Launching the American Lakes Series, this book embraces Georgian Bay, North Channel, St Clair River, the island and the straits of Lake Huron, and both sha (US and Canada). Through cance, bateau, little schooners, sailing ships, wooden steamers and steel freighters; from a long succession of explorers, traders, soldiers and missionaries and martyrs, to the men and activities of today -- the historical background is a varied and colorful one. It is a story, too, of commerce in fur, lumber, fish, limestone, iron ore, grain; of marine tragedies, navigation, shipping; of the development of the area industrially. This ""nursery for sailors"" has produced many good tales of men and ships, of contribution to the nation's growth and prosperity, and this record of the happenings around and upon its waters makes interesting regional reading.