In former years, in the
good time of ship-building, the laying the keel of a large vessel in the
ship-yards often brought joy to the hearts of the poor ship-carpenters;
many of whose white, snug cottages are grouped along the river near by.
Except during the summer months, when the crews of the ships, taking in
cargo alongside the booms, sing, fight and dance in the adjacent
"shebeens," the year glides on peacefully. On grand, on gala days, in
election times, some of the sons of St. Patrick used to perambulate the
historical street, flourishing treenails, or shillaleghs - in order
to preserve the peace!!! of course. To sum up all, Champlain street
has an aspect altogether sui generis.
A QUEBEC PORTRAIT
(From the ATLANTIC MONTHLY.)
"Physical size and grand proportions are looked upon by the French-
Canadians with great respect. In all the cases of popular
emeutes that have from time to time broken out in Lower Canada,
the fighting leaders of the people were exceptional men, standing head
and shoulders over their confiding followers. Where gangs of raftsmen
congregate, their 'captains' may be known by superior stature.
