y. With
him returned some of the colonists whose ambition had been satisfied at
St Croix. Champlain remained, in the hope of making further
explorations 'towards Florida.' Pontgrave was left in command. The
others numbered forty-three.

During the autumn they began to make gardens. 'I also,' says
Champlain, 'for the sake of occupying my time made one, which was
surrounded with ditches full of water, in which I placed some fine
trout, and into which flowed three brooks of very fine running water,
from which the greater part of our settlement was supplied. I made
also a little sluice-way towards the shore, in order to draw off the
water when I wished. This spot was entirely surrounded by meadows,
where I constructed a summer-house, with some fine trees, as a resort
for enjoying the fresh air. I made there, also, a little reservoir for
holding salt-water fish, which we took out as we wanted them. I took
especial pleasure in it and planted there some seeds which turned out
well. But much work had to be laid out in preparation. We resorted
often to this place as a pastime; and it seemed as if the little birds
round took pleasure in it, for they gathered there in large {44}
numbers, warbling and chirping so pleasantly that I think I have never
heard the like.'

After a busy and cheerful autumn came a mild winter. The snow did not
fall till December 20, and there was much rain. Scurvy still caused
trouble; but though twelve died, the mortality was not so high as at St
Croix. Everything considered, Port Royal enjoyed good
fortune--according to the colonial standards of the period, when a
winter death-rate of twenty-six per cent was below the average.

At the beginning of March 1606 Pontgrave fitted out a barque of
eighteen tons in order to undertake 'a voyage of discovery along the
coast of Florida'; and on the 16th of the month a start was made.
Favoured by good weather, he and Champlain would have reached the
Hudson three years before the Dutch. But, short of drowning, every
possible mischance happened. They had hardly set out when a storm cast
them ashore near Grand Manan. Having repaired the damage they made for
St Croix, where fog and contrary winds held them back eight days. Then
Pontgrave decided to return to Port Royal 'to see in what condition our
companions were whom we had left there sick.' On their {45} arrival
Pontgrave himself was taken ill, but soon re-embarked, though still
unwell. Their