and their attendant frolic. I confess I do not like the system. I
acknowledge, that in raising a log-house or barn it is absolutely
necessary, especially in the Bush, but the general practice is bad.
Some people can do nothing without a bee, and as the work has to be
returned in the same manner, it causes a continual round of dissipation
if not of something worse. I have known several cases of manslaughter
arising out of quarrels produced by intoxication at these every-day
gatherings. As population increases, and labour becomes cheaper, of
course there will be less occasion for them.



CHAPTER IV.

MY MARRIAGE. -- I BECOME A SETTLER ON MY OWN ACCOUNT. -- I PURCHASE
LAND IN OTONABEE. -- RETURN TO DARLINGTON. -- MY FIRST ATTEMPT AT
DRIVING A SPAN. -- ACTIVE MEASURES TO REMEDY A DISASTER. -- PATIENCE OF
MY FATHER-IN-LAW. -- MY FIRST BEAR-HUNT. -- BEAVER-MEADOWS. -- CANADIAN
THUNDERSTORMS. -- FRIGHT OF A SETTLER'S FAMILY.

I MUST now say something of myself. During my domestication under my
friend's roof, I became attached to one of his daughters. The affection
was mutual; and our happiness was completed by the approbation of our
friends. We were married; and it seemed that there was a goodly
prospect of many years of wedded happiness before us.

But it was necessary that I, who was now a husband, and might become a
father, should become a settler on my own account, and look about for
lands of my own. I examined, therefore, several locations in the
neighbourhood; but one objection or another presented itself, and I