mplain, with characteristic wisdom,
chose the places where now stand the cities of Montreal and Three
Rivers. He was particularly fortunate in his selections, and any
buildings that he caused to be erected, were built from his own plans
and under his own directions.

On the whole, Champlain's writings are very interesting, notwithstanding
the fact that he is somewhat diffuse in his style. Writing in the style
of the commencement of the seventeenth century, we see traces,
especially in his figures and descriptions, of the beauties of a
language which was then in a transitory state. However, whether his
style may be commended or condemned, it is of little consequence, since
he has given to the world such ample details of his life and
achievements as a discoverer, an explorer and a founder. His writings
are the more remarkable from the fact that they were composed during the
scanty leisure of his daily life, and we owe him a debt of gratitude for
having sacrificed this leisure to give us such precious treasures.[29]
Such was the life of this peerless man, whose incessant labours were
dedicated to the service of God and the glory of France.

The city of Quebec is justly proud of her noble founder, and it is a
source of gratification to the inhabitants to point to the stately
monument which stands upon the spot consecrated by the life and death of
Champlain. The inscription commemorates the great work of the founder,
and of his explorations; but in the hearts of the people of Canada,
Champlain has a still more precious monument, and the flourishing
condition of our Dominion to-day is but the unconscious outcome of the
trial and labours of his heroic life.

All historians who have written of Champlain attribute to him the
qualities which we have endeavoured to depict in these pages.
Charlevoix, a Jesuit, and the author of the first great history of
Canada, written about one hundred years after the death of the founder
of New France, thus writes:

"Champlain died at Quebec, generally and justly regretted. M. de
Champlain was, beyond contradiction, a man of merit, and may be well
called, _The Father of New France_. He had good sense, much penetration,
very upright views, and no man was ever more skilled in adopting a
course in the most complicated affairs. What all admired most in him was
his constancy in following up his enterprises, his firmness in the
greatest dangers, a courage proof against the most unforeseen reverses