sight till
not a gem was unrepresented in this gorgeous display of "nature's
jewel-box," as Harry called it.

"Well, Fanny," he exclaimed, "you need not regret being unable to go to
court, for I am very certain that all the duchesses, and countesses, and
lady mayoresses to boot, couldn't make such a display as that."

As the warmth of the sun increased, the trees began to drip, and the
lovely spectacle vanished by noon.

"We need not regret it, for beautiful as it was, I believe that we may
see many more to surpass it before the return of spring," said Mr
Ashton. "Ah! little do our pitying friends at home guess the ample
amends which nature makes to us for what we have lost. I prize the
blessings we enjoyed in England; but, after all, we have only exchanged
them for others which our beneficent Maker has bestowed on us of equal
value."

The ice, though bearing in some places, could not be trusted, and of
course the expedition to D'Arcy's clearing was given up for the present;
but in the evening, when work was over, skates were unpacked, cleared of
rust, and fitted to shoes. All hands set to work with increased vigour
to fell the trees, that they might be burnt off before the snow should
make the operation more difficult. "Another night like the last, and I
verily believe we might skate across the lake," cried Harry, rubbing his
hands to restore the circulation of which the cold had deprived them.

"Look out for frost-bites, my boys," said Mr Ashton; "Mr Norman
charged me above all things to see that you kept your hands and feet
warm."

The ladies of the family were busily employed in lining the boys' caps,
and fixing flaps for their ears, and in making mittens and comforters.
One point they had not discovered, and had to learn by experience, the
uselessness of English boots and shoes, however thick, for the bush in
winter, and that nothing can surpass, and scarcely any foot-gear equal,
a light shoe or slipper, with a very thick ribbed worsted sock over it,
put into an india-rubber golosh, which is kept on by a high spring
gaiter. [See Note 1.] There was no longer any doubt about the ice
bearing, and so, having worked hard all the morning, Philip, Harry, and
Charley set off with skates on feet, the two latter in high glee at the
thought of going so great a distance over the ice. They had been
practising for the last three days in a shallow bay near the house, and
had no misgivings as to holding out. Philip