MONTREAL, an island of North America, in the river St Lawrence, ten leagues in length, and four leagues broad, and about 60 miles above Quebec. It was taken from the French by generals Amherst and Murray on the 8th of September 1760. The soil of the island is exceedingly rich and good, producing all kinds of European fruits and vegetables in great abundance, with variety of garden fruits. The south side is the most inhabited, and of course best cultivated; and besides the settlements, which are numerous, the island is adorned with villas, for the retirement of the more wealthy merchants during the summer season.
The town of MONTREAL, situated on this island, and formerly called Ville Marie, is the second place in Canada for extent, buildings, and strength; and besides possessing the advantage of a less rigorous climate, for deliciousness of situation is infinitely preferable to Quebec. It stands on the side of a hill, sloping to the south, with many agreeable villas upon it, which with
N. B. Every leap year, February consisting of 29 days, the 24th and 25th of that month are written sexta Kal. Mart.; hence leap year is called Bissextilis.