OUR ISLAND STORY ‘ ‘- '49

sown, and Oysters from nearby rivers and bays,‘ lobsters which _ were found close to the shore in those days, and other fish in plen- ty, easily caught, made up a supply of good food upon which the settlers and their families waxed strong and active. The'cold of winter Was, within the houses, tempered by “home fires" kept burning by wood easily obtained, and the heat of the summers Was tempered by the forest shade. Large families, in good health, were thejoy of many households. In the long evenings of winter the intelligent farmer rested and read in the warmth of his wide fireplace and the light of a candle made by his wife; and the wife plied her cards, or the spinning wheel, or the needle, whilethe children studied their home lessons or enjoyed their childish games. In many of the homes of early settlers there were not only com- forts but genuine happiness-in the prospect of eventual independe ence' as a result of work well done and difficulties overcome.

Nor were, the early settlers of Prince Edward Island wholly

deprived of social pleasures, rough and wholesome. At times in ' . every year or two there was work to be done which the farmer

and his, wife could not do without the help of their neighbors.

IThere were stumps. too big to be dislodged by one pair of arms,

aided bybut one pair of oxen or. one horse; there was. a frame to be raised or wool to be spun in the right season, or a web of

, Cloth to go through the hands of the “fullers.” So the help of -

Willing and ready fellow-settlers living roundabout them was ‘ sought; and a; “frolic” was made. Usually a gallon of rum gave .

zest to the, workers in the clearing, and. “the cup that cheers but not inebriates” was supplied to those who worked indoors. Then when, in the evening, the work was done, all gathered, glad and hearty, around the supper table. After supper the kitchen was cleared for adance, and reels, Scotch and Irish, with jigs, reels, polkas and schottisches f0110wed in succession to‘music furnished by. the neighborly fiddler, while in the intervals, songs and merri- ment prevailed until the back-log in the fireplace had burned low. Finally, the froli‘cers took their homeward way, the lads

and lassies making love as they went; and the farmer and his,

wife retired with thankful‘hearts. -

..~--.....

$..

’. “War ,... ,_ .

._ t. a“, A.

,l l 'i. ’5 1 Ag. '4,‘ l j, 1: l’. ‘; :l I; l

.. “an“: JVA!SM‘~“¢w-~““ .. “iv“... A . 3—. ‘ a," . _ > r ‘