In the fragrant breath of the dewy morning, The wavelets are hurrying, crystal clear, And it sings to the child, 'mid the long, tall rushes, To the lullaby of the woodland stream. With a pensive murmur its song is flowing, When the noonday heat stills the morning breeze, And blends its song with the whispering trees. In the shades of evening, so fast descending, Still murmurs the stream to the evening breeze, And he seems to hear, in the tiny river, The echoes of life's long fevered dream ; And it whispers to him of the mighty sea Whither both are tending the stream and he. So, ever rippling, whispering, plashing, But, full of Life's present and echoes past, Yet it finds its home in the ocean at last, FIDELIS. AROUND LAKE ONTARIO : NOTES OF A HOLIDAY CRUISE. BY F. F. MANLEY, M.A., TORONTO. changes of clothing, including the "paper tend to complete the ubiquitous "Sunday clothes," while here and there might be seen protruding a ponderous volume of Macaulay, or a less weighty duodecimo containing the terrific breathings of Huxley or Nicholson, not forgetting the yellow covered "Shakespeare," or the tin-encased pack of UR hopes and strength had been Term, and finally through a weary month of Examination, by the expectation of that long and pleasant excursion which had been in prospectu for almost a year. The practicability of the scheme had been first discussed while on an expedition of the same character, though of smaller dimensions, at a similar time in the preceding year. Mak-"fifty-twos," wherewith to beguile equally ing a crew of four, we at length determined that it was quite within the bounds of moderation to attempt what some people might imagine not only perilous, but impossible, viz., a cruise around Lake Ontario in an open boat of eighteen feet keel. The question naturally arose, "How do we intend to subsist while on the journey?" This was finally settled by our determination to camp on shore each night, and procure provisions sufficient to last until our next landing; and this method of procedure was afterwards found to be highly satisfactory. All things were at last in readiness to start. And here I may be allowed to give a short description of our frail craft, as she left the dock of her builder, at nine o'clock on the morning of June 29th. She was about 19 feet in length from stem to stern, and belonged to that class of boats known as "Double Luggers"—that is, carrying one square or "lug" sail at the fore, and another, of nearly the same size, at the mainmast. Both masts were capable of removal, and as the sails were made much too large for the size of the boat, they could be quickly "reefed," which reduced their size about one-fourth. At the bow was the quarter-decking, under which could easily be stored that portion of the "stock in trade" which required to be kept dry. Of this may be mentioned one goodsized tent, the requisite bedding, four large overcoats, and the valises containing the our critic, our fossil-hunters, or our living authority on the drama and whist! Also encased in a neat tin was our "Chart of the Lake," which we were fortunate in procuring before we started, and which, being perfectly correct, was found a most valuable assistance while coasting. There was also on board a good gun, which, however, as game was very scarce, we had little occasion to use. The saucepan, tin cups and plates, knives and forks, &c., completed the cargo in the fore part of the boat, not omitting a few groceries, such as tea, sugar, pepper, and salt, and also twelve loaves of Toronto bread, which, when well cared for, keeps moist for seven days at least; the whole being covered completely by a large macintosh overcoat. Glancing now towards the stern, we first notice two large valises (water-proof), each containing a change of clothing for two; besides ammunition, fishing tackle, and other small items for which there could be found a place. In the stern itself, from beneath the tiller-seat, could be seen an iron handle, which being followed up would ultimately bring you to a fryingpan, light and well-made, and afterwards known as the "Mainstay of the Republic." Beside it, and quite out of danger, reposed a good railway globe lantern, for which, as well as the macintosh, we had to thank a friend at home, who, if possible, would have gladly accompanied the expedition. There were also at hand two pairs of oars, with which we all became very well acquainted before we again reached home, since, as the boat was comparatively light, rowing for an hour or two was considered nothing worse than exercise. 66 object in visiting the village was to send home news of our safe arrival, which was necessitated by the strong blow we had experienced on the trip down. Having succeeded in filling the post-box with our four postal cards (of which we had laid in a plentiful supply), and in purchasing a few luxuries in the shape of beef steaks and strawberries, we retraced our weary steps campwards, and were soon wrapped in the gentle arms of Morpheus. The expectations we had formed as to sleeping under canvas were more than realized, for, notwithstanding the novelty to most of us, we could not have slept better had we been at home. As long as we kept ourselves perfectly dry, there was not the slightest trouble to fear from the cool night air; and as we always took the precaution to spread on the ground the sails of the boat, and over these the macintosh, covered finally with our great coats, the danger from that quarter was entirely obviated; and happening at Whitby to strike on a fine piece of tenting, our first night's experience was highly satisfactory. Having set sail from Toronto, we determined on making the port of Whitby as soon as possible, and the prospects were that we should arrive about noon, as we were sailing under a fair wind. But off Scarboro' Heights we were for half an hour becalmed, and then the breeze freshening suddenly, compelled us to take, for the first time, to the reefs. As the wind still increased, we sailed under the reefed foresail very comfortably, and without incident, until off Frenchman's Bay, when, hunger making its appearance, we fell to the small lunch which had been happily prepared at home, and which was now none the less happily disposed of. As we had been sailing during this performance, we were now in sight of our port, which we made about one o'clock, and soon succeeded in pitching our tent on a strip of land separating the harbour from the Lake. And now the cry was dinner," and for dinner we quickly prepared; and here we made our first, and, as it proved, very auspicious forage, for at the first farmhouse at which we arrived we were luxuriously regaled with milk, and sent on our way rejoicing at the thoughts of a dozen fried eggs and a few slices of that fine ham which we had brought from home. Before the foragers arrived at camp, our cooks had the tea made and the ham almost fried. I say "our cooks," for we seemed to have come to the tacit understanding that two should act as foragers, while the other two should attend to the culinary department. Thus, with the ham and eggs, together with made (?) tea, milk, and bread, we made, as each confessed, a grander meal than we had ever made before. Then came the question as to washing the dishes. This we accomplished-turns being taken each day, and the operation taking place at the close of each repast. At Our original plan had been to rise always with the sun, and set sail as early as possible, in order to take advantage of the fine, soft land breezes, lasting from about eight o'clock in the evening till that time in the morning. We followed out this plan at Whitby, but I am sorry to say that as each succeeding day added its length to our log, we became more and more negligent in this respect. Having taken farewell of Whitby, we intended, if possible, making Bowmanville harbour on the next run. first, the wind being light, we hardly ex well-pected to do so, but towards noon the breeze rose considerably, and enabled us very easily to pass the port of Oshawa ; and, rounding Raby Head, the highest piece of headland we met during the cruise, to come in to Port Darlington, by which name the harbour of Bowmanville is known. The wind continuing fair, it was thought advis able to take advantage of it, and proceed on our cruise, which we did, until off Newcas tle, when the sea became so high that we concluded to run for shore and have dinner. We were not very fortunate in obtaining a camping place, as the harbour itself, above the wharves, is lined with marsh on both sides, so we were compelled to row back along the shore of the lake for a short dis As we wished to visit Whitby, we agreed to stop here over-night, and in the cool of the evening to walk to the town, a distance of two miles; so, after tea and a plunge into the Lake, we set out for town at about seven o'clock; while one remained to take care of the camp, as he stated,—in reality to have a sound sleep, in which state we found him on returning at ten o'clock. Our chief the dead of night, our craft experienced this test of her stoutness. When we awakened in the morning we found that, apparently, each great wave of the swell caused by the steamer had dashed the bow of the boat against the woodwork of the dock, and that the front piece was knocked off, leaving the framework of the keel altogether bare, so that we expected she would leak, and cause a homeward turn to our trip already. We at length recovered the piece which had been broken off, floating near the end of the dock, and also found that she did not leak at the injured spot after all; so that the breakage only proved a matter of defacing her personal beauty, and perhaps a slight decrease of her speed. After breakfast a start was made for Port Hope, which could only be reached by rowing, as we deemed it inadvisable to strain the boat by sailing till, with the assistance of a boat-builder, we had discovered her real injuries. After a very pleasant row of two hours we arrived, at about 8 o'clock, and pitched a temporary camp at the bottom of the cliff, on the shore, about one mile east of the harbour. It was agreed that the "chief cook" and myself should take the boat into the harbour for repairs. This we set about doing, and were soon steaming" up that narrow strip of water which flows through the town, being greeted here and there with the cry of "Where's the beak of that boat ?" or "Cobourg Lobsters!" The meaning of the last remark we have not yet been able to discover, but we attributed it to the rivalry subsisting between these brotherly towns. tance, where, in the face of a very high surf, we ran on the beach, and succeeded, though not without some difficulty, in obtaining a fair landing. We-that is, the half of the crew known as the "foragers"-then set off for something of a substantial nature, while the "cooks" prepared what we had on hand already. After looking in vain for Newcastle, we were at last rewarded by the sight of a tavern, near the dock, to which we instantly repaired. At this port we saw the remains of the ill-fated Sphinx, lying at ease in the harbour, completely rigged, and looking quite seaworthy, if she had never been so before; so much so that we would have gladly exchanged our craft for her. After procuring some good cheese and miserable crackers at the inn, we returned to obtain relief from the ham and a few eggs, off which, with our cheese and tea, we made a firstclass dinner. Not intending to stop in so barren a district, we had not pitched our tent, but had hastily constructed with the sails a small awning in one of the fence corners, under which we could comfortably enjoy our noon-day siesta. After whiling away the remainder of the afternoon with Shakespeare and a hand or two at euchre, and finally by an apology for a supper, we thought it high time, as the sea had sufficiently abated to permit a launch of the boat, to proceed on our way, which we did about six o'clock, knowing that we could easily make Port Granby, the port of Newtonville, in an hour or two. It was on this trip that sickness first appeared in the person of one half of our foraging party, but being only a slight affair, he soon recovered enough to join in the chorus around the camp fire, as well as the grand chorus around the dinner table. Hitherto our craft had been leaking slightly, and we attempted to remedy this after landing at Port Granby, by sinking her in about three feet of water near the end of the dock, in order to close up any seams that may have been started by allow ing her to stand for some time in the sun. After filling her with water, and tying her securely to the dock, we went to bed expecting to find in the morning our boat entirely recovered from her indisposition. But alas! we had forgotten one essential pointthat the mail steamer passed along in the morning not far from shore, sending quite a swell towards the beach. Unhappily, in After a good deal of trouble (it being Dominion Day, and every one enjoying themselves), we found the only boat-builder of which the town could boast. After eyeing our hulk, he thought he could patch her up in two or three hours, which turned out to mean six. However, he made a good strong job, and one with which we were entirely satisfied. A few hours were spent doing the town," by the end of which time we expected the boat would be finished; but this not being the case, we marched homewards-that is, campwards— laden with provisions, and perspiring very freely. After dinner the "assistant cook and "forager" were despatched to bring home the boat, but they were so long detained that it was nearly dusk before we started for Cobourg. Soon after leaving, there was every appearance of a coming storni, and when opposite Gull Island it was thought advisable to land and camp for the night; and having found a suitable spot it was not long before we were settled down for the evening. A scanty supper was soon prepared, and we were quickly wrapped in our blankets for the third night; and although the trains passed not more than fifty yards from our tent, we were no more disturbed by their thunderings than by the steamer which passed a mile from shore. We hoped to make Cobourg bright and early in the morning, and then to proceed towards Presqu' Isle in the evening. How ever, we were again counting our chickens too soon, for we had forgotten that our chronometer had been broken while winding-up at Port Hope, and required "fixing," and that jewellers might not be more punctual than boat-builders in fulfilling their business promises. Owing to some time being lost on account of the rain of the previous night, Cobourg was not reached till about ten o'clock. On arriving, I was deputed to carry the watch to the town watchmaker; while there, to procure an abundance of fresh bread, and the same to bring back to the boat, which would await me at the wharf. This was accomplished, and we then set sail for the nearest landingplace down the coast, where we were to land, and procure dinner at the nearest farm-house. After this, having frequently visited Cobourg before, I remained in charge while the rest proceeded to inspect the town and to bring back the chronometer. And here I cannot help saying that if the jeweller whom we employed cannot repair a watch better than he did the one in question, he had better betake himself to higher latitudes, where they do not use such articles, for after this it never ran for more than five hours at a time. This state of things might have been endured had we nothing but daytime, but we had our fair proportion of night, and no one was found willing to volunteer to awaken just at the moment when the "chrono" desired to be again wound up, for perhaps the sixth time in twenty-four hours. The result was, that it often took a rest for two or three days at a time, and we sailed and performed our duties by nature's clock-the sun. After dinner we had a treat in store, which was to call on a good old south-of England farmer, with whom I had always stayed while near Cobourg; and his farm being close to the shore, we had been looking forward to the visit. Three of us set out, leaving the second cook to take care of the camp, and after walking about half a mile arrived at the farm-house, when we found that our would-be host and his wife were both on a trip to New York. We were consequently thrown upon the hospitality of the daughter, which was found none the less sincere and profuse. We regaled ourselves for a time on the best of the land, in the shape of bread and cream and cider, for which the farmers of Devonshire are famous; and to complete the destruction, we carried off four bottles of splendid four-year-old, which for excellence could only be compared to champagne. Thus laden we arrived at the camp, and as evening was approaching, and being somewhat behind our anticipated distance for four days' sailing, we at once made ready for going on our way. wind, which had been till this time quite fresh, now suddenly died away, and we had no alternative but a muscular row of an hour or two. The night drawing on faster than we expected, we had not gone more than three miles before we were compelled to run ashore and pitch our tent for the night. The Next morning, after breakfast, it was decided to take advantage of a beautiful breeze, to make a good run. We lost no time in setting sail; and running straight before the wind, determined to make Presqu' Isle before we again landed. The breeze, after an hour's sailing, became quite a stiff wind, and still rising, necessitated at first the reefing of the sails, and shortly afterwards of running under a reefed foresail. We thus passed Grafton and Colborne, though at too great a distance to obtain a fair idea of their appearance, except that there seemed to be a good deal of shipping going on at the latter port. About one o'clock we reached a fine beach in Shoal Bay (as it was called on our chart, although no one in the neighbourhood recognised the name)—a fine piece of water between Presqu' Isle proper and the mainland, about two miles in length from east to west, and a mile wide from north to south. Here we determined to obtain a good dinner, if we should have to walk a mile to purchase it. However, we fell in with a nice farm-house at about halt that distance |