Note.—For purposes of reference, consult The Story of My Life by Dr. Ryerson; The Ryerson Memorial Volume by Dr. J.G. Hodgins; Egerton Ryerson by Nathaniel Burwash in The Makers of Canada; and Egerton Ryerson by J.H. Putnam.
THE INTERCOLONIAL RAILWAY
The lesson may be begun best by referring to the provisions in the British North America Act for the building of the railway. (If the class knows nothing yet of this Act, reference may be made to Dominion Day, and the Act associated with it, by explaining the significance of the Day. The date of Confederation, 1867, may be written on the board for reference.) In the B.N.A. Act, it was provided that "the Canadian Government should build a railway connecting the St. Lawrence with Halifax, to be commenced within six months after the Union."
Teacher.—Did you notice the two places that were to be connected by the road?
Pupil.—They were Halifax and the St. Lawrence River.
T.—Why do you think Halifax was chosen as one terminus?
P.—Because it is near the sea.
T.—Well, Quebec is not far from the sea either.
P.—It is the nearest port for ocean-going steamers.
T.—Do you know what happens to the St. Lawrence every winter?