mpelled to mount the cliffs to avoid the break of the surges, where
headlands jutted out into the lake. For the most part, however, we were
enabled to travel upon natural terraces about half way up the bank,
which I should think averages nearly one hundred feet in height.

To our great delight, we discovered an abundance of fine wild
strawberries, the largest and most delicious I had ever seen. We found
this a very seasonable refreshment. The day was fine, and we enjoyed
the prospect, which, viewed from some of the highest points of land,
was truly magnificent.

About four o'clock in the afternoon we reached Goderich, weary and
half-starved. Thus ended our memorable pic-nic to the Nine-Mile Creek.

CHAPTER XX.

CHOICE OF A LOCATION. -- THE COMPANY'S LANDS. -- CROWN LANDS. -- TABLES
PUBLISHED BY THE CANADA COMPANY. -- PROGRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT OF THE
HURON TRACT.

AFTER twenty-seven years' residence in Canada West, it may be
reasonably inferred that I am justly entitled, from my long experience,
to give a fair opinion as to the best chances of location at present
available to the emigrant.

On mature consideration, I must give the preference to the Huron tract,
as affording a greater facility for settlement, and this for three
reasons. First, on account of the excellent roads constructed by the
Company--an inestimable boon, which none but the early pioneer can
fully appreciate. Secondly, because of the excellent quality of the
soil, which is remarkably free from surface-stone, that every old
settler knows is both troublesome and expensive to clear away. And,
thirdly the low price of these lands, and the facility of payment.
Indeed, their system of leasing affords the poor man every chance. I
shall copy a table of the yearly rent of farms leased on this plan by
the Company, for the information of those of my readers who contemplate
emigrating to Canada West. The present price of the Company's lands in
the Huron tract, is from 12 shillings 6 pence to 20 shillings currency
per acre.

The Company dispose of their lands, according to quality and situation,
for ready cash, or by lease for a term of ten years. In the latter case
no money is required to be paid down, the lease being granted upon the
following terms:--

s.d. L. s. d.
100 acres, at 2 0 per acre, ann. rent 0 10 0 and no more.
" 3 6 " " 0 12 0 "
" 5 0 " " 0 18 0 "
" 6 3 " " 1 4 0 "