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THOMPSON'S COAST PILOT. LIT of Lake Ontario are Kingston, Cobourg, Port Hope, Toronto, Hamil- ton, and Niagara; on the American shore, Cape Vincent, Sackett's Harbor, Oswego, Charlotte or Port Genesee, and Lewiston . on Niagara River. This Lake is connected with the navigable waters of the Hudson River by means of the Oswego and Erie canals. It . receives numerous streams, both from the Canadian and the American sides, and abounds with a great variety of fish of an excellent | flavor. The bass and salmon, in particular, have a high reputation, and are taken in large quantities. The principal Bays are Burling- ton, Irondequoit, Great and Little Sodus, Mexico, Black River, Chaumont, and the picturesque waters of the Bay of Quinte. The passage across Lake Ontario in calm weather is most agreeable. At times both shores are hidden from view, when nothing can be seen from the deck of the vessel but an abyss of waters. 'The refractions which sometimes take place in summer are exceedingly beautiful. Islands and trees appear turned upside down; and the white surf of the beach, translated aloft, seems like the smoke of artillery blazing away from a fort.* RAPIDS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE RIVER. The rapids of the St. Lawrence, in connection with the "'Thou- _ sand Islands," form the most remarkable feature of this truly noble stream. The 'Thousand Islands' are situated near the foot of Lake Ontario, where the St. Lawrence proper commences. Here are found delightful resorts for those fond of fishing and hunting, surrounded by scenery of the most enchanting character. The fall in the St. Lawrence River, between Ogdensburgh and Montreal, a distance of 120 miles, exceeds 200 feet. The rapids en- countered are the Gallop Rapids, Rapid Plat, Long Saut Rapids, (de- scent 48 feet.) The Coteau Rapids, Cedar Rapids and Cascade * BEAUTIFUL Mrrace.--That grand phenomenon occasionally witnessed on the Lakes--mirage--was seen from the steamer Bay State, on arecent trip from Niagara to Genesee River (August, 1856,) with more than ordinary splendor. The Lockport Journal says it occurred just as the sun was setting, at which time some twelve vessels were seen reflected on the horizon, in an inverted position, with a distinctness and vividness truly surprising. The atmosphere was overcast with a thick haze such as precedes a storm, and of a color favorable to represent upon the darkened background, vividly, the full outlines of the rigging, sails, etc., as perfect as if the ships themselves were actually transformed to the erial canvas. The unusual phenomenon lasted until darkness put an end to the scene, 23