effectually interposed a barrier to their further progress. In this "fix," patience was a cardinal virtue which might be exercised to its fullest extent during the hours that must pass by ere the sun could penetrate through the hoary mist and cast a ray of hope on the forlorn party who are thus detained in the ice, much against their will, to amuse themselves as they best may, or reflect on the folly of their perverse attempt. Fortuneately, the morning that followed this night of peril was clear and bracing; a breeze came over the water from N. N. E., and gradually cleared off the hoar frost, exposing to view an extensive plain of ice, waving up and down like a corn field ruffled with an autumn zephyr; with the sun high in the heavens, throwing its cheering aspect on the desolate scene, but imparting little or no warmth to surrounding nature. The question, how they should extricate themselves from this awkward position, was anxiously debated. To cross to the shore they had left was an impossibility-to reach their homes in the boat equally so-to remain in the predicament they were was absolute death. What was to be done? What the saving alternative? It is a dubious chance at best-they must remain where they are some hours longer, awaiting the ice becoming sufficiently strong to bear their weight while they walk over its surface, the fifteen miles that separates them from St. Helens. The anxiety of the friends of the ice-bound party was extreme, doubtless, but it was small in comparison to that experienced by those whose lives depended on the continuance of the frost in unabated severity, to form them a bridge of nature's own architecture, conscious, that if a partial thaw took place, their situation would be one of the utmost hazard, and death to some of them the probable result; as, enfeebled by exposure to the biting air, nature would not stand a second trial. Wearied and worn, their spirits at the lowest ebb, they looked at each other as so many spectres; any attempt to rouse them from the stupor of despondency was unavailing and considered as a foolish piece of levity: dejection sat on every brow as the day wore heavily on-nor could they be roused from this state of mind until towards four in the afternoon; one, more ventuersome than the rest, stept lightly on the ice, supporting himself by an oar, and treading cautiously on the glassy surface, gave ocular proof of its consistence and capability of supporting the individuals of the party in their journey to land. Hovering about the boat like a lark decoying a young urchin from the retreat of its brood-anon stretching away as he gained greater confidence; it became evident the river would bear in safety, at least in that part. One by one they left the batteaux with timid steps, avoiding each other, lest their united weight should cause the undulating expanse to give way and engulph them beyond the reach of assistance. The grey twilight of a frosty winter's evening had began to fall, boding another night of extreme cold and privation to those exposed to it, as the party came to a resolution to start in a body, each one carrying an oar or basket to buoy him or her up in case of further misfortune, and taking a distance of several hundred yards from each other, so as not to endanger their safety; scattered about at irregular intervals, scarcely able to move one leg before the other from cold and cramp, yet animating their minds and energies with the prospect of a speedy termination to their sufferings, they noiselessly pursued their way-the females keeping up with the men much better than could be expected, where assistance of any sort was entirely out of the question; proving their ability to take an equal part where fortitude and perseverance are the main requisites. To say the journey was a weary, toilsome, one, would not do justice to the undertaking; it was one of danger and much personal suffering; the next step might plunge them into the water through a rotten piece of ice; the majority of them were frostbitten in the feet, or suffering in some other shape from their recent exposure, and fully sensible that if an accident occurred, or they were unable to proceed further from fatigue, they must not look for aid, certain destruction to the person offering it being inevitable in the weak state of the ice. One poor fellow, a corporal in an artillery company stationed at St. Helens, who was loaded with two baskets, one filled, the other empty, approached too near a place where the ice gave evident signs of insecurity, and though warned of the danger by a comrade who preceded him, rashly endeavoured to cross it, and was immediately submerged up to his neck; had not the baskets acted as a buoy, and supported him above the water, it is certain he would have gone under the ice and have disappeared for ever. It so happened that they were not above two or three miles from the island when this untoward occurrence took place; the more vigorous hurried on as fast as was compatible, with their own safety, and when arrived at the shore sent back a fresh party in an ice boat to pick him up and rescue him from an untimely VOL. 8-No. 8— 2 Q. grave; which they did, perfectly unconscious of everything that had transpired; with his hands grasping the baskets in a deathly gripe, and eyes starting out of their sockets with the convulsive energies of a fit he had fallen into. Hastening homeward, they placed him in a warm bed and procured medical aid to administer such remedies as would befit his state should his symptoms continue unfavourable. The remedies prescribed were so far successful as to bring him to consciousness and feeling again, only however to relapse into a succession of strong convulsive fits, that required the united strength of six men, for three days, to watch over and restrain, to prevent him doing serious bodily injury to himself. Recovering from these, he suffered for months from a prostration of strength and a debilitated nervous system, that almost reduced him to the condition of helpless idiocy; while he wandered about the island a shadow of his former self. Ultimately, he recovered, sufficient strength to enable him to resume his ordinary duties for a time, but his health was severely shattered; at the end of a few years it gave way entirely, and the unsparing hand of death was laid upon him and carried him off in the prime of life to an early grave. The remainder of the party arrived home in safety to quiet the anxiety of desparing friends and receive those congratulations and attentions they so sorely stood in need of after their long privation; completely exhausted, they tottered in, singly or in pairs. Many of them carry to this day evidences of the severe trial they underwent on this well-remembered occasion, in the loss of the use of members of both hands and feet that had become benumbed from continued exposure to the inclemency of the weather during twenty-four hours of a Canadian winter. Several of them also were in danger of losing some of the most prominent portions of the head and face, and had to chafe the part affected well with snow to promote the circulation of the blood, otherwise mortification would have ensued, and the surgeon's knife have been in requisition to save the life of the patient. It is an authenticated fact that a person may have parts of his face frostbitten without being aware of it, as it is not accompanied with pain until the blood has been compelled to circulate freely again in the ordinary channels, when it is certainly most excruciating. The coachman has to descend from his seat-the soldier from his charger-the peasant to desist from his employment at the intimation of a passer by, and catch up a handful of snow, and rub the part pointed out; were they to apply remedies of a warm nature, mortification would inevitably take place, and the party be mutilated for life. These are a few of the occurrences that vary the life of a Canadian resident, and though they possess features of an appalling character to those who "take their ease at home," yet, to the inured settler, they only furnish materials for tales of "flood and field" wherewith to excite the enthusiasm of the younger branches of his family, or the wonder of his connections, should he live to return to his native land. JAMES PENNOCK. Earl of Pomfret Lodge, Northampton District. SONNET TO THE EVENING BREEZE. SPIRIT of evening! buoyant gladsome breeze, Good Samaritan Lodge, Stonehouse District. J. B. MARMONT. CHURCHYARDS. BY GEORGE HURST. CHAPTER V. Riches, the dumb god, that giv'st all men tongues, Thou canst do nought, and yet mak'st men do all things. BEN JONSON. THE fickleness of Fortune is a common subject of complaint and declamation; but these complaints are nothing more than a base scandal against the good old dame, who, instead of shewing fickleness, displays so fixed and ardent an attachment to her favourites, that was her constancy but emulated by the generality of other ladies, how much melancholy and heart-breaking would be spared to the race of spooney young gentlemen. But then the affairs of love would lose much of their romance and interest, to the great discomfiture of all poetic aspirants. Now, although Fortune be not fickle, she displays the feminine characteristic of extreme jealousy wherever she shews a genuine attachment; but, "where was ever love without jealousy?" and where she becomes prodigal in her favours for their continuance, she requires, in return, prudence and fidelity. Only observe the conduct of people who declare that Fortune has beenagainst them; and then inquire in what respect they have merited her favours; you will find their conduct exhibit such a series of inattentions, irregularities, flritations, and vagaries, as no wellregulated female could possibly tolerate. Look into those they call unfortunate, And closer view'd, you'll find they are unwise; YOUNG. Having a good hand dealt to us will not secure the game if we play our cards badly; yet much may be done with an indifferent hand by skilful management. The death of Mr. Canaster was the turning up of a good trump for Mr. Floyd; and that worthy individual was not a person likely to throw it away. Being now possessed of considerable capital beyond what was requisite for the business in which he was engaged, he resolved to enter upon some wider field of action. He had become acquainted with a Mr. Joystone, who possessed very extensive business, knowledge, and experience; having been employed formerly as traveller, and subsequently as buyer, for one of the first houses in the city of London engaged in the Manchester trade. This gentleman also had a moderate amount of capital. This was a great recommendation, for Mr. Floyd knew that nothing so positively secures a man's strenuous exertions, under all circumstances, as the knowledge that failing of success will entail upon himself a personal sacrifice. A partnership was agreed upon between them, and they opened a warehouse in the Manchester and woollen line, in the neighbourhood of Cheapside. As Mr. Floyd brought considerably the larger sum of money into the concern, it was arranged that he should take, besides the interest of his excess of capital beyond his partners, two thirds of the profits. Mr. Floyd's general business aptitude, joined with his counting-house ability, were considered a fair set-off against the other partner's connection and knowledge of the particular line in which they were about to embark. Mr. Floyd very readily found a customer for the tobacco business. The sum he realized for the lease of the premises, the machinery, &c., joined with the good-will, was very considerable; and he acknowledged himself that he got well out of the concern. He convinced the gentleman who purchased his business, that a very few years would be sufficient to secure by it a large fortune; but with that person things took a peculiar turn, not such as would seem very extraordinary, considering how good a bargain had been made by his predecessor. And perhaps from being deficient in his predecessor's skill in managing the improved system of manufacturing, he got into some unpleasant disagreement with the Excise, from which he could hardly be expected to escape altogether harmless. However, in little more than a year from his commencement, the worthy tobacconist had the honour of having his name appear in the publication in which is announced the new patents of nobility. The title given him in the Gazette was not one that would be pleasing to everybody;-but peoples' tastes differ,—although, he did appear in the list of individuals distinguished by the title of Bankrupts. The business of the firm of Floyd and Joystone progressed quietly, and answered tolerably; but not sufficiently well to meet the very sanguine expectations that had been formed by both partners. The wholesale trade brought our friend Floyd into frequent contact with many of the most distinguished mercantile people; and, in particular, he became very intimate with Mr. Woolf, a partner in the highly respectable firm of Shark, Woolf, and Screw, which intimacy led to very important results, One morning, in the middle of July, trade was very dull, and the weather unusually hot; Mr. Floyd was seated sweating in his counting-house over a parcel of invoices of goods they had purchased during the past month. He was endeavouring to make up a day's profit by contriving to write off some deductions. Mr. Woolf called and was ushered into the counting-house. After they had fully discussed the usual topics; namely, the weather, dullness of trade, proceedings of the House of Commons, and so Mr. Woolf then, rather abruptly, and with a very serious expression of countenance, said, "Old fellow, I called to have a little talk with you upon a very important subject." on, There was nothing very particular in the words; yet, Mr. Floyd felt very uncomfortable. Now this is the kind of address calculated to make any person feel uncomfortable. It conveys the idea that something very awkward and unpleasant is likely to follow. He was not very much relieved when Mr. Woolf continued, "I know you have a tolerable command of the ready, and I know that I can confide in you— that I can speak to you as a friend,therefore, to come to the point at once; our firm is just now rather straightened, and a considerable advance of money will be necessary to—" Here Mr. Floyd interrupted him, feeling the disagreeable position of being appealed to as a friend, by one who declared himself and his partners to be in needy circumstances. He saw at a glance it was a prelude to an attempt at borrowing; and lending was a sort of thing entirely against Mr. Floyd's principles, unless upon very different security than honour and friendship. He shook Mr. Woolf heartily by the hand and said, "My dear fellow, how very unfortunate! You know how happy 1 should have been to have accommodated you, but 66 'Stop, stop!" exclaimed Mr. Woolf, "don't be so very fast, I know what you are going to say; imagining that we want to borrow some money of you, you have just now so many, and urgent, calls, that you don't know where to look for a penny; but if I had only mentioned the thing yesterday, or the day before, you could have done it. I know all about this, but make yourself easy. I do not suppose you to be such a fool as to accommodate me or anybody else without answering your own purpose, besides doing the thing safely; knowing this, I esteem you as a thorough business man.' This part of the discourse disembarrassed Mr. Floyd, and his friend continued. "But, Floyd, we must have money; you can raise cash to any reasonable amount, and we have at present credit for goods to any amount. Do you read?" "Can't quite spell it out. What are you driving at?" "Why, confound it man, you are as dull as a post. You are in the same line of business as ourselves. You can't carry on your trade without goods; and, provided you can buy them particularly cheap, you don't mind giving a turn to a friend." "Hem!" said Mr. Floyd, and again seizing Mr. Woolf's hand. "My dear fellow, you may command my services. I have no doubt we can manage the matter; and having the opportunity of serving you, my good friend, will be the proudest event of my life.” The two worthy individuals then began to arrange the affair in a manner, as they said, to their mutual advantage. Mr. Woolf offered to obtain, from various houses in Manchester, such goods as Floyd and Co. might require; which goods, immediately after their delivery in town, were to be conveyed to the warehouse of Floyd and Co.examined, and for immediate payments, Shark and Co. should allow a discount of twentyfive per cent from the net cost prices. Mr. Floyd agreed to this proposal at once, with the exception of that part which referred to the discount, he demanding fifty per cent, saying a great deal about scarcity of money, reciprocal advantages, and so on. They ultimately agreed for an allowance of forty per cent, Mr. Woolf remarking that he did not know the amount of discount signified much to their firm; as, to raise the necessary it only required to push their credit a trifle further. sum, This transaction was the making of the house of Floyd and Joystone. In consequence of it, they could supply goods considerably lower than they could be purchased by rival houses, and still realize a larger profit; and, of course, their stream of custom increased prodigiously. All this created a degree of astonishment, and the wisest heads in the city were puzzled; but time, that makes all things plain, cleared up this, like other mysteries. For this honest and profitable trade continued for about three months, when, to the surprise of everybody, the partners in the respected and influential firm of Shark, Woolf, and Screw, became non sunt inventi. They subsequently dispersed themselves to different parts of the world. The moving spirit of the concern, Mr. Woolf, it was said, crossed the Atlantic and took a high position as a lecturer on Political Economy. He was clear and intelligent upon all commercial subjects, but particularly great on the relationship of debtor and creditor. In expounding the doctrine of buying at the cheapest market and selling at the dearest, he contended that cheapness did not consist in the lowness of the nominal price of an article, but in the actual amount paid for it. An article might, in nominal price, be dear, but if only ten shillings in the pound were paid, that made the price moderate-if only five shillings, the article became decidedly cheap; but if no composition at all were paid, it arrived at the utmost limit of cheapness. The debts owing by Shark and Co. were very great in amount, and the assets proving to be extremely small; the exasperation of the creditors, in proportion to the assets, was in the inverse ratio. So little being left, the wonderful thing was, that people really could be so enraged about such a trifle. In their anger, the assignees set about spending in law that which was left; and doubtless, left for their benefit. This shews how very wrong it was of Shark and Co. to leave them anything at all. The creditors were greatly enraged that the bankrupts did not remain to give an explanation of their affairs. Now, as these gentlemen could not have given any explanation that would have been satisfactory, it is very obvious that they acted very wisely in taking themselves out of the way of being called upon to answer a parcel of inconvenient and unpleasant questions. An action was instituted against the respected firm of Floyd and Co. for their surreptitious transactions with the bankrupts; but Floyd and Co. were but little concerned about it, well knowing that right or wrong, in fact, made but little difference in law; excepting the party decidedly wrong has by far the better chance of a favourable decision, because, in proportion to the badness of his cause, he becomes all the more careful in catching hold of every flaw or circumstance that may be turned to his advantage. No trial ever excited a greater sensation among the trading classes. Extraordinary legal acumen was displayed on both sides, but especially for the defence. The trial obtained for the lawyers very large fees, and great reputation for the skill and eloquence displayed in its progress. It turned at last upon some technicalities, and terminated in favour of the defendants; with regard however to their conduct, the judge expressed himself in very strong terms, and kindly intimated, that if they had their deserts, something about transportation being too mild a sentence. It was not surprising that the judge should speak in this manner, as the trial was protracted to a very late hour, and he was kept considerably beyond his usual time of dining; and we must naturally expect a hungry judge to feel angry. The trial proved a very fortunate event for Floyd and Co. It was better than a thousand advertisements. It gave them a degree of celebrity of which they could not easily be deprived; and their trade increased in an unprecedented manner. It was now known to all the world that they were the people likely to get hold of cheap goods, and buyers accordingly flocked to their warehouse, and people in difficulties knew where (for a sufficient sacrifice) they could dispose of their goods for cash to meet their emergencies. After the trial the bearing of Mr. Floyd displayed all the dignity of conscious rectitude. He said that a base conspiracy had been formed against their house by envious persons; but the trial proved that truth and justice must ultimately prevail over the insiduous machinations of designing people. He defied the whole world to prove any transaction of their house to be otherwise than strictly honourable. When they bought goods they paid for them, and paid for them promptly, which was far more than could be said with respect to the dealings of the bulk of their detracters. Mr. Floyd, as years rolled on, seemed to increase in prosperity, and he was said to be a lucky man; but no one ever owed less to mere chance, or what are called fortunate events. A natural shrewdness, joined with prudence and "wide-awakeness,' achieved for him everything. Finding wealth increasing, and having a superflux of capital, he became greatly ambitious of becoming a foreign merchant. He purchased a ship. She could hardly be pronounced A. 1.; but he bought her a decided bargain. He had her freighted with merchandise for the Canadian market, and she was duly insured, and oound for Montreal. She performed but a slight portion of her passage, when, from |