[Footnote: The history of all the companies formed during
these years for trade in New France is the same. First
a monopoly is granted under circumstances ostensibly most
favourable to the Government and to the privileged
merchants; then follow the howls of the excluded traders,
the lack of good voluntary colonists, the transportation
to the colony of a few beggars, criminals, or unpromising
labourers; a drain on the company's funds in maintaining
these during the long winter; a steady decrease in the
number taken out; at length no attempt to fulfil this
condition of the monopoly; the anger of the Government
when made aware of the facts; and finally the sudden
repeal of the monopoly several years before its legal
termination.--H. P. Biggar, 'Early Trading Companies of
New France,' p. 49.]

We are now on the threshold of Champlain's career, but
only on the threshold. The voyage of 1603, while full of
prophecy and presenting features of much interest, lacks
the arduous and constructive quality which was to mark
his greater explorations. In 1603 the two boats equipped
by De Chastes were under the command of Pontgrave [Footnote:
Francois Grave, Sieur du Pont, whose name, strictly
speaking, is Dupont-Grave, one of the most active French
navigators of the seventeenth century. From 1600 to 1629
his voyages to the St Lawrence and Acadia were incessant.]
and Prevert, both mariners from St Malo. Champlain sailed
in Pontgrave's ship and was, in fact, a superior type of
supercargo. De Chastes desired that his expedition should