and, in a few days, felt quite at home and comfortable in my new
quarters.

After some days' rest, I commenced operations by assisting my friend on
the farm and in the store. From my practical knowledge of farming,
acquired upon my mother's estate, I was soon installed as manager in
that department.

Our farm contained upwards of two hundred acres of cleared land, the
largest proportion of which consisted of meadows and pastures, but the
soil was light and sandy, and altogether very indifferent. My friend,
Colonel B----- had been imposed upon by the Yankee, of whom he had
bought it, and no wonder, when I tell you that my friend had formerly
held a situation under Government, and had lived in London all his
life.

Only the first three concessions of this township were settled at this
time, the remainder of the land being generally in the hands of
absentee proprietors. I am happy to say, the absentee tax has had the
effect of throwing vast quantities of these lands into the market.

This township, like Whitby, is now well settled, and though not
generally equal in regard to soil, is still considered a good township.
Bowmanville is the principal town, containing about twelve hundred
inhabitants. In 1825 it only boasted a grist-mill, saw-mill, a store,
and half-a-dozen houses. I mention this, merely to show how much the
country has improved in a few years. This is not an isolated fact it
applies to nearly all Canada West.

My intention was, to stay with my friends till the ensuing spring, and