For nearly a mile we followed the sharp descent and windings of the
beautiful valley, till a sudden turning of the road revealed to our
sight the whole expanse of this fine sheet of water. Not a ripple
dimpled the surface; but, mirror-like, it lay with all its lovely
islands thickly wooded to their summits with the sugar-maple, which
rose, tree above tree, up the steep ascent of these conical islets,
which, reflected in the clear lake, added new beauties to the scene.

A few minutes more brought us to the tavern, a small log-house, kept by
one David Tidy, a very respectable Scotchman. The situation of this
man's farm is one of the best on the lake shore. It is now the property
of Mr. Alfred Hayward, whose good taste has added greatly to its
natural beauties. Mrs. Hayward, who is an accomplished artist, has
taken a view of the lake from her garden, and also one of Port Hope,
both of which have been lithographed, and are much admired.

Tidy's tavern, and two other log-houses, were at this time the only
settlements on the Rice Lake plains, which extend for nearly twenty
miles along the south shore, forming the rear of the townships of
Hamilton and Alnwick, but which are now dotted over with fine
productive farms, substantial stone, brick, or frame-houses, full-
bearing orchards, and possessing in fact almost every comfort and
convenience a farmer could wish.

The pretty village of Gore's Landing is built partly on the lot
formerly possessed by Tidy, and partly on the adjoining lot at present
occupied by Captain Gore, from whom the village takes its name. The
gentlemen in this neighbourhood have, nearly at their own expense,
built a very neat church, which is romantically situated on the top of
a high hill overlooking the lake. In summer time nothing can exceed the