Huntsville gazette., 1883-09-15
AN OLD COLONIAL CITY.
BY. F. BLUNT.

From Windsor to Halifax, the train
plunges into long tract of gloomy forest,
. stunted growth Of pine and hemlock
trees, whose cheerlsss character is in strong
contrast to the scenery of the Annapolis
Valley. At intervals, we emerge and dart
along the shores of stagnant pools and
over Low wastes of land, unavailable ON ac-
count of the treacherous bo9s. The Sta-
tions are few and far between, usually in
an opening of the forest where the carriage
roads interssct. and q few dingv houses
testify to the drowsy life dragging cut an
existence even in these deserted places.
A few miles from Halifax, the W. i A.
Railway, forms Junction with the Inter-
Colonial A more rocky place it has never
been our fortune to visit; boulders piled
upon boulders surround the Station, and
the ledge extends in every direction.
scarcely leaving single patch of green
grass for the sheep and goats. Rough and
uncouth as are the surroundings, this
place in the far Eastern provinces has q
charm for us, and We turn second time
to admire the little stream forcing its way
through the rugged granite walls by path
of its own making. Farther on is Bedford,
noted Summer resort, on an arm of the
sea by the same name. Hero come the
gentry of Halifax to snuff tho country bree-
zss, and still keep in mind the nurmer Of
the ocean. Being near the city, it is easily
reached for few days excursion. and load
cd trains deposit their living freight in
multitudes, while booths for the accemmo-
dation Of picnicers are on every hand. For
two weeks we were At tho Belle Vue House,
and during that time almost constantly en-
gagged in explorations. The bay seemed
covered with pleasure boats, and the tiny
white sails glistensd like ses gulls on the
surface Of the water. Spruce Island stands
midway, guardian Of the harbsr by ma
ture, but not utilized by Notifications, as
these are farther down and around the city.
Long curves Of the railroad about the in
land coves serve to make the journey pleas
ant and keep the train in sight from the
Station long after starting out on its course.
AT HALIFAX,
one finds himself in new world. New
customs, or unfamiliar ones prevail. The
undisguised cordiality Of the Western coun
tics gives place to hauty arrogance and As.
sumed gentility. Here Johnny Bull" re-
poses i'll all the dignity of character mani
fasted by true-born Britains. In his So
licitude for PERSONAL comfort, he rarely
condescends to do anything for the comfort
of others.
Having magnificent harbor, this is one
Of England's strongholds. The govern
msnt buildings and navy yard. as well as
the various ports, are prominent objects OF
interest Red Coats" are thickly inter
spersed with the dress of the civilians, and
the bright uniforms of the soldiers lsnd
peculiar charm to the picture. At certain
hours of the day, shrill blasts from the b,
81 -~--i-a no nf the drills and review gf
-'61 and succeeding years. Though but
child in those days, we recall vividly tue
thoughts presented to our minds as the SOL
diers went marching off to the war, many,
alas, to return no more.
In these days of peace and reconciliation,
we can afford to lay aside old jeslousies,
and turn with regretful hearts for sympa
thy to-each other. South and North feel
ing OF fraternal affection is springing up;
old ISSUES have passed Away, and new bonds
II association are being formed. Oar in
tsrests are becoming more closely united
aud we gain confidence in each other from
contact in business matters as well as soci-
ally. Away with malice and distrust !
We are brothers, then let unity prevail -
The pablic gardens of Halifax are well
tastefully arranged. and SO extensive as to
render a stroll eDjoyable. iii tic pavili,a.
afford ready retreat in case of a sud
shower, and the rink AZ one side of the
closure offers varied amuse;nents. A.
ening, the broad avenues are tnronssd wltu
promenaders, and the music Of tue band
floats harmonleuely through the rustling
tree-tops, all lmperfsctions OF time or tune
folIeucu UJ MS ulStduC0- OOOt auQ lnNl1-
Grating are the Dreezes. on those charming
summer eveniugs, ana. IS II the iaDd of
| 14agnohas, ne most pleasant bours OF ,o-
| day aE8 from sunset ill 8 o'oiock IheE
all tbs fashion end boaatY ot the city Is u,
the street, while tiiose OF Bohemian incl
nations extend their revels far into the
night. "Jack Tar" with his flowing psn-
falcons and square collar comes ashore to
climber up" and ''wet his whistle" and
| Water st. is alive with rag mullins" and
''whsrf- rats
| The city proper is built around the bass
OF . hill and extends its brick walls far I'D
the heights toward the citadel. From the
windows of the upper streets one can look
directly down the chimney pots Of those
below, yet far above all. the flag of Eng
lard waves over the battlements OF the old
granite fort just below the Notifications
. number Of mighty cannon command the
harbor, ready to vomit for tn their fiery
missils At moments prOvoca ton. 1t would
/ l. at