Rapids 


DOWN THE RAPIDS.



ABOUT eight miles above Montreal, on the River St. Lawrence, are the Lachine Rapids, which render the navigation of the river difficult and even dangerous. 

From this point to Montreal a ship canal has been constructed, which allows the largest craft to pass in safety around this perilous channel. 

Small craft, however, if skillfully piloted, "run the rapids" and avoid the necessity of going through the canal.

During the summer season, the market steamer, which brings fresh produce to Montreal every morning from the farms up the river, makes the trip and "shoots the rapids," as shown in the engraving. Many tourists avail themselves of the opportunity of sharing in the excitement of the journey, there being now but little risk in it, as long practice enables the pilot to safely guide the boat to the quiet waters below.

After an early breakfast in Montreal, the tourist takes the morning train to Lachine, and enjoys a pleasant ride up the banks of the beautiful St. Lawrence. The steamer is found above the rapids, ready to receive its passengers. An experienced Indian pilot here takes the wheel, and the journey commences. In a few moments the passenger becomes conscious of an unusual motion, and the boat pitches and tosses in the agitated waters. Right ahead is a ragged rock, upon which the little craft seems to be rushing; but a turn of the wheel at just the right moment sends the boat to the left, and the danger is past. Steam is shut off from the engine, and the boat is now tossing, apparently at the mercy of the current. 

All eyes are turned upon the pilot, who seems as cool as though sailing "through unruffled seas." The words of the poet come to mind, "Steady, O pilot, stand firm at the wheel; "and with bated breath the passengers watch for the next peril that looms up ahead. The "dangers unseen," however, are the worst, as just below the surface of the water the rocks which would be certain destruction if the pilot were ignorant of their locality and should allow the boat to run upon them. But with every inch of the channel as familiar to him as a beaten path, he skillfully guides the steamer through, and all breathe easier, when the placid waters are reached, and the steady puff of the engine shows that the paddle-wheels are again at work.

The remainder of the trip is full of enjoyment, and the boat passes under the famous Victoria Bridge and reaches her dock in the city while the morning is yet fresh with dew.

How many of our readers are going "down the rapids" of life toward destruction? The way may seem pleasant, but there are hidden dangers all along the channel, and the only safety is to turn square about and journey up the stream, even though you may have to contend with the current every inch of the way. Do not float with the current. There are breakers ahead. Stem the tide, and at last you may anchor in the haven of rest. 





W. C. G.







GOOD ADVICE.


 If children at school can be made to understand that it is just and noble to be humane even to what we term inferior animals, it will do much to give them a higher character and tone through life. There is nothing meaner than barbarous and cruel treatment of the dumb creatures, who cannot answer us or resent the misery which is so often needlessly inflicted upon them.





 John Bright.