises on philosophy and 
 political economy of this country were from his pen. 
 Desirous of reaching to the roots of all social and politi- 
 cal questions, he did his best but in language not always 
 clear. Of the orthodox school of faith and philosophy 
 and opposed to revolutionary or heterodox opinio, is, he, 
 
170 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 however, could recognize the close and natural connec- 
 tion between the most earnest faith in Providence and 
 a system of belief in the physical conditions and rela- 
 tions of the universe, such as the orthodox thinkers and the 
 ablest men have ever acknowledged. His friends assert 
 that his object was not simply the exposition of modem 
 philosophical innovations, but a desire to establish the true 
 principles of faith and morality, upon which the highest 
 interests of society depend. He was never hostile to the 
 promulgation of new ideas or theories for the mere love of 
 opposition, but gave them his full and fair consideration 
 before expressing a definite judgment. His grand prin- 
 ciple seemed to be, " truth first and for its own sake ;" 
 and if any social, or religious, system could not stand the 
 crucial test of truthful and logical examination, he aban- 
 doned it at once, trusting to the Divine operations, which 
 are ultimately destined to secure the regeneration and 
 perfection of our race. 
 
 De r importance et des devoirs dit Commerce. Mr. Pa- 
 rent at the outset of his lecture delivered in 1852 traces the 
 beginnings of commerce and trade, and its gradual growth 
 and extension to the most distant countries, to the benefit 
 of each. Thus commerce seeking new markets, gave an 
 impetus to the discovery of strange ard uninhabited lands, 
 which were brought within the range of civilization, and 
 in time developed. Thus it also led to the unravelling of 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANVAIS. 171 
 
 the secrets of nature, arts and sciences, ever marching on- 
 wards to renewed efforts and achievements ; inventions 
 abolishing space and time have been reached and new 
 worlds opened up and barbarism greatly diminished ; educa- 
 tion and industry, leading to luxury ha^ve been advanced, 
 which may yet bring about the fraternization of all nations. 
 Thus also commerce became a great agency of peace 
 suggesting mediation, in national disputes. Napoleon I, 
 called the English " a nation of shop-keepers," and yet it 
 was this nation alone which could curb his ambition and 
 exile him to an island prison. Mr. Parent dwells upon 
 the noble career and duties of a merchant and points out 
 the broad field of action before him. He says, that the 
 countless cargoes of precious metals which were brought 
 in galleons from Mexico and Peru to Spain, after the dis- 
 covery of America, did not remain in that country, but 
 found their way to England and France, in the purchase of 
 goods which it was unable to produce, thus enriching 
 the former countries while it was a continual drain upon 
 the latter, which resulted in Spain becoming from the 
 greatest in the \\'orld only a third rate power. How 
 different was tb.- fate of England ! She, too, lost her col- 
 onies, but instead of weakening her, this loss became a 
 gain, through her commerce. Although a free-trader, he 
 thinks in a young country, where capital and experience 
 are wanting, some protection in the beginning should be 
 given to our manufactures. This is the N. P. of the Con- 
 
172 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 servative party of the year 1880. In Quebec, public spirit 
 and commercial education are needed, and he recommends 
 the study of the English and French languages, arith- 
 metic, modem history and geography, political economy 
 and book-keeping, to form men, able and worthy of con- 
 ducting the commerce of the country and of reaping its 
 many advantages. 
 
 Considerations sur le sort des classes ouvrieres, is the sub- 
 ject of a lecture given by the same gentleman, in St. Roch, 
 15th April, 1852. He begins by contrasting the lot of 
 the workingmen in this country, where some are able 
 to indulge even in luxuries, with that of their brethren in 
 Europe, who gain but a precarious livelihood and are 
 often exposed to the greatest misery, whilst morally re- 
 gardless of authority and without religion. These evils, 
 he thinks, are caused by errors of government, errors of 
 employers and errors of the workingmen themselves. In 
 order to remedy them, sociability should be encouraged so 
 as to create an interchange of thought and ideas and to 
 give an impetus to education. Of all sins the author looks 
 upon laziness as the worst. Strikes are condemned and the 
 principles of political economy extolled. The same law 
 which protects the master protects the servant, for com- 
 petition is sure to find the true level of remuneration. 
 
 Mr. Parent would doubtless have condemned the ex- 
 cesses of some trade combinations, in this city, which 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 173 
 
 have acted to their own detriment and the injury of the 
 trade of our port. He recommends that a certain per- 
 centage ot the wages' fund, be deposited in a saving's 
 bank, so as to provide against an evil day, and also the 
 formation of an association to promote the general ad- 
 vancement and improvement of the working classes, and to 
 collect information on all matters affecting their interests, 
 and to prevent the expatriation of Canadians. This 
 is an interesting and useful address, but Mr. Parent intro- 
 duces extraneous matter, in a way to weary the reader. 
 
 Discours consists of two lectures : the first is on 
 " Intellect and its relations to society," and the second, 
 " An elaboration of a project of bw, alluded to in the 
 first." Mr. Parent begins by protesting against the 
 separation of religion from political society ; he believes 
 there should be union. Although he does not advocate 
 the amalgamation of church and state, each should work 
 in unison, within its own circle to the same end — the 
 moral, intellectual and material advancement of mankind. 
 God teaches us in historical facts, " that the hand which 
 bears the censor, should not wield the sceptre." To the 
 church belong counsel and warning ; to the state legis- 
 lation and the direct governing of society ; to the church 
 to point out the way ; and to the state, to tread therein ; 
 and finally, to the people to follow. Mr. Parent asserts 
 that man should Le governed by the higher intellects 
 
174 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 of society. The sovereignty of the masses he charac- 
 terizes as the sovereignty of Wind instinct ; good and 
 generous at times, but ever unreasonable, and which 
 must result in " anarchy and confusion." The masses are 
 incapable of forming just or enlightened opinions on 
 political science, and they are .:ure to be made the tools 
 of the designing. As to hereditary government, it is in- 
 competent to maintain intellect at the head of society ; 
 to insure it, intellect should also be hereditary, which, as 
 all know, is far from being the case. Representative 
 government is but a step in the right direction. The law 
 of subordination of the inferior to the superior being is 
 that of the whole of creation. All revolutions, he 
 contends, originate with men of great intellectual 
 attainments, who, being dissatisfied with society, and 
 balked of their ambition, seek to rise through the pre- 
 judices of the masses. As a remedy to this evil, he 
 suggests, to open up new fields of venture and horizons 
 to this class to remove the many obstacles, placed in 
 their way by the regime hireditaire, and thus divjrt 
 their abilities into channels which may be of benefit to 
 themselves and to humanity. Until the political and social 
 institutions recognize the sovereignty of intellect, directly 
 and indirectly, the goal of a satisfactory form of govern- 
 ment, shall not have been reached. He thinks the state 
 shoulc acknowledge its inability to cope with pauperism, 
 and leave the poor to the care of leligious bodies, who 
 
^ LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 175 
 
 understand how to alleviate and prevent human miseries. 
 Each citizen therefore, should be at the call of these bodies, 
 and give all he can for that purpose ; those who can not be 
 relieved, he would leave to the mercy of God " wh^se will 
 it is that such should exist. " (ic) ^he desire that there 
 should be no suffering is very laudable ; but many, if they 
 were sure of even a bare sustenance, would become idle and 
 criminal. From such miseries we may derive a precious 
 lesson — that there is good even in the trials sent us by 
 Providence. Intellect is the only means of peacefully 
 attaining the highest happiness permitted to man. He 
 concludes by a project of a law, for the purpose of 
 establishing an aristocracy of intellect, including a scheme 
 of free primary education, and superior education for 
 those, deemed worthy by their talents and good conduct ; 
 also assistance to poor children, who, to follow the higher 
 classes, have to be sent elsewhere. 
 
 Some of these schemes have long been carried out both 
 here and abroad. 
 
 He also proposes money advances, reimbursable, with or 
 without interest, to poor students of the superior grades, 
 who, not receiving public appointments, desire to follow 
 some profession, art or industry. 
 
 Even as it is, with strict examinations and heavy fees, 
 the professions are overcrowded with young men, whose 
 prospecis might have been much brighter, had they been 
 les. ambitious. With such premiums, we should have the 
 
176 LITERARY SHEAVES, OK 
 
 country filled with briefless lawyers, patientless doctors, 
 and deedless notaries. 
 
 Mr. Parent proposes an aristocracy of intellect, but the 
 author thinks there would be difficulty in the practical 
 working of his scheme, and in this I certainly agree with 
 him, for his favored " Learned Society " would not long 
 be tolerated in the practical age in which we live. 
 
 Supposing for a moment the possibility of the existence 
 of a " Learned" class; the institution, being the creature 
 of and supported by the government, it should, at least, 
 have some control and the provision, that after a certain 
 period, the central board should be appointed by itself, 
 would work badly as in time it would find itself opposed 
 to the government. 
 
 One of the rather questionable means of carrying out 
 the objects of this fanciful scheme proposed is a fund to 
 be made up of taxes on *' heritages, legacies, gifts and do- 
 nations entre vi/s, which in cases of fraud shall be confis- 
 cated for its benefit." 
 
 It may be noticed that only the male sex is named for 
 these advantages, but in case the author should be con- 
 sidered unjust, he says in regard to the fair sex, " before 
 ornamenting a building, one must lay the foundations, 
 complete the carpenter work and cover in the roof; that 
 being done, it will be my first care to improve the condition 
 of daughters of the people, which has not yet been done." 
 
 Doubtless, at the time the above schemes were proposed, 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 177 
 
 they were considered by many remarkable and sensible, 
 but to-day they will be pronounced visionary and im- 
 practicable. 
 
 Mr. Parent's style is verbose and monotonous at times, 
 suffering from the attempt to maintain a long and connected 
 line of thought and work out a chain of reasoning to a cor- 
 rect conclusion. His addresses bear more the character of 
 lectures of a college professor than of the discourses of a 
 learned academician. Elegant diction appears with him a 
 secondary consideration ; some passages, however, are 
 stamped with originality and force. 
 
 Voyages is the name of a small work by our national his- 
 torian, F. X. Gameau, dedicated to the late Dr. Blanchet, 
 a distinguished humanitarian and physician of this city. 
 In the introduction, the author gives a rapid sketch of 
 a trip he made, through Canada and the United States, 
 when he visited the principal places of interest in both 
 countries. He sails from Quebec, in 1831, and in due 
 course of time arrives in London, after a pleasant voyage, 
 during which he read Byron, Prior and Newton, in order 
 •10 familiarize himself with the English language. When 
 in the metropolis he visits Westminster Abbey and speaks 
 of the great and honored dead lying buried there in an 
 appropriate strain. In the House of Commons he hears 
 O'Connell, Lord John Russell, Sir Robert Peel, Hume, 
 
 Roebuck and a host of other celebrities, of whom he 
 12 
 
ITS' LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 gives his impressions. He is much impressed by the 
 oratory of O'Connell, and draws a comparison between 
 the styles of English and French orators. The marked 
 division of classes in society and its contrast with the 
 equality in America give him much food for reflection. 
 Stage coaching in England and diligence traveling in 
 France are referred to, and read oddly in our days of 
 steam and telegraph. Among the literati Mr. Gameau 
 mentions having met the poet Campbell ; he also alludes 
 to M. Paulin Guerin, the eminent painter, and M. Brous- 
 sais, the celebrated theoretic physician. Since the days of 
 the author's journey traveling has greatly altered ; iron 
 roads have shortened distances, and few would be tempted 
 now to write such a book of travels. Mr. Gameau was at 
 the time but twenty-two years of age, and was shortly 
 after\vards appointed private secretary to M. D. B. Viger, 
 the agent of Lower Canada in London. When in Lon- 
 don th» author had the pleasure of meeting several of his 
 countrymen, eminent statesmen and writers. In feeling 
 terms he alludes to the death of M. B^dard, after which 
 the reader is treated to the home journey. 
 
 I am told by one who knows that Mr. Gameau was 
 not by any means satisfied with this little volume, 
 which first appeared in Le Journal de Quebec, It is 
 nevertheless a curious book to read, if only for the pur- 
 pose of comparing the past with the present and to enable 
 the reader to become acquainted with the varied emotions 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRANgAIS. 179 
 
 experienced by that young and brilliant mind. It is in- 
 teresting to note his feelings as he witnesses the marvels 
 of the old world and its civilization. Those desirous 
 of formmg an idea of Mr. Garneau's abilities his depth 
 of knowledge and his wealth of illustration must read 
 his chef-a'auvre, ±J Hist o ire dii Canada. 
 
 Any notice of the works of rAbbe Ferland, who 
 enjoyed fame as a savant and a writer, would be incom- 
 plete which did not mention his master-piece, Histoire du 
 Canada. Though his contributions to our literature on a 
 variety of subjects, at different times, were works of no little 
 merit, his history surpasses them all, whether the learn- 
 ing it displays, its author's industry, or the clearness and 
 purity of style, be considered. It contains a vast amount 
 of information respecting the earlier periods of our his- 
 tory; and historians have frequently consulted it for 
 its valuable data and facts. The author's scholarly tastes, 
 zeal for education and patriotic feeling were most conspi- 
 cuously displayed during a long and honored career. 
 All his works may be read with profit. 
 
 " . - • i-- '> ■ ' 
 
 Louis-Olivier Gamache, by Mr. Ferland, is a short bio- 
 graphy of a noted character. Formerly, those who were 
 shipwrecked on the coast of Anticosti, even if they escaped 
 with their lives, v/ere doomed to death from hunger or cold. 
 But new lighthouses have been the means of preventing 
 
180 LITERARY SHEAVES, CR 
 
 many accidents and saving precious lives. The Abb6 visits 
 Gamache at his resid-^nce, on the bay bearing his name, 
 where he receives a cordial welcome from his eccentric 
 host, who was at that time sixty-eight years of age, 
 btrt still hale, hearty and active. After a short con- 
 versation, the author's prejudices against him vanish and 
 he finds him a rough but kind-hearted man. He amuses 
 h'.s host by detailing the general impressions concerning 
 him ; that he was looked upon as a pirate, a bandit, a 
 wrecker and familiar with evil spirits. Gamache afterwards 
 acknowledges that he purposely resorted to mystery and 
 other means to create such beliefs for his own protection, 
 as he was often exposed to attack from evil-disposed per- 
 sons. The following details were supplied by Gamache 
 to the author : At the early age of eleven he had served 
 as a cabin-boy on board of an English frigate ; when 
 his time of service had expired he commenced his 
 solitary life at Anticosti. He married, but so dreary 
 and desolate an existence was unsuitable to the poor 
 woman, who died within a year. He married a second 
 time and had two children , but, on returning home 
 one day, after an absence of two weeks, he found his 
 helpmate dead, and clinging to her stiff and icy body 
 were his two children, perishing from cold and hunger. 
 He requests his guest to secure him another wife in Que- 
 bec, but this commission of " trust and honor " is respect- 
 fully declined by the Abbe. His house is strongly forti- 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 181 
 
 fied, SO as to stand a siege against any wandering, 
 maliciously inclined characters, and firearms of every 
 description are hung up in all the apartments. In 1854, 
 Gamache was found dead in his house, as were his two 
 wives before him. In his own words : " The devil is not 
 always as black as he is painted," in which conclusion 
 the author joins. 
 
 Fragment de r liistoire du Canada — 1759. This is a 
 short sketch of the ravages by the British forces on '.he 
 Cote de Beaupre at the time of Wolfe's siege of the city of 
 Quebec. Mr. Ferland relates the reception at the village 
 of Chateau Richer of the first news of the arrival of the 
 hostile English fleet and the instructions of the Bishoj) 
 of Quebec that they should take to the woods, which 
 advice was acted upon immediately. ' When the Eng- 
 lish soldiers arrived they found but empty dwellings. 
 These were burned, as also the churches, and everything 
 of value which had been left behind was taken or con- 
 sumed by fire. Thus were destroyed the villages of St. 
 Joachim, Ste. Anne, Chateau Richer and L'Ange Gardien, 
 by the men under command of captain Montgomery. 
 Sixteen years afterwards, says the author, an English 
 officer whilst examining the ruins of the monastery at the 
 village of Chateau Richer, asked a bystander for informa- 
 tion. He was Gravel and willingly related the story, 
 when both were surprised that each had been an actor in 
 
182 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 the scene, for the English officer was in charge of the men 
 who had attempted to take Gravel prisoner when recon- 
 noitring. The former had arrived from England in the 
 hope of meeting another old acquaintance, captain Mont- 
 gomery, who was about besieging Quebec. This incident 
 is charmingly related by the Abbe, but it is certain the 
 Montgomery who is charged with cruelties on the Cote 
 de Beanpre and general Montgomery of the American 
 army who invested the ancient capital of Quebec, are 
 not one and the same individual. 
 
 The next paper entitled Labrador is an account of 
 a tiip to that dreary coast, by the reverend author in July 
 1858, to visit the Catholics there resident. He reaches 
 Berthier by steamer and there takes the schooner " Marie 
 Louise " for the continuation of his voyage. They are but 
 a few days out when in a storm they lose their mizen- 
 mast, which obliges them to put into Mingan, a trading 
 post of the Hudson Bay Company, with a large and safe 
 harbor, one hundred and thirty leagues below Quebec for 
 repairs. The people of the lower St. Lawrence engage 
 in seal-fishing in the early spring, wh'ch is followed by 
 cod, herring and salmon fishing. The seals, he says, are 
 killed by a heavy blow on the nose ; they are found on 
 fields of hoating ice, in great numbers, and fishermen 
 are careful to first despatch thosf ear the water's edge, 
 for, were these to become nlarmc*.- and jump into the 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 183 
 
 water the rest would follow and escape ; but, so long 
 as these do not move, the others look on and are 
 easily killed. The author also relates the history of 
 Labrador : it was visited by Norwegians and Danes as 
 early as the thirteenth century, and in 1497, by Jean and 
 Sabastien Cabot. In 1500 Cortereal. a Portuguese, landed 
 here, and from 1504 Basque fishermen from Normandy 
 and Brittany fished in its waters. Up to 1800, no white 
 woman had lived on the coast. At the time of Mr. Fer- 
 land's visit, women were few compared with the men, and 
 married at a very early age, generally at fifteen. When 
 a woman becomes ill, she must go to a neighbor's house, 
 several miles away, to be attended by one of her sex there 
 and her children accompany her. From Mingan to St. 
 Augustin French is mostly spoken ; but from the latter 
 place to Brador English is universal. There are few 
 Indians or Esquimaux; but the people have adopted 
 many of the habits of the latter, necessitated by the 
 climate. At Natagamiou and Td^e-a-la-Baleine, snow is 
 found in the ravines and icebergs floating in the river in 
 September. The hospital'ty of the people is most liberal ; 
 strangers find open house everywhere. In the absence 
 of the families dwellings are left open and supplied with 
 provisions and occasionally money for accidental visitors. 
 He gives full descriptions of the Esquimaux dogs, their 
 habits and peculiarities and invaluableness in these 
 regions. They, however, kill almost all other domestic 
 
184 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 animals; including cows, pigs and sheep. In summer, 
 Esquimaux dogs are useless, but in winter, they are 
 the sole means of communication, and haul immense 
 loads — six or seven can draw three persons twenty to 
 twenty-five leagues a day — and the storm-belated traveler 
 may trust to the intelligence of these animals in the wild- 
 est hurricanes and blinding snow drifts to bring him safely 
 to his house, or welcome shelter. The harpooning of 
 whales and similar operations are described, as is also the 
 herring fishery. At Grosse Isle are countless numbers of 
 birds' nests filled with eggs, which are stolen and shipped 
 to the United States and elsewhere and sold at great profit. 
 Touching at Chickapoue, the author next lands at St. 
 Augustin, where an extensive peltry trade is carried on ; 
 the most valuable furs being the silver and black fox skins. 
 At Blanc Sablon there are extensive fishery establish- 
 ments, and here the author notices the hitherto unex- 
 plained and extraordinary phenomenon of ice forming on 
 the bed of the river, known as glace du fond, at a depth 
 of fifty or sixty feet. 
 
 The style of the Abbe Ferland is clear, correct and 
 lively ; always pleasing, especially by its tone of good 
 humor and French enthusiasm. There is nothing labored 
 about his writings, which are sprightly and without effort. 
 He does not make use of the artifice of antithesis, or of 
 tinkling words, so much resorted to by the modem school 
 in France ; but his ideas spring from a pure source and 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;AIS. 185 
 
 flow sparklingly like a clear stream from a rock over a 
 pebbly bed. 
 
 Discours prononce i8 Juillet^ 1855, par V Honorable 
 P. /. O. Chauveau. This oration was delivered on 
 the occasion of the ceremony of laying the comer-stone 
 of the monument erected to the memory of those 
 who fell on the Plains of Abraham, 28th April, 1760. 
 Mr. Chauveau declares that his words are but the feeble 
 echoes of what must be the thoughts of all present, sur- 
 rounded as they were by civil and military pomp, on 
 ground saturated with the best blood of France and Eng- 
 land. At the foot of this monument which was destined 
 to proclaim to coming ages the glories of our ancestors, 
 amid a scenery of the grandest, and the mind teeming with 
 historical reminiscences, one could not help feeling a 
 glow of patriotic pride. On the 28th April, six months 
 after Wolfe and Montcalm had fallen, the one shrouded in 
 the victorious flag of England, and the other in the banner 
 bearing the immortal name of Carillon, another French 
 army stood on the same battle field of the 13th September 
 previous, an army whose ranks were filled with patriotic 
 volunteers, some of whom had fought at Monongahela, Fort 
 George, Oswego, and Carillon. It was grand on the part 
 of the British army to defend their dearly won citadel ; it 
 was equally grand for the French troops, weakened by a 
 long march, under tempestuous rain and thunder, but for 
 
186 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR ' 
 
 the Canadian militia it was the final burial or the resur- 
 rection of all they had loved and venerated in their homes. 
 For three hours the contest raged, and more than three 
 thousand were left on the field of battle, their blood 
 mingling with the snow and flooding the frozen ground. 
 On this very spot, where once stood Dumont's mill, there 
 was frightful mutual slaughter; the mill was three times 
 taken. The Canadian militia furiously attacked the Brit- 
 ish centre, while the left wing was turned by the Cana- 
 dians and Indians, throwing them back on the centre, and 
 thus deciding the fate of the day. In presence, he said , of an 
 English Governor and of British troops, before Ihe Com- 
 mandant of a French Corvette^ in the midst of our fellow- 
 citizens, English, Irish, Scotch, among the children of our 
 old Huron allies, we, the descendants of the militiamen 
 of 1760, deposit under the same monument, the bones of 
 the Queen's Grenadiers, the Scotch Highlanders and other 
 regiments, who fought on that memorable day, blessed by 
 an archbishop, irrespective of the creed to which they 
 belonged. Mr. Chauveau eloquently asks of posterity, 
 what higher tribute could be paid to the heroism of an- 
 cient times, what more profound teaching offered than 
 the erection of this monument, beneath which are the 
 dead of two rival armies, in a common tomb, the wars 
 and hatred of a past age being succeeded by the friend- 
 ship and alliance of another ? Finally he apostrophizes 
 the dead warriors, beseeching them to rest quietly in 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 18*7 
 
 their glory till they rise to a triumph not such as we 
 feeble mortals can give, but a triumph without end and 
 without bound, to commence by the grand review, whicn 
 God will hold, when time shall be no more. 
 
 In this oration Mr. Chauveau revels in depicting the 
 glories of the past, and chivalrously dwells upon the illus- 
 trious deeds of the heroic dead, according to all, regard- 
 less of race or creed, their just meed of praise. His 
 purity of style is only equalled by the poetical color and 
 elegant form of his thoughts. 
 
188 LITERARY SHRAVES, OR 
 
 LA LIITERATURK CANADIENNE 
 
 D£ 1850 A i860. 
 
 This second volume offers more variety than the previous, 
 containg selections in verse as well as in prose, and will 
 materially assist in spreading a knowledge of the literature 
 of the country. It opens with several poems from the 
 pen of the late Mr. Octave Cremazie. In national and 
 war themes, the author is, pat excellence^ the poet of 
 Canada, patriotism, ardent admiration of French glory 
 and inspiring battle-cries characterizing his verse through- 
 out. Of such are most of the pieces in this volume ; 
 they are thoroughly heart-stirring, and to French-Cana- 
 dians are suggestive of deeds of glory and chivalry. 
 This martial spirit changes to a temper perfectly peace- 
 ful in " Les Moris " in which is expressed the happy calm 
 of those lying beneath the sod, untroubled by the conten- 
 tions of life and the raging of the storm above them. 
 These departed spirits however reappear and lament the 
 forgetfulness of the living : 
 
 " Et roubli des vivants, pesant sur votre tombe, 
 Sur vos OS d^charn^s plus lourdement retombe 
 Que le plom^ du cercueil." 
 
LA LITTERATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 189 
 
 He apostrophizes these ghostly visitors in a few plain- 
 tive stanzas, commencing : 
 
 "Tristes, pleurantes ombres, 
 Qui dans les for^ts sombres, 
 Montrez vos blancs manteaux 
 Et jetez cette plainte 
 Qu'on dcoute avec crainte 
 Gdmir dans les roseaux." 
 
 Le Drapeau de Carillon gives a national retrospect of 
 the martial glories of Canada and especially of the 
 famous victory of Carillon and the following appeal is 
 made : 
 
 *' Ah, bient6t puissions nous, A drapeau de nos pferes! 
 Voir tous les Canadiens unis, commc des freres, 
 Comme au jour du combat se serrer pr^s de toi ! 
 Puisse des souvenirs la tradition sainte 
 En regnant dans leur coeur, garder de toute atteinte, 
 Et leur langue et leur foi ! " 
 
 A pretty little ode is addressed to LAlouette^ and an- 
 other to Le Printemps. Two poems to the memory of 
 Monseigneur de Laval are deeply imbued with national 
 and religious feeling. In Les Milk Isles, the poet first 
 gives as a contrast a lively sketch of the old world 
 attractions and beauties, but returns to Les Mille Isles as 
 infinitely beyond any of its charms. 
 
 Among the other authors in this volume are MM. L. H. 
 Frechette and Pamphile LeMay, from each of whom a 
 
190 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 single selection is given. Of Alleluia by the former, I 
 have already expressed my appreciation ; and Le Retour 
 by tho latter is a charming poetical effusion. The three 
 names of our national poets having thus accidentally 
 come together, I am induced to draw a comparison be- 
 tween them as to their respective merits. 
 
 Of these lyric singers, the poetic element is strongest 
 in Cremazie. If, however, his verse be not so perfect or 
 elegant as that of Frechette, who has all the delicacy of 
 modem versification, Cremazie, on the other hand, exhibits 
 grander ideas. When the author of Le Drapeau de Caril- 
 lon takes his lute and evokes from it his first notes, the 
 great ideal of country rises before him, and, trembling 
 with inspiration, he chants in a triumphant voice the 
 drama of Canadian heroes. His sonorous verse flows 
 rhythmically from its source, and the images, which he 
 creates, are natural and calm, seeming as proud in 
 their niches and as free from affectation as ancient mar- 
 bles. If Frechette be less lyrical, he is a greater artist 
 than Cremazie. His verse is occasionally as finished 
 as that of Theophile Gauthier. But it may be this high 
 finish, sometimes oppressive in form, which gives to 
 the poet a portion of his strength. In his later compo- 
 sitions, his sonnets for instance, some of the stanzas are 
 weak. Brilliant and sonorous words are wedded to frivo- 
 lous ideas ; like a necklace of pearls too heavy for the 
 string which holds them and which may break at any 
 
LA LIlTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANC^IAIS. 191 
 
 moment. It must not be supposed, however, that 
 Frechette is wanting in imagination ; in his two pieces on 
 "Jolliet" and " Papineau," he rises to the highest flights 
 to which the muse may soar. 
 
 LeMay sings of nature in a clear and tender voice, re- 
 
 Erratum. 
 
 The printers through error transposed from page 190, 
 2 1 St line, after the words " Thdophile Gauthier" to page 
 191, 7th line, the following sentence, "The Etnaux ei 
 Camtts have frequently been taken as his model." 
 
 1U3C3 <x puiiiuii ui lis cnarm. Mis creations evmce origi- 
 nality and beauty of form, but lack that modern finish 
 and felicity of expression which often redeem mere com- 
 monplace conceptions.Thus, in brief, I have endeavored 
 to give my appreciation of the siyles of these tliree 
 poets. 
 
 Le Chercheur de Tresors, by Philippe Aubert de Gaspe, 
 JilSj is the first prose selection in this work. Though 
 without elaborate plot, this tale contains a few sketches 
 and narratives of the supernatural that excite attention. 
 At the opening, the author gives a description of an 
 alchemist in search of the philosopher's stone, with the 
 
190 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 single selection is given. Of Alleluia by the former, I 
 have already expressed my appreciation ; and Le Retour 
 by the latter is a charming poetical effusion. The three 
 names of our national poets having thus accidentally 
 — .^^ f/^nrpfher. I am induced to draw a comparison be- 
 
 drama of Canadian heroes. His sonorous verse ivyj^y,:y 
 rhythmically from its source, and the images, which he 
 creates, are natural and calm, seeming as proud in 
 their niches and as free from affectation as ancient mar- 
 bles. If Frechette be less lyrical, he is a greater artist 
 than Cremazie. His verse is occasionally as finished 
 as that of Theophile Gauthier. But it may be this high 
 finish, sometimes oppressive in form, which gives to 
 the poet a portion of his strength. In his later compo- 
 sitions, his sonnets for instance, some of the stanzas are 
 weak. Brilliant and sonorous words are wedded to frivo- 
 lous ideas ; like a necklace of pearls too heavy for the 
 string which holds them and which may break at any 
 
LA LITTtRATURE AU CANADA FRAN9AIS. 191 
 
 moment. It must not be supposed, however, that 
 Frechette is wanting in imagination ; in his two pieces on 
 "Jolliet" and " Papineau," he rises to the highest flights 
 to which the muse may soar. 
 
 LeMay sings of nature in a clear and tender voice, re- 
 minding one of Alfred de Vigny, and approaching the 
 elegance and polish of that poet. The Emaux et Camees, 
 have frequently been taken as his model. In words of 
 melody, he celebrates the beauties of rural I'f^ and scenery. 
 He is touching, pleasing and sympathetic. He knows his 
 subject well ; he has seen it, he has felt it, he has loved 
 it ; indeed he yields too much to inspiration and does not 
 sufficiently finish his verse, nor does he fully enough de- 
 velop his idea, so as to reap all its wealth ; his poetry thus 
 loses a portion of its charm. His creations evince origi- 
 nality and beauty of form, but lack that modem finish 
 and felicity of expression which often redeem mere com- 
 monplace conceptions.Thus, in brief, I have endeavored 
 to give my appreciation of the styles of these tlxree 
 poets. 
 
 Le Chercheur de Trisors^ by Philippe Aubert de Gaspe, 
 fiis^ is the first prose selection in this work. Though 
 without elaborate plot, this tale contains a few S/cetches 
 and narratives of the SMpematural that excite attention. 
 At the opening, the author gives a description of an 
 alchemist in search of the philosopher's stone, with the. 
 
192 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 usual result of failure, without diminished hope. Une main 
 de gioire, the dried arm of a man who has been hanged, 
 is necessary. Fortunately for the alchemist, though not for 
 the victim, a neighbor kills a colporteur, whose body is 
 washed up by the waves of the St. Lawrence and identi- 
 fied by a brother colporteur, Saint-Ceran. The murderer 
 is hanged and his corpse given to the dissecting room. 
 Amand, the alchemist, purloins the required arm, and 
 with it sets out with a companion to seek his fortune. 
 They land below Bay St. Paul and are overheard making 
 their plans, by two medical students, who then perpetrate 
 a practical joke by setting them to dig for a supposed 
 hidden treasure. They are, later, overtaken in a storm, in 
 which Amand loses his companion and himself is picked 
 up at sea and subsequently landed on the Island of Anti- 
 costi, where he lives for some years. He has not, however, 
 lost his main degloire and one day finds a treasure, through, 
 he supposes, its virtue. Ultimately, with the money 
 found, he escapes from the island and from the tyrannies 
 of a cruel task-master. 
 
 During the journey of Amand and his comp»inion to- 
 wards Bay St. Paul, is given the legend of Rose LaUilippe : 
 On the night of a party at her father's house. Rose was 
 induced by a stranger to dance with him after midnight 
 of a Mardi-gras^ a sin according to the rules of the 
 Roman Catholic Church, and to promise to be his partner 
 all that evening. The atrt opportunely arrives and saves 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 193 
 
 her from the arms of the stranger, Lucifer, who departs 
 in scorn and rage ; the hoofs of his steed, while waiting 
 at the door, having melted the snow to the very ground. 
 
 Another legend is L Homme de Labrador, where again 
 the evil one figures. A lawless scamp is left on the 
 barren coast of Labrador by the crew of the vessel on 
 board of which he was, who would not tolerate his 
 presence any longer, there to be left to get along as best 
 he might. On the first night of his stay, to his horror, he 
 is visited by the devil, which the curious in diablerie will 
 doubtless read with morbid gratification. The prodigal 
 remembers enough of his early religious training to call on 
 his Maker to chase away the wicked one, vowing to beg, 
 penitentially from door to door for the rest of his life. He 
 is rendered unconscious through the excitement caused by 
 the vision, remaining thus long enough to compel the dog 
 through hunger, to eat boots, and other such indigestible 
 pabulum. The effect of all this was to reduce a man of 
 great strength to childish weakness and mental imbecility. 
 This forms a good temperance tract, " points a moral and 
 adorns a tale." 
 
 The main story then continues : Saint-Ceran having 
 
 received his medical deploma, settles in Quebec, and 
 
 devotes his time and skill to its citizens. He subsequently 
 
 claims the hand of Amelia, the daughter of Amand, 
 
 who opportunely arrives from Anticosti and graciously 
 
 gives his consent, which he had previously witheld. And 
 13 
 
194 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 the marriage takes place under the happiest omens and 
 with pleasantest results — the orthodox finale. 
 
 In the preface Mr. de Gaspe states that Le Cherchevr de 
 Trisorsj is the first novel treating of Canadian habits and 
 customs, but I should hardly call it that, as it consists 
 mainly of a string of anecdotes, not well connected 
 either in circumstance or plot. His father, who after- 
 wards published his well-known and fascinating works, 
 deals with similar subjects with greater skill and at- 
 tractiveness, and gives more animating representations 
 of the life and features of the last century. The only 
 chapter in this work which emits the true ring of his 
 father's metal is L' Homme de Labrador, which, to a certain 
 extent, impresses one, wit out, however, liveliness or 
 humor to relieve its darker side. The style is defective, 
 but the work deserves perusal for its legendary stores. 
 
 There are two delightful \\i\\Q pieces devers, by Felix G. 
 Marchand, late minister of Crown Lands in Hon. Mr. 
 Joly's government. La Jeune Mere au chei'et de son Fils, 
 and Le Printemps. It is unfortunate that political life 
 should have deprived literature of further graceful com- 
 positions from this gentleman. He has written a comedy, 
 LErreur riest pas Cot\ V, replete with good hits and 
 bons mots, displaying versatility of talent and imagination. 
 I hope Mr. Marchand will again adorn literature with 
 his writings. In the Histoire de la Littirature Cana.- 
 
LA LlTTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 195 
 
 dienne^ by Edmond Lareau, a work of varied merits, the 
 author thus expresses himself in reference to Mr. Mar- 
 chand : " C'est un veritable iitt irate at j le type du jour- 
 naliste getitilhomme" 
 
 Importance des Etudes Religieuses. This is the title of 
 two lectures delivered at St. Hyacinthe by M. I'Abbe J. 
 S. Raymond, Vicar-General, in which the above subject is 
 discussed. The author insists that religious instruction is 
 essential, and that if it were abandoned, morality, from 
 which alone it springs, must also be doomed. He com- 
 bats the pretentions of the socialists and communists and 
 impugns the truth of their tenets, and states that, when- 
 ever such views take possession of the mind, there is sure 
 to follow moral bankruptcy. He argues that if religious 
 truth is the living principle of the well-being of society, 
 this truth, as it is, should be recognized as its precepts. Re- 
 ligion should not be considered as a subject apart, in 
 that it has but the firmer dominion over the intelligence 
 of the world ; and he continues, that there is in the separa- 
 tion of religion, from other objects of human knowledge 
 an " inconceivable error," an essential fault in logic, a total 
 failure of thought on the destiny of the intellectual facul- 
 ties. All wars, dissensions, discussions and conflicts 
 were the result in a society without unity of the principles 
 of true order. If the existence of society is divinely 
 established, no political, nor civil institution should be 
 
196 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 permitted to oppose it. The study of religion should, 
 therefore, furnish the solution of many of the great prob- 
 lems of social and political economy. Religion says that 
 the will emanates from God, and if society have a right to 
 transmit or curtail its liberty, its interests demand the 
 respect and preservation of the constituted authorities. 
 The author, from these broad questions, then investigates 
 those effecting communities, private parties and family 
 relations. He concludes by inciting the religious sou- 
 venirs, which attach to one's native country. 
 
 These are clever treatises on the subject of social mor- 
 ality and its political relations, and few could be more 
 competent to dilate thereon than I'Abbe Raymond. His 
 thoughts bear the impress of careful reflection and are 
 clearly and succinctly laid before the reader. He is an 
 eminent educationalist who has rendered great services to 
 his district. 
 
 Those who have read the choice poetry of Mr. L. 
 J. C. Fiset will be pleased to meet in this book a few of the 
 more especial favorites. Zes Voix du Passe, Meditations, 
 Le Poete d la Muse, and Le Vceu de Mariette are to be 
 found here. This poet's verse is generally pleasing, free 
 and unaffected, his themes being graceful. He was wrong 
 in deserting the muse so early; in continuing to court 
 her, he might have acquired greater strength, more am- 
 plitude and color. 
 
LA LITTtRATURE AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 197 
 
 The next piece of prose is an interesting description of 
 Naples and its environs, by N. Bourassa, in which, of 
 course, are given the ascent to Mount Vesuvius and a visit 
 to the ever attractive subterranean cities of Pompeii and 
 Herculaneum. But I can not attempt to mention the 
 different places of historic fame, visited by the author. 
 There are many artistic details concerning objects of art 
 that will charm many a reader. They are evidently 
 written by a connaisseur. 
 
 There are published here Misere, La Fenetre Oiiverte^ 
 Le Roi des Aulnes^ by J. Lenoir. This gentleman's eirly 
 death was a great loss to our literature. There is a soft- 
 ness and tenderness in the verse of this poet, which 
 render his effusions particularly charming to certain natures. 
 His flights are never bold, but he agreeably describes 
 scenery, the beautiful azure and the harmonious notes of 
 nature. He was a modest reflex of the school of 1830, 
 which bequeathed to France, so many delightful literary 
 souvenirs. Several passages are in imitation of Lamar- 
 tine. 
 
 Premieres Pages de la Vie^ by Alfred Garneau, is a 
 friendly missive in verse, in reply to a letter received from 
 a friend. There is a perfume, a bouquet of heart quali- 
 ties, such as is refreshing to read in our unsentimental, 
 practical age. The emotions of his early years are 
 
198 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 revived, recalling similar experiences n the minds of his 
 readers and making them long for their repetition. 
 The few pieces of his poetry which I have seen are of 
 a nature to cause regret that he has written so little. 
 His verse has a warmth his images a reality a piquant 
 originality, while his language is of the purest and most 
 correct kind. His stanzas are highly polished and are 
 fine stones in a setting of pure gold — charming little 
 gems. This gentleman is presently engaged in re-editing 
 the Histoire du Canada of his father's, with copious notes 
 and additions. 
 
 Mr. Adelard Bouchard, in a few well written pages, 
 Une Page de noire Histoire, gives an account of the troubles 
 of 1812. when French Canadians covered themselves with 
 glory in vanquishing the foes of England. At that time, 
 the Roman Catholic Church authorities, at Montreal, 
 issued a circular, in which their flock were exhorted to 
 patriotism towards England, to support British power 
 and battle the enemy, and were addressed in the following 
 terms : " Great Britain alone, glorying in a thousand rays, 
 stood amidst overturned thrones ; a power which never 
 engaged in battle but for victory, which never attacked a 
 fortress but to gain it, which never undertook the defence 
 of a weak country but to render^ it invincible." In this 
 way the martial ardor of the people was aroused, and their 
 
LA LITTfeRATURB AU CANADA FRAN^AIS. 199 
 
 valcr on the field testified to their bravery, faith and 
 homage. 
 
 A la Gloire de Pie IX by Zephyrin Mayrand closes 
 this interesting and well selected collection of Canadian 
 literature. 
 
 I would fain review the few remaining works of the 
 department, but I have reached my prescribed limit. 
 Should the " Literary Sheaves " meet with anything like 
 liberal encouragement, I shall in a subsequent edition 
 include them and others that may be published in the 
 meantime. 
 
200 LIiERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 THE MARQUIS OF LORNE'S ACADEMY 
 
 PROJECT. 
 
 Decori decus add it avita. 
 
 At a period when the original design of this work had 
 been fully accomplished and the author's task in connec- 
 tion with it almost concluded, I read with pleasure an 
 able article in the " Quebec Morning Chronicle " from the 
 pen of its editor, Mr. George Stewart, Jr., so well and 
 favorably known both in the Dominion and the United 
 States, in which was mentioned the desire of His Excel- 
 lency the Governor General the Marquis of Lome, to 
 establish a Canadian Academy, after the model of L'Aca- 
 dimie Fraufaise, which has rendered such valuable ser- 
 vices to the literature, arts and sciences of that country. 
 I am happy ot the present opportunity of expressing my 
 gratification at the well-tim*»d interest in Canadian litera- 
 ture, which the representative of Her Majesty has mani- 
 fested. Such an idea is worthy of its exalted source and 
 encouragingly advances the purpose of my reviews, 
 namely : the revealing to the English speaking public the 
 treasures and resources of French-Canadian literature. 
 I have long regarded it as unfortunate that the former 
 should know so little of the varied and spiritud writings 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AT^ .ANADA FRANgAIS. 201 
 
 of the latter, and that these on their part should also 
 exhibit apathy to our fast-growing and promising English 
 literature. 
 
 For this indifference and denial of merited encourage- 
 ment to our authors there is no excuse, when so many 
 foreign productions, inferior to Canadian works, receive 
 liberal patronage. An Academy or Association, based 
 upon broad and liberal principles, and animated by a 
 fraternal and patriotic spirit, could not fail of accomplishing 
 much needed and highly beneficial work, creditable to 
 our national feelings and tastes, and fraught with the 
 brightest promise to our literature. To the consummation 
 of this end petty professional jealousies and unworthy 
 prejudices should be discouraged, in favor of a spirit of 
 mutual appreciation and sympathy among our writers, 
 who need all the usual and material support obtainable in 
 a country of the scant population and limited resources of 
 the Dominion. Everything to improve the circumstances 
 and cheer the labors of our literary classes should be 
 heartily undertaken, not only on sentimental and artistic, 
 but on progressive grounds, as a flourishing literature can- 
 not fail of increasing the laudable pride of Canadians in 
 their country, enhancing its reputation abroad and making 
 known in the most effective manner its valuable stores. 
 
 This entente cordiale once established, the founding of a 
 Canadian nation, with the disappearance of all sectional 
 feelings, would naturally follow. As early as 1832, a 
 
202 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 French-Canadian philanthropist and patriot, Joseph 
 Francois Perrauh, in a pamphlet entitled Moyms de 
 conserver Nos Institutions^ Notre Langj/e et JVos Zois, 
 entreated all parties " to unite and form one single nation, 
 having the same institutions, obeying the same laws and 
 striving to uphold the glory of the British Empire and the 
 prosperity of the colony." To attain such a result should 
 be the aim of all true patriots, and indirectly the formation 
 of the proposed association would tend to that end. 
 Among other advantages, which might be enumerated, 
 would be the facility with which we could unite with 
 similar societies in the United States and other countries, 
 to secure an international copywright, a subject of deep 
 importance to all authors. 
 
 In this country, as in most colonies, literature is not 
 followed as a profession, but rather as a diversion, except 
 by the fourth estate ; the daily wants of life compelling 
 those of such tastes to consider the,res angusta domi. Both 
 races look to their respective mother-countries for mental 
 inspiration and sustenance; their thoughts and styles 
 being influenced and guided by works from the other side 
 of the Atlantic. We lack not talent, but we are deficient 
 in boldness and originality ; and the stimulating and emu- 
 lating influences of such a society will enable us in the 
 course of a short time to found a characteristic, national 
 and independent literature. 
 
 It is not surprising to those who know His Excellency's 
 
LA LITT^RATURE AU CANADA FRAN(;:AIS. 203 
 
 high endowments and accomplishments, that so enh'ght- 
 ened a project should have emanated from him, even amid 
 the important and absorbing duties and cares of state. 
 Should the success which I anticipate ensue from it, it must 
 cast a halo of literary renown on his administration. In the 
 Marquis' wish to establish a nucleus of Canadian literature, 
 we have the assurance of not merely a temporary interest, 
 to end with his tenn of office, but a permanent one bound 
 up with the friendliest of intentions towards Canada. 
 A disposition of this kind, on the part of one sur- 
 rounded by social distractions, proves him worthy of 
 his origin, as well as the very important position he occu- 
 pies. From no higher source could proceed a more 
 encouraging project to Canadian belles-lettres than from a 
 member of the house of Argyle, which enjoys a patent of 
 nobility, not only of birth, but of intellect and statesman- 
 ship greater even than that political distinction, which it 
 has so long worthily maintained. His Excellency in this 
 undertaking gives evidence of tastes similar to those of his 
 noble father, whose fame as a scholar and statesman is of 
 the highest rank. A writer himself, he evinces a fraternal 
 feeling towards the literary craft, as well as a desire of 
 doing what may lie in his power to promote the intellec- 
 tual and general interest of the country. In response to 
 such a promising suggestion, and in the hope of realizing 
 to the fullest extent its author's praiseworthy objects, the 
 
204 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 people of Canada should promptly extend to the Marquis 
 their heartiest co operation. 
 
 With regard to the success of this scheme, much will de- 
 pend upon the character of the organization proposed, but 
 more upon the spirit of its members. Should it manifest 
 candor, liberality and mutual respect, he would be bold 
 indeed who would attempt to limit its sphere of use- 
 fulness. M. Paul de Cazes, in a clever and practical 
 article on this subject to LEvtnement^ proposes to adopt 
 a constitution similar to that of the Council of Public In- 
 struction of this province, and form two separ'' te boards, 
 one of each nationality, to regulate ordinary questions of 
 internal economy, and which would act conjointly when 
 subjects of general interest would be under discussion. 
 This system would prevent the possibilitity of any feeling 
 of discontent, which might arise from partiality in the 
 distribution of prizes, when the competency of one was 
 disputed by the other in their judgment of literary works. 
 In a community like ours, where there are different creeds 
 and nationalities, some rule should be adopted, which, 
 while preserving intact the rights of each class, would 
 avoid offending the susceptibilities of all. 
 
 I would propose that the membership should have a 
 proportion according to population in reference to nation- 
 ality, and selected from among the most eminent of our 
 littirateurs and scientists. Also that in the prizes to be 
 awarded there should be certain sums placed at the dis- 
 
LA LirrfeRATURE AU CANADA FRAN9AIS. 205 
 
 posal of the two boards, and in proportion, and to be 
 granted by them to their different nationaHties ; and further, 
 there should be a fund under the control of the united 
 board, to be distributed as prizes to contestants on subjects 
 open to all. In reference to the name this society should 
 bear, and which has given rise to much correspondence, I 
 would say that this and other details can be hereafter 
 settled. At any rate the interests of the minority, the 
 French-Canadians, might safely be entrusted to the 
 Marquis, whose sympathy towards them has been so often 
 manifested. 
 
 The association would come into life under the happiest 
 auspices, every youth feeling especially bound to set before 
 his mind a high ideal in connection with its objects and 
 efforts, and acknowledgment of the enlightenment, patriot- 
 ism and high aims of its distinguished founder, who 
 deserves the classic compliment, nihil quod tetigit non 
 ornavitf which, I hope, may ere long become a well-merited 
 tribute of the new organization itself. 
 
206 LITERARY SHEAVES, OR 
 
 •• Their cause I plead, — plead it in heart and mind; 
 A fellow-leeling makes one wondrous kind." 
 
 — DAvin Garrick. 
 
 I sincerely hope that the publication of the preceding 
 literary notices and reviews, brief and imperfect though 
 they be, will in some measure increase the knowledge of 
 the public, particularly the nationalities in the Dominion, 
 unacquainted with the French language, who will thus be 
 taught to think more highly of their fellow-subjects, using 
 that medium of thought and expression, and experience a 
 spirit of generous emulation, which may cause them to con- 
 tribute more liberally to the mental treasures of the nation. 
 Anything promotive of popular education, anything 
 stimulative of thought, fancy and literary ambition, must 
 be productive of good, in those higher regions upon which 
 intellectual advancement and true civilization mainly de- 
 pend. Mental pleasures and progress have ever been 
 deemed objects of the utmost value and advantage — 
 desirable in themselves, as well as for their fruits, by the 
 leaders] of mankind and the patriots of every clime and 
 age. I am encouraged by the reflection, that such efforts 
 are being appreciated by a section of our French speak- 
 ing fellow-citizens, who, while recognizing the claims 
 of English literature and the duties of their position as 
 fellow-workers with the British, in the creation of a great 
 
LA LITTfeRATURE AU CANADA FRANQAIS. 207 
 
 Canadian nation, have shown a marked interest in the 
 development of a pure, healthy and animating French 
 literature. Already its achievements merit our highest 
 commendation. It has created a world of romance and 
 chivalry, strewn its fields with the brightest and most 
 fragrant flowers of fancy, and peopled its hills and dales 
 with heroes beyond the power of time to destroy. By 
 the magic wand of the poet, of the novelist, of the his- 
 torian, the long, dead, forgotten past revives in all its 
 impressive reality, with all its bewildering charms ; its 
 bizarre colors, its weird features, its strange, mysterious 
 habits and customs; its striking characters reappear in 
 their interesting or startling parts ; its heroes, sinners and 
 martyrs once more present their familiar faces, venerable 
 with age, on this antique stage, to reproduce the old 
 effects and to re-enact their ancient roles. The past is 
 thus made the back-ground of the present, its contrast and 
 its inspiration. Noble lives are again made to impress 
 their eloquent lessons, base natures again to ring their 
 doleful warnings. Art, too, has its worthy mission in 
 these intellectual achievements ; its rules must guide the 
 writer, who would win success. The heroes of the im- 
 agination must appear in life-like colors and proportions ; 
 reason must guide their speech and actions; while the 
 poet weaves iiis fancies and builds his airy castles by 
 rules older than the pyramids. Thus are the faculties of 
 mankind developed, instructed and strengthened ; thus 
 
208 Literary Sheaves. 
 
 art advances, and civilization extends her healing, refining 
 influences. Much as has already been done by the present 
 generation of Canadian writers to build up a national 
 literature, it is to be hoped that the next, profiting by 
 the example and achievements of the present, will make 
 vast additions to the noble edifice, till by the purity 
 of its style, the strength of its material and the grandeur 
 of its proportions, it may symbolize the great Canadian 
 nation to be and conunand the homage of the intel- 
 lectual world. 
 
 Finis. 
 
INDEX 
 
 A 
 
 Affrieulture L\ dans la Province de Quibec, - - - - 57 
 
 Association L\ de Mfdecine Canadienne, - - - - 58 
 
 Aneiens Les, CanadienSf -.-._.. 63 
 
 A la VeilUe, Contes et Ricits, - - - - - - 72 
 
 Amiral L\ du Brouillard, - - - - - -75 
 
 AnUrique L\ avant Christophe Colombe, - - • - 110 
 
 Affaire L\ Guibord, 112 
 
 Apris le Combat, - -_-.--. hq 
 
 A trovers la Vie, -.----.- 145 
 
 A mes Enfants, - -..--._ 147 
 
 Au Coin du Feu, -------. 149 
 
 B 
 
 Bois, AbW 15. D., 69 
 
 BuieB, Aithar, - -129 
 
 Bienville, Francois de, - - - - - - - 142 
 
 Bouchard, Ad^lard, - -198 
 
 C 
 
 Chauveau, Hon P. J. 0., • - - - - - & 
 
 Casgrain, Abb6, L', - 39 
 
 Coup d'(EU sur VElat Acluel de la M^deeine, ... go 
 
 14 
 
210 
 
 Charuont d' En/ants, - - - - - - -61 
 
 Crucifix Le, Outrage^ ..-__._ 75 
 
 Cremazie, Octave, -----.- 105-188 
 
 Chroniques, ..---.--. I33 
 
 Chevalier Le, de Mornae, - - - - - - -139 
 
 Collier Le, Bleu de Mariette, - - - - - 147 
 
 Chaste Une, (i I' Ours, .--...- 149 
 
 Canada Le, en Europe, - - - - - - 150 
 
 Canada Le, Sous r Union, - - - - - - -153 
 
 Canadiens Lea, de r Quest, - - - - - - 167 
 
 Considerations sur les Classes Ouvrihes, - - - - 172 
 
 Chercheur Le, de Tr4sors, - - - - - - 191 
 
 Canadian The, Academy, ...... 200 
 
 D 
 
 Defricheur Le, de Langue, Iragidie-boufe, - - • - 53 
 Discours de Fin dWnn^e, - - - - - • 154 
 Danses Rondes, -.----._- 60 
 De Gaspe, Philippe Aubert, --.-.. 63 
 
 Dambourg^, Colonel, .-.--..-6*^ 
 
 Dodo I' En/ant, 74 
 
 Deux Ans au Mexique, . . - - - .. -78 
 Dunn, Oscar, - ........ 106 
 
 Dix Ans de Joumalisme, - • . . . - -112 
 Dorion, Hon. A. A., - - - - - - - 123 
 
 De Gazes, Paul, 160 
 
 Discours, - - - - . - - - -173 
 
 Discours par I' honorable P. J. 0. Chauveau, ... 185 
 De Gaspe, Philippe Aubert, yf/», ... - - 191 
 
211 
 
 E 
 
 Education, -----.... 2 
 
 Education in Ontario, 12 
 
 Education in Quebec, ----... 12 
 
 Educational Inetitutions, 15. 
 
 Evangile L\ Prech^e, 22 
 
 Eloge Funibre de V Abb4 Louis-Jacques Ccuault^ - - - 64 
 
 Encan, Z/', -..-..... 147 
 
 F 
 
 Fetes Pairnnales dts Canadiens-Frangais, - - - - 56 
 
 Faucher de Saint-Maurice, --.-_- 72 
 
 Feu des Romsi, Le, ----->. 73. 
 
 Fantome de la Roche, i>, ----.._ 74 
 
 Frechette, L. H., : 02-1 89 
 
 Ferland, Abb6, L', 17^ 
 
 Fragment de V Ilistoire du Canada, - - - - - 181 
 
 Fiset, L. J. C, 198 
 
 G 
 
 Oaspe'sie, -98 
 
 Olossaire Franco-Canahen, -----. 127 
 
 Garneau, F. X., - - . . . . - - 177 
 
 Oamache, Louis-Olivier, - - - - - . . i%Q 
 
 Garneau, Alfred, - - - - - . . -197 
 
 H 
 
 HSroisme et Trahison, 135 
 
 Homme L\ de Labrador, - - . • - . -193 
 
212 
 
 I 
 
 Instruction L\ publique au Canada, . - - 11-109-118 
 
 Ilet L\ au Masaacre, ou I 'Evangile ignorSe, - - - - 19 
 
 Iliade L\ et la M^decine, 60 
 
 lU d'OrUans, 61 
 
 II ne /aut d^aeap^rer de rien, - - - - - - 145 
 
 Iroquoia et Algonquina. - - - - - - -150 
 
 Importance dea Etudes Religieuses^ - - - - - ^95 
 
 J 
 
 Jongleuse La, ---------46 
 
 Jean Nicolet, -- 150 
 
 L 
 
 Ligendea Le', Canadiennes, ----- • 44 
 
 Larue. Professor Hubert, ------ 51 
 
 Langue Franqaiae au Canada, - - - - - -61 
 
 Luxe et Vaniti 52 
 
 Le Moine. T. BI., 23 
 
 Lecturea pour tons, - - - - - - - 1^' 
 
 Loi Electorate La, 120 
 
 Laberge, Charles, - - • - - - - 122 
 
 Le Moyne,/amille, - - - - - • * -144 
 
 La Nouvelle-France, 145 
 
 Legendre, NapolSon, - - - - - - -147 
 
 Le Loup-Garou, -------- 149 
 
 La Littfrature Canadienne, ----- 169-188 
 
 V Importance et Us Devoirs du Commerce, - - • 1 70 
 
213 
 
 Labrador, --------- 182 
 
 LeMay, Pamphile, 189 
 
 M 
 
 Mouvewent LiUiraire et IntelUetuel, - - - - 15 
 
 Melanges d'Hittoire, de LiUSrature et d' EcoAomie Politique, - 51 
 
 M^moirea deM.de GaspS, ------ 5o 
 
 Mon Ami Jean, -------- -74 
 
 Mexico, ---------- 76 
 
 Manuel de Dessin Induatriel, - - - • - -127 
 
 Marinette, Joseph, .--..-. 135 
 
 MIU de Verchirea, 136 
 
 Mort La, d 'un Brave, -----.- 143 
 
 Macchah^ea Lea, de 1-% Nouvelle-Franee, - - - - 143 
 
 Marchand, F. O., 194 
 
 May rand, Zephyrin, - - - - - - - -199 
 
 N 
 
 Notairea, Avoeata et MSdecina, ----- 63 
 
 Naufrage dana le Golfe St. Laurent, - - - - 65 
 
 Noa Gloirea Nationalet, - - - - - - 108 
 
 Notea sur le Canada^ ------- 161 
 
 o 
 
 Ouimet, Hon. G4dSon, - - 4-163 
 
 Opuaculea, ---------40 
 
 P 
 
 Perrault, Joseph-Franqois, ---.-- 13-200 
 
 Pionniera Lea, Canadian*, - - « - - - 40 
 
214 
 
 Pelerinagr A Vile aux Coudres, - . . - . 4] 
 
 P-iresse et Travail^ - - - - - - - -52 
 
 Promenades d'lns le Golfe Saint- Laurent, - . - - 85 
 Provinces Maritimes, ----.-.-94 
 
 Pourquoi nous sommes Francois, .... - io7 
 
 Pouvoir Temporel, - - - - - - - -108 
 
 Petition au iVinistre de V Instruction Publique, - - - 118 
 
 Patois Canadien, - - - • - - - -125 
 
 Parent Etienne, 169 
 
 Q 
 
 Quebec Past and Present, -------24 
 
 Question Agricole, - - - - - - - 119 
 
 R 
 
 Richesses Naturelles du Canada, . _ _ - > 56 
 
 Rose Latulippe, ._.-.--- 192 
 
 Raymond, Abbe L', J. S., - - - - - - - 195 
 
 S 
 
 Ste. Foye, Monument des Braves, - - - - - 16 
 
 Sagamo du Kapskouk, -------20 
 
 Seines de Moeurs Canadiennes, ----- 60 
 
 Sagtienay Le, et la ValUe du Lac St. Jean, • - - 129 
 
 Suite, Benjamin, ---.---- 149 
 
 Scholastic Institutions, - - - - - - -165 
 
 T 
 
 Tache, J. C, 18 
 
 Trois Ligendes de mon Pays, - - - - - -18 
 
215 
 Tableau de la Rivih-e OuelU, - 
 
 Turcotte, Lucien, ... " " - 45 
 
 Traitres et Braves, . . . " ' * " ^24 
 
 Tomahawk Le, it VEpie, . . . _ ' ' ' ^^^ 
 
 Turcotte, Louis P., . . . " " " - 138 
 Tasse, Joseph, ... ' " ' * - 153 
 
 Union L\ des Catholiques, 
 
 Voyages, 
 
 u 
 
 167 
 
 113 
 
 - 177