on of his charter for the space
of one year; and, following Champlain's suggestions, turned his attention
to Canada. Two vessels were fitted out and despatched in April, 1608.
Arriving at Tadoussac in June, Champlain left his colleague there to
traffic with the natives, while he continued his route up the river,
until he came to the place where Cartier and his companions had wintered
in 1535.

Champlain landed, and having ascended some distance from the mouth of the
St. Charles toward the promontory now called Cape Diamond, judged the
situation favorable for permanent settlement. Artisans, provisions,
merchandise, arms, and tools were brought on shore, and a commencement
made in the work of constructing wooden buildings and defences. At the
same time preparations were made for cultivating the ground and for
testing the productiveness of the soil by sowing various seeds brought
from France. In these operations, begun on July 3, 1608, Champlain had in
view the establishment of a fixed trading-station for the advantage of
the company he represented, as well as the more immediate purpose of
providing for the security and accommodation of his people during the
ensuing winter. But on the site of these rude works the city of Quebec
grew up in after-times. Champlain is, therefore, entitled to be regarded
as its founder, and the date last mentioned as that of its foundation.

During the autumn the works were continued, Champlain himself
superintending them with indefatigable activity. Pontegrave returned to
France with the results of the season's traffic at Tadoussac.

Champlain's experience, previously acquired at Port Royal, doubtless was
of service in giving effect to his forethought and energy as regards
preparations for the winter; for it is recorded that the thirty persons
composing his party were comfortably protected from the ordinary rigors
of the climate.

On the return of spring Champlain's activity of disposition did not
suffer him to await the coming of Pontegrave from France. He set out
at once up the St. Lawrence. Meeting parties of Indians belonging to
Algonquin and Huron tribes, he entered into friendly communication with
them. Between these tribes and the Iroquois, or Five Nations, a state
of warfare subsisted. Champlain, on his part, desired to secure the
friendship of those natives who were to be the more immediate neighbors
of the French on the St. Lawrence, while the Algonquins and Hurons were
equally s