And see yon spiral column, black as night,
Rearing triumphantly its wreathing form;
Ruin's abroad, and through the murky light,
Drear desolation marks the spirit of the storm.
* * * * * *
How changed the scene; the awful tempest's o'er;
From dread array and elemental war
The lightning's flash hath ceased, the thunder's roar--
The glorious sun resumes his golden car.*

[* My description of this whirlwind, and the accompanying lines, have
already appeared in the "Victoria Magazine," published in Canada West,
under the signature of "Pioneer."]



CHAPTER XVIII.

THE HURON TRACT. -- JOURNAL OF DR. DUNLOP. -- HIS HARDSHIPS. -- I LEAVE
GUELPH FOR GODERICH. -- WANT OF ACCOMODATION. -- CURIOUS SUPPER. --
REMARKABLE TREES. -- THE BEVERLY OAK. -- NOBLE BUTTER-WOOD TREES. --
GODERICH. -- FINE WHEAT CROP. -- PURCHASE A LOG-HOUSE. -- CONSTRUCTION
OF A RAFT.

I HAD always wished to go to the Huron tract, whose fine lake, noble
forests, and productive soil, have made it a source of wealth to many a
settler. The climate too, was mild, and I had heard a great deal about
it from my gifted and facetious friend Dr. Dunlop, whose services in
exploring that part of their possessions were not only useful but
inestimable to the Company, and, in fact, to emigration in general.