The Ontario

The new steamer Ontario took her place in the line in which she is to run on Thursday. To speak of this Boat as she deserves would be to employ terms which might, perhaps, appear somewhat extravagant. It is but moderate praise to say she ranks fully equal to any craft afloat on Lake Erie or the Hudson.

Indeed we speak the opinion of practical judges when we say that in strength and durability there his no craft on the Lakes that equals her. She was built to go in the toughest as well as in the mildest weather, and to arrive at that point of marine perfection heretofore attempted but not accomplished. While these important improvements have been achieved so satisfactorily, her speed is believed to be equal to the latest, In this last respect, asa well as in ll others, she comes fully up to the most confident expectations.

In speaking of the Furniture, Drapery &c., of the Ontario, it would be sufficient, perhaps to say, that in costliness, splendor and comfort, she is surpassed by no craft afloat on our inland waters. While taste and judgment have been exercise in procuring her outfit, no expense has been spared. We believe we do not exaggerate when we say, that the upper Lakes have nothing on their waters that equals the Ontario in this respect. Her furniture, curtains, and drapery would adorn a palace. No lazy monarch on Earth can desire greater luxuriance than her Rosewood Sofas and chairs, her profusion of the richest carpets, her downy beds, her clean counterpanes, her rich mirrors, and the unsparing liberality of all her appointments.

To speak more particularly, - The whole length of the Ontario is 252 feet overall; depth of hold 11 feet 5 inches; beam 32 feet 2 inches; keel 222 feet. Her Engine was manufactured by Secor & Co.; has 11 feet stroke and 50 inch cylinder. Her wheels are 32 feet in diameter. Tonnage, 900 tons.

The great luxury of the Ontario is her Berths and State-rooms. The later have all the elegance and convenience of the best private parlors. Many of them have double beds, and the occupant has no necessity in any of her berths to go through a cramping process before attempting repose. The furniture and fixtures to the State-rooms are arranged with the same scrupulous regard for comfort and elegance as her Cabins and Saloons. To sum up her accommodations, the Ontario has:

54 Berths in Gentleman's after cabin, 16 Berths in the Ladies' after cabin 7 State rooms in Ladies' Saloon with double beds in each, and 1 State-room after part Ladies' Cabin with 2 berths; 23 State-rooms, 2 berths each, upper Saloon; 12 State-rooms, 2 double beds, upper Saloon; 2 State-rooms 2 double beds and 1 single upper Saloon.

In addition to those there is ample room for the officers and men employed on board. There are also large rooms with extra accommodations for steerage passengers.

The Proprietors have done wisely in placing the Ontario under the command of Capt. Throop, the late popular commander of the Rochester. Gentlemanly and unassuming in his deportment, he possesses well all the sterling qualities which adapt him to his post. Mr. David Nichols, also late of the Rochester, goes as Mate. He is just the man to be second Captain of the Ontario. Washington Rowley, the Prince of Stewards, is aboard in that capacity. It is but just to say that he has had the entire superintendence of fitting out the Boat. His superior taste is evinced every where - in her drapery, carpets, and the various appointments of the Boat. The table speaks the greatest praise, for here will be found all the appetite can reasonably covet.

The Engineer's Room is well stocked with the best practical Engineers. Mr. Wm. F. Brown, who planned the Engine and Boiler, and who has attended to bringing out the Boat is aboard for the present; but Mr. Samuel B. Hutchins is the permanent Engineer, than whom there is no better. In the Saloon, Mr. F.J. Tallman is to be found, ready to cater to all who have occasion to visit his department.

Mr. H.M. McKay, is the attentive and polite Clerk, whose reputation tenders his appointment to this highly responsible station peculiarly appropriate.