IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) V ^ ^ // 4. y. ^ < ^ i^ /£/. 1^/^ (/. 1.0 ^^ IIM i^ Ki I I.I 1.25 12 Hi 1.4 2.2 IIM 1.6 6" I Y /). ^i^"" ^ ^*^ * T>1 I'noiogiapnic Sciences Corporation 23 WIST MAIN STRUT WIBSTIR.NY MS80 (716) •73.4S03 ,\ ^V V- ^^ ^^ o \ ■^ % W 4i. >S (A &?^ CIHM/ICMH Microfiche Series. CIHIVI/ICMH Collection de microfiches. Canadian Institute for Historical Microraproductions / Institut Canadian de microreproductions historiques o' Technical and Bibliographic Notss/Notes techniqu«3 et bibliographlquas The Institute has attempted to obtain the best original copy available for filming. Features of this copy which may be bibliographically unique, which may alter any of the images in the reproduction, or which may significantly change the usual method of filming, are checked below. y □ D D n n Coloured covers/ Couverture d« couleur r~~] Covers damaged/ Couverture endommagie □ Covers restored and/or laminated/ Couverture restaur^e et/ou peiiicul^e I I Cover title missing/ Le titre de couverture manque Coloured maps/ Cartes g^ographiques en couleur Coloured ink (i.». other than blue or black*/ Encre de couleur (i.e. autre que bleue ou noire) I I Coloured plates and/or illuatrations/ Planches et/ou illustrations en couleur Bound with other material/ Reli* avcc d'autres documents Tight binding may cause shadows or distortion along interior margin/ La re liure serr^e peut causer de I'ombre ou de la dietorsion !• long de la msrg« intiriaure Blank leaves added during restoration may appear within the text. Whenever possible, these have bean omitted from filming/ II se peut que certainea pages blanches ajouties lors d'une restauration apparaissent dans le texte. mais, lorsque cela itait possible, ces pagas n'ont pas it* fiimiea. Additional comments:/ Commentaires supplimentaires; L'Institut a microfilm* le meilleur exemplaire qu'il lui a ite possible de se procurer. Les details de cet exemplairi* qui sont p^ut-itre uniques du point de vue bibliographique, qui peuvent modifier une image reproduite, ou qui peuvent exiger una modification dans la mithode normaie de filmage sont indiquis ci-dessous. tc □ Coloured pages/ Page* de couleur I — I Pagas damaged/ D n Pages endommagies Pages restored and/or laminated/ Pages restauries et/ou pelliculies rrn Pages discoloured, stained or foxed/ Pages dicolories. tacheties ou piquies Pages detached/ Pages ditachies Showthrough/ Transparence Quality of prir Qualit* inigale de I'impression Includes supplementary materii Comprend du matiriel supplimentaire Only edition availab'e/ Seule Edition disponible j~~| Pages detached/ r~n Showthrough/ r~l Quality of print varies/ r~n Includes supplementary material/ r~~] Only edition availab'e/ Pages wholly or partially obscured by errata slips, tissues, etc.. have been refilmed to ensure the best possible image/ Les pages totalement ou partiallement obscurcies par un feuillet d'errata, una pelure, etc., ont iti filmies i nouveau de facon A obtonir Sa meilleure image possible. Tl P o fi b t» si o fi •i Ol T si T \M IV dl ei b< ri r< IT This item is filmed at the reduction ratio checked below/ Ce document est filmi au taux de reduction indiqu* ci-dessous. 10X 14X 18X 22X 2ex 30X y 12X 16X 20X 24X 28X 32X Tha copy filmed h«r« has b««n reproducacl thanks to tha ganarosity of: McLennan Library McGill Univenity Montreal Tha imagas appaaring hara ara tha baat quality posalbia considaring tha condition and lagibility of tha original copy and in kaaping with tha filming contract spacificatlons. L'axamplaira film* fut raproduit grftca h la gtnAroaiti da: McLennan Library McGill University Montreal Laa imagaa tuh^v^ntaa ont iti raprodultas avac la plus grand soin. eompta tanu da la condition at da la nattat* da l'axamplaira film*, at an conforniiti avac las conditions du contrat da fiimaga. Original copiaa in printad papar eovars ara fiimad beginning with tha front covar and andinf on tha last paga with a printad or iiluatratad impras- sion, or tha back covar whan appropriata. Ail othar original copiaa ara fiin^ad beginning on tha first psga with a printad or iiluatratad Impraa- sion, and ending on the last paga with a printad or illustrated impression. Lee exempiai-'ae originaux dont la couvarturo en pepier eat imprimia sont fiimAs 9n commenpant par Ic premier plat et en termlnant soit par ia darnlAre pege qui comporte une empreinte d'impression au d'iliustration, soit par le second plat, salon le caa. Tous lee eutres exemplairee originaux sont filmte an commandant par la pramiAre pege qui comporte une empreinte d'impreaaion ou d'iliustration at •n termlnant par ia darnlAre paga qui comporte une telle empreinte. The laat recorded frame on eech micrcfiche shell contain the symbol —»^( meaning "CON- TINUED "), or the symbol y (meaning "END"), whichever epplies. Un dee symbolee suivants apparettra sur la darnlAre image de cheque microfiche, selon le cas: le symbols >•*• signifle "A SUiVRE", le symbols ▼ signifle "FIN". Maps, plates, cherta, etc., may be filmed at different reduction ratios. Those too lerge to be entirely included in one exposure are filmed beginning in the upper left hand corner, left to right and top to bottom, aa many frames aa required. The following diagrams Illustrate tha method: Lee cartaa. planchee. tableeux, etc.. peuvent Atre filmite A dee taux da rMuction diff*rents. Lorsque le document eet trop grand pour Atre reproduit en un seul clich4, ii eet film* A partir de I'angle supArieur gauche, de gauche A droite. et de heut en bas. en prenent le nombre d'imi^yes nAceeeaira. Lea diagrammes suivants illustrant le mAthode. 1 2 3 1 2 3 4 5 6 I A. #OE DESCraraVE OF COUNTRY LIFE ■A IK THK PBOVIK^E OF NEW BRXJKSW^ICK, 3^adi^ y^au cup^. NEW YORK: I^ONARB SOOTT & CX)., 38 WALKKR ST. ABO*. 'i! '-.it il ^1 nie^sff-" ts^s. mmm mmmimmiimmf'mmimH^^''^''''^ wmm mmmmm ^r^,3 s#^,,.- fA W^i ^^a^. .»*fl!W" / ^ k ^ BE' ;:^ "\ — ' ■'""" '"Miiiiii III III 'mmmmmmn^ifiii'miimn EARLY EEimiSCENCES. % A POEM, RECOUNTING INCIDENTS OCCURRING IN THE YOUTH OP- THE AUTHOR. AND DESCRIBING COUNTRY LIFE IN THE PROVINCE OF NEW BRUNSWICK, iTortB Scare ^go. By LEONARD SCOTT. " I stand upon my native hills again, Broad, round, and green, that in the summer sky With garniture of waring grass and green Orchards and beechen forests basking He." Brtaut. NE^W YORK: Printed by the -A-utthor for Private Distribvition. 1864. Entered, according to Act of CongreM, in the year 1864, by LEONARD SCOTT, In tlie Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. To S. OSAIOHEAD, Prtnttr, Stereoiyper, and Elecirolyper,; fiCaitoit I3uiltiin0, 61, S3, mid BS Cniire Strtil. n^m To THE HON. JAMES BROWN,' LATE SUBVETOR-OENERAL OF THE PROVINCE OP NEW BRUNSWICK, I'o whom the author is mdebted for his early education, and for whom he still -- cherishes the most sincere feelings of gratitude and friendship, ■*«« Mi PREFACE. The scenes and incidents described in the following verses are taken from actual life, rarely any deviation being made from the facts as they existed or occurred in the places and among the person ic^es mentioned. The home of the writer's family was in .j ^ x*arish of St. David, Province of New Brunswick, a few miles distant from the St. Croix or Scooduc river, which separates that Province from the State of Maine ; and it is wor- thy of remark, that of the members of that family — there were thirteen of them — who for nearly forty years resided at that home or in its immediate vicinity, not one, nor even the descend- ant of one, now remains within the Province. A few died in their native land, but most of them crossed the border ; and they and their descendants have so scattered themselves over the United States, that there are but few of the Free States in which they are not now to be found. ,'r^ -' EARLY REMINISCENCES. TO BROTHER THEODORE. As old age advances, full often I think Of the life that we lived when boys ; And I long once more at the fountain to drink ■ Which nourished our hopes and joys. Does mem'ry, Dear T,, ever carry you back To the time of your first recollection, When dressed in a little calico sack Which you fancied the " pink of perfection " You stood by the side of your mother's arm-chair And gazed at the babe in her lap. And tenderly touched his delicate hair And his pretty embroidered cap ? And when old Bett^ P.,* with a flourish so grand. Raised her black little brat from the bed. Do you mind how you stood with your hammer in hand And hit it a crack on the head ? And then what a bawling and squalling there was By the child and its terrified mother ; And little you cared that the blow was the cause, Being ready to give it another ! As years rolled on, nnd to boyliood we grew, llow phiasant a lile was ours ; With joys so many, and sorrows so few, Our pathway seemed strwvn with flowers. Blessed by a father whose every care To the good of his children was given ; Blessed by a inother with virtues so rare, They seemed less of Eurtii than of Heaven. ♦ A neighboring i/os»y), lor whom and her baiy Thoodoro had a most decided disliko. ■i 8 EARLY REMINISCENCES. With bi'others and sisters whose hearts to our own Were bound by the cords of affection ; With neighbors and playmates, and good Master Brown To give to our studies direction ; With just enough work along with our play The play to enjoy with more zest, » And cause us to seek at the close of the day The I'efreshment of innocent rest. ■ IIOMESTKAD — FRONT VIEW. Will you ever forget the homo that was ours — The house, and the barn, and shed. The garden in front, with its border of flowers, And the lawn where wo romped and played ? You'll remember the bed-room wht'-'^, nightly we slept, The parlors, the kitchen and hall ; The stairs to the attic, so often we stepped, Each floor, and each ceiling, and wall; The chimney of brick, with its fire-places wide. And drafts weaker ujjwards than down ; Whose smoke swill descending our i)ationcc oft tried, And kei)t the cook's face in a frown 1 EARLY REMINISCENCES. 9 i^^^*** HOMESTEAD — KEAU VIEW. The windows so low, and the neat pannel doors, The " platform," the door-steps, and entries ; The room where we kept all our family stores, The " beaufat," the " dressers," and pantries ; The laundry, and sink- room, and passage, and porch, And chamber, or attic so wide ; And dry spacious cellar, with pillar and arch, Well lighted from every side. And the dark little room, with curtains close drawn, Whicii our sister so long occupied, That she oame to regard it a world of her own, And cared for but little outside. Do yon not often think of the hours wo spent By the side of that invalile£l^O^ We'll call it " Trunsniigration.' EARLY REMINISCENCES, 11 And do you remember how all winter long We labored both t-arly and late, The sheep and the cattle, and horses among, And dealt out the fodder they ate? The barn where they dwelt was a monument grand Of the carpenter's genius and skill, Who, with care and good judgment, conveniently planned Each part, its due purpose to fill. For the oxen and cows there were stanchel and stcdl. For the horses, warm stable and crib, And scaffolds above, by the side of each wall, Extending to rafter and rib. Between high partitions the barn-floor was laid, On which all our threshing was done ; And in a cold corner the sheep-fold was made. Which got little warmth from the sun. 'Twixt these was the ground-mow for storing our hay — And many a ton it contained. And on it we boys used to wrestle and play When once its broad surafnit was gained. The hifxh folding doors opened out to the sun. But the smaller oii'^s moved on a slide^ And when they got stucJc^ as was ofcen-times done. Our temper became sorely tried ; For pulling and pushing were equally vain ; So after our patience was gone, "W G pounded ihQxxx into their places again, With the poll of an axe or a stone 1 The long wooden " shed," of the " porch " an extension, Had " wagon-house," " work-shop," and '' pen," "^ And other conveniences scarcely worth mention, Though important they seemed to us then. In the work-shop were fashioned our sleds and our yokes^ And tools for the farm or the road. And even cnrUoheels, with theii fmbs and their spokes, Though ma4c in a primitive mode. 'Twas hero, tco, the making ofshiuf/les was done By the blaze of the broad open Hre — But of this occupation I'll say more anon, When ascendiuf? to themes somewhat hiirher. *^ ' J ■n t i •f 12 EARLY REMINISCENCES. In the room that adjoined, for the pigs was prepared Their nutritive, savory diet, In wiiich, when invited, they eagerly shared, Not needing much coaxing to try it. And do you remember the deep, narrow well. With its stones moss-covered and old, Its sides walled round like a dark prison cell, And its water so limpid and cold ? And the lofty well-pole so conveniently planned. In its mission as seldom to fail. When it dived down below, as if done by command, And returned with the full dripping pail ? In shape it resembled a huge " figure-four " Upraised to a high elevation. And when in full motion, it creaked like a door Whose hinges required lubrication. And now, brother, tell me, where'er you may roam, If landscapes more charming are seen Than the hills and the mountains surrounding our home, And the deep Avooded valleys between. And the broad te^ ung fields with flowei's so gay, And farmers eiigaged at their toil, And rich growing crops, that in fulness repay The labor bestowed on the soil. And the clear running streams, and the smooth mirrored lakes Kichly fringed with the hemlock and pine. And the lieath that from solitude seldom awakes Or of life gives a visible sign. And the glimpse that we catch of the waters that flow The great rival nations between, On whose rolling tide as they pass to and fro, The white sails of commerce are seen. CHILDISH AMUSEMENTS AND OCCUPATIONS. And do you remember how often we strolled Through j);istures and meadows so green, And for our amusement what stories we told -Of things never licard of EARLY REMINISCENCES. What fanciful names to each other we gave, And thus our own heroes were made, And peopled with characters, sportive or grave, Some mountain, or valley, or glade ? And improvised houses from stones and from sticks. On the bright sunny side of a hill, And topped out their chimneys with bits of old bricks, With great architectural skill ? And then when the sun his meridian gained, How gladly we answered the call. And ran with a swiftness not easy restrained, To the dinner awaiting us all ? And when to the woods, at the close of the day. For the cows we were sent to make search ; How we'd stop to pick berries, and flowers, by the way, Or twigs from the sweet-scented birch f And oft we would catch, with a listening ear. The sound of the tinkling bell. But, what its direction, was not always clear. On our senses so faintly it fell. But once the whole herd fairly started for home. With the bell-cow in front, as their leader, We'd climb up a tree, and pick mother a broom From the boughs of the hemlock, or cedar. And when to the yard they were all gathered in, Their lacteal treasures to yield, Their bellowing progeny making a din, As they raced through the neighboring field. Would rush to the gate, or the bars, in a crowd, With a prolonged and piteous cry, And clamor in accents discordant and loud. For their share of the precious supply. Now the pretty milk-maid comes tripping along. Her clean wooden buckets to fill, Keeping time by her stop to the snatch of a song. And her labor begins with a will. The milk swift descending in copious streams By rosy-tipped fingers persuaded — All-around us with lite and activity teems, Till day into twilight is faded. 13 m ! ' 14 EAELY REMINISCENCES. The maiden's work done, her burden she bears To the Butfry so cool, and so sweet ; There she does up the rest of her dairy affairs. While we to our slumbers retreat. Oh ! I long to be back on that dear old. farm. And again feel the bright glow of health, Giving joy to my spirits, and strength to my arm, Blessings more to be envied than wealth. DANGEROUS SPORTS AND SCHOOL-DAY EXPERIENCES. And do you remember what good times you Iiad In hunting up subjects for fun, In climbing up trees, at the ri-': of jiour head, Or shinning them down on the run ? 4f) U How you scaled the steep roof of the lofty old barn To get a good look at the sea, And cared not a fig for the clothes you had torn, But shouted with infinite glee ? And your teeter so grand on the old well-sweep, Which proved to be not very sound. For when to tho end yoti had managed to creep It broke— and youjVll to the ground t EABLY REMINISCENCES, 15 You'll remember the day that we first went to school- The scene is before me e'en now — When the master laid down his imperative rule As to making our entrance bow. And how into classes, according to age, And the studies they had to pursue, He divided hib scholars — to each gave a page, And directed what each had to do. When organized thus, to their places assigned. And commanded to study aloud — Ye gods ! the vile music street-organisto grind, Or the thunder from out of a cloud. Were soft and seraphic compared to the noise That alarmingly broke on our ears — The scream of the girls and the shout of the boys, All tending to quicken our fears. But in time we got used to these terrible sounds, That they were such became quite insensible, And when they were kept within moderate bounds, We found them almost indispensable. The master, amid all the din and discord, A survey of his scholars would take — He somehow appeared to hear every word And was quicK to detect a mistake. h 16 IS M^ EARLY REMINISCENCES. And do you remember the books that we used— lo reckon their number were easy And the master's fierce frown when the leaves got abused, Ur the covers disfigured and greasy ? Tliere was "Webster," in which we were first taught to spell, When we'd once of our » abs » got the better, xT L ^^^ learned also to read very well, A ot havmg to spell out each letter. In that famous old bo'.k some good stories were told Called fables— their number was eight— Ut the rude wicked boy who for impudence bold VV^as brought from his lofty estate ; Of the country milk-maid, who with toss of her head -rut on mrs unbecoming her station And upsetting her pail, the poor silly female liost the bliss of her fancy's creation. And the treach'roos alliance between the two friends. Who, while walking, encountered a bear, Whose whispering counsel made ample amends lo the man that with tact so rare Pretended to Bruin he surely was dead, -iT-i M *i° ^®^^ ^^^y plainly could see, \V hile his coward companion inglorious fled lo the top of a neighboring tree. And Reynard, the fox, who got into a scrape In the course of his sl> stealthy rambles, Yet thought himself safer in tail and in nape Than if helped to escape from the brambles. And the cunning device of the hungry cat. So skilled in deception and fraud, Who made so much havoc with mouse and with rat Ihat none dared to venture abroad. The plan of suspending herself by the tail Proved to Puss a most capital hit, BiJ the trick of the meal-tub was destined to fail, if or the bait wouldn't take— not a bit. A rat of experience gave his advice. And said in the meal he could smell A something that neither by rats nor by mice He was siwe. would be relip^hed so well. ' EARLY REMINISCENCES. And the terrible fate that befel poor dog Tray For choosing a niastiif as friend, Who attacked every cur that he met on the way, In a manner quite sure to oftend. And the case of the ox that was gored by the bull. And the logic the fanner applied To the lawyer — who though he had laid down a rule, By the same now refused to abide. These tales we enjoyed with infinite zest. But their " morals " we voted a bore, Regarding them only as being a test Of our patience in reading them o'er. It is now thirty years since the book I have seen Which contained these remarkable treasures. But its stories are yet in my memory green, And are still not the least of my pleasures. As companion to this we'd a book that defined Each word, after once it was spelled. And as the school boasted but two of this kind. These in high estimation were held. " Guy's New British Spelling-Book " followed in course. From its pages mud knowledge we gained. But it never afforded that ready resource To be found in the twr» I have named. And the old "English Reader," the pride of the school. With selections from writers of fame. Where on every page was a precept or rule, And where naught was insipid or tame. There were pieces '■'■pathetic'''' and pieces " didactic," And pieces in verse and in prose, There were some " dialectic," and others " dramatic " — All good^ as the reader well knows. And the " Sequel," too, with the old " Introduction," " Scott's Lessons " a grade somewhat higher, The bulky " Prece})tor" replete with instruction And tales that seemed never to tire. And " Morse's Geography," giving the clue To countries, and cities, and towns. Their statistics, and so forth, in n. bers not few. Their size, their location, and bounds. 17 18 EARLY REMINISCENCES. And " Dabol'% Arithmetic" closing the list, Whose pages possessed f^w attractions, Where we cudg»;lled our brains till they got in a twist In our struggles with figures ami fractions. JfAMES AND CHAEACTERISTICS OP THE SCHOLARS. And do you remember the scholars by name Who culled from these books so much knowledge, Some of whom have acquired as enduring a fame As if taught in a high-school or college ? There were Albert and Edwin, our rivals in study. With whom we strove hard to keep pace ; And there was Jim Davis, with brains rather muddy And good-natured meaningless face. And Hannah, and Cynthia, and Lydia, so fair. Most diligent scholars all three,' And Jerry, and Joel, with talents so rare Their equals you seldom would see. And Mark, who cared less for his book and his school Than he did for his dog and his gun, And Ansley, deliberate, thoughtful, and cool. Yet still always ready for fun. And Louisa Smith, and her namesake as well, And Thankful, and Rhoda, and Jane, The McLaughlens who aided our numbers to swell, Though failing high honors to gain. And Hannah, and Jane, and Mariner Shaw — The latter the butt of the school- But who, though ungainly, and awkward and raw, Was counted by no means a fool. And Harris, and Daniel, at school now and then, Their duties at home interfering. Which made them less ready with pencil and pen Than with chopping, d^ndi fencing, and clearing. ArA Walter the pugilist— Edward and Miles, And Jeannie, their keen, black-eyed sister. Whose bright, sunny face— all dimplas and smiles- Played the deuce with the fellows who kissed her. EARLY REMINISCENCES. 19 And noisy Jim Collins, and Davis Mid John, Tryphenia with white flaxen hair, And Betsy, whom Mark set his young heart upon But only to fall in a snare ; For tall Moses Reed — his rival and friend — Walked straight into Betsy's affections, Nor deigned to give Mark the accustomed amende Or to heed his protests and objections. And Abigail Collins and queer little Dan, And Joseph and dark Jacob Reed, And Valentine Sharman and lubberly Sam, Less fond of his book than his feed. And Sarah, and Susan, and Hannah, and Steve, Young Allen McDougal, and Sandy, From whom 'twas my fate sundry knocks to receive. By no means so pleasant as handy. And the Sharmans who came from helow Tower Hill — Rough Harris, dark Ann, and Serene — And another one still, I believe they called Will^ Whom his school-mates pronounced rather green. And laughing Joe Connick, and ^^ay 'Liza Moore And other occasional scholars, And noisy Frank Foster, and grave Theodore, More properly classed among callers. You'll remember the spot where the old school-house stood — I fancy I see it there ptill — Overlooking the meadows, the pasture and wood. From the top of Eliphalet's Hill. Though substantial the structure, 'twould fail to command Much praise from fastidious people. For its walls were not lof^y, its roof was not grand. And it had neither beltry nor steeple. Its architect certainly showed his good sense In placing it close to the ground, For of foundati' . pillars it saved the expense, And it could not be easy blown down. Its square littl*^. windows, whi^h numbered but four. Served the cw and the sunlit, it to guide, There was one where the master sat, two by the door And one on the opposite side. 20 EARLY REMINISCENCES. r ! -'^^N.VNvV..^^ It was gracea by no ornament, slender or stout, A o picture of martyr or saint, Ut even the commonest paint. ' "^TW -^ fY f '^'-""'"''^ ^^« ^''"'t at one end, But It ooked qmte as mucli like a tomL * Am up tliKs the smoke was s^^pposed to ascend Lut as often came out in i heroom I About this same chimney, so ugly and old Tins wonderful structure of stone, ' ZV^'!iT^7 -^ ^••^Pital story was told Ul (xdlilamVs ley, which had grown So tight to the roof whore the chimney ca.ne throui?h Till L'l!'/'^ ""'''"' ^V' "J^ "'^'- ^'^ ^^-^vn, '"^^'' liH luckily came to his timdy rescue Jnn Davis and g..od Master lirown.* ting on tho roof with his \.^ h^n ; £ iow° „;:,'; *;,::•',• '■"''"•"'■ ^^■''" ^^-"^ ^'' res od in .mh work as to (o,J,.t hiiusfh' a . w k ' • '"''' ''*''""'"" »"' "'"'•'' "'t^- he had inasonod hi his Jokh so t , , 'n . '"" '^^'""'"^T ^"8 UniMhed ii.- f.nind 0? course, whh the /;,w„m,« .'nilo 'any '""''^ ^*-''-*" ^""^"'*^ "l" ^illil""U, EARLY REMINISCENCES. By the side of this chimney a square little room Excluding the light and tlie noise, Was used as a place for the poker and broom, And for turbulent mischievous boys. The school furniture may be easily named, Consisting of desks high and low, And rickety benches most clumsily framed, Worth little for use or for show. Despite these hard benches and comfortless desks. In our studies swift progress we made, For with diligence most of us stuck to our tasks^ Each striving to get to the head. 21 " INSPECnON DAY." You will never forget our Inspection day, Nor the hopes and the fears it inspired, Nor our desperate efforts to make a display Of the learning that each had acquired. * How we studied our lessdns till late in the night, ^^ Long after the hour to retire, Tliough oftentimes favored with no better light Than the flickering blaze of the fire. When the long looked-for day was at length ushered in, Ihe district was all in commotion, A mighty upheaving was everywhere seen. Like the uneasy swell of the ocean. Anxious mothers flow round with purpose intent To deck out tlioir darlings in sjdendor, Not a garment was used with a i)atch or a rent For the boys or i\w feminine gender. And then there wore presents, or prizes, in view, ^ For diligent scholars intended. For ^all— from the least to the greatest— well know Tti^enty shillings liad thus been expended. Tiiere were books of all sorts for boy and A)r girls. To amuse, to instruct, and to please, And jack-knives, mul penknives, and pencils and toys— Am to co!iie thfoiigli tho Parish, Trudtees, 22 EARLY REMINISCENCES. Now when these Trustees their appearance first made, Tore whom we must pass in review, Over-awed by their presence, our confidence fled, And vanished the little we knew. But inspired by the teacher, oiir courage returned. And bravely we sprang to our places, While fired by ambition our youthful hearts burned. And " Excelsior " was marked in our faces. Then commenced the fierce struggle to see who would spell. Till all having Tiissed should sit down. For to him who thus conquered 'twas known very well Would come prizes and fame through the town. You "will doubtless be able to call to your mind The match between Joel and me — A taller than Joel you scarcely would find, While i" scarcely reached to his knee. It ill becomes me to record of the two ' Which finally got the last word, But David, you know, great Goliath once slew. And from this may the fact be inferred. And then what a shouting and stamping of feet Shook the walls and the ceilings and floors. And the boys from the house made a hasty retreat To give vent to their feelings out-doors. Jake Reed caught me up in a transport of joy, And carried me all round the yard, Wliilo my school-mates declared me a brave little boy, And otherwise showed their regard. Even Jofl himself withheld not his praise, For though beaten, he still felt a pride That his jorecocious brother might one of these days The summ.c of knowledge bestride ! But ajorecocious child, as we very well know, For the fact we've observed more than once, On arriving at manhood is too apt to grow To be either a fool or a dunce. The boys were called in, and a class to define Was the next ordered uj) on the floor, When we formed in a long setni-circular line, And the contest commenced as before. %- ade, 3d, )uld spell, well EARLY EEMINISCEN-CES. At first all went ou doing equally well, As page after page was gone through ; But before very long it was easy to tell, As the lessons more difficult grew, We boys would again have the battle to fight In a contest between one another ; So it proved— for the rest were at length put to flicrht And brother again strove with brother. " This time there were three of us, Ansley and you, And I, sure of conquest again, Alas ! rather too sure,' for careless I grew And was soon counted out with the slain. The struggle went on 'tween the two who remained, Midst a tumult of hopes and of fears ;. At length the last word by your brother was gained, Wliereupon came a few bitter tears : I will not say now by whom they were shed. For the weakness, if weakness it were. Was instantly lost in the noise that was made At the close of this brilliant aflTair. After this we proceeded some lessons to read. Which appeared to give good satisfaction ; A"d as to owv Ji(j%ires, the judges agreed We could work them all out to a fraction. Next the judges examined the progress we'd made At writing, in coarse hand and fine , But at penmunshii) ^^'t^w, e'en as note. I'm afraid /never was destined to shine. In awarding the prizes no favor was shown, For a plan was so skilfully laid, '^^'^\}^'^ )^'it«-^» remained to the judges unknown lill their judgment was finally made. Birt the master's ambition would not rest content With the common display at Insjiections; So a drama or play he resolved to present. In a way that should touch the aflV. tions. The amateur play-actors n.unbered but three Himself, Edwin Foster, and I ; The death of Great Vmar tlie play was to be. And our best each determined to try. 3 23 t 24 EARLY REMINISCENCES. Ed. Foster as Brutus appeared on the floor, While I the lean Cmsiu^ portrayed ; The master the part o^ Marc Antony bore, And thus was each character played. The little dark closet already described, As " green-room " was made to do duty ; There the genius of Shakspeare was largely imbibed In all its exuberant beauty. When the play was completed, we brought the house down- To use a theatrical phrase ; Great applause was bestowed upon Manager Brown, And on his young actors high praise. Then arose Squiie Moore — took a large pinch of snuflf — And delivered a neat little speech ; He said he had seen quite or more than enough To prove that our master could teach The youthful idea to shoot and to grow, And expand to its broadest dimensions — Here he ceased — said no farther at this time would go. For to speaking he made no pretensions. His friend Andrew Buntin then rose in his place, And said in delil)erate phrase, He would the occasion with pleasure embrace To add his unqualified praise. Thus dosed the events of this wonderful day, And its like once a year was repeated, When by young and by old, by the grave and the 'gay, Its advent was joyfully greeted. SCHOOL DISCIPLINE AND OUT-DOOB INCIDENTS, INCLUDING A FIGHT. A fcclbuj remembrance no doubt you will have Of the fi'Title, the hlrch, and tiie taios* Which the master with imnartiality gave To those disobeying his laws. • A Scottish iiistniment of pmiiHiin.ent compospd of k-atlior strapR, soratwhat like a cat-o'-iiiiic-taiis EARLY REMINISCENCES. And you will remember the muss that he had With Valentine Sharman one day ; How he conquered the will of the obstinate lad In a rather remarkable way. Val. refused to obey the master's command To read, at his turn, in the class, But stood like a Statue, his book in his hand, Determined his lesson to pass. Command and persuasion, each failed to pvo*' '^'^ The slightest effect on the boy ; "When the master, who found these without any use, Resolved other means to employ. 25 Discretion at length got the better '^f will, And his lesson correctly he read ; But he'd rather have swallowed apicrapill, As he afterwards many times said. I FIGHT. Such cases as this one not often occurred, In our otherwise well-ordered s»^hool ; For we seldom required buta look or a word To promptly comply with each rule. I trust I've not painted these pictures in vain, That from you they'll obtain recognition ; Will bring to your mind's eye the scenes om . ,_. ^ ._ your muul's eye And the place of our early tuition. once agaui And do you remember the fun that we had As homeward at night we would go. How we threw the soft pellets at each other's head, Or measured our length in the snow ? llow we played " knock off hats," and would wrestle and run, And shout till our throats were in danger ; Yet never forgot, when we chanced to meet one, To make our best bow to a stran, ? How we i)layed on tiie hill, in Eliphalot'a lot, At the game of the but and the ball ; And many a battle in mimicry fought, Gettino' many a tumble and fall ? I ii' 26 EARLY REMINISCENCES. 'Twas here, too, that Walter and Mark had a fight, A genuine knock-down affair ; As each 'gainst the other had cherished a spite, And determined to settle it there. Mark walked slowly out, threw his hat on the ground, And began to unbutton his coat ; Thus challenged, brave Walter sprang out with a bound And bared both his arms and his throat. A few sturdy blows passed between them, and one Mark planted '^eneath Walter's eye ; A Knight of the liing would say " handsomely done," And doubtless it made the fire fly. I do not intend to descibe the affi'ay, 'Twould afford you less pleasure than pain ; But Walter acknowledged the loss of the day, Yet swore he would try it again. You'll remember that after some months had passed by, They met and again tried their strength ; That Walter this time gave to Mark the black eye, While Mark laid his foe at full length. This battle was no " rough-ayd-tumble " affair Like the one they engaged in before — Which was more like the tight of the wolf and the bear, Or the tiger with savage wild boar. They fought now by rules that were deemed scientific — O'er a pole — standing up face to face ; The blows they inflicted were truly terrific, But the seconds made each keep his place. They fought long and bravely, though how many rounds My memory fails me to tell ; But after eacii getting a number of wounds, Tliey concluded to stop for a spell. This gave to the friends and the seconds a chance To urge that the battle should cease ; A suggestion 'twas easy to sec at a glance Would result in eflecting a peace. For tliey'd fouglit long enough no longer to doubt That each equal prowess possessed ; And as this was the most they'd been fighting about, Tiiey agreed that the matter siiouid rest. EAKLY REMINISCENCES. The quarrels of youth are not often long-lived, So it proved with the one of that day, For being thus ended 'twas never revived, Time wearing it quickly away. We look back with wonder at this distant day, That such lighting was ever in fashion ; And rejoice that the practice has gone to decay, That we're not so much guided by passion ; Tliat courage— true courage — is ofteuest shown In the use of a little good sense, When we frankly confess to a fault of our own, And ai-e slow to resent an offence- 27 LABORS ON THE FARM. And do you remember our work on the farm. Our ploughing, and [tlanting, and sowing ; How we carefully rolled up the sleeves from each arm As we stooped to our digging and hoeing ? That detestable work, too, ^i picking up stones, I am sure you will never forget ; The terrible pain it produced in my bones I fancy I feel in them yet. Nor will you forget how we each took our part At turning the grindstone around ; ^^ Nor how we would » sliudder and grow sick at heai't When there came a new axe to be ground. When the " haying " arrived how great was our fun, As we handled the fork and the rake ; And spread the cut grass to the rays of the sun. And anon turned it up with a shake. And when with the labor and heat we perspired, 'Neath the fierce-glowing s\ui at noon-day. And we felt cither Inzy, or listless and tired. We'd throw ourselves down on tlie hay. This histinct of Nature, you know that we never Were found very 8K»w to obey ; In fact we were always remarkably clever At anythliJg leading that way. ^fli f 4-} 28 EARLY EEMINISCENCES. When the hay w.as sufficiently dried ior the barn, In windrows we raked it together, And then " cocked it up " when the sky gave us warn To protect it awhile from the weather. Or if we had time, we would drive in the cart, And fill up the rack Muth a load ; Then away for the barn with a shout we would start. While high on its summit we rode. O' The doors loudly creak as backward they swing. And swift to the platform we drive ; Then up the ascent we impetuous spring. And safe on the barn-floor arrive. Brother Mark mounts the load with his pitchfork in hand And upward he tosses the hay, While close to the roof, half stifled, we stand And carefully stow it away. When the tall-waving grain — it was not always tall — Invited the reapers to come, We'd hunt up our sickles and answer the call At the peril of finger and thumb. Of harvests th ' poets may charmingly write. And picture the beauties they find • But the reapers, bent over fi-om morning till night, Will be of a difterent mind* Should poets once try the sickle to wield And get their hands scratched with the thistles. They'd confess, as they beat a retreat from the field, They had jt?a^V7 rather dear for their ichisths. Though reaping and binding were liard on the back, And pulling of peas even worse ; Yet to gather the sheaves for the barn or the stack With the aid of the cart and the horse. Was a pleasant em[)loyment, that shortly repaired The mischief the first had created ; One in which all the laborers cheerfull> shared, For 'twas liked as the'other was Jiated. EARLY REMINISCENCES 29 APPLE-GATHERIKG. You'll remembe our orchard of old apple-trees That numbered scarce twenty in all, Whose blossoms in spring furnished work for the bees, While the fruit gave us work in the fall ? The trees were all named— I remember them now, And could give to each one recognition, The shape of its fruit and the bend of each bough, And its ill or its thrifty condition. The practice of grafting was not then in favor, In fact, as a science, unknown ; So by tasting an apple we knew from its flavor On which of the trees it had grown. There were some of them bitter and some of them sweet, And others as sour as a lemon ; Some fair to the eye to the mouth w^ere a cheat, With a taste not unlike a, persimmon. Up near to the barn one little tree stood, Obscure and from view nearly hidden ; But with apples so fine that the tree was "tabooed, And the fruit always called the " forbidden. As Autumn approached and the fruit by degrees Turned mellow and fell to the ground. We buys would keep watch 'neath the favorite trees. And gather up all to be found. This process of nature was often so slow, We were tempted, at times, on the sly, To give the long branches a shake or a blow To add to our scanty suppij. When at length it was time to gather the crop, Our baskets and barrels to fill, Like squirrels we climbed each tree to the top And shook down the fruit loith a will; Then stored it away in the attic or cellar, To keep for the winter's supply, „ And eat by the peck as it grew soft and mellei, Or use now and then for a pic, 30 EARLY REMINISCENCES. Our kind thoughtful mother, as Avinter wore on And the apples went off rather free, Would pick out the best ones before they were gone And put thera beneath lock and key. Ah ! brother, how oft in the early twilight, Ere the Avork of the evening begun, By the cleanly swept hearth and the fire burning bright As the rays of the tropical sun, We coaxed that good mother — and seldom in vain, For she lived but to add to our pleasures — To open her store-house admittance to gain, And give us a taste of its treasures. And when just behind her we cautiously crept, No hound ever scented his game More quickl;, han we where the apples were kept, By the odor which out of thera came. And oh ! with what gusto those apples we ate — No nectar e'er tasted so sweet ; Nor did our keen relish one tittle abate When at last there were none left to eat. DIGGIXG AND MARKETING POTATOES, INCLUDING AN ACCIDENT AND A SMUGGLING ADVENTURE. And do you remember the seeds we would drop, Each spring in the furrow or drill. And then, in the fall, what a glorious crop Of potatoes the cellar would fill ? Now, digging potatoes, though irksome to some, For us had a singular charm, And except when our fingers the frost would benumb 'Twas the pleasantest work on the farm. Our hearts swelled with rapture, as scattered around In colors of red, Avhite, and bhie. The ripe, rounded Murphies, just dug from the ground Presented themselves to oiir view. ' And then hcv we gathered vhem up for the cart, And tallied fjach basket put in, While each kept his count from the others apart, That due credit at night he should win. L EAELY REMINISCENCES. When at length they were brought to tae old cellar door, How swiftly we rattled them in ; Then shovelled them np from the smooth cellar floor, And carried them back to the bin. When winter approached we would shut out the cold. By banking the house all around, To protect what to us was more precious than gold— The crop thus produced from the ground. You'll remember the patch which we each of us had To raise a small crop of our own, And how, ev'ry season, our hearts Avere made glad By the number of bushels thus grown ? For we took them to market and bought the fine clothes We in no other way could obtain, Nankeen coat and pants, vest, hat, shoes, and hose, And umbrellas to keep off the rain. Now this brings to mind what happened^one day When to Scooduc we went with a load ; We had sold it for cash and taken onr pay, When over the river we strode ; Avoiding the toll-bridge to save paying toll. We crossed iust below on the ice, . Bouslit our dry-goods and b-d them done up m a roll, And were ready for home in a trice. Meantime by the unobserved rise of the tide The ice got afloat near the shore ; At least itVas so on the oiyiyosite side, As I found to my cost coming o'er. For I stepped on a cake which I thought to be firm, But it tipped and I tell in the river ; And though I remained but a very briei term, I came out on the ice in a slaver. My bundle, meanwhile, had floated away With all the fine things it contained ; Of hope for its safety there seemed not a ray. Yet after a while 'twas regained. At length we got over, but only to meet A rilk of a different kind ; For there in broad day, on the side of the stieet, To mcddlinr' mischief inchned, 31 •I'l ^^ EARLY BEMINISCENCES. Stood a custom-house officer, ready to pounce On contraband goods like our o\vn ; And though we might loudly such conduct denonnce, if or ourselves good excuse we had none. For we'd smuggled our goods in defiance of law. Well knowing the risk we must take ; And so, if we held its detectives in awe • :Not a word of complaint could we make. Well, we hit on a plan, and it proved a success By Its killmg two birds with o.^e stone ;'' W hat It was it would take a smart Yankee to guess, Yet nevertheless it was done. On our sled was a hogshead from which we had sold 1 ho potatoes we brought in the morn ; And in It some coverlets, faded and old. And dusty, and taHered, and torn. Into this I crept slily with bundle concealed. Wrapped the coverlets round to keep warm ; iN or were my snug quarters to mortal revealed Till out ot the reacL of all harm. In those days no water-cure treatment was known 10 doctor, professor, or quack ; let though not perhaps scientific'ly done. Here was I m a « water-cure pack." And it answered the purpose remarkably well, i^ or I suffered but little from cold : Aiid when I got home I crept out of my shell Like a mummy from Egypt unrolled. These smuggling adventures we frequently had, Affording full scope for our wits AiKl sternly refused to us even a part ^ 1 hough we humbly preferred such a wish. EARLY BEMINISCENCES. 88 CUTTING AND HAULING FIRE-WOOD. And do you remember, in fine frosty weather, How off to the woods we would go, And into a tree we would chop both together And tumble it down in the enow ? And then into suitable lengths for the sled With our axes would speedily cut, Wliile yet it remained in its soft snowy bed, The tree from the top to the butt. Through the snow with the team we would break in a road To draw out the long winter's store, And on the long sled we would build up a load And drive with it off to the door. When, day after dav, through many long weeks. We had toiled at'this sole occupation. Bringing strength to our limbs and a glow to our cheeks Rarely found in a higher vocation. We filled up the yard with a vast pile of wood Till beside it was left little room, And then from its crest we complacently viewed What 'twould take a twelve-month to consume. THRESHING AND GOING TO MILL. This iob once completed, we next take a turn At thre«hino- the oats and the wheat ; , , , The sound of our flails echoes loud through the barn As blow after blow we repeat. To lighten our b.bors at times we would rest, Always keephig an eye on the door ; Then resume it a|aiti with our spirits refreshed After playing a game on the floor, With an old pack of cards which we stealthily di-ew From the place where we kept it dose hidden But this was a thing which our ;' Pa" never knew, For cards he had fitrietly fovbidden. 'Hfll^ 34 i^B EARLY REMINISCENCES. The grain Leing winnowed, we'd fill up a sack All ready to take to the mill ; Then place it on crosswise of old Charlie's back And trot with it off down the hill. Alas ! and alack ! what trouble we had To keep the bag firm in its place ; I am sorry to say that we often got mad And turned very red in the face, As we tugged at the end hanging over the most, Which threatened to slide to the ground, Or mounting a log, or a stone, or a post, We twisted and turned it around. But though much annoyed in the way I have named, We were anxious at all times to go ; And for this we were not in the least to be blamed, As I think I shall presently show. '%^ moore's mills. " Moore's Mills," then as noto, was a place of resort h or the people for many miles round ; And whether for business, for gossij), or sport, Twas here they were sure to be found. Here l)oys would meet boys in a Avrestle or race. Or engage in some favorite game, Giving joy and excitement to each glowiiif^ fiice And vigor and strength to tiie frame. ' Brotbtvr .Toel, too, liere kept a country store, VVell iinnished with luxuries rare. And customers iloekcd to his little shop door To spend all the cash they could spare. This was long ere the Temperance movement berrun, \V hen men drank their rum with impunity : * Hence a fight ..r a s.piabhjc, to add to the fun, >V ould occur at each good opportunity. Here the squire held his court, am! Justice dispensed With a firm and unwavering hand ; Though suitors somc.times u ould bcconuj much incensed i\i\a reluse by his judginc-its to -tjux!. ' EARLY REMINISCENCES. The mills of themselves, with their miceasin^'j clrtter, For us had a singular charm ; The noise of their wheels and the rush of the water, Were change from dull life on the farm. There was life in the saw-mill, its crash and its clank, And life in its swift-moving steel ; ^ And life in the " pitman " that played on its crank, And life in its great water-wheel. There was life in the men as they ran on the logs At the risk of a bath to the chin, ^ And fastened them firm with the chain and its clogs. Ere the turn of the wheel drew them in. There was life in the teamsters, as load after load They carted the lumber away ; And mounting the hill on the old Scooditc road. Were gone for the rest of the day. There was life in the hum of the cirmlar saio Which was tended by tall David Farrow— His sole occupation to push and to draio, All day in liis quarters so narrow. There was life in the grist-miU, .mA much of it, too, For 'twas here that we oftenest tound The neighboring tUrmers in numbers not few, Who came with their grain to be ground. There was life in the whirl of the great millstone With its deep and monotonous roll, And life in the miller who, keen for his own, Never failed to look after his toll! Thero was life in dividing "the tares from the wheat" liy the use of tlie fanning machine, As it blew out the seeds, and the hulls, and the cheat, And left nothing foul or unclean. There was life in the nhake of the long dusty bolt As it parted i\o hnm from the/o'ace left between — I try hard to whisper soft words in her ear, Jiut the noise of the bells won't permit ; I don't know that she would be willing to hear. Or deem the occasion were tit ; m 42 EARLY REMINISCENCES. Since by words, then, my feelings I cannot convey, Other means I'm compelled to employ — What they were, even now, I Avould not like to say, As it might my dear wife still annoy ! And do you remember how eager we were Whenever we got a good chance, In the pleasures of balls and of parties to share. And join in the feast or the dance ? And go through the four or the eight-handed reel With a buxom young lass on each arm, And dance the hornpipe on the toe and the heel, Keeping time with the tune to a charm ? And get up those plays which the girls so much favor, Where "forfeits" are not deemed amiss ; For the reason no doubt they ' (>« >«i^>C; ^ f* tM 'ri-SAT^y -» ^ H«f^ ^ D «VH^ d'PHS '•M'»>»'»i H Q"^0> h "^ %..