ore propitious day.

On emerging from the swamp, which I did on the wrong side--for I had no
sun to guide me--I saw a fine doe within fifty yards of me, feeding on
the side of a hill. I thought I was sure of this one at any rate; but,
in this also, I was woefully disappointed; for the powder in the pan of
the lock had got damp by the wet snow, and only flashed in the pan. My
gun had the old flint-lock, percussion-caps being then hardly known in
the colonies.

My second disappointment decided me to return home. This, however, was
sooner said than done; for, after walking for more than two hours, I
found I had lost my way, a conclusion as to which there could be no
mistake. At first, I thought it would be best to take my back-track,
but I found this would not answer; for the snow was melting as fast as
it fell. I could not even avail myself of the common indications for
finding my way, because the under-brush was still loaded with snow, so
that it was quite impossible to see fifty yards in any direction.

Whilst I was debating what I had best do to extricate myself from this
dilemma, I came upon a tolerably fresh blazed line, which I suspected
was the boundary between the townships of Guelph and the Clergy-
reserve-block of Puslinch. In this idea I was perfectly right; but the
question now with me was, in which direction I should follow the line.
After considering for some time, as ill-luck would have it, I took the
wrong route, and, having walked at least three miles, came to the end
of the blaze, where I found a surveyor's post, on which was legibly
written, in red chalk, on each side, the names of the four townships,
of which it was the corner-post; viz. Guelph, Puslinch, Nasagiweya, and
Eramosa; and lower down on the post, "_seven miles and a half to
Guelph_." I had, therefore, nothing for it, but to turn back on the
line and retrace my steps. This I did in a smart run, for I saw the
shades of night fast gathering around me.

In less than an hour I had passed the place where I first found the
blaze, but soon after came to a windfall,* where I found it impossible
to follow the line through. I was, therefore, compelled to leave the
blaze--my only sure guide--which, however, I still hoped to re-find, by
keeping round the edge of the windfall, till I again struck the line.
Just before dark, I saw a partridge sitting on a log, I believe. I
fresh primed, and snapped half a dozen times at him, without effect,
but the gun