LETTEES FEOM AEEOAD, 
 
 WITirf 
 
 HINTS TO EMIGRANTS 
 
 rROCEEDlNG TO 
 
 THE /eW DOMOION OF CANADA, 
 
 f 
 
 BY THE 
 
 EEV. A. STYLEMAN HEEBINa ' 
 
 ■ "J . ^ 
 
 INCUMBENT OP ST. PAUL's, CLEEKENWELL, LONDON, 
 (lately EETUKNED from CANADA.) 
 
 FIRST ISSUE MAY, 1871.* 
 Trice 2d. JBy post 2\A. 
 
 LONDON : 
 
 S. W. PABTRIDGE & CO., 9, PATEENOSTER EOW. 
 
^k' 
 
 ■i 
 
LETTERS FEOM ABEOAD, 
 
 WITH 
 
 HINTS TO EMIGRANTS 
 
 PROCEEDING TO 
 
 THE KEW DOMINION OF CANADA. 
 
 BT THE 
 
 EEV. A. STYLEMAN HEEEING, 
 
 INCUMBENT OP ST. PAUL'S, CLERKENWELL, LONDON, 
 (lately RETmNED FROM CANADA,) 
 
 FIRST ISSUE MAY, 1871. 
 
 LONDON : 
 S. W, PAETEIDGE & CO., 9, PATEENOSTEE EOW. 
 
INTRODUCTION. 
 
 My Lokds, Ladies, and Gentlemen, 
 
 The object of this little book is to elicite help to 
 assist the poor and unemployed to join their rela- 
 tives and friends, whom benevolent people helped 
 out, and whose letters now record what the Lord 
 hath done for them. If the perusal of these simple 
 " annals of the poor " should stir the hearts of any 
 to help their poorer brethren, the object of this 
 work will be crowned with success. 
 
 I can answer for the genuineness of all herein 
 contained, and praying God to bless this most 
 efficient and permanent labour of love. 
 
 I remain. 
 
 Yours sincerely, 
 
 A. Styleman HEKRINa. 
 
 London, May 31^^, 1871. 
 
LETTERS FEOM EMIGEANTS. 
 
 The following letter is from the wife of a carpenter, 
 who went with the party of 170, per steamship Peruvian, 
 whom the Eev. Mr. Herring, through the Clerkenwell 
 Emigration Club, assisted to proceed with him to Canada, 
 
 in August, 1870. 
 
 It gives a good description of a voyage across the 
 Atlantic, &c. They are now doing remarkably well, 
 she keeping school and he at his trade : — 
 
 29th August, 1870, 
 
 Westminster, London, 
 
 Canada, West. 
 We arrived in Liverpool at 4 o'clock on Thursday 
 morning, very tired ; all was confusion with the luggage. 
 The women and children were taken in vans to the har- 
 bour, and there we waited until we received our beds, 
 cans, plates, knives and forks. The men walked. We 
 saw the ship alongside, a splendid 400 feet long— and 
 eight life boats round her— 116 in the crew, 700 on board, 
 cost £75,000 to build her, and burns fifty tons of coal a 
 day. We had a kind Christian Captain, and Mr. Herring 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 was very kind, About six in the morninp: a steam tug 
 took us to the vessel ; a good breakfast was soon ready 
 for us — hot rolls and butter — which we veiy much en- 
 joyed. It was a beautiful morning. We started at 4 
 o'clock on Thursday afternoon. I did not like the look 
 of my sleeping place when I got in ; I could not sleep at 
 all ; it was like a small box, and some sleep above you ; 
 dreadful hot, could scarcely breathe. I did not retire 
 until past 12 p.m.; was very tired, not having been in 
 bed the previous night. John slept the other end of the 
 ship. 
 
 5th August — Eose up 5 a.m. ; the morning very beauti- 
 ful ; nothing particular occurred ; that day started from 
 Londonderry ; after that sea-sickness began. 
 
 6th — Weather rather ough, the ship rocking very 
 much ; sickness very bad ; such a scene you never did 
 see. John is running about the deck with, medicine, his 
 great coat on he looks like a quack, but the doctor is 
 beginning to feel bad himself; 9 p.m. prayer and hymn. 
 John very sick. 
 
 7 th, Sunday — Baby and I have not been sick yet ; 
 lovely morning ; service in the first cabin, a lovely place, 
 seats covered with red velvet. The captain read the 
 prayers, Mr. Herring the sermon ; the text was, ** Noah, 
 make for thyself an ark." We should have had a service 
 on deck in the afternoon by one of the emigrants, but the 
 weather came on stormy. We had service in the cabin 
 again in the evening, afterwards some beautiful hymns 
 on deck; one of them was, " Shall we meet beyond the 
 
LETIERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 7 
 
 river ?" My thouglits went back to the old friends at 
 home, and I felt very sad. 
 
 8th — John obliged to give up the doctor's place, so ill 
 himself : the sea is getting very rough, obliged to take 
 Id the sails ; towards evening it became worse ; it was 
 very cold, snowed quite fast, and the waves swept every- 
 thing away that was loose on deck into the sea. The ship, 
 when the sea is calm, stands twenty feet out of water; 
 but it was so rough her sides went under, and those on 
 deck were soaked with water. 
 
 9th — Much worse ; no one could stand on deck ; down 
 below we had to hold by a rope to keep from injuring 
 ourselves ; several w^ere hurt ; baby and I were dashed 
 from side to side ; I was screaming, " my baby." You 
 can imagine the scene, the sailors were very kind; I 
 often thought of you, dear boy ; they all seemed so 
 happy, so well cared for ; they had hot fowls and beauti- 
 ful pies of all kinds for their dinner ; they often gave me 
 some, and they often came on deck and sang with us. 
 We had generally fresh beef, potatoes and soup for dinner ; 
 Friday soup and fish, because there were many Irish 
 Catholics on board ; we had as much as we liked to eat. 
 Did not sleep Tuesday ; the noise was awful ; boxes rolling 
 about, tin pots and cans in all directions, and we felt as 
 if we should be thrown out of bed every moment. While 
 trying to wash ourselves the water was thrown out of 
 our bowls, and we had to do without ; it became calm 
 about 12 p.m. and we felt very thankful. 
 
 10th — We went on deck again ; the afternoon was calm 
 
8 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 and beautiful, so we sang some nice hymns. A gentle- 
 man played the concertina, such a nice gentleman. 
 Some Canadian gentlemen, who, after a number of years, 
 had been to England to see their friends and were return- 
 ing, thoy gave some nice lectures, very instructive. In 
 the evening we sang some more hymns, and an emigrant 
 preached a good sermon ; prayers and went to bed. 
 
 11th — Saw land; it was Newfoundland, bitterly cold, 
 but a magnificent sight. I shall never forget it ; a tremen- 
 dous icoberg, only 100 yards from us, the tcp covered 
 with snow , the sun shining on it, it looked so grand, it 
 f.lls one with admiration and wonder at the mighty 
 works of Grod. If some parts of earth and sea are so 
 lovely what must heaven be ; it makes one long to be 
 there, where we shall not have to part with those we 
 love, but shall meet never to part again. Passing up the 
 river it became very foggy, so that the vessel had to stop ; 
 they fired fog signals, and a vessel answered, and then 
 they let off sky rockets ; that was about 9 o'clock at 
 night ; it was one of the Montreal Steam Ship Company's 
 own vessels. It started two days before us, but was 
 detained fifty-four hours by the fog ; our captain stayed 
 on deck all night ; he has crossed the Atlantic 230 times, 
 so he knows his way well ; we had praise and prayer and 
 then went to bed. 
 
 12th — When we awoke, rather foggy, but cleared up 
 about 10 a.m. ; the sun shone brightly; saw some small 
 whales darting about the water, and around the water 
 seemed to steam ; everyone seemed to be enjoying them- 
 
 > » 
 
LETTEES FROM EMIGRANTS. 9 
 
 selves, A young emigrant preaclied a sermon in the 
 morning upon "tlie Brazen Serpent." and we had the 
 concertina, and some hymns; there were some good 
 singers on board, Christians ; the singing sounded so 
 nice upon the water ; we saw land both sides of us. We 
 had a birth on board — a son ; it was one of the emigrants 
 confined the first night ; it was christened on our last 
 Sunday on board, the captain and a saloon lady were 
 sponsors. Was it not an honour ? We had an accident on 
 board — a poor woman fell down the hold and cut herself 
 very much. I had my hand scalded ; a person dropped 
 her teapot of boiling water on it. It was blistered very 
 much, and I had to go to the doctor with it. 
 
 13th, Sunday — Was a lovely day, the scenery wag 
 magnificent. Fishing- smacks all round ; sea gulls flying 
 in all directions. We had service morning and evening 
 the last evening we were to spend on board. I canno^ 
 tell you how I enjoyed it ; the sea so calm, and the moon 
 and stars shone brightly; we stayed on deck until 12 
 p.m. singing hymns and watching the lovely sky. We 
 were told that at 3 a.m. we should be in harbour — 
 Quebec. 
 
 14th — Arose about 4 a.m. ; all was confusion and ex- 
 citement. We were to be ofi* the ship by 8 a.m. ; I really 
 felt sorry to leave the vessel. Once more we were to set 
 our feet on strange soil, and I felt very lonely. We 
 passed from the ship into sheds, and there our luggage 
 wrs examined. After that we went for a walk round the 
 country ; it is called Point Levi. One side of Quebec is a 
 
jQ LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 beautiful place, plenty of farms, and most of the people 
 are French Canadians. About 4 o'clock we started m the 
 railway cars; wretched riding. We were in them three 
 days and two nights. We did not have our clothes off 
 durinj? that time, and the noise and shaking of the cars 
 made baby and me feel quite ill. Baby was sick and cross 
 the whole of the time. We changed trains at Toronto, 
 and It the emigrants' shed a nice dinner was ready for us, 
 which we needed, for we had scarcely anything to eat after 
 we left the ship, which was then two days and two 
 nights. After we had our dinner we started for New 
 London, and arrived there at 10 p.m. All the shops were 
 closed ; no lamps like Londcu. It was very dark ; there 
 was only the waiting-room at the station to sleep m. I 
 was so tired and dear baby so ill, that John walked about 
 to find us a bed. At last he got us one, for which I felt 
 very thankful. On the following morning we looked 
 about fur a house ; they are very scarce. We found one 
 after a great deal of trouble ; a nice house, four shillmgs 
 per week. John got work the first time he looked for it. 
 I like the country very much ; it is beautiful. The 
 people, ^ far as we can judge, do very well ; most of them 
 have a pig and ome cows. You have to buy your own 
 stoves. We had not ei^ough money, so a person very 
 kindly lent us one. The English people here are very 
 kind. Provisions are cheap ; I will tell you something 
 about them next time 1 write. Do please write to me 
 soon. I long to hear how you all are, it seems years 
 instead of weeks since I saw you. It is when I think of 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. H 
 
 home I feel sad, otherwise I feel very happy. I often 
 look at your portraits, but it makes me long for the reality. 
 It is very hot here; I never felt such heat in England, 
 nor did I ever see such lightning. We have storms 
 nearly every night, they are awfully grand. Baby grows 
 a beautiful boy, and so saucy, be can say '' Dada quite 
 plain. Give my love to all the dear childi-en, also to dear 
 Elizabeth ; tell her I will write to her soon. John desires 
 to be remembered to all. And now I must conclude with 
 kindest love to yourself, and, begging you to remember 
 me to aU who may inquire after me, 
 
 I remain. 
 
 Your humble servant, 
 
 Mary Lucy H . 
 
 The writer of this letter was an engineer in London and 
 in a very sorrowful condition, having a wife and seven 
 children. From a later letter, he has now a good house 
 and excellent wages, and intends -oing into the backwoods 
 
 this spring. VmdLsej, October 20, 1870. 
 
 Dear Sir,— I have just received your letter, and was very 
 glad to hear from you. I hope you are quite well. You 
 want to know the price of provisions : beef is 6d. per 
 pound, mutton 5d. per pound ; if you buy a quarter, it is 
 6 cents per pound. Elour is one dollar and a half per 
 100 lbs. ; potatoes, 25 cents per bushel; sugar, 11 cents, 
 pan butter, 22 cents per pound; bacon and pork, 14 cents 
 per pound. Ml provisions, just now, are very dear. 
 Wheat is one dollar per bushel. 
 
12 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS, 
 
 Now about wages, a labouring man gets Ij dollars a 
 
 day, and some more ; bricklayers, 2 dollars, and 2^ dollars 
 
 per day ; carpenters If dollars. Men do not look at the 
 
 boss as they do in the old country, as if they were afraid 
 
 of them. There is plenty of work. If a man will work 
 
 at anything, he can always get plenty to do in the summer, 
 
 the winter I cannot say much about at present, but there 
 
 are the shanties in winter, and a man can get from 18 to 
 
 20 dollars per month, and board and lodging in a shanty 
 
 The great advantage in this country is, there is no rent 
 
 to pay, and firing is cheap. Canada is the place for a poor 
 
 man, but he must be sober. The whisky-drinking in 
 
 this country is a great trial to Englishmen. Two of the 
 
 emigrants, that came to Lindsey, were picked up and 
 
 taken to the doctor's, drunk and almost dead. 
 
 The schools, and churches and chapels, are very good ; 
 nothing to pay for the children— all free. You saw me in 
 my shanty ; I am now living in my house, that I began to 
 build when you was at Lindsey ; it is 24 feet by 17 feel* 
 I built it myself, and it will cost me 100 dollars before it 
 is finish' d. Land is dear at Lindsey, as Linc^sey is 
 growing so fast. I am to pay 100 dollars for my lot, and 
 then it is mine for life, and the children's at my death, j 
 have got a cow (so we make our butter), and three pigs; 
 also some fowls, to lay eggs. You can get geese at 40 
 cents, and chickens at 10 cents each. There is one thing 
 in this country, the people make promises, but do not 
 keep them. Mr. Best promised to give me a winter's 
 work — it was a short one — I left the week after you left, 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 13 
 
 but got wort'. I am row working an engine. There is 
 one thing I forgot when I saw you : I shall have to be 
 examined at Toronto, by the Consul, before I can get a 
 certificate , will vou be so kind as to send me n few 
 lines, stating the time I worked your engine, its power, 
 and that it was a condensing one. If you can do anything 
 for me, by sending to the Toronto consul, it will go a 
 great way. Please to say I am a teetotaller if you do. I 
 hope, if it please God, you will reach home safe, and find 
 all well there. I shall write to you, and let you know all 
 I can about Canada, and it will be the truth. 
 
 I beg to remain, dear Sir, 
 
 Yours truly, 
 
 F. S. 
 
 This young man was trained for a minister, but his 
 h'^" th, and an early marriage, prevented his following 
 that profession. His mother, brother, and sister-in-law 
 are very anxio s to join him. He went out per Peruvian 
 
 in August, 1870. 
 
 Waterloo, Province of O^iebec, 
 
 January Kch, 1871. 
 To the Eev. S. Herring, 
 
 Dear Sir, — I am happy to say that I am doing well, and 
 have good prospects, if I stay where I now am. Next 
 summer, I shall either go into business for myself, or 
 manage one for another person. I have the choice of 
 either. 
 
 I preach every fortnight, in a Baptist meeting-house, 
 
14 LETTERS FROM EMIQRANTf. 
 
 about four miles from Waterloo. The people to whom I 
 preach, are very fond of me, and continually making me 
 presents. I ask a special interest in your prayers. 
 
 I shall feel obliged if you can forward me Mr. and Mrs. 
 Hewlett's address. I am anxious to write to them. 
 
 If I may trespass on your time, I shall feel it a great 
 favour to receive a letter now and then from you. 1 will 
 always answer them ; and if I can, at any time, send any 
 information, I shall be most glad to do so. 
 
 Be sure, Sir, I will ever remember you at the Throne of 
 Grace ; I will pray that you may have wisdom from above, 
 to guide you in all things ; and oh ! that you may have a 
 heart, full of love to your blessed Saviour, and a longing 
 desire to lead sinners to the Cross of Christ. Keep there, 
 keep there, and Heaven's sweetest blessings shall ever be 
 thine. 
 
 My wife joins me in sending you our best Christian 
 
 love. 
 
 I would add, that my brother has paid me a visit from 
 Toronto. We spent a few days happily together. He is 
 doing well. 
 
 I remain, 
 
 Yours most affectionately, 
 
 James J. H. 
 
 A late London City Missionary, with seven children, 
 is the writer of the next. He was fast sinking into 
 poverty, but is now an assistant minister and engineer in 
 the Oil districts : — 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 15 
 
 London, October, 1871. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I am sorry you have not had time to call 
 upon me. On the Thursday following the meeting at City 
 Hall, I walked home with Mr. Carnavon, of the Advertiser ^ 
 and Mr. Mathewson, of the Free Press Fapersy when I 
 complained of the brief notice of the meeting. 
 
 They answered that the public were not so interested 
 in emigration matters as I supposed, and that they having 
 had to pay their own fares entirely, and pushed their own 
 ways up, considered it wrong that public money should 
 be appropriated to the conveyance of emigrants from 
 Quebec to the West ; then, again, many emigrants had 
 proved themselves lazy, while the citizens were taxed for 
 their assistance. 
 
 Last summer several came West to London, having 
 heard good reports, and the desire of the agents to for- 
 ward them West, so that Alderman Hughes had to write 
 requesting Mr. Donaldson to send no more. 
 
 Some were offering themselves as mechanics at 15 
 dollars per week. Masters reply, I can get a man for so 
 much less than you ask for such and such work. 
 
 Good mechanics get 1| dollars per day. 
 Rough carpenters ,, Ij ,, ,, 
 
 Labourers »; 1 >j >> 
 
 Houses cannot be got fit to live in under 5 and 6 
 dollars per month, but then it is to yourself, with good 
 garden. Mine has two large and two small rooms, 
 cellar, water, and wood house, standing upon ground 
 200 feet by 45 feet, 5 dollars per month. 
 
16 
 
 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 Cord wood, 5 dollars per cord— 128 cubic feet as 
 close as roughi wood can be packed. 
 
 Beef and mutton 10 and 12 1 cents per lb. 
 
 Flour . 
 
 Tea . • 
 
 Sugar 
 
 Bread . 
 
 Apples and potatoes 
 
 Fowls 
 
 Pucka • 
 
 Geese . 
 
 Eggs 
 
 Milk, pure . 
 
 Butter 
 
 Soap . 
 
 Matches . • 
 
 Candles . . 
 
 Lamp oil 
 
 4 
 75 
 11 
 
 5 
 40 
 25 
 30 
 50 
 25 
 
 5 
 24 
 25 
 
 2 
 
 n 
 
 O 
 
 ii 
 
 >) 
 
 it 
 
 >) 
 
 21b. loaf 
 , per busbel 
 eacb 
 
 »» 
 
 >> 
 
 »> 
 a 
 if 
 >> 
 
 per dozen 
 quart 
 lb. 
 31bs. bar 
 ,, small box 
 each 
 per pint 
 
 >) 
 
 j> 
 
 >> 
 
 Clothing somewhat higher than in the old country. 
 
 Toronto is dearer for provisions, but cheaper for cloth- 
 ing and furniture. 
 
 This is the fall of the year ; things are dearer. Eggs 
 «re being sent to England on account of the war, hence 
 
 they are dear. 
 
 Single men board for 2| dollars per week ; with separate 
 room, 3 dollars per week. 
 
 If residing within city limits, 2 dollars per year road- 
 tax has to be paid. 
 
 Outside the limits two days' work instead. Landlords of 
 
LETTERS FEOM EMIGRANTS. 17 
 
 liout:es pay the school tax ; schools are all free, and good 
 education. I have had opportunities of visiting Normal 
 Schools, and conversing with Drs. Sangston and Hodgins 
 At Toronto they have an excellent museum, public 
 examination every six months. 
 
 Congregations of every denomination are supported by 
 seat rents and by offertories made at eveiy Sabbath 
 service. 
 
 An industrious man may obtain a wooden house and 
 lot of ground by paying a sum down and instalments. 
 
 One-tifth of an acre may be purchased for 1 20 dollars ; 
 timber fit to erect a house for 12 to 16 dollars per 1,000 
 square feet ; door and window frames ready made. The 
 house I live in cost 300 dollars ; stove 16 dollars, with 
 furniture to it ; chairs 3 dollars per half-dozen. 
 
 I have had up hill work, but have looked over the top 
 of the hill, and can see men who, after a little time, are 
 comfortably off, and 1 am on the way to the same. I 
 have worked in a foundry, at gardening, carpentering, 
 and horseshoeing ; now I am driving a steam-engine at a 
 mill. The place is teeming with little masters, this is 
 one reason for men being in and out of work so much. I 
 must admit that my having been from manual labour so 
 long in England is one reason of not being a^le to 
 compete with others ; still, out of the five months, i have 
 not lost more than five days' work, we require some centre 
 for information of the surrounding country, of which we 
 are ignorant, nor have we time to visit for ourselves. 
 
 I have joined the Congregational Church here, have 
 
IS LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 occupied the pulpit five Sabbath services, visit a Mission 
 station on alternate Sabbaths, and have now received an 
 invisitation to a pastorate at Colpays Bay, which I con- 
 template accepting. 
 
 I will write requesting my father to call upon you 
 when at home. 
 
 I return the comnliment of the carte -de-visite, with 
 thanks. 
 
 May you have a pleasant passage home is the prayer 
 of yours, very sincerely. 
 
 Charles C . 
 
 Against our advice this man went to Fort Sumner, in 
 New Mexico. We give this as a specimen of places to 
 be avoided, and never advise emigrants to proceed to any 
 place except where we hear there is good prospects of 
 work, &c. : — 
 
 I at times feel very dull, but I have no trouble for food, 
 clothes, or employ ; but, sir, it is few who can be trusted 
 to have more to do with ; they miss home at first, then 
 they fly to whiskey (that curse of this country as well at 
 Canada), though it is 25 cents, a drink, they will have it. 
 Nothing but whiskey is drank here ; then all follows that 
 is bad, this and gambling to a great extent ; then, they 
 think no more, when under its influence, of shooting a 
 man than in my killing a sheep ; but you know we need 
 not get in with them, or have ought to do with them, 
 they set no value on money, one and all spend all. If, 
 as some tell me, conductors on railroads, and others, 
 have had some 100 dollars, some 160 dollars, a month ; 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 19 
 
 one blacksmith told me lie had earned 250 dollars in 
 California, yet all goes. He said he had not saved a 
 fenny J they think of no rainy day or old age, all they 
 think of is to-day. No friendship here, no kindness or 
 sympathy ; if you die, you are buried in an open field ; 
 no church or chapel within 100 miles ; Sunday nearly the 
 same as another day. I am so sorry I neglected bring- 
 ing some books, publications here there is none, no 
 chance of seeing any, and I cannr *■ bear my child to grow 
 up without some knowledge. If you would get me some 
 and send in a box to Kit Carson, then they would come 
 by stage, and the rest by mail ; or you would perhaps be 
 directed another way. It may seem of little to you ; but, 
 oh, the delight to us. Then, perhaps, you might favour 
 us with your portrait ; I may never see you again ; but do 
 not, I beg of you, let this be an hindrance ; and I will 
 send you and my brother some very handsome wolves' 
 skins, they are most numerous here, and I have promised 
 to send a buffalo skin, they are beautiful. I will, when 
 I find the right way, send them ; and now, sir, pardon all 
 imperfections, and my freedom. I write in earnest, a 
 stranger in a strange land. We often sing some of the 
 hymns we sang on board, and can remember faces and 
 circumstances, but where are the majority now never to 
 see them again. There is a man and his wife, and 
 brother and wife, living in Sevenoaks parish by the name 
 of Draper, who wants to get out, would you, when he 
 
 applies, direct him. Now, sir, my address is J. K — , 
 
 at Mr. H .y Fort Sumner, New Mexico. It may 
 
20 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 soem a long way, but parcels are sent as far. Wishing 
 you and your good lady, and all I know, a happy New 
 Year. — I am, dear kind Sir, ever yours sincerely 
 thankful, Joseph K . 
 
 The following is a valuable letter from one who for 
 twenty years has resided in Canada, and, as a school- 
 master, thorouglly understands what he is writing 
 about : — 
 
 Requisites for an Emigrant. — The persons most 
 likely to do well are thorough good farm-hands and 
 mechanics. But the great essentials are ability and wil- 
 lingness to work, and a disposition to turn their hands to 
 anything that offers at first. I have known even lads, 
 who had to be taught everything, getting immediate em- 
 ployment at 6 dollars and even 8 dollars per month 
 during the busy season. 
 
 Eate of Wages. — A thorough good farm-hand can 
 get at least 14 dollars per month. Many farmers would 
 willingly pay 16 dollars per month for a first-class hand. 
 A farm labourer, this summer, just out from England, 
 was hired in this neighbourhood at 16 dollars per month. 
 He is now engaged by the year for 240 dollars, with a 
 house found. Ordinary labourers are paid about 1 dollar 
 per day, and find themselves. On Government works 
 1 dollar 35 cents, is being paid, and the same on the rail- 
 ways in course of construction. Owing to the number 
 of public works in progress there will be for some time 
 a great demand for labourers, and wages will be high. 
 
 Price of Land. — This varies very much. In the newer 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 21 
 
 settlements, by proper inquiries, farms might be obtained , 
 with some improvements and buildings, at 20 dollars to 
 25 dollars per acre. A farm in this neighbourhood, and 
 an excellent one, is offered for about 23 dollars per 
 acre, with a clearing of 170 acres ; while for another, 
 close by, about 32 dollars 75 cents, is asked. Both are 
 considered cheap, especially the latter. In older town- 
 ships a much higher value is put upon farm property. 
 The Price of Provisions:— 
 
 per 41b. loaf 
 per lb. 
 
 Dols. 
 
 perl 00 lbs. 3 
 
 ii 
 
 >> 
 
 >» 
 
 per doz. 
 per lb. 
 
 Flour . 
 Oatmeal 
 
 Indian Cornmeal 
 Bread . 
 Butter . 
 Cheese . 
 Eggs . 
 Beef . . 
 Mutton , 
 Pork . 
 Potatoes 
 
 Apples (very low) 
 Men's common heavy Boots . . 
 Women's ,, ,, ,» • 
 
 Common Woollen Cloth, single width 
 
 per yard, about 
 Pilot Cloth, double width, about 
 
 Cts. Dols. Cts. 
 
 to 3 75 
 
 2 25 
 2 
 14 
 17 
 15 
 18 
 6 
 6 
 8 
 per bush. 35 
 25 
 
 >j 
 
 2 50 
 
 >* 
 
 )> 
 
 >> 
 
 2 
 1 
 
 1 
 2 
 
 75 
 25 
 
 
 
 a 
 
 a 
 
 )> 
 
 }> 
 
 > J 
 
 )) 
 
 )) 
 
 ♦ » 
 
 
 
 Common Calico, or ** Factory Cotton "08 
 Prints 12 
 
 )y 
 
 I 
 
 2 )} 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 3 
 2 
 
 2 
 
 
 
 25 
 
 20 
 
 8 
 8 
 
 45 
 50 
 25 
 25 
 
 50 
 15 
 15 
 
22 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 Dols. Cts. Dol8. Cts. 
 
 Flannel 30 „ 50 
 
 Lumber (boards) . per 1000 feet 8 ,, 22 
 „ (for building) „ 12 
 
 Wood, in the country, about 2 dollars per cord of 128 
 cubic feet ; in town much higher — from 4 dollars 50 
 cents, to 5 and 6 dollars. 
 
 Sunday-schools. — In many rural districts they are 
 without any. Such instances are becoming fewer, owing, 
 no doubt, to the influence of the Provincial Sabbath- school 
 Association in promoting the organisation of County and 
 Township Associations in connection with it, and the 
 missionary exertion encouraged by these Societies. The 
 qualifications of teachers in the country are often inferior. 
 Wherever one exists a salutary influence is visible in the 
 neighbourhood. Thoy are generally well supported by 
 the community, who contribute liberally for the purchase 
 of books, papers, prizes, &c. In man^ of the towns the 
 schools of the different denominations meet in the after- 
 noon, and form a Union School. Many of the country 
 schools are only open during half the year through the 
 summer. 
 
 Chttrches. — They aie as numerous as school-houses. 
 It is impossible to go many miles through the country 
 without coming across a meeting-house of some deno- 
 mination. All are on an equal footing, supported solely 
 on the voluntary principle. The Church of England, 
 during the last twelve years, has increased the number 
 of its adherents to a remarkable extent^ especially in the 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 23 
 
 Huron diocese, whicli reaches from the Grand River to 
 the shores of Lake Huron, and comprises the whole 
 western part of this Province. All other denominations, 
 particularly the Methodists and Presbyterians, are ex- 
 tending their influence largely. The Methodists are, 
 probably, the most energetic and aggressive, establishing 
 missions in the newest settlements to which access is 
 difficult, even on horseback or on foot, where they will, 
 in many such places have one, and frequently two, regular 
 services every Sunday. Without them the back townships 
 would have been deplorably destitute of the public 
 ordinances of religion. 
 
 Datl or Common Schools. — Nearly every part of the 
 country is provided with means of education. Their 
 expenses are defrayed by a Government and County 
 Grant, apportioned to the average attendance for each 
 half year. What else is required the three school trustees, 
 elected by the people of each section, raise by making an 
 assessraBnt on the land. They are mostly free to all. 
 Some impose a monthly rate on each scholar, twenty- five 
 cents, being the highest allowed by law. This, however, is 
 rapidly becoming obsolete. The system of instruction is 
 such that a good fundamental English education can be 
 acquired by all. In most schools, I may say, some 
 branch of mathematics is taught, and their number is 
 decidedly on the increase. In many of the towns the prin- 
 cipal is frequently of collegiate standing, and even holding 
 University degrees. In some of the schools the day's 
 work is opened or closed by prayer; frequently both. 
 
24 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 The Scriptures are allowed to be read without comment ; 
 in some cases they are read daily ; in others at stated 
 periods — perhaps once a week. These religious exercises 
 are optional; generally left to the discretion of the 
 teacher. One hour a week is allowed by law to be 
 devoted to non-sectarian religious instruction, and mi- 
 nisters of all denominations are invited to visit the 
 schools for that purpose — a privilege which is very rarely 
 made use of. 
 
 Grammar Schools. — One, at least, is established in 
 each county, at the county-town. In most of the well- 
 settled counties three or four generally exist in different 
 localities. Government aids each school by a grant of 
 £100, provided about fifteen scholars study the classics. 
 Girls are likewise admitted to these, though very few 
 study the dead languages, taking French instead, which 
 enables the trustees to place them in their report to 
 Government on the same footing as classical students. 
 A trifling scale of fees is generallj, charged to each pupil. 
 For about 20 dollars a year a boy may acquire a standing 
 that will fit him fo** the University, and many enter 
 with honours. 
 
 Prospects of Emigrants. — From twenty years* 
 observation 1 can safely affirm that it is a man's 
 own fault if he does not do well. Most of the poor 
 and destitute have themselves to blame, owing to 
 their idleness, improvidence, or dissipation in former 
 times. If the rate of wages were not much higher than 
 at home they can get constant employment. If a mechanic, 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 2^ 
 
 lie can soon possess Ms own homestead, and be ucder no 
 fear of a landlord's bailiff. If a common labourer, he 
 can soon acquire land. Many a farm-hand gets 1 dollar 
 50 cents, to 2 dollars per day, and board during harvest. 
 I have known hands employed for two months during 
 the harvest at 25 dollars and board per month. I know 
 one young man who refused that, saying he could do 
 better by working by the job. Let an emigrant take the 
 first offer of employment, even if the remuneration is not 
 high. If he is a good hand he will soon get a better offer. 
 In the meantime he clears expenses and establishes a 
 character for industry. If he gets no offer of employment 
 let him push out to the country, and not hang about the 
 towns. Many able farmers would be glad to hire a 
 married man for the whole year. 
 
 Very poor Farmers. — It is obvious from my previous 
 remarks that poverty is not an insuperable barrier to 
 success in this country. Some of our staunchest farmers 
 landed without a shilling in their pockets. In a few 
 years a man may become a tenant, and in a few more his 
 own landlord. 
 
 Farmers with £500.— Such an one I would strongly 
 advise for the first year to deposit his money in some bank ^ 
 where he will get at least 4 per cent., and hire with some 
 respectable farmer, that he may become initiated into the 
 ways of the country, the mode of farming adapted to our 
 climate and soil, and exigencies, and also acquire a 
 correct idea of the real value of land. A person just out 
 is often terribly deceived. A person with some means 
 
26 LETTERS FEOM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 this summer bought a very indifferent farm of 150 acres 
 for 6,750 dollars. Had he gone a few miles west he 
 would have got one, far superior in every respect, of 
 280 acres for 6,500 dollars ! There could be no difficulty 
 to hinder a man with this amount of capital of doing 
 well. One half of that amount would almost buy 100 
 acres of improved land. The rest he could lay out in 
 stock and implements, leaving a little for unforeseen 
 contingencies. Many farms can be got by paying an 
 annual instalment, amounting to little more than a rent- 
 charge. 
 
 In conclusion, I might say that many of the well- 
 to-do of the industrial classes at home would confer great 
 advantages upon their children by emigrating, even if 
 they did not derive much benefit personally themselves, 
 the openings for young people are so much greater here. 
 A boy bound as an apprentice can earn his board and 
 clothes the first year at any trade or occupation. I 
 omittod to state that ordinary female servants will get 
 from 1 dollar to 1 dollar 50 cents, per week. 
 
 G-ratitude is here touchingly expressed as to the bless- 
 ings of emigration. 
 
 The writer and the parties referred to are well-known 
 to the Rev. Mr. Herring, and all anxious to emigrate to 
 Toronto : — 
 
 Hackney Road, November 26th. 
 
 Reverend Sir, — To you, sir, I owe many thanks. If 
 anything can excite the gratitude of a parent, it is surely 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 2^ 
 
 the act that helps a child from want and suffeiing to a 
 condition of prosperity. 
 
 Last April my son Albert was assisted, by your kind- 
 ness, to emigrate to Canada. Since then I have received 
 several letters, each one eloquent of his improved condi- 
 tion. His first letter speaks of his utter astonishment on 
 his arrival at Quebec, at the altered condition of affairs. 
 " Unlike at home," he says, '* masters actually begged for 
 workmen ; within twenty minutes I had ten offers of 
 employment. Mr. Stafford, the agent, all but implored 
 me to stay at Quebec, and 'twas not until I said that my 
 purpose was to reach Toronto, and there 1 would go, if I 
 had to walk, that a pass was given me. There was at 
 the agent's office a continued scramble among the bosses 
 for men." Another letter speaks of Toronto as a beautiful 
 city. '' Everyone seems busy and contented. I have laid 
 out over seven pounds for clothes, and now I am not so 
 well clad as my shopmatc ., who are more like gentlemen 
 than working men, 
 
 " You ask concerning my diet. I live like a real Ameri- 
 can. I guess you'd be surprised to see the big meat 
 dinners I eat every day. My health is good. I enjoy 
 myself; have had many holidays— Queen's birthday, 
 Orangeman's day. Dominion day, and, lately, two 
 splendid days at Niagara." 
 
 O, sir, I thank you ; for I think of last winter, when 
 my poor lad, pale, hungry, and ill- clad walked the streets 
 of London, seeking work, but finding none. I think, too, 
 of mv friand and shonmate, assisted by you to Canada. 
 
28 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 He had five young children. I occupied rooms in his 
 house ; often have his little things come to my rooms, 
 and begged for crusts I could not give. 'Tis not so now. 
 *' My earnings," he writes, ''are, at least, two pounds 
 fifteen. I have every comfort.'* 
 
 I have received no letter, either from my son or friends, 
 but what have contained earnest persuasions that I . 
 should make every effort to share the advantages they 
 enjoy. After much anxious reflection, I have determined 
 upon the effort. Humbly and earnestly I asked to be 
 admitted a memlber of your club. Six years ago I was 
 left a widower, with six children ; I will not oppress your 
 ears with recounting my sufferings since then. God has 
 been my help and my rock. In all my trials, in all the 
 bitter travail of my soul, the grace of Christ has been 
 sufficient. The religion taught me in childhood is the 
 staff of riper years, 'Tis no cant, no hypocrisy, for I am 
 above it. Experience has taught me the value of the 
 *' Faith in Christ," and it would ill accord with any sense 
 of truth and manliness to subject the religion I love to 
 vile and unreal uses. 
 
 1 have three children whom I desire to take with me, 
 all strong and healthy. My eldest daughter is stout and 
 robust, and of thorough domestic habits. Resting assured 
 that I shall receive a kind consideration at your hands, 
 I remain, Reverend Sir, your humble servant, 
 
 A.W. 
 
 We will leave this letter to speak for itself :-^ 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 29 
 
 Corner of Victoria and Bank Street, 
 Centre Town, Ottawa, January 23rd, 1871. 
 Eev. Styleman Herring. 
 
 Dear Sir, — I write to thank you for the kind present 
 that you sent us for the new year ; of the three, I chose 
 the Band of Hope, and I placed it upon my bedroom wall, 
 where I can always see it. I read the text for every day 
 after my prayers (for I do not forget all I have learned 
 in my Sunday-school), and I then begin my day's work. 
 Dear sir, I am still in Dr. Henry's service, and I should 
 be very happy if I could only be satisfied. I am always 
 wishing that I was once more in England, or once more 
 in Sunday-school among my Sunday scholars. I wish I 
 was more satisfied. I try to be patient, but I do not 
 succeed very well. Dr. Henry has moved into his new 
 house some time now, and we have got quite settled, and 
 all right. 
 
 The winter is very cold, although I have not felt it 
 very much. I rather like it, for I am able to vrrap up 
 warm and comfortable ; and the sun shines so bright, 
 the ice sparkles and glitters, and, oh ! the country looks 
 most beautiful. Our house is on the bank of the Eiver 
 Ottawa, upon the high rock where the Parliament build- 
 ing is situated, so that we have a very good test of the 
 weather. I still keep to my Church, and am a Band of 
 Hope member, but all by myself, because I have not 
 heard of a society in Ottawa. 
 
 Dear sir, if you find time to send me a few lines, please 
 give me a few things to do, and a little advice, for I do so 
 
30 LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 miss my Sunday-scliool, and I will try, with the help of 
 Jesus Christ, to be a better girl. Please to remember me 
 to dear Mrs. Herring, and Mrs. Hewett, and all my kind 
 friends. 
 
 Dear sir, I read with joy of your safe return home, and 
 the happy meeting in Allen Street ; and I wished so much 
 I was with you all, but I remembered that when you bid 
 me good-bye at mother's door, your last words were, 
 '* Be satisfied.'* Wishing you good-bye, I echo the same 
 words. Remaining affectionately, 
 
 Annie P. 
 
 Rev. Styleman Herring. 
 
 Arnprior, Ontario, 
 Aprni9th, 1871. 
 
 Sir, — This is from a carpenter that was induced to 
 emigrate with his family last year by attending meetings 
 held by you in Clerkenwell. I left London on the 7th 
 April, and was at work on the 26th of May at my trade, 
 have been so ever since, with the exception of six weeks in 
 the winter, three weeks one time and three weeks another. 
 
 Of course, in common with others, we have had to rough 
 it in going about the countrj'- to work, equally of course. 
 I had to take rather low wages at first, dols. 1 25 (5s. 2d.) 
 per day, am now getting dols. 1 75 (7s. 3d.), You w 
 perhaps think six weeks a long time to be out work, an 
 indeed it would be in London, where it would take me all 
 the summer to pay the debts I should have contracted in 
 the time. But herd I have lived well, ** hke a fighting 
 cock," am out of debt, have 40 dollars worth more pro- 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 31 
 
 perty than "when I landed, and 30 dollars that I intend 
 sending home next week to pay my brother's passage out 
 to me. Yours truly, 
 
 To the Eev. Styleman Herring. James C. 
 
 St. Thomas, Ontario, Canada, 
 January 16th, 1871. 
 
 Bear Sir, — I have a mother and four sisters, and 
 three brothers^ who are in the old country, and I would 
 wish to have them along with me in Canada, but I am 
 not fit to pay their passage to this country. So, dear 
 sir, I would be very thankful to you if you would take 
 them out free, or assist their passage from Liverpool to 
 St. Thomas. 
 
 You have already assisted three of us out to this 
 
 country — that is, my father, and brother, and myself, 
 
 which we are veiy thankful to you for, for, thank God, 
 
 we have been very fortunate since we came to this 
 
 country. Your humble servant, 
 
 George Fagan. 
 
 The Canadian mail has just brought this letter. Ifc 
 comes from a man who once was in a fair position in 
 society, but, through depression in trade, lost everything. 
 This society helped them liberally : — 
 
 Nipessing Eoad, Ashdown, Ontario, 
 February 18th, 1871. 
 
 Dear Sir, — May I be allowed to thank you for help- 
 ing me to what I now hold — a good and comfortable 
 loghouse, where no landlord or rate-collector once a week 
 or on quarter-day to trouble me, and also 200 acres of 
 
32 LETTERS FEOM EMIGRANTS. 
 
 land (rather rough land) to be made into a farm, "which 
 in five years will be my own freehold property, held by 
 letters patent from her most gracious Majesty the Queen. 
 I have also wrote to England for all my friends to come 
 out here as soon as possible, for I have settled eight 
 miles from any house at present, and propose to form a 
 new place to be called by a new name ; it is on a river, 
 close to a bridge on the Nipissing Eoad, where I am 
 confident, health permitting, you will hear of something 
 good from me in less than five years. Mrs. E. joins me 
 in sending our kind respects to you, hoping this may find 
 you in the best of health and happiness, which is the 
 constant wish of yours, ever respectfully and truly, 
 
 John and Mary E . 
 
 St. Catherines, Province of Ontario, 
 
 Feb. 28, 1871. 
 To William Dixon, Esq. 
 
 Dear Sir, — When you bid me good-bye, when I left 
 old England last April, I said I would write to you to 
 say how me and my chums got on in the new land over 
 sea, and I now take an opportunity to thank you for all 
 kindness shown, and to say I like things very well, both 
 country and people, though strange at first. Mr. Donald- 
 son was very kind at Toronto, and I got a job for two 
 months, and then moved here, where 1 never lost a day, 
 save on holidays. A tailor who knows his business gets 
 from 7s. to 8s. English money. Bricklayers and carpenters 
 are in great demand, and farmers want farm hands very- 
 bad ; and girls who knew any house work could get places 
 
LETTERS FROM EMIGRANTS. 33 
 
 at once. The country is very fine and cheap, and the cold 
 
 is not bad at all. Good mutton is threepence and beef 
 
 fourpence, when I get a quarter. I buy by quarters, 
 
 what would East- end folk think of that, and use it twice 
 
 a day ? There are good schools and nothing to pay. Th.e 
 
 blacks here are very thick, and they want to send their 
 
 children to white schools, but they won't have them on 
 
 any account, they having a black school for themselves 
 
 Rents are more here than some places, because it is 
 
 growing very fast. I pay 6 dollars a month for four 
 
 rooms, back kitchen and snug bit of garden. My wife 
 
 keeps a tidy lot of hens. Nothing would make me go 
 
 back to old pinching times, and if I were a lord I would 
 
 send out some thousands, to where the honest man need 
 
 not want a meal, and can make his family comfortable. 
 
 There are a lot of Dockyard men down the lake, three 
 
 mils off, and they are busy all the winter at Gs., English 
 
 money, a day, and they are doing well. In the autumn 
 
 I got some lovely grapes for threepence a pound, and 
 
 apples fine enough for a king for 4s. a barrel. This place 
 
 is twelve miles from the wonder of the world— the great 
 
 Falls of Niagara— and on Dominion day I took the wife 
 
 and children to see them, and had a grand outing of it. 
 
 So no more at present. 
 
 From yours very truly, 
 
 John S. Jones. 
 P.S.— There are manufactories of all kinds here, and 
 fine demand for workmen. They make tools, engines of 
 all kinds, and machines. All trades have plenty of work 
 and the pay is good. 
 
34 
 
 LETTERS FROM REV. MR. HERRING. 
 
 The following three letters were addressed, and mostly 
 inserted in somo 500 newspapers in England, Ireland, 
 and Scotland, vide the Times, Standard, &c., and, judging 
 from some thirty to fifty letters daily received, and all 
 conscientiously answered, were acceptable to intending 
 emigrants and the public generally : — 
 
 IMMIGRANTS IN CANADA. 
 
 • 
 
 Sir, — I have just set foot again on the shores of old 
 England after a visit to Canada, undertaken for the sole 
 object of personally ascertaining the present position of 
 emigrants assisted thither during the past two years. 
 The great majority are doing comparatively well — some 
 very well. Some have undoubtedly signally failed, but 
 it is through their own misconduct or unforeseen circum- 
 stances. About 48,000 have settled in the dominion 
 since April, 1869. The honourable Mr. Dunkin, Minister 
 for Agriculture and Emigration, states, **they behaved 
 reasonably well." I held meetings in (1) Ottawa; (2) 
 Toronto; (2) London, Hamilton, &c,, and invited the 
 men to speak for themselves. Nearly all (after alluding 
 to the necessary inconvenience, &c., of travel) spoke 
 favourably of their present position, and encouragingly 
 for their future prospects. I visited many immigrants at 
 their homes in the towns, villages, on farms, and in the 
 
LETTERS FROM REV. MR. HEBRINO. 35 
 
 forests; and found work good, the free school system 
 highly appreciated, the churches well filled, and sym- 
 pathy shown towards the newly-ariived immigrants. 
 Canada was never so prosperous as at the present time. 
 All must work and ''paddle their own canoe," as self- 
 reliance is a main feature of Canadian life. Food and 
 the necessaries of life are cheap, house rent reasonable- 
 A family can live for less per week than in England, as for 
 meat (though not so prime as ours) most partake of twice 
 and often thrice a day. The free grants of land (200 
 acres for married settlers and 100 for all over eighteen) 
 are highly esteemed; 150,000 acres being located from 
 April to October this season. These were principally 
 taken up by sons of Canadian farmers, settlers of one 
 year's standing, &c. I accompanied the Premier of 
 Ontario (the Honourable Sandfield Macdonald) through 
 the Moskoka district, and found 60 to 70 per cent, 
 profitable land, and the settlers contented with their 
 location. The province of Maintoba, (Eed Eiver settle- 
 ment) is attracting much public attention, and is most 
 highly reported of, for its fertility and remunerative 
 labour. 20,000 are going there this season from Ontario. 
 The cost from Toronto is about £5. My emigrant friends 
 did not complain much of the snows and frosts, the 
 nutritious food and suitable clothing defending them 
 from any ill eff'ects.. Investments in undeniable good 
 securities bear six, eight, and not umfrequently ten per 
 cent. John Bell, Esq., Q.C., barrister and solicitor, 
 126, Adelaide Street, Toronto, .a gentleman of the highest 
 
38 LETTERS FROM UEV. MR. HERRING. 
 
 position, can be communicated with on this subject. 
 I am, sir, from p'?rsonal obsorvation — having travelled 
 6,000 miles in all parts of Canada, and visited all classes — 
 I say I am perfectly satisfied that emigration has proved 
 a blessing to thousands, that its results amply com- 
 pensate for the money, &c., expended, that it is the most 
 effective means of permanently benefiting the needy, sober, 
 and industrious, and that England and Canada are alike 
 advantaged by emigration. My funds, I need hardly say, 
 are, after assisting 1,916 of the worthy poor to emigrate, 
 row exhausted. I purpose (God sparing me) to pursue 
 the same plan next season that has hitherto been so 
 successful, and as £1,000 will be needed (about £6 for 
 each case) I pray the friends of the poor will forward 
 subscriptions and donations to help on this great work 
 and labour of love. Hoping on some future occasion to 
 speak of the wages, house-rent, price of provisions, &c., 
 and expressing publicly my deep gratitude to the Do- 
 minion and Ontario Governments, and many valued 
 friends throughout Canada, for their sympathy, assist- 
 ance, and proverbial hospitality. 
 
 I remain, sir, yours very obediently, 
 A. Styleman Herring, 
 Incumbent of St. Paul's, Clerkenwell 
 
 November, 1870. 
 45, Colebrook Row, Islington, N. 
 
 Sir, — The favourable reception of former letters con- 
 strains me to again ask youi' kind indulgence. 
 
LETTERS FROM REV. MR. HERRING. 37 
 
 The dollar is fixed in Canada at 48. 2d., and passes for 
 58. curr(r;ncy ; that is, 1^ dollar (equalling our 6s. 3d.) 
 will purchase 7s. 6d. worth of articles. All the subjoined 
 items are in English money. As housekeeping is a third 
 cheaper (and almost half in the country), the wages, 
 though apparently somewhat equal to ours, are in reality, 
 more valuable. 
 
 The voyage of 11 days from London to Quebec, costs 
 7 6s., steam-boat, £6 68., half-price under 8, babies £l Is. 
 (sailing vessel £4) ; 12s. 6d. rail to Liverpool; ship's kit 
 10s. The Canadian Government has hitherto granted 
 free passages frori Quebec to wherever the immigrants 
 go to. 
 
 Labourers get generally 4s. 2d. per day; farm ditto, 
 60s. per jaonth, with board and lodging ; rough carpenters, 
 5a. 3d. ; joiners and painters, 6s. 3d. ; men accustomed 
 to drainage works, 7s. 6d. ; tailors, engineers, plasterers, 
 bricklayers, and first-class shoemakers, 8s. to 10s. Trades 
 Unions do not exist to any extent. Each is paid accord- 
 ing to his individual worth. A ** Boss " is the foreman, 
 often the master. Young girls, ** helps," obtain 16s. 8d. 
 per month ; housemaids, 25s. ; cooks, 33s. and upwards, 
 with excellent board and very kind treatment. 
 
 Provisions are cheaper in the country than in towns. 
 Mutton ranges from 3d. to od. per lb. ; beef, 4d. to 6d. ; 
 pork, 4d. to 7d. ; sheep's head with et ceteras, 2id. ; bacon, 
 7d. ; flour, 6s. per 100 lbs., 4 lb. loaf, od. ; potatoes. 
 Is. 3d. per bushel; apples (abundant). Is. 3d. ; butter 
 lOd. ; cheese, 7d. ; pure milk, 2§d. per quart ; tea 3s. 2d. 
 
38 LETTERS FROM REV. MR. HERRING. 
 
 sugar 5|d. ; fowls, Is. i^ch, ducks, Is. 8d. ; Turkeys, 
 3s. 
 
 Land is more or less valuable according to locality. 
 The free grants of 200 acres, and 100 to all over 18 are 
 being fast taken up. Fair farms can be bought for £o to 
 £6 per acre. I was offered two in the county of 
 Norfolk; the one for £1,550 with 230 acres — the other 
 with 280 acres for £1,350, this let for £75 per annum. 
 Just out of towns they run about £15, In towns, £83 
 and upwards per acre. Mr. Hutton (an authority) states 
 .£269 may be realized by farming in two years, on an 
 outlay of £680. 
 
 House rent is 16s. per month, with garden, in towns. 
 In villages and in the country most possess their own 
 dwellings. A shanty costs about £20. Most log-huts, 
 barns, &c., are fixed up by ** Bee " parties. 
 
 The system of Free Schools is highly prized ; Grammar 
 scholars pay 4s. 2d. per quarter. The Universities are 
 good and very reasonable. In 1868, Ontario had 4,882 free 
 schools, with 435,000 scholars, costing £406,000 per 
 annum. 
 
 Clothes are dearer than in the old country, but are 
 more suitable and wear better. Board and lodging (meat 
 twice per day), cost 12s. 6d. per week. The cold is severe 
 b.ut not destructive ; the annual mortality is 1 per cent. 
 The extremes of cold and heat range in Toronto, from 9 
 below zero (January) mean for month 28*^ to 94** (August), 
 mean 68° ; annual mean 44*. The weather is favourable 
 between 8 and 9 months. 
 
LETTERS EROM REV. MR. HERRINGi 
 
 39 
 
 The houses of the upper and middle classes (a very 
 social and hospitable set), are very snug and cosy. On 
 New Year's Day all friends visit each other; the ladies 
 staying "at home" and " receiving." 
 
 The instances of prosperity I met with were numerous, 
 probably three-fourths of the upper and middle classes 
 have risen from very small beginnings. The humbler 
 classes generally have money in the banks. There are 
 no workhouses or stone yards. All grog-shops are closed 
 from 7 p.m. on Saturday night till 7 a.m. on Monday (all 
 Sunday), and with marked good results. 
 
 The Canadians— a manly and independent body— are 
 enthusiastically loyal, and our beloved Queen has no 
 subiects more deeply attached to her and the country 
 Of course there are drawbacks (and what country has 
 not?) but they are counterbalanced by the pros- 
 perity which awaits the sober, industrious and perse- 
 vering. , . 
 
 I am, sir, from personal observation, most thoroughly 
 satisfied as to the benefits of emigration. Canada is, 
 indeed, a good place for a poor man. 
 
 I should dearly like to see Emigration Clubs (with 
 weekly payments, &c.) and Societies established in most 
 parishes, for I am convinced that no other mode is so 
 efficient and permanent to relieve the able-bodied poor as 
 emigration to our Colonies. I am afraid the Dominion 
 Government are too apathetic in this matter. 
 
 Thanking you, sir, for your kindness and advocacy, 
 and earnestly inviting subscriptions to aid 200 poor but 
 
40 LETTEBS FROM REV. MR. HERRING. 
 
 deserving members of my parochial Emigration Club to 
 emigrate, 
 
 I remain, Sir, 
 
 Yours respectfully, 
 
 A. Styleman Herring, 
 Incumbent of St. Paul's, Clerkenwell. 
 December, 1870, 
 
 45, Colebrooke Eow, 
 
 Islington Green, N. 
 
 EMIGEATION TO CANADA.'' 
 Sir, — The season for emigration is opening, and the 
 Fruits of Emigration Clubs, with weekly payments, are 
 apparent. This system is greatly increasing, specific 
 Clubs, '* Canada," " Church of England," '' Canterbury," 
 "Auckland," &c., have commenced. All Clubs ought, 
 like the German, to begin at once for the next season. 
 This is the most certain and wholesome way of promoting 
 emigration. 
 
 Canada being the nearest and cheapest colony to get 
 at, and from the good reports of settlers located there 
 during the past two years, claims greater attention. 
 
 The Government takes every care of the newly arrived ; 
 granting free passes from Quebec to destination, also 
 lodging and feeding by the way. Canada was never 
 so prosperous as at the present time. There is abundance 
 of work, the spring having commenced early. Officially, 
 21,000 labourers, 400 shoemakers, also carpenters, brick- 
 layers, stonemasons, harness-makers, and artizans gene- 
 
LETTERS FROM REV. MR. HERRING. 41 
 
 rally are wanted. Some 1,388 miles of railway are being 
 made. Trust ought only to be put in Grovernment 
 agents, for sharpers are on the look out for the unwary. 
 Persons either with large or small capital will find 
 remunerative ways of employing it. 
 
 Good and encouraging reports are continually being 
 received from the 1,916 emigrants assisted out during 
 the past two years, by our Clerkenwell Emigration Club 
 and Society. All declare Canada is a good place for 
 sober, industrious, and, above rll, piously inclined 
 people. Hope of success characterises all their letters. 
 
 The free grants of 200 acres to married, and 100 to 
 unmarried men over 18, continue, but with greater 
 attractions; as the Ontario Government have voted 
 30,000 dollars to help emigrants on arrival, and 20,000 
 dollars to clear a little land and erect a log shanty ; also 
 a bonus of 1| millions of dollars towards a railway 
 through the Muskoka (free grant) district. Books on 
 the subject sent to ill applicants, by W. Dixon, Esq., 
 Government Emigration Commissioner, 11, Adam Street 
 Ae phi, London. 
 
 Let intending emigrants go early. Many are blessing 
 the day when, with a brave heart and trusting in God 
 they ventured to cross the Atlantic to form a home 
 beyond, where work and food are plentiful. 
 
 Free schools abound. Grog and all other shops are 
 shut on Sundaj'^s. Churches are good. Free grants of 
 land are open to all, and where kindliness of feeling and 
 hospitality are shewn to all deserving it. 
 
42 HINTS TO EMIGRANTS. 
 
 Would that I had more funds to assist 200 authen- 
 ticated cases of necessitous persons anxious to emigrate. 
 
 Yours very respectfully, 
 
 A. Styleman Herring, 
 
 Lately returned from Canada. 
 
 Incumbent St. Paul's, Clerkenwell, 
 April, 1871. 
 45, Colebrook Eow, Islington, London. 
 
 HINTS TO EMIGEANTS. 
 
 My Dear Friends, — Sincerely hoping your under- 
 taking has been made the subject of prayer, I will pro- 
 ceed to make a few general remarks intended for your 
 especial benefit. I have engaged in this work purely for 
 love, and without the slightest fee or reward, and in the 
 hopes of benefitting my fellow creatures, especially those 
 in distress. Let everything be prepared a day before 
 starting, hurrying at last is very trying. Let the boxes 
 be middle-sized, stoutly made and well corded, with fuU 
 directions. Those wanted on voyage, which ought not to 
 exceed 15 inches in height, must be so marked, and able 
 to lock. Be early at the railway station, and take things 
 calmly and resignedly. Hope, glorious hope, ought to 
 cheer and invigorate the hearts of all. 
 
 Go by Liverpool — it's cheapest in the long run. The 
 
HINTS TO EMIGRANTS. 43 
 
 expenses are — first, journey to railway station ; rail to 
 Liverpool from London, 12s. 6d. ; bedding, 8s. 6d. to lOs. ; 
 carting, 4s. ; and stay in Liverpool, 5s. per night. 
 Steam, ocean passage, £6 6d. ; intermediate, £9 9s. ; 
 half-price under eight ; babies, £1 Is. Sailing vessels, £4 ; 
 half-price under eight; babies, 10s. Messrs. Allans, 
 James Street, Liverpool, are the owners of the steam- 
 ship ; Messrs. Mountgomerie, 17, Gracechurch- street, 
 are the London agents. The Commercial Temperance 
 Hotel, 17, Union Street Boad, Hall Street, Liverpool, 
 carried on most respectably by Mr. V. Pease, charges Is. 
 per meal, and bed for each person. 
 
 Dress in your oldest clothes for the voyage, with a 
 good thick overcoat or shawl. Take no 2s. pieces ; the 
 Canadians deduct 4d. from each. A dollar note is worth 
 4s. 2d. of ours, and 5s. in Canada; £1 equals 4 dollars 
 85 cents. ; a bank-note for 25 cents, equals Is. 
 
 Be sure to fix on a place to proceed to at once. Prefer 
 going to where you have friends or relatives. Two 
 families or friends ought to stick together ; this is a 
 wonderful comfort. Woollen clothes (shirts, drawers 
 petticoats, dresses, &c.) are the best. Corderoys and 
 smockf rocks are never seen. Linen, crockery, and 
 clothes generally are dearer than with us. Take your 
 beds and pillows as luggage, little ornaments, or things 
 you value carry with you. Luggage allowed 10 cubic 
 feet, but if not greatly in excess of this will go free 
 Ships' kit required (you can take or buy it)— a bed, 6 feet 
 long by 20 inches, made of coarse sacking, costing 9d., 
 
44 HINTS TO EMIGRAIN^TS. 
 
 stuffed with straw, &c. ; a blanket or rug, one gallon 
 water can (for families), knife, fork, spoon, tin basin for 
 soup, tin plate, and wash-basin, marine soap lib. Mr. 
 Pease can supply them. Don't throw them away at 
 Quebec ; they will be very useful in the cars, when the 
 journey is two days and nights to Toronto, 500 miles. 
 Take a good supply of books for voyage, a very useful 
 one is Rev. C. H. Spurgeon's "John Plowman's Talk," 
 price Is., at Messrs. Alabaster's, 18, Paternoster Row, 
 London. Be careful whom you get acquainted with on 
 dock, or among the crew, and let the females be especially 
 guarded, very much and often irreparable, mischief is the 
 consequences of hasty friendships or lax conduct. Obey 
 the commands of the captain and oflQcers. Consult the 
 doctor, and let mothers get an order from him for tlie iced 
 milk kept on board for infants. Always carry your tea 
 or coffee pot with tea,. &c., handy. Hot water always 
 to be had. Pickles, apples, or lemons are good in cases 
 of sea-sickness, which fight manfully against. Gene- 
 rally a minister of the Gospel is on board; attend to 
 the Divine services and meetings. On arrival at Point 
 Ijevi, opposite Quebec — if you are going to settle in the 
 Dominion — apply to L. StajGFord, Esq., the Emigration 
 Commissioner, for a free railway pass, which, if ac- 
 cepted, you must proceed to where the agent sends you. 
 Should there be no work there (a thing very unlikely) 
 the agent will give you another free pass. Trust 
 entirely to the Government agent. Beware of interested 
 and unprincipled persons, who prowl about the piers and 
 
HINTS TO EMIGRANTS. 45 
 
 stations seeking to beguile the unware. Let me impress 
 most affectionately as a temperance man and your fiiend, 
 the absolute necessity of abstaining from whiskey, &c., 
 it- is the ruin and degradation of thousands of promising 
 people. Avoid the grog shops at Point Levi, where 
 generally you wait several hours. 
 
 Accept at first to be hired out for reasonable wages. 
 Don't stick to your particular trade, but work yourself 
 into it again in time. Beware of grumbling, murmur- 
 ing, or saying ill-natured or ill-judged things about 
 your adopted country. The bosses, or masters, soon find 
 them out and avoid the discontented. 
 
 Its hard and rough work at first, but there is alway 
 a silver lining to every cloud. You will find the 
 Canadians kind, hospitable, and generous towards 
 the newly arrived, if they conduct themselves pro- 
 perly. 
 
 Join yourselves at once to some church community ; all 
 grog and other shops are shut from Saturday night at 
 7 p.m. to Monday at 7 a.m., this is a great blessing. 
 Each person has to paddle his own canoe, sink or swim, 
 according to your own deserts. Depend, with God's 
 assistance, entirely upon self — self-reliance and inde- 
 pendence is a great feature in Canadian life. The stove 
 cost 15 dollars, which may be hired, or better still pay a 
 deposit, and the rest by weekly instalments. Be careful 
 about the change, some low shopkeepers are unscrupulous 
 towards the newly-arrived. The first winter will not be 
 80 much felt as the second. Don't be surprised at seeing 
 
46 HINTS TO EMiailANTSl. 
 
 children and grown up people without shoos or stocking, 
 in summer, when its really hot. 
 
 Protestants (Ei.glish, Scotch, or Irish) ought to settle 
 west of Kingston, in Ontario, Canada West. 
 
 Don't flock to the towns, country villages are 
 more suitable, and immigrants make faster progress 
 there. 
 
 Never forget the old folks in the old country. It only 
 costs 3d. for a letter, or Id. for a newspaper ; write 
 frequently. ** As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good 
 news from a far country." Make great efforts to repay 
 any money lent to assist you out. The ingratitude of 
 some thus assisted, has seriously injured those wanting 
 to emigrate. 
 
 Avoid interfering in politics, and mi^^.d your own busi- 
 ness, and let politicians mind theirs. 
 
 Thomas Hughes, Esq., M.P., says, "There are more 
 people in the Dominion,in proportion to population, than in 
 any other country in the world, who are worth 1,000 
 dollars (£200). Books in Canada — ** Guide book to the 
 Canadian Dominion," Dr. Philpot, 4s., Messrs. Stanford, 
 Charing-cross ; ** Canada, for the Farmer and 
 Labourer," Is. 6d., Messrs. Houlston, 65, Pateix^oster 
 Row, London; *' The N'ew Dominion" (free) W. Dixon, 
 Esq., 11, Adam Street, Adelphi, London, who, as the 
 Canadian Commissioner, will give all information and 
 advice. Also "Emigration for Poor Polks," by Rev. A. 
 S. Herring, l^d. by post, Messrs. Partridge, 9, Paternoster 
 Row, London. 
 
HINTS TO EMIGRANTS. 47 
 
 Don't take up land at first. The free grants, three- 
 quarters being fairly good land, require £20 to .£50 to 
 settle upon. Good schools abound — The St. George's 
 (English; ; the St. Andrew's (Scotch) ; the St. Patrick's 
 (Irish) Societies land a helping hand to the distress. 
 
 I feel you will never regret the day God put it into 
 your heart to emigrate — as years roll on — as every stroke 
 of the axe brings you nearer independence — you will 
 look back with deep gratitude to God, and your fellow 
 man for the many mercies received. I wish you all pros- 
 perity, and may God bless you in your basket and store, 
 and may the Lord Jesus Christ be now and for ever 
 you dear Saviour, and ever living and loving Lord 
 and Master is the sincere prayer of your affectionate 
 friend, 
 
 A. Styleman HEimiNa. 
 
 " Love God with all your soul and strength, 
 "With all your heart and mind ; 
 And love your neighbour as yourself, 
 Be faithful, just, and kind." 
 
MONTREAL OC EAN STEAM-SH iP COMPANt 
 
 ALLAN LINE. 
 
 Under Contract with the Government of Canada for the Conveyance 
 
 of the 
 
 CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES MAILS, 
 
 Munning in Connection with the Grand Trunk and othei^ Railways, 
 
 and forwarding Fassengers, on easy Tenn^\ to all stations in Canada 
 
 and the Wcbtem IStatea. 
 
 i 
 S.S. Scandinavian", ♦ S.S. Prussian, S.S. Austrian, 
 
 „ Nestorian, „ Peruvian, „ Moravian, 
 
 „ Hibernian, ^, Nova Scotian, „ North American, 
 
 „ Germany, ,, Damascus, „ Ottawa, 
 
 „ Saint David, „ European, „ Saint Andrew, 
 
 „ Norway, „ Sweden, ,, Saint Patrick, 
 
 SAIL FROM 
 
 Liverpool to Quebec every Tuesday and Thursday, 
 
 Calling at Londonderry f Ireland J on the following day^ to take on 
 
 board Passengers and Mails ; 
 
 And from GLASGOW to QUEBEC every TUESDAY, 
 
 Calling at Dublin to embark Passengers. 
 
 STEERAGE PASSAGE, SIX GUINEAS, 
 
 To either Quebec, Boston, or New York, includin};^ a plentiful supply of 
 Cooked Provisions ; Baggage taken Irom the Ocean Steam- ships to the 
 Railway Cars free of expenses. . 
 
 For Freight or Passage apply— In Glasgow, to J. and A. Allan ; in 
 London, to Montgomerie & Greexhorne, 17, Gracechurch Street; in 
 Londonderry, to Allan Brothers k Co., Foyle Street; in Dublin, to A. I). 
 Pollen, 19, Eden Quay ; in Quebec, to Allans, Kae, &; Co. ; in Montreal, 
 to H. & j^. Allan ; or in Liverpool, to 
 
 ALLAN BROTHERS & CO., fll 
 
 Alexandra Buildings, James St., Liverpool ; 
 
 AND 85, Foyle St., Londonderj y. 
 
 During the Winter months— from the btginning of Isovcmber until the lirsi 
 Week in April — the Steamers go to Portland instead of Quebec, thv same 
 Railway facilities being in operation there. 
 
 J 
 
The Olerkenwell and Central Emigration Club 
 and Society for London and the Provinces. 
 
 PATRONS. '■■ 
 
 The Most Hon. the Maequis of Northampton 
 The Very Rev. Dr. Hellmuth, Dean of Huron, London, 
 Canada West. 
 
 PRESIDENT. 
 
 Eev. Egbert Maguire, M.A., Yicar of Olerkenwell. 
 
 VICE-PRESIDENTS. * 
 
 W. T. M. ToRRENS, Esq., M.P. for Fin^bury. 
 
 A. LusK, Esq., Alderman, MP. for Finsbury. 
 W. RiviNGTON, Esq., Upper Heath, Hampstead. 
 Q-. Hanbury", Esq., Mark Lane and Maidenhead. 
 Lieut. -Col. CoLViLL, Governor of the House of Cor- 
 rection. 
 
 TREASURERS. 
 
 Eev. A. S. Herring, 45, Colebrooke Eow, Islingtda 
 Green, 
 
 B. DoBREE, Esq. , 6, Tokenhouse Yard, Director of Lon- 
 
 don and Westminster Bank, 
 
 Bankers — London and Westminster. 
 
 The object is to help those who help themselves, by 
 supplementing their payments to enable poor people to 
 emigrate. The Club is now full of members wanting to 
 emigrate. 
 
 Secondly, to organize Emigration Clubs throughout 
 ^reat Britain, and Immigration Clubs in our Colonies, 
 and in every way to promote. emigration. 
 
 ♦ 
 
 Any Donations in money, cheques, post-office orders, 
 &c., or women's, men's, or children's clothes most thank- 
 fully received bj'", or communications addressed to, Eev. 
 A. Styleman Herring, 45, Colebrooke Eow, Islington 
 Groen, London. ^