203

195

£2,000. on Government account all in hard Dollars
and the men to proceed along the Canal in charge
of Mr. Reeve Mr. Davies and myself struck
off towards the Falls the great object of my journey

The lad that drove us from Dalhousie to St.
Catharines was from the County of Norfolk, this
was the fifth year of his emigration his wages
at present are fourteen dollars per month besides
his board he has managed to purchase 50
acres on which he resides during the winter &
season, for the purpose of clearing his bush during
the time the canal is frozen and in the summer
when the waters are open is engaged at his present
employment, horse driving upon the towing path

This is what they term "going a head" that is
never being without employment summer or winter

The town of St. Catharines is certainly
a beautifully situated place, having a plentiful
water course for the supply of several wood and flour
mills. It stands upon high grounds and is considered
very healthy, and very beneficial to invalids
who may require a change of air and derive some
advantage from the baths, obtained from a saline
spring situated at the end of the town. These invalids
are accommodated with a room on the rising
ground which overlooks the canal and derive
much amusement and recreation in seeing the
numerous vessels constantly passing to and fro

This town was noted during the late rebellion
for its loyalty All the inhabitants who had