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THE CANADIAN POCKET DIARY For 1891

TORONTO:

PUBLIHSED BY BROWN BROS.,

MANUFACTURING STATIONERS.

MEMORANDUM

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January THUSDAY 1 1891

Fred and I have been working away arround the barn to day. This afternoon we have been cuting feed with Mr James McBrides assistance as driver. There has been quite a thaw since yesterday. It seems as though our snow was going to leave us for the present. Weather has become quite mild and rainy of late.

January SATURDAY 3 1891

Fred has been work away {illegible} as usual. Ma and I went out to Dover before noon to attend the funeral of my cousin {illegible} and old school mate Capt. Wesley Hazen. The procession started at about one o'clock from Ward Soverigues, proceeded to Woodhouse Chappel and a sermon was preached there before burial by Rev. Mr Robertson of Port Dover. Called on the way home at W.I.C's

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January FRIDAY 2 1891

Have had Fred at work at cuting wood to day. I went to attend the Funeral of our old neighbour S.H. Ryerse Esq. whod died at the age of seventy six, three days ago. Took the minister with me. He is a young Baptist Bro. {illegible} Woodstock home with me this evening. Had a {illegible} disagreeable ride. Found Marian Williams & {illegible} and her when I came home.

January SUNDAY 4 1891

On account of Maggie being quite unwell with her breast, and requiring special care I did not go out to church this morning. Have tried to improve my few spare moments as best I could The good Lord has graciously blessed me with his presence and with some of the joys of His salvation. The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures and besides the still waters.

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January MONDAY 5 1891

Have been up to Simcoe to day, settling up some accounts as far as I was able. It gave me great satisfaction to do this even in the very unsatisfactory that I had to get the money. It was town meeting day and I called at Biggins School house on the way and voted for councilors. Was disappointed with my postal card to the Practical Farmer. It was my first unsuccessful venture in that direction.

January TUESDAY 6 1891

Fred and I got some feed cut this forenoon. This afternoon he has been cuting wood &c Had a family gathering this afternoon of my two unckles John and Clarke with their wifes and Nora with some other friends. Aunt Lydia and Jane brought a beautiful silver cup and tea spoon with the baby's name all engraved on each, as a present to the Little darling. Its mother has continued to suffer with her breast, very much. We are greatly allarmed about it.

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January WEDNESDAY 7 1891

Fred helped Hom thresh this forenoon & has been cuting wood this afternoon. I went out to Dover this afternoon on business of various kinds. Settled up some small matters of business in a partial way Bertha went along to see about some clothes. Maggie is quite poorly still and requires constant care both night and day. Have been afraid that her breast was caked.

January THURSDAY 8 1891

Fred and I have been killing hogs to day. Succeeded in geting our hog butchering done for another year and I am thankful. Always hated such work. The day has been beautiful - very fine for our work. My wifes sister Mrs Sarah Crysler came to day. Florence brought her down from Simcoe. Am pretty tired of being up nights but it has been necessary for {illegible} last week or so. Maggies breast broke this morning.

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January FRIDAY 9 1891

Fred has been working away today at sundry jobs. Went out to Dover with the hogs killed yesterday. Left them at Warrens, but did not get the money for them, as I desired. Paid Mr Chaffey sixteen dollars on the way out, on Freds account. There are very good roads just now, with prospects for a change from cold to warmer weather before long.

January SATURDAY 10 1891

Fred has drawn wood during the forenoon while I was geting the cuting box ready to cut this afternoon. So this afternoon we have been cuting feed with Wm James McBride's help. Got a nice pile ready for use. There is every appearance of a thaw or rain Three white frosts have succeeded each other, a pretty sure sign. Have felt somewhat cast down to day, But God is a sure shield.

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January SUNDAY 11 1891

Took Mr Sutcliff with me to church at Dover this forenoon. It happened to be the funeral of Bro McGilverys son Daniel who was burned to death at Midland on Thursday last while rooming in a hotel, which was burned there. It has been storming all day a sort of sleet & ice. Still the Good Lord dwells with His people. O how glorious are His ways and works. He works praise him O God & {illegible line}

January MONDAY 12 1891

Fred away I got to work at cuting wo wood in the woods and geting it up this afternoon. We are intending to keep on this work for a while now. I settled up with Mr Chaffey this morning. Am still owing him something over sixty five dollars all told. This amt is nearly all of Feeds {illegible} Had a caller from my old friend Walter this evening. He has lately been married and appears to be enjoying his new life.

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January TUESDAY 13 1891

Have been cuting and geting up wood to day, Fred and I. Got two good big loads of stovewood cut out of oak tops, and drawn up. The weather has been anything but pleasant. Snow has been falling and wind blowing nearly all day. Our house is rather disabled at present. Ma is sick with a cold besides Maggie being laid up. The latter is doing nicely.

January WEDNESDAY 14 1891

We have Ca{illegible} to our wood to day as {illegible}. Succeeded in geting one load wood cut and drawn owing to snow that has been falling &c &c. Went out to town this evening to see about some small matters. Took Mr Crysler with me. The weather is exceedingly cold, in last night be called Zero weather.

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January THURSDAY 15 1891

We have been cuting feed again to day. Started about ten o'clock this forenoon quit work about five. Mr McBride has been helping us together with Sam and a horse. Succeeded in geting a good big pile cut . Hope that it will last until week after next. Have been fortunate in having a good day for our work to day.

January FRIDAY 16 1891

Took Mrs {illegible} up to Mr Gideon Cryslers this forenoon. Had dinner with them there. Drove on to home afterwards and came back by Thomas Jacksons. Had tea at W Walls attended a political meeting at the dogs {illegible} where Mr John Charlton spoke. Was very much pleased with his address. It was the first time I ever heard him and my impressions were first class as to his power as a public speaker.

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January SATURDAY 17 1891

Took Maggie and the baby down to Jarvis this morning and put them on the train there for Delhi. Mrs Crysler who has been here for some time helping my wife also went along. Fred and I have been cutting wood this afternoon in the woods. There is a good deal of interest in our election which is to come off in a week or so of a local member.

August SATURDAY 8 1891

Fred went over to Jame Challards to thresh this forenoon, He has been helping Mr Abercrombie this afternoon, who by the way helped us yesterday. Same drove the binder this forenoon - cuting oats on the Flat. I went up this afternoon to Mr Edwards Mill with few young hogs which I could not fatter on account of failure in crops. Am affraid to fatten so many with what we have.

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August SUNDAY 9 1891

It has been so very warm to day that we thought best not to drive out to church so it has been truely a day of rest. Lecilia came last night rather unexpectedly and we are to have her with us for a few days. Mrs Cryslers two boys Charley and Ja{illegible} came from Mr Gideon Cryslers this morning so we have quite a housefull of company. Have felt a gracious deliverence from anxious care to day Jesus is precious.

January TUESDAY 20 1891

Weather to day has been cold enough. Our work is the same as usual vis - cuting and geting up wood I went out to Dover this afternoon however and had tea at W. Walles. Afterwards went to the Dog's nest to political meeting where John Charlton spoke. George Gulcher is stoping with us now. he brought little jim a nice suit of clothes, of which the latter is very proud.

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January WEDNESDAY 21 1891

We have been cuting and geting up wood to day as usual. Do not seem to be makeing much headway either. It takes so much time to do chores. Ma and I went down to William Walls'es this evening. Had a pleasant visit with them. The family all being home. I am missing Maggie very much and the baby as well. There seems to be something lacking all the time.

January THURSDAY 22 1891

We have been working in the woods a good {illegible} of the time. Fred away to day. A moderate snow storm has been in progress throughout the day, and this evening the weather is become cool again. I went up to the Grange hall to our Monthly meeting to day this evening. Quite a number of people were there and a pleasant evening was spent. Had not been to the Grange for nearly a year.

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January FRIDAY 23 1891

Fred and I went up to the Wiggins School house this forenoon to poll our votes for member of local parliament. There seemed to be a good deal of interest shown by almost everybody in the election. It is the general opinion that the majority will be a very small one, on either side. The Candidates are Mr Wm Morgan of Walsingham and W.A Charlton of {illegible}doch. We, of course supported the latter.

January SATURDAY 24 1891

I went out to Dover this forenoon {illegible line} latter is intending to start for {illegible} the first of next week. Have been cuting feed alone this afternoon that is with Fred and little Jim s help Was surprised to find that W.A. Charlton of Leynedoch Had been elected by a majority of ninety or more. Ma was just telling me that at the time of the Mackenzie Rebellion my father and Lewis Bowlby went to Cananaqua {illegible} to escape conscription. {illegible} D.W. Beech & remained for a time for many months. LR. stayed for some time also It seems that Mrs Depue was married while my father was over there Do not recall ever hearing of this circumstance before, hence this record.

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January SATURDAY 25 1891

Went out to Dover this morning as usual, takeing Bertha and Jim with me this time. Our Sup. Bro Saunders preached cannot say that I have been as much blessed by the services of the day as I could {illegible}. So it often happens. The class meeting afterwards was also a {illegible} of very ordinary enjoyment. Clouds will pass over us from time to time no doubt, leaving us the happier when sunshine does appear.

January MONDAY 26 1891

Fred has been picking over onions this forenoon we have been cuting feed alone. We are able to make very good headway with our time and little Jims help. Got started at makeing a carrier for the cuting-box, by which we hope to get along still better than at present. The weather is quite mild. The snow that fell last night has about disappeared to day.

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January TUESDAY 27 1891

Fred went to Hagersville with the remaining portion of our onion crop to day. He sold them there at 80 c. per Bus. store pay. He brought home some ten or eleven galls of Coal oil as my share of proceeds. Heard from the P.O Department this evening that I was in for eleven dollars and twenty five cts for stamps bought by W.R.Reid and not paid for by him. So much for being his security Mr Perkis has a like sum to pay. Took tea at unckle Johns this evening.

January WEDNESDAY 28 1891

Fred went down to Thomas Jacksons with the {illegible line} to help them Cut feed. This afternoon he has been drawing manure. I have been working on a carrier for our cuting -box most of the time. Have been about heart sick with a cold though, so I did not make much headway. have been blessed with a precious faith in our Heavenly Father as my deliverer and guide to day.

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January THURSDAY 29 1891

Our man has been geting out manure to day . We find it necessary to draw manure occasionally in order to get room. This afternoon we have been cuting feed alone. Am so thankful that we can get along so well without the extra help we so recently thought necessary. The remarkable fine mild Winter weather still continues. Rain has been falling Occasionally the past day. Still it does not thaw much of any.

January FRIDAY 30 1891

I have been completely laid up to day with a lame back & bad cold as ever. Fred has been working at taking out manure and at sundry other jobs. It has been quite mild with every appearance of a general break up. Have been able to read a good deal to day which is of itself a great privilege. Do not appreciate the other part of my experience to day viz the lame back.

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January SATURDAY 31 1891

Have felt some better to day. Was able this forenoon to cut feed for a coupld of hours. Mr McBride has been helping us with one horse. Went out to Dover this afternoon takeing Ma with me. Sent away the money to P.O. Inspector, which I got into by going security for W.R.Reid as {illegible} $11.25 cts, beside cost of {illegible}. Made a bargain for the sale of some oak stove bolts at 5.2 & 6$ per cord to Geo Reynolds 22 & 36 inch {illegible}

Febuary SUNDAY 1 1891

Our Quarterly meeting being at Wa{illegible} to day we did not go. The distance being eighteen miles. I went over to the church at home and heard a young Baptist Student from Woodstock - He preached from "The Lord hath desired thee that He might sift thee as wheat". Neverltheless I have prayed for the that thy faith fail thee not". The {illegible} some beautiful points which I cannot record for want of space.

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Febuary MONDAY 2 1891

Fred and I got to work at cuting oak into stovebolts to day. Got one big tree down and one cut off the {illegible} The saw did not work well so I had to file it thoroughly which took some time. Mr Chaffey was here this afternoon to tell us that he was likely to go away in a couple of weeks. Weather has changed lately & again Winter reigns supreme. There is every appearance of snow.

Febuary TUESDAY 3 1891

Fred and I cut wood in the forenoon for bolts & this afternoon have been cuting Fred alone and doing same. {illegible} chores. I went over to Dover this evening to take out some butter to Cover a crock that we had been filling for him. The weather has been geting colder all day and is quite cold to night. We seem likely now to have some cold Winter weather for a while now. No telling how long it will last either.

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Febuary WEDNESDAY 4 1891

Fred and I have been doing our best at the stove bolt business to day. It has been exceedingly cold and windy. but, all right for working in the woods. Through Mr Chaffeys kindness the Mail came to hand this evening. See by it that the Ottawa parliament has been dissolved and General Election to take place on the fifth of next month. It is generaly thought that Sir John has acted wisely for party reasons in his sudden change.

Febuary THURSDAY 5 1891'

Fred and I have been cuting oak for bolt to day as usual except when doing chores. We have made three cords out of our tree and that not a large one. Have to record the death of one my black french mares Maggie at the age of twenty four to day. Her usefulness was about past, so that the loss is not a serious one of {illegible}. Have allowed her to run in the yard this Winter, the stables being full one reason of her not wintering perhaps.

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Febuary FRIDAY 6 1891

This forenoon Fred and I worked in the woods most of the time. While this afternoon we have been cuting feed. Mr McBride and Sam have been helping us with the {illegible} until five o'clock They took the horse-power home with them this evening intending to cut for them tomorrow. A thaw has set in again. Have been graciously blessed of late with spiritual blessing.

Febuary SATURDAY 7 1891

Fred has been working away at chores, cuting wood &c while I went over to McBrides with the cuting-box to cut feed for them. We put in the forenoon nicely. It stormed this afternoon so we had to quit, and I went out to Dover. Was glad to find this afternoon that a respectable honest man had bought out Mr Chaffey and would take posession soon with the understanding that the P.O. would still be opened again. His name is Gray.

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Febuary SUNDAY 8 1891

On account the state of the roads I did not go out to church this morning. Spent the day at home in a quiet way as usual. Went down to William Wallse's this evening to see how he was. He has been very ill with the mumps but is {illegible} recovering. It has been quite warm to day, so that the snow has left us some; rather impairing the sleighing.

Febuary MONDAY 9 1891

The weather has been very mild to day and somewhat rainy. Fred got up a couple loads of wood and a load of mangels f during the forenoon, while I was worked at my carriers. This afternoon we got to work in the woods again. The two Walls girls have been visiting us to day. I begin to feel as though I would like to see my wife again. It seems so long since we parted.

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Febuary TUESDAY 10 1891

I went over to James McBrides this morning to help them finish cuting feed Got done about eleven o'clock. Brought part of the cuting-box home with me & Mr McBrides brought the part, and we have been cuting for ourselves this afternoon. Got a pretty good pile done Mr McBride and Sam helped us with the {illegible} Worked till five. Weather has become quite cold and windy.

Febuary WEDNESDAY 11 1891

Fred and I have been cuting stove bolts to day. Our pile has not increased as fast as I would like, but we have done the best we could. The weather has been delightful and spring like. Have had precious communion with the Divine and infinite. Surely the Lord is my helper and my guide. Shall I not rejoice, yeah I will rejoice! Great is His mercy towards those that fear Him.

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Febuary THURSDAY 12 1891

Have kept on at our work to day, Fred and I Got about another cord cut. Went out to Dover this evening mostly after the mail. Came arround by the mill and brought home a hundred of flour for Freds. The day has been very fine perhaps to fine to continue very long. Called to see our old friend Mrs E. Ryerseon and found her in a poor state of body.

Febuary FRIDAY 13 1891

Fred and I worked in the woods this forenoon as usual. {illegible} is cuting our first oak tree and afterwards cut down the big oak in the back woods, near the N.E.W. Corner. It measures over five ft across at the butt. I went down to Thomas Jacksons after dinner and helped him cut feed till night, or about three hours with the team. Walked home then to Dover after the mail but did not get anything after all.

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Febuary SATURDAY 14 1891

Fred and I did not go N to the woods to day, but got in a part of the straw-stack this forenoon, for it had tumbled over. This afternoon I got ready and started for Leynedoch. Got to Sarah's in time for tea and afterward went on to Mr Ferguson's where I found my wife. Both her and the baby {illegible} well for which I felt thankful. The child had grown considerably since I saw her a month or more ago.

Febuary SUNDAY 15 1891

Owing to the shortness of my stay with my family for wife decided did not got to church to day. Had a very pleasant and profitable waiting upon God at the barn. O, surely the Lord is good. Enjoyed my conversation with Mr and Mrs Ferguson & Maggie about the Word of God and the things of God. Started for home about five o'clock P.M. Got home at ten. The weather was warm and the roads muddy. It looked like rain as well, but did not.

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Febuary MONDAY 16 1891

Fred and I got started at cuting up the big oak tree to day. Got nearly five cuts off ready to split. It is very tedious and discouraging work cuting it on account of its size and then the saw does not seem to big trees fast. Rain has come at last. The weather continues very warm to day. Great excitement prevails just now about the coming election of Dominion Parliament members. Election takes place on March {illegible}.

Febuary TUESDAY 17 1891

It rained all of last night and most of this forenoon. Fred and I have worked inside as a consequence. Our new cuting box carriers are still in process of construction. Hope ere long to have them ready to take the place of a man when cutting feed. We have been sawing at the big oak tree again this afternoon, but makeing rather slow progress. Am again enjoying precious communion with the Divine & Infinite.

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Febuary WEDNESDAY 18 1891

Fred and I have continued to cut our big oak tree to day, most of the time at least. I think we got off about five more cuts, besides cuting & geting up a load of wood. The weather has become cold again and now we have every appearance of Winter. I rejoice to think that the grace of God is sufficient no matter what befalls the children . Feel more than ever that He knows best.

Febuary THURSDAY 19 1891

Fred and I cut away at the big tree this forenoon. Was somewhat surprised this forenoon in seeing a couple of thieves brought to bay. Lewis Hall and his brother William. They have been a constant annoyance to the whole neighbourhood for months. We saw them go by handcuffed, where we were working. They finaly acknowledged Receiving and are now safely lodged in the jail at Simcoe. We cut feed a while this afternoon.

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Febuary FRIDAY 20 1891

I went down to Jarvis this morning, expecting to meet my wife and child, but was disappointed as they failed to come. So I had my very disagreeable ride through rain and over rough roads for nothing. Rain had fallen most of the day moderately, but to night is it is raining hard. We are likely to have Spring soon judging by the general appearance of the weathe. Heard today Bro Jonathan Elles is our candidate for M.P.

Febuary SATURDAY 21 1891

Fred took his first load of stove bolts out to Dover this forenoon. This afternoon we cut feed and afterwards he he drew up three loads of wood. Went to Jarvis after Maggie & the baby again this morning. Did not feel so disappointed this time for I brought them from the station with me. Great interest is manifesting itself in the coming elections. Farmers are more interested than ever before.

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Febuary SUNDAY 22 1891

Took Bertha with me this morning to church. The roads were quite rough and bad, but felt amply repaid for the extra effort to required to get to the House of God. Bro Saunders preached to us, it being his turn. His sermon was excellent the text was {illegible} He shall shew me the path of life". Class meeting was also a profitable season of waiting upon the Lord Surely His presence makes my Paradise & He is is heaven.

Febuary MONDAY 23 1891

Fred took the second load of bolts out to Dover this forenoon. Roads were rather bad so his load was small. We have been cuting feed for about an hour this afternoon with Sam McBrides help. Fred and I got in another pit of mangolds for hog-feed. Worked at my cuting-box carrier a while to day or rather this forenoon. G.W. Lemon Came to see us this evening.

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Febuary TUESDAY 24 1891

Fred split some stove bolts this forenoon, while I went out to Dover with a load. Got caught in the rain coming back and rain has been falling ever since until nine oclock P.M. Took the remaining portion of short stove bolts out to day. Had two cords and three quarters delivered this forenoon. Roads are geting quite bad and drawing is tedious work. Hope however to get done before commencing spring work.

Febuary WEDNESDAY 25 1891

Rain did not cease falling until {illegible} morning. Fred and I have been spliting the big oad into stovebolts to day. Got about three cords ready to draw. I never saw finer timber for such a large tree. Mud reigns again though it seems likely to freeze up again soon, as the wind has got arround to the North West to night. Have been somewhat cast down of late. Am somewhat perplexed to know what is best to do this summer.

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Febuary THURSDAY 26 1891

Fred and I have been working in the woods at the big tree as usual. Saw James Hom when on the way home to dinner, about theh big white ash tree in the line fence which I have always thought was on our side of the line, but had been fenced in on Mr Homs side of the fence. Had Aunt Lydia and Nora here to dinner, together with Mr and Mrs Chaffey. The latter are expecting to go away from the neighbourhood, soon for good.

Febuary FRIDAY 27 1891

We have been cuting and spliting at the big tree to day as usual. Fred and I. He got up a couple of loads of this afternoon, however and a load of stove bolts loaded ready to take to Dover in the morning. Weather has again changed and become cold and Wintry. A North West wind has been blowing very strong to day. There are strong indications that the coming General Elections will result in the triumph of the {illegible} principals. So may it be.

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Febuary SATURDAY 28 1891

We were surprised on geting up this morning to find that a foot or more of snow had fallen last night. It was a very agreeable surprise to me too, for it may help us in geting out or stove bolts. Fred and I cut for about an hour this forenoon, Sam McBride happened here and helped us. Fred took a load of bolts for Dover but got stuck on the way & Came home again leaving {illegible} at McFells hill.

March SUNDAY 1 1891

Owing to the heavy snow of yesterday which has been followed by very cold weather we did not go out to church today. Have been trying in our weak way to make the most of the precious sabbath day at home. It seems that tomorrow is the one hundredth anniversary of Mr Wesleys death also of the first introduction of Methodism by William Losee into this Canada of ours How wonderful are the results.

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March MONDAY 2 1891

Fred went out to Dover with a load of staves on the sleighs this forenoon. This afternoon he has been geting up wood I have been buisy as usual at sundry jobs. Went off this forenoon to see about geting a hand. Saw McBride Came over after dinner and we made a bargain after all. He is to work for me eight months for $13{illegible} and if we have a proffitable season are to give him another dollar.

March TUESDAY 3 1891

Sam and I ahve been working in the woods to day, most of the time. This is his first days work on his eight months. Fred took out another load of stave-bolts this forenoon. Took ma and Maggie with the baby down to Wallses this evening for a visit. William went out to the political meeting in Dover this evening but I did not go with him on account of the storm prevailing.

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March WEDNESDAY 4 1891

Fred took out another load of stave bolts this forenoon and has got up some wood this afternoon, besides a load of pea-straw for bedding. Same and I cut wood this forenoon in the woods. This afternoon we have been working at sundry jobs - cuting feed &c. Feel somewhat anxious as to the result of the election tomorrow. The Government at Ottawa claims a very large majority will be theirs.

March THURSDAY 5 1891

The Dominion Elections came off to day. I went up to Wiggins School house early in the morning to put in my vote. Fred went up to Lynn Valley this afternoon for the same purpose. Sam and Fred got in the last of our straw stack this forenoon. The former went out to Dover with another load of stave bolts this afternoon while I went down to our school house to see the close of the polls.

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March FRIDAY 6 1891

Fred went out to Dover this forenoon with another load of stave bolts this forenoon while Sam and I cut wood in the woods. This afternoon we have been buisy as usual at sundry jobs. Felt of really disappointed to hear this forenoon that the Dominion Government had seen sustained in the vote of yesterday, though with greatly reduced majority from the last parliament

March SATURDAY 7 1891

Fred has taken two loads of staves out to Dover to day. We have also cut feed. Sam and I worked in the woods this forenoon and he this afternoon. Went down to the cheese factory meeting this afternoon. There was a pretty good turn out of patrons. About nine thousand dollars have been paid out this season from our factory. This season. The patronage has nearly doubled in two years and is likely still to increase.

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March SUNDAY 8 1891

Took Maggie to church with me this morning. Had a very proffitable service, although it was necessary to start home before class on account of the baby. Our young Mr Calvert officiated. His text was "Come and see" Some excellent remarks were given which were a word in season to my poor soul. O what would we do without the blessed Sabbath. It seems so needful.

March MONDAY 9 1891

Fred has been laid up to day from the effects of a fall across the edge of the sleigh-box. Sam has been helping though as usual. Got up the short stave-bolts still remaining in the woods, also a load or two of wood. Cut feed for an hour and afterwards brought in a pit of turnips. The weather has been quite disagreeable nearly all day owing to rain and snow which has been falling incessently, almost.

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March TUESDAY 10 1891

Took a load of bolts out to Dover this forenoon myself and settled up with G. Reynolds for a part of which we have drawn. Recieving Thirty Dollars. Came home by the Grist Mill and got a couple Hundred of flour. Sent Sam out with another load this afternoon. Fred has been laid up with his side, and I fear will not work for some time. Went down to Jacksons for the evening with my mother and Maggie.

March WEDNESDAY 11 1891

Sam and I have had to work away as usual without Fred's help. The latter is improving slowly & will I hope soon be able to help as usual. Got up four loads of wood and two loads of pea straw, besides cuting feed, and doing sundry other jobs. Went over to play thirty dollars to Dr {illegible}ffer this morning on Freds account. Sleighing has well nigh gone and we are likely to stop geting up wood for a while again.

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March THURSDAY 12 1891

Fred has not yet recovered from his fall, so we are doing the best we can Sam & I to get wood cut &c. It rained nearly all the forenoon, so we both worked inside - Same at cuting & spliting wood while I worked at sharpening saw and axe besides cuting box. Winter has pased away and Spring reigns, with it mud and bad roads. We also cut feed for a couple of hours this afternoon.

March FRIDAY 13 1891

On account of stormy weather we have not been able to work out of doors to day. Sam and I worked in the woodhouse and in his room during the forenoon, and this afternoon,he has been off helping fix up the school-house for the basket-social and concert to night. Took Bertha and Maggie down, but owing to the very stormy weather the folks did not come so, we had it all to ourselves with a dozen or so others.

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March SATURDAY 14 1891

Sam and I got up a couple or three loads of wood this forenoon. This after we got up a load of pea straw from the stack and cut feed as usual. It has been extremely cold and stormy for the time of year. Maggies sister Sarah with Annie Crysler came very unexpectedly this evening. The wind has been in their favour or I fancy they would have been frozen up or otherwise disabled.

March SUNDAY 15 1891

The very stormy cold weather still continues. Have been out to church however takeing Annie Crysler with me. It was a very windy ride. Our young Bro Calvert preached as usual. His subject was "the Christians duty of giving a tenth of their income to the Lord. He said the Almighty had promised to blessing those that faithfuly performed this duty - temporarily as well as spiritually.

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March MONDAY 16 1891

Sam and I cut wood in the woods this forenoon. This afternoon we have been geting it up besides cuting feed for an hour or so. Fred has been unable to do work to day but, thinks that by another day He will be well. The remarkably stormy weather still continues. It happens to be favourable to the growth of our wood pile nevertheless.

March TUESDAY 17 1891

Sam and I have been cuting wood stave bolts from old oak tops. He got up a couple more loads this forenoon however. Fred has continued to be on the sick list and has not worked. The weather has been moderating to day and seem likely to become mild again soon. Maggie & I attended a basket social at the school house last night, and had a pleasant time. Proceeds were to be used in purchasing clock &c for the use of school.

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March WEDNESDAY 18 1891

Fred has failed to do what he expected yesterday. Am afraid he will not get to work for some time yet. Sam and I cut wood and stave bolts for a while this forenoon we have been geting some feed cut &c Have been taping some thirty or more maple trees {illegible} sap has run well but snow is falling again to night as usual.

March THURSDAY 19 1891

Took our cuting box over to Mr McBrides this morning and cut feed for him for about half a day. Sam and I helped and the team or at least one horse for we took old Sally off on account of her falling down T.C. and George had to work alone. Fred is still prevented from work by his late hurt. The weather is remarkably cold and stormy. A cold East wind & rain storm is raging tonight.

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March FRIDAY 20 1891

Got home our cuting -box from Mr McBrides this forenoon, and got it set up for work again. Sam has been geting up stave bolts and wood most the time afterwards. Fred is still unable to do anything, but is evidently improving. Went out to Dover this evening mostly to attend the Forresters Lodge. Settled up my dues mostly to date. Recieved a beautiful certificate of membership, though a long time in comeing.

March SATURDAY 21 1891

I sent Sam over to Dover with another load of stave-bolts this forenoon. He got me a pit of turnips and some feed cut for Sunday &c &c. Went up to Simcoe takeing ma with me. Had dinner at Florences. Found it necessary to borrow thirty five dollars of H.H. {illegible} in order to settle up with Mr Chaffey before he goes away. Had a rather pleasant ride up, but comeing back the roads were terrible.

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March SUNDAY 22 1891

Went out to Dover this morning to church, notwithstanding the almost impassible state of the roads. As usual was abundantly rewarded for the extra effort required. Bro John Saunders officiated and brought forth things new and old from the Divine storehouse. Both the preaching and Class meeting were {illegible}cous owned and blessed by God. Subject of discussion was Joshua 6-8 Chap 13th verses. {illegible}ing of Johua with the Angel of God and gave him directions for a victory.

March MONDAY 23 1891

Fred has sufficiently recovered to begin work again to day. He and Sam got up pea straw this forenoon both for bedding and feed. This afternoon we cut feed &c. Went up to unckle John's this evening. Had a sort of a surprise for Mrs & Mr. Chaffey who are expecting to go north to the Sudberry Nickel pastorial There was some twenty or so there & the evening was a pleasant one.

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March TUESDAY 24 1891

Fred and Sam have been working at wood-cuting and spliting to day. I went off afte some money this morning, to pay a small ballance to Mr Chaffey. Did not have to go very far to get enough. Mr C. had intended going to day, but on account of illness did not get away. Have been working in the sugar-bush at boiling down this afternoon. Have got about seventy trees tapped now.

March WEDNESDAY 25 1891

The men have been working at cuting wood to day most of the time. I have been working away in the sugar bush. It has been a great sap day. So I have been boiling and gathering. Tapped a few more trees as well. Had a fine batch for the first. Always enjoy sugar making notwithstanding the fact that it is pretty hard work. Have been rejoicing in God my Saviour to day.

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March THURSDAY 26 1891

The men and I worked at the sugar makeing this forenoon mostly. Got up back logs {illegible} &c. Had quite a time with fire in the woods after dinner, there being a heavy East wind with plenty of dry leaves for the fire to run in. No great damage done however. I boiled down another batch this afternoon. Had a very cold and disagreeable time of it.

March FRIDAY 27 1891

Snow has been falling nearly all day, just the old {illegible} sugar snow. Sap has been runing nicely most of the time. Gathered it to sugar and leave quite a batch for boiling. Had Aunt Lydia and Mrs Chaffey to take hot sugar with us this afternoon. The men have been working most of the day. Cut feed for a couple of hours this afternoon however. Feel somewhat anxious about our supply of feed.

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March SATURDAY 28 1891

The men have been working at wood cuting to day as usual. Snow that fell last evening and yesterday left us quite suddenly to day. I worked in the bush until then and then started to Dover Took our stock of dried apples out and sold them at $1.70 per Bus. Came home by Jacksons, and made a bargain with Thomas for his old democrat waggon. He is to let us have it for six dollars.

March SUNDAY 29 1891

To day being Easter Sunday we had a sermon from our minister for the occasion. The roads were exceedingly bad on account of the late snow, but felt amply repaid for our disagreeable ride out, as indeed I almost invariably do. Called for dinner at William Walls, on the way home. Called also to see my unckle Captain McFell who has been quite unwell again, but is slowly recovering.

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March MONDAY 30 1891

Fred started boiling this morning by sun-rise and I have been at it all day as buisily as possible, or until about eight oclock this evening. Did not finish after all but will have a days boling left. Fred and Sam have been working on the wood pile to day when not Cuting feed. Had several visitors in the bush to day, who were especialy hungry for maple sugar. Could only fill them up on syrup &C.

March TUESDAY 31 1891

It has rained almost incessantly to day for since snowing. The men have been fixing up whiffletrees and doing some other jobs of repaires. I have been engaged at sundry jobs also. Got the hams & shoulders hung up to smoke amongst other things. Our old black cow came in to day the first of the season. Spring has evidently come in earnest judging from weather and birds &c.

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April WEDNESDAY 1 1891

The men have working at spliting wood and at a number of other jobs. Got in our last pit of turnips which contained forty or fifty bushels. I have been boiling down sap in the bush. Made a finish of it after all. Did not get done under until after nine o'clock P.M. Weather has become moderate and Spring like. Frost being about out of the ground. Spring is likely to comence soon.

April THURSDAY 2 1891

Sam and Fred worked at the wood pile to day as usual. I went away collecting for a while. Got a couple of dollars as my reward. The rain of yesterday and even of to day, for it has been raining moderately has mad the roads very bad and walking is terrible. Have gathered sap this afternoon there being about a kettle ful in the pans.

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April FRIDAY 3 1891

The weather has been rather disagreeable to day, though spring like being cool damp and rainy. The men have been spliting wood at the wood-house about all day or excepting an hour or so when cuting feed. Our horse power track is very muddy & bad so we cant cut much at a time. Prospects at present are good for an early spring Shall be glad to see early pasture at least for our feed is geting low.

April SATURDAY 4 1891

Sam has been sowing cloverseed on Fall wheat this forenoon. This afternoon He and Fred got up a load of pea straw and we cut feed afterwards for a while. I went out to Dover this forenoon. Found the roads in a terrible state owing to late rains and freezing weather. Feel greatly cast down owing to my inability to pay debts. If these troublesome difficulties were not increasing would not feel so bad.

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April SUNDAY 5 1891

On account of the terrible state of the roads we did not get out to church this morning as we usually do. Maggie and I went over to the Baptist church instead and whild the minister did not come a word in season came to me from the Lord - "Men ought always to pray and not to thirst. My unhappy condition of late became apparant. God has since shown me that He knows best & will lead accordingly.

April MONDAY 6 1891

Fred and Sam have been geting up straw this forenoon, Sam has also been sowing cloverseed. I have been boiling and gathering sap all day, or until nearly ten o'clock tonight Had quite a nice batch after it was strained, nearly three pails. Some boys happened here just before I strained the syrup so I had plenty of help, but of course they had to go {illegible} so what they could drink.

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April WEDNESDAY 7 1891

Sap weather still continues and I am now having my hands full. The men have been cuting wood for threshing, in the back woods, most of the time. Mr & Mrs Horton came to day with Mr & Mrs Clarke. Had the pleasure of treating them to warm sugar, which they seemed to appreciate. The frost at night and wind day {illegible} is having the effect of dry the ground for work -

April WEDNESDAY 8 1891

Started ploughing to day for the first or rather this afternoon. I have been very buisily engaged at takeing care of sap, boiling down as fast as possible. It has run faster and more of it to day than any day since it began. Had Florence and Cousin Fanny to visit us to day. It was our privilege to treat them to hot maple sugar. We are having some trouble with our colt.

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April THURSDAY 9 1891

Sam ploughed the ballance of the corner next to the garden this afternoon. Fred has been fixing fences &c. While I have been as buisy as ever with sugar making. Another heavy frost last night brought us a considerable flow of sap to day. Have been boiling down, but after all the amt in store is increasing fast. There is some prospect of a warm change soon.

April FRIDAY 10 1891

Sam has been ploughing on the big flat to day for the first. Fred boiled down sap this forenoon for me while I went out to Dover. A heavy rain has not improved our roads, which are very bad. Sap has continued to run freely to day so that our work keeps up at about the same. I find that the demand for Maple syrup in Port Dover is very good so we will be likely to sell some.

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April SATURDAY 11 1891

Broke down our casting machinery this morning or rather one of the tumbling rod knuckles so I went down to Thomas Jacksons after repairs. Succeeded in geting what was needed Rain has been falling in showers nearly all day. Have been boiling down sap as usual, however Had the kettles full left for Mondays boiling The Good Lord has been near at hand, to listen to my feeble prayer this day.

April SUNDAY 12 1891

On account of the terrible roads we did not get out to our own service this morning. I went over to the church at home and heard Mr King, the young Baptist student from Woodstock. His sermon was very good. Did not feel very well owing to a cold lately contracted which seriously divided my attention. A regular pastor has been appointed to this church & to two other appointments.

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April MONDAY 13 1891

Fred and Sam tried to cut some feed this morning but were prevented from doing much by the muddy track. I began the week by boiling sap, but it seems likely that the sap season is about over for this year. Feel as though I would like to go into this business more extensively another year if it should continue to be my privilege. The necessary outlay for pails is the greatest difficulty.

April TUESDAY 14 1891

The men & I cut feed awhile this morning. Our track still keeps bad, although geting better. The have been ploughing and harrowing since, or, until this afternoon at about three o'clock when it began to rain. I boiled down the last of the sap to day and got done about five this evening. It is becoming very warm but showery - wheat and grass are already showing the effects of the weather.

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April WEDNESDAY 15 1891

Had quite a time this morning at our feed cuting owing to the terrible state of the track. I went out to Dover after dinner with the last load of stave-bolts for this season, did not see the man that bought them, but left them there all the same. The roads are in a terrible state, but grass is growing nicely.

April THURSDAY 16 1891

We have been trying to cut feed again to day with the horses & we find it necessary to stop entirely awhile to the state of our horse power track. We have fed cut feed nearly the whole of the winter and while it takes a good deal of time to do the cuting we can improve the quality of the feed greatly by mixing several kinds of straw and hay together &c

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April FRIDAY 17 1891

As the ground is wet again from renewed showers, we have had to quit working on the big Flat, mostly. Fred has been harrowing some next to the side-road. Sam began ploughing the pea field next to Challands, but we find it rather wet. I have been geting some repairs made on the buggy and som other necessary implements.

April SATURDAY 18 1891

On account of another fall of rain last night we have been working at fixing fences &c &c. We started building the Crysler fence on the lower side of the orchard, where it has become necessary to renew or lay over the fence. We put barbed wire on the fence around the lot occupied by the stone as well. The warm wet weather is starting things nicely.

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April SUNDAY 19 1891

Did not go out to meeting this morning, but this evening instead, in order that my mother might enjoy the Sabbath services of the village. Our young bro. Calvert preached to us from "I am the light of the world. It seems that one never tires of hearing about our Jesus. The old old story is ever new and enticing, especially to those that love Him. Special services were begun this evening in our Port Dover Church.

April MONDAY 20 1891

The men have been working on the big flat to day where we started to sow oats. Nearly half of the field is {illegible} in shape for sowing. I have been very buisy at sundry jobs. Got the sheep put away this forenoon and this afternoon have been geting some other chores done up. Our warm weather still continues and wheat is growing as grass are advancing rapidly

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April TUESDAY 21 1891

I went up to Mr Gideon Cryslers this morning after a bushell of Cloverseed. Fred has been sowing oats on the East side of the Big Flat. We are sowing grass seed also, hopeing to get a catch with the oats. Sam has been working away with the other team on the cultivator in same field. Have been geting home the sap vessels from the woods also pluging holes where the trees were tapped.

April WEDNESDAY 22 1891

Fred has been harrowing and cultivating on the big flat as usual. Sam has been cultivating and ploughing in the same field. {illegible} are hopeing to finish our oats seeding this week. I have been {illegible} much as usual at several jobs. Cleaned out the cellar this afternoon, which is always a {illegible} job. The warm weather still continues {illegible} some appearance of rain. The census man was here to day.

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April THURSDAY 23 1891

Fred and Sam have been working the two teams on the Big Flat to day as usual. We have still a narrow piece to plough and to prepare for the drill before geting the field done. I have been working at several kinds of work as usual. Got our colts out to pasture to day in the field by Challands. Went to the Grange this evening on foot. Attendence rather small.

April FRIDAY 24 1891

The men got done ploughing on the big flat to day and have nearly finished preparing for the drill. I have been cleaning black-knot out of the red cherry trees. My mother went up to Simcoe last evening with my cousin Mrs Harris. She intends visiting for nearly a week there, so Maggie has been cleaning house in her absence. Weather changed and much cooler than of late.

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April SATURDAY 25 1891

Finished sowing the Big Flat with oats to day, for which I am thankful, to Him that gives us seed-time and harvest. I have been arround some with Fruit tree notices. Mr Lemon having been here this morning with papers &c. Went out to Port Dover this afternoon and made arrangements for the delivery on Wednesday next. The weather keeps cool and is becoming dry. North wind prevails.

April SUNDAY 26 1891

Took Bertha and Jim with me to church this morning. Bro Saunders officiated but the congregation was rather small. Class-meeting also was poorly attended afterwards. Have not felt as bright in my Experience of late as I could wish: but the grace of God is doing wonders for me from time to time. Oh what debtors to grace. Eternity alone shall be able to reveal to us the love and power of God in our deliverance.

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April MONDAY 27 1891

Started off this morning delivering my notices at about seven o'clock this morning. Had quite a rough ride owing to the untravelled state of the clay roads. Went East as far as Hedges - West as far as Port Ryerse nearly. Takeing two & three concessions. Did not get home until nearly eleven o'clock this evening. Could not go to Simcoe as I had promised.

April TUESDAY 28 1891

Left home for Simcoe on foot, our horses all being buisy at about three o'clock this morning. Arrived there at about five, or in time to help get things in order by breakfast time. Had a rather successful delivery, takeing only two notes. Tried to take the train for Dover but failed, so rode down to Charley Browns walked to my friends W. J. Carpenters where I am staying over until morning.

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April WEDNESDAY 29 1891

Got opened up in good time this morning haveing stayed over night a W.J Carpenters. Delivery in Port Dover was quite a success, everything having been disposed of before I came home, which I did after nine o'clock. Brought my trees home with me and found them heavy enought before I arrived here. Found thins all right with several additions to stock.

April THURSDAY 30 1891

The men have been ploughing in the field by Jim Challands to day, while I have been seting out trees. Had quite a time to find room for the plum trees & apple trees brought home last night. Think we shall have to quit buying trees or start a new orchard. My mother came home from her weeks visit in Simcoe to day. Florence having brought her.

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May FRIDAY 1 1891

May day has Come and found us with our cattle out for the first time. Pasture has become quite good and many cattle have been out for two weeks and even more. Fred has been preparing our garden patch and his own to day. Sam has been ploughing the pea ground as usual. Begin to realize that we are full of work; and more than full.

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May SATURDAY 2 1891

Sam and Fred have kept on ploughing in the field by Jim Challands where we intend to sow peas. I have been very busy at sundry jobs throught the day and towards night went out to Dover takeing Maggie with me. The weather is very changeable of late & this evening it has been very Cool. Fruit prospects are not so favourable as a fortnight ago.

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May SUNDAY 3 1891

This being the day of our regular Quarterly Meeting my mother and I went. There was an unusual number of people present and a gracious manifestation of the Divine and Infinite, which was a season of refreshing to my poor soul. And if our fellowship below in Jesus be so sweet, What hight of rapture shall we know when round his throne are meet.

May MONDAY 4 1891

Met with another serious loss last night. Found a roan cow, four years old, dead on the hill-side. She had become cast by some means with her back down hill and could not get up. This position is often the cause of loss very soon. I went to the Quarterly meeting this afternoon which kept me till night. Had a long Conference with the brethren.

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May TUESDAY 5 1891

The men have continued to work in the field by Challands, where we intend to sow peas. I have been fixing fence on each side of the creek by McBrides most of the time. The weather has been exceedingly cool with a strong North West Wind all day. Ground was frozen quite hard last night. G.W.Lemon came to day with the Simcoe Delivery paper, which I have now to make out.

May WEDNESDAY 6 1891

The men have continued to work on the pea ground as usual. I have felt rather unwell from a severe cold lately contracted. Fixed up some fence however and have planted some onion seed and sets &c. Have delayed makeing garden on account of the very cool weather of late. North West and East winds have prevailed, and very cool winds too.

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May THURSDAY 7 1891

Fred and Sam have been working with the two teams in the field by Challands to day asual {sic}. Sam got it drilled in excepting about two acres. I have been working in the garden when not otherwise engaged. Sowed all the seed except onions and peas. The weather is still becomeing more moderate. Much damage seems to have been done to blossoms.

May FRIDAY 8 1891

Sam finished drilling the peas in the field by Jim Challands to day. He and Fred have been harrowing and rolling after the drill since. George Lemon Came this evening and have to finish out my returns for him as quickly as possible. Seem to have much more work that I expected. For I thought we had everything straight and right.

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May SATURDAY 9 1891

The men have been ploughing in the field by McBrides to day. Sam finished the pea field this forenoon, however. I have been trying to make out my returns for the tree delivery lately made. Have had a rather discouraging time of it. Seem to have lost some money during the opperation. This makes it very discouraging as I am likely to loose the reward of labour in it.

May SUNDAY 10 1891

Went out to church at Port Dover as usual this morning. Took Maggie and little Jim, with me. H. Young bro. from Hagersville preached to us. Was much edified by the truth as presented. If this young man is blessed with health he will some day make quite a preacher. Our class was also a proffitable waiting upon the Lord. Had trouble with old Sally this evening got down in the mire, when Sam was watering her.

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May MONDAY 11 1891

Sam has been ploughing and rolling in the corn-field and Fred has been ploughing with the other team. This afternoon however he has been drawing manure and mulching the apple trees set but a year ago. Have been buisy myself as usual. Was down to W. Walls this forenoon to see about geting a horse to use in Sally's place as we expect her to leave a colt soon.

May TUESDAY 12 1891

We have had a considerable trouble with our old mare Sally to day. This has taken a good deal of our time. Have had our been harrowing and ploughing &c. Sam drove the four year old colt this afternoon for the first. She went off very well. This evening we had a very serious time, with old Sally. Got her up to the barn after a good deal of trouble.

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May WEDNESDAY 13 1891

Our old mare Sally required our attention for some this this morning again. Had no difficulty in geting her up {illegible} we had our arrangements completed. This afternoon she had her colt but it was so weak afterwards that it soon died. The mother did not have a drop of milk anyway. The men have been ploughing and harrowing the corn ground most of the day.

May THURSDAY 14 1891

The men have been ploughing and harrowing in the field by McBrides to day where we want to plant corn. I have been very buisy at sundry jobs. Found our yearling colt dead in its stable this morning which was a great surprise. Feel the loss very much and especialy after all the trouble we have had to keep the colt alive during the latter part of Winter.

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May FRIDAY 15 1891

The men have been working in the field by McBrides geting it ready for corn. I have been buisy as usual . Worked in the garden this afternoon and this forenoon was employed at sundry jobs as usual. Begin to feel allarmed about our old mare Sally. There are some indications of kidney complaints and it seems likely that we will have to doctor her for some time.

May SATURDAY 16 1891

Fred has been ploughing corn ground to day as usual. Sam has been fixing fence &c. while I went to Lynn Valley mill with some peas for chop. Left the team there and walked on to Simcoe. Weather very cold and danger of frost very great. My brother-in-law W. A. Ferguson and wife came to visit us this evening. They are to stay over Sunday with us.

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May SUNDAY 17 1891

Did not go out to meeting this morning as is our custom. Stayed at home just because we had visitors, which by the way we seldom do. Maggie's brother and sister-in-law being here and only for a short time for they went home this evening. It did not seem right to leave them their visit to our home being of such rare occurrence.

May MONDAY 18 1891

Fred has been ploughing in the big field again today. Sam has been harrowing in same field. I have been working in the garden some and doing chores. Went down to the School house to a {illegible} lecture this evening. A farmer from the Township of Dover was discussing the farmers position in the interest of Patrons of Industry. Gave them my name before leaving.

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May TUESDAY 19 1891

The men and teams have been working away with the plough and harrows as usual. I have also been busy at sundry jobs. Am puting a good deal of time on old Sally just now. Her trouble seems to have developed in boils and runing sores. Hope that these will soon carry off the corruption which seems to have gathered on account of her disease.

May WEDNESDAY 20 1891

Our two men have continued to plough and harrow in the field by McBrides. I have been engaged much as usual. It takes a large share of my time to look after old Sally. She seems better however and I feel encouraged. There is a break in the dry weather. Rain began to come this evening and seems likely to continue for a while at least

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May THURSDAY 21 1891

Have at last succeeded in geting our corn ground about ready to mark. About ten acres of the field by McBrides are thus prepared. The showers last evening though light were a great blessing. Great changes are taking place in growing crops. Am still engaged a good deal of the time in takeing care of old Sally. Her improvement is very slow so far.

May FRIDAY 22 1891

The men finished harrowing the corn-ground this morning. Sam has been marking it out until noon when it began to rain and we have all been working inside trying to fix up our old wheel barrow. We are likely to turn it into a new one when next rainy day comes. The rain fall has been rather light this afternoon, but very acceptable nevertheless.

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May SATURDAY 23 1891

Sam just made out to finish marking the Corn ground by noon today. Fred and I have been planting all day, with Sam's assistance this afternoon we have got the corn planted before Queen's birthday which has been Considered a very desireable thing to do as long as I can remember, In order to get a good crop. Weather has cleared off guite cool.

May SUNDAY 24 1891

Maggie and I went out to church together this morning which was quite a treat. Bro. John Saunders preached to us in his usual interesting way. Text "Behold how beautiful it is for brethren to dwell together in unity". &c. Our class meeting was not such a time of power as my soul could desire. But it ws my own fault. The Lord knows.

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May MONDAY 25 1891

Fred and his family went up to Simcoe to day to celebrate the Queens birthday. Sam and i did not go but stayed at home and worked. Sam has been geting out manure on the fodder corn ground and geting it ploughed ready for planting. Went down to W. Walls for tea takeing ma and Maggie with me. Bro Saunders & wife were also there.

May TUESDAY 26 1891

Sam and Fred have been drawing manure on a piece of ground in the corn field where we want to put in some turnips. Ma and I went out to Dover but did not get back until nearly night. Called at the Cheese Factory on the way home to make arrangements for sending our milk next Monday. A fine rain fell this morning doing much good. It has as usual turned out Cool after --

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May WEDNESDAY 27 1891

Fred began ploughing ball of field by McBrides to day. we intend to sow peas on part of it, oats & peas, potatoes and turnips. Sam and I have been working in the garden, He with the team and I with the spade &c. We are geting the garden stuff pretty well in and the various bushes about leaved out. Weather is very fine.

May THURSDAY 28 1891

Fred has kept on ploughing in the West side of field by McBrides where we want to sow peas. Sam has been harrowing nearly all day while I have been planting corn for fodder in the garden. Have had every appearance of rain to day. It will be thankfully recieved am sure. The past has been a day of joy, for the Glorious Lord has been with me to the joy of my soul.

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May FRIDAY 29 1891

Fred has been ploughing again to day where we intend to sow peas &c. While Sam has been harrowing and drilling in peas this afternoon, about two acres. I have been droping potatoes where Fred is ploughing. We are puting potatoes under every third furrow intending to harrow down afterwards instead of before. Had a visit from our young minister Br. Calvert

May SATURDAY 30 1891

We finished planting potatoes to day. Fred has continued to plough and Sam has been harrowing and rolling this afternoon. I have been planting pumpkin seed in the corn field most of the day. We dropped seed in every third hill of corn. Learned that Sir John A. McDonald was at the point of death by the Mail of to day.

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May SUNDAY 31 1891

I went out as usual to church at Port Dover this morning. It happened to be the young ministers turn to preach so we listened to him, possibly for the last time. Conference will be in session at Brantford this comeing week. Had a fairly proffitable season waiting upon God. The Sabbath has to us been greatly marred however on account of Sunday visitors at our house.

June MONDAY 1 1891

Fred has been ploughing for peas again to day While Sam has been harrowing and rolling. Weather very warm with some appearance of thunder showers. I have been buisy at sundry jobs which as I think them over do not amt to very much apparently, as usual but still it all takes time. I have realized to some extent that God was mine and I was his forever.

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June TUESDAY 2 1891

Have been exceedingly buisy to day as usual. The men have been preparing the hill East of the house for peas while I went out to Dover this forenoon, having sundry errends there. The dry weather is still prevailing, generaly it seems, and the crops are being much injured thereby. Rain seems not far off to night but all signs seem to fail.

June WEDNESDAY 8 1891

Fred has been working away at the plough as usual, on the hill East of the house. He appears to be about bushed to night however. The ground is very hard and dry. Sam has been harrowing in same field. I have been exceedingly buisy geting the garden hoed and the onion bed cleared out. Maggie and I went over to Walter Austins this evening. Had a pleasant visit.

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June THURSDAY 9 1891

Fred was somewhat the worse of ploughing, so he has not worked to day. He went to his brother {illegible} this afternoon however to help draw manure. Sam has been ploughing in Fred's place however and I have been harrowing with the other team. It seems as though were likely to have dry weather still, for signs have all failed as usual this Spring. Very cold to day.

June FRIDAY 5 1891

Fred has been working to day as usual. Both he and Sam have been geting ground ready for seed and sowing peas as well. They came very near geting all done, peas and all. I have been fixing fence and doing a thousand and one other jobs which do not as usual seem to amt to anything, but I suppose one would soon see the difference if they were not done.

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June SATURDAY 6 1891

Got our sheep washed this forenoon. It seems much later than common, but have been prevented by other work. Fred has been rolling pea ground this forenoon or rather afternoon & Sam building fence in front of orchard. Maggie and I started about five o'clock for Lyendoch. Had a prosperous journey and found Mrs Cryslers well. It was rather late to go through to Wyecombe so we are staying over night.

June SUNDAY 7 1891

Maggie and I went over to her fathers this morning, and it being Conference Sunday did not get to church. Left wife and daughter with the latters, grandparents about Six o'clock this evening and Came home alone. Did not feel lonesome however for the blessed Lord and Master was with me giving most precious assurances of His favour. Surely His presence makes my paradice & where He is, is heaven.

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June MONDAY 8 1891

Got started at our road work this morning, with two teams and three of us. Succeeded in geting in three hours over those four days, I had to go to the Mill this afternoon to get some horse feed so went to Lynn-valley. It keeps as dry as ever with no prospect of rain so far as we can see. have been told that rain in aboundance has fallen a few miles west of us, recently Had good news from Jim Mackey of St. Thomas on {illegible} last, all O.K.

June TUESDAY 9 1891

We have continued to work on the road to day, all of us with the two teams as usual. Succeeded in geting five days in, of our road tax besides about six hours and a half by working over time. It has kept very warm and is still exceedingly dry, with no appearance of rain. Learned that Sir John A. McDonald died on Saturday night last at ten o clock.

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June WEDNESDAY 10 1891

Have succeeded again in disposing of our road tax for another year. Had twelve days while Fred had four, makeing sixteen in all. Three days was sufficient to get through with the whole. We worked under the hill at lower end of By Flat, mostly at widen the road. There has been some indication of rain. but so far without it comeing. Weather very warm. Thermometer at 87 {symbol for degrees}

June THURSDAY 11 1891

Sam and Fred have been geting out manure to day. The latter went up to his brother Leias Kitchens at about ten, in the forenoon. Sam had to work alone afterwards. I have been working in the orchard at gathering and burning brush &c. Drove up to Simcoe this evening after Maggie and the baby. word having just come that they were there waiting for me.

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June FRIDAY 12 1891

Fred and Sam have been geting out manure from the barn-yard to day. They have taken thirty loads to the field west of the woods so far. I have been going over the corn field with the {illegible} harrow. Found the corn much poorer than I thought. Do not think that more then one quarter of the crop has come up, on account of the dry weather. Am thinking of making wheat ground of the whole field now.

June SATURDAY 13 1891

The men have continued to get out manure to day, from the barn yard to the field west of the woods where we intend to make a summerfallow and sow wheat if all is well. I have been engaged at sundry jobs through the day, to numerous to mention. This is our busiest time of year & jobs are very plentiful. It still keeps as dry as ever & rains pass arround as usual.

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June SUNDAY 14 1891

Took Maggie and Bertha with me to church this morning. Heard our bro Mr Saunders preach as usual his first time since Conference While our young minister Bro Calvert goes to College, they young man from Hagersville cames in his place. Was favourably impressed with this young Bro, last March I think, when he preached to us in Port Dover

June MONDAY 15 1891

Fred and Sam are still engaged at geting out manure and are likely to be for some days yet, the more the better I suppose. I have been shearing sheep most of the day. Got ten out of fifteen done. The weather is exceedingly warm and dry. Probabilities say rain, but it will not be likely to come here as showers ever since the 14th of April have been passing arround us.

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June TUESDAY 16 1891

Manure drawing is still the order of the day, and we are likely soon to be through for the present notwithstanding the hot weather. Thermometer at ninety degrees in shade to day. I have finished shearing the sheep at last. Mr Ainsley Wooley told me to night that out North they harrow their new meadows in the spring and then go over them with the horse-rake to collect the stubble. This makes the hay much better.

June WEDNESDAY 17 1891

Our manure drawing still hangs fine, and the field is still not quite covered. Another day after to day will about finish it though and our barnyard will be cleaned out. I made out to put up six piggs to fatten this morning. Had to stuck them in the hog pen after all. Have been sowing plaster on the Big Flat this afternoon, Clover has taken well there considering the dry Spring & Summer

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June THURSDAY 18 1891

The men have at last finished geting out manure to the field west of the woods. It has taken a considerable more than a hundred loads of to cover the field, or about three quarters of it. I have been buisy, as usual at so many different things that it almost seems that I have done nothing. Rain in small measure has been given us which will be a great blessing.

June FRIDAY 19 1891

Fred has been ploughing in the field west of woods to day for the first while. Sam has been spreading manure. I went up to Simcoe this forenoon to take the wool, sold 69 1/2 lbs from 15 sheep to Brooks for 19 c per lb, Amounting to $13.20. Went out to W.J. Carpenters for tea, my mother wife & I. Attended the Forresters Lodge this evening paid dues &c.

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June SATURDAY 20 1891

Sam began haying to day by cuting a small patch of grass near Freds. Fred has been ploughing in the field west of the woods as usual; while I have been sowing plaster on the Big Flat. besides doing some other work. One of our yearling calves was taken sick this morning in a strange way. It died this afternoon and I buried this evening.

June SUNDAY 21 1891

On account of rain this morning we did not get out to meeting -- It was the first since that rain has kept us home in a long time. Have enjoyed the time at home very much however, it being truely a day of rest. Our labours through the week have become so incessent that Sunday finds us pretty well tired out.

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June MONDAY 22 1891

Sam has been cuting grass in the North East corner field to day for the first. Fred has been ploughing as usual of late. This forenoon for wheat and this afternoon in the garden patch by Freds where we want to plant some potatoes & some fodder corn. I finished sowing plaster on the Big Flat to day for which I felt thankful, it being pretty hard work.

June TUESDAY 23 1891

Sam kept on cuting hay this forenoon in the big field as usual. Fred has been ploughing and harrowing a potato patch north of the drive barn, while I have been as busy as usual at sundrys. This afternoon I have been rakeing with the sulkey rake. Had a call from Mr Henry this afternoon about buying some cattle. Did not make a bargain however.

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June WEDNESDAY 24 1891

Got started at drawing in hay to day for the first. Seven loads have been the extent of our days work. I went out to Dover this evening to see after some small matters. Made a purchase of a new fork for pitching hay &c & some fork handles. Called at Wm Wallses on the way home expecting to see Henry about the sale of our cattle but failed.

June THURSDAY 25 1891

We have succeeded in geting in our ninth load of hay to day, or rather this forenoon. This afternoon Sam has been mowing again. Fred has been ploughing and I have been hoeing in the garden. Had a visit from Mr Henry and the Wallses this evening. Failed to sell the cattle as I expected, but have no doubt it will be all right. The Lord knows best.

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June FRIDAY 26 1891

Fred and I have been rakeing and puting up hay most of the time to day. Sam has been cuting. He has just about finished the N.E. Corner field of twelve acres. Exceedingly warm and showers North and West of us as usual. Hay soon cures ready for drawing. Joined the lodge of Patrons of Industry this evening. It has been rather slow geting started fro some reason or other. People don't take hold.

June SATURDAY 27 1891

Have succeeded in geting in six more loads of hay to day, from the N.W. Corner field. This makes fifteen so far in all. We got the ball. of field raked and put up ready to draw. I have been hoeing potatoes when not helping unload hay to day. Had a call from Mr John Ross this evening about fat cattle failed again to make a sale. Weather still dry and some cooler.

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June SUNDAY 28 1891

Took Maggie and Bertha with me to church at the Port to day. Had a proffitable service throughout. Our new young minister came last wee and preached to us to day. His name is Patterson. My impressions of hime are rather favourable in several ways. He will make his mark, provided he is faithful, His abilities are quite marked and varied. General appearance favourable.

June MONDAY 29 1891

Have been geting in hay to day as usual. Finished the N.E. Corner field, all but the rakings. Drew several big loads to day which makes twenty two in all from the twelve acres. The dry weather still continues & seems likely to for some time to come. We are thereby enabled to make better progress with our haying however which is one advantage. Have also planted some potatoes to day.

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June TUESDAY 30 1891

Sam has been working at cuting the ten-acre-field to day. He has got it pretty well along with it. Fred and I got in a load of rakeings from the big N.E.C. Field this forenoon. Raked up this afternoon what Sam cut this forenoon and got it up in cock. Contrary to our expectations a fine shower has fallen to night which will be a great blessing in many ways I am sure.

July WEDNESDAY 1 1891

Both our men have stayed at home and worked instead of going to the Dominion day celebration in the Port. Sam has decided to go to Erie on Saturday by Steam-boat exhibition instead. Finished cuting the ten-acre-field to day. Have also raked up what was cut yesterday. Maggie and I drove out to Dover this evening. Saw the fireworks, which by the way were much better than common for a small place.

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July THURSDAY 2 1891

We have been drawing in again to day. Got in five loads from the ten-acre-field which makes twenty-eight in all. Have raked and cocked up ball. of same field besides. The weather has been warm day times but cool night all summer so far. The crops are doing some better since the rain and we feel encouraged. Had a short visit from our minister this evening.

July FRIDAY 3 1891

The men got in one load of hay this morning, but it was rather wet owing to the rain last night. Fred has been ploughing since and Sam spreading manure excepting where it rained this forenoon. For we had a fine shower and it has been showery since. Sam went away this evening, for the excursion to Erie. The weather is very rough and rainy so I don't suppose the steamry will be much patronized this time.

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July SATURDAY 4 1891

Sam left us last evening to go on the steam boad excursion to Erie Pa. So Fred and I have been alone today. He has been ploughing while I have been working as usual. This afternoon I went up to Simcoe. Got some binding wire the "Common Sense" while there and brought home the two neices of my wife Mary and Olie. A very strong N.W. Wind has been blowing to day & last night.

July SUNDAY 5 1891

Went out to Church this morning as usual takeing Mifs Jones and Maud Crysler with me. Our young minister of last year preached to us, having Come as a temporary supply to our present you man for a time. Our fellowship meeting was rather dull to day. Was glad to meet with my old boy Carry Skey who is at home on a visit. He has become an ordained minister of the Church of England recently.

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July MONDAY 6 1891

Sam came home this morning from his steam-boat excursion and he reports having had a rough time on account of the strong gales that have been blowing since he left. We have been geting in the hay that was left last week in the Ten-acre-field. Had six loads which makes thirty five loads in all so far. We seem to have as much drawn now as we had last year, though not as many loads.

July TUESDAY 7 1891

A splendid rain began falling about four o'clock this morning and continued until nearly noon. We have as a consequence made some further preparations for harvest. This afternoon Fred has been ploughing and Sam spreading manure on the field west of the woods. I have been fixing up some hand-rakes and doing some other jobs necessary for harvesting &c. Wheat is ripening slowly weather being cool and wet.

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July WEDNESDAY 8 1891

Have had the plough going in the field west of the woods to day. We have also cut an acre or so of hay back of drive barn this afternoon. I went out to Dover this forenoonon several little matters of business. The late rain has cleared away beautifully and the weather is quite cool. Wheat is filling splendidly and oats is starting to grow although nearly headed out.

July THURSDAY 9 1891

Fred has been ploughing while Sam and I have been working at the hay. Got the patch north of Drive barn all ready to draw this afternoon besides some fence-corners other-wheres. Maggie took her two neices for a trip to the lake and to Dover this afternoon. They reported having a good time. The weather is delightfuly cool and bracing. Very favourable for grain &c

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July FRIDAY 10 1891

Fred has been ploughing to day or rather this forenoon in the fallowfield west of the woods. This afternoon we have been geting in hay from North of Drive-barn. Had three loads more with which we finished filling the Drive-barn and West shed. This makes thirty eight loads in all so far. Do not expect to have much more however. Got all ready to go to Simco but when ready to start Francis M{illegible} Came so we stayed at home.

July SATURDAY 11 1891

Fred has been ploughing in the West of the woods to day as usual. Sam has been cuting some patches of hay and puting it up &c. I went up to Simcoe takeing Ma with me. Took dinner at Florence's and got home for tea. Bought some Binder repairs and made some other necessary purchases Was greatly surprised this evening to fine My wifes father & Mother here when we got home. Had not been looking for them.

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July SUNDAY 12 1891

Did not go to church to day, but sent the other members of the family as far as possible. Maggie took her mother and Sarah took Maud and Berthan. The former came back with a sick horse before service was over, and Mr Ferguson and I spent the remainder of the day in doctering her. It was Katie. Our friend & relatives from Leyndoch left us this evening for home. Weather exceedingly warm.

July MONDAY 13 1891

Sam worked with the cultivator in the garden this forenoon a while. We afterwards hoed and this afternoon have been geting the binder ready for work. Fred has finished ploughing the field next of woods. This afternoon we got started ploughing the field by the church. It does not plough as well as the back field. I went up to Lynn valley Mill this evening after some bran and middling got a couple hundred of each of Mr Brook

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July TUESDAY 14 1891

Sam and I have been buisy geting the binder repaired up ready for cuting wheat It has been a rather serious job owing to several parts being out of order badly. Fred has been ploughing in the front field all day. It has been rather showery at times to day. But little water has fallen however. I went out to Dover after some sugar this evening for puting up fruit.

July WEDNESDAY 15 1891

Sam and I got the binder started at about 8 oclock after a long seige of preparation in the way of repairs. Cut an acre or so, when the main driving chain broke and I had to go to Jarvis for some new ones. Brought home a new box for the main driving shaft also the old one being badly worn. The team has been ploughing between times. Weather still cool and rather showery at times.

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July THURSDAY 16 1891

Have had a rather successful day with our harvest. Got the field back of the barn nearly all out with the binder, and mostly shocked up. Had a short visit from Mr Arthur Leone and Mifs Macke. The former came after some goose berries however. Sold him a half Bu at 6 cts per qt. The weather has been all that could be desired for harvesting being both cool and dry.

July FRIDAY 17 1891

Sam finished cuting the field back of the barn this forenoon. He has been cuting since in the field back of that or as I sometimes all it, the Eleven-acre-field. This field was oats stubble, and tolerably well put in, but well put in, but the crop is not nearly so good as either of the other fields. Save scarcely ever had a good paying crop on oat stubble. Peas seem to do much better than anytime else on such ground. Had Bro Saunders and wife here this evening to make us a visit.

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July SATURDAY 18 1891

We have done what we could at our wheat harvest to day. It began to rain about the middle of the afternoon so we had to quit work. In one hour we might have finished the second field back of the barn however so we are nearly done cuting. The rain is in some respects very seasonalbe the young clover and pasture fields being in special need of a shower.

July SUNDAY 19 1891

Went out to church this morning as usual taking Maggie and Bertha with me. Bro. John Saunders preached it being his day. Did not enjoy the service as much as I would like, but think that the fault may be in myself. Fail to cast my burden on the Lord sometimes & am consequently carrying one, greater than I can bear. What a mercy that He is such a refuge for His people.

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July MONDAY 20 1891

Sam has continued to cut the hill next to the creek with the binder. It takes a long time time to cut such steep rough ground. Fred has been cuting grass in the fence corners of the wheat fileds while have been shocking up wheat after the binder. Our hilly field is a much better crop than I expected. Went out to Dover this evening after our bbl of G. Sugar.

July TUESDAY 21 1891

Sam has finished cuting the hilly field north east of the drive-barn at about three o'clock this afternoon. Fred has been cuting along the creek and arround stumps with scythe and cradle while I have been seting up wheat after the binder. Sam and I got in our first two loads of wheat from field back of barn this evening. We find the sheaves very heavy and the wheat to shell badly

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July WEDNESDAY 22 1891

Fred has been more than half a day geting odd patches cut arround the hilly field. Sam and I have kept on drawing in wheat from the field back of barn. Fred helped us unload mostly. Finished drawing all but the rakeings from the field to day. Got about twelve loads from the eight acres, which seems a good average for the season.

July THURSDAY 23 1891

It has been threatening rain nearly the whole of the day fortunately for us however, we have kept on geting in wheat as usual. Have succeeded in drawing twenty one loads in a little over two days with one team. This comprised the whole of the Surprise wheat except rakeings. The weather has been exceedingly warm, even sultry just the kind for showers.

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July FRIDAY 24 1891

Our wheat drawing has continued to progress notwithstanding a light fall of rain this morning and continued threatenings. W We have drawn nine loads of Ferguson wheat to day, or five from this eleven acre field and four from the hilly field North of Drive-barn. Ma and Bertha went out Dover this evening so the Social at Mr Ellis Prospect Hill. Could not go myself.

July SATURDAY 25 1891

We have at last finished drawing wheat for this year excepting rakeings. Had twelve loads on the ridge & hillsides East of gully in field North of Drive -barn This is about two loads per acre. While the other fields have yielded only about one load per acre. Have been told that wheat is turning out very well where parties are threshing - much better than expected to.

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July SUNDAY 26 1891

Took Ina and Maggie with me to church in Dover this morning. Heard the Simcoe Minister, Rev Mr Jackson, our own being away. Had a very good discourse about the preciousness of Christ, with all the great and blessed gifts that come to us by Him. Is it any wonder that the angels say Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace and good will to man.

July MONDAY 27 1891

Sam horse-raked our field of wheat stubble this forenoon, but this afternoon he has been rolling on the back follow. Fred and I got in the rakings and a small load of hay this afternoon. Most of the day he has been ploughing in the front field however. Bro John Saunders came this evening after a hundred lbs of our new Bbl of Granulated Sugar. This will relieve us of a portion of our liability.

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July TUESDAY 28 1891

Sam finished rolling the ground that we have ploughed to day noon. He has been harrowing since in the field west of woods. Fred has contined to plough in the front field by the store, which I have been hoeing potatoes and doing sundry other jobs. It keeps dry still and our ground ploughs up very hard and dry. It is likely to make good wheat ground however.

July WEDNESDAY 29 1891

Sam has been off enjoying a hollowday, this being only his second since he came here. Fred has been ploughing in the field by the church as usual awhile I finished rakeing the wheat stubble this forenoon and this afternoon went to Jarvis and then to Dover. There has been heavy rains both yesterday a short distance north but here there has been none at all.

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July THURSDAY 30 1891

Have had Fred ploughing the Corner field by the store to day as usual. Sam has been harrowing in the field West of the woods. I have been engaged at a number of jobs as usual, such as hoeing in the garden and diging out a stump in the front field. Thomas Jackson Came this evening to fix up the sucker of our pump which was out of order for a long time.

July FRIDAY 31 1891

Fred has kept on ploughing in the front corner field by the store as usual. He is geting along nicely in spite of the hard dry ground. Sam kept on harrowing in the field west of the woods this forenoon. This afternoon I went to the oat meal mill for some bran & dust for the pigs and horses. Got nearly a half ton of the latter and a little more than two hundred of the former.

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August SATURDAY 1 1891

Fred has kept on ploughing in the front field by the Store & church to day as usual. Sam has been working the other team on the harrow. He got started in the front field today. I have been digging stumps &c myself to day Maggie had a card from her brother saying that her Aunt Ble{illegible} was a Delhi & wanted to see her. So I took here to the train at Jarvis to night & intend going after her on Monday or rather {illegible} home.

August SUNDAY 2 1891

Our Quarterly Meeting Came off in our the Port Dover Church to day. Was in attendance and so was my mother also. Had a very do good service as indeed we usually do. Congregation very large. Had dinner at William Walls on the way home this afternoon. I started for Wyecombe this evening at about six and found Maggie at her fathers with the baby all right, Got home about ten o'clock.

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August MONDAY 3 1891

Had quite a visit with My wife's Auntie Blemis to day. She left us at about nine o'clock this morning however. Maggie and I went over to Sarah's for dinner and after dinner started for home by way seventh Concession Charlotville. Went to see Wm LeaRose for Mr Mackay. Had a very heavy dusty drive. Stoped at John Gilberts for tea We found them look for Company so we happened to fill the gap.

August TUESDAY 4 1891

Fred has kept on ploughing to day as usual in front field while Sam has been harrowing in same field & breaking the big Colt, old Sally's. I attended Colin Ryerses funeral this afternoon. A funeral sermon was preached by our minister Bro Saunders. Our Quarterly business Meeting was held in the church after the funeral was over. Regular business was soon over & that peacably too.

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August WEDNESDAY 5 1891

Fred has continued to run the plough in the front field to day while I have been working at sundry jobs, hoeing diging stump &c The new excursion steamer W.M. Alderson of Port Dover was buried to the water edge night before last. Several excursions were arranged for it will be quite a disappointment to a good many. I went out to the Forresters lodge this evening.

August THURSDAY 6 1891

Sam began cultivating the big corner field next to McBrides this forenoon while Fred has been ploughing in front field. This afternoon Thomas Stringer Came with his threshing machine. So we all had to turn and get ready for threshing to-morrow. Sam cut some oats while Fred & I have been getting hand ready &c &c. Weather very warm, even sultry.

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August FRIDAY 7 1891

We have been threshing wheat to day. Our crop turned out about as I expected. Had about six hundred bushells from the machine. Y Quality very fine. Our surprise wheat was down about as well as the Clawson or Ferguson. The following have helped thresh. James Hom W. Corbett Walt Walls, one half day. Joseph McFall Mr Abercrombie Thomas Jackson James McBride and Alexander Mann.

August MONDAY 10 1891

A fine rain came last night makeing everything look better. Fred went over to Mr Abercrombies to help finish his threshing this morning. Sam has been ploughing and harrowing in the front field by the church. Got all done ploughing there to day, and all rolled and harrowing as well. I went out to Dover this forenoon to mill and to the station after a Bbl of sugar & to get L{illegible} trunk &c. Took my three boys with me.

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August TUESDAY 11 1891

Fred and I worked in the orchard this forenoon he at ploughing and I at helping in different ways. This afternoon I have been shocking up oat, The men have continued to work the teams. Maggie went out to Dover to meet the Delhi pic-nick there. The reports having had a good time. I sold five head of cattle to C Warryent this afternoon for $107.00. He took one to day. Weather still very warm.

August WEDNESDAY 12 1891

We have had to leave our wheat ground for the oat harvest. Sam has been driving the binder for me and Fred & I have been seting up sheaves. Got all cut and shocked up except about an acre. Find the oat crop somewhat better than we expected. The very warm weather has apparently come to an end, for a time at least. The wind having changed to the North West.

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August THURSDAY 13 1891

It took the men until about noon to finish the oats. I worked at the old Kirby reaper, to get it ready for cuting cloverseed. This afternoon Sam and I have been harvesting peas while Fred has been ploughing in the orchard for wheat. Have thought best to sow the Western part of the orchard to wheat and then seed it down for two or three years. Believe that manure witll counteract the exhaustion of the wheat crop.

August FRIDAY 14 1891

Sam and I kept on pulling peas with the horse-rake this forenoon and Fred continued to plough in the orchard as usual. This afternoon we have not done much on account of rain. I have kept on working at the old reaper geting it ready to cut cloverseed. Am in hopes that it will do good work again if I get done with it.

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August SATURDAY 15 1891

Sam has been at work harrowing to day in both the front field by the church and the field west of the woods. Fred finished ploughing the orchard as far as we intended sowing to wheat this forenoon. This afternoon Fred went to Simcoe on business of his own. I have not succeeded in geting my old reaper to work after all - out of the rakes being out of repair

August SUNDAY 16 1891

As Leoilia and Mifs Belle Lamport wanted us to go with them to hear the Baptist minister this morning and also to go with them to our own church in Port Dover this evening we did as they wished and enjoyed both services notwithstanding the very warm weather. Our young minister Bro Patterson officiated this evening and very acceptably too. He is young man of promise.

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August MONDAY 17 1891

Sam has been cuting cloverseed this forenoon with the mowing machine this afternoon he and Fred have been cultivating in the field by McBrides I have been helping unckle Joe McFeell thresh which has taken nearly all day. The weather has continued very warm and sultry. A couple more cows were taken away from us this morning which will relieve us still further of surplus stock.

August TUESDAY 18 1891

One result of my yesterdays threshing was that I have been laid up to day from work. Had a serious attach of Cholera morbus last night which I thought was Caused by too abundant eating and drinking of cold water. Weather still very warm, even sultry. The men got in a couple of loads of oats this evening. They have also finished pulling the peas and nearly finished cuting the cloverseed. Ma took Leilia & Mifs Lamport to Simcoe to day.

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August WEDNESDAY 19 1891

Fred and I have been geting in oats to day and Sam has helped us unload. We have got in six loads to day makeing eight in all so far. Maggie went out to Dover this afternoon to take Lecilia and Mifs Lamport. There was a large crowd gathered there to see a boat race on the lake. The weather has been exceedingly warm again to day, with but little prospect of rain.

August THURSDAY 20 1891

Fred and I have been geting in oats to day from the big Flat. Just made out to get done with it to night. The was thirteen loads altogether on the field. Sam has been rakeing up Cloverseed and cultivating on the fallow field next to McBrides when not helping unload oats. George Lemon stayed over night with us last night He reports good times.

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August FRIDAY 21 1891

A beautiful rain was graciously sent us last night and this morning which will do much good. The men have been working on the fallows to day most of the time. I went out to Dover this forenoon having several matters to look after Took Maggie and the baby along with me for company. Called at Thomas Jackson's on the way. Have been much exercised of late on account of present prospects. They are not at all favourable.

August SATURDAY 22 1891

Sam and Fred both worked with the teams on the fallow field next to McBrides this forenoon. Fred and I have been drawing in peas. Succeeded in geting in three loads. We are geting along very well with our wheat ground. It will not take us a great while to put in about forty acres when the time comes. The weather keeps warm with plenty of rain of late.

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August SUNDAY 23 1891

Took my mother and little Jim with me to church this morning. Our young brother Patterson preached to us very acceptably. Our classmeeting afterwards though a very small affair was a season of blessing to my poor soul. I went out much Cast down as indeed I have been for some days past but came home with a new hope & increased faith. What a blessing is the Sabbath day.

August MONDAY 24 1891

We were favoured with a heavy rain last night and this morning. We were unable to keep on with our cultivating on wheat ground. Have been working in the orchard instead geting brush gathered and burnt and one teem has been ploughing at same time. Sam has been breaking our bay two year old Colt this afternoon. My neice Leilia Came again to us this evening.

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August TUESDAY 25 1891

I went to work as soon as possible at turning over our peas this morning. After dinner Fred and I got to work at drawing in. Three loads more were safely housed to night - Making five loads of goldenvine & one of muneys. Sam has been cultivating on the wheat ground as usual when not helping us draw in or rather unload peas. Our women folks have been down to John Wallses visiting this afternoon.

August WEDNESDAY 26 1891

Sam has kept on at Cultivating on the fallow next to his fathers place. We are useing a thistle cutter on cultivator of Mr McBrides, in place of our own. Fred and I to to work at drawing peas at about ten o'clock, a heavy dew hindering us sooner. Had three loads more of munies one of which we stowed away for Winter sheep feeding. Our lady folks have been off visiting to day as usual.

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August THURSDAY 27 1891

Fred has continued to plough in the orchard, where we intend to sow wheat Sam has been cultivating in the field next to his fathers as usual. I have been working in the orchard and this afternoon went to help Mr Burnham thresh. They had bad luck with their machine so the job was not finished. Mr B's grain was in stacks and was rather wet.

August FRIDAY 28 1891

I raked cloverseed stubble with the hand rake this forenoon, but this afternoon have been digging stumps except when helping Mr Oliver Burnham finish his job of threshing. Fred has got the orchard all ready to sow to day, harrowing down and all. Sam has been working the other teem as usual. We had a fine rain last night which has started up the grass nicely

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August SATURDAY 29 1891

Sam has been working with his fathers cultivator on the field west of the woods. While Fred has been using the spring-tooth cultivator on the grassy spots &C in the field by McBrides. I have been busy at sundry jobs. Cleaned up wheat for Robert Man 20 Bu and Francis Man 12 1/2. Went out to Dover this evening to look after certain small matters. Took ma with me.

August SUNDAY 30 1891

I went out to church this morning as usual. Our young minister preached - enjoyed his discourse very much. The class meeting afterwards though poorly attended was also a season of refreshing from the presence of the Lord. Often wonder how it is that so many people have such a slight regard for the Sabbath and the things of God, when I feel that I could not live without the precious day with its privilege of worship.

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August MONDAY 31 1891

Have had Sam working on the big field next to his fathers, with the Spring tooth cultivator. Fred and I have been geting the orchard sown and harrowed in . Have sown five bushells of Surprise wheat broadcast on the Orchard. James Horn and George Ryerse and Arthur Leow were all of them here after seed wheat. The demand seems to increase every day but I fancy the supply will soon run out at present rates.

September TUESDAY 1 1891

Fred finished harrowing in the orchard this morning. We afterwards ran out the water furrows, Sam has been drilling in the big field this afternoon for the first. I have been very buisy all day at my usual work. This afternoon had a number of men after Surprise Wheat for seed. Do not expect to keep a very large quantity for {illegible}ing to market from the appearance of things.

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September WEDNESDAY 2 1891

We have kept the drill going on the big field by McBrides. Will have more than half days work there still Have started the cultivator in the field west of the woods this afternoon, geting it ready to sow also. Am still having quite a demand for surprise wheat for seed, Jame Horn, W.H Walls and Robert Waddle came to day. Have been exceedingly buisy to day

September THURSDAY 3 1891

I had a call for another twenty bushells of Surprise wheat this morning and another this evening so that our pile is rapidly decreasing. I went out to Dover, this forenoon takeing Maggie and the baby with me. Got home in time for dinner and afterwards went down to William Walle'sto help him thresh. Fred finished drilling the big field next to McBrides to day.

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September FRIDAY 4 1891

Fred has been cultivating the field west of the woods with the spring tooth cultivator to day while Sam ran out some furrows and ditches this forenoonand helped W. Corbet thresh this afternoon myself but on account of visitors after seed wheat did not go myself this afternoon. Dan Marr came to exchange fifteen bushells of Canadian velvet chaff wheat an exchange which we were both glad to make

September SATURDAY 5 1891

Got started drilling the field West of the woods this morning, but rain soon came and we had to stop. Have been doing some odd jobs the remainder of the time, such as fixing shed, repairing the lane gate and sundry other matters. The rain has been a great blessing to us in various ways, particularly in makeing the grass and wheat grow.

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September SUNDAY 6 1891

Went out to Dover this morning to church as usual, taking Maggie and Jim with me. The minister read the Conference pastoral address for the year. Congregation was rather small I suppose it must have been on account of the nature of the service. It was our regular monthly fellowship meeting to day. The good Lord was present with us to own and to bless.

September MONDAY 7 1891

Fred and Sam have been working both teems in the field West of the woods to day. Got started, drilling again this afternoon. The field works exceedingly well and appears as though wheat might grow there. I have been cleaning ditches in the fields by McBrides. Went out to Dover this evening takeing ma with me Brought home a box of Guano from {illegible} W. S.

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September TUESDAY 8 1891

Finished drilling and furrowing out the field West of the woods to day; and are now ready to start in the field by the church. I have got done with puting up the cloverseed now to clean out ditces in another field. Mr Ferguson came this evening and after some surprise wheat for seed. He is staying over night still.

September WEDNESDAY 9 1891

Fred has been drawing and spreading manure on the field by the store. Sam has been working the other teem on the same field with the spring-tooth cultivator. I have been cleaning ditches most of the time in the field by McBrides. Got it about done. Had a short visit from our minister Rev John Saunders. Mr Ferguson left us this morning

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September THURSDAY 10 1891

Fred has continued to draw and spread manure on the front field to day. Sam has been working on same field with the spring-tooth while I have been ditching in the field west of woods. Mr Alexander Edwardson was here after seed wheat to day. Let him have ten bushells. Mr Moe was here to collect an old debt of Freds. He finally gave his note for four months and I endorsed it Amt $37.35

September FRIDAY 11 1891

Sam went away to day, for good I suppose. He has taken a place to work on shares in Townsend. He had engaged Ed Aitkins to help us through seeding in his place. Fred has been drawing and spreading on the front field as usual, while I have, succeeded in geting the furrows all cleaned out & ditches dug & c. Have begun to help Fred with the manure and expect this to last us for a time.

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September SATURDAY 12 1891

Ed Aitkins has been ploughing in the field by Jim Challands again to day. Fred and I have been geting in the clover-seed. Which we have just got done in time as it is raining to night. Had three loads. Went out to Dover this evening takeing Maggie with me. Got caught in a heavy thunder shower on the way home very unexpectedly.

September SUNDAY 13 1891

Took Maggie and Bertha with me to church this morning. Had an excellent discourse from our senior Minister Bro. John Saunders. His sermons are always sound and very practical. The text to day was, "ye are my witnesses saith the Lord, and the people whom I have chosen. One can scarcely consider this subject without proffit. So many faithful witnesses, for Christ have left their testimony as to his faithfulness. Shall we not add ours to the number Amen:

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September MONDAY 14 1891

Ed has continued to plough in the pea stubble field next Jim Challands; while Fred and I have been geting out manure from below the drivebarn to the field by the Church. We have succeeded in geting this field pretty well covered with manure as a top dressing. The weather is very fine for our work, the ground being just right for ploughing and harrowing down &c.

September TUESDAY 15 1891

Fred and I worked away to at geting out manure to day as usual. I had to help Thomas Jackson thresh this afternoon, at the Harris Ryerse place. When I got home tonight I found Mr Edmonson here after five bushells of seed wheat. The weather has been quite windy and cool to day. Rather too much so for building straw stacks.

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September WEDNESDAY 16 1891

Fred and I finished geting out manure from below the drive-barn to the front field. Got the field about half covered on the south side. of the Ed has been ploughing the field by Jim Challands as usual. He is geting well along with it. I have been digging out pine roots this afternoon in same field. Let Thomas Jackson have a bag of Velvet Chaff Wheat this evening.

September THURSDAY 17 1891

Fred has been geting the front field by the store ready to sow, to day he has just got started drilling this evening. Ed has been ploughing in the fields by Jim Challands as usual I have been engaged at sundry jobs; but most of the time at geting out stumps. Went over to Mr Abercrombies this evening after some crabb apples. He generously gave me all I wanted for nothing

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September FRIDAY 18 1891

Ed Continued to plough in the field by Jim Challands to day as usual. Am thankful that this work is drawing to a close. Fred has been drilling in the front field by the store a shower came up at about five o'clock so he did not get quite done. I took Maggie to the train at Jarvis before noon. She went up to see her sister Sarah before removing to Toronto next Monday.

September SATURDAY 19 1891

Ed has continued to plough in the field by Jim Challands to day. Fred finished drilling the front field by the store, and has also been able to run out some of the water-furrows, while I have been cleaning ditches &c myself. Went out to Dover this evening and while there paid up the ball. of my account with Mr Cayley for shoes & mending. Weather quite warm and wheat is growing fast

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September SUNDAY 20 1891

Took Ma and little Jim to Church with me to day. Our young minister Bro. Paterson preached to us from "I beseech you therefore brethren, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service His observations were excellent. Had also a proffitable waiting upon the Lord in our class meeting. After comeing home found that several of our sheep had been worried by dogs last night.

September MONDAY 21 1891

Both Fred and Ed have been harrowing in the field by Jim Challands to day. Fred finished furrowing out the field by the store this forenoon however. I have been cleaning out ditches myself, in the same field. The warm moist weather is starting the wheat right up almost as soon as sown. While the earlier sown a is almost covering the ground. Buried the two lambs killed by doggs, to day.

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September TUESDAY 22 1891

Ed has been helping , Alexander Marr thresh for me to day. It has taken them all day. Fred has been drilling wheat in the field by Jim Challands most of the time to day. The field is in very good order for sowing. I have been exceedingly buisy as usual; but mostly at such work as don't seem to tell. For instance dressing the wounds of sheep, that have been worried by doggs &c. Have been ditching some too.

September WEDNESDAY 23 1891

Fred has about finished drilling the field by Jim Challands to day all except the W two hillsides near to the woods. Ed has been at work ploughing near. I have been helping James Hom thresh myself. The weather was pretty warm for the time of year, so I had a great time of it for perspiration Clothes ringing wet to night. I think that Mr Hom and us be even on the threshing now for this year.

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September THURSDAY 24 1891

Fred has kept on working at seeding in the field by Jim Challands to day. Ed has been helping Watler Austin thresh for me. I have been engaged at sundry jobs except this afternoon when I went down below Jarvis to see about makeing market for our four fat hogs. Think that it will be all right and will take them down in the morning Weather still very hot.

September FRIDAY 25 1891

Fred has finished sowing the two hillsides on West end of field by Jim Challands with Canadian Velvet Chaff wheat to day. It took two bushells and a half of seed. Ed has been helping Walter & to Artie Austin thresh for me. I went to Jarvis this forenoon with the four fat hogs. Recieved thirty four dollars for them. Cleaned up all my Jarvis debts with the money and had some to good. Went out to Dover this afternoon and did some setling up there to my great satisfaction.

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September SATURDAY 26 1891

Fred and I worked at moving a piece of fence south of old barn in the Ten-acre field, rebuilding and seeding the old fence row besides a wash-out along side, after ploughing. Got it mostly done by noon. Ed has been cleaning ditches in the field by Challand. The men have worked this afternoon also. While I went up to Leyndoch after Maggie. Had the usual tedious drive, stoped in Simcoe on the way, for an hour or so.

September SUNDAY 27 1891

The weather continues very warm with cool nights. Did not leave Mr Fergusons to day, it being so very warm. This evning however, after it became cool, Maggie and I came home. Arrived at about midnight safely. Called at Florences on the way. It has not been a day devoid of Christian consolations for my meditations on Him have been Sweet. My soul hath rejoiced in Him who my strength and my stay.

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September MONDAY 28 1891

The men have been cleaning up wheat to day for market, most of the time. Took away my first load this afternoon. Sold it in Jarvis at ninety two and a half cents per Bu to Harrison. It fell short in weight 38 lbs. The men have been digging potatoes in the garden when not cleaning dr grain. There are indications of a decline in the price of wheat.

September TUESDAY 29 1891

Have taken two loads more of wheat to Jarvis to day. The men have been cleaning up for me of the time. A change in the weather has come at last. It is cool after all; and seems likely to keep so for a while. Th The wheat market suffered a still further decline and only ninety cents per Bu has been paid in Jarvis today.

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September WEDNESDAY 30 1891

The men have been cleaning up the ballance of our winter wheat this forenoon, This afternoon I took what we had to spare to Jarvis and sold at eighty seven cents two cents less than yesterday. We seem to be fortunate to have disposed of our wheat at a fair price before got down unreasonably. Ed Aitkings quit work to night for good.

October THURSDAY 1 1891

Fred finished cuting our fodder corn to day; besides helping me at other work some. Took a load of wheat up to Lynn Valley mill for Fred's bread and our own. Brought home some sixteen hundred pounds of oat-bran for winters feeding. Have engaged two sons of Mr Edmonds for that purpose. Maggie and I went out to Dover this evening

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October FRIDAY 2 1891

The threshers came this forenoon, and we got to work threshing at about ten-o'clock. It has taken us all day at our cloverseed, Only two hands besides ourselves have been helping us. Willie McBride and Walter Austin. The former I have to pay the money. Our Seed did not turn out as well as we thought it might having about nine bushells instead of the fifteen as we anticipated.

October SATURDAY 3 1891

Our disagreeable dusty dirty job lasted us most of the day; or until three o'clock this afternoon. We had about eight bushells of Clover-seed, a something over eighty bushells of peas and nearly four hundred of oats or (390) Hands that have helped. W. McBride Tom Hom. Thomas Jackson, Walter Austin, Arthur Austin Jim Challand, together with Fred and I. It has been quite warm to day as well.

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October SUNDAY 4 1891

On account of not feeling well & pretty well tired out, we did not got out to Dover this morning as usual but stayed at home and went down to the little Plank Road church. We heard the young man Rev. Mr Laidman, and were quite pleased with his humble unassuming manner. Quite a Congregation were assembled at the little church.

October MONDAY 5 1891

Fred went over to help Jim Challand thresh this morning. has helped him a little over half a day Jim has promised to help us at something else we were not owing him and work. I went up the oat-meal mill after a load of bran this afternoon. Brought home something over sixteen hundred at ten dollars per ton.

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October TUESDAY 6 1891

Fred went over to help Mr Abercrombie thresh this morning. It did not take them long to get done. He has helped at digging potatoes &c the rest of the day. I took a load of oats up to the oat-meal mill this afternoon sold at twenty eight cents per bushell and laid it out in bran for Winter feeding. The weather has become quite cooler a heavy frost last night.

October WEDNESDAY 7 1891

Fred and I got another load of grain cleaned up this forenoon ready for the mill. It rained however so that I did not get away with it, and is still raining at ten o'clock P.M. I happens that wheat as well as grass are in need of rain, so it comes just in time. We have found that our oats over run in weight this year at the rate of 26 Bu per hundred or therebouts

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October THURSDAY 8 1891

My old acquaintance and friend Wilson Porter Came this morning for some Talman Sweet apples. He gave me five dollars with an additional fifty cents to be remembered some other time; for sixteen bushells. I took a load of grain afterward up to the Lynn Valley mills for chopping &c. Brought home the same load afterwards with some slight changes. Mifs Emma Crysler stayed with us last night but went away again this morning.

October FRIDAY 9 1891

Fred has been diging potatoes most of the time to day. I took a load of grain for chop &c up to the Lynn Valley mill. The weather keeps remarkably fine as indeed it has been for some weeks. Wheat has become quite forward, and promises well for another year. The winter is before us however; and when that is passed we can tell some better.

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October SATURDAY 10 1891

Fred has been off to the Township show to day. I went this afternoon also and spent a half hour or so in the show. The day has been exceedingly fine and warm. The crowd was rather small however, and so was the number of exhibits apparently. One feature of the show was the number of money making games on the ground.

October SUNDAY 11 1891

Went out to church this morning as usual takeing little Jim with me, the weather being rather cold and windy for Maggie and ma, to go. Had a proffitable waiting upon God, His presence being with us to own and to bless. Fred has just told us of a very serious accident from a run-away horse that has happened Mifs Isabel Austin this evening, on the back Concession by Mr Challands. The real extant of her injuries were not known

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October MONDAY 12 1891

Fred has been helping to day as usual. He has been gathering apples. I have been helping Thomas Jackson thresh at the Evans place on the side road where he had some peas in on shares. It took him most of the day to get done. Our first frost Came to night, that is, the first to injure tomatoes and other such tender plants & fruits.

October TUESDAY 13 1891

I have been helping Thomas Jackson thresh at his home again to day. It has taken about all day to get done. Fred has been picking apples as usual. The weather is becoming mild and quite dry. Winter wheat has about stoped growing; but perhaps it will be just as well in the end for the roots will get a deeper hold on the soil.

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October WEDNESDAY 14 1891

I went up to the show at Simcoe to day according to previous intentions. Took ma and Maggie with me. The show was an excellent - one both in quality of exhibits and in the attendence, a great crowd of people being present. Rain began falling about the middle of the afternoon which was a damper on things generally. Had dinner at Florences, with Unckle John's. The rain was not much after all.

October THURSDAY 15 1891

Have been exceedingly buisy to day - Fred and I. Our apples are occupying our utmost attention just now. We have a larger crop than we anticipated before we began gathering them. Maggie and I took a drive up to the Grange Hall this evening Were disappointed in our Grange meeting however for it was insufficiently attended -

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October FRIDAY 16 1891

Fred has been gathering apples to day as usual while I have been doing the same most of the time. Towards night Maggie and I went out to Dover to attend the harvest home festival in the townhall. After tea had been served speeches were delivered the Rev Mr Jackson of Simcoe, Rev David Chalmers of Cayuga and our own two ministers. Have been suffering from a cold of late.

October SATURDAY 17 1891

Fred has been picking apples this afternoon. This forenoon we found it necessary to get up some wood and to fix up some fence along the wheat fields. I have been puting up some apples for Colver and Mrs Ainsley this afternoon. The weather is very fine and warm for this time of year and seems likely to remain so for a time at least.

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October SUNDAY 18 1891

Went out to church this morning as usual takeing Maggie with me. Our young minister preached to us, and very acceptably too. Bro. Paterson is a very promising young man, & will certainly make his mark other things being equal. Our renewal of tickets came to day, when our class meeting was a time of refreshing. Surely the best of all is God, is with us.

October MONDAY 19 1891

Fred has been packing apples again to day. I went down to the Dog's Nest after a load of apple barrels this morning. Brought home over forty in hopes that we might have apples to fill them. Have been gathering apples since most of the time. The weather still keeps warm and to night it is raining as indeed it has been at times thoughtout the past day.

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October TUESDAY 20 1891

It rained to day until after noon, but not heavy. This did not prevent the apple packers from coming and puting up apples. William Walls & his men did the job. Had twenty nine barrels besides a large quantity of culls and many good apples that were left. Fred has been working away to day as usual. Had an apple paring bee to night, on a small scale.

October WEDNESDAY 21 1891

Fred and I worke at cleaning up the barnyard this forenoon. This afternoon we have been takeing care of apples. Had a visit from my friend W. J. Carpenter's wife and family to day. The former was prevented from coming by an accident. The weather is quite mild and very pleasant for this time of year.

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October THURSDAY 22 1891

The weather has become cold at last, and winter seems not far off. Fred has been gathering Talman sweet apples to day, while, I have been geting some other kinds taken care of, besides doing sundry other jobs. Fred and I have been Cleaning up manure arround the barnyard, part ot the time lately. Our yard looks much better already.

October FRIDAY 23 1891

Have had Fred at work in the orchard to day as usual. I have been working there as well. It seems to take us a long time to get the apples taken care of; but it seems likely that we will get done before long now. Had our fist heavy frost last night, the ground being frozen quite hard this morning.

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October SATURDAY 24 1891

Fred has at last got to work at drawing manure to the ten-acre field. We are covering it from the West side. I have been working away as fast as possible at gathering apples. It seems as though the end of this job was also near. Sam McBride was here today and I settled up with him. Found his wages to amt to but little more than a hundred dollars instead of of our hundred and thirty owe.

October SUNDAY 25 1891

Maggie and I went out to Church this morning, alone. Was rather surprised to find a funeral sermon being preached in our church by our senior minister. A seventeen year old daughter of Fred Martin had died suddenly and was being buried. As usual on Sunday a large crowd of people were in attendence. The weather keeps very fine

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October MONDAY 26 1891

Fred has been working at sundry jobs to day. He has had to repair the bulls stall for one thing. I went out to Dover with a load of apples this forenoon for Wallse's. Took another load out this afternoon, which made up the Compliment for this year. Had twenty nine barrels for them. The weather is quite mild and dry. There is some appearance of a change to night for Colder weather.

October TUESDAY 27 1891

I went out to Dover this forenoon with some apples for customers in Port Dover. Since Comeing home have been gathering garden stuff and some few remaining apples to keep from freezing. Fred has been working at sundry jobs. Our old house had a very narrow escape from burning to day. Fire caught in the roof from burning chimney, but was fortunately extinguished before much damage was done.

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October WEDNESDAY 28 1891

Fred has got to work drawing manure at last. We are cleaning up the Cow yard, and puting on the West end of ten-acre-field. I went down to Jarvis this forenoon after cheese money. Made some small purchases of damaged hardware where a store had lately burned, of nails, screws and sundry other articles. Went out to Dover after ma this afternoon.

October THURSDAY 29 1891

Fred has been working away at the manure drawing to day as usual. I worked this forenoon at repairing the roof of our dwelling where damaged lately by fire &c. This afternoon have been away trying to collect some money due for seed-wheat. Failed to get any however, although I expect my trip to be the means of it comeing us The weather is very fine at present.

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October FRIDAY 30 1891

I have been gathering a few scatering apples to day, when not doing other work. Maggie and my mother went to Willington Carpenters on a visit so I have been keeping house alone. Went to the Patrons Lodge this evening, and paid up my dues &c. Had a little disagreement with Lewis Bint about the wheat he bought of me. He thought my price was too high.

October SATURDAY 31 1891

Fred has continued to get out manure to day to the ten-acre field. We began this time on the West end of the field and are covering the ground as we go. Took Mr Abercrombie out to the Council with me, but found that the council were not there. Wanted pay for our sheep that were killed by doggs, but of of course will have to wait awhile yet.

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November SUNDAY 1 1891

The weather was cold and windy to day- a cold North W. wind has been blowing Went up to the Quarterly Meeting however. Maggie and I ; at Woodhouse Chapel this time. Had a very interesting and proffitable season. Our own minister officiated as usual. Had dinner at Unckle Holmes Matthews after service. Attendence was unusually large notwithstanding the cold.

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November MONDAY 2 1891

I went up to Simcoe this morning to pay out on mortgage & some other claimes. Was highly gratified to find, that the money in hand was nearly sufficient to meet all present obligations in Simcoe, so gracious has been the good Lord been to me this year. Came home by Woodhouse chappel where I attended the official Quarterly meeting before comeing home

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November TUESDAY 3 1891

Have had Fred at work geting out manure to day as usual. I have been gathering a tree of sweet apples which has taken me all day. The dry weather still continues it seems a good deal like an early approaching winter. We have been paring apples this evening, having quite a supply of that kind of fruit. The price of dried apples is rather low though.

November WEDNESDAY 4 1891

We have busied ourselves to day as usual I have been gathering apples for cider &c & Fred has been geting manure out on the ten acre field. He was drawn forty three loads so far and spread from the waggon. Have felt very thankful of late for the unexpected turn that matters have taken. It has been my privilege to pay more debts than common this Fall.

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November THURSDAY 5 1891

Fred has been ploughing in the ten-acre field to day for the first. We had quite a time geting our horses home from Mr Homs this morning where they had gone last night. I have been gathering cider apples th to day when not doing other work. Went to Jarvis this afternoon to get a cheese check cashed. Met with Unckle Robert Culver while there.

November FRIDAY 6 1891

Fred has kept on ploughing in the ten-acre field to day. While I have finished gathering cider apples. Went out to Dover this evening to see about some business matters. Was very glad indeed to find my note to Mr Ross settled by C Warren as per order. This places another difficulty out of the way. Surely the Good Lord has been "mindful of his covenant".

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November SATURDAY 7 1891

Ma and I started for Brantford this forenoon at about eleven o'clock PM A.M. We drove Kate & of course did not get along very fast. Arrived there at about sun-down. Found that Mr Hoyt who we were to visit had gone to British Columbia last spring. Instead of visiting where we intended we are staying over night at Mr Charley Smiths - a cousin of my mothers also.

November SUNDAY 8 1891

My friend Charley Smith who is a veterinary surgeon invited me to accompany him in his professional visits this morning. I accepted his invitation and did not get to church until this evening when I accompanied Mr & Mrs Smith to to their church, the presbyterian. Have enjoyed the Sabbath very much in some ways, but not with the same kind of enjoyment as at other times.

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November MONDAY 9 1891

Ma and I left Brantford this morning at about eleven o'clock Gt Got to Waterford at about two this afternoon. Intended makeing a visit at James Holcomb, found them all away accept Day however, so we waited an hour or so, after which Mrs Holcomb came. Took dinner with her and Came home after six o'clock. Was thankful to find the folks all well and every thing in good order at home.

November TUESDAY 10 1891

Rain Came to day in good earnest, so we have at last plenty of water and mud. Fred was able to plough part of the time however. I have been buisy as usual at sundry jobs of which there is no lack, I never expected to see the time when there is. We have been cleaning out the waggon house and puting away the implements &c

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November WEDNESDAY 11 1891

The rain last night and yesterday has left the roads quite muddy. Went to Jarvis this forenoon after doing sundry jobs. Got some money from R. Ivey on note to pay some ballance still due. While In Jarvis I settled up with Mr N. Parsons for threshing, and gave him a note for the amt due, some fourteen dollars, for Eleven Mos at 8 c. Went out to Dover this evening sold dried apples at {illegible}

November THURSDAY 12 1891

Having an invitation to take thanksgiving dinner with my unckle Robert Colver to day. We have taken the opportunity, to see them. Took ma and Maggie with the baby over with me, Found Mr & Mrs Gaye and David Sterling there and had a very pleasant visit. Was very much pleased with my Cousins that have almost grown up since I saw them last Roads rather muddy.

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November FRIDAY 13 1891

Have had Fred at work in the ten-acre field with the plough to day. He is geting it pretty well along. Went up to John Gilberts Ma and I . Had dinner there and drove up to Simcoe with Albert. Settled up with St Groff while there and paid Sime some twenty dollars. A change in the weather has apparently come at last, and it is now, rather wintry, with cold winds blowing.

November SATURDAY 14 1891

Fred has been takeing a hollowday-day to day. to make up for the last Thursday which was thanksgiving day. I have been working away at geting apples ready for the cider-mill, besides doing sundry other jobs. Had Sam McBride here this evening. Settled up with him by note for eighty three dollars and ninety five cts. The weather is rather Cold and wintry.

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November SUNDAY 15 1891

Went out to church this morning takeing Bertha and Maggie with me. Had an excellent discourse from our gifted young minister Bro. Paterson. on the "great and glorious promises". Felt greatly encouraged by what I heard to trust on. Had a proffitable waiting upon God in our Class, meeting also. Part of our family went down to the plank Road church this afternoon. Rain is falling again to night.

November MONDAY 16 1891

Was fortunate in geting a good early start this morning for the cider mill, Got the cider made and home again before two o'clock. Did not feel satisfied with the work done at Mr Paskin's mill however, the yield of cider was altogether too small. At least one third less than it should have been; or so I thought. Rain has been falling nearly all the afternoon, and the weather is quite warm.

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November TUESDAY 17 1891

Fred and I were not able to work out of doors this forenoon much, so we have been cleaning out the Drive-barn and puting away implements &c. This afternoon he has been ploughing again in the ten-acre field while I have been cleaning ditches in the same field. The weather has been rapidly geting colder since noon and to night it seems that Winter is close at hand.

November WEDNESDAY 18 1891

We intended to have killed our hoggs to day, but owing Cold stormy weather thought best to put it off another day. Went out to Dover to settle some small matters. While there was told that Col Walker Powell, and his wife were down. Soon found Mrs P at the Meade House and enjoyed a short visit with her very much. Saw the Colonel a few minutes also Would not have known either one, so much have they changed.

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November THURSDAY 19 1891

Have been killing hoggs to day. Got nearly all done this forenoon. Mr James McBride has been helped us. This afternoon I went out for Dover to take a couple of small hogs to Mr Barrell. One of them weighed 102 lbs & the other 108. Am always thankful when this job is done. Am especially so this year owing to the state of our feed supply. Am fattening two hoggs more However.

November FRIDAY 20 1891

Have been exceedingly buisy to day, Mostly at geting meat cut up and salted. This afternoon Maggie and I have been geting celery put away for winter &c. Fred has been up to Mr {illegible} helping him kill hogs to day. He got home for the chores to night however. Maggie and I have been makeing preparations for a visit to her Father's home to morrow all being well.

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November SATURDAY 21 1891

Maggie and I started from home this morning at about nine or half past nine o'clock to visit her Father's home. Arrived at my unckle Henry Olds about noon noon and had dinner with him and his kind family, renewing our friendships. Traveled in the rain from unckle Henry's to Wyecombe. Got through all right however and found my wife's father and mother well.

November SUNDAY 22 1891

Rain has been falling most of the time to day especially about time to go to church. {illegible} and I have been stoping at Mr Fergusons through {illegible}. It has been a day of blessing for the Good Lord has been with us. How often can we realize though it be in a small measure that our conversation is in {illegible} But whence also we look for the Lord Jesus.

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November MONDAY 23 1891

Rain continued to fall nearly all day. The result is that Maggie and I are storm bound. Did not think best to go home in the rain. Have been enjoying my visit with Mr and Mrs Ferguson to day very much. Am much gratified to realize that my wife's father and mother are Christians with whom I have had sure great comfort in conversing about the Divine life &c &c.

November TUESDAY 1891

Maggie and I started from her fathers at Wyecombe this morning at about nine. Stoped at my unckle Daniel Olds in Simcoe for dinner. Had a nice visit with them and got home at about four P.M. Arrived home all right about six o'clock finding all well and everything all well right. Feel much benefited both of us by our long visit with my wifes parents.

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November WEDNESDAY 1891

Fred and I have been geting our axes and saws sharpened this forenoon and this afternoon have been cuting wood out and geting some home from the woods. I went down to Wallse's this evening and saw the new bridge at Smith's, on the way. It is the first Iron bridge in the township and will cost some 280$ without abutment. The weather has been quite windy to day though rather moderate in temperature.

November THURSDAY 26 1891

I went over to the council this morning to see about geting pay for sheep killed by doggs a couple o months ago. Took Mr Abercrombie along with me for witness. Had a baptism to day at our house by our Minister Rev. John Saunders. Our first-born Inez Mildred, and my friend W.J. Carpenters Infant son Theodore Augustus. Our daughter was just one year old to day. I did not get home until about four o'clock myself.

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November FRIDAY 27 1891

Fred has been ploughing to day in the ten-acre field. He got all done but finishing which would take about a half a day. I have been engaged very buisily geting potatoes put away for winter this forenoon & this afternoon at cleaning ditches in the ten-acre-field. Snow has been falling this afternoon though not very fast. It seems likely to keep on all night however, or longer.

November SATURDAY 28 1891

Snow Came last night and yesterday, about six inches in depth. The weather seems to be turning colder, ever since the snow ceased falling. Fred has been geting the bob-sleighs repaired up for use to day, while I have been working as hard as possible to get our apples put away for Winter. Did not succeed in geting them all safe to night either and it is very cold.

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November SUNDAY 29 1891

On account of inclement weather we did not go to church to day either morning or evening. Our chores take up a considerable portion of even the Sabbath day at this time of year. Cannot say that my experience religiously speaking is quite satisfactory owing most no doubt to increase application to business through the week.

November MONDAY 30 1891

Fred has been repairing our hind bob-sleigh to day. He has but in three new knees and made new {illegible} and tongue. I have been picking over apples and doing some other necessary work. Have just passed our first cold snap. It appears to be about over now from present indications. The ground is still covered with snow however.

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December TUESDAY 1 1891

I have been to mill to day takeing a grist of chop with me and a small grist of wheat. Could not get the grist in time so I left a part and brought home a load of bran from the oat-mill. The weather has moderated greatly and the covering of snow had almost disappeared in places. Fred has been geting some wood cut in the woods and a load up this evening.

December WEDNESDAY 2 1891

I went up to mill this forenoon after a grist taken yesterday and part of a load of bran for winter feeding. Got along nicely with my big load, although the road was begining to get soft. The snow is still melting and Fred has been able to plough again this afternoon in the ten-acre field. Had only about a half days work left there before winter set in.

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December THURSDAY 3 1891

Have been exceedingly busy to day at sundry jobs. To help along a nice warm shower has come to night which has taken the little snow about all off the frost out of the ground. Went out to spend the evening at the Parsonage takeing ma and my wife with the baby with me. Spent a very pleasant evening with our friends.

December FRIDAY 4 1891

On account of rain last night and this forenoon, Fred and I were not able to do much out of doors this forenoon. I got a small load of apples ready myself, however for my Unckle George Matthews and took them out to his family this afternoon. Mr James Bublin was buried today at 72 years of age. Called at Mr Barrets on the way home to night.

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December SATURDAY 5 1891

I went up to the oat-meal mill this forenoon for a ton of Dust. The roads were in a rather bad condition so I did not bring quite a ton. The price still remains the same viz - ten dollars per ton for bran & six for dust. Fred has been cuting wood and doing chores as usual. Have had a heavy wind storm to day - last night and yesterday. It is moderating to night.

December SUNDAY 6 1891

Went out to meeting again this morning as usual takeing Maggie and Bertha with me. Had the usual instructive and proffitable discourse from our minister Rev John Saunders. Subject today, "They shall speak together of the majesty of thy kingdom and talk of the power &c". A leading thought was that all men go to their place, according to their natural order. If they choose to do wickedly, their clerical house is to be with the wicked. If well, their dwelling will be with the righteous.

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December MONDAY 7 1891

Fred and I have been cuting and geting up wood from the woods most of the time to day. The weather is still very mild and pleasant excepting when stormy. It seems in fact as though we were likely to have another open winter. Wheat looks beautiful and green, almost as though it was still growing. But it covers the ground, mostly in every field.

December TUESDAY 8 1891

Fred and I have been geting out manure from the west cow stable, puting it on the gardens. I have been buisy {illgible} loads fixing up or rather repairing at gates and doors around the barn &c. Went down to Will. Corbets this evening to get some coal-oil for Fred's. He is sect. for the Patrons and is selling or rather dibling out oil and some other kinds of goods for the Lodge.

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December WEDNESDAY 9 1891

Fred and I have been working to day as yesterday and are likely to get both garden patches manured and ploughed, before Winter, judging from present appearances. We are still engaged about half of our evening at peeling apples for drying. It has become rather an irksome task mostly on account of the small remuneration we are likely to receive.

December THURSDAY 10 1891

Fred and I have been geting out manure from behind the barn to day, puting it on the garden patches. He has also ploughed the piece accross the lane from his house. Had a visit from My cousin Mifs Alice Colver to day also Mifs McPherson who came with her. Took Ma and Maggie up to Clarke's to spend the evening. He was off singing for a tea meetin at Nanticoke, but we had a nice visit.

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December FRIDAY 11 1891

The roads having dried up somewhat I went up to the oat-meal-mill after a load of bran to day. Got along nicely & brought home over a ton. This makes more than five ton and a half laid in for Winter feeding this Fall . Fred has been drawing manure to the front garden patch to day from behind the barn. The weather is bright and beautiful at present.

December SATURDAY 12 1891

Fred has continued to draw manure to the front garden patch to day. It is our intention to get it ploughed as well as manured this fall if possible. I have been helping Fred about loading and between times have found opportunity to repair the cow stables besides sundry other jobs. Ma and Maggie went out to Dover this afternoon on a shopping excursion &c &c.

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December SUNDAY 13 1891

Went out to Dover this morning as usual takeing, Ma and Bertha with me. Our old friend and brother Daniel Wooley of Port Ryerse out of our local preachers officiated. Never listen to the brother without proffit. Was especialy benefited to day. The weather is still delightful and the roads about as good as in Summer. Have been unusual buisy this afternoon doing Chores, Fred being away.

December MONDAY 14 1891

Fred and I have continued to work away at geting out manure to the front garden as usual. I have found repairing to be done still, to day at sundry places around the barn and cow shed's. The fine weather has apparently come to an end for the present & rain has set in from the North East, this afternoon. Our old friend Mifs Em Walls was married last Wednesday to a minister Rev E. E. M. Kemp.

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December TUESDAY 15 1891

Fred got started this morning at ploughing the front garden, but owing to thr rain had soon to turn out. So we have been engaged at wet weather jobs altogether to day. It realy seems a convenience to have a wet day occasionaly in order to this class of work out of the way. R Weather still keeps almost like Summer and the rain like a summer shower.

December WEDNESDAY 16 1891

A change has come at last in the weather and instead of summer we are having a cold North West wind with a prospect of Winter in earnest. Fred has been ploughing the front garden patch to day. He got all ploughed the other side of the berry bushes &c. I have been very buisy at different jobs. Went around the wheat fields this forenoon to see if any water was standing &c

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December THURSDAY 17 1891

Fred and I have got in a lot of pea straw this forenoon from a stack in the barnyard. This afternoon we have been cuting some wood along the creek on this side, mostly drift wood. Had unckle John and Aunt Lydia Matthews to spend the evening with us it being a long time sonce they came for that purpose. Weather is quite Cold again and wintry.

December FRIDAY 18 1891

Fred has as usual been geting up some wood, mostly old rails from the lower orchard fence, and a number of other jobs besides. I went down to Mr Walter Parsons to get my cheese check and from there to Jarvis this forenoon. We all went to down to William Wallse's this evening to make them a short visit. Emma has lately made a break and Got Married to a Methodist preacher Rev Mr Kemp.

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December SATURDAY 19 1891

Fred has been engaged a a variety of jobs to day, it being my duty to go to Port Dover for various things. While there paid our taxes for the year, which amounted to sixty one dollars. Handed the money to W. Cayley who promised to give it to Mr James Doan the collector. The weather has been very fine even Spring like. The roads also are geting as fine as ever.

December SUNDAY 20 1891

Maggie and I went out to the Port this morning to attend church. Our young Bro Paterson officiated in his usual way. His text was the first Chap of II Kings Ist ver. We always listen with much pleasure and proffit to this young man . Our Class-meeting was also a time of blessing, the Good Lord being with us. The beautiful warm weather still continues. Called to see Mrs McWade on our way home. She lies very near death's door.

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December MONDAY 21 1891

Fred and I have been working most of the time to day at cuting wood and geting it ready to draw. The weather continues fine and seems as though it might continue so for some time to come, Not like Winter but like Spring. We have just prepared our first batch of fowl for the season for the market. Have not been very successful this season in raising any thing in that line.

December TUESDAY 22 1891

Fred has been cuting wood alone to day and doing chores, while I have been out to the Port on various errends. Brought home a quarter of beef for Fred besides setling up with Mr Edmondson and doing a a lot of other business. The weather has continued to get warmer and rain has fallen in occasional showers. Met with Douglas Buckwell in Mr Skeys office. Have not see him since I was a school boy, and would not have recognized him.

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December WEDNESDAY 23 1891

Fred went to Simcoe to day on his own account with Jim Challand. It has taken nearly the whole of my time to get the stock taken care of. Rain has been falling most of the day, so that we could not have worked out of doors anyway. It seems now as though we would soon see a green Xmas. Some of the fields look almost as green as in Summer, especialy the wheat.

December THURSDAY 24 1891

Rain has continued to fall a good share of the time to day, and keeps as warm as ever. Fred got up some wood this forenoon in the rain for we seem to get out in spite of the rainy weather. Worked at repairing the old wheel-barrow awhile to day. Took Bertha out to Dover to spend her hollowdayes. Maggie went along with me also, and while there made some small purchases of Christmas goods.

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December FRIDAY 25 1891

It is indeed true that Christmas comes but once a year of all occasions the most memorable. Took dinner at home - Fred and his family being away. Had unckle John Matthews and and his family to take dinner with us. Even A.S. Rose got here, to day from Chicago for a late dinner. He visits his family for two or three days. The weather has been exceeding ly warm and roads quite mudy.

December SATURDAY 26 1891

It is just two years ago to day Since we were married, Maggie and I. The weather has been almost exactly the same to day as two years ago. Fred and I cut wood this forenoon, and this afternoon he has actualy been ploughing in the garden, something we are seldom able to do the day after Christmas.

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December SUNDAY 27 1891

On account of the almost impassible state of the roads we did not go out to church to day. Have tried in my weak way to improve the passing moments of the Holy day. Cannot say that I am satisfied with the result thereof. The many duties of stock and the family, particularly of takeing care of the child seem to prevent a right application of the mind to any matter either spiritual or temporal.

December MONDAY 28 1891

Fred and I got in our first two loads of straw for the horses this forenoon. We have been feeding hay until now, and hope to have enough left for a couple of months spring feeding. I have had a time hunting up turkeys this afternoon. Found out old gobbler shut up at Cort. Austins and the old hen at Hom's. Got them home and found ourselves two turkeys short after all. Weather much warmer.

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December TUESDAY 29 1891

Fred and I killed and dressed our two remaining fating hogs. Had Jim Challand to help us for a half hour or so, one of our pigs being rather heavy. I went out to Dover this afternoon partly to take a pail of butter for express to my sister. Rain has been falling most of the day, particularly this afternoon. Had a disagreeable experience with my neighbour James Hom with refference to a couple of our turkeys that we have lost lately.

December WEDNESDAY 30 1891

Fred has been working away at triming apple trees and at cuting & geting up wood this afternoon. Our Anual School Meeting came of this forenoon. Had a rather anxious time owing to a failure of our trustee to do their duty. We succeeded in geting a new one appointed in the person of Robert Ross which it is hoped will correct the present unsatifactory state of things in time.

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December THURSDAY 31 1891

Fred has been triming trees in the orchard most of the time today. I went down to Jarvis on foot, the roads being very bad. Succeeded in geting money of Ivey and Allen to nearly take up a note of S. Kitchens, which I sent away by draft at once to Windsor. The amt. sent was $200.00. The Lord has been gracious to me, thoughout this year. This last token of His favour has taken away another cause of anxiety, for a time at least.