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THE EMiaEANT'S FKIEND AND GUIDE so UPPER CANADA: BEING A SKETCH OF THE COUNTRY, CLIMATE, INHA- BITANTS, PROFESSIONS, TRADES, ETC.; TAKEN DURING A RESIDENCE IN 1843, 1844, 1845, 1846; TOGETHER WITH IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS TO PERSONS OF ALL CLASSES WHO PURPOSE BECOMING INHABITANTS OF THE COLONY. BY THE REV. G. W. WARR, INCUMBENT OF ST. SAVIOUR's CHURCH, LIVERPOOL, AND LATR INCUMBENT OF ST. JUDE^S CHURCHt OAKVILLE, C. W. LONDON: WILLIAM EDWARD PAINTER, STRAND. LIVERPOOL : GRAPEL ; AND ARTHUR NEWLING. DUBLIN ; JOHN ROBERTSON ; AND W. CURRt AND CO. 1847. In In Ci Cli J TABLE OF CONTENTS. CHAPTER I. PAGE. 6 Introduction Importance of well-authenticated and recent Infurmation respecting the Country in which the Emigrant intends to settle — Various Routes to British North America —The City of New York—The City of Quebec- River St. Lawrence — City of Montreal — ^** Rapids'* — Scenery," Thousand Islands " — Kingston in Upper Canada — Lake Ontario — Ports called at by the Royal Mail Steam Boats — Poor Man's passage — Cautions — Provisions for Voyage — Emigrants' Arrival at Quebec —Cheapest Way to Toronto 13 CHAPTER II. City of Toronto-.Public Buildings — Markets — Inhabi- tants of the Province — Indian Tribes— Character of Aborigines — Their Peculiar Districts— The Colonists — State of the Learned Professions — Medical Board- Law Institute — Education: University of King's College — Upper Canada College— Common Schools — District Grammar Schools— Stipend of Masters 34 CHAPTER III. Climate of Upper Canada preferred to that of the Lower Province — Popular Errors— Extremes of Heat and Cold — Climate Remarkably Dry — Winter Months— Seasons of Pleasure— Sleighing— Agricultural Opera- tions Suspended — Care of Stock — Rapidity of Vege- tatioa-.i.Wild Sports^Scargity of Game«»Flocki» of t 4 CONTENTS. PAGE. Wild Pigeons—Wild Animals — Indian Mode of Spearing Fish — Fruits of Canada — Propensity of Set- tlers for Preserves, &c 42 CHAPTER IV. Roads~.Statutc Labour.~Macadamized and Plank Roads —-Taxation — Rents of Houses and Lands — Value of Land — Its real Value depends upon a great Variety of Circumstances — What they are— Drainage— Average of Crops,&c 52 CHAPTER V. Rates of Wages — Mode of Payment — Important Fa- cilities for Acquiring Real Estates — The Class of Emigrants most required in Canada — Operations of the Canada Company G6 CHAPTER VL Native Manufacture — Furniture— Bees — Geological Ca- pabilities of the Country — Political Government of the Colony— Diseases Incident to Climate, &c 81 CHAPTER Vn. Instruction to Emigrants — Advice to Men of Property —To Persons of Smaller Means — Impropriety of Taking out Servants— Advice in Purchasing Stock— i How to Build a House — Canadian Gardens 90 CHAPTER VIIL Advice to Tradesmen— Village Shopkeeping — Clothing —Advice to Mechanics— Situations to be Obtained— Words to Farm Labourers — Emigrants from Ireland — Habits of Temperance —Provident Habits 98 Conclusion tt ttiitti 108 Pi 11 J jVfode of tyofSet PAGE. 42 INTRODUCTION. »k Roads ^'alue of iriety of Average 52 It Fa- iss of Dns of 66 iCa- t of 81 )rty of 90 ?8 d 98 108 It appears to be the imperative duty, because the almost invariable practice of authors, in the days upon which we have fallen, to ex-" plain the reason of, or else apologize for, their intrusion upon public attention — not indeed because many of them are unwelcome guests or uncalled for instructors ; but simply because the " gentle tap" and " low bow" at the door of literary engagement is deemed a matter of indispensable etiquette; to forego it vould at least mar the usefulness of the writer. In penning the following pages, the author has not been actuated by any desire for no- toriety, nor by any disposition to cast sus- picion upon former treatises on the same subject. His only regret is, that in the gfeat B VI INTRODUCTION. majority of works treating upon Canada the information is out of date, or in such an ex- pensive form as to be beyond the reach of tliose for whose benefit they should be com- piled. To remedy both evils, he has proposed to himself the condensation of facts rather than the exposition of theories, laying aside all moral and religious questions, not because lie deems them unimportant, but as he con- siders them out of place. The several statements contained in this work have been drawn more from personal observation than from the sources of infor- mation too frequently applied to, and which are at all times doubtful and generally de- ceptive. The author was a silent observer of men and things ; and, from the fact of his parish being bounded by the lake Ontario on the south, and extending for some miles through a richly cultivated country on the north, he had w opportunity of iseeiog the INTROLaCTION. Vll emigrant upon his arrival, following him to his lonely hut in the dark deep forest, watch- ing over his daily improvements, and finally congratulating him upon his complete and increasing success; and not only was tho course of agricultural pursuits laid before his constant observation, but his residence, being in the vicinity of a village, afforded an opportunity of knowing something of tho system upon which the business of the colony is conducted. The fact of the author having passed by the Lower Province of Canada, without re- commending it to the notice of the emigrant, demands explanation. He has no antipathy, either to the climate or inhabitants^ of this section of the colony; but from information gained some years since from good authorities, and confirmed by recent personal observation, he feels fiiUy persuaded that it is not the coun- try suited to the vast majority of our settlers^ Vlll INTRODUCTION. The writer has ventured upon the opinion that it is the duty of Government to promote emigration. The reason is obvious: our rulers are more than the " guardians of our liberties" — they are the providers for our wants : the national eye turns to them under the pressure of distress, and the national cry must be heard by them when it embodies the deep-toned accents of suiBfering and sorrow. Nor are we wanting in a living and speak- ing witness to the truth of the principle now propounded. The sister country is at this moment prostrated in the attitude of humility before the throne of England, and spreading at her feet the record of her fearful anguish. Who will say that her prayer is not to be heard ? It is that of reason and right — she is eloquent, although her garb is that of wretchedness — and she is persuasive, for mil- lions of her dying children cling to her while ^he pleadSf \ INTRODUCTION, IX > The remedies proposed have been various and liberal ; but, in the judgment of the wri- ter, they have been wanting in one essential — in legislating for the present moment they have made no provision against a recurrence of the evil. He grants that the first step must be to save the dying ; but he conceives that a "House of Recovery" is as essential as a " Refuge for the Diseased." Ireland may be raised from her low estate ; but her chil- dren, weakened as they must be by want, will require a new and more abundant clime, and to that country the pages of this volume point. Canada is our ovn\ — her laws, language, trade, commerce, and landed possessions, are the property of our own people, and exist be- neath the protection of our own Sovereign. Why not make it more like home, by its speedy and general colonization ? The truth is, that the pressure upon the P 9 X INTRODtJCTION. life-Springs of impoverished Ireland threa- tens the existence of her teeming dependants, and it will be the wisdom of the Legislature to put forth its majestic hand and ease her of the ponderous burthen. We have yet to learn that emigration has ever failed in realizing its promised blessings ; and certainly, as feir as British North Ame- rica is concerned, the testimony of those who have promoted, and those who have submitted to its dictates, goes far to silence any objection. Millions of acres of the most fertile land in the known world are at the disposal of the State, and millions of our subjects crave bread from our bounty. Again we ask, why not send them forth to " till and dress" the land which we have too long hoarded up with the hand of a miser, who prefers counting his time- worn gold to embarking in the re-productive pursuits going on around him ? The author of the following pages has pur- ll 1} \ INTRODUCTION. ^ posely avoided entering into the details of any plan of " General Emigration" to Canada: he deems it sufficient to record the conviction of his judgment, that a system the most ex- tensive would prove most beneficial to those for whom our sympathies and aid are alike enlisted. In the passing glance which he has bestowed upon the inhabitants of the United States, it may appear to some of his readers that lan- guage has been employed by him embodying in it a spirit inconsistent with the maintenance of those fi^iendly relations which, in the words of Royalty, " we continue to hold with foreign powers." All that can be said in reply is, that he has written more in pity than in anger, and with the hope that a class so nearly allied to ourselves may be led to shun the unenviable path which from boasting leads to insult. While the author would not court a critic's gaze, he feels emboldened, from • ■ xu INTRODUCTION. J their truth, to emblazon the facts which he has recorded upon the out-spread banner of explicit declaration. Should the rich man realize the picture of increasing gain described in the histories of other men's fortunes— should the members of professions, important as they are learned, discover an easier pathway to fame and honor — should the hardy sons of toil, whose lot was suffering in the place of their nativity, enter upon the enjoyment of peace and plenty, the author's object will have been attained, and his hopes consummated in the increasing happiness of his poverty-stricken fellow-coun- trymen. 1 I CHAPTER I. I 1 Importance of well-authenticated and recent Information respecting the Country in which the Emigrant intends to settle — Various routes to British North America— The city of New York — The city of Quebec— Riyer St. Law- rence—City of Montreal — The "Rapids" — Scenery — Thousand Islands — Kingston in Upper Canada — Lake Ontario — Ports called at by the Royal Mail Steam Boats- Poor Man*8 passage — Cautions— Provisions for Voyage— ^ Emigrants arrival at Quebec— Cheapest way to Toronto. Few things are more natural, and none more necessary, upon the part of the emigrant, than a desire to understand correctly the peculiarities of the country to which his destiny points. Should he proceed in the dark, or be decoyed by false lights, it requires no extraordinary amount of human sagacity to predict his disappointment and the destruction of iiis hopes. Upon leaving this country the author had no vivid or romantic conceptions of the colony of Canada ; nor had he the slightest prospect of ac- quiring — what too many falsely calculate upon— ii* 14 IMPORTANCE OF RECENT INFORMATION. an instant and accumulating fortune. He men- tions this fact, lest, that in painting its portraiture^ he should be suspected of coloring too highly its advantages or shading too darkly its privations. But a few months have elapsed since he re- turned from the scene which he purposes to describe, and he cannot but believe that it is quite as necessary for the emigrant to have a recent as a faithful directory. Canada resembles all its kindred portions of the globe — it is a changing and changeable country. Before the author em** barked for its shores curiosity led him to examine the geographical descriptions of Canada, and to his astonishment he read of < or damaged in the ice — the risk is much greater than the probable advantage of ^a eafly arjrival— and ii |s therefore recommende4 I I I I PR0VISI0K8 FOR THl VOYAGE. 23 r 1i to paiisengeri not to embark earlier than the be- ginning of April. The matters demanding serious attention on the part of the passenger by our merchant ships are the soundness of the vessel, the seamanship and sobriety of the captain, and the kmd and quantity of his sea- stock. For the two former, he must in a great measure depend upon the reputation of the owners-— for the latter upon his own prudence. It is matter of notoriety that poor people are imposed upon by <' self-constituted agents" — a class of men who prowl about our docks and quays for the purpose of practising the grossest imposition upon the simple and un- suspecting, and they cannot be too earnestly advised to avoid all such officious individuals. The only safe method of proceeding is, in all caseSf to wait upon the merchant or ship-broker, and, if possible, make arrangements with the principal of the establishment. The provisions of the emigrant ought to con- sist of the usual necessaries of life — the ship finds water and fuel. Not a few emigrants are foolish enough to take with them a supply of ardent spirits as a specific for sea-sickness or a remedy for some anticipated illness. This is quite un- ^ecessaly and often injurious—- useless, because ARRIVAL AT QUEBEC. the captain is required by law to carry a well- stocked medicine chest; injurious, because it tends to perpetuate practices which an emigrant to Canada above all others ought to lay aside. The best stock of provisions should consist in a sufficient quantity of salt beef and pork^ ship biscuit, oaten meal, rice, tea, sugar, and a small portion of arrow-root or sago, in case of debility arising from sea-sickness. Potatoes used to be a perfect luxury upon the ocean ; but, unfortunately, they are now quite beyond the reach of those who formerly subsisted on them. It must therefore be remembered that it will be necessary to take a greater supply of other kinds of food, so that the emigrant may not be reduced to want. Upon the arrival of the ship at Quebec, the Government and Custom-house officers will pro- ceed to examine the vessel and the condition of the passengers ; and, should their report be favor- able, there will be no obstacle in the way of the emigrant proceeding at once to Montreal. There are two of the finest of our North American stea- mers plying every evening between the cities of Montreal and Quebec; so that the emigrant need not remain a single hour longer than he finds to be absolutely necessary at the place of arrival. There are many reasons for tendering this advice. CANADIAN CURRENCY. 25 Quebec, like all other sea-port towns, especially in foreign countries, abounds with the lowest of the low, who are aptly, although not elegantly, designated " land-sharks ;" and to such demons in human form the loitering stranger is almost certain of becoming a prey : but, above and beyond this consideration, the emigrant should remember that his time is of as great importance as his money, and to delay is to sacrifice both. Whilst, however, dispatch is urged in the emi- grant's movements, it is right to remind him that the captain of the vessel in which he has sailed is bound to allow him to remain on board for forty-eight hours after the ship arrives. In order to secure both the comfort and safety of the pas- sengers who disembark, in many instances, barges or small river steam boats are employed to land the passengers ; but this is invariably done at the captain's expense. From Montreal the emigrant may proceed to Kingston, and either go direct by the mail steamer or by the canal, which last is much cheaper, but far more tedious and uncomfortable. It becomes necessary to notice the difference of currency between that of England and Lower and Upper Canada ; for, without this needful knowledge, the stranger isi sure to be a serious I ti 26 CANADIAN CURRENCY. loser. A British penny will only pass for the same amount at which it is valued in the mother country; but a British sixpence, or, as it is generally termed, a " York shilling,'* will bring seven-pence halfpenny. Our shilling is called ** a quarter of a dollar," and its Canadian value is one shilling and three pence; four English shillings therefore pass for one dollar, and a sovereign for about one pound four shillings and four pence halfpenny at a bank ; but at a shop, when it is tendered in payment of an account, it is generally taken for one pound five shillings. Whilst upon the subject of money, it may be added that a British half-crown will only produce three shillings ; whereas two shillings . and six- pence in separate pieces, will be worth three shillings and three halfpence. Of course, in enumerating the changes in the currency of our coin, these observations are alone correct in re- ference to our own dominions- In the United States it is far otherwise, for there a British shillhig is called "two shillings;" and hence many an unfortunate emigrant has been grossly deceived by the idea, that, when wages in the Re- public are quoted at from ten to twelve shillings per day, it means ten or twelve of those coins which be has ever known under the title of shil- ri GOVERNMENT AGENTS. i1 for the mother iS it is 1 bring called a value English and a igs and [I shop, )unt, it ullings. aay be reduce id six- three se, in [)f our n re- nited British lence rossly e Ro- llings coins shil- lings — half of his anticipations can alone, in the very nature of things, be realized. There is no difficulty or delay in proceeding direct from Kingston to Toronto, as there are several most excellent steamers, one of which sails from the former place every evening (Sun- day excepted) ; and the charge for the passage is low, never exceeding eight shillings, and not unfrequently much cheaper. In Toronto, ap in Quebec, Montreal, and Kingston, by a wise and benevolent arrangement of the Government, agents are stationed, whose duty it is to afford the enquiring stranger the best information concerning the country ; and, if possible, to procure him employment should he stand in need of it. One of the objects con- templated in this notice of Canada is to point out to the various classes proceeding to the colony those localities where they are most likely to succeed in procuring immediate and re- munerating employment ; and, in doing this, the author necessarily anticipates many of the in- structions which will be given them by the officers of Goverimient. Yet, as this is perhaps the most important branch of information to which his attention can be directed, he ventures upon it; although under the conviction of its 28 THE CITY OF NEW YORK. subsequent repetition by persons of far more influence than any private individual could be supposed to possess. Before, however, these details are entered upon, it must not be forgotten that some readers of this treatise may resolve upon the route by New York, and to such parties a few words may be addressed. Tlie city of New York abounds with hotels and boarding-houses, and both are conducted upon very different principles from those in the mother country. The charges are exceedingly moderate, not averaging more than from four to five shillings per diem. The " Astor House " stands unrivalled as to extent and splendour; but the Howard Hotel, Broadway, although more circumscribed in its dimensions and moderate in its charges, is quite as comfortable in its arrange- ments. The uniform practice in the United States is for the inhabitants of hotels and board- ing-houses to frequent the table (Thote, and that, too, for every meal. So great is the American fancy for public life that it is quite common to find whole families who have been born and brought up at hotels. A lady and gentleman re- cently married and possessing moderate means, instead of becoming housekeepers and enjoying the quiet retirement of social life, will take up \ I AMERICAN MANNERS AND CUSTOMS. 2D more lid be these gotten esolve Darties hotels lucted in the dingly bur to >» ouse idour ; I more ate in range- Jnited )oard- that, jrican on to [ and m re- leans, Dying e up their abode at some boarding-house or tavern and there remain for years, or for the remainder of their lives, without any place worthy the name of, or bearing the most faint resemblance to home. It may be worth noticing that ser- vants in no case expect gratuities, and every re- spectable hotel-keeper will drive any one to the steam boat or stage-office free of charge. The ** Lions " of the city are by no means nu- merous, yet they are certainly worthy of notice. The visitor will find Trinity Church, the new Custom-house, and the Exchange, exceedingly chaste and modern buildings ; whilst, for extent of street-way, " Broadway " (which is certainly a contradiction of the term) is truly astonishing. The manners and habits of the American citizens cannot fail to impress the mind of a British sub- ject most unfavourably, both as to the form of their government and the social condition of the people. It may be regarded as a national mis- fortune that, amongst all classes, the spirit of exaggeration and repudiation prevails to a fearful extent. Their boasting is at all times fulsome, and their opinion of England is alike insulting and unjust. This is cursorily mentioned more as a matter of regret than astonishment ; for light is not more opposed to darkness than the well- D 30 THE HUDSON, ITS SCENERY — ALBANY. balanced power of Britain is to the light-headed- ness of her revolting and " prodigal son " in the far west. In truth, it is a matter of surprise that men of education and loyalty can so far forget their principles and violate their alle- giance, as to give a preference to the wild ravings of popular clamour under the mask of perfect liberty to that sober and enduring system in which they have been cradled and trained. When curiosity is exhausted in visiting the novelties of New York, the most comfortable plan of proceeding will be to go direct to Albany by one of the day boats ; but, before doing so, a bargain ought to be made with a respectable " Forwarder," who will send any quantity of lug- gage by canal to Toronto with little trouble and at a trifling expense. The reason for naming the day-boats upon the Hudson is that one may have an opportunity of seeing the surpassing beauties of that splendid river : the scenery has been pro- nounced by many impartial witnesses as quite equal to any one of our European waters — the Rhine not excepted : there is not a mile of the passage which does not present some feature of touching interest — in fact, one could spend an entire day in the midst of a perfect panorama of Nature's most lovely charms and endless varieties. 1 INCIDENT AT ALBANY— OSWEGO, &C. 31 ; The steamers are magnificently fitted up : they are exceedingly large, and no expense has been spared to make them appear most inviting and comfortable. It is upon this river we believe that a floating theatre perpetually proceeds from village to village, along its shores, soliciting the patronage of the rustic inhabitants. From Albany, which though a large is by no means a handsome city, the stranger proceeds by railway to Syracuse. It was in Albany that our eyes were opened as to the honesty of the worthy republicans. An exceedingly well-dressed man came on board the Troy^ and knowing the author to be a stranger by his luggage, very po- litely asked whether he intended going by the cars or railroad — at the same time intimating that he was the agent of the company, and that it was his duty to look after the passengers* luggage and conduct them in the company's omnibus to the terminus — all which he was to do without charge. Not suspecting anything bordering upon dishonesty in such a respectably-clad personage, the author thanked him, entrusted him with his boxes, &c., and took his place in the omnibus : the distance was short ; but, strange to say, when they arrived " the agent " was not forthcoming : he had vanished, and the driver very modestly 32 THE FALLS— BEST VIEW— GUIDES. demanded five shillings as his fare. It was in vain that the representations of the company's servant were pleaded — the driver knew nothing of him and had no connexion with him — and there was not a moment to be lost, for the cars were about to start. It was very much against his will that the writer was obliged to submit to this twofold imposition, which, in the polite Ian- gage of the country, is simply termed a " Yankee trick." From Syracuse the ordinary route is by canals to Oswego, a port of considerable note on lake Ontario. Here the visitor is pretty certain to find either a steamer direct to Toronto, or else to Lewiston or Queenston, either of which places are within a very few miles of the falls of Niagara ; and it is hardly possible to suppose a stranger being within an hour's drive of this magnificent and overwhelming object without spending some time, be it ever so short, in con- templating its startling grandeur. There are two points at which the falls are seen to most advan- tage — the one on the British side of the Niagara river — the other on its opposite banks, which form a portion of the American territory. With- out prejudice it may be said that by far the most pleasing prospect of this " world's wonder " can ( THE PALLS-»BEST VIEW— GUIDES, 33 be obtained from the British side of the river. From the Table Rock the whole body of water may be seen as it rushes with awful fury in one mighty volume over the impending precipice into the yawning chasm beneath. A very excel- lent view may also be obtained from the Clifton- house, which is a splendid hotel built upon the Table Rock. There are several ferry boats which are constantly crossing to the American side of the river ; and, should time permit, it is recommended to the traveller to visit the new and rapidly improving town which was formerly called Manchester, but within the last few months lias been styled " Niagara Falls." There are guides and guide-books almost innumerable on both sides of the river, and to those who wish to " go under the fall " one of the former is abso- lutely requisite. From Niagara one is certain to meet with either one or two steamers to Toronto every day ; and, as it is not more than five or six hours' run across the lake, the visitor will in all probability enjoy the delightful calm of that vast expanse of water. p8 ** CHAPTER II. The City of Toronto— Public Buildings— Markets -Inhabi- tants of the Province — Indian tribes — Chdracter of Abo- rigines — Their peculiar Districts — The Colonists— State .of the Learned Professions — Medical Board — Law Institute^^ Education — University of King's College — Upper Canada College — Common Schools — District Grammar Schools- Stipend of Masters. Comparatively few years have elapsed since the now large and flourishing city of Toronto was designated " Little York,*' at which time it was a mean village, containing but few inhabi- tants, and devoid of all public buildings worthy of the name. Now, to the stranger, it presents the appearance of a well-built and handsome city. The college, cathedral, banks, and very many private houses, would grace some of our well-known and flourishing English towns. The streets are admirably arranged at right angles, and the foot-paths are nearly all formed of planks, about three inches in thickness and placed transversely, sloping towards the carriage- *s CITY OF TORONTO. S way. The great advantage of such foot-path# appears to be in their exceeding cleanliness ; for after a shower of rain they immediately dry, and, being thoroughly washed, afford a pleasing as- pect and agreeable walking. Tlieir usual breadth is about eleven feet. There are in Toronto very many excellent hotels, and the charges are exceedingly moderate, seldom exceeding four shillings British, pe7' diem and this, as has been before explained, includes all the traveller's expenses. The markets, too^ are uncommonly well supplied: the inhabitants are remarkable for their hospitality and prover- bial for their enterprise. There is no city in British North America possessing greater charms for the more respectable settler, or greater ad- vantages to men of capital and industry. It may be well here to state the average price s of provisions in Upper Canada. Great caution is necessary to the emigrant's obtaining correct information on this subject, for false reports have reached Great Britain on the point. During the author's first year's residence in the province provisions were remarkably cheap, and like many others he was led to calculate upon the con- tinuance of low prices ; but the succeeding year served to correct this unsound impression. The PRICES OP PROVISIONS-^ABORIOINES. following is a fair average for four years — beef, 2^d. to d^d. per lb.; pork, mutton, and ham, 3d. to 4d. ; beef per cwt. from 12s, to 16s. ; pork per cwt. from I4s, to 18s ; wheat from 3s. 6d. to 4s. per bushel of 60 lbs. ; flour from 16s. to 20s. per barrel of 196 lbs.; potatoes Is. to Is. 6d. per bushel ; oats Is. to Is. 3d. per bushel ; hay 24s. to 32s. per ton. Poultry is generally both abun- dant and cheap ; eggs and fish in their seasons are also extremely reasonable — in fact, one of the most pleasing features of Canada consists in the cheapness and plenty of provisions. The aborigines of Canada still maintain a very important position in the colony. The Indian tribes will be found, by the kind and humane settler, not only good neighbours but faithful friends. No body of men have been more brutally treated in times past, and certainly none have excelled them in the patience with which they have endured the ignominy. The impress of the stranger s foot upon their virgin soil has been the signal for their dispersion ; and, when they have remonstrated with the encroacher, the most unprincipled and immoral means have been resorted to for the purpose of acquiring some- thing like a legal claim upon the spot coveted : 60 that, i^ many instaucesi the poor fshild of tb.Q ! INDIAN TRIBES— THE SQUAWS, 37 I forest, under the influence of intoxicating liquor, has been known to sign the deed which handed over liis inheritance to the usurper. As a race, they are noble and warlike in their uncivilized state, but docile as lambs when subdued by the hallowing influcnres of Christianity. The women or ** squaws" have a peculiar softness of ex- pression in their eyes ; and, notwithstanding the fact that they rove from place to place with their wandering husbands, and the uncleanliness of their habits, yet it is quite impossible to look upon them without pity and interest. A law has been passed by the Colonial Legislature, prevent- ing the white people from selling them ardent spirits, properly designated by themselves "fire water ;" for when the Indian's love for intoxication has been once indulged, it has been found to be- come so strong as to break through all restraint, and to render him unfit for instruction and indis- posed to provide for his bodily wants. It is to be regretted, notwithstanding all that the Government has done, there are many cruel enough to bestow as a gift that which they dare not barter in busi- ness ; and thus, to a great extent, the object of a wise and paternal Government has been frus- trated. The Indians have certain districts of the country assigned them, and it has been found I 88 INDIAN MODE OF LIVING. not only politic, on the part of the public authori- ties, but merciful to the tribes themselves, to remove them from the contamination of the European settlers. They subsist mainly by hunting and fishing; and as they make their own sugar, and rec^'ve fire-arms, ammunition, and clothing from the Government, they are, to a certain extent, independent; so that an Indian beggar is an object rarely to be met >vith. They are provided with clergymen, schools^ physicians, and school-masters ; and, in some instances, insti- tutions have been established to teach them useful trades. It is a libel upon the red man*s character to assert that there is any intellectual inferiority in him, when compared with his more highly favored neighbour. The Indian is just as capable of receiving moral and religious instruc- tion as any of our own race. As it regards the other classes of the com- munity little remains to be said. Attracted by the love of gain, one is sure to meet with natives of every country of Europe ; and it is a pleasing feature, in the state of the more refined circles in Canada, that there is a cordial and sympathetic feeling displayed which tends to mitigate the otherwise intolerable loneliness incident to a foreign country. The charitable societies of St. r' LEARNED PROFESSIONS. Oi) LUthori- ves, to of the nly by iir own 3n, and ?, to a Indian They jicians, , insti- them man's ectual more ust as struc- com- ed by xtives asing les in hetic the to a f St. jl George, St. Patrick, and St. Andrew, may be looked upon as having been mainly instrumental in producing unity of spirit and charity of pur- pose among the colonists. The learned professions are making rapid strides in influence and usefulness. Medical men are eagerly sought for in all new settlements ; but it should be borne in mind that they have to submit to a rigid examination by the Medical Board in Toronto, and subsequently licensed by the Governor-General, before they are permitted to practice. This precaution becomes absolutely necesssary, in consequence of the proximity of Canada to a land where so many ignorant men enter professions of which they know but little, merely because they offer greater inducements to the slothful and ignorant than to the active and industrious. The Law Institute holds, it is believed, a royal charter, and it is also necessary that the legal practitioner should receive permission to plead in the Canadian courts of law : emigration from the ranks of this respectable profession cannot be re- commended, as there are so many youthful aspi- rants to distinction springing from the families of the earlier settlers — to such a degree, indeed, that it may almost be said the profession in Canada is overstocked. I i 40 UNIVERSITY— UPPER CANADA COLLEGE. As it regards the state of education, the Upper Province possesses the germ of a most creditable university. Talent and experience are both combined and enlisted in its management, and its foundation is most Catholic in its character, for its honours and emoluments are thrown open to all religious denominations. There is also an institution of great merit in Toronto designated the " Upper Canada College *' — a training school for the university ; it is mainly supported by a grant from Government, and, like the former, is based upon the most liberal principles. As to the lower order of what are termed ** Public Schools," nothing favourable to the scholars or teachers can he said. Until of late the local trustees, persons chosen by the school tax-payers, were the sole patrons of those educational esta- blishments ; and, as very many of them had been removed far from the advantages of educa- tion themselves, it was not to be supposed that they could be suitable judges of the qualifications of candidates for the office of schoolmaster. The improved plan is to appoint district inspectors, who grant certificates to the examined and ap- proved; yet the power of appointmen till rests with the local board. A school-rate is levied in- discriminately upon all the inhabitants of the dis- trict; and from this source the master derives the Jfitb. I EGE. Upper editable both and its er, for pen to dso an gnaicd school 1 by a mer, is As to Public lars or B local payers, 1 csta- n had cduca- d that nations , The Bctors, id ap- I rests led in- le dis- cs the DISTRICT GRAMMAR SCHOOLS. 41 main portion of his stipend. The probable salary of a teacher in schools, such as have been now described, would average from sixty to eighty pounds per annum. By a recent enactment of the colonial legislature, all <' aliens,*' or persons born in the United States, have been rendered ineligible to fill the office of master in any of our colonial schools. It would have been desirable that the same body had passed a law to prohibit the use of American school-books as highly per- nicious to the morals and loyal principles of the rising generation. It ought not to be forgotten that, in some more favoured portions of the province, there are what are called " District Grammar Schools ;" and cer- tainly, from what is known of their arrangements, they afford ample means for boys acquiring not only an excellent English but the rudiments of a good classical education. S I' I CHAPTER III. Climate of Upper Canada preferred to that of the Lower Pro- vince — Popular Errors— Extremes of Heat and Cold- Climate Remarkably Dry — Winter Months, Seasons of Phasure— Sleighing — Agricultural Operations Suspended —Care of Stock — Rapidity of Vegetation — Wild Sports — Scarcity of Game — Flocks of Wild Pigeons — Wild Animals — Indian Mode of Spearing Fish — Fruits of Canada—Pro- pensity ofSettLrs for Preserves, &c. As it regards the climate of Upper Canada, it is in many respects more suitable to the European constitution than that of the Lower Province; the winter season is not so long nor is the sum- mer so warm ; whilst, for vegetation, the western portion of the province is infinitely superior. For many years past it has been found quite useless to attempt the growth of wheat, and this because of its all but invariable failure. Whilst this remains a fact, it is difficult to conceive the possibility of Lower Canada aiming at any ap- proach to the wealth and importance of its kin- dred province. It is really strange that writers VARIATIONS IN SEASONS, 43 wer Pro- Cold-« asons of ispended Sports-. Animals a~Pro- a^ it is ropean »vince ; ! sum- '^estern peri or. quite id this iVhilst VQ the ly ap- 3 kin- i^riters upon the climate of Canada West should have given to the world such an erroneous description of it, as to lead them to suppose that it possesses anything bordering upon uniformity in the cha- racter of its seasons : the limited period of the experience of most authors can alone account for such statements. Had this work been written during the first year of the authox^'s residence, he would have represented Canadian winters as a continued unbroken series of snow storms and snow drifts. He would have said, "from the 1st of January to the Jst of April, calculate upon good roads and pleasant driving;" but the experience of 1844 counteracted the tes- timony of the bye-gone year, and convinced him that an " open winter " in Canada was not at all dissimilar to an ordinary winter in Scotland^ or even in some parts of England. The fact is, that the seasons are as uncertain and fickle as the winds which precede and foretell them. Taking an average of five winters, it may be said that two months snow, two months hard frost, and two months heavy weather, would give the most correct idea of a winter in Canada. The Spring and Autumn are alike short — the former may be said to burst in at once as an un- expected but Dot ^ unwelcome guest," to remind 44 TEMPERATURE OF CLIMATE. I'i ir us that there is not a moment to be lost in pre- paring for the full blaze of the majesty of light — the latter to teach that there is no time to squan- der before gathering up the fragments of the harvest. It is obedience to this voice which pro- duces the constant and untiring activity of Canadian life. The thermometer is seldom known to fall lower than sixteen degrees below zero, or rise higher than one hundred and eight in the shade in summer. It is a matter worthy of notice that pulmonary diseases are by no means so nu- merous ox fatal in Canada as at home : on the contrary, many persons who have been badly abided with asthmatic affections lose every symptom of them in the cold but dry climate of this province. As a proof of the almost total want of atmospheric dampness^ one has only to look at the bright and silvery spires of churches and roofs of houses ; and, from the fact of the tin with which they are covered remaining for years untarnished, may be gathered abundant evidence as to this valuable ingredient in a really good climate. It cannot be denied, however, that the summers are exceedingly warm ; and, unlike winter, when the settler can bid defiance to the cold, there is no escaping its enervating in- fluence. Nor can it be doubted that thiS; after I SLEIGHING. 45 all, is the greatest drawback to the advancement of the colony ; and yet many, so far from find- ing fault with this feature of their adopted home, rather rejoice in it. Much must depend upon the age and constitution of those who emigrate — the young and healthful may become so far accli- mated as to cease to suffer by its great extremes, whilst the aged and habitually delicate are as cer- tain to droop and sink beneath its sudden and severe changes. During the winter months in- numerable visits and distant excursions are made to the most remote of the Canadian settlements ; and, as the people are exceedingly hospitable, this may be termed quite "the season'* in Canada. Should the sleighing prove good, it is a highly delightful mode of travelling ; for with merry- making, balls, the rapid motion of spirited horses, and the ease and comfort of the vehicle itself, the sleigher becomes to a certain extent indifferent to the severity of the cold and dreariness of the prospect. As the rivers and small lakes of Canada are all frozen over during the winter months, by far the best roads are made upon their surfaces ; and^ considering the vast number of persons and vehicles that are continually running, it is asto- nishing that more accidents do not occur. As a matter of course all agricultural pursuits E 2 i 46 EMPLOYMENT IN WINTER. are suspended during the continuance of the frost ; and yet the farmer is by no means idle : this is his time for cleaving, chopping, and draw- ing home his fire-wood ; thrashing out his grain and bringing his produce to market ; and, over and above this, his cattle require great attention during the cold weather. It is no uncommon thing for numbers of fowls to perish during the severe frost : the only exception to be made in the domestic feathered tribes is the turkey, which, although by far the most difficult bird to bring to maturity, when once grown will remain out of doors upon the trees during the most intense frost, without suffering any apparent injury. While speaking of fowls it may be observed that wild turkeys, wild geese, and wild pigeons abound in most parts of the province, especially, however, in the more remote regions : the number of pigeons is truly surprising ; the author himself has seen countless thousands, Hying over his house in an immense black cloud ; they fall an easy prey to the sportsmen, and are captured by hundreds in their nets. Vegetation in Canada is exceedingly rapid : no sooner does the cold mantle of winter disappear beneath the gladdening rays of an unclouded sun than the grass starts into existence, the trees put a ' VEGETATION— WILD SPORTS. 47 of the s idle : draw- grain d, over tention >mmon ng the lade in which, bring out of 2 frost, While it wild ind in wever, )er of imself ?r his ^11 an ed by d : no ppear d sun )s put forth their leaves, and tlie blossoms spring into light ; the beautiful birds return ; and, although they are for the most part mutes, yet their plu- mage is so gorgeous, and their feathers so deli- cately tinted, that one forgets that they are soiigless whilst gazing upon their splendid attire. Some idea of the excessive rapidity with which nature conducts her wonder-working operations may bo gathered from the fact, that in forty-eight hours* time from the sowing of a field it is seen per- fectly green and beautiful. Of the wild sports of Upper Canada much more has been said and written than they really deserve. The quantity of game is by no means so great as many at home have been led to be- lieve ; nor is its quality superior to the English. Deer are only numerous in the more remote por- tions of the province, and with the exception of the Indian, who subsists for the most part upon hunting, few Europeans ever think of giving them chase. Wolves and foxes are unfortunately not only more numerous but more destructive, and for this reason a premium is offered by Go- vernment to those who succeed in capturing them ; but the task is not only difficult but hazardous. Bears and other wild ravenous ani- mals are seldom met with in quarters where a ^8 WILD ANIMALS— FISH. •l; ' settlement has been formed ; they, as if by in- stinct, seek those secluded haunts in the untrod- den and impenetrable forest where they remain unmolested ; so that, unless driven from their dens by the pinchings of hunger, they are seldom discovered by the emigrant. This is mentioned because people are apt to suppose that, inasmuch as they are known to exist in some districts of a new country, it follows th.it they will be met with in any portion of it. The lakes abound with wild duck, and fish of a very good description may be obtained in season. The Canadian salmon is unworthy of comparison with that of the home rivers ; but the <* white fish " of lake Huron is unrivalled in its delicacy of flavour by any found in British waters. The mode of fish- ing practised by the Indians is exceedingly in- teresting ; the operation is carried on at night : two men generally steal along with the utmost caution in their canoe ; the one uses the paddle, the other the spear ; the former sits at the stern, the latter stands at the bows of the boat ; they invariably carry a large piece of pine lighting in a grate, which is so arranged as to cast a strong glare upon the water and enable the spearsman to see the fish, which he strikes with his harpoon with an unerring aim; and instantly throws it ( FRUITS IN CANADA. 49 it into the boat. In this way they continue night after night, and to this fact may be attributed much of their apparent indolence during the day. The fish taken are either brought to market or dried and laid up for the winter. It need scarcely be observed that it requires both the eye and aim of an Indian to be a successful angler after this manner ; and yet the author has met with some gentlemen who were not only quite capti- vated with, but generally successful, in these nocturnal sports of the native tribes. The fruits of Canada are very delicious. Me- lons in all their variety and richness grow with- out the leas< trouble to the planters ; so that it is quite common, in passing through many of the newest clearings^ to see large beds of the choicest kind advancing to perfection ; whilst in other districts, Niagara for instance, there are whole orchards of peach trees bearing the most tempt- ing descriptions of that excellent fruit. Plums, apples, and pears in endless variety, and almost unlimited quantity, grow in the colony. Goose- berries and strawberries do not arrive at the size or perfection of those propagated in Europe ; the wild field strawberry is, however, a substitute for its more highly-cultivated companion. In consequence of fruit being so exceedingly 50 CANADIAN LUXURIES. • ) prolific, the natives and settlers in Canada make rast quantities of preserves, and this will suffi- ciently account for the fact that, in the poorest houses and worst inns in the country the visitor is sure to meet with sweet-meats of all kinds. They generally make four meals per diem ; and at every meal they introduce preserves in some one shape or other. So general is the rage for such things, and so great the abundance of fruit, that some of the poorest people apply and obtain leave from the more respectable inhabitants to enter their gardens and gather currants for manu- facturing preserves. To the uninitiated reader this may appear very gross extravagance; but it is to be remembered that the greater part of such delicacies are formed from the maple sugar. This is obtained in the following manner: — Early in spring, when the sap begins to flow, the people go into the woods and tap the maple tree. The weather must be cold enough to freeze at night, so that the wound may be healed and warm enough in the day-time to cause the renewal of the effusion: thus, having placed their troughs under each tree having a tap, they empty the contents which have run during the day into large boilers, and reduce them to molasses during the night; it is made exactly as our foreign sugars ia make ill suffi- poorest > visitor 1 kinds. m; and n some for such lit, that in leave to enter manu- reader but it of such r. This arly in people , The night, warm wal of roughs ty the into during sugars MAPLE SUGAR. 51 are. Very large quantities of this necessary com- modity are constantly manufactured by the Indians and settlers, and no doubt exists that, were it entered into with a proper spirit of enterprize, and with the necessary apparatus for its speedy and better manufacture, large sums of money might be thereby realized. Unfortunately the spring is so short, and the necessary prepara- tions for sowing spring crops so urgent, that very extensive sugar bushes or maple plantations are suffered to remain altogether untouched by the owners of the soil. .. . t. ^», CHAPTER IV. I I Roads — Statute Labour-^Macadamized and Plank Roads- Taxation — Rents of Houses and Lands — Value of Land- Its real Value depends upon a great Variety of Circum- stances — What they are—Drainage —Average of Crops, &c. The roads of Canada, although generally of a very inferior description, are nevertheless im- proving every year; indeed, it is impossible that they could be otherwise, for the admirable system adopted by the Legislature is calculated to ensure that improvement. There is an Act designated the " Statute Labour Act," and by its provisions every rate-payer and every male inhabitant of each township, after a certain age, is compelled to spend either personally or by substitute so many days in the year in working at the public roads. One of the number is elected as "path- master" for a certain district, and it is his business to point out to the gangs of labourers the improvements or repairs which he deems it necessary to make. Jtt this way the cojjtditiQH of the publiq highways PLANK-ROADS— TAXES. 53 ! I Roads— : Land— ■ Circum- )rops, &c. ly of a ess im- le that system ensure ignated •visions of each lied to ) many roads, naster" point ements make. ;hways is certain of being rendered better every season. In many other portions of the provinces they are constructing excellent plank and Macadamized roads, leading in most instances from Toronto to the western districts of the country. Lake Erie is connected with Lake Ontario by an excellent plank road ; so that it is a matter of comparative ease for the farmer who has been fortunate enough to settle upon one of those improved roads, to find a convenient and ready market for his surplus produce. The worst season in Canada for tra- velling is the spring and fall of the year, before and after severe frost : the roads are really fright- ful—in many instances almost impassable. Per- sons have been obliged to travel for a whole day with their horses sinking almost to their knees in mud ; and a stranger can hardly conceive the misery of such a tedious and distressing journey. Every year, however, as has been already said, effects a marked improvement in everything Cana- dian, and certainly upon nothing more manifestly than its public roads. It is quite a mistake to suppose that, by emi- gration to our North American colonies, we escape what we complain of at home — heavy taxation. It is true, the municipal taxes of Canada ^re not to be compared with those of home ; but, 54 RENTS. i(i S i yet, they exist both in principle and practice : nor can I see why they should not, when the blessings of our constitution are enjoyed. The taxes paid by those rateable in the province consists in the property-tax, taken from the valuator's returns ; the road tax, paid in labour and founded upon the former valuation ; a tax upon horses, cars, car- riages, and dogs; together with the common school-tax mentioned in a former chapter. In cities and corporate towns, as a matter of course, the rates are more numerous and higher than in the country. There is a wild-land tax ; but it is scarcely worth naming, as it only amounts to one penny per acre : the object of such an impost is evident — it is an attempt (feeble indeed) to pre- vent the speculators withholding their property from the market. Rents are much higher than a stranger is led to expect in a new country. There are, for example, many houses in the business streets of Toronto which realize upwards of 150/. per annum, whilst dwelling-houses in the more retired streets are quite as expensive in proportion. The emigrant, however, must not suppose that the rents of property in cities or well-established towns have any influence upon the country por- tions of the province. Farms are often let at merely nominal rates, and that, too, for a period le: nor iessings es paid in the ^turns ; pon the s, car- dmmon ir. In course, han in it it is to one post is to pre- roperty than a There usiness f 150/. i more ortion. hat the blished y por- let at period INCREASING VALUE OP LAND. 55 '.!l of seven or nine years, subject only to the con- dition of making certain improvements in the way of clearing and cultivating reproductive lands. There a man may obtain a good farm, having some forty acres well cleared with a com- fortable dwelling house, barn, stables, and out- offices, for an annual rent of from sixteen to twenty pounds, subject as before stated to the condition that he is to clear and cultivate a certain number of additional acres before the expiration of his lease ; and, as it would increase his income to get as much land un 'er crop as possible and with little delay, he sets o ^vork, not only to till the cleared but to prepare the uncleared land. Steady and active men realize their most sanguine expectations, even under more apparently disadvantageous cir- cumstances than those just named. It is quite a common thing for land well cleared and in a good state of cultivation, with all the stumps re- moved, to produce a yearly rental of Ss. per acre, and yet the tenant, in some cases, becomes the purchaser of the property by the profits of the undertaking. Few things are more difficult to obtain than correct information as to the real value of land ; but nothing is more certain than that landed [Ill ; ' '-1 « ,«•*•'-*-- t V-' 56 VALUE OF PROPERTY. I i ) V. property is advancing to an almost incredible amount. A certain individual was once offered the whole plot of ground upon which one of the most flourishing and extensive towns of Upper Canada is built for 4s. per acre, which he refused as a bad bargain. Now, the value of that pro- perty is almost beyond belief — perhaps worth more j^er foot than it was offered for per acre. Upon the other hand, it cannot be denied that many villages have been planned and surveyed which, so far from meeting the expectations of their original designers, have plunged them into actual ruin. Great caution is to be observed in land speculations, in building, or, as they are termed, " village lots." The intrinsic worth of landed property must depend upon a gr^at variety of circumstances- such as its proximity to or distance from a market, the nature of the soil, condition of the adjoining roads, kind and quality of the wood ; and, though last in order perhaps first in importance, its having springs or rivulets of water. The lack of this last-mentioned element is not only detrimental to all property, but absolutely ruinous where live stock is kept ; the wants of cattle in summer are constant and urgent ; nor less so in winter, when the ground is covered with snow, and every little DRAINAGE. 57 acre. pbnd is covered with solid ice. Many unprin- cipled persons are ready to assert that their farms possess never-failing springs, and ever-flowing creeks; but experience has proved that very little faith is to be placed in such representations, unless they can be verified by persons who have known the farms for some years before ; for, as has been already noticed, the seasons are so uncertain in the colony that, during a mild or open winter, the streams may be what they are represented, whilst under other circumstances the reverse may be the case. Drainage is a branch of agriculture little under- stood and less practised in our new colony ; and yet it may be safely stated that the natural capabilities of the land to undergo this important operation must influence in no small degree its value. In many instances the soil may appear upon the surface exceedingly rich and luxuriant ; but, from want of a fall, it may in reality be worth little. Again : the timber has a great deal of influence in regulating the importance of the property : where pine predominates the soil is generally of a light sandy character, not productive, and exceedingly difiicult to clear. The pine stumps bid defiance to all art in effect- ing their eradication; for they are deeply and r2 iil r'i 1 !^ 58 FINE FARMS OBJECTIONABLE. widely embedded in the ground. As to their decaying, two generations or sixty years must pass before they begin to fail : not so with what is called " hard wood," such as beech, hickory, maple, birch, oak, &c. In nine years after the trees have been felled, their stumps may be drawn out by a yoke of oxen, and burned off the ground without trouble or delay. Whilst justly repro- bating the choice of what is generally termed a "pine farm," the settler is not to infer that all land bearing pine must of necessity be bad, or that the wood itself is useless : so far from this being the case, a certain proportion of pine is, perhaps, one of the best recommendations pro- perty can possess, more especially should the farm be situated in the vicinity of a saw-mill ; for, besides the fact that timber of this kind is readily purchased by the merchants, there is the importance of his being master of that upon which he depends for the erection and repairs of his dwelling-house and ofRces, and the rail-timber required for his fences. In cautioning the inex- perienced settler against purchasing or renting such land, the object is to save him from that disappointment which many others bitterly expe- rience ; for, unless he is prepared to devote his whole time and capital to the sawing of timber, !' Ik ■ BEST SOIL, 5d \ and, forsaking agriculture, prefers embarking in the hazardous enterprise of a timber merchant, he should never for a moment think of such unproductive and troublesome land. The best description of soil is a mean between the light sand and heavy clay. Should the emigrant select the "or*. ", its porosity "r-^ con- sequent poverty will render it expensive to keep in condition, or else the crops will be exceed- ingly defective : should he select, in the summer, a heavy clay soil he will find it so completely caked upon the surface, as to make it a matter of difficulty to break up and prepare it for a winter crop; but, when his land has both qualities combined, he may be sure of a successful result to his enterprise. The observation already made about the diffi- culty of obtaining correct data, as to the value of land, holds with equal force in respect to the capabilities of the soil. In most cases the average may be stated to consist of from sixteen to twen^ bushels of wheat per acre. Some highly and expensively cultivated lands yield as many as thirty-five bushels to the acre ; but this is such a rare occurrence that it should never be quoted as a fair sample of what the present produce of Canada averages. Wheat is really I ■ ■I K if I AVERAGE CROPS. the only crop upon which the farmer calculated as a means of bringing in casa — in all other articles of produce barter is resorted to ; but in wheat nobody ever thinks of buying or selling except for ready money, so that a "irm incapable of producing this grain is almost valueless. The great importance of obtaining correct informa- tion, on the subject of crops, is so essential that a short statement of the actual yield of last year (1846) is here introduced, chiefly derived from reports of the Toronto Board of Trade :— "Eastern District. — Cornwall and West Williamsburg. — The average yield and quality of the several crops have been better than for the last ten years : wheat about tvven ^-five bushels per acre ; corn, forty ; oats, fort^ ; barley, thirty ; peas, thirty-five. The potato crop is nearly half lost by the rot; in some parts of the district scarcely enough will be saved for seed. Potatoes have suffered fully one- third more by the diseases this season than in 1845. " Prince Edward District. — Hillier.— . Wheat from twelve to fifteen bushels per acre ; corn, good; oats, light. Disease has injured the potato very much : the average loss will be one half— they were not affected by the disease in 1845 AVERAGE CROPS IN 1846. 61 iculates I other but in selling capable The forma- d that st year 1 from West lity of ;he last jIs per hirty ; nearly •f the seed, •re by lier.— . acre; ijured ill be isease " Victoria District. — Belleville. — Winter wheat is the principal grain grown here : the quality is good this season, the average yield about fifteen bushels per acre ; oats and peas, light ; not much corn grown here. The average export of wheat from the district, 150,000 bushels ; fully one half is floured before it is sent away. The potato crop was light on account of the drought ; the rot has destroyed fully one half the crop — the rot injured the crop as much in 1845 as in 1846. ♦< Newcastle District. — Cobourg. — The yield of winter wheat is small, but the quantity good ; spring wheat — the yield is good, but defi- cient in weight : they will not jointly be an average crop of twenty bushels per acre. Nearly three -fourths of the potato crop lost by the rot; the yield was about eighty bushels per acre ; there will not be more than thirty bushels saved. "Home District.— Milton Mills To the westward the wheat was much shrunk : weight per bushel about fifty-five to fifty -seven lbs. In many places it was a total failure : northward the wheat is good, but the yield is light in com- parison with last year : eastward the yield in quantity is better than usual. Fully one-half of the potato crop has been lost this season. Flour 62 AVfiRAOE CROPS IM 1846. 18 the principal manufacture of the district, and is yearly increasing from wheat principally grown in the district. " SiMCOE District. — Orillia — The wheat crop is over the average of former years. About one- half of the potato crop has been lost, and turnips have suffered considerably. The potato disease affected the crop very little in 1845. *' Barrie — Average yield of wheat fifteen bushels per acre, and nearly all spring wheat ; oats below the average crop. Potatoes scarcely affected by the rot — yield about one hundred and fifty bushels per acre ; they were not affected at all in 1845. " Gore District. — Georgetown. — Fall wheat, from half to three quarters of an average crop, and much inferior in quality to former years ; spring wheat, not an average crop ; oats, peas, and barley, an average crop. The potato crop has been injured one-half, three-fourths, and in some places is entirely lost ; potatoes were not injured to any extent in 1845. " Flamboro. — The yield generally has been an average of all kinds of grain, except buck- wheat. About five-sixths of the potato crop have been injured ; they are more affected by disease this year than last-^that is, in 1845. AVSRAGE CROPS IN 1B46. 63 let) and grown jat crop >ut one- turnips disease fifteen wheat I carcely ed and :ted at wheat, crop, years ; peas, crop md in e not been buck- crop 2d by ** Brantford. — Wheat is very much rusted and badly shrunk ; it will not exceed an average of twelve bushels per acre. Barley, oats, and peas, are an average crop. Potato crop injured on the average three-fourths ; in some places lost : the common white varieties suffered least, and some of them are quite exempt ; pink eyes are most injured, and this is attributed to their contain- ing the greatest amount of farinaceous matter; disease more general and destructive than in 1845. *' Woodstock.— Wheat grown on oak plains very indifferent ; on heavy timbered lands, gene- rally good. The loss by the rot in the potatoes has been very great and more still is appre- hended ; the loss by this disease will be greater than in 1845. " Niagara District. — Chippewa. — Average yield of wheat fifteen bushels per acre, inferior in quality ; oats and barley a fair and average crop. Indian corn very good, but not much grown. Potatoes have not been much cultivated this season ; disease greater than in 1845. "Western District. — Windsor and Sarnia. —Average yield of wheat about fifteen bushels per acre, inferior in quality. Indian corn twenty- five bushels per acre ; oats above the average i t\ 64 VALUE OF STOCK. it < '* • ) ■i crop. Half or three-fourths of the potato crop injured ; there was no disease in the southern part of the district, but in the neighhorhood of Sarnia double the quantity of potatoes injured this year which was damaged in 1 845/' The ruling prices of stock will no doubt be counted exceedingly reasonable ; but it Ipust be borne in mind that cattle of almost all kinds are very inferior to those at home. A good horse is worth from 16/. to 20/., whilst cows are to be had from 2/. 10s. to 4/. 10s. each ; sheep may be pur- chased from 7s. 6s. to 10s. each, and pigs vary according to size. The native swine are exceed- ingly ugly and wild — in the majority of instances they are allowed to range at large in the woods ; and, a short time before the pig-killing com- mences, they are penned up and fattened. With- in the last few years, mainly through the instru- mentality of the District Agricultural Societies, a very marked improvement has taken place in the Canadian stock, by the importation of some excellent cattle from the mother country. The Lower Canadian horse is a remarkable animal — thick, short, and amazingly strong ; whilst little more than half the ordinary food is required to keep him in excellent condition. No animal, lowevef, ip 90 ixidispeps^yy nece^sj^ry in Amc^ VALUE OF OXEK. 65 ito crop southern rhood of \ injured oubt be l|iust be inds are horse is > be had be pur- gs vary exceed- istances woods ; g com- With. instru- ocieties, place in of some \ The limal — st little lired to animal, I Ame^ rica as the ox ; the driver obtains the most per- fect mastery over them, stubborn and stupid though they be ; and the very slowness of their motion constitutes their excellence. When ploughing is required on newly-cleared land, a yoke of oxen can be driven round the stumps without sustaining the slightest injury, while horses would be maimed and become perfectly useless. ■ - * ■I H $ CHAPTER V. Rates of Wages— Mode of Payment — Important Facilities for acquiring Real Estate— The Class of Emigrants most required in Canada-.Operations of the Canada Company. It has always occurred to the author that there exists in Canada no fair relative proportion between the prices of provisions and the rates of wages; and yet, the discrepancy is easily ac- counted for : the scattered and scarce number of the labouring population will, of itself, produce great and exorbitant wages where their services cannot be dispensed with ; whilst the manner in which too many employers pay their domestics and farm-servants is another strong reason why high rates should be demanded on the one hand and be submitted to upon the other. The sys- tem generally pursued in the colony is for the farmer to open an account in one of the " country stores," and there give what are termed " orders " upon the shopkeeper for the various amounts due to the servants, who, as a matter of necessity, are compelled to submit to the terms upon which SYSTEM OF PAYINQ SERVANTS. 67 Facilitioi nts moBt }mpany. t there portion •ates of ily ac- iber of roduce ervices iner in oiestics n why 3 hand le sys- br the ountry rders " Its due ty, are which such goods are offered to them as payment for their services. The proprietor who employs is under an obligation equally imperative to settle his account with the obliging merchant^ and very often it happens that, finding himself unable to meet his debts, he suffers his property to pass into the books of one who, having acted the part of agent, now rejoices in the prospect of becom- ing possessor of the estate. But this, although the general mode of making payment^ is not the only one: the credit system has entered so effectually into every species of traffic that it is no unusual occurrence that a master discharges a servant with a promissory note drawn for a period of six or nine months ! Now, whilst such practices are pursued, it is not to be wondered at if the poorer classes demand wages large enough to meet the inevitable loss resulting from the mode in which they are paid. A good farm-servant readily meets with an engagement at from 2/. to 2/. 10«. per month, besides his boards lodging, and washing ; whilst a daily labourer can at all times earn from 2s. 6d. to 3s. per diem. Female servants in cities and large towns receive 24s. to 30s. per month ; but, in the country their wages seldom exceed from IQs, to 18s. for the same period* 68 MECHANICS WAGES. Mechanics* wages are exceedingly high in all parts of the province. A carpenter or joiner charges 6s. per diem, and all other trades follow about the same rate. Those who commence business on their own account in a new settle- ment generally realize a comparative indepen- dence in a few years, the exceptions being men of indolent or intemperate habits. This fact will appear more evident when it is remembered at what a low rate provisions are to be obtained, and what a constant demand a country so new as Canada must create for all kinds of handicraft. It is from the knowledge of such truths, and the evidence of innumerable cases which have come within the range of the author's observation, that he is confident in the correctness of the assertion that Canada is emphatically " the poor man's country." In this respect there are few places to equal it — certainly none to excel it. Although a vast portion of the landed pro- perty of Canada has passed into the hands of suc- cessful speculators, so that there is not by any means the same facility for purchasing property now that the colony presented some twenty or thirty years since ; yet, viewing it in comparison with home, or indeed with any other portion of our British North American territory, there are EMIGRANTS MOST REQUIRED. 69 opportunities of great importance still to be formed of acquiring i ermanent aad improving possessions. The question has not unfrequently been put to the author since his return to England — "What class of emigrants do you consider best suited to the present wants of Canada?'* He re- plied without hesitation — ** Agriculturists before all others,'' The reasons for entertaining this opinion are numerous, and will occur to the reader as conclusive. Canada presents an almost unlimited scope for agricultural pursuits : we have only to look upon her millions of acres of the choicest land untouched ; and, with a population not sufficient to dot its vast regions with the most faint symptoms of civilization, reason points to it as the most likely receptacle for the superabun- dant and constantly necessitous people of our own country. The author is clearly of opinion that, in the first instance, farm labourers should pre- cede farm proprietors : " men of straw " should be sent out first, and men of capital should quickly follow them. At the present moment, unless the gentleman-farmer is prepared to take the lead in the working as well as the planning department of his property, it becomes little short of a moral certainty that he will either droop into despair or g2 rr it t ii ■ y ■y 'i ' ■I f , I. H I li ;| I 70 THE GENTLEMAN FARMBR. retire in disgust from the pursuit of an indepen- dence, purchased at the expense of every gentle- manly feeling, and sacrificed before the shrine of an intolerant spirit of democracy. It M'ill be remembered that, upon a previous page, it was stated that the seasons were ren- dered remarkable, not alone by the suddenness with which they entered, but by the shortness and uncertainty of their duration : as a further proof of the correctness of this statement it may be mentioned that, during harvest time, it is a common practice for the farmer to be obliged to "cut and carry'* — i. e,, to cradle or mow his wheat, and, as fast as it falls, it is carried into the barn. This is done because the climate is so warm that the grain is cured during the operation of cutting ; nor can its owner be certain of a long continuance of suitable weather. To effect this requires a great many hands ; and, as all agricul- turists are in similar circumstance i, there is a perfect clamour for aid ; so that wages not only advance from fifty to seventy-five per cent , but employers are obliged to submit to the most gall- ing insults and vexatious annoyances. It is evident that there is a monopoly in the market of manual labour, and the first step to real and lasting improvement must be to pour in SCARCITY OF FARM LABOURERS. 71 ndepen- gentle- hrine of previous ire ren- denness less and further it may > it is a iged to low his into the te is so 3eration fa long eet this igricul" re is a ot only nt , but >st gall- in the step to >our in such large supplies as shall tend to keep this essential commodity within the reach of those who cannot dispense with it. No doubt this is a discouraging feature in the present state of our transatlantic possessions ; yet, as it is unfortu- nately founded on fact, it ought to be generally known. One year's extensive emigration of the labouring classes would make an essential differ- ence in favour of the employer, and it may be that the present awful distress at home will, by promoting this desirable object, go far to esta- blish the balance of power in the hands of those who can really understand that "property has its rights as well as its duties." Whilst the author has felt it his duty to place special stress upon the necessity for a large augmentation of the working portion of our Canadian community, he would not have the reader infer that he is insensible to the vast importance of men of education becoming imme- diate settlers in the colony. To the existence of those who are there at present may be attri- buted the irresistible barrier which has been set up to the wide-spreading desolation of anti- monarchical principles, as well as the actual working out of a code of local laws both mild and judicious. Should any unhappy circumstances ■ ; ■ 72 RESPECTABLE EMIGRANTS REQUIRED. ever occur to deprive the country of the services of those who may well be termed her best and highest ornaments, their removal would be the withdrawal of the leaven of loyalty, and the signal for a revolt more extensive and fearful than those who remain at a distance from the scene can imagine. The emigration of agricultural operatives may not be placed first in the scale of importance; but, under the existing state of affairs, they ought to remove first in the order of time. Few things would indicate more strongly the sound discretion of Parliament, and nothing would strengthen more effectually the hands of our colonial subjects, than the adoption of a general and well-organised system of extensive emigra- tion — such emigration to be confined to good artizans and able-bodied labourers. The starv- ing millions in the sister country could readily supply both classes. Want, they would not, in a country such as Canada ; and succeed they must, if the Government would only assist them during the infantile stages of their new career. There are three methods of obtaining land in the Upper Province of Canada — first, by appli- cation at the Goverpment Land Office ; secondly ^ ^ CROWN LANDS, ?8 from the Upper Canada Company ; and thirdly, from private individuals or old settlers, who, strange to say, are always on the alert to " sell out," and ever willing to re-enter the forest and resume the toils and encounter the privations in the « back woods." The Crown Lands are, what their title desig- nates, held in right of the Government of the country. For the disposing of them, Land Commissioners have been appointed, not only at the seat of the executive in Montreal, but, for the greater convenience of Canada West, in the city of Toronto. In the same manner, the " Clergy Reserves " are offered for sale on reasonable terms to the buyer, although ruinous to the cause for which they were originally intended. From all that can be gathered upon the subject, by far the most satisfactory mode of obtaining land is from the Canada Company. There are fewer forms to be gone through, and there is a strong disposition on the part of the highly respectable and talented commissioners to offer every accom- modation and encouragement to the most humble applicant. The plan upon which this Company proceeds is as follows : — Let us suppose the case of an emigrant having capital enough to stock 74 CANADA COMPANY. \ : i ti a farm of one hundred acres, forty of which are cleared. We can imagine him destitute of the means of making an immediate purchase; but he calls at the Canada Company's Office, and there represents his case : if he can produce letters of character or references to persons of standing in the colony, it will, of course, be so much more in his favour ; but the author believes the Company will treat with perfect strangers. The applicant is given a list of unoccupied farms in various parts of the province ; and, at the same time, all possible information as to the locality and nature of the land is tendered to'him. The Company offer a certain block of wild land, or a farm of partially cleared land, for so much per acre; and knowing that he is not prepared to make a full payment of the amount, the emigrant is told that the Company will give him a lease for ten years, and that the annual rent shall be little more than the interest (six per cent.) of the unpaid purchase money. Thus, should the farm be sold for ten shillings per acre, the whole amount of his liabilities would be, for one hundred acres, 50/. ; whilst the rent or interest would only come to S/. per annum. Nor must it be forgotten that the tenant retains his right to purchase, and obtain his title deed, at any time before the expiration of his CANADA COMPANY 75 hich are ; of the se; but ce, and produce sons of ^ be so believes 'angers, d farms ic same locality . The id, or a ich per ired to ligrant ase for e litlle unpaid )e sold of his , 50/. ; me to at the lin his of his lease. It must occur to any person, of ordi- nary capacity, that such advantages are exactly suited to the man of small means, or, indeed, to a man without means, save a powerful hand and willing mind. The author cannot too strongly impress upon the attention of emigrants the value of this highly influential Company's offers. Upon the other hand, it is equally desirable that men of capital should avail themselves of the oppor- tunities offered by the Company for safe and re- productive investments. There are but few townships in which it has not property to dispose of ; so that it is in a position to treat with pur- chasers to almost any amount. Some idea may be formed of the extent of its territory from the fact of eight hundred thousand acres of land being now offered for sale in one section of the country alone — that of the " Huron tract." It may be deemed necessary by others, and it is felt requisite by the author, that he should re- iterate what has been before stated — namely, that he is a disinterested witness, not only of the value of Canada in general, but of the Canada Com- pany in particular. The writer is unknown to any of its officers, nor has he the slightest interest to serve either directly or indirectly by its pros- perity. During his residence In Canada, he wa^ 76 GOVERNMENT LAND OFFICERS. li'i a constant although silent observer, placed in the midst of an agricultural district ; and, from the unsought-for facts which came before him in his every-day intercourse with the people, he had many instances of the equitable manner in which the Company conducted all its affairs. In every case a ready ear was given to the applicant — great forbearance shown to the unfortunate — valuable advice tendered to the ignorant or inexperienced ; and, what is most important, the utmost dispatch was used in obtaining leases, deeds, and other legal settlements. Far different has it been where Government officers had to be consulted. The compara- tive independence of subordinates — the obstacles thrown in the way of obtaining redress for wrongs inflicted, or correction of errors made — have not only wearied the patience but drained the purse of the poor emigrant. Private individuals, either the occupiers or pro- prietors of land, are to be met with in every portion of the province anxious to " sell out " their well or partially cleared farms, and no doubt bargains may he, and have been obtained by this mode of purchasing. Should a stranger think of such a speculation, he cannot be too cautious ed in the Vom the a in his he had in which In every t— great valuable rienced ; iispatch i other ^rnment )mpara- bstacles wrongs ave not 3 purse or pro- 1 every i out" > doubt 3y this think iutious A BAD BARQAIK. 77 within his reach, as to the age and character o& the clearing. The writer once met with a gen- tleman who, whilst driving along the road, was agreeably struck with the appearance of a well- cleared, well-fenced, and really good-looking farm. The dwelling-house was both large and strongly built, and the whole property was offered for sale. At once a bargain was closed, and the consequence was that, when he became the occupier, he dis- covered that the farm had been so thoroughly " run out " that it was impossible to get it to bear anything bordering upon a good crop. He en- deavoured, both by extensive and expensive manuring, to bring it " into heart, " but in vain ; for every shower of rain literally filtered the manure through its porous surface ; so that, as a last resource, he was obliged to cart clay from a considerable distance, and thus form a new strata of soil upon the whole of his property. The reader may imagine, for it would be difficult to describe, the serious consequence of such a disas- trous step. It would be impossible to give a correct idea of what a good farm may be obtained for, chiefly because so many circumstances (some of which have been already named), form elements in its real value ; but it should be observed that a farm n 78 COST OF A GOOD FARM. li! ii : ii of one hundred acres, good in quality, witbU': tour miles of a market, on a good road and havi.g a frame house and barn, with a clearing of from fifty to sixty acres, ought to be purchased for frum 3/. lOs, to 4/. per acre. It is far from being an advantage in making a purchase of a small quan- tity of land to have too much of it cleared. The emigrant must remember that he will have to depend for years to come upon the wood of his property for his firing; and, therefore, a farm entirely cleared, or with more than two-thirds of it free from timber, is not on any account desi- rable. Sixty acres of well cleared land will be ample both for pasture and crop, and each year*s chopping will add to the arable portion of it with as much rapidity as his resources for culti- vating it will warrant. The data for this esti- mate has been taken from one of the leading roads in the Home and Gore Districts, within twenty miles of Toronto : in the more remote or westerly sections of the province, farms may be purchased at a much lower rate ; but it must be remembered that the price of produce is pro- portionally smaller. For some few years past the tide of emigration has evidently set in towards the Huron tract. The Canada Company state that < IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) 1.0 1.1 Ui|2j8 |2^ ■tt Uii 122 S 184 *■ •^ 1^ 12.0 IL25 II 1.4 1.6 6" Photograiiiic Sdraices CorporaliGn 4^ 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WnSTM.N.Y. I4SM (71«) •73-4503 / ^ 92 ADVICE 1*0 EMIGRANTS. intended market, nature of the soil, quantity of timber, and the distance from a good leading road. To those who may not be in a position to make large purchases, but who seek Canada because of its advantages in gaining a sufficient amount of land for their present purposes, it may be said— " By no means, think of going into the *bush.'" The only comfortable or satisfactory way in which they can dispose of their funds is in the purchase of a farm already partially cleared. The author has heard of many most painfully distressing inci- dents tending to illustrate the folly and infatua- tion of persons unsuited for the inevitable hard* ships of the back-woods, not only entering its dense forests themselves, but bringing with them wives and children inheriting delicate constitu- tions, and brought up in comfort, if not luxury. They generally become a prey to fever and ague ; and, under such circumstances, they have been led to retire in disgust from a place to which they should never have gone, and for which nature never intended them. The plan for such emigrants ^ould be to become residents in some well-cleared part of the country — either near the city of Toronto if they can afford it, or in the western districtis of the province. The townships COLONIAL SERVANTS. 93 tity of leading make ause of )unt of said— 3ush; " 1 which irchase author ig inci- nfatua- e hard- *ing its h them mstitu- iuxury. [ ague ; s been which which r such 1 some !ar the in the ^nships from Hamilton, at the head of lake Ontario, to London, are admirably well-settled, and, with scarcely any exceptions, possess the most excellent land ; whilst, upon the other side of the lake, in the Niagara district, the stranger is often tempted to fancy himself in some of the most highly-cul- tivated counties in England. As a general rule, the habit of bringing out servants, either male or female, from home cannot, be too strongly deprecated^ In nine cases out of ten they forsake their employers, or become so addicted to the intemperate habits of the lower order of the people that they are glad to get rid of them ; besides they are not so useful as those who have been reared in the colony, or who have had some practical knowledge of its plans and peculiarities. The author has often observed with what comparative ease and despatch a native will perform works, the mention of which would astonish an English servant. In the great ma- jority of cases, therefore, the propriety of suiting yourselves with domestics after your arrival is advisable. Great care is requisite in the purchasing of stock for a farm. Many persons will maintain that the native sheep and pigs are better suited to the country than the well-bred and improved l2 Wtij ATTENTION TO STOCK. species. The sheep are, it is true, an exceedingly hardy race; but they are equally miserable. As for the pigs, they are not only of a wretched ap- pearance, but of a very ferocious nature. The author can well remember the fear of a beautiful dog, in traversing the woods, in constant danger from troops of these half-wild animals. Few things would tend more to the lasting improve- ment of a farmer's prospects than a general atten- tion to his stock, and in this respect a new settler has an immense advantage over the old resident, who finds that it must be the work of time to effect extensive changes. Within the last few years prices have declined very much in these items of expenditure. It may so happen that a farm, having a bad residence, but otherwise suitable, may be in the market, and the purchaser may deem it worth the expense of building a better dwelling-house upon it. Under such circumstances a little advice as to materials and the *^ modus operandi ^* may not be out of place. It is strongly recommended to erect brick in preference to frame houses : there is much less risk of fire, and consequently a smaller premium for insurance ; and, when both estimates are carefully examined and compared, it will be found that the difference i» by no means ^J BUILDING MATERIALS. 95 sedingly le. As hed ap- The cautiful danger Few nprove- il atten- a new the old York of the last uch in g a bad 3 in the )rth the se upon vice as nay not nded to : there 2utly a in both ipared, I means great between the cost of one and the other. In general the bricks are made upon the farm, and by far the best mode of building is by estimate. The author would in no case advise the employ-' ment of workmen, as their wages are exceedingly high, and they require continual superintendence. The houses are covered with what are termed << shingles," or thin pieces of wood cut into the shape of small slates: these are nailed to the rough boards, which are placed upon the rafters ; and, although there is undoubtedly danger of fire, yet but few accidents occur in this manner. It is found economical to give a shinglemaker so much a bundle or thousand for making them, upon your own property, where you can supply the timber. Many, however, purchase them from the makers, who charge at the rate of 4s. per bundle. Let the settler never think of buying those imported from the United States or made up by machines — they are sure to prove useless. Sawmills are so numerous in Upper Canada that no difficulty will be experienced in getting all the timber which may be required cut, and that, too, without laying out money ; for the Canadian system of milling is to deduct a toll — one half of timber and every twelfth bushel of grain. The best time for sending the sawlogs to the mill will 9r CONSTRUCTION OF HOUSES. be during the winter months; and, by proper attention, the settler may have his sawn timber sufficiently seasoned for use the following summer. In this way, by providing one's own materials, a comparatively small sum only will be required for the erection of a good and commodious home. In closing this portion of advice, the settler's attention is directed to the necessity of exca- vating large and properly built cellars. In the winter the cellar must be the receptacle for all the provisions and vegetables which must be secured from the frost ; while, in the summer, it will be the only cool place where anything can be properly preserved, Roothouses are also useful; but nothing can compensate for the want of a good cellar. There is a practice in Canada of putting an unusually large number of doors and windows in the houses, and it is a plan which the author thinks must strike every person as not only expensive but injurious ; for, by the former, the draughts are increased in winter ; whilst the latter manifestly increases the heat of summer. A good home should be built after the fashion of the houses in this country ; and, although there is not such an obnoxious impost as a tax on light, yet it would be a decided improve- ment if fewer windows by a third were made. GARDENS. 97 roper mber Gardens in Canada require to be made every season, and the arrangements of both the flower and kitchen departments rest with the ladies of the household. The time of the male is so fully ' occupied that it is a rare thing to see gentlemen give themselves any trouble about such com- paratively unimportant affairs. Recently much good has been done by the establishment of agricultural and horticultural societies., and in nothing is the benefit of such institutions more apparent than in the growth of improved classes of vegetables, fruits, and flowers in the colony. The existence of a vast number of well-stocked nurseries renders it unnecessary for the new settler to bring any variety of garden seeds with him from home, as he is sure to find all that he can possibly require in use upon his arrival. CHAPTER VIII, Advice to Tradesmen— Village Shopkeeplng—Clothing— • Advice to Mechanics— Situations to be Obtained — Words to Farm labourers — Emigrants from Ireland — Habits of Temperance— Provident Habits. It has been already stated in a former page that there is no real proportion between the rate of mechanics* wages and the price of provisions in Canada, furnished as they are with such a liberal hand by an all-bountiful Providence. This fact to a political economist is a perfect paradox, and a symptom of an unhealthy state of commerce. There is no doubt but the remedy may be pro- fitably applied by the accession of equally good operatives to those already in the country. In almost every branch of business until of late there has been an inevitable monopoly. The country store-keeper, finding a whole community dependent upon his single shop, has not failed to take advantage of that favourable position for amassing wealth ; whilst, in the smaller towns SYSTEM OF CREDIT. «» )thing.-« -Words abits of ^e that •ate of ons in liberal is fact X, and nerce. e pro- good . In >f late The unity- led to n for ;owns and villages few competitors have appeared, and a consequent exclusiveness of trade has prevailed. Were this system extensively broken in upon by . men of business, who, having courage enough to depart from the beaten tract, would carry out the plans and principles of business as developed at home, there is no doubt their success would surpass their most sanguine expectations. It may certainly be pleaded, on behalf of those who have been longer established in the country, that they incur great risk by the universal system of long credit, and by the generally impoverished condition of recent settlers ; but yet, were they to offer greater inducements, they would be sure to command a greater amount of cash payments. There ought to be, what there is not, a vast diffe- rence made between prompt and protracted pay- ments, and the author would strongly press this new element upon the man of busiii^js about to trade in the country. There are great facilities in Canada for per- sons of small capital to obtain considerable credit with wholesale dealers. The author has known many instances of young men (as a means of establishing their characters in the province), bringing from home unexceptionable testimonials, meeting with the greatest encouragement from 100 SYSTEM OF BARTER. men of means^ who, in all probability, themselves commenced the world in a similar manner. But, while mentioning this encouraging circumstance^ it must be added that nothing but the utmost attention and precaution will enable any man to cope with the numberless difficulties attendant upon the mode of transacting business in the more distant and recently constituted districts. Barter is the principal means of conducting mercantile pursuits in Canada West : the farmer brings his produce in the shape of oats, wheat, barley, butter, eggs, cheese, &c., to the village shop- keeper ; and, except for wheat, he cannot cal- culate upon receiving money. It follows then that a country store must be stocked with an endless variety of goods, in order to meet the demands of customers who barter; and for this, and many other reasons, experience and enter- prize are essentially requisite in transacting Ca- nadian business. On more than one occasion young men brought to the author letters of intro- duction, wishing, as they said, to obtain a fair share of trade, or a practical knowledge of agri- culture, and asking advice as to the best mode of proceeding ; and he always suggested the impor- tance of becoming assistants in respectable stores, or residents in the families of the oldest and best WEARING APPAREL, 101 imselves r. But, nstance, utmost man to ttendant he more Barter ercantile 'ings his barley, ;e shop- not cal- ws then with an iieet the for this, d enter- ting Ca- Dccasion 3f iqtro- 1 a fair of agri- mode of 3 impor- e stores, %nd best farmers in the part of the country whither their choice would lead them. In no case has he had occasion to regret the bestowal or they the re- ception of such advice. It is strongly recom- mended to the young aspirant in such pursuits to remain for a year at a nominal salary, in a place where he could learn practically the mode adopted with success by others, than run the ruinous hazard of embarking in an unknown and consequently intricate system of business. It may be worthy of notice to make a few re- marks upon what may be considered a piece of economy — namely, the taking to the country a large supply of wearing apparel. The author is quite aware that importers in Canada may smile at this advice ; but upon all hands there are con- stant complaints of the high price and inferior quality of woollen goods; and when it is stated that one of the most eminent clerical tailors in England has found it profitable to despatch an agent to Canada, for the purpose of taking orders from gentlemen in the province, this will be sufficient to establish the correctness of the principle laid down. The author, therefore, strongly advises the emigrant to provide himself with a good stock of cloth-clothes : taking them out for his own consumption will exonerate them 102 MECHAKICS WAGES. from duty, for they pass through the custom- house as personal luggage. Much of what has been said will be applica- ble to that class of emigrants known as mechanics. The rates of wages to journeymen are high ; but the charges of the masters are proportionately great. This to a great extent arises from the system previously explained, and upon which business is conducted. Men are frequently in the country paid by orders upon store- keepers, or actual produce from the farmers ; and the long credit expected in the case of the masters or con- tractors require their profits to be correspondingly high. It is wise, therefore, to be prepared for such a state of things, and not to be discouraged be- cause the wages agreed ibr have not been paid with the same promptitude or in the same satis- factory manner as we are accustomed to at home. Suppose the case of a large family, the sons and daughters of an industrious mechanic, emigrating to Upper Canada, these are advised not to settle in an old and well-established district, but to go to some new locality where their services would be, in the nature of things, required. Boys and girls above fourteen or fifteen years of age find no difficulty in obtaining employment TRADESMEN. 108 custom- applica- chanics. ^h ; but ionately otn the 1 which jntly in ceepers, the long or con- ndingly br such ged be- en paid le satis- t home. Dns and grating o settle but to jervices quired, ears of ay men t as servants to farmers, and are thus at once placed in situations of comparative independence and comfort ; whilst the remainder of the family may always rest assured of a sufficient quantity of provisions being given in payment for the work done for the employer of the parent to afford them ample support. A very trifling sum will only be requisite for commencing busi- ness ; houses and a small portion of land may be had exceeoingly low ; and furniture is much cheaper than it can be purchased at home. During the author*s experience in Canada he never knew a really industrious, honest, sober, mechanic to be in want. The most successful branches of business in Canada are those which are essentially necessary •—carpenters, blacksmiths, masons, cabinetmakers, waggonbuilders, shoemakers, &c. ; and, although vast numbers of all tradesmen are in the country, and many are constantly removing from the United States to the provinces, yet there is sufficient room for many more; and the author does not think that there is the slightest risk in really good mechanics of all branches of handicraft emi- grating to the colony; for, not only are they certain of immediate employment themselves, but there is a strong probability of their children 104 LABOURERS. I becoming possessors of portions of land in Canada which they could :iot hope to rent in England or Ireland. ' ^ The author knows of no class of men more' required in Canada West than able-bodied farni^ labourers or servants, and the success of those who- have already gone there in that capacity is astonish- ing. One of his parishioners stated to the author that a very few years since he landed in Hamilton at the extremity of lake Ontario with a wife and four children, and that half a crown was the only money he had in his possession. He set to work as an assistant to a farmer ; shortly afterwards he rented a farm for nine years ; and eventually he had been so far advanced in the world as to be able to purchase one hundred acres of good land on his own account. During a season of great depression in the north of Ireland, some of the benevolent clergy and gentry set a subscription on foot for the purpose of sending to Canada some of the most needy families and individuals in the neighbourhood. One of them became an inhabitant of the author's township, and, although his first farm was an indifferent one, yet by hard work he was enabled so far to improve it that it sold for more than he gave for it ; and, as its purchaser was able to pay ready money^ the LABOURBRS AND FARMERS. 105 nd in •ent in more' i farm' se who- tonish- author milton fe and le only ^ork as rds he dly he 3 to be d land great of the piption /anada iduals me an hough J hard t that (id, as y^ the poor man was enabled to purchase a superior lot of ground in the far west, where he is now doing remarkably well. The author happened to meet with two others of the number at that time sent out : the one was a young man of moderate education, who was then the master of a common school, by which he realised from 601. to 701, per annum ; and the other was a comfort- able and respectable farmer. In fact, the history of the majority of the independent landowners of the province may be traced to great want in the first instance, and equal subsequent success ; and it is much to be desired that multitudes could be induced to follow their example ; for, from what he has witnessed, the author has no doubt about the realizing of their expectations. As to the rate of wages it has already been explained that it is unwise for inexperienced labourers to demand equal remuneration for their time with those who have been long accustomed to Canadian farming; and the author would strongly impress upon the newly-arrived emigrant the importance of being willing to commence at a lower rate of wages than others, with not a pros- pect, but a certainty, of an advance inprocess of time. He would likewise urge upon emigrants the absolute necessity of cultivating strictly 106 INTEMPEKANCE. l! temperate habits. The great drawback *to the advancement of those already in the colony is the fearful intemperance which prevails. Spiritu- ous liquors of all kinds are so cheap that they form quite an element of sociality, and are thus the bane of the country. The author has wit- nessed in Canada so many cases of perfect ruin brought on by the excesses of the unfortunate drunkard, that he would implore the intending emigrant, as he values his peace and prosperity > to discountenance the habitual practice of drink- ing ardent spirits. Many an inducement will be held out, and the greatest will be drawn from the severity of the climate. The new seltler will meet with numbers who will tell him how impos- sible it is to bear the cold of winter, or live amidst the heat of summer, without a plentiful supply of alcoholic liquids ; but, not to enumerate cases, it may be mentioned that, so far as the authors experience goes, those who were the most respectable, the most respected, the most healthful, and the most happy, were the most tem- perate. For his own part his profession led him into the woods and settlements of his parish at all seasons and at all hours ; he has been cold and wet, and worn out with fatigue times without number ; and, dthough unpledged to any tempe- to the lony is Ipiritu- t they e thus IS wit- [;t ruin rtunate ending perity, drink- will be )m the jr will mpos- ►r live entiful nerate IS the •e the most t tem- d him ish at cold thout anpe- INTEMPERAKCE. 107 ranee society, he invariably followed the practice of the most rigid advocates for cold water and that with the happiest results. In a country where tea and coffee are so cheap, there is, or ought to be, every inducement to give a prefer- ence to beverages destitute cf injurious properties and of some advantage in a moral point of view. The author is aware that it will require more than an ordinary amount of firmness and resolution to lay aside the practice in a country such as Canada ; but the evils of the habit have only to be known, and, with the blessing of the Almighty, they not only may, but will be avoided. Provident habits stand in close relationship with those of temperance. The novelties of the country have tempted persons of limited means to exceed the bounds of prudence ; and, as a remedy to this evil, and an encouragement to the contrary course, a large number of saving banks have been opened throughout the colony, one by the Upper Canada Company, specially adapted to the wants of their tenants, but open to all inhabitants. By- saving a few pounds occasionally great good has resulted not only to the settler himself, but to those of his friends who may have remained be- hind. A remittance may be made with facility ; for the Canada Company give letters of credit to any patt of the United Kingdoh at £^n exceedingly small per centage. 108 CONCLUSION^ In drawing this little work to a close its author desires to explain to the reader that there are many matters upon which he has not, because he cannot, treat. The Canadian system of domestic economy is a subject upon which the stranger must be experimentally informed, and in the midst of which he must live, before he can realize its manifest advantages. There are also many expedients resorted to by the natives and older settlers, which the novice will do well to observe. It is a great mistake to suppose that the practices of home will do to graft upon the tender sapling of a colony. Better far for the emigrant to embody in his own plans the well-tried schemes which have been forced upon the inhabitants by the best of all instructors — necessity. Finally, the author can with the utmost truth affirm that the Canadians, as a body, are not only willing to impart the benefits of their experience to the stranger, but ever ready to assist him in his difficulties and early struggles. W, £. Paini^b, Printer, 342, Strand, ^f author ere are ause he omestic tranger in the realize i to by novice take to I do to Better a plans forced ructors t truth ot only erience him in ^f en o«u.», 1170(1 u- lit .Mi t