dwellings built, Sieur de Monts determined to return to
France, in order to petition His Majesty to grant him
all that might be necessary for his undertaking.' Quite
apart from securing fresh advantages, De Monts at this
time was sore pressed to defend his title against the
traders who were clamouring for a repeal of the monopoly.
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 numbers,
warbling and chirping so pleasantly that I think I have