Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, W.T. [i.e. Wis.]) 1843-1844, 1843-04-15

In snort, the arr OF cultivating land is not
perhaps pracised in any country where,
viewing it generally, more discouraging obsta-
Giles to profitable agriculture present themselves,
than are to be encountered in Upper Canada.
During one of my excursions from Hamilton,
visited and dined with another old friend,
Adam Ferguson, who resides about seven
miles from that place. on small property
which he has named Woodhill after his estate
| in Scotland. Here he has built cottage COM
manding beautiful views, particularly of Bur-
lington Bay, but its own situation is rugged,
solitary and gloomy so much so that could
not help giving al,erance TO my surprise that
he should have selected for his residence
place which TO me seemed fit only for the a
bode of wolves and foxes, or of some recluse
disguised with the haunts Of man.
In the course of seven years, Mr., Ferguson
has cleared or partially cleared few acres, Of
which the soil appears sandy and of inferior
quality, such as in Scotland would not be con-
sidered worth rent of ten shllings an acre;
but he possesses here but small extent Of land,
the bulk of his property lying forty or fifty
miles up the country, where he has settled sew
eral of his sons. and where am informed, the
soil is good and they have cleared 1900 acres.
Mr.. Ferguson is the only one heard of who
has made fortunate speculation in land in
Upper Canada, having succeeded in disposing
to advantage of several lots of what he had
purchased,
had the pleasure of meeting at Toronto the
chief of Macnab who some fifteen years ago,
emigrated 10 Canada with his whole clan, and
settled about 100 miles up the country. He
is fine representation of the Highland chief
tain Of days gone by---tall and stately; and hav-
ing, with perfect courtesy, the bearing of
man born 10 be obeyed. He seems we'll salts
fed with his present position and describes
things as fiourishing in his clanshp.
Twas also introduced to Sir Allen Macnab
who has built magnificent house a mile or SO
from Hamilton, close on Burlington Bay, and
made out and inclosed large park in the Eng
ish style. Sir Allan is also a fnc-looking
man, his countenance strongly indicative of
that intelligence and resolution which he is
known in an eminent degree to possess. In
The shortest Interview ono dis~overs in him the
well-bred and accomplished gentIeman: The
interest he has taken and the services he has
rendered in the affairs of Canada, have raised
his character. so high, that any eulogium from
me might be deemed presumptuous. Suffice
il to allude to the presence of mind, prompti-
tude and energy with which, two years ago,
and saved Toronto and its neighborhood from
being sacked and burt by numerous body of
rebels, when all the regular troops had been
Withdrawn 10 the lower province.
was Hospitality entertained at the house of
Sir Allan, and had the honor of an introduction
to Lady Macnab and his family. In CONVEX
sa,ion with him on the objects of my inquiry,
he informed me that, eleven years ago, Hamil
ton consisted of a single house, and the country
all round was a dense forest. II now contains
1000 Inhabitants, and cultivation has been ex-
tended to circuit of three or four miles. From
this and other circumstances he mentioned, Sir
Allan argues that by and by improvements will
proceed rapidly, although he admits that in the
meantime things are al stand-silll.
Sir Allan was President OF the late Legisa-
tive Council, but by the Wing government his
merits have not been duly required. Their in
fucnce was used against him at the late cleo
lion. and It was their policy TO raise to power
individuals whom he had found il necessary 10
pu, in Jail as rebels. Sir Allan is enthusiastic
in his Partially TO Upper Canada, and if the
observations | have made regarding ii shall
ever meet his eye, they will not probably re-
ceive his concurrence; but have no doubt the
lberai,y of his opinions will give me credit
for the sincerity of mine, as well as for the u.s.
surance that should feel extreme regret if the
expression of them were to prove unpleasant
TO any of my countrymen, and more particular
ly 10 any of my valued friends.
With reference TO the opinion | have form
ed of Upper Canada, may mention that the
chief object Of my journey was TO WISH my
daughter who has chosen TO cast her lot Tor
life on this side of the Atlantic, but was unde-
termned, until should decide, whether her
husband and she should purchase permanent
residence 10 the Province or IN The STATES.
Now, looking TO the matter Of present comfort
only---taking into view the States are Ia com
parison with Upper Canada. an old country 10
many parts highly cultivated. and good society
land that The Province is but in infancy and
only holds out prospects OF It's advantage 70 ne
realized by some future generation, bad no
hesitation in pronouncing IN favor oil the ior-
mer.
This explanation Of my purpose VIII serve
TO show that my opinions have not been FORM
ed altogether graiuitously, nor without consid-
Grafton; bot at the same time should Wish u
"a he understood, tina, although have described
with failhfuIness what fell under my own ob-
serva,ion, or was derived from The most aulhen-
tic information | could obtain, yet my oPporiu-
mites of examining into the agricultural anaiIs
of Upper Canada was very limited. III IS
noble country certainly, end one day may Hse
10 immense importance; but behind as u 10 IN
cultivation, and neglected as i has been by me
go7ernnen, at home, and deficient as It yet IS
IN CAPITAL its progress in improvement must
to all present appearance, necessarily De SLOW;
IL viii thus be understood that while won'a
recommend the States 10 The choice o. brush
emigrsnts. in preference to Upper Canada
am Induced to DO so entirely from conslde'a-