ur; for I began to recognize ridges I had
before traversed in former hunting excursions; and was soon confirmed
in this opinion, by the firing of guns and blowing of horns in the
direction I was going. In a few minutes, I heard two men in
conversation, one of whom was a native of Somersetshire, living close
to me. I stepped behind a large tree, directly in their path, when I
heard my neighbour say to his companion--"This is the way he generally
takes; I will warrant we shall find he." At that instant, I fired my
gun close to them, which made them start with surprise. They then
informed me that Mr. Galt had sent out all the workmen in search of me.
This I was well-aware of, from the continual volleys which rang in all
directions. We were soon out on the main-road leading to the bridge,
where I found more than fifty of the inhabitants looking for me.

This birthday hunting excursion turned out anything but a frolic; for
the result was, twenty-six hours' starvation and the loss of a fine
buck; besides my being hungry, weary, and stiff, from sleeping all
night in the woods. Moreover, in common gratitude, I was bound to treat
my neighbours and the workmen sent to look for me, and the treat cost
me five gallons of whiskey. To add to this chapter of accidents, two of
the party who turned out to hunt for me in the woods, lost themselves,
and spent the night in as disagreeable a manner as I had myself done.

I would advise all new settlers to provide themselves with a pocket-
compass, which can be procured for a few shillings. This should be
suspended round the neck by a ribbon, in the same manner as a watch--
and I need not add that in the Bush it is of infinitely more use.

My employments in the Company's service often obliged me to leave home
and take long journeys--fatiguing enough, indeed, they often were. But
youth is the season of enterprise, and always have accustomed myself to
look upon the bright side of everything, leaving to the grumblers the
reverse of the picture, upon which I fear they are only too fond of
dwelling. But I am sure a cheerful spirit is the best assistant in
carrying a settler through every difficultly.

Early in the spring of 1829, I made a tour of the Newcastle district,
selling land and receiving payments for the Company. Whilst so
employed, I received a letter from the superintendent, informing me of
his resignation, and appointing me to meet him in Toronto with what
money I had collected.