But it is almost impossible to ascertain their age with exactitude; for they are generally hollow or decayed at heart. I once counted the growth of an Ash-tree, by the usual method of the number of circles which the yearly rise of the sap had formed; and though it was only three feet in diameter, I found that it had braved the storms of 312 winters: From this circumstance, I think it probable, that trees of ten feet diameter must have bowed their heads in obeisance to the Ruling Power for at least 1,100 years. This, though scarcely credible to short-lived mortals, is certainly the fact; for, upon inspecting the annual growth of some of these enormous trees, I have observed that it did not exceed that of the small ones.

The only hedge-shrubs which I have ever seen in Canada, are a kind of HAWTHORN of a coarse growth and large leaf, and several species of BRIARS and DOG-ROSES. HOLLY, BOX, LABURNUM, LoRESTINA, LILAC, and many other beautiful shrubs, which please the eye and scent the air of other countries, are vainly looked for in Canada: Ivy and LAUREL are likewise strangers to this country.

A shrub resembling the HONEY SUCKLE, but entirely different from that of England, is found in various parts of Upper Canada; but, when in full flower, it emits very little of that odour for which it is distinguished in my native country. Dr. Dwight says, the same shrub is found in New England," and is still more beautiful, and more grateful to the smell, than that of Great Britain."

But, unfortunately for the amiable Doctor, his testimony on this point is of little importance, he having never seen a British Woodbine, except in the hedge of some landscape-painting, where, however faithfully its appearance might have been represented, its odour could not on canvas be: either retained or transmitted.

Dr. Howison, in his Sketches of Upper Canada, says, "The peasantry evince the utmost indifference about every thing that is not absolutely necessary to support existence. They raise wheat, Indian corn, and potatoes enough to place themselves beyond the reach of want; but rarely endeavour to increase their comforts by making gardens, or adorning the sites of their rude abodes with those rural improvements which so often grace the cottages of the British peasantry. Among the humble dwellings of Upper Canada

No roses wreathing,

Or woodbines breathing,

Around the lattice their tendrils spread.

Nor does the bee, in the stillness of the Summer's day, hum among the honey-suckles, and, weighing down the flowers, rob them of their luscious, treasure for the benefit of him who reared and watered the parent plant." He then adds the following remark: "The love of rural, economy and improvement among the lower elasses, is a tolerably sure indication that they have virtuous dispositions." The Doctor appears to have anticipated much plea

sure from the idea of becoming an eye-witness of that neatness, taste, and simplicity which, he had been told, characterized the people of Upper Canada, and proved them to be, what they really are, the happiest people on the face of the earth. -"But," says he, "I felt disappointed, when, even in the oldest settlements, I saw every thing in a state of primitive rudeness and barbarism."

The disappointments of which Dr. Howison complains, are experienced, in some degree, by every person who visits the country. I came to Upper Canada with the strongest prepossessions in its favour: It was represented to me, as scarcely inferior to the Garden of Eden, and as inhabited by a virtuous, industrious, and hospitable people. But when I landed on its wooded shores, and explored its immeasurable forests, I found the original to have very little agreement with the picture which my fancy had drawn, or the pens of my informants had sketched. Nature has unquestionably done much for the country. The soil is very luxuriant nearly in all places; and the trees every where stretch out their boughs majestically towards the clouds: But delightful cottages, hospitable and industrious men, and women beautiful and virtuous, on my first arrival were all either enshrouded in the impenetrable shades of the interminable woods, or had emigrated, like myself, in quest of more indulgent skies and better fortunes: For no traces of them could be observed. †

+ The general remarks are here applied only to Upper Canada.

Orchards, which in the old settlements are very numerous, are the only plantations of which the country can boast; and even they are little indebted to the cultivator's toil, although the APPLES which they produce, are not inferior to any in the world. Those of the Western Districts in particular are of a most excellent description and fine flavour. The cider is remarkably good, notwithstanding it is always drunk fresh. It is generally used in the Winter, and seldom or never allowed to attain the age of six months. It sells for about ten shillings per barrel of thirty-two gallons, and is retailed by the tavern-keepers at seven pence halfpenny per quart, leaving them the astonishing profit of seven hundred per cent. Apples are generally sold for one shilling and threepence per bushel, of sixty lbs. In order to preserve them through the Winter, they are peeled and cut into slices; a piece of fine twine is then passed through the centre of each slice, until the whole length of the string is occupied, when both the ends are united. They are afterwards hung up near the fire until they become perfectly dry, when they are barrelled and closed up until wanted. This is said to be the only method of preserving them in so cold a climate. But I am inclined to think, that if they were carefully plucked off the trees at a proper season, and placed in a room of moderate temperature, either in well-seasoned hay or ferns, they might be preserved entire through the Winter.

PEACHES grow only in the Gore, Niagara,

London and Western Districts. The severity of the frosts in the Eastern Districts, as well as in Lower Canada, destroys the trees when they are young, and thus precludes the possibility of cultivating this delicious fruit in those regions. The best peaches are those which may be seen upon the banks of the river St. Clair, and at the Western extremity of Lake Erie. They are produced in great profusion in these places, as well as along the South-western shores of Ontario and the river Niagara. The price at which they are sold, is one shilling and sixpence per bushel; and the same method is taken to preserve them, as in the case of apples.

PEARS are very rarely to be met with. I cannot say any thing about their quality, because I have never seen one since my arrival in the country; but I have no doubt, that if a proper kind were introduced into Upper Canada, it would thrive exceedingly well.

VRED CHERRIES are very plentiful, and, though small, are well-flavoured and juicy. Wild cherries, both black and red, abound in the woods; but as they always grow on the tops of trees which are often nine feet in circumference and one hundred and twenty in height, they can never be obtained without felling the tree. They are generally consumed by the vast flocks of pigeons that visit this country in the Summer; and it is somewhat remarkable, that these birds never touch them till they are perfectly ripe.