Abbott's Guide to Ottawa and Vicinity

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Abbott's Guide to

and Vicinity

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Ottawa: Past and Present

RIDEAU FALLS IN 1854

OTTAWA: PAST and PRESENT

AN HISTORICAL SKETCH OF BYTOWN AND OTTAWA.

By A. H. O'BRIEN.

Early Explorers.

Is there another city in the world of which it can be told that, at a time when not as yet was "the axe laid to the root of the trees," a prophecy was made that on the then virgin soil would arise the capital of a great country? The country is the northern half of the North American Continent, and the prophet was the Earl of Dalhousie, then Governor of Canada. The prophecy was made when in the company of the English Engineer officer who was sent to construct a waterway from the Ottawa river to the Great Lakes, and whose name is inseparably connected with the birth of the city. A still earlier epoch calls our attention. In 1613 Samuel de Champlain, the founder of Quebec, whose tercentenary was celebrated but recently, ascended the Ottawa river on his way to Lake Huron, and was unquestionably the first white man to stand on this site. As he ascended the river, the Rideau Falls, then in their pristine beauty, appeared to him immediately after he had turned from noting where the pretty and placid Gatineau joins its waters with the more turbulent main stream. Next he passes the bold promontory now known as Nepean Point, and immediately comes in sight of the beautiful verdure-clad hill on which the halls of Government of a new nation now stand, and resembling, more than aught else, a gem in its setting. Still contemplating the scene, this early explorer is now compelled to land, and to portage through the fringe of woods and the ledges of rock to reach the upper waters.

CHAUDIERE FALLS IN 1826

Accustomed as Champlain was to the tiny rivulets and miniature falls of the old world, we can understand the feelings of himself and his companions as they viewed for the first time the scene so well described by Francis Parkman, the American Historian, in "The Pioneers of France in the New World": "White as a snow-drift, the cataracts of the Chaudiere barred their way. They saw the unbridled river careering down its sheeted rocks, foaming in unfathomed chasms, wearying the solitude with the hoarse outcry of its agony and rage. On the brink of the rocky basin where the plunging torrent boiled like a caldron, and puffs of spray sprang out from its concussion like smoke from the throat of a cannon, Champlain's two Indians took their stand, and, with a loud invocation, threw tobacco into the foam—an offering to the local spirit, the Manitou of the cataract." Thence picking his way amongst the channels and rapids he passes from view. Champlain again ascended the Ottawa in 1616, and again in 1626 with the Jesuit Fathers Breboeuf and Lalement, who were subsequently tortured and burnt to death.

Trappers and Settlers.

The hands of time moved on but slowly. For nearly 200 years the only visitors were trappers and traders who passed up and down the river, the great thoroughfare from the coast to the interior. These were the pioneers of those who, after nearly 300 years, seek to construct the Georgian Bay Canal as a navigable waterway over the route taken by Champlain. It is possible that the three hundredth anniversary of Champlain's journey will see the greater part of this immense undertaking completed. Our chronology now brings us to the year 1796, when one Philemon Wright, a loyalist from Woburn, Massachusetts, landed on the opposite side of the river, where the city of Hull now stands. In 1806 he and his associates obtained grants of land, and became the nucleus of the settlement from which sprang the twin cities. The site of the present capital was a wilderness until 1826, when Lord Dalhousie, Col. By and others arrived at Hull for the purpose of considering the construction of the proposed Rideau Canal.

CHAUDIERE FALLS IN 1854

Bytown.

Gradually the site of the present city became inhabited. Many of the early settlers were descended from that prolific source the Pilgrim Fathers. The village of Bytown, named after Col. By, the founder of the city, was incorporated in 1827, the population then being 1,000. Twenty years later, with a population of 6,000 it became a town, and by January 1st, 1855, it had become a city, with its name changed to Ottawa.

Origin of the word "Ottawa."

On the south bank—or Ontario side—of the "Kitche-Sippe" (i.e. great river) as it was called by the Indians, dwelt a tribe named the "Outaouais" (i.e. human ear), a branch of the Algonquins, between whom and the Five Nations Indians—called by the French the Iroquois—there was continual war. The river was first called by the early French explorers the Rivière des Algoumequins, or river of the Algonquins, but was afterwards known as the Rivière des Outaouais, from the tribe that lived on its banks. The latter word subsequently became corrupted into "Ottawa." The war with the Iroquois resulted in the Ottawas being driven from the Ottawa Valley to Lake Huron, where for many years some of them lived on Great Manitoulin Island.

Becomes the Capital.

In 1857 Queen Victoria was asked to select a permanent seat of government. Until then it had been fixed in turn at Quebec, Montreal, Kingston and Toronto. Guided by the advice of Sir Edmund Head, the then Governor General, Her Majesty, on the 31st December, 1857, selected Ottawa. The considerations which weighed in its favour were the political and strategical advantages of the location and the magnificence of the site. On this latter point will be read with interest what is said under the head "../Major's Hill Park," on p. 21.

Its Commanding Position.

The Capital of Canada is in the Province of Ontario, and lies on the right bank or south shore of the Ottawa river, which separates the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Across the river, in the last named province, can be seen the famed Laurentian Hills.

The city may be said to stretch from the Chaudiere Falls to Rockcliffe, a distance of three miles. The best view of the river front is from the Quebec shore. The whole length presents a succession of bold promontories, some of them rising perpendicularly from the water's edge, clothed by cedars and pines, and separated from each other by small bays. From the promontory at Rockcliffe is a view of 16 miles down the river.

With the single exception of Quebec, Ottawa is undoubtedly the most beautifully situated of any Canadian city. It is surrounded by magnificent natural scenery, striking from its variety, and not often surpassed in beauty. Standing at the northerly point of Parliament Hill, or, better still, from the tower of the Parliament Buildings, one sees the magnificent Ottawa winding its course from the islands in the far distance at the left, down the Chaudiere Falls, past the great lumbering industries before one's feet, till it flows underneath the Alexandra bridge at Nepean Point, then, joined by the Gatineau river, it passes the pretty little village of Gatineau Point, whence it continues its course to meet the St. Lawrence.

Bridges across the Ottawa River.

The year that saw the initiation of the canal witnessed also the commencement of the union suspension bridge across the Ottawa river, under the same Engineer officer. The first arch constructed gave way, and fell into the

CHAUDIERE FALLS IN 1830

river. The second bridge was built by our old friend Philemon Wright and Sons, under contract. Communication with the opposite bank was obtained by firing a rope from a brass cannon across the channel—240 feet—to Chaudiere Island. During construction the chain cables broke, precipitating workmen and tools into the channel, and three men were drowned. A wooden bridge was nearly completed when a gale overturned the structure, and it was carried down the stream. Again another bridge was commenced, and finally completed. This stood for twelve years, when it followed in the wake of its predecessors. Communication was then had by ferry until 1843, when a new bridge was commenced. This bridge was subsequently replaced by a steel bridge, which the great fire of 1900 twisted into a shapeless mass. The present bridge replaced it immediately afterwards. The only other bridge across the Ottawa, within the city is the Alexandra Bridge, described on p. 12.

Ottawa Today.

From a village with a population of 1,000 persons in 1828, Ottawa has become a city of 90,000, or, if its sister city of Hull and the suburbs of both cities be included, of about 115,000 persons, with an area of over 52,000 acres. It has 145 miles of streets, on which are 42 miles of electric street railway. Making their home at the seat of Government are 3,600 of the country's Civil Service, who, with their families, form no inconsiderable portion of the population. Resident at Ottawa are the members of the more important bodies which control the country and its destinies: the executive, administrative and judicial officers. The wealth of the city is increasing, due largely to its natural resources. The natural beauty is being aided by carefully considered artificial improvements, and before long Ottawa will be known as one of the most beautiful cities on this continent.

Archives

ARCHIVES.

Simplicity of architecture is characteristic of the handsome stone building on Sussex street where the records of Old Canada are stored. The wide green lawn forms an effective foreground. Round the parapet of the building will be seen the Arms, carved in stone, of the different provinces, while at either side of the entrance door two bronze tablets inform the reader that one Gilles Hocquart, Intendant of New France, in 1731, made the first proposal of a building for archives, but not until 1906 was the present structure commenced under Hon. S. Fisher. Previously—since 1873—the Archives had existed as a branch of the Department of Agriculture.

The Dominion Archives building was opened January 1st, 1908, and is admirably adapted for its purposes. It is under the control of the Dominion Archivist—Dr. A. G. Doughty, C.M.G.—to whose indefatigable zeal is due much of the valuable material here stored, and whose knowledge of the history of the country has been invaluable in seeking out and acquiring many thousands of important manuscripts previously resting in strange or private hands. On the ground floor are the administrative offices, the library, and rooms for students. Many beautiful pictures, including rare engravings, hang on the walls. Among the pictures are some by Paul Kane, the celebrated Canadian painter of Indian life, and by Frank Craig. The library contains 20,000 printed books and pamphlets relating to Canadian history. Displayed in cases are historical souvenirs and valuable autograph manuscripts. A painting by Sir Ben. West, presented by Lord Lovat, depicts the death of Simon Fraser at Saratoga. This young officer was with Wolfe at the siege of Quebec in 1759, and was with the officer who answered the historic challenge of the French sentry. In the Archivist's office are documents of the highest interest, among them the plan of Quebec used by Wolfe during the siege. In a corner of the room is the very chair used by Wolfe. On the second floor is the manuscript room with 20,000 volumes, containing over two million documents, a very large portion being originals. These deal with the country from its discovery to Confederation, and are the main sources of Canadian history. An index makes them available to students. On the third floor the map room contains 6,000 manuscript plans of Canada, and the original surveys of the country. An interesting item is a plan of Quebec in relief, on a large scale, showing every house in Quebec as it appeared in 1800. This stood in Woolwich Arsenal for 100 years. It has been restored recently by Father O'Leary.

The building is open from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Aylmer

AYLMER.

Named after Lord Aylmer, a former Governor General of Canada, and situated on Lake Deschenes beside the old highway from Montreal to the Upper Ottawa and the lumbering districts, this quaint little town is about 9 miles from Ottawa by road or electric car (for car service, see p. 48). Here many prominent Ottawans first saw the light of day. The ride alone is well worth the time spent, and in the town itself a visit should be paid to the picturesque old Conroy Hotel on the lake shore, the old Court House, and "Talaly-Ho Farm" at the entrance to the town, on the Aylmer Road. Here Mr. Wright of Ottawa, has his green houses, with some 400,000 feet of glass covering part of the magnificent display of flowers which subsequently find their way to Ottawa and elsewhere. Visitors are admitted at all times. At the Victoria Hotel beyond the town, and fronting on Lake Deschenes, the traveller and tourist can find good accommodation and all that thereto appertains.

Bridges

BRIDGES.

Dufferin Bridge is named after the Marquess of Dufferin, Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The bridge crosses the Rideau Canal between the entrance to the Chateau Laurier and east gate of the Parliament grounds. A remarkably pretty view is had of the locks on the Rideau Canal, the Alexandra Bridge, and the Ottawa River, with the Laurentian Mountains in the distance.

Sappers Bridge, which crosses the Rideau Canal in front of the Central Station, is so called after the "Sappers"—or military workmen—who built the Canal.

The space between Sappers and Dufferin bridges is about to be covered over, and the whole made into one large plaza, extending from the Post Office to the Chateau Laurier (see view on p. 14).

Alexandra Bridge—This inter-provincial bridge, named after the consort of King Edward VII, connects Ottawa, in the province of Ontario, with Hull, in the province of Quebec. The Ottawa end rests on a base cut from the face of Nepean Point, and over this bridge the transcontinental trains of the Canadian Pacific Railway pass daily. A particularly fine view looking up and down the river is here obtained.

Laurier Bridge, named after Sir Wilfrid Laurier, Premier of Canada, crosses the Rideau Canal and railway tracks at Laurier ave., in front of the Armouries, and connects the Sandy Hill district with centre town.

Union Bridge crosses the Ottawa river immediately below the Chaudiere Falls, and the finest possible view of the falls is had from the north end ot the bridge. Turning about is a most picturesque view of the Parliament Buildings and the Ottawa river. Over this bridge the street cars pass on their way to Hull. The history of this bridge is given in the first paragraph on page 10.

Minto Bridges cross the Rideau River at the north end of King Edward ave., and are part of the Driveway system. They were constructed partly as a suitable approach to Government House, but also form a useful alternative route going to or returning from Rockcliffe Park, Beechwood Cemetery, and the Rifle Range.

St. Patrick Bridge crosses the Rideau River at St. Patrick St., and may be used as an alternative route to Beechwood Cemetery.

Cummings Bridge crosses the Rideau River at the east end of Rideau St., near the Protestant General Hospital. Over it is the way to Notre Dame (R.C.) Cemetery.

Chateau Laurier

CHATEAU LAURIER.

When the Chateau Laurier, named after the Right Honourable Sir Wilfrid Laurier, G.C.M.G., late Premier of Canada, built by the Grand Trunk Railway, at a cost of over $1,500,000, is completed, Ottawa will be the proud possessor of the most magnificent hotel in Canada, and one of the finest hotels in America. It is situated in the south-western corner of the historic Major's Hill Park, where Colonel Bolton, of the staff of Colonel By, lived in the days of old Bytown, and commands magnificent views of the Parliament Buildings, the Rideau Canal, the Gatineau and Ottawa valleys, and the grand old Laurentian Hills.

An old style of French architecture has been used for the Chateau Laurier, and it is built of granite and light buff Indiana sandstone with copper roof. It contains 350 bedrooms; all are outside rooms, and two-thirds of them have private baths.

On the main floor are the office, rotunda, ladies' reception room, dining room, and dining room corridor, also café, lounge, and palm room; the latter will be used as a tea room. The ladies, and general writing rooms, are on the mezzanine floor, and the foyer, banquet room and state apartments are on the first floor.

In the basement are the grill room, bar room, barber shop, manicuring parlors, and public lavatories.

The second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth floors have each 53 bedrooms, and in selecting the furnishings for these rooms, the thought of making them home-like is evident.

On each floor, particularly well located rooms will be furnished in an especially attractive manner for parlor bedroom suites.

The corridors are divided into sections by means of fire doors to separate them in an emergency, although the hotel is absolutely fire-proof, no wood, except frames for doors and baseboards, being used in its construction. The main corridors lead directly to fire escapes, iron balconies and stairways inside the building. All the windows and service floors will be screened with the best Canadian-made fly screens, and a special refrigerating room will be provided to freeze the garbage until it is removed from the building.

The kitchen and its equipment will be equal to the best on the American continent. An especial refrigeration system will be installed and an ice plant added to furnish the hotel and station with artificial ice made from distilled water, sterilized by an effective method to provide pure drinking water for the guests.

The hotel laundry, with all the latest improved machinery for doing guest's work, is in the sub-basement. All the power for lighting and heating steam for kitchen and laundry, ice and refrigeration, is supplied the hotel by its own plant in the rear of the station, 400 yards from the hotel, so that the usual vibration from the machinery located within the building will not be felt. The hotel is also connected with the Central Union Station by means of a subway at the foot of the main stairway.

VISTA OF A PORTION OF THE CITY OF OTTAWA, SHOWING "CHATEAU LAURIER," OF THE GRAND TRUNK RAILWAY HOTEL SYSTEM AND THE NEW GRAND TRUNK PASSENGER STATION.

Chats Falls

CHATS FALLS.

Thirty miles, as the crow flies, from the city, on the Upper Ottawa at the foot of Lake les Chats is a series of rapids from which the lake takes its name. The river here is nearly one mile in width, and is barred in a diagonal direction by a huge ledge of limestone rock over which the water pours in white foam, and with great noise, from a height of fifty feet. In periods of high water there are thirty-three distinct falls, while there are but sixteen at low water. The power capable of being developed from these falls is from 140,000 to 170,000 horse power. This will be a valuable commercial asset in the near future.

Chaudiere Falls

CHAUDIERE FALLS.

A little more than 100 years ago Heriot wrote thus in his "Travels through Canada": "A waterfall occupies the breadth of the river, and dashing over a rugged and irregular cliff, of about 30 feet in altitude, exhibits to the view of the traveller, in the midst of a territory where dreary solitude prevails, an object at once brilliant, enlivening and picturesque. Part of the river here diverging into a contrary channel assumes a retrograde course, and pours into a basin, whose waters entirely disappear, but have probably a subterraneous communication with the channel farther down." Francis Parkman's description of the explorer Champlain's first sight of the falls is given in full on page 6.

It is said that the falls were formerly 60 feet in height at high water, and that the volume of water was equal to that of Niagara Falls. At the present time both the amount of water and the height of the falls are very considerably reduced in summer time owing to the extensive use of the water for power purposes. The Indians gave the falls the name of "Canajo," meaning kettle, now known by its French translation "Chaudiere," the origin of the name being the seething caldron caused by the fall of the water.

Conservatory of Music

CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC.

The Canadian Conservatory of Music is situated on the corner of Bay and Slater streets. It offers very great facilities for musical education, as is

evidenced by the successes of its pupils, among which may be mentioned the winning, for two years in succession, of the Earl Grey Musical Trophy. The institution is non-sectarian, and students of cither sex and of all ages can obtain instruction in any branch of music. The Conservatory Orchestra—under Mr. Donald Heins—is one of the best organizations of the kind in Canada. Symphony concerts and recitals are given from time to time. The musical director of the Conservatory is Mr. H. Puddicombe.

Driveway

VIEW ON THE DRIVEWAY

DRIVEWAY.

The Ottawa Improvement Commission was created by the Dominion Government in 1899, with power to purchase and hold property for parks, squares, areas, driveways and thoroughfares, and an annual appropriation was authorized. The Commission consisits of the Mayor and 7 members. The work is being continued yearly. At present the Driveway extends from the Experimental Farm to Cartier Square, via the bank of the Rideau Canal. Another division commences at the gates of Government House, runs through Rockcliffe Park, and along the Ottawa river to the Rifle Range. Some 30,000 trees and shrubs have been planted, and boulevards, shady iparks, miniature lakes and arbours make the Driveway the finest and longest in Canada.

Earnscliffe

EARNSCLIFFE.

Situated on a commanding position on the top of the bluff overlooking the Ottawa river, about half a mile below the Alexandra bridge, this picturesque house was chosen by the late Sir John A. Macdonald (see p. 22) as his residence, and here he died. His widow takes from it her title "Baroness Macdonald of Earnscliffe." It is now owned by Dr. Chas. A. E. Harriss, the well-known musical composer. The room where Canada's great citizen lived and worked is still kept as he occupied it.

Experimental Farm

EXPERIMENTAL FARM.

There are, in Canada, thirteen Experimental Farms of the Dominion Government, of which the Central Experimental Farm is situated 3 miles south west of the Parliament Buildings, and easy of access by the Somerset st. cars (Maltese cross and red and white light) which run every ten minutes in summer and every twenty minutes in winter. A visit should not be omitted. The farm, which covers 467 acres of ground is for the purpose of experiments in all branches of agriculture, horticulture, and arboriculture. Every known variety of Canadian tree, shrub and plant will be found. Here are tested soils, fertilizers, and the vitality of seeds. The whole work is of incalculable benefit to agricultural interests. The ornamental grounds are made very attractive by beds of flowers and masses of flowering shrubs and beautiful trees, which are well worth seeing during the summer. Among other items of interest to visitors are the cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry. The buildings on the farm are open every day except Sunday, while the grounds are open daily, Sunday included. Everything is under the control of the Director, Mr. J. H. Grisdale, B. Agr.

Fisheries Exhibit

FISHERIES EXHIBIT.

The Canadian Fisheries Exhibit, corner O'Connor and Queen streets, contains sepcimens of Canadian fishes, birds, shells, etc., and models of boats and fishing crafts. Open daily, except Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Gatineau Point

GATINEAU POINT.

This typical French-Canadian hamlet, largely composed of raftsmen and lumber-jacks, lies at the junction of the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers. A pretty view of it is obtained from the Driveway where it winds through Rockcliffe Park. In seasons of high water in the Ottawa, the lower parts of the little village, and also many suburban residences, are frequently flooded, and boats are rowed ever the streets. The spire of the little French church is a striking object in the landscape.

Hull

HULL.

This, the elder of the twin cities, has not become in some respects so well known as has the younger scion of the pioneers already referred to, but it is the nucleus of the industries on this part of the river. The first settler took up land a little over 100 years ago, and with varying vicissitudes the spot

became in turn a landing place to portage over the falls, a trading post, a supply station, a community, and finally the great milling and industrial centre it now is. The city has been devastated by several serious fires, particularly the great fire of 1900, which destroyed almost the entire city; residences, public buildings and industries disappeared before it, then, sweeping across the river, destroying the bridges in its path, it entered Ottawa, and continued for miles its course of destruction. The burnt district is now practically re-built, and the city is more prosperous than ever, and is the third largest city in the province of Quebec. Among the more important buildings are the Court House, City Hall, Notre Dame Church, the E. B. Eddy Company's Works, Gilmour and Hughson's Mills, and the International Portland Cement Works.

Major's Hill Park

MAJOR'S HILL PARK

MAJOR'S HILL PARK.

Immediately north of the Chateau Laurier, and entered from Rideau street just east of the hotel, lie 6 acres of Government property (named after Major Bolton, an English Engineer officer). This beautiful park is one of the oldest sites of an Ottawa residence. Carriages are not permitted to enter, but they may be met at St. Patrick street after a walk through the park. Just inside the gate is the "Sharp Shooters" Monument (see p. 23). Farther on to the left formerly stood the residence of Col. By, in compliment to whom the town was first named "Bytown," and whose house, the situation of which is shown in the view on page 34, overlooked the cliff near where the pavillion now stands. The view from this point was described 80 years ago as "the most splendid view that the magnificent scenery of Canada affords." It was this view, as described by Lady Head to Queen Victoria, that undoubtedly was a factor in determining that Ottawa should be the capital of Canada.

Industries

INDUSTRIES.

A lumber centre from birth, the twin cities still hold their own. On the banks of a mighty river, down which logs and timber must continue to float for many years, there have necessarily arisen mills to deal with the product of the forests on the banks of that river and its tributary streams. The first mill was erected at the Chaudiere in 1853. At the present time the great match factory, paper mills, etc., of the E. B. Eddy Company, the lumber and paper mills of Mr. J. R. Booth, and the lumber mills of the Hull Lumber Company, Gilmour and Hughson, and others testify to the business done. The yearly output of lumber alone is now about three hundred million feet. A visit to the lumber district will be a liberal education to a stranger. The works of the E. B. Eddy Company are said to be the largest of their kind and the most unique establishment under the British flag. Other kindred industries have followed, among them manufactures of pulp, paper, matches, indurated fibre ware, woodwork of all kinds, furniture, pianos, and cars, while a large business is done in the manufacture of tents and army supplies, calcium carbide, bricks, and commercial mica. Last, but not least, that immense industry the manufacture of Portland cement. The harnessing of the unemployed water powers must, in the near future, result in the city being one of the greatest manufacturing centres on the continent.

Langevin Block

LANGEVIN BLOCK.

The southern departmental building, on Wellington street (a view ol which is given on page 21), is named after Sir Hector Langevin, a former Minister of Public Works. In this building are the Departments of Agriculture and Post Office, and part of the Interior Department. A modification of Italian renaissance, built of sandstone from Newcastle, New Brunswick, this handsome building loses nothing by its contrast with those on the other three sides of Parliament square.

LANGEVIN BLOCK

Mint

MINT.

The Canadian branch of the Royal Mint, situated on Sussex street, next to the Dominion Archives, is built of massive stone and is entrenched within a high fence of stone and iron. The building was officially opened by the Governor General, Earl Grey, on January 2nd, 1908, when the coinage of Canadian money began in Canada. Deputy Master, Dr. James Bonar. The Mint is divided into seven principal departments:—

The Mint Office, into which all bullion is received for coinage purposes, and from which the finished coins are issued to the distributing centres.

The melting house, in which the bullion is mixed, melted and made into coinage bars;

The coining department, where the finished coins are made from the coinage bars, and tested ready for issue;

The assay department, where the fineness and standard of the ingots, coinage bars and coins are ascertained;

The die department, where the coinage dies are made;

The mechanical department, where the power is generated, renewals are made, and repairs to the coinage machinery effected;

The refinery, where the gold ingots, received from depositors in accordanc with the Mint regulations, are refined by the electrolytic process. Operations began in January, 1911.

All the machinery throughout the Mint is electrically driven. The fuel used in the great furnaces is oil.

The metals used for the present coinage are gold, silver, copper, tin and zinc. The Imperial gold coins are composed of eleven-twelfths of pure gold and one-twelfth of copper, known in the trade as 22 karats. The Canadian gold coins will be composed of nine-tenths pure gold and one-tenth of copper. The Canadian silver coins are composed of thirty-seven-fortieths of pure silver and three-fortieths of copper, a composition known in the trade as "sterling" silver. The bronze cents are composed of 95% copper, 4% tin and 1% zinc.