hance of being
swept from the saddle by the limbs of trees and tangled brushwood. A
continuous settlement of the finest farms now skirts both sides of this
road, from the southern boundary-line of this district to Goderich.

Another road equally good, traverses the block from the western
boundary. Thriving villages, saw and grist-mills, manufactories,
together with an abundance of horses, cattle, sheep, grain, and every
necessary of life enjoyed by a population of 26,000 souls, fully prove
the success caused by the persevering industry of the emigrants who
were so fortunate as to select this fruitful and healthy locality for
their future homes.

Much of this prosperity is due to the liberality and excellent
arrangements of the Canada Company, who have afforded every facility to
their settlers in regard to the payments for their land: I particularly
refer to their system of leasing, which affords the best chance
possible to the poor emigrant.

"This spirited and enterprising" Company's principal tract of land lies
nearly in a triangular form, commencing in latitude 43 degrees, and
extending about sixty-miles along the coast. In 1824, this incorporated
company contracted with Government for this line of country and some
others, as well as for a portion of the clergy reserves, comprehending
in all about two million acres, payable in fifteen years.* [*
M'Gregor's "British America."]

In the spring of 1827, a memorable year for Canada, the Company
commenced their operations at Guelph, under the superintendence of John
Galt, Esq.

I had heard a great deal about the fertility of their lands, especially
of those in the Huron tract, containing a million of acres in one
block, of which I shall hereafter speak more particularly.* As I was
enterprising, and fond of an active life, I resolved to go and judge
for myself; and as I heard the superintendent was then at Toronto, I
determined to call upon him there and collect all the information in my
power.

[* The territory from which the Huron tract has been selected, was
explored previously to the selection being made, and the reports which
were received from the parties employed on that mission were of the
most satisfactory nature. This tract is bounded on the west by Lake
Huron, along which it runs for nearly sixty miles, having within its
limits one considerable river, at the mouth of which is a good harbour;
another river, which may probably be rendered navigable, and num