— =bl- VISIUS TO TH CITY

As with all country youngsters, a day in the city was a high point in my life. It was usually a reward for general good behavior, proper attentio: to chores, and a reasonably favorable school report. Charlottetown held a host of novel and fascinating sights. Chief among these was the fountain in Queen's Square, in front of the old Provincial Building, -~ a truly wondrous spectacle at which I used to gaze for minutes on end. Tome, it was a complete mystery. To see water gushing out of the earth, without benefit of pump or windlass, was to witness a major miracle for which I could think of no explanation. |

Then there was the big steam street-roller that used to send the farm horses bolting in panic. There were the fire teams; the train puffing past the crossing; the South African War Monument; the clock in the courthouse tower striking the hours; the toy display in Carter's; the awe-inspiring figure of a policeman strolling along Sunnyside; the candy counters in White's Ice Cream Parlor -=- almost too much to be absorbed in a single day. In addition, there was the unusual experience of being in funds. Uider ordinary conditions, I was lucky if I came into possession of a penny or two once « week. On this day, I had at least a dime and, if especially fortunate, fifteen cents. Something short of affluence, but, if prudently invested, enough for a bag of candy and an ice cream, or for a soda in Hughes's Drug Store.

_ I remember an Occasion during the annual Provincial Exhibition when I was taken to the city by my Uncle Jin Devereux, along with my cousin, Cecil. I can still see the midway with its array of sideshows, bowling alleys, striking machines, the African Dodger, and the open-air come-on games. We didn't get inside the tented shows, but we were quite content with the outside events. Among other attractions, we saw a boxing patch

between an individual in tights whom I would now recognize as a slightly