down upon the river. In this way they are blessed with a site
peculiarly happy. Indeed, I cannot at this moment remember any so
much so. The Castle of Edinburgh stands very well; but then, like
many other castles, it stands on a summit by itself, and can only
be approached by a steep ascent. These buildings at Ottawa, though
they look down from a grand eminence immediately on the river, are
approached from the town without any ascent. The rock, though it
falls almost precipitously down to the water is covered with trees
and shrubs; and then the river that runs beneath is rapid, bright,
and picturesque in the irregularity of all its lines. The view
from the back of the library, up to the Chaudiere Falls and to the
saw-mills by which they are surrounded, is very lovely. So that I
will say again that I know no site for such a set of buildings so
happy as regards both beauty and grandeur. It is intended that the
library, of which the walls were only ten feet above the ground
when I was there, shall be an octagonal building, in shape and
outward character like the chapter house of a cathedral. This
structure will, I presume, be surrounded by gravel walks and green
sward. Of the library there is a large model showing all the
details of the architecture; and if that model be ultimately
followed, this building alone will be worthy of a visit from
English tourists. To me it was very wonderful to find such an
edifice in the course of erection on the banks of a wild river
almost at the back of Canada. But if ever I visit Canada again, it
will be to see those buildings when completed.

And now, like all friendly critics, having bestowed my modicum of
praise, I must proceed to find fault. I cannot bring myself to
administer my sugar-plum without adding to it some bitter morsel by
way of antidote. The building to the left of the quadrangle as it