shape of dismasted hulks, being the remains of
vessels which had got fastened in the ice of the early "fall," and were
deserted by the crews.

On the whole, it was novelty, and novelty alone, lent any charm to the
picture; for the shores of the Gulf, until you come within two days'
journey of Quebec, are sadly discouraging and dreary. The Log-house is
itself a mournful object; and when seen standing alone in some small
clearing, with blackened stumps studding the space, through which two
or three figures are seen to move, is inexpressibly sad-looking and
solitary.

Now and then we would pass some little town, with a humble imitation of
a harbor for shipping, and a quay; and in the midst a standard, with
a flag, would denote that some Government official resided there,--the
reward, doubtless, of some gallant deed, some bold achievement afloat;
for I heard that they were chiefly lieutenants in the navy, who, having
more intimacy with French grape and canister than with "First Lords,"
were fain to spend the remnant of their days in these gloomiest of
exiles.

The absence of all signs of life and movement in the picture cannot fail
to depress the spectator. No team of oxen draws the loaded wagon along;
not a plough is seen. There are no gatherings of people in the open
places of the towns; no cattle can be descried on the hills. The
settlements appear like the chance resting-places of men travelling
through the dark forests, and not their homes for life. At times a
single figure would be seen on some high cliff above the sea, standing
motionless, and, to all seeming, watching the ship. I cannot say how
deeply such a sight always affected me; and I could not help fancying
him some lone emigrant, following with beating heart the track he was
never again to travel.

Apparently, these things made a deeper impression on me than upon most
others on board. As for the soldiers, they were occupied with getting
their arms and equipments in order, to make a respectable appearance on
landing. It was one eternal scene of soap and pipeclay all day long;
and creatures barely able to crawl, from sea-sickness and debility, were
obliged to scour and polish away as if the glory of England depended
upon the show the gallant--th would make, the day we should set foot on
shore. The skipper, too, was bent on making an equally imposing show to
the landsmen; his weather topmasts were stowed away, and in their place
were hoisted some light and