A Tour through North America by Patrick Shirreff

_Journey from Galt to Goderich-Farmer from Roxburghshire-Female Worth-Improved health of Scotch Farmers-Visit Captain A * * *-Humming-birds-London Family in the Bush-Guides-Avon Accommodation-German Settler-Notices of Nature._

Having letters from some friends in Scotland to a relation of theirs near Galt, who had formerly farmed in Roxburghshire, I was anxious to deliver the letters personally, and set out at six o'clock in the morning in search of his residence, which was difficult to find, from not being named. On enquiring the way at an old man on the road, we got certain information in broad Scotch; and in the course of conversation, he told us he thought Canada a rough bit at first, but he now liked it. Calling at a house to ask the way, a man said it was one thing to put a question, and another to answer it. Seeing the individual was in a state of brutal intoxication, I walked to the waggon, followed by the poor wretch, vociferating disgusting oaths, who seemed exasperated by the silence and contempt with which he was treated. I afterwards learned he had a short time before beat his wife out of the house, and was considered on the high road to ruin.