ilip went over to help him in return for the
assistance he gave them. The winter passed away so rapidly that they
could scarcely believe that spring had really come. The snow melted,
the green grass appeared, the leaves burst forth, the flowers bloomed
and gave their fragrance to the air, the birds warbled forth their notes
of joy, and all nature seemed alive and busy. If time passed quickly
during the months of winter, it flew by still more rapidly now when
there was so much to do that every moment of the twenty-four hours was
fully occupied, a very small portion only being devoted to sleep; but
then, as Harry declared, they all slept very fast, so that they really
got as much as they required. They were all up at dawn of day, and but
a short time was allowed for meals till they assembled round the
supper-table by the light of their home-made candles, the most social
and pleasant meal in the day, when the hard work was over and any light
indoor occupation could be engaged in. Even then there was no light or
frivolous conversation; constant steady work had sobered their minds,
and they had no taste for what was not real and earnest. Generally Mr
Ashton or Philip read some interesting book, the subject of which was
afterwards talked over, while comments were generally made as they
proceeded.

It is not necessary to describe the various occupations in which the
family were engaged. One of the most amusing and not the least
important, was the sugar-making from the neighbouring sugar-bush or
maple grove, before the snow had disappeared from the ground. They were
surprised at the large amount of sap which even a single tree gave
forth. This being collected in wooden troughs placed under the spouts
formed in the trunk, was next transferred to a huge cauldron, where it
was boiled, and then turned out to cool and crystallise. They were in
this way able to obtain an ample supply of sugar for their tea or
coffee, for preserving fruits, and for their puddings during the year.
The demand for it became considerable, when, as the summer advanced, all
sorts of wild fruits were found in the woods, and strawberries and
raspberries in prodigious quantities.

The Canadian spring soon merges into full-blown summer. The boat had
been for some time launched, and Philip acting as captain, with Sophy
and their mother as passengers, and Harry as crew, started in her to pay
their visit of welcome to D'Arcy's mother and sisters, who h