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 OANABA 
 
 ilYiiii 1141S 4^-1 
 
 0£l 
 
 Prince Edward's 
 
 
 ni n/( A T/:i) to rni: \ isi nuts at 
 
 M AHA HA J ALI.S, 
 
 J. \\ Mi^PRii r. 
 
 ST r,\'rfl.\K'INi:s, <t\T 
 
 1 ;^Ki 
 
 ^^f^S^^m:^ J 
 
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 ■.1 ..■»r 
 

 tf"^* — •*• o:r "♦• ^ 
 
 PEIlSrOK ED'V^^RD'S 
 
 ^181^ ^(|) "^lAdmA. 
 
 ^L^^^f 
 
 DEDICATED TO THE VISITORS AT 
 NI AG Alt A FALLS, 
 
 V(p..Q^r-7 ^-32" 
 
 J. P. MERRITT. 
 
 THIieiD EIDITIOIT. 
 
 ST. CATHARINES, ONT. 
 
 1860. 
 
»)<^ 
 
 ' ^c^i* 
 
 i Ni;JB 
 
 Tlii-ou^li ghire and dust at' evening's 
 
 hour 
 Say, you have reached the ^'orge of 
 
 power. 
 The headloiia; haste they did pursue 
 Arrested, you a picture view. 
 
 A picture to which the opposing rays, 
 Of Sol on moving water lays 
 Noiseless and clear, without a glare — 
 Unawed, as when too close you ai'c. 
 
 Be not in haste to approach the won- 
 der, 
 
 But like the lightning without thun- 
 der, 
 
 Arrest your course, view it awhile, 
 
 And with my lay your time heguile 
 
 Ye denizens of cities, list, I pray 
 
 To this rough measure of a sylvan lay 
 
 Though one from foreign lands in this 
 
 I bring, 
 'Tis not of courts, a people rude I sing. 
 
 Forget not ye who now in palace car, 
 Ride swiftly, smoothly to the scene 
 
 from far. 
 How hard it was the way for them 
 
 to tread, 
 Who o'er this forest darkened road first 
 
 sped, 
 
 Think not this epic for the scene too 
 high, 
 
 Niagara can with all the Grecian val- 
 leys vie ; 
 
 In this the thought directed to as 
 far between 
 
 As is this spot from the farthest you 
 have been. 
 
 When up the gorge a mile or two you 
 
 ride. 
 And reach ihis wonder on tiie Canada 
 
 side, 
 And while from coach to elevator step, 
 Prepared to see tiie l^^;ia■is of 
 
 water leap. 
 
 Look back and see yon ijossamor spim, 
 Work, (Treat as earth displays of niiin; 
 A traiii disturbs the cataract's roar, 
 Soon it rolls on— that sight is o'er. 
 
 it's past; and grandeur as of yore 
 Reigns, ruler of the scene once more. 
 Improvements cease to intervene. 
 When cataract alone is seen. 
 
 Regard again a Fall whose power, 
 Existed ages as this hour, 
 And will to future ages last. 
 As strong as now, and as ihe past. 
 
 What spot imposing more to stand, 
 And drink the water from your hand. 
 While Iris tips the rough rocks now, 
 And leaves are waving round your 
 * brow . 
 
 No vigorous shoot obstructs the way, 
 No wood s inhabitant strikes with dis- 
 may. 
 Cleared all those terrors from the road 
 O'er which in their reverse our fathers 
 trod. 
 
PART I. 
 
 •'>^iC9'-" 
 
 DEBARKATION ON Til }J 'T. LAWHKKCE. 
 
 Long time laborious at the oar 
 Blad toiled a crew who \^o\v no more 
 With earliest dawn, with latvst nit'ht, 
 Had stem'd the stream wii' rfkiil and 
 might. 
 
 Witii pole to pusli and rope Lu tuw 
 Up rapids and svvit't currents go; 
 Escaped they have the tedious river. 
 Accompanied by iis labors ever. 
 
 The smruner's past and nearly o'er, 
 The pleasant time of sun andsiiower, 
 Some imst}' days h:id hid the sun 
 As ii his ciuuiuering scaso'iM run. 
 
 And days resplendent do appcu'. 
 As brighter he'd the season cliecr. 
 And then a crimson Ihish o'ercasi. J 
 As if that brighi hm^ \vi> lo hisi 
 
 But yet it is the lim tie glow 
 That brigiitens loveliest — ere we g'> 
 Alternately, as jov and griff, 
 That comes before llie fall of leaf. 
 
 Canadian youths in oiUest spcpd 
 Their time, and thus tlu'ii' inainKis 
 
 mend, 
 Magazines, nor novels they j)eni-e. 
 But with tlie song tln-uiselv; s amuse. 
 
 Work over now, hours to oniplo.N , 
 Time to fill up and not destroy : 
 Recumbent they await the g-ale, 
 Impatiently to raise the sail. 
 
 A tasteful contest theii- rejjast, 
 And to tlie dark their strife doth last. 
 The French Canadian boatmen sing-. 
 And make the neighboring landing 
 ring'. 
 
 Arcadian youths in contest spend 
 Their time, and thus their manners 
 
 mend ; 
 Milebean strains are their rei)ast ; 
 Late in the night their contests last. 
 
 Trav'lers on shore pleased umpires 
 
 arc, 
 While listening to the vvord\- war : 
 And then in contest they engage. 
 A similar strife of words thev""'vvai'-e. 
 
 yo YA G E (I if \s sf > vr;. 
 
 The furs that warm us a ui the lights 
 
 that cheer, 
 We (»\ve them holh unto the land so 
 
 drear. 
 Where whale and walrus thi'cugii 
 
 the seas do roll, 
 That circle round tluMlistant icy |)olo. 
 
 The wild moose fattens hy the icy 
 
 lake, 
 The timid leveret browse upon the 
 i brake ; 
 
 I And tluu-e the trapjjei' bold, all win- 
 ter long, 
 By that white lake watches the bcavei" 
 throng. 
 
 In hopes the winter o'er, widl -filled 
 
 his burcjue. 
 He needs to watch no more white lake, 
 
 Avith borders dark ; 
 But that rciturned u])ou St. liawrence 
 
 shores. 
 May its cheerful water- .-,00 upon his 
 
 gotten stores. 
 
 I In storms without, while all within is 
 
 I No fears of want or earc his peace 
 ! destroy ; 
 
 With man> cheerful, hapj»y friends 
 to see. 
 
 Music, the jfi\ial dant-e and re\-eli'y. 
 
 SIJCOND VOV.KJLIH'S 
 
 SO\(m 
 
 0\\ : from that dismal, (lreai-\- shore, 
 Kee]) uu! from Journeying evermore. 
 Where gloomy swamp.s. with treach- 
 erous ice. 
 Kngulf the wight, beavers entice. 
 
 Where currents roimd th(3 bavs do 
 * flow. 
 
 With fiei(l> of sunken ice below ; 
 ' No streams the tid(M)f commerce bear 
 
 To cities on its banks that are. 
 
 j And when the sun upon scene 
 ! Less period gives thimights between. 
 I We leave the rivers, swamps and fioes, 
 ' Ami not till then we wc tlnd repose. 
 
 V, 
 
 i 
 
 X 
 
 'I 
 
 I 
 % 
 
 4 
 
PRINCE EDWARDS VISIT TO NIAGARA. 
 
 In sonj*- figixin the first makos his ro- 
 
 t'lain : 
 I'm on the snow ! I'm on tlie snow ! 
 The blue above, the white beh)W, 
 And silenee wliereso'er 1 ^o. 
 
 My team well-matched, I'm sure to 
 
 b(!at 
 Any cariole I chance to meet ; 
 Where I love to ^o, thn/aneven row. 
 I'm on the snow I'm on the snow. 
 
 With cheerful bells, 
 Across the mountains, plains and 
 
 dells, 
 With fur robes warm, preserved from 
 
 harm, 
 What car(i I whether it shine or storm. 
 
 The joyous slei<jfh~ride still is mine, 
 My dogs I train to the gliding car, 
 I go where no intruders are. 
 
 Chorus I'm on the snow. &c. 
 
 It is pleasant in the winter time to go, 
 When the broad earth is covered with 
 
 snow, 
 Upon the lake or pond's l)road breast, 
 That like a creature is taking rest. 
 
 Tied by the bond of rigid frost. 
 Where late it was with surges toss't, 
 To bind on the feet the slippery skate, 
 Strike o'er its plain at a fearful rate. 
 
 To shoot far o'er the glassy ice. 
 And make with the skate the curved 
 
 device. 
 Those who on earth do slowly go, 
 Know not the joys the skaters know. 
 
 The joyful flood that thro' the veins 
 
 Exulting throbs, as he inward reins ; 
 
 Then away, away, by the sloping- 
 glade, "^ 
 
 Or by the wood, with its darkning 
 shade. 
 
 Till, tired of sport, one homeward hies. 
 
 And looks on the world with kinder 
 eyes ; 
 
 Looks about him and up with grate- 
 ful mind, 
 
 For an hour of pleasure so refined. 
 
 When the frost of age my limbs hath 
 
 bound. 
 May I be in a snow wreath found • 
 For the snow to me a bed hath been 
 More soft than downy couch has seen. 
 And spread the blue vault with riches 
 
 oer 
 
 Than e'er had painted roofs (,■ '• re 
 
 His opposhig friend yet oni.'e ; ,aiii, 
 In praise of settlements uwakt.> the 
 
 strain, 
 And keeps the active contest <>n, 
 Touching the subject he s upon ; 
 My thoughts are where I'd like to be 
 Wht'Uthestormsoflifehavevisitdme; 
 With a large stove Avarm, preserved 
 
 from harm, 
 l''rom dangers free, no more I roam, 
 For I'm at home, i\)V I'm at home. 
 
 Battle the elements as they may, 
 I've left my wanderings many a day; 
 A storm may rise and the winds may 
 
 blow- 
 What matter ? I've no where to go ; 
 No wlu're to go, no more I roam, 
 1^ or I'm at home for I'm at home. 
 
 IJ J!S T TUA VEL LEU . 
 
 The camp fire sliced its ruddy glow. 
 Its shadows danced the trees among, 
 And all the west was fire below. 
 Translucent with the setting sun. 
 
 Two wanderers all pensive sat, 
 Their aspect towards the east they 
 
 cast, 
 And thev in mutual strains relate 
 Fach to his fellow, 'plaints he cast. 
 
 Why did 1 leave my native strand, 
 This almost verge of earth to gain ? 
 Why did I leave my pleasant land 
 To take this voyage o'er the main ? 
 
 The days pass by, weeks disappear, 
 And yet the distant verge's the same, 
 Nor eer associates appear. 
 Nor friend that 1 can call by name. 
 
 Why trusted I the syren's strain ? 
 Why noticed 1 her treacherous beck? 
 Were dangers more not there to gain 
 Without enduring total wreck ? 
 
 Could not His Majesty me give 
 A post worthy ambition's fire. 
 Where I hi fields of marshalled foes 
 Could show the valor such inspire Y 
 
 A savage oft with glistening eye 
 Around our watch-fire nightly prowls, 
 Silently our state doth spy, 
 While distantly the wild wolf howls. 
 
rt 
 
 PRINCE Edward's visit to Niagara. 
 
 The foo who k(!(^ps yon nht^o so tamo 
 My form this mooiilijjfht n\^\\t will 
 
 show, 
 And (|iilckly by hisstcjidy aim 
 Shall lay my ninv-flodgcd honors low. 
 
 IVrhaps lull sure his aim luHl ^nvc. 
 
 My sacrifices tlu^y will know, 
 
 In after ajjes I shall liv(^ 
 
 And Westminster a scroll bestow. 
 
 Perhaps a wound the boon recall 
 I sliall from Majesty n^ceive, 
 No joy so ^reat, come friendly l)all, 
 lienuinbed, mv frame no paili shall 
 feel. 
 
 SECONI} THAVELLEn. 
 
 One who had also viewc^d the scene 
 In other lij^ht this answer pive ; 
 On(! who had long-er dweller been 
 Regarded it with thoug-hts less grave. 
 
 With you the memory of the past, 
 
 It's pressed thro' fragrant flowers ; 
 
 The moss that clothes its broken walls, 
 
 The ivy of its towers 
 
 I love ;' but yet this scene 
 
 Presents a sight to me that's green. 
 
 We've mountains and hills, but's to 
 
 see them, 
 We've valleys and rivulets around, 
 Barrens anil morasses but's to flee 
 
 them, 
 Sunny hill sides ever abound. 
 
 The prospect you say it is gloomy, 
 For yet it recalls where we've been ; 
 The country abounds, land is roomy. 
 And hope it will brighten the scene. 
 
 Tiiro' the dark wood's dome I love to 
 
 roam 
 In a day serene and clear, 
 When all around no sight of man 
 Or his labors doth appear. 
 
 Tusaunteralong through the canopied 
 
 woods. 
 Amid the brave old trees, 
 While their bare, still branches stand 
 
 aloft, 
 Uiimovedby a single breeze. 
 
 To sir, me down on some mossy bank, 
 B> the root of some time-worn tree, 
 And with his fellows around me there 
 Converse most socially. 
 
 What time was it when ye commenced 
 Your leafy tops to raise ? 
 What ag(; was it when ye commenced 
 To pierce the azure skies ? 
 
 Were centuries three or four 
 
 Wiien you Itegan to grow V 
 
 Did ye' supplant souk; other stock '^ 
 
 Ci)ul(lst spi'ak, ye only know. 
 
 Or do you count by cycles':' 
 
 Have periods passed along, 
 
 Since you began to raise your tops, 
 
 A broiitl and leafy throng '^ 
 
 Your sires were they above the 
 
 ground 
 When Rome's primeval race 
 Commenced their arduous struggle, 
 Time's historic page to grace? 
 Bpeak ! for your time has come at last 
 When down' your race must cease, 
 For I have heard the axeman's ring- 
 That makes your race give place. 
 
 Thus passed the time between them 
 
 all, 
 Nor flnished was the contest quite 
 To break the charm each friend was 
 
 loth 
 Till passed the evening into night. 
 
 The breeze now freshened, another 
 
 care 
 Attracts those who contestants were, 
 And to make rejidy all prepare, 
 And soon aroused, were all astir. 
 
 E^IBAUKIM^ ON LAKE 
 
 ONTARIO. 
 
 St. George's pennant rises high 
 But the lirst time in western sky ; 
 As from th(^- barge of voyageur^ 
 Rapids all passed, and now s(^cure 
 Steps one, who not afraid of danger. 
 More to the barge than brig'sa stran- 
 ger. 
 
 Promptly the anchor up they hie, 
 The winds in favor quickly"^ fly ; 
 Swiftly passed is *Desalle's stone fort, 
 Once the explorers famed resort ; 
 Nor dreams of India fllled the mind, 
 By him alas ! too soon designed. 
 As the staunch vessel onwardflies, 
 What charming land before us lies ? 
 "Prince Edward's" that, the guide 
 
 replied, 
 Nor maps have yet that fact denied. 
 
 * Now Kingston. '~ 
 
CANADA SEVENTY YEARS AGO, OR 
 
 The day passed on, witli it declined 
 'IMie favor of the, eastern wind ; 
 At hist th(^ moon takes np her place, 
 Does the nei'^'hborin'if islets favorinii; 
 
 fifrace ; 
 Charniiii},'' abode forchieftain'sdau<i^h- 
 
 ter, 
 Those trees anion^ that g-row from 
 
 water, t 
 
 The ni^dit breeze freshening- from the 
 
 land, 
 Causes once more sails to expand, 
 \n early morning'- dawns before 
 Tlie barrier of an opposinj^ shore. 
 The fleecy clouds slowly expand. 
 And shows a creek "with cleare-d 
 
 land. 
 An easteri' swell had raised the sea. 
 Which now the son of Neptuue'd 
 
 iiee ; 
 
 A ready bar^^e their wants supply, 
 boon up a quiel pond ihey ply, 
 A settler prompt as words arise, 
 A knowledge of the land supplies 
 
 ORIGIN OF ''SMOKY 
 HOLLOW" 
 
 Imposed }0U have illustrious guest a 
 
 task 
 To raise with feeble means oblivion s 
 
 mask, 
 And of a country tell so illy known, 
 A settlement that but twelve years 
 
 hath grown. 
 
 Hard is the task you lay, but then 
 I must the trials of heroic men 
 Uelate, of those who toiled this land to 
 
 make, 
 For which their pleasant home they 
 
 did forsake. 
 
 To clear the woods and make of 
 deserts wild, 
 
 Of ''forest deserts" where the sun ne'er 
 smiled, 
 
 A peopled country, op'ed to the ex- 
 panse of heaven. 
 
 Filled with the bounteous fruits by 
 Providence given^. 
 
 t Toronto 
 
 And how of old when i' ranee > power 
 liose iu the north n A towiinis tho 
 
 south did pour, 
 GamsL wliom ? Up to our rangers 
 
 then, 
 Scoured the dark woods a band of 
 
 venturous men. 
 
 Hcv,- with each Nova Scotia's 
 
 son, 
 The early contest seawards was begun, 
 Would favoriiii; time allow to tell 
 What deeds of daring them betel. 
 
 Sidlice if, if from so great a tiieme 
 i taKe an humbler part, nor shame, it 
 
 deem, 
 'J'o tell of a small spot and of a little 
 
 hand 
 Who came and settled 'mung- the first 
 
 the land ; 
 I'erliups enlarge and on the subject 
 
 draw, 
 And tt 11 of all we heard, or read, or 
 
 saw. 
 
 In Mohawk's large and fertile vale, 
 A German race the llats assail, 
 Whose quiet habits you may trace 
 From traditions of the ancestral race ; 
 Among the friends of Britain's name, 
 A veteran band from eastward came, 
 And "Butler's Bangers" was their 
 
 name. 
 Much has been said and more might 
 
 siiU 
 Of what they've done, both good and 
 
 ill; 
 I lack the time, had I the will 
 Them to unfold, am therefore still. 
 
 Of all the land they took the pick, 
 Where, 'twixt high banks tliere runs 
 
 this creek, 
 On chosen spot, foundation lays, 
 And each one's house together raise. 
 
 From deep woods towards un'customd 
 
 skies 
 A hamlet's smoke doth quickly rise ; 
 Soon in the wilds new scenes appear. 
 Where once the beech his top did rear, 
 Now levelled to the ground they are, 
 And the rich earth obeys man's labor- 
 
 mg care. 
 
8 
 
 PRINCE Edward's visit to Niagara. 
 
 When now the din of war is o'er, 
 And their hands no more imbrued in 
 
 gore. 
 They quiet settled, raised large shoals 
 
 of boys, 
 Whose simple lives replete with wild 
 
 wood joys. 
 
 The old me)i settled down, their life 
 No more with trees they wage unequal 
 
 strife ; 
 But whether 't was from huge fires 
 
 raised, 
 Which caused the new ones to be 
 
 amazed : 
 Or whether from their pipes, as some 
 
 do say 
 That from the door or chimney 
 
 wends its way ; 
 l]e't as it may, the people give the 
 
 name 
 Of "Smoky Hollow," not without its 
 
 fame. 
 
 The women spnt to pass the day, 
 The children 'neatli the trees do play, 
 And ruial toil with rural joy. 
 The cheerlul time of all employ. 
 
 — ""^"^^S^Slf/.^— 
 
 P^RT II. 
 
 VISIT TO NIAGARA, 
 
 With gracious thanks the Prince re- 
 plied, 
 
 And tokens worthy, more supplied. 
 
 The eastern Avincl had chang-ecl to 
 north, 
 
 Tossed were thel)illowsin their wrath. 
 
 He who had steered upon the ocean 
 His ship, now felt the wild commo- 
 tion 
 While buffetting- opposing- wind, 
 The light of day had ne'er declined. 
 
 When winding- round a point once 
 
 more, 
 They see an opening- in the shore, 
 Bri(^fly conflicting- waves oppose, 
 And then the barque find calm repose 
 
 A g-reeting- on the land they find. 
 To which they were not disinclined ; 
 The liospitality of their host they test, 
 Nor ar(^ due' iionors spared their 
 guest. 
 
 A friendly table broad is laid, 
 And dainties from afar displayed. 
 The forest did its game afford. 
 Rich venison crowned the ample board. 
 
 The friendly greeting hand first 
 shook. 
 
 The feast the royal toast partook. 
 
 The night with dance and cards dis- 
 poser. 
 
 And daylight dawned before repose 
 
 The morn had brought them from 
 
 the fort. 
 Where stor<!d within its ample halls. 
 Spoils of the traders wiio there resor. 
 For safety to its staunch stone wallst 
 
 Where naval men before resort. 
 In council grave the Governor sat, 
 Nor had the council raised yet. 
 Debating on the iiew Land Grant. 
 
 Nor they alone, the the Indian band. 
 To meet their easterri friends resort. 
 Together with one heart and hand, 
 The title to their land support. 
 
 The Governor sat to say a word, 
 Respectful stood they all. 
 Completely still was every sound 
 In that debating hall. 
 
CANADA SEVENTY YEARS AGO, OB 
 
 You left your home and country, 
 The land where you were born, 
 The happy land of childhood, 
 Of manhood's early dawn. 
 
 The rock-clothed, grassy hills, 
 The waving corn-grown plain, 
 Where naught reached you of the ills 
 Which now to you remaj n. 
 
 And well you summed the cost, 
 You would not bear the ready taunt 
 Nor brook, when all was lost, 
 To have the scornful linger cast. 
 
 Tory is he from old and young, 
 Expressed with laugh and jeer ; 
 The thought that through your strong 
 
 frames run 
 Was not the thought of fear. 
 
 Then to the wilds and to the stream 
 Your precious charge you trust, 
 And look unto the western realms 
 For the reward that's due the just. 
 
 Towards them and their dark isles 
 
 then 
 You cast your troubled, anxious ken, 
 And feeling that to keep you up 
 You need all— be vigorous men. 
 
 Butler Johnson, with you I leave 
 Claus, Tenbroeck ancl Paulding too, 
 I trust in friendship you'll remain. 
 And each to all prove true. 
 
 Wait yet I fear mjr trusty friends 
 When all finished in our cause, 
 The differences of settlers 
 Oft will cause to break the laws. 
 
 Give ye my friends the Sheriff aid. 
 Regard ye his command. 
 The laws when made must be obeyed, 
 Then lend a helping hand 
 
 Nor fear in want to suffer here. 
 For barges still will ply 
 Up every creek, up every pond. 
 Your wants they shall supply. 
 
 I now toward our new bourne tend. 
 Beverly, Fay, Jones with me, 
 Brant now, once Johnson's friend, 
 Our firm and staunch ally. 
 
 A shout arose from the brave band, 
 A shout that rent the skies. 
 And towards the chief who rose, 
 Alike were turned all eyes. 
 
 Simcoe's Mangers. 
 
 A gregarious crowd around the door 
 With various surmises the scene re- 
 hearse. 
 They filled the ample court before, 
 And of the coming grants discourse. 
 
 Fiercer now the contest wore, 
 For Simcoe's about to take his way 
 Westward, to lay out acres more, 
 And make the acres broad his follow- 
 ers pay. 
 
 A noise is heard, a settler calls, 
 A hurrying here and there they come, 
 Adown the stairs andthrough the hall, 
 Still'd was the sound and hushed the 
 hum. 
 
 Nor pageant's wont to grace the scene, 
 Nor men with lace, scarlet and blue, 
 Staffmen and voyageurs I ween. 
 All wait, the great man's will to do. 
 
 But first in visiige doth appear, 
 A veteran band in martial mien. 
 Their steeds are poor, tarnished 
 
 their gear; 
 But rare a goodlier band is seen. 
 
 He passed on until the serried band 
 Before the house had met his eye. 
 Saluting with uplifted hand, v. 
 
 With eye elate, which all did spy. 
 
 He turned and spoke one other word, 
 Kespectful stood they all. 
 And as he spoke there could be heard 
 The noiseless pin drop fall. 
 
 Companions of my arms, he said, 
 1 know the hardships that ye bear, 
 1 know the heart that keeps you up, 
 1 know the men ye are. 
 
 But now towards the west I go, 
 J^ or you my friends new land to bear, 
 And for my faithful followers, so 
 New and happy homes prepare. 
 
 First to the Mohawk station 
 With 1 'ankets a good store. 
 Nor ever yet has Britain's band 
 Forgot the Sagamore. 
 
 The pressing crowd the chief sur- 
 rounds, 
 
 Sympathetic glances cast. 
 
 And make the neighboring banks 
 resound 
 
 With shouts, that echoing last. 
 
10 
 
 PRINCE Edward's visit to Niagara. 
 
 He mounts and westward takes his way 
 The loud huzza from the veteran band 
 Arose, and all him heard do pray 
 Success attend bold Simcoe's hand. 
 
 For H brave man was "Simcoe," 
 And a brave band were they, 
 iStrive they till the strife is o'er, 
 And then the work rei)ay. 
 
 They felt the toils of war require 
 From one that doth command 
 Returns, and well did Simcoe pay 
 The true devotion of his band. 
 
 For soldiers tig-ht and soldiers die. 
 Till they decide the day, 
 And then the sword into a ploug^h, 
 The speai- a hook make they. 
 
 — f».'<^#3^? 
 
 P^RT III. 
 
 JO I AGE UP THE lilVEU 
 
 N^iagara, may 1, as I onward g-o, 
 
 My verse like thee in smoother num- 
 bers I'low, 
 
 Oatch the refrection of thy azure 
 wave, 
 
 Some truth recall, and from oblivion 
 save. 
 
 Observation from the realm of mind, 
 
 Suggested and in this task de- 
 signed. 
 
 Increase the interest, and attention 
 
 , g:ain, 
 
 • As voyag-ing onward we reach the 
 boundless main. 
 
 into a strong raiment broug-ht. 
 
 And like a garment of tine tissue 
 
 wrought, 
 Or built on nature's g-round, consist- 
 
 tence gain, 
 And of a nation's birth a monument 
 
 remain. 
 
 A people's chronicles, compared how 
 small, 
 
 Like the lirst streamlet of thy mig^htv 
 ftiU, 
 
 (yonvincc the mind and stir the sym- 
 pathies, 
 
 (>atch thy reflection from the azure 
 skies. 
 
 The impression stamped as vivid, but 
 
 as true 
 As thy far font, beyond the Huron 
 
 blue, 
 
 Nor at the present we alone remain, 
 liut like thee travel till we reach the 
 
 mam. 
 
 At leng-th n barge the party reached, 
 , To mount the stream each nerve was 
 I stretched. 
 
 And when the centre flood was g-ained. 
 
 Slow progi'css upward they attained ; 
 
 Why was't? The same spot on the 
 
 shore 
 Added regret to them the more ; 
 And when imY)atience forced to wait. 
 Reproached the current with their 
 
 fate. 
 
 Th(; barg-e propelled by laboring oar 
 Glides by itself along- the shore, 
 The change at once awakes surprise, 
 The (luestion and reply arise. 
 
 The guide at hand to his desires. 
 The knowledge! gives that he requires; 
 Tlie current passing downward ever 
 13y opposing points is turned up river. 
 
 Where doth this chasm vast disclose J^ 
 Where issuing out, the water flows, 
 A whirlpool sweeps with noiseless 
 
 mi^lit. 
 That stoutest hearts it mig-ht aflfrig'ht. 
 
 For tree or barque within its eddy 
 Sails round and round in circles 
 
 steady. 
 And oncein this, the shore ag^ain. 
 Your bark nor vou shall e'er attain. 
 
CANADA SEVENTY YEARS AGO, OR 
 
 11 
 
 t'oi't y iuyai'U 100 Ye(it:s Ago 
 
 The sun was rising-, and the hour 
 When thouijht exerts its maij^ic power, ; 
 His rays cast on Niag-ara's banks | 
 Kevealed its trees in neig-hborinj^ ' 
 ranks. i 
 
 The cloud of distant cataract g-ave i 
 I5ack to the sig-ht a scene less g-rave. ! 
 Edward, who yet had much to learn 
 Of wild woods, stands upon the stern. 
 
 Ardent and bold the ocean's child 
 He'd trust the deep, and shun the 
 
 wild ; 
 His friend and g^uide those thoughts 
 
 opined, 
 Then to remove hisskill designed. 
 
 See you where trees less dense in 
 
 ranks. 
 Betoken clearing's on the banks. 
 To one like this we turn our prow, 
 Patiently wait, we g-o not now. 
 
 Wait till I tell you how we fought, 
 And g-ave the P'rench their final rout, 
 Niagara round leagured we stand, 
 Decided at the Chief's command. 
 
 Now as July passed quickly by. 
 And "Sol" darts arrows from the sky; 
 And when men look in vain for aid 
 The dubious trial of the sword as- 
 sayed. 
 
 How lined in ranks promptly they try 
 The issue ; then the Frenchnu^n fly 
 Back to their fort, and then; 
 Await the verdict of protacted war. 
 
 And then tin; sun the scene illumed. 
 And then our forc(i the siege r(;suuied; 
 At length the aid long looked for 
 
 comes ; 
 No greeting shout, no beating drums; 
 
 But stealthily their guile pursue. 
 The fort to gain, and shun our view. 
 The sentinel of outpost stands, 
 With gun reclining in his hands ; 
 
 A crack is heard from neighboring 
 
 wood, 
 His ear it catches, that bodes no good, 
 It is the deer— listless he droops. 
 Nor heeds the approach of hostile 
 
 troops. 
 
 A pause ensues, and there is heard 
 
 no more, 
 Naught but the sound of cataract's 
 
 roar, 
 His thoughts are wandering forth 
 
 afar, 
 To Mohawk's banks, where naught's 
 
 of war ; 
 The solemn music to his ear 
 Seems like the tread was used to hear. 
 
 Ere war was earnest, and idle boys 
 To train were wont, with boisterous 
 
 noise ; 
 And all the neighborhood resort. 
 To enjoy a day of country sport. 
 
 The clouds break off, the wind once 
 
 more 
 Drives inwaixl to the neighboring 
 
 shore. 
 They seem to drive those trees along, 
 Like them a dense and serried throng 
 A cannon from the fort awakes his 
 
 trance. 
 Before him sees themarshal'd hosts of 
 
 France. 
 He from the bark to shore^oth land. 
 And following goes thei)ortage band, 
 The J^alls not yet had met his eyes. 
 The voyage pursuing, Edward hies. 
 
 Fife- Hater <nid Falling 
 H (Iter. 
 
 I'orward the word, portage half 
 
 passed, 
 And men and oxen painfully tasked; 
 When nea ring now the catai-act meet 
 A denizen of the woods complete. 
 Accosted fair, the wild man stood. 
 And half laid off his savage mood. 
 When we, the red men, held command, 
 Silence prevailed o'er all the land. 
 Nor scared the wild bird from the 
 
 wave. 
 Nor ceased the deer his sides to lave. 
 The whit(^ man trod along the way, 
 xVnd then was drove our game away; 
 Their constant passing by the flood ; 
 Deprived us of our ample food • 
 The buffalo binds he to his load, 
 And trails trees on where once men 
 
 trod. 
 
 You see those bleached Iwnes through 
 
 the wood ! 
 The renmants of the buzzard's food : 
 
12 
 
 PRINCE EDWARDS VISIT TO NIAGARA. 
 
 We met them once on their careless 
 
 way, 
 And then our wr ngfs did amply pay. 
 The sight was that the blood to ft'eeze, 
 And yet the savag^e seemed to please. 
 As spake his form, delate with pride. 
 The voyag-eur's load he casual spied; 
 Kegs with their stores, along the track 
 Were borne in wagons, and on hack. 
 
 Was changed the native of the soil, 
 As gazing on the voyag^er's toil. 
 "Fire-water" up the billows came, 
 Have scarcely left us now a nanu> ? 
 [f with you came this pest not here 
 We would not now so disappear ; 
 Our greatest foe made us forlorn, 
 A nation by its breath is gone. 
 Finished his speech, his gun he takes 
 And through the woods quick steps 
 
 he makes ; 
 And like his race whose end so near. 
 Through the dark woods to disappear. 
 
 As forwar(iof his convoy goes, 
 The presence of a fall he knows. 
 Needless to say surprise, not wonder, 
 A mountain seemed as torn asunder, 
 Like a vision before him pass(!d, 
 The scene upon his ey«^ so vast. 
 
 Resounding flood, surrounding wood. 
 Astonished as at distance stood- - 
 When iirst to traveller's anxious eyes 
 Appeared this fall vast thoughts 
 arise. 
 
 Forgive if to his 'stonished ken 
 More grand ap])eared the cataract 
 
 then ; 
 Forgive if as too careless pass'd 
 The Iirst explorer's views were vast. 
 
 The convt3y came, the camp they 
 
 make. 
 And of a irenerous supper take ; 
 Then (iaeli one's course hedoes pursue. 
 And sepu-ate round the Falls they 
 
 view, 
 
 A ladder of a pire tree made, 
 To reacii the foot affords its aid, 
 They ni'.-r before the like did see. 
 Till tluMi, such grandeur, all agree. 
 
 Back to Ninffara and Willi 
 Flowers, 
 
 I^ate in the day the company find 
 The clearing past in woods that it 
 
 confin'd. 
 As now the escort to the wood 
 Parting, upon the clearing stood. 
 Struck at all sights when all are rare, 
 And idly sauntering here and there. 
 
 And backwards turned along the 
 
 road. 
 No more in clearing friends are 
 
 heard. 
 It contained a cottage hid with green ; 
 Tho' humble, admired was the scene. 
 The cottage all that summer day 
 Detained the company. And away 
 Scarce could the pleasant party break, 
 And onward still their journey take. 
 
 Long at the landing lay the barge, 
 Long there his crew true to their 
 
 chai'ge ; 
 And still it seemed as if a spell 
 Had bound him and to say farewell, 
 still so hard, he could not tell. 
 
 Why 
 
 You ask a bouciuet to bestow 
 
 Of flowers that in our wilds do grow, 
 
 When summer cheers the glorious 
 
 scene 
 With bl ossoms interspersed with green 
 
 Accept this simple nosegay here, 
 From one not distant would appear. 
 No perfumed flowers give I to you. 
 Our flow(;rs are scentless but yet true; 
 They smell but slight, but yet they 
 
 show 
 As deep a dye as those you grow. 
 Despise not the productions of the 
 
 wild. 
 The cultivated man was once a child. 
 H"this, my floral gift, should please, 
 A liberty allow to add with these ; 
 As the y may meet due favor' in your 
 
 eyes, 
 A sentiment convciyed may also prize. 
 So self-denying acts may move. 
 And approbation follow fruits of love. 
 Grant me the wish, as summer crowns 
 
 the year 
 Changes' flower to fruit the sight to 
 
 cheer. 
 As the revolving sejison onward flows, 
 A winter garnished with richest fruit 
 
 that grows. 
 
CANADA SEVENTY YEARS AGO. 
 
 IS 
 
 The day was breaking, and the time 
 When nature shows in all her prime, 
 And Edward now the journey o'er, 
 Wished through wilds he'd wander 
 
 more. 
 Musing thus he inward spake, 
 Shall commercial toils this silence 
 
 brea ? 
 Thought oft how men would down the 
 
 spell, 
 And business on the affections tell. 
 
 Then from the camp ere "Sol" arose 
 To break the scene of deep repose ; 
 There appeared a tenant of the wild 
 Along the bank, free nature's child, 
 From the high steep she quickly sped 
 And reached the fort with agile tread. 
 
 Surprised and pleased he views once 
 
 more 
 The siren of the day before 
 As quick she pass'd, who art thou, 
 
 maid ? 
 Sir William's daughter, sir, she said. 
 Retarded, brief her onward speed. 
 And to his short discourse gave heed. 
 Where go ye now ? where do ye hie ? 
 To Brant's quarters was the reply ; 
 Where they prepare the warlike feat, 
 And give our father's son a treat. 
 From thence go to the "Miami," 
 From thence to the Auglaize ; 
 Where lit up is the council tires 
 Our Indian bands to raise. 
 
 A sigh escaped— he said no more. 
 This very day I leave your shore. 
 Never to see this land again, 
 I take my passage o'er the main. 
 My Progeny may view this land, 
 I ne'er again shall press your strand. 
 One look she gave, the "traveller" 
 
 learned 
 The interest he had early earned. 
 He lingers— saddened at the the 
 
 thought, 
 And loth to break the feelings wrought. 
 
 Not long he mused until the sound 
 Arose from sleeping tents around 
 Of a hasty meal despatch is made, 
 And to return the troops arrayed. 
 
 Depfirturc bt/ Lake and 
 
 The farewell taken, the partmg o'er. 
 Adieus returned from boat to shore : 
 As they upon the billows bound, 
 Strains like this from shore resound. 
 
 Frail bark, my heart beats in pity for 
 
 thee, 
 Unknowing the fate thou mayest see. 
 With bustle and shouting, with run- 
 ning and noise. 
 Your attention engages and youi* 
 
 time employs ; 
 But when all is finished, the whit*' 
 
 sail ye raise. 
 And you cast on the land the last 
 
 parting gaze, 
 You think of the dangers to your far 
 
 distant home. 
 Talk of its comforts when no mor»» 
 
 you will roam. 
 The gulf lies between you with its 
 
 dreary alarms, 
 The perils of ice and its dark winter 
 
 storms, ^ 
 
 But trust ye in Providence, He will 
 
 procure 
 A landing of safety, a haven secure, 
 The pathway of honor still may you 
 
 pursue, 
 More enduring than power will it 
 
 prove to you ; 
 An obelisk firmer than brass will b«^ 
 
 found, 
 A name than emblazoned more ample 
 
 resound. 
 
 (^ 
 
 to 
 
14 
 
 CANADA SEV?:NTY YEARS AGO OR 
 
 Canada, 
 
 A national l)allad for the Dominion 
 iixhihition at St. John's, N. B., Apl 
 1*1, 1883, hold in coinincnior.-ition of 
 1 he, first settlement of the Ani(!rican 
 Loyalists there one hundred years 
 
 !\<^0. 
 
 "To Old LaiiirSyne. 
 
 in 
 
 
 To The Ejmtor or thi' .Star : 
 
 Dear Sir. -I make no apolo^^-y 
 sending" you lu^-ewith a few yerscs 
 whieh were i)ul)lis]ied at the time 
 when the Dominion Kxhi))ition was 
 )catedat over most distant boundary. 
 The objeet was cfl'eeted with consider- 
 able expense to the Dominion. The 
 trouble and cost incurred were eoii- 
 s{d(;red amply compensated for by 
 the union of its people r.nd brother- 
 hood that the g'atiierin<^'' at that phice 
 one hundred years after the settle- 
 ment of the American I'cfu^'c.'es would 
 produce. It lixfd for all time that 
 historical cjjoch from which dates the^ 
 jrrowth and expansion ctf our Domin- 
 ion. You will also observe that the 
 Alanitoba <lirticulty had beg-unat that 
 time by \n<2:h duties on a;^'ricultural 
 im])]ements and the railway monop- 
 oly, the latter now so auspiciously set 
 at" rest. J. P. Si. 
 
 We're h<u-e froniNi^va Scotia's coast, 
 And from St. Lawrence banks; 
 
 We're hcrcan Eastern Province host 
 A band of anrple ranks. 
 
 From Erie and Lake Huron, 
 
 And from Superior, 
 CoUonial sch(Mnin<*- won't fit on; 
 
 A Band at one we are. 
 
 Manitoba is our sister, 
 
 Assinaboia yet, 
 Alberta, we'd" have missed her, 
 
 Columbia don't forg-et. 
 
 All B. A.'s heritag'c we claim, 
 
 No pivoting Aviil do; 
 Native decent, we'r all the same, 
 
 And I hntons througli and through. 
 
 From La belle France we did procure, 
 
 T!;' people taking lead, 
 Curiors de bois .ond voyag-eur, 
 
 Who supplied America's need. 
 
 As the Spaniai'ds did before tiieni, 
 
 As did the Portug-uese; 
 But British settlert- soon caught u]». 
 
 And pasjiial them by deg-rees. 
 
 Distanced wei'o all rival, when 
 
 A home issu»! we'd to try, 
 Concoi'd's rash act aroused our men. 
 
 Who to their standards fly. 
 
 In that war of revolution. 
 
 When our ancestci-s were tried. 
 
 The C?'.nadians proved loyal, 
 And stood up for our side 
 
 Then in the war of 1812 
 
 VVe never can forget, 
 No one in point of difference delve 
 
 We as true allies met. 
 
 Tn man>';! >" hind well foug'ht field, 
 AVIiichshi'v turhcMrts ins])ii'e. 
 
 Men of l)oth races scorned to yield. 
 Or from g"i'e.'it odds re; ire. 
 
 First intiie ivo'-s of fanu;, 
 
 Exalted Vn ^ > '.-:i. stands. 
 Placing next him iIk; n;,me 
 
 Sheiffe equal fame demands. 
 
 Dc Salisl)ury to the foi'e, 
 (rlory with each remained, 
 
 AVith many loyal heroes more 
 Morrison and Drummond stftnd. 
 
 How can one name the record o'er 
 Or all their deeds rcheal•^^e, 
 
 To tell of thousands gone befor(! 
 Would exhaust the powem of verse. 
 
 Those who froir Europe sail away 
 Who leave thtur par(;nt state, 
 
 If when they come to our N. A. 
 Will join to make us g-reat. 
 
 A welcome we to them extend 
 The hand to friendship give, 
 
 And help them their affairs to mend, 
 Our motto, " live and let live," 
 
 And here we pledg-e to native kin 
 Who met on Carleton's height, 
 
 Though rebels in the fray may win 
 Petition we for right. 
 
 J. P. Merritt. 
 
 ( 
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PRINCE EDWARDS VISIT TO NIAGARA. 
 
 15 
 
 Ode on Opening Victcria Bridge ■ 
 
 [Vrillen bij Mr. J. i\ Merrill, and 
 Piibits/ted Jul// iOl/i, 1860. 
 
 Who believes wliat !5;iys the press, 
 Their atlairs are iii a iiie>,s ; 
 Have the (iraiid Tru\ik iiispcetors 
 Said "stop" lO the directors. 
 
 No, their troubles tiiey are small, 
 111 iact, just none at all; 
 If ihey could but discover 
 Their true terminus is Vancover. 
 
 Run the steam horse throui»-ii the land 
 Tid he paw the yolden sand; 
 From the bridge pass on the word, 
 Till in Victoria it is heard. 
 
 When Pacitic we a[)pear, 
 There is uaug-ht we n(!ed to fear; 
 Our friends, should they desert us, 
 Enemies would not hurt us. 
 
 A companion they would rank it, 
 Join Pacitic with Atlantic, 
 2s'ova Scotia St John, 
 De Fucian'd be upon. 
 
 NewEng'land and Greenlandcr 
 JoinCanuclv and Michij^aii^^-er, 
 Where the Dutch and .Jaiiaueese 
 Would both strive for us to please. 
 
 When the Frenchman and the Russian 
 Wliich in peace wutdd l)e the hrstone, 
 Keep to work, then, give us rail- 
 Never say the word-- we. fail. 
 
 (rive us through lakes a boat, 
 That on it our trade may float; 
 
 it the outlay be to large, 
 
 We'll put Up iirstly witii the barge. 
 
 Never sto])till the golden sand 
 is spanned from Newfoundland, 
 That once in our command. 
 Shout, Columbia, the grand. 
 
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 r^ 
 
 MR. MERRI1TAS A POET. 
 
 To the Editor of the News. 
 
 Dear Sik,— It is one of the curious 
 phases of modern society that we often fail 
 to appreciate that which is worthy of ad- 
 miration in nature, in art and literature, 
 simply because we find it spread out to 
 view at our very doors, or eminating from 
 those with whom we come in contact con- 
 tinually. We seem tacitly to consent to 
 the proposition, that nothing is worth more 
 than a passing thought, unless it comes to 
 us with all the prestige of a foreign name, 
 or is se n beneath tlie light of skies rather 
 than our own. These thoughts are sug- 
 gested by an occurence which has lately 
 taken place in our very midst. Probably 
 few of your readers are aware that there 
 exists amonm us a real live poet, a gentle- 
 man not entirely unknown as an author, 
 who is devoting a large portion of his leis- 
 ure time, and the full powers of a grand 
 intellect and richly cultivated taste, to the 
 poetic art. I refer to J. P. Merritt Esq. 
 It will be remembered that a short time 
 ago he composed a national ballad entitled 
 "Ho! for Manitoba." This poem, for 
 such it really was. though its author, with 
 charagteristic modesty, forbears to give it 
 so high sounding a title, appeared in your 
 columns and was also freely circulated on 
 printed slips about the city. I have no 
 doubt that many read it with the same 
 profound interest and gratification as my- 
 self; and that they joined with me in 
 wishing that it might not be the last of 
 such productions with which we should 
 be favored. 
 
 NATIONAL. BALLAD. 
 
 HO! For M.\NlTOBA. 
 
 Written by Mr. J. P. Merritt, and publish- 
 ed March i8th, 1880. 
 {To the air of "Canadian Boat Song.") 
 The winter's past and nearly o'er 
 The period of the ice King's power, 
 His mantle white he now removes. 
 And bids farewell to fields and groves. 
 Rude Boreas from his northern caves 
 Ceases to fasten the dark blue waves ; 
 The "Blizzard" seldom now appears. 
 And when he does his presence cheers. 
 
 Why should we yet our land upturn, 
 There's nothing from it for us to earn, 
 The tax absorbs the gathered store. 
 Which from our labours should be more, 
 Law fees tax anew our gains, 
 And scarce a competence remains : 
 The times are hard— naught's to be done, 
 Men are galzing towards the setting sun. 
 
 Thousands piuron like a human sea, 
 
 The fore-runners of millions yet to be. 
 
 Of America's land, give me the VVes», 
 
 For of all America, its the best. 
 
 Who gets to the favored strand, 
 
 Has the first choice of the good land ! 
 
 Brothers arise, shake off dull sloth. 
 
 And show the world you're men of worth 
 
 Our fathers from the east wa id came, 
 And established here a worthy name. 
 They lound a wilderness more diear, 
 For it of trees they had to clear. 
 No steamer ploughed the watery waste. 
 On toot their fate they had to taste ; 
 Far from brotherhood had they, 
 To spend in solitude many a day. 
 
 Long tilling has our lands made poor, 
 
 And scarce keeps want out from the door. 
 
 On the produce we have to raise, 
 
 The dainty purchaser will hardly gaze. 
 
 The mart so distant that it wears 
 
 The profit out of all our cares ; 
 
 What remedy best may prove. 
 
 If not like them westward to move. 
 
 'Tis a land of rivers, lakes and seas, 
 A land the heart of man to please. 
 Where undeveloped riches lay. 
 By your art to be brought away. 
 Broad lands are waving with tall grass. 
 Let not the favoring summer pass, 
 Up brothers, move, the rail will come, 
 Bringing business with its varying hum. 
 
 If a commerce in the world you claim. 
 Let the sea of Canada be your aim. 
 For nearer than by Hudson's River, 
 Your wheat you can by the bay deliver. 
 Though ice islands bar the way. 
 That you're stopped by them let no man 
 
 say. 
 When for the famished nations there. 
 Their food you industriously prepare. 
 
 Then haste, and boldly breast the storm, 
 Where you've this duty to perform. 
 On Hudson's affluents you must ride, 
 Whate'er hardships doth betide. 
 The furs that warm, the lights that cheer, 
 Belong unto the land that's drear. 
 The seas that 'round the icy pole. 
 In dazzling billows that do roll, 
 
 Are filled with riches in their depth. 
 And by your barks they must be swept. 
 Whence the dog hitched to the gliding car 
 Fetches the treasures that there are. 
 Drive brothers, drive, the road is long. 
 Who takes the journey must be strong ; 
 With pole to push and rope to tow. 
 Partly up rapids you must go. 
 
 you'll soon escape the seething river, 
 pouring its current down forever ; 
 3Ut entering in you'll find the rest, 
 
18 
 
 With which the pioneer is blessed. 
 It is not for men to stay and wait. 
 Repining at their harder fate, 
 Row brothers, row, the tide rolls on, 
 The time to enter is not long. 
 
 Mr. Merritt's active brain seems almost 
 to have anticipated our desires. Scarcely 
 havewe taken in all the beauties of his first 
 attempt when he delights us with a second. 
 
 "Ontario" is the title of the ballad of 
 which I now speak. In all that is beauti- 
 ful in rythm and sentiment, it, if possible, 
 exceeds "Ho! for Manitoba," and with 
 your permission I wish to point out some 
 of the attractions, which in my humble 
 opinion, entitle it to a favorable consider- 
 ation at the hands of the reading public. 
 
 All must admire the manner in which 
 the author plunges at once into the midst 
 of his subject. There is no long intro- 
 duction. He does not weary us with a 
 tedious paraphrase. How clearly the 
 scene is presented to our minds in the 
 opening words "The hot weather's come." 
 We realize the fact at once. The ther- 
 mometer of our imagination registers 120 
 in an instant. An irresistable desire to 
 lay aside our coat attacks us, and the ac- 
 companying expression, "the solstice is 
 past," adds very much to the impression 
 already created. It may be urged that, 
 unless distinctly articulated, the phrase 
 will sound like "the hot weather scum," 
 and thus be rendered somewhat ambigu- 
 ous, but this is an error too trifling to be 
 seriously considered. Having thus, to use 
 his own figure, warmed to his subject, Mr. 
 Merritt proceeds to describe the appear- 
 ance of tne country in the season of which 
 he writes. It is seldom that we find ac- 
 curate and vivid description combined 
 with perfect rythm and meter. This diffi- 
 cult task is here performed with consumate 
 ease. As a pointed illustration of so re- 
 markable a command of language, allow 
 me to commend the following couplet : 
 
 'Tempered the south wind gently breathes 
 Heats the dark soil and warms the waves. 
 
 Then comes a glowing account of the 
 natural resources of our country, upon 
 which subject Mr. Merritt's well known 
 fund of information enables him to speak 
 authoritatively. He says: 
 
 "The tax being paid land has in store, 
 Which well improved will bring us more." 
 
 This, of course, is not an original thought 
 and I do not for a moment suppose that 
 the writer claims for it any such distinc- 
 tion, yet his manner of putting things is 
 so fresh and racy that even an old idea is 
 presented to us with a force almost equal 
 
 to that which an entirely new one produces. 
 Mr. Merritt next touches upon the 
 
 (iresent exodus to the United States This 
 le does rot regard as the ground of any 
 serious apprehension, but attributes it en- 
 tirely to the roving disposition of a certain 
 class of the community, and cc)nsoles us 
 with the prophetic declaration, that 
 
 "When times are better they'll return. 
 Bringing the harvest they may earn." 
 
 He is however, a true patriot, and the 
 intense love of country which possesses 
 his soul, will not allow him to endure 
 even this temporary exile with equanimity, 
 and he immediately after breaks into a 
 pathetic appeal to his departing country- 
 men, that heart must be hard indeed, 
 which can resist the power of words like 
 these : 
 
 "Brothers, remain, be not in haste, 
 Perhaps of better time you'll taste " 
 
 The main theme of the poem is, however, 
 Ontario and its capabilities, and to this 
 the author again returns. He tells us 
 
 "Ours is the land of inland seas. 
 Whose waters seldom if ever freeze." 
 
 I very much doubt if this geographical 
 % fact has heretofore received the attention 
 its importance demands. Many pernaps, 
 have a vague idea that such was the case, 
 but how few fully realize its consequence 
 from a national point of view. Just think 
 of it, Canada, a land of inland seas, and 
 these seas seldom if ever frozen over, what 
 possibilities lie before us as a people ? not 
 only so, but these are seas, 
 
 "Whose depths abound with lucious fish, 
 Which we may draw out if we wish " 
 
 It must be borne in mind that a certain 
 amount of poetic license is here employed. 
 There are numerous instances on record 
 in which these "lucious fish" have positive- 
 ly refused to be drawn out even though 
 tempted with all the blandishments which 
 St. Catharines fishermen are won't to use. 
 
 But Mr. Merritt's admiration of the 
 natural lesources of Ontario, does not 
 cause him to lose sight of a fact too often 
 forgotten, viz. : that unceasing industry is 
 after all the only true source of wealth. 
 The soil, he remarks, , 
 
 "Though of an ample depth, 
 In good condition must be kept," 
 
 and in this connection we are struck with 
 the very practical turn of his mind. 
 Speaking ot the best means to bring about 
 the end in view, he says . 
 
 "With the trained horse our faithful 
 
 friend 
 Worked well, it will our fortune mend." 
 
19 
 
 Most writers would have contented 
 themselves with praising the fidelity of the 
 horse, or wi^uld have expatiated upon the 
 high decree of excellence to which this an- 
 imal may be brought by careful training, 
 but Mr. Merritt seizes at once upon the 
 practical idea that it must be 'worked well' 
 if anything is to be really accomplished. 
 
 Although I have already trespassed 
 largely upon your space, still I cannot re- 
 frain from giving in estinso the closing 
 stanza of this remarkable production — 
 feeling; that in no other way can justice be 
 done to its excellence : 
 
 "Let those their actions can't control. 
 Whose nerves strike fair, whose blood 
 
 doth boil, 
 Can't peaceful live, but always desire 
 To lead, and unduly do aspire. 
 Those who so high are always strung, 
 Cannot their brethren live among, 
 Let these to the States remove, 
 And their manners they'll improve. 
 
 And so say we all. If there are any 
 such in our midst let them go. Ontario 
 can spare them ; and they would doubtless 
 prove a great acquisition to the North- 
 west. 
 
 X. 
 
 , •» ONTABIO. 
 
 The hot weather's come, the solstice past, 
 Reving showers are on us cast ; 
 A mantle green was long cast o'er 
 Where white and russet were before. 
 Tempered the south wind gently breathes, 
 Heats the dark soil and warms the waves ; 
 Tornados sweep with direful force, 
 But spare us in their vengeful course. 
 
 "Why should we not our land enjoy. 
 It tilling well our time employ, 
 The tax being paid land has in stor^. 
 Which well improved will bring us mqre. 
 Keep out of law and from the charm 
 Be sure that you will take no harm, ^' 
 Times may be hard — the faithful sun 
 Adds profit to the work that's done. 
 
 Thousands a roving life pursue, 
 That they may earn their profits due ; 
 When times are better they'll return, 
 Bringing the harvest they may earn. 
 Who stays upon our fruitful soil, 
 Reaps all the profits of his toil. 
 Brothers, remain, be not in haste. 
 Perhaps of better times you'll taste. 
 
 NATIONAL BALLAD— TO SUCCEED 
 HO? FOR MANITOBA. 
 
 Our fathers landed on this strand, 
 And through three wars preserved 
 land; 
 
 the 
 
 Grown here we have an ample race. 
 
 Let's not our ancestry disgrace. 
 
 Then when we're needed, side by side, 
 
 Found are we here, whnte'er betide. 
 
 Brothers, remain, the closing year 
 
 May greet you with its accustomed cheer, 
 
 Pioneers did the land run o'er. 
 Be ours the task to till it more ; 
 Upon the grain that we may grow 
 The purchaser will cash bestow. 
 The mart, tho' distant, yet its cares 
 Needs the supply of our best wares. 
 Fruits of industry we will see, 
 So we have patience here to be. 
 
 Ours is the land of the inland seas, 
 Whose waters seldom if ever freeze, 
 Whose depths abound with lucious fish. 
 Which we may draw out if we wish. 
 Toiling in tjle straight-rowed field, 
 An abundant harvest it will yield. 
 Gracefully b<!nds the tassled corn 
 Swept by the breath of early morn. 
 
 If to grow rich your choice you claim. 
 Let an equal commerce be your aim ; 
 The same as through St. Lawrence River, 
 You may through Hudson, trade forever. 
 Though adverse factions bar the way. 
 That you're poor through them let no 
 
 man say. 
 For Europe and the people there. 
 Equally their necessaries you prepare. 
 
 Then stay— your birth-place scorn to 
 
 leave. 
 Patiently bear the ills you have. 
 Yet through the gulf your barge must 
 
 sail, 
 What o'er sea influences prevail. 
 Let's count among our own produce. 
 The furs we shoot, the oil we use. 
 Them with the products of our soil 
 Exchange for cottons and for coal, 
 
 Rich land though of an ample depth, 
 In good condition must be kept. 
 With the trained horse, our faithful friend 
 Worked well it will our fortune mend. 
 Then do not resign your favored lot, 
 But be content with what you've got. 
 Free access, too you may command 
 When concessions run by each man's land. 
 
 Let those their actions can't control. 
 Whose nerves strike fair, whose blood doth 
 
 boil, 
 Can't peaceful live but always desire 
 To lead, and unduly do aspire, 
 Those who so high are always strung, 
 Cannot their brethren live among, 
 Let these to the States remove. 
 And their manners they'll improve. 
 
to 
 
 Least your occupation go for nought, 
 Wlien you remove thetvil riot brought, 
 he like the Nile, giving her supply. 
 On the overflow of which they all rely. 
 
 Let "Philadelphus" " mild rule be 
 
 Your pattern — not Crusader "St. Louis"; 
 
 Through one the Scriptures' version we 
 
 enjoy ; 
 The other took Egypt but to destroy. 
 
 Not like Cambyces, whose all-conquering 
 
 course 
 Poured up Nile's valley his destructive 
 
 force ; 
 Waved his blood-stained banner at Thebe's 
 
 gi tes. 
 And spread destruction o'er intervening 
 
 states. 
 
 Refer all rights unto a native rule, 
 
 Nor long be Egypt the Padisha's tool ; 
 
 This advice is given fron theland whose 
 hopes 
 
 Twelve years ago revived when was with- 
 drawn the troops. 
 
 St Catharines, fan. ist, 1883. 
 
 Canada to !Ed gland. 
 
 Toronto, 25th Sept., i860, 
 
 SIR: 
 
 I have been requested by His Royal 
 Highness the Prince of Wales, His Grace 
 the Duke of Newcastle and the Earl of St. 
 Germans to express to you their heartfelt 
 pleasure in reading your beautiful poem 
 upon the visit of the Duke of Kent to Cana- 
 da seventy years ago, and as the little gem 
 was dedicated to "them they have thro' the 
 medium of some of your friends obtained 
 copies to preserve as mementos of one of 
 the happiest epochs in each of their res 
 pective lives. 
 
 Receive then, sir, the thanks ol the 
 
 Grandson and his suite. 
 
 I am your Obt. Sert., ' • 
 
 Retallack, 
 
 ' Capt. R. C. Rifles. 
 J. P. Merritt. Esq., 
 
 Post Master. •• 
 
 St. Catharines, C. W. 
 
 •For visitors of the present season. 
 
 A NEW YEAR'S GREETLXG. 
 
 The last lormed nation of the ne.v born 
 ( world, 
 
 f Whose flag of empire is not yet unfurled ; 
 ; Imperial England, where dependence 
 tends, 
 
 Thy daughter Canada this greeting sends. 
 
 All hai/ ' "Britania," mistress of the isles, 
 i Though mists obscure thee, love and beauty 
 ^ smiles, 
 
 Mother /.•/ nations, thy councils justice 
 crown, 
 ^ Thy uitluence both .ruth and peace adorn, 
 
 O'er here, the echo of the exultant tread 
 ' Of troops, through London streets is 
 scarcely sped , 
 
 Old Egypt's ca:>e has claimed thy latest 
 care. 
 
 From lust of conqaest, for thy child for- 
 bear, '^ 
 
 From Egypt of old, where lawlessneis and 
 
 strife. 
 Walked rampant and held cheap a human 
 
 ' Where feud* : iMtbiAtfiWUfcre Ihtvrl^greaV* 
 esstate. 
 And dissolution marked impending fate. 
 
 You've law restored and securely held. 
 The rights of property by all the world ; 
 For redressing this, the evil, riot wrought'. 
 Let not man say,— England was bought. 
 
 Draw off your iron monsters from theif 
 road. 
 
 * And leave the 'Fellah" free to yield his- 
 goad; 
 Temptations great; beset your future course 
 4^ To exercifie the right of "major force.'' 
 
 Possille, that two thousand miles away, 
 Throfgh your administration they can pay? 
 A pound per annum from each acre drawn, 
 Is nfore than can by any land be borne. 
 
 The sweets of the rich sugar cane, you 
 
 know, 
 But not the ardent sun that makes cane 
 
 grow : 
 Cotton, raised 00 the Indian plain you 
 
 wear. 
 But of its growth and tillage have no care. 
 
 To. plough for food, raise yam to employ 
 
 your hands. 
 Binds the attention of some other lands ;, 
 What soil and climate to your isles deny. , 
 Aggrandizement suggests, why, both m 
 
 Egypt lie. 
 
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