s held by men who have
favor with the government and who are holding to sell. Did you ever hear
of Peter Russel? When a surveying party came in, he found out from their
reports where the lots of best land were, and made out deeds to himself.
'I, Peter Russel, lieutenant-governor, etc., do grant to you, Peter
Russel,' such and such lots. If you sued the gentleman you visited this
forenoon you would lose. The court officials all have lots they expect
to turn into money and would throw every obstacle in the way. Should
your case come to trial, it would be before a judge who is a relative,
and who holds patents for thousands of acres of wild land. The condition
in their titles about cutting out roads, is like those that require a
house to be built and so many acres of land in crop before a patent is
issued. There are thousands of settlers worse off than you are, for you
say you have a sled-path to your house. The lawyer spoke candidly and
showed his sincerity and goodwill by refusing to take the fee I offered.

Oct. 20--A real cold day; fine for chopping and the sound of trees
falling was heard every hour. Wheat is growing finely. Had a talk with
Auld and Brodie at night and agreed we would improve the sled-track to
Yonge-street, seeing there was no prospect of the owner doing anything.

Oct. 22--Surprised by a message that there was a bull-plow waiting for
me at the corner-house on Yonge-street. Jabez had told Mr Bambray about
the swamp, and he sent the plow to help to bring it into cultivation.

Oct. 24--Took the plow out to the swamp, which I found pretty dry at one
side. Yoked the oxen to it and I plowed all afternoon. Felt good to grip
the stilts once more.

Oct. 29--Spent three days on the sledroad and the three families joined
in the work. Cut a great many roots, filled hollows, and felled trees
whose branches obstructed. It is now fairly smooth but far too narrow
for a wagon.

Oct. 30--Surprised by a visit from Jabez, who came on horseback. Said he
had a chance to give Gordon a few weeks' training with a carpenter. He
was not now busy himself, as the shipping season was over. Brought Ailie
a basket of fresh water herring. Left after dinner.

Oct. 31--Gordon started early for Toronto, with his bundle over his
shoulder. We shall miss him sadly. In the evening our neighbors came and
we held Halloween as heartily as if we had been in Ayrshire.

Nov. 1--Bright and frosty. Took the oxen back to the swamp; found ther