the prattle of his little ones, or share the cheerful game and glass with select and welltried friends? Widely different the fate of the wild inhabitant of the forest! The question is one of dire necessity with him. How shall he satisfy the cravings of hunger, sharpened by those keen and biting blasts-that lengthened frost-that heavy snow— which have driven him from his lair with his ferocity increased in a tenfold ratio? He is in the position of the frogs in the fable, "what is sport to man is death to him." Instinct warns him of the danger of approaching the dwellings of men, yet, with the thorn of hunger pricking him at every step, he sallies forth to satisfy himself on the first living thing that falls in his way. Terrible indeed are the attacks of the wolf, or bear, under these circumstances; and courageous must the human being, or animal, be, who wards them off and obtains the mastery in the doubtful strife; few can stand their onset, or escape the keenness of their pursuit, so maddened are they under the lengthened privation of hunger. Man himself is not safe from their attacks, and occasionally falls a victim in the contest for superiority. During the war of independence, that resulted in the emancipation of the American colonies, a number of military forts (usually called block houses) were erected in some of the best positions in Upper Canada, to act as points of connexion in the movements of the British troops, and to watch over and guard against any surprise from the native red Indians, who, though occasionally acting in concert with our troops, were never to be depended upon. The best paymaster, the highest bidder, could command their services, and, provided they received the reward, it mattered little whose scalp they. took. Their hand once raised against the white man, knew not when to stay its execution; the worst passions of human nature were systematically let loose, and the untutored savage exulted in the field of blood that lay before and around him. One of these forts, inhabited by a few soldiers and their families, was surrounded on three sides by an immense forest, that penetrated far into the interior; on the front was an extensive plain of blue rock, covered with snow, and intersected by deep fissures, or gullies, capable of burying a horse and rider, at other places only a few feet across. Skirting the wood, bears and wolves were often seen in pursuit of the game that was less fleet, or less strong, than themselves; often they might be seen engaged in deadly conflict. Here also the sportsman. might try his skill with his rifle, and deal death with an unsparing hand to whatever came within reach; occasionally scenes arose vying in excitement with any of the "wild sports of the west," and calling forth all the sportsman's nerve and tact to ensure success in his battle with the shaggy brute. On one occasion, a number of boys, indulging in the athletic exercises and adventurous spirit peculiar to their period of life, had strayed away into the woods, and had spent the greater portion of the day in threading their intricacies in pursuit of the pretty striped squirrel that abounds all over North America. Returning home as dusk began to fall, they reached a point of the wood, almost opposite to the fort, and were running and jumping, and careering across the plain, in the full tide of youthful spirits, when suddenly one of their number uttering an exclamation of surprise, pointed out the form of a large white bear, crossing the plain in an oblique direction from the other extremity of the wood so as in a manner to intercept them in their intended route. Here was a predicament they had not bargained for;-what was to be done? To go back, would not avail themto go forward was to meet the advancing foe, and place themselves at his mercy. However, something must be done, and with the natural impetuosity of youth, they quickly made a forward movement, running at the top of their speed, and trusting that they should get under cover of the fort before Bruin spied them. In this, however, they were disappointed; he quickly noticed the flying host, and, as if "on mischief bent," turned his course, more in towards the fort, so as completely to cut them off, and, increasing his pace to a clumsy trot, filled their young hearts with dread for the result. Now they were away as fast as legs could carry them, emulation 'self-merged in fear, their only thought how to escape the hug of their rough antagonist. Both parties running from angles to a given point, soon lessened the distance between them; the boys it is true, were nearer the fort-but the bear was nearer to them-they could fancy his heavy paw on their shoulders-his sonorous breath on their faces. The danger became more and more imminent, when, oh, sad fortune! one of their number could sustain his flight no longer-his heart failed him-his strength ebbed fast, and seeing his companions making ahead of him, he sank to the ground exhausted, incapable of another effort to avert the danger that now pressed so close upon him. Meantime other actors appeared upon the scene. The sentry on duty had observed the occurrence from the beginning, and giving the alarm, a small party, hastily furnishing themselves with whatever offensive weapon that came most handy, issued forth to check the dire purposes of the bear, and rescue their little friend from his embrace. Advancing at a smart pace, they reserved their fire until within about twenty or thirty yards of the bear, who, apparently as intent on chasing the boys as they were on escaping him, had not noticed the more formidable opponents until the sharp clear ring of a rifle, sending an ounce bullet whizzing by his head, warned him of more pressing matters. Surprised at the unexpected attack, he stopped in his onward course, and turned to survey the daring souls who thus interposed between him and the fate that seemed to await his victim. Poor boy! collapsed in the agony of fear, he lay rolled up, his chest heaving as though under the influence of a strong night-mare, his gasping breath and pallid cheek evincing the keen sense he had entertained of the danger that his last consciousness surveyed. Bang-bang! again went the rifle, and with better aim. Bruin was this time hit, and we could see the red life fluid oozing from a wound in the neck, as regardless of pain he determined to brave the leaden shower, and bring the combat to an issue. He turned short on the party whose interference had so materially changed his purposes and plans. Self-preservation is wisely said to be a fundamental law in nature; the sudden onslaught of Bruin caused two or three of the most inexperienced hands to shew symptoms of flight, first discharging their pieces innocuously over or beside him, they stumbled over each other in their anxiety to get out of the way, in a manner productive of much amusement to the cooler heads of the party, who, little relishing the idea of a retreat with so remorseless an enemy in their rear, maintained their standing, and, with admirable nerve, took aim within a couple of paces, and succeeded in hitting him in a mortal part, one ball taking effect in the eye. Staggering, smarting, and blinded with pain and agony, he dropped on his haunches, and uttered a succession of the most terrific growls, making the adjoining woods echo again and again with the reverberations of his voice. Hastily, yet carefully, were preparations made to renew the attack, as uncertain whether he was only stunned or mortally hit, they poured in another volley, every ball telling upon him, and causing an accession to the rough music of his voice. It was more even than a bear's nature to stand this without another effort, so rising on his legs, he fairly turned round, and made as though he would seek the safety and solitude of his native woods. It was now too late, nature's red tide was flowing too freely at every step to give him a chance of life, should he even reach their friendly shelter; besides active enemies were pressing round him-escape was impossible. Sinking under his many wounds, he fell to the earth, his short sharp growl and diminished tone, presaging plainly, that he had been struck in a mortal part, and that life was fast ebbing to a close. Vain was that mute appeal for mercy from the eye, as he received a last blow from a fishing spear, and lay a quivering mass on that earth which, a few hours before, he had crossed in defiance of his present captors. Exulting in the success of their exploit, the party now turned their steps towards the fort, carrying, shoulder high, the carcass of their slain opponent, with the fainting boy, now returned to consciousness, astride upon it. Arrived there, cheers and congratulations were freely given by the parents and friends of the young fry, rescued from impending danger. The day was spent as a general holiday, nuts and jokes were cracked, and ardent spirits in full request to cheer the spirits of the young and spirited, as well as the old and spiritless; while many a tale of deeds of daring was told of the early part of the American war, that roused all the enthusiasm of the younger British blood, and filled their heads with visions of battle fields, ambuscades, reeking scalps, and red Indians. The midnight moon was on her descent, blending her yellow light with the grey twilight of morning, ere the revellers retired to peaceful rest, to awake to the monotony of their usual life. So ended my first Bear Hunt. Earl of Pomfret Lodge, Northampton District. JAMES PENNOCK. THE BRIDE. FAREWELL, my mother!. On my bridal day, I breathe my parting prayer, my sad adieu, I leave these scenes where first I friendship knew, THOMAS L. BAMBROFFE, N. G. Sir Oswald Mosley Lodge, Manchester District. A VOYAGE TO MONTREAL.* BY EDWARD CLEGG, P. G.. Liverpool, 1843. MAY 2. Myself, my wife, and infant son, sailed at eleven o'clock in the forenoon, from the above port, in the ship Britannia, William Coulthart, commander, for Quebec. We had a most beautiful wind in our favour, and the sea was as smooth as a looking glass. There were ten children and twenty-nine adults, as passengers, and all in good health and spirits. 3. The wind has changed during the night, and is now right ahead; still calm, and all in good health. This afternoon, about four o'clock, one of the passengers came on deck, and said that there were two men concealed in the hold. Eventually it turned out there were four of them, as desperate-looking characters as need wish be seen, and as recklessly wicked in their language. The captain is put very much out of the way, and says he will land them at Kinsale, in Ireland. * We give this account almost verbatim from the MS. journal of the writer, who is a past officer of the Nelson Lodge, Manchester District, and now located at Montreal, where he is actively exerting himself in the cause of Odd Fellowship. We have no doubt of the accuracy of Mr. Clegg's "Log," and "tarry-at-home-travellers" may glean from it a tolerably good idea of what a seavoyage is.-EDITOR. over. 4. Very calm during the night, but a little more swell, the vessel heaving more than it has hitherto done. Some of the passengers are beginning to be sea-sick. This morning, about twelve o'clock, it was announced that we had another man more than our compliment on board; all hands turned up on the deck, and the names were called It was found to be true. The captain seized the man, and ordered four men to tie him up and flog him; however he changed his mind, and, taking up his glass, swept the horizon for a vessel, saw one, and immediately altered our course towards her, and hoisted a flag (the Union Jack) at our stern. The vessel saw it, and came up to us. She was a small Welsh sloop, from Haverfordwest; four of the men were sent on board, with some salt beef and bread, the other mustered thirty shillings, and agreed to work besides. 5. The wind still against us; we see Wales, and when we tack the other way we see Ireland. We are not making any way at all—at the rate we are going, we shall remain in the channel a month. 6. Wind still the same-weather warm, and very fine; a very heavy swell towards night; the passengers are all beginning to be sea-sick, excepting one, self, and children. 7. Sunday. Wind rather more favourable; had prayers and singing; several vessels in sight; sickness beginning to abate. 8. Wind still against us, and a little rain. A squall came on towards night, some of the passengers very ill; mixed up some ground ginger and brandy, and gave it to them, it gave great relief to several. 9. A perfect calm, scarcely a ripple on the water; a shoal of porpoises playing round the bows of the vessel; the first mate, Mr. Thompson, tried to harpoon one, but could not succeed; had a violin and a flute on deck at night, singing, dancing, &c. The 10. Wind rather in our favour, but very high; very squally all night. This morning the captain served out bread, flour, rice, and potatoes, to the passengers. women very busy in the afternoon making cakes, &c., and most of us had pudding for dinner. 11. Wind kept up in our favour all night, very wet and squally; the vessel rolls more than she has before, we can scarcely manage to walk. 12. Wind against us, driving us, during the night, a great way to the north; a great many stormy petrels in sight at the stern of the vessel, which the sailors say is a very bad sign. 13. A dreadful squall during the night, upsetting everything in our berths, and bringing on sea-sickness, most of us thinking we had got over it. Up to this time I have not been sea-sick, nor have any of the children. 14. Wind in our favour, the ship going at the rate of ten knots and a half per hour; all well, except one, who is ill of the rheumatism. A large vessel hove in sight, and passed us quite close, but could not speak her. Threw over board a bottle containing a paper with the name of the vessel, number of passengers and crew, latitude and longitude, namely, 48, 1, 18, 30, captain's name, and my own; also, my mother's address, to whom I wished it to be sent when found, and the seal of the Order of Odd Fellows on the paper, and upon the cork of the bottle. Bread, rice, flour, and potatoes, served out by the captain. 15. Wind still in our favour, but very little of it. An immense shoal of porpoises playing round the vessel, and about noon the sea seemed almost alive with a large shoal of bottle-nosed whales. The sick passenger has lost the use of his legs and hands, and is groaning the whole night with pain. 16. Wind changed during the night to S.W., which is right against us; the passengers asked to assist in hoisting the sails and bracing the ship; our united strength makes us useful, though I cannot say much in favour of our skill. 17. Wind still against us, wet and squally; a great many strange birds in sight, the sailors say they are noddies. 18. Wind still against us; if it continue we shall be driven down to the western isles by to-morrow morning; spoke a Spanish vessel bound for Berbice. 19. Wind a point in our favour. We have been driven 300 miles out of our course. The sick passenger getting worse, and some of the passengers' provisions getting short. 20. Very cold and wet, furling and unfurling the sails the whole of the day; several small whales seen playing about the vessel. 21. Still wet, but the wind in our favour. We have made 208 miles in the last twenty-four hours; the sick passenger a little better, but his wife taken ill. 22. Wind still good; weather fair, but very cold; a large shark seen slowly swimming round the vessel; a heavy gale comes on towards night, all the sails taken in, but the main topsail, which was close reefed. 23. The wind against us, and a very heavy swell, which causes us to pitch so much that we are scarcely able to get on.deck, walking is out of the question. 24. Wind still against us, weather wet and foggy; a very large whale seen, the captain says it must be eighty feet long. 25. Awakened this morning, about half-past four, by some of the sailors bursting open my room door, and stealing my keg of brandy. Went on deck and roused the captain; he refused to give me assistance in the matter. At half-past seven, when they were called to let a reef out of the mizen topsail, two of them quarrelled, and fought on the yard. Three of them confined, and put in irons in the sail room; nearly the whole of the crew drunk, only four able to go into the tops, and the whole almost in a state of mutiny; they compel the captain to release the prisoners. 26. Wind blowing very fresh, but not much in our favour; the crew ill from the effects of the brandy. A great deal of discontent among the passengers at the captain's conduct. 27. Weather very warm, scarcely any wind, the sea quite smooth; a large shark, about eighteen feet long, swimming about the ship; and a great number of small fish, about six or seven inches long, the sailors call them old wives. 28. Weather still warm; we have been driven a long way to the south, the captain says we are not far from the western isles. 29. Weather still warm, but a little more wind. The captain shot an albatross. 30. Wind very fresh during the night; begin to find out that my next door neighbours are not the best people in the world. 31. Got a wind at last in our favour, but very wet; the vessel rolls so that we cannot walk without having hold of something; the cans, pans, and boxes, that are loose, rolling about in all directions. June 1. Wind still pretty much in our favour, but very rough, the ship rolling about in a most awful manner. Very cold; the fire which is on deck washed out several times, and between decks quite wet and slabby; altogether one of the most unpleasant days I ever passed. Wet and cold-nothing warm to get, or anything even warming, and a cold, damp berth, to turn into! 2. Wind still strong, but not much in our favour; very cold, but dry. Spoke a ship from London to New York, the "Sovereign," with 300 passengers, thirty-three days out; she is not near so large a ship as ours, and rolls very much, and the sea is so rough that when only half a mile from us, she is frequently out of sight altogether. 3. Wind moderate, but very cold; saw a small iceberg, and a large piece of a wreck floated past us. 4. A very heavy squall during the night; made our Whit Sunday's dinner of a piece of cold boiled bacon, and some hard biscuits, and drank some stinking water to it. In the afternoon a sudden squall split our fore topsail right across, and what makes it more provoking, a wind has sprung up in our favour. 5. Wind still in our favour; the main cross trees broken clean off during the night, the jib halliards (ropes) broken, and the foresail a large hole in it. 6. Wind still in our favour, going at the rate of twelve miles per hour for the last thirty hours; lost one of our main top gallant studding sails. This morning we cannot keep ourselves warm at all. 7. Wind gone down; still cold; an iceberg, as large as a very large vessel, passed us; immense flocks of birds flying near us, about the size of a small duck, the sailors say they are widgeons. 8. Wind pretty fair, very wet and cold. The body of a man floating past the ship, and several pieces of wood that seemed as if they had been part of some vessel. The captain sold fine biscuit, treacle, pickles, salt beef and pork, rice, sugar, tea, &c., to the passengers that wanted it, the biscuit allowed by the ship not being such as many could eat, sweet, but very coarse and hard; so hard that it will not soften to eat unless soaked several hours, and then boiled. 9. Wind fair, very foggy, and cold; many fishing vessels in sight. |