Not being a Russian, I rejected the tallow with disgust, and made but a
sorry meal of the other delicacies.

On our route, we crossed several pretty streams, the principal of which
are the Avon, then called the Little Thames, the Big Thames, and the
Black Water. The Bayfield does not cross the road, though it makes a
bend close to it, and within sight. I believe I am correct in saying,
that we did not cross a single cedar-swamp from the time we entered the
Huron tract* till we reached Goderich, a distance of sixty-seven miles.
I consider this block the finest tract of land I ever travelled over in
Canada West.

[* "This interesting portion of the Company's possessions contains a
million of acres in one block, within the compass of which a bad farm
could scarcely be found. The soil is a rich black loam, on clay or
limestone; and as it is entirely timbered with the best kind of hard
wood, no land in the Province is so well adapted for the manufacture of
potash, an object of considerable importance to the industrious
settler. It is bounded, for an extent of sixty miles, by Lake Huron; is
a separate district; and Goderich, its principal town, where the
district courts are held, is situated at the confluence of the river
Maitland with Lake Huron, where it forms an admirable harbour. The
population of the town is seven hundred, and there are several good
stores and shops in it; mechanics carrying on some useful trades. There
are also an episcopal church and other houses of religious worship, and
a good school, where the higher branches of the classics are taught, as
well as the more ordinary routine of education."--Statistics published
by the Canada Company.]