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diff --git a/4389-h/4389-h.htm b/4389-h/4389-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..86e886e --- /dev/null +++ b/4389-h/4389-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,22355 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + Roughing It in the Bush, by Susanna Moodie + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 100%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + .side { float: left; font-size: 75%; width: 25%; padding-left: 0.8em; + border-left: dashed thin; text-align: left; + text-indent: 0; font-weight: bold; font-style: italic; + font-weight: bold; color: black; background: #eeeeee; border: solid 1px;} + pre { font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre> + +The Project Gutenberg EBook of Roughing it in the Bush, by Susanna Moodie + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: Roughing it in the Bush + +Author: Susanna Moodie + +Release Date: August, 2003 [Etext# 4389] +This file was first posted on January 20, 2002 +Last Updated: March 16, 2018 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROUGHING IT IN THE BUSH *** + + + + +Text file produced by Andrew Sly + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + + + + +</pre> + <div style="height: 8em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h1> + ROUGHING IT IN THE BUSH + </h1> + <h2> + By Susanna Moodie + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + To Agnes Strickland<br /><br /> Author of the “Lives of the Queens of + England"<br /> This simple tribute of affection<br /> is dedicated by her + sister<br /><br /> Susanna Moodie + </h4> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> Transcriber's Notes on this Etext Edition. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_INTR"> INTRODUCTION TO THE THIRD EDITION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> CANADA </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0001"> CHAPTER I — A VISIT TO GROSSE ISLE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0002"> CHAPTER II — QUEBEC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0003"> CHAPTER III — OUR JOURNEY UP THE COUNTRY + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0004"> CHAPTER IV — TOM WILSON'S EMIGRATION </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0005"> CHAPTER V — OUR FIRST SETTLEMENT, AND THE + BORROWING SYSTEM </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0006"> CHAPTER VI — OLD SATAN AND TOM WILSON'S + NOSE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0007"> CHAPTER VII — UNCLE JOE AND HIS FAMILY </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0008"> CHAPTER VIII — JOHN MONAGHAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0009"> CHAPTER IX — PHOEBE R——, AND + OUR SECOND MOVING </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0010"> CHAPTER X — BRIAN, THE STILL-HUNTER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0011"> CHAPTER XI — THE CHARIVARI — </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0012"> CHAPTER XII — THE VILLAGE HOTEL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0013"> CHAPTER XIII — THE LAND-JOBBER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0014"> CHAPTER XIV — A JOURNEY TO THE WOODS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0015"> CHAPTER XV — THE WILDERNESS, AND OUR INDIAN + FRIENDS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0016"> CHAPTER XVI — BURNING THE FALLOW </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0017"> CHAPTER XVII — OUR LOGGING-BEE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0018"> CHAPTER XVIII — A TRIP TO STONY LAKE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0019"> CHAPTER XIX — THE “OULD DHRAGOON” </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0020"> CHAPTER XX — DISAPPOINTED HOPES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0021"> CHAPTER XXI — THE LITTLE STUMPY MAN </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0022"> CHAPTER XXII — THE FIRE </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0023"> CHAPTER XXIII — THE OUTBREAK </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0024"> CHAPTER XXIV — THE WHIRLWIND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0025"> CHAPTER XXV — THE WALK TO DUMMER </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0026"> CHAPTER XXVI — A CHANGE IN OUR PROSPECTS + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0027"> CHAPTER XXVII — ADIEU TO THE WOODS </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2HCH0028"> CHAPTER XXVIII — CANADIAN SKETCHES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE"> APPENDIX A </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE2"> APPENDIX B </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_APPE3"> APPENDIX C </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + Transcriber's Notes on this Etext Edition. + </h2> + <p> + Thank you to The Celebration of Women Writers (Mary Mark Ockerbloom, + Editor) for providing the source text. It has since been proof-read and + modified by comparison with multiple editions. + </p> + <p> + There is a great deal of variation between different editions ranging from + differences in names, spelling and punctuation to differences in what + chapters and poems are included. This text is not meant to be + authoritative or to match a certain paper edition; rather, its aim is to + be be readable and inclusive of various material that appears in different + editions. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_INTR" id="link2H_INTR"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + INTRODUCTION TO THE THIRD EDITION + </h2> + <h3> + Published by Richard Bentley in 1854 + </h3> + <p> + In most instances, emigration is a matter of necessity, not of choice; and + this is more especially true of the emigration of persons of respectable + connections, or of any station or position in the world. Few educated + persons, accustomed to the refinements and luxuries of European society, + ever willingly relinquish those advantages, and place themselves beyond + the protective influence of the wise and revered institutions of their + native land, without the pressure of some urgent cause. Emigration may, + indeed, generally be regarded as an act of severe duty, performed at the + expense of personal enjoyment, and accompanied by the sacrifice of those + local attachments which stamp the scenes amid which our childhood grew, in + imperishable characters, upon the heart. Nor is it until adversity has + pressed sorely upon the proud and wounded spirit of the well-educated sons + and daughters of old but impoverished families, that they gird up the + loins of the mind, and arm themselves with fortitude to meet and dare the + heart-breaking conflict. + </p> + <p> + The ordinary motives for the emigration of such persons may be summed up + in a few brief words;—the emigrant's hope of bettering his + condition, and of escaping from the vulgar sarcasms too often hurled at + the less-wealthy by the purse-proud, common-place people of the world. But + there is a higher motive still, which has its origin in that love of + independence which springs up spontaneously in the breasts of the + high-souled children of a glorious land. They cannot labour in a menial + capacity in the country where they were born and educated to command. They + can trace no difference between themselves and the more fortunate + individuals of a race whose blood warms their veins, and whose name they + bear. The want of wealth alone places an impassable barrier between them + and the more favoured offspring of the same parent stock; and they go + forth to make for themselves a new name and to find another country, to + forget the past and to live in the future, to exult in the prospect of + their children being free and the land of their adoption great. + </p> + <p> + The choice of the country to which they devote their talents and energies + depends less upon their pecuniary means than upon the fancy of the + emigrant or the popularity of a name. From the year 1826 to 1829, + Australia and the Swan River were all the rage. No other portions of the + habitable globe were deemed worthy of notice. These were the El Dorados + and lands of Goshen to which all respectable emigrants eagerly flocked. + Disappointment, as a matter of course, followed their high-raised + expectations. Many of the most sanguine of these adventurers returned to + their native shores in a worse condition than when they left them. In + 1830, the great tide of emigration flowed westward. Canada became the + great land-mark for the rich in hope and poor in purse. Public newspapers + and private letters teemed with the unheard-of advantages to be derived + from a settlement in this highly-favoured region. + </p> + <p> + Its salubrious climate, its fertile soil, commercial advantages, great + water privileges, its proximity to the mother country, and last, not + least, its almost total exemption from taxation—that bugbear which + keeps honest John Bull in a state of constant ferment—were the theme + of every tongue, and lauded beyond all praise. The general interest, once + excited, was industriously kept alive by pamphlets, published by + interested parties, which prominently set forth all the good to be derived + from a settlement in the Backwoods of Canada; while they carefully + concealed the toil and hardship to be endured in order to secure these + advantages. They told of lands yielding forty bushels to the acre, but + they said nothing of the years when these lands, with the most careful + cultivation, would barely return fifteen; when rust and smut, engendered + by the vicinity of damp over-hanging woods, would blast the fruits of the + poor emigrant's labour, and almost deprive him of bread. They talked of + log houses to be raised in a single day, by the generous exertions of + friends and neighbours, but they never ventured upon a picture of the + disgusting scenes of riot and low debauchery exhibited during the raising, + or upon a description of the dwellings when raised—dens of dirt and + misery, which would, in many instances, be shamed by an English pig-sty. + The necessaries of life were described as inestimably cheap; but they + forgot to add that in remote bush settlements, often twenty miles from a + market town, and some of them even that distance from the nearest + dwelling, the necessaries of life which would be deemed indispensable to + the European, could not be procured at all, or, if obtained, could only be + so by sending a man and team through a blazed forest road,—a process + far too expensive for frequent repetition. + </p> + <p> + Oh, ye dealers in wild lands—ye speculators in the folly and + credulity of your fellow men—what a mass of misery, and of + misrepresentation productive of that misery, have ye not to answer for! + You had your acres to sell, and what to you were the worn-down frames and + broken hearts of the infatuated purchasers? The public believed the + plausible statements you made with such earnestness, and men of all grades + rushed to hear your hired orators declaim upon the blessings to be + obtained by the clearers of the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + Men who had been hopeless of supporting their families in comfort and + independence at home, thought that they had only to come out to Canada to + make their fortunes; almost even to realise the story told in the nursery, + of the sheep and oxen that ran about the streets, ready roasted, and with + knives and forks upon their backs. They were made to believe that if it + did not actually rain gold, that precious metal could be obtained, as is + now stated of California and Australia, by stooping to pick it up. + </p> + <p> + The infection became general. A Canada mania pervaded the middle ranks of + British society; thousands and tens of thousands for the space of three or + four years landed upon these shores. A large majority of the higher class + were officers of the army and navy, with their families—a class + perfectly unfitted by their previous habits and education for contending + with the stern realities of emigrant life. The hand that has long held the + sword, and been accustomed to receive implicit obedience from those under + its control, is seldom adapted to wield the spade and guide the plough, or + try its strength against the stubborn trees of the forest. Nor will such + persons submit cheerfully to the saucy familiarity of servants, who, + republicans in spirit, think themselves as good as their employers. Too + many of these brave and honourable men were easy dupes to the designing + land-speculators. Not having counted the cost, but only looked upon the + bright side of the picture held up to their admiring gaze, they fell + easily into the snares of their artful seducers. + </p> + <p> + To prove their zeal as colonists, they were induced to purchase large + tracts of wild land in remote and unfavourable situations. This, while it + impoverished and often proved the ruin of the unfortunate immigrant, + possessed a double advantage to the seller. He obtained an exorbitant + price for the land which he actually sold, while the residence of a + respectable settler upon the spot greatly enhanced the value and price of + all other lands in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + It is not by such instruments as those I have just mentioned, that + Providence works when it would reclaim the waste places of the earth, and + make them subservient to the wants and happiness of its creatures. The + Great Father of the souls and bodies of men knows the arm which wholesome + labour from infancy has made strong, the nerves which have become iron by + patient endurance, by exposure to weather, coarse fare, and rude shelter; + and He chooses such, to send forth into the forest to hew out the rough + paths for the advance of civilization. These men become wealthy and + prosperous, and form the bones and sinews of a great and rising country. + Their labour is wealth, not exhaustion; its produce independence and + content, not home-sickness and despair. What the Backwoods of Canada are + to the industrious and ever-to-be-honoured sons of honest poverty, and + what they are to the refined and accomplished gentleman, these simple + sketches will endeavour to portray. They are drawn principally from my own + experience, during a sojourn of nineteen years in the colony. + </p> + <p> + In order to diversify my subject, and make it as amusing as possible, I + have between the sketches introduced a few small poems, all written during + my residence in Canada, and descriptive of the country. + </p> + <p> + In this pleasing task, I have been assisted by my husband, J. W. Dunbar + Moodie, author of “Ten Years in South Africa.” + </p> + <h3> + BELLEVILLE, UPPER CANADA + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CANADA + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Canada, the blest—the free! + With prophetic glance, I see + Visions of thy future glory, + Giving to the world's great story + A page, with mighty meaning fraught, + That asks a wider range of thought. + Borne onward on the wings of Time, + I trace thy future course sublime; + And feel my anxious lot grow bright, + While musing on the glorious sight;— + My heart rejoicing bounds with glee + To hail thy noble destiny! + + Even now thy sons inherit + All thy British mother's spirit. + Ah! no child of bondage thou; + With her blessing on thy brow, + And her deathless, old renown + Circling thee with freedom's crown, + And her love within thy heart, + Well may'st thou perform thy part, + And to coming years proclaim + Thou art worthy of her name. + Home of the homeless!—friend to all + Who suffer on this earthly ball! + On thy bosom sickly care + Quite forgets her squalid lair; + Gaunt famine, ghastly poverty + Before thy gracious aspect fly, + And hopes long crush'd, grow bright again, + And, smiling, point to hill and plain. + + By thy winter's stainless snow, + Starry heavens of purer glow, + Glorious summers, fervid, bright, + Basking in one blaze of light; + By thy fair, salubrious clime; + By thy scenery sublime; + By thy mountains, streams, and woods; + By thy everlasting floods; + If greatness dwells beneath the skies, + Thou to greatness shalt arise! + + Nations old, and empires vast, + From the earth had darkly pass'd + Ere rose the fair auspicious morn + When thou, the last, not least, wast born. + Through the desert solitude + Of trackless waters, forests rude, + Thy guardian angel sent a cry + All jubilant of victory! + “Joy,” she cried, “to th' untill'd earth, + Let her joy in a mighty birth,— + Night from the land has pass'd away, + The desert basks in noon of day. + Joy, to the sullen wilderness, + I come, her gloomy shades to bless, + To bid the bear and wild-cat yield + Their savage haunts to town and field. + Joy, to stout hearts and willing hands, + That win a right to these broad lands, + And reap the fruit of honest toil, + Lords of the rich, abundant soil. + + “Joy, to the sons of want, who groan + In lands that cannot feed their own; + And seek, in stern, determined mood, + Homes in the land of lake and wood, + And leave their hearts' young hopes behind, + Friends in this distant world to find; + Led by that God, who from His throne + Regards the poor man's stifled moan. + Like one awaken'd from the dead, + The peasant lifts his drooping head, + Nerves his strong heart and sunburnt hand, + To win a potion of the land, + That glooms before him far and wide + In frowning woods and surging tide + No more oppress'd, no more a slave, + Here freedom dwells beyond the wave. + + “Joy, to those hardy sires who bore + The day's first heat—their toils are o'er; + Rude fathers of this rising land, + Theirs was a mission truly grand. + Brave peasants whom the Father, God, + Sent to reclaim the stubborn sod; + Well they perform'd their task, and won + Altar and hearth for the woodman's son. + Joy, to Canada's unborn heirs, + A deathless heritage is theirs; + For, sway'd by wise and holy laws, + Its voice shall aid the world's great cause, + Shall plead the rights of man, and claim + For humble worth an honest name; + Shall show the peasant-born can be, + When call'd to action, great and free. + Like fire, within the flint conceal'd, + By stern necessity reveal'd, + Kindles to life the stupid sod, + Image of perfect man and God. + + “Joy, to thy unborn sons, for they + Shall hail a brighter, purer day; + When peace and Christian brotherhood + Shall form a stronger tie than blood— + And commerce, freed from tax and chain, + Shall build a bridge o'er earth and main; + And man shall prize the wealth of mind, + The greatest blessing to mankind; + True Christians, both in word and deed, + Ready in virtue's cause to bleed, + Against a world combined to stand, + And guard the honour of the land. + Joy, to the earth, when this shall be, + Time verges on eternity.” + </pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0001" id="link2HCH0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER I — A VISIT TO GROSSE ISLE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Alas! that man's stern spirit e'er should mar + A scene so pure—so exquisite as this. +</pre> + <p> + The dreadful cholera was depopulating Quebec and Montreal when our ship + cast anchor off Grosse Isle, on the 30th of August 1832, and we were + boarded a few minutes after by the health-officers. + </p> + <p> + One of these gentlemen—a little, shrivelled-up Frenchman—from + his solemn aspect and attenuated figure, would have made no bad + representative of him who sat upon the pale horse. He was the only grave + Frenchman I had ever seen, and I naturally enough regarded him as a + phenomenon. His companion—a fine-looking fair-haired Scotchman—though + a little consequential in his manners, looked like one who in his own + person could combat and vanquish all the evils which flesh is heir to. + Such was the contrast between these doctors, that they would have formed + very good emblems, one, of vigorous health, the other, of hopeless decay. + </p> + <p> + Our captain, a rude, blunt north-country sailor, possessing certainly not + more politeness than might be expected in a bear, received his sprucely + dressed visitors on the deck, and, with very little courtesy, abruptly + bade them follow him down into the cabin. + </p> + <p> + The officials were no sooner seated, than glancing hastily round the + place, they commenced the following dialogue:— + </p> + <p> + “From what port, captain?” + </p> + <p> + Now, the captain had a peculiar language of his own, from which he + commonly expunged all the connecting links. Small words, such as “and” and + “the,” he contrived to dispense with altogether. + </p> + <p> + “Scotland—sailed from port o' Leith, bound for Quebec, Montreal— + general cargo—seventy-two steerage, four cabin passengers—brig + Anne, one hundred and ninety-two tons burden, crew eight hands.” + </p> + <p> + Here he produced his credentials, and handed them to the strangers. The + Scotchman just glanced over the documents, and laid them on the table. + </p> + <p> + “Had you a good passage out?” + </p> + <p> + “Tedious, baffling winds, heavy fogs, detained three weeks on Banks—foul + weather making Gulf—short of water, people out of provisions, + steerage passengers starving.” + </p> + <p> + “Any case of sickness or death on board?” + </p> + <p> + “All sound as crickets.” + </p> + <p> + “Any births?” lisped the little Frenchman. + </p> + <p> + The captain screwed up his mouth, and after a moment's reflection he + replied, “Births? Why, yes; now I think on't, gentlemen, we had one female + on board, who produced three at a birth.” + </p> + <p> + “That's uncommon,” said the Scotch doctor, with an air of lively + curiosity. “Are the children alive and well? I should like much to see + them.” He started up, and knocked his head—for he was very tall—against + the ceiling. “Confound your low cribs! I have nearly dashed out my + brains.” + </p> + <p> + “A hard task, that,” looked the captain to me. He did not speak, but I + knew by his sarcastic grin what was uppermost in his thoughts. “The young + ones all males—fine thriving fellows. Step upon deck, Sam Frazer,” + turning to his steward; “bring them down for doctors to see.” Sam + vanished, with a knowing wink to his superior, and quickly returned, + bearing in his arms three fat, chuckle-headed bull-terriers, the sagacious + mother following close at his heels, and looked ready to give and take + offence on the slightest provocation. + </p> + <p> + “Here, gentlemen, are the babies,” said Frazer, depositing his burden on + the floor. “They do credit to the nursing of the brindled slut.” + </p> + <p> + The old tar laughed, chuckled, and rubbed his hands in an ecstacy of + delight at the indignation and disappointment visible in the countenance + of the Scotch Esculapius, who, angry as he was, wisely held his tongue. + Not so the Frenchman; his rage scarcely knew bounds—he danced in a + state of most ludicrous excitement, he shook his fist at our rough + captain, and screamed at the top of his voice— + </p> + <p> + “Sacre, you bete! You tink us dog, ven you try to pass your puppies on us + for babies?” + </p> + <p> + “Hout, man, don't be angry,” said the Scotchman, stifling a laugh; “you + see 'tis only a joke!” + </p> + <p> + “Joke! me no understand such joke. Bete!” returned the angry Frenchman, + bestowing a savage kick on one of the unoffending pups which was frisking + about his feet. The pup yelped; the slut barked and leaped furiously at + the offender, and was only kept from biting him by Sam, who could scarcely + hold her back for laughing; the captain was uproarious; the offended + Frenchman alone maintained a severe and dignified aspect. The dogs were at + length dismissed, and peace restored. + </p> + <p> + After some further questioning from the officials, a Bible was required + for the captain to take an oath. Mine was mislaid, and there was none at + hand. + </p> + <p> + “Confound it!” muttered the old sailor, tossing over the papers in his + desk; “that scoundrel, Sam, always stows my traps out of the way.” Then + taking up from the table a book which I had been reading, which happened + to be Voltaire's History of Charles XII., he presented it, with as grave + an air as he could assume, to the Frenchman. Taking for granted that it + was the volume required, the little doctor was too polite to open the + book, the captain was duly sworn, and the party returned to the deck. + </p> + <p> + Here a new difficulty occurred, which nearly ended in a serious quarrel. + The gentlemen requested the old sailor to give them a few feet of old + planking, to repair some damage which their boat had sustained the day + before. This the captain could not do. They seemed to think his refusal + intentional, and took it as a personal affront. In no very gentle tones, + they ordered him instantly to prepare his boats, and put his passengers on + shore. + </p> + <p> + “Stiff breeze—short sea,” returned the bluff old seaman; “great risk + in making land—boats heavily laden with women and children will be + swamped. Not a soul goes on shore this night.” + </p> + <p> + “If you refuse to comply with our orders, we will report you to the + authorities.” + </p> + <p> + “I know my duty—you stick to yours. When the wind falls off, I'll + see to it. Not a life shall be risked to please you or your authorities.” + </p> + <p> + He turned upon his heel, and the medical men left the vessel in great + disdain. We had every reason to be thankful for the firmness displayed by + our rough commander. That same evening we saw eleven persons drowned, from + another vessel close beside us while attempting to make the shore. + </p> + <p> + By daybreak all was hurry and confusion on board the Anne. I watched boat + after boat depart for the island, full of people and goods, and envied + them the glorious privilege of once more standing firmly on the earth, + after two long months of rocking and rolling at sea. How ardently we + anticipate pleasure, which often ends in positive pain! Such was my case + when at last indulged in the gratification so eagerly desired. As cabin + passengers, we were not included in the general order of purification, but + were only obliged to send our servant, with the clothes and bedding we had + used during the voyage, on shore, to be washed. + </p> + <p> + The ship was soon emptied of all her live cargo. My husband went off with + the boats, to reconnoitre the island, and I was left alone with my baby in + the otherwise empty vessel. Even Oscar, the Captain's Scotch terrier, who + had formed a devoted attachment to me during the voyage, forgot his + allegiance, became possessed of the land mania, and was away with the + rest. With the most intense desire to go on shore, I was doomed to look + and long and envy every boatful of emigrants that glided past. Nor was + this all; the ship was out of provisions, and I was condemned to undergo a + rigid fast until the return of the boat, when the captain had promised a + supply of fresh butter and bread. The vessel had been nine weeks at sea; + the poor steerage passengers for the two last weeks had been out of food, + and the captain had been obliged to feed them from the ship's stores. The + promised bread was to be obtained from a small steam-boat, which plied + daily between Quebec and the island, transporting convalescent emigrants + and their goods in her upward trip, and provisions for the sick on her + return. + </p> + <p> + How I reckoned on once more tasting bread and butter! The very thought of + the treat in store served to sharpen my appetite, and render the long fast + more irksome. I could now fully realise all Mrs. Bowdich's longings for + English bread and butter, after her three years' travel through the + burning African deserts, with her talented husband. + </p> + <p> + “When we arrived at the hotel at Plymouth,” said she, “and were asked what + refreshment we chose—'Tea, and home-made bread and butter,' was my + instant reply. 'Brown bread, if you please, and plenty of it.' I never + enjoyed any luxury like it. I was positively ashamed of asking the waiter + to refill the plate. After the execrable messes, and the hard + ship-biscuit, imagine the luxury of a good slice of English bread and + butter!” + </p> + <p> + At home, I laughed heartily at the lively energy with which that charming + woman of genius related this little incident in her eventful history—but + off Grosse Isle, I realised it all. + </p> + <p> + As the sun rose above the horizon, all these matter-of-fact circumstances + were gradually forgotten, and merged in the surpassing grandeur of the + scene that rose majestically before me. The previous day had been dark and + stormy, and a heavy fog had concealed the mountain chain, which forms the + stupendous background to this sublime view, entirely from our sight. As + the clouds rolled away from their grey, bald brows, and cast into denser + shadow the vast forest belt that girdled them round, they loomed out like + mighty giants—Titans of the earth, in all their rugged and awful + beauty—a thrill of wonder and delight pervaded my mind. The + spectacle floated dimly on my sight—my eyes were blinded with tears—blinded + with the excess of beauty. I turned to the right and to the left, I looked + up and down the glorious river; never had I beheld so many striking + objects blended into one mighty whole! Nature had lavished all her noblest + features in producing that enchanting scene. + </p> + <p> + The rocky isle in front, with its neat farm-houses at the eastern point, + and its high bluff at the western extremity, crowned with the telegraph—the + middle space occupied by tents and sheds for the cholera patients, and its + wooded shores dotted over with motley groups—added greatly to the + picturesque effect of the land scene. Then the broad, glittering river, + covered with boats darting to and fro, conveying passengers from + twenty-five vessels, of various size and tonnage, which rode at anchor, + with their flags flying from the mast-head, gave an air of life and + interest to the whole. Turning to the south side of the St. Lawrence, I + was not less struck with its low fertile shores, white houses, and neat + churches, whose slender spires and bright tin roofs shone like silver as + they caught the first rays of the sun. As far as the eye could reach, a + line of white buildings extended along the bank; their background formed + by the purple hue of the dense, interminable forest. It was a scene unlike + any I had ever beheld, and to which Britain contains no parallel. + Mackenzie, an old Scotch dragoon, who was one of our passengers, when he + rose in the morning, and saw the parish of St. Thomas for the first time, + exclaimed: “Weel, it beats a'! Can thae white clouts be a' houses? They + look like claes hung out to drie!” There was some truth in this odd + comparison, and for some minutes, I could scarcely convince myself that + the white patches scattered so thickly over the opposite shore could be + the dwellings of a busy, lively population. + </p> + <p> + “What sublime views of the north side of the river those habitans of St. + Thomas must enjoy,” thought I. Perhaps familiarity with the scene has + rendered them indifferent to its astonishing beauty. + </p> + <p> + Eastward, the view down the St. Lawrence towards the Gulf, is the finest + of all, scarcely surpassed by anything in the world. Your eye follows the + long range of lofty mountains until their blue summits are blended and + lost in the blue of the sky. Some of these, partially cleared round the + base, are sprinkled over with neat cottages; and the green slopes that + spread around them are covered with flocks and herds. The surface of the + splendid river is diversified with islands of every size and shape, some + in wood, others partially cleared, and adorned with orchards and white + farm-houses. As the early sun streamed upon the most prominent of these, + leaving the others in deep shade, the effect was strangely novel and + imposing. In more remote regions, where the forest has never yet echoed to + the woodman's axe, or received the impress of civilisation, the first + approach to the shore inspires a melancholy awe, which becomes painful in + its intensity. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Land of vast hills and mighty streams, + The lofty sun that o'er thee beams + On fairer clime sheds not his ray, + When basking in the noon of day + Thy waters dance in silver light, + And o'er them frowning, dark as night, + Thy shadowy forests, soaring high, + Stretch forth beyond the aching eye, + And blend in distance with the sky. + + And silence—awful silence broods + Profoundly o'er these solitudes; + Nought but the lapsing of the floods + Breaks the deep stillness of the woods; + A sense of desolation reigns + O'er these unpeopled forest plains. + Where sounds of life ne'er wake a tone + Of cheerful praise round Nature's throne, + Man finds himself with God—alone. +</pre> + <p> + My daydreams were dispelled by the return of the boat, which brought my + husband and the captain from the island. + </p> + <p> + “No bread,” said the latter, shaking his head; “you must be content to + starve a little longer. Provision-ship not in till four o'clock.” My + husband smiled at the look of blank disappointment with which I received + these unwelcome tidings, “Never mind, I have news which will comfort you. + The officer who commands the station sent a note to me by an orderly, + inviting us to spend the afternoon with him. He promises to show us + everything worthy of notice on the island. Captain —— claims + acquaintance with me; but I have not the least recollection of him. Would + you like to go?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, by all means. I long to see the lovely island. It looks a perfect + paradise at this distance.” + </p> + <p> + The rough sailor-captain screwed his mouth on one side, and gave me one of + his comical looks, but he said nothing until he assisted in placing me and + the baby in the boat. + </p> + <p> + “Don't be too sanguine, Mrs. Moodie; many things look well at a distance + which are bad enough when near.” + </p> + <p> + I scarcely regarded the old sailor's warning, so eager was I to go on + shore—to put my foot upon the soil of the new world for the first + time—I was in no humour to listen to any depreciation of what seemed + so beautiful. + </p> + <p> + It was four o'clock when we landed on the rocks, which the rays of an + intensely scorching sun had rendered so hot that I could scarcely place my + foot upon them. How the people without shoes bore it, I cannot imagine. + Never shall I forget the extraordinary spectacle that met our sight the + moment we passed the low range of bushes which formed a screen in front of + the river. A crowd of many hundred Irish emigrants had been landed during + the present and former day; and all this motley crew—men, women, and + children, who were not confined by sickness to the sheds (which greatly + resembled cattle-pens) were employed in washing clothes, or spreading them + out on the rocks and bushes to dry. + </p> + <p> + The men and boys were in the water, while the women, with their scanty + garments tucked above their knees, were trampling their bedding in tubs, + or in holes in the rocks, which the retiring tide had left half full of + water. Those who did not possess washing-tubs, pails, or iron pots, or + could not obtain access to a hole in the rocks, were running to and fro, + screaming and scolding in no measured terms. The confusion of Babel was + among them. All talkers and no hearers—each shouting and yelling in + his or her uncouth dialect, and all accompanying their vociferations with + violent and extraordinary gestures, quite incomprehensible to the + uninitiated. We were literally stunned by the strife of tongues. I shrank, + with feelings almost akin to fear, from the hard-featured, sun-burnt + harpies, as they elbowed rudely past me. + </p> + <p> + I had heard and read much of savages, and have since seen, during my long + residence in the bush, somewhat of uncivilised life; but the Indian is one + of Nature's gentlemen—he never says or does a rude or vulgar thing. + The vicious, uneducated barbarians who form the surplus of over-populous + European countries, are far behind the wild man in delicacy of feeling or + natural courtesy. The people who covered the island appeared perfectly + destitute of shame, or even of a sense of common decency. Many were almost + naked, still more but partially clothed. We turned in disgust from the + revolting scene, but were unable to leave the spot until the captain had + satisfied a noisy group of his own people, who were demanding a supply of + stores. + </p> + <p> + And here I must observe that our passengers, who were chiefly honest + Scotch labourers and mechanics from the vicinity of Edinburgh, and who + while on board ship had conducted themselves with the greatest propriety, + and appeared the most quiet, orderly set of people in the world, no sooner + set foot upon the island than they became infected by the same spirit of + insubordination and misrule, and were just as insolent and noisy as the + rest. + </p> + <p> + While our captain was vainly endeavouring to satisfy the unreasonable + demands of his rebellious people, Moodie had discovered a woodland path + that led to the back of the island. Sheltered by some hazel-bushes from + the intense heat of the sun, we sat down by the cool, gushing river, out + of sight, but, alas! not out of hearing of the noisy, riotous crowd. Could + we have shut out the profane sounds which came to us on every breeze, how + deeply should we have enjoyed an hour amid the tranquil beauties of that + retired and lovely spot! + </p> + <p> + The rocky banks of the island were adorned with beautiful evergreens, + which sprang up spontaneously in every nook and crevice. I remarked many + of our favourite garden shrubs among these wildings of nature: the + fillagree, with its narrow, dark glossy-green leaves; the privet, with its + modest white blossoms and purple berries; the lignum-vitae, with its + strong resinous odour; the burnet-rose, and a great variety of elegant + unknowns. + </p> + <p> + Here, the shores of the island and mainland, receding from each other, + formed a small cove, overhung with lofty trees, clothed from the base to + the summit with wild vines, that hung in graceful festoons from the + topmost branches to the water's edge. The dark shadows of the mountains, + thrown upon the water, as they towered to the height of some thousand feet + above us, gave to the surface of the river an ebon hue. The sunbeams, + dancing through the thick, quivering foliage, fell in stars of gold, or + long lines of dazzling brightness, upon the deep black waters, producing + the most novel and beautiful effects. It was a scene over which the spirit + of peace might brood in silent adoration; but how spoiled by the + discordant yells of the filthy beings who were sullying the purity of the + air and water with contaminating sights and sounds! + </p> + <p> + We were now joined by the sergeant, who very kindly brought us his capful + of ripe plums and hazel-nuts, the growth of the island; a joyful present, + but marred by a note from Captain ——, who had found that he + had been mistaken in his supposed knowledge of us, and politely apologised + for not being allowed by the health-officers to receive any emigrant + beyond the bounds appointed for the performance of quarantine. + </p> + <p> + I was deeply disappointed, but my husband laughingly told me that I had + seen enough of the island; and turning to the good-natured soldier, + remarked, that “it could be no easy task to keep such wild savages in + order.” + </p> + <p> + “You may well say that, sir—but our night scenes far exceed those of + the day. You would think they were incarnate devils; singing, drinking, + dancing, shouting, and cutting antics that would surprise the leader of a + circus. They have no shame—are under no restraint—nobody knows + them here, and they think they can speak and act as they please; and they + are such thieves that they rob one another of the little they possess. The + healthy actually run the risk of taking the cholera by robbing the sick. + If you have not hired one or two stout, honest fellows from among your + fellow passengers to guard your clothes while they are drying, you will + never see half of them again. They are a sad set, sir, a sad set. We + could, perhaps, manage the men; but the women, sir!—the women! Oh, + sir!” + </p> + <p> + Anxious as we were to return to the ship, we were obliged to remain until + sun-down in our retired nook. We were hungry, tired, and out of spirits; + the mosquitoes swarmed in myriads around us, tormenting the poor baby, + who, not at all pleased with her first visit to the new world, filled the + air with cries, when the captain came to tell us that the boat was ready. + It was a welcome sound. Forcing our way once more through the still + squabbling crowd, we gained the landing place. Here we encountered a boat, + just landing a fresh cargo of lively savages from the Emerald Isle. One + fellow, of gigantic proportions, whose long, tattered great-coat just + reached below the middle of his bare red legs, and, like charity, hid the + defects of his other garments, or perhaps concealed his want of them, + leaped upon the rocks, and flourishing aloft his shilelagh, bounded and + capered like a wild goat from his native mountains. “Whurrah! my boys!” he + cried, “Shure we'll all be jintlemen!” + </p> + <p> + “Pull away, my lads!” said the captain. Then turning to me, “Well, Mrs. + Moodie, I hope that you have had enough of Grosse Isle. But could you have + witnessed the scenes that I did this morning—” + </p> + <p> + Here he was interrupted by the wife of the old Scotch dragoon, Mackenzie, + running down to the boat and laying her hand familiarly upon his shoulder, + “Captain, dinna forget.” + </p> + <p> + “Forget what?” + </p> + <p> + She whispered something confidentially in his ear. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ho! the brandy!” he responded aloud. “I should have thought, Mrs. + Mackenzie, that you had had enough of that same on yon island?” + </p> + <p> + “Aye, sic a place for decent folk,” returned the drunken body, shaking her + head. “One needs a drap o' comfort, captain, to keep up one's heart ava.” + </p> + <p> + The captain set up one of his boisterous laughs as he pushed the boat from + the shore. “Hollo! Sam Frazer! steer in, we have forgotten the stores.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not, captain,” said I; “I have been starving since daybreak.” + </p> + <p> + “The bread, the butter, the beef, the onions, and potatoes are here, sir,” + said honest Sam, particularizing each article. + </p> + <p> + “All right; pull for the ship. Mrs. Moodie, we will have a glorious + supper, and mind you don't dream of Grosse Isle.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes we were again on board. Thus ended my first day's + experience of the land of all our hopes. + </p> + <h3> + OH! CAN YOU LEAVE YOUR NATIVE LAND? + </h3> + <p> + A Canadian Song + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh! can you leave your native land + An exile's bride to be; + Your mother's home, and cheerful hearth, + To tempt the main with me; + Across the wide and stormy sea + To trace our foaming track, + And know the wave that heaves us on + Will never bear us back? + + And can you in Canadian woods + With me the harvest bind, + Nor feel one lingering, sad regret + For all you leave behind? + Can those dear hands, unused to toil, + The woodman's wants supply, + Nor shrink beneath the chilly blast + When wintry storms are nigh? + + Amid the shades of forests dark, + Our loved isle will appear + An Eden, whose delicious bloom + Will make the wild more drear. + And you in solitude will weep + O'er scenes beloved in vain, + And pine away your life to view + Once more your native plain. + + Then pause, dear girl! ere those fond lips + Your wanderer's fate decide; + My spirit spurns the selfish wish— + You must not be my bride. + But oh, that smile—those tearful eyes, + My firmer purpose move— + Our hearts are one, and we will dare + All perils thus to love! +</pre> + <p> + (This song has been set to a beautiful plaintive air, by my husband.) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0002" id="link2HCH0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER II — QUEBEC + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Queen of the West!—upon thy rocky throne, + In solitary grandeur sternly placed; + In awful majesty thou sitt'st alone, + By Nature's master-hand supremely graced. + The world has not thy counterpart—thy dower, + Eternal beauty, strength, and matchless power. + + The clouds enfold thee in their misty vest, + The lightning glances harmless round thy brow; + The loud-voiced thunder cannot shake thy nest, + Or warring waves that idly chafe below; + The storm above, the waters at thy feet— + May rage and foam, they but secure thy seat. + + The mighty river, as it onward rushes + To pour its floods in ocean's dread abyss, + Checks at thy feet its fierce impetuous gushes, + And gently fawns thy rocky base to kiss. + Stern eagle of the crag! thy hold should be + The mountain home of heaven-born liberty! + + True to themselves, thy children may defy + The power and malice of a world combined; + While Britain's flag, beneath thy deep blue sky, + Spreads its rich folds and wantons in the wind; + The offspring of her glorious race of old + May rest securely in their mountain hold. +</pre> + <p> + On the 2nd of September, the anchor was weighed, and we bade a long + farewell to Grosse Isle. As our vessel struck into mid-channel, I cast a + last lingering look at the beautiful shores we were leaving. Cradled in + the arms of the St. Lawrence, and basking in the bright rays of the + morning sun, the island and its sister group looked like a second Eden + just emerged from the waters of chaos. With what joy could I have spent + the rest of the fall in exploring the romantic features of that enchanting + scene! But our bark spread her white wings to the favouring breeze, and + the fairy vision gradually receded from my sight, to remain for ever on + the tablets of memory. + </p> + <p> + The day was warm, and the cloudless heavens of that peculiar azure tint + which gives to the Canadian skies and waters a brilliancy unknown in more + northern latitudes. The air was pure and elastic, the sun shone out with + uncommon splendour, lighting up the changing woods with a rich mellow + colouring, composed of a thousand brilliant and vivid dyes. The mighty + river rolled flashing and sparkling onward, impelled by a strong breeze, + that tipped its short rolling surges with a crest of snowy foam. + </p> + <p> + Had there been no other object of interest in the landscape than this + majestic river, its vast magnitude, and the depth and clearness of its + waters, and its great importance to the colony, would have been sufficient + to have riveted the attention, and claimed the admiration of every + thinking mind. + </p> + <p> + Never shall I forget that short voyage from Grosse Isle to Quebec. I love + to recall, after the lapse of so many years, every object that awoke in my + breast emotions of astonishment and delight. What wonderful combinations + of beauty, and grandeur, and power, at every winding of that noble river! + How the mind expands with the sublimity of the spectacle, and soars upward + in gratitude and adoration to the Author of all being, to thank Him for having + made this lower world so wondrously fair—a living temple, + heaven-arched, and capable of receiving the homage of all worshippers. + </p> + <p> + Every perception of my mind became absorbed into the one sense of seeing, + when, upon rounding Point Levi, we cast anchor before Quebec. What a + scene!—Can the world produce such another? Edinburgh had been the + beau ideal to me of all that was beautiful in Nature—a vision of the + northern Highlands had haunted my dreams across the Atlantic; but all + these past recollections faded before the present of Quebec. + </p> + <p> + Nature has lavished all her grandest elements to form this astonishing + panorama. There frowns the cloud-capped mountain, and below, the cataract + foams and thunders; wood, and rock, and river combine to lend their aid in + making the picture perfect, and worthy of its Divine Originator. + </p> + <p> + The precipitous bank upon which the city lies piled, reflected in the + still deep waters at its base, greatly enhances the romantic beauty of the + situation. The mellow and serene glow of the autumnal day harmonised so + perfectly with the solemn grandeur of the scene around me, and sank so + silently and deeply into my soul, that my spirit fell prostrate before it, + and I melted involuntarily into tears. Yes, regardless of the eager crowds + around me, I leant upon the side of the vessel and cried like a child—not + tears of sorrow, but a gush from the heart of pure and unalloyed delight. + I heard not the many voices murmuring in my ears—I saw not the + anxious beings that thronged our narrow deck—my soul at that moment + was alone with God. The shadow of His glory rested visibly on the + stupendous objects that composed that magnificent scene; words are + perfectly inadequate to describe the impression it made upon my mind—the + emotions it produced. The only homage I was capable of offering at such a + shrine was tears—tears the most heartfelt and sincere that ever + flowed from human eyes. I never before felt so overpoweringly my own + insignificance, and the boundless might and majesty of the Eternal. + </p> + <p> + Canadians, rejoice in your beautiful city! Rejoice and be worthy of her—for + few, very few, of the sons of men can point to such a spot as Quebec—and + exclaim, “She is ours!—God gave her to us, in her beauty and + strength!—We will live for her glory—we will die to defend her + liberty and rights—to raise her majestic brow high above the + nations!” + </p> + <p> + Look at the situation of Quebec!—the city founded on the rock that + proudly holds the height of the hill. The queen sitting enthroned above + the waters, that curb their swiftness and their strength to kiss and fawn + around her lovely feet. + </p> + <p> + Canadians!—as long as you remain true to yourselves and her, what + foreign invader could ever dare to plant a hostile flag upon that + rock-defended height, or set his foot upon a fortress rendered impregnable + by the hand of Nature? United in friendship, loyalty, and love, what + wonders may you not achieve? to what an enormous altitude of wealth and + importance may you not arrive? Look at the St. Lawrence, that king of + streams, that great artery flowing from the heart of the world, through + the length and breadth of the land, carrying wealth and fertility in its + course, and transporting from town to town along its beautiful shores the + riches and produce of a thousand distant climes. What elements of future + greatness and prosperity encircle you on every side! Never yield up these + solid advantages to become an humble dependent on the great republic—wait + patiently, loyally, lovingly, upon the illustrious parent from whom you + sprang, and by whom you have been fostered into life and political + importance; in the fulness of time she will proclaim your childhood past, + and bid you stand up in your own strength, a free Canadian people! + </p> + <p> + British mothers of Canadian sons!—learn to feel for their country + the same enthusiasm which fills your hearts when thinking of the glory of + your own. Teach them to love Canada—to look upon her as the first, + the happiest, the most independent country in the world! Exhort them to be + worthy of her—to have faith in her present prosperity, in her future + greatness, and to devote all their talents, when they themselves are men, + to accomplish this noble object. Make your children proud of the land of + their birth, the land which has given them bread—the land in which + you have found an altar and a home; do this, and you will soon cease to + lament your separation from the mother country, and the loss of those + luxuries which you could not, in honor to yourself, enjoy; you will soon + learn to love Canada as I now love it, who once viewed it with a hatred so + intense that I longed to die, that death might effectually separate us for + ever. + </p> + <p> + But, oh! beware of drawing disparaging contrasts between the colony and + its illustrious parent. All such comparisons are cruel and unjust;—you + cannot exalt the one at the expense of the other without committing an act + of treason against both. + </p> + <p> + But I have wandered away from my subject into the regions of thought, and + must again descend to common work-a-day realities. + </p> + <p> + The pleasure we experienced upon our first glance at Quebec was greatly + damped by the sad conviction that the cholera-plague raged within her + walls, while the almost ceaseless tolling of bells proclaimed a mournful + tale of woe and death. Scarcely a person visited the vessel who was not in + black, or who spoke not in tones of subdued grief. They advised us not to + go on shore if we valued our lives, as strangers most commonly fell the + first victims to the fatal malady. This was to me a severe disappointment, + who felt an intense desire to climb to the crown of the rock, and survey + the noble landscape at my feet. I yielded at last to the wishes of my + husband, who did not himself resist the temptation in his own person, and + endeavored to content myself with the means of enjoyment placed within my + reach. My eyes were never tired of wandering over the scene before me. + </p> + <p> + It is curious to observe how differently the objects which call forth + intense admiration in some minds will affect others. The Scotch dragoon, + Mackenzie, seeing me look long and intently at the distant Falls of + Montmorency, drily observed,— + </p> + <p> + “It may be a' vera fine; but it looks na' better to my thinken than hanks + o' white woo' hung out o're the bushes.” + </p> + <p> + “Weel,” cried another, “thae fa's are just bonnie; 'tis a braw land, nae + doubt; but no' just so braw as auld Scotland.” + </p> + <p> + “Hout man! hauld your clavers, we shall a' be lairds here,” said a third; + “and ye maun wait a muckle time before they wad think aucht of you at + hame.” + </p> + <p> + I was not a little amused at the extravagant expectations entertained by + some of our steerage passengers. The sight of the Canadian shores had + changed them into persons of great consequence. The poorest and the + worst-dressed, the least-deserving and the most repulsive in mind and + morals, exhibited most disgusting traits of self-importance. Vanity and + presumption seemed to possess them altogether. They talked loudly of the + rank and wealth of their connexions at home, and lamented the great + sacrifices they had made in order to join brothers and cousins who had + foolishly settled in this beggarly wooden country. + </p> + <p> + Girls, who were scarcely able to wash a floor decently, talked of service + with contempt, unless tempted to change their resolution by the offer of + twelve dollars a month. To endeavour to undeceive them was a useless and + ungracious task. After having tried it with several without success, I + left it to time and bitter experience to restore them to their sober + senses. In spite of the remonstrances of the captain, and the dread of the + cholera, they all rushed on shore to inspect the land of Goshen, and to + endeavour to realise their absurd anticipations. + </p> + <p> + We were favoured, a few minutes after our arrival, with another visit from + the health-officers; but in this instance both the gentlemen were + Canadians. Grave, melancholy-looking men, who talked much and ominously of + the prevailing disorder, and the impossibility of strangers escaping from + its fearful ravages. This was not very consoling, and served to depress + the cheerful tone of mind which, after all, is one of the best antidotes + against this awful scourge. The cabin seemed to lighten, and the air to + circulate more freely, after the departure of these professional ravens. + The captain, as if by instinct, took an additional glass of grog, to shake + off the sepulchral gloom their presence had inspired. + </p> + <p> + The visit of the doctors was followed by that of two of the officials of + the Customs—vulgar, illiterate men, who, seating themselves at the + cabin table, with a familiar nod to the captain, and a blank stare at us, + commenced the following dialogue:— + </p> + <p> + Custom-house officer (after making inquiries as to the general cargo of + the vessel): “Any good brandy on board, captain?” + </p> + <p> + Captain (gruffly): “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + Officer: “Best remedy for the cholera known. The only one the doctors can + depend upon.” + </p> + <p> + Captain (taking the hint): “Gentlemen, I'll send you up a dozen bottles + this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + Officer: “Oh, thank you. We are sure to get it genuine from you. Any + Edinburgh ale in your freight?” + </p> + <p> + Captain (with a slight shrug): “A few hundreds in cases. I'll send you a + dozen with the brandy.” + </p> + <p> + Both: “Capital!” + </p> + <p> + First officer: “Any short, large-bowled, Scotch pipes, with metallic + lids?” + </p> + <p> + Captain (quite impatiently): “Yes, yes; I'll send you some to smoke, with + the brandy. What else?” + </p> + <p> + Officer: “We will now proceed to business.” + </p> + <p> + My readers would have laughed, as I did, could they have seen how doggedly + the old man shook his fist after these worthies as they left the vessel. + “Scoundrels!” he muttered to himself; and then turning to me, “They rob us + in this barefaced manner, and we dare not resist or complain, for fear of + the trouble they can put us to. If I had those villains at sea, I'd give + them a taste of brandy and ale that they would not relish.” + </p> + <p> + The day wore away, and the lengthened shadows of the mountains fell upon + the waters, when the Horsley Hill, a large three-masted vessel from + Waterford, that we had left at the quarantine station, cast anchor a + little above us. She was quickly boarded by the health-officers, and + ordered round to take up her station below the castle. To accomplish this + object she had to heave her anchor; when lo! a great pine-tree, which had + been sunk in the river, became entangled in the chains. Uproarious was the + mirth to which the incident gave rise among the crowds that thronged the + decks of the many vessels then at anchor in the river. Speaking-trumpets + resounded on every side; and my readers may be assured that the + sea-serpent was not forgotten in the multitude of jokes which followed. + </p> + <p> + Laughter resounded on all sides; and in the midst of the noise and + confusion, the captain of the Horsley Hill hoisted his colours downwards, + as if making signals of distress, a mistake which provoked renewed and + long-continued mirth. + </p> + <p> + I laughed until my sides ached; little thinking how the Horsley Hill would + pay us off for our mistimed hilarity. + </p> + <p> + Towards night, most of the steerage passengers returned, greatly + dissatisfied with their first visit to the city, which they declared to be + a filthy hole, that looked a great deal better from the ship's side than + it did on shore. This, I have often been told, is literally the case. + Here, as elsewhere, man has marred the magnificent creation of his Maker. + </p> + <p> + A dark and starless night closed in, accompanied by cold winds and + drizzling rain. We seemed to have made a sudden leap from the torrid to + the frigid zone. Two hours before, my light summer clothing was almost + insupportable, and now a heavy and well-lined plaid formed but an + inefficient screen from the inclemency of the weather. After watching for + some time the singular effect produced by the lights in the town reflected + in the water, and weary with a long day of anticipation and excitement, I + made up my mind to leave the deck and retire to rest. I had just settled + down my baby in her berth, when the vessel struck, with a sudden crash + that sent a shiver through her whole frame. Alarmed, but not aware of the + real danger that hung over us, I groped my way to the cabin, and thence + ascended to the deck. + </p> + <p> + Here a scene of confusion prevailed that baffles description. By some + strange fatality, the Horsley Hill had changed her position, and run foul + of us in the dark. The Anne was a small brig, and her unlucky neighbour a + heavy three-masted vessel, with three hundred Irish emigrants on board; + and as her bowspirit was directly across the bows of the Anne, and she + anchored, and unable to free herself from the deadly embrace, there was no + small danger of the poor brig going down in the unequal struggle. + </p> + <p> + Unable to comprehend what was going on, I raised my head above my + companion ladder, just at the critical moment when the vessels were + grappled together. The shrieks of the women, the shouts and oaths of the + men, and the barking of the dogs in either ship, aided the dense darkness + of the night in producing a most awful and stunning effect. + </p> + <p> + “What is the matter?” I gasped out. “What is the reason of this dreadful + confusion?” + </p> + <p> + The captain was raging like a chafed bull, in the grasp of several frantic + women, who were clinging, shrieking, to his knees. + </p> + <p> + With great difficulty I persuaded the women to accompany me below. The + mate hurried off with the cabin light upon the deck, and we were left in + total darkness to await the result. + </p> + <p> + A deep, strange silence fell upon my heart. It was not exactly fear, but a + sort of nerving of my spirit to meet the worst. The cowardly behaviour of + my companions inspired me with courage. I was ashamed of their + pusillanimity and want of faith in the Divine Providence. I sat down, and + calmly begged them to follow my example. + </p> + <p> + An old woman, called Williamson, a sad reprobate, in attempting to do so, + set her foot within the fender, which the captain had converted into a + repository for empty glass bottles; the smash that ensued was echoed by a + shriek from the whole party. + </p> + <p> + “God guide us,” cried the ancient dame; “but we are going into eternity. I + shall be lost; my sins are more in number than the hairs of my head.” This + confession was followed by oaths and imprecations too blasphemous to + repeat. + </p> + <p> + Shocked and disgusted at her profanity, I bade her pray, and not waste the + few moments that might be hers in using oaths and bad language. + </p> + <p> + “Did you not hear the crash?” said she. + </p> + <p> + “I did; it was of your own making. Sit down and be quiet.” + </p> + <p> + Here followed another shock, that made the vessel heave and tremble; and + the dragging of the anchor increased the uneasy motion which began to fill + the boldest of us with alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Moodie, we are lost,” said Margaret Williamson, the youngest + daughter of the old woman, a pretty girl, who had been the belle of the + ship, flinging herself on her knees before me, and grasping both my hands + in hers. “Oh, pray for me! pray for me! I cannot, I dare not, pray for + myself; I was never taught a prayer.” Her voice was choked with convulsive + sobs, and scalding tears fell in torrents from her eyes over my hands. I + never witnessed such an agony of despair. Before I could say one word to + comfort her, another shock seemed to lift the vessel upwards. I felt my + own blood run cold, expecting instantly to go down; and thoughts of death, + and the unknown eternity at our feet, flitted vaguely through my mind. + </p> + <p> + “If we stay here, we shall perish,” cried the girl, springing to her feet. + “Let us go on deck, mother, and take our chance with the rest.” + </p> + <p> + “Stay,” I said; “you are safer here. British sailors never leave women to + perish. You have fathers, husbands, brothers on board, who will not forget + you. I beseech you to remain patiently here until the danger is past.” I + might as well have preached to the winds. The headstrong creatures would + no longer be controlled. They rushed simultaneously upon deck, just as the + Horsley Hill swung off, carrying with her part of the outer frame of our + deck and the larger portion of our stern. When tranquillity was restored, + fatigued both in mind and body, I sunk into a profound sleep, and did not + awake until the sun had risen high above the wave-encircled fortress of + Quebec. + </p> + <p> + The stormy clouds had all dispersed during the night; the air was clear + and balmy; the giant hills were robed in a blue, soft mist, which rolled + around them in fleecy volumes. As the beams of the sun penetrated their + shadowy folds, they gradually drew up like a curtain, and dissolved like + wreaths of smoke into the clear air. + </p> + <p> + The moment I came on deck, my old friend Oscar greeted me with his usual + joyous bark, and with the sagacity peculiar to his species, proceeded to + shew me all the damage done to the vessel during the night. It was + laughable to watch the motions of the poor brute, as he ran from place to + place, stopping before, or jumping upon, every fractured portion of the + deck, and barking out his indignation at the ruinous condition in which he + found his marine home. Oscar had made eleven voyages in the Anne, and had + twice saved the life of the captain. He was an ugly specimen of the Scotch + terrier, and greatly resembled a bundle of old rope-yarn; but a more + faithful or attached creature I never saw. The captain was not a little + jealous of Oscar's friendship for me. I was the only person the dog had + ever deigned to notice, and his master regarded it as an act of treason on + the part of his four-footed favourite. When my arms were tired with + nursing, I had only to lay my baby on my cloak on deck, and tell Oscar to + watch her, and the good dog would lie down by her, and suffer her to + tangle his long curls in her little hands, and pull his tail and ears in + the most approved baby fashion, without offering the least opposition; but + if any one dared to approach his charge, he was alive on the instant, + placing his paws over the child, and growling furiously. He would have + been a bold man who had approached the child to do her injury. Oscar was + the best plaything, and as sure a protector, as Katie had. + </p> + <p> + During the day, many of our passengers took their departure; tired of the + close confinement of the ship, and the long voyage, they were too + impatient to remain on board until we reached Montreal. The mechanics + obtained instant employment, and the girls who were old enough to work, + procured situations as servants in the city. Before night, our numbers + were greatly reduced. The old dragoon and his family, two Scotch fiddlers + of the name of Duncan, a Highlander called Tam Grant, and his wife and + little son, and our own party, were all that remained of the seventy-two + passengers that left the Port of Leith in the brig Anne. + </p> + <p> + In spite of the earnest entreaties of his young wife, the said Tam Grant, + who was the most mercurial fellow in the world, would insist upon going on + shore to see all the lions of the place. “Ah, Tam! Tam! ye will die o' the + cholera,” cried the weeping Maggie. “My heart will brak if ye dinna bide + wi' me an' the bairnie.” Tam was deaf as Ailsa Craig. Regardless of tears + and entreaties, he jumped into the boat, like a wilful man as he was, and + my husband went with him. Fortunately for me, the latter returned safe to + the vessel, in time to proceed with her to Montreal, in tow of the noble + steamer, British America; but Tam, the volatile Tam was missing. During + the reign of the cholera, what at another time would have appeared but a + trifling incident, was now invested with doubt and terror. The distress of + the poor wife knew no bounds. I think I see her now, as I saw her then, + sitting upon the floor of the deck, her head buried between her knees, + rocking herself to and fro, and weeping in the utter abandonment of her + grief. “He is dead! he is dead! My dear, dear Tam! The pestilence has + seized upon him; and I and the puir bairn are left alone in the strange + land.” All attempts at consolation were useless; she obstinately refused + to listen to probabilities, or to be comforted. All through the night I + heard her deep and bitter sobs, and the oft-repeated name of him that she + had lost. + </p> + <p> + The sun was sinking over the plague-stricken city, gilding the changing + woods and mountain peaks with ruddy light; the river mirrored back the + gorgeous sky, and moved in billows of liquid gold; the very air seemed + lighted up with heavenly fires, and sparkled with myriads of luminous + particles, as I gazed my last upon that beautiful scene. + </p> + <p> + The tow-line was now attached from our ship to the British America, and in + company with two other vessels, we followed fast in her foaming wake. Day + lingered on the horizon just long enough to enable me to examine, with + deep interest, the rocky heights of Abraham, the scene of our immortal + Wolfe's victory and death; and when the twilight faded into night, the + moon arose in solemn beauty, and cast mysterious gleams upon the strange + stern landscape. The wide river, flowing rapidly between its rugged banks, + rolled in inky blackness beneath the overshadowing crags; while the waves + in mid-channel flashed along in dazzling light, rendered more intense by + the surrounding darkness. In this luminous track the huge steamer glided + majestically forward, flinging showers of red earth-stars from the funnel + into the clear air, and looking like some fiery demon of the night + enveloped in smoke and flame. + </p> + <p> + The lofty groves of pine frowned down in hearse-like gloom upon the mighty + river, and the deep stillness of the night, broken alone by its hoarse + wailings, filled my mind with sad forebodings—alas! too prophetic of + the future. Keenly, for the first time, I felt that I was a stranger in a + strange land; my heart yearned intensely for my absent home. Home! the + word had ceased to belong to my present—it was doomed to live for + ever in the past; for what emigrant ever regarded the country of his exile + as his home? To the land he has left, that name belongs for ever, and in + no instance does he bestow it upon another. “I have got a letter from + home!” “I have seen a friend from home!” “I dreamt last night that I was + at home!” are expressions of everyday occurrence, to prove that the heart + acknowledges no other home than the land of its birth. + </p> + <p> + From these sad reveries I was roused by the hoarse notes of the bagpipe. + That well-known sound brought every Scotchman upon deck, and set every + limb in motion on the decks of the other vessels. Determined not to be + outdone, our fiddlers took up the strain, and a lively contest ensued + between the rival musicians, which continued during the greater part of + the night. The shouts of noisy revelry were in no way congenial to my + feelings. Nothing tends so much to increase our melancholy as merry music + when the heart is sad; and I left the scene with eyes brimful of tears, + and my mind painfully agitated by sorrowful recollections and vain + regrets. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The strains we hear in foreign lands, + No echo from the heart can claim; + The chords are swept by strangers' hands, + And kindle in the breast no flame, + Sweet though they be. + No fond remembrance wakes to fling + Its hallowed influence o'er the chords; + As if a spirit touch'd the string, + Breathing, in soft harmonious words, + Deep melody. + + The music of our native shore + A thousand lovely scenes endears; + In magic tones it murmurs o'er + The visions of our early years;— + The hopes of youth; + It wreathes again the flowers we wreathed + In childhood's bright, unclouded day; + It breathes again the vows we breathed, + At beauty's shrine, when hearts were gay + And whisper'd truth; + + It calls before our mental sight + Dear forms whose tuneful lips are mute, + Bright, sunny eyes long closed in night, + Warm hearts now silent as the lute + That charm'd our ears; + It thrills the breast with feelings deep, + Too deep for language to impart; + And bids the spirit joy and weep, + In tones that sink into the heart, + And melt in tears. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0003" id="link2HCH0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER III — OUR JOURNEY UP THE COUNTRY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Fly this plague-stricken spot! The hot, foul air + Is rank with pestilence—the crowded marts + And public ways, once populous with life, + Are still and noisome as a churchyard vault; + Aghast and shuddering, Nature holds her breath + In abject fear, and feels at her strong heart + The deadly pangs of death. +</pre> + <p> + Of Montreal I can say but little. The cholera was at its height, and the + fear of infection, which increased the nearer we approached its shores, + cast a gloom over the scene, and prevented us from exploring its infected + streets. That the feelings of all on board very nearly resembled our own + might be read in the anxious faces of both passengers and crew. Our + captain, who had never before hinted that he entertained any apprehensions + on the subject, now confided to us his conviction that he should never + quit the city alive: “This cursed cholera! Left it in Russia—found + it on my return to Leith—meets me again in Canada. No escape the + third time.” If the captain's prediction proved true in his case, it was + not so in ours. We left the cholera in England, we met it again in + Scotland, and, under the providence of God, we escaped its fatal + visitation in Canada. + </p> + <p> + Yet the fear and the dread of it on that first day caused me to throw many + an anxious glance on my husband and my child. I had been very ill during + the three weeks that our vessel was becalmed upon the Banks of + Newfoundland, and to this circumstance I attribute my deliverance from the + pestilence. I was weak and nervous when the vessel arrived at Quebec, but + the voyage up the St. Lawrence, the fresh air and beautiful scenery were + rapidly restoring me to health. + </p> + <p> + Montreal from the river wears a pleasing aspect, but it lacks the + grandeur, the stern sublimity of Quebec. The fine mountain that forms the + background to the city, the Island of St. Helens in front, and the + junction of the St. Lawrence and the Ottawa—which run side by side, + their respective boundaries only marked by a long ripple of white foam, + and the darker blue tint of the former river—constitute the most + remarkable features in the landscape. + </p> + <p> + The town itself was, at that period, dirty and ill-paved; and the opening + of all the sewers, in order to purify the place and stop the ravages of + the pestilence, rendered the public thoroughfares almost impassable, and + loaded the air with intolerable effluvia, more likely to produce than stay + the course of the plague, the violence of which had, in all probability, + been increased by these long-neglected receptacles of uncleanliness. + </p> + <p> + The dismal stories told us by the excise-officer who came to inspect the + unloading of the vessel, of the frightful ravages of the cholera, by no + means increased our desire to go on shore. + </p> + <p> + “It will be a miracle if you escape,” he said. “Hundreds of emigrants die + daily; and if Stephen Ayres had not providentally come among us, not a + soul would have been alive at this moment in Montreal.” + </p> + <p> + “And who is Stephen Ayres?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “God only knows,” was the grave reply. “There was a man sent from heaven, + and his name was John.” + </p> + <p> + “But I thought this man was called Stephen?” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, so he calls himself; but 'tis certain that he is not of the earth. + Flesh and blood could never do what he has done—the hand of God is + in it. Besides, no one knows who he is, or whence he comes. When the + cholera was at the worst, and the hearts of all men stood still with fear, + and our doctors could do nothing to stop its progress, this man, or angel, + or saint, suddenly made his appearance in our streets. He came in great + humility, seated in an ox-cart, and drawn by two lean oxen and a rope + harness. Only think of that! Such a man in an <i>old ox-cart</i>, drawn by + <i>rope harness!</i> The thing itself was a miracle. He made no parade + about what he could do, but only fixed up a plain pasteboard notice, + informing the public that he possessed an infallible remedy for the + cholera, and would engage to cure all who sent for him.” + </p> + <p> + “And was he successful?” + </p> + <p> + “Successful! It beats all belief; and his remedy so simple! For some days + we all took him for a quack, and would have no faith in him at all, + although he performed some wonderful cures upon poor folks, who could not + afford to send for the doctor. The Indian village was attacked by the + disease, and he went out to them, and restored upward of a hundred of the + Indians to perfect health. They took the old lean oxen out of the cart, + and drew him back to Montreal in triumph. This 'stablished him at once, + and in a few days' time he made a fortune. The very doctors sent for him + to cure them; and it is to be hoped that in a few days he will banish the + cholera from the city.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you know his famous remedy?” + </p> + <p> + “Do I not?—Did he not cure me when I was at the last gasp? Why, he + makes no secret of it. It is all drawn from the maple-tree. First he rubs + the patient all over with an ointment, made of hog's lard and maple-sugar + and ashes, from the maple-tree; and he gives him a hot draught of + maple-sugar and ley, which throws him into a violent perspiration. In + about an hour the cramps subside; he falls into a quiet sleep, and when he + awakes he is perfectly restored to health.” Such were our first tidings of + Stephen Ayres, the cholera doctor, who is universally believed to have + effected some wonderful cures. He obtained a wide celebrity throughout the + colony.(1) + </p> + <p> + (1) A friend of mine, in this town, has an original portrait of this + notable empiric—this man sent from heaven. The face is rather + handsome, but has a keen, designing expression, and is evidently that of + an American, from its complexion and features. + </p> + <p> + The day of our arrival in the port of Montreal was spent in packing and + preparing for our long journey up the country. At sunset, I went upon deck + to enjoy the refreshing breeze that swept from the river. The evening was + delightful; the white tents of the soldiers on the Island of St. Helens + glittered in the beams of the sun, and the bugle-call, wafted over the + waters, sounded so cheery and inspiring, that it banished all fears of the + cholera, and, with fear, the heavy gloom that had clouded my mind since we + left Quebec. I could once more hold sweet converse with nature, and enjoy + the soft loveliness of the rich and harmonious scene. + </p> + <p> + A loud cry from one of the crew startled me; I turned to the river, and + beheld a man struggling in the water a short distance from our vessel. He + was a young sailor, who had fallen from the bowsprit of a ship near us. + </p> + <p> + There is something terribly exciting in beholding a fellow-creature in + imminent peril, without having the power to help him. To witness his + death-struggles—to feel in your own person all the dreadful + alternations of hope and fear—and, finally, to see him die, with + scarcely an effort made for his preservation. This was our case. + </p> + <p> + At the moment he fell into the water, a boat with three men was within a + few yards of the spot, and actually sailed over the spot where he sank. + Cries of “Shame!” from the crowd collected upon the bank of the river, had + no effect in rousing these people to attempt the rescue of a perishing + fellow-creature. The boat passed on. The drowning man again rose to the + surface, the convulsive motion of his hands and feet visible above the + water, but it was evident that the struggle would be his last. + </p> + <p> + “Is it possible that they will let a human being perish, and so near the + shore, when an oar held out would save his life?” was the agonising + question at my heart, as I gazed, half-maddened by excitement, on the + fearful spectacle. The eyes of a multitude were fixed upon the same object—but + not a hand stirred. Every one seemed to expect from his fellow an effort + which he was incapable of attempting himself. + </p> + <p> + At this moment—splash! a sailor plunged into the water from the deck + of a neighbouring vessel, and dived after the drowning man. A deep “Thank + God!” burst from my heart. I drew a freer breath as the brave fellow's + head appeared above the water. He called to the man in the boat to throw + him an oar, or the drowning man would be the death of them both. Slowly + they put back the boat—the oar was handed; but it came too late! The + sailor, whose name was Cook, had been obliged to shake off the hold of the + dying man to save his own life. He dived again to the bottom, and + succeeded in bringing to shore the body of the unfortunate being he had + vainly endeavoured to succour. Shortly after, he came on board our vessel, + foaming with passion at the barbarous indifference manifested by the men + in the boat. + </p> + <p> + “Had they given me the oar in time, I could have saved him. I knew him + well—he was an excellent fellow, and a good seaman. He has left a + wife and three children in Liverpool. Poor Jane!—how can I tell her + that I could not save her husband?” + </p> + <p> + He wept bitterly, and it was impossible for any of us to witness his + emotion without joining in his grief. + </p> + <p> + From the mate I learned that this same young man had saved the lives of + three women and a child when the boat was swamped at Grosse Isle, in + attempting to land the passengers from the Horsley Hill. + </p> + <p> + Such acts of heroism are common in the lower walks of life. Thus, the + purest gems are often encased in the rudest crust; and the finest feelings + of the human heart are fostered in the chilling atmosphere of poverty. + </p> + <p> + While this sad event occupied all our thoughts, and gave rise to many + painful reflections, an exclamation of unqualified delight at once changed + the current of our thoughts, and filled us with surprise and pleasure. + Maggie Grant had fainted in the arms of her husband. + </p> + <p> + Yes, there was Tam—her dear, reckless Tam, after all her tears and + lamentations, pressing his young wife to his heart, and calling her by a + thousand endearing pet names. + </p> + <p> + He had met with some countrymen at Quebec, had taken too much whiskey on + the joyful occasion, and lost his passage in the Anne, but had followed, a + few hours later, in another steam-boat; and he assured the now happy + Maggie, as he kissed the infant Tam, whom she held up to his admiring + gaze, that he never would be guilty of the like again. Perhaps he kept his + word; but I much fear that the first temptation would make the lively + laddie forget his promise. + </p> + <p> + Our luggage having been removed to the Custom-house, including our + bedding, the captain collected all the ship's flags for our accommodation, + of which we formed a tolerably comfortable bed; and if our dreams were of + England, could it be otherwise, with her glorious flag wrapped around us, + and our heads resting upon the Union Jack? + </p> + <p> + In the morning we were obliged to visit the city to make the necessary + arrangements for our upward journey. + </p> + <p> + The day was intensely hot. A bank of thunderclouds lowered heavily above + the mountain, and the close, dusty streets were silent, and nearly + deserted. Here and there might be seen a group of anxious-looking, + care-worn, sickly emigrants, seated against a wall among their packages, + and sadly ruminating upon their future prospects. + </p> + <p> + The sullen toll of the death-bell, the exposure of ready-made coffins in + the undertakers' windows, and the oft-recurring notice placarded on the + walls, of funerals furnished at such and such a place, at cheapest rate + and shortest notice, painfully reminded us, at every turning of the + street, that death was everywhere—perhaps lurking in our very path; + we felt no desire to examine the beauties of the place. With this ominous + feeling pervading our minds, public buildings possessed few attractions, + and we determined to make our stay as short as possible. + </p> + <p> + Compared with the infected city, our ship appeared an ark of safety, and + we returned to it with joy and confidence, too soon to be destroyed. We + had scarcely re-entered our cabin, when tidings were brought to us that + the cholera had made its appearance: a brother of the captain had been + attacked. + </p> + <p> + It was advisable that we should leave the vessel immediately, before the + intelligence could reach the health-officers. A few minutes sufficed to + make the necessary preparations; and in less than half an hour we found + ourselves occupying comfortable apartments in Goodenough's hotel, and our + passage taken in the stage for the following morning. + </p> + <p> + The transition was like a dream. The change from the close, rank ship, to + large, airy, well-furnished rooms and clean attendants, was a luxury we + should have enjoyed had not the dread of cholera involved all things + around us in gloom and apprehension. No one spoke upon the subject; and + yet it was evident that it was uppermost in the thoughts of all. Several + emigrants had died of the terrible disorder during the week, beneath the + very roof that sheltered us, and its ravages, we were told, had extended + up the country as far as Kingston; so that it was still to be the phantom + of our coming journey, if we were fortunate enough to escape from its + head-quarters. + </p> + <p> + At six o'clock the following morning, we took our places in the coach for + Lachine, and our fears of the plague greatly diminished as we left the + spires of Montreal in the distance. The journey from Montreal westward has + been so well described by many gifted pens, that I shall say little about + it. The banks of the St. Lawrence are picturesque and beautiful, + particularly in those spots where there is a good view of the American + side. The neat farm-houses looked to me, whose eyes had been so long + accustomed to the watery waste, homes of beauty and happiness; and the + splendid orchards, the trees at that season of the year being loaded with + ripening fruit of all hues, were refreshing and delicious. + </p> + <p> + My partiality for the apples was regarded by a fellow-traveller with a + species of horror. “Touch them not, if you value your life.” Every draught + of fresh air and water inspired me with renewed health and spirits, and I + disregarded the well-meant advice; the gentlemen who gave it had just + recovered from the terrible disease. He was a middle-aged man, a farmer + from the Upper Province, Canadian born. He had visited Montreal on + business for the first time. “Well, sir,” he said, in answer to some + questions put to him by my husband respecting the disease, “I can tell you + what it is: a man smitten with the cholera stares death right in the face; + and the torment he is suffering is so great that he would gladly die to + get rid of it.” + </p> + <p> + “You were fortunate, C——, to escape,” said a backwood settler, + who occupied the opposite seat; “many a younger man has died of it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; but I believe I never should have taken it had it not been for some + things they gave me for supper at the hotel; oysters, they called them, + oysters; they were alive! I was once persuaded by a friend to eat them, + and I liked them well enough at the time. But I declare to you that I felt + them crawling over one another in my stomach all night. The next morning I + was seized with the cholera.” + </p> + <p> + “Did you swallow them whole, C——?” said the former spokesman, + who seemed highly tickled by the evil doings of the oysters. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure. I tell you, the creatures are alive. You put them on your + tongue, and I'll be bound you'll be glad to let them slip down as fast as + you can.” + </p> + <p> + “No wonder you had the cholera,” said the backwoodsman, “you deserved it + for your barbarity. If I had a good plate of oysters here, I'd teach you + the way to eat them.” + </p> + <p> + Our journey during the first day was performed partly by coach, partly by + steam. It was nine o'clock in the evening when we landed at Cornwell, and + took coach for Prescott. The country through which we passed appeared + beautiful in the clear light of the moon; but the air was cold, and + slightly sharpened by frost. This seemed strange to me in the early part + of September, but it is very common in Canada. Nine passengers were + closely packed into our narrow vehicle, but the sides being of canvas, and + the open space allowed for windows unglazed, I shivered with cold, which + amounted to a state of suffering, when the day broke, and we approached + the little village of Matilda. It was unanimously voted by all hands that + we should stop and breakfast at a small inn by the road-side, and warm + ourselves before proceeding to Prescott. + </p> + <p> + The people in the tavern were not stirring, and it was some time before an + old white-headed man unclosed the door, and showed us into a room, + redolent with fumes of tobacco, and darkened by paper blinds. I asked him + if he would allow me to take my infant into a room with a fire. + </p> + <p> + “I guess it was a pretty considerable cold night for the like of her,” + said he. “Come, I'll show you to the kitchen; there's always a fire + there.” I cheerfully followed, accompanied by our servant. + </p> + <p> + Our entrance was unexpected, and by no means agreeable to the persons we + found there. A half-clothed, red-haired Irish servant was upon her knees, + kindling up the fire; and a long, thin woman, with a sharp face, and an + eye like a black snake, was just emerging from a bed in the corner. We + soon discovered this apparition to be the mistress of the house. + </p> + <p> + “The people can't come in here!” she screamed in a shrill voice, darting + daggers at the poor old man. + </p> + <p> + “Sure there's a baby, and the two women critters are perished with cold,” + pleaded the good old man. + </p> + <p> + “What's that to me? They have no business in my kitchen.” + </p> + <p> + “Now, Almira, do hold on. It's the coach has stopped to breakfast with us; + and you know we don't often get the chance.” + </p> + <p> + All this time the fair Almira was dressing as fast as she could, and + eyeing her unwelcome female guests, as we stood shivering over the fire. + </p> + <p> + “Breakfast!” she muttered, “what can we give them to eat? They pass our + door a thousand times without any one alighting; and now, when we are out + of everything, they must stop and order breakfast at such an unreasonable + hour. How many are there of you?” turning fiercely to me. + </p> + <p> + “Nine,” I answered, laconically, continuing to chafe the cold hands and + feet of the child. + </p> + <p> + “Nine! That bit of beef will be nothing, cut into steaks for nine. What's + to be done, Joe?” (to the old man.) + </p> + <p> + “Eggs and ham, summat of that dried venison, and pumpkin pie,” responded + the aide-de-camp, thoughtfully. “I don't know of any other fixings.” + </p> + <p> + “Bestir yourself, then, and lay out the table, for the coach can't stay + long,” cried the virago, seizing a frying-pan from the wall, and preparing + it for the reception of eggs and ham. “I must have the fire to myself. + People can't come crowding here, when I have to fix breakfast for nine; + particularly when there is a good room elsewhere provided for their + accommodation.” I took the hint, and retreated to the parlour, where I + found the rest of the passengers walking to and fro, and impatiently + awaiting the advent of breakfast. + </p> + <p> + To do Almira justice, she prepared from her scanty materials a very + substantial breakfast in an incredibly short time, for which she charged + us a quarter of a dollar per head. + </p> + <p> + At Prescott we embarked on board a fine new steam-boat, William IV., + crowded with Irish emigrants, proceeding to Cobourg and Toronto. + </p> + <p> + While pacing the deck, my husband was greatly struck by the appearance of + a middle-aged man and his wife, who sat apart from the rest, and seemed + struggling with intense grief, which, in spite of all their efforts at + concealment, was strongly impressed upon their features. Some time after, + I fell into conversation with the woman, from whom I learned their little + history. The husband was factor to a Scotch gentleman, of large landed + property, who had employed him to visit Canada, and report the + capabilities of the country, prior to his investing a large sum of money + in wild lands. The expenses of their voyage had been paid, and everything + up to that morning had prospered them. They had been blessed with a speedy + passage, and were greatly pleased with the country and the people; but of + what avail was all this? Their only son, a fine lad of fourteen, had died + that day of the cholera, and all their hopes for the future were buried in + his grave. For his sake they had sought a home in this far land; and here, + at the very onset of their new career, the fell disease had taken him from + them for ever—here, where, in such a crowd, the poor heart-broken + mother could not even indulge her natural grief! + </p> + <p> + “Ah, for a place where I might greet!” she said; “it would relieve the + burning weight at my heart. But with sae many strange eyes glowering upon + me, I tak' shame to mysel' to greet.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Jeannie, my puir woman,” said the husband, grasping her hand, “ye + maun bear up; 'tis God's will; an sinfu' creatures like us mauna repine. + But oh, madam,” turning to me, “we have sair hearts the day!” + </p> + <p> + Poor bereaved creatures, how deeply I commiserated their grief—how I + respected the poor father, in the stern efforts he made to conceal from + indifferent spectators the anguish that weighed upon his mind! Tears are + the best balm that can be applied to the anguish of the heart. Religion + teaches man to bear his sorrows with becoming fortitude, but tears + contribute largely both to soften and to heal the wounds from whence they + flow. + </p> + <p> + At Brockville we took in a party of ladies, which somewhat relieved the + monotony of the cabin, and I was amused by listening to their lively + prattle, and the little gossip with which they strove to wile away the + tedium of the voyage. The day was too stormy to go upon deck—thunder + and lightening, accompanied with torrents of rain. Amid the confusion of + the elements, I tried to get a peep at the Lake of the Thousand Isles; but + the driving storm blended all objects into one, and I returned wet and + disappointed to my berth. We passed Kingston at midnight, and lost all our + lady passengers but two. The gale continued until daybreak, and noise and + confusion prevailed all night, which were greatly increased by the + uproarious conduct of a wild Irish emigrant, who thought fit to make his + bed upon the mat before the cabin door. He sang, he shouted, and harangued + his countrymen on the political state of the Emerald Isle, in a style + which was loud if not eloquent. Sleep was impossible, whilst his + stentorian lungs continued to pour forth torrents of unmeaning sound. + </p> + <p> + Our Dutch stewardess was highly enraged. His conduct, she said, “was + perfectly ondacent.” She opened the door, and bestowing upon him several + kicks, bade him get away “out of that,” or she would complain to the + captain. + </p> + <p> + In answer to this remonstrance, he caught her by the foot, and pulled her + down. Then waving the tattered remains of his straw hat in the air, he + shouted with an air of triumph, “Git out wid you, you ould witch! Shure + the ladies, the purty darlints, never sent you wid that ugly message to + Pat, who loves them so intirely that he manes to kape watch over them + through the blessed night.” Then making us a ludicrous bow, he continued, + “Ladies, I'm at yer sarvice; I only wish I could get a dispensation from + the Pope, and I'd marry yeas all.” The stewardess bolted the door, and the + mad fellow kept up such a racket that we all wished him at the bottom of + the Ontario. + </p> + <p> + The following day was wet and gloomy. The storm had protracted the length + of our voyage for several hours, and it was midnight when we landed at + Cobourg. + </p> + <h3> + THERE'S REST + </h3> + <p> + (Written at midnight on the river St. Lawrence) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There's rest when eve, with dewy fingers, + Draws the curtains of repose + Round the west, where light still lingers, + And the day's last glory glows; + There's rest in heaven's unclouded blue, + When twinkling stars steal one by one, + So softly on the gazer's view, + As if they sought his glance to shun. + + There's rest when o'er the silent meads + The deepening shades of night advance; + And sighing through their fringe of reeds, + The mighty stream's clear waters glance. + There's rest when all above is bright, + And gently o'er these summer isles + The full moon pours her mellow light, + And heaven on earth serenely smiles. + + There's rest when angry storms are o'er, + And fear no longer vigil keeps; + When winds are heard to rave no more, + And ocean's troubled spirit sleeps; + There's rest when to the pebbly strand, + The lapsing billows slowly glide; + And, pillow'd on the golden sand, + Breathes soft and low the slumbering tide. + + There's rest, deep rest, at this still hour— + A holy calm,—a pause profound; + Whose soothing spell and dreamy power + Lulls into slumber all around. + There's rest for labour's hardy child, + For Nature's tribes of earth and air,— + Whose sacred balm and influence mild, + Save guilt and sorrow, all may share. + + There's rest beneath the quiet sod, + When life and all its sorrows cease, + And in the bosom of his God + The Christian finds eternal peace,— + That peace the world cannot bestow, + The rest a Saviour's death-pangs bought, + To bid the weary pilgrim know + A rest surpassing human thought. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0004" id="link2HCH0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IV — TOM WILSON'S EMIGRATION + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Of all odd fellows, this fellow was the oddest. I have seen + many strange fish in my days, but I never met with his equal.” + </pre> + <p> + About a month previous to our emigration to Canada, my husband said to me, + “You need not expect me home to dinner to-day; I am going with my friend + Wilson to Y——, to hear Mr. C—— lecture upon + emigration to Canada. He has just returned from the North American + provinces, and his lectures are attended by vast numbers of persons who + are anxious to obtain information on the subject. I got a note from your + friend B—— this morning, begging me to come over and listen to + his palaver; and as Wilson thinks of emigrating in the spring, he will be + my walking companion.” + </p> + <p> + “Tom Wilson going to Canada!” said I, as the door closed on my + better-half. “What a backwoodsman he will make! What a loss to the single + ladies of S——! What will they do without him at their balls + and picnics?” + </p> + <p> + One of my sisters, who was writing at a table near me, was highly amused + at this unexpected announcement. She fell back in her chair and indulged + in a long and hearty laugh. I am certain that most of my readers would + have joined in her laugh had they known the object which provoked her + mirth. “Poor Tom is such a dreamer,” said my sister, “it would be an act + of charity in Moodie to persuade him from undertaking such a wild-goose + chase; only that I fancy my good brother is possessed with the same + mania.” + </p> + <p> + “Nay, God forbid!” said I. “I hope this Mr. ——, with the + unpronounceable name, will disgust them with his eloquence; for B—— + writes me word, in his droll way, that he is a coarse, vulgar fellow, and + lacks the dignity of a bear. Oh! I am certain they will return quite + sickened with the Canadian project.” Thus I laid the flattering unction to + my soul, little dreaming that I and mine should share in the strange + adventures of this oddest of all odd creatures. + </p> + <p> + It might be made a subject of curious inquiry to those who delight in + human absurdities, if ever there were a character drawn in works of + fiction so extravagantly ridiculous as some which daily experience + presents to our view. We have encountered people in the broad + thoroughfares of life more eccentric than ever we read of in books; people + who, if all their foolish sayings and doings were duly recorded, would vie + with the drollest creations of Hood, or George Colman, and put to shame + the flights of Baron Munchausen. Not that Tom Wilson was a romancer; oh + no! He was the very prose of prose, a man in a mist, who seemed afraid of + moving about for fear of knocking his head against a tree, and finding a + halter suspended to its branches—a man as helpless and as indolent + as a baby. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Thomas, or Tom Wilson, as he was familiarly called by all his friends + and acquaintances, was the son of a gentleman, who once possessed a large + landed property in the neighbourhood; but an extravagant and profligate + expenditure of the income which he derived from a fine estate which had + descended from father to son through many generations, had greatly reduced + the circumstances of the elder Wilson. Still, his family held a certain + rank and standing in their native county, of which his evil courses, bad + as they were, could not wholly deprive them. The young people—and a + very large family they made of sons and daughters, twelve in number—were + objects of interest and commiseration to all who knew them, while the + worthless father was justly held in contempt and detestation. Our hero was + the youngest of the six sons; and from his childhood he was famous for his + nothing-to-doishness. He was too indolent to engage heart and soul in the + manly sports of his comrades; and he never thought it necessary to + commence learning his lessons until the school had been in an hour. As he + grew up to man's estate, he might be seen dawdling about in a black + frock-coat, jean trousers, and white kid gloves, making lazy bows to the + pretty girls of his acquaintance; or dressed in a green shooting-jacket, + with a gun across his shoulder, sauntering down the wooded lanes, with a + brown spaniel dodging at his heels, and looking as sleepy and indolent as + his master. + </p> + <p> + The slowness of all Tom's movements was strangely contrasted with his + slight, and symmetrical figure; that looked as if it only awaited the will + of the owner to be the most active piece of human machinery that ever + responded to the impulses of youth and health. But then, his face! What + pencil could faithfully delineate features at once so comical and + lugubrious—features that one moment expressed the most solemn + seriousness, and the next, the most grotesque and absurd abandonment to + mirth? In him, all extremes appeared to meet; the man was a contradiction + to himself. Tom was a person of few words, and so intensely lazy that it + required a strong effort of will to enable him to answer the questions of + inquiring friends; and when at length aroused to exercise his colloquial + powers, he performed the task in so original a manner that it never failed + to upset the gravity of the interrogator. When he raised his large, + prominent, leaden-coloured eyes from the ground, and looked the inquirer + steadily in the face, the effect was irresistible; the laugh would come—do + your best to resist it. + </p> + <p> + Poor Tom took this mistimed merriment in very good part, generally + answering with a ghastly contortion which he meant for a smile, or, if he + did trouble himself to find words, with, “Well, that's funny! What makes + you laugh? At me, I suppose? I don't wonder at it; I often laugh at + myself.” + </p> + <p> + Tom would have been a treasure to an undertaker. He would have been + celebrated as a mute; he looked as if he had been born in a shroud, and + rocked in a coffin. The gravity with which he could answer a ridiculous or + impertinent question completely disarmed and turned the shafts of malice + back upon his opponent. If Tom was himself an object of ridicule to many, + he had a way of quietly ridiculing others that bade defiance to all + competition. He could quiz with a smile, and put down insolence with an + incredulous stare. A grave wink from those dreamy eyes would destroy the + veracity of a travelled dandy for ever. + </p> + <p> + Tom was not without use in his day and generation; queer and awkward as he + was, he was the soul of truth and honour. You might suspect his sanity—a + matter always doubtful—but his honesty of heart and purpose, never. + </p> + <p> + When you met Tom in the streets, he was dressed with such neatness and + care (to be sure it took him half the day to make his toilet), that it led + many persons to imagine that this very ugly young man considered himself + an Adonis; and I must confess that I rather inclined to this opinion. He + always paced the public streets with a slow, deliberate tread, and with + his eyes fixed intently on the ground—like a man who had lost his + ideas, and was diligently employed in searching for them. I chanced to + meet him one day in this dreamy mood. + </p> + <p> + “How do you do, Mr. Wilson?” He stared at me for several minutes, as if + doubtful of my presence or identity. + </p> + <p> + “What was that you said?” + </p> + <p> + I repeated the question; and he answered, with one of his incredulous + smiles— + </p> + <p> + “Was it to me you spoke? Oh, I am quite well, or I should not be walking + here. By the way, did you see my dog?” + </p> + <p> + “How should I know your dog?” + </p> + <p> + “They say he resembles me. He's a queer dog, too; but I never could find + out the likeness. Good night!” + </p> + <p> + This was at noonday; but Tom had a habit of taking light for darkness, and + darkness for light, in all he did or said. He must have had different eyes + and ears, and a different way of seeing, hearing, and comprehending, than + is possessed by the generality of his species; and to such a length did he + carry this abstraction of soul and sense, that he would often leave you + abruptly in the middle of a sentence; and if you chanced to meet him some + weeks after, he would resume the conversation with the very word at which + he had cut short the thread of your discourse. + </p> + <p> + A lady once told him in jest that her youngest brother, a lad of twelve + years old, had called his donkey Braham, in honour of the great singer of + that name. Tom made no answer, but started abruptly away. Three months + after, she happened to encounter him on the same spot, when he accosted + her, without any previous salutation, + </p> + <p> + “You were telling me about a donkey, Miss ——, a donkey of your + brother's—Braham, I think you called him—yes, Braham; a + strange name for an ass! I wonder what the great Mr. Braham would say to + that. Ha, ha, ha!” + </p> + <p> + “Your memory must be excellent, Mr. Wilson, to enable you to remember such + a trifling circumstance all this time.” + </p> + <p> + “Trifling, do you call it? Why, I have thought of nothing else ever + since.” + </p> + <p> + From traits such as these my readers will be tempted to imagine him + brother to the animal who had dwelt so long in his thoughts; but there + were times when he surmounted this strange absence of mind, and could talk + and act as sensibly as other folks. + </p> + <p> + On the death of his father, he emigrated to New South Wales, where he + contrived to doze away seven years of his valueless existence, suffering + his convict servants to rob him of everything, and finally to burn his + dwelling. He returned to his native village, dressed as an Italian + mendicant, with a monkey perched upon his shoulder, and playing airs of + his own composition upon a hurdy-gurdy. In this disguise he sought the + dwelling of an old bachelor uncle, and solicited his charity. But who that + had once seen our friend Tom could ever forget him? Nature had no + counterpart of one who in mind and form was alike original. The + good-natured old soldier, at a glance, discovered his hopeful nephew, + received him into his house with kindness, and had afforded him an asylum + ever since. + </p> + <p> + One little anecdote of him at this period will illustrate the quiet love + of mischief with which he was imbued. Travelling from W—— to + London in the stage-coach (railways were not invented in those days), he + entered into conversation with an intelligent farmer who sat next to him; + New South Wales, and his residence in that colony, forming the leading + topic. A dissenting minister who happened to be his vis-a-vis, and who had + annoyed him by making several impertinent remarks, suddenly asked him, + with a sneer, how many years he had been there. + </p> + <p> + “Seven,” returned Tom, in a solemn tone, without deigning a glance at his + companion. + </p> + <p> + “I thought so,” responded the other, thrusting his hands into his breeches + pockets. “And pray, sir, what were you sent there for?” + </p> + <p> + “Stealing pigs,” returned the incorrigible Tom, with the gravity of a + judge. The words were scarcely pronounced when the questioner called the + coachman to stop, preferring a ride outside in the rain to a seat within + with a thief. Tom greatly enjoyed the hoax, which he used to tell with the + merriest of all grave faces. + </p> + <p> + Besides being a devoted admirer of the fair sex, and always imagining + himself in love with some unattainable beauty, he had a passionate craze + for music, and played upon the violin and flute with considerable taste + and execution. The sound of a favourite melody operated upon the breathing + automaton like magic, his frozen faculties experienced a sudden thaw, and + the stream of life leaped and gambolled for a while with uncontrollable + vivacity. He laughed, danced, sang, and made love in a breath, committing + a thousand mad vagaries to make you acquainted with his existence. + </p> + <p> + My husband had a remarkably sweet-toned flute, and this flute Tom regarded + with a species of idolatry. + </p> + <p> + “I break the Tenth Commandment, Moodie, whenever I hear you play upon that + flute. Take care of your black wife,” (a name he had bestowed upon the + coveted treasure), “or I shall certainly run off with her.” + </p> + <p> + “I am half afraid of you, Tom. I am sure if I were to die, and leave you + my black wife as a legacy, you would be too much overjoyed to lament my + death.” + </p> + <p> + Such was the strange, helpless, whimsical being who now contemplated an + emigration to Canada. How he succeeded in the speculation the sequel will + show. + </p> + <p> + It was late in the evening before my husband and his friend Tom Wilson + returned from Y——. I had provided a hot supper and a cup of + coffee after their long walk, and they did ample justice to my care. + </p> + <p> + Tom was in unusually high spirits, and appeared wholly bent upon his + Canadian expedition. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. C—— must have been very eloquent, Mr. Wilson,” said I, + “to engage your attention for so many hours.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps he was,” returned Tom, after a pause of some minutes, during + which he seemed to be groping for words in the salt-cellar, having + deliberately turned out its contents upon the tablecloth. “We were hungry + after our long walk, and he gave us an excellent dinner.” + </p> + <p> + “But that had nothing to do with the substance of his lecture.” + </p> + <p> + “It was the substance, after all,” said Moodie, laughing; “and his + audience seemed to think so, by the attention they paid to it during the + discussion. But, come, Wilson, give my wife some account of the + intellectual part of the entertainment.” + </p> + <p> + “What! I—I—I—I give an account of the lecture? Why, my + dear fellow, I never listened to one word of it!” + </p> + <p> + “I thought you went to Y—— on purpose to obtain information on + the subject of emigration to Canada?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, and so I did; but when the fellow pulled out his pamphlet, and said + that it contained the substance of his lecture, and would only cost a + shilling, I thought that it was better to secure the substance than + endeavour to catch the shadow—so I bought the book, and spared + myself the pain of listening to the oratory of the writer. Mrs. Moodie! he + had a shocking delivery, a drawling, vulgar voice; and he spoke with such + a nasal twang that I could not bear to look at him, or listen to him. He + made such grammatical blunders, that my sides ached with laughing at him. + Oh, I wish you could have seen the wretch! But here is the document, + written in the same style in which it was spoken. Read it; you have a rich + treat in store.” + </p> + <p> + I took the pamphlet, not a little amused at his description of Mr. C——, + for whom I felt an uncharitable dislike. + </p> + <p> + “And how did you contrive to entertain yourself, Mr. Wilson, during his + long address?” + </p> + <p> + “By thinking how many fools were collected together, to listen to one + greater than the rest. By the way, Moodie, did you notice farmer Flitch?” + </p> + <p> + “No; where did he sit?” + </p> + <p> + “At the foot of the table. You must have seen him, he was too big to be + overlooked. What a delightful squint he had! What a ridiculous likeness + there was between him and the roast pig he was carving! I was wondering + all dinner-time how that man contrived to cut up that pig; for one eye was + fixed upon the ceiling, and the other leering very affectionately at me. + It was very droll; was it not?” + </p> + <p> + “And what do you intend doing with yourself when you arrive in Canada?” + said I. + </p> + <p> + “Find out some large hollow tree, and live like Bruin in winter by sucking + my paws. In the summer there will be plenty of mast and acorns to satisfy + the wants of an abstemious fellow.” + </p> + <p> + “But, joking apart, my dear fellow,” said my husband, anxious to induce + him to abandon a scheme so hopeless, “do you think that you are at all + qualified for a life of toil and hardship?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you?” returned Tom, raising his large, bushy, black eyebrows to the + top of his forehead, and fixing his leaden eyes steadfastly upon his + interrogator, with an air of such absurd gravity that we burst into a + hearty laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Now what do you laugh for? I am sure I asked you a very serious + question.” + </p> + <p> + “But your method of putting it is so unusual that you must excuse us for + laughing.” + </p> + <p> + “I don't want you to weep,” said Tom; “but as to our qualifications, + Moodie, I think them pretty equal. I know you think otherwise, but I will + explain. Let me see; what was I going to say?—ah, I have it! You go + with the intention of clearing land, and working for yourself, and doing a + great deal. I have tried that before in New South Wales, and I know that + it won't answer. Gentlemen can't work like labourers, and if they could, + they won't—it is not in them, and that you will find out. You + expect, by going to Canada, to make your fortune, or at least secure a + comfortable independence. I anticipate no such results; yet I mean to go, + partly out of a whim, partly to satisfy my curiosity whether it is a + better country than New South Wales; and lastly, in the hope of bettering + my condition in a small way, which at present is so bad that it can + scarcely be worse. I mean to purchase a farm with the three hundred pounds + I received last week from the sale of my father's property; and if the + Canadian soil yields only half what Mr. C—— says it does, I + need not starve. But the refined habits in which you have been brought up, + and your unfortunate literary propensities—(I say unfortunate, + because you will seldom meet people in a colony who can or will sympathise + with you in these pursuits)—they will make you an object of mistrust + and envy to those who cannot appreciate them, and will be a source of + constant mortification and disappointment to yourself. Thank God! I have + no literary propensities; but in spite of the latter advantage, in all + probability I shall make no exertion at all; so that your energy, damped + by disgust and disappointment, and my laziness, will end in the same + thing, and we shall both return like bad pennies to our native shores. + But, as I have neither wife nor child to involve in my failure, I think, + without much self-flattery, that my prospects are better than yours.” + </p> + <p> + This was the longest speech I ever heard Tom utter; and, evidently + astonished at himself, he sprang abruptly from the table, overset a cup of + coffee into my lap, and wishing us <i>good day</i> (it was eleven o'clock + at night), he ran out of the house. + </p> + <p> + There was more truth in poor Tom's words than at that moment we were + willing to allow; for youth and hope were on our side in those days, and + we were most ready to believe the suggestions of the latter. + </p> + <p> + My husband finally determined to emigrate to Canada, and in the hurry and + bustle of a sudden preparation to depart, Tom and his affairs for a while + were forgotten. + </p> + <p> + How dark and heavily did that frightful anticipation weigh upon my heart! + As the time for our departure drew near, the thought of leaving my friends + and native land became so intensely painful that it haunted me even in + sleep. I seldom awoke without finding my pillow wet with tears. The glory + of May was upon the earth—of an English May. The woods were bursting + into leaf, the meadows and hedge-rows were flushed with flowers, and every + grove and copsewood echoed to the warblings of birds and the humming of + bees. To leave England at all was dreadful—to leave her at such a + season was doubly so. I went to take a last look at the old Hall, the + beloved home of my childhood and youth; to wander once more beneath the + shade of its venerable oaks—to rest once more upon the velvet sward + that carpeted their roots. It was while reposing beneath those noble trees + that I had first indulged in those delicious dreams which are a foretaste + of the enjoyments of the spirit-land. In them the soul breathes forth its + aspirations in a language unknown to common minds; and that language is + Poetry. Here annually, from year to year, I had renewed my friendship with + the first primroses and violets, and listened with the untiring ear of + love to the spring roundelay of the blackbird, whistled from among his + bower of May blossoms. Here, I had discoursed sweet words to the tinkling + brook, and learned from the melody of waters the music of natural sounds. + In these beloved solitudes all the holy emotions which stir the human + heart in its depths had been freely poured forth, and found a response in + the harmonious voice of Nature, bearing aloft the choral song of earth to + the throne of the Creator. + </p> + <p> + How hard it was to tear myself from scenes endeared to me by the most + beautiful and sorrowful recollections, let those who have loved and + suffered as I did, say. However the world had frowned upon me, Nature, + arrayed in her green loveliness, had ever smiled upon me like an indulgent + mother, holding out her loving arms to enfold to her bosom her erring but + devoted child. + </p> + <p> + Dear, dear England! why was I forced by a stern necessity to leave you? + What heinous crime had I committed, that I, who adored you, should be torn + from your sacred bosom, to pine out my joyless existence in a foreign + clime? Oh, that I might be permitted to return and die upon your + wave-encircled shores, and rest my weary head and heart beneath your + daisy-covered sod at last! Ah, these are vain outbursts of feeling—melancholy + relapses of the spring home-sickness! Canada! thou art a noble, free, and + rising country—the great fostering mother of the orphans of + civilisation. The offspring of Britain, thou must be great, and I will and + do love thee, land of my adoption, and of my children's birth; and, oh, + dearer still to a mother's heart-land of their graves! + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + Whilst talking over our coming separation with my sister C——, + we observed Tom Wilson walking slowly up the path that led to the house. + He was dressed in a new shooting-jacket, with his gun lying carelessly + across his shoulder, and an ugly pointer dog following at a little + distance. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mrs. Moodie, I am off,” said Tom, shaking hands with my sister + instead of me. “I suppose I shall see Moodie in London. What do you think + of my dog?” patting him affectionately. + </p> + <p> + “I think him an ugly beast,” said C——. “Do you mean to take + him with you?” + </p> + <p> + “An ugly beast!—Duchess a beast? Why she is a perfect beauty!—Beauty + and the beast! Ha, ha, ha! I gave two guineas for her last night.” (I + thought of the old adage.) “Mrs. Moodie, your sister is no judge of a + dog.” + </p> + <p> + “Very likely,” returned C——, laughing. “And you go to town + to-night, Mr. Wilson? I thought as you came up to the house that you were + equipped for shooting.” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure; there is capital shooting in Canada.” + </p> + <p> + “So I have heard—plenty of bears and wolves. I suppose you take out + your dog and gun in anticipation?” + </p> + <p> + “True,” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “But you surely are not going to take that dog with you?” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed I am. She is a most valuable brute. The very best venture I could + take. My brother Charles has engaged our passage in the same vessel.” + </p> + <p> + “It would be a pity to part you,” said I. “May you prove as lucky a pair + as Whittington and his cat.” + </p> + <p> + “Whittington! Whittington!” said Tom, staring at my sister, and beginning + to dream, which he invariably did in the company of women. “Who was the + gentleman?” + </p> + <p> + “A very old friend of mine, one whom I have known since I was a very + little girl,” said my sister; “but I have not time to tell you more about + him now. If you so to St. Paul's Churchyard, and inquire for Sir Richard + Whittington and his cat, you will get his history for a mere trifle.” + </p> + <p> + “Do not mind her, Mr. Wilson, she is quizzing you,” quoth I; “I wish you a + safe voyage across the Atlantic; I wish I could add a happy meeting with + your friends. But where shall we find friends in a strange land?” + </p> + <p> + “All in good time,” said Tom. “I hope to have the pleasure of meeting you + in the backwoods of Canada before three months are over. What adventures + we shall have to tell one another! It will be capital. Good-bye.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + “Tom has sailed,” said Captain Charles Wilson, stepping into my little + parlour a few days after his eccentric brother's last visit. “I saw him + and Duchess safe on board. Odd as he is, I parted with him with a full + heart; I felt as if we never should meet again. Poor Tom! he is the only + brother left me now that I can love. Robert and I never agreed very well, + and there is little chance of our meeting in this world. He is married, + and settled down for life in New South Wales; and the rest—John, + Richard, George, are all gone—all!” + </p> + <p> + “Was Tom in good spirits when you parted?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes. He is a perfect contradiction. He always laughs and cries in the + wrong place. 'Charles,' he said, with a loud laugh, 'tell the girls to get + some new music against I return: and, hark ye! if I never come back, I + leave them my Kangaroo Waltz as a legacy.'” + </p> + <p> + “What a strange creature!” + </p> + <p> + “Strange, indeed; you don't know half his oddities. He has very little + money to take out with him, but he actually paid for two berths in the + ship, that he might not chance to have a person who snored sleep near him. + Thirty pounds thrown away upon the mere chance of a snoring companion! + 'Besides, Charles,' quoth he, 'I cannot endure to share my little cabin + with others; they will use my towels, and combs, and brushes, like that + confounded rascal who slept in the same berth with me coming from New + South Wales, who had the impudence to clean his teeth with my toothbrush. + Here I shall be all alone, happy and comfortable as a prince, and Duchess + shall sleep in the after-berth, and be my queen.' And so we parted,” + continued Captain Charles. “May God take care of him, for he never could + take care of himself.” + </p> + <p> + “That puts me in mind of the reason he gave for not going with us. He was + afraid that my baby would keep him awake of a night. He hates children, + and says that he never will marry on that account.” + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + * * * * * * +</pre> + <p> + We left the British shores on the 1st of July, and cast anchor, as I have + already shown, under the Castle of St. Louis, at Quebec, on the 2nd of + September, 1832. Tom Wilson sailed the 1st of May, and had a speedy + passage, and was, as we heard from his friends, comfortably settled in the + bush, had bought a farm, and meant to commence operations in the fall. All + this was good news, and as he was settled near my brother's location, we + congratulated ourselves that our eccentric friend had found a home in the + wilderness at last, and that we should soon see him again. + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of September, the steam-boat William IV. landed us at the then + small but rising town of ——, on Lake Ontario. The night was + dark and rainy; the boat was crowded with emigrants; and when we arrived + at the inn, we learnt that there was no room for us—not a bed to be + had; nor was it likely, owing to the number of strangers that had arrived + for several weeks, that we could obtain one by searching farther. Moodie + requested the use of a sofa for me during the night; but even that + produced a demur from the landlord. Whilst I awaited the result in a + passage, crowded with strange faces, a pair of eyes glanced upon me + through the throng. Was it possible?—could it be Tom Wilson? Did any + other human being possess such eyes, or use them in such an eccentric + manner? In another second he had pushed his way to my side, whispering in + my ear, “We met, 'twas in a crowd.” + </p> + <p> + “Tom Wilson, is that you?” + </p> + <p> + “Do you doubt it? I flatter myself that there is no likeness of such a + handsome fellow to be found in the world. It is I, I swear!—although + very little of me is left to swear by. The best part of me I have left to + fatten the mosquitoes and black flies in that infernal bush. But where is + Moodie?” + </p> + <p> + “There he is—trying to induce Mr. S——, for love or + money, to let me have a bed for the night.” + </p> + <p> + “You shall have mine,” said Tom. “I can sleep upon the floor of the + parlour in a blanket, Indian fashion. It's a bargain—I'll go and + settle it with the Yankee directly; he's the best fellow in the world! In + the meanwhile here is a little parlour, which is a joint-stock affair + between some of us young hopefuls for the time being. Step in here, and I + will go for Moodie; I long to tell him what I think of this confounded + country. But you will find it out all in good time;” and, rubbing his + hands together with a most lively and mischievous expression, he + shouldered his way through trunks, and boxes, and anxious faces, to + communicate to my husband the arrangement he had so kindly made for us. + </p> + <p> + “Accept this gentleman's offer, sir, till to-morrow,” said Mr. S——, + “I can then make more comfortable arrangements for your family; but we are + crowded—crowded to excess. My wife and daughters are obliged to + sleep in a little chamber over the stable, to give our guests more room. + Hard that, I guess, for decent people to locate over the horses.” + </p> + <p> + These matters settled, Moodie returned with Tom Wilson to the little + parlour, in which I had already made myself at home. + </p> + <p> + “Well, now, is it not funny that I should be the first to welcome you to + Canada?” said Tom. + </p> + <p> + “But what are you doing here, my dear fellow?” + </p> + <p> + “Shaking every day with the ague. But I could laugh in spite of my teeth + to hear them make such a confounded rattling; you would think they were + all quarrelling which should first get out of my mouth. This shaking mania + forms one of the chief attractions of this new country.” + </p> + <p> + “I fear,” said I, remarking how thin and pale he had become, “that this + climate cannot agree with you.” + </p> + <p> + “Nor I with the climate. Well, we shall soon be quits, for, to let you + into a secret, I am now on my way to England.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible!” + </p> + <p> + “It is true.” + </p> + <p> + “And the farm—what have you done with it?” + </p> + <p> + “Sold it.” + </p> + <p> + “And your outfit?” + </p> + <p> + “Sold that too.” + </p> + <p> + “To whom?” + </p> + <p> + “To one who will take better care of both than I did. Ah! such a country!—such + people!—such rogues! It beats Australia hollow; you know your + customers there—but here you have to find them out. Such a take-in!—God + forgive them! I never could take care of money; and, one way or other, + they have cheated me out of all mine. I have scarcely enough left to pay + my passage home. But, to provide against the worst, I have bought a young + bear, a splendid fellow, to make my peace with my uncle. You must see him; + he is close by in the stable.” + </p> + <p> + “To-morrow we will pay a visit to Bruin; but tonight do tell us something + about yourself, and your residence in the bush.” + </p> + <p> + “You will know enough about the bush by-and-by. I am a bad historian,” he + continued, stretching out his legs and yawning horribly, “a worse + biographer. I never can find words to relate facts. But I will try what I + can do; mind, don't laugh at my blunders.” + </p> + <p> + We promised to be serious—no easy matter while looking at and + listening to Tom Wilson, and he gave us, at detached intervals, the + following account of himself:— + </p> + <p> + “My troubles began at sea. We had a fair voyage, and all that; but my poor + dog, my beautiful Duchess!—that beauty in the beast—died. I + wanted to read the funeral service over her, but the captain interfered—the + brute!—and threatened to throw me into the sea along with the dead + bitch, as the unmannerly ruffian persisted in calling my canine friend. I + never spoke to him again during the rest of the voyage. Nothing happened + worth relating until I got to this place, where I chanced to meet a friend + who knew your brother, and I went up with him to the woods. Most of the + wise men of Gotham we met on the road were bound to the woods; so I felt + happy that I was, at least, in the fashion. Mr. —— was very + kind, and spoke in raptures of the woods, which formed the theme of + conversation during our journey—their beauty, their vastness, the + comfort and independence enjoyed by those who had settled in them; and he + so inspired me with the subject that I did nothing all day but sing as we + rode along— + </p> + <p> + 'A life in the woods for me;' + </p> + <p> + until we came to the woods, and then I soon learned to sing that same, as + the Irishman says, on the other side of my mouth.” + </p> + <p> + Here succeeded a long pause, during which friend Tom seemed mightily + tickled with his reminiscences, for he leaned back in his chair, and from + time to time gave way to loud, hollow bursts of laughter. + </p> + <p> + “Tom, Tom! are you going mad?” said my husband, shaking him. + </p> + <p> + “I never was sane, that I know of,” returned he. “You know that it runs in + the family. But do let me have my laugh out. The woods! Ha! ha! When I + used to be roaming through those woods, shooting—though not a thing + could I ever find to shoot, for birds and beasts are not such fools as our + English emigrants—and I chanced to think of you coming to spend the + rest of your lives in the woods—I used to stop, and hold my sides, + and laugh until the woods rang again. It was the only consolation I had.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens!” said I, “let us never go to the woods.” + </p> + <p> + “You will repent if you do,” continued Tom. “But let me proceed on my + journey. My bones were well-nigh dislocated before we got to D——. + The roads for the last twelve miles were nothing but a succession of + mud-holes, covered with the most ingenious invention ever thought of for + racking the limbs, called corduroy bridges; not breeches, mind you,—for + I thought, whilst jolting up and down over them, that I should arrive at + my destination minus that indispensable covering. It was night when we got + to Mr. ——'s place. I was tired and hungry, my face disfigured + and blistered by the unremitting attentions of the blackflies that rose in + swarms from the river. I thought to get a private room to wash and dress + in, but there is no such thing as privacy in this country. In the bush, + all things are in common; you cannot even get a bed without having to + share it with a companion. A bed on the floor in a public sleeping-room! + Think of that; a public sleeping-room!—men, women, and children, + only divided by a paltry curtain. Oh, ye gods! think of the snoring, + squalling, grumbling, puffing; think of the kicking, elbowing, and + crowding; the suffocating heat, the mosquitoes, with their infernal + buzzing—and you will form some idea of the misery I endured the + first night of my arrival in the bush. + </p> + <p> + “But these are not half the evils with which you have to contend. You are + pestered with nocturnal visitants far more disagreeable than even the + mosquitoes, and must put up with annoyances more disgusting than the + crowded, close room. And then, to appease the cravings of hunger, fat pork + is served to you three times a day. No wonder that the Jews eschewed the + vile animal; they were people of taste. Pork, morning, noon, and night, + swimming in its own grease! The bishop who complained of partridges every + day should have been condemned to three months' feeding upon pork in the + bush; and he would have become an anchorite, to escape the horrid sight of + swine's flesh for ever spread before him. No wonder I am thin; I have been + starved—starved upon pritters and port, and that disgusting specimen + of unleavened bread, yclept cakes in the pan. + </p> + <p> + “I had such a horror of the pork diet, that whenever I saw the dinner in + progress I fled to the canoe, in the hope of drowning upon the waters all + reminiscences of the hateful banquet; but even here the very fowls of the + air and the reptiles of the deep lifted up their voices, and shouted, + 'Pork, pork, pork!'” + </p> + <p> + M—— remonstrated with his friend for deserting the country for + such minor evils as these, which, after all, he said, could easily be + borne. + </p> + <p> + “Easily borne!” exclaimed the indignant Wilson. “Go and try them; and then + tell me that. I did try to bear them with a good grace, but it would not + do. I offended everybody with my grumbling. I was constantly reminded by + the ladies of the house that gentlemen should not come to this country + without they were able to put up with a <i>little</i> inconvenience; that + I should make as good a settler as a butterfly in a beehive; that it was + impossible to be nice about food and dress in the <i>Bush</i>; that people + must learn to eat what they could get, and be content to be shabby and + dirty, like their neighbours in the <i>Bush</i>,—until that horrid + word <i>Bush</i>became synonymous with all that was hateful and revolting + in my mind. + </p> + <p> + “It was impossible to keep anything to myself. The children pulled my + books to pieces to look at the pictures; and an impudent, bare-legged + Irish servant-girl took my towels to wipe the dishes with, and my + clothes-brush to black the shoes—an operation which she performed + with a mixture of soot and grease. I thought I should be better off in a + place of my own, so I bought a wild farm that was recommended to me, and + paid for it double what it was worth. When I came to examine my estate, I + found there was no house upon it, and I should have to wait until the fall + to get one put up, and a few acres cleared for cultivation. I was glad to + return to my old quarters. + </p> + <p> + “Finding nothing to shoot in the woods, I determined to amuse myself with + fishing; but Mr. —— could not always lend his canoe, and there + was no other to be had. To pass away the time, I set about making one. I + bought an axe, and went to the forest to select a tree. About a mile from + the lake, I found the largest pine I ever saw. I did not much like to try + my maiden hand upon it, for it was the first and the last tree I ever cut + down. But to it I went; and I blessed God that it reached the ground + without killing me in its way thither. When I was about it, I thought I + might as well make the canoe big enough; but the bulk of the tree deceived + me in the length of my vessel, and I forgot to measure the one that + belonged to Mr. ——. It took me six weeks hollowing it out, and + when it was finished, it was as long as a sloop-of-war, and too unwieldy + for all the oxen in the township to draw it to the water. After all my + labour, my combats with those wood-demons the black-flies, sand-flies, and + mosquitoes, my boat remains a useless monument of my industry. And worse + than this, the fatigue I had endured while working at it late and early, + brought on the ague; which so disgusted me with the country that I sold my + farm and all my traps for an old song; purchased Bruin to bear me company + on my voyage home; and the moment I am able to get rid of this tormenting + fever, I am off.” + </p> + <p> + Argument and remonstrance were alike in vain, he could not be dissuaded + from his purpose. Tom was as obstinate as his bear. + </p> + <p> + The next morning he conducted us to the stable to see Bruin. The young + denizen of the forest was tied to the manger, quietly masticating a cob of + Indian corn, which he held in his paw, and looked half human as he sat + upon his haunches, regarding us with a solemn, melancholy air. There was + an extraordinary likeness, quite ludicrous, between Tom and the bear. We + said nothing, but exchanged glances. Tom read our thoughts. + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said he, “there is a strong resemblance; I saw it when I bought + him. Perhaps we are brothers;” and taking in his hand the chain that held + the bear, he bestowed upon him sundry fraternal caresses, which the + ungrateful Bruin returned with low and savage growls. + </p> + <p> + “He can't flatter. He's all truth and sincerity. A child of nature, and + worthy to be my friend; the only Canadian I ever mean to acknowledge as + such.” + </p> + <p> + About an hour after this, poor Tom was shaking with ague, which in a few + days reduced him so low that I began to think he never would see his + native shores again. He bore the affliction very philosophically, and all + his well days he spent with us. + </p> + <p> + One day my husband was absent, having accompanied Mr. S—— to + inspect a farm, which he afterwards purchased, and I had to get through + the long day at the inn in the best manner I could. The local papers were + soon exhausted. At that period they possessed little or no interest for + me. I was astonished and disgusted at the abusive manner in which they + were written, the freedom of the press being enjoyed to an extent in this + province unknown in more civilised communities. + </p> + <p> + Men, in Canada, may call one another rogues and miscreants, in the most + approved Billingsgate, through the medium of the newspapers, which are a + sort of safety-valve to let off all the bad feelings and malignant + passions floating through the country, without any dread of the horsewhip. + Hence it is the commonest thing in the world to hear one editor abusing, + like a pickpocket, an opposition brother; calling him a reptile—a + crawling thing—a calumniator—a hired vendor of lies; and his + paper a smut-machine—a vile engine of corruption, as base and + degraded as the proprietor, &c. Of this description was the paper I + now held in my hand, which had the impudence to style itself the Reformer—not + of morals or manners, certainly, if one might judge by the vulgar abuse + that defiled every page of the precious document. I soon flung it from me, + thinking it worthy of the fate of many a better production in the olden + times, that of being burned by the common hangman; but, happily, the + office of hangman has become obsolete in Canada, and the editors of these + refined journals may go on abusing their betters with impunity. + </p> + <p> + Books I had none, and I wished that Tom would make his appearance, and + amuse me with his oddities; but he had suffered so much from the ague the + day before that when he did enter the room to lead me to dinner, he looked + like a walking corpse—the dead among the living! so dark, so livid, + so melancholy, it was really painful to look upon him. + </p> + <p> + “I hope the ladies who frequent the ordinary won't fall in love with me,” + said he, grinning at himself in the miserable looking-glass that formed + the case of the Yankee clock, and was ostentatiously displayed on a side + table; “I look quite killing to-day. What a comfort it is, Mrs. M——, + to be above all rivalry.” + </p> + <p> + In the middle of dinner, the company was disturbed by the entrance of a + person who had the appearance of a gentleman, but who was evidently much + flustered with drinking. He thrust his chair in between two gentlemen who + sat near the head of the table, and in a loud voice demanded fish. + </p> + <p> + “Fish, sir?” said the obsequious waiter, a great favourite with all + persons who frequented the hotel; “there is no fish, sir. There was a fine + salmon, sir, had you come sooner; but 'tis all eaten, sir.” + </p> + <p> + “Then fetch me some.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll see what I can do, sir,” said the obliging Tim, hurrying out. + </p> + <p> + Tom Wilson was at the head of the table, carving a roast pig, and was in + the act of helping a lady, when the rude fellow thrust his fork into the + pig, calling out as he did so— + </p> + <p> + “Hold, sir! give me some of that pig! You have eaten among you all the + fish, and now you are going to appropriate the best parts of the pig.” + </p> + <p> + Tom raised his eyebrows, and stared at the stranger in his peculiar + manner, then very coolly placed the whole of the pig on his plate. “I have + heard,” he said, “of dog eating dog, but I never before saw pig eating + pig.” + </p> + <p> + “Sir! do you mean to insult me?” cried the stranger, his face crimsoning + with anger. + </p> + <p> + “Only to tell you, sir, that you are no gentleman. Here, Tim,” turning to + the waiter, “go to the stable and bring in my bear; we will place him at + the table to teach this man how to behave himself in the presence of + ladies.” + </p> + <p> + A general uproar ensued; the women left the table, while the entrance of + the bear threw the gentlemen present into convulsions of laughter. It was + too much for the human biped; he was forced to leave the room, and succumb + to the bear. + </p> + <p> + My husband concluded his purchase of the farm, and invited Wilson to go + with us into the country and try if change of air would be beneficial to + him; for in his then weak state it was impossible for him to return to + England. His funds were getting very low, and Tom thankfully accepted the + offer. Leaving Bruin in the charge of Tim (who delighted in the oddities + of the strange English gentleman), Tom made one of our party to ——. + </p> + <h3> + THE LAMENT OF A CANADIAN EMIGRANT + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Though distant, in spirit still present to me, + My best thoughts, my country, still linger with thee; + My fond heart beats quick, and my dim eyes run o'er, + When I muse on the last glance I gave to thy shore. + The chill mists of night round thy white cliffs were curl'd, + But I felt there was no spot like thee in the world— + No home to which memory so fondly would turn, + No thought that within me so madly would burn. + + But one stood beside me whose presence repress'd + The deep pang of sorrow that troubled my breast; + And the babe on my bosom so calmly reclining, + Check'd the tears as they rose, and all useless repining. + Hard indeed was the struggle, from thee forced to roam; + But for their sakes I quitted both country and home. + + Bless'd Isle of the Free! I must view thee no more; + My fortunes are cast on this far-distant shore; + In the depths of dark forests my soul droops her wings; + In tall boughs above me no merry bird sings; + The sigh of the wild winds—the rush of the floods— + Is the only sad music that wakens the woods. + + In dreams, lovely England! my spirit still hails + Thy soft waving woodlands, thy green, daisied vales. + When my heart shall grow cold to the mother that bore me, + When my soul, dearest Nature! shall cease to adore thee, + And beauty and virtue no longer impart + Delight to my bosom, and warmth to my heart, + Then the love I have cherish'd, my country, for thee, + In the breast of thy daughter extinguish'd shall be. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0005" id="link2HCH0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER V — OUR FIRST SETTLEMENT, AND THE BORROWING SYSTEM + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To lend, or not to lend—is that the question? +</pre> + <p> + “Those who go a-borrowing, go a-sorrowing,” saith the old adage; and a + wiser saw never came out of the mouth of experience. I have tested the + truth of this proverb since my settlement in Canada, many, many times, to + my cost; and what emigrant has not? So averse have I ever been to this + practice, that I would at all times rather quietly submit to a temporary + inconvenience than obtain anything I wanted in this manner. I verily + believe that a demon of mischief presides over borrowed goods, and takes a + wicked pleasure in playing off a thousand malicious pranks upon you the + moment he enters your dwelling. Plates and dishes, that had been the pride + and ornament of their own cupboard for years, no sooner enter upon foreign + service than they are broken; wine-glasses and tumblers, that have been + handled by a hundred careless wenches in safety, scarcely pass into the + hands of your servants when they are sure to tumble upon the floor, and + the accident turns out a compound fracture. If you borrow a garment of any + kind, be sure that you will tear it; a watch, that you will break it; a + jewel, that you will lose it; a book, that it will be stolen from you. + There is no end to the trouble and vexation arising out of this evil + habit. If you borrow a horse, and he has the reputation of being the + best-behaved animal in the district, you no sooner become responsible for + his conduct than he loses his character. The moment that you attempt to + drive him, he shows that he has a will of his own, by taking the reins + into his own management, and running away in a contrary direction to the + road that you wished him to travel. He never gives over his eccentric + capers until he has broken his own knees, and the borrowed carriage and + harness. So anxious are you about his safety, that you have not a moment + to bestow upon your own. And why?—the beast is borrowed, and you are + expected to return him in as good condition as he came to you. + </p> + <p> + But of all evils, to borrow money is perhaps the worst. If of a friend, he + ceases to be one the moment you feel that you are bound to him by the + heavy clog of obligation. If of a usurer, the interest, in this country, + soon doubles the original sum, and you owe an increasing debt, which in + time swallows up all you possess. + </p> + <p> + When we first came to the colony, nothing surprised me more than the + extent to which this pernicious custom was carried, both by the native + Canadians, the European settlers, and the lower order of Americans. Many + of the latter had spied out the goodness of the land, and <i>borrowed</i> + various portions of it, without so much as asking leave of the absentee + owners. Unfortunately, our new home was surrounded by these odious + squatters, whom we found as ignorant as savages, without their courtesy + and kindness. + </p> + <p> + The place we first occupied was purchased of Mr. B——, a + merchant, who took it in payment of sundry large debts which the owner, a + New England loyalist, had been unable to settle. Old Joe R——, + the present occupant, had promised to quit it with his family, at the + commencement of sleighing; and as the bargain was concluded in the month + of September, and we were anxious to plough for fall wheat, it was + necessary to be upon the spot. No house was to be found in the immediate + neighbourhood, save a small dilapidated log tenement, on an adjoining farm + (which was scarcely reclaimed from the bush) that had been some months + without an owner. The merchant assured is that this could be made very + comfortable until such time as it suited R—— to remove, and + the owner was willing to let us have it for the moderate sum of four + dollars a month. + </p> + <p> + Trusting to Mr. B——'s word, and being strangers in the land, + we never took the precaution to examine this delightful summer residence + before entering upon it, but thought ourselves very fortunate in obtaining + a temporary home so near our own property, the distance not exceeding half + a mile. The agreement was drawn up, and we were told that we could take + possession whenever it suited us. + </p> + <p> + The few weeks that I had sojourned in the country had by no means + prepossessed me in its favour. The home-sickness was sore upon me, and all + my solitary hours were spent in tears. My whole soul yielded itself up to + a strong and overpowering grief. One simple word dwelt for ever in my + heart, and swelled it to bursting—“Home!” I repeated it waking a + thousand times a day, and my last prayer before I sank to sleep was still + “Home! Oh, that I could return, if only to die at home!” And nightly I did + return; my feet again trod the daisied meadows of England; the song of her + birds was in my ears; I wept with delight to find myself once more + wandering beneath the fragrant shade of her green hedge-rows; and I awoke + to weep in earnest when I found it but a dream. But this is all + digression, and has nothing to do with our unseen dwelling. The reader + must bear with me in my fits of melancholy, and take me as I am. + </p> + <p> + It was the 22nd September that we left the Steam-boat Hotel, to take + possession of our new abode. During the three weeks we had sojourned at + ——, I had not seen a drop of rain, and I began to think that + the fine weather would last for ever; but this eventful day arose in + clouds. Moodie had hired a covered carriage to convey the baby, the + servant-maid, and myself to the farm, as our driver prognosticated a wet + day; while he followed with Tom Wilson and the teams that conveyed our + luggage. + </p> + <p> + The scenery through which we were passing was so new to me, so unlike + anything that I had ever beheld before, that in spite of its monotonous + character, it won me from my melancholy, and I began to look about me with + considerable interest. Not so my English servant, who declared that the + woods were frightful to look upon; that it was a country only fit for wild + beasts; that she hated it with all her heart and soul, and would go back + as soon as she was able. + </p> + <p> + About a mile from the place of our destination the rain began to fall in + torrents, and the air, which had been balmy as a spring morning, turned as + chilly as that of a November day. Hannah shivered; the baby cried, and I + drew my summer shawl as closely round as possible, to protect her from the + sudden change in our hitherto delightful temperature. Just then, the + carriage turned into a narrow, steep path, overhung with lofty woods, and + after labouring up it with considerable difficulty, and at the risk of + breaking our necks, it brought us at length to a rocky upland clearing, + partially covered with a second growth of timber, and surrounded on all + sides by the dark forest. + </p> + <p> + “I guess,” quoth our Yankee driver, “that at the bottom of this 'ere + swell, you'll find yourself to hum;” and plunging into a short path cut + through the wood, he pointed to a miserable hut, at the bottom of a steep + descent, and cracking his whip, exclaimed, “'Tis a smart location that. I + wish you Britishers may enjoy it.” + </p> + <p> + I gazed upon the place in perfect dismay, for I had never seen such a shed + called a house before. “You must be mistaken; that is not a house, but a + cattle-shed, or pig-sty.” + </p> + <p> + The man turned his knowing, keen eye upon me, and smiled, half-humorously, + half-maliciously, as he said— + </p> + <p> + “You were raised in the old country, I guess; you have much to learn, and + more, perhaps, than you'll like to know, before the winter is over.” + </p> + <p> + I was perfectly bewildered—I could only stare at the place, with my + eyes swimming in tears; but as the horses plunged down into the broken + hollow, my attention was drawn from my new residence to the perils which + endangered life and limb at every step. The driver, however, was well used + to such roads, and, steering us dexterously between the black stumps, at + length drove up, not to the door, for there was none to the house, but to + the open space from which that absent but very necessary appendage had + been removed. Three young steers and two heifers, which the driver + proceeded to drive out, were quietly reposing upon the floor. A few + strokes of his whip, and a loud burst of gratuitous curses, soon effected + an ejectment; and I dismounted, and took possession of this untenable + tenement. Moodie was not yet in sight with the teams. I begged the man to + stay until he arrived, as I felt terrified at being left alone in this + wild, strange-looking place. He laughed, as well he might, at our fears, + and said that he had a long way to go, and must be off; then, cracking his + whip, and nodding to the girl, who was crying aloud, he went his way, and + Hannah and myself were left standing in the middle of the dirty floor. + </p> + <p> + The prospect was indeed dreary. Without, pouring rain; within, a fireless + hearth; a room with but one window, and that containing only one whole + pane of glass; not an article of furniture to be seen, save an old painted + pine-wood cradle, which had been left there by some freak of fortune. + This, turned upon its side, served us for a seat, and there we impatiently + awaited the arrival of Moodie, Wilson, and a man whom the former had hired + that morning to assist on the farm. Where they were all to be stowed might + have puzzled a more sagacious brain than mine. It is true there was a + loft, but I could see no way of reaching it, for ladder there was none, so + we amused ourselves, while waiting for the coming of our party, by abusing + the place, the country, and our own dear selves for our folly in coming to + it. + </p> + <p> + Now, when not only reconciled to Canada, but loving it, and feeling a deep + interest in its present welfare, and the fair prospect of its future + greatness, I often look back and laugh at the feelings with which I then + regarded this noble country. + </p> + <p> + When things come to the worst, they generally mend. The males of our party + no sooner arrived than they set about making things more comfortable. + James, our servant, pulled up some of the decayed stumps, with which the + small clearing that surrounded the shanty was thickly covered, and made a + fire, and Hannah roused herself from the stupor of despair, and seized the + corn-broom from the top of the loaded waggon, and began to sweep the + house, raising such an intolerable cloud of dust that I was glad to throw + my cloak over my head, and run out of doors, to avoid suffocation. Then + commenced the awful bustle of unloading the two heavily-loaded waggons. + The small space within the house was soon entirely blocked up with trunks + and packages of all descriptions. There was scarcely room to move, without + stumbling over some article of household stuff. + </p> + <p> + The rain poured in at the open door, beat in at the shattered window, and + dropped upon our heads from the holes in the roof. The wind blew keenly + through a thousand apertures in the log walls; and nothing could exceed + the uncomfortableness of our situation. For a long time the box which + contained a hammer and nails was not to be found. At length Hannah + discovered it, tied up with some bedding which she was opening out in + order to dry. I fortunately spied the door lying among some old boards at + the back of the house, and Moodie immediately commenced fitting it to its + place. This, once accomplished, was a great addition to our comfort. We + then nailed a piece of white cloth entirely over the broken window, which, + without diminishing the light, kept out the rain. James constructed a + ladder out of the old bits of boards, and Tom Wilson assisted him in + stowing the luggage away in the loft. + </p> + <p> + But what has this picture of misery and discomfort to do with borrowing? + Patience, my dear, good friends; I will tell you all about it by-and-by. + </p> + <p> + While we were all busily employed—even the poor baby, who was lying + upon a pillow in the old cradle, trying the strength of her lungs, and not + a little irritated that no one was at leisure to regard her laudable + endeavours to make herself heard—the door was suddenly pushed open, + and the apparition of a woman squeezed itself into the crowded room. I + left off arranging the furniture of a bed, that had been just put up in a + corner, to meet my unexpected, and at that moment, not very welcome guest. + Her whole appearance was so extraordinary that I felt quite at a loss how + to address her. + </p> + <p> + Imagine a girl of seventeen or eighteen years of age, with sharp, + knowing-looking features, a forward, impudent carriage, and a pert, + flippant voice, standing upon one of the trunks, and surveying all our + proceedings in the most impertinent manner. The creature was dressed in a + ragged, dirty purple stuff gown, cut very low in the neck, with an old red + cotton handkerchief tied over her head; her uncombed, tangled locks + falling over her thin, inquisitive face, in a state of perfect nature. Her + legs and feet were bare, and, in her coarse, dirty red hands, she swung to + and fro an empty glass decanter. + </p> + <p> + “What can she want?” I asked myself. “What a strange creature!” + </p> + <p> + And there she stood, staring at me in the most unceremonious manner, her + keen black eyes glancing obliquely to every corner of the room, which she + examined with critical exactness. + </p> + <p> + Before I could speak to her, she commenced the conversation by drawling + through her nose, “Well, I guess you are fixing here.” + </p> + <p> + I thought she had come to offer her services; and I told her that I did + not want a girl, for I had brought one out with me. + </p> + <p> + “How!” responded the creature, “I hope you don't take me for a help. I'd + have you to know that I'm as good a lady as yourself. No; I just stepped + over to see what was going on. I seed the teams pass our'n about noon, and + I says to father, 'Them strangers are cum; I'll go and look arter them.' + 'Yes,' says he, 'do—and take the decanter along. May be they'll want + one to put their whiskey in.' 'I'm goin to,' says I; so I cum across with + it, an' here it is. But, mind—don't break it—'tis the only one + we have to hum; and father says 'tis so mean to drink out of green glass.” + </p> + <p> + My surprise increased every minute. It seemed such an act of disinterested + generosity thus to anticipate wants we had never thought of. I was + regularly taken in. + </p> + <p> + “My good girl,” I began, “this is really very kind—but—” + </p> + <p> + “Now, don't go to call me 'gall'—and pass off your English airs on + us. We are <i>genuine</i> Yankees, and think ourselves as good—yes, + a great deal better than you. I am a young lady.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed!” said I, striving to repress my astonishment. “I am a stranger in + the country, and my acquaintance with Canadian ladies and gentlemen is + very small. I did not mean to offend you by using the term girl; I was + going to assure you that we had no need of the decanter. We have bottles + of our own—and we don't drink whiskey.” + </p> + <p> + “How! Not drink whiskey? Why, you don't say! How ignorant you must be! may + be they have no whiskey in the old country?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, we have; but it is not like the Canadian whiskey. But, pray take the + decanter home again—I am afraid that it will get broken in this + confusion.” + </p> + <p> + “No, no; father told me to leave it—and there it is;” and she + planted it resolutely down on the trunk. “You will find a use for it till + you have unpacked your own.” + </p> + <p> + Seeing that she was determined to leave the bottle, I said no more about + it, but asked her to tell me where the well was to be found. + </p> + <p> + “The well!” she repeated after me, with a sneer. “Who thinks of digging + wells when they can get plenty of water from the creek? There is a fine + water privilege not a stone's-throw from the door,” and, jumping off the + box, she disappeared as abruptly as she had entered. We all looked at each + other; Tom Wilson was highly amused, and laughed until he held his sides. + </p> + <p> + “What tempted her to bring this empty bottle here?” said Moodie. “It is + all an excuse; the visit, Tom, was meant for you.” + </p> + <p> + “You'll know more about it in a few days,” said James, looking up from his + work. “That bottle is not brought here for nought.” + </p> + <p> + I could not unravel the mystery, and thought no more about it, until it + was again brought to my recollection by the damsel herself. + </p> + <p> + Our united efforts had effected a complete transformation in our uncouth + dwelling. Sleeping-berths had been partitioned off for the men; shelves + had been put up for the accommodation of books and crockery, a carpet + covered the floor, and the chairs and tables we had brought from —— + gave an air of comfort to the place, which, on the first view of it, I + deemed impossible. My husband, Mr. Wilson, and James, had walked over to + inspect the farm, and I was sitting at the table at work, the baby + creeping upon the floor, and Hannah preparing dinner. The sun shone warm + and bright, and the open door admitted a current of fresh air, which + tempered the heat of the fire. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess you look smart,” said the Yankee damsel, presenting herself + once more before me. “You old country folks are so stiff, you must have + every thing nice, or you fret. But, then, you can easily do it; you have + stacks of money; and you can fix everything right off with money.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray take a seat,” and I offered her a chair, “and be kind enough to tell + me your name. I suppose you must live in the neighbourhood, although I + cannot perceive any dwelling near us.” + </p> + <p> + “My name! So you want to know my name. I arn't ashamed of my own; 'tis + Emily S——. I am eldest daughter to the <i>gentleman</i> who + owns this house.” + </p> + <p> + “What must the father be,” thought I, “if he resembles the young <i>lady</i>, + his daughter?” + </p> + <p> + Imagine a young lady, dressed in ragged petticoats, through whose yawning + rents peeped forth, from time to time, her bare red knees, with uncombed + elf-locks, and a face and hands that looked as if they had been unwashed + for a month—who did not know A from B, and despised those who did. + While these reflections, combined with a thousand ludicrous images, were + flitting through my mind, my strange visitor suddenly exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Have you done with that 'ere decanter I brought across yesterday?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, yes! I have no occasion for it.” I rose, took it from the shelf, and + placed it in her hand. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you won't return it empty; that would be mean, father says. He + wants it filled with whiskey.” + </p> + <p> + The mystery was solved, the riddle made clear. I could contain my gravity + no longer, but burst into a hearty fit of laughter, in which I was joined + by Hannah. Our young lady was mortally offended; she tossed the decanter + from hand to hand, and glared at us with her tiger-like eyes. + </p> + <p> + “You think yourselves smart! Why do you laugh in that way?” + </p> + <p> + “Excuse me—but you have such an odd way of borrowing that I cannot + help it. This bottle, it seems, was brought over for your own convenience, + not for mine. I am sorry to disappoint you, but I have no whiskey.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess spirits will do as well; I know there is some in that keg, for I + smells it.” + </p> + <p> + “It contains rum for the workmen.” + </p> + <p> + “Better still. I calculate when you've been here a few months, you'll be + too knowing to give rum to your helps. But old country folks are all + fools, and that's the reason they get so easily sucked in, and be so soon + wound-up. Cum, fill the bottle, and don't be stingy. In this country we + all live by borrowing. If you want anything, why just send and borrow from + us.” + </p> + <p> + Thinking that this might be the custom of the country, I hastened to fill + the decanter, hoping that I might get a little new milk for the poor + weanling child in return; but when I asked my liberal visitor if she kept + cows, and would lend me a little new milk for the baby, she burst out into + high disdain. “Milk! Lend milk? I guess milk in the fall is worth a York + shilling a quart. I cannot sell you a drop under.” + </p> + <p> + This was a wicked piece of extortion, as the same article in the town, + where, of course, it was in greater request, only brought three-pence the + quart. + </p> + <p> + “If you'll pay me for it, I'll bring you some to-morrow. But mind—cash + down.” + </p> + <p> + “And when do you mean to return the rum?” I said, with some asperity. + </p> + <p> + “When father goes to the creek.” This was the name given by my neighbours + to the village of P——, distant about four miles. + </p> + <p> + Day after day I was tormented by this importunate creature; she borrowed + of me tea, sugar, candles, starch, blueing, irons, pots, bowls—in + short, every article in common domestic use—while it was with the + utmost difficulty we could get them returned. Articles of food, such as + tea and sugar, or of convenience, like candles, starch, and soap, she + never dreamed of being required at her hands. This method of living upon + their neighbours is a most convenient one to unprincipled people, as it + does not involve the penalty of stealing; and they can keep the goods + without the unpleasant necessity of returning them, or feeling the moral + obligation of being grateful for their use. Living eight miles from + ——, I found these constant encroachments a heavy burden on our + poor purse; and being ignorant of the country, and residing in such a + lonely, out-of-the-way place, surrounded by these savages, I was really + afraid of denying their requests. + </p> + <p> + The very day our new plough came home, the father of this bright damsel, + who went by the familiar and unenviable title of Old Satan, came over to + borrow it (though we afterwards found out that he had a good one of his + own). The land had never been broken up, and was full of rocks and stumps, + and he was anxious to save his own from injury; the consequence was that + the borrowed implement came home unfit for use, just at the very time that + we wanted to plough for fall wheat. The same happened to a spade and + trowel, bought in order to plaster the house. Satan asked the loan of them + for <i>one</i> hour for the same purpose, and we never saw them again. + </p> + <p> + The daughter came one morning, as usual, on one of these swindling + expeditions, and demanded of me the loan of some fine slack. Not knowing + what she meant by fine slack, and weary of her importunities, I said I had + none. She went away in a rage. Shortly after she came again for some + pepper. I was at work, and my work-box was open upon the table, well + stored with threads and spools of all descriptions. Miss Satan cast her + hawk's eye into it, and burst out in her usual rude manner— + </p> + <p> + “I guess you told me a tarnation big lie the other day.” + </p> + <p> + Unaccustomed to such language, I rose from my seat, and pointing to the + door, told her to walk out, as I did not choose to be insulted in my own + house. + </p> + <p> + “Your house! I'm sure it's father's,” returned the incorrigible wretch. + “You told me that you had no fine slack, and you have stacks of it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is fine slack?” said I, very pettishly. + </p> + <p> + “The stuff that's wound upon these 'ere pieces of wood,” pouncing as she + spoke upon one of my most serviceable spools. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot give you that; I want it myself.” + </p> + <p> + “I didn't ask you to give it. I only wants to borrow it till father goes + to the creek.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish he would make haste, then, as I want a number of things which you + have borrowed of me, and which I cannot longer do without.” + </p> + <p> + She gave me a knowing look, and carried off my spool in triumph. + </p> + <p> + I happened to mention the manner in which I was constantly annoyed by + these people, to a worthy English farmer who resided near us; and he fell + a-laughing, and told me that I did not know the Canadian Yankees as well + as he did, or I should not be troubled with them long. + </p> + <p> + “The best way,” says he, “to get rid of them, is to ask them sharply what + they want; and if they give you no satisfactory answer, order them to + leave the house; but I believe I can put you in a better way still. Buy + some small article of them, and pay them a trifle over the price, and tell + them to bring the change. I will lay my life upon it that it will be long + before they trouble you again.” + </p> + <p> + I was impatient to test the efficacy of his scheme That very afternoon + Miss Satan brought me a plate of butter for sale. The price was three and + ninepence; twice the sum, by-the-bye, that it was worth. + </p> + <p> + “I have no change,” giving her a dollar; “but you can bring it me + to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, blessed experiment! for the value of one quarter dollar I got rid of + this dishonest girl for ever; rather than pay me, she never entered the + house again. + </p> + <p> + About a month after this, I was busy making an apple-pie in the kitchen. A + cadaverous-looking woman, very long-faced and witch-like, popped her + ill-looking visage into the door, and drawled through her nose— + </p> + <p> + “Do you want to buy a rooster?” + </p> + <p> + Now, the sucking-pigs with which we had been regaled every day for three + weeks at the tavern, were called roasters; and not understanding the + familiar phrases of the country, I thought she had a sucking-pig to sell. + </p> + <p> + “Is it a good one?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess 'tis.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you ask for it?” + </p> + <p> + “Two Yorkers.” + </p> + <p> + “That is very cheap, if it is any weight. I don't like them under ten or + twelve pounds.” + </p> + <p> + “Ten or twelve pounds! Why, woman, what do you mean? Would you expect a + rooster to be bigger nor a turkey?” + </p> + <p> + We stared at each other. There was evidently some misconception on my + part. + </p> + <p> + “Bring the roaster up; and if I like it, I will buy it, though I must + confess that I am not very fond of roast pig.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you call this a pig?” said my she-merchant, drawing a fine game-cock + from under her cloak. + </p> + <p> + I laughed heartily at my mistake, as I paid her down the money for the + bonny bird. This little matter settled, I thought she would take her + departure; but that rooster proved the dearest fowl to me that ever was + bought. + </p> + <p> + “Do you keep backy and snuff here?” says she, sideling close up to me. + </p> + <p> + “We make no use of those articles.” + </p> + <p> + “How! Not use backy and snuff? That's oncommon.” + </p> + <p> + She paused, then added in a mysterious, confidential tone— + </p> + <p> + “I want to ask you how your tea-caddy stands?” + </p> + <p> + “It stands in the cupboard,” said I, wondering what all this might mean. + </p> + <p> + “I know that; but have you any tea to spare?” + </p> + <p> + I now began to suspect what sort of a customer the stranger was. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, you want to borrow some? I have none to spare.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't say so. Well now, that's stingy. I never asked anything of you + before. I am poor, and you are rich; besides, I'm troubled so with the + headache, and nothing does me any good but a cup of strong tea.” + </p> + <p> + “The money I have just given you will buy a quarter of a pound of the + best.” + </p> + <p> + “I guess that isn't mine. The fowl belonged to my neighbour. She's sick; + and I promised to sell it for her to buy some physic. Money!” she added, + in a coaxing tone, “Where should I get money? Lord bless you! people in + this country have no money; and those who come out with piles of it, soon + lose it. But Emily S—— told me that you are tarnation rich, + and draw your money from the old country. So I guess you can well afford + to lend a neighbour a spoonful of tea.” + </p> + <p> + “Neighbour! Where do you live, and what is your name?” + </p> + <p> + “My name is Betty Fye—old Betty Fye; I live in the log shanty over + the creek, at the back of your'n. The farm belongs to my eldest son. I'm a + widow with twelve sons; and 'tis —— hard to scratch along.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you swear?” + </p> + <p> + “Swear! What harm? It eases one's mind when one's vexed. Everybody swears + in this country. My boys all swear like Sam Hill; and I used to swear + mighty big oaths till about a month ago, when the Methody parson told me + that if I did not leave it off I should go to a tarnation bad place; so I + dropped some of the worst of them.” + </p> + <p> + “You would do wisely to drop the rest; women never swear in my country.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, you don't say! I always heer'd they were very ignorant. Will you + lend me the tea?” + </p> + <p> + The woman was such an original that I gave her what she wanted. As she was + going off, she took up one of the apples I was peeling. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you have a fine orchard?” + </p> + <p> + “They say the best in the district.” + </p> + <p> + “We have no orchard to hum, and I guess you'll want sarce.” + </p> + <p> + “Sarce! What is sarce?” + </p> + <p> + “Not know what sarce is? You are clever! Sarce is apples cut up and dried, + to make into pies in the winter. Now do you comprehend?” + </p> + <p> + I nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I was going to say that I have no apples, and that you have a + tarnation big few of them; and if you'll give me twenty bushels of your + best apples, and find me with half a pound of coarse thread to string them + upon, I will make you a barrel of sarce on shares—that is, give you + one, and keep one for myself.” + </p> + <p> + I had plenty of apples, and I gladly accepted her offer, and Mrs. Betty + Fye departed, elated with the success of her expedition. + </p> + <p> + I found to my cost, that, once admitted into the house, there was no + keeping her away. She borrowed everything that she could think of, without + once dreaming of restitution. I tried all ways of affronting her, but + without success. Winter came, and she was still at her old pranks. + Whenever I saw her coming down the lane, I used involuntarily to exclaim, + “Betty Fye! Betty Fye! Fye upon Betty Fye! The Lord deliver me from Betty + Fye!” The last time I was honoured with a visit from this worthy, she + meant to favour me with a very large order upon my goods and chattels. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mrs. Fye, what do you want to-day?” + </p> + <p> + “So many things that I scarce know where to begin. Ah, what a thing 'tis + to be poor! First, I want you to lend me ten pounds of flour to make some + Johnnie cakes.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought they were made of Indian meal?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes, when you've got the meal. I'm out of it, and this is a new + fixing of my own invention. Lend me the flour, woman, and I'll bring you + one of the cakes to taste.” + </p> + <p> + This was said very coaxingly. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, pray don't trouble yourself. What next?” I was anxious to see how far + her impudence would go, and determined to affront her if possible. + </p> + <p> + “I want you to lend me a gown, and a pair of stockings. I have to go to + Oswego to see my husband's sister, and I'd like to look decent.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Fye, I never lend my clothes to any one. If I lent them to you, I + should never wear them again.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better for me,” (with a knowing grin). “I guess if you won't + lend me the gown, you will let me have some black slack to quilt a stuff + petticoat, a quarter of a pound of tea and some sugar; and I will bring + them back as soon as I can.” + </p> + <p> + “I wonder when that will be. You owe me so many things that it will cost + you more than you imagine to repay me.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure you're not going to mention what's past, I can't owe you much. But I + will let you off the tea and the sugar, if you will lend me a five-dollar + bill.” This was too much for my patience longer to endure, and I answered + sharply— + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Fye, it surprises me that such proud people as you Americans should + condescend to the meanness of borrowing from those whom you affect to + despise. Besides, as you never repay us for what you pretend to borrow, I + look upon it as a system of robbery. If strangers unfortunately settle + among you, their good-nature is taxed to supply your domestic wants, at a + ruinous expense, besides the mortification of finding that they have been + deceived and tricked out of their property. If you would come honestly to + me and say, 'I want these things, I am too poor to buy them myself, and + would be obliged to you to give them to me,' I should then acknowledge you + as a common beggar, and treat you accordingly; give or not give, as it + suited my convenience. But in the way in which you obtain these articles + from me, you are spared even a debt of gratitude; for you well know that + the many things which you have borrowed from me will be a debt owing to + the Day of Judgment.” + </p> + <p> + “S'pose they are,” quoth Betty, not in the least abashed at my lecture on + honesty, “you know what the Scripture saith, 'It is more blessed to give + than to receive.'” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, there is an answer to that in the same book, which doubtless you may + have heard,” said I, disgusted with her hypocrisy, “'The wicked borroweth, + and payeth not again.'” + </p> + <p> + Never shall I forget the furious passion into which this too apt quotation + threw my unprincipled applicant. She lifted up her voice and cursed me, + using some of the big oaths temporarily discarded for conscience sake. And + so she left me, and I never looked upon her face again. + </p> + <p> + When I removed to our own house, the history of which, and its former + owner, I will give by-and-by, we had a bony, red-headed, ruffianly + American squatter, who had “left his country for his country's good,” for + an opposite neighbour. I had scarcely time to put my house in order before + his family commenced borrowing, or stealing from me. It is even worse than + stealing, the things procured from you being obtained on false pretences—adding + lying to theft. Not having either an oven or a cooking stove, which at + that period were not so cheap or so common as they are now, I had provided + myself with a large bake-kettle as a substitute. In this kettle we always + cooked hot cakes for breakfast, preferring that to the trouble of thawing + the frozen bread. This man's wife was in the habit of sending over for my + kettle whenever she wanted to bake, which, as she had a large family, + happened nearly every day, and I found her importunity a great nuisance. + </p> + <p> + I told the impudent lad so, who was generally sent for it; and asked him + what they did to bake their bread before I came. + </p> + <p> + “I guess we had to eat cakes in the pan; but now we can borrow this kettle + of your'n, mother can fix bread.” + </p> + <p> + I told him that he could have the kettle this time; but I must decline + letting his mother have it in future, for I wanted it for the same + purpose. + </p> + <p> + The next day passed over. The night was intensely cold, and I did not rise + so early as usual in the morning. My servant was away at a quilting bee, + and we were still in bed, when I heard the latch of the kitchen-door + lifted up, and a step crossed the floor. I jumped out of bed, and began to + dress as fast as I could, when Philander called out, in his well-known + nasal twang— + </p> + <p> + “Missus! I'm come for the kettle.” + </p> + <p> + I (through the partition ): “You can't have it this morning. We cannot get + our breakfast without it.” + </p> + <p> + Philander: “Nor more can the old woman to hum,” and, snatching up the + kettle, which had been left to warm on the hearth, he rushed out of the + house, singing, at the top of his voice— + </p> + <p> + “Hurrah for the Yankee Boys!” + </p> + <p> + When James came home for his breakfast, I sent him across to demand the + kettle, and the dame very coolly told him that when she had done with it I + <i>might</i> have it, but she defied him to take it out of her house with + her bread in it. + </p> + <p> + One word more about this lad, Philander, before we part with him. Without + the least intimation that his company would be agreeable, or even + tolerated, he favoured us with it at all hours of the day, opening the + door and walking in and out whenever he felt inclined. I had given him + many broad hints that his presence was not required, but he paid not the + slightest attention to what I said. One morning he marched in with his hat + on, and threw himself down in the rocking-chair, just as I was going to + dress my baby. + </p> + <p> + “Philander, I want to attend to the child; I cannot do it with you here. + Will you oblige me by going into the kitchen?” + </p> + <p> + No answer. He seldom spoke during these visits, but wandered about the + room, turning over our books and papers, looking at and handling + everything. Nay, I have even known him to take a lid off from the pot on + the fire, to examine its contents. + </p> + <p> + I repeated my request. + </p> + <p> + Philander: “Well, I guess I shan't hurt the young 'un. You can dress her.” + </p> + <p> + I: “But not with you here.” + </p> + <p> + Philander: “Why not? <i>We</i> never do anything that we are ashamed of.” + </p> + <p> + I: “So it seems. But I want to sweep the room—you had better get out + of the dust.” + </p> + <p> + I took the broom from the corner, and began to sweep; still my visitor did + not stir. The dust rose in clouds; he rubbed his eyes, and moved a little + nearer to the door. Another sweep, and, to escape its inflictions, he + mounted the threshold. I had him now at a fair advantage, and fairly swept + him out, and shut the door in his face. + </p> + <p> + Philander (looking through the window ): “Well, I guess you did me then; + but 'tis deuced hard to outwit a Yankee.” + </p> + <p> + This freed me from his company, and he, too, never repeated his visit; so + I found by experience, that once smartly rebuked, they did not like to try + their strength with you a second time. + </p> + <p> + When a sufficient time had elapsed for the drying of my twenty bushels of + apples, I sent a Cornish lad, in our employ, to Betty Fye's, to inquire if + they were ready, and when I should send the cart for them. + </p> + <p> + Dan returned with a yellow, smoke-dried string of pieces, dangling from + his arm. Thinking that these were a specimen of the whole, I inquired when + we were to send the barrel for the rest. + </p> + <p> + “Lord, ma'am, this is all there be.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! All out of twenty bushels of apples!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,” said the boy, with a grin. “The old witch told me that this was all + that was left of your share; that when they were fixed enough, she put + them under her bed for safety, and the mice and the children had eaten + them all up but this string.” + </p> + <p> + This ended my dealings with Betty Fye. + </p> + <p> + I had another incorrigible borrower in the person of old Betty B——. + This Betty was unlike the rest of my Yankee borrowers; she was handsome in + her person, and remarkably civil, and she asked for the loan of everything + in such a frank, pleasant manner, that for some time I hardly knew how to + refuse her. After I had been a loser to a considerable extent, and + declined lending her any more, she refrained from coming to the house + herself, but sent in her name the most beautiful boy in the world; a + perfect cherub, with regular features, blue, smiling eyes, rosy cheeks, + and lovely curling auburn hair, who said, in the softest tones imaginable, + that mammy had sent him, with her compliments, to the English lady to ask + the loan of a little sugar or tea. I could easily have refused the mother, + but I could not find it in my heart to say nay to her sweet boy. + </p> + <p> + There was something original about Betty B——, and I must give + a slight sketch of her. + </p> + <p> + She lived in a lone shanty in the woods, which had been erected by + lumberers some years before, and which was destitute of a single acre of + clearing; yet Betty had plenty of potatoes, without the trouble of + planting, or the expense of buying; she never kept a cow, yet she sold + butter and milk; but she had a fashion, and it proved a convenient one to + her, of making pets of the cattle of her neighbours. If our cows strayed + from their pastures, they were always found near Betty's shanty, for she + regularly supplied them with salt, which formed a sort of bond of union + between them; and, in return for these little attentions, they suffered + themselves to be milked before they returned to their respective owners. + Her mode of obtaining eggs and fowls was on the same economical plan, and + we all looked upon Betty as a sort of freebooter, living upon the property + of others. She had had three husbands, and he with whom she now lived was + not her husband, although the father of the splendid child whose beauty so + won upon my woman's heart. Her first husband was still living (a thing by + no means uncommon among persons of her class in Canada), and though they + had quarrelled and parted years ago, he occasionally visited his wife to + see her eldest daughter, Betty the younger, who was his child. She was now + a fine girl of sixteen, as beautiful as her little brother. Betty's second + husband had been killed in one of our fields by a tree falling upon him + while ploughing under it. He was buried upon the spot, part of the + blackened stump forming his monument. In truth, Betty's character was none + of the best, and many of the respectable farmers' wives regarded her with + a jealous eye. + </p> + <p> + “I am so jealous of that nasty Betty B——,” said the wife of an + Irish captain in the army, and our near neighbour, to me, one day as we + were sitting at work together. She was a West Indian, and a negro by the + mother's side, but an uncommonly fine-looking mulatto, very passionate, + and very watchful over the conduct of her husband. “Are you not afraid of + letting Captain Moodie go near her shanty?” + </p> + <p> + “No, indeed; and if I were so foolish as to be jealous, it would not be of + old Betty, but of the beautiful young Betty, her daughter.” Perhaps this + was rather mischievous on my part, for the poor dark lady went off in a + frantic fit of jealousy, but this time it was not of old Betty. + </p> + <p> + Another American squatter was always sending over to borrow a small-tooth + comb, which she called a vermin destroyer; and once the same person asked + the loan of a towel, as a friend had come from the States to visit her, + and the only one she had, had been made into a best “pinny” for the child; + she likewise begged a sight in the looking-glass, as she wanted to try on + a new cap, to see if it were fixed to her mind. This woman must have been + a mirror of neatness when compared with her dirty neighbours. + </p> + <p> + One night I was roused up from my bed for the loan of a pair of + “steelyards.” For what purpose think you, gentle reader? To weigh a + new-born infant. The process was performed by tying the poor squalling + thing up in a small shawl, and suspending it to one of the hooks. The + child was a fine boy, and weighed ten pounds, greatly to the delight of + the Yankee father. + </p> + <p> + One of the drollest instances of borrowing I have ever heard of was told + me by a friend. A maid-servant asked her mistress to go out on a + particular afternoon, as she was going to have a party of her friends, and + wanted the loan of the drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + It would be endless to enumerate our losses in this way; but, fortunately + for us, the arrival of an English family in our immediate vicinity drew + off the attention of our neighbours in that direction, and left us time to + recover a little from their persecutions. + </p> + <p> + This system of borrowing is not wholly confined to the poor and ignorant; + it pervades every class of society. If a party is given in any of the + small villages, a boy is sent round from house to house, to collect all + the plates and dishes, knives and forks, teaspoons and candlesticks, that + are presentable, for the use of the company. + </p> + <p> + During my stay at the hotel, I took a dress out of my trunk, and hung it + up upon a peg in my chamber, in order to remove the creases it had + received from close packing. Returning from a walk in the afternoon, I + found a note upon my dressing table, inviting us to spend the evening with + a clergyman's family in the village; and as it was nearly time to dress, I + went to the peg to take down my gown. Was it a dream?—the gown was + gone. I re-opened the trunk, to see if I had replaced it; I searched every + corner of the room, but all in vain; nowhere could I discover the thing I + sought. What had become of it? The question was a delicate one, which I + did not like to put to the young ladies of the truly respectable + establishment; still, the loss was great, and at that moment very + inconvenient. While I was deliberating on what course to pursue, Miss S—— + entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you missed your dress,” she said, with a smile. + </p> + <p> + “Do you know where it is?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, sure. Miss L——, the dressmaker, came in just after you + left. She is a very particular friend of mine, and I showed her your + dress. She admired it above all things, and borrowed it, to get the + pattern for Miss R——'s wedding dress. She promised to return + it to-morrow.” + </p> + <p> + “Provoking! I wanted it to-night. Who ever heard of borrowing a person's + dress without the leave of the owner? Truly, this is a free-and-easy + country!” + </p> + <p> + One very severe winter night, a neighbour borrowed of me a blanket—it + was one of my best—for the use of a stranger who was passing the + night at her house. I could not well refuse; but at that time, the world + pressed me sore, and I could ill spare it. Two years elapsed, and I saw no + more of my blanket; at length I sent a note to the lady, requesting it to + be returned. I got a very short answer back, and the blanket, alas! worn + threadbare; the borrower stating that she had sent the article, but really + she did not know what to do without it, as she wanted it to cover the + children's bed. She certainly forgot that I, too, had children, who wanted + covering as well as her own. But I have said so much of the ill results of + others' borrowing, that I will close this sketch by relating my own + experience in this way. + </p> + <p> + After removing to the bush, many misfortunes befel us, which deprived us + of our income, and reduced us to great poverty. In fact we were strangers, + and the knowing ones took us in; and for many years we struggled with + hardships which would have broken stouter hearts than ours, had not our + trust been placed in the Almighty, who among all our troubles never wholly + deserted us. + </p> + <p> + While my husband was absent on the frontier during the rebellion, my + youngest boy fell very sick, and required my utmost care, both by night + and day. To attend to him properly, a candle burning during the night was + necessary. The last candle was burnt out; I had no money to buy another, + and no fat from which I could make one. I hated borrowing; but, for the + dear child's sake, I overcame my scruples, and succeeded in procuring a + candle from a good neighbour, but with strict injunctions (for it was <i>her + last</i>), that I must return it if I did not require it during the night. + </p> + <p> + I went home quite grateful with my prize. It was a clear moonlight night—the + dear boy was better, so I told old Jenny, my Irish servant, to go to bed, + as I would lie down in my clothes by the child, and if he were worse I + would get up and light the candle. It happened that a pane of glass was + broken out of the window frame, and I had supplied its place by fitting in + a shingle; my friend Emilia S—— had a large Tom-cat, who, when + his mistress was absent, often paid me a predatory or borrowing visit; and + Tom had a practice of pushing in this wooden pane, in order to pursue his + lawless depredations. I had forgotten all this, and never dreaming that + Tom would appropriate such light food, I left the candle lying in the + middle of the table, just under the window. + </p> + <p> + Between sleeping and waking, I heard the pane gently pushed in. The + thought instantly struck me that it was Tom, and that, for lack of + something better, he might steal my precious candle. + </p> + <p> + I sprang up from the bed, just in time to see him dart through the broken + window, dragging the long white candle after him. I flew to the door, and + pursued him half over the field, but all to no purpose. I can see him now, + as I saw him then, scampering away for dear life, with his prize trailing + behind him, gleaming like a silver tail in the bright light of the moon. + </p> + <p> + Ah! never did I feel more acutely the truth of the proverb, “Those that go + a-borrowing go a-sorrowing,” than I did that night. My poor boy awoke ill + and feverish, and I had no light to assist him, or even to look into his + sweet face, to see how far I dared hope that the light of day would find + him better. + </p> + <h3> + OH CANADA! THY GLOOMY WOODS + </h3> + <p> + A song + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh Canada! thy gloomy woods + Will never cheer the heart; + The murmur of thy mighty floods + But cause fresh tears to start + From those whose fondest wishes rest + Beyond the distant main; + Who, 'mid the forests of the West, + Sigh for their homes again. + + I, too, have felt the chilling blight + Their shadows cast on me, + My thought by day—my dream by night— + Was of my own country. + But independent souls will brave + All hardships to be free; + No more I weep to cross the wave, + My native land to see. + + But ever as a thought most bless'd, + Her distant shores will rise, + In all their spring-tide beauty dress'd. + To cheer my mental eyes. + And treasured in my inmost heart, + The friends I left behind; + But reason's voice, that bade us part, + Now bids me be resign'd. + + I see my children round me play, + My husband's smiles approve; + I dash regretful tears away, + And lift my thoughts above: + In humble gratitude to bless + The Almighty hand that spread + Our table in the wilderness, + And gave my infants bread. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0006" id="link2HCH0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VI — OLD SATAN AND TOM WILSON'S NOSE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “A nose, kind sir! Sure mother Nature, + With all her freaks, ne'er formed this feature. + If such were mine, I'd try and trade it, + And swear the gods had never made it.” + </pre> + <p> + After reducing the log cabin into some sort of order, we contrived, with + the aid of a few boards, to make a bed-closet for poor Tom Wilson, who + continued to shake every day with the pitiless ague. There was no way of + admitting light and air into this domicile, which opened into the general + apartment, but through a square hole cut in one of the planks, just wide + enough to admit a man's head through the aperture. Here we made Tom a + comfortable bed on the floor, and did the best we could to nurse him + through his sickness. His long, thin face, emaciated with disease, and + surrounded by huge black whiskers, and a beard of a week's growth, looked + perfectly unearthly. He had only to stare at the baby to frighten her + almost out of her wits. + </p> + <p> + “How fond that young one is of me,” he would say; “she cries for joy at + the sight of me.” + </p> + <p> + Among his curiosities, and he had many, he held in great esteem a huge + nose, made hollow to fit his face, which his father, a being almost as + eccentric as himself, had carved out of boxwood. When he slipped this nose + over his own (which was no beautiful classical specimen of a nasal organ), + it made a most perfect and hideous disguise. The mother who bore him never + would have recognised her accomplished son. + </p> + <p> + Numberless were the tricks he played off with this nose. Once he walked + through the streets of ——, with this proboscis attached to his + face. “What a nose! Look at the man with the nose!” cried all the boys in + the street. A party of Irish emigrants passed at the moment. The men, with + the courtesy natural to their nation, forbore to laugh in the gentleman's + face; but after they had passed, Tom looked back, and saw them bent half + double in convulsions of mirth. Tom made the party a low bow, gravely took + off his nose, and put it in his pocket. + </p> + <p> + The day after this frolic, he had a very severe fit of the ague, and + looked so ill that I really entertained fears for his life. The hot fit + had just left him, and he lay upon his bed bedewed with a cold + perspiration, in a state of complete exhaustion. + </p> + <p> + “Poor Tom,” said I, “he has passed a horrible day, but the worst is over, + and I will make him a cup of coffee.” While preparing it, Old Satan came + in and began to talk to my husband. He happened to sit directly opposite + the aperture which gave light and air to Tom's berth. This man was + disgustingly ugly. He had lost one eye in a quarrel. It had been gouged + out in the barbarous conflict, and the side of his face presented a + succession of horrible scars inflicted by the teeth of his savage + adversary. The nickname he had acquired through the country sufficiently + testified to the respectability of his character, and dreadful tales were + told of him in the neighbourhood, where he was alike feared and hated. + </p> + <p> + The rude fellow, with his accustomed insolence, began abusing the old + country folks. + </p> + <p> + The English were great bullies, he said; they thought no one could fight + but themselves; but the Yankees had whipped them, and would whip them + again. He was not afear'd of them, he never was afear'd in his life. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely were the words out of his mouth, when a horrible apparition + presented itself to his view. Slowly rising from his bed, and putting on + the fictitious nose, while he drew his white nightcap over his ghastly and + livid brow, Tom thrust his face through the aperture, and uttered a + diabolical cry; then sank down upon his unseen couch as noiselessly as he + had arisen. The cry was like nothing human, and it was echoed by an + involuntary scream from the lips of our maid-servant and myself. + </p> + <p> + “Good God! what's that?” cried Satan, falling back in his chair, and + pointing to the vacant aperture. “Did you hear it? did you see it? It + beats the universe. I never saw a ghost or the devil before!” + </p> + <p> + Moodie, who had recognised the ghost, and greatly enjoyed the fun, + pretended profound ignorance, and coolly insinuated that Old Satan had + lost his senses. The man was bewildered; he stared at the vacant aperture, + then at us in turn, as if he doubted the accuracy of his own vision. “'Tis + tarnation odd,” he said; “but the women heard it too.” + </p> + <p> + “I heard a sound,” I said, “a dreadful sound, but I saw no ghost.” + </p> + <p> + “Sure an' 'twas himsel',” said my lowland Scotch girl, who now perceived + the joke; “he was a-seeken' to gie us puir bodies a wee fricht.” + </p> + <p> + “How long have you been subject to these sort of fits?” said I. “You had + better speak to the doctor about them. Such fancies, if they are not + attended to, often end in madness.” + </p> + <p> + “Mad!” (very indignantly) “I guess I'm not mad, but as wide awake as you + are. Did I not see it with my own eyes? And then the noise—I could + not make such a tarnation outcry to save my life. But be it man or devil, + I don't care, I'm not afear'd,” doubling his fist very undecidedly at the + hole. Again the ghastly head was protruded—the dreadful eyes rolled + wildly in their hollow sockets, and a yell more appalling than the former + rang through the room. The man sprang from his chair, which he overturned + in his fright, and stood for an instant with his one-eyeball starting from + his head, and glaring upon the spectre; his cheeks deadly pale; the cold + perspiration streaming from his face; his lips dissevered, and his teeth + chattering in his head. + </p> + <p> + “There—there—there. Look—look, it comes again!—the + devil!—the devil!” + </p> + <p> + Here Tom, who still kept his eyes fixed upon his victim, gave a knowing + wink, and thrust his tongue out of his mouth. + </p> + <p> + “He is coming!—he is coming!” cried the affrighted wretch; and + clearing the open doorway with one leap, he fled across the field at full + speed. The stream intercepted his path—he passed it at a bound, + plunged into the forest, and was out of sight. + </p> + <p> + “Ha, ha, ha!” chuckled poor Tom, sinking down exhausted on his bed. “Oh + that I had strength to follow up my advantage, I would lead Old Satan such + a chase that he should think his namesake was in truth behind him.” + </p> + <p> + During the six weeks that we inhabited that wretched cabin, we never were + troubled by Old Satan again. + </p> + <p> + As Tom slowly recovered, and began to regain his appetite, his soul + sickened over the salt beef and pork, which, owing to our distance from + ——, formed our principal fare. He positively refused to touch + the sad bread, as my Yankee neighbours very appropriately termed the + unleavened cakes in the pan; and it was no easy matter to send a man on + horseback eight miles to fetch a loaf of bread. + </p> + <p> + “Do, my dear Mrs. Moodie, like a good Christian as you are, give me a + morsel of the baby's biscuit, and try and make us some decent bread. The + stuff your servant gives us is uneatable,” said Wilson to me, in most + imploring accents. + </p> + <p> + “Most willingly. But I have no yeast; and I never baked in one of those + strange kettles in my life.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll go to old Joe's wife and borrow some,” said he; “they are always + borrowing of you.” Away he went across the field, but soon returned. I + looked into his jug—it was empty. “No luck,” said he; “those stingy + wretches had just baked a fine batch of bread, and they would neither lend + nor sell a loaf; but they told me how to make their milk-emptyings.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, discuss the same;” but I much doubted if he could remember the + recipe. + </p> + <p> + “You are to take an old tin pan,” said he, sitting down on the stool, and + poking the fire with a stick. + </p> + <p> + “Must it be an old one?” said I, laughing. + </p> + <p> + “Of course; they said so.” + </p> + <p> + “And what am I to put into it?” + </p> + <p> + “Patience; let me begin at the beginning. Some flour and some milk—but, + by George! I've forgot all about it. I was wondering as I came across the + field why they called the yeast <i>milk</i>-emptyings, and that put the + way to make it quite out of my head. But never mind; it is only ten + o'clock by my watch. I having nothing to do; I will go again.” + </p> + <p> + He went. Would I had been there to hear the colloquy between him and Mrs. + Joe; he described it something to this effect:— + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Joe: “Well, stranger, what do you want now?” + </p> + <p> + Tom: “I have forgotten the way you told me how to make the bread.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Joe: “I never told you how to make bread. I guess you are a fool. + People have to raise bread before they can bake it. Pray who sent you to + make game of me? I guess somebody as wise as yourself.” + </p> + <p> + Tom: “The lady at whose house I am staying.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Joe: “Lady! I can tell you that we have no ladies here. So the old + woman who lives in the old log shanty in the hollow don't know how to make + bread. A clever wife that! Are you her husband?” (Tom shakes his head.)—“Her + brother?”—(Another shake.)—“Her son? Do you hear? or are you + deaf?” (Going quite close up to him.) + </p> + <p> + Tom (moving back): “Mistress, I'm not deaf; and who or what I am is + nothing to you. Will you oblige me by telling me how to make the + mill-emptyings; and this time I'll put it down in my pocket-book.” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Joe (with a strong sneer): “Mill-emptyings! Milk, I told you. So you + expect me to answer your questions, and give back nothing in return. Get + you gone; I'll tell you no more about it.” + </p> + <p> + Tom (bowing very low): “Thank you for your civility. Is the old woman who + lives in the little shanty near the apple-trees more obliging?” + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Joe: “That's my husband's mother. You may try. I guess she'll give + you an answer.” (Exit, slamming the door in his face.) + </p> + <p> + “And what did you do then ?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, went of course. The door was open, and I reconnoitred the premises + before I ventured in. I liked the phiz of the old woman a deal better than + that of her daughter-in-law, although it was cunning and inquisitive, and + as sharp as a needle. She was busy shelling cobs of Indian corn into a + barrel. I rapped at the door. She told me to come in, and in I stepped. + She asked me if I wanted her. I told her my errand, at which she laughed + heartily.” + </p> + <p> + Old woman: “You are from the old country, I guess, or you would know how + to make milk-emptyings. Now, I always prefer bran-emptyings. They make the + best bread. The milk, I opine, gives it a sourish taste, and the bran is + the least trouble.” + </p> + <p> + Tom: “Then let us have the bran, by all means. How do you make it?” + </p> + <p> + Old woman: “I put a double handful of bran into a small pot, or kettle, + but a jug will do, and a teaspoonful of salt; but mind you don't kill it + with salt, for if you do, it won't rise. I then add as much warm water, at + blood-heat, as will mix it into a stiff batter. I then put the jug into a + pan of warm water, and set it on the hearth near the fire, and keep it at + the same heat until it rises, which it generally will do, if you attend to + it, in two or three hours' time. When the bran cracks at the top, and you + see white bubbles rising through it, you may strain it into your flour, + and lay your bread. It makes good bread.” + </p> + <p> + Tom: “My good woman, I am greatly obliged to you. We have no bran; can you + give me a small quantity?” + </p> + <p> + Old woman: “I never give anything. You Englishers, who come out with + stacks of money, can afford to buy.” + </p> + <p> + Tom: “Sell me a small quantity.” + </p> + <p> + Old woman: “I guess I will.” (Edging quite close, and fixing her sharp + eyes on him.) “You must be very rich to buy bran.” + </p> + <p> + Tom (quizzically): “Oh, very rich.” + </p> + <p> + Old woman: “How do you get your money?” + </p> + <p> + Tom (sarcastically): “I don't steal it.” + </p> + <p> + Old woman: “Pr'aps not. I guess you'll soon let others do that for you, if + you don't take care. Are the people you live with related to you?” + </p> + <p> + Tom (hardly able to keep his gravity): “On Eve's side. They are my + friends.” + </p> + <p> + Old woman (in surprise): “And do they keep you for nothing, or do you work + for your meat?” + </p> + <p> + Tom (impatiently): “Is that bran ready?” (The old woman goes to the binn, + and measures out a quart of bran.) “What am I to pay you?” + </p> + <p> + Old woman: “A York shilling.” + </p> + <p> + Tom (wishing to test her honesty): “Is there any difference between a York + shilling and a shilling of British currency?” + </p> + <p> + Old woman (evasively): “I guess not. Is there not a place in England + called York?” (Looking up and leering knowingly in his face.) + </p> + <p> + Tom (laughing): “You are not going to come York over me in that way, or + Yankee either. There is threepence for your pound of bran; you are + enormously paid.” + </p> + <p> + Old woman (calling after him): “But the recipe; do you allow nothing for + the recipe?” + </p> + <p> + Tom: “It is included in the price of the bran.” + </p> + <p> + “And so,” said he, “I came laughing away, rejoicing in my sleeve that I + had disappointed the avaricious old cheat.” + </p> + <p> + The next thing to be done was to set the bran rising. By the help of Tom's + recipe, it was duly mixed in the coffee-pot, and placed within a tin pan, + full of hot water, by the side of the fire. I have often heard it said + that a watched pot never boils; and there certainly was no lack of + watchers in this case. Tom sat for hours regarding it with his large heavy + eyes, the maid inspected it from time to time, and scarce ten minutes were + suffered to elapse without my testing the heat of the water, and the state + of the emptyings; but the day slipped slowly away, and night drew on, and + yet the watched pot gave no signs of vitality. Tom sighed deeply when we + sat down to tea with the old fare. + </p> + <p> + “Never mind,” said he, “we shall get some good bread in the morning; it + must get up by that time. I will wait till then. I could almost starve + before I could touch these leaden cakes.” + </p> + <p> + The tea-things were removed. Tom took up his flute, and commenced a series + of the wildest voluntary airs that ever were breathed forth by human + lungs. Mad jigs, to which the gravest of mankind might have cut eccentric + capers. We were all convulsed with laughter. In the midst of one of these + droll movements, Tom suddenly hopped like a kangaroo (which feat he + performed by raising himself upon tip-toes, then flinging himself forward + with a stooping jerk), towards the hearth, and squinting down into the + coffee-pot in the most quizzical manner, exclaimed, “Miserable chaff! If + that does not make you rise nothing will.” + </p> + <p> + I left the bran all night by the fire. Early in the morning I had the + satisfaction of finding that it had risen high above the rim of the pot, + and was surrounded by a fine crown of bubbles. + </p> + <p> + “Better late than never,” thought I, as I emptied the emptyings into my + flour. “Tom is not up yet. I will make him so happy with a loaf of new + bread, nice home-baked bread, for his breakfast.” It was my first Canadian + loaf. I felt quite proud of it, as I placed it in the odd machine in which + it was to be baked. I did not understand the method of baking in these + ovens; or that my bread should have remained in the kettle for half an + hour, until it had risen the second time, before I applied the fire to it, + in order that the bread should be light. It not only required experience + to know when it was in a fit state for baking, but the oven should have + been brought to a proper temperature to receive the bread. Ignorant of all + this, I put my unrisen bread into a cold kettle, and heaped a large + quantity of hot ashes above and below it. The first intimation I had of + the result of my experiment was the disagreeable odour of burning bread + filling the house. + </p> + <p> + “What is this horrid smell?” cried Tom, issuing from his domicile, in his + shirt sleeves. “Do open the door, Bell (to the maid); I feel quite sick.” + </p> + <p> + “It is the bread,” said I, taking the lid of the oven with the tongs. + “Dear me, it is all burnt!” + </p> + <p> + “And smells as sour as vinegar,” says he. “The black bread of Sparta!” + </p> + <p> + Alas! for my maiden loaf! With a rueful face I placed it on the breakfast + table. “I hoped to have given you a treat, but I fear you will find it + worse than the cakes in the pan.” + </p> + <p> + “You may be sure of that,” said Tom, as he stuck his knife into the loaf, + and drew it forth covered with raw dough. “Oh, Mrs. Moodie! I hope you + make better books than bread.” + </p> + <p> + We were all sadly disappointed. The others submitted to my failure + good-naturedly, and made it the subject of many droll, but not unkindly, + witicisms. For myself, I could have borne the severest infliction from the + pen of the most formidable critic with more fortitude than I bore the + cutting up of my first loaf of bread. + </p> + <p> + After breakfast, Moodie and Wilson rode into the town; and when they + returned at night brought several long letters for me. Ah! those first + kind letters from home! Never shall I forget the rapture with which I + grasped them—the eager, trembling haste with which I tore them open, + while the blinding tears which filled my eyes hindered me for some minutes + from reading a word which they contained. Sixteen years have slowly passed + away—it appears half a century—but never, never can home + letters give me the intense joy those letters did. After seven years' + exile, the hope of return grows feeble, the means are still less in our + power, and our friends give up all hope of our return; their letters grow + fewer and colder, their expressions of attachment are less vivid; the + heart has formed new ties, and the poor emigrant is nearly forgotten. + Double those years, and it is as if the grave had closed over you, and the + hearts that once knew and loved you know you no more. + </p> + <p> + Tom, too, had a large packet of letters, which he read with great glee. + After re-perusing them, he declared his intention of setting off on his + return home the next day. We tried to persuade him to stay until the + following spring, and make a fair trial of the country. Arguments were + thrown away upon him; the next morning our eccentric friend was ready to + start. + </p> + <p> + “Good-bye!” quoth he, shaking me by the hand as if he meant to sever it + from the wrist. “When next we meet it will be in New South Wales, and I + hope by that time you will know how to make better bread.” And thus ended + Tom Wilson's emigration to Canada. He brought out three hundred pounds, + British currency; he remained in the country just four months, and + returned to England with barely enough to pay his passage home. + </p> + <h3> + THE BACKWOODSMAN + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Son of the isles! rave not to me + Of the old world's pride and luxury; + Why did you cross the western deep, + Thus like a love-lorn maid to weep + O'er comforts gone and pleasures fled, + 'Mid forests wild to earn your bread? + + Did you expect that Art would vie + With Nature here, to please the eye; + That stately tower, and fancy cot, + Would grace each rude concession lot; + That, independent of your hearth, + Men would admit your claims to birth? + + No tyrant's fetter binds the soul, + The mind of man's above control; + Necessity, that makes the slave, + Has taught the free a course more brave; + With bold, determined heart to dare + The ills that all are born to share. + + Believe me, youth, the truly great + Stoop not to mourn o'er fallen state; + They make their wants and wishes less, + And rise superior to distress; + The glebe they break—the sheaf they bind— + But elevates a noble mind. + + Contented in my rugged cot, + Your lordly towers I envy not; + Though rude our clime and coarse our cheer, + True independence greets you here; + Amid these forests, dark and wild, + Dwells honest labour's hardy child. + + His happy lot I gladly share, + And breathe a purer, freer air; + No more by wealthy upstart spurn'd, + The bread is sweet by labour earn'd; + Indulgent heaven has bless'd the soil, + And plenty crowns the woodman's toil. + + Beneath his axe, the forest yields + Its thorny maze to fertile fields; + This goodly breadth of well-till'd land, + Well-purchased by his own right hand, + With conscience clear, he can bequeath + His children, when he sleeps in death. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0007" id="link2HCH0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VII — UNCLE JOE AND HIS FAMILY + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ay, your rogue is a laughing rogue, and not a whit the less + dangerous for the smile on his lip, which comes not from an + honest heart, which reflects the light of the soul through + the eye. All is hollow and dark within; and the contortion + of the lip, like the phosophoric glow upon decayed timber, + only serves to point out the rotteness within.” + </pre> + <p> + Uncle Joe! I see him now before me, with his jolly red face, twinkling + black eyes, and rubicund nose. No thin, weasel-faced Yankee was he, + looking as if he had lived upon 'cute ideas and speculations all his life; + yet Yankee he was by birth, ay, and in mind, too; for a more knowing + fellow at a bargain never crossed the lakes to abuse British institutions + and locate himself comfortably among despised Britishers. But, then, he + had such a good-natured, fat face, such a mischievous, mirth-loving smile, + and such a merry, roguish expression in those small, jet-black, glittering + eyes, that you suffered yourself to be taken in by him, without offering + the least resistance to his impositions. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Joe's father had been a New England loyalist, and his doubtful + attachment to the British government had been repaid by a grant of land in + the township of H——. He was the first settler in that + township, and chose his location in a remote spot, for the sake of a + beautiful natural spring, which bubbled up in a small stone basin in the + green bank at the back of the house. + </p> + <p> + “Father might have had the pick of the township,” quoth Uncle Joe; “but + the old coon preferred that sup of good water to the site of a town. Well, + I guess it's seldom I trouble the spring; and whenever I step that way to + water the horses, I think what a tarnation fool the old one was, to throw + away such a chance of making his fortune, for such cold lap.” + </p> + <p> + “Your father was a temperance man?” + </p> + <p> + “Temperance!—He had been fond enough of the whiskey bottle in his + day. He drank up a good farm in the United States, and then he thought he + could not do better than turn loyal, and get one here for nothing. He did + not care a cent, not he, for the King of England. He thought himself as + good, any how. But he found that he would have to work hard here to + scratch along, and he was mightily plagued with the rheumatics, and some + old woman told him that good spring water was the best cure for that; so + he chose this poor, light, stony land on account of the spring, and took + to hard work and drinking cold water in his old age.” + </p> + <p> + “How did the change agree with him?” + </p> + <p> + “I guess better than could have been expected. He planted that fine + orchard, and cleared his hundred acres, and we got along slick enough as + long as the old fellow lived.” + </p> + <p> + “And what happened after his death, that obliged you to part with your + land?” + </p> + <p> + “Bad times—bad crops,” said Uncle Joe, lifting his shoulders. “I had + not my father's way of scraping money together. I made some deuced clever + speculations, but they all failed. I married young, and got a large + family; and the women critters ran up heavy bills at the stores, and the + crops did not yield enough to pay them; and from bad we got to worse, and + Mr. C—— put in an execution, and seized upon the whole + concern. He sold it to your man for double what it cost him; and you got + all that my father toiled for during the last twenty years of his life for + less than half the cash he laid out upon clearing it.” + </p> + <p> + “And had the whiskey nothing to do with this change?” said I, looking him + in the face suspiciously. + </p> + <p> + “Not a bit! When a man gets into difficulties, it is the only thing to + keep him from sinking outright. When your husband has had as many troubles + as I have had, he will know how to value the whiskey bottle.” + </p> + <p> + This conversation was interrupted by a queer-looking urchin of five years + old, dressed in a long-tailed coat and trousers, popping his black shock + head in at the door, and calling out, + </p> + <p> + “Uncle Joe!—You're wanted to hum.” + </p> + <p> + “Is that your nephew?” + </p> + <p> + “No! I guess 'tis my woman's eldest son,” said Uncle Joe, rising, “but + they call me Uncle Joe. 'Tis a spry chap that—as cunning as a fox. I + tell you what it is—he will make a smart man. Go home, Ammon, and + tell your ma that I am coming.” + </p> + <p> + “I won't,” said the boy; “you may go hum and tell her yourself. She has + wanted wood cut this hour, and you'll catch it!” + </p> + <p> + Away ran the dutiful son, but not before he had applied his forefinger + significantly to the side of his nose, and, with a knowing wink, pointed + in the direction of home. + </p> + <p> + Uncle Joe obeyed the signal, drily remarking that he could not leave the + barn door without the old hen clucking him back. + </p> + <p> + At this period we were still living in Old Satan's log house, and + anxiously looking out for the first snow to put us in possession of the + good substantial log dwelling occupied by Uncle Joe and his family, which + consisted of a brown brood of seven girls, and the highly-prized boy who + rejoiced in the extraordinary name of Ammon. + </p> + <p> + Strange names are to be found in this free country. What think you, gentle + reader, of Solomon Sly, Reynard Fox, and Hiram Dolittle and Prudence + Fidget; all veritable names, and belonging to substantial yeomen? After + Ammon and Ichabod, I should not be at all surprised to meet with Judas + Iscariot, Pilate, and Herod. And then the female appellations! But the + subject is a delicate one and I will forbear to touch upon it. I have + enjoyed many a hearty laugh over the strange affectations which people + designate here very handsome names. I prefer the old homely Jewish names, + such as that which it pleased my godfather and godmothers to bestow upon + me, to one of those high-sounding christianities, the Minervas, + Cinderellas, and Almerias of Canada. The love of singular names is here + carried to a marvellous extent. It is only yesterday that, in passing + through one busy village, I stopped in astonishment before a tombstone + headed thus: “Sacred to the memory of Silence Sharman, the beloved wife of + Asa Sharman.” Was the woman deaf and dumb, or did her friends hope by + bestowing upon her such an impossible name to still the voice of Nature, + and check, by an admonitory appellative, the active spirit that lives in + the tongue of woman? Truly, Asa Sharman, if thy wife was silent by name as + well as by nature, thou wert a fortunate man! + </p> + <p> + But to return to Uncle Joe. He made many fair promises of leaving the + residence we had bought, the moment he had sold his crops and could remove + his family. We could see no interest which could be served by his + deceiving us, and therefore we believed him, striving to make ourselves as + comfortable as we could in the meantime in our present wretched abode. But + matters are never so bad but that they may be worse. One day when we were + at dinner, a waggon drove up to the door, and Mr. —— alighted, + accompanied by a fine-looking, middle-aged man, who proved to be Captain S——, + who had just arrived from Demarara with his wife and family. Mr. ——, + who had purchased the farm of Old Satan, had brought Captain S—— + over to inspect the land, as he wished to buy a farm, and settle in that + neighbourhood. With some difficulty I contrived to accommodate the + visitors with seats, and provide them with a tolerable dinner. + Fortunately, Moodie had brought in a brace of fine fat partridges that + morning; these the servant transferred to a pot of boiling water, in which + she immersed them for the space of a minute—a novel but very + expeditious way of removing the feathers, which then come off at the least + touch. In less than ten minutes they were stuffed, trussed, and in the + bake-kettle; and before the gentlemen returned from walking over the farm, + the dinner was on the table. + </p> + <p> + To our utter consternation, Captain S—— agreed to purchase, + and asked if we could give him possession in a week! + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” cried I, glancing reproachfully at Mr. ——, who + was discussing his partridge with stoical indifference. “What will become + of us? Where are we to go?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, make yourself easy; I will force that old witch, Joe's mother, to + clear out.” + </p> + <p> + “But 'tis impossible to stow ourselves into that pig-sty.” + </p> + <p> + “It will only be for a week or two, at farthest. This is October; Joe will + be sure to be off by the first of sleighing.” + </p> + <p> + “But if she refuses to give up the place?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, leave her to me. I'll talk her over,” said the knowing land + speculator. “Let it come to the worst,” he said, turning to my husband, + “she will go out for the sake of a few dollars. By-the-by, she refused to + bar the dower when I bought the place; we must cajole her out of that. It + is a fine afternoon; suppose we walk over the hill, and try our luck with + the old nigger?” + </p> + <p> + I felt so anxious about the result of the negotiation, that, throwing my + cloak over my shoulders, and tying on my bonnet without the assistance of + a glass, I took my husband's arm, and we walked forth. + </p> + <p> + It was a bright, clear afternoon, the first week in October, and the + fading woods, not yet denuded of their gorgeous foliage, glowed in a + mellow, golden light. A soft purple haze rested on the bold outline of the + Haldimand hills, and in the rugged beauty of the wild landscape I soon + forgot the purport of our visit to the old woman's log hut. + </p> + <p> + On reaching the ridge of the hill, the lovely valley in which our future + home lay smiled peacefully upoon us from amidst its fruitful orchards, + still loaded with their rich, ripe fruit. + </p> + <p> + “What a pretty place it is!” thought I, for the first time feeling + something like a local interest in the spot, springing up in my heart. + “How I wish those odious people would give us possession of the home which + for some time has been our own.” + </p> + <p> + The log hut that we were approaching, and in which the old woman, R——, + resided by herself—having quarrelled years ago with her son's wife—was + of the smallest dimensions, only containing one room, which served the old + dame for kitchen, and bed-room, and all. The open door, and a few glazed + panes, supplied it with light and air; while a huge hearth, on which + crackled two enormous logs—which are technically termed a front and + a back stick—took up nearly half the domicile; and the old woman's + bed, which was covered with an unexceptionally clean patched quilt, nearly + the other half, leaving just room for a small home-made deal table, of the + rudest workmanship, two basswood-bottomed chairs, stained red, one of + which was a rocking-chair, appropiated solely to the old woman's use, and + a spinning wheel. Amidst this muddle of things—for small as was the + quantum of furniture, it was all crowded into such a tiny space that you + had to squeeze your way through it in the best manner you could—we + found the old woman, with a red cotton handkerchief tied over her grey + locks, hood-fashion, shelling white bush-beans into a wooden bowl. Without + rising from her seat, she pointed to the only remaining chair. “I guess, + miss, you can sit there; and if the others can't stand, they can make a + seat of my bed.” + </p> + <p> + The gentlemen assured her that they were not tired, and could dispense + with seats. Mr. —— then went up to the old woman, and + proffering his hand, asked after her health in his blandest manner. + </p> + <p> + “I'm none the better for seeing you, or the like of you,” was the + ungracious reply. “You have cheated my poor boy out of his good farm; and + I hope it may prove a bad bargain to you and yours.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. R——,” returned the land speculator, nothing ruffled by + her unceremonious greeting, “I could not help your son giving way to + drink, and getting into my debt. If people will be so imprudent, they + cannot be so stupid as to imagine that others can suffer for their folly.” + </p> + <p> + “Suffer!” repeated the old woman, flashing her small, keen black eyes upon + him with a glance of withering scorn. “You suffer! I wonder what the + widows and orphans you have cheated would say to that? My son was a poor, + weak, silly fool, to be sucked in by the like of you. For a debt of eight + hundred dollars—the goods never cost you four hundred—you take + from us our good farm; and these, I s'pose,” pointing to my husband and + me, “are the folk you sold it to. Pray, miss,” turning quickly to me, + “what might your man give for the place?” + </p> + <p> + “Three hundred pounds in cash.” + </p> + <p> + “Poor sufferer!” again sneered the hag. “Four hundred dollars is a very <i>small</i> + profit in as many weeks. Well, I guess, you beat the Yankees hollow. And + pray, what brought you here to-day, scenting about you like a + carrion-crow? We have no more land for you to seize from us.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie now stepped forward, and briefly explained our situation, offering + the old woman anything in reason to give up the cottage and reside with + her son until he removed from the premises; which, he added, must be in a + very short time. + </p> + <p> + The old dame regarded him with a sarcastic smile. “I guess, Joe will take + his own time. The house is not built which is to receive him; and he is + not a man to turn his back upon a warm hearth to camp in the wilderness. + You were <i>green</i> when you bought a farm of that man, without getting + along with it the right of possession.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mrs. R——, your son promised to go out the first of + sleighing.” + </p> + <p> + “Wheugh!” said the old woman. “Would you have a man give away his hat and + leave his own head bare? It's neither the first snow nor the last frost + that will turn Joe out of his comfortable home. I tell you all that he + will stay here, if it is only to plague you.” + </p> + <p> + Threats and remonstrances were alike useless, the old woman remained + inexorable; and we were just turning to leave the house, when the cunning + old fox exclaimed, “And now, what will you give me to leave my place?” + </p> + <p> + “Twelve dollars, if you give us possession next Monday,” said my husband. + </p> + <p> + “Twelve dollars! I guess you won't get me out for that.” + </p> + <p> + “The rent would not be worth more than a dollar a month,” said Mr. ——, + pointing with his cane to the dilapidated walls. “Mr. Moodie has offered + you a year's rent for the place.” + </p> + <p> + “It may not be worth a cent,” returned the woman; “for it will give + everybody the rheumatism that stays a week in it—but it is worth + that to me, and more nor double that just now to him. But I will not be + hard with him,” continued she, rocking herself to and fro. “Say twenty + dollars, and I will turn out on Monday.” + </p> + <p> + “I dare say you will,” said Mr. ——, “and who do you think + would be fool enough to give you such an exorbitant sum for a ruined old + shed like this?” + </p> + <p> + “Mind your own business, and make your own bargains,” returned the old + woman, tartly. “The devil himself could not deal with you, for I guess he + would have the worst of it. What do you say, sir?” and she fixed her keen + eyes upon my husband, as if she would read his thoughts. “Will you agree + to my price?” + </p> + <p> + “It is a very high one, Mrs. R——; but as I cannot help myself, + and you take advantage of that, I suppose I must give it.” + </p> + <p> + “'Tis a bargain,” cried the old crone, holding out her hard, bony hand. + “Come, cash down!” + </p> + <p> + “Not until you give me possession on Monday next; or you might serve me as + your son has done.” + </p> + <p> + “Ha!” said the old woman, laughing and rubbing her hands together; “you + begin to see daylight, do you? In a few months, with the help of him,” + pointing to Mr. ——, “you will be able to go alone; but have a + care of your teacher, for it's no good that you will learn from him. But + will you really stand to your word, mister?” she added, in a coaxing tone, + “if I go out on Monday?” + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I will; I never break my word.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess you are not so clever as our people, for they only keep it + as long as it suits them. You have an honest look; I will trust you; but I + will not trust him,” nodding to Mr. ——, “he can buy and sell + his word as fast as a horse can trot. So on Monday I will turn out my + traps. I have lived here six-and-thirty years; 'tis a pretty place and it + vexes me to leave it,” continued the poor creature, as a touch of natural + feeling softened and agitated her world-hardened heart. “There is not an + acre in cultivation but I helped to clear it, nor a tree in yonder orchard + but I held it while my poor man, who is dead and gone, planted it; and I + have watched the trees bud from year to year, until their boughs + overshadowed the hut, where all my children, but Joe, were born. Yes, I + came here young, and in my prime; and I must leave it in age and poverty. + My children and husband are dead, and their bones rest beneath the turf in + the burying-ground on the side of the hill. Of all that once gathered + about my knees, Joe and his young ones alone remain. And it is hard, very + hard, that I must leave their graves to be turned by the plough of a + stranger.” + </p> + <p> + I felt for the desolate old creature—the tears rushed to my eyes; + but there was no moisture in hers. No rain from the heart could filter + through that iron soil. + </p> + <p> + “Be assured, Mrs. R——,” said Moodie, “that the dead will be + held sacred; the place will never be disturbed by me.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps not; but it is not long that you will remain here. I have seen a + good deal in my time; but I never saw a gentleman from the old country + make a good Canadian farmer. The work is rough and hard, and they get out + of humour with it, and leave it to their hired helps, and then all goes + wrong. They are cheated on all sides, and in despair take to the whiskey + bottle, and that fixes them. I tell you what it is, mister—I give + you just three years to spend your money and ruin yourself; and then you + will become a confirmed drunkard, like the rest.” + </p> + <p> + The first part of her prophecy was only too true. Thank God! the last has + never been fulfilled, and never can be. + </p> + <p> + Perceiving that the old woman was not a little elated with her bargain, + Mr. —— urged upon her the propriety of barring the dower. At + first, she was outrageous, and very abusive, and rejected all his + proposals with contempt; vowing that she would meet him in a certain place + below, before she would sign away her right to the property. + </p> + <p> + “Listen to reason, Mrs. R——,” said the land speculator. “If + you will sign the papers before the proper authorities, the next time your + son drives you to C——, I will give you a silk gown.” + </p> + <p> + “Pshaw! Buy a shroud for yourself; you will need it before I want a silk + gown,” was the ungracious reply. + </p> + <p> + “Consider woman; a black silk of the best quality.” + </p> + <p> + “To mourn in for my sins, or for the loss of the farm?” + </p> + <p> + “Twelve yards,” continued Mr. ——, without noticing her + rejoinder, “at a dollar a yard. Think what a nice church-going gown it + will make.” + </p> + <p> + “To the devil with you! I never go to church.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought as much,” said Mr. ——, winking to us. “Well, my + dear madam, what will satisfy you?” + </p> + <p> + “I'll do it for twenty dollars,” returned the old woman, rocking herself + to and fro in her chair; her eyes twinkling, and her hands moving + convulsively, as if she already grasped the money so dear to her soul. + </p> + <p> + “Agreed,” said the land speculator. “When will you be in town?” + </p> + <p> + “On Tuesday, if I be alive. But, remember, I'll not sign till I have my + hand on the money.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear,” said Mr. ——, as we quitted the house; then, + turning to me, he added, with a peculiar smile,” That's a devilish smart + woman. She would have made a clever lawyer.” + </p> + <p> + Monday came, and with it all the bustle of moving, and, as is generally + the case on such occasions, it turned out a very wet day. I left Old + Satan's hut without regret, glad, at any rate, to be in a place of my own, + however humble. Our new habitation, though small, had a decided advantage + over the one we were leaving. It stood on a gentle slope; and a narrow but + lovely stream, full of pretty speckled trout, ran murmuring under the + little window; the house, also, was surrounded by fine fruit trees. + </p> + <p> + I know not how it was, but the sound of that tinkling brook, for ever + rolling by, filled my heart with a strange melancholy, which for many + nights deprived me of rest. I loved it, too. The voice of waters, in the + stillness of night, always had an extraordinary effect upon my mind. Their + ceaseless motion and perpetual sound convey to me the idea of life—eternal + life; and looking upon them, glancing and flashing on, now in sunshine, + now in shade, now hoarsely chiding with the opposing rock, now leaping + triumphantly over it, creates within me a feeling of mysterious awe of + which I never could wholly divest myself. + </p> + <p> + A portion of my own spirit seemed to pass into that little stream. In its + deep wailings and fretful sighs, I fancied myself lamenting for the land I + had left for ever; and its restless and impetuous rushings against the + stones which choked its passage, were mournful types of my own mental + struggles against the destiny which hemmed me in. Through the day the + stream still moaned and travelled on,—but, engaged in my novel and + distasteful occupations, I heard it not; but whenever my winged thoughts + flew homeward, then the voice of the brook spoke deeply and sadly to my + heart, and my tears flowed unchecked to its plaintive and harmonious + music. + </p> + <p> + In a few hours I had my new abode more comfortably arranged than the old, + although its dimensions were much smaller. The location was beautiful, and + I was greatly consoled by this circumstance. The aspect of Nature ever + did, and I hope ever will continue— + </p> + <p> + “To shoot marvellous strength into my heart.” + </p> + <p> + As long as we remain true to the Divine Mother, so long will she remain + faithful to her suffering children. + </p> + <p> + At that period my love for Canada was a feeling very nearly allied to that + which the condemned criminal entertains for his cell—his only hope + of escape being through the portals of the grave. + </p> + <p> + The fall rains had commenced. In a few days the cold wintry showers swept + all the gorgeous crimson from the trees; and a bleak and desolate waste + presented itself to the shuddering spectator. But, in spite of wind and + rain, my little tenement was never free from the intrusion of Uncle Joe's + wife and children. Their house stood about a stone's-throw from the hut we + occupied, in the same meadow, and they seemed to look upon it still as + their own, although we had literally paid for it twice over. Fine + strapping girls they were, from five years old to fourteen, but rude and + unnurtured as so many bears. They would come in without the least + ceremony, and, young as they were, ask me a thousand impertinent + questions; and when I civilly requested them to leave the room, they would + range themselves upon the door-step, watching my motions, with their black + eyes gleaming upon me through their tangled, uncombed locks. Their company + was a great annoyance, for it obliged me to put a painful restraint upon + the thoughtfulness in which it was so delightful to me to indulge. Their + visits were not visits of love, but of mere idle curiosity, not unmingled + with malicious pleasure at my awkward attempts at Canadian + house-wifieries. + </p> + <p> + The simplicity, the fond, confiding faith of childhood is unknown in + Canada. There are no children here. The boy is a miniature man—knowing, + keen, and wide awake; as able to drive a bargain and take an advantage of + his juvenile companion as the grown-up, world-hardened man. The girl, a + gossipping flirt, full of vanity and affectation, with a premature love of + finery, and an acute perception of the advantages to be derived from + wealth, and from keeping up a certain appearance in the world. + </p> + <p> + The flowers, the green grass, the glorious sunshine, the birds of the air, + and the young lambs gambolling down the verdant slopes, which fill the + heart of a British child with a fond ecstacy, bathing the young spirit in + Elysium, would float unnoticed before the vision of a Canadian child; + while the sight of a dollar, or a new dress, or a gay bonnet, would swell + its proud bosom with self-importance and delight. The glorious blush of + modest diffidence, the tear of gentle sympathy, are so rare on the cheek, + or in the eye of the young, that their appearance creates a feeling of + surprise. Such perfect self-reliance in beings so new to the world is + painful to a thinking mind. It betrays a great want of sensibility and + mental culture, and a melancholy knowledge of the arts of life. + </p> + <p> + For a week I was alone, my good Scotch girl having left me to visit her + father. Some small baby-articles were needed to be washed, and after + making a great preparation, I determined to try my unskilled hand upon the + operation. The fact is, I knew nothing about the task I had imposed upon + myself, and in a few minutes rubbed the skin off my wrists, without + getting the clothes clean. + </p> + <p> + The door was open, as it generally was, even during the coldest winter + days, in order to let in more light, and let out the smoke, which + otherwise would have enveloped us like a cloud. I was so busy that I did + not perceive that I was watched by the cold, heavy, dark eyes of Mrs. Joe, + who, with a sneering laugh, exclaimed— + </p> + <p> + “Well, thank God! I am glad to see you brought to work at last. I hope you + may have to work as hard as I have. I don't see, not I, why you, who are + no better than me, should sit still all day, like a lady!” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. R——,” said I, not a little annoyed at her presence, + “what concern is it of yours whether I work or sit still? I never + interfere with you. If you took it into your head to lie in bed all day, I + should never trouble myself about it.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, I guess you don't look upon us as fellow-critters, you are so proud + and grand. I s'pose you Britishers are not made of flesh and blood like + us. You don't choose to sit down at meat with your helps. Now, I + calculate, we think them a great deal better nor you.” + </p> + <p> + “Of course,” said I, “they are more suited to you than we are; they are + uneducated, and so are you. This is no fault in either; but it might teach + you to pay a little more respect to those who are possessed of superior + advantages. But, Mrs. R——, my helps, as you call them, are + civil and obliging, and never make unprovoked and malicious speeches. If + they could so far forget themselves, I should order them to leave the + house.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see what you are up to,” replied the insolent dame; “you mean to + say that if I were your help you would turn me out of your house; but I'm + a free-born American, and I won't go at your bidding. Don't think I came + here out of regard to you. No, I hate you all; and I rejoice to see you at + the wash-tub, and I wish that you may be brought down upon your knees to + scrub the floors.” + </p> + <p> + This speech only caused a smile, and yet I felt hurt and astonished that a + woman whom I had never done anything to offend should be so gratuitously + spiteful. + </p> + <p> + In the evening she sent two of her brood over to borrow my “long iron,” as + she called an Italian iron. I was just getting my baby to sleep, sitting + upon a low stool by the fire. I pointed to the iron upon the shelf, and + told the girl to take it. She did so, but stood beside me, holding it + carelessly in her hand, and staring at the baby, who had just sunk to + sleep upon my lap. + </p> + <p> + The next moment the heavy iron fell from her relaxed grasp, giving me a + severe blow upon my knee and foot; and glanced so near the child's head + that it drew from me a cry of terror. + </p> + <p> + “I guess that was nigh braining the child,” quoth Miss Amanda, with the + greatest coolness, and without making the least apology. Master Ammon + burst into a loud laugh. “If it had, Mandy, I guess we'd have cotched it.” + Provoked at their insolence, I told them to leave the house. The tears + were in my eyes, for I felt that had they injured the child, it would not + have caused them the least regret. + </p> + <p> + The next day, as we were standing at the door, my husband was greatly + amused by seeing fat Uncle Joe chasing the rebellious Ammon over the + meadow in front of the house. Joe was out of breath, panting and puffing + like a small steam-engine, and his face flushed to deep red with + excitement and passion. “You —— young scoundrel!” he cried, + half choked with fury, “If I catch up to you, I'll take the skin off you!” + </p> + <p> + “You —— old scoundrel, you may have my skin if you can get at + me,” retorted the precocious child, as he jumped up upon the top of the + high fence, and doubled his fist in a menacing manner at his father. + </p> + <p> + “That boy is growing too bad,” said Uncle Joe, coming up to us out of + breath, the perspiration streaming down his face. “It is time to break him + in, or he'll get the master of us all.” + </p> + <p> + “You should have begun that before,” said Moodie. “He seems a hopeful + pupil.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, as to that, a little swearing is manly,” returned the father; “I + swear myself, I know, and as the old cock crows, so crows the young one. + It is not his swearing that I care a pin for, but he will not do a thing I + tell him to.” + </p> + <p> + “Swearing is a dreadful vice,” said I, “and, wicked as it is in the mouth + of a grown-up person, it is perfectly shocking in a child; it painfully + tells he has been brought up without the fear of God.” + </p> + <p> + “Pooh! pooh! that's all cant; there is no harm in a few oaths, and I + cannot drive oxen and horses without swearing. I dare say that you can + swear too when you are riled, but you are too cunning to let us hear you.” + </p> + <p> + I could not help laughing outright at this supposition, but replied very + quietly, “Those who practice such iniquities never take any pains to + conceal them. The concealment would infer a feeling of shame; and when + people are conscious of the guilt, they are in the road to improvement.” + The man walked whistling away, and the wicked child returned unpunished to + his home. + </p> + <p> + The next minute the old woman came in. “I guess you can give me a piece of + silk for a hood,” said she, “the weather is growing considerable cold.” + </p> + <p> + “Surely it cannot well be colder than it is at present,” said I, giving + her the rocking-chair by the fire. + </p> + <p> + “Wait a while; you know nothing of a Canadian winter. This is only + November; after the Christmas thaw, you'll know something about the cold. + It is seven-and-thirty years ago since I and my man left the U-ni-ted + States. It was called the year of the great winter. I tell you, woman, + that the snow lay so deep on the earth, that it blocked up all the roads, + and we could drive a sleigh whither we pleased, right over the snake + fences. All the cleared land was one wide white level plain; it was a year + of scarcity, and we were half starved; but the severe cold was far worse + nor the want of provisions. A long and bitter journey we had of it; but I + was young then, and pretty well used to trouble and fatigue; my man stuck + to the British government. More fool he! I was an American born, and my + heart was with the true cause. But his father was English, and, says he, + 'I'll live and die under their flag.' So he dragged me from my comfortable + fireside to seek a home in the far Canadian wilderness. Trouble! I guess + you think you have your troubles; but what are they to mine?” She paused, + took a pinch of snuff, offered me the box, sighed painfully, pushed the + red handkerchief from her high, narrow, wrinkled brow, and continued: “Joe + was a baby then, and I had another helpless critter in my lap—an + adopted child. My sister had died from it, and I was nursing it at the + same breast with my boy. Well, we had to perform a journey of four hundred + miles in an ox-cart, which carried, besides me and the children, all our + household stuff. Our way lay chiefly through the forest, and we made but + slow progress. Oh! what a bitter cold night it was when we reached the + swampy woods where the city of Rochester now stands. The oxen were covered + with icicles, and their breath sent up clouds of steam. 'Nathan,' says I + to my man, 'you must stop and kindle a fire; I am dead with cold, and I + fear the babes will be frozen.' We began looking about for a good spot to + camp in, when I spied a light through the trees. It was a lone shanty, + occupied by two French lumberers. The men were kind; they rubbed our + frozen limbs with snow, and shared with us their supper and buffalo skins. + On that very spot where we camped that night, where we heard nothing but + the wind soughing amongst the trees, and the rushing of the river, now + stands the great city of Rochester. I went there two years ago, to the + funeral of a brother. It seemed to me like a dream. Where we foddered our + beasts by the shanty fire now stands the largest hotel in the city; and my + husband left this fine growing country to starve here.” + </p> + <p> + I was so much interested in the old woman's narrative—for she was + really possessed of no ordinary capacity, and, though rude and uneducated + might have been a very superior person under different circumstances—that + I rummaged among my store, and soon found a piece of black silk, which I + gave her for the hood she required. + </p> + <p> + The old woman examined it carefully over, smiled to herself, but, like all + her people, was too proud to return a word of thanks. One gift to the + family always involved another. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any cotton-batting, or black sewing-silk, to give me, to quilt + it with?” + </p> + <p> + “No.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph!” returned the old dame, in a tone which seemed to contradict my + assertion. She then settled herself in her chair, and, after shaking her + foot awhile, and fixing her piercing eyes upon me for some minutes, she + commenced the following list of interrogatories:— + </p> + <p> + “Is your father alive?” + </p> + <p> + “No; he died many years ago, when I was a young girl.” + </p> + <p> + “Is your mother alive?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes.” + </p> + <p> + “What is her name?” I satisfied her on this point. + </p> + <p> + “Did she ever marry again?” + </p> + <p> + “She might have done so, but she loved her husband too well, and preferred + living single.” + </p> + <p> + “Humph! We have no such notions here. What was your father?” + </p> + <p> + “A gentleman, who lived upon his own estate.” + </p> + <p> + “Did he die rich?” + </p> + <p> + “He lost the greater part of his property from being surety for another.” + </p> + <p> + “That's a foolish business. My man burnt his fingers with that. And what + brought you out to this poor country—you, who are no more fit for it + than I am to be a fine lady?” + </p> + <p> + “The promise of a large grant of land, and the false statements we heard + regarding it.” + </p> + <p> + “Do you like the country?” + </p> + <p> + “No; and I fear I never shall.” + </p> + <p> + “I thought not; for the drop is always on your cheek, the children tell + me; and those young ones have keen eyes. Now, take my advice: return while + your money lasts; the longer you remain in Canada the less you will like + it; and when your money is all spent, you will be like a bird in a cage; + you may beat your wings against the bars, but you can't get out.” There + was a long pause. I hoped that my guest had sufficiently gratified her + curiosity, when she again commenced:— + </p> + <p> + “How do you get your money? Do you draw it from the old country, or have + you it with you in cash?” + </p> + <p> + Provoked by her pertinacity, and seeing no end to her cross-questioning, I + replied, very impatiently, “Mrs. R——, is it the custom in your + country to catechise strangers whenever you meet with them?” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean?” she said, colouring, I believe, for the first time in + her life. + </p> + <p> + “I mean,” quoth I, “an evil habit of asking impertinent questions.” + </p> + <p> + The old woman got up, and left the house without speaking another word. + </p> + <h3> + THE SLEIGH-BELLS + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Tis merry to hear, at evening time, + By the blazing hearth the sleigh-bells chime; + To know the bounding steeds bring near + The loved one to our bosom dear. + Ah, lightly we spring the fire to raise, + Till the rafters glow with the ruddy blaze; + Those merry sleigh-bells, our hearts keep time + Responsive to their fairy chime. + Ding-dong, ding-dong, o'er vale and hill, + Their welcome notes are trembling still. + + 'Tis he, and blithely the gay bells sound, + As glides his sleigh o'er the frozen ground; + Hark! he has pass'd the dark pine wood, + He crosses now the ice-bound flood, + And hails the light at the open door + That tells his toilsome journey's o'er. + The merry sleigh-bells! My fond heart swells + And throbs to hear the welcome bells; + Ding-dong, ding-dong, o'er ice and snow, + A voice of gladness, on they go. + + Our hut is small, and rude our cheer, + But love has spread the banquet here; + And childhood springs to be caress'd + By our beloved and welcome guest. + With a smiling brow, his tale he tells, + The urchins ring the merry sleigh-bells; + The merry sleigh-bells, with shout and song + They drag the noisy string along; + Ding-dong, ding-dong, the father's come + The gay bells ring his welcome home. + + From the cedar-swamp the gaunt wolves howl, + From the oak loud whoops the felon owl; + The snow-storm sweeps in thunder past, + The forest creaks beneath the blast; + No more I list, with boding fear, + The sleigh-bells' distant chime to hear. + The merry sleigh-bells, with soothing power + Shed gladness on the evening hour. + Ding-dong, ding-dong, what rapture swells + The music of those joyous bells. +</pre> + <p> + (Many versions have been given of this song, and it has been set to music + in the States. I here give the original copy, written whilst leaning on + the open door of my shanty, and watching for the return of my husband.) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0008" id="link2HCH0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER VIII — JOHN MONAGHAN + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Dear mother Nature! on thy ample breast + Hast thou not room for thy neglected son? + A stern necessity has driven him forth + Alone and friendless. He has naught but thee, + And the strong hand and stronger heart thou gavest, + To win with patient toil his daily bread.” + </pre> + <p> + A few days after the old woman's visit to the cottage, our servant James + absented himself for a week, without asking leave, or giving any + intimation of his intention. He had under his care a fine pair of horses, + a yoke of oxen, three cows, and a numerous family of pigs, besides having + to chop all the firewood required for our use. His unexpected departure + caused no small trouble in the family; and when the truant at last made + his appearance, Moodie discharged him altogether. + </p> + <p> + The winter had now fairly set in—the iron winter of 1833. The snow + was unusually deep, and it being our first winter in Canada, and passed in + such a miserable dwelling, we felt it very severely. In spite of all my + boasted fortitude—and I think my powers of endurance have been tried + to the uttermost since my sojourn in this country—the rigour of the + climate subdued my proud, independent English spirit, and I actually + shamed my womanhood and cried with the cold. Yes, I ought to blush at + evincing such unpardonable weakness; but I was foolish and inexperienced, + and unaccustomed to the yoke. + </p> + <p> + My husband did not much relish performing the menial duties of a servant + in such weather, but he did not complain, and in the meantime commenced an + active inquiry for a man to supply the place of the one we had lost; but + at that season of the year no one was to be had. + </p> + <p> + It was a bitter, freezing night. A sharp wind howled without, and drove + the fine snow through the chinks in the door, almost to the hearth-stone, + on which two immense blocks of maple shed forth a cheering glow, + brightening the narrow window-panes, and making the blackened rafters + ruddy with the heart-invigorating blaze. + </p> + <p> + The toils of the day were over, the supper things cleared away, and the + door closed for the night. Moodie had taken up his flute, the sweet + companion of happier days, at the earnest request of our homesick Scotch + servant-girl, to cheer her drooping spirits by playing some of the + touching national airs of the glorious mountain land, the land of chivalry + and song, the heroic North. Before retiring to rest, Bell, who had an + exquisite ear for music, kept time with foot and hand, while large tears + gathered in her soft blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + “Ay, 'tis bonnie thae songs; but they mak' me greet, an' my puir heart is + sair, sair when I think on the bonnie braes and the days o'lang syne.” + </p> + <p> + Poor Bell! Her heart was among the hills, and mine had wandered far, far + away to the green groves and meadows of my own fair land. The music and + our reveries were alike abruptly banished by a sharp blow upon the door. + Bell rose and opened it, when a strange, wild-looking lad, barefooted, and + with no other covering to his head than the thick, matted locks of raven + blackness that hung like a cloud over his swarthy, sunburnt visage, burst + into the room. + </p> + <p> + “Guidness defend us! Wha ha'e we here?” screamed Bell, retreating into a + corner. “The puir callant's no cannie.” + </p> + <p> + My husband turned hastily round to meet the intruder, and I raised the + candle from the table the better to distinguish his face; while Bell, from + her hiding-place, regarded him with unequivocal glances of fear and + mistrust, waving her hands to me, and pointing significantly to the open + door, as if silently beseeching me to tell her master to turn him out. + </p> + <p> + “Shut the door, man,” said Moodie, whose long scrutiny of the strange + being before us seemed upon the whole satisfactory; “we shall be frozen.” + </p> + <p> + “Thin faith, sir, that's what I am,” said the lad, in a rich brogue, which + told, without asking, the country to which he belonged. Then stretching + his bare hands to the fire, he continued, “By Jove, sir, I was never so + near gone in my life!” + </p> + <p> + “Where do you come from, and what is your business here? You must be aware + that this is a very late hour to take a house by storm in this way.” + </p> + <p> + “Thrue for you, sir. But necessity knows no law; and the condition you see + me in must plade for me. First, thin, sir, I come from the township of D——, + and want a masther; and next to that, bedad! I want something to ate. As + I'm alive, and 'tis a thousand pities that I'm alive at all at all, for + shure God Almighty never made sich a misfortunate crather afore nor since; + I have had nothing to put in my head since I ran away from my ould + masther, Mr. F——, yesterday at noon. Money I have none, sir; + the divil a cent. I have neither a shoe to my foot nor a hat to my head, + and if you refuse to shelter me the night, I must be contint to perish in + the snow, for I have not a frind in the wide wurld.” + </p> + <p> + The lad covered his face with his hands, and sobbed aloud. + </p> + <p> + “Bell,” I whispered; “go to the cupboard and get the poor fellow something + to eat. The boy is starving.” + </p> + <p> + “Dinna heed him, mistress, dinna credit his lees. He is ane o' those + wicked Papists wha ha' just stepped in to rob and murder us.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! Do as I bid you.” + </p> + <p> + “I winna be fashed aboot him. An' if he bides here, I'll e'en flit by the + first blink o' the morn.” + </p> + <p> + “Isabel, for shame! Is this acting like a Christian, or doing as you would + be done by?” + </p> + <p> + Bell was as obstinate as a rock, not only refusing to put down any food + for the famished lad, but reiterating her threat of leaving the house if + he were suffered to remain. My husband, no longer able to endure her + selfish and absurd conduct, got angry in good earnest, and told her that + she might please herself; that he did not mean to ask her leave as to whom + he received into his house. I, for my part, had no idea that she would + realise her threat. She was an excellent servant, clean, honest, and + industrious, and loved the dear baby. + </p> + <p> + “You will think better of it in the morning,” said I, as I rose and placed + before the lad some cold beef and bread, and a bowl of milk, to which the + runaway did ample justice. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you quit your master, my lad?” said Moodie. + </p> + <p> + “Because I could live wid him no longer. You see, sir, I'm a poor + foundling from the Belfast Asylum, shoved out by the mother that bore me, + upon the wide wurld, long before I knew that I was in it. As I was too + young to spake for myself intirely, she put me into a basket, wid a label + round my neck, to tell the folks that my name was John Monaghan. This was + all I ever got from my parents; and who or what they were, I never knew, + not I, for they never claimed me; bad cess to them! But I've no doubt it's + a fine illigant gintleman he was, and herself a handsome rich young lady, + who dared not own me for fear of affronting the rich jintry, her father + and mother. Poor folk, sir, are never ashamed of their children; 'tis all + the threasure they have, sir; but my parents were ashamed of me, and they + thrust me out to the stranger and the hard bread of depindence.” The poor + lad signed deeply, and I began to feel a growing interest in his sad + history. + </p> + <p> + “Have you been in the country long?” + </p> + <p> + “Four years, madam. You know my masther, Mr. F——; he brought + me out wid him as his apprentice, and during the voyage he trated me well. + But the young men, his sons, are tyrants, and full of durty pride; and I + could not agree wid them at all at all. Yesterday, I forgot to take the + oxen out of the yoke, and Musther William tied me up to a stump, and bate + me with the raw hide. Shure the marks are on me showlthers yet. I left the + oxen and the yoke, and turned my back upon them all, for the hot blood was + bilin' widin me; and I felt that if I stayed it would be him that would + get the worst of it. No one had ever cared for me since I was born, so I + thought it was high time to take care of myself. I had heard your name, + sir, and I thought I would find you out; and if you want a lad, I will + work for you for my kape, and a few dacent clothes.” + </p> + <p> + A bargain was soon made. Moodie agreed to give Monaghan six dollars a + month, which he thankfully accepted; and I told Bell to prepare his bed in + a corner of the kitchen. But mistress Bell thought fit to rebel. Having + been guilty of one act of insubordination, she determined to be + consistent, and throw off the yoke altogether. She declared that she would + do no such thing; that her life and that all our lives were in danger; and + that she would never stay another night under the same roof with that + Papist vagabond. + </p> + <p> + “Papist!” cried the indignant lad, his dark eyes flashing fire, “I'm no + Papist, but a Protestant like yourself; and I hope a deuced dale better + Christian. You take me for a thief; yet shure a thief would have waited + till you were all in bed and asleep, and not stepped in forenint you all + in this fashion.” + </p> + <p> + There was both truth and nature in the lad's argument; but Bell, like an + obstinate woman as she was, chose to adhere to her own opinion. Nay, she + even carried her absurd prejudices so far that she brought her mattress + and laid it down on the floor in my room, for fear that the Irish vagabond + should murder her during the night. By the break of day she was off; + leaving me for the rest of the winter without a servant. Monaghan did all + in his power to supply her place; he lighted the fires, swept the house, + milked the cows, nursed the baby, and often cooked the dinner for me, and + endeavoured by a thousand little attentions to show the gratitude he + really felt for our kindness. To little Katie he attached himself in an + extraordinary manner. All his spare time he spent in making little sleighs + and toys for her, or in dragging her in the said sleighs up and down the + steep hills in front of the house, wrapped up in a blanket. Of a night, he + cooked her mess of bread and milk, as she sat by the fire, and his + greatest delight was to feed her himself. After this operation was over, + he would carry her round the floor on his back, and sing her songs in + native Irish. Katie always greeted his return from the woods with a scream + of joy, holding up her fair arms to clasp the neck of her dark favourite. + </p> + <p> + “Now the Lord love you for a darlint!” he would cry, as he caught her to + his heart. “Shure you are the only one of the crathers he ever made who + can love poor John Monaghan. Brothers and sisters I have none—I + stand alone in the wurld, and your bonny wee face is the sweetest thing it + contains for me. Och, jewil! I could lay down my life for you, and be + proud to do that same.” + </p> + <p> + Though careless and reckless about everything that concerned himself, John + was honest and true. He loved us for the compassion we had shown him; and + he would have resented any injury offered to our persons with his best + blood. + </p> + <p> + But if we were pleased with our new servant, Uncle Joe and his family were + not, and they commenced a series of petty persecutions that annoyed him + greatly, and kindled into a flame all the fiery particles of his irritable + nature. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had purchased several tons of hay of a neighbouring farmer, for the + use of his cattle, and it had to be stowed into the same barn with some + flax and straw that belonged to Uncle Joe. Going early one morning to + fodder the cattle, John found Uncle Joe feeding his cows with his master's + hay, and as it had diminished greatly in a very short time, he accused him + in no measured terms of being the thief. The other very coolly replied + that he had taken a little of the hay in order to repay himself for his + flax, that Monaghan had stolen for the oxen. “Now by the powers!” quoth + John, kindling into wrath, “that is adding a big lie to a dirthy petty + larceny. I take your flax, you ould villain! Shure I know that flax is + grown to make linen wid, not to feed oxen. God Almighty has given the + crathers a good warm coat of their own; they neither require shifts nor + shirts.” + </p> + <p> + “I saw you take it, you ragged Irish vagabond, with my own eyes.” + </p> + <p> + “Thin yer two eyes showed you a wicked illusion. You had betther shut up + yer head, or I'll give you that for an eye-salve that shall make you see + thrue for the time to come.” + </p> + <p> + Relying upon his great size, and thinking that the slight stripling, who, + by-the-bye, was all bones and sinews, was no match for him, Uncle Joe + struck Monaghan over the head with the pitchfork. In a moment the active + lad was upon him like a wild cat, and in spite of the difference of his + age and weight, gave the big man such a thorough dressing that he was fain + to roar aloud for mercy. + </p> + <p> + “Own that you are a thief and a liar, or I'll murther you!” + </p> + <p> + “I'll own to anything whilst your knee is pressing me into a pancake. Come + now—there's a good lad—let me get up.” Monaghan felt + irresolute, but after extorting from Uncle Joe a promise never to purloin + any of the hay again, he let him rise. + </p> + <p> + “For shure,” he said, “he began to turn so black in the face, I thought + he'd burst intirely.” + </p> + <p> + The fat man neither forgot nor forgave this injury; and though he dared + not attack John personally, he set the children to insult and affront him + upon all occasions. The boy was without socks, and I sent him to old Mrs. + R——, to inquire of her what she would charge for knitting him + two pairs of socks. The reply was, a dollar. This was agreed to, and dear + enough they were; but the weather was very cold, and the lad was + barefooted, and there was no other alternative than either to accept her + offer, or for him to go without. + </p> + <p> + In a few days, Monaghan brought them home; but I found upon inspecting + them that they were old socks new-footed. This was rather too glaring a + cheat, and I sent the lad back with them, and told him to inform Mrs. R—— + that as he had agreed to give the price for new socks, he expected them to + be new altogether. + </p> + <p> + The avaricious old woman did not deny the fact, but she fell to cursing + and swearing in an awful manner, and wished so much evil to the lad, that, + with the superstitious fear so common to the natives of his country, he + left her under the impression that she was gifted with the evil eye, and + was an “owld witch.” He never went out of the yard with the waggon and + horses, but she rushed to the door, and cursed him for a bare-heeled Irish + blackguard, and wished that he might overturn the waggon, kill the horses, + and break his own worthless neck. + </p> + <p> + “Ma'am,” said John to me one day, after returning from C—— + with the team, “it would be betther for me to lave the masther intirely; + for shure if I do not, some mischief will befall me or the crathers. That + wicked owld wretch! I cannot thole her curses. Shure it's in purgatory I + am all the while.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense, Monaghan! you are not a Catholic, and need not fear purgatory. + The next time the old woman commences her reprobate conduct, tell her to + hold her tongue, and mind her own business, for curses, like chickens come + home to roost.” + </p> + <p> + The boy laughed heartily at the old Turkish proverb, but did not reckon + much on its efficacy to still the clamorous tongue of the ill-natured old + jade. The next day he had to pass her door with the horses. No sooner did + she hear the sound of the wheels, than out she hobbled, and commenced her + usual anathemas. + </p> + <p> + “Bad luck to yer croaking, yer ill-conditioned owld raven. It is not me + you are desthroying shure, but yer own poor miserable sinful sowl. The + owld one has the grief of ye already, for 'curses, like chickens, come + home to roost'; so get in wid ye, and hatch them to yerself in the chimley + corner. They'll all be roosting wid ye by-and-by; and a nice warm nest + they'll make for you, considering the brave brood that belongs to you.” + </p> + <p> + Whether the old woman was as superstitious as John, I know not; or whether + she was impressed with the moral truth of the proverb—for, as I have + before stated, she was no fool—is difficult to tell; but she shrunk + back into her den, and never attacked the lad again. + </p> + <p> + Poor John bore no malice in his heart, not he; for, in spite of all the + ill-natured things he had to endure from Uncle Joe and his family, he + never attempted to return evil for evil. In proof of this, he was one day + chopping firewood in the bush, at some distance from Joe, who was engaged + in the same employment with another man. A tree in falling caught upon + another, which, although a very large maple, was hollow and very much + decayed, and liable to be blown down by the least shock of the wind. The + tree hung directly over the path that Uncle Joe was obliged to traverse + daily with his team. He looked up, and perceived, from the situation it + occupied, that it was necessary for his own safety to cut it down; but he + lacked courage to undertake so hazardous a job, which might be attended, + if the supporting tree gave way during the operation, with very serious + consequences. In a careless tone, he called to his companion to cut down + the tree. + </p> + <p> + “Do it yourself, H——,” said the axe man, with a grin. “My wife + and children want their man as much as your Hannah wants you.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll not put axe to it,” quoth Joe. Then, making signs to his comrade to + hold his tongue, he shouted to Monaghan, “Hollo, boy! you're wanted here + to cut down this tree. Don't you see that your master's cattle might be + killed if they should happen to pass under it, and it should fall upon + them.” + </p> + <p> + “Thrue for you, Masther Joe; but your own cattle would have the first + chance. Why should I risk my life and limbs, by cutting down the tree, + when it was yerself that threw it so awkwardly over the other?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but you are a boy, and have no wife and children to depend upon you + for bread,” said Joe, gravely. “We are both family men. Don't you see that + 'tis your duty to cut down the tree?” + </p> + <p> + The lad swung the axe to and fro in his hand, eyeing Joe and the tree + alternately; but the natural kind-heartedness of the creature, and his + reckless courage, overcame all idea of self-preservation, and raising + aloft his slender but muscular arm, he cried out, “If it's a life that + must be sacrificed, why not mine as well as another? Here goes! and the + Lord have mercy on my sinful sowl!” + </p> + <p> + The tree fell, and, contrary to their expectations, without any injury to + John. The knowing Yankee burst into a loud laugh. “Well, if you arn't a + tarnation soft fool, I never saw one.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mane?” exclaimed John, his dark eyes flashing fire. “If 'tis + to insult me for doing that which neither of you dared to do, you had + better not thry that same. You have just seen the strength of my spirit. + You had better not thry again the strength of my arm, or, may be, you and + the tree would chance to share the same fate;” and, shouldering his axe, + the boy strode down the hill, to get scolded by me for his foolhardiness. + </p> + <p> + The first week of March, all the people were busy making maple sugar. “Did + you ever taste any maple sugar, ma'am?” asked Monaghan, as he sat feeding + Katie one evening by the fire. + </p> + <p> + “No, John.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, you've a thrate to come; and it's myself that will make Miss + Katie, the darlint, an illigant lump of that same.” + </p> + <p> + Early in the morning John was up, hard at work, making troughs for the + sap. By noon he had completed a dozen, which he showed me with great pride + of heart. I felt a little curious about this far-famed maple sugar, and + asked a thousand questions about the use to which the troughs were to be + applied; how the trees were to be tapped, the sugar made, and if it were + really good when made? + </p> + <p> + To all my queries, John responded, “Och! 'tis illigant. It bates all the + sugar that ever was made in Jamaky. But you'll see before to-morrow + night.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie was away at P——, and the prospect of the maple sugar + relieved the dulness occasioned by his absence. I reckoned on showing him + a piece of sugar of our own making when he came home, and never dreamt of + the possibility of disappointment. + </p> + <p> + John tapped his trees after the most approved fashion, and set his + troughts to catch the sap; but Miss Amanda and Master Ammon upset them as + fast as they filled, and spilt all the sap. With great difficulty, + Monaghan saved the contents of one large iron pot. This he brought in + about nightfall, and made up a roaring fire, in order to boil in down into + sugar. Hour after hour passed away, and the sugar-maker looked as hot and + black as the stoker in a steam-boat. Many times I peeped into the large + pot, but the sap never seemed to diminish. + </p> + <p> + “This is a tedious piece of business,” thought I, but seeing the lad so + anxious, I said nothing. About twelve o'clock he asked me, very + mysteriously, for a piece of pork to hang over the sugar. + </p> + <p> + “Pork!” said I, looking into the pot, which was half full of a very + black-looking liquid; “what do you want with pork?” + </p> + <p> + “Shure an' 'tis to keep the sugar from burning.” + </p> + <p> + “But, John, I see no sugar!” + </p> + <p> + “Och, but 'tis all sugar, only 'tis molasses jist now. See how it sticks + to the ladle. Aha! But Miss Katie will have the fine lumps of sugar when + she awakes in the morning.” + </p> + <p> + I grew so tired and sleepy that I left John to finish his job, went to + bed, and soon forgot all about the maple sugar. At breakfast I observed a + small plate upon the table, placed in a very conspicuous manner on the + tea-tray, the bottom covered with a hard, black substance, which very much + resembled pitch. “What is that dirty-looking stuff, John?” + </p> + <p> + “Shure an 'tis the maple sugar.” + </p> + <p> + “Can people eat that?” + </p> + <p> + “By dad, an' they can; only thry it, ma'arm.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, 'tis so hard, I cannot cut it.” + </p> + <p> + With some difficulty, and not without cutting his finger, John broke a + piece off, and stuffed it into the baby's mouth. The poor child made a + horrible face, and rejected it as if it had been poison. For my own part, + I never tasted anything more nauseous. It tasted like a compound of pork + grease and tobacco juice. “Well, Monaghan, if this be maple sugar, I never + wish to taste any again.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, bad luck to it!” said the lad, flinging it away, plate and all. “It + would have been first-rate but for the dirthy pot, and the blackguard + cinders, and its burning to the bottom of the pot. That owld hag, Mrs. R——, + bewitched it with her evil eye.” + </p> + <p> + “She is not so clever as you think, John,” said I, laughing. “You have + forgotten how to make the sugar since you left D——; but let us + forget the maple sugar, and think of something else. Had you not better + get old Mrs. R—— to mend that jacket for you; it is too + ragged.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, dad! an it's mysel' is the illigant tailor. Wasn't I brought up to + the thrade in the Foundling Hospital?” + </p> + <p> + “And why did you quit it?” + </p> + <p> + “Because it's a low, mane thrade for a jintleman's son.” + </p> + <p> + “But, John, who told you that you were a gentleman's son?” + </p> + <p> + “Och! but I'm shure of it, thin. All my propensities are gintale. I love + horses, and dogs, and fine clothes, and money. Och! that I was but a + jintleman! I'd show them what life is intirely, and I'd challenge Masther + William, and have my revenge out of him for the blows he gave me.” + </p> + <p> + “You had better mend your trousers,” said I, giving him a tailor's needle, + a pair of scissors, and some strong thread. + </p> + <p> + “Shure, an' I'll do that same in a brace of shakes,” and sitting down upon + a ricketty three-legged stool of his own manufacturing, he commenced his + tailoring by tearing off a piece of his trousers to patch the elbows of + his jacket. And this trifling act, simple as it may appear, was a perfect + type of the boy's general conduct, and marked his progress through life. + The present for him was everything; he had no future. While he supplied + stuff from the trousers to repair the fractures in the jacket, he never + reflected that both would be required on the morrow. Poor John! in his + brief and reckless career, how often have I recalled that foolish act of + his. It now appears to me that his whole life was spent in tearing his + trousers to repair his jacket. + </p> + <p> + In the evening John asked me for a piece of soap. + </p> + <p> + “What do you want with soap, John?” + </p> + <p> + “To wash my shirt, ma'am. Shure an' I'm a baste to be seen, as black as + the pots. Sorra a shirt have I but the one, an' it has stuck on my back so + long that I can thole it no longer.” + </p> + <p> + I looked at the wrists and collar of the condemned garment, which was all + of it that John allowed to be visible. They were much in need of soap and + water. + </p> + <p> + “Well, John, I will leave you the soap, but can you wash?” + </p> + <p> + “Och, shure, an' I can thry. If I soap it enough, and rub long enough, the + shirt must come clane at last.” + </p> + <p> + I thought the matter rather doubtful; but when I went to bed I left what + he required, and soon saw through the chinks in the boards a roaring fire, + and heard John whistling over the tub. He whistled and rubbed, and washed + and scrubbed, but as there seemed no end to the job, and he was a long + washing this one garment as Bell would have been performing the same + operation on fifty, I laughed to myself, and thought of my own abortive + attempts in that way, and went fast asleep. In the morning John came to + his breakfast, with his jacket buttoned up to his throat. + </p> + <p> + “Could you not dry your shirt by the fire, John? You will get cold wanting + it.” + </p> + <p> + “Aha, by dad! it's dhry enough now. The divil has made tinder of it long + afore this.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, what has happened to it? I heard you washing all night.” + </p> + <p> + “Washing! Faith, an' I did scrub it till my hands were all ruined + intirely, and thin I took the brush to it; but sorra a bit of the dirth + could I get out of it. The more I rubbed the blacker it got, until I had + used up all the soap, and the perspiration was pouring off me like rain. + 'You dirthy owld bit of a blackguard of a rag,' says I, in an exthremity + of rage, 'You're not fit for the back of a dacent lad an' a jintleman. The + divil may take ye to cover one of his imps;' an' wid that I sthirred up + the fire, and sent it plump into the middle of the blaze.” + </p> + <p> + “And what will you do for a shirt?” + </p> + <p> + “Faith, do as many a betther man has done afore me, go widout.” + </p> + <p> + I looked up two old shirts of my husband's, which John received with an + ecstacy of delight. He retired instantly to the stable, but soon returned, + with as much of the linen breast of the garment displayed as his waistcoat + would allow. No peacock was ever prouder of his tail than the wild Irish + lad was of the old shirt. + </p> + <p> + John had been treated very much like a spoiled child, and, like most + spoiled children, he was rather fond of having his own way. Moodie had set + him to do something which was rather contrary to his own inclinations; he + did not object to the task in words, for he was rarely saucy to his + employers, but he left the following stave upon the table, written in + pencil upon a scrap of paper torn from the back of an old letter:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “A man alive, an ox may drive + Unto a springing well; + To make him drink, as he may think, + No man can him compel. + + “JOHN MONAGHAN.” + </pre> + <h3> + THE EMIGRANT'S BRIDE + </h3> + <p> + A Canadian ballad + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The waves that girt my native isle, + The parting sunbeams tinged with red; + And far to seaward, many a mile, + A line of dazzling glory shed. + But, ah, upon that glowing track, + No glance my aching eyeballs threw; + As I my little bark steer'd back + To bid my love a last adieu. + + Upon the shores of that lone bay, + With folded arms the maiden stood; + And watch'd the white sails wing their way + Across the gently heaving flood. + The summer breeze her raven hair + Swept lightly from her snowy brow; + And there she stood, as pale and fair + As the white foam that kiss'd my prow. + + My throbbing heart with grief swell'd high, + A heavy tale was mine to tell; + For once I shunn'd the beauteous eye, + Whose glance on mine so fondly fell. + My hopeless message soon was sped, + My father's voice my suit denied; + And I had promised not to wed, + Against his wish, my island bride. + + She did not weep, though her pale face + The trace of recent sorrow wore; + But, with a melancholy grace, + She waved my shallop from the shore. + She did not weep; but oh! that smile + Was sadder than the briny tear + That trembled on my cheek the while + I bade adieu to one so dear. + + She did not speak—no accents fell + From lips that breathed the balm of May; + In broken words I strove to tell + All that my broken heart would say. + She did not speak—but to my eyes + She raised the deep light of her own. + As breaks the sun through cloudy skies, + My spirit caught a brighter tone. + + “Dear girl!” I cried, “we ne'er can part, + My angry father's wrath I'll brave; + He shall not tear thee from my heart. + Fly, fly with me across the wave!” + My hand convulsively she press'd, + Her tears were mingling fast with mine; + And, sinking trembling on my breast, + She murmur'd out, “For ever thine!” + </pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0009" id="link2HCH0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER IX — PHOEBE R——, AND OUR SECOND MOVING + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “She died in early womanhood, + Sweet scion of a stem so rude; + A child of Nature, free from art, + With candid brow and open heart; + The flowers she loved now gently wave + Above her low and nameless grave.” + </pre> + <p> + It was during the month of March that Uncle Joe's eldest daughter, Phoebe, + a very handsome girl, and the best of the family, fell sick. I went over + to see her. The poor girl was very depressed, and stood but a slight + chance for her life, being under medical treatment of three or four old + women, who all recommended different treatment and administered different + nostrums. Seeing that the poor girl was dangerously ill, I took her mother + aside, and begged her to lose no time in procuring proper medical advice. + Mrs. Joe listened to me very sullenly, and said there was no danger; that + Phoebe had caught a violent cold by going hot from the wash-tub to fetch a + pail of water from the spring; that the neighbours knew the nature of her + complaint, and would soon cure her. + </p> + <p> + The invalid turned upon me her fine dark eyes, in which the light of fever + painfully burned, and motioned me to come near her. I sat down by her, and + took her burning hand in mine. + </p> + <p> + “I am dying, Mrs. Moodie, but they won't believe me. I wish you would talk + to mother to send for the doctor.” + </p> + <p> + “I will. Is there anything I can do for you?—anything I can make for + you, that you would like to take?” + </p> + <p> + She shook her head. “I can't eat. But I want to ask you one thing, which I + wish very much to know.” She grasped my hand tightly between her own. Her + eyes looked darker, and her feverish cheek paled. “What becomes of people + when they die?” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens!” I exclaimed involuntarily; “can you be ignorant of a + future state?” + </p> + <p> + “What is a future state?” + </p> + <p> + I endeavoured, as well as I was able, to explain to her the nature of the + soul, its endless duration, and responsibility to God for the actions done + in the flesh; its natural depravity and need of a Saviour; urging her, in + the gentlest manner, to lose no time in obtaining forgiveness of her sins, + through the atoning blood of Christ. + </p> + <p> + The poor girl looked at me with surprise and horror. These things were all + new to her. She sat like one in a dream; yet the truth seemed to flash + upon her at once. + </p> + <p> + “How can I speak to God, who never knew Him? How can I ask Him to forgive + me?” + </p> + <p> + “You must pray to him.” + </p> + <p> + “Pray! I don't know how to pray. I never said a prayer in my life. Mother; + can you teach me how to pray?” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense!” said Mrs. Joe, hurrying forward. “Why should you trouble + yourself about such things? Mrs. Moodie, I desire you not to put such + thoughts into my daughter's head. We don't want to know anything about + Jesus Christ here.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, mother, don't speak so to the lady! Do Mrs. Moodie, tell me more + about God and my soul. I never knew until now that I had a soul.” + </p> + <p> + Deeply compassionating the ignorance of the poor girl, in spite of the + menaces of the heathen mother—for she was no better, but rather + worse, seeing that the heathen worships in ignorance a false God, while + this woman lived without acknowledging a God at all, and therefore + considered herself free from all moral restraint—I bid Phoebe + good-bye, and promised to bring my bible, and read to her the next day. + </p> + <p> + The gratitude manifested by this sick girl was such a contrast to the + rudeness and brutality of the rest of the family, that I soon felt a + powerful interest in her fate. + </p> + <p> + The mother did not actually forbid me the house, because she saw that my + visits raised the drooping spirits of her child, whom she fiercely loved, + and, to save her life, would cheerfully have sacrificed her own. But she + never failed to make all the noise she could to disturb my reading and + conversation with Phoebe. She could not be persuaded that her daughter was + really in any danger, until the doctor told her that her case was + hopeless; then the grief of the mother burst forth, and she gave way to + the most frantic and impious complainings. + </p> + <p> + The rigour of the winter began to abate. The beams of the sun during the + day were warm and penetrating, and a soft wind blew from the south. I + watched, from day to day, the snow disappearing from the earth, with + indescribable pleasure, and at length it wholly vanished; not even a + solitary patch lingered under the shade of the forest trees; but Uncle Joe + gave no sign of removing his family. + </p> + <p> + “Does he mean to stay all the summer?” thought I. “Perhaps he never + intends going at all. I will ask him, the next time he comes to borrow + whiskey.” + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon he walked in to light his pipe, and, with some anxiety, I + made the inquiry. + </p> + <p> + “Well, I guess we can't be moving afore the end of May. My missus expects + to be confined the fore part of the month, and I shan't move till she be + quite smart agin.” + </p> + <p> + “You are not using us well, in keeping us out of the house so long.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I don't care a curse about any of you. It is my house as long as I + choose to remain in it, and you may put up with it the best way you can,” + and, humming a Yankee tune, he departed. + </p> + <p> + I had borne patiently the odious, cribbed-up place during the winter, but + now the hot weather was coming, it seemed almost insupportable, as we were + obliged to have a fire in the close room, in order to cook our provisions. + I consoled myself as well as I could by roaming about the fields and + woods, and making acquaintance with every wild flower as it blossomed, and + in writing long letters to home friends, in which I abused one of the + finest countries in the world as the worst that God ever called out of + chaos. I can recall to memory, at this moment, the few lines of a poem + which commenced in this strain; nor am I sorry that the rest of it has + passed into oblivion:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh! land of waters, how my spirit tires, + In the dark prison of thy boundless woods; + No rural charm poetic thought inspires, + No music murmurs in thy mighty floods; + Though vast the features that compose thy frame, + Turn where we will, the landscape's still the same. + + The swampy margin of thy inland seas, + The eternal forest girdling either shore, + Its belt of dark pines sighing in the breeze, + And rugged fields, with rude huts dotted o'er, + Show cultivation unimproved by art, + That sheds a barren chillness on the heart. +</pre> + <p> + How many home-sick emigrants, during their first winter in Canada, will + respond to this gloomy picture! Let them wait a few years; the sun of hope + will arise and beautify the landscape, and they will proclaim the country + one of the finest in the world. + </p> + <p> + The middle of May at length arrived, and, by the number of long, lean + women, with handkerchiefs of all colours tied over their heads, who passed + my door, and swarmed into Mrs. Joe's house, I rightly concluded that + another young one had been added to the tribe; and shortly after, Uncle + Joe himself announced the important fact, by putting his jolly red face in + at the door, and telling me, that “his missus had got a chopping boy; and + he was right glad of it, for he was tired of so many gals, and that he + should move in a fortnight, if his woman did kindly.” + </p> + <p> + I had been so often disappointed that I paid very little heed to him, but + this time he kept his word. + </p> + <p> + The <i>last</i> day of May, they went, bag and baggage, the poor sick + Phoebe, who still lingered on, and the new-born infant; and right joyfully + I sent a Scotch girl (another Bell, whom I had hired in lieu of her I had + lost), and Monaghan, to clean out the Augean stable. In a few minutes John + returned, panting his indignation. + </p> + <p> + “The house,” he said, “was more filthy than a pig-sty.” But that was not + the worst of it, Uncle Joe, before he went, had undermined the brick + chimney, and let all the water into the house. “Oh, but if he comes here + agin,” he continued, grinding his teeth and doubling his fist, “I'll + thrash him for it. And thin, ma'am, he has girdled round all the best + graft apple-trees, the murtherin' owld villain, as if it could spile his + digestion our ating them.” + </p> + <p> + “It would require a strong stomach to digest apple-trees, John; but never + mind, it can't be helped, and we may be very thankful that these people + are gone at last.” + </p> + <p> + John and Bell scrubbed at the house all day, and in the evening they + carried over the furniture, and I went to inspect our new dwelling. + </p> + <p> + It looked beautifully clean and neat. Bell had whitewashed all the black, + smoky walls and boarded ceilings, and scrubbed the dirty window-frames, + and polished the fly-spotted panes of glass, until they actually admitted + a glimpse of the clear air and the blue sky. Snow-white fringed curtains, + and a bed, with furniture to correspond, a carpeted floor, and a large pot + of green boughs on the hearthstone, gave an air of comfort and cleanliness + to a room which, only a few hours before, had been a loathsome den of + filth and impurity. + </p> + <p> + This change would have been very gratifying, had not a strong, + disagreeable odour almost deprived me of my breath as I entered the room. + It was unlike anything I had ever smelt before, and turned me so sick and + faint that I had to cling to the door-post for support. + </p> + <p> + “Where does this dreadful smell come from?” + </p> + <p> + “The guidness knows, ma'am; John and I have searched the house from the + loft to the cellar, but we canna find out the cause of thae stink.” + </p> + <p> + “It must be in the room, Bell; and it is impossible to remain here, or + live in this house, until it is removed.” + </p> + <p> + Glancing my eyes all round the place, I spied what seemed to me a little + cupboard, over the mantel-shelf, and I told John to see if I was right. + The lad mounted upon a chair, and pulled open a small door, but almost + fell to the ground with the dreadful stench which seemed to rush from the + closet. + </p> + <p> + “What is it, John?” I cried from the open door. + </p> + <p> + “A skunk! ma'am, a skunk! Shure, I thought the divil had scorched his + tail, and left the grizzled hair behind him. What a strong perfume it + has!” he continued, holding up the beautiful but odious little creature by + the tail. + </p> + <p> + “By dad! I know all about it now. I saw Ned Layton, only two days ago, + crossing the field with Uncle Joe, with his gun on his shoulder, and this + wee bit baste in his hand. They were both laughing like sixty. 'Well, if + this does not stink the Scotchman out of the house,' said Joe, 'I'll be + contint to be tarred and feathered;' and thin they both laughed until they + stopped to draw breath.” + </p> + <p> + I could hardly help laughing myself; but I begged Monaghan to convey the + horrid creature away, and putting some salt and sulphur into a tin plate, + and setting fire to it, I placed it on the floor in the middle of the + room, and closed all the doors for an hour, which greatly assisted in + purifying the house from the skunkification. Bell then washed out the + closet with strong ley, and in a short time no vestige remained of the + malicious trick that Uncle Joe had played off upon us. + </p> + <p> + The next day, we took possession of our new mansion, and no one was better + pleased with the change than little Katie. She was now fifteen months old, + and could just begin to prattle, but she dared not venture to step alone, + although she would stand by a chair all day, and even climb upon it. She + crept from room to room, feeling and admiring everything, and talking to + it in her baby language. So fond was the dear child of flowers, that her + father used to hold her up to the apple-trees, then rich in their full + spring beauty, that she might kiss the blossoms. She would pat them with + her soft white hands, murmuring like a bee among the branches. To keep her + quiet whilst I was busy, I had only to give her a bunch of wild flowers. + She would sit as still as a lamb, looking first at one and then another, + pressing them to her little breast in a sort of ecstacy, as if she + comprehended the worth of this most beautiful of God's gifts to man. + </p> + <p> + She was a sweet, lovely flower herself, and her charming infant graces + reconciled me, more than aught else, to a weary lot. Was she not purely + British? Did not her soft blue eyes, and sunny curls, and bright rosy + cheeks for ever remind me of her Saxon origin, and bring before me dear + forms and faces I could never hope to behold again? + </p> + <p> + The first night we slept in the new house, a demon of unrest had taken + possession of it in the shape of a countless swarm of mice. They scampered + over our pillows, and jumped upon our faces, squeaking and cutting a + thousand capers over the floor. I never could realise the true value of + Whittington's invaluable cat until that night. At first we laughed until + our sides ached, but in reality it was no laughing matter. Moodie + remembered that we had left a mouse-trap in the old house; he went and + brought it over, baited it, and set it on the table near the bed. During + the night no less than fourteen of the provoking vermin were captured; and + for several succeeding nights the trap did equal execution. How Uncle + Joe's family could have allowed such a nuisance to exist astonished me; to + sleep with these creatures continually running over us was impossible; and + they were not the only evils in the shape of vermin we had to contend + with. The old logs which composed the walls of the house were full of bugs + and large black ants; and the place, owing to the number of dogs that + always had slept under the beds with the children, was infested with + fleas. It required the utmost care to rid the place of these noisome and + disgusting tenants. + </p> + <p> + Arriving in the country in the autumn, we had never experienced any + inconvenience from the mosquitoes, but after the first moist, warm spring + days, particularly after the showers, these tormenting insects annoyed us + greatly. The farm, lying in a valley cut up with little streams in every + direction, made us more liable to their inflictions. The hands, arms, and + face of the poor babe were covered every morning with red inflamed bumps, + which often threw out blisters. + </p> + <p> + The banks of the little streams abounded with wild strawberries, which, + although small, were of a delicious flavour. Thither Bell and I, and the + baby, daily repaired to gather the bright red berries of Nature's own + providing. Katie, young as she was, was very expert at helping herself, + and we used to seat her in the middle of a fine bed, whilst we gathered + farther on. Hearing her talking very lovingly to something in the grass, + which she tried to clutch between her white hands, calling it “Pitty, + pitty;” I ran to the spot, and found that it was a large garter-snake that + she was so affectionately courting to her embrace. Not then aware that + this formidable-looking reptile was perfectly harmless, I snatched the + child up in my arms, and ran with her home; never stopping until I gained + the house, and saw her safely seated in her cradle. + </p> + <p> + It had been a very late, cold spring, but the trees had fully expanded + into leaf, and the forest world was glorious in its beauty. Every patch of + cleared land presented a vivid green to the eye; the brook brawled in the + gay sunshine, and the warm air was filled with soft murmurs. Gorgeous + butterflies floated about like winged flowers, and feelings allied to + poetry and gladness once more pervaded my heart. In the evening we + wandered through the woodland paths, beneath the glowing Canadian sunset, + and gathered rare specimens of strange plants and flowers. Every object + that met my eyes was new to me, and produced that peculiar excitement + which has its origin in a thirst for knowledge, and a love of variety. + </p> + <p> + We had commenced gardening, too, and my vegetables did great credit to my + skill and care; and, when once the warm weather sets in, the rapid advance + of vegetation in Canada is astonishing. + </p> + <p> + Not understanding much about farming, especially in a climate like Canada, + Moodie was advised by a neighbouring settler to farm his farm upon shares. + This advice seemed very reasonable; and had it been given disinterestedly, + and had the persons recommended (a man and his wife) been worthy or honest + people, we might have done very well. But the farmer had found out their + encroaching ways, was anxious to get rid of them himself, and saw no + better way of doing so than by palming them upon us. + </p> + <p> + From our engagement with these people commenced that long series of losses + and troubles to which their conduct formed the prelude. They were to live + in the little shanty that we had just left, and work the farm. Moodie was + to find them the land, the use of his implements and cattle, and all the + seed for the crops; and to share with them the returns. Besides this, they + unfortunately were allowed to keep their own cows, pigs, and poultry. The + produce of the orchard, with which they had nothing to do, was reserved + for our own use. + </p> + <p> + For the first few weeks, they were civil and obliging enough; and had the + man been left to himself, I believe we should have done pretty well; but + the wife was a coarse-minded, bold woman, who instigated him to every + mischief. They took advantage of us in every way they could, and were + constantly committing petty depredations. + </p> + <p> + From our own experience of this mode of farming, I would strenuously + advise all new settlers never to embrace any such offer, without they are + well acquainted with the parties, and can thoroughly rely upon their + honesty; or else, like Mrs. O——, they may impudently tell you + that they can cheat you as they please, and defy you to help yourself. All + the money we expended upon the farm was entirely for these people's + benefit, for by their joint contrivances very little of the crops fell to + our share; and when any division was made, it was always when Moodie was + absent from home; and there was no person present to see fair play. They + sold what apples and potatoes they pleased, and fed their hogs ad libitum. + But even their roguery was more tolerable than the irksome restraint which + their near vicinity, and constantly having to come in contact with them, + imposed. We had no longer any privacy, our servants were cross-questioned, + and our family affairs canvassed by these gossiping people, who spread + about a thousand falsehoods regarding us. I was so much disgusted with + this shareship, that I would gladly have given them all the proceeds of + the farm to get rid of them, but the bargain was for twelve months, and + bad as it was, we could not break our engagement. + </p> + <p> + One little trick of this woman's will serve to illustrate her general + conduct. A neighbouring farmer's wife had presented me with some very + pretty hens, who followed to the call of old Betty Fye's handsome + game-cock. I was always fond of fowls, and the innocent Katie delighted in + her chicks, and would call them round her to the sill of the door to feed + from her hand. Mrs. O—— had the same number as I had, and I + often admired them when marshalled forth by her splendid black rooster. + One morning I saw her eldest son chop off the head of the fine bird; and I + asked his mother why she had allowed him to kill the beautiful creature. + She laughed, and merely replied that she wanted it for the pot. The next + day my sultan walked over to the widowed hens, and took all his seraglio + with him. From that hour I never gathered a single egg; the hens deposited + all their eggs in Mrs. O——'s hen-house. She used to boast of + this as an excellent joke among her neighbours. + </p> + <p> + On the 9th of June, my dear little Agnes was born. A few days after this + joyful event, I heard a great bustle in the room adjoining to mine, and + old Dolly Rowe, my Cornish nurse, informed me that it was occasioned by + the people who came to attend the funeral of Phoebe R——. She + only survived the removal of the family a week; and at her own request had + been brought all the way from the —— lake plains to be + interred in the burying ground on the hill which overlooked the stream. + </p> + <p> + As I lay upon my pillow I could distinctly see the spot, and mark the long + funeral procession, as it wound along the banks of the brook. It was a + solemn and imposing spectacle, that humble funeral. When the waggons + reached the rude enclosure, the coffin was carefully lifted to the ground, + the door in the lid opened, and old and young approached, one after + another, to take a last look at the dead, before consigning her to the + oblivion of the grave. + </p> + <p> + Poor Phoebe! Gentle child, of coarse, unfeeling parents, few shed more + sincerely a tear for thy early fate than the stranger whom they hated and + despised. Often have I stood beside that humble mound, when the song of + the lark was above me, and the bee murmuring at my feet, and thought that + it was well for thee that God opened the eyes of thy soul, and called thee + out of the darkness of ignorance and sin to glory in His marvellous light. + Sixteen years have passed away since I heard anything of the family, or + what had become of them, when I was told by a neighbour of theirs, whom I + accidentally met last winter, that the old woman, who now nearly numbers a + hundred years, is still living, and inhabits a corner of her son's barn, + as she still quarrels too much with his wife to reside with Joe; that the + girls are all married and gone; and that Joe himself, although he does not + know a letter, has commenced travelling preacher. After this, who can + doubt the existence of miracles in the nineteenth century? + </p> + <h3> + THE FAITHFUL HEART THAT LOVES THEE STILL + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + I kneel beside the cold grey stone + That tells me, dearest, thou art gone + To realms more bless'd—and left me still + To struggle with this world of ill. + But oft from out the silent mound + Delusive fancy breathes a sound; + My pent-up heart within me burns, + And all the blessed past returns. + Thy form is present to mine eye, + Thy voice is whispering in mine ear, + The love that spake in days gone by; + And rapture checks the starting tear. + Thy deathless spirit wakes to fill + The faithful heart that loves thee still. + + For thee the day's bright glow is o'er, + And summer's roses bloom no more; + The song of birds in twilight bowers, + The breath of spring's delicious flowers, + The towering wood and mountain height, + The glorious pageantry of night; + Which fill'd thy soul with musings high, + And lighted up thy speaking eye; + The mournful music of the wave + Can never reach thy lonely grave. + Thou dost but sleep! It cannot be + That ardent heart is silent now— + That death's dark door has closed on thee; + And made thee cold to all below. + Ah, no! the flame death could not chill, + Thy tender love survives thee still. + + That love within my breast enshrined, + In death alone shall be resign'd; + And when the eve, thou lovest so well, + Pours on my soul its soothing spell, + I leave the city's busy scene + To seek thy dwelling, cold and green,— + In quiet sadness here to shed + Love's sacred tribute o'er the dead— + To dream again of days gone by, + And hold sweet converse here with thee; + In the soft air to feel thy sigh, + Whilst winds and waters answer me. + Yes!—though resign'd to Heaven's high will, + My joy shall be to love thee still! +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0010" id="link2HCH0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER X — BRIAN, THE STILL-HUNTER + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “O'er memory's glass I see his shadow flit, + Though he was gathered to the silent dust + Long years ago. A strange and wayward man, + That shunn'd companionship, and lived apart; + The leafy covert of the dark brown woods, + The gleamy lakes, hid in their gloomy depths, + Whose still, deep waters never knew the stroke + Of cleaving oar, or echoed to the sound + Of social life, contained for him the sum + Of human happiness. With dog and gun, + Day after day he track'd the nimble deer + Through all the tangled mazes of the forest.” + </pre> + <p> + It was early day. I was alone in the old shanty, preparing breakfast, and + now and then stirring the cradle with my foot, when a tall, thin, + middle-aged man walked into the house, followed by two large, strong dogs. + </p> + <p> + Placing the rifle he had carried on his shoulder, in a corner of the room, + he advanced to the hearth, and without speaking, or seemingly looking at + me, lighted his pipe and commenced smoking. The dogs, after growling and + snapping at the cat, who had not given the strangers a very courteous + reception, sat down on the hearth-stone on either side of their taciturn + master, eyeing him from time to time, as if long habit had made them + understand all his motions. There was a great contrast between the dogs. + The one was a brindled bulldog of the largest size, a most formidable and + powerful brute; the other a staghound, tawny, deep-chested, and + strong-limbed. I regarded the man and his hairy companions with silent + curiosity. + </p> + <p> + He was between forty and fifty years of age; his head, nearly bald, was + studded at the sides with strong, coarse, black curling hair. His features + were high, his complexion brightly dark, and his eyes, in size, shape, and + colour, greatly resembled the eyes of a hawk. The face itself was + sorrowful and taciturn; and his thin, compressed lips looked as if they + were not much accustomed to smile, or often to unclose to hold social + communion with any one. He stood at the side of the huge hearth, silently + smoking, his eyes bent on the fire, and now and then he patted the heads + of his dogs, reproving their exuberant expression of attachment, with—“Down, + Music; down, Chance!” + </p> + <p> + “A cold, clear morning,” said I, in order to attract his attention and + draw him into conversation. + </p> + <p> + A nod, without raising his head, or withdrawing his eyes from the fire, + was his only answer; and, turning from my unsociable guest, I took up the + baby, who just then awoke, sat down on a low stool by the table, and began + feeding her. During this operation, I once or twice caught the stranger's + hawk-eye fixed upon me and the child, but word spoke he none; and + presently, after whistling to his dogs, he resumed his gun, and strode + out. + </p> + <p> + When Moodie and Monaghan came in to breakfast, I told them what a strange + visitor I had had; and Moodie laughed at my vain attempt to induce him to + talk. + </p> + <p> + “He is a strange being,” I said; “I must find out who and what he is.” + </p> + <p> + In the afternoon an old soldier, called Layton, who had served during the + American war, and got a grant of land about a mile in the rear of our + location, came in to trade for a cow. Now, this Layton was a perfect + ruffian; a man whom no one liked, and whom all feared. He was a deep + drinker, a great swearer, in short, a perfect reprobate; who never + cultivated his land, but went jobbing about from farm to farm, trading + horses and cattle, and cheating in a pettifogging way. Uncle Joe had + employed him to sell Moodie a young heifer, and he had brought her over + for him to look at. When he came in to be paid, I described the stranger + of the morning; and as I knew that he was familiar with every one in the + neighbourhood, I asked if he knew him. + </p> + <p> + “No one should know him better than myself,” he said; “'tis old Brian B——, + the still-hunter, and a near neighbour of your'n. A sour, morose, queer + chap he is, and as mad as a March hare! He's from Lancashire, in England, + and came to this country some twenty years ago, with his wife, who was a + pretty young lass in those days, and slim enough then, though she's so + awful fleshy now. He had lots of money, too, and he bought four hundred + acres of land, just at the corner of the concession line, where it meets + the main road. And excellent land it is; and a better farmer, while he + stuck to his business, never went into the bush, for it was all bush here + then. He was a dashing, handsome fellow, too, and did not hoard the money, + either; he loved his pipe and his pot too well; and at last he left off + farming, and gave himself to them altogether. Many a jolly booze he and I + have had, I can tell you. Brian was an awful passionate man, and, when the + liquor was in, and the wit was out, as savage and as quarrelsome as a + bear. At such times there was no one but Ned Layton dared go near him. We + once had a pitched battle, in which I was conqueror; and ever arter he + yielded a sort of sulky obedience to all I said to him. Arter being on the + spree for a week or two, he would take fits of remorse, and return home to + his wife; would fall down at her knees, and ask her forgiveness, and cry + like a child. At other times he would hide himself up in the woods, and + steal home at night, and get what he wanted out of the pantry, without + speaking a word to any one. He went on with these pranks for some years, + till he took a fit of the blue devils. + </p> + <p> + “'Come away, Ned, to the —— lake, with me,' said he; 'I am + weary of my life, and I want a change.' + </p> + <p> + “'Shall we take the fishing-tackle?' says I. 'The black bass are in prime + season, and F—— will lend us the old canoe. He's got some + capital rum up from Kingston. We'll fish all day, and have a spree at + night.' + </p> + <p> + “'It's not to fish I'm going,' says he. + </p> + <p> + “'To shoot, then? I've bought Rockwood's new rifle.' + </p> + <p> + “'It's neither to fish nor to shoot, Ned: it's a new game I'm going to + try; so come along.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, to the —— lake we went. The day was very hot, and our + path lay through the woods, and over those scorching plains, for eight + long miles. I thought I should have dropped by the way; but during our + long walk my companion never opened his lips. He strode on before me, at a + half-run, never once turning his head. + </p> + <p> + “'The man must be the devil!' says I, 'and accustomed to a warmer place, + or he must feel this. Hollo, Brian! Stop there! Do you mean to kill me?' + </p> + <p> + “'Take it easy,' says he; 'you'll see another day arter this—I've + business on hand, and cannot wait.' + </p> + <p> + “Well, on we went, at the same awful rate, and it was mid-day when we got + to the little tavern on the lake shore, kept by one F——, who + had a boat for the convenience of strangers who came to visit the place. + Here we got our dinner, and a glass of rum to wash it down. But Brian was + moody, and to all my jokes he only returned a sort of grunt; and while I + was talking with F——, he steps out, and a few minutes arter we + saw him crossing the lake in the old canoe. + </p> + <p> + “'What's the matter with Brian?' says F——; 'all does not seem + right with him, Ned. You had better take the boat, and look arter him.' + </p> + <p> + “'Pooh!' says I; 'he's often so, and grows so glum nowadays that I will + cut his acquaintance altogether if he does not improve.' + </p> + <p> + “'He drinks awful hard,' says F——; 'may be he's got a fit of + the delirium-tremulous. There is no telling what he may be up to at this + minute.' + </p> + <p> + “My mind misgave me, too, so I e'en takes the oars, and pushes out, right + upon Brian's track; and, by the Lord Harry! if I did not find him, upon my + landing on the opposite shore, lying wallowing in his blood with his + throat cut. 'Is that you, Brian?' says I, giving him a kick with my foot, + to see if he was alive or dead. 'What on earth tempted you to play me and + F—— such a dirty, mean trick, as to go and stick yourself like + a pig, bringing such a discredit upon the house?—and you so far from + home and those who should nurse you?' + </p> + <p> + “I was so mad with him, that (saving your presence, ma'am) I swore + awfully, and called him names that would be ondacent to repeat here; but + he only answered with groans and a horrid gurgling in his throat. 'It's a + choking you are,' said I, 'but you shan't have your own way, and die so + easily, either, if I can punish you by keeping you alive.' So I just + turned him upon his stomach, with his head down the steep bank; but he + still kept choking and growing black in the face.” + </p> + <p> + Layton then detailed some particulars of his surgical practice which it is + not necessary to repeat. He continued— + </p> + <p> + “I bound up his throat with my handkerchief, and took him neck and heels, + and threw him into the bottom of the boat. Presently he came to himself a + little, and sat up in the boat; and—would you believe it?—made + several attempts to throw himself in the water. 'This will not do,' says + I; 'you've done mischief enough already by cutting your weasand! If you + dare to try that again, I will kill you with the oar.' I held it up to + threaten him; he was scared, and lay down as quiet as a lamb. I put my + foot upon his breast. 'Lie still, now! or you'll catch it.' He looked + piteously at me; he could not speak, but his eyes seemed to say, 'Have + pity upon me, Ned; don't kill me.' + </p> + <p> + “Yes, ma'am; this man, who had just cut his throat, and twice arter that + tried to drown himself, was afraid that I should knock him on the head and + kill him. Ha! ha! I shall never forget the work that F—— and I + had with him arter I got him up to the house. + </p> + <p> + “The doctor came, and sewed up his throat; and his wife—poor + crittur!—came to nurse him. Bad as he was, she was mortal fond of + him! He lay there, sick and unable to leave his bed, for three months, and + did nothing but pray to God to forgive him, for he thought the devil would + surely have him for cutting his own throat; and when he got about again, + which is now twelve years ago, he left off drinking entirely, and wanders + about the woods with his dogs, hunting. He seldom speaks to any one, and + his wife's brother carries on the farm for the family. He is so shy of + strangers that 'tis a wonder he came in here. The old wives are afraid of + him; but you need not heed him—his troubles are to himself, he harms + no one.” + </p> + <p> + Layton departed, and left me brooding over the sad tale which he had told + in such an absurd and jesting manner. It was evident from the account he + had given of Brian's attempt at suicide, that the hapless hunter was not + wholly answerable for his conduct—that he was a harmless maniac. + </p> + <p> + The next morning, at the very same hour, Brian again made his appearance; + but instead of the rifle across his shoulder, a large stone jar occupied + the place, suspended by a stout leather thong. Without saying a word, but + with a truly benevolent smile, that flitted slowly over his stern + features, and lighted them up, like a sunbeam breaking from beneath a + stormy cloud, he advanced to the table, and unslinging the jar, set it + down before me, and in a low and gruff, but by no means an unfriendly + voice, said, “Milk, for the child,” and vanished. + </p> + <p> + “How good it was of him! How kind!” I exclaimed, as I poured the precious + gift of four quarts of pure new milk out into a deep pan. I had not asked + him—had never said that the poor weanling wanted milk. It was the + courtesy of a gentleman—of a man of benevolence and refinement. + </p> + <p> + For weeks did my strange, silent friend steal in, take up the empty jar, + and supply its place with another replenished with milk. The baby knew his + step, and would hold out her hands to him and cry, “Milk!” and Brian would + stoop down and kiss her, and his two great dogs lick her face. + </p> + <p> + “Have you any children, Mr. B——?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, five; but none like this.” + </p> + <p> + “My little girl is greatly indebted to you for your kindness.” + </p> + <p> + “She's welcome, or she would not get it. You are strangers; but I like you + all. You look kind, and I would like to know more about you.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie shook hands with the old hunter, and assured him that we should + always be glad to see him. After this invitation, Brian became a frequent + guest. He would sit and listen with delight to Moodie while he described + to him elephant-hunting at the Cape; grasping his rifle in a determined + manner, and whistling an encouraging air to his dogs. I asked him one + evening what made him so fond of hunting. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis the excitement,” he said; “it drowns thought, and I love to be + alone. I am sorry for the creatures, too, for they are free and happy; yet + I am led by an instinct I cannot restrain to kill them. Sometimes the + sight of their dying agonies recalls painful feelings; and then I lay + aside the gun, and do not hunt for days. But 'tis fine to be alone with + God in the great woods—to watch the sunbeams stealing through the + thick branches, the blue sky breaking in upon you in patches, and to know + that all is bright and shiny above you, in spite of the gloom that + surrounds you.” + </p> + <p> + After a long pause, he continued, with much solemn feeling in his look and + tone— + </p> + <p> + “I lived a life of folly for years, for I was respectably born and + educated, and had seen something of the world, perhaps more than was good, + before I left home for the woods; and from the teaching I had received + from kind relatives and parents I should have known how to have conducted + myself better. But, madam, if we associate long with the depraved and + ignorant, we learn to become even worse than they are. I felt deeply my + degradation—felt that I had become the slave to low vice; and in + order to emancipate myself from the hateful tyranny of evil passions, I + did a very rash and foolish thing. I need not mention the manner in which + I transgressed God's holy laws; all the neighbours know it, and must have + told you long ago. I could have borne reproof, but they turned my sorrow + into indecent jests, and, unable to bear their coarse ridicule, I made + companions of my dogs and gun, and went forth into the wilderness. Hunting + became a habit. I could no longer live without it, and it supplies the + stimulant which I lost when I renounced the cursed whiskey bottle. + </p> + <p> + “I remember the first hunting excursion I took alone in the forest. How + sad and gloomy I felt! I thought that there was no creature in the world + so miserable as myself. I was tired and hungry, and I sat down upon a + fallen tree to rest. All was still as death around me, and I was fast + sinking to sleep, when my attention was aroused by a long, wild cry. My + dog, for I had not Chance then, and he's no hunter, pricked up his ears, + but instead of answering with a bark of defiance, he crouched down, + trembling, at my feet. 'What does this mean?' I cried, and I cocked my + rifle and sprang upon the log. The sound came nearer upon the wind. It was + like the deep baying of a pack of hounds in full cry. Presently a noble + deer rushed past me, and fast upon his trail—I see them now, like so + many black devils—swept by a pack of ten or fifteen large, fierce + wolves, with fiery eyes and bristling hair, and paws that seemed hardly to + touch the ground in their eager haste. I thought not of danger, for, with + their prey in view, I was safe; but I felt every nerve within me tremble + for the fate of the poor deer. The wolves gained upon him at every bound. + A close thicket intercepted his path, and, rendered desperate, he turned + at bay. His nostrils were dilated, and his eyes seemed to send forth long + streams of light. It was wonderful to witness the courage of the beast. + How bravely he repelled the attacks of his deadly enemies, how gallantly + he tossed them to the right and left, and spurned them from beneath his + hoofs; yet all his struggles were useless, and he was quickly overcome and + torn to pieces by his ravenous foes. At that moment he seemed more + unfortunate than even myself, for I could not see in what manner he had + deserved his fate. All his speed and energy, his courage and fortitude, + had been exerted in vain. I had tried to destroy myself; but he, with + every effort vigorously made for self-preservation, was doomed to meet the + fate he dreaded! Is God just to his creatures?” + </p> + <p> + With this sentence on his lips, he started abruptly from his seat, and + left the house. + </p> + <p> + One day he found me painting some wild flowers, and was greatly interested + in watching the progress I made in the group. Late in the afternoon of the + following day he brought me a large bunch of splendid spring flowers. + </p> + <p> + “Draw these,” said he; “I have been all the way to the —— lake + plains to find them for you.” + </p> + <p> + Little Katie, grasping them one by one, with infantile joy, kissed every + lovely blossom. + </p> + <p> + “These are God's pictures,” said the hunter, “and the child, who is all + nature, understands them in a minute. Is it not strange that these + beautiful things are hid away in the wilderness, where no eyes but the + birds of the air, and the wild beasts of the wood, and the insects that + live upon them, ever see them? Does God provide, for the pleasure of such + creatures, these flowers? Is His benevolence gratified by the admiration + of animals whom we have been taught to consider as having neither thought + nor reflection? When I am alone in the forest, these thoughts puzzle me.” + </p> + <p> + Knowing that to argue with Brian was only to call into action the + slumbering fires of his fatal malady, I turned the conversation by asking + him why he called his favourite dog Chance? + </p> + <p> + “I found him,” he said, “forty miles back in the bush. He was a mere + skeleton. At first I took him for a wolf, but the shape of his head + undeceived me. I opened my wallet, and called him to me. He came slowly, + stopping and wagging his tail at every step, and looking me wistfully in + the face. I offered him a bit of dried venison, and he soon became + friendly, and followed me home, and has never left me since. I called him + Chance, after the manner I happened with him; and I would not part with + him for twenty dollars.” + </p> + <p> + Alas, for poor Chance! he had, unknown to his master, contracted a private + liking for fresh mutton, and one night he killed no less than eight sheep + that belonged to Mr. D——, on the front road; the culprit, who + had been long suspected, was caught in the very act, and this mischance + cost him his life. Brian was sad and gloomy for many weeks after his + favourite's death. + </p> + <p> + “I would have restored the sheep fourfold,” he said, “if he would but have + spared the life of my dog.” + </p> + <p> + My recollections of Brian seemed more particularly to concentrate in the + adventures of one night, when I happened to be left alone, for the first + time since my arrival in Canada. I cannot now imagine how I could have + been such a fool as to give way for four-and-twenty hours to such childish + fears; but so it was, and I will not disguise my weakness from my + indulgent reader. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had bought a very fine cow of a black man, named Mollineux, for + which he was to give twenty-seven dollars. The man lived twelve miles back + in the woods; and one fine, frosty spring day—(don't smile at the + term frosty, thus connected with the genial season of the year; the term + is perfectly correct when applied to the Canadian spring, which, until the + middle of May, is the most dismal season of the year)—he and John + Monaghan took a rope, and the dog, and sallied forth to fetch the cow + home. Moodie said that they should be back by six o'clock in the evening, + and charged me to have something cooked for supper when they returned, as + he doubted not their long walk in the sharp air would give them a good + appetite. This was during the time that I was without a servant, and + living in old Mrs. ——'s shanty. + </p> + <p> + The day was so bright and clear, and Katie was so full of frolic and play, + rolling upon the floor, or toddling from chair to chair, that the day + passed on without my feeling remarkably lonely. At length the evening drew + nigh, and I began to expect my husband's return, and to think of the + supper that I was to prepare for his reception. The red heifer that we had + bought of Layton, came lowing to the door to be milked; but I did not know + how to milk in those days, and, besides this, I was terribly afraid of + cattle. Yet, as I knew that milk would be required for the tea, I ran + across the meadow to Mrs. Joe, and begged that one of her girls would be + so kind as to milk for me. My request was greeted with a rude burst of + laughter from the whole set. + </p> + <p> + “If you can't milk,” said Mrs. Joe, “it's high time you should learn. My + girls are above being helps.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not ask you but as a great favour; I am afraid of cows.” + </p> + <p> + “Afraid of cows! Lord bless the woman! A farmer's wife, and afraid of + cows!” + </p> + <p> + Here followed another laugh at my expense; and, indignant at the refusal + of my first and last request, when they had all borrowed so much from me, + I shut the inhospitable door, and returned home. + </p> + <p> + After many ineffectual attempts, I succeeded at last, and bore my + half-pail of milk in triumph to the house. Yes! I felt prouder of that + milk than many an author of the best thing he ever wrote, whether in verse + or prose; and it was doubly sweet when I considered that I had procured it + without being under any obligation to my ill-natured neighbours. I had + learned a useful lesson of independence, to which, in after-years, I had + often again to refer. + </p> + <p> + I fed little Katie and put her to bed, made the hot cakes for tea, boiled + the potatoes, and laid the ham, cut in nice slices, in the pan, ready to + cook the moment I saw the men enter the meadow, and arranged the little + room with scrupulous care and neatness. A glorious fire was blazing on the + hearth, and everything was ready for their supper; and I began to look out + anxiously for their arrival. + </p> + <p> + The night had closed in cold and foggy, and I could no longer distinguish + any object at more than a few yards from the door. Bringing in as much + wood as I thought would last me for several hours, I closed the door; and + for the first time in my life I found myself at night in a house entirely + alone. Then I began to ask myself a thousand torturing questions as to the + reason of their unusual absence. Had they lost their way in the woods? + Could they have fallen in with wolves (one of my early bugbears)? Could + any fatal accident have befallen them? I started up, opened the door, held + my breath, and listened. The little brook lifted up its voice in loud, + hoarse wailing, or mocked, in its babbling to the stones, the sound of + human voices. As it became later, my fears increased in proportion. I grew + too superstitious and nervous to keep the door open. I not only closed it, + but dragged a heavy box in front, for bolt there was none. Several + ill-looking men had, during the day, asked their way to Toronto. I felt + alarmed, lest such rude wayfarers should come to-night and demand a + lodging, and find me alone and unprotected. Once I thought of running + across to Mrs. Joe, and asking her to let one of the girls stay with me + until Moodie returned; but the way in which I had been repulsed in the + evening prevented me from making a second appeal to their charity. + </p> + <p> + Hour after hour wore away, and the crowing of the cocks proclaimed + midnight, and yet they came not. I had burnt out all my wood, and I dared + not open the door to fetch in more. The candle was expiring in the socket, + and I had not courage to go up into the loft and procure another before it + went finally out. Cold, heart-weary, and faint, I sat and cried. Every now + and then the furious barking of the dogs at the neighbouring farms, and + the loud cackling of the geese upon our own, made me hope that they were + coming; and then I listened till the beating of my own heart excluded all + other sounds. Oh, that unwearied brook! how it sobbed and moaned like a + fretful child;—what unreal terrors and fanciful illusions my too + active mind conjured up, whilst listening to its mysterious tones! + </p> + <p> + Just as the moon rose, the howling of a pack of wolves, from the great + swamp in our rear, filled the whole air. Their yells were answered by the + barking of all the dogs in the vicinity, and the geese, unwilling to be + behind-hand in the general confusion, set up the most discordant screams. + I had often heard, and even been amused, during the winter, particularly + on thaw nights, with hearing the howls of these formidable wild beasts; + but I had never before heard them alone, and when one dear to me was + abroad amid their haunts. They were directly in the track that Moodie and + Monaghan must have taken; and I now made no doubt that they had been + attacked and killed on their return through the woods with the cow, and I + wept and sobbed until the cold grey dawn peered in upon me through the + small dim window. I have passed many a long cheerless night, when my dear + husband was away from me during the rebellion, and I was left in my forest + home with five little children, and only an old Irish woman to draw and + cut wood for my fire, and attend to the wants of the family, but that was + the saddest and longest night I ever remember. + </p> + <p> + Just as the day broke, my friends the wolves set up a parting benediction, + so loud, and wild, and near to the house, that I was afraid lest they + should break through the frail window, or come down the low wide chimney, + and rob me of my child. But their detestable howls died away in the + distance, and the bright sun rose up and dispersed the wild horrors of the + night, and I looked once more timidly around me. The sight of the table + spread, and the uneaten supper, renewed my grief, for I could not divest + myself of the idea that Moodie was dead. I opened the door, and stepped + forth into the pure air of the early day. A solemn and beautiful repose + still hung like a veil over the face of Nature. The mists of night still + rested upon the majestic woods, and not a sound but the flowing of the + waters went up in the vast stillness. The earth had not yet raised her + matin hymn to the throne of the Creator. Sad at heart, and weary and worn + in spirit, I went down to the spring and washed my face and head, and + drank a deep draught of its icy waters. On returning to the house I met, + near the door, old Brian the hunter, with a large fox dangling across his + shoulder, and the dogs following at his heels. + </p> + <p> + “Good God! Mrs. Moodie, what is the matter? You are early abroad this + morning, and look dreadful ill. Is anything wrong at home? Is the baby or + your husband sick?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh!” I cried, bursting into tears, “I fear he is killed by the wolves.” + </p> + <p> + The man stared at me, as if he doubted the evidence of his senses, and + well he might; but this one idea had taken such strong possession of my + mind that I could admit no other. I then told him, as well as I could find + words, the cause of my alarm, to which he listened very kindly and + patiently. + </p> + <p> + “Set your heart at rest; your husband is safe. It is a long journey on + foot to Mollineux, to one unacquainted with a blazed path in a bush road. + They have stayed all night at the black man's shanty, and you will see + them back at noon.” + </p> + <p> + I shook my head and continued to weep. + </p> + <p> + “Well, now, in order to satisfy you, I will saddle my mare, and ride over + to the nigger's, and bring you word as fast as I can.” + </p> + <p> + I thanked him sincerely for his kindness, and returned, in somewhat better + spirits, to the house. At ten o'clock my good messenger returned with the + glad tidings that all was well. + </p> + <p> + The day before, when half the journey had been accomplished, John Monaghan + let go the rope by which he led the cow, and she had broken away through + the woods, and returned to her old master; and when they again reached his + place, night had set in, and they were obliged to wait until the return of + day. Moodie laughed heartily at all my fears; but indeed I found them no + joke. + </p> + <p> + Brian's eldest son, a lad of fourteen, was not exactly an idiot, but what, + in the old country, is very expressively termed by the poor people a + “natural.” He could feed and assist himself, had been taught imperfectly + to read and write, and could go to and from the town on errands, and carry + a message from one farm-house to another; but he was a strange, wayward + creature, and evidently inherited, in no small degree, his father's + malady. + </p> + <p> + During the summer months he lived entirely in the woods, near his father's + dwelling, only returning to obtain food, which was generally left for him + in an outhouse. In the winter, driven home by the severity of the weather, + he would sit for days together moping in the chimney-corner, without + taking the least notice of what was passing around him. Brian never + mentioned this boy—who had a strong, active figure; a handsome, but + very inexpressive face—without a deep sigh; and I feel certain that + half his own dejection was occasioned by the mental aberration of his + child. + </p> + <p> + One day he sent the lad with a note to our house, to know if Moodie would + purchase the half of an ox that he was going to kill. There happened to + stand in the corner of the room an open wood box, into which several + bushels of fine apples had been thrown; and, while Moodie was writing an + answer to the note, the eyes of the idiot were fastened, as if by some + magnetic influence, upon the apples. Knowing that Brian had a very fine + orchard, I did not offer the boy any of the fruit. When the note was + finished, I handed it to him. The lad grasped it mechanically, without + removing his fixed gaze from the apples. + </p> + <p> + “Give that to your father, Tom.” + </p> + <p> + The boy answered not—his ears, his eyes, his whole soul, were + concentrated in the apples. Ten minutes elapsed, but he stood motionless, + like a pointer at dead set. + </p> + <p> + “My good boy, you can go.” + </p> + <p> + He did not stir. + </p> + <p> + “Is there anything you want?” + </p> + <p> + “I want,” said the lad, without moving his eyes from the objects of his + intense desire, and speaking in a slow, pointed manner, which ought to + have been heard to be fully appreciated, “I want ap-ples!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, if that's all, take what you like.” + </p> + <p> + The permission once obtained, the boy flung himself upon the box with the + rapacity of a hawk upon its prey, after being long poised in the air, to + fix its certain aim; thrusting his hands to the right and left, in order + to secure the finest specimens of the coveted fruit, scarcely allowing + himself time to breathe until he had filled his old straw hat, and all his + pockets, with apples. To help laughing was impossible; while this new Tom + o' Bedlam darted from the house, and scampered across the field for dear + life, as if afraid that we should pursue him, to rob him of his prize. + </p> + <p> + It was during this winter that our friend Brian was left a fortune of + three hundred pounds per annum; but it was necessary for him to return to + his native country, in order to take possession of the property. This he + positively refused to do; and when we remonstrated with him on the + apparent imbecility of this resolution, he declared that he would not risk + his life, in crossing the Atlantic twice for twenty times that sum. What + strange inconsistency was this, in a being who had three times attempted + to take away that which he dreaded so much to lose accidentally! + </p> + <p> + I was much amused with an account which he gave me, in his quaint way, of + an excursion he went upon with a botanist, to collect specimens of the + plants and flowers of Upper Canada. + </p> + <p> + “It was a fine spring day, some ten years ago, and I was yoking my oxen to + drag in some oats I had just sown, when a little, fat, punchy man, with a + broad, red, good-natured face, and carrying a small black leathern wallet + across his shoulder, called to me over the fence, and asked me if my name + was Brian B——? I said, 'Yes; what of that?' + </p> + <p> + “'Only you are the man I want to see. They tell me that you are better + acquainted with the woods than any person in these parts; and I will pay + you anything in reason if you will be my guide for a few days.' + </p> + <p> + “'Where do you want to go?' said I. + </p> + <p> + “'Nowhere in particular,' says he. 'I want to go here and there, in all + directions, to collect plants and flowers.' + </p> + <p> + “That is still-hunting with a vengeance, thought I. 'To-day I must drag in + my oats. If to-morrow will suit, we will be off.' + </p> + <p> + “'And your charge?' said he. 'I like to be certain of that.' + </p> + <p> + “'A dollar a day. My time and labour upon my farm, at this busy season, is + worth more than that.' + </p> + <p> + “'True,' said he. 'Well, I'll give you what you ask. At what time will you + be ready to start?' + </p> + <p> + “'By daybreak, if you wish it.' + </p> + <p> + “Away he went; and by daylight next morning he was at my door, mounted + upon a stout French pony. 'What are you going to do with that beast?' said + I. 'Horses are of no use on the road that you and I are to travel. You had + better leave him in my stable.' + </p> + <p> + “'I want him to carry my traps,' said he; 'it may be some days that we + shall be absent.' + </p> + <p> + “I assured him that he must be his own beast of burthen, and carry his + axe, and blanket, and wallet of food upon his own back. The little body + did not much relish this arrangement; but as there was no help for it, he + very good-naturedly complied. Off we set, and soon climbed the steep ridge + at the back of your farm, and got upon —— lake plains. The + woods were flush with flowers; and the little man grew into such an + ecstacy, that at every fresh specimen he uttered a yell of joy, cut a + caper in the air, and flung himself down upon them, as if he was drunk + with delight. 'Oh, what treasures! what treasures!' he cried. 'I shall + make my fortune!' + </p> + <p> + “It is seldom I laugh,” quoth Brian, “but I could not help laughing at + this odd little man; for it was not the beautiful blossoms, such as you + delight to paint, that drew forth these exclamations, but the queer little + plants, which he had rummaged for at the roots of old trees, among the + moss and long grass. He sat upon a decayed trunk, which lay in our path, I + do believe for a long hour, making an oration over some greyish things, + spotted with red, that grew upon it, which looked more like mould than + plants, declaring himself repaid for all the trouble and expense he had + been at, if it were only to obtain a sight of them. I gathered him a + beautiful blossom of the lady's slipper; but he pushed it back when I + presented it to him, saying, 'Yes, yes; 'tis very fine. I have seen that + often before; but these lichens are splendid.' + </p> + <p> + “The man had so little taste that I thought him a fool, and so I left him + to talk to his dear plants, while I shot partridges for our supper. We + spent six days in the woods, and the little man filled his black wallet + with all sorts of rubbish, as if he wilfully shut his eyes to the + beautiful flowers, and chose only to admire ugly, insignificant plants + that everybody else passes by without noticing, and which, often as I had + been in the woods, I never had observed before. I never pursued a deer + with such earnestness as he continued his hunt for what he called + 'specimens.' + </p> + <p> + “When we came to the Cold Creek, which is pretty deep in places, he was in + such a hurry to get at some plants that grew under the water, that in + reaching after them he lost his balance and fell head over heels into the + stream. He got a thorough ducking, and was in a terrible fright; but he + held on to the flowers which had caused the trouble, and thanked his stars + that he had saved them as well as his life. Well, he was an innocent man,” + continued Brian; “a very little made him happy, and at night he would sing + and amuse himself like a child. He gave me ten dollars for my trouble, and + I never saw him again; but I often think of him, when hunting in the woods + that we wandered through together, and I pluck the wee plants that he used + to admire, and wonder why he preferred them to the fine flowers.” + </p> + <p> + When our resolution was formed to sell our farm, and take up our grant of + land in the backwoods, no one was so earnest in trying to persuade us to + give up this ruinous scheme as our friend Brian B——, who + became quite eloquent in his description of the trials and sorrows that + awaited us. During the last week of our stay in the township of H——, + he visited us every evening, and never bade us good-night without a tear + moistening his cheek. We parted with the hunter as with an old friend; and + we never met again. His fate was a sad one. After we left that part of the + country, he fell into a moping melancholy, which ended in + self-destruction. But a kinder, warmer-hearted man, while he enjoyed the + light of reason, has seldom crossed our path. + </p> + <h3> + THE DYING HUNTER TO HIS DOG + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Lie down, lie down, my noble hound! + That joyful bark give o'er; + It wakes the lonely echoes round, + But rouses me no more. + Thy lifted ears, thy swelling chest, + Thine eye so keenly bright, + No longer kindle in my breast + The thrill of fierce delight; + As following thee, on foaming steed, + My eager soul outstripp'd thy speed. + + Lie down, lie down, my faithful hound! + And watch this night with me. + For thee again the horn shall sound, + By mountain, stream, and tree; + And thou, along the forest glade, + Shall track the flying deer + When, cold and silent, I am laid + In chill oblivion here. + Another voice shall cheer thee on, + And glory when the chase is won. + + Lie down, lie down, my gallant hound! + Thy master's life is sped; + And, couch'd upon the dewy ground, + 'Tis thine to watch the dead. + But when the blush of early day + Is kindling in the sky, + Then speed thee, faithful friend, away, + And to my Agnes hie; + And guide her to this lonely spot, + Though my closed eyes behold her not. + + Lie down, lie down, my trusty hound! + Death comes, and now we part. + In my dull ear strange murmurs sound— + More faintly throbs my heart; + The many twinkling lights of Heaven + Scarce glimmer in the blue— + Chill round me falls the breath of even, + Cold on my brow the dew; + Earth, stars, and heavens are lost to sight— + The chase is o'er!—brave friend, good-night! +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0011" id="link2HCH0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XI — THE CHARIVARI — + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Our fate is seal'd! 'Tis now in vain to sigh + For home, or friends, or country left behind. + Come, dry those tears, and lift the downcast eye + To the high heaven of hope, and be resign'd; + Wisdom and time will justify the deed, + The eye will cease to weep, the heart to bleed. + + Love's thrilling sympathies, affections pure, + All that endear'd and hallow'd your lost home, + Shall on a broad foundation, firm and sure, + Establish peace; the wilderness become, + Dear as the distant land you fondly prize, + Or dearer visions that in memory rise. +</pre> + <p> + The moan of the wind tells of the coming rain that it bears upon its + wings; the deep stillness of the woods, and the lengthened shadows they + cast upon the stream, silently but surely foreshow the bursting of the + thunder-cloud; and who that has lived for any time upon the coast, can + mistake the language of the waves; that deep prophetic surging that ushers + in the terrible gale? So it is with the human heart—it has its + mysterious warnings, its fits of sunshine and shade, of storm and calm, + now elevated with anticipations of joy, now depressed by dark + presentiments of ill. + </p> + <p> + All who have ever trodden this earth, possessed of the powers of thought + and reflection, of tracing effects back to their causes, have listened to + these voices of the soul, and secretly acknowledged their power; but few, + very few, have had courage boldly to declare their belief in them: the + wisest and the best have given credence to them, and the experience of + every day proves their truth; yea, the proverbs of past ages abound with + allusions to the same subject, and though the worldly may sneer, and the + good man reprobate the belief in a theory which he considers dangerous, + yet the former, when he appears led by an irresistible impulse to enter + into some fortunate, but until then unthought-of speculation; and the + latter, when he devoutly exclaims that God has met him in prayer, + unconsciously acknowledge the same spiritual agency. For my own part, I + have no doubts upon the subject, and have found many times, and at + different periods of my life, that the voice in the soul speaks truly; + that if we gave stricter heed to its mysterious warnings, we should be + saved much after-sorrow. + </p> + <p> + Well do I remember how sternly and solemnly this inward monitor warned me + of approaching ill, the last night I spent at home; how it strove to draw + me back as from a fearful abyss, beseeching me not to leave England and + emigrate to Canada, and how gladly would I have obeyed the injunction had + it still been in my power. I had bowed to a superior mandate, the command + of duty; for my husband's sake, for the sake of the infant, whose little + bosom heaved against my swelling heart, I had consented to bid adieu for + ever to my native shores, and it seemed both useless and sinful to draw + back. + </p> + <p> + Yet, by what stern necessity were we driven forth to seek a new home amid + the western wilds? We were not compelled to emigrate. Bound to England by + a thousand holy and endearing ties, surrounded by a circle of chosen + friends, and happy in each other's love, we possessed all that the world + can bestow of good—but <i>wealth</i>. The half-pay of a subaltern + officer, managed with the most rigid economy, is too small to supply the + wants of a family; and if of a good family, not enough to maintain his + original standing in society. True, it may find his children bread, it may + clothe them indifferently, but it leaves nothing for the indispensable + requirements of education, or the painful contingencies of sickness and + misfortune. In such a case, it is both wise and right to emigrate; Nature + points it out as the only safe remedy for the evils arising out of an + over-dense population, and her advice is always founded upon justice and + truth. + </p> + <p> + Up to the period of which I now speak, we had not experienced much + inconvenience from our very limited means. Our wants were few, and we + enjoyed many of the comforts and even some of the luxuries of life; and + all had gone on smoothly and lovingly with us until the birth of our first + child. It was then that prudence whispered to the father, “you are happy + and contented now, but this cannot always last; the birth of that child + whom you have hailed with as much rapture as though she were born to + inherit a noble estate, is to you the beginning of care. Your family may + increase, and your wants will increase in proportion; out of what fund can + you satisfy their demands? Some provision must be made for the future, and + made quickly, while youth and health enable you to combat successfully + with the ills of life. When you married for inclination, you knew that + emigration must be the result of such an act of imprudence in + over-populated England. Up and be doing, while you still possess the means + of transporting yourself to a land where the industrious can never lack + bread, and where there is a chance that wealth and independence may reward + virtuous toil.” + </p> + <p> + Alas! that truth should ever whisper such unpleasant realities to the + lover of ease—to the poet, the author, the musician, the man of + books, of refined taste and gentlemanly habits. Yet he took the hint, and + began to bestir himself with the spirit and energy so characteristic of + the glorious North, from whence he sprung. + </p> + <p> + “The sacrifice,” he said, “must be made, and the sooner the better. My + dear wife, I feel confident that you will respond to the call of duty, + and, hand-in-hand and heart-in-heart we will go forth to meet + difficulties, and, by the help of God, to subdue them.” + </p> + <p> + Dear husband! I take shame to myself that my purpose was less firm, that + my heart lingered so far behind yours in preparing for this great epoch in + our lives; that, like Lot's wife, I still turned and looked back, and + clung with all my strength to the land I was leaving. It was not the + hardships of an emigrant's life I dreaded. I could bear mere physical + privations philosophically enough; it was the loss of the society in which + I had moved, the want of congenial minds, of persons engaged in congenial + pursuits, that made me so reluctant to respond to my husband's call. + </p> + <p> + I was the youngest in a family remarkable for their literary attainments; + and, while yet a child, I had seen riches melt away from our once + prosperous home, as the Canadian snows dissolve before the first warm days + of spring, leaving the verdureless earth naked and bare. + </p> + <p> + There was, however, a spirit in my family that rose superior to the + crushing influences of adversity. Poverty, which so often degrades the + weak mind, became their best teacher, the stern but fruitful parent of + high resolve and ennobling thought. The very misfortunes that overwhelmed, + became the source from whence they derived both energy and strength, as + the inundation of some mighty river fertilises the shores over which it + first spreads ruin and desolation. Without losing aught of their former + position in society, they dared to be poor; to place mind above matter, + and make the talents with which the great Father had liberally endowed + them, work out their appointed end. The world sneered, and summer friends + forsook them; they turned their backs upon the world, and upon the + ephemeral tribes that live but in its smiles. + </p> + <p> + From out of the solitude in which they dwelt, their names went forth + through the crowded cities of that cold, sneering world, and their names + were mentioned with respect by the wise and good; and what they lost in + wealth, they more than regained in well-earned reputation. + </p> + <p> + Brought up in this school of self-denial, it would have been strange + indeed if all its wise and holy precepts had brought forth no + corresponding fruit. I endeavoured to reconcile myself to the change that + awaited me, to accommodate my mind and pursuits to the new position in + which I found myself placed. + </p> + <p> + Many a hard battle had we to fight with old prejudices, and many proud + swellings of the heart to subdue, before we could feel the least interest + in the land of our adoption, or look upon it as our home. + </p> + <p> + All was new, strange, and distasteful to us; we shrank from the rude, + coarse familiarity of the uneducated people among whom we were thrown; and + they in return viewed us as innovators, who wished to curtail their + independence, by expecting from them the kindly civilities and gentle + courtesies of a more refined community. They considered us proud and shy, + when we were only anxious not to give offense. The semi-barbarous Yankee + squatters, who had “left their country for their country's good,” and by + whom we were surrounded in our first settlement, detested us, and with + them we could have no feeling in common. We could neither lie nor cheat in + our dealings with them; and they despised us for our ignorance in trading + and our want of smartness. + </p> + <p> + The utter want of that common courtesy with which a well-brought-up + European addresses the poorest of his brethren, is severely felt at first + by settlers in Canada. At the period of which I am now speaking, the + titles of “sir” or “madam” were very rarely applied by inferiors. They + entered your house without knocking; and while boasting of their freedom, + violated one of its dearest laws, which considers even the cottage of the + poorest labourer his castle, and his privacy sacred. + </p> + <p> + “Is your man to hum?”—“Is the woman within?” were the general + inquiries made to me by such guests, while my bare-legged, ragged Irish + servants were always spoken to, as “sir” and “mem,” as if to make the + distinction more pointed. + </p> + <p> + Why they treated our claims to their respect with marked insult and + rudeness, I never could satisfactorily determine, in any way that could + reflect honour on the species, or even plead an excuse for its brutality, + until I found that this insolence was more generally practised by the low, + uneducated emigrants from Britain, who better understood your claims to + their civility, than by the natives themselves. Then I discovered the + secret. + </p> + <p> + The unnatural restraint which society imposes upon these people at home + forces them to treat their more fortunate brethren with a servile + deference which is repugnant to their feelings, and is thrust upon them by + the dependent circumstances in which they are placed. This homage to rank + and education is not sincere. Hatred and envy lie rankling at their heart, + although hidden by outward obsequiousness. Necessity compels their + obedience; they fawn, and cringe, and flatter the wealth on which they + depend for bread. But let them once emigrate, the clog which fettered them + is suddenly removed; they are free; and the dearest privilege of this + freedom is to wreak upon their superiors the long-locked-up hatred of + their hearts. They think they can debase you to their level by disallowing + all your claims to distinction; while they hope to exalt themselves and + their fellows into ladies and gentlemen by sinking you back to the only + title you received from Nature—plain “man” and “woman.” Oh, how much + more honourable than their vulgar pretensions! + </p> + <p> + I never knew the real dignity of these simple epithets until they were + insultingly thrust upon us by the working-classes of Canada. + </p> + <p> + But from this folly the native-born Canadian is exempt; it is only + practised by the low-born Yankee, or the Yankeefied British peasantry and + mechanics. It originates in the enormous reaction springing out of a + sudden emancipation from a state of utter dependence to one of + unrestrained liberty. As such, I not only excuse, but forgive it, for the + principle is founded in nature; and, however disgusting and distasteful to + those accustomed to different treatment from their inferiors, it is better + than a hollow profession of duty and attachment urged upon us by a false + and unnatural position. Still it is very irksome until you think more + deeply upon it; and then it serves to amuse rather than to irritate. + </p> + <p> + And here I would observe, before quitting this subject, that of all + follies, that of taking out servants from the old country is one of the + greatest, and is sure to end in the loss of the money expended in their + passage, and to become the cause of deep disappointment and mortification + to yourself. + </p> + <p> + They no sooner set foot upon the Canadian shores then they become + possessed with this ultra-republican spirit. All respect for their + employers, all subordination, is at an end; the very air of Canada severs + the tie of mutual obligation which bound you together. They fancy + themselves not only equal to you in rank, but that ignorance and vulgarity + give them superior claims to notice. They demand in terms the highest + wages, and grumble at doing half the work, in return, which they + cheerfully performed at home. They demand to eat at your table, and to sit + in your company; and if you refuse to listen to their dishonest and + extravagant claims, they tell you that “they are free; that no contract + signed in the old country is binding in 'Meriky'; that you may look out + for another person to fill their place as soon as you like; and that you + may get the money expended in their passage and outfit in the best manner + you can.” + </p> + <p> + I was unfortunately persuaded to take out a woman with me as a nurse for + my child during the voyage, as I was in very poor health; and her conduct, + and the trouble and expense she occasioned, were a perfect illustration of + what I have described. + </p> + <p> + When we consider the different position in which servants are placed in + the old and new world, this conduct, ungrateful as it then appeared to me, + ought not to create the least surprise. In Britain, for instance, they are + too often dependent upon the caprice of their employers for bread. Their + wages are low; their moral condition still lower. They are brought up in + the most servile fear of the higher classes, and they feel most keenly + their hopeless degradation, for no effort on their part can better their + condition. They know that if once they get a bad character, they must + starve or steal; and to this conviction we are indebted for a great deal + of their seeming fidelity and long and laborious service in our families, + which we owe less to any moral perception on their part of the superior + kindness or excellence of their employers, than to the mere feeling of + assurance, that as long as they do their work well, and are cheerful and + obedient, they will be punctually paid their wages, and well housed and + fed. + </p> + <p> + Happy is it for them and their masters when even this selfish bond of + union exists between them! + </p> + <p> + But in Canada the state of things in this respect is wholly reversed. The + serving class, comparatively speaking, is small, and admits of little + competition. Servants that understand the work of the country are not + easily procured, and such always can command the highest wages. The + possession of a good servant is such an addition to comfort, that they are + persons of no small consequence, for the dread of starving no longer + frightens them into servile obedience. They can live without you, and they + well know that you cannot do without them. If you attempt to practise upon + them that common vice of English mistresses, to scold them for any slight + omission or offence, you rouse into active operation all their new-found + spirit of freedom and opposition. They turn upon you with a torrent of + abuse; they demand their wages, and declare their intention of quitting + you instantly. The more inconvenient the time for you, the more bitter + become their insulting remarks. They tell you, with a high hand, that + “they are as good as you; that they can get twenty better places by the + morrow, and that they don't care a snap for your anger.” And away they + bounce, leaving you to finish a large wash, or a heavy job of ironing, in + the best way you can. + </p> + <p> + When we look upon such conduct as the reaction arising out of their former + state, we cannot so much blame them, and are obliged to own that it is the + natural result of a sudden emancipation from former restraint. With all + their insolent airs of independence, I must confess that I prefer the + Canadian to the European servant. If they turn out good and faithful, it + springs more from real respect and affection, and you possess in your + domestic a valuable assistant and friend; but this will never be the case + with a servant brought out with you from the old country, for the reasons + before assigned. The happy independence enjoyed in this highly-favoured + land is nowhere better illustrated than in the fact that no domestic can + be treated with cruelty or insolence by an unbenevolent or arrogant + master. + </p> + <p> + Forty years has made as great a difference in the state of society in + Canada as it has in its commercial and political importance. When we came + to the Canadas, society was composed of elements which did not always + amalgamate in the best possible manner. + </p> + <p> + We were reckoned no addition to the society of C——. Authors + and literary people they held in supreme detestation; and I was told by a + lady, the very first time I appeared in company, that “she heard that I + wrote books, but she could tell me that they did not want a Mrs. Trollope + in Canada.” + </p> + <p> + I had not then read Mrs. Trollope's work on America, or I should have + comprehended at once the cause of her indignation; for she was just such a + person as would have drawn forth the keen satire of that far-seeing + observer of the absurdities of our nature, whose witty exposure of + American affectation has done more towards producing a reform in that + respect, than would have resulted from a thousand grave animadversions + soberly written. + </p> + <p> + Another of my self-constituted advisers informed me, with great asperity + in her look and tone, that “it would be better for me to lay by the pen, + and betake myself to some more useful employment; that she thanked her God + that she could make a shirt, and see to the cleaning of her house!” + </p> + <p> + These remarks were perfectly gratuitous, and called forth by no + observation of mine; for I tried to conceal my blue stockings beneath the + long conventional robes of the tamest common-place, hoping to cover the + faintest tinge of the objectionable colour. I had spoken to neither of + these women in my life, and was much amused by their remarks; particularly + as I could both make a shirt, and attend to the domestic arrangement of my + family, as well as either of them. + </p> + <p> + I verily believe that they expected to find an author one of a distinct + species from themselves; that they imagined the aforesaid biped should + neither eat, drink, sleep, nor talk like other folks;—a proud, + useless, self-conceited, affected animal, that deserved nothing but kicks + and buffets from the rest of mankind. + </p> + <p> + Anxious not to offend them, I tried to avoid all literary subjects. I + confined my conversation to topics of common interest; but this gave + greater offence than the most ostentatious show of learning, for they + concluded that I would not talk on such subjects, because I thought them + incapable of understanding me. This was more wounding to their self-love + than the most arrogant assumption on my part; and they regarded me with a + jealous, envious stand-a-loofishness, that was so intolerable that I gave + up all ideas of visiting them. I was so accustomed to hear the whispered + remark, or to have it retailed to me by others, “Oh, yes; she can write, + but she can do nothing else,” that I was made more diligent in cultivating + every branch of domestic usefulness; so that these ill-natured sarcasms + ultimately led to my acquiring a great mass of most useful practical + knowledge. Yet—such is the contradiction inherent in our poor fallen + nature—these people were more annoyed by my proficiency in the + common labours of the household, than they would have been by any displays + of my unfortunate authorship. Never was the fable of the old man and his + ass so truly verified. + </p> + <p> + There is a very little of the social, friendly visiting among the + Canadians which constitutes the great charm of home. Their hospitality is + entirely reserved for those monster meetings in which they vie with each + other in displaying fine clothes and costly furniture. As these large + parties are very expensive, few families can afford to give more than one + during the visiting season, which is almost exclusively confined to the + winter. The great gun, once fired, you meet no more at the same house + around the social board until the ensuing year, and would scarcely know + that you had a neighbor, were it not for a formal morning call made now + and then, just to remind you that such individuals are in the land of the + living, and still exist in your near vicinity. + </p> + <p> + I am speaking of visiting in the towns and villages. The manners and + habits of the European settlers in the country are far more simple and + natural, and their hospitality more genuine and sincere. They have not + been sophisticated by the hard, worldly wisdom of a Canadian town, and + still retain a warm remembrance of the kindly humanities of home. + </p> + <p> + Among the women, a love of dress exceeds all other passions. In public + they dress in silks and satins, and wear the most expensive ornaments, and + they display considerable taste in the arrangement and choice of colours. + The wife of a man in moderate circumstances, whose income does not exceed + two or three hundred pounds a-year, does not hesitate in expending ten or + fifteen pounds upon one article of outside finery, while often her inner + garments are not worth as many sous; thus sacrificing to outward show all + the real comforts of life. + </p> + <p> + The aristocracy of wealth is bad enough; but the aristocracy of dress is + perfectly contemptible. Could Raphael visit Canada in rags, he would be + nothing in their eyes beyond a common sign-painter. + </p> + <p> + Great and manifold, even to the ruin of families, are the evils arising + from this inordinate love for dress. They derive their fashions from the + French and the Americans—seldom from the English, whom they far + surpass in the neatness and elegance of their costume. + </p> + <p> + The Canadian women, while they retain the bloom and freshness of youth, + are exceedingly pretty; but these charms soon fade, owing, perhaps, to the + fierce extremes of their climate, or the withering effect of the dry + metallic air of stoves, and their going too early into company and being + exposed, while yet children, to the noxious influence of late hours, and + the sudden change from heated rooms to the cold, biting, bitter winter + blast. + </p> + <p> + Though small of stature, they are generally well and symmetrically formed, + and possess a graceful, easy carriage. The early age at which they marry, + and are introduced into society, takes from them all awkwardness and + restraint. A girl of fourteen can enter a crowded ball-room with as much + self-possession, and converse with as much confidence, as a matron of + forty. The blush of timidity and diffidence is, indeed, rare upon the + cheek of a Canadian beauty. + </p> + <p> + Their education is so limited and confined to so few accomplishments, and + these not very perfectly taught, that their conversation seldom goes + beyond a particular discussion on their own dress, or that of their + neighbours, their houses, furniture, and servants, sometimes interlarded + with a <i>little harmless gossip</i>, which, however, tells keenly upon + the characters of their dear friends. + </p> + <p> + Yet they have abilities, excellent practical abilities, which, with a + little mental culture, would render them intellectual and charming + companions. At present, too many of these truly lovely girls remind one of + choice flowers half buried in weeds. + </p> + <p> + Music and dancing are their chief accomplishments. In the former they + seldom excel. Though possessing an excellent general taste for music, it + is seldom in their power to bestow upon its study the time which is + required to make a really good musician. They are admirable proficients in + the other art, which they acquire readily, with the least instruction, + often without any instruction at all, beyond that which is given almost + intuitively by a good ear for time, and a quick perception of the harmony + of motion. + </p> + <p> + The waltz is their favorite dance, in which old and young join with the + greatest avidity; it is not unusual to see parents and their grown-up + children dancing in the same set in a public ball-room. + </p> + <p> + Their taste in music is not for the sentimental; they prefer the light, + lively tunes of the Virginian minstrels to the most impassioned strains of + Bellini. + </p> + <p> + On entering one of the public ball-rooms, a stranger would be delighted + with such a display of pretty faces and neat figures. I have hardly ever + seen a really plain Canadian girl in her teens; and a downright ugly one + is almost unknown. + </p> + <p> + The high cheek-bones, wide mouth, and turned-up nose of the Saxon race, so + common among the lower classes in Britain, are here succeeded in the next + generation, by the small oval face, straight nose, and beautifully-cut + mouth of the American; while the glowing tint of the Albion rose pales + before the withering influence of late hours and stove-heat. + </p> + <p> + They are naturally a fine people, and possess capabilities and talents, + which when improved by cultivation will render them second to no people in + the world; and that period is not far distant. + </p> + <p> + Idiots and mad people are so seldom met with among natives of the colony, + that not one of this description of unfortunates has ever come under my + own immediate observation. + </p> + <p> + To the benevolent philanthropist, whose heart has bled over the misery and + pauperism of the lower classes in Great Britain, the almost entire absence + of mendicity from Canada would be highly gratifying. Canada has few, if + any, native beggars; her objects of charity are generally imported from + the mother country, and these are never suffered to want food or clothing. + The Canadians are a truly charitable people; no person in distress is + driven with harsh and cruel language from their doors; they not only + generously relieve the wants of suffering strangers cast upon their + bounty, but they nurse them in sickness, and use every means in their + power to procure them employment. The number of orphan children yearly + adopted by wealthy Canadians, and treated in every respect as their own, + is almost incredible. + </p> + <p> + It is a glorious country for the labouring classes, for while blessed with + health they are always certain of employment, and certain also to derive + from it ample means of support for their families. An industrious, + hard-working man in a few years is able to purchase from his savings a + homestead of his own; and in process of time becomes one of the most + important and prosperous class of settlers in Canada, her free and + independent yeomen, who form the bones and sinews of this rising country, + and from among whom she already begins to draw her senators, while their + educated sons become the aristocrats of the rising generation. + </p> + <p> + It has often been remarked to me by people long resident in the colony, + that those who come to the country destitute of means, but able and + willing to work, invariably improve their condition and become + independent; while the gentleman who brings out with him a small capital + is too often tricked and cheated out of his property, and drawn into rash + and dangerous speculations which terminate in his ruin. His children, + neglected and uneducated, yet brought up with ideas far beyond their + means, and suffered to waste their time in idleness, seldom take to work, + and not unfrequently sink down to the lowest class. + </p> + <p> + But I have dwelt long enough upon these serious subjects; and I will leave + my husband, who is better qualified than myself, to give a more accurate + account of the country, while I turn to matters of a lighter and a + livelier cast. + </p> + <p> + It was towards the close of the summer of 1833, which had been unusually + cold and wet for Canada, while Moodie was absent at D——, + inspecting a portion of his government grant of land, that I was startled + one night, just before retiring to rest, by the sudden firing of guns in + our near vicinity, accompanied by shouts and yells, the braying of horns, + the beating of drums, and the barking of all the dogs in the neighborhood. + I never heard a more stunning uproar of discordant and hideous sounds. + </p> + <p> + What could it all mean? The maid-servant, as much alarmed as myself, + opened the door and listened. + </p> + <p> + “The goodness defend us!” she exclaimed, quickly closing it, and drawing a + bolt seldom used. “We shall be murdered. The Yankees must have taken + Canada, and are marching hither.” + </p> + <p> + “Nonsense! that cannot be it. Besides they would never leave the main road + to attack a poor place like this. Yet the noise is very near. Hark! they + are firing again. Bring me the hammer and some nails, and let us secure + the windows.” + </p> + <p> + The next moment I laughed at my folly in attempting to secure a log hut, + when the application of a match to its rotten walls would consume it in a + few minutes. Still, as the noise increased, I was really frightened. My + servant, who was Irish (for my Scotch girl, Bell, had taken to herself a + husband and I had been obliged to hire another in her place, who had only + been a few days in the country), began to cry and wring her hands, and + lament her hard fate in coming to Canada. + </p> + <p> + Just at this critical moment, when we were both self-convicted of an + arrant cowardice, which would have shamed a Canadian child of six years + old, Mrs. O—— tapped at the door, and although generally a + most unwelcome visitor, from her gossiping, mischievous propensities, I + gladly let her in. + </p> + <p> + “Do tell me,” I cried, “the meaning of this strange uproar?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, 'tis nothing,” she replied, laughing; “you and Mary look as white as + a sheet; but you need not be alarmed. A set of wild fellows have met to + charivari Old Satan, who has married his fourth wife to-night, a young gal + of sixteen. I should not wonder if some mischief happens among them, for + they are a bad set, made up of all the idle loafers about Port H—— + and C——.” + </p> + <p> + “What is a charivari?” said I. “Do, pray, enlighten me.” + </p> + <p> + “Have you been nine months in Canada, and ask that question? Why I thought + you knew everything! Well, I will tell you what it is. The charivari is a + custom that the Canadians got from the French, in the Lower Province, and + a queer custom it is. When an old man marries a young wife, or an old + woman a young husband, or two old people, who ought to be thinking of + their graves, enter for the second or third time into the holy estate of + wedlock, as the priest calls it, all the idle young fellows in the + neighborhood meet together to charivari them. For this purpose they + disguise themselves, blackening their faces, putting their clothes on hind + part before, and wearing horrible masks, with grotesque caps on their + head, adorned with cocks' feathers and bells. They then form in a regular + body, and proceed to the bridegroom's house, to the sound of tin kettles, + horns, and drums, cracked fiddles, and all the discordant instruments they + can collect together. Thus equipped, they surround the house where the + wedding is held, just at the hour when the happy couple are supposed to be + about to retire to rest—beating upon the door with clubs and staves, + and demanding of the bridegroom admittance to drink the bride's health, or + in lieu there of to receive a certain sum of money to treat the band at + the nearest tavern. + </p> + <p> + “If the bridegroom refuses to appear and grant their request, they + commence the horrible din you hear, firing guns charged with peas against + the doors and windows, rattling old pots and kettles, and abusing him for + his stinginess in no measured terms. Sometimes they break open the doors, + and seize upon the bridegroom; and he may esteem himself a very fortunate + man, under such circumstances, if he escapes being ridden upon a rail, + tarred and feathered, and otherwise maltreated. I have known many fatal + accidents arise out of an imprudent refusal to satisfy the demands of the + assailants. People have even lost their lives in the fray; and I think the + government should interfere, and put down these riotous meetings. Surely, + it is very hard, that an old man cannot marry a young gal, if she is + willing to take him, without asking the leave of such a rabble as that. + What right have they to interfere with his private affairs?” + </p> + <p> + “What, indeed?” said I, feeling a truly British indignation at such a + lawless infringement upon the natural rights of man. + </p> + <p> + “I remember,” continued Mrs. O——, who had got fairly started + upon a favorite subject, “a scene of this kind, that was acted two years + ago, at ——, when old Mr. P—— took his third wife. + He was a very rich storekeeper, and had made during the war a great deal + of money. He felt lonely in his old age, and married a young, handsome + widow, to enliven his house. The lads in the village were determined to + make him pay for his frolic. This got wind, and Mr. P—— was + advised to spend the honeymoon in Toronto; but he only laughed, and said + that 'he was not going to be frightened from his comfortable home by the + threats of a few wild boys.' In the morning, he was married at the church, + and spent the day at home, where he entertained a large party of his own + and the bride's friends. During the evening, all the idle chaps in the + town collected round the house, headed by a mad young bookseller, who had + offered himself for their captain, and, in the usual forms, demanded a + sight of the bride, and liquor to drink her health. They were very + good-naturedly received by Mr. P——, who sent a friend down to + them to bid them welcome, and to inquire on what terms they would consent + to let him off, and disperse. + </p> + <p> + “The captain of the band demanded sixty dollars, as he, Mr. P——, + could well afford to pay it. + </p> + <p> + “'That's too much, my fine fellows!' cried Mr. P—— from the + open window. 'Say twenty-five, and I will send you down a cheque upon the + bank of Montreal for the money.' + </p> + <p> + “'Thirty! thirty! thirty! old boy!' roared a hundred voices. 'Your wife's + worth that. Down with the cash, and we will give you three cheers, and + three times three for the bride, and leave you to sleep in peace. If you + hang back, we will raise such a 'larum about your ears that you shan't + know that your wife's your own for a month to come!' + </p> + <p> + “'I'll give you twenty-five,' remonstrated the bridegroom, not the least + alarmed at their threats, and laughing all the time in his sleeve. + </p> + <p> + “'Thirty; not one copper less!' Here they gave him such a salute of + diabolical sounds that he ran from the window with his hands to his ears, + and his friend came down stairs to the verandah, and gave them the sum + they required. They did not expect that the old man would have been so + liberal, and they gave him the 'Hip, hip, hip hurrah!' in fine style, and + marched off the finish the night and spend the money at the tavern.” + </p> + <p> + “And do people allow themselves to be bullied out of their property by + such ruffians?” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, my dear! 'tis the custom of the country, and 'tis not so easy to put + it down. But I can tell you that a charivari is not always a joke. + </p> + <p> + “There was another affair that happened, just before you came to the + place, that occasioned no small talk in the neighbourhood; and well it + might, for it was a most disgraceful piece of business, and attended with + very serious consequences. Some of the charivari party had to fly, or they + might have ended their days in the penitentiary. + </p> + <p> + “There was runaway nigger from the States came to the village, and set up + a barber's poll, and settled among us. I am no friend to the blacks; but + really Tom Smith was such a quiet, good-natured fellow, and so civil and + obliging, that he soon got a good business. He was clever, too, and + cleaned old clothes until they looked almost as good as new. Well, after a + time he persuaded a white girl to marry him. She was not a bad-looking + Irish woman, and I can't think what bewitched the creature to take him. + </p> + <p> + “Her marriage with the black man created a great sensation in the town. + All the young fellows were indignant at his presumption and her folly, and + they determined to give them the charivari in fine style, and punish them + both for the insult they had put upon the place. + </p> + <p> + “Some of the young gentlemen in the town joined in the frolic. They went + so far as to enter the house, drag the poor nigger from his bed, and in + spite of his shrieks for mercy, they hurried him out into the cold air—for + it was winter—and almost naked as he was, rode him upon a rail, and + so ill-treated him that he died under their hands. + </p> + <p> + “They left the body, when they found what had happened, and fled. The + ringleaders escaped across the lake to the other side; and those who + remained could not be sufficiently identified to bring them to trial. The + affair was hushed up; but it gave great uneasiness to several respectable + families whose sons were in the scrape.” + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens! are such things permitted in a Christian country? But + scenes like these must be of rare occurrence?” + </p> + <p> + “They are more common than you imagine. A man was killed up at W—— + the other day, and two others dangerously wounded, at a charivari. The + bridegroom was a man in middle life, a desperately resolute and passionate + man, and he swore that if such riff-raff dared to interfere with him, he + would shoot at them with as little compunction as he would at so many + crows. His threats only increased the mischievous determination of the mob + to torment him; and when he refused to admit their deputation, or even to + give them a portion of the wedding cheer, they determined to frighten him + into compliance by firing several guns, loaded with peas, at his door. + Their salute was returned from the chamber windows, by the discharge of a + double-barrelled gun, loaded with buck-shot. The crowd gave back with a + tremendous yell. Their leader was shot through the heart, and two of the + foremost in the scuffle dangerously wounded. They vowed they would set + fire to the house, but the bridegroom boldly stepped to the window, and + told them to try it, and before they could light a torch he would fire + among them again, as his gun was reloaded, and he would discharge it at + them as long as one of them dared to remain on his premises. + </p> + <p> + “They cleared off; but though Mr. A—— was not punished for the + <i>accident</i>, as it was called, he became a marked man, and lately left + the colony, to settle in the United States. + </p> + <p> + “Why, Mrs. Moodie, you look quite serious. I can, however, tell you a less + dismal tale, A charivari would seldom be attended with bad consequences if + people would take it as a joke, and join in the spree.” + </p> + <p> + “A very dignified proceeding, for a bride and bridegroom to make + themselves the laughing-stock of such people!” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, but custom reconciles us to everything; and 'tis better to give up a + little of our pride than endanger the lives of our fellow-creatures. I + have been told a story of a lady in the Lower Province, who took for her + second husband a young fellow, who, as far as his age was concerned, might + have been her son. The mob surrounded her house at night, carrying her + effigy in an open coffin, supported by six young lads, with white favours + in their hats; and they buried the poor bride, amid shouts of laughter, + and the usual accompaniments, just opposite her drawing-room windows. The + widow was highly amused by the whole of their proceedings, but she wisely + let them have their own way. She lived in a strong stone house, and she + barred the doors, and closed the iron shutters, and set them at defiance. + </p> + <p> + “'As long as she enjoyed her health,' she said, 'they were welcome to bury + her in effigy as often as they pleased; she was really glad to be able to + afford amusement to so many people.' + </p> + <p> + “Night after night, during the whole of that winter, the same party beset + her house with their diabolical music; but she only laughed at them. + </p> + <p> + “The leader of the mob was a young lawyer from these parts, a sad, + mischievous fellow; the widow became aware of this, and she invited him + one evening to take tea with a small party at her house. He accepted the + invitation, was charmed with her hearty and hospitable welcome, and soon + found himself quite at home; but only think how ashamed he must have felt, + when the same 'larum commenced, at the usual hour, in front of the lady's + house! + </p> + <p> + “'Oh,' said Mrs. R——, smiling to her husband, 'here come our + friends. Really, Mr. K——, they amuse us so much of an evening + that I should feel quite dull without them.' + </p> + <p> + “From that hour the charivari ceased, and the old lady was left to enjoy + the society of her young husband in quiet. + </p> + <p> + “I assure you, Mrs. M——, that the charivari often deters old + people from making disgraceful marriages, so that it is not wholly without + its use.” + </p> + <p> + A few days after the charivari affair, Mrs. D—— stepped in to + see me. She was an American; a very respectable old lady, who resided in a + handsome frame-house on the main road. I was at dinner, the servant-girl, + in the meanwhile, nursing my child at a distance. Mrs. D—— sat + looking at me very seriously until I concluded my meal, her dinner having + been accomplished several hours before. When I had finished, the girl give + me the child, and then removed the dinner-service into an outer room. + </p> + <p> + “You don't eat with your helps,” said my visitor. “Is not that something + like pride?” + </p> + <p> + “It is custom,” said I; “we were not used to do so at home, and I think + that keeping a separate table is more comfortable for both parties.” + </p> + <p> + “Are you not both of the same flesh and blood? The rich and the poor meet + together, and the Lord is the maker of them all.” + </p> + <p> + “True. Your quotation is just, and I assent to it with all my heart. There + is no difference in the flesh and blood; but education makes a difference + in the mind and manners, and, till these can assimilate, it is better to + keep them apart.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! you are not a good Christian, Mrs. Moodie. The Lord thought more of + the poor than he did of the rich, and he obtained more followers from + among them. Now, <i>we</i> always take our meals with our people.” + </p> + <p> + Presently after, while talking over the affairs of our households, I + happened to say that the cow we had bought of Mollineux had turned out + extremely well, and gave a great deal of milk. + </p> + <p> + “That man lived with us several years,” she said; “he was an excellent + servant, and D—— paid him his wages in land. The farm he now + occupies formed a part of our U.E. grant. But, for all his good conduct, I + never could abide him, for being a <i>black</i>.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! Is he not the same flesh and blood as the rest?” + </p> + <p> + The colour rose into Mrs. D——'s sallow face, and she answered + with much warmth— + </p> + <p> + “What! do you mean to compare <i>me</i> with a <i>nigger!</i>” + </p> + <p> + “Not exactly. But, after all, the colour makes the only difference between + him and uneducated men of the same class.” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Moodie!” she exclaimed, holding up her hands in pious horror; “they + are the children of the devil! God never condescended to make a nigger.” + </p> + <p> + “Such an idea is an impeachment of the power and majesty of the Almighty. + How can you believe such an ignorant fable?” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then,” said my monitress, in high dudgeon, “if the devil did not + make them, they are descended from Cain.” + </p> + <p> + “But all Cain's posterity perished in the flood.” + </p> + <p> + My visitor was puzzled. + </p> + <p> + “The African race, it is generally believed, are the descendants of Ham, + and to many of their tribes the curse pronounced against him seems to + cling. To be the servant of servants is bad enough, without our making + their condition worse by our cruel persecutions. Christ came to seek and + to save that which was lost; and in proof of this inestimable promise, he + did not reject the Ethiopian eunuch who was baptised by Philip, and who + was, doubtless, as black as the rest of his people. Do you not admit + Mollineux to your table with your other helps?” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy sake! do you think that I would sit down at the same table with a + nigger? My helps would leave the house if I dared to put such an affront + upon them. Sit down with a dirty black, indeed!” + </p> + <p> + “Do you think, Mrs. D——, that there will be any negroes in + heaven?” + </p> + <p> + “Certainly not, or I, for one, would never wish to go there;” and out of + the house she sallied in high disdain. + </p> + <p> + Yet this was the woman who had given me such a plausible lecture on pride. + Alas, for our fallen nature! Which is more subversive of peace and + Christian fellowship—ignorance of our own characters, or the + characters of others? + </p> + <p> + Our departure for the woods became now a frequent theme of conversation. + My husband had just returned from an exploring expedition to the + backwoods, and was delighted with the prospect of removing thither. The + only thing I listened to in their praise, with any degree of interest, was + a lively song, which he had written during his brief sojourn at Douro:— + </p> + <h3> + TO THE WOODS!—TO THE WOODS! + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + To the woods!—to the woods!—The sun shines bright, + The smoke rises high in the clear frosty air; + Our axes are sharp, and our hearts are light, + Let us toil while we can and drive away care. + Though homely our food, we are merry and strong, + And labour is wealth, which no man can deny; + At eve we will chase the dull hours with a song, + And at grey peep of dawn let this be our cry, + + To the woods!—to the woods!—&c. + + Hark! how the trees crack in the keen morning blast, + And see how the rapids are cover'd with steam; + Thaw your axes, my lads, the sun rises fast, + And gilds the pine tops with his bright golden beam. + + To the woods!—to the woods!—&c. + + Come, chop away, lads! the wild woods resound, + Let your quick-falling strokes in due harmony ring; + See, the lofty tree shivers—it falls to the ground! + Now with voices united together we'll sing— + To the woods!—to the woods!—The sun shines bright, + The smoke rises high in the clear frosty air; + Our axes are sharp, and our hearts are light, + Let us toil while we can and drive away care, + And drive away care. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0012" id="link2HCH0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XII — THE VILLAGE HOTEL + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Well, stranger, here you are all safe and sound; + You're now on shore. Methinks you look aghast,— + As if you'd made some slight mistake, and found + A land you liked not. Think not of the past; + Your leading-strings are cut; the mystic chain + That bound you to your fair and smiling shore + Is sever'd now, indeed. 'Tis now in vain + To sigh for joys that can return no more. +</pre> + <p> + Emigration, however necessary as the obvious means of providing for the + increasing population of early-settled and over-peopled countries, is + indeed a very serious matter to the individual emigrant and his family. He + is thrown adrift, as it were, on a troubled ocean, the winds and currents + of which are unknown to him. His past experience, and his judgment founded + on experience, will be useless to him in this new sphere of action. In an + old country, where generation after generation inhabits the same spot, the + mental dispositions and prejudices of our ancestors become in a manner + hereditary, and descend to their children with their possessions. In a new + colony, on the contrary, the habits and associations of the emigrant + having been broken up for ever, he is suddenly thrown on his own internal + resources, and compelled to act and decide at once; not unfrequently under + pain of misery or starvation. He is surrounded with dangers, often without + the ordinary means which common-sense and prudence suggest of avoiding + them,—because the <i>experience</i> on which these common qualities + are founded is wanting. Separated for ever from those warm-hearted + friends, who in his native country would advise or assist him in his first + efforts, and surrounded by people who have an interest in misleading and + imposing upon him, every-day experience shows that no amount of natural + sagacity or prudence, founded on experience in other countries, will be an + effectual safeguard against deception and erroneous conclusions. + </p> + <p> + It is a fact worthy of observation, that among emigrants possessing the + qualities of industry and perseverance so essential to success in all + countries, those who possess the smallest share of original talent and + imagination, and the least of a speculative turn of mind, are usually the + most successful. They follow the beaten track and prosper. However + humbling this reflection may be to human vanity, it should operate as a + salutary check on presumption and hasty conclusions. After a residence of + sixteen years in Canada, during which my young and helpless family have + been exposed to many privations, while we toiled incessantly and continued + to hope even against hope, these reflections naturally occur to our minds, + not only as the common-sense view of the subject, but as the fruit of long + and daily-bought experience. + </p> + <p> + After all this long probation in the backwoods of Canada, I find myself + brought back in circumstances nearly to the point from whence I started, + and am compelled to admit that had I only followed my own unassisted + judgment, when I arrived with my wife and child in Canada, and quietly + settled down on the cleared farm I had purchased, in a well-settled + neighbourhood, and with the aid of the means I then possessed, I should + now in all probability have been in easy if not in affluent circumstances. + </p> + <p> + Native Canadians, like Yankees, will make money where people from the old + country would almost starve. Their intimate knowledge of the country, and + of the circumstances of the inhabitants, enables them to turn their money + to great advantage; and I must add, that few people from the old country, + however avaricious, can bring themselves to stoop to the unscrupulous + means of acquiring property which are too commonly resorted to in this + country. These reflections are a rather serious commencement of a sketch + which was intended to be of a more lively description; one of my chief + objects in writing this chapter being to afford a connecting link between + my wife's sketches, and to account for some circumstances connected with + our situation, which otherwise would be unintelligible to the reader. + Before emigrating to Canada, I had been settled as a bachelor in South + Africa for about twelve years. I use the word settled, for want of a + better term—for a bachelor can never, properly, be said to be + settled. He has no object in life—no aim. He is like a knife without + a blade, or a gun without a barrel. He is always in the way, and nobody + cares for him. If he work on a farm, as I did, for I never could look on + while others were working without lending a hand, he works merely for the + sake of work. He benefits nobody by his exertions, not even himself; for + he is restless and anxious, has a hundred indescribable ailments, which no + one but himself can understand; and for want of the legitimate cares and + anxieties connected with a family, he is full of cares and anxieties of + his own creating. In short, he is in a false position, as every man must + be who presumes to live alone when he can do better. + </p> + <p> + This was my case in South Africa. I had plenty of land, and of all the + common necessaries of life; but I lived for years without companionship, + for my nearest English neighbour was twenty-five miles off. I hunted the + wild animals of the country, and had plenty of books to read; but, from + talking broken Dutch for months together, I almost forgot how to speak my + own language correctly. My very ideas (for I had not entirely lost the + reflecting faculty) became confused and limited, for want of intellectual + companions to strike out new lights, and form new combinations in the + regions of thought; clearly showing that man was not intended to live + alone. Getting, at length, tired of this solitary and unproductive life, I + started for England, with the resolution of placing my domestic matters on + a more comfortable footing. By a happy accident, at the house of a + literary friend in London, I became acquainted with one to whose + cultivated mind, devoted affections, and untiring energy of character, I + have been chiefly indebted for many happy hours, under the most adverse + circumstances, as well as for much of that hope and firm reliance upon + Providence which have enabled me to bear up against overwhelming + misfortunes. I need not here repeat what has been already stated + respecting the motives which induced us to emigrate to Canada. I shall + merely observe that when I left South Africa it was with the intention of + returning to that colony, where I had a fine property, to which I was + attached in no ordinary degree, on account of the beauty of the scenery + and delightful climate. However, Mrs. Moodie, somehow or other, had + imbibed an invincible dislike to that colony, for some of the very reasons + that I liked it myself. The wild animals were her terror, and she fancied + that every wood and thicket was peopled with elephants, lions, and tigers, + and that it would be utterly impossible to take a walk without treading on + dangerous snakes in the grass. Unfortunately, she had my own book on South + Africa to quote triumphantly in confirmation of her vague notions of + danger; and, in my anxiety to remove these exaggerated impressions, I + would fain have retracted my own statements of the hair-breadth escapes I + had made, in conflicts with wild animals, respecting which the slightest + insinuation of doubt from another party would have excited my utmost + indignation. + </p> + <p> + In truth, before I became familiarised with such danger, I had myself + entertained similar notions, and my only wonder, in reading such + narratives before leaving my own country, was how the inhabitants of the + country managed to attend to their ordinary business in the midst of such + accumulated dangers and annoyances. Fortunately, these hair-breadth + escapes are of rare occurrence; but travellers and book-makers, like + cooks, have to collect high-flavoured dishes, from far and near, the + better to please the palates of their patrons. So it was with my South + African adventures; I threw myself in the way of danger from the love of + strong excitement, and I collected all my adventures together, and related + them in pure simplicity, without very particularly informing the reader + over what space of time or place my narrative extended, or telling him + that I could easily have kept out of harm's way had I felt so inclined. + All these arguments, however, had little influence on my good wife, for I + could not deny that I had seen such animals in abundance in South Africa; + and she thought she should never be safe among such neighbours. At last, + between my wife's fear of the wild animals of Africa, and a certain love + of novelty, which formed a part of my own character, I made up my mind, as + they write on stray letters in the post-office, to “try Canada.” So here + we are, just arrived in the village of C——, situated on the + northern shore of Lake Ontario. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Moodie has already stated that we procured lodgings at a certain + hotel in the village of C—— kept by S——, a truly + excellent and obliging American. The British traveller is not a little + struck, and in many instances disgusted, with a certain air of + indifference in the manners of such persons in Canada, which is + accompanied with a tone of equality and familiarity exceedingly unlike the + limber and oily obsequiousness of tavern-keepers in England. I confess I + felt at the time not a little annoyed with Mr. S——'s + free-and-easy manner, and apparent coolness and indifference when he told + us he had no spare room in his house to accommodate our party. We + endeavoured to procure lodgings at another tavern, on the opposite side of + the street; but soon learned that, in consequence of the arrival of an + unusual number of immigrants, all the taverns in the village were already + filled to overflowing. We returned to Mr. S——, and after some + further conversation, he seemed to have taken a kind of liking to us, and + became more complaisant in his manner, until our arrangement with Tom + Wilson, as already related, relieved us from further difficulty. + </p> + <p> + I <i>now</i> perfectly understand the cause of this apparent indifference + on the part of our host. Of all people, Englishmen, when abroad, are the + most addicted to the practice of giving themselves arrogant airs towards + those persons whom they look upon in the light of dependents on their + bounty; and they forget that an American tavern-keeper holds a very + different position in society from one of the same calling in England. The + manners and circumstances of new countries are utterly opposed to anything + like pretension in any class of society; and our worthy host, and his + excellent wife—who had both held a respectable position in the + society of the United States—had often been deeply wounded in their + feelings by the disgusting and vulgar arrogance of English <i>gentleman</i> + and <i>ladies</i>, as they are called. Knowing from experience the truth + of the saying that “what cannot be cured must be endured,” we were + particularly civil to Mr. S——; and it was astonishing how + quickly his manners thawed. We had not been long in the house before we + were witnesses of so many examples of the purest benevolence, exhibited by + Mr. S—— and his amiable family, that it was impossible to + regard them with any feeling but that of warm regard and esteem. S—— + was, in truth, a noble-hearted fellow. Whatever he did seemed so much a + matter of habit, that the idea of selfish design or ostentation was + utterly excluded from the mind. I could relate several instances of the + disinterested benevolence of this kind-hearted tavern-keeper. I shall just + mention one, which came under my own observation while I lived near C——. + </p> + <p> + I had frequently met a young Englishman, of the name of M——, + at Mr. S——'s tavern. His easy and elegant manners, and whole + deportment, showed that he had habitually lived in what is called the best + society. He had emigrated to Canada with 3,000 or 4,000 pounds, had bought + horses, run races, entertained many of the wealthy people of Toronto, or + York, as it was then called, and had done a number of other exceedingly + foolish things. Of course his money was soon absorbed by the thirsty + Canadians, and he became deeply involved in debt. M—— had + spent a great deal of money at S——'s tavern, and owed him 70 + or 80 pounds. At length he was arrested for debt by some other party, was + sent to the district gaol, which was nearly two miles from C——, + and was compelled at first to subsist on the gaol allowance. What greatly + aggravated the misfortunes of poor M——, a man without + suspicion or guile, was a bitter disappointment in another quarter. He had + an uncle in England, who was very rich, and who intended to leave him all + his property. Some kind friend, to whom M—— had confided his + expectations, wrote to England, informing the old man of his nephew's + extravagance and hopes. The uncle there-upon cast him off, and left his + property, when he died, to another relative. + </p> + <p> + As soon as the kind-hearted tavern-keeper heard of the poor fellow's + imprisonment, he immediately went to see him, and, though he had not the + slightest hope of ever being paid one farthing of his claim, Mr. S——, + for many months that poor M—— lay in gaol, continued to send + him an excellent dinner every day from his tavern, to which he always + added a bottle of wine; for as Mr. S—— remarked, “Poor M——, + I guess, is accustomed to live well.” + </p> + <p> + As soon as Mr. S—— found that we did not belong to that class + of people who fancy they exalt themselves by insulting others, there were + no bounds to the obligingness of his disposition. As I had informed him + that I wished to buy a cleared farm near Lake Ontario, he drove me out + every day in all directions, and wherever he thought farms were to be had + cheap. + </p> + <p> + Before proceeding further in my account of the inhabitants, I shall + endeavour to give the reader some idea of the appearance of the village + and the surrounding country. Of course, from the existence of a boundless + forest, only partially cleared, there is a great sameness and uniformity + in Canadian scenery. + </p> + <p> + We had a stormy passage from Kingston to C——, and the wind + being directly ahead, the plunging of the steam-boat between the sharp + seas of Lake Ontario produced a “motion” which was decidedly + “unconstitutional;” and, for the first time since we left England, we + experienced a sensation which strongly reminded us of sea-sickness. The + general appearance of the coast from the lake was somewhat uninviting. The + land appeared to be covered everywhere with the dense unbroken forest, and + though there were some gently sloping hills and slight elevations, showing + the margin of extensive clearings, there was a general want of a + background of high hills or mountains, which imparts so much interest to + the scenery of every country. On reaching C——, however, we + found that we had been much deceived as to the features of the country, + when viewed at a less distance. + </p> + <p> + Immediately on the shores of the great lake, the land is generally flat + for two or three miles inland; and as the farms are there measured out in + long, narrow strips, a mile and a quarter long, and a quarter of a mile + wide, the back parts of the lots, which are reserved for firewood, are + only visible at a distance. This narrow belt of the primeval forest, which + runs along the rear of all the lots in the first line of settlements, or + concession as it is here called, necessarily conceals the houses and + clearings of the next concession, unless the land beyond rises into hills. + This arrangement, however convenient, tends greatly to mar the beauty of + Canadian scenery. + </p> + <p> + The unvarying monotony of rail-fences and quadrangular enclosures, + occasions a tiresome uniformity in the appearance of the country, which is + increased by the almost total absence of those little graceful ornaments + in detail, in the immediate neighbourhood of the homesteads, which give + such a charm to English rural scenery. + </p> + <p> + The day after our arrival, we had an opportunity to examine the town, or + rather village, of C——. It then consisted chiefly of one long + street, parallel with the shore of the lake, and the houses, with very few + exceptions, were built of wood; but they were all finished, and painted + with such a degree of neatness, that their appearance was showy, and in + some instances elegant, from the symmetry of their proportions. + Immediately beyond the bounds of the village, we, for the first time, + witnessed the operation of clearing up a thick cedar-swamp. The soil + looked black and rich, but the water stood in pools, and the trunks and + branches of the cedars were leaning in all directions, and at all angles, + with their thick foliage and branches intermingled in wild confusion. The + roots spread along the uneven surface of the ground so thickly that they + seemed to form a vast net-work, and apparently covered the greater part of + the surface of the ground. The task of clearing such a labyrinth seemed + utterly hopeless. My heart almost sickened at the prospect of clearing + such land, and I was greatly confirmed in my resolution of buying a farm + cleared to my hand. + </p> + <p> + The clearing process, however, in this unpromising spot, was going on + vigorously. Several acres had been chopped down, and the fire had run + through the prostrate trees, consuming all the smaller branches and + foliage, and leaving the trunks and ground as black as charcoal could make + them. Among this vast mass of ruins, four or five men were toiling with + yoke of oxen. The trees were cut into manageable lengths, and were then + dragged by the oxen together, so that they could be thrown up into large + log-heaps to burn. The men looked, with their bare arms, hands, and faces + begrimed with charcoal, more like negroes than white men; and were we, + like some shallow people, to compare their apparent condition with that of + the negro slaves in more favoured regions, we should be disposed to + consider the latter the happier race. But this disgusting work was the + work of freemen, high-spirited and energetic fellows, who feared neither + man nor wild beast, and trusted to their own strong arms to conquer all + difficulties, while they could discern the light of freedom and + independence glimmering through the dark woods before them. + </p> + <p> + A few years afterwards, I visited C——, and looked about for + the dreadful cedar-swamp which struck such a chill into my heart, and + destroyed the illusion which had possessed my mind of the beauty of the + Canadian woods. The trees were gone, the tangled roots were gone, and the + cedar-swamp was converted into a fair grassy meadow, as smooth as a + bowling-green. About sixteen years after my first visit to this spot, I + saw it again, and it was covered with stone and brick houses; and one + portion of it was occupied by a large manufactory, five or six stories + high, with steam-engines, spinning-jennies, and all the machinery for + working up the wool of the country into every description of clothing. + This is civilisation! This is freedom! + </p> + <p> + The sites of towns and villages in Canada are never selected at random. In + England, a concurrence of circumstances has generally led to the gradual + formation of hamlets, villages, and towns. In many instances, towns have + grown up in barbarous ages around a place of refuge during war; around a + fortalice or castle, and more frequently around the ford over a river, + where the detention of travellers has led to the establishment of a place + of entertainment, a blacksmith's or carpenter's shop. A village or town + never grows to any size in Canada without a saw or a grist mill, both + which require a certain amount of water-power to work the machinery. + Whenever there is a river or stream available for such purposes, and the + surrounding country is fertile, the village rapidly rises to be a + considerable town. Frame-houses are so quickly erected, and the materials + are so easily procured near a saw-mill, that, in the first instance, no + other description of houses is to be found in our incipient towns. But as + the town increases, brick and stone houses rapidly supplant these less + substantial edifices, which seldom remain good for more than thirty or + forty years. + </p> + <p> + Mr. S——'s tavern, or hotel, was an extensive frame-building of + the kind common in the country. All the lodgers frequent the same long + table at all their meals, at one end of which the landlord generally + presides. Mr. S——, however, usually preferred the company of + his family in another part of the house; and some one of the gentlemen who + boarded at the tavern, and who possessed a sufficiently large organ of + self-esteem, voted himself into the post of honour, without waiting for an + invitation from the rest of the company. This happy individual is + generally some little fellow, with a long, protruding nose; some gentleman + who can stretch his neck and backbone almost to dislocation, and who has a + prodigious deal of talk, all about nothing. + </p> + <p> + The taverns in this country are frequented by all single men, and by many + married men without children, who wish to avoid the trouble and greater + expense of keeping house. Thus a large portion of the population of the + towns take all their meals at the hotels or taverns, in order to save both + expense and time. The extraordinary despatch used at meals in the United + States has often been mentioned by travellers. The same observation + equally applies to Canada, and for the same reason. Wages are high, and + time is, therefore, valuable in both countries, and as one clerk is + waiting in the shop while another is bolting his dinner, it would of + course be exceedingly unkind to protract unnecessarily the sufferings of + the hungry expectant; no one possessing any bowels of compassion could act + so cruelly. For the same reason, every one is expected to take care of + himself, without minding his neighbours. At times a degree of compassion + is extended by some naturalised old countryman towards some diffident, + over-scrupulous new comer, by offering to help him first; but such marks + of consideration, except to ladies, to whom all classes in Canada are + attentive, are never continued a bit longer than is thought sufficient for + becoming acquainted with the ways of the country. + </p> + <p> + Soon after our arrival at C——, I remember asking a person, who + was what the Canadians call “a hickory Quaker,” from the north of Ireland, + to help me to a bit of very nice salmon-trout, which was vanishing + alarmingly fast from the breakfast-table. + </p> + <p> + Obadiah very considerately lent a deaf ear to my repeated entreaties, + pretending to be intently occupied with his own plate of fish; then, + transferring the remains of the salmon-trout to his own place, he turned + round to me with the most innocent face imaginable, saying very coolly, “I + beg your pardon, friend, did you speak to me? There is such a noise at the + table, I cannot hear very well.” + </p> + <p> + Between meals there is “considerable of drinking,” among the idlers about + the tavern, of the various ingenious Yankee inventions resorted to in this + country to disturb the brain. In the evening the plot thickens, and a + number of young and middle-aged men drop in, and are found in little knots + in the different public rooms. + </p> + <p> + The practice of “treating” is almost universal in this country, and, + though friendly and sociable in its way, is the fruitful source of much + dissipation. It is almost impossible, in travelling, to steer clear of + this evil habit. Strangers are almost invariably drawn into it in the + course of business. + </p> + <p> + The town of C—— being the point where a large number of + emigrants landed on their way to the backwoods of this part of the colony, + it became for a time a place of great resort, and here a number of + land-jobbers were established, who made a profitable trade of buying lands + from private individuals, or at the government sales of wild land, and + selling them again to the settlers from the old country. Though my wife + had some near relatives settled in the backwoods, about forty miles + inland, to the north of C——, I had made up my mind to buy a + cleared farm near Lake Ontario, if I could get one to my mind, and the + price of which would come within my limited means. + </p> + <p> + A number of the recent settlers in the backwoods, among whom were several + speculators, resorted frequently to C——; and as soon as a new + batch of settlers arrived on the lake shore, there was a keen contest + between the land-jobbers of C—— and those of the backwoods to + draw the new comer into their nets. The demand created by the continual + influx of immigrants had caused a rapid increase in the price of lands, + particularly of wild lands, and the grossest imposition was often + practiced by these people, who made enormous profits by taking advantage + of the ignorance of the new settlers and of their anxiety to settle + themselves at once. + </p> + <p> + I was continually cautioned by these people against buying a farm in any + other locality than the particular one they themselves represented as most + eligible, and their rivals were always represented as unprincipled + land-jobbers. Finding these accusations to be mutual, I naturally felt + myself constrained to believe both parties to be alike. + </p> + <p> + Sometimes I got hold of a quiet farmer, hoping to obtain something like + disinterested advice; but in nine cases out of ten, I am sorry to say, I + found that the rage for speculation and trading in land, which was so + prevalent in all the great thoroughfares, had already poisoned their minds + also, and I could rarely obtain an opinion or advice which was utterly + free from self-interest. They generally had some lot of land to sell—or, + probably, they would like to have a new comer for a neighbour, in the hope + of selling him a span of horses or some cows at a higher price than they + could obtain from the older settlers. In mentioning this unamiable trait + in the character of the farmers near C——, I by no means intend + to give it as characteristic of the farmers in general. It is, properly + speaking, a <i>local</i> vice, produced by the constant influx of + strangers unacquainted with the ways of the country, which tempts the + farmers to take advantage of their ignorance. + </p> + <h3> + STANZAS + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Where is religion found? In what bright sphere + Dwells holy love, in majesty serene + Shedding its beams, like planet o'er the scene; + The steady lustre through the varying year + Still glowing with the heavenly rays that flow + In copious streams to soften human woe? + + It is not 'mid the busy scenes of life, + Where careworn mortals crowd along the way + That leads to gain—shunning the light of day; + In endless eddies whirl'd, where pain and strife + Distract the soul, and spread the shades of night, + Where love divine should dwell in purest light. + + Short-sighted man!—go seek the mountain's brow, + And cast thy raptured eye o'er hill and dale; + The waving woods, the ever-blooming vale, + Shall spread a feast before thee, which till now + Ne'er met thy gaze—obscured by passion's sway; + And Nature's works shall teach thee how to pray. + + Or wend thy course along the sounding shore, + Where giant waves resistless onward sweep + To join the awful chorus of the deep— + Curling their snowy manes with deaf'ning roar, + Flinging their foam high o'er the trembling sod, + And thunder forth their mighty song to God! +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0013" id="link2HCH0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIII — THE LAND-JOBBER + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Some men, like greedy monsters of the deep, + Still prey upon their kind;—their hungry maws + Engulph their victims like the rav'nous shark + That day and night untiring plies around + The foamy bubbling wake of some great ship; + And when the hapless mariner aloft + Hath lost his hold, and down he falls + Amidst the gurgling waters on her lee, + Then, quick as thought, the ruthless felon-jaws + Close on his form;—the sea is stain'd with blood— + One sharp wild shriek is heard—and all is still! + The lion, tiger, alligator, shark— + The wily fox, the bright enamelled snake— + All seek their prey by force or stratagem; + But when—their hunger sated—languor creeps + Around their frames, they quickly sink to rest. + Not so with man—<i>he</i> never hath enough; + He feeds on all alike; and, wild or tame, + He's but a cannibal. He burns, destroys, + And scatters death to sate his morbid lust + For empty fame. But when the love of gain + Hath struck its roots in his vile, sordid heart,— + Each gen'rous impulse chill'd,—like vampire, now, + He sucks the life-blood of his friends or foes + Until he viler grows than savage beast. + And when, at length, stretch'd on his bed of death, + And powerless, friendless, o'er his clammy brow + The dark'ning shades descend, strong to the last + His avarice lives; and while he feebly plucks + His wretched coverlet, he gasps for breath, + And thinks he gathers gold! +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + I had a letter of introduction to a gentleman of large property, at C——, + who, knowing that I wished to purchase a farm, very kindly drove me out to + several lots of land in the immediate neighbourhood. He showed me seven or + eight very eligible lots of cleared land, some of them with good houses + and orchards; but somehow or other, on inquiry, I found they all belonged + to himself, and, moreover, the prices were beyond my limited means. For + one farm he asked 1000 pounds; for another, 1500 pounds, and so on. After + inquiring in other quarters, I saw I had no chance of getting a farm in + that neighbourhood for the price I could afford to pay down, which was + only about 300 pounds. After satisfying myself as to this fact, I thought + it the wiser course at once to undeceive my very obliging friend, whose + attentions were obviously nicely adjusted to the estimate he had formed in + his own mind of my pecuniary resources. + </p> + <p> + On communicating this discouraging fact, my friend's countenance instantly + assumed a cold and stony expression, and I almost expected that he would + have stopped his horses and set me down, to walk with other poor men. As + may well be supposed, I was never afterwards honoured with a seat in his + carriage. He saw just what I was worth, and I saw what his friendship was + worth; and thus our brief acquaintance terminated. + </p> + <p> + Having thus let the cat out of the bag, when I might, according to the + usual way of the world, have sported for awhile in borrowed plumage, and + rejoiced in the reputation of being in more prosperous circumstances + without fear of detection, I determined to pursue the same course, and + make use of the little insight I had obtained into the ways of the + land-jobbers of Canada, to procure a cleared farm on more reasonable + terms. + </p> + <p> + It is not uncommon for the land speculators to sell a farm to a + respectable settler at an unusually low price, in order to give a + character to a neighbourhood where they hold other lands, and thus to use + him as a decoy duck for friends or countrymen. + </p> + <p> + There was very noted character at C——, Mr. Q——, a + great land-jobber, who did a large business in this way on his own + account, besides getting through a great deal of dirty work for other more + respectable speculators, who did not wish to drink at taverns and appear + personally in such matters. To Mr. Q—— I applied, and effected + a purchase of a farm of one hundred and fifty acres, about fifty of which + were cleared, for 300 pounds, as I shall mention more particularly in the + sequel. In the meantime, the character of this distinguished individual + was—for he was long gone to give an account of his misdeeds in the + other world—so remarkable, that I must endeavour to describe it for + the edification of the reader. Q—— kept a shop, or store, in C——; + but he left the principal management of this establishment to his clerks; + while, taking advantage of the influx of emigrants, he pursued, with + unrivalled success, the profitable business of land-jobbing. + </p> + <p> + In his store, before taking to this business, he had been accustomed for + many years to retail goods to the farmers at high prices, on the usual + long credit system. He had thus got a number of farmers deeply in his + debt, and, in many cases, in preference to suing them, had taken mortgages + on their farms. By this means, instead of merely recovering the money + owing to him by the usual process of law, he was enabled, by threatening + to foreclose the mortgages, to compel them to sell their farms nearly on + his own terms, whenever an opportunity occurred to re-sell them + advantageously to new comers. Thus, besides making thirty or forty per + cent. on his goods, he often realised more than a hundred per cent. on his + land speculations. + </p> + <p> + In a new country, where there is no great competition in mercantile + business, and money is scarce, the power and profits of store-keepers are + very great. Mr. Q—— was one of the most grasping of this + class. His heart was case-hardened, and his conscience, like gum, elastic; + it would readily stretch, on the shortest notice, to any required extent, + while his well-tutored countenance betrayed no indication of what was + passing in his mind. But I must not forget to give a sketch of the + appearance, or outward man, of this highly-gifted individual. + </p> + <p> + He was about the middle size, thin and limber, and somewhat loose in his + lower joints, like most of the native Canadians and Yankees. He had a + slight stoop in his shoulders, and his long, thin neck was continually + stretched out before him, while his restless little cunning eyes were + roaming about in search of prey. His face, when well watched, was an index + to his selfish and unfeeling soul. Complexion he had none, except that + sempiternally enduring red-and-tawny mixture which is acquired by exposure + and hard drinking. His cheeks and the corners of his eyes were marked by + an infinity of curved lines, and, like most avaricious and deceitful men, + he had a long, crooked chin, and that peculiar prominent and slightly + aquiline nose which, by people observant of such indications, has been + called “the rogue's nose.” But how shall I describe his eye—that + small hole through which you can see an honest man's heart? Q——'s + eye was like no other eye I had ever seen. His face and mouth could assume + a good-natured expression, and smile; but his eye was still the same—it + never smiled, but remained cold, hard, dry, and inscrutable. If it had any + expression at all, it was an unhappy one. Such were the impressions + created by his appearance, when the observer was unobserved by him; for he + had the art of concealing the worst traits of his character in an + extraordinary degree, and when he suspected that the curious hieroglyphics + which Nature had stamped on his visage were too closely scanned, he knew + well how to divert the investigator's attention to some other object. + </p> + <p> + He was a humorist, besides, in his way, because he found that jokes and + fun admirably served his turn. They helped to throw people off their + guard, and to conceal his hang-dog look. + </p> + <p> + He had a hard head, as well as hard heart, and could stand any quantity of + drink. His drinking, however, like everything else about him, had a + motive; and, instead of trying to appear sober, like other drunkards, he + rather wished to appear a little elevated. In addition to his other + acquirements, Q—— was a most accomplished gambler. In short, + no virtuous man, who employs every passing moment of his short life in + doing good to his fellow-creatures, could be more devoted and energetic in + his endeavours to serve God and mankind, than Q—— was in his + endeavours to ease them of their spare cash. + </p> + <p> + He possessed a great deal of that free-and-easy address and tact which + distinguish the Canadians; and, in addition to the current coin of vulgar + flattery which is found so useful in all countries, his quick eye could + discover the high-minded gentleman by a kind of instinct, which did not + seem quite natural to his sordid character, and, knowing that such men are + not to be taken by vulgar adulation, he could address them with + deferential respect; against which no minds are entirely secure. Thus he + wriggled himself into their good graces. After a while the unfavourable + impression occasioned by his sinister countenance would become more faint, + while his well-feigned kindness and apparent indulgence to his numerous + debtors would tell greatly in his favour. + </p> + <p> + My first impression of this man was pretty nearly such as I have + described; and, though I suspected and shunned him, I was sure to meet him + at every turn. At length this unfavourable feeling wore off in some + degree, and finding him in the best society of the place, I began to think + that his countenance belied him, and I reproached myself for my ungenerous + suspicions. + </p> + <p> + Feeling a certain security in the smallness of my available capital, I did + not hesitate in applying to Mr. Q—— to sell me a farm, + particularly as I was aware of his anxiety to induce me to settle near C——, + for the reasons already stated. I told him that 300 pounds was the very + largest sum I could give for a farm, and that, if I could not get one for + that price, I should join my friends in the backwoods. + </p> + <p> + Q——, after scratching his head, and considering for a few + minutes, told me that he knew a farm which he could sell me for that + price, particularly as he wished to get rid of a set of Yankee rascals who + prevented emigrants from settling in that neighbourhood. We afterwards + found that there was but too good reason for the character he gave of some + of our neighbours. + </p> + <p> + Q—— held a mortgage for 150 pounds on a farm belonging to a + certain Yankee settler, named Joe H——, as security for a debt + incurred for goods at his store, in C——. The idea instantly + struck Q—— that he would compel Joe H—— to sell + him his farm, by threatening to foreclose the mortgage. I drove out with + Mr. Q—— next day to see the farm in question. It was situated + in a pretty retired valley, surrounded by hills, about eight miles from C——, + and about a mile from the great road leading to Toronto. There was an + extensive orchard upon the farm, and two log houses, and a large + frame-barn. A considerable portion of the cleared land was light and + sandy; and the uncleared part of the farm, situated on the flat, rocky + summit of a high hill, was reserved for “a sugar bush,” and for supplying + fuel. On the whole, I was pleased with the farm, which was certainly cheap + at the price of 300 pounds; and I therefore at once closed the bargain + with Mr. Q——. + </p> + <p> + At that time I had not the slightest idea but that the farm actually + belonged to the land-jobber; and I am to this day unable to tell by what + means he succeeded in getting Mr. H—— to part with his + property. + </p> + <p> + The father of Joe H—— had cleared the farm, and while the soil + was new it gave good crops; but as the rich surface, or “black muck,” as + it is called, became exhausted by continual cropping, nothing but a poor, + meagre soil remained. + </p> + <p> + The early settlers were wretched farmers; they never ploughed deep enough, + and never thought of manuring the land. After working the land for several + years, they would let it lie waste for three or four years without sowing + grass-seeds, and then plough it up again for wheat. The greater part of + the hay raised on these farms was sold in the towns, and the cattle were + fed during the long severe winter on wheat-straw. The natural result of + this poor nourishment was, that their cattle continually degenerated, and + great numbers died every spring of a disease called the “hollow horn,” + which appears to be peculiar to this country. When the lands became + sterile, from this exhausting treatment, they were called “worn-out + farms;” and the owners generally sold them to new settlers from the old + country, and with the money they received, bought a larger quantity of + wild lands, to provide for their sons; by whom the same improvident + process was recommenced. + </p> + <p> + These early settlers were, in fact, only fit for pioneers to a more + thrifty class of settlers. + </p> + <p> + Joe H——, or “Uncle Joe,” as the country people call any + acquaintance, after a fashion borrowed, no doubt, from the Dutch settlers + of the State of New York, was, neither by his habits nor industry, likely + to become more prosperous than his neighbours of the same thoughtless + class. His father had worked hard in his time, and Uncle Joe thought he + had a good right to enjoy himself. The nearest village was only five miles + from his place, and he was never without some excuse for going thither + every two or three days. His horse wanted shoeing, or his plough or waggon + wanted “to be fixed” by the blacksmith or carpenter. As a matter of + course, he came home “pretty high;” for he was in the constant habit of + pouring a half-tumbler of whiskey down his throat, standing bolt upright + at the bar of the tavern, after which he would drink about the same + quantity of cold water to wash it down. These habits together with bad + farming, and a lazy, slovenly helpmate, in a few years made Joe as poor as + he could desire to be; and at last he was compelled to sell his farm to + Mr. Q——. + </p> + <p> + After we had got settled down on this farm, I had often occasion to drive + into C——, for the purpose of buying groceries and other + necessaries, as we then thought them, at the store of Mr. Q——. + On these occasions I always took up my quarters, for the time, at the + tavern of our worthy Yankee friend, Mr. S——. As I drove up to + the door, I generally found S—— walking about briskly on the + boarded platform, or “stoop,” in front of the house, welcoming his guests + in his own peculiar free-and-easy style, looking after their horses, and + seeing that his people were attentive to their duties. I think I see him + now before me with his thin, erect, lathy figure, his snub nose, and + puckered-up face, wriggling and twisting himself about, in his desire to + please his customers. + </p> + <p> + On stopping in front of the tavern, shortly after our settlement on the + farm, Mr. S—— stepped up to me, in the most familiar manner + imaginable, holding out his hand quite condescendingly,—“Ah, Mister + Moodie, ha-a-w do you do?—and ha-a-w's the old woman?” + </p> + <p> + At first I could not conceive whom he meant by this very homely + appellation; and I very simply asked him what person he alluded to, as I + had no old woman in my establishment. + </p> + <p> + “Why, <i>your</i> old woman, to be sure—your missus—Mrs. + Moodie, I guess. You don't quite understand our language yet.” + </p> + <p> + “O! now I understand you; she's quite well, I thank you; and how is our + friend Mrs. S——?” I replied, laying a slight emphasis on the + <i>Mrs</i>., by way of a gentle hint for his future guidance. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. S——, I guess she's smart, pret-ty <i>con</i>-siderable. + She'll be right glad to see you, for you're pretty considerable of a + favour-<i>ite</i> with her, I tell you; but now tell me what you will + drink?—for it's my treat.” + </p> + <p> + As he said these words, he strutted into the tavern before me, throwing + his head and shoulders back, and rising on his tiptoes at every step. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. S—— had been a very handsome woman, and still retained + much of her good looks. She was a most exemplary housewife and manager. I + was often astonished to witness the incessant toil she had to ensure in + attending to the wants of such a numerous household. + </p> + <p> + She had plenty of Irish “helps” in the kitchen; but they knew as much of + cookery as they did of astronomy, and poor Mrs. S——'s hands, + as well as her head, were in constant requisition. + </p> + <p> + She had two very pretty daughters, whom she would not suffer to do any + rough work which would spoil their soft white hands. Mrs. S——, + no doubt, foresaw that she could not expect to keep such fair creatures + long in such a marrying country as Canada, and, according to the common + caution of divines, she held these blessings with a loose hand. + </p> + <p> + There was one sweet little girl, whom I had often seen in her father's + arms, with her soft dark eyes, and her long auburn ringlets hanging in + wild profusion over his shoulders. + </p> + <p> + “I guess she likes pa, <i>some</i>,” Mr. S—— would say when I + remarked her fondness for him. + </p> + <p> + This little fairy had a natural genius for music, and though she was only + four years old, she would sit for an hour at a time at the door of our + room to hear me play on the flute, and would afterwards sing all the airs + she picked up, with the sweetest voice in the world. + </p> + <p> + Humble as the calling of a tavern-keeper may be considered in England, it + is looked upon in the United States, where Mrs. S—— was + “raised,” as extremely respectable; and I have never met with women, in + any class of society elsewhere, who possessed more of the good-feeling and + unobtrusive manners which should belong to ladies than in the family of + this worthy tavern-keeper. + </p> + <p> + When I contrast their genuine kindness and humanity with the haughty, + arrogant airs assumed by some ladies of a higher standing in society from + England who sojourned in their house at the same time with ourselves—when + I remember their insolent way of giving their orders to Mrs. S——, + and their still more wounding condescension—I confess I cannot but + feel ashamed of my countrywomen. All these patronising airs, I doubt not, + were assumed purposely to impress the minds of those worthy people with an + idea of their vast superiority. I have sometimes, I confess, been a little + annoyed with the familiarity of the Americans, Canadians as well as + Yankees; but I must say that experience has taught me to blame myself at + least as much as them. If, instead of sending our youthful aristocracy to + the continent of Europe, to treat the natives with contempt and increase + the unpopularity of the British abroad, while their stock of native + arrogance is augmented by the cringing complaisance of those who only bow + to their superiority in wealth, they were sent to the United States, or + even to Canada, they would receive a lesson or two which would be of + infinite service to them; some of their most repulsive prejudices and + peculiarities would soon be rubbed off by the rough towel of democracy. + </p> + <p> + It is curious to observe the remarkable diversity in the accounts given by + recent emigrants to this country of their treatment, and of the manners + and character of the people in the United States and in Canada. Some meet + with constant kindness, others with nothing but rudeness and brutality. Of + course there is truth in both accounts; but strangers from an + aristocratical country do not usually make sufficient allowance for the + habits and prejudices of a people of a land, in which, from the + comparatively equal distribution of property, and the certain prosperity + attendant on industry, the whole constitution of society is necessarily + democratical, irrespectively of political institutions. Those who go to + such a country with the notion that they will carry everything before them + by means of pretence and assumption, will find themselves grievously + deceived. To use a homely illustration, it is just as irrational to expect + to force a large body through a small aperture. In both cases they will + meet with unyielding resistance. + </p> + <p> + When a poor and industrious mechanic, farmer, or labourer comes here + without pretensions of any kind, no such complaints are to be heard. He is + treated with respect, and every one seems willing to help him forward. If + in after-years the manners of such a settler should grow in importance + with his prosperity—which is rarely the case—his pretensions + would be much more readily tolerated than those of any unknown or untried + individual in a higher class of society. + </p> + <p> + The North Americans generally are much more disposed to value people + according to the estimate they form of their industry, and other qualities + which more directly lead to the acquisition of property, and to the + benefit of the community, than for their present and actual wealth. While + they pay a certain mock homage to a wealthy immigrant, when they have a + motive in doing so, they secretly are more inclined to look on him as a + well-fledged goose who has come to America to be plucked. In truth, many + of them are so dexterous in this operation that the unfortunate victim is + often stripped naked before he is aware that he has lost a feather. + </p> + <p> + There seems to be a fatality attending riches imported into Canada. They + are sure to make to themselves wings and flee away, while wealth is no + less certain to adhere to the poor and industrious settler. The great + fault of the Canadian character is an unwillingness to admit the just + claims of education and talent, however unpretending, to some share of + consideration. In this respect the Americans of the United States are + greatly superior to the Canadians, because they are better educated and + their country longer settled. These genuine Republicans, when their theory + of the original and natural equality among them is once cheerfully + admitted, are ever ready to show respect to <i>mental</i> superiority, + whether natural or acquired. + </p> + <p> + My evenings on visiting C—— were usually spent at Mr. S——'s + tavern, where I was often much amused with the variety of characters who + were there assembled, and who, from the free-and-easy familiarity of the + colonial manners, had little chance of concealing their peculiarities from + an attentive observer. + </p> + <p> + Mr Q——, of course, was always to be found there, drinking, + smoking cigars, and cracking jokes. To a casual observer he appeared to be + a regular boon companion without an object but that of enjoying the + passing hour. Among his numerous accomplishments, he had learnt a number + of sleight-of-hand tricks from the travelling conjurors who visit the + country, and are generally willing to sell their secrets singly, at a + regulated price. This seemed a curious investment for Q——, but + he knew how to turn everything to account. By such means he was enabled to + contribute to the amusement of the company, and thus became a kind of + favourite. If he could not manage to sell a lot of land to an immigrant or + speculator, he would carelessly propose to some of the company to have a + game at whist or loo, to pass the time away; and he never failed to + conjure most of their money into his pockets. + </p> + <p> + At this time a new character made his appearance at C——, at + Mr. B——, an English farmer of the true yeoman breed. He was a + short-legged, long-bodied, corpulent little man. He wore a brown coat, + with ample skirts, and a vast expanse of vest, with drab-coloured + small-clothes and gaiters. B—— was a jolly, good-natured + looking man, with an easy blunt manner which might easily pass for + honesty. + </p> + <p> + Q—— had sold him a lot of wild land in some out-of-the-way + township, by making Mr. B—— believe that he could sell it + again very soon, with a handsome profit. Of course his bargain was not a + good one. He soon found from its situation that the land was quite + unsaleable, there being no settlements in the neighbourhood. Instead of + expressing any resentment, he fairly acknowledged that Q—— was + his master at a bargain, and gave him full credit for his address and + cunning, and quite resolved in his own mind to profit by the lesson he had + received. + </p> + <p> + Now, with all their natural acuteness and habitual dexterity in such + matters, the Canadians have one weak point; they are too ready to believe + that Englishmen are made of money. All that an emigrant has to do to + acquire the reputation of having money, is to seem quite easy, and free + from care or anxiety for the future, and to maintain a certain degree of + reserve in talking of his private affairs. Mr. B—— perfectly + understood how to play his cards with the land-jobber; and his fat, jolly + physiognomy, and rustic, provincial manners and accent, greatly assisted + him in the deception. + </p> + <p> + Every day Q—— drove him out to look at different farms. B—— + talked carelessly of buying some large “block” of land, that would have + cost him some 3000 or 4000 pounds, providing he could only find the kind + of soil he particularly liked for farming purposes. As he seemed to be in + no hurry in making his selection, Q—— determined to make him + useful, in the meantime, in promoting his views with respect to others. He + therefore puffed Mr. B—— up to everybody as a Norfolk farmer + of large capital, and always appealed to him to confirm the character he + gave of any farm he wished to sell to a new comer. B——, on his + side, was not slow in playing into Q——'s hand on these + occasions, and without being at all suspected of collusion. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, Mr. B—— would walk into the public room of the + tavern, apparently fatigued with his exertions through the day; fling + himself carelessly on a sofa, and unbutton his gaiters and the knees of + his small-clothes. He took little notice of anybody unless he was spoken + to, and his whole demeanour seemed to say, as plainly as words, “I care + for nobody, nobody cares for me.” This was just the kind of man for Q——. + He instantly saw that he would be an invaluable ally and coadjutor, + without seeming to be so. When B—— made his appearance in the + evening, Q—— was seldom at the tavern, for his time had not + yet come. In the meanwhile, B—— was sure to be drawn gradually + into conversation by some emigrants, who, seeing that he was a practical + farmer, would be desirous of getting his opinion respecting certain farms + which they thought of purchasing. There was such an appearance of blunt + simplicity of character about him, that most of these inquirers thought he + was forgetting his own interest in telling them so much as he did. In the + course of conversation, he would mention several farms he had been looking + at with the intention of purchasing, and he would particularly mention + some one of them as possessing extraordinary advantages, but which had + some one disadvantage which rendered it ineligible for him; such as being + too small, a circumstance which, in all probability, would recommend it to + another description of settler. + </p> + <p> + It is hard to say whether Q—— was or was not deceived by B——; + but though he used him for the present as a decoy, he no doubt expected + ultimately to sell him some of his farms, with a very handsome profit. B——, + however whose means were probably extremely small, fought shy of buying; + and after looking at a number of farms, he told Q—— that, on + mature reflection, he thought he could employ his capital more profitably + by renting a number of farms, and working them in the English manner, + which he felt certain would answer admirably in Canada, instead of sinking + his capital at once in the purchase of lands. Q—— was fairly + caught; and B—— hired some six or seven farms from him, which + he worked for some time, no doubt greatly to his own advantage, for he + neither paid rent nor wages. + </p> + <p> + Occasionally, other land-speculators would drop into the tavern, when a + curious game would be played between Q—— and them. Once of the + speculators would ask another if he did not own some land in a particular + part of the country, as he had bought some lots in the same quarter, + without seeing them, and would like to know if they were good. The other + would answer in the affirmative, and pretend to desire to purchase the + lots mentioned. The former, in his turn, would pretend reluctance, and + make a similar offer of buying. All this cunning manoeuvring would be + continued for a time, in the hope of inducing some third party or stranger + to make an offer for the land, which would be accepted. It often happened + that some other person, who had hitherto taken no part in the course of + these conversations, and who appeared to have no personal interest in the + matter, would quietly inform the stranger that he knew the land in + question, and that it was all of the very best quality. + </p> + <p> + It would be endless to describe all the little artifices practised by + these speculators to induce persons to purchase from them. + </p> + <p> + Besides a few of these unprincipled traders in land, some of whom are + found in most of the towns, there are a large number of land-speculators + who own both wild and improved farms in all parts of the colony who do not + descend to these discreditable arts, but wait quietly until their lands + become valuable by the progress of improvement in their neighbourhood, + when they readily find purchasers—or, rather, the purchasers find + them out, and obtain their lands at reasonable prices. + </p> + <p> + In 1832, when we came to Canada, a great speculation was carried on in the + lands of the U.E. (or United Empire) Loyalists. The sons and daughters of + these loyalists, who had fled to Canada from the United States at the time + of the revolutionary war, were entitled to free grants of lots of wild + land. Besides these, few free grants of land were made by the British + Government, except those made to half-pay officers of the army and navy, + and of course there was a rapid rise in their value. + </p> + <p> + Almost all the persons entitled to such grants had settled in the eastern + part of the Upper Province, and as the large emigration which had + commenced to Canada had chiefly flowed into the more western part of the + colony, they were, in general, ignorant of the increased value of their + lands, and were ready to sell them for a mere trifle. They were bought by + the speculators at from 2s. 6d. to 3s. 9d. per acre, and often for much + less, and were sold again, with an enormous profit, at from 5s. to 20s., + and sometimes even 40s. per acre, according to their situation. + </p> + <p> + As to personally examining these lands, it was a thing never thought of, + for their price was so low that it was almost impossible to lose by the + purchase. The supply of U.E. Loyalists' lands, or claims for land, for a + long time seemed to be almost inexhaustible; for the loyal refugees appear + to have been prolific beyond all precedent, and most of those who held + office at the capital of the province, or who could command a small + capital, became speculators and throve prodigiously. Many persons, during + the early days of the colony, were thus enriched, without risk or labour, + from the inexhaustible “quivers” of the U.E. Loyalists. + </p> + <p> + Though the bulk of the speculators bought lands at haphazard, certain + parties who found favour at the government offices managed to secure the + best lands which were for sale or location, before they were exposed to + fair competition at the periodical public sales in the different + districts. Thus a large portion of the wild lands in the colony were and + are still held: the absentee proprietors profiting from the increased + value given to their property by the improvements of the actual settlers, + while they contribute little or nothing to the cultivation of the country. + The progress of the colony has thus been retarded, and its best interests + sacrificed, to gratify the insatiable cupidity of a clique who boasted the + exclusive possession of all the loyalty in the country; and every + independent man who dared to raise his voice against such abuses was + branded as a Republican. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Q—— dealt largely in these “U.E. Rights,” as they were + called, and so great was the emigration in 1832 that the lands he bought + at 2s. 6d. per acre he could readily sell again to emigrants and Canadians + at from 5s. to 15s. per acre, according to situation and the description + of purchasers he met with. I have stated that the speculators generally + buy lands at hap-hazard. By this I mean as to the quality of the lands. + All colonists accustomed to observe the progress of settlement, and the + local advantages which hasten improvement, acquire a peculiar sagacity in + such matters. Unfortunately for many old countrymen, they are generally + entirely destitute of this kind of knowledge, which is only acquired by + long observation and experience in colonies. + </p> + <p> + The knowledge of the causes which promote the rapid settlement of a new + country, and of those in general which lead to the improvement of the + physical condition of mankind may be compared to the knowledge of a + language. The inhabitant of a civilised and long-settled country may speak + and write his own language with the greatest purity, but very few ever + reflect on the amount of thought, metaphor, and ingenuity which has been + expended by their less civilised ancestors in bringing that language to + perfection. The barbarian first feels the disadvantage of a limited means + of communicating his ideas, and with great labour and ingenuity devises + the means, from time to time, to remedy the imperfections of his language. + He is compelled to analyse and study it in its first elements, and to + augment the modes of expression in order to keep pace with the increasing + number of his wants and ideas. + </p> + <p> + A colony bears the same relation to an old-settled country that a grammar + does to a language. In a colony, society is seen in its first elements, + the country itself is in its rudest and simplest form. The colonist knows + them in this primitive state, and watches their progress step by step. In + this manner he acquires an intimate knowledge of the philosophy of + improvement, which is almost unattainable by an individual who has lived + from his childhood in a highly complex and artificial state of society, + where everything around him was formed and arranged long before he came + into the world; he sees the effects, the causes existed long before his + time. His place in society—his portion of the wealth of the country—his + prejudices—his religion itself, if he has any, are all more or less + hereditary. He is in some measure a mere machine, or rather a part of one. + He is a creature of education, rather than of original thought. + </p> + <p> + The colonist has to create—he has to draw on his own stock of ideas, + and to rouse up all his latent energies to meet all his wants in his new + position. Thus his thinking principle is strengthened, and he is more + energetic. When a moderate share of education is added to these advantages—for + they are advantages in one sense—he becomes a superior being. + </p> + <p> + I have indulged in these reflections, with manifest risk of being thought + somewhat prosy by my more lively readers, in order to guard my countrymen, + English, Scotch, and Irish, against a kind of presumption which is + exceedingly common among them when they come to Canada—of fancying + that they are as capable of forming correct opinions on local matters as + the Canadians themselves. It is always somewhat humbling to our self-love + to be compelled to confess what may be considered an error of judgment, + but my desire to guard future settlers against similar mistakes overpowers + my reluctance to own that I fell into the common error of many of my + countrymen, of purchasing wild land, on speculation, with a very + inadequate capital. This was one of the chief causes of much suffering, in + which for many years my family became involved; but through which, + supported by trust in Providence, and the energy of a devoted partner, I + continued by her aid to struggle, until when least expected, the light of + hope at length dawned upon us. + </p> + <p> + In reflecting on this error—for error and imprudence it was, even + though the result had been fortunate—I have still this poor comfort, + that there was not one in a hundred of persons similarly situated but fell + into the same mistake, of trusting too much to present appearances, + without sufficient experience in the country. + </p> + <p> + I had, as I have already stated, about 300 pounds when I arrived in + Canada. This sum was really advantageously invested in a cleared farm, + which possessed an intrinsic and not a merely speculative value. + Afterwards a small legacy of about 700 pounds fell into my hands, and had + I contented myself with this farm, and purchased two adjoining cleared + farms containing two hundred acres of land of the finest quality which + were sold far below their value by the thriftless owners, I should have + done well, or at all events have invested my money profitably. But the + temptation to buy wild land at 5s. an acre, which was expected to double + in value in a few months, with the example of many instances of similar + speculation proving successful which came under my notice, proved + irresistible. + </p> + <p> + In 1832 emigration was just at its height, and a great number of + emigrants, several of whom were of the higher class, and possessed of + considerable capital, were directed to the town of C——, in the + rear of which extensive tracts of land were offered to settlers at the + provincial government sales. Had this extensive emigration continued, I + should have been enabled to double my capital, by selling my wild lands to + settlers; but, unfortunately, the prevalence of cholera during that year, + and other causes, gave such a serious check to emigration to Canada that + it has never been renewed to the same extent since that time. Besides the + chance of a check to emigration generally, the influx of strangers is + often extremely capricious in the direction it takes, flowing one year + into one particular locality, and afterwards into another. Both these + results, neither of which was foreseen by any one, unfortunately for me, + ensued just at that time. It seemed natural that emigrants should flow + into a fertile tract of land, and emigration was confidently expected + steadily to increase; these were our anticipations, but neither of them + was realised. Were it suitable to the character of these sketches, I would + enter into the subject of emigration and the progress of improvement in + Canada, respecting which my judgment has been matured by experience and + observation; but such considerations would be out of place in volumes like + the present, and I shall therefore proceed with my narrative. + </p> + <p> + I had obtained my cleared farm on easy terms, and, in so far as the + probability of procuring a comfortable subsistence was concerned, we had + no reason to complain; but comfort and happiness do not depend entirely on + a sufficiency of the necessaries of life. Some of our neighbours were far + from being agreeable to us. Being fresh from England, it could hardly be + expected that we could at once accommodate ourselves to the obtrusive + familiarity of persons who had no conception of any differences in taste + or manners arising from education and habits acquired in a more refined + state of society. I allude more particularly to some rude and demoralised + American farmers from the United States, who lived in our immediate + neighbourhood. Our neighbours from the same country were worthy, + industrious people; but, on the whole, the evil greatly predominated over + the good amongst them. + </p> + <p> + At a few miles' distance from our farm, we had some intelligent English + neighbours, of a higher class; but they were always so busily occupied + with their farming operations that they had little leisure or inclination + for that sort of easy intercourse to which we had been accustomed. If we + called in the forenoon, we generally found our neighbour hard at work in + the fields, and his wife over head and ears in her domestic occupations. + We had to ring the bell repeatedly before we could gain admittance, to + allow her time to change her ordinary dress. Long before this could be + effected, or we could enter the door, sundry reconnoitring parties of the + children would peep at us round the corners of the house, and then scamper + off to make their reports. + </p> + <p> + It seems strange that sensible people should not at once see the necessity + of accommodating their habits to their situation and circumstances, and + receive their friends without appearing to be ashamed of their + employments. This absurdity, however, is happily confined to the + would-be-genteel people in the country, who visit in the towns, and + occasionally are ambitious enough to give large parties to the aristocracy + of the towns. The others, who do not pretend to vie with the townspeople + in such follies, are a great deal more easy and natural in their manners, + and more truly independent and hospitable. + </p> + <p> + Now that we are better acquainted with the country, we much prefer the + conversation of the intelligent and unpretending class of farmers, who, + though their education has been limited, often possess a rich fund of + strong commonsense and liberality of sentiment, and not unfrequently great + observation and originality of mind. At the period I refer to, a number of + the American settlers from the United States, who composed a considerable + part of the population, regarded British settlers with an intense feeling + of dislike, and found a pleasure in annoying and insulting them when any + occasion offered. They did not understand us, nor did we them, and they + generally mistook the reserve which is common with the British towards + strangers for pride and superciliousness. + </p> + <p> + “You Britishers are too superstitious,” one of them told me on a + particular occasion. + </p> + <p> + It was some time before I found out what he meant by the term + “superstitious,” and that it was generally used by them for + “supercilious.” + </p> + <p> + New settlers of the lower classes were then in the habit of imitating + their rudeness and familiarity, which they mistook for independence. To a + certain extent, this feeling still exists amongst the working class from + Europe, but they have learnt to keep it within prudent bounds for their + own sakes; and the higher class have learnt to moderate their pretensions, + which will not be tolerated here, where labourers are less dependent on + them for employment. The character of both classes, in fact, has been + altered very much for the better, and a better and healthier feeling + exists between them—much more so, indeed, than in England. + </p> + <p> + The labouring class come to this country, too often with the idea that the + higher class are their tyrants and oppressors; and, with a feeling akin to + revenge, they are often inclined to make their employers in Canada suffer + in their turn. This feeling is the effect of certain depressing causes, + often remote and beyond the reach of legislation, but no less real on that + account; and just in proportion to the degree of poverty and servility + which exists among the labouring class in the particular part of the + United Kingdom from which they come, will be the reaction here. When + emigrants have been some years settled in Canada, they find out their + particular and just position, as well as their duties and interests, and + then they begin to feel truly happy. The fermentation arising from the + strange mixture of discordant elements and feelings gradually subsides, + but until this takes place, the state of society is anything but agreeable + or satisfactory. + </p> + <p> + Such was its state at C——, in 1832; and to us it was + distasteful, that though averse, for various reasons, to commence a new + settlement, we began to listen to the persuasions of our friends, who were + settled in the township of D——, about forty miles from C——, + and who were naturally anxious to induce us to settle among them. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Moodie's brother, S——, had recently formed a settlement + in that township, and just before our arrival in Canada had been joined by + an old brother officer and countryman of mine, Mr. T——, who + was married to Mrs. Moodie's sister. The latter, who like myself, was a + half-pay officer, had purchased a lot of wild land, close to the farm + occupied by S——. + </p> + <p> + Mr. S—— S—— had emigrated to Canada while quite a + youth, and was thoroughly acquainted with the backwoods, and with the use + of the felling-axe, which he wielded with all the ease and dexterity of a + native. + </p> + <p> + I had already paid some flying visits to the backwoods and found the state + of society, though rude and rough, more congenial to our European tastes + and habits, for several gentlemen of liberal education were settled in the + neighbourhood, among whom there was a constant interchange of visits and + good offices. All these gentlemen had recently arrived from England, + Ireland, or Scotland, and all the labouring class were also fresh from the + old country and consequently very little change had taken place in the + manners or feelings of either class. There we felt we could enjoy the + society of those who could sympathise with our tastes and prejudices, and + who, from inclination as well as necessity, were inclined to assist each + other in their farming operations. + </p> + <p> + There is no situation in which men feel more the necessity of mutual + assistance than in clearing land. + </p> + <p> + Alone, a man may fell the trees on a considerable extent of woodland; but + without the assistance of two or three others, he cannot pile up the logs + previous to burning. Common labours and common difficulties, as among + comrades during a campaign, produce a social unity of feeling among + backwoods-men. There is, moreover, a peculiar charm in the excitement of + improving a wilderness for the benefit of children and posterity; there is + in it, also, that consciousness of usefulness which forms so essential an + ingredient in true happiness. Every tree that falls beneath the axe opens + a wider prospect, and encourages the settler to persevere in his efforts + to attain independence. + </p> + <p> + Mr. S—— had secured for me a portion of the military grant of + four hundred acres, which I was entitled to as a half-pay officer, in his + immediate neighbourhood. Though this portion amounted to only sixty acres, + it was so far advantageous to me as being in a settled part of the + country. I bought a clergy reserve of two hundred acres, in the rear of + the sixty acres for 1 pound per acre, for which immediately afterwards I + was offered 2 pounds per acre, for at that period there was such an influx + of settlers into that locality that lands had risen rapidly to a + fictitious price. I had also purchased one hundred acres more for 1 pound + 10s. per acre, from a private individual; this also was considered cheap + at the time. + </p> + <p> + These lots, forming altogether a compact farm of three hundred and sixty + acres, were situated on the sloping banks of a beautiful lake, or, rather, + expansion of the river Otonabee, about half-a-mile wide, and studded with + woody islets. From this lake I afterwards procured many a good meal for my + little family, when all other means of obtaining food had failed us. I + thus secured a tract of land which was amply sufficient for the + comfortable subsistence of a family, had matters gone well with me. + </p> + <p> + It should be distinctly borne in mind by the reader, that uncleared land + in a remote situation from markets possesses, properly speaking, no + intrinsic value, like cleared land, for a great deal of labour or money + must be expended before it can be made to produce anything to sell. My + half-pay, which amounted to about 100 pounds per annum of Canadian + currency, was sufficient to keep us supplied with food, and to pay for + clearing a certain extent of land, say ten acres every year, for wheat, + which is immediately afterwards sown with grass-seeds to supply hay for + the cattle during winter. Unfortunately, at this period, a great change + took place in my circumstances, which it was impossible for the most + prudent or cautious to have foreseen. + </p> + <p> + An intimation from the War-office appeared in all the newspapers, calling + on half-pay officers either to sell their commissions or to hold + themselves in readiness to join some regiment. This was a hard + alternative, as many of these officers were situated; for a great many of + them had been tempted to emigrate to Canada by the grants of land which + were offered them by government, and had expended all their means in + improving these grants, which were invariably given to them in remote + situations, where they were worse than worthless to any class of settlers + but those who could command sufficient labour in their own families to + make the necessary clearings and improvements. + </p> + <p> + Rather than sell my commission, I would at once have made up my mind to + join a regiment in any part of the world; but, when I came to think of the + matter, I recollected that the expense of an outfit, and of removing my + family—to say nothing of sacrificing my property in the colony—would + render it utterly impossible for me to accept this unpleasant alternative + after being my own master for eighteen years, and after effectually + getting rid of all the habits which render a military life attractive to a + young man. Under these circumstances, I too hastily determined to sell out + of the army. This, of course, was easily managed. I expected to get about + 600 pounds for my commission; and, before the transaction was concluded, I + was inquiring anxiously for some mode of investing the proceeds, as to + yield a yearly income. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately, as it turned out, I made a bargain with Mr. Q—— + for twenty-five shares, of 25 pounds each, in a fine steamer, which had + just been built at C——, and which was expected to pay at least + twenty-five per cent. to the shareholders. This amount of stock Q—— + offered me for the proceeds of my commission, whatever amount it might be + sold for; offering at the same time to return all he should receive above + 600 pounds sterling. As I had nothing but his word for this part of the + agreement, he did not recollect it when he obtained 700 pounds, which was + 100 pounds more than I expected. + </p> + <p> + Some boats on Lake Ontario, while the great emigration lasted, and there + was less competition, yielded more than thirty per cent.; and there seemed + then no reason to doubt that the new boat would be equally profitable. + </p> + <p> + It is possible that Q—— foresaw what actually happened; or, + more probably, he thought he could employ his money better in land + speculations. As soon as the steamer began to run, a quarrel took place + between the shareholders who resided at C——, where she was + built, and those who lived at the capital of the Upper Province—York, + as it was then called. The consequence was that she remained idle a long + time, and at last she came under the entire control of the shareholders at + York, who managed the boat as they liked, and to suit their own interests. + Afterwards, though the boat continued to be profitably employed, somehow + or other all her earnings were consumed in repairs, &c., and for + several years I never received a penny for my shares. At last the steamer + was sold, and I only received about a fourth part of my original stock. + This, as may be supposed, was a bitter disappointment to me; for I had + every reason to think that I had not only invested my money well, but very + profitably, judging from the profits of the other boats on the lake. Had I + received the proceeds of my commission, and bought bank stock in the + colony—which then and still yields eight per cent.—my 700 + pounds sterling, equal to 840 pounds currency, would have given me 60 + pounds per annum, which, with my own labour, would have kept my family + tolerably well, have helped to pay servants, and have saved us all much + privation and harassing anxiety. + </p> + <p> + Having thus supplied the painful details of a transaction, a knowledge of + which was necessary to explain many circumstances in our situation, + otherwise unintelligible, I shall proceed with my narrative. + </p> + <p> + The government did not carry out its intention with respect to half-pay + officers in the colonies; but many officers, like myself, had already sold + their commissions, under the apprehension of being compelled to accept + this hard alternative. I was suddenly thrown on my own resources, to + support a helpless and increasing family, without any regular income. I + had this consolation, however, under my misfortune, that I had acted from + the best motives, and without the most remote idea that I was risking the + comfort and happiness of those depending upon me. I found very soon, that + I had been too precipitate, as people often are in extraordinary + positions; though, had the result been more fortunate, most people would + have commended my prudence and foresight. We determined, however, to bear + up manfully against our ill-fortune, and trust to that Providence which + never deserts those who do not forget their own duties in trying + circumstances. + </p> + <p> + It is curious how, on such occasions, some stray stanzas which hang about + the outskirts of the memory, will suddenly come to our aid. Thus, I often + caught myself humming over some of the verses of that excellent moral song + “The Pilot,” and repeating, with a peculiar emphasis, the concluding lines + of each stanza, + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Fear not! but trust in Providence, + Wherever thou may'st be.” + </pre> + <p> + Such songs do good; and a peculiar blessing seems to attend every + composition, in prose or verse, which inculcates good moral sentiments, or + tends to strengthen our virtuous resolutions. This fine song, I feel + assured, will live embalmed in the memory of mankind long after the + sickly, affected, and unnatural ditties of its author have gone to their + merited oblivion. Sometimes, however, in spite of my good resolutions, + when left alone, the dark clouds of despondency would close around me, and + I could not help contrasting the happy past in our life with my gloomy + anticipations of the future. Sleep, which should bring comfort and + refreshment, often only aggravated my painful regrets, by recalling scenes + which had nearly escaped my waking memory. In such a mood the following + verses were written:— + </p> + <h3> + OH, LET ME SLEEP! + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh, let me sleep! nor wake to sadness + The heart that, sleeping, dreams of gladness; + For sleep is death, without the pain— + Then wake me not to life again. + Oh, let me sleep! nor break the spell + That soothes the captive in his cell; + That bursts his chains, and sets him free, + To revel in his liberty. + + Loved scenes, array'd in tenderest hue, + Now rise in beauty to my view; + And long-lost friends around me stand, + Or, smiling, grasp my willing hand. + Again I seek my island home; + Along the silent bays I roam, + Or, seated on the rocky shore, + I hear the angry surges roar. + + And oh, how sweet the music seems + I've heard amid my blissful dreams! + But of the sadly pleasing strains, + Nought save the thrilling sense remains. + Those sounds so loved in scenes so dear, + Still—still they murmur in my ear: + But sleep alone can bless the sight + With forms that face with morning's light. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0014" id="link2HCH0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIV — A JOURNEY TO THE WOODS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + 'Tis well for us poor denizens of earth + That God conceals the future from our gaze; + Or Hope, the blessed watcher on Life's tower, + Would fold her wings, and on the dreary waste + Close the bright eye that through the murky clouds + Of blank Despair still sees the glorious sun. +</pre> + <p> + It was a bright frosty morning when I bade adieu to the farm, the + birthplace of my little Agnes, who, nestled beneath my cloak, was sweetly + sleeping on my knee, unconscious of the long journey before us into the + wilderness. The sun had not as yet risen. Anxious to get to our place of + destination before dark, we started as early as we could. Our own fine + team had been sold the day before for forty pounds; and one of our + neighbours, a Mr. D——, was to convey us and our household + goods to Douro for the sum of twenty dollars. During the week he had made + several journeys, with furniture and stores; and all that now remained was + to be conveyed to the woods in two large lumber sleighs, one driven by + himself, the other by a younger brother. + </p> + <p> + It was not without regret that I left Melsetter, for so my husband had + called the place, after his father's estate in Orkney. It was a beautiful, + picturesque spot; and, in spite of the evil neighbourhood, I had learned + to love it; indeed, it was much against my wish that it was sold. I had a + great dislike to removing, which involves a necessary loss, and is apt to + give to the emigrant roving and unsettled habits. But all regrets were now + useless; and happily unconscious of the life of toil and anxiety that + awaited us in those dreadful woods, I tried my best to be cheerful, and to + regard the future with a hopeful eye. + </p> + <p> + Our driver was a shrewd, clever man, for his opportunities. He took charge + of the living cargo, which consisted of my husband, our maid-servant, the + two little children, and myself—besides a large hamper, full of + poultry, a dog, and a cat. The lordly sultan of the imprisoned seraglio + thought fit to conduct himself in a very eccentric manner, for at every + barn-yard we happened to pass, he clapped his wings, and crowed so long + and loud that it afforded great amusement to the whole party, and + doubtless was very edifying to the poor hens, who lay huddled together as + mute as mice. + </p> + <p> + “That 'ere rooster thinks he's on the top of the heap,” said our driver, + laughing. “I guess he's not used to travelling in a close conveyance. + Listen! How all the crowers in the neighbourhood give him back a note of + defiance! But he knows that he's safe enough at the bottom of the basket.” + </p> + <p> + The day was so bright for the time of year (the first week in February), + that we suffered no inconvenience from the cold. Little Katie was + enchanted with the jingling of the sleigh-bells, and, nestled among the + packages, kept singing or talking to the horses in her baby lingo. + Trifling as these little incidents were, before we had proceeded ten miles + on our long journey, they revived my drooping spirits, and I began to feel + a lively interest in the scenes through which we were passing. + </p> + <p> + The first twenty miles of the way was over a hilly and well-cleared + country; and as in winter the deep snow fills up the inequalities, and + makes all roads alike, we glided as swiftly and steadily along as if they + had been the best highways in the world. Anon, the clearings began to + diminish, and tall woods arose on either side of the path; their solemn + aspect, and the deep silence that brooded over their vast solitudes, + inspiring the mind with a strange awe. Not a breath of wind stirred the + leafless branches, whose huge shadows reflected upon the dazzling white + covering of snow, lay so perfectly still, that it seemed as if Nature had + suspended her operations, that life and motion had ceased, and that she + was sleeping in her winding-sheet, upon the bier of death. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you will find the woods pretty lonesome,” said our driver, whose + thoughts had been evidently employed on the same subject as our own. “We + were once in the woods, but emigration has stepped ahead of us, and made + our'n a cleared part of the country. When I was a boy, all this country, + for thirty miles on every side of us, was bush land. As to Peterborough, + the place was unknown; not a settler had ever passed through the great + swamp, and some of them believed that it was the end of the world.” + </p> + <p> + “What swamp is that?” asked I. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the great Cavan swamp. We are just two miles from it; and I tell you + that the horses will need a good rest, and ourselves a good dinner, by the + time we are through it. Ah, Mrs. Moodie, if ever you travel that way in + summer, you will know something about corduroy roads. I was 'most jolted + to death last fall; I thought it would have been no bad notion to have + insured my teeth before I left C——. I really expected that + they would have been shook out of my head before we had done manoeuvring + over the big logs.” + </p> + <p> + “How will my crockery stand it in the next sleigh?” quoth I. “If the road + is such as you describe, I am afraid that I shall not bring a whole plate + to Douro.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the snow is a great leveller—it makes all rough places smooth. + But with regard to this swamp, I have something to tell you. About ten + years ago, no one had ever seen the other side of it; and if pigs or + cattle strayed away into it, they fell a prey to the wolves and bears, and + were seldom recovered. + </p> + <p> + “An old Scotch emigrant, who had located himself on this side of it, so + often lost his beasts that he determined during the summer season to try + and explore the place, and see if there were any end to it. So he takes an + axe on his shoulder, and a bag of provisions for a week, not forgetting a + flask of whiskey, and off he starts all alone, and tells his wife that if + he never returned, she and little Jock must try and carry on the farm + without him; but he was determined to see the end of the swamp, even if it + led to the other world. He fell upon a fresh cattle-track, which he + followed all that day; and towards night he found himself in the heart of + a tangled wilderness of bushes, and himself half eaten up with mosquitoes + and black-flies. He was more than tempted to give in, and return home by + the first glimpse of light. + </p> + <p> + “The Scotch are a tough people; they are not easily daunted—a few + difficulties only seem to make them more eager to get on; and he felt + ashamed the next moment, as he told me, of giving up. So he finds out a + large thick cedar-tree for his bed, climbs up, and coiling himself among + the branches like a bear, he was soon fast asleep. + </p> + <p> + “The next morning, by daylight, he continued his journey, not forgetting + to blaze with his axe the trees to the right and left as he went along. + The ground was so spongy and wet that at every step he plunged up to his + knees in water, but he seemed no nearer the end of the swamp than he had + been the day before. He saw several deer, a raccoon, and a ground-hog, + during his walk, but was unmolested by bears or wolves. Having passed + through several creeks, and killed a great many snakes, he felt so weary + towards the close of the second day that he determined to go home the next + morning. But just as he began to think his search was fruitless he + observed that the cedars and tamaracks which had obstructed his path + became less numerous, and were succeeded by bass and soft maple. The + ground, also, became less moist, and he was soon ascending a rising slope, + covered with oak and beech, which shaded land of the very best quality. + The old man was now fully convinced that he had cleared the great swamp; + and that, instead of leading to the other world, it had conducted him to a + country that would yield the very best returns for cultivation. His + favourable report led to the formation of the road that we are about to + cross, and to the settlement of Peterborough, which is one of the most + promising new settlements in this district, and is surrounded by a + splendid back country.” + </p> + <p> + We were descending a very steep hill, and encountered an ox-sleigh, which + was crawling slowly up it in a contrary direction. Three people were + seated at the bottom of the vehicle upon straw, which made a cheap + substitute for buffalo-robes. Perched, as we were, upon the crown of the + height, we looked completely down into the sleigh, and during the whole + course of my life I never saw three uglier mortals collected into such a + narrow space. The man was blear-eyed, with a hare-lip, through which + protruded two dreadful yellow teeth that resembled the tusks of a boar. + The woman was long-faced, high cheek-boned, red-haired, and freckled all + over like a toad. The boy resembled his hideous mother, but with the + addition of a villanous obliquity of vision which rendered him the most + disgusting object in this singular trio. + </p> + <p> + As we passed them, our driver gave a knowing nod to my husband, directing, + at the same time, the most quizzical glance towards the strangers, as he + exclaimed, “We are in luck, sir! I think that 'ere sleigh may be called + Beauty's egg-basket!” + </p> + <p> + We made ourselves very merry at the poor people's expense, and Mr. D——, + with his odd stories and Yankeefied expressions, amused the tedium of our + progress through the great swamp, which in summer presents for several + miles one uniform bridge of rough and unequal logs, all laid loosely + across huge sleepers, so that they jump up and down, when pressed by the + wheels, like the keys of a piano. The rough motion and jolting occasioned + by this collision is so distressing that it never fails to entail upon the + traveller sore bones and an aching head for the rest of the day. The path + is so narrow over these logs that two waggons cannot pass without great + difficulty, which is rendered more dangerous by the deep natural ditches + on either side of the bridge, formed by broad creeks that flow out of the + swamp, and often terminate in mud-holes of very ominous dimensions. The + snow, however, hid from us all the ugly features of the road, and Mr. D—— + steered us through in perfect safety, and landed us at the door of a + little log house which crowned the steep hill on the other side of the + swamp, and which he dignified with the name of a tavern. + </p> + <p> + It was now two o'clock. We had been on the road since seven; and men, + women, and children were all ready for the good dinner that Mr. D—— + had promised us at this splendid house of entertainment, where we were + destined to stay for two hours, to refresh ourselves and rest the horses. + </p> + <p> + “Well, Mrs. J——, what have you got for our dinner?” said our + driver, after he had seen to the accommodation of his teams. + </p> + <p> + “Pritters(1) and pork, sir. Nothing else to be had in the woods. Thank + God, we have enough of that!” + </p> + <p> + (1) Vulgar Canadian for potatoes. + </p> + <p> + D—— shrugged up his shoulders, and looked at us. “We've plenty + of that same at home. But hunger's good sauce. Come, be spry, widow, and + see about it, for I am very hungry.” + </p> + <p> + I inquired for a private room for myself and the children, but there were + no private rooms in the house. The apartment we occupied was like the + cobbler's stall in the old song, and I was obliged to attend upon them in + public. + </p> + <p> + “You have much to learn, ma'am, if you are going to the woods,” said Mrs. + J——. + </p> + <p> + “To unlearn, you mean,” said Mr. D——. “To tell you the truth, + Mrs. Moodie, ladies and gentlemen have no business in the woods. + Eddication spoils man or woman for that location. So, widow (turning to + our hostess), you are not tired of living alone yet?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir; I have no wish for a second husband. I had enough of the first. + I like to have my own way—to lie down mistress, and get up master.” + </p> + <p> + “You don't like to be put out of your old way,” returned he, with a + mischievous glance. + </p> + <p> + She coloured very red; but it might be the heat of the fire over which she + was frying the pork for our dinner. + </p> + <p> + I was very hungry, but I felt no appetite for the dish she was preparing + for us. It proved salt, hard, and unsavoury. + </p> + <p> + D—— pronounced it very bad, and the whiskey still worse, with + which he washed it down. + </p> + <p> + I asked for a cup of tea and a slice of bread. But they were out of tea, + and the hop-rising had failed, and there was no bread in the house. For + this disgusting meal we paid at the rate of a quarter of a dollar a-head. + </p> + <p> + I was glad when the horses being again put to, we escaped from the rank + odour of the fried pork, and were once more in the fresh air. + </p> + <p> + “Well, mister; did not you grudge your money for that bad meat?” said D——, + when we were once more seated in the sleigh. “But in these parts, the + worse the fare the higher the charge.” + </p> + <p> + “I would not have cared,” said I, “if I could have got a cup of tea.” + </p> + <p> + “Tea! it's poor trash. I never could drink tea in my life. But I like + coffee, when 'tis boiled till it's quite black. But coffee is not good + without plenty of trimmings.” + </p> + <p> + “What do you mean by trimmings?” + </p> + <p> + He laughed. “Good sugar, and sweet cream. Coffee is not worth drinking + without trimmings.” + </p> + <p> + Often in after years have I recalled the coffee trimmings, when + endeavouring to drink the vile stuff which goes by the name of coffee in + the houses of entertainment in the country. + </p> + <p> + We had now passed through the narrow strip of clearing which surrounded + the tavern, and again entered upon the woods. It was near sunset, and we + were rapidly descending a steep hill, when one of the traces that held our + sleigh suddenly broke. D—— pulled up in order to repair the + damage. His brother's team was close behind, and our unexpected + stand-still brought the horses upon us before J. D—— could + stop them. I received so violent a blow from the head of one of them, just + in the back of the neck, that for a few minutes I was stunned and + insensible. When I recovered, I was supported in the arms of my husband, + over whose knees I was leaning, and D—— was rubbing my hands + and temples with snow. + </p> + <p> + “There, Mr. Moodie, she's coming to. I thought she was killed. I have seen + a man before now killed by a blow from a horse's head in the like manner.” + As soon as we could, we resumed our places in the sleigh; but all + enjoyment of our journey, had it been otherwise possible, was gone. + </p> + <p> + When we reached Peterborough, Moodie wished us to remain at the inn all + night, as we had still eleven miles of our journey to perform, and that + through a blazed forest-road, little travelled, and very much impeded by + fallen trees and other obstacles; but D—— was anxious to get + back as soon as possible to his own home, and he urged us very + pathetically to proceed. + </p> + <p> + The moon arose during our stay at the inn, and gleamed upon the straggling + frame-houses which then formed the now populous and thriving town of + Peterborough. We crossed the wild, rushing, beautiful Otonabee river by a + rude bridge, and soon found ourselves journeying over the plains or level + heights beyond the village, which were thinly wooded with picturesque + groups of oak and pine, and very much resembled a gentleman's park at + home. + </p> + <p> + Far below, to our right (for we were upon the Smith-town side) we heard + the rushing of the river, whose rapid waters never receive curb from the + iron chain of winter. Even while the rocky banks are coated with ice, and + the frost-king suspends from every twig and branch the most beautiful and + fantastic crystals, the black waters rush foaming along, a thick steam + rising constantly above the rapids, as from a boiling pot. The shores + vibrate and tremble beneath the force of the impetuous flood, as it whirls + round cedar-crowned islands and opposing rocks, and hurries on to pour its + tribute into the Rice Lake, to swell the calm, majestic grandeur of the + Trent, till its waters are lost in the beautiful bay of Quinte, and + finally merged in the blue ocean of Ontario. + </p> + <p> + The most renowned of our English rivers dwindle into little muddy rills + when compared with the sublimity of the Canadian waters. No language can + adequately express the solemn grandeur of her lake and river scenery; the + glorious islands that float, like visions from fairy land, upon the bosom + of these azure mirrors of her cloudless skies. No dreary breadth of + marshes, covered with flags, hide from our gaze the expanse of + heaven-tinted waters; no foul mud-banks spread their unwholesome + exhalations around. The rocky shores are crowned with the cedar, the + birch, the alder, and soft maple, that dip their long tresses in the pure + stream; from every crevice in the limestone the hare-bell and Canadian + rose wave their graceful blossoms. + </p> + <p> + The fiercest droughts of summer may diminish the volume and power of these + romantic streams, but it never leaves their rocky channels bare, nor + checks the mournful music of their dancing waves. + </p> + <p> + Through the openings in the forest, we now and then caught the silver + gleam of the river tumbling on in moonlight splendour, while the hoarse + chiding of the wind in the lofty pines above us gave a fitting response to + the melancholy cadence of the waters. + </p> + <p> + The children had fallen asleep. A deep silence pervaded the party. Night + was above us with her mysterious stars. The ancient forest stretched + around us on every side, and a foreboding sadness sunk upon my heart. + Memory was busy with the events of many years. I retraced step by step the + pilgrimage of my past life, until arriving at that passage in its sombre + history, I gazed through tears upon the singularly savage scene around me, + and secretly marvelled, “What brought me here?” + </p> + <p> + “Providence,” was the answer which the soul gave. “Not for your own + welfare, perhaps, but for the welfare of your children, the unerring hand + of the Great Father has led you here. You form a connecting link in the + destinies of many. It is impossible for any human creature to live for + himself alone. It may be your lot to suffer, but others will reap a + benefit from your trials. Look up with confidence to Heaven, and the sun + of hope will yet shed a cheering beam through the forbidding depths of + this tangled wilderness.” + </p> + <p> + The road now became so bad that Mr. D—— was obliged to + dismount, and lead his horses through the more intricate passages. The + animals themselves, weary with their long journey and heavy load, + proceeded at foot-fall. The moon, too, had deserted us, and the only light + we had to guide us through the dim arches of the forest was from the snow + and the stars, which now peered down upon us, through the leafless + branches of the trees, with uncommon brilliancy. + </p> + <p> + “It will be past midnight before we reach your brother's clearing” (where + we expected to spend the night), said D——. “I wish, Mr. + Moodie, we had followed your advice, and staid at Peterborough. How fares + it with you, Mrs. Moodie, and the young ones? It is growing very cold.” + </p> + <p> + We were now in the heart of a dark cedar-swamp, and my mind was haunted + with visions of wolves and bears; but beyond the long, wild howl of a + solitary wolf, no other sound awoke the sepulchral silence of that + dismal-looking wood. + </p> + <p> + “What a gloomy spot!” said I to my husband. “In the old country, + superstition would people it with ghosts.” + </p> + <p> + “Ghosts! There are no ghosts in Canada!” said Mr. D——. “The + country is too new for ghosts. No Canadian is afear'd of ghosts. It is + only in old countries, like your'n, that are full of sin and wickedness, + that people believe in such nonsense. No human habitation has ever been + erected in this wood through which you are passing. Until a very few years + ago, few white persons had ever passed through it; and the Red Man would + not pitch his tent in such a place as this. Now, ghosts, as I understand + the word, are the spirits of bad men that are not allowed by Providence to + rest in their graves but, for a punishment, are made to haunt the spots + where their worst deeds were committed. I don't believe in all this; but, + supposing it to be true, bad men must have died here before their spirits + could haunt the place. Now, it is more than probable that no person ever + ended his days in this forest, so that it would be folly to think of + seeing his ghost.” + </p> + <p> + This theory of Mr. D——'s had the merit of originality, and it + is not improbable that the utter disbelief in supernatural appearances + which is common to most native-born Canadians, is the result of the same + very reasonable mode of arguing. The unpeopled wastes of Canada must + present the same aspect to the new settler that the world did to our first + parents after their expulsion from the Garden of Eden; all the sin which + could defile the spot, or haunt it with the association of departed evil, + is concentrated in their own persons. Bad spirits cannot be supposed to + linger near a place where crime has never been committed. The belief in + ghosts, so prevalent in old countries, must first have had its foundation + in the consciousness of guilt. + </p> + <p> + After clearing this low, swampy portion of the wood, with much difficulty, + and the frequent application of the axe, to cut away the fallen timber + that impeded our progress, our ears were assailed by a low, roaring, + rushing sound, as of the falling of waters. + </p> + <p> + “That is Herriot's Falls,” said our guide. “We are within two miles of our + destination.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, welcome sound! But those two miles appeared more lengthy than the + whole journey. Thick clouds, that threatened a snow-storm, had blotted out + the stars, and we continued to grope our way through a narrow, rocky path, + upon the edge of the river, in almost total darkness. I now felt the + chillness of the midnight hour, and the fatigue of the long journey, with + double force, and envied the servant and children, who had been sleeping + ever since we left Peterborough. We now descended the steep bank, and + prepared to cross the rapids. + </p> + <p> + Dark as it was, I looked with a feeling of dread upon the foaming waters + as they tumbled over their bed of rocks, their white crests flashing, + life-like, amid the darkness of the night. + </p> + <p> + “This is an ugly bridge over such a dangerous place,” said D——, + as he stood up in the sleigh and urged his tired team across the + miserable, insecure log bridge, where darkness and death raged below, and + one false step of his jaded horses would have plunged us into both. I must + confess I drew a freer breath when the bridge was crossed, and D—— + congratulated us on our safe arrival in Douro. + </p> + <p> + We now continued our journey along the left bank of the river, but when in + sight of Mr. S——'s clearing, a large pine-tree, which had + newly fallen across the narrow path, brought the teams to a standstill. + </p> + <p> + The mighty trunk which had lately formed one of the stately pillars in the + sylvan temple of Nature, was of too large dimensions to chop in two with + axes; and after about half an hour's labour, which to me, poor, cold, + weary wight! seemed an age, the males of the party abandoned the task in + despair. To go round it was impossible; its roots were concealed in an + impenetrable wall of cedar-jungle on the right-hand side of the road, and + its huge branches hung over the precipitous bank of the river. + </p> + <p> + “We must try and make the horses jump over it,” said D——. “We + may get an upset, but there is no help for it; we must either make the + experiment, or stay here all night, and I am too cold and hungry for that—so + here goes.” He urged his horses to leap the log; restraining their ardour + for a moment as the sleigh rested on the top of the formidable barrier, + but so nicely balanced, that the difference of a straw would almost have + overturned the heavily-laden vehicle and its helpless inmates. We, + however, cleared it in safety. He now stopped, and gave directions to his + brother to follow the same plan that he had adopted; but whether the young + man had less coolness, or the horses in his team were more difficult to + manage, I cannot tell: the sleigh, as it hung poised upon the top of the + log, was overturned with a loud crash, and all my household goods and + chattels were scattered over the road. + </p> + <p> + Alas, for my crockery and stone china! scarcely one article remained + unbroken. + </p> + <p> + “Never fret about the china,” said Moodie; “thank God the man and the + horses are uninjured.” + </p> + <p> + I should have felt more thankful had the crocks been spared too; for, like + most of my sex, I had a tender regard for china, and I knew that no fresh + supply could be obtained in this part of the world. Leaving his brother to + collect the scattered fragments, D—— proceeded on his journey. + We left the road, and were winding our way over a steep hill, covered with + heaps of brush and fallen timber, and as we reached the top, a light + gleamed cheerily from the windows of a log house, and the next moment we + were at my brother-in-law's door. + </p> + <p> + I thought my journey was at an end; but here I was doomed to fresh + disappointment. His wife was absent on a visit to her friends, and it had + been arranged that we were to stay with my sister, Mrs. T——, + and her husband. With all this I was unacquainted; and I was about to quit + the sleigh and seek the warmth of the fire when I was told that I had yet + further to go. Its cheerful glow was to shed no warmth on me, and, tired + as I was, I actually buried my face and wept upon the neck of a hound + which Moodie had given to Mr. S——, and which sprang up upon + the sleigh to lick my face and hands. This was my first halt in that weary + wilderness, where I endured so many bitter years of toil and sorrow. My + brother-in-law and his family had retired to rest, but they instantly rose + to receive the way-worn travellers; and I never enjoyed more heartily a + warm welcome after a long day of intense fatigue, than I did that night of + my first sojourn in the backwoods. + </p> + <h3> + THE OTONABEE + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dark, rushing, foaming river! + I love the solemn sound + That shakes thy shores around, + And hoarsely murmurs, ever, + As thy waters onward bound, + Like a rash, unbridled steed + Flying madly on its course; + That shakes with thundering force + The vale and trembling mead. + So thy billows downward sweep, + Nor rock nor tree can stay + Their fierce, impetuous way; + Now in eddies whirling deep, + Now in rapids white with spray. + + I love thee, lonely river! + Thy hollow restless roar, + Thy cedar-girded shore; + The rocky isles that sever, + The waves that round them pour. + Katchawanook(1) basks in light, + But thy currents woo the shade + By the lofty pine-trees made, + That cast a gloom like night, + Ere day's last glories fade. + Thy solitary voice + The same bold anthem sung + When Nature's frame was young. + No longer shall rejoice + The woods where erst it rung! + + Lament, lament, wild river! + A hand is on thy mane(2) + That will bind thee in a chain + No force of thine can sever. + Thy furious headlong tide, + In murmurs soft and low, + Is destined yet to glide + To meet the lake below; + And many a bark shall ride + Securely on thy breast, + To waft across the main + Rich stores of golden grain + From the valleys of the West. +</pre> + <p> + (1) The Indian name for one of the many expansions of this beautiful + river. + </p> + <p> + (2) Alluding to the projected improvements on the Trent, of which the + Otonabee is a continuation. Fifteen years have passed away since this + little poem was written; but the Otonabee still rushes on in its own wild + strength. Some idea of the rapidity of this river may be formed from the + fact that heavy rafts of timber are floated down from Herriot's Falls, a + distance of nine miles from Peterborough, in less than an hour. The shores + are bold and rocky, and abound in beautiful and picturesque views. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0015" id="link2HCH0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XV — THE WILDERNESS, AND OUR INDIAN FRIENDS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Man of strange race! stern dweller of the wild! + Nature's free-born, untamed, and daring child! +</pre> + <p> + The clouds of the preceding night, instead of dissolving in snow, brought + on a rapid thaw. A thaw in the middle of winter is the most disagreeable + change that can be imagined. After several weeks of clear, bright, + bracing, frosty weather, with a serene atmosphere and cloudless sky, you + awake one morning surprised at the change in the temperature; and, upon + looking out of the window, behold the woods obscured by a murky haze—not + so dense as an English November fog, but more black and lowering—and + the heavens shrouded in a uniform covering of leaden-coloured clouds, + deepening into a livid indigo at the edge of the horizon. The snow, no + longer hard and glittering, has become soft and spongy, and the foot slips + into a wet and insidiously-yielding mass at every step. From the roof + pours down a continuous stream of water, and the branches of the trees + collecting the moisture of the reeking atmosphere, shower it upon the + earth from every dripping twig. The cheerless and uncomfortable aspect of + things without never fails to produce a corresponding effect upon the + minds of those within, and casts such a damp upon the spirits that it + appears to destroy for a time all sense of enjoyment. Many persons (and + myself among the number) are made aware of the approach of a thunder-storm + by an intense pain and weight about the head; and I have heard numbers of + Canadians complain that a thaw always made them feel bilious and heavy, + and greatly depressed their animal spirits. + </p> + <p> + I had a great desire to visit our new location, but when I looked out upon + the cheerless waste, I gave up the idea, and contented myself with hoping + for a better day on the morrow; but many morrows came and went before a + frost again hardened the road sufficiently for me to make the attempt. + </p> + <p> + The prospect from the windows of my sister's log hut was not very + prepossessing. The small lake in front, which formed such a pretty object + in summer, now looked like an extensive field covered with snow, hemmed in + from the rest of the world by a dark belt of sombre pine-woods. The + clearing round the house was very small, and only just reclaimed from the + wilderness, and the greater part of it covered with piles of brushwood, to + be burnt the first dry days of spring. The charred and blackened stumps on + the few acres that had been cleared during the preceding year were + everything but picturesque; and I concluded, as I turned, disgusted, from + the prospect before me, that there was very little beauty to be found in + the backwoods. But I came to this decision during a Canadian thaw, be it + remembered, when one is wont to view every object with jaundiced eyes. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had only been able to secure sixty-six acres of his government + grant upon the Upper Katchawanook Lake, which, being interpreted, means in + English, the “Lake of the Waterfalls,” a very poetical meaning, which most + Indian names have. He had, however, secured a clergy reserve of two + hundred acres adjoining; and he afterwards purchased a fine lot, which + likewise formed part of the same block, one hundred acres, for 150 + pounds.(1) This was an enormously high price for wild land; but the + prospect of opening the Trent and Otonabee for the navigation of + steamboats and other small craft, was at that period a favourite + speculation, and its practicability, and the great advantages to be + derived from it, were so widely believed as to raise the value of the wild + lands along these remote waters to an enormous price; and settlers in the + vicinity were eager to secure lots, at any sacrifice, along their shores. + </p> + <p> + (1) After a lapse of fifteen years, we have been glad to sell these lots + of land, after considerable clearings had been made upon them, for less + than they originally cost us. + </p> + <p> + Our government grant was upon the lake shore, and Moodie had chosen for + the site of his log house a bank that sloped gradually from the edge of + the water, until it attained to the dignity of a hill. Along the top of + this ridge, the forest road ran, and midway down the hill, our humble + home, already nearly completed, stood, surrounded by the eternal forest. A + few trees had been cleared in its immediate vicinity, just sufficient to + allow the workmen to proceed, and to prevent the fall of any tree injuring + the building, or the danger of its taking fire during the process of + burning the fallow. + </p> + <p> + A neighbour had undertaken to build this rude dwelling by contract, and + was to have it ready for us by the first week in the new year. The want of + boards to make the divisions in the apartments alone hindered him from + fulfilling his contract. These had lately been procured, and the house was + to be ready for our reception in the course of a week. Our trunks and + baggage had already been conveyed thither by Mr. D——; and, in + spite of my sister's kindness and hospitality, I longed to find myself + once more settled in a home of my own. + </p> + <p> + The day after our arrival, I was agreeably surprised by a visit from + Monaghan, whom Moodie had once more taken into his service. The poor + fellow was delighted that his nurse-child, as he always called little + Katie, had not forgotten him, but evinced the most lively satisfaction at + the sight of her dark friend. + </p> + <p> + Early every morning, Moodie went off to the house; and the first fine day, + my sister undertook to escort me through the wood, to inspect it. The + proposal was joyfully accepted; and although I felt rather timid when I + found myself with only my female companion in the vast forest, I kept my + fears to myself, lest I should be laughed at. This foolish dread of + encountering wild beasts in the woods, I never could wholly shake off, + even after becoming a constant resident in their gloomy depths, and + accustomed to follow the forest-path, alone, or attended with little + children, daily. The cracking of an old bough, or the hooting of the owl, + was enough to fill me with alarm, and try my strength in a precipitate + flight. Often have I stopped and reproached myself for want of faith in + the goodness of Providence, and repeated the text, “The wicked are afraid + when no man pursueth: but the righteous are as bold as a lion,” as if to + shame myself into courage. But it would not do; I could not overcome the + weakness of the flesh. If I had one of my infants with me, the wish to + protect the child from any danger which might beset my path gave me for a + time a fictitious courage; but it was like love fighting with despair. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that my husband assured me that no person had ever been + attacked by wild animals in the woods, that a child might traverse them + even at night in safety; whilst I knew that wild animals existed in those + woods, I could not believe him, and my fears on this head rather increased + than diminished. + </p> + <p> + The snow had been so greatly decreased by the late thaw, that it had been + converted into a coating of ice, which afforded a dangerous and slippery + footing. My sister, who had resided for nearly twelve months in the woods, + was provided for her walk with Indian moccasins, which rendered her quite + independent; but I stumbled at every step. The sun shone brightly, the air + was clear and invigorating, and, in spite of the treacherous ground and my + foolish fears, I greatly enjoyed my first walk in the woods. Naturally of + a cheerful, hopeful disposition, my sister was enthusiastic in her + admiration of the woods. She drew such a lively picture of the charms of a + summer residence in the forest that I began to feel greatly interested in + her descriptions, and to rejoice that we, too, were to be her near + neighbours and dwellers in the woods; and this circumstance not a little + reconciled me to the change. + </p> + <p> + Hoping that my husband would derive an income equal to the one he had + parted with from the investment of the price of his commission in the + steam-boat stock, I felt no dread of want. Our legacy of 700 pounds had + afforded us means to purchase land, build our house, and give out a large + portion of land to be cleared, and, with a considerable sum of money still + in hand, our prospects for the future were in no way discouraging. + </p> + <p> + When we reached the top of the ridge that overlooked our cot, my sister + stopped, and pointed out a log-house among the trees. “There, S——,” + she said, “is your home. When that black cedar-swamp is cleared away, that + now hides the lake from us, you will have a very pretty view.” My + conversation with her had quite altered the aspect of the country, and + predisposed me to view things in the most favourable light. I found Moodie + and Monaghan employed in piling up heaps of bush near the house, which + they intended to burn off by hand previous to firing the rest of the + fallow, to prevent any risk to the building from fire. The house was made + of cedar logs, and presented a superior air of comfort to most dwellings + of the same kind. The dimensions were thirty-six feet in length, and + thirty-two in breadth, which gave us a nice parlour, a kitchen, and two + small bed-rooms, which were divided by plank partitions. Pantry or + store-room there was none; some rough shelves in the kitchen, and a deal + cupboard in a corner of the parlour, being the extent of our + accommodations in that way. + </p> + <p> + Our servant, Mary Tate, was busy scrubbing out the parlour and bed-room; + but the kitchen, and the sleeping-room off it, were still knee-deep in + chips, and filled with the carpenter's bench and tools, and all our + luggage. Such as it was, it was a palace when compared to Old Satan's log + hut, or the miserable cabin we had wintered in during the severe winter of + 1833, and I regarded it with complacency as my future home. + </p> + <p> + While we were standing outside the building, conversing with my husband, a + young gentleman, of the name of Morgan, who had lately purchased land in + that vicinity, went into the kitchen to light his pipe at the stove, and, + with true backwood carelessness, let the hot cinder fall among the dry + chips that strewed the floor. A few minutes after, the whole mass was in a + blaze, and it was not without great difficulty that Moodie and Mr. R—— + succeeded in putting out the fire. Thus were we nearly deprived of our + home before we had taken up our abode in it. + </p> + <p> + The indifference to the danger of fire in a country where most of the + dwellings are composed of inflammable materials, is truly astonishing. + Accustomed to see enormous fires blazing on every hearth-stone, and to + sleep in front of these fires, his bedding often riddled with holes made + by hot particles of wood flying out during the night, and igniting beneath + his very nose, the sturdy backwoodsman never dreads an enemy in the + element that he is used to regard as his best friend. Yet what awful + accidents, what ruinous calamities arise, out of this criminal negligence, + both to himself and others! + </p> + <p> + A few days after this adventure, we bade adieu to my sister, and took + possession of our new dwelling, and commenced “a life in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + The first spring we spent in comparative ease and idleness. Our cows had + been left upon our old place during the winter. The ground had to be + cleared before it could receive a crop of any kind, and I had little to do + but to wander by the lake shore, or among the woods, and amuse myself. + </p> + <p> + These were the halcyon days of the bush. My husband had purchased a very + light cedar canoe, to which he attached a keel and a sail; and most of our + leisure hours, directly the snows melted, were spent upon the water. + </p> + <p> + These fishing and shooting excursions were delightful. The pure beauty of + the Canadian water, the sombre but august grandeur of the vast forest that + hemmed us in on every side and shut us out from the rest of the world, + soon cast a magic spell upon our spirits, and we began to feel charmed + with the freedom and solitude around us. Every object was new to us. We + felt as if we were the first discoverers of every beautiful flower and + stately tree that attracted our attention, and we gave names to fantastic + rocks and fairy isles, and raised imaginary houses and bridges on every + picturesque spot which we floated past during our aquatic excursions. I + learned the use of the paddle, and became quite a proficient in the gentle + craft. + </p> + <p> + It was not long before we received visits from the Indians, a people whose + beauty, talents, and good qualities have been somewhat overrated, and + invested with a poetical interest which they scarcely deserve. Their + honesty and love of truth are the finest traits in characters otherwise + dark and unlovely. But these are two God-like attributes, and from them + spring all that is generous and ennobling about them. + </p> + <p> + There never was a people more sensible of kindness, or more grateful for + any little act of benevolence exercised towards them. We met them with + confidence; our dealings with them were conducted with the strictest + integrity; and they became attached to our persons, and in no single + instance ever destroyed the good opinion we entertained of them. + </p> + <p> + The tribes that occupy the shores of all these inland waters, back of the + great lakes, belong to the Chippewa or Missasagua Indians, perhaps the + least attractive of all these wild people, both with regard to their + physical and mental endowments. + </p> + <p> + The men of this tribe are generally small of stature, with very coarse and + repulsive features. The forehead is low and retreating, the observing + faculties large, the intellectual ones scarcely developed; the ears large, + and standing off from the face; the eyes looking towards the temples, + keen, snake-like, and far apart; the cheek-bones prominent; the nose long + and flat, the nostrils very round; the jaw-bone projecting, massy, and + brutal; the mouth expressing ferocity and sullen determination; the teeth + large, even, and dazzlingly white. The mouth of the female differs widely + in expression from that of the male; the lips are fuller, the jaw less + projecting, and the smile is simple and agreeable. The women are a merry, + light-hearted set, and their constant laugh and incessant prattle form a + strange contrast to the iron taciturnity of their grim lords. + </p> + <p> + Now I am upon the subject, I will recapitulate a few traits and sketches + of these people, as they came under my own immediate observation. + </p> + <p> + A dry cedar-swamp, not far from the house, by the lake shore, had been + their usual place of encampment for many years. The whole block of land + was almost entirely covered with maple trees, and had originally been an + Indian sugar-bush. Although the favourite spot had now passed into the + hands of strangers, they still frequented the place, to make canoes and + baskets, to fish and shoot, and occasionally to follow their old + occupation. + </p> + <p> + Scarcely a week passed away without my being visited by the dark + strangers; and as my husband never allowed them to eat with the servants + (who viewed them with the same horror that Mrs. D—— did black + Mollineux), but brought them to his own table, they soon grew friendly and + communicative, and would point to every object that attracted their + attention, asking a thousand questions as to its use, the material of + which it was made, and if we were inclined to exchange it for their + commodities? + </p> + <p> + With a large map of Canada, they were infinitely delighted. In a moment + they recognised every bay and headland in Ontario, and almost screamed + with delight when, following the course of the Trent with their fingers, + they came to their own lake. + </p> + <p> + How eagerly each pointed out the spot to his fellows; how intently their + black heads were bent down, and their dark eyes fixed upon the map. What + strange, uncouth exclamations of surprise burst from their lips as they + rapidly repeated the Indian names for every lake and river on this + wonderful piece of paper. + </p> + <p> + The old chief, Peter Nogan, begged hard for the coveted treasure. He would + give “Canoe, venison, duck, fish, for it; and more by and by.” + </p> + <p> + I felt sorry that I was unable to gratify his wishes; but the map had cost + upwards of six dollars, and was daily consulted by my husband, in + reference to the names and situations of localities in the neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + I had in my possession a curious Japanese sword, which had been given to + me by an uncle of Tom Wilson's—a strange gift to a young lady; but + it was on account of its curiosity, and had no reference to my warlike + propensities. This sword was broad, and three-sided in the blade, and in + shape resembled a moving snake. The hilt was formed of a hideous carved + image of one of their war-gods; and a more villanous-looking wretch was + never conceived by the most distorted imagination. He was represented in a + sitting attitude, the eagle's claws, that formed his hands, resting upon + his knees; his legs terminated in lion's paws; and his face was a strange + compound of beast and bird—the upper part of his person being + covered with feathers, the lower with long, shaggy hair. The case of this + awful weapon was made of wood, and, in spite of its serpentine form, + fitted it exactly. No trace of a join could be found in this scabbard, + which was of hard wood, and highly polished. + </p> + <p> + One of my Indian friends found this sword lying upon the bookshelf, and he + hurried to communicate the important discovery to his companions. Moodie + was absent, and they brought it to me to demand an explanation of the + figure that formed the hilt. + </p> + <p> + I told them that it was a weapon that belonged to a very fierce people who + lived in the east, far over the Great Salt Lake; that they were not + Christians as we were, but said their prayers to images made of silver, + and gold, and ivory, and wood, and that this was one of them; that before + they went into battle they said their prayers to that hideous thing, which + they had made with their own hands. + </p> + <p> + The Indians were highly amused by this relation, and passed the sword from + one to the other, exclaiming, “A god!—Owgh!—A god!” + </p> + <p> + But, in spite of these outward demonstrations of contempt, I was sorry to + perceive that this circumstance gave the weapon a great value, in their + eyes, and they regarded it with a sort of mysterious awe. + </p> + <p> + For several days they continued to visit the house, bringing along with + them some fresh companion to look at Mrs. Moodie's god!—until, vexed + and annoyed by the delight they manifested at the sight of the + eagle-beaked monster, I refused to gratify their curiosity by not + producing him again. + </p> + <p> + The manufacture of the sheath, which had caused me much perplexity, was + explained by old Peter in a minute. “'Tis burnt out,” he said. “Instrument + made like sword—heat red-hot—burnt through—polished + outside.” + </p> + <p> + Had I demanded a whole fleet of canoes for my Japanese sword, I am certain + they would have agreed to the bargain. + </p> + <p> + The Indian possesses great taste, which is displayed in the carving of his + paddles, in the shape of his canoes, in the elegance and symmetry of his + bows, in the cut of his leggings and moccasins, the sheath of his + hunting-knife, and in all the little ornaments in which he delights. It is + almost impossible for a settler to imitate to perfection an Indian's + cherry-wood paddle. My husband made very creditable attempts, but still + there was something wanting—the elegance of the Indian finish was + not there. If you show them a good print, they invariably point out the + most natural, and the best-executed figure in the group. They are + particularly delighted with pictures, examine them long, and carefully, + and seem to feel an artist-like pleasure in observing the effect produced + by light and shade. + </p> + <p> + I had been showing John Nogan, the eldest son of old Peter, some beautiful + coloured engravings of celebrated females; to my astonishment he pounced + upon the best, and grunted out his admiration in the most approved Indian + fashion. After having looked for a long time at all the pictures very + attentively, he took his dog Sancho upon his knee, and showed him the + pictures, with as much gravity as if the animal really could have shared + in his pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The vanity of these grave men is highly amusing. They seem perfectly + unconscious of it themselves and it is exhibited in the most child-like + manner. + </p> + <p> + Peter and his son John were taking tea with us, when we were joined by my + brother, Mr. S——. The latter was giving us an account of the + marriage of Peter Jones, the celebrated Indian preacher. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot think,” he said, “how any lady of property and education could + marry such a man as Jones. Why, he's as ugly as Peter here.” + </p> + <p> + This was said, not with any idea of insulting the red-skin on the score of + his beauty, of which he possessed not the smallest particle, but in total + forgetfulness that our guest understood English. Never shall I forget the + red flash of that fierce dark eye as it glared upon my unconscious + brother. I would not have received such a fiery glance for all the wealth + that Peter Jones obtained with his Saxon bride. John Nogan was highly + amused by his father's indignation. He hid his face behind the chief; and + though he kept perfectly still, his whole frame was convulsed with + suppressed laughter. + </p> + <p> + A plainer human being than poor Peter could scarcely be imagined; yet he + certainly deemed himself handsome. I am inclined to think that their ideas + of personal beauty differ very widely from ours. + </p> + <p> + Tom Nogan, the chief's brother, had a very large, fat, ugly squaw for his + wife. She was a mountain of tawny flesh; and, but for the innocent, + good-natured expression which, like a bright sunbeam penetrating a swarthy + cloud, spread all around a kindly glow, she might have been termed + hideous. + </p> + <p> + This woman they considered very handsome, calling her “a fine squaw—clever + squaw—a much good woman;” though in what her superiority consisted, + I never could discover, often as I visited the wigwam. She was very dirty, + and appeared quite indifferent to the claims of common decency (in the + disposal of the few filthy rags that covered her). She was, however, very + expert in all Indian craft. No Jew could drive a better bargain than Mrs. + Tom; and her urchins, of whom she was the happy mother of five or six, + were as cunning and avaricious as herself. + </p> + <p> + One day she visited me, bringing along with her a very pretty covered + basket for sale. I asked her what she wanted for it, but could obtain from + her no satisfactory answer. I showed her a small piece of silver. She + shook her head. I tempted her with pork and flour, but she required + neither. I had just given up the idea of dealing with her, in despair, + when she suddenly seized upon me, and, lifting up my gown, pointed + exultingly to my quilted petticoat, clapping her hands, and laughing + immoderately. + </p> + <p> + Another time she led me all over the house, to show me what she wanted in + exchange for <i>basket</i>. My patience was well nigh exhausted in + following her from place to place, in her attempt to discover the coveted + article, when, hanging upon a peg in my chamber, she espied a pair of + trousers belonging to my husband's logging-suit. The riddle was solved. + With a joyful cry she pointed to them, exclaiming “Take basket. Give + them!” It was with no small difficulty that I rescued the indispensables + from her grasp. + </p> + <p> + From this woman I learned a story of Indian coolness and courage which + made a deep impression on my mind. One of their squaws, a near relation of + her own, had accompanied her husband on a hunting expedition into the + forest. He had been very successful, and having killed more deer than they + could well carry home, he went to the house of a white man to dispose of + some of it, leaving the squaw to take care of the rest until his return. + She sat carelessly upon the log with his hunting-knife in her hand, when + she heard the breaking of branches near her, and turning round, beheld a + great bear only a few paces from her. + </p> + <p> + It was too late to retreat; and seeing that the animal was very hungry, + and determined to come to close quarters, she rose, and placed her back + against a small tree, holding her knife close to her breast, and in a + straight line with the bear. The shaggy monster came on. She remained + motionless, her eyes steadily fixed upon her enemy, and as his huge arms + closed around her, she slowly drove the knife into his heart. The bear + uttered a hideous cry, and sank dead at her feet. When the Indian + returned, he found the courageous woman taking the skin from the carcass + of the formidable brute. What iron nerves these people must possess, when + even a woman could dare and do a deed like this! + </p> + <p> + The wolf they hold in great contempt, and scarcely deign to consider him + as an enemy. Peter Nogan assured me that he never was near enough to one + in his life to shoot it; that, except in large companies, and when greatly + pressed by hunger, they rarely attack men. They hold the lynx, or + wolverine, in much dread, as they often spring from trees upon their prey, + fastening upon the throat with their sharp teeth and claws, from which a + person in the dark could scarcely free himself without first receiving a + dangerous wound. The cry of this animal is very terrifying, resembling the + shrieks of a human creature in mortal agony. + </p> + <p> + My husband was anxious to collect some of the native Indian airs, as they + all sing well, and have a fine ear for music, but all his efforts proved + abortive. “John,” he said to young Nogan (who played very creditably on + the flute, and had just concluded the popular air of “Sweet Home”), + “cannot you play me one of your own songs?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,—but no good.” + </p> + <p> + “Leave me to be the judge of that. Cannot you give me a war-song?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes,—but no good,” with an ominous shake of the head. + </p> + <p> + “A hunting-song?” + </p> + <p> + “No fit for white man,”—with an air of contempt. “No good, no good!” + </p> + <p> + “Do, John, sing us a love-song,” said I, laughing, “if you have such a + thing in your language.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh! much love-song—very much—bad—bad—no good for + Christian man. Indian song no good for white ears.” This was very + tantalising, as their songs sounded very sweetly from the lips of their + squaws, and I had a great desire and curiosity to get some of them + rendered into English. + </p> + <p> + To my husband they gave the name of “the musician,” but I have forgotten + the Indian word. It signified the maker of sweet sounds. They listened + with intense delight to the notes of his flute, maintaining a breathless + silence during the performance; their dark eyes flashing into fierce light + at a martial strain, or softening with the plaintive and tender. + </p> + <p> + The cunning which they display in their contests with their enemies, in + their hunting, and in making bargains with the whites (who are too apt to + impose on their ignorance), seems to spring more from a law of necessity, + forced upon them by their isolated position and precarious mode of life, + than from any innate wish to betray. The Indian's face, after all, is a + perfect index of his mind. The eye changes its expression with every + impulse and passion, and shows what is passing within as clearly as the + lightning in a dark night betrays the course of the stream. I cannot think + that deceit forms any prominent trait in the Indian's character. They + invariably act with the strictest honour towards those who never attempt + to impose upon them. It is natural for a deceitful person to take + advantage of the credulity of others. The genuine Indian never utters a + falsehood, and never employs flattery (that powerful weapon in the hands + of the insidious), in his communications with the whites. + </p> + <p> + His worst traits are those which he has in common with the wild animals of + the forest, and which his intercourse with the lowest order of civilised + men (who, in point of moral worth, are greatly his inferiors), and the + pernicious effects of strong drink, have greatly tended to inflame and + debate. + </p> + <p> + It is a melancholy truth, and deeply to be lamented, that the vicinity of + European settlers has always produced a very demoralising effect upon the + Indians. As a proof of this, I will relate a simple anecdote. + </p> + <p> + John, of Rice Lake, a very sensible, middle-aged Indian, was conversing + with me about their language, and the difficulty he found in understanding + the books written in Indian for their use. Among other things, I asked him + if his people ever swore, or used profane language towards the Deity. + </p> + <p> + The man regarded me with a sort of stern horror, as he replied, “Indian, + till after he knew your people, never swore—no bad word in Indian. + Indian must learn your words to swear and take God's name in vain.” + </p> + <p> + Oh, what a reproof to Christian men! I felt abashed, and degraded in the + eyes of this poor savage—who, ignorant as he was in many respects, + yet possessed that first great attribute of the soul, a deep reverence for + the Supreme Being. How inferior were thousands of my countrymen to him in + this important point. + </p> + <p> + The affection of Indian parents to their children, and the deference which + they pay to the aged, is another beautiful and touching trait in their + character. + </p> + <p> + One extremely cold, wintry day, as I was huddled with my little ones over + the stove, the door softly unclosed, and the moccasined foot of an Indian + crossed the floor. I raised my head, for I was too much accustomed to + their sudden appearance at any hour to feel alarmed, and perceived a tall + woman standing silently and respectfully before me, wrapped in a large + blanket. The moment she caught my eye she dropped the folds of her + covering from around her, and laid at my feet the attenuated figure of a + boy, about twelve years of age, who was in the last stage of consumption. + </p> + <p> + “Papouse die,” she said, mournfully clasping her hands against her breast, + and looking down upon the suffering lad with the most heartfelt expression + of maternal love, while large tears trickled down her dark face. “Moodie's + squaw save papouse—poor Indian woman much glad.” + </p> + <p> + Her child was beyond all human aid. I looked anxiously upon him, and knew, + by the pinched-up features and purple hue of his wasted cheek, that he had + not many hours to live. I could only answer with tears her agonising + appeal to my skill. + </p> + <p> + “Try and save him! All die but him.” (She held up five of her fingers.) + “Brought him all the way from Mutta Lake(1) upon my back, for white squaw + to cure.” + </p> + <p> + (1) Mud Lake, or Lake Shemong, in Indian. + </p> + <p> + “I cannot cure him, my poor friend. He is in God's care; in a few hours he + will be with Him.” + </p> + <p> + The child was seized with a dreadful fit of coughing, which I expected + every moment would terminate his frail existence. I gave him a teaspoonful + of currant jelly, which he took with avidity, but could not retain a + moment on his stomach. + </p> + <p> + “Papouse die,” murmured the poor woman; “alone—alone! No papouse; + the mother all alone.” She began re-adjusting the poor sufferer in her + blanket. I got her some food, and begged her to stay and rest herself; but + she was too much distressed to eat, and too restless to remain. She said + little, but her face expressed the keenest anguish; she took up her + mournful load, pressed for a moment his wasted, burning hand in hers, and + left the room. + </p> + <p> + My heart followed her a long way on her melancholy journey. Think what + this woman's love must have been for that dying son, when she had carried + a lad of his age six miles, through the deep snow, upon her back, on such + a day, in the hope of my being able to do him some good. Poor heart-broken + mother! I learned from Joe Muskrat's squaw some days after that the boy + died a few minutes after Elizabeth Iron, his mother, got home. + </p> + <p> + They never forget any little act of kindness. One cold night, late in the + fall, my hospitality was demanded by six squaws, and puzzled I was how to + accommodate them all. I at last determined to give them the use of the + parlour floor during the night. Among these women there was one very old, + whose hair was as white as snow. She was the only gray-haired Indian I + ever saw, and on that account I regarded her with peculiar interest. I + knew that she was the wife of a chief, by the scarlet embroidered + leggings, which only the wives and daughters of chiefs are allowed to + wear. The old squaw had a very pleasing countenance, but I tried in vain + to draw her into conversation. She evidently did not understand me; and + the Muskrat squaw, and Betty Cow, were laughing at my attempts to draw her + out. I administered supper to them with my own hands, and after I had + satisfied their wants (which is no very easy task, for they have great + appetites), I told our servant to bring in several spare mattresses and + blankets for their use. “Now mind, Jenny, and give the old squaw the best + bed,” I said; “the others are young, and can put up with a little + inconvenience.” + </p> + <p> + The old Indian glanced at me with her keen, bright eye; but I had no idea + that she comprehended what I said. + </p> + <p> + Some weeks after this, as I was sweeping over my parlour floor, a slight + tap drew me to the door. On opening it I perceived the old squaw, who + immediately slipped into my hand a set of beautifully-embroidered bark + trays, fitting one within the other, and exhibiting the very best sample + of the porcupine quill-work. While I stood wondering what this might mean, + the good old creature fell upon my neck, and kissing me, exclaimed, “You + remember old squaw—make her comfortable! Old squaw no forget you. + Keep them for her sake,” and before I could detain her she ran down the + hill with a swiftness which seemed to bid defiance to years. I never saw + this interesting Indian again, and I concluded that she died during the + winter, for she must have been of a great age. + </p> + <p> + My dear reader, I am afraid I shall tire you with my Indian stories; but + you must bear with me patiently whilst I give you a few more. The real + character of a people can be more truly gathered from such seemingly + trifling incidents than from any ideas we may form of them from the great + facts in their history, and this is my reason for detailing events which + might otherwise appear insignificant and unimportant. + </p> + <p> + A friend was staying with us, who wished much to obtain a likeness of Old + Peter. I promised to try and make a sketch of the old man the next time he + paid us a visit. That very afternoon he brought us some ducks in exchange + for pork, and Moodie asked him to stay and take a glass of whiskey with + him and his friend Mr. K——. The old man had arrayed himself in + a new blanket-coat, bound with red, and the seams all decorated with the + same gay material. His leggings and moccasins were new, and elaborately + fringed; and, to cap the climax of the whole, he had a blue cloth conical + cap upon his head, ornamented with a deer's tail dyed blue, and several + cock's feathers. + </p> + <p> + He was evidently very much taken up with the magnificence of his own + appearance, for he often glanced at himself in a small shaving-glass that + hung opposite, with a look of grave satisfaction. Sitting apart, that I + might not attract his observation, I got a tolerably faithful likeness of + the old man, which after slightly colouring, to show more plainly his + Indian finery, I quietly handed over to Mr. K——. Sly as I + thought myself, my occupation and the object of it had not escaped the + keen eye of the old man. He rose, came behind Mr. K——'s chair, + and regarded the picture with a most affectionate eye. I was afraid that + he would be angry at the liberty I had taken. No such thing! He was as + pleased as Punch. + </p> + <p> + “That Peter?” he grunted. “Give me—put up in wigwam—make dog + too! Owgh! owgh!” and he rubbed his hands together, and chuckled with + delight. Mr. K—— had some difficulty in coaxing the picture + from the old chief; so pleased was he with this rude representation of + himself. He pointed to every particular article of his dress, and dwelt + with peculiar glee on the cap and blue deer's tail. + </p> + <p> + A few days after this, I was painting a beautiful little snow-bird, that + our man had shot out of a large flock that alighted near the door. I was + so intent upon my task, to which I was putting the finishing strokes, that + I did not observe the stealthy entrance (for they all walk like cats) of a + stern-looking red man, till a slender, dark hand was extended over my + paper to grasp the dead bird from which I was copying, and which as + rapidly transferred it to the side of the painted one, accompanying the + act with the deep guttural note of approbation, the unmusical, savage + “Owgh.” + </p> + <p> + My guest then seated himself with the utmost gravity in a rocking-chair, + directly fronting me, and made the modest demand that I should paint a + likeness of him, after the following quaint fashion:— + </p> + <p> + “Moodie's squaw know much—make Peter Nogan toder day on papare—make + Jacob to-day—Jacob young—great hunter—give much duck—venison—to + squaw.” + </p> + <p> + Although I felt rather afraid of my fierce-looking visitor, I could + scarcely keep my gravity; there was such an air of pompous + self-approbation about the Indian, such a sublime look of conceit in his + grave vanity. + </p> + <p> + “Moodie's squaw cannot do everything; she cannot paint young men,” said I, + rising, and putting away my drawing-materials, upon which he kept his eye + intently fixed, with a hungry, avaricious expression. I thought it best to + place the coveted objects beyond his reach. After sitting for some time, + and watching all my movements, he withdrew, with a sullen, disappointed + air. + </p> + <p> + This man was handsome, but his expression was vile. Though he often came + to the house, I never could reconcile myself to his countenance. + </p> + <p> + Late one very dark, stormy night, three Indians begged to be allowed to + sleep by the kitchen stove. The maid was frightened out of her wits at the + sight of these strangers, who were Mohawks from the Indian woods upon the + Bay of Quinte, and they brought along with them a horse and cutter. The + night was so stormy, that, after consulting our man—Jacob Faithful, + as we usually called him—I consented to grant their petition, + although they were quite strangers, and taller and fiercer-looking than + our friends the Missasaguas. + </p> + <p> + I was putting my children to bed, when the girl came rushing in, out of + breath. “The Lord preserve us, madam, if one of these wild men has not + pulled off his trousers, and is a-sitting, mending them behind the stove! + and what shall I do?” + </p> + <p> + “Do?—why, stay with me, and leave the poor fellow to finish his + work.” + </p> + <p> + The simple girl had never once thought of this plan of pacifying her + outraged sense of propriety. + </p> + <p> + Their sense of hearing is so acute that they can distinguish sounds at an + incredible distance, which cannot be detected by a European at all. I + myself witnessed a singular exemplification of this fact. It was + mid-winter; the Indians had pitched their tent, or wigwam, as usual, in + our swamp. All the males were absent on a hunting expedition up the + country, and had left two women behind to take care of the camp and its + contents, Mrs. Tom Nogan and her children, and Susan Moore, a young girl + of fifteen, and the only truly beautiful squaw I ever saw. There was + something interesting about this girl's history, as well as her + appearance. Her father had been drowned during a sudden hurricane, which + swamped his canoe on Stony Lake; and the mother, who witnessed the + accident from the shore, and was near her confinement with this child, + boldly swam out to his assistance. She reached the spot where he sank, and + even succeeded in recovering the body; but it was too late; the man was + dead. + </p> + <p> + The soul of an Indian that has been drowned is reckoned accursed, and he + is never permitted to join his tribe on the happy hunting-grounds, but his + spirit haunts the lake or river in which he lost his life. His body is + buried on some lonely island, which the Indians never pass without leaving + a small portion of food, tobacco, ammunition, to supply his wants; but he + is never interred with the rest of his people. + </p> + <p> + His children are considered unlucky, and few willingly unite themselves to + the females of the family, lest a portion of the father's curse should be + visited on them. + </p> + <p> + The orphan Indian girl generally kept aloof from the rest, and seemed so + lonely and companionless, that she soon attracted my attention and + sympathy, and a hearty feeling of good-will sprang up between us. Her + features were small and regular, her face oval, and her large, dark, + loving eyes were full of tenderness and sensibility, but as bright and shy + as those of the deer. A rich vermilion glow burnt upon her olive cheek and + lips, and set off the dazzling whiteness of her even and pearly teeth. She + was small of stature, with delicate little hands and feet, and her figure + was elastic and graceful. She was a beautiful child of nature, and her + Indian name signified “the voice of angry waters.” Poor girl, she had been + a child of grief and tears from her birth! Her mother was a Mohawk, from + whom she, in all probability, derived her superior personal attractions; + for they are very far before the Missasaguas in this respect. + </p> + <p> + My friend and neighbour, Emilia S——, the wife of a naval + officer, who lived about a mile distant from me, through the bush, had + come to spend the day with me; and hearing that the Indians were in the + swamp, and the men away, we determined to take a few trifles to the camp, + in the way of presents, and spend an hour in chatting with the squaws. + </p> + <p> + What a beautiful moonlight night it was, as light as day!—the great + forest sleeping tranquilly beneath the cloudless heavens—not a sound + to disturb the deep repose of nature but the whispering of the breeze, + which, during the most profound calm, creeps through the lofty pine tops. + We bounded down the steep bank to the lake shore. Life is a blessing, a + precious boon indeed, in such an hour, and we felt happy in the mere + consciousness of existence—the glorious privilege of pouring out the + silent adoration of the heart to the Great Father in his universal temple. + </p> + <p> + On entering the wigwam, which stood within a few yards of the clearing, in + the middle of a thick group of cedars, we found Mrs. Tom alone with her + elvish children, seated before the great fire that burned in the centre of + the camp; she was busy boiling some bark in an iron spider. The little + boys, in red flannel shirts which were their only covering, were + tormenting a puppy, which seemed to take their pinching and pummelling in + good part, for it neither attempted to bark nor to bite, but, like the + eels in the story, submitted to the infliction because it was used to it. + Mrs. Tom greeted us with a grin of pleasure, and motioned to us to sit + down upon a buffalo-skin, which, with a courtesy so natural to the + Indians, she had placed near her for our accommodation. + </p> + <p> + “You are all alone,” said I, glancing round the camp. + </p> + <p> + “Ye'es; Indian away hunting—Upper Lakes. Come home with much deer.” + </p> + <p> + “And Susan, where is she?” + </p> + <p> + “By and by. (Meaning that she was coming.) Gone to fetch water—ice + thick—chop with axe—take long time.” + </p> + <p> + As she ceased speaking, the old blanket that formed the door of the tent + was withdrawn, and the girl, bearing two pails of water, stood in the open + space, in the white moonlight. The glow of the fire streamed upon her + dark, floating locks, danced in the black, glistening eye, and gave a + deeper blush to the olive cheek! She would have made a beautiful picture; + Sir Joshua Reynolds would have rejoiced in such a model—so simply + graceful and unaffected, the very beau ideal of savage life and unadorned + nature. A smile of recognition passed between us. She put down her burden + beside Mrs. Tom, and noiselessly glided to her seat. + </p> + <p> + We had scarcely exchanged a few words with our favourite, when the old + squaw, placing her hand against her ear, exclaimed, “Whist! whist!” + </p> + <p> + “What is it?” cried Emilia and I, starting to our feet. “Is there any + danger?” + </p> + <p> + “A deer—a deer—in bush!” whispered the squaw, seizing a rifle + that stood in a corner. “I hear sticks crack—a great way off. Stay + here!” + </p> + <p> + A great way off the animal must have been, for though Emilia and I + listened at the open door, an advantage which the squaw did not enjoy, we + could not hear the least sound: all seemed still as death. The squaw + whistled to an old hound, and went out. + </p> + <p> + “Did you hear anything, Susan?” + </p> + <p> + She smiled, and nodded. + </p> + <p> + “Listen; the dog has found the track.” + </p> + <p> + The next moment the discharge of a rifle, and the deep baying of the dog, + woke up the sleeping echoes of the woods; and the girl started off to help + the old squaw to bring in the game that she had shot. + </p> + <p> + The Indians are great imitators, and possess a nice tact in adopting the + customs and manners of those with whom they associate. An Indian is + Nature's gentleman—never familiar, coarse, or vulgar. If he take a + meal with you, he waits to see how you make use of the implements on the + table, and the manner in which you eat, which he imitates with a grave + decorum, as if he had been accustomed to the same usages from childhood. + He never attempts to help himself, or demand more food, but waits + patiently until you perceive what he requires. I was perfectly astonished + at this innate politeness, for it seems natural to all the Indians with + whom I have had any dealings. + </p> + <p> + There was one old Indian, who belonged to a distant settlement, and only + visited our lakes occasionally on hunting parties. He was a strange, + eccentric, merry old fellow, with a skin like red mahogany, and a wiry, + sinewy frame, that looked as if it could bid defiance to every change of + temperature. + </p> + <p> + Old Snow-storm, for such was his significant name, was rather too fond of + the whiskey-bottle, and when he had taken a drop too much, he became an + unmanageable wild beast. He had a great fancy for my husband, and never + visited the other Indians without extending the same favour to us. Once + upon a time, he broke the nipple of his gun; and Moodie repaired the + injury for him by fixing a new one in its place, which little kindness + quite won the heart of the old man, and he never came to see us without + bringing an offering of fish, ducks, partridges, or venison, to show his + gratitude. + </p> + <p> + One warm September day, he made his appearance bare-headed, as usual, and + carrying in his hand a great checked bundle. + </p> + <p> + “Fond of grapes?” said he, putting the said bundle into my hands. “Fine + grapes—brought them from island, for my friend's squaw and papouse.” + </p> + <p> + Glad of the donation, which I considered quite a prize, I hastened into + the kitchen to untie the grapes and put them into a dish. But imagine my + disappointment, when I found them wrapped up in a soiled shirt, only + recently taken from the back of the owner. I called Moodie, and begged him + to return Snow-storm his garment, and to thank him for the grapes. + </p> + <p> + The mischievous creature was highly diverted with the circumstance, and + laughed immoderately. + </p> + <p> + “Snow-storm,” said he, “Mrs. Moodie and the children are obliged to you + for your kindness in bringing them the grapes; but how came you to tie + them up in a dirty shirt?” + </p> + <p> + “Dirty!” cried the old man, astonished that we should object to the fruit + on that score. “It ought to be clean; it has been washed often enough. + Owgh! You see, Moodie,” he continued, “I have no hat—never wear hat—want + no shade to my eyes—love the sun—see all around me—up + and down—much better widout hat. Could not put grapes in hat—blanket-coat + too large, crush fruit, juice run out. I had noting but my shirt, so I + takes off shirt, and brings grape safe over the water on my back. Papouse + no care for dirty shirt; their lee-tel bellies have no eyes.” + </p> + <p> + In spite of this eloquent harangue, I could not bring myself to use the + grapes, ripe and tempting as they looked, or give them to the children. + Mr. W—— and his wife happening to step in at that moment, fell + into such an ecstasy at the sight of the grapes, that, as they were + perfectly unacquainted with the circumstance of the shirt, I very + generously gratified their wishes by presenting them with the contents of + the large dish; and they never ate a bit less sweet for the novel mode in + which they were conveyed to me! + </p> + <p> + The Indians, under their quiet exterior, possess a deal of humour. They + have significant names for everything, and a nickname for every one, and + some of the latter are laughably appropriate. A fat, pompous, ostentatious + settler in our neighbourhood they called Muckakee, “the bull frog.” + Another, rather a fine young man, but with a very red face, they named + Segoskee, “the rising sun.” Mr. Wood, who had a farm above ours, was a + remarkably slender young man, and to him they gave the appellation of + Metiz, “thin stick.” A woman, that occasionally worked for me, had a + disagreeable squint; she was known in Indian by the name of Sachabo, + “cross eye.” A gentleman with a very large nose was Choojas, “big, or ugly + nose.” My little Addie, who was a fair, lovely creature, they viewed with + great approbation, and called Anoonk, “a star;” while the rosy Katie was + Nogesigook, “the northern lights.” As to me, I was Nonocosiqui, a + “humming-bird;” a ridiculous name for a tall woman, but it had reference + to the delight I took in painting birds. My friend, Emilia, was “blue + cloud;” my little Donald, “frozen face;” young C——, “the + red-headed woodpecker,” from the colour of his hair; my brother, Chippewa, + and “the bald-headed eagle.” He was an especial favourite among them. + </p> + <p> + The Indians are often made a prey of and cheated by the unprincipled + settlers, who think it no crime to overreach a red-skin. One anecdote will + fully illustrate this fact. A young squaw, who was near becoming a mother, + stopped at a Smith-town settler's house to rest herself. The woman of the + house, who was Irish, was peeling for dinner some large white turnips, + which her husband had grown in their garden. The Indian had never seen a + turnip before, and the appearance of the firm, white, juicy root gave her + such a keen craving to taste it that she very earnestly begged for a small + piece to eat. She had purchased at Peterborough a large stone-china bowl, + of a very handsome pattern (or, perhaps, got it at the store in exchange + for <i>basket</i>), the worth of which might be half-a-dollar. If the poor + squaw longed for the turnip, the value of which could scarcely reach a + copper, the covetous European had fixed as longing a glance upon the china + bowl, and she was determined to gratify her avaricious desire and obtain + it on the most easy terms. She told the squaw, with some disdain, that her + man did not grow turnips to give away to “Injuns,” but she would sell her + one. The squaw offered her four coppers, all the change she had about her. + This the woman refused with contempt. She then proffered a basket; but + that was not sufficient; nothing would satisfy her but the bowl. The + Indian demurred; but opposition had only increased her craving for the + turnip in a tenfold degree; and, after a short mental struggle, in which + the animal propensity overcame the warnings of prudence, the squaw gave up + the bowl, and received in return one turnip! The daughter of this woman + told me this anecdote of her mother as a very clever thing. What ideas + some people have of moral justice! + </p> + <p> + I have said before that the Indian never forgets a kindness. We had a + thousand proofs of this, when overtaken by misfortune, and withering + beneath the iron grasp of poverty, we could scarcely obtain bread for + ourselves and our little ones; then it was that the truth of the eastern + proverb was brought home to our hearts, and the goodness of God fully + manifested towards us, “Cast thy bread upon the waters, and thou shalt + find it after many days.” During better times we had treated these poor + savages with kindness and liberality, and when dearer friends looked + coldly upon us they never forsook us. For many a good meal I have been + indebted to them, when I had nothing to give in return, when the pantry + was empty, and “the hearthstone growing cold,” as they term the want of + provisions to cook at it. And their delicacy in conferring these favours + was not the least admirable part of their conduct. John Nogan, who was + much attached to us, would bring a fine bunch of ducks, and drop them at + my feet “for the papouse,” or leave a large muskinonge on the sill of the + door, or place a quarter of venison just within it, and slip away without + saying a word, thinking that receiving a present from a poor Indian might + hurt our feelings, and he would spare us the mortification of returning + thanks. + </p> + <p> + Often have I grieved that people with such generous impulses should be + degraded and corrupted by civilised men; that a mysterious destiny + involves and hangs over them, pressing them back into the wilderness, and + slowly and surely sweeping them from the earth. + </p> + <p> + Their ideas of Christianity appeared to me vague and unsatisfactory. They + will tell you that Christ died for men, and that He is the Saviour of the + World, but they do not seem to comprehend the spiritual character of + Christianity, nor the full extent of the requirements and application of + the law of Christian love. These imperfect views may not be entertained by + all Christian Indians, but they were very common amongst those with whom I + conversed. Their ignorance upon theological, as well as upon other + subjects, is, of course, extreme. One Indian asked me very innocently if I + came from the land where Christ was born, and if I had ever seen Jesus. + They always mention the name of the Persons in the Trinity with great + reverence. + </p> + <p> + They are a highly imaginative people. The practical meaning of their + names, and their intense admiration for the beauties of Nature, are proof + of this. Nothing escapes their observing eyes. There is not a flower that + blooms in the wilderness, a bird that cuts the air with its wings, a beast + that roams the wood, a fish that stems the water, or the most minute + insect that sports in the sunbeams, but it has an Indian name to + illustrate its peculiar habits and qualities. Some of their words convey + the direct meaning of the thing implied—thus, che-charm, “to + sneeze,” is the very sound of that act; too-me-duh, “to churn,” gives the + noise made by the dashing of the cream from side to side; and many others. + </p> + <p> + They believe in supernatural appearances—in spirits of the earth, + the air, the waters. The latter they consider evil, and propitiate before + undertaking a long voyage, by throwing small portions of bread, meat, + tobacco, and gunpowder into the water. + </p> + <p> + When an Indian loses one of his children, he must keep a strict fast for + three days, abstaining from food of any kind. A hunter, of the name of + Young, told me a curious story of their rigid observance of this strange + rite. + </p> + <p> + “They had a chief,” he said, “a few years ago, whom they called 'Handsome + Jack'—whether in derision, I cannot tell, for he was one of the + ugliest Indians I ever saw. The scarlet fever got into the camp—a + terrible disease in this country, and doubly terrible to those poor + creatures who don't know how to treat it. His eldest daughter died. The + chief had fasted two days when I met him in the bush. I did not know what + had happened, but I opened my wallet, for I was on a hunting expedition, + and offered him some bread and dried venison. He looked at me + reproachfully. + </p> + <p> + “'Do white men eat bread the first night their papouse is laid in the + earth?' + </p> + <p> + “I then knew the cause of his depression, and left him.” + </p> + <p> + On the night of the second day of his fast another child died of the + fever. He had now to accomplish three more days without tasting food. It + was too much even for an Indian. On the evening of the fourth, he was so + pressed by ravenous hunger, that he stole into the woods, caught a + bull-frog, and devoured it alive. He imagined himself alone; but one of + his people, suspecting his intention, had followed him, unperceived, to + the bush. The act he had just committed was a hideous crime in their eyes, + and in a few minutes the camp was in an uproar. The chief fled for + protection to Young's house. When the hunter demanded the cause of his + alarm, he gave for answer, “There are plenty of flies at my house. To + avoid their stings I came to you.” + </p> + <p> + It required all the eloquence of Mr. Young, who enjoyed much popularity + among them, to reconcile the rebellious tribe to their chief. + </p> + <p> + They are very skilful in their treatment of wounds, and many diseases. + Their knowledge of the medicinal qualities of their plants and herbs is + very great. They make excellent poultices from the bark of the bass and + the slippery elm. They use several native plants in their dyeing of + baskets and porcupine quills. The inner bark of the swamp-alder, simply + boiled in water, makes a beautiful red. From the root of the black briony + they obtain a fine salve for sores, and extract a rich yellow dye. The + inner bark of the root of the sumach, roasted, and reduced to powder, is a + good remedy for the ague; a teaspoonful given between the hot and cold + fit. They scrape the fine white powder from the large fungus that grows + upon the bark of the pine into whiskey, and take it for violent pains in + the stomach. The taste of this powder strongly reminded me of quinine. + </p> + <p> + I have read much of the excellence of Indian cookery, but I never could + bring myself to taste anything prepared in their dirty wigwams. I remember + being highly amused in watching the preparation of a mess, which might + have been called the Indian hotch-potch. It consisted of a strange mixture + of fish, flesh, and fowl, all boiled together in the same vessel. Ducks, + partridges, muskinonge, venison, and muskrats, formed a part of this + delectable compound. These were literally smothered in onions, potatoes, + and turnips, which they had procured from me. They very hospitably offered + me a dishful of the odious mixture, which the odour of the muskrats + rendered everything but savoury; but I declined, simply stating that I was + not hungry. My little boy tasted it, but quickly left the camp to conceal + the effect it produced upon him. + </p> + <p> + Their method of broiling fish, however, is excellent. They take a fish, + just fresh out of the water, cut out the entrails, and, without removing + the scales, wash it clean, dry it in a cloth, or in grass, and cover it + all over with clear hot ashes. When the flesh will part from the bone, + they draw it out of the ashes, strip off the skin, and it is fit for the + table of the most fastidious epicure. + </p> + <p> + The deplorable want of chastity that exists among the Indian women of this + tribe seems to have been more the result of their intercourse with the + settlers in the country than from any previous disposition to this vice. + The jealousy of their husbands has often been exercised in a terrible + manner against the offending squaws; but this has not happened of late + years. The men wink at these derelictions in their wives, and share with + them the price of their shame. + </p> + <p> + The mixture of European blood adds greatly to the physical beauty of the + half-race, but produces a sad falling-off from the original integrity of + the Indian character. The half-caste is generally a lying, vicious rogue, + possessing the worst qualities of both parents in an eminent degree. We + have many of these half-Indians in the penitentiary, for crimes of the + blackest dye. + </p> + <p> + The skill of the Indian in procuring his game, either by land or water, + has been too well described by better writers than I could ever hope to be + to need any illustration from my pen, and I will close this long chapter + with a droll anecdote which is told of a gentleman in this neighbourhood. + </p> + <p> + The early loss of his hair obliged Mr. —— to procure the + substitute of a wig. This was such a good imitation of nature, that none + but his intimate friends and neighbours were aware of the fact. + </p> + <p> + It happened that he had had some quarrel with an Indian, which had to be + settled in one of the petty courts. The case was decided in favour of Mr. + ——, which so aggrieved the savage, who considered himself the + injured party, that he sprang upon him with a furious yell, tomahawk in + hand, with the intention of depriving him of his scalp. He twisted his + hand in the looks which adorned the cranium of his adversary, when—horror + of horrors!—the treacherous wig came off in his hand, “Owgh! owgh!” + exclaimed the affrighted savage, flinging it from him, and rushing from + the court as if he had been bitten by a rattlesnake. His sudden exit was + followed by peals of laughter from the crowd, while Mr. —— + coolly picked up his wig, and drily remarked that it had saved his head. + </p> + <h3> + THE INDIAN FISHERMAN'S LIGHT + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The air is still, the night is dark, + No ripple breaks the dusky tide; + From isle to isle the fisher's bark + Like fairy meteor seems to glide; + Now lost in shade—now flashing bright + On sleeping wave and forest tree; + We hail with joy the ruddy light, + Which far into the darksome night + Shines red and cheerily! + + With spear high poised, and steady hand, + The centre of that fiery ray, + Behold the Indian fisher stand + Prepared to strike the finny prey; + Hurrah! the shaft has sped below— + Transfix'd the shining prize I see; + On swiftly darts the birch canoe; + Yon black rock shrouding from my view + Its red light gleaming cheerily! + + Around yon bluff, whose pine crest hides + The noisy rapids from our sight, + Another bark—another glides— + Red meteors of the murky night. + The bosom of the silent stream + With mimic stars is dotted free; + The waves reflect the double gleam, + The tall woods lighten in the beam, + Through darkness shining cheerily! +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0016" id="link2HCH0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVI — BURNING THE FALLOW + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There is a hollow roaring in the air— + The hideous hissing of ten thousand flames, + That from the centre of yon sable cloud + Leap madly up, like serpents in the dark, + Shaking their arrowy tongues at Nature's heart. +</pre> + <p> + It is not my intention to give a regular history of our residence in the + bush, but merely to present to my readers such events as may serve to + illustrate a life in the woods. + </p> + <p> + The winter and spring of 1834 had passed away. The latter was uncommonly + cold and backward; so much so that we had a very heavy fall of snow upon + the 14th and 15th of May, and several gentlemen drove down to Cobourg in a + sleigh, the snow lying upon the ground to the depth of several inches. + </p> + <p> + A late, cold spring in Canada is generally succeeded by a burning hot + summer; and the summer of '34 was the hottest I ever remember. No rain + fell upon the earth for many weeks, till nature drooped and withered + beneath one bright blaze of sunlight; and the ague and fever in the woods, + and the cholera in the large towns and cities, spread death and sickness + through the country. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had made during the winter a large clearing of twenty acres around + the house. The progress of the workmen had been watched by me with the + keenest interest. Every tree that reached the ground opened a wider gap in + the dark wood, giving us a broader ray of light and a clearer glimpse of + the blue sky. But when the dark cedar-swamp fronting the house fell + beneath the strokes of the axe, and we got a first view of the lake, my + joy was complete; a new and beautiful object was now constantly before me, + which gave me the greatest pleasure. By night and day, in sunshine or in + storm, water is always the most sublime feature in a landscape, and no + view can be truly grand in which it is wanting. From a child, it always + had the most powerful effect upon my mind, from the great ocean rolling in + majesty, to the tinkling forest rill, hidden by the flowers and rushes + along its banks. Half the solitude of my forest home vanished when the + lake unveiled its bright face to the blue heavens, and I saw sun and moon, + and stars and waving trees reflected there. I would sit for hours at the + window as the shades of evening deepened round me, watching the massy + foliage of the forests pictured in the waters, till fancy transported me + back to England, and the songs of birds and the lowing of cattle were + sounding in my ears. It was long, very long, before I could discipline my + mind to learn and practice all the menial employments which are necessary + in a good settler's wife. + </p> + <p> + The total absence of trees about the doors in all new settlements had + always puzzled me, in a country where the intense heat of summer seems to + demand all the shade that can be procured. My husband had left several + beautiful rock-elms (the most picturesque tree in the country) near our + dwelling, but alas! the first high gale prostrated all my fine trees, and + left our log cottage entirely exposed to the fierce rays of the sun. + </p> + <p> + The confusion of an uncleared fallow spread around us on every side. Huge + trunks of trees and piles of brush gave a littered and uncomfortable + appearance to the locality, and as the weather had been very dry for some + weeks, I heard my husband daily talking with his choppers as to the + expediency of firing the fallow. They still urged him to wait a little + longer, until he could get a good breeze to carry the fire well through + the brush. + </p> + <p> + Business called him suddenly to Toronto, but he left a strict charge with + old Thomas and his sons, who were engaged in the job, by no means to + attempt to burn it off until he returned, as he wished to be upon the + premises himself, in case of any danger. He had previously burnt all the + heaps immediately about the doors. + </p> + <p> + While he was absent, old Thomas and his second son fell sick with the + ague, and went home to their own township, leaving John, a surly, + obstinate young man, in charge of the shanty, where they slept, and kept + their tools and provisions. + </p> + <p> + Monaghan I had sent to fetch up my three cows, as the children were + languishing for milk, and Mary and I remained alone in the house with the + little ones. + </p> + <p> + The day was sultry, and towards noon a strong wind sprang up that roared + in the pine tops like the dashing of distant billows, but without in the + least degree abating the heat. The children were lying listlessly upon the + floor for coolness, and the girl and I were finishing sun-bonnets, when + Mary suddenly exclaimed, “Bless us, mistress, what a smoke!” I ran + immediately to the door, but was not able to distinguish ten yards before + me. The swamp immediately below us was on fire, and the heavy wind was + driving a dense black cloud of smoke directly towards us. + </p> + <p> + “What can this mean?” I cried, “Who can have set fire to the fallow?” + </p> + <p> + As I ceased speaking, John Thomas stood pale and trembling before me. + “John, what is the meaning of this fire?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, ma'am, I hope you will forgive me; it was I set fire to it, and I + would give all I have in the world if I had not done it.” + </p> + <p> + “What is the danger?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I'm terribly afear'd that we shall all be burnt up,” said the fellow, + beginning to whimper. + </p> + <p> + “Why did you run such a risk, and your master from home, and no one on the + place to render the least assistance?” + </p> + <p> + “I did it for the best,” blubbered the lad. “What shall we do?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, we must get out of it as fast as we can, and leave the house to its + fate.” + </p> + <p> + “We can't get out,” said the man, in a low, hollow tone, which seemed the + concentration of fear; “I would have got out of it if I could; but just + step to the back door, ma'am, and see.” + </p> + <p> + I had not felt the least alarm up to this minute; I had never seen a + fallow burnt, but I had heard of it as a thing of such common occurrence + that I had never connected with it any idea of danger. Judge then, my + surprise, my horror, when, on going to the back door, I saw that the + fellow, to make sure of his work, had fired the field in fifty different + places. Behind, before, on every side, we were surrounded by a wall of + fire, burning furiously within a hundred yards of us, and cutting off all + possibility of retreat; for could we have found an opening through the + burning heaps, we could not have seen our way through the dense canopy of + smoke; and, buried as we were in the heart of the forest, no one could + discover our situation till we were beyond the reach of help. + </p> + <p> + I closed the door, and went back to the parlour. Fear was knocking loudly + at my heart, for our utter helplessness annihilated all hope of being able + to effect our escape—I felt stupefied. The girl sat upon the floor + by the children, who, unconscious of the peril that hung over them, had + both fallen asleep. She was silently weeping; while the fool who had + caused the mischief was crying aloud. + </p> + <p> + A strange calm succeeded my first alarm; tears and lamentations were + useless; a horrible death was impending over us, and yet I could not + believe that we were to die. I sat down upon the step of the door, and + watched the awful scene in silence. The fire was raging in the cedar-swamp + immediately below the ridge on which the house stood, and it presented a + spectacle truly appalling. From out the dense folds of a canopy of black + smoke, the blackest I ever saw, leaped up continually red forks of lurid + flame as high as the tree tops, igniting the branches of a group of tall + pines that had been left standing for saw-logs. + </p> + <p> + A deep gloom blotted out the heavens from our sight. The air was filled + with fiery particles, which floated even to the door-step—while the + crackling and roaring of the flames might have been heard at a great + distance. Could we have reached the lake shore, where several canoes were + moored at the landing, by launching out into the water we should have been + in perfect safety; but, to attain this object, it was necessary to pass + through this mimic hell; and not a bird could have flown over it with + unscorched wings. There was no hope in that quarter, for, could we have + escaped the flames, we should have been blinded and choked by the thick, + black, resinous smoke. + </p> + <p> + The fierce wind drove the flames at the sides and back of the house up the + clearing; and our passage to the road, or to the forest, on the right and + left, was entirely obstructed by a sea of flames. Our only ark of safety + was the house, so long as it remained untouched by the consuming element. + I turned to young Thomas, and asked him, how long he thought that would + be. + </p> + <p> + “When the fire clears this little ridge in front, ma'am. The Lord have + mercy upon us, then, or we must all go!” + </p> + <p> + “Cannot you, John, try and make your escape, and see what can be done for + us and the poor children?” + </p> + <p> + My eye fell upon the sleeping angels, locked peacefully in each other's + arms, and my tears flowed for the first time. + </p> + <p> + Mary, the servant-girl, looked piteously up in my face. The good, faithful + creature had not uttered one word of complaint, but now she faltered forth— + </p> + <p> + “The dear, precious lambs!—Oh! such a death!” + </p> + <p> + I threw myself down upon the floor beside them, and pressed them + alternately to my heart, while inwardly I thanked God that they were + asleep, unconscious of danger, and unable by their childish cries to + distract our attention from adopting any plan which might offer to effect + their escape. + </p> + <p> + The heat soon became suffocating. We were parched with thirst, and there + was not a drop of water in the house, and none to be procured nearer than + the lake. I turned once more to the door, hoping that a passage might have + been burnt through to the water. I saw nothing but a dense cloud of fire + and smoke—could hear nothing but the crackling and roaring of the + flames, which were gaining so fast upon us that I felt their scorching + breath in my face. + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” thought I—and it was a most bitter thought—“what will my + beloved husband say when he returns and finds that his poor Susy and his + dear girls have perished in this miserable manner? But God can save us + yet.” + </p> + <p> + The thought had scarcely found a voice in my heart before the wind rose to + a hurricane, scattering the flames on all sides into a tempest of burning + billows. I buried my head in my apron, for I thought that our time was + come, and that all was lost, when a most terrific crash of thunder burst + over our heads, and, like the breaking of a water-spout, down came the + rushing torrent of rain which had been pent up for so many weeks. + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes the chip-yard was all afloat, and the fire effectually + checked. The storm which, unnoticed by us, had been gathering all day, and + which was the only one of any note we had that summer, continued to rage + all night, and before morning had quite subdued the cruel enemy, whose + approach we had viewed with such dread. + </p> + <p> + The imminent danger in which we had been placed struck me more forcibly + after it was past than at the time, and both the girl and myself sank upon + our knees, and lifted up our hearts in humble thanksgiving to that God who + had saved us by an act of His Providence from an awful and sudden death. + When all hope from human assistance was lost, His hand was mercifully + stretched forth, making His strength more perfectly manifested in our + weakness:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “He is their stay when earthly help is lost, + The light and anchor of the tempest-toss'd.” + </pre> + <p> + There was one person unknown to us, who had watched the progress of that + rash blaze, and had even brought his canoe to the landing, in the hope of + us getting off. This was an Irish pensioner named Dunn, who had cleared a + few acres on his government grant, and had built a shanty on the opposite + shore of the lake. + </p> + <p> + “Faith, madam! an' I thought the captain was stark, staring mad to fire + his fallow on such a windy day, and that blowing right from the lake to + the house. When Old Wittals came in and towld us that the masther was not + to the fore, but only one lad, an' the wife an' the chilther at home,—thinks + I, there's no time to be lost, or the crathurs will be burnt up intirely. + We started instanther, but, by Jove! we were too late. The swamp was all + in a blaze when we got to the landing, and you might as well have thried + to get to heaven by passing through the other place.” + </p> + <p> + This was the eloquent harangue with which the honest creature informed me + the next morning of the efforts he had made to save us, and the interest + he had felt in our critical situation. I felt comforted for my past + anxiety, by knowing that one human being, however humble, had sympathised + in our probable fate, while the providential manner in which we had been + rescued will ever remain a theme of wonder and gratitude. + </p> + <p> + The next evening brought the return of my husband, who listened to the + tale of our escape with a pale and disturbed countenance; not a little + thankful to find his wife and children still in the land of the living. + </p> + <p> + For a long time after the burning of that fallow, it haunted me in my + dreams. I would awake with a start, imagining myself fighting with the + flames, and endeavouring to carry my little children through them to the + top of the clearing, when invariably their garments and my own took fire + just as I was within reach of a place of safety. + </p> + <h3> + THE FORGOTTEN DREAM + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Ere one ruddy streak of light + Glimmer'd o'er the distant height, + Kindling with its living beam + Frowning wood and cold grey stream, + I awoke with sudden start, + Clammy brow and beating heart, + Trembling limbs, convulsed and chill, + Conscious of some mighty ill; + Yet unable to recall + Sights that did my sense appal; + Sounds that thrill'd my sleeping ear + With unutterable fear; + Forms that to my sleeping eye + Presented some strange phantasy— + Shadowy, spectral, and sublime, + That glance upon the sons of time + At moments when the mind, o'erwrought, + Yields reason to mysterious thought, + And night and solitude in vain + Bind the free spirit in their chain. + Such the vision wild that press'd + On tortur'd brain and heaving chest; + But sight and sound alike are gone, + I woke, and found myself alone; + With choking sob and stifled scream + To bless my God 'twas but a dream! + To smooth my damp and stiffen'd hair, + And murmur out the Saviour's prayer— + The first to grateful memory brought, + The first a gentle mother taught, + When, bending o'er her children's bed, + She bade good angels guard my head; + Then paused, with tearful eyes, and smiled + On the calm slumbers of her child— + As God himself had heard her prayer, + And holy angels worshipped there. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0017" id="link2HCH0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVII — OUR LOGGING-BEE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There was a man in our town, + In our town, in our town— + There was a man in our town, + He made a logging-bee; + + And he bought lots of whiskey, + To make the loggers frisky— + To make the loggers frisky + At his logging-bee. + + The Devil sat on a log heap, + A log heap, a log heap— + A red hot burning log heap— + A-grinning at the bee; + + And there was lots of swearing, + Of boasting and of daring, + Of fighting and of tearing, + At that logging bee. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + A logging-bee followed the burning of the fallow, as a matter of course. + In the bush, where hands are few, and labour commands an enormous rate of + wages, these gatherings are considered indispensable, and much has been + written in their praise; but to me, they present the most disgusting + picture of a bush life. They are noisy, riotous, drunken meetings, often + terminating in violent quarrels, sometimes even in bloodshed. Accidents of + the most serious nature often occur, and very little work is done when we + consider the number of hands employed, and the great consumption of food + and liquor. + </p> + <p> + I am certain, in our case, had we hired with the money expended in + providing for the bee, two or three industrious, hard-working men, we + should have got through twice as much work, and have had it done well, and + have been the gainers in the end. + </p> + <p> + People in the woods have a craze for giving and going to bees, and run to + them with as much eagerness as a peasant runs to a race-course or a fair; + plenty of strong drink and excitement making the chief attraction of a + bee. + </p> + <p> + In raising a house or barn, a bee may be looked upon as a necessary evil, + but these gatherings are generally conducted in a more orderly manner than + those for logging. Fewer hands are required; and they are generally under + the control of the carpenter who puts up the frame, and if they get drunk + during the raising they are liable to meet with very serious accidents. + </p> + <p> + Thirty-two men, gentle and simple, were invited to our bee, and the maid + and I were engaged for two days preceding the important one, in baking and + cooking for the entertainment of our guests. When I looked at the quantity + of food we had prepared, I thought it could never be all eaten, even by + thirty-two men. It was a burning hot day towards the end of July, when our + loggers began to come in, and the “gee!” and “ha!” to encourage the oxen + resounded on every side. + </p> + <p> + There was my brother S——, with his frank English face, a host + in himself; Lieutenant —— in his blouse, wide white trousers, + and red sash, his broad straw hat shading a dark manly face that would + have been a splendid property for a bandit chief; the four gay, reckless, + idle sons of ——, famous at any spree, but incapable of the + least mental or physical exertion, who considered hunting and fishing as + the sole aim and object of life. These young men rendered very little + assistance themselves, and their example deterred others who were inclined + to work. + </p> + <p> + There were the two R——s, who came to work and to make others + work; my good brother-in-law, who had volunteered to be the Grog Boss, and + a host of other settlers, among whom I recognised Moodie's old + acquaintance, Dan Simpson, with his lank red hair and freckled face; the + Youngs, the hunters, with their round, black, curly heads and rich Irish + brogue; poor C—— with his long, spare, consumptive figure, and + thin sickly face. Poor fellow, he has long since been gathered to his + rest! + </p> + <p> + There was the ruffian squatter P——, from Clear Lake,—the + dread of all honest men; the brutal M——, who treated oxen as + if they had been logs, by beating them with handspikes; and there was Old + Wittals, with his low forehead and long nose, a living witness of the + truth of phrenology, if his large organ of acquisitiveness and his want of + consciousness could be taken in evidence. Yet in spite of his derelictions + from honesty, he was a hard-working, good-natured man, who, if he cheated + you in a bargain, or took away some useful article in mistake from your + homestead, never wronged his employer in his day's work. + </p> + <p> + He was a curious sample of cunning and simplicity—quite a character + in his way—and the largest eater I ever chanced to know. From this + ravenous propensity, for he eat his food like a famished wolf, he had + obtained his singular name of “Wittals.” + </p> + <p> + During the first year of his settlement in the bush, with a very large + family to provide for, he had been often in want of food. One day he came + to my brother, with a very long face. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. S—— I'm no beggar, but I'd be obliged to you for a loaf + of bread. I declare to you on my honour that I have not had a bit of + wittals to dewour for two whole days.” + </p> + <p> + He came to the right person with his petition. Mr. S—— with a + liberal hand relieved his wants, but he entailed upon him the name of “Old + Wittals,” as part payment. + </p> + <p> + His daughter, who was a very pretty girl, had stolen a march upon him into + the wood, with a lad whom he by no means regarded with a favourable eye. + When she returned, the old man confronted her and her lover with this + threat, which I suppose he considered “the most awful” punishment that he + could devise. + </p> + <p> + “March into the house, Madam 'Ria (Maria); and if ever I catch you with + that scamp again, I'll tie you up to a stump all day, and give you no + wittals.” + </p> + <p> + I was greatly amused by overhearing a dialogue between Old Wittals and one + of his youngest sons, a sharp, Yankeefied-looking boy, who had lost one of + his eyes, but the remaining orb looked as if it could see all ways at + once. + </p> + <p> + “I say, Sol, how came you to tell that tarnation tearing lie to Mr. S—— + yesterday? Didn't you expect that you'd catch a good wallopping for the + like of that? Lying may be excusable in a man, but 'tis a terrible bad + habit for a boy.” + </p> + <p> + “Lor', father, that worn't a lie. I told Mr. S—— our cow + worn't in his peas. Nor more she wor; she was in his wheat.” + </p> + <p> + “But she was in the peas all night, boy.” + </p> + <p> + “That wor nothing to me; she worn't in just then. Sure I won't get a + licking for that?” + </p> + <p> + “No, no, you are a good boy; but mind what I tell you, and don't bring me + into a scrape with any of your real lies.” + </p> + <p> + Prevarication, the worst of falsehoods, was a virtue in his eyes. So much + for the old man's morality. + </p> + <p> + Monaghan was in his glory, prepared to work or fight, whichever should + come uppermost; and there was old Thomas and his sons, the contractors for + the clearing, to expedite whose movements the bee was called. Old Thomas + was a very ambitious man in his way. Though he did not know A from B, he + took into his head that he had received a call from Heaven to convert the + heathen in the wilderness; and every Sunday he held a meeting in our + loggers' shanty, for the purpose of awakening sinners, and bringing over + “Injun pagans” to the true faith. His method of accomplishing this object + was very ingenious. He got his wife, Peggy—or “my Paggy,” as he + called her—to read aloud to him a text from the Bible, until he knew + it by heart; and he had, as he said truly, “a good remembrancer,” and + never heard a striking sermon but he retained the most important passages, + and retailed them secondhand to his bush audience. + </p> + <p> + I must say that I was not a little surprised at the old man's eloquence + when I went one Sunday over to the shanty to hear him preach. Several wild + young fellows had come on purpose to make fun of him; but his discourse, + which was upon the text “We shall all meet before the judgment-seat of + Christ,” was rather too serious a subject to turn into a jest, with even + old Thomas for the preacher. All went on very well until the old man gave + out a hymn, and led off in such a loud, discordant voice, that my little + Katie, who was standing between her father's knees, looked suddenly up, + and said, “Mamma, what a noise old Thomas makes.” This remark led to a + much greater noise, and the young men, unable to restrain their + long-suppressed laughter, ran tumultuously from the shanty. + </p> + <p> + I could have whipped the little elf; but small blame could be attached to + a child of two years old, who had never heard a preacher, especially such + a preacher as the old backwoodsman, in her life. Poor man! He was + perfectly unconscious of the cause of the disturbance, and remarked to us, + after the service was over, + </p> + <p> + “Well, ma'am, did we not get on famously? Now, worn't that a <i>bootiful</i> + discourse?” + </p> + <p> + “It was, indeed; much better than I expected.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; I knew it would please you. It had quite an effect on those + wild fellows. A few more such sermons will teach them good behaviour. Ah, + the bush is a bad place for young men. The farther in the bush, say I, the + farther from God, and the nearer to hell. I told that wicked Captain L—— + of Dummer so the other Sunday; 'an',' says he, 'if you don't hold your + confounded jaw, you old fool, I'll kick you there.' Now ma'am—now, + sir, was not that bad manners in a gentleman, to use such appropriate + epitaphs to a humble servant of God, like I?” + </p> + <p> + And thus the old man ran on for an hour, dilating upon his own merits and + the sins of his neighbors. + </p> + <p> + There was John R——, from Smith-town, the most notorious + swearer in the district; a man who esteemed himself clever, nor did he + want for natural talent, but he had converted his mouth into such a sink + of iniquity that it corrupted the whole man, and all the weak and + thoughtless of his own sex who admitted him into their company. I had + tried to convince John R—— (for he often frequented the house + under the pretence of borrowing books) of the great crime that he was + constantly committing, and of the injurious effect it must produce upon + his own family, but the mental disease had taken too deep a root to be so + easily cured. Like a person labouring under some foul disease, he + contaminated all he touched. Such men seem to make an ambitious display of + their bad habits in such scenes, and if they afford a little help, they + are sure to get intoxicated and make a row. There was my friend, old Ned + Dunn, who had been so anxious to get us out of the burning fallow. There + was a whole group of Dummer Pines: Levi, the little wiry, witty poacher; + Cornish Bill, the honest-hearted old peasant, with his stalwart figure and + uncouth dialect; and David, and Nedall good men and true; and Malachi + Chroak, a queer, withered-up, monkey-man, that seemed like some + mischievous elf, flitting from heap to heap to make work and fun for the + rest; and many others were at that bee who have since found a rest in the + wilderness: Adam T——, H——, J. M——, H. + N——. + </p> + <p> + These, at different times, lost their lives in those bright waters in + which, on such occasions as these, they used to sport and frolic to + refresh themselves during the noonday heat. Alas! how many, who were then + young and in their prime, that river and its lakes have swept away! + </p> + <p> + Our men worked well until dinner-time, when, after washing in the lake, + they all sat down to the rude board which I had prepared for them, loaded + with the best fare that could be procured in the bush. Pea-soup, legs of + pork, venison, eel, and raspberry pies, garnished with plenty of potatoes, + and whiskey to wash them down, besides a large iron kettle of tea. To pour + out the latter, and dispense it round, devolved upon me. My brother and + his friends, who were all temperance men, and consequently the best + workers in the field, kept me and the maid actively employed in + replenishing their cups. + </p> + <p> + The dinner passed off tolerably well; some of the lower order of the Irish + settlers were pretty far gone, but they committed no outrage upon our + feelings by either swearing or bad language, a few harmless jokes alone + circulating among them. + </p> + <p> + Some one was funning Old Wittalls for having eaten seven large cabbages at + Mr. T——'s bee, a few days previous. His son, Sol, thought + himself, as in duty bound, to take up the cudgel for his father. + </p> + <p> + “Now, I guess that's a lie, anyhow. Fayther was sick that day, and I tell + you he only ate five.” + </p> + <p> + This announcement was followed by such an explosion of mirth that the boy + looked fiercely round him, as if he could scarcely believe the fact that + the whole party were laughing at him. + </p> + <p> + Malachi Chroak, who was good-naturedly drunk, had discovered an old pair + of cracked bellows in a corner, which he placed under his arm, and + applying his mouth to the pipe, and working his elbows to and fro, + pretended that he was playing upon the bagpipes, every now and then + letting the wind escape in a shrill squeak from this novel instrument. + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, ladies and jintlemen, do jist turn your swate little eyes upon me + whilst I play for your iddifications the last illigant tune which my owld + grandmother taught me. Och hone! 'tis a thousand pities that such musical + owld crathers should be suffered to die, at all at all, to be poked away + into a dirthy, dark hole, when their canthles shud be burnin' a-top of a + bushel, givin' light to the house. An' then it is she that was the + illigant dancer, stepping out so lively and frisky, just so.” + </p> + <p> + And here he minced to and fro, affecting the airs of a fine lady. The + suppositious bagpipe gave an uncertain, ominous howl, and he flung it + down, and started back with a ludicrous expression of alarm. + </p> + <p> + “Alive, is it ye are? Ye croaking owld divil, is that the tune you taught + your son? + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Och! my old granny taught me, but now she is dead, + That a dhrop of nate whiskey is good for the head; + It would make a man spake when jist ready to dhie, + If you doubt it—my boys!—I'd advise you to thry. + + “Och! my owld granny sleeps with her head on a stone,— + 'Now, Malach, don't throuble the galls when I'm gone!' + I thried to obey her; but, och, I am shure, + There's no sorrow on earth that the angels can't cure. + + “Och! I took her advice—I'm a bachelor still; + And I dance, and I play, with such excellent skill, + (Taking up the bellows, and beginning to dance.) + That the dear little crathurs are striving in vain + Which furst shall my hand or my fortin' obtain.” + </pre> + <p> + “Malach!” shouted a laughing group. “How was it that the old lady taught + you to go a-courting?” + </p> + <p> + “Arrah, that's a sacret! I don't let out owld granny's sacrets,” said + Malachi, gracefully waving his head to and fro to the squeaking of the + bellows; then, suddenly tossing back the long, dangling black elf-locks + that curled down the sides of his lank, yellow cheeks, and winking + knowingly with his comical little deep-seated black eyes, he burst out + again— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Wid the blarney I'd win the most dainty proud dame, + No gall can resist the soft sound of that same; + Wid the blarney, my boys—if you doubt it, go thry— + But hand here the bottle, my whistle is dhry.” + </pre> + <p> + The men went back to the field, leaving Malachi to amuse those who + remained in the house; and we certainly did laugh our fill at his odd + capers and conceits. + </p> + <p> + Then he would insist upon marrying our maid. There could be no refusal—have + her he would. The girl, to keep him quiet, laughingly promised that she + would take him for her husband. This did not satisfy him. She must take + her oath upon the Bible to that effect. Mary pretended that there was no + bible in the house, but he found an old spelling-book upon a shelf in the + kitchen, and upon it he made her swear, and called upon me to bear witness + to her oath, and that she was now his betrothed, and he would go next day + with her to the “praist.” Poor Mary had reason to repent her frolic, for + he stuck close to her the whole evening, tormenting her to fulfill her + contract. + </p> + <p> + After the sun went down, the logging-band came in to supper, which was all + ready for them. Those who remained sober ate the meal in peace, and + quietly returned to their own homes; while the vicious and the drunken + stayed to brawl and fight. + </p> + <p> + After having placed the supper on the table, I was so tired with the + noise, and heat, and fatigue of the day, that I went to bed, leaving to + Mary and my husband the care of the guests. + </p> + <p> + The little bed-chamber was only separated from the kitchen by a few thin + boards; and unfortunately for me and the girl, who was soon forced to + retreat thither, we could hear all the wickedness and profanity going on + in the next room. My husband, disgusted with the scene, soon left it, and + retired into the parlour, with the few of the loggers who at that hour + remained sober. The house rang with the sound of unhallowed revelry, + profane songs and blasphemous swearing. It would have been no hard task to + have imagined these miserable, degraded beings fiends instead of men. How + glad I was when they at last broke up; and we were once more left in peace + to collect the broken glasses and cups, and the scattered fragments of + that hateful feast. + </p> + <p> + We were obliged to endure a second and a third repetition of this odious + scene, before sixteen acres of land were rendered fit for the reception of + our fall crop of wheat. + </p> + <p> + My hatred to these tumultuous, disorderly meetings was not in the least + decreased by my husband being twice seriously hurt while attending them. + After the second injury he received, he seldom went to them himself, but + sent his oxen and servant in his place. In these odious gatherings, the + sober, moral, and industrious man is more likely to suffer than the + drunken and profane, as during the delirium of drink these men expose + others to danger as well as themselves. + </p> + <p> + The conduct of many of the settlers, who considered themselves gentlemen, + and would have been very much affronted to have been called otherwise, was + often more reprehensible than that of the poor Irish emigrants, to whom + they should have set an example of order and sobriety. The behaviour of + these young men drew upon them the severe but just censures of the poorer + class, whom they regarded in every way as their inferiors. + </p> + <p> + “That blackguard calls himself a gentleman. In what respect is he better + than us?” was an observation too frequently made use of at these + gatherings. To see a bad man in the very worst point of view, follow him + to a bee: be he profane, licentious, quarrelsome, or a rogue, all his + native wickedness will be fully developed there. + </p> + <p> + Just after the last of these logging-bees, we had to part with our good + servant Mary, and just at a time when it was the heaviest loss to me. Her + father, who had been a dairyman in the north of Ireland, an honest, + industrious man, had brought out upwards of one hundred pounds to this + country. With more wisdom than is generally exercised by Irish emigrants, + instead of sinking all his means in buying a bush farm, he hired a very + good farm in Cavan, with cattle, and returned to his old avocation. The + services of his daughter, who was an excellent dairymaid, were required to + take the management of the cows; and her brother brought a wagon and + horses all the way from the front to take her home. + </p> + <p> + This event was perfectly unexpected, and left me without a moment's notice + to provide myself with another servant, at a time when servants were not + to be had, and I was perfectly unable to do the least thing. My little + Addie was sick almost to death with the summer complaint, and the eldest + still too young to take care of herself. + </p> + <p> + This was but the beginning of trouble. + </p> + <p> + Ague and lake fever had attacked our new settlement. The men in the shanty + were all down with it; and my husband was confined to his bed on each + alternate day, unable to raise hand or foot, and raving in the delirium of + the fever. + </p> + <p> + In my sister and brother's families, scarcely a healthy person remained to + attend upon the sick; and at Herriot's Falls, nine persons were stretched + upon the floor of one log cabin, unable to help themselves or one another. + After much difficulty, and only by offering enormous wages, I succeeded in + procuring a nurse to attend upon me during my confinement. The woman had + not been a day in the house before she was attacked by the same fever. In + the midst of this confusion, and with my precious little Addie lying + insensible on a pillow at the foot of my bed—expected at every + moment to breathe her last—on the night of the 26th of August the + boy I had so ardently coveted was born. The next day, old Pine carried his + wife (my nurse) away upon his back, and I was left to struggle through, in + the best manner I could, with a sick husband, a sick child, and a newborn + babe. + </p> + <p> + It was a melancholy season, one of severe mental and bodily suffering. + Those who have drawn such agreeable pictures of a residence in the + backwoods never dwell upon the periods of sickness, when, far from medical + advice, and often, as in my case, deprived of the assistance of friends by + adverse circumstances, you are left to languish, unattended, upon the + couch of pain. + </p> + <p> + The day that my husband was free of the fit, he did what he could for me + and his poor sick babes, but, ill as he was, he was obliged to sow the + wheat to enable the man to proceed with the drag, and was therefore + necessarily absent in the field the greater part of the day. + </p> + <p> + I was very ill, yet for hours at a time I had no friendly voice to cheer + me, to proffer me a drink of cold water, or to attend to the poor babe; + and worse, still worse, there was no one to help that pale, marble child, + who lay so cold and still, with “half-closed violet eyes,” as if death had + already chilled her young heart in his iron grasp. + </p> + <p> + There was not a breath of air in our close, burning bed-closet; and the + weather was sultry beyond all that I have since experienced. How I wished + that I could be transported to a hospital at home, to enjoy the common + care that in such places is bestowed upon the sick. Bitter tears flowed + continually from my eyes over those young children. I had asked of Heaven + a son, and there he lay helpless by the side of his almost equally + helpless mother, who could not lift him up in her arms, or still his + cries; while the pale, fair angel, with her golden curls, who had lately + been the admiration of all who saw her, no longer recognized my voice, or + was conscious of my presence. I felt that I could almost resign the long + and eagerly hoped-for son, to win one more smile from that sweet suffering + creature. Often did I weep myself to sleep, and wake to weep again with + renewed anguish. + </p> + <p> + And my poor little Katie, herself under three years of age, how patiently + she bore the loss of my care, and every comfort. How earnestly the dear + thing strove to help me. She would sit on my sick-bed, and hold my hand, + and ask me to look at her and speak to her; would inquire why Addie slept + so long, and when she would awake again. Those innocent questions went + like arrows to my heart. + </p> + <p> + Lieutenant ——, the husband of my dear Emilia, at length heard + of my situation. His inestimable wife was from home, nursing her sick + mother; but he sent his maid-servant up every day for a couple of hours, + and the kind girl despatched a messenger nine miles through the woods to + Dummer, to fetch her younger sister, a child of twelve years old. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how grateful I felt for these signal mercies; for my situation for + nearly a week was one of the most pitiable that could be imagined. The + sickness was so prevalent that help was not to be obtained for money; and + without the assistance of that little girl, young as she was, it is more + than probable that neither myself nor my children would ever have risen + from that bed of sickness. + </p> + <p> + The conduct of our man Jacob, during this trying period, was marked with + the greatest kindness and consideration. On the days that his master was + confined to his bed with the fever, he used to place a vessel of cold + water and a cup by his bedside, and put his honest English face in at my + door to know if he could make a cup of tea, or toast a bit of bread for + the mistress, before he went into the field. + </p> + <p> + Katie was indebted to him for all meals. He baked, and cooked, and + churned, milked the cows, and made up the butter, as well and as carefully + as the best female servant could have done. As to poor John Monanghan, he + was down with fever in the shanty, where four other men were all ill with + the same terrible complaint. + </p> + <p> + I was obliged to leave my bed and endeavour to attend to the wants of my + young family long before I was really able. When I made my first attempt + to reach the parlour I was so weak, that, at every step, I felt as if I + should pitch forward to the ground, which seemed to undulate beneath my + feet like the floor of a cabin in a storm at sea. My husband continued to + suffer for many weeks with the ague; and when he was convalescent, all the + children, even the poor babe, were seized with it, nor did it leave us + until late in the spring of 1835. + </p> + <h3> + THE EMIGRANT'S FAREWELL + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Rise, Mary! meet me on the shore, + And tell our tale of sorrow o'er; + There must we meet to part no more— + Rise, Mary, rise! + + Come, dearest, come! tho' all in vain; + Once more beside yon summer main + We'll plight our hopeless vows again— + Unclose thine eyes. + + My bark amidst the surge is toss'd, + I go, by evil fortunes cross'd, + My earthly hopes for ever lost— + Love's dearest prize. + + But when thy hand is clasp'd in mine, + I'll laugh at fortune, nor repine; + In life, in death, for ever thine— + Then check these sighs. + + They move a bosom steel'd to bear + Its own unwonted load of care, + That will not bend beneath despair— + Rise, dearest, rise. + + Life's but a troubled dream at best; + There comes a time when grief shall rest, + Kind, faithful hearts shall yet be bless'd + 'Neath brighter skies! +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0018" id="link2HCH0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XVIII — A TRIP TO STONY LAKE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh Nature! in thy ever-varying face, + By rocky shore, or 'neath the forest tree, + What love divine, what matchless skill, I trace! + My full warm heart responsive thrills to thee. + Yea, in my throbbing bosom's inmost core, + Thou reign'st supreme; and, in thy sternest mood, + Thy votary bends in rapture to adore + The Mighty Maker, who pronounced thee good. + Thy broad, majestic brow still bears His seal; + And when I cease to love, oh, may I cease to feel. +</pre> + <p> + My husband had long promised me a trip to Stony Lake, and in the summer of + 1835, before the harvest commenced, he gave Mr. Y——, who kept + the mill at the rapids below Clear Lake, notice of our intention, and the + worthy old man and his family made due preparation for our reception. The + little girls were to accompany us. + </p> + <p> + We were to start at sunrise, to avoid the heat of the day, to go up as far + as Mr. Y——'s in our canoe, re-embark with his sons above the + rapids in birch-bark canoes, go as far up the lake as we could accomplish + by daylight, and return at night; the weather being very warm, and the + moon at full. Before six o'clock we were all seated in the little craft, + which spread her white sail to a foaming breeze, and sped merrily over the + blue waters. The lake on which our clearing stood was about a mile and a + half in length, and about three quarters of a mile in breadth; a mere + pond, when compared with the Bay of Quinte, Ontario, and the inland seas + of Canada. But it was <i>our</i> lake, and, consequently, it had ten + thousand beauties in our eyes, which would scarcely have attracted the + observation of a stranger. + </p> + <p> + At the head of the Katchawanook, the lake is divided by a long neck of + land, that forms a small bay on the right-hand side, and a very brisk + rapid on the left. The banks are formed of large masses of limestone; and + the cardinal-flower and the tiger-lily seem to have taken an especial + fancy to this spot, and to vie with each other in the display of their + gorgeous colours. + </p> + <p> + It is an excellent place for fishing; the water is very deep close to the + rocky pavement that forms the bank, and it has a pebbly bottom. Many a + magic hour, at rosy dawn, or evening grey, have I spent with my husband on + this romantic spot; our canoe fastened to a bush, and ourselves intent + upon ensnaring the black bass, a fish of excellent flavour that abounds in + this place. + </p> + <p> + Our paddles soon carried us past the narrows, and through the rapid water, + the children sitting quietly at the bottom of the boat, enchanted with all + they heard and saw, begging papa to stop and gather water-lilies, or to + catch one of the splendid butterflies that hovered over us; and often the + little Addie darted her white hand into the water to grasp at the shadow + of the gorgeous insects as they skimmed along the waves. + </p> + <p> + After passing the rapids, the river widened into another small lake, + perfectly round in form, and having in its centre a tiny green island, in + the midst of which stood, like a shattered monument of bygone storms, one + blasted, black ash-tree. + </p> + <p> + The Indians call this lake Bessikakoon, but I do not know the exact + meaning of the word. Some say that it means “the Indian's grave,” others + “the lake of the one island.” It is certain that an Indian girl is buried + beneath that blighted tree; but I never could learn the particulars of her + story, and perhaps there was no tale connected with it. She might have + fallen a victim to disease during the wanderings of her tribe, and been + buried on that spot; or she might have been drowned, which would account + for her having been buried away from the rest of her people. + </p> + <p> + This little lake lies in the heart of the wilderness. There is but one + clearing upon its shores, and that had been made by lumberers many years + before; the place abounded with red cedar. A second growth of young timber + had grown up in this spot, which was covered also with raspberry-bushes—several + hundred acres being entirely overgrown with this delicious berry. + </p> + <p> + It was here annually that we used to come in large picnic parties, to + collect this valuable fruit for our winter preserves, in defiance of + black-flies, mosquitoes, snakes, and even bears, all which have been + encountered by berry-pickers upon this spot, as busy and as active as + themselves, gathering an ample repast from Nature's bounteous lap. + </p> + <p> + And, oh! what beautiful wild shrubs and flowers grew up in that neglected + spot! Some of the happiest hours I spent in the bush are connected with + reminiscences of “Irving's shanty,” for so the raspberry-grounds were + called. The clearing could not be seen from the shore. You had to scramble + through a cedar-swamp to reach the sloping ground which produced the + berries. + </p> + <p> + The mill at the Clear Lake rapids was about three miles distant from our + own clearing; and after stemming another rapid, and passing between two + beautiful wooded islands, the canoe rounded a point, and the rude + structure was before us. + </p> + <p> + A wilder and more romantic spot than that which the old hunter had chosen + for his homestead in the wilderness could scarcely be imagined. The waters + of Clear Lake here empty themselves through a narrow, deep, rocky channel, + not exceeding a quarter of a mile in length, and tumble over a limestone + ridge of ten or twelve feet in height, which extends from one bank of the + river to the other. The shores on either side are very steep, and the + large oak-trees which have anchored their roots in every crevice of the + rock, throw their fantastic arms far over the foaming waterfall, the deep + green of their massy foliage forming a beautiful contrast with the white, + flashing waters that foam over the shoot at least fifty feet below the + brow of the limestone rock. By a flight of steps cut in the banks we + ascended to the platform above the river on which Mr. Y——'s + house stood. + </p> + <p> + It was a large, rough-looking, log building, surrounded by barns and sheds + of the same primitive material. The porch before the door was covered with + hops, and the room of general resort, into which it immediately opened, + was of large dimensions, the huge fire-place forming the most striking + feature. On the hearth-stone, hot as was the weather, blazed a great fire, + encumbered with all sorts of culinary apparatus, which, I am inclined to + think, had been called into requisition for our sole benefit and + accommodation. + </p> + <p> + The good folks had breakfasted long before we started from home, but they + would not hear of our proceeding to Stony Lake until after we had dined. + It was only eight o'clock a.m., and we had still four hours to dinner, + which gave us ample leisure to listen to the old man's stories, ramble + round the premises, and observe all the striking features of the place. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Y—— was a Catholic, and the son of a respectable farmer + from the south of Ireland. Some few years before, he had emigrated with a + large family of seven sons and two daughters, and being fond of field + sports, and greatly taken with the beauty of the locality in which he had + pitched his tent in the wilderness, he determined to raise a mill upon the + dam which Nature had provided to his hands, and wait patiently until the + increasing immigration should settle the townships of Smith and Douro, + render the property valuable, and bring plenty of grist to the mill. + </p> + <p> + He was not far wrong in his calculations; and though, for the first few + years, he subsisted entirely by hunting, fishing, and raising what + potatoes and wheat he required for his own family, on the most fertile + spots he could find on his barren lot, very little corn passed through the + mill. + </p> + <p> + At the time we visited his place, he was driving a thriving trade, and all + the wheat that was grown in the neighbourhood was brought by water to be + ground at Y——'s mill. + </p> + <p> + He had lost his wife a few years after coming to the country; but his two + daughters, Betty and Norah, were excellent housewives, and amply supplied + her loss. From these amiable women we received a most kind and hearty + welcome, and every comfort and luxury within their reach. + </p> + <p> + They appeared a most happy and contented family. The sons—a fine, + hardy, independent set of fellows—were regarded by the old man with + pride and affection. Many were his anecdotes of their prowess in hunting + and fishing. + </p> + <p> + His method of giving them an aversion to strong drink while very young + amused me greatly, but it is not every child that could have stood the + test of his experiment. + </p> + <p> + “When they were little chaps, from five to six years of age, I made them + very drunk,” he said; “so drunk that it brought on severe headache and + sickness, and this so disgusted them with liquor, that they never could + abide the sight of it again. I have only one drunkard among the seven; and + he was such a weak, puling crathur, that I dared not try the same game + with him, lest it should kill him. 'Tis his nature, I suppose, and he + can't help it; but the truth is, that to make up for the sobriety of all + the rest, he is killing himself with drink.” + </p> + <p> + Norah gave us an account of her catching a deer that had got into the + enclosure the day before. + </p> + <p> + “I went out,” she said, “early in the morning, to milk the cows, and I saw + a fine young buck struggling to get through a pale of the fence, in which + having entangled his head and horns, I knew, by the desperate efforts he + was making to push aside the rails, that if I was not quick in getting + hold of him, he would soon be gone.” + </p> + <p> + “And did you dare to touch him?” + </p> + <p> + “If I had had Mat's gun I would have shot him, but he would have made his + escape long before I could run to the house for that, so I went boldly up + to him and got him by the hind legs; and though he kicked and struggled + dreadfully, I held on till Mat heard me call, and ran to my help, and cut + his throat with his hunting-knife. So you see,” she continued, with a + good-natured laugh, “I can beat our hunters hollow—they hunt the + deer, but I can catch a buck with my hands.” + </p> + <p> + While we were chatting away, great were the preparations making by Miss + Betty and a very handsome American woman, who had recently come thither as + a help. One little barefooted garsoon was shelling peas in an Indian + basket, another was stringing currants into a yellow pie-dish, and a third + was sent to the rapids with his rod and line, to procure a dish of fresh + fish to add to the long list of bush dainties that were preparing for our + dinner. + </p> + <p> + It was in vain that I begged our kind entertainers not to put themselves + to the least trouble on our account, telling them that we were now used to + the woods, and contented with anything; they were determined to exhaust + all their stores to furnish forth the entertainment. Nor can it be + wondered at, that, with so many dishes to cook, and pies and custards to + bake, instead of dining at twelve, it was past two o'clock before we were + conducted to the dinner-table. I was vexed and disappointed at the delay, + as I wanted to see all I could of the spot we were about to visit before + night and darkness compelled us to return. + </p> + <p> + The feast was spread in a large outhouse, the table being formed of two + broad deal boards laid together, and supported by rude carpenter's stools. + A white linen cloth, a relic of better days, concealed these arrangements. + The board was covered with an indescribable variety of roast and boiled, + of fish, flesh, and fowl. My readers should see a table laid out in a + wealthy Canadian farmer's house before they can have any idea of the + profusion displayed in the entertainment of two visitors and their young + children. + </p> + <p> + Besides venison, pork, chickens, ducks, and fish of several kinds, cooked + in a variety of ways, there was a number of pumpkin, raspberry, cherry, + and currant pies, with fresh butter and green cheese (as the new + cream-cheese is called), molasses, preserves, and pickled cucumbers, + besides tea and coffee—the latter, be it known, I had watched the + American woman boiling in the frying-pan. It was a black-looking compound, + and I did not attempt to discuss its merits. The vessel in which it had + been prepared had prejudiced me, and rendered me very sceptical on that + score. + </p> + <p> + We were all very hungry, having tasted nothing since five o'clock in the + morning, and contrived, out of the variety of good things before us, to + make an excellent dinner. + </p> + <p> + I was glad, however, when we rose to prosecute our intended trip up the + lake. The old man, whose heart was now thoroughly warmed with whiskey, + declared that he meant to make one of the party, and Betty, too, was to + accompany us; her sister Norah kindly staying behind to take care of the + children. + </p> + <p> + We followed a path along the top of the high ridge of limestone rock, + until we had passed the falls and the rapids above, when we found Pat and + Mat Y—— waiting for us on the shore below, in two beautiful + new birch-bark canoes, which they had purchased the day before from the + Indians. + </p> + <p> + Miss Betty, Mat, and myself, were safely stowed into one, while the old + miller, and his son Pat, and my husband, embarked in the other, and our + steersmen pushed off into the middle of the deep and silent stream; the + shadow of the tall woods, towering so many feet above us, casting an inky + hue upon the waters. + </p> + <p> + The scene was very imposing, and after paddling for a few minutes in shade + and silence, we suddenly emerged into light and sunshine, and Clear Lake, + which gets its name from the unrivalled brightness of its waters, spread + out its azure mirror before us. The Indians regard this sheet of water + with peculiar reverence. It abounds in the finest sorts of fish, the + salmon-trout, the delicious white fish, maskinonge, and black and white + bass. There is no island in this lake, no rice beds, nor stick nor stone + to break its tranquil beauty, and, at the time we visited it, there was + but one clearing upon its shores. + </p> + <p> + The log hut of the squatter P——, commanding a beautiful + prospect up and down the lake, stood upon a bold slope fronting the water; + all the rest was unbroken forest. + </p> + <p> + We had proceeded about a mile on our pleasant voyage, when our attention + was attracted by a singular natural phenomenon, which Mat Y—— + called the battery. + </p> + <p> + On the right-hand side of the shore rose a steep, perpendicular wall of + limestone, that had the appearance of having been laid by the hand of man, + so smooth and even was its surface. After attaining a height of about + fifty feet, a natural platform of eight or ten yards broke the + perpendicular line of the rock, when another wall, like the first, rose to + a considerable height, terminating in a second and third platform of the + same description. + </p> + <p> + Fire, at some distant period, had run over these singularly beautiful + terraces, and a second growth of poplars and balm-of-gileads, relieved, by + their tender green and light, airy foilage, the sombre indigo tint of the + heavy pines that nodded like the plumes of a funeral-hearse over the fair + young dwellers on the rock. + </p> + <p> + The water is forty feet deep at the base of this precipice, which is + washed by the waves. After we had passed the battery, Mat Y—— + turned to me and said, “That is a famous place for bears; many a bear have + I shot among those rocks.” + </p> + <p> + This led to a long discussion on the wild beasts of the country. + </p> + <p> + “I do not think that there is much danger to be apprehended from them,” + said he; “but I once had an ugly adventure with a wolf two winters ago, on + this lake.” + </p> + <p> + I was all curiosity to hear the story, which sounded doubly interesting + told on the very spot, and while gliding over those lovely waters. + </p> + <p> + “We were lumbering at the head of Stony Lake, about eight miles from here, + my four brothers, myself, and several other hands. The winter was long and + severe; although it was the first week in March, there was not the least + appearance of a thaw, and the ice on these lakes was as firm as ever. I + had been sent home to fetch a yoke of oxen to draw the saw-logs down to + the water, our chopping being all completed, and the logs ready for + rafting. + </p> + <p> + “I did not think it necessary to encumber myself with my rifle, and was, + therefore, provided with no weapon of defence but the long gad I used to + urge on the cattle. It was about four o'clock in the afternoon when I + rounded Sandy Point, that long point which is about a mile a-head of us on + the left shore, when I first discovered that I was followed, but at a + great distance, by a large wolf. At first, I thought little of the + circumstance, beyond a passing wish that I had brought my gun. I knew that + he would not attack me before dark, and it was still two long hours to + sundown; so I whistled, and urged on my oxen, and soon forgot the wolf—when, + on stopping to repair a little damage to the peg of the yoke, I was + surprised to find him close at my heels. I turned, and ran towards him, + shouting as loud as I could, when he slunk back, but showed no inclination + to make off. Knowing that he must have companions near, by his boldness, I + shouted as loud as I could, hoping that my cries might be heard by my + brothers, who would imagine that the oxen had got into the ice, and would + come to my assistance. I was now winding my way through the islands in + Stony Lake; the sun was setting red before me, and I had still three miles + of my journey to accomplish. The wolf had become so impudent that I kept + him off by pelting him with snowballs; and once he came so near that I + struck him with the gad. I now began to be seriously alarmed, and from + time to time, shouted with all my strength; and you may imagine my joy + when these cries were answered by the report of a gun. My brothers had + heard me, and the discharge of a gun, for a moment, seemed to daunt the + wolf. He uttered a long howl, which was answered by the cries of a large + pack of the dirty brutes from the wood. It was only just light enough to + distinguish objects, and I had to stop and face my enemy, to keep him at + bay. + </p> + <p> + “I saw the skeleton forms of half-a-dozen more of them slinking among the + bushes that skirted a low island; and tired and cold, I gave myself and + the oxen up for lost, when I felt the ice tremble on which I stood, and + heard men running at a little distance. 'Fire your guns!' I cried out, as + loud as I could. My order was obeyed, and such a yelling and howling + immediately filled the whole forest as would have chilled your very heart. + The thievish varmints instantly fled away into the bush. + </p> + <p> + “I never felt the least fear of wolves until that night; but when they + meet in large bands, like cowardly dogs, they trust to their numbers, and + grow fierce. If you meet with one wolf, you may be certain that the whole + pack are at no great distance.” + </p> + <p> + We were fast approaching Sandy Point, a long white ridge of sand, running + half across the lake, and though only covered with scattered groups of + scrubby trees and brush, it effectually screened Stony Lake from our view. + There were so many beautiful flowers peeping through the dwarf, green + bushes, that, wishing to inspect them nearer, Mat kindly ran the canoe + ashore, and told me that he would show me a pretty spot, where an Indian, + who had been drowned during a storm off that point, was buried. I + immediately recalled the story of Susan Moore's father, but Mat thought + that he was interred upon one of the islands farther up. + </p> + <p> + “It is strange,” he said, “that they are such bad swimmers. The Indian, + though unrivalled by us whites in the use of the paddle, is an animal that + does not take readily to the water, and those among them who can swim + seldom use it as a recreation.” + </p> + <p> + Pushing our way through the bushes, we came to a small opening in the + underwood, so thickly grown over with wild Canadian roses in full blossom, + that the air was impregnated with a delightful odour. In the centre of + this bed of sweets rose the humble mound that protected the bones of the + red man from the ravenous jaws of the wolf and the wild cat. It was + completely covered with stones, and from among the crevices had sprung a + tuft of blue harebells, waving as wild and free as if they grew among the + bonny red heather on the glorious hills of the North, or shook their tiny + bells to the breeze on the broom-encircled commons of England. + </p> + <p> + The harebell had always from a child been with me a favourite flower; and + the first sight of it in Canada, growing upon that lonely grave, so + flooded my soul with remembrances of the past, that, in spite of myself, + the tears poured freely from my eyes. There are moments when it is + impossible to repress those outgushings of the heart— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Those flood-gates of the soul that sever, + In passion's tide to part for ever.” + </pre> + <p> + If Mat and his sister wondered at my tears, they must have suspected the + cause, for they walked to a little distance, and left me to the indulgence + of my feelings. I gathered those flowers, and placed them in my bosom, and + kept them for many a day; they had become holy, when connected with sacred + home recollections, and the never-dying affections of the heart which the + sight of them recalled. + </p> + <p> + A shout from our companions in the other canoe made us retrace our steps + to the shore. They had already rounded the point, and were wondering at + our absence. + </p> + <p> + Oh, what a magnificent scene of wild and lonely grandeur burst upon us as + we swept round the little peninsula, and the whole majesty of Stony Lake + broke upon us at once; another Lake of the Thousand Isles, in miniature, + and in the heart of the wilderness! Imagine a large sheet of water, some + fifteen miles in breadth and twenty-five in length, taken up by islands of + every size and shape, from the lofty naked rock of red granite to the + rounded hill, covered with oak-trees to its summit; while others were + level with the waters, and of a rich emerald green, only fringed with a + growth of aquatic shrubs and flowers. Never did my eyes rest on a more + lovely or beautiful scene. Not a vestige of man, or of his works, was + there. The setting sun that cast such a gorgeous flood of light upon this + exquisite panorama, bringing out some of these lofty islands in strong + relief, and casting others into intense shade, shed no cheery beam upon + church spire or cottage pane. We beheld the landscape, savage and grand in + its primeval beauty. + </p> + <p> + As we floated among the channels between these rocky picturesque isles, I + asked Mat how many of them there were. + </p> + <p> + “I never could succeed,” he said, “in counting them all. One Sunday Pat + and I spent a whole day in going from one to the other, to try and make + out how many there were, but we could only count up to one hundred and + forty before we gave up the task in despair. There are a great many of + them; more than any one would think—and, what is very singular, the + channel between them is very deep, sometimes above forty feet, which + accounts for the few rapids to be found in this lake. It is a glorious + place for hunting; and the waters, undisturbed by steam-boats, abound in + all sorts of fish. + </p> + <p> + “Most of these islands are covered with huckleberries; while grapes, high + and low-bush cranberries, blackberries, wild cherries, gooseberries, and + several sorts of wild currants grow here in profusion. There is one island + among these groups (but I never could light upon the identical one) where + the Indians yearly gather their wampum-grass. They come here to collect + the best birch-bark for their canoes, and to gather wild onions. In short, + from the game, fish, and fruit which they collect among the islands of + this lake, they chiefly depend for their subsistence. They are very + jealous of the settlers in the country coming to hunt and fish here, and + tell many stories of wild beasts and rattlesnakes that abound along its + shores, but I, who have frequented the lake for years, was never disturbed + by anything, beyond the adventure with the wolf, which I have already told + you. The banks of this lake are all steep and rocky, and the land along + the shore is barren, and totally unfit for cultivation. + </p> + <p> + “Had we time to run up a few miles further, I could have showed you some + places well worth a journey to look at; but the sun is already down, and + it will be dark before we get back to the mill.” + </p> + <p> + The other canoe now floated alongside, and Pat agreed with his brother + that it was high time to return. With reluctance I turned from this + strangely fascinating scene. As we passed under one bold rocky island, Mat + said, laughingly, “That is Mount Rascal.” + </p> + <p> + “How did it obtain that name?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, we were out here berrying, with our good priest, Mr. B——. + This island promised so fair, that we landed upon it, and, after searching + for an hour, we returned to the boat without a single berry, upon which + Mr. B—— named it 'Mount Rascal.'” + </p> + <p> + The island was so beautiful, it did not deserve the name, and I christened + it “Oak Hill,” from the abundance of oak-trees which clothed its steep + sides. The wood of this oak is so heavy and hard that it will not float in + the water, and it is in great request for the runners of lumber-sleighs, + which have to pass over very bad roads. + </p> + <p> + The breeze, which had rendered our sail up the lakes so expeditious and + refreshing, had stiffened into a pretty high wind, which was dead against + us all the way down. Betty now knelt in the bow and assisted her brother, + squaw fashion, in paddling the canoe; but, in spite of all their united + exertions, it was past ten o'clock before we reached the mill. The good + Norah was waiting tea for us. She had given the children their supper four + hours ago, and the little creatures, tired with using their feet all day, + were sound asleep upon her bed. + </p> + <p> + After supper, several Irish songs were sung, while Pat played upon the + fiddle, and Betty and Mat enlivened the company with an Irish jig. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when the children were placed on my cloak at the bottom of + the canoe, and we bade adieu to this hospitable family. The wind being + dead against us, we were obliged to dispense with the sail, and take to + our paddles. The moonlight was as bright as day, the air warm and balmy; + and the aromatic, resinous smell exuded by the heat from the + balm-of-gilead and the pine-trees in the forest, added greatly to our + sense of enjoyment as we floated past scenes so wild and lonely—isles + that assumed a mysterious look and character in that witching hour. In + moments like these, I ceased to regret my separation from my native land; + and, filled with the love of Nature, my heart forgot for the time the love + of home. The very spirit of peace seemed to brood over the waters, which + were broken into a thousand ripples of light by every breeze that stirred + the rice blossoms, or whispered through the shivering aspen-trees. The + far-off roar of the rapids, softened by distance, and the long, mournful + cry of the night-owl, alone broke the silence of the night. Amid these + lonely wilds the soul draws nearer to God, and is filled to overflowing by + the overwhelming sense of His presence. + </p> + <p> + It was two o'clock in the morning when we fastened the canoe to the + landing, and Moodie carried up the children to the house. I found the girl + still up with my boy, who had been very restless during our absence. My + heart reproached me, as I caught him to my breast, for leaving him so + long; in a few minutes he was consoled for past sorrows, and sleeping + sweetly in my arms. + </p> + <h3> + A CANADIAN SONG + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Come, launch the light canoe; + The breeze is fresh and strong; + The summer skies are blue, + And 'tis joy to float along; + Away o'er the waters, + The bright-glancing waters, + The many-voiced waters, + As they dance in light and song. + + When the great Creator spoke, + On the long unmeasured night + The living day-spring broke, + And the waters own'd His might; + The voice of many waters, + Of glad, rejoicing waters, + Of living, leaping waters, + First hailed the dawn of light. + + Where foaming billows glide + To earth's remotest bound; + The rushing ocean tide + Rolls on the solemn sound; + God's voice is in the waters; + The deep, mysterious waters, + The sleepless, dashing waters, + Still breathe its tones around. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0019" id="link2HCH0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XIX — THE “OULD DHRAGOON” + </h2> + <p> + (I am indebted to my husband for this sketch.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Behold that man, with lanky locks, + Which hang in strange confusion o'er his brow; + And nicely scan his garments, rent and patch'd, + In colours varied, like a pictured map; + And watch his restless glance—now grave, now gay— + As saddening thought, or merry humour's flash + Sweeps o'er the deep-mark'd lines which care hath left; + As when the world is steep'd in blackest night, + The forked lightning flashes through the sky, + And all around leaps into life and light, + To sink again in darkness blacker still. + Yes! look upon that face lugubrious, long, + As thoughtfully he stands with folded arms + Amid his realm of charr'd and spectral stumps, + Which once were trees, but now, with sprawling roots, + Cling to the rocks which peep above the soil. + Ay! look again, + And say if you discern the faintest trace + Of warrior bold;—the gait erect and proud, + The steady glance that speaks the fearless soul, + Watchful and prompt to do what man can do + When duty calls. All wreck'd and reckless now;— + But let the trumpet's soul-inspiring sound + Wake up the brattling echoes of the woods, + Then watch his kindling eye—his eagle glance— + While thoughts of glorious fields, and battles won, + And visions bright of joyous, hopeful youth + Sweep o'er his soul. A soldier now once more— + Touch'd by the magic sound, he rears his head, + Responsive to the well-known martial note, + And stands again a hero 'mid his rags. +</pre> + <p> + It is delightful to observe a feeling of contentment under adverse + circumstances. We may smile at the rude and clumsy attempts of the remote + and isolated backwoodsman to attain something like comfort, but happy he + who, with the buoyant spirits of the light-hearted Irishman, contrives to + make himself happy even when all others would be miserable. + </p> + <p> + A certain degree of dissatisfaction with our present circumstances is + necessary to stimulate us to exertion, and thus to enable us to secure + future comfort; but where the delusive prospect of future happiness is too + remote for any reasonable hope of ultimate attainment, then surely it is + true wisdom to make the most of the present, and to cultivate a spirit of + happy contentment with the lot assigned to us by Providence. + </p> + <p> + “Ould Simpson,” or the “Ould Dhragoon,” as he was generally called, was a + good sample of this happy character; and I shall proceed to give the + reader a sketch of his history, and a description of his establishment. He + was one of that unfortunate class of discharged soldiers who are tempted + to sell their pensions often far below their true value, for the sake of + getting a lot of land in some remote settlement, where it is only rendered + valuable by the labour of the settler, and where they will have the + unenviable privilege of expending the last remains of their strength in + clearing a patch of land for the benefit of some grasping storekeeper who + has given them credit while engaged in the work. + </p> + <p> + The old dragoon had fixed his abode on the verge of an extensive + beaver-meadow, which was considered a sort of natural curiosity in the + neighbourhood; and where he managed, by cutting the rank grass in the + summer time, to support several cows, which afforded the chief subsistence + of his family. He had also managed, with the assistance of his devoted + partner, Judy, to clear a few acres of poor rocky land on the sloping + margin of the level meadow, which he planted year after year with + potatoes. Scattered over this small clearing, here and there might be seen + the but-end of some half-burnt hemlock tree, which had escaped the general + combustion of the log heaps, and now formed a striking contrast to the + white limestone rocks which showed their rounded surfaces above the meagre + soil. + </p> + <p> + The “ould dhragoon” seemed, moreover, to have some taste for the + picturesque, and by way of ornament, had left standing sundry tall pines + and hemlocks neatly girdled to destroy their foliage, the shade of which + would have been detrimental to the “blessed praties” which he designed to + grow in his clearing, but which, in the meantime, like martyrs at the + stake, stretched their naked branches imploringly towards the smiling + heavens. As he was a kind of hermit, from choice, and far removed from + other settlers, whose assistance is so necessary in new settlements, old + Simpson was compelled to resort to the most extraordinary contrivances + while clearing his land. Thus, after felling the trees, instead of + chopping them into lengths, for the purpose of facilitating the operation + of piling them preparatory to burning, which would have cost him too much + labour, he resorted to the practice of “niggering,” as it is called; which + is simply laying light pieces of round timber across the trunks of the + trees, and setting fire to them at the point of contact, by which means + the trees are slowly burned through. + </p> + <p> + It was while busily engaged in this interesting operation that I first + became acquainted with the subject of this sketch. + </p> + <p> + Some twenty or thirty little fires were burning briskly in different parts + of the blackened field, and the old fellow was watching the slow progress + of his silent “niggers,” and replacing them from time to time as they + smouldered away. After threading my way among the uncouth logs, blazing + and smoking in all directions, I encountered the old man, attired in an + old hood, or bonnet, of his wife Judy, with his patched canvas trousers + rolled up to his knees; one foot bare, and the other furnished with an old + boot, which from its appearance had once belonged to some more + aristocratic foot. His person was long, straight, and sinewy, and there + was a light springiness and elasticity in his step which would have suited + a younger man, as he skipped along with a long handspike over his + shoulder. He was singing a stave from the “Enniskillen Dragoon” when I + came up with him. + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “With his silver-mounted pistols, and his long carbine, + Long life to the brave Inniskillen dragoon.” + </pre> + <p> + His face would have been one of the most lugubrious imaginable, with his + long, tangled hair hanging confusedly over it, in a manner which has been + happily compared to a “bewitched haystack,” had it not been for a certain + humorous twitch or convulsive movement, which affected one side of his + countenance, whenever any droll idea passed through his mind. It was with + a twitch of this kind, and a certain indescribable twinkle of his somewhat + melancholy eye, as he seemed intuitively to form a hasty conception of the + oddity of his appearance to a stranger unused to the bush, that he + welcomed me to his clearing. He instantly threw down his handspike, and + leaving his “niggers” to finish their work at their leisure, insisted on + our going to his house to get something to drink. + </p> + <p> + On the way, I explained to him the object of my visit, which was to mark + out, or “blaze,” the sidelines of a lot of land I had received as part of + a military grant, immediately adjoining the beaver-meadow, and I asked him + to accompany me, as he was well acquainted with the different lots. + </p> + <p> + “Och! by all manner of manes, and welcome; the dhevil a foot of the way + but I know as well as my own clearing; but come into the house, and get a + dhrink of milk, an' a bite of bread an' butther, for sorrow a dhrop of the + whiskey has crossed my teeth for the last month; an' it's but poor + intertainment for man or baste I can offer you, but shure you're heartily + welcome.” + </p> + <p> + The precincts of the homestead were divided and subdivided into an + infinity of enclosures, of all shapes and sizes. The outer enclosure was a + bush fence, formed of trees felled on each other in a row, and the gaps + filled up with brushwood. There was a large gate, swung with wooden + hinges, and a wooden latch to fasten it; the smaller enclosures were made + with round poles, tied together with bark. The house was of the rudest + description of “shanty,” with hollowed basswood logs, fitting into each + other somewhat in the manner of tiles for a roof, instead of shingles. No + iron was to be seen, in the absence of which there was plenty of leathern + hinges, wooden latches for locks, and bark-strings instead of nails. There + was a large fireplace at one end of the shanty, with a chimney, + constructed of split laths, plastered with a mixture of clay and cowdung. + As for windows, these were luxuries which could well be dispensed with; + the open door was an excellent substitute for them in the daytime, and at + night none were required. When I ventured to object to this arrangement, + that he would have to keep the door shut in the winter time, the old man + replied, in the style so characteristic of his country, “Shure it will be + time enough to think of that when the could weather sets in.” Everything + about the house wore a Robinson Crusoe aspect, and though there was not + any appearance of original plan or foresight, there was no lack of + ingenious contrivance to meet every want as it arose. + </p> + <p> + Judy dropped us a low curtsey as we entered, which was followed by a + similar compliment from a stout girl of twelve, and two or three more of + the children, who all seemed to share the pleasure of their parents in + receiving strangers in their unpretending tenement. Many were the + apologies that poor Judy offered for the homely cheer she furnished us, + and great was her delight at the notice we took of the “childher.” She set + little Biddy, who was the pride of her heart, to reading the Bible; and + she took down a curious machine from a shelf, which she had “conthrived + out of her own head,” as she said, for teaching the children to read. This + was a flat box, or frame, filled with sand, which saved paper, pens, and + ink. Poor Judy had evidently seen better days, but, with a humble and + contented spirit, she blessed God for the food and scanty raiment their + labour afforded them. Her only sorrow was the want of “idication” for the + children. + </p> + <p> + She would have told us a long story about her trials and sufferings, + before they had attained their present comparative comfort and + independence, but, as we had a tedious scramble before us, through + cedar-swamps, beaver-meadows, and piny ridges, the “ould dhragoon” cut her + short, and we straightway started on our toilsome journey. + </p> + <p> + Simpson, in spite of a certain dash of melancholy in his composition, was + one of those happy fellows of the “light heart and thin pair of breeches” + school, who, when they meet with difficulty or misfortune, never stop to + measure its dimensions, but hold in their breath, and run lightly over, as + in crossing a bog, where to stand still is to sink. + </p> + <p> + Off, then, we went, with the “ould dhragoon” skipping and bounding on + before us, over fallen trees and mossy rocks; now ducking under the low, + tangled branches of the white cedar, then carefully piloting us along + rotten logs, covered with green moss, to save us from the discomfort of + wet feet. All this time he still kept one of his feet safely ensconced in + the boot, while the other seemed to luxuriate in the water, as if there + was something amphibious in his nature. + </p> + <p> + We soon reached the beaver-meadow, which extended two or three miles; + sometimes contracting into a narrow gorge, between the wooded heights, + then spreading out again into an ample field of verdure, and presenting + everywhere the same unvarying level surface, surrounded with rising + grounds, covered with the dense unbroken forest, as if its surface had + formerly been covered by the waters of a lake; which in all probability + has been the case at some not very remote period. In many places the + meadow was so wet that it required a very large share of faith to support + us in passing over its surface; but our friend, the dragoon, soon brought + us safe through all dangers to a deep ditch, which he had dug to carry off + the superfluous water from the part of the meadow which he owned. When we + had obtained firm footing on the opposite side, we sat down to rest + ourselves before commencing the operation of “blazing,” or marking the + trees with our axes, along the side-line of my lot. Here the mystery of + the boot was explained. Simpson very coolly took it off from the hitherto + favoured foot, and drew it on the other. + </p> + <p> + He was not a bit ashamed of his poverty, and candidly owned that this was + the only boot he possessed, and he was desirous of giving each of his feet + fair play. + </p> + <p> + Nearly the whole day was occupied in completing our job, in which the + “dhragoon” assisted us, with the most hearty good-will, enlivening us with + his inexhaustible fund of good-humour and drollery. It was nearly dark + when we got back to his “shanty,” where the kind-hearted Judy was + preparing a huge pot of potatoes and other “combustibles,” as Simpson + called the other eatables, for our entertainment. + </p> + <p> + Previous to starting on our surveying expedition, we had observed Judy + very earnestly giving some important instructions to one of her little + boys, on whom she seemed to be most seriously impressing the necessity of + using the utmost diligence. The happy contentment which now beamed in poor + Judy's still comely countenance bespoke the success of the messenger. She + could not “call up spirits from the vasty deep” of the cellar, but she had + procured some whiskey from her next-door neighbour—some five or six + miles off, and there it stood somewhat ostentatiously on the table in a + “greybeard,” with a “corn cob,” or ear of Indian corn, stripped of its + grain, for a cork, smiling most benevolently on the family circle, and + looking a hundred welcomes to the strangers. + </p> + <p> + An indescribably enlivening influence seemed to exude from every pore of + that homely earthen vessel, diffusing mirth and good-humour in all + directions. The old man jumped and danced about on the rough floor of the + “shanty”; and the children sat giggling and nudging each other in a + corner, casting a timid look, from time to time, at their mother, for fear + she might check them for being “over bould.” + </p> + <p> + “Is it crazy ye are intirely, ye ould omadhawn!” said Judy, whose notions + of propriety were somewhat shocked with the undignified levity of her + partner; “the likes of you I never seed; ye are too foolidge intirely. + Have done now wid your diviltries, and set the stools for the gintlemens, + while I get the supper for yes.” + </p> + <p> + Our plentiful though homely meal was soon discussed, for hunger, like a + good conscience, can laugh at luxury; and the “greybeard” made its + appearance, with the usual accompaniments of hot water and maple sugar, + which Judy had scraped from the cake, and placed in a saucer on the table + before us. + </p> + <p> + The “ould dhragoon,” despising his wife's admonitions, gave way freely to + his feelings, and knew no bounds to his hilarity. He laughed and joked, + and sang snatches of old songs picked up in the course of his service at + home and abroad. At length Judy, who looked on him as a “raal janius,” + begged him to “sing the gintlemens the song he made when he first came to + the counthry.” Of course we ardently seconded the motion, and nothing + loth, the old man, throwing himself back on his stool, and stretching out + his long neck, poured forth the following ditty, with which I shall + conclude my hasty sketch of the “ould dhragoon”:— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Och! it's here I'm intirely continted, + In the wild woods of swate 'Mericay; + God's blessing on him that invinted + Big ships for our crossing the say! + + Here praties grow bigger nor turnips; + And though cruel hard is our work, + In ould Ireland we'd nothing but praties, + But here we have praties and pork. + + I live on the banks of a meadow, + Now see that my maning you take; + It bates all the bogs of ould Ireland— + Six months in the year it's a lake. + + Bad luck to the beavers that dammed it! + I wish them all kilt for their pains; + For shure though the craters are clever, + Tis sartin they've drown'd my domains. + + I've built a log hut of the timber + That grows on my charmin' estate; + And an illigant root-house erected, + Just facing the front of my gate. + + And I've made me an illigant pig-sty, + Well litter'd wid straw and wid hay; + And it's there, free from noise of the chilther, + I sleep in the heat of the day. + + It's there I'm intirely at aise, sir, + And enjoy all the comforts of home; + I stretch out my legs as I plase, sir, + And dhrame of the pleasures to come. + + Shure, it's pleasant to hear the frogs croakin', + When the sun's going down in the sky, + And my Judy sits quietly smokin' + While the praties are boil'd till they're dhry. + + Och! thin, if you love indepindence, + And have money your passage to pay, + You must quit the ould counthry intirely, + And start in the middle of May. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0020" id="link2HCH0020"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XX — DISAPPOINTED HOPES + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Stern Disappointment, in thy iron grasp + The soul lies stricken. So the timid deer, + Who feels the foul fangs of the felon wolf + Clench'd in his throat, grown desperate for life, + Turns on his foes, and battles with the fate + That hems him in—and only yields in death. +</pre> + <p> + The summer of '35 was very wet; a circumstance so unusual in Canada that I + have seen no season like it during my sojourn in the country. Our wheat + crop promised to be both excellent and abundant; and the clearing and + seeding sixteen acres, one way or another, had cost us more than fifty + pounds, still, we hoped to realise something handsome by the sale of the + produce; and, as far as appearances went, all looked fair. The rain + commenced about a week before the crop was fit for the sickle, and from + that time until nearly the end of September was a mere succession of + thunder showers; days of intense heat, succeeded by floods of rain. Our + fine crop shared the fate of all other fine crops in the country; it was + totally spoiled; the wheat grew in the sheaf, and we could scarcely save + enough to supply us with bad, sticky bread; the rest was exchanged at the + distillery for whiskey, which was the only produce which could be obtained + for it. The storekeepers would not look at it, or give either money or + goods for such a damaged article. + </p> + <p> + My husband and I had worked hard in the field; it was the first time I had + ever tried my hand at field-labour, but our ready money was exhausted, and + the steam-boat stock had not paid us one farthing; we could not hire, and + there was no help for it. I had a hard struggle with my pride before I + would consent to render the least assistance on the farm, but reflection + convinced me that I was wrong—that Providence had placed me in a + situation where I was called upon to work—that it was not only my + duty to obey that call, but to exert myself to the utmost to assist my + husband, and help to maintain my family. + </p> + <p> + Ah, glorious poverty! thou art a hard taskmaster, but in thy + soul-ennobling school, I have received more godlike lessons, have learned + more sublime truths, than ever I acquired in the smooth highways of the + world! + </p> + <p> + The independent in soul can rise above the seeming disgrace of poverty, + and hold fast their integrity, in defiance of the world and its selfish + and unwise maxims. To them, no labour is too great, no trial too severe; + they will unflinchingly exert every faculty of mind and body, before they + will submit to become a burden to others. + </p> + <p> + The misfortunes that now crowded upon us were the result of no misconduct + or extravagance on our part, but arose out of circumstances which we could + not avert nor control. Finding too late the error into which we had + fallen, in suffering ourselves to be cajoled and plundered out of our + property by interested speculators, we braced our minds to bear the worst, + and determined to meet our difficulties calmly and firmly, nor suffer our + spirits to sink under calamities which energy and industry might + eventually repair. Having once come to this resolution, we cheerfully + shared together the labours of the field. One in heart and purpose, we + dared remain true to ourselves, true to our high destiny as immortal + creatures, in our conflict with temporal and physical wants. + </p> + <p> + We found that manual toil, however distasteful to those unaccustomed to + it, was not after all such a dreadful hardship; that the wilderness was + not without its rose, the hard face of poverty without its smile. If we + occasionally suffered severe pain, we as often experienced great pleasure, + and I have contemplated a well-hoed ridge of potatoes on that bush farm, + with as much delight as in years long past I had experienced in examining + a fine painting in some well-appointed drawing-room. + </p> + <p> + I can now look back with calm thankfulness on that long period of trial + and exertion—with thankfulness that the dark clouds that hung over + us, threatening to blot us from existence, when they did burst upon us, + were full of blessings. When our situation appeared perfectly desperate, + then were we on the threshold of a new state of things, which was born out + of that very distress. + </p> + <p> + In order to more fully illustrate the necessity of a perfect and + child-like reliance upon the mercies of God—who, I most firmly + believe, never deserts those who have placed their trust in Him—I + will give a brief sketch of our lives during the years 1836 and 1837. + </p> + <p> + Still confidently expecting to realise an income, however small, from the + steam-boat stock, we had involved ourselves considerably in debt, in order + to pay our servants and obtain the common necessaries of life; and we owed + a large sum to two Englishmen in Dummer, for clearing ten more acres upon + the farm. Our utter inability to meet these demands weighed very heavily + upon my husband's mind. All superfluities in the way of groceries were now + given up, and we were compelled to rest satisfied upon the produce of the + farm. Milk, bread, and potatoes during the summer became our chief, and + often for months, our only fare. As to tea and sugar, they were luxuries + we could not think of, although I missed the tea very much; we rang the + changes upon peppermint and sage, taking the one herb at our breakfast, + the other at our tea, until I found an excellent substitute for both in + the root of the dandelion. + </p> + <p> + The first year we came to this country, I met with an account of dandelion + coffee, published in the New York Albion, given by a Dr. Harrison, of + Edinburgh, who earnestly recommended it as an article of general use. + </p> + <p> + “It possesses,” he says, “all the fine flavour and exhilarating properties + of coffee, without any of its deleterious effects. The plant being of a + soporific nature, the coffee made from it when drunk at night produces a + tendency to sleep, instead of exciting wakefulness, and may be safely used + as a cheap and wholesome substitute for the Arabian berry, being equal in + substance and flavour to the best Mocha coffee.” + </p> + <p> + I was much struck with this paragraph at the time, and for several years + felt a great inclination to try the Doctor's coffee; but something or + other always came in the way, and it was put off till another opportunity. + During the fall of '35, I was assisting my husband in taking up a crop of + potatoes in the field, and observing a vast number of fine dandelion roots + among the potatoes, it brought the dandelion coffee back to my memory, and + I determined to try some for our supper. Without saying anything to my + husband, I threw aside some of the roots, and when we left work, + collecting a sufficient quantity for the experiment, I carefully washed + the roots quite clean, without depriving them of the fine brown skin which + covers them, and which contains the aromatic flavour, which so nearly + resembles coffee that it is difficult to distinguish it from it while + roasting. + </p> + <p> + I cut my roots into small pieces, the size of a kidney-bean, and roasted + them on an iron baking-pan in the stove-oven, until they were as brown and + crisp as coffee. I then ground and transferred a small cupful of the + powder to the coffee-pot, pouring upon it scalding water, and boiling it + for a few minutes briskly over the fire. The result was beyond my + expectations. The coffee proved excellent—far superior to the common + coffee we procured at the stores. + </p> + <p> + To persons residing in the bush, and to whom tea and coffee are very + expensive articles of luxury, the knowledge of this valuable property of a + plant scattered so abundantly through their fields, would prove highly + beneficial. For years we used no other article; and my Indian friends who + frequented the house gladly adopted the root, and made me show them the + whole process of manufacturing it into coffee. + </p> + <p> + Experience taught me that the root of the dandelion is not so good when + applied to this purpose in the spring as it is in the fall. I tried it in + the spring, but the juice of the plant, having contributed to the + production of leaves and flowers, was weak, and destitute of the fine + bitter flavour so peculiar to coffee. The time of gathering the potato + crop is the best suited for collecting and drying the roots of the + dandelion; and as they always abound in the same hills, both may be + accomplished at the same time. Those who want to keep a quantity for + winter use may wash and cut up the roots, and dry them on boards in the + sun. They will keep for years, and can be roasted when required. + </p> + <p> + Few of our colonists are acquainted with the many uses to which this + neglected but most valuable plant may be applied. I will point out a few + which have come under my own observation, convinced as I am that the time + will come when this hardy weed, with its golden flowers and curious + seed-vessels, which form a constant plaything to the little children + rolling about and luxuriating among the grass, in the sunny month of May, + will be transplanted into our gardens, and tended with due care. + </p> + <p> + The dandelion planted in trenches, and blanched to a beautiful + cream-colour with straw, makes an excellent salad, quite equal to endive, + and is more hardy and requires less care. + </p> + <p> + In many parts of the United States, particularly in new districts where + vegetables are scarce, it is used early in the spring, and boiled with + pork as a substitute for cabbage. During our residence in the bush we + found it, in the early part of May, a great addition to the dinner-table. + In the township of Dummer, the settlers boil the tops, and add hops to the + liquor, which they ferment, and from which they obtain excellent beer. I + have never tasted this simple beverage, but I have been told by those who + use it that it is equal to the table-beer used at home. + </p> + <p> + Necessity has truly been termed the mother of invention, for I contrived + to manufacture a variety of dishes almost out of nothing, while living in + her school. When entirely destitute of animal food, the different variety + of squirrels supplied us with pies, stews, and roasts. Our barn stood at + the top of the hill near the bush, and in a trap set for such “small + deer,” we often caught from ten to twelve a day. + </p> + <p> + The flesh of the black squirrel is equal to that of the rabbit, and the + red, and even the little chipmunk, is palatable when nicely cooked. But + from the lake, during the summer, we derived the larger portion of our + food. The children called this piece of water “Mamma's pantry”; and many a + good meal has the munificent Father given to his poor dependent children + from its well-stored depths. Moodie and I used to rise at daybreak, and + fish for an hour after sunrise, when we returned, he to the field, and I + to dress the little ones, clean up the house, assist with the milk, and + prepare the breakfast. + </p> + <p> + Oh, how I enjoyed these excursions on the lake; the very idea of our + dinner depending upon our success added double zest to our sport! + </p> + <p> + One morning we started as usual before sunrise; a thick mist still hung + like a fine veil upon the water when we pushed off, and anchored at our + accustomed place. Just as the sun rose, and the haze parted and drew up + like a golden sheet of transparent gauze, through which the dark woods + loomed out like giants, a noble buck dashed into the water, followed by + four Indian hounds. + </p> + <p> + We then discovered a canoe, full of Indians, just below the rapids, and + another not many yards from us, that had been concealed by the fog. It was + a noble sight, that gallant deer exerting all his energy, and stemming the + water with such matchless grace, his branching horns held proudly aloft, + his broad nostrils distended, and his fine eye fixed intently upon the + opposite shore. Several rifle-balls whizzed past him, the dogs followed + hard upon his track, but my very heart leaped for joy when, in spite of + all his foes, his glossy hoofs spurned the opposite bank and he plunged + headlong into the forest. + </p> + <p> + My beloved partner was most skilful in trolling for bass and muskinonge. + His line he generally fastened to the paddle, and the motion of the oar + gave a life-like vibration to the queer-looking mice and dragon-flies I + used to manufacture from squirrel fur, or scarlet and white cloth, to + tempt the finny wanderers of the wave. + </p> + <p> + When too busy himself to fish for our meals, little Katie and I ventured + out alone in the canoe, which we anchored in any promising fishing spot, + by fastening a harrow tooth to a piece of rope, and letting it drop from + the side of little vessel. By the time she was five years old, my little + mermaid could both steer and paddle the light vessel, and catch small + fish, which were useful for soup. + </p> + <p> + During the winter of '36, we experienced many privations. The ruffian + squatter P——, from Clear Lake, drove from the barn a fine + young bull we were rearing, and for several weeks all trace of the animal + was lost. We had almost forgotten the existence of poor Whiskey, when a + neighbor called and told Moodie that his yearling was at P——'s, + and that he would advise him to get it back as soon as possible. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had to take some wheat to Y——'s mill, and as the + squatter lived only a mile further, he called at his house; and there, + sure enough, he found the lost animal. With the greatest difficulty he + succeeded in regaining his property, but not without many threats of + vengeance from the parties who had stolen it. To these he paid no regard; + but a few days after, six fat hogs, on which we depended for all our + winter store of animal food, were driven into the lake, and destroyed. + </p> + <p> + The death of these animals deprived us of three barrels of pork, and + half-starved us through the winter. That winter of '36, how heavily it + wore away! The grown flour, frosted potatoes, and scant quantity of animal + food rendered us all weak, and the children suffered much from the ague. + </p> + <p> + One day, just before the snow fell, Moodie had gone to Peterborough for + letters; our servant was sick in bed with the ague, and I was nursing my + little boy, Dunbar, who was shaking with the cold fit of his miserable + fever, when Jacob put his honest, round, rosy face in at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Give me the master's gun, ma'am; there's a big buck feeding on the + rice-bed near the island.” + </p> + <p> + I took down the gun, saying, “Jacob, you have no chance; there is but one + charge of buck-shot in the house.” + </p> + <p> + “One chance is better nor none,” said Jacob, as he commenced loading the + gun. “Who knows what may happen to oie? Mayhap oie may chance to kill 'un; + and you and the measter and the wee bairns may have zummut zavory for + zupper yet.” + </p> + <p> + Away walked Jacob with Moodie's “Manton” over his shoulder. A few minutes + after, I heard the report of the gun, but never expected to see anything + of the game; when Jacob suddenly bounced into the room, half-wild with + delight. + </p> + <p> + “Thae beast iz dead az a door-nail. Zure, how the measter will laugh when + he zees the fine buck that oie a'zhot.” + </p> + <p> + “And have you really shot him?” + </p> + <p> + “Come and zee! 'Tis worth your while to walk down to the landing to look + at 'un.” + </p> + <p> + Jacob got a rope, and I followed him to the landing, where, sure enough, + lay a fine buck, fastened in tow of the canoe. Jacob soon secured him by + the hind legs to the rope he had brought; and, with our united efforts, we + at last succeeded in dragging our prize home. All the time he was engaged + in taking off the skin, Jacob was anticipating the feast that we were to + have; and the good fellow chuckled with delight when he hung the carcass + quite close to the kitchen door, that his “measter” might run against it + when he came home at night. This event actually took place. When Moodie + opened the door, he struck his head against the dead deer. + </p> + <p> + “What have you got here?” + </p> + <p> + “A fine buck, zur,” said Jacob, bringing forward the light, and holding it + up in such a manner that all the merits of the prize could be seen at a + glance. + </p> + <p> + “A fine one, indeed! How did we come by it?” + </p> + <p> + “It was zhot by oie,” said Jacob, rubbing his hands in a sort of ecstacy. + “Thae beast iz the first oie ever zhot in my life. He! he! he!” + </p> + <p> + “You shot that fine deer, Jacob?—and there was only one charge in + the gun! Well done; you must have taken good aim.” + </p> + <p> + “Why, zur, oie took no aim at all. Oie just pointed the gun at the deer, + and zhut my oeys an let fly at 'un. 'Twas Providence kill'd 'un, not oie.” + </p> + <p> + “I believe you,” said Moodie; “Providence has hitherto watched over us and + kept us from actual starvation.” + </p> + <p> + The flesh of the deer, and the good broth that I was able to obtain from + it, greatly assisted in restoring our sick to health; but long before that + severe winter terminated we were again out of food. Mrs. —— + had given to Katie, in the fall, a very pretty little pig, which she had + named Spot. The animal was a great favorite with Jacob and the children, + and he always received his food from their hands at the door, and followed + them all over the place like a dog. We had a noble hound called Hector, + between whom and the pet pig there existed the most tender friendship. + Spot always shared with Hector the hollow log which served him for a + kennel, and we often laughed to see Hector lead Spot round the clearing by + his ear. After bearing the want of animal food until our souls sickened at + the bad potatoes and grown flour bread, we began—that is the elders + of the family—to cast very hungry eyes upon Spot; but no one liked + to propose having him killed. At last Jacob spoke his mind upon the + subject. + </p> + <p> + “Oi've heard, zur, that the Jews never eat pork; but we Christians dooz, + and are right glad ov the chance. Now, zur, oi've been thinking that 'tis + no manner ov use our keeping that beast Spot. If he wor a zow, now, there + might be zome zenze in the thing; and we all feel weak for a morzel of + meat. S'poze I kill him? He won't make a bad piece of pork.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie seconded the move; and, in spite of the tears and prayers of Katie, + her uncouth pet was sacrificed to the general wants of the family; but + there were two members of the house who disdained to eat a morsel of the + victim; poor Katie and the dog Hector. At the self-denial of the first I + did not at all wonder, for she was a child full of sensibility and warm + affections, but the attachment of the brute creature to his old playmate + filled us all with surprise. Jacob first drew our attention to the strange + fact. + </p> + <p> + “That dog,” he said, as we were passing through the kitchen while he was + at dinner, “do teach uz Christians a lesson how to treat our friends. Why, + zur, he'll not eat a morzel of Spot. Oie have tried and tempted him in all + manner ov ways, and he only do zneer and turn up his nose when oie hould + him a bit to taste.” He offered the animal a rib of the fresh pork as he + finished speaking, and the dog turned away with an expression of aversion, + and on a repetition of the act, walked from the table. + </p> + <p> + Human affection could scarcely have surpassed the love felt by this poor + animal for his playfellow. His attachment to Spot, that could overcome the + pangs of hunger—for, like the rest of us, he was half-starved—must + have been strong indeed. + </p> + <p> + Jacob's attachment to us, in its simplicity and fidelity, greatly + resembled that of the dog; and sometimes, like the dog, he would push + himself in where he was not wanted, and gratuitously give his advice, and + make remarks which were not required. + </p> + <p> + Mr. K——, from Cork, was asking Moodie many questions about the + partidges of the country; and, among other things, he wanted to know by + what token you were able to discover their favourite haunts. Before Moodie + could answer this last query a voice responded, through a large crack in + the boarded wall which separated us from the kitchen, “They always bides + where they's drum.” This announcement was received with a burst of + laughter that greatly disconcerted the natural philosopher in the kitchen. + </p> + <p> + On the 21st of May of this year, my second son, Donald, was born. The poor + fellow came in hard times. The cows had not calved, and our bill of fare, + now minus the deer and Spot, only consisted of bad potatoes and still + worse bread. I was rendered so weak by want of proper nourishment that my + dear husband, for my sake, overcame his aversion to borrowing, and + procured a quarter of mutton from a friend. This, with kindly presents + from neighbours—often as badly off as ourselves—a loin of a + young bear, and a basket, containing a loaf of bread, some tea, some fresh + butter, and oatmeal, went far to save my life. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after my recovery, Jacob—the faithful, good Jacob—was + obliged to leave us, for we could no longer afford to pay wages. What was + owing to him had to be settled by sacrificing our best cow, and a great + many valuable articles of clothing from my husband's wardrobe. Nothing is + more distressing than being obliged to part with articles of dress which + you know that you cannot replace. Almost all my clothes had been + appropriated to the payment of wages, or to obtain garments for the + children, excepting my wedding dress, and the beautiful baby-linen which + had been made by the hands of dear and affectionate friends for my + first-born. These were now exchanged for coarse, warm flannels, to shield + her from the cold. + </p> + <p> + Moodie and Jacob had chopped eight acres during the winter, but these had + to be burnt off and logged-up before we could put in a crop of wheat for + the ensuing fall. Had we been able to retain this industrious, kindly + English lad, this would have been soon accomplished; but his wages, at the + rate of thirty pounds per annum, were now utterly beyond our means. + </p> + <p> + Jacob had formed an attachment to my pretty maid, Mary Pine, and before + going to the Southern States, to join an uncle who resided in Louisville, + an opulent tradesman, who had promised to teach him his business, Jacob + thought it as well to declare himself. The declaration took place on a log + of wood near the back-door, and from my chamber window I could both hear + and see the parties, without being myself observed. Mary was seated very + demurely at one end of the log, twisting the strings of her checked apron, + and the loving Jacob was busily whittling the other extremity of their + rustic seat. There was a long silence. Mary stole a look at Jacob, and he + heaved a tremendous sigh, something between a yawn and a groan. “Meary,” + he said, “I must go.” + </p> + <p> + “I knew that afore,” returned the girl. + </p> + <p> + “I had zummat to zay to you, Meary. Do you think you will miss oie?” + (looking very affectionately, and twitching nearer.) + </p> + <p> + “What put that into your head, Jacob?” This was said very demurely. + </p> + <p> + “Oie thowt, may be, Meary, that your feelings might be zummat loike my + own. I feel zore about the heart, Meary, and it's all com' of parting with + you. Don't you feel queerish, too?” + </p> + <p> + “Can't say that I do, Jacob. I shall soon see you again.” (pulling + violently at her apron-string.) + </p> + <p> + “Meary, oi'm afear'd you don't feel like oie.” + </p> + <p> + “P'r'aps not—women can't feel like men. I'm sorry that you are + going, Jacob, for you have been very kind and obliging, and I wish you + well.” + </p> + <p> + “Meary,” cried Jacob, growing desperate at her coyness, and getting quite + close up to her, “will you marry oie? Say yeez or noa?” + </p> + <p> + This was coming close to the point. Mary drew farther from him, and turned + her head away. + </p> + <p> + “Meary,” said Jacob, seizing upon the hand that held the apron-string. “Do + you think you can better yoursel'? If not—why, oie'm your man. Now, + do just turn about your head and answer oie.” + </p> + <p> + The girl turned round, and gave him a quick, shy glance, then burst out + into a simpering laugh. + </p> + <p> + “Meary, will you take oie?” (jogging her elbow.) + </p> + <p> + “I will,” cried the girl, jumping up from the log, and running into the + house. + </p> + <p> + “Well, that bargain's made,” said the lover, rubbing his hands; “and now + oie'll go and bid measter and missus good-buoy.” + </p> + <p> + The poor fellow's eyes were full of tears, for the children, who loved him + very much, clung, crying, about his knees. “God bless yees all,” sobbed + the kind-hearted creature. “Doan't forget Jacob, for he'll neaver forget + you. Good-buoy!” + </p> + <p> + Then turning to Mary, he threw his arms round her neck, and bestowed upon + her fair cheek the most audible kiss I ever heard. + </p> + <p> + “And doan't you forget me, Meary. In two years oie will be back to marry + you; and may be oie may come back a rich man.” + </p> + <p> + Mary, who was an exceedingly pretty girl, shed some tears at the parting; + but in a few days she was as gay as ever, and listening with great + attention to the praises bestowed upon her beauty by an old bachelor, who + was her senior by five-and-twenty years. But then he had a good farm, a + saddle mare, and plenty of stock, and was reputed to have saved money. The + saddle mare seemed to have great weight in old Ralph T——h's + wooing, and I used laughingly to remind Mary of her absent lover, and beg + her not to marry Ralph T——h's mare. + </p> + <h3> + THE CANADIAN HUNTER'S SONG + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The northern lights are flashing, + On the rapids' restless flow; + And o'er the wild waves dashing, + Swift darts the light canoe. + The merry hunters come. + “What cheer?—what cheer?”— + “We've slain the deer!” + “Hurrah!—You're welcome home!” + + The blithesome horn is sounding, + And the woodman's loud halloo; + And joyous steps are bounding + To meet the birch canoe. + “Hurrah!—The hunters come.” + And the woods ring out + To their merry shout + As they drag the dun deer home! + + The hearth is brightly burning, + The rustic board is spread; + To greet the sire returning + The children leave their bed. + With laugh and shout they come— + That merry band— + To grasp his hand, + And bid him welcome home! +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0021" id="link2HCH0021"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXI — THE LITTLE STUMPY MAN + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + There was a little man— + I'll sketch him if I can, + For he clung to mine and me + Like the old man of the sea; + And in spite of taunt and scoff + We could not pitch him off, + For the cross-grained, waspish elf + Cared for no one but himself. +</pre> + <p> + Before I dismiss for ever the troubles and sorrows of 1836, I would fain + introduce to the notice of my readers some of the odd characters with whom + we became acquainted during that period. The first that starts vividly to + my recollection is the picture of a short, stumpy, thickset man—a + British sailor, too—who came to stay one night under our roof, and + took quiet possession of his quarters for nine months, and whom we were + obliged to tolerate from the simple fact that we could not get rid of him. + </p> + <p> + During the fall, Moodie had met this individual (whom I will call Mr. + Malcolm) in the mail-coach, going up to Toronto. Amused with his eccentric + and blunt manners, and finding him a shrewd, clever fellow in + conversation, Moodie told him that if ever he came into his part of the + world he should be glad to renew their acquaintance. And so they parted, + with mutual good-will, as men often part who have travelled a long journey + in good fellowship together, without thinking it probable they should ever + meet again. + </p> + <p> + The sugar season had just commenced with the spring thaw; Jacob had tapped + a few trees in order to obtain sap to make molasses for the children, when + his plans were frustrated by the illness of my husband, who was again + attacked with the ague. Towards the close of a wet, sloppy day, while + Jacob was in the wood, chopping, and our servant gone to my sister, who + was ill, to help to wash, as I was busy baking bread for tea, my attention + was aroused by a violent knocking at the door, and the furious barking of + our dog, Hector. I ran to open it, when I found Hector's teeth clenched in + the trousers of a little, dark, thickset man, who said in a gruff voice— + </p> + <p> + “Call off your dog. What the devil do you keep such an infernal brute + about the house for? Is it to bite people who come to see you?” + </p> + <p> + Hector was the best-behaved, best-tempered animal in the world; he might + have been called a gentlemanly dog. So little was there of the unmannerly + puppy in his behaviour, that I was perfectly astonished at his ungracious + conduct. I caught him by the collar, and not without some difficulty, + succeeded in dragging him off. + </p> + <p> + “Is Captain Moodie within?” said the stranger. + </p> + <p> + “He is, sir. But he is ill in bed—too ill to be seen.” + </p> + <p> + “Tell him a friend” (he laid a strong stress upon the last word), “a + particular friend must speak to him.” + </p> + <p> + I now turned my eyes to the face of the speaker with some curiosity. I had + taken him for a mechanic, from his dirty, slovenly appearance; and his + physiognomy was so unpleasant that I did not credit his assertion that he + was a friend of my husband, for I was certain that no man who possessed + such a forbidding aspect could be regarded by Moodie as a friend. I was + about to deliver his message, but the moment I let go Hector's collar, the + dog was at him again. + </p> + <p> + “Don't strike him with your stick,” I cried, throwing my arms over the + faithful creature. “He is a powerful animal, and if you provoke him, he + will kill you.” + </p> + <p> + I at last succeeded in coaxing Hector into the girl's room, where I shut + him up, while the stranger came into the kitchen, and walked to the fire + to dry his wet clothes. + </p> + <p> + I immediately went into the parlour, where Moodie was lying upon a bed + near the stove, to deliver the stranger's message; but before I could say + a word, he dashed in after me, and going up to the bed, held out his + broad, coarse hand, with “How are you, Mr. Moodie? You see I have accepted + your kind invitation sooner than either you or I expected. If you will + give me house-room for the night, I shall be obliged to you.” + </p> + <p> + This was said in a low, mysterious voice; and Moodie, who was still + struggling with the hot fit of his disorder, and whose senses were not a + little confused, stared at him with a look of vague bewilderment. The + countenance of the stranger grew dark. + </p> + <p> + “You cannot have forgotten me—my name is Malcolm.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, sir; I remember you now,” said the invalid holding out his burning, + feverish hand. “To my home, such as it is, you are welcome.” + </p> + <p> + I stood by in wondering astonishment, looking from one to the other, as I + had no recollection of ever hearing my husband mention the name of the + stranger; but as he had invited him to share our hospitality, I did my + best to make him welcome though in what manner he was to be accommodated + puzzled me not a little. I placed the arm-chair by the fire, and told him + that I would prepare tea for him as soon as I could. + </p> + <p> + “It may be as well to tell you, Mrs. Moodie,” said he sulkily, for he was + evidently displeased by my husband's want of recognition on his first + entrance, “that I have had no dinner.” + </p> + <p> + I sighed to myself, for I well knew that our larder boasted of no + dainties; and from the animal expression of our guest's face, I rightly + judged that he was fond of good living. + </p> + <p> + By the time I had fried a rasher of salt pork, and made a pot of dandelion + coffee, the bread I had been preparing was baked; but grown flour will not + make light bread, and it was unusually heavy. For the first time I felt + heartily ashamed of our humble fare. I was sure that he for whom it was + provided was not one to pass it over in benevolent silence. “He might be a + gentleman,” I thought, “but he does not look like one;” and a confused + idea of who he was, and where Moodie had met him, began to float through + my mind. I did not like the appearance of the man, but I consoled myself + that he was only to stay for one night, and I could give up my bed for + that one night, and sleep on a bed on the floor by my sick husband. When I + re-entered the parlour to cover the table, I found Moodie fallen asleep, + and Mr. Malcolm reading. As I placed the tea-things on the table, he + raised his head, and regarded me with a gloomy stare. He was a + strange-looking creature; his features were tolerably regular, his + complexion dark, with a good colour, his very broad and round head was + covered with a perfect mass of close, black, curling hair, which, in + growth, texture, and hue, resembled the wiry, curly hide of a water-dog. + His eyes and mouth were both well-shaped, but gave, by their sinister + expression, an odious and doubtful meaning to the whole of his + physiognomy. The eyes were cold, insolent, and cruel, and as green as the + eyes of a cat. The mouth bespoke a sullen, determined, and sneering + disposition, as if it belonged to one brutally obstinate, one who could + not by any gentle means be persuaded from his purpose. Such a man in a + passion would have been a terrible wild beast; but the current of his + feelings seemed to flow in a deep, sluggish channel, rather than in a + violent or impetuous one; and, like William Penn, when he reconnoitred his + unwelcome visitors through the keyhole of the door, I looked at my strange + guest, and liked him not. Perhaps my distant and constrained manner made + him painfully aware of the fact, for I am certain that, from the first + hour of our acquaintance, a deep-rooted antipathy existed between us, + which time seemed rather to strengthen than diminish. + </p> + <p> + He ate of his meal sparingly, and with evident disgust, the only remarks + which dropped from him were— + </p> + <p> + “You make bad bread in the bush. Strange, that you can't keep your + potatoes from the frost! I should have thought that you could have had + things more comfortable in the woods.” + </p> + <p> + “We have been very unfortunate,” I said, “since we came to the woods. I am + sorry that you should be obliged to share the poverty of the land. It + would have given me much pleasure could I have set before you a more + comfortable meal.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, don't mention it. So that I get good pork and potatoes I shall be + contented.” + </p> + <p> + What did these words imply?—an extension of his visit? I hoped that + I was mistaken; but before I could lose any time in conjecture my husband + awoke. The fit had left him, and he rose and dressed himself, and was soon + chatting cheerfully with his guest. + </p> + <p> + Mr. Malcolm now informed him that he was hiding from the sheriff of the N—— + district's officers, and that it would be conferring upon him a great + favour if he would allow him to remain at his house for a few weeks. + </p> + <p> + “To tell you the truth, Malcolm,” said Moodie, “we are so badly off that + we can scarcely find food for ourselves and the children. It is out of our + power to make you comfortable, or to keep an additional hand, without he + is willing to render some little help on the farm. If you can do this, I + will endeavour to get a few necessaries on credit, to make your stay more + agreeable.” + </p> + <p> + To this proposition Malcolm readily assented, not only because it released + him from all sense of obligation, but because it gave him a privilege to + grumble. + </p> + <p> + Finding that his stay might extend to an indefinite period, I got Jacob to + construct a rude bedstead out of two large chests that had transported + some of our goods across the Atlantic, and which he put in a corner of the + parlour. This I provided with a small hair-mattress, and furnished with + what bedding I could spare. + </p> + <p> + For the first fornight of his sojourn, our guest did nothing but lie upon + that bed, and read, and smoke, and drink whiskey-and-water from morning + until night. By degrees he let out part of his history; but there was a + mystery about him which he took good care never to clear up. He was the + son of an officer in the navy, who had not only attained a very high rank + in the service, but, for his gallant conduct, had been made a + Knight-Companion of the Bath. + </p> + <p> + He had himself served his time as a midshipman on board his father's + flag-ship, but had left the navy and accepted a commission in the + Buenos-Ayrean service during the political struggles in that province; he + had commanded a sort of privateer under the government, to whom, by his + own account, he had rendered many very signal services. Why he left South + America and came to Canada he kept a profound secret. He had indulged in + very vicious and dissipated courses since he came to the province, and by + his own account had spent upwards of four thousand pounds, in a manner not + over creditable to himself. Finding that his friends would answer his + bills no longer, he took possession of a grant of land obtained through + his father's interest, up in Harvey, a barren township on the shores of + Stony Lake; and, after putting up his shanty, and expending all his + remaining means, he found that he did not possess one acre out of the + whole four hundred that would yield a crop of potatoes. He was now + considerably in debt, and the lands, such as they were, had been seized, + with all his effects, by the sheriff, and a warrant was out for his own + apprehension, which he contrived to elude during his sojourn with us. + Money he had none; and, beyond the dirty fearnought blue seaman's jacket + which he wore, a pair of trousers of the coarse cloth of the country, an + old black vest that had seen better days, and two blue-checked shirts, + clothes he had none. He shaved but once a week, never combed his hair, and + never washed himself. A dirtier or more slovenly creature never before was + dignified by the title of a gentleman. He was, however, a man of good + education, of excellent abilities, and possessed a bitter, sarcastic + knowledge of the world; but he was selfish and unprincipled in the highest + degree. + </p> + <p> + His shrewd observations and great conversational powers had first + attracted my husband's attention, and, as men seldom show their bad + qualities on a journey, he thought him a blunt, good fellow, who had + travelled a great deal, and could render himself a very agreeable + companion by a graphic relation of his adventures. He could be all this, + when he chose to relax from his sullen, morose mood; and, much as I + disliked him, I have listened with interest for hours to his droll + descriptions of South American life and manners. + </p> + <p> + Naturally indolent, and a constitutional grumbler, it was with the + greatest difficulty that Moodie could get him to do anything beyond + bringing a few pails of water from the swamp for the use of the house, and + he often passed me carrying water up from the lake without offering to + relieve me of the burden. Mary, the betrothed of Jacob, called him a + perfect “beast”; but he, returning good for evil, considered <i>her</i> a + very pretty girl, and paid her so many uncouth attentions that he roused + the jealousy of honest Jake, who vowed that he would give him a good + “loomping” if he only dared to lay a finger upon his sweetheart. With + Jacob to back her, Mary treated the “zea-bear,” as Jacob termed him, with + vast disdain, and was so saucy to him that, forgetting his admiration, he + declared he would like to serve her as the Indians had done a scolding + woman in South America. They attacked her house during the absence of her + husband, cut out her tongue, and nailed it to the door, by way of knocker; + and he thought that all women who could not keep a civil tongue in their + head should be served in the same manner. + </p> + <p> + “And what should be done to men who swear and use ondacent language?” + quoth Mary, indignantly. “Their tongues should be slit, and given to the + dogs. Faugh! You are such a nasty fellow that I don't think Hector would + eat your tongue.” + </p> + <p> + “I'll kill that beast,” muttered Malcolm, as he walked away. + </p> + <p> + I remonstrated with him on the impropriety of bandying words with our + servants. “You see,” I said, “the disrespect with which they treat you; + and if they presume upon your familiarity, to speak to our guest in this + contemptuous manner, they will soon extend the same conduct to us.” + </p> + <p> + “But, Mrs. Moodie, you should reprove them.” + </p> + <p> + “I cannot, sir, while you continue, by taking liberties with the girl, and + swearing at the man, to provoke them to retaliation.” + </p> + <p> + “Swearing! What harm is there in swearing? A sailor cannot live without + oaths.” + </p> + <p> + “But a gentleman might, Mr. Malcolm. I should be sorry to consider you in + any other light.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, you are such a prude—so methodistical—you make no + allowance for circumstances! Surely, in the woods we may dispense with the + hypocritical, conventional forms of society, and speak and act as we + please.” + </p> + <p> + “So you seem to think; but you see the result.” + </p> + <p> + “I have never been used to the society of ladies, and I cannot fashion my + words to please them; and I won't, that's more!” he muttered to himself as + he strode off to Moodie in the field. I wished from my very heart that he + was once more on the deck of his piratical South American craft. + </p> + <p> + One night he insisted on going out in the canoe to spear maskinonge with + Moodie. The evening turned out very chill and foggy, and, before twelve, + they returned, with only one fish, and half frozen with cold. Malcolm had + got twinges of rheumatism, and he fussed, and sulked, and swore, and + quarrelled with everybody and everything, until Moodie, who was highly + amused by his petulance, advised him to go to his bed, and pray for the + happy restoration of his temper. + </p> + <p> + “Temper!” he cried, “I don't believe there's a good-tempered person in the + world. It's all hypocrisy! I never had a good-temper! My mother was an + ill-tempered woman, and ruled my father, who was a confoundedly severe, + domineering man. I was born in an ill-temper. I was an ill-tempered child; + I grew up an ill-tempered man. I feel worse than ill-tempered now, and + when I die it will be in an ill-temper.” + </p> + <p> + “Well,” quoth I, “Moodie has made you a tumbler of hot punch, which may + help to drive out the cold and the ill-temper, and cure the rheumatism.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay; your husband's a good fellow, and worth two of you, Mrs. Moodie. He + makes some allowance for the weakness of human nature, and can excuse even + my ill-temper.” + </p> + <p> + I did not choose to bandy words with him, and the next day the unfortunate + creature was shaking with the ague. A more intractable, outrageous, <i>Im</i>-patient + I never had the ill-fortune to nurse. During the cold fit, he did nothing + but swear at the cold, and wished himself roasting; and during the fever, + he swore at the heat, and wished that he was sitting, in no other garment + than his shirt, on the north side of an iceberg. And when the fit at last + left him, he got up, and ate such quantities of fat pork, and drank so + much whiskey-punch, that you would have imagined he had just arrived from + a long journey, and had not tasted food for a couple of days. + </p> + <p> + He would not believe that fishing in the cold night-air upon the water had + made him ill, but raved that it was all my fault for having laid my baby + down on his bed while it was shaking with the ague. + </p> + <p> + Yet, if there were the least tenderness mixed up in his iron nature, it + was the affection he displayed for that young child. Dunbar was just + twenty months old, with bright, dark eyes, dimpled cheeks, and soft, + flowing, golden hair, which fell round his infant face in rich curls. The + merry, confiding little creature formed such a contrast to his own surly, + unyielding temper, that, perhaps, that very circumstance made the bond of + union between them. When in the house, the little boy was seldom out of + his arms, and whatever were Malcolm's faults, he had none in the eyes of + the child, who used to cling around his neck, and kiss his rough, unshaven + cheeks with the greatest fondness. + </p> + <p> + “If I could afford it, Moodie,” he said one day to my husband, “I should + like to marry. I want some one upon whom I could vent my affections.” And + wanting that some one in the form of woman, he contented himself with + venting them upon the child. + </p> + <p> + As the spring advanced, and after Jacob left us, he seemed ashamed of + sitting in the house doing nothing, and therefore undertook to make us a + garden, or “to make garden,” as the Canadians term preparing a few + vegetables for the season. I procured the necessary seeds, and watched + with no small surprise the industry with which our strange visitor + commenced operations. He repaired the broken fence, dug the ground with + the greatest care, and laid it out with a skill and neatness of which I + had believed him perfectly incapable. In less than three weeks, the whole + plot presented a very pleasing prospect, and he was really elated by his + success. + </p> + <p> + “At any rate,” he said, “we shall no longer be starved on bad flour and + potatoes. We shall have peas, and beans, and beets, and carrots, and + cabbage in abundance; besides the plot I have reserved for cucumbers and + melons.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah,” thought I; “does he, indeed, mean to stay with us until the melons + are ripe?” and my heart died within me, for he not only was a great + additional expense, but he gave a great deal of additional trouble, and + entirely robbed us of all privacy, as our very parlour was converted into + a bed-room for his accommodation; besides that, a man of his singularly + dirty habits made a very disagreeable inmate. + </p> + <p> + The only redeeming point in his character, in my eyes, was his love for + Dunbar. I could not entirely hate a man who was so fondly attached to my + child. To the two little girls he was very cross, and often chased them + from him with blows. + </p> + <p> + He had, too, an odious way of finding fault with everything. I never could + cook to please him; and he tried in the most malicious way to induce + Moodie to join in his complaints. All his schemes to make strife between + us, however, failed, and were generally visited upon himself. In no way + did he ever seek to render me the least assistance. Shortly after Jacob + left us, Mary Pine was offered higher wages by a family at Peterborough, + and for some time I was left with four little children, and without a + servant. Moodie always milked the cows, because I never could overcome my + fear of cattle; and though I had occasionally milked when there was no one + else in the way, it was in fear and trembling. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had to go down to Peterborough; but before he went, he begged + Malcolm to bring me what water and wood I required, and to stand by the + cattle while I milked the cows, and he would himself be home before night. + </p> + <p> + He started at six in the morning, and I got the pail to go and milk. + Malcolm was lying upon his bed, reading. + </p> + <p> + “Mr. Malcolm, will you be so kind as to go with me to the fields for a few + minutes while I milk?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes!” (then, with a sulky frown), “but I want to finish what I am + reading.” + </p> + <p> + “I will not detain you long.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no! I suppose about an hour. You are a shocking bad milker.” + </p> + <p> + “True; I never went near a cow until I came to this country; and I have + never been able to overcome my fear of them.” + </p> + <p> + “More shame for you! A farmer's wife, and afraid of a cow! Why, these + little children would laugh at you.” + </p> + <p> + I did not reply, nor would I ask him again. I walked slowly to the field, + and my indignation made me forget my fear. I had just finished milking, + and with a brimming pail was preparing to climb the fence and return to + the house, when a very wild ox we had came running with headlong speed + from the wood. All my fears were alive again in a moment. I snatched up + the pail, and, instead of climbing the fence and getting to the house, I + ran with all the speed I could command down the steep hill towards the + lake shore; my feet caught in a root of the many stumps in the path, and I + fell to the ground, my pail rolling many yards a-head of me. Every drop of + my milk was spilt upon the grass. The ox passed on. I gathered myself up + and returned home. Malcolm was very fond of new milk, and he came to meet + me at the door. + </p> + <p> + “Hi! hi!—Where's the milk?” + </p> + <p> + “No milk for the poor children to-day,” said I, showing him the inside of + the pail, with a sorrowful shake of the head, for it was no small loss to + them and me. + </p> + <p> + “How the devil's that? So you were afraid to milk the cows. Come away, and + I will keep off the buggaboos.” + </p> + <p> + “I did milk them—no thanks to your kindness, Mr. Malcolm—but—” + </p> + <p> + “But what?” + </p> + <p> + “The ox frightened me, and I fell and spilt all the milk.” + </p> + <p> + “Whew! Now don't go and tell your husband that it was all my fault; if you + had had a little patience, I would have come when you asked me, but I + don't choose to be dictated to, and I won't be made a slave by you or any + one else.” + </p> + <p> + “Then why do you stay, sir, where you consider yourself so treated?” said + I. “We are all obliged to work to obtain bread; we give you the best share—surely + the return we ask for it is but small.” + </p> + <p> + “You make me feel my obligations to you when you ask me to do anything; if + you left it to my better feelings we should get on better.” + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps you are right. I will never ask you to do anything for me in + future.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, now, that's all mock-humility. In spite of the tears in your eyes, + you are as angry with me as ever; but don't go to make mischief between me + and Moodie. If you'll say nothing about my refusing to go with you, I'll + milk the cows for you myself to-night.” + </p> + <p> + “And can you milk?” said I, with some curiosity. + </p> + <p> + “Milk! Yes; and if I were not so confoundedly low-spirited and—lazy, + I could do a thousand other things too. But now, don't say a word about it + to Moodie.” + </p> + <p> + I made no promise; but my respect for him was not increased by his + cowardly fear of reproof from Moodie, who treated him with a kindness and + consideration which he did not deserve. + </p> + <p> + The afternoon turned out very wet, and I was sorry that I should be + troubled with his company all day in the house. I was making a shirt for + Moodie from some cotton that had been sent me from home, and he placed + himself by the side of the stove, just opposite, and continued to regard + me for a long time with his usual sullen stare. I really felt half afraid + of him. + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think me mad!” said he. “I have a brother deranged; he got a + stroke of the sun in India, and lost his senses in consequence; but + sometimes I think it runs in the family.” + </p> + <p> + What answer could I give to this speech, but mere evasive common-place! + </p> + <p> + “You won't say what you really think,” he continued; “I know you hate me, + and that makes me dislike you. Now what would you say if I told you I had + committed a murder, and that it was the recollection of that circumstance + that made me at times so restless and unhappy?” + </p> + <p> + I looked up in his face, not knowing what to believe. + </p> + <p> + “'Tis fact,” said he, nodding his head; and I hoped that he would not go + mad, like his brother, and kill me. + </p> + <p> + “Come, I'll tell you all about it; I know the world would laugh at me for + calling such an act <i>murder</i>; and yet I have been such a miserable + man ever since, that I <i>feel</i> it was. + </p> + <p> + “There was a noted leader among the rebel Buenos-Ayreans, whom the + government wanted much to get hold of. He was a fine, dashing, handsome + fellow; I had often seen him, but we never came to close quarters. One + night, I was lying wrapped up in my poncho at the bottom of my boat, which + was rocking in the surf, waiting for two of my men, who were gone on + shore. There came to the shore, this man and one of his people, and they + stood so near the boat, that I could distinctly hear their conversation. I + suppose it was the devil who tempted me to put a bullet through the man's + heart. He was an enemy to the flag under which I fought, but he was no + enemy to me—I had no right to become his executioner; but still the + desire to kill him, for the mere devilry of the thing, came so strongly + upon me that I no longer tried to resist it. I rose slowly upon my knees; + the moon was shining very bright at the time, both he and his companion + were too earnestly engaged to see me, and I deliberately shot him through + the body. He fell with a heavy groan back into the water; but I caught the + last look he threw upon the moonlight skies before his eyes glazed in + death. Oh, that look!—so full of despair, of unutterable anguish; it + haunts me yet—it will haunt me for ever. I would not have cared if I + had killed him in strife—but in cold blood, and he so unsuspicious + of his doom! Yes, it was murder; I know by this constant tugging at my + heart that it was murder. What do you say to it?” + </p> + <p> + “I should think as you do, Mr. Malcolm. It is a terrible thing to take + away the life of a fellow-creature without the least provocation.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah! I knew you would blame me; but he was an enemy after all; I had a + right to kill him; I was hired by the government under whom I served to + kill him; and who shall condemn me?” + </p> + <p> + “No one more than your own heart.” + </p> + <p> + “It is not the heart, but the brain, that must decide in questions of + right and wrong,” said he. “I acted from impulse, and shot that man; had I + reasoned upon it for five minutes, the man would be living now. But what's + done cannot be undone. Did I ever show you the work I wrote upon South + America?” + </p> + <p> + “Are you an author,” said I, incredulously. + </p> + <p> + “To be sure I am. Murray offered me 100 pounds for my manuscript, but I + would not take it. Shall I read to you some passages from it?” + </p> + <p> + I am sorry to say that his behaviour in the morning was uppermost in my + thoughts, and I had no repugnance in refusing. + </p> + <p> + “No, don't trouble yourself. I have the dinner to cook, and the children + to attend to, which will cause a constant interruption; you had better + defer it to some other time.” + </p> + <p> + “I shan't ask you to listen to me again,” said he, with a look of offended + vanity; but he went to his trunk, and brought out a large MS., written on + foolscap, which he commenced reading to himself with an air of great + self-importance, glancing from time to time at me, and smiling + disdainfully. Oh, how glad I was when the door opened, and the return of + Moodie broke up this painful tete-a-tete. + </p> + <p> + From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a step. The very next day, Mr. + Malcolm made his appearance before me, wrapped in a great-coat belonging + to my husband, which literally came down to his heels. At this strange + apparition, I fell a-laughing. + </p> + <p> + “For God's sake, Mrs. Moodie, lend me a pair of inexpressibles. I have met + with an accident in crossing the fence, and mine are torn to shreds—gone + to the devil entirely.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, don't swear. I'll see what can be done for you.” + </p> + <p> + I brought him a new pair of fine, drab-colored kersey-mere trousers that + had never been worn. Although he was eloquent in his thanks, I had no idea + that he meant to keep them for his sole individual use from that day + thenceforth. But after all, what was the man to do? He had no trousers, + and no money, and he could not take to the woods. Certainly his loss was + not our gain. It was the old proverb reversed. + </p> + <p> + The season for putting in the potatoes had now arrived. Malcolm + volunteered to cut the sets, which was easy work that could be done in the + house, and over which he could lounge and smoke; but Moodie told him that + he must take his share in the field, that I had already sets enough saved + to plant half-an-acre, and would have more prepared by the time they were + required. With many growls and shrugs, he felt obliged to comply; and he + performed his part pretty well, the execrations bestowed upon the + mosquitoes and black-flies forming a sort of safety-valve to let off the + concentrated venom of his temper. When he came in to dinner, he held out + his hands to me. + </p> + <p> + “Look at these hands.” + </p> + <p> + “They are blistered with the hoe.” + </p> + <p> + “Look at my face.” + </p> + <p> + “You are terribly disfigured by the black-flies. But Moodie suffers just + as much, and says nothing.” + </p> + <p> + “Bah!—The only consolation one feels for such annoyances is to + complain. Oh, the woods!—the cursed woods!—how I wish I were + out of them.” The day was very warm, but in the afternoon I was surprised + by a visit from an old maiden lady, a friend of mine from C——. + She had walked up with a Mr. Crowe, from Peterborough, a young, + brisk-looking farmer, in breeches and top-boots, just out from the old + country, who, naturally enough, thought he would like to roost among the + woods. + </p> + <p> + He was a little, lively, good-natured manny, with a real Anglo-Saxon face,—rosy, + high cheek-boned, with full lips, and a turned-up nose; and, like most + little men, was a great talker, and very full of himself. He had belonged + to the secondary class of farmers, and was very vulgar, both in person and + manners. I had just prepared tea for my visitors, when Malcolm and Moodie + returned from the field. There was no affectation about the former. He was + manly in his person, and blunt even to rudeness, and I saw by the + quizzical look which he cast upon the spruce little Crowe that he was + quietly quizzing him from head to heel. A neighbour had sent me a present + of maple molasses, and Mr. Crowe was so fearful of spilling some of the + rich syrup upon his drab shorts that he spread a large pocket-hankerchief + over his knees, and tucked another under his chin. I felt very much + inclined to laugh, but restrained the inclination as well as I could—and + if the little creature would have sat still, I could have quelled my + rebellious propensity altogether; but up he would jump at every word I + said to him, and make me a low, jerking bow, often with his mouth quite + full, and the treacherous molasses running over his chin. + </p> + <p> + Malcolm sat directly opposite to me and my volatile next-door neighbour. + He saw the intense difficulty I had to keep my gravity, and was determined + to make me laugh out. So, coming slyly behind my chair, he whispered in my + ear, with the gravity of a judge, “Mrs. Moodie, that must have been the + very chap who first jumped Jim Crowe.” + </p> + <p> + This appeal obliged me to run from the table. Moodie was astonished at my + rudeness; and Malcolm, as he resumed his seat, made the matter worse by + saying, “I wonder what is the matter with Mrs. Moodie; she is certainly + very hysterical this afternoon.” + </p> + <p> + The potatoes were planted, and the season of strawberries, green-peas, and + young potatoes come, but still Malcolm remained our constant guest. He had + grown so indolent, and gave himself so many airs, that Moodie was heartily + sick of his company, and gave him many gentle hints to change his + quarters; but our guest was determined to take no hint. For some reason + best known to himself, perhaps out of sheer contradiction, which formed + one great element in his character, he seemed obstinately bent upon + remaining where he was. + </p> + <p> + Moodie was busy under-bushing for a fall fallow. Malcolm spent much of his + time in the garden, or lounging about the house. I had baked an eel-pie + for dinner, which if prepared well is by no means an unsavoury dish. + Malcolm had cleaned some green-peas and washed the first young potatoes we + had drawn that season, with his own hands, and he was reckoning upon the + feast he should have on the potatoes with childish glee. The dinner at + length was put upon the table. The vegetables were remarkably fine, and + the pie looked very nice. + </p> + <p> + Moodie helped Malcolm, as he always did, very largely, and the other + covered his plate with a portion of peas and potatoes, when, lo and + behold! my gentleman began making a very wry face at the pie. + </p> + <p> + “What an infernal dish!” he cried, pushing away his plate with an air of + great disgust. “These eels taste as if they had been stewed in oil. + Moodie, you should teach your wife to be a better cook.” + </p> + <p> + The hot blood burnt upon Moodie's cheek. I saw indignation blazing in his + eye. + </p> + <p> + “If you don't like what is prepared for you, sir, you may leave the table, + and my house, if you please. I will put up with your ungentlemanly and + ungrateful conduct to Mrs. Moodie no longer.” + </p> + <p> + Out stalked the offending party. I thought, to be sure, we had got rid of + him; and though he deserved what was said to him, I was sorry for him. + Moodie took his dinner, quietly remarking, “I wonder he could find it in + his heart to leave those fine peas and potatoes.” + </p> + <p> + He then went back to his work in the bush, and I cleared away the dishes, + and churned, for I wanted butter for tea. + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock Mr. Malcolm entered the room. “Mrs. Moodie,” said he, + in a more cheerful voice than usual, “where's the boss?” + </p> + <p> + “In the wood, under-bushing.” I felt dreadfully afraid that there would be + blows between them. + </p> + <p> + “I hope, Mr. Malcolm, that you are not going to him with any intention of + a fresh quarrel.” + </p> + <p> + “Don't you think I have been punished enough by losing my dinner?” said + he, with a grin. “I don't think we shall murder one another.” He + shouldered his axe, and went whistling away. + </p> + <p> + After striving for a long while to stifle my foolish fears, I took the + baby in my arms, and little Dunbar by the hand, and ran up to the bush + where Moodie was at work. + </p> + <p> + At first I only saw my husband, but the strokes of an axe at a little + distance soon guided my eyes to the spot where Malcolm was working away, + as if for dear life. Moodie smiled, and looked at me significantly. + </p> + <p> + “How could the fellow stomach what I said to him? Either great necessity + or great meanness must be the cause of his knocking under. I don't know + whether most to pity or despise him.” + </p> + <p> + “Put up with it, dearest, for this once. He is not happy, and must be + greatly distressed.” + </p> + <p> + Malcolm kept aloof, ever and anon casting a furtive glance towards us; at + last little Dunbar ran to him, and held up his arms to be kissed. The + strange man snatched him to his bosom, and covered him with caresses. It + might be love to the child that had quelled his sullen spirit, or he might + really have cherished an affection for us deeper than his ugly temper + would allow him to show. At all events, he joined us at tea as if nothing + had happened, and we might truly say that he had obtained a new lease of + his long visit. + </p> + <p> + But what could not be effected by words or hints of ours was brought about + a few days after by the silly observation of a child. He asked Katie to + give him a kiss, and he would give her some raspberries he had gathered in + the bush. + </p> + <p> + “I don't want them. Go away; I don't like you, you little stumpy man!” + </p> + <p> + His rage knew no bounds. He pushed the child from him, and vowed that he + would leave the house that moment—that she could not have thought of + such an expression herself; she must have been taught it by us. This was + an entire misconception on his part; but he would not be convinced that he + was wrong. Off he went, and Moodie called after him, “Malcolm, as I am + sending to Peterborough to-morrow, the man shall take in your trunk.” He + was too angry even to turn and bid us good-bye; but we had not seen the + last of him yet. + </p> + <p> + Two months after, we were taking tea with a neighbour, who lived a mile + below us on the small lake. Who should walk in but Mr. Malcolm? He greeted + us with great warmth for him, and when we rose to take leave, he rose and + walked home by our side. “Surely the little stumpy man is not returning to + his old quarters?” I am still a babe in the affairs of men. Human nature + has more strange varieties than any one menagerie can contain, and Malcolm + was one of the oddest of her odd species. + </p> + <p> + That night he slept in his old bed below the parlour window, and for three + months afterwards he stuck to us like a beaver. + </p> + <p> + He seemed to have grown more kindly, or we had got more used to his + eccentricities, and let him have his own way; certainly he behaved himself + much better. + </p> + <p> + He neither scolded the children nor interfered with the maid, nor + quarrelled with me. He had greatly discontinued his bad habit of swearing, + and he talked of himself and his future prospects with more hope and + self-respect. His father had promised to send him a fresh supply of money, + and he proposed to buy of Moodie the clergy reserve, and that they should + farm the two places on shares. This offer was received with great joy, as + an unlooked-for means of paying our debts, and extricating ourselves from + present and overwhelming difficulties, and we looked upon the little + stumpy man in the light of a benefactor. + </p> + <p> + So matters continued until Christmas Eve, when our visitor proposed + walking into Peterborough, in order to give the children a treat of + raisins to make a Christmas pudding. + </p> + <p> + “We will be quite merry to-morrow,” he said. “I hope we shall eat many + Christmas dinners together, and continue good friends.” + </p> + <p> + He started, after breakfast, with the promise of coming back at night; but + night came, the Christmas passed away, months and years fled away, but we + never saw the little stumpy man again! + </p> + <p> + He went away that day with a stranger in a waggon from Peterborough, and + never afterwards was seen in that part of Canada. We afterwards learned + that he went to Texas, and it is thought that he was killed at St. + Antonio; but this is mere conjecture. Whether dead or living, I feel + convinced that— + </p> + <p> + “We ne'er shall look upon his like again.” + </p> + <h3> + OH, THE DAYS WHEN I WAS YOUNG! + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh, the days when I was young, + A playful little boy, + When my piping treble rung + To the notes of early joy. + Oh, the sunny days of spring, + When I sat beside the shore, + And heard the small birds sing;— + Shall I never hear them more? + + And the daisies scatter'd round, + Half hid amid the grass, + Lay like gems upon the ground, + Too gay for me to pass. + How sweet the milkmaid sung, + As she sat beside her cow, + How clear her wild notes rung;— + There's no music like it now. + + As I watch'd the ship's white sail + 'Mid the sunbeams on the sea, + Spreading canvas to the gale— + How I long'd with her to be. + I thought not of the storm, + Nor the wild cries on her deck, + When writhed her graceful form + 'Mid the hurricane and wreck. + + And I launch'd my little ship, + With her sails and hold beneath; + Deep laden on each trip, + With berries from the heath. + Ah, little did I know, + When I long'd to be a man, + Of the gloomy cares and woe, + That meet in life's brief span. + + Oh, the happy nights I lay + With my brothers in their beds, + Where we soundly slept till day + Shone brightly o'er our heads. + And the blessed dreams that came + To fill my heart with joy. + Oh, that I now could dream, + As I dreamt, a little boy. + + The sun shone brighter then, + And the moon more soft and clear, + For the wiles of crafty men + I had not learn'd to fear; + But all seemed fair and gay + As the fleecy clouds above; + I spent my hours in play, + And my heart was full of love. + + I loved the heath-clad hill, + And I loved the silent vale, + With its dark and purling rill + That murmur'd in the gale. + Of sighs I'd none to share, + They were stored for riper years, + When I drain'd the dregs of care + With many bitter tears. + + My simple daily fare, + In my little tiny mug, + How fain was I to share + With Cato on the rug. + Yes, he gave his honest paw, + And he lick'd my happy face, + He was true to Nature's law, + And I thought it no disgrace. + + There's a voice so soft and clear, + And a step so gay and light, + That charms my listening ear + In the visions of the night. + And my father bids me haste, + In the deep, fond tones of love, + And leave this dreary waste, + For brighter realms above. + + Now I am old and grey, + My bones are rack'd with pain, + And time speeds fast away— + But why should I complain? + There are joys in life's young morn + That dwell not with the old. + Like the flowers the wind hath torn, + From the strem, all bleak and cold. + + The weary heart may mourn + O'er the wither'd hopes of youth, + But the flowers so rudely shorn + Still leave the seeds of truth. + And there's hope for hoary men + When they're laid beneath the sod; + For we'll all be young again + When we meet around our God. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0022" id="link2HCH0022"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXII — THE FIRE + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Now, Fortune, do thy worst! For many years, + Thou, with relentless and unsparing hand, + Hast sternly pour'd on our devoted heads + The poison'd phials of thy fiercest wrath. +</pre> + <p> + The early part of the winter of 1837, a year never to be forgotten in the + annals of Canadian history, was very severe. During the month of February, + the thermometer often ranged from eighteen to twenty-seven degrees below + zero. Speaking of the coldness of one particular day, a genuine brother + Jonathan remarked, with charming simplicity, that it was thirty degrees + below zero that morning, and it would have been much colder if the + thermometer had been longer. + </p> + <p> + The morning of the seventh was so intensely cold that everything liquid + froze in the house. The wood that had been drawn for the fire was green, + and it ignited too slowly to satisfy the shivering impatience of women and + children; I vented mine in audibly grumbling over the wretched fire, at + which I in vain endeavoured to thaw frozen bread, and to dress crying + children. + </p> + <p> + It so happened that an old friend, the maiden lady before alluded to, had + been staying with us for a few days. She had left us for a visit to my + sister, and as some relatives of hers were about to return to Britain by + the way of New York, and had offered to convey letters to friends at home, + I had been busy all the day before preparing a packet for England. + </p> + <p> + It was my intention to walk to my sister's with this packet, directly the + important affair of breakfast had been discussed; but the extreme cold of + the morning had occasioned such delay that it was late before the + breakfast-things were cleared away. + </p> + <p> + After dressing, I found the air so keen that I could not venture out + without some risk to my nose, and my husband kindly volunteered to go in + my stead. + </p> + <p> + I had hired a young Irish girl the day before. Her friends were only just + located in our vicinity, and she had never seen a stove until she came to + our house. After Moodie left, I suffered the fire to die away in the + Franklin stove in the parlour, and went into the kitchen to prepare bread + for the oven. + </p> + <p> + The girl, who was a good-natured creature, had heard me complain bitterly + of the cold, and the impossibility of getting the green wood to burn, and + she thought that she would see if she could not make a good fire for me + and the children, against my work was done. Without saying one word about + her intention, she slipped out through a door that opened from the parlour + into the garden, ran round to the wood-yard, filled her lap with cedar + chips, and, not knowing the nature of the stove, filled it entirely with + the light wood. + </p> + <p> + Before I had the least idea of my danger, I was aroused from the + completion of my task by the crackling and roaring of a large fire, and a + suffocating smell of burning soot. I looked up at the kitchen + cooking-stove. All was right there. I knew I had left no fire in the + parlour stove; but not being able to account for the smoke and the smell + of buring, I opened the door, and to my dismay found the stove red hot, + from the front plate to the topmost pipe that let out the smoke through + the roof. + </p> + <p> + My first impulse was to plunge a blanket, snatched from the servant's bed, + which stood in the kitchen, into cold water. This I thrust into the stove, + and upon it threw cold water, until all was cool below. I then ran up to + the loft, and by exhausting all the water in the house, even to that + contained in the boilers upon the fire, contrived to cool down the pipes + which passed through the loft. I then sent the girl out of doors to look + at the roof, which, as a very deep fall of snow had taken place the day + before, I hoped would be completely covered, and safe from all danger of + fire. + </p> + <p> + She quickly returned, stamping and tearing her hair, and making a variety + of uncouth outcries, from which I gathered that the roof was in flames. + </p> + <p> + This was terrible news, with my husband absent, no man in the house, and a + mile and a quarter from any other habitation. I ran out to ascertain the + extent of the misfortune, and found a large fire burning in the roof + between the two stove pipes. The heat of the fires had melted off all the + snow, and a spark from the burning pipe had already ignited the shingles. + A ladder, which for several months had stood against the house, had been + moved two days before to the barn, which was at the top of the hill, near + the road; there was no reaching the fire through that source. I got out + the dining-table, and tried to throw water upon the roof by standing on a + chair placed upon it, but I only expended the little water that remained + in the boiler, without reaching the fire. The girl still continued weeping + and lamenting. + </p> + <p> + “You must go for help,” I said. “Run as fast as you can to my sister's, + and fetch your master.” + </p> + <p> + “And lave you, ma'arm, and the childher alone wid the burnin' house?” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes! Don't stay one moment.” + </p> + <p> + “I have no shoes, ma'arm, and the snow is so deep.” + </p> + <p> + “Put on your master's boots; make haste, or we shall be lost before help + comes.” + </p> + <p> + The girl put on the boots and started, shrieking “Fire!” the whole way. + This was utterly useless, and only impeded her progress by exhausting her + strength. After she had vanished from the head of the clearing into the + wood, and I was left quite alone, with the house burning over my head, I + paused one moment to reflect what had best be done. + </p> + <p> + The house was built of cedar logs; in all probability it would be consumed + before any help could arrive. There was a brisk breeze blowing up from the + frozen lake, and the thermometer stood at eighteen degrees below zero. We + were placed between the two extremes of heat and cold, and there was as + much danger to be apprehended from the one as the other. In the + bewilderment of the moment, the direful extent of the calamity never + struck me; we wanted but this to put the finishing stroke to our + misfortunes, to be thrown naked, houseless, and penniless, upon the world. + “What shall I save first?” was the thought just then uppermost in my mind. + Bedding and clothing appeared the most essentially necessary, and without + another moment's pause, I set to work with a right good will to drag all + that I could from my burning home. + </p> + <p> + While little Agnes, Dunbar, and baby Donald filled the air with their + cries, Katie, as if fully conscious of the importance of exertion, + assisted me in carrying out sheets and blankets, and dragging trunks and + boxes some way up the hill, to be out of the way of the burning brands + when the roof should fall in. + </p> + <p> + How many anxious looks I gave to the head of the clearing as the fire + increased, and the large pieces of burning pine began to fall through the + boarded ceiling, about the lower rooms where we were at work. The children + I had kept under a large dresser in the kitchen, but it now appeared + absolutely necessary to remove them to a place of safety. To expose the + young, tender things to the direful cold was almost as bad as leaving them + to the mercy of the fire. At last I hit upon a plan to keep them from + freezing. I emptied all the clothes out of a large, deep chest of drawers, + and dragged the empty drawers up the hill; these I lined with blankets, + and placed a child in each drawer, covering it well over with the bedding, + giving to little Agnes the charge of the baby to hold between her knees, + and keep well covered until help should arrive. Ah, how long it seemed + coming! + </p> + <p> + The roof was now burning like a brush-heap, and, unconsciously, the child + and I were working under a shelf, upon which were deposited several pounds + of gunpowder which had been procured for blasting a well, as all our water + had to be brought up hill from the lake. This gunpowder was in a stone + jar, secured by a paper stopper; the shelf upon which it stood was on + fire, but it was utterly forgotten by me at the time; and even afterwards, + when my husband was working on the burning loft over it. + </p> + <p> + I found that I should not be able to take many more trips for goods. As I + passed out of the parlour for the last time, Katie looked up at her + father's flute, which was suspended upon two brackets, and said— + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear mamma! do save papa's flute; he will be so sorry to lose it.” + </p> + <p> + God bless the dear child for the thought! the flute was saved; and, as I + succeeded in dragging out a heavy chest of cloths, and looked up once more + despairingly to the road, I saw a man running at full speed. It was my + husband. Help was at hand, and my heart uttered a deep thanksgiving as + another and another figure came upon the scene. + </p> + <p> + I had not felt the intense cold, although without cap, or bonnet, or + shawl; with my hands bare and exposed to the bitter, biting air. The + intense excitement, the anxiety to save all I could, had so totally + diverted my thoughts from myself, that I had felt nothing of the danger to + which I had been exposed; but now that help was near, my knees trembled + under me, I felt giddy and faint, and dark shadows seemed dancing before + my eyes. + </p> + <p> + The moment my husband and brother-in-law entered the house, the latter + exclaimed, + </p> + <p> + “Moodie, the house is gone; save what you can of your winter stores and + furniture.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie thought differently. Prompt and energetic in danger, and possessing + admirable presence of mind and coolness when others yield to agitation and + despair, he sprang upon the burning loft and called for water. Alas, there + was none! + </p> + <p> + “Snow, snow; hand me up pailsful of snow!” + </p> + <p> + Oh! it was bitter work filling those pails with frozen snow; but Mr. T—— + and I worked at it as fast as we were able. + </p> + <p> + The violence of the fire was greatly checked by covering the boards of the + loft with this snow. More help had now arrived. Young B—— and + S—— had brought the ladder down with them from the barn, and + were already cutting away the burning roof, and flinging the flaming + brands into the deep snow. + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Moodie, have you any pickled meat?” + </p> + <p> + “We have just killed one of our cows, and salted it for winter stores.” + </p> + <p> + “Well, then, fling the beef into the snow, and let us have the brine.” + </p> + <p> + This was an admirable plan. Wherever the brine wetted the shingles, the + fire turned from it, and concentrated into one spot. + </p> + <p> + But I had not time to watch the brave workers on the roof. I was fast + yielding to the effects of over-excitement and fatigue, when my brother's + team dashed down the clearing, bringing my excellent old friend, Miss B——, + and the servant-girl. + </p> + <p> + My brother sprang out, carried me back into the house, and wrapped me up + in one of the large blankets scattered about. In a few minutes I was + seated with the dear children in the sleigh, and on the way to a place of + warmth and safety. + </p> + <p> + Katie alone suffered from the intense cold. The dear little creature's + feet were severely frozen, but were fortunately restored by her uncle + discovering the fact before she approached the fire, and rubbing them well + with snow. + </p> + <p> + In the meanwhile, the friends we had left so actively employed at the + house succeeded in getting the fire under before it had destroyed the + walls. The only accident that occurred was to a poor dog, that Moodie had + called Snarleyowe. He was struck by a burning brand thrown from the house, + and crept under the barn and died. + </p> + <p> + Beyond the damage done to the building, the loss of our potatoes and two + sacks of flour, we had escaped in a manner almost miraculous. This fact + shows how much can be done by persons working in union, without bustle and + confusion, or running in each other's way. Here were six men, who, without + the aid of water, succeeded in saving a building, which, at first sight, + almost all of them had deemed past hope. In after years, when entirely + burnt out in a disastrous fire that consumed almost all we were worth in + the world, some four hundred persons were present, with a fire-engine to + second their endeavours, yet all was lost. Every person seemed in the way; + and though the fire was discovered immediately after it took place, + nothing was done beyond saving some of the furniture. + </p> + <p> + Our party was too large to be billetted upon one family. Mrs. T—— + took compassion upon Moodie, myself, and the baby, while their uncle + received the three children to his hospitable home. + </p> + <p> + It was some weeks before Moodie succeeded in repairing the roof, the + intense cold preventing any one from working in such an exposed situation. + </p> + <p> + The news of our fire travelled far and wide. I was reported to have done + prodigies, and to have saved the greater part of our household goods + before help arrived. Reduced to plain prose, these prodigies shrink into + the simple, and by no means marvellous fact, that during the excitement I + dragged out chests which, under ordinary circumstances, I could not have + moved; and that I was unconscious, both of the cold and the danger to + which I was exposed while working under a burning roof, which, had it + fallen, would have buried both the children and myself under its ruins. + </p> + <p> + These circumstances appeared far more alarming, as all real danger does, + after they were past. The fright and over-exertion gave my health a shock + from which I did not recover for several months, and made me so fearful of + fire, that from that hour it haunts me like a nightmare. Let the night be + ever so serene, all stoves must be shut up, and the hot embers covered + with ashes, before I dare retire to rest; and the sight of a burning + edifice, so common a spectacle in large towns in this country, makes me + really ill. This feeling was greatly increased after a second fire, when, + for some torturing minutes, a lovely boy, since drowned, was supposed to + have perished in the burning house. + </p> + <p> + Our present fire led to a new train of circumstances, for it was the means + of introducing to Moodie a young Irish gentleman, who was staying at my + brother's house. John E—— was one of the best and gentlest of + human beings. His father, a captain in the army, had died while his family + were quite young, and had left his widow with scarcely any means beyond + the pension she received at her husband's death, to bring up and educate a + family of five children. A handsome, showy woman, Mrs. E—— + soon married again; and the poor lads were thrown upon the world. The + eldest, who had been educated for the Church, first came to Canada in the + hope of getting some professorship in the college, or of opening a + classical school. He was a handsome, gentlemanly, well-educated young man, + but constitutionally indolent—a natural defect which seemed common + to all the males of the family, and which was sufficiently indicated by + their soft, silky, fair hair and milky complexions. R—— had + the good sense to perceive that Canada was not the country for him. He + spent a week under our roof, and we were much pleased with his elegant + tastes and pursuits; but my husband strongly advised him to try and get a + situation as a tutor in some family at home. This he afterwards obtained. + He became tutor and travelling companion to the young Lord M——, + and has since got an excellent living. + </p> + <p> + John, who had followed his brother to Canada without the means of + transporting himself back again, was forced to remain, and was working + with Mr. S—— for his board. He proposed to Moodie working his + farm upon shares; and as we were unable to hire a man, Moodie gladly + closed with his offer; and, during the time he remained with us, we had + every reason to be pleased with the arrangement. + </p> + <p> + It was always a humiliating feeling to our proud minds, that hirelings + should witness our dreadful struggle with poverty, and the strange shifts + we were forced to make in order to obtain even food. But John E—— + had known and experienced all that we had suffered, in his own person, and + was willing to share our home with all its privations. Warm-hearted, + sincere, and truly affectionate—a gentleman in word, thought, and + deed—we found his society and cheerful help a great comfort. Our odd + meals became a subject of merriment, and the peppermint and sage tea drank + with a better flavour when we had one who sympathised in all our trials, + and shared all our toils, to partake of it with us. + </p> + <p> + The whole family soon became attached to our young friend; and after the + work of the day was over, greatly we enjoyed an hour's fishing on the + lake. John E—— said that we had no right to murmur, as long as + we had health, a happy home, and plenty of fresh fish, milk, and potatoes. + Early in May, we received an old Irishwoman into our service, who for four + years proved a most faithful and industrious creature. And what with John + E—— to assist my husband on the farm, and old Jenny to help me + to nurse the children, and manage the house, our affairs, if they were no + better in a pecuniary point of view, at least presented a more pleasing + aspect at home. We were always cheerful, and sometimes contented and even + happy. + </p> + <p> + How great was the contrast between the character of our new inmate and + that of Mr. Malcolm! The sufferings of the past year had been greatly + increased by the intolerable nuisance of his company, while many + additional debts had been contracted in order to obtain luxuries for him + which we never dreamed of purchasing for ourselves. Instead of increasing + my domestic toils, John did all in his power to lessen them; and it always + grieved him to see me iron a shirt, or wash the least article of clothing + for him. “You have too much to do already; I cannot bear to give you the + least additional work,” he would say. And he generally expressed the + greatest satisfaction at my method of managing the house, and preparing + our simple fare. The little ones he treated with the most affectionate + kindness, and gathered the whole flock about his knees the moment he came + in to his meals. + </p> + <p> + On a wet day, when no work could be done abroad, Moodie took up his flute, + or read aloud to us, while John and I sat down to work. The young + emigrant, early cast upon the world and his own resources, was an + excellent hand at the needle. He would make or mend a shirt with the + greatest precision and neatness, and cut out and manufacture his canvas + trousers and loose summer-coats with as much adroitness as the most + experienced tailor; darn his socks, and mend his boots and shoes, and + often volunteered to assist me in knitting the coarse yarn of the country + into socks for the children, while he made them moccasins from the dressed + deer-skins that we obtained from the Indians. + </p> + <p> + Scrupulously neat and clean in his person, the only thing which seemed to + ruffle his calm temper was the dirty work of logging; he hated to come in + from the field with his person and clothes begrimed with charcoal and + smoke. Old Jenny used to laugh at him for not being able to eat his meals + without first washing his hands and face. + </p> + <p> + “Och! my dear heart, yer too particular intirely; we've no time in the + woods to be clane.” She would say to him, in answer to his request for + soap and a towel, “An' is it soap yer a-wantin'? I tell yer that that same + is not to the fore; bating the throuble of makin', it's little soap that + the misthress can get to wash the clothes for us and the childher, widout + yer wastin' it in makin' yer purty skin as white as a leddy's. Do, + darlint, go down to the lake and wash there; that basin is big enough, any + how.” And John would laugh, and go down to the lake to wash, in order to + appease the wrath of the old woman. John had a great dislike to cats, and + even regarded with an evil eye our old pet cat, Peppermint, who had taken + a great fancy to share his bed and board. + </p> + <p> + “If I tolerate our own cat,” he would say, “I will not put up with such a + nuisance as your friend Emilia sends us in the shape of her ugly Tom. Why, + where in the world do you think I found that beast sleeping last night?” + </p> + <p> + I expressed my ignorance. + </p> + <p> + “In our potato-pot. Now, you will agree with me that potatoes dressed with + cat's hair is not a very nice dish. The next time I catch Master Tom in + the potato-pot, I will kill him.” + </p> + <p> + “John, you are not in earnest. Mrs. —— would never forgive any + injury done to Tom, who is a great favourite.” + </p> + <p> + “Let her keep him at home, then. Think of the brute coming a mile through + the woods to steal from us all he can find, and then sleeping off the + effects of his depredations in the potato-pot.” + </p> + <p> + I could not help laughing, but I begged John by no means to annoy Emilia + by hurting her cat. + </p> + <p> + The next day, while sitting in the parlour at work, I heard a dreadful + squall, and rushed to the rescue. John was standing, with a flushed cheek, + grasping a large stick in his hand, and Tom was lying dead at his feet. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, the poor cat!” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, I have killed him; but I am sorry for it now. What will Mrs. —— + say?” + </p> + <p> + “She must not know it. I have told you the story of the pig that Jacob + killed. You had better bury it with the pig.” + </p> + <p> + John was really sorry for having yielded, in a fit of passion, to do so + cruel a thing; yet a few days after he got into a fresh scrape with Mrs. + ——'s animals. + </p> + <p> + The hens were laying, up at the barn. John was very fond of fresh eggs, + but some strange dog came daily and sucked the eggs. John had vowed to + kill the first dog he found in the act. Mr. —— had a very fine + bull-dog, which he valued very highly; but with Emilia, Chowder was an + especial favourite. Bitterly had she bemoaned the fate of Tom, and many + were the inquiries she made of us as to his sudden disappearance. + </p> + <p> + One afternoon John ran into the room. “My dear Mrs. Moodie, what is Mrs. + ——'s dog like?” + </p> + <p> + “A large bull-dog, brindled black and white.” + </p> + <p> + “Then, by Jove, I've shot him!” + </p> + <p> + “John, John! you mean me to quarrel in earnest with my friend. How could + you do it?” + </p> + <p> + “Why, how the deuce should I know her dog from another? I caught the big + thief in the very act of devouring the eggs from under your sitting hen, + and I shot him dead without another thought. But I will bury him, and she + will never find it out a bit more than she did who killed the cat.” + </p> + <p> + Some time after this, Emilia returned from a visit at P——. The + first thing she told me was the loss of the dog. She was so vexed at it, + she had had him advertised, offering a reward for his recovery. + </p> + <p> + I, of course, was called upon to sympathise with her, which I did with a + very bad grace. “I did not like the beast,” I said; “he was cross and + fierce, and I was afraid to go up to her house while he was there.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes; but to lose him so. It is so provoking; and him such a valuable + animal. I could not tell how deeply she felt the loss. She would give four + dollars to find out who had stolen him.” + </p> + <p> + How near she came to making the grand discovery the sequel will show. + </p> + <p> + Instead of burying him with the murdered pig and cat, John had scratched a + shallow grave in the garden, and concealed the dead brute. + </p> + <p> + After tea, Emilia requested to look at the garden; and I, perfectly + unconscious that it contained the remains of the murdered Chowder, led the + way. Mrs. —— whilst gathering a handful of fine green-peas, + suddenly stooped, and looking earnestly at the ground, called to me— + </p> + <p> + “Come here, Susanna, and tell me what has been buried here. It looks like + the tail of a dog.” + </p> + <p> + She might have added, “of my dog.” Murder, it seems, will out. By some + strange chance, the grave that covered the mortal remains of Chowder had + been disturbed, and the black tail of the dog was sticking out. + </p> + <p> + “What can it be?” said I, with an air of perfect innocence. “Shall I call + Jenny, and dig it up?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no, my dear; it has a shocking smell, but it does look very much like + Chowder's tail.” + </p> + <p> + “Impossible! How could it come among my peas?” + </p> + <p> + “True. Besides, I saw Chowder, with my own eyes, yesterday, following a + team; and George C—— hopes to recover him for me.” + </p> + <p> + “Indeed! I am glad to hear it. How these mosquitoes sting. Shall we go + back to the house?” + </p> + <p> + While we returned to the house, John, who had overheard the whole + conversation, hastily disinterred the body of Chowder, and placed him in + the same mysterious grave with Tom and the pig. + </p> + <p> + Moodie and his friend finished logging-up the eight acres which the former + had cleared the previous winter; besides putting in a crop of peas and + potatoes, and an acre of Indian corn, reserving the fallow for fall wheat, + while we had the promise of a splendid crop of hay off the sixteen acres + that had been cleared in 1834. We were all in high spirits and everything + promised fair, until a very trifling circumstance again occasioned us much + anxiety and trouble, and was the cause of our losing most of our crop. + </p> + <p> + Moodie was asked to attend a bee, which was called to construct a + corduroy-bridge over a very bad piece of road. He and J. E—— + were obliged to go that morning with wheat to the mill, but Moodie lent + his yoke of oxen for the work. + </p> + <p> + The driver selected for them at the bee was the brutal M——y, a + man noted for his ill-treatment of cattle, especially if the animals did + not belong to him. He gave one of the oxen such a severe blow over the + loins with a handspike that the creature came home perfectly disabled, + just as we wanted his services in the hay-field and harvest. + </p> + <p> + Moodie had no money to purchase, or even to hire a mate for the other ox; + but he and John hoped that by careful attendance upon the injured animal + he might be restored to health in a few days. They conveyed him to a + deserted clearing, a short distance from the farm, where he would be safe + from injury from the rest of the cattle; and early every morning we went + in the canoe to carry poor Duke a warm mash, and to watch the progress of + his recovery. + </p> + <p> + Ah, ye who revel in this world's wealth, how little can you realise the + importance which we, in our poverty, attached to the life of this valuable + animal! Yes, it even became the subject of prayer, for the bread for + ourselves and our little ones depended greatly upon his recovery. We were + doomed to disappointment. After nursing him with the greatest attention + and care for some weeks, the animal grew daily worse, and suffered such + intense agony, as he lay groaning upon the ground, unable to rise, that + John shot him to put him out of pain. + </p> + <p> + Here, then, were we left without oxen to draw in our hay, or secure our + other crops. A neighbour, who had an odd ox, kindly lent us the use of + him, when he was not employed on his own farm; and John and Moodie gave + their own work for the occasional loan of a yoke of oxen for a day. But + with all these drawbacks, and in spite of the assistance of old Jenny and + myself in the field, a great deal of the produce was damaged before it + could be secured. The whole summer we had to labour under this + disadvantage. Our neighbours were all too busy to give us any help, and + their own teams were employed in saving their crops. Fortunately, the few + acres of wheat we had to reap were close to the barn, and we carried the + sheaves thither by hand; old Jenny proving an invaluable help, both in the + harvest and hay-field. + </p> + <p> + Still, with all these misfortunes, Providence watched over us in a signal + manner. We were never left entirely without food. Like the widow's cruise + of oil, our means, though small, were never suffered to cease entirely. We + had been for some days without meat, when Moodie came running in for his + gun. A great she-bear was in the wheat-field at the edge of the wood, very + busily employed in helping to harvest the crop. There was but one bullet, + and a charge or two of buckshot, in the house; but Moodie started to the + wood with the single bullet in his gun, followed by a little terrier dog + that belonged to John E——. Old Jenny was busy at the wash-tub, + but the moment she saw her master running up the clearing, and knew the + cause, she left her work, and snatching up the carving-knife, ran after + him, that in case the bear should have the best of the fight, she would be + there to help “the masther.” Finding her shoes incommode her, she flung + them off, in order to run faster. A few minutes after, came the report of + the gun, and I heard Moodie halloo to E——, who was cutting + stakes for a fence in the wood. I hardly thought it possible that he could + have killed the bear, but I ran to the door to listen. The children were + all excitement, which the sight of the black monster, borne down the + clearing upon two poles, increased to the wildest demonstrations of joy. + Moodie and John were carrying the prize, and old Jenny, brandishing her + carving-knife, followed in the rear. + </p> + <p> + The rest of the evening was spent in skinning, and cutting up, and salting + the ugly creature, whose flesh filled a barrel with excellent meat, in + flavour resembling beef, while the short grain and juicy nature of the + flesh gave to it the tenderness of mutton. This was quite a Godsend, and + lasted us until we were able to kill two large, fat hogs, in the fall. + </p> + <p> + A few nights after, Moodie and I encountered the mate of Mrs. Bruin, while + returning from a visit to Emilia, in the very depth of the wood. + </p> + <p> + We had been invited to meet our friend's father and mother, who had come + up on a short visit to the woods; and the evening passed away so + pleasantly that it was near midnight before the little party of friends + separated. The moon was down. The wood, through which we had to return, + was very dark; the ground being low and swampy, and the trees thick and + tall. There was, in particular, one very ugly spot, where a small creek + crossed the road. This creek could only be passed by foot-passengers + scrambling over a fallen tree, which, in a dark night, was not very easy + to find. + </p> + <p> + I begged a torch of Mr. ——; but no torch could be found. + Emilia laughed at my fears; still, knowing what a coward I was in the bush + of a night, she found up about an inch of candle, which was all that + remained from the evening's entertainment. This she put into an old + lanthorn. + </p> + <p> + “It will not last you long; but it will carry you over the creek.” + </p> + <p> + This was something gained, and off we set. + </p> + <p> + It was so dark in the bush, that our dim candle looked like a solitary red + spark in the intense surrounding darkness, and scarcely served to show us + the path. + </p> + <p> + We went chatting along, talking over the news of the evening, Hector + running on before us, when I saw a pair of eyes glare upon us from the + edge of the swamp, with the green, bright light emitted by the eyes of a + cat. + </p> + <p> + “Did you see those terrible eyes, Moodie?” and I clung, trembling, to his + arm. + </p> + <p> + “What eyes?” said he, feigning ignorance. “It's too dark to see anything. + The light is nearly gone, and, if you don't quicken your pace, and cross + the tree before it goes out, you will, perhaps, get your feet wet by + falling into the creek.” + </p> + <p> + “Good Heavens! I saw them again; and do just look at the dog.” + </p> + <p> + Hector stopped suddenly, and, stretching himself along the ground, his + nose resting between his forepaws, began to whine and tremble. Presently + he ran back to us, and crept under our feet. The cracking of branches, and + the heavy tread of some large animal, sounded close beside us. + </p> + <p> + Moodie turned the open lanthorn in the direction from whence the sounds + came, and shouted as loud as he could, at the same time endeavouring to + urge forward the fear-stricken dog, whose cowardice was only equalled by + my own. + </p> + <p> + Just at that critical moment the wick of the candle flickered a moment in + the socket, and expired. We were left, in perfect darkness, alone with the + bear—for such we supposed the animal to be. + </p> + <p> + My heart beat audibly; a cold perspiration was streaming down my face, but + I neither shrieked nor attempted to run. I don't know how Moodie got me + over the creek. One of my feet slipped into the water, but, expecting, as + I did every moment, to be devoured by master Bruin, that was a thing of no + consequence. My husband was laughing at my fears, and every now and then + he turned towards our companion, who continued following us at no great + distance, and gave him an encouraging shout. Glad enough was I when I saw + the gleam of the light from our little cabin window shine out among the + trees; and, the moment I got within the clearing I ran, without stopping + until I was safely within the house. John was sitting up for us, nursing + Donald. He listened with great interest to our adventure with the bear, + and thought that Bruin was very good to let us escape without one + affectionate hug. + </p> + <p> + “Perhaps it would have been otherwise had he known, Moodie, that you had + not only killed his good lady, but were dining sumptuously off her carcass + every day.” + </p> + <p> + The bear was determined to have something in return for the loss of his + wife. Several nights after this, our slumbers were disturbed, about + midnight, by an awful yell, and old Jenny shook violently at our chamber + door. + </p> + <p> + “Masther, masther, dear! Get up wid you this moment, or the bear will + desthroy the cattle intirely.” + </p> + <p> + Half asleep, Moodie sprang from his bed, seized his gun, and ran out. I + threw my large cloak round me, struck a light, and followed him to the + door. The moment the latter was unclosed, some calves that we were rearing + rushed into the kitchen, closely followed by the larger beasts, who came + bellowing headlong down the hill, pursued by the bear. + </p> + <p> + It was a laughable scene, as shown by that paltry tallow-candle. Moodie, + in his night-shirt, taking aim at something in the darkness, surrounded by + the terrified animals; old Jenny, with a large knife in her hand, holding + on to the white skirts of her master's garment, making outcry loud enough + to frighten away all the wild beasts in the bush—herself almost in a + state of nudity. + </p> + <p> + “Och, masther, dear! don't timpt the ill-conditioned crathur wid charging + too near; think of the wife and the childher. Let me come at the rampaging + baste, an' I'll stick the knife into the heart of him.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie fired. The bear retreated up the clearing, with a low growl. Moodie + and Jenny pursued him some way, but it was too dark to discern any object + at a distance. I, for my part, stood at the open door, laughing until the + tears ran down my cheeks, at the glaring eyes of the oxen, their ears + erect, and their tails carried gracefully on a level with their backs, as + they stared at me and the light, in blank astonishment. The noise of the + gun had just roused John E—— from his slumbers. He was no less + amused than myself, until he saw that a fine yearling heifer was bleeding, + and found, upon examination, that the poor animal, having been in the + claws of the bear, was dangerously, if not mortally hurt. + </p> + <p> + “I hope,” he cried, “that the brute has not touched my foal!” I pointed to + the black face of the filly peeping over the back of an elderly cow. + </p> + <p> + “You see, John, that Bruin preferred veal; there's your 'horsey,' as + Dunbar calls her, safe, and laughing at you.” + </p> + <p> + Moodie and Jenny now returned from the pursuit of the bear. E—— + fastened all the cattle into the back yard, close to the house. By + daylight he and Moodie had started in chase of Bruin, whom they tracked by + his blood some way into the bush; but here he entirely escaped their + search. + </p> + <h3> + THE BEARS OF CANADA + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh! <i>bear</i> me from this savage land of <i>bears</i>, + For 'tis indeed <i>unbearable</i> to me: + I'd rather cope with vilest worldly cares, + Or writhe with cruel sickness of the sea. + Oh! <i>bear</i> me to my own <i>bear</i> land of hills,(1) + Where I'd be sure brave <i>bear</i>-legg'd lads to see— + <i>bear</i> cakes, <i>bear</i> rocks, and whiskey stills, + And <i>bear</i>-legg'd nymphs, to smile once more on me. + + I'd <i>bear</i> the heat, I'd <i>bear</i> the freezing air + Of equatorial realm or Arctic sea, + I'd sit all <i>bear</i> at night, and watch the Northern <i>bear</i>, + And bless my soul that he was far from me. + I'd <i>bear</i> the poor-rates, tithes, and all the ills + John Bull must <i>bear</i>, (who takes them all, poor sinner! + As patients do, when forced to gulp down pills, + And water-gruel drink in lieu of dinner). + + I'd <i>bear</i> the <i>bareness</i> of all barren lands + Before I'd <i>bear</i> the <i>bearishness</i> of this; + <i>bear</i> head, <i>bear</i> feet, <i>bear</i> legs, <i>bear</i> hands, + <i>bear</i> everything, but want of social bliss. + But should I die in this drear land of <i>bears</i>, + Oh! ship me off, my friends, discharge the sable wearers, + For if you don't, in spite of priests and prayers, + The <i>bear</i> will come, and eat up corpse and <i>bearers</i>. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + (1) The Orkney Isles. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0023" id="link2HCH0023"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIII — THE OUTBREAK + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Can a corrupted stream pour through the land + Health-giving waters? Can the slave, who lures + His wretched followers with the hope of gain, + Feel in his bosom the immortal fire + That bound a Wallace to his country's cause, + And bade the Thracian shepherd cast away + Rome's galling yoke; while the astonish'd world— + Rapt into admiration at the deed— + Paus'd, ere she crush'd, with overwhelming force, + The man who fought to win a glorious grave? +</pre> + <p> + The long-protracted harvest was at length brought to a close. Moodie had + procured another ox from Dummer, by giving a note at six months date for + the payment; and he and John E—— were in the middle of sowing + their fall crop of wheat, when the latter received a letter from the old + country, which conveyed to him intelligence of the death of his mother, + and of a legacy of two hundred pounds. It was necessary for him to return + to claim the property, and though we felt his loss severely, we could not, + without great selfishness, urge him to stay. John had formed an attachment + to a young lady in the country, who, like himself, possessed no property. + Their engagement, which had existed several years, had been dropped, from + its utter hopelessness, by mutual consent. Still the young people + continued to love each other, and to look forward to better days, when + their prospects might improve so far that E—— would be able to + purchase a bush farm, and raise a house, however lowly, to shelter his + Mary. + </p> + <p> + He, like our friend Malcolm, had taken a fancy to buy a part of our block + of land, which he could cultivate in partnership with Moodie, without + being obliged to hire, when the same barn, cattle, and implements would + serve for both. Anxious to free himself from the thraldom of debts which + pressed him sore, Moodie offered to part with two hundred acres at less + than they cost us, and the bargain was to be considered as concluded + directly the money was forthcoming. + </p> + <p> + It was a sorrowful day when our young friend left us; he had been a + constant inmate in the house for nine months, and not one unpleasant word + had ever passed between us. He had rendered our sojourn in the woods more + tolerable by his society, and sweetened our bitter lot by his friendship + and sympathy. We both regarded him as a brother, and parted with him with + sincere regret. As to old Jenny, she lifted up her voice and wept, + consigning him to the care and protection of all the saints in the Irish + calendar. + </p> + <p> + For several days after John left us, a deep gloom pervaded the house. Our + daily toil was performed with less cheerfulness and alacrity; we missed + him at the evening board, and at the evening fire; and the children asked + each day, with increasing earnestness, when dear E—— would + return. + </p> + <p> + Moodie continued sowing his fall wheat. The task was nearly completed, and + the chill October days were fast verging upon winter, when towards the + evening of one of them he contrived—I know not how—to crawl + down from the field at the head of the hill, faint and pale, and in great + pain. He had broken the small bone of his leg. In dragging, among the + stumps, the heavy machine (which is made in the form of the letter V, and + is supplied with large iron teeth), had hitched upon a stump, and being + swung off again by the motion of the oxen, had come with great force + against his leg. At first he was struck down, and for some time was unable + to rise; but at length he contrived to unyoke the team, and crawled partly + on his hands and knees down the clearing. + </p> + <p> + What a sad, melancholy evening that was! Fortune seemed never tired of + playing us some ugly trick. The hope which had so long sustained me seemed + about to desert me altogether; when I saw him on whom we all depended for + subsistence, and whose kindly voice ever cheered us under the pressure of + calamity, smitten down helpless, all my courage and faith in the goodness + of the Divine Father seemed to forsake me, and I wept long and bitterly. + </p> + <p> + The next morning I went in search of a messenger to send to Peterborough + for the doctor; but though I found and sent the messenger, the doctor + never came. Perhaps he did not like to incur the expense of a fatiguing + journey with small chance of obtaining a sufficient remuneration. + </p> + <p> + Our dear sufferer contrived, with assistance, to bandage his leg; and + after the first week of rest had expired, he amused himself with making a + pair of crutches, and in manufacturing Indian paddles for the canoe, + axe-handles, and yokes for the oxen. It was wonderful with what serenity + he bore this unexpected affliction. + </p> + <p> + Buried in the obscurity of those woods, we knew nothing, heard nothing of + the political state of the country, and were little aware of the + revolution which was about to work a great change for us and for Canada. + </p> + <p> + The weather continued remarkably mild. The first great snow, which for + years had ordinarily fallen between the 10th and 15th of November, still + kept off. November passed on, and as all our firewood had to be chopped by + old Jenny during the lameness of my husband, I was truly grateful to God + for the continued mildness of the weather. + </p> + <p> + On the 4th of December—that great day of the outbreak—Moodie + was determined to take advantage of the open state of the lake to carry a + large grist up to Y——'s mill. I urged upon him the danger of a + man attempting to manage a canoe in rapid water, who was unable to stand + without crutches; but Moodie saw that the children would need bread, and + he was anxious to make the experiment. + </p> + <p> + Finding that I could not induce him to give up the journey, I determined + to go with him. Old Wittals, who happened to come down that morning, + assisted in placing the bags of wheat in the little vessel, and helped to + place Moodie at the stern. With a sad, foreboding spirit I assisted to + push off from the shore. + </p> + <p> + The air was raw and cold, but our sail was not without its pleasure. + </p> + <p> + The lake was very full from the heavy rains, and the canoe bounded over + the waves with a free, springy motion. A slight frost had hung every + little bush and spray along the shores with sparkling crystals. The red + pigeon-berries, shining through their coating of ice, looked like + cornelian beads set in silver, and strung from bush to bush. We found the + rapids at the entrance of Bessikakoon Lake very hard to stem, and were so + often carried back by the force of the water, that, cold as the air was, + the great exertion which Moodie had to make use of to obtain the desired + object brought the perspiration out in big drops upon his forehead. His + long confinement to the house and low diet had rendered him very weak. + </p> + <p> + The old miller received us in the most hearty and hospitable manner; and + complimented me upon my courage in venturing upon the water in such cold, + rough weather. Norah was married, but the kind Betty provided us an + excellent dinner, while we waited for the grist to be ground. + </p> + <p> + It was near four o'clock when we started on our return. If there had been + danger in going up the stream, there was more in coming down. The wind had + changed, the air was frosty, keen, and biting, and Moodie's paddle came up + from every dip into the water loaded with ice. For my part, I had only to + sit still at the bottom of the canoe, as we floated rapidly down with wind + and tide. At the landing we were met by old Jenny, who had a long story to + tell us, of which we could make neither head nor tail—how some + gentleman had called during our absence, and left a large paper, all about + the Queen and the Yankees; that there was war between Canada and the + States; that Toronto had been burnt, and the governor killed, and I know + not what other strange and monstrous statements. After much fatigue, + Moodie climbed the hill, and we were once more safe by our own fireside. + Here we found the elucidation of Jenny's marvelous tales: a copy of the + Queen's proclamation, calling upon all loyal gentlemen to join in putting + down the unnatural rebellion. + </p> + <p> + A letter from my sister explained the nature of the outbreak, and the + astonishment with which the news had been received by all the settlers in + the bush. My brother and my sister's husband had already gone off to join + some of the numerous bands of gentlemen who were collecting from all + quarters to march to the aid of Toronto, which it was said was besieged by + the rebel force. She advised me not to suffer Moodie to leave home in his + present weak state; but the spirit of my husband was aroused, he instantly + obeyed what he considered the imperative call of duty, and told me to + prepare him a few necessaries, that he might be ready to start early in + the morning. + </p> + <p> + Little sleep visited our eyes that night. We talked over the strange news + for hours; our coming separation, and the probability that if things were + as bad as they appeared to be, we might never meet again. Our affairs were + in such a desperate condition that Moodie anticipated that any change must + be for the better; it was impossible for them to be worse. But the poor, + anxious wife thought only of a parting which to her put a finishing stroke + to all her misfortunes. + </p> + <p> + Before the cold, snowy morning broke, we were all stirring. The children, + who had learned that their father was preparing to leave them, were crying + and clinging round his knees. His heart was too deeply affected to eat; + the meal passed over in silence, and he rose to go. I put on my hat and + shawl to accompany him through the wood as far as my sister Mrs. T——'s. + The day was like our destiny, cold, dark, and lowering. I gave the dear + invalid his crutches, and we commenced our sorrowful walk. Then old + Jenny's lamentations burst forth, as, flinging her arms round my husband's + neck, she kissed and blessed him after the fashion of her country. + </p> + <p> + “Och hone! Och hone!” she cried, wringing her hands, “masther dear, why + will you lave the wife and the childher? The poor crathur is breakin' her + heart intirely at partin' wid you. Shure an' the war is nothin' to you, + that you must be goin' into danger; an' you wid a broken leg. Och hone! + Och hone! Come back to your home—you will be kilt, and thin what + will become of the wife and the wee bairns?” + </p> + <p> + Her cries and lamentations followed us into the wood. At my sister's, + Moodie and I parted; and with a heavy heart I retraced my steps through + the wood. For once, I forgot all my fears. I never felt the cold. Sad + tears were flowing over my cheeks; when I entered the house, hope seemed + to have deserted me, and for upwards of an hour I lay upon the bed and + wept. + </p> + <p> + Poor Jenny did her best to comfort me, but all joy had vanished with him + who was my light of life. + </p> + <p> + Left in the most absolute uncertainty as to the real state of public + affairs, I could only conjecture what might be the result of this sudden + outbreak. Several poor settlers called at the house during the day, on + their way down to Peterborough, but they brought with them the most + exaggerated accounts. There had been a battle, they said, with the rebels, + and the loyalists had been defeated; Toronto was besieged by sixty + thousand men, and all the men in the backwoods were ordered to march + instantly to the relief of the city. + </p> + <p> + In the evening, I received a note from Emilia, who was at Peterborough, in + which she informed me that my husband had borrowed a horse of Mr. S——, + and had joined a large party of two hundred volunteers, who had left that + morning for Toronto; that there had been a battle with the insurgents; + that Colonel Moodie had been killed, and the rebels had retreated; and + that she hoped my husband would return in a few days. + </p> + <p> + The honest backwoodsman, perfectly ignorant of the abuses that had led to + the present position of things, regarded the rebels as a set of monsters, + for whom no punishment was too severe, and obeyed the call to arms with + enthusiasm. The leader of the insurgents must have been astonished at the + rapidity with which a large force was collected, as if by magic, to repel + his designs. A great number of these volunteers were half-pay officers, + many of whom had fought in the continental wars with the armies of + Napoleon, and would have been found a host in themselves. I must own that + my British spirit was fairly aroused, and as I could not aid in subduing + the enemies of my beloved country with my arm, I did what little I could + to serve the good cause with my pen. It may probably amuse my readers, to + give them a few specimens of these loyal staves, which were widely + circulated through the colony at the time. + </p> + <h3> + AN ADDRESS TO THE FREEMEN OF CANADA + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Canadians! will you join the band— + The factious band—who dare oppose + The regal power of that bless'd land + From whence your boasted freedom flows? + Brave children of a noble race, + Guard well the altar and the hearth; + And never by your deeds disgrace + The British sires who gave you birth. + + What though your bones may never lie + Beneath dear Albion's hallow'd sod, + Spurn the base wretch who dare defy, + In arms, his country and his God! + Whose callous bosom cannot feel + That he who acts a traitor's part, + Remorselessly uplifts the steel + To plunge it in a parent's heart. + + Canadians! will you see the flag, + Beneath whose folds your fathers bled, + Supplanted by the vilest rag(1) + That ever host to rapine led? + Thou emblem of a tyrant's sway, + Thy triple hues are dyed in gore; + Like his, thy power has pass'd away— + Like his, thy short-lived triumph's o'er. + + Ay! Let the trampled despot's fate + Forewarn the rash, misguided band + To sue for mercy, ere too late, + Nor scatter ruin o'er the land. + The baffled traitor, doomed to bear + A people's hate, his colleagues' scorn, + Defeated by his own despair, + Will curse the hour that he was born! + + By all the blood for Britain shed + On many a glorious battle-field, + To the free winds her standard spread, + Nor to these base insurgents yield. + With loyal bosoms beating high, + In your good cause securely trust; + “God and Victoria!” be your cry, + And crush the traitors to the dust. +</pre> + <p> + (1) The tri-coloured flag assumed by the rebels. + </p> + <p> + This outpouring of a national enthusiasm, which I found it impossible to + restrain, was followed by + </p> + <h3> + THE OATH OF THE CANADIAN VOLUNTEERS + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Huzza for England!—May she claim + Our fond devotion ever; + And, by the glory of her name, + Our brave forefathers' honest fame, + We swear—no foe shall sever + Her children from their parent's side; + Though parted by the wave, + In weal or woe, whate'er betide, + We swear to die, or save + Her honour from the rebel band + Whose crimes pollute our injured land! + + Let the foe come—we will not shrink + To meet them if they dare; + Well must they fight, ere rashly think + To rend apart one sacred link + That binds our country fair + To that dear isle, from whence we sprung; + Which gave our fathers birth; + Whose glorious deeds her bards have sung; + The unrivall'd of the earth. + The highest privilege we claim, + To own her sway—to bear her name. + + Then, courage, loyal volunteers! + God will defend the right; + That thought will banish slavish fears, + That blessed consciousness still cheers + The soldier in the fight. + The stars for us shall never burn, + The stripes may frighten slaves, + The Briton's eye will proudly turn + Where Britain's standard waves. + Beneath its folds, if Heaven requires, + We'll die, as died of old our sires! +</pre> + <p> + In a week, Moodie returned. So many volunteers had poured into Toronto + that the number of friends was likely to prove as disastrous as that of + enemies, on account of the want of supplies to maintain them all. The + companies from the back townships had been remanded, and I received with + delight my own again. But this re-union did not last long. Several + regiments of militia were formed to defend the colony, and to my husband + was given the rank of captain in one of those then stationed in Toronto. + </p> + <p> + On the 20th of January, 1838, he bade us a long adieu. I was left with old + Jenny and the children to take care of the farm. It was a sad, dull time. + I could bear up against all trials with him to comfort and cheer me, but + his long-continued absence cast a gloom upon my spirit not easily to be + shaken off. Still his very appointment to this situation was a signal act + of mercy. From his full pay, he was enabled to liquidate many pressing + debts, and to send home from time to time sums of money to procure + necessaries for me and the little ones. These remittances were greatly + wanted; but I demurred before laying them out for comforts which we had + been so long used to dispense with. It seemed almost criminal to purchase + any article of luxury, such as tea or sugar, while a debt remained unpaid. + </p> + <p> + The Y——y's were very pressing for the thirty pounds that we + owed them for the clearing; but they had such a firm reliance upon the + honour of my husband, that, poor and pressed for money as they were, they + never sued us. I thought it would be a pleasing surprise to Moodie, if, + with the sums of money which I occasionally received from him, I could + diminish this debt, which had always given him the greatest uneasiness; + and, my resolution once formed, I would not allow any temptation to shake + it. + </p> + <p> + The money was always transmitted to Dummer. I only reserved the sum of two + dollars a month, to pay a little lad to chop wood for us. After a time, I + began to think the Y——y's were gifted with secondsight; for I + never received a money-letter, but the very next day I was sure to see + some of the family. + </p> + <p> + Just at this period I received a letter from a gentleman, requesting me to + write for a magazine (the Literary Garland) just started in Montreal, with + promise to remunerate me for my labours. Such an application was like a + gleam of light springing up in the darkness; it seemed to promise the + dawning of a brighter day. I had never been able to turn my thoughts + towards literature during my sojourn in the bush. When the body is + fatigued with labour, unwonted and beyond its strength, the mind is in no + condition for mental occupation. + </p> + <p> + The year before, I had been requested by an American author, of great + merit, to contribute to the North American Review, published for several + years in Philadelphia; and he promised to remunerate me in proportion to + the success of the work. I had contrived to write several articles after + the children were asleep, though the expense even of the stationery and + the postage of the manuscripts was severely felt by one so destitute of + means; but the hope of being of the least service to those dear to me + cheered me to the task. I never realised anything from that source; but I + believe it was not the fault of the editor. Several other American editors + had written to me to furnish them with articles; but I was unable to pay + the postage of heavy packets to the States, and they could not reach their + destination without being paid to the frontier. Thus, all chance of making + anything in that way had been abandoned. I wrote to Mr. L——, + and frankly informed him how I was situated. In the most liberal manner, + he offered to pay the postage on all manuscripts to his office, and left + me to name my own terms of remuneration. This opened up a new era in my + existence; and for many years I have found in this generous man, to whom I + am still personally unknown, a steady friend. I actually shed tears of joy + over the first twenty-dollar bill I received from Montreal. It was my own; + I had earned it with my own hand; and it seemed to my delighted fancy to + form the nucleus out of which a future independence for my family might + arise. I no longer retired to bed when the labours of the day were over. I + sat up, and wrote by the light of a strange sort of candles, that Jenny + called “sluts,” and which the old woman manufactured out of pieces of old + rags, twisted together and dipped in pork lard, and stuck in a bottle. + They did not give a bad light, but it took a great many of them to last me + for a few hours. + </p> + <p> + The faithful old creature regarded my writings with a jealous eye. “An', + shure, it's killin' yerself that you are intirely. You were thin enough + before you took to the pen; scribblin' an' scrabblin' when you should be + in bed an' asleep. What good will it be to the childhren, dear heart! If + you die afore your time, by wastin' your strength afther that fashion?” + </p> + <p> + Jenny never could conceive the use of books. “Sure, we can live and die + widout them. It's only a waste of time botherin' your brains wid the like + of them; but, thanks goodness! the lard will soon be all done, an' thin we + shall hear you spakin' again, instead of sittin' there doubled up all + night, desthroying your eyes wid porin' over the dirthy writin'.” + </p> + <p> + As the sugar-making season drew near, Jenny conceived the bold thought of + making a good lump of sugar, that the “childher” might have something to + “ate” with their bread during the summer. We had no sugar-kettle, but a + neighbour promised to lend us his, and to give us twenty-eight troughs, on + condition that we gave him half the sugar we made. These terms were rather + hard, but Jenny was so anxious to fulfil the darling object that we + consented. Little Sol. and the old woman made some fifty troughs more, the + trees were duly tapped, a shanty in the bush was erected of small logs and + brush and covered in at the top with straw; and the old woman and Solomon, + the hired boy, commenced operations. + </p> + <p> + The very first day, a terrible accident happened to us; a large log fell + upon the sugar-kettle—the borrowed sugar-kettle—and cracked + it, spilling all the sap, and rendering the vessel, which had cost four + dollars, useless. We were all in dismay. Just at that time Old Wittals + happened to pass, on his way to Peterborough. He very good-naturedly + offered to get the kettle repaired for us; which, he said, could be easily + done by a rivet and an iron hoop. But where was the money to come from? I + thought awhile. Katie had a magnificent coral and bells, the gift of her + godfather; I asked the dear child if she would give it to buy another + kettle for Mr. T——. She said, “I would give ten times as much + to help mamma.” + </p> + <p> + I wrote a little note to Emilia, who was still at her father's; and Mr. W——, + the storekeeper, sent us a fine sugar-kettle back by Wittals, and also the + other mended, in exchange for the useless piece of finery. We had now two + kettles at work, to the joy of Jenny, who declared that it was a lucky + fairy who had broken the old kettle. + </p> + <p> + While Jenny was engaged in boiling and gathering the sap in the bush, I + sugared off the syrup in the house; an operation watched by the children + with intense interest. After standing all day over the hot stove-fire, it + was quite a refreshment to breathe the pure air at night. Every evening I + ran up to see Jenny in the bush, singing and boiling down the sap in the + front of her little shanty. The old woman was in her element, and afraid + of nothing under the stars; she slept beside her kettles at night, and + snapped her fingers at the idea of the least danger. She was sometimes + rather despotic in her treatment of her attendant, Sol. One morning, in + particular, she bestowed upon the lad a severe cuffing. + </p> + <p> + I ran up the clearing to the rescue, when my ears were assailed by the + “boo-hooing” of the boy. + </p> + <p> + “What has happened? Why do you beat the child, Jenny?” + </p> + <p> + “It's jist, thin, I that will bate him—the unlucky omadhawn! Has not + he spilt and spiled two buckets of syrup, that I have been the live-long + night bilin'. Sorra wid him; I'd like to strip the skin off him, I would! + Musha! but 'tis enough to vex a saint.” + </p> + <p> + “Ah, Jenny!” blubbered the poor boy, “but you have no mercy. You forget + that I have but one eye, and that I could not see the root which caught my + foot and threw me down.” + </p> + <p> + “Faix! an' 'tis a pity that you have the one eye, when you don't know how + to make a betther use of it,” muttered the angry dame, as she picked up + the pails, and, pushing him on before her, beat a retreat into the bush. + </p> + <p> + I was heartily sick of the sugar-making, long before the season was over; + however, we were well paid for our trouble. Besides one hundred and twelve + pounds of fine soft sugar, as good as Muscovado, we had six gallons of + molasses, and a keg containing six gallons of excellent vinegar. + </p> + <p> + Fifty pounds went to Mr. T——, for the use of his kettle; and + the rest (with the exception of a cake for Emilia, which I had drained in + a wet flannel bag until it was almost as white as loaf sugar), we kept for + our own use. There was no lack, this year, of nice preserves and pickled + cucumbers, dainties found in every native Canadian establishment. + </p> + <p> + Besides gaining a little money with my pen, I practised a method of + painting birds and butterflies upon the white, velvety surface of the + large fungi that grow plentifully upon the bark of the sugar-maple. These + had an attractive appearance; and my brother, who was a captain in one of + the provisional regiments, sold a great many of them among the officers, + without saying by whom they were painted. One rich lady in Peterborough, + long since dead, ordered two dozen to send as curiosities to England. + These, at one shilling each, enabled me to buy shoes for the children, + who, during our bad times, had been forced to dispense with these + necessary coverings. How often, during the winter season, have I wept over + their little chapped feet, literally washing them with my tears! But these + days were to end; Providence was doing great things for us; and Hope + raised at last her drooping head to regard with a brighter glance the + far-off future. + </p> + <p> + Slowly the winter rolled away; but he to whom every thought turned was + still distant from his humble home. The receipt of an occasional letter + from him was my only solace during his long absence, and we were still too + poor to indulge often in this luxury. My poor Katie was as anxious as her + mother to hear from her father; and when I did get the long-looked-for + prize, she would kneel down before me, her little elbows resting on my + knees, her head thrown back, and tears trickling down her innocent cheeks, + eagerly drinking in every word. + </p> + <p> + The spring brought us plenty of work; we had potatoes and corn to plant, + and the garden to cultivate. By lending my oxen for two days' work, I got + Wittals, who had no oxen, to drag me in a few acres of oats, and to + prepare the land for potatoes and corn. The former I dropped into the + earth, while Jenny covered them up with the hoe. + </p> + <p> + Our garden was well dug and plentifully manured, the old woman bringing + the manure, which had lain for several years at the barn door, down to the + plot, in a large Indian basket placed upon a hand-sleigh. We had soon + every sort of vegetable sown, with plenty of melons and cucumbers, and all + our beds promised a good return. There were large flights of ducks upon + the lake every night and morning; but though we had guns, we did not know + how to use them. However, I thought of a plan, which I flattered myself + might prove successful; I got Sol to plant two stakes in the shallow + water, near the rice beds, and to these I attached a slender rope made by + braiding long strips of the inner bark of the basswood together; to these + again I fastened, at regular intervals, about a quarter of a yard of + whipcord, headed by a strong perch-hook. These hooks I baited with fish + offal, leaving them to float just under the water. Early next morning, I + saw a fine black duck fluttering upon the line. The boy ran down with the + paddles, but before he could reach the spot, the captive got away by + carrying the hook and line with him. At the next stake he found upon the + hooks a large eel and a cat-fish. + </p> + <p> + I had never before seen one of those whiskered, toad-like natives of the + Canadian waters (so common to the Bay of Quinte, where they grow to a + great size), that I was really terrified at the sight of the hideous + beast, and told Sol to throw it away. In this I was very foolish, for they + are esteemed good eating in many parts of Canada; but to me, the sight of + the reptile-like thing is enough—it is uglier, and far more + disgusting-looking than a toad. + </p> + <p> + When the trees came into leaf, and the meadows were green and flushed with + flowers, the poor children used to talk constantly to me of their father's + return; their innocent prattle made me very sad. Every evening we walked + into the wood, along the path that he must come whenever he did return + home, to meet him, and though it was a vain hope, and the walk was taken + just to amuse the little ones, I used to be silly enough to feel deeply + disappointed when we returned alone. Donald, who was a mere baby when his + father left us, could just begin to put words together. “Who is papa?” + “When will he come?” “Will he come by the road?” “Will he come in a + canoe?” The little creature's curiosity to see this unknown father was + really amusing; and oh! how I longed to present the little fellow, with + his rosy cheeks and curling hair, to his father; he was so fair, so + altogether charming in my eyes. Emilia had called him Cedric the Saxon; + and he well suited the name, with his frank, honest disposition, and + large, loving blue eyes. + </p> + <p> + June had commenced; the weather was very warm, and Mr. T—— had + sent for the loan of old Jenny to help him for a day with his potatoes. I + had just prepared dinner when the old woman came shrieking like a mad + thing down the clearing, and waving her hands towards me. I could not + imagine what had happened. + </p> + <p> + “Ninny's mad!” whispered Dunbar; “she's the old girl for making a noise.” + </p> + <p> + “Joy! Joy!” bawled out the old woman, now running breathlessly toward us. + “The masther's come—the masther's come!” + </p> + <p> + “Where?—where?” + </p> + <p> + “Jist above in the wood. Goodness gracious! I have run to let you know—so + fast—that my heart—is like to—break.” + </p> + <p> + Without stopping to comfort poor Jenny, off started the children and + myself, at the very top of our speed; but I soon found that I could not + run—I was too much agitated. I got to the head of the bush, and sat + down upon a fallen tree. The children sprang forward like wild kids, all + but Donald, who remained with his old nurse. I covered my face with my + hands; my heart, too, was beating audibly; and now that he was come, and + was so near me, I scarcely could command strength to meet him. The sound + of happy young voices roused me up; the children were leading him along in + triumph; and he was bending down to them, all smiles, but hot and tired + with his long journey. It was almost worth our separation, that blissful + meeting. In a few minutes he was at home, and the children upon his knees. + Katie stood silently holding his hand, but Addie and Dunbar had a thousand + things to tell him. Donald was frightened at his military dress, but he + peeped at him from behind my gown, until I caught and placed him in his + father's arms. + </p> + <p> + His leave of absence only extended to a fortnight. It had taken him three + days to come all the way from Lake Erie, where his regiment was stationed, + at Point Abino; and the same time would be consumed in his return. He + could only remain with us eight days. How soon they fled away! How bitter + was the thought of parting with him again! He had brought money to pay the + Y——y's. How surprised he was to find their large debt more + than half liquidated. How gently did he chide me for depriving myself and + the children of the little comforts he had designed for us, in order to + make this sacrifice. But never was self-denial more fully rewarded; I felt + happy in having contributed in the least to pay a just debt to kind and + worthy people. You must become poor yourself before you can fully + appreciate the good qualities of the poor—before you can sympathise + with them, and fully recognise them as your brethren in the flesh. Their + benevolence to each other, exercised amidst want and privation, as far + surpasses the munificence of the rich towards them, as the exalted + philanthropy of Christ and his disciples does the Christianity of the + present day. The rich man gives from his abundance; the poor man shares + with a distressed comrade his all. + </p> + <p> + One short, happy week too soon fled away, and we were once more alone. In + the fall, my husband expected the regiment in which he held his commission + would be reduced, which would again plunge us into the same distressing + poverty. Often of a night I revolved these things in my mind, and + perplexed myself with conjectures as to what in future was to become of + us. Although he had saved all he could from his pay, it was impossible to + pay several hundreds of pounds of debt; and the steam-boat stock still + continued a dead letter. To remain much longer in the woods was + impossible, for the returns from the farm scarcely fed us; and but for the + clothing sent us by friends from home, who were not aware of our real + difficulties, we should have been badly off indeed. + </p> + <p> + I pondered over every plan that thought could devise; at last, I prayed to + the Almighty to direct me as to what would be the best course for us to + pursue. A sweet assurance stole over me, and soothed my spirit, that God + would provide for us, as He had hitherto done—that a great deal of + our distress arose from want of faith. I was just sinking into a calm + sleep when the thought seemed whispered into my soul, “Write to the + Governor; tell him candidly all you have suffered during your sojourn in + this country; and trust to God for the rest.” + </p> + <p> + At first I paid little heed to this suggestion; but it became so + importunate that at last I determined to act upon it as if it were a + message sent from heaven. I rose from my bed, struck a light, sat down, + and wrote a letter to the Lieutenant-Governor, Sir George Arthur, a simple + statement of facts, leaving it to his benevolence to pardon the liberty I + had taken in addressing him. + </p> + <p> + I asked of him to continue my husband in the militia service, in the same + regiment in which he now held the rank of captain, which, by enabling him + to pay our debts, would rescue us from our present misery. Of the + political character of Sir George Arthur I knew nothing. I addressed him + as a man and a Christian, and I acknowledge, with the deepest and most + heartfelt gratitude, the generous kindness of his conduct towards us. + </p> + <p> + Before the day dawned, my letter was ready for the post. The first secret + I ever had from my husband was the writing of that letter; and, proud and + sensitive as he was, and averse to asking the least favour of the great, I + was dreadfully afraid that the act I had just done would be displeasing to + him; still, I felt resolutely determined to send it. After giving the + children their breakfast, I walked down and read it to my brother-in-law, + who was not only much pleased with its contents, but took it down himself + to the post-office. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after, I received a letter from my husband, informing me that the + regiment had been reduced, and that he should be home in time to get in + the harvest. Most anxiously I awaited a reply to my application to the + Governor; but no reply came. + </p> + <p> + The first week in August our dear Moodie came home, and brought with him, + to our no small joy, J. E——, who had just returned from + Ireland. E—— had been disappointed about the money, which was + subject to litigation; and, tired of waiting at home until the tedious + process of the law should terminate, he had come back to the woods, and, + before night, was reinstated in his old quarters. + </p> + <p> + His presence made Jenny all alive; she dared him at once to a trial of + skill with her in the wheat-field, which E—— prudently + declined. He did not expect to stay longer in Canada than the fall, but, + whilst he did stay, he was to consider our house his home. + </p> + <p> + That harvest was the happiest we ever spent in the bush. We had enough of + the common necessaries of life. A spirit of peace and harmony pervaded our + little dwelling, for the most affectionate attachment existed among its + members. We were not troubled with servants, for the good old Jenny we + regarded as an humble friend, and were freed, by that circumstance, from + many of the cares and vexations of a bush life. Our evening excursions on + the lake were doubly enjoyed after the labours of the day, and night + brought us calm and healthful repose. + </p> + <p> + The political struggles that convulsed the country were scarcely echoed in + the depths of those old primeval forests, though the expulsion of + Mackenzie from Navy Island, and the burning of the Caroline by Captain + Drew, had been discussed on the farthest borders of civilisation. With a + tribute to the gallant conduct of that brave officer, I will close this + chapter:— + </p> + <h3> + THE BURNING OF THE CAROLINE + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + A sound is on the midnight deep— + The voice of waters vast; + And onward, with resistless sweep, + The torrent rushes past, + In frantic chase, wave after wave, + The crowding surges press, and rave + Their mingled might to cast + Adown Niagara's giant steep; + The fretted billows foaming leap + With wild tumultuous roar; + The clashing din ascends on high, + In deaf'ning thunders to the sky, + And shakes the rocky shore. + + Hark! what strange sounds arise— + 'Tis not stern Nature's voice— + In mingled chorus to the skies! + The waters in their depths rejoice. + Hark! on the midnight air + A frantic cry uprose; + The yell of fierce despair, + The shout of mortal foes; + And mark yon sudden glare, + Whose red, portentous gleam + Flashes on rock and stream + With strange, unearthly light; + What passing meteor's beam + Lays bare the brow of night? + + From yonder murky shore + What demon vessel glides, + Stemming the unstemm'd tides, + Where maddening breakers roar + In hostile surges round her path, + Or hiss, recoiling from her prow, + That reeling, staggers to their wrath; + While distant shores return the glow + That brightens from her burning frame, + And all above—around—below— + Is wrapt in ruddy flame? + + Sail on!—sail on!—No mortal hand + Directs that vessel's blazing course; + The vengeance of an injured land + Impels her with resistless force + 'Midst breaking wave and fiery gleam, + O'er-canopied with clouds of smoke; + Midway she stems the raging stream, + And feels the rapids' thundering stroke; + Now buried deep, now whirl'd on high, + She struggles with her awful doom,— + With frantic speed now hurries by + To find a watery tomb. + + Lo, poised upon the topmost surge, + She shudders o'er the dark abyss; + The foaming waters round her hiss + And hoarse waves ring her funeral dirge; + The chafing billows round her close; + But ere her burning planks are riven, + Shoots up one ruddy spout of fire,— + Her last farewell to earth and heaven. + Down, down to endless night she goes! + So may the traitor's hope expire, + So perish all our country's foes! + + Destruction's blazing star + Has vanish'd from our sight; + The thunderbolt of war + Is quench'd in endless night; + Nor sight, nor sound of fear + Startles the listening ear; + Naught but the torrent's roar, + The dull, deep, heavy sound, + From out the dark profound, + Echoes from shore to shore. + Where late the cry of blood + Rang on the midnight air, + The mournful lapsing of the flood, + The wild winds in the lonely wood, + Claim sole dominion there. + + To thee, high-hearted Drew! + And thy victorious band + Of heroes tried and true + A nation's thanks are due. + Defender of an injured land! + Well hast thou taught the dastard foe + That British honour never yields + To democratic influence, low, + The glory of a thousand fields. + + Justice to traitors, long delay'd, + This night was boldly dealt by thee; + The debt of vengeance thou hast paid, + And may the deed immortal be. + Thy outraged country shall bestow + A lasting monument of fame, + The highest meed of praise below— + A British patriot's deathless name! +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0024" id="link2HCH0024"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXIV — THE WHIRLWIND + </h2> + <p> + (For the poem that heads this chapter, I am indebted to my brother, Mr. + Strickland, of Douro, C.W.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Dark, heavy clouds were gathering in the west, + Wrapping the forest in funereal gloom; + Onward they roll'd, and rear'd each livid crest, + Like Death's murk shadows frowning o'er earth's tomb. + From out the inky womb of that deep night + Burst livid flashes of electric flame. + Whirling and circling with terrific might, + In wild confusion on the tempest came. + Nature, awakening from her still repose, + Shudders responsive to the whirlwind's shock, + Feels at her mighty heart convulsive throes, + And all her groaning forests to earth's bosom rock. + + But hark!—What means that hollow, rushing sound, + That breaks the death-like stillness of the morn? + Red forked lightnings fiercely glare around, + Sharp, crashing thunders on the winds are borne, + And see yon spiral column, black as night, + Rearing triumphantly its wreathing form; + Ruin's abroad, and through the murky light— + Drear desolation marks the spirit of the storm. +</pre> + <h3> + S.S. + </h3> + <p> + The 19th of August came, and our little harvest was all safely housed. + Business called Moodie away for a few days to Cobourg. Jenny had gone to + Dummer, to visit her friends, and J. E—— had taken a grist of + the new wheat, which he and Moodie had threshed the day before, to the + mill. I was consequently left alone with the children, and had a double + portion of work to do. During their absence it was my lot to witness the + most awful storm I ever beheld, and a vivid recollection of its terrors + was permanently fixed upon my memory. + </p> + <p> + The weather had been intensely hot during the three preceding days, + although the sun was entirely obscured by a blueish haze, which seemed to + render the unusual heat of the atmosphere more oppressive. Not a breath of + air stirred the vast forest, and the waters of the lake assumed a leaden + hue. After passing a sleepless night, I arose, a little after day-break, + to superintend my domestic affairs. E—— took his breakfast, + and went off to the mill, hoping that the rain would keep off until after + his return. + </p> + <p> + “It is no joke,” he said, “being upon these lakes in a small canoe, + heavily laden, in a storm.” + </p> + <p> + Before the sun rose, the heavens were covered with hard-looking clouds, of + a deep blue and black cast, fading away to white at their edges, and in + the form resembling the long, rolling waves of a heavy sea—but with + this difference, that the clouds were perfectly motionless, piled in long + curved lines, one above the other, and so remained until four o'clock in + the afternoon. The appearance of these clouds, as the sun rose above the + horizon, was the most splendid that can be imagined, tinged up to the + zenith with every shade of saffron, gold, rose-colour, scarlet, and + crimson, fading away into the deepest violet. Never did the storm-fiend + shake in the face of a day a more gorgeous banner; and, pressed as I was + for time, I stood gazing like one entranced upon the magnificent pageant. + </p> + <p> + As the day advanced, the same blue haze obscured the sun, which frowned + redly through his misty veil. At ten o'clock the heat was suffocating, and + I extinguished the fire in the cooking-stove, determined to make our meals + upon bread and milk, rather than add to the oppressive heat. The + thermometer in the shade ranged from ninety-six to ninety-eight degrees, + and I gave over my work and retired with the little ones to the coolest + part of the house. The young creatures stretched themselves upon the + floor, unable to jump about or play; the dog lay panting in the shade; the + fowls half-buried themselves in the dust, with open beaks and outstretched + wings; all nature seemed to droop beneath the scorching heat. + </p> + <p> + Unfortunately for me, a gentlemen arrived about one o'clock from Kingston, + to transact some business with my husband. He had not tasted food since + six o'clock, and I was obliged to kindle the fire to prepare his dinner. + It was one of the hardest tasks I ever performed; I almost fainted with + the heat, and most inhospitably rejoiced when his dinner was over, and I + saw him depart. Shortly after, my friend Mrs. C—— and her + brother called in, on their way from Peterborough. + </p> + <p> + “How do you bear the heat?” asked Mrs. C——. “This is one of + the hottest days I ever remember to have experienced in this part of the + province. I am afraid that it will end in a hurricane, or what the Lower + Canadians term 'l'orage.'” + </p> + <p> + About four o'clock they rose to go. I urged them to stay longer. “No,” + said Mrs. C——, “the sooner we get home the better. I think we + can reach it before the storm breaks.” + </p> + <p> + I took Donald in my arms, and my eldest boy by the hand, and walked with + them to the brow of the hill, thinking that the air would be cooler in the + shade. In this I was mistaken. The clouds over our heads hung so low, and + the heat was so great, that I was soon glad to retrace my steps. + </p> + <p> + The moment I turned round to face the lake, I was surprised at the change + that had taken place in the appearance of the heavens. The clouds, that + had before lain so motionless, were now in rapid motion, hurrying and + chasing each other round the horizon. It was a strangely awful sight. + Before I felt a breath of the mighty blast that had already burst on the + other side of the lake, branches of trees, leaves, and clouds of dust were + whirled across the lake, whose waters rose in long sharp furrows, fringed + with foam, as if moved in their depths by some unseen but powerful agent. + </p> + <p> + Panting with terror, I just reached the door of the house as the hurricane + swept up the hill, crushing and overturning everything in its course. + Spell-bound, I stood at the open door, with clasped hands, unable to + speak, rendered dumb and motionless by the terrible grandeur of the scene; + while little Donald, who could not utter many intelligible words, crept to + my feet, appealing to me for protection, while his rosy cheeks paled even + to marble whiteness. The hurrying clouds gave to the heavens the + appearance of a pointed dome, round which the lightning played in broad + ribbons of fire. The roaring of the thunder, the rushing of the blast, the + impetuous down-pouring of the rain, and the crash of falling trees were + perfectly deafening; and in the midst of this uproar of the elements, old + Jenny burst in, drenched with wet, and half-dead with fear. + </p> + <p> + “The Lord preserve us!” she cried, “this surely is the day of judgment. + Fifty trees fell across my very path, between this an' the creek. Mrs. C—— + just reached her brother's clearing a few minutes before a great oak fell + on her very path. What thunther!—what lightning! Misthress, dear!—it's + turn'd so dark, I can only jist see yer face.” + </p> + <p> + Glad enough was I of her presence; for to be alone in the heart of a great + forest, in a log hut, on such a night, was not a pleasing prospect. People + gain courage by companionship, and in order to re-assure each other, + struggle to conceal their fears. + </p> + <p> + “And where is Mr. E——?” + </p> + <p> + “I hope not on the lake. He went early this morning to get the wheat + ground at the mill.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, the crathur! He's surely drowned. What boat could stan' such a + scrimmage as this?” + </p> + <p> + I had my fears for poor John; but as the chance that he had to wait at the + mill till others were served was more than probable, I tried to still my + apprehensions for his safety. + </p> + <p> + The storm soon passed over, after having levelled several acres of wood + near the house and smitten down in its progress two gigantic pines in the + clearing, which must have withstood the force of a thousand winters. + Talking over the effects of this whirlwind with my brother, he kindly sent + me the following very graphic description of a whirlwind which passed the + town of Guelph in the summer of 1829. + </p> + <p> + (Written by Mr. Strickland, of Douro.) “In my hunting excursions and + rambles through the Upper Canadian forests, I had frequently met with + extensive wind-falls; and observed with some surprise that the fallen + trees lay strewn in a succession of circles, and evidently appeared to + have been twisted off the stumps. I also remarked that these wind-falls + were generally narrow, and had the appearance of a road, slashed through + the forest. From observations made at the time, and since confirmed, I + have no doubt that Colonel Reid's theory of storms is the correct one, + viz., that all wind-storms move in a circular direction, and the nearer + the centre the more violent the force of the wind. Having seen the effects + of several similar hurricanes since my residence in Canada West, I shall + proceed to describe one which happened in the township of Guelph during + the early part of the summer of 1829. + </p> + <p> + “The weather, for the season of the year (May), had been hot and sultry, + with scarcely a breath of wind stirring. I had heard distant thunder from + an early hour in the morning, which, from the eastward, is rather an + unusual occurrence. About 10 A.M., the sky had a most singular, and I must + add a most awful appearance, presenting to the view a vast arch of rolling + blackness, which seemed to gather strength and density as it approached + the zenith. All at once the clouds began to work round in circles, as if + chasing one another through the air. Suddenly the dark arch of clouds + appeared to break up into detached masses, whirling and mixing through + each other in dreadful commotion. The forked lightning was incessant, + accompanied by heavy thunder. In a short time, the clouds seemed to + converge to a point, which approached very near the earth, still whirling + with great rapidity directly under this point; and apparently from the + midst of the woods arose a black column, in the shape of a cone, which + instantly joined itself to the depending cloud. The sight was now grand, + and awful in the extreme. Picture to your imagination a vast column of + smoke, of inky blackness, reaching from the earth to heaven, gyrating with + fearful velocity—bright lightnings issuing from the vortex—the + roar of the thunder—the rushing of the blast—the crash of + timber—the limbs of trees, leaves and rubbish, mingled with clouds + of dust, whirling through the air;—you then have a faint idea of the + scene. + </p> + <p> + “I had ample time for observation, as the hurricane commenced its + devastating course about two miles from the town, through the centre of + which it took its way, passing within fifty yards of where a number of + persons, myself among the rest, were standing, watching its fearful + progress. + </p> + <p> + “As the tornado approached, the trees seemed to fall like a pack of cards + before its irresistible current. After passing through the clearing made + around the village, the force of the wind gradually abated, and in a few + minutes died away entirely. + </p> + <p> + “As soon as the storm was over, I went to see the damage it had done. From + the point where I first observed the black column to rise from the woods + and join the cloud, the trees were twisted in every direction. A belt of + timber had been levelled to the ground about two miles in length, and + about one hundred yards in breadth. At the entrance of the town it crossed + the river Speed, and uprooted about six acres of wood, which had been + thinned out, and left by Mr. Galt (late superintendent of the Canada + Company), as an ornament to his house. + </p> + <p> + “The Eremosa road was completely blocked up for nearly half-a-mile, in the + wildest confusion possible. In its progress through the town the storm + unroofed several houses, levelled many fences to the ground, and entirely + demolished a frame barn. Windows were dashed in; and, in one instance, the + floor of a log house was carried through the roof. Some hair-breadth + escapes occurred; but, luckily, no lives were lost. + </p> + <p> + “About twelve years since a similar storm occurred in the north part of + the township of Douro, but was of much less magnitude. I heard an + intelligent settler, who resided some years in the township of Madoc, + state that, during his residence in that township, a similar hurricane to + the one I have described, though of a much more awful character, passed + through a part of Marmora and Madoc, and had been traced, in a + north-easterly direction, upwards of forty miles into the unsurveyed + lands; the uniform width of which appeared to be three quarters of a mile. + </p> + <p> + “It is very evident, from the traces which they have left behind them, + that storms of this description have not been unfrequent in the wooded + districts of Canada; and it becomes a matter of interesting consideration + whether the clearing of our immense forests will not, in a great measure, + remove the cause of these phenomena.” + </p> + <p> + A few minutes after our household had retired to rest, my first sleep was + broken by the voice of J. E——, speaking to old Jenny in the + kitchen. He had been overtaken by the storm, but had run his canoe ashore + upon an island before its full fury burst, and turned it over the flour; + while he had to brave the terrors of the pitiless tempest—buffeted + by the wind, and drenched with torrents of rain. I got up and made him a + cup of tea, while Jenny prepared a rasher of bacon and eggs for his + supper. + </p> + <p> + Shortly after this, J. E—— bade a final adieu to Canada, with + his cousin C. W——. He volunteered into the Scotch Greys, and + we never saw him more; but I have been told that he was so highly + respected by the officers of the regiment that they have subscribed for + his commission; that he rose to the rank of lieutenant; accompanied the + regiment to India, and was at the taking of Cabul; but from himself we + never heard again. + </p> + <p> + The 16th of October, my third son was born; and a few days after, my + husband was appointed pay-master to the militia regiments in the V. + District, with the rank and full pay of captain. + </p> + <p> + This was Sir George Arthur's doing. He returned no answer to my + application, but he did not forget us. + </p> + <p> + As the time that Moodie might retain this situation was very doubtful, he + thought it advisable not to remove me and the family until he could secure + some permanent situation; by so doing, he would have a better opportunity + of saving the greater part of his income to pay off his old debts. + </p> + <p> + This winter of 1839 was one of severe trial to me. Hitherto I had enjoyed + the blessing of health; but both the children and myself were now doomed + to suffer from dangerous attacks of illness. All the little things had + malignant scarlet fever, and for several days I thought it would please + the Almighty to take from me my two girls. This fever is so fatal to + children in Canada that none of my neighbors dared approach the house. For + three weeks Jenny and I were never undressed; our whole time was taken up + nursing the five little helpless creatures through the successive states + of their alarming disease. I sent for Dr. Taylor; but he did not come, and + I was obliged to trust to the mercy of God, and my own judgment and good + nursing. Though I escaped the fever, mental anxiety and fatigue brought on + other illness, which for nearly ten weeks rendered me perfectly helpless. + When I was again able to creep from my sick bed, the baby was seized with + an illness, which Dr. B—— pronounced mortal. Against all hope, + he recovered, but these severe mental trials rendered me weak and nervous, + and more anxious than ever to be re-united to my husband. To add to these + troubles, my sister and her husband sold their farm, and removed from our + neighbourhood. Mr. —— had returned to England, and had + obtained a situation in the Customs; and his wife, my friend Emilia, was + keeping a school in the village; so that I felt more solitary than ever, + thus deprived of so many kind, sympathising friends. + </p> + <h3> + A SONG OF PRAISE TO THE CREATOR + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh, thou great God! from whose eternal throne + Unbounded blessings in rich bounty flow, + Like thy bright sun in glorious state alone, + Thou reign'st supreme, while round thee as they go, + Unnumber'd worlds, submissive to thy sway, + With solemn pace pursue their silent way. + + Benignant God! o'er every smiling land, + Thy handmaid, Nature, meekly walks abroad, + Scattering thy bounties with unsparing hand, + While flowers and fruits spring up along her road. + How can thy creatures their weak voices raise + To tell thy deeds in their faint songs of praise? + + When, darkling o'er the mountain's summit hoar, + Portentous hangs the black and sulph'rous cloud, + When lightnings flash, and awful thunders roar, + Great Nature sings to thee her anthem loud. + The rocks reverberate her mighty song, + And crushing woods the pealing notes prolong. + + The storm is pass'd; o'er fields and woodlands gay, + Gemm'd with bright dew-drops from the eastern sky, + The morning sun now darts his golden ray, + The lark on fluttering wing is poised on high; + Too pure for earth, he wings his way above, + To pour his grateful song of joy and love. + + Hark! from the bowels of the earth, a sound + Of awful import! From the central deep + The struggling lava rends the heaving ground, + The ocean-surges roar—the mountains leap— + They shoot aloft,—Oh, God! the fiery tide + Has burst its bounds, and rolls down Etna's side. + + Thy will is done, great God! the conflict's o'er, + The silvery moonbeams glance along the sea; + The whispering waves half ripple on the shore, + And lull'd creation breathes a prayer to thee! + The night-flower's incense to their God is given, + And grateful mortals raise their thoughts to heaven. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0025" id="link2HCH0025"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXV — THE WALK TO DUMMER + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + We trod a weary path through silent woods, + Tangled and dark, unbroken by a sound + Of cheerful life. The melancholy shriek + Of hollow winds careering o'er the snow, + Or tossing into waves the green pine tops, + Making the ancient forest groan and sigh + Beneath their mocking voice, awoke alone + The solitary echoes of the place. +</pre> + <p> + Reader! have you ever heard of a place situated in the forest-depths of + this far western wilderness, called Dummer? Ten years ago, it might not + inaptly have been termed “The last clearing in the world.” Nor to this day + do I know of any in that direction which extends beyond it. Our bush-farm + was situated on the border-line of a neighbouring township, only one + degree less wild, less out of the world, or nearer to the habitations of + civilisation than the far-famed “English Line,” the boast and glory of + this terra incognita. + </p> + <p> + This place, so named by the emigrants who had pitched their tents in that + solitary wilderness, was a long line of cleared land, extending upon + either side for some miles through the darkest and most interminable + forest. The English Line was inhabited chiefly by Cornish miners, who, + tired of burrowing like moles underground, had determined to emigrate to + Canada, where they could breathe the fresh air of Heaven, and obtain the + necessaries of life upon the bosom of their mother earth. Strange as it + may appear, these men made good farmers, and steady, industrious + colonists, working as well above ground as they had toiled in their early + days beneath it. All our best servants came from Dummer; and although they + spoke a language difficult to be understood, and were uncouth in their + manners and appearance, they were faithful and obedient, performing the + tasks assigned to them with patient perseverance; good food and kind + treatment rendering them always cheerful and contented. + </p> + <p> + My dear old Jenny, that most faithful and attached of all humble domestic + friends, came from Dummer, and I was wont to regard it with complacency + for her sake. But Jenny was not English; she was a generous, warm-hearted + daughter of the Green Isle—the Emerald gem set in the silver of + ocean. Yes, Jenny was one of the poorest children of that impoverished but + glorious country where wit and talent seem indigenous, springing up + spontaneously in the rudest and most uncultivated minds; showing what the + land could bring forth in its own strength, unaided by education, and + unfettered by the conventional rules of society. Jenny was a striking + instance of the worth, noble self-denial, and devotion which are often met + withand, alas! but too often disregarded—in the poor and ignorant + natives of that deeply-injured, and much abused land. A few words about my + old favourite may not prove uninteresting to my readers. + </p> + <p> + Jenny Buchanan, or as she called it, Bohanon, was the daughter of a petty + exciseman, of Scotch extraction (hence her industry) who, at the time of + her birth, resided near the old town of Inniskillen. Her mother died a few + months after she was born; and her father, within the twelve months, + married again. In the meanwhile, the poor orphan babe had been adopted by + a kind neighbour, the wife of a small farmer in the vicinity. + </p> + <p> + In return for coarse food and scanty clothing, the little Jenny became a + servant-of-all-work. She fed the pigs, herded the cattle, assisted in + planting potatoes and digging peat from the bog, and was undisputed + mistress of the poultry-yard. As she grew up to womanhood, the importance + of her labours increased. A better reaper in the harvest-field, or footer + of turf in the bog, could not be found in the district, or a woman more + thoroughly acquainted with the management of cows and the rearing of young + cattle; but here poor Jenny's accomplishments terminated. + </p> + <p> + Her usefulness was all abroad. Within the house she made more dirt than + she had the inclination or the ability to clear away. She could neither + read, nor knit, nor sew; and although she called herself a Protestant, and + a Church of England woman, she knew no more of religion, as revealed to + man through the Word of God, than the savage who sinks to the grave in + ignorance of a Redeemer. Hence she stoutly resisted all ideas of being a + sinner, or of standing the least chance of receiving hereafter the + condemnation of one. + </p> + <p> + “Och, sure thin,” she would say, with simple earnestness of look and + manner, almost irresistible. “God will never throuble Himsel' about a + poor, hard-working crathur like me, who never did any harm to the manest + of His makin'.” + </p> + <p> + One thing was certain, that a benevolent Providence had “throubled + Himsel'” about poor Jenny in times past, for the warm heart of this + neglected child of nature contained a stream of the richest benevolence, + which, situated as she had been, could not have been derived from any + other source. Honest, faithful, and industrious, Jenny became a law unto + herself, and practically illustrated the golden rule of her blessed Lord, + “to do unto others as we would they should do unto us.” She thought it was + impossible that her poor services could ever repay the debt of gratitude + that she owed to the family who had brought her up, although the + obligation must have been entirely on their side. To them she was greatly + attached—for them she toiled unceasingly; and when evil days came, + and they were not able to meet the rent-day, or to occupy the farm, she + determined to accompany them in their emigration to Canada, and formed one + of the stout-hearted band that fixed its location in the lonely and + unexplored wilds now known as the township of Dummer. + </p> + <p> + During the first year of their settlement, the means of obtaining the + common necessaries of life became so precarious, that, in order to assist + her friends with a little ready money, Jenny determined to hire out into + some wealthy house as a servant. When I use the term wealth as applied to + any bush-settler, it is of course only comparatively; but Jenny was + anxious to obtain a place with settlers who enjoyed a small income + independent of their forest means. + </p> + <p> + Her first speculation was a complete failure. For five long, hopeless + years she served a master from whom she never received a farthing of her + stipulated wages. Still her attachment to the family was so strong, and + had become so much the necessity of her life, that the poor creature could + not make up her mind to leave them. The children whom she had received + into her arms at their birth, and whom she had nursed with maternal + tenderness, were as dear to her as if they had been her own; she continued + to work for them although her clothes were worn to tatters, and her own + friends were too poor to replace them. + </p> + <p> + Her master, Captain N——, a handsome, dashing officer, who had + served many years in India, still maintained the carriage and appearance + of a gentleman, in spite of his mental and moral degradation arising from + a constant state of intoxication; he still promised to remunerate at some + future day her faithful services; and although all his neighbours well + knew that his means were exhausted, and that that day would never come, + yet Jenny, in the simplicity of her faith, still toiled on, in the hope + that the better day he spoke of would soon arrive. + </p> + <p> + And now a few words respecting this master, which I trust may serve as a + warning to others. Allured by the bait that has been the ruin of so many + of his class, the offer of a large grant of land, Captain N—— + had been induced to form a settlement in this remote and untried township; + laying out much, if not all, of his available means in building a log + house, and clearing a large extent of barren and stony land. To this + uninviting home he conveyed a beautiful young wife, and a small and + increasing family. The result may be easily anticipated. The want of + society—a dreadful want to a man of his previous habits—the + absence of all the comforts and decencies of life, produced inaction, + apathy, and at last, despondency, which was only alleviated by a constant + and immoderate use of ardent spirits. As long as Captain N—— + retained his half-pay, he contrived to exist. In an evil hour he parted + with this, and quickly trod the downhill path to ruin. + </p> + <p> + And here I would remark that it is always a rash and hazardous step for + any officer to part with his half-pay; although it is almost every day + done, and generally followed by the same disastrous results. A certain + income, however small, in a country where money is so hard to be procured, + and where labour cannot be obtained but at a very high pecuniary + remuneration, is invaluable to a gentleman unaccustomed to agricultural + employment; who, without this reserve to pay his people, during the brief + but expensive seasons of seed-time and harvest, must either work himself + or starve. I have known no instance in which such sale has been attended + with ultimate advantage; but, alas! too many in which it has terminated in + the most distressing destitution. These government grants of land, to + half-pay officers, have induced numbers of this class to emigrate to the + backwoods of Canada, who are totally unfit for pioneers; but, tempted by + the offer of finding themselves landholders of what, on paper, appear to + them fine estates, they resign a certainty, to waste their energies, and + die half-starved and broken-hearted in the depths of the pitiless wild. + </p> + <p> + If a gentleman so situated would give up all idea of settling on his + grant, but hire a good farm in a favourable situation—that is, not + too far from a market—and with his half-pay hire efficient + labourers, of which plenty are now to be had, to cultivate the land, with + common prudence and economy, he would soon obtain a comfortable + subsistence for his family. And if the males were brought up to share the + burthen and heat of the day, the expense of hired labour, as it yearly + diminished, would add to the general means and well-being of the whole, + until the hired farm became the real property of the industrious tenants. + But the love of show, the vain boast of appearing richer and + better-dressed than our neighbours, too often involves the emigrant's + family in debt, from which they are seldom able to extricate themselves + without sacrificing the means which would have secured their independence. + </p> + <p> + This, although a long digression, will not, I hope, be without its use; + and if this book is regarded not as a work of amusement but one of + practical experience, written for the benefit of others, it will not fail + to convey some useful hints to those who have contemplated emigration to + Canada: the best country in the world for the industrious and + well-principled man, who really comes out to work, and to better his + condition by the labour of his hands; but a gulf of ruin to the vain and + idle, who only set foot upon these shores to accelerate their ruin. + </p> + <p> + But to return to Captain N——. It was at this disastrous period + that Jenny entered his service. Had her master adapted his habits and + expenditure to his altered circumstances, much misery might have been + spared, both to himself and his family. But he was a proud man—too + proud to work, or to receive with kindness the offers of service tendered + to him by his half-civilised, but well-meaning neighbours. + </p> + <p> + “Hang him!” cried an indignant English settler (Captain N—— + was an Irishman), whose offer of drawing wood had been rejected with + unmerited contempt. “Wait a few years, and we shall see what his pride + will do for him. I <i>am</i> sorry for his poor wife and children; but for + himself, I have no pity for him.” + </p> + <p> + This man had been uselessly insulted, at the very moment when he was + anxious to perform a kind and benevolent action; when, like a true + Englishman, his heart was softened by witnessing the sufferings of a + young, delicate female and her infant family. Deeply affronted by the + captain's foolish conduct, he now took a malignant pleasure in watching + his arrogant neighbour's progress to ruin. + </p> + <p> + The year after the sale of his commission, Captain N—— found + himself considerably in debt, “Never mind, Ella,” he said to his anxious + wife; “the crops will pay all.” + </p> + <p> + The crops were a failure that year. Creditors pressed hard; the captain + had no money to pay his workmen, and he would not work himself. Disgusted + with his location, but unable to change it for a better; without friends + in his own class (for he was the only gentleman then resident in the new + township), to relieve the monotony of his existence with their society, or + to afford him advice or assistance in his difficulties, the fatal + whiskey-bottle became his refuge from gloomy thoughts. + </p> + <p> + His wife, an amiable and devoted creature, well-born, well-educated, and + deserving of a better lot, did all in her power to wean him from the + growing vice. But, alas! the pleadings of an angel, in such circumstances, + would have had little effect upon the mind of such a man. He loved her as + well as he could love anything, and he fancied that he loved his children, + while he was daily reducing them, by his favourite vice, to beggary. + </p> + <p> + For awhile, he confined his excesses to his own fireside, but this was + only for as long a period as the sale of his stock and land would supply + him with the means of criminal indulgence. After a time, all these + resources failed, and his large grant of eight hundred acres of land had + been converted into whiskey, except the one hundred acres on which his + house and barn stood, embracing the small clearing from which the family + derived their scanty supply of wheat and potatoes. For the sake of peace, + his wife gave up all her ornaments and household plate, and the best + articles of a once handsome and ample wardrobe, in the hope of hiding her + sorrows from the world, and keeping her husband at home. + </p> + <p> + The pride, that had rendered him so obnoxious to his humbler neighbours, + yielded at length to the inordinate craving for drink; the man who had + held himself so high above his honest and industrious fellow-settlers, + could now unblushingly enter their cabins and beg for a drop of whiskey. + The feeling of shame once subdued, there was no end to his audacious + mendacity. His whole time was spent in wandering about the country, + calling upon every new settler, in the hope of being asked to partake of + the coveted poison. He was even known to enter by the window of an + emigrant's cabin, during the absence of the owner, and remain drinking in + the house while a drop of spirits could be found in the cupboard. When + driven forth by the angry owner of the hut, he wandered on to the distant + town of P——, and lived there in a low tavern, while his wife + and children were starving at home. + </p> + <p> + “He is the filthiest beast in the township,” said the afore-mentioned + neighbour to me; “it would be a good thing for his wife and children if + his worthless neck were broken in one of his drunken sprees.” + </p> + <p> + This might be the melancholy fact, but it was not the less dreadful on + that account. The husband of an affectionate wife—the father of a + lovely family—and his death to be a matter of rejoicing!—a + blessing, instead of being an affliction!—an agony not to be thought + upon without the deepest sorrow. + </p> + <p> + It was at this melancholy period of her sad history that Mrs. N—— + found, in Jenny Buchanan, a help in her hour of need. The heart of the + faithful creature bled for the misery which involved the wife of her + degraded master, and the children she so dearly loved. Their want and + destitution called all the sympathies of her ardent nature into active + operation; they were long indebted to her labour for every morsel of food + which they consumed. For them, she sowed, she planted, she reaped. Every + block of wood which shed a cheering warmth around their desolate home was + cut from the forest by her own hands, and brought up a steep hill to the + house upon her back. For them, she coaxed the neighbours, with whom she + was a general favourite, out of many a mess of eggs for their especial + benefit; while with her cheerful songs, and hearty, hopeful disposition, + she dispelled much of the cramping despair which chilled the heart of the + unhappy mother in her deserted home. + </p> + <p> + For several years did this great, poor woman keep the wolf from the door + of her beloved mistress, toiling for her with the strength and energy of a + man. When was man ever so devoted, so devoid of all selfishness, so + attached to employers, yet poorer than herself, as this uneducated + Irishwoman? + </p> + <p> + A period was at length put to her unrequited services. In a fit of + intoxication her master beat her severely with the iron ramrod of his gun, + and turned her, with abusive language, from his doors. Oh, hard return for + all her unpaid labours of love! She forgave this outrage for the sake of + the helpless beings who depended upon her care. He repeated the injury, + and the poor creature returned almost heart-broken to her former home. + </p> + <p> + Thinking that his spite would subside in a few days, Jenny made a third + effort to enter his house in her usual capacity; but Mrs. N—— + told her, with many tears, that her presence would only enrage her + husband, who had threatened herself with the most cruel treatment if she + allowed the faithful servant again to enter the house. Thus ended her five + years' service to this ungrateful master. Such was her reward! + </p> + <p> + I heard of Jenny's worth and kindness from the Englishman who had been so + grievously affronted by Captain N——, and sent for her to come + to me. She instantly accepted my offer, and returned with my messenger. + She had scarcely a garment to cover her. I was obliged to find her a suit + of clothes before I could set her to work. The smiles and dimples of my + curly-headed, rosy little Donald, then a baby-boy of fifteen months, + consoled the old woman for her separation from Ellie N——; and + the good-will with which all the children (now four in number) regarded + the kind old body, soon endeared to her the new home which Providence had + assigned to her. + </p> + <p> + Her accounts of Mrs. N——, and her family, soon deeply + interested me in her fate; and Jenny never went to visit her friends in + Dummer without an interchange of good wishes passing between us. + </p> + <p> + The year of the Canadian rebellion came, and brought with it sorrow into + many a bush dwelling. Old Jenny and I were left alone with the little + children, in the depths of the dark forest, to help ourselves in the best + way we could. Men could not be procured in that thinly-settled spot for + love nor money, and I now fully realised the extent of Jenny's usefulness. + Daily she yoked the oxen, and brought down from the bush fuel to maintain + our fires, which she felled and chopped up with her own hands. She fed the + cattle, and kept all things snug about the doors; not forgetting to load + her master's two guns, “in case,” as she said, “the ribels should attack + us in our retrate.” + </p> + <p> + The months of November and December of 1838 had been unnaturally mild for + this iron climate; but the opening of the ensuing January brought a short + but severe spell of frost and snow. We felt very lonely in our solitary + dwelling, crouching round the blazing fire, that scarcely chased the cold + from our miserable log-tenement, until this dreary period was suddenly + cheered by the unexpected presence of my beloved friend, Emilia, who came + to spend a week with me in my forest home. + </p> + <p> + She brought her own baby-boy with her, and an ample supply of buffalo + robes, not forgetting a treat of baker's bread, and “sweeties” for the + children. Oh, dear Emilia! best and kindest of women, though absent in + your native land, long, long shall my heart cherish with affectionate + gratitude all your visits of love, and turn to you as to a sister, tried, + and found most faithful, in the dark hour of adversity, and, amidst the + almost total neglect of those from whom nature claimed a tenderer and + holier sympathy. + </p> + <p> + Great was the joy of Jenny at this accession to our family party; and + after Mrs. S—— was well warmed, and had partaken of tea—the + only refreshment we could offer her—we began to talk over the news + of the place. + </p> + <p> + “By-the-bye, Jenny,” said she, turning to the old servant, who was + undressing the little boy by the fire, “have you heard lately from poor + Mrs. N——? We have been told that she and the family are in a + dreadful state of destitution. That worthless man has left them for the + States, and it is supposed that he has joined Mackenzie's band of ruffians + on Navy Island; but whether this be true or false, he has deserted his + wife and children, taking his eldest son along with him (who might have + been of some service at home), and leaving them without money or food.” + </p> + <p> + “The good Lord! What will become of the crathurs?” responded Jenny, wiping + her wrinkled cheek with the back of her hard, brown hand. “An' thin they + have not a sowl to chop and draw them firewood; an' the weather so + oncommon savare. Och, hone! what has not that <i>baste</i> of a man to + answer for?” + </p> + <p> + “I heard,” continued Mrs. S——, “that they have tasted no food + but potatoes for the last nine months, and scarcely enough of them to keep + soul and body together; that they have sold their last cow; and the poor + young lady and her second brother, a lad of only twelve years old, bring + all the wood for the fire from the bush on a hand sleigh.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, dear!—oh, dear!” sobbed Jenny; “an' I not there to hilp them! + An' poor Miss Mary, the tinder thing! Oh, 'tis hard, terribly hard upon + the crathurs, an' they not used to the like.” + </p> + <p> + “Can nothing be done for them?” said I. + </p> + <p> + “That is what we want to know,” returned Emilia, “and that was one of my + reasons for coming up to D——. I wanted to consult you and + Jenny upon the subject. You, who are an officer's wife, and I, who am both + an officer's wife and daughter, ought to devise some plan of rescuing this + poor, unfortunate lady and her family from her present forlorn situation.” + </p> + <p> + The tears sprang to my eyes, and I thought, in the bitterness of my heart, + upon my own galling poverty, that my pockets did not contain even a single + copper, and that I had scarcely garments enough to shield me from the + inclemency of the weather. By unflinching industry, and taking my part in + the toil of the field, I had bread for myself and family, and this was + more than poor Mrs. N—— possessed; but it appeared impossible + for me to be of any assistance to the unhappy sufferer, and the thought of + my incapacity gave me severe pain. It was only in moments like the present + that I felt the curse of poverty. + </p> + <p> + “Well,” continued my friend, “you see, Mrs. Moodie, that the ladies of P—— + are all anxious to do what they can for her; but they first want to learn + if the miserable circumstances in which she is said to be placed are true. + In short, my dear friend, they want you and me to make a pilgrimage to + Dummer, to see the poor lady herself; and then they will be guided by our + report.” + </p> + <p> + “Then let us lose no time in going upon our own mission of mercy.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, my dear heart, you will be lost in the woods!” said old Jenny. “It + is nine long miles to the first clearing, and that through a lonely, + blazed path. After you are through the beaver-meadow, there is not a + single hut for you to rest or warm yourselves. It is too much for the both + of yees; you will be frozen to death on the road.” + </p> + <p> + “No fear,” said my benevolent friend; “God will take care of us, Jenny. It + is on His errand we go; to carry a message of hope to one about to + perish.” + </p> + <p> + “The Lord bless you for a darlint,” cried the old woman, devoutly kissing + the velvet cheek of the little fellow sleeping upon her lap. “May your own + purty child never know the want and sorrow that is around her.” + </p> + <p> + Emilia and I talked over the Dummer scheme until we fell asleep. Many were + the plans we proposed for the immediate relief of the unfortunate family. + Early the next morning, my brother-in-law, Mr. T——, called + upon my friend. The subject next to our heart was immediately introduced, + and he was called into the general council. His feelings, like our own, + were deeply interested; and he proposed that we should each provide + something from our own small stores to satisfy the pressing wants of the + distressed family; while he promised to bring his cutter the next morning, + and take us through the beaver-meadow, and to the edge of the great swamp, + which would shorten four miles, at least, of our long and hazardous + journey. + </p> + <p> + We joyfully acceded to his proposal, and set cheerfully to work to provide + for the morrow. Jenny baked a batch of her very best bread, and boiled a + large piece of beef; and Mr. T—— brought with him, the next + day, a fine cooked ham, in a sack, into the bottom of which he stowed the + beef and loaves, besides some sugar and tea, which his own kind wife, the + author of “the Backwoods of Canada,” had sent. I had some misgivings as to + the manner in which these good things could be introduced to the poor + lady, who, I had heard, was reserved and proud. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, Jenny,” I said, “how shall I be able to ask her to accept provisions + from strangers? I am afraid of wounding her feelings.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, darlint, never fear that! She is proud, I know; but 'tis not a stiff + pride, but jist enough to consale her disthress from her ignorant English + neighbours, who think so manely of poor folk like her who were once rich. + She will be very thankful to you for your kindness, for she has not + experienced much of it from the Dummer people in her throuble, though she + may have no words to tell you so. Say that old Jenny sent the bread to + dear wee Ellie, 'cause she knew she would like a loaf of Jenny's bakin'.” + </p> + <p> + “But the meat.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, the mate, is it? May be, you'll think of some excuse for the mate + when you get there.” + </p> + <p> + “I hope so; but I'm a sad coward with strangers, and I have lived so long + out of the world that I am at a great loss what to do. I will try and put + a good face on the matter. Your name, Jenny, will be no small help to me.” + </p> + <p> + All was now ready. Kissing our little bairns, who crowded around us with + eager and inquiring looks, and charging Jenny for the hundredth time to + take especial care of them during our absence, we mounted the cutter, and + set off, under the care and protection of Mr. T——, who + determined to accompany us on the journey. + </p> + <p> + It was a black, cold day; no sun visible in the grey, dark sky; a keen + wind, and hard frost. We crouched close to each other. + </p> + <p> + “Good heavens, how cold it is!” whispered Emilia. “What a day for such a + journey!” + </p> + <p> + She had scarcely ceased speaking, when the cutter went upon a stump which + lay concealed under the drifted snow; and we, together with the ruins of + our conveyance, were scattered around. + </p> + <p> + “A bad beginning,” said my brother-in-law, with a rueful aspect, as he + surveyed the wreck of the cutter from which we had promised ourselves so + much benefit. “There is no help for it but to return home.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, no,” said Mrs. S——; “bad beginnings make good endings, + you know. Let us go on; it will be far better walking than riding such a + dreadful day. My feet are half-frozen already with sitting still.” + </p> + <p> + “But, my dear madam,” expostulated Mr. T——, “consider the + distance, the road, the dark, dull day, and our imperfect knowledge of the + path. I will get the cutter mended to-morrow; and the day after we may be + able to proceed.” + </p> + <p> + “Delays are dangerous,” said the pertinacious Emilia, who, woman-like, was + determined to have her own way. “Now, or never. While we wait for the + broken cutter, the broken-hearted Mrs. N—— may starve. We can + stop at Colonel C——'s and warm ourselves, and you can leave + the cutter at his house until our return.” + </p> + <p> + “It was upon your account that I proposed the delay,” said the good Mr. T——, + taking the sack, which was no inconsiderable weight, upon his shoulder, + and driving his horse before him into neighbour W——'s stable. + “Where you go, I am ready to follow.” + </p> + <p> + When we arrived, Colonel C——'s family were at breakfast, of + which they made us partake; and after vainly endeavouring to dissuade us + from what appeared to them our Quixotic expedition, Mrs. C—— + added a dozen fine white fish to the contents of the sack, and sent her + youngest son to help Mr. T—— along with his burthen, and to + bear us company on our desolate road. + </p> + <p> + Leaving the colonel's hospitable house on our left, we again plunged into + the woods, and after a few minutes' brisk walking, found ourselves upon + the brow of a steep bank that overlooked the beaver-meadow, containing + within its area several hundred acres. + </p> + <p> + There is no scenery in the bush that presents such a novel appearance as + those meadows, or openings, surrounded as they invariably are, by dark, + intricate forests; their high, rugged banks covered with the light, airy + tamarack and silver birch. In summer they look like a lake of soft, rich + verdure, hidden in the bosom of the barren and howling waste. Lakes they + certainly have been, from which the waters have receded, “ages, ages long + ago”; and still the whole length of these curious level valleys is + traversed by a stream, of no inconsiderable dimensions. + </p> + <p> + The waters of the narrow, rapid creek, which flowed through the meadow we + were about to cross, were of sparkling brightness, and icy cold. The + frost-king had no power to check their swift, dancing movements, or stop + their perpetual song. On they leaped, sparkling and flashing beneath their + ice-crowned banks, rejoicing as they revelled on in their lonely course. + In the prime of the year, this is a wild and lovely spot, the grass is of + the richest green, and the flowers of the most gorgeous dyes. The gayest + butterflies float above them upon painted wings; and the whip-poor-will + pours forth from the neighbouring woods, at close of dewy eve, his strange + but sadly plaintive cry. Winter was now upon the earth, and the once green + meadow looked like a small forest lake covered with snow. + </p> + <p> + The first step we made into it plunged us up to the knees in the snow, + which was drifted to a great height in the open space. Mr. T—— + and our young friend C—— walked on ahead of us, in order to + break a track through the untrodden snow. We soon reached the cold creek; + but here a new difficulty presented itself. It was too wide to jump + across, and we could see no other way of passing to the other side. + </p> + <p> + “There must be some sort of a bridge here about,” said young C——, + “or how can the people from Dummer pass constantly during the winter to + and fro. I will go along the bank, and halloo to you if I find one.” + </p> + <p> + In a few minutes he gave the desired signal, and on reaching the spot, we + found a round, slippery log flung across the stream by way of bridge. With + some trouble, and after various slips, we got safely on the other side. To + wet our feet would have been to ensure their being frozen; and as it was, + we were not without serious apprehension on that score. After crossing the + bleak, snowy plain, we scrambled over another brook, and entered the great + swamp, which occupied two miles of our dreary road. + </p> + <p> + It would be vain to attempt giving any description of this tangled maze of + closely-interwoven cedars, fallen trees, and loose-scattered masses of + rock. It seemed the fitting abode of wolves and bears, and every other + unclean beast. The fire had run through it during the summer, making the + confusion doubly confused. Now we stooped, half-doubled, to crawl under + fallen branches that hung over our path, then again we had to clamber over + prostrate trees of great bulk, descending from which we plumped down into + holes in the snow, sinking mid-leg into the rotten trunk of some + treacherous, decayed pine-tree. Before we were half through the great + swamp, we began to think ourselves sad fools, and to wish that we were + safe again by our own firesides. But, then, a great object was in view,—the + relief of a distressed fellow-creature, and like the “full of hope, + misnamed forlorn,” we determined to overcome every difficulty, and toil + on. + </p> + <p> + It took us an hour at least to clear the great swamp, from which we + emerged into a fine wood, composed chiefly of maple-trees. The sun had, + during our immersion in the dark shades of the swamp, burst through his + leaden shroud, and cast a cheery gleam along the rugged boles of the lofty + trees. The squirrel and chipmunk occasionally bounded across our path; the + dazzling snow which covered it reflected the branches above us in an + endless variety of dancing shadows. Our spirits rose in proportion. Young + C—— burst out singing, and Emilia and I laughed and chatted as + we bounded along our narrow road. On, on for hours, the same interminable + forest stretched away to the right and left, before and behind us. + </p> + <p> + “It is past twelve,” said my brother T—— thoughtfully; “if we + do not soon come to a clearing, we may chance to spend the night in the + forest.” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I am dying with hunger,” cried Emilia. “Do C——, give us + one or two of the cakes your mother put into the bag for us to eat upon + the road.” + </p> + <p> + The ginger-cakes were instantly produced. But where were the teeth to be + found that could masticate them? The cakes were frozen as hard as stones; + this was a great disappointment to us tired and hungry wights; but it only + produced a hearty laugh. Over the logs we went again; for it was a + perpetual stepping up and down, crossing the fallen trees that obstructed + our path. At last we came to a spot where two distinct blazed roads + diverged. + </p> + <p> + “What are we to do now?” said Mr. T——. + </p> + <p> + We stopped, and a general consultation was held, and without one + dissenting voice we took the branch to the right, which, after pursuing + for about half a mile, led us to a log hut of the rudest description. + </p> + <p> + “Is this the road to Dummer?” we asked a man, who was chopping wood + outside the fence. + </p> + <p> + “I guess you are in Dummer,” was the answer. + </p> + <p> + My heart leaped for joy, for I was dreadfully fatigued. + </p> + <p> + “Does this road lead through the English Line?” + </p> + <p> + “That's another thing,” returned the woodman. “No, you turned off from the + right path when you came up here.” We all looked very blank at each other. + “You will have to go back, and keep the other road, and that will lead you + straight to the English Line.” + </p> + <p> + “How many miles is it to Mrs. N——'s?” + </p> + <p> + “Some four, or thereabouts,” was the cheering rejoinder. “'Tis one of the + last clearings on the line. If you are going back to Douro to-night, you + must look sharp.” + </p> + <p> + Sadly and dejectedly we retraced our steps. There are few trifling + failures more bitter in our journey through life than that of a tired + traveller mistaking his road. What effect must that tremendous failure + produce upon the human mind, when at the end of life's unretraceable + journey, the traveller finds that he has fallen upon the wrong track + through every stage, and instead of arriving at a land of blissful + promise, sinks for ever into the gulf of despair! + </p> + <p> + The distance we had trodden in the wrong path, while led on by hope and + anticipation, now seemed to double in length, as with painful steps we + toiled on to reach the right road. This object once attained, soon led us + to the dwellings of men. + </p> + <p> + Neat, comfortable log houses, surrounded by well-fenced patches of + clearing, arose on either side of the forest road; dogs flew out and + barked at us, and children ran shouting indoors to tell their respective + owners that strangers were passing their gates; a most unusual + circumstance, I should think, in that location. + </p> + <p> + A servant who had hired two years with my brother-in-law, we knew must + live somewhere in this neighbourhood, at whose fireside we hoped not only + to rest and warm ourselves, but to obtain something to eat. On going up to + one of the cabins to inquire for Hannah J——, we fortunately + happened to light upon the very person we sought. With many exclamations + of surprise, she ushered us into her neat and comfortable log dwelling. + </p> + <p> + A blazing fire, composed of two huge logs, was roaring up the wide + chimney, and the savoury smell that issued from a large pot of pea-soup + was very agreeable to our cold and hungry stomachs. But, alas, the + refreshment went no further! Hannah most politely begged us to take seats + by the fire, and warm and rest ourselves; she even knelt down and assisted + in rubbing our half-frozen hands; but she never once made mention of the + hot soup, or of the tea, which was drawing in a tin teapot upon the + hearth-stone, or of a glass of whiskey, which would have been thankfully + accepted by our male pilgrims. + </p> + <p> + Hannah was not an Irishwoman, no, nor a Scotch lassie, or her very first + request would have been for us to take “a pickle of soup,” or “a sup of + thae warm broths.” The soup was no doubt cooking for Hannah's husband and + two neighbours, who were chopping for him in the bush; and whose want of + punctuality she feelingly lamented. + </p> + <p> + As we left her cottage, and jogged on, Emilia whispered, laughing, “I hope + you are satisfied with your good dinner? Was not the pea-soup excellent?—and + that cup of nice hot tea!—I never relished anything more in my life. + I think we should never pass that house without giving Hannah a call, and + testifying our gratitude for her good cheer.” + </p> + <p> + Many times did we stop to inquire the way to Mrs. N——'s, + before we ascended the steep, bleak hill upon which her house stood. At + the door, Mr. T—— deposited the sack of provisions, and he and + young C—— went across the road to the house of an English + settler (who, fortunately for them, proved more hospitable than Hannah J——), + to wait until our errand was executed. + </p> + <p> + The house before which Emilia and I were standing had once been a + tolerably comfortable log dwelling. It was larger than such buildings + generally are, and was surrounded by dilapidated barns and stables, which + were not cheered by a solitary head of cattle. A black pine-forest + stretched away to the north of the house, and terminated in a dismal, + tangled cedar-swamp, the entrance to the house not having been constructed + to face the road. + </p> + <p> + The spirit that had borne me up during the journey died within me. I was + fearful that my visit would be deemed an impertinent intrusion. I knew not + in what manner to introduce myself, and my embarrassment had been greatly + increased by Mrs. S—— declaring that I must break the ice, for + she had not courage to go in. I remonstrated, but she was firm. To hold + any longer parley was impossible. We were standing on the top of a bleak + hill, with the thermometer many degrees below zero, and exposed to the + fiercest biting of the bitter, cutting blast. With a heavy sigh, I knocked + slowly but decidedly at the crazy door. I saw the curly head of a boy + glance for a moment against the broken window. There was a stir within, + but no one answered our summons. Emilia was rubbing her hands together, + and beating a rapid tattoo with her feet upon the hard and glittering + snow, to keep them from freezing. + </p> + <p> + Again I appealed to the inhospitable door, with a vehemence which seemed + to say, “We are freezing, good people; in mercy let us in!” + </p> + <p> + Again there was a stir, and a whispered sound of voices, as if in + consultation, from within; and after waiting a few minutes longer—which, + cold as we were, seemed an age—the door was cautiously opened by a + handsome, dark-eyed lad of twelve years of age, who was evidently the + owner of the curly head that had been sent to reconnoitre us through the + window. Carefully closing the door after him, he stepped out upon the + snow, and asked us coldly but respectfully what we wanted. I told him that + we were two ladies, who had walked all the way from Douro to see his + mamma, and that we wished very much to speak to her. The lad answered us, + with the ease and courtesy of a gentleman, that he did not know whether + his mamma could be seen by strangers, but he would go in and see. So + saying he abruptly left us, leaving behind him an ugly skeleton of a dog, + who, after expressing his disapprobation at our presence in the most + disagreeable and unequivocal manner, pounced like a famished wolf upon the + sack of good things which lay at Emilia's feet; and our united efforts + could scarcely keep him off. + </p> + <p> + “A cold, doubtful reception this!” said my friend, turning her back to the + wind, and hiding her face in her muff. “This is worse than Hannah's + liberality, and the long, weary walk.” + </p> + <p> + I thought so too, and began to apprehend that our walk had been in vain, + when the lad again appeared, and said that we might walk in, for his + mother was dressed. + </p> + <p> + Emilia, true to her determination, went no farther than the passage. In + vain were all my entreating looks and mute appeals to her benevolence and + friendship; I was forced to enter alone the apartment that contained the + distressed family. + </p> + <p> + I felt that I was treading upon sacred ground, for a pitying angel hovers + over the abode of suffering virtue, and hallows all its woes. On a rude + bench, before the fire, sat a lady, between thirty and forty years of age, + dressed in a thin, coloured muslin gown, the most inappropriate garment + for the rigour of the season, but, in all probability, the only decent one + that she retained. A subdued melancholy looked forth from her large, dark, + pensive eyes. She appeared like one who, having discovered the full extent + of her misery, had proudly steeled her heart to bear it. Her countenance + was very pleasing, and, in early life (but she was still young), she must + have been eminently handsome. Near her, with her head bent down, and + shaded by her thin, slender hand, her slight figure scarcely covered by + her scanty clothing, sat her eldest daughter, a gentle, sweet-looking + girl, who held in her arms a baby brother, whose destitution she + endeavoured to conceal. It was a touching sight; that suffering girl, just + stepping into womanhood, hiding against her young bosom the nakedness of + the little creature she loved. Another fine boy, whose neatly-patched + clothes had not one piece of the original stuff apparently left in them, + stood behind his mother, with dark, glistening eyes fastened upon me, as + if amused, and wondering who I was, and what business I could have there. + A pale and attenuated, but very pretty, delicately-featured little girl + was seated on a low stool before the fire. This was old Jenny's darling, + Ellie, or Eloise. A rude bedstead, of home manufacture, in a corner of the + room, covered with a coarse woollen quilt, contained two little boys, who + had crept into it to conceal their wants from the eyes of the stranger. On + the table lay a dozen peeled potatoes, and a small pot was boiling on the + fire, to receive their scanty and only daily meal. There was such an air + of patient and enduring suffering to the whole group, that, as I gazed + heart-stricken upon it, my fortitude quite gave way, and I burst into + tears. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. N—— first broke the painful silence, and, rather proudly, + asked me to whom she had the pleasure of speaking. I made a desperate + effort to regain my composure, and told her, but with much embarrassment, + my name; adding that I was so well acquainted with her and her children, + through Jenny, that I could not consider her as a stranger; that I hoped + that, as I was the wife of an officer, and like her, a resident in the + bush, and well acquainted with all its trials and privations, she would + look upon me as a friend. + </p> + <p> + She seemed surprised and annoyed, and I found no small difficulty in + introducing the object of my visit; but the day was rapidly declining, and + I knew that not a moment was to be lost. At first she coldly rejected all + offers of service, and said that she was contented, and wanted for + nothing. + </p> + <p> + I appealed to the situation in which I beheld herself and her children, + and implored her, for their sakes, not to refuse help from friends who + felt for her distress. Her maternal feelings triumphed over her assumed + indifference, and when she saw me weeping, for I could no longer restrain + my tears, her pride yielded, and for some minutes not a word was spoken. I + heard the large tears, as they slowly fell from her daughter's eyes, drop + one by one upon her garments. + </p> + <p> + At last the poor girl sobbed out, “Dear mamma, why conceal the truth? You + know that we are nearly naked, and starving.” + </p> + <p> + Then came the sad tale of domestic woes:—the absence of the husband + and eldest son; the uncertainty as to where they were, or in what engaged; + the utter want of means to procure the common necessaries of life; the + sale of the only remaining cow that used to provide the children with + food. It had been sold for twelve dollars, part to be paid in cash, part + in potatoes; the potatoes were nearly exhausted, and they were allowanced + to so many a day. But the six dollars she had retained as their last + resource. Alas! she had sent the eldest boy the day before to P——, + to get a letter out of the post-office, which she hoped contained some + tidings of her husband and son. She was all anxiety and expectation, but + the child returned late at night without the letter which they had longed + for with such feverish impatience. The six dollars upon which they had + depended for a supply of food were in notes of the Farmer's Bank, which at + that time would not pass for money, and which the roguish purchaser of the + cow had passed off upon this distressed family. + </p> + <p> + Oh! imagine, ye who revel in riches—who can daily throw away a large + sum upon the merest toy—the cruel disappointment, the bitter agony + of this poor mother's heart, when she received this calamitous news, in + the midst of her starving children. For the last nine weeks they had lived + upon a scanty supply of potatoes; they had not tasted raised bread or + animal food for eighteen months. + </p> + <p> + “Ellie,” said I, anxious to introduce the sack, which had lain like a + nightmare upon my mind, “I have something for you; Jenny baked some loaves + last night, and sent them to you with her best love.” + </p> + <p> + The eyes of all the children grew bright. “You will find the sack with the + bread in the passage,” said I to one of the boys. He rushed joyfully out, + and returned with Mrs. —— and the sack. Her bland and + affectionate greeting restored us all to tranquillity. + </p> + <p> + The delighted boy opened the sack. The first thing he produced was the + ham. + </p> + <p> + “Oh,” said I, “that is a ham that my sister sent to Mrs. N——; + 'tis of her own curing, and she thought that it might be acceptable.” + </p> + <p> + Then came the white fish, nicely packed in a clean cloth. “Mrs. C—— + thought fish might be a treat to Mrs. N——, as she lived so far + from the great lakes.” Then came Jenny's bread, which had already been + introduced. The beef, and tea, and sugar, fell upon the floor without any + comment. The first scruples had been overcome, and the day was ours. + </p> + <p> + “And now, ladies,” said Mrs. N——, with true hospitality, + “since you have brought refreshments with you, permit me to cook something + for your dinner.” + </p> + <p> + The scene I had just witnessed had produced such a choking sensation that + all my hunger had vanished. Before we could accept or refuse Mrs. N——'s + kind offer, Mr. T—— arrived, to hurry us off. + </p> + <p> + It was two o'clock when we descended the hill in front of the house, that + led by a side-path round to the road, and commenced our homeward route. I + thought the four miles of clearings would never be passed; and the English + Line appeared to have no end. At length we entered once more the dark + forest. + </p> + <p> + The setting sun gleamed along the ground; the necessity of exerting our + utmost speed, and getting through the great swamp before darkness + surrounded us, was apparent to all. The men strode vigorously forward, for + they had been refreshed with a substantial dinner of potatoes and pork, + washed down with a glass of whiskey, at the cottage in which they had + waited for us; but poor Emilia and I, faint, hungry, and foot-sore, it was + with the greatest difficulty we could keep up. I thought of Rosalind, as + our march up and down the fallen logs recommenced, and often exclaimed + with her, “Oh, Jupiter! how weary are my legs!” + </p> + <p> + Night closed in just as we reached the beaver-meadow. Here our ears were + greeted with the sound of well-known voices. James and Henry C—— + had brought the ox-sleigh to meet us at the edge of the bush. Never was + splendid equipage greeted with such delight. Emilia and I, now fairly + exhausted with fatigue, scrambled into it, and lying down on the straw + which covered the bottom of the rude vehicle, we drew the buffalo robes + over our faces, and actually slept soundly until we reached Colonel C——'s + hospitable door. + </p> + <p> + An excellent supper of hot fish and fried venison was smoking on the + table, with other good cheer, to which we did ample justice. I, for one, + never was so hungry in my life. We had fasted for twelve hours, and that + on an intensely cold day, and had walked during that period upwards of + twenty miles. Never, never shall I forget that weary walk to Dummer; but a + blessing followed it. + </p> + <p> + It was midnight when Emilia and I reached my humble home; our good friends + the oxen being again put in requisition to carry us there. Emilia went + immediately to bed, from which she was unable to rise for several days. In + the meanwhile I wrote to Moodie an account of the scene I had witnessed, + and he raised a subscription among the officers of the regiment for the + poor lady and her children, which amounted to forty dollars. Emilia lost + no time in making a full report to her friends at P——; and + before a week passed away, Mrs. N—— and her family were + removed thither by several benevolent individuals in the place. A neat + cottage was hired for her; and, to the honour of Canada be it spoken, all + who could afford a donation gave cheerfully. Farmers left at her door, + pork, beef, flour, and potatoes; the storekeepers sent groceries and goods + to make clothes for the children; the shoemakers contributed boots for the + boys; while the ladies did all in their power to assist and comfort the + gentle creature thus thrown by Providence upon their bounty. + </p> + <p> + While Mrs. N—— remained at P—— she did not want + for any comfort. Her children were clothed and her rent paid by her + benevolent friends, and her house supplied with food and many comforts + from the same source. Respected and beloved by all who knew her, it would + have been well had she never left the quiet asylum where for several years + she enjoyed tranquillity and a respectable competence from her school; but + in an evil hour she followed her worthless husband to the Southern States, + and again suffered all the woes which drunkenness inflicts upon the wives + and children of its degraded victims. + </p> + <h3> + THE CONVICT'S WIFE + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Pale matron! I see thee in agony steep + The pillow on which thy young innocents sleep; + Their slumbers are tranquil, unbroken their rest, + They know not the grief that convulses thy breast; + They mark not the glance of that red, swollen eye, + That must weep till the fountain of sorrow is dry; + They guess not thy thoughts in this moment of dread, + Thou desolate widow, but not of the dead! + + Ah, what are thy feelings, whilst gazing on those, + Who unconsciously smile in their balmy repose,— + The pangs which thy grief-stricken bosom must prove + Whilst gazing through tears on those pledges of love, + Who murmur in slumber the dear, cherish'd name + Of that sire who has cover'd his offspring with shame,— + Of that husband whom justice has wrench'd from thy side + Of the wretch, who the laws of his country defied? + + Poor, heart-broken mourner! thy tears faster flow, + Time can bring no oblivion to banish thy woe; + The sorrows of others are soften'd by years. + Ah, what now remains for thy portion but tears? + Anxieties ceaseless, renew'd day by day, + While thy heart yearns for one who is ever away. + No hope speeds thy thoughts as they traverse the wave + To the far-distant land of the exile and slave. + + And those children, whose birth with such rapture was hail'd, + When the holiest feelings of nature prevail'd, + And the bright drops that moisten'd the father's glad cheek + Could alone the deep transport of happiness speak; + When he turn'd from his first-born with glances of pride, + In grateful devotion to gaze on his bride, + The loved and the loving, who, silent with joy, + Alternately gazed from the sire to his boy. + + Ah! what could induce the young husband to fling + Love's garland away in life's beautiful spring, + To scatter the roses Hope wreath'd for her brow + In the dust, and abandon his partner to woe? + The wine-cup can answer. The Bacchanal's bowl + Corrupted life's chalice, and poison'd his soul. + It chill'd the warm heart, added fire to the brain, + Gave to pleasure and passion unbridled the rein; + Till the gentle endearments of children and wife + Only roused the fell demon to anger and strife. + + By conscience deserted, by law unrestrain'd, + A felon, convicted, unblushing, and chain'd; + Too late from the dark dream of ruin he woke + To remember the wife whose fond heart he had broke; + The children abandon'd to sorrow and shame, + Their deepest misfortune the brand of his name. + Oh, dire was the curse he invoked on his soul, + Then gave his last mite for a draught of the bowl! +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0026" id="link2HCH0026"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVI — A CHANGE IN OUR PROSPECTS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The future flower lies folded in the bud,— + Its beauty, colour, fragrance, graceful form, + Carefully shrouded in that tiny cell; + Till time and circumstance, and sun and shower, + Expand the embryo blossom—and it bursts + Its narrow cerements, lifts its blushing head, + Rejoicing in the light and dew of heaven. + But if the canker-worm lies coil'd around + The heart o' the bud, the summer sun and dew + Visit in vain the sear'd and blighted flower. +</pre> + <p> + During my illness, a kind neighbour, who had not only frequently come to + see me, but had brought me many nourishing things, made by her own fair + hands, took a great fancy to my second daughter, who, lively and volatile, + could not be induced to remain quiet in the sick chamber. The noise she + made greatly retarded my recovery, and Mrs. H—— took her home + with her, as the only means of obtaining for me necessary rest. During + that winter and through the ensuing summer, I only received occasional + visits from my little girl, who, fairly established with her new friends, + looked upon their house as her home. + </p> + <p> + This separation, which was felt as a great benefit at the time, greatly + estranged the affections of the child from her own people. She saw us so + seldom that she almost regarded us, when she did meet, as strangers; and I + often deeply lamented the hour when I had unwittingly suffered the + threefold cord of domestic love to be unravelled by absence, and the + flattering attentions which fed the vanity of a beautiful child, without + strengthening her moral character. Mrs. H——, whose husband was + wealthy, was a generous, warm-hearted girl of eighteen. Lovely in person, + and fascinating in manners, and still too young to have any idea of + forming the character of a child, she dressed the little creature + expensively; and, by constantly praising her personal appearance, gave her + an idea of her own importance which it took many years to eradicate. + </p> + <p> + It is a great error to suffer a child, who has been trained in the hard + school of poverty and self-denial, to be transplanted suddenly into the + hot-bed of wealth and luxury. The idea of the child being so much happier + and better off blinds her fond parents to the dangers of her new + situation, where she is sure to contract a dislike to all useful + occupation, and to look upon scanty means and plain clothing as a + disgrace. If the re-action is bad for a grown-up person, it is almost + destructive to a child who is incapable of moral reflection. Whenever I + saw little Addie, and remarked the growing coldness of her manner towards + us, my heart reproached me for having exposed her to temptation. + </p> + <p> + Still, in the eye of the world, she was much better situated than she + could possibly be with us. The heart of the parent could alone understand + the change. + </p> + <p> + So sensible was her father of this alteration, that the first time he paid + us a visit he went and brought home his child. + </p> + <p> + “If she remain so long away from us, at her tender years,” he said, “she + will cease to love us. All the wealth in the world would not compensate me + for the love of my child.” + </p> + <p> + The removal of my sister rendered my separation from my husband doubly + lonely and irksome. Sometimes the desire to see and converse with him + would press so painfully on my heart that I would get up in the night, + strike a light, and sit down and write him a long letter, and tell him all + that was in my mind; and when I had thus unburdened my spirit, the letter + was committed to the flames, and after fervently commending him to the + care of the Great Father of mankind, I would lay down my throbbing head on + my pillow beside our first-born son, and sleep tranquilly. + </p> + <p> + It is a strange fact that many of my husband's letters to me were written + at the very time when I felt those irresistible impulses to hold communion + with him. Why should we be ashamed to admit openly our belief in this + mysterious intercourse between the spirits of those who are bound to each + other by the tender ties of friendship and affection, when the experience + of every day proves its truth? Proverbs, which are the wisdom of ages + collected into a few brief words, tell us in one pithy sentence that “if + we talk of the devil he is sure to appear.” While the name of a + long-absent friend is in our mouth, the next moment brings him into our + presence. How can this be, if mind did not meet mind, and the spirit had + not a prophetic consciousness of the vicinity of another spirit, kindred + with its own? This is an occurrence so common that I never met with any + person to whom it had not happened; few will admit it to be a spiritual + agency, but in no other way can they satisfactorily explain its cause. If + it were a mere coincidence, or combination of ordinary circumstances, it + would not happen so often, and people would not be led to speak of the + long-absent always at the moment when they are just about to present + themselves before them. My husband was no believer in what he termed my + fanciful, speculative theories; yet at the time when his youngest boy and + myself lay dangerously ill, and hardly expected to live, I received from + him a letter, written in great haste, which commenced with this sentence: + “Do write to me, dear S——, when you receive this. I have felt + very uneasy about you for some days past, and am afraid that all is not + right at home.” + </p> + <p> + Whence came this sudden fear? Why at that particular time did his thoughts + turn so despondingly towards those so dear to him? Why did the dark cloud + in his mind hang so heavily above his home? The burden of my weary and + distressed spirit had reached him; and without knowing of our sufferings + and danger, his own responded to the call. + </p> + <p> + The holy and mysterious nature of man is yet hidden from himself; he is + still a stranger to the movements of that inner life, and knows little of + its capabilities and powers. A purer religion, a higher standard of moral + and intellectual training may in time reveal all this. Man still remains a + half-reclaimed savage; the leaven of Christianity is surely working its + way, but it has not yet changed the whole lump, or transformed the + deformed into the beauteous child of God. Oh, for that glorious day! It is + coming. The dark clouds of humanity are already tinged with the golden + radiance of the dawn, but the sun of righteousness has not yet arisen upon + the world with healing on his wings; the light of truth still struggles in + the womb of darkness, and man stumbles on to the fulfilment of his sublime + and mysterious destiny. + </p> + <p> + This spring I was not a little puzzled how to get in the crops. I still + continued so weak that I was quite unable to assist in the field, and my + good old Jenny was sorely troubled with inflamed feet, which required + constant care. At this juncture, a neighbouring settler, who had recently + come among us, offered to put in my small crop of peas, potatoes, and + oats, in all not comprising more than eight acres, if I would lend him my + oxen to log-up a large fallow of ten acres, and put in his own crops. + Trusting to his fair dealing, I consented to this arrangement; but he took + advantage of my isolated position, and not only logged-up his fallow, but + put in all his spring crops before he sowed an acre of mine. The oxen were + worked down so low that they were almost unfit for use, and my crops were + put in so late, and with such little care, that they all proved a failure. + I should have felt this loss more severely had it happened in any previous + year; but I had ceased to feel that deep interest in the affairs of the + farm, from a sort of conviction in my own mind that it would not long + remain my home. + </p> + <p> + Jenny and I did our best in the way of hoeing and weeding; but no industry + on our part could repair the injury done to the seed by being sown out of + season. + </p> + <p> + We therefore confined our attention to the garden, which, as usual, was + very productive, and with milk, fresh butter, and eggs, supplied the + simple wants of our family. Emilia enlivened our solitude by her company, + for several weeks during the summer, and we had many pleasant excursions + on the water together. + </p> + <p> + My knowledge of the use of the paddle, however, was not entirely without + its danger. + </p> + <p> + One very windy Sunday afternoon, a servant-girl, who lived with my friend + Mrs. C——, came crying to the house, and implored the use of my + canoe and paddles, to cross the lake to see her dying father. The request + was instantly granted; but there was no man upon the place to ferry her + across, and she could not manage the boat herself—in short, had + never been in a canoe in her life. + </p> + <p> + The girl was deeply distressed. She said that she had got word that her + father could scarcely live till she could reach Smith-town; that if she + went round by the bridge, she must walk five miles, while if she crossed + the lake she could be home in half an hour. + </p> + <p> + I did not much like the angry swell upon the water, but the poor creature + was in such grief that I told her, if she was not afraid of venturing with + me, I would try and put her over. + </p> + <p> + She expressed her thanks in the warmest terms, accompanied by a shower of + blessings; and I took the paddles and went down to the landing. Jenny was + very averse to my “tempting Providence,” as she termed it, and wished that + I might get back as safe as I went. However, the old woman launched the + canoe for me, pushed us from the shore, and away we went. The wind was in + my favour, and I found so little trouble in getting across that I began to + laugh at my own timidity. I put the girl on shore, and endeavoured to + shape my passage home. But this I found was no easy task. The water was + rough, and the wind high, and the strong current, which runs through that + part of the lake to the Smith rapids, was dead against me. In vain I + laboured to cross this current; it resisted all my efforts, and at each + repulse I was carried farther down towards the rapids, which were full of + sunken rocks, and hard for the strong arm of a man to stem—to the + weak hand of a woman their safe passage was impossible. I began to feel + rather uneasy at the awkward situation in which I found myself placed, and + for some time I made desperate efforts to extricate myself, by paddling + with all my might. I soon gave this up, and contented myself by steering + the canoe in the path that it thought fit to pursue. After drifting down + with the current for some little space, until I came opposite a small + island, I put out all my strength to gain the land. In this I fortunately + succeeded, and getting on shore, I contrived to drag the canoe so far + round the headland that I got her out of the current. All now was smooth + sailing, and I joyfully answered old Jenny's yells from the landing, that + I was safe, and would join her in a few minutes. + </p> + <p> + This fortunate manoeuvre stood me in good stead upon another occasion, + when crossing the lake, some weeks after this, in company with a young + female friend, during a sudden storm. + </p> + <p> + Two Indian women, heavily laden with their packs of dried venison, called + at the house to borrow the canoe, to join their encampment upon the other + side. It so happened that I wanted to send to the mill that afternoon, and + the boat could not be returned in time without I went over with the Indian + women and brought it back. My young friend was delighted at the idea of + the frolic, and as she could both steer and paddle, and the day was calm + and bright, though excessively warm, we both agreed to accompany the + squaws to the other side, and bring back the canoe. + </p> + <p> + Mrs. Muskrat has fallen in love with a fine fat kitten, whom the children + had called “Buttermilk,” and she begged so hard for the little puss, that + I presented it to her, rather marvelling how she would contrive to carry + it so many miles through the woods, and she loaded with such an enormous + pack; when, lo! the squaw took down the bundle, and, in the heart of the + piles of dried venison, she deposited the cat in a small basket, giving it + a thin slice of the meat to console it for its close confinement. Puss + received the donation with piteous mews; it was evident that mice and + freedom were preferred by her to venison and the honour of riding on a + squaw's back. + </p> + <p> + The squaws paddled us quickly across, and we laughed and chatted as we + bounded over the blue waves, until we were landed in a dark cedar-swamp, + in the heart of which we found the Indian encampment. + </p> + <p> + A large party were lounging around the fire, superintending the drying of + a quantity of venison which was suspended on forked sticks. Besides the + flesh of the deer, a number of musk-rats were skinned, and extended as if + standing bolt upright before the fire, warming their paws. The appearance + they cut was most ludicrous. My young friend pointed to the musk-rats, as + she sank down, laughing, upon one of the skins. + </p> + <p> + Old Snow-storm, who was present, imagined that she wanted one of them to + eat, and very gravely handed her the unsavoury beast, stick and all. + </p> + <p> + “Does the old man take me for a cannibal?” she said. “I would as soon eat + a child.” + </p> + <p> + Among the many odd things cooking at that fire there was something that + had the appearance of a bull-frog. + </p> + <p> + “What can that be?” she said, directing my eyes to the strange monster. + “Surely they don't eat bull-frogs!” + </p> + <p> + This sally was received by a grunt of approbation from Snow-storm; and, + though Indians seldom forget their dignity so far as to laugh, he for once + laid aside his stoical gravity, and, twirling the thing round with a + stick, burst into a hearty peal. + </p> + <p> + “Muckakee! Indian eat muckakee?—Ha! ha! Indian no eat muckakee! + Frenchmans eat his hind legs; they say the speckled beast much good. This + no muckakee!—the liver of deer, dried—very nice—Indian + eat him.” + </p> + <p> + “I wish him much joy of the delicate morsel,” said the saucy girl, who was + intent upon quizzing and examining everything in the camp. + </p> + <p> + We had remained the best part of an hour, when Mrs. Muskrat laid hold of + my hand, and leading me through the bush to the shore, pointed up + significantly to a cloud, as dark as night, that hung loweringly over the + bush. + </p> + <p> + “Thunder in that cloud—get over the lake—quick, quick, before + it breaks.” Then motioning for us to jump into the canoe, she threw in the + paddles, and pushed us from shore. + </p> + <p> + We saw the necessity of haste, and both plied the paddle with diligence to + gain the opposite bank, or at least the shelter of the island, before the + cloud poured down its fury upon us. We were just in the middle of the + current when the first peal of thunder broke with startling nearness over + our heads. The storm frowned darkly upon the woods; the rain came down in + torrents; and there were we exposed to its utmost fury in the middle of a + current too strong for us to stem. + </p> + <p> + “What shall we do? We shall be drowned!” said my young friend, turning her + pale, tearful face towards me. + </p> + <p> + “Let the canoe float down the current till we get close to the island; + then run her into the land. I saved myself once before by this plan.” + </p> + <p> + We did so, and were safe; but there we had to remain, wet to our skins, + until the wind and the rain abated sufficiently for us to manage our + little craft. “How do you like being upon the lake in a storm like this?” + I whispered to my shivering, dripping companion. + </p> + <p> + “Very well in romance, but terribly dull in reality. We cannot, however, + call it a dry joke,” continued she, wringing the rain from her dress. “I + wish we were suspended over Old Snow-storm's fire with the bull-frog, for + I hate a shower-bath with my clothes on.” + </p> + <p> + I took warning by this adventure, never to cross the lake again without a + stronger arm than mine in the canoe to steer me safely through the + current. + </p> + <p> + I received much kind attention from my new neighbour, the Rev. W. W——, + a truly excellent and pious clergyman of the English Church. The good, + white-haired old man expressed the kindest sympathy in all my trials, and + strengthened me greatly with his benevolent counsels and gentle charity. + Mr. W—— was a true follower of Christ. His Christianity was + not confined to his own denomination; and every Sabbath his log cottage + was filled with attentive auditors, of all persuasions, who met together + to listen to the word of life delivered to them by a Christian minister in + the wilderness. + </p> + <p> + He had been a very fine preacher, and though considerably turned of + seventy, his voice was still excellent, and his manner solemn and + impressive. + </p> + <p> + His only son, a young man of twenty-eight years of age, had received a + serious injury in the brain by falling upon a turf-spade from a loft + window when a child, and his intellect had remained stationary from that + time. Poor Harry was an innocent child; he loved his parents with the + simplicity of a child, and all who spoke kindly to him he regarded as + friends. Like most persons of his caste of mind, his predilection for pet + animals was a prominent instinct. He was always followed by two dogs, whom + he regarded with especial favour. The moment he caught your eye, he looked + down admiringly upon his four-footed attendants, patting their sleek + necks, and murmuring, “Nice dogs—nice dogs.” Harry had singled out + myself and my little ones as great favourites. He would gather flowers for + the girls, and catch butterflies for the boys; while to me he always gave + the title of “dear aunt.” + </p> + <p> + It so happened that one fine morning I wanted to walk a couple of miles + through the bush, to spend the day with Mrs. C——; but the + woods were full of the cattle belonging to the neighbouring settlers, and + of these I was terribly afraid. Whilst I was dressing the little girls to + accompany me, Harry W—— came in with a message from his + mother. “Oh, thought I, here is Harry W——. He will walk with + us through the bush, and defend us from the cattle.” + </p> + <p> + The proposition was made, and Harry was not a little proud of being + invited to join our party. We had accomplished half the distance without + seeing a single hoof; and I was beginning to congratulate myself upon our + unusual luck, when a large red ox, maddened by the stings of the + gad-flies, came headlong through the brush, tossing up the withered leaves + and dried moss with his horns, and making directly towards us. I screamed + to my champion for help; but where was he?—running like a frightened + chipmunk along the fallen timber, shouting to my eldest girl, at the top + of his voice— + </p> + <p> + “Run Katty, run!—The bull, the bull! Run, Katty!—The bull, the + bull!”—leaving us poor creatures far behind in the chase. + </p> + <p> + The bull, who cared not one fig for us, did not even stop to give us a + passing stare, and was soon lost among the trees; while our valiant knight + never stopped to see what had become of us, but made the best of his way + home. So much for taking an innocent for a guard. + </p> + <p> + The next month most of the militia regiments were disbanded. My husband's + services were no longer required at B——, and he once more + returned to help to gather in our scanty harvest. Many of the old debts + were paid off by his hard-saved pay; and though all hope of continuing in + the militia service was at an end, our condition was so much improved that + we looked less to the dark than to the sunny side of the landscape. + </p> + <p> + The potato crop was gathered in, and I had collected my store of + dandelion-roots for our winter supply of coffee, when one day brought a + letter to my husband from the Governor's secretary, offering him the + situation of sheriff of the V—— district. Though perfectly + unacquainted with the difficulties and responsibilities of such an + important office, my husband looked upon it as a gift sent from heaven to + remove us from the sorrows and poverty with which we were surrounded in + the woods. + </p> + <p> + Once more he bade us farewell; but it was to go and make ready a home for + us, that we should no more be separated from each other. + </p> + <p> + Heartily did I return thanks to God that night for all his mercies to us; + and Sir George Arthur was not forgotten in those prayers. + </p> + <p> + From B——, my husband wrote to me to make what haste I could in + disposing of our crops, household furniture, stock, and farming + implements; and to prepare myself and the children to join him on the + first fall of snow that would make the roads practicable for sleighing. To + facilitate this object, he sent me a box of clothing, to make up for + myself and the children. + </p> + <p> + For seven years I had lived out of the world entirely; my person had been + rendered coarse by hard work and exposure to the weather. I looked double + the age I really was, and my hair was already thickly sprinkled with grey. + I clung to my solitude. I did not like to be dragged from it to mingle in + gay scenes, in a busy town, and with gaily-dressed people. I was no longer + fit for the world; I had lost all relish for the pursuits and pleasures + which are so essential to its votaries; I was contented to live and die in + obscurity. + </p> + <p> + My dear Emilia rejoiced, like a true friend, in my changed prospects, and + came up to help me to cut clothes for the children, and to assist me in + preparing them for the journey. + </p> + <p> + I succeeded in selling off our goods and chattels much better than I + expected. My old friend, Mr. W——, who was a new comer, became + the principal purchaser, and when Christmas arrived I had not one article + left upon my hands save the bedding, which it was necessary to take with + us. + </p> + <h3> + THE MAGIC SPELL + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + The magic spell, the dream is fled, + The dream of joy sent from above; + The idol of my soul is dead, + And naught remains but hopeless love. + The song of birds, the scent of flowers, + The tender light of parting day— + Unheeded now the tardy hours + Steal sadly, silently away. + + But welcome now the solemn night, + When watchful stars are gleaming high, + For though thy form eludes my sight, + I know thy gentle spirit's nigh. + O! dear one, now I feel thy power, + 'Tis sweet to rest when toil is o'er, + But sweeter far that blessed hour + When fond hearts meet to part no more. +</pre> + <h3> + J.W.D.M. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0027" id="link2HCH0027"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVII — ADIEU TO THE WOODS + </h2> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Adieu!—adieu!—when quivering lips refuse + The bitter pangs of parting to declare; + And the full bosom feels that it must lose + Friends who were wont its inmost thoughts to share; + When hands are tightly clasp'd, 'mid struggling sighs + And streaming tears, those whisper'd accents rise, + Leaving to God the objects of our care + In that short, simple, comprehensive prayer— + <i>Adieu!</i> +</pre> + <p> + Never did eager British children look for the first violets and primroses + of spring with more impatience than my baby boys and girls watched, day + after day, for the first snow-flakes that were to form the road to convey + them to their absent father. + </p> + <p> + “Winter never means to come this year. It will never snow again?” + exclaimed my eldest boy, turning from the window on Christmas Day, with + the most rueful aspect that ever greeted the broad, gay beams of the + glorious sun. It was like a spring day. The little lake in front of the + window glittered like a mirror of silver, set in its dark frame of pine + woods. + </p> + <p> + I, too, was wearying for the snow, and was tempted to think that it did + not come as early as usual, in order to disappoint us. But I kept this to + myself, and comforted the expecting child with the oft-repeated assertion + that it would certainly snow upon the morrow. + </p> + <p> + But the morrow came and passed away, and many other morrows, and the same + mild, open weather prevailed. The last night of the old year was ushered + in with furious storms of wind and snow; the rafters of our log cabin + shook beneath the violence of the gale, which swept up from the lake like + a lion roaring for its prey, driving the snow-flakes through every open + crevice, of which there were not a few, and powdering the floor until it + rivalled in whiteness the ground without. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, what a dreadful night!” we cried, as we huddled, shivering, around + the old broken stove. “A person abroad in the woods to-night would be + frozen. Flesh and blood could not long stand this cutting wind.” + </p> + <p> + “It reminds me of the commencement of a laughable extempore ditty,” said I + to my young friend, A. C——, who was staying with me, “composed + by my husband, during the first very cold night we spent in Canada”— + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Oh, the cold of Canada nobody knows, + The fire burns our shoes without warming our toes; + Oh, dear, what shall we do? + Our blankets are thin, and our noses are blue— + Our noses are blue, and our blankets are thin, + It's at zero without, and we're freezing within! + (Chorus)—Oh, dear, what shall we do? +</pre> + <p> + “But, joking apart, my dear A——, we ought to be very thankful + that we are not travelling this night to B——.” + </p> + <p> + “But to-morrow,” said my eldest boy, lifting up his curly head from my + lap. “It will be fine to-morrow, and we shall see dear papa again.” + </p> + <p> + In this hope he lay down on his little bed upon the floor, and was soon + fast asleep; perhaps dreaming of that eagerly-anticipated journey, and of + meeting his beloved father. + </p> + <p> + Sleep was a stranger to my eyes. The tempest raged so furiously without + that I was fearful the roof would be carried off the house, or that the + chimney would take fire. The night was far advanced when old Jenny and + myself retired to bed. + </p> + <p> + My boy's words were prophetic; that was the last night I ever spent in the + bush—in the dear forest home which I had loved in spite of all the + hardships which we had endured since we pitched our tent in the backwoods. + It was the birthplace of my three boys, the school of high resolve and + energetic action in which we had learned to meet calmly, and successfully + to battle with the ills of life. Nor did I leave it without many regretful + tears, to mingle once more with a world to whose usages, during my long + solitude, I had become almost a stranger, and to whose praise or blame I + felt alike indifferent. + </p> + <p> + When the day dawned, the whole forest scenery lay glittering in a mantle + of dazzling white; the sun shone brightly, the heavens were intensely + blue, but the cold was so severe that every article of food had to be + thawed before we could get our breakfast. The very blankets that covered + us during the night were stiff with our frozen breath. “I hope the sleighs + won't come to-day,” I cried; “we should be frozen on the long journey.” + </p> + <p> + About noon two sleighs turned into our clearing. Old Jenny ran screaming + into the room, “The masther has sent for us at last! The sleighs are come! + Fine large sleighs, and illigant teams of horses! Och, and its a cowld day + for the wee things to lave the bush.” + </p> + <p> + The snow had been a week in advance of us at B——, and my + husband had sent up the teams to remove us. The children jumped about, and + laughed aloud for joy. Old Jenny did not know whether to laugh or cry, but + she set about helping me to pack up trunks and bedding as fast as our cold + hands would permit. + </p> + <p> + In the midst of the confusion, my brother arrived, like a good genius, to + our assistance, declaring his determination to take us down to B—— + himself in his large lumber-sleigh. This was indeed joyful news. In less + than three hours he despatched the hired sleighs with their loads, and we + all stood together in the empty house, striving to warm our hands over the + embers of the expiring fire. + </p> + <p> + How cold and desolate every object appeared! The small windows, half + blocked up with snow, scarcely allowed a glimpse of the declining sun to + cheer us with his serene aspect. In spite of the cold, several kind + friends had waded through the deep snow to say, “God bless you!—Good-bye;” + while a group of silent Indians stood together, gazing upon our + proceedings with an earnestness which showed that they were not + uninterested in the scene. As we passed out to the sleigh, they pressed + forward, and silently held out their hands, while the squaws kissed me and + the little ones with tearful eyes. They had been true friends to us in our + dire necessity, and I returned their mute farewell from my very heart. + </p> + <p> + Mr. S—— sprang into the sleigh. One of our party was missing. + “Jenny!” shouted my brother, at the top of his voice, “it is too cold to + keep your mistress and the little children waiting.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, shure thin, it is I that am comin'!” returned the old body, as she + issued from the house. + </p> + <p> + Shouts of laughter greeted her appearance. The figure she cut upon that + memorable day I shall never forget. My brother dropped the reins upon the + horses' necks, and fairly roared. Jenny was about to commence her journey + to the front in three hats. Was it to protect her from the cold? Oh, no; + Jenny was not afraid of the cold! She could have eaten her breakfast on + the north side of an iceberg, and always dispensed with shoes, during the + most severe of our Canadian winters. It was to protect these precious + articles from injury. + </p> + <p> + Our good neighbour, Mrs. W——, had presented her with an old + sky-blue drawn-silk bonnet, as a parting benediction. This, by way of + distinction, for she never had possessed such an article of luxury as a + silk bonnet in her life, Jenny had placed over the coarse calico cap, with + its full furbelow of the same yellow, ill-washed, homely material, next to + her head; over this, as second in degree, a sun-burnt straw hat, with + faded pink ribbons, just showed its broken rim and tawdry trimmings; and, + to crown all, and serve as a guard to the rest, a really serviceable + grey-beaver bonnet, once mine, towered up as high as the celebrated crown + in which brother Peter figures in Swift's “Tale of a Tub.” + </p> + <p> + “Mercy, Jenny! Why, old woman, you don't mean to go with us that figure?” + </p> + <p> + “Och, my dear heart! I've no band-box to kape the cowld from desthroying + my illigant bonnets,” returned Jenny, laying her hand upon the side of the + sleigh. + </p> + <p> + “Go back, Jenny; go back,” cried my brother. “For God's sake take all that + tom-foolery from off your head. We shall be the laughing-stock of every + village we pass through.” + </p> + <p> + “Och, shure now, Mr. S——, who'd think of looking at an owld + crathur like me! It's only yersel' that would notice the like.” + </p> + <p> + “All the world, everybody would look at you, Jenny. I believe that you put + on those hats to draw the attention of all the young fellows that we shall + happen to meet on the road. Ha, Jenny!” + </p> + <p> + With an air of offended dignity, the old woman returned to the house to + re-arrange her toilet, and provide for the safety of her “illigant + bonnets,” one of which she suspended to the strings of her cloak, while + she carried the third dangling in her hand; and no persuasion of mine + would induce her to put them out of sight. + </p> + <p> + Many painful and conflicting emotions agitated my mind, but found no + utterance in words, as we entered the forest path, and I looked my last + upon that humble home consecrated by the memory of a thousand sorrows. + Every object had become endeared to me during my long exile from civilised + life. I loved the lonely lake, with its magnificent belt of dark pines + sighing in the breeze; the cedar-swamp, the summer home of my dark Indian + friends; my own dear little garden, with its rugged snake-fence which I + had helped Jenny to place with my own hands, and which I had assisted the + faithful woman in cultivating for the last three years, where I had so + often braved the tormenting mosquitoes, black flies, and intense heat, to + provide vegetables for the use of the family. Even the cows, that had + given a breakfast for the last time to my children, were now regarded with + mournful affection. A poor labourer stood in the doorway of the deserted + house, holding my noble water-dog, Rover, in a string. The poor fellow + gave a joyous bark as my eyes fell upon him. + </p> + <p> + “James J——, take care of my dog.” + </p> + <p> + “Never fear, ma'am, he shall bide with me as long as he lives.” + </p> + <p> + “He and the Indians at least feel grieved for our departure,” I thought. + Love is so scarce in this world that we ought to prize it, however lowly + the source from whence it flows. + </p> + <p> + We accomplished only twelve miles of our journey that night. The road lay + through the bush, and along the banks of the grand, rushing, foaming + Otonabee river, the wildest and most beautiful of forest streams. We slept + at the house of kind friends, and early in the morning resumed our long + journey, but minus one of our party. Our old favourite cat, Peppermint, + had made her escape from the basket in which she had been confined, and + had scampered off, to the great grief of the children. + </p> + <p> + As we passed Mrs. H——'s house, we called for dear Addie. Mr. H—— + brought her in his arms to the gate, well wrapped up in a large fur cape + and a warm woollen shawl. + </p> + <p> + “You are robbing me of my dear little girl,” he said. “Mrs. H—— + is absent; she told me not to part with her if you should call; but I + could not detain her without your consent. Now that you have seen her, + allow me to keep her for a few months longer?” + </p> + <p> + Addie was in the sleigh. I put my arm about her. I felt I had my child + again, and I secretly rejoiced in the possession of my own. I sincerely + thanked him for his kindness, and Mr. S—— drove on. + </p> + <p> + At Mr. R——'s, we found a parcel from dear Emilia, containing a + plum-cake and other good things for the children. Her kindness never + flagged. + </p> + <p> + We crossed the bridge over the Otonabee, in the rising town of + Peterborough, at eight o'clock in the morning. Winter had now set in + fairly. The children were glad to huddle together in the bottom of the + sleigh, under the buffalo skins and blankets; all but my eldest boy, who, + just turned of five years old, was enchanted with all he heard and saw, + and continued to stand up and gaze around him. Born in the forest, which + he had never quitted before, the sight of a town was such a novelty that + he could find no words wherewith to express his astonishment. + </p> + <p> + “Are the houses come to see one another?” he asked. “How did they all meet + here?” + </p> + <p> + The question greatly amused his uncle, who took some pains to explain to + him the difference between town and country. During the day, we got rid of + old Jenny and her bonnets, whom we found a very refractory travelling + companion; as wilful, and far more difficult to manage than a young child. + Fortunately, we overtook the sleighs with the furniture, and Mr. S—— + transferred Jenny to the care of one of the drivers; an arrangement that + proved satisfactory to all parties. + </p> + <p> + We had been most fortunate in obtaining comfortable lodgings for the + night. The evening had closed in so intensely cold that although we were + only two miles from C——, Addie was so much affected by it that + the child lay sick and pale in my arms, and, when spoken to, seemed + scarcely conscious of our presence. + </p> + <p> + My brother jumped from the front seat, and came round to look at her. + “That child is ill with the cold; we must stop somewhere to warm her, or + she will hardly hold out till we get to the inn at C——.” + </p> + <p> + We were just entering the little village of A——, in the + vicinity of the court-house, and we stopped at a pretty green cottage, and + asked permission to warm the children. A stout, middle-aged woman came to + the sleigh, and in the kindest manner requested us to alight. + </p> + <p> + “I think I know that voice,” I said. “Surely it cannot be Mrs. S——, + who once kept the —— hotel at C——?” + </p> + <p> + “Mrs. Moodie, you are welcome,” said the excellent woman, bestowing upon + me a most friendly embrace; “you and your children. I am heartily glad to + see you again after so many years. God bless you all!” + </p> + <p> + Nothing could exceed the kindness and hospitality of this generous woman; + she would not hear of our leaving her that night, and, directing my + brother to put up his horses in her stable, she made up an excellent fire + in a large bedroom, and helped me to undress the little ones who were + already asleep, and to warm and feed the rest before we put them to bed. + </p> + <p> + This meeting gave me real pleasure. In their station of life, I seldom + have found a more worthy couple than this American and his wife; and, + having witnessed so many of their acts of kindness, both to ourselves and + others, I entertained for them a sincere respect and affection, and truly + rejoiced that Providence had once more led me to the shelter of their + roof. + </p> + <p> + Mr. S—— was absent, but I found little Mary—the sweet + child who used to listen with such delight to Moodie's flute—grown + up into a beautiful girl; and the baby that was, a fine child of eight + years old. The next morning was so intensely cold that my brother would + not resume the journey until past ten o'clock, and even then it was a + hazardous experiment. + </p> + <p> + We had not proceeded four miles before the horses were covered with + icicles. Our hair was frozen as white as old Time's solitary forelock, our + eyelids stiff, and every limb aching with cold. + </p> + <p> + “This will never do,” said my brother, turning to me; “the children will + freeze. I never felt the cold more severe than this.” + </p> + <p> + “Where can we stop?” said I; “we are miles from C——, and I see + no prospect of the weather becoming milder.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, yes; I know, by the very intensity of the cold, that a change is at + hand. We seldom have more than three very severe days running, and this is + the third. At all events, it is much warmer at night in this country than + during the day; the wind drops, and the frost is more bearable. I know a + worthy farmer who lives about a mile ahead; he will give us house-room for + a few hours; and we will resume our journey in the evening. The moon is at + full; and it will be easier to wrap the children up, and keep them warm + when they are asleep. Shall we stop at Old Woodruff's?” + </p> + <p> + “With all my heart.” My teeth were chattering with the cold, and the + children were crying over their aching fingers at the bottom of the + sleigh. + </p> + <p> + A few minutes' ride brought us to a large farm-house, surrounded by + commodious sheds and barns. A fine orchard opposite, and a yard + well-stocked with fat cattle and sheep, sleek geese, and plethoric-looking + swine, gave promise of a land of abundance and comfort. My brother ran + into the house to see if the owner was at home, and presently returned, + accompanied by the staunch Canadian yeoman and his daughter, who gave us a + truly hearty welcome, and assisted in removing the children from the + sleigh to the cheerful fire, that made all bright and cozy within. + </p> + <p> + Our host was a shrewd, humorous-looking Yorkshireman. His red, + weather-beaten face, and tall, athletic figure, bent as it was with hard + labour, gave indications of great personal strength; and a certain knowing + twinkle in his small, clear grey eyes, which had been acquired by long + dealing with the world, with a quiet, sarcastic smile that lurked round + the corners of his large mouth, gave you the idea of a man who could not + easily be deceived by his fellows; one who, though no rogue himself, was + quick in detecting the roguery of others. His manners were frank and easy, + and he was such a hospitable entertainer that you felt at home with him in + a minute. + </p> + <p> + “Well, how are you, Mr. S——?” cried the farmer, shaking my + brother heartily by the hand. “Toiling in the bush still, eh?” + </p> + <p> + “Just in the same place.” + </p> + <p> + “And the wife and children?” + </p> + <p> + “Hearty. Some half-dozen have been added to the flock since you were our + way.” + </p> + <p> + “So much the better—so much the better. The more the merrier, Mr. S——; + children are riches in this country.” + </p> + <p> + “I know not how that may be; I find it hard to clothe and feed mine.” + </p> + <p> + “Wait till they grow up; they will be brave helps to you then. The price + of labour—the price of labour, Mr. S——, is the + destruction of the farmer.” + </p> + <p> + “It does not seem to trouble you much, Woodruff,” said my brother, + glancing round the well-furnished apartment. + </p> + <p> + “My son and S—— do it all,” cried the old man. “Of course the + girls help in busy times, and take care of the dairy, and we hire + occasionally; but small as the sum is which is expended in wages during + seed-time and harvest, I feel it, I can tell you.” + </p> + <p> + “You are married again, Woodruff?” + </p> + <p> + “No, sir,” said the farmer, with a peculiar smile; “not yet;” which seemed + to imply the probability of such an event. “That tall gal is my eldest + daughter; she manages the house, and an excellent housekeeper she is. But + I cannot keep her for ever.” With a knowing wink, “Gals will think of + getting married, and seldom consult the wishes of their parents upon the + subject when once they have taken the notion into their heads. But 'tis + natural, Mr. S——, it is natural; we did just the same when we + were young.” + </p> + <p> + My brother looked laughingly towards the fine, handsome young woman, as + she placed upon the table hot water, whiskey, and a huge plate of + plum-cake, which did not lack a companion, stored with the finest apples + which the orchard could produce. + </p> + <p> + The young girl looked down, and blushed. + </p> + <p> + “Oh, I see how it is, Woodruff! You will soon lose your daughter. I wonder + that you have kept her so long. But who are these young ladies?” he + continued, as three girls very demurely entered the room. + </p> + <p> + “The two youngest are my darters, by my last wife, who, I fear, mean soon + to follow the bad example of their sister. The other <i>lady</i>,” said + the old man, with a reverential air, “is a <i>particular</i> friend of my + eldest darter's.” + </p> + <p> + My brother laughed slily, and the old man's cheek took a deeper glow as he + stooped forward to mix the punch. + </p> + <p> + “You said that these two young ladies, Woodruff, were by your last wife. + Pray how many wives have you had?” + </p> + <p> + “Only three. It is impossible, they say in my country, to have too much of + a good thing.” + </p> + <p> + “So I suppose you think,” said my brother, glancing first at the old man + and then towards Miss Smith. “Three wives! You have been a fortunate man, + Woodruff, to survive them all.” + </p> + <p> + “Ay, have I not, Mr. S——? But to tell you the truth, I have + been both lucky and unlucky in the wife way,” and then he told us the + history of his several ventures in matrimony, with which I shall not + trouble my readers. + </p> + <p> + When he had concluded, the weather was somewhat milder, the sleigh was + ordered to the door, and we proceeded on our journey, resting for the + night at a small village about twenty miles from B——, + rejoicing that the long distance which separated us from the husband and + father was diminished to a few miles, and that, with the blessing of + Providence, we should meet on the morrow. + </p> + <p> + About noon we reached the distant town, and were met at the inn by him + whom one and all so ardently longed to see. He conducted us to a pretty, + neat cottage, which he had prepared for our reception, and where we found + old Jenny already arrived. With great pride the old woman conducted me + over the premises, and showed me the furniture “the masther” had bought; + especially recommending to my notice a china tea-service, which she + considered the most wonderful acquisition of the whole. + </p> + <p> + “Och! who would have thought, a year ago, misthress dear, that we should + be living in a mansion like this, and ating off raal chaney? It is but + yestherday that we were hoeing praties in the field.” + </p> + <p> + “Yes, Jenny, God has been very good to us, and I hope that we shall never + learn to regard with indifference the many benefits which we have received + at His hands.” + </p> + <p> + Reader! it is not my intention to trouble you with the sequel of our + history. I have given you a faithful picture of a life in the backwoods of + Canada, and I leave you to draw from it your own conclusions. To the poor, + industrious working man it presents many advantages; to the poor + gentleman, none! The former works hard, puts up with coarse, scanty fare, + and submits, with a good grace, to hardships that would kill a + domesticated animal at home. Thus he becomes independent, inasmuch as the + land that he has cleared finds him in the common necessaries of life; but + it seldom, if ever, in remote situations, accomplishes more than this. The + gentleman can neither work so hard, live so coarsely, nor endure so many + privations as his poorer but more fortunate neighbour. Unaccustomed to + manual labour, his services in the field are not of a nature to secure for + him a profitable return. The task is new to him, he knows not how to + perform it well; and, conscious of his deficiency, he expends his little + means in hiring labour, which his bush-farm can never repay. Difficulties + increase, debts grow upon him, he struggles in vain to extricate himself, + and finally sees his family sink into hopeless ruin. + </p> + <p> + If these sketches should prove the means of deterring one family from + sinking their property, and shipwrecking all their hopes, by going to + reside in the backwoods of Canada, I shall consider myself amply repaid + for revealing the secrets of the prison-house, and feel that I have not + toiled and suffered in the wilderness in vain. + </p> + <h3> + THE MAPLE-TREE + </h3> + <h3> + A CANADIAN SONG + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + Hail to the pride of the forest—hail + To the maple, tall and green; + It yields a treasure which ne'er shall fail + While leaves on its boughs are seen. + When the moon shines bright, + On the wintry night, + And silvers the frozen snow; + And echo dwells + On the jingling bells + As the sleighs dart to and fro; + Then it brightens the mirth + Of the social hearth + With its red and cheery glow. + + Afar, 'mid the bosky forest shades, + It lifts its tall head on high; + When the crimson-tinted evening fades + From the glowing saffron sky; + When the sun's last beams + Light up woods and streams, + And brighten the gloom below; + And the deer springs by + With his flashing eye, + And the shy, swift-footed doe; + And the sad winds chide + In the branches wide, + With a tender plaint of woe. + + The Indian leans on its rugged trunk, + With the bow in his red right-hand, + And mourns that his race, like a stream, has sunk + From the glorious forest land. + But, blythe and free, + The maple-tree + Still tosses to sun and air + Its thousand arms, + While in countless swarms + The wild bee revels there; + But soon not a trace + Of the red man's race + Shall be found in the landscape fair. + + When the snows of winter are melting fast, + And the sap begins to rise, + And the biting breath of the frozen blast + Yields to the spring's soft sighs, + Then away to the wood, + For the maple, good, + Shall unlock its honied store; + And boys and girls, + With their sunny curls, + Bring their vessels brimming o'er + With the luscious flood + Of the brave tree's blood, + Into cauldrons deep to pour. + + The blaze from the sugar-bush gleams red; + Far down in the forest dark, + A ruddy glow on the trees is shed, + That lights up their rugged bark; + And with merry shout, + The busy rout + Watch the sap as it bubbles high; + And they talk of the cheer + Of the coming year, + And the jest and the song pass by; + And brave tales of old + Round the fire are told, + That kindle youth's beaming eye. + + Hurrah! For the sturdy maple-tree! + Long may its green branch wave; + In native strength sublime and free, + Meet emblem for the brave. + May the nation's peace + With its growth increase, + And its worth be widely spread; + For it lifts not in vain + To the sun and rain + Its tall, majestic head. + May it grace our soil, + And reward our toil, + Till the nation's heart is dead. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2HCH0028" id="link2HCH0028"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + CHAPTER XXVIII — CANADIAN SKETCHES + </h2> + <p> + The preceding sketches of Canadian life, as the reader may well suppose, + are necessarily tinctured with somewhat somber hues, imparted by the + difficulties and privations with which, for so many years the writer had + to struggle; but we should be sorry should these truthful pictures of + scenes and characters, observed fifteen or twenty years ago, have the + effect of conveying erroneous impressions of the present state of a + country, which is manifestly destined, at no remote period, to be one of + the most prosperous in the world. Had we merely desired to please the + imagination of our readers, it would have been easy to have painted the + country and the people rather as we could have wished them to be, than as + they actually were, at the period to which our description refers; and, + probably, what is thus lost in truthfulness, it would have gained in + popularity with that class of readers who peruse books more for amusement + than instruction. + </p> + <p> + When I say that Canada is destined to be one of the most prosperous + countries in the world, let it not be supposed that I am influenced by any + unreasonable partiality for the land of my adoption. Canada may not + possess mines of gold or silver, but she possesses all those advantages of + climate, geological structure, and position, which are essential to + greatness and prosperity. Her long and severe winter, so disheartening to + her first settlers, lays up, amidst the forests of the West, inexhaustible + supplies of fertilising moisture for the summer, while it affords the + farmer the very best of natural roads to enable him to carry his wheat and + other produce to market. It is a remarkable fact, that hardly a lot of + land containing two hundred acres, in British America, can be found + without an abundant supply of water at all seasons of the year; and a very + small proportion of the land itself is naturally unfit for cultivation. To + crown the whole, where can a country be pointed out which possesses such + an extent of internal navigation? A chain of river navigation and + navigable inland seas, which, with the canals recently constructed, gives + to the countries bordering on them all the advantages of an extended + sea-coast, with a greatly diminished risk of loss from shipwreck! + </p> + <p> + Little did the modern discoverers of America dream, when they called this + country “Canada,” from the exclamation of one of the exploring party, “Aca + nada,”—“there is nothing here,” as the story goes, that Canada would + far outstrip those lands of gold and silver, in which their imaginations + revelled, in that real wealth of which gold and silver are but the + portable representatives. The interminable forests—that most gloomy + and forbidding feature in its scenery to the European stranger, should + have been regarded as the most certain proof of its fertility. + </p> + <p> + The severity of the climate, and the incessant toil of clearing the land + to enable the first settlers to procure the mere necessaries of life, have + formed in its present inhabitants an indomitable energy of character, + which, whatever may be their faults, must be regarded as a distinguishing + attribute of the Canadians, in common with our neighbours of the United + States. When we consider the progress of the Northern races of mankind, it + cannot be denied, that while the struggles of the hardy races of the North + with their severe climate, and their forests, have gradually endowed them + with an unconquerable energy of character, which has enabled them to + become the masters of the world; the inhabitants of more favoured + climates, where the earth almost spontaneously yields all the necessaries + of life, have remained comparatively feeble and inactive, or have sunk + into sloth and luxury. It is unnecessary to quote any other instances in + proof of this obvious fact, than the progress of Great Britain and the + United States of America, which have conquered as much by their industry + as by their swords. + </p> + <p> + Our neighbours of the United States are in the habit of attributing their + wonderful progress in improvements of all kinds to their republican + institutions. This is no doubt quite natural in a people who have done so + much for themselves in so short a time; but when we consider the subject + in all its bearings, it may be more truly asserted that, with any form of + government not absolutely despotic, the progress of North America, peopled + by a civilised and energetic race, with every motive to industry and + enterprise in the nature of the country itself, must necessarily have been + rapid. An unbounded extent of fertile soil, with an increasing population, + were circumstances which of themselves were sufficient to create a strong + desire for the improvement of internal communications; as, without common + roads, rail-roads, or canals, the interior of the country would have been + unfit to be inhabited by any but absolute barbarians. All the first + settlers of America wanted was to be left to themselves. + </p> + <p> + When we compare the progress of Great Britain with that of North America, + the contrast is sufficiently striking to attract our attention. While the + progress of the former has been the work of ages, North America has sprung + into wealth and power almost within a period which we can remember. But + the colonists of North America should recollect, when they indulge in such + comparisons, that their British ancestors took many centuries to civilise + themselves, before they could send free and intelligent settlers to + America. The necessity for improvements in the internal communications is + vastly more urgent in a widely extended continent than in an island, no + part of which is far removed from the sea-coast; and patriotism, as well + as self-interest, would readily suggest such improvements to the minds of + a people who inherited the knowledge of their ancestors, and were besides + stimulated to extraordinary exertions by their recently-acquired + independence. As the political existence of the United States commenced at + a period when civilisation had made great progress in the mother-country, + their subsequent improvement would, for various reasons, be much more + rapid than that of the country from which they originally emigrated. To + show the influence of external circumstances on the characters of men, let + us just suppose two individuals, equal in knowledge and natural capacity, + to be placed, the one on an improved farm in England, with the necessary + capital and farm-stock, and the other in the wilds of America, with no + capital but his labour, and the implements required to clear the land for + his future farm. In which of these individuals might we reasonably expect + to find the most energy, ingenuity, and general intelligence on subjects + connected with their immediate interests? No one who has lived for a few + years in the United States or Canada can hesitate for a reply. + </p> + <p> + The farmer in the more improved country generally follows the beaten + track, the example of his ancestors, or the successful one of his more + intelligent contemporaries; he is rarely compelled to draw upon his + individual mental resources. Not so with the colonist. He treads in tracks + but little known; he has to struggle with difficulties on all sides. + Nature looks sternly on him, and in order to preserve his own existence, + he must conquer Nature, as it were, by his perseverance and ingenuity. + Each fresh conquest tends to increase his vigour and intelligence, until + he becomes a new man, with faculties of mind which, but for his severe + lessons in the school of adversity, might have lain for ever dormant. + </p> + <p> + While America presents the most forbidden aspect to the new settler, it at + the same time offers the richest rewards to stimulate his industry. On the + one hand, there is want and misery; on the other, abundance and + prosperity. There is no middle course for the settler; he must work or + starve. In North America there is another strong incentive to improvement, + to be found in the scarcity of labour; and still more, therefore, than in + Europe must every mechanical contrivance which supersedes manual labour + tend to increase the prosperity of the inhabitants. When these + circumstances are duly considered, we need no longer wonder at the rapid + improvements in labour-saving machinery, and in the means of internal + communication throughout the United States. But for the steam-engine, + canals, and railroads, North America would have remained for ages a + howling wilderness of endless forests, and instead of the busy hum of men, + and the sound of the mill and steam-engine, we should now have heard + nothing but + </p> + <p> + “The melancholy roar of unfrequented floods.” + </p> + <p> + The scenes and characters presented to the reader in the preceding pages, + belong, in some measure, rather to the past than the present state of + Canada. In the last twenty years great changes have taken place, as well + in the external appearance of the country, as in the general character of + its inhabitants. In many localities where the land was already under the + plough, the original occupants of the soil have departed to renew their + endless wars with the giants of the forest, in order to procure more land + for their increasing families where it could be obtained at a cheaper + price. In the back-woods, forests have been felled, the blackened stumps + have disappeared, and regular furrows are formed by the ploughman, where + formerly he had not time or inclination to whistle at his work. A superior + class of farmers has sprung up, whose minds are as much improved by + cultivation as their lands, and who are comfortably settled on farms + supposed to be exhausted of their fertility by their predecessors. As the + breadth of land recovered from the forest is increased, villages, towns, + and cities have grown up and increased in population and wealth in + proportion to the productiveness of the surrounding country. + </p> + <p> + In Canada, it is particularly to be noted, that there is hardly any + intermediate stage between the rude toil and privation of the back-woods, + and the civilisation, comfort, and luxury of the towns and cities, many of + which are to outward appearance entirely European, with the encouraging + prospect of a continual increase in the value of fixed property. When a + colony, capable, from the fertility of the soil and abundance of moisture, + of supporting a dense population, has been settled by a civilised race, + they are never long in establishing a communication with the sea-coast and + with other countries. When such improvements have been effected, the + inhabitants may be said at once to take their proper place among civilised + nations. The elements of wealth and power are already there, and time and + population only are required fully to develope the resources of the + country. + </p> + <p> + Unhappily the natural progress of civilised communities in our colonies is + too often obstructed by the ignorance of governments, and unwise or + short-sighted legislation; and abundance of selfish men are always to be + found in the colonies themselves, who, destitute of patriotism, greedily + avail themselves of this ignorance, in order to promote their private + interests at the expense of the community. Canada has been greatly + retarded in its progress by such causes, and this will in a great measure + account for its backwardness when compared with the United States, without + attributing the difference to the different forms of government. It was + manifestly the intention of the British government, in conferring + representative institutions on Canada, that the people should enjoy all + the privileges of their fellow-subjects in the mother-country. The more to + assimilate our government to that of its great original, the idea was for + some time entertained of creating a titled and hereditary aristocracy, but + it was soon found that though + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “The King can make a belted knight, + A marquis, duke, an' a' that,” + </pre> + <p> + it was not in his power to give permanency to an institution which, in its + origin, was as independent as royalty itself, arising naturally out of the + feudal system: but which was utterly inconsistent with the genius and + circumstances of a modern colony. The sovereign might endow the members of + such an aristocracy with grants of the lands of the crown to support their + dignity, but what benefit could such grants be, even to the recipients, in + a country covered with boundless forests and nearly destitute of + inhabitants? It is obvious that no tenants could be found to pay rents for + such lands, or indeed even to occupy them, while lands could be purchased + on easy terms in the United States, or in Canada itself. Had this plan + been carried out, Canada would have been a doomed country for centuries. + </p> + <p> + The strongest incitements to industry are required, those of + proprietorship and ultimate independence, to induce settlers to encounter + all the privations and toil of a new settlement in such a country. A + genuine aristocracy can only exist in a country already peopled, and which + has been conquered and divided among the conquerors. In such a state of + things, aristocracy, though artificial in its origin, becomes naturalised, + if I may use the expression, and even, as in Great Britain, when + restrained within proper limits, highly beneficial in advancing + civilization. Be it for good or be it for evil, it is worse than useless + to disguise the fact that the government of a modern colony, where every + conquest is made from the forest by little at a time, must be essentially + republican. + </p> + <p> + Any allusion to political parties is certainly foreign to the object of + the preceding sketches; but it is impossible to make the British reader + acquainted with the various circumstances which retarded the progress of + this fine colony, without explaining how the patronage of the local + government came formerly to be so exclusively bestowed on one class of the + population,—thus creating a kind of spurious aristocracy which + disgusted the colonists, and drove emigration from our shores to those of + the United States. + </p> + <p> + After the American Revolution, considerable numbers of loyalists in the + United States voluntarily relinquished their homesteads and property, and + came to Canada, which then, even on the shores of Lake Ontario, was a + perfect wilderness. Lands were of course granted to them by the + government, and very naturally these settlers were peculiarly favoured by + the local authorities. These loyalists were generally known by the name of + “tories,” to distinguish them from the republicans, and forming the great + mass of the population. Any one who called himself a reformer was regarded + with distrust and suspicion, as a concealed republican or rebel. It must + not, however, be supposed that these loyalists were really tories in their + political principles. Their notions on such subjects were generally crude + and undefined, and living in a country where the whole construction of + society and habits of feeling were decidedly republican, the term tory, + when adopted by them, was certainly a misnomer. However, hated by, and + hating as cordially, the republican party in the United States, they by no + means unreasonably considered that their losses and their attachment to + British institutions, gave them an almost exclusive claim to the favour of + the local government in Canada. Thus the name of U.E. (United Empire) + Loyalist or Tory came to be considered an indispensable qualification for + every office in the colony. + </p> + <p> + This was all well enough so long as there was no other party in the + country. But gradually a number of other American settlers flowed into + Canada from the United States, who had no claim to the title of tories or + loyalists, but who in their feelings and habits were probably not much + more republican than their predecessors. These were of course regarded + with peculiar jealousy by the older or loyalist settlers from the same + country. It seemed to them as if a swarm of locusts had come to devour + their patrimony. This will account for the violence of party feeling which + lately prevailed in Canada. + </p> + <p> + There is nothing like a slight infusion of self-interest to give point and + pungency to party feeling. The British immigrants, who afterwards flowed + into this colony in greater numbers, of course brought with them their own + particular political predilections. They found what was called toryism and + high churchism in the ascendant, and self-interest or prejudice induced + most of the more early settlers of this description to fall in with the + more powerful and favoured party; while influenced by the representations + of the old loyalist party they shunned the other American settlers as + republicans. In the meantime, however, the descendants of the original + loyalists were becoming numerous, while the government became unable to + satisfy them all according to their own estimation of their merits; and as + high churchism was, unfortunately for the peace of society, associated + with toryism, every shade of religious dissent as well as political + difference of opinion generally added to the numbers and power of the + reform party, which was now beginning to be known in the colony. Strange + to say, the great bulk of the present reform party is composed of the + descendants of these U.E. Loyalists, while many of our most ultra tories + are the descendants of republican settlers from the United States. + </p> + <p> + As may be supposed, thirty years of increasing emigration from the + mother-country has greatly strengthened the reform party, and they now + considerably out-number the conservatives. While the mass of the people + held tory, or, I should rather call them, <i>conservative</i> principles, + our government seemed to work as well as any representative government may + be supposed to work without the necessary check of a constitutional + opposition. Favouritism was, of course, the order of the day; and the + governor, for the time being, filled up all offices according to his will + and pleasure, without many objections being made by the people as to the + qualifications of the favourite parties, provided the selections for + office were made from the powerful party. Large grants of land were given + to favoured individuals in the colony, or to immigrants who came with + commendations from the home government. In such a state of matters the + people certainly possessed the external form of a free government, but as + an opposition party gradually acquired an ascendancy in the lower House of + Parliament, they were unable to carry the measures adopted by their + majority into operation, in consequence of the systematic opposition of + the legislative and executive councils, which were generally formed + exclusively from the old conservative party. Whenever the conservatives + obtained the majority in the House of Assembly, the reformers, in + retaliation, as systematically opposed every measure. Thus a constant + bickering was kept up between the parties in Parliament; while the people, + amidst these attentions, lost sight of the true interests of the country, + and improvements of all kinds came nearly to a stand-still. As matters + were then conducted, it would have been much better had the colony been + ruled by a governor and council; for, in that case, beneficial measures + might have been carried into effect. Such a state of things could not last + long; and the discontent of a large portion of the people, terminating, + through the indiscretion of an infatuated local government, in actual + rebellion, soon produced the remedy. The party generally most powerful in + the Legislative Assembly, and the members of which had been so long and so + unconstitutionally excluded from holding offices under the government, at + once obtained the position which they were entitled, and the people being + thus given the power of governing by their majorities in Parliament, + improvements of all kinds are steadily advancing up the present moment, + and their prosperity and contentment have increased in an equal + proportion. + </p> + <p> + Had the first settlement of Canada been conducted on sound and + philosophical principles, much hardship and privation, as well as loss of + capital in land speculations, would have been saved to its first settlers, + and the country, improved and improving as it now is, would have presented + a very different aspect at the present time. With the best intentions, the + British government may be justly accused of gross ignorance of the true + principles of colonisation, and the local governments are still more open + to the accusation of squandering the resources of the colony—its + lands—in building up the fortunes of a would-be aristocracy, who + being non-resident proprietors of wild lands, necessarily obstructed the + progress of improvement, while the people were tantalised with the empty + semblance of a free government. + </p> + <p> + No sooner did emigrants from Great Britain begin to pour into Upper + Canada, so as to afford a prospect of the wild lands becoming saleable, + than a system of land speculation was resorted to by many of the old + colonists. This land speculation has no doubt enriched many individuals, + but more than any other abuse has it retarded the natural progress of the + country, and the interests of the many have thus been sacrificed to those + of the few. Almost all other speculations may be said, in one shape or + another, to do good; but land speculation has been an unmitigated curse to + Canada, because it occasions a monopoly of the soil, and prevents it from + being cleared and rendered productive, until the speculators can obtain + their own price for it. + </p> + <p> + The lands granted to soldiers and sailors who had served in Canada, and + those granted to the U.E. loyalists, were bought up, often at merely + nominal prices, from the original grantees and their children, and sold + again with an immense profit to new settlers from the old country, or + retained for many years in an unproductive state. A portion of the lands + granted to the U.E. loyalists was, of course, occupied by the heads of + families; but the lands to which their children became entitled, under the + same benevolent provision of the government, were generally drawn in + remote situations. By far the larger portion of these grants, however, + were not located or rendered available by the grantees, but remained in + the shape of U.E. rights, which were purchased at very low prices by the + speculators. These U.E. rights were bought at the rate of 1s. 3d., 2s. + 6d., or 3s. 9d. per acre; and it was by no means uncommon for old soldiers + to sell one hundred acres of land for two or three dollars, or even for a + bottle of rum, so little value did they set on such grants in the then + state of Canada. These grants, though well meant, and with respect to the + U.E. Loyalists, perhaps, unavoidable, have been most injurious to the + country. + </p> + <p> + The great error in this matter, and which could have been avoided, was the + opening of too great an extent of land <i>at once</i> for settlement. A + contrary system, steadily pursued, would have produced a concentrated + population; and the resources of such a population would have enabled the + colonists, by uniting their labour and capital, to make the means of + communication, in some degree, keep pace with the settlement of the lands; + and Upper Canada would now have been as well provided with canals and + railroads as the United States. The same abuses, no doubt, existed + formerly to as great an extent in that country, but, being longer settled, + it has outgrown the evil. Enough has been said on this subject to show + some of the causes which have retarded improvements in Canada. + </p> + <p> + Another chief cause of the long and helpless torpor in which the country + lay, was the absence of municipal governments in the various rural + localities. It indeed seems strange, that such a simple matter as + providing the means of making roads and bridges by local assessment could + not have been conceded to the people, who, if we suppose them to be gifted + with common sense, are much more capable of understanding and managing + their own parish business, than any government, however well disposed to + promote their interests. + </p> + <p> + Formerly the government of Upper Canada was deluged with petitions for + grants of money from Parliament to be expended in improvements in this or + that locality, of the reasonableness of which claims the majority of the + legislators were, of course, profoundly ignorant. These money grants + became subjects of a species of jobbing, or manoeuvering, among the + members of the House of Assembly; and he was considered the best member + who could get the most money for his county. Commissioners resident in the + particular localities were appointed to superintend these public works; + and as these commissioners were generally destitute of practical + knowledge, these Parliamentary grants were usually expended without + producing equivalent results. Nothing in the abstract is more reasonable + than that any number of individuals should be allowed to associate + themselves for the purpose of effecting some local improvement, which + would be beneficial to others as well as to themselves; but nothing of + this could be attempted without an Act of Parliament, which, of course, + was attended with expense and delay, if not disappointment. The time and + attention of the provincial parliament were thus occupied with a mass of + parish business, which could have been much better managed by the people + themselves on the spot. + </p> + <p> + When the union of the two provinces was in contemplation, it became + evident that the business of such an extended colony could not be carried + on in the United Parliament, were it to be encumbered and distracted with + the contending claims of so many localities. This consideration led to the + establishment of the District (now County) Municipal Councils. These + municipal councils were denounced by the conservative party at the time as + a step towards republicanism! Were this true, it would only prove that the + government of our republican neighbours is better than our own; for these + municipal institutions have been eminently beneficial to Canada. But + municipal councils are necessarily no more republican in their nature, + than the House of Commons in England. However this may be, the true + prosperity of Upper Canada may be mainly attributed to their influence on + the minds of the people. + </p> + <p> + Possessing many of the external forms of a parliament, they are admirable + political schools for a free people. The most intelligent men in the + different townships are freely elected by the inhabitants, and assemble in + the county town to deliberate and make by-laws, to levy taxes, and, in + short, to do everything which in their judgment will promote the interest + of their constituents. Having previously been solely occupied in + agricultural pursuits, it might naturally be expected that their first + notions would be somewhat crude, and that they would have many + long-cherished prejudices to overcome. Their daily intercourse with the + more educated inhabitants of the towns, however, tended to remove these + prejudices, while new ideas were continually presented to their minds. The + rapidity with which this species of practical education is acquired is + remarkable, and also, how soon men with such limited opportunities of + acquiring knowledge, learn to think and to express their views and + opinions in appropriate language. These municipal councillors go home + among their constituents, where they have to explain and defend their + proceedings; while so engaged, they have occasion to communicate facts and + opinions, which are fairly discussed, and thus enlightened views are + diffused through the mass of people. + </p> + <p> + The councillors, at first, were averse to the imposition or increase of + taxation, however desirable the object might be; but pride and emulation + very soon overcame this natural reluctance; and the example of some + neighbouring county, with that natural desire to do good, which, more or + less, influences the feelings and conduct of all public men, were not long + in producing their beneficial results, even with the risk of offending + their constituents. When the County Municipal Councils were first + established, the warden or president of the council, and also the + treasurer, were appointed by the governor; but both these offices were + afterwards made elective, the warden being elected by the council from + their own body, and the treasurer being selected by them, without previous + election by the people. + </p> + <p> + Lately, councils have been also established in each township for municipal + purposes affecting the interest of the township only, the reeves, or + presidents, of which minor councils form the members of the county + council. This general system of municipalities, and a late act of the + provincial parliament, enabling the inhabitants to form themselves into + road companies, have converted the formerly torpid and inactive townships + into busy hives of industry and progressive improvement. + </p> + <p> + Our agricultural societies have also played no mean part in furthering the + progress of the colony. In colonies fewer prejudices are entertained on + the subject of agricultural matters than on any others, and the people are + ever ready to try any experiment which offers any prospect of increased + remuneration for labour. Education, of late, has also made rapid advances + in this province; and now, the yeomanry of the more improved townships, + though they may be inferior to the yeomanry of England in the acquirements + derived from common school education, are certainly far superior to them + in general intelligence. Their minds are better stocked with ideas, and + they are infinitely more progressive. When we consider the relative + periods at which the first settlements were formed in the United States + and in Upper Canada, and the accumulation of capital in the former, it + will not be difficult to show that the progress of Canada has been much + more rapid. + </p> + <p> + The excavation of the Erie Canal, the parent of all the subsequent + improvements of a similar nature in the United States, opened-up for + settlement a vast country to the westward, which would otherwise for many + years have remained a wilderness, unfit for the habitation of man. The + boundless success of this experiment necessarily led to all the other + similar undertakings. The superior advantages Canada enjoyed in her river + and lake navigation, imperfect as that navigation was, operated in a + manner rather to retard than to accelerate improvements of this kind; + while the construction of the Erie Canal was a matter of prospective + necessity, in order to provide for a rapidly increasing population and + immigration. In the same manner, the recent completion of the works on the + St. Lawrence, and the enlargement of the Welland Canal, connecting Lakes + Erie and Ontario, will just as necessarily be followed by similar results, + with the additional advantage of the whole colony being greatly benefitted + by the commerce of the United States, in addition to her own. + </p> + <p> + We have now, thanks to responsible government, municipal councils, and + common schools, no longer any reason to consider their institutions better + calculated to develope the resources of the colony, than our own. Our + interests are almost identical, and with our canals and railroads on both + sides mutually beneficial, our former hostility has merged into a friendly + rivalry in the march of intellect, and we may now truly say that, without + wishing for any change in political institutions, which are most congenial + to the feelings of the people where they exist, each country now sincerely + rejoices in the prosperity of its neighbour. + </p> + <p> + Before concluding this chapter, I shall endeavour to give the reader a + short description of the county of Hastings, in which I have held the + office of sheriff for the last twelve years, and which, I believe, + possesses many advantages as a place of settlement, over all the other + places I have seen in the Upper Province. I should premise, however, lest + my partiality for this part of the colony should be supposed to incline me + to overrate its comparative advantages to the settler, that my statements + are principally intended to show the progress of Upper Province generally; + and that when I claim any superiority for this part of it, I shall give, + what I trust the reader will consider, satisfactory reasons for my + conclusion. + </p> + <p> + The settlement of a thickly-wooded country, when it is left to chance, is + a most uncertain and capricious matter. The narrow views and interests of + a clique in the colony, or even of an influential individual, often direct + emigration out of its natural course, involving unnecessary suffering to + the settler, a waste or absolute loss of capital, and a retarding of the + progress of the country. The circumstances and situation of the United + States were less productive of these evils than those of Upper Canada, + because settlement went on more uniformly from the seacoast towards the + interior. The mighty rivers and lakes of Canada, though productive of + boundless prosperity, operated in the first period of its settlement, most + unfavourably on the growth of the colony, by throwing open for settlement + an extensive inland coast, at that time unconnected with the ocean by + means of canals. Hence numerous detached, feeble, and unprogressive + settlements, came into existence, where the new settlers had to struggle + for years with the most disheartening difficulties. + </p> + <p> + European settlers know but little of the value of situation. In most cases + they are only desirous of acquiring a large extent of land at a low price, + and thus, unless restrained by the wise regulations of a provident + government, they too often ruin themselves, and waste their capital in a + wilderness, where it does good to no one. When emigration from the United + Kingdom began to set in to Upper Canada, the pernicious speculation in + wild lands commenced in earnest. As most of the land speculators possessed + shares in the steam-boats on Lake Ontario, the interests of both + speculations were combined. It was, of course, the interest of the + steam-boat proprietors to direct emigration as far to the westward as + possible; and influenced by their interested representations and those of + the land speculators settled in Toronto, Cobourg, and Hamilton, the + greater portion of the emigrants possessing capital were thrown into these + towns, near which they were led to expect desirable locations. In the same + manner the agents of the Canada Land Company, who were to be found on + every steamer, were actively employed in directing the emigrants to the + Huron tract. + </p> + <p> + By a simple inspection of the map of Upper Canada, it will be seen, that + as the Bay of Quinte was out of the general route of the steamers, and too + near the lower end of the lake navigation, it did not suit the views of + the parties most interested to direct emigration to its shores. Thus the + beautiful Bay of Quinte, with the most fertile land on its shores, and + scenery which exceeds in variety and picturesque beauty that of any part + of Upper Canada, Hamilton and Niagara alone excepted, has been passed by + for years for situations much less desirable or attractive to European + settlers. + </p> + <p> + The forbidding aspect of the country near Kingston, which is situated at + the entrance of the bay from the St. Lawrence, where the soil has a rocky + and barren appearance, has no doubt deterred emigrants from proceeding in + this direction. + </p> + <p> + The shores of the Bay of Quinte were originally occupied principally by + U.E. loyalists and retired officers, who had served during the late war + with the United States, but the emigration from Europe has chiefly + consisted of the poorer class of Irish Catholics, and of Protestants from + the North of Ireland, settled in two very thriving townships in the county + of Hastings. There is also a sprinkling of Scotch and English in different + parts of the county. Comparatively few possessing any considerable amount + of capital have found their way here, as the county town, Belleville, is + not in the line of the summer travel on the lakes. + </p> + <p> + The scenery along the shores of the bay is exceedingly beautiful all the + way from Kingston to the head, where a large river, the Trent, discharges + itself into it at a thriving village, of about a thousand inhabitants, + called Trent Port. A summer ride along the lower portion of this river + presents scenery of a bolder and grander character than is often met with + in Upper Canada, and it is enlivened by spectacles of immense rafts of + timber descending the rapids, and by the merry chorus of the light-hearted + lumbermen, as they pursue their toilsome and perilous voyage to Quebec. + </p> + <p> + Belleville was originally a spot reserved for the Mississagua Indians, and + was laid out in 1816 for a village, when there were only two or three + white men settled among them as traders in the place. It was only during + the last year that the two frame farm-houses, situated about a quarter of + a mile apart, were removed to make room for more substantial buildings. + Belleville remained nearly stationary for several years, during which a + few persons realised handsome fortunes, by means of large profits, not + withstanding the limited extent of their business. It at length began to + grow in importance as the fine country in its neighbourhood was cleared + and rendered productive. + </p> + <p> + In 1839, when the county of Hastings was set apart from the Midland + district, under the name of the District of Victoria, and Belleville + became the District town, the population of the county, including + Belleville, was about 12,000, and that of Belleville about 1500. In 1850 + the population of the county had reached 23,454, of which that of + Belleville was 3326. By the census just taken, on a much more correct + principle than formerly, the population of Belleville in 1852 appears to + be 4554, showing an increase of 1228 in two years. During the same period, + from 1850 to 1852, the population of Cobourg on Lake Ontario, which town + formerly enjoyed the full benefit of a large emigration, has risen from + 3379 to 3867, showing an increase of only 488. The town of Dundas in the + same time has increased its population from 2311 in 1850 to 3519 in 1852, + showing an increase of 1208. The population of the city of Hamilton in + 1850 was 10,312, and now, in 1852, it is said to exceed 13,000. In 1838 + the then <i>town</i> of Hamilton contained a population of only 3116. When + I first visited that place in 1832 it was a dull insignificant village, + which might, I suppose, contain a population of 1200 or 1500. I can hardly + describe my surprise on revisiting it in 1849, to behold a city grown up + suddenly, as if by enchantment, with several handsome churches and public + and private buildings of cut stone, brought from the fine freestone + quarries in the precipitous mountains or tableland behind the city. + </p> + <p> + Little need be said of the capital of the province, the city of Toronto, + the progress of which has been less remarkable in the same period, for the + obvious reason that its merits were sooner appreciated or known by the + emigrants from Europe. The population of Toronto, then called Little York, + in 1826 was 1677, while that of the now city of Kingston was 2329. In 1838 + the population of Toronto was 12,571, and that of Kingston 3877. In 1850 + the population of Toronto was 25,166, and that of Kingston 10,097. + </p> + <p> + These few facts will enable the reader to form some idea of the + comparative progress of different towns in Upper Canada, under + circumstances similar in some cases and different in others. When it is + considered that all of these last-mentioned towns have for many years + reaped the full benefit of the influx of emigration and capital from the + mother country, while the shores of the Bay of Quinte were little known or + appreciated, it will appear that the progress of Belleville has been at + least equal to that of any of them. The prosperity of Belleville may in + fact be almost entirely attributed to the gradual development of its own + internal resources, the fertility of the lands in its vicinity, and a + large exportation, of late years, of lumber of all kinds to the United + States. + </p> + <p> + Having no desire unnecessarily to trouble the reader with dry statistical + tables, I shall merely quote the following facts and figures, kindly + furnished me by G. Benjamin, Esq., the present warden of the county of + Hastings, to whose business talents and public spirit the county is + largely indebted for its progress in internal improvement. + </p> + <p> + The increase of business at the port of Belleville has been most + extraordinary. In 1839, the total amount of duties paid at this port + amounted to 280l; and in the year (1850) the amount reached 3659l. 12s. + 4d. The total arrivals at this port from the United States are as follows: + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + No. of Tons Hands + Vessels employed + British propellers ........... 8 2,400 104 + British sailing vessels ...... 81 4,140 375 + Foreign do. do. .............. 124 12,643 730 + ————- ————— ————- + Total ........................ 213 19,183 1209 + + This in addition to our daily steamers. + + Our exports to the United States are ............ L52,532 17 5 + And British ports below Belleville .............. 153,411 16 6 + ——————————— + L205,944 13 11 + L s d + Total imports from United States 25,067 2 6 + Total acceptances from United States 17,435 0 0 + Total importations from lower ports, + including drafts and other resources 130,294 0 0 172,796 2 6 + ————————- ——————————- + Showing the balance of trade in + favour of this port to be ........................ L33,148 11 5 + + Our exports to the lower ports are made up as follows: + + 3,485 barrels of Potash .................... L27,880 0 0 + 33,198 “ Flour ..................... 33,198 0 0 + 357 bushels of Grass seed ................ 133 17 6 + 1,450 “ Barley .................... 181 5 0 + 4,947 “ Peas ...................... 594 14 0 + 4,349 “ Rye ....................... 434 18 0 + 37,360 “ Wheat ..................... 7,472 0 0 + 198 barrels of Pork ...................... 396 0 0 + 54 “ Beef ...................... 74 5 0 + 1,141 Sheep-skins .......................... 114 2 0 + 4,395,590 feet square Timber ................... 74,903 2 6 + 173 kegs of Butter ....................... 540 12 6 + Furs ................................. 716 0 0 + Fatted Cattle ........................ 1,840 0 0 + High Wines ........................... 3,098 0 0 + Whiskey .............................. 1,830 0 0 + ————————————- + L153,411 16 6 + + Our exports to the United States are made up as follows: + + 30,686 bushels of Wheat ..................... L6,137 4 11 + 3,514 “ Rye ....................... 351 8 0 + 3,728 “ Peas ...................... 466 0 0 + 90 “ Barley .................... 9 0 0 + 316 “ Grass seed ................ 118 10 0 + 18,756 barrels of Flour ..................... 18,756 0 0 + 338 “ Potash .................... 2,366 0 0 + 1,000 bushels of Potatoes .................. 62 10 0 + 92 M. Shingles .................. 23 0 0 + 117 M. Laths ..................... 43 15 0 + 18,210 lbs. Rags ...................... 190 0 0 + 9,912 lbs. Wool ...................... 481 19 6 + 466 Sheep-skins .......................... 57 10 0 + 61 kegs of Butter ....................... 122 0 0 + 19,648,000 feet sawed Lumber .................... 21,296 0 0 + 513 Cows ................................. 2,052 0 0 + ———————————— + L52,532 17 5 +</pre> + <p> + The River Moira passing through Belleville, where it discharges itself + into the Bay of Quinte, is one principal source of its prosperity. The + preceding statement will show the quantity of sawed lumber exported, most + of which is furnished by the saw-mills of Belleville, or its immediate + vicinity. Besides saw and flour-mills, there are cloth and paper + manufactories, a manufactory of edge tools; pail manufactories, where + great quantities of these useful articles are made at a low price by + machinery; planing machines, several iron foundries, breweries, + distilleries, &c., in almost all of which establishments + steam-engines, or water-power from the river, are used. A remarkable + feature in Belleville, in common with other towns in Canada, is the great + number of tailoring and shoe-making establishments, when compared with + towns of an equal population in Great Britain. This shows, more than + anything I am aware of, the general prosperity of the people, who can + afford to be large consumers of such articles. + </p> + <p> + There is very little difference to be observed in the costliness of the + clothing of the different classes of society in Upper Canadian towns and + cities, and much less difference in the taste with which these articles + are selected, than might be expected. With the exception of the lower + class of labourers, all persons are well and suitably clad, and they can + afford to be so. + </p> + <p> + Twelve years ago there were not more than five or six piano-fortes in + Belleville. Now there are nearly one hundred of a superior description, + costing from 80 to 150 pounds. + </p> + <p> + Another remarkable circumstance in Upper Canada is the number of lawyers + in all the towns. In Belleville there are about a dozen, which seems to be + a large number for a town containing only 4554 inhabitants, when in an + English town of the same size there is often not more than one. Of course, + I do not mention this as any particular advantage, but to show the great + difference in the amount of transactions, and of subjects of contention, + in an old and a new country. The same may be said of the number of + newspapers, as indicative of commercial activity. Two newspapers, + representing the two political parties, are well-supported in Belleville, + both by their subscribers, and the number of advertisements. + </p> + <p> + The mouth of the Moira River, which widens out at its junction with the + Bay of Quinte, is completely covered with saw-logs and square timber of + various kinds during the summer months. This river, at Belleville, is + often dammed up by confused piles of timber. No sooner are these removed + than its waters are covered over by vast quantities of oak staves, which + are floated down separately to be rafted off like the squared lumber for + the Quebec market. The greater proportion of the saw-logs are, however, + cut up for exportation to the United States by the various saw-mills on + the river, or by a large steam saw-mill with twenty or thirty run of saws, + erected on a little island in the mouth of the river. Several large + schooners are constantly loading with sawed lumber, and there are two or + three steamboats always running between Belleville and Kingston, carrying + passengers to and fro, and generally heavily laden with goods or produce. + The Bay of Quinte offers more than common facilities in the summer months + for rapid and safe communication with other places; and, in the winter + time, being but slightly affected by the current of the river Trent, it + affords excellent sleighing. + </p> + <p> + Large quantities of wheat and other farm produce are transported over the + ice to Belleville from the neighbouring county of Prince Edward, which is + an exceedingly prosperous agricultural settlement, yielding wheat of the + finest quality, and particularly excellent cheese and butter. The scenery + on the shores of Prince Edward is exceedingly picturesque, and there are + numerous wharfs at short distances, from whence the farmers roll their + barrels of flour and other articles on board the steamers on their way to + market. I have seen no scenery in Upper Canada presenting the same variety + and beauty as that of the shores of Prince Edward in particular. + </p> + <p> + The peninsular situation of this county is its only disadvantage—being + out of the line of the land travel and of the telegraphic communication + which passes through Belleville. The county of Prince Edward having nearly + exhausted its exportation lumber—the people are thus freed from the + evils of a trade that is always more or less demoralising in its tendency + and can now give their undivided attention to the cultivation of their + farms. Certain it is, that more quiet, industrious, and prosperous + settlers, are not to be found in the Province. + </p> + <p> + A few miles below Belleville, on the south side of the bay, is a very + remarkable natural curiosity, called “The Stone Mills.” On the summit of a + table-land, rising abruptly several hundred feet above the shore of the + bay, there is a lake of considerable size and very great depth, and which + apparently receives a very inadequate supply from the elevated land on + which it is situated. The lake has no natural outlet, and the common + opinion is that it is unfathomable, and that it is supplied with water by + means of a subterranean communication with Lake Huron, or some other lake + at the same level. This is, of course, extremely improbable, but there can + be no doubt of its great depth, and that it cannot be supplied from the + Bay of Quinte, so far beneath its level. As a small rivulet runs into this + lake from the flat ground in its vicinity, and as the soil of this + remarkable excavation, however it may have been originally formed, is + tenacious, I think we require no such improbable theory to account for its + existence. Availing himself of the convenient position of this lake, a + farmer in the neighbourhood erected a mill, which gives its name to the + lake, on the shore of the Bay of Quinte, and which he supplied with water + by making a deep cutting from the lake to the edge of the precipice, from + whence it is conveyed in troughs to the mill. + </p> + <p> + There is a somewhat similar lake in the township of Sidney in the county + of Hastings, covering some hundred acres. This lake is also of great + depth, though situated on the summit of a range of high hills, from whence + it gets the name of the “Oak Hill Pond.” + </p> + <p> + The Bay of Quinte abounds in excellent fish of various kinds, affording + excellent sport to those who are fond of fishing. When the ice breaks up + in the spring, immense shoals of pickerel commence running up the Moira + river, at Belleville, to spawn in the interior. At that time a number of + young men amuse themselves with spearing them, standing on the flat rocks + at the end of the bridge which crosses the river. They dart their spears + into the rushing waters at hap-hazard in the darkness, bringing up a large + fish at every second or third stroke. My eldest son, a youth of fifteen, + sometimes caught so many fish in this manner in two or three hours, that + we had to send a large wheelbarrow to fetch them home. Formerly, before so + many mills were erected, the fish swarmed in incredible numbers in all our + rivers and lakes. + </p> + <p> + In the back-woods there is excellent deer-hunting, and parties are often + formed for this purpose by the young men, who bring home whole + waggon-loads of venison. + </p> + <p> + While speaking of Belleville, I may mention, as one of its chief + advantages, the long period for which the sleighing continues in this part + of the country, when compared with other places on the shore of Lake + Ontario. Nearly the whole winter there is excellent sleighing on the Bay + of Quinte; and on the land we have weeks of good sleighing for days in + most other places. This is owing to the influence of a large sheet of + frozen water interposed between us and Lake Ontario, which is never + frozen. + </p> + <p> + The county of Prince Edward is a peninsula connected with the main land by + a narrow isthmus of low swampy land about four miles wide. Through this + neck of land it has long been in contemplation to cut a canal to enable + the lake steam-boats to take Belleville in their route between Kingston + and Toronto, thus affording a safe navigation in stormy weather. The + effect of such a work on the prosperity of the counties of Hastings and + Prince Edward would be very great, as European emigrants would have an + opportunity of seeing a country which has hitherto escaped their notice, + from the causes already mentioned. + </p> + <p> + Besides the usual variety of churches, there is a grammar-school, and also + four large common schools, which latter are free schools, being supported + by assessments on the people of the town. + </p> + <p> + Every Saturday, which is the great day for business from the country, the + streets are crowded with farmers' waggons or sleighs, with their wives and + pretty daughters, who come in to make their little purchases of silk gowns + and ribbons, and to sell their butter and eggs, which are the peculiar + perquisites for the females in this country. The counties of Hastings and + Prince Edward are celebrated for female beauty, and nowhere can you see + people in the same class more becomingly attired. At the same time there + is nothing rustic about them, except genuine good nature and unaffected + simplicity of manners. To judge by their light elastic step and rosy + smiling countenances, no people on earth seem to enjoy a greater share of + health and contentment. + </p> + <p> + Since the establishment of the county municipal councils, plank and + macadamised roads have branched out in all directions from the various + central county towns, stretching their ramifications like the veins of the + human body, conveying nourishment and prosperity throughout the country, + increasing the trade and the travel, connecting man with man and promoting + intelligence and civilisation; while the magnetic telegraph, now + traversing the whole length of the country, like the nervous system, still + further stimulates the inhabitants to increased activity. + </p> + <p> + The people of this county have not been behind their neighbours in these + improvements. The first plank-road which they constructed was from + Belleville to Canniff's Mills, a distance of three miles over a road which + at the time was often knee-deep in mud, with a solid foundation of flat + limestone rock, which prevented the escape of the water. So infamous was + this road, that, on some parts of it, it was a matter of serious doubt + whether a boat or waggon would be the better mode of conveyance. + Notwithstanding the badness of this road, it was the greatest thoroughfare + in the county, as it was the only approach to a number of mills situated + on the river, and to Belleville, from the back country. It was, however, + with the utmost difficulty that the warden could induce the other members + of the county-council to sanction the construction of a plank-road at the + expense of the county; so little was then known in Canada of the effects + of such works. + </p> + <p> + The profits yielded by this road are unusually large, amounting, it is + said, to seventy or eighty per cent. This extraordinary success encouraged + the people to undertake other lines, by means of joint-stock companies + formed among the farmers. All these plank-roads are highly remunerative, + averaging, it is stated, fourteen per cent. over and above all expenses of + repair. More than thirty miles of plank-road is already constructed in the + county. In a few years plank or gravel roads will be extended through + every part of the country, and they will be most available as feeders to + the great line of railway which will very soon be constructed through the + entire length of the province, and which has been already commenced at + Toronto and Hamilton. A single track plank-road costs from 375 to 425 + pounds per mile, according to the value of the land to be purchased, or + other local causes. The cost of a gravel road, laid twelve feet wide and + nine inches deep, and twenty-two feet from out to out, is from 250 to 325 + pounds, and it is much more lasting, and more easily repaired than a + plank-road. Macadamised or gravel roads will no doubt entirely supersede + the others. + </p> + <p> + In the present circumstances of the colony, however, plank-roads will be + preferred, because they are more quickly constructed, and with less + immediate outlay of money in the payment of labourers' wages, as our + numerous saw-mills enable the farmers to get their own logs sawed, and + they thus pay the greater portion of their instalments on the stock taken + in the roads. In fact, by making arrangements with the proprietors of + saw-mills they can generally manage to get several months' credit, so that + they will receive the first dividends from the road before they will be + required to pay any money. The mode of making these roads is exceedingly + simple. + </p> + <p> + The space required for the road is first levelled, ditched, and drained, + and then pieces of scantling, five or six inches square, are laid + longitudinally on each side, at the proper distance for a road-way twelve + feet wide, and with the ends of each piece sawn off diagonally, so as to + rest on the end of the next piece, which is similarly prepared, to prevent + the road from settling down unequally. The pieces of scantling thus + connected are simply bedded firmly in the ground, which is levelled up to + their upper edges. Pine planks, three inches thick, are then laid across + with their ends resting on the scantling. The planks are closely wedged + together like the flooring of a house, and secured here and there by + strong wooden pins, driven into auger-holes bored through the planks into + the scantling. The common way is to lay the plank-flooring at right angles + with the scantling, but a much better way has been adopted in the county + of Hastings. The planks are here laid diagonally, which of course requires + that they should be cut several feet longer. This ensures greater + durability, as the shoes of the horses cut up the planks much more when + the grain of the wood corresponds in direction with their sharp edges. + When a double track is required, three longitudinal courses of scantling + are used, and the ends of the planks meet on the centre one. Very few, if + any, iron nails are generally used. + </p> + <p> + The great advantage of a plank-road is the large load it enables the + horses to draw. Whilst on a common road a farmer can only carry + twenty-five bushels of wheat in his waggon, a plank-road will enable him + to carry forty or fifty bushels of the same grain with a pair of horses. + The principal disadvantage of the plank-roads is, that they are found by + experience to be injurious to horses, particularly when they are driven + quickly on them. They are best adapted for a large load drawn at a slow + pace. I shall not attempt to describe the country in the neighbourhood of + Belleville, or the more northern parts of the county. It will suffice to + observe, that the country is generally much varied in its surface, and + beautiful, and the soil is generally excellent. Within the last ten or + twelve years the whole country has been studded with good substantial + stone or brick houses, or good white painted frame houses, even for thirty + miles back, and the farms are well fenced and cultivated, showing + undeniable signs of comfort and independence. Streams and water are + abundant, and there are several thriving villages and hamlets scattered + through the county,—the village of Canniff's Mills, three miles from + Belleville, and soon destined to form a part of it, alone containing a + population of about a thousand. + </p> + <p> + In describing the progress of this county, I may be understood as + describing that of most other counties in the Upper Province; the progress + of all of them being rapid, though varying according to the advantages of + situation or from causes already alluded to. + </p> + <p> + From what has been said, the reader will perceive that the present + condition of Canada generally is exceedingly prosperous, and when the + resources of the country are fully developed by the railroads now in + progress of construction, and by the influx of capital and population from + Europe, no rational person can doubt that it will ultimately be as + prosperous and opulent as any country in the world, ancient or modern. + </p> + <p> + It may be said, “should we not then be hopeful and contented with our + situation and prospects.” And so the people are in the main, and the + shrewd capitalists of England think so, or they would not be so ready to + invest their money in our public works. But some deduction from this + general state of contentment and confidence must be made for those little + discontents and grumblings created by the misrepresentations of certain + disappointed politicians and ambitious men of all parties, who expect to + gain popularity by becoming grievance-mongers. Much has been done, and a + great deal still remains to be done in the way of reform, here as + elsewhere. But there never was any just cause or motive in that insane cry + for “annexation” to the United States, which was raised some years ago, + and by the tories, too, of all people in the world! The “annexation” mania + can now only be regarded as indicative of the last expiring struggle of a + domineering party—it would not be correct to call it a political + party—which had so long obstructed the progress of Canada by its + selfish and monopolising spirit, when it found that its reign had ceased + for ever. + </p> + <p> + Great sacrifices have been, and will be made, by men of loyalty and + principle in support of institutions, which are justly dear to every + Briton and to every freeman; but this feeling necessarily has its limits + among the mass of mankind; and the loyalty of a people must be supported + by reason and justice. They should have good reason to believe that their + institutions are more conducive to happiness and prosperity than those of + all other countries. Without this conviction, loyalty in a people who have + by any means been deprived of the power of correcting the abuses of their + government, would be hardly rational. Canadians now have that power to its + full extent. Why, then, should we not be loyal to the constitution of our + country which has stood the test of ages, purifying itself and developing + its native energies as a vigorous constitution outgrows disease in the + human frame. The government of Canada is practically more republican than + that of the mother country and nearly as republican as that of the United + States. Our government is also notoriously much less expensive. Our public + officers are also, practically, much more responsible to the people, + though indirectly, because they are appointed by a Colonial Ministry who + are elected by the people, and whose popularity depends in a great degree + on the selections they make and upon their watchfulness over their + conduct. + </p> + <p> + The government of the United States is not a cheap government, because all + officers being elective by the people, the responsibility of the + selections to office is divided and weakened. Moreover, the change or + prospect of the electors being the elected inclines them to put up with + abuses and defalcations which would be considered intolerable under + another form of government. The British Government now holds the best + security for the continued loyalty of the people of Canada, in their + increasing prosperity. To Great Britain they are bound by the strongest + ties of duty and interest; and nothing but the basest ingratitude or + absolute infatuation can ever tempt them to transfer their allegiance to + another country. + </p> + <p> + I shall conclude this chapter with a few verses written two years ago, and + which were suggested by an indignant feeling at the cold manner with which + the National Anthem was received by some persons who used to be loud in + their professions of loyalty on former public occasions. Happily, this + wayward and pettish, I will not call it disloyal spirit, has passed away, + and most of the “Annexationists” are now heartily ashamed of their + conduct. + </p> + <h3> + GOD SAVE THE QUEEN + </h3> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + God save the Queen. The time has been + When these charmed words, or said or sung, + Have through the welkin proudly rung; + And, heads uncovered, every tongue + Has echoed back—“God save the Queen!” + God save the Queen! + + It was not like the feeble cry + That slaves might raise as tyrants pass'd, + With trembling knees and hearts downcast, + While dungeoned victims breathed their last + In mingled groans of agony! + God save the Queen! + + Nor were these shouts without the will, + Which servile crowds oft send on high, + When gold and jewels meet the eye, + When pride looks down on poverty, + And makes the poor man poorer still! + God save the Queen! + + No!—it was like the thrilling shout— + The joyous sounds of price and praise + That patriot hearts are wont to raise, + 'Mid cannon's roar and bonfires blaze, + When Britain's foes are put to rout— + God save the Queen! + + For 'mid those sounds, to Britons dear, + No dastard selfish thoughts intrude + To mar a nation's gratitude: + But one soul moves that multitude— + To sing in accents loud and clear— + God save the Queen! + + Such sounds as these in days of yore, + On war-ship's deck and battle plain, + Have rung o'er heaps of foemen slain— + And with God's help they'll ring again, + When warriors' blood shall flow no more, + God save the Queen! + + God save the Queen! let patriots cry; + And palsied be the impious hand + Would guide the pen, or wield the brand, + Against our glorious Fatherland. + Let shouts of freemen rend the sky, + God save the Queen!—and Liberty! + + Reader! my task is ended. +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE" id="link2H_APPE"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX A + </h2> + <h3> + ADVERTISEMENT TO THE THIRD EDITION + </h3> + <p> + Published by Richard Bentley in 1854 + </p> + <p> + In justice to Mrs. Moodie, it is right to state that being still resident + in the far-west of Canada, she has not been able to superintend this work + whilst passing through the press. From this circumstance some verbal + mistakes and oversights may have occurred, but the greatest care has been + taken to avoid them. + </p> + <p> + Although well known as an authoress in Canada, and a member of a family + which has enriched English literature with works of very high popularity, + Mrs. Moodie is chiefly remembered in this country by a volume of Poems + published in 1831, under her maiden name of Susanna Strickland. During the + rebellion in Canada, her loyal lyrics, prompted by strong affection for + her native country, were circulated and sung throughout the colony, and + produced a great effect in rousing an enthusiastic feeling in favour of + law and order. Another of her lyrical compositions, the charming Sleigh + Song, printed in the present work (at the end of chapter VII), has been + extremely popular in Canada. The warmth of feeling which beams through + every line, and the touching truthfulness of its details, won for it a + reception there as universal as it was favourable. + </p> + <p> + The glowing narrative of personal incident and suffering which she gives + in the present work, will no doubt attract general attention. It would be + difficult to point out delineations of fortitude under privation, more + interesting or more pathetic than those contained in her second volume. + </p> + <p> + London, January 22, 1852 + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE2" id="link2H_APPE2"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX B + </h2> + <h3> + CANADA: A CONTRAST + </h3> + <p> + Introductory Chapter to the First Canadian Edition (1871) + </p> + <p> + In the year 1832 I landed with my husband, J.W. Dunbar Moodie, in Canada. + Mr. Moodie was the youngest son of Major Moodie, of Mellsetter, in the + Orkney Islands; he was a lieutenant in the 21st Regiment of Fusileers, and + had been severely wounded in the night-attack upon Bergen-op-Zoom, in + Holland. + </p> + <p> + Not being overgifted with the good things of this world—the younger + sons of old British families seldom are—he had, after mature + deliberation, determined to try his fortunes in Canada, and settle upon + the grant of 400 acres of land ceded by the Government to officers upon + half-pay. + </p> + <p> + Emigration, in most cases—and ours was no exception to the general + rule—is a matter of necessity, not of choice. It may, indeed, + generally be regarded as an act of duty performed at the expense of + personal enjoyment, and at the sacrifice of all those local attachments + which stamp the scenes in which our childhood grew in imperishable + characters upon the heart. + </p> + <p> + Nor is it, until adversity has pressed hard upon the wounded spirit of the + sons and daughters of old, but impoverished, families, that they can + subdue their proud and rebellious feelings, and submit to make the trial. + </p> + <p> + This was our case, and our motive for emigrating to one of the British + colonies can be summed up in a few words. + </p> + <p> + The emigrant's hope of bettering his condition, and securing a sufficient + competence to support his family, to free himself from the slighting + remarks too often hurled at the poor gentleman by the practical people of + the world, which is always galling to a proud man, but doubly so when he + knows that the want of wealth constitues the sole difference between him + and the more favoured offspring of the same parent stock. + </p> + <p> + In 1830 the tide of emigration flowed westward, and Canada became the + great landmark for the rich in hope and poor in purse. Public newspapers + and private letters teemed with the almost fabulous advantages to be + derived from a settlement in this highly favoured region. Men, who had + been doubtful of supporting their families in comfort at home, thought + that they had only to land in Canada to realize a fortune. The infection + became general. Thousands and tens of thousands from the middle ranks of + British society, for the space of three or four years, landed upon these + shores. A large majority of these emigrants were officers of the army and + navy, with their families: a class perfectly unfitted, by their previous + habits and standing in society, for contending with the stern realities of + emigrant life in the backwoods. A class formed mainly from the younger + scions of great families, naturally proud, and not only accustomed to + command, but to recieve implicit obedience from the people under them, are + not men adapted to the hard toil of the woodman's life. Nor will such + persons submit cheerfully to the saucy familiarity of servants, who, + republicans at heart, think themselves quite as good as their employers. + </p> + <p> + Too many of these brave and honest men took up their grants of wild land + in remote and unfavourable localities, far from churches, schools, and + markets, and fell an easy prey to the land speculators that swarmed in + every rising village on the borders of civilization. + </p> + <p> + It was to warn such settlers as these last mentioned, not to take up + grants and pitch their tents in the wilderness, and by so doing reduce + themselves and their families to hopeless poverty, that my work “Roughing + it in the Bush” was written. + </p> + <p> + I gave the experience of the first seven years we passed in the woods, + attempting to clear a bush farm, as a warning to others, and the number of + persons who have since told me, that my book “told the history” of their + own life in the woods, ought to be the best proof to every candid mind + that I spoke the truth. It is not by such feeble instruments as the above + that Providence works when it seeks to reclaim the waste places of the + earth, and make them subservient to the wants and happiness of its + creatures. The great Father of the souls and bodies of men knows the arm + which wholesome labour from the infancy has made strong, the nerves that + have become iron by patient endurance, and He chooses such to send forth + into the forest to hew out the rough paths for the advance of + civilization. + </p> + <p> + These men became wealthy and prosperous, and are the bones and sinews of a + great and rising country. Their labour is wealth, not exhaustion; it + produces content, not home-sickness and despair. + </p> + <p> + What the backwoods of Canada are to the industrious and + ever-to-be-honoured sons of honest poverty, and what they are to the + refined and polished gentleman, these sketches have endeavoured to show. + </p> + <p> + The poor man is in his native element; the poor gentleman totally + unfitted, by his previous habits and education, to be a hewer of the + forest and a tiller of the soil. What money he brought out with him is + lavishly expended during the first two years in paying for labour to clear + and fence lands which, from his ignorance of agricultural pursuits, will + never make him the least profitable return and barely find coarse food for + his family. Of clothing we say nothing. Bare feet and rags are too common + in the bush. + </p> + <p> + Now, had the same means and the same labour been employed in the + cultivation of a leased farm, or one purchased for a few hundred dollars, + near a village, how different would have been the results, not only to the + settler, but it would have added greatly to the wealth and social + improvement of the country. + </p> + <p> + I am well aware that a great and, I must think, a most unjust prejudice + has been felt against my book in Canada because I dared to give my opinion + freely on a subject which had engrossed a great deal of my attention; nor + do I believe that the account of our failure in the bush ever deterred a + single emigrant from coming to the country, as the only circulation it + ever had in the colony was chiefly through the volumes that often formed a + portion of their baggage. The many who have condemned the work without + reading it will be surprised to find that not one word has been said to + prejudice intending emigrants from making Canada their home. Unless, + indeed, they ascribe the regret expressed at having to leave my native + land, so natural in the painful home-sickness which, for several months, + preys upon the health and spirits of the dejected exile, to a deep-rooted + dislike to the country. + </p> + <p> + So far from this being the case, my love for the country has steadily + increased from year to year, and my attachment to Canada is now so strong + that I cannot imagine any inducement, short of absolute necessity, which + could induce me to leave the colony where as a wife and mother, some of + the happiest years of my life have been spent. + </p> + <p> + Contrasting the first years of my life in the bush with Canada as she now + is, my mind is filled with wonder and gratitude at the rapid strides she + has made towards the fulfilment of a great and glorious destiny. + </p> + <p> + What important events have been brought to pass within the narrow circle + of less than forty years! What a difference since <i>now</i> and <i>then</i>. + The country is the same only in name. Its aspect is wholly changed. The + rough has become smooth, the crooked has been made straight, the forests + have been converted into fruitful fields, the rude log cabin of the + woodsman has been replaced by the handsome, well-appointed homestead, and + large populous cities have pushed the small clap-boarded village into the + shade. + </p> + <p> + The solitary stroke of the axe that once broke the uniform silence of the + vast woods is only heard in remote districts, and is superseded by the + thundering tread of the iron horse and the ceaseless panting of the + steam-engine in our sawmills and factories. + </p> + <p> + Canada is no longer a child, sleeping in the arms of nature, dependant for + her very existence on the fostering care of her illustrious mother. She + has outstepped infancy, and is in the full enjoyment of a strong and + vigorous youth. What may not we hope for her maturity ere another forty + summers have glided down the stream of time! Already she holds in her hand + the crown of one of the mightiest empires that the world has seen, or is + yet to see. + </p> + <p> + Look at her vast resources—her fine healthy climate—her + fruitful soil—the inexhaustible wealth of her pine forests—the + untold treasures hidden in her unexplored mines. What other country + possesses such an internal navigation for transporting its products from + distant Manitoba to the sea, and from thence to every port in the world! + </p> + <p> + If an excellent Government, defended by wise laws, a loyal people, and a + free Church, can make people happy and proud of their country, surely we + have every reason to rejoice in our new Dominion. + </p> + <p> + When we first came to the country it was a mere struggle for bread to the + many, while all the offices of emolument and power were held by a favoured + few. The country was rent to pieces by political factions, and a fierce + hostility existed between the native born Canadians—the first + pioneers of the forest—and the British emigrants, who looked upon + each other as mutual enemies, who were seeking to appropriate the larger + share of the new country. + </p> + <p> + Those who had settled down in the woods were happily unconscious that + these quarrels threatened to destroy the peace of the colony. + </p> + <p> + The insurrection of 1837 came upon them like a thunder clap; they could + hardly believe such an incredible tale. Intensely loyal, the emigrant + officers rose to a man to defend the British flag and chastise the rebels + and their rash leader. + </p> + <p> + In their zeal to uphold British authority, they made no excuse for the + wrongs that the dominant party had heaped upon a clever and high-spirited + man. To them he was a traitor, and, as such, a public enemy. Yet the blow + struck by that injured man, weak as it was, without money, arms, or the + necessary munitions of war, and defeated and broken in its first effort, + gave freedom to Canada, and laid the foundation of the excellent + constitution that we now enjoy. It drew the attention of the Home + Government to the many abuses then practised in the colony, and made them + aware of its vast importance in a political point of view, and ultimately + led to all our great national improvements. + </p> + <p> + The settlement of the long-vexed clergy reserves question, and the + establishment of common schools was a great boon to the colony. The + opening up of new townships, the making of roads, the establishments of + municipal councils in all the old districts, leaving to the citizens the + free choice of their own members in the council for the management of + their affairs, followed in rapid succession. + </p> + <p> + These changes of course took some years to accomplish, and led to others + equally important. The Provincial Exhibitions have done much to improve + the agricultural interests, and have led to better and more productive + methods of cultivation than were formerly practiced in the Province. The + farmer gradually became a wealthy and intelligent landowner, proud of his + improved flocks and herds, of his fine horses and handsome homestead. He + was able to send his sons to college and his daughters to boarding school, + and not uncommonly became an honourable member of the Legislative Council. + </p> + <p> + While the sons of poor gentlemen have generally lost caste and sunk into + useless sots, the children of these honest tillers of the soil have + steadily risen to the highest class, and have given to Canada some of her + best and wisest legislators. + </p> + <p> + Men who rest satisfied with the mere accident of birth for their claims to + distinction, without energy and industry to maintain their position in + society, are sadly at discount in a country which amply rewards the + worker, but leaves the indolent loafer to die in indigence and obscurity. + </p> + <p> + Honest poverty is encouraged, not despised, in Canada. Few of her + prosperous men have risen from obscurity to affluence without going + through the mill, and therefore have a fellow-feeling for those who are + struggling to gain the first rung on the ladder. + </p> + <p> + Men are allowed in this country a freedom enjoyed by few of the more + polished countries in Europe—freedom in religion, politics, and + speech; freedom to select their own friends and to visit with whom they + please without consulting the Mrs. Grundys of society—and they can + lead a more independent social life than in the mother country, because + less restricted by the conventional prejudices that govern older + communities. + </p> + <p> + Few people who have lived many years in Canada and return to England to + spend the remainder of their days, accomplish the fact. They almost + invariably come back, and why? They feel more independent and happier + here; they have no idea what a blessed country it is to live in until they + go back and realize the want of social freedom. I have heard this from so + many educated people, persons of taste and refinement, that I cannot doubt + the truth of their statements. + </p> + <p> + Forty years has accomplished as great a change in the habits and tastes of + the Canadian people as it has in the architecture of their fine cities and + the appearance of the country. A young Canadian gentleman is as well + educated as any of his compeers across the big water, and contrasts very + favourably with them. Social and unaffected, he puts on no airs of + offensive superiority, but meets a stranger with the courtesy and + frankness best calculated to shorten the distance between them and to make + his guest feel perfectly at home. + </p> + <p> + Few countries possess a more beautiful female population. The women are + elegant in their tastes, graceful in their manners, and naturally kind and + affectionate in their dispositions. Good housekeepers, sociable + neighbours, and lively and active in speech and movement, they are capital + companions and make excellent wives and mothers. Of course there must be + exceptions to every rule; but cases of divorce, or desertion of their + homes, are so rare an occurrence that it speaks volumes for their domestic + worth. Numbers of British officers have chosen their wives in Canada, and + I never heard that they had cause to repent of their choice. In common + with our American neighbours, we find that the worst members of our + community are not Canadian born, but importations from other countries. + </p> + <p> + The Dominion and Local Governments are now doing much to open up the + resources of Canada by the Intercolonial and projected Pacific Railways + and other Public Works, which, in time, will make a vast tract of land + available for cultivation, and furnish homes for multitudes of the + starving populations of Europe. + </p> + <p> + And again, the Government of the flourishing Province of Ontario—of + which the Hon. J. Sandfield Macdonald is premier—has done wonders + during the last four years by means of its Immigration policy, which has + been most successfully carried out by the Hon. John Carling, the + Commissioner, and greatly tended to the development of the country. By + this policy liberal provision is made for free grants of land to actual + settlers, for general education, and for the encouragement of the + industrial Arts and Agriculture; by the construction of public roads and + the improvement of the internal navigable waters of the province; and by + the assistance now given to an economical system of railways connecting + these interior waters with the leading railroads and ports on the + frontier; and not only are free grants of land given in the districts + extending from the eastern to the western extremity of the Province, but + one of the best of the new townships has been selected in which the + Government is now making roads, and upon each lot is clearing five acres + and erecting thereon a small house, which will be granted to heads of + families, who, by six annual instalments, will be required to pay back to + the Government the cost of these improvements—not exceeding $200, or + 40 pounds sterling—when a free patent (or deed) of the land will be + given, without any charge whatever, under a protective Homestead Act. This + wise and liberal policy would have astonished the Colonial Legislature of + 1832, but will, no doubt, speedily give to the Province a noble and + progressive back country, and add much to its strength and prosperity. + </p> + <p> + Our busy factories and foundries—our copper, silver, and plumbago + mines—our salt and petroleum—the increasing exports of native + produce—speak volumes for the prosperity of the Dominion and for the + government of those who are at the head of affairs. It only requires the + loyal co-operation of an intelligent and enlightened people to render this + beautiful and free country the greatest and the happiest upon the face of + the earth. + </p> + <p> + When we contrast forest life in Canada forty years ago with the present + state of the country, my book will not be without interest and + significance. We may truly say, old things have passed away, all things + have become new. + </p> + <p> + What an advance in the arts and sciences and in the literature of the + country has been made during the last few years. Canada can boast of many + good and even distinguished authors, and the love of books and booklore is + daily increasing. + </p> + <p> + Institues and literary associations for the encouragement of learning are + now to be found in all the cities and large towns in the Dominion. We are + no longer dependent upon the States for the reproduction of the works of + celebrated authors; our own publishers, both in Toronto and Montreal, are + furnishing our handsome bookstores with volumes that rival, in cheapness + and typographical excellence, the best issues from the large printing + establishments in America. We have no lack of native talent or books, or + of intelligent readers to appreciate them. + </p> + <p> + Our print shops are full of the well-educated designs of native artists. + And the grand scenery of our lakes and forests, transferred to canvas, + adorns the homes of our wealthy citizens. + </p> + <p> + We must not omit in this slight sketch to refer to the number of fine + public buildings which meet us at every turn, most of which have been + designed and executed by native architects. Montreal can point to her + Victoria Bridge, and challenge the world to produce its equal. This + prodigy of mechanical skill should be a sufficient inducement to strangers + from other lands to visit our shores, and though designed by the son of + the immortal George Stephenson, it was Canadian hands that helped him to + execute his great project—to raise that glorious monument to his + fame, which we hope, will outlast a thousand years. + </p> + <p> + Our new Houses of Parliment, our churches, banks, public halls, asylums + for the insane, the blind, and the deaf and dumb are buildings which must + attract the attention of every intelligent traveller; and when we consider + the few brief years that have elapsed since the Upper Province was + reclaimed from the wilderness, our progress in mechanical arts, and all + the comforts which pertain to modern civilization, is unprecedented in the + history of older nations. + </p> + <p> + If the Canadian people will honestly unite in carrying out measures + proposed by the Government for the good of the country, irrespective of + self-interest and party prejudices, they must, before the close of the + present century, become a great and prosperous nationality. May the + blessing of God rest upon Canada and the Canadian people! + </p> + <p> + Susanna Moodie + </p> + <p> + Belleville, 1871 + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_APPE3" id="link2H_APPE3"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPENDIX C + </h2> + <h3> + JEANIE BURNS + </h3> + <p> + (This chapter was originally intended by Mrs. Moodie for inclusion in the + first edition of Roughing it in the Bush but was instead published in the + periodical Bentley's Miscellany, in August 1852. It was later revised and + included in the book Life in the Clearings versus the Bush by the same + author.) + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + “Ah, human hearts are strangely cast, + Time softens grief and pain; + Like reeds that shiver in the blast, + They bend to rise again. + + “But she in silence bowed her head, + To none her sorrow would impart; + Earth's faithful arms enclose the dead, + And hide for aye her broken heart!” + </pre> + <p> + Our man James came to me to request the loan of one of the horses, to + attend a funeral. M—— was absent on business, and the horses + and the man's time were both greatly needed to prepare the land for the + fall crops. I demurred; James looked anxious and disappointed; and the + loan of the horse was at length granted, but not without a strict + injunction that he should return to his work the moment the funeral was + over. He did not come back until late that evening. I had just finished my + tea, and was nursing my wrath at his staying out the whole day, when the + door of the room (we had but one, and that was shared in common with the + servants) opened, and the delinquent at last appeared. He hung up the new + English saddle, and sat down by the blazing hearth without speaking a + word. + </p> + <p> + “What detained you so long, James? You ought to have had half an acre of + land, at least, ploughed to-day.” + </p> + <p> + “Verra true, mistress. It was nae fau't o' mine. I had mista'en the hour. + The funeral didna' come in afore sun-down, and I cam' awa' directly it was + ower.” + </p> + <p> + “Was it any relation of yours?” + </p> + <p> + “Na, na, jist a freend, an auld acquaintance, but nane o' mine ain kin. I + never felt sare sad in a' my life, as I ha' dune this day. I ha' seen the + clods piled on mony a heid, and never felt the saut tear in my e'en. But, + puir Jeanie! puir lass. It was a sair sight to see them thrown doon upon + her.” + </p> + <p> + My curiosity was excited; I pushed the tea-things from me, and told Bell + to give James his supper. + </p> + <p> + “Naething for me the night, Bell—I canna' eat—my thoughts will + a' rin on that puir lass. Sae young—sae bonnie, an' a few months ago + as blythe as a lark, an' now a clod o' the earth. Hout we maun all dee + when our ain time comes; but, somehow, I canna' think that Jeanie ought to + ha' gane sae sune.” + </p> + <p> + “Who is Jeanie Burns? Tell me, James, something about her.” + </p> + <p> + In compliance with my request, the man gave me the following story. I wish + I could convey it in his own words, but though I can perfectly understand + the Scotch dialect when spoken, I could not write it in its charming + simplicity: that honest, truthful brevity, which is so characteristic of + this noble people. The smooth tones of the blarney may flatter our vanity, + and please us for the moment; but who places any confidence in those by + whom it is employed. We know that it is only uttered to cajole and + deceive, and when the novelty wears off, the repetition awakens + indignation and disgust; but who mistrusts the blunt, straightforward + speech of the land of Burns—for good or ill, it strikes home to the + heart. + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie Burns was the daughter of a respectable shoemaker, who gained a + comfortable living by his trade in a small town in Ayrshire. Her father, + like herself, was an only child, and followed the same vocation, and + wrought under the same roof that his father had done before him. The elder + Burns had met with many reverses, and now helpless and blind, was entirely + dependent upon the charity of his son. Honest Jock had not married until + late in life, that he might more comfortably provide for the wants of his + aged parent. His mother had been dead for some years. She was a meek, + pious woman, and Jock quaintly affirmed, 'That it had pleased the Lord to + provide a better inheritance for his dear auld mither than his arm could + win, proud and happy as he would have been to have supported her when she + was no longer able to work for him.' + </p> + <p> + “Jock's paternal love was repaid at last; chance threw in his way a cannie + young lass, baith guid and bonnie: they were united, and Jeanie was the + sole fruit of this marriage. But Jeanie proved a host in herself, and grew + up the best natured, the prettiest, and the most industrious lass in the + village, and was a general favourite both with young and old. She helped + her mother in the house, bound shoes for her father, and attended to all + the wants of her dear old grandfather, Saunders Burns; who was so much + attached to his little handmaid, that he was never happy when she was + absent. + </p> + <p> + “Happiness is not a flower of long growth in this world; it requires the + dew and sunlight of heaven to nourish it, and it soon withers, removed + from its native skies. The cholera visited the remote village. It smote + the strong man in the pride of his strength, and the matron in the beauty + of her prime; while it spared the helpless and the aged, the infant of a + few days, and the parent of many years. Both Jeanie's parents fell victims + to the fatal disease, and the old blind Saunders and the young Jeanie were + left to fight alone a hard battle with poverty and grief. The truly + deserving are never entirely forsaken. God may afflict them with many + trials, but he watches over them still, and often provides for their wants + in a manner truly miraculous. Sympathizing friends gathered round the + orphan girl in her hour of need, and obtained for her sufficient + employment to enable her to support her old grandfather and herself, and + provide for them the common necessaries of life. + </p> + <p> + “Jeannie was an excellent sempstress, and what between making waistcoats + and trousers for the tailors and binding shoes for the shoemakers, a + business that she thoroughly understood, she soon had her little hired + room neatly furnished, and her grandfather as clean and spruce as ever. + When she led him into the kirk of a Sabbath morning, all the neighbours + greeted the dutiful daughter with an approving smile, and the old man + looked so serene and happy that Jeanie was fully repaid for her labours of + love. + </p> + <p> + “Her industry and piety often formed the theme of conversation to the + young lads of the village. 'What a guid wife Jeanie Burns will mak',' + cried one. 'Aye,' said another, 'he need na complain of ill-fortin, who + has the luck to get the like o' her.' + </p> + <p> + “'An' she's sae bonnie,' would Willie Robertson add with a sigh. 'I would + na' covet the wealth o' the hale world an she were mine.' + </p> + <p> + “Willie was a fine active young man, who bore an excellent character, and + his comrades thought it very likely that Willie was to be the fortunate + man. + </p> + <p> + “Robertson was the youngest son of a farmer in the neighbourhood. He had + no land of his own, and he was one of a very large family. From a boy he + had assisted his father in working the farm for their common maintenance; + but after he took to looking at Jeanie Burns at kirk, instead of minding + his prayers, he began to wish that he had a homestead of his own, which he + could ask Jeanie and her grandfather to share. He made his wishes known to + his father. The old man was prudent. A marriage with Jeanie Burns offered + no advantages in a pecuniary view. But the girl was a good honest girl, of + whom any man might be proud. He had himself married for love, and had + enjoyed great comfort in his wife. + </p> + <p> + “'Willie, my lad,' he said, 'I canna' gi'e ye a share o' the farm. It is + ower sma' for the mony mouths it has to feed. I ha'e laid by a little + siller for a rainy day, an' this I will gi'e ye to win a farm for yersel' + in the woods o' Canada. There is plenty o' room there, an' industry brings + its ain reward. If Jeanie Burns lo'es you, as weel as yer dear mither did + me, she will be fain to follow you there.' + </p> + <p> + “Willie grasped his father's hand, for he was too much elated to speak, + and he ran away to tell his tale of love to the girl of his heart. Jeanie + had long loved Robertson in secret, and they were not long in settling the + matter. They forgot in their first moments of joy that old Saunders had to + be consulted, for they had determined to take the old man with them. But + here an obstacle occurred of which they had not dreamed. Old age is + selfish, and Saunders obstinately refused to comply with their wishes. The + grave that held the remains of his wife and son was dearer to him than all + the comforts promised to him by the impatient lovers in that far foreign + land. Jeanie wept—but Saunders, deaf and blind, neither heard nor + saw her grief, and, like a dutiful child, she breathed no complaint to + him, but promised to remain with him until his head rested upon the same + pillow with the dead. + </p> + <p> + “This was a sore and great trial to Willie Robertson, but he consoled + himself for his disappointment with the thought that Saunders could not + live long, and that he would go and prepare a place for his Jean, and have + everything ready for her reception against the old man died. + </p> + <p> + “'I was a cousin of Willie's,' continued James, 'by the mither's side, and + he persuaded me to accompany him to Canada. We set sail the first day of + May, and were here in time to chop a small fallow for a fall crop. Willie + Robertson had more of this world's gear than I, for his father had + provided him with sufficient funds to purchase a good lot of wild land, + which he did in the township of M——, and I was to work with + him on shares. We were one of the first settlers in that place, and we + found the work before us rough and hard to our heart's content. But Willie + had a strong motive for exertion—and never did man work harder than + he did that first year on his bush-farm, for the love of Jeanie Burns.' + </p> + <p> + “We built a comfortable log-house, in which we were assisted by the few + neighbours we had, who likewise lent a hand in clearing ten acres we had + chopped for fall crop. + </p> + <p> + “All this time Willie kept up a constant correspondence with Jeanie Burns, + and he used to talk to me of her coming out, and his future plans, every + night when our work was done. If I had not loved and respected the girl + mysel' I should have got unco' tired o' the subject. + </p> + <p> + “We had just put in our first crop of wheat, when a letter came from + Jeanie bringing us the news of her grandfather's death. Weel I ken the + word that Willie spak' to me when he closed that letter. 'Jamie, the auld + man is gane at last—an', God forgi'e me, I feel too gladsome to + greet. Jeanie is willin' to come whenever I ha'e the means to bring her + out, an', hout man, I'm jist thinkin' that she winna' ha'e to wait lang.' + </p> + <p> + “Good workmen were getting very high wages just then, and Willie left the + care of the place to me, and hired for three months with auld Squire + Jones. He was an excellent teamster, and could put his hand to any sort of + work. When his term of service expired he sent Jeanie forty dollars to pay + her passage out, which he hoped she would not delay longer than the + spring. + </p> + <p> + “He got an answer from Jeanie full of love and gratitude, but she thought + that her voyage might be delayed until the fall. The good woman, with whom + she had lodged since her parents died, had just lost her husband, and was + in a bad state of health, and she begged Jeanie to stay with her until her + daughter could leave her service in Edinburgh and come to take charge of + the house. This person had been a kind and steadfast friend to Jeanie in + all her troubles, and had helped her nurse the old man in his dying + illness. I am sure it was just like Jeanie to act as she did. She had all + her life looked more to the comforts of others than to her ain. But + Robertson was an angry man when he got that letter, and he said, 'If that + was a' the lo'e that Jeanie Burns had for him, to prefer an auld woman's + comfort, who was naething to her, to her betrothed husband, she might bide + awa' as lang as she pleased, he would never trouble himsel' to write to + her again.' + </p> + <p> + “I did na' think that the man was in earnest, an' I remonstrated with him + on his folly an' injustice. This ended in a sharp quarrel atween us, and I + left him to gang his ain gate, an' went to live with my uncle, who kept a + blacksmith's forge in the village. + </p> + <p> + “After a while, we heard that Willie Robertson was married to a Canadian + woman—neither young nor good-looking, and very much his inferior in + every way, but she had a good lot of land in the rear of his farm. Of + course I thought that it was all broken off with puir Jeanie, and I + wondered what she would spier at the marriage. + </p> + <p> + “It was early in June, and our Canadian woods were in their first flush o' + green—an' how green an' lightsome they be in their spring dress—when + Jeanie Burns landed in Canada. She travelled her lane up the country, + wondering why Willie was not at Montreal to meet her as he had promised in + the last letter he sent her. It was late in the afternoon when the + steam-boat brought her to C——, and, without waiting to ask any + questions respecting him, she hired a man and cart to take her and her + luggage to M——. The road through the bush was very heavy, and + it was night before they reached Robertson's clearing, and with some + difficulty the driver found his way among the logs to the cabin-door. + </p> + <p> + “Hearing the sound of wheels, the wife, a coarse ill-dressed slattern, + came out to see what could bring strangers to such an out-o'-the-way place + at that late hour. “Puir Jeanie! I can weel imagine the fluttering o' her + heart when she spier'd of the woman for ane Willie Robertson, and asked if + he was at hame?' + </p> + <p> + “'Yes,' answered the wife gruffly. 'But he is not in from the fallow yet—you + may see him up yonder tending the blazing logs.' + </p> + <p> + “While Jeanie was striving to look in the direction which the woman + pointed out, and could na' see through the tears that blinded her e'e, the + driver jumped down from the cart, and asked the puir girl where he should + leave her trunks, as it was getting late, and he must be off? + </p> + <p> + “'You need not bring these big chests in here,' said Mrs. Robertson, 'I + have no room in my house for strangers and their luggage.' + </p> + <p> + “'Your house!' gasped Jeanie, catching her arm. 'Did ye na' tell me that + <i>he</i> lived here?—and wherever Willie Robertson bides Jeanie + Burns sud be a welcome guest. Tell him,' she continued, trembling all + ower, for she told me afterwards that there was something in the woman's + look and tone that made the cold chills run to her heart, 'that an auld + friend from Scotland has jist come off a lang wearisome journey to see + him.' + </p> + <p> + “'You may speak for yourself!' cried the woman angrily, 'for my husband is + now coming down the clearing.' + </p> + <p> + “The word husband was scarcely out o' her mouth than puir Jeanie fell as + ane dead across the door-step. + </p> + <p> + “The driver lifted up the unfortunate girl, carried her into the cabin, + and placed her in a chair, regardless of the opposition of Mrs. Robertson, + whose jealousy was now fairly aroused, and who declared that the bold + huzzie should not enter her doors. + </p> + <p> + “It was a long time before the driver succeeded in bringing Jeanie to + herself, and she had only just unclosed her eyes when Willie came in. + </p> + <p> + “'Wife,' he said, 'whose cart is this standing at the door, and what do + these people want here?' + </p> + <p> + “'You know best,' cried the angry woman, bursting into tears; 'that + creature is no acquaintance of mine, and if she is suffered to remain + here, I will leave the house at once.' + </p> + <p> + “'Forgi'e me, gude woman, for having unwittingly offended ye,' said + Jeanie, rising. 'But, merciful Father! how sud I ken that Willie + Robertson, my ain Willie, had a wife? Oh, Willie!' she cried, covering her + face in her hands to hide all the agony that was in her heart. 'I ha' come + a lang way, an' a weary to see ye, an' ye might ha' spared me the grief—the + burning shame o' this. Farewell, Willie Robertson, I will never mair + trouble ye nor her wi' my presence, but this cruel deed of yours has + broken my heart!' + </p> + <p> + “She went away weeping, and he had not the courage to detain her, or say + one word to comfort her, or account for his strange conduct; yet, if I + know him right, that must ha' been the most sorrowfu' moment in his life. + </p> + <p> + “Jeanie was a distant connexion of my uncle's, and she found us out that + night, on her return to the village, and told us all her grief. My aunt, + who was a kind good woman, was indignant at the treatment she had + received; and loved and cherished her as if she had been her own child. + </p> + <p> + “For two whole weeks she kept her bed, and was so ill that the doctor + despaired of her life; and when she did come again among us, the colour + had faded from her cheeks, and the light from her sweet blue eyes, and she + spoke in a low subdued voice, but she never spoke of <i>him</i> as the + cause of her grief. + </p> + <p> + “One day she called me aside and said— + </p> + <p> + “'Jamie, you know how I lo'ed an' trusted <i>him,</i> an' obeyed his ain + wishes in comin' out to this strange country to be his wife. But 'tis all + over now,' and she pressed her sma' hands tightly over her breast to keep + doon the swelling o' her heart. 'Jamie, I know now that it is a' for the + best; I lo'ed him too weel—mair than ony creature sud lo'e a + perishing thing o' earth. But I thought that he wud be sae glad an' sae + proud to see his ain Jeanie sae sune. But, oh!—ah, weel!—I + maun na think o' that; what I wud jist say is this,' an' she took a sma' + packet fra' her breast, while the tears streamed down her pale cheeks. 'He + sent me forty dollars to bring me ower the sea to him—God bless him + for that, I ken he worked hard to earn it, for he lo'ed me then—I + was na' idle during his absence. I had saved enough to bury my dear auld + grandfather, and to pay my ain expenses out, and I thought, like the gude + servant in the parable, I wud return Willie his ain with interest; an' I + hoped to see him smile at my diligence, an' ca' me his bonnie gude lassie. + Jamie, I canna' keep this siller, it lies like a weight o' lead on my + heart. Tak' it back to him, an' tell him fra' me, that I forgi'e him a' + his cruel deceit, an' pray to God to grant him prosperity, and restore to + him that peace o' mind o' which he has robbed me for ever.' + </p> + <p> + “I did as she bade me. Willie looked stupified when I delivered her + message. The only remark he made, when I gave him back the money, was, 'I + maun be gratefu', man, that she did na' curse me.' The wife came in, and + he hid away the packet and slunk off. The man looked degraded in his own + eyes, and so wretched, that I pitied him from my very heart. + </p> + <p> + “When I came home, Jeanie met me at my uncle's gate. 'Tell me,' she said + in a low anxious voice, 'tell me, cousin Jamie, what passed atween ye. Had + he nae word for me?' + </p> + <p> + “'Naething, Jeanie, the man is lost to himsel', to a' who ance wished him + weel. He is not worth a decent body's thought.' + </p> + <p> + “She sighed deeply, for I saw that her heart craved after some word fra' + him, but she said nae mair, but pale an' sorrowfu', the very ghaist o' her + former sel', went back into the house. + </p> + <p> + “From that hour she never breathed his name to ony of us; but we all ken'd + that it was her love for him that was preying upon her life. The grief + that has nae voice, like the canker-worm, always lies ne'est to the heart. + Puir Jeanie! she held out during the simmer, but when the fall came, she + just withered awa' like a flower, nipped by the early frost, and this day + we laid her in the earth. + </p> + <p> + “After the funeral was ower, and the mourners were all gone, I stood + beside her grave, thinking ower the days of my boyhood, when she and I + were happy weans, an' used to pu' the gowans together on the heathery + hills o' dear auld Scotland. An' I tried in vain to understan' the + mysterious providence o' God, who had stricken her, who seemed sae gude + and pure, an' spared the like o' me, who was mair deservin' o' his wrath, + when I heard a deep groan, an' I saw Willie Robertson standing near me + beside the grave. + </p> + <p> + “'Ye may as weel spare your grief noo,' said I, for I felt hard towards + him, 'an' rejoice that the weary is at rest.' + </p> + <p> + “'It was I murdered her,' said he, 'an' the thought will haunt me to my + last day. Did she remember me on her death bed?' + </p> + <p> + “'Her thoughts were only ken'd by Him who reads the secrets of a' hearts, + Willie. Her end was peace, an' her Saviour's blessed name was the last + sound upon her lips. But if ever woman died fra' a broken heart, there she + lies.' + </p> + <p> + “'Oh, Jeanie!' he cried, 'mine ain darling Jeanie! my blessed lammie! I + was na' worthy o' yer love—my heart, too, is breaking. To bring ye + back aince mair, I wad lay me down an' dee.' + </p> + <p> + “An' he flung himsel' upon the grave and embraced the fresh clods, and + greeted like a child. + </p> + <p> + “When he grew more calm, we had a long conversation about the past, and + truly I believe that the man was not in his right senses when he married + yon wife; at ony rate, he is not lang for this warld; he has fretted the + flesh aff his banes, an' before many months are ower, his heid will lie as + low as puir Jeanie Burns's.” + </p> + <p> + While I was pondering this sad story in my mind, Mrs. H—— came + in. + </p> + <p> + “You have heard the news, Mrs. M——?” + </p> + <p> + I looked inquiringly. + </p> + <p> + “One of Clark's little boys that were lost last Wednesday in the woods has + been found.” + </p> + <p> + “This is the first I have heard about it. How were they lost?” + </p> + <p> + “Oh, 'tis a thing of very common occurrence here. New settlers, who are + ignorant of the danger of going astray in the forest, are always having + their children lost. This is not the first instance by many that I have + known, having myself lived for many years in the bush. I only wonder that + it does not more frequently happen. + </p> + <p> + “These little fellows are the sons of a poor man who came out this summer, + and who has taken up some wild land about a mile back of us, towards the + plains. Clark is busy logging up a small fallow for fall wheat, on which + his family must depend for bread during the ensuing year; and he is so + anxious to get it ready in time, that he will not allow himself an hour at + noon to go home to his dinner, which his wife generally sends in a basket + to the woods by his eldest daughter. + </p> + <p> + “Last Wednesday the girl had been sent on an errand by her mother, who + thought, in her absence, that she might venture to trust the two boys to + take the dinner to their father. The boys were from seven to five years + old, and very smart and knowing for their age. They promised to mind all + her directions, and went off quite proud of the task, carrying the basket + between them. + </p> + <p> + “How they came to ramble away into the woods, the younger child is too + much stupified to tell; and perhaps he is too young to remember. At night + the father returned, and scolded the wife for not sending his dinner as + usual; but the poor woman (who all day had quieted her fears with the + belief that the children had stayed with their father), instead of paying + any regard to his angry words, demanded, in a tone of agony, what had + become of her children? + </p> + <p> + “Tired and hungry as Clark was, in a moment he comprehended their danger, + and started off in pursuit of the boys. The shrieks of the distracted + woman soon called the neighbours together, who instantly joined in the + search. + </p> + <p> + “It was not until this afternoon that any trace could be obtained of the + lost children, when Brian, the hunter, found the youngest boy, Johnnie, + lying fast asleep upon the trunk of a fallen tree, fifteen miles back in + the bush.” + </p> + <p> + “And the other boy?” + </p> + <p> + “Will never, I fear, be heard of again,” said she. “They have searched for + him in all directions and have not discovered him. The story little + Johnnie tells is to this effect. During the first two days of their + absence, the food they had brought in the basket for their father's + dinner, sustained life; but to-day it seems that the little Johnnie grew + very hungry, and cried continually for bread. William, the elder boy, he + says, promised him bread if he would try and walk further; but his feet + were bleeding and sore, and he could not stir another step. William told + him to sit down upon the log on which he was found, and not stir from the + place until he came back, and he would run on until he found a house and + brought him something to eat. He then wiped his eyes, and bade him not to + be frightened or to cry, and kissed him and went away. + </p> + <p> + “This is all the little fellow knows about his brother; and it is very + probable the generous-hearted boy has been eaten by the wolves. The + Indians traced him for more than a mile along the banks of a stream, when + they lost his trail altogether. If he had fallen into the water, they + would have discovered his body, but they say that he has been dragged into + some hole in the bank among the tangled cedars and devoured. + </p> + <p> + “Since I have been in the country,” continued Mrs. H——, “I + have known many cases of children, and even of grown persons, being lost + in the woods, who were never heard of again. It is a frightful calamity to + happen to any one, and mothers cannot be too careful in guarding their + children against rambling alone into the bush. Persons, when once they + lose sight of the beaten track, get frightened and bewildered and lose all + presence of mind; and instead of remaining where they are, which is their + only chance of being discovered, they plunge desperately on, running + hither and thither, in the hope of getting out, while they only involve + themselves more deeply among the mazes of the interminable forest. + </p> + <p> + “Two winters ago, the daughter of a settler in the remote township of + Dummer, where my husband took up his grant of wild land, went with her + father to the mill, which was four miles from their log shanty and the + road lay entirely through the bush. For a while the girl, who was about + twelve years of age, kept up with her father, who walked briskly ahead + with his bag of corn on his back, for, as their path lay through a tangled + swamp, he was anxious to get home before night. After a time Sarah grew + tired, and lagged a long way behind. The man felt not the least + apprehensive when he lost sight of her, expecting that she would soon come + up with him again. Once or twice he stopped and shouted, and she answered, + 'Coming, father;' and he did not turn to look after her again. He reached + the mill—saw the grist ground, resumed his burthen and took the road + home, expecting to meet Sarah by the way. He trod the path alone, but + still thought that the girl, tired of the long walk, had turned back, and + that he should find her safe at home. + </p> + <p> + “You may imagine, Mrs. M——, his consternation and that of the + family, when they found that the girl was lost. + </p> + <p> + “It was now dark, and all search for her was given up for the night as + hopeless. By day-break the next morning, the whole settlement, which was + then confined to a few lonely log tenements inhabited by Cornish miners, + were roused from their sleep to assist in the search. + </p> + <p> + “The men turned out with guns and arms, and parties started in different + directions. Those who first discovered the girl were to fire their guns, + which was to be the signal to guide the rest to the spot. It was not long + before they found the object of their search seated under a tree, about + half a mile from the path she had lost on the preceding day. + </p> + <p> + “She had been tempted by the beauty of some wild berries to leave the + road, and when once in the bush she grew bewildered and could not find her + way back. At first she ran to and fro in an agony of terror at finding + herself in the woods all alone, and uttered loud and frantic cries, but + her father had by this time reached the mill and was out of hearing. + </p> + <p> + “With a sagacity beyond her years and not very common to her class, + instead of wandering further into the labyrinth which surrounded her, she + sat down under a large tree, covered her face with her apron, said the + Lord's Prayer—the only one she knew—and hoped that God would + send her father back to find her the moment he discovered that she was + lost. + </p> + <p> + “When night came down upon the dark forest (and oh how dark night is in + the woods!), the poor girl said, that she felt horribly afraid of being + eaten by the wolves which abound in those dreary swamps. But she did not + cry, for fear they should hear her. Simple girl! she did not know that the + scent of a wolf is far keener that his ear, but that was her notion, and + she lay down close to the ground and never once raised her head, for fear + of seeing something dreadful standing beside her, until overcome by terror + and fatigue she fell fast asleep, and did not awake until roused by the + shrill braying of the horns and the shouts of the party who were seeking + her.” + </p> + <p> + “What a dreadful situation! I am sure that I should not have had the + courage of this poor girl, but should have died with fear.” + </p> + <p> + “We don't know how much we can bear, Mrs. M——, until we are + tried. This girl was more fortunate than a boy of the same age, who was + lost in the same township, just as the winter set in. The lad was sent by + his father, an English settler, in company with two boys of his own age, + to be measured for a pair of shoes. George Desne, who followed the double + employment of farmer and shoemaker, lived about three miles from the + clearing known by the name of the English line. After the lads left the + clearing, their road lay entirely through the bush. But it was a path they + had often travelled both alone and with their parents, and they felt no + fear. + </p> + <p> + “There had been a slight fall of snow, just enough to cover the ground, + and the day was clear and frosty. The boys in this country always hail + with delight the first fall of snow, and they ran races and slid over all + the shallow pools until they reached George Desne's cabin. + </p> + <p> + “He measured young Brown for a strong pair of winter boots, and the boys + went on their homeward way, shouting and laughing in the glee of their + hearts. + </p> + <p> + “About halfway they suddenly missed their companion, and ran back nearly a + mile to find him. Not succeeding in this, they thought that he had hidden + behind some of the trees, and pretended to be lost, in order to frighten + them, and after shouting at the top of their voices, and receiving no + answer, they determined to go home without him. They knew that he was well + acquainted with the road, and that it was still broad day, and that he + could easily find his way home alone. When his father inquired for George, + they said that he was coming, and went to their respective homes. + </p> + <p> + “Night came, and the lad did not return, and his parents began to be + alarmed at his absence. Mr. Brown went over to the neighbouring cabins, + and made the lads tell him all they knew about his son. They described the + place where they first missed him; but they concluded that he had either + run home before them, or gone back to spend the night with the young + Desnes, who had been very urgent for him to stay. This account pacified + the anxious father. Early the next morning he went to Desne's himself to + bring home the boy, but the lad had not been there. + </p> + <p> + “His mysterious disappearance gave rise to a thousand strange surmises. + The whole settlement turned out in search of the boy. His steps were + traced from the road a few yards into the bush, and entirely disappeared + at the foot of a large tree. The moss was rubbed from the trunk of the + tree, but the tree was lofty, and the branches so far from the ground, + that it was almost impossible for any boy, unassisted, to have raised + himself to such a height. There was no track of any animal all around in + the unbroken snow, no shred of garment or stain of blood,—that boy's + fate will ever remain a great mystery, for he was never found.” + </p> + <p> + “He must have been carried up that tree by a bear, and dragged down into + the hollow trunk,” said I. + </p> + <p> + “If that had been the case, there would have been the print of the bear's + feet in the snow. It does not, however, follow that the boy is dead, + though it is more than probable. I knew of a case where two boys and a + girl were sent into the woods by their mother to fetch home the cows. The + children were lost; the parents mourned them for dead, for all search for + them proved fruitless, and after seven years the eldest son returned. They + had been overtaken and carried off by a party of Indians, who belonged to + a tribe inhabiting the islands in Lake Huron, several hundred miles away + from their forest-home. The girl, as she grew into woman, married one of + the tribe; the boys followed the occupation of hunters and fishers, and + from their dress and appearance might have passed for the red sons of the + forest. The eldest boy, however, never forgot the name of his parent, and + the manner in which he had been lost, and took the first opportunity of + making his escape, and travelling back to the home of his childhood. + </p> + <p> + “When he made himself known to his mother, who was a widow, but still + resided upon the same spot, he was so dark and Indian-like, that she could + not believe that he was her son, until he brought to her mind a little + incident, that, forgotten by her, had never left his memory. + </p> + <p> + “Mother, don't you remember saying to me on that afternoon, 'Ned, you need + not look for the cows in the swamp, they went off towards the big hill.' + </p> + <p> + “The delighted mother clasped him in her arms, exclaiming, 'You say truly,—you + are indeed my own, my long lost son!'” + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<pre> + + + + +End of Project Gutenberg's Roughing it in the Bush, by Susanna Moodie + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK ROUGHING IT IN THE BUSH *** + +***** This file should be named 4389-h.htm or 4389-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + http://www.gutenberg.org/4/3/8/4389/ + + +Text file produced by Andrew Sly + +HTML file produced by David Widger + + +Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions +will be renamed. + +Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no +one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation +(and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without +permission and without paying copyright royalties. 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