The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1878-06-02
1t s seldom that so much utility Is bound up In
the same covers with 30 much entertainment.
Canoeing In Kanuckia.

A really exquisite piece of workmanship,
both rs regards literary form and Typographical
drose. IL CdHOeing IA KdHuckid by c. l.. MOTION
and JOHN HABBEnToN tPutnam'sl. IL is seldom
worth while to dwell on the outward adornment
of volumes. but in this case we are bound TO
signalize the admirable taste and lavish outlay
with which the publishers have provided a fit
setting for dainty book. We arc glad to see
that u movement begun In Europe within
twelvemonth is now reaching us. and that the
cover Of this little work is in texture tint. and
decoration. almost n work OF art When we add
that the same nico attention has been bestowed
ON paper. printing, and Illustrations 1t will be
plain that, TO deserve such an equipment, the
contents Of tho volume should be very enjoyable.
The record Of n canoe voyage along Canadian
lakes and rivers is certainly very delightful
reading. This cruise TO tho northward was by
no means wanting In novel and entertaining in
cident. and the four members OF the party who
manned the 1otilla OF four boats seem to have
been very engaging fellows. although we i'm
agine their amusing traits and droll discourse
have lost nothing in tho report OF MIR. Habber-
ton who was tho cook of the expedition, and Is
now one Of It's historians. We have no doubt
that the account Of this experiment in new
form Of recreation will commend canoeing to
many persons as substitute for yachting. and
certainly to those who love tho water and the
open air. but whose modest incomes are I'M
equal to the latter diversion. For our own part,
II we might reckon on such agreeable com
radcs rs We meet with in this story.
and wcro not suspicious OF certain diller-
ence between the homely fact and its literary
treatment. we could ask nothing better in the
approaching summer days than u long eNcur-
sion in "Chrysalid." or even in a Red
Laker." among the woodland lakes and streams
OF our northern border, and II is worth noting
by those who may contemplate cruising in ca
noes that in an APPENDIX the authors, who are
manifestly experts in this branch Of nautical
business. give explicit directions touching tho
model. material. rig. and outfit OF these little
craft Tho complcrs Of this chronicle are ar
dent votares Of the canoe voyage. and they as
sure us. that while tho boat is flying literally.
| for her bottom barely touches the surface Of tho
! stream and she can sail at "A respectable speed
over tide mud glazed with water. its occupant
| has every pleasure experienced 10y the owner Of
| q twenty thousand dollar yacht. He has. they
tell US the same iocund wind whistling In
| his cars. the Same sharp remonstranco
OF the waters divided by the bow. the same
murmurs Of recognition and complaint by the
same waters as they reunite under the stern
post. the same sense Of triumph over one ele-
ment Of compulsion Of another. which, II 1t had
its own way would prove but nttul ally, the
same heart-swelling Elan OF health revealing in
pure air and tense cndcavor, unconstrained by
age. sex. or previous conditions OF social or
business scrvitudc We are reminded too. that
when the sail is over or the season itself is
ended. tho delightful memories Of the cruise
are not. as in the case OF the yachtsman. blight
ed by poignant recollcctions Of the irightful cx-
/ pense " tho crew. or the eNtoriionatc charge II
shlpbullders for repairs. And. nnttlly. whercns
the yachtsman. with much pains and many dis
bursements for dockagc. keeping. a.. lays up
| his boat FOR the winter. and bemoans tho
wasting interest upon her cost the canoest. on
the other hand. quietly puts his boat upon his
back. or ut worst. a cart. carries her
To his house. and puts her down in the cellar or
NJ in the garnet. whore he may visit her when
/ he likes In any weather. and refresh such
| pleasant memories ms may seem laggard when
/ recalled. As for the annals Of this particular
J expedition. the reader will con them with pecu-
liar relish. because thc incidents therein re-
| counted did actually occur during voyage in
| which the authors wcrc participants, because
! the localities described have a geographical eN-
| istcncc, and because the persons introduced
/ and experiences recorded are. with triti NJ.
/ exceptions. declared TO bee iruc to the life. II $
| element Of Verncity is worth marking in a book
] whose bright and delicate literary executor
/ might lead the reader to uscribe u considerable
] role to the Imagination IN tho matter Of tic
/ narrative.