ace by the touch of a
magician's wand. A few years ago this country was unexplored save by
the indian hunter, or perhaps a devoted missionary, or lawless trader.
A wheel had never entered it--a _shodden_ horse was a curiosity; now,
the road is thronged with market-waggons, stage coaches, and carriages
filled with idle, curious, or classic travellers, who go to 'the Falls'
to kill time, to increase their stores of knowledge, or to gratify
taste.

Mr. Sackville was constantly directing his children's observation to the
prompt enterprise and industry so conspicuous in a new country, and
stimulating their patriotism by pointing out to them the increasing
riches and resources of their native land. "For my own part," he said,
"I prefer the sentiment that is inspired by the peaceful triumphs of man
over nature, to the patriotism that is kindled on battle-grounds--if not
as romantic, it is certainly more innocent."

"Then I suppose, papa," said Edward, "that you prefer Virgil's georgics
to his epic."

"Thank you, Ned," replied his father, "for an illustration which proves
that your travels have not quite put your school out of your head. I
certainly do prefer the aspect of our cheerful dwellings, blooming
gardens, and fruitful fields, associated as they are in my mind with
innocent occupation and moral cultivation; to the ivy-mantled towers
and triumphal arches of the old world--they are the records of feudal
grandeur and high heroic deeds, but deeds too often of doubtful virtue,
and of fatal consequences. The melancholy poet may exult in describing
the 'spectres that sit and sigh' amid their ruins; but if I had the
_gifted eye_, my children, I should rather look upon the spirit of
Contentment that hovers over our land, and her sweet sister Hope, who
points with her finger of promise to the smiling prosperity produced by
busy hands and active independent minds."

* * * * *

When the travellers reached Black-rock, where they were to cross the
Niagara, they were compelled to await for some time the return of the
ferry-boat, which was then plying towards the Canada shore. While they
were detained, they amused themselves with a company of Irish people--raw
emigrants, who had just entered our territory, and were awaiting the
departure of the Erie steam-boat to convey them to the State of Ohio.
They had spread tents for their temporary accommodation--Edward and
Julia went from one to an