In the natural meadows and forest clearings there were red and white currants, gooseberries, strawberries, raspberries, a vetch which produced edible peas, and a grass with a grain like rye.

The forest abounded in pigeons, and the climate was pleasant and warm.
[Footnote 3: On the shores of these islands they noticed "several great beasts like oxen, which have two tusks in the mouth similar to those of the elephant".

These were walruses.] Later on he coasted New Brunswick, and paused for a time over Chaleur Bay, hoping it might be the opening to the strait across the continent of which he was in search; but finding it was not, he continued northwards till he had almost rounded the Gaspe Peninsula, a course which would have led him straight away into the wonderful discovery of the St.Lawrence River, but that, being forced by bad weather into Gaspe Bay, and perhaps hindered by fog, instead of entering the St.
Lawrence he sailed right across to Anticosti Island.

After that, being baffled by bad weather and doubtful as to his resources lasting out, he decided to return to France through the Strait of Belle Isle.
So far he had failed to realize two of the most important things in the geography of this region: the broad southern entrance into the Gulf of St.Lawrence (subsequently called Cabot Strait), which separates Newfoundland on the north from Cape Breton Island on the south, and the broad entrance into the River St.Lawrence between Anticosti Island and the Gaspe Peninsula.
Yet, whilst staying in Gaspe Bay, he had a very important meeting with Amerindian natives of the Huron-Iroquois stock, who had come down the River St.Lawrence from the neighbourhood of Quebec, fishing for mackerel.

These bold, friendly people welcomed the French heartily, greeting them with songs and dances.