spects
of the colony, for the information of the merchant adventurers and
others in England. He describes the climate, soil, and all the resources
of the colony's means of support, together with the process and result
of the first year's labour. I will simply give his account of the manner
in which they celebrated what in England would be called a "Harvest
Home." He says: "Our harvest being got in, our Governor sent four men on
fowling, that so we might, after a more special manner, rejoice together
after we had gathered the fruit of our labours. They four in a day
killed as much fowl as, with little help besides, served the company
almost a week; at which time, amongst other recreations, we exercised
our arms. Many of the Indians came amongst us, and amongst the rest
their greatest king, Massasoit, with some ninety men, whom for three
days we entertained and feasted; and they went out and killed fine deer,
which they brought to the Plantation, and bestowed them on our Governor,
and upon the Captain and others; and although it be not always so
plentiful with us, we are so far from want that we _often wish you
partakers of our plenty_."

Governor Bradford, writing in 1646, twenty-five years after this feast,
and referring to it, says: "Nor has there been any general want of food
amongst us since to this day." (Morton's Memorials, p. 100.)

Such was the result of the first year's experience in this chosen place
of settlement by the first New England colony, as stated by the most
distinguished of its founders. During the winter of this year more than
half the pioneer settlers had died of a prevalent sickness,--not owing
to the climate, but their sea voyage, their want of experience, and to
temporary circumstances, for not a death occurred amongst them during
the three succeeding years. As great as was the mortality amongst the
noble colonists of New England, it was far less, comparatively, than
that which fell upon the first colonists of Virginia, who were, also,
more than once almost annihilated by the murderous incursions of the
Indians, but from whom the Pilgrim Fathers did not suffer the loss of a
life.

In his "true and brief Relation," Mr. Winslow says: "For the temper of
the air here, it agreeth well with that in England; and if there be any
difference at all, this is somewhat hotter in summer. Some think it
colder in winter, but I cannot out of experience say so. The air is very
clear and foggy, not as hath been