“The following average of ten years for the Huron tract, has been published:—­Wheat, 25 bushels; barley, 30 bushels; oats, 40 bushels; rye, 30 bushels; potatoes, 250 bushels per acre.  Swedish turnips, mangel-wurzel, and other roots of a similar kind, are not yet sufficiently cultivated, to enable an average yield to be given; but it may very safely be said, that, with similar care, culture, and attention, the produce will not be less per acre than in England.  Indeed, it may be said with truth to apply to every grain except beans, which do not thrive well in the Canadian climate.”

CHAPTER XXI.

THE KING PROCLAIMED IN THE BUSH. —­ FETE AND BALL IN THE EVENING. —­ MY YANKEE FELLOW-TRAVELLER. —­ AWFUL STORM. —­ MY LONELY JOURNEY. —­ MAGICAL EFFECT OF A NAME.

I WAS busy in the storehouse one afternoon, when Mr. Prior entered with a newspaper in his hand, which he had just received from the old country.

“I see by this paper, Strickland, that George IV. is dead; and that his Majesty King William IV. has been proclaimed.  Now, I think, we must give the workmen a holiday on this memorable occasion.”

“In what manner do you intend to celebrate the day?” was my rejoinder.

“I have been thinking,” he replied, “of making a little fete, and inviting all the settlers within reach to assemble on the Button-wood Flats.  We will have some refreshments served round; and if the day is fine, I have no doubt we shall enjoy ourselves much.”

Due notice having been given, upon the appointed day every-one within ten miles assembled on the Flats, dressed in their best attire; and ready to show their loyalty in any way Mr. Prior might think proper to recommend.

As soon as the squire made his appearance, he ascended a large stump; and, in a patriotic and loyal speech, informed us “that he had called this meeting to hear him proclaim his most gracious Majesty King William IV.”

He then read the proclamation, which was received with nine rounds of British cheers.  Our party then formed a large circle by joining hands; and sang the national anthem, accompanied by the Goderich band, which was composed of two fiddles and a tambourine.  “Rule Britannia” for our sailor-king was also played and sung—­I was going to say in good style, but at all events with great loyalty and enthusiasm.

As soon as this ceremony was over, a pail of whiskey, with a tea-cup floating on the surface, was handed round, followed by another pail containing spring-water.  Every person present drank his Majesty’s health; even the fair sex, on this propitious occasion, did not disdain to moisten their pretty lips with the beverage.

The eating and drinking part of the festival now commenced in earnest.  We had seated ourselves on the grass, under the shade of four or five immense button-wood trees, which effectually sheltered us from the scorching rays of the sun.  In the centre of the group, the union-jack of Old-England waved gracefully above our heads—­