t four or five dollars. When the turf that is piled
against the walls of some of them becomes covered with grass, it makes
quite a picturesque object. It was almost dusk--just candle-lighting
time--when we visited them. A young Frenchwoman, with a baby in her
arms, came to the door of one of them, smiling, and looking pretty and
happy. Her husband, a dark, black-haired, lively little fellow, caressed
the child, laughing and singing to it; and there was a red-bearded
Irishman, who likewise fondled the little brat. Then we could hear them
within the hut, gabbling merrily, and could see them moving about
briskly in the candlelight, through the window and open door. An old
Irishwoman sat in the door of another hut, under the influence of an
extra dose of rum,--she being an old lady of somewhat dissipated habits.
She called to B----, and began to talk to him about her resolution not
to give up her house: for it is his design to get her out of it. She is
a true virago, and though somewhat restrained by respect for him, she
evinced a sturdy design to remain here through the winter, or at least
for a considerable time longer. He persisting, she took her stand in the
doorway of the hut, and stretched out her fist in a very Amazonian
attitude, "Nobody," quoth she, "shall drive me out of this house, till
my praties are out of the ground." Then would she wheedle and laugh and
blarney, beginning in a rage, and ending as if she had been in jest.
Meanwhile her husband stood by very quiet, occasionally trying to still
her; but it is to be presumed, that, after our departure, they came to
blows, it being a custom with the Irish husbands and wives to settle
their disputes with blows; and it is said the woman often proves the
better man. The different families also have battles, and occasionally
the Irish fight with the Canadians. The latter, however, are much the
more peaceable, never quarrelling among themselves, and seldom with
their neighbors. They are frugal, and often go back to Canada with
considerable sums of money. B---- has gained much influence both with
the Irish and the French,--with the latter, by dint of speaking to them
in their own language. He is the umpire in their disputes, and their
adviser, and they look up to him as a protector and patron-friend. I
have been struck to see with what careful integrity and wisdom he
manages matters among them, hitherto having known him only as a free and
gay young man. He appears perfect