or less navigable, whether the lakes abounded with fish, and whether the water powers were capable of being turned to account.  Up till this time the founder of Quebec had pressed forward his work of exploration with an energy that was almost astonishing.  He had rowed up the Iroquois River as far as lake Champlain, and he had also navigated the Ottawa River in a manner that had even surprised the Algonquins.  Still many things remained to be done and to be seen, such as to observe the fertility of the soil in different latitudes, to study the manners and customs of the Indians, especially of the great Huron tribe, which was the most populous and probably better disposed to receive Christian instruction than the other tribes.  Champlain’s ambition had always been to introduce Christianity in order to civilize the people.  Thus we find in his writings after his return to France in 1614, the words: 

“Without losing courage, I have not ceased to push on and visit various nations of the savages, and by associating familiarly with them, I have concluded, as well from their conversation as from the knowledge attained, that there is no better way than, disregarding all storms and difficulties, to have patience until His Majesty shall give the requisite attention to the matter, and in the meantime to continue the exploration of the country, but also to learn the language, and form relations and friendship with the leading men of the villages and tribes, in order to lay the foundations of a permanent edifice, as well for the glory of God as for the renown of the French.”

It is well to observe the significance of these words from the pen of Champlain.  Is this the language of a common fur-trader, simply seeking to increase his fortune?  What were really Champlain’s designs during all these years of labour and self-sacrifice?  Was he animated by the mere curiosity of the tourist, or the ambition of a man of science?  No.  Champlain desired, it is true, to gain an intimate knowledge of the country, and his labours are highly valued as a geographer and cosmographer, but his intention was to utilize all his varied information to promote the Christian religion and at the same time to increase the renown of his native land.

Champlain deserves credit, not only for the idea of bringing missionaries to Canada, but also for having realized his ideas.  He obtained the cooeperation of many pious and zealous persons in France, who willingly seconded his efforts, but it was owing to his own steadfastness of purpose and to his great ability that his designs were successfully carried out.  After having formed a society of merchants to take the material affairs of the colony in hand, Champlain tried to get some religious orders to assume the direction of spiritual matters.  He had previously made known his plan to Louis Houeel, king’s councillor, and comptroller of the salt works at Brouage, and sieur of Petit-Pre.  Houeel was an honourable and pious man, and a friend of Champlain.  He told him that he was acquainted with some Recollets who would readily agree to proceed to New France.  Houeel met Father du Verger, a man of great virtue and ability, and principal of the order of the Immaculate Conception.  Father du Verger made an appeal to his confreres, all of whom offered their services, and were ready to cross the ocean.