n
left it, supposing him to be irrecoverably lost? If so, what was to
become of him on the north shore of Stony Lake, without a canoe to
cross over to the settlement, food, or ammunition to procure any for
his support. His fears were, however, groundless, as the report of a
gun, and soon after the appearance of his companion convinced him; but
the danger had been great; for, from the statement of his fellow-
trapper, he found that the latter was then on his way to the end of the
line, hoping that he might see or hear something of him before he broke
up their camp, which he intended to have done in the morning, if he had
not unexpectedly fallen in with his friend. Thus had Providence again
interposed in his behalf, and a few days of rest restored him to his
wonted health, spirits, and activity.

CHAPTER XIII.

DIRECTIONS FOR ASCERTAINING THE QUALITY OF LAND IN THE BUSH. -- SITE OF
LOG-SHANTY. -- CHOPPING. -- PREPARATION FOR SPRING-CROPS. -- METHOD OF
PLANTING INDIAN CORN. -- PUMPKINS AND POTATOES. -- MAKING POT-ASH.

I SHALL now endeavour to give the emigrant some information to guide
him in the selection of his land, and other matters connected with a
settlement in the bush. In the first place, the quality of the land is
the greatest consideration, and to make a good choice requires a
practical knowledge as to the nature of the soils, and the different
kinds of timber growing thereon.

The best land is timbered with oak, ash, elm, beech, bass-wood, and
sugar maple. A fair mixture of this species of trees is best, with here
and there a large pine, and a few Canadian balsams scattered among the
hard-wood. Too great a proportion of beech indicates sand or light
loam: a preponderance of rock elm is a sign of gravel or limestone-rock
near the surface.

The timber should be lofty, clean in the bark and straight in the
grain, and of quick growth. The woods should be open, free from
evergreens, and with little under-brush. Generally speaking, the soil
is of excellent quality, when timbered in the manner described.

It however, often happens, that the best land is full of boulders,
which are both troublesome and expensive to remove. Two-thirds of these
stones are not visible above the surface, and the remainder are so
covered with moss and leaves, that they require a practised eye to
detect them. I have no objection to a small quantity of stones, as they
are useful to construct French drains, or to roll into the botto