Huntsville gazette., 1883-07-07
A Summer Vacation in Acadia.
By j. F. BLUNT.

in the "Sunny South"
Cool breezes from the neighboring At
lantic watt to us the rich perfume of apple
blossoms, while the sweetly scented straw
berries, ripening upon the hills, mingle
their own delicious fragrance.
We are reminded of the pleasant hours
in Huntsville, spent SO long a time ago
among the Freedmen, when the peach
trees were in bloom.
Happy should We be if we might only
re. visit the scenes of our former labors,
and renew the friendships of those days.
But, none are forgotten Of those who en-
deared themselves to us by many acts of
kindness while connected with the Rust
Institute" in the Spring of 80.
To one approaching this province from
the North by Steamers, the shores present
a pleasing picture. Densely wooded.hills
slope abruptly to the waters edge. and in
graceful curves stretch out on either hand
as far as the eye can reach. Few inlets
break the perfect contour of the land and
the trees are mirrored on the transparent
surface of the water. One can readily i'm
agine that he is nearing an enchanted is
land, which some giant hand has plucked
from the main land and bound securely to
some sunken ledge never again to return
to its former station
At length we round a point, until now
screened from observation, and glide on
into the basin of the Annapolis River.
The tide is coming IN and for time we
toss upon the breakers, but our gallant
steamer plunges On, beating the waves
with her powerful arms, and leaves the
surging billows far in her wake.
A schooner with all sails set bears us
company for time, but is compelled f.
nally to admit the superior power Of steam
and fall to the rear.
Closely nesting in some retired nook,
or perched upon a projecting headland.
little hamlets rest with glistening spires
peering out over the sea, whose restless
murmer sounds increasingly.
Far up over the sides of the mountains
wind the roads leading to the homes of
those scattered in these isolated regions
and the tinkle of the tiny cow-bells comes
floating down to US from these elevated
pastures On every side we see the indi-
cations of thrift.
The forests give place to well titled fields
and cosy cottages, surrounded by tasty
yards, where many restfnl hour is spent
at the close of the days duties. Here lives
the fisherman in peace and happiness, not
caring for the busy scenes in other walks !
of life, but resting contented with his lot
Winding around the bends of the river,
at last we see the long struggling streets of
Anapolis, a striking contrast to the beauti-
tul little town of Digby, near the entrance
to the basin, From the river the town
does not present an attractive exterior, re-
quiring closer view to perceive its charms.
A short walk in the suburbs will give you
new impression Of the place, which you
will find possesses many pleasing features.
Most OF the private residences are back
from the street and are reached by long
drive-ways sweeping up to the door.
Tall shade trees entwine their branches
overhead and form roof Of massive green,
while gently swaying hammocks invite
trial of their virtues.
The style of architecture is peculiar, par
taking more of the English than the Amer
lean models.
Many houses Of but one story boast a
Mansard roof, and initiate in other partic-
ulars their more pretentious sisters
The front entrance is usually reached by
a short fight of stairs, passing up by the
basement to the vestibule, or entry, over
head. Knockers are generally preferred
upon the doors, but bells are occasionally
employed.
Footmen are in attendance upon the car
riages of families of any pretentions,
tn ough this custom is confined more es-
pecial ly to the larger towns
The habit Of turning to the left when
iuecliIS Ou tu6 otIStt 10 Ou0 VI luO uIot "
attract the notice of foreigner, who quite
likely may think at first such course taken
merely to place an affront upon him; but
he soor learns it is the generally accepted
custom and no insult is intended. The
toll bridges all have sign which reads:
ssTnrn to the left and walk your horses, or
you will be fined" SO this settles the case
as no one wishes to incur the penalty.
The yoke almost invariably used is not
like chose with which all Americans are fa-
miliar, being what is known as the dutch
Yoke" 1t has no bows, being SO fashioned
as to fit closely just behind the horns Of
the oxen, to which it is bound by straps
Each OK also wears bell, which gives
warning of their approac b, long halora ii
is necessary to turn out for them
Many peculiar customs prevail. Of which
we may speak at another time, provided
the Editor of the GAZETTE will allow us
space.
Charming indeed is the country and for
tunate he who is able to visit it, for words
are not adequate to fair description of its
beauties
Scenery you may find here surprising all