To amuse ourselves, we built a nice camp on a wooded point overlooking the harbour, and arranged everything comfortably to pass the night; and, although we had such bad commons, we were merry enough, considering we had nothing stronger to drink than hemlock-tea.

In the morning, as appearances were no better in respect to the weather, and as we were heartily sick of boiled suckers, we determined to do—­as some of our party had done previously—­take the bush-route for Goderich.

Accordingly, we crossed the harbour in the canoe, which we hid amongst the bushes, and commenced our journey along the lake-shore.  In some places we found tolerably good walking, while in others we were compelled 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:—­