Page:Repository of Arts, Series 1, Volume 01, 1809, January-June.djvu/112

86 as yet unsettled, and for the greater part unexplored. Both receive the tributary waters of many fine rivers, several not even named, and not a few larger than the Thames: what treasures of nature, what new sources of commerce, what abundant means of support of an increasing population, may not these boundless countries disclose, even to the existing generation! For their present and future productions, Montreal is and must be the principal depôt, as well for distributing to them the manufactures and commodities of the rest of the world. It is, moreover, connected with the northern states of the Union by Lake Champlain and the River Sorel; and with the west parts of New-York and Pensylvania, and the new states of the Ohio and Western Territory, by the riven and lakes of Canada, which form their northern limits, by which only they can find a transit for their productions.

With all these advantanges, it is surprizing that his place has not become before now, of greater consequence than we find it. The reason seems to be, that the inhabitants have sacrificed every other speculation to that of the fur-trade, which led directly to competency, by an easy and obvious road. The French natives, indeed; never possessed any commercial enterprise, but lived contented and happy on the produce of the soil.

Although, at present, Montreal can only be classed among the second rank of American cities, yet the period is approaching when it will acquire an importance, to which, from its local situation, and natural advantages, it is so deservedly entitled, and it will in all probability become the chief emporium of the north-west continent.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE REPOSITORY, &c.

answer to your enquiry respecting my simple, but useful method of procuring a more economical light, I can give you, in a very few words, the fullest information, which will enable any chandler to execute it. The increasing price of candles is certainly a subject which deserves consideration; and if the war should continue, the evil may become serious, as so much of the tallow consumed in this country comes from abroad. Of all the species of scarcity, that which would affect the production of artificial light, would be amongst the most distressing to the community. By the plan which I have conceived, and executed, three candles of any given length and thickness, last as long as four of the same manufactured in the common way. The light, which is as strong (if the candle be not snuffed too close,) is far more steady, and the flame is of a better colour. The candle, whether it be of wax, spermaceti, or tallow, does not require to be snuffed so often, it flares much less, it is considerably better for writing, reading, working, and drawing, and it runs less when carried about the house. These are obvious advantages; and I do not know of any