52 10 585 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5a1383b671eac714b03911990d7b6589.pdf b264b7ef8ce0693f1cacec0af46f8ad6 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f985e62d9f6284133b6a2b6f89f3e6f6.pdf 2d410531bf27b8763ecc22898406d03e PDF Text Text Stephen “Sylvester” Main (1872 – 1937) 1889 Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers 1889 Jan 1. Out to Destys all day with D.H. Burleys and Mirah 2. Skating all day with Cary Bond and some others 3. Skating with Ella and Cary Bond and Varley Bond Up to our place at night. 4 Skating with Gary & Ella Bond Shooting with Varley Bond in afternoon. 5 Tend to my chickens and down to Office. 6. To Free Methodist in aft. noon. Up to Methodist at night to hear Voden. 7 Not much. Down to shop 8 Feed my chickens, one of Truman's died. Desty and Cleavy {blank} out here. 9. Made a rat traps. Down to Uncle Daves cleaning oats. 10 Big wind storm shovelled snow out of hen roost fixed place for Trumans. 11. Albert Bond. Put a window in the hen roost got a letter for D.H. Burley 12. Helping Uncle Daves draw straw. Made a slat door for my hen roost. Truman Almira Maggie Steel D H Burley came home from Uncle Alex Wining. 13 D H Burley here. To church at night. 14 Taffy off. D H. Burley here helping Uncle Dave clean up oats. To Free Methodist at night 15 David H Burley went home to-day Down to Free Methodist at night 16 Started to school, rain all afternoon. 17 To school all day. Tea meeting here tonight but not to it. 18 To school all day Social at night but not to it. To Free Methodist. 19 fixing my gun. Shooting and skating in aft. 20 Reading. To Methodist church at night. 21 To school all day. Tacked some pictures up in my hen roost. 22 To school all day. J. Ricker V Bond S Jane Moore here at night. 23 To school all day down to free Methodist at night. 24 To school in the forenoon. Ear ache in afternoon to Free Methodist at night. 25 To school today organize the debate to lecture and free Methodist at night. 26 Maggie Idia and Lorn out here this afternoon. Varley Bond and I shooting sparrows. Hens laid today for the first. 27. Snowing all day to Brethern church at night. 28 To school today 29 To school today 30 To school today. Truman to Hamilton with Albert Bond. 31 To school to day. Fixing my hand sleigh black rooster died. Feb 1 Took two loads of wood to Galt for Albert Bond. 2 Fixing my squirrel cage. Over to Henry's cutting straw. Down to a show at night to the hotel the man had spotted rats wanted to trade me a pair for my flying squirrels. 3 John & Desty. Cleavy & Frank Bond here. To church at night. 4 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond. Snowing hard. 5 To school today, fixing the carpet holder. Varley and I over to Sarah Moors. Sent some papers to Jacob Burley 6 To school today got a pair of over shoes & felt stockings 7 To school today. Got my Northern Messenger. 8 To school today. Dance in hall tonight but not to it. 9. Fixed my Sunday shoes. Seth Aldredge came down tonight. 10 To Church in morning up to Methodist church at night. Started to shave 11 To school. Bought seven hens from Truman. Got a bag of oats from Henry. Church started in the U B church 12 To School. Down to Varley Bonds all night. All away but Varley & I put some shoes in Ella and Gennies bed. 13 To �school - fixing my hen roost. 14 To school down at Bond's at night. 15 To school. Put a window in my hen roost. Paw sick tonight. 16 Bee today drawing wood. 17 To church morning & afternoon. At night to Brethern Church John & Desty out. 18 To school today. To church Brethern at night. 19 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. 20 Back to the woods all day. Brought three logs home. 21 Uncle John & Beagle & I over to Henry's. Got him to come & fix sewing machine. no school to day. 22 Back to woods all day snowing & blowing. No school to day. 23 To woods all day sawing. - Cold below Zero. 24 In all day to church at night Mr Manard preached. 25 To school today. sleigh riding at night (dog) beagle two years old 26 Back to the woods all day. Snowing this afternoon. 27 To school - a very nice day. Train run off the track at St. George 28 To school. John Ricker Elroy Kymers and myself back to Kirkwall to a lecture Chiniguy. Elroy Kymers horse & my cutter. MAR. 1 Back to woods all day. Snowing to-night. 2 Very warm - cleaning out my hen roost got a new thought. 3 Very warm. Sun shinning all day. to church at night. 4 Back to the woods. Thawing a lot. 1889 MAR 5 To school to-day. Very nice day thawing a lot 6 To school. traded a brown leg horne rooster for a white leg horn rooster & a plymoth rock hen with John Wedge 7 To school. Very nice day 8 To school thawing a lot to day 9 To the woods all day cold Jirden & I drawing out wood - got my Farm & Home. 10 John Desty and Cleavy out here. Desty gave me her cap for this winter. To church at night. 11 To school. Started to make an incubator. Gave 25 cents - Missionary. 12 Drawing wood, William Coverdale and I from the woods along by the school house. got a catalogue 13 To school. Sent for catalogues and a letter to Hannal Woltzen 14 To school. skating tonight. A new shoemaker came t Sheffield to-day 15 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. One of my hens died. Got a catalogue. 16 Skating this forenoon put a patch on each side of my boot. Bought a basket with a lid on. 17 Around home. Over to th woods to see how the sap run. To Methodist church at night. 18 To school. fixed my basket. Got a poultry catalogue. 19 To school. Got an incubator catalogue and a letter from some place. 20 Home this forenoon. To a bee at Bond's this aft. Oyster supper at night. Got two poultry catalogues 21 To school. fixed my climbing spurs. 22 Chisling out posts for the barn a very nice day. 23. Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills this afternoon. 24 Varley Bond & I over to Woods for a walk. To church at night. 25. Took two loads of wood to Galt for Bonds. 26 Around home. Started to make an incubator. 27 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's. Raising our barn this afternoon. I was helping set a hen to-night. 28 To Hamilton all day with Albert Bond home at night 29 Helping Albert scaffle lumber for barn. snowing and colder. 30 Helping scafling lumber. Made a nest for my hens 31. In all day. To church at night snowing a lot - about a foot deep. Apr. 1 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's on sleigh. 2 Help put the roof on the barn - up to loom shop making hen roost. 3 Finished making my incubator. Helping Peter Humphrey clean up oats in �the aft. 4 Over to Henry's cutting wood till three o'clock. To Methodist church. 5 Not much of any thing. snowing 6 Helping draw stones for the barn. Got some of our own hay down to Joseph Ricker. Took horses over to Henry's help Mr Ricker carry his syrup. Got my supper over there. Henry came out to Sheffield at night. Broke two cans - a two quart and a one quart, lost the syrup. 7 Varley Bond and I for a walk over in the woods to church at night 8 Albert & I over to the creek shooting pike. I shot one forteen and a half inches long. First fish I ever shot. 9 Laying floor in the barn all day. 10 Went up to Freeport to lead Mr Mott's cow down. Walked all the way. He moved down to Sheffield. 11 To Mr Laing's all day circle sawing wood. 12 Sawing wood down to cheese factory in the morning down to Mr Mott's 13 Put a nest in my hen roost shingle some on the hen roost. 14 Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills for a walk. To church at night 15 Went out to Destemony's for a selling of duck eggs set them under a hen. Took them under my hens up to the other place. Got a bag of oats from Henry 16 Hired to Peter Humphrey for a month for $13 a month. Started work to day harrowing all day. 17 Harrowing till half past four o'clock, cultivating the rest of the day. 18 Dragging all day. Hen came out with 12 chickens out of 13 eggs. 19 gang ploughing and harrowing all day. rain to night. 20 Fixing fence this forenoon dragging this afternoon. 21. In all day - seven eggs. To church at night. 22 Picking stones till eleven o'clock. Drawed a load of pine roots for thrashing. Dragging till noon. rolling till four o'clock. Ella Bond and Elusci Gerrard ridding with me. gang ploughing the rest of the day. 23 Gang ploughing till 10 o'clock dragging till noon, rolling this afternoon 24 rolling till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. gang ploughing till rain. Went up to Elroy Hyman Till half past four. Went around the outside fence. 25. Digging a drain by the house. Peter Humphrey layed the tile at noon. covered it up in afternoon. 26 Gang ploughing till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. dragging all the afternoon. 1889 April 27 Cleaning out colts stable cleaning out the stalls, over to the house. P. Humphrey got four pigs from Henry. Him & I went over after them. Took two back to McMillins to the bore! 28 Up to organize S.S. to the Medots Church at night 29 P. Humphrey and I building fence all day 30 Drawing dirt this forenoon. Drawing apple limbs this afternoon. Drawed a load of hay on the wagon for Galt. May 1 Carring brush and digging out post holes till ten o clock. dragging till noon. 2 Cleaning up the garden & digging some. Cleaning up oats this afternoon. 3 Digging garden this forenoon, plowing summer fallow this afternoon. 4 Plowing all day Beagle (my dog) and I killed a ground hog. Beagle got it up a fence stake. 5 Sunday School. Went out to Desties. Home at night to church. 6 Cultivating till three gragging till five rolling till night. 7 Rolling till eight, gang plowing till night. Set my hen on seventeen eggs. 8 Dragging this forenoon rolling till half past three dragging till night 9 Plowing all day in the summer fallow 10 Plowing till ten rain till noon. Plowing all afternoon with Peter Humphrey. 11 Peter Humphrey and I finished the summer fallow at five o'clock came up to the barn. Dragging till �night. 12 To S.S. in morning to church at night 13 gang plowing till ten o'clock. dragging and rolling till noon. Drawing out manure in afternoon. Hen had nine ducks. 14 Fixed a fence for the hens. Peter & I drawing out manure. Planting potatoes this afternoon. 15. plowing and dragging till noon, rolling and planting corn this afternoon. Time out to Peter Humphrey. 16 Fixed a pen for my ducks. Down to Elroy Hymers, set two hens for Mr Mott. 17 Went over to Henry's for horses to plow lots. Paw & I plowed them. 18 Dragged the other lot over twice. Took horses over to Henry's. Made a pen for my ducks. Marked out rows up to the other lot. 19 To S.S. in morning To church at night M. Plowman preached. 20 Planting corn and potatoes all day. up to other lot. 21 Down to Smith Willards Albert Mc Cormack and I planted potatoes & covering them. Got a poultry book 22 Cutting some burdocks up to the other lot. One of my little ducks died. 23 Cutting down burdocks. over to Henry's to get the horse but did not. 24 Varley Bond & James Main and I shooting this forenoon. shooting in Bond's lane this aft. 25 Almira and I to Galt Ella and Olive Humphrey up playing crockey 26 To S.S. Desty & John out to Methodist church at night. 27 Out to Desty's all day. Set a hen on light brahma eggs. Mr Mott brought the eggs from Port Colborn. He gave me the hen to set them under. Set another plymouth rock hen on thirteen eggs. 28 Made a nest box. Started to fix my shoes. snowed some to- day. 29 White hen came off this morning with sixteen chicks out of seventeen eggs. Went back to John Wedge after setting hen but did not get any. Heavy frost last night 30 Finished fixing my shoe. Made a chicken catcher. 31. Down to Brice Culhams to see about a pig. Got my Farm and Home paper. June 1 Elroy Hymers & I back to John Wedge. I tried to get a setting hen 2 S.S. in morning to Brethern church at night, 3 up to other place digging - put in some beans. John Wedge fetched me out a setting hen. Set her. 4 Walked out to meet Desty but she came in the buggy. Went over to Henry's got the horse 5. Almira and Maw away. Rosa & I home. Made a cart. 6 Put Dexter on my cart - took two bags of rags up to the other lot. Took Dexter over to Henry's. 7 Uncle Thomas and Aunt Melvina down here. Elroy Hymers and I back to John Wedge. I got some scunk went Elroy got some turnips. We carried them home. 8 Elroy Hymers and I to Galt. Elroy took up some iron and oats. 9 S.S. in the morning to church (Methodist) at night. 10 Bought a pig from Elroy Hymers. Him and I up to Watty Barns for a setting of hen eggs. Got a setting hen from Moffats. 11 Down to Old David Mains got a setting hen. Got a setting of turkey eggs from Kent Sager. 12 Set my turkey eggs under plymouth Rock hen. Got a Post Card. 13. Made a pig pen up to the other place - over to Henry's 14 Almira and I and Cleavy up to Galt - got my eggs. 15 Over to Mr Rickers hoeing corn & potatoes all day. Desty has been out here four days. 16 S.S. in morning Church at night. 17 Elroy Hymers and I back for a swim. Went back to salt two colts in the afternoon. Ram chased us. 18 Took two hens up to other place. On the roads this afternoon on the sixth concession 19 Set a brown leghorn on hoden eggs 20 for a bath down to the mill pond. Albert got his bicycle. 21 My pig died. �Not much of anything. Caught a rat last night. Got two more chickens. 22 Put a screen door on the front on the {bic}. 23 To S.S. in morning To Methodist Church at night. 24 Cultivating both lots of potatoes. Hoeing corn this afternoon. 25 hoeing corn and potatoes till near night Went out to Destys stayed all night 26 Came from Destys this morning found a snapping turtle. To Peter Humphreys pulling building fence. 27 Working on the roads all day. 1889 28 On the roads this forenoon to Peter Humphrey building fence and cocking hay. 29 Cutting thistles this forenoon cocking up hay. Drawed in two loads 30. S.S. in the morning. John & Desty out but no church at night - Mr Mott away. July 1 To Galt all day 2 hoeing corn and potatoes awile this morning. chock up some hay. Drawing in this afternoon. 3 Peter Humphrey and I hoeing potatoes in morning. Shock out some hay. Drawed in this afternoon. 4 Sick all day laying in. Rosy & Elmira & Cleavy went to Galt. 5 Laying around this forenoon. To Peter Humphries - horse raking and cocking up. drawed in one load. 6 Drawing in hay. Paris greened the potatoes at noon. Horse raked till supper time drawed in two loads. 7 S.S. in morning & church at night. 8 gang plowing this forenoon, drawing in hay this afternoon horse raking a little. 9 Gang plowing this forenoon drawing in and horse raking. 10 Gang plowing this forenoon and turning some hay. horse raking & cocking. Drawed in one load. 11. dragging this forenoon. shook out some hay drawing in this afternoon. 12 dragging and drawing in one load this forenoon horse raking and drawing in 13 horse raking fetched in the rakings. horse raking and cocking up. 14. S.S. in the morning S.S. convension to church at night. 15 Gang plowing this forenoon. Simon and I drawing in horse raking a little. 16 Drawing and horse raking. Simon McGanzie helping us started to make a stack. 17 Horse raking M.F. Cochern helping cocking up. 18 Cocking up and horse raking. 19 Picking berries this forenoon - not much of anything. 20 gang plowing and horse raking drawing in and horse raking 21. to S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 22 Picking berries this forenoon to Humphries drawing in. 23 Horse raking for ourselves in Mr Keachies field cocking it up. 24 Picking berries Destimony out and went with us. Drawing in hay. 25 Picking berries this forenoon. Took Desty and Cleavy home. 26 Drawed in some hay for ourselves. Made a net to put on the horse 27. Almira and I to Galt this forenoon. Down to see them play bassball. 28 To S.S. in morning to quarterly up to the Methodist. To the Brethern church at night 29. Picking berries this forenoon. Took a ride on the Bicycle. 30 Charles Laing and I to Hamilton today Took a load of cheese down brought a small load back. 31 Cleaned out Mr. Mott's sistern. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay. Aug 1 Took a load of cheese to Galt for Mr Laing. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay - pulling peas 2 Fixed the fence up to the other lot. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas fr Mr Humphrey. 3 Cleaning out my turkey pen. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas 4 S.S. in morning to free Methodist in the afternoon to Methodist church at night 5 Picking berries this forenoon. Pitched on a load of �hay. pulling peas. 6 hoeing weeds out of my potatoes pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 7 Hoeing weeds out of my potatoes. Pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 8 taking the weeds off my potatoes. Drawing in some hay. Cultivating my potatoes. 9 shocking up oats all day. Smith Willard cutting them. 10 To Galt this forenoon. Cultivating father's potatoes billing them up. 11 To S.S. Truman & I out to Desty's on the bicycle. To church at night. 12 Cutting thistles on the sixth concession. Picked up some wood on the road. Washed the buggy. 13 Drawing in peas all day. 14 Drawing in peas this forenoon, riding on the bicycle. 15. drawed in two loads of peas and two of oats this forenoon. Shocking up this afternoon. Smith Willard cutting. 16 shocking up oats all day alone. keep up to the binder Smith Willard cutting. 17 To Galt this forenoon. Took up some chickens and ducks - sold them all. To Branchton this aft. on the bicycle to a picnic. 18 S.S. in morning. Church at night 19 To Peter Humphrey's drawing in oats all day 20. Helped John Steel set four tires. Drawing in oats picked up a load of hay 21. Took hen up to the other place. Drawed in two loads of oats, loaded a load of hay. 22 loaded a load of hay this forenoon and out to Branchton. Drawed in oats. Pitched on a load of hay. 23 gang ploughing till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 24. Went out to the Branchton at daylight Destamona & I went to Galt with ducks. Came home as soon as I got back pitched on a load of hay drawed a barrel of water. 25. S.S. in morning church at night. 26. Took Albert & Almira out near Branchton for the station. Gangplowing till near night. Pitched on a load of hay 27 Gang plowing this forenoon pitched on a load of hay at noon gang plowing this afternoon. 28. Pitched on a load of hay. Helped John Steel set four tires this afternoon forenoon thrashing at Robert Hatricks for Peter Humphrey this aft. 29 Thrashing at Robert Hatricks till near night Thrashing at Henry after supper. 30 Thrashing over at Henry's this forenoon to Peter Humphreys thrashing this afternoon. Aug 31. Thrashing till near noon. drawed a load of hay out of the stack. Drawing in oats this afternoon. Sept. 1. To S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 2 Drawing in oats till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 3. To Branchton after elderberries got a basketfull. Pitched on a load of hay. 4 George Steel and I out shooting till near night. Pitched on a load of hay. 5. To Mr. Hymers thrashing for Peter Humphrey this forenoon. Dug a bag of potatoes up to the other lot 6 To Mr Hymers thrashing till near noon. Picking chickens Got the lend of a democrat for market day 7 To Galt Market with chickens this forenoon Drawed a barrell of water took the horse to pasture. 8. S.S. To Brethern Church at night 9 Dug a row of potatoes. Help Mr Humphrey pitch on a load of hay. Help butchering pigs to the factory. 10 Dug a row of potatoes up to the other place digging potatoes up to Uncle John's. Went over to Henry to fix my hen roost window. 11. Went over to Henry's to get the match plains for Jirden. To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this afternoon. 12 To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this �forenoon. fixed a place for my Wyandotts 13 Picking chickens for market. Went down for the horse. 14 Almira and I to Galt with chickens Out to Branchton on the bicycle this afternoon Rose brought a pair of banties from London 15 S.S. in morning Downey preached. to the Methodist Church at night. 16 Fixed a place for my chickens up to the other place. Down to the picnic at Aaron Main's 17. Took some chickens up to the other lot. 18 Helped John Steel set tires this forenoon Helped butchering to Laings this aft. 19 Took Alberts Bicycle over to shop, dug a row of potatoes. cut some corn. 20. Not much of anything this forenoon cut the rest of my corn. 21 Digging potatoes this forenoon got a new cooking stove. Drawed down two bags of my potatoes. Shooting till night. 22 S.S. in the morning John & Desty out to Methodist church at night. 23. Went down to Bond's in the middle of the forenoon. Butchering pigs till near night. Went over to Henry's got horse went out to John's got his buggy. 24 Out to Desty's - my birthday today. had duck for dinner. Seventeen years old. My weight 135 pounds 5 feet 8 inches tall. 25 To Hamilton show all day. John & Desty down to ___ Branchton all night 26 In the cheese factory all day in Henry Laing's place. 27 Picking my beans - up to the other lot. Took a little bicycle ride. 28. Out to John's to get Jirdens horse shod and the axle on the buggy fixed 29 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 30 Fixed a box down cellar for my potatoes, fixed the floor in the woodshed. Put new sleepers in. Oct 1. Started to paint doors and windows of the barn, some of them painted - rained. 2 finished painting barn, put up stove. Up to the other place help killing pigs. To the factory 3 Killed a pig for Smith Willard this forenoon digging some potatoes this aft. 4 To Galt this forenoon. Digging potatoes this aft. 5. Not much this forenoon. Albert & I shooting. I shot a Kingfisher on the fly. Jirden & I skinned it. 6 S.S. in morning to Brethern Church at night. 7 Scraping the meat off Kingfisher hide. Over to Henry's took the gun. Killing pigs. to the factory. 8 To Rickers thrashing all day for Mr. Ricker. 9 To Rickers thrashing all day. 10 THRASHING all day at Rickers got done. 11 At Smith Willards thrashing all day. 12 To Smith Willards thrashing till three o'clock. Jirden and I stuffed our bird. 13 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 14 To Galt in the morning with Henry. Over to Henry's after the horse. Got his Black Spanish Rooster. 15 To Rockton Show all day. Took down a pair of Games and Black Spanish. Got first on them. Both pair. Got nine prizes all together four firsts and five seconds. 16 To Smith Willards thrashing all day 17 Almira, Rosa, Maggie Steel and I back to Freelton show all day. Bought me a watch. 18 Down t Smith Willards all day picking up potatoes. 19 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon digging and picking up this afternoon. 20 S.S. in morning to Methodist S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 21 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon. to Mr Laing killing pigs. 22 Over to Henry's trying to put a different gun barrel on my stock. 23 Carried some water to clean the church. Over to Henry's got the lend of his gun. 24 Down to Rockton got Jirden's horse. Shooting this aft. 25. Took Hymers cultivator home bought three barrels from Elroy fetched them home. Got a barrell of road dust. 26. Took Jirden's horse to Rockton �walked home. Digging some out from under the wood shed. 27 To SS in aft. To church at night 28. To Mr Rickers pulling turnips this forenoon. To the factory butchering this afternoon. To Church at night. 29 Pulling turnips at Rickers this forenoon. Help on loading this afternoon to church at night. 30 To Henrys plowing all day to church at night. 31 To Aunt Elizies - made a cupboard and lathed some. To church at night Nov 1 to Henry's plowing this forenoon rain this aft. To Church at night. Nov. 2 Painted my cage, brought down my Brahma chickens from the other lot. 3. Dressed up this forenoon. To SS this afternoon to church at night. (Methodist) 4 To Henry's plowing this forenoon to the factory killing pigs. To Church at night 5 Shot a hen hawk this morning. Painted a cane and fixed my boots. To church at night 6 To Smith Willards helping with the turnips all day. To church at night. 7 To Smith Willards drawing in turnips this forenoon. Shooting this afternoon - out to Branchton 8. Butchering at the factory this forenoon. To Hymers Sale this aft. 9 To Galt this forenoon. Shooting down the creek this afternoon. 10. S.S. in afternoon to Methodist church at night. 11 Up to Uncle John blasting out a cellar. Set some traps down the creek. 12 Albert & I killed a pig this morning. Up to Uncle John blasting out the cellar 13 To Ben Hammils thrashing for Smith Willard. All day conference started to-night 14 To Hammills thrashing for Smith Willard got through to conference at night. 15 Took Dr Booth over to Harrisburg Station. Caught two musk rats. To conference at night. 16 Over to see my traps. Down to the blacksmith shop. Help fix Albert's bicycle. To conference at night. 17 Sunday. To conference this morning to S.S. convension. To conference at night 18 Fixed my braces this forenoon. Put a post in under the woodshed for to fix my hen roost. 19 Over to Henry's this forenoon. Put a post in my hen roost. 20 Fixing in my hen roost till near night. Down to see my traps. 21 Made a window frame for a my hen roost. Down to my traps. 22 Tore the wall down for a door made a door frame. Put the window and door frame in. 23 Building the wall up in my hen roost. 24 To S.S. in the aft. To Methodist church at night. 25 Went over to Henry's got the horse took Desty home. killing pigs this afternoon. 26 Up to Uncle Johns helping building wall. Down t see my traps. 27. Went down to Cuerdale to thrash but did not. The factory got on fire. Down there till middle of the afternoon. 28. To William Coverdales thrashing all day. 29. Not much. Jirden & I to Galt this afternoon bought some lumber. 30 Fixing a feed box in my hen roost. Down to Uncle Daves drawing straw. Dec 1. To S.S. in aft. to Brethern church at night 2. Fixing my hen roost. Put the door on. 3. fixing at my hen roost boarding up and belting. To church at night. 4 Tinkering around cleaned out my gun. bought an overcoat. To church at night. 5 Sold my hens and chickens to Sam Hammill. Almira & I making sausage all afternoon. To church at night. 6 Went down to Jerme Cornels to thrash but did not. Came home fixed my braces. Went down at noon but did not. fixing my feed box. To church at �night. 7 Took Jirdens horse out to Branchton to get shod. Made soap for Destamona. Came home at noon. Went down to Mr Mott cutting wood. Went back to Harvies after Jirden 8 To S.S. in afternoon To church at night 9. Put hinges on my feed box and the clasp for a lock. To Mr Motts sawing wood this afternoon. To Church at night. 10 Put boards through my feed box. Put part of my door frame on my hen roost and a clasp. To church at night. 11 Fixing a place for my hens that I bring down from the other place. 12 Drawing straw from Uncle Daves up home. Put a half sole on my boot. Went up to Aunt {Minrums} To church at night. 13 Fetched my chickens down from the other place. To examination this afternoon. 14 Made a window sash put it in not much of anything 15 To S.S. in morning to Free Methodist this aft. To Brethern church at night. 16 fixed some fence up to the other lot where shop was moved. Moved my chickens box for fixing it. 17 Fixing around my chicken coop. Shooting with Jirden's rifle at a target. 18 Went down to Siles Cornells sale. Helped George Johnson drive some pigs part of the way home from the sale. 19 Took my Murket over to George Johnson's to sell. Down in bush with John Steel shooting at a mark this afternoon. 20 Help Albert clean and paint his bicycle. Sold a pair of chickens. Truman and I went out to Branchton to Charley Laing. Took our guns. 22 To S.S. in morning and church. To Methodist Church. Got converted. 23. Wheeled down some stones from Uncle Johns - put in the lane. cleaned out my gun. Albert & I went shooting away down south all the afternoon. 24 Not much of anything this forenoon. Went over to George Johnson to see him. He was away. Started to make a little bureau. 25 Put a bottom in a four quart measure. Working at a bureau. Playing around - had a Christmas tree. John MacDonald and his family. Mr Mott and family. Henry and family was here. 26. Working at bureau all day. 27 Working at a little bureau this forenoon. Fixing a slat potition in my hen roost 28 Made a dust box for my chickens this forenoon. Went over to Johnson's fixed a box for to put mounted birds in. 29 To S.S. in the morning and church. To the W.B church at night. 30. Went back north asking for Mr Motts bee. Went over to Henry's after oats with Jirdins horse 31. Skating with Carry Bond this afternoon forenoon sewing Destimona slipper this afternoon. To prayer meeting at night. For more information on Stephen “Sylvester” Main, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1889 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Photocopy of Manuscript & Typed Transcription Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Private Donor Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1889 Jan 1. Out to Destys all day with D.H. Burleys and Mirah 2. Skating all day with Cary Bond and some others 3. Skating with Ella and Cary Bond and Varley Bond Up to our place at night. 4 Skating with Gary & Ella Bond Shooting with Varley Bond in afternoon. 5 Tend to my chickens and down to Office. 6. To Free Methodist in aft. noon. Up to Methodist at night to hear Voden. 7 Not much. Down to shop 8 Feed my chickens, one of Truman's died. Desty and Cleavy {blank} out here. 9. Made a rat traps. Down to Uncle Daves cleaning oats. 10 Big wind storm shovelled snow out of hen roost fixed place for Trumans. 11. Albert Bond. Put a window in the hen roost got a letter for D.H. Burley 12. Helping Uncle Daves draw straw. Made a slat door for my hen roost. Truman Almira Maggie Steel D H Burley came home from Uncle Alex Wining. 13 D H Burley here. To church at night 14 Taffy off. D H. Burley here helping Uncle Dave clean up oats. To Free Methodist at night 15 David H Burley went home to-day Down to Free Methodist at night 16 Started to school, rained all afternoon. 17 To school all day. Tea meeting here tonight but not to it. 18 To school all day Social at night but not to it. To Free Methodist. 19 Fixing my gun. Shooting and skating in aft. 20 Reading. To Methodist church at night. 21 To school all day. Tacked some pictures up in my hen roost. 22 To school all day. J. Ricker V Bond S Jane Moore here at night. 23 To school all day donn to Free Methodist at night. 24 To school in the forenoon. Ear ache in afternoon to Free Methodist at night. 25 To school today organize the debate to lecture and Free Methodist at night. 26 Maggie Idia and Lorn out here this afternoon. Varley Bond and I shooting sparrows. Hens laid today for the first. 27. Snowing all day to Brethern church at night. 28 To school today 29 To school today 30 To school today. Truman to Hamilton with Albert Bond. 31 To school to day. Fixing my hand sleigh black rooster died. Feb 1 Took two loads of wood to Galt for Albert Bond. 2 Fixing my squirrel cage. Over to Henry's cutting straw. Down to a show at night to the hotel the man had spotted rats wanted to trade me a pair for my flying squirrels. 3 John & Desty. Cleavy & Frank Bond here. To church at night. 4 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond. Snowing hard. 5 To school to day. Fixing the carpet holder. Varley and I over to Sarah Moors. Sent some papers to Jacob Burley 6 To school to day got a pair of over shoes & felt stockings 7 To school today. Got my Morthern Messenger. 8 To school today. Dance in hall to night but not to it. 9. Fixed my Sunday shoes. Seth Aldredge came down to night. 10 To Church in morning Up to Methodist church at night. Started to shave 11 To school. Bought seven hens from Truman. Got a bag of oats from Henry. Church started in the U B church 12 To School. Down to Varley Bonds all night. All away but Varley & I put some shoes in Ella and Gennies bed. 13 To school - fixing my hen roost. 14 To school down at Bond's at night. 15 To school. Put a window in my hen roost. Paw sick tonight. 16 Bee today drawing wood. 17 To church morning & afternoon. At night to Brethern Church John & Desty out. 18 To school today. To church Brethern at night. 19 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. 20 Back to the woods all day. Brought three logs home. 21 Uncle John & Beagle & I over to Henry's. Got him to come & fix sewing machine. no school to day. 22 Back to woods all day snowing & blowing. No school to day. 23 To woods all day sawing. - Cold below Zero. 24 In all day to church at night Mr Manard preached. 25 To school to day. sleigh riding at night (dog) beagle two years old 26 Back to the woods all day. Snowing this afternoon. 27 To school - a very nice day. Train run off the track at St. George 28 To school. John Ricker Elroy Kymers and myself back to Kirkwall to a lecture Chiniguy. Elroy Kymers horse & my cutter. MAR. 1 Back to woods all day. Snowing to-night. 2 Very warm - cleaning out my hen roost got a new thought. 3 Very warm. Sun shinning all day. to church at night. 4 Back to the woods. Thawing a lot. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1889 MAR 5 To school to-day. very nice day thawing a lot 6 To school. traded a brown leg horne rooster for a white leg horn rooster & a plymouth rock hen with John Wedge 7 To school. Very nice day 8 To school & thawing a lot to day 9 To the woods all day cold Jirden & I drawing out wood - got my Farm & Home. 10 John Desty and Cleary out here. Desty gave me her cap for this winter. To church at night. 11 To school. Started to make an incubator. Gave 25 cents - Missionary. 12 Drawing wood, William Coverdale and I from the woods along by the school house. got a catalogue 13 To school. Sent for catalogues and a letter to Hannal Woltzen 14 To school. skating tonight. A new shoemaker came t Sheffield to-day 15 Home this forenoon to school this afternoon. One of my hens died. Got a catalogue. 16 Skating this forenoon put a patch on each side of my boot. Bought a basket with a lid on. 17 Around home. Over to th woods to see how the sap run. To Methodist church at night. 18 To school. fixed my basket. Got a poultry catalogue. 19 To school. Got an incubator catalogue and a letter from some place. 20 Home this forenoon. To a bee at Bond's this aft. Oyster supper at night. Got two poultry catalogues 21 To school. fixed my climbing spurs. 22 Chisling out posts for the barn a very nice day. 23. Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills this afternoon. 24 Varley Bond & I over to woods for a walk. To church at night. 25. Took two loads of wood to Galt for Bonds. 26 Around home. Started to make an incubator. 27 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's. Raising our barn this afternoon. I was helping set a hen to-night. 28 To Hamilton all day and colder. 30 Helping scafling lumber. Made a nest for my hens 31. In all day. To church at night snowing a lot - about a foot deep. Apr. 1 Took a load of wood to Galt for Bond's on sleigh. 2 Help put the roof on the barn - up to loom shop making hen roost. 3 Finished cutting wood till three o'clock. To Methodist church. 5 Not much of any thing. snowing 6 Helping draw stones for the barn. Got some of our own hay down to Joseph Ricker. Took horses over to Henry's help Mr Ricker carry his syrup. Got my supper over there. Henry came out to Sheffield at night. Broke two cans - a two quart and a one quart, lost the syrup. over to the creek shooting pike. I shot one forteen and a half inches long. First fish I ever shot. 9 Laying floor in the barn all day. 10 Went up to Freeport to lead Mr Mott's cow down. Walked all the way. He moved down to Sheffield. 11 To Mr Laing's all day circle sawing wood. 12 Sawing wood down to cheese factory in the morning down to Mr Mott's 13 Put a nest in my hen roost shingle some on the hen roost. 14 Varley Bond and I up to Auldon Hammills for a walk. To church at night 15 Went out to Destemony's for a selling of duck eggs set them under a hen. Took them under my hens up to the other place. Got a bag of oats from Henry 16 Hired to Peter Humphrey for a month for $13 a month. Started work to day harrowing all day. 17 Harrowing till half past four o'clock, cultivating the rest of the day. 18 Dragging all day. Hen came out with 12 chickens out of 13 eggs. 19 gang ploughing and harrowing all day. rain to night. 20 Fixing fence this forenoon dragging this afternoon. 21. In all day - seven eggs. To church at night. 22 Picking stones till eleven o'clock. Drawed a load of pine roots for thrashing. Dragging till noon. rolling till four o'clock. Ella Bond and Elusci Gerrard ridding with me gang ploughing the rest of the day. 23 Gang ploughing till 10 o'clock dragging till noon, rolling this afternoon 24 rolling till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. gang ploughing till rain. Went up to Elroy Hyman Till half past four. Went around the outside fence. 25. Digging a drain by the house. Peter Humphrey layed the tile at noon. covered it up in the afternoon. 26 Gang ploughing till half past eleven. Dragging till noon. dragging all the afternoon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1889 April 27 Cleaning out colts stable cleaning out the stalls, over to the house. P. Humphrey got four pigs from Henry. Him & I went over after them. Took 1 {we} back to McMillins to the bore! 28 Up to organize S.S. to the Medots Church at night 29 P Humphrey and I building fence all day 30 Drawing dirt this forenoon. Drawing apple limbs this afternoon. Drawed a load of hay on the wagon for Galt. May 1 Carring brush and digging out post holes till ten o clock. dragging till noon. 2 Cleaning up the garden & digging some. Cleaning up oats this afternoon. 3 Digging garden this forenoon, plowing summer fallow this afternoon. 4 Plowing all day Beagle (my dog) and I killed a ground hog. Beagle got it up a fence stake. 5 Sunday School. Went out to Desties. Home at night to church. 6 Cultivating till three dragging till five rolling till night. 7 Rolling till eight, gang plowing till night. Set my hen on seventeen eggs. 8 Dragging this forenoon rolling till half past three dragging till night 9 Plowing all day in the summer fallow 10 Plowing till ten rain till noon. Plowing all afternoon wth Peter Humphrey. 11 Peter Humphrey and I finished the summer fallow at five o'clock came up to the barn. Dragging till night. 12 To S.S. in morning to church at night 13 gang plowing till ten o'clock. dragging and rolling till noon. Drawing out manure in afternoon. Hen had nine ducks. 14 Fixed a fence for the hens. Peter & I drawing out manure. Planting potatoes this afternoon. 15. plowing and dragging till noon, rolling and planting corn this afternoon. Time out to Peter Humphrey. 16 Fixed a pen for my ducks. Down to Elroy Hymers, set two hens for Mr Mott. 17 Went over to Henry's for horses to plow lots. Paw & I plowed them. 18 Dragged the other lot twice. Took horses over to Henry's. Made a pen for my ducks. Marked out rows up to the other lot. 19 To S.S. in morning To church at night M. Plowman preached. 20 Planting corn and potatoes all day. up to other lot. 21 Down to Smith Willards Albert McCormack and I planted potatoes & covering them. Got a poultry book 22 Cutting some burdocks up to the other lot. One of my little ducks died. 23 Cutting down burdocks. over to Henry's to get the horse but did not. 24 Varley Bond & James Main and I shooting this forenoon. shooting in Bond's lane this aft. 25 Almira and I to Galt Ella and Olive Humphrey up playing crockey 26 To S.S. Desty & John out to Methodist church at night. 27 Out to Desty's all day. Set a hen on light brahma eggs. Mr Mott brought the eggs from Port Colborn. He gave me the hen to set them under. Set another plymouth rock hen on thirteen eggs. 28 Made a nest box. Started to fix my shoes. snowed some today. 29 White hen came off this morning with sixteen chicks out of seventeen eggs. Went back to John Wedge after setting hen but did not get any. Heavy frost last night 30 Finished fixing my shoe. Made a chicken catcher. 31. Down to Brice Culhams to see about a pig. Got my Farm and Home paper. June 1 Elroy Nymers & I back to John Wedge. I tried to get a setting hen 2 S.S. in morning to Brethern church at night, 3 up to other place digging - put in some beans. John Wedge fetched me out a setting hen. Set her. 4 Walked out to meet Desty but she came in the buggy. Went over to Henry's got the horse 5. Almira and Maw away. Rosa & I home. Made a cart. 6 Put Dexter on my cart - took two bags of rags up to the other lot. Took Dexter over to Henry's. 7 Uncle Thomas and Aunt Melvina down here. Elroy Hymers and I back to John Wedge. I got some scunk went Elroy got some turnips. We carried them home. 8 Elroy Hymers and I to Galt. Elroy took up some iron and oats. 9 S.S. in the morning to church (Methodist) at night. 10 Bought a pig from Elroy Hymers. Him and I up to Watty Barns for a setting of hen eggs. Got a setting hen from Moffats. 11 Down to Old David Mains got a setting hen. Got a setting of turkey eggs from Kent Sager. 12 Set my turkey eggs under plymouth rock hen. Got a Post Card. 13. Made a pig pen up to the other place - over to Henry's 14 Almira and I and {George} up to Galt - got my eggs. 15 Over to Mr Rickers hoeing corn & potatoes all day. Desty has been out here four days. 16 S.S. in morning Church at night. 17 Elroy Hymers and I back for a swim. Went back to salt two colts in the afternoon. Ram chased us. 18 Took two hens up to other place. On the roads this afternoon on the sixth concession 19 Set a brown leghorn on hoden eggs 20 for a bath down to the mill pond. Albert got his bicycle. 21 My pig died. Not much of anything. Caught a rat last night. Got two more chickens. 22 Put a screen door on the front on the bie. 23 To S.S. in morning To Methodist Church at night. 24 Cultivating both lots of potatoes. Hoeing corn this afternoon. 25 hoeing corn and potatoes till near night Went out to Destys stayed all night 26 Came from Destys this morning found a snapping turtle. To Peter Humphreys pulling building fence. 27 Working on the roads all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1889 28 On the roads this forenoon to Peter Humphrey building fence and cocking hay. 29 Cutting thistles this forenoon cocking up hay. Drawed in two loads 30. S.S. in the morning. John & Desty out but no church at night - Mr Mott away. July 1 To Galt all day 2 hoeing corn and potatoes awile this morning. chock up some hay. Drawing in this afternoon. 3 Peter Humphrey and I hoeing potatoes in morning. Shock out some hay. Drawed in this afternoon. 4 Sick all day laying in. Rosy & Elmira & Cleavy went to Galt. 5 Laying around this forenoon. To Peter Humphries - horse raking and cocking up drawed in one load. 6 Drawing in hay. Paris greened the potatoes at noon. Horse raked till supper time drawed in two loads. 7 S.S. in morning & church at night. 8 gang plowing this forenoon, drawing in hay this afternoon horse raking a little. 9 Gang plowing this forenoon drawing in and horse raking. 10 Gang plowing this forenoon and turning some hay. horse raking & cocking. Drawed in one load. 11. dragging this forenoon. shock out some hay drawing in this afternoon. 12 dragging and drawing in one load this forenoon horse raking and drawing in 13 horse raking fetched in the rakings. horse raking and cocking up. 14. S.S. in the morning S.S. convension to church at night. 15 Gang plowing this forenoon. Simon and I drawing in horse raking a little. 16 Drawing and horse raking. Simon McGanzie helping us started to make a stack. 17 Horse raking M.F. Cochern helping cocking up. 18 Cocking up and horse raking. 19 Picking berries this forenoon - not much of anything. 20 gang plowing and horse raking drawing in and horse raking 21. to S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 22 Picking berries this forenoon to Humphries drawing in. 23 Horse raking for ourselves in Mr Keachies field cocking it up. 24 Picking berries Destimony out Cleavy home. 26 Drawed in some hay for ourselves. Made a net to put on the horse 27. Almira and I to Galt this forenoon. Down to see them play bassball. 28 To S.S. in morning to quarterly up to the Methodist. To the Brethern church at night 29. Picking berries this forenoon. Took a ride on the Bicycle. 20 Charles Laing and I to Hamilton today Took a load of cheese down brought a small load back. 31 Cleaned out Mr. Mott's sistern. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay. Aug 1 Took a load of cheese to Galt for Mr Laing. Helped Mr Humphrey load a load of hay - pulling peas 2 Fixed the fence up to the other lot. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas fr Mr Humphrey. 3 Cleaning out my turkey pen. Loaded a load of hay. Pulling peas 4 S.S. in morning to free Methodist in the afternoon to Methodist church at night 5 Picking berries this forenoon. Pitched on a load of hay. pulling peas. 6 hoeing weeds out of my potatoes pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 7 Hoeing weeds out of my potatoes. Pitched on a load of hay pulling peas 8 taking the weeds off my potatoes. Drawing in some hay. Cultivating my potatoes. 9 shocking up oats all day. Smith Willard cutting them. 10 To Galt this forenoon. Cultivating father's potatoes billing them up. 11 To S.S. Truman & I out to Desty's on the bicycle. To church at night. 12 Cutting thistles on the sixth concession. Picked up some wood on the road. Washed the buggy. 13 Drawing in peas all day. 14 Drawing in peas this forenoon, riding on the bicycle. 15. drawed in two loads of peas and two of oats this forenoon. Shocking up this afternoon. Smith Willard cutting. 16 shocking up oats all day alone. keep up to the binder Smith Willard cutting. 17 To Galt this forenoon. Took up some chickens and ducks - sold them all. To Branchton this aft. on the bicycle to a picnic. 18 S.S. in morning. Church at night 19 To Peter Humphrey's drawing in oats all day 20. Helped John Steel set four tires. Drawing in oats picked up a load of hay 21. Took hen up to the other place. Drawed in two loads of oats, loaded a load of hay. 22 loaded a load of hay this forenoon and out to Branchton. Drawed in oats. Pitched on a load of hay. 23 gang ploughing till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 24. Went out to the Branchton at daylight Destamona & I went to Galt with ducks. Came home as soon as I got back pitched one load of hay drawed a barrel of water. 25. S.S. in morning church at night. 26. Took Albert & Almira out near Branchton for the station. Gangplowing till near night. Pitched on a load of hay 27 Gang plowing this forenoon pitched on a load of hay at noon gang plowing this afternoon. 28. Pitched on a load of hay. Helped John Steel set four tires this afternoon forenoon thrashing at Robert Hatricks for Peter Humphrey this aft. 29 Thrashing at Robert Hatricks till near night Thrashing at Henry after supper. 30 Thrashing over at Henry's this forenoon to Peter Humphreys thrashing this afternoon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Aug 31. Thrashing till near noon. drawed a load of hay out of the stack. Drawing in oats this afternoon. Sept. 1. To S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night 2 Drawing in oats till near night. pitched on a load of hay. 3. To Branchton after elderberries got a basket full. Pitched on a load of hay. 4 George Steel and I out shooting till near night. Pitched on a load of hay. 5. To Mr. Hymers thrashing for Peter Humphrey this forenoon. Dug a bag of potatoes up to the other lot 6 To Mr Hymers thrashing till near noon. Picking chickens Got the lend of a democrat for market day 7 To Galt Market with chickens this forenoon Drawed a barrell of water took the horse to pasture. 8. S.S. To Brethern Church at night 9 Dug a row of potatoes. Help Mr Humphrey pitch on a load of hay. Help butchering pigs to the factory. 10 Dug a row of potatoes up to the other place digging potatoes up to Uncle John's. Went over to Henry to fix my hen roost window. 11. Went over to Henry's to get the match plains for Jirden. To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this afternoon. 12 To Albert Bond's digging potatoes this forenoon. fixed a place for my Wyandotts 13 Picking chickens for market. Went down for the horse. 14 Almira and I to Galt with chickens Out to Branchton on the bicycle this afternoon Rose brought a pair of banties from London 15 S.S. in morning Downey preached. to the Methodist Church at night. 16 Fixed a place for my chickens up to the other place. Down to the picnic at Aaron Main's 17. Took some chickens up to the other lot. 18 Helped John Steel set tires this forenoon Helped butchering to Laings this aft. 19 Took Alberts Bicycle over to shop, dug a row of potatoes. cut some corn. 20. Not much of anything this forenoon cut the rest of my corn. 21 Digging potatoes this forenoon got a new cooking stove. Drawed down two bags of my potatoes. Shooting till night. 22 S.S. in the morning John & Desty out to Methodist church at night. 23. Went down to Bond's in the middle of the forenoon. Butchering pigs till near night. Went over to Henry's got horse went out to John's got his buggy. 24 Out to Desty's - my birthday today. had duck for dinner. Seventeen years old. My weight 135 pounds 5 feet 8 inches tall. 25 To Hamilton show all day. John & Desty down to ___ Branchton all night 26 In the cheese factory all day in Henry Laing's place. 27 Picking my beans - up to the other lot. Took a little bicycle ride. 28. Out to John's to get Jirdens horse shod and the axle on the buggy fixed 29 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 30 Fixed a box down cellar for my potatoes, fixed the floor in the woodshed. Put new sleepers in. Oct 1. Started to paint doors and windows of the barn, some of them painted - rained. 2 finished painting barn, put up stove. Up to the other place help killing pigs. To the factory 3 Killed a pig for Smith Willard this forenoon digging some potatoes this aft. 4 To Galt this forenoon. Digging potatoes this aft. 5. Not much this forenoon. Albert & I shooting. I shot a Kingfisher on the fly. Jirden & I skinned it. 6 S.S. in morning to Brethern Church at night. 7 Scraping the meat off Kingfisher hide. Over to Henry's took the gun. Killing pigs. to the factory. 8 To Rickers thrashing all day for Mr. Ricker. 9 To Rickers thrashing all day. 10 THRASHING all day at Rickers got done. 11 At Smith Willards thrashing all day. 12 To Smith Willards thrashing till three o'clock. Jirden and I stuffed our bird. 13 S.S. in morning to Methodist Church at night. 14 To Galt in the morning with Henry. Over to Henry's after the horse. Got his Black Spanish Rooster. 15 To Rockton Show all day. Took down a pair of Games and Black Spanish. Got first on them. Both pair. Got nine prizes all together four firsts and five seconds. 16 To Smith Willards thrashing all day 17 Almira, Rosa, Maggie Steel and I back to Freelton show all day. Bought me a watch. 18 Down t Smith Willards all day picking up potatoes. 19 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon digging and picking up this afternoon. 20 S.S. in morning to Methodist S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 21 To Smith Willards digging potatoes this forenoon. to Mr laing killing pigs. 22 Over to Henry's trying to put a different gun barrel on my stock. 23 Carried some water to clean the church. Over to Henry's got the lend of his gun. 24 Down to Rockton got Jirden's horse. Shooting this aft. 25. Took Hymers cultivator home bought three barrels from Elroy fetched them home. Got a barrell of road dust. 26. Took Jirden's horse to Rockton waked home. Digging some out from under the wood shed. 27 To SS in aft. To church at night 28. To Mr Rickers pulling turnips this forenoon. To the factory butchering this afternoon. To Church at night. 29 Pulling turnips at Rickers this forenoon. Help on loading this afternoon to church at night. 30 To Henrys plowing all day to church at night. 31 To Aunt Elizies - made a cupboard and lathed some. To church at night Nov 1 to Henry's plowing this forenoon rain this aft. To Church at night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Nov. 2 Painted my cage. brought down my Brahma chickens from the other lot. 3. Dressed up this forenoon. To SS this afternoon to church at night. (Methodist) 4 To Henry's plowing this forenoon to the factory kiling pigs. To Church at night 5 Shot a hen hawk this morning. Painted a cane and fixed my boots. To church at night 6 To Smith Willards helping with the turnips all day. To church at night. 7 To Smith Willards drawing in turnips this forenoon. Shooting this afternoon - out to Branchton 8. Butchering at the factory this forenoon. To Hymers Sale this aft. 9 To Galt this forenoon. Shooting down the creek this afternoon. 10. S.S. in afternoon to Methodist church at night. 11 Up to Uncle John blasting out a cellar. Set some traps down the creek. 12 Albert & I killed a pig this morning. Up to Uncle John blasting out the cellar 13 To Ben Hammils thrashing for Smith Willard. All day conference started to-night 14 To Hammills thrashing for Smith Willard got through to conference at night. 15 Took Dr Booth over to Harrisburg Station. Caught two musk rats. To conference at night. 16 Over to see my traps. Down to the blacksmith shop. Help fix Albert's bicycle. To conference at night. 17 Sunday. To conference this morning to S.S. convension. To conference at night 18 Fixed my braces this forenoon. Put a post in under the woodshed for to fix my hen roost. 19 Over to Henry's this forenoon. Put a post in my hen roost. 20 Fixing in my hen roost till near night. Down to see my traps. 21 Made a window frame for a my hen roost. Down to my traps. 22 Tore the wall down for a door made a door frame. Put the window and door frame in. 23 Building the wall up in my hen roost. 24 To S.S. in the aft. To Methodist church at night. 25 Went over to Henry's got the horse took Desty home. killing pigs this afternoon. 26 Up to Uncle Johns helping building wall. Down t see my traps. 27. Went down to Cuerdale to thrash but did not. The factory got on fire. Down there till middle of the afternoon. 28. To William Coverdales thrashing all day. 29. Not much. Jirden & I to Galt this afternoon bought some lumber. 30 Fixing a feed box in my hen roost. Down to Uncle Daves drawing straw. Dec 1. To S.S. in aft. to Brethern church at night 2. Fixing my hen roost. Put the door on. 3. fixing at my hen roost boarding up and belting. To church at night. 4 Tinkering around cleaned out my gun. bought an overcoat. To church at night. 5 Sold my hens and chickens to Sam Hammill. Almira & I making sausage all afternoon. To church at night. 6 Went down to Jerme Cornels to thrash but did not. Came home fixed my braces. Went down at noon but did not. fixing my feed box. To church at night. 7 Took Jirdens horse out to Branchton to get shod. Made soap for Destamona. Came home at noon. Went down to Mr Mott cutting wood. Went back to Harvies after Jirden 8 To S.S. in afternoon To church at night 9. Put hinges on my feed box and the clasp for a lock. To Mr Motts sawing wood this afternoon. To Church at night. 10 Put boards through my feed box. Put part of my door frame on my hen roost and a clasp. To church at night. 11 Fixing a place for my hens that I bring down from the other place. 12 Drawing straw from Uncle Daves up home. Put a half sole on my boot. Went up to Aunt Minrums To church at night. 13 Fetched my chickens down from the other place. To examination this afternoon. 14 Made a window sash put it in not much of anything 15 To S.S. in morning to Free Methodist this aft. To Brethern church at night. 16 fixed some fence up to the other lot where shop was moved. Moved my chickens box for fixing it. 17 Fixed around my chicken coop. Shooting with Jirden's rifle at a target. 18 Went down to Siles Cornells sale. Helped George Johnson drive some pigs part of the way home from the sale. 19 Took my Market over to George Johnson's to sell. Down in bush with John Steel shooting at a mark this afternoon. 20 Help Albert clean and paint his bicycle. Sold a pair of chickens. Truman and I went out to Branchton to Charley Laing. Took our guns. 22 To S.S. in morning and church. To Methodist Church. Got converted. 23. Wheeled down some stones from Uncle Johns - put in the lane. cleaned out my gun. Albert & I went shooting away down south all the afternoon. 24 Not much of anything this forenoon. Went over to George Johnson to see him. He was away. Started to make a little bureau. 25 Put a bottom in a four quart measure. Working at a bureau. Playing around - had a Christmas tree. John MacDonald and his family. Mr Mott and family. Henry and family was here. 26. Working at bureau all day. 27 Working at a little bureau this forenoon. Fixing a slat potition in my hen roost 28 Made a dust box for my chickens this forenoon. Went over to Johnson's fixed a box for to put mounted birds in. 29 To S.S. in the morning and church. To the W.B church at night. 30. Went back north asking for Mr Motts bee. Went over to Henry's after oats with Jirdins horse 31. Skating with Carry Bond this afternoon forenoon sewing Destimona slipper this afternoon. To prayer meeting at night. </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2b721eeaa9f47eaedde0788aabbd998b.pdf 0eac19154f80a68a9faa32cd5066cf3b https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/e226fe56a8e0efd17b317277869f46f2.pdf 207de654fb05c98a8ea0e21b45b688bc Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1893 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> <div class="toc"> <div class="toctitle"> <h2>Contents</h2> </div> <ul><li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#1893">1 1893</a> <ul><li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Jan">1.1 Jan</a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Feb">1.2 Feb</a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Mar">1.3 Mar</a></li> </ul></li> </ul></div> <h2>1893</h2> <h3>Jan</h3> 1. To Church in morning to Sunday School in afternoon Mr Hammonds for tea. Went to St George Church at night 2 We all went to John McDonald's for New Year's dinner 3 Cutting out same trimming for cutter to Mr Samuel Grummetts to track horses. To church at night 4 Working at Truman's cutter cushion stuffing it. To Church. 5 Trimming my cutter. To church at night 6 Working at mine & Truman's cutters. Prowed down a load of hay 7 Truman and I drove to John Gerrards, Drove back to Samuel Grummetts. Traded horses with him. Got a sorl horse. 8 To Church in morning Truman & I went for a drive with both horses. To Brethern church at night. 9 Started to school. Drove to Branchton for Ella Band after 4 o'clock. 10 To school all day. To church at night. 11 To school all day To church at night 12 To school till last recess. Drove my colt to church at night. 13. Back to swamp to help Albert. To church at night. 14 To Galt. Ella Bond went with me. hitched up my colt. 15 To church in morning to Methodist church at night. 16 Varnishing my cutter. To church at night. 17 Not much of anything 18 Drove to Troy to buy some wood did not get any. 19. Jirden & I went to John Harvies to work at cow stable putting in manger plank 20 Putting in stalls and sleepers. 21 Laying stall floor near all day home at night 22 To church. Rosa & I went to John Patricks this aft. 23 Went to Harvey's boarding up in front of cow stalls 24 finished got home near noon. 25 Went to the swamp with Truman all day 26 Drawing out wood for Truman 27 Not much this forenoon To George Main's bee this aft, Got two coons. 28 To Galt. Not much of anything 29 No church this morning to Methodist church at night 30 Back to swamp cutting wood for Smith Willard 31 To swamp all day. <h3>Feb</h3> 1 To swamp all day cutting wood. 2 To swamp part of day got through 3 Truman and I to swamp cutting for ourselves 4 To Galt 5 To church morning and night 6 Stormed today. 7 Drawed a load of wood from swamp for Varley 8 Drawing wood for Varley all day. 9 Drawing wood all day 10 Stormed made a whip holder 11 Ella Bond and I to Galt got our pictures taken. 12 To church in morning to Methodist church at night 13 Bought some wood of Jack Jimeson. Wat, Truman, uncle John and I went back to cut wood 14 Drawing out of the swamp all day 15 Went to Smith Willards to try to get his sleighs 16 Drawed load out of swamp. fetched load home for Bonds 17 Fetched load home for Varley. To Walters bee this afternoon. 18 Went back and drawed the rest out of the swamp 19 To church in morning to Bond's this afternoon 20 Drove down to Charley Johnsons. Drove to Galt for Frank Bond. 21 Reading some to day Not much of anything. 22 Made a jaw for spring trap. made a key for stable lock. To church at night. 23 Helping unpack a crate of dishes. Down to Bonds. Went to Branchton at night. 24 Walter Smith and I drove down to Mr David Smith Wat bought a colt 25 Clipping my horses legs to trim them up. 26. To church in morning. Varley Bond & I went to Galt church at night. 27. Not much of anything - stormed today 28 Helping Wat Smith draw some straw from Aron Mains. I got the lend of his team to draw my wood <h3>Mar</h3> 1 Drawing my wood to John Steel all day 2 Drawing my wood got it all done. 3 Truman & I drawed some wood 4 Drove Jirdan to Preston then to Golt and home. 5 To Methodist church in morning. Varley Bond and I to Galt to hear conductor Snider. 6 Digging out implements for Bonds. 7 Splitting wood for uncle John to Trumans and Wats bee this aft. 8 Helping uncle John split wood all day. 9 Helping Truman & Wat split wood 10 Went to split wood but did not get in swamp. 11 Took a little hunt but did not get anything. 12 To Brethern church in morning to Methodist church at night 13 Working at buggy wheels. to 14 Working at buggy wheels to Willie Mains bee 15 To Bonds working, To Branchton for Frank Bond 16 Got horse shod to Bond's Sale. 17 Sharpened saw for John Hammond. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <div class="toc"> <div class="toctitle"> <h2>Contents</h2> </div> <ul><li class="toclevel-1"><a href="#1893">1 1893</a> <ul><li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Mar">1.1 Mar</a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#Apr.">1.2 Apr.</a></li> <li class="toclevel-2"><a href="#May">1.3 May</a></li> </ul></li> </ul></div> <h2>1893</h2> <h3>Mar</h3> Truman + I drawed a little load of hay. To Bond's bee 19 To church To Brethern church at night 20 Took Ella Bond to Branchton station she went to Brantford 21 Cutting wood for James Keachie all day Paw, Albert and I 22. Settling up with Albert Bond and Miss Bond Varley and I went up to Sam Hammels to see incubator. 23 Sand papering my buggy. fixed my halter Went to woods 24 Took Miss Bond to Branchton station. Piling wood. Went to cheese meeting. 25 To Galt. piling wood. 26. To church. Went for a horse back ride to church at night. 27. Sand papering buggy + painted it 28 Working at Mr Coopers buggy box and painted it. 29 Same. 30 Went to Point Edward. Truman drove me to Galt {circled} Train? Went to Stephen Burley's 31 Sizzie {scribble} + I went to Sarnia to Port Huron got our pictures taken. <h3>Apr.</h3> I went to Mary Burley's. Albert Potter +I got on an Engine and went down to the tunnel. To Stephen Burleys 2 Stephen Burley and I took a walk. Stayed Stephen Burely's a;; day. Sizzie andI went to church then went to Mary's. 3 Albert Potter + I went across the river and come through the tunnel. I come to Thedford, went to Uncle John's stayed all night{in cursive} 4 To Thedford. started for home got home at night. 5 Putting my buggy box sand papering some. 6 To Aaron Main's all day painting 7 Painting my buggy shafts and sandpapering some. 8. Truman + I drawing hay and straw. 9 To church. Truman + I went for a drive in aft. to Methodist church at night 10 Jirden and I went to Galt over to John Sager's to taffy off at night. 11 To Aron Main's painting all day. To Endeavor at night 12. sand papering. Painled ceiling in bedroom. 13 Went out after Destimona. Painted my buggy To John Steels sawing wood. Went down to David Smiths for taffy. 14 To Aron Main's took leather off shaves and painted them 15. Sand papered my buggy and painted it. Truman and I got some hay rom Henry - drawed it. 16 To Methodist church. Varely + I went to Galt Church at night. stopped to the Endeavor. 17 Pattying my buggy. Made a cover for the back of Mr Cooper's buggy 18 Took my buggy cushion to pieces. Went to Aron Main to paint. To Endeaver at night 19 Finished Mr Cooper's buggy. Made some grafting - wax father + I grafting some. helping Wat split some wood. 20 sand papering my buggy.Pulling in some glass for Albert Bond. 21 Fixing buggy cushion. Painting my buggy 22 Went to Galt. 23 Organized Sunday School. To Church. Drove up to Unlce Alicks for tea. Went to KNox church at night 24. Went to Galt with Varely fethced home a load of shingles. painted my buggy. 25. Took job shingling Bond's house shingled all day. 26 Shingled till noon - painted my buggy. 27 Went to Bine Bennetts sale then went to Aron Main's finished painting. 28 Fixing my buggy cushion. droveMisses Bond to Galt. 29 Making window frame for our house. Down to Aaron Main's to chair practice at night. 30 Varley Bond + I went to Brantford to-day come home at night. drove my horse. <h3>May</h3> 1 Painted my bugy. 2 Put a window in the end of our house- going to make two bedrooms. 3 Went to Galt after Frank Bond. To Aunt Rachel's funeral. 4 Out a door in our upstairs. moved one. 5 Studding up for partition through our upstairs for two bed rooms. 6. Shot Mr. Rickers dog. Lathing upstairs in our house. Father + I cutting some lath on Henry's bandsaw. 7 Etherlinda and I to Galt to Mr Bruces all day 8 Putting wash boards on upstairs Jirden and I went fishing down the creek. I snared 3 suckers and one pike. 9 Fitting a door for upstairs. Went down to Joseph Richers and then to John Carrains to see about pasture. 10 Hung a door on my bedroom upstairs. Went down to Smith Willards harrowing all afternoon. 11 Made my bedstead narrower. Fixing some wheels in Henry's shop 12 Went fishing home at night caught 116 fish 13 to Albert Bonds fixing over his horses. To William McClares raising. 14 To S.S + church in the morning SS in aft. to brethern church at night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1893</h3> May. 15. Started to work in the factory, Got out at 3 o'clock Will Frier + I went fishing. 16 In factory all day out at 3 o'clock. Painted my room at night 17, 18, 19 20 Worked in factory all day. 21. SS in aft. Varley and I went to Galt church 22 In Cheese factory all day made 11 cheeses 23 Got a lot at three o'clock made 8 cheeses to Endeavor at night. 24 factory all day got out at 5 o'clock. 25. Got out at 4 o'clock made 8 cheeses. made two drawers for a table in my room. 26, 27 In factory all day. 28. S.S. and Church. SS in aft. Brethern church at night. 29 In factory 30 In factory down at Watt Smith's at night 31 In factory all day. June. 1 In factory all day. 2 factory then SS choir practice at night. 3 In factory got out in good time 4. S.S. + Church in morning. to brickschool to Sabbeth School. To methodist church at night. 5 In factory all day made 15 cheeses to day. 6 in factory made 13 cheess. To Christian Endeavor at night. 7 In factory all day. kicking football at night. 8 In factory all day. Out in good time. 9 In the factory all day to S.S choir practice at night 10 In factory all day. 11 To SS and church in the morning SS in the aft. To Brethern Church at night. 12 In factory all day. Mr Humphrey helping us this aft. Made 16 cheeses. 13 In factory all day to Endeavor at night. 14 In factory all day. 15 In factory all day. Got a bicycle from Hamilton on trial. 16 In factory. Fixing my bicycle at night 17 In factory all day. 18 S.S in morning and chuch at night. 19. Made Seventeen cheeses had three vats 20 In factory all day to Christian Endeavor at night 21 In factory all day 22 In factory. Went up to Little Corners to Strawberry festival. - went on bicycle. 23 Factory all day. 24 Same 25 To S.S. Varley Bond and I went for a bicycle ride. 26. In factory - made sixteen cheese. 27 In factory to Christian Endeavor at night. 28, 29, 30, In factory all day July. 1 In factory all day. Did not go to picnic. Started to make a Trouth {can't quite make out the letters to this word} to pack eggs in. 2 SS and Brethern church. Mr Bell from Dayton preached. 3. Made seventeen cheese. Mr Humphrey helped up to Strawberry festival at night on Mr Green's lawn. 4 Got up early working at my troth this morning + night In the factory all day 5. made thirteen cheese 6 made twelve cheese. 7 In factory all day. 8 In factory. Went to Galt on bicycle. 9 To SS and church in morning. Drove down to SS in aft. To Brethern Church at night. 10 Made fifteen cheese and boxed 150 cheeses Over to Mr Moor's at night. A girl from Dundas was there 11. In factory. To Christian Endeavor at night. I was leader for to night. 12. In factory all day. Went over to Mr Moor's at night 13 In factory. packing eggs. went to prayer meeting. 14 in factory all day. To Alberts Bonds at night. Sarah Moore and Miss Korigan from Dundas was there. 15 In factory out in good time. Went back after our horses. 16 Varley + I got Billy Chambers bicycle. We went to Hamilton got home at night went to church. 17. In factory got the milk in two vats to day. 18 Factory all day to Endeavor at night. 19 Factory - mdade eleven cheeses to-day. 20 In factory all day . 21. In factory all day. To choir practice at night went to Mr Moore's after practice. 22 In factory all day 23 S.S + church in morning. To SS in aft. Took Sarah Moore Maggie Robinson, Minnie and Ida Engllheart and Etherlinda for a drive in afternoon. 24 In factory made thirteen cheeses. Helped shock up Mr Keachies wheat at night. 25 In factory all day. To Endeavor at night 26 In factory all day. Down to Aron Mains to see Oscar about going to Toronto. 27 In factory all day. Drove to Troy to see John Gerrard about working in the factory. 28 Factory all day. Choir practice at night in the church. 29 Oscar went on boat came back at night. 30 To church in morning SS in aft. To Methodist church at night 31 Made twelve cheeses. Aug 1 In factory to day to Endeavor at night. 2 In factory all day. Down to John Hammonds to practice for S.S. 3 In factory. Went over to Henry's to hoe some popatoes for him. 4 In factory choir practice at night. 5 At factory all day Wat's into at night Oscar and {seems to run out of space on the page} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1893</h3> Aug. 6. To S.S + church. To S.S in aft. Went to Aaron Mains for tea. Went to Brethern church at night. 7 In factory all day. Over to Henry's hoeing mangols 8. Factory all day Endeavor at night. 9 In factory all day To Henry's hoeing. 10 Factory all day. Working at buggy box at night . 11 factory all day. To Mrs' Patricks to practice for S.S. singing. 12 In factory all day. Oscar + I went to Galt We both hired a buggy for Sunday. 13 a quartely meeting in the Brethern chary. Oscar Truman Jirden and I drove down to the Sulphur Springs all had a girl. Sarah Jane Moore went with me. 14 Factory all day. Oscar + I took our buggies back to Galt tonight. 15 Factory to day to Endeavor at night. 16 Factory to day. Down to Aron Main's to practice singing. {17 is written in the margin and then arrowed in} Factortory. To Brethern church at night Mr. Bell preached. 18 Factory all day. choir practice at night. 19 factory. Mr. Frier went away. In aft. Father was helping me. 20 S.S. and to Methodist church. To S.S. convention in aft. to brick school house. Varely + I went to Galt church. 21Father + I running the factory. Mr. Frier got home near night. We made 10 cheeses. 22. factory to day Endeavor at night. 23 In factory all day. Drove down to Mr Patricks to get a Song Book. 24 factory all day to Methodist prayer meeting at night. 25 Varely Bond James Moffatt, James main and I went to the Falls to day. Went to Toronto on the train took the boat to Queenstan and electric railway to falls. Met Minnie Elgilheart cam home with her on the boat to Toronto 26. Factory all day. 27 Methodist church in the morning. James Moffatt + I went to Dundas this aft. 28 In factory all day rained aft. and night 29. Factory all day to Endeavor at night. 30 Factoryall day. Truman + I drawed a load of straw at night. 31 Factory all day Drove Destimona home at night. Sept. 1 In factory all day. To choir practice at night 2 Factory all day. Watr and I drove to Galt at night 3 S.S. in morning. To S.S. in aft.Varley + I went to Galt church at night. 4. Factory all day. Drove down to Troy to see Milford Chapman - bought a buggy from him. 5. Factory all day. Endeavor at night 6 Factory all day. Etherlinde and I went to Galt at night 7 Factory all day. Willie Ward Truman + I went after a buggy I bought down in Troy 8 Factoryto S.S. choir practice at night 9. Factory all day. Willie Ward + I to choir practice 10.. To S.S and church in morning. Varely and I went to Hamilton to Robinson's for tea met another young lady there. 11 In factory all day made then cheese to day. 12 In factory all day to Endeavor at night. 13 Factory all day to Galt at night 14 In factory all day out at four o'clock Took my buggy to pieces. 15 Factory all day got out at half past three. To S.S. choir practice. 16 Factory all day. To Wats to choir practice 17 S.S. and church in morning/ To S.S. in aft Varley Bond + I went to Galt church at night 18 Factory all day. To S.S. association of North Dumfries at night 19. Factory all day to Endeavor at night 20. Factory all day. Drawed a load of hay to night. 21 Factory all day To prayer meeting at night 22 Factory all day to S.S. choir practice at night 23 Factory all day. Pulling atop on my buggy. 24 To SS + church in the morning to S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at ngith 25 Factory. To Mr Greeen's to practice a piece for entertainment. 26 Factory. To Endeavor at night 27 Factory all Endeavor at night day. 28 Factory all day. Practicing for entertainment. 29 Factory all day. To entertainment in Brethern church got up by the S.S. choir Willie Ward went home to day. 30 Factory all day Oct. 1 S.S. a Methodist church in morning Varley and I to branchton church To Galt church at night Went home with Miss Elliot 2 In factory all day made eleven cheess. Wrote a letter to Maude Crumby. 3 Factory all day To Endeavor at night. 4 In factory all day. 5 Drove Miss Frier to Galt this forenoon in factory this afternoon. 6 Varley Bond + I went to Galt show today. 7 Factory all day 8 To S.S. and church in the morning Varley Bond and I went to Galt church 9 In factory all day. 10 Factor all day to Endeavor at night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1893</h3> Oct. 11 To Rockton Show today did not make cheese to-day 12 In factory all day. Oscar Main came here to night 13 oscar Main and i went to Freelton Show stayed all day. 14 Drove Oscar up to Waterloo - got my pictures take. Stayed at Mr Staffers all night. 15 Drove one of the girls to Berlin church this morning To Mr Staffers all day. Drove home at night came to Galt + stopped for church. 16 In factory all day - got out late. 17 In factory all day. 18. In factory all day made seven cheese. 19 20 21. In factory all day. 22 S.S. church in morning to S.S. in aft. to Galt church at night 23. In factory. Went to Keachies started to fix their organ 25 Fixing Mr keachies organ this forenoon got through. In factory this aft. Went down to Billy Friers at night. 26 In factory all day. 27 In factory all day. To literary society at night 28 Factory all day. 29. To church in morning. Drove to Galt church at night Varely Sarah jane Moore Rosa and I all went in buggy. 30. Fctory. Went to Galt to a lecture. Drove Miss Friers sister up. (Miss Smith) at night 31 William Frier and I hunting this forenoon. not much of anything this aft. Nov 1 In factory all day. My last day for this year. 2 Painting my buggy. Went to John's and to David Runnels and traded roosters. 3 Went down in bush with Mr Humphrey - took my gun 4 Went to Brantford came home at night. 5. S.S. + church in morning. Last Sunday of S.S. To S.S. in aft. Varley and I to Galt church at night 6 Moved window in horsestable this forenoon. Washed my bugg. To church at night 7. Took Uncle John's esiter out to put it deeper. Blasting rockout. James Main helping me. To church at night 8 Went with Jirdan to Hugh Whites to carpenter. Putting boards on the roof. 9 Putting on steel shingles ripping rest of day for slide doors. To church at night 10 Finished Uncle John's cistern. Plastering around Bond's chimneys 11. To Galt.Banking up around Unlce John's cistern this afternoon 12 Bible Clas in the morning To Methodist church to S.S. in aft. Varley + I to Galt church 13 Varnishing my buggy. fixing my hsoes. To shoes. To church at night 15. Painted a buggy box for Henry Made a little looking glass stand for myself started to fix my old ca{u is written above the a}tter 16 Reading some Down to George Mains this aft. 17 Albert and I hunting. 18 Took a job digging post holes for John Steel. Digging all day. 19. Bible Class Church in morning. Varley + I to Galt church and Christian Endeavor at night. 20 Digging postholes Went to Nelson Culhams for three pigs. Making Emery Sickles sale for a while help putting up fence for John Steele </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1893</h3> Nov 23. Helping Varley pack some stuff for Port Dover. 24. Drove Oscar to Waterloo - with him to school all day. Stayed all night to Mr Stauffers with him. 25. Come home from Waterloo Oscar came with me. Get our dinner in Galt. 26 To quarterly meeting in Brethern church. Mr Macklin, the new elder preache to-day. 27 Not much of anything - reading some. 28 Drove Etherlinda Main to Galt to night 29. To Hamilton all day went down with Bond's 30 Not much of anything. Drove to Branchton this aft. Dec 1 Albert and I shooting - got one rabbit To church at night 2. Shooting - shot three rabbits 3. To Brethern church to Methodist church at ngith. 4 Drove to Branchton and bought a buggy box from Mr. Hunt for my cutter. 5 Working at my cutter all day 6 Working at cutter all day got done. 7 Took cutter to Branchton to get it fixed. To Miss Gambells funeral. Started to trim Mr Karsteds cutter. 8 Finished trimming. Father + I went to Smith Bucans to thrasht this aft. 9 Thrashing got through. Went to Branchton after my cutter - not done. 10 To Methodist church in morning to S.S. to Brick school this aft. Varley Boind and I to Galt church. 11 Made a whipletree for my cutter. Went to Branchton after my cutter. Painted it. 12 Pattied my cutter. To Endeavor at night 13 Made a frame for back of my cutter. Sand papered and painted it. To churhc at night.14 Painted my cutter twice - making a cushion + drop back. 15 Varnished my cutter. 16 Putting the trimming on cutter. Mr Karstedt and I drove to Mr Staffers near Waterloo stayed all night. 17 Mr Karstedt and I drove to Breslaw for dinner and had church there. Then drove home. Varley + I went to Galt church. 18 Putting some straps on my cutter. Drawed a load of straw and hay Wat helping me. 19 Went to Dundas with tha mail. Mr Moore was sick. 20 Drove mail for Mr Moore. 21 Drove mail - my last day. Mr Moore is better. 22 Drove Mr Karstedt to graveyard. mr Williams funeral. 23 made cushion for John Culhams cutter. Drove to S.S. in aft. Varley and I went to Galt church. 25. To Joseph Rickers for some oats. Wat + I gathered up provisions for tea meeting. To tea meeting at night. 26. Straightening up at hall. To social at night in hall. 27 Drove Maggie and Idie home to day got my buggy fixed 28 Went to temperance meeting in Methodist church at night 29. To Pleasant Grove School house to a temperance meeting Oscar was with me. 30 Got a sore throat. Oscar + I went to Galt this afternoon 31 S.S. in aft. To watch meeting at night in the Brethern church started at nine o'clock. Mr Karstedt preacher. <h3>1894</h3> Jan 1 made diary for this year. 2 Drove to Galt Oscar + I ggot our own heade road. Saw Oscar off on train to Berlin 3 Went to school all day. 4 To school all day. 5 To school all day. To literary society at night. 6 To Branchton. Put a reach in my buggy. Drove Aunt Liza down to Frank Dale's. 7 To Methodist church in morning. Varley and I went to Galt church at night. 8 Truman Jirden and I went digging out skunks, got one. 9 Fixing a little trunk putting a lock on it and painted it. To Christian Endeavor at night. Wrote a letter to Josie Brunt Michigan 10 Went to Branchton not much in afternoon. 11 Drove to Joseph Rickers to try to buy some hay. Made a little box this afternoon. 12 This afternoon went to tea at Mr John Gerrard's. To the literary society at night. 13 Truman and I drove to Brantford came home at night. 14 To Brethern church in morning Varley and I to Galt church at night 15 Straightoning my book and papers. 16 Finished straightening my books. Lined my chest and painted it To Endeavor Endeavor at night. 17 Finished making my diary. Put tin on the hall chimney. Cleared out pig pen. Went to temperance meeting. 18 Cutting wood in Uncle Dave's swamp Made a little box </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1894</h3> Jan 19 Cutting wood in swamp all day for ourselves. I went to Galt at night all above to a concert. 20 Went skating this aft. 21. To Methodist church Varley Bond and I went to Galt church at night. 22 To swamp cutting wood. Went to Etta Ellerton's funeral. Bouthg a buggy pole from J. Hammond. 23 To Aaron Main's for oats. Put a pan on a trap for myself. To Endeavor at ngiht. 24 Cutting wood for Mr Moore. Truman + I wrote some latters. 25 Sarah Jane Moore and I went to Galt got our fortunes told. Put a new pole in the one we bought. 26 Truman + I got little hay from Mr Green made a whiffle tree for my self. Went to Nelson Culham's to a Box social had lots of beer. 27 Jirden + I went to Galt. Went down with Oscar for dinner. Oscar + I drove over to Mr Hammonds. Varley + I went to Galt to church. 29 Drove out to John's and got my horse shod. 30 Made a chair for a trap. To Endeavor at night 31. Washed my buggy Drove to Galt - got Rev {something in brackets is scratched out} jackson to Albert's wedding Feb. Feb 1 Got a leter from Miss Brunt to Rosa + I went to Branchton at night. 2 Went to a bee at Uncle Johns To literary society at night. 3 Finished making little chain. Mr Laing's oil house burnt down to-night. 4 To Methodist church Varley and I to Galt at night to Methodist church. 5 Fixed my organ stool. Started to make a turn-lay. 6 Worked at turn-lay. To Endeavor at night. 7 Finished turn-lay Turned four drawer knobs for ourselves. To Mr Rickers to a social at night 8 Helping Henry. Turned two chisel handles Varley and I up to Mr Rich Bonds for a party 9. Wrote a letter to Oscar. Made a thing to hang up pants. 10 Jirden and I got a load of wood. Turned some chisel handles. To Mr Keachies at night 11 James Keachie and I went to Galt church this morning to Methodist church in Sheffield at night 12 Truman + I got some hay at David Smiths. Turning chisel handles. 13 Turning legs for a foot-stool. Started to make a stand for Arthur Green. To Endeavor at night 14 Working at a little stand for Arthur Green got it done 15 Making a lille foot stool. Started to make a game of crocknole. 16 Working at my game. Went to Galt after Oscar and drove to box social at Mr. Brewin Cornells 17 Went with Jirden after a load of wood. Finished game 18 Went with James Keachie to Galt church this morning. Went to Galt church at night 19. Helping load stone all day for the church. Varley and I went to Galt to hear Dr Johnson lecture. 20 Helping loadstone all day for church. To Endeavor at night 21 Turning a potato masher for Henry's wife. 22 Making cherry stain. 23 To sand pit all day shovelling sand for the church. 24 Truman + I drawing 25 To Brethern church in morning. To Galt church at night 26 Made a potato smasher. Started to make a man to put on the barn. 27. Wat Smith + I cutting wood all day in Mr McClures swamp. Rosa, Sarah, Jane, and I went to Galt to Endeavor convention. 28 Finished making my little man. Father + I drawing wood. Mar 1 To Mr McClures swamp for a stick 2 Truman + I drawed a load of straw to Literary society at night 3 Truman + I went to Galt this aft. 4 Methodist church in the morning. Varley + I went to Galt church at night. 5 Washed my buggy. Over to Henry's boarded in the west end of his barn and helped tap his bush 6 Not much. Rained this aft. 7 To Aaron Main's for a bag of oats. Drove to Branchton for Frank Bond. Down to Mr McHollands to a social. 8 Drove Frank Bond to Branchton. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 9 Put a little man on barn. Went over to Studimans to quarry stones for the church. 10 To George Main's bulding a chimney on his arch. Over to Studimans quarry stones for the church. 11 To Brethern church in morning. To Methodist church at night 12 Put a balance wheel on my turnley. To Methodist meeting at night. 13 Helping Truman sand paper and paint his buggy. To meeting at night 14 Put new wheel on my turnley. To meeting at night 15 Snowed today. To meeting at night, 16 Truman and I went to Galt. Clipped my horses legs. To meeting at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1894</h3> Mar. 17 Drove to Waterloo with Truman's cart. To Oscar's examination. Came home at night 18 To Methodist chruch in the morning. Varley + I went for a drive in the aft. To BRethern church at night. 19 put new pulley on my turnlay. Truman and I went to Branchton - got our houses shod. To church at night. 20. Drove the mail for Mr Moore to Dundas and to Galt. 21 Drove mail to Dundas and Galt. Went to Mr Harvie's to Box social. 22 Drove mail. Mr Moore came home to-night. 23. Aron Main's young folks at our place at night. 24 Drawed a load of hay 25. To Brethern church in the morning. VArley + I went to Galt to English church. 26 Father + I back to Harvie's cutting wood for Albert. 27 Painted Truman's buggy. splitting a little wood. Drove Etherlinda to Galt. To church at night. 28 Splitting wood Down to Aron Main's to cut some timber for the church. 29 Splitting wood home all day. To church at night. To 30 Turning some scratch all handles. Back to Fred Falkiners to wood cutting bee. 31 To Galt then Branchton then home. Over to Henry's woods got a drink of syrup. April 1 To Methodist in morning. Back to Alfred Main's in aft. Varley and I to Galt church at night. 2 Made the table on my turnlay longer. Started to tunr a swingin club 3 Started to put a top on my old buggy. To Endeavor At night4 Making side curtains for my buggy top. Finished turning my swinging club. 5 Painted side curtains for my buggy and covered my foot stool. To Methodist prayer meeting. 6. Not much of anything. 7. Drove to Galt took Oscar to Wrigley's Corners to an examination Fetched Ida Engleheart to Sheffield. Got a big dog in Galt. 8. To Brethern church in morning. To Methodist at night. Drove Ida Engleheart home to Galt after church. 9 Helped Father draw a load of hay this forenoon 10. To Branchton. Up to Mr Keachies a while at night. 11. Fixed my buggy wheel and made a collar for my big dog. Painted a clock for the church. Down to Aron Mains with Mr Keachies young folks 12 Not much. 13 Varnished the church clock. Mounted a small weasel. To Methodist prayer meeting at ngiht. 14. To Galt. Jirden came home with me. To creek fishing i snared four suckers. 17. Jirden and I went to Joseph Mewinny to put up a kitchen To Endeavor at night. 18 Sheeting up and shingling. To Box Social at Mr Ed Cornell's 19. Dave Rosa + Geordy McDonald down to Alberts to night 20. Drove to Waterloo - got an organ. Oscar came home with me at night 21 Oscar an I went down to his place. Drove Oscar to Galt this aft. 22 Brethern church. Methodist at ngiht. 23 Helping move old church back. Rubbed down Truman's buggy box. Mr Karsted and I to Galt to a meeting of chosen friends. 24 Drove to Fred Smiths shot a crow and a groundhog. To Endeavor 25 Mr Laings store burnt down this morning Stuffed a crow. Started to clean organ. 26 To Galt. Cleaning at the organ. 27 Varnished the organ Varley + I drove to Galt to Philarmanic Concert 27 Cleavy + I fishing. 29 To S.S. and Methodist church. Varley + I went to Galt church at night 30 Helping Mr Moore. Down to Aron Main's to trade buggys. May 1 Started to make a closet upstairs. Went to Branchton John + I went fishing Trout. I got mine 2 To Galt. Working at closet. 3 Working at clost. Went to Wat Smiths to cut a door through. To Methodist prayer meeting at night 4 To Wat Smiths working at door. George Whetham and I to Branchton shooting groundhogs 5. Hung door for Wat Cleavey + I went down to Alberts to cur his hair. Up to Mr Keachies at night. 6 To S.S. and Brethern church Varley + I went to Galt to the Evanglist meeting in Knox church. 8. Worked at clock frame. Drove to Aaron Main's and traded buggies. Varley and I went to Golf meeting. 9 Put a door on the closet and put some strips and hooks. Working at my clock frame. Got a load of hay from Aron Main. 10 Down to creek washed buggy. Feorge Whetham + I went to Branchton shooting groundhogs 11. Made a rat trap. Drove to Galt. Oscar came home with me. 12 Oscar and I drove to his place and got our tea. Drove to Mr. Hammonds at night. 13 quartlery? meeting in Brethern chruhc. Down to see Mr. Brewin Cornell. to see them baptize Varley + I went to Galt at night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1894</h3> May. 14 Started to work in factory. Went to Mr Keachies for a while to-night. 15 In factory all day Drove Nettie & Gertie Keachie to Galt. 16 In factory all day - made eight cheese. Started to rain. Reading some. 17 In factory all day to Mr Moore's a while at night. 18 In factory today. Jim Keachie + I went to Galt to church at night. 19. In factory all day - got out in good time 20. S.S. + church in morning to Brethern. Varley + I to Galt at night. 21 In factory all day to Mr Keachies for a while. 22 In factory all day. To Endeavor at night. 23 In factory al day Reading at night. 25. In factory Reading at night. 26. Factory all day. Drove Almina and Rosa to Galt at night. 27 S.S. + Methodist church in morning To Pleasant Grove S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 28 In factory made eleven cheese. Kicking football at night 29 Factory all day. Endeavor at night. Wrote a letter to Oscar. 30 Factory all day kicking foot ball at night 31 In factory all day. Reading at night. June. 1 In factory till three o'clock. Went to Branchton got my horse shed. 2 In factory all day. Went to Clyde to see them play foot ball. 3 S.S. in morning. Auldon Hammill + I to S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night. 4 In factory all day. Got Willie Main to cut my hair. Playing crockee awhile. 5 In factory. Kicking foot ball a while at night 6 Factory all day. Reading at night. 7 Factory all day. To Mr Keachies a while at night. 8 Factory. Kicking fooball at night. 9 Factory. played foot ball with Pleasant Grove team To-night, Truman + I went to Freeport to see them baptise. To Brethern chruch at night 11 In factory all day Playing Football at night. 12. Factory. Down to creek for a swim. 13 Factory. playing foot ball. 14 Factory. Down to Mill Pond for a swim. 15. In factory all day 16 Factory. Playing foot ball at night. 17 S.S. + church in morning. S.S. in aft. Varley and I to Galt Church at night 18 In factory all day. Laid the cornerstone of the new church to-day. Playing football with Pleasant Grove. beat them two to none. 19 Factory all day. James Keachie and I went up the othersider of Galt to a lawn social. 20 In factory all day. Social in Shefield at night. 21 Factory all day. Kicking foot ball at night. 22 Factory all day. Reading at night. 23 Factory. Went to Kirkwall to see Sheffieloi play foot-ball. 24 S.S. and Methodist church in morning. SS in aft. To Breathern chruch at night. 25 Factory. Kicking foot ball at night 26 Factory. To Endeavor at night. I led the meeting. 27 In factory got out in good time. Went down to Smith Willards raising. 28 Factory all day. Reading at night 29 Factory. Up to Mr Keachies at night. 30 Factory all day July 1. S.S + Brethern in the morning. S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night 2 Factory all day. Reading at night 3 Factory. To Endeavor at night. 4 Factory Reading at night 5 Factory. Down to Mr C Tutton's to a raising at five o'clock. 6 Factory. James Keachie and I went to Freeport to lawn social. 7 Factory. Went to Branchton at night. 8 to S.S. + Methodist church in morning Varley and I went to Dundas this aft. to see James Moffat 9 Factory. Reading at night 10 Factory all day To Endeavor at night 11 Factory all day. To Mr Keachies a while at night 12. Same as eleven. 13 In factory all day To S.S. choir practice at night. 14 In factory all day. Kicking football at night. 15 No S.S. this morning. went to Brethern church to quarterly meetin. To Methodist church at night. 16 IN factory all day. 17 Factory. To Endeavor at night.18 Factory. Russel Mathers and I went to Galt at night 19 In factory till three o'clock. Went to Wilbert Sweets raising in the afternoon. {20 is arrowed in here} In factory. Fixing my harness at night. 21 Factory. Polishing my harness at night. 22 Went to S.S. + Methodist church. To S.S. in aft. Varley + I went to Galt church 23 Factory all day. Down to see Johanna Main she is very sick. 24 Factory all day. Down to see Johanna Main 25 Factory. Playing foot ball at night 26. Fatory. To Mr Green's to a lawn social at night. 27 Factory all day. 28 Factory. Played foot ball with Glenwood got one goal a piece. 29. S.S. + Brethern. S.S. in aft. To Mr Hammonds for tea to Methodist church at night. 30. Factory all day - made ten cheese. 31 Factory. To Endeavor at night led the meeting. Aug. 1 Factory all day. PLaying football at night. 2. Factory. Methodist prayer meeting at night. 3 " " " kicking foot ball at night. 4 Factory all day. Playing foot ball with St. George team 5 To S.S. and Methodist church in the morning. SS. in aft. Brethern Church at night. 6 In factory all day. 7 Factory. Endeavor at night 8 Factory. To Mr Moores to a party. 9 Factory. To Methodist prayer meeting 10 Factory all day. Oscar + I to Mr Hammond's at night. 11 Oscar + I went to Hamilton - got a new suit of clothes 12 To S.S. and Brethern church. Out to river to see them Baptize. To Methodist church at night. 13 Factory all day. 14 Factory all day. To Endeavor at night. 15 Varley and I went to Port Dover to day Went to Dundas and took the dummy to Hamilton and train from there to Port Dover. home at night 16 Factroy. Methodist prayer meeting at night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1894</h3> 17 Factory. Had a little party at night at our place. 18 Factory all day. 19 To S.S. and Methodist church. S.S. in aft. Brethern church at night 20 Factory all day 21 Factory. Back to Sige McCrimmond to a lawn social 22 Factory. Down to brick school house to practice singing for S.S. 23 Factory to Methodist prayer meeting at night 24 Factory. Over to Mr Green's to a party. Billy Frier got his leg broke playing foot ball. 25 Factory. Mr Humphrey helping me make cheese to day. Went to St George to play foot ball. 26 To S.S. and Brethern church. To S.S. in aft. to Methodist Church at night 27 In factory all day. Mr Humphrey helping me make cheese. James Keachie and I to Westover to Social at night 28 In factory, got a new cheese maker to-day. 29 Factory all day. Rosa and I down to bush meeling in Smith Willards bush. 30 Factory Rosa + I to bush meeting 31 Factory. Rosa + I to bush meeting Sept. 1. Factory. Johnie Hammond Truman and I drove to Galt at night 2. To S.S. + Methodist church. S.S. in aft. Went down to Mr Hammond's for tea. stopped there at night 3 Factory. To Charlie Tuttons to a meeting 4 Factory all day. 5 Factory To Charlie Tutton's to a a meeting. 6 Factory. To Rocton to lawn social. Varley and I played mouth organ 7 Factory. Drove to Galt got David Main. he + I went to Waterloo stayed all night with Oscar. 8. Took a walk to Oscar's school house. Came as far as Berlin after dinner. Stopped there a while. Came toGalt + stopped a while then came home. 9. To S.S. and Brethern church in morning. To S.S. in 9Aft. To Methodist Church at night. 10 Factory all day. 11 Factory. Peter Humphrey helping me. Endeavor at night 12 Peter Humphrey + I in factory to - day alone. 13 In factory all day. Peter Humphrey + myself. To Methodist praryer meeting at night 14 In factory all day. 15 In factory this forenoon Went to Branchton then to Galt and home at night. 16 To S.S. + Methodist in morning S.S. in afternoon. Brethern Church at night. 17 Factory all day. To Galt on Mr Karstedt bicycle to Endeavor union 18 Factory. To a milk and honey social at Mr. Washburns. 19 Factory. A lillle party at our palce tonight. The choir gave Aurther Green a present. 20 Factory all day. Went with Mr Karstedt to George Robb to prayer meeting. 21 In factory all day 22 Factory this forenoon. Went back to Clyde to play foot ball this aft. 23 To Brethern church. Down to Mr Hammonds for tea. Annie + I drove to Galt for church. Annie stayed in Galt 24 Factory all day. 25 factory. To Endeavor at night 26 Factory al lday. To Uncle John's at night Ida Engleheart there. 27 Factory. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 28. Factory. Up to Uncle John's at night. 29 factory up to Uncle John's a while at night 30 To S.S. + Methodist church in the morning. To S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night Went over to Uncle John's with Ida Engleheart Oct. 1. Factory 2, 3 Factory. 4 Factory this forenoon. Aulden Hammel and I went to Preston to Galt show at night. 5. Factory. Father + Mother went on an excursion to Uncle Dan Main's. 6 Factory till middle of aft. Played foor ball with Clyde beat them two to nothing. 7. To S.S. and church in the morning to S.S. in the aft. Methodist church at night. 8 Factory all day 9 Factory all day. Christian Endeavor at night. 10 To Rockton show all day. Factory not running to day. 11 Factory all day. To Bible society meeting in the Methodist church at night 12 Thrashing to George Robbs in Truman;s place all day. 13 Factory all day. 14. S.S. and church in morning. SS in aft. To Brethern church at night. 15 Factory Varley, James Keachie and I went over to Branchton to a harvest home 16 Factory. Endeavor at night 17 Factory. 18 Factory. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 19 Factory all day. Down to Norman's to a box social at night. 20 Factory all day. 21 S.S. + Brethern church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 22 To factory all day. 23, 24, same and 25, 26, 27 in factory all day. Went to Galt with Karstedt's bicycle - got my haircut. 28 To methodist church in morning S.S. in afternoon Varley, James Keachie + I to Galt church at night 29 Factory all day. 30 Factory rained at night no Endeavor. 31 Got my time in the factory. Tob Main, James Keachie and I went to Branchton Endeavor at night. Nov. 1 Put some window panes in for Albert Bond . Tob Main + I went back to Nelson Cooper's school. Went to Methodist prayer meeting 2 Helped get a load of sand for the church, washed my buggy. Went to Branchton, Cleavie came home with me. 3 Working in factory to-day for Billy Frier. 4. S.S. last for this year. To Brethern church. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 5 Making a wood box for Misses George Main. Helping the plasters at the church.6 Went to Branchton - painting for Destimona, the two rooms up stairs and one back one. Stayed all night. 7 Painting to-day at Branchton. Went to a box social at Preston with a load. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1894</h3> Nov 8. To Branchton painting. Fixing hen roast this aft. stayed all night. 9 Finished painting came home and went down after my horse. James Keachie and I to Freeport to a box social. 10 Went hunting but did not shoot anything Snowed about five inches last night. 11 To Methodist S.S. and church. Truman and I went to John Harvies mother's funeral this aft. Varley, James Keachie and I to Galt at night 12 Started to shovel gravel back in the pit, to put on the stone road. Shovelling all day. 13 Shovelling gravel all day. To Endeavor at night 14 Shovelling gravel all day. Down to John Studiman's to a box social. 15 Shovelling gravel all day. To Methodist church at night to special meetings 16 Got through shovelling gravel today To a meetin in the Methodist church. 17. To Galt. Bought a sewing machine today. 18 to the reorganization of S.S. + to Brethern church. To S.S. in aft. Varley James Keachie and I to Galt 19 Putting strips for hooks in the hall. To Albert Bond's fixing his horse stable To meeting in Methodist church at night. 20 Mary Keachie and I went to Galt today Fixing a little at my horse stable toward night. Helped put the bell up in the church. To Endeavor at night. 21 Varley Milt Whetham and I hunting this forenoon. I shot two black squirrels. To Miss Geo. Main's felting hen roost 22 Out to John McDonald's pulling turnips all day. To Methodist meeting at night. 23. Putting up hooks in the hall. To Misses Geo. Main's - put a shak on hen roost door. To Methodist meeting at night. 24 Uncle Ed and I went to Galt got home near night. Met Oscar in Galt. To a donation to Mr Karstead 25. Methodist chuch in morning. To S.S.in aft. Truman Tob Main and I drove to Sagers. Went to St George church at night 26 mr Karstedt + I went to Hamilton to hear Mr Moody preach. home at night. 27. To Bond's putting doors on collar this forenoon. Out to Branchton covering Destimona's sofa. 28. Truman + I went to a sale up near Hespeler. came home by Galt. To Methodist meeting at night 29 Turned a chalk line spool. Went down to Robert Hatricks to put up a little shanty. To Methodist meeting at night. 30 To Robert Hatricks this forenoon got through. Fixing a little at my buggy. To Methodist meeting at night. Dec 1. To Galt home by Branchton. Got my horse shod. Tob Main came with me. To Brethern S.S. and Church in morning To S.S. in afternoon. James Keachie, Varley and I went to Galt church and Endeavor. 3 Sewed a lining in my horse blanket. Milt Whetham and I went to Galt styed for night till Milt came home. 4 Wrote a letter to Oscar. Went to Galt this aft. Varley came up at night went skating on the dam in Galt. 5 Bought a bicycle today. Wrote a letter to Oscar. Got there at night to Mr Knorris. 8 Oscar Mr Martin and I drove to WIlmot Centre to an examination. Went through St Agatha, Petersburg, Baden and Shinglesettle. Went over to Mr. Martin's at night. 9. To Waterloo Church with Oscar went to Mennite S.S. in aft. then started for home. Stayed in Galt for church and Endeavor. 10 Fixing my horse stable a little. Helping fix up the church a little 11. Down to Aron Main's and got some oats. took them up to Ben Sager's and got them chopped. Drove Aunt Eliza back to Mr. Falkiners. 12 Helping Albert Bond clip his horses legs. Ripping out legs for a desk. Up to Mr Keachie a while. To Methodist church at night. 13 Turning out legs for a desk - got one done. Went to Galt. Tob came home with me. 14 Turned out one leg for desk. Went out to Branchton. Down to Mr Charlye Tuttons to a box social at night. 15. To Branchton to an examination to day. Tob was with me. 16 Brethern S.S. + church in morning to S.S. in aft. Went with Tob Main for tea. Tob and I went to St. George. Went home with Miss Greenfield 17 Took my old buggy to pieces and took the tires off. To Old Misses Grants funeral this aft. To Methodist meeting at night 18. Fixing some of my harness to Endeavor prayer meeting at night 19. Clipping James Keachie's horse to day. Tob Main + I went to Branchton Endeavor at night. 20. George Whetham + I went to Doon to a shooting match. To Methodist meeting at night 21.Back to school North of Sheffield to Miss Beamiches examination To meeting at night. 22 To Galt. Writing in diary for next year. To Bethern Church at night to hear elder preach. 23 To Quarterly meeting in Brethern Church this morning. To S.S. in aft. James Keachie and I to Galt at night. 24 Started to make a desk for myself. 25. Worked at desk Truman + I went to Branchton for dinner. Tob Main + I went to St George to concert in Baptist church. 26. Started to clean my harness. Working some at my desk. Tob Main + I to Branchton Endeavor at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1894</h3> 27 finished cleaning my harness. Working at desk To Methodist Church at night. 28 Working at desk. To Methodist meeting at night. 29. Oscar Truman Rosa Jammie and Annie Hammond and my self went to Hamitton, home at night. 30. To S.S. and Brethern church in morning. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist at night. 31. Working at my desk. Helping saw wood in Uncle Dave's woods. Tob Main and I to Galt skating at night. <h3>1895</h3> Jan 1 Maggie Ida, Johonie out to our place. Annie Hammond and I went to St. George to a tea meeting at night. 2. Cutting wood for ourselves. Truman + I drove down to Chamber to buy some hay. Tob Main + I went to Branchton Endeavor. 3 Covering the doors to the church near all day. George Whetham and I went back to Stewarts to sell my gun. 4. Truman and I drawed a load of hay from chambers for myself. Pitched one load of hay for B.H. Green. To Pioneer Banquet in the new church. 5 To the pioneer banquet to-day in the new church. Drove to Galt after Oscar. 6 To church morning and night in the new Brethern church dedicated it to-day. Bishop Kepheart preached. Text in morning Matt 16.18. Text at night Job 22-21. 7. Truman + I drove ack Kirkwall to buy somewood. Working at my desk this aft. To a social in new Brethern church. 8 Truman and I cutting wood for ourselves near Kirkwall in Dickson's swamp 9. Truman and I cutting wood all day for our selves. Tob Main and I to Branchton getting our horses shod. Working at my desk. 13 To S.S. in new church Brethern church in morning. Free Methodist in aft. Tob Main + I to Galt church at night. 14 Fixing a place for straw up to the barn. Working at my desk. 15 Finished working at desk. Went to Galt this aft. To Endeavor at night. 16 To Ella Rosebough's funeral. Drove to Studiman for Karstadt. Truman and went Studimans. stopped all night home in morning 17. Truman and I went to Fred Studiman's funeral. 18 Cutting wood back in swamp all day for ourselves. 19 Uncle John and I drove over to Studiman's to buy some wood. Truman and I drawed a load of straw this aft. 20 SS and Methodist Church. To Free Methodist in aft. Tob Main and I to Galt Church at night. 21 Puttying my desk. 24. Finished lock. To a bee for Arthur Knox. Down to Aron Main's at night. 25. Maggie Mulholand and I went to an "at home" in Methodist Church 26 Mr Humphrey and I turned two pair of swing clubs. Varnished my desk 27 To S.S. + Brethern church. To Methodist church at night. Over to Mr Moor's a while at night. 28 Shovelling snow on the road this forenoon. made a whiple tree 29 Went to Galt. Over to St George to a nigger show at night. 30 Went to Sidney Misner's bee to Branchton Endeavor at night. 31. Went to Galt. To a lecture in the Methodist church at night. Feb. 1. Making a frame for a lamp shade. Glueing an old accordian and writing some. 2 Finished writing out my Diary this forenoon. Went to Galt. 3 To S.S. + Methodist. To Free Methodist in aft. To Brethern at night. 4 Made a lamp shade frame and a box for my crockeno blocks. Took my buggy apart this aft. 5 Doing a little writing. Maggie Mcholland and I went to Hesepler to Young People's meeting at night. 6 sand papering my buggy. Took Maggie home. Went to Endeavor in Branchton. 7. Helping Uncle John all day at his wood. 8 Painted my buggy. At night down to Almir's taffy off. 9. Worked on buggy up to William Frier up to our place at night. 10 S.S + Brethern Church. Varley Bond and I to Galt church at night. 11 Puttying my buggy. Went with Truman back to Bily Bond to see about renting place. Drove to Branchton. 12 Sand papered and painted my buggy. Took the rims off and put on new tenents on my other buggy wheels. To Endeavor at night.13 sand papering my other buggy wheels. To Thomas Cornell's bee. Up to Gerrards for a while. 14 Made a wooden chair. Went to Galt then to Branchton. Maggie Mulholland came out with me. Up to Gerrard's at night. 15. Painted my buggy. Went to Mary Gerrard's funeral. To Henry Tuttons to a box social 16 Riming my wheels. 17 To S.S. + Methodist. Maggie Mulhollana and I to Free Methodist in the aft. to Brethern Church at night. 18. Out to John McDonald's cutting wood all day To Brethern Church at night. 19. Painted my new buggy wheels and fixed my cutter. Went to Galt. Up to Mr. Sam Hammills at night. 20 Out to John's cutting wood all day. To Endeavor Social at night. 21 Painted my buggy. Went to Galt. Went to Branchton to an "At home" + Mr Alick Buchanin a load. 22 Made a thing for enlarging small pictures. 23 Putting some partitions in my desk drawers. 24 Drove out after Maggie for church then to Branchton. 25 Put a shaft in John Hammond's cutter. Started to make new gear for my buggy. To Epworth League and then to the Brethern. 26. Working at the gear for my buggy till three o'clock. Drove to Brancthon and got Maggie. Drove to Hespeler to Young People's meeting 27 Father + I out to John's cutting wood all day. To Brethern Church at night. 28. Started to put my buggy together to Brethern Church at night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1895.</h3> Mar 1. Made a reach for my buggy. Tob Main + I drove to Galt and got our pictures taken. Drove to Branchton for Rosa and Maggie Mulholland and went to Kirkwell at night. 2 Drove Maggie and Rosa to Galt. 3 To S.S. and Methodist Church in the morning. Maggie + I drove to Free Methodist and then to Hammond's for tea. To Brethern church at night Drove Maggie home 4 Made two spring. ors for new buggy. Writing some fellers. To Brethern church at night. 5 Painted my new buggy. To church at night. 6 maggie Mulholland and I to Brantford went on train. To Endeavor at night in Branchton. 7 Painted my buggy then drove to Galt. Took Rose and Maggie up. Drove Maggie home at night. 8 Painting this forenoon Doing some writing this aft. Nettie Keachie, Rosie, Varley Bond and I went to Branchton at night. 9. Working at my buggy this forenoon. Truman + I went to Galt this aft. 10 S.S. and Brethern church. Rosie and I drove to Branchton this aft. Rosie Maggie and I went to Galt church at night. 11 Drove down to Aaron Mains + cutting wood in Uncle Davies swamp this aft. To Brethern church at night. 12 Working at my buggy box this forenoon. TO John Keachie to a wood bee this aft. To Brethern church at night. 13. Working at my buggy. Went to Galt. Tob and I to Branchton Endeavor at night. 14 Working at my buggy painting. To church at night. 15 Painting my buggies. Went up to Mr Em Cornells in Galt with a load. 16 Painting till middle of aft. Went up to Hammills skating aft and night. 17 To Quarterly meeting in Brethern church. Down to Free Methodist in aft. To Brethern at night. 18 Painting and sand papering. To League in Methodist + meeting in Brethern church. Then to Mr Keachies at night. 19 Painting this forenoon Fixing Truman's cart wheels this aft. Went to Hespeler to Young People's meeting. 20 Painting. To Mr Robert Hatricks to a bee. 21 Painting a little. Drove to Branchton. To Brethern church at night. 22 To Brethern church at night. 23 Annie Hammond and I up to Oscar Main's Examination. Came home at night. 24. To S.S. + Brethern Church To Rockton to a temperance meeting. To Methodist church at night . 25 up to Mr.Culps to a wood bee. Helping Truman draw some straw and hay. To Methodist League at night to Mr Keachies 26. To Brancthon drove Maggie McDonald home. Endeavor at night 27 Rosa + I to Galt 28. Working in shop a little. 29 Getting buggy ready - Varnished it George Whetham and I down to George Main's at night 30 To Galt with Truman. James Keachie and I up to Ny Mo C 8 {?} at night 31 S.S. + Methodist church in morning. To Free Methodist in aft. Tob and I to Hespeler to church at night April. 1 To Brancthon got my horse shod. To League then to Mr. Keachies. 2 Went to Hespeler to try to get a job. To Endeavor at night then to Mr Samuel Hammills 3. Truman and i drove to Hespeler then to Pushlinch to see a farm. 4 Varnishing my buggy. To Methodist prayer meeting Then to Alberts for a game of crochino {symbol or punctuation I don't recognize} 5. To Galt with Albert Bond. To examination in Sheffield. To entertainment in Sheffield School house at night. 6 Helping clean out the school houses. james Keachie and I drove up to Aulden Hammills. 7. to S,S, and Brethern church. To Methodist S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night 8 To Brancthon. Sold my horse to George Whetham 9 To Port Huron to learn the photograph business {his first real mention of his photography passion, Insteresting to see how important his work will become} with Mr barron/ 10 Printing pictures nearly all day. Down town for a walk at night. 11 Spothing pictures this forenoon. burnishing them this aft. 12 Not much of anything 13 made my first picture to-day. 14 To Methodist church and S.S. in morning. for a walk in aft. To Methodist church at night. 15. Retouching some to-day, not very busy. Came over the river this forenoon got dinner. To Stephen Burley's To Mary Burley's for tea. and stayed all night. 17 Seth Albridge and I to the tunnel this forenoon. Went out to the Indian Reserve to buy a team of ponies 18. Seth and I around town looking for horses. Across the river this aft. 19 Walking around Sarnia. To Scottish Concert in Sarnia with Miss Oke. 20 Went across the river this morning and then to Pt. Edwards stayed all night. 21. Lizzie and I went for {'a' is arrowed in} walk down to the beach. Came to Sarnia this aft. Miss Oke and I went to church at night 22 Seth + I walking around looking at a little pony. 23 Went over to Port Huron this aft forenoon. To Sarnia this aft. 24 Went over to Port Huron then to Pt.Edwards for dinner to Sarnia this aft. 25. Up to the point this forenoon. Over to Port Huron this aft. 26 In Sarnia to-day Seth was in. 27 To Mary Burley's this aft forenoon Started home this aft. got home at night. 28 Morning Methodist To Free Methodist in aft. to Brethern church at night. 29 Went fishing this aft. down in Stadiman's creel. 30. Writing some letters. George Whetham and I went shooting ground hogs. To Endeavor at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1895</h3> May 1. Painting some screen windows 2. George Whetham and I shooting ground hogs. To Prayer Meeting at night 3 Down to John See's carpentering with Jirden. 4 To Galt to-day with james Hay. 5 S.S. + Brethern church in morning. To brick school house to S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 6 Drove to Miss George Mains taking down a partitiion. To League and to church in Brethern. Went down with Floss Tutton. 7 Down to Albert's grafting. Down to creek fishing. Tob Main + I went to Kirkwall. To Endeavor when we came home. 8 Fixing a squrrel cage all day. 9 Planting some potatoes. George Whetham and I out hunting and fishing. 10 To Miss George Main's doing some plastering 11 Not much of anything. 12 S.S. + Methodist church in morngin. To S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night. 13 To Branchton doing work for Destimona. To Methodist League at night. 14 Put a new bow in my buggy. 15 To Branchton all day painting. To Branchton Endeavor 16 To Brantford to get my bicycle fixed stayed all night. 17 Came home from Brantford. Putting my bicycle together. 18 Went to Galt on my bicycle. Down to Albert's and to aron Mains near night. 19 To S.S. Varley and I went to Galt on our bicycles. stopped at Mr Hammills for tea at night. 20 Went down to the mill on my bicycle .21 Took my wheel to Branchton and sent it to Brantford. 22. Down to Alberts. Went back to Kirkwall after my shoes. To Brancthon this aft. Went to Brancthon Endeavor at night. 23 To Branchton this forenoon Down to Aron Mains this aft. 24 Went bck to Pushlinch Lake to picnic. 25. To Brethern church at night. 26. to Quarterly meeting in Brethern church. At night at Brethern. Went down with Annie Hammond. 27. Fixing my slippers. To Epworth League. 28. George Whetham and I shooting ground hogs. To Endeavor at night 29 To Galt bicycle. To Sam Hammills planting corn. Tob and I down to Charley Tuttons. 30 Putting a new back in my buggy. To Methodist Prayer meeting. 31 Working at my buggy top Varley + I to Troy at night on our bicycles June 1. James Keachie and I fishing. Over to St Geroge playing football 2 Varley and I to Hamilton on our bicycles. 3 To Branchton putting up curtain pole. To Epworth League. 4 To Sam Hammills building fences to Endeavor. 5. Rained. To Mr Sam Hammills building fences this aft. 6 To Sam Hammill to carry butter in. Building fence in aft. 8 In the factory today. the cheese maker sick. 9S.S. morning SS in aft. Tob Main and I to Galt church at night. 10 To factory to-day. To Mr Rickers lawn social at night. 11 In factory all day. Endeavor at night 12 In factory. Tob Main James Keachie and I to Branchton Endeavor at night. 13 In factory all day. To Methodist Prayer Meeting at night 14 In factory all day. To Epworth League open meeting at night. Branchton Endeavor over. 15. In factory all day. Down to Westover to play football. 16 To S.S. and church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Methodist church at night 17 UP to Sam Hammills building fence all day. To Methodist League at night. 18 To Hammills building fence. Played foot ball with Clyde. To Brethern Social at night. 19 Building fence all day. Aulden and I went to Branchton Endeavor at night. 20 Started to work at 5am Hammill's barn. To Methodist prayer meeting. 21 Working at the barn all day. 22 Working at barn. Went to Valens to play football this aft. 23 To S.S. + Methodist church in morning. To S,S, in aft. Tob + I to Galt Church at night. 24. Working at 5am Hammill's barn all day. To Methodist League at night. 25 Working at barn all day. Endeavor at night. 26 Not much of anything 27. Same 28 Out to Donald McDonald taking down a small barn. Tob + I up to Little Corner's to a social. 29. Pulling up barn down to Will Cronins. Went to play foot ball with Lynden score 1-4 in favor of Sheffield. 30 To Children's meeting in Brethern Church. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night. July 1. Home all day. Tob Main and I went St Geroge at night. 2 Working at McDonald's all day. Puting on roof + shingling. To Endeavor at night. 3 Went to Branchton-took my bicycle wheel cover to send to Brantford. 4 Truman + I down to Mill Pond looking at job. To Methodist Prayer meeting. 5 Truman and I to Tom (?) McQueen's blasting stone. 6 Took my buggy down to creek and washed it. Down to Mr Hatricks playing crokues? 7. To S.S. + Methodist Church .S.S. in aft. To Brethern Church at night. Went down with Annie Hammond. 8 Truman + I went to Galt then to Branchton. 9 George Whetham and i out hunting. To Endeavor then to Westover to lawn social. 10 Truman george Whetham + I went to Hamilton. To Literary meeting of Methodist League at night 11 Put my bicycle together. Tob Main + I to Galt to a social at night 12 Made a little screw driver. Down to Mr Brewin Cornells to a social at night. 13 To Mr Aron Main's all day helping Oscar to paper. We (Oscar and I) to Galt at night. 14 Varley Tob and I started for Port Dove but came back. To SS in aft. To Methodist church at night. 15 Not much of anything. 16 Fixing my bicycle. Went to Clyde this aft. Led Endeavor meeting tonight </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1895</h3> July 17. Down to Alberts most of the forenoon. To Branchton Endeavor at Night. 18 To Brantford to Barnum Circus went down on the train 19 Not much of anything - 20. Went to Galt this aft. Down to Mr Hammond's - Oscar + I at night. 21. S.S. + Methodist Church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Brethern Church at night. Went up to Harvie's at night 22. Down to Cronin's - got an old cutter. Took it to Henry's. To Opworth League at night. 23. Over to Henry's working on my cutter. Andy Pullin Tob Main and I to Hespeler at night. 24. Working at my cutter. Andy Pullin + I went to Branchton at night - then to Mr Harvie's. 25 To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 26. To Galt wrtk Albert Bond. 27. Working in the factory this aft. Andy + I went down to Tutton's at night. 28. Varley and I to Hespeler Church in morning. Went to Pleasant Grove S.S. in the aft. To Methodist church at night. 29. Over to Henry's - started to make a desk Down to parsonage helping papering all day. Andy and I to Mr Charley Tuttons at night. 30. Down to parsonage helping papering all day. To Endeavor at night 31. To the parsonage all day helping paper. Out to Branchton Endeavor at night. aug. 1 Helping paper dining room at parsenage. To Methodist prayer Meeting at night. 2 To Mr. Ron Sagers thrashing this forenoon To Kirks thrashing this aft. For Mr Sam Hammill. 3 To Galt Football boys out + play Branchton tonight. Andy Pullin + I went to Harvie's at night. 4 To S.S. + Methodist church. Varley + I went to Galt in aft. To Brethern church at night. 5 Down helping Oscar paper all day. To Methodist league at night. 6 In factory all day in Andy Pullin's place. To Endeavor at night. 7 In factory all day. To Galt. To Brick School practing singing for S.S. convention. 8 To Branchton in aft. To Methodist Prayer Meeting at night 9 Drove mail for Mr Moore today to Dundas. Down to Mr George Main's at night to a party. 10 Went up to Aulden Hammills this forenoon. Working in the factory this aft. To Rockton at night. Refereed a football match. 11 To S.S. and quarterly meeting in morning. S.S> in aft. to Brethern church at night. 12 Truman and I to Galt. up to Sam Hammills help pulling peas To Methodist League at night. 13 Up to Sam Hammill's drawing in peas all day. To Endeavor at night. 14 To Sam Hammill's drawing in peas. Went to Branchton at night. 15 Jirden + I to swamp picking berries. Arthur Green + I went to St George. To a party at Aron Main's at night. 16 Played football with St. George this aft. To foot ball entertainment at night. 17 To Galt. Up to M. Culps sawing some wood this aft. 18. To S.S. + Methodist church in morning. S.S. in aft. To Brethern church at night 19 Tob Main + I to Galt to get bills for honey social. To League at nihgt 20 Taking bills around for the social. To Endeavor at night. 21 Down to see Tob this aft. To Galt + around by Branchton stopped for Endeavor. 22 Up to Mr Culps sawing some wood. To Branchton this aft. Practicing singing for social at night. 23 Getting Mr. Green's lawn ready for the social. Played football wilt Branchton team Lawn social at night. 24. Made a luggage carrier for my bicycle. In factory this aft. in Andy Pullen's place. To Galt at night. 25. S.S. + church (Brethern). Mr Karstedt + I started for Bradford this aft. stopped at Miss Jamieson at night. 26 Misses Jamieson's this forenoon. Started to Buffalo this aft. went down Chippawa on the boat. stayed in Buffalo all night. 27. Started from Buffalo this morning got as far as Sime Stone and stayed all night sit miles from Bradford. 28 To Conference today and night Stopped with Misses Vandike for tea and stayed all night at her place. 29 To Conference this morning. Got our dinner at the Willard Hotel. To Conference this aft. and night. 31. Went around and saw the city this aft. To Conference at night Sept. 1 Left Bradford this morning on excursion for Jamestown. To Lakewood in the aft. and stayed all night. 2. Left Lakewood this morning on boat for Mayville then wheeled to Buffalo and stayed all night. 3 Left Buffalo for Chipawa this morng + wheeled to Misses Jamiesons + stayed there. Out to the Falls at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1895</h3> Sept 4 Drove out to the falls this aft. forenoon. Visiting with Mr Karstedt this afternoon over the river. 5 Started this morning for home got our dinner in Hamilton came home in aft. Played a game of foot-ball 6. Went up to Mr. John Harvie's to an "AT HOME" at night. 7. Thrashing all day at Mr Green's cutting bands. 8 S.S. + Church in morning to S.S. in the afternoon. To Methodist Church at night. 9. Thrashing this morning at Mr Green's. Then went to Mr. Robert Hatricks thrashing there. Carrying bushels all day. 10 Mr Tommy Pearson and myself started for Toronto got our dinners in Hamilton. 11 Went to the Opery? in Toronto at night. 13. Drove to Toronto with Tommy Pearson's - grip and then started for Uncle Henry Munns. got there at noon and stayed all night 14. At Uncle Henry Munn's this forenoon. Started for Hamilton after dinner. Stayed all night with Tob Main. 15. In Hamilton this forenoon got my dinner there. Then started for home To Methodist League at night 17 Went to Galt this aft. Andy Pullin and I went to Branchton at night. 19 Helping Mr Green cut corn to day. 20 Cutting corn for Mr Green, 21, Went to Galt this forenoon. Playing a little football for practice 22 To Brethern church in morning. S.S. in the aft. To Methodist Church at night. 23. Went down to the Mill Pond to help with rock to-day To Epworth League at night. 24 Helping with the rock this forenoon. In the cheese factory this afternoon. To Endeavor at night. 25 Helping with the rock down to the mill pond. Andy Pullin and I out to Branchton to Endeavor at night. 26. To Methodist Prayer Meeting at night. 27. Not much today. 28 To Galt this forenoon. not much of anything. 29. To Methodist Church in morning. To Branchton in the afternoon To Brethern Church at night. 30. To Branchton putting up a little barn for Mr C. Reeks with Jirden and Truman. To League at night Oct 1 To Branchton working at barn all day. James Keachie Andy Pullin and i to Galt at night 2 To Branchton at night to Endeavor. 3. To John MacDonald building fence all day. 4 To Branchton building fence all day Truman and myself. 5. Andy Pullin and I to Hamilton, drove to Dundas and then took dummy to Hamilton. 6 Brethern church in morning Went to Galt church at night. Drove around for Maggie McDonald 7 To John McDonald building a fence all day with Truman. To League at night Then to Mr Keachies. 8 Down to Rockton to try the ring(?) To Endeavor in Brethern church. 9 Rockton Show Day. Got second prize for bicycle race. To Branchton Endeavor at night 10 Went up to with Oscar to Waterloo on my bicycle 11 Oscar + I to the teacher's association in Berlin to day. 12 Stayed with Oscar today. Walked out to town this aft. 13. Oscar and I came to Sheffield about noon. Andy Pullin + I to S.S. in the aft. To Brethern church at night. 14 Down to Uncle Dave's thrashing part of afternoon. To conference in Brethern church 15. Help finish thrashing at Uncle Dave's this morning. Andy Pullin and I hunting this aft. I shot four black squirrels. To conference at night. 16 Wakening some plant stretches to day. To Brethern Conference at night. 17 Andy Pullin and I out hunting today. To Conference at night. 18 To Galt this aft. To Conference at night. 19 To Galt in morning. Working in the factory this aft. To Conference at night. 20 To Brethern church in morning To S.S. Convention in aft. in Brethern church. To Brethern Church at night. 21. Working at a pair of pant stretchers. League at night. 22 Andy Pullin + I out hunting all day. I shot two squirrels and a pheasant. To Endeavor at night. 23. Drove mail to Dundas for Mr Moore. To Branchton To Endeavor at night. Andy and I went up to Hamilton 24. Jirden Truman + I to Galt shingling. To Methodist prayer meeting at night. 25. Drove the mail for Mr Moore to-day. To a literary meeting of the league in the Methodist church. 26 Drove the mail for Mr Moore. 27 To S.S. and Methodist Church in morning to Brethern church at night. 28 To Galt shingling this forenoon. Making a pair of pant stretchers. To League at night 29 Went with Jirden after a load of straw to Mr Ellises. Andy + I out hunting. To Endeavor at night 30 Not much today. To Branchton Endeavor at night 31 To Branchton all day pulling turnips. Nov 1 To Henry's making pant stretchers this forenoon Chris Andy Pullin and myself hunting this afternoon. Shot a pheasant and a grey squirrel 2. Cleve McDonald and I went hunting this forenoon. Went out to Branchton to pull turnips but did not. 3 To S.S. + Branchton Church on the morning. Varley Bond and I to Branchton Church in the aft. To Methodist at night. 4 Chris + Andy Pullin + I hunting all day. Shot two Black squirrels and one pheasant To league at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1895</h3> 5 Out to Branchton Pulling turnips. Fixing my bicycle this aft. Endeavor at night. 6 To Galt shingling all day. To Branchton Endeavor at night. 7 Came home from Branchton this morning. Andy + I hunting this aft. 8 Down to the factory today. 9 Fixing my accordian this afternoon 10 To S.S. and Methodist Church in the morning. to Brethern Church at night 11 Helping Mr Pullin tear down his barn and load his stuff. Stuffing a grey squirrel this aft. Up + fixed Mr Keachies organ. To League at night. 12 Running the factory all along to-day. Mr Pullin left. To Endeavor at night 13 Over to Henry's this forenoon, Fixing a lantern on my bicycle. Up to Mr Keachies to a party at night. 14 Stuffing a black squirrel Thrashing at Albert Derby's this aft. 15. In factory alone all day. 16 Went to Galt this fore noon. Oscar came home with me. Down to Washburns this aft. 17 To S.S. + Brethern. To S.S. in aft. To Methodist Church at night. 18 Started to make a crockonole board for Mr Moore. Down to mill for some lumber. To League at night in methodist Church. 19 In the factory all day alone made five cheese. No Endeavor to-night. Drove 20 Drove mail for Mr Moore. 21. To Branchton. Down to Rockton to Endeavor at night. 22 In factory all day made three cheese. the last day. Football boys oyster supper at night at Walter Smiths 23 Working at crockinole board to day. 24 To S.S. and Methodist Church in morning. To Free Methodist in aft. Tob Main + I to Branchton at night. 25. Making some staining liquid this forenoon. Writing some letters this aft. 26 Making some striping brushes. Back on the ninth concession to auction sale. To Endeavor. 27 Not much in forenoon. To sale neat St George in the aft. To Branchton Endeavor at night 28 To Henry's helping him cut straw. Working at my cutter. To Methodist Prayer meeting 29. Thrashing at Mr Garrocks all day. carrying bushels 30 Thrashing all day carrying bushels. Dec 1 S.S. + Brethern Church Free Methodist in aft. to Methodist church at night. 2 Went with Truman after saw dust. Helping fix his stable a little. Down to Mrs Charley Tutton s china wedding at night. 3 Down to Rockton court all day To Endeavor at night. 4 To Branchton - help making sausage. 5 Went to Galt. Shot a horse for James Moffatt. To Galt at night to hear Conductor Snider lecture. 6 Down to Mr Patrick's helping Truman blast some stone. Practicing singing for Christmas tree at night 7 Over to Henry's all day working at my cutter. 8 To S.S. + Methodist Church in morning. Brethern church at night. 9 To Henry's working at cutter. To Galt at night to hear Mr Crews speak. 10 To Henry's all day working at cutter. To Endeavor at night. 11 At Henry's all day working at cutter. 12. Out to Branchton today. 13 Making shafts for my cutter 14 To Galt. Over to Henry's fixing shafts. Took cutter to Branchton. 15 to S.S. and Brethern. to S.S. in aft. to Methodist church at night. 16 Working at Dictionary stool. To singing practice at night. 17. Made some crocknole blocks. Making iron for dictionary stand To Endeavor at night. 18 Working at stoand and a little bureau today 19 Over to Henry this aft. forenoon. Working at stand this aft. 20 Finished stand. To Mr Karstelt bee cutting wood. 21. To Oscar Main's examination today stayed all night. 22 Home from Waterloo to-day To Brethern church at night 23 Clevie and I went over to Henry's this aft Not much of anything 24 Started for Exeter got there about seven o'clock. 25. Spent Christmas in Exeter at Mr. Okes 26 At Mr Oke's all day. 27. Andrew Oke + I out driving to day. 28 Went up town. Not much this aft. 29 Opening a new church in Exeter to day. To church at night Went for a walk after. 30 Came home to day stayed in London six hours. Stayed in Branchton all night 31 Home this morning To Endeavor at night. <h3>1896</h3> Jan 1 Home all day. had a New Years dinner. To Mr Young's a party at night. 2 Truman and I went to Branchton after my cutter. 3 Started to paint my cutter to day. 4 Puttying my cutter. George Whetham and I down to George Main's at night. 5. S.S. + Church. Brethern church at night 6 Doing some writing this forenoon. Sand papering and painting my cutter. To Methodist League at niht 7 Helping Tob Main gather provisions this aft. To tea meating in Brethern church at night 8 To Woodstock to-day to the dairy man's convention. Stopped with Andy Pullin at night. 9 To the convention in forenoon + afternoon today. To firehall at night. 10 Andy + I to Waterworks this forenoon. To jail and skating rink this aft. To Knox Church at night. 11. Went to Andy's cousin for dinner. Andy + I hunting in aft. 12 Methodist Church in morning. S.S. in aft. taught a class to C.E. at four o'clock to church at night. 13 Got home from Woodstock to day. Went over to Henry's. To Methodist League at night. 14. Truman and I went to Galt and to Branchton for dinner. To Sam Hammills to a bee this aft. To Endeavor at night. 15 Cutting wood all day in John Maleom's swamp for ourselves. Down to Stephen Moffats at night. 16 Painting my cutter. To Mr John Keachies to a bee in aft. To George Mains at night 17 Cutting wood all day for ourselves in John Maleom's swamp 18 Cutting wood all day for ourselves got through today. 19 To Methodist Church S.S. in aft. Brethern Church at night. 20 Painted my cutter. Over to Henry's making a cutter box for Avidan Hammill. To League in Methodist church at night. 21 Andy Pullin + I went hunting this aft. Got one rabbit. To Endeavor at night 22 Working at Aulden Hammills cutting box. To James Montgomery bee. Aulden and I to Branchton at night. 23 Working at cutter box. George Whetham and I down {?} to Geoge Mains at ngiht. 24 Finished cutter box. Painted my cutter. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1896</h3> 25. To Henry's. Killed a pig. Washed my buggy. 26 S.S. and Brethern Church in morning. Methodist S.S. in aft. Methodist church at night. 27 Varnished cutter. Over to Henry's started to make a crockinole board. To League at night. 28 Over to Henry;s working at crockinole board. To Mr Ben Hammill's bee. To Endeavor at night. 29 Working at Crockinole board and {space left blank} Varnished my cutter. Aulden Hammell and I to Branchton Endeavor at night. 30. To Galt with George Whetham. Making a cushion for my cutter. To church practicing singing. 31 Working at crockinole board. Trimming my cutter. Rockton + Sheffield Endeavors at night. Feb. 1 Drawing wood out of swamp. Had a bee drawing it home. 2 To Methodist church in morning. To Brethern church at night. 3 To Branchton. Making an apron for back of my cutter. To John Harvie's box social at night. 4 Took Sanford Munsans horse home. To Uncle John's bee. To Endeavor at night. 5 Truman + I to Mr Brewin Cornells cutting wood all day To Branchton Endeavor at night. 6 Drove mail for mr Moore. To Revival meeting in Brethern church at night. 7 made a box for an auto harp. To Meeting at night. 8 Working at crockinole board all day. 9. To Brethern Church in morning and Methodist church at night 10 To Henry's. Went to St George to try to hire with Mr Richardson to make cheese. To meeting at night. 11 Over to Henry's working at organ stool and crockinole board. To Endeavor at night. 12 To Mr P.H Greene cutting wood all day 13 To Henry's working at organ stool and crockinole board 14 To Mr Green's cutting wood all day. 15 Working at my crockinole board. Turning some blocks. 16 Methodist church + Methodist S.S. in aft. to brethern Church at night. 17 Doing some writing. Down to Mr Brewon Cornells cutting wood this aft. To church at night. 18 To Mr Samuel Hammills cutting wood all day. To Endeavor at night. 19 Stufffing a squirrel. Put a blade in a knife handle and turned some hatrack pins. To church at night 20 To Henry's - made a hat rack and finished my crockinole board. To meeting at night. 21 Doing some staining. To Church at night. 22. To Mr Sammuel Hammill's cutting wood all day. 23. To Brethern church in morning to Methodist Church at night. 24. Turning legs for auto man. To Henry's making a sawset. To meeting at night. 25. Making an automan. to church at night. 26 To Mr Samuel Hammills cutting wood all day. To Mr Gerrards at night. 27 Cutting wood all day for Sam Hammill. 28. Cutting wood all day and logs. 29. To Galt with Audlen Hammill. {EVENTS is written in the middle of the page splitting the line so that the end of the line is the 15th of March. Bellow EVENTS is a large space. The events Sylvester could be referring to are important moments of the month} 15 Miss Cornells funeral Mar 1. Methodist Church morning to S.S. {across gap} 23 Aulden Hammills wood bee {left side} in aft. Brethern church at night {across gap} 24 Sam Munson's wood bee {left side}2. Trimming organ stool - doing {across gap} 25 Leap year Social in Brethern Church {left side} some writing. church at night 3 To Galt. doing chores for Aulden {across gap} 31 Charleys Johnon's wife funeral {left side, gap is ended} Hammill. To church at night. 4 Aulden Hammill + I to Galt. Drawed a load of lumber from the mill. 5 To Mr. B. Cornells this morning went to Preston this afternoon with Aulden. 6 To mill this forenoon To Preston this aft. 7. Cutting wood and doing chores. 8 To church morning and night. 9 To the mill forenoon aft. 10 To Preston - cutting some wood. 11 Not much. - cutting wood. 12 Cutting logs this aft. 13 To Preston this forenoon. Piling some lumber this aft. 14 To Preston and Galt. Took sow up to Mr Fords. Cutting some wood 15. Helping father dig a grave. To Miss Cornells funeral. To Brethern Church at night. 16 Doing chores. Cutting a little wood. 17. Aulden and i went to Galt. Took a load of logs to the saw mill htis aft. To Endeavor at night. 18 To saw mill with a load of logs to shop getting sleigh fixed. Aulden + I walked to Branchton at night. 19 Cleaning up some peas cutting some wood. 20. Finished cleaning peas. Cutting a little wood came home at night. 21. To Galt all day with Tob 22. To church morning and night. 23 Fixing my rubbers. To Aulden Hammill bes this aft. 24 Cutting ice this forenoon. To Sam Munsons bee this aft. To Rockton at night to Plastows {?}. 25 Drawing ice. To the saw mill for saw dust. To social at Brethern at night. 26 Took sap buckets to bush. To mill this aft. Took load of lumber to Henry's. 27 Took two loads of lumber to Henry's Piling some lumber this aft. 28. Piling lumber at Henry's Went up done chores for Aulden Hammill at night. To Branchton at night. 29 To Methodist church in morning to Brethern Church at night. 30 Truman + I to St George this forenoon up to Hammills started to put up a banister. 31 To Hammils working on banister all day. To Endeavor at night. Apr 1 Finished banister. Went home. 2 Truman + I drove down to Will Mains and Mr Clures. Up to Mr S. Hammills this aft. 3. Drove up above Preston to see horse power wheel. Went to Sheffield this aft. 4 Started to make a horse power wheel for Sam Hammills 5. Church in morning Methodist S.S. Church at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1896</h3> Apr 6 Went to Galt to get some sawing done. Working at horse power wheel. 7. Working at wheel all day. To Endeavor at night. 8 Working at wheel. Tob Main and I over to visit Annie Hammonds school. To Branchton at night. 9 Working at wheel all day. 10 Finished the wheel to-day. Out to Branchton for Taffy off. 11 Helping cut a little feed. 12 Methodist church in morning To Brethern church at night. 13 Down to William McClares all day for Wat Smith cutting wood. 14 Over to Henry's piling lumber for myself. Up to Ben and Sam Hammills this aft. To Endeavor at night. 15 Sam Hammill and I drove to Hespeler got home in the aft. EVENTS {maybe the events section is an attempt at organizing imporant ideas better. This events section splits the page vertically insted of centrally} May 8. Sold my bicycle to Tob Main May 9 Went to Brantford and got a new bicycle. 11th. Started to work in cheese factory near Hespeler. June 6 Went to Bloomingdale on my wheel stayed all night. {end of events section} 16 George Whetham + I went down the creek shooting pike. finished my crockinole board this aft. {17 is written in the margin and arrowed in here} up to Mr. Samuel Hammills sawing wood all day. Dr. Main's house burnt. 18 To Mr S Hammill sawing and splitting wood all day. 19. To Brethern S.S. + Church. To Methodist S.S. in aft. church at night 20 To John MacDonald building fence. To Sam Hammill's graftin. 21. Dragging this forenoon, plowing this aft. 23 Plowing this forenoon sowing some this aft. 24 Rained put some new planks in the stable Cleaned some barley. Came home this aft. To "At Home" in Methodist League. 25. To Galt. not much of anything. 26. Church in morning. S.S. in brick school. Brethern Church at night. 27 To John McDonald's all day. harrowing and sowing. Home at night. 28 Down to Hamilton with George Whetham 29. Over to Sam Munsons for his horse. Up to Hespeler to see factory. 30. Went out to dairy factory near Brantford with George Whetham. Went to Brantford at night. stayed with Sanford Main. May 1. To Brantford came home in aft. To box social at Aaron Main's. 2. Made a picture frame this forenoon. Went to Galt with Jamie Montgomery 3. To S.S. and Brethern church. To Methodist church at night 4 George Whethm and I to Kirkwall to shoemaker. Went out to river fishing in aft. 5 Down to Varley Bond Fixing up a little bit. Over to Henry's and put bicycle together. 6 Finished putting bicycle together. Went to Galt. 7 Came up to the factory at Hespeler - cleaning up some - putting things together. Went home at night 8 Up to the factory this forenoon cleaning up some. Went home in afternoon. 9 Went to Brantford on train bought a bicycle and rode it home. Sold mine to David T Main. 10 To the Methodist church. To Brethern church at night. 11 Started to make cheese near Hespeler. Started to board at Mr Ellis. 12. Not running factory to-day. Made a sink this forenoon. Went home this aft. Led the Endeavor at night 13. Making cheese. made four. 14 In factory all day. Made three cheese; Went home for Father + Mother's fortieth wedding anniversary 15 In factory all day. 16 In factory all day. Truman + Rosa fetched up my trunk at night. 19 Working in factory. To Hespeler Y.P. Meeting at night. 20 In factory all day To Galt at night. Rode Oscar's bicycle home to Hespeler. 21. In factory all day To Galt at night. 22 Working in factory all day. Went down to Galt + rode Oscar's bicycle back. 23. In factory all day. Tob was up all day with me. Came home at night. 24 S.S. + Methodist church in morning To Odd Fellows sermon in aft to Brethern church at night. 25 Went up to factory in morning Working all day got through in goodtime. Went to Preston at night. 26 In factory all day To Hespeler at night. 27 In factory all day. To Galt at night. 28 In factory all day. 29 Working in factory all day. To Menninite meeting at night 30 In factory all day Went home at night. 31 S.S. and quarterly meeting in Brethern church in morning. To Brethern church at night June 1 In factory all day made six cheese 2 In factory all day. Went home at night to Lawn Social at Mr Rickers at night. 3 In factory all day. 4 In factory all day To Hespeler at night on my wheel. 5 In factory all day. Up to Hespeler on my wheel. 6 In factory all day. Went to Bloomingdale at night. Stayed at Mr Reichert all night Oscar came up. 7. To quarterly meeting in Bloomdale. Oscar + I came home in aft. to Brethern church at night. 8 In factory all day. Went over to Mr Cooks to change apareel at night. 9 In factory all day rained at night. 10 In factory all day. 11 In factory all day To Hespeler at night 12 In factory a;; day. Tob Main up at night To Hespeler and then to park at night. 13. In factory all day Went home at night. 14 Went to Berlin Camp meeting today. To Brethern church at night. 15 In factory all day made six cheese. 16 In factory all day. To Hespeler Epworth League at night 17 In factory all day Company at night Miss Casick from Guelph. Went to lespeler at night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1896</h3> June 18 In factory all day. To Hespeler at night with Mr Ellis. 19 In factory all day. Went down to Uncle Alick Scotts at night and then to Hespeler 20 In factory all day. Went home at night. 21 Down to Aaron Main's. To Pleasant Grove S.S. in aft. To Branchton at night with tub. 22 In factory all day. 23. In factory all day to Hespeler at night. 24 In factory all day to day. 25. In factory all day 26 In factory all day. Went to Hespeler at night. 27 In factory till afternoon. Aulden Hammill and I went to English Church at night and then started for home. Got home at three o'clock. 29. In factory all day. Went home at night. 30. In factory all day. To Epworth League at night in Methodist Church Hespeler. July 1 In factory all day To Preston at night. 2 In factory all day. To Galt at night. 3 In facotry all day To Galt at night. 4 In factory all day. Went home at night. Played foot ball against Rockton. 5. To Methodist church in morning To Sam Hammills in aft. 6 In factory all day went up to see Anson Groh at night. 7 In the factory all day To Young People's meeting in Methodist Church at night in Hespeller. 8 In factory all day. To Hespeler in the evening. 11 In factory all day. Went home at night 12 To Brethern church in morning. Aulden Hammill down to our place. To Methodist Church at night. 13 In factory all day. To Hespeler at night. 14 In factory all day To UNION Meeting in Presbyterian church at night Aulden Hammill was up. 15 In factory all day. came home to Lawn Social at Mr P. H. green's at night. 16 Helping draw away the cheese this forenoon. Cleaning up this aft. To Hespeler + Park at night. 17 Went down to the Lake fishing some come home at night 18 Not much. Went to Galt, and Hespeler to tirn the cheese. 19. Varley and I went to Galt Church this morning. Went down to Rockton to Plastows this aft. To Brethern Church at night. 20 Back to swamp picking berries to day. Went up to turn cheese at night. 21 Over to Henry's and down to the mill this forenoon. Up to turn cheese in aft. 22. Out to Branchton. To Galt and turn cheese this afernoon. 23 Over to Henry's. Went on the moon-light excursion to Hamilton. 24 Went up to turn the cheese this forenoon up + Hammills a while this afternoon. 25. Oscar + I went to Toronto. 26 to Sam Hammills Went to Hamilton and took the boat. came home at night 27. Back to swamp picking berries. Went up to tirn cheese. 28 Fixing Methodist Church organs. Went to Hamilton with albert Bond. 29. To Hamilton with Albert Bond all day. 30 Went up to turn cheese. Down to Rockton at night. 31. Over to Henry's made a screwdriver. Aug 1 Up to turn cheese and to Galt. Playing baseball this aft. 2. S.S. in morning. Aulden Hammill and I to Hespeler at night. 3 cleayCleavy and I went up after my trunk to-day. 4 Making a man for Cleavy. Pulling tills in my tool chest. To Endeavor at night. 5 Working at my tool chest. Fixing my bicycle. To Branchton Endeavor at night and to Mr. Harvies. 6 Up to turn cheese. Over to Henry's working at tool chest. 7 Over to Henry's painting tool chest. Fixed my shoes this aft. 8 Up to Hespeler boxed the rest of the cheese and sent them away. Alden Hammill + I went to Winino to night 9 To Mr Henry's this forenoon. Aulden + I went to Grimsby park. Stayed at Mr Carpenters all night. 10 Started for home. this forenoon got our dinner in Hamilton. came home this aft. 11. Not much of anything To Endeavor at night. 12.Drove the mail for Mr Moore. 13 to Hespeler this forenoon settled up with the factory business. Thrashing at Moffats for Mr. W. McClure. 14 Thrashing this forenoon helping W. McClure drawin oats this aft 15 To galt. fixing my bicycle this aft. 16 To Quarterly meeting in Brethern church. To Brethern church at night. 17 Working at my dresser. To bush meeting at night 18 Down to Aaron Main's painting buggy. Aulden Hammill and i to Hespeler at night. 19 Down to sawmill after some lumber. over to Henry's working on my dresser. 20 Down to Mr Robert Hatricks pulling peas this forenoon. drawing in this aft. 21 Over to Henry's worlking at dresser. Over to bush meeting at night. 22 To Galt. Down to Aaron Main's varnishing buggy. 23 Miss james miss Squires Varley and I went to Grimbsy to day. Stayed all night at Grimbsy Park 24 Varley and I came home this morning. Working at my dresser this aft. 25 Finished my dresser to day. Put a lid on a chest for myself. Up to Mr S Hammills at night 26 Up to hammills for some lumber. Out to Branchton Endeavor at night. 27. Not much of anything 28 Fixing my bicycle some. 29. To galt. 30 Varley Milt Whetham and I to Troy church. To galt in aft. To Brethern church at night. 31 Started to make a horse power for culling straw Sept. 1. Working at horse power today to Endeavor at night. 2. In the factory to day. 3 Over to Henry's working at horse power. 4. Paw and I up fixing a culvert on the road. 5 To Galt with Aulden Hammill. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1896</h3> Sept. 6 Brethern Church in morning. Up to Hammills in the aft. To Methodist church at night 7 To Aulden Hammills taking in some straw. Over to Branchton to picnic this aft. to Galt at night. 8 Over to Henry's working at power and sharpened my saws. 9 Up to Mr Thomas Moffatts helping Jorden pat in a silo 10 Helping with silo today - got through. home at night. 11 Uncle Alicks Young people to our place. 12. To Galt. Aulden Hammill and I to Idlewild Pak to a picnic this aft. 13. To Methodist church this morning. Went to Galt this aft. To Baptist. church at night. 14. Working at horse power this forenoon. Down to Albert's putting a back in buggy top. 15. Working at horse power. To Endeavor at night. 16 Working at horse power. Up to Galt this aft. To Young Peoples convention in Methodist church 17 To Thos. Moffatt putting hoops on silos. To Galt at night. 18 To Hammills making a corn cutter. Cutting corn this aft. 19 To Galt this forenoon with Truman. Reading this aft. 20 varley + I to Galt church this morning. To Rockton this aft. To Galt at night. 21 To Sam Hammills cutting corn. Aulden and I to Galt League at night. 22 To Henry's this forenoon to Sam Hammills cutting corn this aft. James Keachie, Aulden + I up to Mr Harvie's at night. 23. Cutting corn. Over to St. George playing football this aft. 24 To Galt with Aulden. Cutting corn this aft. 25 Home all day with a sore foot. Reading to-day. 26. Home, reading, Stephen Burley and wife came down this aft. Thos. Pearson came to night. 27. To Methodist Church in the morning To Brethern Church at night. Mr Karstedt farewell. 28 Visiting Thos Pearson. Down to Mr {29 is written next to this line with an arrow pointed up next to it}Karstdls farewell at night. {another small arrow pointed up wards, this is probably the start of 29} Took Mrs Jamieson and Thos Peerson to the station. Helping Aulden cut corn. Rained in aft. 30 Over to Henry's fixing my bicycle. Oct 1 Helping Aulden cut corn all day. To Galt opere at night. 2 Helping cut corn all day and drawing some in. 3. Out to Branchton all day with Jirden helping at Mr Chapmans house. 4. Varley + I to Galt Church both morning and night. 5 Helping Aulden drawing corn all day. To Branchton at night to an "At Home " entertainment 6. Thrashing at Kurks all day for Aulden. 7 To Galt with Mr S. Hammill. To Troy and Rockton with children. 8 Fixing my bicycle. 9 Out to Mr Chapmans in Branchton. Digging Mr. Stewarts potatoes this aft. 10 Digging our own potatoes this aft. forenoon. Went to Galt with Aulden Hammill this aft. 11 Varley + I went to Guelph this morning came back to Galt stopped at Chris Pullin's for tea. To Methodist church at night. 12 Gathering some hickory nuts this forenoon shelling them this afternoon. 13 To Branchton. Not much of anything this aft. 14 To Rockton Show all day. 15 Started for conference, got as far as Misses Jamiesen stayed all night. 16 Went with Tommy Pearson after some barrels. 17 Started for conference this forenoon. To conference this aft. stayed at Mr Knoxals all night. 18 To conference this morning. Went with Norman Sherrick for dinner. WEnt to Crystal beach this aft. To Church at night. Stayed t at David Shericks all night. 19 Thos Pearson and I started for Misses Jamieson this forenoon. I went out hunting got one grey squirrel. To party at night. 20 Helping Tommy pick apples to day. Tommy and I went to Meriton with load of spokes (?) 22 Came home to day. Got dinner at Stoney Creek got home half past four. 23 Helping Jirden with his house all day. 24 To Galt this forenoon Down to Smith Willards looking at some turnips. 25 To Methodist Church. Went to Galt at night. 26 In factory all day. To Galt at night. 27 Truman + I pulling turnips all day for Smith Willard 28 Helping Aaron Main pack apples all day 29. Truman + I finished ulling turnips to day. 30 Not much of anything 31. Over to Henry's this forenoon. Over to Bill Cronin's pulling turnips this aft. Nov 1 To Hespeler church this forenoon. To Methodist Church in Sheffield at night. 2 Over to Henry's working at horse power. Drove up to Sam's Hammills after a board. 3 Helping Mr Shipman fix a culvert up on the seventh concession. Down helping Jirden with his house. To Endeavor at night. 4 Helping Jirden at his house. 5 Over to Henry's this forenoon. Down helping Jirden at his house. 6 Helping Jirden all day. 7 To Galt. 8 Methodist church in the morning. Up to Hammills in the aft. To Brethern church at night. 9 Over to Henry's working at horse power. 10 Down to Jirden's helping him with his house. To Endeavor at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1896</h3> Nov 11 Over to Henry's working at horse power. To pie social in Brethern Church. 12. Over to Henry's working on cutter box. To Methodist League at night. 13 To Henry's working at cutter box. 14. To Galt. 15 To Brethern Church in morning To Rockton in aft. to Galt at night 16 Working at Cutter box today 17. Down to Jirden's making table for Mr. Grant. To Mr Culps bee this aft. 18 To Henry's all day. 19 Down to Jirden's this forenoon over to Henry's this aft. 20 Over to Henry all day 21 To Henry's all day. 22 To Church in morning and at night. 23. To Henry's in morning. Went up to Hammills the rest of the day. 24 To hammills all day To Endeavor at night. 25. Reading this forenoon up to Hammills in the aft. 26. To Henry's in forenoon To Malcoms Sale in aft Aulden Hammills and I to Hespeler at night. 27 To Henry's working at cutter To Robert Hatricks this aft. 28 To Mr Hatricks all day working at hen roost. 29 To Brethern church in morning to Methodist church at night. 30 To Mr Hatricks all day working at hen roost. Dec. 1 To Mr Hatricks all day To Endeavor at night. 2 Andy Pullin + I to Tuttons at night. 3 Turning a potato masher for Etherlinda Main. Andy + I to Galt. To League at night. 4. Over to Henry's working at Cutter all day. 5 To Galt. Over to Henry's working at cutter this afternoon. 6 To Brethern Church in morning To Methodist church at night. 7 Down to Mr Hatricks finishing hen roost. To Henry's fixing buggy wheel this aft. Aulden Hammill and I to Galt at night. 8 Set the tire on buggy wheel and put tire bolts in it. To Endeavor at night. 9 Started to make a cutter to day for Joe Plastow. 10 Tob + I to Hamilton. To Methodist league at night. 11 Working at cutter all day. Up to Hammills at night. 12 Working at cutter box this forenoon. Making a crockinole board for Aulden Hammill. 13 To Methodist Church morning and night. 14. Working at cutter to-day 15 Working at cutter all day. To Endeavor at night 16 Working at cutter all day. Aulden Hammill + I to Rockton at night. 17 Putting irons on cutter to-day. 18 Same. 19 Working at cutter. Making Shafts this aft. 20 To Church morning and night. 21. Over to Henry's. Went to Dundas this aft. Jennie Sherrick came to day. 22 Back to swamp for cedars this forenoon fixing the arch this aft. and night. 23. Went to Galt for Mr Cowling this forenoon. Stood up for Oscar and Rosa's wedding with Jennie Sherrick. 24 Not much. Taking down the arch in the church. 25. Down to Mr Aaron Main's with Oscar Roas + Jennie Sherrick. 26 Rosa, Oscar, Jennie Sherrick and I to Galt to-day. 27 To Brethern Church in the morning to Methodist Church at night. 28 Made a back for my cutter. 29 Took Jennie Sherrick to Harrisburg station this afternoon. Went to Brantford. 30 Over to Henry's all day putting some irons on cutter and started to make a pair of shafts. 31. Out to Branchton station for Thos. Pearson this aft. forenoon To galt this aft. </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5138bbed3314e7635163f4e2778509cf.pdf 45d4347c20c7f67b4a7be4ba232815c0 PDF Text Text 1 1890 January the 1st 1890 Jesus with me I started this New year out. To Desdemona's all day January the 2nd not much of anything this forenoon and to Galt for Lang this afternoon January the 3rd drawing straw for Lang from Mr. McQueen's all day. filled 2 ticks last night. 4 fixing my Sunday shoes this forenoon not much of anything this afternoon. 5 to Sunday school in the morning to Methodist Church at night. the 6th fixing a little wagon for Clevie. Jirden and I to Galt got a Bible for myself. January the seventh out to Desdemona's all day making sausage. Truman and I organized a Christian endeavour society. 8th started to school today my first day to school January the ninth to school all day, today snowing at night. 10th to school all day the 11th making a little wagon for Etta made a lid for a pot took Dexter over to Henry's. the 12th to Sunday school in the morning to church at night to the brethren. 13th to school today snowing some this afternoon. special meetings started. a little under the weather laying around all day the 15th not much of anything today just lying around. 16th not much of anything today but put a strap on my rubber 17th fixed my overshoe this mark this forenoon. Sam, Albert Truman Pa and uncle Johnson over to Henry's he had a little wood bee I was over too the 18th to Galt this forenoon traded chickens with Charles Lang 19th to quarterly meeting this morning to the United brethren Church at night. The 20th to school all day today to church at night 21 to school to last recess came home fixing my hen roost to Church at night 22nd to school all day today, to church at night 23rd to school all day today to church at night 24th to school til first recess to church til noon to school in the afternoon and to Church at night January 25th to Galt this alone this forenoon Mott chores doing Mott's chores because he is sick January 26th to Sunday school in the morning to the United Brethren Church at night 27 to school all day today to church at night January 28th to school all day today to church tonight 29 to school all day today no church at night January the 30th to school all day today 31 to school this forenoon and down to Lang's this afternoon help unloading cheese the Methodist League at night. �2 February 1st Saturday Truman and I shooting this forenoon splitting wood down to Mott's this afternoon. February the 2nd to Sunday school and church this morning to Methodist Church in night February the 3rd to school all day today skating at night with some others the fourth to school all day to first Christian endeavour society the 5th to school this forenoon took a load of cheese to Branchton. The 6th to school all day the seventh to school all day today. The 8th fixing a wheel in my rat cage shooting some this afternoon February the ninth Sunday to Sunday School in the morning to the Brethren Church at night. 10th went down to Bonds in the middle of the forenoon there the rest of the day. The 11th drawing wood to Galt for bonds all day 12th to a load of wood to Galt for Bond this forenoon fetched a load of lumber for uncle Charles February the 13th to school all day, to church at night 14th home this forenoon to school this afternoon fifteenth to Galt this ffor morn for bonds went down to Aaron Main's tonight after Jirden The 16th to Sunday school and church in the morning to the Methodist Church at night 17th to school all day today started to get up an entertainment 18th to school all day today to the Christian endeavour tonight the 19th to school all day 20th to school all day today 21 no school today out to Branchton to prayer-meeting at night 22nd helping Mr. Cochrane get ready for moving, all day 23rd to Sunday school in the morning to the brethren Church at night 24th to school today wrote a letter to Jacob Burley 25th to school today to Christian endeavour at night white rat had six young ones 26 to school did all day did got a letter from Jacob Burley 27th to school all day today to the Methodist to prayer-meeting at night 28 to school all day today bought a pair of Sunday shoes March the 1st back to Tom Wedge's and James Montgomery this forenoon not much of anything this afternoon. �3 March the 2nd to Sunday School and Church in the morning to the Methodist at night 3 to school today practicing for the entertainment. 4 to school all day today to the Christian endeavour at night getting ready for the entertainment March the 5th to school all day practicing the dialogues after 4 March 6th to school today practicing dialogues after four. 7th to school all day our entertainment tonight the House was full I was in 2 dialogues "story telling" and "how she made him propose" a recitation "the old man in the Palace car" made $17.10 March the 8th helped straightening up the school house til 10 went back to the swamp to help Albert the rest of the day March 9th to Sunday school in the morning to United brethren Church at night. 10th back to the swamp this forenoon to Uncle Davey's bee this afternoon. March 11th in this forenoon rating back to the swamp fetched a load of home Albert did Joseph Henry Culham's here tonight. 12th fixing my rat cage some putting a man on top traded my Endfield gun to Thomas Wedge for an oil cloth coat got 50¢ to boot March the 13th went over through the woods with the gun to prayer reading at night March the 14th fixing some at my rat cage. 15th went up to the credit valley station to meet Mott started to make a gunstock March the 16th to Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night March 17th working at my gunstock finished it and painted it 18th to Hamilton all day with Truman drove Laing's team got a suit of clothes March the 19th went out to Branchton this afternoon stayed all night March 20th come home from Branchton this morning got a poultry catalogue 21 making a reel to put a cord on to sail a kite this forenoon to Mr. Humphrey's cleaned up a load of oats and pitched on a load of hay March 22nd went back to Tom Wedge's over the woods this afternoon Mr. Richter gave us his woods to tap for nothing I ask him March 23rd to Sunday school in the morning and brethren Church at night 24 packing up crocks this forenoon tap this afternoon about 40 trees 25th boiled all day alone sap running good all day and all night boiled all night stayed alone until 8:00 father came over and stayed until half past 10 Truman came over father went home Truman and I stayed all night and all next day boiled all day 26th Truman and I got home at 8 o'clock and had a little over three gals March 27th made a kite this forenoon over to the woods this afternoon Truman and I boiling stayed til 3:00 in the morning snowing and blowing most careful come home at 3 in the morning 28 snowing and blowing all day started to make a pair of water proof stockings I drug some boards for a shanty in the sugar bush 29 went over and made a shanty in the woods Truman and I 30 reorganized the Sunday school to the UB Church in the morning and the Methodist Church at night 31 Truman and I boiling all day over to the woods at last the last day Truman helped me boiling alone. �4 April 1st boiling alone this afternoon father came over this afternoon home at 5. 2 helping Henry cut straw til 4 gathered the sap tonight did not boil today 3 father and I boiled all-day 4 went over to the woods in the middle of forenoon Albert and I boiled til near night the fifth went down to Davie Smith's for Elmira's hymn book went over to the woods and gathered the sap fixed a different arch 6 no Sunday school this morning to the Methodist Church to the brethren church at night April 7th started to boil at 10:00 boiled all alone today got an 8 qt. pail near full. home about half past five. sap near stopped. eight went over to Ricker's helped split wood about 10:00. for the use of his wood to the Christian endeavour 9 split wood til 4 got through went to Branchton after Jirden. through to Mr. Rickers helped one-and-a-half days 10 not much of anything all day. went over to the woods gathered the sap 11 went over to the woods and boiled. boiled home at noon. taffy off this afternoon 12th Jirden and I went after barks for to boil. went over and gathered the sap 13th to Sunday School in the morning to the Methodist Church at night 14th boiled this forenoon gathered the crocks into the shanty this afternoon the sap getting raspy 15 fetched the crocks home this forenoon went back to the swamp. Albert fetched out a load of wood to Bonds. broke the tongue 16th helped Bonds cleanup some barley for Henry's seed in the morning. to Cooley's sale this afternoon 17 went fishing down the creek snared six nice ones home after dinner nothing the rest of the day went to Tom McB???igns drawing the disc harrow all-day stayed there all night 19 picking stones a while this morning driving the dish harrow until noon rolling this afternoon home tonight 20th to Sunday school in the morning and Church the United Brethren Church at night 21 laying around at Henry's this forenoon ploughing for him this afternoon 22 ploughing all-day Sage Johnson and I with two teams 23rd ploughed three rounds then sowed barley til noon with the drill ploughed this afternoon 24 ploughed til four-o'clock sowed with the drill until night 25 finished sowing and dragged some til noon dragged til 4 this afternoon ploughed until night 26 ploughed all day till four o'clock rain came rained came home then 27 to Sunday School and Church in the morning to the church at night 28 Henry and I took his sow to Sweets ploughing the rest of the day 29 ploughing til 8 rain stopped for a while finished near night dragged til night the 30th dragging til near night came home and took Desdemona home. Henry's mare had a colt last night. �5 May the 1st moving two stone piles filling up the well picking stones the rest of the day Sage Johnson and I. May the second drawing rails from Studiman's Sage Johnson and I for Henry the third drawed one load of rails and one of stones to put under fence Sage and I building fence May the fourth to Sunday school in the morning to the United brethren church at night the fifth to Albert Bonds drawed some manure ploughed his lot May the 6th helping Henry move out to the shop fetched one load out in the forenoon and one in the afternoon building fence all rest of the time May the 7th Elmira and I to Galt this forenoon over to Henry's this afternoon drawed a load of dirt moved some of his apple trees. May the eighth to Henry's today with Albert Bond bought me a double barrelled gun Friday the 9th took Jirden's horse went over to Henry's got his wagon and drawing manure on Cocker's place for potatoes May the 10th over to the wagon shop took the wagon home and Dexter 11 Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night 12 George Steel and I went shooting and fishing down the creek home near night 13 around the shop til near night helped Albert Bond put on a load of wood 14 to Galt for bonds this forenoon with wood fishing this afternoon with George Steel 15 out to Destes this forenoon ploughing for ourselves down on Cochran's place 16 Rosa and I down planting potatoes for a while down to the creek fishing and shooting shot a something and had on my water proof stockings 17th down to the wagon shop mother and I made a gun bag 18 to Sunday School in the morning and Church to the Methodist at night Orery preached 19th down to Albert Bonds digging out an apple tree this forenoon to Galt this afternoon. 20th not much of anything cleaned out my revolver getting ready for off. 21st got on the train for Thedford got there at 2:00 stayed all all night at Uncle John's 22 Wib and I went for a walk up the rail road track come to Fort Franks with the mail 23rd fishing to the lake all day did not catch very many 24th fishing until 4:00 to the lake fishing with hook and line along the River 25th Jacob and I took a walk to the big sand hill went over to Mr. Stubb's in the afternoon May 26th fishing all day to the lake with the same-a lot of people over to the beach May 27 not fishing today shot a wild duck and caught a big black bass shooting the rest of the day. 28 th fishing all day over to the lake with this thing May 29 fishing all day over to the lake with the seine shot a wild duck tonight the 30th fishing all day hauled three times today caught quite a lot of fish May the 31st fishing today to the lake made two hauls. �6 June 1st took a walk over to the beach David here went up the river with a piece with David June second-made one haul this fishing and hunting this afternoon June the 3rd fishing all day to the lake, caught a lot of herring got two golden slumbers June 4th cleaning fish and salting them Will Stubbs and I trolling the River the fifth made one haul planted two rows of corn hauled again sixth cleaning fish for a while come back cleaned and salted some more at night 7 to rough the fish went with uncle for the roses took my gun came back cleaned it up put up the duck tent The 8th over to Mr. Stubbs for dinner to the free Methodist Church in the afternoon back for night June the 9th fishing today to the lake made three hauls caught a lot of pickerel 10 planting corn and beans this forenoon made one half caught near nothing June 11 helped get two colts across the river this forenoon went with uncle down the river and back through the woods 12 1/2 this forenoon two til night 1 after dark home at 12 June the 13 made one haul cleaned the fish made another half cleaned all the fish 14 washed and salted some fish started to make a haul too rough the Boat swamped reeled up went up the beach miles for another boat walked half up all the way back 15 Aunt Jackie Miss Brown Miss Hazelwood and I went to Stoney Point took our dinner home at night 16th made one half Bill got sick packed half barrel of fish for me and packed up my clothes 17 I walked out to Thedford carried my gun got my dinner at Aunt Sally's went to Point Edward stayed to Stephen Burley's all night June the 18th looking around Port Edwards went to Sarnia, Port Huron and Fort granted and then back to Nelson Burley's all night 19 started for home this morning came to Branchton walked home tonight 20th took a walk over to Henry's got home to Jirden's horse went to Branchton after Mother and up to port league 21st fixing a screen on the front Albert and I fishing to the millpond June the 22nd to Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night Dougall's farewell June 23rd on the road working for Tom Cornell spreading gravel uncle Charles and I down by the elm trees 24 working on the roads spreading gravel got through June 25th over to Henry's sowing turnips and hoeing mangles this afternoon 26 over to Henry's this forenoon Hoeing mangles not much of anything this afternoon 27 hoeing thistles out of our potatoes on Cochran's farm fishing Clevey's father and I down to the millpond 28 made a frame for our window screen down to the mill pond for a swim 29 to Sunday school in the morning to the United brethren church at night the 30th to Albert Bonds in the forenoon hoeing potatoes and white washing hen roost to Peter Humphrey's hoeing potatoes. �7 July the first to Albert Bonds 3 quarters of a day shingling for a swim tonight July the 2nd to Peter Humphrey's hoeing potatoes all day to Clyde at night Varley Bond and I. July the third hoeing potatoes all day for Peter Humphrey. July the fourth hoeing potatoes got through Paris raining this afternoon. July the 5th scuffling potatoes til noon Paris grading a while scuffling the rest of the day the sixth to quarterly meeting in the morning to Sunday school convention in the afternoon to church tonight to the Methodist Church the seventh scuffling potatoes in the forenoon ploughing summer fallow this afternoon the 8th ploughing all day in the summer fallow. 9 ploughing this forenoon horse raking and cocking up fetched in one load the 10th ploughing this forenoon picking up hay this afternoon drawed in four loads 11 ploughing this forenoon brought in three loads, horse raking after supper the 12th pitching on all day drawed in seven loads 13th to the Sunday School in the morning to brethren Church at night 14 ploughing all day finished the summer fallow 15th cutting hay by hand around the fence horse raking a while drawing in some slept in the wagon shop 16 drawing all day today Simon and I slept in the wagon shop 17th drawing in this forenoon rain not much of anything mowing with the scythe and shook out some hay drawing in this afternoon drawing in this forenoon horse raking and drawing in 20th to Clyde Rosa and I to church to the Methodist Church at night 21 drawed in three loads Simon and I cutting around fence corners this afternoon 22nd horse raking and cocking up took in 1 load Walt Smith's helping drawed in three loads horse raking 23rd Walter Smith and drawing in all day loading and pitching off all day. 24 helped spooling some warm. rain some to Mr. Humphrey's drawing in this afternoon back to the cedar swamp picking up berries til 3:00. George Steele I and I over to the woods with their guns the 26 went down to Bonds at 9:00 shocking up all day 27 to Sunday school in the morning and Methodist Church and the brethren Church at night 28 back to the cedar swamp picking berries home at 3:00 29 to Albert Bond's shingling all day his hen roost 30th to Bonds til noon drawing in barley rained not much of anything 31 went to Bonds about nine o'clock there the rest of the day drawing in wheat. �8 August 1st over to Henry's drawing in all-day got in his barley, the second back to the swamp picking berries home at noon brought in some hay August the 3 rd to Sunday School and Church in the morning to the Methodist church at night August the 4th over to Henry's this forenoon drawing in wheat rain not much of anything August the 5th not much of anything went to Bond's ploughing this afternoon. August the 6th to bonds all day ploughing August the 7th to Bonds ploughing all day got through. 8 over to Henry's all day drawing in wheat 9 shocking up wheat this afternoon pitched on two loads of hay took one to Mr. Moore's. 10 to Sunday School to the brethren church at night 11th made a box for my rats to Mr. Humphrey's this afternoon drawing in wheat. August the 12th to Mr. Humphrey's all day horse raking drawed in two loads drawing in all afternoon the 13th thrashing to Mr. Humphrey's this forenoon out to Branchton on a bicycle 14 not much of anything put on some braid on my collar. 15 George Steele and I shooting all-day shot a rabbit 16 to Galt with Frank Bond got home at four o'clock 17 to Sunday school in the morning and Church to the Methodist Church at night August 18th pitched a load of hay bound around a wheat field threshing to Uncle Dave's for Mr. Humphrey 19 to Uncle Dave's this forenoon thrashing to Will Coverdale's this afternoon thrashing for Mr. Humphrey 20th pitched on a load of hay shocking up til six pitched on another load 21 cleaning up wheat this forenoon rain wrote a letter to Lizzie Burley 22 down on the summer fallow dragging all-day 23rd to Smith Willard's George Tilney away cultivating til 3:00 rolling til night 24 to Sunday School to the brethren church at night. 25th down to David Smith drawed in three loads of oats and eight loads of peas pitched on a load of hay ploughing the rest of the day 26 pitching on a load of hay ploughing the rest of the day. 27 pitched on a load of hay over to Mr. Hattrick's thrashing drawing in oats this afternoon 28 pitched on a load of hay ploughing the rest of the day. 29 thrashing to Jack Gerard's this forenoon drawing in oats this afternoon. August the 30th sorry Witherspoon and I down to his place all-day. �9 September the 1st ploughing all day pitched on a load of hay 2 dragging til fouro'clock rolling the rest of the day. three finished rolling dragging until near night pitched on a load of hay 4 rolling til eleven dragging til near night pitched on a load of hay 5 digging and pitching up potatoes digging and picking up potatoes down to the summer fallow finished dragging pitching on a load of hay September the 6th to Albert Bonds painting fence all day. September the seventh to Sunday school in Methodist Church in the morning the brethren church at night September 8 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day. 9 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day to endeavour at night 10th to Mr. Lang's helping digging the well 11 rain today painted over my gunstock fixed my shot bag and fixed my shoe. 12th helping Walter Smith take down an old House. to Peter Humphrey's clean up wheat. 13 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day 14 to Sunday school and Brethren Church in the morning to church at night. 15 to Albert Bonds painting fence all day 16 to Albert bonds painting fence this forenoon. Rain. made a nail saw and flag-pole. 17 to Albert Bonds painting finished and fixed his pump. 18 down helping Walter Smith raise the house. 19 down to Walter Smith shingling til the middle of the afternoon come home fixed picnic wagons 20th to the picnic to the lake all-day hired a boat had Maggie Milroy for a girl she came home with me at night 21st to Sunday school in Methodist Church in the morning to church at night 22 down to Walter Smith's finished shingling putting on siding 23 over to Henry's for a walk took Elmira down to Rockton up to endeavour took Maggie Milroy home. 24 down to Hamilton show took Maggie Milroy down Albert and Aggie down to get our pictures taken had a good time was my birthday. 25 down to Smith Willard's drawing out manure this forenoon setting up buckwheat 26 drawing out manure all day came home with Maggie Milroy. 27drawing out the manure all day got it all out 28 to Sunday school to the Methodist Church at night come home with Maggie Milroy. 29 started to dig potatoes digging and picking up all day. 30 digging and picking up all day to endeavour at night with Ethers after come home with Maggie Milroy �10 October the first digging potatoes and picking up all day the second digging and picking up potatoes all day the third rain today not much of anything digging some potatoes to home 4 ploughing this forenoon digging and picking potatoes this afternoon October 5 to Sunday school in the morning and Church at night the 6th threshing this forenoon cutting bands. Rain. went down to Walter Smith's lathing this afternoon the seventh thrashing all-day cutting bands got through 8 tinkering around a little at home 9 started to make a box for show for chickens to Uncle Davie's threshing this afternoon 10 to Joseph Ricker's thrashing all-day October the 11th went to Galt with Frank Bond walked home fixing up show box for chickens this afternoon October 12th to quarterly meeting to the Methodist Church at night 13th fixing my rat cage went to George Ricker's to thrash for Henry October the 14th to Rockton Show all-day got one first prize on blacks Spanish 15 Albert and I to Galt got some presents for Elmira fixing tables for the wedding Elmira and Walter Smith got married about half past six had a good time I gave her a hanging lamp October the 13th, back to Freelton Show all-day had Len Smith lack rain in the afternoon had a good time 17th took Albert up near Branchton for work. washed Jirden's buggy took Henry home this afternoon put tin on the eaves-trough 18 to Galt this forenoon come home with John Ricker went out this afternoon with mother and Rosa 19 no Sunday school it rained to church in the afternoon no church at night 20 down to Walter Smith's mixing mortar and plastering all day 21 down to Walter Smith plastering got 1st coat on and part of next. to endeavour at night 22 to Bonds pulling mangles this forenoon drawing in this afternoon 23 finished drawing in mangles ploughing til noon. Rained. packing apples this afternoon 24 went to Rockton a horse back fixed my shoes put on a piece of bottom in the buggy down to W Smith for a ride 25 went to Bond's wagon in the morning down ploughing the rest of the day 26 to Sunday school was secretary. to church in the afternoon to the Methodist Church at night 27 not much of anything all day down to Walter Smith to see the plaster October 28th down to Bonds ploughing all day to endeavour at night 29 to Bonds husking corn this forenoon ploughing this afternoon October the 30th to Galt with Walter Smith after the stove went around by Branchton 31 down to Walter Smith's cleaning the House all-day �11 November the 1st thrashing for Walter Smith down to Mr. Sweet 2 to Sunday school in the morning to the brethren church at night 3 making moldings of made a picture frame wrote a letter to Lizzie Burley November 4 thrashing over to Henry's all day cutting bands to endeavour at night 5 threshing to Henry's a little while this morning Truman and I went to Galt got our pictures taken got beagle and mine taken. sixth shooting all day shot one pheasant the first one shot. seven down to Walter Smith's painting the house all day November the 8th to Galt show the middle of the afternoon bought and some tools for to go to the shop went down and finished painting 9 in all-day til night went to the Methodist Church November the 10th fixed a damper and a wood grate not much of anything this afternoon 11th went over to Henry's for the workbench put it up this forenoon working in the shop this afternoon boring out sleigh runners and mounting them 12th putting sleigh knees and benches together cutting tenons and knees slipping out raver by the band saw November the 13th plating raves this forenoon-to Mr. Humphrey's sale this afternoon 14 finished planing the raves fitting on the two raves 15th made a machine drawer plastering under the wood shed November the 16th to Sunday School in the morning was secretary the last Sunday of school to Methodist Church at night November the 17th making molding for picture frames made two picture frames 18 down to Witherspoon's sale Truman and I all-day 19 planing and marking out stakes shaving off the ends of pollsters 20th painting some spokes in the wheels planing and ripping out circle boards put a crosspiece in the back saw 21 ripping with the band saw this forenoon turning chisel handles 22 painted a sleigh and tongue this forenoon ripped out two reaches by hand and planed them 23 to the brethren church in the morning to the Methodist church at night. 24 planed a tongue this fornoon painted a tongue and two reaches 25 back to a sale near Clyde but did not buy anything to endeavour at night 26 pouring and chiseling out benches this forenoon to Galt for Walter some lathe home marley pouring benches and chiseling them 27 putting knees and benches together made a whippletree this afternoon 28 boring out and chiseling sleigh runners went down to Mott's but did not stay long boring and chiseling raves 29 made a hog trough this forenoon and painted one front bob sleigh 30th in all-day til night went to brethren church �12 December the first started to school today my first day to second to school all day today led the prayer meeting at night 3 to school today, then down after the cutter at night 4 to school all day practicing dialogues for the entertainment to the Methodist Church prayer meeting December 5th to Galt home about 2:00 went over in the bush to hunt but did not get anything got our pictures taken to Galt December the sixth fixing my little gun this forenoon hunting all afternoon December 7th to quarterly meeting in the morning to the Methodist Church at night December 8th to school all day making a turn lathe nights and mornings 9 to school all day to endeavour at night 10 to school all day fixing my turn lathe at night December the 11th took MacPherson's horse Varley and I went back to the swamp got a Christmas tree to school after in the afternoon December the 12th to school all-day examinations this afternoon to it up to league 13 fixing at my turn lathe all day 14 to Methodist Church in the morning to the brethren at night 15 to school all day today 16 out to Branchton this forenoon went out with Wat Smith gave me bills out for our entertainment. met entertainment Albert and I went out for a little hunt. to endeavour at night December 17th to school all day today practicing dialogues for the entertainment 18 Sally Dean Moore Olive Humphrey and Rosa and I to Galt to get the teacher a present got a rocking chair and album not much of anything this afternoon practicing dialogues at night December the 19th to Galt all of us to get our group taken to school tying on prizes and other stuff practicing dialogues entertainment tonight and Christian Christmas tree up on the platform all the time made $18.90 December the 20th helped cleaning out the school house after the entertainment fixing a little on my turn lathe 21st to the brethren church in the morning to the Methodist Church at night 22 out to Branchton bought a colt for $25 brought Mr. McPherson's cow down to take it to Stoney Creek 23rd took Mr. McPherson's cow to Stoney Creek started at 6:00 got to Hamilton at quarter to one got my dinner, got my picture taken left in two hours got to Stoney Creek about 5:00 got our supper at his wife's mother's and stayed all night. walked all the way 24 started from Stoney Creek at half past ten got our dinner at Bullock's Corners got home about 4 o'clock 25 Christmas today John and Desty and family Henry and Henry out too had turkey and pudding 26th Albert and I to the swamp to see if we could get it up to Hugh Mulholland to see his stock. to Henry Bonds to get a job cutting wood 27 cutting wood this forenoon. Pa Albert and I home this afternoon fixing at my turn lathe this afternoon 28 in all-day reading a little. to the brethren church at night. 29 went up to Henry's Bonds to cut wood up all day. 30 cutting wood all-day to endeavour at night 31st raining a little and foggy. frost all over the trees fixing at my turn lathe a little this forenoon cutting wood this afternoon. signed S. Sylvester Main Sheffield Ontario 1890 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1890 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/77085690c84338f6f75e2b31ff5cf2a5.pdf 23c2ca8cc49d008e05cdde6323da87e2 https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2474b2ea7afa1016f025e595282cfe6c.pdf e75dac2e165b739da76b8791ba812d34 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Jacqui McIsaac Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1889-1922 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th century, Wentworth County, Beverly Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1889 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary & Transcription, 1893-1896 Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary, 1890-1922 Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1891 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Stephen "Sylvester" Main Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Photocopy of Manuscript UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday the 1st January 1891 not much of anything for a while in the morning fixing at my turn lathe a little the rest of the day took dinner at home on New Year's took a colt over to Mr. Humphrey's barn the second off to the woods all day cutting wood warm in the morning but cold at night cut five cords of wood near through Desdemona Clevie and Etta and the baby out cutting wood all day today got near through cut five cord cold today below zero in the morning late when we got home Sunday the fourth to brethren Church in the morning took a walk over to Henry's in the afternoon to the Methodist Church at night Monday the 5th went out and finished cutting the rest of the wood this forenoon fixing up my colt stable over to Humphrey's barn the most of the afternoon not much of anything for a while in the morning fixing a little at my turn lathe this afternoon got a bag of oats for my colt to endeavour at night Wednesday the seven started school this morning first morning of the new teacher for me to school all day down to Frank solid tonight started to feed oats and bran to my colt tonight Thursday 8 to school all day today Desdemona, Stewart Mary and Melinda Scott and their cousin from Toronto down came near noon had a big time was down to the wagon shop Friday the 9th to school this forenoon home this afternoon trying to finish my turn lathe fetched it home put it in the back kitchen all done but the belt Saturday the 10th went over to Henry's after a belt for my turn lathe put the belt on click to at least fixing it a while this afternoon went skating this afternoon some girls out skating at night in all-day Sunday the 11th in all-day only do my chores of father and mother out to John's I went to church tonight snowing all day snowed enough for sleighing Monday the 12th turning all forenoon made to drawing knife handles fixing a little round the turn lay made my colt's manger higher and hung a door Tuesday the 13th went back with father to help dig a grave for Hayward Cornell's child turned a top for fence post went up with Henry to the other Church to rub off the frosting Wednesday the 14th turning a wrench handle help turning a rolling pin turned a top for fence done my chores for the night Thursday the 15th back to woods all day drawing out limbs got them all out fetched some cord wood home up to Uncle John's for a while tonight Friday the 16th tinkering around home trying to put a tread on my turn lay fixing some at my turn lay not much of anything all day Saturday the 17th fixing a tread on my turn lathe did not work very well got it on this forenoon took a walk hunting went down to Wat's and stayed there for supper Sunday the 18th to church in morning to the brethren to the Methodist Church at night Monday the 19th fixing a tread on my turn lathe did not work X-ray turning out a rolling pin but did not get it finished Tuesday the 20th not much of anything for a while in the morning made a wheel for a jigsaw on my turn lathe made two boxes for at and an iron for to go through put it on Wednesday the 21st went toGalt with John Keatchie Junior in the morning walked home at noon and up to Mr. Kinsey's Reanzie Sager's bee all afternoon Wednesday the 22nd working at a jig saw to put on my turn lathe all-day got a little done to the Methodist prayer meeting at night Friday the 23rd working at my jigsaw most of the all-day got it near done to the league at night down to Sheffield after the league Saturday the 24th took a load of wood to Galt for Bonds to Cranston's this forenoon took another load this afternoon down to Sheffield a while Sunday the 25th to the Methodist Church in the morning quarterly meeting to brethren church at night -Monday 26 not much of anything filing at a piece of iron for my jigsaw this forenoon not much of anything this forenoon Tuesday 27th filing at two pieces of iron for my jigsaw working at it a little all day to endeavour at night Wednesday 28 in bed all day today sick with a cold headache Thursday 29 in and out of bed a little of a little better in the bed the most Friday in the 30th sitting up a little all-day some better in the House all-day Saturday the 31st up all day sorting some of my papers and reading a little Sunday the first in all-day laying down some a little Elmira and Wat up at night fetched me up an apple Monday the second fixing a little at my saw but not much this forenoon not much of anything this afternoon Tuesday the third fixing a little at my saw and sitting around the house to endeavour at night Wednesday the fourth doing my chores and not much else turning for Henry a while in the afternoon Thursday the fifth not much of anything doing my chores fixing a little at my saw but it does not work well Friday the sixth took the saw off the turn lathe and straightening up the back of kitchen cleaned out my rat cages Saturday the seventh to Galt Truman and I left my watch in Galt this forenoon home this afternoon stormy this afternoon Sunday to the Methodist Church in the morning Bennett preached to the brethren church at night Monday the 9th turning a mallett this forenoon out to Branchton and to George Ricker's and leopards and then home Tuesday the 10th Truman and I to Galt this forenoon got my watch wrote a letter to Jacob Burley Wednesday the 11th down to Joseph Ricker's to see his stock Wat and Elmira up turning a rolling pin and stool Thursday the 12th not much of anything in the forenoon Albert and I up to Shearer's cutting wood in the afternoon Friday the 13th up to Shearer's cutting wood this forenoon turning a handle for John Steele up to Shearer's cutting wood in the forenoon Truman and I to Galt this afternoon Sunday the 15th to brethren Church in the morning Jirden and I to Galt to Knox Church drove his horse Monday the 16th not much of anything in the forenoon Albert and I setting traps down at the creek and around in the woods Tuesday the 17th over to see our traps turned two steel arms helping George Steele make a thumbscrew for my turn lathe over to Knox place digging out skunks Jirden Albert and I got three home at noon not much of anything Thursday the 19th Jirden and Albert and I went over to Green's dug out three skunks Jirden and I over this afternoon got two ground hogs Friday 20 over to see my traps put a patch on my boot and over to the stone quarry dug out two skunks Jirden Albert and I Saturday the 21st hunting this forenoon trying to track coons up to John Gerard's to get skunks got a rabbit had it for supper Sunday the 22nd to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethren church at night Wat and Almira up Monday the 23rd up to Shearer's cutting woodAlbert Pa and I all-day Tuesday 24th up to Shearer's cutting wood this forenoon fixing some of my books raining all afternoon Wednesday the 25th hired to Henry to work in the shop at $3.75 a month for a year Albert Jirden and I out hunting dug a rabbit out in the threshers Thursday 26 went to Galt this forenoon alone Albert Jirden and I digging out got one Friday the 27th Albert and I out hunting got one rabbit over at Frazer's turning a chisel handle this afternoon Saturday the 28 Albert Jirden and I out hunting got four rabbits all together filed Wat's saw cleaned the rabbits this afternoon Sunday the first to the brethren church in the morning quarterly meeting to the Methodist Church at night Monday the second George Steel and I hunting got nothing started to make a new kind of wind mill Thursday the 3rd working at my wind mill no good reading a little wrote a letter to Stoney Creek to Mr. GM McPherson to endeavour at night Wednesday the fourth started to work in the shop today for the first at 375 a month for a year working and working at bolster this afternoon this forenoon fixing at bandsaw sawing on a bandsaw this forenoon making some wheels and boxes for the bandsaw Friday the sixth bored a front bolster and chiseled out board out and chiseled tonguehounds planned a reach and lobster bored 4 holes through the wall Saturday the seventh working at a hind axle most of the forenoon painting most of the afternoon Sunday the eight to the Methodist Church in the morning to brethren church at night Elmira and Wat up Monday the 9th making a cross stick for the front hours painting a pair of shaves working on a front bolster getting out a Democrat box painting it and ripping painting some to Christian endeavour at night Wednesday the 11th fixing at two wheels putting them on the shaft putting plates on the end fixing them ready to turn down Thursday the 12th ripping out stakes for Democrat box turning down wheels sawing some put bottom in the Democrat for box to Galt for Henry got two hubs and spokes and got 50 spiles spikes Friday the 13th working at the Democrats box this forenoon moving band saw this afternoon Saturday the 14th sand papering Democrat box painting it planing down back on the seat not much of anything put some boxes and a little hub Sunday the 15th to brethren Church in the morning and the Methodist at night Elmira and Wat were up Truman and I hunting this forenoon I shot a rabbit working in the shop painted the gears for a Democrat fixing a sleigh runner Tuesday the 17th making sides for the Democrat seat painted sleigh runners staying in all-day not very well got the cold doing nothing laying around out and in bed Friday the 20th laying around all day doing nothing Saturday the 21st not much of anything laying around under the weather 22nd to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethren church at night Monday 23rd painting til near night driving box and in some wheels Tuesday the 24th putting sides on the Democrat seats fixing at the bandsaw </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday the 21st not much of anything Land around under the weather 22nd to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethern church at night Monday the 23rd painted on near night driving box and in some wheels tasted the 24th putting aside on the Dow has seeds fixing at the bandsaw track to Christian endeavor at night fixing of the man's of the ready to saw flares in the 26 racing up the man's of fixing a belt for not much of anything this afternoon when over helped water bill and arch of went on over to Henry's rated 27 started to sob are bought its to the shop made a room for a wheel sowing does this afternoon Saturday the 28¢ favoring as trading on Democrat the years and bought all-day Albert and I had boiling tonight in George Main's woods on shares Sunday the 20th 20 night to brethern Church in the morning for a walk over and once this afternoon ot the Methodist Church at night Monday the 30th putting cutting and painting all-day Tuesday the 31st sand favoring it an painted the tongue putting it to cede to endeavor at night Wednesday the first Henry not hunt top off Monday and would an on maternally made an box from sell not much of anything this afternoon Thursdat the second win over to Henry's in the middle of the forenoon and back at noon started to sandpaper Monday and Fort away in home Friday is Church sandpaper Democrat and painted at finished cent favoring money pulling in box in wagon wheels Mawson's Saturday the fourth sandpaper to seek and painted them made a harrow deviltry Sunday fifth to the Methodist Church in the morning to the brethern church at night Monday the sixth sign of months on a bandsaw made harrow doubletree Tuesday seventh started to make harme doubletrees painting a little Wednesday sent a print of the Democrat box meeting here on the Moultrie's the rest of the day made harrow doubletree putting til noon cent favoring and 18 until night Friday the 10th sand favorable all-day painting some seven 11th stating all-day rain today sounded tough to brethern Church in the morning turn and I down to church means to the Methodist Church at night Monday the 13th painting most of the forenoon seen this lot needs to spring bars painting some this afternoon put a spole at a piece of RAM on wheel put the shaft in a pair of shaves garnishing some to endeavor at night battles Tuesday </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1891 - Varley Bond & I want to Galt got our pics taken. 1895 Feb 27 Ella Bend & I to Galt got our pics taken. Sept 12 went to Paris & Gutheries - worked on farms. Sick Sept 26 - Oct 8 fever had Dr. Jan 19 1893 Jerden & I to John Harvies to work at Row stable 20, 21Jan. 23 to J. Harvies boarding front of cow stable. Feb 11 1893 Elle Bond & I to Galt got pics taken. 1893 Love Aug 25 to Niagara Falls met Minnie Elgelheart 1894 Albert's Wedding Jan 31 1894 Mar 21 to M Harvie's box social July 5 to Mr. C. Tutton's raising July 19 Wilbert Sweets raising Sept 6. Varley & I played mouth organ Sept 23 Annie & I drove to Colt for church. Annie stayed there Oct 5. Father & Mother went on the excursion to Uncle Dan Main's Nov 11. Went to John Harview's Mother's funeral. Nov 17 Bought s sewing machine Nov 20 Helped put Bell up in church 1895 Dedicated new church Jan 6 Mar 1. Tob main to Galt got our pics taken Apr 9 To Port Huron to learn the photograph business July 21 to Harview tonight July 24 Andy Pullin & I to Mr. Harvies Aug 3 Andy Pullin & I to Mr. Harvies Sept 6 to John Harvies </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Football boys to Galt to get pictures taken April 27 1897 Apr 28 1897 bought new bicycle at Brantford Dec 22 1897 stood up at Truman's wedding 1898 camera 9.00 Mar 27 1889 raising our barn </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sept 11 1899 to Branchton taking pic of John MacDonald's house. Sept 13 1899. Fixing a thing on my wheel {?} to carry camera Sept 15. Miss Woodstock up to Naggs Lake taking pics Sept 17 Milinda Scott Dec. 18 to school taking pics 1890 Sept 20 Maggie Melroy Sept 23 took Magg's home. Sept 24 Birthday Albert + Aggie All to Hamilton took pic Oct 15 Wedding Almira and Walter Smith Nov 5 Truman + I to Galt got our pictures taken. Got Beagle a have cathaw {?} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Jan 3 1900 Jim Keachie + I took Harvie girls to {can't make out word very well} + a party at night {?} Feb 20 down to Cornells taking pictures Feb 21-25 26 - Maggs Cairam mar 2 to Branchton to Mr Harvies mar 9 printing pics Ap 7 Walt Smith - Rafter for barn Barn raising apr 11 {this line has an arrow pointing to the line above in front of barn} Ap 13 powder + peepi{can't make out the rest of the word as the letter blur together} for mother. June 15 Geroge Rud. Barn raising. Out + Harvie's at night June 23 Took peas at factory June 29 to John Harvies {right page} Jan 1 1900 Jim Keachie + I out to Mr Harvie's at nigt Jan 3 Jim Keachie + I both Harvie gals & Glemming {?} party at night. Jan 22. lens - for pictures Jan 14 Drove Maggie Cairam to{?} church Jan 26 Maggie + I down to Truman's Febr 2 took M Cairam {the next line is preceded by an arrow pointing down} Kirkhounds {?} party at night Feb 13 Helping Jonathon {?} to gra{?} for Dean Cormade{? middle of the word is hard to make out} Feb 19 printing pics </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> July 3 - helping put up selr{?} for Smith Buchana July 19 Lue Kennel + I out to Haimes Aug 11 to Mr Sweets to take pics <h3>YARD SALE</h3> Sat July 12. 900 - 1.00 672 6697. July 13 Sheffield - Drgar Oct 16 to John Harvie making stops for lar{?} Oct 27 Uncle Henry {beneath Henry is hone} + I back to my grandfathers old place taking pictures Sun Nov 18 Melvin L Scott + Desta Stewart down all day. Dec 20. Mr Hunt + Branchton taking pictures Feb 23 to Valens getting a pic of the wood cutters Sat mar 4 Back to old mr Carters taking a picture Apr 3 Taking pics at Mr. Wedges </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1895 Oct 23 Andy + I to Harvies 1896 Feb 3. Box social at John Harvie's May 14. Father + Mother's 40th anniversary of the wedding Aug 5 to Mr Harvie 1896 Stood upfor Oscar + Roae's wedding. Jamie Sherrick (maid) Aug. 7 to Mr. Harvie's at night. Sept 17 trying my camera Oct 8 to Mr Sails Taking pics 1902 Feb 10 Party MrHarvie </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {this entry looks like a previous attempt at transcribing Sylvester's haphazardly kept diary entries and is dated} March 21 2003 1902 Mar Apr. 2 Tom Pearson's wedding at Port Robinson Apr3. Taking pics over the mountain with Jenny Pearson. 9 Serena married ts day. May 2 To Brethern personage. Tearing {?} paper & plastering. 6" " " papering all day. 7 " " " " " " 13- Started to put a gothic in the home this afternoon. 14 Working at gothic all day. 24 planted potatoes. 28 Started to paint George Whetham's houses 29, 30, 31. June 9 Painting Mr W. Ro{?} 10, 11, 12 13, 14 18 Wed. To Dave Arthur's barn raising took some pictures 26 Lue Kemiell + I on do well when Josh Sanford was in July 2 - To Angus Scott's started to work at his barn <table><tbody><tr><td>July 3</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td> $4 started shingling</td> </tr><tr><td>4</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>15 shingling</td> </tr><tr><td>5</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>16 shingling</td> </tr><tr><td>7</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>17 ""</td> </tr><tr><td>8</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> </tr><tr><td>10</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> <td>19 worked at barn all day</td> </tr><tr><td>11</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> </tr><tr><td>12</td> <td>"" "" ""</td> </tr></tbody></table>22 Working at barn all day. 23, 24, 25, 26, 28, Aug 8 help father dig grave. To Uncle Wesley's funeral. <h3>1901</h3> Jan 1 Took pies for Marth Hammond + Lena Burchwell Jan Fri 4 Uncle David Main died Feb 10 reopening Kirkwall Church Feb 26 to Branchton to Harvie's at night Mar 23 taking pies at M. Pearsons Tues 26 Taken pies Wed 13 wet down + see Tommy Pearson b-day. Stayed till Thur 4 - went on train stayed at Branchton all night APR May 1 Started to make a little secret only for myself MAY 13 Started carpenting with Bill Wedge at George Whethams house June 19 Made a bed for the baby ? ? ? June 24. Jirden + I putting up silo For Stephen Moffatt June 29 Oscar + I to Toronto today. drove to Hamilton took the boat across. Got a new camera to-day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1901</h3> July 15 Taking some pies for Varley Bond Dec 16 Louie and Thompson Ward came to visit To Branchton with them. taking pictures of their old home <h3>1902</h3> Fri 10 over to Mr Harvie's for party. Mar Mar 2 Tom Pearson's wedding. Mar 9 Serena married today MAY 13 started to put a gothic in the house. May 14 all day. Fri 23. put ridge boards on our house June 18. Took pics of Dave Arthur's barn raising " {in reference to June} 26 Lukinnel + I over to well where Josh Sanford was in July 8 to Cornells raising this afternoon. Aug 4 Sheffield picnic at Idylwild park Sept 8 Started to dig out for a cellar to build a house 10 taking pies for Miss Clelland and McClures. 25 helped Rosa pack her stuff. shipped it to St Thomas. Oct 16 To Branchton taking some pics for Mr For Foster " {in reference to Oct} 23 Started to tear down the Free Methodist Church 24 Took pics of Myrtle and Jessie Nisbet 25 Taking roof off church Nov 8 Finished tearing down old church to-day <h3>1903</h3> Jan 5 to John Harvie making a storm door. 8 Jim Main + I to Mr Harvie's at night 28 Grind oats all day with Bob Drowns machine Mar 9. At Harvies at Branchton making closet upstairs Apr 1 Up to Littles School to take some pictures June 30 Went up country to Calders barn raising wheeled in from Almira Aug 20 S.S. picnic at Idylwild Park Sept 11 Helping Billy Wedge at Kerniging House in Rockton. Dec 24. Started for Sarnia from Branchton this morning got there at 3 o'clock to Steve Barley's {Barley is written above Steve} went to Port Huron took electric car to Detroit + to Trenton to Mr. Shaver's 27. Charley + I went to quarrie + took some pics 31 to John Harvie cut hole for stove pipe - put up stove </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1904 Jan 1. to Charley Tuttons took some pics Jan 23 Taking some winter scenes of pics down in woods 31 - Looking after the church to-day. Father not very well Feb 9 Jim + I went up country on train walked to Alex Adams stayed all night 24 Went to Harvies to put in dummy waiter Mar 5 Finished dummy waiter June 17 Raised barn after supper. - John McBeans 24 Picnic in John MacDonald's orchard. 25 to Guelph on the excursion to Guelph Madel farm 29 start shingling . all day 30 al da, July 1 July 2 all day July 6 fix Hugh Mulholands barn. 6,7,8,9,11,12 13 14 15 16 25 shingling our barn 27 shingling Tom Whites all day. Aug 10 Ploughing all day. 11, 12, 13, . 28 John Patricks funeral Sept 1 Back to James Hills pulling sleepers in driving shed 3 to St Thomas on the noon train - vivit Oscar + Rosa - Mattie there We all went to Port Stanley on the train Martha there. 20 Took pies up to Edith McBean at night Oct 12 Maggie Caldar + I taking some pics. - to Rockton Show. 22 Mother sick in bed. Finally got a nurse Miss Frasen 27 Putting in my road work. Dec 31 to Galt for coal stove fetched it home + put it up. 1905 Apr. 21 Cleve Mac + I went to St Thomas to see Oscar + Rosa 22. we all went for a walk around the city took pictures 24 left-comet. Woodstook. stayed at Andy Pullins all night 25. Andy drove us to Woodstook. Came home on noon train. To Galt bought a buggy - fetched Rosa's whed home from station May 1 Papering for Miss Watson. 4 making a hen pen. 5 worked at pen all day. June 4 John Culham's funeral July 17 17 started work at Barnhardt barn Aug 18 started + raise Oct 22 Annie Harvie + I to Galt church at night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>Oct 1905</h3> Thun 26 Went to Branchton Fetched Annie over t Sheffield 31 Down to see Annie at night Dec 3 Annie + I drove to the farm at night 10 Jim + I drove to Misses Harvies taking some pics 12 Annie + I drove down to Branchton. 17 Annie + I went for drive at night. seeing Annie 25, 26, 29, 31. <h3>1906</h3> Jan Tues 2 - had teeth fixed. - to see Annie Sat 6 To Galt got some pics taken. 7. Drove Annie home. Mar 28 Annie + I cutting wood all day. Apr. Cleved L to St Thomas outer north side of city taking some pics. May 14. Father + Mother's Wedding anniversary 26 Went to Galt to get a family group taken. June 20 Raising barn. ? July 16 - Went to Nelson's Culhants {?} raising. 19 Started to paint school ( cornish to-day) 20 Painting outside of windows Painted 4 more windows and doors. 23 Annie + I went to Galt after part of cream separator. Aug 3 Painting wood work inside school 4th Painting 6th window sesh. 14 Painting antiroom 15 iron on desks + seats. 16 window frames inside 17 Painted Platforms + oiling floor. 19 Annie + I out to woods taking pics. Sept. 16 took pics for Emma + Abbie Harvie Oct. 9 Went to Harvies to upholster some chairs 14 Annie + I taking some pics in afternoon. Nov 11. Annie Ella + I taking some pics 27. Bought a horse drove home Dec 6 Annie o l {marks on the page, could be letters, could just be orphaned strokes} took pics of husking corn. 16 " {meaning Annie} + I taking pics 25. Dinner at Harvies. All ha dinner at our place at night 31. Went to Harvie's to watch the old year out. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1907</h3> Feb 7 party for Mother's Birthday 8 Cut ice on Walt Oliver's pond. MAR - 4th Cleve + Aggie married Apr 2 made set of quilting frames Aug 12 at Pine Grove school working at closets. " " " " 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 Aug 19 - To Mm. Barnharts place on cedar creek road. shingling all {day is written in the margine above all} 23 Worked at Mr Hammonds. 24 {left blank} <h3>1908</h3> jan 1. Father Mother + I down toTruman's for dinner 2 At Barnharts working in barn. 3, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11. Finished 13 - ventilators 14, 18 28. Cutting wood 29. 30 31 - set traps. 10 Finished at Barnharts {ventilators was written above Barnharts} Feb. 25 to galt to see Barnhart to get some money. June 7. Annie + I drove back to the lake to-day 21 Annie + I went up to Hugh Ronalds on Cedar Creek road. Dec 6 Annie o l {could be + I but Slyvester didn't do the plus fully} went to Galt Church at night 13 " " " " " " " " 20 " " " " " " " " " 25 Oscar + Rosa to Aaron Mains I went to Harvies for dinner. 26 Annie went with me to Galt. <h3>1909</h3> Jan 10. Annie + I went for a drive 16 Drove Ella + Anna to Galt in sleigh 23 Annie drove me home at night 30 Albert's 50th Wedding anniversary Feb 21 Drove Milinda + Millie to church Mar 10 Drove Abbie to Galt 21 21 Mattie + I to church at night 28 mattie + I went to Cemetary church morning + evening Apr 3. Mattie came with me to Branchton. 5. Started to paint the church. 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Painting seats 11 Mattie + I went to Knox church 12 Painting church 13. finished on 14th June 6 Annie + I went for a walk to day up the back road by old Cars old place. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1909</h3> Aug 29. Irene + I went for a ride on bicycle back to Mother's old place. Oct 4 Mr Harvie died 5 Andy Pullin + I went to Galt to see about things for funeral 6 Delivered butter around got all stuff they wanted. 8 funeral this afternoon. to Galt Cemetary 28 Annie + I went up to Galt cemetary + down the river road home. 29 Annie + I out wood. I got a Xmas tree I put it up. Ella, Annie + I to Sheffield Xmas tree 25. Father, Mother Irene + Dorothy + I drove to Truman's today. <h3>1910</h3> Feb. 19 Annie went with me to Sheffield 22 Ella + Annie went with me to hear Knowks lecture Mar 27 Annie + I went to church. Apr. 13. Annie went up to Huntsville this morning. 30 Annie + I papering May 22 Down t Aaron Main to raising June 3. to Desy's at night to wedding anniversary 12 Annie + I went driving in the afternoon 18 Putting on siding took some pics of barn to-day. 29 To Milinda Scott's wedding. July August. 2 Shingling Pleasant Grove school today 3, 4, 5, Finished 6 Almria died at 6 o'clock to-night 8 Almira's funeral this afternoon. 20 - Mother Father got pictures taken. 28 Annie + I over to cemetary this afternoon 31 Started to make Book cupboard for Pleasant Grove school. Sept 2 Working at Book Cupboard for Pleasant Grove school. Oct. 23 Mattie + I went to Blue Lake to take some pictures Nov 27 Father + Mother + I to Brandford for dinner. Dec 24 to Cleves for xmas dinner <h3>1911</h3> Jan 1 To Destamona for dinner. Father Mother Rosa Oscar + girls there 21 Annie + Ella + I to Galt today </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1911.</h3> Jan 1 done 21 done Apr. 21 Father + Mother went to Hamilton with Rosa 23 Annie + I went driving in afternoon June 6 over to John Perrigans tearing down old barn 28 Went to Ella Harvie's wedding to day July 8 Went to Hamilton on my wheel came home at night 17 Went to Nellie McKenzies + David McQueen funeral. Aug 2 9 drove Millie Flemming + I back to old place this morning To Hamilton 21 Down at school started to fix the seats in shorthard Dept. 25 Putting seats legs on {?} got ready to varnish 26 Varnishing desk + seats. Sept. 3 Annie + I went to Forest Mills to day. 10 Annie + I went for a drive out to the river 17 Went down to Truman's. Mattie + I taking some pics. Oct 1 Annie + I drove down to Cleve's 5 Annie + I went to F{?}realtor show. GIving away the melon for Oscar 15 Annie + I went for a drive back to Scotts old place. 29 Irene + I to Cleve's for supper. Nov 5 Anne + I drove to Blue Lake took some pictures Dec. 4 Shingling wood shed at school, 5, 6, 30 Shingling at Charles Tutton. <h3>1912</h3> Feb 1 Went skating down to Dunn's 3 Skating at Rockton 6 Painting Buggy to day 12 To William Keachies making an ice house 20 Back to Grammotts papering 27 Papering at personage also 29 Mar 4 Aggie Cleve + I to haggies supper at Kirkwood 5 to Russel Henderson Harvie's for material 14 Papering at Oscar Roseburgh's 13th 16 to John Studiman's for some lumber </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1912</h3> Mar. 29. Got word Father died this morning Went to Galt after cards. 31 Funeral at two o'clock. Apr. 9 Took papers at {left blank and underlined} lot sold it to Peter Humphrey 10 back to Jim Hills papering 13 To Galt to get papers fixed up from selling my 15. house and lot 15 Fixing top of horse stalls at Oscar Roseburghs 17 Shingling at George Whethams. Aunt Polly Main's funeral 19 At Nelson Culhmas to syrup social 23 Shingling Henry's barn, 24, 25, 26, got done 29 Wokring at Nelson Culhams - dummy waiter 30. May 1 May. 5 Got Medicine for Mother. 6 Plastering + papering at Nelson Culham 7 Papering at Mr Laymand 9 to John Perrigans working at barn 11 at Chas. Tutton patching barn roof 23 At Perrigans tearing down last part of farms {?} barn June 24 Shingling at Perrigan's and 25 26 Working at Alberts. 27, 28, 29, July 1 Working at Alberts 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 7 Went down to Truman's in the auto 8 Went to Hamilton with Oscar in the auto to Toronto on the boat Gordon McDonald got hurt. 9 Gordon died this morning 11 Gordon's funeral 12 To WIlliam Keachie working at barn 13, 15, 16, 17 18 19, 20 22 at Will Patricks levelling joice 23, 24, 25 26 27 29 Shingling at John Perigans 30 31 Aug 1 Shingling near done. 2 At Will on Bill B Keachie floor overshed 5 to John Perrigans fixing barn floor 6th 7 Alberts at barn. 8th. 9 Uncle John + I cutting {word is too small to really make out} 10 framing this afternoon </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1912.</h3> Aug 12 At Alberts working at barn. 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 19, 20, 21 raisin barn this aft. 22. 23 Putting on sheeting all day. 25. Irene Annie + I went to river to day. 26 sheeting 27 29 Putting on roof boards all day. Sept 1 Irene + I out wheeling 2 part day at Alberts 3 Shingling all day 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Annie Irene + I went back to Forest Hill to day. 9 At Alberts barn. 10 12 Patched roof at Orne Mains house. 14 Stephen Moffat + I went Freeport to see stabler ? 15 Irene + I wheeled back to cemetery. 16 Worked at Will Patricks 17. 18, 19, 20, 21 22 Irene + I went up to Oliver's pond. 23 Worked at Will Patrick plastering 24, 25 26 27 28 29 Irene + I up to Harvie's 30 at Wm. Keachies putting in window stills Oct 1 Will Patricks getting ready to cement. 2, 3, 4, 5 7 " " {in reference to Will Patricks} cementing all day 8. got done 10 At Robert Arthurs levelling cow stabler, 11, 12, 14 Cement at Robert Arthurs 15, 16,17, 18, 19 20 Irene + I to Harvie's for dinner Went for a drive out to the river. 21 At Arthur's cementing all day. 22 23 finished in middle of morning. to John Perrigans working at root cellar 28 to Harry Roseburgh to put up drive shed. 21 Levelling + getting ready to cement Nov 1 2 at Perrigans Nov. 4 John Perrigan's cementing all day. 5 6. 7. 8. got done 11 to Wm. Keachie getting ready to cement 14. 15 16 17 Irene + I down to Truman's 18 At Will Keachies levelling and cementing 19 Cementing </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Nov. 20 Cementing 21 At Alberts started to put in stanchions Worked there 22. 23. 25 Worked at Albert's 26 at Stephen Moffats 27, 28, 29. Dec 3 to Stephen Moffats cementing all day. 4. 5. 6 laying floor in granary 7 Making bins 8 All went to Cleves in auto for dinner 9 to Wm Patricks - granary bins. 10, 11, 12 13 14 15 Irene + I wheeled up to Harvie's t-day. 16 At Will Patricks To Miss F Tutton's funeral. 17 To John Perrigan started to put in box stalls 18, 19, 20 21 23 Went to Hamilton in the auto back at night. 24 Took apples to Galt brough home lumber 26 Working at stoop at Peter Humphreys 27, 28. 29 church 31 working at cutter. up to Harvie's <h3>1913</h3> Jan. 6 to John Peregrine worked there 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 13 14. 15 At Will Patricks started to put in cow manger 16 17, 18, 20, 21 22 23 24 25. Went to Hamilton on my wheel come up in the little auto at night 26 Irene + I went to Harvies on own wheels 27 At Will Patricks at barn. 28 29 30 31 root cellar Feb 1 At Harvies fixing root pulper - put handle m {?} are fixing barn doors 3 At Will Patricks to St George to see & Kitchen 5 Back to Stephen Moffats started to put in cowmangers worked there 6, 7, 8, 10 Went up to look at Milroys farm 11. McKenzies sale 12 Working at S Moffatt 13. 14, 15 17 to George RIckers to see about place </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {this page is written on a lined piece of paper that is titled with NOTES} <h3>1913</h3> Feb 18 Down to Ray Humphrey sale. 20. to W. Keachies putting in cow manger 21 " " " " " " " " {in reference to 20} 22 Went to Galt with Annie 25 Went to George Fords to Alex Burnett sale 26 Wm Keachie work at horse stable. 27, 28, Mar. 1 Pulling in feed boxes 3- Box stall 4 put in steps 5 George Ronalds sale. 6 To Hamilton to paper for Rosa 7 home on night train walked to Harvies 8 Annie + I went to Galt. At Gordon Scotts sale. 10 to George Robb getting lease for farm. 11 Annie + I to Galt to Knox maner to get married 12 Cleared out farm 13 Annie + I tapped to day 14 got wood for kindling 15. gathered sap + boiling some. 19 boiling sap. 20, 22 Annie cleaning house. 26 moved a load of stuff to farm 27. Tearing off wall paper 31 boiling all day. Apr. 1 fixing fence 4 Fetched down stove 8 " {in reference to fetched} down the cows 14 to John Hammond shingling 15 16 17 18 21 plowing all day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {written on the back of the lined paper from the last PDF} 22 To Ed Ellis's sale this afternoon 23 Papering at Nelson Culhams. 24 Disking for oats 25 Disking 26 harrowing 28 Got load of wood 29 Put log across creek 30 Fixing fence. fixing barn roof. MAY 1 Plastering at George Main. Put plank on cRreek log 2 Shingling all day. 3 shingling all day. 5 Shingling at John Hammonds 6, 7, got done. 8 fixing fence 9 {left blank} 10 New cross piece in summer kitchen. 12 Putting new roof on barn at John A Cornell's 13, 14 got done. 15 Working at horse stable. To Glenmorris Sale 16 " " " " {in reference to working at horse stable} 17 horse stall 18 Annie + I back to cemetary. 19 Went over to Jirden's after some (seed) potatoes 20 Went to misses Harvies after some apples 21 Planting potatoes 22 " " {in reference to planting potatoes} Papering ceiling John Mewhinneys 23 To Truman's for windows 24 Plowing for mangals 29 Plowing the lot at Sheffield. 31 to Flora Main's funeral this afternoon Jun 2 At John Studiman's shingling all day 3 same 4 Finished started hay shed. 5 4 Went to John Perrigans started to make barn doors. 6 Putting up ladders. 7 fixing fence. 9 At John Perrigans 10 At Truman's building wall for silo all day. 11. Puttin on big barn doors </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> June 16. to Elgin Patricks to shingle barn. 17, 18 got done 19 Working at Wm Patricks 20 21 23 24 25 26 raise this aft. 27. 28. 30 July 1 started to shingle 2 At John Studimans 3 At N. Halds working on cow stable 4 Shingling at W. Pat 5 Took bull up to Harvies 7. Scuffling 9 To W Keachie putting up track for dooer 11 Nellie Harvies funeral 14 Drawing in hay all day 17, 18, 19 coiling 21 Drawing in hay 22 23 Cutting wheat 30 to Smith Buchanans to thrash for Miss Harvie Aug 4 Broke Binder 11 to Galt to get part to cement mixer {written beneath mixer is "put under posts"} 12 DOwn to creek bridge at Sagers old place 13 To Hamilton to Britania park seeing them build a {house in a day is written above 'build a '} 14 Oscar went all around the Bay in auto we all went 15. To Stoney Creek in auto on mountain looking at lots 18 Painted Black Board at school 19 Went to Geo Rickers to paper. 25 Ploughing all day 26, 27, 28 finished 29 Disking for wheat. 30 Helping Henry thrash Sept 3 sewing wheat 4 to Lavenders sale 6 worked at cement mixed all day also 8th, 10 + 12th 15th 16 17 silo for Truman </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sept. 22 Started to work on bridge on 7th concession back of Doctors. on bridge 23, 24 25 Fixing mixer 26 Working at Bridge 27. started to cement at Bridge 29th Oct. 2 Putting on cement Top. 3 Finished bridge 6 to M Haids to cement stables Digging potatoes. 9 cementing all day. 10 same 15. Digging potatoes + went to Rockton show 20 Papering, parlor at home. 21 cementing 22, 23 24 26. to Hamilton bought a tent come home in auto 27 Walt Smiths sale this afternoon 28 at Haids working at cow stable 29 McWhimey's sale this afternoon Nov. 4 At misses Harvies picking apples all day. 5 Robert Haliwel {?} sale 6 Shingling at Smith Buchananans 7 at Earl Bonds cementing 8 all day. 11 Maggie Mulhollands funeral 13 Fetched home load of planters went I and for another {?}. 15 Hortnie sale 18 fixing house rough at John MacDonalds 19 Dunner sale to day. 22 Went to Galt at night in the auto Dec 1 to John Studiman's fixing chimney to Sale this aft? 2,3,4 5 1/2 part roof on John Perrigans oils and 6 10, 11. working at oils 12 1/2 and 13 15 Cementing John Hammonds Stable 16, 17 finished Ellick sale 18 Working at W. Patricks - 19,20 </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dec 24 to swamp go tree. 25 Xmas tree at night 26 At W Patricks - pig pens 27 making window frames 31 Took Oscar Rosa + girls to Galt - going to St Thomas <h3>1914</h3> 2 At W. Patrick 3, 5, 6 door on pig pen 8 Worked at Haids 9 10 {left blank} 11 Anniversary services morning + night at Sheffield 12 At Haids - got horse shod 14 to Branchton for coal 17 Annie + I went to Galt 19 At W Patricks 20, 21, 22 23 24 27 Working at W Patricks 28 29 30 Feb 2. Went up to see about rent Wm Barn for the {?} 3 in aft working at W. Patricks 4, 5, 6, 10 to John Perigirnes 14 Annie + I went to Galt. 16 Odd Jobs 17, 18 19 20 21 25 to Hamilton for boxes at the college. 28 Mr Hendenson's SALE 2 Doing odd jobs 3 4 5 Bennets sale 6 7. To Branchton for coal, Annie + I cutting trees 9 Took logs to mill. 10 Making a yoke for sap 11, logs 12, 13 14 to Galt 16 Cleve MacDonald's sale 17 Tapping 19 Oscar Roseburghs sale 23. Chores 24 got colt. gathered sap. 25. Boiling 26 Boiling 27 Cleve's presentation at night 28 Irene + Dorothy up - Boiling. 29 To church. 30 Boiling sap 31 chores + odd jobs. Apr. 1 Walford's sale. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Apr 2 started to paint dinning room at Sheffield. 6 painting 8 Graining, 8 Varnishing 10 Papering dinning room. 13 At school house taking out the seats. Boiling sap. 15 Boiling 7. Taking up platform & started to pat it down 20 fetched home wagon that I bought at Cleve's sale 23 started to plow 24 all day. 25 raining 27 plowing 29 to Menzies after staff bought at sal. May 4 raining 5 odd jobs 6 to Galt for load strips + hitched up colt 11 Back to Jim Hills all day papering. also 12th got done 18 Sewed oats - Worked on garden. 23 planted potatoes 25 Drawing out manure 26 27 28 plowing 30 sewing mangals + corn June 1 stretching wire fence across creek 2 Drawing out manure all day 3 4 5. cutting potatoes. 6 Papering parlor went to see Berteam Turnball 8 getting ready to put new roof on back Kitchen + woodshed. 9 Went to see house struck with lightening with Wm. McClure 10 To Elgin Patricks jacking up under barn 11 fixing sleepers barn floor 15 Worked at Elgin Patricks 16 planter corn + potatoes 17 Drawing grand on road. 18 At Elgin Patricks 19, 20, 22 got old fence from school to make a big yard. 23 At Albert's graining 24 At McClures plastering 25 To John Perrigans getting ready to make wall for house. 26. 27working {written above} at wall 29 At Perrigans making sistern in cellar 30 Worked at McClures all day. July 2 Papering parlor at Albert's 3-4 painting mower. 6 To George Fords making barn doors 7 cut hay 8, 9, 10 11 working at hay. Annie raking 13 got track for Will Patrick put it up. 15 16 17 18 haying 20 Cutting hay Annie raking me coiling 21 Drawing in hay all day. 24 Cutting wheat Annie shocking it up 27 I cutting hay + wheat 28, 29 30 31 Aug 3 scuffling hoeing fix fence paper Kitchen cut oats 4 5 6 7 8 10, 11 12 13 14 15 All odd jobs </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Aug 17 fixing fence drawing stone 18 cement box 19 plastering box 20 sharpen harrows 21 {left blank} 22 doing some paiting 24 plowing all day - 25. 26 27 went to Nickenson's sale on 7th 28 plowing 29 to school after wheel on bell to fix Sept. 1 odd jobs 3 At John Studiman's putting roof back on barn. 8 Got Nelson Culham's drill to sew wheat. 11 Digging potatoes. 14, 15, at John Peregrines 16 Patering at Methodist parsonare. Wm Cronins sale 17. 18. working at John Peregrines 21 thrashing 22 put in straw. got load wood. 23 stanchions to Andy 24 + 25 working at Peregrines. 28 Putting on siding at Peregrines 29, 30 went to Henry Thompson's sale. 2, 3 working at corn Oct. 3 Working at Peregrines 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 made gate put on 12 shingling 13 laying floor 14, 15, 16, 17 to Miss Hoods plastering 19 stairsteps 20 21, 22 {blank} 23 mixing morter 24 built chimney 26 lathing - 27 lathing 28 to Washburns sale at Glenmorris. 31 getting potatoes in to day Nov 2 finished potatoes Nov 3 at John Peregrine plastering 4, 5, got done 6 Work at John McDonalds 9 Work at Elgin Patricks 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 16 17 1/2 17 fixing calf pens 18 19. 20 cementing 21 finished 23 Working at John MacDonald 24 25 26 To Ella's funeral 27 At Elgin Patricks cementing 28 finished DEC 30 At John Peregrines put in windows - plastering up stairs DEC 1 plastered and coct upstairs 3 started downton 4 all day 5 Finished 7 At John Perigan send and cistern pump 8 Banister around stairs + cupboard in pantry. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1914</h3> Dec 9. at Elgin Patricks working at home started 10 same 11 same 12 home stalls 14 working at grainery 16 finished grainery 17 to Galt for cheque 18 killing {?} chickens 21 - working at home 22, 23, 24 same 25. at Sheffield to day for Xmas. 26 to Galt for chore 28 Went to Rockton to pay takes 29 to Galt. 29 30. 31 at home all day. <h3>1915</h3> Jan 1 with sleigh + horses drove us all over to Branchton for dinner 2 to Galt for chop 4 rooted at Branchton roted at Sheffield 5 Worked at Elgin Patricks 6, 7. 8 Killing chickens 11 At Elgin Patricks. 12 Drawed 2 load woodhome 13 Drawing wood. Andy helping me cut wood. 14 Annie + I to business meeting meetin at church 15 chores 18. chores 19 worked at sleighs 20 same 21 Butchering calf 22 butchering pig 25 worked at sleigh 26 finished 28 Went to Branchton for load of coal 29 Butchered fat calf. Feb. 1 to Galt with meat for John MacDonald. 2 Put tar paper in house stalls 3 fixed turnip pulpan {?} 4 Went to look at Barnhardt's farm. 5 Annie + I went to look 8 fixing neck yoke. 9 Fix butter worker covering box for Annie 10 2 boxes for books painting a gate 11 getting ready to move 12 odd jobs 15 moved potatoes 16 to Galt to see about sale 17 got sale bills 18 Got bills put up around Galt 19 Bills up at Glenmorris 20 To Trumans with Bills March 1 got ready forenoon Sale afternoon 2 moving stuff 3 moved hay. 4 Cow to Sheffield + some hay 5 Andy helping move stuff + Sheffield 6 got done moving 8 2 loads wheat + Galt in 1 horse sleigh </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1915</h3> March 9 - took 3 bags wheat in the cutter 10 Piling lumber behind barn 11 Down to Drew Nisbels to see about stoop. fixing pump 12 to Branchton on after paint put pump in well. 15 Trimming cedar hedge in front of house trim apple trees 16 Got pole for ladder from Frank Studimans 18 sawing wood + helping Uncle John saw his {blank space} splitsome 19 Splitting wood all day at Rome 22 to Wm Keachie's working at calf pen. 23, 24 25. 26 Annie + I moving lumber. splitting wood. 27 Went to Branchton for coal. 29 At Wm Keachie 30, 31 wheat to sale at McPhatons April 1 worked at Nelson Culham. Annie + I to Rockton to sale. 2 " " " " {in reference to April 1} 3 Helping Oscar put cow car to gather 6 We went to Branchton put glass in windows 7 Worked at Elgin Patricks 8 - 9. 10 to Galt to get teeth fixed To Billy Bonds to see about barn 12 Puting cow manger 12 13 14 15 Papering at Miss George Main 16 cement cistern 17 framing woodshed 19 Raising back Kitchen 20. 21 22 Papering at Orne Main and 23. 23 To George Fords to fix barn doors 23 " " " measuring - Digging garden 26 - Put on rafters 27 roof boards 28 29 shingling 30 Building chimney May 1 finished shingling 3 - Laying floor 4 Putting the ceiling in back Kitchen 5 Put in potatoes made foundation for drive shed. 6 making doors 7 Put in doors 8 Put on ridge board 10 Working at barn 11. 12 Shafts 13, 14, 15 Made big wheel 17 At Elgin Patricks + Trumans 18 Started to make ladder 19 Finished 20 to John Perigrine 21 - 22 At Elgin Patrick making barn doors put on. 24 Working at John Peregrine 25, 26 27 28 at John Reids 29 Cementing sistern got done 31 - chimney at John Peregrines June 1 to Wm Bonds working at barn 2 - 3. Made screen door 4 Working Plates all day. 5 big beams 7 Working at W Bonds 9 At John MacDonald. Hewing out some beams. 10 getting foundation ready 11 - 12 doing mason work 14 same 15 same 16 17 At Wm Bonds framing 18 leveling foundation 19 got done 21 A Wm Bond making ladders 23 Working on siding 24 25 same 26 Put in Gable ends 28 Strawberry social 29 Root boards July 1 Shingling 2 Shinlging 3 Finished roof. Put on big barn door 5 To John MacDonald framing cutting braces 6 raising 7 put on outside boards 8 same 9 finished gable ends 10 finished roof 13 Putting down floor 14 Made coops + stairway 15 Started Milk House. 17 Made big barn door + put it on. 19. Putting window frame in milk house. 18 Working at Milkhouse 20 stair stops. 21 - 22 Putting on barn door 23 to Andy Pullins made chimney on back kitchen </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>July 1915</h3> 26 at MacDonald's working at stalls 27, 28. same 30 To Hamilton taking down partition in school 31 Took down glass partition. Aug 2 Worked at John MacDonalds 3 To Hamilton took down Bill Boards. 4 Put up office partition 5 Worked at school. 6, 7. Worked at school. 9 To Hamilton worked at school all day. 10, 11, 12, same 13 Went to Toronto on the boat 14 Took Annie + girls to Branchton tent out 16 Worked at school 17 moving down stair. 18 Fastening down seats. 19 Fastened seats put hooks in girls cloak room. 20 - 21 Taking down big {?} carryin them down stairs 23 To Nelson Culham to put roof on silo 24 inside silo 25 Myrtle Culham wedding. 26. 27 28 Working at silo 30,31, shingling put in gothic window Sept 1 roof - shingling Sept. 2 tear out wall for door. 3 cement walls 4 plastering 6 At Nelson Culham's working on silo. 7 silo 8 To Oran Main's to shingle house for miss Barnhardt 9 Started to shingle house 10 Shingling and 11, {blank, possibly because it was a Sunday and he didn't work} 13, shingling 14 Worked on chimney 15, 16, 17 18 making eve troughs making doors Sun 19 Walked to Scotts old farm. 20 At Oran Main's - home digging potatoes 21 - At Nelson Culham's plastering. 22 paint roof silo 23 shoot 24 worked at silo. 25. Sale R. Knowles 26 To Branchton in auto. 27 To John Reids working at cistern load of hay for George Main 28 At " " {in reference to John Reids} plastering + cementing cistern got done. 29 cement window sills 30 same got done. Oct. 1. at Culham sstarted to point - Rained Went to sale down 6th Concession 2 fixing my bicycle finished painting at Culham 4 At John Reids levelling for cementing 5, 6. 7. 8 same 9 To Hamilton to see about a horse but did not get one 11 to John Reid's working 12, 13, 14, 15 16 Papering ceiling in dining room. 18 Started cementing at John Reid's 19. 20. 21. 22. 23 25. 26 27 28 Working at Elgin Patricks, 29. {blank} 30 Went to Galt. Nov. 1 Worked at Elgin Patricks 2 Cement water Trough 3 cementing bought 2 pair of sleighs 5. Paint all day at church 6 same 8 </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1915.</h3> Nov. 8 Painting church today. 9 Made Trussels to Jeff Cornell's sale. 10 Painting 11. all day 12 all day. 13 Painting all day at church. 15, 16, 17. 18, 19 fixing cylinder + sucker for pump 22 - fixing cow stall. stall 23 to Wm Bond's getting ready to cemet. 24 put in sills {this line is starred} 27 Putting screen over tower window 28 Went to Trumans for dinner in auto 29 Painting 30 same Dec 1 Painting - put in water pipe 2 To Henrys + school - after dinner. 3 to W Bonds make and in house 4 Worked at home + barn window 7 At Wm Bonds put windows in barn. 8 Painting at church 9 same 10 painting at church got done. 11. Went to Hamilton stayed all night 12. To Albert's for dinner. 13 To Elgin Patricks working 14 same 15. made cement trough 16 Annie + I to Galt 16 continued Went up after my sleigh. 17 plastering trough 18 worked at doors 20 Got home shod to Branchton to Al Haines - (wood shed) 22 at woodshed 23 Annie + I to Galt. 24 At Al Haines shingling. 25. All the folks home to day 27 At Al Haines working. 28 A John Cornells 29 At John Cornell's all day 30 To Ed Kempie + Ed Cornells <h3>1916</h3> Jan. 3 Put 2 new benches in back sleigh 4 To Henry's put box on sleigh 5 Went to Galt after furnace pipe for church. 6 put up pipe. Painted lawyer to pants {?} 7 made {?} for front doors of church + put in. 8 To George Ford's + Galt 10 made hooks for church doors + put on. 11 made shed {?} to take dirt out of cedar. Filling in well 12 To Henry's rods for pump 13 Fill in well, clearing out cellar got well done. 14 Down to Aaron Main making door there brick well 17 Put pump in well. 18 started to make storm windows for house - very cold. 19 worked at storm windows Annie + I went to Reids + Perrigans + MacDonalds 20 To Aaron Mains building a chimney.21 Plastering room {room has a small letter above it, it could say my} at Aaron Main's to day. 22 " {referring to plastering} familier 23 Drove moud over to Branchton to Pulling awhil awhile 24 Taking dirt out of cellar. Over to form where we wood live getting hay fork track 25 To Branchton working on John Cornells house shutting up door + window + started to sheet up a room up stairs 26. 27 same 28 Finished 28 congrational tea in church at night 29 Miss Harvie's Birthday party. 31 Working at John Cornell's house. Feb. 1. 2 finished for a while. 3 put partition Wm Patrick 4 cellar stops " " {in reference to Wm Patrick} 5 working at pantry " " {again referring to Wm Patrick} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1916</h3> Feb 7 worked at church. Annie + I to Branchton 8 to Wm Patrick working at house all day, 9, 10, 11, 12 21 to Steve Moffatts to see drive shed.. Started doors for J A Cornell Bookcase 22. Working at doors 23. Take angles of democrat to Henrys {?} fit. 24 Annie + I to Branchton at night 25 Got wood at Layman's 28 Drawing wood from Layman's 29 Took Annie to Branchton to got to Hamilton drawing wood all day. Went after Annie at night Mar. 1 Drawing wood all day finished it. 2 To Elgin Patricks after load of cow 3 To Galt for lumber for home. 4 To Henry's to find chain 6 Got load corn from E. Patrick's Business meeing at church. 7 working at cellar. 8 To Branchton working at John Cornells home 9 painting today.10 Papering for John Whetham 13 Work at John Cornell graining secretary + I painting 14. Paint, to-day.15 Papering kitchen 16 papering big room today. 17 At Oran Main's papering. To J Cornell put on border. 18 To Galt for moulding + to Branchton put it on. 20 To John A Cornells painting upstairs all day got done 21 to Elgin Patricks to make cupboard in pantry 22 Made boxes for flour + wagon 23. Put in place. 24 Working at cupboard. 25 making drawers for cupboard. 27 Drawing old lumber from John Reids to Branchton house. 28 At Elgin Patricks finished cupboard. 29 Making doors 30 Finished Bookcase started work at Barn worked at barn. April 1. Sheeling stoop overhead. - grate over windows 3 steps in barn. graining bookcase 4 splitting wood. 5 A Trumans papering kitchen 6 To Elgin Patricks after cement mixer. Annie + I to Branchton at house. 7 Taking dirt out of cellar 8 - down to Jim {?} at night 9 Oscar's all up from Hamilton to day. 10 Work at Wm Bonds 11 12 13 14 15 17 To Wm Bond to put up woodshed 18 19 20 21 Papering at Layman's 22 Papering at Elgin Patricks 23 To Branchton for dinner 24 Papering parlor at Elgin Patricks got done 25. Papering all day at Peter Sech{?} Went to Hamilton with Oscar 26 Working at stoop papering ceiling upstairs 27 take plaster off Kitchen ceiling 28 Put cover over seem pond 29 enclosed back stoop came home at night 30 Annie + I drove down to Elgin Patricks around in White woods for flowers May. 1 roofing 2 ceiling on kitchen home with Oscar Roseburgh 3 Doing jobs at home 4 To Wm Bonds fixing truck 5 Plastering Kitchen 6 working at truck 8 working at jobs 9 same 10 Paperingg Andrew McClure - Miss Tutton 11 Bought lot from Tom Cooley 12 Plastering Kitchen Wm. Bond 13 Put ventilator + ridge Bd on barn </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>MAY 1916</h3> 15, 16, 17, 18 Cementing at W. Bond. 19 graining dining room at Alberts 20 Papering dining room at Alberts 22 At J. MacDonalds moving partition 23 lath + plastering in bathroom 24 To Al Hanies building chimney on woodshed 25 Shingle Kitchen 26 Finished 27 Put glass on front door. At Hanies cut hole for stove pipe tear out chimney 29 Odd jobs at Elgin Patricks 30 Drew out manure on back lot. 31 Plow + plant potatoes. June 1 plant potatoes all day got done 2 Plowing white washed {potatoes?} helping plant tree at church. 3 to Galt then harrowing. 5 Sowing mangols 6 Papering at Miss Drones 7 Odd jobs at MacDonalds got done 8 Started work at Wm Bonds at horse stalls, 9, 10 finished 12 Jobs at Wm Bond. 13, 14. 15 At Wm Patrricks started to shingle 16. 17, 19 got done 20 Tob Oran Mains fixing wall for miss Barnhardt 21 Worked on road all day drawing gravel {gravel is written about drawing} 22 To O. Main finished wall. At home papering upstairs 23 Papering upstairs got done 26 Hoeing weeds out of mangels. 27 all day. 28 To John A Cornell to put piece on barn. 29. 30 same. July 1 Roofing barn 4 {4 is scribbled over 3} At John MacDonald. put up track for hay fork. 5 {5 is scribbled over 4} To Stephen Moffall {the name "Moffall" is later spelled as "Moffatt"? Refer to July 5 on this page} to put shaft to run {there is a caret between the letters r and u; "r^un"} washing machine 6 make big pulley 7 fixing washing machine + pumps to run with engine 8 hoing mangles 9 Baby born to-day. 10 " " {in reference to "hoing mangles"} 11 To Miss Barnhardts painting barn roof. fix Hay Fork track (John Hammond) {John Hammond is arrowed in after Fork track} 12 fixing waterpipes S. Moffatt. 13 To Frank McKillagen to put up back kitchen 14 Worked at it all day 17 A " " {in reference to 'Frank McKilligen'} 18 Shingling 19 cut door through 20 window frame 21 hoing potatoes. 22 hoeing 24 cut hay at Pleasant Grove School brought home. 25 Took berries to Galt 26 hoeing + picking berries 27 Took to Galt 28 Shingling at Smith Buchanans 29 shingling all day. 31 To John MacDonald drawing in wheat all day. Aug 1 Drawing in wheat all day. 2 same - got done 3 at Smith Buchanans shingling all day. 4 same 5. finished 7 Fixing Andy Pullins cistern 8 To Elgin Patricks to put up drive shed 9. 10. 11. 12. 14 Helping John MacDonald to draw in oats. 15. At Elgin Patricks cutting rafters 16 17 18 19 21 Take out pump at Nelson Culham put on new sillinder {sillinder = cylinder?} 22 To Elgin Patricks work on barn. 23. 24 25. At Baily Keachies to put up silo 26 put it up. got done. 27 Went to Salem to see Miss Ray 28 Elgin Patricks - at drive shed 29 30 31 Cement. Sept. 1 started fixed well. 2 same 4 Picking pears scuffled potatoes. Miss Harvie's funeral </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>Sept 1916</h3> 5 To St George at Clarence Harpers to raise barn 6 At Elgin Patricks to cement around well 7 Cementing + fixing pump. 8 Making water Trough. 9 plastering + cementin foundation for pump house 11. Putting up frame for pig pen 12 outside boards + roof. 13 working at pig pen.14 To George Henry's Sale. 15. cementing - pig pen. 16 same 18 At Johannie Hammonds shingling 19 shingling 20 At noon to Truman's shingling 21 shingling all day. 22 same. 23 same 25 To Lockie MacDonald. shingle drive barn. 26, 27. finished WorthSide 28 To Truman's to cement foundation in for stoop/ 29 Fixing lamp posts at church. To Bailey Keachies fixing wall. 30 At Culham papering dining room today. Oct. 2 A Smith Buchanans tearing out cow stalls 3. getting ready to cement 4 Cementing cow mangers 5, 6, 7. 8 A Pillins for dinner 9 Working at Smith Buchanans 10 finished 11 odd jobs at home 12 At Frank McKilligan doors 13 Bought acre of wood from Frank Brown 14 Got horse shed pulled mangles 15 At Trumans for dinner 16 worked at Frank McKilligans 17 Worked inside 18 Make wood box. 19 fix pump 20 Put in cupboard. 21 Odd jobs 23 Worked at Wm Bonds 24, 25, 26 27 28 30 Dig potatoes 31 got done Nov 11 A Smith Buchanan. 2, 3 got done 4 At Oran Mains 6 at Rob + Oliver 7 to Frank McKilligan - 8, 9, 10 11 taking in mangles. Turman ploughing 13 To Oran Main's 14, 15, 16 Got Truman's horses went for coal set up coal stove 17 At Wm Bonds 18 20 21 22 At Frank McKilligans plastering 23 same 25 To Fred Browns got some doors 27 To Truman's started to make pond 28 same 29, 0, Working at stoop Dec 1 At Johnnie Hammonds jacking up house 2 same got done 4 At home 5 Wm Dykeman's Sale. 6 At home 7 To John Perrigans then to Elgin Patrick started making pump houses 8 at E Patrick worked on pump house all day. 9. Storm all day 11 to Smith Buchanan after cow. 12 Took cow to Wm Binds sold her. 13. cellar all day 14 Andy Pullin helping work at cellar 15 same 16 same got done 18 Finishing pump house at Elgin Patricks 19 doors on stable at Wm Bonds 20 Went to Galt. 21 Took pigs to Galt. 22 at home 23 to Branchton for Oscar 25 The rest of them here for Christmas 26 To Hamilton on port train Working at college fastening down seats 27, 28, 29 All jobs at College 30 came home in auto 31. To church. home all day. <h3>1917</h3> Jan 1 Annie baby Mother + I over to MacDonalds for dinner 5 Went to Hamilton on wheel worked at College 8-13 odd jobs 15-20 odd jobs 22-27 odd jobs 29-31 working 1-3 odd jobs 5-10 working 12-17 working Feb. 19-24 odd jobs 26-28 {left blank} Mar 2 Mother over Rosa did not come 3-7 Helping - 8 to Galt for Miss Culham for mother 9-19 helping at home. 20 helping saw wood at church. 21 - helping about. 22 Annie + I went to Galt - got baby pictures taken. 23-24 drawing stone. 26-31 Working on cellar wall + cistern Apr 2-5 cement windows 6 started to make a crib for the baby and 7th 10-14 Working around home. Mother not so well. 15 Mother died to-day at noon. 16 went for cards. 17 Mother's funeral this afternoon 18 Splitting wood to 21 </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1917 April</h3> 23-28 worked on cistern 26 Destamona McDonalds wedding 30- MAY 1 - 5 odd jobs 7-12- Oscar + I had my car out 14-19 odd jobs 21-26 Planting potatoes in back lot. cut grass at cemetery 28-31 odd jobs June 1-2 odd jobs 4-9 odd jobs. 10 Annie + I to Branchton in auto 11-16 shingling 3 days make doorway + plastering 18-23 working on Ed Kemkes barn 24 Andy Pullins here to-day to cemetery 25-30 working at barn July 2 Culham picnic in our car. 3-6 At Ed Kemkes barn 7 fixing baby buggy 9-10 11 12 13 14 cementing 16-19 cementing 20 Thinning turnips 23 working - John Peregrines 24, 25, 26 27 28. 30-31 odd jobs Aug 1 to Galt selling berries 2 cut hay 3 {blank} 4 odd jobs 5 To Branchton after Addie harvie + Billy {underlined section is written beneath To Branchton} 6-11 odd jobs + working at horse Stable for E Kemkes 13- Working at Frank McKilligan to 18th 20-25. Odd jobs 27-28-29-30-31 building chimney 10-11, 12, put up tent for garden party. 13-15 odd jobs including lathing Oct. 1-6 odd jobs 8-13 including plastering 15-20 odd jobs (plastering) 22-27 mostly plastering 29-31 Plastering Nov. - 1, 2 Plastering 3 taking out potatoes 5 odd jobs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 odd jobs 12, 13, shingling 14 15, 16, 17 odd jobs 19 Started drive shed at Steve Moffatlls. 20 21 22 on drive shed 22 23 24 working at home 26 27 28 framing Dec 1 working at home 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, worked at drive shed 8 Went to Galt 10 Making rocking horse for Harvie 11 Work at home 12 to Freelton to sale 13-14 At home 15 to Galt. 17 Fixing Harvie's rocking horse 18 Nelson Culham + I down to Will Smith's sale. 19 20 21 22 odd jobs 24 got load of coal 25 Went in auto to Hamilton Xmas dinner at Oscars 26 At school place to hang clothes. 27 finishing some pictures 28 29 odd 31 working at hand sleigh <h3>1918</h3> Jan 1 Went in auto to MacDonalds for dinner 2-3-4-5 odd jobs 7- finished hand sleigh 8 Miseners sale 9 odd jobs 10 Walked to Branchton fetched Mr MorMcnells house horse home. 11-12 odd jobs 14, 15, 16,17 18 19 odd jobs 21-22-23. 24 25 26 odd jobs 28-31 odd jobs Making BookCase Feb. 1-2 work at Book Case 4 5 6 7 8 Worked at Book Case 9. To Galt 10. Cleve + Aggie out in afternoon. 11, 12- Book Case 13 Cairns Sale. Cleve + I went to Hamilton 14-16 odd jobs 18, 19, 20 21 22 varnished Bookcase Cleve + Aggie here 25 Elliots Sale 26, 27 28 Papering at R Martins </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Mar 1 working at one of Mr Bonds houses - dorman {?} window 4 Working in Galt at one of Mr Bonds houses. 5, 6, 7. done for a while {this line is starred, strating at 8} 8 Cut wood. 9 to Galt afeter a piano for ourselves. 11 odd jobs 12 To Allick Harvies Started to make a toy for democrat 13-14 democrat 15 odd jobs 16 To Swamp cutting wood 18-19 worked at democrat. 20-21 22 odd 25 to Kemps looking for a horse. 26 To Hamilton looking for a horse 27 also 28 Went to Branchton 29 Truman + I up to Mr Kenzie to see a horse. 31 Oscars up all day for Easter. April 1 Started to draw mail to Dundas. To Jirden for horse. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 Drove mail 7 Andy + Hattie out. 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13 Drove mail 15. mail. 16 painting bedroom 17 mail - finished painting bedroom 18 started to paper bedroom 19 same 20 same 22-23-24- drove mail odd jobs blow up tires on auto 25 mail Annie + I to Branchton 26-27. To Elgin Patricks papering dining room 29-30 Drove mail. Painting good bedroom. May. 1-2-3-4. drove mail odd jobs 5. Oscar's up this aft. 6 mail. dig garden/ 7 mail put in our garden 8 mail odd jobs 9.10.11 mail 13 drove mail 14 15 sold horse to Herb Buchanan. 16 mail 17 papering for Aggie at old parsonage. 18 drove mail 21- Helping put up store house at Condis store 22 23 24 25 Taking mail 27 mail. plow lot 30 sowing corn 31 planting beans June. 1 sowing turnips + mangels 3 mail plant potatoes. 4 mail plant corn. 5-6-7-8 mail 10,11,12,13,14,15 Drove mail worked at John Perrigan 17. 18 19 20 21 22 Drove mail " " " "' {in reference to worked at John Perrigan} 24 25 26 27 28 Aunt Elizae main funeral {funeral is written above Elize Main} July 2 Drove mail Helping Mr McClellan pack for moving. Strawberry Social at night 3, 4, 5, 6 drove mail. cementing + plastering 8-12 drove mail working at hay rack for John Perrigans 13 mail. {?}ffling potatoes. 14 up to Aunt Marrys in Oscar's car. 15-mail-John Studimans 18,19,20 mail working at veranda at Charlie Tuttons. 22. 23. 24. 25 26. mail - veranda 27- mail papering at Mrs Bonds. 29. 30, 31 mail odd jobs Aug. 1 mail SS picnic at Dundas. 2, 3, mail E Patrick chop box. 5 mail finished chop box 6 mail - shingling Henry's barn 7 mail John MacDonald's stoop. 8 mail cementing 9 same 10 mail finished cement. 12 mail to Galt to see old stoop at Imperial Hotel 13, 14 15 mail working at stoop. 16 17. mail {letters I can't make out} 10 would draw in spring wheat oats.19 mail Helping MacDonald's draw in oats 20 same 21 mail cement cellar 22 same 23. mail help Cleve to turn barn around 24 same 26 same 27 same 28 mail helping Cleve with barn. 29 mail Mr Martins stoop. 30 mail woodshed. 31 mail chimney Sept. 2. mail chimney 3 same 4 same 5 mail finished chimney 6 mail worked on chimney 7 mail washed auto Annie + I to Galt. 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 mail odd jobs 16 mail cut corn 17 mail 18 mail Mrs Barnhardt roof. 19 mail Sam Truman's grainary 20 same 21 mail Branchton 23 mail working at Sam Truman's 24 same 25 mail odd jobs 26, 27 28 same 30 mail set up corn Oct. 1 tookmail worked at Ed Kemkes 2, 3, 4 mail at Kemkes 5 mail Went to Galt after Abbie + Lorne 7, 8 mail cementing 9 mail Annie + I went to Rockton show. 10, 11, mail cementing 12 mail - to Galt to buy chairs for Aaron Main 14, 15, 16 17 18, 19 Took mail and odd jobs 20 No Church on account of influenzie 21 mail. odd jobs - .. 26 got done 27 No Church to day 28 mail - Cleve's hen pen 29-30 same. 31 mail plast cellar Nov. 1 mail - Cleve hen pen 2 mail - Hamilton put in wondow 4 mail Smith Buchanan 5, 6, 7 8 mail odd jobs 9 mail Rosa pantry 11 Took mail odd jobs to 16 18, 19, 20. 21 22 mail. fixing platform for entertainment girls coming from Hamilton 23 mail Truman + I got load of wood. 24 Oscar's + ourselves to Cleve for dinner 25 26 27 28 29 30 took mail did odd jobs George Hammett sale </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1918</h3> Dec 2 took mail 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, Took mail did odd jobs 8 Oscar's up we all went to Desta's for dinner 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. 14. took mail worked at Bridge 16. 17 18 19 20 21 mail. did odd jobs 23 24 mail odd jobs. 25. Cleves & Kents here for dinner 26 mail. made ladder to {?} church pa{?} outside 27 mail odd jobs 28 same 30 and 31 same <h3>1919</h3> Jan. 1 mail Irene + Dorothy here 2 At Drs fixing pipe for toilet 3 mail Sweets hay 4. mail put up coal stove 5 At Albert's for dinner Oscar up. 6 mail asked Truman for horses to draw hay. 8 mail got hay 9 mail. to Kirkwall - Mr Leckie away 10 mail to Kirkwall to get horse shod. 11. mail Annie + I to Branchton to see wreck 12 church to Alberts for dinner 13. 14, 15, 16 mail every dau worked at W Patricks garage 17 mail paid Mr Leckie 18 mail 20 mail down to Truman's to telephone 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 mail odd jobs 27 mail papering for Mary Culham 28 mail papering 29 30 mail odd jobs oyster supper at Nelson Culham 31 mail Feb 1 mail 3 4 5 6 7 8 mail fixing things (4 Took Colin Cross to Branchton) 10, 11, 12 13 14 15 mail odd jobs 17. 18. 19 20 21 22 mail odd jobs 24, 25. 26 27 28 took mail odd jobs March 1 mail odd jobs 3 mail making rocking horse for Harvie 4 mail papering at Johnnie Hammonds the dinning room 5, 6, same 7 mail took car to get engine cleaned. 8 mail odd jobs 10, 11 mail Smith Buchanan sale 12, 13 mail 14, 15 mail odd jobs 17, 18 mail Frank Laymods sale 19, 20 mail Hugh Ronald's sale 21. mail settled up with Wm Bond 22 mail Took Annie over to Hatties 24 mail To Tom Norman papering dinning room 25 mail finished 26 mail papering bedroom Mrs Charles Tutton. 27 mail fixing railing at Andy Pullins 28 mail finished papering 29 mail. Annie + I to Branchton taking stuff out of house 31 mail at Charles Tutton April 1 mail lathing + put on door 2 mail plaster 3 mail 2nd coat plaster 4 mail - Smith Buchanan 5 mail working at partition 7 mail - home doors + windows 9 mail fix furniture 10 mail plastering 11-12 mail at Smith Buchanas 14 mail plastering 15 mail clements sale 16 mail fix rocking chair 17 mail papering at old parsonage for cellar 18 same 19 mail to Galt for lumber for chin of platform 21, 22. 23 mail odd jobs 24 mail set out maple tees in front + back lot. 25. 26 mail + odd jobs 28 mail fix a couiple of bottle wagons for Haine + Wallace. 29 mail odd jobs 30 mail broke band on car. May 1 mail 2, 3 t oEglin Patricks papering 5 mail James Humphrey papering 8 mail to Galt + Preston. 7 mail dug out front walk to make cement the. 8 mail Sale at Clyde 9 mail odd jobs 10 mail Annie + I to Galt to sale 12 mail started to fix cahin platform. 13 mail at church 14 same 15, 16 Same 19 mail 20 21 mail working on drain. 22 mail to Russell Hatrick 23 24 same 26 mail 27. 28. 29 30 odd jobs 31 plowing odd jobs June 2. mail papering Mrs Hatrick 3 mail papering Robt. Garrock{?} 4 mail. Sale Walter Ferguson 5 mail papering Mrs J Haye 6 mail planted corn + Turnips 7 mail finished Mrs Hayes 8 To Brantford to see Uncle John. 9 mail work at church 10, 11. 12. mail work at church. 13 mail made tables for church. 14 mail painting at church 16 mail odd jobs. 17 same 18 mail papering at Wm Bonds 18 mail picnic at Guelph. 20 mail papering Jim Ellisis 21 mail papering at Jim Ellisis 23 mail painting at W Bonds 24 mail church platform 25 Took Annie + ladies to Millgrove to Convention 26 mail Len Raymen scuffling my corn potatoes 27 mail. hoeing garden 28 mail drawing in hayI got from George Whetham </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1919</h3> 30 mail painting at church July. 1 mail papering at Mrs Russel Hatricks 2 mail finished papering 3 mail fix hay fork had at John Studiman's 4 mail + 5 mail drawing in hay 7 mail 8 9 19 11 12 mail haying finished 14 mail fix binder 15, 16, 17, 18 mail odd jobs 19 mail picking berries 21 mail berries 22 mail worked at Cecil Culham 23 same 24 mail fit pump at Cecil's. 25 mail picked berries 26. mail. place for calf. scuffling 28 mail patching J. Perrigan's roof. 30 mail Building chimney at Wm Bonds 31 same Aug. 1 mail got horse shod. 2 mail finishing chimney. 4 mail serem for window for Mrs Hatrick 5 mail to Geo Tucker tearing down stone wall at corner of barn. 6 mail Buidling wall 7 mail - wall 8 mail - wall under barn 9 Annie, Harvie + I took to Puslinch lake. 11 mail finished barn walls 13 mail taring barn roof at Miss Bonds. 14 mail put pump in cistern 15 mail At disput cement top 16 mail at Discementing 18. mail finished cementing 19 mail - tents for social. Dorothy and another girl 20 mail getting ready for cement walk 21 same 22 to Galt with plums + pears 23. mail. Down to Port Dover Annie, Harvie + I. 25. mail working on well 26, 27. 28 29 mail + working on walk Sept 1 mail finished cementing 2 mail George Johnsons plating cement cistern 3 mail tap for cistern 4 mail 5 mail odd jobs 6 mail Annie, Harvie + I went to Mohawk park {Park is written above Mohawk} {this line is starred} 8 Drawing stone 9 Drawing gravel 10 Drawing sand. 11 Cementing walk in front of home 12. At Nelson Culhams at Elgin Patrick fix pump. 13 At Nelson Culham - walk 15 cementing all day 16 FINISHED sidewalk 17 levelling cellar. 18 At School worked at cement Foundation 19 to Hamilton surprise party for Rose's 20 Working at school 22 23 same 25 scuttling corn gathering hickory nuts 26, 27, worked at school 29 iron post in cellar. 30 putting up Bookracks. Oct. 1 Drawing gravel 2 started to cement 3 got done to Hamiton stayed all night 4 To Toronto + back 6 odd jobs + 7 - 8 picking pears - 9, 10, 11. odd jobs 13. {this line is starred} To Dundas to Aaron Mains golden wedding in Dundas park. 14 Painting 15 Digging Potatoe 16 to Galt with pears 17 Drawing corn from Andy Pullin for ourselves 18. Plastering 20. Working at Mr Tuckers - home to vote. 21 Cementing 22 Mr Tucker 23 new floor & dining room {room is written above dining} 24 took mail for Mr Riddle 25 - Laying floor all day got done 27. Papering dinning room Mis H. Whethams. 28, 29. 30, odd jobs. 31 Papering parlor Miss H Whetham Nov. 1 Patching barn roof. 3 A George Robb's framing an implant bedg. 4. 5. 6. 7 Framing Picked 2 barrels of apples 10 At Geo. Robb. 11, 12, 13 14. working at barn. Miss Hood Sale_ 15 outside lumber. 17 Pulling Turnips 19 George Main's funeral. 20 21 21 worked at Barn. 24 25 26 27 28 worked at doors Plastering 28, 29 all day. Dec. 1 At Firman MARTINS Plastering all day. 2, 3. 4 5. odd jobs 8 At Mr Robb making wall in milk house 9 At Milk house 10 Henry died early this morning 11 odd jobs 12 Henry's funeral. 13 Went for straw 15 At Oran Main - stove pipes 16, 17. 18 19 papering 20 all day 22 papering to George Mains sale. 23 Took pipe to Branchton 24 At Xmas tree 26 At Oran Main's papering all day. 27 same 29, 30 papering At Oran Main's. 31 At school meeting </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1920 Jan. 1. Making trussels for church to {illegible} 2 At DranMain's - At Andy Pullin "bee" cutting wood. 3 Oran Main's floor. 5. floor, coal + voting. 6 Andy's horse drawing coal 7. Floor Oran Mains 8.9 same 12, 13, 14, 15. working at floor. 16 finishing 17 Fixing shelves in closets 19 Take up parlon floor Dran Main 20 same 21 put down floor 22.23-24 working at closet. 26, 27. odd jobs 30, 31 graining Feb. and varnishing - 2, 3 varnishing + fix pump at Nelson's {illegible} 5 made 2 benches 6, 7 odd jobs 9 At Dran Main working in barn 10 Barn + house 11 Varnishing 12 At home 13. Door on panfry for MacDonalds 14 straw from MacDonalds. 16 skinning a rabbit. 17 fixing + greasing harness 18 same 19 Broughtcoal + plastering 20 Cutting wood 21 same 23 odd jobs 24 cutting wood 15 same 26 Got horse from Jirden 27, 28 Drew 2 loads wood. March 8 Odd jobs Dran Main 9 Papering at Cleve 10, 11, odd jobs. 12 to make little gard seed 22 odd jobs 23 Elgin Patricks paperin, both room. 24 papering painting. 25 Barn roof at Garrocks 26, 27 shingling roof. 29, 30, 31. 1 2 3 odd jons 5.6 splitting wood 7 At Dran Main April graining floor papering bath room 8, 9 odd jobs. 10 finished trimminghedge. 12.13 odd jobs 14 To Heny's babys Funeral. 15 odd jobs 16 papering at Shavers 17 same. 19 at Oran Mains and 20th 21 splitting cedar. 22 fiving doors. 23 At Firman Martin helpi, roof a house. 24 some all day 26 roofin 27 gone done 28 Work, at Dran Main's 29 to Galt 9 at lumber? 30 fixing front door Dran Main. 1 Odd jobs Dran Main 3 Willie Min's funeral 4 At Dran Main May 5 Cut door at hall. 6 Made door. 7 Planting early potatoes. 8 At Mr Brown' garage Foundation 10, 11, 12 Painting at hall. 13 started platform fa (not sure) hall. 15. Cement floor for garage 17, 18, 19 gardening. 20 AT Hall painting 21 fixing at hall. 22. putting up garage for Mr Brown June 31 making closet at hall 1,2,3,4 5 Working at hall. 7,8,9,10,11,12 working at hall all day. 14 working at hall 15 shingling at hall. 16, 17 18 19 gardening, hoeing. 21 hoeing 22 Working at Culhams 23 At Oran Main's 24 Hoeing 25 fixing scales scuffling 26 hoeing 28 heoing cementing 29 At James Culham. 30, 1, 2, 3 Working at barn. July 4 (not sure) At James Culham barn. 6 same 7. At Cecil Culham. 8 Sale on market. 9 Culham's farm 10 also 12 Culham's barn all day, 13 same 14 Barn then to Rockton 15 same 16 To Hamelton plastering part of ceiling upstairs. 17 At Hamilton 19, 20 working at (illegible) Dran Main 21. Pina Grove School tear down woodshed 22, 23 working at wood shed. 24 fixing my shoes. Cut gram at cemetary. 26. At John Perrigans shingling 27, 28, 29 working at John Perrigan's 30, 31 same. Aug. 2 picking berries 3 Work at Parrigan's 4,5,6,7, same. 9 making couch for tent 10 cement at school. 11 To Galt with berries 12, 13, 14 Working at stoop all day 16 finished stoop at John Perrigan's 1617 To School at Littles Corners 18 To Rockton to work at drill hall. 19 Pla(illegible)s for cement 20 cementing 21 At School roof and shingling 23 24 25 26 27 working at framing. 28 shingling at school 30, 31, cementing Sept. 1 Toschool, finishing cementing 2 To Will Thompson at OrKney to cut treed for (illegible) 3 some framing 4 at Rosehton 6, 7 8 9 10 working at framing 13, 14 , 15, 16, 17 framing 18 tightening braces 20. School Fair 21 odd jobs 22. 23. 24. 25. board in 27, 28, 29, 20, finished Roof boards shingling Oct 1 Snowing all morning 2 shingled all day. 4 5 6 shingling got done 7 truas rods (not sure) 8 Put in glass (not sure) painted (illegible). 9 (illegible) 11 door + window 12 At Troy making cellar (illegible) for Gas. Robb. 13 Went + RocltonShow 14 A Drill Hall 15 same. 16 pulling man gola (not sure) 18 Roof on hen pen 19 Working at Rockton 20 21 22 same 23 odd jobs </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1920 25 Nov. at George Robb's house shingling 26 Oddjobs 27, 28, 29, 30 Working at house all day 1 odd jobs 2 To Branchton 3 Took pigs to Bronchton. 4 5 6 working at Geo Robbs house 8, 9, 10 AtGeoRobbs 11 Wm. Cronins sale 12 homejons 13 drawing cornstalks 15 At Troy working at house 16 same 17 Annie + I went to Nelson Culhan fix pump 18 home jobs 19 working upstairs 20 Put on 2 doors 22-27 working at house. Dec 29-30 Dec 1-4 Shingling + working at house. 6, 11 working at house 133-17 At house 18 To Galt. 20-23 At house 24 to Galt 25 Had Xmas din (not sure) at Albert's 27 to Rockton horseshod. 28, 29, 30 Down at George Robbs plastering 1921 3 at Geo Robb plastering + put on 2nd coat 5 same 6 fix shelves 7 lathing Jan 8 fix stair put window in barn 10 Loolred at Harv Whetban's barn, getting ready for tea meeting. 11 Cleaning up at church 12. Geo Robb 2nd coat of plaster 13. barn 14 finished at barn. put on doors. 15 put in window glass + fix catchoo 17 Put up Bannister 18 Made book case . put in wall. 19 Working at bannister 20 same 21. lathing + plastering small room down stair 24 plater 25 fix mantle. 26 lathing in parler 27 same 28 finished fixing our doorbell 29 Cement in frontof fire place 31 At Andy pulling making new barn doors 1 At Mr Kregors sale 2 to Rockton sale Feb. 3 to Hamilton 4 around all day. 5 Oscar fetchees me home 7 to A Pullin putting on barn doors 8. to Littlee Corners school sheeling inside 9 At school working 10 To George Robb to put in dumb waiter 11 dumb waiter. 12 worked at pantry 14 At Cupbeard. 15 Got load of hay. 16 Ad cupboard. 17 to Branchton to Geordie Mac Donald's funeral. 18 At Pantry 19 same 21. 22, 23, 24. 25, 26. worked at cupboard all day 28 Plastering parlor to day. 1 To Frank Mc Killigans sale 2 2nd coat plaster March 3 A Patren Sickles sale 4 Working at house all day. 7 to Roy Robbs gate 8 started to build back porch 9, 10 same 11 To balt to get horse shad. 12 woeking at home 14. 15. 16 worked at porch 17 papering at Culhenes 18 Bushe's Sale 19 Plastering at Pine Grove school 22 Got some maple trees to set out an other lot 22 Got oats to Galt to chop. 23 At Mr. Robbs papering 24 At Andy Pullins started trough in stable 25 worl(illegible) at trough. 26 to Harve Whelban me (illegible) for barn (not sure) 28 Making wheels for dumb waiter 29 Got straw to sale 30 Annie + Harvie + I went to Branohton 31. Fix house at John Kreagars April 1 working at house 2 working at house 4, 5, 6, Working at house. 7. to sale. 8, 9. working at Mr Kreagars house all day. 11. 12 13 14 15 16 raised rool erc. 18 trim apple trees 19 to Will Ure Sale. 20 made 2 window frames 21. 22 working at house. 25. 26. 27 28 working at house all day. 29 To Jim Hum phreus papering all day. 30 got done May. 2 Helping Ceeil Culhor put wheel on Wind Mill. 3, 4. 5, 6 working at wall finished 9 framing Kitchen 10 plastering cistern 11 At Harve whetham 12 finished 13 Mr Kreager 14 Drawing out Manure on our lot to day 16 started to plow 17 finished 18 At Mr Kreager 19 At Baily Keachinpapering 20 same - got done 21 At Kreagors 23 Building chimines 24 planting Potatoes 25. 26 27 28 shingling - got done 30, 31 Work at house June 1 lathing 2 3. 4 same 6 to Geo Robbs making screcing 7.8 9. lathing 10. 11 Woring at house 13, 14 latheing. 15 16 17 18 plastering all day. 20, 21 22 23 24 25 plastering all day 27 Our baby born to-day. July. 1 Plastering down cellar </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> 1921 July June 2 To Hamilton to beach 4 to John Perrigan fry hay fork Trook 4 Hoeing potatoes 6 AT Kreagors plastering cellar. At Kreagars plastering Hoeing 8 Work at home 9 raining again 11 Picking berries 12 fix J.Perrigans barn pick berries 14 To Galt with berries At Cushrans. Take out parfition 15 Pick berries 16 Took to salt 18 Picking berries 19 Pick in aft. 20 To J Perrigan To make backstoop 21, 22. same 23 Shingling 25. Worked P. 36 finished stopp. 27 Work at home 28 Work at Pleasant Grove school tear out platform put down floor 29 floor in 30 At School Aug. 1,2,3,4,5,6 Working at school, 8 whitewash ceiling. 9,10,11,12 13 AtSchool. 15 At Mr Kreagorsat cupboard. 16 A Kreagor then to school 17 Plums to salt. Took Harvie to picnic. 18 Put Slateboards 19Work 20Paint piget school. 21 Harvieal thru Alberts old place. 22,23,24. Painting at school. 25 To Henry Blakes to fix barn roof. 25 Blakes finished at noon-swept school floor 27 Oil floor & paint blackboards 29,30 working around school. 31 To Nelson Culham to fix stoop. Sept I Working at stoop 2. Same. 3 Working at school 5 worked at N. Culham. 6 worked at stoop 7 started to fix silo 8 to Geo Rott petting top on sister {Not so sure what it says for 8} 9. At N Culham Silo 10 To Galt. Atsole 12 Silo, sink at house. 13 Silo 14. Mt Kreagan-cellar window 15,16. Work around house. 17 To Galt 19 To SMacDonald fixing silo 20 To Robb plastering 21 Work at stoop 22 Put up wall 23 Put cement cellar stygo outside done for awhile 24 Harvie & I went to Hamilton on the wheel 26 dig potatoes. 27 Pick Pears took to Galt 28 Dig potato s 29 Pick pears took them to Galt 30 raining Oct 1 Mrs McGreagor shingling on barn 3 Mrs McGreagors shinglins. A O.Main pig troughs 4 Worked of pig trough. Doan to Trumans after some earn. 5 At Harv Whethans getting ready cement 6 cementing 7 sweeping at churd 7 At H.Whethers cementing 10 Make wheel burrow to take wood rich urdon 12 Harvie & I went to Rockton Show. 13 Working at H.Whetham's 14,15,1718,19, 20.21, Work at eowmangers. 22 finished 27 At J Perrigans making water tank higher 28 Working at Water tank 29 same 31 water tank Nov 1 Fixing pump 2 At War Bonds putting in pipe 3 At Geo Robb. rained. 4 Put potatoes in cellar 5 At Geo Robb working at stoop 7. To Branch ton for coal. Started store 8 To Geo Robbs working of stoop-snowed. 9 Went for calves 10 RTChurch 11. To GeoFord's Sale 14 At GeoRobb 15,16 same 17 Putting glom 18 Making ladder for myself 19 Put sill in Window 21 Geo Robb puttin, onsiding 22,23 workins at stoop it around home 25 sweeping church Frank Cooper's Sale 29 At Dr Seeaton's 22,23 working at stoop 7. To Branchton for coal. Started stove. 8 To GeoRobb working at stoop-snowed. 9 Went for calves. 10 RTChurch 11. To GeoFord's Sale 14 At GeoRobb 15,16 same 17 Putting glom 18 Making ladder for myself. 19 Put sill in Window 21 At Geo Robb puttin, onsideing 22,23 working at stoop it around home 25 sweeping church Frank Cooper's Sale 29 At Dr.Seaton's making partition in Kitchen 29 At Nelson Culhams pipe in sink 30 At Geo Robb working on stoop. Dec 1 Working of John Perrigans 2 At Seaton's finishies job 3 Working at John Perrigans 5 At Rich Bonds 12 Ar N.Culhan odd jobs 13,14,15 Got done, 16 Got straw at Branchkton Taking wood in church. 19 Started to make a forge 20 ATRich Bond odd jobsn21,22 same 23 Taking wood in church 24 Sweeping at church. Oiling floor at Pleasant Grove school 26 Macdonalds & Alberts here for Xmas 27 Working at Rich Bonds 28 same 29,30 Odd jobs at home {922 written in the left margin} Jan 2. AT Desty's for dinner 3 Odd jobs at home 3 AT Rich Bonds ~ </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h3>1922</h3> Feb. 15. Back at Woods all day 16 Odd jobs at home 17 Swamp. 18 Back at swamp 20 Bak at swamp. 21 John Whetham funeral 22 Work at home. To Oran Main fixing pipe. 23. To Howells Sale 24 odd jobs at home. 25 At swamp all day. 27 At Swamp. 18 odd jobs at home Piling wood at Culham farm. Mar 2 To Galt around home 3 Working around home. 4 Up at church in aft. 6 to Copetown with carpet then to Hamilton 7 Piling wood at Culham farm. 8 At Henry Hookers Sale 9 Down to Alberts cutting wood- At Cecil Culham 10 Putting inside closet 11 went to Galt on my wheel. 13 To Johnie Hammonds fixing cupboard in pantry. 14 cupboard all day. 15 same 16 finished cupboard. 17 Working at Cecil Culham 18 Painting at C Culham 20 At Nelson culham papering 21 Cecil Culham painting. Tearing floor out of vestry. 22 At Culham papering all day. 23 At Culham painting, some graining. got done 24 C Culham graining hall floor to Troy to Sale. 25 At church putting down new floors 27 To Branchton at Al Haney's making cool bin. 28 At Fred Brown's papering Apr. 1 papering all day got done 3 Oiling floor at Church 4 At Harve Whethams papering 5 Papering dinning room 6 Papering all day 7. got done papering 8 varnished floor at church fix working machine went to Galt. 10 To Oran Main trimming hedge. 11 To Miss Mewhenney papering 12 to Orton Roff papering 13 Making scr{letters too small to make out} 14 same all day. 15. To Hamilton with car. Colin Cross with us 17 Painting bedroom at home. 18 At Orton Robbs odd jobs. 19 Oran Main odd jobs 20 To Dundas to Miss Mains funeral. 21 Cutting wood fixing fence, pile wood. 22 To Trumans papering all day. 24 splitting wood. 25. To Mr Kreagars to make hen roost. 26 same all day. 27. 28 all day got done May. 1 to Jim Ellers wokring at pantry. Same 2, + 3, 4 to Mr James papering dining room 5 Painting + papering 10 papered bedroom got done. 11 To Jim Ellers working at pantry 12 got done middle of after noon - splitting wood. 13 splitting wood drawing out manure at home. 15 Papering bedroom upstairs for ourselves 16 Took cattle to pasture. 17 At Miss Bonds papering some ceilings. 18 At John Hammonds papering parlor. 19 At Dunk Passels papering set out straw Bering{?} plants 20 Splitting wood 22 Splitting wood sowing mangols. 23 getting corn ready. 24 sowing corn planting potatoes. 25 Went to Galt plastering while working papering 26 To Oran Main putting on screen doors 27 Went to Hamilton to day. 28 Annie went to church. 29 Papering at alberts 30 Finished) {bracket here because lines started to bleed into each other} papering for Miss Drone. 31 Making screens for Oran Main june 1 Back to Kirkwall to induction 2 Papering at Alberts Papering at H. Whetham 3 finished screens at Oran Main's 5 fixing Baby Buggy. 6 To N. Culham started to tear down shed. 7 Working on shed. 8 working on shed. 9 started wall 10 Working at wall. 12, 13 14. Working at wall finished 15 Put on foundation 16 getting ready to build 17 Building in joice 19, 20 21 22 23 24 framing 26 framing 27. Raising 28 started to put on siding 29 same 30 roof Boards July 1 To Hamilton to Culham picnic 3. Cleaning our barn 4 At N. Culham put on roof boards {'put on' is above 'roof boards' as it didn't fit on the page} 5 Shingling 6 shingling + working at barn. 7. 8 working at barn 10 To Hamilton went to circus. 11, 12, 13 Working at barn. 14 Drawing hay from Truman 15 Picking berrie took to Galt 17 Picking berries 18 Took berries to Galt. 18 Working at Mr Kreagar 19 to Mr Geo Robb odd jobs. 20 Ceiling on stoop 21 Pickd Berries 24 Pick berries took to Galt 25 26 Went to Guelph farm picnic </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/cbb16240a27177e12fcf59248d1bbb8b.pdf c250ac773dbf6f19f3744033efdda05d PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3eb62c0ea2f8fb56b65ef4b740d65c52.pdf 8fe8b074df1ba53bd31a96120e2e70b8 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Susanah "Susie" Smith Diary Collection Subject The topic of the resource 19th Century Rural Ontario Diaries Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1874 Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Wellington County, Arthur Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Susanah "Susie" Smith Diary & Transcription, 1874 Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Susanah "Susie" Smith Diary & Transcription, 1874 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Susanah "Susie" Smith Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 19th Century, Wellington County, Arthur Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. 1874 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Susanah "Susie" Smith Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/194ec495710aea954b068b863c5ed236.pdf eb1a52df548faa70565905d2e633989e PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/17e231b82aa0c9a9d074bc0c2e638ee6.pdf 78161ebf40005ee14ed741b1b2d14c69 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4bd65e7dad99c28d32f8dcc7f348f7b5.pdf 980129ab92be99d49876ee26252e9dc6 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/cf323aec6a71fc43109f9f6daa2ebe0c.pdf aa13ceb356dc78b5f9b3d01ac5b19e1c PDF Text Text Theobald (Toby) Barrett (1895-1969) 1911 Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers DISCLAIMER: This diary depicts some discriminatory content which some may find offensive. During the diary’s time period, such racial terms and prejudices were commonplace in Canadian society. They are considered wrong today. Sunday May 28th. Went down to Sunday School this morning with Daddy behind Belle and after church drove home with Enah and Daddy. After dinner I walked into town via the stump but did not go in. I went down to the dock and then around by the Morgan's and sat there an hour or two talking to Murray. We thought there was going to be a big thunder storm but it blew over. I came home about five o'clock and lay out on the lawn till supper time. After tea Enah and I walked it to church and were releived to hear Mr. Johnson announce that owing to the intense heat the service would be shortened. There were only thirty-nine there hardly enough to pay expenses. After church we went over and listened to Mr. Lawrie's graphophone which was fine. We got home about 10 o'clock. It is cooler now and there is a slight breeze. The mosquitos were bad at the Lawries. Monday May 29th Got up about seven this morning.I discked the corn field all morning behind Belle and Harry or Joe for we found out that was his name. Bill turned up just after dinner. He and Quint had walked down from Normandale this morning. They never caught a fish. When he came he set to work to make a corn marker and Daddy, Enah and I drove down in the wagon after another load of stuff. We got the sofa the arm-chair and other things. We got back about six and Bill had the corn marker all made ready to put bolts into. After tea Bill Dick and I went back with the rifle to see if we could find and ground hogs but in vain. When we came back Mrs. MacPherson was here, she stayed till Bruce called for her about half past nine. We let Davie out in the orchard to-day Josie saw him going out and has kicked up a fuss all day. It started out this morning nice and cool but got hot again to the middle of the day but cooled down again at night. Tuesday May 30th 1 �After breakfast I sawed enough wood for the day, and then shelled seed corn. Daddy and Bill were back discking and rolling the ground for it. Then I tried to put the shelves in the pantry but they fit too tight. After dinner I went back and watched Bill go a couple of rounds with his corn marker and then started down town to buy a corn planter. I fell in with Chris Quanbury who was going down after eggs for Jack Martin and he offered to drive me down and back. When I got to Andersons I had to wait about ten minutes for Maud Jameison and then Miss Stamp told me they did have any corn planters except an old one that Mr. Anderson had had on the farm which I could have for 50 cts so I took it. Then I pretty nearly lost Chris but at last found him and came home. When I got home I started to cut potatoes and went to sleep. When I woke up I found I had been lying on my arm and put it fast asleep and took me a long time to wake it up. Then Bruce came after his plow and Daddy went down as far as Fleming's with him to borrow another corn-planter. I went on cutting potatoes which to me till tea-time. After tea Daddy wanted to go back and plant some more corn so Dick and I had to do the chores. It took me about half an hour to milk the cow and then she did not give as much as Dad gets. Then I let her go before I took the calf away from the other cow and it scared the cat. Bill rode Old Harry down town for Harry Ansley sent word over at noon that he wanted him back to haul some sand. Daddy and Dick went over to Bannisters to get some setting hens and I saw a section of an old hollow basswood for a nest. When they came back they told us that Mrs. Liddy had a child and was dead. It has been very much cooler to-day with a wind in the east. We left Davie out in the orchard to-night. He seems to be getting over his lonesomeness a little. Wednesday May 31st Got up at a fair hour this morning about 6 o'clock. Right after breakfast Daddy went over to help Frank Vyse spray, and Bill and I went back he to plant corn and I to plant potatoes. We both got through about 10 o'clock and then we started to hook Belle up to the stone boat to draw the brush out of the orchard when we noticed a horse and rider coming up past Mrs. Aruther Battersby's. We then saw that the horse was Old Harry the same which Bill took back last night. We then tried to figure out who the horseman could be. He was so far away we could not tell and he was coming at a very easy walk. As he got nearer Bill said it was Huby and sure enough it was. He reminded one of the pictures in Don Quixote of the little fat man on the knights horse. We learned from him that Daddy had bought old Harry for $115.00 and that Huby had volunteered to ride him over in the saddle. Bill then took Belle and old Harry and went back to roll the oats. I went down as far as Vyse's with Huby to see how Daddy was coming on and found him working for all he was worth at the pump, which 2 �by right ought to have a horse to pump it. About noon it began to thunder and rained a little during which shower we went into Vyse's house and afterwards home while we were at dinner it got very dark and a strong wind got up, and then began to rain and kept on till about three. Bill went down town after dinner and is not back yet. Daddy white washed the kitchen and pantry ceilings and I read a couple of stories. When Dick came home the to cows were up in the barn yard so I put them in. A little while after wards I went out and Frank Vyse's white cow was up but no sign of Bobby, so I went back and found her licking a big bull calf at the top of the hill. Then Daddy and I went back and he steered it to it's supper. After tea I milked Spotty and then went back with Daddy and he milked Bobby. It was pretty hot this morning but is quite cool now after the rain. David is still in the orchard. Thursday June 1st Bill was sick this morning and said he had felt sick all night. He took a dose of salts and did not eat any breakfast. Then he went and lay down in the stable barn in the hay and put a horse blanket over himself and slept there till noon. He would not come in the house to sleep. At noon he felt better and ate his dinner and then went down to see Doc. Hicks who gave him some medicine. He went and saw Huby and then came home and had his tea and went to bed soon afterwards. This morning Daddy, Dick and I went down town in the wagon to get some potatoes and things for the horse. As we were going out the gate we met Bill Donald who was coming to plow for buck wheat. He had the horse with the sore shoulders with him for Dad. to look at again. We went on and got as far as Vyse's and I stayed there to help him fill up his spray barrel and when Dad came back he was going to help him spray Dick could not ride his wheel to school on account of the mud so he rode down with Daddy in the wagon When Daddy came back he and I went over home and he came back with old Harry to pull the pump around the orchard. When I got home I started to cut potatoes and kept on till noon. Daddy never showed up for dinner and after dinner I buried the old skunk and chicken. Then Dad. came and went back and finished rolling the oats, and I planted the potatoes I had cut and another half pail full. Bill Donald went down town with Bill to get his plow shears sharpened. Daddy harrowed in the potatoes after he had rolled the oats. After tea I mowed a little lawn and Daddy went down to get a setting hen for Huby had a gift of ten turkey eggs It has been much cooler to-day with a wind from the nor'west. Friday June 2nd Milked Bobby this morning before breakfast and afterwards sawed some wood and started to cut lawn. Then I went down town and waited at Huby's till Dick came down and he went 3 �up and got a manure fork, and I took it along with our own over. Then Bill loaded up some manure and I went over and spread it which job I have kept all day Old Felix came over to fix the windmill so she will work all right and he fixed it to pump a lot easier. Bob. Law brought a couple of loads of sand to-day for the foundation of the horse-stable when it is moved. Bill Donald has been plowing for buck wheat all-day. It began to rain heavily about five o'clock and kept up till after tea. The were a couple of light showers before and it has been fairly hot all day but a nice breeze. All the school had a holiday this afternoon on account of Mrs. Liddy's funeral. Bill rode old Harry down town to-night. Saturday June 3rd Bill got back about four o'clock this morning. I went out after breakfast to spread manure and got my feet so soaking wet that I came in, and changed my boots and socks and went out and hoed the tomatoes and planted some potatoes Bill Donald came to plow and has been plowing all day. After dinner Bob. Blakie came over to get some of his property that he had lent to William's and talked here for about an hour. Then Daddy and I went back and planted carrot seed all the after noon. Bill hauled manure all day and got out 18 loads. Allan and Harry Batersby drove out for a short visit. After tea Dick and I walked in and went into the stump for a swim and then on down town and I got a film and a collar. We got home about {10?} o'clock This was His Majesty's birthday but it was not celebrated here but the coronation will be. Sunday June 4th Dick and I walked into Sunday School this morning and were about 10 minutes late. I drove back after church with Daddy and Enah who drove Joe and Ginger into church. This afternoon it looked like rain and I walked in to Huby's. It then cleared off and I walked down to the dock and found Dick talking to Art. Smith, Joe and Greenbury. Then Murray and Roy Dell came along in Dell's row boat and Art. Smith and Greenbury and I got in we went out in the lake. Then we came up and I walked up town and then went down to Aunty Maude's for tea. After tea I went up to church and then went for a little walk with Murray but it looked very stormy (and is thundering now) that I came home. Bill was here when I arrived. Huby and Harry Battersby have gone up to Billington's to-day. They did not say what for Monday June 5th Got up with much discomfort being very sleepy this morning a little after six. I sawed some wood before breakfast and a little afterwards. We hooked Joe and Ginger up to the wagon 4 �and went down town and got all the stuff out of Enah's & Daddy's room which took us all the morning as we had to take up the carpet. Dick drove down with us and took his dinner to school as it was too muddy to ride his wheel. When we got back Bill was working spreading the manure he hauled out Saturday and it was to wet around the manure pile to haul out any more and any way Faulkner had come and taken his wagon. Bill Donald was ploughing and Davie was having a good time in the orchard. After dinner Bill started to fix a solid place in the wood shed to put the Cream separator on, and Daddy and I put the wardrobe to-gether in Dick's room. I lay down on Dick's bed and finding it very comfortable fell asleep. I was soon aroused from my slumbers by Enah who informed me Daddy was trying to catch Davie in the orchard as he was in Bill's road who had old Harry hooked on to the stone-boat hauling brush up to the other end of the orchard. We got Davie stowed away in one of the boxstalls and then prepared for another journey to town. Herb Lawrie was here after the hay he bought from William's. We got back here with another load and Dick about six o'clock. While unloading I noticed one of the young pigeons had got down with the chickens and they were chasing it around and picking at it. I went over and found it dying from a wound in its neck where they had picked it. It died in a few minutes and I hung it up down cellar for Bill to eat as it had been well bled. The chickens had another old fellow who can't fly up in the corner too but he escaped with his life. Dick and Bill went down town to-night after tea, and I think I hear them coming back now (9.30). I went out and milked Bobby to-night and then mowed the lawn. George Slocomb came over to-night to see if he could put his pony colt in the pasture and Dad decided to let him for $1.50 a week month. He will let Davie back with him and he won't be so lonesome. It has been pretty hot to-day threatening rain several times. Tuesday June 6th I was wrong last night when I thought I heard Dick and Bill coming last night for Dick did not get home till 10 o'clock with news of Dover's defeat in base ball Dover vs. Simcoe. Bill got home sometime in the small hours of the morning and slept out in the hay. Enah went to an Auxillary tea-shine in Waterford this morning with a load driven by Johnny Walker and hauled by Faulkner's Arabs. She got back to-night a little after nine earlier than she expected. We could hear Mrs Skey and Miss Wheeler yelling way down at Mrs. Battersby's corner. I hoed the tomatoes all up this morning and cut all the burdocks I could find. I demolished about 100 stocks. Then I sawed the lims off the old willow that obstructed the passage of carriages. Bill hauled manure all day and got 16 or 17 loads out. After Dinner Daddy and I went out and spread all Bill had hauled out. Then we came in with the intention 5 �of going down town after some oats but after ripping down the old wall at the end of the horstall building found it was too late in the day to make the trip. After tea Bill went back down town but got back at 945. I milked Bobby and then came in and started to read "Peck's Bad Boy". The same which Dick is reading now. It was pretty cool this morning but is not so cold now. It has been fine all day. Wednesday June 7th Very sleepy when Dad. called me this morning about six but managed to get up about a quarter of an hour afterwards. I sawed some wood after breakfast and then Daddy and I went in to town with Joe and Ginger on foot to hook on to Faulkner's wagon. I went over to Billy Laing's with Daddy (after we had put the horses in the barn) and held sacks for him to fill with oats for us and then sat there while Daddy went up to get his hair cut. Then we went up and got the wagon and saw Faulkners new bus it is a dandy. We got the oats and some things from the house including Huby who stayed over all day and hauled manure while Bill pitched on the empty wagon. Huby is getting to be a great horse man he was driving Belle and Harry all day to-day. After dinner I chased the cows back the lane as they had come up and not got any farther than the end of the cornfield hill they were back again so I drove them back once more and this time got all the way to the barn and looked and they were half way down the lane so then Bill Donald who has been ploughing went back with me and we put a bar across the lane. Tige is getting pretty good with them. We then went down town in search of Johnny Walker to bring the big bits of furniture over. I nearly went to sleep on the way down. Daddy and Enah came down later and got the things ready. I first went down to the station and had a visit with Joe whom I found fast asleep in the ware house on a pile of salt in sack, while I was there a wedding party drove in to go out on the 3.20 the happy couple being Will McNeily and Olive Long. Then Johnny Walker came along and I delivered my message and he said he would come around about four o'clock. I waited around a while and then went back. on my way went through Mrs. J. S. Allen's new house which is pretty nice. I then went into Mr. Jaques which is nice too but not like Mrs. Allen's. When I got to the house I heard the agent from Simcoe of the International Harvesting Co. try for about half an hour to sell Dad a manure spreader or other implement but he failed. By that time Johnny Walker was there Cruise came around and Daddy paid him for the road work. Daddy and I went over on the load and Enah rode here wheel over. After tea I partly milked Bobby and carried the stuff we brought over from town into the house. It was very misty and damp early this morning but got finer afterwards although cloudy all day. Bill and Huby went down town after tea. Bill said they were going to a ball 6 �that Bill Barlow was giving for a fare well, but I guess they didn't for Bill got home before mid night. Bill Barlow has left Bagley and Miller's and is going to work in Lea's pickle factory in Simcoe. Thursday June 8th I was very sleepy this morning when Dad called me and have been sleepy all day. After break fast I sawed enough wood for the day, and then went out and spread manure. I only got one row spread to-day and had several rests and one or two naps. Daddy pitched on to-day and Bill hauled out Huby has not been over at all to-day. After dinner I lay down on the sofa to read "Peck's Bad Boy" and went to sleep and remaind in that state till two o'clock, when I went out and spread after dumping Enah's wash water out of the machine. I quit about four and went to rest under an elm back in the gulsh. I could hear them yelling over at the school-house where they were playing baseball - Dover vs. Simcoe return game. About five I went up with Bill and cleaned out the horse stable. When Dick came home he informed us that Simcoe had beat by some strange kind of luck the score being 9 - 4. He said that their playing was very bad and Dover's pretty good. - but - After tea I milked Bobby and tried to feed the kittens but they would wallow around in the milk and upset it. Bill and Dick have gone down town to-night. It has been pretty warm all day to-day but not too hot and there has been a nice breeze and a few clouds. It is now nine o'clock and time for me to retire. I'll see if an hour more of slumber will make me feel better on the morrow Friday June 9th Was not so sleepy this morning and have felt better all day. Last night after I went to bed Skinny Ryrsie and Lorne Hasted came over with Faulkner's team to get his wagon to haul some timber out of the bush to-day so as we only had the one wagon Daddy came out and helped spread and Bill hauled out. After breakfast I sawed up all the pieces of wood in the wood shed I could find and then went over to Blakie's to borrow a scoop-shovel for Bill and after lugging it over here he said it was no good and he would not use it but he changed his mind later when he found there was no better. Then I watched Dad try to churn in a two- quart self sealer. He churned to lots of cream but the butter was pretty soft. Enah worked it up this after noon and we had it for tea, and it was pretty good. We went out about ten o'clock and spread manure till noon and after dinner till four when it began to rain. It rained till six, during which time we cleaned up the wood-shed and now it looks as slick as the inside of a wallnut when the meat is all out. After tea I milked Bobby and Mr. Shand came 7 �after Daddy to see a sick lame horse -(Dads has quit the practice)- I then fed the pigs and tried to feed the kittens but they spilt all the milk by trying to get what was in the opposite side of the saucer, consequentley it was neccessary for them to crawl in it. Bill went off with the rifle after tea The corn is coming up nicely and the crows are right on the spot. We have about 100 loads of manure out now. Saturday June 10th After breakfast this morning I went back and hoed the mangles and the corn all morning and most of the after noon. I hoed three rows of corn before dinner and four after. Bill Donald has been harrowing his buckwheat ground to-day and Daddy spreading manure. Bill, Dick and Quint drove old Harry up to Normandale this after-noon they were going to have a trout fish. I quit about four and went over and got enough strawberries for tea then I rode Dick's wheel down and left it in the school house porch while I went down to the stump and had a good swim. After tea we put Ginger and Joe in the orchard and took Davie out. Then we went back to the corn field and put out a few newspapers to scare the crows and then came in and sat around till bedtime. It has been pretty hot and close all day and threatens rain to-night. Our wheat east of the orchard is full of smut and Bill Donald showed us the hessian fly in it. Sunday June 11th Daddy, Enah and I drove Ginger and Joe down this morning, and I went to Sunday School and they went and stayed down at Huby's till church-time. I found a lot of books waiting for me and Miss Battersby was just going to start in on them thinking I had jumped my job. I went to church and drove home with Daddy and Enah after wards. After dinner we drove out to the Shand's and stayed there all the afternoon. Daddy drove Enah and I me down to Huby's for tea and he went home and stayed there all alone for tea. I went up to church with Enah and Ada but din't go in but went up the beach with Murray. I was to have gone right home with Enah but went down to the dock with Murray and saw a bunch down there and did not get home till nearly ten. It has been extremely hot to-day and threatened a thunder-shower but that is as far as it got. It was a lovely sun-set, and rather queer looking. There was a bunch out in the "Cygnet" to-day including Joe, Murray and some others and when they were coming in they accidentally ran into the "Vigilant" and broke the tiller and Mrs. Roy Silver Thorne hurt her hand quite badly. Monday June 12th 8 �Dick and Quint drove old Harry back alone last night. Bill stayed up there and said he thought that Daddy knew he was going to stay although he told him he was coming back last night. This morning Daddy and Enah drove down town in the buggy and stayed all morning. Daddy had to have Joe and Ginger shod and Enah had to do some shopping. I hoed corn till ten o'clock when there came up a terrible thunder storm which started about three quarters of an hour or more. Bill Donald who had been working his buckwheat sat in the old house and told me of all the damage done by lightning around here in the last 10 years. Daddy came back after the storm was over about noon and after dinner he and I drove Joe and Belle and up to Yeagar's. We had a lovely drive and got home about six. We came home around by Lynn Valley. We saw Marshall and Gilbert on our way up and Marshall said he could let us have two sticks of timber the length we wanted for the stable if Bill would come up and cut and hew them. Then we went into Shepard's where Gilbert was raising a barn and he said he could be down here by the end of this week. Just before tea Mr. Miller came up to place the cream separator. He said Bruce told him we wanted him although how he found out is a mystery. He stayed to tea and fixed it up afterwards and skimmed a pail of milk and took the thing all apart and washed it and showed Enah how to put it to-gether again to be ready for the morning. It was very windy this after noon and rained a little in the evening. Yeager just got back from Galt to-day where he took a lot of prizes and sold four horses. He bought as many new ones to bring home with him. Several farmers were cutting hay but some of it looked pretty green. Tuesday June 13th We put our milk through the separator all right this morning as it was all to-gether. There was no sign of Bill here all day to-day but Dick and Bob Law both saw him down town and he said he was coming home to-night After breakfast I drove Belle down to Greenbury's to get her shod and when I came back it was kind of drizzle Daddy and Enah were laying the parlor carpet. After I put Belle away I went back and started to plant corn where the crow's had pulled it up. After dinner Daddy went over to a barn raising at Fleming's and did not get back till dark. I planted corn most of the afternoon, then I watered the horses and gave them hay. I miked after tea and fed the calves and kittens. Then I came in and started to put the milk through the separator and found all kinds of things wrong. First the washer was under the wood bush in stead of over it and that made an awful rattle. Then the rubber on the tube did not go in the hole and we squirted milk all over the floor. After that was remedied the cream started going into the milk vessel and visa versa. But at last we got it all through and are now at peace and hope to be till to-morrow morning. It has been cold 9 �and rather windy all day to-day. Rather cloudy and inclined to rain. Dick got a lot of strawberries over in the garden to-day. Wednesday June 14th This morning I sawed quite a lot of wood and then went back and nearly finished planting the corn that the crows got. Daddy and Bill drove up to Marshall's to get the timber. Daddy came back at noon and left Bill there to hew the stick. After dinner I painted the pantry door and Enah started on the whole kitchen while Daddy went down to Vyse's to borrow a cultivator. Then we went back and he cultivated the corn while I hoed around the hills. About four o'clock we started off to get Bill and the timber, he had one stick nearly done so we waited and after quite a lot of fixing got it fastened to the wagon and started for home. I sat behind and tried to steer the thing and Daddy drove Bill walked most of the way. We reached home about eight, and unloaded our timber and had tea We got the chores finished about a quarter to ten. It has been fairly warm to-day and a little windy Thursday June 15 Bill went up to the bush this morning to hew his other stick of timber and Daddy and I went back to the corn-field. He cultivated with Belle and I hoed. We worked till noon and had got it all cultivated one way. I tried to rig up a scare-crow but did not make a very good one. After dinner Daddy churned and then went up to the woods after Bill about 2 o'clock. I hoed till about half-past five and then I went up to the house and found nobody home so I stayed there till six and then got some more material for my scare-crow including a stuffed sack for a stomach and a couple of sticks for legs and went back and fixed up a fairly good one. While I was back there I saw Daddy and Bill coming home with the timber and as I was coming up to the house I met Dick going to get some strawberries I went over with him and we got enough for tea. After tea I cut a little lawn till it got dark. It would have been hot today If there had not been such a cool breeze. Dick and Bill went down town after tea and Dick got our new strainer pail which Hugh has been making for the last two or three days. Friday June 16th Bill started to plow this morning where we hauled out the manure. I cut up some wood and then went back to hoe corn while Daddy went over to Sol. Smith's to see when Gilbert could come to move the barn. She said he would come to-night and move it to-morrow, so Daddy ran around to see if he could get men to help him and he got four or five. When he came back I cut a lot more wood to cook the meals with and Daddy went back and hoed 10 �corn till noon. After dinner Daddy and I hooked up Ginger and Joe to the wagon and took Vyse's cultivator (which we are not done with) and Fleming's chain back to the owners. Then we came back and hauled posts from the corn and wheat fields which were in the old line fence. We thought the would do to block up the building with. We stayed at this job till half past four. While we were at it Chess. Robinson came after a setting of eggs. We went down town after this to get a supply of provisions. Enah went with us and we got Huby and all the men he can get to come over to-morrow. Daddy and Dick went over to Blakie's to get a setting hen to put on some duck eggs that he gave us this morning. Bill went down town and I cut more lawn till dark. The cows got into the wheat fields to-night There has been a pretty nice breeze all day to-day but fairly hot. Gilbert drove in here with his aparatus about 10 o'clock to-night and is going to stay all night. Saturday June 17th This morning we had quite a hustle. Gilbert got started early to work on the horse-stable and we got a good crowd of Men viz: Huby Alfred Ryersie, Jim Blakie and Frank Vyse besides our selves. All came that had promised except Dad. Haymaker; and Walt. McCall the two that Huby had got. Dick went down early to meet a bunch that were going to drive up to the glen for a picnic. He was gone all day and was pretty tired when he reached home althoug he caught two trout and had a good time. I Rode Enah's wheel down the first time when Dick went down to get some spikes and just got back and found I had to go again after nails. Quint and Eri Brown came over with some cherries - Olivets the first I have tasted this year - and stayed till the middle of the afternoon. He picked the pigeon that the chickens had killed yesterday. We worked away all day at the building with out any adventure or mishap (except the escapes of several getting bogged in the manure) and at six o'clock had her all blocked up and sills put under and moved about 3 feet. After tea all the members of our party dispersed to their respective homes. Bill hired Geordie Lawries horse and rig and drove home and Gilbert took the old buggy and drove his team to Delhi. Then Daddy and I drove Belle down to the station to meet Roy. He had the squab Quint picked for his supper and found the crop in it. Dick got home about 10 o'clock and we all went to bed. Sunday June 18th I walked down to Sunday School this morning and was not late which broke the record for the first time since we have been on the farm. Dick not get up in time to go. He, Enah and Roy came down to church but Daddy whent back to the farm and met us all at Huby's 11 �where we dined. In the after noon I went out in the boat a little way and then went up town and took a few pictures. First I went up to the Smith's to see if I could see Bruce but could not but Mrs. Smith said she would tell him to come over to-morrow if he came up. I went down to the dock and saw the launch "Miriam" of the C.Y.C. come in. Joe was out in the "Pilot" and Mid. in the Cygnet and there was hardly enough wind for them to get in. Joe and I were going up Main street about five o'clock and we saw a big smoke up the street. Joe had his wheel and he rode up. I went up as far as Maneer's corner and did not see much smoke and only a few people so I thought there was nothing in it but found out afterwards that McBains old barn burnt down up by Bob Leitches. I met Roy going over to the Woodsons for tea when I was going home and went over that far with him. After tea I went down to church alone and went behind the organ with Wiser who wanted to get off early. After church I saw Egg Thompson and {Runk?} and went up as far as Old Walkeis straw berry patch with them and then on home. (It was too dark to find the berries well.). Mr. Johnson and Murray went up to Port Ryersie in the farmer's gasoline launch and broke down on the way home. Haymaker towed them home and I guess Mr. Johnson had to preach on an empty stomach. Pretty hot to-day, but nice breeze. {Pen sketch of farming apparatus at the top of the page} Monday June 19th This morning all the men Daddy had asked come and help finish the moving turned up. Bill Donald, Frank Vyse and Charlie Butler all turned up early. Then Gilbert himself came and got every body started to work and the Bruce and his boy Fred George came. Huby could not come to-day as he had promised Mr. Hobbes to go trout fishing. We got the stable all moved and leveled about noon. After dinner we started in at the old house and got it in place behind the wood shed about four or five. Then we moved the pig house back the length of itself into the orchard. There were "Thaiousands and thaiousands of rats" under this building and quite a fraction of them were executed. It was in an awful state underneath. We got all through about six o'clock. After tea we loaded Gilbert's stuff on his wagon and started him for Vyse's where he is going to move another barn to-morrow. {There is a torn scrap of newspaper on this page placed in the margin as a bookmark.} Roy got off this morning and we all hurried for fear he would miss the train, but him and he said our clock was five minutes fast and would not start till the last minute but was in time. Bob. Law brought three loads of sand to-day. It has been pretty hot and sunny. 12 �Tuesday June 20th It is just one month ago to-night that we slept over here for the first time. Things look a lot different than they did then but have to change a lot more before they look at all decent. Before we finished breakfast this morning Bill Donald came to see if Dad wanted a ride over to Vyse's. So Daddy and Bill both went over to give them a hand with the building moving. They got back about three o'clock this after noon. I sawed some wood and hoed the potatoes and corn out in the garden by the barn while they were gone. When they came back we went down town to get our three wire gates and a hay rake that was down in the car. We got back about five and hung one of the gates ant the head of the lane before tea. After tea we milked and separated the cream which we do all righ now and Miss Phipp and Mrs. Martin came and have just gone now (9.15) It has been hot to-day but a stiff breeze. Bob Law brought 3 or 4 more loads today Wednesday June 21st This morning I was aroused from a very peaceful slumber by the sound of many voices mostly dog's. I grew more consious and distinguished Bill's voice informing Daddy that Frank Vyse was here. Then that gentle man declared that Fleming's cow was nearly dead. Daddy gave orders for Belle to be hitched and in a short time he went away with Vyse after first telling me to get up. I said I would and then went back to sleep. In about half an hour Enah came and bothered me till I had to get up. I milked Bobby and Bill milked Spotty. We separated the milk, fed the calves and had breakfast. Then Daddy came and told us he had treated the cow for milk fever but did not know (and aparantly did not care) whether the cow would die or not. He brough home a hoe from Vyse's and Bill and I went back to the corn field to hoe while Dad drove Belle up to Yeager's. He stopped into Flemings on his way back and the cow was up and eating. It was Earne's cow and when he came over this morning he fainted and fell right into the old cow. He has not been very well and jumped right on his wheel out of bed and the consequence was as has been stated above Bill and I got sixteen rows hoed by noon. After dinner Bill plowed with Old Harry and Belle and Daddy and I took Josie to break her in on the cultivator. Talk about stepping high wide and fancy Joe certainly took the cake she stepped all over every hill she could see and got her legs over the traces and every other agravating act She could think of. She could not see the sense of walking up and down the field lugging the old rattly long cultivator behind her. She quieted down after a while and we kept on there till six Daddy driving and I steering the machine. Fred Coleman was raking and cocking hay in the field next us and Mr Prestonic in the field next that was moing About five we heard the train kicking up a racket and Fred 13 �saing that Miss Henderson was married. Some Dr. Frizzle from Owen Sound got her. After tea Dick and I played with the dogs quite a while and scared the pup till he could hardly see several times. Dick milked about a pail full to-night out of Bobby. Enah has the kitchen all fixed up fancy all the wood work painted a decent color over the bright blue and the margins on the floor yellow with a linoleaum in the middle. A cloth on the table. (Fancy looking farm house kitchen). It would have been pretty unpleasantly warm to-day but for a nice breeze. The days begin to get shorter now. Thursday June 22nd His Majesty King George V was crowned to-day and the school and all business places had a holiday, but Dick stayed home and drew all day. Bill plowed all day, Daddy and I went back and cultivated corn till ten o'clock Joe went a good deal better. Then I went over and spread manure till noon as Bill had caught up in the plowing. Vyse came over and he and Daddy put the rake to-gether. I got quite a nice bunch of straw berries over in our patch. After dinner I had a pretty good rest and then went back and hoed potatoes till about 4.30 p.m. I slaughtered a great number of potato bugs. They are chewing The plants all to pieces. I went bare footed with one foot for a while my toe was so sore. Daddy spread manure till Sam Law came after him to see his cow which he thought was sick. Then he came and told me I could go for a swim and then went and rolled what Bill had plowed and Bill spread manure. Dick and I went down to the stump and had a dandy swim. The first I have had for nearly two weeks (Dirt well I guess) Tony Bannister came over in a scow and it sunk before he got over, but he was prepared. Dick churned after tea and got so much butter that the butter bowl would hardly hold it. It has been and is now hot enough to cook eggs to-day in spite of a nice westerly breeze. Friday June 23rd I hoed corn all day to-day and Daddy cultivated till about five when he had to take Vyse's cultivator. He cultivated what potatoes we could see Bill plowed all day. After tea he and Dick went down. Dick was going to see the Jessie James show on the {flat iron?}. A little while after I went down to get my hair cut. While I was waiting Bill came in and then Huby came to get his razor honed. He started to shave himself to-day for the first time in ten years but had to quit when he got to his chin. I think the last time that razor was used Dick and I tried to shave the hair off our legs but did not make a very good job of it. I went down and got the laundry and then went home about half past nine. I was asleep before Dick got 14 �home. It was warm to-day but a fresh breeze There was quite a cool easterly breeze when I came home and it looked like rain a little. Saturday June 24th Daddy went over to borrow Chris. Quanberry's cultivator this morning to finish cultivating the corn length wise and I sawed some wood and sharpened the hoe while he was gone. Then we went back and I hoed and Daddy cultivated all morning. Joe goes fine now. About 10 o'clock Dick came out and told us all about the show. He said he never laughed so much in all his life. Bill plowed all morning but had to go this after noon. He said he was going up with Haymaker in his boat if it was not blowing to hard. Dick went down to meet Ferdie and he came out and stayed to tea. Right after dinner Daddy and I wrote a letter to John Miller of Brougham Ont inquiring about sheep. Then we went over to Blakie's with his cross cut saw and talked to him for an hour. Jim has gone to New Ontario. We walked around the gully and had a look at our alsike and oats the former is a splendid crop and the latter is pretty good considering when they were put in). We got back about four and did a few things around and then Daddy and Enah went over to the McPhersons to see if Emery could come and fix up the Stable. Dick and Ferdie shot all the shells they had away but never got any thing. They saw an owl one that Daddy and I nearly stepped on over in the clover. The also found a hen's nest in the orchard with fourteen eggs in it and an old hen sitting on them. They were all good. I fixed my toe up which was pretty sore and went barefoot till Enah came and gave me a clean pair of socks. After tea Dick and Ferdie went down town and I read a story in the strand. It has been very much cooler to-day with a wind from the east. Some prophesy rain. Sunday June 25th Walked down to Sunday School and church and Dick rode his wheel. Daddy and Enah were coming down but Vyse came after Daddy to see his colt and so neither of them came down. Daddy worked with the colt all day but says there is very little hope for him. It rained a little right after dinner but Dick rode down to see the oddfellow's parade to the cemitary. I wrote a letter to Aunty and then walked down town. I went over to the park and found. Punk. Wiser, Stuffy and others at the gate. They told me it would cost a nickel to get in but I thought they were fooling and walked in with out much trouble. I after wards found when two or three fellows came and paid for admittance that Punk was getting all he could make there to-day. He has got the job of gate keeper for Buck all summer. Wiser and I went up town after a while and he told me I could have the job of ringing the bell and pumping every 15 �Sunday morning through the summer as he has to go down to the boats at that time. I saw Roy Dell up town and talked to him for a while and then he got his father and we went out in their gasoline launch around by the reef and then up the shore to near Hay Creek and back. We saw John Gordon out in the " I T. " We got back about 5.30 and watched Ivey's try to make their engine go for about half an hour. They have one of the boats {Keileg?} built and put the engine Mid. had in the "Cygnet" in her and she won't go. I went over to Huby's for tea and Enah came down soon after. Cousin Loll and Cousin Willie had been over there and had just left. They told Enah that Henry Reeve's had bought the grocery department of Seafield's out. Enah and I went to church, and I pumped for Wiser, as he had to go and see his girl. They had a special sermon and service for the coronation and it took a little longer just before it was over it began to rain and when church was over it was pouring. Enah and I waited in the church porch for a long time with Aunty Maude and Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs. An able-seaman off the "Vigilant" came in for a while. Mr Hobbs and Mr. Morgan got some coats and umberellas and we thought we would wait till it was over but after waiting a long time we decided to skim for home. We went down to Huby's and Enah was going to stay there all night and I was going home to tell Daddy when he came in attired in a rubber coat and sou'wester off Vyse's. He stayed for a while and then went home and Enah and I stayed at Huby's all night. I slept with Quint. Monday June 26th There was another heavy shower this morning. When we got up Enah started to get the books ready for Johnny Walker to get this after noon. Quint and I fooled around till Daddy and Dick came down. Quint was going to mould a lead anchor in a flower pot. Lila was sick this morning. Quint and Dick did not have to go to school this fore noon they are going to start their exams this after noon. Quint is going to quit school if he passes but will have to go another term if he fails. When Daddy came down we went over and saw our rack at the Wide spread it was only about half done. Then Daddy went up to see if he could get Dave Waddle to come and shingle the barn. Then I put on Huby's old oil skin coat which stuck to me so tight I could hardly get it on and went over to Tommy's to get a load of shingles. We got six thousand and started for home. Daddy and I had dinner all alone, after dinner I slept till about four o'clock, and then we hooked up Harry and Belle to get some more shingles and nails. We got as far as Vyse's and Daddy thought he would go and see Stanley the colt that he would not give 10 cts for yesterday but which under his administration is now as good as new. I was waiting on the road for him when Johnny Walker came with the stuff. We then had to go all the way back home to help him unload. We piled the stuff in the wood 16 �shed and then there was not time to go down town. After tea Daddy and I carried in most of the books and set them in the hall. Dick came home supperless about 9 o'clock and said Huby had got the boat house moved at last. He got Dave Waddle and some fishermen and Bill. Bill never showed up at all to-day. It looked to much like rain. Tuesday June 27th This morning Bill and I started to put up the scaffold in case any one did come to lay shingles and pretty soon Clair Dell and Dave Waddle came followed shortly by Frank Vyse and Earne Flemming. They soon had the shingles off and started at the shingling. Bill Donald came to run furrows and disk and was working here all day. I sawed some wood and then went down cellar and found Dick looking very tired and acting more so over the churn which he had been working at for halfanhour. I relieved him as I thought and churned till the butter came I afterwards learned though that he was not a bit tired but thought I wanted to churn. (I won't be so easily fooled next time). Then I went down to the stump for a dip and got back just at dinner time. After dinner Daddy and I went down and got another thousand of shingles and some oil for the mower. {Some numerical calculations written at the top of the page} Then Daddy went down to Vyse's and got that same implemen and cut the lawn in front of the house and started in the plum orchard. The shingler's got done about four o'clock and went to work about the inside of the building Enah could not get the butter to mix up properly this time It has been pretty mucky to-day with one shower this after noon. {Some numerical calculations written at the top of the page} A.D. Sept 9th /11 I, Theobald, Butler, Barrett promise to ps permit, those present at the said date, to read this my diary, ten years from now, no matter at what point of the compass they should be residing, unless I should be dead broke or shovelled off the mortal coil. Signed per {written at the top of a vertical line on the left side of the following signatures} Beatrice Kaias 17 �Dick Barrett Edith Lawrie Hattie M. Barrett The Head of the house being in gentle repose on the sofa (snoring) is not able to put add his disired signature to this list. All persons having in their possession at any time this volume will kindly return to me. {Long arrow pointing to the next sentence which is written in the left margin} - Each person after reading will deliver the said document to the proceeding person on the list and return when finished to the myself. the same not later than six months before Sept 9th. A D 1921 Saturday July 1st 1911 Since I finished the book that I have been recording events in up to June 27th we have got quite a few things done. On Wednesday Bill cut hay and I worked in the mangles. Thursday Bill and Enah went down town in the wagon. They got the hay-rack and just about all that was left of the furniture. Daddy raked hay and I cocked up. When Bill came home about five he went out and finished mowing in the east corner field which took him till seven. Yester day I churned for an hour and a half and then thinking there was nothing coming I left it and went and cocked hay the rest of the day, but Enah got the butter to come. We got all the hay cocked that was ready. Roy came up last night and Dick was at the station to meet him. This morning being Dominion Day Dick went down town to celebrated and did not get back home till about 10 p.m. Bill, Daddy and I went out and cocked all the hay there was cut. Then we hauled in what was in the plum orchard and on the lawn in front of the house. In the after noon Bill and I went down town to see the "doins". Bill was going to see his fatherin-law to see what he could let us have some sheep for. I had a letter from John Miller Esq. and he said he would let have them for $20 a piece, but we thought if we could get some any cheaper it would be better to grade up. I saw Hazen and Mousie Thompson and Skinny Ryersie down town. It was very hot. I went home at six o'clock after seeing the usual races, water sports and steeple chase which Billy Couper won again this year. When I was going down at noon I went in to tell Frank Vyse that his heifer had a calf and found him suffering severly from sciatica but he is better to night. After tea Daddy Enah and I went down to the park and watched the dancers and fire works till about 10 o'clock and the went home to bed. {Sketches of some fireworks and a canoe with paddle on this page} 18 �Sunday July 2nd Walked into sunday school this morning and rang the bells and pumped for church. There were only a few in Sunday school consequently few books and I had a pretty cool time out under the trees. We all went down to Aunty Maude's to dinner. After dinner Roy, Quint, Huby, Lila and I went in for a swim in the creek. When we got through and went up to the house Lorn Milman came and stayed till about five o'clock and then I went home. I did not go down to church but went down after wards and stayed till about nine o'clock. I got to bed about ten p.m.. It has been extremely hot to-day. In Toronto it was the hottest day on record. In 1854 it was 99.2 in the shade but to-day was 101. Monday July 3rd This morning we got up fairly early and Daddy drove Roy down to the train. He came back with Bill Huby and Lila who is going to stay out here a week. We moved away the load of hay we drew in Saturday and then Huby and I pitched out the old clover chaff which Williams had left where we wanted to put the hay while Bill and Daddy and Bill went to get on a load of hay. After that Huby and I went out and Huby loaded, Bill and Daddy pitched on and I drove. We got in six big loads. Huby took of his shirt early in the day and then his under shirt got so wet he took it off to dry it and mowed away one load naked from his waist up in dread all the time lest some lady would pitch thistles against him. It has been very hot today but there has been a nice breeze all the time Tuesday July 4th Daddy had much difficulty in getting me out of bed this morning for he waked me once and I went to sleep and dreampt I got up but at last I did a rouse. After breakfast Dick did not want to churn but said if I would he would go and mow away hay. This bargain was soon settled and I churned for about half an hour and got a nice lot of butter. The cream was good and cool as it had been down the well all night. Huby came over about the time I finished churning and we all went out to the field for a load of hay. We worked the same as yesterday. The first load (40 cocks) we took over to Mrs. Arthur Battersbys where we had a nice warm time. The next forty one cocks went to John Quanbury's loft which was about twice as hot as Mrs. Battersby's. We got home from there about noon. Lila thought she would go home with Huby this after noon to have a swim. She thought she might come back about Thursday. After dinner we went and got another load on for John. We got over all right but as we were going to back up in front of the door we went down a little grade 19 �when Huby yelled to me to look out I looked and saw the load at about 80° from the perpendicular. The next thing I knew I was crawling out of the hay but not a bit hurt. Huby was crawling out beside me and remarking that Bill was killed. Then I heard Bill say "No I haint." and saw him making his way out. We three were the only ones on the load for a wonder were not hurt, for we went right up against a fence. We then pulle the rack out and put it on the wagon and found it was very slightly damaged. We then proceeded to put it (the hay not the rack in the mow John and I got up in the loft to mow away. I had not been up there very long when I began to feel faint and could not breathe very well. I kept on a little longer (I was back in the mow) and then I could not stand it any more so I went to the window but felt no better. Then they told me to come down and I had a wash and Mrs. Quanbury who was just about scared to death at the sight of the upset brought us out some raspberry vinegar and cookies. I went and lay out under the tree while the finished Huby took my place but did not stay there long. I felt quite a lot better when we started for home. We got what was left in the field (22 cocks) and took it into the barn and left it there waiting for the Sam Robinson to bring the fork and slings. He came to night with the sling ropes but the rest has not come yet. When we got through with the hay Bill and Daddy went back over the gulch to mow the clover, and I drove Huby and Lila down home with Joe. I took Huby up to get a setting of Rhode Island Reds eggs "off" Mrs. Mat. Wilson. I got home about six and raced Dick on his wheel from Martin's. He kept a little ahead and made old Joe trot. It has been terribly hot to-day There is a heat wave passing over us they say. The forest fires are raging up around Porcupine. Wednesday July 5th Bill went back and mowed first thing this morning and Enah and I went out and picked all the cherries. We got about ten quarts. of Daddy went out and fixed the wind mill and hoed some of the garden and then went over to Vyse's and got another piece of chain for the well and a pair of double treels. When we got through with the cherries I went out and hoed the rest of the garden which looks fine. Then I went and started to rake up and mow the lawn that Daddy cut the hay off of the other day but it will have to be snipped of with the sythe. After dinner Bill raked up and Daddy and I cocked up and it was awfully hot. I raked for a while when we got on the level. It has been another very hot day, but a nice breeze. Dick went down town to-night and got a fancy pair of shoes. He says that Huby nearly collapsed with the heat and had to get Dick Faulmary to bring him home but after undressing and lying in the grass for a couple of hours and having a swim recovered and is coming over to-morrrow. 20 �Thursday July 6th When I got up this morning I went up to Blakie's to ask him if he would keep his cows in his own pasture so as we could leave the gates open into the hay field. After breakfast I chased the calves all over the orchard to feed them, and then Huby came and we pitched off the load that was in the barn and then went out to the field to get another load. Huby and I bunched up the winrows where they wanted to load. Daddy and Bill took the load over to Mrs. Battersby's and Huby and I went on cocking up what was on the level. They got back about eleven and put on another load. Huby and I went up to the barn and I hauled some water for the horses. The pump is broken and Dick went down to ask "Physicks" to come over. he said he would but never turned up. After dinner I went down to borrow Vyse's icecream freezer while Bill Daddy and Huby went over to get a load. When I came back we started to make some ice-cream. Then they came back with the load and I helped mow it away. It had rained a little and looked like more so they decided to wait and see before they went back for another load. Finally they did and just got back at six. Huby did not go but roamed around the farm and I helped Enah put some of the books away. Then Huby and I went out and tried to mow a little lawn. The ice-cream was fine and we had some of it for tea. After tea Dick Huby and I drove Joe down town and went in for a swim Bill and Lila were in too and Bill thought the water was fine It has not been so hot to-day. There was a cool breeze this morning and the rain moderated the heat as it is quite cool to-night. There have been 33 deaths in Toronto since Sunday from the heat. Friday July 7th This was Daddy's birthday and he celebrated by hauling in hay. He, Bill and I went out and Bill raked up and we hauled in a load and put half a load which was weedy in on top of "Tituse's". Old "Physicks" was here working at the pump when we came in and I stayed to help him and Dick. Huby never turned up to-day. Felix stayed to dinner. After dinner Bill went out and started to mow the timothy Daddy and I Paris greened the spuds and then Daddy whent to relieve Bill while he came up and sharpened the mower knife I peddled the grind stone for him. Daddy stayed out till about eight o'clock Sam Robinson brought the rest of the hay unloading rig to-night. We churned to-day but it was not very good although it was cool and breezy to-day. Saturday July 8th 21 �Huby came over before I was up this morning and had his breakfast here. He brought me over a pair of white pants to work in the hay with. After breakfast we went out in the timothy field and Bill started to rake up and then I raked and Bill, Huby and Daddy cocked up. I got through raking about eleven and then Daddy and I went up with the rake and team and then went back and cocked up till noon when we were half through. After dinner we went out and finished cocking up about three o'clock. I took a picture of the field and Huby & Dad. Bill Huby and Daddy started to fix the hay fork and pulleys in the track. I went down town around by the stump. I had a fine swim the water was very low and warm. I went down to the lake and got home about 6.30. Pretty hot again but fresh breeze. Sunday July 9th Enah and Daddy had intended to go to Port Rowan to-day, but as it looked felt as if was going to be an "old scorcher" decided to stay to home. They did not go away all day and got a lot of little jobs done around the house. Dick and I both went down to church and Sunday-School. We went down to Huby's for dinner. {Orm?} and Ade Millman and Shandy were just out of the creek. After dinner I went up to Miss Battersby's and got some stationery and went over and copied out a list of the books in the library in the Sunday School. I went to Huby's for tea and as Wiser had asked me to ring and pump I started for church but was a little late. I was just at Main street when it struck seven and the church bell began to toll. I didn't know what was going on. Poor old Wiser who was sick was going for all he was worth down past the Dominion Before I got there the bell was ringing all right and I found Fatty Turner with the rope. He said some of the girls started ring and got the wrong rope. I pumped Quint went off with Fatty some where and Wiser left before church was over. I went down to the dock and sat there till about 9.30 talking to Harry Moon Alfy Dell and Murray. When I got home I found Alland and the Millmans who had been here to tea. The went soon after I came home. Very hot to-day. Monday July 10th Bill did not get back to-day till about 2.30 p.m. This morning Daddy and Dick and I got the loft over the horse stable ready to receive the hay. Dick went down town and got the hooks for the hay fork pulleys and Daddy braced the bottom part of the barn. Then we pitched off the load that was in the barn. After dinner as Bill had not showed up, we came to the conclusion he was not going to and Daddy felt rather badly about it as Bill knew what state we were in. However he and I went out and got a small load on thinking we would do the best we could with the fork alone. When we got up to the barn we found Huby. Bill and 22 �Quint there getting ready for us. Huby said Bill had walked down from Normandale and was nearly "all in" when he got to his place. Hence the delay on Bill's part. We soon got that load off Huby and I in the mow Bill on the load and Daddy with the team. We got on fine and Sam. Robinson drove in just as we were going to put up the first forkfull and corrected a few errors in the putting up. This load off all hands went to the field and we got in three loads before tea. After tea I did the chores and Daddy and Bill went and got on another load while Huby mowed away what was left from before tea. I helped after I got through and then we put off the load they brought in for the field but did not mow it away. We all sat out on the grass and talked awhile and heard a very noisome shivaree which we thought was one of the effects of the marriage between Mrs. Jackman and Joe Clark, a turkey point fisherman. Quint and Huby went home and Bill and the rest of us retired. It has been nice to day a strong sou'west wind all day. Tuesday July 11th Huby was over before breakfast this morning. He and I went out right after breakfast and mowed away the load they put in last night. We have to do this as there is not time to do it while they are putting it off. Bill and Daddy went and got another load and when Huby and I got done in the mow we went out in front and worked at the lawn till they brought the load in and then we took about half an hour to mow it away. Then we went out and got a big block of lawn mowed. Huby cut the grass with the syche and lawn mower and I raked. The next load and last that was cut they left in the big barn, and Bill took the horses and went out and mowed till noon. Daddy drove Huby down home and got back at noon with some oats and binder twine. After dinner Bill went out and raked up what he cut this morning and Daddy took Ginger and Joe out and mowed. Bill and I cocked up. About three Huby came out. It looked very stormy and and sprinkled a little so Daddy cocked up some and then thought he would cut it any way and if it rained we could shake it up. We went on cocking up and finished all that was ready about five. Bill mowed with Harry and Belle till after tea and then Daddy went out and is there yet (about dark). Huby and I walked up the fence along the gully and he figured on where to plant some trees next spring. Then we came up and he sat out in front with his feet in the pear tree watching for a rig to take him home but as none passed he stayed to tea and went down with Bill after wards. Dick and I did the chores to-night as Daddy was mowing. I got a letter from Aunty to-day. Bill got one from Jack Paine telling him he wanted him at the Point from Friday till Monday. Of course he will go. It has been cooler to-day souwest wind changing to nor'west. Wednesday July 12th 23 �We expected Huby out early this morning but he did not come till late so Daddy and I went out and cocked up while Bill mowed the rest of the timothy. Huby arrived about 9 o'clock and said he had had trouble with a sitting hen and so could not get here before. He has an awful time with {?} stock). We cocked up all that was ready and then went and pitched off the load in the horse-stable. After dinner Huby and I cocked up till tea time. I raked up all the hay that Bill mowed this morning. After four o'clock Bill and Daddy took a load over to Martin's. To-night Bill had to go up home to get Jack Paine's stuff read for him as it was at his house. and so I went with him. We drove Ginger and Joe and started about 7.30. We took Huby down town, and went straight out and were out of Port Ryersie before sundown. He stopped at his father-in-laws {name?} and got his wife. She went on up to Normandale with him to get the stuff for Bill's mother to give to Paine's man when he called for it. I stayed with his father-in-law till he came back. I saw his sheep and was going to buy some but he did not want to sell them very badly. I went into the house and waited for Bill. He arrived about 10.30 (the time he said he would be home) and we got right in and came home. I drove home from there. It was a beautiful night, moonlight and cold. Bill dozed all the way down. We got home just as the clock struck twelve and put our auto-mobile away and were in bed by 12.30 with out waking any bod except Nig (who would sooner stay here all night than walk home) Tige and the Grey kitten. Windy and cool to-day. Thursday July 13th I slept an hour late this morning on account of being up late last night. {(Stan)?} Just as I got through my breakfast Daddy and Bill came past with a load bound for Martin's, so I went out and helped Huby cock up. We were all through about noon and we came up and did the chores. Daddy saw Wyatt Parsons who is cutting Alfred Ryerse's wheat and he said he would be over to cut ours this after noon. This afternoon Huby and I went out and sat on the lawn for awhile and Daddy and Bill hauled the rest of Martin's hay. I cut some weeds till the sythe got dull and Huby went to sleep and dreampt he was in heaven but Bill came and woke him up fast as he was going in and he thought he had made a mistake and got into the wrong {few?}. We fooled around for awhile and then I went over to Martin's to see how they were getting on with the hay and Huby went and pruned up all the trees he could find along the fences, several wild cherries among them and one elm. I thought I saw Mr Parsons coming with his binder so Daddy told me I had better come over but I did not see any thing of him here but after awhile I saw him out cutting the wheat. I went over and found Huby pruning his trees and then we came back and he trimmed a few peach trees. Then Bill and Daddy came with a load and we mowed it and then it was six but they went back to the 24 �field after another load and put it off before tea. It was nearly eight o'clock when we got through tea and after doing chores we went to bed. Mrs. Perkins came over, to see if she could get any butter. Phelix had highly recommended it and as she was expected boarders she wanted good butter. She must have quit making it. Windy and cool to-day. Rainy looking in spots. Terrible fire raging up north Cochrane and South Porcupine wiped off the map. Three hundred lives reported to be lost. Friday July 14th Huby came over just as we finished breakfast and when Daddy and Bill went out to get another load Huby smoked awhile and then we went up and mowed away the load they put in last night. They just got in with the load as we got through. Enah took a picture of a big fork full going up. We mowed this load away and while they got another {illegible} out and raked up the dry grass on the lawn and Huby started to fix me a rig to burn worm's nests in the apple trees. Mr. Parsons came to cut the wheat. Just as they got the next load off it began to look very black. A souwester came up and blew a lot of smoke into us. Then it begant to sprinkle but they thought they would go out and try to get one of the two remaining loads, but it began to rain so hard they had to come in with only half a load. Mr. Parsons had to come in too. Huby and I finished mowing away an then I came in the house. Pretty soon all the rest of them came in and we had dinner. Then Bill ground the mower knife and Wyatt Parsons ground the binder knife. Then Bill and Huby went down town. Bill is going to the Point to-morrow and aparently feels like a kitten. Daddy and Dick went down town about four to get some shorts and the mail and Enah made some fudge. About five o'clock Daddy Dick and I went out and shocked wheat. We got a row all around the field about 6.30. It began to thunder and lightning at a great rate about half past eight. There were some very vivid flashes of lightning and I went out and tried taking a lightning flashlight of Daddy and Dick. The fellow got all the wheat cut in the one field to-day. Saturday July 15th As every thing out doors was soaking wet Daddy thought it would be a good idea to cut the alsike. He took Joe and Belle. I went over with him and went around the field. I came back by the lane. Young Parsins was in the wheat when I came up. I went around once behind the binder and threw the sheaves out of his road, then I got old Harry for him to put on with his team as one was a colt. Then I cleane off Ginger as she was lonesome and went out and shocked wheat till noon. Daddy did not come up for dinner so I did the chores. When he had his dinner we went out and finished shocking wheat in the east field. Huby was to have 25 �come over but he thought it was too wet. Nearly all the wheat is cut now. After tea Dick and I went down to the stump and it rained a little coming back Except for that the day has been fine. Sunday July 16th It was raining when I got up this morning but cleared off and then began to rain again. So Dick and I went down to Sunday-school. I took a pint of cream to Miss Phipps on my way down, and found Mr. Johnsons dog there where it had spent the night. Daddy and Enah drove Ginger and Joe down to church as Enah had to play the accompanyment for Miss Hunt who sang a solo. After church all Huby's family and we went to Henderson's for dinner (Dad's treat). I knocked around with Hazen and Murray all the after noon and went to Huby's for tea. I went off and and did Wiser's chores at the church for him as he wanted to go to church with his girl. Dick and I walked home in the mud and rain after church. It rained hard all through church. Hot the rest of the day. Huby made me a thing to burn worm's nests with. {The next several sentences are partially obscured by a torn piece of newspaper placed in the margin as a bookmark.} {M}onday July 17th {I} did not get up till half past seven this {m}orning as it was raining. It soon {c}leared off and Daddy and I went out {and} tighened up the track in the big barn. {Th}en Daddy rode old Harry and led Belle {writing clear again} down to the black smith's. The poor horses were nearly drowned last night out in the old stable. I took Ginger and Joe out and put them in the big barn and just as I came out it began to rain. It rained till noon and I wrote a letter to Aunty as I could not do any thing outside. Charlie Martin came over and stayed about an hour. Daddy did not get back till after dinner and he had John McCoy with him to lance a horses jaw. Then I went to cut thistles in the old garden and I started to burn worm's nests. Mr. Johnson and {Murry?} drove out. They were making a tour notifying the agriculturists in the district of the coming Sunday school picnic. Daddy and Enah picked quite a few raspberries over in the old garden. When I ran out of fuel for my worm's nest, I came in the house and ate oat cakes that Enah had made this morning. Daddy and I drove the little team down after some oats and got back a little after six. Huby could not come over today as he was bearer at old Manning's funeral they took him way up above Simcoe to some Catholic cemetary. He could not have done any thing any way as the wheat was to went to 26 �shock up No more was cut to-day but young Lambkins came to see about getting the piece of weedy hay over next the birch. It was fine all the after noon and looks as if the rain was over. Tuesday July 18th Bill did not show up all day to-day. We think he did not come home from the point as nobody had seen him around town although Jack Paine went off this morning. Daddy and I started to shock wheat in the field west of the lane this morning and finished all that was cut, some of it was hardly worth cutting with a binder it was so short. It was too wet to cut any more. We got through about three and came up to the house I had a snooze for the space of 15 minutes. Then we went out and turned over some of the wet hay cocks. We then wed mangles till supper time. Bill Lemons came through and told us all the news there was. After tea Felix came after his butter and then Jim Waddle and his family came in and stayed till dark. (Then milking) Enah churned this morning and this p.m. went down and picked raspberries at Huby's she got a nice lot. Nice and cool to-day probs. say local showers but it does not look like it here Wednesday July 19th Dad woke me at five o'clock this morning and I got up at 5.30. It looked like rain and as Bill was not here we wanted to get started early to get the remains of the hay. Dick went down to get Huby and I went back after the cows. I tramped around in the wet grass in the gully for about half an hour and at last got them started. Huby came over for breakfast and we went right afterwards to pitch of the half load on the rack. Huby mowed it away while Daddy Dick and I went out and got a load. It took us a very long time to put this load off Daddy on the load I driving Dick holding the rope and Huby in the mow. We got the other half load in the field and put it off by one o'clock. In the after noon Dick went down to the Sunday school picnic and Huby Dad and I went out and got on a load of wheat. We took it into the barn and Daddy and Huby put it off and I went down to the picnic. I got there about four o'clock. They had Langdon's Ivey's big launch just at "The Bucket of Blood" on its way to be launched. I had a pretty good time at the picnic. It began to rain about six and raind till about seven or half past. I watched them dance for a while and then lit out for home while it was not raining. It began to rain as I got near Huby's so I went in and got his rubber coat and an umbrella. and started for home. It did not rain all the way home but started soon afterwards. Bill got home to-night and will likely be free in the morning if not 27 �too wet. Huby got home just as I got to his place. They got in three loads and pitched off two. Nice and cool to-day, cloudy Thursday July 20th Bill came back about five o'clock this morning and as it was too wet to draw in wheat he went at the plowing of the wheat ground. I sawed quite a lot of wood and cut some lawn. Then Daddy and I went out and ripped down the fence around the old garden as it was in Bill's road. We got all down but the west side by noon and we left it because there are berry bushes along it that we did not want plowed up. Daddy and I pitched off the load of wheat right after dinner. I mowed away. Then we greased the wagon and Daddy took Joe and Ginger over to borrow Vyse's roller. We shocked up all the wheat that was cut yesterday. Then Enah and I went over to the old garden to pick raspberries and got through at six. Daddy came over and rolled down what Bill had plowed. Bill has nearly a whole land plowed in the old garden now. We are going to plow it all up except the peach trees and berry & currant bushes. After tea I went back to the gully with Daddy and Enah to get the cows. After we milked I went over and planted some radich and lettuce seed by the tomatoes. Dick went down town to see what band was playing he found out it was the Simcoe band and Bob. Rankin playing in it. It sounds very nice from here. It has been pretty fairly warm to-day, with a windy looking sky to-night. Friday July 21st Daddy got up some time during the night and wet out and raked up the alsike "while the dew was on". He got through and came up for his breakfast about eight o'clock leaving the rake back there for Lambkin's. I was not waked till after six and did not get up till half past. Bill had the cows in when I went out and was milking Spotty. I milked Bobby but left the milk to separate after breakfast. Bill changed the car and hay fork from the drive house into the barn. When Daddy got through his breakfast we went out and bunched up the alsike. The ground was covered with husks and the stuff was soaking wet, but we bunched up bunches thick all over the field and were up at the house at 11.15. Then Bill and Daddy went out and got on a load of wheat before dinner. I sawed some wood mowed lawn and watered Joe and Ginger while they were gone. They hauled wheat all the afternoon 9 out of the east field and one out of the west. I just helped them pitch off and hoed corn and read while they were out. I felt a little sick the second load and just lay around till the last when I hoed some corn. I turned the sheaves for Daddy to mow away. When we came out after tea we found Vyse's little sow and all her pigs out in the back yard. Then Dick and I undertook to get them 28 �home. We got them down pretty well as far as Bannisters and there the sow went through a hole in the fence and the two Bannister's Carson Rankin and Paul Lee Woodson helped us chase her out of there Dick and the Bannister's chased her through Vyse's mangle's and corn into the barn yard. Paul Lee and Cars went off to look for corn for a corn-roast and I went over to Vyse's. Then Dick and I went off in search of the little ones. We at last found them in Vyse's hay field and chased them up. Then Vyse and I went back his lane to look for his boar. We found the Banisters back there. We found his boar in his wheat field and headed him off and then came home. I got home about dark. Thus ended that boar hunt. Huby could not come over to-day as he had some insurance to look after but he was represented by Nig. who spent the day, and went home with Bill to-night He comes over every day now. Pretty fairly hot to-day nice wind, may rain before long Sun set clear tonight sure sign it will rain before Monday. Saturday July 22nd We all got up pretty early this morning. First of all we went out and pitched off the load of wheat in the barn. Then we went over to the alsike field. We met Judge Wells taking his morning ride and he grew very excited when he saw Tige and raised his whip and made a great pass but Tige did not pay any attention. I helped pitch on a load and we put it off with the fork. I mowed it away while they were gone an then hoed in the garden. Huby came over about eleven and they got another load in the barn before dinner. We were a long time getting the car fixed on the track. Huby and I did not go out to the field at all this after noon we just mowed away it was very much easier than the timothy, being light and short. While they were gone I cut some weeds with the scythe and helped Huby trim thorn trees over on Coleman's line. We got in five loads altogether to-day and left one in the barn. There is a little over a load out in the field yet. Ferdie was over with Dick most of the after noon. We were very late to-night with the chores as the last load was late coming in It has been pretty fairly warm to-day but cloudy and windy a lot of the time. It looks a little like rain but we do not know when it will come and hope not for awhile. We got a letter from Aunty today. Sunday July 23rd Got up about half past seven this morning and helped Daddy with the chores, then got fixed up and went down to Sunday School and church. Nothing unusual happened. I went home with Daddy and Enah who drove Joe and Ginger down. I read "Pepy's Diary" till about three o'clock, when I went down town with the intention of going in for a swim but as there 29 �was nobody around I did not go in but went up to the park and walked up the beach a little way with Hazen and Stubbon Brock. Then sat in the square a little while with Egg Thompson and Billy Miller. Then I went down to Huby's for tea, thence to church and pumped for Wiser. I came home soon afterwards as it looked rainy. It has all day and is just sprinkling a little. Bill has just come in. He did not go home at all. Monday July 24th All hands wished me a happy birthday this morning, this being the sixteenth anniversary of the day when I first made my appearance in the world. On my plate I found piled at breakfast a nice pair of pants from Enah and just about all the contents of a barber shop from Daddy and Dick. A razor and brush from the former and soap and strop from the latter. All that is required now is a few whiskers to try them on. It was very windy this morning too windy to draw alsike so Bill plowed all morning. I picked up all the broken glass that had been under the old house and Daddy and Dick went down town to get some oats and feed. This after noon Huby and Mr. Winky Smith came over. Mr. Smith took a look at the house and sized it up for painting. We hauled wheat all the afternoon and got it all in but a little more than a load. Huby trimmed trees over by Coleman's while they were putting on a load and I cut some lawn and botherd Enah. Dick went down to the lake for a swim as the waves were so big. When he came back he brought me two nice letters. One from Roy containing all kinds of good wishes and some pictures he had taken when he was up. The other was a good fat one with epistles from Aunty Win and Aunty Alice with a dollar bill from both Aunty and Aunty Alice. I got a ring and a nickel out of the cake to-night. Vyse came up after his cow and calf to-night. Enah, Daddy and Dick have gone over to Martin's to look at a piano to-night so Tige and I are the only ones home. There has been a strong and quite cold sou'west wind since last mid-night and it seems just as strong as ever tonight. Daddy said he was awake most of the night last night shutting doors and windows. Huby said he never saw the water so high in the marsh this time of year. Tuesday July 25th First thing this morning we put off the load that was in the barn and then Bill and Daddy hauled in the rest of the wheat. They brought it in in two jags. They put it over the granary so Huby and I did not have to help them. I tore down the fence in front of the drive shed and cut it up, while Huby and Dick went back the lane to trim the trees we put out last spring after first helping me to mow away the alsike. After the wheat was in they hauled in the remaining two jags of alsike. They got through a little after noon. Mr Smith came over 30 �and started at the house this afternoon alone. Quint came over and stayed all the afternoon. When the alsike was put away we went and cleared up where the old Horse stable was and got enough wood for thashing. We also hauled the big stones away from there and put them up against the big barn. Quint and I fooled around shooting arrows till we broke or lost them all. After tea Bob. Blakie came over and gave Dad some money for the pasture and Emery McPherson came and said he start work on the Drive house in the morning. Then Enah and I printed some pictures we had eleven good prints and only spoilt one. The Martins brought the piano this morning and Enah has been trying it off and on all day We all like it very much. (Huby and Bill very much). Huby and Dick were all through the woods at the back of the place this morning picking out trees and trimming them to plant out next spring. There was the same cold wind to-day as yesterday calming completely tonight. Wednesday July 26th I slept late this morning as Daddy promised me when all the work was done I could sleep in the first morning. Both Mr. Smith and Emery McPherson were here before I got up and before we had breakfast. Mr. Smith brough Art. over with him to-day. Bill plowed all day and is nearly through. We worked around the horse stable all day Daddy and Emery dug the trench for the foundation and got all the lumber straightened around inside. Dick went down town this morning and Byron Johnston came back with him. I foole around with him and watched the painters a lot to-day. All the men and Byron were here to dinner and although the Smiths nor Byron were here to tea Mrs. Lawrie and Miss Low were. It has been pretty cool to-day but not so windy. Bill Donald came in before tea and looked at his buck wheat and gathered up his borrowed implements. Dick has the names of those who passed to-day. Quint passed but he (Dick did not but "got put through". Neither Art Smith nor {Lopsy?} passed. She went past here to-day and Art lost about half an hours work Daddy has just driven Mrs Lawrie and Miss Low home behind Joe & Ginger Half an hours music and to bed. Thursday July 27th Bill was not here this morning when I got up but came soon after wards. Our men were here before we sat down to breakfast. Art did not come this morning, he got tired yesterday. Bill finished the plowing a little after noon to-day. Mr. Smith got the first coat on all over the house and a coat of oil on the west side of the wood shed, that is the only side of it we will have painted. Dick and Daddy took Joe and Ginger and the hay rack down to get the 31 �cement and a few other things They did not get back till noon. They brought Lila back with them who is going to stay until she gets homesick again I worked around the drive shed all the morning. This after noon they started to put the wall in under the building and I kept them supplied with water and had the rest of the time to my self. I spent most of it lying around in their way. The cows were up early to-night so we got through early. I started to make a milk stool whether I will get it done or not remains to be seen. Dick and Bill went down town to-night to hear the band. Bill took Enah's wheel down to be fixed. There was an excursion from Norwich in town to-day. Miss Phipps came over to-night I suppose for some cream. It has been very sunny to-day but quite cool. At noon it was very dark and raine a few drops but soon cleared off. The pigs are having a fine time in the orchard now plagueing the life out of poor Davie who is to polite to say any thing Friday July 28th This morning got up with out waking Lila about 5.40, milked Bobby and shivered around till breakfast. Mr. Smith did not turn up to-day so we surmised he could not get a man to help him. Emery came a little while after with Leon. When Lila got up she showed him all over the farm and. then Dick got up and tried to beat Lila waiting on Leon, who tore all over jabbering a blue streak all the time. Daddy went up to Stan. Thompson's after break fast and I finished making my milk stool. It is not right yet though. About eleven Daddy and I drove Joe down to the mill to get a jack screw to work on the stable. I hoed mangles all the afternoon. Emery and Leon went home to night as he wanted to cut his oats to-morrow. Bill said he could stay next week he thought and help with the stable. Lamkin's came to-night and paid Dad fifteen dollars for the hay on the back field making $100 revenue from the farm so far. Daddy drove Enah and Dick down town to-night. Enah has to play on Sunday for Miss Hunt. Daddy is coming right back and Dick with Enah. Fairly warm to-day. Saturday July 29th I raked up the lawn this morning and Daddy and Bill worked at the foundation of the drive house. I took the old lilac bush that Mr. Smith cut down and cut it up for firewood. I shovelled a little grout got some stone for them and fooled around till dinner. Harry Battersby and Clayton Ansby came over for a while this morning. Bill went home this afternoon, but expected to be back on Monday. This afternoon Dick went down town and stayed all the afternoon. Daddy and I went over the gully with the mower and I mowed the weeds that Lamkins left. It was the first time I ever mowed any thing and it was not so badly done. After that I went down to the stump for a swim and only had two dives. The water 32 �was about 20 above freeze. Daddy brought up the rake which was across the gully too. Dick went down town after tea & stayed till dark. Enah is now playing toe-ticklers on the piano so I will have to quit. Cool and Cloudy. Threatening rain wind seems to be getting up. They had a shooting match and Quint beat all but old Dad Hamaker. He got 19 out of 25 and just missed throug carelessness There were a lot of American crack shots there that only got 13 or 14. Sunday July 30th Did not get up till nearly eight this morning and of course all the chores were done by this time. Went down to Sunday School and pumped in church. I nearly turned the old bell over, I think Wiser must have greased it up. Another Miss Hunt sang a solo to-day. This one is soprano and older than the other one. We went down to Huby's to dinner and saw all the young walnuts he has ready to plant out over here next spring. He intended to go up creek to get some young butternuts. We all came home but Dick right after dinner and I fooled around and wrote a letter to "The Patch" and one to Roy, and read a little. Daddy tinkered around at odd jobs and I guess Enah slept or watched Daddy. To-night we milked and Daddy fixed better legs in my milk stool and Enah found a hen's nest of ten eggs in the orchard. I picked some plaster off the old house and pasted a paper face on a green tomato to see if it will color around it. It has been pretty warm and sultry to-day. Monday July 31st Mr. Smith and his new man (Mr. Collins from Hamilton or someplace) came this morning to put on the second coat and do the glazing. Emery and Bill both turned up too. They worked at the cement wall all day. Dick got up early this morning for a change and also to pick a bushel of harvest apples to sell to Ed. Moon. Daddy went down town with the big team and hay rack and got thirty more bags of cement and also took Dick and his apples down. He got the glass for the windows and Mr. Smith put them in. Dick went down town this afternoon and stayed all the afternoon. He brought a letter from Grand daddy saying he expected to send Frank here about September 1st. I did not do any thing in particular today. This morning I raked up the rest of the front lawn and piled the rakings in a heap to be burned. I cut some lawn and sawed a little wood. Then I cleared up the broken glass and mess that Mr. Smith had made and worked around the horse-stable the rest of the day. Huby and Harry Battersby drove Dave's horse over this after noon and Huby made out some insurance policys Mrs. & Miss Dixon were here to-night. Bill thought to-day he would keep away from town this week, but he is down to-night just the same. We have the west 33 �side wall of the stable finished now and well started on the north end. It has been pretty hot to-day. A thrashing out-fit has just gone past. Parliament dissolved (Saturday). The dates of the new election are set. Nomination Sept 12, and polling Sept 21st. The Globe says this is the most important election campaign in Canadian history as Reciprocity is the issue. Tuesday August 1st Very tired when Daddy woke me this morning at 5.30 and did not get up till six. Emery walked over via the gully and lane before we finished breakfast and Mr. Smith came after wards but his man did not turn up which provoked him. He did not come all day at all and Mr. Smith's plans for work were all changed. Bill did not feel very well to-day but worked with Daddy and Emery all day. They have the walls all up now all but except where the blocking which Gilbert put under the sill is. I fooled around with them till about 9 o'clock and then went out and pulled weeds in the mangles till noon. This after noon I was setting out in their road while they were mixing cement and I saw some yellow specks in the bottom of the water pail. They all had a look at it and we decided there must be a gold mine at the bottom of the old well. We were thinking what we would do with all the money when I saw some of it floating around, so I went out and wed the rest of the mangles, which took me about an hour and then I came up and fooled around in the road till six thinking about building one of the "hell-cracker" barns that Sandy Leitch was telling Huby about. It was very hot to-day till about 3 o'clock when it got awful dark and dirty looking over head and an awful wind came up for a little while and cooled things off. It still looks rainy. Bill for a wonder did not go down town to-night first time he has missed for a month I guess Wednesday July August 2nd This morning the cows got the gate open and ate all the sweet corn and then went into their proper places in the cow stable without doing any more damage excep stepping on some of the radishes and lettuce. I think this was the last blow for the corn. First Joe got at it then Vyse's pigs and the cows have finished it. Mr. Smith and his man both came this morning and they finished the house all but one side about four o'clock. I don't know why he did not do it unless he forgot Bill and Daddy hauled brick bats from the brick yard all fore noon to put on the stable floor to lay the cement on. They got three loads and Emery and I spread most of them around and did other things out there to get ready for putting in the stalls. This afternoon I went down with Bill to get the brick bats and got two loads by four o'clock. Daddy and Emery put the post for the stalls in while we were gone. After we got the last load off we took Mr. Smith, his man and stuff down to Walt Steels where he is going to 34 �paint their house. Bill went up town to get some tar paper for the stable and I went over to Huby's where I found nobody at home and got the bathtub and a couple of planes to bring over here. Then Bill mixed a little cement to fill in some places in the wall and by this time it was tea time. It has been pretty hot all day and rained a little to-night making in very sultry and as the windows are all wet paint we can't open them all fixecated to-night for us. Bill went down town to-night. Hamilton asylum burned yesterday 8 deaths. Thursday August 3rd Got a little wood cut right after break fast and then went out and laid brick bats around in the stable. We were all working out there this morning (even Dick who came out about 9 o'clock), just at odd jobs around. About three or four o'clock we started to lay the cement for the floor. Dick went down town and got some tacks, candy stuff for tea, "Farmer Advocate," and some the Cement books Huby sent fore. I read them from then till tea time. Enah went down to Mrs. Hobbs to a tea party so Dick got tea and did fine. After tea he rode down and Bill went down with Emery to hear the band. Daddy and I after doing chores hooked up Joe and Ginger and went down after Enah. Had quite a time finding her I looked all through the park as Allan (on his way over the hill) told us she was there, and at las found at Cousin Lolls. Daddy encountered to automobillys and had quite a time with the team. I got some postcards at Billy Gordon's and came right home with them. Dover played bowls with {---ville?} to-day and won Score 27-7. They are doing better this year Friday August 4th Bill got home about five o'clock this a.m. Emery came and brought Cecil with him he is as sharp as a steel trap and just about as mischevious as Leon. I went down town right after breakfast on Enah's wheel to get my hair cut. I went over Brant Hill to take Mr. Smith his cheque and went down and stayed a little while with Joe. I also went down to Huby's but none of them were up. I came back, doffed my good clothes and worked around the stable till noon. We started to make some concrete nest eggs for Huby. This afternoon Bill and I hauled three more loads of brick bats for which they tax us $1.00 a load. Cecil went with us for two loads and Dick one. They got all the cement in the stalls. Emery went home to-night and Bill bid us a last fare well he expects to start for the West on the next Harvestr Excursion August 13. The report of the successful candidates trying for entrance into Normal came out to-day with Marj. Clarke (honors) and Edny Sidway. The latter has only been in the third form one year. Mrs. & Miss McPherson were here this p.m. and Miss Phipps is here to-night. Hot all day no sign of rain 35 �Saturday August 5th As none of our men were here we did not do any thing in particular to-day. I went back the gully first thing this morning to see if the cows had any water and found one pool at the extreme end of the pasture. They were all three standing in it. Daddy took Joe and Ginger down this rnorning to get them shod and brought Greenbury back to trim Davy's feet. Davy kicked up quite a row. Daddy is afraid he is getting ring bone. Daddy was gone nearly all fore noon I sawed wood till my saw horse broke and puttered at odd jobs. Dick was down town all day and is down to-night. He brought back at noon a letters from Roy Auny and Granddaddy. The Latter said he expected to have Frank start East from Sycamoose on the 17th of August. I tried my new razor to-day noon and it worked fine, it made my face as smooth as any thing and I never cut myself once. Daddy and I went down town about four o'clock to get some oats. I got off at Allan's corner on the way home and went up to the Stump and had a good swim and got home by six. Daddy and Enah drove Joe down town to-night to meet Roy as he said in his letter he expected to come, so Tige and I are keeping house. It has been very hot to-day, and close. The Allan's were going to have a sale to-day, so said "The Maple Leaf," but we saw no signs of one when we went past this after noon. I was fast asleep on the sofa when Enah and Roy came in about 10.30 and we did not get to bed till late. Sunday August 6th Got up late this morning after all the chores were done and had breakfast alone as the rest were waiting tll Roy got up and I did not want to be late ringing the bell. However I did not go down till they were half throug breakfast and then got down about 9.35. I cleaned the cobwebs I could reach out of the windows. We stayed in to communion and then Daddy Enah and I went up to see Cousin Clare. We went down to Huby's for dinner, Daddy did not want to stay but as dinner was just ready Aunty Maude wanted him to. Harry Battersby was there. Daddy and Enah went home and I stayed at Hubys a little while till Huby took Lila (in her bathing suit) down to jump off the dock, then I went up town and sat in the market square awhile with Fat Turner and then came over to the bottom of Brent's place and eat apples for about a quarter on an hour with Murray. It looked a little thundery so Murray went up to the {Brea..?} and I went home throug Bannister's I found Dad just emerging from the bath tub in the wood shed and Enah in a light dressing-gown. We sat around and read and Enah played a while and then all of us including Tige and the grey kitten went back the gully. Enah and the kitten stayed on the top of the hill while Daddy Tige and I went down and fixed the fence over the creek going into Colemans as Bobby got out there to-day. Tige 36 �and I strolled clear arond John Thomas Watson's and down the McQueen's gully. Daddy went over to see the oats and thinks they will be all right pretty good after all. We brought the cows up with us and milked before tea. The flys were awful. Dick was here when we came up. We had a late tea and Daddy tended to the horses after wards. We have not seen a sign of Roy since church except we saw him with Livy going into the drugstore after films to take {illegible} kid on as it has been taken about a dozen times before by amateurs but none turned out. This was just after we came out of Cousin Clare's. It has been awfully hot to-day but is cooler to-night. Old Nigger dog has been over here all day, Quint went up to Normandale with Bill and Hugh McQueen in the latter's launch about two or three o'clock this a.m. Monday August 7th Daddy had to start off early after breakfast to thrash at Flemming's and was gone all day. I mended my saw horse, cut some wood and started to cut burdocks in the orchard After dinner I finished cutting burdocks in the orchard and walked back to the gully with Roy. Roy went down town about thee o'clock. I cleaned up a little behind the wood shed Then Enah and I drove Joe down to Huby's and we went on down to the station to see Roy off and to take his grip. This being Toronto's civic holiday he stayed all day here. We did not get home till six as Enah had to go a few places (about three) and only stayed a "minute" at each. She also saw Cousin Loll which took a little more time. They were just coming out of Flemming's with the machine when we came past and Tige was just seeing Daddy safley over Bannister's fence when we got home Dick was down town all the after noon. It has been hotter than ...... it was Saturday to-day. Tuesday August 8th Emery came this morning while we were at breakfast and he has got quite a bit done at the stable. Daddy went down soon after break fast and got Vyse's disk but could not find the seat. I disked till noon on the wheat ground and got my foot pretty tired. Daddy and Dick drove Joe down town right after dinner and got a seat for the disc and some cow spray and a sprayer. We sprayed all the horses and other animals that would stand for it around the stable. Then I went and discked till six. We sprayed the cows after tea and it killed all the flies. All the family including Tige except Enah went down to Wyatt Parsons after tea and found he could come and cut the oats tomorrow He was coming any way We got back about ten o clock. It has been cool and windy to-day. Lovely night (full moon The old wind 37 �mill pumped all the vessles around the place that would hold water "chuck a block" to-day and then ran over into the well. Wednesday August 9th Daddy had to go at half past seven this morning to Meet Wyatt Parsons at Blakie's corner to show him over the gulsh to the oats. He stayed shocking up till noon. I sawed some wood, cleaned the horses and helped Emery at the stable this fore noon, besides digging some potatoes for dinner. This afternoon I went back with them and tried to shock up oats but I had no gloves and they were pretty thistly so I did not get much done. I went over to John Wessly McBrides after a pail of water and saw the celebrated barn. The oats are down pretty much and on one side the sheaves are all shapes and have to be piled in heaps instead of shocks. He got through cutting about five and then he and Daddy measured the field. We are a little more than half through shocking We let the cows in the field that Lambkins took the hay off to-day. It has not been hot to-day. The wind mill pumped about as much to-day as yesterday. Dick went down to the station to see if Uncle Ward came tonight. Thursday August 10th Worked around the stable all day with Emery. We got all the side boards up Daddy worked around there too most of the time but Wyatt Parsons came to measure the grain fields. He measured it with a tape line so it took a long time and Daddy had to help him. Cousin Clare came over this morning and stayed all day. About four o'clock Daddy and Dick went over and shocked up the rest of the oats. We all went down to-night to hear the band. Dick rode his wheel and I walked, Daddy and Enah drove Cousin Clare down with Joe. I went over to the park to watch the dance for a while got some post cards talked with Roy Dell a while and then went down to Mrs. Davie Moore's corner and met Daddy and Enah and drove home about half past nine. Hot To-day Daddy and Enah saw old Bill down town he is says he is going to start West tomorrow stay with Jack Pane in Toronto to-morrow and start Saturday. He said it was breaking up home as his wife was so opposed to the trip. She nor the rest of his relations thought he was in earnest till this morning and when they found out he was the kicked up quite a fuss Friday August 11th We all worked at the stable this morning. We sawed the timber sill off in the drive way which took about half an hour with Blakie's cross cut and got quite a bit of cement laid in 38 �the alley-way. I disked all the afternoon on the wheat ground and finished it. They got the rest of the cement laid in the alley way. After the chores were done to-night Daddy saddled Joe and I had a nice ride around Flemming's block. Then Dick got on but could not reach the stirrups so he asked Daddy to get on and he rode down the lane and back for our benifit. Dick knocked the old wooden trough at the wind mill to pieces and we are going to put up the concrete one as soon as possible. It rained early this morning and has been cool and cloudy the rest of the day. Saturday August 12th Emery, Dick and I worked at the stable to-night all day, and got the stalls pretty well boarded up. We had quite a time foraging for boards Daddy took Joe and Ginger and rolled some of the wheat ground and then Vyse came over to ask him to go over to help him bring in his oats this after noon so Daddy came up before noon and put the rack on the wagon. Art. Brown was here with a lame horse and a medicine agent trying to sell us some wonderful compound which would cure any thing in the shape of aches or pain warranted not to rip tear {?} and turn up at the toes etc etc. He was not very persistent though. Dad was gone all the afternoon Vyse had three teams and six men in the field and got all his oats in. Enah went down and stayed till tea Dick and I both went down after tea and saw Uncle Ward conversing with Nicky Luce in front of Taylor's Dick expected Ade Millman but he did not come. Sunday August 13th Got up very late this morning and Daddy did all the chores. Went down to church and Sunday school as usual and stayed to Huby's for dinner Daddy and Enah came down but did not stay. Huby and Dave drove the latter's horse over here and I hung arond up at Waddle's with Hazen all the after noon and had tea at Hubys and Quint and I went to church. After church I hung around the pier about an hour and then came home I saw Dick going home just at Allan's corner. Dick McBain drove me over as far as Woodson's. I picked Tige up at Vyse's. When I got home I found Dick all alone and a note on the table saying the family had gone down to Uncle Ward's for tea. We fooled around a while and then went to bed before the folks got home. Pretty hot to-day. Monday August 14th Emery came this morning and worked awhile at the stable but Daddy asked him to help with the oats so he said he would. Daddy and I went over about half past nine and started 39 �to load up. Vyse and Emery came over and loaded a load before we did I was loading ours. We got three loads off before dinner, two of Vyses and one of ours. After dinner Daddy and Emery went out and I waited for Vyse. I pitched on this time and we got three loads and finished. Then Vyse went home and we got a little hay over for the horses and Emery worked awhile at the stable. When we were taking Harry and Belle through the narrow alley way in the stable the both got out and caused some trouble, then after tea Coleman's colts got into the wheat stable and we chased them about half and hour to shake down our supper. Emery built a duck pen and put our four in it as he thought they ought to have good water. He went home to night and will not be back till Thursday as to morrow he intends to go to Simcoe to hear Sir Wilfred and Wednesday his Sunday School picnic. Pretty hot today. Tuesday August 15th It was very cloudy and thundery when we got up this morning and when we got through milking it began to rain. It poured like cats & dogs for about two hours and just rained after that for half an hour. Daddy and I climbed all over the garret hunting for leaks before breakfast. After breakfast Dick Daddy and I moved all the horses over into the big barn and then begant to clean off the floor off the same building, and found it very poor. I churned this morning and Enah who felt poorly baked. We cleaned up a little around the horse stable and after dinner Daddy Dick and I drove down town in the rack and I got a pair of heavy boots and did some other shopping for the house. Every body was in Simcoe to-day to hear Sir Wilfred Laurier. {K.C.P.M.?} except Andrew Innes. Dick and I went for a swim, he at the rail way bridge and I at the boat house. Lila came and fed the ducks and said Huby and Quint had gone to Simcoe. We got home about six o'clock and got some tomatoes at Mrs. Battersby's on our way back. We got the planks for the stable floor at the Wide spread. I cut some lawn after tea. Wednesday August 16th I chopped up some wood while Daddy went over to see if he could get a roll of wire fence from Mr. Flemming. When he came back we hooked up and he Dick, and I went down to get the wire. Then we went over with it to Coleman's line and ripped down some of the old rail fence and piled it on the rack and Daddy and Dick took it over to the barn to pile it in a convenient place for thrashing wood. It begant to rain as they left and they said they would be back presently with a coat for me as I had to stay and see that Coleman's cattle did not get in. I sought shelter under a tree and waited patiently for about an hour. It was pouring 40 �when they arrived and I was about frozen. It soon cleared off and we started erected the wire and tacked it to a few posts good enough to keep the cattle out. Then it began to rain again and we went up for dinner. We found Edith Lawrie and B. Kanes (or Kains or what you please) up at the house come to spend the day. They had been all over the place inspecting the stock. After dinner I went over to borrow Vyse's post hole auger. When I came back Daddy and I cleaned the stuff off the big barn floor out to the rack and took it over in the field to burn. We also hauled the brush Huby and I cut off the trees and put it in the same heap. Dick did not come over this after noon but stayed and entertained the girls. Daddy and I put up the wire as far as the rails went and ripped a few more rails down. We were soaking wet when we came up at six as it rained most of the afternoon. It is so wet tonight the girls have to stay all night. They are all kicking up a row in the parlor now. Bob. Law hauled a couple more loads of sand to-day. Thursday August 17th Emery did not come to-day so Daddy and I worked around cleaning up all day. This morning we got some lumber out of the old box stall doors to make mangers with and after dinner we hauled out a lot of the old shingles & rubbish in front of the horse stable and piled it out with the brush to burn. We also put in a few more posts for the fence and got another load of rails. The old wind mill came uncoupled some where down in the well last night and Dick went down with Edith & B this morning to get Felix but he could not come to-day as he was going up to hear Mr. Borden spout to-night. Allan and Miss Brent came over this afternoon for awhile. Dick went down to-night to hear the band but it did not play as it was playing for Mr. Borden, it will likely be here to-morrow. Dick said there was a great crowd went up on the the special to hear Borden to-night. Pretty fairly warm but nice breeze. Friday August 18th Emery came this morning and we worked all day with the cement floor in the horse stable and now have it nearly done. Felix came over and it took him till seven o'clock to-night to get the pump fixed. He put in another length of pipe. We had a lot of fun with him. It rained for awhile this morning and he gave us a great speech He is so against Laurier and reciprocity. I nearly burst laughing at him. Ace Williams was here this afternoon as he thought we were thrashing. He is now the father of a week old daughter. I was at the back end of the place to-night after the cows which Tige chased back. When we came in from milking about eight o'clock to-night we found Mrs. James Enah's sister-in-law and her three 41 �children here. Dick went down town to hear the band but I guess it did not play to night again. Windy. Saturday August 19th This is the great Boughner picnic day to-day and rigs of all kinds have been flocking in along the side road all day. Dick went down early this morning and stayed till late to-night only coming back with the mail about 1 or 2 o'clock. I don't know what he did with him-self all day. He was checking parcels to-night and made fifty cents. Emery and I worked around the stable all day Emery was finishing up and flooring the stalls and I was painting window shashes and doing odd jobs for Emery. Daddy was disking the wheat ground all day and found my old knife which I thought was gone for sure this time. Mrs. McPherson Enah's sister came over with Emery this morning and stayed awhile talking to Mrs. James whom she was very surprised to see and came back this after noon and took the whole {ging-lang?} {illegible} except Enah and Jean who walked down to the picnic Enah, Jean and Cecil came back ther to tea and the rest stayed at James's. Dad teased Cecil till he had him as mad as a wet hen and as saucy as as a sparrow. After tea Daddy and I did the chores and Emery took Enah Cecil and Jean down town and Daddy and I drove down about 9 o'clock. We intended going over to the park to watch them dance but seeing a fire in the glue room in the Wide spread the same place it was before we went up and informed Mr. Denly who by the look of things was about to retire but had to jump on his wheel and go down We meet Emery and Doc. Jolley's corner and made plans for going home and executed them in short order. Emery and I walked out and Daddy took half the crowd and Mrs McPherson the other half out home and then Daddy drove her and Cecil down till he met Emery and then he drove her out to his fathers. We saw Mr. Denly coming back on his wheel while we were at Jolley's corner and he said there was no fire there at all when he went down. So we did not get over to the park after awhile all. Cool and pleasant to-day. nice breeze Sunday August 20th Daddy drove me down to Sunday School this morning as he wanted to see if he could take Aunty Maude and Lila back to dinner with him and have Huby and Quint walk out but they could not come I pumped as usual and Quint went up behind the organ with me. I walked home to dinner where was assembled all of Emery's family in addition to the others all trying to squeeze up to the kitchen table. After dinner Emery discovered an oil hole in the old wind mill head which when Dad oiled up the old thing went like a charm. Daddy was bringing Ginger out to water and she jumped away from him into the old {?} beam and 42 �conked herself quite badly besides wrenching off a shoe. Daddy Emery Cecil Tige and the grey kitten and I all went back to the gulch to hunt for the spring Blakey was tilling as about but could not find it. Then we went up to the mound where there was a ground hog's hole and Emery while digging around found an old double spring trap attatched to a {illegible} with a ring in it. He said he had often thought of digging out the mound when he was a boy as he thought there were treasures there. I went up a little wa with Cecil and him and then came home and took the cows up with me. Mrs. McPherson was just starting off with the bunch and two valises. Mr. & Mrs H. Shand where here for awhile before tea. I rode Enah's wheel down to post a couple of letters to-night. Monday August 21st Emery came this morning and He & I worked to-gether all day. We put the door on the boxstall and end door on the horse stable. I painted more window sashes and swept down some of the cobwebs of the ceiling in the stable. We also put a new piece on the {jerk?} rod of the wind mill in place of a rickety old eyesore, which caused the mill to lose half a stroke. Daddy disked the remainder of the wheat ground this morning and went over it with the smoothing harrower this after noon. I had a snooze for about an hour this after noon and then wrote a little to Roy for his birthday to-morrow. Vyse came over this morning to bring us some sweet corn and again this after noon to tell Daddy the thrashers would if all's well be at his place to-morrow. I rode Enah's wheel back after the cows to-night. Prett warm today. Got a card from E. Dewar to-day. Tuesday August 22nd This morning I cleaned up the floor in the other barn and the granaries and also nailed up some rat-holes. I just put the chaff in a big heap on the barn-floor. Daddy and Emery fixed some posts that were rotted off over the cow stable. Dick churned and got a nice mess of good butter. About ten o'clock, Sam Law got his machine at Vyse's so Daddy went over to help thrash. Emery took the big team back with the plow to start work on the oat stubble and alsike ground for wheat. Belle fell down going down the hill at the end of the lane so Emery took two or three furrows off that which made it much better. We plowed till noon. I plowed a couple of furrows in the easy ground and did not do so badly considering I did not have the wheel on. Old Harry fell down once too at the side of a ditch in where the alsike was. After dinner Daddy came over after me to go and help thrash as they were short handed. Paul Lee Woodson Hugh Bannister and I were in the mow all the time and Daddy helped us now and then. Cass Rankin came over and worked for about five minutes. Dick 43 �helped for awhile but found a nest of mice about a day or so old and it took him all his time looking after them he took the home in his hat when he went home for tea. Louis Woodson was running the blower. Mr. Blakie and Old Wells on the stack. Mr. Flemming carraying awaw grain Vyse feeding and Bench all her cutting bands besides the three men with the machine. Vyse had {690?} bushles of grain allto gether. We had tea about five o'clock and the worked till dark and finished. I went home soon after six and did the chores Emery helped me. Not too hot to-day Wednesday August 23rd Got up fairly early this morning and found it pretty cool. Daddy, Tige, Marshalls two kittens, and the old grey cat Williams left and I went way back the gulch after the cows. We found them in the wood and the cats followed us all the way. Daddy went over to Blakie's to thrash and stayed all day there. Dick went over but came back to dinner, but went right back again. He ran the blower this morning. Blakie thrashed 640 barrels all to-gether. I sawed a lot of wood up and threw out the chaff I raked up in the barn yesterday. I got some tomatoes and a potatoes. Emery was plowing all day I took him some water a coupe of times but did not stay. This After noon Enah and I drove Joe down town and got the buggy chuck full of grub for the threshers. Mrs. Flemming gave us about a bushel of vegetables. I We thought we dropped a cabbage and we went all the way back to Bannister's but did not find it. Dick and Paul Lee Woodson came in about six from Blakies and I went down with them to Woodson's for a swim and very nearly froze. We swam out to the island under water. I had my tea after I came home about eight o'clock. Cool to-day. Thursday August 24th Emery plowed all morning and Daddy and Dick thrashed over at Alfred Ryersie's. I worked out in the barn to prepare for the threshers this after noon. Dick and Daddy got home about noon and said they had had their dinner so Enah, Emery and I dined together. The threshing outfit came while we were at dinner. Hannah Flemming came over to help Enah. Huby came over with Earny Skey. It took quite a while for them to get started and we boys, Paul Lee, Cars. Rankin Tony Bannister, Dick and I fooled around, but when the did start they put us at the muzzle of the machine and we stood there chewing dust most of the after noon. We filled the hay the other side of the cow stable wth straw and it took a lot of men to push the straw over. Daddy, Frank Vyse, Tony and I in concecutive order pushing straw to Earny, Huby, Paul Lee, Cars, and Dick who were in the mow, Earny got called away to the telephone Paul Lee went to help in the mow. Cars. got a head ache and Tony skinned out so 44 �there was after awhile only Huby and Dick in the mow and Frank Vyse and I & Daddy shoving straw. I stood in one place for two or three hours with the balmy breath of the blower on my cheek and dust from the same about an inch thick (more or less) down my throat and larynx. When we filled up all over the cow stable we went out and Vyse took the blower and Huby, Daddy, and I stayed in the big bay. I came out of there about five and did not do anything after that but gasp for breath. Huby and Daddy stayed with it to the bitter end and when they came out they looked like niggers. Huby had his hat off all the afternoon and his hair was as he {?} creped it like a wool mat. After tea Emery milked for me as I felt rotten, my head felt like a boiled cabbage. And I was shivering at one time and then would about roast. I had a few swallows of wine and then went to bed. Dick went down town to check parcels at the {bank?}. There has been a drizzle-drazzle rain all day till about five o'clock this afternoon. Friday August 25 I slept late this morning after dreaming I was threshing all night and just before I got up I heard one of the little chickens sqeal and looking out saw a big rat had one by the leg. Dad came to kill it but it got away and the chicken died soon after. I was very late with my breakfast. Daddy, Emery and Dick went down town this morning with the rack and got back about noon with lumber for the stable door and glass for the stable windows and a few other things. Ace Williams came after his wheat and I helped him all day with it He took one load to mill before dinner and three after Dick went the first time and Lila and I the second and the last he went alone. Emery made the door for the drive house this afternoon and hung it. Daddy rolled the wheat ground that Emery plowed with Joe and Belle. Cousin Clare came over this morning and stayed all day. Lila came over with Emery and Daddy and stayed all night and Allan & Kathleen Millman came over and stayed to tea. It has been pretty cool all day to-day. Monday August 28th Emery, Jean and Cecil came this morning about seven o'clock with Joe. Daddy went back to plow but came back before noon on account of the rain, he plowed into a couple of bee's nests and got stung three times on the arm. I started to paint the hay rack but in began to rain so we took it in the barn and I did not get any more than part of the bed piece. Emery got the glass in the windows all put in and most of them hung up. This afternoon as it still rained hard Daddy and I white washed four of the stalls with brooms. It cleared off about three o'clock and Daddy saddled Joe in the new stable (she was the first one in) and I rode 45 �down to post some letters and got the mail. I found when I got home that one of the stirrup straps was broken just from disuse and want of oil. Daddy felt pretty badly about. After I got home we brought all the horse over into the new stable and they looked so nice and comfortable that Daddy almost hated to leave them to come to tea. Cecil has been having a fine time to-day in the mud puddles and scrapping with Dad. Tuesday August 29th This morning Cecil and I drove down town to do a few errands but principally to get Quint to come out and shoot crows in the cornfield. He came out a little while after with George Brown {..?} having jumped on behind the old buggy and ridden over. Of course he did not get any crows as he went over to the woods (when he found none in the cornfield. Emery worked at the stable all day and I helped him and painted at the rack. Lila came over and stayed all day. Daddy plowed all day. About five o'clock Emery and I drove Joe down town to get some stuff for the mail. We did not get back till after six Emery and Cecil walke home by the gully to-night. After the chores were done to-night Jean & Lila went to bed and Enah, Daddy and I went over to Mrs. Battersby's for the evening. The Woodson's, Miss Hudson, Miss Robinson, Miss Brent & Mr. Jack Martin were there and we had a lot of lovely music, most of it furnished my Miss Robinson who is a lovely pianist and Miss Draton. Miss Woodson and Miss Robinson amused Dad. very much by their conversation of which he could understand about half. It has been pretty cool all day to-day and is quite cold tonight. Emery fixed a patent ladder in the stable to-day which runs by pulleys & weights up into the loft when not in use. Wednesday August 30th Daddy plowed all morning and Emery fixed the steps going up over the wood-shed and then ripped down a partition in the floor in the old house where we are going to have the ice house. He sharpened my buck-saw yesterday so I cut wood nearly all morning and got almost all the pile of rails cut I also helped him a little at the old house. This afternoon Mrs. McPherson & Leon came down to get Emery. Daddy helped him awhile and then went and plowed and Enah and Mrs. McPherson drove down town with Emery's horse. Emery made a corn horse and he and I went back to cut corn, it is not ripe but he was just going to show me how to do it. We went up about about five and were going to get Quint's gun which we expected Enah would bring over and shoot crows but Enah would not get it so we painted the rest of the bed of the hay rack. It has been quite cool all day and was cold this morning and to night. Jean went back to St. Williams to-night with Emery. Tonight Daddy and I drove 46 �down town with Joe to see if Quint would come over to-morrow to shoot crows. He said he would and mabee Huby and Earny. Thursday August 31st This morning I started to paint the rack and got part of one of the wings painted when Quint came with his gun. Huby and Earny did not come. I went back with Quint & and then over where Dad was and had a fine plowing lesson. When I came back Quint was wandering around and not a crow showed up nor did they all day. I helped him rob a bees nest but there was no honey. Then I came up and painted. Quint shot a grey squirrel over in the woods. I painted quite a lot this after noon and then Enah Lila and I went down town. Enah stayed at the church practising with Miss Draton till six o'clock We brought Kathleen Millman back home with us to stay a few days. We got the cows up and milked milk before tea. Quint went back with me to get the cows and shot a dove and a hawk. Enah and Lila picked about two bushels of plums to-day & we took a bushel down with us and sold as to Mrs. Brown. Quint went home to-night and left his gun and ammunition here as he expects to be back in the morning. It has been pretty cool to-day, but is not so cold to-night as last night. Friday September 1st This morning Daddy drove Joe down to Walk. Wells to put a blister on his horse. I painted at the rack till he came back and then Kathleen & I drove Joe down to get some meat. We came back by the mill and I went on painting. Daddy went back & plowed. Quint came out and Huby and Earny were out have come while we were down town. They had taken Quints gun and gone all over the farm but not shot any thing. Quint caught one of Huby's white chickens with nice yellow legs and I painted them red which made it look very pretty, but it rubbed most of it off in the grass. Cousin Clare came out this morning and stayed all day. I rode Dick's wheel down and got the mail and took Enah's hit book down to Bessie Lawrie. I gave most of the drive house door a second coat and got the cows about half past five and we milked before tea. About nine o'clock the whole four of us set out for the Shands. Daddy & I saw all over the barn and then went into the house where we found a bunch of young ladies who had been having a card party. We stayed till after eleven and after the others had gone. Daddy got them to fix a night (Tuesday) when he could bring out the Woodson's and Miss Robinson to have some music. Saturday September 2nd 47 �I felt a little sick this morning. I think from some plums I ate last night at the Sh{ands}. I painted the rest of the rack and did a few chores around. In the after noon I gave the rest of the stable door a second coat and started to tidy up around the drive house. It got very dark and lighening vividly Daddy came up with the team. It rained pretty hard but soon stopped. Daddy got ready to go back but it began to sprinkle again so he did not go back all the afternoon. About four o'clock I drove Enah and Kathleen down as Kathleen was going back to-night. We got here suit case at the Tibbets and took her down to the station. After tea Daddy drove down to meet Dick & Roy and I went to sleep about eight o'clock & stayed there till they came. We did not get to bed till midnight and had a great rat hunt just before but did not catch again. Sunday September 3rd Arose late as is the custom on the Sabbath and husstled my self to get down and ring the bells - but Wiser was there so it did not matter. Dick did not get up till after I left so of course did not come down. I came out of Sunday School a little early and found Faulkner beating the starch out of one of his Arabs with a whip because it would not stand still to get its forelock clipped. I went home to dinner as we had a couple of young roosters and Roy stayed down to Huby's. After dinner I started to read " A Houseboat on the Styx".. Huby Roy and Aunty Maude came over about three and we all went back to the gully. Huby took the gun back which Daddy got last night but did not see any thing to shoot at. Daddy shot a couple of times at a crow this morning but missed him. I brought the cows up as it was about five and went into the house for a short time and when I came out they were just disappearing at the end of the lane. So Tige & I went back again and Tige got ahead of me and chased them up to the far end of the gully so I had to go after them. When we did get them milke the separator packed and we had to take it all apart and then only got very little cream. However we got down to church Huby went home to tea and Roy down to Woodsons. After church Enah went by to Cousin Bessie's to {writing off the page} a supper {writing off the page} and is going {writing off the page} to walk. Some we {writing off the page} Roy. Dick came home to tea but went down after ward and got home shortly after we did. Daddy and I drove down to Huby's {writing off the page} got the big picture of "The {Village?} Blacksmith" and hung it in the kitchen. Very cool to-day. Monday September 4th Daddy went back to plow and I started to clean up around the drive-shed Huby and Lila came over about nine o'clock to get their chickens. I helped them catch all we could find 48 �and then drove them down and got back about noon. Dick went back with Daddy and they were going to take Mr. Vyse's roller back Dick rode on Dad's lap and they were just driving under the tree where the roller was when they hit an old stump. The tongue of the roller snapped off. The frame dropped down and they both fell off. Daddy hurt his thigh pretty badly and Dick was scared. We did not have dinner till late and I went back with Dad and had quite a plowing lesson. Roy went down town town at noon but said he would be back again and come over and say goodbye so I thought I would wait over there till he came and then go up with him and drive him down to the station. I went up to the house about 3.30 and got a spade and a drink of water and came out and began to dig up a stone where Dad was plowing. I was thus employed when Roy came back in great haste and informed me it was 20 to five. I hustled out of that and found Dick's wheel at the head of the lane where Roy had left it for me and when I got up I found Dick had the harness on Joe I got Roy to the train in time There was a big {bunch?} at the station I guess they cleared out most of the summer bugs as they had an extra coach or two on. This being {illegible} day had something to do with it. I got the cows up and nearly milked by the time Dad had the horses put away and we sat down to tea by seven o'clock. Hot to-day. Tuesday September 5th Dick got up extra early this morning and struck out for school in good time so as to get a good seat. Daddy went back to plow and I sawed all the wood left in the pile and then went back about nine o'clock to where Dad was with a handspike to get that big stone out Daddy helped me and we rolled it down into the bush. I had a long plowing lesson and came up about eleven and got some potatoes and then went down town and got some meat & groceries. I got home about noon. Dick got home at noon and did not go back. This after noon although it rained all the time Daddy plowed till five o'clock and is now nearly done. I did some cleaning up around the stable and chores. Dick went down for the mail and found out from Mrs Woodson (before it began to rain) that she and the rest would go out to the Shand's to-night, but it rained so hard we could not go, although when it slacked up a little after tea we began to get ready, but it started up again and we gave up the idea and it certainly would have been a rotten drive in a {open?} wagon. We all wrote Bill to-night and Dick gave us a grand con{cert} on his squeaking symplophone. Wednesday September 6th I cleaned up and worked around the stable till ten o'clock this morning and then went back to the field with Dad. The flies were very bad and the horses about crazy. He finished the 49 �plowing soon after I got there and then hooked on the harrows and I harrowed till noon. After dinner Daddy took Joe and Ginger down and got Vyse's disc and I lay around till he got back and then we took both teams out and he disked and I harrowed all the after noon. The soles of my feet got pretty tired and poor Ginger got pretty disgusted but we got a nice lot done. I quit a little after five and went up and gave the horses {feed?} while Dick went and got the cows. We milked before tea. Mrs. Ross and Bob were here for tea and Daddy has just driven them home. They are staying at Jim. McQueen's. Dick went down with them to get some school books from Murray. Daddy and I expect to go to the Toronto exibition to-morrow so will have to get up extra early. Huby said he would come over & do chores close this morning but nice breeze & cool this aft. Thursday September 7th Daddy got me up about five o'clock and we did the chores. Then we hussled for all we were worth throug breakfast and down to the train. We thought we were going to miss it but when we got there we watied about five or ten minutes before she started. We arrived at the Exibition grounds about 10 or 11 and were on the dead run about, all day till 3.30 p.m., and then did not see nearly all the stuff. But what we did see was great. The Widespred had a very fine exhibit of crates chests and wardrobes. There was a very large number of cattle on show. We got home about half past nine and were about frozen. It rained quite hard here about six so they tell us. Huby was to have come over here and milked but he did not get over till after six and Dick had the cows nearly milked. The trains were very crowded but we managed to get seats all {the} way. Every body on the way up was talking reciprocity and there {were} very few that seemed to be for it and they did not seem very shure whether they ought to be or not. Nice cool day. and a little rain about half past three on. Friday September 8th Got up fairly early and I worked around the house chopping wood till noon. Went over a little before to see if we could get Mr. Vyses disk this after noon. Dad wanted to get it this morning but Vyse was not through with it. After dinner I waited around till Dad took Harry & Bill over and got the disk and then went back with him and disked on the oat stubble alsike sod all the after noon He had Joe & Ginger on the harrows, and Lee Woodson came over about six and helped us put the box on the wagon. After tea Daddy & Dick hooked up the little team to the wagon and drove down to the Woodsons while Enah & I got fixed up. He was soon back and the whole bunch of us drove out to the Shand's. We had a great time. Paul Lee Dick, Charlie Shand & I playing games out in another room & outside (full moon) 50 �while Miss Robinson & Mis Drayton entertained the bunch in the other room. We got home about one o'clock. Paul Lee & I walked quite a lot of the way as we were pulling each other out of the wagon all the way home to try and get a roomyer seat. Quite cool to-night & all day. Saturday September 9th We got up very late this morning I disked all morning with the big team and Daddy had the little team on the harrows. It was very hot and I was about half asleep and the blooming thing seemed to go all wrong. Dad went over this morning to see if he could borrow Mr. Vyse's roller but Mr. Flemming had it, so he went over to Mr. McBride's at noon and borrowed his. This afternoon it was cooler with a little breeze and I finished disking and Daddy rolled with the little team till about four o'clock and then we put the big team on the roller and I took the little team up the poor little things were pretty tired and ringing wet. I did the chores up before tea. Edith and B. Kain were here to tea. After tea we fooled around (see inside front of cover of this book). Enah and I went down as far as Martin's hen pens with them & Daddy went to sleep. Lila and Dorothy McCall were over too this after noon but did not stay to tea. Mr. Skey who had a stroke the other day and has been rapidly sinking died this after noon about half past five. Sunday September 10th Had a good sleep this morning and went down to church and Sunday School but do not have to go early now as Mr. Wiser is back on the job, by the way he has not paid me yet, two spot coming from that direction. Stayed at Aunty Maude's to dinner and then went up town and fooled around with Murray who is greatly exercised over the report that Perce Brook & Lena Gilbert are married having been hitched in Simcoe last night. He came over here and we roamed around and he inspected the piano & cream separator and stayed to tea. We walked down to church after tea and Daddy and Enah drove down. Mr. Johnson had to bring his dog out during service as it came up the isle and to the pulpit. It came up this morning near the end of the service. Mr. Davis patted it for awhile and then it went over and lay on the register till church got out. I was helping the organ with Wiser and after church Murray and I walked down to the pier where we found Hazen and Roy & all we sat there for awhile till all the people left and then they walked up to the head of Main St with me and I came home for tea. It has been pretty hot to-day. The population of Dover is increasing. Liz. Jackson {nee Cooper?} had twins lately and Stan {Brock?} I believe has been made father to a day for {illegible}.. Tige was not here to-night when we all came home and has not 51 �turned up yet. Daddy killed a crow to-day he just had the gun at his hip and {happened to pull the trigger as the crow flew away?} Monday September 11th Tige was here this morning when we got about six o'clock. Daddy and I went back this morning and I harrowed with {illegible due to faint ink} he rolled with the little team. I finished harrowing this after noon about half past two and I brought Joe & Ginger up while Dad rolled what I had been working on with the big team till six. I did the chores and milked Bobby before tea. I cleaned up a little around the stable and the barn floor to clean the wheat on. Daddy finished rolling and took back the roller after breaking Mrs. McBride's neck yoke. He thinks that field is now ready to sow if it does not rain. {George?} Holden & his brother were over here to see the apples to-night. Mr. Vyse came over after tea and is talking to Dad now. He was telling us about poor Tom Fawset who is in an very bad shape. Mr. Alex. McCall is I suppose spouting in the hall to-night I would like to hear him but I am too tired to go down. It was very hot this morning but there was a nice breeze this afternoon we never had any water back with us this morning. Dad said he was not thirsty but I just about {flooded?} out my stomach when I came up at noon. I was so dry I could not spit. Had a hot bath and went to bed early. First {illegible} I have had of any kind for about a month. Tuesday September 12th Got up pretty fairly early this morning. After breakfast Daddy and I went down to Blakie's and got some oats and borrowed his fanning mill and cultivator. Mr Vyse was here when we got back and he and I put about fifty bushles throug the mill for seed which took us till nearly noon. Daddy cultivated on the wheat ground this side of the gully. I lay down at noon and went to sleep when I woke up it was about half past two and Bill Barlow was here talking to Enah. He came down to the meeting last night and missed his train this morning. Enah and I were going town this afternoon so we to Bill down to catch the 3.15 after he had had a little talk with Dad on reciprocity but there was no chance for an argue. I had to get Joe shod and I took Enah around to the Greenhouse to get some flowers for the Skey's. We did not get home till after five as Greenbury had to put new shoes on all Joes feet. We met Evan's Johnson who said he had just driven Russ. Skey out home. Russ took the gun out and shot a hawk and fired a couple at a crow but he was too far away. When Dad came up he took Blakie's fanning mill back and I did most of the chores. Russ stayed to tea but went right down afterwards as he expected Douglass on the eight train. It is very cold to-night. 52 �Wednesday September 13th Went and started to cut corn this morning. Daddy kept on cultivating all morning. The drill came up to-day and Vyse sowed his wheat this morning. I went over and he said he would draw it up in the field over the gully after dinner. So this after noon Daddy took weat over in the wagon and I went with him. Vyse got there at the same time. The automobilly belonging to the Norfolk Gas Co. was busted and pulled up in the gate way. They had to {illegible} of the road and shortly afterwards Johnny Walker and Albert Mc{illegible} came along on Johnny's trap and they towed it home. Daddy kept on sowing till after six. I stayed with him for a round and then went on cutting corn till about five when I came up and did the chores. I got about 14 shocks cut. Daddy got about 12 bushels of wheat sowed. It has been very cool all day and is quite cold to-night. The thermometer marked freezing last night but we don't know whether it did freeze or not. Thursday September 14th Got up good and early and then found the blooming cows had gone back and {had made?} their way over in the sod the other side of the wheat ground across the gully. {illegible words due to faint ink} in to the gully. It would take to much time and space and I might swear if I told of my chase But I got them up with the help of Daddy and we got them milked soon after {illegible}. Daddy finished sowing the wheat this morning and I got a line of shocks right through to the fence. This after noon I cut some wood cleaned the {gun?} hunted for a rasp to sharpen my hoe with for about half an hour and then went back to cut corn. Daddy was runing out furrows and ditches all the afternoon till dark. Mr. Blakie came over and helped him most of the after noon. I only got two shocks made this after noon as it was so late when I started. It began to rain about five o'clock so I came up and did the chores. Mr. & Mrs. Laurie were over. {missing word} took the gun back this afternoon but did not get a shot. It has been cool all day their was a white frost last night but it is raining and warm to night. Friday September 15th It rained so hard last night that the ground was too wet to work on all day. I went back for the cows and had a far worse tramp than yesterday morning although they were right in the woods but lying down so I did not see them When I had been back quite a while, Daddy came back and we tramped way over into Watsons and he at last found them in our woods. Tige found a ground hog back there and was afraid to go right up and kill it but held it at 53 �bay till I {battered it?} with a club. About ten o'clock Daddy and I took Belle down to get her front shoes set as their were a lot in the shop he stayed with {Billy?} and talked reciprocity while I went and got my hair cut. I also went into the printing office and had a look at Manager's apparatus. We got home just about noon. Dick took his dinner to-day. this afternoon I read for awhile in "The Millionaire Baby" and then Daddy and I went and socked up the wheat on the barn floor. Daddy killed a couple of roosters and he & Enah drove down town Dad got his hair cut and Enah stayed to tea down town and was going to the flower choir to-night. I was going down to-night to come home with her but did not feel very well so Dick went instead. I spent most of the evening on the sofa and Daddy cleaned the roosters. It has been cool and rather cloudy all day. I have felt kind of rotten all day. We got a letter from Aunty to-day describing their trip to Banff Walter took her and Winnie there for a couple of days and they had a fine time. Auntie evidently thought the mountains were grand. Saturday August September 16th Stayed in bed this morning till about half past eight as I was not very well. I lay around all morning reading "The Millionaire Baby". Dick went down town and made a dollar peddling grit bills, Daddy went back and shovelled ditches. This afternoon Dick, Ferdie and Lissy went back shooting with the shot gun and a rifle but they did not shoot anybody, strange to say. Daddy and Enah went down to Mr. Skey's funeral. One of us ought to {have?} gone over to Bannister's to thrash this afternoon but under the circumstances could not. Mr. Highland was here again to buy the blue grass seed and offered Dad. sixty-five dollar. He said he would come again on Monday. Warm and nice to-day. Sunday September 17th Daddy and Enah lit out for St. Williams this morning and Dick went down to church and Sunday School and stayed all day till five o'clock. I took a dose of salts this morning. The first I have ever taken I think. I stayed home from school once a long time ago to take one but got out of it after nine o'clock. I read and drew pictures most of the day, doing the chores by degrees. Al. Faulkner was over to borrow the double harness, but as Dad had it with him he said it did not matter. It is the first time Dad has used it for a month or two. Charlie Ferris and the two Quanberry's came through from the lane. They had been taking pictures. Tige and I had a very enjoyable day of it. I ate {illegible} dinner or lunch I wanted down cellar as I came to it, and Dick and I had our Tea to-gether upstairs. They came home just as we got through with a good supply of peaches. They had some hicory nuts which 54 �they said were ripening up to eat. Emery fixed up a hoe and sent it to me to cut corn with. They said it was hot to-day. It may have been, but I was not. Monday September 18th Got up very late this morning. Dad worked on the {wheat?} ground all morning but had a few interruptions. Watson's cattle {illegible} the fence with ours but we let this go and they went back again before night. Mr Langdon {surname?} came over this morning wanting to buy some of the manure but Daddy would not listen then he wanted by ten acres of soil without success then he wanted to know if the apples were sold and when Dad told him they were he went. The Mr. Highland and Huby came over. I went out with the team while Daddy came in and sold the blue grass seed to him for seventy-five dollars, Dad's price less the freight to farm. I chored around all morning. After dinner Daddy and I took the blue grass down and Highland gave him cash in full at the Commercial Hotel and of course he had to treat the boys. To-night Daddy and I went down to hear Mr. Charlton spout but we all did not know what he was talking about and I guess he didn't either. There was a big crowd there nevertheless. Jim Law was there having a fine time till Geo. Hammond tried to put him down {stage?} and then he promised to be good. We did not stay long {rest of sentence obscured}. Tuesday September 19th Up good and early this morning but it looked very rainy. Daddy and I took both teams out. I rolled and he harrowed. Mr. Vyse came over and disked. We were at till about nine when it began to rain and we had to come in. It rained like fun for about an hour making the ground un-fit for work to work on for a couple of days. I read till it stopped raining and then Daddy cut wood till noon and I took it in. This afternoon Dad went back and fixed the line fence between us and Watsons where the cows get over and then shovelled ditches. I cut the lawns cleaned out the stables and cut wood. There was somebody shooting over at Bannister's and the shot was rattling around on the barns where I was cutting wood so I thought I would quit as {thought?} it would tickle. After tea I went over and and got a ball of binder twine to bind corn with to-morrow. I tried the stalks but they break to easily and it takes so long to pick good ones out. Nice and warm. Miss McBain, Miss Law and Edith Laurie call to-night and scared us all. I thought it was Dick and yelled at them to come in. Wednesday September 20th 55 �I cut corn all morning and got cut a great deal faster with the binder twine. Daddy finished shovelling out the ditches (on the other side of the gully. Huby came over and brought Bill with him. We were very surprised to see him. He left the West last Friday night and got home last night. He says he had a very fine trip. He could have stayed longer and had work but he wanted to get here in time to vote for McCall. I cut corn all afternoon till six. Dick came back about five and cut while I went up and got a drink. Then he went over to look at the chestnuts but he says they are not much good. We did not get through chores till late to-night because I did not quit soon enough and get the cows up. I made 29 shocks all told to-day. The land was dry enough for Daddy to cultivate and harrow on the summer fallow this afternoon. Pretty cool this morning but got hotter in the day. The was a touch of frost in the gully last night but not on the level. Thursday September 21st Cut corn this morning and Daddy worked on the wheat ground. Mr Vyse came over for a little while He has a boil on his hand and his arm is in a sling. Watson's cattle got into our place this morning and I had to take them out. Spotty got with them as I was not quick enough to head her off. I could not get her separated so she stayed over there and Daddy got her to-night with a lot of trouble. This after noon Daddy Enah and I drove down town. It was sprinkling a little and we could not work. Daddy went up to the school house and voted and Enah got the books out of our pew in church. They are fixing the church all different inside. About half the population of Dover was Drunk to-day. I suppose because the bars are all supposed to be closed. There have been two or three election fights and a lot of money bet. Dick and I went down town to-night to hear the returns of the election. We were surprised on reaching town to hear that Charlton had been elected by {181?} majority and only two places to hear from. We went up a total of {illegible} and heard the encouraging reports for torys. There were three grits on the platform reading out the lists as Dick brought them in from the telegraph office. Their faces grew blacker although they tried to smile every minute as the majority for the torys rose. We came home about ten o'clock as we told Dad we would be home at 9.30 but found he had gone out to look at Webster's cow which had choked on an apple and when they tried to shove it down with a stick broke it off. Dad had a doose of a time. Jim Law was up having a fine time to-night and disgusting poor grits and {illegible} Hooray For Borden {written in larger, bold text} Friday September 22nd 56 �Cut corn all day. Dad worked on the wheat ground all day. He took the little team out this morning as he thought I would be working the big team but he found the ground on this side was too wet where he wanted me to disk so kept on with them till noon. Dick came home at noon with the tidings that Borden was in with 43 majority. He also had the Globe which of all particulars. The liberals were just simply skunked owing to reciprocity. If they had never got it into politics they would more than likely be in power now. Most of the cabinet ministers were defeated including Fielding, Paterson, Graham, Sir Fredrick Borden and Wm. McKenzie King. Manitoba did not send one Liberal candidate but Alberta and Saskatchewan both went Liberal. Nova Scotia New Brunswick and Quebec went Liberal and Ontario and British Columbia were conservative by very large majority and P.E. Island was a tie two of each. There were seventeen nationalists elected in {total?}. It went very different from what we expected as we thought Alex McCall was sure to be returned and and there was no chance for Borden Very nice day. Dick told us tonight that Mrs Joe. Jacques died this morning Daddy does not feel very well to-night. Canada is saved from Yankee dom. {written in larger, bold text} Saturday September 23rd We got up fairly early this morning but did not get started to work very early Daddy and I disked all morning and got the wheat ground all gone over. He got Blakie's cultivator disk with the little team I cut corn from 2.30 till 4.00 this p.m. Mr. Blakie came over and helped Dad run out the cross ditches in the wheat field. About four o'clock Daddy came back and he and I went to separate our cattle from Watson's and fix the fence where they got in but we found they were not to-gether so we did not bother putting Watson's out as it is his fence that has to be fixed any way Coleman's colt was in our side this aft. but we could not find where he got in but we think it was through the barb. wire. Jim Bannister and another fellow were down in Coleman's gully and had quite a lot of mushrooms. Mr. Larry came over this morning with decoy crows and a crow call but only got two. I took the gun back this afternoon. and nearly dislocumbusted my shoulder shooting at a hawk and of course missed him. If I had not it would be about the first time I ever killed with a gun. I shot a kingfisher once but he was sitting still in the corner of the {boat house?}. I am not very blood thirsty. Bill Donald was in to night but says the buck wheat is not quite ready yet to cut. Blakie told us that Lambkins sold after thrashing the blue grass hay he got from us for $50. He also says there is another gas company out leasing land. Pretty hot to-day. Looks like more rain. 57 �Tuesday September 26th Got up good and early this morning and after doing most of the chores drove down with Daddy for him to catch the train. I looked all over town for Bill to come out and run the long furrows in the wheat-field but could not find him. He was at the Dominion Hotel but his name was not on the register, so the English man thought he was not there. {?} corn most of the day. Dick got a basket full of hickory nuts and said there were twice as many down. I came up about half past four and did chores. Dick and I drove down about seven to meet Daddy and Frank. Lila was all reade to go with us. Bill was at Huby's and said he was coming over to morrow. He had toothache to day and was going up to have a tooth pulled. The train did not get in till nearly nine. We got home about eleven ten with Frank bag and baggage.They had supper and it was after eleven when we got to bed. Fine and warm today. The Mr. Taylor that Frank came home with was a presbyterian minister but not the one we supposed. He was Mr. Willie Taylor from here, Dean's brother. Frank went in to get his teeth fixed and Deans was the dentist. He knew Frank was a Barrett and when he found he wanted to come East took him to Sycamous to meet his brother who he knew was coming East to be married. Frank said Deans was pretty homesick and wished he was coming. He assured Frank he would like it better here. Wednesday September 27th It began to rain soon after we got up and there was a terrific gale. Dad. went out to plough some of the furrows in the wheat field but only got six done when it got too wet. It rained most of the morning Dick had to walk to school and took his dinner. I fooled around with Frank and Dad made a scraper for the stable. This after noon it dried out a little and Frank and I picked hickory nuts. We got about a quarter of bushel. Allan and Miss Brent came over for a while with a bunch of kids. Quint came over after school with Dick and they went back shooting with Frank who has a 22 rifle. Quint stayed to tea, Bill came over after tea and got booked for a wh cutting corn. Quint went home with Bill. We played cards and Fox & Geese with marbles to-night The two remaining kittens of the old white cat were dead this morning. The poor little things were probably starved to death.The old brute of a mother did not look after them at all. Daddy forgot and left the gate open into the wheat field and the {blamed?} cows came up and went in. The first time they have come up by themselves for about a month. Dick said {first name?} Varey and Miss Langs were married to-day and went to Simcoe with a big "just married" sign on the back of the automobile. Thursday September 28th 58 �Did not get up very early and it was colder than, I can't think of anything just now. I cut a little wood to get warm and when Bill came I went back and cut corn with him. We got on famously but Frank came back about ten and I went up to take Enah and him down town. Miss Phipps was here then. We got home about noon About a dozen people (most of them related) came while Enah was off some place to inspect Frank and ask him the usual number of questions. We got some cartriges and we drove around a little. I cut corn with Bill all the after noon and we can easily finish the piece tomorrow going at the same rate as today. Frank came back with his rifle and Bill gave him a few hints about shooting. Daddy got all the furrows run and cleaned to-day. He was planning a lot for to-morrow but Mrs. Cruise came and invited him over to thrash - and he accepted the invitation. Cool all day. Cloudy to-night. Dick went down to confirmation class to-night. Friday September 29th It rained hard during the night so I did not get up very early. A lot of plaster fell in the clothes room last night and burst the window. Dad went over to Cruises to thrash when it cleared off a little. Dick had to walk to school this morning and took his dinner. Frank and I fooled around till about eleven when Bill came over to cut corn. I thought it was too wet but was just right. We worked till dinner and till about four o'clock when it began to rain and we had to leave about an hours job. I had the chores all done and the cows nearly milked when Daddy got home. After tea I just about freeze and Dick and Frank played checkers and marbles. Frank got some pretty fair sized potatoes. Bill cannot come back now so Dad and I will have to finish the corn. Cool all day. Saturday September 30th Did not get up early as I did not feel very well. Corby came before breakfast and Dick and Frank went off with him after chest nuts. They did not get back till after dark. They said they had good luck, they went to one place Corby paid the man a quarter for the tree and stayed there all day. It was up near the Glen. They saw old Bill walking home Daddy and I went over and put a post in for the fence between the far wheat field and the gully. Then we went back about half past ten and and started to cut corn We cut till dinner and finished the field this afternoon. Dad let Belle and Old Harry in the lane before noon and after dinner we found her with her leg caught in the wire which she had done by rolling. We had quite a time getting her out and had to cut one of the upright wires, but she was not hurt badly. Dad killed a couple of young Plymouth roosters for {part of the text from September 28 is visible along the top margin} to-morrow. Allan Law came after Dad to go 59 �to Edward England to see a sick mare but Dad told him to go to {illegible} Simcoe and get another man so he went to telephone. Then we all went down town in the lumber wagon with Ginger and Joe. Lila and Dorothy McCall came over and went down with {us?}. We got a stove off Cousin Loll and put it up to-night. Daddy and I walked down to meet Roy tonight and did not get to bed till late. Sunday September October 1st It was raining hard when I woke up this morning and it rained all morning. I did not get up till very late and none of us but Enah and Roy went down to church. Dad drove them down but it was raining too hard to walk. We read and slept till they came home and then we read and starved till about four o'clock when had dinner Huby Lila and Quint came over after and Huby Roy and the four of we boys went back the lane with the gun after mushrooms but did not fin any. Dick, Frank and Quint went back in the woods. (I thought it would be too wet) and got a wood cock, hawk and a big puff ball. Clark Matthews was here for a while. Roy went down with Huby and Lila and is not back yet (10 o'clock). Quint came stayed here till about six o'clock and then went down to church with us boys. It was in the town-hall and they had it decorated for harvest home. Frank and I got reserved seats and Dick went under the gallery with Jim Law. We came home nearly right after Monday October 2nd Dad drove Roy down to the station first thing this morning. I had my breakfast with Roy before going for the cows and then milked them. Frank and I went out after hickory nuts but there were not many down and the wind was cold so we came in and shelled some of the chest nuts they got Saturday as Daddy broug them over this morning. Daddy shovelled some ditches and things and then hitched up the team and He, Frank and I went over to Blakie's and got some oats and the fanning mill. After dinner Enah & Daddy drove down to Mr. Matthew Martin's funeral and I sawed wood. Frank tried to shoot some bird's but failed in the attempt. Daddy left Enah at Woodson's and came back and got Frank and took him down to see Mr. Smith and aranged to have him start to school in his room to-morrow. They got back with Dick about five and Enah walked home. Then Dick and Frank went and rolled wheel down the hill into the gally. After tea we all played a game called "Pit" which is meant to imitate the "Board of Trade" the principal object seems to be for each person to make as much noise as possible in as short a time as possible. Then Frank and I had a bath and Dick his feet. Quite chilly all day. Cloudy. I started reading "The Old Curiosity Shop" where I left off last {spring?}. 60 �Tuesday October 3rd I got up late this morning with a bad cold. Frank started school this morning with Dick. They both took their dinners I sawed quite a litle bit of wood and Daddy fixed up the corn crib temporarily Then he pitched the cornstalks that William's left over the orchard fence and I spread them under the trees. This after noon Daddy, Enah and I went up to the cemetary with the lumberwagon and tools & material, and Daddy fixed things up nicely there. The old man up there who was in there with his kid was giving Dad an account of all his troubles with the society. I guess the kid has a fine time in there. The squirrels are so thick and he has a fine plase to practice jumping and leap-frog. We got home about five and Dick and Frank got home about the same time. It began to rain before we got home and rained quite hard. We got the ferns from Mrs. Battersby about the same time. I read "The Old Curiosity Shop" all evening. Wednesday October 4th It rained hard last night and this morning is blowing to beat (I can't think of anything just now) all day. Daddy and I went out and had a look at the wheat and Dad thought he would run some ditches Then we went back and He dug a basket full of potatoes and we husked a couple of shocks of corn. We got a bit over a bushel. We wanted it for the pigs. Then we cleaned up till noon. We worked all the afternoon back of the old house tidying up the rubbish so Dad can "plow" it. Mr. Vyse was over this after noon trying to persuade Dad to cut the clover of the corner field for seed. Dad went over with him but says he wont bother with it as it is not worth while. He said the Woodson's had a great time getting off this morning. Frank and Dick came home with a cauliflower and some celery from Mr. Smith. After tea Daddy spent in teaching or trying to teach Frank his spelling. As it has been a sou'west wind, it has been quite warm all day, but to-night the wind is veering. Daddy milked Fred to-day (and kept the calf away but she gave so little that he thought it would be better to let her raise the calf which she is making a fine job off. She put up an awful fuss all day. Thursday October 5th Dad. and I loaded up the wagon with the rubbish around this morning and took it down to the marsh. We went around by town and got some meat and a film. We brought Huby over with us as he wanted to go with Dad to Old Mr. McBride's funeral this after noon. They left right after dinner and Dad got back about four having left Huby down town. Then He took 61 �Enah over to the McPhersons to see about getting a barrel of apples I sawed wood and broke and made annother leg on my saw-horse this after noon. Frank and Dick did not get home till late to-night as Frank had to go to the dentist. Dick went down to Confirmation class to-night and Frank is having more fun with his spelling. Daddy has a very lame hip and back to-day. Huby was telling us to-day that Mrs. Gerard's husband has come back and she is troting him around as proud as a peacock. He has been married and had five children since he left her. He also said that Mrs. Ferris had eloped. Friday October 6th Dad's hip has been very lame all day. This morning he ploughed the piece back of the old house which we are going to try to put in garden next year, as it is no good at all where it is and is lovely soil. I cleaned up a little around the yard. Daddy got through about noon. After dinner it began to rain and rained like "cats and dogs" all the after noon. I read "The Old Curiosity Shop" all aft. about and Daddy wrote to Aunty. About half past three he hooked up the little team and got Dick and Frank. He got the cows as he was all wet and I helped milk. He got the lock of the trunk we have worked so much at open to-day. I went to sleep reading to-night but they woke me up to play "Pit". I got even on them by winning two games. Frank found out to-day that he had spent about an hour last night learning the wrong spelling lesson. Just the same as I used too. {Facing page is overexposed. Faint lines and a dotted circle are suggest it had a sketch and possibly text.} Jim Blakie, Frank Wiser, Katie Spain's husband and I were crowded into the back seat. Charlie Martin and Miss McCoy had the seat ahead. We went in and saw the church and it looks pretty fancy. They are painting a high pattern around the wall as high as high wainscotting would be and trimming around the windows and little round pictures all around the walls. After church Frank and I went down to the dock and he stayed down to Huby's for dinner and so did Dick. I went home to dinner. After dinner I went back and took a picture of the mound and after a while Daddy Tige the grey kitten and I went back to John Wess McBrides and Dad took him a neck yoke for the one he broke We had a look all over the new barn. There was no-body around. We came back by our woods and wheat field. Dick got home about half past five and Frank about six Frank went up creek with Quint and walked home from Black Creek Bridge. Daddy, Enah and I walked down to church. Nothing much doing {?} except for Mr. Hobbs who spent most of his time trying to keep the 62 �preacher's dog out. I hung around awhile after wards but soon came home. Frank was greatly taken with the full moon to-night He never saw it so big Monday October 9th I sawed wood most of the morning. Daddy drove Dick and Frank down to school and got a barrel from Old Maneer to pack apples for Uncle Hal. He is going to get them from Mr. Vyse. Lila came over this morning with a fat collie pup which came to them this morning. She thought it would be a fine farm dog but about noon a woman came and got it. This afternoon Daddy and I finished cleaning up the wheat. Then we went out and ran some cross ditches in the corner field where Daddy is going to plow. After tea Daddy and Dick drove Enah down to the A.G.P.A. shine and they got a wheel for the plow and then drove around town. Frank and I kept rough house but went to bed long before they got home. There was a caterpillar a red one with black ends in my boot this morning and I did not discover him till he had shed most of his pretty coat into my foot and it hurts like fun tonight. Froze hard last night and night before. Tuesday October 10th Got up fairly early this morning and went out with Dad and we ran the rest of the cross ditches. Then Dad ploughed the rest of the day. I went over to Blakie's to see when he could husk some corn. Then I went over to Vyse's and helped him sort some of the apples for Uncle Hall. I came home at noon and picked some Tolman Sweets off our own trees for Mr. Campbell to go in Uncle Hal's barrel. After dinner I went back to Vyse's and he packed and leaded the barrel. I came back home and then went down town to get a rig to take the apples down with. I found Huby and Lila down there and he went with me and got Faulkner's dray and I went over and got them and took them down. Huby went down to see about them but Tasker could not find the rates. It began to rain about four but did not rain much. Frank got his wheel to-day and rode home. Lila has not been to school the last two days as Miss Skelby has a {poisoned?} face. Wednesday October 11th Got up early again this morning. Dick and Frank rode their wheels to school this morning. I went out with Dad and pitched some sods out of the ditches that he had to plow across. I got my feet soaking wet and my foot got sore where the caterpillar slept in my boot all night so I came up and changed boot and socks Then I went out and husked a shock of corn before dinner. I picked apples all the afternoon and got all the Northern Spies that I 63 �could reach with the step ladder and climbing off one of the trees. George Holden borrowed our ladder about a month ago and has not brought it back yet and not likely he will. Dad got it from him last spring but did not pay for it as Holden had borrowed it from Old Maneer in the first place. When the boys came home we picked more apples and Frank worked at his wheel and then went to look for potatoes in the jungle but only got a few. Mr. Blakie came over this after noon and husked fifteen shocks of corn. Dad. has 6 lands out of 40 plowed. Enah went down town this after noon to auxillary or some thing but found remembered when she got down that it was not till to-morrow. She heard that Hannah Flemming and Lloyd Crysler were married yesterday, and also that Mrs. Ferris was back with her family again not likely she ever left. Thursday October 12th Went out again this morning and dug mud out of the ditches where Dad is plowing. Then I came up to the house, did a few chores around, and Frank and I opend up some ditches, one out of the buck wheat field which is full of water. Frank did not have to go to school today as it was Teacher's Convention. This after noon I went over to Bannister's and borrowed a ladder to pick the rest of the Northern Spies. I got a little over a bushel off the two trees. Frank wrote letters all the afternoon and about four o'clock went down to the dentist's and got his tooth finished up. We all went down to-night to hear the Polmatics sisters whom the orchestra got to come. They were fine for instrumental music but not much for singers, a fine cornet player and violinist. Another played all sorts of things such as, Tuberphone and Xylophone, which were played with hammers same principle as bells. Fine day to-day. Blakie husked more corn. Friday October 13th Sawed a little wood and cleaned up the stables. Bill Donald came at last this morning to cut the buck wheat, he had a pretty bad time some places for the mud. I went out with him and went around the first time to throw the sheaves out. About eleven his wife and daughter came over with his dinner and they stayed all day and shocked it up for him. There were a couple of places he could not cut wth the binder but will have to take the scythe to them on Monday. I cleaned out the corn crib and Frank and I fixed it a little, and Dad finished it after dinner. This after noon Daddy, Frank and I went out with Harry and Belle and got the corn that Blakie had husked. We got all we could pile on the wagon-box which was over 27 bus. from thirty shocks. Bob Miller came over and invited Dad to go and see a heifer he had at the slaughter house at 7 am. to-morrow. Frank and Dad. went out about five and helped 64 �them shock up a little. Dick has been away all day with Ferdie as this is Civic holiday and school is closed. He was going to Simcoe to see a foot ball match between Dover and Simcoe but he could not get a ride with any one who was coming home by six so did not go. To-night we all went over to Blakie's and played Pit. Had a great time teaching them the game. Saturday October 14th Dad went over to the slaughter-house this morning to see about the heifer that Bob told him about last night. He arranged to take it for a load of hay and the calf they got last spring. Dad only got a little spelling plowing done this morning and none at all this after noon as Bannister came over this morning to get him to go over there to see their pigs. Frank and I cleared up a little around and did chores. I got one foot in up above my shoe tops in a hole of old barn-yard-extract of manure (sweet). This after noon we boys were all going to husk corn but Mr. Vyse came over after the mower and invited Frank and I over to his buckwheat field where we spent a very enjoyable afternoon pitching buckwheat out of the road of the mower. Mr. Vyse mowed part of the time and then Mr. Fawset the rest. The field was very wet and muddy and Mr. Vyse gave Frank a quarter to clean it off. yets When we came home we all went back and got antother load of corn. Edith Lawrie was over here to tea and after tea all the choir came out and spent the evening. We all played Pit most of the evening while ones that did not like it sang and played. Hot time. Sunday October 15th We all got up this morning about 10 oclock except Dad who got up early and did the chores. We had breakfast or dinner I just forget now which we decided to call it about eleven. After that Frank and I went for a drive with Josie down the lake shore to the school house arond by black creek and home via the mill. When we came home we fooled around looking for hickory nuts and one thing and another till tea time. After tea I went down town but did not stay late but came home as far as he came with Art. Quanberry. I stayed around the Methodist Sunday School most of the time. Dad, Dick and Frank went down to Sam. Law's to night to see when he could come to thrash but no-body was home. Dick was down town wth Ferdie all afternoon. None of us were at church to-day. Dick said Aunty Maude told him Mr. Johnson was very disappointed that there were so few kids in church as this was childrens day. Monday October 16th 65 �This morning Dad went down to Sam. Law's again but he was not home but he found out tht Vyse had been down and seen him any way. I did chores around and cleand up all I could find between the horse stable and the big barn. George Holden came about ten o'clock to pick the apples. His gang consisted of Hilt, Moor, Wiser and Billy Loan. They were here all day and got eight bbls {barrels} all together. Six of Canada Red's, 1 1/2 of Seek no furthers, and 1/2 bbl of Spies. I gathered up all their culls I could this after noon. I also took a picture of the bunch. Cousin Loll and Cousin Bessy were out this after noon. Dick went down to Anderson's sale this after noon. Dad. got a good lot plowed to-day. Mr. Blakie husked some more corn this morning. Bagly and Miller's butcher, Mr. Tuck brought the heifer out to-night. Mr. Johnson was out to-night I guess on business. Daddy, Dick and I went out after tea tonight and picked up more apples. Tuesday October 17th Got up at the usual hour this morning with out being called, first time I have done such a thing since we have been on the farm. It looked so much like rain that Daddy and I went back after breakfast and got the corn Blakie husked yesterday. It began to rain while we were back there and has kept it up all day, and is raining yet. We just left the corn in the wagon and put Holden's apples in the barn as he had just left them in the old shed We also took the knife out of the mower which took us quite awhile. Then we started to fix the pig pen floor and finished it after dinner. I spent most of the after noon in watching mud - not a very cheerful occupation but there was nothing else to do. The boys took their dinner to school but got pretty wet. This was the first day of the Simcoe Fair, I hope they had a nice time Beautiful Day - Slush {written in a larger, decorative text} Wednesday October 18th It was too wet for Daddy to plow this morning so he opened some ditches in the wheat field. I fooled around and helped Dad do some little things we had left for a rainy day. Enah went down town to get some things for Frank, as this is his birthday. We celebrated it tonight at supper. I got a nickel out of his cake. This afternoon Dad plowed all the after noon and I got the apples that were on the lawn crated. I also sawed wood and did the chores. I took a picture of the interior of the horse stable but I could not keep the horses from switching their tails so I don't suppose it will be any good. Dick and Frank rode their wheels to-day but took them through Martins. We three boys think we will go to Simcoe Fair to- 66 �morrow. The High School petitioned for a holiday but Mr. Liddy said he would {keep?} school for those who wanted to go come but he did not object to any staying away to go to the fair. Thursday October 19 Frank, Dick and I started out for Simcoe with Joe about 9 o'clock this morning. We left her at Mr. Frank Bawlby's where Mrs. Bawlby said she would be looked after we walked on in to the fairground and got there about eleven. We went through the buildings first and saw the usual collection of fruit, vegetables, grain, fancy work stock implements etc. Then we just wandered along Frank and I spent most of our time watching a fellow who had a cage of bees. The things were crawling all over every body around but would not sting The fellow was right in with them and would scoop them out of the hive by the hand full and rub them over his face without being hurt. We also saw a review of Boy Scouts which was very poor. Doug Henderson was Scout Master, but not the only one. We left the grounds about three and went to Dreamland where they had on a couple of pretty good comedy films. We got home about six. Joe behaving her self pretty well except she shied nearly into the ditch at a cone and she did not go very well. {word off the page - Daddy?} had plowed all day and evidently got on very well Bill Donald cut the rest of the buckwheat. If all is well Aunty will be starting from Fort Saskatchewan for Dover in about three or four hours. Friday October 20th Dick was sick last night. Simcoe was too much for him. He did not go to school all day but is a little better to-night. I sawed a lot of wood and finished up my wood pile. Then I cleaned out the stables and rubbed down Joe & Ginger Then I picked up the good pears under Titus' favorite tree. I picked apples all the afternoon, and got all off one Tollman Sweet tree and all that were on a Spittsonburg but there were only a few. Frank got quite a few hickory nuts this afternoon. Daddy plowed and got quite a lot done. The two Miss Haldings Miss. Morgan and Miss Buckwell drove Isacks pacer over this afternoon. Mr. Barwell was in tonight to see Dad about leasing {for grass?}. Miss Philip was over this morning to get some more butter as she said she liked the last very much. Saturday October 21st Dad went over to Vyse's this morning after some sacks to pack up the wheat and I got some wood and cleaned the stables When he came back we hooked up Harry and Belle to the wagon dumped the corn that was in it and Frank Daddy and I went and got two loads 67 �more before dinner and left one to unload. This after noon we sacked up the rest wheat that we could. I say we but I did very little of it. Frank started to hold the sacks for Dad then he went to gather hickory nuts and I held them for awhile and then Dick came out and finished and I slept I guess in the hay with Tige. They got twenty sacks and there is quite a bit left. Daddy and I went out and got the rest of the corn which was not quite a wagon box full. We did not get through chores till quite late to-night. Lila came over this afternoon and she & Frank went out and got a lot of hickory nuts. Dick is quite a lot better to-day but not well yet. I guess we are in for a bath to-night, may get out of it though Sunday October 22nd All except Dick went down to church this morning. Frank and I went down first to Sunday School or what was meant to be Sunday school but was really just a practice for Children's day which is to be held again in two weeks at the reopening of the church. It was sprinkling whent we got out of church and was raining hard by the time we got home. Frank wanted to go and see Mr. Taylor about his bees but I persuaded him not to, on account of the rain. It rained till about two or three o'clock and began to blow like fun and is yet. I wrote a letter about the first thing after dinner, then went in the parlour where the rest of the family were gathered and enjoyed some music. About four o'clock I went out and fooled around and went back after the cows. Frank and I went down after five to post my letter. The creek was so high that Frank thought he would go down to the dock. The waves were not extra high but he was delighted with them. We got home soon after dark. No body went down to church to night. Dick is still feeling {sore?} but is better. Saturday Monday October 23rd I woke up myself this morning and got up before Dad. Frank also got up early and stubbed his toe which has been very sore all day. Daddy went over to Blakie's first thing this morning and sacked up a lot of oats. I got some wood of different kinds for a collection and also cut a little. Dad got back about 10.30 and we hooked up to the wagon and went over and got the oats. Daddy also helped Blakie with his pigs for quite awhile. We got back quite a bit after noon. Mr. Vyse was over for awhile after dinner. Daddy and I went after dinner down to the mill with the wheat we had sacked up and got some bran. Dad went home and got a wagon load of rails and I took Mr. Vyse's bags back to him. Mr. Holden came over when we came up to the house with the rails and took the apples down and also paid Dad $12 for them. I went back after the cows to-night and just about got drowned with rain going back & it also hailed and was colder than {Toby has drawn a wee sketch here}. Stan was in to- 68 �night before tea and says they are getting on fine down there. He is up on a little excursion buying hay for some big company down there. It has been very windy to-day and dark and cloudy for the bigger part of the day. Tuesday 24th October Beautiful day. Dad plowed all day and I messed around. Frank's toe was so sore he could not go to school to-day but stayed home and wrote letters and ate cookies that Enah was making. I fooled around and did chores and such as that. This afternoon I picked apples. Dick went to school to-day. We all quit early so as to get a good start to the station to meet Aunty & Win. The cows came up of their own {illegible} accord to celebrate the occasion. Frank drove down with Daddy & Enah on account of his sore toe and Dick and I went on foot. We left at the same time but Dick and I beat. We waited till about half past nine for the train. Cousin Clare and Huby were on with Aunty. We went up to Huby's where Aunty is to stay for a day or so and stayed till about eleven ten o'clock. Wednesday October 25th It looked very rainy this mornig and Dad. was going to haul in the corn but he thought he would plow till noon. I cleaned up a little around the {door?} yard. Frank did not go to school to-day either. This afternoon Dad just went out to finish a land that he had struck out very crooked before any one went along the road. I went out with him and opened up a ditch. Then I came back and bummed around with Frank, for Enah had gone down town to see Aunty and get some presents for Lila. She said she would be home at half past four, and did pretty well by being home a little after six and with {neuralgia?} at that. Dad came up about three o'clock and we went back and got a load of corn but did not have time to unload it and had to leave some in the field. I spent most of the evening in writing this thing which I think I have kept about long enough now that Aunty is home. Then Enah got think she was funny and poured about a dipper full of water on me and then on my diary on purpose. {illegible} whats the use Thursday October 26th Did not do any thing much but the usual chores. Aunty & Win came over about ten and I stayed around with them till noon. Dad. plowed all day. Frank went to school to-day although his toe was pretty sore. This afternoon Vyse hauled his buckwheat. He had Jim Blakie helping him I helped them mow it away when they brought it. He put it the hay to thrash here when Bill Donald thrashes his. While they were getting loads I did nothing much 69 �but read & finished "The Old Curiosity Shop". Dick and I went down to Huby's to-night for tea as it is Lila's birthday. Frank went there right after school & stayed all night. We came home about nine or half-past. Russel Shay was down for a little while. He is just been having his holidays. Huby was at a political meeting in St. Williams, nominating for the Provincial elections in December. Old Quint did the carving on a chicken and had it all over the place. It has been a beautiful day to-day. Friday October 27th I spent most of the morning in sawing wood and finished up my pile. It was very cold all day. It snowed a little last night and was drizzling rain this morning. Daddy plowed all morning and finished soon after dinner. Then we got a load of corn and just left it in the wagon by the corn crib. I threw out most of what was in the wagon while Dad finished plowing the field. The boys' both took their dinners. Frank got home about about five but Dick did not get home till six. He was down watching a foot ball game between Dover & Simcoe. The score was 0-0. Blakie has all our corn husked now and there is about a load more in the field. Dad. went down town to see Aunty to-night. I sat around most of the evening and got warm and listened to Enah teaching Frank all sorts of things which he was supposed to think was geography but he did not think any thing about it. I think guess. Saturday October 28th It froze the hardest yet last night ice 1/4 inch thick, but was a beautiful day. We had planned to do all kinds of things to-day but Mr. Flemming came over this morning and gave Dad a bid to his thrashing this afternoon. We spent most of the morning in getting in the rest of the corn, and finished We have about 900 bushels. Frank helped us Dick was down town after some stuff. This afternoon Dad of course put in at the Flemmings and Dick went down and got the mail and then helped Frank get hickory nuts. Enah went down town this after noon. I went over right after dinner to Bill Donald's to see what about the buckwheat as Sam Law said he could thrash it on Monday but Bill was in Brantford and will not be back until Monday any way. I did not do any thing else much but the chores. Dad got home about six. He and Dick have gone down to night to meet Roy and they have not got back yet as the train is just in (9 o'clock). Sunday October 29th Did not get up till late this morning and did not go down to Sunday School, but Dick and Frank went down. They were going to have church in the town hall again but, George Steel 70 �did not light the furnace and the door was locked into the cellar so they got frozen out and had to ajourn to the Sunday School where it was just as hot as the other was cold. I stayed at Huby's for dinner with Dick and Frank and Aunty and Roy went over home. We fooled around with the football for awhile after dinner and then Warren Skey came down and Dick, Frank and I went for a walk with him down the lake shore. When we got back Frank and I went over to Mr. Taylor's where we found Mr. & Mrs. Willie Taylor. When we were coming home we met Daddy and Aunty who had been at the cemetry and Aunty was just coming back to Huby's. I went home with Daddy and helped him do the chores and walked down to church again after tea with Roy. After tea church I went down to Huby's where most of the Mr. J. Skey's family were assembled. He has been up preaching to-day. He, Warren & Jim were arranging for a hunt to-morrow. Monday October 30th This being Thanksgiving Day Roy did not have to catch the train as he usually does on Monday morning but stayed in bed till dinner time then went down town and came back with Aunty about four o'clock to say good-bye. Vyse came over this morning and he and Dad put the rack on the wagon and hauled in the buck wheat. I did not help in the field only for one load when Vyse went home for dinner but after the first load helped in the mow and did chores and fooled around in the mean time. Bill Donald came in about five and Vyse went home and he took his place. They worked till quite a while after dark but got it all in. I milked and had an awful time with the calf as she got loose and pull me all arond at last I tied her up to the fence but she ripped a board off that and then went in. Frank went down to a shine in the Sunday School and I went down with him and stayed at Huby's with Aunty and Quint till he and Dick came home about eleven. Dick went down this after noon. They had a shooting match to-day and Frank caught a wounded pigeon that sought refuge over here. Beautiful day this forenoon but rainy to-night. Tuesday October 31st It rained last night quite a lot and there is nothing this morning but a cold fog and sweet, mushy mud. Bill Donald came over soon after breakfast which we had late and he hooked his team up to the wagon and we unloaded the jag of loose stuff they put on last night in the dark. Then we went back and got a load of rails I cleanded the stables and did chores while they unloade and got another load of rails one they put up near the house the other out at the farm for the thrashers He brought over this morning some squash, potatoes and cabbages for the thrashers but much more that they would eat. After dinner he helped 71 �clear up the yard and then went up to see Sam Law. and Dad sawed some wood and I just fooled around and got warm and in Enah's road, at least tried to. When Bill came back he said Sam Law would not be here to-morrow so we don't know nor don't care much about it. Jim Blake was over with a sick mar. It has been rotten all day and is in that state to-night so we celebrated Hallowe'en by settin' round the stove. Wednesday November 1st It was very cold this morning and pretty chilly all day. We didn't do much this morning. About eleven o'clock we hooked up Joe and Ginger & went down town after a few household requisites. We were going to bring Aunty over with us to stay but she was looking after the place for Aunty Maude who had to be up at the store. Frank & Dick could not ride to-day so had their dinner at Huby's. After dinner Dad & I went over to Cruise's sale and hung around till after four o'clock, without bidding on any thing. They were only about half through when we left, selling the house stuff. When we came home Dad hooked up the team again and went down and got Aunty. I went to water old Harry and the big fool jumped away and kicked and ran out back of the barn where he got his chain twisted around his leg. I tried to get him but could not so left him there. Dick Quint & Frank came over and Dick got him. Quint stayed to tea but as it was raining or snowing or something he went home right after supper. Thursday November 2nd Dad and I were roaming about the house last night. Dad to fasten banging doors as the wind was terrific then and I to see what Tige was barking at. but it was too cold to bother although she kept up off and on for about half an hour. It froze very hard last night and has been cold with a little snow & biting west wind all day. Dad and I cleaned up over in the big barn this morning prepairing for the threshers. This after noon we cut quite a lot of wood and titied up the old house a little and {have blocked?} all the openings to keep any ordinary chicken out but two or three fiends in the shape of black minorca hens got in despite all our pains. Then we worked around doing our chores {illegible}. Sam Law came to-night and said he would be here about ten o'clock to-morrow. It is very cold to night and will unless something very strange happens freeze like frost to-night. More fun with Frank and his lessons after tea. Aunty is after him {next?}. Friday November 3rd 72 �First thing this morning I went over to Bill Donald's to tell them about the thrasher. He had not got back from his sister's funeral yet but Mrs. Donald said she would send word to the men. I came through Cruise's but did not see any thing of him. I also told Louis's. I got home a little before the machine came. I did not do a thing all day except a few chores. I haven't had a better day all summer for although there have been lots of days when I have not done any more but have not had the pleasure of seeing the others work so hard. We got all the buck wheat threshed but it did not turn out very well only 70 bushels and got started on the alsike. We will finish it up to-morrow. Bill Donald got home at noon and helped us till night. Mrs. Donald also came over to help Enah and so did Mrs. Vyse. It was a fine day today cold but not as bad as yesterday and is milder to-night. Aunty went down to Huby's for tea and Huby came over with her after tea. Saturday November 4th Got up before day light this morning and we got started with the machines in good time. Did not have so easy a time this morning. Was in the mow pitching alsike with Billy Louis and Mr. Flemming till we got it nearly all threshed then Bill Donald came. Dad was on the stack and nearly made it fall against the barn as he went by what different ones told him was in the mow he started to top it out two or three times and then had to built it out again. We got over four bushels of alsike and it is now worth $10 a {box?}. We got two loads of oats thrashed before dinner and finished soon after. Dick and I and Mr. Flemming were in the mow before dinner and Mr. Blakie helped us after. Bill Donald ran the blower and we put the straw in the mow so nobody had to be in there with it. we go 120 bushels of oats but they were very late. We did not do anything the rest of the after noon except hang around and watch Sam Law clean out the engine which he left here together with the clover mill till Monday. Dick went down town with Bill Donald who was going to get his horses shod. He came in and got his buckwheat on his way home. I feel rather plugged up with dust to-night but not near so bad as the last time we thrashed. I guess we are all in for a bath to-night. I don't see much chance of getting out of it. Sunday November 5th We got up late this morning and as there was no Sunday School this morning took our time going to church. We three boys walked down first and Aunty, Daddy and Enah came down later. The church was reopened this morning and looked fine. The bishop was to have been there but could not come so sent his man. He dedicated the three memorial pieces that had been put in The pulpit in memoriam of Bishop Baldwin, the brass desk of Mr. Skey and 73 �the prayer desk of {Fa?}. Daddy and Enah went home for dinner and but the rest of us stayed at Huby's. We went up to church at thee o'clock with Aunty to a Children's Day service. After that Frank and I walked up the beach and stayed to Huby's again for tea. Aunty went over to Mrs. Battersby's for tea and Dick came home. I went up to church after tea but was so late that I went behind the organ. I really did not intend to go at all. I found Fatty Turner and Wiser there who said Dad had come down with Enah but had gone off again to kill Holden's old mare. He and Dick came in before church was out. After church I waited quite a while with Aunty for Aunty Maude who was at Miss Battersby's but as She did not come Aunty went down with Daddy and I went down and came home with Frank soon after ward. We went to bed by moonlight as Daddy, Enah and Dick stopped into Mrs. Battersby's on their way home to see Mr. {Gasnon?} who is going away soon. Aunty stayed down to-night as she wants to see about some things to-morrow. It has been a beautiful day and is a beautiful night. Monday November 6th It started to rain soon after we got up this morning and rained all day. It has stopped now and is quite mild. Sam Law came this morning with his man to get his engine he worked around for quite awhile but it was too wet to take it. I went down to Vyse's to borrow his post auger as we intended to fix up the barn yard fence if it cleared off and found him getting ready to come after his buckwheat, so I got a ride. He also brought our cultivator teeth that go on the drill and some {punkins?}. After dinner we cut a little wood and braided corn and sat around reading and watching it rain till it was time to do chores. We also put in the piece that fits in over the doors in the loft of the horse stable and nailed on the boards that the threshers knocked off this morning. I have had a sore throat ever since the thrashing and to night I am getting a cold and my throat is getting better. I spent most of the evening drawing a picture from "Punch" Tuesday November 7th It has been blowing a North West wind good and strong all day. We did not get any thing done at all to-day. Sam and Alan Law and young Philip were here all day working with their engine as something has gone bust on it. The boiler was leaking. We were going to take the wagon down and get our potatoes from Bob Law, but he did not like to leave the men there with the engine for fear of fire. I fooled around in the house most of the morning. This after noon I cut some wood and went down town with Enah. I got my cheque from Ottawa at the Post Office and deposited it in the Crown. I have it all in there now and have $98.98. Then I 74 �got my hair cut and went down to wait at Huby's for Enah who was at Auxillary. I waited with Nig. till Quint and Frank came and fooled around and at last went home with Dick who came soon after and left Frank to wait for Enah. Bill Oaks was over this morning and got booked for a job whenever he was wanted and also some money from Dad as he says he has a chance to buy a home and wants to make a first payment. Aunty hasn't come home yet and says she won't be back till Thursday. Wednesday November 8th The men came this morning and got their engine and out fit and took it away at last. They evidently had some more trouble with it at the top of the hill out here. Guy {Tuple?} came before they were gone to see what was the matter with them I suppose. Dad and I wasted most of the fore noon, trying to raise the rack of the wagon up on the beam after a lot of trouble with the Hay fork ropes and Stan's heel windlass we took the wings off and and got it off in pieces. Then it was about eleven o'clock and too late to go down town so we went and pulled mangles till noon and got the biggest part of them up. This after noon we went down with Harry and Belle and went to get the potatoes but they were not sorted and we didn't have time so we said we would be down Saturday. So we got some groceries and Dad paid his taxes and we got the cider press for Frank. We got John Quanbury and took him home. We also saw Bob Blakie and he said he would meet us but he didn't. We got our mangles when we got home and put them down cellar and then did {illegible}. It has been a beautiful day and looks like Indian Summer coming. Thursday November 9th Dad and I both went back for the plow this morning after cutting enoug wood till noon. We spent a lot of time when we got over in the field while Lambkins took the hay off striking out head land furrows and dead furrows and as old Harry was kittenish and Belle was mean from being in so long. However we got on fairley well. I had a good plowing lesson. We had a great deal of trouble after dinner getting Charlotte back into the orchard as she had broken the fence. Dad. then went back and plowed and I did up chores ready for night and then went back with the shovel and opened up some ditches out of the field Dad was plowing in Then the cows went up so I had to go up and put them in, so I stayed and did the rest of the chores. Enah went down town to a tea meeting or something this afternoon and Aunty came back with her. We did not get through tea till late. Another beautiful day. Friday November 10th 75 �It rained hard last night so we could not plow till this afternoon and then it was pretty mucky. We did the chores up and I cleaned out the pigeon pens. Dad piled a lot of straw in front of the cow stable which made thing's much better as it would "bog a duck" (as Dad say's) before. We piled the potatoes we got from Chris Quanbury down cellar. Enah went down to her sister's Mrs MacPherson's and spent the day. Aunty looked after things here for her. Dad went back to plow right after dinner. I went back after I cut some wood and done up the stables It was too muddy for me to have a satisfactory lesson so I dug ditches. I came up and brougt the cows about five and did chores and helped Frank get a few apples to make cider. Lila and Margaret McCall were over this afternoon impersonating Mrs. Gerard and Rina Turner just got married to Mr. Hamaker, {respectively?} Aunty went down with them as Huby wanted her to go down, and stay all night as he and Aunty Maud were invited to the Harding's. Saturday November 11th Dad hooked the big teams on to the lumber wagon and he, Dick, Frank and I went down town We went to Huby's first and got a wagon load of boxes and other things. Then we went up to Bob Law's to sort out the potatoes. We got about four or five bushels out of them. We got home about noon. We found Edith Lawrie here with Nipper who was sick and shut up in the stable so he would not fight Tige. She brought him over for Dad to look at. Dad plowed all the after noon. I helped Frank make cider most of the after noon we got quite a lot. Ferdie came over about noon and he and Dick went down town. Dick got home about dark ringing the old cow bell which Aunty had found while cleaning out the store room down home. Dad was afraid it was lost as we looked for it last spring and could not find it. He felt badly about it as it has been down home so long, ke knew it as soon as he heard it. Charlie Shand was over to-day to see Dad about a sick dog too. It has been a beautiful day, but there seems to be a wind getting up to-night. There is thunder and ligning also to-night which they say at this season is a token of mild weather we will see if all's {illegible}. Sunday November 12th It was raining "cats and dogs" when we awoke this morning and evedently had been performing in the same manner most of the night. None of us went to Sunday school but all began to prepare for church but me. But as the time drew nigh to start it was snowing so hard and looked so rotten out that Dad and Enah thought better of it and decided to stay "to home". Dick and Frank however bundled up and went down. It began to be very cold 76 �about this time and Dad went out to get the calves out of the orchard and just about fainted from getting his hands so cold, as he had no gloves in. However he got the calves comfortably housed in the old stable. I read all morning "The Dragon and the Raven". It stopped snowing about one o'clock and I went down town soon after. It was freezing but was still muddy. The wind was still very strong as it had been all day but was veering from S.W. to W. The creek was very high all over the marsh. I went into Hubys and then down to the docks accompanied by Quint, Frank and Dick. The wind was enough to blow a fellow off especially as the ice on the pier made it hard to maintain a foothold. Huby came down soon afterwards to see if we were all right. We did not stay there long but went over on the beach where we fooled around till my ears got cold and Quint got ready for home and we went up in the park for a while and then home. Frank went home with me and and Dick went in search of Ferdy and got home not long after we did. We stayed "to home" all evening reading playing the mouth organ and such and listening to the wind which is kicking up a glorious rumpus. Monday November 13th When the house was aroused this morning all were surprised to find any water left in the kitchen was frozen. The water in the bird cage was frozen, and the lillie in the hall was toughed. Although this was the state of things in the house, the water in the horse stable was not frozen. It was very cold outside and was made more intense by as strong wind. I started to saw wood and Daddy and Enah began to get the stoves ready to move. I broke the frame of my saw which was not much account anyway, so I went down to Huby's to get his saw and also to get him to come and help us move the stove. We spent the rest of the morning getting the stove up. We moved the big stove into the inside kitchen and the little stove in the hall. We did not do any thing much but chores and I cut wood. It has been exceedingly cold all day. And it heopes feels as if it would be a cold night. Tuesday November 14th It was a great deal milder to-day than yesterday. Old Bill turned up about seven o'clock as he had stayed down at Huby's all night. We started to work first thing on the winter pen for the chickens {illegible the?} on the big barn. We covered the top with the old hay that Titus had left in the other end of the shed which we intend using for a calf and sheep pen. We were nearly all morning at this and we did the same to the calf pen with the remainder of the hay. This after noon we fixed up a coop for the chickens to roost in one corner of the shed with a couple of big doors of the horse stable before it was fixed up. Dad went down 77 �town about five o'clock after tar paper and poultry netting to enclose the shed. He met the boys on their way home from school and Dick went back with him and helped him bring home his purchases. I did chores and Bill helped me milk. It began to snow quite hard tonight and Bill thought he would be able to follow the track of a fox he had seen signs of yesterday on his way down so Dad said he would spare him tomorrow morning and he went down to Huby's to stay to-night as he had left his gun there and wanted to get an early start. Wednesday November 15 Dad and I worked all morning putting up the wire around the new chicken pen. We also put up more tar paper in the pen and put boards around the top and bottom of the wire. While I was in the barn this morning I saw the old grey cat that Williams left catch a great big rat and eat it. This afternoon we hung the door to the chicken pen and finished it up. About three o'clock Dad. hooked up Joe and Ginger and went down to get Aunty and Lila came back with them. I cleaned out the stable while they were gone and then sawed wood. Dad did the chores and I helped milk. To-night Dad. Lila and Dick are out to catch the chickens and put them in their new pen Lila is holding the light for them and is enjoying herself immensely Aunty said Bill and Quint started off this morning after the fox. They got as far as Wally's and saw the fox with a chicken, so Bill went on after him and Quint came on home. It snowed a good inch last night and there were bob sleighs out this morning. The sun was very bright and it thawed a lot all day, but it is colder to-night. Thursday November 16th Bill came in this morning before any of us were up. He said he shot the fox yesterday and sold the skin to a fellow from Simcoe as soon as he shot it. There were three Simcoe fellows with a hound after it. We put the rack on the wagon and Dad and Bill went after a load of rails to fix the barn yard fence while I sawed some wood. Phil. Shaver came after Dad while they were out there. I helped them unload. Bill started to work at the fence and Dad and I got a load of poor rails to saw up for fire wood. Bill hung some gates this afternoon and Dad helped him and I just fooled around and took about al half an hour to get my feet warm and dry. When they got through with the gates, Dad went down to the mill with Joe and Ginger to get a bag of flour and Bill cut a good pile of wood. I did a few chores. Aunty and Enah went down town this after noon. Lila spent most of her time feeding the chickens and sleigh riding. She went all the way down town after her sleigh and every body around was looking for her. It was a lot warmer to-day but is cold now. Poor Mickey Law had his leg nearly cut 78 �off to-day while he was working down at the fish shanties. We don't know exactly how it happened but the freight car ran over him and they don't expect him to live. November 17th Friday Dad was awakened this morning about four o'clock by the piteous cries of his little pet canary, the wild one. He came out and found a rat, the rat we have all been plotting agains and trying catch for the last two or three weeks chewing the little canary's leg. He scared it into the pantry and blocaded the door and then broke the old wooden spoon that Mr. Moon made killing the rat but he did kill it. He let it, the canary go till noon and then found that its leg was broken right off so he had to kill it. Bill and Lila Dad and I went out and got a hauled corn stalks. We got three loads jags in and unloaded by noon and there is about another jag standing and the rest are all down and too wet to bring in. It began to sleet about noon and soon turned into rain. It rained all the after noon and is yet and much milder to-night. All the snow has vanished and given place to - mud. Bill went down town this afternoon. Dad and I did not do much but chores this after noon. I read "The O' Ruddy" most of the time and find it is an excellent book. Saturday November 18th It was a brute of a day - rain, sleet and wind. and to-night it is blowing and freezing. I spent about an hour this morning greasing up my old boots. Then I went out and helped Frank get in Dad's road while he was trying to put a window in his new chicken coop so the feathered fools could see to go to roost. I went over to Vyse's about noon with a buck-saw blade to get him to set it. Dick and Lila went down town this morning to wish Aunty Maude a happy birthday and Lila of course stayed. Dad, Frank and Dick went back to where Dad. was plowing to open a ditch. When they came back Dick went down town and Frank and I played hide and seek in the old barn all afternoon. I wanted to see how it would work to {illegible} a hole I made yesterday in the straw right on to the {goal?}. Dad. did the work. I read "The O' Ruddy" to-night. I seen no possible chance of getting out of having a bath tonight as Dick is catching it now. Sunday November 19th Snowed first thing this morning till the ground was covered and then stopped and remained cold for the rest of the day. Aunty and we three boys went down to Sunday school and Dad and Enah came down to church. It was hot enough in church to cook eggs and the smell of paint is still strong. Mr. Johnson preached an awfully long sermon. All 79 �stayed to Huby's for dinner except Dad., who went home to do chores. I stayed with Frank there most of the afternoon fooling around with Quint. We came home about half past four and went down to Sam Law's to look for a little hickory nut tree. Dick went off right after dinner with Ferdie but just got home after tea. I read a little out of "The O' Ruddy" and then Enah read the rest of the evening a continued story of the Sunday School magazine which was very interesting but annoying because it came to a stop in an exciting place. Monday November 20th Dad went over to Mr. Vyse's this morning to see if he had the saw sharpened but found he had gone down to see Mickey Law as they had sent for him for because they did not expect Mickey to live. I piled a lot of rails in the wood shed while he was gone. {En.?} Lambert came after him and I told him he was at Vyses, but he missed him. Dad said he didn't care unless the fellow wanted to pay his bill which was unlikely as he had owed it for three or four years. I went over to Vyse's after dinner but he could not sharpen the saw for a day or so so lent me his saw. It was good and sharp so I used it for quite a while after I got back. Dad worked out at the old chicken house. I got the job later in the day preventing cookies from burning which I did but stuffed my self so chuck full I thought I'd burst. I read "The O' Ruddy" all evening and found it was gitting better. It has snowed all day to day but is quite mild. Poor old Tige has sneaked in the last two nights behind the kitchen stove and stayed till Dad takes her out to the stable when he goes. Tuesday November 21st Did the chores all up then I went and soaked my sore toe and finished "The O' Ruddy" which I was very loathe to do. Dad put on a new piece of roofing paper in place of the one that blew off the chicken house the other night. We also let Davy out for a little run this morning. Did not do anything much this after noon but chores and sawed some wood. Enah went down town to see if they had heard how her sister Mrs. Johnson was but I guess they hadn't. When Dick came home he told me that poor Mickey Law died this morning. He also said that Al. Faulkner was hurt badly by falling off the bus and it ran over his chest and broke three ribs. The horses ran way up Main Street and then Bobby Sinclair who was inside the bus but had not noticed that Faulkner was not there got the lines and stopped them. It has been much milder today. Wednesday November 22nd 80 �It froze hard last night but has not been very cold all day although freezing again to-night. Dad and I got the rails out of the barn yard that had been left from threshing and put them in the wood shed. We also threw down a lot of the old straw stack for the cattle to tramp under. Enah went over to the Martin's this morning to telephone down town to inquire after her sister and heard she was doing fine. Charlie Butler was in just before dinner to get some information from Dad about canaries as his wife had a pair given her. We went out this after noon and stood up most of the corn that had blown down and there was quite a lot of it. Dad said he would give Frank a quarter this morning if he had no mistakes in spelling and was greatly surprised to find that he had to cough it up. Ben Walker was ploughing to-day. Dad thinks he may go on to-morrow if he can. I started to read "Ivanhoe" to-night. Thursday November 23rd Dad went back and ploughed this morning as it was quite mild and thawed during the night. I did a few chores and then went back with him. He said it was very bat at first as it was frozen hard along the ploughed ground but as he got into the sod it got easier I cleane the sods out of the ditches and then had a good lesson. It began to rain at noon and kept up till night preventing us from doing anything but chores. Carl Coleman came to get Dad to kill their old horse after dinner but Dad had nothing to do it with told them leave him. I read all the after noon and Dad read James Whitcomb Riley. To night after their lessons, the boys gave an exhibition of their strength and acrobatic feats also vieing with each other in making the biggest noise while I was trying to read and Dad to sleep. Friday November 24th It snowed a little last night and as it did not freeze is very muddy but Dad. went back to plow. He plowed all day and it was easy enough but he was mud "up to his eyes" more or less. I did the chores and spent the rest of the morning cutting fine rails. Mr. Duncan was here to see Dad. He went back to find him but returned soon and said he could not swim the stream in the gully. I went back with Dad this after noon. I took a rail with me to put across the creek as Dad told me he had to jump and got in up to his knees. I shovelled ditches all after noon. It was pretty cold wind and began to freeze about half past four so we came up by five. Tige and the grey kitten went back with me. I thought the kitten went back in the middle of the after noon but when we were coming up we picked it up in the gully. Enah went down town this after noon. It promises to be a very cold night. Saturday November 25th 81 �It froze too hard for Dad to plow this day so we did not do any thing much. Louise came along this morning about half past ten Mr. Bawlby had to come down to a council meeting and he brought her down and said he would call for her to night. About eleven o'clock we three boys went back to the gully to have some fun. We slid on all the ice we could find that would hold us at all and tried to on a lot that would not hold us and consequently got our feet good and wet. Dad had to go over to Vyse's to see a sick hose or rather a horse that got its foot hurt. This after noon Frank and Dick went down town this after noon and got the boxing gloves Enah and Louise also went down. Aunty was over for a few minutes this after noon (Dad and I sawed wood most of the after noon We waited up till all hours to-night as Louise expected Mr. Bawlby We boys went to bed about ten o'clock. He came about midnight and just as Louise got to bed but she did not go with him. Sunday November 26 I got up this morning of my own accord for a change and helped Dad to chores. We three boys went down to Sunday school and Daddy Enah and Louise came to church After church I arranged with Bob Miller to go up to Carpenters with him and get my sheep. Dad and Dick went up to Val. Leary's and fixed old Dandy's teeth We all came home to dinner (a couple of fat roosters dying yesterday had something to do with it), Aunty too. Miss Bawlby came for Louise just before dinner and they went just after. We did not get through dinner till about three o'clock and no chores were done. I did them up and because Dad had to go down and bandage Vyse's horse's foot. The horses were about starved Old Harry especially. Dick and Frank went down with Dad and Dick went on down town. To night Daddy and Enah went down to church to-night and left us here alone We were very good. Aunty went down town town this after noon to have tea at the Lawries. It has been a beautiful day to day. Monday November 27th I went down with the boys this morning and went with Bob. Miller up to Carpenters to get my lambs. We did not get back till about half past ten and as the old horse went so slow. I got four very nice looking Shropshire lambs and Bob. charged me $6 a piece. I wet around the orchard fence as we put them in the orchard and fixed a little arond it to keep them in. Gus. Stringer was here when we got back with a couple of teams getting what hay that was any good at all and he seemed to be having his hans full sorting it. I did the some of the chores up before noon. This after noon I went back with Dad for a little while to throw sods out of the ditches he {illegible} out this morning. He got quite a lot done. Every body was plowing to day it seemed as Robert John Watson was yelling at a great rate just the other 82 �side of the woods. I went over to see what he was doing. He asked me if I was lost and I told him I was just looking for rabbit holes and then I had quite a talk with him. He was plowing with a gang plow and did not seem to be holding it at all. I came up early to do chores. Aunty came over with the boys from school. It has been a beautiful mild day. It seems to be the general opinion that we are going to have Indian Summer now. The sap is running today. Tuesday November 28th We got up before day light this morning so Dad could get a good start at plowing but it got began to rain early and kept up all day so we could do nothing but run around in the mud or stay inside. Dad hooked up Joe and Ginger and drove the boys down to school and then went around to inquire after Miss McPherson and found she was a little better. I cleane out the stables and cut wood while he was gone. I read Ivanhoe most of the afternoon. Bill Donald came after Dad. to go and see his grey mare which was broken out in several places. He had been reading up doctor books and was afraid it was some awful disease. I forget the name of it. Aunty went down town this afternoon and did not get back till dark. I churned for about an hour and a half this afternoon after Enah had been at it for about as long and Dad finished it tonight after churning for about a couple of hours, but there was a big lot of magnificent butter. Aunty read to us all some more Wednesday November 29th It turned much colder during the night and froze and thawed snowed a little. Dad did not go back to plow this morning as it was so disagreeable and he did not get an early start but went over in the corner fild he plowed first and shovelled ditches. I sawed a little wood. Gus. Smith was over this morning to see Dad. Frank Vyse also came over to get Dad to put another bandage on his mare's foot I cleaned out Titus' old chicken hous and knocked a couple of boards of the back of it so the sheep could get in from the orchard on bad nights. I tried to coax them in but did not succeed although they are fairly tame. I went over to the field where Dad was digging mud, for awhile this after noon and then came up and read till the cows (which we sent back in the gully for a drink) came up and then I did chores and Dad came in. Aunty went over to Mrs. Arthur Battersby's this after noon. April to June 83 �15. Life history of the frog 45 - 50 16. How birds obtain their food, utility, etc 44 17. The nesting of birds 18. Life history and habits of any common economic insect as tent-catipillar, cabbage butterfly, the 10 - 11, 25 - 27 lady bird etc. 19 Familiarity with names and general appearance of the common fishes frogs 45 - 50 newts lizards turtles snakes 20 Millipeds 30 84 �21 22 Butterflies 1. Monarch butterfly 9 - 10 2. Cabbage butterfly 10 - 11 Moths 1. Sphinx moth 11 - 12 2. polyphemos moth 13 - 14 3. Coddeling moth 14. Thursday November 30th 1911. from the midrib Dad went back to plow this morning but it was frozen too hard and he had to come back. We cut up the apple branches that were left in the orchard most of the morning. We put wire up around the top of the chicken run this afternoon to keep them from flying over Aunty and Enah went down town to Bible Class or something this afternoon. Enah stayed down at her sister's to tea and went to choir practice. Charlie Shand came home with Dick and got him to go over home with him to stay all night. After tea Dad, went down town to choir practice and did not get back till late. I finished notes "Ivanhoe" to-night and went to sleep reading the notes on it. Cold and windy to-day. December 1st Friday Dad and I went back and set up the corn shocks that had blown down. Tige and two cats went with us. The black one and Tige caught about all the mice in sight but the grey one didn't catch many but took them away from the black. Aunty went down to Mr. Bert's funeral this morning and came back about three o'clock. She thought she forgot to take Roy's letter down and came back after it but when she could not find it she came to the 85 �conclusion she posted it. Dad fixed the cow stable door this after noon and I watched cookies from burning. Dad and I went over to Vyse's with the wheel-barrow and got a lamb from him of Bob Miller's that Bob told us to keep for awhile. To-night Frank and I went down to post a letter Aunty wrote to Roy to make shure he would get one. Killed a couple of roosters this morning. Much milder to-day looks like rain. Saturday NovDecember 2nd Gus. Stringer and his men came and got two more loads of Titus' old hay. One of them a Scotchman and a expert sheep man had a look at our sheep and told us a lot about them. He also clipped the wool around their eyes as he said it was too long. We had a great time catching them. I cut up rails most of the morning but did not cut many. Dick and Frank cracked hickory nuts and I ate all I could get of them. Aunty, Dick and Frank went down to the greenhouse this after noon as Frank had never seen in them I fooled around. Dad fixed a window in the chicken house so they could see to go to roost. I started to read "The White Plumes of Navarre" to-night. Bath to-night sure. Sunday NovDecember 3rd It was very cold all day to-day. Aunty and we boys went down to Sunday school as usual, and Dad and Enah came down to church. The Bishop was there and they had confirmation. It was a very long service. Aunty stayed down to Huby's but the rest of us came home. I read most of the afternoon and evening too. We had dinner about three o'clock and supper about seven. It is freezing very hard to-night. Dad coaxed the sheep into the old chicken house for shelter this afternoon We could not get them in before. Monday December 4th It froze hard last night but has been milder to-day. It froze in the horse stable for the first time. Dad went down town this morning for stove pipe and a few other things. I sawed wood most of the morning and did chores. This afternoon we put up the box stove in the dining room. We also battoned up the cracks in the cow-stables which made things much more comfortable in that quarter. Sam. Law moved his clover mill down to Bob. Blakie's to night so Dad expects an invite. Allan came in to night after his box which he left here when he thrashed here. Dad is thinking of getting a horse that Harry Ansley told him about that Mr. Finkle of Woodstock has and wants to put in good hands as it is an old but good driver. Tuesday NovDecember 5th 86 �It was quite mild to-day and a lovely sunny day. Dad and I went out with the rack this morning and got the rest of the rails which came out of the old garden fence, in to small loads. Then we went out and got a load of corn stalks before dinner, but did not unload them, Bill Duncan was here when we came up and wanted to know more about the same horse he was asking about last time. He talked for a quarter of an hour or so to Dad about his troubles with Stan Lawrie and every other subject. This after noon we unloade the load of cornstalks we hauled this morning and went out and got another - the last and brought them in. We had an awful time loading them it was so windy. We got up about four and spent the rest of the time doing chores. It was a moonlight night to-night and Dick and Frank ran about the house for awhile. Wednesday December 6th Dad and I went over to Blakie's this morning and Dad and he talked around for about an hour. He thrashed yesterday and so was not feeling very skookum. He says he is going to leave in the spring and want to sell Dad several things over there. When we came home we fixed the manger in the cow stable so they could not throw their food out. This after noon Dad and Enah went down town with the fern after dinner. They took it to Cousin Loll's as she is going to keep it for the winter. Aunty came over with Dick to-night. Huby, Quint and the kids went to Simcoe this after noon. It was full moon to-night and so we all three went out and played hide & go seek for about an hour. Thursday December 7th I went over around Art. Ryersie's fields this morning in quest of bitter hickory. I looked at every tree nearly in his gully land tasted the nuts under every hickory I could find and thought I could not find it when I saw a tree that I did not think worth while looking at but went over and found it bitter hickory. This afternoon Dad drove Enah and Aunty down to auxiliary and then to Joe and Ginger to be shod. He had to go to Butler's as Greenbury sold out the other day to Bobby McMillan and Dad did not know what Bobby was like. He did not get back till dark although he left right after dinner. I wrote a letter and did chores. To-night we three boys went down to a Magic Lantern show which was rotten and very late. A beautiful day to-day. Friday December 8th It seemed such a beautiful day to-day that Dad went back and plowed and got a good day in. I was back most of the day with him and had a good lesson. I drove and plowed at the 87 �same time and this after noon did not do so badly. I came up about four o'clock but Huby and Al Faulkner drove in Huby with three geese he got for us some place. I was going down to-night to see Walt. McCall about getting his colts but did not Aunty went down this after noon. It has been very much like Indian summer to-day but not as much as yesterday because it was cloudy a lot and rained a little. Saturday December 9th Dad got up before day light this morning to get a good start at the plowing. I did the chores. The geese dissappeared during the night, but Dick and Frank went out after break fast and found them in Bannisters field. Mr. Vyse was over this morning to get Dad to go over and help him do something with his horses foot. We three boys and Aunty went down town this morning. I saw Walt. McCall and he said I could take the colts when ever it was handy. Aunty and Frank went over and saw the cedar chests at the Widespread. Aunty stayed down. I sawed wood and did chors all afternoon. Dad got a dandy day in plowing and a lot done. Dick and Frank were down town all the afternoon and got their hair cut. We had an interesting game of guessing after tea. Disagreeable day. Not cold but very foggy and awful muddy on account of a rain last night. Sunday December 10th We three boys went to Sunday school and Dad and Enah came down to church. Dad stopped in at Vyse's on his way home. I came home and did some chores. Frank stayed down town to dinner and wrote to Grand daddy. Mr. Jacques came over after dinner and Dick and I went downtown. Dad. wrote a letter to Yeager for more particulars of Miss Baker. Dick went downtown and I went over Brant Hill and met Huby. Aunty, Frank, Win & Lila down the beach. I came home with them and went up town to post Dad's letter met Dick went down to the dock with him to see Harry Ansley's old rig came around by Huby's got Frank and went home. Fooled around most of the evening. Magnificent day, couldn't be beat. Monday December 11th Dad went back early to plow again this morning. It begant to rain during the forenoon, and was pouring by noon. But he kept on till noon and got a good lot done, he said he could finish in another day. It rained hard all the afternoon. I read all the after noon, and Dad worked out side opening ditches around the barn yard and such things. There is mud about up to the eyes more or less around the barns. Aunty came over this after noon I think to tell 88 �Enah that her sister Mrs. McPherson had another boy this morning. She went back again in the rain. Tuesday December 12th Dad went back to plow again this morning. He plowed till one o'clock as he did not hear the whistle blow and although it rained quite a lot rushed back and finished the field by a little after four. I went back with him this morning and put a rail across the creek as it was swollen by yesterday's rain. Then I came back and did chores and went back with the shovell but did not stay long as it began to rain. Enah went down this morning to see her sister's baby and of course he is the biggest, fattest, prettiest, good-naturedest baby ever born. It rained a lot to-day. but not very hard. I slopped around in the mud doing chores part of the time and spent the rest of the time bothering Enah who was making mince meat. Wednesday December 13th Dad and I drove Aunty up to Vittoria this morning to catch the train for Pt. Rowan as she was going to see Aunty Ida. The roads were awful except in a few sandy places. We got home about one. There were a lot of people plowing along the road. Mr. Bawlby drove Louise down this afternoon but she had to meet him at half past four down town. Enah went down town with her and got back about six with the boys. Dad went back and shovelled ditches all the after noon. I hung around not doing anything but chores. It snowed last night a little and was cloudy and cold this morning but turned out a lovely day (above the mud level) and is quite mild to-night. Thursday December 14th Froze a little last night, beautiful morning but got colder towards evening and is snowing tonight and making things sloppier than ever. I sawed wood all morning and Dad did chores. Didn't do any thing much this afternoon, felt rotten, my shoulder hurt me all day and I was cold. Dad did various things around out side. Friday December 15th Did not do any thing much this morning. Dad cleaned chickens all morning. I went back to the gully which is all flooded. The heat is going to beat the cars, as it rained hard last night. Dad. and Enah went down town this afternoon. Dad wanted to get Belle shod. He was going 89 �up to the school house as all the rate payers were asked to go up and inspect the undesirable condition of the school house but Dad did not go up. They got back after five. I did chores and milked. This I have not done since last Sunday morning. Saturday December 16th It began to rain this morning and rained hard nearly all morning. We got some rails in to the wood shed, and I sawed wood and fooled all fore noon. Dad did chores and Frank and Dick were in the house looking at post cards and things. About two o'clock Dad & Dick started off to Vittoria for Aunty. Frank and I did chores. and went back to the gully, for awhile. Dad got home about dark. Sunday December 17th We three boys went down to Sunday school and church. Mr Johnstone is off at Barrie where they have him up for some scrape he got into last summer so I hear but it is with out doubt stretched. They made arrangements with a lay reader from Nanticoke but he never turned up so it is supposed he got stuck in the mud which is likely right for it must be a fright down on the clay, so Cousin Willie do the deed and he cut it very short. Read most of after noon and evening and we all wrote to Aunty Alice. Dick was down town all after noon. Froze a little last night and looks like rain now. Monday December 18th I got in a lot of wood and sawed it up which took me most of the morning and then did chores till noon. Dad. went back to open up some ditches in the field he just finished plowing. We fed the lambs some chopped up mangles and they were very hungry for it. We also gave them a lot of hay to-day. This after noon, Dad and Enah and I drove Joe and Ginger down town. We left Enah down there to do shopping and such and Dad and I came home by the mill and got a bag of flour. We also went up to Old Mr. Muller's and Dad. {dickered?} with Mrs. Muller for a Black Minorca rooster. Sam and Allan Law came over and took a load of the alsike straw and there is not much left now. Enah did not get back till late and we had a boxing contest all arond had knocked me galley west and Dick and I and Dick and Frank had some. We also had some Jiu Jitsu exercises after tea. It froze a little last night and has been chilly to-day. Snowed a little to-night freezing a little also. Tuesday December 19th 90 �Went down town this morning with Dad and got the colts at Walt. McCall's and got them home without any trouble. We put them in the box stall to-gether with Davy. We stopped in at Vyse's and Dad arranged with him to come over in the morning and help kill pigs. We also stopped in at the Wide spred to ask Emery how Mrs McPherson was and in home. This after noon we hooked up Harry and Belle to the rack and went down to Hubys and got one of the rain barrell's to scald the pigs in to-morrow and a box. Dad also got the turkey from Huby this morning Auntie got a letter from Miss Water's telling about the squabs. Wednesday December 20th Frank stayed home this forenoon to help kill pigs. He went down to Vyse's first thing to get some gamble sticks. We were not sure whether Vyse would be home yet as he was going last night to Ed. Moon's banquet in Simcoe, but he was lucky enoug to get a ride with Jack Martin and got back about four a.m. We shot the two pigs and had them all cleaned and every thing {bookmark obscuring words} noon. Blakie and Alfred Ryersie came over {bookmark obscuring words} the morning and the farmer brightened the scene by a few pig sticking anecdotes besides other yarns. This afternoon we had quite a time getting the colts into the orchard we thought they would follow Davy in but they ran down the road instead, and I had to go hot foot through Martin's to head them off. We did ordinary chores and I sawed some wood and just before dark had a great boxing bout with Dick. We also blew up a bladder which we kicked around awhile. To night I went down town with Enah to choir practice, bummed around town, went into the library and then over and pumped the organ till they quit about ten o'clock. Went down to Hubys and got home a little before eleven. Beautiful day. Frozen hard and shunshiny. Thursday December 21st I cut up rails this morning besides doing usual chores. Dad cut up one of the pigs and Enah cut up dough and made cookies. Enah went down town in the after noon and Dad and I worked at getting board from the roof of the old stable and started to fix up the chicken house. Aunty came over to-night with Dick. This evening Frank and I went down to the Presbyterian concert in the hall and had a pretty good time. They had a great bunch of little kids in the thing. We got home about ten. Dad went over to Martin's too this morning to see how they were going to vote on the school question. It has been a rotten day. It sleeted this morning and made every thing slippery and was cloudy and wet and cold and rotten the rest of the day. 91 �Friday December 22nd We killed and plucked the turkey this morning. Louise came and stayed till the middle of the afternoon. Dad cut up the other pig and Aunty went down town to meet Roy but he didn't come so he won't be here all this Christmas as he is going South.Dad took the cleets off the stable roof. Aunty, Enah and Louise went down town this aft. and Aunty & Louise did not come back. I slept most of the after noon. Frank got home early. I was going down to school this afternoon but it was a miserable day, wet and foggy. Saturday December 23rd Sawed wood and did chores all morning. Daddy Dick and Frank went down town and Dick did not come back to dinner. Frank and I went down this afternoon and fell in with Dick and Quint and we all went up to buy Christmas presents. Then we went over to the church and Sunday School where Aunty was making wreaths for decoration. Frank and I hung around all after noon, and came home with Dick at 6. Dad had to go to a School Board meeting tonight and the Lays went with him. Enah and I made chocolate fudge. Another dark damp day freezing a little to-night. Sunday December 24th We boys went down to Sunday School and Dad and Enah came to church. Frank and I went down after church and had a look at the gas well they are boring down at the beach, Aunty came home with us to dinner. We all stayed home this afternoon but Dick who was gone till tea-time downtown. I read most of the afternoon. Aunty got tea and Enah went down about five to go to her sister's to tea. Dad went down after tea to church to come home with Enah. Aunty read to us after supper and we worked at puzzles & things. A very nice mild day but very muddy. Christmas Day Dad did all the chores this morning and cut enoug wood to lost all day. We all went down to church at eleven. After church Aunty and I went up and called for Cousin Clare who came over with us and stayed all day and is going to stay al night. All of Huby's family came over to dinner which we had about three o'clock and where I increased my waist measure nearly to bust measure on the turkey plum pudding, mince pie and home made candy. Then we got the presents. We were all led to believe that there would be no presents this year, but I did not notice any difference. I got a good many things to numerous to mention. We four 92 �boys went down about half past five after the mail and Quint did not come back with us. We met Huby and the rest of his family homeward bond on our way back. We spent the evening he admiring presents and music etc. thus ending the first Christmas on the Farm. Very mild and muddy Xmas. December 26th Tuesday I did not do much this morning except saw wood. Dad fixed the style on {surname?} fence and Aunty and I went down and watched. I put some manure on the rhubarb bed. Frank dug putty out of old window sash and painted others and for the chicken house. Frank and I spent all the afternoon surveing the orchard and staking out the places for the young trees. Dad dug more straw of the old horse stable roof to get boards out for the chicken house. Every body else went down town. Aunty and Cousin Clair did not come back and Enah not till Dad went after about eight o'clock to-night. We spent a very peaceful evening while he was gone. I wrote to Aunty Alice and read Shakespeare while the feathers were settling. Barely freezing to-day. Wednesday December 27th It was very blustery all day to-day. Snowed a little and foze quite hard at night. Frank and I went out first thing and dug the holes for the little trees in the orchard. Then we got in rails for wood before dinner. We had dinner at about eleven as Dad and Enah had to get to a funeral. (Mrs. Thompson). Dick went down and pumped the organ, and Frank & I did Chores. Frank wrote a letter to Aunty {Ruby?}. When Dick came home we went out and played Hide & seek in the barn till supper. Thursday December 28th It froze very hard last night and there was a cold nor'west wind so we did not get up extra early Dick and I went down town about ten o'clock. I wanted to change a pair of jack boots Dad got for me yesterday and {illegible} but Andrew was not there. We called in and got Cecil McPherson who went over home with Dick and I waited for Aunty. The boys went back to the gully after dinner and came back with the report that there was a place big enough to skate on Enah went down soon after dinner and to Cecil with her. We played Hide & seek in the barn all after noon. Dad went down to tea at the McPherson's and is going to a meeting in the town hall to discuss the school question. As Aunty was here to help me I started to draw a picture to-night. 93 �{Some arithmetic figures at top of this page} 34 Modification of plants invironment. 35 Plants {?} and different localities. 36 Identification of plants with regular flowers. 37 (Other experiments. 2526. Friday December 29th I sawed wood most of the morning. Vyse came over and talked to Dad till nearly noon. I think he wanted Dad to go and get votes for him. Murray Dillon & May Perry spent most of the morning walking up and down the road out here for their health I suppose. This afternoon Dad had to go to Mrs. Jim Allen's funeral and got back about five. Dick and Frank helped me a little after dinner and then we all went back the gully to skate. We had a fine time skated way up the south creek and I got my feet soaked two or three times. We also had quite a time chasing a poor old muskrat which was under the ice and would have caught him if he hadn't got away. We came up about four as Frank had to go down and meet Aunty to go to see Mr. Willie Taylor. Dick made chocolate fudge but it didn't get hard. After tea Daddy and Aunty had quite a time convincing Frank that they could make him find {illegible - words caught in page fold} animal magnetism and they did alright. Then he and I drew till bedtime and Aunty read to us. It was a very sunny beautiful day. 1 The structure and functions of: (a) flower 1-14, 16-17, 20, 21-22, 36-58 (b) leaf 1-14, 21, 24-25, 48-56 94 �(c) stem 1-14, 27 (d) root 1-14, 23-24, 32-37 2 Organs of the flower 58-61, 61-62 3 Functions of the organs 4 Pollination 41-43 5 Fertilization 39-41 6 Uses of (a) {hairs?} (b) spines (c) pricles (d) tendrils (e) petioles 7 Simpler fruits 8 Means of dispersion of seeds 9 Formation of tree buds 10 Preparation of buds for winter 11 (a) annuals 43-48 95 �(b) Biennialls (c) Pernialls 12 The fall fruit and leaves of deciduous and evergreen trees Saturday December 30th Did a few chores then Dick and I went down town about eleven. I got my hair cut and a pair of jack boots from Andrew. The pond seemed quite safe but we didn't go out and there were several skating on the creek up by Krell's. Ferdie came over this after-noon and we all went back skating again we went up as far as McPhersons on the north creek but it was not so good as the other. It began to snow and we came up and played hide and seek in the barn the rest of the afternoon. I sawed a little wood before tea. Dick lost his knife in the straw. I drew most of the evening. Dark cloudy Day and snowed a lot and is snowing tonight. Frank found two or three dandelions out to-day which we thought very strange Sunday December 31st Snowed a lot during the night but rained and froze before morning. We boys and Aunty went down to church & Sunday-school, Dad and Enah did not come down. Aunty did not come back. We all stayed home this after noon. I drew a little and started to read "Never too late to Mend," which I read all evening. There was no service at seven to-night but will be at mid-night. It rained a lot to-day and is blowing up a ferocious gale to night. (rotten {wind?}) For more information on Theobald (Toby) Barrett, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca 96 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911-1925 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1911 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1913 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1914 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1915 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1916 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1917 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1918 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1919 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1920-1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925-1926 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1926-1927 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1911 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource May 28 to December 31, 1911 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. May 28, 1911 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday May 28th. Went down to Sunday School this morning with Daddy behind Belle and after church drove home with Enah and Daddy. After dinner I walked into town via the stump but did not go in. I went down to the dock and then around by the Morgan's and sat there an hour or two talking to Murray. We thought there was going to be a big thunder storm but it blew over. I came home about five o'clock and lay out on the lawn till supper time. After tea Enah and I walked it to church and were releived to hear Mr. Johnson announce that owing to the intense heat the service would be shortened. There were only thirty-nine there hardly enough to pay expenses. After church we went over and listened to Mr. Lawrie's graphophone which was fine. We got home about 10 o'clock. It is cooler now and there is a slight breeze. The mosquitos were bad at the Lawries. Monday May 29th Got up about seven this morning.I discked the corn field all morning behind Belle and Harry or Joe for we found out that was his name. Bill turned up just after dinner. He and Quint had walked down from Normandale this morning. They never caught a fish. When he came he set to work to make a corn marker and Daddy, Enah and I drove down in the wagon after another load of stuff. We got the sofa the arm-chair and other things. We got back about six and Bill had the corn marker all made ready to put bolts into. After tea Bill Dick and I went back with the rifle to see if we could find and ground hogs but in vain. When we came back Mrs. MacPherson was here, she stayed till Bruce called for her about half past nine. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We let Davie out in the orchard to-day Josie saw him going out and has kicked up a fuss all day. It started out this morning nice and cool but got hot again to the middle of the day but cooled down again at night. Tuesday May 30th After breakfast I sawed enough wood for the day, and then shelled seed corn. Daddy and Bill were back discking and rolling the ground for it. Then I tried to put the shelves in the pantry but they fit too tight. After dinner I went back and watched Bill go a couple of rounds with his corn marker and then started down town to buy a corn planter. I fell in with Chris Owanbury who was going down after eggs for Jack Martin and he offered to drive me down and back. When I got to Andersons I had to wait about ten minutes for Maud Jameison and then Miss Stamp told me they did have any corn planters except an old one that Mr. Anderson had had on the farm which I could have for 50cts so I took it. Then I pretty nearly lost Chris. but at last found him and came home. When I got home I started to cut potatoes and went to sleep. When I woke up I found I had been lying on my arm and put it fast asleep and took me a long time to wake it up. Then Bruce came after his plow and Daddy went down as far as Fleming's with him to borrow another corn-planter. I went on cutting potatoes which to me till tea-time. After tea Daddy wanted to go back and plant some more corn so Dick and I had to do the chores. It took me about half an hour </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to milk the cow and then she did not give as much as Dad gets. Then I let her go before I took the calf away from the other cow and it scared the calf. Bill rode Old Harry down town for Harry Ansley sent word over at noon that he wanted him back to haul some sand. Daddy and Dick went over to Bannisters to get some setting hens and I saw a section of an old hollow basswood for a nest. When they came back they told us that Mrs. Liddy had a child and was dead. It has been very much cooler to-day with a wind in the east. We left Davie out in the orchard to-night. He seems to be getting over his lonesomeness a little. Wednesday May 31st Got up at a fair hour this morning about 6 o'clock. Right after breakfast Daddy went over to help Frank Vyse spray, and Bill and I went back he to plant corn and I to plant potatoes. We both got through about 10 o'clock and then we started to hook Belle up to the stone boat to draw the brush out of the orchard when we noticed a horse and rider coming up past Mrs. Aruther Battersby's. We then saw that the horse was Old Harry the same which Bill took back last night. We then tried to figure out who the horseman could be. He was so far away we could not tell and he was coming at a very easy walk. As he got nearer Bill said it was Huby and sure enough it was. He reminded one of the pictures in Don Quixote of the little fat man on the knights horse. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We learned from him that Daddy had bought old Harry for $115.00 and that Huby had volunteered to ride him over in the saddle. Bill then took Belle and old Harry and went back to roll the oats. I went down as far as Vyse's with Huby to see how Daddy was coming on and found him working for all he was worth at the pump. which by right ought to have a horse to pump it. About noon it began to thunder and rained a little during which shower we went into Vyse's house and afterwards home while we were at dinner it got very dark and a strong wind got up. and then began to rain and kept on till about three. Bill went down town after dinner and is not back yet. Daddy white washed the kitchen and pantry ceilings and I read a couple of stories. When Dick came home the to cows were up in the barn yard so I put them in. A little while after wards I went out and Frank Vyse's white cow was up but no sign of Bobby, so I went back and found her licking a big bull calf at the top of the hill. Then Daddy and I went back and he steered it to it's supper. After tea I milked Spotty and then went back with Daddy and he milked Bobby. It was pretty hot this morning but is quite cool now after the rain. David is still in the orchard. Thursday June 1st Bill was sick this morning and said he had felt sick all night. He took a dose of salts and did not eat any breakfast. Then he went and lay down in the stable barn in the hay and put a horse blanket over himself and slept there till noon. He would not come in the house to sleep. At noon he felt better and ate his dinner and then went down to see Doc. Hicks who gave him some </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> medicine. He went and saw Huby and then came home and had his tea and went to bed soon afterwards. This morning Daddy, Dick and I went down town in the wagon to get some potatoes and things for the horse. As we were going out the gate we met Bill Donald who was coming to plow for buck wheat. He had the horse with the sore shoulders with him for Dad to look at again. We went on and got as far as Vyse's and I stayed there to help him fill up his spray barrel and when Dad came back he was going to help him spray Dick could not ride his wheel to school on account of the mud so he rode down with Daddy in the wagon When Daddy came back he and I went over home and he came back with old Harry to pull the pump around the orchard. When I got home I started to cut potatoes and kept on till noon. Daddy never showed up for dinner and after dinner I buried the old skunk and chicken. Then Dad came and went back and finished rolling the oats and I planted the potatoes I had cut and another half pail full. Bill Donald went down town with Bill to get his plow-shears sharpened. Daddy harrowed in the potatoes after he had rolled the oats. After tea I mowed a little lawn and Daddy went down to get a setting hen for Huby had a gift of ten turkey eggs It has been much cooler to-day with a wind from the nor'west. Friday June 2nd Milked Bobby this morning before breakfast and afterwards sawed some wood and started to cut lawn. Then I went down town and waited at Huby's till Dick came down and he went up and got a manure fork </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and I took it along with our own over. Then Bill loaded up some manure and I went over and spread it which job I have kept all day Old Felix came over to fix the windmill so she will work all right and he fixed it to pump a lot easier. Bob Law brought a couple of loads of sand to-day for the foundation of the horse-stable when it is moved. Bill Donald has been plowing for buck wheat all-day. It began to rain heavily about five o'clock and kept up till after tea. The were a couple of light showers before and it has been fairly hot all day but a nice breeze. All the school had a holiday this afternoon on account of Mrs Liddy's funeral. Bill rode old Harry down town to-night. Saturday June 3rd Bill got back about four o'clock this morning. I went out after breakfast to spread manure and got my feet so soaking wet that I came in, and changed my boots and socks and went out and hoed the tomatoes and planted some potatoes Bill Donald came to plow and has been plowing all day. After dinner Bob Blakie came over to get some of his property that he had lent to William's and talked here for about an hour. Then Daddy and I went back and planted carrot seed all the after noon. Bill hauled manure all day and got out 18 loads. Allan and Harry Batersby drove out for a short visit. After tea Dick and I walked in and went into the stump for a swim and then on down town and I got a film and a collar. We got home about {10?} o'clock This was His Majesty's birthday but it was not celebrated here but the coronation will be. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday June 4th Dick and I walked into Sunday School this morning and were about 10 minutes late. I drove back after church with Daddy and Enah who drove Joe and Ginger into church. This after-noon it looked like rain and I walked in to Huby's. It then cleared off and I walked down to the dock and found Dick talking to Art. Smith, Joe and Greenbury. Then Murray and Roy Dell came along in Dell's row boat and Art. Smith and Greenbury and I got in we went out in the lake. Then we came up and I walked up town and then went down to Aunty Maude's for tea. After tea I went up to church and then went for a little walk with Murray but it looked very stormy (and is thundery now) that I came home. Bill was here when I arrived. Huby and Harry Battersby have gone up to Billington's to-day. They did not say what for Monday June 5th Got up with much discomfort being very sleepy this morning a little after six. I sawed some wood before breakfast and a little afterwards. We hooked Joe and Ginger up to the wagon and went down town and got all the stuff out of Enah's & Daddy's room which took us all the morning as we had to take up the carpet. Dick drove down with us and took his dinner to school as it was too muddy to ride his wheel. When we got back Bill was working spreading the manure he hauled out Saturday and it was to wet around the manure pile to haul out any more and any way Faulkner had come and taken his wagon. Bill Donald was ploughing and Davie was having a good time in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the orchard. After dinner Bill started to fix a solid place in the wood shed to put the Cream separator on, and Daddy and I put the wardrobe to-gether in Dick's room. I lay down on Dick's bed and finding it very comfortable fell asleep. I was soon aroused from my slumbers by Enah who informed me Daddy was trying to catch Davie in the orchard as he was in Bill's road who had old Harry hooked on to the stone-boat hauling brush up to the other end of the orchard. We got Davie stowed away in one of the boxstalls and then prepared for another journey to town. Herb Lawrie was here after the hay he bought from William's. We got back here with another load and Dick about six o'clock. While unloading I noticed one of the young pigeons had got down with the chickens and they were chasing it around and picking at it. I went over and found it dying from a wound in its neck where they had picked it. It died in a few minutes and I hung it up down for Bill to eat as it had been well bled. The chickens had another old fellow who can't fly up in the corner too but he escaped with his life. Dick and Bill went down town to-night after tea, and I think I hear them coming back now (9.30). I went out and milked Bobby to-night and then mowed the lawn. George Slocomb came over to-night to see if he could put his pony colt in the pasture and Dad decided to let him for $1.50 a week month. He will let Davie back with him and he won't be so lonesome. It has been pretty hot to-day threatening rain several times. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday June 6th I was wrong last night when I thought I heard Dick and Bill coming last night for Dick did not get home till 10 o'clock with news of Dover's defeat in baseball Dover vs. Simcoe. Bill got home sometime in the small hours of the morning and slept out in the hay. Enah went to an Auxillary tea-shine in Waterford this morning with a load driven by Johnny Walker and hauled by Faulkner's Arabs. She got back to-night a little after nine earlier than she expected. We could hear Mrs Skey and Miss {Whelan?} yelling way down at Mrs. Battersby's corner. I hoed the tomatoes all up this morning and cut all the burdocks I could find. I demolished about 100 stocks. Then I sawed the lims off the old willow that obstructed the passage of carriages. Bill hauled manure all day and got 16 or 17 loads out. After Dinner Daddy and I went out and spread all Bill had hauled out. Then we came in with the intention of going down town after some oats but after ripping down the old wall at the end of the horstall building found it was too late in the day to make the trip. After tea Bill went back down town but got back at 945. I milked Bobby and then came in and started to read "Peck's Bad Boy". The same which Dick is reading now. It was pretty cool this morning but is not so cold now. It has been fine all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday June 7th Very sleepy when Dad called me this morning about six but managed to get up about a quarter of an hour afterwards. I sawed some wood after breakfast and then Daddy and I went in to town with Joe and Ginger on foot to hook on to Faulkner's wagon. I went over to Billy Laing's with Daddy (after we had put the horses in the barn) and held sacks for him to fill with oats for us and then sat there while Daddy went up to get his hair cut. Then we went up and got the wagon and saw Faulkners new bus it is a dandy. We got the oats and some things from the house including Huby who stayed over all day and hauled manure while Bill pitched on the empty wagon. Huby is getting to be a great horseman he was driving Belle and Harry all day today. After dinner I chased the cows back the lane as they had come up and not got any farther than the end of the cornfield hill they were back again so I drove them back once more and this time got all the way to the barn and looked and they were half way down the lane so then Bill Donald who has been ploughing went back with me and we put a bar across the lane. Tige is getting pretty good with them. We then went down town in search of Johnny Walker to bring the big bits of furniture over. I nearly went to sleep on the way down. Daddy and Enah came down later and got the things ready. I first went down to the station and had a visit with Joe whom I found fast asleep in the ware </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> house on a pile of salt in sack. while I was there a wedding party drove in to go out on the 3.20 the happy couple being Will McNeily and Olive Long. Then Johnny Walker came along and I delivered my message and he said he would come around about four o'clock. I waited around a while and then went back. on my way went through Mrs. J.S. Allen's new house which is pretty nice. Then went into Mr. Jaques which is nice too but not like Mrs. Allen's. When I got to the house I heard the agent from Simcoe of the International Harvesting Co. try for about half an hour to sell Dad a manure spreader or other implement but he failed. By that time Johnny Walker was there Cruise came around and Daddy paid him for the road work. Daddy and I went over on the load and Enah rode her wheel over. After tea I partly milked Bobby and carried the stuff we brought over from town into the house. It was very misty and damp early this morning but got finer afterwards although cloudy all day. Bill and Huby went down town after tea. Bill said they were going to a ball that Bill Barlow was giving for a farewell but I guess they didn't for Bill got home before midnight. Bill Barlow has left Bagley and Miller's and is going to work in Lea's pickle factory in Simcoe. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday June 8th I was very sleepy this morning when Dad called me and have been sleepy all day. After breakfast I sawed enough wood for the day, and then went out and spread manure. I only got one row spread to-day and had several rests and one or two naps. Daddy pitched on to-day and Bill hauled out Huby has not been over at all to-day. After dinner I lay down on the sofa to read "Peck's Bad Boy" and went to sleep and remaind in that state till two o'clock, when I went out and spread after dumping Enah's wash water out of the machine. I quit about four and went to rest under an elm back in the gulsh. I could hear them yelling over at the school-house where they were playing baseball. Dover vs. Simcoe return game. About five I went up with Bill and cleaned out the horse stable. When Dick came home he in formed us that Simcoe had beat by some strange kind of luck the score being 9 - 4 He said that their playing was very bad and Dover's pretty good. - but - After tea I milked Bobby and tried to feed the kittens but they would wallow around in the milk and upset it. Bill and Dick have gone down town to-night. It has been pretty warm all day to-day but not too hot and there has been a nice breeze and a few clouds. It is now nine o'clock and time for me to retire. I'll see if {I c}an have more of slumber will {it} make me feel better on the morrow </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday June 9th Was not so sleepy this morning and have felt better all day. Last night after I went to bed Skinny Ryrsie and Lorne Hasted came over with Faulkner's team to get his wagon to haul some timber out of the bush to-day so as we only had the one wagon Daddy came out and helped spread and Bill hauled out. After breakfast I sawed up all the pieces of wood in the wood shed I could find and then went over to Blakie's to borrow a scoop-shovel for Bill and after lugging it over here he said it was no good and he would not use it but he changed his mind later when he found there was no better. Then I watched Dad try to churn in a two-quart self sealer. He churned to lots of cream but the butter was pretty soft. Enah worked it up this after noon and we had it for tea, and it was pretty good. We went out about ten o'clock and spread manure till noon and after dinner till four when it began to rain. It rained till six, during which time we cleaned up the wood-shed and now it looks as slick as the inside of a wallnut when the meat is all out. After tea I milked Bobby and Mr. Shand came after Daddy to see a sick lame horse -(Daddy has quit the practice)- I then fed the pigs and tried to feed the kittens but they spilt all the milk by trying to get what was in the opposite side of the saucer, consequentley it was neccessary for them to crawl in it. Bill went off with the rifle after tea The corn is coming up nicely and the crows are right on the spot. We have about 100 loads of manure out now. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday June 10th After breakfast this morning I went back and hoed the mangles and the corn all morning and most of the after noon. I hoed three rows of corn before dinner and four after. Bill Donald has been harrowing his buckwheat ground to-day and Daddy spreading manure. Bill, Dick and Quint drove old Harry up to Normandale this after-noon they were going to have a trout fish. I quit about four and went over and got enough strawberries for tea then I rode Dick's wheel down and left it in the school house porch while I went down to the stump and had a good swim. After tea we put Ginger and Joe in the orchard and took Davie out. Then we went back to the corn field and put out a few newspapers to scare the crows and then came in and sat around till bedtime. It has been pretty hot and close all day and threatens rain to-night. Our wheat east of the orchard is full of smut and Bill Donald showed us the hessian fly in it. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday June 11th Daddy, Enah and I drove Ginger and Joe down this morning, and I went to Sunday School and they went and stayed down at Huby's till church-time. I found a lot of books waiting for me and Miss Battersby was just going to start in on them thinking I had jumped my job. I went to church and drove home with Daddy and Enah afterwards. After dinner we drove out to the Shand's and stayed there all the afternoon. Daddy drove Enah and I me down to Huby's for tea and he went home and stayed there all alone for tea. I went up to church with Enah and Ada but din't go in but went up the beach with Murray. I was to have gone right home with Enah but went down to the dock with Murray and saw a bunch down there and did not get home till nearly ten. It has been extremely hot to-day and threatened a thunder-shower but that is as far as it got. It was a lovely sun-set, and rather queer looking. There was a bunch out in the "Cygnet" to-day including Joe, Murray and some others and when they were coming in they accidentally ran into the "Vigilant" and broke the tiller and Mrs. Roy Silver Thorne hurt her hand quite badly. Monday June 12th Dick and Quint drove old Harry back alone last night. Bill stayed up there and said he thought that Daddy knew he was going to stay although he told him he was coming back last night. This morning Daddy and Enah drove down town in the buggy and stayed all morning. Daddy had to have Joe and Ginger shod and Enah had to do some shopping. I hoed corn till ten o'clock when there came up a terrible thunder storm which started about </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> three quarters of an hour or more. Bill Donald who had been working his buckwheat sat in the old house and told me of all the damage done by lightning around here in the last 10 years. Daddy came back after the storm was over about noon and after dinner he and I drove Joe and Belle and up to Yeagar's. We had a lovely drive and got home about six. We came home around by Lynn Valley. We saw Marshall and Gilbert on our way up and Marshall said he could let us have two sticks of timber the length we wanted for the stable if Bill would come up and cut and hew them. Then we went into Shepard's where Gilbert was raising a barn and he said he could be down here by the end of this week. Just before tea Mr. Miller came up to place the cream separator. He said Bruce told him we wanted him although how he found out is a mystery. He stayed to tea and fixed it up afterwards and skimmed a pail of milk and took the thing all apart and washed it and showed Enah how to put it to-gether again to be ready for the morning. It was very windy this after noon and rained a little in the evening. Yeager just got back from Galt to-day where he took a lot of prizes and sold four horses. He bought as many new ones to bring home with him. Several farmers were cutting hay but some of it looked pretty green. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday June 13th We put our milk through the separator all right this morning as it was all to-gether. There was no sign of Bill here all day to-day but Dick and Bob Law both saw him down town and he said he was coming home to-night. After breakfast I drove Belle down to Greenbury's to get her shod and when I came back it was kind of drizzle Daddy and Enah were laying the parlor carpet. After I put Belle away I went back and started to plant corn where the crow's had pulled it up. After dinner Daddy went over to a barn raising at Fleming's and did not get back till dark. I planted corn most of the afternoon, then I watered the horses and gave them hay. I miked after tea and fed the calves and kittens. Then I came in and started to put the milk through the separator and found all kinds of things wrong. First the washer was under the wood bush in stead of over it and that made an awful rattle. Then the rubber on the tube did not go in the hole and we squirted milk all over the floor. After that was remedied the cream started going into the milk vessel and visa versa. But at last we got it all through and are now at peace and hope to be till to-morrow morning. It has been cold and rather windy all day to-day. Rather cloudy and inclined to rain. Dick got a lot of straw-berries over in the garden to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday June 14th This morning I sawed quite a lot of wood and then went back and nearly finished planting the corn that the crows got. Daddy and Bill drove up to Marshall's to get the timber. Daddy came back at noon and left Bill there to hew the stick. After dinner I painted the pantry door and Enah started on the whole kitchen while Daddy went down to Vyse's to borrow a cultivator. Then we went back and he cultivated the corn while I hoed around the hills. About four o'clock we started off to get Bill and the timber, he had one stick nearly done so we waited and after quite a lot of fixing got it fastened to the wagon and started for home. I sat behind and tried to steer the thing and Daddy drove Bill walked most of the way. We reached home about eight, and unloaded our timber and had tea We got the chores finished about a quarter to ten. It has been fairly warm to-day and a little windy Thursday June 15th Bill went up to the bush this morning to hew his other stick of timber and Daddy and I went back to the corn-field. He cultivated with Belle and I hoed. We worked till noon and had got it all cultivated one way. I tried to rig up a scare-crow but did not make a very good one. After dinner Daddy churned and then went up to the woods after Bill about 2 o'clock. I hoed till about half past five and then I went up to the house and found nobody home so I stayed there till six and then got some more material for my scare-crow including a stuffed sack for a stomach and a couple of sticks for legs and went back and fixed up a fairly good one. While I was back there I saw Daddy and Bill coming home with the timber and as I was coming up to the house I met Dick going to get some strawberries </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I went over with him and we got enough for tea. After tea I cut a little lawn till it got dark. It would have been hot to-day If there had not been such a cool breeze. Dick and Bill went down town after tea and Dick got our new strainer pail which Hugh has been making for the last two or three days. Friday June 16th Bill started to plow this morning where we hauled out the manure. I cut up some wood and then went back to hoe corn while Daddy went over to Lol. Smith's to see when Gilbert could come to move the barn. She said he would come to-night and move it to-morrow, so Daddy ran around to see if he could get men to help him and he got four or five. When he came back I cut a lot more wood to cook the meals with and Daddy went back and hoed corn till noon. After dinner Daddy and I hooked up Ginger and Joe to the wagon and took Vyse's cultivator (which we are not done with) and Fleming's chain back to the owners. Then we came back and hauled posts from the corn and wheat fields which were in the old line fence. We thought the would do to block up the building with. We stayed at this job till half past four. While we were at it Chess Robinson came after a setting of eggs. We went down town after this to get a supply of provisions. Enah went with us and we got Huby and all the men he can get to come over to-morrow. Daddy and Dick went over to Blakie's to get a setting hen to put on some duck eggs that he gave us this morning. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Bill went down town and I cut more lawn till dark. The cows got into the wheat fields to-night. There has been a pretty nice breeze all day to-day but fairly hot. Gilbert drove in here with his aparatus about 10 o'clock to-night and is going to stay all night. Saturday June 17th This morning we had quite a hustle. Gilbert got started early to work on the horse-stable and we got a good crowd of Men viz: Huby, Alfred Ryersie, Jim Blakie and Frank Vyse besides ourselves. All came that had promised except Dad. Haymaker; and Walt. McCall the two that Huby had got. Dick went down early to meet a bunch that were going to drive up to the glen for a picnic. He was gone all day and was pretty tired when he reached home although he caught two trout and had a good time. I Rode Enah's wheel down the first time when Dick went down to get some spikes and just got back and found I had to go again after nails. Quint and (Evi?} Brown came over with some cherries - Olivets the first I have tasted this year. - and stayed till the middle of the afternoon. He picked the pigeon that the chickens had killed yesterday. We worked away all day at the building with out any adventure or mishap (except the escapes of several getting bogged in the manure) and at six o'clock had her all blocked up and sills put under and moved about 3 feet. After tea all the members of our party dispersed to their respective homes. Bill hired Geordie Lawries horse and rig and drove home and Gilbert took the old buggy and drove his team to Delhi. Then Daddy and I drove Belle down to the station to meet Roy. He had the squab Quint picked for his supper and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> found the crop in it. Dick got home about 10 o'clock and we all went to bed. Sunday June 18th I walked down to Sunday School this morning and was not late which broke the record for the first time since we have been on the farm. Dick not get up in time to go. He, Enah and Roy came down to church but Daddy whent back to the farm and met us all at Huby's where we dined. In the after noon I went out in the boat a little way and then went up town and took a few pictures. First I went up to the Smith's to see if I could see Bruce but could not but Mrs. Smith said she would tell him to come over to-morrow if he came up. I went down to the dock and saw the launch "Miriam" of the C.Y.C. come in. Joe was out in the "Pilot" and Mid. in the Cygnet and there was hardly enough wind for them to get in. Joe and I were going up Main street about five o'clock and we saw a big smoke up the street. Joe had his wheel and he rode up. I went up as far as Maneer's? corner and did not see much smoke and only a few people so I thought there was nothing in it but found out afterwards that McBains old barn burnt down up by Bob Leitches. I met Roy going over to the Woodsons for tea when I was going home and went over that far with him. After tea I went down to church alone and went behind the organ with Wiser who wanted to get off early. After church I saw Egg Thompson and {Rurk?} and went up as far as Old Walkeis strawberry patch with them and then on home. (It was too dark to find the berries well.). Mr. Johnson and Murray went up to Port Ryersie in the farmer's gasoline launch and broke down on the way home. Haymaker towed them home and I guess Mr. Johnson had to preach on an empty stomach. Pretty hot to-day, but nice breeze. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Pen sketch of farming apparatus at the top of the page} Monday June 19th This morning all the men Daddy had asked come and help finish the moving turned up. Bill Donald, Frank Vyse and Charlie Butler all turned up early. Then Gilbert himself came and got every body started to work and the Bruce and his boy Fred George came. Huby could not come to-day as he had promised Mr. Hobbes to go trout fishing. We got the stable all moved and leveled about noon. After dinner we started in at the old house and got it in place behind the wood shed about four or five. Then we moved the pig house back the length of itself into the orchard. There were "Thaiousands and thaiousands of rats" under this building and quite a fraction of them were executed. It was in an awful state underneath. We got all through about six o'clock. After tea we loaded Gilbert's stuff on his wagon and started him for Vyse's where he is going to move another barn to-morrow. {There is a scrap of a newspaper cutting on this page.} Roy got off this morning and we all hurried for fear he would miss the train, but him and he said our clock was five minutes fast and would not start till the last minute but was in time. Bob. Law brought three loads of sand to-day. It has been pretty hot and sunny. Tuesday June 20th It is just one month ago to-night that we slept over here for the first time. Things look a lot different than they did then but have to change a lot more before they look at all decent. Before we finished breakfast this morning Bill Donald came to see if Dad wanted a ride over to Vyse's. So Daddy and Bill both went over to give them a hand with the building moving. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> They got back about three o'clock this after noon. I sawed some wood and hoed the potatoes and corn out in the garden by the barn while they were gone. When they came back we went down town to get our three wire gates and a hay rake that was down in the car. We got back about five and hung one of the gates ant the head of the lane before tea. After tea we milked and separated the cream which we do all right now and Miss Phipp and Mrs. Martin came and have just gone now (9.15) It has been hot to-day but a stiff breeze. Bob Law brought 3 or 4 more loads today Wednesday June 21st This morning I was aroused from a very peaceful slumber by the sound of many voices mostly dog's. I grew more consious and distinguished Bill's voice informing Daddy that Frank Vyse was here. Then that gentle man declared that Fleming's cow was nearly dead. Daddy gave orders for Belle to be hitched and in a short time he went away with Vyse after first telling me to get up. I said I would and then went back to sleep. In about half an hour Enah came and bothered me till I had to get up. I milked Bobby and Bill milked Spotty. We separated the milk, fed the calves and had breakfast. Then Daddy came and told us he had treated the cow for milk fever but did not know (and aparantly did not care) whether the cow would die or not. He brough home a hoe from Vyse's and Bill and I went back to the corn field to hoe while </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dad drove Belle up to Yeager's. He stopped into Flemings on his way back and the cow was up and eating. It was Earne's cow and when he came over this morning he fainted and fell right into the old cow. He has not been very well and jumped right on his wheel out of bed and the consequence was as has been stated above Bill and I got sixteen rows hoed by noon. After dinner Bill plowed with Old Harry and Belle and Daddy and I took Josie to break her in on the cultivator. Talk about stepping high wide and fancy Joe certainly took the cake she stepped all over every hill she could see and got her legs over the traces and every other agravating act She could think of. She could not see the sense of walking up and down the field lugging the old rattly long cultivator behind her. She quieted down after a while and we kept on there till six Daddy driving and I steering the machine. Fred Coleman was raking and cocking hay in the field next us and Mr Prestonic in the field next that was moing. About five we heard the train kicking up a racket and Fred saing that Miss Henderson was married. Some Dr. Frizzle from Owen Sound got her. After tea Dick and I played with the dogs quite a while and scared the pup till he could hardly see several times. Dick milked about a pail full to-night out of Bobby. Enah has the kitchen all fixed up fancy all the wood work painted a decent color over the bright blue and the margins on the floor yellow with a linoleaum in the middle. A cloth on the table. (Fancy looking farm house kitchen). It would have been pretty unpleasantly warm to-day but for a nice breeze. The days begin to get shorter now. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday June 22nd His Majesty King George V was crowned to-day and the school and all business places had a holiday, but Dick stayed home and drew all day. Bill plowed all day, Daddy and I went back and cultivated corn till ten o'clock Joe went a good deal better. Then I went over and spread manure till noon as Bill had caught up in the plowing. Vyse came over and he and Daddy put the rake to-gether. I got quite a nice bunch of straw berries over in our patch. After dinner I had a pretty good rest and then went back and hoed potatoes till about 4.30 p.m. I slaughtered a great number of potato bugs. They are chewing The plants all to pieces. I went bare footed with one foot for a while my toe was so sore. Daddy spread manure till Sam Law came after him to see his cow which he thought was sick. Then he came and told me I could go for a swim and then went and rolled what Bill had plowed and Bill spread manure. Dick and I went down to the stump and had a dandy swim. The first I have had for nearly two weeks {(Dirt well I guess)?} Tony Bannister came over in a scow and it sunk before he got over, but he was prepared. Dick churned after tea and got so much butter that the butter {holder?} would hardly hold it. It has been and is now hot enough to cook eggs to-day in spite of a nice westerly breeze. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday June 23rd I hoed corn all day to-day and Daddy cultivated till about five when he had to take Vyse's cultivator. He cultivated what potatoes we could see. Bill plowed all day. After tea he and Dick went down. Dick was going to see the Jessie James show on the {flat iron?}. A little while after I went down to get my hair cut. While I was waiting Bill came in and then Huby came to get his razor honed. He started to shave himself to-day for the first time in ten years but had to quit when he got to his chin. I think the last time that razor was used Dick and I tried to shave the hair off our legs but did not make a very good job of it. I went down and got the laundry and then went home about half past nine. I was asleep before Dick got home. It was warm to-day but a fresh breeze There was quite a cool easterly breeze when I came home and it looked like rain a little. Saturday June 24th Daddy went over to borrow Chris. Quanberry's cultivator this morning to finish cultivating the corn length wise and I sawed some wood and sharpened the hoe while he was gone. Then we went back and I hoed and Daddy cultivated all morning. Joe goes fine now. About 10 o'clock Dick came out and told us all about the show. He said he never laughed so much in all his life. Bill plowed all morning but had to go this after noon. He said he was going up with Haymaker in his boat if it was not blowing to hard. Dick went down to meet Ferdie and he came out and stayed to tea. Right after dinner Daddy and I wrote a letter to John Miller of Brougham Ont inquiring about sheep. Then we went over to Blakie's with his cross cut saw and talked to him for an hour. Jim has gone to New Ontario. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We walked around the gully and had a look at our alsike and oats the former is a splendid crop and the latter is pretty good considering when they were put in. We got back about four and did a few things around and then Daddy and Enah went over to the McPhersons to see if Emery could come and fix up the Stable. Dick and Ferdie shot all the shells they had away but never got any thing. They saw an owl one that Daddy and I nearly stepped on over in the clover. The also found a hen's nest in the orchard with fourteen eggs in it and an old hen sitting on them. They were all good. I fixed my toe up which was pretty sore and went barefoot till Enah came and gave me a clean pair of socks. After tea Dick and Ferdie went down town and I read a story in the strand. It has been very much cooler to-day with a wind from the east. Some prophesy rain. Sunday June 25th Walked down to Sunday School and church and Dick rode his wheel. Daddy and Enah were coming down but Vyse came after Daddy to see his colt and so neither of them came down. Daddy worked with the colt all day but says there is very little hope for him. It rained a little right after dinner but Dick rode down to see the odd fellow's parade to the cemitary. I wrote a letter to Aunty and then walked down town. I went over to the park and found. Punk. Wiser, Stuffy and others at the gate. They told me it would cost a nickel to get in but I thought they were fooling and walked in without much trouble. I afterwards found when two or three fellows came and paid for admittance that Punk was getting all he could make there to-day. He has got the job of gate keeper for Buck all summer. Wiser and I went up town </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> after a while and he told me I could have the job of ringing the bell and pumping every Sunday morning through the summer as he has to go down to the boats at that time. I saw Roy Dell up town and talked to him for a while and then he got his father and we went out in their gasoline launch around by the reef and then up the shore to near Hay Creek and back. We saw John Gordon out in the " I T ". We got back about 5.30 and watched Ivey's try to make their engine go for about half an hour. They have one of the boats {Kileg?} built and put the engine Mid had in the "Cygnet" in her and she won't go. I went over to Huby's for tea and Enah came down soon after. Cousin Loll and Cousin Willie had been over there and had just left. They told Enah that Henry Reeve's had bought the grocery department of Seafield's out. Enah and I went to church, and I pumped for Wiser, as he had to go and see his girl. They had a special sermon and service for the coronation and it took a little longer just before it was over it began to rain and when church was over it was pouring. Enah and I waited in the church porch for a long time with Aunty Maude and Mr. and Mrs. Hobbs. An able-seaman off the "Vigilant" came in for a while. Mr Hobbs and Mr. Morgan got some coats and umberellas and we thought we would wait till it was over but after waiting a long time we decided to skim for home. We went down to Huby's and Enah was going to stay there all night and I was going home to tell Daddy when he came in attired in a rubber coat and sou'wester off Vyse's. He stayed for a while and then went home and Enah and I stayed at Huby's all night. I slept with Quint. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday June 26th There was another heavy shower this morning. When we got up Enah started to get the hooks ready for Johnny Walker to get this after noon. Quint and I fooled around till Daddy and Dick came down. Quint was going to mould a lead anchor in a flower pot. Lila was sick this morning. Quint and Dick did not have to go to school this fore noon they are going to start their exams this after noon. Quint is going to quit school if he passes but will have to go another term if he fails. When Daddy came down we went over and saw our rack at the Wide spread it was only about half done. Then Daddy went up to see if he could get Dave Waddle to come and shingle the barn. Then I put on Huby's old oil skin coat which stuck to me so tight I could hardly get it on and went over to Tommy's to get a load of shingles. We got six thousand and started for home. Daddy and I had dinner all alone, after dinner I slept till about four o'clock, and then we hooked up Harry and Belle to get some more shingles and nails. We got as far as Vyse's and Daddy thought he would go and see Stanley the colt that he would not give 10 cts for yesterday but which under his administration is now as good as new. I was waiting on the road for him when Johnny Walker came with the stuff. We then had to go all the way back home to help him unload. We piled the stuff in the wood shed and then there was not time to go down town. After tea Daddy and I carried in most of the hooks and set them in the hall. Dick came home supperless about 9 o'clock and said Huby had got the boat house moved at last. He got Dave Waddle and some fishermen and Bill. Bill never showed up at all to-day. It looked to much like rain. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday June 27th This morning Bill and I started to put up the scaffold in case any one did come to lay shingles and pretty soon Clair Dell and Dave Waddle came followed shortly by Frank Vyse and Earne Flemming. They soon had the shingles off and started at the shingling. Bill Donald came to run furrows and disk and was working here all day. I sawed some wood and then went down cellar and found Dick looking very tired and acting more so over the churn which he had been working at for halfahour. I relieved him as I thought and churned till the butter came I afterwards learned though that he was not a bit tired but thought I wanted to churn. (I won't be so easily fooled next time). Then I went down to the stump for a dip and got back just at dinner time. After dinner Daddy and I went down and got another thousand of shingles and some oil for the mower {Some numbers written at the top of the page} Then Daddy went down to Vyse's and got that same implement and cut the lawn in front of the house and started in the plum orchard. The shingler's got done about four o'clock and went to work about the inside of the building Enah could not get the butter to mix up properly this time It has been pretty mucky to-day with one shower this after noon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Some numbers written at the top of the page} A.D. Sept 9th /11 I, Theobald, Butler Barrett promise to permit, those present at the said date, to read this my diary, ten years from now, no matter at what point of the compass they should be residing, unless I should be dead broke or shovelled off the mortal coil. Signed Beatrice Kaias Dick Barrett Edith Lawrie Hattie M. Barrett The Head of the house being in gentle repose on the sofa (snoring) is not able to put add his disired signature to this list. All persons having in their possession at any time this volume will kindly return to me. {Written in the margin} - Each person after reading will deliver the said document to the proceeding person on the list and return when finished to myself. the same not later than six months before Sept 9th. A D 1921 Saturday July 1st 1911 Since I finished the book that I have been recording events in up to June 27th we have got quite a few things done. On Wednesday Bill cut hay and I worked in the mangles. Thursday Bill and Enah went down town in the wagon. They got the hay-rack and just about all that was left of the furniture. Daddy raked hay and I cocked up. When Bill came home about five he went out and finished mowing in the east corner field which took him till seven. Yesterday I churned for an hour and a half and then thinking there was nothing coming I left it and went and cocked hay the rest of the day, but Enah got the butter to come. We got all the hay cocked that was ready. Roy came up last night and Dick was at the station to meet him. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> This morning being Dominion Day Dick went down town to celebrated and did not get back home till about 10 p.m. Bill, Daddy and I went out and cocked all the hay there was cut. Then we hauled in what was in the plum orchard and on the lawn in front of the house. In the after noon Bill and I went down town to see the "doins". Bill was going to see his father-in-law to see what he could let us have some sheep for. I had a letter from John Miller Esq. and he said he would let have them for $20 a piece. but we thought if we could get some any cheaper it would be better to grade up. I saw Hazen and Mousie Thompson and Skinny Ryersie down town. It was very hot. I went home at six o'clock after seeing the usual races, water sports and steeple chase which Billy Couper won again this year. When I was going down at noon I went in to tell Frank Vyse that his heifer had a calf and found him suffering severly from sciatica but he is better to night. After tea Daddy Enah and I went down to the park and watched the dancers and fire works will about 10 o'clock and the went home to bed. {Sketches of some fireworks on this page} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday July 2nd Walked into sunday school this morning and rang the bells and pumped for church. There were only a few in sunday school consequently few books and I had a pretty cool time out under the trees. We all went down to Aunty Maude's to dinner. After dinner Roy, Quint, Huby, Lila and I went in for a swim in the creek. When we got through and went up to the house Lom Milman came and stayed till about five o'clock and then I went home. I did not go down to church but went down after wards and stayed till about nine o'clock. I got to bed about ten p.m. It has been extremely hot to-day. In Toronto it was the hottest day on record. In 1854 it was 99.2 in the shade but to-day was 101. Monday July 3rd This morning we got up fairly early and Daddy drove Roy down to the train. He came back with Bill Huby and Lila who is going to stay out here a week. We moved away the load of hay we drew in Saturday and then Huby and I pitched out the old clover chaff which Williams had left where we wanted to put the hay while Bill and Daddy and Bill went to get on a load of hay. After that Huby and I went out and Huby loaded, Bill and Daddy pitched on and I drove. We got in six big loads. Huby took of his shirt early in the day and then his under shirt got so wet he took it off to dry it and mowed away one load naked from his waist up in dread all the time lest some lady would pitch thistles against him. It has been very hot to-day but there has been a nice breeze all the time </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday July 4th Daddy had much difficulty in getting me out of bed this morning for he waked me once and I went to sleep and dreampt I got up but at last I did a rouse. After breakfast Dick did not want to churn but said if I would he would go and mow away hay. This bargain was soon settled and I churned for about half an hour and got a nice lot of butter. The cream was good and cool as it had been down the well all night. Huby came over about the time I finished churning and we all went out to the field for a load of hay. We worked the same as yesterday. The first load (40 cocks) we took over to Mrs. Arthur Battersbys where we had a nice warm time. The next forty one cocks went to John Quanbury's loft which was about twice as hot as Mrs. Battersby's. We got home from there about noon. Lila thought she would go home with Huby this after noon to have a swim. She thought she might come back about Thursday. After dinner we went and got another load on for John. We got over all right but as we were going to back up in front of the door we went down a little grade when Huby yelled to me to look out I looked and saw the load at about 80 from the perpendicular. The next thing I knew I was crawling out of the hay but not a bit hurt. Huby was crawling out beside me and remarking that Bill was killed. Then I heard Bill say "No I haint." and saw him making his way out. We three were the only ones on the load </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> for a wonder were not hurt, for we went right up against a fence. We then pulle the rack out and put it on the wagon and found it was very slightly damaged. We then proceeded to put it (the hay not the rack) in the mow John and I got up in the loft to mow away. I had not been up there very long when I began to feel faint and could not breathe very well. I kept on a little longer (I was back in the mow) and then I could not stand it any more so I went to the window but felt no better. Then they told me to come down and I had a wash and Mrs. Quanbury who was just about scared to death at the sight of the upset brought us out some raspberry vinegar and cookie. I went and lay out under the tree while the finished Huby took my place but did not stay there long. I felt quite a lot better when we started for home. We got what was left in the field (22 cocks) and took it into the barn and left it there waiting for the Sam Robinson to bring the fork and slings. He came to night with the sling ropes but the rest has not come yet. When we got through with the hay Bill and Daddy went back over the gulch to mow the clover, and I drove Huby and Lila down home with Joe. I took Huby up to get a setting of Rhode Island Reds eggs off Mrs. Mat. Wilson. I got home about six and raced Dick on his wheel from Martin's. He kept a little ahead and made old Joe trot. It has been terribly hot to-day There is a heat wave passing over us they say. The forest fires are raging up around Porcupine. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday July 5th Bill went back and mowed first thing this morning and Enah and I went out and picked all the cherries. We got about ten quarts. of Daddy went out and fixed the windmill and hoed some of the garden and then went over to Vyse's and got another piece of chain for the well and a pair of double {treds?}. When we got through with the cherries I went out and hoed the rest of the garden which looks fine. Then I went and started to rake up and mow the lawn that Daddy cut the hay off the other day but it will have to be snipped of with the sythe. After dinner Bill raked up and Daddy and I cocked up and it was awfully hot. I raked for a while when we got on the level. It has been another very hot day, but a nice breeze. Dick went down town to-night and got a fancy pair of shoes. He says that Huby nearly collapsed with the heat and had to get Dick Faulmary to bring him home but after undressing and lying in the grass for a couple of hours and having a swim recovered and is coming over to-morrrow. Thursday July 6th When I got up this morning I went up to Blakie's to ask him if he would keep his cows in his own pasture so as we could leave the gates open into the hay field. After breakfast I chased the calves all over the orchard to feed them, and then Huby came and we pitched off the load that was in the barn and then went out to the field to get another load. Huby and I bunched up the winrows where they wanted to load. Daddy and Bill took the load over to Mrs. Battersby's and Huby and I went on cocking up what was on the level. They got back about eleven and put on another load. Huby and I went up to the barn and I hauled some water for the horses. The pump is broken and Dick went down to ask "Physicks" to come over. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> he said he would but never turned up. After dinner I went down to borrow Vyse's ice-cream freezer while Bill Daddy and Huby went over to get a load. When I came back we started to make some ice-cream. Then they came back with the load and I helped mow it away. It had rained a little and looked like more so they decided to wait and see before they went back for another load. Finally they did and just got back at six. Huby did not go but roamed around the farm and I helped Enah put some of the hooks away. Then Huby and I went out and tried to mow a little lawn. The ice-cream was fine and we had some of it for tea. After tea Dick Huby and I drove Joe down town and went in for a swim Bill and Lila were in too and Bill thought the water was fine It has not been so hot to-day. There was a cool breeze this morning and the rain moderated the heat as it is quite cool to-night. There have been 33 deaths in Toronto since Sunday from the heat. Friday July 7th This was Daddy's birthday and he celebrated by hauling in hay. He, Bill and I went out and Bill raked up and we hauled in a load and put half a load which was weedy in on top of "Tituse's". Old "Physicks" was here working at the pump when we came in and I stayed to help him and Dick. Huby never turned up to-day. Felix stayed to dinner. After dinner Bill went out and started to mow the timothy Daddy and I {....?} greened the spuds and then Daddy whent to relieve Bill while he came up and sharpened the mower knife I peddled the grind stone for him. Daddy stayed out till about eight o'clock Sam Robinson brought the rest of the hay unloading rig to-night. We churned to-day but it was not very good although it was cool and breezy to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday July 8th Huby came over before I was up this morning and had his breakfast here. He brought me over a pair of white pants to work in the hay with. After breakfast we went out in the timothy field and Bill started to rake up and then I raked and Bill, Huby and Daddy cocked up. I got through raking about eleven and then Daddy and I went up with the rake and team and then went back and cocked up till noon when we were half through. After dinner we went out and finished cocking up about three o'clock. I took a picture of the field and Huby & Daddy. Bill Huby and Daddy started to fix the hay fork and pulleys in the track. I went down town around by the stump. I had a fine swim the water was very low and warm. I went down to the lake and got home about 6.30. Pretty hot again but fresh breeze. Sunday July 9th Enah and Daddy had intended to go to Port Rowan to-day, but as it looked felt as if was going to be an "old scorcher" decided to stay to home. They did not go away all day and got a lot of little jobs done around the house. Dick and I both went down to church and Sunday School. We went down to Huby's for dinner. {Orm?} and Ade Millman and Shandy were just out of the creek. After dinner I went up to Miss Battersby's and got some stationery and went over and copied out a list of the books in the library in the Sunday School. I went to Huby's for tea and as Wiser had asked me to ring and pump I started for church but was a little late. I was just at Allain street when it struck seven and the church bell began to toll. I didn't know what was going on. Poor old </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wiser who was sick was going for all he was worth down past the Dominion Before I got there the bell was ringing all right and I found Fatty Turner with the rope. He said some of the girls started ring and got the wrong rope. I pumped Quint went off with Fatty somewhere and Wiser left before church was over. I went down to the dock and sat there till about 9.30 talking to Harry Lom Alfy Dell and Murray. When I got home I found Allan and the Millmans who had been here to tea. The went soon after I came home. Very hot to-day. Monday July 10th Bill did not get back to-day till about 2.30 p.m. This morning Daddy and Dick and I got the loft over the horse stable ready to receive the hay. Dick went down town and got the hooks for the hay fork pulleys and Daddy braced the bottom part of the barn. Then we pitched off the load that was in the barn. After dinner as Bill had not showed up, we came to the conclusion he was not going to and Daddy felt rather badly about it as Bill knew what state we were in. However he and I went out and got a small load on thinking we would do the best we could with the fork alone. When we got up to the barn we found Huby. Bill and Quint there getting ready for us. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Huby said Bill had walked down from Normandale and was nearly "all in" when he got to his place. Hence the delay on Bill's part. We soon got that load off Huby and I in the mow Bill on the load and Daddy with the team. We got on fine and Sam. Robinson drove in just as we were going to put up the first forkfull and corrected a fenderross in the putting up. This load off all hands went to the field and we got in three loads before tea. After tea I did the chores and Daddy and Bill went and got on another load while Huby mowed away what was left from before tea. I helped after I got through and then we put off the load they brought in for the field but did not mow it away. We all sat out on the grass and talked awhile and heard a very noisome shivaree which we thought was one of the effects of the marriage between Mrs. Jackman and Joe Clark, a turkey point fisherman. Quint and Huby went home and Bill and the rest of us retired. It has been nice to day a strong sou'west wind all day. Tuesday July 11th Huby was over before breakfast this morning. He and I went out right after breakfast and mowed away the load they put in last night. We have to do this as there is not time to do it while they are putting it off. Bill and Daddy went and got another load and when Huby and I got done in the mow we went out in front and worked at the lawn till they brought the load in and then we took about half an hour to mow it away. Then we went out and got a big block of lawn mowed. Huby cut the grass with the syche and lawn mower and I raked. The next load and last that was cut they left in the big barn, and Bill took the horses and went out and mowed till noon. Daddy drove Huby down home and got back at noon with some oats and binder twine. After dinner Bill went out and raked up what he cut this morning </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and Daddy took Ginger and Joe out and mowed. Bill and I cocked up. About three Huby came out. It looked very stormy and and sprinkled a little so Daddy cocked up some and then thought he would cut it any way and if it rained we could shake it up. We went on cocking up and finished all that was ready about five. Bill mowed with Harry and Belle till after tea and then Daddy went out and is there yet. (about dark). Huby and I walked up the fence along the gully and he figured on where to plant some trees next spring. Then we came up and he sat out in front with his feet in the pear tree watching for a rig to take him home but as none passed he stayed to tea and went down with Bill after wards. Dick and I did the chores to-night as Daddy was mowing. I got a letter from Aunty to-day. Bill got one from Jack Paine telling him he wanted him at the Point from. Friday till Monday. Of course he will go. It has been cooler to-day souwest wind changing to nor'west. Wednesday July 12th We expected Huby out early this morning but he did not come till late so Daddy and I went out and cocked up while Bill mowed the rest of the timothy. Huby arrived about 9 o'clock and said he had had trouble with a sitting hen and so could not get here before. He has an awful time with his stock. We cocked up all that was ready and then went and pitched off the load in the horse-stable. After dinner Huby and I cocked up till tea time. I raked up all the hay that Bill mowed this morning. After four o'clock Bill and Daddy took a load over to Martin's. To-night Bill had to go up home to get Jack Paine's stuff read for him as it was at his house. and so I went with him. We drove Ginger and Joe and started about 7.30. We took Huby down town, and went straight out and were out of Port Ryersie before sundown. He stopped at his father-in-laws {Abl Quigley?} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and got his wife. She went on up to Normandale with him to get the stuff for Bill's mother to give to Paine's man when he called for it. I stayed with his father-in-law till he came back. I saw his sheep and was going to buy some. but he did not want to sell them very badly. I went into the house and waited for Bill. He arrived about 10.30 (the time he said he would be home) and we got right in and came home. I drove home from there. It was a beautiful night, moonlight and cold. Bill dozed all the way down. We got home just as the clock struck twelve and put our auto-mobile away and were in bed by 12.30 with out waking any bod except Nig (who would sooner stay here all night than walk home) Tige and the Grey kitten. Windy and cool to-day. Thursday July 13th I slept an hour late this morning on account of being up late last night. (Stan)?} Just as I got through my breakfast Daddy and Bill came past with a load bound for Martin's. so I went out and helped Huby cock up. We were all through about noon and we came up and did the chores. Daddy saw Wyatt Parsons who is cutting Alfred Ryersie's wheat and he said he would be over to cut ours this after noon. This afternoon Huby and I went out and sat on the lawn for awhile and Daddy and Bill hauled the rest of Martin's hay. I cut some weeds till the sythe got dull and Huby went to sleep and dreampt he was in heaven but Bill came and woke him up fast as he was going in and he thought he had made a mistake and got into the wrong {few?}. We fooled around for awhile and then I went over to </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Martin's to see how they were getting on with the hay and Huby went and pruned up all the trees he could find along the fences, several wild cherries among them and one elm. I thought I saw Mr Parsons coming with his binder so Daddy told me I had better come over but I did not see any thing of him here but after awhile I saw him out cutting the wheat. I went over and found Huby pruning his trees and then we came back and he trimmed a few peach trees. Then Bill and Daddy came with a load and we mowed it and then it was six but they went back to the field after another load and put it off before tea. It was nearly eight o'clock when we got through tea and after doing chores we went to bed. Mrs. Perkins came over, to see if she could get any butter. Phelix had highly recommended it and as she was expected boarders she wanted good butter. She must have quit making it. Windy and cool to-day. Rainy looking in spots. Terrible fire raging up north Cochrane and South Porcupine wiped off the map. Three hundred lives reported to be lost. Friday July 14th Huby came over just as we finished breakfast and when Daddy and Bill went out to get another load Huby smoked awhile and then we went up and mowed away the load they put in last night. They just got in with the load as we got through. Enah took a picture of a big fork full going up. We mowed this load away and while they got another {illegible} out and raked up the dry grass on the lawn and Huby started to fix me a rig to burn worm's nests in the apple trees. Mr. Parsons came to cut the wheat. Just as they got the next load off it began to look very black. A souwester came up and blew a lot of smoke into us. Then it began to sprinkle but they thought they would go out and try to get one of the two remaining loads, but it began to rain so hard they had to come in with only half a load. Mr. Parsons </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> had to come in too. Huby and I finished mowing away an then I came in the house. Pretty soon all the rest of them came in and we had dinner. Then Bill ground the mower knife and Wyatt Parsons ground the binder knife. Then Bill and Huby went down town. Bill is going to the Point to-morrow and aparently feels like a kitten. Daddy and Dick went down town about four to get some shorts and the mail and Enah made some fudge. About five o'clock Daddy Dick and I went out and shocked wheat. We got a row all around the field about 6.30. It began to thunder and lightning at a great rate about half past eight. There were some very vivid flashes of lightning and I went out and tried taking a lightning flashlight of Daddy and Dick. The fellow got all the wheat cut in the one field to-day. Saturday July 15th As every thing out doors was soaking wet Daddy thought it would be a good idea to cut the alsike. He took Joe and Belle. I went over with him and went around the field. I came back by the lane. Young Parsons was in the wheat when I came up. I went around once behind the binder and threw the sheaves out of his road, then I got old Harry for him to put on with his team as one was a colt. Then I clean off Ginger as she was lonesome and went out and shocked wheat till noon. Daddy did not come up for dinner so I did the chores. When he had his dinner we went out and finished shocking wheat in the east field. Huby was to have come over but he thought it was too wet. Nearly all the wheat is cut now. After tea Dick and I went down to the stump and it rained a little coming back Except for that the day has been fine, </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday July 16th It was raining when I got up this morning but cleared off and then began to rain again. So Dick and I went down to Sunday-school. I took a pint of cream to Miss Phipps on my way down, and found Mr. Johnsons dog there where it had spent the night. Daddy and Enah drove Ginger and Joe down to church as Enah had to play the accompanyment for Miss Hunt who sang a solo. After church all Huby's family and we went to Hendersons for dinner (Dad's treat). I knocked around with {Hazen?} and Murray all the after noon and went to Huby's for tea. I went off and and did Wiser's chores at the church for him as he wanted to go to church with his girl. Dick and I walked home in the mud and rain after church. It rained hard all through church. Hot the rest of the day. Huby made me a thing to burn worm's nests with. {The next piece of writing is obscured by a torn off piece of newspaper} Monday July 17th {I} did not get up till half past seven this {m}orning as it was raining. It soon {c}leared off and Daddy and I went out {and} tighened up the track in the big barn. {Th}en Daddy rode old Harry and led Belle {writing clear again} down to the black smith's. The poor horses were nearly drowned last night out in the old stable. I took Ginger and Joe out and put them in the big barn and just as I came out it began to rain. It rained till noon and I wrote a letter to Aunty as I could not do any thing outside. Charlie Martin came over and stayed about an hour. Daddy did not get back till after dinner and he had John McCoy with him to lance a horses jaw. Then I went to cut thistles in the old garden and I started to burn worm's nests. Mr. Johnson and {Murry?} drove out. They were making a tour notifying </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the agriculturists in the district of the coming Sunday school picnic. Daddy and Enah picked quite a few raspberries over in the old garden. When I ran out of fuel for my worm's nest I came in the house and ate oat cakes that Enah had made this morning. Daddy and I drove the little team down after some oats and got back a little after six. Huby could not come over to-day as he was bearer at old Manning's funeral they took him way up above Simcoe to some Catholic cemetary. He could not have done any thing any way as the wheat was to wet to shock up no more was cut to-day but young Lambkins came to see about getting the piece of weedy hay over next the buck. It was fine all the after noon and looks as if the rain was over. Tuesday July 18th Bill did not show up all day to-day. We think he did not come home from the Point as nobody had seen him around town although Jack Paine went off this morning. Daddy and I started to shock wheat in the field west of the lane this morning and finished all that was cut, some of it was hardly worth cutting with a binder it was so short. It was too wet to cut any more. We got through about three and came up to the house I had a snooze for the space of 15 minutes. Then we went out and turned over some of the wet hay cocks. We then wed mangles till supper time. Bill Temons came through and told us all the news there was. After tea Felix came after his butter and then Jim Waddle and his family came in and stayed till dark. (Then milking) Enah churned this morning and this p.m. went down and picked raspberries at Huby's she got a nice lot. Nice and cool to-day probs. say local showers but it does not look like it here </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday July 19th Dad woke me at five o'clock this morning and I got up at 5.30. It looked like rain and as Bill was not here we wanted to get started early to get the remains of the hay. Dick went down to get Huby and I went back after the cows. I tramped around in the wet grass in the gully for about half an hour and at last got them started. Huby came over for breakfast and we went right afterwards to pitch of the half load on the rack. Huby mowed it away while Daddy Dick and I went out and got a load. It took us a very long time to put this load off Daddy on the load I driving Dick holding the rake and Huby in the mow. We got the other half load in the field and put it off by one o'clock. In the after noon Dick went down to the Sunday school picnic and Huby Dad and I went out and got on a load of wheat. We took it into the barn and Daddy and Huby put it off and I went down to the picnic. I got there about four o'clock. They had Langdon's Ivey's big launch just at "The Bucket of Blood" on its way to be launched. I had a pretty good time at the picnic. It began to rain about six and rained till about seven or half past. I watched them dance for a while and then lit out for home while it was not raining. It began to rain as I got near Huby's so I went in and got his rubber coat and an umbrella. and started for home. It did not rain all the way home but started soon afterwards. Bill got home to-night and will likely be free in the morning if not too wet. Huby got home just as I got to his place. They got in three loads and pitched off two. Nice and cool to-day, cloudy </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday July 20th Bill came back about five o'clock this morning and as it was too wet to draw in wheat he went at the plowing of the wheat ground. I sawed quite a lot of wood and cut some lawn. Then Daddy and I went out and ripped down the fence around the old garden as it was in Bill's road. We got all down but the west side by noon and we left it because there are berry bushes along it that we did not want plowed up. Daddy and I pitched off the load of wheat right after dinner. I mowed away. Then we greased the wagon and Daddy took Joe and Ginger over to borrow Vyse's roller. We shocked up all the wheat that was cut yesterday. Then Enah and I went over to the old garden to pick raspberries and got through at six. Daddy came over and rolled down what Bill had plowed. Bill has nearly a whole land plowed in the old garden now. We are going to plow it all up except the peach trees and berry & currant bushes. After tea I went back to the gully with Daddy and Enah to get the cows. After we milked I went over and planted some radich and lettuce seed by the tomatoes. Dick went down town to see what band was playing he found out it was the Simcoe band and Bob. Rankin playing in it. It sounds very nice from here. It has been pretty fairly warm to-day. with a windy looking sky to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday July 21st Daddy got up some time during the night and wet out and raked up the alsike "while the dew was on". He got through and came up for his breakfast about eight o'clock leaving the rake back there for Lambkin's. I was not waked till after six and did not get up till half past. Bill had the cows in when I went out and was milking Spotty. I milked Bobby but left the milk to separate after breakfast. Bill changed the car and hay fork from the drive house into the barn. When Daddy got through his breakfast we went out and bunched up the alsike. The ground was covered with husks and the stuff was soaking wet. but we bunched up bunches thick all over the field and were up at the house at 11.15. Then Bill and Daddy went out and got on a load of wheat before dinner. I sawed some wood mowed lawn and watered Joe and Ginger while they were gone. They hauled wheat all the afternoon 9 out of the east field and one out of the west. I just helped them pitch off and hoed corn and read while they were out. I felt a little sick the second load and just lay around till the last when I hoed some corn. I turned the sheaves for Daddy to mow away. When we came out after tea we found Vyse's little sow and all her pigs out in the back yard. Then Dick and I undertook to get them home. We got them down pretty well as far as Bannisters and there the sow went through a hole in the fence and the two Bannister's Carson Rankin and Paul Lee Woodson helped us chase her out of there Dick and the Bannister's chased </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> her through Vyse's mangle's and corn into the farmyard. Paul Lee and Cars went off to look for corn for a corn-roast and I went over to Vyse's. Then Dick and I went off in search of the little ones. We at last found them in Vyse's hay field and chased them up. Then Vyse and I went back his lane to look for his boar. We found the Banisters back there. We found his boar in his wheat field and headed him off and then came home. I got home about dark. Thus ended that boar hunt. Huby could not come over to-day as he had some insurance to look after but he was represented by Nig. who spent the day, and went home with Bill to-night He comes over every day now. Pretty fairly hot to-day nice wind, may rain before long Sun set clear to-night sure sign it will rain before Monday. Saturday July 22nd We all got up pretty early this morning. First of all we went out and pitched off the load of wheat in the barn. Then we went over to the alsike field. We met Judge Wells taking his morning ride and he grew very excited when he saw Tige and raised his whip and made a great pass but Tige did not pay any attention. I helped pitch on a load and we put it off with the fork. I mowed it away while they were gone an then hoed in the garden. Huby came over about eleven and they got another load in the barn before dinner. We were a long time getting the car fixed on the track. Huby and I did not go out to the field at all this after noon we just mowed away it was very much easier than the timothy, being light and short. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> while they were gone I cut some weeds with the scythe and helped Huby trim thorn trees over on Coleman's line. We got in five loads altogether to-day and left one in the barn. There is a little over a load out in the field yet. Ferdie was over with Dick most of the after noon. We were very late to-night with the chores as the last load was late coming in It has been pretty fairly warm to-day but cloudy and windy a lot of the time. It looks a little like rain but we do not know when it will come and hope not for awhile. We got a letter from Aunty to-day. Sunday July 23rd Got up about half past seven this morning and helped Daddy with the chores, then got fixed up and went down to Sunday School and church. Nothing unusual happened. I went home with Daddy and Enah who drove Joe and Ginger down. I read "Pepy's Diary" till about three o'clock, when I went down town with the intention of going in for a swim but as there was nobody around I did not go in but went up to the park and walked up the beach a little way with Hazen and Stubbon Brock. Then sat in the square a little while with Egg Thompson and Billy Miller. Then I went down to Huby's for tea, thence to church and pumped for Wiser. I came home soon afterwards as it looked rainy. It has all day and is just sprinkling a little. Bill has just come in. He did not go home at all. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday July 24th All hands wished me a happy birthday this morning, this being the sixteenth anniversary of the day when I first made my appearance in the world. On my plate I found piled at breakfast a nice pair of pants from Enah and just about all the contents of a barber shop from Daddy and Dick. A razor and brush from the former and soap and strop from the latter. All that is required now is a few whiskers to try them on. It was very windy this morning too windy to draw alsike so Bill plowed all morning. I picked up all the broken glass that had been under the old house and Daddy and Dick went down town to get some oats and feed. This after noon Huby and Mr. Winky Smith came over. Mr. Smith took a look at the house and sized it up for painting. We hauled wheat all the afternoon and got it all in but a little more than a load. Huby trimmed trees over by Coleman's while they were putting on a load and I cut some lawn and botherd Enah. Dick went down to the lake for a swim as the waves were so big. When he came back he brought me two nice letters. One from Roy containing all kinds of good wishes and some pictures he had taken when he was up. The other was a good fat one with epistles from Aunty Win and Aunty Alice with a dollar bill from both Aunty and Aunty Alice. I got a ring and a nickel out of the cake to-night. Vyse came up after his cow and calf to-night. Enah, Daddy and Dick have gone over to Martin's to look at a piano to-night so Tige and I are the only ones home. There has been a strong and quite cold sou'west wind since last mid-night and it seems just as strong as ever to-night. Daddy said he was awake most of the night last night shutting doors and windows. Huby said he never saw the water so high in the marsh this time of year. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday July 25th First thing this morning we put off the load that was in the barn and then Bill and Daddy hauled in the rest of the wheat. They brought it in in two jags. They put it over the granary so Huby and I did not have to {hop?} them. I tore down the fence in front of the drive shed and cut it up, while Huby and Dick went back the lane to trim the trees we put out last spring after first helping me to mow away the alsike. After the wheat was in they hauled in the remaining two jags alsike. They got through a little after noon. Mr Smith came over and started at the house this afternoon alone. Quint came over and stayed all the afternoon. When the alsike was put away we went and cleared up where the old Horse stable was and got enough wood for thashing. We also hauled the big stones away from there and put them up against the big barn. Quint and I fooled around shooting arrows till we broke or lost them all. After tea Bob. Blakie came over and gave Dad some money for the pasture and Emery McPherson came and said he start work on the Drive house in the morning. Then Enah and I printed some pictures we had eleven good prints and only spoilt one. The Martins brought the piano this morning and Enah has been trying it off and on all day We all like it very much. (Huby and Bill very much). Huby and Dick were all through the woods at the back of the place this morning picking out trees and trimming them to plant out next spring. There was the same cold wind to-day as yesterday calming completely to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday July 26th I slept late this morning as Daddy promised me when all the work was done I could sleep in the first morning. Both Mr. Smith and Emery McPherson were here before I got up and before we had breakfast. Mr. Smith brough Art. over with him to-day. Bill plowed all day and is nearly through. We worked around the horse stable all day Daddy and Emery dug the trench for the foundation and got all the lumber straightened around inside. Dick went down town this morning and Byron Johnston came back with him. I {fooled?} around with him and watched the painters a lot to-day. All the men and Byron were here to dinner and although the Smith nor Byron were here to tea Mrs. Lawrie and Miss Low were. It has been pretty cool to-day but not so windy. Bill Donald came in before tea and looked at his buck wheat and gathered up his borrowed implements. Dick has the names of those who passed to-day. Quint passed but he Dick did not but "got put through". Neither Art Smith nor Lopsy passed. She went past here to-day and Art lost about half an hours work Daddy has just driven Mrs Lawrie and Miss Low home behind Joe & Ginger Half an hours music and to bed. Thursday July 27th Bill was not here this morning when I got up but came soon after wards. Our men were here before we sat down to breakfast. Art did not come this morning he got tired yesterday. Bill finished the plowing a little after noon to-day. Mr. Smith got the first coat on all over the house and a coat of oil on the west side of the wood shed, that is the only side of it we will have painted. Dick and Daddy took Joe and Ginger and the hay rack down to get the cement and a few other things. They did not get back till noon. They brought Lila back with them who is going to stay until she gets homesick again. I worked around the drive shed all the morning. This after noon they started to put the wall in under </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the building and I kept them supplied with water and had the rest of the time to myself. I spent most of it lying around in their way. The cows were up early to-night so we got through early. I started to make a milk stool whether I will get it done or not remains to be seen. Dick and Bill went down town to-night to hear the band. Bill took Enah's wheel down to be fixed. There was an excursion from Norwich in town to-day. Miss Phipps came over to-night I suppose for some cream. It has been very sunny to-day but quite cool. At noon it was very dark and rained a few drops but soon cleared off. The pigs are having a fine time in the orchard now plagueing the life out of poor Davie who is to polite to say any thing Friday July 28th This morning got up with out waking Lila about 5.40, milked Bobby and shivered around till breakfast. Mr. Smith did not turn up to-day so we surmised he could not get a man to help him. Emery came a little while after with Leon. When Lila got up she showed him all over the farm and. then Dick got up and tried to beat Lila waiting on Leon, who tore all over jabbering a blue streak all the time. Daddy went up to Stan. Thompson's after breakfast and I finished making my milk stool. It is not right yet though. About eleven Daddy and I drove Joe down to the mill to get a jack screw to work on the stable. I hoed mangles all the afternoon. Emery and Leon went home to night as he wanted to cut his oats to-morrow. Bill said he could stay next week he thought and help with the stable. Lamkin's came to-night and paid Dad fifteen dollars for the hay on the back field making $100 revenue from the farm so far. Daddy drove Enah and Dick down town to-night. Enah has to play on Sunday for Miss Hunt. Daddy is coming right back and Dick with Enah. Fairly warm to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday July 29th I raked up the lawn this morning and Daddy and Bill worked at the foundation of the drive house. I took the old lilac bush that Mr. Smith cut down and cut it up for firewood. I shovelled a little grout got some stone for them and fooled around till dinner. Harry Battersby and Clayton Ansby came over for a while this morning. Bill went home this afternoon, but expected to be back on Monday. This after noon Dick went down town and stayed all the afternoon. Daddy and I went over the gully with the mower and I mowed the weeds that Lamkins left. It was the first time I ever mowed any thing and it was not so badly done. After that I went down to the stump for a swim and only had two dives. The water was about 20 above freeze. Daddy brought up the rake which was across the gully too. Dick went down town after tea & stayed till dark. Enah is now playing toe-ticklers on the piano so I will have to quit. Cool and Cloudy. Threatening rain wind seems to be getting up. They had a shooting match and Quint beat all but old Dad Haymaker. He got 19 out of 25 and just missed through carelessness. There were a lot of American crack shots there that only got 13 or 14. Sunday July 30th Did not get up till nearly eight this morning and of course all the chores were done by this time. Went down to Sunday School and pumped in church. I nearly turned the old bell over, I think Wiser must have greased it up. Another Miss Hunt sang a solo to-day. This one is soprano and older than the other one. We went down to Huby's to dinner and saw all the young walnuts he has ready to plant out over here next spring. He intended to go up creek to get some young butternuts. We all came home but Dick right after dinner and I fooled around and wrote a letter to "The Patch" and one to Roy. and read a little. Daddy tinkered around at odd jobs and I guess Enah slept or watched Daddy. To-night we milked and Daddy fixed better legs in my milk stool and Enah found a hen's nest of ten eggs in the orchard. I picked some plaster off the old house and pasted a paper face on a green tomato to see if it will color around it. It has been pretty warm and sultry to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday July 31st Mr. Smith and his new man (Mr. Collins from Hamilton or some place) came this morning to put on the second coat and do the glazing. Emery and Bill both turned up too. They worked at the cement wall all day. Dick got up early this morning for a change and also to pick a bushel of harvest apples to sell to Ed. Moor. Daddy went down town with the big team and hay rack and got thirty more bags of cement and also took Dick and his apples down. He got the glass for the windows and Mr. Smith put them in. Dick went down town this afternoon and stayed all the afternoon. He brought a letter from Grand daddy saying he expected to send Frank here about September 1st. I did not do any thing in particular to-day. This morning I raked up the rest of the front lawn and piled the rakings in a heap to be burned. I cut some lawn and sawed a little wood. Then I cleared up the broken glass and mess that Mr. Smith had made and worked around the horse-stable the rest of the day. Huby and Harry Battersby drove Dave's horse over this afternoon and Huby made out some insurance policy. Mrs. & Miss Dixon were here to-night. Bill thought to-day he would keep away from town this week, but he is down to-night just the same. We have the west side wall of the stable finished now and well started on the north end. It has been pretty hot to-day. A thrashing out-fit has just gone past. Parliament dissolved (Saturday). The dates of the new election are set. Nomination Sept 12, and polling Sept 21st. The Globe says this is the most important election campaign in Canadian history as Reciprocity is the issue. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday August 1st Very tired when Daddy woke me this morning at 5.30 and did not get up till six. Emery walked over via the gully and lane before we finished breakfast and Mr. Smith came afterwards but his man did not turn up which provoked him. He did not come all day at all and Mr. Smith's plans for work were all changed. Bill did not feel very well to-day but worked with Daddy and Emery all day. They have the walls all up now all but except where the blocking which Gilbert put under the sill is. I fooled around with them till about 9 o'clock and then went out and pulled weeds in the mangles till noon. This after noon I was setting out in their road while they were mixing cement and I saw some yellow specks in the bottom of the water pail. They all had a look at it and we decided there must be a gold mine at the bottom of the old well. We were thinking what we would do with all the money when I saw some of it floating around, so I went out and wed the rest of the mangles, which took me about an hour and then I came up and fooled around in the road till six thinking about building one of the "hell-cracker" barns that Sandy Leitch was telling Huby about. It was very hot to-day till about 3 o'clock when it got awful dark and dirty looking over head and an awful wind came up for a little while and cooled things off. It still looks rainy. Bill for a wonder did not go down town to-night first time he has missed for a month I guess </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday July August 2nd This morning the cows got the gate open and ate all the sweet corn and then went into their proper places in the cow stable without doing any more damage excep stepping on some of the radishes and lettuce. I think this was the last blow for the corn. First Joe got at it then Vyse's pigs and the cows have finished it. Mr. Smith and his man both came this morning and they finished the house all but one side about four o'clock. I don't know why he did not do it unless he forgot. Bill and Daddy hauled brick bats from the brick yard all fore noon to put on the stable floor to lay the cement on. They got three loads and Emery and I spread most of them around and did other things out there to get ready for putting in the stalls. This afternoon I went down with Bill to get the brick bats and got two loads by four o'clock. Daddy and Emery put the post for the stalls in while we were gone. After we got the last load off we took Mr. Smith, his man and stuff down to Walt Steels where he is going to paint their house. Bill went up town to get some tar paper for the stable and I went over to Huby's where I found nobody at home and got the bathtub and a couple of planes to bring over here. Then Bill mixed a little cement to fill in some places in the wall and by this time it was tea time. It has been pretty hot all day and rained a little to-night making in very sultry and as the windows are all wet paint we can't open them all fixecated to-night for us. Bill went down town to-night. Hamilton asylum burned yesterday 8 deaths. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday August 3rd Got a little wood cut right after breakfast and then went out and laid brick bats around in the stable. We were all working out there this morning (even Dick who came out about 9 o'clock), just at odd jobs around. About three or four o'clock we started to lay the cement for the floor. Dick went down town and got some tacks, candy stuff for tea "Farmer Advocate", and some the Cement books Huby sent for. I read them from then till tea time. Enah went down to Mrs. Hobbs to a tea party so Dick got tea and did fine. After tea he rode down and Bill went down with Emery to hear the band. Daddy and I after doing chores hooked up Joe and Ginger and went down after Enah. Had quite a time finding her I looked all through the park as Allan (on his way over the hill) told us she was there, and at las found at Cousin Lolls. Daddy encountered to automobillys and had quite a time with the team. I got some postcards at Billy Gordon's and came right home with them. Dover played bowls with {---ville?} to-day and won Score 27-7. They are doing better things Friday August 4th Bill got home about five o'clock this a.m. Emery came and brought Cecil with him he is as sharp as a steel trap and just about as mischevious as Leon. I went down town right after breakfast in Enah's wheel to get my hair cut. I went over Brant Hill to take Mr. Smith his cheque and went down and stayed a little while with Joe. I also went down to Huby's but none of them were up. I came back, doffed my good clothes and worked around the stable till noon. We started to make some concrete nest eggs for Huby. This afternoon Bill and I hauled three more loads of brick bats for which they tax us $1.00 a load. Cecil went with us for two loads and Dick one. They got all the cement in the stalls. Emery went home to-night and Bill bid us a last fare well he expects to start for the West on the next Harvest Excursion August 13. The report of the successful candidates trying for entrance into Normal came out to-day with May Clarke (honors) and Edny Sidway. The latter has only been in the third form one year. Mrs. & Miss McPherson were here this p.m. and Miss Phipps is here to-night. Hot all day no sign of rain </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday August 5th As none of our men were here we did not do any thing in particular to-day. I went back the gully first thing this morning to see if the cows had any water and found one pool at the extreme end of the pasture. They were all three standing in it. Daddy took Joe and Ginger down this rnorning to get them shod and brought Greenbury back to trim Davy's feet. Davy kicked up quite a row. Daddy is afraid he is getting ring bone. Daddy was gone nearly all forenoon I sawed wood till my saw horse broke and puttered at odd jobs. Dick was down town all day and is down to-night. He brought back at noon {3?} letters from Roy Auny and Granddaddy. The Latter said he expected to have Frank start East from Sycamore on the 17th of August. I tried my new razor to-day noon and it worked fine, it made my face as smooth as any thing and I never cut myself once. Daddy and I went down town about four o'clock to get some oats. I got off at Allan's corner on the way home and went up to the Stump and had a good swim and got home by six. Daddy and Enah drove Joe down town to-night to meet Roy as he said in his letter he expected to come, so Tige and I are keeping house. It has been very hot to-day, and close. The Allan's were going to have a sale to-day, so said "The Maple Leaf," but we saw no signs of one when we went past this after noon. I was fast asleep on the sofa when Enah and Roy came in about 10.30 and we did not get to bed till late. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday August 6th Got up late this morning after all the chores were done and had breakfast alone as the rest were waiting tll Roy got up and I did not want to be late ringing the bell. However I did not go down till they were half throug breakfast and then got down about 9.35. I cleaned the cobwebs I could reach out of the windows. We stayed in to communion and then Daddy Enah and I went up to see Cousin Clare. We went down to Huby's for dinner, Daddy did not want to stay but as dinner was just ready Aunty Maude wanted him to. Harry Battersby was there. Daddy and Enah went home and I stayed at Hubys a little while till Huby took Lila (in her bathing suit) down to jump off the dock, then I went up town and sat in the market square awhile with Fat Turner and then came over to the bottom of Brent's place and eat apples for about a quarter on an hour with Murray. It looked a little thundery so Murray went up to the {Brea..?} and I went home throug Bannister's I found Dad just emerging from the bath tub in the wood shed and Enah in a light dressing-gown. We sat around and read and Enah played a while and then all of us including Tige and the grey kitten went back the gully. Enah and the kitten stayed on the top of the hill while Daddy Tige and I went down and fixed the fence over the creek going into Colemans as Bobby got out here to-day. Tige and I strolled {clear?] {along?} John Thomas Watson's and down the McQueen's gully. Daddy went over to see the oats and thinks they will be all right pretty </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> good after all. We brought the cows up with us and milked before tea. The flys were awful. Dick was here when we came up. We had a late tea and Daddy tended to the horses afterwards. We have not seen a sign of Roy since church except we saw him with Livy going into the drugstore after films to take {illegible} kid on as it has been taken about a dozen times before by amateurs but none turned out. This was just after we came out of Cousin Clare's. It has been awfully hot to-day but is cooler to-night. Old Nigger dog has been over here all day, Quint went up to Normandale with Bill and Hugh McQueen in the latter's launch about two or three o'clock this a.m. Monday August 7th Daddy had to start off early after breakfast to thrash at Flemming's and was gone all day. I mended my saw horse, cut some wood and started to cut burdocks in the orchard. After dinner I finished cutting burdocks in the orchard and walked back to the gully with Roy. Roy went down town about three o'clock. I cleaned up a little behind the wood shed. Then Enah and I drove Joe down to Huby's and we went on down to the station to see Roy off and to take his grip. This being {Loreto's?} civic holiday he stayed all day here. We did not get home till six as Enah had to go a few places (about three) and only stayed a "minute" at each. She also saw Cousin Loll which took a little more time. They were just coming out of Flemming's with the machine when we came past and Tige was just seeing Daddy safley over Bannister's fence when we got home. Dick was down town all the after noon. It has been hotter than ...... it was Saturday to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday August 8th Emery came this morning while we were at breakfast and he has got quite a bit done at the stable. Daddy went down soon after break fast and got Vyse's disk but could not find the seat. I disked till noon on the wheat ground and got my foot pretty tired. Daddy and Dick drove Joe down town right after dinner and got a seat for the disc and some cow spray and a sprayer. We sprayed all the horses and other animals that would stand for it around the stable. Then I went and discked till six. We sprayed the cows after tea and it killed all the flies. All the family including Tige except Enah went down to Wyatt Parsons after tea and found he could come and cut the oats tomorrow he was coming any way. We got back about ten o'clock. It has been cool and windy to-day. Lovely night (full moon). The old wind mill pumped all the vessles around the place that would hold water "chuck a block" to-day and then ran over into the well. Wednesday August 9th Daddy had to go at half past seven this morning to Meet Wyatt Parsons at Blakie's corner to show him over the gulsh to the oats. He stayed shocking up till noon. I sawed some wood. cleaned the horses and helped Emery at the stable this fore noon. besides digging some potatoes for dinner. This afternoon I went back with them and tried to shock up oats but I had no gloves and they were pretty thistly so I did not get much done. I went over to John Wessly McBrides after a pail of water and. saw the celebrated barn. The oats are down pretty much and on one side the sheaves are all shapes and have to be piled in heaps instead of shocks. He got through cutting about five and then he and Daddy measured the field. We are a little more than half through shocking. We let the cows in the field that Lambkins took the hay off to-day. It has not been hot to-day. The wind mill pumped about as much to-day as yesterday. Dick went down to the station to see if Uncle Ward came tonight. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday August 10th Worked around the stable all day with Emery. We got all the side boards up. Daddy worked around there too most of the time but Wyatt Parsons came to measure the grain fields. He measured it with a tape line so it took a long time and Daddy had to help him. Cousin Clare came over this morning and stayed all day. About four o'clock Daddy and Dick went over and shocked up the rest of the oats. We all went down to-night to hear the band. Dick rode his wheel and I walked, Daddy and Enah drove Cousin Clare down with Joe. I went over to the park to watch the dance for a while got some postcards talked with Roy Dell awhile and then went down to Mrs. Davie Moore's corner and met Daddy and Enah and drove home about half past nine. Hot To-day. Daddy and Enah saw old Bill down town he is says he is going to start West tomorrow stay with Jack Pane in Toronto to-morrow and start Saturday. He said it was breaking up home as his wife was so opposed to the trip. She nor the rest of his relations thought he was in earnest till this morning and when they found out he was the kicked up quite a fuss. Friday August 11th We all worked at the stable this morning. We sawed the timber sill off in the drive way which took about half an hour with Blakie's cross cut and got quite a bit of cement laid in the alley-way. I disked all the afternoon on the wheat ground and finished it. They got the rest of the cement laid in the alley-way. After the chores were done to-night Daddy saddled Joe and I had a nice ride around Flemming's block. Then Dick got on but could not reach the stirrups so he asked Daddy to get on and he rode down the lane and back for our benifit. Dick knocked the old wooden trough at the wind mill to pieces and we are going to put up the concrete one as soon as possible. It rained early this morning and has been cool and cloudy the rest of the day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday August 12th Emery, Dick and I worked at the stable to-night all day, and got the stalls pretty well boarded up. We had quite a time foraging for boards. Daddy took Joe and Ginger and rolled some of the wheat ground and then Vyse came over to ask him to go over to help him bring in his oats this afternoon so Daddy came up before noon and put the rack on the wagon. Art. Brown was here with a lame horse and a medicine agent trying to sell us some wonderful compound which would cure any thing in the shape of aches or pain warranted not to rip tear {and such?} turn up at the toes etc etc. He was not very persistent though. Dad was gone all the afternoon Vyse had three teams and six men in the field and got all his oats in. Enah went down and stayed till tea. Dick and I both went down after tea and saw Uncle Ward conversing with Nicky Luce in front of Taylor's {D...?} expected Ade Millman but he did not come. Sunday August 13th Got up very late this morning and Daddy did all the chores. Went down to church and Sunday school as usual and stayed to Huby's for dinner Daddy and Enah came down but did not stay. Huby and Dave drove the latter's horse over here and I hung around up at Waddle's with Hazen all the afternoon and had tea at Hubys and Quint and I went to church. After church I hung around the pier about an hour and then came home I saw Dick going home just at Allan's corner. Dick McBain drove me over as far as Woodson's. I picked Tige up at Vyse's. When I got home I found Dick all alone and a note on the table saying the family had gone down to Uncle Ward's for tea. We fooled around a while and then went to bed before the folks got home. Pretty hot to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday August 14th Emery came this morning and worked awhile at the stable but Daddy asked him to help with the oats so he said he would. Daddy and I went over about half past nine and started to load up. Vyse and Emery came over and loaded a load before we did I was loading ours. We got three loads off before dinner, two of Vyses and one of ours. After dinner Daddy and Emery went out and I waited for Vyse. I pitched on this time and we got three loads and finished. Then Vyse went home and we got a little hay over for the horses and Emery worked awhile at the stable. When we were taking Harry and Belle through the narrow alley way in the stable the both got out and caused some trouble, then after tea Coleman's colts got into the wheat stable and we chased them about half and hour to shake down our supper. Emery built a duck pen and put our four in it as he thought they ought to have good water. He went home to-night and will not be back till Thursday as to-morrow he intends to go to Simcoe to hear Sir Wilfred and Wednesday his Sunday School picnic. Pretty hot to-day. Tuesday August 15th It was very cloudy and thundery when we got up this morning and when we got through milking it began to rain. It poured like cats and dogs for about two hours and just rained after that for half an hour. Daddy and I climbed all over the garret hunting for leaks before breakfast. After breakfast Dick Daddy and I moved all the horses over into the big barn and then began to clean off the floor of the same building, and found it very poor. I churned this morning and Enah who felt poorly baked. We cleaned up a little around the horse stable and after dinner Daddy Dick and I drove down town in the rack and I got a pair of heavy boots and did some other shopping for the house. Every body was in Simcoe to-day to hear Sir Wilfred Laurier. K.C.P.M. except Andrew Innes. Dick and I went for a swim, he at the railway bridge and I at the boat house. Lila came and fed the ducks and said Huby and Quint had gone to Simcoe. We got home about six o'clock and got some tomatoes at Mrs. Battersby's on our way back. We got the planks for the stable floor at the Wide spread. I cut some lawn after tea. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday August 16th I chopped up some wood while Daddy went over to see if he could get a roll of wire fence from Mr. Flemming. When he came back we hooked up and he Dick, and I went down to get the wire. Then we went over with it to Coleman's line and ripped down some of the old rail fence and piled it on the rack and Daddy and Dick took it over to the barn to pile it in a convenient place for thrashing wood. It began to rain as they left and they said they would be back proxently with a coat for me as I had to stay and see that Coleman's cattle did not get in. I sought shelter under a tree and waited patiently for about an hour. It was pouring when they arrived and I was about frozen. It soon cleared off and we started erected the wire and tacked it to a few posts good enough to keep the cattle out. Then it began to rain again and we went up for dinner. We found Edith Lawrie and B. Kanes (or Kains or what you please) up at the house come to spend the day. They had been all over the place inspecting the stock. After dinner I went over to borrow Vyse's post hole auger. When I came back Daddy and I cleaned the stuff off the big barn floor out to the rack and took it over in the field to burn. We also hauled the brush Huby and I cut off the trees and put it in the same heap. Dick did not come over this after noon but stayed and entertained the girls. Daddy and I put up the wire as far as the rails went and ripped a few more rails down. We were soaking wet when we came up at six as it rained most of the afternoon. It is so wet to-night the girls have to stay all night. They are all kicking up a row in the parlor now. Bob. Law hauled a couple more loads of sand to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday August 17th Emery did not come to-day so Daddy and I worked around cleaning up all day. This morning we got some lumber out of the old box stall doors to make mangers with and after dinner we hauled out a lot of the old shingles & rubbish in front of the horse stable and piled it out with the brush to burn. We also put in a few more posts for the fence and got another load of rails. The old wind mill came uncoupled some where down in the well last night and Dick went down with Edith & B this morning to get Felix but he could not come to-day as he was going up to hear Mr. Borden spout to-night. Allan and Miss Brent came over this afternoon for awhile. Dick went down to-night to hear the band but it did not play as it was playing for Mr. Borden, it will likely be hear to-morrow. Dick said there was a great crowd went up on the the special to hear Borden to-night. Pretty fairly warm but nice breeze. Friday August 18th Emery came this morning and we worked all day with the cement floor in the horse stable and now have it nearly done. Felix came over and it took him till seven o'clock to-night to get the pump fixed. He put in another length of pipe. We had a lot of fun with him. It rained for awhile this morning and he gave us a great speech. He is so against Laurier and reciprocity. I nearly bust laughing at him. Ace Williams was here this afternoon as he thought we were thrashing. He is now the father of a week old daughter. I was at the back end of the place to-night after the cows which Tige chased back. When we came in from milking about eight o'clock to-night we found Mrs. James Enah's sister-in-law and her three children here. Dick went down town to hear the band but I guess it did not play tonight again. Windy. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday August 19th This is the great Boughner picnic day to-day and rigs of all kinds have been flocking in along the side road all day. Dick went down early this morning and stayed till late to-night only coming back with the mail about 10 o'clock. I don't know what he did with him-self all day. He was checking parcels to-night and made fifty cents. Emery and I worked around the stable all day Emery was finishing up and flooring the stalls and I was painting window shashes and doing odd jobs for Emery. Daddy was disking the wheat ground all day and found my old knife which I thought was gone for sure this time. Mrs. McPherson Enah's sister came over with Emery this morning and stayed awhile talking to Mrs. James whom she was very surprised to see and came back this afternoon and took the whole ging-lang except Enah and Jean who walked down to the picnic Enah, Jean and Cecil came back here to tea and the rest stayed at James's. Dad teased Cecil till he had him as mad as a wet hen and as saucy as as a sparrow. After tea Daddy and I did the chores and Emery took Enah Cecil and Jean down town and Daddy and I drove down about 9 o'clock. We intended going over to the park to watch them dance but seeing a fire in the glue room in the Wide spread the same place it was before we went up and informed Mr. Denly who by the look of things was about to retire but had to jump on his wheel and go down We meet Emery and Doc. Jolley's corner and made plans for going home and executed them in short order. Emery and I walked out and Daddy took half the crowd and Mrs McPherson the other half out home and then Daddy drove her and Cecil down till he met Emery and then he drove her out to his fathers. We saw Mr. Denly coming back on his wheel while we were at Jolley's corner and he said there was no fire there at all when he went down. So we did not get over to the park after awhile all. Cool and pleasant to-day. nice breeze </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday August 20th Daddy drove me down to Sunday School this morning as he wanted to see if he could take Aunty Maude and Lila back to dinner with him and have Huby and Quint walk out but they could not come. I pumped as usual and Quint went up behind the organ with me. I walked home to dinner where was assembled all of Emery's family in addition to the others all trying to squeeze up to the kitchen table. After dinner Emery discovered an oil hole in the old wind mill head which when Dad oiled up the old thing went like a charm. Daddy was bringing Ginger out to water and she jumped away from him into the old manure {heap?} and couped herself quite badly besides wrenching off a shoe. Daddy Emery Cecil Tige and the grey kitten and I all went back to the gulch to hunt for the spring Blakey was tilling as about but could not find it. Then we went up to the mound where there was a ground fox's hole and Emery while digging around found an old double spring trap attatched to a {illegible} with a ring in it. He said he had often thought of digging out the mound when he was a boy as he thought there were treasures there. I went up a little way with Cecil and him and then came home and took the cows up with me. Mrs. McPherson was just starting off with the bunch and two valises. Mr. & Mrs H. Shand where here for awhile before tea. I rode Enah's wheel down to post a couple of letters to-night. Monday August 21st Emery came this morning and He & I worked to-gether all day. We put the door on the box-stall and end door on the horse stable. I painted more window sashes and swept down some of the cobwebs of the ceiling in the stable. We also put a new piece on the {fork?} rod of the wind mill in place of a rickety old eyesore, which caused the mill to lose half a stroke. Daddy disked the remainder of the wheat ground this morning and went over it with the smoothing harrower this after noon. I had a snooze for about an hour this after noon and then wrote a little to Roy for his birthday to-morrow. Vyse came over this morning to bring us some sweet corn and again this after noon to tell Daddy the thrashers would if all's well be at his place to-morrow. I rode Enah's wheel back after the cows to-night. Prett warm to-day. Got a card from E. Dewar to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday August 22nd This morning I cleaned up the floor in the other barn and the granaries and also nailed up some rat-holes. I just put the chaff in a big heap on the barn floor. Daddy and Emery fixed some posts that were rotted off over the new stable. Dick churned and got a nice mess of good butter. About ten o'clock, Sam Law got his machine at Vyse's so Daddy went over to help thrash. Emery took the big team back with the plow to start work on the oat stubble and alsike ground for wheat. Belle fell down going down the hill at the end of the lane so Emery took two or three furrows off that which made it much better. We plowed till noon. I plowed a couple of furrows in the easy ground and did not do so badly considering I did not have the wheel on. Old Harry fell down once too at the side of a ditch in where the alsike was. After dinner Daddy came over after me to go and help thrash as they were short handed. Paul Lee Woodson Hugh Bannister and I were in the mow all the time and Daddy helped us now and then. Cass Rankin came over and worked for about five minutes. Dick helped for awhile but found a nest of mice about a day or so old and it took him all his time looking after them he took the home in his hat when he went home for tea. Louis Woodson was running the blower. Mr. Blakie and Old Wells on the stack. Mr. Flemming carraying awaw grain Vyse feeding and Bench other cutting bands besides the three men with the machine. Vyse had {690?} bushles of grain allto gether. We had tea about five o'clock and the worked till dark and finished. I went home soon after six and did the chores Emery helped me. Not too hot to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday August 23rd Got up fairly early this morning and found it pretty cool. Daddy, Tige, Marshalls two kittens, and the old grey cat Williams left and I went way back the gulch after the cows. We found them in the wood and the cats followed us all the way. Daddy went over to Blakie's to thrash and stayed all day there. Dick went over but came back to dinner, but went right back again. He ran the blower this morning. Blakie thrashed 640 barrels all to-gether. I sawed a lot of wood up and threw out the chaff I raked up in the barn yesterday. I got some tomatoes and potatoes. Emery was plowing all day I took him some water a couple of times but did not stay. This After noon Enah and I drove Joe down town and got the buggy chuck full of grub for the threshers. Mrs. Flemming gave us about a bushel of vegetables. We thought we dropped a cabbage and we went all the way back to Bannister's but did not find it. Dick and Paul Lee Woodson came in about six from Blakies and I went down with them to Woodson's for a swim and very nearly froze. We swam out to the island under water. I had my tea after I came home about eight o'clock. Cool to-day. Thursday August 24th Emery plowed all morning and Daddy and Dick thrashed over at Alfred Ryersie's. I worked out in the barn to prepare for the threshers this after noon. Dick and Daddy got home about noon and said they had had their dinner so Enah, Emery and I dined together. The threshing outfit came while we were at dinner. Hannah Flemming came over to help Enah. Huby came over with Earny Skey. It took quite a while for them to get started and we boys. Paul Lee, Cars. Rankin Long Bannister, Dick and I fooled around, but when the did start they put us at the muzzle of the machine and we stood there chewing dust most of the after noon. We filled the hay the other side of the cow stable wth straw and it took a lot of men to push the straw over. Daddy, Frank Vyse, Tony and I in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> concecutive order pushing straw to Earny, Huby, Paul Lee, Cars, and Dick who were on the mow, Earny got called away to the telephone Paul Lee went to help in the mow. Cars. got a head ache and Long skinned out so there was after awhile only Huby and Dick in the mow and Frank Vyse and I & Daddy shoaring straw. I stood in one place for two or three hours with the balmy breath of the blower on my cheek and dust from the same about an inch thick (more or less) down my throat and larynx. When we filled up all over the cow stable we went out and Vyse took the blower and Huby, Daddy, and I stayed in the big bay. I came out of there about five and did not do anything after that but gasp for breath. Huby and Daddy stayed with it to the bitter end and when they came out they looked like niggers. Huby had his hat off all the afternoon and his hair was as he had creped it like a wool mat. After tea Emery milked for me as I felt rotten. my head felt like a boiled cabbage. And I was shivering at one time and then would about roast. I had a few swallows of wine and then went to bed. Dick went down town to check parcels at the park. There has been a drizzle-drazzle rain all day till about five o'clock this afternoon. Friday August 25 I slept late this morning after dreaming I was threshing all night and just before I got up I heard one of the little chickens sqeal and looking out saw a big rat had one by the leg. Dad came to kill it but it got away and the chicken died soon after. I was very late with my breakfast. Daddy, Emery and Dick went down town this morning with the rack and got back about noon with lumber for the stable door and glass for the stable windows and a few other things. Ace Williams came after his wheat and I helped him all day with it He took one load to mill before dinner and three after Dick went the first time and Lila and I the second and the last he went alone. Emery made the door for the drive house this afternoon and hung it. Daddy rolled the wheat ground that Emery plowed with Joe and Belle. Cousin Clare came over this morning and stayed all day. Lila came over with Emery and Daddy and stayed all night and Allan & Kathleen Millman came over and stayed to tea. It has been pretty cool all day to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday August 28th Emery, Jean and Cecil came this morning about seven o'clock with Joe. Daddy went back to plow but came back before noon on account of the rain, he plowed into a couple of bee's nests and got stung three times on the arm. I started to paint the hay rack but in began to rain so we took it in the barn and I did not get any more than part of the bed piece. Emery got the glass in the windows all put in and most of them hung up. This afternoon as it still rained hard Daddy and I white washed four of the stalls with brooms. It cleared off about three o'clock and Daddy saddled Joe in the new stable (she was the first one in) and I rode down to post some letters and got the mail. I found when I got home that one of the stirrup straps was brokin just from disuse and want of oil. Daddy felt pretty badly about. After I got home we brought all the horses over into the new stable and they looked so nice and comfortable that Daddy almost hated to leave them to come to tea. Cecil has been having a fine time to-day in the mud puddles and scrapping with Dad. Tuesday August 29th This morning Cecil and I drove down town to do a few errands but principally to get Quint to come out and shoot crows in the cornfield. He came out a little while after with George Brown {..?} having jumped on behind the old buggy and ridden over. Of course he did not get any crows as he went over to the woods when he found none in the cornfield. Emery worked at the stable all day and I helped him and painted at the rack. Lila came over and stayed all day. Daddy plowed all day. About five o'clock Emery and I drove Joe down town to get some stuff for the mail. We did not get back till after six Emery and Cecil walke home by the gully to-night. After the chores were done to-night Jean & Lila went to bed and Enah, Daddy and I went over to Mrs. Battersby's for the evening. The Woodson's, Miss Hudson, Miss Robinson, Miss Brent & Mr. Jack Martin were there and we had a lot of lovely music, most of it furnished my Miss Robinson who is a lovely pianist and Miss Draton. Miss Woodson and Miss Robinson amused Dad. very much by their conversation of which he could understand about half. It has been pretty cool all day to-day and is quite cold to-night. Emery fixed a patent ladder in the stable to-day which runs by pulleys & weights up into the loft when not in use. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday August 30th Daddy plowed all morning and Emery fixed the steps going up over the wood-shed and then ripped down a partition in the floor in the old house where we are going to have the ice house. He sharpened my buck-saw yesterday so I cut wood nearly all morning and got almost all the pile of rails cut I also helped him a little at the old house. This afternoon Mrs. McPherson & Leon came down to get Emery. Daddy helped him awhile and then went and plowed and Enah and Mrs. McPherson drove down town with Emery's horse. Emery made a corn horse and he and I went back to cut corn, it is not ripe but he was just going to show me how to do it. We went up about about five and were going to get Quint's gun which we expected Enah would bring over and shoot crows but Enah would not get it so we painted the rest of the back of the hay rack. It has been quite cool all day and was cold this morning and to-night. Jean went back to St. Williams to-night with Emery. Tonight Daddy and I drove down town with Joe to see if Quint would come over to-morrow to shoot crows. He said he would and mabee Huby and Earny. Thursday August 31st This morning I started to paint the rack and got part of one of the wings painted when Quint came with his gun. Huby and Earny did not come. I went back with Quint & and then over where Dad was and had a fine plowing lesson. When I came back Quint was wandering around and not a crow showed up nor did they all day. I helped him rob a bees nest but there was no honey. Then I came up and painted. Quint shot a grey squirrel over in the woods. I painted quite a lot this after noon and then Enah Lila and I went down town. Enah stayed at the church practising with Miss Draton till six o'clock We brought Kathleen Millman back home with us to stay a few days. We got the cows up and milked milk before tea. Quint went back with me to get the cows and shot a dove and a hawk. Enah and Lila picked about two bushels of plums to-day & we took a bushel down with us and sold as to Mrs. Brown. Quint went home to-night and left his gun and ammunition here as he expects to be back in the morning. It has been pretty cool to-day, but is not so cold to-night as last night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday September 1st This morning Daddy drove Joe down to Walk. Wells to put a blister on his horse. I painted at the rack till he came back and then Kathleen & I drove Joe down to get some meat. We came back by the mill and I went on painting. Daddy went back & plowed. Quint came out and Huby and Earny were out have come while we were down town. They had taken Quints gun and gone all over the farm but not shot any thing. Quint caught one of Huby's white chickens with nice yellow legs and I painted them red which made it look very pretty, but it rubbed most of it off in the grass. Cousin Clare came out this morning and stayed all day. I rode Dick's wheel down and got the mail and took Enah's hit book down to Bessie Lawrie. I gave most of the drive house door a second coat and got the cows about half past five and we milked before tea. About nine o'clock the whole four of us set out for the Shands. Daddy & I saw all over the barn and then went into the house where we found a bunch of young ladies who had been having a card party. We stayed till after eleven and after the others had gone. Daddy got them to fix a night (Tuesday) when he could bring out the Woodson's and Miss Robinson to have some music. Saturday September 2nd I felt a little sick this morning. I think from some plums I ate last night at the Sh{ands}. I painted the rest of the rack and did a few chores around. In the after noon I gave the rest of the stable door a second coat and started to tidy up around the drive house. It got very dark and lighenting vividly Daddy came up with the team. It rained pretty hard but soon stopped. Daddy got ready to go back but it began to sprinkle again so he did not go back all the afternoon. About four o'clock I drove Enah and Kathleen down as Kathleen was going back to-night. We got her suit case at the Tibbets and took her down to the station. After tea Daddy drove down to meet Dick & Roy and I went to sleep about eight o'clock & stayed there till they came. We did not get to bed till midnight and had a great rat hunt just before but did not catch again. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday September 3rd Arose late as is the custom on the Sabbath and husstled my self to get down and ring the bells - but Wiser was there so it did not matter. Dick did not get up till after I left so of course did not come down. I came out of Sunday School a little early and found Faulkner beating the starch out of one of his Arabs with a whip because it would not stand still to get its forelock clipped. I went home to dinner as we had a couple of young roosters and Roy stayed down to Huby's. After dinner I started to read " A Houseboat on the {illegible}. Huby Roy and Aunty Maude came over about three and we all went back to the gully. Huby took the gun back which Daddy got last night but did not see any thing to shoot at. Daddy shot a couple of times at a crow this morning but missed him. I brought the cows up as it was about five and went into the house for a short time and when I came out they were just disappearing at the end of the lane. So Tige & I went back again and Tige got ahead of me and chased them up to the far end of the gully so I had to go after them. When we did get them milked the separator packed and we had to take it all apart and then only got very little cream. However we got down to church Huby went home to tea and Roy down to Woodsons. After church Enah went by to {illegible} Bessie's to {writing off the page} a supper {writing off the page} and is going {writing off the page} to walk. Some we {writing off the page} Roy. Dick came home to tea but went down after wards and got home shortly after we did. Daddy and I drove down to Huby's {writing off the page} got the big picture of "The Witlogh Blacksmith" and hung it in the kitchen. Very cool to-day. Monday September 4th Daddy went back to plow and I started to clean up around the drive-shed Huby and Lila came over about nine o'clock to get their chickens. I helped them catch all we could find and then drove them down and got back about noon. Dick went back with Daddy and they were going to take Mr. Vyse's roller back Dick rode on Dad's lap and they were just driving under the tree where the roller was when they hit an old stump. The tongue of the roller snapped off. The frame dropped down and they both fell off. Daddy hurt his thigh pretty badly and Dick was scared. We did not have dinner till late and I went back with Dad and had quite a plowing lesson. Roy went down town town at noon but said he would be back again and come over and say goodbye so I thought I would wait over there till he came and then go up with him and drive him down to the station. I went up to the house about 3.30 and got a spade and a drink of water and came out and began to dig up a stone where Dad was plowing. I was thus employed when Roy came back in great haste and informed me it was 20 to five. I hustled out of that and found Dick's wheel at the head of the lane where Roy had left it for me and when I got up I found Dick had the harness on Joe I got Roy to the station in time There was a big {bunch?} at the station I guess they cleared out most of the summer bugs as they had an extra coach or two on. This being {illegible} day had something to do with it. I got the cows up and nearly milked by the time Dad had the horses put away and we sat down to tea by seven o'clock. Hot to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday September 5th Dick got up extra early this morning and struck out for school in good time so as to get a good seat. Daddy went back to plow and I sawed all the wood left in the pile and then went back about nine o'clock to where Dad was with a handspike to get that big stone out Daddy helped me and we rolled it down into the bush. I had a long plowing lesson and came up about eleven and got some potatoes and then went down town and got some meat & groceries. I got home about noon. Dick got home at noon and did not go back. This after noon although it rained all the time Daddy plowed till five o'clock and is now nearly done. I did some cleaning up around the stable and chores. Dick went down for the mail and found out from Mrs Woodson (before it began to rain) that the road the rest would go out to the Shand's to-night, but it rained so hard we could not go, although when it slacked up a little after tea we began to get ready, but it started up again and we gave up the idea and it certainly would have been a rotten drive in a {open?} wagon. We all wrote Bill to-night and Dick gave us a grand con{cert} on his squeaking symplophone. Wednesday September 6th I cleaned up and worked around the stable till ten o'clock this morning and then went back to the field with Dad. The flies were very bad and the horses about crazy. He finished the plowing soon after I got there and then hooked on the harrows and I harrowed till noon. After dinner Daddy took Joe and Ginger down and got Vyse's disc and I lay around till he got back and then we took both teams out and he disked and I harrowed all the after noon. The soles of my feet got pretty tired and poor Ginger got pretty disgusted but we got a nice lot done. I quit a little after five and went up and gave the horses {feed?} while Dick went and got the cows. We milked before tea. Mrs. Ross and Bob were here for tea and Daddy has just driven them home. They are staying at Jim. McQueen's. Dick went down with them to get some school books from {Mossay?}. Daddy and I expect to go to the Toronto exibition to-morrow so will have to get up extra early. Huby said he would come over & do chores close this morning but nice breeze & cool this aft. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday September 7th Daddy got me up about five o'clock and we did the chores. Then we hussled for all we were worth through breakfast and down to the train. We thought we were going to miss it but when we got there we watied about five or ten minutes before she started. We arrived at the Exibition grounds about 10 or 11 and were on the dead run about, all day till 3.30 p.m., and then did not see nearly all the stuff. But what we did see was great. The Widespred had a very fine exhibit of crates chests and wardrobes. There was a very large number of cattle on show. We got home about half past nine and well about frozen. It rained quite hard here about six so they tell us. Huby was to have come over here and milked but he did not get over till after six and Dick had the cows nearly milked. The trains were very crowded but we managed to get seats all {the} way. Every body on the way up was talking reciprocity and there {were} very few that seemed to be for it and they did not seem very shure whether they ought to be or not. Nice cool day. and a little rain about half past three on. Friday September 8th Got up fairly early and I worked around the house chopping wood till noon. Went over a little before to see if we could get Mr. Vyses disk this after noon. Dad wanted to get it this morning but Vyse was not through with it. After dinner I waited around till Dad took Harry & Bill over and got the disk and then went back with him and disked on the oat stubble alsike {crop?} all the after noon. He had Joe & Ginger on the harrows. and Lee Woodson came over about six and helped us put the box on the wagon. After tea Daddy & Dick hooked up the little team to the wagon and drove down to the Woodsons while Enah & I got fixed up. He was soon back and the whole bunch of us drove out to the Shand's. We had a great time. Paul Lee Dick, Charlie Shand & I playing games out in another room & outside (full moon) while Miss Robinson & Miss Drayton entertained the bunch in the other room. We got home about one o'clock. Paul Lee & I walked quite a lot of the way as we were pulling each other out of the wagon all the way home to try and get a roomyer seat. Quite cool to-night & all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday September 9th We got up very late this morning I disked all morning with the big team and Daddy had the little team on the harrows. It was very hot and I was about half asleep and the blooming thing seemed to go all wrong. Dad went over this morning to see if he could borrow Mr. Vyse's roller but Mr. Flemming had it, so he went over to Mr. McBride's at noon and borrowed his. This afternoon it was cooler with a little breeze and I finished disking and Daddy rolled with the little team till about four o'clock and then we put the big team on the roller and I took the little team up the poor little things were pretty tired and ringing wet. I did the chores up before tea. Edith and B. Kain were here to tea. After tea we fooled around (see inside front of cover of this book). Enah and I went down as far as Martin's hen pens with them & Daddy went to sleep. Lila and Dorothy McCall were over too this after noon but did not stay to tea. Mr. Skey who had a stroke the other day and has been rapidly sinking died this after noon about half past five. Sunday September 10th Had a good sleep this morning and went down to church and Sunday School but do not have to go early now as Mr. Wiser is back on the job, by the way he has not paid me yet, two spot coming from that direction. Stayed at Aunty Maude's to dinner and then went up town and fooled around with Murray who is greatly exercised over the report that Perce Brook & Lena Gilbert are married having been hitched in Simcoe last night. He came over here and we roamed around and he inspected the piano & cream separator and stayed to tea. We walked down to church after tea and Daddy and Enah drove down. Mr. Johnson had to bring his dog out during service as it came up the isle and to the pulpit. It came up this morning near the end of the service. Mr. Davis patted it for awhile and then it went over and lay on the register till church got out. I was helping the organ with Wiser and after church Murray and I walked down to the pier where we found Hazen and Roy Dell we sat there for awhile till all the people left and then they walked up to the head of Main St with me and I came home for tea. It has been pretty hot to-day. The population of Dover is increasing. Liz. Jackson {illegible} had twins lately and Stan {Brock?} {illegible} made father to-day. Tige was not here to-night when we all came home and has not turned up yet. Daddy killed a crow to-day he just had the gun at his hip and {happened to pull the trigger as the crow flew away?} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday September 11th Tige was here this morning when we got about six o'clock. Daddy and I went back this morning out harrowing with {illegible due to faint ink} he rolled with the little team. I finished harrowing this after noon about half past two and I brought Joe & Ginger up while Dad rolled what I had been working on with the big team till six. I did the chores and milked Bobby before tea. I cleaned up a little around the stable and the barn floor to clean the wheat on. Daddy finished rolling and took back the roller after breaking Mrs. McBride's neck yoke. He thinks that field is now ready to sow if it does not rain. Gerry Holden & his brother were over here to see the apples to-night. Mr. Vyse came over after tea and is talking to Dad now. He was telling us about poor Tom Fawset who is in an very bad state. Mr. Alex. McCall is I suppose spouting in the hall to-night I would like to hear him but I am too tired to go down. I was very hot this morning but there was a nice breeze this afternoon we never had any water back with us this morning. Dad said he was not thirsty but I just about flooded out my stomach when I came up at noon. I was so dry I could not spit. Had a hot bath and went to bed early. First {illegible} I have had of any {illegible} for about a month. Tuesday September 12th Got up pretty fairly early this morning. After breakfast Daddy and I went down to Blakie's and got some oats and borrowed his fanning mill and cultivator. Mr Vyse was here when we got back and he and I put about fifty bushles through the mill for seed which took us till nearly noon. Daddy cultivated on the wheat ground this side of the gully. I lay down at noon and went to sleep when I woke up it was about half past two and Bill Barlow was here talking to Enah. He came down to the meeting last night and missed his train this morning. Enah and I were going town this afternoon so we to Bill down to catch the 3.15 after he had had a little talk with Dad on reciprocity but there was no chance for an argue. I had to get Joe shod and I took Enah around to the Greenhouse to get some flowers for the Skey's. We did not get home till after five as Greenbury had to put new shoes on all Joes feet. We met Evan's Johnson who said he had just driven Russ. Skey out home. Russ took the gun out and shot a hawk and fired a couple at a crow but he was too far away. When Dad came up he took Blakie's fanning mill back and I did most of the chores. Russ stayed to tea but went right down afterwards as he expected Douglass on the eight train. It is very cold to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday September 13th Went and started to cut corn this morning. Daddy kept on cultivating all morning. The drill came up to-day and Vyse sowed his wheat this morning. I went over and he said he would draw it up in the field over the gully after dinner. So this after noon Daddy took weat over in the wagon and I went with him. Vyse got there at the same time. The automobilly belonging to the Norfolk Gas Co. was busted and pulled up in the gate way. They had to {illegible} of the road and shortly afterwards Johnny Walker and Albert Mc{illegible} came along on Johnny's trap and they towed it home. Daddy kept on sowing till after six. I stayed awhile with him {till it rained?} and then went on cutting corn till about five when I came up and did the chores. I got about 14 shocks cut. Daddy got about 12 bushels of wheat sowed. It has been very cool all day and is quite cold to-night. The thermometer marked freezing last night but we don't know whether it did freeze or not. Thursday September 14th Got up good and early and then found the blooming cows had gone back and {had made?} their way over in the sod the other side of the wheat ground across the gully. {illegible words due to faint ink} in to the gully but would take to much time and space and I might swear if I {illegible} of my chase But I got them up with the help of Daddy and we got them milked soon at {illegible}. Daddy finished sowing the wheat this morning and I got a line of shocks right through to the fence. This after noon I cut some wood {illegible words} for a rasp to sharpen my hoe with for about half an hour and then went back to cut corn. Daddy was runing out furrows and ditches all the afternoon till dark. Mr. Blakie came over and helped him most of the after noon. I only got two shocks made this after noon as it was so late when I started. It began to rain about five o'clock so I came up and did the chores. Mr. & Mrs. Laurie were over {missing words} the gun back this afternoon but did not get a shot. It has been cool all day their was a white frost last night but it is {....ing} and warm to night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday September 15th It rained so hard last night that the ground was too wet to work on all day. I went back for the cows and had a far worse tramp than yesterday morning although they were right in the woods but lying down so I did not see them. When I had been back quite a while, Daddy came back and we tramped way over into Watsons and he at last found them in our woods. Tige found a ground hog back there and was afraid to go right up and kill it but held it at bay till I {battered it?} with a club. About ten o'clock Daddy and I took Belle down to get her a new shoe set as their were a lot in the shop he stayed with {Billy?} and talked reciprocity while I went and got my hair cut. I also went into the printing office and had a look at Manager's apparatus. We got home just about noon. Dick took his dinner to-day. this afternoon I read for awhile in "The Millionaire Baby" and then Daddy and I went and socked up the wheat on the barn floor. Daddy killed a couple of roosters and he & Enah drove down town Dad got his hair cut and Ena stayed to tea down town and was going to the flower choir to-night. I was going down to-night to come home with her but did not feel very well so Dick went instead. I spent most of the evening on the sofa and Daddy cleaned the roosters. It has been cool and rather cloudy all day. I have felt kind of rotten all day. We got a letter from Aunty to-day describing their trip to Banff Walter took her and Winnie there for a couple of days and they had a fine time. Auntie evidently thought the mountains were grand. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday August September 16th Stayed in bed this morning till about half past eight as I was not very well. I lay around all morning reading "The Millionaire Baby". Dick went down town and made a dollar peddling {illegible} {hills?}, Daddy went back and shovelled ditches. This afternoon Dick, Ferdie and Lissy went back shooting with the shotgun and a rifle but they did not shoot anybody, strange to say. Daddy and Enah went down to Mr. Skey's funeral. One of us ought to {have?} gone over to Bannister's to thrash this afternoon but under the circumstances could not. Mr. Highland was here again to buy the blue grass seed and offered Dad. sixty-five dollar. He said he would come again on Monday. Warm and nice to-day. Sunday September 17th Daddy and Enah & I set out for St. Williams this morning and Dick went down to church and Sunday School and stayed all day till five o'clock. I took a dose of salts this morning. The first I have ever taken I think. I stayed home from school once a long time ago to take one but got out of it after nine o'clock. I read and drew pictures most of the day, doing the chores by degrees. Al. Faulkner was over to borrow the double harness, but as Dad had it with him he said it did not matter this is the first time Dad has used it for a month or two. Charlie Ferris and the two Quanberry's came through from the lane. They had been taking pictures. Tige and I had a very enjoyable day of it. {I ate well?} dinner & lunch I wanted {illegible} as I came to it, and Dick and I had our Tea to-gether upstairs. They came home just as we got through with a good supply of peaches. They had some hickory fruits which they said {need?} ripening up. Today Emery fixed up a hoe and sent it to me to cut corn with. They said it was hot to-day. It may have been, but I was not. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday September 18th Got up very late this morning. Dad worked on the {wheat ground?} all morning but had a few interruptions. Watson's cattle {broke the} fence with ours but we let things go and they went back again before night. Mr Langdon {illegible} came over this morning wanting to buy some of the manure but Daddy would not listen then he wanted by ten acres of soil without success then he wanted to know if the apples were sold and when Dad told him they were he went. Then Mr. Highland and Huby came over. I went out with the team while Daddy came in and sold the blue grass seed to him for seventy-five dollars. Dad's price {illegible}. I chored around all morning. After dinner Daddy and I took the blue grass down and Highland gave him cash in full at the Commercial Hotel and of course he had to treat the boy. To-night Daddy and I went down to hear Mr. Charlton spout but we all did not know what he was talking about and I guess he didn't either. There was a big crowd there nevertheless. Jim Law was there having a fine time till Geo. Hammond tried to put him downstage and then he promised to be good. We did not stay long {rest of sentence obscured}. Tuesday September 19th Up good and early this morning but it looked very rainy. Daddy and I took both teams out. I rolled and he harrowed. Mr. Vyse came over and disked. We were out till about nine when it began to rain and we had to come in. It rained like fun for about an hour making the ground un-fit for work to work on for a couple of days. I read till it stopped raining and then Daddy cut wood till noon and I took it in. This afternoon Dad went back and fixed the line fence between us and Watsons where the cows get over and then shovelled ditches. I cut the lawns cleaned out the stables and cut wood. There was somebody shooting over at Bannister's and the shot was rattling around on the barns where I was cutting wood so I thought I would quit as {thought?} it would tickle. After tea I went over and and got a ball of binder twine to bind corn with to-morrow. I tried the stalks but they break to easily and it takes so long to pick good ones but nice and warm. Miss McBain, Miss Law and Edith Laurie call to-night and scared us all. I thought it was Dick and yelled at them to come in. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday September 20th I cut corn all morning and got cut a great deal faster with the binder twine. Daddy finished shovelling out the ditches on the other side of the gully. Huby came over and brought Bill with him. We were very surprised to see him. He left the West last Friday night and got home last night. He says he had a very fine trip. He could have stayed longer and had work but he wanted to get here in time to vote for McCall. I cut corn all afternoon till six. Dick came back about five and cut while I went up and got a drink. Then he went over to look at the chestnuts but he says they are not much good. We did not get through chores till late to-night bacause I did not quit soon enough and get the cows up. I made 29 shocks all told to-day. The land was dry enough for Daddy to cultivate and harrow on the summer fallow this afternoon. Pretty cool this morning but got hotter in the day. There was a touch of frost in the gully last night but not on the level. Thursday September 21st Cut corn this morning and Daddy worked on the wheat ground. Mr Vyse came over for a little while he has a boil on his hand and his arm is in a sling. Watson's cattle got into our place this morning and I had to take them out. Spotty got with them as I was not quick enough to head her off. I could not get her separated so she stayed over there and Daddy got her to-night with a lot of trouble. This after noon Daddy Enah and I drove down town. It was sprinkling a little and we could not work. Daddy went up to the school house and voted and Enah got the books out of our pew in church. They are fixing the church all different inside. About half the population of Dover was Drunk to-day. I suppose because the bars are all supposed to be closed. There have been two or three election fights and a lot of money bet. Dick and I went down town to-night to hear the returns of the election. We were surprised on reaching town to hear that Charlton had been elected by 101 majority and only two places to hear from. We went up to {illegible} after and heard the encouraging reports for tory. There were {illegible} on the platform reading out the lists and Dick brought them in from the telegraph office. Their faces grew blacker although they tried to {illegible] every minute as the majority {illegible}. We came home about ten o'clock as we told Dad we would be home at 9.30 but found he had gone out to look at Webster's cow which had choked on an apple and when they tried to shove it down with a stick broke it off. Dad had a {illegible} time. Jim Law was up having a fine time to-night and illegible}. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> <h2>Hooray For Borden</h2> Friday September 22nd Cut corn all day. Dad worked on the wheat ground all day. He took the little cart out this morning as he thought I would be working the big team but he found the ground on this side was too wet where he wanted me to disk so kept on with them till noon. Dick came home at noon with the tidings that Borden was in with 43 majority. He also had the globe which of all particulars. The Liberals were just simply skunked owing to reciprocity. If they had never got it into politics they would more than likely be in power now. Most of the cabinet ministers were defeated including Fielding, Paterson, Graham, Sir Fredrick Borden and Wm. McKenzie King. Manitoba did not send one Liberal candidate but Alberta and Saskatchewan both went Liberal. Nova Scotia New Brunswick and Quebec went Liberal and Ontario and British Columbia were Conservative by very large majority and P.E. Island was a tie two of each. There were seventeen nationalists elected in {total?}. It went very different from what we expected as we thought Alex McCall was sure to be returned and and there was no chance for Borden {illegible} Very nice day. Dick told us tonight that Mrs Joe Jacques died this morning {illegible due to words missing}. Daddy does not feel very well to-night. <h2>Canada is saved from Yankeedom.</h2> Saturday September 23rd We got up fairly early this morning but did not get started to work very early. Daddy and I disked all morning and got the wheat ground all gone over. He got Blakie's cultivator disk with the little team I cut corn from 2.30 till 4.00 this p.m. Mr. Blakie came over and helped Dad run out the cross ditches in the wheat field. About four o'clock Daddy came back and he and I went to separate our cattle from Watson's and fix the fence where they got in but we found they were not to-gether so we did not bother putting Watson's out as it is his fence that has to be fixed anyway Coleman's colt was in our side this aft. but we could not find where he got in but we think it was through the {back} were Jim Bannister and another fellow were down in Coleman's gully and had quite a lot of mushrooms. Mr. Larry came over this morning with decoy crows and a crow call but only got two. I took the gun back this afternoon. and nearly dislocumbusted my shoulder shooting at a hawk and of course missed him. If I had not it would be about the first time I ever killed with a gun. I shot a kingfisher once but he was sitting still in the corner of the {illegible}. I am not very blood thirsty. Bill Donald was in to night but says the buckwheat is not quite ready yet to cut. Blakie told us that Lambkin's sold after thrashing the blue grass hay he got from us for $50. He also says there is another gas company out leasing land. Pretty hot to-day. Looks like more rain. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday September 26th Got up good and early this morning and after doing most of the chores drove down with Daddy for him to catch the train. I looked all over town for Bill to come out and run the long furrows in the wheat-field but could not find him. He was at the Dominion Hotel but his name was not on the register, so the English-man thought he was not there. {Sewed?} corn most of the day. Dick got a basket full of hickory nuts and said there were twice as many down. I came up about half past four and did chores. Dick and I drove down about seven to meet Daddy and Frank. Lila was all ready to go with us. Bill was at Huby's and said he was coming over to morrow. He had toothache to day and was going up to have a tooth pulled. The train did not get in till nearly nine. We got home about eleven ten with Frank bag and baggage.They had supper and it was after eleven when we got to bed. Fine and warm today. The Mr. Taylor that Frank came home with was a presbyterian minister but not the one we supposed. He was Mr. Willie Taylor from here, Dean's brother. Frank went in to get his teeth fixed and Deans was the dentist. He knew Frank was a Barrett and when he found he wanted to come East took him to {Sycamore} to meet his brother who he knew was coming East to be married. Frank said Deans was pretty homesick and wished he was coming. He assured Frank he would like it better here. Wednesday September 27th It began to rain soon after we got up and there was a terrific gale. Dad went out to plough some of the furrows in the wheat field but only got six done when it got too wet. It rained most of the morning. Dick had to walk to school and took his dinner. I fooled around with Frank and Dad made a scraper for the stable. This after noon it dried out a little and Frank and I picked hickory nuts. We got about a quarter of bushel. Allan and Miss Brent came over for a while with a bunch of kids. Quint came over after school with Dick and they went back shooting with Frank who has a 22 rifle. Quint stayed to tea, Bill came over after tea and got booked for {illegible} cutting corn. Quint went home with Bill. We played cards and {illegible} with marbles to-night. The two remaining kittens of the old white cat were dead this morning. The poor little things were probably starved to death.The old brute of a mother did not look after them at all. Daddy forgot and left the gate open into the wheat field and the {blamed?} cows came up and went in. The first time they have come up by themselves for about a month. Dick said {illegible Vardy?} and Miss Langs were married to-day and went to Simcoe with a big "just married" sign on the back of the automobile. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday September 28th Did not get up very early and it was colder than, I can't think of anything just now. I cut a little wood to get warm and when Bill came I went back and cut corn with him. We got on famously but Frank came back about ten and I went up to take Enah and him down town. Miss Phipps was here then. We got home about noon. About a dozen people (most of them related) came while Enah was off some place to inspect Frank and ask him the usual number of questions. We got some cartriges and we drove around a little. I cut corn with Bill all the after-noon and we can easily finish the piece tomorrow going at the same rate as to-day. Frank came back with his rifle and Bill gave him a few hints about shooting. Daddy got all the furrows run and cleaned to-day. He was planning a lot for to-morrow but Mrs. Cruise came and invited him over to thrash - and he accepted the invitation. Cool all day. Cloudy to-morrow. Friday September 29th It rained hard during the night so I did not get up very early. A lot of plaster fell in the clothes room last night and {burst?} the window. Dad went over to Cruises to thrash when it cleared off a little. Dick had to walk to school this morning and took his dinner. Frank and I fooled around till about eleven when Bill came over to cut corn. I thought it was too wet but was just right. We worked till dinner and till about four o'clock when it began to rain and we had to leave about an hours job. I had the chores all done and the cows nearly milked when Daddy got home. After tea I just about freeze and Dick and Frank played checkers and marbles. Frank got some pretty fair sized potatoes. Bill cannot come back now so Dad and I will have to finish the corn. Cool all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday September 30th Did not get up early as I did not feel very well. Corby came before breakfast and Dick and Frank went off with him after chestnuts. They did not get back till after dark. They said they had good luck, they went to one place Corby paid the man a quarter for the tree and stayed there all day. It was up near the Glen. They saw old Bill walking home. Daddy and I went over and put a post in for the fence between the far wheat field and the gully. Then we went back about half past ten and and started to cut corn. We cut till dinner and finished the field this afternoon. Dad let Belle and Old Harry in the lane before noon and after dinner we found her with her leg caught in the wire which she had done by rolling. We had quite a time getting her out and had to cut one of the upright wires, but she was not hurt badly. Dad killed a couple of young Plymouth roosters for (words illegible due to being partly off the page} confirmation class to-morrow. Allan Law came after Dad to go to Edward {Eugla...} to see a sick mare but Dad told him to go to {illegible} Simcoe and get another man so he went to telephone. Then we all went down town in the lumber wagon with Ginger and Joe. Lila and Dorothy McCall came over and went down with {us?}. We got a stove off Cousin {Poll} and put it up to-night. Daddy and I walked down to meet Roy to-night and did not get to bed till late. Sunday September October 1st It was raining hard when I woke up this morning and it rained all morning. I did not get up till very late and none of us but Enah and Roy went down to church. Dad drove them down but it was raining too hard to walk. We read and slept till they came home and then we read and starved till about four o'clock when had dinner. Huby Lila and Quint came over after and Huby Roy and the four of we boys went back the lane with the gun. after mushrooms but did not fin any. Dick, Frank and Quint went back in the woods. (I thought it would be too wet) and got a wood cock, hawk and a big puff-ball. Clark Matthews was here for a while. Roy went down with Huby and Lila and is not back yet (10 o'clock) Quint came stayed here till about six o'clock and then went down to church with us boys. It was in the town-hall and they had it decorated for harvest home. Frank and I got reserved seats and Dick went under the gallery with Jim Law. We came home nearly right after </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday October 2nd Dad drove Roy down to the station first thing this morning. I had my breakfast with Roy before going for the cows and then milked them. Frank and I went out after hickory nuts but there were not many down and the wind was cold so we came in and shelled some of the chestnuts they got Saturday as Daddy brought them over this morning. Daddy shovelled some ditches and things and then hitched up the team and He, Frank and I went over to Blakie's and got some oats and the fanning mill. After dinner Enah & Daddy drove down to Mr. Matthew {Martin's?} funeral and I sawed wood. Frank tried to shoot some bird's but failed in the attempt. Daddy left Enah at Woodson's and came back and got Frank and took him down to see Mr. Smith and aranged to have him start to school in his room to-morrow. They got back with Dick about five and Enah walked home. Then Dick and Frank went and rolled wheels down the hill in to the gully. After tea we all played a game called "Pit" which is meant to imitate the "Board of Trade" the principal object seems to be for each person to make as much noise as possible in as short a time as possible. Then Frank and I had a bath and Dick his feet. Quite chilly all day. Cloudy. I started reading "The Old Curiosity Shop" where I left off last {spring?}. Tuesday October 3rd I got up late this morning with a bad cold. Frank started school this morning with Dick. They both took their dinners. I sawed quite a litle bit of wood and Daddy fixed up the corn crib temporarily. Then he pitched the cornstalks that William's left over the orchard fence and I spread them under the trees. This after noon Daddy, Enah and I went up to the cemetary with the lumberwagon and tools & materials, and Daddy fixed things up nicely there. The old man up there who was in there with his kid was giving Dad an account of all his troubles with the society. I guess the kid has a fine time in there. The squirrels are so thick and he has a fine place to practice jumping and leap-frog. We got home about five and Dick and Frank got home about the same time. It began to rain before we got home and rained quite hard. We got the ferns from Mrs. Battersby about the same time. I read "The Old Curiosity Shop" all evening. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday October 4th It rained hard last night and this morning is blowing to beat (I can't think of anything just now) all day. Daddy and I went out and had a look at the wheat and Dad thought he would run some ditches. Then we went back and we dug a basket full of potatoes and we husked a couple of shocks of corn. We got a bit over a bushel. We wanted it for the pigs. Then we cleaned up till noon. We worked all the afternoon back of the old house tidying up the rubbish so Dad can "plow" it. Mr. Vyse was over this after noon trying to persuade Dad to cut the clover of the corner field for seed. Dad went over with him but says he wont bother with it as it is not worthwhile. He said the Wardson's had a great time getting off this morning. Frank and Dick came home with a cauliflower and some celery from Mr. Smith. After tea Daddy spent in teaching or trying to teach Frank his spelling. As it has been a sou'west wind, it has been quite warm all day, but to-night the wind is veering. Daddy milked Fred to-day (and kept the calf away but she gave so little that he thought it would be better to let her raise the calf which she is making a fine job off. She put up an awful fuss all day. Thursday October 5th Dad and I loaded up the wagon with the rubbish around this morning and took it down to the marsh. We went around by town and got some meat and a film. We brought Huby over with us as he wanted to go with Dad to Old Mr. McBride's funeral this after noon. They left right after dinner and Dad got back about four having left Huby down town. Then he took Enah over to the McPherson's to see about getting a barrel of apples. I sawed wood and broke and made another leg on my saw-horse this afternoon. Frank and Dick did not get home till late to-night as Frank had to go to the dentist. Dick went down to Confirmation class to-night and Frank is having more fun with his spelling. Daddy has a very lame hip and back to-day. Huby was telling us to-day that Mrs. Gerard's husband has come back and she is toting him around as proud as a peacock. He has been married and had five children since he left her. He also said that Mrs. Ferris had eloped. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday October 6th Dad's hip has been very lame all day. This morning he ploughed the piece back of the old house which we are going to try to put in garden next year, as it is no good at all where it is and is lovely soil. I cleaned up a little around the yard. Daddy got through about noon. After dinner it began to rain and rained like "cats and dogs" all the after noon. I read "The Old Curiosity Shop" all aft. about and Daddy wrote to Aunty. About half past three he hooked up the little team and got Dick and Frank. He got the cows as he was all wet and I helped milk. He got the lock of the trunk we have worked so much at open to-day. I went to sleep reading to-night but they woke me up to play "Pit". I got even on them by winning two games. Frank found out to-day that he had spent about an hour last night learning the wrong spelling lesson. Just the same as I used too. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Jim Blakie, Frank Wiser, Katie Spain's husband and I were crowded into the back seat. Charlie Martin and Miss McCoy had the seat ahead. We went in and saw the church and it looks pretty fancy. They are painting a high pattern around the wall as high as high wainscotting would be and trimming around the windows and little round pictures all around the walls. After church Frank and I went down to the dock and he stayed down to Huby's for dinner and so did Dick. I went home to dinner. After dinner I went back and took a picture of the mound and after a while Daddy Tige the grey kitten and I went back to John Wess McBrides and Dad took him a neck yoke for the one he broke. We had a look all over the new farm. There was no-body around. We came back by our woods and wheat field. Dick got home about half past five and Frank about six. Frank went up creek with Quint and walked home from Black Creek Bridge. Daddy, Enah and I walked down to church. Nothing much doing except for Mr. Hobbs who spent most of his time trying to keep the preacher's dog out. I hung around awhile afterwards but soon came home. Frank was greatly taken with the full moon to-night. He never saw it so big. Monday October 9th I sawed wood most of the morning. Daddy drove Dick and Frank down to school and got a barrel from Old Maneer to pack apples for Uncle Hal. He is going to get them from Mr. Vyse. Lila came over this morning with a fat collie pup which came to them this morning. She thought it would be a fine farm dog but about noon a woman came and got it. This morning Daddy and I finished cleaning up the wheat. Then we went out and ran some cross ditches in the corner field where Daddy is going to plow. After tea Daddy and Dick drove Enah down to the A.G.P.A. shine and they got a wheel for the plow and then drove around town. Frank and I kept rough house but went to bed long before they got home. There was a caterpillar a red one with black ends in my boot this morning and I did not discover him till he had shed most of his pretty coat into my foot and it hurts like fun to-night. Froze hard last night and night before. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday October 10th Got up fairly early this morning and went out with Dad and we ran the rest of the cross ditches. Then Dad ploughed the rest of the day. I went over to Blakie's to see when he could husk some corn. Then I went over to Vyse's and helped him sort some of the apples for Uncle Hal. I came home at noon and picked some Tolman Sweets off our own trees for Mr. Campbell to go in Uncle Hal's barrel. After dinner I went back to Vyse's and he packed and leaded the barrel. I came back home and then went down town to get a rig to take the apples down with. I found Huby and Lila down there and he went with me and got Faulkner's dray and I went over and got them and took them down. Huby went down to see about them but Tasker could not find the rates. It began to rain about four but did not rain much. Frank got his wheel to-day and rode home. Lila has not been to school the last two days as Miss Skelby has a poisoned face. Wednesday October 11th Got up early again this morning. Dick and Frank rode their wheels to school this morning. I went out with Dad and pitched some sods out of the ditches that he had to plow across. I got my feet soaking wet and my foot got sore where the caterpillar slept in my boot all night so I came up and changed boot and socks. Then I went out and husked a shock of corn before dinner. I picked apples all the afternoon and got all the Northern Spies that I could reach with the step ladder and climbing off one of the trees. George Holden borrowed our ladder about a month ago and has not brought it back yet and not likely he will. Dad got it from him last spring but did not pay for it as Holden had borrowed it from Old Maneer in the first place. When the boys came home we picked more apples and Frank worked at his wheel and then went to look for potatoes in the jungle but only got a few. Mr. Blakie came over this after noon and husked fifteen shocks of corn. Dad has 6 {loads/lands} out of 40 plowed. Enah went down town this after noon to auxillary or some thing but found remembered when she got down that it was not till to-morrow. She heard that Hannah {illegible} and Lloyd Crysler were married yesterday, and also that Mrs. Ferris was back with her family again not likely she ever left. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday October 12th Went out again this morning and dug mud out of the ditches where Dad is plowing. Then I came up to the house, did a few chores around, and Frank and I opened up some ditches, one out of the buck wheat field which is full of water. Frank did not have to go to school to-day as it was Teacher's Convention. This afternoon I went over to Bannister's and borrowed a ladder to pick the rest of the Northern Spies. I got a little over a bushel off the two trees. Frank wrote letters all the afternoon and about four o'clock went down to the dentist's and got his tooth finished up. We all went down to-night to hear the Polmatics sisters whom the orchestra got to come. They were fine for instrumental music but not much for singers, a fine cornet player and violinist. Another played all sorts of things such as, Tuberphone and Xylophone, which were played with hammers same principle as bells. Fine day to-day. Blakie husked more corn. Friday October 13th Sawed a little wood and cleaned up the stables. Bill Donald came at last this morning to cut the buck wheat, he had a pretty bad time some places for the mud. I went out with him and went around the first time to throw the sheaves out. About eleven his wife and daughter came over with his dinner and they stayed all day and shocked it up for him. There were a couple of places he could not cut wth the binder but will have to take the scythe to them on Monday. I cleaned out the corn crib and Frank and I fixed it a little, and Dad finished it after dinner. This after noon Daddy, Frank and I went out with Harry and Belle and got the corn that Blakie had husked. We got all we could pile on the wagon-box which was over 27 bushels from thirty shocks. Bob Miller came over and invited Dad to go and see a heifer he had at the slaughter house at 7 am. to-morrow. Frank and Dad went out about five and helped them shock up a little. Dick has been away all day with Ferdie as this is {a} Civic holiday and school is closed. He was going to Simcoe to see a foot ball match between Dover and Simcoe but he could not get a ride with any one who was coming home by six so did not go. To-night we all went over to Blakie's and played Pit. Had a great time teaching them the game. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday October 14th Dad went over to the slaughter house this morning to see about the heifer that Bob told him about last night. He arranged to take it for a load of hay and the calf they got last spring. Dad only got a little plowing done this morning and none at all this after noon as Bannister came over this morning to get him to go over there to see their pigs. Frank and I cleared up a little around and did chores. I got one foot in up above my shoe tops in a hole of old barn-yard-extract of manure (sweet). This after noon we boys were all going to husk corn but Mr. Vyse came over after the mower and invited Frank and I over to his buckwheat field where we spent a very enjoyable afternoon pitching buckwheat out of the road of the mower. Mr. Vyse mowed part of the time and then Mr. Fawset the rest. The field was very wet and muddy and Mr. Vyse gave Frank a quarter to clean it off. When we came home we all went back and got another load of corn. Edith Lawrie was over here to tea and after tea all the choir came out and spent the evening. We all played Pit most of the evening while ones that did not like it sang and played {Hot Time?}. Sunday October 15th We all got up this morning about 10 o'clock except Dad who got up early and did the chores. We had breakfast or dinner I just forget now which we decided to call it about eleven. After that Frank and I went for a drive with Josie down the lake shore to the school house around by black creek. and home via the mill. When we came home we fooled around looking for hickory nuts and one thing and another till tea time. After tea I went down town but did not stay late but came home as far as he came with Art. Quanberry. I stayed around the Methodist Sunday School most of the time. Dad, Dick and Frank went down to Sam. Law's to night to see when he could come to thrash but no-body was home. Dick was down town wth Ferdie all afternoon. None of us were at church to-day. Dick said Aunty Maude told him Mr. Johnson was very disappointed that there were so few kids in church as this was childrens day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday October 16th This morning Dad went down to Sam Law's again but he was not home but he found out that Vyse had been down and seen him anyway. I did chores around and cleaned up all I could find between the horse stable and the big barn. George Holden came about ten o'clock to pick the apples. His gang consisted of Hilt, Moor, Wiser and Billy Loan. They were here all day and got eight bbls {barrels} all together. Six of Canada Red's, 1 1/2 of Seek-no-Furthers, and 1/2 bbl of Spies. I gathered up all their culls I could this after noon. I also took a picture of the bunch. Cousin Loll and Cousin Bessy were out this after noon. Dick went down to {Anderson's} sale this after noon. Dad got a good lot plowed to-day. Mr. Blakie husked some more corn this morning. Bayly and Miller's butcher, Mr. Tuck brought the heifer out to-night. Mr. Johnson was out to-night I guess on business. Daddy, Dick and I went out after tea to-night and picked up more apples. Tuesday October 17th Got up at the usual hour this morning with out being called, first time I have done such a thing since we have been on the farm. It looked so much like rain that Daddy and I went back after breakfast and got the corn Blakie husked yesterday. It began to rain while we were back there and has kept it up all day, and is raining yet. We just left the corn in the wagon and put Holden's apples in the barn as he had just left them in the old shed. We also took the knife out of the mower which took us quite awhile. Then we started to fix the pig pen floor and finished it after dinner. I spent most of the after noon in watching mud - not a very cheerful occupation but there was nothing else to do. The boys took their dinner to school but got pretty wet. This was the first day of the Simcoe Fair, I hope they had a nice time {written in different text} Beautiful Day - Slush </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday October 18th It was too wet for Daddy to plow this morning so he opened some ditches in the wheat field. I fooled around and helped Dad do some little things we had left for a rainy day. Enah went down town to get some things for Frank, as this is his birthday. We celebrated it to-night at supper. I got a nickel out of his cake. This afternoon Dad plowed all this afternoon and I got the apples that were on the lawn crated. I also sawed wood and did the chores. I took a picture of the interior of the horse stable but I could not keep the horses from switching their tails so I don't suppose it will be any good. Dick and Frank rode their wheels to-day but took them through Martins. We three boys think we will go to Simcoe Fair to-morrow. The High School petitioned for a holiday but Mr. Liddy said he would {illegible} school for those who wanted to go come but he did not object to any staying away to go to the fair. Thursday October 19 Frank, Dick and I started out for Simcoe with Joe about 9 o'clock this morning. We left her at Mr. Frank Bawlby's where Mrs. Bawlby said she would be looked after we walked on in to the fairground and got there about eleven. We went through the buildings first and saw the usual collection of fruit, vegetables, grain, fancy work, stock implements etc. Then we just wandered along Frank and I spent most of our time watching a fellow who had a cage of bees. The things were crawling all over every body around but would not sing. The fellow was right in with them and would scoop them out of the hive by the hand full and rub them over his face without being hurt. We also saw a review of Boy Scouts which was very poor. Doug Henderson was Scout Master, but not the only one. We left the grounds about three and went to Dreamland where they had on a couple of pretty good comedy films. We got home about six. Joe behaving herself pretty well except she shied nearly into the ditch at a cone and she did not go very well. {word off the page - Daddy?} had plowed all day and evidently got on very well. Bill Donald cut the rest of the buckwheat. If all is well Aunty will be starting from Fort Saskatchewan for Dover in about three or four hours. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday October 20th Dick was sick last night Simcoe was too much for him. He did not go to school all day but is a little better to-night. I sawed a lot of wood and finished up my wood pile. Then I cleaned out the stables and rubbed down Joe & Ginger. Then I picked up the good pears under Titus' favorite tree. I picked apples all the afternoon, and got all off one Tollman Sweet tree and all that were on a Spittsonburg but there were only a few. Frank got quite a few hickory nuts this afternoon. Daddy plowed and got quite a lot done. The two Miss Haldings Miss. Morgan and Miss Buckwell drove Isacks pacer over this afternoon. Mrs. Barwell was in to-night to see Dad about leasing {for grass?}. Miss Philip was over this morning to get some more butter as she said she liked the last very much. Saturday October 21st Dad went over to Vyse's this morning after some sacks to pack up the wheat and I got some wood and cleaned the stables. When he came back we hooked up Harry and Belle to the wagon dumped the corn that was in it and Frank Daddy and I went and got two loads more before dinner and left one to unload. This afternoon we sacked up the rest wheat that we could. I say we but I did very little of it. Frank started to hold the sacks for Dad then he went to gather hickory nuts and I held them for awhile and then Dick came out and finished and I slept I guess in the hay with Tige. They got twenty sacks and there is quite a bit left. Daddy and I went out and got the rest of the corn which was not quite a wagon box full. We did not get through chores till quite late to-night. Lila came over this afternoon and she & Frank went out and got a lot of hickory nuts. Dick is quite a lot better to-day but not well yet. I guess we are in for a bath to-night, may get out of it though. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday October 22nd All except Dick went down to church this morning. Frank and I went down first to Sunday School or what was meant to be Sunday school but was really just a practice for children's day which is to be held again in two weeks at the reopening of the church. It was sprinkling whent we got out of church and was raining hard by the time we got home. Frank wanted to go and see Mr. Taylor about his bees but I persuaded him not to, on account of the rain. It rained till about two or three o'clock and began to blow like fun and is yet. I wrote a letter about the first thing after dinner, then went in the parlour where the rest of the family were gathered and enjoyed some music. About four o'clock I went out and fooled around and went back after the cows. Frank and I went down after five to post my letter. The creek was so high that Frank thought he would go down to the dock. The waves were not extra high but he was delighted with them. We got home soon after dark. No body went down to church to night. Dick is still feeling sore but is better. Saturday Monday October 23rd I woke up myself this morning and got up before Dad. Frank also got up early and stubbed his toe which has been very sore all day. Daddy went over to Blakie's first thing this morning and sacked up a lot of oats. I got some wood of different kinds for a collection and also cut a little. Dad got back about 10.30 and we hooked up to the wagon and went over and got the oats. Daddy also helped Blakie with his pigs for quite awhile. We got back quite a bit after noon. Mr. Vyse was over for awhile after dinner. Daddy and I went after dinner down to the mill with the wheat we had sacked up and got some bran. Dad went home and got a wagon load of rails and I took Mr. Vyse's bags back to him. Mr. Holden came over when we came up to the house with the rails and took the apples down and also paid Dad $12 for them. I went back after the cows to-night and just about got drowned with rain going back & it also hailed and was colder than {Toby has drawn a wee sketch here}. Stan was in to-night before tea and says they are getting on fine down there. He is up on a little excursion buying hay for some big company down there. It has been very windy to-day and dark and cloudy for the bigger part of the day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday 24th October Beautiful day. Dad plowed all day and I messed around. Frank's toe was so sore he could not go to school to-day but stayed home and wrote letters and ate cookies that Enah was making. I fooled around and did chores and such as that. This afternoon I picked apples. Dick went to school to-day. We all quit early so as to get a good start to the station to meet Aunty & Win. The cows came up of their own accord to celebrate the occasion. Frank drove down with Daddy & Enah on account of his sore toe and Dick and I went on foot. We left at the same time but Dick and I beat. We waited till about half past nine for the train. Cousin Clare and Huby were on with Aunty. We went up to Huby's where Aunty is to stay for a day or so and stayed till about eleven ten o'clock. Wednesday October 25th It looked very rainy this moning and Dad was going to haul in the corn but he thought he would plow till noon. I cleaned up a little around the {----yard?}. Frank did not go to school to-day either. This afternoon Dad just went out to finish a land that he had struck out very crooked before any one went along the road. I went out with him and opened up a ditch. Then I came back and bummed around with Frank, for Enah had gone down town to see Aunty and get some presents for Lila. She said she would be home at half past four, and did pretty well by being home a little after six and with neuralgia at that. Dad came up about three o'clock and we went back and got a load of corn but did not have time to unload it and had to leave some in the field. I spent most of the evening in writing this thing which I think I have kept about long enough now that Aunty is home. Then Enah got think she was funny and poured about a dipper full of water on me and then on my diary on purpose. {illegible} whats the {illegible} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday October 26th Did not do any thing much but the usual chores. Aunty & Win came over about ten and I stayed around with them till noon. Dad plowed all day. Frank went to school to-day although his toe was pretty sore. This afternoon Vyse hauled his buckwheat. He had Jim Blakie helping him I helped them mow it away when they brought it. We put it the hay to thrash here when Bill Donald thrashes his. While they were getting loads I did nothing much but read & finished "The Old Curiosity Shop". Dick and I went down to Huby's to-night for tea as it is Lila's birthday. Frank went there right after school & stayed all night. We came home about nine or half past. Russel Shay was down for a little while. He is just been having his holidays. Huby was at a political meeting in St. Williams, nominating for the Provincial elections in December. Old Quint did the carving on a chicken and had it all over the place. It has been a beautiful day to-day. Friday October 27th I spent most of the morning in sawing wood and finished up my pile. It was very cold all day. It snowed a little last night and was drizzling rain this morning. Daddy plowed all morning and finished soon after dinner. Then we got a load of corn and just left it in the wagon by the corn crib. I threw out most of what was in the wagon while Dad finished plowing the field. The boys' both took their dinners. Frank got home about about five but Dick did not get home till six. He was down watching a football game between Dover & Simcoe. The score was 0-0. Blakie has all our corn husked now and there is about a load more in the field. Dad went down town to see Aunty to-night. I sat around most of the evening and got warm and listened to Enah teaching Frank all sorts of things which he was supposed to think was geography but he did not think any thing about it. I think guess. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday October 28th It froze the hardest yet last night ice 1/4 inch thick, but was a beautiful day. We had planned to do all kinds of things to-day but Mr. Flemming came over this morning and gave Dad a bid to his thrashing this afternoon. We spent most of the morning in getting in the rest of the corn, and finished. We have about 900 bushels. Frank helped us. Dick was down town after some stuff. This afternoon Dad of course put in at the Flemmings and Dick went down and got the mail and then helped Frank get hickory nuts. Enah went down town this after noon. I went over right after dinner to Bill Donald's to see what about the buckwheat as Sam Law said he could thrash it on Monday but Bill was in Beautford and will not be back until Monday anyway. I did not do any thing else much but the chores. Dad got home about six. He and Dick have gone down to night to meet Roy and they have not got back yet as the train is just in (9 o'clock). Sunday October 29th Did not get up till late this morning and did not go down to Sunday School, but Dick and Frank went down. They were going to have church in the town hall again but, George Steel did not light the furnace and the door was locked into the cellar so they got frozen out and had to ajourn to the Sunday School where it was just as hot as the other was cold. I stayed at Huby's for dinner with Dick and Frank and Aunty and Roy went over home. We fooled around with the football for awhile after dinner and then Warren Skey came down and Dick, Frank and I went for a walk with him down the lake shore. When we got back Frank and I went over to Mr. Taylor's where we found Mr. & Mrs. Willie Taylor. When we were coming home we met Daddy and Aunty who had been at the cemetry and Aunty was just coming back to Huby's. I went home with Daddy and helped him do the chores and walked down to church again after tea with Roy. After tea church I went down to Huby's where most of the Mr. J. Skey's family were assembled. He has been up preaching to-day. He, Warren & Jim were arranging for a hunt to-morrow. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday October 30th This being Thanksgiving Day Roy did not have to catch the train as he usually does on Monday morning but stayed in bed till dinner time then went down town and came back with Aunty about four o'clock to say good-bye. Vyse came over this morning and he and Dad put the rack on the wagon and hauled in the buck wheat. I did not help in the field only for one load when Vyse went home for dinner but after the first load helped in the mow and did chores and fooled around in the meantime. Bill Donald came in about five and Vyse went home and he took his place. They worked till quite a while after dark but got it all in. I milked and had an awful time with the calf as she got loose and pulled me all around at last I tied her up to the fence but she ripped a board off that and then went in. Frank went down to a shine in the Sunday School and I went down with him and stayed at Huby's with Aunty and Quint till he and Dick came home about eleven. Dick went down this after noon. They had a shooting match to-day and Frank caught a wounded pigeon that sought refuge over here. Beautiful day this forenoon but away to-night. Tuesday October 31st It rained last night quite a lot and there is nothing this morning but a cold fog and sweet, mushy mud. Bill Donald came over soon after breakfast which we had late and he hooked his team up to the wagon and we unloaded the jag of loose stuff they put on last night in the dark. Then we went back and got a load of rails. I cleanded the stables and did chores while they unloade and got another load of rails one they put up near the house the other out at the farm for the thrashers. He brought over this morning some squash, potatoes and cabbages for the thrashers but much more that they would eat. After dinner he helped clear up the yard and then went up to see Sam Law. and Dad sawed some wood and I just fooled around and got warm and in Enah's road, at least tried to. When Bill came back he said Sam Law would not be here to-morrow so we don't know nor don't care much about it. Jim Blakie was over with a sick mare. It has been rotten all day and is in that state to-night so we celebrated Hallowe'en by sittin' round the stove. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday November 1st It was very cold this morning and pretty chilly all day. We didn't do much this morning. About eleven o'clock we hooked up Joe and Ginger & went down town after a few household requisites. We were going to bring Aunty over with us to stay but she was looking after the place for Aunty Maude who had to be up at the store. Frank & Dick could not ride to-day so had their dinner at Huby's. After dinner Dad & I went over to Cruise's sale and hung around till after four o'clock, without bidding on anything. They were only about half through when we left, selling the house stuff. When we came home Dad hooked up the team again and went down and got Aunty. I went to water old Harry and the big fool jumped away and kicked and ran out back of the barn where he got his chain twisted around his leg. I tried to get him but could not so left him there. Dick Quint & Frank came over and Dick got him. Quint stayed to tea but as it was raining or snowing or something he went home right after supper. Thursday November 2nd Dad and I were roaming about the house last night. Dad to fasten banging doors as the wind was terrific then and I to see what Tige was barking at. but it was too cold to bother although she kept up off and on for about half an hour. It froze very hard last night and has been cold with a little snow & biting west wind all day. Dad and I cleaned up over in the big barn this morning prepairing for the threshers. This after noon we cut quite a lot of wood and tidied up the old house a little and have blocked all the openings to keep any ordinary chicken out but two or three fiends in the shape of black minorca hens got in despite all our pains. Then we worked around doing our chores {illegible}. Sam Law came to-night and said he would be here about ten o'clock to-morrow. It is very cold to-night and will unless something very strange happens freeze like frost to-night. More fun with Frank and his lessons after tea. Aunty is after him {next?}. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday November 3rd First thing this morning I went over to Bill Donald's to tell them about the thrasher. He had not got back from his sister's funeral yet but Mrs. Donald said she would send word to the men. I came through Cruise's but did not see any thing of him. I also told Louis's. I got home a little before the machine came. I did not do a thing all day except a few chores. I haven't had a better day all summer for although there have been lots of days when I have not done any more but have not had the pleasure of seeing the others work so hard. We got all the buck wheat threshed but it did not turn out very well only 70 bushels and got started on the alsike. We will finish it up to-morrow. Bill Donald got home at noon and helped us till night. Mrs. Donald also came over to help Enah and so did Mrs. Vyse. It was a fine day to-day cold but not as bad as yesterday and is milder to-night. Aunty went down to Huby's for tea and Huby came over with her after tea. Saturday November 4th Got up before day light this morning and we got started with the machine in good time. Did not have so easy a time this morning. Was in the mow pitching alsike with Billy Louis and Mr. Flemming till we got it nearly all thrashed then Bill Donald came. Dad was on the stack and nearly made it fall against the barn as he went by what different ones told him was in the mow he started to top it out two or three times and then had to built it out again. We got over four bushels of alsike and it is now worth $10 a box. We got two loads of oats thrashed before dinner and finished soon after. Dick and I and Mr. Flemming were in the mow before dinner and Mr. Blakie helped us after. Bill Donald ran the blower and we put the straw in the mow so nobody had to be in there with it. we go 120 bushels of oats but they were very late. We did not do anything the rest of the after noon except hang around and watch Sam Law clean out the engine which he left here together with the clover mill till Monday. Dick went down town with Bill Donald who was going to get his horses shod. He came in and got his buckwheat on his way home. I feel rather plugged up with dust to-night but not near so bad as the last time we thrashed. I guess we are all in for a bath to-night. I don't see much chance of getting out of it. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday November 5th We got up late this morning and as there was no Sunday School this morning took our time going to church. We three boys walked down first and Aunty, Daddy and Enah came down later. The church was reopened this morning and looked fine. The bishop was to have been there but could not come so sent his man. He dedicated the three memorial pieces that had been put in The pulpit in memoriam of Bishop Baldwin, the brass desk of Mr. Skey and the prayer desk of {Fa?}. Daddy and Enah went home for dinner and but the rest of us stayed at Huby's. We went up to church at three o'clock with Aunty to a Children's Day service. After that Frank and I walked up the beach and stayed to Huby's again for tea. Aunty went over to Mrs. Battersby's for tea and Dick came home. I went up to church after tea but was so late that I went behind the organ. So really did not intend to go at all. I found Fatty Turner and Wiser there who said Dad had come down with Enah but had gone off again to kill Holden's old mare. He and Dick came in before church was out. After church I waited quite a while with Aunty for Aunty Maude who was at Miss Battersby's but as she did not come Aunty went down with Daddy and I went down and came home with Frank soon afterward. We went to bed by moonlight as Daddy, Enah and Dick stopped into Mrs. Battersby's on their way home to see Mr. {Gasnon?} who is giving away {som?}. Aunty stayed down to-night as she wants to see about some things to-morrow. It has been a beautiful day and is a beautiful night. Monday November 6th It started to rain soon after we got up this morning and rained all day. It has stopped now and is quite mild. Sam Law came this morning with his man to get his engine he worked around for quite awhile but it was too wet to take it. I went down to Vyse's to borrow his post auger as he intended to fix up the barnyard fence if it cleared off and found him getting ready to come after his buckwheat, so I got a ride. He also brought our cultivator teeth that go on the drill and some {punkins?}. After dinner we cut a little wood and braided corn and sat around reading and watching it rain till it was time to do chores. We also put in the piece that fits in over the doors in the loft of the horse stable and nailed on the boards that the threshers knocked off this morning. I have had a sore throat ever since the thrashing and to night I am getting a cold and my throat is getting better. I spent most of the evening drawing a picture from "Punch" </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday November 7th It has been blowing a North West wind good and strong all day. We did not get any thing done at all to-day. Sam and Alan Law and young Philip were here all day working with their engine as something has gone bust on it. The boiler was leaking. We were going to take the wagon down and get our potatoes from Bob Law. but he did not like to leave the men there with the engine for fear of fire. I fooled around in the house most of the morning. This after noon I cut some wood and went down town with Enah. I got my cheque from Ottawa at the Post Office and deposited it in the Crown. I have it all in there now and have $98.98. Then I got my hair cut and went down to wait at Huby's for Enah who was at Auxillary. I waited with Nig. till Quint and Frank came and fooled around and at last went home with Dick who came soon after and left Frank to wait for Enah. Bill Oaks was over this morning and got booked for a job whenever he was wanted and also some money from Dad as he says he has a chance to buy a home and wants to make a first payment. Aunty hasn't come home yet and says she won't be back till Thursday. Wednesday November 8th The men came this morning and got their engine and outfit and took it away at last. They evidently had some more trouble with it at the top of the hill out here. Guy {Tuple?} came before they were gone to see what was the matter with them I suppose. Dad and I wasted most of the forenoon, trying to raise the rack of the wagon up on the beam after a lot of trouble with the Hay fork ropes and Stan's heel windlass we took the wings off and and got it off in pieces. Then it was about eleven o'clock and too late to go down town so we went and pulled mangles till noon and got the biggest part of them up. This after noon we went down with Harry and Belle and went to get the potatoes but they were not sorted and we didn't have time so we said we would be down Saturday. So we got some groceries and Dad paid his taxes and we got the cider press for Frank. We got John Quanbury and took him home. We also saw Bob Blakie and he said he would meet us but he don't. We got our mangles when we got home and put them down cellar and then did {illegible}. It has been a beautiful day and looks like Indian Summer coming. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday November 9th Dad and I both went back for the plow this morning after cutting enough wood till noon. We spent a lot of time when we got over in the field while Lambkins took the hay off striking out head land furrows and dead furrows and as old Harry was kittenish and Belle was mean from being in so long. However we got on fairley well. I had a good plowing lesson. We had a great deal of trouble after dinner getting Charlotte back into the orchard as she had broken the fence. Dad then went back and plowed and I did up chores ready for night and then went back with the shovel and opened up some ditches out of the field Dad was plowing in. Then the cows went up so I had to go up and put them in, so I stayed and did the rest of the chores. Enah went down town to a tea meeting or something this afternoon and Aunty came back with her. We did not get through tea till late. Another beautiful day. Friday November 10th It rained hard last night so we could not plow till this afternoon and then it was pretty mucky. We did the chores up and I cleaned out the pigeon pens. Dad piled a lot of straw in front of the cow stable which made thing's much better as it would "bog a duck" (as Dad say's) before. We piled the potatoes we got from Chris Quanbury down cellar. Enah went down to her sister's Mrs MacPherson's and spent the day. Aunty looked after things here for her. Dad went back to plow right after dinner. I went back after I cut some wood and done up the stables. It was too muddy for me to have a satisfactory lesson so I dug ditches. I came up and brougt the cows about five and did chores and helped Frank get a few apples to make cider. Lila and Margaret McCall were over this afternoon impersonating Mrs. Gerard and Rina Turner just got married to Mr. Hamacker, {respectively?} Aunty went down with them as Huby wanted her to go down, and stay all night as he and Aunty Maud were invited to the Harding's. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday November 11th Dad hooked the big teams on to the lumber wagon and he, Dick, Frank and I went down town. We went to Huby's first and got a wagon load of boxes and other things. Then we went up to Bob Law's to sort out the potatoes. We got about four or five bushels out of them. We got home about noon. We found Edith Lawrie here with Nipper who was sick and shut up in the stable so he would not fight Tige. She brought him over for Dad to look at. Dad plowed all the after noon. I helped Frank make cider most of the after noon we got quite a lot. Ferdie came over about noon and he and Dick went down town. Dick got home about dark ringing the old cow bell which Aunty had found while cleaning out the store room down home. Dad was afraid it was lost as we looked for it last spring and could not find it. He felt badly about it as it has been down home so long, ke knew it as soon as he heard it. Charlie Shand was over to-day to see Dad about a sick dog too. It has been a beautiful day, but there seems to be a wind getting up to-night. There is thunder and ligning also to-night which they say at this season is a token of mild weather we will see if all's {illegible}. Sunday November 12th It was raining "cats and dogs" when we awoke this morning and evedently had been performing in the same manner most of the night. None of us went to Sunday school but all began to prepare for church but me. But as the time drew nigh to start it was snowing so hard and looked so rotten out that Dad and Enah thought better of it and decided to stay "to home". Dick and Frank however bundled up and went down. It began to be very cold about this time and Dad went out to get the calves out of the orchard and just about fainted from getting his hands so cold, as he had no gloves in. However he got the calves comfortably housed in the old stable. I read all morning "The Dragon and the Raven". It stopped snowing about one o'clock and I went down town soon after. It was freezing but was still muddy. The wind was still very strong as it had been all day but was veering from N.W. to W. The creek was very high all over the marsh. I went into Hubys and then down to the docks accompanied by Quint, Frank and Dick. The wind was enough to blow a fellow off especially as the ice on the pier made it hard to maintain a foothold. Huby came down soon afterwards to see if we were all right. We did not stay there long but went over on the beach where we fooled around till my ears got cold and Quint got ready for home and we went up in the park for a while and then home. Frank went home with me and and Dick went in search of Ferdy and got home not long after we did. We stayed "to home" all evening reading playing the mouth organ and such and listening to the wind which is picking up a glorious rumpus. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday November 13th When the house was aroused this morning all were surprised to find any water left in the kitchen was frozen. The water in the bird cage was frozen, and the lillie in the hall was toughed. Although this was the state of things in the house, the water in the horse stable was not frozen. It was very cold outside and was made more intense by as strong wind. I started to saw wood and Daddy and Enah began to get the stoves ready to move. I broke the frame of my saw which was not much account anyway, so I went down to Huby's to get his saw and also to get him to come and help us move the stove. We spent the rest of the morning getting the stove up. We moved the big stove into the inside kitchen and the little stove in the hall. We did not do any thing much but chores and I cut wood. It has been exceedingly cold all day. And it hopes feels as if it would be a cold night. Tuesday November 14th It was a great deal milder to-day than yesterday. Old Bill turned up about seven o'clock as he had stayed down at Huby's all night. We started to work first thing on the winter pen for the chickens {illegible the?} on the big barn. We covered the top with the old hay that Titus had left in the other end of the shed which we intend using for a calf and sheep pen. We were nearly all morning at this and we did the same to the calf pen with the remainder of the hay. This after noon we fixed up a coop for the chickens to roost in one corner of the shed with a couple of big doors of the horse stable before it was fixed up. Dad went down town about five o'clock after tar paper and poultry netting to enclose the shed. He met the boys on their way home from school and Dick went back with him and helped him bring home his purchases. I did chores and Bill helped me milk. It began to snow quite hard to-night and Bill thought he would be able to follow the track of a fox he had seen signs of yesterday on his way down so Dad said he would spare him tomorrow morning and he went down to Huby's to stay to-night as he had left his gun there and wanted to get an early start. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday November 15th Dad and I worked all morning putting up the wire around the new chicken pen. We also put up more tar paper in the pen and put boards around the top and bottom of the wire. While I was in the barn this morning I saw the old grey cat that Williams left catch a great big rat and eat it. This afternoon we hung the door to the chicken pen and finished it up. About three o'clock Dad hooked up Joe and Ginger and went down to get Aunty and Lila came back with them. I cleaned out the stable while they were gone and then sawed wood. Dad did the chores and I helped milk. Tonight Dad, Lila and Dick are out to catch the chickens and put them in their new pen Lila is holding the light for them and is enjoying herself immensely. Aunty said Bill and Quint started off this morning after the fox. They got as far as Wally's and saw the fox with a chicken, so Bill went on after him and Quint came on home. It snowed a good inch last night and there were bob sleighs out this morning. The sun was very bright and it thawed a lot all day, but it is colder to-night. Thursday November 16th Bill came in this morning before any of us were up. He said he shot the fox yesterday and sold the skin to a fellow from Simcoe as soon as he shot it. There were three Simcoe fellows with a hound after it. We put the rack on the wagon and Dad and Bill went after a load of rails to fix the barn yard fence while I sawed some wood. Phil. {Shaver?} came after Dad while they were out there. I helped them unload. Bill started to work at the fence and Dad and I got a load of poor rails to saw up for fire wood. Bill hung some gates this afternoon and Dad helped him and I just fooled around and took about a half an hour to get my feet warm and dry. When they got through with the gates, Dad went down to the mill with Joe and Ginger to get a bag of flour and Bill cut a good pile of wood. I did a few chores. Aunty and Enah went down town this after noon. Lila spent most of her time feeding the chickens and sleigh riding. She went all the way down town after her sleigh and every body around was looking to her. It was a lot warmer to-day but is cold now. Poor Mickey Law had his leg nearly cut off to-day while he was working down at the fish shanties. We don't know exactly how it happened but the freight car ran over him and they don't expect him to live. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> November 17th Friday Dad was awakened this morning about four o'clock by the piteous cries of his little pet canary, the wild one. He came out and found a rat, the rat we have all been plotting against and trying catch for the last two or three weeks chewing the little canary's leg. He scared it into the pantry and blocaded the door and then broke the old wooden spoon that Mr. Moon made killing the rat but he did kill it. He let it, the canary go till noon and then found that its leg was broken right off so he had to kill it. Bill and Lila Dad and I went out and got a hauled corn stalks. We got three loads jags in and unloaded by noon and there is about another jag standing and the rest are all down and too wet to bring in. It began to sleet about noon and soon turned into rain. It rained all the after noon and is yet and much milder to-night. All the snow has vanished and given place to - mud. Bill went down town this afternoon. Dad and I did not do much but chores this after noon. I read "The O' Ruddy" most of the time and find it is an excellent book. Saturday November 18th It was a brute of a day - rain, sleet and wind. and to-night it is blowing and freezing. I spent about an hour this morning greasing up my old boots. Then I went out and helped Frank get in Dad's road while he was trying to put a window in his new chicken coop so the feathered fools could see to go to roost. I went over to Vyse's about noon with a buck-saw blade to get him to {illegible} it. Dick and Lila went down town this morning to wish Aunty Maude a happy birthday and Lila of course stayed. Dad, Frank and Dick went back to where Dad was blowing to open a ditch. When they came back Dick went down town and Frank and I played hide and seek in the old barn all afternoon. I wanted to see how it would work to {illegible} a hole I made yesterday in the straw right on to the {goal?}. Dad did the work. I read "The O' Ruddy" to-night. I seen a possible chance of getting out of having a bath to-night as Dick is catching it now. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday November 19th Snowed first thing this morning till the ground was covered and then stopped and remained cold for the rest of the day. Aunty and we three boys went down to Sunday school and Dad and Enah came down to church. It was hot enough in church to cook eggs and the smell of paint is still strong. Mr. Johnson preached an awfully long sermon. All stayed to Huby's for dinner except Dad, who went home to do chores. I stayed with Frank there most of the afternoon fooling around with Quint. We came home about half past four and went down to Sam Law's to look for a little hickory nut tree. Dick went off right after dinner with Ferdie but just got home after tea. I read a little out of "The O' Ruddy" and then Enah read the rest of the evening a continued story of the Sunday School magazine which was very interesting but annoying because it came to a stop in an exciting place. Monday November 20th Dad went over to Mr. Vyse's this morning to see if he had the saw sharpened but found he had gone down to see Mickey Law as they had sent for him for because they did not expect Mickey to live. I piled a lot of rails in the wood shed while he was gone. {En.?} Lambert came after him and I told him he was at Vyses, but he missed him. Dad said he didn't care unless the fellow wanted to pay his bill which was unlikely as he had owed it for three or four years. I went over to Vyse's after dinner but he could not sharpen the saw for a day or so so left me his saw. It was good and sharp so I used it for quite a while after I got back. Dad worked out at the old chicken house. I got the job later in the day pp watching cookies from burning which I did but stuffed my self so chock full I thought I'd burst. I read "The O' Ruddy" all evening and found it was getting better. It has snowed all day to day but is quite mild. Poor old Tige has sneaked in the last two nights behind the kitchen stove and stayed till Dad takes her out to the stable when he goes. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday November 21st Did the chores all up then I went and soaked my sore toe and finished "The O' Ruddy" which I was very loathe to do. Dad put on a new piece of roofing paper in place of the one that blew off the chicken house the other night. We also let Davy out for a little run this morning. Did not do anything much this after noon but chores and sawed some wood. Enah went down town to see if they had heard how her sister Mrs. Johnson was but I guess tney hadn't. When Dick came home he told me that poor Mickey Law died this morning. He also said that Al. Faulkner was hurt badly by falling off the bus and it ran over his chest and broke three ribs. The horses ran way up Main Street and then Bobby Sinclair who was inside the bus but had not noticed that Faulkner was not there got the lines and stopped them. It has been much milder today. Wednesday November 22nd It froze hard last night but has not been very cold all day although freezing again to-night. Dad and I got the rails out of the barnyard that had been left from threshing and put them in the wood shed. We also threw down a lot of the old straw stack for the cattle to tramp under. Enah went over to the Martin's this morning to telephone down town to inquire after her sister and heard she was doing fine. Charlie Ruth was in just before dinner to get some information from Dad about canaries as his wife had a pair given her. We went out this after noon and stood up most of the corn that had blown down and there was quite a lot of it. Dad said he would give Frank a quarter this morning if he had no mistakes in spelling and was greatly surprised to find that he had to cough it up. Ben Walker was ploughing to-day. Dad thinks he may go on to-morrow if he can. I started to reaad "Ivanhoe" to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday November 23rd Dad went back and ploughed this morning as it was quite mild and thawed during the night. I did a few chores and then went back with him. He said it was very {bat?} at first as it was frozen hard along the ploughed ground but as he got into the sod it got easier. I cleane the sods out of the ditches and then had a good lesson. It began to rain at noon and kept up till night preventing us from doing anything but chores. Carl Coleman came to get Dad to kill their old horse after dinner but Dad had nothing to do it with told them leave him. I read all the after noon and Dad read James Whitcomb Riley. To night after their lessons, the boys gave an exhibition of their strength and acrobatic feats also vieing with each other in making the biggest noise while I was trying to read and Dad to sleep. Friday November 24th It snowed a little last night and as it did not freeze is very muddy but Dad went back to plow. He plowed all day and it was easy enough but he was mud "up to his eyes" more or less. I did the chores and spent the rest of the morning cutting fire rails. Mr. Duncan was here to see Dad. He went back to find him but returned soon and said he could not swim the stream in the gully. I went back with Dad this after noon. I took a rail with me to put across the creek as Dad told me he had to jump and got in up to his knees. I shovelled ditches all after noon. It was pretty cold wind and began to freeze about half past four so we came up by five. Tige and the grey kitten went back with me. I thought the kitten went back in the middle of the after noon but when we were coming up we picked it up in the gully. Enah went down town this after noon. It promises to be a very cold night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday November 25th It froze too hard for Dad to plow this day so we did not do any thing much. Louise came along this morning about half past ten Mr. Bawlby had to come down to a council meeting and he brought her down and said he would call for her to night. About eleven o'clock we three boys went back to the gully to have some fun. We slid on all the ice we could find that would hold us at all and tried to on a lot that would not hold us and consequently got our feet good and wet. Dad had to go over to Vyse's to see a sick horse or rather a horse that got its foot hurt. This afternoon Frank and Dick went down town this afternoon and got the boxing gloves Enah and Louise also went down. Aunty was over for a few minutes this after noon Dad and I sawed wood most of the after noon. We waited up till all hours to-night as Louise expected Mr. Bawlby. We boys went to bed about ten o'clock. He came about midnight and just as Louise got to bed but she did not go with him. Sunday November 26 I got up this morning of my own accord for a change and helped Dad to chores. We three boys went down to Sunday school and Daddy Enah and Louise came to church. After church I arranged with Bob Miller to go up to Carpenters with him and get my sheep. Dad and Dick went up to Val. Leary's and fixed old Dandy's teeth. We all came home to dinner (a couple of fat roosters dying yesterday had something to do with it), Aunty too. Miss Bawlby came for Louise just before dinner and they went just after. We did not get through dinner till about three o'clock and no chores were done. I did them up and because Dad had to go down and bandage Vyse's horse's foot. The horses were about starved Old Harry especially. Dick and Frank went down with Dad and Dick went on down town. Tonight Daddy and Enah went down to church to-night and left us here alone. We were very good. Aunty went down town town this after noon to have tea at the Lawries. It has been a beautiful day to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday November 27th I went down with the boys this morning and went with Bob. Miller up to Carpenters to get my lambs. We did not get back till about half past ten and as the old horse went so slow. I got four very nice looking Shropshire lambs and Bob charged me {$6?} a piece. I went around the orchard fence as we put them in the orchard and fixed a little around it to keep them in. Gus. Stringer was here when we got back with a couple of teams getting what hay that was any good at all and he seemed to be having his hands full sorting it. I did the some of the chores up before noon. This after noon I went back with Dad for a little while to throw sods out of the ditches he threw out this morning. He got quite a lot done. Every body was plowing to day it seemed Robert John Watson was yelling at a great rate just the other side of the woods. I went over to see what he was doing. He asked me if I was lost and I told him I was just looking for rabbit holes and then I had quite a talk with him. He was plowing with a gang plow and did not seem to be holding it at all. I came up early to do chores. Aunty came over with the boys from school. It has been a beautiful mild day. It seems to be the general opinion that we are going to have Indian Summer now. The sap is running to-day. Tuesday November 28th We got up before day light this morning so Dad could get a good start at plowing but it got began to rain early and kept up all day so we could do nothing but run around in the mud or stay inside. Dad hooked up Joe and Ginger and drove the boys down to school and then went around to inquire after Miss McPherson and found she was a little better. I cleaned out the stables and cut wood while he was gone. I read Ivanhoe most of the afternoon. Bill Donald came after Dad to go and see his grey mare which was broken out in several places. He had been reading up doctor books and was afraid it was some awful disease. I forget the name of it. Aunty went down town and did not get back till dark. I churned for about an hour and a half this afternoon after Enah had been at it for about as long and Dad finished it tonight after churning for about a couple of hours, but there was a big lot of magnificent butter. Aunty read to us all some more. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday November 29th It turned much colder during the night and froze and thawed snowed a little. Dad did not go back to plow this morning as it was so disagreeable and he did not get an early start but went over in the corner field he plowed first and shovelled ditches. I sawed a little wood. Gus. Smith was over this morning to see Dad. Frank Vyse also came over to get Dad to put another bandage on his mare's foot I cleaned out Titus' old chicken house and knocked a couple of boards of the back of it so the sheep could get in from the orchard on bad nights. I tried to coax them in but did not succeed although they are fairly tame. I went over to the field where Dad was digging mud, for awhile this after noon and then came up and read till the cows (which we sent back in the gully for a drink) came up and then I did chores and Dad came in. Aunty went over to Mrs. Arthur Battersby's this after noon. <table> <tbody> <tr> <td></td> <td>April to June</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>15.</td> <td>Life history of the frog</td> <td>45 - 50</td> </tr> <tr> <td>16.</td> <td>How birds obtain their food, utility, etc</td> <td>44</td> </tr> <tr> <td>17.</td> <td>The nesting of birds</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>18.</td> <td>Life history and habits of any</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>common economic insect as</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>tent-catipillar, cabbage butterfly, the</td> <td>10 - 11, 25 - 27</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>lady bird etc.</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>19</td> <td>Familiarity with names and</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>general appearance of the common</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>fishes</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>frogs</td> <td>45 - 50</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>newts</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>lizards</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>turtles</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>snakes</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td>20</td> <td>Millipeds</td> <td>30</td> </tr> <tr> <td>21</td> <td>Butterflies</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>1. Monarch butterfly</td> <td>9 - 10</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>2. Cabbage butterfly</td> <td>10 - 11</td> </tr> <tr> <td>22</td> <td>Moths</td> <td></td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>1. Sphinx moth</td> <td>11 - 12</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>2. polyphemos moth</td> <td>13 - 14</td> </tr> <tr> <td></td> <td>3. Coddeling moth</td> <td>14.</td> </tr> </tbody> </table> </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday November 30th 1911. from the midrib Dad went back to plow this morning but it was frozen too hard and he had to come back. We cut up the apple branches that were left in the orchard most of the morning. We put wire up around the top of the chicken run this afternoon to keep them from flying over. Aunty and Enah went down town to Bible Class or something this afternoon. Enah stayed down at her sister's to tea and went to choir practice. Charlie Shand came home with Dick and got him to go over home with him to stay all night. After tea Dad went down town to choir practice and did not get back till late. I finished notes "Ivanhoe" to-night and went to sleep reading the notes on it. Cold and windy to-day. December 1st Friday Dad and I went back and set up the corn shocks that had blown down. Tige and two cats went with us. The black one and Tige caught about all the mice in sight but the grey one didn't catch many but took them away from the black. Aunty went down to Mr. Bert's funeral this morning and came back about three o'clock. She thought she forgot to take Roy's letter down and came back after it but when she could not find it she came to the conclusion she posted it. Dad fixed the cow stable door this after noon and I watched cookies from burning. Dad and I went over to Vyse's with the wheel-barrow and got a lamb from him of Bob Miller's that Bob told us to keep for awhile. To-night Frank and I went down to post a letter Aunty wrote to Roy to make sure he would get one. Killed a couple of roosters this morning. Much milder to-day looks like rain. Saturday NovDecember 2nd Gus. Stringer and his men came and got two more loads of Titus' old hay. One of them a Scotchman and a expert sheep man had a look at our sheep and told us a lot about them. He also clipped the wool around their eyes as he said it was too long. We had a great time catching them. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I cut up rails most of the morning but did not cut many. Dick and Frank cracked hickory nuts and I ate all I could get of them. Aunty, Dick and Frank went down to the greenhouse this afternoon as Frank had never seen in them I fooled around. Dad fixed a window in the chicken house so they could see to go to roost. I started to read "The White Plumes of Navarre" to-night. Bath to-night rare. Sunday NovDecember 3rd It was very cold all day to-day. Aunty and we boys went down to Sunday school as usual, and Dad and Enah came down to church. The Bishop was there and they had confirmation. It was a very long service. Aunty stayed down to Huby's but the rest of us came home. I read most of the afternoon and evening too. We had dinner about three o'clock and supper about seven. It is freezing very hard to-night. Dad coaxed the sheep into the old chicken house for shelter this afternoon. We could not get them in before. Monday December 4th It froze hard last night but has been milder to-day. It froze in the horse stable for the first time. Dad went down town this morning for stove pipe and a few other things. I sawed wood most of the morning and did chores. This afternoon we put up the box stove in the dining room. We also battoned up the cracks in the cow-stables which made things much more comfortable in that quarter. Sam. Law moved his clover mill down to Bob. Blakie's to night so Dad expects an invite. Allan came in to night after his box which he left here when he thrashed here. Dad is thinking of getting a horse that Harry Ansley told him about that Mr. Finkle of Woodstock has and wants to put in good hands as it is an old but good driver Tuesday NovDecember 5th It was quite mild to-day and a lovely sunny day. Dad and I went out with the rack this morning and got the rest of the rails </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> which came out of the old garden fence, in to small loads. Then we went out and got a load of corn stalks before dinner, but did not unload them, Bill Duncan was here when we came up and wanted to know more about the same horse he was asking about last time. He talked for a quarter of an hour or so to Dad about his trouble with Stan Lawrie and every other subject. This after noon we unloade the load of cornstalks we hauled this morning and went out and got another - the last and brought them in. We had an awful time loading them it was so windy. We got up about four and spent the rest of the time doing chores. It was a moonlight night to-night and Dick and Frank ran about the house for awhile. Wednesday December 6th Dad and I went over to Blakie's this morning and Dad and he talked around for about an hour. He thrashed yesterday and so was not feeling very skookum. He says he is going to leave in the spring and wants to sell Dad several things over here. When we came home we fixed the manger in the cow stable so they could not throw their food out. This after noon Dad and Enah went down town with the fern after dinner. They took it to Cousin Loll's as she is going to keep it for the winter. Aunty came over with Dick to-night. Huby, Quint and the kids went to Simcoe this after noon. It was full moon to-night and so we all three went out and played hide & go seek for about an hour. Thursday December 7th I went over around Art. Ryersie's fields this morning in quest of bitter hickory. I looked at every tree nearly in his gully and tasted the nuts under every hickory I could find and thought I could not find it when I saw a tree that I did not think worth while looking at but went over and found it bitter hickory. This afternoon Dad drove Enah and Aunty down to auxiliary and then </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to Joe and Ginger to be shod. He had to go to Butler's as Greenbury sold out the other day to Bobby McMillan and Dad did not know what Bobby was like. He did not get back till dark although he left right after dinner. I wrote a letter and did chores. To-night we three boys went down to a Magic Lantern show which was rotten and very late. A beautiful day to-day. Friday December 8th It seemed such a beautiful day to-day that Dad went back and plowed and got a good day in. I was back most of the day with him and had a good lesson. I drove and plowed at the same time and this afternoon did not do so badly. I came up about four o'clock but Huby and Al Faulkner drove in Huby with three geese he got for us some place. I was going down to-night to see Walt. McCall about getting his colts but did not Aunty went down this afternoon. It has been very much like Indian summer to-day but not as much as yesterday because it was cloudy a lot and rained a little. Saturday December 9th Dad got up before day light this morning to get a good start at the plowing. I did the chores. The geese dissappeared during the night, but Dick and Frank went out after break fast and found them in Bannisters field. Mr. Vyse was over this morning to get Dad to go over and help him do something with his horses foot. We three boys and Aunty went down town this morning. I saw Walt. McCall and he said I could take the colts when ever it was handy. Aunty and Frank went over and saw the cedar chests at the Wide-spread Aunty stayed down. I sawed wood and did chores all afternoon. Dad got a dandy day in plowing and a lot done. Dick and Frank were down town all the afternoon and got their hair cut. We had an interesting game of guessing after tea. Disagreeable day. Not cold but very foggy and awful muddy on account of a rain last night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday December 10th We three boys went to Sunday school and Dad and Enah came down to church. Dad stopped in at Vyse's on his way home. I came home and did some chores. Frank stayed down town to dinner and wrote to Grand daddy. Mr. Jacques came over after dinner and Dick and I went downtown. Dad wrote a letter to Yeager for more particulars of Miss Baker. Dick went downtown and I went over Brant Hill and met Huby. Aunty, Frank, Win & Lila down the beach. I came home with them and went up town to post Dad's letter met Dick went down to the dock with him to see Harry Ansley's old rig came around by Huby's got Frank and went home. Fooled around most of the evening. Magnificent day, couldn't be beat. Monday December 11th Dad went back early to plow again this morning. It began to rain during the forenoon, and was pouring by noon. But he kept on till noon and got a good lot done, he said he could finish in another day. It rained hard all the afternoon. I read all the afternoon, and Dad worked outside opening ditches around the barn yard and such things. There is mud about up to the eyes more or less around the barns. Aunty came over this afternoon I think to tell Enah that her sister Mrs. McPherson had another boy this morning. She went back again in the rain. Tuesday December 12th Dad went back to plow again this morning. He plowed till one o'clock as he did not hear the whistle blow and although it rained quite a lot rushed back and finished the field by a little after four. I went back with him this morning and put a rail across the creek as it was swollen by yesterday's rain. Then I came back and did chores and went back with the shovell but did not stay long as it began to rain. Enah went down this morning to see her sister's baby and of course he is the biggest, fattest, prettiest, good-naturedest baby ever born. It rained a lot to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> but not very hard. I slopped around in the mud doing chores part of the time and spent the rest of the time bothering Enah who was making mince meat. Wednesday December 13th Dad and I drove Aunty up to Vittoria this morning to catch the train for Pt. Rowan as she was going to see Aunty Ida. The roads were awful except in a few sandy places. We got home about one. There were a lot of people plowing along the road. Mr. Bawlby drove Louise down this afternoon but she had to meet him at half past four down town. Enah went down town with her and got back about six with the boys. Dad went back and shovelled ditches all the after noon. I hung around not doing anything but chores. It snowed last night a little and was cloudy and cold this morning but turned out a lovely day (above the mud level) and is quite mild to-night. Thursday December 14th Froze a little last night, beautiful morning but got colder towards evening and is snowy to-night and making things slippier than ever. I sawed wood all morning and Dad did chores. Didn't do any thing much this afternoon, felt rotten, my shoulder hurt me all day and I was cold. Dad did various things around outside. Friday December 15th Did not do any thing much this morning. Dad cleaned chickens all morning. I went back to the gully which is all flooded. The heat is going to beat the cars, as it rained hard last night. Dad and Enah went down town this afternoon. Dad wanted to get Belle shod. He was going up to the school house as all the rate payers were asked to go up and inspect the undesirable condition of the school house but Dad did not go up. They got back after five. I did chores and milked. This I have not done since last Sunday morning. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday December 16th It began to rain this morning and rained hard nearly all morning. We got some rails in to the wood shed, and I sawed wood and fooled all fore noon. Dad did chores and Frank and Dick were in the house looking at post cards and things. About two o'clock Dad & Dick started off to Vittoria for Aunty. Frank and I did chores. and went back to the gully, for awhile. Dad got home about dark. Sunday December 17th We three boys went down to Sunday school and church. Mr Johnstone is off at Barrie where they have him up for some scrape he got into last summer so I hear but it is with out doubt stretched. They made arrangements with a lay reader from Nanticoke but he never turned up so it is supposed he got stuck in the mud which is likely right for it must be a fright down on the clay, so Cousin Willie do the deed and he cut it very short. Read most of after noon and evening and we all wrote to Aunty Alice. Dick was down town all after noon. Froze a little last night and looks like rain {soon?}. Monday December 18th I got in a lot of wood and sawed it up which took me most of the morning and then did chores till noon. Dad went back to open up some ditches in the field he just finished plowing. We fed the lambs some chopped up mangles and they were very hungry for it. We also gave them a lot of hay to-day. This afternoon, Dad and Enah and I drove Joe and Ginger down town. We left Enah down there to do shopping and such and Dad and I came home by the mill and got a bag of flour. We also went up to Old Mr. Muller's and Dad {discussed?} with Mrs. Muller for a Black Minorca rooster. Sam and Allan Law came over and took a load of the alsike straw and there is not much left now. Enah did not get back till late and we had a boxing contest all {done?} had knocked me galley west and Dick and I and Dick and Frank had some. We also had some Jim Jitsu exercises after tea. It froze a little last night and has been chilly to-day. Snowed a little to-night freezing a little also. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday December 19th Went down town this morning with Dad and got the colts at Walt. McCall's and got them home without any trouble. We put them in the box stall to-gether with Davy. We stopped in at Vyse's and Dad arranged with him to come over in the morning and help kill pigs. We also stopped in at the Wide spred to ask Emery how Mrs McPherson was and in home. This after noon we hooked up Harry and Belle to the rack and went down to Hubys and got one of the rain barrell's to scald the pigs in to-morrow and a box. Dad also got the turkey from Huby this morning Auntie got a letter from Miss Water's telling about the squabs. Wednesday December 20th Frank stayed home this forenoon to help kill pigs. He went down to Vyse's first thing to get some gamble sticks. We were not sure whether Vyse would be home yet as he was going last night to {Edmoons?} banquet in Simcoe, but he was lucky enoug to get a ride with Jack Martin and got back about four a.m. We shot the two pigs and had them all cleaned and every thing {paper stuck on top of this page} by noon. Blakie and Alfred Ryersie came over {illegible due to paper on top} the morning and the farmer brightened the scene by a few pig sticking anecdotes besides other yarns. This afternoon we had quite a time getting the colts into the orchard we thought they would follow Davy in but they ran down the road instead, and I had to go hot foot through Martin's to head them off. We did ordinary chores and I sawed some wood and just before dark had a great boxing bout with Dick. We also blew up a bladder which we kicked around awhile. To night I went down town with Enah to choir practice, hummed around town, went into the library and then over and {pumped those your?} till they quit about ten o'clock. Went down to Hubys and got home a little before eleven. Beautiful day. Frozen hard and shunshiny. Thursday December 21st I cut up rails this morning besides doing usual chores. Dad cut up one of the pigs and Enah cut up dough and made cookies. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Enah went down town in the afternoon and Dad and I worked at getting board from the roof of the old stable and started to fix up the chicken house. Aunty came over to-night with Dick. This evening Frank and I went down to the Presbyterian concert in the hall and had a pretty good time. They had a great bunch of little kids in the thing. We got home about ten. Dad went over to Martin's too this morning to see how they were going to vote on the school question. It has been a rotten day. It sleeted this morning and made every thing slippery and was cloudy and wet and cold and rotten the rest of the day. Friday December 22nd We killed and plucked the turkey this morning. Louise came and stayed till the middle of the afternoon. Dad cut up the other pig and Aunty went down town to meet Roy but he didn't come so he won't be here all this christmas as he is going South. Dad took the cleets off the old stable roof. Aunty, Enah and Louise went down town this aft. and Aunty & Louise did not come back. I slept most of the afternoon. Frank got home early. I was going down to school this afternoon but it was a miserable day, wet and foggy. Saturday December 23rd Sawed wood and did chores all morning. Daddy Dick and Frank went down town and Dick did not come back to dinner. Frank and I went down this afternoon and fell in with Dick and Quint and we all went up to buy Christmas presents. Then we went over to the church and Sunday School where Aunty was making wreaths for decoration. Frank and I hung around all afternoon, and came home with Dick at 6. Dad had to go to a School Board meeting to-night and the Lays went with him. Enah and I made chocolate fudge. Another dark damp day freezing a little to-night. Sunday December 24th We boys went down to Sunday School and Dad and Enah came to church. Frank and I went down after church and had a look at the gas well they are boring down at the beach, Aunty came home with us to dinner. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We all stayed home this afternoon but Dick who was gone till tea-time downtown. I read most of the afternoon. Aunty got tea and Enah went down about five to go to her sister's to tea. Dad went down after tea to church to come home with Enah. Aunty read to us after supper and we worked at puzzles & things. A very nice mild day but very muddy. Christmas Day Dad did all the chores this morning and cut enoug wood to last all day. We all went down to church at eleven. After church Aunty and I went up and called for Cousin Clare who came over with us and stayed all day and is going to stay al night. All of Huby's family came over to dinner which we had about three o'clock and where I increased my waist measure nearly to bust measure on the turkey plum pudding, mince pie and home-made candy. Then we got the presents. We were all led to believe that there would be no presents this year, but I did not notice any difference. I got a good many things to numerous to mention. We four boys went down about half past five after the mail and Quint did not come back with us. We met Huby and the rest of his family homeward bound on our way back. We spent the evening by admiring presents and music etc. thus ending the first Christmas on the Farm. Very mild and muddy Xmas. December 26th Tuesday I did not do much this morning except saw wood. Dad fixed the style on Mailer's fence and Aunty and I went down and watched. I put some manure on the rhubarb bed. Frank dug putty out of old window sash and painted others and for the chicken house. Frank and I spent all the afternoon surveing the orchard and staking out the places for the young trees. Daddy move straw of the old horse stable roof to get boards out for the chicken house. Every body else went down town. Aunty and Cousin Clair did not come back and Enah not till Dad went after about eight o'clock to-night. We spent a very peaceful evening while he was gone. I wrote to Aunty Alice and read Shakespeare while the feathers were settling. Barely freezing to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday December 27th It was very blustery all day to-day. Snowed a little and froze quite hard at night. Frank and I went out first thing and dug the holes for the little trees in the orchard. Then we got in rails for wood before dinner. We had dinner at about eleven as Dad and Enah had to get to a funeral. (Mrs. Thompson). Dick went down and pumped the organ, and Frank & I did Chores. Frank wrote a letter to Aunty {Ruby?}. When Dick came home we went out and played hide & seek in the barn till supper. Thursday December 28th It froze very hard last night and there was a cold nor'west wind so we did not get up extra early Dick and I went down town about ten o'clock. I wanted to change a pair of jack boots Dad got for me yesterday and {illegible} but Andrew was not there. We called in and got Cecil McPherson who went over home with Dick and I waited for Aunty. The boys went back to the gully after dinner and came back with the report that there was a place big enough to skate on. Enah went down soon after dinner and to Cecil with her. We played Hide & seek in the barn all after noon. Dad went down to tea at the McPherson's and is going to a meeting in the town hall to discuss the school question. As Aunty was here to help me I started to draw a picture to-night. {Some arithmetic figures at top of this page} {Writing at the top of this page has been scored through} Friday December 29th I sawed wood most of the morning. Vyse came over and talked to Dad till nearly noon. I think he wanted Dad to go and get votes for him. Murray Dillon & May Perry spent most of the morning walking up and down the road out here for their health I suppose. This afternoon Dad had to go to Mrs. Jim Allen's funeral and got back about five. Dick and Frank helped me a little after dinner and then we all went back the gully to skate. We had a fine time skated way up the south creek and I got my feet soaked two or three times. We also had quite a time chasing a poor old muskrat which was under the ice and would have caught him if he hadn't got away. We came up about four as Frank had to go down and meet Aunty to go to see Mr. Willie Taylor. Dick made chocolate fudge but it didn't get hard. After tea Daddy and Aunty had quite a time convincing Frank that they could make him find {illegible - words caught in page fold} animal magnetism and they did alright. Then he and I drew till bedtime and Aunty read to us. It was a very sunny beautiful day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Page} 108 {The writing on this page has been scored through}. Saturday December 30th Did a few chores then Dick and I went down town about eleven. I got my hair cut and a pair of jack boots from Andrew. The pond seemed quite safe but we didn't go out and there were several skating on the creek up by Krill's. Ferdie came over this after-noon and we all went back skating again we went up as far as McPhersons on the north creek but it was not so good as the other. It began to snow and we came up and played hide and seek in the barn the rest of the after-noon. I sawed a little wood before tea & drew most of the evening. Dick lost his knife in the straw. Dark cloudy Day and snowed a lot and is snowing to-night. Frank found two or three dandelions out to-day which we thought very strange Sunday December 31st Snowed a lot during the night but rained and froze before morning. We boys and Aunty went down to church & Sunday-school, Dad and Enah did not come down. Aunty did not come back. We all stayed home this afternoon. I drew a little and started to read "Never too late to Mend," which I read all evening. There was no service at seven to-night but will be at mid-night. It rained a lot to-day and is blowing up a ferocious gale to night. ({rotten weather?}) </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/867d8e04e328f432c119b69bc6a524a9.pdf ce47009a6e36b256996d5fd85d35c980 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/56d3887e0d543549bea92b13aa00cd5b.pdf 308b47246775ad50ccd511a3e7b843f1 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/01722ba109230043801c10eb1bef0672.pdf 6f85bc50347fdff539aff36184729748 PDF Text Text Theobald (Toby) Barrett (1895-1969) 1913 Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers DISCLAIMER: This diary depicts some discriminatory content which some may find offensive. During the diary’s time period, such racial terms and prejudices were commonplace in Canadian society. They are considered wrong today. DIARY.1913 T.B.Barrett. Port Dover,Ontario. The Farm........ From January 1st 1913 to November 18th 1913. Wednesday January 1st 1913 We began to think that 13 at the end of the New Year was beginning right away to bring calamities upon us, for Dick who did not come home to tea last night did not put in an appearance all night, and it is the first time since he went into the bank that he did not come home to bed. I woke up at half past four and found Dad & Aunty up and in an awful state as neither one had slept all night and had been thinking Dick had tried to cross the pond about mid night when every body would be asleep and never got to the other side. Dad. & I went down about five and went to Huby’s first to see if he had stayed there. We went to Quint’s window and tapped and immediately saw old Quint - gliding around in the room; as soon as he lighted the light Dad. saw Dick in bed. We couldn't get him more than half awake and he mumbled something about Wiggins being sick - and he & Hazen worked so late, then went down to watch the dance for awhile and he never thought we'd miss him. Later on in the morning I drove Aunty and Lila down town with two mince pies and the turkey we killed for Christmas & which Aunty took down to Huby's to cook. Dad. did chore and we had a cold lunch after which Dad. & I went down to Alfred's followed by Nig. Tige & the white kitten to take him Hubys wooden cross puzzle which he seemed very pleased to get. We went down his lane & home by way of the gully. When we got home we sat around awhile before doing the night chores Quint & Dick came over about six as Dick wanted to 1 �get on a clean shirt or something and we went down with them to tea, or rather turkey dinner I took my skates down but it was too dark to go. Dick went up to a surprise party at Fatty Turner's, and told us he would not be home to-night. Aunty stayed down too. Dad, Frank & I came home about eleven. It has been very mild & sunny Thursday January 2nd I got up very late this morning. Dad. & I did chores and Glen & Wilbur Ryersie came along for a half morning's visit. Wilbur wanted Dad. to buy a pure bred Durham bull-calf for fifty dollars, but Dad told him he would go over & look at it before investing. At eleven Dad. went down to Huby’s and brought Aunty home. This after noon he went down again and saw Vyse up town who solicited his vote for his re election but Dad. told him that though he had nothing against him as a neighbor, he was out of place as reeve for he thought he had acted very unfairly in everything last year. I cleared up some of the old rubbish heap in the barnyard while Dad. was gone. Frank put in the afternoon building a dandy jib crane with his “Meccano” outfit. It has been very soft to-day & looks like a storm. Friday January 3rd This was Aunty's birthday and although we did our best we could not think of anything to give her so she vows that she doesn't know of any thing either, but Win sent her over a couple of aprons. Aunty remembers they are just what she wants. Dad. Aunty and I drove down town in the lumber waggon this afternoon morning. Aunty went in to see Enah who was up walking around and then down to Huby's to get Dads old medicine cupboard and the contents those of ready for removal to the farm. Dad & and I went down to the beach and got all the sand we thought we had better haul the roads down there were great as the sand was frozen enough to hold the wheels up and yet not too much to shovel. The ice banks are very high down there. We came up around by Huby’s and got Aunty and the old cupboard which we are going to use as a store house for Frank’s & my belongings. We are preparing in time against young Huberts development. Dad & I did chores this after noon and then sorted Dad's medicine. It started to rain this morning which turned to an all day snow storm. Colder to-night but not freezing. Saturday January 4th Charlie Martin was over for an hours visit this morning and told Dad. as he was leaving that he had a lame horse over there which he wanted Dad. to look at. He said his mother fell off the back steps before Christmas and nearly broke her leg. He also told us his sister Mrs. 2 �Maglaughlin had a baby girl about two days after Enah's boy came. Dad thought they ought to trade as Mrs. Maglaughlin was all prepared for & had a boy named and it was the other way round with Enah. This after noon we did chores and Dad. went down to see Enah. I went over as far as Martin's with him and saw the chickens which were all washed, fanned, powdered and the dark feathers pulled out of them and ready to start on the five train for the Boston show. We also saw Charlie's lam horse which has an awfully sore looking leg on it. I cut wood and practiced on my horn when I got home. Lila came over soon after I got back with her steam engine. Dad has to go down again to-night to sit with Enah. She is blue because the boy exercises his lungs now & then Froze last night. Cold raw wind all day but sunny and thawing. Sunday January 5th Frank, Dick & Lila went down to Sunday school and Aunty and I went down to church and were a little late. We went into Mrs Lawson's to see how Enah was on our way down and Aunty Maude was with her which surprised us very much but she said she didn't think it would hurt her a bit. Mrs. Roy Silverthorne was there in a very low condition, her little baby which was born last night, died and she didn't know it yet when we were there. Dick and I went down and had a good skate this afternoon though the ice was rather rough. Dad. went down and got Faulkner to bring Enah & the boy home in the covered in bus and it didn't hurt either one in the least. Al. drove at a snail's pace. He was telling Dad his opinion of Vyse. He spoke in the grieved monotone which he assumes for such occasions and said "I told Vyse, when we elected you reeve you promised to build good roads. You haven't done 15 cents worth of road work but spent all the money in sticking up that coup by me. Now what you had better do is to put the man in you built it for, which is Aikens, then you & Bill Graham lock yourselves in with him take a stick of dynamite and blow youse all to hell to save funeral expences"! "yes" said Al. I told him that two weeks ago and he hasn't spoken to me since." Beautiful day. Froze hard last night, but thawed all day. Colder & looks stormy tonight. Monday January 6th We did up all the chores this morning. Frank carried over the chaff & corn from the cows manger to the chicken house which he cleaned out. This after noon Dad.went down and cast his vote for J.R. Davis. Frank Taylor came over after him with Faulkner's bus just he was starting out. I broke the brace in the buck saw and fixed it this after noon Dick came home to night and told us that Vyse was elected reeve with John Walker, Henderson, Carl 3 �Coleman & Billy Laings as councilmen. He and I went down to A.Y.P.A to-night where we spent a pretty slow time. I went over to the band room for awhile where they preparing to start out for a serenade of the succesful candidates in the election. They were greatly proveket at Harry Graham & Art. Lawson because they wouldn't play as they were sore at the way things went. It wasn't right of them for as Harry. Moon said and he was probably as disappointed as any, but was playing, "The band is an organization independant of politics. All we're after is the coin and we don't care whether it is American money or not." It rained all night and drizzled all day, wasn't any colder when Dick & I got home about eleven to night. Tuesday January 7th We just did chores this morning. Aunty went down town to get some things for Dick's birthday which we celebrated to-night. I stayed in the house and read all the afternoon. Quint came over to tea to-night but Dick felt pretty miserable all evening. Quint stayed all night. Stormed all day half rain turning to sleet & ice so that everything is ice coated. Wednesday January 8th Dad. and Enah spent the greater part of last night I guess in the baby's company, who takes great pleasure in making them try to put him to sleep at midnight. He is just one red lump of wickedness & noise at night, sleeps all day. Frank started back to school this morning. Dick felt very miserable but said he must go to work and felt much better to-night when he got home. We did up the chores this morning and I took a picture of the ice mantled trees around Martin's place. I didn't do a thing but read - "Lords of the North" all the after noon. Win. came home with Frank to-night but could only stay a little while. Clear cold and sunny to day, snow crust very hard & slippery. Thursday January 9th Dad & I did chores & cut wood this forenoon. Bill Donald was in for awhile to have Dad. look at his horse. He told Dad. that he heard Jim. Dunbar had some wood for sale at $2.00 a cord, so Dad. drove Joe down to see if he could get her shod and drive down this after noon but he couldn't get in the shop and was afraid to risk driving on these icy roads, smooth shod. This after noon we started to fix up a place between the granary & cow stable for a calf pen but couldn't do much as we had no nails. Dick & I went down town after tea I took my horn down thinking there would be band practice but found when I get down 4 �that the council were treating the band to an oyster supper. I suppose I could have partaken of the feast if I chose but I came home & get my skates. I put them on at the house and skated down to the pond. There were quite a few there but it was so dark I couldn't see any of their faces and I didn't think Dick was there so I skated up to the bank Hazen was there and said Dick had just gone out with his skates on. I stayed there about half an hour and Hazen & I wrote & {talked?} to Baldy Denton. I then went back to the pond but it was nearly deserted so I came home and found Dick had just got here before me, he had been over at Dyer's or someplace and hadn't been skating at all. Win. came over with Frank to stay all night. Nice day very much milder. Friday January 10th Dad. & I drove down as soon as we could get started this morning which wasn't very early to get Joe shod but the shop was full again so we had to get a few things up town including a straw knife and come home. Dad. didn't know what to do as we want wood badly but he was afraid to drive Joe on the icy roads, especially after Vyse told us this morning that Sam. Law lost a cow by slipping on the ice. I supposed it was his old lame one. At last I decided to try and skate down. I left here after eleven and skated down on the road all the way and was back here by before one. Jim Dunbar was in Jarvis but his daughter said she thought he had wood for $2.50 a cord and would tell him to try and bring us a load to-morrow. I tripped several times going but only fell once. There were only a few places where the skating wasn't fairly good, the worst place was going up & down Art Ryersie's hill. We didn't do any thing in particular this after noon Bill Donald came after Dad. to go and see his horse about five o'clock. Some fellow drove in while he was here and wanted to know where Anson Collver lived. Bill knew, he said he supposed that was some body after him for money. Neil Elliot & Charlie McKenzie where in to look at Fred's calf although they had just met Dad. on the road and he told them the calf was not for sale. I went down to Mrs Jarley's wax work practice to-night, but there was "nothing doing". Mrs. Luck, Miss Harding & Booze Waddle were the only ones there. We went up to Mr. Johnson's and he gave me a little idea of what I had to do. I think it will be a pretty poor show. It is advertised for next Thursday and half the ones in it haven't been to practice yet. Mr. Johnson never looked through the book till to-night and he picked out several new caracters that he is going to try & ring in. Not sunny but thawing all day. Almost raining to-night. Saturday January 11th 5 �We got a very lig late start this morning - and so did not do any thing but chores. Art. Ryersie came after Dad. a little before noon to go and see one of his cows which slipped on the ice, and Dad. is afraid it has broken her leg. It was the best cow he had. This after noon we fixed a place in the barn to put Ringworm but could do nothing out side owing to the inclemency of the weather. To-night Dick & I went down town I went to Mrs. Jarley practice & Dick waited for me. Frank spent the morning down town getting his tooth filled and helped up this after noon Raine last night, very soft & cloudy this morning Rained hard all after noon, drizzling to-night. Sunday January 12th Dad. & I drove down to Jim. Dunbar's this morning and Dad. got him to say he'd bring us a load of wood to-morrow. When we got home we were about frozen. I felt kind of sick till I got thawed out. After dinner I helped Dad. do did chores and then started to go down to Harry Moons. I met Hazen who was driving out in front and he drove me down and went up to Harry's with me where we spent quite a time. Dick was down at Dyer's all the after noon and to tea. Bill Donald come and got Dad. this after noon. Very cold and windy early part of the day but milder and fair to-night. Monday January 13th We let Queen out this morning for quite an exercise Dad. was scared to 'death' she'd slip and hurt her self, but I guess she didn't. Mr. Bowlby. drove Louise down this morning. She had to back this after noon so Dad. hooked up Joe and Ginger to the cutter and drove her up. The sleighing was very poor & one of the shoes on the cutter runner broke and ripped a big chunk out of the runner. Tom. Dunbar brought us our cord of wood to-day. He made two trips of it and charged us three dollars. The baby has been awake all day - and to-night is raining "Hail Columbia." Dick went back to-night. Froze hard last night but much milder to-night. Nice day Tuesday January 14th Dad. loaded the cutter in the waggon first thing and we took it down to Butler who said he didn't think the runner was {illegible} much. Dad. found he could get Joe shod so stayed down and I walked home. I started to throw the top off the straw stack. Th Mrs. McBride came to wash at noon and was here till after tea. Dad. cut some wood and we put a door on the barn and cut a bigger doorway. Dick came home to-night and forgot to bring the butter Aunty told him to get and we had a butterless tea, after which Dick went down town to get 6 �a pound I went with him to the Mrs. Jarley Waxwork practice in the town hall and am still convinced that the show will fall far short of what it is advertised to be. Beautiful day and perfect night. Sunny and much milder to-night. Wednesday January 15th Our attention was attracted this morning by a great deal of racket being kicked up by Dave Turner's engine, and learned to-night when Dick got home it was in honor of Gladys Coleman who was married sometime during the night to get off on the early train. We were greatly surprised at the news although Aunty suspected it. We did chores this morning and about eleven o'clock Dad. & I drove up to Ham Tompson's. Ham wasn't home but Dad. had a look at his bull calf. He says his stock is in a very bad condition. When we got home Dad. took Enah out for a short drive. The first time she has been out since she came home. This after noon we husked a little corn and Dad. moved some of the corn stalks from one end of the hay to the other and then cut some wood. I didn't do anything much. I went down again to-night to a Mrs. Jarley practice and had a pretty slow time. It will be over to-morrow night. Dick went down with me and worked awhile then we came home to-gether. Very soft and cloudy to-day. Rained a little this after noon and is raining quite hard to-night. Very slippery Thursday January 16th Mr. Lamb came over this morning before we had breakfast and got Dad. to go down and see a horse that got kicked. He was gone quite awhile and came back with a lovely bunch of flowers. This after noon he and Aunty went down town to get some things for the house. I didn't do any thing much but chores and read To-night Dick, Dad., Frank and I went down to Mrs. Jarley's Waxwork show. It came off a lot better than I expected and there was a full house. Perce Brock who was Mrs. Jarley couldn't have done better and Hazen Waddle was perfect. He was Simple Simon and sat through the whole show with his mouth wide open and the vacantest kind of a look on his face. If any body jarred against him he would fall over in his chair till they set him up straight. They said all the figures were good except poor Captain Robinson who with Lidney McQueen acted as Babes in the Wood. He couldn't keep a straight face, but Lidney kept the same sweet smile all through. They each had an enormous doughnut and when wound up would feed each other. It certainly did look great for two of the biggest men in town. Lila impersonated Little Jack Horner and except when she was exhibited & wound up evidently forgot she was wax work, for she laughed and moved around all she pleased and likley was more amusing than if she had been quiet I, the 7 �deceased Mr. Jarley nearly bit a hole in my cheek to keep from laughing and then didn't succeed very well. I was in agony for awhile when my nose began to tickle and I couldn't scratch it. The girls were all very pretty and I think every body got their money's worth. They had a dance after the performance and Mrs. Moon gave me another lesson. I belive I could learn if I could keep at it but not likely I will get another chance now till next summer. Rained a little this morning, dark & very soft all day. Raining hard to night when Dick & I got home at half past twelve, and had been raining all evening, so Aunty said. Friday January 17th We got rather a late start this morning and did nothing but chores except throw some more off the top of the straw stack Mr. Peace. came in to see Dad about a colt which has some thing on its leg - which oughtn't to be there. Tige resented his visit strongly and bit at him twice, much to his indignation & terror This after noon Dad. cut wood and we straightened up the fence in front of the hay barn two pannels of which have been down all winter. We were rather surprised this afternoon at Ringworm adding a bull calf to our stock collection. It rained all night and to-day Barrett's farm is a quagmire. Still very mild I woke up about half past eleven to-night by Tige barking furiously then I heard Dad who was just going to bed go to the door and a stranger's voice ask for permission to hunt sparrows in the barn, around the stack. Dad. told them they could hunt around the stack but couldn't go in the barn with their lantern. They told him they weren't out for "na fun" (which Dad readily believed) but were trying to rid the country of sparrows & rats. Dad. supposed they were after some prize as they came all the way from Selkirk. Saturday January 18th I read most of the morning and part of the afternoon in Dicks B.O.P. but finished the story and am not going to begin another for awhile. Frank helped us do chores and after dinner went down to Alfred's to buy some butter. Alfred had the puzzle done the right way, and after putting it to-gether to show Frank, sent it home. Frank is working at it now evidently with out much success. I husked corn this after noon and Dad sawed wood. Frank went back to the gully for awhile to watch the creek or something. To-night Dad & I worked at my horn trying to loosen one of the valves with the big monkey wrench. Mild & cloudy this morning. It turned colder with a high north west wind and snow. Quieter & not freezing tonight Sunday January 19th 8 �Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School. I helped Dad. do a few chores amd went to church. Bill Donald came in just as I left and stayed about a hour & a half. Aunty & I went down to Miss Battersby's after church and found her looking about as well as ever. Winnie came over to dinner with Dick, & Frank stayed down at Huby's. This after noon Dick & I went down town. I guess Dick spent the after noon at the drug store with Bob. while I went over to Waddle's for awhile then up to Harry Moon's, and looked at photographs. I drew to-night. It froze last night. Has been a very nice day and thawing. Monday January 20th I went out this morning to help Dad. do chores but got so dizzy I had to come in and go to bed, where I put in the rest of the day. I didn't have anything to eat all day except half a breakfast and about half a pint of pills with which they dosed me and which I think made me much worse. Enah gave me half a cup of cocoa which did me good as it floated. This evening I came out into the kitchen while Aunty fixed my bed. I was sitting there talking to Dad. when the first thing I knew Frank began to look like a very poor moving picture and the next I seemed to be waking up lying on the floor with Dad. & Aunty asking me how I felt. I then began to realize I had fainted, a thing which I never did before and only twice before ever felt like it - funny feeling -. Charlie Martin came over again this morning for awhile. Aunty went down town this after noon and came home half drowned and mud to her eyes. Dick sent the mail home by Frank but he did come home till after A.Y.P.A. - as he went to hear Cousin Willie's lecture on literature which he liked. It rained again last night but was a lovely sunny day tl till this after noon when it began to pour and kept up till after tea when it turned colder and to snow. Tuesday January 21st I didn't do any thing in the shape of work all day although I felt much better that yesterday. I read nearly all morning. This after noon Louise came over. She had come down on the one o'clock train, and is staying here all night Mr. & Mrs. Art. Ryersie came over and spent the evening Art. took the wooden puzzle home with him. It Froze last night and has been a lovely sunny day, though cold Wednesday January 22nd I went out this morning and tried to do a few chores, but couldn't do much. Louise came out for awhile to see the live stock and Dad. took Queen out in the halter for her entertainment but Tige proved to be the chief attraction in that show. This after noon Mrs. 9 �Bowlby came down & Louise went back with her. Mrs. Bannister, Mrs Vyse & her three kids came over this after noon. I was {scairt?} to come in the house so nearly froze out in the drive shed where Dad. was putting a new head on the scraper which old Harry broke this morning. Dick got home early but went back again to watch the dance. Dad & Frank went down to Alfred's to-night to show him Franks Mecanno Outfit. Lovely sunny day. Freezing slightly to-night. Thursday January 23rd I didn't do any thing today but sit around and feel rotten. Dad. couldn't do anything out side but chores. Enah was feeling miserable this morning having fainted in the night without telling any body. This afternoon Aunty went down to Bible Class. It was raining when we got up this morning and has kept it up steadily all day Friday January 24th About the only thing of much interest that happened to-day on the premises was the birth of a bull calf to Mully and no-body is much exercised over that, Mully included. Ah! Yes, another thing is, we got five eggs and didn't find a nest either. We think that is "going some" for only about forty hens. I am a lot better to-day though my knee is pretty sore yet. The baby isn't very well to-day either. I went out a little to day but drew & read most of the time. Dick had to go back to work at the bank to-night. Froze a little last night. Lovely mild day but not very sunny. Freezing to-night. Saturday January 25th We saw Allan Law & Art Ryersie driving past this morning with the separator and upon inquiry found they were hauling it to Fleming's while the roads are frozen as they are going there after they get though at Arts, there is no telling when they will get here. Dad. and Frank loaded up the rack with blue grass hay this morning from what was on top of the alsike as we have decided not to thresh it on account of the price being so low. This after noon they hauled it over to the other barn where it will be handy to feed to the cows, and then went & hauled up a load of rails. They did all the chores. I didn't do any thing all day owing to my sore knee though I felt better in other ways. The two Mrs. Shands & Miss Shand came in to see the baby to-night and although he was awake he never whimpered so they went off with a very good impression of his conduct. Dick went down to the pond to skate after tea to-night. Perfect day sunny and lovely out 10 �Sunday January 26th The boys were the only members of the family who attended church or Sunday School today. I hung around out side with Dad. for awhile this morning as my knee felt better. Quint. came home to dinner with Dick and stayed all night. This after noon he, Frank & I went out and played marbles for awhile. Tonight. Aunty read to us about an African cannibal & the missionarys. Very, mild, cloudy & muddy. Monday January 27th My knee was much better and I helped Dad. do chores this morning. Arpha Fleming came over and invited Dad to go there threshing this afternoon. Mrs. McBride came to wash and was here nearly all day. Rus. Lambkins was in to see about a wind mill but Dad. told him we didn't need one now on account of Ivey's tile drain at which we have watered the stock all winter so far. and it looks as if it would run for quite awhile yet. Earl. Brown was in also to see Dad. about a cow. Aunty went down town this after noon to see if she could get some lady to stay with Aunt Ida but was unsuccessful. Dad. & I went with her as far as Vyses. We found they had moved the threshing out fit in there instead of Fleming's as Vyse has to go to County Council soon. Cousin Loll & Cousin Phoebe came over to see the baby this afternoon. Mr. Lamb. came over to-night to see about his horse. Froze pretty hard last night and been freezing all day. Tuesday January 28th Dad. left early this morning to thresh at Vyse's. I did the chores as my knee was ever so much better. About ten o'clock Dad. came home. He said they were stopped then but did need him much anyway, so he came home to saw wood which he did till noon Mr. Flemming told him that if they didn't get moved to his place till the middle of the afternoon it wouldn't be worth Dad's while to come over so he didn't. This after noon he gave Queen quite an exercise & I took a picture of her also one of the baby which finished my film. Dad. & I hooked up Harry & Belle & got a couple of loads of rails, one load from the remainder of the fence on the east west side of the wheat field and one from on the north fence. Aunty went down town this after noon to get some birthday presents for Huby. Beautiful day, froze in the night, sunny & milder Wednesday January 29th 11 �Dad left first thing this morning for to thresh at Mr. Flemings and was gone all day. He got home in time to milk before dark and felt pretty well "plugged up". It kept me nearly all morning doing chores. This after noon I practiced my horn a little and read. Mrs. Alfred Ryersie came in to see the baby. Enah took a walk over to Martin's. Allan Law came in at noon and got the waggon to get wood. He didn't know where he was going, but intimated that he was going to "lift" rails from fences along the road. This was Huby's birthday. It has been cloudy & spitting snow all day. Not cold but freezing Thursday January 30th Dad threshed over at Fleming's all day and they finished to night. They finished the alsike about 3 o'clock and got 17 Lays and 1/2 bushel from the 98 loads, and they thrashed 316 bus. of oats in two hours after that. It kept me all morning doing chores and this after noon I cut a little wood. I intended to husk some corn but it was such a nice day I thought I would get a load of rails instead so I went & hooked up Harry & Belle to the waggon and went out and got the rails from the north side of the wheat field where Dad. & I got the last load. The horses were feeling good especially old Harry who hasn't any more sense that a seventeen year old bird's nest. Going out I had to get out to open the gate off the road and as soon as they saw it open in front of them, started through it. I caught Belle's rain but Harry kept on going. so I had to let them go into the field where they immediately started to speed up. and it just kept me humping to run and scramble in the back of the waggon but I was fortunate enough to get the lines and steady them down before they did any damage, but I was thankful to get back safe with my load. Mr. Johnson & Mrs. Quanbury were over this afternoon to see the baby. Aunty went down town this after noon. To-night. Dick & I went down to band practice. I found out from Carl Coleman that we could have their cattle rack on Saturday to go after the {illegible}. Lovely day. sunny & very mild. Friday January 31st It begant to rain this morning which about noon turned to snow and that cleared off & it begant to freeze pretty hard to night. Dad. and I spent the day doing chores, "settin' round the stove" in the meantime, Dad. cut some wood & I unloaded the load of rails this after noon. About four o'clock I went down town & got my hair cut. I also took down 3 doz. eggs & traded them off for meat. Dick did not come home to tea tonight as he had to work this being the end of the month. Saturday February 1st 12 �We intended to go and get the sheep to-day but the weather prevented us. We didn't do any thing but chores and Dad. cut wood. I read a little and this after noon fooled with my horn Dad. managed to get the valve loosened which has been stuck for so long, and I poured a couple of quarts of water down the bell to clean it out and spilt it all over the Floor. Frank also polised up the mouthpiece with his sample of silver polish Aunty succeeded at last in persuading Frank to remove the fourteen wish-bones which have been accumulating on the kitchen hanging lamp for over a year, and she boiled them and polished them up for him. It has been freezing hard all day with a very high cold wind but sunny. Sunday January February 2nd Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School and I got fixed up and went to church. I got there about twenty minutes too early so waited at "The Dominion". Win. came home with us after church and stayed all night. Dick stayed down all the after noon and stayed at Huby's to dinner. Dad. did all the chores. Aunty had us all going guessing Bible Carachters to-night. It froze like Billy-be-da--ylights, last night and has been very cold and a high wind all day. Bear saw hi shaddow. Monday February 3rd We did up the chores this morning. This afternoon we hooked Joe & Ginger to the waggon and went down town. We found out from Carl Coleman that we could have their stock waggon to get our sheep to morrow. We also got the cutter from Butler. When we got home we found an old pedlar who told Aunty he had walked all the way from Hagersville, he was selling post cards. Archie Long had been here to sell fence. To-night Dick and I went down to the Orchestra dance where we had a dandy time. I think I am getting on to the hang of it now. We got home a little before half past three to-morrow morning. It was a nice day today and quite mild. It snowed a little this morning. Tuesday February 4th I got up about half past seven this morning. We didn't do any chores but got started as early as we could which was about ten for the sheep. We drove Joe & Ginger and took our waggon down to Coleman's and left it there then hooked on to theirs, we got up there in about an hour. Dunkin said he thought we were never coming. He had had bad luck with his imported sheep. Owing to carelessness in the Quarantine Station two of his sheep died and he can't get a cent for them. They charged him forty five dollars for their keep down there 13 �for thirty days. Mine were alright though and we got them home safely. He only charged us two dollars for their keep, but hasn't had them registered yet. We had to walk the horses nearly all the way home on account of bumpy roads. When we unloaded the sheep we went right back with the waggon and got our own, we also went up to Chris. Fairchild's and got the saw blade. Dick took to him this morning & {following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page}{it was?} just half past three when we got in the house after {putting?} the horses in. it was just twelve when we left Dunkins {after?} we had a little dinner we went out and did up the chores. The poor horses were pretty hungry & thirsty especially Joe & Ginger who were tired also. Dick & Frank went down to A.Y.P.A. tonight. It has been cloudy & blustery all day and pretty cold. Thursday Wednesday February 5th We hooked up Joe & Ginger to the waggon first thing this morning and went down town and got a load of coal, as Dick found out last night that Jim. Low had some in at last. We lost quite a little bit of it coming home as the roads were rough and it jiggled out the back when going up hills although we scraped it forwards a couple of times. This being Ash Wednesday they had service in the church but none of us attended it. Lent begins earlier this year that it has for 138 years, it can only start one day earlier, at least that's what the "Maple Leaf" states but it is not likely right. Last night was about the coldest night this winter. It must have been down to zero during the night, and has been very cold all day, with a high wind and snow Thursday February 6th We did not do any thing to-day but chores This after noon Aunty went down town to Auxillary or something and Dad. & Enah had an awful time with the baby as he was sick and they couldn't do any thing to ease him or keep him quiet. I practised my horn all after noon. About five o'clock Sam. Law pulled in here with the clover mill. They got through at Ham Thompson's sooner than they expected so moved right down here to night. Allan & Bert Monroe came soon after wards with the engine, which had something wrong with the injector & they worked at it till long after dark. They said they would thrash in the morning if we weren't ready but we bade them come. Sam. was about half drank & the other half frozen when he came in and borrowed our waggon to go home & buck wood but we noticed he hit the trail for town at a pretty good lick. To-night I went down to band practice and got home about eleven. It has been cold with a very high wind 14 �Friday February 7th The men did not get here till after breakfast, they got steam up and moved the machine into the barn and then began to talk of not threshing, "Bert was the only one of the thes that wanted to Allan I guess thought it would be too cold out on the engine {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {and?} it certainly wouldn't be very warm. Their only excuse was {that?} the belt wouldn't stay on in the wind. Mr. Odd was here {to?}day for Mr. Fleming. Allan & Bert went down town and {g?}ot their horses shod. and Sam went home. about noon he came back again and said he guessed they could thrash this after noon. We did the chores all up there was a little more work for Dad. as this morning when he went out to the cow stable he found a red & white bull calf of Spotty's on the floor. We got it & her in as warm quarters as we could but the poor little fellow has been pretty cold all day. The thrashers did come back this afternoon and we thrashed out the four loads of cloverseed and got three bags & about 1/4 bushel I get 1 1/4 bags. Young Billy Louis came over for Tupper but we didn't need him so he went back. They got the machine moved over to the other barn but didn't try to thrash any they said if it was very windy to-morrow they wouldn't come over. This aft. To-night. Dick & I went up to the hockey match in Simcoe - Simcoe vs Hamilton I was going to drive up with Bert Monroe but it turned out such a rotten night that both Bert & I decided to take the train There was quite a big crowd went up from Dover on the Port Rowan train, we came back on the Hamilton special that brought the team up. We got there a little after out eight, and had to sit and freeze by inches for about four hours. They could not have begun to play before half past twelve and it got pretty tedious waiting, but it was a good game when they did start, We rooted for Simcoe and they trimmed Hamilton 8 to 3. The Hamilton boys seemed rather tired the last half. We didn't get to bed till after three to-morrow morning. Dad got a blank form to-night which he had to fill & tell about Tiddums. They named him Hubert James Harold. (poor kid) more name than boy. It was very cold and windy this morning and has been growing worse all day. To-night when we came home it was a holy fright. Saturday February 8th I got up about the same time as usual. This morning it was windy & snowing so we didn't look for the thrashers. Frank. Dad. & I moved some of the poles from over the driveway to above where Ring worm (by the way her name has changed now from Ring worm to Erie, Aunty objected to the former so we called her after Mrs. Fred. Warren as that is who we got her from.) and her calf are. We started to put some clover chaff on them but it was so short it fell through a lot, so Dad. said we would wait till the wind went down and then put some 15 �straw on first to hold the other. but we never got it done all day. Dad felt pretty miserable all day and stayed in the house all the after noon I cut a little {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {wood?} and fooled around the rest of the time. Aunty went down town, she lost her muff the other day and thought {she?} knew where she left it but when she inquired this after {noon?}, she could find it nowhere. Lila came over while she {was?} gone and told her to-night that she saw George Spain {on?} Thursday kicking a muff through the square and he said it was somebody's old worn out muff they had {thrown?} away. Aunty is sure it was her's as it was near there {she?} missed it. It was such a bad night. Lila spent it here Frank went down and visited with Mr. Alfred for awhile this after noon and got some butter. Dick felt pretty rotten when he got home to-night and his ear ached. Allan Law came over to-day to put a fire in the engine to keep the water from freezing It was not very cold to-day but very windy & snowdrifty. Sunday February 9th Dad. has felt very sick all day and didn't to any thing much but milk, feed the calves and let the cows out & in again. I sent the most of the day doing the rest of the chores. I felt kind of tired myself. Aunty, Frank & Lila all went down to Sunday School & church, but none of the rest of us. Dick didn't get up till about noon. This afternoon Mrs. Johnson & Mrs. McPherson with Cecil & Leon came over to see Enah and she walked down to Quanbury's with them. Ada was also over to see H.J.H. Barrett. Allan Law came over again to put a fire in the engine. King Pepper was in this morning with a little dog, which Dad. told him had a broken leg. It was up to far to bandage it so Dad said just to keep him quiet and it would likely get all right. Frank found Aunty's muff this morning right near the bandstand in the snow. George Spain told him in Sunday School that he had taken it home and after keeping it two days and not finding an owner he had brought it back and left it where he found it. It was not at all hurt Aunty said. Not cold to-day but windy. Monday February 10th We got up pretty early this morning on account of threshers They got started about half past nine. The only extra ones we had were Mr. Odd & Billy Louis. We thrashed nearly all morning and never saw a head of alsike, and the blue grass neatly all blew over, so we stopped thrashing the blue grass in the back part of the mow and confined our labor to the front bint. We only got about two bags of seed all day, and there is about two hours more to go through yet. For awhile Dad. thought it wouldn't be worth thrashing but we got nearly 16 �to the floor at one end and it is much thicker so I guess we will finish the job. Dad has the shed, the driveway and over the sheep pen filled up with thrashed hay, and it {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {was} way out in front of the drive way. He had a very {---ty?} place and feels pretty tired to-night. Charlotte {had?} a calf to-night another boy. Aunty says "It may {be?} cold in the house but they are having a "bully" time in {the?} barn" It was very cold & frosty this morning but the sun got up and it was quite a nice day. There was a slight easterly breeze which was just what we wanted as it blew the smoke away from the barn. It is about the first time this winter we have had an east breeze. Dick & I sent away to-night for a work of 10 volumes which we saw advertised called "The Wonders of Science in Modern Life". Tuesday January February 11th We finished up our threshing about noon - the seed came a little faster than yesterday and I guess we have about five or six bushels, they didn't need me much to help them so I didn't hang around looking for a chance to help. I did a few chores but nothing to speak of. This afternoon I went over and helped thrash at Sam Law's we got all the red clover thrashed and he got just the same as we did - three bags and a little more. It turned out pretty well. I have to go back in the morning to help thrash out three loads of alsike. Dad. did up all the chores here this after noon & I did not get home till after tea. Dick had to go back to help Hazen find a mistake to-night. Mr Wiggins was going to a dance in Jarvis. Allan Law was going down too. It has been much milder to-day this morning it looked stormy but was sunny after dinner and it seems colder to-night. Wednesday February 12th I didn't get up very early this morning and went over to Sam Law's as soon as I had my breakfast. They started to thrash soon after nine - and got though just about noon. They got just three bags of alsike so it turned out much better than ours as they said they only had three loads. I stayed over there to dinner. This afternoon Dad. & Frank fixed up three pens in front of the cow for the calves, they had to be separated as they suck each other's ears & Spot's calf had it's ears frozen last night. I battoned up the door of the horse stable with tar paper and it took me nearly all the after noon. We started separating again this morning Frank stayed home from school to-day to help Dad. get some of the thrashed blue grass over to the other barn but the wind was too strong. Dick had to go back to work tonight. There was a very cold north wind all day and quite a snowstorm to-night for a while 17 �Thursday February 13th We didnt get any thing done to-day but chores. I sawed a little wood this after noon & hung around. Aunty went down town to Bible Class. To-night I went down to band practice and got home about half past ten. It has been cold and very windy all day. The wind got up with the sun and made Dad. feel very cross all day as he wanted to get some to the thrashed blue grass moved to the other barn, and we couldnt with the wind & rough road. Friday February 14th We spent our spare time this morning in fixing a door in the east side of the horse stable loft where we can pitch hay off by hand instead of using the hay fork This afternoon after we had the chores done up we went over and put a load of timothy hay in the rack ready to haul to the horse stable at the first opportunity as the supply over there is getting low. Harry. Varey drove Mrs. Johnston over to spend the after noon with Enah & he & {Elan?} {called?} for her again after tea. Tiddums had colic to-day - very wicked. Miss Harding was out this afternoon to see him. Sunny & mild with not much wind to-day, very nice day. Saturday February 15th As soon as we got the chores done this morning we {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {moved?} the load of timothy which we loaded yester day over to the stable and Frank helped us unload it. Then we {al...?} and put on a load of the thrashed blue grass and {hauled it} over to the other barn. This after noon we unloaded it. {We?} loaded two more, we unloaded one and left the other on the barn floor, so we think we have got in a pretty day's work. Nigel came over quite early this morning & Lila followed him up this after noon, both are staying over night. Aunty went down town this after noon to get some things. Something has gone wrong with the dining room stove chimney and we can hardly see accross the room in there for smoke. Nice day, much milder, slight wind and raining to-night. Sunday February 16th I intended to go to church this morning with Aunty, Dick & Frank but I had to go up on the roof to see what was the matter with the dining room chimney, and as I had to wait till the fire went out it was twenty minutes to eleven when I got down, I found the cause of the trouble was that a brick had blown down the chimney and nearly filled up the flue. I hadn't much trouble in disloging it Quint came over with the boys to dinner, and this afternoon we 18 �went skating. I thought I ought to go as I didn't get to church this morning. We were the only ones on the creek, and the skating was good. We were out to the end of the pier and up as far as Tommy Jackson's, Frank & I came home at half past five & Quint & Dick came over later. Nice day, rather cold and cloudy. It turned cold and froze during the night. We saw a flock of geese flying north to-day. Monday February 17th Dad. and I hooked Joe & Ginger to the buggy this morning and took them down to be shod but we found every shop in town full, so after getting a buggy load of groceries came home, I dropped a dollar's worth of sugar on the floor at Bagley & Miller's and spilt it all over, I was mad enough to cuss. We found out that to-morrow would be the last day they would cut ice, so as we couldn't get the team shod, Dad. spoke to Allan Law and he said he would hold it for us. We intended to get the ice house all ready this after noon but didn't get much done to it. Alfred came over for a visit & Felix Perkins came in to sell a wind mill. I was going to print pictures to-night but we were a little late with tea and as I wanted to do quite a lot, I thought I had better wait till I had more time. Dick didn't come home to tea to night. We don't know where he is but suppose he has gone to A.Y.P.A. There was quite a snow storm tonight this morning but cleared off and was very sunny & mild this after noon. Clear & freezing to night. Tuesday February 18th Allan Law came with the first load of ice this morning soon after breakfast before we had our chores done and we have been on the hump all day. We just put in six loads, and think that will be enough till we see if it keeps and we can easily put in more another time. It kept us busy to keep it well chinked with snow and icechips and we have yet to get some sawdust and pack it. Dick had to work last night till midnight and to-night came home, he has to work every other night for awhile. It has been very mild and sunny all day, freezing to-night. Wednesday February 19th Dad. & I did the chores all up this forenoon. Vyse was over for quite awhile and also a pedlar who waited around about ten minutes for Enah to make her appearance to sell something and then received hardly any attention so departed with haste. Aunty went down to the dentists but had to go again to-morrow. We took Joe & Ginger down right after dinner to be shod. I came home soon after we got there but Dad. did not get back till dark. Butler is 19 �so slow. I didn't do much except put some more snow in the chinks of ice and cut a little wood. Dad. had to milk after tea to-night. Dick didn't come home to tea as he has to work to night. Mrs. Jack & Mrs. Charlie Martin were over this after noon while Enah was visiting at Quanbury's. It has been a lovely day but terribly muddy. Thursday February 20th Dad. & I left as soon after breakfast as possible this morning for Brad. Bowlby's to get a load of sawdust, we got back about noon and after putting it in the ice-house found we would need more, so left right after dinner and got a bigger load, getting home at four o'clock. Dick got home early and unloaded it for us, we could use a little more but we have enough for the present. To-night Dick got a ticket for Dad. to go to the Library Concert so I went with them, they had a farce called "That Rascal Pat" which wasn't much in itself, but the actors, Bill Davis, Perce Brock & Art. Lawson were great. It was very short and we were home at half past ten. It barely froze last night, and has thawed very much all day. If we had waited any longer to go for our sawdust we wouldn't have been able to get in after it, the road was so bad. Mrs. Crosby Morgan died last night. Friday February 21st Just as we were getting ready to sack up some oats this morning, Jack came along and bought our veal calf (Erie's) for eight dollars, he was big but very thin. Dad. took some oats & barley down to the mill to be chopped just before dinner. Aunty went down town to get some flowers for Mrs. Morgan's funeral. Frank came home at noon and is to have a half holiday, as Mr. Smith had to go to Captain McFell's funeral this afternoon. Allan Law came in after dinner and said he was going to take his seed to Jarvis in the morning so I am going with him and take ours. Dad. settled up with him for threshing and he didn't charge anything for hauling the ice, so we got it pretty cheap, as Val. didn't charge for cutting it. Dad. and I went down town after some coal oil and came around by the mill and got our chop and then loaded on our seed. We started to have a musical evening but Tiddums opposed uss and had to have refreshments. Colder to-day with cold easterly wind, getting stormier tonight. Saturday February 22nd We got up before day light this morning as I expected to go to Jarvis with Allan Law, but he never turned up, we supposed on account of the weather. Dad. informed us this morning that the old sow had a big litter of piglets. We have counted them several times during the 20 �day and have come to the conclusion there are thirteen, all healthy and of uniform size. Soon after breakfast young Billy Louis came after Dad to go and see a sick cow so Frank and I were left with all the undone chores on our hands, but we got them off in good shape by noon, besides throwing off what was left of the load of threshed blue grass standing on the barn floor. Dad. got home about noon and had to hurry to get down town by one as he had to be bearer at Mrs. Morgan's funeral. Aunty went down with him. I didn't do much all the afternoon except cut a little wood. The Ryersies came up and Frank went with them back to the gully as Frank discovered a rabbit hole in the mound. One of our white cats has been sick for the last couple of days and to-night has disappeared we are afraid for good. I read "Oour Mutual Friend" all evening and wound up with a bath which nearly killed me. It rained last night and then froze and has been raining most of the day with several heavy down pours. Sunday February 23rd The two boys went to Sunday school Aunty didn't go as she has a cold and didn't like to go out in the wind. I went down to church. Winny came over to dinner with Dick, who spent the after noon down town. Dad. did chores. I read most of the time. We had some music. Frank went back in the gully to look at his empty snares. It has been much colder to day with a raw wind, freezing hard to night Dad is very anxious about his little pigs and to day battoned up the cracks in the pig pen, he says they feel as warm as toast. There are thirteen live ones and one dead one. Monday February 24th Allan Law came over this morning before I was through break fast all ready to start for Jarvis I got ready as quickly as I could, with Dad's big coon skin over coat and stalked over to Law's as Allan had to load up their seeds, we got started about nine o'clock. When we got down about to the fourth concession Allan got out to walk and then got in with Bellack who was leading a team to Jarvis to sell to Dave. Ward who is shipping to-day, so I drove on to Jarvis's alone, I pulled into the association store as I saw the name of Fess above the door but Allan saw me and told me to come on down farther to a brother of this fellow, so we went down and left our load at the other place till after dinner. I came away in such a hurry this morning that I forgot to take any money so had to look to Allan for dinner, and so got a dandy. It took the fellow all the after noon to clean up our alsike & blue grass red clover and we had to leave our blue grass for another time. We got $11 1/2 for the alsike & $9 for the red clover, which is as good as any body is getting now I guess. I got $18 for mine. Allan only 21 �got $10 for his alsike as it was part white clover. The fellow said it would have been worth a lot more than ours if it had been brought in two months sooner but now the market was closed for it. Allan got the same for his red seed as we did. I think he expected more than he got. We left there I guess about half past five, and got home about seven, we came a lot faster than we went as we had a big load on this morning. Dad has been over to Louises' this after noon, their cow is getting better he had a very enjoyable visit with John Wess on his way - one of our little pigs got killed some way this morning thirteen was an unlucky number anyway. Emery McPherson and Mrs. Johnson were over this after noon. Mrs. McBride has been here washing all day. Dick did not get home to-night, had to work I suppose. Pretty cold to day but sunny and nice. Roads are awfully rough down east Tuesday February 25th We were very late this morning getting started, owing to my staying in bed later than I should have, so it took us till noon doing chores. Allan Law came in with our seed and took the waggon away with him again. This after noon Dad. & I drove down town on sundry errands Dick came home to tea but went back down town again to see Huby. he said he might skate or work. Aunty has been feeling very miserable all day, with grip or neuralgia or both. Pretty cold, but sunny and no wind. I finished reading "Our Mutual Freind" to night, sorry to leave it. Wednesday February 26th We didn't do any thing but chores to day. We went down to Alfred's with the sacks we borrowed from him and found him feeling pretty sick with a cold, we were there quite awhile and got back about noon Ern. Fleming was in for awhile this after noon to have Dad. look at his horse who has scratches. I drew a little this after noon and spen the evening practising on my horn. Frank went down town to-night to the moving picture show. Dick was going too so we stayed down to tea It snowed all day, no wind and not very cold Thursday February 27th It snew & blew nearly all day. We did up all the chores this morning. Allan Law brought back our waggon and borrowed the hay rack to haul a couple of loads of hay down town, he brought it back to-night. This after noon Dad. drove Enah down town and when they got back he & I drove down to the mill got some corn cobs and took them down to Huby's as he wanted some to smoke his pork. I printed pictures tonight and met with fairly good success. Dick did not work to-night 22 �Friday February 28th Dad. & I went down first thing this morning and got a load of coal with Joe & Ginger. We let Belle & Harry out separately for a ran in the barn yard and they evidently enjoyed them selves immensly, especially Harry. who was enraptured, this after noon we did chores and unloaded our coal. Aunty has felt very miserable all day and feels as if she was getting the grip. Dick did not come home to-night, this being the end of the month he had to work late. It snowed the biggest part of the day but was quite mild. We are getting enough snow now to make up for the rest of the winter. Saturday March 1st We did the chores all up this morning, this after noon we sat down to read, and stayed a good deal longer than we should have - and then drove Joe & Ginger down town for exercise, the sleighing is pretty good now. When we were letting the team into the stable to-night Joe who goes in first stopped in the alleyway to nose for hay and Ginger came up behind and turned in beside Belle and she kicked Ginger just below the knee and raised quite a lump, but we don't think it will be serious. Frank has spent the day looking at his empty trap and snares and scouring the farm in search of material to make a sleigh. Our other white cat is at the point of death to-night, they must have got poisoned. Isaac Johnson & Jack Lawrie were over this morning with a new horse bought by the farmer. March has put in a very lamblike appearance. It snowed quietly most of the morning, and has been sunny & mild the rest of the day. Sunday March 2nd The boys went to Sunday school and I went down to church. Aunty didn't go on account of her cold and the bad weather Quint. came over to dinner and this after noon we went over to the Shand's as Charlie had asked Frank at school. It was a rough day for a drive and we werent sure wheter we could get through the cuts or not. This one out here was nearly full and we just had room for Joe to go down one side of it. The four of us in the cutter made quile a load but she got through the drifts nobly and where there were no drifts the sleighing was pretty good. We were there all the after noon and they wanted us to stay to tea but the wind was getting worse all the time so we thought it was better to leave before dark. We drove around the other way coming home past McQueen's and the Mill as we weren't shure about getting through the other way. It was getting very much colder and in some places I couldn't see any farther than Joe's head for the drifting snow. we got home 23 �just about dark, the lane out here was full and we all had to get out for to let Joe get through Dad walked down to Alfred's this after noon and to Art's as Mrs Tuck asked Frank in Sunday school to let them know that old Mrs. Sindon. had another stroke. Dad got very cold, and says Alfred isn't feeling much better yet. Quint stayed here all night. Aunty read to us all the evening, but I went to sleep before she finished. Monday March 3rd Dad didn't feel very well to-day so we did not do anything out side but chores and cut a little wood. We also started to make out a list of seeds to send for to Simmer's It snowed pretty much all day, was cold and windy this morning but the wind went down a little and it was a great deal milder this after noon. Dick did not come home to tea to-nigh but went to A.Y.P.A. I had quite a piano practice to-night. Tuesday March 4th I drove Dick down town this morning as the walking was so bad, we were to late in starting to take Frank. When I got back Enah was ready to go down with 10 lbs of butter so after cleaning out the stables I drove her down, she got 30 cts a lb. for the butter, we didn't get back much before noon. Allan Law came over to get one of us to help him shovel out the cut on the side road out here but as neither could go he said he wasn't going to do it alone and so departed after breaking the handle of our snow shovel while talking. Dad felt very miserable to-day so we didn't do any thing much this after noon but finish making out our list of seeds. Aunty got a letter from Miss Scott this afternoon saying that a little daughter arrived yesterday after noon to Ray & Vernon. Aunty couldn't make out from the letter whether they were extra anxious about Vernon or not, but we didnt get any more word tonight so Dad. thinks every thing must be all right. We are afraid that all our cats except Fits and her mother have gone where they don't play billiards as neither the grey or black cat has showed up for the last two or three milking times. I had a good practice on horn & piano to-night. It snowed a little to-day but was pretty sunny & not cold. Wednesday March 5th I drove Aunty & Dick down town, this morning. Aunty got Cousin Willie to telephone Ray and find out how things were, he said they were doing better and said there would be a letter from him on the noon train. I drove around town while waiting for Aunty as I didn't want to keep Joe waiting. Bob. Miller asked me if we could keep a ewe for awhile for him as didn't want to kill it yet. Aunty found out from Aunty Maude that Mrs. Baugner's friend Mr. Hamer 24 �the great Shropshire man was coming to Mr Scofield's this afternoon so Dad. & I went down and met him and thought he was a very nice fellow. We have been troubled lately by a very disagreeable odour in the dining room and until this morning have been unable to discover the cause, but upon investigation Dad found our two cats the black one and the white one which disappeared from the horse stable so mysteriously lying dead in the garret directly over the dining room stove, where it was warm. Frank found the remains of the grey cat underneath the cultivator in the barn to-night, our once great supply of cats has now dwindled down to two head. Dick had to work to-night so did not get home to tea. Mrs. McBain. died very suddenly this morning about ten o'clock. I had a pretty good practice tonight. Rather cold, but sunny, windy to-night. Thursday March 6th Helen Agusta Wind was here to-day, so in honor of her visit we didn't do any thing but chores, and not all of them as we didn't clean out the horse stable at all, for the first time this winter. This afternoon I walked down town to get the mail as Dick wasn't coming home to tea to-night. The lane was full of snow-drift so we couldn't drive. To night I went down to the Orchestra dance, I didn't decide to go till just in time to get ready but the wind had died down, so it wasnt so bad going. Dick was there and we had a good time, the only boots I could find to wear, were a pair of thin soled paten leathers of Dad's, they were about a foot too long for me but worked pretty well, we got home about three in the morning; it was freezing hard and I guess was the coldest night this winter. Frank didn't go to school to-day on account of a bad cold. Friday March 7th Dad. and I started to dig out the lane this morning but Sam Law came over - about ten o'clock - and got Dad. to go and help dig out the one cut on the side road and at the winding hills, so I didn't get finished here. This afternoon we did chores, and I walked down and got the mail and my hair cut. Frank was in the house all day to-day again and feels pretty sick. Dick brought home a book to-night which he persisted in reading out loud and so I could not get this written. Had a practice on my horn. It has been freezing hard all day but sunny and no wind. Saturday March 8th Dad. and I did up the chores this morning, we also finished shovelling out the lane. I drove Enah down town this after noon to sell her butter and do shopping I didn't wait for her 25 �standing as I was afraid Joe would get cold so drove around town I picked up Roy Dell and afterwards Quint & Jim Muth piled in too but they didn't stay long. When we got home Mr. & Mrs. Morley Buck and kids were over just leaving. Mrs. Buck had been comparing babies but thought Tiddums would be not much account as he didn't sleep out doors. Jack Martin came over this after noon while we were gone and took all his roosters. Dick didn't come home to tea to-night we supposed he had to work. We started to have a practice to-night but Tiddums had to wake up and be fed just as we got started and it looks now as if I was in for a bath. It has been much milder to-day snowed this morning and is almost thawing this evening before sundown. Sunday March 9th The boys went to Sunday school this morning, Aunty stayed home to mind Tiddums so as to let Dad. & Enah go to church, we started rather late and it was beginning to rain before we got to the corner it was pouring so hard we came back. Frank did not go to church. This after noon we didn't do anything much Dad. did all the chores and Enah & I practiced Dick read, he was very disappointed as he has been counting on a sleigh ride this afternoon but the sleighing is nearly all gone, although a cutter & bob sleigh did go past in the mud. It has been very mild & sunny this after noon but every thing is flooded. Monday March 10th Dad. and I loaded up some wheat oats this morning and took it down to be chopped. This after noon Dad drove Aunty down to the McBains and on down town to get the mail and then drove around by the mill for the chop Just after dinner Allan Law drove in with his new buggy and harness and wanted to go to Jarvis after the blue grass money, so I went with him. the roads were a little muddy but not bad we went down and back in three hours, and were there half an hour or more. We got eight dollars for our seed with 17 lbs of alsike in it and Allan got a little over five for his. we didn't expect any more. He gave usl 2 1/2 cts for the blue gras & 17 cts per lb for the alsike. Allan bought me a cigar and I was fool enough to smoke it on the way home. It was my first whole one and although I didn't suffer any ill effects from it I think it will be my last because I don't see any sense in it. Mrs. McBride has been here washing to-day. Cliff Mc{Baind?} was in before break fast this morning to see if Dad would take their old mare but we couldn't so Dad told him to shoot her which he did this afternoon. Although they hated to do it, they couldn't manage any other was as they are all leaving for Toronto to-night. Dick did not get home to tea to-night. Very mild and sunny. snow going fast. 26 �Tuesday March 11th Teddy George was in before breakfast this morning to get Dad. to go over to Monteith's to see a sick cow Dad. fed the calves and had a cup of coffee but when he got over there the cow was dead. After doing up the chores Dad hooked up Joe & Ginger and we hauled up a load of rails. This afternoon we put a load of timothy on the rack to haul to the horse stable in the fmorning when the ground is frozen. Dad had been carrying blue grass over lately. Frank went down to see a health-car to-night so was late getting home. Just before ten Hazen & Murray drove in to tell Dick that he needn't go to work to night but Dick didn't come home anyway. Murray says he is home on sick leave but not very sick. Miss Monteith & Mrs Welch were in this after noon. Mild. muddy and springlike Wednesday March 12th Lorne Myers and his father came in first thing this morning to get a load of the threshed blue grass which Dad. told him he could have for five dollars a load, while they were putting it on we took Joe & Ginger and hauled our load of timothy over to the horse stable. Bill Donald came in just as the Myers were going - and it was nearly noon when he left. Dad. discovered Queen had cut a nasty gash in her {right?} fore leg just above the fetlock, he thought at first the tendon was cut but when he bathed it after dinner found it wasn't; he feels very badly about it and is afraid it will always be rough there. This afternoon we weighed and took Alfred's bushel of clover seed to him. He his pretty sick yet. When we got back we went out and cleaned out the road ditch running on the south side of the wheat field - as it was full of snow - and was backing a big pond on to the wheat. The seeds we sent to Simmer's for came to-day. Froze last night but sunny & thawing to-day looks like a big storm. Thursday March 13th We bathed Queen's leg and did chores this morning Aunty went down town to the dentist and stayed down to go to Bible class this after noon Dad. drove down after her about half past four. This after noon Dad & I moved quite a lot of the threshed blue grass out of the drive way into the barn. To night Dick and I went down to band practice but there wasn't any thing much going on as a lot of them were practicing at the Presbyterian concert. Dick couldn't get his cornet as Bill Graham has taken it. Murray was playing a lot of the new song hits over on the town hall piano for Walt Perce Brock was dancing to them. Vyse was over 27 �most of the morning. It rained a little but has been sunny & warm Frank and Dad each saw a robin to-day and Dick said he saw two or three, they are the first I have heard of. Friday March 14th I didn't get up early this morning and had the blues for most of the forenoon. We fixed up the ice house a little more and put some tar paper and siding on the front of it so that it looks ever so much better. This after noon we trimmed apple trees we got two pretty well browsed in two hours and a half. The cows all went back to the gully this after noon, when I went back for them they were nosing around half way to the culvert but they came when I called them. Lila came over with Frank to stay all night. Dick came home to tea. After we sat down to tea Roy Bannister came after Dad. to go and see their old horse which he said was choking. Dad. had his tea and then went over to see it. Tiddums allowed Enah to play the whole evening for Dick and me. and I didn't go to bed till about eleven. It has been a beautiful day quite hot but to-night a very heavy thunder storm came up and it rained & hailed nearly all evening, that in the spring means cold weather. Saturday March 15th We got up pretty fairly early this morning and Dad discovered that the calves were in the sheep pen and upon investigation found that they had come through the barn and had let the sheep all out. we supposed the wind last night had blown the barn doors open. Another little bit of excitement we had was Dick discovering that Lila had come in to his room before he was awake and taken his Romany Club pin of his coat. and she wouldn't give it back. She said he had no right to it as he didn't belong to their club. but he said he was going to keep it as they had sold it to him. We found out later when Winnie came over that Lila had lost hers, and there wasn't another one so she had taken Dick's but Win persuaded to give it back as they had found the lost one. I think Dick bought it so as there wouldn't be enough to go round and led them to under stand he was buying it for another member of the club. We got the chores done up pretty early but didn't get any thing else much done. Dad. went over to Bannister's to see their horse and says he thinks it will die. Roy came back with him and fooled around with Frank nearly all morning and at last went home with an Horatio Alger book after Frank had showed about half a dozen {"tame" illegible} Win and Lila went home soon after dinner. This afternoon Dad drove Enah and Frank down town, Enah sold her butter and Frank got a new suit which he is highly delighted with. Dad arranged with Marshall to send our cream to the butter factory in April.The roads were a fright, frost nearly out in some places. I cut wood and cleaned out enough threshed 28 �bluegrass to shut the barn doors. It rained this morning this after noon very high wind and colder not quite freezing to-night. Dick had to work tonight. Tiddums on the mend slept most of the day. Sunday March 16th Aunty and the boys went down to sunday school & church I helped Dad do up some of the chores and then left here about eleven for church. I was a little late of course so sat in the back with Dick & Fred Tuck. Quint came over to dinner with us and this afternoon he Dick & I went down town and sat around down at the Vigilant with Jim Muth till six. Dick stayed down to tea at Huby's but I came home. Dad did up the chores. It froze last night and has been much colder to-day with a sharp wind. Freezing pretty hard to night. Snow flurries to day. Monday March 17th Dad. and I caught the two young gobblers this morning and put them up over the pig pen, where we hope to get them in a corpulent state, one for home consumption and the other to convert into cash, we started before dinner to move more alsike & bluegrass threshing and this after noon got it all out of the drive way and piled in one corner of the empty bent in the barn as high as was convenient to pich, there is still quite a pile in the shed. Enah went down town to church this afternoon, there is church every afternoon this week now. Dick came home with her. Tom. Abbot was in this morning to see Dad. about his mare who has distemper. It froze pretty stiff last night and there has been a rather sharp breeze to- day but sunny. Tuesday March 18th I went down town this morning took some saws down for Emery to sharpen and got him to come over to morrow to help us build a smoke house. I also saw Huby and asked him to come over as Dad. wanted to speak to him about tendering for a mail route. He came over this afternoon and said he would think about it. I got a pair of low shoes and came home. This after noon we tore down most of the old chicken house - as that is were we expect to get the material for the smoke house. Skinny Ryersie came over this after noon with the ewe Bol. Miller wanted to keep her for awhile. He said it was one of my old ones, but I dont beleive I would have recognised it. Aunty went down to church this after noon. Art Quanbury was in soon after dinner and got all the white wyandotte pullets (14). It has been very much milder but windy. 29 �Wednesday March 19th Emery did not show up this morning as we expected and we found out after wards that he stayed at home to help Mrs. McPherson get ready to go to Courtright in the morning. Dad. and I finished taking the nails out of the old chicken house boards and I just hung around this after noon and went back to the gully where I heard a frog. Enah went down to church this afternoon. To-night Dick and Frank went to the show the Presbyterian church had in the town hall called "The Old District School" which they enjoyed very much. I had a good practice. Lovely day very mild the frost nearly all out. Thursday March 20th Emery came over this morning and built the smoke house getting it all finished by to-night. Dad. & I helped him and I cleaned out the separator this after noon Aunty went down to church to-day. Emery stayed here to tea and Cecil came over here to find him. After tea Dick. Emery Cecil and I went down town & I went to band practice Dick got his first long pants to-night but I don't think he likes them much. It rained a little and was threatening this morning but turned out fine and was a beautiful night. Friday March 21st It poured rain most of the morning. Frank and Enah went down to church as this is Good Friday. Cecil McPherson came over and said he thought he would stay here awhile on his way to his Grandpa's, but owing to the weather he stayed till after dinner when his father came and called for him. A terrific wind got up about noon and blew things "galley west." It flatene our barnyard fence, tore some of the roof of our cow stable rooted up the old half dead mountain ash tree at the corner of the spare bedroom and blew over our new smoke house. We three boys went down town and found the water very high down at the pier. We noticed Woodson's tank has blown off its tower and their fence is lying all over the sidewalk. Aunty and I intended to go to church to-night but as the wind was so bad we decided to stay home and I had a pretty fair practice. Dick went down town to a party at {Bessie?} Graham's. Saturday March 22nd Dad and I & Frank fixed up the fence around the barnyard which blew down yesterday. Roy Bannister came over to spend the morning with Frank. This after noon Dad and I went down town to get some groceries. We have to take beef for Easter as the wind yesterday blew 30 �apart the pig pen door and both the turkeys got loose and we haven't caught them yet. We heard of quite a lot of damage being done around here several wind mills put out of business and the roof blew off Chart. Wooleys barn. but by the paper we see there is much more damage done in other parts of the province. Dad. got his hair cut and I waited around till he got through Mrs. Lawrie was here when we got back. I had a good practice to-night. Sunny with cold wind. Sunday March 23rd As this was Easter Sunday, Dad. and Enah managed to get down to church while Aunty looked after Tiddums. This after noon I wasted in sleeping and reading Dad & Frank did all the chores. It was cloudy this morning and rained all the afternoon Aunty wanted to go to church to-night but couldn't on account of the weather. Franks got 12 eggs to-day which is more than he has got since Christmas but for that it has seemed very un-Eastery. Monday March 24th I didn't do any thing much to-day but chores Dad & Frank cleaned up the old barn, and I read a lot of "Tom Dick & Harry". Jimmy Lawse came over quite early this morning and got Fred. Dad. was disappointed Bob. didn't see her before she got all wet and muddy but I saw Bob to-night and he said she was in better shape than he expected. The fellow that lives down at the corner where Andre used to live was over this morning to see if he could buy some little pigs as he had a lot of milk going to waste, he seemed disappointed when he couldn't get them but Dad. didn't want to sell any and had had a lot speak before. It poured rain all last night and most of the morning but was clear all the afternoon. About dark it began again and kept it up all night to-night. Dick and I went down to the Orchestra dance to-night, it was raining so hard when we left about 3 am that we went down to Huby's. I just took off my coat and boots and lay on the sofa. Dick I guess turned in with Quint. About six I came home. Dick spent about half of his holiday yesterday in bed and the other half in town. {The entries for Mar. 25 & 26 were written by Toby's father, Harry Barrett.} Tuesday March 25th It poured rain all last night and this forenoon, the mud is terrible Tobe and Dick stayed at Hubert's after the ball. Tobe got home Just as Frank and I were getting the fires going. We did very little but chores all day, the papers are full of the awful loss of life and property 31 �caused by the storm on Good Friday. It was fair for a little while this afternoon but is raining and freezing a little tonight. Wednesday March 26th A very heavy fog this morning, but mild the ice was dropping from the trees, we took Joe and Ginger on the lumber wagon and moved the big bin from the drive house over to the old barn there we put on three sacks of oats to go to the mill, we got there and then on down town. Aunty went with us, (Frank & me) she stayed down town. Frank and I got home about noon with our chop and our flour. After dinner we cleaned up some wheat. Aunty got home about six. Dick did not get home to tea. Toby went down to have a practice. It is a dark dismal night and not knowing whether to snow or rain. Thursday March 27th It blew & snew all day so we didn't do any thing out side but chores. I drew a little this morning while Dad. paid a visit to Alfred and Frank worked at his "Mecanno" We weren't sure whether Dick would be home to night with the mail. I walked down after it, I saw Dick and we went down and got our Science books and I brought them home. I took my horn down this afternoon and went down to band practice to night. Dick did get home to tea after all. The papers are full of account of the awful floods in Ohio.There has been a blizzard most of the day and to-night is freezing quite stiff. Snow all over again Friday March 28th We put in most of the day to-day hauling hay. We had two motives for so doing, first because we were out of hay both in horse stable and cow barn, and secondly because we wanted to get at the clover which was under what we hauled for the sheep, we just cut a square out of one corner of the blue grass mow and took out all the blue grass till we struck clover. We could only haule half loads as the mud under the frozen crust was to hard to pull through but Joe & Ginger did it. We hauled one half load to the other barn and half a one to the horse stable and put half a one on the rack Frank pitched out of the mow Dad pitched on and I loaded. Enah went down town this morning and Aunty went calling at Brileys & Martin's this afternoon. It has been very sunny all day but a cold wind, freezing to night. Saturday March 29th 32 �Frank, Dad and I cleaned up more wheat this morning but have quite a lot left yet. Nig. came over this morning and he and Frank went back hunting this after noon around the gully. I went back too with my camera. I intended to follow the south creek to its source but as I couldn't get across it and there were several branches to it I had to keep on the south of every branch. I was led at last nearly to Colin McNellige's barn - and then I went down to Cedar swamp in quest of skunk cabbage but as I was on the wrong side of that creek and the log was gone I didn't find any, I think it is a little early any way. I heard a dog barking down the stream and upon investigation, discovered Billy Louis & Balby Wright with their dog's. I talked to them awhile and then came part way home with Billy the same way I came went. Dad. and Aunty went down town this after noon Dad. settled up with Bob Miller for Fred. he got $60.00 for her, just what he asked and Bob said she was worth it. Bob offered him $48.00 for the twelve little pigs now but Dad. doesn't want to sell them till he has spoken to the othe people who have asked for them, he saw Carl Coleman coming over here on his way home with his cow who had another piece of turnip in her throat. Dick did not get home to tea to night It has been much milder to-day and very sunny. Sunday March 30th I went down to church this morning. Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School and church. Dick stayed down at Huby's to tea dinner. This after noon I decided to take a walk up to Wooley's to make sure whether the roof was off his barn or not as we have heard conflicting reports concerning it. I fell in with Jacks Spain & Winn, Lewie Larose & Geordie Spain. and they came to the conclusion that they would go with me, but Lewie didn't go very far. The rest of went up to Wooley's point with out much adventure, then I left them there to go and ascertain the facts of the barn case, and found it in perfectly good condition and I didn't think it was likely they would have it all fixed up so soon. I came back to the lake just by Hay Creek and saw the other fellows down the beach, and saw by their foot prints that they had kept on the beach so I thought if they could go that way I could too but soon found out that I was very much mistaken. I got into quicksand above my boot tops and just covered myself with mud (I was fool enough to have worn my good clothes) I lost one rubber and fished around with my fingers for about five minutes before I found it. I struck for the bank at the first opportunity and stayed there till I got to where I knew I wouldn't have to cross any more mud. I washed my rubbers off as well as I could. When I got down to McCoy's bush I found Skinny & Perce Ryersie with Fred Tuck Bangers & {Smock?} making maple syrup they had quite a quantity of sap gathered and were boiing it down right there. I took a picture of them and then homeward plodded my weary way, via 33 �the back streets of Dover thus escaping the notice of most of the good people who might scoff at my appearance. I stopped at Huby's to try and brush off some of the mud but did not succeed he gave me a piece of Sassafras root which Mr Henderson had got. Lovely sunny day but muddy in spots Monday March 31st Dad. went off this morning to settle up about the sale of his little pigs, he saw. John Quanbury & Vyse and they didn't want to block the sale of the bunch so he sold the eleven of them to Bob. Miller for forty five dollars he had given the runt to Frank so couldn't sell it with the rest. I did the chores up and Tupper came through on his way down town. This afternoon the old man that lives down at the corner came up here with his cream to churn as Dad. told him he might this morning. Part of the barn yard fence blew down again this morning and some of the cattle got into the field. About four o'clock Dad. and I went up to Ham Thompsons and Dad bought his registered short horn bull calf for fifty five dollars although he wanted sixty as he says their price has gone up very much lately. We didn't get home till six so were late with the chores. Dick did not get home to tea to-night I suppose as it is the last of the month It rained alittle this morning, cloud, windy and colder to-night. Tuesday April 1st There was a very strong wind blowing all day to-day and as wind makes Dad. sick & mad. we didn't do anything but chores, but did them thoroughly, we also went out and I held the ladder while Dad nailed a board on the eve of the cow stable roof, as the wind was getting under our roofing paper and tearing it. This after noon I slept most of the time and Dad made some meat hooks out of the rod he got from Butler the other day. Aunty went down town this morning and stayed down till after the auxillary this after noon. Dick did not get home to tea. I had a good practice to-night. Ed. Aikens was in this after noon to see Dad. about a dog which he left here to be looked after. Cold but sunny to-day. Froze pretty stiffly last night but the wind dried up a lot of mud. Wednesday April 2nd Dad. and I put up the barnyard fence again this morning which the wind blew down the day before yesterday While we were at it the old man at the corner, (whose name he told us was Mr. Green, but who is commonly known as Jonas by the surrounding neighbourhood.) came in and bargained for a load of hay. Dad. said he would let him have a load of thashed alsike for five dollars but would not deliver it with the roads in the shape they are, so this 34 �after noon he got Allan Law to come and get it for him, his wife came last night so he is a little more cheerful, Charlie Martin was over this morning for awhile to see about getting some meat smoked and he helped us raise the smoke house. We chopped up the old mountain ash tree that blew down and got a small pile of firewood from it. This after noon we didn't do much as Allan Law and his friend Jonas came after the latter's hay and we stayed out at the barn watching them work. Tupper came in soon after their exodus and entertained us for about an hour relating the history of Jonas, & Sairy his wife as he had known them in the days of his youth when they lived near Waterford. It appears that Jonas has a few shingles of his roof and that some of "Saiway's" as Jonas evidently calls her are loose. It was rather late in the life of each of them when they entered upon their matrimonial career and all has not been perfectly clear sailing since as they now and then strike a rock in the shape of a pugilistic bout, in which the old lady generally comes off with the laurels. Many were the anecdotes he told of pranks & tricks enjoyed by the juvenile portion of the comunnity at Mr. Green's expence and one case where that gentleman's claw's did him a good service in peeling a youth's face with whom he was engaged in battle. Aunty went down town this after noon and brough back a note from Mrs. Lawson containing news of the arrival of a new member to the house of Tupper, and it was to be delivered to the head of that house. Mrs. Tupper is down at Mrs. Lawson's and the stork called yesterday morning but Mrs. Lawson hadn't seen anybody to carry the tidings home. Tupper said this after noon he in tended to call down there the end of this week or the beginning of next to see if there was any thing doing, he supposed they would let him know if a boy came but if it was a girl he didn't care a cent. Poor Tupper it was a girl and he was going fishing to-night. Just before ten to-night Billy Barlow drove in he had been down in this country after beef and dropped in to see us and Dad sold him his two gobblers. Dick did not come home to tea to night but I went down to private band practice and we came home to gether. Pud. Slocomb Roy Dell & Walt were at band practice and we had a fairly good one. Very nice day to-day Sunny and quite mild, Roads are drying up fast. Blacker than a stack of black cats to-night. Found 4 duck eggs in mudpuddle Thursday April 3rd Mr. Green came in this morning for a little visit before breakfast and sat by the door with his hat on all the time we were eating. We couldn't do very much out side to day on account of the weather but this morning we finished cleaning up the wheat and this after noon started to clean up oats but didn't get much done Emery came over with the pieces he is going to put on the bed piece of the rack to rest on the holster instead of the cross 35 �pieces on the holster but he couldnt finish the job as the bolts he brought over didn't have a long enough thread cut on them. Tonight I went down to band practice with Emery. I wore my steel boots and gaiters to keep off the mud and I left my horn at Hubys. It has rained nearly all day to-day with thunder and lightening but seems to have cleared off to night. It seems there is a new fellow now negotiating with the town concerning a canning factory they have formed a joint stock company and yesterday sold $8000 worth of shares they want to sell $15000 worth. Friday April 4th Dad. & I drove Joe & Ginger up to Simcoe to-day. Dad went to Frank Reid's and paid the intrest on the mortgage and $1000 of the principal which Aunty got and wanted to pay last fall but couldn't as they wouldn't take it till the right date. We got there just a little after twelve and Dad. just caught Mr. Reid as he was leaving for dinner we also called around to see Billy Barlow but his shop door was locked so we dropped in at Church's and got our old harnessed fixed and came home getting here about half past three. The roads were very bad in some places especially in the streets of Simcoe, we didn't go by the half way house but turned at the cemetry corner and came out on the gravel at St. John's as Carl Coleman told me the other night there was a bad place near Brad. Bowlby's but we found the back road in very good condition. We had our dinner and did up a few chores after we got home Charlie Martin came over just before tea and tuned the piano Dick came home to tea. It has been cloudy and threatening all day but quite mild. It rained before and after we went to Simcoe but was fair all the time we were gone. Quint was over a couple of times after some ducks, Frank saw in the timothy field. But Saturday April 5th Frank and Dad. went up to Ham. Thompson's about the first thing this morning and got our bull, they were gone quite a while as he gave them considerable trouble and got away once and ran way down the track. We have to think of name for him as is to be registered. While they were gone Quint and George Haymaker came along, they had come up the creek and came over here to see if the ducks were here, but they weren't. George wanted to know if I knew any body around here by the name of Mull or some name sounding like that, who kept brown leg horn chickens and lived a long way in from the road; by this last hint I suppose I mentioned Tupper which proved to be the correct answer; they didn't know the way over there so I showed them part way as George wanted to get some eggs. This after noon Frank & Enah went down town for supplies. I cut wood and Dad carried hay and then we hung the 36 �hams all up in the smoke house Dick didn't come home to tea to-night. It has been colder and windy to-day with quite a snow storm to-night. Sunday March April 6th Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday school and I went to church this morning. This after noon I drew a pattern to carve and Dick went down town. Dad. did nearly all the chores. {The remainder of this paragraph was written by Toby's father, Harry Barrett.} Toby and Hattie have gone in to have some music so I told him I would finish this, there is little more to say. It has been a cold miserable day, quite a wind with occasional snow flurries, it is freezing hard tonight. Monday April 7th I didn't do anything much to-day, helped Dad. a little clean out the place where we had the calves as he wants to build a stall for the bull (who by the way we have decided to call Dreadnought after Aunty's suggestion) in one corner of it. Dad. lit a fire in the smoke house this morning and about noon Art Quanbury came over with Charlie Martin's hams and some side meat of his fathers which Dad promised to smoke. Bob. Miller came over and got the little pigs to-day. He paid $44.00 for the eleven but left Runty for Frank, we left him in with the old sow but soon had to remove him as we heard a terrible racket in the pig pen and when Dad went to investigate found the old sow with the little pig down and treating it in a very savage manner and if she had been left to continue would soon have killed it but as it was she didn't hurt it much Aunty went down town this after noon, and something or other struck Enah to go down to A.Y.P.A. to-night so Dad. went with her I guess it was because Aunty Maude was going to recite. Dick did not get home to tea to-night we don't know whether he had to work or not. We think of getting up early in the morning and going fishing back in the gully. Ray Dell told Frank to-night that Ern. Fleming caught 6 pike above the culvert at our place yesterday or the day before. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. It was cloudy and inclined to snow this morning but turned sunny & muddy & mild this after noon. Lovely night. {indistinct marks on page} Tuesday April 8th Dad finished building his bull stall to-day. I didn't do much in the morning but this after noon I pruned another apple tree. We got up about half past five this morning and started to the gully armed with a rifle and two pitch forks. We went down to the culvert and walked up but didn't see a sign of aquatic life except a mud turtle who was too cold to resist my 37 �picking him out of the water on my fork and some sort of a fish about a foot long which I speared at but missed. I also saw two minnows. Aunty went down town to the dentists this morning and was successful in finding the door unlocked and Bill in working order. Dick had to work to-night and said when he got home that got nearly through he only made a mistake of $1800.00. Froze hard last night, sunny & breezy to-day. Wednesday April 9th This morning I started to clean up the lawn in front of the house and I raked the grass across the ditch. Then Dad. & I went back to the gully and burned some of the old grass on the flat. After dinner went back again. we burned quite a lot of it but it is a little too wet to run. When we got back we bolted the pieces on the bed pieces of the rack. To-night I went down with my horn to practice but found there was a public meeting on in the hall and consequently no practice so I went to the meeting, it was about the new school by law. Mr. Ivey was speaking when I went in, and he was against it. Then Dr. Hicks & Mr. Robertson who were for it had a little say, then Old Maneer & Dr. Jolly the former for & the latter against it. Old Maneer told us that as he had lived in the back woods all his life he had no education so would like to see a good school and that if nobody else would build it for less than $28000.00 he would take the contract himself. They spent a good part of the time arguing who was going to have the last word but Mr. Ivey left before it was over I think. Dick & I did any way and got home after eleven. Aunty went down town this morning and stayed down all night as Aunty Maude has not been at all well all day. It has been a nice day but with quite a cold wind. Thursday April 10th It rained nearly all day so we didn't do much but chores. As I was cleaning out the stable this morning I got a sharp stitch in my side and had to go in the house and lie down till after dinner, and it was quite a while after dinner before it entirely left me. Aunty came over this morning. This afternoon Dad fixed up the boxstall door and cleaned & admired Queen. Tonight I went down to band practice to-night. There weren't many there as all the orchestra went to Port Rowan to a dance. Bob. Rankin was down and we had a pretty fair practice. Dick had to work all evening hunting for a mistake of 40 something dollars and we came home to-gether through the pouring rain. Quint got word by telephone to-day from Geordie Allen saying he had a job for him and he is to go to Port Coulborne to morrow night. He doesn't know yet what the job is but thinks it is on a boat. 38 �Friday April 11th Quint came over this morning to say goodbye to us and I went out with him to get his traps which he set for the ducks and we scared up six but were too far away to get a shot at them. Aunty went down with Quint and is going to stay down all night I went over as far as Martin's with them and Aunty got Mrs. Charlie Martin to telephone down to see if Bagley & Miller's car of potatoes had come yet but they hadn't so I went over again after the train should have come in but they weren't here. This after noon Jonas came over to prune apple trees. We hardly knew him as he has had his beard shaved off. he got over quite a lot of trees but didn't cut out any thing much but the suckers. He says he will be over to-morrow if it is fine but has to go to work for Ivey on Monday. I went down to-night to see Quint off. Dick was down and said he would have to look for his mistake again to-night. Cloudy & very mild, windy Saturday April 12th Jonas came over at seven this morning and pruned in the orchard all day. He got pretty well over all the trees but I think they would stand a lot more being cut out of them. Dad & I went down to Porter's in the lumber waggon and got back about two o'clock. The roads were awful in places. Art. Ryersie just scraped his hill before the rain so it was like a mortar bed, so to miss it we came home but the Plank road and it was just about as hard pulling down the hill above the brick yard as it would have been pulling up Art. Ryersie's. Dad. & Enah walked down town after dinner and did not get back till after six. Dad. voted for the School by-law and before he came home found out that it had carried by a majority of 10 in town but they hadn't heard from the town-ship yet, most likely the moss backs will be against it. I started to dig up the plum trees out on the front lawn this after noon but the ground was too wet. Frank and I found the turkey nests right out here along the side of the road. Aunty came over this morning after she had voted. Dick is still in quest of his mistake. Jim Law was in here this morning trying to sell Enah some tea & coffee but didn't. Dark & threatening all day but quite mild. Sunday April 13th Dad. caught a whole family of rats in the horse stable last night in the cage trap, there was a mother and five ratlets. He had to drown them although he hated to. He also discovered that Bob's ewe had a lamb last night. Aunty & the boys went down to Sunday school and I went down late to church. This afternoon Dick and I took some duck eggs down to Mrs. 39 �Tuck and Dick bought a film for Frank's camera with the money. We hung around the lake till about five o'clock with Roy Dell and then came home. We found Pud. Smythe & his father had been here all the afternoon and were just going We went in on our way down to see Jona's colt which came this morning. It is a nice colt only one hind leg is crookeder than a snake fence. Enah went to church to-night and Dick went down with her but said he was not going to church. Lovely day, roads drying up fast. Monday April 14th Dad managed to poke a hole through the blocade in the center of the culvert this morning with a scantling and as there was such a head of water on it washed it out clear and in a few minutes it drained the lake that has been in the field on the west side of the road all spring & winter. Then we grubbed out the six plum trees that were planted all in a heap along the lane in the lawn as they were full of black knot and haven't borne fruit since we came here so we want to plant a grape vine in their place. While we were out there Billy Louis drove along breaking his colt then Art. Ryersie, then Mr. Monteith came and each stopped to talk Charlie Martin came over and talked till nearly noon. This after noon I fixed the place up where we dug out the trees and Dad brushed them out. When we went out to the {Courslake?} we had to spend some time with Bobby who had a big bull calf just come.We were rather late getting through to-night but Dad & I went down to Mrs. {Halles?} as soon as we could get ready after tea. Dick came all the home after he had had his tea to tell Dad. to take his songs down but he didn't. We had a nice evening and enjoyed Miss Prest's playing on the violin very much. We got home about twelve and came with Dick who had just got through work as we came out. Aunty Maude went to London to-day as delegate to the W.A. Meetings and Aunty has gone down to keep house for Huby & the girls Charlie Martin got his meat this after noon. and Dad is going to take ours out as it is smoked enough. It has been very nice & sunny but with rather raw east wind. Tuesday April 15th Sam. Law came after Dad. this morning to put a team on the road scraper so he took Joe & Ginger and has had them at it all day. They used the old three cornered {drag?} that has been leaning up against our barn since the reign of Titus and just had the two teams on. Law's & ours. Sam drove their team this morning and Allan drove this after noon. Dad got home about five to-night and said he would have been home half an hour earlier but they hauled the scraper to Law's and Sam was bound he should see their bull calf - and then Allan insisted on him going in to hear a record or two on his new graphaphone. I didn't do 40 �much but chores this morning but chores and this after noon took a walk over the estate. I found the wheat in some places to be pretty badly killed but where we ploughed the manure under it is pretty good and where it was top dressed is better than where there is none at all. On the fall ploughing I noticed that parts of the fields are dry as a bone but in other places it is a little too soggy to work yet. I went back to the gully & burnt a lot more grass but didn't have anything to carry the fire. I went back to the woods and saw quite a lot of May flowers and two garter snakes Dick came home to tea with the mail but had to go back to work. Mild, sunny & breezy. Wednesday April 16th Dad. & I went down first thing this morning with Joe & Ginger & the lumber waggon to get the team shod. we didn't get back till noon. I got some things up town and then went down to Huby's where Aunty showed me where to get some raspberriesroots. I also got a white rose root, one of the old bushes This afternoon I set them out but didn't get all the raspberries put out. Dad got a load of rails, we intended if we had had time to have gone back and harrowed a little this after noon, Vyse has started disking. Frank & Dick had tea at Huby's to-night as they are going to a show in the town hall. Jonas came over to night to pay Dad for what he owed him on the hay and got some apples. One of the hen turkeys died during the night. When Dad went out to feed the calves to-night he gave Frank's runt a big feed of milk - and when he returned he found the poor pig dead at the back of its pen. Lovely sunny day quite hot. Thursday April 17th Dad. started to work on the field this side of the gully on the east side of the lane with Joe & Ginger. He harrowed all morning. I went back with him but just as we got back I noticed the colts out. I went back to put them in. Tig under took to help me but as she chased them way over to the side road I shut her up in the stable I managed to get them back into the barn yard through the lane. While I was after them Taurus & all the calves got out and I chased them for about an hour but a last had to shut them up just where they were. some of them in the clover field, John in the plum orchard and left Jim out on the road. I then planted out the raspberries and Dad put the calves in when he came up. This after noon Aunty came over for a few minutes Dad. took the disks back and disked what he harrowed this morning, some of the land is a little too wet to work yet. I did chores. and cleaned up my horn with some stuff of Quint's which Aunty brought over. its what they used down on the "Vigilant" and is great stuff. To-night I went down to band practice. Roy. Dell. Walt & 41 �John Smith were the only ones there. Dad. went down with me and got the baby carriage which Mrs. Johnston sent to Enah. He came home with Dick who hasn't been working all the after noon. We went down to Huby's for awhile after practice Aunty Maude came home tonight. None of us expected her It has been a lovely day, sunny & hot. Friday April 18th Dad and I worked on the land all day. I disked with Belle & Harry and Dad harrowed wth the little team. We are just working up half the field and are going to try to get it in to morrow after noon. Enah took Tiddums down town this after noon in his fancy carriage. Aunty & Win came over to-night. but Win had to go back after tea. Dick went home with her. Very warm, thunder & lightening after tea but no rain to speak of Saturday April 19th I went out and disked all morning. Dad. and Frank got out the drill and cleaned up some oats, then Dad. came out and harrowed for a couple of hours before noon We didn't get out very early after dinner owing to chores and things but Dad. got sowed nearly all we have worked up and I harrowed after him Frank & Roy Bannister have been hob nobbing together this after noon. Frank went down to Law's after the butter and stayed quite awhile listening to the phonograph We didn't get in till late to-night and didn't get through tea till about nine I had a bath and went to bed Aunty was down town all the after noon. The old sow got out at noon and our efforts to recapture her were unsuccessful. Frank put some apples in her pen but she waited till we were all away before she ate them and then came out again. It froze last night and there has been a cold north wind all day very strong this after noon quite sunny. Sunday April 20th Aunty & the boys went down to Sunday school and I came to church. Lila came over to dinner with us and is staying all night. This after noon, Lila Aunty and I went back to the woods and got some wild flowers. Frank rode his bicycle out to the Shand's and he & Charlie rode out to Renton. Dick spent the after noon with the girls down town. Dicky Smith came over to see Dad. about pasturing a calf this summer, and Dad. said he would. Uncle Ward & Aunt Lucy also came over. Enah went down alone to church to-night. It froze quite hard last night and there has been a cold wind to-day. Monday April 21st 42 �We have been working on the land all day. I went out to disk this morning but the ground was so frozen for an hour or two that it did very little good. Dad. took Joe & Ginger and went down town this morning and got the potatoes which came at last. When he got back he came out and harrowed the rest of the morning and all the after noon. We are now cross disking & cross harrowing it. and we think we will be able to sow to-morrow after noon. Sam. Law came over at noon to borrow the drill and Vyse came and got his roller. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. Aunty went down to Huby's to-night & I went with her she expects to leave for Toronto to-morrow night. Cold, but sunny Tuesday April 22nd Dad. kept Frank home this morning and they cleaned up enough seed oats to finish this field. I I disked all morning and finished crossing the field. Dad came out a little before noon and started to drill and drilled all the afternoon just finishing up to-night. I followed him with the harrows and it was after six when I got through but the field is now put in, in good shape and running out the ditches is all that remains to be done. Dick did not come home to-night as he said if he didn't have to work he was going to an old time social in the Methodist church. Frank went to school this after noon & he & Dick went down to the station to see Aunty off. The cows knocked the fence down around the barn-yard and some of them got out so I had to come up to try & put them in but I only got one in so I shut them up in the stable and fixed the fence as well as I could - as we both had to stop in the field for Dad to watch my team. It has been cloudy & cool all the morning it looked threatening and did rain a little but this after noon it came out sunny & hot. {The entries for April 23-24 were written by Toby's father, Harry Barrett.} Wednesday April 23rd We had a terrific Thunder storm last night and as it was pouring rain when I woke at 5 this morning I had another little sleep. The rain cleared off and it came out very hot before noon I opened up a lot of ditches in the old corn ground and Toby and I trimmed up all the sheep. Dick did not come home to tea and Toby went to band practice after tea. Thursday April 24th We were up early this A.M. Frank went to Vyse's after the grass seeder, before breakfast. I had to go down to Art Ryerses first thing had a dickens of a job. Toby and I got the wheat ground all seeded and a lot of the ditches opened up on the Timothy sod, the had to go 43 �down to Joe Longs to see a cow, and after tea tonight I had to go down to old Jonas Greens, The boys, Frank and Dick were at {Win's?} tea party. Tobe is down at band practice It has been very hot all day, every thing has grown since the rain {The entry for April 25 was written by Toby's step-mother, Hattie James ("Enah").} Friday April 25th Toby, having finished a game of hide and seek with Dick and Frank is too tired to write so is exchanging work with me and is darning stockings. This morning was bright and very warm Toby & Harry dug ditches in the old Timothy sod preparatory to sowing oats. They also burnt off the grass around the fences and set fire to a post. Sam Law extinguished the blaze before any damage was done. In the afternoon Toby disked the oat field. Harry did all the chores, brought up the harrows on the stone boat ready to take out in the morning, went out for a load of rails, came in and did up the chores for the night. At noon we had a visitation from our friend Jonas who has a sick cow and came for advice. This has been an exceedingly hot day, unseasonably hot. {The entry for April 26 was very faint and had to be guessed at.} Saturday April 26th As our supply of ink has run out I foun that to {?} of ink: {name?} pencil. I disked all day. Dad. {?} in the early morning up the north part of the field as the other is too wet {?} our {?} waiting under the upper part of the field. It began to rain about half past four this after noon some bad so we had to quit. Frank put in the day building a duck pen in the plum orchard down under the {oak?} tree. Dick got home early to night Great change in the temperatures yesterday I peeled off every thing but my {?} clothes and to-day I was wearing a sweater & mitts. Sunday April 27th It rained all night nearly, not very hard but a steady cool rain, which will the wheat a lot of good and which is bursting the buds on all the trees. Frank went down to Sunday school and Dick and I went down to church. This after noon I read my self to sleep (although I tried not to) and so wasted half a day. Dad. & Frank did chores. Dick went down town for awhile. It didn't rain much this afternoon. Mr. Lawrie was in church this morning & Mr. Herbert prot. the sermon. 44 �{The entry for April 28 was written by Toby's brother, Richard (Dick) Barrett.} Monday April 28th This morning Dad and Toby packed the sawdust in around the edge of the ice-house and put some some blue-grass on top. Then we went out and cleaned up about 20 bushels of oats. Frank was sick all day and did not go to school. I think he feels better now as he is talking a blue streak. After dinner Dad went out and cleaned out ditches in the north-west field this side of the gulch. Toby did the chores in the afternoon and then went out and dug up two maple trees in the woods besides fooling around picking flowers. Between 4 and 6 o'clock while Frank was sleeping on the kitchen sofa and Enah was in the dining-room some unknown person came in and left a silver spoon on the kitchen table for Tiddums with his initials carved on it and then went away before anyone saw her or him. It was cloudy and windy all day with about ten minutes sunshine.. Tuesday April 29th Dad. has been opening up ditches all day out in the field next Ivey's where we sowed the oats and is now pretty well finished. I cut some wood this morning and then went back to the woods and dug up a couple of maple trees one of which I brought up at noon with me & we planted in place of one of the dead ones along the lane. This after noon I dug up two more and Dad. & I put out one of them to-night. The other two I left down in the creek so as the roots wouldn't dry out. Frank has been home all day although he feels a lot better today. This after noon Wyatt Waddle came in with the general agent for the Massey Harris Company and he proved himself to be a good man for the company not only by persuading Dad. to order a manure spreader, but Dad. seemed to like him & showed him Queen who he thought like everyone else was perfect. We got the manure spreader on easy terms as we don't have to make a payment on it till a year from next fall when we pay 28 dollars & 50 dollars a year for the next two years. Dick told us to-night that Huby had got a job at the canning factory which they started work on to-day. He went down to the dance to-night. I only have five cents to my name so stayed home although I guess I could have got enough tin to take me sunny & mild but a cool wind. Wednesday April 30th This morning we planted out the four little trees which I had dug up, then we went over to see what the field looked like, it is getting pretty dry, from there we went over to see if Sam Law's wheat was any better than ours, but it wasn't. We found him over trimming up the 45 �limbs he had cut out of his orchard. As he was just contemplating a visit to Alfred who was disking the other side of the hedge we made a joint attack and sat around over there for about an hour. so by the time we had wandered back home it was noon. This after noon instead of working on the field as we had thought of doing, we took our wheat down to the mill. I went down and borrowed some sacks from Blight and we had to make two trips of it as the ground was a little soft. We had eighteen bags and it went over two bus {bushels}. to the bag, that job took up all the afternoon. Tonight I went down to band practice and came home with Dick. The school board were having a meeting, we heard after wards that Mr. Ivey called it but as none but kickers attended it soon adjourned with out any thing being done except Old Stringer falling down stairs coming out so Pud. Slocomb says. Nice day Mild & sunny cool breeze. Thursday May 1st We worked on the land all day to-day. I disked & Dad. harrowed, we have it in pretty nice shape now I went down to band practice to-night. Dick went down with me although he didn't have to work. Jonas came over to pay Dad for some hay he got this morning and he stayed half the night telling them stories of his experiences in the United States with, snakes bears and such like. Cars. Rankin told us to-night that his Dad is laid up with blood poisoning and is in pretty bad shape, they just moved back to town the other day It has been sunny and fair with a cool breeze. Friday May 2nd We worked on the land all day. I cross disked & Dad. harrowed. We could have drilled it to day I suppose but thought we would have it in extra good shape. Enah took Tiddums down to Mrs. Battersby's this afternoon. I nearly went to sleep on the disk this afternoon It has been fair & sunny. Sun set clear to-night. Saturday May 3rd Bill Oaks came over this morning with his grey horse which had hurt his head in the manger. Later in the morning he came over and borrowed the clover seeder, which he brought back at noon and had a short visit. All Ivey's men except the teamsters quit at noon on Saturdays now. and the factory closes at twelve instead of one. Dad. dritled what we have worked up to-day. Itook him till a little after noon and then he harrowed I hitched to the waggon this morning & took the seed out and left the waggon for Frank to fill with rails and then disked nearly all of this end of the field the rest of the day. Frank did chores & odd jobs. Charlie 46 �Batter{sby?} was in here to-night to see Dad about a colt which came this morning. I started to cut the lawn to night. Dick went for a swim & the stump to-night, but I guess I will have to hit the tub. Very hot to-day. Dick went down town to-night to hear the result of the election recount, which they were having in Simcoe over the school by law but he couldn't hear. Sunday May 4th The boys went down to Sunday school and I went to church. This afternoon Dad. Enah & Tiddums started to drive out to Jim. Waddles. but before they had gone far Tiddums objected so strongly to continuing the journey that they were forced to return. Lila had come over so Dad. took Frank & her to Jim. Waddle's. Dick & I went down town Dick went off with some girls but I went up the beach and hung around alone, till I was about cooked and then came home. We let Artful Dodger out to-night and he was so weak on account of always being shut up that he could hardly walk. Frank McBride came over to-night with a note from his mother saying to send the washing over there as she would be unable to come here so Frank went back with it to-night with Frank Mc. Lila stayed to tea, and Dick went down home with her after. It has been exceptionally hot to-day but is cooler to-night and feels as if it had rained some where near. Monday May 5th We got a fairly good early start. I cross disked all day and Dad. harrowed. This after noon Dad was afraid it was going to rain so went & got the drill and some seed & put in all we had worked up about 2 acres. If it doesn't rain we will be through on that field to-morrow. Cars. Rankine was in here to-night to have Dad. look at his horse's teeth as {Schooley?} had told him that if a horse got wolfe teeth it would go blind. After tea Mrs. McBride brought the washing back. It has been very hot to-day and looks rainy. Fred's calf got out two or three times to-day and tried our patience sorely at it's own cost. Mully also got out but went in easier. Tuesday May 6th We finished up the field to-day. Dad. has to sow a little by had around the water holes and he may harrow the whole field over. I disked all day & Dad. harrowed and drilled. I took seed out in the waggon this morning but we had to clean up another sack at noon to finish with. I brought back rails in the waggon both at noon & to-night. I cut lawn before tea till Dick 47 �came & inticed me to play catch with him. Very much cooler to-day with quite a breeze this after noon Wednesday May 7th Dad. went out this morning and sowed by hand around the water holes and then harrowed all day on that field. It is now finished all but running & cleaning the ditches. I brought the disks up and disked on the old corn ground all day and got nearly over it. It is pretty hard but we think we will be able to get about 3 inches on top worked up for barley. Tonight at tea time Jonas came over with a guinea hen which he presented us with as a reward for our neighborly conduct towards him. He got a setting each of duck & turkey eggs. I was going down to band practice so went down with him as he was going down town. He confided to me after we had got a short distance from the house in an almost inaudible whisper that they had an "awful funny feller as a boarder." His peculiarity evidently lay in the fact that he went down town before & after tea. As I was coming home an English man passed me and I thought likely he was Jona's funny boarder & upon inquiry I found I was correct. Went we got to the top of Prospect hill we found Jonas & Allan Law so I enjoyed the pleasure of the company of them nearly home. I heard Redface - the funny feller. tell his lanlord. that he would have to drive Bill's team to-morrow as he was going away with a gentleman from Toronto, as I saw Jack Paine up town to-night, I surmised that old Bill had a dose of Long Point fever. I guess he is insurable. I went up to the bank to-night to see why Dick hadn't turned up. When I knocked Dick came to the door & I was just going to step in and swear at them when I caught a glimpse of a stranger Then Dick who looked very care worn motioned me back and informed me that the inspector was paying them a visit, and they would likely have to work every night for a week, he had his wheel anyway so I didn't wait for him It has been rather cool to-day and looks frosty to-night. Thursday May 8th We went out this morning and ran the ditches in the oat field. Then Dad ploughed a ridge along the west side of the old corn field, it couldn't be ploughed before on account of the old rails lying there. This after noon we turned the cattle & two colts back the lane. We let the two fillys out in the pasture field and they & the colts have been hanging around on opposite sides of the lane fence ever since, we managed to get the colts in the box stall tonight. We went back to the gully to fix fence, but didn't have very good luck. We barricade the gap into the other pasture and then Dad started to dig out a post that was broken off and while he was prying on the shovel handle he broke it so we had to cobble the rest up 48 �by hand as well as we could. Dicky Smith came over to-night to see if we had turned our cattle out yet and I went down town with him to band practice, got home about eleven. It froze last night but has been sunny & nice to-day. Friday May 9th I went out and finished disking the old corn field this morning and Dad brought out the old cultivator but after going a few rounds he decided that it was going to be lumpy and hard to put barley on so we thought we would leave it, manure it and summer fallow it which would be better farming anyway. We brought up the disks and the plow & harrows and Dad ploughed the garden over again, this after noon he disked & harrowed it, so that it looks pretty nice only it is inclined to be lumpy. I got my currant bushes and grapevines from Simmer's yesterday and spent the in putting them out and staking them to protect them from the curse'd hens. I also cut a little lawn Dick Smith brought his heifer, Joe, over tonight. It has been cold & raw all day. I wore my over coat while disking and then was cold. Robert John Watson was in here to-night to inquire about a colt "Mable". Dad enjoyed his elevating conversation for he has a most extraordinary vocabulary which is all his own. Saturday May 10th Frank got us all up early this morning as he had to get down to the Canning factory by seven where he has been all day setting out tomato plants in baskets. He told us the other night that hands (his size) were wanted and hasen't talked of much else since, he was to get 8 cts & hour but has got his envelope yet, as they are not through. Vyse came over this morning and Dad broke the news of our spreader deal and he took it calmly although he thinks we made a big mistake in not putting in with him & Mr Fleming on his John Deere as he "conscientiously believes it to be the best in Americy". I went down this morning for the purpose of obtaining some particulars concerning a load of hay which Mrs. Battersby is purchasing from us through the agency of John but as that gentleman was in bed with a cold. I failed to recieve any valuable data. so I came home and mowed lawn till noon. Dad took back Alfred's bags this morning and borrowed his shovel with the intention of cleaning out the ditches in the oat field but as he found in Alfred an opponent to the building of a new school, he stayed and argued till noon. I read most of the after noon and then went out and assisted Dad to rearrange the implements in the old shed so as to create a space for the old waggon we then repaired a little fence to enable us to turn out the old sow, but it didn't take her a great while to discover the weak spots in the {rockery?} which we call a 49 �fence and now she is at liberty. I think Dick came home to tea and says our manure spreader has arrived It froze ice last night and has been very cold to-day Sunday May 11th Frank & Dick went down to sunday school & Frank & I went to our church but Dick attended the Presbyterian as he saw no-one to associate with in the back pews of the Episcopal. This after noon Dad & I drove up to Dunkin's to see how many lambs he had; but he has had no better luck than we, for his flock has only increased by one ewe lamb. He is really worse off than we are because two of his ewes now won't have lambs till they are three years old wile ours are all yearlings and if any thing will be better off. Dunkin him self was at church but his son was home, he gave Dad. guinea fowl to mate with the one Jonas gave us but when we got it home we learned they were both of the feminine gender from the fact that the new comer requests imaginary foes to retrace their steps by the imperitave sentence "Go back" and it seems the gentlemanbird of the species is not addicted to that habit. It was nearly six when we got home. Enah was down at Art Ryersie's with Tiddums the Wicked. Dick has been gone all the after noon and has patronized the church again to-night as he said he would be home to tea if he didn't. Frank has been knocking around the woods all the afternoon. He tried to bargain with Tupper for a guinea cock but he had no success. It has been sunny to-day but a cold wind. Walt McCall & his retinue came over in his automobile this morning and was agreeably surprised in Dolly. He says he is going to take her up and train her now. He wants Dad to keep his mare for him this summer. Frank Faulkner was over this morning too to see about bringing over his heifer calf to pasture. He brought her over to-night. It froze ice last night and I wrote to Aunty Alice & Uncle Hal tonight. Monday May 12th We didn't do any thing much the first part of the morning but Dad. went and cleaned out the ditch in the oat field. I barricaded two of the four little trees which are in the pasture field to protect them from the ravages of Queen. Dad. took Alfred's shovel back and I barricaded the other two trees. Frank started off about nine o'clock this morning on his wheel for Dunkin's to return the guinea hen which he had tied in an old sack on his back. Just as we were thinking of starting out to look for him to night about four o'clock he came home with a rooster guinea which sings properly in a bass voice. He had stayed up there to dinner and explored the country. When he got home we planted a few rows of spuds in the garden. Jonas came over to-night to ask us if we could deliver him his hay in the morning, 50 �he also got some apples. To-night we played hide & go seek and then came in and kicked up such a rumpus that Tiddums couldn't go to sleep, and Enah got mad and said she wouldn't press Dick's pants in time for the dance, but she is pressing them now - and we weren't making much noise and Tiddums didn't want to go to sleep anyway much. Tupper told Dad. to-day that he killed his pup yesterday and intended to keep Fanny but she followed him down town to-day and he ran over her with the waggon and killed her, he said he thought he would send Blakie a funeral notice. A week or two ago the Dover council advertised for a cop. They got fifty something applicants some all the way from Calgary. They engaged a man from Hamilton who has been on duty before. Good man for the job. big, Scotch & total abstainer. He came to this morning. Now he is in bed at the Dominion sleeping off a drunk - fired. We're still Dover. It froze a little again last night and there has been a raw breeze to-day but it is much milder and looks rainy Monday Tuesday May 13th Dad went over to Martin's this morning to try to telephone to Krompart and find out why he hasn't come down but Charlie wasn't home so he didn't go in, he then went over to Quanbury's and as John was in better health than when I went to interview him Dad found out that he wanted about half a ton of any kind of hay. We pitched on a load for Jonas, (he bought all that was left of the thrashed bluegrass) before dinner. Dick rode home at noon as he had got about half an hour's leave of absence to tell us that the station agent wanted our manure spreader unloaded as it was holding the car so Dad. & I had to go down after dinner. Dad understood the agent to say that we were to let Krompart in Simcoe know as soon as the spreader arrived and he would come down and set it up at the station and we could haul it home from there, so he was naturally pretty hot at them for not coming. The men at the station were also getting into a state of rightful indignation - as their car had to be sent back tomorrow. As we were in our farm uniform we didn't want to go up town so Dad. went up to the Norfolk House and telephoned Kompart. Wyatt Waddle was there and he told Dad that they understood Dad was going to take the thing off the car and they were to come to the farm to set it up, and that they would be down in a day or two. Dad. went for him over the 'phone but of course that wasn't much satisfaction. We went home and took Jona's hay down and put it off and then went down to the station with the rack to get the spreader as it was too wide for the waggon, with the aid of Truman Roadhouse and a couple of fishermen we got it loaded all right and were home soon after six To-night Dick and I went down to the dance but I got a headache from some uncertain cause and had to 51 �come home at twelve. Nice day but with rather a cold wind looks as if it might possibly rain to-night or sooner. Wednesday May 14th We took a small jag. of hay down to John Quanbury this morning on an improvised rack which Dad rigged by laying boards across the waggon box, as we didn't want to unload the manure spreader off our rack. When we got back from there we took some posts back around by the side road and left them in places where the fence was down with the intention of coming back at a future date to repair the damage done by the Good Friday wind. We also took some material and fixed the old gate going into the gully off the road. We found the cattle all out of the far end of the gully and in the blue grass field so I took them back while Dad. went up with the waggon, they were all there but the Artful Dodger and he was nowhere to be found, so this after noon Dad. and I went back to look for him. We went into the wood and saw there had been a lot of cows in there and after a little search found our missing calf in John Wess McBride's place in the corner of the fence where he had walked and finding he could go no further stayed there we chased him into the gully to be left till called for while we went over to Tupper's to borrow his post auger, the consequence was of course that we didn't do a thing all the afternoon and didn't get home till about five or after We saw everything on the place from his oat field down to the baby. We saw some things off his farm too such as Charlie Butlers colt which got an awful kick in the dots from its mother and Dave Lamkins white heifer which was on the road and which was worth fifty dollars but he sold it for forty five, also Art Walker who was rolling on his cornground. We had a very entertaining after noon and enjoyed it much better than digging post holes. To-night I went down to band practice Dick with me. Theodore Brown came up and entreated Walt to play "Way down upon the Swanee River" promising him some beer but Walt said he couldn't. Theodore tried to impress up on us - as a bit of good advice that "We could borrow from a thief but not from a liar." Weather about the same Thursday May 15th Dad and I went back and fixed up most of the fence this morning. Mr. Evans' came along the side road and wanted to Dad. to look at his horses teeth so Dad. told him to come in at noon on his way back. He did and Dad. floated them as the poor old horse's tongue was just about cut in two. We also found when we got here at noon that Wyatt Waddle and his man Mr. Hillis were in the barn setting up the spreader. They got it all up and we took out a load before they left so they could show Dad how to run it. Joe & Ginger pulled it alone and a 52 �couple of times Ginger's whipple tree caught and she pulled it all alone. I went down to band practice. I came very nearly staying there for awhile - for we all got locked in. The door fastens on the out side with a hasp and staple, the padlock is broken. The door was open and some one who was getting cold ordered it shut. Jack Smith kicked it to and the hasp sprung over the staple and stayed there. Perce Brock tried desparatly to open it but failing turned to John. and told him frantically that he would be the first to satiate our appetites when we got ravenous, he then mounted the table under the window and proceeded to let the {word heavily scored out} anybody who happened to be around (it was pouring rain) let us know of our fate. Perce remarked sorrowfully that it was the first time he had ever been behind the bars trying to get out. (The bandroom is in the old lockup). Dick {Faulmshy?} was the first to be alarmed by the pitiful cries but the hard hearted jay refused to come saying he didn't know the combination on the door. How ever Walt McCall was soon aroused and he and some other fellows came up and released us. They say Long Geordie Long nearly committed suicide last night, it seems his wife put him on the Indian List, but Geordie got full and he & his wife were having a quarrel down by the dam when Geordie told her he was going to drown him self. She told him to give her his coat to hold for him, but I guess Geordie & water don't go well to-gether for as far as he got on his desperate deed was to twist his legs well around the post and let go the railing with his hand, then go home. After he got there he was again seized with a mad desire to leave this unhappy world - and left the house with a razor asserting that he was about to sever his carotid artery Mrs. Geordie gave him about an hour to perform the opperation but upon investigation found him out side in a dormant condition but was disappointed to hearm him snoring heavily and in perfect health. Cold all day. very cold before dark and poured rain all night with terrific thunder & vivid lightening. Dick & I stayed at Huby's all night. I planted some onion seed to night. Friday May 16th We didn't do anything much to-day. Dick & I got home before they had break fast here but it was late when we went out and then Bill Donald came in to talk about the spreader and before he left Allan Law rode in to have the wolfe teeth pulled out of his sorrel for fear they would affect his eyesight. It was noon when he left us. After dinner Bob. Miller came in to get his ewe and lamb and of course the sheep were nearly to the gully Dad. wrote a letter to Aunty Alice while Bob & I were after the sheep and then saddled Joe and I rode down town to post it. I was only gone about fifteen minutes, but when I got back we read the 53 �"Maple Leaf." after which we did chores. I went to bed soon after tea. We let Harry & Belle out this after noon. Fine but cool. Saturday May 17th I started first thing this morning and raked over about half the garden, it raked fine because the rain the other night had softened the lums. Dad. fixed fence around the orchard to keep the sheep & calves in. Frank went down town to sell some duck eggs to the {ear tapper?}. This after noon we all worked in the garden and have about all the small seeds in, onion, carrot, beet, cabbage & peas, a few beans. Allan Law was over to borow the disks also John Wess came to get some stuff for his horse which has colic. We turned the four calves in the orchard at noon. Lila came over to spend the day. Huby ran a nail in his foot yester day and was unable to work to-day. Enah took Tiddums down to Mrs. Laws to get the butter this afternoon, there was another baby about Tiddum's age there which he was greatly interested in until it began to "talk?" when Tiddums got badly frightened. Lovely warm day rain to-night. Sunday May 18th The boy's went to sunday scholl. I to church - late, different preacher. Dad. rode Joe down to see Huby while we were at church, he went in to see the John Deere spreader on his way back. This after noon Dick & I went for a drive with Joe, not far. Winnie & Lila came over this after noon & stayed to tea. We let Belle, Ginger & Harry out to-day and had a hard time catching the latter. Lovely day with a little shower at noon and rather cloudy Monday May 19th We hauled out manure to-day as we didn't get a very early start we only got out eleven loads, & most of it was dry clover chaff. The spreader works fine in spite of the fact that there are one or two nuts & keys missing from various parts of the gearing machine. Dad found one large key on the road was unable to locate the place where it was missing. Sam Law was over this morning to see about keeping the disks a little longer. Mrs. McBride was here to-day. This after noon we were agreeably surprised to have a visit from Ed. & Marion. Ed. came home on Saturday as he has left his job in Brantford he is going back to the Falls for the summer. To night Dick and I printed pictures and had fairly good luck. Huby sent word over by Ed. that Dad's steel boot had saved his life on account of easing his injured foot. Dick says he only has one on - one steel & one leather one. It froze last night again but 54 �has been a nice day with cold breeze. Dick bought me a saddle & bridle to-day for six dollar he got them from Bobbie Leany and says they are nearly new. Tuesday May 20th We got one less load out to-day than yesterday but I think we have good ground for excuse in the fact that it was so hard to load. A lot of it was dry clover chaff burnt to powder and there was a layer of it just like a board which had to be chopped up with an axe, we didn't get any earlier start either. Erie cut her eyeball to-day someway, likely on barbed wire. Jonas came over to-night to see if he could get some turkey or duck eggs or get Dad. to plow his garden, he couldn't get any of the three so took the rhubarb roots out in the lawn. He was relating to us some of the heroic deeds performed by him in the past & United States, of how he headed a torch light procession and was so disguised by his uniform & medal that he was not recognised by his father, he also saved a young man's life from drowning and was rewarded by his boss the young man's father by a ten dollar bill & three weeks board free. Another time he stopped a train wreck by his presence of mind and drew another ten dollars and a pass to go where everd he wanted to on the rail road or a chance to learn braking, he stayed at the job a week and one day when he was in a reckless mood (good mood for a train man) he boarded a train which was headed he didn't know where and was landed in Niagara Falls where he got acquainted with his wife, and in course of time drifted to the condition in which we now see him. Frank & I drove down town to night and took Jonas & his rhubarb roots home, and got the saddle & bridle from Bobbie Leany, they are roughly made, the saddle being half covered and riveted but they are nearly new & I think are worth six dollars. When we got back we found Dad. & Dick had gone down to the Scotch man who works for Harry Ansley to minister to a cow which is not enjoying the best of health. Nice day may rain soon. Wednesday May 21st It rained a little this morning and looked cloudy so we just did odd jobs. Dad. took up some of the rotten apples out of the cellar and drew off what cider was left in the barrel. I didn't do anything much but took a walk around by the wheat & oat fields which are doing fine. This after noon we got the spreader into commission again and hauled out seven loads. The shed is nearly empty now. I fixed Dad's saddle rack up on the wall in the drive house and started to make one for mine between loads, while Dad was out spreading. {A?} big thunder storm blew up about tea time to-night but it stopped raining long enough for me to go down to band practice, but it more than pelted when Dick & I came home. Dick had to work 55 �to-night. He got a telephone from who he thought was Roy referring to his 24th of May visit but it after wards transpired to be Wiggins down at the drug store enjoying himself at Dick's expense. Thursday May 22nd It rained hard during the night so we couldn't do much, we made an evestrough for the west side of the old house and made the rest of the saddle rack I started yesterday. Dad. also opened some ditches out in the oat field. This after noon Dad would have liked to have started plowing the corn ground but as there were several errands to do in town, we we thought this would be a good time to go. We got some groceries, and Dad got a chain for Dreadnought and a ring for his nose. We took the waggon wheel down for Butler to put the bands on as they were both broken. Dad. was very pleased that Vyse saw him going down with the wheel and inquired after it as it was off "the best waggon made" which he got from Vyse We bought a Little Giant Sprayer from Huby for ten dollars, they are no use as sprayers but have a good tank which was what Dad wanted to put out at the pump for watering stock, a good pair of wheels & a tongue besides a lot of old iron, - Huby is selling them for Jack Paine Jack told him to sell the ten for for $100. and, Huby has been selling them at $10 apiece and he says Paine called him up, and gave him a gereat calling down, he wanted him to sell them all to one man. Huby told him he was a fool and asked him what one man would want to buy 10 no-account sprayers. I went down to band practice tonight, and got back after eleven. Nice day, but cloudy. Friday May 23rd I planted out some lettuce plants this morning and Dad & I got some rails and took them back in the waggon to the gully to repair the fence there, we also hauled up some for the house. About noon I drove down town with Dick's valise as he went going to Toronto tonight to stay till Monday night. Frank went down to see him off. After dinner Mr. Krompart drove in with a Gould. Shapley & Muir agent who talked a little about a windmill but didn't bother many. Mr. Krompart went over the spreader ajusted several mistakes in the setting up which the other fellows made the principal one being changing the double trees on the evener. The way they had it, the single horse had the short end and so was pulling twice as much as the team. When they went Dad. & I went and cobbled up the gully fence and opened the gap so as to let the cows in the far end as the grass in there is getting rank. Frank says the old black & white cat has a large family on her hands now, but her hands are equipped with six or seven fingers each. Poor Fits had part of her tail nearly cut off in the 56 �door to-night. Dad was going to finish the job but forgot. It has been cloudy all day but quite cool. Old Ivey has succeeded in overthrowing the election on the school by-law. He got ten illegal votes, his own son's among them and it seems every illegal vote no matter on which side it was polled counts against the majority. Saturday May 24th Dad. started to plow the corn ground to day he plowed a head land all around the field this morning so as he wouldn't have to tramp on the clover at the north end of the field. This after noon he got quite a strip plowed and harrowed over. I put in the day cutting lawn and it was awful. It hadn't been cut for over a week and all this rain to-gether with a dull lawn mower wasn't a very good combination to make a satisfactory job. Frank worked around this morning and this afternoon went down to the creek to fish with the rest of the inhabitants of this part of the country, but I guess only drowned worms as he wasn't hardened with luck on his return. Winnie came over after dinner and I drove her home tonight. Enah to Tiddums down town and I shunted the buggy down to the side walk for her Win went down & came back with her. To day at noon we placed a ring just below the septum nasi of poor Dreadnought. It has rained once or twice to-day and been cloudy & sunny & hot by turns. Sunday May 25th Frank went to Sunday school and church this morning but was the only member of the family who attended Dad & I went up to Ham Thompson's to tell him we named Dreadnought. and he will soon get the registration papers. We were up there quite awhile and it was after noon when we got back. This after noon we put the saddle on Ginger - and gave her a lesson, I didn't get on her because Dad. says it is no use "breaking" her, she has to be "trained." Dad, & Enah & Tiddums drove out to Shand's but there was no body home. Lila & Frank went out after merells but didn't get any. Nice day rather inclined to be cloudy, quite cool to-night. Monday May 26th I spent the day cleaning up back of the wood shed and the east side of the old house and have it looking pretty decent now. I also cleaned out the gear case of the separator. Dad. plowed all day and got a nice chunk done. Enah went down town about noon to buy wall paper and stayed for the afternoon. The stores were all closed to-day instead of Saturday so the drug store was only open for a couple of hours. Dad & I had dinner alone. To-night 57 �Frank and I drove down and met Dick. The old turkey that was sitting in the old house hatched out to-day {Toby's brother, Richard (Dick) Barrett, wrote the next two lines and most of the entry for Tuesday May 27. Toby wrote the last three words of May 27, thanking his brother for writing in the diary.} Dick got home safely and had a good time. Everyone was well in Toronto. Cloudy and cool all day. Tuesday May 27th Right after breakfast Dad went down to Sam Laws and got a roller and rolled down all he had plowed. The calves got out of the orchard and Dad and Tobe had a devil of a time getting them back in again. We hauled out one load of manure. In the afternoon it drizzled rain most of the time and we helped Mrs McBride put down the carpet and paper Auntys room. They are working there yet. (9.15pm). Cold miserable day. To Richard, - thanks. Wednesday May 28th We hauled out eleven loads to-day one of them was pitched on yester day. We are only going to haul a little more and then work up the corn ground. The old turkey which was sitting in the old house got out with her family to-day, there are nine of them and they all look lively. I went down to band practice to-night they had the regular one as there is a dance on to-morrow night. Harry Moon was present for the first time in many weeks, I had began to think he had been wiped off the map, but it looks more as if the map had been wiped of him or at least buried with whiskers. He has some thing the matter with his face and can't shave. They have the Ivey gang about cinched now on the school board as Blight who was on Ivey's side has dropped out and that gives the other side the majority and they can elect any man they like to take Blight's place, before there was a deadlock. Gus Smith fell off a scaffold somewhere to-day and broke his shoulder or some thing I couldn't hear any details from any one but over heard Harry Moon saying some thing about it up in the band room which was so chuck full of noise you couldn't drive a nail in it.. Johnny Walker's mother & old Mrs. O'Harra of Norkway died yesterday & to-day. It was quite mild this morning but there is a cold wind to-night. Thursday May 29th 58 �We hauled out enough manure to-day to go over to the hickory nut tree which is as far as we are going to put corn in. We got along very slowly the first part of the day as we were getting it out of the old shed where the implements are and it took us about an hour to put on a load, but we have it just about cleared out of there now and this after noon hauled five loads out of the barn yard, that is enough for awhile now. Vyse was over for awhile this morning. Fred & Carl Coleman were over this after noon. I rode Ginger for the first time to night. Dad. - got on her first - and rode her to the end of the lane, then I took her down to Sam Law's corner. We have had the little saddle on her every night but one since Sunday, and she has behaved a little better each time. To-night Dad. put his heavy saddle on her There was another dance on to-night but owing to "pecuniary liabilitys" I spent a quiet evening at home. Dick worked till after midnight so did not feel in much humor to attend either. Warmer to-day. Friday May 30th Dad. plowed all day with Harry & Belle, and I disked with Joe & Ginger as neither they nor I are much account on either end of a plow. Dad. will finish plowing to-morrow if all's well and it won't take us long to work it up. Mr. Henderson & Ronald were down this morning for Dad to have a look at their horse. To-night Mr. & Mrs. Jim Waddle & the little girls came in and Jim & Dad talked till about nine o'clock, before we had tea. Dick had work late again tonight. I had another little ride on Ginger to-night she turned in at the open gate into the corn field and also onto Sam Law's lane, but other wise was pretty good. It has been cloudy most of the day and sprinkled a few drops now & then, a lot warmer to-day. Saturday May 31st Dad. plowed all day but is not quite done yet. I disked with the little team all morning but as Dad. saw he couldn't finish plowing to-day said I might as well not work them this after noon but cut lawn which I did. He disked and harrowed over all he had plowed to-day, before he turned out. Peg. Long & Bill Dunbar came over to day after Bob. Miller's hay which was to be part payment for {Roy?}. I helped them put it on and they took a good one. Jimmy Corbett was in at noon to get Dad. to go down to see his sick colt but Dad declined the invitation on the grounds that he was too busy but told him what to do Lila spent the after noon and night over here. Tiddums is growing a tooth now and is pretty cranky. Tige appeared to show an interest in Tiddums to-night whent he was out in his buggy but when Tiddums endeavored to gett a strangle hold on her eye she ceased her attentions. Dick did not get home to-night, as this is the last day of the month I suppose he had to work. Cloudy 59 �this morning, clearing and developing into about the hottest day this month. We didn't put the saddle on Ginger to-night. I have been barefooted most of the afternoon. Sunday June 1st The boys went to sunday school & church & I went down to church. It began to rain soon after we got out so we went down to Huby's after for dinner. Huby was in his bare feet and had just finished hoeing his garden. Frank & I came home soon after dinner but Dick went up town. Dad. & I went for a little ride to night. I rode Joe & Dad. Ginger. Mr. Fleming, Vyse, Roy Bannister & Allan Law were over here to night day. I saw Jim Blaike down town this morning. It has been very hot to-day with two heavy showers the last of which was tonight. Monday June 2nd Dad. was greatly surprised this morning as he was going to the cow stable, to hear a strange {whinny?} in the horse stable and upon investigation to find Belle the grand possessor of a colt full brother to Queen. He is a lively & strong little fellow and has been on his feet nearly all day. He is about the same color as Davy & has the same triangular spot on his fore head he has two white feet both on the same side and his legs are as crooked as rams' horns. We heard yester day that Johnnie Walker had been made take his horse off the dray on accout of a sore neck which it had. and as we were very anxious to get the corn field finishe up and as the advent of Belle's colt has knocked the use of her, we drove down to see what arrangements we could make for getting Johnnie's horse. We met him just coming out, and he said he wanted to get the horse out to pasture and that we could take him, but would have to be careful about working him or that "thingh" by which he meant Aikens I suppose would be jumping on him again. Aikens was the one who raised the row and it was nothing but a dirty piece of spite work. He didn't go to Johnnie him self but to Ellis Ryersie who was driving for Johnnie as it was while Mrs. Walker was dead in the house, and told him to tell Johnnie to take the horse off. Ellis evidently thought there was enough trouble in the house so refrained from mentioning it, whereupon Aikens tried to get out a summons against Jack, but Bond wouldn't issue one. Most people seem to think it was a low down trick of Aikens to bother Jack at such a time especially when it is none of his business anyway. Dad. went up and saw the old horse whose name is Joe. and found he has a sore shoulder as well as a sore neck but decided to bring him home and try to fix him up. We got a collar at the barn there for him and Dad put a short pad under it, and as the draught comes above the lump on his shoulder there is no weight on the raw part at all. As 60 �long as we plow harrow and disk with him there will be no weight on his neck so he promises to be just what we want. Dad plowed a couple of rounds with him & Harry before dinner and he says they make a dandy plow team and Joe never felt his shoulder in the least. He finished plowing that piece quite early in the after noon and says he wouldn't have finished with Belle but this team doesn't feel the plow any more than a waggon. I spent about half the after noon printing Dads. name on the cream can and there is room for improvement on the job at that. the other half I spent mowing the rest of the lawn. Mrs. McBride was washing here all day. Dick had to work late tonight but he and Frank both get a holiday tomorrow as it is the anniverssity anniversary of the King's birthday. They say the Polocks got on a tear last night and broke all the lamp in the park. It has been quite cold this after noon. It looked this morning as if it would be hot but a wind got up at noon. Tuesday June 3rd Dad. went down with Joe & Ginger this morning and borrowed Vyse's roller while I went out and disked with Joe Walker & Harry. Dad rolled the field and then harrowed After dinner he went out with Joe Walker & Harry - and disked. I played catch with Dick and hoed.. for about an hour and a half - and then brought the little team out and Dad harrowed with them while disked. He started to roll crosswise to-night but didn't get half over it and Vyse told him to bring the roller home to-night - although when he got as far as Martin's Odd. told him Vyse had said they could have it in the morning. Dick spent the morning in bed & the after noon down town playing ball. Frank cut weeds in the fore noon and went fishing up in the upper pond this after noon but I guess his visit will soon be forgotten by the finny inhabitants of that spot as what few did happen to run into his hook, he did not deem worth of transportation home so kindly returned them to their natural element. He has been hearing great tales of the angler's luck out at the celp and built on-going out to-day but could find no one to accompany him. Jack Ivey came over this after noon to buy hay. Dad told him he could have the hay but unless it rained we wouldn't be able to haul it, but they sent their team over and got a few forkfulls for to-night.. We found one of the little turkeys nearly dead, this is hard weather on them, we were hoping it wouldn't rain but he said they had six thousand little asters wich needed rain badly. Jack Martin told Dad to night that the latest piece of devilment of Old Ivey is to have Cousin Willie & Bob Miller disqualified as school trustees as Cousin Willie drew up the papers for trans ferring Mrs. Gordon's property over to the school and the school have bought brooms from Bagley & Miller some time. Both men I think have gone to Simcoe to see Kelly about it, and Dad. went over to Martin's tonight to remind Jack that Old Stringer has done carpenter work for the school 61 �and so should be put off too if it is legal. Mrs. Charlie Martin was the only one home so he left the message with her. They found out to-day that it wasn't the Polocks that committed the depradation in the park the other night but a couple of pesky Yankees who are working at the fish shanties. Hugh McQueen & Aikens went down to arrest them to-night. Hugh got one but Aikens chased the other one down the plank road and I don't know whether he caught him or not, they ought to run Aikens in with them. It was pretty hot all day. A big thunder storm blew up late this after noon and for awhile it looked as if we were in for a "souser" but it only rained enough to chase us in off the field and then stopped {Toby's father, Harry Barrett, wrote the entries for June 4,5, and half of 6.} Wednesday June 4th As Toby went to band practice tonight or at least Wednesday and Thursday nights he is behind in writing this up as this is Friday night We finished working the corn ground Toby disced all day and I rolled it twice and harrowed it and we have it in first rate shape. Cold wind nearly all day. Thursday June 5th First thing after breakfast I went over where Bill was working at Iveys and drove his team while he came over here and marked our corn ground, he finished at noon. After dinner Toby went down and borrowed a planter from Mr Fleming and we got more than half the field planted There was quite a frost last night. Friday June 5 6th We did not get out very early this morning, several interruptions before we got in the field and Just as I was going to begin to plant Will Donald drove along and well, "Talk about talking". Toby went down to Alfreds to see if he could get a corn planter that would do better work than Mr. Flemings, he got one but it was worse. We did not finish at noon there were still 13 rows to plant. I had to go to a raising at Frank Ryerses, there were lots of men there and they had every thing done before seven O'Clock, We had a grand lay out at tea and I came home with Mr. Fleming. Toby had finished the corn, and he & Frank had {Toby resumes writing the entry for June 6 at this point.} (the pens all ran out of ink so I am finishing this to-morrow night myself) the chores all done when Dad. got home. Jonnie came over tonight and & got a little field corn and an ear of 62 �Golden Bantam to plant in his garden, he stayed a little while but as no body made any effort at carrying on a conversation he soon left. Jack Walker came after Dad to night as he was nicely in his first sleep about twelve o'clock to go down and see his new horse which had colic or some thing and which was quite recovered when Dad arrived. Al. Faulkner & Charlie Long were both in attendance. Dick did not get home till late owing to surplus of labor. The Woodsons all came yesterday after noon. It was hot all day and almost suffocating to-night, looks like a big thunder storm. Saturday June 7 6th Dad. & I went down to Bruce's this morning but found that he & Mr. Ashbow V.S of Caledonia were up Mud. Street on a "professional visit, so we drove up the town line till we met them and brought them up here to have a look at Dave & Osprey who have not been acting as we would like to see them lately. They were here to dinner and Mr. Ashbow proved to be a very entertaining talker. This after noon Dad. went down town and got his hair cut, while Frank went over and worked in John Quanbury's garden for him. I hoed a little in the garden here but spent most of the time hunting crows with Frank's rifle, although I had several good shots I failed to inflict any visible injury on the villains they have been preying upon the little turkeys and now will be at the corn field when an opportunity offers. I scared them off with a bullet every time I saw them light this after noon. Dick did not get home to tea again to-night. It rained hard last night and this morning but cleared off and has been quite cool & windy to-day. Sunday June 8 7th The boys went down to Sunday school and church Dad (after a good deal of squirming) also attended the morning service, he tried to induce me to go but when I uselfishly offerd to stay at home to take his place he couldn't very well get out of it. I cut a little wood watered the horses & fooled around. I went out once with the rifle in quest of crows but as none were in evidence in the vicinity of the cornfield I in my wrath sought to drive a bullet to the heart of the hickory nut tree, but owing to my unpracticed marksmanship it escaped unscathed. Lila came over this afternoon and she and Frank went back to the gully armed with the rifle and returned this evening with a quantity of wild strawberries, which we were not aware of being developed into an edible condition, Dad, Enah & Tiddums went down to the Woodson's till the latter grew into such a state of excitement which was unequaled in magnitude & noise to any of his former vocal exercises, so much so that Dad. grew anxious about him and brought him home. I started to read Hamlet while they were gone. Dick 63 �spent this post meridian in town. Enah & I took in church to-night and we all had tea after we came home It has been cold & raw wind all day again to-day. Monday June 9 8th We were late this morning anyway and before Dad got the team out Walt. & Tom McCall with Dick {Faulmsby?} came in and their visit culminated in Dad. going back with them to see a colt of Walt's which just came this morning, they weren't gone very long, When Dad. refused to take five dollars from Walt. for just taking him down town & back in his automobile, Walt said he was glad to see him in such affluent circumstances financially but Dad told him that if he had a little pile the fiver would have added to it and persuade him to accept it but as he was penniless that amount would only be tantalizing, this was before he knew that Tom Abbott had been in while he was away and left a cream check for twenty five dollars for the month of May, which we don't consider bad for three cows & two heifers one of which (Erie) doesn't produce much more than a quart of milk. Dad started to plow the old garden before dinner we are going to put in potatoes, mangels & turnips there if all's well as it is such a loamy spot, he only got a few rounds done before dinner. At noon he got thinking about the little colt down town and as he knew that it wouldn't be properly looked after down there where there were so many around he thought he would like to have it over here as he hated to think of it dying, so he went over to the Martin's and telephoned Walt. and told him if the colt wasn't any better and he liked to bring it over here to do so, which he did about four o'clock. He, Bob. Rankin & I suppose Jack Davis Yeagers man & the colt came over in the automobile - and Billy Loan led the mare over, she is the gentlest thing to handle & work around ever lived. They were here for quite awhile and gave the colt some refreshments they have to hold it up it is so weak but it is well aparently every other way and is willing enough get up but can only flounder around. Dad got up at midnight and fed it. He gave it some whisky & milk but it didn't like it much This colt to-gether with old Joe begins to make Barrett's farm look like an infirmary for afflicted members of the equine race. This afternoon I wed a few carrots till Dad. yelled at me to tell me the cattle were in the clover on the north side of the gully. I went over with some wire & pinchers and found the miscreants were John & Fred's calf, but one wasn't enough to put them back through the hole they got through so I left them & Dad & I put them back to-night. Bob. Rankin & Mrs. Rankin drove over to night to have Dad. look at their horses feet which I guess are all right. Vyse was over to say that our roller has come but is the wrong kind owing to a mistake of his in the order, and I suppose will have to be shipped back. We didn't get 64 �through till very late to night. It froze last night and there has been a cold wind all day & it is cold to night. Tuesday June 10th As soon as it got warm enough we got the mare & colt out of the boxstall and put them in front of the drive house in the lane so she doesn't move more than ten feet away from it. This after noon it got a little cold there so we put it around between the drive house & barn. It sows great improvement to day. It can now stand up a little while by itself and has got up by itself a couple of times when we saw it and I don't know how many times besides. Walt. Mrs McCall, Tom & a couple of his pals were over this morning to see it. Dad finished plowing the old garden at noon & this afternoon I disked it while Dad. harrowed over the corn ground. This morning I went back and fixed the hole in the fence where the calves got through, I also cleaned up the lawn mower. We didn't get any word from Aunty to-day - and as she said in her last letter she would like to come home with Miss Battersby to-night we didn't know whether to expect her or not. Frank went down to the station and met her as she did come. to-night. She went to Huby's for to night she had written Aunty Maude a card yester day but she had failed to let us know about it. It froze again last night but has been a little warmer to-day but raw wind Dick went down to a surprise party at the Culp's to-night given for Ray who is leaving town in the near future Wednesday June 11th Dad harrowed the old garden this morning but says it will have to be left till the sods dry out before we can work anymore on it. Bob. Miller & Bill Dunbar were over talking to him for about an hour and bought Taurus for sixty two & a half dollars. Bob. offered sixty & Dad. asked sixty five, they wont take him till the first of July when he will likely be worth seventy. I cut some wood and a little lawn. This after noon I went over to Tupper's to get him to come over and shear our sheep. I found him just finishing up his own He came over about half past three or four and sheared three. Dad. started on one and Tupper finished it for him He makes a very nice job of it and doesn't mind leaving a few nicks in the hide, we worked rather late but he said he would be back in the morning. The poor little colt died to-night. We noticed when we brought her out this morning she wasn't nearly as lively as yesterday and she has just been getting weaker all day, and to to-night she just "goin out". I went down to band practice to-night and told George {Faulmsby?} about it. Walt was in Delhi and had not got home yet. The poor old mare feels pretty badly. It has been quite summery today. 65 �Thursday June 12th Tupper came over before we had breakfast this morning and "proceeded" to shear the rest of the sheep, we chased them around into the barn so as we could catch them easily. He got through about eleven and as he had his wool with him to take to market I went down in his rig with ours. We had 45 1/2lbs and at 18 cts - got $8.19. Dad get 1/7 of that. Frank gets 1/4 of what is left & I get the balance. Tupper beat us by a dollar and he only had six fleeces to our seven but his were bigger sheep, he had fifty something pounds & got the same price. We took it down here to Penman's. Vyse was working on Uncle Ward's side hill so I went to see him about the roller that is here for us but he says it isn't the right one. This after noon Dad. buried the little colt and I worked a little in the garden Mrs. Brad Bowlby came in to see Tiddums I guess and Aunty & Enah went down town Aunty stayed all night. Ada. & Hubert Lawrie were over for awhile. Hubert is just here for a day or so. About five o'clock Dad. & I drove Belle out to Jim Waddle's. I went down to band practice to-night and didn't get to bed till twelve. Dick came home with me his new suit came to-day. Pretty hot, breezy. Tom Law's auto mobile up set last night the other side of Simcoe and nearly killed Harry Dyer and injured Tom. They though at first that Dyer's back was broken but that report was contradicted later, but he is in pretty bad shape in Simcoe Friday June 13th Dad. went down town this morning with the waggon and got Joe & Ginger shod, he also got Aunty Maude's refrigerator. I cut a little lawn and chored around till noon. About twelve Enah heard the fire bell, and I lit out hot foot for the town but when I got over behind Vyse's I noticed the smoke over by Mrs. Munroe's. I got there just as Alh Faulkner arrived on the hump with the bus & fire pails. It was the house I think that Bill Philips used to live in, but is now occupied by a fellown by the name of Smith - and is owned by Person. They soon had the fire checked but not before it had burned down the kitchen and part of the roof. It was late when we got through dinner. Dad. and I went down to the mill to get some flour & chop. Dad took some grist down this morning. When we got home, he went out and harrowed over the old garden, I didn't do any thing much as I felt lazier than a yellow dog. Mrs. Skey & Mrs. Battersby came over this after noon. Aunty came over after noon she got a ride with old Fawset. Lila also came over to spend the night. Frank & I went down to the stump tonight, the water was fine it was the first time in for me this year. It was very hot to-day. Saturday June 14th 66 �We caught all the calves but Bobbie's when we fed them this morning, they have not been feeling very lively to-day. Bill Oaks came over for a drink and visited for about half an hour. He is going to leave Ivey to-day. We cut potatoes most of the morning. This after noon we got some ice out to put in the refrigerator, it is meling a lot but seems all right in side. Frank went to a picnic this after noon that Mrs. Tuck was having for her Sunday School class. We did not get out in the field till about three and then Dad ploughed some furrows to plant potatoes in the old garden and we planted four rows. We planted Huby's early ones which he has been telling us ought to be planted for the last month, two rows from the west side of the east section. Alfred came over while we were out there and paid a short visit. Dad. & I had to go down town to-night for some stuff. Lila went down with us. Tupper went past today and told Dad he was going to begin road work on Tuesday. Sunday June 15th Frank went to Sunday school but Dick didn't get up in time; he, Dad. & I drove down to church. Dad. & I went in the choir. The Rev. Larry Shey prought about the Dominion Alliance and its efforts in trying to "Abolish the bar". I walked home with Paul Lee Woodson. Dick stayed down and is not home yet (9.10 P.M.) This afternoon I read till I went to sleep, and then read again. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Faulkner were over, and Walt McCall, Dave. Waddle, Powell McKintosh & Bill Davis came over. Walt. said he would send over his mare in the morning. Dad. & Tiddums went down to Alfreds so missed all visitors. Enah intended to go to church to-night but Tiddums woke up about that time so she stayed home. It has rained quite a few times to-day and has been sunny & hot in between. Monday June 16th Dad. & I planted the rest of the potatoes this morning and went over to Sam Law's before dinner. This afternoon we moved the kitchen stove from the inside kitchen to the woodshed, we didn't have enough hands and the consequence was the base got broken and now the stove is supported by columns of brick, we then went out and planted three rows of mangels. We had a garden line which was to short and had to be stretched twice in the same line. Dad had to make the drill with a stick and I shook the seed in with a can with a hole in the bottom, which worked all right. Tonight I went down to band practice and got home just at twelve Aunty went down and spent the evening with Mrs. Bumpas at Mrs. Skey's. It was too late to wait for me so she came back alone. This has been about the hottest day we have had 90° in the shade I think We are hearing a lot of talk now about the enormous almmount of money the government & the railway are going to spend on 67 �harbour improvements. I found our poor black & white cat killed this morning in Joe's stall I suppose she has run up after a mouse and frightened Joe when she stepped on her. Frank has undertaken to raise her family for her but has a hard job making them drink. We heard yesterday that Harry Dyer was dead but I heard to-day that he was better yester day. Tuesday June 17th Dad. & I worked on the road all day, we took Harry & little Joe and the plow. Tupper, Mr Flemming, Mr. Walker & Ben were all there with teams. They plowed a ditch from the corner to the top of the gully on our side of the road and took the dirt and filled up the holes around the culvert and covered the stones that have been the source of many a cuss word coming from travellers mounting the hill. Of course there are a lot of kickers that feel called upon to tell us that a worse mess couldn't be made than the job we are doing but they cant suggest a remedy. One mug told us we might better be home in bed. Dad. told him we would much rather be. Roy telephoned Dick to-day that Aunty Louisa died this morning so Aunty went down on the five train. Tonight I went down with Dick intending to go to Aunty Maude's & Ada's party at Mrs Scofield's but when I found out that it was to be mostly {illegible} I thought I had better be in bed. The Woodson boys went down with us, and Dick his best to persuade us to go up but they didn't want to go so we came home and Dick stayed and says he had a good time and any ammount of dancing. Lewis treated the four of us to a dish of ice cream. Pretty warm but not so bad as yesterday. Wednesday June 18th We worked on the road all morning. As our time was finished at noon by Dad. & the team alone, Tupper rewarded me with a dollar for my services, he said he knew I wasn't worth it but as it was a government job, he would let it go. at that. This after noon we planted a few more mangles and have another row to plant yet. To-night I went down to band concert, it was the first night we have been out this year and the first night I ever played in public, I guess I did as well as ever, but just about froze on the stand and was so stiff I could hardly walk home. Very much cooler and cloudier to-day. Thursday June 19th I went out this morning and planted the rest of the mangels (one row). Dad disked up the unsowed part to the garden and then started to plow the other half of the corn field for wheat, This after noon I raked the garden and got a place ready to plant corn but only got one row of Golden Bantam in on account of the rain. Dad. plowed all the after noon Our 68 �corn is coming up very nicely except in a few hard spots which are as dry as a bone. Dick came home tonight and we had some music to-night. We had quite a thunder shower about noon and another about tea time We needed them badly but they weren't enough Friday June 20th Vyse came over this morning and told us our roller was at the station, so Dad told him that we would go right down and get it and for him to wait for us to set it up. When we got there it proved to be a nine foot instead of an eight foot one which was ordered so Dad. did not accept it. We went up by town to get some cream jars at the hardware store and around by the Spaints for Vyse to inquire after Alex, who was taken sick last Monday night, and they have been afraid he would have to be operated upon. He is better this morning. I planted the rest of the corn when we got home and Dad. went back to fix the gully fence where Fred's calf got into the field. I went over to the Quanbury's at noon and got some tomato and cauliflower plants, but just as I got home it began to rain and poured all the afternoon. There were a few very close claps of thunder but I don't think anything around here was struck. The ground was just about flooded but it didn't take it long to run off & in. I read myself to sleep and slumbered till about five when I went out and we planted out the tomato & cauliflower. It is raining quietly again to night. Very hot this morning. Mr Lamb brought us over a lovely bunch of peonys this morning. Saturday June 21st As it was too muddy for Dick to walk or ride his wheel (which was down town any way), I drove him down town as far as Mrs. Lawson's, I didn't care to go any farther on account of my appearance. Frank & I wed out a few onions. Frank got quite a lot done, he is getting skilled at the job from his practice at the Quanbury's. Dad. started to clean out the wood shed and we helped him a little. We also steadied & levelled the separator. It took nearly all the after noon to the the wood shed cleaned but it looks a lot better now. Frank went over to Mrs. Martin's with the cream and got eight more tomato plants from John to fill out the row. I put them out and helped him put out some Cabbage plants, he has sixty out now. He got another hatch of chickens over at Jack Martin's these are single combed ones to keep for ourselves, he also went over to Law's and got the butter. To night he and Dad. have driven down town after the mail & some groceries, as Dick did not come home to tea. Dad. wants to see Emery about a corn cultivator which I saw he had for sale this morning. It has been cool and cloudy all day. 69 �Sunday June 22nd The boys went down to church and Sunday School this morning but I went back to the gully for an hour or two instead and I guess was just as much benefited as if I had gone to church. I found a breach in the fence where I suppose John gets through into the alsike and patched it up as well as I could. I took a walk way up around by Robert John's and fell in with Edmond England coming from Ivey's where he has three heifer's pastured. While I was gone Dad. went down town and got Huby and Lila to come over for dinner and see the farm. Win came over after dinner. This after noon Harry & Mrs. Moon and Jack & Mrs. Walker came over. Harry spent about half an hour trying to take a picture of Queen & the colt, but Queen was too tame and wanted to examine the camera while the colt was a little shy and would get behind Belle. Then Old Harry seemed to think that it was his likeness which was wanted or else Ginger would take a run across the field and the rest would all be after her. At last however Johnny got Mrs. Walker's parasol and attracted their attention enough for Harry to get a couple. Dad. drove Huby home soon after dinner and I drove Enah, Win & Lila down and Enah. Win & I went to church. We over took all the Woodson's but Lewis coming over here after church. When they left we had some sanwiches is place of tea which we missed. Lovely day sunny but not hot cool to-night. Monday June 23rd Sam & Allan Law came over this morning to borrow our waggon, Lewis Woodson also came over with a scythe blade to be sharpened. I spent the day in clearing the blue grass field of daisys and strawberries there were some fat ones back there. When I went out this morning I had designs on a patch of daisys which we could see from here and which I thought I could corner in an hour or two but when I over there I found a lot more on the side hill, and they took me the most of the day. I pulled them, which took a good deal longer than to cut them as I had first intended, so I am not through yet with the patch I set out after. Dad plowed all day. and at noon drove down to see Emery about his cultivator but Emery couldn't find the teeth for it then. but I went down to-night to band practice and he told me he had gone out to his fathers and found them out there so I guess we will buy it. It was half past eleven when Dick and I got home. pretty fairly hot. Tuesday June 24th I went back and harvested the remainder of my flower garden and got through a little before noon with out feeling any regret at leaving. At noon Dad went down to Emery's and 70 �brought the cultivator home. I cut a little lawn while he was gone. As the trip down town delayed dinner we were late getting out and by the time we got Belle in and harnessed to put on the cultivator it was about three o'clock, but it was just as well for she was inclined to be pretty balky and mad at six. Dad drove her up and down the field once when she balked and soon got her to behave fairly well, and got a nice start on the cornfield To-night I worked in the garden till dark and then Frank and I went for a swim and got back about ten. Frank had just started his exams today and appears to be very interested in them, he thinks he passed in the subjects he had to-day. Arithmetic, Spelling & Writing. Hot & sultry I have felt about half asleep all day. Dad's head ached and he felt pretty rotten about noon Wednesday June 25th As it showed symtoms this morning of being an extra hot day and as Belle's colt didn't seem very well this morning on account of being away from her while she was working yester day, and because she cut up rather rustily yesterday, Dad. went over to Sam Law's before break fast and borrowed old Ben. to cultivate our corn. Dad. plowed all day with Harry & Joe Walker so I was sentenced to keep Bent and the cultivator in the straight and narrow way lying between the corn rows. He went pretty well all morning and for awhile after dinner till I started to go crosswise; but then I couldn't do anything with him, he did his best to step on every hill and wouldn't mind at all. Dad. took him a couple of rounds or so while I plowed and said he went pretty well but I couldn't see any improvement. When Frank got home from school he rode him for awhile and things went better. Tonight Frank took him home and we decided not to cultivate any more till he got through with school, he is just having his exams now and tomorrow & Friday is his last day. Frank's guinea hen started setting today. Drat {ink blotch on page} Thursday June 26th I worked in the garden all day, and got most of the weeds out but nothing else done. Dad. plowed all day and finished the rest of the corn field for summer fallow. Wyatt Waddle came in this after noon with a duplicate of the broken casting on the manure spreader. Aunty came home to night. Dick met her and she stayed at Huby's all night. Dick started the other day to take music lessons from Miss Wimmer. Allan Law brought our waggon back this morning. Very hot and sultry to-day. Friday June 27th 71 �It rained last night and the thunder which accompanied it was deafening. There was one clap that fairly shook Dad out of bed, and he went around shutting all the windows. When he got to ours I partly woke up but if it hadn't been for him I would never have known there was any thunder. It has been a very stifling day. It was about 90° in the shade and so muggy and wet we could hardly breathe. Dad. plowed all day on the old corn stubble and nearly croaked with the heat and his uncomfortable foot wear. I planted out a few tomato plants which Frank found coming up from seed among the potatoes. I was to lazy to do any thing else much. Aunty came over about noon. This after noon I put on a bathing suit and hooked up Joe and took the buggy down here to the grist mill and gave it a good washing. Lila came over just as I was starting so got on a bathing suit and went down with me and I think enjoyed herself immensely, going right up under the dam and all over. I got well washed off by by getting under the stream that overflows from the flume but there was awful force to it. I went down at seven to-night and attended the Methodist strawberry fistival with the rest of the band. Dad. Dick, Frank & Enah were all there. Aunty & Lila took care of Tiddums. We got home pretty fairly early and had a good time. Saturday Saturday June 28th I plowed all day to-day. Dad made three strike outs yester day and I turned then under leaving about three feet for Dad. to finish up on each land. I got around three strike outs, and didn't do so very badly considering it was the first day I had put in at the job never before plowing more than three or four rounds at a time. It seemed to go much better and I made a better looking job this morning than after dinner. I had old Harry and Joe Walker who made a pretty good team once they got started of but I generally had some trouble at the ends - as neither one of them much more than enough braints to make a square meal for a chipmonk. Dad. took Belle out to cultivate but she acted pretty mean so Frank came out to lead her she was still bad till Dad. took her and Frank took the cultivator, when she worked like a charm and they continued operations all day in this manner but did not quite get over the field. About five o'clock the colts came up the lane and some way knocked down the bars into the field and took a race down the corn field and back, but we soon got them out. Aunty went down town to see Mrs. Bompas who I think is going away soon. They expected Quint home to-night but he didn't come, but may be here yet for the first. Fairly warm but nothing like yesterday. Sunday June 29th 72 �We got up fairly early this morning and Dad drove Aunty up to the cemetry with some flowers before Sunday School. None of us went down to church except Frank. Hubert & Edith Lawrie came over with Aunty after church for the afternoon. I left at half past one - as this was decoration day for the odd fellows - and the band furnishes them with music for them. We had to march from the Dominion Hotel to the School house - and as it was the first march for me I didn't enjoy it much, what made it triply hard for me, I had no music harp for my horn so had to hold the music with half of one had, play with half of the other and hold the horn with half of each so I couldn't do any thing properly. Then I got out of step about half a dozen times in every block and every body suggested hobbles or some other contrivance to keep my length of step at about a foot & a half instead of three feet. We rode up to the back from the cemetry on Val. Lany's dray with Johnnie Walker's team. We played a few old hymns up there and marched back from the school house to Harry Graham's store to "Auld Lang Syne". There is an great change for the better in the appearance of the cemetry since Munroe has been looking after it. When I got home I found Mr. Blaikie here, his arm is badly crippled with rheumatism, he just came up for the first, was going to Alfred's to spend the night, - and to Simcoe to-morrow. There was great excitement up the Radical road last night, as Art Williams was going home after midnight he saw Geordie Waldick's barn opposite Cory's place on fire, Geordie wasn't home so he alarmed Stringer's. They just nicely got it out when they saw a fire at Chart Wooley's so they going over there, they saved the barn but the straw stack was burned. Next thing a blaze was noticed over at John King's, who being more unlucky than the other two lost his barn and all his implements. It was evident that this was the work of some man, and for some reason I think they tracked him they suspect the fellow who lives at Cory's. I forget his name any way - they had the house watched, but as Dad. & Enah told were going to church to-night they were very much surprised to meet this same man walking leisurely along the road in front of this place. Dad. informed Art Quanbury - and this led to Hugh McQueen and Faulkner in Al's automobile starting in pursuit and his recapture on the way to Renton. He deserves all he gets for being fool enough to keep to the road. Geordie Waldick and some other fellow were in here while Dad. was at church to see him about some vetinary business. Mr. Blaikie and Alfred were also over. Lila stayed all night over here. Very hot for me to-day, breezy and not extraordinary for other people. Monday June 30th I plowed a few rounds this morning but made such a mess of it that Dad. took it and Frank and I cultivated corn. I led Belle and he held the cultivator she went fine, we got over the 73 �rest of the corn crosswise and nearly half over it lengthwise. To night I went down to band practice, Aunty polished my horn up beautifully for me this after noon she went down with me to see Quint if he came, but he didn't. Dick waited for the late train which did not get in till after eleven in hopes that Quint would be aboard but was disappointed. I saw Stuffy tonight. Mrs. McBride was here this after noon washing. It has been pretty hot all day but a nice breeze, awfully hot to-night. Quite a few are into their hay now. Tuesday July 1st Dad went down to Vyse's, and from there down town to get the roller, it came all right this time and they set it up at Vyse's and left in there for the present. He had to stop in at Martin's on his way down to see their cow who got into the chicken cook-house the other night - and filled up on every thing she could find, and now is in a rather critical condition. Among other things I hoed some of the corn in the garden this morning and then Frank and I went to the stump and enjoyed a good swim. Frank went on down town with the lawn mower to have it sharpened, but I came home and had dinner as I had to be down town by one as the band started performing then. we played for awhile on the bandstand, and then went around town, they took us in to the three hotels and to Jake's. Jack Paine was very much in evidence on these occasions making all sorts of rash promises to the band, such as sending up a new set of instruments or anything else they wanted if each member would send him twentyfive bull dog ammonia cupons. At the lower hotel, they struck up, "He's a jolly good fellow". and Jack and the rest of them down there danced and kicked up a row, till they got out of wind and then he commenced to talk, but as they were waiting for us out side, we had to leave him much to his disgust, without all the good wine he had been promising us. I rode Frank's wheel home to tea and changed my once white pants as I thought I might take in the dance. We played awhile over in the park till the orchestra had to go in to the dance, by that time I didn't feel much like dancing so sat around with Egg Thompson & some others and came home early Among the chief numbers on the list of sports were was a a slow horse race which Hazen entered but was disqualified because his horse stopped - and which ended in a dispute, as some thought that Dave Fields who came in last let his horse stop, but others said that it didn't stop for although it wasn't making any progress its feet were going. Another was a tug of war between Simcoe & Dover. The Dover end of the rope was supported by Hugh McQueen, Sandy Leitch etc. and walkeded right down the road with Simcoe, but it also ended with {picking?} for some reason or other. Harry Moon yelled him self hoarse at that, An unadvertised sensation was created by the arresting of a motor cyclist by Val. Leany. It seems the fellow either through non control of 74 �his machine or whisky or pure devilment or all three was {illegible} the roads through the crowd at a very reckless and dangerous rate. He did stop at last and evidently objected to peace ably accompany Val to the cooler, so that gentleman picked him up, put him under his arm and carried him in out of the hot sun. I heard afterwards that Bond tried him and that he contributed nineteen dollars to the municipal treasary. A Simcoe man dropped dead over at the Dominion at noon. I suppose he collapsed with the heat, that didn't cause much excitement though as every body else felt the same way. It was almost unbearably hot especially under a coat that has been collecting the bandroom dirt for an unknown number of ages. Wednesday July 2nd Dad. plowed and. Frank. Belle & I cultivated corn all day. We finished the field lengthwis length wise and got up as far cross wise as where Frank & Dad. begun the other day. We are going to leave it that way for awhile now. To-night I went down to the regular weekly night band concert. Lila came over and spent the night, she cut her lip quite badly inside by falling off Frank's wheel several times. It swelled up like a sick toad or we wouldn't have known she hurt as she didn't feel it. Aunty went down town to-day and to-night Mrs. & Miss Woodson came over to inquire after her as the cook though some delusion on her part had told them she fainted while going through their place this afternoon. It rained a few drops this morning and has been a most comfortable breezy day. Thursday July 3rd Vyse came in this morning with our roller, he and Aikens were going out to haul in his hay. Dad had to go over to Martin's to see their cow and when he came back he got the mower out and cleaned it up I turned the grindstone while he sharpened one of the knives. Mrs. McPherson and her three angels came over to spend the day. I hope they enjoyed themselves, for then somebody would have. Arthur would have if they had let him spend a little more time in the blacking box and flour tin. After dinner Dad took the mower back the other side of the gully and started on the half of the old wheat stubble, the other half is in alsike. I went back with him till he cut a round. He didn't quite finish the field to-night but has a couple or so hours more, he said none of it would be fit to rake before tomorrow noon any way. When I came up I worked in the garden till six. Frank thinned out the carrots and Paris Greened the potatoes. Dick got home to tea to-night. Very hot again to-day. As the cats have been taking a duck or two lately Frank has moved them, the ducks, out on the front lawn. They don't add to the beauty of the place any, but I guess no body in particular 75 �cares a cent. Dad had to go over to Martin's again to-night as the cow is in a worse condition, he punched a hole in her stomach and has created a spring of chicken feed with the above mentioned stomach as the source. Friday July 4th Dad. went back as early as he could, which was pretty late to finish mowing. I didn't do any thing much but start to make a rack for the beans to climb on, about ten I went back to shake up some of the hay which Dad. cut yesterday but mowed instead Dad. went to shake up the hay but found there wasn't enough of it to make it necessary so went over and visited with John Wess McBride who while cultivating corn was taking things as coolly as possible. Some menl were there putting a new roof on his barn and he wasn't at all satisfied with it. We finished mowing about noon. When we got to the house we found Huby there with a horse and buggy out electioneering. This was the day, they voted on the by law to fix the canning factory's taxes. but every body had forgotten about it. even the canners them selves. Vyse told them he had forgotten and had been thinking it was the twelfth, and telling people that was the date. Huby stayed to dinner and Dad. & Aunty drove down afterwards with Joe, while Huby went after Uncle Ward & others. Win came over with him but went home with Edith who also came over as she pretended to be scared of the horse which ran away several times so Huby said. Mrs. McBride came this morning to paper our room and Frank has been helping her all day. It rained all the after noon so I didn't do any thing much. Dad. cleaned out the cellar and I helped a little break the sprouts of some apples potatoes. Mrs. McBride & Frank finished the room to-night all but the border on one side which they didn't have enough of. Bill Dunbar and some other fellow came after poor old Taurus this morning they led him down and although he was quiet enough they had a little time with him as he didn't know what being tied up meant. After dinner both the Dr. Burts. from Simcoe came in to see Dad. They had come down to look at Martin's cow but she was just about dead, she died soon after. Dick didnt come home till late but hadn't heard how the election went. Saturday July 5th I drove Dick down this morning as the roads were too muddy for him to ride or walk. He got me the rest of the roll of border and a few other things to bring home. Martin's were just about to inter the remains of their cow when I came home and were evidently waiting for Dad to come and hold a post mortem as he told them he wanted to yesterday, he went over but said it was to long after her death to make any observations. He and Frank then 76 �went down to the mill with some grist for chop. I tied binder twine together to make a trellis for the beans to climb on. This after noon I just walked around the garden. Frank planted out another row of cabbages & Dad. cut weeds around here and put up the other piece of border. Aunty went down town this afternoon but came back to tea. After tea Dad. & I drove down town I tried to get some coarse salt but couldn't but got some chloroform for Fran's butterfly. I then went over to the dance - and put in a very miserable time - as no body would dance or have anything to do wth me. Dick was there and never missed a dance. It rained hard last night but there has and has been pretty hot all day although there was a very nice cool breeze off the lake this after noon. Sunday July 6th Dad. & Frank did all the chores this morning as I didn't get up very early. Aunty & Frank went down to Sunday school and Dick and I went to church. This after noon Dad. Enah, Aunty and Tiddums went out to the Shand's and stayed to tea. We did chores. Dick spent the after noon down town in swimming. Frank went back to the gully and I tried to draw a picure but didn't make much of a job of it. To-night the boys fed the little ducks some whisky soaked grain and they got {bory?} eyed two or three could hardly walk, and would roll over & over. It has been cool & quite windy all day. It rained a short time this after noon. Monday July 7th This was Dad's. birthday so we didn't get a very early start although we never do any other day either. Dad. went over and raked up the hay he cut and finished at noon I went back with him and started to cock up. Frank had to take a consignment of sick little chickens over to Jack Martin to have their case diagnosed, he pronounced it chickenpox and ordered them to be quartined, fumigated, disinfected, vaccinated and about half a dozen other things, when he got back he came and cocked up too.This afternoon we took the waggon back and put on a load. It took us nearly two hours as the the hay was very loose & short and the wind was very strong. Frank went a head of us and bunched it out of the windrow, Dad. pitched on & I loaded or piled it on the rack. We cocked up a little before we came up with the load. Aunty Maude, Win and Lila came over to-night to wish Dad. a happy birth day. I went down to band practice and got home soon after eleven. It has been very cool and a strong wind all day. Tuesday July 8th 77 �We cocked up all morning and finished about noon all but about one load in the north west corner we then all went over to John Wess. McBride's to get some information regarding slings, as Dad. never used them before. We found out all we wanted to and he gave us an ash board to make the uprights which bolt on the rack. We were over there quite awhile and didn't get back till after one so by the time we had dinner did chores and pitched off the load on the rack it was pretty late. It looked a little like rain so we went out and got the load that was in wind row instead of rigging the slings. We couldn't take it quite all in one load but it didn't rain anyway. Frank bunched it all up, so as to make it easier to pitch on. I loaded it again and it didn't upset. It was after six by the time we got up with it. Winnie came over this after noon and stayed all night. Lila went home. Very nice cool day and not so windy. Wednesday July 9th We spent the whole morning in fixing the sling rigging on the rack and oiling the pulleys and making general preparation for getting in the rest of our hay. We also put off the load by hand which was on the rack We got a good start after dinner, but as it was the first time we had ever had the sling ropes to bother with, we didn't get on extra fast, but we got it off with out any trouble as the slings worked fine. We went back and got about half a load on when a very heavy thunder storm blew up and we all got soaked to the skin. It didn't last long as we left the field as soon as it began and it had nearly stopped when we got to the barn. We had a hard time coming up the hill as it was too slippery for the horses. Old Harry fell right down once on his nose - and they both came down on their knees two or three times, but I don't think either of them sustained any serious injuries. Lila came over after dinner and came out to the field with us. so got soaked with the rest of us. Dad took down a panel of the barnyard fence when he drove the team through into the field with the sling rope so had to take the horses out of the field, he put Belle & her colt in the boxstall and turned Ginger & Queen back the lane in fear & trembling best they should get into the barbed wire, and to-night before tea we noticed Queen in the pasture field and on investigation Dad. found she had jumped the lane fence, and had a few scratches on her but otherwise was not hurt. Ginger was all right. I went down to band practice concert tonight. Dad. & Frank drove me down but I was late. I just missed the first piece. I came home with Dick. Very cool and breezy. They got their smoke stack up to-night at the canning factory. Thursday July 10th 78 �Frank and I cultivated corn all day, we started to go twice in a row but made such little headway that we knew we wouldn't get over all of it so went once in a row. We also went up between the potatoes rows, they are coming slowly but the grass is bad in them and they need hoeing. I am afraid our mangel crop is a failure, it looks as if the seed was no good. Dad. started to cut the new meadow this side of the gully where the wheat was last year, he only started to cut a {?} part of it which was west of the old garden but didnt get it quite done. One of the sections on the blade got loose this morning, and he was delayed quite awhile fixing it, then at noon we sharpened the other knife. Lila has spent the whole day going back and forth from the house to the fields, watching her chance to drive the horses or hold the cultivator, she wanted to go home to-night as to-morrow is her music lesson day. but Aunty thought she would be too tired so persuaded her to stay. Aunty & I went over to the Woodson's to-night and spent a very enjoyable evening. Most of the family were out in the kitchen assisting the cook to entertain her two gentlemen callers, who were a mexican who Paul Lee says is the Ingram's cook and a negro dwarf from Simcoe, they had a banjo or some instrument but were stage struck before so large an audience. We got home about half past ten and every one was in bed. Dick stayed down late to the dance tonight and forgot to put the light out when he got home. I discovered to-day that my big knife was gone out of my overalls pocket and I am afraid I have lost it in the load of hay, which means that it is gone forever, it was a dandy too. Very cool all day cold to-night. {Toby's aunt, Emily Louisa Barrett (Aunty), wrote the entries for July 11 and 12.} Friday July 11th Lila went home when Dick went to the Bank. Harry, Toby & Frank drew in two loads of hay in the morning and unloaded them with the sling it worked beautifully it was a lovely day to work "clear and cool", in the afternoon they raked the hay that was cut and put part of it in cock, they were quite late coming in from the field, and we were very late having tea Hattie had a long visit from Mr. Law, who brought the butter. before tea I went over to see Mrs Battersby and Ethel, Hattie took the baby out for a little while. Dick came home to tea he wrote to Ferdie Wiser and went to bed very early. Harry and Hattie drove out to {see?} Harvey Shand in the evening Saturday July 12th It began to rain this morning before the boys got out in the field, and rained heavily nearly all the forenoon. They were very disappointed that so much hay was out, but they were 79 �busy all the morning with the numerous odd's and sod's which are left waiting for a rainy day. Harry helped us with one or two bits of work in the house, while the two boys began to tidy the drive house, he then went to help them at that, they got it finished and Frank cleaned his chicken house. I made a mistake in saying the rain began before they went to work, it looked very like rain early this morning, but it was cool and windy so Harry and the boys did go out and raked up more of the hay, hoping to draw more in today, but the rain came on and drove them in. After dinner Toby drove Enah down town Dick did not come home to tea, he is staying over for the dance - We heard from Roy, he said Jean was coming to the Woodson's tonight - Since tea Toby and Frank have been for a bathe at the Mill. This is Cousin Loll's Birthday, Enah went to see her, and took her some cream Sunday July 13th Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday school and I met them at church. Aunty stayed down at Miss Battersby's for dinner, she came over to-night with Lila. Dick went down to the lake this after noon and didn't get back till about eight o'clock. Dad. Frank and I took a drive after dinner. We went out to the Winding Hills east to Black Creek. South to the Dog's Nest and up this road home. We were pleased to note that the other neighbors are not much farther ahead than we are and their crops except the wheat are not much better than ours I didn't feel very husky this afternoon, I guess I haven't had enough sleep lately. Nice day, but windy. Wednesday July 16th We got up extra early this morning in order to get in a good day hauling hay, we got out soon after seven to unload the load standing on the barn floor. While Dad. and I were in the field after a load Frank took the pulleys and ropes down out of the barn as we want to fill up our horse stable mow with the hay we are now hauling in. Dad. had to change the car from one track to another when we came in and that took half an hour, then we found our slings wouldn't work there, the first lift nearly knocked the old ventilator chute over, there was one would hardly go in the doors and the hay all dropped out of the last one for some unknown reason we got the fork to lift what had dropped but it wouldn't work in the short blue grass. It took us about two hours to get through which was rather discouraging, we got in one more load before noon and two this afternoon, they went up all right but we didn't put on nearly as big ones. We quit on time as this was the night of Dad's party out at the Shand's, and we had to have the hay rack to carry them all. One of the Miss Shand's drove in this afternoon and took Enah and Tiddums out, they will stay all night as Tiddums wouldn't go 80 �very well with the load. There were twenty two of us on the rack and lots of room, besides all the crowd at the Woodson's (10) there were Mrs. Hobbes and Miss Prest. Aunty Maude and Lila Ada, Miss Beemer and Edith Lawrie, Dad., Aunty and we three boys made a nice load. There was quite a bunch out there consisting of Shand's and relations of Shands, Mr. & Mrs. Nixon and very sleepy son from Renton and a Mr. Hare with his mother, who is a sister of Mrs. Shand's came all the way from Jarvis. Mr. Hare had his clarinet with him and also his violin, but he wouldn't play the latter after he had heard Miss Prest. He is the leader of the Jarvis Band which had just started this year. I had to miss the band concert to-night. We had music of every description and a good time. We didn't leave till after mid-night. and it was about half past two when we got all the passengers delivered at their different places of abode and got home and the horses put away. I was dead sleepy. We didn't see a living creature down town but Mr. Hobbes was stalking up and down like a ghost past the bank waiting anxiously for his family A fierce cat fight some where in the neighbourhood of Billy Frank's cottages made us aware that Dover was not completely enveloped in slumber. Winnie went to Waterford to-day with the other Miss Beemer, she will be in a very joyful state of mind as she passed entrance with honors. Poor Lila failed and feels badly although nobody would know it from her behaviour. Nice, cool breezy day, cloudy to-night and sprinkling a few drops of rain when we got home. Thursday July 17th Dad. got up a little later than usual this morning, I slept till after seven and Frank spent the best part of the morning in bed, but it had rained quite a spatter so we couldn't do much in the field. We just puttered around. Dad. worked a little in the garden and cut some of the grass and all the young plum trees on the front lawn and some of the thistles in the plum orchard. I mowed lawn. This after noon Dad. went back and started in to cut the alsike I cut more lawn and thinned some onions while Frank scythed thistles. About five I went back and cut alsike till dark while Dad came up and did chores and had tea. He had been having a hard time with it clogging up the knife, as it was wet and a lot of stuff in the bottom. I had just as bad a time for awhile but it got better. Dad. Dick and Frank all came back when it got pretty dark and Dad. thought we could finish it to-night, but decided that we had better leave it till morning. It was about half past nine when we got up to the house. The Miss Shands drove Enah and Tiddums home this after noon. Tiddums was tickled nearly to busting at getting back home again. Damp and muggy drizzled nearly all morning. Friday July 18 81 �Dad. went back this morning to finish cutting the alsike Frank and I went out to cock up the rest of the hay in windrow, but found it too wet so just turned it out and went over to the alsike field. Dad. told us to go up and get the rack ready to put on a load, so we went up and threw off the hay which was left on from the night of the party and put on the ladders and sling standards. Dad. came up just as we got about through. Mr & Mrs. Harry Dyer with Nancy drove in about this time and Harry was dickering with Dad. about his lots on St. George St. Dad. told him he could have the two for $600 but he wouldn't sell one separate. Harry said he would decide and let Dick. know to-morrow. We went out and got one load before dinner. Mr. Lamb came over to see if he could get some hay. Dad said if he would send a couple of men and a team & waggon over he could get a load but we didn't have time to haul it, so he said he would. This after noon we got another load in and unloaded, and then went out to cock up the rest of the wind rows. One of the little black kittens followed us out and caught a very young mouse and gobbled it. We didn't get quite through before tea, so Dad. went out after tea and worked at it till nearly ten and still left some. Frank and I drove down town after tea as Dick didn't come home and Frank wanted to see the Maple Leaf to know his fate - as to whether he passed his exams. although he made it seem as though getting his wheel was the real object of our trip. The wheel wasn't done so we went down to Huby's to see the paper, he was very disappointed not to find his name among the successful candidates as he was pretty confident he had passed. Poor old Jim Low was killed to-day by Dave Turner's engine. He was crazy with drink and as near as we know jumped in front of the engine before Dave could stop for him, the engine threw him and I think fractured his skull. He died an hour or two afterwards without becoming conscious. Aunty, Enah & Tiddums went visiting this afternoon at the Johnston's and Martin's, Aunty went over to Mrs. McBride's to find out why Frank didn't come to pick cherries but no-one was home. Dick didn't get home till after midnight as he went up to Mrs. Scofields where Ada and the rest were having a dance, Pretty warm to-day. Saturday July 19th Dad went out early as soon as he got up and raked up the alsike, he finished about eight. I got the cows and milked. While Dad. was having his breakfast Ivey's men came and got a load of hay out of the field, after we had cocked up the hay which Dad. didn't finish last night we went over and started to bunch the alsike, it was pretty dry but did not seem to be shelling out much. It was about ten o'clock when we went out, and as we had quite a lot done by noon, we took the rack back with us after dinner - and when we finished bunching the alsike, put on a load of the old clover & weed hay. It was six when we got it on. When we 82 �came up Mrs. McBride was here picking cherries, Frank has run away again they haven't seen him since Wednesday morning, there is a search party composed of Jane on the look out for him now. Aunty went down this after noon to stay all night. Frank wanted me to go for a swim to-night but it was too late. While I was milking this morning one of the little black kittens crawled up the edg of the pail I had filled and fell in I pulled her out as as soon as I could but was a little doubtful about using the cream from that pail. However we did separate it into a separate dish as we thought there was lots worse things than kitten often coming in contact with cream, and the separator is supposed to take all dirt out of the milk any way. The alsike back there is full of bees' nests. Dad got stung over the eye while he was raking and his face is so swollen up that I believe he would scare some people at first glance for that side of his face is exactly like poor old Simply Jim's. Windy and cool looks rainy. Sunday July 20th The boys went down to church and Sunday school but I went for a swim instead. I went in down below Quanbury's as Chris told me there was a good place. There is a good bottom and you can wade out a long way. Dad. went off without any dinner to take Huby to Jim Low's funeral. It was private but they didn't know it and so were the only ones at it. They didn't get home till late as Huby wanted to go down and see the canning factory's corn field at King's and also Mrs. Bill Oakes to see if she would come and pick cherries. Dad says their corn field is only a few inches high. About four o'clock I dressed up and went down town I intended to get a film for my camera but was too late, so didn't go up town. Dad drove Enah and Tiddums down when he went home and we all stayed at Huby's to tea. Aunty kept Tiddums while Enah and Aunty Maude went to church. I went to church and expected to hear the choir boys sing as they were there this morning but they didn't show up, there was a big crowd there expecting them, thery are camping down here and got fooling around so could get dressed in time to get to church. Instead we had a little shrimp of a lay reader from Vittoria who chewed the rag about some thing or other which was supposed to be a sermon for about three quarters of an hour. After church Dad. drove Enah, Tiddums & Aunty home. I started to walk the same time they did and beat them. They met the Bawlby's with Louise in an automobile on their way home, she expects to be down some time this week. Nice day threatening, and rained quite a shower before tea Monday July 21st 83 �I started to cut the timothy this morning but made so little progress and became so exasperated at old Harry & Joe Walker who were pulling the machine for me that I had turn the job over to Dad. They were driven nearly wild by the flies but that wasn't my fault. Old Joe would walk leisurely along next the standing grass and stop now and then to munch timothy heads or bite a fly while old Harry at the same time would get a fly chewing him and as he seemed to be of the opinion that he could run out from under the flys if he went fast enough he would everlastingly rip things, however Dad took them and finished the piece soon after six to-night. Frank and I cultivated corn all day we got it done lengthwise from where we left off the other day and crosswise up to the hickory nut tree from the road. Sam Law came over and borrowed our spreader this morning and spread all their pile which they had back in the field they are going to put wheat on. Allan brought it back tonight and said they had lost the crank to wind back the apron Clark Matthews brought Teddy over to pasture this after noon. He saw Dad yesterday and told him he hadn't a care in the world except his wife a white cat and Teddy, who according to his own assertion knows as much as a man. He is going for a long trip to the coast I think, and is taking his wife with him, I don't know what will become of the white cat, and he wanted to know if Teddy could come over here, so Dad told him if it wouldn't add to his care in stead of lessen it to have him surrounded by barbed wire fences in a very bad state of repair, Teddy might come over and stay with our colts for awhile. Jean and Adelenan came over this after noon to stay for a few days. Tonight I went down to band practice, there were only a few of us there as Harry Graham was having a dance over in the pavillion Walt. had some new music there which proved lvery unpopular and punk. Aunty went down town with me to stay all night, and Dick went to the dance. Cool. Tuesday July 22nd Dad raked up the hay he cut yesterday first thing I hoed potatoes till he got enough to start cocking up then went at that. Frank also started but it got to heavy for him so he hoed some more potatoes. The hay is mostly pretty thin it is not so bad at this end but up at the other end of the field the cocks are few and far between. It is pretty fair hay blue grass & timothy except in the low holes which Dad. didn't rake. we didn't get finished to-night. This afternoon every body but Dad and I went to the Sunday school picnic. Enah got home about eight, and Frank & the girls about half past nine. Win who got home from Waterford to-day came over with them. Dad. & I quit at five o'clock so as Dad could go to the mill for a bag of flour. just as we were coming up we noticed two men departing in an auto mobile we supposed it was Walt McCall, whoever it was left two cigars behind on the gate post. Frank 84 �McBride was over this morning to pick black currants but there were none ripe. Isaac Johnston drove a couple over at noon who had a little spaniel with a split toe nail which they had brought over to Dad for advice as to treatment. Dick I guess is working to-night. Cool and windy. Wednesday July 23rd Dad. & I went out this morning and finished working up the timothy; we then came in and threw off the load of clover and weeds that was on the rack by hand as we put it over at the barn for the sheep and didn't want to change our car for one load. We went out and got one load before dinner. After dinner we unloaded it and got two more unloaded, one of our sling ropes broke in the middle loop on the last load we couldn't have got another in tonight anyway. Lila went up in the mow with Frank to-night and while running around up there w stepped on a fork full of hay which was lying just over the top of the chute, the hay was loose and she took a drop of about sixteen feet to the cement floor with about a half a forkfull of hay under her which likely came down with her, she cut her tongue and scrapped both thighs a little but was not hurt seriously, it is a wonder she wasn't killed. I went down to band concert to-night, it was raining a little when I went down and they didn't start playing till a while after eight. Louise came to-night, so I stayed down at Huby's till I heard them start so was late. It was raining so hard when I started home that I went down to Huby's and stayed all night. Dick came to the window soon after I got in to bed and said he was going to stay so came around to the back door and crawled in with me. I took the sling rope inl to Jim Bannister to-night and he said he would splice it. I saw Vyse sitting out on his veranda and he seems to be in pretty bad shape, he says he is not going to try to do anything for a month. Betty Woodson came over to-day and the girls all went back to the woods with a bottle of hard cider which may account for Lila's conduct. Cool and windy. Thursday July 24th (mistake) Dick and I both got up about six this morning, Dick went around by town to post a letter and I went home I went through Martin's and got soaked on the long grass Dick beat me home. Huby didn't have to go to work this morning as they laid the whole gang off last night on account of some unbusinesslike bungle, so none of the house hold was up. Aunty came out just as I was leaving to wish me a happy birthday, for it is just eighteen years ago today that I first squeaked. Dad. and Frank had the chores nearly done when I got home. I got all sorst of presents from every body. Dad. found my knife the other day that I thought I had lost in the hay, it was not hurt much. Dick did not hear about it till this morning and had 85 �bought me a new one but he exchanged it for a necktie before he told me. After breakfast this morning I drove down to bring Aunty and Louise over. Louise was not ready so I took Win. up town to get a plug of tobacco for Dad. before we got back we met Aunty on her way up town so we drove her up to get a tin pail to replace the one the Sunday school lost for us she also got some ice cream but forgot about it till to-night and then it was in rather a mushified condition. Before dinner we ran the binder out of the wood shed and this after noon Dad started to cut wheat he only got a few rounds but it will be a good start for to morrow. Dick did not get home till late to-night he said the canning factory gang had gone to work again about nine o'clock all except Huby & Bill Oakes who had gone fishing up to Doan's. Louise and Aunty went back to Huby's to-night. After tea Mr. & Mrs. Bob Rankin drove over to have Dad look at their horse who has a few pimples on it in various places. Hot this morning but cooler this afternoon. Friday July 25th We got a pretty early start this morning and finished the wheat field at just six to-night. Dad cut all day and is nearly shaken to pieces from dropping into the ditches. Frank and I shocked up, and we each took one side & one end so by this means kept up with the binder. Jean came out this after noon and helped us for awhile, its a pretty slim crop but won't take long to handle. Louise and Frank went down town after tea to-night. It has been a very nice day. Saturday July 26th We hauled hay to-day, but only got in four loads, we were unloading with the hay fork as the loft is getting too full for the slings to work well. I went down town to-night to get my hair cut. Dad. drove me down and I got a ride home with Tupper and Jonas. Aunty and Louise stayed here all night so Frank and I slept out in the hay. Dick stayed down to the dance and did not get home till late. He got word to-day that he would have a ruise of fifty dollars in his salary. Lovely day. Sunday July 27th I drove Aunty, Jean & Adelena down right after break fast and they wanted to be down in time to get ready for Sunday school. I started to get ready for church but couldn't get a necktie that would slip through my collar before I got mad so just drove Enah & Louise down and waited for them at Huby's. I tied Joe in front of the gate. Dave Waddle and Harry Battersby came and stayed most of the time I was there. This after noon Frank and I went 86 �down to get the scow to go up creek. Huby had just let a couple of the Polocks have it but he whistled for them and they brought it back, Winnie and Lila went up with us, we went up nearly as far as we could and did not get back in time for me to get ready for church. Dick went to church to-night as he slept till to late to go this morning. Mr. Lawrie and Edith came over and spent the afternoon Dad. drove Mr. Lawrie over to see John Wess McBride but he was not at home so they Mr. Blaikie who is helping John Wess this summer. It has been very hot and sultry all day and to-night wound up in a teriffic thunder storm. The rain started with the worst crash of thunder I ever heard and the only one that ever made me cringe, it rained very hard but I don't think it lasted long. Monday July 28th Owing to the rain last night we were unable to do any thing with the hay, so I drove Aunty and Dick down town this morning and got Joe's shoes set of course it took Butler nearly all the morning but I looked at "The Literary Digest", and listened to Jack Spain talk when I wasn't holding Joe. I had to give her one small licking because she teased Butler too much, I went over to Billy Langs while I was there and got a sack of binder twine to be ready for cutting the oats. Aunty came back home with me. Lila is sick to-day and put in a very bad night of it, Huby is still not working, they are having a meeting of the share holders of the canning factory this morning down on the band stand. When we got home about noon Dad. & Frank were out straightening up the wheat sheaves that were down. They had fixed up the hay in the barn ready to put the alsike in. Dad. nearly killed himself while he was trying to tighten up the track in the barn. He had the big monkey wrench - and - could hardly reach to get it on the nut while working with it, it fell and struck him in the eye with a force which knocked him down and nearly stunned him, it left him with a headache for the rest of the day. This afternoon, he & I went out to finish straightening up the wheat, we didn't bother with the thislly sheaves, we went down to see Alfred for awhile who was cutting grass along the fence in his wheat stubble across the road. We saw that Mr. Fleming was hauling alsike though it can't be fit. He has a lot more dead ripe to cut and his oats ought to be cut so we aren't so very far behind. Frank went over to Martins this after noon and got some more chickens, he also returned Sam Law's binder twine. I had an attack of the blues to-day caused I think from seeing the garden and lawn in such an eye sore state, but we got about half an hour's pulling weeds in the garden this evening so I felt a little better. Tonight I drove Louise up to Mr. Frank Bowlby's. She would probably have had to walk from Lynn Valley there if I had not. It was after six when we left and I got back about nine in time to go to band practice Dad and Frank brought my horn down town and took Joe home, I 87 �stopped in at the Smyth's on my way home but Pud. was having a swim. I saw signs of the new railroad for the firss time. It has been very hot to day and to-night. Tuesday July 29th We hauled in hay all day but only got in four loads. Dad. & Enah went down to the church concert to-night and Aunty stayed here to mind Tiddums. Frank and I worked in the garden till after dark and to night I am so dead sleepy I can hardly hold my head up. Very hot today. Wednesday July 30th We hauled wheat to-day. Dad. loaded because he can do it so much faster than I can and I pitched on. We only got in two loads before dinner and at noon I thought I was tuckered out but this after noon got rested some way by working harder than ever and we got in three loads. This morning I laid them in the mow and Dad. pitched off but after dinner we made a change Dad. could mow them twice as fast as I could so I got on and pitched off. I took my shirt off and left it in the sun to dry and then I everlastingly threw them, I just about covered old Frank up two or three times as he couldn't get time to turn them but we made things hum. The neighbours are hauling in wheat to-day too. Sam Law we thought was going a little faster than we were but he could go from the field right into the barn. Mr. Fleming was going about the same and John Wess was too far away for us to tell.... Quint came home last night for a couple of days and this after noon came over here for a little while, he seems to like his job well and is enjoying himself. Tonight I went down to band concert, and didn't get home till about eleven as I went down after wards with Quint to get some ice cream. The canning factory gang are still not at work. They had a meeting of the share holders to-night. It has been terribly hot to-day. Thursday July 31st We got up early this morning to get a good start but were sorely hindered. Dad. noticed stranged cows in the lane as soon as he went out and found upon investigation that every head of Vyse's stock had got in to our place. The horses were way back on the timothy sod near the oats and the cows in the lane although we don't know where they got in, it just took about an hour to get them back, we found the cows had been right through the corn but besides eating thirty or more hills had not done it very much damage. It was really my fault for leaving our wheat field gate open but I never thought a thing about it last night, and the animals had some way got Vyse's gate open about three feet and walked a ac cross the 88 �road into our place. Owing to other small but aggravating delays we didn't get out at all early and just got our wheat in and unloaded by noon, we made two trips of it but could have taken it in one load if we had kneeded to. It just comes up to the first beam in the bint opposite the granary in the old barn and is the smallest wheat crop we ever want to have. We spent all the afternoon getting in the rest of the hay on this side of the gully, there was were just two small loads. It has been pretty hot to-day. Friday August 1st We started to haul alsike to-day but although we did our best we only got one load in and un loaded this morning, we got if off about eleven so instead of going back we did up all the chores before dinner and Frank and I planted some turnip seed in the garden. This afternoon we did better, we worked till nearly eight - and got in three loads, there is a lot of it but we think we can get it all in to-morrow if we can get out good and early Quint went away this morning so Aunty came over here. Jean & Adelena with the McPherson kids this after noon Dick came home early to go for a swim but as I couldn't go with him, he went back, had a swim at the lake and came back to tea. Nice and cool to-day Saturday August 2nd We got up before sunrise this morning and for the first time this summer got out at seven. It took us a long time to get the first load this morning as it was miserable stuff to pitch, we just got in two loads this morning and two this after noon, and have all the best of the alsike, there is another load over there but it is very grassy and we did not think it would be worth thrashing especially as we are getting a little cramped for more room, so we shall likely put this over the cow stable. I pitched on both yester day & to-day this. alsike where it is good is very light and easy to pitch and as it has been bunched up so long it lifts nicely. When we came up with the last load the old pig was out in the barn yard evidently looking for a nest as during the night some time a family of fifteen piglets arrived. Frank is going to raise three of them on the bottle owing to lack of lunch counter accommodation on the part of the old sow. Dick was late to-night - dance. Much hotter to-day and very windy. Sunday August 3rd I got up about half past six this morning and instead of doing a chore I went down to the stump and had a good swim. I needed it the worst way Dick and I went to church this morning. Dad & Enah drove down and Aunty minded Tiddums. Frank went to Sunday school but not to church. This after noon I read myself to sleep, and don't know what the rest of 89 �the family did except that Dick went down town. I drove Aunty down to church to-night but as I had a little pain I didn't go but after taking Joe over to Silverthorn's took Pud. Slocomb for a drive up the Radical and down The Gravel. Pud has heard that he passed and is going to Normal in Hamilton next month. {Gorby?} failed. Lila came over this morning with Dad. & Enah and is staying here all night, she feels well now but is weak yet. Huby says he has quit the canning factory, and is not going to do any thing now, but I think likely he will. It was very hot all day, cooler and threatening rain to night. Monday August 4th Dad cut oats all day but did not finish the field, it is the one west of the lane next the gully, he had old Joe Walker and Harry, and said he could have finished it if he had had little Joe in stead of Joe Walker. Frank and I shocked up, Frank didn't feel well at all and had to feed his little pigs quite often so we didn't nearly keep up with the binder. I went down to band practice to night but as Walt. Steele and Bob. Rankin were the only members present we didn't have any - and I came home early. I scared the gizard out of Frank when I got home to-night, they were all sitting tin the parlor where Enah was playing, and I went up and shook the pear tree by the window which Frank was near - and as it was a still night old Frankus felt mighty uncomfortable. Mr. Hall, an old friend of Enah's came over to dinner today escorted by Cecil McPherson who greatly entertained us with his wonderful fairy tales of his experiences & exploits. The gang at the canning factory went back to work to-day but Huby has quit and I am afraid is not doing anything. Nice day, cool morning and evening. Tuesday August 5th Dad. finished cutting the oats and we got them shocked up by noon. It is a pretty fair crop very good in some spots. This after noon we put off the load of alsike which was on the waggon and went back and got all the rest of it except three or four bunches which we will bring up with the hay. It made a tremendous load but we got up safely with it. Frank went back with us to pick blackberries or thimble berries but didn't get many as they are not ripe yet. Harry Battersby came over this after noon to see us as he is leaving tomorrow, Lila went back home with him. Aunty went over to dinner and spent the afternoon at Mrs. Battersby's. Warm day & cool night. Wednesday August 6th We unloaded the load of alsike which we hauled yesterday. It just went in and there was no room to spare. Dad & I had to dig a runway for it first. We then loaded the wire that Robert 90 �John bought from Sid McBride a year ago to put up along our woods between him & us on the rack and took it back we rolled it all out flat along the woods - and this after noon Frank and I went back and cleared away the old fence - and rubbish around it and trimmed the tree branches off so as the wire can be just tacked up temporally till Sid. McBride can come to stretch it - as we want to turn the cows in the field which the woods are in. Aunty and I drove down town we got a lot of groceries and I got one of Joe's shoes set which she pulled a couple of nails out of someway. Lila came back with us. Huby has gone back to work again at the canning factory, and we are all very glad of it. I went down to band concert to-night. It has been cloudy and cooler all day and rained a shower before tea. Thursday August 7th Aunty and I got started about nine o'clock for Burford to see Mr. Hanmer and his sheep. We stopped for awhile at St. John's Church which is getting nearly finished and for awhile at Simcoe but arrived in Scotland near where Uncle Robuck lives about two o'clock, we stayed at Uncle Robuck's for dinner and as Aunty and I both went to sleep there we didn't leave for Burford till nearly five. It was about seven miles farther on and we got there about six Mr. Hanmer was just going to dip some sheep that were to be shipped to the other side, he had a government vetinary inspector there and so we saw the whole performance. As we were almost strangers to them we felt a little uncomfortable at paying them such an such an unexpected visit at such a time of day, but they couldn't have been nicer or more hospitable and wouldn't hear of us going else where to spend the night. Before going to bed to-night we found Joe had put her foot through a board in the stable floor and had to be moved. It has seemed to us like a lovely day, it has not been too hot and a little breeze the roads were fine and as we met very few vehicles of any kind were not bothered at all with the dust, the country is very dry though Friday August 8th I don't know what time I got up this morning but I wandered around out side for a good while before I found anybody, but when I went out to give Josie a cleaning off I found her all cleaned, fed & watered. Mr. Hanmer had tended to her, he thinks a lot of horses - and admired Joe very much, he has a nice team of hackneys now and his daughter has taken a good many prizes & ribbons for driving. We didn't have breakfast till rather late and as he had some business to - do after wards, I didn't have such a lot of time as I would have liked, however he showed me a good many of his sheep and one ram especially which I may buy, he wants fifty dollars for him so I thought I had better speak to Dad. first. We also saw a few 91 �imported sheep which were going through Burford, but Mr. Hanmer thought he had lots that could beat them. As Aunty had said we would be at Uncle Robuck's for dinner we thought we had better go although they pressed us to stay there. We left at twenty minutes to twelve and got to Uncle Robuck's at about twenty five minutes after. We stayed there todinner and left about three. Harry was off thrashing but came home just before we left. We went home by way of Waterford and Aunty went to see Mrs. York & Mrs. Boughner there for awhile. We got home before seven and although we enjoyed our drive & visit immensly were very glad to be home again, we had to ask the way a few times but didn't get off the road much, they are fixing a bridge at the bottom of Decou's hill so we had to drive a little way down the fourth concession and get to the third through Sol. Smith's lane. It has been another very nice day, roads fine and quite a breeze in our face. It looked rainy to this morning but seemed to clear off again but to-night it is thundering and shows signs of a big storm. I don't know all that Dad. and Frank did while we were gone but yesterday they tacked up the wire along the edge of the bush enough to keep the cattle out of Robert John's till Sid. McBride can stretch it and turned the cattle in there. To-day Frank took the team and went over all the summer fallow with the disks and Dad. cut weeds and tidied up. Jean & Adelena are over here to-night. Saturday August 9th It rained cats and dog's last night and things are so flooded we can do nothing outdoors. I didn't hear any thingh all night but they said the thunder was terrific. I drove Dick down this morning and didn't do much else all morning as it kept raining a little. It cleared off at noon and I drove Jean & Adelena down town as Jean's grand mother wanted to see her about something we got some groceries and came home I wrote a letter to Mr. Hanmer telling him that Dad. was willing for me to get his fifty dollar ram, it seems a lot to pay but if we never get any good headers for our flock we will never have any good stock. Frank and I went down to the mill for a bathe after tea and had a good one as there is a big head of water coming over. it began to thunder & lightening & rain heavily again before we went to bed. Dick did not come home at all to-night. Sunday August 10th It rained harder than ever last night and the cannonade of thunder was terrific with a steady blaze of lightening. It didn't bother me any, I don't think I would have wakened at all but Frank was afraid the barns would be struck and got up over me to investigate Aunty also got up to look around. but Dad slept through it. It was too wet for any of us to go to 92 �church or Sunday school so we didn't do any thing much all day. I drew a little and Dad went down and drove Dick home to dinner, but he went down again this after noon as Wiggins wanted him to help him hang pictures in his room. It began to rain again about five to-night so I put on my bathing suit to go after the cows as Dad. couldn't have got them this morning if it had not been for Tige as the stream was so swollen as to be impassable. He found that they had been in John Wess peas the other night so shut them out of the woods. We heard that Joe Long had a horse killed the night before last with the lightening Monday August 11th Dad. went back to John Wess's first thing this morning to get Frank Faulkner's heifer which had got into John Wesse's peas with the rest of the cattle but had not come back with them so was taken by John Wess & put in with his. He was not at home but Blaikie was there so Dad. didn't get back very soon. I cut lawn off and on most of the day, I started to get the part across the the ditch cut as it had grown up pretty long. When Dad came home we started to dig a culvert across the front of the lane but after it was pretty well dug Dad. discovered that we couldn't make a satisfactory job of it with the material we had so we had to fill it in again. Dad. shocked up the oats over again all the after noon he said they were soaked right through and every shock had to be changed he didn't get finished of course. Frank thinned out the carrots this after noon and to-night. he & I went to the moving picture show which wasn't bad. Dad. drove Jean & Adelena & Lila down as the two former are going home on Thursday. Huby & Lila came over about noon. Huby had taken a day off to settle up some insurance business and Aunty went back with him. Mr. Bowby brought Louise down to-night, she was here when Frank & I got home. Dick didn't get home till late, he is kept pretty busy now as Mr. Hobbes is taking his holidays. It has been sunny and very cool to-day. the storm has quite cleared off. To-day's papers are full of the news of great damage to property and general depradation caused by the lightening last Saturday night and the night before, all is not known yet as telegraph & telephone wires are down all over. Tuesday August 12th Frank and I drove down and got Louise's trunk first thing this morning. Frank also got a new carborundum scythe stone which I broke on the scythe in a short time, Dad. sharpened the scythe while we were gone and I started to cut weeds around the fences as soon as I got home, by to-night I had all around the wheat field and on three sides of the summer fallow and corn there was none to cut on the fourth side, but my ribs and back ached so that I 93 �could hardly wiggle. It's hard work when one's not used to it. Dad turned nearly all the rest of the oat shocks to-day, he didn't quite finish it's a miserable job I would rather cut weeds even if if it does break my back. Frank picked black currants from the old garden and nursed his young hogs most of the day. Sunny & nice to-day. Vyse was in for quite awhile this morning, he told Dad he was going to sell out entirely and go West for awhile on account of his health. Lila came over for the afternoon. Frank went home with her to-night. Old Jonas was in to-night Ivy's have taken him back. Wednesday August 13th Dad finished turning and setting the oat shocks this morning. I went out and cut all around the field he was working in - and a little around the house, before dinner we put of the load of old hay that was on the rack we put what we could of it over the cow stable and left the rest in the shed, it was after noon when we got through so we got a pretty late start. after dinner Dad started to cut the oats over by the side road, we went out with him but didn't shock any up as we had to wait for quite awhile before there was room and we quit early to go up and do chores as I went down to band concert but Dad. kept on cutting till sundown, the ground is pretty soft, he has to cut around the holes and there is water standing in some of the furrows. Frank went down with me to-night, and got some machine oil and went to see the movies. There was quite an accident downtown to-day, the bridge going over the road into Buck's Park broke with a crowd on it, we don't know very much about it but there were none killed and I don't know that there were any very seriously hurt, but there were a good many bones broken, the canning factory is going full tilt now, Huby and the rest worked till dark to-night. Nice day, cool but sunny. Thursday August 14th Mr. Flemming came over this morning with the woful tidings that he wanted two men to help thrash this after noon, so Frank went over to John Wesses to get Blaikie to come in Dad's place. John Wess was about to start cutting peas but insisted on Mr. Blaikie coming. Dad. cut oats most of the day and finished some time during the after noon. I shocked up a few in the morning - and after dinner Mr. Blaikie & I lit out for Flemmings, we got a pretty late start as the machine wasn't there on time so will have to go back in the morning. We got word this after noon that there was sheep down at the station for us we were so busy we couldn't go till night, then Dad. & I went down in the waggon, we picked Huby up who was in a great state of excitement over the ram, (for it proved to be the one I ordered from Mr. Hanmer), if we hadn't come down he was going to have it sent over, he wasn't any the 94 �worse for his trip - as all hands at the station had been careful to keep him in the shade. I was very surprised to see him as I under stood Mr. Hanmer to say he wouldn't ship him till after he had been shown at the different fairs, he is certainly a beauty. Hot. Friday August 15th Dad. went with me to Mr. Flemming's this morning we finished there and had our dinner about eleven. Sam Law wanted us to go and help thrash his stuff and as he thrashed his oats out of the field he wanted our team and rack so we went out and put a load of our oats on to take over it wasn't a big load but we got forty seven bushels of good plump oats out of it, which will last us till we have time to thrash. We finished at Sam's a little after six and had our tea there so we were rather late doing our chores. Pretty hot to-day. Saturday August 16th Dad. and I went out this morning before the dew was off and turned out every shock of the first cutting of oats, we then went over and shocked up some of the others, we didn't finish but quit at noon and this afternoon hauled the others, we got them all in, there were only four more good sized loads, but it took us till about nine o'clock the last one, it was so dark we could hardly find the shocks, of course we didn't unload this last load. Aunty brought us out a little lunch at six and we had some more when we came in. Very hot and looks like rain soon Sunday August 17th I didn't get up till about nine o'clock this morning and then we three boys all went to the stump and had a good swim, about half the kids in town were down there, and we didn't hurry at all, it was about one when we got home. I didn't do any thing much this after noon but perspire. I started to read but went to sleep, it was too hot to sleep and I started to write but it was too hot to think, so I had to quit that. It rained pretty hard for a short time before tea. Monday August 18th Owing to the little shower we had yesterday it was a little too wet to haul any oats this morning as we had intended, Dad. and Frank took a load of grist to the mill first thing, they waited till it was chopped and then went down to Mrs. Battersbys where Frank Slocomb is laying side walk and got a load of yellow sand from him to put in front of the lane gate 95 �where there is such a mud hole, they then went and got a load of rails. I raked up the weeds and chopped the grass with the lawn mower back of the old house and along the east side of it; I worked at it all day and although it looks a lot better there is lots of room for improvement yet. This after noon Dad. went out and shooked up the rest of the oats. Dr. Hicks & Cousin Willie went out to ask him if he would run against Bob. Taylor in the election for a school trustee next Monday, as he hates to see them so tied up in their business he said he would, but woudn't take time to get out & work at all. Enah and Louise drove Joe down town this after noon Jean Marks came over to say that she and Louise were wanted in Toronto to help christen Rebecca Lee Scott next Friday. Louise hadn't intended going till next Monday but I guess she will have to go Wednesday now. Aunty thinks she will go down with them. Dad and I went out about six to night and brought in one load of oats. It has been hot all day cooler to-night. Tuesday August 19th We hauled in oats to-day but as we didn't get out very early and quit early we only got in four loads. We stopped work at five as I had to be down town at seven to accompany the band to a {?} scocial at Port Ryersie. It wasn't a full band as Bob. Rankine had a lame back & Johnny Walker had no one to run his engine at the picture show for him, Miss. Thompson & Old Silverthorne took a load of girls up on the Victoria but the lake was so rough they could hardly land and they would not go back any way but by land so some came in one of the band rigs and Theodore Brown brought the rest down We had a time although the wind was cold and the torches blew so we could hardly see. I got home a little after twelve and Dick who spent the evening at the Hobbes got home soon after. Very cool all day Wednesday August 20th We hauled in all the rest of the oats to-day. There were just two loads and a jag. We brought the jag in about three o'clock and Dad. & Frank pitched it off while I got Joe ready to drive Louise & her trunk to the station. She, Aunty and Jean all got off to-night. While I was down town Dad took the mower out and cut around the holes in the oat field which he couldn't do with the binder on account of them being so wet. I came home around by Huby's to get some peony roots and he was just getting ready to go to work as he is night watchman these days at the works. I went down to band concert to-night, after we got through on the stand Johnny Walker very kindly offerd us each a freelticket to the moving picture show so we all went down, tore off a piece in front of "The Gem" and then went in, he put on the three reels almost solely for our benefit as there were very few others in 96 �there. Edith came over this after noon and is going to stay for a few days or a week. Warmer than yesterday but not too hot. Thursday August 21st Dad. and I went out this morning with the rack and got the oats which were around the edge of the water holes and which Dad had cut with the mower, it took along time as Dad. just raked the stuff up in piles with his pitch fork. I set fire to the grass & weeds which I cut the other day between the corn field and the wheat stubble and had to watch it that it didn't do any damage. This after noon Dad went out and rolled the summer fallow but it was very hard and lumpy. Frank and I cleaned all the rubbish and burdocks out of the yard between the horse stable and the hay barn and fixed the fence so that we can turn the old ram out. To-night we printed pictures and got some good ones mostly of Tiddums. Dick did not come home to-night. Nice day not too hot. It got very black this evening and rained a little before tea. Friday August 22nd It began to rain - quietly about six this morning but stopped about nine or ten. Dad. patched the roof on the old barn and Frank held on to the rope to which Dad was tied. This after noon it got too windy to shingle so Dad plowed a little more of the old corn stubble. I started to clean up the limbs out of the orchard and got quite a lot done, Frank and I had to go down town to night about five for groceries. Cloudy and cool. Saturday August 23rd Dad. plowed at the old corn ground all morning while I worked in the orchard. This after noon Dad took the the team and waggon and we took all the brush and piled & burned it in the north end of the orchard where the little trees are mostly dead, we then took the big limbs and piled them behind the wood shed fore stove wood. it took us all the afternoon but it has made a great improvement in the looks of the orchard. This was Baughner Picnic day but Frank was the only one who celebrated from here. Doctor Hicks & Doctor Cook were over before tea to talk election to Dad. They said things were going pretty well although there are several working against him. Vyse was over this morning to say he wanted us to go & thrash on Monday. Edith left this after noon. Lila came over this morning for her music but didn't stay long None of us went down to meet Aunty to-night as we think likely she will stay ay Huby's to-night. It as been very cool all day and mostly cloudy, regular fall day. 97 �Sunday August 24th This was the sunday that they decided to have Tiddums christened. Aunty came over before Sunday school and brought Tiddums a lot of presents she got for him in Toronto and which Vernon and Mrs. Marks sent up. We all went down to church. Dad. drove Enah down and she & Tiddums stayed over at the Harding's till the time of the christening arrived - and then she & Dad. brought him in Huby was the extra godfather, and has been studdying the service up for the last few nights. Tiddums never let a whimper out of him but sat on Dad's hand, and jumped, stared, laughed and crowed a little although they said he was getting sleepy before the end. Dad. & Enah drove right home with him but the rest of us waited for the rest of the service. This after noon Dick and I went down town. I went to see Harry & Mrs. Moon but they weren't home so after calling at the bank where the whole staff except Mr. Hobbes were hard at work and at Huby's for a minute or two I came home. Dick got back for tea. Dad. and Enah drove down to church to-night as Enah had to play the organ for Elva; when they got home Dick and I drove down to post a couple of letter for Aunty. Cool & windy all day Cold to-night. Monday August 25th Dad. and I both went over to Vyse's to help thrash and were there till noon, although he didn't have much stuff, but it was awkward getting it out and we were late getting started. Dad. made a mistake by going at all for this was election day, when he was running against Bob. Taylor for school trustee, and Vyse sent two of Martin's men home saying he had enough hands, then went down town as soon as we got started and I suppose worked as hard as he could for Taylor. This after noon I went up to the glen with a picnic party of Mrs Hobbe's, Dick got off and went with us we went up in the "Victoria" and had a fine time. We got back a little after dark, and went up to Mrs. Hobbes and danced till about twelve, most of the music was supplied by Col. Smith's gramophone about the first news we heard when we struck town was that Dad. had beaten Taylor by a majority of 9. He was down town all the after noon - and had an exciting time. The school board can now do business as Tibbets and Miller were not disqualified and they will have a majority on their side. Lovely day, cool & sunny. Tuesday August 26th Dad. and I went over to help thrash at Martin's this morning, it didn't take long to thrash their oats out but they had a few interruptions so we just got through about eleven and had 98 �our dinner. This after noon Dad disked on the summer fallow, and I cut at the lawn but didn't get much done. Allan Law had to pull Vyse out of a hole to-day, he found him beating his little balky mare unmercifully, because she balked with a load of 16 bags of wheat Vyse told him he would kill her if he had ambition enough. Cool and threatening. Wednesday August 27th Dad. disked and harrowed on the summer fallow all day and I cut the rest of the front lawn this side of the ditch and worked around at other odd jobs. Frank and I fixed a couple of bars at the end of the horse stable to close the yard south and west of the horse stable, and then turned old 4700 out, he spent most of the afternoon under an old door leaning against the fence. Frank noticed today that he is club footed behind, we couldn't see his foot before in the stable. I went down to band concert to-night. It has been a nice sunny day but cool. Thursday August 28th When Tom Albert came this morning he said there was a loose horse on the road, Dad got her and put her in, she had a halter on but Dad. didn't know her, but we had an idea she belonged to Bill George so when Dick went down he happened to see the above mentioned Bill. and told him whereupon that gentleman came over immediately and took the mare home. We started to haul manure to-day but owing to interuptions such as oiling the spreader and as it was drizzling rain we were undecided whether to go to to work or not; we didn't get started till after ten, we got four loads out and one on the spreader by twelve and one out after dinner, but it started to rain so hard that we put the horses and machine away. I then drove Enah down town to Mrs. Schrams and had to wait quite awhile for her, we got home at five and I drove Aunty down, she to the old German Roller canary who has not been in a healthy condition for "some time back" down to Mrs. Tusk for repair, she also got a student lamp from Miss Battersby who made a present of it to Dad. It has drizzled nearly all day and to-night another big thunder storm came up with an awful downpour. About ten o'clock Aunty & Dad. noticed fire north of here, where some poor fellow's barn had been struck. Friday August 29 It was too wet this morning to work on the land so Dad opened up ditches on the summer fallow and I sawed up the old apple limbs and rubbish behind the wood shed. This afternoon, I went to see if the field next the woods across the gully was fit to plow but 99 �found water lying in the furrows and ditches. Frank and Lila went back as far as the gully with me to look for mushrooms. I set out three little rose bushes on the mound just for fun I don't expect them to grow, but the were in the lawn and I didn't know what else to do with them. I took John Wess McBride's rope back to him, which Dad had borrowed the day he brought Frank Faulkner's heifer home. I saw Mr. Blaike and he told me it was Bob. Winter's barn that was burned last night he lives on the townline just north and one lot west of this place. I came home around by R. J. Watson's, and Charlie McQueens. I also went over to Lorne Myers where Geordie Murphy is ditching I got home about four and then Frank & I went down to Martins where Frank got some grit for his chickens and I got some information re planting out straw berries & pruning grape vines from John Quanbury. Dad. had to go to a school board meeting to-night, he hasn't felt very well all the after noon. Frank is better to-day he was quite sick yesterday. Sunny and breezy to day. Saturday August 30th I spent the whole day working around the garden. I cut the two high patches of weeds and pulled them out as well as I could of the onion bed, This after noon I cut the lawn behind the house and about five drove Enah down town for supplies. We got word to-day that Walter was coming to night he has been in Toronto for the last few days - and Roy & Vernon may come up with him, {undecipherable} we have been making preparations for them all day. Dad. went over to John Wess McBrides this morning to see his lame cow and get advice about the field back there we were going to put wheat on but there is so much blue grass on it we that we would not likely get half a crop especially now that we wouldn't be able to get in in early, so we thought of fall ploughing it and summer fallowing it then plow in June & put wheat on it next fall, that was just what John Wess said he would do as that will just about fix the blue grass. This after noon Dad plowed up a strip in the garden where the potatoes were and which I am going to try to work up in shape to set out a few straw berryplants. Dad. and Aunty drove down to-night to meet Walter and the others if they came. They did come but it took about half the night to collect them all. It had been arrangd that Vernon would spend the night at the Woodson's - and Walter & Roy would come here, so Dad. drove Vernon over - and then came on home with the impedimenta, leaving Aunty to come home with Walter & Roy. He just nicely got in the lane when Walter came in alone. He had come up town with Dick (who had to work till midnight.) to get some cigarettes and had forgotten whether Roy and Aunty were waiting for him or not and evidently didn't care a hang so came on over by him self - getting information concerning the route from some of the Woodson's who were outside as he came past. We were just 100 �about to start of with the lanterns in search of the other two when Roy came up, ignorant of the whereabouts of Aunty saying he had left her in front of the Dominion waiting for Walter while he went down to the canning factory to see Huby, but couldn't find him so came on over, he was very indignant - at finding Walter here - and proceded to call him down as he well could and Walter smoked and enjoyed it all as he well could while Dad. and I started to hook Joe up and go in quest of Aunty, however we just nicely got sh the buggy when poor Aunty came up, she had waited a long time and then went up to the bank and found out from Dick that Walter had gone home, so she followed, when each ones evidence had been given and the mystery of the mixup unravelled we all had tea - after which we talked till after Dick came home. Nice day, cloudy & cool Sunday August 31st We all went to church this morning except Dad. who went over to John Wess McBrides to see his lame cow and spent a very enjoyable morning and Enah who had household duties & Tiddums to attend to. I drove Walter & Roy down, as I was supposed to drive Vernon back to dinner but she was booked for dinner at the Woodson's so I drove Aunty and Frank part way home then went back and got Walter & Win who had gone up to see Cousin Bessy for a few minutes. Huby. came over with Roy, as we had a couple of Frank's ducks for dinner. He says he was there last night when Walter & Roy paid their separate visits but as they are going to get him a clock to "punch" he has to make the most of his unregistered time unless he can get George Gamble to figure out a scheme to punch the clock all at one time, in all probability George is quite capable of doing such a thing. This afternoon we inspected the livestock, the gully & mound - and such things besides "settin around". Tupper & his Englishman came over & spent the afternoon visiting with Dad. Tonight Dad. and Enah drove down to church as Enah had to play the organ. Vernon came over to tea and she & Roy went down to Mrs. Battersby's for awhile. Cool and nice. Monday September 1st Dad's cold was very bad to-day and he felt too rotten to do anything, I didn't do any thing to speak of all morning but this after noon I put some manure on my strawberry bed and chopped it up pretty well with the hoe. Frank chored around all morning and this after noon went down town with the Ryersie's, he has to go back to school in the morning, poor kid, I feel sorry for him. This being Labor Day the bank was closed but Dick went down and worked for an hour or two this morning and was down town all the after noon. Dad. drove Roy down to the station to-night as he & Vernon couldn't stay away from business & baby 101 �(respectively) any longer. Aunty and Walter stayed at Huby's for tea. Cloudy & threatening this fore noon Hot & sunny this after noon. Old Jonas was over to-night for a long visit during which Queen broke out of the pasture and caused us a lot of trouble getting her in, then I traipsed all over the pasture looking for the others and fearing they were out on the road but at last found them all safe in the pasture. Roy is thinking quite seriously of coming up here and starting a poultry ranch for the city market. I which he would. but. - Tuesday September 2th Jonas came over this morning with a basket of tomatoes which he promised us last night. He came before seven but if he had not been in such a hurry - and left them to enjoy - a few more sunny hours they would have been in much better condition. He also brought a boquet of about three asters, two gladiolii & one geranium with one foot in the grave. It was very kind of him though. Poor Frank went back to jail this morning but got out for the afternoon. Dad. & I hauled out manure. We monkeyed around till after ten o'clock so only got out about 10 loads all day. This afternoon Carl Coleman & Perce Kindree came over and got Edmond England's heifer that has been sending the summer with our cows. having crossed the dilapitaded line fence from Ivys where she & three others were boarding, as we didn't have time, means or enough inclination to repair the fence, our gully has furnished her with free board and lodging. I think Walter slept & read most of the day except when he rode out with Dad. on the spreader bant load. and when Aunty with some difficulty induced him to call on Mrs Battersby with her. Edith came over this after noon to say good bye, as she is going back to Toronto on Thursday. Tiddums has not felt very lively to-day, they think he is enlarging upon his dental equipment. Cecil Lamb has been very ill for a week or more wth typhoid fever and now Dick says they don't expect him to live. Vyse left this morning for the West, I don't know how he expects Dover to exist without him. Very hot & hard to work Wednesday September 3rd Dad. & I pitched manure all day we got out 12 or 13 loads which we thought was pretty good considering the circumstances. we were getting it from between the barn & the stack where we can't get in with the spreader so have to carry it quite a way. We don't think the spreader is sowing it at 16 loads per acre which it is set at. This afternoon Aunty and Walter went down town and stayed at Huby's to tea. I went down to band practice to-night and Frank went to the moving pictures. This was the last concert of the season and Walt. was going to treat the boys over at the Dominion afterwards but I came right home with Carl. 102 �Coleman, Frank & Jonas. Jonas seemed in a melancholy state of mind to-night. Sairy was sick and had evidently been calling him down about something, anyway he told us he did not lead a happy life and he didn't care who knew it. Very hot & thundery & rainy. Thursday September 4th Dad. and I started to tear up the old stable floor which was half buried in manure so that we could drive right through instead of steering clear of this old rubbish heap, but Dad. felt so rotten we had to quit and he couldn't do any thing all day. This after noon I mussed around a little and cut weeds along the side road, gully and lane fences. Aunty and Walter went down town this afternoon and to-night they went over to see Mrs. Battersby. We were all asleep whent they got home. Aunty has at last decided to go as far as Winnipeg with Walter on her way to Fort Saskatchewan. Very much cooler, fine day to work. Friday September 5th Dad. didn't feel much better to-day but worked all day in spite of his illness, he says his bones ache all over and he is so weak he has to exert himself to double up his fist. This morning we took the team and snaked the sleepers of the old stable out of the manure and piled them up in the yard and out of our way. About eleven o'clock I drove Aunty over to the Shand's as she wanted very much to say good bye to them before she went west and thought she might not get a better chance. we got back about noon, we lost a little time putting John & Snowdrop in the gully as they had got on the road through the culvert. but Joe made up for lost time by the rate she got over the pike. Dad. had two or three more sleepers to get out when I left but he finished all but one which is too deeply buried and not at all in the road so he left it till some other time. This after noon we didn't think it was worthwhile getting started hauling manure as one of us had to drive Walter's suitcase to the station, so Dad. plowed all the afternoon. I was out with him for awhile but about four I drove Aunty and Walter to the station. I hung around till after the train went out and then brought Aunty home with me, she is going to meet Walter in Toronto next Wednesday Tuesday and go west with him from there as he is going to stay a few days with Roy before he leaves. Very nice day a little warmer We had to shut old 4700 up in the boxstall to stay to day as to-night Dad. noticed he had rubbed a big wad of wool of his shoulder on the bars where he was trying to get through, he aparently enjoys it just as much in confinement as he does when out in the yard where he sees & hears the other sheep. 103 �Saturday September 6th - Although Dad feels very miserable yet he worked all day, we didn't get a very early start this morning but had Frank nearly all the time to help us and I think we got out 14 loads of manure We were delayed for awhile this after noon when the spreader was incapicated incapacitated through a lot of stuff being jammed between the beater and the comb above it. Dad lost quite a little time adjusting it. Lila has been over all day and has spent nearly the whole time riding Frank's wheel up and down the road, she went down town on it once for Enah. Aunty has been down town nearly all day preparing for her journey. Fine day - pretty warm this afternoon Sunday September 7th Dad. Aunty & Frank left about eight o'clock this morning for Port Rowan as Aunty wanted to say goodbye to Aunt Ida before she left and they took Frank as a part compensation for him missing a trip to the Toronto Exhibition. I finished up the chores and went to church alone as Dick was in bed till noon Lila went down this morning to Sunday-school but this after noon does not feel very well so Dick says, due probably to her violent exercise on Frank's wheel yesterday. I slept this after noon for two or three hours and then milked and did chores which aren't much with Josie away and the other horses out. Dick was down town swimming with the girls all the after noon. Dad. Aunty and Frank got home about nine o'clock. They had quite a day of it, saw Aunt Ida, Clara and the Howe bunch, and Aunty got some rare flowers on the way home. It has been a lovely day but pretty hot. Monday September 8th We hauled out six loads of manure this fore noon but had to go thrashing down at Alfreds, we were there all the afternoon. I stayed {heart shaped ink blot here} tea but Dad. came home to drive Aunty's valise down town, he was gone quite a while as he got some thing in his eye this after noon and had to go to the doctors to have it taken out. I had all the cows but the two heifers milked when he and Frank got back so he did up all the rest of the chores while I took Joe and drove Mrs. McBride home, she has been here all day washing and picking plums, she took a lot home with her. Nice day with east wind. Tuesday September 9th We got up extra early this morning and Dad. Frank and I drove down to see Aunty off. Mr. Wiggins was going home on his holidays so she would have company all the way. On our 104 �way back we met Tupper who wanted one of us to go and help thrash, he expected the machine there between ten & eleven. I went over about ten but there wasn't a sign of the machine and Tupper was plowing I hung around till after dinner, they started soon after dinner and didn't stop once till after six, we put through about 650 bushels of oats in the after noon I was getting pretty well worked out when they stopped, it was Win Law's out fit. Tupper got disgusted with Sam. last year so wouldn't have him again. I got a ride home with Mr. Flemming. Dad plowed all the afternoon and is all finished but about two rounds, it was an awful job when he got into the land next the fence which was plowed up last spring and the weeds were three or four feet high. I feel pretty sick to-night but have to go back in the morning. It has been very cold all day. Wednesday September 10th I was over at Tupper's soon after seven this morning and we started to work soon after I got there and got through about half past eleven, we thrashed wheat, and it was an awful mess of thistles, the down was so thick it was as if some one had shaken out a feather pillow. I came home before dinner with Bill Philips was there for Mr Flemming, I was glad to be done as it did me up for most of the afternoon. Dad. went to the mill this morning and got some oats chopped and finished plowing and disked down what he plowed. After dinner we hauled out seven loads of manure, the piece north of the orchard all covered now and we have four loads on the piece east of the orchard. Allan Law was over after dinner and borrowed the roller. They are putting their wheat in. They are working two teams, old Ben, and Bert Monroe's little mare, each with one of the big team, Jonas was over to-night to get some plums and he helped me put in some srawberry plants which Frank got to-night from Jack. Martin. It froze last night but has been warmer to-day Tiddums is not feeling well today. Thursday September 11th We got a good early start this morning at the manure and broke all previous records, we got out 16 loads, and have got just about all there is that i suitable for top dressing. Allan Law came over this morning and borrowed the waggon and drill, they finished up over there to- night and he brought the things home. Jonas was over again to-night and picked some more plums, he stayed for about an hour telling Frank and me stories of his experiences in a lumber camp. Betty Woodson was also over and brought us another kitten which she got from some kids who were going to drown it. Tiddums seems to be quite well again to-day. Much warmer looks rainy 105 �Friday September 12th We got out 16 loads of manure to-day but could have got out another, but as the field was covered all but a little strip we put the spreader away, we didn't put much on the little side hills as the spreader {shughs?} and does not work well there, Mr. Morgan came over this morning and stayed to dinner. This after noon Winnie came over to borrow some books and Frank's camera, she is not at school as she has hives. Betty & the twins were past here to- day - with three hounds and another dog, one of the hounds got in our corn field and they were a long time getting it out. Cloudy and threatening to-day. Saturday September 13th We worked both teams on the land all day and now have the piece between the orchard and the corn in pretty nice shape. I disked all day and Dad rolled & harrowed on both pieces of ground. Frank dug around and mulched some of the peach trees this afternoon. Dick expected Ferdie to-night but I guess he didn't come as he said if he had any luggage he would leave it in the barber shop, for I told him I would be in to get my hair cut. Dad. & I went down to get some groceries but it was so cold I didn't get my locks trimmed, however I went to see if Ferdie's impedimenta was there but it wasit wasn't and there was no sighn of Dick we came home alone I suppose Dick has gone to the dance - the last of the season I think. We saw Huby to-night coming from home where he had been to fill his lantern, he says he has ordered twine but he thinks they can't get anythingh from the stores now. Mrs. McBride was over this morning to pick plums, Very cold wind all day Clear & cold to-night. Sunday September 14th It froze hard enough last night to crimp the tomato tops and corn leaves, but I don't think it will hurt the corn except the leaves for fodder. I didn't get up till late & felt so rotten with a bad cold in my head that I didnt try to do much ore - go to church. Frank has just the same cold but he went down to Sunday school and church. First thing this morning we put up the little stove in the kitchen and it makes things much more comfortable. Old Jonas came over this afternoon to look at the corn he is going to help cut it but it won't be ready for awhite yet. Johnny Walker also came over to have a look at old Joe. he drove down with Dad. Enah & Tiddums, the two latter stayed at Huby's till church time and Dad. came home to help do chores and then went down again to go to church with Enah. They have heard so much about the famous Irish preacher the same one who was there last Sunday that they thought they would like to hear him so Aunty Maude will keep the baby for them while they 106 �are gone. Walt. Steele sent me over ten dollars to-day by Dick which is for my playing with the band all summer, and which I consider easy money. Ferdie didn't come last night Dick got a card from him saying he has lost his job and isn't coming at all I guess. Dick went up the beach to a corn roast last night and has been down town all this after noon. Dad. turned the old sow out this morning, he is going to wean the little pigs now, he let her in with them again to-night after they had had a good supper so as not to wean them too suddenly. We put poor old Dave in this after noon and gave him a {bath?} his three white feet are in awful shape all swollen way up his legs and terribly broken out around the feet. The only thing we can think of that can ail him is alsike poisening which we have heard of before but which Dad never believed in much. Neither Osprey nor Dolly seem affected and they both have white feet. Tiddums didn't stay asleep long down at Huby's during church and when he awoke and found himself among strangers he became home sick and cried so lustily that they were forced to send to church after Enah to come and pacify him. Monday September 15th I finished cross disking on the piece where I left of Saturday and started to roll it all this morning while Dad. harrowed awhile on the other piece and then went with Frank over to John Wess McBride's to get the seed. John Wess has gone to Grand Rapids but Blaikie was there and they cleaned up nearly {21?} bushels, and got back before dinner. Blaikie and Bill Lemons are keeping {batch?} over there. This after noon I finished rolling that piece and then started to disk the other piece deeply, and Dad. & Frank drilled in the small piece they put in about 8 1/2 bushels, they started with the drill set at 2 bus. & a peck but thought it was overrunning so changed it to 2 bus. Frank stayed home partly on account of his cold and partly to help Dad keep the drill from clogging up on the straw & grass which didn't all work in. Tonight old Jonas came over and stayed about half the night trying to sell Dad some seed oats (heavy yielders). Dad. didn't order any much to the grief of Jonas but promised him he would Dad. bathed and powdered poor Davy's feet to-night, they certainly are in awful shape and he is as thin as a board. I have felt pretty rotten all day. It froze again last night but has been warm and sunny all day. The men struck at the canning factory to-day as they haven't been payed for two pay days or more. Dick said to-night that he heard Harry Graham has failed, and that George Gamble they are afraid has typhoid fever. Gordie Faulkner has it not badly & Cecil Lamb's fever didn't break yesterday when the three weeks was up Tuesday September 16th 107 �We both worked on the land all day. I disked all morning and Dadl harrowed over the sowed piese and part of the other. It began to drizzle soon after dinner so Dad took my team and ran out the ditches in the sowed field also the cross ditches in the other. I then took little Joe & Belle and began to roll but the earth at last got so wet that about four o'clock I put them in, when Dad. got through with the others team I disked awhile but not long as I began to get too wet for comfort, so I came in Dad. did chores as I felt too tough except to help milk. Franks cold was too bad for him to go to school to-day. this morning he went down and saw the operations of the canning factory, they are working full blast to-day as the men are promised money to-night or tomorrow It didn't freeze last night and looked rainy all morning Saturday Wednesday September 17th I cross disked all morning, Dad. went over and borrowed Ivy's disks and started to cross from the other end we nearly met by noon. It looked so nebulus that Dad thought he would drill it in this after noon thohugh under other circumstances we would have rolled & harrowed it yet. I finished disking while Dad was getting the seed and drill out. and then started to go over the dead furrows length ways. Dad. got about two or three rounds drilled when it began to rain so hard we were forced put our teams in much to Dad's disgust as we couldn't do anything but chore the rest of the day and he is afraid we won't be able to get back on the land for quite awhile. Alfred came over just before it began to rain and brought back the old cultivator. I think I forgot to mention at the thime but the ice ran out a week or so ago, it lasted pretty well but we think we can make it do better next year by putting in more sawdust and making better drainage Frank stayed home from school again to-day, my cold is better to-night but Dad thinks he is getting another one now. Frank took a boquet of wild flowers down to exhibit at the horticultural show tomorrow night. Cloudy all day, didn't rain very long. Thursday September 18th I haven't done a tap of work all day, I have felt all day like a cake of soap after a hard day's washing and just lay around the house. This morning Dad. thought it was a little too wet to work on the the land so after he did chores he went out and got a load of rails and took back Ivey's disks. This after noon he drilled in the rest of the wheat. He ran out of seed when he was within a round or two of finishing and had to go down to Alfred's to get another bag, when he got back it was too late to finish so he will have to wait till morning, he thinks Alfred's wheat a better sample than John Wess's as there is not so much cracked wheat in 108 �it. Frank went back to school this morning but Dad. kept him home this afternoon to help him drill. Enah and Tiddums went down to see the flower show, she said it was not as large as other years and that Frank didn't get a prize on his wild flowers. Frank did not go down to see it. Dick did not get home till late as he went to the dance in the pavillion the last of the season. The men and women at the canning factory did not get their wages as they had been promised so have all struck again except Huby & the engineer. It has been a nice day - I think Friday September 19th I didnot do much more to-day than yesterday. I started to clean out the stables but became so exhausted that I had to give it up and just poke around, this afternoon I read and answered an advertisement I saw in "The Literary Digest" for a fellow who tells how to get strong, if he fails to help me I think I shall take to dressmaking or somethingh of that nature. Dad. finished drilling before Frank went to school this morning and then harrowed the field over, he started to run the furrows before dinner but old Harry & Joe proved so incompetent that it took him the whole after noon to finish the job, the last five of the dead furrows were so crooked that he harrowed them out and ran them over again He intended to go down and help Mr Flemming this after noon as Alfred told him yesterday that he is far behind with his work having been sick, and unable to work ever since Tupper thrashed, Dad may go down to morrow if Mr Flemming wants him. Jonas was over for a short visit to-night. We have had to keep Belle tied up all day as we turned her out twice and he jumped right back in to the lane in front of the house immediately, she & Harry got in the night before last and ate all the Golden Bantam corn down to within a foot of the ground. Dad. had to get up at half past four to shut them in the stable and then he didn't go back to bed again. It has been a nice sunny day. Sun set clear to-night. Saturday September 20th I felt quite a lot better to-day but my throat is still sore I intended to go back and cut the clover seed this morning but there were two rivets had to be replaced in the pitman rod of the mower before it could be used so I took it down to Butler's for repairs. Dad. told me that if no one else was in the shop I might as well get Joe's shoes set - as they needed it badly, I did, so did not get home till after noon This after noon Frank & I cleaned out the stables which haven't been properly cleaned for about a week and then drove down town to get stuff on our way back we stopped at Uncle Wards and he & Frank picked a bushel of 109 �tomatoes which we brought home for Enah to do up. He has a good many there going to waste as he put in a lot for the canning factory but they closed down before he got them all picked. It got very black while we were there and just as we left began to sprinkle - and just as we got home to rain hard. Dick got in just behind us the first time he has been home so early - all summer I believe. It did not rain long nor extra heavily - and there was only about one hard crack of thunder, but I don't know whether it is all over yet or not. Dad. has been cleaning ditches all day but has more to do yet. Frank went down this morning to ask Mr Flemming if Dad. could help him any if he came down but Mr. Flemming said he expected Ern. up and would be through this afternoon. Frank went over to John Wess McBride to return the bags they brought the wheat over in. Blaikie was cutting the buckwheat with a scythe he couldnt manage it with a cradle. Frank saw a black squirrel on the line fence when he was over there Dad and we three boys had a bath to-night, I needed one badly Sunday September 21st I sat around the house all day except to help do chores and finished reading Hamlet. I don't want to got to church till I get my hair cut for fear some body taking me for a wild creature would put me out. Enah still having a desire to hear the Irish preacher of the two preceding Sunday's went down driven by Dick. Frank walked down to Sunday school and church Dad. looked after Tiddums and the house. Tiddums has not been himself to day, for some obscure reason. Dick spent the after noon at home for a change, reading. Cars. Rankin and Arly McCarter drove over this afternoon to have Dad look at Car's horse's foot which got burned on a rope. It has been dull & chilly & wet off & on all day Monday September 22nd It rainded nearly all night and most of the day, the roads being inconsequence in such a condition as to prohibit travel by bicycle, so I drove the boys to the scenes of their labors and as there was nothing pressing in progress here and not knowing when a better opportunity would present itself I put Joe in at Hendersons and proceeded to have, my hair cut, a shave, and my teeth cleaned, this last item I promised Aunty I would have seen to on the first favorable occasion which presented itself. I arrived home after getting a roll of roofing paper to repair the cow shed roof - and some other articles - a little before noon, we read and did chores most of the remainder of the day, although we did go out for a while to strengthen the grain barn floor as in one place it is too much decayed to permit the safe passage of the thrashing machine over it, but as from time to time we must go outside and come in contact with the disagreeable weather, there was no pleasure in it so 110 �we postponed the duty to a future and fairer day. Mrs McBride was here allday performing her biweekly labors and it being such a 'dirty' night Dad. drove her home while I got the cows. I began to read "The White Company" to-day and I am afraid it will be a hard one to leave at the call of duty. Dick is not expected home to-night. Tuesday September 23rd Sam Law came in this morning and informed up that he was going up to Clarke Matthew's old place to thrash to-day, and would thrash his own three loads of oats on his way back and then come here, Allan came in tonight and told us that they just pulled the machine into their barn to night and would not be over here till noon to-morrow. This morning Dad & I levelled the butt of the old stack - and this after noon we finished fixing the barn floor and sweeping out the granary bins. To night when Frank got home from school he & I drove down town to purchase provisions and warn out Mr. Fleming & the Martins. Dad. has gone over to Mrs. McBrides to-night to see if he can her - to help Enah to-morrow. It has been sunny all day but with a cold wind Wednesday September 24th We went over about eight o'clock this morning to help Sam. Law, we thrashed out their three loads in a very short time and then came home and hauled a load of rails and made general preparations for them here. They got here about twelve, and were just about ready to start after dinner Frank stayed home from school and first thing went on his wheel to secure the aid of a man from Tupper's and one from Billy Louis as they promised one when Dad gave them free treatment for their cow. Mr. Fleming himself came and brought Bill Philips. Martin's sent two men - and Alfred & Jonas both came so we had plenty of help. Mrs. McBride came to help Enah and Ada came over and looked after Tiddums the whole after noon. We thrashed out all the oats 513 bushels - and made quite a hole in the wheat which lis coming pretty slowly. I helped Bill Philips carry away the oats and they kept us on the hump we got 320 bushels off the 10 acres by the side road and about 240 off the 8 acres back the lane, counting the load we thrashed before over at Sam's, we expect the wheat to go about 10 bushels to the acre. To-night I drove Mrs. McBride and Ada home, it was awfully dark and I nearly ran into a waggon and did run over a log, across the road. Lovely day sunny and warm Thursday September 25th 111 �We finished up the wheat about nine o'clock this morning it went better than we expected. 133 bushels and we didn't look for more than 100. It wasn't a very big thrashing but might have been worse. About ten o'clock Jonas and I lit into the corn field, and at noon had 13 or 14 shocks put up. Jonas doesn't use a horse but I think he would be better off if he did, as one blows down now and then and takes longer to set it up than it would to move a horse quite a few times. I didn't go out to help him this afternoon but Frank went out some time after dinner with a pail of water for him, and he wasn't there we saw him going up the road afterwards about half past three, but he got ten more shocks cut by six, he said he felt pretty sick after dinner. We trimmed up the sheep and let the old ram out in the orchard. Frank saw when he went after the mail that Butler had the tires on the waggon set so he and Dad went down before tea and brought it home. Cousins Loll & Phoebe were over for awhile this after noon Mrs. Dave Waddle died to-day at five o'clock, she has been sick for a long time but only a few days in bed, she was down town on Monday. Dad. & Frank cleaned up the barn floor this morning.. It has been hot to-day and hazy looking all around Friday September 26th When Dad. got up this morning he found the old sow had knocked down the orchard gate and let all the ewes out. We got them in with out much difficulty but noticed the ram was up at the north end of the orchard lying down by himself. When we went to look at him we saw at once that he was very sick, so brought him down and put him in his old yard between the drive house and the big barn, he has laid around all day and wont eat or drink, he is not bloated but is quite hollow and does not seem in any pain but now and then stretches out his neck and swells his sides like a dog trying to vomit. Dad. and I went up to Dunkin's this morni to see him as we got a letter from him yesterday morning saying he had a ram he would let us have for awhile not knowing of course that we had one, we expected to be back at noon but it begant to rain soon after we got started and kept up so long that we stayed there for dinner and did not get home till half past four, we didn't think his sheep much ahead of ours and his rams not a patch on old 4700. When we got home Enah told us the old sow was out and had wandered down the road but Frank brought her home on his way home from school so we shut her up in Queen's boxstall and nailed up the door. To-night the ram got in the barn and we gave him a drench, he does not seem any better but no worse. Jonas cut corn this morning to cut corn and cut till it rained. and this after noon tore down the old fence around the hill, he was over to-night to see if we would haul it for him to morrow Dad. told him he would try to. When I went back after the cows to-night I found Bobby & Fred's calf missing and walked way out to the Winding Hills to see them but 112 �when I got back they were standing at the culvert and Dad. & Frank were just going to let them in, the fence was down at the culvert and there was an empty whisky bottle near it. Saturday September 27th When we went out this morning we found the ram had gone out of the barn into the yard and seemed weaker than last night After breakfast we went out and Dad gave him some more dope, but while we were there we tried to get him to stand up but his feet just shook from under him and he stretched out and died we spent the rest of the morning skinning and burying him, we think of it a rough bit of luck but suppose it is all in the game, we will get a lovely mat off him if we can get it tanned right. what through life held his worth after his death will hold another's wealth. Dad held a post mortem on him and found that it was inflamation of the bladder which killed him, we didn't look for any thingh - like that, and Dad says nothing could have been done for him. This after noon Dad. & Frank cleaned up some of the wheat and oats that were on the floor and took it down to the mill to be chopped they went down town to take Elva's cream and get stuff. I took Harry & Joe and the hay rack and went down to help old Jonas get some of his fence up as he won't be back to cut corn till it is off the highway, he is so afraid of the law, I only got up two loads as it is hard stuff to load alone and Jonas had Leitch's team and waggon so didn't help me any, and I had to knock half of it to pieces, I did not get home till nearly dark. Lovely fall day. Sunday September 28th Frank was the only member of the family who attended church and Sunday school. I read most of the morning but got dressed up about noon and this after noon Dick and I went down to Mrs. Waddles funeral. Dad. drove us down and his went down and got Huby & Lila and they drove up to the cemetery. There was an awful crowd at the house and there must have been over a hundred rigs in the procession. Dick and I knocked around town til Dad. got back then I came home with him but Dick stayed down to go to church to-night. When we got home we found Emery & his whole family here as well as Mrs. Smythe with Susie & George. they stayed to tea so we were late getting the chores done. Beautiful day. Monday September 29th Jonas came over to cut corn this morning but after cutting for about an hour came in, in a great state of excitement vowing that he would cut no more corn with a sickle as he had cut an other piece off his finger, and said that if he couldn't - a corn hook which he was used to in Dover he would got to Simcoe after one. Dad. put some turpentine on his finger 113 �which he said just had the skin nicked - and told me that I might as well drive Jonas to Simcoe and take old 4700's hide up to be tanned, we left here about nine and went about half a dozen places in Simcoe, and got home about half past twelve, Jonas got his corn hook, some stuff at Fall's, some half stake from Billy Barlow's - a drink of beer and a prize list of the Simcoe Fair. I saw Mr. Hogg and gave Mr. Shaver the hide, and went to see Kompart about getting a new crank for the spreader to replace the one Allan Law lost but although all the doors in the place were wide open there wasn't a sign of a living creature around. This after noon I got started to cut clover seed but as {illegible} had to grind the knives and get the horses in I didn't get started till after three so only got a little more than seven rounds cut. Dad. cleaned out the ditches in the wheat field and Jonas got in a pretty good after noon cutting corn. George Slocomb Sr. was over this after noon with a shore shouldered horse. To-night Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting and I guess wished that R. M. Taylor had beaten him on the election It has been cloudy and mild all day and looks like rain Tuesday September 30th I finished cutting the clover seed this afternoon and got two rounds cut in the field next the wood which is all weeds, some of them are up to the horses backs. Dad. helped Jonas cut corn all day and they got a lot done, but Dad. had old Jonas pretty well tired out to-night, Jonas says it is the best corn he ever cut. It has been - a nice bright breeze day, doesn't look so rainy When we got up this morning we found that the old sow had knocked the gate of the orchard down and let the sheep all out, she her self was sleeping peacefully in a comfortable nest in the hay on the big barn floor. The cows cattle all got in through the bars at the end of the orchard and had wandered all through the corn and over the wheat, they were on the oat stubble when Dad. went out this morning, to-night he shut the cows in the horse pasture Wednesday September October 1st The old sow repeated the same performance as last night, but the young stock did not bother the bars at the end of the orchard, but as soon as the cows were turned in with them they went back and broke in through the gully fence and Dad. & Jonas had to stop cutting corn to put them out. Dad. had to stop later on to get Clark Matthews some wheat & oats which he came over to buy for Teddy & his chickens. In spite of these hindrances they got quite a bit cut and {illegible} the field half cut at noon. I cut weeds all morning in the back field, I think I could have finished it to-night but Jonas came over at noon to tell us 114 �that he had to help Bob. Leitch thrash so I stayed up to help Dad. cut corn we just nicely got started when we had to chase the cattle out of the field again this time we put them all up in the horse pasture but lost quite a lot of time doing it, before we got out again to work Walt. McCall, Mrs. McCall & three kids including Tommy came in, in Al. Faulkners auto-mobile (as Walt has sold his) to see the colts. so it was about the middle of the afternoon when we got settled down to work, then I cut my finger and had to come up to tie it up but Frank came out and helped us a little after school so we got about twenty two or three shocks cut. I cut a poor little half grown rabbits feet nearly off in the mower this morning but did not kill it, because I thought like Niel Elliot's man that life was sweet. Frank caught a broken winged crow on Sunday and is trying to tame it. Nice day, still looks rainy Thursday October 2nd It begant to rain about six o'clock this morning and rained all the first part of the morning and most of the afternoon but isn't raining to-night. I drove Dick down to work first thing as the roads were too bad for him to wheel, I dug up some of the onions when I got home and left them right on the ground till they dry, Dad. cleaned out the pig. pen and Frank who has a holiday to-day on account of the teachers' convention and tomorrow because Mr. Smith is going to judge at the rural school fall fair which is to be held in the town hall tomorrow. We had dinner about eleven and three of us left as soon as possible after it for Dunkin's to get the ram he told us about. We went past the rail road construction camp which is on the side road on the north of Charlie Dixon's place just as the men and teams were coming in to dinner, they made quite an army. We left Frank on the road about 3/4's of a mile this side of Dunkin's while we went on to get the ram, he is a big heavy fellow and pretty good looking, he looks very long but that is because the fellow Duncan let have him last year did not shear him. It begant to rain soon after we left his place and we just nicely got home when it commenced coming down heavily, it was pretty late then so we had an early tea and did chores after. Dad. is going down to Quanbury's to a surprise pedro party for John. He told them he would go orl he would not go through the mud Friday October 3rd We did not get up till seven o'clock this morning as Dad played pedro last night very late and came home at two o'clock this morning with the booby prize, as he is always first up and calls the rest we were late. Jonas came over at seven and cut corn all day I helped him this morning - and we got a shock or two over two rows cut which wasn't so bad considering I did not get out till nine o'clock. Dad. helped him this after noon and they got 115 �another two rows cut. I cut weeds all afternoon in the back field but did not quite finish. Frank and Dad. got a load of rails this morning and repaired the gully fence and turned the cattle back, besides other odd jobs. This afternoon Frank went back to Charlie McQueen's after nuts. Enah & Tiddums went down to see the rural school fair held in Buck's pavillion. She said there was a big exhibit of every thing the shape of farm produce & house keeping all produced & collected by the school children. Lila came back with her to stay all night. Tommy Manning came up to-nigh from the gully where he had been in quest of mushrooms but failed to discover any. Dick is at a party of Inez Schram's It has been cool and cloudy all day but fair. Clear to-night. Saturday October 4th I finished cutting the weeds in the back field a little before noon and brought the mower up. Dad. & Jonas did not get started cutting corn till about half past eight it was so wet from the frost on it thawing, so they did not finish the field till after dinner. When Dad. settled up with him he owed him $7.25 as he paid him at the rate of $1.50 a day for cutting corn and $2.00 for thrashing and as Dad. & Frank went down with the team after they got through to help him haul fence Jonas took $2.50 off for the two quarter days last Saturday and this. They did not get the fence all up. This after noon I cut a little lawn and picked up over two bushels of pears & apples of the lawn and gave them to the chickens. I did not get much done and quit early to do chores. To-night Frank and I drove down town for provisions and I finished reading "The White Company" aloud to Dad. when I got home, very sorry to finish it. Mrs. Woodson & Betty were over for awhile this after noon. Lovely day. Sunday October 5th Frank went down to Sunday school and I drove Enah down to church but as were were as usual late I went up behind the organ, where also was Charlie Martin he having come later even than we. When we came past the Martin's they were all out prepared to drive down to church in Jack's automobile but as the tire was flat they had decided to walk so we brought old Mrs Martin down with us, however they got the tire pumped up afterwards and he stayed long enough to take them down town. The Rev. Mr. Armstrong of Delhi conducted the service while Mr. Johnston was off somewhere else. Johnny Walker sang a solo by way of - a special attraction. Dad. stayed home & looked after the house and Tiddums while we were gone and also wrote a poem on the death of 4700 and an epitaph to send to Louise in answer to one she sent us. Dick spent the morning in bed but went down this after noon and stayed down to tea & church getting home quite late. Musa. Dyer sang a solo to-night 116 �in church. This after noon Ed. Moon, Marion & Alice Miller came over and spent the after noon. Ed. is working already in the mill in Sloan's place but says he will come over some Saturday after noon and do some fixing up. I was delighted this morning by discovering a book entitled "Sir Nigel" by A Conan Doyle and upon looking into it finding that it dealt with many of the same characters as "The White Company". I began it to-night. Tom Abbot came in this afternoon to inquire whether Jonas was a reliable person to make a business transaction with as he had bargained for some wood and then Jonas showed signs of backing out of his agreement but Dad. reassured Tom. It has been a very nice day, sunny & warm Monday October 6th I went with Jonas right after break fast to help him take his cows down to the cattle pen where Niel Elliot was shipping. Old Ivy at the mill bought them and Niel was going to take them to Jarvis for him in with his stuff that he was shipping. They were back here in Ivys gully and we & Sairy had quite a time catching them but got them down with out much trouble and put them in the pen which was chock full of hogs. Jonas had to squabble with Ivy for awhile as he wouldn't take any thing but cash for his cows not even a checqu and then Elliot did not want to take them at all with his hogs but they at last got things smoothed out and Jonas got his money and they tied the cows in the car. It was noon when I got home I had spent most of the morning with Skinny Ryersie who was looking after the stock. Dad. started to rake up the clover seed this after noon morning and finished this after noon we burned what we could of the weeds & grass in the back field this after noon - and most of it burned but there are patches where the fire did not run, it ran in the grass, along the fence bottom and burned about 1/3 of the posts and stakes it also chased the same little rabbit out into the field whos legs I injured with mowing machine the other day. I brought him up to the barn I suppose he has been along the fence ever since I put him there Nice day but very hot. Tuesday October 7th Dad. and I cocked up all the clover seed this morning except a few cocks which we did yesterday. We intended to haul a load this after noon but Loyd Ryersie came over at noon to tell Dad. they wanted to see him down town this after noon at four o'clock to interview the High School Inspector. He went down a little late (he took Enah & Tiddums) but said he might as well have stayed home, as it was all over, and they had had it up at the school house the {kid?} told him to go down town, but it wasn't any regular meeting any way. I felt 117 �as lazy as a drunk toad this afternoon but managed to get the barn floor pretty well cleared up of the thrashing refuse. Frank helping me when he got home from school. Dick says he is pretty sure he saw old Jonas coming home {bory?}-eyed last night and nobody but Frank has seen anything of him to-day, but he said last night that he would not be over except to set up some shocks he left down as he was going to buy some pig's, and I guess he set up the shocks. It has been a a lovely day - a little more breeze and not as hot as yesterday Dick came home before tea to-night and started to clean the buggy he says he is going to finish it in the morning. He wants it on Thursday. Wednesday October 8th We hauled in clover seed all day today but only got in three loads, we did not get out till nearly ten this morning but got one load on and off before dinner, this afternoon we got two loads in and left one unloaded, there is just one more small one out yet. Dad. let poor old Dave back the lane this after noon and he spent the afternoon on top of the hill with the other colts in the boiling sun. Mrs. Art Ryerise paid Enah a visit to-day, she has been over in Chicago for a week or so, she said that Orpha Flemming & Wilbur Ryersie were to have been married to-day. but as we have heard no other report of it, are not sure about it. Pretty hot. Thursday October 9th We were late on the start this morning, and just as Dad. & I were going out to pitch off the load we left on the barn floor last night we noticed the cattle on the wheat, and all over the oat stubble and clover. It took us quite awhile to get them back in the gully, so by the time we got the load pitched off and the jag that was left back there up to the barn it was noon we burned one or two of the cocks which were composed solely of leaves & dead grass. This after noon we went back over the gully to burn the rest of the weeds in the back field. We thought they would burn well after all the hot weather but the fire wouldn't burn at all not nearly so well as it did the other day so we just had to carry it around on our forks and by this means got it pretty well cremated but it took us all the afternoon. Jonas husked corn all day to-day and says it goes a little better than before but he says he is not going to make as much money as he expected, he is husking for four cents a bushel. Dick came home at noon to-day and took Joe and went for a drive with some girl down town Enah and Tiddums went down town this after noon. It has been fine and hot to-day but looks rainy. Friday October 10th 118 �We hauled out manure to-day from the horse stable pile and put it on the oat stubble along the side road. It was such a long way to haul it so we did not get on very fast. and as all the top part of the pile was nothing but burned or dry straw - and we wanted to mix rotten stuff with it took us quite awhile to put on a load. We did not get out till ten o'clock this morning and got out nine loads. Jonas husked corn all day but gets on pretty slowly. I had to take some binder twine out to-night and help him put up a couple of shocks. Lila came over to-night to spend the night, on Frank's wheel, he went down after school to get stuff and a bushel basket for which he went in {vain?}, and he walked home. Fine and hot to-day Saturday October 11th It looked so much like rain this morning just before we hooked to the spreader that we decided to hook to the waggon first and get the husked corn, but just as we were about to start it began to rain so we put the horses in again. Old Jonas came in from the field, and entertained us for a while with a wild west personal experience of how he was stranded out west somewhere in Michigan fell in with a gambling cowboy, and mane a pile in a hurry & revolvers knives, etc. Jonas has seen some awful times in his day if all accounts are true. We then got the sheep in the barn and marked them all with blue chalk and Dad. put the new tag we got from Dunkin in his sheep's ear and stuck up the tame ones ear with sticking plaster as she caught her tag in some thing the other day and tore her ear the full length. By this time the rain had let up and Jonas gone back to husk so we went out with the waggon and got about a load (21 bushels) but before we came in it was raining hard and we got pretty wet. It rained most of the afternoon, I read a little and the rest of the family cracked hickory nuts, while thus engaged a small yearling heifer with a freshly broken horn and a long thin rope around its neck came into the garden followed by very bedraggled man in hip rubber boots and a small freckle faced youth. I found out that he was the man from whom Jonas had purchased his heifer and that the afore mentioned "critter" was her. As Dad. had told Jonas that he might turn her in with our cows, Frank and I proceeded to help him catch her, get the rope off her and put her in the lane, but we found we had undertaken a task which we were incapable of performing, for the heifer was as wild as a deer. The man (Smith his name was) had already chased her over nearly every road between here and Marburg, but she was still very game. First she jumped into the pig yard where I caught the trailing rope, but I might as well have had hold of an engine the rope was so small and wet and she was so small and wild that I was forced to let go, she then leaped over the fence and down the lane toward the road where Dave. the small boy headed her off, I opened the 119 �gate into the barn yard, hoping to get her cornered in there but she got from there into the pig yard, then into the wheat field up the wheat field to the gully down the gully fence to the side road. then over the fence into the gully making straigt for the gap into the blue grass field where I headed her off from there and the three of us followed her up to the gully cross fence. (Dave. stayed back in the barn yard), there the man caught the rope but let go again immediately, she jumped back in to the wheat field and ran the while length of both wheat fields down to the little corner of the south east corner of the plum orchard where Frank & I both got a fall in the clay bank in an attemt to get the rope Frank did lay hands on it but she flopped him, after chasing her half way up the lane fence again, we let her go and the last we saw of her she standing in the north east corner of the oat stubble next the gully & side road. We couldn't get her with the other cows with out getting her in the lane as the cows are shut out of the east end of the gully. The man & boy went on down to tell Jonas that he had delivered his heifer and for Jonas to get his rope for him Frank Lila and I drove down town Lila stayed and Frank and I came back with provisions we drove Mr. Blaikie part way home Tonigh I finished reading "Sir Nigel" and "The Iron Trail" aloud. Sunday October 12th Frank rode his wheel down to Sunday school and Dick and I drove down to church. This afternoon Dick went down town and Frank went over to Charlie McQueen's and got some chestnuts, he also got soaking with his best clothes on. I read most of the after noon a great book I found in a box up over the woodshed. It's about an hundred years or so old, and is "Lord Chesterfield's advice to his son" - its rich. Jonas came over to look for his heifer but failed to find any trace of her so I suppose she is back at Marburg by this time. Poor Jonas is broken hearted - and wishes he had never bought her, he was very foolish I think to sell his good big three years old for forty dollars and then turn around around and pay twenty for this runt of a yearling what he wants with them any way in his position is more than I can see. Sam Law came in this morning to get Dad. to go over and cut a lump off his calf. It froze last night and was a lovely sunny morning but rained most of the after noon. Monday October 13th I had to go thrashing down to Flemming's this morning as he came over on Saturday to "warn us out". Tupper's man did not come till late and Walker never came at all so we were a little short handed I was on the table and pitched on to the feeder, after we got well started it kept me pretty busy and to-night I feel stiff and plugged up as they put some of the straw in the barn and made it pretty dusty. He only thrashed his oats and as he only had 120 �four hundred and forty something bushels we got through before noon although we got a very late start and stopped several times, it was near enough noon however for us to stay there for dinner. When I got home I found Jonas's mare in the stable and his democrat out side, and Enah said he and Dad. had just gone back the lane in quest of his heifer, which he told Dad he had seen in our back field but when Dad found it, it was in Evan's back field. Dad got home about three o'clock leading the heifer almost tame and Jonas following almost wild behind. They had evidently had just such a chase for her over Evan's place - as we had on Saturday over this place, but they got her cornered at last in Evan's cowshed and Dad. went over and borrowed a rope and humbug from John Wess McBride and once he got the ropes on her he soon mastered her, he broke the little clothes line that was on her a couple of times. He said it was pitiful and laughable to watch old Jonas, every time the heifer would break away from them. Jonas would almost weep and swear he would shoot her if he could get a rifle. Evan's wasn't home and Dad. said they got every loose gate and board around the place to barricade the barn yard but she would break through and once climbed about half way up the straw stack. When they brought her home they put her in with the rest of the cows and - although Jonas vowed she would get out she seems to be quite contented. Dad. told him that he would give Jonas $20 for her if she got out and $18 is she stayed in so Jonas said he wouldnt sell her till she got out. I drove Enah & Tiddums down town to Mrs. Schrams this after noon. Belle jumped the fence out by the big barn tonigh and knocked a couple of panels flat. It froze last night and has been very chilly all day. Tuesday October 14th I greased my old boots this morning and Dad took Mrs. Martin over the pint of cream she spoke for yester day. We also haulded two loads of loam & sod. from along the road side under the old wild cherry tree in the wheat stubble, and filled in the holes at this end of the lane in the barn yard, where the horses have pawed a hole when they are drinking from the tub in front of the windmill, and under the gate at the north end of the horse stable. This after noon we hauled out four loads of manure, Walt McCall. Dave Waddle Billy Loan & Tom. McCall came over to-night and we caught Dolly and Dave led her home he put a rope in her mouth although she would have led all right with just a halter and after walking a little way with her got in the automobile, and led her from it. Just about dark to-night Mr. Blaikie came over and got Dad to go over and look at John Wess's cow which was badly bloated and John Wess was away. Dad. went over, stayed to tea and as John Wess got back before he left, he did not get home till about nine o'clock. Frank and I did up the chores. Dad says the 121 �cow will get alright. It froze very hard last night but has been a beautiful day, very clear tonight. Wednesday October 15th We hauled out all the rest of the pile of manure at the horse stable and got through a little before four this after noon and took out eight loads, when we put the spreader away we hooked on to the waggon and got in a load of corn (22 bushels), we sorted it in the field and there is some fine looking corn in it, Jonas has been husking all day. At noon he came in and told us he had an awful foolish notion in his head, we wondered if he was just beginning to realize the fact, as there is nothing much else to him but foolishness, but at last when he got courage enough to "spit out" what he wanted, he asked Enah if she would iron a shirt for him to-night to wear to the Simcoe fair to-morrow as he could never get his "woman" to do any thing like that for him. Enah told him she would if he would bring it over to-night but he never showe up at all. Art Ryersie came over just before tea to tell Dad. he had a cow down there which wouldn't attempt to chew her cud and was panting like a lizard, as he considered her a valuable animal he wanted Dad. to go down and see her, so Dad. & Frank have gone down since tea. I cleaned out the cage I have my rabbit in this morning. his feet are nearly healed up and he can hop and jump pretty well. I think I shall let him go soon Enah and Tiddums went down town this after noon and to say goodbye to the Woodson's as they are going next week but no-one was home It has been a beautiful day. not quite so hot as last week. Thursday October 16th We started from here for Simcoe to attend the fair at about ten this morning and got there just about noon, after driving past the various livery stables in town and finding them all crammed we went back to Yeagers and put Joe in there. Yeager was there and told Dad. she was welcome. The three of us Dad. Frank and I spent the whole after noon on the grounds, but didn't see quite every thing, we didn't see the cattle at all except on parade there wasn't a very big exhibit of sheep or pigs, but the rest of the fair was good. They had a good bunch of horses, especially roadsters. Frank Temmons and Charlie Butler both showed in the carriage horse class but neither got prizes. Yeager took most of the prizes in this class of course. We saw Mr. Hanmer there showing his hackneys but didn't get a chance to speak to him. We saw Harry Langs for a little while. There was an awful crowd on the grounds and about as much fun could be derived from it as any thing else. Yeager had a team of grey mules up there hitched to one of his fancy carriages and driven by King Brown 122 �(Theodore's son) in uniform costume who jujding from his countenance was the happiest man in Simcoe, he paraded around in the ring all the after noon and lined his mules up in every judging class The number of boys on the back of his carriage increased steadily all the after noon and when we left we noticed Frank Temmons was one of them. King's black face shone as brilliantly as it's complexion would let it above a suit of - checkered - cloth covered with a motley display of ribbons, on one side of his wooly pate was a little flat hat about as big as a post card and each of his mules had a red ticket tied to its their ears. As a winding up feature they had a girl make a balloon ascention. She went up about as far as you could see her and then desended with a parachute, about a half amile away from where he went up, every body wondering whether she would light in a tree mud hole or straddle a fence. I heard one lady exclaim that she wouldnt do that for "nothing." It must have been nearly five when we left Yeager's - and - as we were trying to get home before Art Ryersie who we passed and then were passed by just out of Simcoe, we got home about six, but I guess Art beat us and beat us well, he went the back road and we kept the gravel all the way but we didn't see a sign of him after he turned at St. John's. Enah and Tiddums spent the day down town. It looked like rain all morning but faired off into an ideal day. Friday October 17th Dad. and I hauled a load of rails to the house this morning and got about all the good ones there were in the fence bottom running west from the side road along the north end of the wheat stubble We also got a small load of {sand?} to put in front of the north stable door, we then went down to Preston's and got a bushel of potatoes. This after noon we took things pretty easy did chores and Dad. fixed the little ladder goin up into the horse stable loft. which big Joe bumped his head on and broke this morning. Jonas husked corn all morning but as it rained this after noon he spent it trying to build him self a barn to keep his horses and cattle in all winter. He was in a very joyful mood this morning after being at the show and was in a great hurry for Dick to get up as he wanted him to send {illegible} away for him, but to-night he is in the worst state of despair as he evidently did not have very much success buildig his barn out of the old fence rubbish. Dad. told him he was foolish to try and might far better sell his stock and put the money away till he needed it and then have that much more firewood. It has been very cloudy all day drizzling most of the after noon and to-night Saturday October 18th 123 �I drove Dick and his bicycle down to the corner this morning and then went down to the mill to get a bag of flour. Old Jonas was working at his barn which is about the size of a big packing box, he only had a few scantling nailed to-gether for a starter. he said he was nearly wild with apprehensions for the coming winter. When I got home Tupper was just leaving, he and Harry his man were going down to fix the hill in front of Preston's and came in to borrow a fork to pitch sods. We didn't do much, this morning we started to fix the old shed next the cow stable as Dad. wants to separate his pigs and put some of them in there, we didn't get much done at it. Lila came over and this afternoon she and I drove down town principally to take Dick's suit case down as he is going to Toronto to-night. Dad. spent the afternoon cleaning ducks and a chicken. Winnnie came back with Lila and me but didn't stay to tea. Lila is staying all night. This is the fifteenth anniversary of Frank's birthday and he celebrated it by cleaning out and white washing the chicken house. We put Queen and Ginger in to-night as it is pretty cold out. Queen behaves just as if she was fifty years old. It rained quite hard last night - and to day - has been muddy cloudy and cold with a little more rain, very raw wind this afternoon. Sunday October 19th Frank and Lila went down to Sunday school and I drove Enah down for church, we were early for once. Enah expected Elva would be away but she wasn't, Enah played the organ any way. This was a children's day and they had the whole contents of the Sunday school in the front seats. As a little extra, Sam Jacques had his baby christened. Mr. Johnson kept referring to it all through as he or him but its name turned out to be Helen Isabel or something similar.This afternoon Dad. put the saddle on Joe and I went for a ride. She nearly put me off while I was getting on the first time but she didn't and I rode out to the Shands I found them just starting off to the Hares who live on the town-line about three miles this side of Jarvis, to wish old Mrs. Nixon a happy birthday she was 90 years old. Charlie put the saddle on his horse and I went with him, we beat them all of course both coming and going. I got home just about dark and to-night feel pretty stiff I guess Josie is tired too. I lost a nice little tie pin I suppose on the road. Cousin Clare gave it to me and I was very sorry to lose it. It has been cloudy and cold all day, drizzly to-night. Monday October 20th This was Thanksgiving day but has been exceedingly rotten. It rained the greater part of last night and most of the morning and has been cold, raw and muddy.. This morning Dad. went down town to ship the barrel of apples to Uncle Hal. and Aunty Alice which he got from Bill 124 �Duncan and which have been down at the station since Saturday. He also saw Butler about getting a plow but as he walked down he couldn't bring it home. He is going to get a Cockshutt to try and if we don't like it we will get a Wikinson. I didn't do any thing much all morning My muscles are all stiff and sore from my ride yesterday I guess it was too far when I haven't been used to it, it must have been about fifteen miles. Frank cleaned off the walls of the cow stable and this after noon white washed. it. Dad made a box for the wheel barrow after dinner so that I can carry out a much bigger load of manure. Then he and Frank went and struck out a few loads in the oat stubble while I cleaned out the stables. Belle jumped into the pig yard from the barn yard to night and when I went to chase her back she jumped the wire fence into the lane, caught her foot in it and bent a panel of it badly. Ginger and Queen both ran back the lane to the gully. Queen came up with Dad. when he went after the cows but Ginger is back there yet with the colts, which she has been trying to get with all summer. To-night Dad. and Frank walked down to meet Dick he said he wouldn't be home till the late train so they were going to the moving picture show. Frank has been coaxing Dad. to go for quite awhile. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. Tuesday October 21st Dad. plowed all day and got on pretty well. I did chores and cleaned out the alley way in front of the cows where the calves spent last winter. That took me the biggest part of the day. I spent about half an hour chasing cattle back into their proper quarters after they had jumped over or crawled through the old fence around the barn yard. This morning Bill Stamp came and got four bushels of wheat for this chickens. Aleeta McBride came over this afternoon to iron. Jonas husked corn all day. I felt rather rotten having a sore throat and getting an all around cold. Cold, windy, cloudy & wet. Wednesday October 22nd Dad. plowed all morning, and I did chores and started to clean out the pile of rubbish in the corner of the big barn but the wind got so bad I stopped and came in to the house. This after noon we went out with the waggon and got alload of corn. We got mostly all Jonas has husked. 26 bushels. We sort it out there and leave the poor stuff to gather up afterwards, there isn't much of it. Niel Elliot came in before dinner to see if we had any cattle for sale but of course we hadn't. Jonas husked all day. It has been a miserable day. It rained this morning and drizzled part of the after noon, being cold, cloudy, muddy and windy all day. I feel rottener. 125 �Thursday October 23rd Dad. lay awake in bed this morning from five to seven thinking from the sound of the wind that it was pouring rain but on getting up found it a beautiful morning. He got out as soon as possible after breakfast and plowed till about eleven. I did up all the chores and then went out and plowed till noon, while Dad. came up to shave as he had to be bearer at Mrs. Brirely's funeral this afternoon, he left a couple of strike oats for me to finish up after dinner and I ran myself out of a job about four o'clock. I left about a round or two on each land for Dad. to finish and as I couldn't strike out I unhooked but when I got to the top of the orchard. I saw Dad. cutting wood so yelled at him and he came out and plowed till dark. Jonas husked corn all day, he is full of an idea now to go south and work for {Evans?} Johnson, bossing niggers working in his orchard. He says they are anxious to have him go and he's going to try to get there. Aleta McBride was over ironing again to-day, she minded Tiddums while Enah went down to the funeral after dinner. My little rabbit died yesterday. It has been a very nice day cloudy, but mild, & breezy. Trying to rain to-night. Friday October 24th Since I watered & fed the horses before breakfast this morning I haven't done another tap all day, except read. I had quite a bad pain in my "stumick" this morning and have put in a bad day on account of my cold in my head. It rained steadily all day so I didn't lose much in the way of work. Dad. couldn't do any thing but chores. Mrs. McBride came over this morning according to promise to see if she could do any thing towards house cleaning, but of course couldn't. Cars. Rankin drove over this after noon to have Dad. look at his horse, which Dad. says has nothing the matter with it. He also wanted Dad. to keep it here and fix it up, but as we will be crowded for room this winter for our own horses, he refused. Saturday October 25th As far - as work is concerned I didn't do a tap more than yesterday although I felt quite a lot better. I read - quite a lot and skimmed through a large parcel of "Saturday Nights" which Roy sent up by Dick the other day and which in all probability would have scarcely been looked at, had not this cold presented the opportunity to me. Dad. and Frank hitched Joe and Belle to the waggon this morning, went down town & got a barrell of salt and the plow which Dad ordered from Butler the other day, they also got a letter from Dick (posted yesterday) saying he wouldn't be home last night and that Jack Walker wanted old Joe back right away, this was very bad news for with out him we cannot work two teams and 126 �the other plow will be useless, and it will be impossible fore one team to do all the fall plowing we had planned. Dad. did not see any thing of Jack while in town so does not know definitely yet. This afternoon they got a load of rails from this side of the east gully fence where we hope to put up a wire one next spring. They also took the plow out there and unloaded it. Vyse's three horses were on the road this morning and came into our lane, Dad. told him on his way down town so he and little Frank came after them. Allan Law was in tonight and Dad. paid him for thrashing. He told us that Jack Philips was very dangerously ill with Typhoid fever. Dick got home fairly early to-night, with the mail - and the news that Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Lynch are the proud parents of another boy. Dad. heard in town today that some "public spirited citizens of Port Dover are canvassing the town with a petition to have Jack Walker's picture show classed as a public nuisance. Fine & windy, everything very wet. Sunday October 26th Frank went to church and Sunday school, but was the only member of the family who did. I sat around all day and read. the "Literary Digest" for this week, through completely. This after noon the whole family except me went down to wish Lila a happy birthday. Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down but the latter was too sleepy to enjoy him self, so they didn't stay long but the boys stayed to tea. Jack Walker came over while they were gone and got old Joe, he says he has to have him now as the coal is coming in and one team can't stand it; he says he thinks he could make a dicker with Dad. for him, but as he seems to think old Joe worth $100. I think it very doubtful as Dad wouldn't give more than fifty for him. It has been fair cloudy and raw all day. Monday October 27th Dad. plowed with Harry & Belle all day and got on pretty well, after I got all the chores done up, I started to pick the spies but didn't get on very fast before dinner. It took me all the after noon to get the rest of the spies and there isn't so very many and they are not sorted yet, I also picked all the Kings but there were only fifteen of them on the tree, I got thirteen of them, one fell off and I bruised another knocking it off with a stick. Tonight Frank and I went down to the concert given by a travelling company for the band - and had a good time, there was a ventriloquist with them who was good, as well as an elocutionist and tenor. They had a dance afterwards and Dick and I stayed till it was over I got home about half past one and Dick a little later as he went home with some girls. Frank waited till it was nearly over but was asleep when I got home. Mr. Hodge came over with the tax notices this 127 �morning, they are just about the same as last year. It has been cloudy and threatening all day, and just as I got home to-night I felt a drop or two. Tuesday October 28th When I got up about seven o'clock this morning it was blowing a gale and raining, so after we did the chores we didn't do much else all day, although it didn't rain long we didn't even get the stables cleaned out. Alfred came over this morning for awhile. This after noon I drove Enah down town this afternoon to have her dress fitted at Mrs. Schram's I also practiced a little on my horn, Cloudy, windy and cold. Wednesday October 29th Dad. plowed all day and is now just half over the oat stubble or just at the pile of stoanes, the top of which just sticks up over the surface of the ground, it took me nearly all day morning to clean out the stables, get in straw and cut wood, but this after noon I picked apples. First I picked up all the good Canada Red's which blew down in night before last's wind, they blew down more than the others, I put them down cellar in one big box I picked an orange crate of Talman Sweets, which wil be enough for us, the pigs will likely get the rest, they are beauties. I also picked what few sweet russets I could but as they seem to grow mostly on very tips of the limbs I had to shake most of them down, there were very few barely an orange crate full. It began to rain about three o'clock and although it didn't rain hard it was very steady and wet through everything I had to go out and help Jonas put up some of the husked corn, the threw down a lot but as it began to rain didn't get it husked we didn't put it up. Mully got into the east end of the gully to-night and jumped the fence and came right up the wheat to the bars. Thursday October 30th Dad. plowed all day and - got on well. Jonas husked all day. I picked apples after I got the chores done. Mrs. McBride was here house cleaning all day so I had to beat carpet at noon. This morning Frank took a sack down to Preston's, and they filled it with potatoes and left it outside the gate, I drove down and got it. Frank went back to look for his turkeys after school, he couldn't find them at their old roost in the gully but he saw R. J. Watson who told him he had seen them Tuesday on the road in front of McQueen's. Dick told us last night that Harry Dyer fell off a scaffold yesterday and broke his ankle. It has been sharper to-day, and rained a little this afternoon. Dad. should have gone down to a school board meeting to-night but it is raining and dark so he isn't going 128 �Friday October 31st It froze quite hard last night and snowed a little. Robert John Watson came over this morning just as Dad was getting out to work to get his heifer which had got in with our cows, as I was just going back to fix the fence where Mully and Jim got into the back field where we burned off the grass, I went with him to help him get her home, she was very quiet, so we had no trouble in driving her but it took us all morning to get her to stay on Robert John's place, we got her into Ivey's place but she jumped through the old fence back into our gully, then we drove up along the woods into John Wesse's back field, then into Robert John's field then into his gully from where she ran directly back and jumped into Ivey's again, but we didn't have much trouble getting her from there into his gully again where I left him with her, I then drove Mully & Jim out of the field as they had got in while we were chasing the heifer, and made a good fix on the fence, it was a little after twelve when I got back to the house and Dad. was up with the team. This after noon we hauled in two loads of corn fifty-two bushels. Jonas was in the seventh heaven of delighted as he had Jim Law helping him husk. Jim husks about two bushels to Jonas' one and teases the life out of him at the same time. Frank went to look for his turkeys after school to-night, he went to McQueens and Charlie told him there were eight there and had been there with theirs for a month but Frank wasn't sure whether they were his or not and besides there should be eleven and Robert John said he saw that number last Tuesday, on the road, while Sid McBride was doing some other fencing for Robert John they stretched the piece between him and us so we got out of that job. We were reminded of this being Hallowee'n by hearing the school bell ringing to-night. Tiddums was playing on our bed with some blocks this after noon and crawled off the edge and gave himself a bad bump on his head and cut his eye quite badly, he was up on his hands and knees when Enah found him. Cold and windy all day, two short but blinding snow storms, one this morning, the worst one this after noon. Saturday November 1st It froze the ground so hard last night that we couldn't haul corn as we intended so Dad. plowed all morning. Frank went after his turkeys and got home with nine of them about noon They were over at McQueens and he thinks the other two must have been shot. I did chores and cleaned some of the boards out of the old shed by the cow stable and piled them in the corner of the barn. I finished the job after dinner while Dad. and Frank went down town, they took some oats to the mill to be chopped. and went on down town to get the mail and some provisions. When they got back about four we all three went out and got 129 �the soft corn out of the field. There was nearly a waggon box full of it and it was just about dark when we got up so we just hauled it in on the barn floor. Just as we were starting for the corn field Jonas came along and told Dad. he would like some money. Dad. wanted him to wait till we got the load in but Jonas wanted it right away so Dad went itno the house to get it. Just as he went in he told Jonas he was a darned old nuisance and that he would sooner have a boil on his ear (or words to that effect) than have him around. This Jonas considered an insult and started off for home declaring that he would take no money nor husk any more corn, by the time Dad. came out he was half way home, but Frank went after him and prevailed on him to take the money, he is still pretty mad though. It has been very windy but not very cold all day. Sunday November 2nd Frank went down to church and Sunday school, nobody else went down this morning. Mr. Buck came over and got Dad to go down and see his cow which he thought was sick but which was quite well when Dad got there. I did chores and Dick slept till dinner. This after noon Mr. Brirely came over and stayed - quite awhile - and to-night Dad. and I went down to church, Dick was down to Huby's to tea, and went to church after wards. We stopped in at Huby's on our way down and took him the "Every body's Magazines" that Aunty Alice has been sending us all year. He said he might be over to husk corn to-morrow. This has been a day of disaster, when Dad. first went out this morning he found one of his pigs all in and the others going for it. He carried it over to the barn and later came to the conclusion that its leg was broken up in the "ham" so will have to kill it to-morrow. He also found the old gobbler sick and diagnosed the case as black-head, he died this afternoon. Enah considered he was worth five dollars. Then we noticed a big hard lump under Queenie's jaw to-night which Dad. says is very like distemper although she has no cough I noticed a small lump there some time ago but thought nothing of it. Lovely day much milder Monday November 3rd I didn't do any chores before breakfast but wrote to Aunty instead. After break fast I did up all the chores and about half past eleven went out and plowed a little, Huby came over with his gun before dinner but didn't get a shot at any thing, old Jonas came back again and he & Huby husked all the after noon and got on well. Tom. Abbot said this morning that he might get one of the Bush's to come up and help husk for us. Dad. and I both went out after dinner, and he made two or three strike outs, and then went up to kill his poor little broken legged pig and I kept on plowing we will soon have the oat stubble plowed. Dad. hated to kill 130 �his pig but got forty pounds of dressed pork from him besides the {johcluts?}. Jonas came over to-night, he is afraid the money that he sent to Tildson bouy, has gone astray, but Dad. assured him that he wouldn't lose it as he has the receit of his bank money order, he also gave us quite an entertainment on the mouth organ. It was a lovely morning but has been cloudy and rainy all the afternoon Tuesday November 4th Dad. plowed all day to-day and is nearly over the road fence, I did chores this morning and transplanted the peony roots which I put in the garden the day Walter went away. This after noon I pulled all the carrots and beets and nearly all the onions, we piled the carrots and beets in a pile to-night and covered them for fear of frost, there were 6 1/2 bus. of carrots, what we have eaten so far would I think make 7, a yield at the rate of 784.1 busels to the acre. and 4 big bushels of beets on not half the ammont of ground as the carrots were on or a yield of 1102.78 bushels to the acre.* The onions were small and a lot of them soft, I just got a small basket full of them and there is another line to dig yet. Huby has husked all day and Jonas was here all moring but just got here in time to husk a couple of bushels before dark. Huby got a shot at a black duck in one of the holes in the timothy field but was too faraway, he was afraid he scared them away but they were back this after noon but did not light although he scattered some corn in the swail hole. Dick got home to tea to-night for a change. Cloudy and cold all day looks rainy. *These figures are according to my calculations and may not be absolutely correct Wednesday November 5th Frank caught a skunk under the cow stable in the trap he set last night. He and Tige are next to impossible to live with. He drove all the kids in school about crazy to-day. The cow stable was so thick aired that it tainted the cream. He skinned him to-night, he says it isn't a very good skin as there is too much white on it. Dad. plowed all day and finished the oat stubble. I went out with him at noon and we put on a load of rails from the gully fence and he hauled them up before he backed to the plow. I unloaded the load of soft corn that was on the waggon (21 bus) this morning and this after noon I unloaded rhe rails, cut some of them up and sorted the Northern Spys. Huby and Jonas husked all day. It froze quite hard last night but has been a beautiful day. Frank sent his Meccano outfit down for Cecil Lamb to play with. Thursday November 6th 131 �Dad. set off as soon as he could for Dunkin's with the ram this morning, he took Harry and Belle - and didn't get back till a quarter past two. He brought the imported ram back with him. I started to clean out a canal between one of the water holes in the timothy sod to the one in the oat stubble with the tile under in, I got it pretty well started, but found it would take a very deep ditch to carry it, and as the clay was so stiff I didn't get on very fast, I stopped when Dad. came home to help him unload the ram. and he said there was no use trying to plow the timothy sod this fall. as it is impossible to plow either through or around the water holes and it will waste too much time digging ditches between them so he is going to start on the other side of the gully. D. O. to-morrow and we will try to put tile in there after it freezes up. Huby husked all day but Jonas was only here for an hour or so at noon he has been sick with "information" all day, Huby says he wept bitterly out there for awhile, and then went to see the doctor. Beautiful day. Huby says it is Indian Summer and it certainly looks like it. Friday November 7th We got out good and early this morning as it didn't freeze at all last night. Dad took the new plow back over the gully and started to plow the field which we cut clover seed off. We got a good day in. Huby was over at seven o'clock this morning and got a full day in, although Jonas never showe up all day. I helped him all the after noon. This morning I carried all the apples and vegetables down cellar. Lila came over after school to stay all night. Enah and Tiddums went down to see Cousin Clare who came yesterday. Cars. Rankin came over this after noon and took the light saddle and bridle which I am positive I bought from Dick last spring, but Dick evidently thinks he owns them as he sold them to Cars. for six dollars, I don't want tho the saddle particularly only if I have paid for them I would like the money. It has been a beautiful day; mild and sunny but is raining to-night. Saturday November 8th It rained all night and has kept up a steady and soaking in down pour all day with short intervals of no rain but no sunshine at all. After I did up the chores this morning I came in and chopped suet, cleaned lamp chimney's, and tidyed up all the papers which were stacked all around the kitchen. Dad. spent the whole morning in opening up ditches in the field he has plowed, he also paced it off and found it is nearly 10 acres. Frank cleaned the windows in the kitchen and played with Lila. This afternoon we did chores, I read a little and cut a little wood, about four o'clock Arthur Preston came over to inform us that they had our potatoes all and bagged up and could we could get them any time, so Dad. hooked up 132 �Joe and Ginger and we went after them. we took Lila down to the corner with us and she walked on home. We got 24 bushels of potatoes and they were 60 cts a bushel Joe & Ginger were feeling pretty good as Joe hasn't been hooked up for over a week and Ginger all summer. Joe was glad to get beside Ginger again and "kissed" her profusely. We saw Jonas on our way home, he looks pretty sick and says the doctor told him he had acute indigestion. Sunday November 9th Soon after I got up this morning it began to snow although quite mild not having frozen all night. It turned to rain about noon and kept up all the after noon with increasing severity, and to-night is terrific, but the snow has nearly all disappeared. Frank went down to church and Sunday school but the rest of us hardly went out of the house, except for Dad. and I to do chores, and this after noon Frank and Dad. went out and drove the sheep from the orchard to the shed at the hay barn. Dad. also opened the smoke house door to afford shelter for the old sow, she took advantage of it, and soon made a bed out of the alsike chaff he put in for her, taking the precaution to root the bricks from around the edge into the middle of it. Dad. and Frank also moved Frank's pigs from the old shed where they were about submerged to the barn floor which was dry. Dad. didn't milk to-night and didn't put any of the cows in thinking it would be warmer out around the stack and in the shed than in their stable as the wind coming in above the old barn doors which space has not been boarded up since we thrashed makes it cold and draughty. I read "The Wonders of Science in Modern Life" nearly all day. Dick slept most of the morning, had a bath, this afternoon, wrote to Aunty read and played checkers with Frank. Monday November 10th Soon after breakfast this morning, I went down and got Huby to come over and help up move the cook stove from the woodshed to the inside kitchen, Dad had it all ready to move when we got here so it didn't take long to move it Huby went back home together to dinner As Dad put the little stove up in the dining room as soon as he took it out of the kitchen it was well past into the after noon when he got both stoves set up and late when we had dinner. After dinner I went down town and got some groceries, but didn't stay long. I read the rest of the time. The old sow broke out of the orchard last night and she and the sheep have been roaming at liberty all day. Art. Walker & Charlie Butler were in with, the cream, can, check and butter saving Tom a trip, the check was $2.47 which was better than we expected as we have sent so little cream and bought all the butter there. It looks as if 133 �winter had set in. It has been freezing quite hard all day and snowing with a strong and very cold wind. Tuesday November 11th I cut a good big pile of wood this morning while Dad. was doing chores, we then went out and tore down quite a strip of the gully fence intending to haul it in this afternoon. Huby came over to husk corn soon after dinner. As it snowed most of the afternoon Dad thought he would not take the team out to haul the rails so we pitched off the load of clover seed instead. Dad also shovelled down to see if he could find the hole in the oat bin through which all the grain is escaping, but could find no sign of it. About four Dad. and I went out and helped Huby husk and stayed till a little after five and got four unhusked shocks husked. It was mighty inclement out there but Huby had a very comfortable wind breake constructed of sheaves. Frank went to see Jonas to-night and says he is worrying terribly about everything, he wants Frank to feed his mare & colt a little hay and chop once a day, I suppose he expects them to live at that rate I started to practice on my horn to-night but found the little nib broken off the second valve. Toaty has fixed it on twice already, so I don't think it is much use taking it to him again. It was nice and sunny this morning but turned cloudy and snowed all the afternoon, cold and windy all day. Wednesday November 12th Huby came over at seven o'clock this morning and husked corn all day, we both went out and helped him as soon as we could so got quite a lot done. Dad. had to go down to Flemming's at noon to see Chris Quanbury's cow which has some swelling on its jaw. I went down town after supper to get some groceries, foot wear and my hair cut, Andrews was closed but I did the rest of my errands and took the valve of my horn to Toatys again for repairs. Walt said if I sent it to Whaley Royce & co. it might be three weeks before I could get it again. I went up to the bank and waited there for an hour or two for Dick, he got back from the moving picture show about a quarter to ten and then worked awhile, Hazen was there when I went literally "stripped to the waist" looking for a mistake they made or have been looking for for about a week. Hazen & Wiggins were looking for it when we left. I decorated Hazen's photo-graph album a little while I was there. Tupper was here while I was in town and wants one of us to go and thrash to-morrow. He ran a nail in his hand, and is just about laid up with it. Very much milder to-day, would have been perfect Indian Summer, but for a cold wind 134 �Thursday November 13th It was raining when we got up this morning so we did not hurry to get over to Tupper's. After breakfast it did let up for awhile so I went, it soon began to rain again and we didn't do a thing all morning, except talk, it is the most amusing, entertaining and typical conversation when Bill Donald, Win. Law and Tupper get to-gether. I stayed to dinner and we thrashed all the afternoon as it cleared off quite fine. I came home as far as the corner with Win Law who was driving to town Tupper will have about 60 bushels of alsike seed when he gets through some of it pretty good, he sold it to Green's man to-day for 8.50 cleaned up, he has a very sore hand where he ran the nail in it. I have to go back to morrow. Huby husked corn this after noon Dad said he worked out in all the rain and got the cow stable roof well repaired, and the chicken house roof nearly fixed, both with roofing paper, he also did up all the chores and to-night braided what seed corn we have up Friday November 14th I got over to Tupper's about 8.30 this morning and they had just started when I got there, we finished the alsike just at noon, it was a pretty dirty job even after they put the blower out side before that it was a fright. After dinner we thrashed out his three loads of Hungarian grass with the separator, it didn't take long which was lucky for if it had I for one would have croaked. Art. Walker, Harry & I were in the mow and they had the blower shooting the chaff over our heads, and about as much came back on us as we were pitching out, and the air was full of it. While they ran the separator out and the clover mill in from the far barn I crawled over in the clover seed to enjoy a few minutes rest, there were only three loads of clover seed and it took an hour and forty minutes to finish it up. I spent that short time in agony. For some reason or other all the muscles in my backe and legs ached horribly and I thought they would never throw up the last forkful, I was pitching on the table to Art. Walker. We got through about five and I lit out for home before supper, after they had indulged in a very prolonged and ragtimey whistle to express their joy at being through with that job as they have been there over a week I think. On my way home I came on Sam. and his out fit at the foot of the big hill at the side road, the old engine evidently wouldn't go uphill without sliding so they were just putting the big calks on the wheels. They only had half enoug for one wheel whih caused it to slide twice as much as the other and was hard to hold the front wheels in the middle of the road. It was dark when I got to the cornfield but I saw old Nig. in there and after a little hunting found Huby. and waited there with him till six, when I got to the house I was about ready to drop with cold and fatigue so crawled up as close to the stove as possible, I went to bed right after tea. I 135 �guess Dad. put in a busy day, he finishd fixing the hen house roof, hauled in two loads of rails and a jag of corn. Huby husked from the middle of the forenoon on till six. This storm has been awful in Western Ontario and on the Upper Lakes especially Lake Huron. Over twenty wrecks and over three hunderd lives lost according to the papers which are full of it. We know old Quint is safe though as the Algonquin was reported at Port Coulborne on Monday I think he he has to make one more trip to Montreal before he goes up the lakes, after wheat, that will be the last of the season. In spite of the beautiful night last night it was raining when we got up this morning, but it soon cleared off bright, and is clear and cold to night. Saturday November 15th We have had a busy day to-day. Huby was over at day break and went back first thing to the gully to see if he could get a shot at a duck, when he got to the top of the gully, he saw one a little way up from where he was but thought he saw another closer so crept up on it, he heard the one up the creek fly but thought he was sure of this one, as it didn't fly till he got so close to it and then discovered it to be a muskrat, he didn't shoot it at such close range for fear of spoiling its skin so came back empty handed and went to husking corn. It was frozen stiff early so we thought it an extra good chance to get in the corn, we put off the jag (18 bush) which Dad. got in yesterday and got in three more before noon averaging 25 bushels apiece. Huby helped us while we were in the field and then went back to husking, so with Frank we got on fast. We brought the soft corn in at the same time in the back of the load it ran about five bushels to the load and we put it up above the pig pent. After dinner Dad. and Frank had to go down town to get coal oil, flour and do some other errands, which took up a lot of valuable time, I cleaned out the horse stables and got bed in while they were gone, but when they got back it was snowing, however they got in two more loads, the last one of which they ran into the barn. I only helped get in part of the first load as the sheep got out on the wheat so I stopped to put them in and the last load I spent in putting the cows in and feeding them. Lila came over this morning and went back with Huby to-night. Sunday November 16th We got up very late this morning and Frank went to church and Sunday school and came around by McBains to tend to Jonas's horses. He says Jonas is worse to-day. "The indigestion has gone down on his lungs," poor fellow is in bad shape. Dad. and I went down to see Chris Quanbury's cow after we did up the chores but as neither Chris nor Mr. 136 �Flemming were home and the cow was out, Dad. couldn't see much. We saw Jack Spain and Vyse on the latter's place and had a talk with them principally about the wrecks on the lake. Vyse says they are getting up a fund to help the widows and orphans of the drowned sailors. This after noon Huby came over with a fish and an awful pile of side line which Dave. Law had given him to make a line for digging our ditch, all the string where the nets were fastened has to be taken off. He and I then went back to the gully where we fell in with Frank who had previously gone back with his book "Trappers Guide" which he got from John {Hallam?}, it is the first thing in the literature line he has ever showed any interest in. Huby scattered corn all along the creek to coax the ducks and then we went back into the woods we saw one rabbit but Huby didn't get a shot at it, he got a lot of moss and ferns and a small bird's nest which he says he is going to use for a burnt match receptacle. Dick went down town this after noon, stayed to tea at Huby's, went to church and came home right after, he and I then made so much noise that Tiddums and Dad. had much difficulty one in staying asleep and the other in writing a letter to Aunty. Cloudy and raw. Monday November 17th Dad. and I unloaded the load of corn they ran in on the barn floor, Saturday night, it took a very long time as we had to sorted it out of the waggon, we then went after another load. and got it unloaded a little after noon. Huby helped us load and un- load it as the corncrib is getting so full, that I had to stay in there to dump the bushels as far back as possible. This load took nearly all the good there is husked, there is not a load out there now. This after noon Dad. started plowing again over the gully. I cleaned out the cow stables and then helped Huby husk corn till dark. Cold and cloudy with raw wind. Tuesday November 18th Dad. plowed all day and got on fairly well. Mr. Blaikie came back and had a visit with him this afternoon. I did chores this morning - and braided some corn. I am going to have the drive house beautifully decorated with seed corn when I get it all braided. We were disappointed that Huby didn't show up all morning we don't know just why, but he came over at noon and he and I husked till about five o'clock it was nearly dark then. we got just five shocks husked, Jonas came over this morning, we don't know what his message was, he looks pretty sick and hardly talks above a whisper, but I think that is because he doesn't want to more than because he can't, the old jay has bought eight pigs and has nothing to feed them and is paying a man $2.00 a day to finish building his barn to shelter them. It has been a 137 �very disaguable day, very foggy cloudy and a fine drizzle, one quite hard shower this after noon. DIARY. 1913 T B Barrett, Port Dover, Ontario The Farm From November 19th 1913 to December 31st 1913. Wednesday November 19th 1913. Dad and I got up pretty early this morning and I braided some corn before breakfast. Huby came over but instead of husking this morning he helped me pick up apples for cider, I shook them down and he gathered them up and carried them over to the waggon which was in the lane as it was too soft to take it into the orchard. There were just enough apples left in the orchard to make the waggon-box full (26 bus) and we took them all except a bushel of Newton Pippins which I picked to put down cellar. Dad thinks we will have too many but Huby and I thought it best to be on the safe side, as we have Huby's two 10 gallon kegs to fill this time besides our 42 gallon barrel. We also scalded out the barrel and kegs, and hung up the braided corn in the drive house, we didn't finish the apples till half past two this afternoon, and then I picked the Newton Pippins cut wood and did chores till six, Huby husked corn till after dark, and just about when I was thinking of going out to see if any thing had happened to him, he came in drenched to the skin, he said he just wanted to finish the shock. He killed one of the drakes after dinner, he is going to get another later. Dad plowed all day and to night had to go down to a school board meeting although it is a fierce night. I spent the evening braiding a long rope of seed corn. It has been cloudy and raining all day, not steadily nor hard but a kind of half hearted drizzle about every ten minutes, till about five o'clock to-night when it more than poured down and soaked Huby who stayed out in it to finish his shock. Every thing is covered in water. Dad. got back early from the school meeting, we don't know whether Dick will be home to night or not. Thursday November 20th Dad and I left a little after nine for Walker Waddle's with our apples and got home about one. We had lots of apples, he said he could have filled another keg. He said one bushel of 138 �good apples would make about three gallons of cider. and that the sweet ones mixed in with the others would just make the cider right. We drove around by town coming home and left Hubys two kegs down there. Huby was wheeling Tiddums around the yard when we got home so he helped us get the big barrel into the woodshed. This after noon Dad. drove Enah down town this after. She went to Mrs. Francis Henry Stringer's At Home with Aunty Maude while Dad. kept Tiddums in at Cousin Clare's. Clark Matthew's came over while they were gone and got eight more bushels of oats and four bushels of wheat. He paid me ten dollars for what he got to-day and eight bushels of oats he got the other day. The oats were 35 cts and the wheat 82 cts a bushel. I couldn't find any change in the house for him. I spent the rest of the after noon doing chores. Dad & Enah didn't get back till after six. Huby husked corn all day but says he won't be over in the morning as he has some insurance to look after. We saw Ed. today at noon and he said he would be over to help us on Saturday. They are working short time in the mill now for some reason or other, they only work from eight to five week days and not at all on Saturday. We saw old Jonas when we went past this morning, he looks awful but thinks maybe he will pull through, he wanted {so---?} for his pigs and Dad. said if he had time he would bring him some, we left Tupper talking to him, he may cheer him up a little. Tupper told us he had fired Harry as he was no earthly good to him. It has been a beautiful day, it was quite hot this morning while the sun was shining. Friday November 21st Tiddums broke one of the springs in his buggy this morning and as Dick didn't want to take it down I had to take it to Buller to see if he could fix it, he wasn't very sure about making a good job of it. When I got back I went over the gully where Dad. was plowing and threw the sod out of the ditches till noon. Dad. plowed all day and got a nice lot done. Huby didn't come over till noon and brought us a new dog, named Blucher.. He is a great big yellow Scotch Collie with a white collar and face, he is a pretty dog and only nine months old which Huby says is the proper time to train him He got him from Bob. Rankin and just paid the taxes on him. Huby says he will train him all he can as soon as he gets so as he will stay here loose and not run to town.. I did up all the chores after dinner and then helped Huby husk corn. Dad. was afraid the corn in the crib was getting musty but I dug into it a little and didn't think it looked bad. Mr. Brirely was over to-night to buy a couple of ducks he is going to get them tomorrow night. It has been a lovely, sunny mild day like spring. It rained last night during the night. Saturday November 22nd 139 �This morning Ed. came over about eight o'clock so he, Huby and I husked corn till noon and got about seventeen shocks husked. Huby went home for dinner as he said he had some more insurance to see to this afternoon so couldn't come over. Ed. and I spent the after noon tearing down the old windmill, and by to-night Ed. had it all down but the first section and it wont take long to finish it. Getting the big heavy head to the ground with out hurting any thing or ourselves was the most ticlish job but we managed all right with a rope and pulley. This morning Dad. and Frank hauled Uncle Ward his ten bushels of corn and Jonas' eleven bushels of soft corn right out of the field. I think he is getting 35 cts a bushel for the good and 20 cts for the poor stuff. He said they dumped Jonas' right in one corner of the house which was in such an unsanitary and uninhabitable a condition as to make Dad sick for the rest of the day, he and Frank saw Allan Law to-night and he was quite uneasy about Jonas as he had told him that he was going to jump in the pond and end his miserable career if he wasn't better or dead in a day or so but I guess he will either forget it or think better of it when the time comes and he sees how wet that pond looks, the poor old fish is in misery though I guess, he looks like it. Dad. and Frank hauled in the rest of the corn that was husked this afternoon, and left it in the waggon box on the barn floor. Dad. and I went down town after tea to-night. I got some stuff and Dad. got his hair cut. Dick came home with us. Mr. Brirely came over to get his ducks to-night. Chris also came over and got a pair. It has been another beautiful mild sunny day windy to-night. Sunday November 23rd Frank went down to Sunday school and church and I drove Enah down to church. Dad. looked after Tiddums and cooked dinner. Dick slept all morning and went down town after dinner and probably to church to-night. This after noon Josie and I had a good ride up the Gravel to the cemetry corner and down the Radical. Frank and Blucher went back to the gully. Dad intended to go to church to-night but didn't get there as he wasted a lot of time going nearly back to the gully thinking he saw the cattle in on the wheat but they were way over on the other side of the gully. and by the time he got settled down he didn't feel like getting fixed up and walking down town through the mud. It has been a nice day with a cold wind. We don't know whether it rained last night or not, Enah is sure she heard it raining in the night and there was a puddle of water on the kitchen floor under the leak, and Frank's coat which he left out all night was wet but the ground and all the boards seemed dry and the ceiling over the pool in the kitchen was perfectly dry. I did a little more drawing tonight. Monday November 24th 140 �I spent the whole day in knocking down the rest of the old wind mill and clearing up the debris. I am not quite through yet. This after noon I had to go back and drive Mully, Jim and Snowdrop out of the east end of the gully into the other end through the bluegrass and field where Dad is plowing which is the way they got in. I took the two dogs with me so had quite a time with the cows. Dad. plowed and Huby husked corn all day. Frank brought Tiddum's carriage back mended to-night and he was tickled to death to see it again, and jump in it althoug the spring is stiffer now than it was. Dick sent away for ten books for me to-day called "The Library of Original Sources" which I saw advertised in the "Literary Digest." It is supposed to be a collection of all the documents which have made history and translated. It cost $35.10 cash. I borrowed the money from Dad. It seems a lot to pay in a bunch, but books are mighty nice things to have especially for the long winter evenings on the farm. I suppose if I was town, the same ammount would dribble out in nickels and dimes in the course of a year. Dad. had to go to a school board meeting to-night and Frank went down with him to see the moving picture show. I guess I'll draw a little. It has been colder and very windy with two or three blinding but short snow squalls. Tuesday November 25th After I did the chores up this morning I helped Huby husk all day and by to-night we had only twelve shocks left to husk, we think under favorable circumstances we will be able to finish it to-morrow. Dad. plowed all day and he is nearly through with that field. John Wess was over talking to him for a long time this morning, telling him about his barn roof. He hasn't paid for it because he is not satisfied and the company are going to sue him. Jonas was over for awhile at noon, he wants Frank to cut wood for him as the doctor has forbidden him to do it. Old Nig and Bluch got into a scrap this morning. Nig got jealous because Huby threw Bleuch a corn cob to retrieve after letting Nig do it several times and he piled right into Bleuch who would have killed him pretty quickly if Huby had not separated them, he couldn't keep Nig off till he kicked him in the jaw, this broke poor Nig's heart and he was sulky the rest of the morning, his little scrap cleared his old white eye up wonderfully except a little white spot in the middle. Cars. Rankin rode over to-night to see Bleuch, who knew him afar off and was crazy to go back with him, Cars says he will bring the saddle back the first time drives over this way. To-nigh Dick and I went down to a dance in the town hall, where we had a good time. I didn't dance much because everytime I got up I would make a worse mess of it than the time before, they quit dancing about one but as they had nothing to eat there Dick, Truman Roadhouse and I went up to Jim Law's lunch counter and had a sanwich apiece after the thing was over, there were quite a few of the 141 �other dancers up there, so we didn't get to bed till about two o'clock. It has been bright and sunny all day but a cold breeze, to-night it was drizzling when we came home Wednesday November 26th It looked so rainy this morning that insted of plowing Dad. hauled in the rest of the good corn that was husked. It took us till noon as we had to unload the other load that was on the waggon and Dad. also fixed a couple of old crates. We just left this load on the waggon. Huby didn't come over till noon as he thought it was going to rain I helped him this afternoon but we didn't quite finish as there are four more shocks to husk yet. I was cold and didn't husk fast at all. Dad. plowed all the after noon and has now finished all the field but the head lands, he was delayed as he had to chase the cattle out of the field where we burned the grass off. To-night Frank went down to Confirmation class and I spent the evening writing this and sleeping alternately. Very cloudy all day, drizzled a little but nothing to speak of Thursday November 27th Huby told us he wouldn't be over till about ten o'clock this morning as he was going to get us a long handled shovel to start ditching with. I cut wood and then went back and turned the cattle out of the alsike stubble, when I got back Huby wasn't here so I went out and got two shocks nearly husked by noon. Huby came over to dinner and he and I finished up the corn soon after dinner, we then took Nig, Bluch, and the shotgun back to the woods, we let Bluch loose back there and he behaved excellently, never going far away from us, Huby shot the gun off once accidentally and once on purpose to see what he would do and he wasn't at all frightened, so Huby says there is no danger of him ever being gun-shy now, we didn't get a shot at any thing and got back about four, we chained Bluch up again when we got home. Dad. finished plowing his field at noon and this after noon did chores and raked the overhanging parts all off the stack. Dick told us that Jack Philips died last night Amy Turner was over to-day collecting for the Bible Society. It has been cold and a raw east wind all day. Friday November 28th We didn't get very much done to-day although we were up good and early. We went back and put the cattle out of the east end of the gully and the plowed field and fixed the fence so that they will have to stay out, we think. When we came up we braided all the rest of the seed corn and I hung it up in the drive-house after dinner, it certainly looks nice. I have 142 �driven nails just fifteen inches apart in the back four joists in the drive house, from the south wall over to the cross beam, there are just nine nails in each joist, on the back one I hung nine bunches with twenty or twenty five ears in each, it would look better if they were all the same, about twenty five ears to each, they can hang lower than the corn in front of them on account of being behind the buggy top and they just set the other off. The three front rows I braided into long ropes it would have been too heavy to handle to have braided a rope long enough to hang on the whole nine nails, so I made two ropes for each joist one seventy five inches long which hung on six of the nails and one thirty inches long to hang on three of the nails I tied a loop of binder twine every fifteen inches along the rope and at each end to hang them by, so the weight of the corn just sagged the rope enough between the strings to form a graceful loop. It might have looked better if I had made the two ropes even lengths for each joist say forty five inches long so one would take four nails and leave a row of nails down the middle on this row might be hung short bundles like those at the back only shorter so not to touch the buggy top. After I got through we unloaded the corn that was on the waggon it was a big load, I think there was twenty eight bushels on After this we went and got the last load from the field, it was mostly poor stuff but a big load it was all we could do to pile the last of it on so as it would stay, it was too late to unload it so we don't know how much there was on To-night I went down to the bankquet in the Sunday school for the men of the church. Dick and Dad were invited but neither of them went. Frank went down to help the ladies. There were two speakers from out of town, one Mr. King of Simcoe and the other Mr. Noble from Hamilton, speaking on "The Layman's Missionary Movement". There was a good many there. Huby came over at noon but didn't feel like working so took Bluch back to the woods, he didn't shoot any thing but an owl. Bluch has been running around here loose a good part of the day. It has been very cloudy all day, but not at all cold, looks stormy. Saturday November 29th Dad. took the plow out and opened out some ditches in the corn stubble this morning and Huby cleaned them out, if it stays fine a little longer we hope to get that plowed yet. I cut a little of the stack while he was out and when he came in, he hooked on to the hay rack and we went out and hauled in some corn stalks. Huby helped pitch on and Frank helped Dad. load so we got in two jags before dinner leaving the second load on the waggon, we didn't haul much at a time as they were a little damp. When they came in with the first load while I was opening the gate, they ran over Frank's smallest pig with both wheels of the waggon; just above the hips, so Dad. had to kill the poor little fellow, he only dressed 30 lbs. Huby 143 �went down town this afternoon but Ed. came over, he put in the after noon fixing up the old house, he put in a window casing to fit two old frames we had, he made it on the north side where we hope to have the bench, he patched the floor and took the siding off the south side which is the wall to the ice house and boarded it up part way with inch stuff so that we can fill the space with saw dust. Dad. had to go down town this after noon to interview the Council and get a rebate of three dollars on his taxes as they charged him four dollars for one doz. I supposed the mistake happened when Edmund England was assessing last spring Ed. {Aiker's?} dog was here Ham Thompson was in this morning to see Dad. about a sick cow. and Mr. Oliver {Theshell?} from Vittoria was here this afternoon to get the recipe of some blister which Dad. told him about for ring bone and he forgot it. It was cloudy and a heavy mist all morning but fine and bright this afternoon, cold wind all day. Sunday November 30th Frank was the only member of the family who went to church this morning. I was too late to get ready so started a letter to Aunty but haven't finished it yet. Ham. Thompson's man came after Dad. to go and see his sick cow. Dad. was gone till noon, and drove Ham's man home to dinner and then went back and spent the whole after noon, he feels rather sick tonight. Enah and Tiddums and I drove out to Jim Waddle's this after noon, Jim had gone to town after some bread but the rest of the family was home. We were there quite awhile. Tiddums got hungry and ate up nearly all the bread they had in the house and drank a lot of milk, we got home about dark. Frank went back to the gully and took Blucher back, he came up and got some traps and set them. Dick went down town. I went to church to-night and came home with Dick who was there. Beautiful day, sunny and mild Monday December 1st Huby came over this morning and we hauled cornstalks all day, we had to unload the load in the barn first thing so didn't get a very early start, as the barn was as full as we wanted to put it, we didn't haul any more in but put up some huge shocks on the clover sod, just near the corner of the orchard, we put up six of these big shocks with an average of five shocks in each one, we binded them all up tight with a sling rope before we bound them with sideline or binder twine. we built a small shock on the top of one and think we will top them all out as it will keep the water out much better, we have the field more than half cleared and hope to finish to-morrow if it is a nice day. Blucher was out there with us this after noon and the three dogs did away with three or four big rats and a number of mice. He minds Huby pretty well when he says "Come in" but not so well when he is excited as he 144 �chased both Fitz and the sheep. Old Mr Rankin was over to see if he could get some corn but Dad. told him he wasn't going to sell any more. Huby brought word over this morning that Tom Casper and Toad Long wanted some. Toad sent the money so he will have to get his and Charlie Law will have to have his but we need the rest. John Quanbury was over this evening to see about us subscribing to the church Dad. gave him a little more than he has been giving and I put in a little. Aunty Maude got a card from Quint to-day saying he would be home on Friday. We got a letter from Aunty to-day saying Uncle Hal was pretty sick, having had some kind of a stroke. Mrs. McBride has been here all day, washing. It has been another lovely day cloudy but very mild. Tuesday December 2nd We hauled cornstalks all day and built five more big shocks and topped out two more, we intended to top them all out but found it took to much time. There is just about enough left out there to make another shock and haul a load in the barn. Nig didn't come over to-day but the other dogs caught more rats. Huby gave Bluch another lesson this morning on "Come in" and also to come to heel, he took him in with the sheep and when Bluch came beyond his leg he hit him in the face with a swich and say "heel", it didn't take Bluch long to know what he meant and not bother with the sheep. We had a very entertaining visitation this after noon from three kids. Jimmy Rankin, Jimmy Dickerson and Bobby Low. The two Jimmys were about six or seven and Bobby a year or so younger. They came over to see Bluch and Jimmy Rankin who was spokesman for the party told Huby that May wanted him to steal him and bring him home. He was showing us how he had Bluch trained. He could make him sit still by holding his fore finger up right in front of the dog's eye and then sternly interrogate him "See that finger?" They came through the orchard and scared the sheep so Huby easily persuaded them not to go back that way as the old ram and the old sow hid around to-gether watching for little boys, the old ram knocked them down and the old sow came right after him and ate them up, she was just finishing the little fellow they got this morning. Jimmy happened to mention that some one had been stealing their clothes off the line, so Huby told him that as old Tige Anderson had been so keen for them to get rid of Bluch, there was - no doubt that he stole the clothes and Huby also told them that he caught him once stealing his clothes, and got the shot gun to shoot him but when he came out he was gone. Jim. then rembered seeing Tige with one of his father's shirts on and Jimmy Dickerson saw him one day stealing their clothes. We took them out to the field and they were just preparing for an exciting rat hunt when Bobby got home sick and the other boys had to go home with him. After tea I went down town to meet Louise. The train wasn't 145 �in when I first went there so I walked up town met Hazen, and went into Waddle's store with him, when I came out I heard the train in so started of down street lickety larup, on my way I ran into a very small boy and knocked him flat. I thought he was killed but on picking him up found it to be Jimmy Rankin and had just hurt his knee. Dick was at the station and met Louise and went up to Hubys with her where I met them and walked home with Louise. Dick had to go back to work. Frank went down to some cadet organization of Harry Noon's. They got a card from Aunty saying Uncle Hal. was worse. Anothe nice day cloudy & mild. Wednesday December 3rd Huby didn't get over very early this morning and as old West came over to see if he could get some corn, we didn't get a very early start. Old West is about the worst blow I ever heard I guess Bill. Cooper comes by his lying streak honestly. He was telling all the wonder full stunts he performed when he was young. and he is now nealy 91 and willing to bet any man of his own age ten dollars that he cant beat them in a fast race "wrastle" or fight. He went back the lane from here to John Wess to look for corn and Huby and I saw him down town aparently working at Mrs. Fawcetts house this afternoon. Dad. and I went out and got one load of stalks, and built a shock, then Huby came over and we got the last load up to the barn a little before noon This after noon Huby and I took Joe and Ginger down town and delivered the corn we promised we also had to unload the soft corn which was in the waggon. As near as I can estimate we had about four hundred and forty two bushels of corn, we have about 317 bushels in the crib which wouldn't hold much more than twenty more bushels and then be filled to the top. 82 bus. of soft corn 5 bus. of seed and we have sold 38 bus. Huby and I took Mrs Charlie Law down five bus. and Toad. Long 12 this afternoon at 35 cts a bushel. Jack Martin and Wilson McPherson wanted to get some but we have no more to sell except a little to Uncle Ward. There have been an awful lot after it, we could have sold the whole crop if we had wanted to. Huby and I picked up Jimmy Rankin when we were down there and brought him back with us but he got cold. Dad. started to plow the corn ground when we left but said he couldn't get on well at all with the Peter Hamilton plow as it would turn the furrow over to stay, so when we got home we went back over the gully and got the Cockshutt, which worked much better. After this Huby raked down the stack when we put the horses in and I carried in some bed. It was then dark and Huby took Jim. home. Cousin Clare came over to dinner and Cousin's Loll & Phoebe came over after wards. Uncle Hal. is about the same. Old Tommy Gilles is very ill, not expected to live It has been a lovely day sunny and very mild considering -. Thursday December 4th 146 �After I did chores this morning I went back and threw the sod out of the crossditches in the field Dad. plowed across the gully and Huby shovelled them all out. He ditched all the after noon, but I drove Louise up to the Bowlby's, where she is going to stay till after the opening of St. John's Church. Dick went with us and he and I went on into Simcoe where he got a cap and some collars and I got old 4700's hide it just cost $1.50 to have it tanned and it makes a lovely mat, we put Tiddums on it when we got home but he was afraid of it. We went around to Rus. Lamkin's shop to see him about the wind mill but there was no one there. We got home a little before six. I let Dick out at the head of Main St. as he expected to have to work. He found there was a dance down at the Rankin's so went to it. Joe didn't go well at all on the way up but much better coming home. We wasted a little time by starting to drive up the new Railway survey from the gravel to the next concession but came to a big gully quite a long way up where they hadn't put the culvert in yet so had to retrace our steps. Dad. got a good early start plowing this morning but didn't get much done as he couldn't get the coulter to work. He put the rolling coulter on but couldn't fasten it properly. till Tupper came along and fixed it for him. Cloudy with raw wind. We had no word about Uncle Hal. to-day. Friday December 5th Dad. got another fine start this morning, got out soon after seven and got a nice lot plowed, the corn roots bother a little but every thing else is all right now. I did up about all the chores. Huby came over about nine and wanted to try the hay knife which he sharpened yesterday so we cut a big slipe of the stack, the then went back and shovelled ditches he got pretty well through with the field over the gully and has started in the oat stubble which Dad. plowed next the timothy sod. I went out this morning and tore down a lot more of the old gully fence. Dad. hauled the waggon out there at noon and I loaded it up with rails and he hauled it up to the house to-night. I also worked for a little while at the old house. There was no word from Aunty again to-day. They expected Quint. home to-night but I don't know whether he will get here or not as the last we saw of the Algonquin reported was at Detroit. Beautiful day, sunny and warm. Saturday December 6th Dad. plowed all day but didn't get on very well as it froze hard enough to make the ground sticky when the sun came out and he is in the lowest and wettest part of the field so it was pretty muddy, both he and the horses are tired to-night. After I did up all the chores this morning I gave the hen house a through cleaning and put fresh straw in. I have decided to 147 �take the managership of the hens and see if I can make any thing out of them for Frank doesn't seem to be able to, he evidently thinks there is more money in trapping muskrats, and maybe there is but I don't care for the work. I put some manure on the rose bushes, rhubarb and peonys. This after noon I cleaned up all the chaff and dirt of the hay barn floor and put it over in the chicken yard. Frank did a few chores this morning and spent the rest of the day back in the gully and digging out an empty skunk hole down at the pond on McBains place. Dad. Frank and I caught all the pullets that were rooting around the barn tonight and put them in the chicken yard, there are about 30 white ones besides about a dozen old hens of various breeds. I went to bed soon after tea to-night - bad cold Another nice mild day not so sunny. Sunday December 7th We didn't get up very early this morning and as I had quite a bad cold I didn't go to church. Dick drove Enah down and Dad looked after Tiddums and cooked dinner. Frank went to Sunday school and church, I put in most of the after noon doing chores and shelling corn for my chickens. Dad. helped me. I got two eggs to-day which is a starter. Dick went down town this after noon and stayed pretty late, he bought a very nice looking watch last night for twelve dollars. Dad. and I went down to church to-night. It rained a little last night and this morning and was very mild till noon but then started to snow a little and got steadily colder all the after noon and to-night it is freezing hard with a cold north wind. Monday December 8th I put in most of the day putting in panes in the cow stable window which I had in the house. Dad. worked out in the barn fixing up the empty space between the granary and cow stable for a calf pen, we are going to floor it if we can. We also did chores and shelled a little corn, we found the bushel of soft corn weighed about 40 lbs and when shelled about thirty. Harry Graham and Charlie McKenzie were over this afternoon to get Bob. Miller's corn they took about 10 bushels but didn't measure it very accurately. Charlie said he would take the turkeys at 18 1/2 cts a pound live weight but that I think is higher than is quoted in the 'Globe'. Jonas came over as we were having tea to-night and helped us eat it. He is feeling very much better but looks pretty fishy yet. He is going to try and get the farm up the Radical where Mrs. Cory lived. He was telling us some of his experiences of the road as he evidently was a pedlar at one time. He has heard that Sairy's rich bachelor brother is very ill and I guess he is expecting a little if he drops off. We had a letter from Aunty to-day saying Uncle Hal was still improving and as that was written five days ago we hope he is very much 148 �better by this time. Frank. skinned two muskrats to-night and is now playing checkers with Jonas. It has been snowing and blowing all day - the wind is very cold but the sun was out for awhile and was warm in it and out of the wind. The ground is frozen solid so that there is no chance of plowing. Tuesday December 9th Dad. and I went down town with the waggon this morning and got some groceries and 22 twelve foot plank 10 inches wide to put down in the old barn between the granary and the cowstable and from the door to Dreadnought's stall for a floor to the calf pen, we got home about noon. We met Huby & Quint coming over for a shout they stayed to dinner. Quint. got home yesterday noon, and has a lot to tell if he is asked. We talked to them for quite awhile after dinner but Huby said he had to go back to town this after noon. He said last night just as they were going to bed they heard an awful racket going on and discovered it was a bunch having a shiveree in honor of Gint Rankin who was married about a week ago. Huby and Quint went over and Tom. Low treated the bunch up at Jim's lunch counter where there was a great celebration and concert.. Just as we were going to get to work after Quint and Huby. left, Mr. Blaikie came along to overhaul his {chists?} and stayed till it was time to do chores. He has been helping Tupper plow, he was plowing sod yester day a little and as there is no more sod to plow they can't go on. Mrs. Smythe was in about five to ask Enah and me to stay to dinner at their place on Sunday but I guess we are coming home. I spent quite awhile to-night getting up a time card for the horses. I only got one egg to-day. Frank went down town to-night to go to his cadet class. It has been freezing hard all day but not so windy or cold as yester day. Cloudy pretty much all day. Wednesday December 10th Jonas came over this morning to take the heifers down to the "Bain" place. Dad. had to go with hm and lead the yearling, they didn't have much trouble I guess. Bessie the calf ran away from Jonas once or twice at which he crew bitterly. It rant into Ivey's the first time but came out when it saw Sairy. I cut some wood while Dad. was gone and started to make a hopper for the chickens, and then did chores till noon When Dad. came home he cleaned a couple of chickens. This after noon I read quite awhile and puttyed nearly all the glass in an old window frame which we will use for the barn or old house, the glass was all in it but just fastened with carpet tacks, we didn't get much else done. Green's man was in to-night to buy hay but we don't want to sell any, at least not now. It has been cloudy but very much milder to-day snowed a little to-night. 149 �Thursday December 11th We didn't get any thing but chores done to-day as Mr. Morgan came over this morning and stayed most of the after noon. I ordered some trees from him fifty Carolina Poplars and two English Walnuts. - $9.00 Dick came home to tea to-night and went down to the dance. I didn't go. We fed the sheep a few oats this morning and evening for the first. I didn't get any eggs to-day. It has been nice any sunny but freezing hard all day. Clear and cold to-night. Friday December 12th We did up all the chores this morning and I helped Dad nail the boards over the doors on the south side of the old barn, I also made a littlle more of my feed hopper, and Dad killed three nice chickens and plucked them this afternoon he says he will have to clean them tonight. This after noon I drove Enah down town, and she got a whole buggy load of Christmas groceries and dry goods. I put Joe in at Butler's intending to have her shoes set, but got Butler to fix one of the uprights of the buggy top thinking he would ony be a few minutes, but he put a new piece in and took all the afternoon so than I couldn't have Joe shod. There was a shooting match this after noon and Huby & Quint got quite a bunch of pigeons between them, Huby gave Enah a couple to bring over he also gave her a fish he said he worked down at the fish shanties till midnight last night helping them take fish out of the nets which were in quite a bad mess with the ice. Jonas was over to-night and he and Frank are playing checkers again I think they are about even to night. Jonas beat him two games out of three the other night and Frank is the champion player of this family. It has been very much milder to-day, sunny with strong south west by west wind. Saturday December 13th I went out this morning and tore down a lot more of the gully fence, Dad. cleaned the chickens he killed yesterday and then came out and we put on a load of rails. We unloaded them before dinner and Dad. went down to the mill and got a bag of flour. This after noon we got all the rails I tore down in two loads then did chores. Frank did a few chores and errands and hunted the rest of the day. He shot a skunk back in Robert John's this after noon and when he went up to it found it caught in a trap. He took it all the same, and brought it home and skinned. Lila was over most of the day she said Quint went over to Erie this morning on the tug. It has been a lovely day, sunny and mild, the frost is nearly all out of the ground. I saw some body over in the alsike stubble this morning with a big white ferret, 150 �thinking it might be Quint I went over but found it was Sam. George, he, his father, Harry Burch and Wilson McPherson were all out after rabbits but I didn't hear them shoot much Sunday December 14th Frank went to Sunday school this morning and Enah and I drove up to St. John's. It was the first service in the church since it was burned, but as the Bishop wasn't there they did not dedicate it. The church was packed full and so was the grounds in front I had to tie Joe to a tree but she was all right They had three preacher's. Mr. Evans from Montreal or Ottawa or somewhere down that way, Mr. Edward the regular one and a lay reader. We didn't stay to Communion. After church we drove Louise nearly up to the Bowlby's and then came home by the fourth concession through Lynn Valley, and got home about half past two. Dicky Smith was here after his heifer which he took home this afternoon. I didn't do any thing the rest of the after-noon but shell a little corn and read "The Lady of the Lake." Frank went back to the gully and Dad did chores. Dick didn't get up till noon and then had a {words cut off} his dinner and went down town and is not back yet to-night It barely froze last night and has been thawing all day but was cloudy with a raw west wind. Cars. Rankin and Quint came over with Dick to-night. Quint borrowed Bluch to take to Marburg tomorrow to hunt rabbits. They didn't stay long. Monday December 15th It froze pretty hard last night so Dad. wasnt able to plow as he had hoped. We did chores and Rus. Lampkins drove in soon after breakfast and was here quite awhile till Dad. ordered a windmill, he thought about getting a gasoline engine, and could have got a little 1 1/2 h.p. engine for fifty five dollars but it wouldn't be strong enough to do much more than pump water and one that would do any thing would come about $122. so Dad. thought a $75 windmill would be the best till we get a place rigged to put an engine especially as a wind mill is not nearly as liable to get out of repair as an engine and costs nothing whatever to run it. This after noon Dad. and I took the tank off "The Little Giant Sprayer." to have it ready to put in front of the wind mill, I took the little two cylinder pump down to the ditch and tried it and and it works fine. Quint brought Bluch back, he said he worked all right but they only got one rabbit. Quint stayed all night he slept on the sofa with all his clothes and boots on. He was cutting some wood for us to-night and the saw broke so he spent half the evening repairing it. I drew all evening and have nearly finished the picture Aunty sent me to draw for Aunt {illegible}. Mrs. McBride has been here washing all day and she and Enah have our room fixed up slick as a button with a new carpet it looks fine. Frank brought a cedar 151 �waxwing home and put it in the orchard Lloyd Ryersie caught it up at school although there didn't seem anything the matter wth it. It has been a lovely sunny day though freezing in the shade. milder to-night. Tuesday December 16th I went down town as soon after breakfast as possible this morning and got the storm window sash at Stickney's and took them up to Mr James for him to glaze them. I got an old sash down at Huby's than I thought might doo for the barn but it is pretty badly smashed. Huby came home with me and has worked all day opening up ditches in the corn stubble. Dad. plowed all day and except for it being a little sticky on the surface and a frozen clod here and there, the ground is drier and in better shape than before it froze up. He got on fairly well but has part of a day to put in yet. I just did chores this after noon except for a little while I was out in the field. Cousin Clare came over this morning while I was down town and is staying all night. Quint went down with Dick this morning. Very mild but cloudy. Dad. ordered some fence to-night from Sid McBride. Wednesday December 17th Huby was over before daylight this morning and shovelled ditches all morning. This after noon he cleaned out all the loose straw and sticks out of the old barn between the granary and the cow stable. so as we can lay the floor for the calf pen. Dad. plowed all day and finished up the corn stubble all but the head land, he couldn't get along very fast as it froze a little last night to make it sticky on top. I did chores most of the day and helped Huby a little this after noon besides cleaning off the dropping boards in the hen house. Cousin Clare went home this after noon, she is going to Hamilton to-morrow to stay till after New Year's. We heard to-day that Mrs. McBride's house caught on fire last night and some one who just happened along the road got it out. Aleta went down town and left the two little kids nailed in the house and they got playing with a stick which was part way out of the stove. It didn't do much damage Another nice day, windy and inclined to be cloudy. Thursday December 18th I got up a little after four this morning and wrote a letter to Aunty before daylight. Huby put down the floor over in the barn for the calf pen this fore noon and I was over there with him all morning but didn't do very much except clean out the cow stable. Dad. plowed the head land on the corn field and finished up some bits in the other field and plowed out the ditch from the water hole to the gully which Huby is going to put tile in. This after noon Dad. and 152 �Huby cleaned out the ditch for the old drain this after noon they do think it is going to work all right. I put in the entire after noon doing chores. To-night Huby stayed to tea and helped us catch the turkeys as we have to take them down to-morrow Dad. caught them out of the tree. and gave them to Huby who handed them over the orchard fence to Frank and me and we put them up over the hog pen, there were nineteen but one was roosting so high up that Dad. couldn't get it, it was a hen and as they want to keep three old hens and one young one it didn't matter. One gobbler got away and struck off into the orchard. We followed him up with the lantern and after quite a search found him way up at the northeast corner of the orchard we took him in the house and weighed him, he weighed 20 lbs, so we marked him as Henry Odd was over to-night and wanted to buy one. Jack Martin's men are going to give him one for a Christmas present. Tiny and Miss Ethel Phipps were over this afternoon. Snowed a little this morning and has kept groing colder all day. west wind. Friday December 19th We didn't get started very early this morning to get the turkeys loaded and it took us quite awhile to load them as we weighed each one.The heaviest was 20 lbs and the lightest about 12. Jack Martin's shrunk about a pound during the night. We kept 3 old hens for next year, 2 gobblers for Huby and us for Christmas and two 2 young hens one for Cousin Loll and one for Jameses so we just took eleven down to Bob. We just tied their feet and put them in the waggon and covered it over with the binder canvas. We got down town about noon - and were down about an hour. Bob's weight came to 165 pounds and we made it 171 but with the Old Spring Balance where the ounces aren't marked likely we made a mistake, so we got $30.52 from Bagley and Miller, and Jack Martins came to $3.50 It was about one when we got home, we went around by Huby's and got the little high chair and crib for Tiddums, and a wheel barrow load of cabbages from Uncle Ward. We met Huby coming over on our way down and he finished putting down the floor in the barn. This after noon Dad. and he went down town to get gravel to build the posts for the windmill foundation. Dad. had to go around by the mill with some oats to be chopped, so Huby went right down to the beach to locate some good gravel and to see if he could borrow a pick somewhere in case the sand was frozen but he couldn't get one and I guess didn't need it. He couldn't find any gravel on the beach except some piles which Mr. Porter told him Ivey's men had raked up yester day, so Huby said quoting some Greek Scripture "First come first served" and they took what they wanted of that. Dad said it would have washed away soon any way as the lake was pretty high. They came around by town and got the storm windows and picked Frank up 153 �somewhere. I did chores all the after noon and got three eggs which is the most yet. Mrs. McBride has been here all day and half the night, cleaning the kitchen, picking ducks and a chicken and ironing. To-night I printed pictures and had good luck. Dad. found out this morning that instead of the cistern pump being out of order as we thought yesterday the cistern was dry, so will have to be cleaned out as this is the first time since we have been here that it went dry. Lovely day, froze last night but mild. Saturday December 20th I cleaned all the straw out of the hen house this morning and put fresh in. I had to cut a slice off the stack for straw. Dad. started to put on the storm window but found that Mr. Jones had bored the holes to close to the in side of the sash so the screws wouldnt catch the casing. He then cleaned out the cistern and it took about an hour, we pumped out what little water was in it and then Dad shovelled up quite a few pails full of black muck and pieces of cement. It is a brick cistern with a coat of cement all over the brick and some of the cement was off which caused a leak, so this afternoon Dad went down and got a load of sand and some cement and saw Frank Slocomb who is coming over on Monday morning to fix it up. I did chores all the after noon. Frank went down town with Dad. and cut wood this morning, he and Lila and Bluch went back to the gully to-night. Charlie Shand was in tonight to see if he could trade off a turkey hen but I said he couldn't as his was a mongrel. but Dad. said he could have had Huby's turkey. This was Tiddums first birthday anniversary. I suppose he will have to be Jim now. Lila was over all day and brought him a great line of toys. Uncle Hal also sent him a pair of overalls and a toy whip. We had a rooster for dinner which Mrs. McBride cleaned and got a pretty fair crop of corn out of it. Beautiful day sunny and fine but cloudy to-night. Sunday December 21st I drove Enah down to church this morning, He she had to play the organ. Elva had to stay home to look after her mother who broke her ankle the other day. Frank went down to Sunday School and Church, Dad. stayed home to look after Tiddums and Dick was in bed all morning. This after noon I went for a ride, I went out to the Shand's first to tell them they could trade turkeys, all but Mr & Mrs Shand had gone to Sunday school. Mr. Shand said he would be in tomorrow after noon with the turkey and Mrs. Shand gave me some peanuts that her brother had grown in Virginia. I did stay long but went up to the corner and rode west to the next corner which is where the blue line crosses the fourth concession, and down that road to where the new rail road comes out on Tige Anderson's place. I rode down 154 �it as far as I could go but as there was a sudden drop and a fence at the end of it I had to come back and go down Ham Thompson's lane to his woods, then had to unwire a piece of fencing to get into his wheat field and a cross his wheat to the gate opening on to the radical road, and home through town, and on the whole spent a very enjoyable after-noon. Dick spent the afternoon down town and Frank prowling around the upper pond. Dad. did the chores. Very mild this morning but turned colder and is freezing hard to-night. Monday December 22nd Frank Slocomb came over this morning to plaster the cistern, he went over the whole thing as so much of it was loose and he thought he could make a better job, he will have to come back again in the morning as there are two or three places where the cement is put on thick that it doesn't stick very well to the brick. Dad. had to watch it and keep it plastered up all day, as Slocomb was only here for an hour or so this morning. Enah went down town this after noon and Dad. put on another storm window, he is putting them on now with wooden buttons. I did chores, read a good short story and helped him a little. About four o'clock Colin McNeilley came after him to go and see a sick cow so he didn't get back till dark. Mr. & Mrs Shand came in with their turkey to trade and got theirs on their way back from town. Mrs Shand came to call but no body was home. Dick told Enah that the wind mill was here so Dad. went over to the Quanbury's to telephone Rus. Lampkins and he said he would be down to morrow after noon to take it off the car. Dick also told her that Louise wanted me to drive up and get her to morrow. Mr James gave Enah a new rasin seeder tonight that works all right and Frank is busy seeding rasins with it now. Frank got out of school early to night and doesn't have to go back till after New Year's. Very mild and nice all day but cloudy. Tuesday December 23rd Frank Slocomb came over again and finished the cistern he made a good job of it - and only charged a dollar. I rode Joe down town first thing and got her shod. While Butler was shoeing her, I went up town and did some Christmas shopping - ahem -. I met Huby on my way down with a pickax he had fixed up with a bit which Bill Oakes gave him and a handle he bought and Joe {Hawel?} put it in and sharpened it for him. He came over and helped Dad. pluck the four turkeys. This afternoon he, Dad. and Frank went down with the waggon and got the windmill off the car. Rus. Lampkins was there and said it was alright I cleaned out the cow stables, shelled corn and read at the same time while they were gone. Huby ground our axe he brought over the other day when they got back, and Frank went back to 155 �the gully and caught a muskrat. I intended to go up and get Louise this after noon but it was such a disagreeable after noon I decided to wait till to-morrow and stand a chance of having sleighing but from the looks of things now I would have done better to have gone this after noon. Vyse was over this morning to settle up with Dad for thrashing and some things that Dad. owed him for. Dad. wouldn't take anything for thrashing for him but I got a dollar out of it. Frank and Enah are making candy to-night and Dad is drawing and dressing turkeys. It started to snow soon after break fast this morning and kept up till noon getting milder all the time till this after noon it turned to rain and the water is running into the cistern yet. Dick told us to-night there was a fire in the Wide Spread to-night. They got it out but were afraid it damaged the machinery considerably. $200.00 Wednesday December 24th We all overslept ourselves this morning and so I didn't get started up to the Bowlby's till nearly ten o'clock, however I got Louise and was home by noon. The roads were a little slushy but not bad. Colin McNeilleys came after Dad to go and see his cow again and he got home just before we did. This after noon Dad. and Frank went down town to take the turkeys to Cousin Loll and Mr James and the duck to Ed. and also do some shopping. I fooled around quite a lot and then did chores and shelled corn. It has been very mild all day and the snow is nearly all gone, the cistern has got a good lot of water in it, we just got it fixed in time Thursday December 25th I was up at about a quarter to six this morning and routed the family out of bed, and Louise, Enah and I drove down to eight o'clock communion, and Dick walked down, after I got home I did chores and Dad. and Frank went down to the eleven o'clock service, Dick came back soon after church and went back to the gully to see if there was any ice but there wasn't. Aunty Maude and Lila drove back with Dad, and Frank, Quint and Win. walked over. Huby never showed up all the after noon - darn him. We had dinner about two o'clock and as I hadn't had any thing to eat since last night except a piece of bread & butter and nine wintergreens, I stowed away a large quantity of turkey and plum pudding and many other things. After dinner we kicked up a terrible row for about ten minutes while Tiddums tried to go to sleep, we then doled out the presents. I drew a pile of presents, socks heavy and light from Frank and Lila, shirt from Dick, handkerchief from Win, perfume talcum power etc. from Cousin Clare, photograph album from Aunty Maude and Dad. & I got four copies of Punch from Louise, and Ray is sending me a new diary for 1914. After this Dick and Quint 156 �went down town and I think Dick went to a dance to-night. Aunty Maude, Lila and Win. went home about dark, we didn't have any tea but gormed Louise's chocolates all evening. Tiddums has been rather all in to-day, we think it may be due to his swallowing a grain of corn yesterday, we don't know that he did swallow one but I gave him a cob to play with while I was shelling it for the chickens and there was a grain off it when I took it away from him, but he hasn't been at all well all day. Raw & cloudy all day but not cold Snowing and blowing to-night. Friday December 26th Dad. lost a considerable ammount of peaceful slumber last night wondering if the stack had blown over as there was quite a wind, at last he got about four o'clock and went and looked, but found it still standing, so went back to bed and didn't get up till after daylight, neither did I, consequence being that we got very little down to-day but chores. I shelled a little corn cut a little wood and read a little. Frank went down town and got the mail and some parcels Roy sent up a bread mixer for Enah which was just what I and somebody else had orderd for her but which hasn't come yet. He also sent me two Diary books like the ones I have used for the last two years. The first one was one of Dad's old veterinary college books and last year I sent to Eatons for one but had to pay more than the price of the book in postage. I also got a necktie from Byron and Fred Johnson and another from Aunt Leena. There was also a letter from the University Research Extension Company saying they had shipped "The Library of Original Sources" long ago and that if we don't get them soon they will ship another set and go after the Express company. Dad. & Enah purpose to give me them for a Christmas present but I have set my heart on paying for them myself. To night Dad. though he would put the calves in so Frank and I went out to help him, after a lot of chasing we succeeded in getting Charlottes calf who is tamest into the barn, then after a lot more chasing Dad. got one of the sling ropes and lassoed Mully's calf first throw, but couldn't manage to rope the other two until he had put out hay for the young stock when he made some very clever throws and caught Spots calf first time around the horns and Bobbies with a little more trouble around the neck we were a little afraid he would get hurt as the others seemed to be hunting him around quite a bit but we left him there We then caught all the rose combed roosters and put them up over the pig pen. To-night we spent a rather hilarious evening as Enah and Louise supplied us with lots of music. Dick came home rather late with more mail from which I drew a necktie from Jean & Adelena and a dandy big pocket book from Grand daddy I have been writing this in spats all the evening and as it is gettin on to half past twelve I feel I must get to bed. It froze hard last night and 157 �snowed quite a bit and there has been a cold north and west wind all day, but sunny and otherwise not bad. Enah took a picture of Tiddums to-day, she had him all dressed up in a suit of bouncers or rompers or what ever they call it which Aunty Maude gave him and he looked for all the world like Bill George on a small scale, he is so bowl legged. I called Dad in from the wood pile to see him and to insure a speedy answer to my summons, I intimated that there was something the matter wth him, and Dad. seeing a picture in his mind's eye of Tid. in convulsions or the reservoir or something rushed in livid with fear. Tiddums however met him at the door and he was so overcome by laughter and relief that I escaped uninjured. Saturday December 27th It was after daylight again this morning when we got up so put in most of the day doing chores. but this morning we did get one of the big dead apple trees grubbed out but only have a few limbs cut off it. Frank cut at it quite a hit this after noon, he has been cutting wood nearly all day. This morning he went back to the gully and came up by Alfred's and borrowed his cross cut saw This after noon Dad killed, plucked and dressed a couple of young roosters (single combed) but they were pretty scrawny yet not being fully grown. I didn't do any thing much but read and fool with young Jim. I was giving him walking lessons and find he can run like a deer much faster than I can keep up with him and hang on to him. I got a letter from Aunty to-day saying he had got the picture which I had sent to Aunt Lena around by Aunty so that she could see whether it was worth sending on or not. As I didn't write till a day or two after I posted it she thought I meant it for her so I started another one to-night to do for her birthday Dick brought home a huge parcel to-night which proved to be rwo pair of lovely balankets and two counterpains from Cousin Clare Herring I think. It has been a beautiful day. It froze very hard (hardest yet I guess) last night but has been very sunny and no wind - all day. Sunday December 28th We were very late getting up again this morning so none of us but Frank went down to church, he went down to Sunday school and church Dad. and I did chores and read all morning. We let Belle out for a run, which she enjoyed very much and no doubt benefitted by although we did notice that the swelling in her led was reduced much but she didn't show any sign of lameness. This after noon about half past two I drove Louise up to the Bowlby's again. The roads were good, smooth and hard with no snow to bother so I was home before dark. Jonas climbed in the buggy with me as I passed his place and came up 158 �for a visit, to get rid of trouble he said although he didn't seem in a very down cast mood. He has another farm in view now which is owned by to old maids who live on the place, and if he gets it he is to move the first of March and live in half the double house. Dad. and Enah and Tiddums expected to go down to Mrs. Battersby's this afternoon but Tiddums went to sleep and blocked the games. I drew to-night, Dick has been skating on the creek this afternoon, he says the ice is pretty good and for the most part strong. He went to church to-night. Frank I think spent his time back in the gully. Lovely day, no wind and fairly sunny. Monday December 29th We expected Rus. Lampkins down to day to put up the wind mill but he didn't show up at all. We did up all the chores this morning and worked at the old apple tree a little more. This after noon Dad. decided to go down to township nomination. He didn't get started till about a quarter after three but he enjoyed what little oratory he heard. George Hammond took great pleasure in making personal remarks about Jim Waddle till Jim got "frothing at the mouth" mad. George said he admitted that Jim had a better education and more of something else than he had but that he didn't have any more brains that if he had had brains enough to learn anything he would be going to school yet. Both these fellows were too mad at each other to talk sensibly but Sam King's manner was different. although a great many people were very dissatisfied with him as Councilor and had no doubt told him so, but he said if they put him out this election it would not be because he had sat in council and held his peace as was the custom with other councillors it would be because he had been in action all through and had made some showing, he then stated that every job that the present council had done was a permanent job, whereat someone in the audience inquired "What about Lisby's hill?" Mr. King smiled and acknowledged that that wasn't a permanent job but he said we did the best that could be done and the devil himself could do no better as it was his own hill, Then in reference to Lisby's bridge over which there has been a lot of kicking about on account of the cost he said it was the best bridge in the county of Norfolk. At that a small English sparrow jumped up and chirped out "Mr. King, may I ask you a question". "Certainly go ahead" was the reply. "Well will you please tell me what was the use of putting up such a costly bridge at the foot of an almost impassable hill." King smiled again, and replied blandly that they did it simply because they had to, there had to be a bridge there and why not put one that was indestructible and consequently costly as one that would cost less and have to be replaced in a year or two, and so they wrangled and chewed the rag. Dad. was home about dark, and said that Hammond was going to run against Ed. Aikens for reeve. I did up the chores and after tea 159 �Frank and I went down to {illegible} nomination, where every thing was very quiet. Vyse was the only one who said much and he just gave an account of his stewardship. and solicited the vote of those present. R. M. Taylor, John R. Davis and Ed. Moon where nominated to run against him and Taylor was the only one who said positively he wouldn't run and the general opinion is that the fight will be between Vyse & Ed. All the old council where nominated and about a dozen others but which ones are going to run I don't know. Dick got home a little before we did to-night, he had been skating on the pond though Dad tried to argue with him that it was unsafe. Inez Schram got in to the creek to-day. Mrs. McBride was here all day washing. It has been a very fine day. Mild and pleasant. Tuesday December 30th Sam. Law and Bert Munroe drove in this morning to see if we were ready to thrash yet, but Dad. told him we wanted to get the windmill up first. He said he overheard Rus. Lampkin's telling {Heck?} Henderson last night that he had promised to go some where that day (Sam. didn't hear the name) but that as he couldn't go he would have to go Wednesday. Sam thought that he must have meant here when we told him we expected him as he heard Henderson tell Rus that he could let the boy know, but Dick didn't say anything about it last night but not likely Henderson saw him after that. Allan drove in while Sam was in here and after talking election for awhile they all drove out expecting to thrash some where up the Gravel. I did chores and puttered around most of the morning - and Dad. & Frank cleared up a little around the well so as to be all ready if Rus. Lampkins comes to-morrow. This afternoon they cut up nearly all the apple tree with Alfreds cross cut saw. I raised the nests in the hen house off the floor so the hens wouldn't scratch them full of straw and put fresh straw in. Both Billy Laurises were in to-night to get Dads. advice about a horses leg which has got hurt some way. Very mild and nice all day. When Dick came home to-night he said Henderson did tell him that Rus. Lampkins would be here to-morrow to erect the windmill. Wednesday December 31st I was awakened very early this morning by a great disturbance in the kitchen which I realized after I came to my senses was rat in one of the traps Dad. set last night and trying to get free by dragging himself and the trap all over the place, he was making such a racket and I knew must be putting in such a very disagreeable time of it that I arose and despatched him. It just struck four as I got up and this clock is way over half an hour fast, but as I had my clothes on and was wide awake I decided not to go back to bed again so drew till about half past six and then went out to do chores. I got quite a lot of Aunty's 160 �picture done and Dad. thought it was better than the one I did for Aunt Leena. We fully expected Rus. Lampkins this morning so Frank went down after breakfast and brought Huby over but as Lampkins disappointed us again we started on the tile drain we are going to put in along the font of the garden and back of the chicken house, we all four worked at it this morning and Dad. Huby and I this after noon so we got a nice start at it. Loyd Ryersie came along at noon and Frank went off shooting with him but didn't get any thing. Dad. went down to-night and met Roy who is just going to spend New Years' with us. Jonas came over after supper and wanted Frank and I me to help him fix up a lot of orders that he had got from varios farmers for seed potatoes and oats. We did to the best of our ability but I think we had Jonas in a great state of anxiety on account of our pretended carlessness, after that he played two or three games of checkers with Frank. I slept the last couple of hours of the old year but roused up sufficiently to wish the family a Happy New Year and go to bed. Dick was at a dance and didn't get home till about three o'clock in the morning. Beautiful day, mild and pretty sunny. For more information on Theobald (Toby) Barrett, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca 161 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911-1925 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1911 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1913 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1914 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1915 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1916 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1917 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1918 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1919 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1920-1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925-1926 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1926-1927 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1913 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1913 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1913 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> DIARY.1913 T.B.Barrett. Port Dover,Ontario. The Farm........ From January 1st 1913 to November 18th 1913. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday January 1st 1913 We began to think that 13 at the end of the New Year was beginning right away to bring calamities upon us, for Dick who did not come home to tea last night did not put in an appearance all night, and it is the first time since he went into the bank that he did not come home to bed. I woke up at half past four and found Dad & Aunty up and in an awful state as neither one had slept all night and had been thinking Dick had tried to cross the pond about mid night when every body would be asleep and never got to the other side. Dad & I went down about five and went to Huby’s first to see if he had stayed there. We went to Quint’s window and tapped and immediately saw old Quint gliding around in the room as soon as he lighted the light Dad. saw Dick in bed. We couldn't get him more than half awake and he mumbled something about Wiggins being sick and he & Hazen worked so late, then went down to watch the dance for awhile and he never thought we'd miss him. Later on in the morning I drove Aunty and Lila down town with two mince pies and the turkey we killed for Christmas & which Aunty took down to Huby's to cook. Dad did chores and we had a cold lunch after which Dad & I went down to Alfred's followed by Nig. Tige & the white kitten </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to take him Huby's wooden cross puzzle which he seemed very pleased to get. We went down his lane & home by way of the gully. When we got home we slot around awhile before doing the night chores Quint & Dick came over about six as Dick wanted to get on a clean shirt or something and we went down with them to tea, or rather turkey dinner. I took my skates down but it was too dark to go. Dick went up to a surprise party at Fatty Turners, and told us he would not be home to-night. Aunty stayed down too. Dad, Frank & I came home about eleven. It has been very mild & sunny Thursday January 2nd I got up very late this morning. Dad & I did chores and Glen & Wilbur Ryersie came along for a half morning's visit. Wilbur wanted Dad to buy a pure bred Durham bull calf for fifty dollars, but Dad told him he would go over & look at it before investing. At eleven Dad went down to Huby’s and brought Aunty home. This after noon he went down again and saw Vyse up town who solicited his vote for his re-election but Dad told him that though he had nothing against him as a neighbor, he was out of place as reeve for he thought he had acted very unfairly in everything last year. I cleared up some of the old rubbish heap in the barnyard while Dad was gone. Frank put in the afternoon building a dandy jib crane with his “Meccano” outfit. It has been very soft to-day & looks like a storm. Friday January 3rd This was Aunty's birthday and although we did our best we could not think of anything to give her so she vows that she doesn't know of any thing either, but Win sent her over a couple of aprons. Aunty remembers they are just what she wanted. Dad. Aunty and I drove down town in the lumber waggon this afternoon morning. Aunty went in to see Enah who was up walking around and then down to Huby's to get Dads old medicine cupboard and the contents those of ready for removal to the farm. Dad & and I went down to the beach and got all the sand we thought we had better load the wagon as down therewere great as the sand was frozen enough to hold the wheels up and yet not too much to shovel. The ice banks are very high down there. We came up around by Huby’s and got Aunty and the old cupboard which we are going to use as a stove house for Frank’s & my belongings. We are preparing in time against young Huberts development. Dad & I did chores this after noon and then sorted Dad's medicine. It started to rain this morning which turned to an all day snow storm. Colder to-night but not freezing. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday January 4th Charlie Martin was over for an hours visit this morning and told Dad as he was leaving that he had a lame horse over there which he wanted Dad to look at. He said his mother fell off the back steps before Christmas and nearly broke her leg. He also told us his sister Mrs. Maclaughlin had a baby girl about two days after Enah's boy came. Dad thought they ought to trade as Mrs. Maclaughlin was all prepared for & had a boy named and it was the other way round with Enah. This after noon we did chores and Dad went down to see Enah. I went over as far as Martin's with him and saw the chickens which were all washed, fanned, powdered and the dark feathers pulled out of them and ready to start on the five train for the Boston show. We also saw Charlie's lame horse which has an awfully sore looking leg on it. I cut wood and practiced on my horn when I got home. Lila came over soon after I got back with her steam engine. Dad has to go down again to-night to sit with Enah. She is blue because the boy exercises his lungs now & then Froze last night. Cold raw wind all day but sunny and thawing. Sunday January 5th Frank, Dick & Lila went down to sunday school and Aunty and I went down to church and were a little late. We went into Mrs Lawson's to see how Enah was on our way down and Aunty Maude was with her which surprised us very much but she said she didn't think it would hurt her a bit. Mrs. Roy Silverthorne was there in a very low condition, her little baby which was born last night, died and she didn't know it yet when we were there. Dick and I went down and had a good skate this afternoon though the ice was rather rough. Dad went down and got Faulkner to bring Enah & the boy home in the covered in bus and it didn't hurt either one in the least. Al drove at a snail's pace. He was telling Dad his opinion of Vyse. He spoke in the grieved monotone which he assumes for such occasions and said "I told Vyse, when we elected you reeve you promised to build good roads. You haven't done 15 cents worth of road work but spent all the money in sticking up that coup by me. Now what you had better do is to put the man in you built it for, which is Aikens, then you & Bill Graham lock yourselves in with him take a stick of dynamite and blow youse all to hell to save funeral expences!" yes i said Al. I told him that two weeks ago and he hasn't spoken to me since." Beautiful day. Froze hard last night, but thawed all day. Colder & look stormy to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday January 6th We did up all the chores this morning. Frank carried over the chaff & corn from the cows manger to the chicken house which he cleaned out. This after noon Dad.went down and cast his vote for J.R. Davis. Frank Taylor came over after him with Faulkner's bus just he was starting out. I broke the brace in the buck saw and fixed it this after noon Dick came home to night and told us that Vyse was elected reeve with John Walker, Henderson, Carl Coleman & Billy Laings as councilmen. He and I went down to A.Y.P.A to night where we spent a pretty slow time. I went over to the band room for awhile where they preparing to start out for a serenade of the succesful candidates in the election. They were greatly proveket at Harry Graham & Art Lawson because they wouldn't play as they were sore at the way things went. It wasn't right of them for as Harry Moon said and he was probably as disappointed as any but was playing, "The band is an organization independant of politics. All we're after is the coin and we don't care whether it is American money or not." It rained all night and drizzled all day, wasn't any colder when Dick & I got home about eleven to night. Tuesday January 7th We just did chores this morning. Aunty went down town to get somethings for Dick's birthday which we celebrated to-night. I stayed in the house and read all the afternoon. Quint came over to tea to-night but Dick felt pretty miserable all evening. Quint stayed all night. Stormed all day half rain turning to sleet & ice so that everything is ice coated. Wednesday January 8th Dad and Enah spent the greater part of last night I guess in the baby's company, who takes great pleasure in making them try to put him to sleep at midnight. He is just one red lump of wickedness & noise at night, sleeps all day. Frank started back to school this morning. Dick felt very miserable but said he must go to work and felt much better to-night when he got home. We did up the chores this morning and I took a picture of the ice mantled trees around Martin's place. I didn't do a thing but read "Lords of the North" all the after noon. Win came home with Frank to-night but could only stay a little while. Clear cold and sunny to-day, snow crust very hard & slippery. Thursday January 9th Dad & I did chores & cut wood this forenoon. Bill Donald </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was in for awhile to have Dad. look at his horse. He told Dad. that he heard Jim. Dunbar had some wood for sale at $2.00 a cord, so Dad. drove Joe down to see if he could get her shod and drive down this after noon but he couldn't get in the shop and was afraid to risk driving on these icy roads, smooth shod. This after noon we started to fix up a place between the granary & cow stable for a calf pen but couldn't do much as we had no nails. Dick & I went down town after tea I took my horn down thinking there would be band practice but found when I get down that the council were treating the band to an oyster supper. I suppose I could have partaken of the feast if I chose but I came home to get my skates. I put them on at the house and skated down to the pond. There were quite a few there but it was so dark I couldn't see any of their faces and I didn't think Dick was there so I skated up to the bank Hazen was there and said Dick had just gone out with his skates on. I stayed there about half an hour and Hazen & I wrote & talked to Baldy Denton. I then went back to the pond but it was nearly deserted so I came home and found Dick had just got here before me, he had been over at Dyer's or someplace and hadn't been skating at all. Win. came over with Frank to stay all night. Nice day very much milder. Friday January 10th Dad. & I drove down as soon as we could get started this morning which wasn't very early to get Joe shod but the shop was full again so we had to get a few things up town including a straw knife and come home. Dad. didn't know what to do as we want wood badly but he was afraid to drive Joe on the icy roads, especially after Vyse told us this morning that Sam. Law lost a cow by slipping on the ice. I supposed it was his old lame one. At last I decided to try and skate down. I left here after eleven and skated down on the road all the way and was back here by before one. Jim Dunbar was in Jarvis but his daughter said she thought he had wood for $2.50 a cord and would tell him to try and bring us a load to-morrow. I tripped several times going but only fell once. There were only a few places where the skating wasn't fairly good, the worst place was going up & down Art Ryersie's hill. We didn't do any thing in particular this after noon Bill Donald came after Dad. to go and see his horse about five o'clock. Some fellow drove in while he was here and wanted to know where Anson Collver lived. Bill knew, he said he supposed that was some body after him for money. Neil Elliot & Charlie McKenzie where in to look at Fred's calf although they had just met Dad. on the road and he told them the calf was not for sale. I went down to Mrs Jarley's wax work practice to-night, but there was "nothing doing". Mrs. Luck, Miss Harding & Booze Waddle were </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the only ones there. We went up to Mr. Johnson's and he gave me a little idea of what I had to do. I think it will be a pretty poor show. It is advertised for next Thursday and half the ones in it haven't been to practice yet. Mr. Johnson never looked through the book till to-night and he picked out several new caracters that he is going to try & ring in. Not sunny but thawing all day. Almost raining to-night. Saturday January 11th We got a very big late start this morning and so did not do any thing but chores. Art. Ryersie came after Dad. a little before noon to go and see one of his cows which slipped on the ice, and Dad. is afraid it has broken her leg. It was the best cow he had. This after noon we fixed a place in the barn to put Ringworm but could do nothing out side owing to the inclemency of the weather. To-night Dick & I went down town I went to Mrs. Jarley practice & Dick waited for me. Frank spent the morning down town getting his tooth filled and helped up this after noon. Rained last night, very soft & cloudy this morning. Rained hard all after noon, drizzling to-night. Sunday January 12th Dad. & I drove down to Jim Dunbar's this morning and Dad. got him to say he'd bring us a load of wood to-morrow. When we got home we were about frozen. I felt kind of sick till I got thawed out. After dinner I did helped Dad. do chores and then started to go down to Harry Moors. I met Hazen who was driving out in front and he drove me down and went up to Harry's with me where we spent quite a time. Dick was down at Dyer's all the after noon and to tea. Bill Donald come and got Dad. this after noon. Very cold and windy early part of the day but milder and fair to-night. Monday January 13th We let Queen out this morning for quite an exercise Dad. was scared to death she'd slip and hurt her self, but I guess she didn't. Mr. Bowlby. drove Louise down this. morning. She had to back this after noon so Dad. hooked up Joe and Ginger to the cutter and drove her up. The sleighing was very poor & one of the shoes on the cutter runner broke and ripped a big chunk out of the runner. Tom. Dunbar. brought us our cord of wood to-day. He made two trips of it and charged us three dollars. The baby has been awake all day and to-night is raining "Hail Columbia." Dick went back to-night. Froze hard last night but much milder to-night. Nice day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday January 14th Dad. loaded the cutter in the waggon first thing and we took it down to Butler who said he didn't think the runner was {illegible} much. Dad. found he could get Joe shod so stayed down and I walked home. I started to throw the top off the straw stack. Th Mrs. McBride came to wash at noon and was here till after tea. Dad. cut some wood and we put a door on the barn and cut a bigger doorway. Dick came home to-night and forgot to bring the butter Aunty told him to get and we had a butterless tea, after which Dick went down town to get a pound I went with him to the Mrs. Jarley Waxwork practice in the town hall and am still convinced that the show will fall far short of what it is advertised to be. Beautiful day and perfect night. Sunny and much milder to-night. Wednesday January 15th Our attention was attracted this morning by a great deal of racket being kicked up by Dave Turner's engine, and learned to-night when Dick got home it was in honor of Gladys Coleman who was married sometime during the night to get off on the early train. We were greatly surprised at the news although Aunty suspected it. We did chores this morning and about eleven o'clock Dad. & I drove up to Stan Tompson's. Ham wasn't home but Dad. had a look at his bull calf. He says his stock is in a very bad condition. When we got home Dad. took Enah out for a short drive. The first time she has been out since she came home. This after noon we husked a little corn and Dad. moved some of the corn stalks from one end of the hay to the other and then cut some wood. I didn't do anything much. I went down again to-night to a Mrs. Jarley practice and had a pretty slow time. It will be over to-morrow night. Dick went down with me and worked awhile then we came home to-gether. Very soft and cloudy to-day. Rained a little this after noon and is raining quite hard to-night. Very slippery Thursday January 16th Mr. Lamb came over this morning before we had breakfast and got Dad. to go down and see a horse that got kicked. He was gone quite awhile and came back with a lovely bunch of flowers. This after noon he and Aunty went down town to get some things for the house. I didn't do anything much but chores and read To-night Dick, Dad., Frank and I went down to Mrs. Jarley's Waxwork show. It came off a lot better than I expected and there was a full house. Perce Brock who was Mrs. Jarley couldn't have done better and Hazen Waddle was perfect. He was Simple Simon and sat through the whole show with his mouth wide open and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the vacantest kind of a look on his face. If any body jarred against him he would fall over in his chair till they set him up straight. They said all the figures were good except poor Captain Robinson who with Sidney McQueen acted as Babes in the Wood. He couldn't keep a straight face, but Sidney kept the same sweet smile all through. They each had an enormous doughnut and when wound up would feed each other. It certainly did look great for two of the biggest men in town. Lila impersonated Little Jack Horner and except when she was exhibited & wound up evidently forgot she was waxwork, for she laughed and moved around all she pleased and likley was more amusing than if she had been quiet. I, the deceased Mr. Jarley nearly bit a hole in my cheek to keep from laughing and then didn't succeed very well. I was in agony for awhile when my nose began to tickle and I couldn't scratch it. The girls were all very pretty and I think every body got their money's worth. They had a dance after the performance and Mrs. Moon gave me another lesson. I belive I could learn if I could keep at it but not likely I will get another chance now till next summer. Rained a little this morning, dark & very soft all day. Raining hard to-night when Dick & I got home at half past twelve, and had been raining all evening, so Aunty said. Friday January 17th We got rather a late start this morning and did nothing but chores except throw some more off the top of the straw stack Mr. Peace. came in to see Dad about a colt which has some thing on its leg - which oughtn't to be there. Tige resented his visit strongly and bit at him twice, much to his indignation & terror This after noon Dad. cut wood and we straightened up the fence in front of the hay barn two pannels of which have been down all winter. We were rather surprised this afternoon at Ringworm adding a bull calf to our stock collection. It rained all night and to-day Barrett's farm is a quagmire. Still very mild I woke up about half past eleven to-night by Tige barking furiously then I heard Dad who was just going to bed go to the door and a stranger's voice ask for permission to hunt sparrows in the barn, around the stack. Dad. told them they could hunt around the stack but couldn't go in the barn with their lantern. They told him they weren't out for "na fun" (wich Dad readily believed) but were trying to rid the country of sparrows & rats. Dad. supposed they were after some prize as they came all the way from Selkirk. Saturday January 18th I read most of the morning and part of the afternoon in Dicks B.O.P. but finished the story and am not going to begin another </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> for awhile. Frank helped us do chores and after dinner went down to Alfred's to buy some butter. Alfred had the puzzle done the right way, and after putting it to-gether to show Frank, sent it home. Frank is working at it now evidently with out much success. I husked corn this after noon and Dad sawed wood. Frank went back to the gully for awhile to watch the creek or something. To-night Dad & I worked at my horn trying to loosen one of the valves with the big monkey wrench. Mild & cloudy this morning. It turned colder with a high north west wind and snow. Quieter & not freezing to-night Sunday January 19th Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School. I helped Dad. do a few chores amd went to church. Bill Donald came in just as I left and stayed about a hour & a half. Aunty & I went down to Miss Battersby's after church and found her looking about as well as ever. Winnie came over to dinner with Dick, & Frank stayed down at Huby's. This after noon Dick & I went down town. I guess Dick spent the after noon at the drug store with Bob. while I went over to Waddle's for awhile then up to Harry Moon's, and looked at photographs. I drew to-night. It froze last night. It has been a very nice day and thawing. Monday January 20th I went out this morning to help Dad. do chores but got so dizzy I had to come in and go to bed, where I put in the rest of the day. I didn't have anything to eat all day except half a breakfast and about half a pint of pills with which they dozed me and which I think made me much worse. Enah gave me half a cup of cocoa which did no good as it floated. This evening I came out into the kitchen while Aunty fixed my bed. I was sitting there talking to Dad. when the first thing I knew Frank began to look like a very poor moving picture and the next I seemed to be waking up lying on the floor with Dad. & Aunty asking me how I felt. I then began to realise I had fainted, a thing which I never did before and only twice before ever felt like it - funny feeling. Charlie Martin came over again this morning for awhile. Aunty went down town this after noon and came home half drowned and mud to her eyes. Dick sent the mail home by Frank but he did come home till after A.Y.P.A. as he went to hear Cousin Willie's lecture on literature which he liked. It rained again last night but was a lovely sunny day till this after noon when it began to pour and kept up till after tea when it turned colder and to snow. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday January 21st I didn't do any thing in the shape of work all day although I felt much better that yesterday. I read nearly all morning. This after noon Louise came over. She had come down on the one o'clock train, and is staying here all night Mr. & Mrs. Art. Ryersie came over and spent the evening Art. took the wooden puzzle home with him. It Froze last night and has been a lovely sunny day, though cold Wednesday January 22nd I went out this morning and tried to do a few chores, but couldn't do much. Louise came out for awhile to see the livestock and Dad. took Queen out in the halter for her entertainment but Tige proved to be the chief attraction in that show. This after noon Mrs. Bowlby came down & Louise went back with her. Mrs. Bannister, Mrs. Vyse & her three kids came over this after noon. I was {illegible} to come in the house so nearly froze out in the drive shed where Dad. was putting a new head on the scraper which old Harry broke this morning. Dick got home early but went back again to watch the dance. Dad & Frank went down to Alfred's to-night to show him Franks. Mecanno Outfit. Lovely sunny day. Freezing slightly to-night. Thursday January 23rd I didn't do any thing today but sit around and feel rotten. Dad. couldn't do anything out side but chores. Enah was feeling miserable this morning having fainted in the night. without telling any body. This afternoon Aunty went down to Bible Class. It was raining when we got up this morning and has kept it up steadily all day. Friday January 24th About the only thing of much interest that happened to-day on the premises was the birth of a bull calf to {Mully?} and no-body is much exercised over that, Mully included. Ah! Yes. another thing is, we got five eggs and didn't find a nest either. We think that is "going some" for only about forty hens. I am a lot better to-day though my knee is pretty sore yet. The baby isn't very well to-day either. I went out a little to-day but drew & read most of the time. Dick had to go back to work at the bank to-night. Froze a little last night. Lovely mild day but not very sunny. Freezing to-night. Saturday January 25th We saw Allan Law & Art Ryersie driving past this morning with the separator and upon inquiry found </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> they were hauling it to Fleming's while the roads are frozen as they are going there after they get though at Arts, there is no telling when they will get here. Dad. and Frank loaded up the rack with blue grass hay this morning from what was on top of the alsike as we have decided not to thresh it on account of the price being so low. This after noon they hauled it over to the other barn where it will be handy to feed to the cows, and then went & hauled up a load of rails. They did all the chores. I didn't do any thing all day owing to my sore knee though I felt better in other ways. The two Mrs. Shands & Miss Shand came in to see the baby to-night and although he was awake he never whimpered so they went off with a very good impression of his conduct. Dick went down to the pond to skate after tea to-night. Perfect day sunny and lovely out Sunday January 26th The boys were the only members of the family who attended church or Sunday School to-day. I hung around outside with Dad. for awhile this morning as my knee felt better. Quint. came home to dinner with Dick and stayed all night. This after noon he, Frank & I went out and played marbles for awhile. Tonight. Aunty read to us about an African cannibal & the missionarys. Very, mild, cloudy & muddy. Monday January 27th My knee was much better and I helped Dad. do chores this morning. Arpha Fleming came over and invited Dad to go there threshing this afternoon. Mrs. McBride came to wash and was here nearly all day. Rus. Lambkins was in to see about a windmill but Dad. told him we didn't need one now on account of Ivey's tile drain at which we have watered the stock all winter so far. and it looks as if it would run for quite a while yet. Earl. Brown was in also to see Dad. about a cow. Aunty went down town this after noon to see if she could get some lady to stay with Aunt Ida but was unsuccessful. Dad. & I went with her as far as Vyses. We found they had moved the threshing outfit in there instead of Fleming's as Vyse has to go to County Council soon. Cousin Loll & Cousin Phoebe came over to see the baby this afternoon. Mr. Lamb. came over to-night to see about his horse. Froze pretty hard last night and been freezing all day. Tuesday January 28th Dad. left early this morning to thresh at Vyse's. I did the chores as my knee was ever so much better. About ten o'clock Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> came home. He said they were stopped then but did need him much anyway, so he came home to saw wood which he did till noon Mr. Flemming told him that if they didn't get moved to his place till the middle of the afternoon it wouldn't be worth Dad's while to come over so he didn't. This after noon he gave Queen quite an exercise & I took a picture of her also one of the baby which finished my film. Dad. & I hooked up Harry & Belle & got a couple of loads of rails, one load from the remainder of the fence on the east west side of the wheat field and one from the north fence. Aunty went down town this after noon to get some birthday presents for Huby. Beautiful day, froze in the night, sunny & milder Wednesday January 29th Dad left first thing this morning for to thresh at Mr. Flemings and was gone all day. He got home in time to milk before dark and felt pretty well "plugged up". It kept me nearly all morning doing chores. This after noon I practiced my horn a little and read. Mrs. Alfred Ryersie came in to see the baby. Enah took a walk over to Martin's. Allan Law came in at noon and got the waggon to get wood. He didn't know where he was going, but intimated that he was going to "lift" rails from fences along the road. This was Huby's birthday. It has been cloudy & spitting snow all day. Not cold but freezing Thursday January 30th Dad threshed over at Fleming's all day and they finished to night. They finished the alsike about 3 o'clock and got 17 Lays and 1/2 bushel from the 98 loads, and they thrashed 316 bus. of oats in two hours after that. It kept me all morning doing chores and this after noon I cut a little wood. I intended to husk some corn but it was such a nice day I thought I would get a load of rails instead so I went & hooked up Harry & Belle to the waggon and went out and got the rails from the north side of the wheat field where Dad. & I got the last load. The horses were feeling good especially old Harry who hasn't any more sense that a seventeen year old bird's nest. Going out I had to get out to open the gate off the road and as soon as they saw it open in front of them, started through it. I caught Belle's rain but Harry kept on going. so I had to let them go into the field where they immediately started to speed up. and it just kept me humping to run and scramble in the back of the waggon but I was fortunate enough to get the lines and steady them down before they did any damage, but I was thankful to get back safe with my load. Mr. Johnson & Mrs. Quanbury were over this afternoon to see the baby. Aunty went down town this after noon. To-night. Dick & I went down to band practice. I found out from Carl Coleman that we could have their cattle rack on Saturday to go after the {illegible}. Lovely day. sunny & very mild. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday January 31st It begant to rain this morning which about noon turned to snow and that cleared off & it begant to freeze pretty hard to night. Dad. and I spent the day doing chores, {"settin' round the blow"?} in the meantime, Dad. cut some wood & I unloaded the load of rails this after noon. About four o'clock I went down town & got my hair cut. I also took down 3 doz. eggs & traded them off for meat. Dick did not come home to tea tonight as he had to work this being the end of the month. Saturday February 1st We intended to go and get the sheep to-day but the weather prevented us. We didn't do any thing but chores and Dad. cut wood. I read a little and this after noon fooled with my horn. Dad. managed to get the valve loosened which has been stuck for so long, and I poured a couple of quarts of water down the bell to clean it out and spilt it all over the floor. Frank also polised up the mouthpiece with his sample of silver polish Aunty succeeded at last in persuading Frank to remove the fourteen wish-bones which have been accumulating on the kitchen hanging lamp for over a year, and she boiled them and polished them up for him. It has been freezing hard all day with a very high cold wind but sunny. Sunday January February 2nd Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School and I got fixed up and went to church. I got there about twenty minutes too early so waited at "The Dominion". Win. came home with us after church and stayed all night. Dick stayed down all the after noon and stayed at Huby's to dinner. Dad. did all the chores. Aunty had us all going guessing Bible Carachters to-night. It froze like Billy-b-da--ylights, last night and has been very cold and a high wind all day. Bear saw his shaddow. Monday February 3rd We did up the chores this morning. This afternoon we hooked Joe & Ginger to the waggon and went down town. We found out from Carl Coleman that we could have their stock waggon to get our sheep to morrow. We also got the cutter from Butler. When we got home we found an old pedlar who told Aunty he had walked all the way from Hagersville, he was selling post cards. Archie Long had been here to sell fence. To-night Dick and I went down to the Orchestra dance where we had a dandy time. I think I am getting on to the hang of it now. We got home a little before half past three to-morrow morning. It was a nice day to-day and quite mild. It snowed a little this morning. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday February 4th I got up about half past seven this morning. We didn't do any chores but got started as early as we could which was about ten for the sheep. We drove Joe & Ginger and took our waggon down to Coleman's and left it there then hooked on to theirs, we got up there in about an hour. Dunkin said he thought we were never coming. He had had bad luck with his imported sheep. Owing to carelessness in the Quarantine Station two of his sheep died and he can't get a cent for them. They charged him forty five dollars for their keep down there for thirty days. Mine were alright though and we got them home safely. He only charged us two dollars for their keep, but hasn't had them registered yet. We had to walk the horses nearly all the way home on account of bumpy roads. When we unloaded the sheep we went right back with the waggon and got our own, we also went up to Chris. Fairchild's and got the saw blade. Dick took to him this morning & {following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page}{it was?} just half past three when we got in the house after {putting?} the horses in. it was just twelve when we left Dunkins {after?} we had a little dinner we went out and did up the chores. The poor horses were pretty hung up & thirsty especially Joe & Ginger who were tired also. Dick & Frank went down to O.Y.P.O. to-night. It has been cloudy & blustery all day and pretty cold. Thursday Wednesday February 5th We hooked up Joe & Ginger to the waggon first thing this morning and went down town and got a load of coal, as Dick found out last night that Jim. Low had some in at last. We lost quite a little bit of it coming home as the roads were rough and it jiggled out the back. when going up hills. although we scraped it forwards a couple of times. This being Ash Wednesday they had service in the church but none of us attended it. Lent begins earlier this year that it has for 138 years, it can only start one day earlier, at least that's what the "Maple Leaf" states but it is not likely right. Last night was about the coldest night this winter. It must have been down to zero during the night, and has been very cold all day, with a high wind and snow Thursday February 6th We did not do any thing to-day but chores This after noon Aunty went down town to Auxillary or something and Dad. & I Enah had an awful time with the baby as he was sick and they couldn't do any thing to ease him or keep him quiet. I practised my horn all after noon. About five o'clock Sam. Law pulled in here with the clover mill. They got through at Ham Thompson's sooner than they expected so moved right down here to night. Allan & Bert Monroe came soon after wards. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> with the engine, which had something wrong with the injector & they worked at it till long after dark. They said they would thrash in the morning if we weren't ready but we bade them come. Sam. was about half drank & the other half frozen when he came in and borrowed our waggon to go home & {load?} wood but we noticed he hit the trail for town at a pretty good lick. To-night I went down to band practice and got home about eleven. It has been cold with a very high wind. Friday February 7th The men did not get here till after breakfast, they got steam up and moved the machine into the barn and then began to talk of not threshing, "Bert was the only one of the this that wanted to Allan I guess thought it would be too cold out on the engine {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {and?} it certainly wouldn't be very warm. Their only excuse was {that?} the belt wouldn't stay on in the wind. Mr. Odd was here {to?}day for Mr. Fleming. Allan & Bert went down town and {g?}ot their horses shod. and Sam went home. about noon he came back again and said he guessed they could thrash this afternoon. We did the chores all up there was a little more work for Dad. as this morning when he went out to the cow stable he found a red & white bull calf of Spotty's on the floor. We got it & her in as warm quarters as we could but the poor little fellow has been pretty cold all day. The thrashers did come back this afternoon and we thrashed out the four loads of cloverseed and got three bags & about 1/4 bushel I get 1 1/4 bags. Young Billy Louis came over for {Tapper?} but we didn't need him so he went back. They got the machine moved over to the other barn but didn't try to thrash any they said if it was very windy to-morrow tney wouldn't come over. This aft. To-night. Dick & I went up to the hockey match in Simcoe - Simcoe vs Hamilton I was going to drive up with Bert Monroe but it turned out such a rotten night that both Bert & I decided to take the train There was quite a big crowd went up from Dover on the Port Rowan train, we came back on the Hamilton special that brought the team up. We got there a little after out eight, and had to sit and freeze by inches for about four hours. They could not have begun to play before half past twelve and it got pretty tedious waiting, but it was a good game when they did start, We rooted for Simcoe and they trimmed Hamilton 8 to 3. The Hamilton boys seemed rather tired the last half. We didn't get to bed till after three to-morrow morning. Dad got a blank form to-night which he had to fill & tell about Tiddums. They named him Hubert James Harold. (poor kid) more name than boy. It was very cold and windy this morning and has been growing worse all day. To-night when we came home it was a holy fright. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday February 8th I got up about the same time as usual. This morning it was windy & snowing so we didn't look for the thrashers. Frank. Dad. & I moved some of the poles from over the driveway to above where Ring worm (by the way her name has changed now from Ring worm to Erie, Aunty objected to the former so we called her after Mrs. Fred. Warren as that is who we got her from.) and her calf are. We started to put some clover chaff on them but it was so short it fell through a lot, so Dad. said we would wait till the wind went down and then put some straw on first to hold the other. but we never got it done all day. Dad felt pretty miserable all day and stayed in the house all the afternoon I cut a little {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {wood?} and fooled around the rest of the time. Aunty went down town, she lost her muff the other day and thought {she?} knew where she left it but when she inquired this {afternoon?}, she could find it nowhere. Lila came over while she {was?} gone and told her to-night that she saw George {Spain?} {on?} Thursday kicking a muff through the square and he said it was somebody's old worn out muff they had {thrown?} away. Aunty is sure it was her's as it was near there {she?} missed it. It was such a bad night. Lila spent it here Frank went down and visited with Mr. Alfred for awhile this after noon and got some butter. Dick felt pretty rotten when he got home to-night and his ear ached. Allan Law came over to-day to put a fire in the engine to keep the water from freezing It was not very cold to-day but very windy & snowdrifty. Sunday February 9th Dad. has felt very sick all day and didn't to any thing much but milk, feed the calves and let the cows out & in again. I sent the most of the day doing the rest of the chores. I felt kind of tired myself. Aunty, Frank & Lila all went down to Sunday School & church, but none of the rest of us. Dick didn't get up till about noon. This afternoon Mrs. Johnson & Mrs. McPherson with Cecil & Leon came over to see Enah and she walked down to Quanbury's with them. Ada was also over to see H.J.H. Barrett. Allan Law came over again to put a fire in the engine. King Pepper was in this morning with a little dog, which Dad. told him had a broken leg. It was up to far to bandage it so Dad said just to keep him quiet and it would likely get all right. Frank found Aunty's muff this morning right near the bandstand in the snow. George Spain told him in Sunday School that he had taken it home and after keeping it two days and not finding an owner he had brought it back and left it where he found it. It was not at all hurt Aunty said. Not cold to-day but windy. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday February 10th We got up pretty early this morning on account of thrashers They got started about half past nine. The only extra ones we had were Mr. Odd & Billy Louis. We thrashed nearly all morning and never saw a head of alsike, and the blue grass neatly all blew over, so we stopped thrashing the blue grass in the back part of the mow and confined our labor to the front bit. We only got about two bags of seed all day, and there is about two hours more to go through yet. For awhile Dad. thought it wouldn't be worth thrashing but we got nearly to the floor at one end and it is much thicker so I guess we will finish the job. Dad has the shed, the driveway and over the sheep pen filled up with thrashed hay. and it {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {means?} no way out in front of the drive way. He had a very {---ty?} place and feels pretty tired to-night. Charlotte {had?} a calf to-night another boy. Aunty says "It may {be?} cold in the house but they are having a "bully" time in {the?} barn" It was very cold & frosty this morning but the sun got up and it was quite a nice day. There was a slight easterly breeze which was just what we wanted as it blew the smoke away from the barn. It is about the first time this winter we have had an east breeze. Dick & I sent away to-night for a work of 10 volumes which we saw advertised called "The Wonders of Science in Modern Life". Tuesday January February 11th We finished up our threshing about noon. the seed came a little faster than yesterday and I guess we have about five or six bushels, they didn't need me much to help them so I didn't hang around looking for a chance to help. I did a few chores but nothing to speak of. This afternoon I went over and helped thrash at Sam Law's we got all the red clover thrashed and he got just the same as we did - three bags and a little more. It turned out pretty well. I have to go back in the morning to help thrash out three loads of alsike. Dad. did up all the chores here this after noon & I did not get home till after tea. Dick had to go back to help Hazen find a mistake to-night. Mr Wiggins was going to a dance in Jarvis. Allan Law was going down too. It has been much milder to-day this morning it looked stormy but was sunny after dinner and it seems colder to-night. Wednesday February 12th I didn't get up very early this morning and went over to Sam Law's as soon as I had my breakfast. They started to thrash soon after nine - and got though just about noon. They got just three bags of alsike so it turned out </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> much better than ours as they said they only had three loads. I stayed over there to dinner. This afternoon Dad. & Frank fixed up three pens in front of the cow shed for the calves, they had to be separated as they suck each other's ears. & Spot's calf had it's ears frozen last night. I battoned up the door of the horse stable with tar paper and it took me nearly all the after noon. We started separating again this morning. Frank stayed home from school to-day to help Dad. get some of the thrashed blue grass over to the other barn but the wind was too strong. Dick had to go back to work to-night. There was a very cold north wind all day and quite a snowstorm to-night for a while Thursday February 13th We didnt get any thing done to-day but chores. I sawed a little wood this after noon & hung around. Aunty went down town to Bible Class. To-night I went down to band practice and got home about half past ten. It has been cold and very windy all day. The wind got up with the sun and made Dad. feel very cross all day as he wanted to get some to the thrashed blue grass moved to the other barn, and we couldnt with the wind & rough road. Friday February 14th We spent our spare time this morning in fixing a door in the east side of the horse stable loft where we can pitch hay off by hand instead of using the hay fork. This afternoon after we had the chores done up we went over and put a load of timothy hay in the rack ready to haul to the horse stable at the first opportunity as the supply over there is getting low. Harry. Varey drove Mrs. Johnston over to spend the after noon with Enah & he & {Elan?} called for her again after tea. Tiddums had colic to-day - very wicked. Miss Harding was out this afternoon to see him. Sunny & mild with not much wind to-day, very nice day. Saturday February 10th As soon as we got the chores done this morning we {the following words in brackets are guessed at due to being covered up on the page} {moved?} the load of timothy which we loaded yesterday over to the stable and Frank helped us unload it. Then we {al...?} and put on a load of the thrashed blue grass and {hauled?} it over to the other barn. This after noon we unloaded it. {We?} loaded two more, we unloaded one and left the other on the barn floor, so we think we have got in a pretty day's work. Nigle came over quite early this morning & Lila followed him up this after noon, both are staying </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> over night. Aunty went down town this after noon to get some things. Something has gone wrong with the dining room stove chimney and we can hardly see accross the room in there for smoke. Nice day, much milder, slight wind and raining to-night. Sunday February 16th I intended to go to church this morning with Aunty, Dick & Frank but I had to go up on the roof to see what was the matter with the dining room chimney, and as I had to wait till the fire went out it was twenty minutes to eleven when I got down, I found the cause of the trouble was that a brick had blown down the chimney and nearly filled up the flue. I hadn't much trouble in disloging it Quint came over with the boys to dinner, and this afternoon we went skating. I thought I ought to go as I didn't get to church this morning. We were the only ones on the creek, and the skating was good. We were out to the end of the pier and up as far as Tommy Jackson's, Frank & I came home at half past five & Quint & Dick came over later. Nice day, rather cold and cloudy. It turned cold and froze during the night. We saw a flock of geese flying north to-day. Monday February 17th Dad. and I hooked Joe & Ginger to the buggy this morning and took them down to be shod but we found every shok in town full, so after getting a buggy load of groceries came home, I dropped a dollar's worth of sugar on the floor at Bayley & Miller's and spilt it all over, I was mad enough to cuss. We found out that to-morrow would be the last day they would cut ice, so as we couldn't get the team shod, Dad. spoke to Allan Law and he said he would hold it for us. We intended to get the ice house all ready this after noon but didn't get much done to it. Alfred came over for a visit & Felix Perkins came in to sell a wind mill. I was going to print pictures to-night but we were a little late with tea and as I wanted to do quite a lot, I thought I had better wait till I had more time. Dick didn't come home to tea to night. We don't know where he is but suppose he has gone to O.Y.P.O There was quite a snow storm tonight this morning but cleared off and was very sunny & mild this after noon. Clear & freezing to night. Tuesday February 18th Allan Law came with the first load of ice this morning soon after breakfast before we had our chores </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> done and we have been on the hump all day. We just put in six loads, and think that will be enough till we see if it keeps and we can easily put in more another time. It kept us busy to keep it well chinked with snow and icechips and we have yet to get some sawdust and pack it. Dick had to work last night till midnight and to-night came home, he has to work every other night for awhile. It has been very mild and sunny all day, freezing to-night. Wednesday February 19th Dad. & I did the chores all up this forenoon. Vyse was over for quite awhile and also a pedlar who waited around about ten minutes for Enah to make her appearance to sell something - and then received hardly any attention so departed with haste. Aunty went down to the dentists but had to go again to-morrow. We took Joe & Ginger down right after dinner to be shod. I came home soon after we got there but Dad. did not get back till dark. Butler is so slow. I didn't do much except put some more snow in the chinks of ice and cut a little wood. Dad. had to milk after tea to-night. Dick didn't come home to tea as he has to work to night. Mrs. Jack & Mrs. Charlie Martin were over this after noon while Enah was visiting at Quanbury's. It has been a lovely day but terribly muddy. Thursday February 20th Dad. & I left as soon after breakfast as possible this morning for Brad. Bowlby's to get a load of sawdust, we got back about noon and after putting it in the ice-house found we would need more, so left right after dinner and got a bigger load, getting home at four o'clock. Dick got home early and unloaded it for us, we could use a little more but we have enough for the present. To-night Dick got a ticket for Dad. to go to the Library Concert so I went with them, they had a farce called "That Rascal Pat" which wasn't much in itself, but the actors, Bill Davis, Perce Brock & Art. Lawson were great. It was very short and we were home at half past ten. It barely froze last night, and has thawed very much all day. If we had waited any longer to go for our sawdust we wouldn't have been able to get in after it, the road was so bad. Mrs. Crosby Morgan died last night. Friday February 21st Just as we were getting ready to sack up some oats this morning, Jack came along and bought our veal calf </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> (Erie's) for eight dollars, he was big but very thin. Dad. took some oats & barley down to the mill to be chopped just before dinner. Aunty went down town to get some flowers for Mrs. Morgan's funeral. Frank came home at noon and is to have a half holiday, as Mr. Smith had to go to Captain McFell's funeral this afternoon. Allan Law came in after dinner and said he was going to take his seed to Jarvis in the morning so I am going with him and take ours. Dad. settled up with him for threshing and he didn't charge anything for hauling the ice, so we got it pretty cheap, as Val. didn't charge for cutting it. Dad. and I went down town after some coal oil and came around by the mill and got our chop and then loaded on our seed. We started to have a musical evening but Tiddums opposed us and had to have refreshments. Colder to-day with cold easterly wind, getting stormier to-night. Saturday February 22nd We got up before day light this morning as I expected to go to Jarvis with Allan Law, but he never turned up, we supposed on account of the weather. Dad. informed us this morning that the old sow had a big litter of piglets. We have counted them several times during the day and have come to the conclusion there are thirteen, all healthy and of uniform size. Soon after breakfast young Billy Louis came after Dad to go and see a sick cow so Frank and I were left with all the undone chores on our hands, but we got them off in good shape by noon, besides throwing off what was left of the load of threshed blue grass standing on the barn floor. Dad. got home about noon and had to hurry to get down town by one as he had to be bearer at Mrs. Morgan's funeral. Aunty went down with him. I didn't do much all the afternoon except cut a little wood. The Ryersies came up and Frank went with them back to the gully as Frank discovered a rabbit hole in the mound. One of our white cats has been sick for the last couple of days and to-night has disappeared we are afraid for good. I read "Oour Mutual Friend" all evening and wound up with a bath which nearly killed me. It rained last night and then froze and has been raining most of the day with several heavy downpours. Sunday February 23rd The two boys went to Sunday school Aunty didn't go as she has a cold and didn't like to go out in the wind. I went down to church. Winny came over </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to dinner with Dick, who spent the after noon down town. Dad. did chores. I read most of the time. We had some music. Frank went back in the gully to look at his empty snares. It has been much colder to day with a raw wind, freezing hard to night Dad is very anxious about his little pigs and to day battoned up the cracks in the pig pen, he says they feel as warm as toast. There are thirteen live ones and one dead one. Monday February 24th Allan Law came over this morning before I was through breakfast all ready to start for Jarvis I got ready as quickly as I could, with Dad's big coonskin overcoat and walked over to Law's as Allan had to load up their seeds, we got started about nine o'clock. When we got down about to the fourth concession Allan got out to walk and then got in with Bellack who was leading a team to Jarvis to sell to Dave. Ward who is shipping to-day, so I drove on to Jarvis's alone, I pulled into the association store as I saw the name of {Tess?} above the door but Allan saw me and told me to come on down farther to a brother of this fellow, so we went down and left our load at the other place till after dinner. I came away in such a hurry this morning that I for got to take any money so had to look to Allan for dinner, and so got a dandy. It took the fellow all the after noon to clean up our alsike & blue grass red clover and we had to leave our blue grass for another time. We got $11 1/2 for the alsike & $9 for the red clover, which is as good as any body is getting now I guess. I got $18 for mine. Allan only got $10 for his alsike as it was part white clover. The fellow said it would have been worth a lot more than ours if it had been brought in two months sooner but now the market was closed for it. Allan got the same for his red seed as we did. I think he expected more than he got. We left there I guess about half past five, and got home about seven, we came a lot faster than we went as we had a big load on this morning. Dad has been over to Louises' this after noon, their cow is getting better he had a very enjoyable visit with John Wess on his way- one of our little pigs got killed some way this morning thirteen was an unlucky number anyway. Emery McPherson and Mrs. Johnson were over this after noon. Mrs. McBride has been here washing all day. Dick did not get home to-night, had to work I suppose. Pretty cold to day but sunny and nice. Roads are awfully rough down east </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday February 25th We were very late this morning getting started, owing to my staying in bed later than I should have, so it took us till noon doing chores. Allan Law came in with our seed and took the waggon away with him again. This afternoon Dad. & I drove down town on sundry errands Dick came home to tea but went back down town again to see Huby. he said he might skate or work. Aunty has been feeling very miserable all day, with grip or neuralgia or both. Pretty cold, but sunny and no wind. I finished reading "Our Mutual Freind" to night, sorry to leave it. Wednesday February 26th We didn't do any thing but chores to day. We went down to Alfred's with the sacks we borrowed from him and found him feeling pretty sick with a cold, we were there quite awhile and got back about noon Ern. Fleming was in for awhile this after noon to have Dad. look at his horse who has scratches. I drew a little this after noon and spen the evening practising on my horn. Frank went down town to-night to the moving picture show. Dick was going too so we stayed down to tea It snowed all day, no wind and not very cold Thursday February 27th It snew & blew nearly all day. We did up all the chores this morning. Allan Law brought back our waggon and borrowed the hay rack to haul a couple of loads of hay down town, he brought it back to-night. This after noon Dad. drove Enah down town and when they got back he & I drove down to the mill got some corn cobs and took them down to Huby's as he wanted some to smoke his pork. I printed pictures tonight and met with fairly good success. Dick did not work to-night. Friday February 28th Dad. & I went down first thing this morning and got a load of coal with Joe & Ginger. We let Belle & Harry out separately for a ran in the barnyard and they evidently enjoyed them selves immensly, especially Harry. who was enraptured, this after noon we did chores and unloaded our coal. Aunty has felt very miserable all day and feels as if she was getting the grip. Dick did not come home to-night, this being the end of the month he had to work late. It snowed the biggest part of the day but was quite mild. We are getting enough snow now to make up for the rest of the winter. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday March 1st We did the chores all up this morning, this after noon we sat down to read, and stayed a good deal longer than we should have, and then drove Joe & Ginger down town for exercise, the sleighing is pretty good now. When we were letting the team into the stable to-night Joe who goes in first stopped in the alleyway to nose for hay and Ginger came up behind and turned in beside Belle and she kicked Ginger just below the knee and raised quite a lump, but we don't think it will be serious. Frank has spent the day looking at his empty trap and snares and scouring the farm in search of material to make a sleigh. Our other white cat is at the point of death to-night, they must have got poisoned. Isaac Johnson & Jack Lawrie were over this morning with a new horse bought by the farmer. March has put in a very lamblike appearance. It snowed quietly most of the morning, and has been sunny & mild the rest of the day. Sunday March 2nd The boys went to Sunday school and I went down to church. Aunty didn't go on account of her cold and the bad weather Quint came over to dinner and this after noon we went over to the Shand's as Charlie had asked Frank at school. It was a rough day for a drive and we werent sure wheter we could get through the cuts or not. This one out here was nearly full and we just had room for Joe to go down one side of it. The four of us in the cutter made quite a load but she got through the drifts nobly and where there were no drifts the sleighing was pretty good. We were there all the after noon and they wanted us to stay to tea but the wind was getting worse all the time so we thought it was better to leave before dark. We drove around the other way coming home past McQueen's and the Mill as we weren't shure about getting through the other way. It was getting very much colder and in some places I couldn't see any farther than Joe's head for the drifting snow we got home just about dark, the lane out here was full and we all had to get out for to let Joe get through Dad walked down to Alfred's this after noon and to Art's as Mrs Tuck asked Frank in Sunday school to let them know that old Mrs. Sindor. had another stroke. Dad got very cold, and says Alfred isn't feeling much better yet. Quint stayed here all night. Aunty read to us all the evening, but I went to sleep before she finished. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday March 3rd Dad didn't feel very well to-day so we did not do anything out side but chores and cut a little wood. We also started to make out a list of seeds to send for to Simmer's It snowed pretty much all day, was cold and windy this morning but the wind went down a little and it was a great deal milder this afternoon. Dick did not come home to tea to-nigh but went to O.Y.P.O. I had quite a piano practice to-night. Tuesday March 4th I drove Dick down town this morning as the walking was so bad, we were to late in starting to take Frank. When I got back Enah was ready to go down with 10 lbs of butter so after cleaning out the stables I drove her down, she got 30 cts a lb. for the butter, we didn't get back much before noon. Allan Law came over to get one of us to help him shovel out the cut on the side road out here but as neither could go he said he wasn't going to do it alone and so departed after breaking the handle of our snow shovel while talking. Dad felt very miserable to-day so we didn't do any thing much this after noon but finish making out our list of seeds. Aunty got a letter from Miss Scott this afternoon saying that a little daughter arrived yesterday afternoon to Ray & Vernon. Aunty couldn't make out from the letter whether they were extra anxious about Vernon or not, but we didnt get any more word to-night so Dad. thinks every thing must be all right. We are afraid that all our cats except Fits and her mother have gone where they don't play billiards as neither the grey or black cat has showed up for the last two or three milking times. I had a good practice on horn & piano to-night. It snowed a little to-day but was pretty sunny & not cold. Wednesday March 5th I drove Aunty & Dick down town, this morning. Aunty got Cousin Willie to telephone Ray and find out how things were, he said they were doing better and said there would be a letter from him on the noon train. I drove around town while waiting for Aunty as I didn't want to keep Joe waiting. Bah. Miller asked me if we could keep a ewe for awhile for him as didn't want to kill it yet. Aunty found out from Aunty Maude that Mrs. Baugner's friend Mr. Hamer the great Shropshire man was coming to Mr Scofield's this afternoon so Dad. & I went down and met him and thought he was a very nice fellow. We have </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> been troubled lately by a very disagreeable odour in the dining room and until this morning have been unable to discover the cause, but upon investigation Dad found our two cats the black one and the white one which disappeared from the horse stable so mysteriously lying dead in the garret directly over the dining room stove, where it was warm. Frank found the remains of the grey cat underneath the cultivator in the barn to-night, our once great supply of cats has now dwindled down to two head. Dick had to work to-night so did not get home to tea. Mrs. McBain. died very suddenly this morning about ten o'clock. I had a pretty good practice to-night. Rather cold, but sunny, windy to-night. Thursday March 6th Helen Agusta Wind was here to-day, so in honor of her visit we didn't do any thing but chores, and not all of them as we didn't clean out the horse stable at all, for the first time this winter. This afternoon I walked down town to get the mail as Dick wasn't coming home to tea to-night. The lane was full of snow-drift so we couldn't drive. To night I went down to the Orchestra dance, I didn't decide to go till just in time to get ready but the wind had died down, so it wasnt so bad going. Dick was there and we had a good time, the only boots I could find to wear, were a pair of thinsoled paten leathers of Dad's, they were about a foot too long for me but worked pretty well, we got home about three in the morning; it was freezing hard and I guess was the coldest night this winter. Frank didn't go to school to-day on account of a bad cold. Friday March 7th Dad. and I started to dig out the lane this morning but Sam Law came over about ten o'clock and got Dad. to go and help dig out the our cut on the side road and at the winding hills, so I didn't get finished here. This afternoon we did chores, and I walked down and got the mail and my hair cut. Frank was in the house all day to-day again and feels pretty sick. Dick brought home a book to-night which he persisted in reading out loud and so I could not get this written. Had a practice on my horn. It has been freezing hard all day but sunny and no wind. Saturday March 8th Dad. and I did up the chores this morning, we also finished shovelling out the lane. I drove Enah down town this after noon to sell her butter and do shopping </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I didn't wait for her standing as I was afraid Joe would get cold so drove around town I picked up Roy Dell and afterwards Quint & Jim Math piled in too but they didn't stay long. When we got home Mr. & Mrs. Morley Buck and kids were over just leaving. Mrs. Buck had been comparing babies but thought Tiddums would be not much account as he didn't sleep out doors. Jack Martin came over this after noon while we were gone and took all his roosters. Dick didn't come home to tea to-night we supposed he had to work. We started to have a practice to-night but Tiddums had to wake up and be fed just as we got started and it looks now as if I was in for a bath. It has been much milder to-day snowed this morning and is almost thawing this evening before sundown. Sunday March 9th The boys went to Sunday school this morning, Aunty stayed home to mind Tiddums so as to let Dad. & Enah go to church, we started rather late and it was beginning to rain before we got to the corner it was pouring so hard we came back. Frank did not go to church. This after noon we didn't do anything much Dad. did all the chores and Enah & I practiced Dick read, he was very disappointed as he has been counting on a sleigh ride this afternoon but the sleighing is nearly all gone, although a cutter & bob sleigh did go past in the mud. It has been very mild & sunny this after noon but every thing is flooded. Monday March 10th Dad. and I loaded up some wheat oats this morning and took it down to be chopped. This after noon Dad drove Aunty down to the McBains and on down town to get the mail and then drove around by the mill for the chop Just after dinner Allan Law drove in with his new buggy and harness and wanted to go to Jarvis after the blue grass money, so I went with him. the roads were a little muddy but not bad we went down and back in three hours, and were there half an hour or more. We got eight dollars for our seed with 17 lbs of alsike in it and Allan got a little over five for his. we didn't expect any more. He gave us 2 1/2 cts for the blue grass @ 17 cts per lb for the alsike. Allan bought me a cigar and I was fool enough to smoke it on the way home. It was my first whole one and although I didn't suffer any ill effects from it I think it will be my last because I don't see any sense in it. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Mrs. McBride has been here washing to-day. Cliff Mc{Baird?} was in before break fast this morning to see if Dad would take their old mare but we couldn't so Dad told him to shoot her which he did this afternoon. Although they hated to do it, they couldn't manage any other was as they are all leaving for Toronto to-night. Dick did not get home to tea to-night. Very mild and sunny. snow going fast. Tuesday March 11th Teddy George was in before breakfast this morning to get Dad. to go over to Monteith's to see a sick cow Dad. fed the calves and had a cup of coffee but when he got over there the cow was dead. After doing up the chores Dad hooked up Joe & Ginger and we hauled up a load of rails. This afternoon we put a load of timothy on the rack to haul to the horse stable in the morning when the ground is frozen. Dad had been carrying blue grass over lately. Frank went down to see a health car to-night so was late getting home. Just before ten Hazen & Murray drove in to tell Dick that he needn't go to work to night but Dick didn't come home anyway. Murray says he is home on sick leave but not very sick. Miss Monteith & Mrs Welch were in this after noon. Mild. muddy and springlike Wednesday March 12th Lorne Myers and his father came in first thing this morning to get a load of the threshed blue grass which Dad. told him he could have for five dollars a load, while they were putting it on we took Joe & Ginger and hauled our load of timothy over to the horse stable. Bill Donald came in just as the Myers were going and it was nearly noon when he left. Dad. discovered Queen had cut a nasty gash in her right fore leg just above the fetlock, he thought at first the tendon was cut but when he bathed it after dinner found it wasn't; he feels very badly about it and is afraid it will always be rough there. This afternoon we weighed and took Alfred's bushel of clover seed to him. He his pretty sick yet. When we got back we went out and cleaned out the road ditch running on the south side of the wheat field - as it was full of snow - and was hacking a {big?} pond on to the wheat. The seeds we sent to Simmer's for came to-day. Froze last night but sunny & thawing to-day looks like a big storm. Thursday March 13th We bathed Queen's leg and did chores this morning Aunty went down town to the dentist and stayed down to go to Bible class this afternoon Dad. drove down </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> after her about half past four. This after noon Dad & I moved quite a lot of the threshed blue grass out of the drive way into the barn. To night Dick and I went down to band practice but there wasn't any thing much going on as a lot of them were practicing at the Presbyterian concert. Dick couldn't get his cornet as Bill Graham has taken it. Murray was playing a lot of the new song hits over on the town hall piano for Walt Perce Brock was dancing to them. Vyse was over most of the morning. It rained a little but has been sunny & warm Frank and Dad each saw a robin to-day and Dick said he saw two or three, they are the first I have heard of. Friday March 14th I didn't get up early this morning and had the blues for most of the forenoon. We fixed up the ice house a little more and put some tar paper and siding on the front of it so that it looks ever so much better. This after noon we trimmed apple trees we got two pretty well browsed in two hours and a half. The cows all went back to the gully this after noon, when I went back for them they were nosing around half way to the culvert but they came when I called them. Lila came over with Frank to stay all night. Dick came home to tea. After we sat down to tea Roy Bannister came after Dad. to go and see their old horse which he said was choking. Dad. had his tea and then went over to see it. Tiddums allowed Enah to play the whole evening for Dick and me. and I didn't go to bed till about eleven. It has been a beautiful day quite hot but to-night a very heavy thunder storm came up and it rained & hailed nearly all evening, that in the spring means cold weather. Saturday March 10th We got up pretty fairly early this morning and Dad discovered that the calves were in the sheep pen and upon investigation found that they had come through the barn and had let the sheep all out. we supposed the wind last night had blown the barn doors open. Another little bit of excitement we had was Dick discovering that Lila had come in to his room before he was awake and taken his Romany Club pin of his coat. and she wouldn't give it back. She said he had no right to it as he didn't belong to their club. but he said he was going to keep it as they had sold it to him. We found out later when Winnie came over that Lila had lost hers, and there wasn't anothe one so she had taken Dick's but Win persuaded </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to give it back as they had found the lost one. I think Dick bought it so as there wouldn't be enough to go round and led them to under stand he was buying it for another member of the club. We got the chores done up pretty early but didn't get any thing else much done. Dad. went over to Bannister's to see their horse and says he thinks it will die. Roy came back with him and fooled around with Frank nearly all morning and at last went home with an Horatio Alger book after Frank had showed about half a dozen {"tame" illegible} Win and Lila went home soon after dinner. This afternoon Dad drove Enah and Frank down town, Enah sold her butter and Frank got a new suit which he is highly delighted with. Dad arranged with Marshall to send our cream to the butter factory in April.The roads were a fright, frost nearly out in some places. I cut wood and cleaned out enough threshed blue grass to shut the barn doors. It rained this morning this after noon very high wind and colder not quite freezing to-night. Dick had to work tonight. Tiddums on the mend slept most of the day. Sunday March 16th Aunty said the boys went down to sunday school & church I helped Dad do up some of the chores and then left here about eleven for church. I was a little late of course so sat in the back with Dick & Fred Tuck. Quint came over to dinner with us and this afternoon he Dick & I went down town and sat around down at the Vigilant with Jim {Muth?} till six. Dick stayed down to tea at Huby's but I came home. Dad did up the chores. It froze last night and has been much colder to-day with a sharp wind. Freezing pretty hard to night. Snow flurries to day. Monday March 17th Dad. and I caught the two young gobblers this morning and put them up over the pig pen, where we hope to get them in a corpulent state, one for home consumption and the other to convert into cash, we started before dinner to move more alsike & bluegrass threshing and this after noon got it all out of the drive way and piled in one corner of the empty bent in the barn as high as was convenient to pich, there is still quite a pile in the shed. Enah went down town to church this afternoon, there is church every afternoon this week now. Dick came home with her. Tom. Abbot was in this morning to see Dad. about his mare who has distemper. It froze pretty stiff last night and there has been a rather sharp breeze to-day but sunny. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday March 18th I went down town this morning took some saws down for Emery to sharpen and got him to come over to morrow to help us build a smoke house. I also saw Huby and asked him to come over as Dad. wanted to speak to him about tendering for a mail route. He came over this afternoon and said he would think about it. I got a pair of low shoes and came home. This after noon we tore down most of the old chicken house as that is were we expect to get the material for the smoke house. Skinny Ryersie came over this after noon with the ewe Bol. {Milly?} wanted to keep her for awhile. He said it was one of my old ones, but I dont beleive I would have recognised it. Aunty went down to church this afternoon. Art Quanbury was in soon after dinner and got all the white wyandotte pullets (14). It has been very much milder but windy. Wednesday March 19th Emery did not show up this morning as we expected and we found out afterwards that he stayed at home to help Mrs. McPherson get ready to go to Courtright in the morning. Dad. and I finished taking the nails out of the old chicken house boards and I just hung around this after noon and went back to the gully where I heard a frog. Enah went down to church this afternoon. To-night Dick and Frank went to the show the Presbyterian church had in the town hall called "The Old District School" which they enjoyed very much. I had a good practice. Lovely day very mild the frost nearly all out. Thursday March 20th Emery came over this morning and built the smoke house getting it all finished by to-night. Dad. & I helped him and I cleaned out the separator this after noon Aunty went down to church to-day. Emery stayed here to tea and Cecil came over here to find him. After tea Dick. Emery Cecil and I went down town & I went to band practice Dick got his first long pants to-night but I don't think he likes them much. It rained a little and was threatening this morning but turned out fine and was a beautiful night. Friday March 21st It poured rain most of the morning. Frank and Enah went down to church as this is Good Friday. Cecil McPherson came over and said he thought I would </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> stay here awhile on his way to his Grandpa's, but owing to the weather he stayed till after dinner when his father came and called for him. A terrific wind got up about noon and blew things "galley west." It flatened our barnyard fence. tore some of the roof of our cow stable rooted up the old half dead mountain ash tree at the corner of the spare bedroom and blew over our new smoke house. We three boys went down town and found the water very high down at the pier. We noticed Woodson's tank has blown off its tower and their fence is lying all over the sidewalk. Aunty and I intended to go to church to-night but as the wind was so bad we decided to stay home and I had a pretty fair practice. Dick went down town to a party at {Bessie?} Gaham's. Saturday March 22nd Dad and I & Frank fixed up the fence around the barnyard which blew down yesterday. Roy Bannister came over to spend the morning with Frank. This after noon Dad and I went down town to get some groceries. We have to take beef for Easter as the wind yesterday blew apart the pig pen door and both the turkeys got loose and we haven't caught them yet. We heard of quite a lot of damage being done around here several wind mills put out of business and the roof blew off Chast. Wooleys barn. but by the paper we see there is much more damage done in other parts of the province. Dad. got his hair cut and I waited around till he got through Mrs. Lawrie was here when we got back. I had a good practice to-night. Sunny with cold wind. Sunday March 23rd As this was Easter Sunday, Dad. and Enah managed to get down to church while Aunty looked after Tiddums. This after noon I wasted in sleeping and reading Dad & Frank did all the chores. It was cloudy this morning and rained all the afternoon. Aunty wanted to go to church to-night but couldn't on account of the weather. Franks got 12 eggs to-day which is more than he has got since Christmas but for that it has seemed very un-Eastery. Monday March 24th I didn't do any thing much to-day but chores Dad & Frank cleaned up the old barn, and I read a lot of "Tom Dick & Harry". Jimmy Lawse came over quite </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> early this morning and got Fred. Dad. was disappointed Bob. didn't see her before she got all wet and muddy but I saw Bob to-night and he said she was in better shape than he expected. The fellow that lives down at the corner where Andre used to live was over this morning to see if he could buy some little pigs as he had a lot of milk going to waste, he seemed disappointed when he couldn't get them but Dad. didn't want to sell any and had had a lot speak before. It poured rain all last night and most of the morning but was clear all the afternoon. About dark it began again and kept it up all night to-night. Dick and I went down to the Orchestra dance to-night, it was raining so hard when we left about 3 am that we went down to Huby's. I just took off my coat and boots and lay on the sofa. Dick I guess turned in with Quint. About six I came home. Dick spent about half of his holiday yesterday in bed and the other half in town. Tuesday March 25th It poured rain all last night and this forenoon, the mud is terrible. Tobe and Dick stayed at Hubert's after the ball. Tobe got home just as Frank and I were getting the fires going. We did very little but chores all day, the papers are full of the awful loss of life and property caused by the storm on Good Friday. It was fair for a little while this afternoon but is raining and freezing a little tonight. Wednesday March 26th A very heavy fog this morning, but mild the ice was dropping from the trees, we took Joe and Ginger on the lumber wagon and moved the big bin from the drive house over to the old barn there we put on three sacks of oats to go to the mill, we got there and then on down town. Aunty went with us, (Frank & me) she stayed down town. Frank and I got home about noon with our chop and our flour. After dinner we cleaned up some wheat. Aunty got home about six. Dick did not get home to tea. Toby went down to have a practice. It is a dark dismal night and not knowing whether to snow or rain. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday March 27th It blew & snew all day so we didn't do any thing out side but chores. I drew a little this morning while Dad. paid a visit to Alfred and Frank worked at his Mecanno. We weren't sure whether Dick would be home to-night with the mail. I walked down after it, I saw Dick and we went down and got our Science books and I brought them home. I took my horn down this afternoon and went down to band practice to-night. Dick did get home to tea after all. The papers are full of accounts of the awful floods in Ohio.There has been a blizzard most of the day and to-night is freezing quite stiff. Snow all over again Friday March 28th We put in most of the day to-day hauling hay. We had two motives for so doing. first because we were out of hay both in horse stable and cow barn. and secondly because we wanted to get at the clover which was under what we hauled for the sheep, we just cut a square out of one corner of the blue grass mow and took out all the blue grass till we struck clover. We could only haul half loads as the mud under the frozen crust was to hard to pull through but Joe & Ginger did it. We hauled one half load to the other barn and half a one to the horse stable and put half a one on the rack Frank pitched out of the mow Dad pitched on and I loaded. Enah went down town this morning and Aunty went calling at Brileys & Martin's this afternoon. It has been very sunny all day but a cold wind, freezing to-night. Saturday March 29th Frank, Dad and I cleaned up more wheat this morning but have quite a lot left yet. Nig. came over this morning and he and Frank went back hunting this after noon around the gully. I went back too with my camera. I intended to follow the south creek to its source but as I couldn't get across it and there were several branches to it I had to keep on the south of every branch. I was led at last nearly to Colin {McKellige's?} barn - and then I went down to Cedar swamp in quest of skunk cabbage but as I was on the wrong side of that creek and the log was gone I didnt find any, I think it is a little early any way. I heard a dog barking down the stream and upon investigation, discovered Billy Louis & Balby </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wright with their dog's. I talked to them awhile and then came part way home with Billy the same way I came went. Dad. and Aunty went down town this after noon. Dad. settled up with Bob Miller for Fred. he got $60.00 for her, just what he asked and Bob said she was worth it. Bob offered him $48.00 for the twelve little pigs now but Dad. doesn't want to sell them till he has spoken to the othe people who have asked for them, he saw Carl Coleman coming over here on his way home with his cow who had another piece of turnip in her throat. Dick did not get home to tea to-night. It has been much milder to-day and very sunny. Sunday March 30th I went down to church this morning. Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday School and church. Dick stayed down at Huby's to tea dinner. This after noon I decided to take a walk up to Wooley's to make sure whether the roof was off his barn or not as we have heard conflicting reports concerning it. I fell in with Jacks Spain & Winn, Lewie Larose & Geordie Spain. and they came to the conclusion that they would go with me, but Lewie didn't go very far. The rest of went up to Wooley's point with out much adventure, then I left them there to go and ascertain the facts of the barn case, and found it in perfectly good condition and I didn't think it was likely they would have it all fixed up so soon. I came back to the lake just by Hay Creek and saw the other fellows down the beach, and saw by their foot prints that they had kept on the beach so I thought if they could go that way I could too but soon found out that I was very much mistaken. I got into quicksand above my boot tops and just covered myself with mud (I was fool enough to have worn my good clothes) I lost one rubber and fished around with my fingers for about five minutes before I found it. I struck for the bank at the first opportunity and stayed there till I got to where I knew I wouldn't have to cross any more mud. I washed my rubbers off as well as I could. When I got down to McCoy's bush I found Skinny & Perce Ryersie with Fred Tuck Bangers & Smock making maple syrup they had quite a quantity of sap gathered and were boiing it down right there. I took a picture of them and then homeward plodded my weary way, via the back streets of Dover thus escaping the notice of most of the good people who might scoff at my appearance. I stopped at Huby's </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to try and brush off some of the mud but did not succeed he gave me a piece of Sassafras root which Mr Henderson had got. Lovely sunny day but muddy in spots. Monday March 31st Dad. went off this morning to settle up about the sale of his little pigs, he saw. John Quanbury & Vyse and they didn't want to block the sale of the bunch so he sold the eleven of them to Bob. Miller for forty five dollars he had given the runt to Frank so couldn't sell it with the rest. I did the chores up and Tapper came through on his way down town. This afternoon the old man that lives down at the corner came up here with his cream to churn as Dad. told him he might this morning. Part of the barn gate fence blew down in the morning and some of the cattle got into the field. About four o'clock Dad. and I went up to Ham Thompsons and Dad bought his registered short horn bull calf for fifty five dollars although he wanted sixty as he says their price has gone up very much lately. We didn't get home till six so were late with the chores. Dick did not get home to tea to-night I suppose as it is the last of the month It rained alittle this morning, cloud, windy and colder to-night. Tuesday April 1st There was a very strong wind blowing all day to-day and as wind makes Dad. sick & mad. we didn't do anything but chores, but did them thoroughly, we also went out and I held the ladder while Dad nailed a board on the eve of the cow stable roof, as the wind was getting under our roofing paper and tearing it. This afternoon I slept most of the time and Dad made some meat hooks out of the rod he got from Butler the other day. Aunty went down town this morning and stayed down till after the auxillary this after noon. Dick did not get home to tea. I had a good practice to-night. Ed. Aikens was in this after noon to see Dad. about a dog which he left here to be looked after. Cold but sunny to-day. Froze pretty stiffly last night but the wind dried up a lot of mud. Wednesday April 2nd Dad. and I put up the barnyard fence again this morning which the wind blew down the day before yesterday While we were at it the old man at the corner, whose name he told us was Mr. Green, but who is commonly known as Jonas by the surrounding neighbourhood.) came in and bargained for a load of hay. Dad. said he </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> would let him have a load of thashed alsike for five dollars but would not deliver it with the roads in the shape they are, so this after noon he got Allan Law to come and get it for him, his wife came last night so he is a little more cheerful, Charlie Martin was over this morning for awhile to see about getting some meat smoked and he helped us raise the smoke house. We chopped up the old mountain ash tree that blew down and got a small pile of firewood from it. This after noon we didn't do much as Allan Law and his friend Jonas came after the latter's hay and we stayed out at the barn watching them work. Tupper came in soon after their exodus and entertained us for about an hour relating the history of Jonas, & Sairy his wife as he had known them in the days of his youth when they lived near Waterford. It appears that Jonas has a few shingles of his roof and that some of Saiway's "as Jonas evidently calls her are loose. It was rather late in the life of each of them when they entered upon their matrimonial career and all has not been perfectly clear sailing since as they now and then strike a rock in the shape of a pugilistic bout, in which the old lady generally comes off with the laurels. Many were the anecdotes he told of pranks & tricks enjoyed by the juvenile portion of the comunnity at Mr. Green's expence and one case where that gentleman's claw's did him a good service in peeling a youth's face with whom he was engaged in battle. Aunty went down town this after noon and brough back a note from Mrs. Lawson containing news of the arrival of a new member to the house of Tupper, and it was to be delivered to the head of that house. Mrs. Tupper is down at Mrs. Lawson's and the stork called yesterday morning but Mrs. Lawson hadn't seen anybody to carry the tidings home. Tupper said this after noon he in tended to call down there the end of this week or the beginning of next to see if there was any thing doing, he supposed they would let him know if a boy came but if it was a girl he didn't care a cent. Poor Tupper it was a girl and he was going fishing to-night. Just before ten to-night Billy Barlow drove in he had been down in this country after beef and dropped in to see us and Dad sold him his two gobblers. Dick did not come home to tea to-night but I went down to private band practice and we came home to gether. {Pat Slow...?} Roy Dell & Walt were at band practice and we had a fairly good one. Very nice day to-day Sunny and quite mild, Roads are drying up fast. Blacker than a stack of black cats to-night. Found 4 duck eggs in mudpuddle </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Mr. Green came in this morning for a little visit before breakfast and sat by the door with his hat on all the time we were eating. We couldn't do very much out side to day on account of the weather but this morning we finished cleaning up the wheat and this after noon started to clean up oats but didn't get much done Emery came over with the pieces he is going to put on the bed piece of the rack to rest on the holster instead of the cross pieces on the holster but he couldnt finish the job as the bolts he brought over didn't have a long enough thread cut on them. Tonight I went down to band practice with Emery. I wore my steel boots and gaiters to keep off the mud and I left my horn at Hubys. It has rained nearly all day to-day with thunder and lightening but seems to have cleared off to-night. It seems there is a new fellow now negotiating with the town concerning a canning factory they have formed a joint stock company and yesterday sold $8000 worth of shares they want to sell $15000 worth. Friday April 4th Dad. & I drove Joe & Ginger up to Simcoe to-day. Dad went to Frank Reid's and paid the intrest on the mortgage and $1000 of the principal which Aunty got and wanted to pay last fall but couldn't as they wouldn't take it till the right date. We got there just a little after twelve and Dad. just caught Mr. Reid as he was leaving for dinner we also called around to see Billy Barlow but his shop door was locked so we dropped in at Church's and got our old harnessed fixed and came home getting here about half past three. The roads were very bad in some places especially in the streets of Simcoe, we didn't go by the half way house but turned at the cemetry corner and came out on the gravel at St. John's as Carl Coleman told me the other night there was a bad place near Brad. Bowlby's but we found the back roadway good condition. We had our dinner and did up a few chores after we got home Charlie Martin came over just before tea and tuned the piano Dick came home to tea. It has been cloudy and threatening all day but quite mild. It rained before and after we were at Simcoe but was fair all the time we were gone. Quint was over a couple of times after some ducks, Frank saw in the timothy field. But - Saturday April 5th Frank and Dad. went up to Ham. Thompson's about the first thing this morning and got our bull, they were gone quite a while as he gave them considerable trouble </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and got away once and ran way down the track. We have to think of name for him as is to be registered. While they were gone Quint and George Haymaker came along, they had come up the creek and came over here to see if the dudes were here, but they weren't. George wanted to know if I knew any body around here by the name of Mull or some name sounding like that, who kept brown leg horn chickens and lived a long way in from the road; by this last hint I suppose I mentioned Tapper which proved to be the correct answer; they didn't know the way over there so I showed them part way as George wanted to get some eggs. This afternoon Frank & Enah went down town for supplies. I cut wood and Dad carried hay and then we hung the hams all up in the smoke house Dick didn't come home to tea to-night. It has been colder and windy to-day with quite a snow storm to-night. Sunday March April 6th Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday school and I went to church this morning. This afer noon I drew a pattern to carve and Dick went down town. Dad. did nearly all the chores. Toby and Hallie have gone in to have some music so I told him I would finish this, there is little more to say. It has been a cold miserable day, quite a wind with occasional snow flurries, it is freezing hard tonight. Monday April 7th I didn't do anything much to-day, helped Dad. a little clean out the place where we had the calves as he wants to build a stall for the bull (who by the way we have decided to call Dreadnought after Aunty's suggestion) in one corner of it. Dad. lit a fire in the smoke house this morning and about noon Art Quanbury came over with Charlie Martin's hams and some side meat of his fathers which Dad promised to smoke. Bob. Miller came over and got the little pigs to-day. He paid $44.00 for the eleven but left Runty for Frank, we left him in with the old sow but soon had to remove him as we heard a terrible racket in the pig pen and when Dad went to investigate found the old sow with the little pig down and treating it in a very savage manner and if she had been left to continue would soon have killed it but as it was she didn't hurt it much Aunty went down town this after noon, and something or other struck Enah to go down to A.Y.P.A. to-night so Dad. went with her I guess it was because Aunty Maude was going to recite. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dick did not get home to tea to-night we don't know whether he had to work or not. We think of getting up early in the morning and going fishing back in the gully. Ray Dell told Frank to-night that Earn. Fleming caught 6 pike above the culvert at our place yesterday or the day before. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. It was cloudy and inclined to snow this morning but turned sunny & muddy & mild this after noon. Lovely night. {indistinct marks on page} Tuesday April 8th Dad finished building his bull stall to-day. I didn't do much in the morning but this afternoon I pruned another apple tree. We got up about half past five this morning and started to the gully armed with a rifle and two pitch forks. We went down to the culvert and walked up but didn't see a sign of aquatic life except a mud turtle who was too cold to resist my picking him out of the water on my fork and some sort of a fish about a foot long which I speared at but missed. I also saw two minnows. Aunty went down town to the dentists this morning and was successful in finding the door unlocked and Bill in working order. Dick had to work to-night and said when he got home that got nearly through he only made a mistake of $1800.00. Froze hard last night, sunny & breezy to-day. Wednesday April 9th This morning I started to clean up the lawn in front of the house and I raked the grass across the ditch. Then Dad. & I went back to the gully and burned some of the old grass on the flat. After dinner went back again. we burned quite a lot of it but it is a little too wet to run. When we got back we bolted the pieces on the bed pieces of the rack. To-night I went down with my horn to practice but found there was a public meeting on in the hall and consequently no practice so I went to the meeting, it was about the new school bylaw. Mr. Ivey was speaking when I went in, and he was against it. Then Dr. Hicks & Mr. Robertson who were for it had a little say, then Old Maneer & Dr. Jolly the former for & the latter against it. Old Maneer told us that as he had lived in the back woods all his life he had no education so would like to see a good school and that if nobody else would build it for less than $28000.00 he would take the contract himself. They spent a good part of the time arguing who was going to have the last word but Mr. Ivey left before it was over I think Dick & I did any way and got home after eleven. Aunty went down town this morning and stayed down all night as Aunty Maude has not been at all well all day. It has been a nice day but with quite a cold wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday April 10th It rained nearly all day so we didn't do much but chores. As I was cleaning out the stable this morning I got a sharp stitch in my side and had to go in the house and lie down till after dinner, and it was quite a while after dinner before it entirely left me. Aunty came over this morning. This afternoon Dad fixed up the boxstall door and cleaned & admired Queen. To-night I went down to band practice to-night. There weren't many there as all the orchestra went to Port Rowan to a dance. Bob. Rankin was down and we had a pretty fair practice. Dick had to work all evening hunting for a mistake of 40 something dollars and we came home to-gether through the pouring rain. Quint got word by telephone to-day from Geordie Allen saying he had a job for him and he is to go to Port Coulborne to morrow night. He doesn't know yet what the job is but thinks it is on a boat. Friday April 11th Quint came over this morning to say goodbye to us and I went out with him to get his traps which he set for the ducks and we scared up six but were too far away to get a shot at them. Aunty went down with Quint and is going to stay down all night I went over as far as Martin's with them and Aunty got Mrs. Charlie Martin to telephone down to see if Bagley & Miller's car of potatoes had come yet but they hadn't so I went over again after the train should have come in but they weren't here. This after noon Jonas came over to prune apple trees. We hardly knew him as he has had his beard shaved off. he got over quite a lot of trees but didn't cut out any thing much but the suckers. He says he will be over to-morrow if it is fine but has to go to work for Ivey on Monday. I went down to-night to see Quint off. Dick was down and said he would have to look for his mistake again to-night. Cloudy & very mild, windy Saturday April 12th Jonas came over at seven this morning and pruned in the orchard all day. He got pretty well over all the trees but I think they would stand a lot more being cut out of them. Dad & I went down to Porter's in the lumber waggon and got back about two o'clock. The roads were awful in places. Art. Ryersie just scraped his hill before the rain so it was like a mortar bed, so to miss it we came home but the Plank road and it was just about as hard pulling down the hill above the brick yard as it would have been </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> pulling up Art. Ryersie's. Dad. & Enah walked down town after dinner and did not get back till after six. Dad. voted for the School by-law and before he came home found out that it had carried by a majority of 10 in town but they hadn't heard from the town-ship yet, most likely the moss backs will be against it. I started to dig up the plum trees out on the front lawn this afternoon but the ground was too wet. Frank and I found the turkey nests right out here along the side of the road. Aunty came over this morning after she had voted. Dick is still in quest of his mistake. Jim Law was in here this morning trying to sell Enah some tea & coffee but didn't. Dark & threatening all day but quite mild. Sunday April 13th Dad. caught a whole family of rats in the horse stable last night in the cage trap, there was a mother and five ratlets. He had to drown them although he hated to. He also discovered that Bob's ewe had a lamb last night. Aunty & the boys went down to Sunday school and I went down late to church. This afternoon Dick and I took some duck eggs down to Mrs. Tuck and Dick bought a film for Frank's camera with the money. We hung around the lake till about five o'clock with Roy Dell and then came home. We found Pud. Smythe & his father had been here all the afternoon and were just going We went in on our way down to see Jona's colt which came this morning. It is a nice colt only one hind leg is crookeder than a snake fence. Enah went to church to-night and Dick went down with her but said he was not going to church. Lovely day, roads drying up fast. Monday April 14th Dad managed to poke a hole through the blocade in the center of the culvert this morning with a scantling and as there was such a head of water on it washed it out clear and in a few minutes it drained the lake that has been in the field on the west side of the road all spring & winter. Then we grubbed out the six plum trees that were planted all in a heap along the lane in the lawn as they were full of black knot and haven't borne fruit since we came here so we want to plant a grape vine in their place. While we were out there Billy Louis drove along breaking his colt then Art. Ryersie, then Mr. Monteith came and each stopped to talk Charlie Martin came over and talked till nearly noon. This after noon I fixed the place up where we dug out the trees and Dad bunched them out. When we went out to the {Courslake?} we had to spend some time with Bolly who had a </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> big bull calf just come.We were rather late getting through to-night but Dad & I went down to Mrs. {Halles?} as soon as we could get ready after tea. Dick came all the home after he had had his tea to tell Dad. to take his songs down but he didn't. We had a nice evening and enjoyed Miss Prest's playing on the violin very much. We got home about twelve and came with Dick who had just got through work as we came out. Aunty Maude went to London to-day as delegate to the W.A. Meetings and Aunty has gone down to keep house for Huby & the girls Charlie Martin got his meat this after noon. and Dad is going to take ours out as it is smoked enough. It has been very nice & sunny but with rather raw east wind. Tuesday April 15th Sam. Law came after Dad. this morning to put a team on the road scraper so he took Joe & Ginger and has had them at it all day. They used the old three cornered dray that has been leaning up against our barn since the reign of Titus and just had the two teams on. Law's & ours. Sam drove their team this morning and Allan drove this after noon. Dad got home about five to-night and said he would have been home half an hour earlier but they hauled the scraper to Law's and Sam was bound he should see their bull calf - and then Allan insisted on him going in to hear a record or two on his new graphaphone. I didn't do much but chores this morning but chores and this after noon took a walk over the estate. I found the wheat in some places to be pretty badly killed but where we ploughed the manure under it is pretty good and where it was top dressed is better than where there is none at all. On the fall ploughing I noticed that parts of the fields are dry as a bone hat in other places it is a little too soggy to work yet. I went back to the gully & burnt a lot more grass but didn't have anything to carry the fire. I went back to the woods and saw quite a lot of May flowers and two garter snakes Dick came home to tea with the mail but had to go back to work. Mild, sunny & breezy. Wednesday April 16th Dad. & I went down first thing this morning with Joe & Ginger & the lumber waggon to get the team shod. we didn't get back till noon. I got some things up town and then went down to Huby's where Aunty showed me where to get some raspberriesroots. I also got a white rose root, one of the old bushes This afternoon I set them out but didn't get all the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> raspberries put out. Dad got a load of rails, we intended if we had had time to have gone back and harrowed a little this after noon, Vyse has started disking. Frank & Dick had tea at Huby's to-night as they are going to a show in the town hall. Jonas came over to night to pay Dad for what he owed him on the hay and got some apples. One of the hen turkeys died during the night. When Dad went out to feed the calves to-night he gave Frank's runt a big feed of milk - and when he returned he found the poor pig dead at the back of its pen. Lovely sunny day quite hot. Thursday April 17th Dad. started to work on the field this side of the gully on the east side of the lane with Joe & Ginger. He harrowed all morning. I went back with him but just as we got back I noticed the colts out. I went back to put them in. Tig undertook to help me but as she chased them way over to the side road I shut her up in the stable I managed to get them back into the barn yard through the lane. While I was after them Taurus & all the calves got out and I chased them for about an hour but a last had to shut them up just where they were. some of them in the clover field, John in the plum orchard and left Jim out on the road. I then planted out the raspberries and Dad put the calves in when he came up. This after noon Aunty came over for a few minutes Dad. took the disks back and disked what he harrowed this morning, some of the land is a little too wet to work yet. I did chores. and cleaned up my horn with some stuff of Quint's which Aunty brought over. its what they used down on the "Vigilant". and is great stuff. To-night I went down to band practice. Roy. Dell. Walt & John Smith were the only ones there. Dad. went down with me and got the baby carriage which Mrs. Johnston sent to Enah. He came home with Dick who hasn't been working all the after noon. We went down to Huby's for awhile after practice Aunty Maude came home to-night. None of us expected her It has been a lovely day, sunny & hot. Friday April 18th Dad and I worked on the land all day. I disked with Belle & Harry and Dad harrowed wth the little team. We are just working up half the field and are going to try to get it in to morrow after noon. Enah took Tiddums down town this after noon in his fancy carriage. Aunty & Win came over to-night. but Win had to go back after tea. Dick went home with her. Very warm, thunder & lightening after tea but no rain to speak of. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday April 19th I went out and disked all morning. Dad. and Frank got out the drill and cleaned up some oats, then Dad. came out and harrowed for a couple of hours before noon We didn't get out very early after dinner owing to chores and things but Dad. got sowed nearly all we have worked up and I harrowed after him Frank & Roy Bannister have been hobnobbing to-gether this after noon. Frank went down to Law's after the butter and stayed quite awhile listening to the phonograph We didn't get in till late to-night and didn't get through tea till about nine I had a bath and went to bed Aunty was down town all the after noon. The old sow got out at noon and our efforts to recapture her were unsuccessful. Frank put some apples in her pen but she waited till we were all away before she ate them and then came out again. It froze last night and there has been a cold north wind all day very strong this after noon quite sunny. Sunday April 20th Aunty & the boys went down to Sunday school and I came to church. Lila came over to dinner with us and is staying all night. This after noon, Lila Aunty and I went back to the woods and got some wild flowers. Frank rode his bicycle out to the Shand's and he & Charlie rode out to Renton. Dick spent the after noon with the girls down town. Dicky Smith came over to see Dad. about pasturing a calf this summer, and Dad. said he would. Uncle Ward & Aunt Lucy also came over. Enah went down alone to church to-night. It froze quite hard last night and there has been a cold wind to-day. Monday April 21st We have been working on the land all day. I went out to disk this morning but the ground was so frozen for an hour or two that it did very little good. Dad. took Joe & Ginger and went down town this morning and got the potatoes which came at last. When he got back he came out and harrowed the rest of the morning and all the after noon. We are now cross disking & cross harrowing it. and we think we will be able to sow to-morrow after noon. Sam. Law came over at noon to borrow the drill and Vyse came and got his roller. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. Aunty went down to Huby's to-night & I went with her she expects to leave for Toronto to-morrow night. Cold, but sunny </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday April 22nd Dad. kept Frank home this morning and they cleaned up enough seed oats to finish this field. I I disked all morning and finished crossing the field. Dad came out a little before noon and started to drill and drilled all the afternoon just finishing up to-night. I followed him with the harrows and it was after six when I got through but the field is now put in, in good shape and running out the ditches is all that remains to be done. Dick did not come home to-night as he said if he didn't have to work he was going to an old time social in the Methodist church. Frank went to school this after noon & he & Dick went down to the station to see Aunty off. The cows knocked the fence down around the barn-yard and some of them got out so I had to come up to try & put them in but I only got one in so I shut them up in the stable and fixed the fence as well as I could - as we both had to stop in the field for Dad to watch my team. It has been cloudy & cool all the morning it looked threatening and did rain a little but this after noon it came out sunny & hot. Wednesday April 23rd We had a terrific Thunder storm last night and as it was pouring rain when I woke at 5 this morning I had another little sleep. The rain cleared off and it came out very hot before noon I opened up a lot of ditches in the old corn ground and Toby and I trimmed up all the sheep. Dick did not come home to tea and Toby went to band practice after tea. Thursday April 24th We were up early this A.M. Frank went to Vyse's after the grass seeder, before breakfast. I had to go down to Art Ryerses first thing had a dickens of a job. Toby and I got the wheat ground all seeded and a lot of the ditches opened up on the Timothy sod, he had to go down to Joe Longs to see a cow, and after tea tonight I had to go down to old Jonas {Greens?}, The boys, Frank and Dick were at Wess's tea party. Tobe is down at band practice It has been very hot all day, every thing has grown since the rain </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday April 25th Toby, having finished a game of hide and seek with Dick and Frank is too tired to write so is exchanging work with me and is darning stockings. This moning was bright and very warm Toby & Harry dug ditches in the old Timothy sod preparatory to sowing oats. They also burnt off the grass around the fences and set fire to a post. Sam Law extinguished the blaze before any damage was done. In the afternoon Toby disked the oat field. Harry did all the chores, brought up the harrows on the stone boat ready to take out in the morning, went out for a load of rails, came in and did up the chores for the night. At noon we had a visitation from our friend Jonas who has a sick cow and came for advice. This has been an exceedingly hot day, unseasonably hot. Saturday April 26th As our supply of milk has run out Frank has taken {much of this paragraph is too faint to make out} Sunday April 27th It rained all night nearly, not very hard but a steady cool rain, which will the wheat a lot of good and which is bursting the buds on all the trees. Frank went down to Sunday school and Dick and I went down to church. This after noon I read my self to sleep (although I tried not to) and so wasted half a day. Dad. & Frank did chores. Dick went down town for awhile. It didn't rain much this afternoon. Mr. Lawrie was in church this morning & Mr. Herbert prot. the sermon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday April 28th This morning Dad and Toby packed the sawdust in around the edge of the ice-house and put some some blue-grass on top. Then we went out and cleaned up about 20 bushels of oats. Frank was sick all day and did not go to school. I think he feels better now as he is talking a blue streak. After dinner Dad went out and cleaned out ditches in the north-west field this side of the gulch. Toby did the chores in the afternoon and then went out and dug up two maple trees in the woods besides fooling around picking flowers. Between 4 and 6 o'clock while Frank was sleeping on the kitchen sofa and Enah was in the dining-room some unknown person came in and left a silver spoon on the kitchen table for Tiddums with his initials carved on it and then went away before anyone saw her or him. It was cloudy and windy all day with about ten minutes sunshine. Tuesday April 29th Dad. has been opening up ditches all day out in the field next Ivey's where we sowed the oats and is now pretty well finished. I cut some wood this morning and then went back to the woods and dug up a couple of maple trees one of which I brought up at noon with me & we planted in place of one of the dead ones along the lane. This after noon I dug up two more and Dad. & I put out one of them to-night. The other two I left down in the creek so as the roots wouldn't dry out. Frank has been home all day although he feels a lot better to-day. This after noon Wyatt Waddle came in with the {catalogue?} for the Massey Harris Company and he proved himself to be a good man for the company not only by persuading Dad. to order a manure spreader, but Dad. seemed to like him & showed him Queen who he thought like everyone else was perfect. We got the manure spreader on easy terms as we don't have to make a payment on it till a year from next fall when we pay 28 dollars & 50 dollars a year for the next two years. Dick told us to-night that Huby had got a job at the canning factory which they started work on to-day. He went down to the dance to-night. I only have five cents to my name so stayed home although I guess I could have got enough tin to take me sunny & mild but a cool wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday April 30th This morning we planted out the four little trees which I had dug up, then we went over to see what the field looked like, it is getting pretty dry, from there we went over to see if Sam Law's wheat was any better than ours, but it wasn't. We found him over trimming up the limbs he had cut out of his orchard. As he was just contemplating a visit to Alfred who was disking the other side of the hedge we made a joint attack and sat around over there for about an hour. so by the time we had wandered back home it was noon. This after noon instead of working on the field as we had thought of doing, we took our wheat down to the mill. I went down and harrowed some sacks from Blight and we had to make two trips of it as the ground was a little soft. We had eighteen bags and it went over two bus {bushels}. to the bag, that job took up all the afternoon. Tonight I went down to band practice and came home with Dick. The school board were having a meeting, we heard after wards that Mr. Ivey called it but as none but kickers attended it soon adjourned with out any thing being done except Old Stringer falling down stairs coming out so Pud. Slocomb says. Nice day Mild & sunny cool breeze. Thursday May 1st We worked on the land all day to-day. I disked & Dad. harrowed, we have it in pretty nice shape now I went down to band practice to-night. Dick went down with me although he didn't have to work. Jonas came over to pay Dad for some hay he got this morning and he stayed half the night telling them stories of his experiences in the United States with, snakes bears and such like. Cars. Rankin told us to-night that his Dad is laid up with blood poisoning and is in pretty bad shape, they just moved back to town the other day It has been sunny and fair with a cool breeze. Friday May 2nd We worked on the land all day. I cross disked & Dad. harrowed. We could have drilled it to day I suppose but thought we would have it in extra good shape. Enah took Tiddums down to Mrs. Battersby's this afternoon. I nearly went to sleep on the disk this afternoon It has been fair & sunny. Sun set clear to-night. Saturday May 3rd Bill Oaks came over this morning with his grey horse </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {This page is a duplicate of page 50}. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> which had hurt his head in the manger. Later in the morning he came over and borrowed the clover seeder, which he brought back at noon and had a short visit. All Ivey's men except the teamsters quit at noon on Saturdays now. and the factory closes at twelve instead of one. Dad. drilled what we have worked up to-day. Itook him till a little after noon and then he harrowed I hitched to the waggon this morning & took the seed out and left the waggon for Frank to fill with rails and then disked nearly all of this end of the field the rest of the day. Frank did chores & odd jobs. Charlie Batter{sby?} was in here to-night to see Dad about a colt which came this morning. I started to cut the lawn to-night. Dick went for a swim at the stump to-night, but I guess I will have to hit the tub. Very hot to-day. Dick went down town to-night to hear the result of the election recount, which they were having in Simcoe over the school by law but he couldn't hear. Sunday May 4th The boys went down to Sunday school and I went to church. This afternoon Dad. Enah & Tiddums started to drive out to Jim. Waddles. but before they had gone far Tiddums objected so strongly to continuing the journey that they were forced to return. Lila had come over so Dad. took Frank & her to Jim. Waddle's. Dick & I went down town Dick went off with some girls. but I went up the beach. and hung around alone, till I was about cooked and then came home. We let Artful Dodger out to-night and he was so weak on account of always being shut up that he could hardly walk. Frank McBride came over to-night with a note from his mother saying to send the washing over there as she would be unable to come here so Frank went back with it to-night with Frank Mc. Lila stayed to tea, and Dick went down home with her after. It has been exceptionally hot to-day but is cooler to-night and feels as if it had rained somewhere near. Monday May 5th We got a fairly good early start. I cross disked all day and Dad. harrowed. This after noon Dad was afraid it was going to rain so went & got the drill and some seed & put in all we had worked up about 2 acres. If it doesn't rain we will be through on that field to-morrow. Caw. Rankine was in here to-night to have Dad. look at his horse's teeth as {Schavley?} had told him that if a horse got wolfe teeth </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> it would go blind. After tea Mrs. McBride brought the washing back. It has been very hot to-day and looks rainy. Fred's calf got out two or three times to-day and tried our patience sorely at it's own cost. Mully also got out but went in easier. Tuesday May 6th We finished up the field to-day. Dad. has to sow a little by hand around the water holes and he may harrow the whole field over. I disked all day. & Dad. harrowed and drilled. I took seed out in the waggon this morning but we had to clean up another sack at noon to finish with. I brought back rails in the waggon both at noon & to-night. I cut lawn before tea till Dick came & inticed me to play catch with him. Very much cooler to-day with quite a breeze this after noon Wednesday May 7th Dad. went out this morning and sowed by hand around the water holes and then harrowed all day on that field. It is now finished all but running & cleaning the ditches. I brought the disks up and disked on the old corn ground all day and got nearly over it. It is pretty hard but we think we will be able to get about 3 inches on top worked up for barley. Tonight at tea time Jonas came over with a guinea hen which he presented us with as a reward for our neighborly conduct towards him. He got a setting each of duck & turkey eggs. I was going down to band practice so went down with him as he was going down town. He confided to me after we had got a short distance from the house in an almost inaudible whisper that they had an awful funny feller as a boarder. His peculiarity evidently lay in the fact that he went down town before & after tea. As I was coming home an Englishman passed me and I thought likely he was Jona's funny boarder & upon inquiry I found I was correct. Went we got to the top of Prospect hill we found Jonas & Allan Law so I enjoyed the pleasure of the company of them nearly home. I heard Redface - the funny feller. tell his lanlord. that he would have to drive Bill's team to-morrow as he was going away with a gentleman from Toronto, as I saw Jack Paine up town to-night, I surmised that old Bill had a dose of Tong Point fever. I guess he is insurable. I went up to the bank to-night to see why Dick hadn't turned up. When I knocked Dick came to the door & I was just going to step in and swear at them when I caught a glimpse of a stranger Then Dick who looked very care worn motioned me </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> back and informed me that the inspector was paying them a visit, and they would likely have to work every night for a week, he had his wheel anyway so I didn't wait for him It has been rather cool to-day and looks frosty to-night. Thursday May 8th We went out this morning and ran the ditches in the oat field. Then Dad ploughed a ridge along the west side of the old corn field, it couldn't be ploughed before on account of the old rails lying there. This after noon we turned the cattle & two colts back the lane. We let the two fillys out in the pasture field and they & the colts have been hanging around on opposite sides of the lane fence ever since, we managed to get the colts in the box stall to-night. We went back to the gully to fix fence, but didn't have very good luck. We barricade the gap into the other pasture and then Dad started to dig out a post that was broken off and while he was prying on the shovel handle he broke it so we had to cobble the rest up by hand as well as we could. Dicky Smith came over to-night to see if we had turned our cattle out yet and I went down town with him to band practice, got home about eleven. It froze last night but has been sunny & nice to-day. Friday May 9th I went out and finished disking the old corn field this morning and Dad brought out the old cultivator but after going a few rounds he decided that it was going to be lumpy and hard to put barley on so we thought we would leave it, manure it and summer fallow it which would be better farming anyway. We brought up the disks and the plow & harrows and Dad ploughed the garden over again, this after noon he disked & harrowed it, so that it looks pretty nice only it is inclined to be lumpy. I got my currant bushes and grapevines from Simmer's yesterday and spent the in putting them out and staking them to protect them from the curse'd hens. I also cut a little lawn Dick Smith brought his heifer, Joe, over to-night. It has been cold & raw all day. I wore my over coat while disking and then was cold. Robert John Watson was in here to-night to inquire about a colt "Mable". Dad enjoyed his elevating conversation for he has a most extraordinary vocabulary which is all his own. Saturday May 10th Frank got us all up early this morning as he had to get down to the Canning factory by seven </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> where he has been all day setting out tomato plants in baskets. He told us the other night that hands (his size) were wanted and hasen't talked of much else since, he was to get 8 cts @ hour but has got his envelope yet, as they are not through. Vyse came over this morning and Dad broke the news of our spreader deal and he took it calmly although he thinks we made a big mistake in not putting in with him & Mr Fleming on his John Deere as he "conscientiously believes it to be the best in Americy". I went down this morning for the purpose of obtaining some particulars concerning a load of hay which Mrs. Battersby is purchasing from us through the agency of John but as that gentleman was in bed with a cold. I failed to recieve any valuable data. so I came home and mowed lawn till noon. Dad took back Alfred's bags this morning and borrowed his shovel with the intention of cleaning out the ditches in the oat field but as he found in Alfred an opponent to the building of a new school, he stayed and argued till noon. I read most of the after noon and then went out and assisted Dad to rearrange the implements in the old shed so as to create a space for the old waggon we then repaired a little fence to enable us to turn out the old sow, but it didn't take her a great while to discover the weak spots in the {rockery?} which we call a fence and now she is at liberty. I think Dick came home to tea. and says our manure spreader has arrived It froze ice last night and has been very cold to-day Sunday May 11th Frank & Dick went down to sunday school & Frank & I went to our church but Dick attended the Presbyterian as he saw no-one to associate with in the back pews of the Episcopal. This after noon Dad & I drove up to Dunkin's to see how many lambs he had; but he has had no better luck than we, for his flock has only increased by one ewe lamb. He is really worse off than we are because two of his ewes now won't have lambs till they are three years old wile ours are all yearlings and if any thing will be better off. Dunkin him self was at church but his son was home, he gave Dad. guinea fowl to mate with the one Jonas gave us but when we got it home we learned they were both of the feminine gender from the fact that the new comer requests imaginary foes </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to retrace their steps by the imperitave sentence "Go back" and it seems the gentlemanbird of the species is not addicted to that habit. It was nearly six when we got home. Enah was down at Art Ryersie's with Tiddums the Wicked. Dick has been gone all the after noon and has patronized the church again to-night as he said he would be home to tea if he didn't. Frank has been knocking around the woods all the afternoon. He tried to bargain with Tupper for a guinea cock but he had no success. It has been sunny to-day but a cold wind. Walt McCall & his retinue came over in his automobile this morning and was agreeably surprised in Dolly. He says he is going to take her up and train her now. He wants Dad to keep his mare for him this summer. Frank Faulkner was over this morning too to see about bringing over his heifer calf to pasture. He brought her over to-night. It froze ice last night and I wrote to Aunty Alice & Uncle Hal to-night. Monday May 12th We didn't do any thing much the first part of the morning but Dad. went and cleaned out the ditch in the oat field. I barricaded two of the four little trees which are in the pasture field to protect them from the ravages of Queen. Dad. took Alfred's shovel back and I barricaded the other two trees. Frank started off about nine o'clock this morning on his wheel for Dunkin's to return the guinea hen which he had tied in an old sack on his back. Just as we were thinking of starting out to look for him to night about four o'clock he came home with a rooster guinea which sings properly in a bass voice. He had stayed up there to dinner and explored the country. When he got home we planted a few rows of spuds in the garden. Jonas came over to-night to ask us if we could deliver him his hay in the morning, he also got some apples. To-night we played hide & go seek and then came in and kicked up such a rumpus that Tiddums couldn't go to sleep, and Enah got mad and said she wouldn't press Dick's pants in time for the dance, but she is pressing them now - and we weren't making much noise and Tiddums didn't want to go to sleep anyway much. Tapper told Dad. to-day that he killed his pup yesterday and intended to keep Fanny but she followed him down town to-day and he ran over her with the waggon and killed her, he said he thought he would send Blakie a funeral notice. A week or two ago the Dover council </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> advertised for a cop. They got fifty something applicants some all the way from Calgary. They engaged a man from Hamilton who has been on duty before. Good man for the job. big, Scotch & total abstainer. He came to this morning. Now he is in bed at the Dominion sleeping off a drunk-fired. We're still Dover. It froze a little again last night and there has been a raw breeze to-day but it is much milder and looks rainy Monday Tuesday May 13th Dad went over to Martin's this morning to try to telephone to Krompart and find out why he hasn't come down but Charlie wasn't home so he didn't go in, he then went over to Quanbury's and as John was in better health than when I went to interview him Dad found out that he wanted about half a ton of any kind of hay. We pitched on a load for Jonas, (he bought all that was left of the thrashed bluegrass) before dinner. Dick rode home at noon as he had got about half an hour's leave of absence to tell us that the station agent wanted our manure spreader unloaded as it was holding the car so Dad. & I had to go down after dinner. Dad understood the agent to say that we were to let Krompart in Simcoe know as soon as the spreader arrived and he would come down and set it up at the station and we could haul it home from there, so he was naturally pretty hot at them for not coming. The men at the station were also getting into a state of rightful indignation as their car had to be sent back tomorrow. As we were in our farm uniform we didn't want to go up town so Dad. went up to the Norfolk House and telephoned Kompart Wyatt Waddle was there and he told Dad that they understood Dad was going to take the thing off the car and they were to come to the farm to set it up, and that they would be down in a day or two. Dad. went for him over the 'phone but of course that wasn't much satisfaction. We went home and took Jona's hay down and put it off and then went down to the station with the rack to get the spreader as it was too wide for the waggon, with the aid of Truman Roadhouse and a couple of fishermen we got it loaded all right and were home soon after six To-night Dick and I went down to the dance but I got a headache from some uncertain cause and had to come home at twelve. Nice day but with rather a cold wind looks as if it might possibly rain to-night or sooner. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday May 14th We took a small jag. of hay down to John Quanbury this morning on an improvised {rack?} which Dad rigged by laying boards across the waggon box, as we didn't want to unload the manure spreader off our rack. When we got back from there we took some posts back around by the side road and left them in places where the fence was down with the intention of coming back at a future date to repair the damage done by the Good Friday wind. We also took some material and fixed the old gate going into the gully off the road. We found the cattle all out of the far end of the gully and in the blue grass field so I took them back while Dad. went up with the waggon, they were all there but the Artful Dodger and he was nowhere to be found, so this after noon Dad. and I went back to look for him. We went into the wood and saw there had been a lot of cows in there and after a little search found our missing calf in John Wess McBride's place in the corner of the fence where he had walked and finding he could go no further stayed there we chased him into the gully to be left till called for while we went over to Tapper's to borrow his post auger, the consequence was of course that we didn't do a thing all the afternoon and didn't get home till about five or after We saw everything on the place from his oat field down to the baby. We saw some things off his farm too such as Charlie Butlers colt which got an awful kick in the face from its mother and Dave Lamkins white heifer which was on the road and which was worth fifty dollars but he sold it for forty five, also Art Walker who was rolling on his cornground. We had a very entertaining after noon and enjoyed it much better than digging post holes. To-night I went down to band practice Dick with me. Theodore Brown came up and entreated Walt to play "Way down upon the Swanee River" promising him some beer but Walt said he couldn't. Theodore tried to impress up on us as a bit of good advice that "We could borrow from a thief but not from a liar." Weather about the same Thursday May 15th Dad and I went back and fixed up most of the fence this morning. Mr. Evans' came along the side road and wanted to Dad. to look at his horses teeth so Dad. told him to come in at noon on his way back. He did and Dad. floated them as the poor old horse's tongue was just about cut in two. We also found when we got here at noon what Wyatt Waddle and his man Mr. Hillis were in the barn setting up the spreader. They got it </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> all up and we took out a load before they left so they could show Dad how to run it. Joe & Ginger pulled it alone and a couple of times Ginger's whipple tree caught and she pulled it all alone. I went down to band practice. I came very nearly staying there for awhile. for we all got locked in. The door fastens on the out side with a rasp and staple, the padlock is broken. The door was open and some one who was getting cold ordered it shut. Jack Smith kicked it to and the rasp sprung over the staple and stayed there. Perce Brock tried desparatly to open it but failing turned to John. and told him frantically that he would be the first to satiate our appetites when we got ravenous, he then mounted the table under the window and proceeded to let the {word heavily scored out} anybody who happened to be around (it was pouring rain) {word scored out} know of our fate. Perce remarked sorrowfully that it was the first time he had ever been behind the bars trying to get out. (The bandroom is in the old lockup). Dick {Faulmshy?} was the first to be alarmed by the pitiful cries but the hard hearted jay refused to come saying he didn't know the combination on the door. How ever Walt McCall was soon aroused and he and some other fellows came up and released us. They say Long Geordie Long nearly committed suicide last night, it seems his wife put him on the Indian List, but Geordie got full and he & his wife were having a quarrel down by the dam when Geordie told her he was going to drown him self. She told him to give her his coat to hold for him, but I guess Geordie & water don't go well to-gether for as far as he got on his desperate deed was to twist his legs well around the post and let go the railing with his hand, then go home. After he got there he was again seized with a mad desire to leave this unhappy world and left the house with a razor asserting that he was about to sever his carotid artery Mrs. Geordie gave him about an hour to perform the opperation but upon investigation found him out side in a dormant condition but was disappointed to hear him snoring heavily and in perfect health. Cold all day. very cold before dark and poured rain all night with terrific thunder & vivid lightening. Dick & I stayed at Huby's all night. I planted some onion seed to night. Friday May 16th We didn't do anything much to-day. Dick & I got home before they had breakfast here but it was late when we went out and then Bill Donald came in to </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> talk about the spreader and before he left Allan Law rode in to have the wolf teeth pulled out of his sorrel for fear they would affect his eyesight. It was noon when he left us. After dinner Bob. Miller came in to get his ewe and lamb and of course the sheep were nearly to the gully Dad. wrote a letter to Aunty Alice while Bob & I were after the sheep and then saddled Joe and I rode down town to post it. I was only gone about fifteen minutes. but when I got back we read the "Maple Leaf." after which we did chores. I went to bed soon after tea. We let Harry & Belle out this after noon. Fine but cool. Saturday May 17th I started first thing this morning and raked over about half the garden, it raked fine because the rain the other night had softened the lumps. Dad. fixed fence around the orchard to keep the sheep & calves in. Frank went down town to sell some duck eggs to the car {tapper?}. This after noon we all worked in the garden and have about all the small seeds in, onion, carrot, beet, cabbage & peas, a few beans. Allan Law was over to borow the disks also John Wess came to get some stuff for his horse which has colic. We turned the four calves in the orchard at noon. Lila came over to spend the day. Huby ran a nail in his foot yesterday and was unable to work to-day. Enah took Tiddums down to Mrs. Laws to get the butter this afternoon, there was another baby about Tiddum's age there which he was greatly interested in until it began to "talk?" when Tiddums got badly frightened. Lovely warm day rain to-night. Sunday May 18th The boy's went to sunday scholl. I to church late. different preacher. Dad. rode Joe down to see Huby while we were at church, he went in to see the John Deere spreader on his way back. This after noon Dick & I went for a drive with Joe, not far. Winnie & Lila came over this after noon & stayed to tea. We let Belle, Ginger & Harry out to-day and had a hard time catching the latter. Lovely day with a little shower at noon and rather cloudy Monday May 19th We hauled out manure to-day as we didn't get a very early start we only got out eleven loads, & most of it was dry clover chaff. The spreader works fine in spite of the fact that there are one or two nuts & keys missing from various parts of the gearing machine. Dad </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> found one large key on the road was unable to locate the place where it was missing. Sam Law was over this morning to see about keeping the disks a little longer. Mrs. McBride was here to-day. This after noon we were agreeably surprised to have a visit from Ed. & Marion. Ed. came home on Saturday as he has left his job in Brantford he is going back to the Falls for the summer. To-night Dick and I printed pictures and had fairly good luck. Huby sent word over by Ed. that Dad's steel boot had saved his life on account of easing his injured foot. Dick says he only has one on, one steel & one leather one. It froze last night again but has been a nice day with cold breeze. Dick bought me a saddle & bridle to-day for six dollars he got them from Bobbie Leany and says they are nearly new. Tuesday May 20th We got one less load out to-day than yesterday but I think we have good ground for excuse in the fact that it was so hard to load. A lot of it was dry clover chaff burnt to powder and there was a layer of it just ike a board which had to be chopped up with an axe, we didn't get any earlier start either. Erie cut her eyeball to-day someway, likely on barbed wire. Jonas came over to-night to see if he could get some turkey or duck eggs or get Dad. to plow his garden, he couldn't get any of the three so took the rhubarb roots out in the lawn. He was relating to us some of the heroic deeds performed by him in the past & United States, of how he headed a torch light procession and was so disguised by his uniform & medal that he was not recognised by his father, he also saved a young man's life from drowning and was rewarded by his boss the young man's father by a ten dollar bill & three weeks board free. Another time he stopped a train wreck by his presence of mind and drew another ten dollars as a pass to go where ever he wanted to on the railroad or a chance to learn braking, he stayed at the job a week and one day when he was in a reckless mood (good mood for a train man) he boarded a train which was headed he didn't know where and was landed in Niagara Falls where he got acquainted with his wife, and in course of time drifted to the condition in which we now see him. Frank & I drove down town to-night and took Jonas & his rhubarb roots home, and got the saddle & bridle </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> from Bobbie Leany, they are roughly made, the saddle being half covered and riveted but they are nearly new & I think are worth six dollars. When we got back we found Dad. & Dick had gone down to the Scotch man who works for Harry Ansley to minister to a cow which is not enjoying the best of health. Nice day may rain soon. Wednesday May 21st It rained a little this morning and looked cloudy so we just did odd jobs. Dad. took up some of the rotten apples out of the cellar and drew off what cider was left in the barrel. I didn't do anything much but took a walk around by the wheat & oat fields whcih are doing fine. This after noon we got the spreader into commission again and hauled out seven loads. The shed is nearly empty now. I fixed Dad's. saddle rack up on the wall in the drive house and started to make one for mine between loads, while Dad was out spreading. A big thunder storm blew up about tea time to-night but it stopped raining long enough for me to go down to band practice, but it more than pelted when Dick & I came home. Dick had to work to-night. He got a telephone from who he thought was Roy referring to his 24th of May visit but it afterwards transpired to be Wiggins down at the drug store enjoying himself at Dick's expense. Thursday May 22nd It rained hard during the night so we couldn't do much, we made an {ewe?} trough for the west side of the old house and made the rest of the saddle rack I started yesterday. Dad. also opened some ditches out in the oat field. This after noon Dad would have liked to have started plowing the corn ground but as there were several errands to do in town, we we thought this would be a good time to go. We got some groceries, and Dad got a chain for Dreadnought and a ring for his nose. We took the waggon wheel down for Butler to put the bands on as they were both broken. Dad. was very pleased that Vyse saw him going down with the wheel and inquired after it as it was off "the best waggon made" which he got from Vyse. We bought a little giant sprayer from Huby for ten dollars, they are no use as sprayers but have a good tank which was what Dad wanted to put out at the pump for watering stock, a good pair of wheels & a tongue besides a lot of old iron, Huby is selling them for Jack Paine </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Jack told him to sell the ten for for $100. and, Huby has been selling them at $10 apiece and he says Paine called him up, and gave him a great calling down, he wanted him to sell them all to one man. Huby told him he was a fool and asked him what one man would want to buy 10 no-account sprayers. I went down to band practice to-night, and got back after eleven. Nice day, but cloudy. Friday May 23rd I planted out some lettuce plants this morning and Dad & I got some rails and took them back in the waggon to the gully to repair the fence there, we also hauled up some for the house. About noon I drove down town with Dick's valise as he went going to Toronto to-night to stay till Monday night. Frank went down to see him off. After dinner Mr. Krompart drove in with a Gould. Shapley & Muir agent who talked a little about a windmill but didn't bother many. Mr. Krompart went over the spreader ajusted several mistakes in the setting up which the other fellows made the principal one being changing the double trees on the evener. The way they had it, the single horse had the short end and so was pulling twice as much as the team. When they went Dad. & I went and cobbled up the gully fence and opened the gap so as to let the cows in the far end as the grass in there is getting rank. Frank says the old black & white cat has a large family on her hands now, but her hands are equipped with six or seven fingers each. Poor Fits had part of her tail nearly cut off in the door to-night. Dad was going to finish the job but forgot. It has been cloudy all day but quite cool. Old {Roy?} has succeeded in overthrowing the election on the school by-law. He got ten illegal votes, his own son's among them and it seems every illegal vote no matter on which side it was polled counts against the majority. Saturday May 24th Dad. started to plow the corn ground to day he plowed a headland all around the field this morning so as he wouldn't have to tramp on the clover at the north end of the field. This after noon he got quite a strip plowed and harrowed over. I put in the day cutting lawn and it was awful. It hadn't been cut for over a week and all this rain to-gether with a dull lawn mower wasn't a very good combination to make a satisfactory job. Frank worked around this morning and this afternoon went down to the creek to fish with the rest of the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> inhabitants of this part of the country, but I guess only drowned worms as he wasn't hardened with luck on his return. Winnie came over after dinner and I drove her home to-night. Enah to Tiddums down town and I shunted the buggy down to the side walk for her Win went down & came back with her. To day at noon we placed a ring just below the septum nose of poor Dreadnought. It has rained once or twice to-day and been cloudy & sunny & hot by turns. Sunday May 25th Frank went to Sunday school and church this morning but was the only member of the family who attended. Dad & I went up to Ham Thompson's to tell him we named Dreadnought. and he will soon get the registration papers. We were up there quite awhile and it was after noon when we got back. This afternoon we put the saddle on Ginger - and gave her a lesson, I didn't get on her because Dad. says it is no use "breaking" her, she has to be "trained." Dad, & Enah & Tiddums drove out to Shand's but there was no body home. Lila & Frank went out after merells but didn't get any. Nice day rather inclined to be cloudy, quite cool to-night. Monday May 26th I spent the day cleaning up back of the woodshed and the east side of the old house and have it looking pretty decent now. I also cleaned out the gear case of the separator. Dad. plowed all day and got a nice chunk done. Enah went down town about noon to buy wall paper and stayed for the afternoon. The stores were all closed to-day instead of Saturday so the drug store was only open for a couple of hours. Dad & I had dinner alone. To-night Frank and I drove down and met Dick. The old turkey that was sitting in the old house hatched out to-day Dick got home safely and had a good time. Everyone was well in Toronto. Cloudy and cool all day. Tuesday May 27th Right after breakfast Dad went down to Sam Laws and got a roller and rolled down all he had plowed. The calves got out of the orchard and Dad and I had a devil of a time getting them back in again. We hauled out one load of manure. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> In the afternoon it drizzled rain most of the time and we helped Mrs McBride put down the carpet and paper Auntys room. They are working there yet. (9.15pm). Cold miserable day. To Richard, thanks. Wednesday May 28th We hauled out eleven loads to-day one of them was pitched on yesterday. We are only going to haul a little more and then work up the corn ground. The old turkey which was sitting in the old house got out with her family to-day, there are nine of them and they all look lively. I went down to band practice to-night they had the regular one as there is a dance on to-morrow night. Harry Moon was present for the first time in many weeks, I had began to think he had been wiped off the map, but it looks more as if the map had been wiped of him or at least buried with whiskers. He has some thing the matter with his face and can't shave. They have the Ivey gang about {winched?} now on the school board as Blight who was on Ivey's side has dropped out and that gives the other side the majority and they can elect any man they like to take Blight's place, before there was a deadlock. Gus Smith fell off a scaffold somewhere to-day and broke his shoulder or some thing I couldn't hear any details from any one but over heard Harry Moon saying some thing about it up in the band room which was so chuck full of noise you couldn't drive a nail in it. Johnny Walker's mother & old Mrs. O'Harra of Norkway died yesterday & to-day. It was quite mild this morning but there is a cold wind to-night. Thursday May 29th We hauled out enough manure to-day to go over to the hickory nut tree which is as far as we are going to put corn in. We got along very slowly the first part of the day as we were getting it out of the old shed where the implements are and it took us about an hour to put on a load, but we have it just about cleared out of there now and this after noon hauled five loads out of the barn yard, that is enough for awhile now. Vyse was over for awhile this morning. Fred & Carl Coleman were over this after noon. I rode Ginger for the first time tonight. Dad. - got on her first - and rode her to the end of the lane, then I took her down to Sam Law's corner. We have </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> had the little saddle on her every night but one since Sunday, and she has behaved a little better each time. To-night Dad. put his heavy saddle on her There was another dance on to-night but owing to "pecuniary liabilitys" I spent a quiet evening at home. Dick worked till after midnight so did not feel in much humor to attend either. Warmer to-day. Friday May 30th Dad. plowed all day with Harry & Belle, and I disked with Joe & Ginger as neither they nor I are much account on either end of a plow. Dad. will finish plowing to-morrow if all's well and it won't take us long to work it up. Mr. Henderson & Ronald were down this morning for Dad to have a look at their horse. To-night Mr. & Mrs. Jim Waddle & the little girls came in and Jim & Dad talked till about nine o'clock, before we had tea. Dick had work late again to-night. I had another little ride on Ginger to-night she turned in at the open gate into the corn field and also onto Sam Law's lane, but otherwise was pretty good. It has been cloudy most of the day and sprinkled a few drops now & then, a lot warmer to-day. Saturday May 31st Dad. plowed all day but is not quite done yet. I disked with the little team all morning but as Dad. saw he couldn't finish plowing to-day said I might as well not work them this after noon but cut lawn which I did. He disked and harrowed over all he had plowed to-day. before he turned out. Peg. Long & Bill Dunbar came over to day after Bob. Miller's hay which was to be part payment for {Ray?}. I helped them put it on and they took a good one. Jimmy Corbett was in at noon to get Dad. to go down to see his sick colt but Dad declined the invitation on the grounds that he was too busy but told him what to do. Lila spent the after noon and night over here. Tiddums is growing a tooth now and is pretty cranky. Tige appeared to show an interest in Tiddums to-night whent he was out in his buggy but when Tiddums endeavored to get a strangle hold on her eye she ceased her attentions. Dick did not get home to-night, as this is the last day of the month I suppose he had to work. Cloudy this morning, clearing and developing into about the hottest day this month. We didn't put the saddle on Ginger to-night. I have been barefooted most of the afternoon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday June 1st The boys went to sunday school & church & I went down to church. It began to rain soon after we got out so we went down to Huby's after for dinner. Huby was in his bare feet and had just finished hoeing his garden. Frank & I came home soon after dinner but Dick went up town. Dad. & I went for a little ride to night. I rode Joe & Dad. Ginger. Mr. Fleming, Vyse, Roy Bannister & Allan Law were over here to night day. I saw Jim Blaike down town this morning. It has been very hot to-day with two heavy showers the last of which was to-night. Monday June 2nd Dad. was greatly surprised this morning as he was going to the cow stable, to hear a strange whinny in the horse stable and upon investigation to find Belle the grand possessor of a colt full brother to Queen. He is a lively & strong little fellow and has been on his feet nearly all day. He is about the same color as Davy & has the same triangular spot on his fore head he has two white feet both on the same side and his legs are as crooked as rams' horns. We heard yesterday that Johnnie Walker had been made take his horse off the dray on account of a sore neck which it had. and as we were very anxious to get the corn field finished up and as the advent of Belle's colt has knocked the use of her, we drove down to see what arrangements we could make for getting Johnnie's horse. We met him just coming out, and he said he wanted to get the horse out to pasture and that we could take him, but would have to be careful about working him or that "thingh" by which he meant Aikens I suppose would be jumping on him again. Aikens was the one who raised the row and it was nothing but a dirty piece of spite work. He didn't go to Johnnie him self but to Ellis Ryersie who was driving for Johnnie as it was while Mrs. Walker was dead in the house, and told him to tell Johnnie to take the horse off. Ellis evidently thought there was enough trouble in the house so refrained from mentioning it, whereupon Aikens tried to get out a summons against Jack, but Bond wouldn't issue one. Most people seem to think it was a low down trick of Aikens to bother Jack at such a time especially when it is none of his business anyway. Dad. went up and saw the old horse whose name is Joe. and found he has a sore shoulder as well as a </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> sore neck but decided to bring him home and try to fix him up. We got a collar at the barn there for him and Dad put a short pad under it, and as the draught comes above the lump on his shoulder there is no weight on the raw part at all. As long as we plow harrow and disk with him there will be no weight on his neck so he promises to be just what we want. Dad plowed a couple of rounds with him & Harry before dinner and he says they make a dandy plow team and Joe never felt his shoulder in the least. He finished plowing that piece quite early in the after noon and says he wouldn't have finished with Belle but this team doesn't feel the plow any more than a waggon. I spent about half the after noon printing Dads. name on the cream can and there is room for improvement on the job at that. the other half I spent mowing the rest of the lawn. Mrs. McBride was washing here all day. Dick had to work late tonight but he and Frank both get a holiday tomorrow as it is the anniversary of the King's birthday. They say the Polocks got on a tear last night and broke all the lamp in the park. It has been quite cold this afternoon. It looked this morning as if it would be hot but a wind got up at noon. Tuesday June 3rd Dad. went down with Joe & Ginger this morning and borrowed Vyse's roller while I went out and disked with Joe Walker & Harry. Dad rolled the field and then harrowed After dinner he went out with Joe Walker & Harry and disked. I played catch with Dick and hoed.. for about an hour and a half - and then brought the little team out and Dad harrowed with them while disked. He started to roll crosswise to-night but didn't get half over it and Vyse told him to bring the roller home to-night - although when he got as far as Martin's Odd. told him Vyse had said they could have it in the morning. Dick spent the morning in bed & the afternoon down town playing ball. Frank cut weeds in the fore noon and went fishing up in the upper pond this after noon but I guess his visit will soon be forgotten by the finny inhabitants of that spot as what few did happen to run into his hook, he did not deem worth of transportation home so kindly returned them to their natural element. He has been hearing great tales of the angler's luck out at the celp and built on-going out to-day but could find no one to accompany him. Jack Ivey came over this after noon to buy hay. Dad told him he could have the hay but </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> unless it rained we wouldn't be able to haul it, but they sent their team over and got a few forkfulls for to-night. We found one of the little turkeys nearly dead, this is hard weather on them, we were hoping it wouldn't rain but he said they had six thousand little osters wich needed rain badly. Jack Martin told Dad to night that the latest piece of devilment of Old Ivey is to have Cousin Willie & Bob Miller disqualified as school trustees as Cousin Willie drew up the papers for trans ferring Mrs. Gordon's property over to the school and the school have bought brooms from Bagley & Miller some time. Both men I think have gone to Simcoe to see Kelly about it, and Dad. went over to Martin's tonight to remind Jack that Old Stringer has done carpenter work for the school and so should be put off too if it is legal. Mrs. Charlie Martin was the only one home so he left the message with her. They found out to-day that it wasn't the Polocks that committed the depradation in the park the other night but a couple of pesky Yankees who are working at the fish shanties. Hugh McQueen & Aikens went down to arrest them to-night. Hugh got one but Aikens chased the other one down the plank road and I don't know whether he caught him or not, they ought to run Aikens in with them. It was pretty hot all day. A big thunder storn blew up late this after noon and for awhile it looked as if we were in for a "souser" but it only rained enough to chase us in off the field and then stopped Wednesday June 4th As Toby went to band practice tonight or at least Wednesday and Thursday nights he is behind in writing this up as this is Friday night We finished working the corn ground Toby disced all day and I rolled it twice and harrowed it once we have it in first rate shape. Cold wind nearly all day. Thursday June 5th First thing after breakfast I went over where Bill was working at Iveys and drove his team while he came over here and marked our corn ground, he finished at noon. After dinner Toby went down and borrowed a planter from Mr Fleming and we got more than half the field planted There was quite a frost last night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday June 5 6th We did not get out very early this morning, several interruptions before we got in the field and just as I was going to begin to plant Will Donald drove along and well, "Talk about talking". Toby went down to Alfreds to see if he could get a corn planter that would do better work than Mr. Flemings, he got one but it was worse. We did not finish at noon there were still 13 rows to plant. I had to go to a raising at Frank Ryerses, there were lots of men there and they had every thing done before seven O'Clock, We had a grand lay out at tea and I came home with Mr. Fleming. Toby had finished the corn, and he & Frank had (the pens all ran out of ink so I am finishing this to-morrow night myself) the chores all done when Dad. got home. Jonnie came over tonight and & got a little field corn and an ear of Golden Bantam to plant in his garden, he stayed a little while but as no body made any effort at carrying on a conversation he soon left. Jack Walker came after Dad to night as he was nicely in his first sleep about twelve o'clock to go down and see his new horse which had colic or some thing and which was quite recovered when Dad arrived. Al. Faulkner & Charlie Long were both in attendance. Dick did not get home till late owing to surplus of labor. The Woodsons all came yesterday after noon. It was hot all day and almost suffocating to-night, looks like a big thunder storm. Saturday June 6 7 th Dad. & I went down to Bruce's this morning but found that he & Mr. Ashbow U.S of Caledonia were up Mud. Street on a "professional visit, so we drove up the town line till we met them and brought them up here to have a look at Dave & Osprey who have not been acting as we would like to see them lately. They were here to dinner and Mr. Ashbow proved to be a very entertaining talker. This after noon Dad. went down town and got his hair cut, while Frank went over and worked in John Quanbury's garden for him. I hoed a little in the garden here but spent most of the time hunting crows with Frank's rifle, although I had several good shots I failed to inflict any visible injury on the villains they have been preying upon the little turkeys and now will be at the corn field when an opportunity offers. I scared </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> them off with a bullet everytime I saw them light this afternoon. Dick did not get home to tea again to-night. It rained hard last night and this morning but cleared off and has been quite cool & windy to-day. Sunday 8 9th The boys went down to Sunday school and church Dad (after a good deal of squirming) also attended the morning service, he tried to induce me to go but when I unselfishly offerd to stay at home to take his place he couldn't very well get out of it. I cut a little wood watered the horses & fooled around. I went out once with the rifle in quest of crows but as none were in evidence in the vicinity of the cornfield I in my wrath sought to drive a bullet to the heart of the hickory nut tree, but owing to my unpracticed marksmanship it escaped unscathed. Lila came over this afternoon and she and Frank went back to the gully armed with the rifle and returned this evening with a quantity of wild strawberries, which we were not aware of being developed into an edible condition, Dad, Enah & Tiddums went down to the Woodson's till the latter grew into such a state of excitement which was unequaled in magnitude & noise to any of his former vocal exercises, so much so that Dad. grew anxious about him and brought him home. I started to read Hamlet while they were gone. Dick spent this post meridian in town. Enah & I took in church to-night and we all had tea after we came home It has been cold & raw wind all day again to-day. Monday June 9 8th We were late this morning anyway and before Dad got the team out Walt. & Tom McCall with Dick {Faulmshy?} came in and their visit culminated in Dad. going back with them to see a colt of Walt's which just came this morning, they weren't gone very long, When Dad. refused to take five dollars from Walt. for just taking him down town & back in his automobile, Walt said he was glad to see him in such affluent circumstances financially but Dad told him that if he had a little pile the fiver would have added to it and persuade him to accept it but as he was penniless that amount would only be tantalizing, this was before he knew that Tom Abbott had been in while he was away and left a cream check for twenty five dollars for the month of May, which we don't consider bad for three cows & two heifers one of </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> which (Erie) doesn't produce much more than a quart of milk. Dad started to plow the old garden before dinner we are going to put in potatoes, mangels & turnips there if all's well as it is such a loamy spot, he only got a few rounds done before dinner. At noon he got thinking about the little colt down town and as he knew that it wouldn't be properly looked after down there where there were so many around he thought he would like to have it over here as he hated to think of it dying, so he went over to the Martin's and telephoned Walt. and told him if the colt wasn't any better and he liked to bring it over here to do so, which he did about four o'clock. He, Bob. Rankin & I suppose Jack Davis Yeagers man & the colt came over in the automobile and Billy Loan led the mare over, she is the gentlest thing to handle & work around ever lived. They were here for quite awhile and gave the colt some refreshments they have to hold it up it is so weak but it is well aparently every other way and is willing enough get up but can only flounder around. Dad got up at midnight and fed it. He gave it some whisky & milk but it didn't like it much This colt to-gether with old Joe begins to make Barrett's farm look like an infirmary for afflicted members of the equine race. This afternoon I wed a few carrots till Dad. yelled at me to tell me the cattle were in the clover on the north side of the gully. I wemt over with some wire & pinchers and found the miscreants were John & Fred's calf, but one wasn't enough to put them back through the hole they got through so I left them & Dad & I put them back to-night. Bob. Rankin & Mrs. Rankin drove over to night to have Dad. look at their horses feet which I guess are all right. Vyse was over to say that our roller has come but is the wrong kind owing to a mistake of his in the order, and I suppose will have to be shipped back. We didn't get through till very late to-night. It froze last night and there has been a cold wind all day & it is cold to night. Tuesday June 10th As soon as it got warm enough we got the mare & colt out of the boxstall and put them in front of the drive house in the lane so she doesn't move more than ten feet away from it. This after noon it got a little cold there so we put it around between the drive house & barn. It shows great improvement to day. It can now stand up a little while by itself and has got up by itself a couple of times when we </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> saw it and I don't know how many times besides. Walt. Mrs McCall, Tom & a couple of his pals were over this morning to see it. Dad finished plowing the old garden at noon & this afternoon I disked it while Dad. harrowed over the corn ground. This morning I went back and fixed the hole in the fence where the calves got through, I also cleaned up the lawn mower. We didn't get any word from Aunty to-day and as she said in her last letter she would like to come home with Miss Battersby to-night we didn't know whether to expect her or not. Frank went down to the station and met her as she did come. to-night. She went to Huby's for to night she had written Aunty Maude a card yesterday but she had failed to let us know about it. It froze again last night but has been a little warmer to-day but raw wind Dick went down to a surprise party at the Culp's to-night given for Ray who is leaving town in the near future Wednesday June 11th Dad harrowed the old garden this morning but says it will have to be left till the sods dry out before we can work anymore on it. Bob. Miller & Bill Dunbar were over talking to him for about an hour and bought Taurus for sixty two & a half dollars. Bob. offered sixty & Dad. asked sixty five, they wont take him till the first of July when he will likely be worth seventy. I cut some wood and a little lawn. This afternoon I went over to Tupper's to get him to come over and shear our sheep. I found him just finishing up his own. He came over about half past three or four and sheared three. Dad. started on one and Tupper finished it for him. He makes a very nice job of it and doesn't mind leaving a few nicks in the hide, we worked rather late but he said he would be back in the morning. The poor little colt died to-night. We noticed when we brought her out this morning she wasn't nearly as lively as yesterday and she has just been getting weaker all day, and to to-night she just "gain out". I went down to band practice to-night and told George {Faulmshy?} about it. Walt was in Delhi and had not got home yet. The poor old mare feels pretty badly. It has been quite summery today. Thursday June 12th Tupper came over before we had breakfast this morning and "proceeded" to shear the rest of the sheep, we chased them around into the barn so as we could catch them easily. He got through about eleven and as he </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> had his wool with him to take to market I went down in his rig with ours. We had 45 1/2lbs and at 18cts got $8.19. Dad get 1/7 of that. Frank gets 1/4 of what is left & I get the balance. Tupper beat us by a dollar and he only had six fleeces to our seven but his were bigger sheep, he had fifty something pounds & got the same price. We took it down here to Penman's. Vyse was working on Uncle Ward's side hill so I went to see him about the roller that is here for us but he says it isn't the right one. This afternoon Dad. buried the little colt and I worked a little in the garden. Mrs. Brad Bowlby came in to see Tiddums I guess and Aunty & Enah went down town Aunty stayed all night. Ada. & Hubert Lawrie were over for awhile. Hubert is just here for a day or so. About five o'clock Dad. & I drove Belle out to Jim Waddle's. I went down to band practice to-night and didn't get to bed till twelve. Dick came home with me his new suit came to-day. Pretty hot, breezy. Tom Law's automobile upset last night the other side of Simcoe and nearly killed Harry Dyer and injured Tom. They thought at first that Dyer's back was broken but that report was contradicted later, but he is in pretty bad shape in Simcoe Friday June 13th Dad. went down town this morning with the waggon and got Joe & Ginger shod, he also got Aunty Maude's refrigerator. I cut a little lawn and chored around till noon. About twelve Enah heard the fire bell, and I set out hot foot for the town but when I got over behind Vyse's I noticed the smoke over by Mrs. Munroe's. I got there just as Al Faulkner arrived on the {hump?} with the bus & fire pails. It was the house I think that Bill Philips used to live in, but is now occupied by a fellow by the name of Smith and is owned by Person. They soon had the fire checked but not before it had burned down the kitchen and part of the roof. It was late when we got through dinner. Dad. and I went down to the mill to get some flour & chop. Dad took some grist down this morning. When we got home, he went out and harrowed over the old garden, I didn't do any thing much as I felt lazier than a yellow dog. Mrs. Skey & Mrs. Battersby came over this after noon. Aunty came over after noon she got a ride with old Fawset. Lila also came over to spend the night. Frank & I went down to the stump to-night, the water was fine it was the first time in for me this year. It was very hot to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday June 14th We caught all the calves but Bobbie's when we fed them this morning, they have not been feeling very lively to-day. Bill Oaks came over for a drink and visited for about half an hour. He is going to leave Ivey to-day. We cut potatoes most of the morning. This after noon we got some ice out to put in the refrigerator, it is meling a lot but seems all right in side. Frank went to a picnic this after noon that Mrs. Tuck was having for her Sunday School class. We did not get out in the field till about three and then Dad ploughed some furrows to plant potatoes in the old garden and we planted four rows. We planted Huby's early ones which he has been telling us ought to be planted for the last month. two rows from the west side of the east section. Alfred came over while we were out there and paid a short visit. Dad. & I had to go down town to-night for some stuff. Lila went down with us. Tupper went past to-day and told Dad he was going to begin road work on Tuesday. Sunday June 15th Frank went to Sunday school but Dick didn't get up in time; he, Dad. & I drove down to church. Dad. & I went in the choir. The Rev. Larry Shey prought about the Dominion Alliance and its efforts in trying to "Abolish the bar". I walked home with Paul Lee Woodson. Dick stayed down and is not home yet (9.10 P.M.) This afternoon I read till I went to sleep, and then read again. Mr. & Mrs. Frank Faulkner were over, and Walt McCall, Dave. Waddle, Powell McKintosh & Bill Davis came over. Walt. said he would send over his mare in the morning. Dad. & Tiddums went down to Alfreds so missed all visitors. Enah intended to go to church to-night but Tiddums woke up about that time so she stayed home. It has rained quite a few times to-day and has been sunny & hot in between. Monday June 16th Dad. & I planted the rest of the potatoes this morning and went over to Sam Law's before dinner. This afternoon we moved the kitchen stove from the inside kitchen to the woodshed, we didn't have enough hands and the consequence was the base got broken and now the stove is supported by columns of brick, we then went out and planted three rows of mangels. We had a garden line which was to short and had to be stretched </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> twice in the same line. Dad had to make the drill with a stick and I shook the seed in with a can with a hole in the bottom, which worked all right. Tonight I went down to band practice and got home just at twelve. Aunty went down and spent the evening with Mrs. Bumpas at Mrs. Skey's. It was too late to wait for me so she came back alone. This has been about the hottest day we have had 90 in the shade I think We are hearing a lot of talk now about the enormous almmount of money the government & the railway are going to spend on harbour improvements. I found our poor black & white cat killed this morning in Joe's stall I suppose she has run up after a mouse and frightenend Joe when she stepped on her. Frank has undertaken to raise her family for her but has a hard job making them drink. We heard yesterday that Harry Dyer was dead but I heard to-day that he was better yesterday. Tuesday June 17th Dad. & I worked on the road all day, we took Harry & little Joe and the plow. Tupper, Mrs Flemming, Mr. Walker & Ben were all there with teams. They plowed a ditch from the corner to the top of the gully on our side of the road and took the dirt and filled up the holes around the culvert and covered the stones that have been the source of many a cross word coming from travellers mounting the hill. Of course there are a lot of kickers, that feel called upon to tell us that a worse mess couldn't be made than the job we are doing but they cant suggest a remedy. One mug told us we might better be home in bed. Dad. told him we would much rather he. Roy telephoned Dick to-day that Aunty Louisa died this morning so Aunty went down on the five train. Tonight I went down with Dick intending to go to Aunty Maude's & Ada's party at Mrs Scofield's but when I found out that it was to be mostly {illegible} I thought I had better be in bed. The Woodson boys went down with us, and Dick his best to persuade us to go up but they didn't want to go so we came home and Dick stayed and says he had a good time and any ammount of dancing. Lewis treated the four of us to a dish of ice cream. Pretty warm but not so bad as yesterday. Wednesday June 18th We worked on the road all morning. As our time </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was finished at noon by Dad. & the team alone. Tupper rewarded me with a dollar for my services, he said he knew I wasn't worth it but as it was a government job, he would let it go. at that. This afternoon we planted a few more mangles and have another row to plant yet. To-night I went down to band concert, it was the first night we have been out this year and the first night I ever played in public, I guess I did as well as ever, but just about froze on the stand and was so stiff I could hardly walk home. Very much cooler and cloudier to-day. Thursday June19th I went out this morning and planted the rest of the mangels (one row). Dad disked up the unsowed part to the garden and then started to plow the other half of the corn field for wheat, This after noon I raked the garden and got a place ready to plant corn but only got one row of Golden Bantam in on account of the rain. Dad. plowed all the after noon Our corn is coming up very nicely except in a few hard spots which are as dry as a bone. Dick came home to-night and we had some music to-night. We had quite a thunder shower about noon and another about tea time We needed them badly but they weren't enough Friday June 20th Vyse came over this morning and told us our roller was at the station. so Dad told him that we would go right down and get it and for him to wait for us to set it up. When we got there it proved to be a nine foot instead of an eight foot one which was ordered so Dad. did not accept it. We went up by town to get some cream jars at the hardware store and around by the Spaints for Vyse to inquire after Alex. who was taken sick last Monday night, and they have been afraid he would have to be operated upon. He is better this morning. I planted the rest of the corn when we got home and Dad. went back to fix the gully fence where Fred's calf got into the field. I went over to the Quanbury's at noon and got some tomato and cauliflower plants, but just as I got home it began to rain and poured all the afternoon. There were a few very close claps of thunder but I don't think anything around here was struck. The ground was just about flooded but it didn't take it long to run off & in. I read myself to sleep and slumbered till about five when I went out and we planted out the tomato & cauliflower. It is raining quietly again to night. Very hot this morning. My Frank brought us over a lovely bunch of peonys this morning. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday June 21st As it was too muddy for Dick to walk or ride his wheel (which was down town any way), I drove him down town as far as Mrs. Lawson's, I didn't care to go any farther on account of my appearance. Frank & I wed out a few onions. Frank got quite a lot done, he is getting skilled at the job from his practice at the Quanbury's. Dad. started to clean out the wood shed and we helped him a little. We also steadied & levelled the separator. It took nearly all the afternoon to the the wood shed cleaned but it looks a lot better now. Frank went over to Mrs. Martin's with the cream and got eight more tomato plants from John to fill out the row. I put them out and helped him put out some Cabbage plants, he has sixty out now. He got another hatch of chickens over at Jack Martin's these are single combed ones to keep for ourselves, he also went over to Law's and got the butter. To night he and Dad. have driven down town after the mail & some groceries, as Dick did not come home to tea. Dad. wants to see Emery about a corn cultivator which I saw he had for sale this morning. It has been cool and cloudy all day. Sunday June 22nd The boys went down to church and Sunday School this morning but I went back to the gully for an hour or two instead and I guess was just as much benifited as if I had gone to church. I found a breach in the fence where I suppose John gets through into the alsike and patched it up as well as I could. I took a walk way up around by Robert John's and fell in with Edmond England coming from Ivey's where he has three heifer's pastured. While I was gone Dad. went down town and got Huby and Lila to come over for dinner and see the farm. Win came over after dinner. This after noon Harry & Mrs. Moon and Jack & Mrs. Walker came over. Harry spent about half an hour trying to take a picture of Queen & the colt, but Queen was too tame and wanted to examine the camera while the colt was a little shy and would get behind Belle. Then Old Harry seemed to think tnat it was his likeness which was wanted or else Ginger would take a run across the field and the rest would all be after her. At last however Johnny got Mrs. Walker's parasol and attracted their attention enough for Harry to get a couple. Dad. drove Huby home soon after dinner and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I drove Enah, Win & Lila down and Enah. Win & I went to church. We over took all the Woodson's but Lewis coming over here after church. When they left we had some sanwiches is place of tea which we missed. Lovely day sunny but not hot cool to-night. Monday June 23rd Sam & Allan Law came over this morning to borrow our waggon, Lewis Woodson also came over with a scythe blade to be sharpened. I spent the day in clearing the blue grass field of daisys and strawberries there were some fat ones back there. When I went out this morning I had designs on a patch of daisys which we could see from here and which I thought I could corner in an hour or two but when I over there I found a lot more on the side bilt, and they took me the most of the day. I pulled them, which took a good deal longer than to cut them as I had first intended, so I am not through yet with the patch I set out after. Dad plowed all day. and at noon drove down to see Emery about his cultivator but Emery couldn't find the teeth for it then. but. I went down to-night to band practice and he told me he had gone out to his fathers and found them out there so I guess we will buy it. It was half past eleven when Dick and I got home. pretty fairly hot. Tuesday June 24th I went back and harvested the remainder of my flower garden. and got through a little before noon with out feeling any regret at leaving. At noon Dad went down to Emery's and brought the cultivator home. I cut a little lawn while he was gone. As the trip down town delayed dinner we were late getting out and by the time we got Belle in and harnessed to put on the cultivator it was about three o'clock, but it was just as well for she was inclined to be pretty balky and mad at six. Dad drove her up and down the field once then she balked and soon got her to behave fairly well, and got a nice start on the cornfield to-night I worked in the garden till dark and then Frank and I went for a swim and got back about ten. Frank had just started his exams today and appears to be very interested in them, he thinks he passed in the subjects he had to-day. Arithmetic, Spelling & Writing. Hot & sultry I have felt about half asleep all day. Dad's head ached and he felt pretty rotten about noon </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday June 25th As it showed symtoms this morning of being an extra hot day and as Belle's colt didn't seem very well this morning on account of being away from her while she was working yesterday, and because she cut up rather rustily yesterday. Dad. went over to Sam Law's before break fast and borrowed old Ben. to cultivate our corn. Dad. plowed all day with Harry & Joe Walker so I was sentenced to keep Bent and the cultivator in the straight and narrow way lying between the corn rows. He went pretty well all morning and for awhile after dinner till I started to go crosswise; but then I couldn't do anything with him, he did his best to step on every hill and wouldn't mind at all. Dad. took him a couple of rounds or so while I plowed and said he went pretty well but I couldn't see any improvement. When Frank got home from school he rode him for awhile and things went better. Tonight Frank took him home and we decided not to cultivate any more till he got through with school, he is just having his exams now and tomorrow & Friday is his last day. Frank's guinea hen started setting today. Drat {ink blotch on page} Thursday June 26th I worked in the garden all day, and got most of the weeds out but nothing else done. Dad. plowed all day and finished the rest of the corn field for summer fallow. Wyatt Waddle came in this afternoon with a duplicate of the broken casting on the manure spreader. Aunty came home tonight. Dick met her and she stayed at Huby's all night. Dick started the other day to take music lessons from Miss Wimmer. Allan Law brought our waggon back this morning. Very hot and sultry to-day. Friday June 27th It rained last night and the thunder which accompanied it was deafening. There was one clap that fairly shook Dad out of bed, and he went around shutting all the windows. When he got to ours I partly woke up but if it hadn't been for him I would never have known there was any thunder. It has been a very stifling day. It was about 90° in the shade and so muggy and wet we could hardly breathe. Dad. plowed all day on the old corn stubble and nearly croaked with the heat and his uncomfortable footwear. I planted </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> out a few tomato plants which Frank found coming up from seed among the potatoes. I was to lazy to do any thing else much. Aunty came over about noon. This after noon I put on a bathing suit and hooked up Joe and took the buggy down here to the grist mill and gave it a good washing. Lila came over just as I was starting so got on a bathing suit and went down with me and I think enjoyed herself immensely, going right up under the dam and all over. I got well washed off by by getting under the stream that overflows from the flume but there was awful force to it. I went down at seven to-night and attended the Methodist strawberry fistival with the rest of the band. Dad. Dick, Frank & Enah were all there. Aunty & Lila took care of Tiddums. We got home pretty fairly early and had a good time. Saturday Saturday June 28th I plowed all day to-day. Dad made three strike outs yesterday and I turned then under leaving about three feet for Dad. to finish up on each land. I got around three strike outs, and didn't do so very badly considering it was the first day I had put in at the job never before plowing more than three or four rounds at a time. It seemed to go much better and I made a better looking job this morning than after dinner. I had old Harry and Joe Walker who made a pretty good team once they got started of but I generally had some trouble at the ends - as neither one of them much more than enough braints to make a square meal for a chipmonk. Dad. took Belle out to cultivate but she acted pretty mean so Frank came out to hold her she was still bad till Dad. took her and Frank took the cultivator, when she worked like a charm and they continued operations all day in this manner but did not quite get over the field. About five o'clock the colts came up the lane and some way knocked down the bars into the field and took a race down the corn field and back, but we soon got them out. Aunty went down town to see Mrs. Bompas who I think is going away soon. They expected Quint home to-night but he didn't come, but may be here yet for the first. Fairly warm but nothing like yesterday. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday June 29th We got up fairly early this morning and Dad drove Aunty up to the cemetry with some flowers before Sunday School. None of us went down to church except Frank. Hubert & Edith Lawrie came over with Aunty after church for the afternoon. I left at half past one as this was decoration day for the odd fellows - and the band furnishes them with music for them. We had to march from the Dominion Hotel to the School house - and as it was the first march for me I didn't enjoy it much, what made it triply hard for me, I had no music harp for my horn so had to hold the music with half of one hand, play with half of the other and hold the horn with half of each so I couldn't do any thing properly. Then I got out of step about half a dozen times in every block and every body suggested hobbles or some other contrivance to keep my length of step at about a foot & a half instead of three feet. We rode up to the back from the cemetry on Val. Lany's dray with Johnnie Walker's team. We played a few old hymns up there and marched back from the school house to Harry Graham's store to "Auld Lang Syne". There is a great change for the better in the appearance of the cemetry since Munroe has been looking after it. When I got home I found Mr. Blaikie here, his arm is badly crippled with rheumatism, he just came up for the first, was going to Alfred's to spend the night, and to Simcoe to-morrow. There was great excitement up the Radical road last night, as Art Williams was going home after midnight he saw Geordie Waldick's barn opposite Cory's place on fire, Geordie wasn't home so he alarmed Stringer's. They just nicely got it out when they saw a fire at Chart Wooley's so they going over there, they saved the barn but the straw stack was burned. Next thing a blaze was noticed over at John King's, who being more unlucky than the other two lost his barn and all his implements. It was evident that this was the work of some man, and for some reason I think they tracked him they suspect the fellow who lives at Cory's. I forget his name any way they had the house watched, but as Dad. & Enah told were going to church to-night they were very much surprised to meet this same man walking leisurely along the road in front of this place. Dad. informed Art Quanbury - and this led to Hugh McQueen and Faulkner in Al's automobile starting in pursuit </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and his recapture on the way to Renton. He deserves all he gets for being fool enough to keep to the road. Yordie Waldick and some other fellow were in here while Dad. was at church to see him about some vetinary business. Mr. Blaikie and Alfred were also over. Lila stayed all night over here. Very hot for me to-day, breezy and not extraordinary for other people. Monday June 30th I plowed a few rounds this morning but made such a mess of it that Dad. took it and Frank and I cultivated corn. I led Belle and he held the cultivator she went fine, we got over the rest of the corn crosswise and nearly half over it lengthwise. To night I went down to band practice, Aunty polished my horn up beautifully for me this after noon she went down with me to see Quint if he came, but he didn't. Dick waited for the late train which did not get in till after eleven in hopes that Quint would be aboard but was disappointed. I saw {Stuffy?} to-night. Mrs. McBride was here this after noon washing. It has been pretty hot all day but a nice breeze, awfully hot to-night. Quite a few are into their hay now. Tuesday July 1st Dad went down to Vyse's, and from there down town to get the roller, it came all right this time and they set it up at Vyse's and left in there for the present. He had to stop in at Martin's on his way down to see their cow who got into the chicken cook-house the other night and filled up on every thing she could find. and now is in a rather critical condition. Among other things I hoed some of the corn in the garden this morning and then Frank and I went to the stump and enjoyed a good swim. Frank went on down town with the lawn mower to have it sharpened, but I came home, and had dinner as I had to be down town by one as the band started performing then, we played for awhile on the bandstand, and then went around town, they took us in to the three hotels and to Jake's. Jack Paine was very much in evidence on these occasions making all sorts of rash promises to the band, such as sending up a new set of instruments or anything else they wanted if each member would send him twentyfive bulldog ammonia coupons. At the lower hotel, they struck up, "He's a jolly good fellow". and Jack and the rest of them down there danced and kicked up a row, till they got out </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> of wind and then he commenced to talk, but as they were waiting for us out side, we had to leave him much to his disgust, without all the good wine he had been promising us. I rode Frank's wheel home to tea and changed my once white pants as I thought I might take in the dance. We played awhile over in the park till the orchestra had to go in to the dance, by that time I didn't feel much like dancing so sat around with Egg Thompson & some others and came home early Among the chief numbers on the list of sports was were a a slow horse race which Hazen entered but was disqualified because his horse stopped, and which ended in a dispute, as some thought that Dave Fields who came in last let his horse stop, but others said that it didn't stop for although it wasn't making any progress its feet were going. Another was a tug of war between Simcoe & Dover. The Dover end of the rope was supported by Hugh McQueen, Sandy Leitch etc. and walkeded right down the road with Simcoe, but it also ended with {picking?} for some reason or other. Harry Moon yelled him self hoarse at that, An unadvertised sensation was created by the arresting of a motor cyclist by Val. Leany. It seems the fellow either through non control of his machine or whisky or pure devilment or all three was {illegible} the roads through the crowd at a very reckless and dangerous rate. He did stop at last and evidently objected to peaceably accompany Val to the cooler, so that gentleman picked him up, put him under his arm and carried him in out of the hot sun. I heard afterwards that Bond tried him and that he contributed nineteen dollars to the municipal treasary. A Simcoe man dropped dead over at the Dominion at noon. I suppose he collapsed with the heat, that didn't cause much excitement though as everybody else felt the same way. It was almost unbearably hot especially under a coat that has been collecting the bandroom dirt for an unknown number of ages. Wednesday July 2nd Dad. plowed and. Frank. Belle & I cultivated corn all day. We finished the field lengthwise and got up as far crosswise as where Frank & Dad. begun the other day. We are going to leave it that way for awhile now. To-night I went down to the regular weekly night band concert. Lila came over and spent </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the night, she cut her lip quite badly inside by falling off Frank's wheel several times. It swelled up like a sick toad or we wouldn't have known she hurt as she didn't feel it. Aunty went down town to-day and to-night Mrs. & Miss Woodson came over to inquire after her as the cook though some delusion on her part had told them she fainted while going through their place this afternoon. It rained a few drops this morning and has been a most comfortable breezy day. Thursday July 3rd Vyse came in this morning with our roller, he and Aikens were going out to haul in his hay. Dad had to go over to Martin's to see their cow and when he came back he got the mower out and cleaned it up I turned the grindstone while he sharpened one of the knives. Mrs. McPherson and her three angels came overe to spend the day. I hope they enjoyed thenselves, for then somebody would have. Arthur would have if they had let him spend a little more time in the blacking box and flour tin. After dinner Dad took the mower back the other side of the gully and started on the half of the old wheat stubble, the other half is in alsike. I went back with him till he cut a round. He didn't quite finish the field to-night but has a couple or so hours more, he said none of it would be fit to rake before tomorrow noon anyway. When I came up I worked in the garden till six. Frank thinned out the carrots and Paris Greened the potatoes. Dick got home to tea to-night. Very hot again to-day. As the cats have been taking a duck or two lately Frank has moved them, the ducks, out on the front lawn. They don't add to the beauty of the place any, but I guess no body in particular cares a cent. Dad had to go over to Martin's again to-night as the cow is in a worse condition, he punched a hole in her stomach and has created a spring of chicken feed with the above mentioned stomach as the source. Friday July 4th Dad. went back as early as he could, which was pretty late to finish mowing. I didn't do any thing much but start to make a rack for the beans to climb on, about ten I went back to shake up some of the hay which Dad. cut yesterday but mowed instead Dad. went to shake up the hay but found there wasn't enough of it to make it necessary so went </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> over and visited with John Wess McBride who while cultivating corn was taking things as coolly as possible. Some men were there putting a new roof on his barn and he wasn't at all satisfied with it. We finished mowing about noon. When we got to the house we found Huby there with a horse and buggy out electioneering. This was the day, they voted on the by law to fix the canning factory's taxes. but every body had forgotten about it. even the canners themselves. Vyse told them he had forgotten and had been thinking it was the twelfth, and telling people that was the date. Huby stayed to dinner and Dad. & Aunty drove down afterwards with Joe, while Huby went after Uncle Ward & others. Win came over with him but went home with Edith who also came over as she pretended to be scared of the horse which ran away several times so Huby said. Mrs. McBride came this morning to paper our room and Frank has been helping her all day. It rained all the afternoon so I didn't do any thing much. Dad. cleaned out the cellar and I helped a little break the sprouts of some apples potatoes. Mrs. McBride & Frank finished the room to-night all but the border on one side which they didn't have enough of Bill Dunbar and some other fellow came after poor old Taurus this morning they led him down and although he was quiet enough they had a little time with him as he didn't know what being tied up meant. After dinner both the Dr. Burts. from Simcoe came in to see Dad. They had come down to look at Martin's cow but she was just about dead, she died soon after. Dick didnt come home till late but hadn't heard how the election went. Saturday July 5th I drove Dick down this morning as the roads were too muddy for him to ride or walk. He got me the rest of the roll of border and a few other things to bring home. Martin's were just about to inter the remains of their cow when I came home and were evidently waiting for Dad to come and hold a post mortem as he told them he wanted to yesterday, he went over but said it was to long after her death to make any observations. He and Frank then went down to the mill with some grist for chop. I tied binder twine together to make a trellis for the beans to climb on. This afternoon I just walked around the garden. Frank planted out another row of cabbages. Dad. cut weeds around here </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and put up the other piece of larder. Aunty went down town this afternoon but came back to tea. After tea Dad. & I drove down town I tried to get some coarse salt but couldn't but got some chloroform for {Yran's?} butterfly. I then went over to the dance - and put in a very miserable time - as no body would dance or have anything to do wth me. Dick was there and never missed a dance. It rained hard last night but there has and has been pretty hot all day although there was a very nice cool breeze off the lake this after noon. Sunday July 6th Dad. & Frank did all the chores this morning as I didn't get up very early. Aunty & Frank went down to Sunday school and Dick and I went to church. This after noon Dad. Enah, Aunty and Tiddums went out to the Shand's and stayed to tea. We did chores. Dick spent the afternoon down town in swimming. Frank went back to the gully and I tried to draw a picure but didn't make much of a job of it. To-night the boys fed the little ducks some whisky soaked grain and they got lazy eyed two or three could hardly walk, and would roll over & over. It has been cool & quite windy all day. It rained a short time this after noon. Monday July 7th This was Dad's. birthday so we didn't get a very early start although we never do any other day either. Dad. went over and raked up the hay he cut and finished at noon I went back with him and started to cock up. Frank had to take a consignment of sick little chickens over to Jack Martin to have their case diagnosed, he pronounced it chickenpox and ordered them to be quartined, fumigated, disinfected, vaccinated and about half a dozen other things, when he got back he came and cocked up too.This afternoon we took the waggon back and put on a load. It took us nearly two hours as the the hay was very loose & short and the wind was very strong. Frank went a head of us and bunched it out of the windrow, Dad. pitched on & I loaded or piled it on the rack. We cocked up a little before we came up with the load. Aunty Maude, Win and Lila came over to-night to wish Dad. a happy birth day. I went down to band practice and got home soon after eleven. It has been very cool and a strong wind all day. Tuesday July 8th We cocked up all morning and finished about noon all but about one load in the north west corner </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we then all went over to John Wess. McBride's to get some information regarding slings, as Dad. never used them before. We found out all we wanted to and he gave us an ash board to make the uprights which bolt on the rack. We were over there quite awhile and didn't get back till after one so by the time we had dinner did chores and pitched off the load on the rack it was pretty late. It looked a little like rain so we went out and got the load that was in windrow instead of rigging the slings. We couldn't take it quite all in one load but it didn't rain anyway. Frank bunched it all up, so as to make it easier to pitch on. I loaded it again and it didn't upset. It was after six by the time we got up with it. Winnie came over this after noon and stayed all night. Lila went home. Very nice cool day and not so windy. Wednesday July 9th We spent the whole morning in fixing the sling rigging on the rack and oiling the pulleys and making general preparation for getting in the rest of our hay. We also put off the load by hand which was on the rack We got a good start after dinner, but as it was the first time we had ever had the sling ropes to bother with, we didn't get on extra fast, but we got it off with out any trouble as the slings worked fine. We went back and got about half a load on when a very heavy thunder storm blew up and we all got soaked to the skin. It didn't last long as we left the field as soon as it began and it had nearly stopped when we got to the barn. We had a hard time coming up the hill as it was too slippery for the horses. Old Harry fell right down once on his nose - and they both came down on their knees two or three times, but I don't think either of them sustained any serious injuries. Lila came over after dinner and came out to the field with us. so got soaked with the rest of us. Dad took down a panel of the barnyard fence when he drove the team through into the field with the sling rope so had to take the horses out of the field, he put Belle & her colt in the boxstall and turned Ginger & Queen back the lane in fear & trembling best they should get into the barbed wire, and to-night before tea we noticed Queen in the pasture field and on investigation Dad. found she had jumped the lane fence, and had a few scratches on her but otherwise was not hurt. Ginger was all right. I went down to band practice concert to-night. Dad. & Frank drove me down but I was late. I </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> just missed the first piece. I came home with Dick. Very cool and breezy. They got their smoke stack up to-night at the canning factory. Thursday July 10th Frank and I cultivated corn all day, we started to go twice in a row but made such little headway that we knew we wouldn't get over all of it so went once in a row. We also went up between the potatoes rows, they are coming slowly but the grass is bad in them and they need hoeing. I am afraid our mangel crop is a failure, it looks as if the seed was no good. Dad. started to cut the new meadow this side of the gully where the wheat was last year, he only started to cut a part of it which was west of the old garden but didnt get it quite done. One of the sections on the blade got loose this morning, and he was delayed quite awhile fixing it, then at noon we sharpened the other knife. Lila has spent the whole day going back and forth from the house to the fields, watching her chance to drive the horses or hold the cultivator, she wanted to go home to-night as to-morrow is her music lesson day. but Aunty thought she would be too tired so persuaded her to stay. Aunty & I went over to the Woodson's to-night and spent a very enjoyable evening. Most of the family were out in the kitchen assisting the cook to entertain her two gentlemen callers, who were a mexican who Paul Lee says is the Ingram's cook and a negro dwarf from Simcoe, they had a banjo or some instrument but were stage struck before so large an audience. We got home about half past ten and every one was in bed. Dick stayed down late to the dance to-night and forgot to put the light out when he got home. I discovered to-day that my big knife was gone out of my overalls pocket and I am afraid I have lost it in the load of hay, which means that it is gone forever, it was a dandy too. Very cool all day cold to-night Friday July 11th Lila went home when Dick went to the Bank. He, Toby & Frank drew in two loads of hay in the morning and unloaded them with the sling it worked beautifully it was a lovely day to work "clear and cool", in the afternoon they raked the hay that was cut and put part of it in cock, they were quite late coming in from the field, and we were very late having tea </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Hattie had a long visit from Mr. Law, who brought the butter. before tea I went over to see Mrs Battersby and Ethel, Hattie took the baby out for a little while. Dick came home to tea he wrote to Ferdie Wiser and went to bed very early. Harry and Hattie drove out to {see?} Harvey Shand in the evening. Saturday July 12th It began to rain this morning before the boys got out in the field, and rained heavily nearly all the forenoon. They were very disappointed that so much hay was out, but they were busy all the morning with the numerous odd's and sod's which are left waiting for a rainy day. Harry helped us with one or two bits of work in the house, while the two boys began to tidy the drive house, he then went to help them at that, they got it finished and Frank cleaned his chicken house. I made a mistake in saying the rain began before they went to work, it looked very like rain early this morning, but it was cool and windy so Harry and the boys did go out and raked up more of the hay, hoping to draw more in today, but the rain came on and drove them in. After dinner Toby drove Enah down town Dick did not come home to tea, he is staying over for the dance. We heard from Roy, he said Jean was coming to the Woodson's tonight. Since tea Toby and Frank have been for a bathe at the mill. This is Cousin Lila's Birthday, Enah went to see her, and took her some cream. Sunday July 13th Aunty and the boys went down to Sunday school and I met them at church. Aunty stayed down at MIss Battersby's for dinner, she came over to-night with Lila. Dick went down to the lake this after noon and didn't get back till about eight o'clock. Dad. Frank and I took a drive after dinner. We went out to the Winding Hills east to Black Creek. South to the Dag's Nest and up this road home. We were pleased to note that the other neighbours are not much farther ahead than we are and their crops except the wheat are not much better than ours </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I didn't feel very husky this afternoon, I guess I haven't had enough sleep lately. Nice day, but windy. Wednesday July 16th We got up extra early this morning in order to get in a good day hauling hay, we got out soon after seven to unload the load standing on the barn floor. While Dad. and I were in the field after a load Frank took the pulleys and ropes down out of the barn as we want to fill up our horse stable mow with the hay we are now hauling in. Dad. had to change the car from one track to another when we came in and that took half an hour, then we found our slings wouldn't work there, the first lift nearly knocked the old ventilator chute over, there was one would hardly go in the doors and the hay all dropped out of the last one for some unknown reason we got the fork to lift what had dropped but it wouldn't work in the short blue grass. It took us about two hours to get through which was rather discouraging, we got in one more load before noon and two this afternoon, they went up all right but we didn't put on nearly as big ones. We quit on time as this was the night of Dad's party out at the Shand's, and we had to have the hay rack to carry them all. One of the Miss Shand's drove in this afternoon and took Enah and Tiddums out, they will stay all night as Tiddums wouldn't go very well with the load. There were twenty two of us on the rack and lots of room, besides all the crowd at the Woodson's (10) there were Mrs. Hobbes and Miss Prest. Aunty Maude and Lila Ada, Miss Beemer and Edith Lawrie, Dad., Aunty and we three boys made a nice load. There was quite a bunch out there consisting of Shand's and relations of Shands, Mr. & Mrs. Nixon and very sleepy son from Renton and a Mr. Hare with his mother, who is a sister of Mrs. Shand's came all the way from Jarvis. Mr. Hare had his clarinet with him and also his violin, but he wouldn't play the latter after he had heard Miss Prest. He is the leader of the Jarvis Band which had just started this year. I had to miss the band concert to-night. We had music of every description and a good time. We didn't leave till after mid-night. and it was about half past two when we got all the passengers delivered at their different places of abode and got home and the horses put away. I was dead sleepy. We didn't see a living creature down town but Mr. Hobbes was stalking up and down like a ghost past the bank waiting anxiously for his family </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> A fierce cat fight some where in the neighbourhood of Billy Frank's cottages made us aware that Dover was not completely enveloped in slumber. Winnie went to Waterford to-day with the other Miss Beemer, she will be in a very joyful state of mind as she passed entrance with honors. Poor Lila failed and feels badly although nobody would know it from her behaviour. Nice, cool breezy day, cloudy to-night and sprinkling a few drops of rain when we got home. Thursday July 17th Dad. got up a little later than usual this morning, I slept till after seven and Frank spent the best part of the morning in bed, but it had rained quite a spatter so we couldn't do much in the field. We just puttered around. Dad. worked a little in the garden and cut some of the grass and all the young plum trees on the front lawn and some of the thistles in the plum orchard. I mowed lawn. This after noon Dad. went back and started in to cut the alsike I cut more lawn and thinned some onions while Frank scythed thistles. About five I went back and cut alsike till dark while Dad came up and did chores and had tea. He had been having a hard time with it clogging up the knife, as it was wet and a lot of stuff in the bottom. I had just as had a time for awhile but it got better. Dad. Dick and Frank all came back when it got pretty dark and Dad. thought we could finish it to-night, but decided that we had better leave it till morning. It was about half past nine when we got up to the house. The Miss Shands drove Enah and Tiddums home this afternoon. Tiddums was tickled nearly to busting at getting back home again. Damp and muggy drizzled nearly all morning. Friday July 18 Dad. went back this morning to finish cutting the alsike Frank and I went out to cock up the rest of the hay in windrow, but found it too wet so just turned it out and went over to the alsike field. Dad. told us to go up and get the rack ready to put on a load, so we went up and threw off the hay which was left on from the night of the party and put on the ladders and sling standards. Dad. came up just as we got about through. Mr & Mrs. Harry Dyer with Nancy drove in about this time and Harry was dickering with Dad. about his lots on St. George St. Dad. told him he could have the two for $6.00 but he wouldn't sell one separate. Harry said he would decide and let Dick. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> know to-morrow. We went out and got one load before dinner. Mr. Lamb came over to see if he could get some hay. Dad said if he would send a couple of men and a team & waggon over he could get a load but we didn't have time to haul it, so he said he would. This afternoon we got another load in and unloaded, and then went out to cock up the rest of the wind rows. One of the little black kittens followed us out and caught a very young mouse and gobbled it. We didn't get quite through before tea, so Dad. went out after tea and worked at it till nearly ten and still left some. Frank and I drove down town after tea as Dick didn't come home and Frank wanted to see the Maple Leaf to know his fate - as to whether he passed his exams. although he made it seem as though getting his wheel was the real object of our trip. The wheel wasn't done so we went down to Huby's to see the paper, he was very disappointed not to find his name among the successful candidates as he was pretty confident he had passed. Poor old Jim Low was killed to-day by Dave Turner's engine. He was crazy with drink and as near as we know jumped in front of the engine before Dave could stop for him, the engine threw him and I think fractured his skull. He died an hour or two afterwards without becoming conscious. Aunty, Enah & Tiddums went visiting this afternoon at the Johnston's and Martin's, Aunty went over to Mrs. McBride's to find out why Frank didn't come to pick cherries but no-one was home. Dick didn't get home till after midnight as he went up to Mrs. Scofields where Ada and the rest were having a dance, Pretty warm to-day. Saturday July 19th Dad went out early as soon as he got up and raked up the alsike, he finished about eight. I got the cows and milked. While Dad. was having his breakfast Ivey's men came and got a load of hay out of the field, after we had cocked up the hay which Dad. didn't finish last night. we went over and started to bunch the alsike, it was pretty dry but did not seem to be shelling out much. It was about ten o'clock when we went out, and as we had quite a lot done by noon, we took the rack back with us after dinner, and when we finished bunching the alsike, put on a load of the old clover & weed hay. It was six when we got it on. When we came up Mrs. McBride was here picking cherries, Frank has run away again they haven't seen him since Wednesday morning, there is a search party composed of Jane on the look out for him now. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Aunty went down this after noon to stay all night. Frank wanted me to go for a swim to-night but it was too late. While I was milking this morning one of the little black kittens crawled up the edg of the pail I had filled and fell in I pulled her out as as soon as I could but was a little doubtful about using the cream from that pail. However we did separate it into a separate dish as we thought there was lots worse things than kitten often coming in contact with cream, and the separator is supposed to take all dirt out of the milk any way. The alsike back there is full of bees' nests. Dad got stung over the eye while he was raking and his face is so swollen up that I believe he would scare some people at first glance for that side of his face is exactly like poor old Simply Jim's. Windy and cool looks rainy. Sunday July 20th The boys went down to church and Sunday school but I went for a swim instead. I went in down below Quanbury's as Chris told me there was a good place. There is a good bottom and you can wade out a long way. Dad. went off without any dinner to take Huby to Jim Low's funeral. It was private but they didn't know it and so were the only ones at it. They didn't get home till late as Huby wanted to go down and see the canning factory's corn field at King's and also Mrs. Bill Oakes to see if she would come and pick cherries. Dad says their corn field is only a few inches high. About four o'clock I dressed up and went down town I intended to get a film for my camera but was too late, so didn't go up town. Dad drove Enah and Tiddums down when he went home and we all stayed at Huby's to tea. Aunty kept Tiddums while Enah and Aunty Maude went to church. I went to church and expected to hear the choir boys sing as they were there this morning but they didn't show up, there was a big crowd there expecting them, thery are camping down here and got fooling around so could get dressed in time to get to church. Instead we had a little shrimp of a lay reader from Vittoria who chewed the rag about some thing or other which was supposed to be a sermon for about three quarters of an hour. After church Dad. drove Enah, Tiddums & Aunty home. I started to walk the same time they did and beat them. They met the Bawlby's with Louise in an automobile on their way home, she expects to be down some time this week. Nice day threatening, and rained quite a shower before tea. Monday July 21st I started to cut the timothy this morning but made </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> so little progress and became so exasperated at old Harry & Joe Walker who were pulling the machine for me that I had turn the job over to Dad. They were driven nearly wild by the flies but that wasn't my fault. Old Joe would walk leisurely along next the standing grass and stop now and then to munch tomothy heads or bite a fly while old Harry at the same time would get a fly chewing him and as he seemed to be of the opinion that he could run out from under the flys if he went fast enough he would everlastingly rip things, however Dad took them and finished the piece soon after six to-night. Frank and I cultivated corn all day we got it done lengthwise from where we left off the other day and crosswise up to the hickory nut tree from the road. Sam Law came over and borrowed our spreader this morning and spread all their pile which they had back in the field they are going to put wheat on. Allan brought it back to-night and said they had lost the crank to wind back the apron Clark Matthews brought Teddy over to pasture this afternoon. He saw Dad yesterday and told him he hadn't a care in the world except his wife a white cat and Teddy, who according to his own assertion knows as much as a man. He is going for a long trip to the coast I think, and is taking his wife with him, I don't know what will become of the white cat, and he wanted to know if Teddy could come over here, so Dad told him if it wouldn't add to his care in stead of lessen it to have him surrounded by barbed wire fences in a very bad state of repair, Teddy might come over and stay with our colts for awhile. Jean and Adelena came over this after noon to stay for a few days. Tonight I went down to band practice, there were only a few of us there as Harry Graham was having a dance over in the pavillion Walt. had some new music there which proved very unpopular and punk. Aunty went down town with me to stay all night, and Dick went to the dance. Cool. Tuesday July 22nd Dad raked up the hay he cut yesterday first thing I hoed potatoes till he got enough to start cocking up then went at that. Frank also started but it got to heavy for him so he hoed some more potatoes. The hay is mostly pretty thin it is not so bad at this end but up at the other end of the field the cocks are few and far between. It is pretty fair hay blue grass & timothy except in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the low holes which Dad. didn't rake. we didn't get finished to-night. This afternoon every body but Dad and I went to the Sunday school picnic. Enah got home about eight, and Frank & the girls about half past nine. Win who got home from Waterford to-day came over with them. Dad. & I quit at five o'clock so as Dad could go to the mill for a bag of flour. just as we were coming up we noticed two men departing in an automobile we supposed it was Walt McCall, whoever it was left two cigars behind on the gate post. Frank McBeed was over this morning to pick black currants but there were none ripe. Isaac Johnston drove a couple over at noon who had a little spaniel with a split toe nail which they had brought over to Dad for advice as to treatment. Dick I guess is working to-night. Cool and windy. Wednesday July 23rd Dad. & I went out this morning and finished working up the timothy; we then came in and threw off the load of clover and weeds that was on the rack by hand as we put it over at the barn for the sheep and didn't want to change our car for one load. We went out and got one load before dinner. After dinner we unloaded it and got two more unloaded, one of our sling ropes broke in the middle loop, on the last load we couldn't have got another in to-night anyway. Lila went up in the mow with Frank to-night and while running around up there stepped on a fork full of hay which was lying just over the top of the chute, the hay was loose and she took a drop of about sixteen feet to the cement floor with about a half a forkfull of hay under her which likely came down with her, she cut her tongue and scrapped both thighs a little but was not hurt seriously, it is a wonder she wasn't killed. I went down to band concert to-night, it was raining a little when I went down and they didn't start playing till a while after eight. Louis came to-night, so I stayed down at Huby's till I heard them start so was late. It was raining so hard when I started home that I went down to Huby's and stayed all night. Dick came to the window soon after I got in to bed and said he was going to stay so came around to the back door and crawled in with me. I took the sling rope in to Jim Bannister to-night and he said he would splice it. I saw Vyse sitting out on his veranda and he seems to be in pretty bad shape, he says he is not going to try to do anything for a month. Betty Woodson came over to-day and the girls all went back to the woods with a bottle of hard cider which may account for Lila's conduct. Cool and windy. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday July 24th (mistake) Dick and I both got up about six this morning, Dick went around by town to post a letter and I went home. I went through Martin's and got soaked on the long grass Dick beat me home. Huby didn't have to go to work this morning as they laid the whole gang off last night on account of some unbusinesslike bungle, so none of the house hold was up. Aunty came out just as I was leaving to wish me a happy birthday, for it is just eighteen years ago to-day that I first squeaked. Dad. and Frank had the chores nearly done when I got home. I got all sorst of presents from every body. Dad. found my knife the other day that I thought I had lost in the hay, it was not hurt much. Dick did not hear about it till this morning and had bought me a new one but he exchanged it for a necktie before he told me. After breakfast this morning I drove down to bring Aunty and Louise over. Louise was not ready so I took Win. up town to get a plug of tobacco for Dad. before we got back we met Aunty on her way up town so we drove her up to get a tin pail to replace the one the Sunday school lost for us she also got some ice cream but forgot about it till to-night and then it was in rather a mushified condition. Before dinner we ran the binder out of the wood shed and this after noon Dad started to cut wheat he only got a few rounds but it will be a good start for to-morrow. Dick did not get home till late to-night he said the canning factory gang had gone to work again about nine o'clock all except Huby & Bill Oakes who had gone fishing up to Doan's. Louise and Aunty went back to Huby's to-night. After tea Mr. & Mrs. Bob Rankin drove over to have Dad look at their horse who has a few pimples on it in various places. Hot this morning but cooler this afternoon. Friday July 25th We got a pretty early start this morning and finished the wheat field at just six to-night. Dad cut all day and is nearly shaken to pieces from dropping into the ditches. Frank and I shocked up, and we each took one side & one end so by this means kept up with the binder. Jean came out this after noon and helped us for awhile, its a pretty slim crop but won't take long to handle. Louise and Frank went down town after tea to-night. It has been a very nice day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday July 26th We hauled hay to-day, but only got in four loads, we were unloading with the hay fork as the loft is getting too full for the slings to work well. I went down town to-night to get my hair cut. Dad. drove me down and I got a ride home with Tupper and Jonas. Aunty and Louise stayed here all night so Frank and I slept out in the hay. Dick stayed down to the dance and did not get home till late. He got word to-day that he would have a ruise of fifty dollars in his salary. Lovely day. Sunday July 27th I drove Aunty, Jean & Adelena down right after breakfast and they wanted to be down in time to get ready for Sunday school. I started to get ready for church but couldn't get a necktie that would slip through my collar before I got mad so just drove Enah & Louise down and waited for them at Huby's. I tied Joe in front of the gate. Dave Waddle and Harry Battersby came and stayed most of the time I was there. This after noon Frank and I went down to get the scow to go up creek. Huby had just let a couple of the Polocks have it but he whistled for them and they brought it back, Winnie and Lila went up with us, we went up nearly as far as we could and did not get back in time for me to get ready for church. Dick went to church to-night as he slept till to late to go this morning. Mr. Lawrie and Edith came over and spent the afternoon Dad. drove Mr. Lawrie over to see John Wess McBride but he was not at home so they Mr. Blaikie who is helping John Wess this summer. It has been very hot and sultry all day and to-night wound up in a teriffic thunder storm. The rain started with the worst crash of thunder I ever heard. and the only one that ever made me cringe, it rained very hard but I don't think it lasted long. Monday July 28th Owing to the rain last night we were unable to do any thing with the hay, so I drove Aunty and Dick down town this morning and got Joe's shoes set of course it took Butler nearly all the morning but I looked at "The Literary Digest", and listened to Jack Spain talk when I wasn't holding Joe. I had to give her one small licking because she teased Butler to </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> much, I went over to Billy Langs while I was there and got a sack of binder twine to be ready for cutting the oats. Aunty came back home with me. Lila is sick to-day and put in a very bad night of it, Huby is still not working, they are having a meeting of the share holders of the canning factory this morning down on the band stand. When we got home about noon Dad. & Frank were out straightening up the wheat sheaves that were down. They had fixed up the hay in the barn ready to put the alsike in. Dad. nearly killed himself while he was trying to tighten up the track in the barn. He had the big monkey wrench and could hardly reach to get it on the nut while working with it, it fell and struck him in the eye with a force which knocked him down and nearly stunned him, it left him with a headache for the rest of the day. This afternoon, he & I went out to finish straightening up the wheat, we didn't bother with the thistly sheaves, we went down to see Alfred for awhile who was cutting grass along the fence in his wheat stubble across the road. We saw that Mr. Fleming was hauing alsike though it can't be fit. He has a lot more dead ripe to cut and his oats ought to be cut so we aren't so very far behind. Frank went over to Martins this after noon and got some more chickens, he also returned Sam Law's binder twine. I had an attack of the blues to-day caused I think from seeing the garden and lawn in such an eye sore state, but we got about half an hour's pulling weeds in the garden this evening so I felt a little better. To-night I drove Louise up to Mr. Frank Bowlby's. She would probably have had to walk from Lynn Valley there if I had not. It was after six when we left and I got back about nine in time to go to band practice Dad and Frank brought my horn down town and took Joe home, I stopped in at the Smyth's on my way home but Pud. was having a swim. I saw signs of the new railroad for the firss time. It has been very hot to day and to-night. Tuesday July 29th We hauled in hay all day but only got in four loads. Dad. & Enah went down to the church concert to-night and Aunty stayed here to mind Tiddums. Frank and I worked in the garden till after dark and to night I am so dead sleepy I can hardly hold my head up. Very hot to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday July 30th We hauled wheat to-day. Dad. loaded because he can do it so much faster than I can and I pitched on. We only got in two loads before dinner and at noon I thought I was tuckered out but this afternoon got rested some way by working harder than ever and we got in three loads. This morning I laid them in the mow and Dad. pitched off but after dinner we made a change Dad. could mow them twice as fast as I could so I got on and pitched off. I took my shirt off and left it in the sun to dry and then I everlastingly threw them, I just about covered old Frank up two or three times as I couldn't get time to turn them but we made things hum. The neighbours are hauling in wheat to-day too. Sam Law we thought was going a little faster than we were but he could go from the field right into the barn. Mr. Fleming was going about the same and John Wess was too far away for us to tell.... Quint came home last night for a couple of days and this after noon came over here for a little while, he seems to like his job well and is enjoying himself. Tonight I went down to band concert, and didn't get home till about eleven as I went down after wards with Quint to get some ice cream. The canning factory gang are still not at work. They had a meeting of the share holders to-night. It has been terribly hot to-day. Thursday July 31st We got up early this morning to get a good start but were sorely hindered. Dad. noticed strange cows in the lane as soon as he went out and found upon investigation that every heard of Vyse's stock had got in to our place. The horses were way back on the timothy sod near the oats and the cows in the lane although we don't know where they got in, it just took about an hour to get them back, we found the cows had been right through the corn but besides eating thirty or more hills had not done it very much damage. It was really my fault for leaving our wheat field gate open but I never thought a thing about it last night, and the animals had some way got Vyse's gate open about three feet and walked a cross the road into our place. Owing to other small but aggravating delays we didn't get out at all early and just got our wheat in and unloaded </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> by noon, we made two trips of it but could have taken it in one load if we had kneeded to. It just comes up to the first beam in the bit opposite the granary in the old barn and is the smallest wheat crop we ever want to have. We spent all the afternoon getting in the rest of the hay on this side of the gully, there was were just two small loads. It has been pretty hot to-day. Friday August 1st We started to haul alsike to-day but although we did our best we only got one load in and un loaded this morning, we got if off about eleven so instead of going back we did up all the chores before dinner and Frank and I planted some turnip seed in the garden. This afternoon we did better, we worked till nearly eight and got in three loads, there is a lot of it but we think we can get it all in to-morrow if we can get out good and early Quint went away this morning so Aunty came over here. Jean & Adelena with the McPherson kids this after noon Dick came home early to go for a swim but as I couldn't go with him, he went back, had a swim at the lake and came back to tea. Nice and cool to-day. Saturday August 2nd We got up before sunrise this morning and for the first time this summer got out at seven. It took us a long time to get the first load this morning as it was miserable stuff to pitch, we just got in two loads this morning and two this after noon, and have all the best of the alsike, there is another load over there but it is very grassy and we did not think it would be worth thrashing especially as we are getting a little cramped for more room, so we shall likely put this over the cow stable. I pitched on both yesterday & today. this. alsike where it is good is very light and easy to pitch and as it has been bunched up so long it lifts nicely. When we came up with the last load the old pig was out in the barn yard evidently looking for a nest as during the night some time a family of fifteen piglets arrived. Frank is going to raise three of them on the bottle owing to lack of lunch counter accommodation on the part of the old sow. Dick was late to-night - dance. Much hotter to-day and very windy. Sunday August 3rd I got up about half past six this morning and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> instead of doing a chore I went down to the stump and had a good swim. I needed it the worst way. Dick and I went to church this morning. Dad & Enah drove down and Aunty minded Tiddums. Frank went to Sunday school but not to church. This after noon I read myself to sleep, and don't know what the rest of the family did except that Dick went down town. I drove Aunty down to church to-night but as I had a little pain I didn't go but after taking Joe over to Silverthorn's took Pud. Slocomb for a drive up the Radical and down the Gravel. Pud has heard that he passed and is going to Normal in Hamilton next month. Gordy failed. Lila came over this morning with Dad. & Enah and is staying here all night, she feels well now but is weak yet. Huby says he has quit the canning factory, and is not going to do anything now, but I think likely he will. It was very hot all day, cooler and threatening rain to-night. Monday August 4th Dad cut oats all day but did not finish the field, it is the one west of the lane next the gully, he had old Joe Walker and Harry, and said he could have finished it if he had had little Joe in stead of Joe Walker. Frank and I shocked up, Frank didn't feel well at all and had to feed his little pigs quite often so we didn't nearly keep up with the binder. I went down to band practice to-night but as Walt. Steele and Bob. Rankin were the only members present we didn't have any - and I came home early. I scared the gizard out of Frank when I got home to-night, they were all sitting tin the parlor where Enah was playing, and I went up and shook the pear tree by the window which Frank was near and as it was a still night old Frankus felt mighty uncomfortable. Mr. Hall, an old friend of Enah's came over to dinner to-day escorted by Cecil McPherson who greatly entertained us with his wonderful fairy tales of his experiences & exploits. The gang at the canning factory went back to work to-day but Huby has quit and I am afraid is not doing anything. Nice day, cool morning and evening. Tuesday August 5th Dad. finished cutting the oats and we got them shocked up by noon. It is a pretty fair crop very good in some spots. This after noon we put off the load of alsike which was on the waggon and went back </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and got all the rest of it except three or four bunches which we will bring up with the hay. It made a tremendous load but we got up safely with it. Frank went back with us to pick blackberries or thimble berries but didn't get many as they are not ripe yet. Harry Battersby came over this after noon to see us as he is leaving tomorrow, Lila went back home with him. Aunty went over to dinner and spent the afternoon at Mrs. Battersby's. Warm day & cool night. Wednesday August 6th We unloaded the load of alsike which we hauled yesterday. It just went in and there was no room to spare. Dad & I had to dig a runway for it first. We then loaded the wire that Robert John bought from Sid McBride a year ago to put up along our woods between him & us on the rack and took it back we rolled it all out flat along the woods and this after noon Frank and I went back and cleared away the old fence and rubbish around it and trimmed the tree branches off so as the wire can be just tacked up temporally till Sid. McBride can come to stretch it as we want to turn the cows in the field which the woods are in. Aunty and I drove down town we got a lot of groceries and I got one of Joe's shoes set which she pulled a couple of nails out of someway. Lila came back with us. Huby has gone back to work again at the canning factory, and we are all very glad of it. I went down to band concert to-night. It has been cloudy and cooler all day and rained a shower before tea. Thursday August 7th Aunty and I got started about nine o'clock for Burford to see Mr. Hanmer and his sheep. We stopped for awhile at St. John's Church which is getting nearly finished and for awhile at Simcoe but arrived in Scotland near where Uncle Robuck lives about two o'clock, we stayed at Uncle Robuck's for dinner and as Aunty and I both went to sleep there we didn't leave for Burford till nearly five. It was about seven miles farther on and we got there about six Mr. Hanmer was just going to dip some sheep that were to be shipped to the other side, he had a government vetinary inspector there and so we saw the whole performance. As we were almost strangers to them we felt a little uncomfortable at paying them such an </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> such an unexpected visit at such a time of day, but they couldn't have been nicer or more hospitable and wouldn't hear of us going elsewhere to spend the night. Before going to bed to-night we found Joe had put her foot through a board in the stable floor and had to be moved. It has seemed to us like a lovely day, it has not been too hot and a little breeze the roads were fine and as we met very few vehicles of any kind were not bothered at all with the dust, the country is very dry though. Friday August 8th I don't know what time I got up this morning but I wandered around out side for a good while before I found anybody, but when I went out to give Josie a cleaning off I found her all cleaned, fed & watered. Mr. Hanmer had tended to her, he thinks a lot of horses and admired Joe very much, he has a nice team of hackneys now and his daughter has taken a good many prizes & ribbons for driving. We didn't have breakfast till rather late and as he had some business to do after wards, I didn't have such a lot of time as I would have liked, however he showed me a good many of his sheep and one ram especially which I may buy, he wants fifty dollars for him so I thought I had better speak to Dad. first. We also saw a few imported sheep which were going through Burford, but Mr. Hanmer thought he had lots that could beat them. As Aunty had said we would be at Uncle Robuck's for dinner we thought we had better go although they pressed us to stay there. We left at twenty minutes to twelve and got to Uncle Robuck's at about twenty five minutes after. We stayed there to dinner and left about three. Harry was off thrashing but came home just before we left. We went home by way of Waterford. and Aunty went to see Mrs. York & Mrs. Boughner there for awhile. We got home before seven and although we enjoyed our drive & visit immensly were very glad to be home again, we had to ask the way a few times but didn't get off the road much, they are fixing a bridge at the bottom of Decou's hill so we had to drive a little way down the fourth concession and get to the third through Sol. Smith's lane. It has been another very nice day, roads fine and quite a breeze in our face. It looked rainy to this morning but seemed to clear off again but to-night it is thundering and shows signs of a big storm. I don't know all that </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dad. and Frank did while we were gone but yesterday they tacked up the wire along the edge of the bush enough to keep the cattle out of Robert John's till Sid. McBride can stretch it and turned the cattle in there. To-day Frank took the team and went over all the summer fallow with the disks and Dad. cut weeds and tidied up. Jean & Adelena are over here to-night. Saturday August 9th It rained cats and dog's last night and things are so flooded we can do nothing outdoors. I didn't hear any thingh all night but they said the thunder was terrific. I drove Dick down this morning and didn't do much else all morning as it kept raining a little. It cleared off at noon - and I drove Jean & Adelena down town as Jean's grand mother wanted to see her about something we got some groceries and came home I wrote a letter to Mr. Hanmer telling him that Dad. was willing for me to get his fifty dollar ram, it seems a lot to pay but if we never get any good headers for our flock we will never have any good stock. Frank and I went down to the mill for a bathe after tea and had a good one as there is a big head of water coming over. it began to thunder & lightening & rain heavily again before we went to bed. Dick did not come home at all to-night. Sunday August 10th It rained harder than ever last night and the cannonade of thunder was terrific with a steady blaze of lightening. It didn't bother me any, I don't think I would have wakened at all but Frank was afraid the barns would be struck and got up over me to investigate Aunty also got up to look around. but Dick slept through it. It was too wet for any of us to go to church or Sunday school so we didn't do any thing much all day. I drew a little and Dad went down and drove Dick home to dinner, but he went down again this afternoon as Wiggins wanted him to help him hang pictures in his room. It began to rain again about five to-night so I put on my bathing suit to go after the cows as Dad. couldn't have got them this morning if it had not been for Tige as the stream was so swollen as to be impassable. He found that they had been in John Wess peas the other night so shut them out of the woods. We heard that Joe Long had a horse killed the night before last with the lightening </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday August 11th Dad. went back to John Wess's first thing this morning to get Frank Faulkner's heifer which had got into John Wess's peas with the rest of the cattle but had not come back with them so was taken by John Wess & put in with his. He was not at home but Blaikie was there so Dad. didn't get back very soon. I cut lawn off and on most of the day, I started to get the part across the the ditch cut as it had grown up pretty long. When Dad came home we started to dig a culvert across the front of the lane but after it was pretty well dug Dad. discovered that we couldn't make a satisfactory job of it with the material we had so we had to fill it in again. Dad. shocked up the oats over again all the after noon he said they were soaked right through and every shock had to be changed he didn't get finished of course. Frank thinned out the carrots this after noon and to-night. he & I went to the moving picture show which wasn't bad. Dad. drove Jean & Adelena & Lila down as the two former are going home on Thursday. Huby & Lila came over about noon. Huby had taken a day off to settle up some insurance business and Aunty went back with him. Mr. Bowby brought Louise down to-night, she was here when Frank & I got home. Dick didn't get home till late, he is kept pretty busy now as Mr. Hobbes is taking his holidays. It has been sunny and very cool to-day. the storm has quite cleared off. To-day's papers are full of the news of great damage to property and general depradation caused by the lightening last Saturday night and the night before, all is not known yet as telegraph & telephone wires are down all over. Tuesday August 12th Frank and I drove down and got Louise's trunk first thing this morning. Frank also got a new carborundum scythe stone which I broke on the scythe in a short time, Dad. sharpened the scythe while we were gone and I started to cut weeds around the fences as soon as I got home, by to-night I had all around the wheat field and on three sides of the summer fallow and corn there was none to cut on the fourth side, but my ribs and back ached so that I could hardly wiggle. It's hard work when one's not used to it. Dad turned nearly all the rest of the oat shocks to-day, he didn't quite finish it's a miserable job I would rather cut weeds even if </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> if it does break my back. Frank picked black currants from the old garden and nursed his young hogs most of the day. Sunny & nice to-day. Vyse was in for quite awhile this morning, he told Dad he was going to sell out entirely and go West for awhile on account of his health. Lila came over for the afternoon. Frank went home with her to-night. Old Jonas was in to-night Ivy's have taken him back. Wednesday August 13th Dad finished turning and setting the oat shocks this morning. I went out and cut all around the field he was working in, and a little around the house, before dinner we put of the load of old hay that was on the rack we put what we could of it over the cow stable and left the rest in the shed, it was after noon when we got through so we got a pretty late start. after dinner Dad started to cut the oats over by the side road, we went out with him but didn't shock any up as we had to wait for quite awhile before there was room and we quit early to go up and do chores as I went down to band concert but Dad. kept on cutting till sundown, the ground is pretty soft, he has to cut around the holes and there is water standing in some of the furrows. Frank went down with me to-night, and got some machine oil and went to see the movies. There was quite an accident downtown to-day, the bridge going over the road into Bucks Park broke with a crowd on it, we don't know very much about it but there were none killed and I don't know that there were any very seriously hurt, but there were a good many bones broken, the canning factory is going full tilt now, Huby and the rest worked till dark to-night. Nice day, cool but sunny. Thursday August 14th Mr. Flemming came over this morning with the woful tidings that he wanted two men to help thrash this after noon, so Frank went over to John Wesses to get Blaikie to come in Dad's place. John Wess was about to start cutting peas but insisted on Mr. Blaikie coming. Dad. cut oats most of the day and finished some time during the after noon. I shocked up a few in the morning and after dinner Mr. Blaikie & I lit out for Flemmings, we got a pretty late start as the machine wasn't there on time so will have to go back in the morning. We got word this after noon that </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> there was sheep down at the station for us we were so busy we couldn't go till night, then Dad. & I went down in the waggon, we picked Huby up who was in a great state of excitement over the ram, (for it proved to be the one I ordered from Mr. Hanmer), if we hadn't come down he was going to have it sent over, he wasn't any the worse for his trip, as all hands at the station had been careful to keep him in the shade. I was very surprised to see him as I under stood Mr. Hanmer to say he wouldn't ship him till after he had been shown at the different fairs, he is certainly a beauty. Hot. Friday August 15th Dad. went with me to Mr. Flemming's this morning we finished there and had our dinner about eleven. Sam Law wanted us to go and help thrash his stuff and as he thrashed his oats out of the field he wanted our team and rack so we went out and put a load of our oats on to take over it wasn't a big load but we got forty seven bushels of good plump oats out of it, which will last us till we have time to thrash. We finished at Sam's a little after six and had our tea there so we were rather late doing our chores. Pretty hot to-day. Saturday August 16th Dad. and I went out this morning before the dew was off and turned out every shock of the first cutting of oats, we then went over and shocked up some of the others, we didn't finish but quit at noon and this afternoon hauled the others, we got them all in, there were only four more good sized loads, but it took us till about nine o'clock the last one, it was so dark we could hardly find the shocks, of course we didn't unload this last load. Aunty brought us out a little lunch at six and we had some more when we came in. Very hot and looks like rain soon Sunday August 17th I didn't get up till about nine o'clock this morning and then we three boys all went to the stump and had a good swim, about half the kids in town were down there, and we didn't hurry at all, it was about one when we got home. I didn't do any thing much this after noon but perspire. I started to read but went to sleep, it was too hot to sleep and I started to write but it was too hot to think, so I had to quit that. It rained pretty hard for a short time before tea. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday August 18th Owing to the little shower we had yesterday it was a little too wet to haul any oats this morning as we had intended, Dad. and Frank took a load of grist to the mill first thing, they waited till it was chopped and then went down to Mrs. Battersbys where Frank Slocomb is laying side walk and got a load of yellow sand from him to put in front of the lane gate where there is such a mud hole, they then went and got a load of rails. I raked up the weeds and chopped the grass with the lawn mower back of the old house and along the east side of it, I worked at it all day and although it looks a lot better there is lots of room for improvement yet. This afternoon Dad. went out and shooked up the rest of the oats. Dr. Hicks & Cousin Willie went out to ask him if he would run against Bob. Taylor in the election for a school trustee next Monday, as he hates to see them so tied up in their business he said he would, but woudn't take time to get out & work at all. Enah and Louise drove Joe down town this afternoon Jean Marks came over to say that she and Louise were wanted in Toronto to help christen Rebecca Lee Scott next Friday. Louise hadn't intended going till next Monday but I guess she will have to go Wednesday now. Aunty thinks she will go down with them. Dad and I went out about six tonight and brought in one load of oats. It has been hot all day cooler to-night. Tuesday August 19th We hauled in oats to-day but as we didn't get out very early and quit early we only got in four loads. We stopped work at five as I had to be down town at seven to accompany the band to a {havana?} social at Port Ryersie. It wasn't a full band as Bob. Rankine had a lame back & Johnny Walker had no one to run his engine at the picture show for him, Miss. Thompson & Old Silverthorne took a load of girls up on the Victoria but the lake was so rough they could hardly land and they would not go back any way but by land so some came in one of the band rigs and Theodore Brown brought the rest down We had a time although the wind was cold and the torches blew so we could hardly see. I got home a little after twelve and Dick who spent the evening at the Hobbes got home soon after. Very cool all day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday August 20th We hauled in all the rest of the oats to-day. There were just two loads and a jag. We brought the jag in about three o'clock and Dad. & Frank pitched it off while I got Joe ready to drive Louise & her trunk to the station. She, Aunty and Jean all got off to-night. While I was down town Dad took the mower out and cut around the holes in the oat field which he couldn't do with the binder on account of them being so wet. I came home around by Huby's to get some peony roots and he was just getting ready to go to work as he is night watchman these days at the works. I went down to band concert to-night, after we got through on the stand Johnny Walker very kindly offerd us each a free ticket to the moving picture show so we all went down, tore off a piece in front of "The Gem" and then went in, he put on the three reels almost solely for our benefit as there were very few others in there. Edith came over this after noon and is going to stay for a few days or a week. Warmer than yesterday but not too hot. Thursday August 21st Dad. and I went out this morning with the rack and got the oats which were around the edge of the water holes and which Dad had cut with the mower, it took along time as Dad. just raked the stuff up in piles with his pitch fork. I set fire to the grass & weeds which I cut the other day between the corn field and the wheat stubble and had to watch it that it didn't do any damage. This after noon Dad went out and rolled the summer fallow but it was very hard and lumpy. Frank and I cleaned all the rubbish and burdocks out of the yard between the horse stable and the hay barn and fixed the fence so that we can turn the old ram out. To-night we printed pictures and got some good ones mostly of Tiddums. Dick did not come home to-night. Nice day not too hot. It got very black this evening and rained a little before tea. Friday August 22nd It began to rain quietly about six this morning but stopped about nine or ten. Dad. patched the roof on the old barn and Frank held on to the rope to which Dad was tied. This after noon it got too windy to shingle so Dad plowed a little more of the old corn stubble. I started to clean up the limbs out of the orchard and got quite a lot done, Frank and I had to go down town to-night about five for groceries. Cloudy and cool. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday August 23rd Dad. plowed at the old corn ground all morning while I worked in the orchard. This after noon Dad took the the team and waggon and we took all the brush and piled & burned it in the north end of the orchard where the little trees are mostly dead, we then took the big limbs and piled them behind the wood shed for storewood it took us all the afternoon but it has made a great improvement in the looks of the orchard. This was Baughner Picnic day but Frank was the only one who celebrated from here. Doctor Hicks & Doctor Cook were over before tea to talk election to Dad. They said things were going pretty well although there are several working against him. Vyse was over this morning to say he wanted us to go & thrash on Monday. Edith left this after noon. Lila came over this morning for her music but didn't stay long None of us went down to meet Aunty to-night as we think likely she will stay ay Huby's to-night. It as been very cool all day and mostly cloudy, regular fall day. Sunday August 24th This was the sunday that they decided to have Tiddums christened. Aunty came over before Sunday school and brought Tiddums a lot of presents she got for him in Toronto and which Vernon and Mrs. Marks sent up. We all went down to church. Dad. drove Enah down and she & Tiddums stayed over at the Harding's till the time of the christening arrived - and then she & Dad. brought him in Huby was the extra godfather, and has been studdying the service up for the last few nights. Tiddums never let a whimper out of him but sat on Dad's hand, and jumped, stared, laughed and crowed a little although they said he was getting sleepy before the end. Dad. & Enah drove right home with him but the rest of us waited for the rest of the service. This after noon Dick and I went down town. I went to see Harry & Mrs. Moon bur they weren't home so after calling at the bank where the whole staff except Mr. Hobbs were hard at work and at Huby's for a minute or two I came home. Dick got back for tea Dad. and Enah drove down to church to-night as Enah had to play the organ for {Elsa?}; when they got home Dick and I drove down to post a couple of letters for Aunty. Cool & windy all day Cold to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday August 25th Dad. and I both went over to Vyse's to help thrash and were there till noon, although he didn't have much stuff. but it was awkward getting it out and we were late getting started. Dad. made a mistake by going at all for this was election day, when he was running against Bob. Taylor for school trustee, and Vyse sent two of Martin's men home saying he had enough hands, then went down town as soon as we got started and I suppose worked as hard as he could for Taylor. This after noon I went up to the glen with a picnic party of Mrs Hobbe's, Dick got off and went with us we went up in the "Victoria" and had a fine time. We got back a little after dark, and went up to Mrs. Hobbes and danced till about twelve, most of the music was supplied by Col. Smith's gramophone about the first news we heard when we struck town was that Dad. had beaten Taylor by a majority of 9. He was down town all the afternoon and had an exciting time. The school board can now do business as Tibbets and Miller were not disqualified and they will have a majority on their side. Lovely day, cool & sunny. Tuesday August 26th Dad. and I went over to help thrash at Martin's this morning, it didn't take long to thrash their oats out but they had a few interruptions so we just got through about eleven and had our dinner.This after noon Dad disked on the summer fallow, and I cut at the lawn but didn't get much done. Allan Law had to pull Vyse out of a hole to-day, he found him beating his little balky mare unmercifully, because she balked with a load of 16 bags of wheat Vyse told him he would kill her if he had ambition enough. Cool and threatening. Wednesday August 27th Dad. disked and harrowed on the summer fallow all day and I cut the rest of the front lawn this side of the ditch and worked around at other odd jobs. Frank and I fixed a couple of bars at the end of the horse stable to block the yard south and west of the horse stable, and then turned old 4700 out, he spent most of the afternoon under an old door leaning against the fence. Frank noticed today that he is club footed behind, we couldn't see his foot before in the stable. I went down to band concert to-night. It has been a nice sunny day but cool. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday August 28th When Tom Albert came this morning he said there was a loose horse on the road, Dad got her and put her in, she had a halter on but Dad. didn't know her, but we had an idea she belonged to Bill George so when Dick went down he happened to see the above mentioned Bill. and told him whereupon that gentleman came over immediately and took the mare home. We started to haul manure to-day but owing to interuptions such as oiling the spreader and as it was drizzling rain we were undecided whether to go to to work or not; we didn't get started till after ten, we got four loads out and one on the spreader by twelve and one out after dinner, but it started to rain so hard that we put the horses and machine away. I then drove Enah down town to Mrs. {Scobrams?} and had to wait quite awhile for her, we got home at five and I drove Aunty down, she to the old German Roller canary who has not been in a healthy condition for "some time back" down to Mrs. Tusk for repair, she also got a student lamp from Miss Battersby who made a present of it to Dad. It has drizzled nearly all day and to-night another big thunder storm came up with an awful downpour. About ten o'clock Aunty & Dad. noticed fire north of here, where some poor fellow's barn had been struck. Friday August 29 It was too wet this morning to work on the land so Dad opened up ditches on the summer fallow and I sawed up the old apple limbs and rubbish behind the wood shed. This afternoon, I went to see if the field next the woods across the gully was fit to plow but found water lying in the furrows and ditches. Frank and Lila went back as far as the gully with me to look for mushrooms. I set out three little rose bushes on the mound just for fun I don't expect them to grow, but the were in the lawn and I didn't know what else to do with them. I took John Wess McBride's rope back to him, which Dad had borrowed the day he brought Frank Faulkner's heifer home. I saw Mr. Blaike and he told me it was Bob. Winter's barn that was burned last night he lives on the townline just north and one lot west of this place. I came home around by R. J. Watson's, and Charlie McQueens. I also went over to Lorne Myers where Geordie Murphy is ditching I got home about four and then Frank & I went down to Martins where Frank got some grit for his chickens and I got some information re planting out straw berries & pruning grape vines from John Quanbury. Dad. had to go to a school board meeting to-night, he hasn't felt very well all the after noon. Frank is better to-day he was quite sick yesterday. Sunny and breezy to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday August 30th I spent the whole day working around the garden. I cut the two high patches of weeds and pulled them out as well as I could of the onion bed, This after noon I cut the lawn behind the house and about five drove Enah down town for supplies. We got word to-day that Walter was coming to-night he has been in Toronto for the last few days - and Roy & Vernon may come up with him, if we have been making preparations for them all day. Dad. went over to John Wess McBrides this morning to see his lame cow and get advice about the field back there we were going to put wheat on but there is so much blue grass on it we that we would not likely get half a crop especially now that we wouldn't be able to get in in early, so we thought of fall ploughing it and summer fallowing it then plow in June & put wheat on it next fall, that was just what John Wess said he would do as that will just about fix the blue grass. This afternoon Dad plowed up a strip in the garden where the potatoes were and which I am going to try to work up in shape to set out a few straw berryplants. Dad. and Aunty drove down to-night to meet Walter and the others if they came. They did come but it took about half the night to collect them all. It had been arranged that Vernon would spend the night at the Woodson's - and Walter & Roy would come here, so Dad. drove Vernon over, and then came on home with the impedimenta, leaving Aunty to come home with Walter & Roy. He just nicely got in the lane when Walter came in alone. He had come up town with Dick (who had to work till midnight.) to get some cigarettes and had forgotten whether Roy and Aunty were waiting for him or not and evidently didn't care a hang so came on over by him self - getting information concerning the route from some of the Woodson's who were outside as he came past. We were just about to start off with the lanterns in search of the other two when Roy came up, ignorant of the whereabouts of Aunty saying he had left her in front of the Dominion waiting for Walter while he went down to the canning factory to see Huby, but couldn't find him so came on over, he was very indignant at finding Walter here - and proceded to call him down as he well could and Walter smoked and enjoyed it all as he well could while Dad. and I started to hook Joe up and go in quest of Aunty, however we just nicely got the buggy when </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> poor Aunty came up, she had waited a long time and then went up to the bank and found out from Dick that Walter had gone home, so she followed, when each ones evidence had been given and the mystery of the mix-up unravelled we all had tea - after which we talked till after Dick came home. Nice day, cloudy & cool. Sunday August 31st We all went to church this morning except Dad. who went over to John Wess McBrides to see his lame cow and spent a very enjoyable morning and Enah who had household duties & Tiddums to attend to. I drove Walter & Roy down, as I was supposed to drive Vernon back to dinner but she was booked for dinner at the Woodson's so I drove Aunty and Frank part way home then went back and got Walter & Win who had gone up to see Cousin Bessy for a few minutes. Huby. came over with Roy, as we had a couple of Franks ducks for dinner. He says he was there last night when Walter & Roy paid their separate visits but as they are going to get him a clock to "punch" he has to make the most of his unregistered time unless he can get George Gamble to figure out a scheme to punch the clock all at one time, in all probability George is quite capable of doing such a thing. This afternoon we inspected the livestock, the gully & mound - and such things besides "settin around". Tupper & his Englishman came over & spent the afternoon visiting with Dad. To-night Dad. and Enah drove down to church as Enah had to play the organ. Vernon came over to tea and she & Roy went down to Mrs. Battersby's for awhile. Cool and nice. Monday September 1st Dad's cold was very bad to-day and he felt too rotten to do anything, I didn't do anything to speak of all morning but this afternoon I put some manure on my strawberry bed and chopped it up pretty well with the hoe. Frank chored around all morning and this afternoon went down town with the Ryersie's, he has to go back to school in the morning, poor kid, I feel sorry for him. This being Labor Day the bank was closed but Dick went down and worked for an hour or two this morning and was down town all the after noon. Dad. drove Roy down to the station to-night as he & Vernon couldn't stay away from business & baby (respectively) any longer. Aunty and Walter stayed at Huby's for tea. Cloudy & threatening this forenoon Hot & sunny this afternoon. Old Jonas was </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Duplicated page from previous page (115). </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> over to-night for a long visit during which Queen broke out of the pasture and caused us a lot of trouble getting her in, then I traipsed all over the pasture looking for the others and fearing they were out on the road but at last found them all safe in the pasture. Roy is thinking quite seriously of coming up here and starting a poultry ranch for the city market. I which he would. but. Tuesday September 2th Jonas came over this morning with a basket of tomatoes which he promised us last night. He came before seven but if he had not been in such a hurry and left them to enjoy a few more sunny hours they would have been in much better condition. He also brought a boquet of about three asters, two gladioli & one geranium with one foot in the grave. It was very kind of him though. Poor Frank went back to jail this morning but got out for the afternoon. Dad. & I hauled out manure. We monkeyed around till after ten o'clock so only got out about 10 loads all day. This afternoon Carl Coleman & Perce {Kindren?} came over and got Edmond England's heifer that has been sending the summer with our cows. having crossed the dilapitaded line fence from Ivys where she & three others were boarding, as we didn't have time, means or enough inclination to repair the fence, our gully has furnished her with free board and lodging. I think Walter slept & read most of the day except when he rode out with Dad. on the spreader load. and when Aunty with some difficulty induced him to call on Mrs Battersby with her. Edith came over this after noon to say good bye, as she is going back to Toronto on Thursday. Tiddums has not felt very lively to-day, they think he is enlarging upon his dental equipment. Cecil Lamb has been very ill for a week or more wth typhoid fever and now Dick says they don't expect him to live. Vyse left this morning for the West, I don't know how he expects Dover to exist without him. Very hot & hard to work Wednesday September 3rd Dad. & I pitched manure all day we got out 12 or 13 loads which we thought was pretty good considering the circumstances. we were getting it from between the barn & the stack where we can't get in with the spreader so have to carry it quite a way. We don't think the spreader is sowing it at 16 loads per acre which it is set at. This afternoon Aunty and Walter went down town </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and stayed at Huby's to tea. I went down to band practice to-night and Frank went to the moving pictures. This was the last concert of the season and Walt. was going to treat the boys over at the Dominion afterwards but I came right home with Carl. Coleman, Frank & Jonas. Jonas seemed in a melancholy state of mind to-night. {Sairy?} was sick and had evidently been calling him down about something, anyway he told us he did not lead a happy life and he didn't care who knew it. Very hot & thundery & rainy. Thursday September 4th Dad. and I started to tear up the old stable floor which was half buried in manure so that we could drive right through instead of steering clear of this old rubbish heap, but Dad. felt so rotten we had to quit and he couldn't do any thing all day. This after noon I mussed around a little and cut weeds along the side road, gully and lane fences. Aunty and Walter went down town this afternoon and to-night they went over to see Mrs. Battersby. We were all asleep whent they got home. Aunty has at last decided to go as far as Winnipeg with Walter on her way to Fort Saskatchewan. Very much cooler, fine day to work. Friday September 5th Dad. didn't feel much better to-day but worked all day in spite of his illness, he says his bones ache all over and he is so weak he has to exert himself to double up his fist. This morning we took the team and snaked the sleepers of the old stable out of the manure and piled them up in the yard and out of our way. About eleven o'clock I drove Aunty over to the Shand's as she wanted very much to say good bye to them before she went west and thought she might not get a better chance. we got back about noon, we lost a little time putting John & Snowdrop in the gully as they had got on the road through the culvert. but Joe made up for lost time by the rate she got over the pike. Dad. had two or three more sleepers to get out when I left but he finished all but one which is too deeply buried and not at all in the road so he left it till some other time. This after noon we didn't think it was worthwhile getting started hauling manure as one of us had to drive Walter's suitcase to the station, so Dad. plowed all the afternoon. I was out with him for awhile but about four I drove Aunty and Walter to the station. I hung around till after the train went out and then brought Aunty home with me, she is going to meet Walter in Toronto next Wednesday Tuesday and go west </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> with him, from there as he is going to stay a few days with Roy before he leaves. Very nice day a little warmer We had to shut old 4700 up in the boxstall to stay to day as to-night Dad. noticed he had rubbed a big wad of wool of his shoulder on the bars where he was trying to get through, he aparently enjoys it just as much in confinement as he does when out in the yard where he sees & hears the other sheep. Saturday September 6th Although Dad feels very miserable yet he worked all day, we didn't get a very early start this morning but had Frank nearly all the time to help us and I think we got out 14 loads of manure. We were delayed for awhile this after noon when the spreader was incapacitated through a lot of stuff being jammed between the beater and the comb above it. Dad lost quite a little time adjusting it. Lila has been over all day and has spent nearly the whole time riding Frank's wheel up and down the road, she went down town on it once for Enah. Aunty has been down town nearly all day preparing for her journey. Fine day - pretty warm this afternoon Sunday September 7th Dad. Aunty & Frank left about eight o'clock this morning for Port Rowan as Aunty wanted to say goodbye to Aunt Ida before she left and they took Frank as a part compensation for him missing a trip to the Toronto Exhibition. I finished up the chores and went to church alone as Dick was in bed till noon Lila went down this morning to sunday school but this afternoon does not feel very well so Dick says, due probably to her violent exercise on Frank's wheel yesterday. I slept this after noon for two or three hours and then milked and did chores which aren't much with Josie away and the other horses out. Dick was down town swimming with the girls all the afternoon. Dad. Aunty and Frank got home about nine o'clock. They had quite a day of it, saw Aunt Ida, Clara and the Howe bunch, and Aunty got some rare flowers on the way home. It has been a lovely day but pretty hot. Monday September 8th We hauled out six loads of manure this fore noon but had to go thrashing down at Alfreds, we were there all the afternoon. I stayed {heart shaped ink blot here} tea but Dad. came home to drive Aunty's valise down town, he was gone quite awhile </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> as he got some thing in his eye this afternoon and had to go to the doctors to have it taken out. I had all the cows but the two heifers milked when he and Frank got back so he did up all the rest of the chores while I took Joe and drove Mrs. McBride home, she has been here all day washing and picking plums, she took a lot home with her. Nice day with east wind. Tuesday September 9th We got up extra early this morning and Dad. Frank and I drove down to see Aunty off. Mr. Wiggins was going home on his holidays so she would have company all the way. On our way back we met Tupper who wanted one of us to go and help thrash, he expected the machine there between ten & eleven. I went over about ten but there wasn't a sigh of the machine and Tupper was plowing I hung around till after dinner, they started soon after dinner and didn't stop once till after six, we put through about 650 bushels of oats in the afternoon I was getting pretty well worked out when they stopped, it was Win Law's outfit. Tupper got disgusted with Sam. last year so wouldn't have him again. I got a ride home with Mr. Flemming. Dad plowed all the afternoon and is all finished but about two rounds, it was an awful job when he got into the land next the fence which was plowed up last spring and the weeds were there are four feet high. I feel pretty sick to-night but have to go back in the morning. It has been very cold all day. Wednesday September 10th I was over at Tupper's soon after seven this morning and we started to work soon after I got there and through about half past eleven, we thrashed wheat, and it was an awful mess of thistles, the down was so thick it was as if some one had shaken out a feather pillow. I came home before dinner with Bill Philips was there for Mr Flemming, I was glad to be done as it did me up for most of the afternoon. Dad. went to the mill this morning and got some oats chopped and finished plowing and disked down what he plowed. After dinner we hauled out seven loads of manure, the piece north of the orchard all covered now and we have four loads on the piece east of the orchard. Allan Law was over after dinner and borrowed the roller. they are putting their wheat in. They are working two teams, old Ben, and Bert Monroe's little mare, each with one of the big team, Jonas was over to-night to get some plums and he helped me put in some srawberry plants which Frank got to-night from Jack. Martin. It froze last night but has been warmer to-day Tiddums is not feeling well to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday September 11th We got a good early start this morning at the manure and broke all previous records, we got out 16 loads, and have got just about all there is that is suitable for top dressing. Allan Law came over this morning and borrowed the waggon and drill, they finished up over there to-night and he brought the things home. Jonas was over again to-night and picked some more plums, he stayed for about an hour telling Frank and me stories of his experiences in a lumber camp. Betty Woodson was also over and brought us another kitten which she got from some kids who were going to drown it. Tiddums seems to be quite well again to-day. Much warmer looks rainy Friday September 12th We got out 16 loads of manure to-day but could have got out another, but as the field was covered all but a little strip we put the spreader away, we didn't put much on the little side hills as the spreader sloughs and does not work well there, Mr. Morgan came over this morning and stayed to dinner. This after noon Winnie came over to borrow some books and Frank's camera, she is not at school as she has hives. Betty & the twins were past here to-day with three hounds and another dog, one of the hounds got in our corn field and they were a long time getting it out. Cloudy and threatening to-day. Saturday September 13th We worked both teams on the land all day and now have the piece between the orchard and the corn in pretty nice shape. I disked all day and Dad rolled & harrowed on both pieces of ground. Frank dug around and mulched some of the peach trees this afternoon. Dick expected Ferdie to-night but I guess he didn't come as he said if he had any luggage he would leave it in the barber shop, for I told him I would be in to get my hair cut. Dad. & I went down to get some groceries but it was so cold I didn't get my locks trimmed, however I went to see if Ferdie's impedimenta was there but it wasn't and there was no sighn of Dick we came home alone I suppose Dick has gone to the dance - the last of the season I think. We saw Huby to-night coming from home where he had been to fill his lantern, he says he has ordered twine but he thinks they can't get anything from the states now. Mrs. McBride was over this morning to pick plums, Very cold wind all day Clear & cold to-night. Sunday September 14th It froze hard enough last night to crimp the tomato tops and corn leaves, but I don't think it will hurt the corn except the leaves for fodder. I didn't get up till late & felt so rotten with a bad cold in my head that I didn't </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> try to do much or go to church. Frank has just the same cold but he went down to Sunday school and church. First thing this morning we put up the little stove in the kitchen and it makes things much more comfortable. Old Jonas came over this afternoon to look at the corn he is going to help cut it but it won't be ready for awhile yet. Johnny Walker also came over to have a look at old Joe. he drove down with Dad. Enah & Tiddums, the two latter stayed at Huby's till church time and Dad. came home to help do chores and then went down again to go to church with Enah. They have heard so much about the famous & rich preacher the same one who was there last Sunday that they thought they would like to hear him so Aunty Maude will keep the baby for them while they are gone. Walt. Steele sent me over ten dollars to-day by Dick which is for my playing with the band all summer, and which I consider easy money. Ferdie didn't come last night Dick got a card from him saying he has lost his job and isn't coming at all I guess. Dick went up the beach to a corn roast last night and has been down town all this afternoon. Dad. turned the old sow out this morning, he is going to wean the little pigs now, he let her in with them again to-night after they had had a good supper so as not to wean them too suddenly. We put poor old Dave in this afternoon and gave him a bath his three white feet are in awful shape all swollen way up his legs and terribly broken out around the feet. The only thing we can think of that can ail him is alsike poisoning which we have heard of before but which Dad never believed in much. Neither Osprey nor Dolly seem affected and they both have white feet. Tiddums didn't stay asleep long down at Huby's during church and when he awoke and found himself among strangers he became homesick and cried so lustily that they were forced to send to church after Enah to come and pacify him. Monday September 15th I finished cross disking on the piece where I left of Saturday and started to roll it all this morning while Dad. harrowed awhile on the other piece and then went with Frank over to John Wess McBride's to get the seed. John Wess has gone to Grand Rapids but Blaikie was there and they cleaned up nearly {21?} bushels, and got back before dinner. Blaikie and Bill Lemons are keeping {batch?} over there. This after noon I finished rolling that piece and then started to disk the other piece deeply, and Dad. & Frank drilled in the small piece they put in about 8 1/2 bushels, they started with the drill set at 2 bus. & a peck but thought it was overrunning so changed it to 2 bus. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Frank stayed home partly on account of his cold and partly to help Dad keep the drill from clogging up on the straw & grass which didn't all work in. Tonight old Jonas came over and stayed about half the night trying to sell Dad some seed oats (heavy yielders). Dad. didn't order any much to the grief of Jonas but promised him he would Dad. bathed and powdered poor Davy's feet to-night, they certainly are in awful shape and he is as thin as a board. I have felt pretty rotten all day. It froze again last night but has been warm and sunny all day. The men struck at the canning factory to-day as they haven't been payed for two pay days or more. Dick said to-night that he heard Harry Graham has failed, and that George Gamble they are afraid has typhoid fever. Gordie Faulkner has it not badly & Cecil Lamb's fever didn't break yesterday when the three weeks was up Tuesday September 16th We both worked on the land all day. I disked all morning and Dad harrowed over the sowed piece and part of the other. It began to drizzle soon after dinner so Dad took my team and ran out the ditches in the sowed field also the cross ditches in the other. I then took little Joe & Belle and began to roll but the earth at last got so wet that about four o'clock I put them in, when Dad. got through with the others team I disked awhile but not long as I began to get too wet for comfort, so I came in Dad. did chores as I felt too tough except to help milk. Franks cold was too bad for him to go to school to-day. this morning he went down and saw the operations of the canning factory, they are working full blast to-day as the men are promised money to-night or tomorrow It didn't freeze last night and looked rainy all morning Saturday Wednesday September 17th I cross disked all morning, Dad. went over and borrowed Ivy's disks and started to cross from the other end we nearly met by noon. It looked so {nebulous?}that Dad thought he would drill it in this after noon though under other circumstances we would have rolled & harrowed it yet. I finished disking while Dad was getting the seed and drill out. and then started to go over the dead furrows lengthways. Dad. got about two or three rounds drilled when it began to rain so hard we were forced put our teams in much to Dad's disgust. as we couldn't do anything but chore the rest of the day and he is afraid we won't be able to get back on the land for quite awhile. Alfred came over </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> just before it began to rain and brought back the old cultivator. I think I forgot to mention at the time but the ice ran out a week or so ago, it lasted pretty well but we think we can make it do better next year by putting in more sawdust and making better drainage Frank stayed home from school again to-day, my cold is better to-night but Dad thinks he is getting another one now. Frank took a boquet of wild flowers down to exhibit at the horticultural show to-morrow night. Cloudy all day, didn't rain very long. Thursday September 18th I haven't done a tap of work all day, I have felt all day like a cake of soap after a hard day's washing and just lay around the house. This morning Dad. thought it was a little too wet to work on the land so after he did chores he went out and got a load of rails and took back Ivey's disks. This after noon he drilled in the rest of the wheat. He ran out of seed when he was within a round or two of finishing and had to go down to Alfred's to get another bag, when he got back it was too late to finish so he will have to wait till morning, he thinks Alfred's wheat a better sample that John Wess's as there is not so much cracked wheat in it. Frank went back to school this morning but Dad. kept him home this afternoon to help him drill. Enah and Tiddums went down to see the flower show, she said it was not as large as other years and that Frank didn't get a prize on his wild flowers. Frank did not go down to see it. Dick did not get home till late as he went to the dance in the pavillion the last of the season. The men and women at the canning factory did not get their wages as they had been promised so have all struck again except Huby & the engineer. It has been a nice day - I think Friday September 19th I did not do much more to-day than yesterday. I started to clean out the stables but became so exhausted that I had to give it up and just poke around, this afternoon I read and answered an advertisement I saw in "The Literary Digest" for a fellow who tells how to get strong, if he fails to help me I think I shall take to dressmaking or something of that nature. Dad. finished drilling before Frank went to school this morning and then harrowed the field over, he started to run the furrows before dinner but old Harry & Joe proved so incompetent that it took him the whole after noon to finish the job, the last five of the dead furrows were so crooked that he harrowed them out and ran them over again </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> He intended to go down and help Mr. Flemming this after noon as Alfred told him yesterday that he is far behind with his work having been sick, and unable to work ever since Tupper thrashed, Dad may go down tomorrow if Mr. Flemming wants him. Jonas was over for a short visit to-night. We have had to keep Belle tied up all day as we turned her out twice and she jumped right back in to the lane in front of the house immediately, she & Harry got in the night before last and ate all the Golden Bantam corn down to within a foot of the ground. Dad. had to get up at half past four to shut them in the stable and then he didn't go back to bed again. It has been a nice sunny day. Sun set clear to-night. Saturday September 20th I felt quite a lot better to-day but my throat is still sore I intended to go back and cut the clover seed this morning but there were two rivets that had to be replaced in the pitman rod of the mower before it could be used so I took it down to Butler's for repair. Dad. told me that if no one else was in the shop I might as well get Joe's shoes set, as they needed it badly, I did, so did not get home till after noon This after noon Frank & I cleaned out the stables which haven't been properly cleaned for about a week and then drove down town to get stuff on our way back we stopped at Uncle Wards and he & Frank picked a bushel of tomatoes which we brought home for Enah to do up. He has a good many there going to waste as he put in a lot for the canning factory but they closed down before he got them all picked. It got very black while we were there and just as we left began to sprinkle and just as we got home to rain hard. Dick got in just behind us the first time he has been home so early all summer I believe. It did not rain long nor exra heavily and there was only about one hard crack of thunder, but I don't know whether it is all over yet or not. Dad. has been cleaning ditches all day but has more to do yet. Frank went down this morning to ask Mr. Flemming if Dad. could help him any if he came down but Mr. Flemming said he expected Ern. up and would be through this afternoon. Frank went over to John Wess McBride to return the bags they brought the wheat over in. Blaikie was cutting the buckwheat with a scythe he couldnt manage it with a cradle. Frank saw a black squirrel on the line fence when he was over there Dad and we three boys had a bath to-night, I needed one badly Sunday September 21st I sat around the house all day except to help do chores and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> finished reading Hamlet. I don't want to got to church till I get my hair cut for fear some body taking me for a wild creature would put me out. Enah still having a desire to hear the Irish preacher of the two preceding Sunday's went down driven by Dick. Frank walked down to Sunday school and church Dad. looked after Tiddums and the house. Tiddums has not been himself to day, for some obscure reason. Dick spent the afternoon at home for a change, reading. Cars. Rankin and Arly McCarter drove over this afternoon to have Dad look at Car's horse's foot which got burned on a rope. It has been dull & chilly & wet off & on all day Monday September 22nd It rainded nearly all night and most of the day, the roads being inconsequence in such a condition as to prohibit travel by bicycle, so I drove the boys to the scenes of their labors and as there was nothing pressing in progress here and not knowing when a better oportunity would present itself I put Joe in at Hendersons and proceeded to have, my hair cut, a shave, and my teeth cleaned, this last item I promised Aunty I would have seen to on the first favorable occasion which presented itself. I arrived home after getting a roll of roofing paper to repair the cow shed roof and some other articles a little before noon, we read and did chores most of the remainder of the day, although we did go out for awhile to strengthen the grain barn floor as in one place it is too much decayed to permit the safe passage of the thrashing machine over it, but as from time to time we must go outside and come in contact with the disagreeable weather, there was no pleasure in it so we postponed the duty to a future and fairer day. Mrs McBride was here allday performing her biweekly labors and it being such a 'dirty' night Dad. drove her home while I got the cows. I began to read "The White Company" to-day and I am afraid it will be a hard one to leave at the call of duty. Dick is not expected home to-night. Tuesday September 23rd Sam Law came in this morning and informed us that he was going up to Clarke Matthew's old place to thrash to-day, and would thrash his own three loads of oats on his way back and then come here, Allan came in tonight and told us that they just pulled the machine into their barn to night and would not be over here till noon to-morrow. This morning Dad & I levelled the butt of the old stack and this afternoon we finished fixing the barn floor and sweeping out the granary bins. To-night when Frank got home from school he & I drove down town to purchase provisions and warn out Mr. Fleming & the Martins. Dad. has gone over to Mrs. McBrides to-night to see if he can her to help Enah to-morrow. It has been sunny all day but with a cold wind </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday September 24th We went over about eight o'clock this morning to help Sam. Law, we thrashed out their three loads in a very short time and then came home and hauled a load of rails and made general preparations for them here. They got here about twelve, and were just about ready to start after dinner Frank stayed home from school and first thing went on his wheel to secure the aid of a man from Tupper's and one from Billy Louis as they promised one when Dad gave them free treatment for their cow. Mr. Fleming himself came and brought Bill Philips. Martin's sent two men and Alfred & Jonas both came so we had plenty of help. Mrs. McBride came to help Enah and Ada came over and looked after Tiddums the whole afternoon. We thrashed out all the oats 513 bushels, and made quite a hole in the wheat which is coming pretty slowly. I helped Bill Philips carry away the oats and they kept us on the hump we got 320 bushels off the 10 acres by the side road and about 240 off the 8 acres back the lane, counting the load we thrashed before over at Sam's, we expect the wheat to go about 10 bushels to the acre. To-night I drove Mrs. McBride and Ada home, it was awfully dark and I nearly ran into a waggon and did run over a log, across the road. Lovely day sunny and warm Thursday September 25th We finished up the wheat about nine o'clock this morning it went better than we expected. 133 bushels and we didn't look for more than 100. It wasn't a very big thrashing but might have been worse. About ten o'clock Jonas and I lit into the corn field, and at noon had 1307 14 shocks put up. Jonas doesn't use a horse but I think he would be better off if he did, as one blows down now and then and takes longer to set it up than it would to move a horse quite a few times. I didn't go out to help him this afternoon but Frank went out some time after dinner with a pail of water for him, and he wasn't there we saw him going up the road afterwards about half past three, but he got ten more shocks cut by six, he said he felt pretty sick after dinner. We trimmed up the sheep and let the old ram out in the orchard. Frank saw when he went after the mail that Butler had the tires on the waggon set so he and Dad went down before tea and brought it home. Cousins Loll & Phoebe were over for awhile this after noon Mrs. Dave Waddle died to-day at five o'clock, she has been sick for a long time but only a few days in bed, she was down town on Monday. It has been hot to-day and hazy looking all around </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday September 26th When Dad. got up this morning he found the old sow had knocked down the orchard gate and let all the ewes out. We got them in with out much difficulty but noticed the ram was up at the north end of the orchard lying down by himself. When we went to look at him we saw at once that he was very sick, so brought him down and put him in his old yard between the drive house and the big barn, he has laid around all day and wont eat or drink, he is not bloated but is quite hollow and does not seem in any pain but now and then stretches out his neck and swells his sides like a dog trying to vomit. Dad. and I went up to Dunkin's this morning to see him as we got a letter from him yesterday morning saying he had a ram he would let us have for awhile not knowing of course that we had one, we expected to be back at noon but it began to rain soon after we got started and kept up so long that we stayed there for dinner and did not get home till half past four, we didn't think his sheep much ahead of ours and his rams not a patch on $4700. When we got home Enah told us the old sow was out and had wandered down the road but Frank brought her home on his way home from school so we shut her up in Queen's boxstall and nailed up the door. To-night the ram got in the barn and we gave him a drench, he does not seem any better but no worse. Jonas cut corn this morning to cut corn and cut till it rained. and this after noon tore down the old fence around the hill, he was over to-night to see if we would haul it for him to morrow Dad. told him he would try to. When I went back after the cows to-night I found Bobby & Fred's calf missing and walked way out to the Winding Hill to see them but when I got back they were standing at the culvert and Dad. & Frank were just going to let them in, the fence was down at the culvert and there was an empty whisky bottle near it. Saturday September 27th When we went out this morning we found the ram had gone out of the barn into the yard and seemed weaker than last night After breakfast we went out and Dad gave him some more dope, but while we were there we tried to get him to stand up but his feet just shook from under him and he stretched out and died we spent the rest of the morning skinning and burying him, we think of it a rough bit of luck but suppose it is all in the game, we will get a lovely mat off him if we can get it tanned right. what through life held his worth after his death will hold another's wealth. Dad held a post mortem on him and found that it was inflamation of the bladder which </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> killed him, we didn't look for any thing like that, and Dad says nothing could have been done for him. This afternoon Dad. & Frank cleaned up some of the wheat and oats that were on the floor and took it down to the mill to be chopped they went down town to take Elva's cream and get stuff. I took Harry & Joe and the hay rack and went down to help old Jonas get some of his fence up as he won't be back to cut corn till it is off the highway, he is so afraid of the law, I only got up two loads as it is hard stuff to load alone and Jonas had Leitch's team and waggon so didn't help me any, and I had to knock half of it to pieces, I did not get home till nearly dark. Lovely fall day. Sunday September 28th Frank was the only member of the family who attended church and Sunday school. I read most of the morning but got dressed up about noon and this afternoon Dick and I went down to Mrs. Waddles funeral. Dad. drove us down and his went down and got Huby & Lila and they drove up to the cemetery. There was an awful crowd at the house and there must have been over a hundred rigs in the procession. Dick and I knocked around town til Dad. got back then I came home with him but Dick stayed down to go to church to-night. When we got home we found Emery & his whole family here as well as Mrs. Smythe with Susie & George. they stayed to tea so we were late getting the chores done. Beautiful day. Monday September 29th Jonas came over to cut corn this morning but after cutting for about an hour came in, in a great state of excitement vowing that he would cut no more corn with a sickle as he had cut an other piece off his finger, and said that if he couldn't a corn hook which he was used to in Dover he would got to Simcoe after one. Dad. put some turpentine on his finger which he said just had the skin nicked, and told me that I might as well drive Jonas to Simcoe and take old 4700's hide up to be tanned, we left here about nine and went about half a dozen places in Simcoe, and got home about half past twelve, Jonas got his corn hook, some stuff at Fall's, some half stake from Billy Barlow's, a drink of beer and a prize list of the Simcoe Fair. I saw Mr. Hogg and gave Mr. Shaver the hide, and went to see Kompart about getting a new crank for the spreader to replace the one Allan Law lost but although all the doors in the place were wide open there wasn't a sign of a living creature around. This after noon I got started to cut clover seed but as I had to grind the knives and get the horses in I didn't get started till after three so only got a little more than seven rounds cut. Dad. cleaned out the ditches in the wheat field and Jonas got in a pretty </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> good afternoon cutting corn. George Slocomb Sr. was over this afternoon with a sore shouldered horse. To-night Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting and I guess wished that R. M. Taylor had beaten him on the election It has been cloudy and mild all day and looks like rain Tuesday September 30th I finished cutting the clover seed this afternoon and got two rounds cut in the field next the wood which is all weeds, some of them are up to the horses backs. Dad. helped Jonas cut corn all day and they got a lot done, but Dad. had old Jonas pretty well tired out to-night, Jonas says it is the best corn he ever cut. It has been a nice bright breezy day, doesn't look so rainy. When we got up this morning we found that the old sow had knocked the gate of the orchard down and let the sheep all out, she her self was sleeping peacefully in a comfortable nest in the hay on the big barn floor. The cows cattle all got in through the bars at the end of the orchard and had wandered all through the corn and over the wheat, they were on the oat stubble when Dad. went out this morning, to-night he shut the cows in the horse pasture Wednesday September October 1st The old sow repeated the same performance as last night, but the young stock did not bother the bars at the end of the orchard, but as soon as the cows were turned in with them they went back and broke in through the gully fence and Dad. & Jonas had to stop cutting corn to put them out. Dad. had to stop later on to get Clark Matthews some wheat & oats which he came over to buy for Teddy & his chickens. In spite of these hindrances they got quite a bit cut and had the field half cut at noon. I cut weeds all morning in the back field, I think I could have finished it to-night but Jonas came over at noon to tell us that he had to help Bob. Leitch thrash so I stayed up to help Dad. cut corn we just nicely got started when we had to chase the cattle out of the field again this time we put them all up in the horse pasture but lost quite a lot of time doing it, before we got out again to work Walt. McCall, Mrs. McCall & three kids including Tommy came in, in Al. Faulkners automobile (as Walt has sold his) to see the colts. so it was about the middle of the afternoon when we got settled down to work, then I cut my finger and had to come up to tie it up but Frank came out and helped us a little after school so we got about twenty two or three shocks cut. I cut a poor little half grown rabbits foot nearly off in the mower this morning but did not kill it, because I thought like Niel Elliot's man that life was sweet. Frank caught a broken winged crow on Sunday and is trying to tame it. Nice day, still looks rainy </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday October 2nd It began to rain about six o'clock this morning and rained all the first part of the morning and most of the afternoon but isn't raining to-night. I drove Dick down to work first thing as the roads were too bad for him to wheel, I dug up some of the onions when I got home and left them right on the ground till they dry, Dad. cleaned out the pig. pen and Frank who has a holiday to-day on account of the teachers' convention and tomorrow because Mrs. Smith is going to judge at the rural school fall fair which is to be held in the town hall tomorrow. We had dinner about eleven and three of us left as soon as possible after it for Dunkin's to get the ram he told us about. We went past the rail road construction camp which is on the side road on the north of Charlie Dixon's place just as the men and teams were coming in to dinner, they made quite an army. We left Frank on the road about 3/4's of a mile this side of Dunkin's while we went on to get the ram, he is a big heavy fellow and pretty good looking, he looks very long but that is because the fellow Duncan let have him last year did not shear him. It began to rain soon after we left his place and we just nicely got home when it commenced coming down heavily, it was pretty late then so we had an early tea and did chores after. Dad. is going down to Quanbury's to a surprise pedro party for John. He told them he would go but but he would not go through the mud Friday October 3rd We did not get up till seven o'clock this morning as Dad played pedro last night very late and came home at two o'clock this morning with the booby prize, as he is always first up and calls the rest we were late. Jonas came over at seven and cut corn all day I helped him this morning, and we got a shock or two over two rows cut which wasn't so bad considering I did not get out till nine o'clock. Dad. helped him this afternoon and they got another two rows cut. I cut weeds all afternoon in the back field but did not quite finish. Frank and Dad. got a load of rails this morning and repaired the gully fence and turned the cattle back, besides other odd jobs. This afternoon Frank went back to Charlie McQueen's after nuts. Enah & Tiddums went down to see the rural school fair held in Buck's pavillion. She said there was a big exhibit of every thing the shape of farm produce & house keeping all produced & collected by the school children. Lila came back with her to stay all night. Johnny Manning came up to-night from the gully where he had been in quest of mushrooms but failed to discover any. Dick is at a party of Inez Schram's It has been cool and coudy all day but fair. Clear to-night. Saturday October 4th I finished cutting the weeds in the back field a </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> little before noon and brought the mower up. Dad. & Jonas did not get started cutting corn till about half past eight it was so wet from the frost on it thawing, so they did not finish the field till after dinner. When Dad. settled up with him he owed him $7.25 as he paid him at the rate of $1.50 a day for cutting corn and $2.00 for thrashing and as Dad. & Frank went down with the team after they got through to help him haul fence Jonas took $2.50 off for the two quarter days last Saturday and this. They did not get the fence all up. This after noon I cut a little lawn and picked up over two bushels of pears & apples of the lawn and gave them to the chickens. I did not get much done and quit early to do chores. To-night Frank and I drove down town for provisions and I finished reading "The White Company" aloud to Dad. when I got home, very sorry to finish it. Mrs. Woodson & Betty were over for awhile this after noon. Lovely day. Sunday October 5th Frank went down to Sunday school and I drove Enah down to church but as we were as usual late I went up behind the organ, where also was Charlie Martin he having come later even than we. When we came past the Martin's they were all out prepared to drive down to church in Jack's automobile but as the tire was flat they had decided to walk so we brought old Mrs Martin down with us, however they got the tire pumped up afterwards and he stayed long enough to take them down town. The Rev. Mr. Armstrong of Delhi conducted the service while Mr. Johnston was off somewhere else. Johnny Walker sang a solo by way of a special attraction. Dad. stayed home & looked after the house and Tiddums while we were gone and also wrote a poem on the death of 4700 and an epitaph to send to Louise in answer to one she sent us. Dick spent the morning in bed but went down this afternoon and stayed down to tea & church getting home quite late. {Musa?}. Dyer sang a solo to-night in church. This after noon Ed. Moon, Marion & Alice Miller came over and spent the afternoon. Ed. is working already in the mill in Sloan's place but says he will come over some Saturday afternoon and do some fixing up. I was delighted this morning by discovering a book entitled "Sir Nigel" by A Conan Doyle and upon looking into it finding that it dealt with many of the same characters as "The White Company". I began it to-night. Tom Abbot came in this afternoon to inquire whether Jonas was a reliable person to make a business transaction with as he had bargained for some wood and then Jonas showed signs of backing out of his agreement but Dad. reassured Tom. It has been a very nice day, sunny & warm </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday October 6th I went with Jonas right after breakfast to help him take his cows down to the cattle pen where Niel Elliot was shipping. Old {Jug?} at the mill bought them and Niel was going to take them to Jarvis for him in with his stuff that he was shipping. They were back here in Jugs gully and we & Sairy had quite a time catching them but got them down with out much trouble and put them in the pen which was chock full of hogs. Jonas had to squabble with Jug for awhile as he wouldn't take any thing but cash for his cows not even a cheque and then Elliot did not want to take them at all with his hogs but they at last got things smoothed out and Jonas got his money and they tied the cows in the car. It was noon when I got home I had spent most of the morning with Skinny Ryersie who was looking after the stock. Dad. started to rake up the clover seed this afternoon morning and finished this after noon we burned what we could of the weeds & grass in the back field this afternoon and most of it burned but there are patches where the fire did not run, it ran in the grass, along the fence bottom and burned about 1/3 of the posts and stakes it also chased the same little rabbit out into the field whos legs I injured with mowing machine the other day. I brought him up to the barn I suppose he has been along the fence ever since I put him there Nice day but very hot. Tuesday October 7th Dad. and I cocked up all the clover seed this morning except a few cocks which we did yesterday. We intended to haul a load this afternoon but Loyd Ryersie came over at noon to tell Dad. they wanted to see him down town this after noon at four o'clock to interview the High School Inspector. He went down a little late (he took Enah & Tiddums) but said he might as well have stayed home, as it was all over, and they had had it up at the school house the {kid?} told him to go down town, but it wasn't any regular meeting any way. I felt as lazy as a drunk toad this afternoon but managed to get the barn floor pretty well cleared up of the thrashing refuse. Frank helping me when he got home from school. Dick says he is pretty sure he saw old Jonas coming home bozy-eyed last night and nobody but Frank has seen anything of him to-day, but he said last night that he would not be over except to set up some shocks he left down as he was going to buy some figs, and I guess he set up the shocks. It has been a a lovely day a little more breeze and not as hot as yesterday Dick came home before tea to-night and started to clean the buggy he says he is going to finish it in the morning. He wants it on Thursday. Wednesday October 8th We hauled in clover seed all day today but only got </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> in three loads, we did not get out till nearly ten this morning but got one load on and off before dinner, this afternoon we got two loads in and left one unloaded, there is just one more small one out yet. Dad. let poor old Dave back the lane this after noon and he spent the afternoon on top of the hill with the other colts in the boiling sun. Mrs. Art Ryerise paid Enah a visit to-day, she has been over in Chicago for a week or so, she said that {Clipha?} Flemming & Wil{--} Ryersie were to have been married to-day. but as we have heard no other report of it, are not sure about it. Pretty hot. Thursday October 9th We were late on the start this morning, and just as Dad. & I were going out to pitch off the load we left on the barn floor last night we noticed the cattle on the wheat, and all over the oat stubble and clover. It took us quite awhile to get them back in the gully, so by the time we got the load pitched off and the jag that was left back there up to the barn it was noon we burned one or two of the cocks which were composed solely of leaves & dead grass. This afternoon we went back over the gully to burn the rest of the weeds in the back field. We thought they would burn well after all the hot weather but the fire wouldn't burn at all not nearly so well as it did the other day so we just had to carry it around on our forks and by this means got it pretty well cremated but it took us all the afternoon. Jonas husked corn all day to-day and says it goes a little better than before but he says he is not going to make as much money as he expected, he is husking for four cents a bushel. Dick came home at noon to-day and took Joe and went for a drive with some girl down town Enah and Tiddums went down town this afternoon. It has been fine and hot to-day but looks rainy. Friday October 10th We hauled out manure to-day from the horse stable pile and put it on the oat stubble along the side road. It was such a long way to haul it so we did not get on very fast. and as all the top part of the pile was nothing but burned or dry straw - and we wanted to mix rotten stuff with it took us quite awhile to put on a load. We did not get out till ten o'clock this morning and got out nine loads. Jonas husked corn all day but gets on pretty slowly. I had to take some binder twine out to-night and help him put up a couple of shocks. Lila came over to-night to spend the night, on Frank's wheel, he went down after school to get stuff and a bushel basket for which he went in {illegible}, and he walked home. Fine and hot to-day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday October 11th It looked so much like rain this morning just before we hooked to the spreader that we decided to hook to the waggon first and get the husked corn, but just as we were about to start it began to rain so we put the horses in again. Old Jonas came in from the field, and entertained us for a while with a wild west personal experience of how he was stranded out west somewhere in Michigan fell in with a gambling cowboy, and {made?} a pile in a hurry & revolvers knives, etc. Jonas has seen some awful times in his day if all accounts are true. We then got the sheep in the barn and marked them all with blue chalk and Dad. put the new tag we got from Dunkin in his sheep's ear and stuck up the tame ones ear with sticking plaster as she caught her tag in some thing the other day and tore her ear the full length. By this time the rain had let up and Jonas gone back to husk so we went out with the waggon and got about a load (21 bushels) but before we came in it was raining hard and we got pretty wet. It rained most of the afternoon, I read a little and the rest of the family cracked hickory nuts, while thus engaged a small yearling heifer with a freshly broken horn and a long thin rope around its neck came into the garden followed by very bedraggled man in hip rubber boots and a small freckle faced youth. I found out that he was the man from whom Jonas had purchased his heifer and that the afore mentioned critter was her. As Dad. had told Jonas that he might turn her in with our cows, Frank and I proceeded tp help him catch her, get the rope off her and put her in the lane, but we found we had undertaken a task which we were incapable of performing, for the heifer was as wild as a deer. The man (Smith his name was) had already chased her over nearly every road between here and Marburg, but she was still very game. First she jumped into the pig yard where I caught the trailing rope, but I might as well have had hold of an engine the rope was so small and wet and she was so small and wild that I was forced to let go, she then leaped over the fence and down the lane toward the road where Dave. the small boy headed her off, I opened the gate into the barn yard, hoping to get her cornered in there but she got from there into the pig yard, then into the wheat field up the wheat field to the gully down the gully fence to the side road. then over the fence into the gully making straigt for the gap into the blue grass field where I headed her off from there and the three of us followed her up to the gully cross fence. (Dave. stayed back in the barn yard), there the man caught the rope but let go again immediately, she jumped back in to the wheat field and ran the while length of both wheat fields </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> down to the little corner of the south east corner of the plum orchard where Frank & I both got a fall in the clay bank in an attemt to get the rope Frank did lay hands on it but she flopped him, after chasing her half way up the lane fence again, we let her go and the last we saw of her she standing in the north east corner of the oat stubble next the gully & side road. We couldn't get her with the other cows with out getting her in the lane as the cows are shut out of the east end of the gully. The man & boy went on down to tell Jonas that he had delivered his heifer and for Jonas to get his rope for him Frank Lila and I drove down town Lila stayed and Frank and I came back with provisions we drove Mr. Blaikie part way home Tonigh I finished reading "Sir Nigel" and "The Iron Trail" aloud. Sunday October 12th Frank rode his wheel down to Sunday school and Dick and I drove down to church. This afternoon Dick went down town and Frank went over to Charlie McQueen's and got some chestnuts, he also got soaking with his best clothes on. I read most of the after noon a great book I found in a box up over the woodshed. It's about an hundred years or so old, and is "Lord Chesterfield's advice to his son", its rich. Jonas came over to look for his heifer but failed to find any trace of her so I suppose she is back at Marburg by this time. Poor Jonas is broken hearted - and wishes he had never bought her, he was very foolish I think to sell his good big three years old for forty dollars and then turn around around and pay twenty for this runt of a yearling what he wants with them any way in his position is more than I can see. Sam Law came in this morning to get Dad. to go over and cut a lump off his calf. It froze last night and was a lovely sunny morning but rained most of the afternoon. Monday October 13th I had to go thrashing down to Flemming's this morning as he came over on Saturday to "warn us out". Tupper's man did not come till late and Walker never came at all so we were a little short handed I was on the table and pitched on to the feeder, after we got well started it kept me pretty busy and to-night I feel stiff and plugged up as they put some of the straw in the barn and made it pretty dusty. He only thrashed his oats and as he only had four hundred and forty something bushels we got through before noon although we got a very late start and stopped several times, it was near enough noon however for us to stay there for dinner. When I got home I found Jonas's mare in the stable and his democrat out side, and Enah said he and Dad. had just gone back the lane in quest of his heifer, which he told Dad he had seen in our back field but when Dad found it, it was in Evan's back field. Dad got home </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> about three o'clock leading the heifer almost tame and Jonas following almost wild behind. They had evidently had just such a chase for her over Evan's place - as we had on Saturday over this place, but they got her cornered at last in Evan's cowshed and Dad. went over and borrowed a rope and humbug from John Wess McBride and once he got the ropes on her he soon mustered her, he broke the little clothes line that was on her a couple of times. He said it was pitiful and laughable to watch old Jonas, every time the heifer would break away from them. Jonas would almost weep and swear he would shoot her if he could get a rifle. Evan's wasn't home and Dad. said they got every loose gate and board around the place to barricade the barn yard but she would break through and once climbed about half way up the straw stack. When they brought her home they put her in with the rest of the cows and although Jonas vowed she would get out she seems to be quite contented. Dad. told him that he would give Jonas $20 for her if she got out and $18 is she stayed in so Jonas said he wouldnt sell her till she got out. I drove Enah & Tiddums down town to Mrs. Schrams this after noon. Belle jumped the fence out by the big barn to-nigh and knocked a couple of panels flat. It froze last night and has been very chilly all day. Tuesday October 14th I greased my old boots this morning and Dad took Mrs. Martin over the pint of cream she spoke for yesterday. We also haulded two loads of loam & sod. from along the road side under the old wild cherry tree in the wheat stubble, and filled in the holes at this end of the lane in the barn yard, where the horses have pawed a hole when they are drinking from the tub in front of the windmill. and under the gate at the north end of the horse stable. This afternoon we hauled out four loads of manure, Walt McCall. Dave Waddle Billy Loan & Tom. McCall came over to-night and we caught Dolly and Dave led her home he put a rope in her mouth although she would have led all right with just a halter and after walking a little way with her got in the automobile, and led her from it. Just about dark to-night Mr. Blaikie came over and got Dad to go over and look at John Wess's cow which was badly bloated and John Wess was away. Dad. went over, stayed to tea and as John Wess got back before he left, he did not get home till about nine o'clock. Frank and I did up the chores. Dad says the cow will get alright. It froze very hard last night but has been a beautiful day, very clear to-night. Wednesday October 15th We hauled out all the rest of the pile of manure at the horse stable and got through a little before four this after noon and took out </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> eight loads, when we put the spreader away we hooked on to the waggon and got in a load of corn (22 bushels), we sorted it in the field and there is some fine looking corn in it, Jonas has been husking all day. At noon he came in and told us he had an awful foolish notion in his head, we wondered if he was just beginning to realize the fact, as there is nothing much else to him but foolishness, but at last when he got courage enough to "spit out" what he wanted, he asked Enah if she would iron a shirt for him to-night to wear to the Simcoe fair to-morrow as he could never get his "woman" to do any thing like that for him. Enah told him she would if he would bring it over to-night but he never showed up at all. Art Ryersie came over just before tea to tell Dad. he had a cow down there which wouldn't attempt to chew her cud and was panting like a lizard, as he considered her a valuable animal he wanted Dad. to go down and see her, so Dad. & Frank have gone down since tea. I cleaned out the cage I have my rabbit in this morning. his feet are nearly healed up and he can hop and jump pretty well. I think I shall let him go soon Enah and Tiddums went down town this after noon and to say goodbye to the Woodson's as they are going next week but no-one was home. It has been a beautiful day. not quite so hot as last week. Thursday October 16th We started from here for Simcoe to attend the fair at about ten this morning and got there just about noon, after driving past the various livery stables in town and finding them all crammed we went back to Yeagers and put Joe in there. Yeager was there and told Dad. she was welcome. The three of us Dad. Frank and I spent the whole after noon on the grounds, but didn't see quite every thing, we didn't see the cattle at all except on parade there wasn't a very big exhibit of sheep or pigs, but the rest of the fair was good. They had a good bunch of horses, especially roadsters. Frank Temmons and Charlie Butler both showed in the carriage horse class but neither got prizes. Yeager took most of the prizes in this class of course. We saw Mr. Hanmer there showing his hackneys but didn't get a chance to speak to him. We saw Harry Langs for a little while. There was an awful crowd on the grounds and about as much fun could be derived from it as any thing else. Yeager had a team of grey mules up there hitched to one of his fancy carriages and driven by King Brown (Theodore's son) in uniform costume who jujding from his countenance was the happiest man in Simcoe, he paraded around in the ring all the afternoon and lined his mules up in every judging class The number of boys on the back of his carriage increased steadily all the after noon and when we left we noticed Frank Temmons was one of them. King's black face shone as brilliantly as </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> it's complexion would let it above a suit of checkered cloth covered with a motley display of ribbons, on one side of his woolly pate was a little flat hat about as big as a post card and each of his mules had a red ticket tied to its their ears. As a winding up feature they had a girl make a balloon ascention. She went up about as far as you could see her and then descended with a parachute, about a half amile away from where he went up, every body wondering whether she would light in a tree mud hole or straddle a fence. I heard one lady exclaim that she wouldnt do that for "nothing.' It must have been nearly five when we left Yeager's and as we were trying to get home before Art Ryersie who we passed and then were passed by just out of Simcoe, we got home about six, but I guess Art beat us and beat us well, he went the back road and we kept the gravel all the way but we didn't see a sign of him after he turned at St. John's. Enah and Tiddums spent the day down town. It looked like rain all morning but faired off into an ideal day. Friday October 17th Dad. and I hauled a load of rails to the house this morning and got about all the good ones there were in the fence bottom running west from the side road along the north end of the wheat stubble We also got a small load of sand to put in front of the north stable door, we then went down to Preston's and got a bushel of potatoes. This after noon we took things pretty easy did chores and Dad. fixed the little ladder goin up into the horse stable loft. which big Joe bumped his head on and broke this morning. Jonas husked corn all morning but as it rained this after noon he spent it trying to build himself a barn to keep his horses and cattle in all winter. He was in a very joyful mood this morning after being at the show and was in a great hurry for Dick to get up as he wanted him to send {illegible} for him, but to-night he is in the worst state of despair as he evidently did not have very much success building his barn out of the old fence rubbish. Dad. told him he was foolish to try and might far better sell his stock and put the money away till he needed it and then have that much more firewood. It has been very cloudy all day drizzling most of the after noon and to-night Saturday October 18th I drove Dick and his bicycle down to the corner this morning and then went down to the mill to get a bag of flour. Old Jonas was working at his barn which is about the size of a big packing box, he only had a few scantlings nailed to-gether for a starter. he said he was nearly wild with apprehension for the coming winter. When I got home Tupper was just </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> leaving, he and Harry his man were going down to fix the hill in front of Preston's and came in to borrow a fork to pitch sods. We didn't do much, this morning we started to fix the old shed next the cow stable as Dad. wants to separate his pigs and put some of them in there, we didn't get much done at it. Lila came over and this afternoon she and I drove down town principally to take Dick's suitcase down as he is going to Toronto to-night. Dad. spent the afternoon cleaning ducks and a chicken. Winnnie came back with Lila and me but didn't stay to tea. Lila is staying all night. This is the fifteenth anniversary of Frank's birthday and he celebrated it by cleaning out and white-washing the chicken house. We put Queen and Ginger in to-night as it is pretty cold out. Queen behaves just as if she was fifty years old. It rained quite hard last night and to day has been muddy, cloudy and cold with a little more rain, very raw wind this afternoon. Sunday October 19th Frank and Lila went down to Sunday school and I drove Enah down for church, we were early for once. Enah expected {Elva?} would be away but she wasn't, enah played the organ any way. This was a children's day and they had the whole contents of the Sunday school in the front seats. As a little extra, Sam Jacques had his baby christened. Mr. Johnson kept referring to it all through the as he or him but its name turned out to be Helen Isabel or something similar.This afternoon Dad. put the saddle on Joe and I went for a ride. She nearly put me off while I was getting on the first time but she didn't and I rode out to the Shands I found them just starting off to the Hares who live on the town-line about three miles this side of Jarvis, to wish old Mrs. Nixon a happy birthday she was 90 years old. Charlie put the saddle on his horse and I went with him, we beat them all of course both coming and going. I got home just about dark and to-night feel pretty stiff I guess Josie is tired too. I lost a nice little tie pin I suppose on the road. Cousin Clare gave it to me and I was very sorry to lose it. It has been cloudy and cold all day, drizzly to-night. Monday October 20th This was Thanksgiving day but has been exceedingly rotten. It rained the greater part of last night and most of the morning and has been cold, raw and muddy. This morning Dad. went down town to ship the barrel of apples to Uncle Hal. and Aunty Alice which he got from Bill Duncan and which have been down at the station since Saturday. He also saw Butler about getting a plow but as he walked down he couldn't bring it home. He is going to get a Cockshutt to try and if we don't like it we will get a Wilkinson. I didn't do any thing much all morning My muscles are all stiff and sore from my ride yesterday </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I guess it was too far when I haven't been used to it, it must have been about fifteen miles. Frank cleaned off the walls of the cow stable and this after noon white washed. it. Dad made a box for the wheel barrow after dinner so that I can carry out a much bigger load of manure. Then he and Frank went and struck out a few loads in the oat stubble while I cleaned out the stables. Belle jumped into the pig yard from the barn yard tonight and when I went to chase her back she jumped the wire fence into the lane, caught her foot in it and bent a panel of it badly. Ginger and Queen both ran back the lane to the gully. Queen came up with Dad. when he went after the cows but Ginger is back there yet with the colts, which she has been trying to get with all summer. To-night Dad. and Frank walked down to meet Dick he said he wouldn't be home till the late train so they were going to the moving picture show. Frank has been coaxing Dad. to go for quite awhile. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. Tuesday October 21st Dad. plowed all day and got on pretty well. I did chores and cleaned out the alley way in front of the cows where the calves spent last winter. That took me the biggest part of the day. I spent about half an hour chasing cattle back into their proper quarters after they had jumped over or crawled through the old fence around the barn yard. This morning Bill Stamp came and got four bushels of wheat for this chickens. Aleeta McBride came over this afternoon to iron. Jonas husked corn all day. I felt rather rotten having a sore throat and getting an all around cold. Cold, windy, cloudy & wet. Wednesday October 22nd Dad. plowed all morning, and I did chores and started to clean out the pile of rubbish in the corner of the big barn but the wind got so bad I stopped and came in to the house. This afternoon we went out with the waggon and got alload of corn. We got mostly all Jonas has husked. 26 bushels. We sort it out there and leave the poor stuff to gather up afterwards, there isn't much of it. Niel Elliot came in before dinner to see if we had any cattle for sale but of course we hadn't. Jonas husked all day. It has been a miserable day. It rained this morning and drizzled part of the afternoon, being cold, cloudy, muddy and windy all day. I feel rottener. Thursday October 23rd Dad. lay awake in bed this morning from five to seven thinking from the sound of the wind that it was pouring rain but on getting up found it a beautiful morning. He got out as soon as possible after breakfast and plowed till about eleven. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I did up all the chores and then went out and plowed till noon, while Dad. came up to shave as he had to be bearer at Mrs. Birely's funeral this afternoon, he left a couple of strike oats for me to finish up after dinner and I ran myself out of a job about four o'clock. I left about a round or two on each land for Dad. to finish and as I couldn't strike out I unhooked but when I got to the top of the orchard. I saw Dad. cutting wood so yelled at him and he came out and plowed till dark. Jonas husked corn all day, he is full of an idea now to go south and work for {Eumer?} Johnson, housing niggers working in his orchard. He says they are anxious to have him go and his going to try to get there. Aleta McBride was over ironing again to-day, she minded Tiddums while Enah went down to the funeral after dinner. My little rabbit died yesterday. It has been avery nice day cloudy, but mild, & breezy. Trying to rain to-night. Friday October 24th Since I watered & fed the horses before breakfast this morning I haven't done another {tap?} all day, except read. I had quite a bad pain in my "stumick" this morning and have put in a bad day on account of my cold in my head. It rained steadily all day so I didn't lose much in the way of work. Dad. couldn't do any thing but chores. Mrs. McBride came over this morning according to promise to see if she could do anything towards house cleaning, but of course couldn't. Cars. Rankin drove over this afternoon to have Dad. look at his horse, which Dad. says has nothing the matter with it. He also wanted Dad. to keep it here and fix it up, but as we will be crowded for room this winter for our own horses, he refused. Saturday October 25th As far as work is concerned </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> took the plow out there and unloaded it. Vyse's three horses were on the road this morning and came into our lane, Dad. told him on his way down town so he and little Frank came after them. Allan Law was in to-night and Dad. paid him for thrashing. He told us that Jack Philips was very dangerously ill with typhoid fever. Dick got home fairly early to-night, with the mail, and the news that Mr. & Mrs. Gilbert Lynch are the proud parents of another boy. Dad. heard in town today that some "public spirited citizens of Port Dover are canvassing the town with a petition to have Jack Walker's picture show classed as a public nuisance. Fine & windy, everything very wet. Sunday October 26th Frank went to church and Sunday school, but was the only member of the family who did. I sat around all day and read. the "Literary Digest" for this week, through completely. This after noon the whole family except me went down to wish Lila a happy birthday. Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down but the latter was too sleepy to enjoy himself, so they didn't stay long but the boys stayed to tea. Jack Walker came over while they were gone and got old Joe, he says he has to have him now as the corn is coming in and one team can't stand it; he says he thinks he could make a dicker with Dad. for him, but as he seems to think old Joe worth $100. I think it very doubtful as Dad wouldn't give more than fifty for him. It has been fair cloudy and raw all day. Monday October 27th Dad. plowed with Harry & Belle all day and got on pretty well, after I got all the chores done up, I started to pick the spies but didn't get on very fast before dinner. It took me all the afternoon to get the rest of the spies and there isn't so very many and they are not sorted yet, I also picked all the Kings but there were only fifteen of them on the tree, I got thirteen of them, one fell off and I bruised another knocking it off with a stick. Tonight Frank and I went down to the concert given by a travelling company for the band, and had a good time, there was a ventriloquist with them who was good, as well as an elocutionist and tenor. They had a dance afterwards and Dick and I stayed till it was over I got home about half past one and Dick a little later as he went home with some girl. Frank waited till it was nearly over but was asleep when I got home. Mr. Hodge came over with the tax notices this morning, they are just about the same as last year. It has been cloudy and threatening all day, and just as I got home to-night I felt a drop or two. Tuesday October 28th When I got up about seven o'clock this morning it was blowing a gale and raining, so after we did the chores we didn't do much else all day, although it didn't rain long </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we didn't even get the stables cleaned out. Alfred came over this morning for awhile. This afternoon I drove Enah down town this afternoon to have her dress fitted at Mrs. Schram's I also practiced a little on my horn, Cloudy, windy and cold. Wednesday October 29th Dad. plowed all day and is now just half over the oat stubble or just at the pile of stoanes, the top of which just sticks up over the surface of the ground, it took me nearly all day morning to clean out the stables, get in straw and cut wood, but this afternoon I picked apples. First I picked up all the good Canada Red's which blew down in night before last's wind, they blew down more than the others, I put them down cellar in one big box I picked an orange crate of Talman Sweets, which wil be enough for us, the pigs will likely get the rest, they are beauties. I also picked what few sweet russets I could but as they seem to grow mostly on very tips of the limbs I had to shake most of them down, there were very few barely an orange crate full. It began to rain about three o'clock and although it didn't rain hard it was very steady and wet through everything I had to go out and help Jonas put up some of the husked corn, the threw down a lot but as it began to rain didn't get it husked we didn't put it up. Mully got into the east end of the gully to-night and jumped the fence and came right up the wheat to the bars. Thursday October 30th Dad. plowed all day and got on well. Jonas husked all day. I picked apples after I got the chores done. Mrs. McBride was here house cleaning all day so I had to beat carpet at noon. This morning Frank took a sack down to Preston's, and they filled it with potatoes and left it outside the gate, I drove down and got it. Frank went back to look for the turkeys after school, he couldn't find them at their old roost in the gully but he saw R. J. Watson who told him he had seen them Tuesday on the road in front of McQueen's. Dick told us last night that Harry Dyer fell off a scaffold yesterday and broke his ankle. It has been sharper to-day, and rained a little this afternoon. Dad. should have gone down to a school board meeting to-night but it is raining and dark so he isn't going Friday October 31st It froze quite hard last night and snowed a little. Robert John Watson came over this morning just as Dad was getting out to work to get his heifer which had got in with our cows, as I was just going back to fix the fence where Mully and Jim got into the back field where we burned off the grass, I went with him to help him get her home, she was very quiet, so we had no trouble in driving her but it took us all morning to get her to stay in Robert John's place, we got her into Ivey's place but she jumped through the old </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> fence back into our gully, then we drove up along the woods into John Vyse's back field, then into Robert John's field then into his gully from where she ran directly back and jumped into Ivey's again, but we didn't have much trouble getting her from there into his gully again where I left him with her, I then drove Mully & Jim out of the field as they had got in while we were chasing the heifer, and made a good fix on the fence, it was a little after twelve when I got back to the house and Dad. was up with the team. This afternoon we hauled in two loads of corn fifty-two bushels. Jonas was in the seventh heaven odf delighted as he had Jim Law helping him husk. Jim husks about two bushels to Jonas' one and teases the life out of him at the same time. Frank went to look for his turkeys after school to-night, he went to McQueens and Charlie told him there were eight there and had been there with theirs for a month but Frank wasn't sure whether they were his or not and besides there should be eleven and Robert John said he saw that number last Tuesday, on the road, while Sid McBride was doing some other fencing for Robert John they stretched the piece between him and us so we got out of that job. We were reminded of this being Hallowe'en by hearing the school bell ringing to-night. Tiddums was playing on our bed with some blocks this afternoon and crawled off the edge and gave himself a bad bump on his head and cut his eye quite badly, he was up on his hands and knees when Enah found him. Cold and windy all day, two short but blinding snow storms, one this morning, the worst one this afternoon. Saturday November 1st It froze the ground so hard last night that we couldn't haul corn as we intended so Dad. plowed all morning. Frank went after his turkeys and got home with nine of them about noon They were over at McQueens and he thinks the other two must have been shot. I did chores and cleaned some of the boards out of the old shed by the cow stable and piled them in the corner of the barn. I finished the job after dinner while Dad. and Frank went down town, they took some oats to the mill to be chopped. and went on down town to get the mail and some provisions. When they got back about four we all three went out and got the soft corn out of the field. There was nearly a waggon box full of it and it was just about dark when we got up so we just hauled it in on the barn floor. Just as we were starting for the corn field Jonas came along and told Dad. he would like some money. Dad. wanted him to wait till we got the load in but Jonas wanted it right away so Dad went itno the house to get it. Just as he went in he told Jonas he was a darned old nuisance and that he would sooner have a boil on his ear (or words to that effect) than have him around. This Jonas considered an insult and started off for home declaring that he would take no money nor husk any more corn, by the time Dad. came out he was half way home, but Frank went after him and prevailed on him to take the money, he is still pretty mad though. It has been very windy but not very cold all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Duplicate of page 145} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday November 2nd Frank went down to church and Sunday school, nobody else went down this morning. Mr. Buck came over and got Dad to go down and see his cow which he thought was sick but which was quite well when Dad got there. I did chores and Dick slept till dinner. This afternoon Mr. Birely came over ans stayed quite awhile and to-night Dad. and I went down to church, Dick was down to Huby's to tea, and went to church afterwards. We stopped in at Huby's on our way down and took him the "Every body's Magazines" that Aunty Alice has been sending us all year. He said he might be over to husk corn to-morrow. This has been a day of disaster, when Dad. first went out this morning he found one of his pigs all in and the others going for it. He carried it over to the barn and later came to the conclusion that its leg was broken up in the "ham" so will have to kill it to-morrow. He also found the old gobbler sick and diagnosed the case as black-head, he died this afternoon. Enah considered he was worth five dollars. Then we noticed a big hard lump under Queenie's jaw to-night which Dad. says is very like distemper although she has no cough I noticed a small lump there some time ago but thought nothing of it. Lovely day much milder. Monday November 3rd I didn't do any chores before breakfast but wrote to Aunty instead. After breakfast I did up all the chores and about half past eleven went out and plowed a little, Huby came over with his gun before dinner but didn't get a shot at any thing, old Jonas came back again and he & Huby husked all the after noon and got on well. Tom. Abbot said this morning that he might get one of the Bush's to come up and help husk for us. Dad. and I both went out after dinner, and he made two or three strike outs, and then went up to kill his poor little broken legged pig and I kept on plowing we will soon have the oat stubble plowed. Dad. hated to kill his pig but got forty pounds of dressed pork from him besides the jiblets. Jonas came over to-night, he is afraid the money that he sent to Tildson bouy, has gone astray, but Dad. assured him that he wouldn't lose it as he has the receit of his bank money order, he also gave us quite an entertainment on the mouth organ. It was a lovely morning but has been cloudy and rainy all the afternoon Tuesday November 4th Dad. plowed all day to-day and is nearly over the road fence, I did chores this morning and transplanted the peony roots which I put in the garden the day Walter went away. This afternoon I pulled all the carrots and beets and nearly all the onions, we piled the carrots and beets in a pile to-night and covered </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> them for fear of frost, there were 6 1/2 bus. of carrots, what we have eaten so far would I think make 7, a yield at the rate of 784.1 busels to the acre. and 4 big bushels of beets on not half the ammout of ground as the carrots were on or a yield of 1102.78 bushels to the acre.* The onions were small and a lot of them soft, I just got a small basket full of them and there is another line to dig yet. Huby has husked all day and Jonas was here all morning but just got here in time to husk a couple of bushels before dark. Huby got a shot at a black duck in one of the holes in the timothy field but was too faraway, he was afraid he scared them away but they were back this afternoon but did not light although he scattered some corn in the swail hole. Dick got home to tea to-night for a change. Cloudy and cold all day looks rainy. *These figures are according to my calculations and may not be absolutely correct. Wednesday November 5th Frank caught a skunk under the cow stable in the trap he set last night. He and Tige are next to impossible to live with. He drove all the kids in school about crazy to-day. The cow stable was so thick aired that it tainted the cream. He skinned him to-night, he says it isn't a very good skin as there is too much white on it. Dad. plowed all day and finished the oat stubble. I went out with him at noon and we put on a load of rails from the gully fence and he hauled them up before he backed to the plow. I unloaded the load of soft corn that was on the waggon (21 bus) this morning and this afternoon I unloaded rhe rails, cut some of them up and sorted the Northern Spys. Huby and Jonas husked all day. It froze quite hard last night but has been a beautiful day. Frank and his Meccano outfit down for Cecil Lamb to play with. Thursday November 6th Dad. set off as soon as he could for Dunkin's with the ram this morning, he took Harry and Belle - and didn't get back till a quarter past two. He brought the imported ram back with him. I started to clean out a canal between one of the water holes in the timothy sod to the one in the oat stubble with the tile under in, I got it pretty well started, but found it would take a very deep ditch to carry it, and as the clay was so stiff I didn't get on very fast, I stopped when Dad. came home to help him unload the ram. and he said there was no use trying to plow the timothy sod this fall. as it is impossible to plow either through or around the water holes and it will waste too much time digging ditches between them so he is going to start on the other side of the gully. D. O. to-morrow and we will try to put tile in there after it freezes up. Huby husked all day but Jonas was only here for an hour or so at noon he has been sick with "information" all day, Huby says he wept bitterly out there for awhile, and then went to see the doctor. Beautiful day. Huby says it is Indian Summer and it certainly looks like it. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday November 7th We got out good and early this morning as it didn't freeze at all last night. Dad took the new plow back over the gully and started to plow the field which we cut clover seed off. We got a good day in. Huby was over at seven o'clock this morning and got a full day in, although Jonas never showed up all day. I helped him all the after noon. This morning I carried all the apples amd vegetables down cellar. Lila came over after school to stay all night. Enah and Tiddums went down to see Cousin Clare who came yesterday. Cars. Rankin came over this after noon and took the light saddle and bridle which I am positive I bought from Dick last spring, but Dick evidently thinks he owns them as he sold them to Cars. for six dollars, I don't want tho the saddle particularly only if I have paid for them I would like the money. It has been a beautiful day; mild and sunny but is raining to-night. Saturday November 8th It rained all night and has kept up a steady and soaking in down pour all day with short intervals of no rain but no sunshine at all. After I did up the chores this morning I came in and chopped suet, cleaned lamp chimney's, and tidyed up all the papers which were stacked all around the kitchen. Dad. spent the whole morning in opening up ditches in the field he has plowed, he also paced it off and found it is nearly 10 acres. Frank cleaned the windows in the kitchen and played with Lila. This afternoon we did chores, I read a little and cut a little wood, about five o'clock Arthur Preston came over to inform us that they had our potatoes all and bagged up and could we could get them anytime, so Dad. hooked up Joe and Ginger and we went after them. we took Lila down to the corner with us and she walked on home. We got 24 bushels of potatoes and they were 60 cts a bushel Joe & Ginger were feeling pretty good as Joe hasn't been hooked up for over a week and Ginger all summer. Joe was glad to get beside Ginger again and "kissed" her profusely. We saw Jonas on our way home, he looks pretty sick and says the doctor told him he had a cut in his digestion. Sunday November 9th Soon after I got up this morning it began to snow although quite mild not having frozen all night. It turned to rain about noon and kept up all the afternoon with increasing severity, and to-night is terrific, but the snow has nearly all disappeared. Frank went down to church and Sunday school but the rest of us hardly went out of the house, except for Dad. and I to do chores, and this after noon Frank and Dad. went out and drove the sheep from the orchard to the shed at </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the hay barn. Dad. also opened the smoke house door to afford shelter for the old sow, she took advantage of it, and soon made a bed out of the alsike chaff he put in for her, taking the precaution to root the bricks from around the edge into the middle of it. Dad. and Frank also moved Frank's pigs from the old shed where they were about submerged to the barn floor which was dry. Dad. didn't milk to-night and didn't put any of the cows in thinking it would be warmer out around the stack and in the shed than in their stable as the wind coming in above the old barn doors which space has not been boarded up since we thrashed makes it cold and draughty. I read "The Wonders of Science in Modern Life" nearly all day. Dick slept most of the morning, had a bath, this afternoon, wrote to Aunty read and played checkers with Frank. Monday November 10th Soon after breakfast this morning, I went down and got Huby to come over and help up move the cook stove from the woodshed to the inside kitchen, Dad had it all ready to move when we got here so it didn't take long to move it Huby went back home together to dinner As Dad put the little stove up in the dining room as soon as he took it out of the kitchen it was well past into the afternoon when he got both stoves set up and late when we had dinner. After dinner I went down town and got some groceries, but didn't stay long. I read the rest of the time. The old sow broke out of the orchard last night and she and the sheep have been roaming at liberty all day. Art. Walker & Charlie Butler were in with, the cream, can, check and butter saving Tom a trip, the check was $2.47 which was better than we expected as we have sent so little cream and bought all the butter there. It looks as if winter had set in. It has been freezing quite hard all day and snowing with a strong and very cold wind. Tuesday November 11th I cut a good big pile of wood this morning while Dad. was doing chores, we then went out and tore down quite a strip of the gully fence intending to haul it in this afternoon. Huby came over to husk corn soon after dinner. As it snowed most of the afternoon Dad thought he would not take the team out to haul the rails so we pitched off the load of clover seed instead. Dad also shovelled down to see if he could find the hole in the oat bin through which all the grain is escaping, but could find no sign of it. About four Dad. and I went out and helped Huby husk and stayed till a little after five and got four unhusked shocks husked. It was mighty inclement out there but Huby had a very comfortable wind break constructed of sheaves. Frank went to see Jonas to-night and says he is worrying terribly about everything, he wants Frank to feed his mare & colt a little hay and chop once a day, I suppose he expects them to live at that rate </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I started to practice on my horn to-night but found the little nib broken off the second valve. Toaty has fixed it on twice already, so I don't think it is much use taking it to him again. It was nice and sunny this morning but turned cloudy and snowed all the afternoon, cold and windy all day. Wednesday November 12th Huby came over at seven o'clock this morning and husked corn all day, we both went out and helped him as soon as we could so got quite a lot done. Dad. had to go down to Flemming's at noon to see Chris Quanbury's cow which has some swelling on its jaw. I went down town after supper to get some groceries, footwear and my hair cut, Andrews was closed but I did the rest of my errands and took the valve of my horn to Toatys again for repairs. Walt said if I sent it to Whaley Royce & co. it might be three weeks before I could get it again. I went up to the bank and waited there for an hour or two for Dick, he got back from the moving picture show about a quarter to ten and then worked awhile, Hazen was there when I went literally "stripped to the waist" looking for a mistake they made or have been looking for for about a week. Hazen & Wiggins were looking for it when we left. I decorated Hazen's photograph album a little while I was there. Tupper was here while I was in town and wants one of us to go and thrash to-morrow. He ran a nail in his hand, and is just about laid up with it. Very much milder to-day, would have been perfect Indian Summer, but for a cold wind Thursday November 13th It was raining when we got up this morning so we did not hurry to get over to Tupper's. After breakfast it did let up for awhile so I went, it soon began to rain again and we didn't do a thing all morning, except talk, it is the most amusing, entertaining and typical conversation when Bill Donald, Win. Law and Tupper get to-gether. I stayed to dinner and we thrashed all the afternoon as it cleared off quite fine. I came home as far as the corner with Win Law who was driving to town Tupper will have about 60 bushels of alsike seed when he gets through some of it pretty good, he sold it to Green's man to-day for 8.50 cleaned up, he has a very sore hand where re ran the nail in it. I have to go back to-morrow. Huby husked corn this afternoon Dad said he worked out in all the rain and got the cow stable roof well repaired, and the chicken house roof nearly fixed, both with roofing paper, he also did up all the chores and to-night braided what seed corn we have up. Friday November 14th I got over to Tupper's about 8.30 this morning and they had just started when I got there, we finished the alsike just at noon, it was a pretty dirty job even after they put the blower out side before that it was a fright. After dinner we thrashed out his </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> three loads of Hungarian grass with the separator, it didn't take long which was lucky for if it had I for one would have croaked. Art. Walker, Harry & I were in the mow and they had the blower shooting the chaff over our heads, and about as much came back on us as we were pitching out, and the air was full of it. While they ran the separator out and the clover mill in from the far barn I crawled over in the clover seed to enjoy a few minutes of rest, there were only three loads of clover seed and it took an hour and forty minutes to finish it up. I spent that short time in agony. For some reason or other all the muscles in my back and legs ached horribly and I thought they would never throw up the last forkful, I was pitching on the table to Art. Walker. We got through about five and I lit out for home before supper, after they had indulged in a very prolonged and ragtimey whistle to express their joy at being through with that job as they have been there over a week I think. On my way home I came on Sam. and his outfit at the foot of the big hill at the side road, the old engine evidently wouldn't go uphill without sliding so they were just putting the big calks on the wheels. They only had half enoug for one wheel which caused it to slide twice as much as the other and was hard to hold the front wheels in the middle of the road. It was dark when I got to the cornfield but I saw old Nig. in there and after a little hunting found Huby. and waited there with him till six, when I got to the house I was about ready to drop with cold and fatigue so crawled up as close to the stove as possible, I went to bed right after tea. I guess Dad. put in a busy day, he finished fixing the hen house roof, hauled in two loads of rails and a jag of corn. Huby husked from the middle of the forenoon on till six. This storm has been awful in Western Ontario and on the Upper Lakes especially Lake Huron. Over twenty wrecks and over three hunderd lives lost according to the papers which are full of it. We know old Quint is safe though as the Algonquin was reported at Port Coulborne on Monday I think he he has to make one more trip to Montreal before he goes up the lakes, after wheat, that will be the last of the season. In spite of the beautiful night last night it was raining when we got up this morning, but it soon cleared off bright, and is clear and cold to-night. Saturday November 15th We have had a busy day to-day. Huby was over at day break and went back first thing to the gully to see if he could get a shot at a duck, when he got to the top of the gully, he saw one a little way up from where he was but thought he saw another closer so crept up on it, he heard the one up the creek fly but thought he was sure of this one, as it didn't fly till he got so close to it and then discovered it to be a muskrat, he didn't shoot it at such close range for fear of spoiling its skin so came back empty handed and went to husking corn. It was frozen stiff early so </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we thought it an extra good chance to get in the corn, we put off the jag (18 bush) which Dad. got in yesterday and got in three more before noon averaging 25 bushels apiece. Huby helped us while we were in the field and then went back to husking, so with Frank we got on fast. We brought the soft corn in at the same time in the back of the load it ran about five bushels to the load and we put it up above the pig pen. After dinner Dad. and Frank had to go down town to get coal oil, flour and do some other errands, which took up a lot of valuable time, I cleaned out the horse stables and got load in while they were gone, but when they got back it was snowing, however they got in two more loads, the last one of which they ran into the barn. I only helped get in part of the first load as the sheep got out on the wheat so I stopped to put them in and the last load I spent in putting the cows in and feeding them. Lila came over this morning and went back with Huby to-night. Sunday November 16th We got up very late this morning and Frank went to church and Sunday school and came around by McBains to tend to Jonas's horses. He says Jonas is worse to-day. The indigestion has gone down on his lungs; poor fellow is in bad shape. Dad. and I went down to see Chris Quanbury's cow after we did up the chores but as neither Chris nor Mr. Flemming were home and the cow was out, Dad. couldn't see much. We saw Jack Spain and Vyse on the latter's place and had a talk with them principally about the wrecks on the lake. Vyse says they are getting up a fund to help the widows and orphans of the drowned sailors. This after noon Huby came over with a fish and an awful pile of side line which Dave. Law had given him to make a line for digging and ditch, all the string where the nets were fastened has to be taken off. He and I then went back to the gully where we fell in with Frank who had previously gone back with his book "Trappers Guide" which he got from John {Hallam?}, it is the first thing in the literature line he has ever showed any interest in. Huby scattered corn all along the creek to coax the ducks and then we went back into the woods we saw one rabbit but Huby didn't get a shot at it, he got a lot of moss and ferns and a small bird's nest which he says he is going to use for a hunt {match?} receptacle. Dick went down town this afternoon, stayed to tea at Huby's, went to church and came home right after, he and I then made so much noise that Tiddums and Dad. had much difficulty one in staying asleep and the other in writing a letter to Aunty. Cloudy and raw. Monday November 17th Dad. and I unloaded the load of corn they ran in on the barn floor, Saturday night, it took a very long time as we had to sorted it out of the waggon, we then went after another load. and got it unloaded a little after noon. Huby helped us load and un- </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> load it as the corncrib is getting so full, that I had to stay in there to dump the bushels as far back as possible. This load took nearly all the good there is husked, there is not a load out there now. This after noon Dad. started plowing again over the gully. I cleaned out the cow stables and then helped Huby husk corn till dark. Cold and cloudy with raw wind. Tuesday November 18th Dad. plowed all day and got on fairly well. Mr. Blaikie came back and had a visit with him this afternoon. I did chores this morning and braided some corn. I am going to have the drive house beautifully decorated with seed corn when I get it all braided. We were disappointed that Huby didn't show up all morning we don't know just why, but he came over at noon and he and I husked till about five o'clock it was nearly dark then. we got just five shocks husked, Jonas came over this morning, we don't know what his message was, he looks pretty sick and hardly talks above a whisper, but I think that is because he doesn't want to move than because he can't, the old jay has bought eight pigs and has nothing to feed them and is paying a man $2.00 a day to finish building his barn to shelter them. It has been a very disagreeable day, very foggy cloudy and a fine drizzle, one quite hard shower this after noon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> DIARY. 1913 T B Barrett, Port Dover, Ontario The Farm From November 19th 1913 to December 31st 1913. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday November 19th 1913. Dad and I got up pretty early this morning and I braided some corn before breakfast. Huby came over but instead of husking this morning he helped me pick up apples for cider, I shook them down and he gathered them up and carried them over to the waggon which was in the lane as it was too soft to take it into the orchard. There were just enough apples left in the orchard to make the waggon-box full (26 bus) and we took them all except a bushel of Newton Pippins which I picked to put down cellar. Dad thinks we will have too many but Huby and I thought it best to be on the safe side, as we have Huby's two 10 gallon kegs to fill this time besides our 42 gallon barrel. We also scalded out the barrel and kegs, and hung up the braided corn in the drive house, we didn't finish the apples till half past two this afternoon, and then I picked the Newton Pippins cut wood and did chores till six, Huby husked corn till after dark, and just about when I was thinking of going out to see if any thing had happened to him, he came in drenched to the skin, he said he just wanted to finish the shock. He killed one of the drakes after dinner, he is going to get another later. Dad plowed all day and to-night had to go down to a school board meeting although it is a fierce night. I spent the evening braiding a long rope of seed corn. It has been cloudy and raining all day, not steadily nor hard but a kind of half hearted drizzle about every ten minutes, till about five o'clock to-night when it more than poured down and soaked Huby who stayed out in it to finish his shock. Every thing is covered in water. Dad. got back early from the school meeting, we don't know whether Dick will be home to-night or not. Thursday November 20th Dad and I left a little after nine for Walker Waddle's with our apples and got home about one. We had lots of apples, he said he could have filled another keg. He said one bushel of good apples would make about three gallons of cider. and that the sweet ones mixed in with the others would just make the cider right. We drove around by town coming home and left Hubys two kegs down there. Huby was wheeling Tiddums around the yard when we got home so he helped us get the big barrel into the woodshed. This afternoon Dad. drove Enah down town this after. She went to Mrs. Francis Henry Stringer's At Home with Aunty Maude while Dad. kept Tiddums in at Cousin Clare's. Clark Matthew's came over while they were gone and got eight more bushels of oats and four bushels of wheat. He paid me ten dollars for what he got to-day and eight bushels of oats he got the other day. The oats were 35 cts and the wheat 82 cts a bushel. I couldn't find any change in the house for him. I spent the rest of the after noon doing chores. Dad & Enah didn't get back till after six. Huby husked corn all day but says he won't be over in the morning as he has some insurance to look after. We saw Ed. today at noon and he said he would be over to help us on Saturday. They are working short time in the mill now for some reason or other, they only work from eight to five week days and not at all on Saturday. We saw old Jonas when we went past this morning, he looks awful but thinks maybe he will pull through, he wanted {so---?} for his pigs and Dad. said if he had time he would bring him some, we left Tupper talking to him, he may cheer him up a little. Tupper told us he had fired Harry as he was no earthly good to him. It has been a beautiful day, it was quite hot this morning while the sun was shining. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday November 21st Tiddums broke one of the springs in his buggy this morning and as Dick didn't want to take it down I had to take it to Buller to see if he could fix it, he wasn't very sure about making a good job of it. When I got back I went over the gully where Dad. was plowing and threw the sod out of the ditches till noon. Dad. plowed all day and got a nice lot done. Huby didn't come over till noon and brought us a new dog, named Blucher, he is a great big yellow Scotch Collie with a white collar and face, he is a pretty dog and only nine months old which Huby says is the proper time to train him He got him from Bob. Rankin and just paid the taxes on him. Huby says he will train him all he can as soon as he gets so as he will stay here loose and not run to town. I did up all the chores after dinner and then helped Huby husk corn. Dad. was afraid the corn in the crib was getting musty but I dug into it a little and didn't think it was bad. Mr. Brirely was over to-night to buy a couple of ducks he is going to get them tomorrow night. It has been a lovely, sunny mild day like spring. It rained last night during the night. Saturday November 22nd This morning Ed. came over about eight o'clock so he, Huby and I husked corn till noon and got about seventeen shocks husked. Huby went home for dinner as he said he had some more insurance to see to this afternoon so couldn't come over. Ed. and I spent the afternoon tearing down the old windmill, and by to-night Ed. had it all down but the first section and it wont take long to finish it. Getting the big heavy head to the ground without hurting any thing or ourselves was the most ticlish job but we managed all right with a rope and pulley. This morning Dad. and Frank hauled Uncle Ward his ten bushels of corn and Jonas' eleven bushels of soft corn right out of the field. I think he is getting 35 cts a bushel for the good and 20 cts for the poor stuff. He said they dumped Jonas' right in one corner of the house which was in such an unsanitary and uninhabitable a condition as to make Dad sick for the rest of the day, heard Frank saw Allan Law to-night and he was quite uneasy about Jonas as he had told him that he was going to jump in the pond and end his miserable career if he wasn't better or dead in a day or so but I guess he will either forget it or think better of it when the time comes and he sees how wet that pond looks, the poor old fish is in misery though I guess, he looks like it. Dad. and Frank hauled in the rest of the corn that was husked this afternoon, and left it in the waggon box on the barn floor. Dad. and I went down town after tea to-night. I got some stuff and Dad. got his hair cut. Dick came home with us. Mr. Brirely came over to get his ducks to-night. Chris also came over and got a pair. It has been another beautiful mild sunny day windy to-night. Sunday December 23rd Frank went down to Sunday school and church and I drove Enah down to church. Dad. looked after Tiddums and cooked dinner. Dick slept all morning and went down town after dinner and probably to church to-night. This after noon Josie and I had a good ride up the Gravel to the cemetry corner and down the Radical. Frank and Blucher went back to the gully. Dad intended to go to church to-night but didn't get there as he wasted a lot of time going nearly back to the gukly thinking he saw the cattle in on the wheat </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> but they were way over on the other side of the gully. and by the time he got settled down he didn't feel like getting fixed up and walking down town through the mud. It has been a nice day with a cold wind. We don't know whether it rained last night or not, Enah is sure she heard it raining in the night and there was a puddle of water on the kitchen floor under the leak, and Frank's coat which he left out all night was wet but the ground and all the boards seemed dry and the ceiling over the pool in the kitchen was perfectly dry. I did a little more drawing to-night. Monday November 24th I spent the whole day in knocking down the rest of the old windmill and clearing up the debris. I am not quite through yet. This afternoon I had to go back and drive Mully, Jim and Snowdrop out of the east end of the gully into the other end through the bluegrass and field where Dad is plowing which is the way they got in. I took the two dogs with me so had quite a time with the cows. Dad. plowed and Huby husked corn all day. Frank brought Tiddum's carriage back mended to-night and he was tickled to death to see it again, and jump in it althoug the spring is stiffer now than it was. Dick sent away for ten books for me to-day called "The Library of Original Sources" which I saw advertised in the "Literary Digest." It is supposed to be a collection of all the documents which have made history and translated. It cost $35.10 cash. I borrowed the money from Dad. It seems a lot to pay in a bunch, but books are mighty nice things to have especially for the long winter evenings on the farm. I suppose if I was town, the same ammount would dribble out in nickels and dimes in the course of a year. Dad. had to go to a school board meeting to-night and Frank went down with him to see the moving picture show. I guess I'll draw a little. It has been colder and very windy with two or three blinding but short snow squalls. Tuesday November 25th After I did the chores up this morning I helped Huby husk all day and by to-night we had only twelve shocks left to husk, we think under favorable circumstances we will be able to finish it to-morrow. Dad. plowed all day and he is nearly through wth that field. John Wess was over talking to him for a long time this morning, telling him about his barn roof. He hasn't paid for it because he is not satisfied and the company are going to sue him. Jonas was over for awhile at noon, he wants Frank to cut wood for him as the doctor has forbidden him to do it. Old Nig and Bluch got into a scrap this morning. Nig got jealous because Huby threw Bluch a corn cob to retrieve after letting Nig do it several times and he piled right into Bluch who would have killed him pretty quickly if Huby had not separated them, he couldn't keep Nig off till he kicked him in the jaw, this broke poor Nig's heart and he was sulky the rest of the morning, his little scrap cleared his old white eye up wonderfully except a little white spot in the middle. Cars. Rankin rode over to-night to see Bluch, who knew him afar off and was crazy to go back with him, Cars says he will bring the saddle back the first time drives over this way. To-nigh Dick and I went down to a dance in the town hall, where we had a good time. I didn't dance much because everytime I got up I would make a worse mess of it than the time before, they quit dancing about one but as they had nothing to eat there Dick, Truman Roadhouse and I went up to Jim Law's lunch counter and had a sanwich apiece after the thing was over, there were quite a few of the other dancers up there, so we didn't get to bed till about two o'clock. It has been bright and sunny all day but a cold breeze, to-night it was drizzling when we came home </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday November 26th It looked so rainy this morning that insted of plowing Dad. hauled in the rest of the good corn that was husked. It took us till noon as we had to unload the other load that was on the waggon and Dad. also fixed a couple of old crates. We just left this load on the waggon. Huby didn't come over till noon as he thought it was going to rain I helped him this afternoon but we didn't quite finish as there are four more shocks to husk yet. I was cold and didn't husk fast at all. Dad. plowed all the afternoon and has now finished all the field but the head lands, he was delayed as he had to chase the cattle out of the field where we burned the grass off. To-night Frank went down to Confirmation class and I spent the evening writing this and sleeping alternately. Very cloudy all day, drizzled a little but nothing to speak of Thursday November 27th Huby told us he wouldn't be over till about ten o'clock this morning as he was going to get us a long handled shovel to start ditching with. I cut wood and then went back and turned the cattle out of the alsike stubble, when I got back Huby wasn't here so I went out and got two shocks nearly husked by noon. Huby came over to dinner and he and I finished up the corn soon after dinner, we then took Nig, Bluch, and the shotgun back to the woods, we let Bluch loose back there and he behaved excellently, never going far away from us, Huby shot the gun off once accidentally and once on purpose to see what he would do and he wasn't at all frightened, so Huby says there is no danger of him ever being gun-shy now, we didn't get a shot at any thing and got back about four, we chained Bluch up again when we got home. Dad. finished plowing his field at noon and this afternoon did chores and raked the overhanging parts all off the stack. Dick told us that Jack Philips died last night Amy Turner was over to-day collecting for the Bible Society. It has been cold and a raw east wind all day. Friday November 28th We didn't get very much done to-day although we were up good and early. We went back and put the cattle out of the east end of the gully and the plowed field and fixed the fence so that they will have to stay out, we think. When we came up we braided all the rest of the seed corn and I hung it up in the drive-house after dinner, it certainly looks nice. I have driven nails just fifteen inches apart in the back four joists in the drive house, from the south wall over to the cross beam, there are just nine nails in each joist, on the back one I hung nine bunches with twenty or twenty five ears in each, it would look better if they were all the same, about twenty five ears to each, they can hang lower than the corn in front of them on account of being behind the buggy top and they just set the other off. The three front rows I braided into long ropes it would have been too heavy to handle to have braided a rope long enough to hang on the whole nine nails, so I made two ropes for each joist one seventy five inches long which hung on six of the nails and one thirty inches long to hang on three of the nails I tied a loop of binder twine every fifteen inches along the rope and at each end to hang them by, so the weight of the corn just sagged the rope enough between the strings to form a graceful loop. It might have looked better if I had made the two ropes even lengths for each joist say forty five inches long so one would take four nails and leave a row of nails down the middle on this row might be hung short bundles like those at the back only shorter so not to touch the buggy top. After I got through we unloaded the corn that was on the waggon it </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was a big load, I think there was twenty eight bushels on After this we went and got the last load from the field, it was mostly poor stuff but a big load it was all we could do to pile the last of it on so as it would stay, it was roo late to unload it so we don't know how much there was on To-night I went down to the bankquet in the Sunday school for the men of the church. Dick and Dad were invited but neither of them went. Frank went down to help the ladies. There were two speakers from out of town, one Mr. King of Simcoe and the other Mr. Noble from Hamilton, speaking on "The Layman's Missionary Movement". There was a good many there. Huby came over at noon but didn't feel like working so took Bluch back to the woods, he didn't shoot any thing but an owl. Bluch has been running around here loose a good part of the day. It has been very cloudy all day, but not at all cold, looks stormy. Saturday November 29th Dad. took the plow out and opened out some ditches in the corn stubble this morning and Huby cleaned them out, if it stays fine a little longer we hope to get that plowed yet. I cut a little of the stack while he was out and when he came in, he hooked on to the hay rack and we went out and hauled in some corn stalks. Huby helped pitch on and Frank helped Dad. load so we got in two jags before dinner leaving the second load on the waggon, we didn't haul much at a time as they were a little damp. When they came in with the first load while I was opening the gate, they ran over Frank's smallest pig with both wheels of the waggon; just above the hips, so Dad. had to kill the poor little fellow, he only dressed 30 lbs. Huby went down town this afternoon but Ed. came over, he put in the afternoon fixing up the old house, he put in a window casing to fit two old frames we had, he made it on the north side where we hope to have the bench, he patched the floor and took the siding off the south side which is the wall to the ice house and boarded it up part way with inch stuff so that we can fill the space with saw dust. Dad. had to go down town this afternoon to interview the Council and get a rebate of three dollars on his taxes as they charged him four dollars for one doz. I supposed the mistake happened when Edmund England was assessing last spring Ed. Aikers dog was here Ham Thompson was in this morning to see Dad. about a sick cow. and Mr. Oliver Theshell from Vittoria was here this afternoon to get the recipe of some blister which Dad. told him about for ring bone and he forgot it. It was cloudy and a heavy mist all morning but fine and bright this afternoon, cold wind all day. Sunday November 30th Frank was the only member of the family who went to church this morning. I was too late to get ready so started a letter to Aunty but haven't finished it yet. Ham. Thompson's man came after Dad. to go and see his sick cow. Dad. was gone till noon, and drove Ham's man home to dinner and then went back and spent the whole afternoon, he feels rather sick to-night. Enah and Tiddums and I drove out to Jim Waddle's this afternoon, Jim had gone to town after some bread but the rest of the family was home. We were there quite awhile. Tiddums got hungry and ate up nearly all the bread they had in the house and drank a lot of milk, we got home about dark. Frank went back to the gully and took Blucher back, he came up and got some traps and set them. Dick went down town. I went to church to-night and came home with Dick who was there. Beautiful day, sunny and mild </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday December 1st Huby came over this morning and we hauled corn stalks all day, we had to unload the load in the barn first thing so didn't get a very early start, as the barn was as full as we wanted to put it, we didn't haul any more in but put up some huge shocks on the clover sod, just near the corner of the orchard, we put up six of these big shocks with an average of five shocks in each one, we binded them all up tight with a sling rope before we bound them with sideline or binder twine. we built a small shock on the top of one and think we will top them all out as it will keep the water out much better, we have the field more than half cleared and hope to finish to-morrow if it is a nice day. Blucher was out there with us this after noon and the three dogs did away with three or four big rats and a number of mice. He minds Huby pretty well when he says "Come in" but not so well when he is excited as he chased both Fitz and the sheep. Old Mr Rankin was over to see if he could get some corn but Dad. told him he wasn't going to sell any more. Huby brought word over this morning that Tom Casper and Toad Long Long wanted some. {illegible} sent the money so he will have to get his and Charlie Law will have to have his but we need the rest. John Quanbury was over this evening to see about us subscribing to the church Dad. gave him a little more than he has been giving and I put in a little. Aunty Maude got a card from Quint to-day saying he would be home on Friday. We got a letter from Aunty to-day saying Uncle Hal was pretty sick, having had some kind of a stroke. Mrs. McBride has been here all day, washing. It has been another lovely day cloudy but very mild. Tuesday December 2nd We hauled cornstalks all day and built five more big shocks and topped out two more, we intended to top them all out but found it took to much time. There is just about enough left out there to make another shock and haul a load in the barn. Nig didn't come over to-day but the other dogs caught more rats. Huby gave Bluch another lesson this morning on "Come in" and also to come to heel, he took him him with the sheep and when Bluch came beyond his leg he hit him in the face with a swich and say "heel", it didn't take Bluch long to know what he meant and not bother with the sheep. We had a very entertaining visitation this after noon from three kids. Jimmy Rankin, Jimmy Dickerson and Bobby Low. The two Jimmys were about six or seven and Bobby a year or so younger. They came over to see Bluch and Jimmy Rankin who was spokesman for the party told Huby that May wanted him to steal him and bring him home. He was showing us how he had Bluch trained. He could make him sit still by holding his fore finger up right in front of the dog's eye and then sternly interrogate him "See that finger". They came through the orchard and scared the sheep so Huby easily persuaded them not to go back that way as the old ram and the old sow hid around to-gether watching for little boys, the old ram knocked them down and the old sow came right after him and ate them up, she was just finishing the little fellow they got this morning. Jimmy happened to mention that some one had been stealing their clothes off the line, so Huby told him that as old Tige Anderson had been so keen for them to get rid of Bluch, there was no doubt that he stole the clothes and Huby also told them that he caught him once stealing his clothes, and got the shot gun to shoot him but when he came out he was gone. Jim. then rembered seeing Tige with one of his father's shirts on and Jimmy Dickerson saw him one day stealing their clothes. We took them out to the field and they were just preparing for an exciting rat hunt when Bobby got home sick and the other boys had to go home with him. After tea I went down town to meet Louise. The train </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> wasn't in when I first went there so I walked up town met Hazen, and went into Waddle's store with him, when I came out I heard the train in so started of down street lickety larup, on my way I ran into a very small boy and knocked him flat. I thought he was killed but on picking him up found it to be Jimmy Rankin and had just hurt his knee. Dick was at the station and met Louise and went up to Hubys with her where I met them and walked home with Louise. Dick had to go back to work. Frank went down to some cadet organization of Harry Noon's. They got a card from Aunty saying Uncle Hal. was worse. Anothe nice day cloudy & mild. Wednesday December 3rd Huby didn't get over very early this morning and as old West came over to see if he could get some corn, we didn't get a very early start. Old West is about the worst blow I ever heard I guess Bill. Cooper comes by his lying streak honestly. He was telling all the wonder full stunts he performed when he was young. and he is now nearly 91 and willing to bet any man of his own age ten dollars that he cant beat them in a fast race "wrastle" or fight. He went back the lane from here to John Wess to look for corn and Huby and I saw him down town aparently working at Mrs. Fawcetts house this afternoon. Dad. and I went out and got one load of stalks, and built a shock, then Huby came over and we got the last load up to the barn a little before noon This after noon Huby and I took Joe and Ginger down town and delivered the corn we promised we also had to unload the soft corn which was in the waggon. As near as I can estimate we had about four hundred and forty two bushels of corn, we have about 317 bushels in the crib which wouldn't hold much more than twenty more bushels and trhen be filled to the top. 82 bus. of soft corn {5?} bus. of seed and we have sold 38 bus. Huby and I took Mrs Charlie Law down five bus. and Toad. Long 12 this afternoon at 35 cts a bushel. Jack Martin and Wilson McRhason wanted to get some but we have no more to sell except a little to Uncle Ward. There have been an awful lot after us, we could have sold the whole crop if we had wanted to. Huby and I picked up Jimmy Rankin when we were down there and brought him back with us but he got cold. Dad. started to plow the corn ground when we left but said he couldn't get on well at all with the Peter Hamilton plow as it would turn the furrow over to stay, so when we got home we went back over the gully and got the Cockshutt, which worked much better. After this Huby raked down the stack when we put the horses in and I carried in some bed. It was then dark and Huby took Jim. home. Cousin Clare came over to dinner and Cousin's Loll & Phoebe came over afterwards. Uncle Hal. is about the same. Old Tommy Gilles is very ill, not expected to live It has been a lovely day sunny and very mild considering. Thursday December 4th After I did chores this morning I went back and threw the sod out of the crossditches in the field Dad. plowed across the gully and Huby shovelled them all out. He ditched all the afternoon, but I drove Louise up to the Bowlby's, where she is going to stay till after the opening of St. John's church. Dick went with us and he and I went on into Simcoe where he got a cap and some collars and I got old 4700's hide it just cost $1.50 to have it tanned and it makes a lovely mat, we put Tiddums on it when we got home but he was afraid of it. We went around to Rus. Lamkin's shop to see him about the windmill but there was no one there. We got home a little before six. I let Dick out at the head of Main St. as he expected to have to work. He found there was a dance down at the Rankin's so went to it. Joe didn't go well at all on the way up but much better coming home. We wasted a little time by starting to drive up the new Railway survey from the gravel to the next concession but came to a big gully quite a long way up where they hadn't put the culvert in yet so had to retrace our steps. Dad. got a good early start plowing this morning but didn't get much done as he couldn't get the coulter to work. He put the rolling coulter on but couldn't fasten it properly. till Tupper came along and fixed it for him. Cloudy with raw wind. We had no word about Uncle Hal. to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday December 5th Dad. got another fine start this morning, got out soon after seven and got a nice lot plowed, the corn roots bother a little but every thing else is all right now. I did up about all the chores. Huby came over about nine and wanted to try the hay knife which he sharpened yesterday so we cut a big stripe of the stack, the then went back and shovelled ditches he got pretty well through with the field over the gully and has started in the oat stubble which Dad. plowed next the timothy sod. I went out this morning and tore down a lot more of the old gully fence. Dad. hauled the waggon out there at noon and I loaded it up with rails and he hauled it up to the house to-night. I also worked for a little while at the old house. There was no word from Aunty again to-day. They expected Quint. home to-night but I don't know whether he will get here or not as the last we saw of the Algonquin reported was at Detroit. Beautiful day, sunny and warm. Saturday December 6th Dad. plowed all day but didn't get on very well as it froze hard enough to make the ground sticky when the sun came out and he is in the lowest and wettest part of the field so it was pretty muddy, both he and the horses are tired to-night. After I did up all the chores this morning I gave the hen house a through cleaning and put fresh straw in. I have decided to take the managership of the hens and see if I can make any thing out of them for Frank doesn't seem to be able to, he evidently thinks there is more money in trapping muskrats, and maybe there is but I don't care for the work. I put some manure on the rose bushes, rhubarb and peonys. This afternoon I cleaned up all the chaff and dirt of the hay barn floor and put it over in the chicken yard. Frank did a few chores this morning and spent the rest of the day back in the gully and digging out an empty skunk hole down at the pond on McBains place. Dad. Frank and I caught all the pullets that were rooting around the barn to-night and put them in the chicken yard, there are about 30 white ones besides about a dozen old hens of various breeds. I went to bed soon after tea to-night - bad cold - Another nice mild day not so sunny. Sunday December 7th We didn't get up very early this morning and as I had quite a bad cold I didn't go to church. Dick drove Enah down and Dad looked after Tiddums and cooked dinner. Frank went to Sunday school and church, I put in most of the after noon doing chores and shelling corn for my chickens. Dad. helped me. I got two eggs to-day which is a starter. Dick went down town this after noon and stayed pretty late, he bought a very nice looking watch last night for twelve dollars. Dad. and I went down to church to-night. It rained a little last night and this morning and was very mild till noon but then started to snow a little and got steadily colder all the after noon and to-night it is freezing hard with a cold north wind. Monday December 8th I put in most of the day putting in panes in the cow stable window which I had in the house. Dad. worked out in the barn fixing up the empty space between the granary and cow stable for a calf pen, we are going to floor it if we can. We also did chores and shelled a little corn, we found the bushel of soft corn weighed about 40 lbs and when shelled about thirty. Harry Graham and Charlie McKenzie were over this afternoon to get Bob. Miller's corn they took about 10 bushels but didn't measure it very accurately. Charlie said he would take the turkeys at 18 1/2 cts a pound live weight but that I think is higher than is quoted in the 'Globe'. Jonas came over as we were having tea to-night and helped us eat it. He is feeling very much better but looks pretty fishy yet. He is going to try and get the farm up the Radical where Mrs. Cory lived. He was telling us some of his experiences of the road as he evidently was a pedlar at one time. He has heard that Sairy's rich bachelor brother is very ill and I guess he is expecting a little if he dreeps off. We had a letter from Aunty to-day saying Uncle Hal was still improving and as that was written five days ago we hope he is very much better by this time. Frank. skinned two muskrats to-night and is now playing checkers with Jonas. It has been snowing and blowing all day. the wind is very cold but the sun was out for awhile and was warm in it and out of the wind. The ground is frozen solid so that there is no chance of plowing. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday December 9th Dad. and I went down town with the waggon this morning and got some groceries and 22 twelve foot plank 10 inches wide to put down in the old barn between the granary and the cow stable and from the door to Dreadnought's stall for a floor to the calf pen, we got home about noon. We met Huby & Quint coming over for a shout they stayed to dinner. Quint. got home yesterday noon, and has a lot to twel if he is asked. We talked to them for quite awhile after dinner but Huby said he had to go back to town this afternoon. He said last night just as they were going to bed they heard an awful racket going on and discovered it was a bunch having a shiveree in honor of Gint Rankin who was married about a week ago. Huby and Quint went over and Tom. Low treated the bunch up at Jim's lunch counter where there was a great celebration and concert. Just as we were going to get to work after Quint and Huby. left, Mr. Blaikie came along to overhaul his {chists?} and stayed till it was time to do chores. He has been helping Tupper plow, he was plowing sod yesterday a little and as there is no more sod to plow they can't go on. Mrs. Smythe was in about five to ask Enah and me to stay to dinner at their place on Sunday but I guess we are coming home. I spent quite awhile to-night getting up a time card for the horses. I only got one egg to-day. Frank went down town to-night to go to his cadet class. It has been freezing hard all day but not so windy or cold as yesterday. Cloudy pretty much all day. Wednesday December 10th Jonas came over this morning to take the heifers down to the "Bain" place. Dad. had to go with hm and lead the yearling, they didn't have much trouble I guess. Bessie the calf ran away from Jonas once or twice at which he crew bitterly. It rant into Ivey's the first time but came out when it saw Sairy. I cut some wood while Dad. was gone and started to make a hopper for the chickens, and then did chores till noon When Dad. came home he cleaned a couple of chickens. This afternoon I read quite awhile and puttyed nearly all the glass in an old window frame which we will use for the barn or old house, the glass was all in it but just fastened with carpet tacks, we didn't get much else done. Green's man was in to-night to buy hay but we don't want to sell any, at least not now. It has been cloudy but very much milder to-day snowed a little to-night. Thursday December 11th We didn't get any thing but chores done to-day as Mr. Morgan came over this morning and stayed most of the afternoon. I ordered some trees from him fifty Carolina Poplars and two English Walnuts. - $9.00 Dick came home to tea to-night and went down to the dance. I didn't go. We fed the sheep a few oats this morning and evening for the first. I didn't get any eggs to-day. It has been nice and sunny but freezing hard all day. Clear and cold to-night. Friday December 12th We did up all the chores this morning and I helped Dad nail the boards over the doors on the south side of the old barn, I also made a littlle more of my feed hopper, and Dad killed three nice chickens and plucked them this afternoon he says he will have to clean them to-night. This afternoon I drove Enah down town, and she got a whole buggy load of Christmas groceries and dry goods. I put Joe in at Butler's intending to have her shoes set, but got Butler to fix one of the uprights of the buggy top thinking he would ony be a few minutes, but he put a new piece in and took all the afternoon so than I couldn't have Joe shod. There was a shooting match this afternoon and Huby & Quint got quite a bunch of pigeons between them, Huby gave Enah a couple to bring over he also gave her a fish he said he worked down at the fish shanties till midnight last night helping them take fish out of the nets which were in quite a bad mess with the ice. Jonas was over to-night and he and Frank are playing checkers again I think they are about even tonight. Jonas beat him two games out of three the other night and Frank is the champion player of this family. It has been very much milder to-day, sunny with strong south west by west wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday December 13th I went out this morning and tore down a lot more of the gully fence, Dad. cleaned the chickens he killed yesterday and then came out and we put on a load of rails. We unloaded them before dinner and Dad. went down to the mill and got a bag of flour. This afternoon we got all the rails I tore down in two loads then did chores. Frank did a few chores and errands and hunted the rest of the day. He shot a skunk back in Robert John's this after noon and when he went up to it found it caught in a trap. He took it all the same, and brought it home and skinned. Lila was over most of the day she said Quint went over to Erie this morning on the tug. It has been a lovely day, sunny and mild, the frost is nearly all out of the ground. I saw some body over in the alsike stubble this morning with a big white ferret, thinking it might be Quint I went over but found it was Sam. George, he, his father, Harry Burch and Wilson McPherson were all out after rabbits but I didn't hear them shoot much Sunday December 14th Frank went to Sunday school this morning and Enah and I drove up to St. John's. It was the first service in the church since it was burned, but as the Bishop wasn't there they did not dedicate it. The church was packed full and so was the grounds in front I had to tie Joe to a tree but she was all right They had three preacher's. Mr. Evans from Montreal or Ottawa or somewhere down that way, Mr. Edward the regular one and a lay reader. We didn't stay to Communion. After church we drove Louise nearly up to the Bowlby's and then came home by the fourth concession through Lynn Valley, and got home about half past two. Dicky Smith was here after his heifer which he took home this afternoon. I didn't do any thing the rest of the after-noon but shell a little corn and read "The Lady of the Lake." Frank went back to the gully and Dad did chores. Dick didn't get up till noon and then had a {words cut off} his dinner and went down town and is not back yet to-night It barely froze last night and has been thawing all day but was cloudy with a raw west wind. Cars. Rankin and Quint came over with Dick to-night. Quint borrowed Bluch to take to Marhay tomorrow to hunt rabbits. They didn't stay long. Monday December 15th It froze pretty hard last night so Dad. wasnt able to plow as he had hoped. We did chores and Rus. Lampkins drove in soon after breakfast and was here quite awhile till Dad. ordered a windmill, he thought about getting a gasoline engine, and could have got a little 1 1/2 h.p. engine for fifty five dollars but it wouldn't be strong enough to do much more than pump water and one that would do any thing would come about $122. so Dad. thought a $75 windmill would be the best till we get a place rigged to put an engine especially as a windmill is not nearly as liable to get out of repair as an engine and costs nothing whatever to run it. This after noon Dad. and I took the tank off "The Little Giant Sprayer." to have it ready to put in front of the windmill, I took the little two cylinder pump down to the ditch and tried it and and it works fine. Quint brought Bluch back, he said he worked all right but they only got one rabbit. Quint stayed all night he slept on the sofa with all his clothes and boots on. He was cutting some wood for us to-night and the saw broke so he spent half the evening repairing it. I drew all evening and have nearly finished the picture Aunty sent me to draw for Aunt {illegible}. Mrs. McBride has been here washing all day and she and Enah have our room fixed up slick as a button with a new carpet it looks fine. Frank brought a cedar waxwing home and put it in the orchard Lloyd Ryersie caught it up at school although there didn't seem anything the matter wth it. It has been a lovely sunny day though freezing in the shade. milder to-night. Tuesday December 16th I went down town as soon after breakfast as possible this morning and got the storm window sash at Stickney's and took them up to Mr James for him to glaze them. I got an old </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> sash down at Huby's than I thought might do for the barn but it is pretty badly smashed. Huby came home with me and has worked all day opening up ditches in the corn stubble. Dad. plowed all day and except for it being a little sticky on the surface and a frozen clod here and there, the ground is drier and in better shape than before it froze up. He got on fairly well but has part of a day to put in yet. I just did chores this afternoon except for a little while I was out in the field. Cousin Clare came over this morning while I was down town and is staying all night. Quint went down with Dick this morning. Very mild but cloudy. Dad. ordered some fence to-night from Sid McBride. Wednesday December 17th Huby was over before daylight this morning and shovelled ditches all morning. This afternoon he cleaned out all the loose straw and sticks out of the old barn between the granary and the cow stable. so as we can lay the floor for the calf pen. Dad. plowed all day and finished up the corn stubble all but the head land, he couldn't get along very fast as it froze a little last night to make it sticky on top. I did chores most of the day and helped Huby a little this afternoon besides cleaning off the dropping boards in the hen house. Cousin Clare went home this afternoon, she is going to Hamilton to-morrow to stay till after New Years. We heard to-day that Mrs. McBride's house caught on fire last night and some one who just happened along the road got it out. Aleta went down town and left the two little kids nailed in the house and they got playing with a stick which was part way out of the stove. It didn't do much damage. Another nice day, windy and inclined to be cloudy. Thursday December 18th I got up a little after four this morning and wrote a letter to Aunty before daylight. Huby put down the floor over in the barn for the calf pen this forenoon and I was over there with him all morning but didn't do very much except clean out the cow stable. Dad. plowed the head land on the corn field and finished up some bits in the other field and plowed out the ditch from the water hole to the gully which Huby is going to put tile in. This afternoon Dad. and Huby cleaned out the ditch for the old drain this afternoon they do think it is going to work all right. I put in the entire afternoon doing chores. To-night Huby stayed to tea and helped us catch the turkeys as we have to take them down to-morrow Dad. caught them out of the tree. and gave them to Huby who handed them over the orchard fence to Frank and me and we put them up over the hog pen, there were nineteen but one was roosting so high up that Dad. couldn't get it, it was a hen and as they wanted to keep three old hens and one young one it didn't matter. One gobbler got away and struck off into the orchard. We followed him up with the lantern and after quite a search found him way and weighed him, he weighed 20 lbs, so we marked him as Henry Odd was over to-night and wanted to buy one. Jack Martin's men are going to give him one for a Christmas present. Tiny and Miss Ethel Phipps were over this afternoon. Snowed a little this morning and has kept groing colder all day. west wind. Friday December 19th We didn't get started very early this morning to get the turkeys loaded and it took us quite awhile to load them as we weighed each one.The heaviest was 20 lbs and the lightest about 12. Jack Martin's shrunk about a pound during the night. We kept 3 old hens for next year, 2 gobblers for Huby and us for Christmas and 2 young hens one for Cousin Loll and one for Jameses so we just took eleven down to Bob. We just tied their feet and put them in the waggon and covered it over with the binder canvas. We got down town about noon and were down about an hour. Bob's weight came to 165 pounds and we made it 171 but with the Old Spring Balance where the ounces aren't marked likely we made a mistake, so we got $30.52 from Bagley and Miller, and Jack Martins came to $3.50 It was about one when we got home, we went around by Huby's and got the little high chair and crib for Tiddums, and a wheel barrow load of cabbages from Uncle Ward. We met Huby coming over on our way down and he finished putting down the floor in the barn. This after noon Dad. and he went down town to get gravel to build the posts for the windmill foundation. Dad. had to go around by the mill with some oats to be chopped, so Huby went right down to the beach to locate some good gravel </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and to see if he could borrow a pick somewhere in case the sand was frozen but he couldn't get one and I guess didn't need it. He couldn't find any gravel on the beach except some piles which Mr. Porter told him Ivey's men had raked up yesterday, so Huby said quoting some Greek Scripture "First come first served" and they took what they wanted of that. Dad said it would have washed away soon any way as the lake was pretty high. They came around by town and got the storm windows and picked Frank up somewhere. I did chores all the afternoon and got three eggs which is the most yet. Mrs. McBride has been here all day and half the night, cleaning the kitchen, picking ducks and a chicken and ironing. To-night I printed pictures and had good luck. Dad. found out this morning that instead of the cistern pump being out of order as we thought yesterday the cistern was dry, so will have to be cleaned out as this is the first time since we have been here that it went dry. Lovely day, froze last night but mild. Saturday December 20th I cleaned all the straw out of the hen house this morning and put fresh in. I had to cut a slice off the stack for straw. Dad. started to put on the storm window but found that Mr. Jones had bored the holes to close to the in side of the sash so the screws wouldnt catch the casing. He then cleaned out the cistern and it took about an hour, we pumped out what little water was in it and then Dad shovelled up quite a few pails full of black muck and pieces of cement. It is a brick cistern with a coat of cement all over the brick and some of the cement was off which caused a leak, so this afternoon Dad went down and got a load of sand and some cement and saw Frank Slocomb who is coming over on Monday morning to fix it up. I did chores all the afternoon. Frank went down town with Dad. and cut wood this morning, he and Lila and Bluch went back to the gully to-night. Charlie Shand was in to-night to see if he could trade off a turkey hen but I said he couldn't as his was a mongrel. but Dad. said he could have had Huby's turkey. This was Tiddums first birthday anniversary. I suppose he will have to be Jim now. Lila was over all day and brought him a great line of toys. Uncle Hal also sent him a pair of overalls and a toy whip. We had a rooster for dinner which Mrs. McBride cleaned and got a pretty fair crop of corn out of it. Beautiful day sunny and fine but cloudy to-night. Sunday December 21st I drove Enah down to church this morning, she had to play the organ. Elva had to stay home to look after her mother who broke her ankle the other day. Frank went down to Sunday School and Church, Dad. stayed home to look after Tiddums and Dick was in bed all morning. This afternoon I went for a ride, I went out to the Shand's first to tell them they could trade turkeys, all but Mr & Mrs Shand had gone to Sunday school. Mr. Shand said he would be in tomorrow afternoon with the turkey and Mrs. Shand gave me some peanuts that her brother had grown in Virginia. I did stay long but went up to the corner and rode west to the next corner which is where the blue line crosses the fourth concession, and down that road to where the new rail road comes out on Tige Anderson's place. I rode down it as far as I could go but as there was a sudden drop and a fence at the end of it I had to come back and go down Ham Thompson's lane to his woods, then had to unwire a piece of fencing to get into his wheat field and a cross his wheat to the gate opening on to the radical road, and home through town, and on the whole spent a very enjoyable afternoon. Dick spent the afternoon down town and Frank prowling around the upper pond. Dad. did the chores. Very mild this morning but turned colder and is freezing hard to-night. Monday December 22nd Frank Slocomb came over this morning to plaster the cistern, he went over the whole thing as so much of it was loose and he thought he could make a better job, he will have to come back again in the morning as there are two or three places where the cement is put on thick that it doesn't stick very well to the brick. Dad. had to watch it and keep it plastered up all day, as Slocomb was only here for an hour or so this morning. Enah went down town this afternoon and Dad. put on another storm window, he is putting them on now with wooden buttons. I did chores, read a good short story and helped him a little. About four o'clock Colin McNeilley came after him to go and see a sick cow so he didn't get back till dark. Mr. & Mrs Shand came in with their turkey to trade and got theres on their way back from town. Mrs </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Shand came to call but no body was home. Dick told Enah that the windmill was here so Dad. went over to Mr. Quanbury's to telephone Rus. Lampkins and he said he would be down tomorrow afternoon to take it off the car. Dick also told her that Louise wanted me to drive up and get her tomorrow. Mr James gave Enah a new rasin seeder tonight that works all right and Frank is busy seeding rasins with it now. Frank got out of school early to-night and doesn't have to go back till after New Year's. Very mild and nice all day but cloudy. Tuesday December 23rd Frank Slocomb came over again and finished the cistern he made a good job of it. and only charged a dollar. I rode Joe down town first thing and got her shod. While Butler was shoeing her, I went up town and did some Christmas shopping - ahem -. I met Huby on my way down with a pickax he had fixed up with a bit which Bill Oakes gave him and a handle he bought and Joe {Hawel?} put it in and sharpened it for him. He came over and helped Dad. pluck the four turkeys. This afternoon he, Dad. and Frank went down with the waggon and got the windmill off the car. Rus. Lampkins was there and said it was alright.I cleaned out the cow stables, shelled corn and read at the same time while they were gone. Huby ground our axe he brought over the other day when they got back, and Frank went back to the gully and caught a muskrat. I intended to go up and get Louise this after noon but it was such a disagreeable afternoon decided to wait till to-morrow and stand a chance of having sleighing but from the looks of things now I would have done better to have gone this afternoon. Vyse was over this morning to settle up with Dad for thrashing and some things that Dad. {used?} him for. Dad. wouldn't take anything for thrashing for him but I got a dollar out of it. Frank and Enah are making candy to-night and Dad is drawing and dressing turkeys. It started to snow soon after breakfast this morning and kept up till noon getting milder all the time till this after noon it turned to rain and the water is running into the cistern yet. Dick told us to-night there was a fire in the Wide Spread to-night. They got it out but were afraid it damaged the machinery considerably. $200.00 Wednesday December 24th We all overslept ourselves this morning and so I didn't get started up to the Bowlby's till nearly ten o'clock, however I got Louise and was home by noon. The roads were a little slushy but not bad. Colin McNeilleys came after Dad to go and see his cow again and he got home just before we did. This after noon Dad. and Frank went down town to take the turkeys to Cousin Loll and Mr James and the duck to Ed. and also do some shopping. I fooled around quite a lot and then did chores and shelled corn. It has been very mild all day and the snow is nearly all gone, the cistern has got a good lot of water in it, we just got it fixed in time. Thursday December 25th I was up at about a quarter to six this morning and routed the family out of bed, and Louise, Enah and I drove down to eight o'clock communion, and Dick walked down, after I got home I did chores and Dad. and Frank went down to the eleven o'clock service, Dick came back soon after church and went back to the gully to see if there was any ice but there wasn't. Aunty Maude and Lila drove back with Dad, and Frank, Quint and Win. walked over. Huby never showed up all the afternoon - darn him. We had dinner about two o'clock and as I hadn't had any thing to eat since last night except a piece of bread & butter and nine wintergreens, I stowed away a large quantity of turkey and plum pudding and many other things. After dinner we kicked up a terrible row for about ten minutes while Tiddums tried to go to sleep, we then doled out the presents. I drew a pile of presents, socks heavy and light from Frank and Lila, shirt from Dick, handkerchief from Win, perfume talcum power etc. from Cousin Clare, photograph album from Aunty Maude and Dad. & I got four copies of Punch from Louise, and Ray is sending me a new diary for 1914. After this Dick and Quint went down town and I think Dick went to a dance to-night. Aunty Maude, Lila and Win. went home about dark, we didn't have any tea but gormed Louise's chocolates all evening. Tiddums has been rather all in to-day, we think it may be due to his swallowing a grain of </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> corn yesterday, we don't know that he did swallow one but I gave him a cob to play with while I was shelling it for the chickens and there was a grain off it when I took it away from him, but he hasn't been at all well all day. Raw & cloudy all day but not cold Snowing and blowing to-night. Friday December 26th Dad. lost a considerable ammount of peaceful slumber last night wondering if the stack had blown over as there was quite a wind, at last he got about four o'clock and went and looked, but found it still standing, so went back to bed and didn't get up till after daylight, neither did I, consequence being that we got very little down to-day but chores. I shelled a little corn cut a little wood and read a little. Frank went down town and got the mail and some parcels Roy sent up a bread mixer for Enah which was just what I and somebody else had ordered for her but which hasn't come yet. He also sent me two Diary books like the ones I have used for the last two years. The first one was one of Dad's old veterinary college books and last year I sent to Catona for one but had to pay more than the price of the book in postage. I also got a necktie from Byron and Fred Johnson and another from Aunt Lena. There was also a letter from the University Research Extension Company saying they had shipped "The Library of Original Sources" long ago and that if we don't get them soon they will ship another set and go after the Express company. Dad. & Enah purpose to give me them for a Christmas present but I have set my heart on paying for them myself. To-night Dad. though he would put the calves in so Frank and I went out to help him, after a lot of chasing we succeeded in getting Charlottes calf who is tamest into the barn, then after a lot more chasing Dad. got one of the sling ropes and lassoed Mully's calf first throw, but couldn't manage to rope the other two until he had put out hay for the young stock when he made some very clever throws and caught Spots calf first time around the horns and Bobbies with a little more trouble around the neck we were a little afraid he would get hurt as the others seemed to be hunting him around quite a bit but we left him there We then caught all the rose combed roosters and put them up over the pig pen. To-night we spent a rather hilarious evening as Enah and Louise supplied us with lots of music. Dick came home rather late with more mail from which I drew a necktie from Jean & Adelana and a dandy big pocket book from Grand daddy I have been writing this in spats all the evening and as it is getting on to half past twelve I feel I must get to bed. It froze hard last night and snowed quite a bit and there has been a cold north and west wind all day, but sunny and otherwise not bad. Enah took a picture of Tiddums to-day, she had him all dressed up in a suit of bouncers or rompers or what ever they call it which Aunty Maude gave him and he looked for all the world like Bill George on a small scale, he is so bowl legged. I called Dad in from the woodpile to see him and to insure a speedy answer to my summons, I intimated that there was something the matter wth him, and Dad. seeing a picture in his mind's eye of Tid. in convulsions or the reservoir or something rushed in livid with fear. Tiddums however met him at the door and he was so overcome by laughter and relief that I escaped uninjured. Saturday December 27th It was after daylight again this morning when we got up so put in most of the day doing chores. but this morning we did get one of the big dead apple trees grubbed out but only have a few limbs cut off it. Frank cut at it quite a hit this afternoon, he has been cutting wood nearly all day. This morning he went back to the gully and came up by Alfred's and borrowed his crosscut saw This afternoon Dad killed, plucked and dressed a couple of young roosters (single combed) but they were pretty scrawny yet not being fully grown. I didn't do any thing much but read and fool with young Jim. I was giving him walking lessons and find he can run like a deer much faster than I can keep up with him and hang on to him. I got a letter from Aunty to-day saying she had got the picture which I had sent to Aunt Lena around by Aunty so that she could see whether it was worth sending on or not. As I didn't write till a day or two after I posted it she thought I meant it for her so I started another one to-night to do for her birthday Dick brought home a huge parcel to-night which proved to be rwo pair of lovely balankets and two counterpains from Cousin Clare Herring I think. It has been a beautiful day. It froze very hard (hardest yet I guess) last night but has been very sunny and no wind all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday December 28th We were very late getting up again this morning so none of us but Frank went down to church, he went down to Sunday school and church Dad. and I did chores and read all morning. We let Belle out for a run, which she enjoyed very much and no doubt benefitted by although we did notice that the swelling in her led was reduced much but she didn't show any sign of lameness. This afternoon about half past two I drove Louise up to the Bowlby's again. The roads were good, smooth and hard with no snow to bother so I was home before dark. Jonas climbed in the buggy with me as I passed his place and came up for a visit, to get rid of trouble he said although he didn't seem in a very down cast mood. He has another farm in view now which is owned by to old maids who live on the place, and if he gets it he is to move the first of March and live in half the double house. Dad. and Enah and Tiddums expected to go down to Mrs. Battersby's this afternoon but Tiddums went to sleep and blocked the games. I drew to-night, Dick has been skating on the creek this afternoon, he says the ice is pretty good and for the most part strong. He went to church to-night. Frank I think spent his time back in the gully. Lovely day, no wind and fairly sunny. Monday December 29th We expected Rus. Lampkins down to day to put up the wind mill but he didn't show up at all. We did up all the chores this morning and worked at the old apple tree a little more. This after noon Dad. decided to go down to township nomination. He didn't get started till about a quarter after three but he enjoyed what little oratory he heard. George Hammond took great pleasure in making personal remarks about Jim Waddle till Jim got "frothing at the mouth" mad. George said he admitted that Jim had a better education and more of something else than he had but that he didn't have any more brains that if he had had brains enough to learn anything he would be going to school yet. Both these fellows were too mad at each other to talk sensibly but Sam King's manner was different. although a great many people were very dissatisfied with him as Councilor and had no doubt told him so, but he said if they put him out this election it would not be because he had sat in council and held his peace as was the custom with other councillors it would be because he had been in action all through and had made some showing, he then stated that every job that the present council had done was a permanent job, whereat someone in the audience inquired "What about Lisby's hill?" Mr. King smiled and acknowledged that that wasn't a permanent job but he said we did the best that could be done and the devil himself could do no better {illegible} was his own hill, Then in reference to Lisby's bridge over which there has been a lot of kicking about on account of the cost he said it was the best bridge in the county of Norfolk. At that a small English sparrow jumped up and chirped out "Mr. King, may I ask you a question". "Certainly go ahead" was the reply. "Well will you please tell me what was the use of putting up such a costly bridge at the foot of an almost impassable hill." King smiled again, and replied blandly that they did it simply because they had to, there had to be a bridge there and why not put one that was indestructible and consequently costly as one that would cost less and have to be replaced in a year or two, and so they wrangled and chewed the rag. Dad. was home about dark, and said that Hammond was going to run against Ed. Aikens for reeve. I did up the chores and after tea Frank and I went down to {illegible} nomination, where every thing was very quiet. Vyse was the only one who said much and he just gave an account of his stewardship. and solicited the vote of those present. R. M. Taylor, John R. Davis and Ed. Moon where nominated to run against him and Taylor was the only one who said positively he wouldn't run and the general opinion is that the fight will be between Vyse & Ed. All the old council where nominated and about a dozen others but which ones are going to run I don't know. Dick got home a little before we did to-night, he had been skating on the pond though Dad tried to argue with him that it was unsafe. Inez Schram got in to the creek to-day. Mrs. McBride was here all day working. It has been a very fine day. Mild and pleasant. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday December 30th Sam. Law and Bert Munroe drove in this morning to see if we were ready to thrash yet, but Dad. told him we wanted to get the windmill up first. He said he overheard Rus. Lampkin's telling {Heck?} Henderson last night that he had promised to go some where that day (Sam. didn't hear the name) but that as he couldn't go he would have to go Wednesday. Sam thought that he must have meant here when we told him we expected him as he heard Henderson tell Rus that he could let the boy know, but Dick didn't say anything about it last night but not likely Henderson saw him after that. Allan drove in while Sam was in here and after talking election for awhile they all drove out expecting to thrash some where up the Gravel. I did chores and puttered around most of the morning. and Dad. & Frank cleared up a little around the well so as to be all ready if Rus. Lampkins comes to-morrow. This afternoon they cut up nearly all the apple tree with Alfreds cross cut saw. I raised the nests in the hen house off the floor so the hens wouldn't scratch them full of straw and put fresh straw in. Both Billy Laurises were in to-night to get Dads. advice about a horses leg which has got hurt some way. Very mild and nice all day. When Dick came home to-night he said Henderson did tell him that Rus. Lampkins would be here to-morrow to erect the windmill. Wednesday December 31st I was awakened very early this morning by a great disturbance in the kitchen which I realized after I came to my senses was rat in one of the traps Dad. set last night and trying to get free by dragging himself and the trap all over the place, he was making such a racket and I knew must be putting in such a very disagreeable time of it that I arose and despatched him. It just struck four as I got up and this clock is way over half an hour fast, but as I had my clothes on and was wide awake I decided not to go back to bed again so drew till about half past six and then went out to do chores. I got quite a lot of Aunty's picture done and Dad. thought it was better than the one I did for Aunt Lena. We fully expected Rus. Lampkins this morning so Frank went down after breakfast and brought Huby over but as Lampkins disappointed us again we started on the tile drain we are going to put in along the font of the garden and back of the chicken house, we all four worked at it this morning and Dad. Huby and I this afternoon so we got a nice start at it. Loyd Ryersie came along at noon and Frank went off shooting with him but didn't get any thing. Dad. went down to-night and met Roy who is just going to spend New Years' with us. Jonas came over after supper and wanted Frank and I me to help him fix up a lot of orders that he had got from various farmers for seed potatoes and oats. We did to the best of our ability but I think we had Jonas in a great state of anxiety on account of our pretended carelessness, after that he played two or three games of checkers with Frank. I slept the last couple of hours of the old year but roused up sufficiently to wish the family a Happy New Year and go to bed. Dick was at a dance and didn't get home till about three o'clock in the morning. Beautiful day, mild and pretty sunny. </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2a8b0f34d6702e8351969013b26b9324.pdf b4ccd4108dd8e5eae49a41d2ffe1a212 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/927dcd402233f2210d88ce9edf461fa9.pdf 8a4d40761abeabacf65f4f201f86fad4 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/85b97b1286fd8fbc09ddd8f75802b2e2.pdf 0f01392e5af55da20b1b9f04f0b37b73 PDF Text Text Theobald (Toby) Barrett (1895-1969) 1914 Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers DISCLAIMER: This diary depicts some discriminatory content which some may find offensive. During the diary’s time period, such racial terms and prejudices were commonplace in Canadian society. They are considered wrong today. January 1st 1914. Thursday, I began the New Year very badly by allowing the sun to get up or nearly so before me, but I was utterly unaware of it until too late, of course we didn't pretend to do any thing but chores so it didn't matter much. We got every thing done up and I got dressed ready for dinner at Aunty Maude's which was supposed to be at half past one sharp, but as Tiddums went to sleep and they didn't like to wake him, Dad, Enah, Roy & Frank didn't get down till about half past two, but I went down on time and told Aunty Maude how things stood. However when we did get after the turkey we soon polished him off. Dad, Tiddums and I came home about five and did chores and minded Tiddums by turns. Roy had to go back to-night and Enah and Frank went down to the station to see him off Enah and Aunty Maude also went over to Mrs. Johnson's reception where Winnie was tending door. Mrs. Johnson's sent word over to have Huby go over this morning, as she wanted - a man to be the first caller on New Year's day. Dick was skating all the afternoon and I guess it is great on the pond Enah came home after dark and Frank and Lila a little later. Huby and Aunty Maude went up to Mrs. Belle's to a party, Winnie came over to Aunt Lucy's and Quint is capable of looking after himself so Lila came over here to stay all night. Ed. was over here just before Dad. went down town this morning to talk over the coming election. Ed. says he has gone over the voters' list and given Vyse all the doubtful ones and has I think one hundred and fifty something votes to Vyse's one hundred and ten, but still Dad. is shaking in his shoes for fear of Ed. being defeated. Dad. sent a card to Rus. Lampkins to-day saying to come down to morrow if at all possible and put up the windmill. It has been freezing and cloudy all day but nice. The wind is rising to-night. Friday January 2nd 1 �Rus. Lampkins came at last this morning, he and his man have been here all day and now have the windmill all put to-gether and all ready to erect. I expected to see them build it up but instead of that they put the whole thing to-gether on the ground and rais it with, ropes, pulleys and a team. Huby and Quint came over at noon, Huby was up at his party till three o'clock so didn't get up this morning. He put in the after noon digging the holes for the foundation of the legs, they are just a little inside of the old legs and as they have been put in with stone and brick piled around them he had a fierce time but got three nearly dug. Frank went over and borrowed Tupper's post hole digger and that helped a lot as it will pick out a good sized stone. Chris Quanbury came over this morning and took 16 of the roosters. Lila has been over all day but went home with them to-night. Old Mrs. Martin and {Mrs. Atkinson?} were over this after noon. Cloudy with raw wind, not very cold. Saturday January 3rd It has been a very disagreeable day, it was just spitting snow when we went out this morning and threatened to clear up several times during the fore noon, but after dinner it settled in to snow and stayed right at it till by to-night there was a blinding snow storm raging, before tea the flakes were big and wet but there is quite a north east wind and the snow is drifting. First thing this morning Jim Waddle drove in canvassing for Aikens but Dad. didn't promise him his vote. When he left Rus. Lampkins and his man came, and soon after them Huby and Lila, although they were very doubtful about the weather permitting them to finish the job. We worked all morning digging the holes and Rus. levelled the little tank up and fitted the overflow pipe into it, after dinner they set two of the legs in cement, they just put a little cement in the bottom of the holes around the plates which are bolted on to the legs, and filled the rest up with clay. He said he didn't like to set the other two feet till he got the mill up and saw just where the wanted to go, and he couldn't raise it to-day on account of the snow, he said he would get his ropes all wet, so they left about three o'clock or a little after. Huby and Lila went at the same time. Rus. sized up the kitchen at noon and said he could put in a sink and all fittings from cistern to sink and all for about $17.00 Dad. thinks he will let him. We put the three heifers in the cow stable to-night but let John go loose in there we had a bad time tying Snowdrop up as she was frightened Sunday January 4th When we got up this morning which was late we found ourselves almost snowed in, so we had to get right to work and spend an hour or two shovelling ourselves out, but by breakfast which we had some where in the vicinity of ten o'clock we had the buildings 2 �pretty well connected by canals through the drifts, some of the paths are pretty roundabout but we took advantage of all bare spots along the sides of the buildings and made them part of the paths. We put in the rest of the day doing chores Dick couldn't very well get down town this after noon so he slept till noon and this after noon he helped us move the piano from the parlor to the living room and Enah played for us most of the afternoon. Tiddums also tore off a little ragtime for us but spent most of his time on the floor. No one has been off the place to-day and no outsider been on it. It has been cloudy (mostly) cold and windy but as the snow had packed a little it didn't drift much to-day, it is milder to-night. Monday January 5th Dad hooked up Joe to the cutter and drove the boys down this morning as Frank had to start back to school, the drifts were pretty bad but he only had to break the trail to the corner as Ed. Forest had been up to Iveys. Dad noticed just before he started out that Joe had rubbed the skin all off under her fetlock we supposed on Ginger's rope, she has been pretty sore on it all day. Dad. came right back and we did up all the chores this morning. After dinner we both drove down town. Dad. voted for Ed. and then I don't know where he went as there is a new law or else an old one being enforced that no one except the candidate can drive a voter to the polls, so Dad. lent Ed. the horse to do a little canvassing with, we took Belle because Dad. thought if he was allowed to drive any elderly ladies to vote they would not be at all afraid to ride behind Belle and they might be with Joe and Joe's leg was sore and Belle needed the exercise. I went around and got my hair cut and hung around all the after noon although things were very quiet. Dad. and Frank went home about five but as I had to be down at the band room at seven o'clock I didn't go home to tea but stayed at Huby's and Dad. and Frank drove down again with my horn Quint and I were up in Jim Low's pool room when they were counting ballots, when we thought they ought to be about through we came down and the first person we saw was Hugh McQueen and my heart dropped when he told us that Vyse had beat Ed. by 40 of course we thought he was lying but on going down street we found Ed. in the Dominion, and it was all too true, although it is rather hard to understand. The councillors are Freeman Henderson, Billy Langs, Ward Sovereign and R.M. Taylor. I was up at the band room soon after seven and all the boys were there except Murphy and Fred Warren although they were both in town. and they say Murphy was the one who first proposed that we go out to-night, but they suppose he was a little sore at the way things went, he should have seen Harry Moon who must have been as much disappointed as any of us and yet went out and enjoyed himself as much as 3 �any one. We started out soon after seven with Al. Martin and Douglas the Scotchman hauling Harry Dyer and his drum on a hand sleigh in the ban and followed by a large number of kids ranging from those about two sizes larger than Tiddums right up to those old enough to know better, and we had Barge Waddles {Jeik?} McDonald, Tisy and Ceicl Schram as torch bearers. Of course we set out for Vyse's first but by the time we got over the hill our horns were frozen solid so we had to go in to Carl Coleman's to thaw them out we got treated there to wine and fruit cake and in return played a measly waltz, which I got hopelessly mixed up in, we then went up to Vyse's and by the time we got there my horn was frozen solid and I had to thaw it out on a torch we got more wine and fruit cake in there to say nothing of the eloquent speeches of Walt. and Vyse, the former extending congratulations on behalf of the band and the latter slobbering smooth {bosh?} all over us, intimating how grand and fortunate for the band to have had him in the past and to have him again in the future, Dover's chief cook and bottle washer. We then dropped in on Uncle Ward where we got a royal reception, Aunty Maude, Win and Lila were all there and Huby had been over with some cider which was very much enjoyed by all who partook of it, we also had coffee, cake and oranges fixed up, as we were leaving Uncle Ward. remembered he had a box of cigars for us so chased us out into the snow to give them to us. I didn't take one but induced Pud. Slocomb to give me a few puffs on his, he became alarmed for fear I was going to keep it so knocked it out of my mouth into the snow but smoked it all the way down town then volunteered the information that it had been too much for him, our next call was on Mr. Taylor, but we had to thaw our horns out first at Bob. Rankin's before we could make our presence known to R.M. He didn't ask us in but made a donation to the band and passed around more cigars one of which I collared and smoked (foolishly I suppose) and was not bothered by Pud. claiming any puffs or by any feeling that it was too much for me. The next man on our calling list was Henderson and we thawed out at Mr. Thompson's before doing our little stunt for him. He made another donation and speech which contained the information that his house was much too small for us, which we know to be perfectly correct. Walt also gave his recitation which he had pretty well off by heart at this time, the same as we had the piece of music which he had us play and every stop. Billy Langs living farthest away was the last councillor for us, so we bent our steps for his domain. None of our number resided in that vicinity so we called unceremoniously on George Steel to be warmed up. George told us we were a hot bunch to come in on a feller with out being asked and that Bill Langs had just as much gas as he did but he lit another fire for us and we rattled off "We wont go home till morning" for him, he said it was pretty poor playing and sounded to him just like "To hell with Bill Langs. To hell with Bill Langs. When we went over to Billys he took us in and fed us up properly. I had got pretty well filled 4 �up before though so didn't partake of much We were there quite awhile and on coming out trailed down street in any old order playing "Marching throu Georgia" and such airs as we didn't need music for. I know I was coming down Main street beside Carl who banged the drum, with Harry Moon ahead of me and leads and other parts both ahead and behind. It was getting late but at the door of the Dominion we found George Hammond who we had heard had beaten Aikens by 109 votes so we went inside and kicked up a little row in honor of him Gundry who was last on the list of township councillors was also there. Hammond bought cigars but I {let} bad enough alone. We played The "Campbells are comin" in which the horns drone on one note with out music. Harry struck the note but neither of us remembered the name of it, I got E♭which sounded about like Harry's and played it all through finding out after wards that it was the wrong note the right one being A♭. but Enah said that it would not be a discord although I guess it wouldn't have mattered much if it was and mabee would have been better to give the desired bagpipe effect. We then broke up, and went home I picked Dick up or at least he fell in with me as he had been spending the evening at the Dyer's and we got home about twelve. Every body was in bed of course but Dad. was not asleep as he was brooding over the elections, the only bright spot in the whole day for him was a little incident this morning. When he was coming down Main street after leaving Frank at school, old man Stringer hailed him and asked him for a ride down town Dad. pulled up and growled at him to get in - and then said he supposed he was going down to kill his (Dads) vote 'Ah!' says old Henry "I dont know". "Well I know" Dad said good and savagely "darned well you are". They hadn't got quite to old Henry's place and hadnt gone half a block when he thought he would like to get out home and change his clothes, but Dad. assured him that his clothes were plenty good enough for the man he was going to vote for, however the old boy disembarked and told Dad. he thought he had used him a little rough, he had always had a great admiration for him Dad. said he had a mighty queer way of showing it. But what tickled Dad. about it was that Jack Martin told him to-night that old Henry has told the tale among the Vysebites. It has been a pretty nice day as far as the weather was concerned, and a beautiful night, clear, frosty and moonlight. It think it froze pretty hard before midnight judging from the looks of things and the way the boards in the side walks scrunched and creaked, I didn't feel a bit cold although I had no overcoat or gloves on I think it turned milder towards morning. Tuesday January 6th Dad. drove the boys down this morning and got a sack of flour. Rus. Lampkins and his man came while he was gone but they met him so he went around and got Huby. It took till noon 5 �to get everything ready to raise the wind mill as the snow made things nasty to work with, but right after dinner we raised it with out any trouble Harry and Bell walked it up nicely and by to-night it was all complete and pumping water, it works all right. Mr. Flemming was here to-day to invite us to go thrashin there to-morrow. It has been a raw, damp, miserable day and windy Wednesday January 7th Dad. went down to Sam. Laws this morning and got Jimmy to go over to Flemming's for us as he thought my cold would be pretty was too bad to go thrashing, and as they are coming here next we were too busy to go any way. After breakfast he drove the boys down to school & bank and saw Butler about getting a set of bobsleighs. Butler had sold the set which was there but was getting two more in a day or so. When Dad got home he went down and borrowed Alfred's. We did up the chores this morning - as we had neglected a lot of yesterdays we had {lots} to do. After dinner we went down to Penmans to see if we could get a load of soft coal for the thrashers. Harry Moon said that the General Superintendent was there then and Henderson didn't like to sell any coal but we could get it if we came down after five to-night or early to-morrow morning, so we went down and weighed the sleighs and on our way home stopped in at Uncle Ward's to get some wood. He has some good apple wood which he split and piled in the shed last winter hoping to have it for his furnace but he found it smoked there so said we could have it. We got all that he had in the shed in two trips and put it in the wood shed here. He has some more long stuff piled out side but we didn't take it to-day. This was Dick's birthday but he didn't get home till late to-night. Fine and mild. Thursday January 8th Dad. and I went down right after breakfast this morning and got our load of Coal Dick rode down as far as the mill with us. We only got 1850 lbs. and as no one was around the office to pay we don't know how much it cost. It wasn't very good - as there were hardly any big lumps, when we brought it home and unloaded it. Frank and I took the sleighs back to Alfred's as he wants to get a load of hard coal and Omar said it was going fast. Dad. did chores. This after noon we cleaned up the floor of the old barn and about five Enah and I drove down town for provisions Frank was sick last night and has not been at school all day. Dad. also feels pretty rotten with a cold so does Enah but Tiddums and mine are getting better I think. It has been cloudy but very soft all day it looks as though our sleighing 6 �wouldn't last long. There hasn't been wind enough to drive the wind mill since six o'clock this morning. Friday January 9th Dad. and I put in most of the morning cleaning up the big barn floor and Dad. patched the weak spots. Jack McBride and Albert Reid brought over the wire fencing that Dad. ordered from Sid. McBride. He was in yesterday and said he would dump it off the car down there some place for us to get when we had time but as it is we are saved a trip. They finished at Flemming's soon after dinner and moved right over here, it took them quite awhile to get set and they didn't thrash any this afternoon. About four o'clock Frank and I drove down for some more provisions which Enah forgot to get yesterday. While I was waiting for him Johnny and Helen Anderson came along and expressed the desire to see New York so I took them for a swirl around half a dozen blocks or so. Jim Law was in this afternoon and only charged Dad. $3.00 for two days and a half thrashing. It has been very soft again all day. There wasn't enough wind to drive the windmill till late this after noon and then she pumped a trough tank full of water. Saturday January 10th We thrashed all day to-day in the alsike but didn't quite finish as the clover mill broke down some where this after noon and there is still another load or so in the mow, it hasn't turned out very well so far we have only got about seven bushels of seed. We put the straw out doors and I looked after it or at least was supposed to I have kind of a {stede?} & square one but of course it isn't topped out yet. It was rather hard to build owing to a strong nor' west wind. It was pretty rotten up there except just on the north west corner. I kept that corner pretty well tramped. Dad. hired Jim Law again and Tupper sent Jonas over. Mr. Flemming sent old Bill George and Bill sent Teddy. Dad. did all the chores and as Enah had no one to help her, he and Frank I think looked after Tiddums quite a lot. It has been much colder today, froze a little all day and windy with a little snow. Sunday January 11th Dad. and I did chores off and on all day and I read, shelled corn and darned a sock in the intervals. Frank was sick in the night and has felt very miserable all day hardly stirring away from the stove. Dick got up about noon and this after noon took Belle and went for a drive we are not sure who with, conscience tells us it was Dess. Dyer but Dick tells us it was Mr. Hobbes. He didn't stay long ast it was a nasty day but went down to the pond as soon as he 7 �got home he said there was a big bunch down there, he intended to go to church and I guess did. Allan Law came over this afternoon and put a little fire in the engine to warm up the water in the boiler. He said his father sprained his ankle last night and was pretty lame on it to-day. I was a beautiful sunny morning with out any wind but this after noon it got cloudy and blustery with a little snow and to-night there is a fierce south west wind with snow. Dad. had to kill one of the pigeons which came here from the shooting match to day. Monday January 12th This has been the worst day we have had this winter. There has been a high north west wind and the snow blowing in clouds so that at times we couldn't see from the house to the barns, it has been very cold, and freezing hard all day. First thing this morning Mrs. McBride came over but of course didn't try to wash. Jonas and Ted. George came over too but there was no possibility of thrashing so they didn't stay long. I drove Dick down to the bank this morning and when I got back took Mrs. McBride home. The roads weren't impassable any where but our lane was drifted full in the road way so I had to go along the top of the bank next the lawn fence. We didn't try to do any thing but tend to the stock, not even clean out the horse stable. Allan Law came over this afternoon to put a fire in the engine to thaw her out. About five o'clock Dad. walked down town and got the mail and some whooping cough medicine from Dr. Cook for Tiddums as we are pretty sure he has it. He left word at Huby's for Dick to stay down all night. Frank was a little better to-day but feels pretty sick yet. Tuesday January 13th We didn't do any thing but chores and shovel snow all day. Mrs. McBride came this morning and was tuckered right out after her walk through the drifts. The road from here to the corner is impassable with a cutter and we shovelled a road out the lane. Ted George came over this morning thinking we would be thrashing but it was too cold so he played in the house with Frank most of the day building a swing bridge with Frank's Meccano. Sam and Allan came over this after noon to thaw out the boiler and fix the mill where it broke the other night. Sam said they never thrashed when it was below zero. They said it was 7° below zero down town this morning and I think it must have stayed about that all day for I had to spend about half the time keeping my hands and ears from freezing although it was a lovely sunny day with just breeze enough to run the windmill. Dick went to Simcoe to-night with a sleigh load which Billy Boughner took up and he said it was 16 below up there. In Toronto it was lower temperature than they had had for 27 years. 8 �Wednesday January 14th I didn't feel very well when I got up this morning, and while I was watering the horses a sick & weak feeling came on me and it was all I could manage to get to the house and flop myself on the sofa in the kitchen. I haven't done any thing but sit around the stove and read all day. To-night I went out to have a little tea but while I was at it I felt deathly sick and made for the door. I can just remember standing there for a minute and then tumbling over on the wood shed floor. Dad. and Enah hiked out and got me in on the sofa where I felt quite a lot better. Ted. George was over again to-day but as they didn't thrash he helped Dad. do chores. Jonas was also over but didn't stay long. Dad. and Ted went down with the team this morning and got the bobsleighs from Butler, this after noon they put the box on them and went down town again for groceries and got a load of apple wood at Uncle Ward's, this is smaller limbs than the last we got and will have to be sawed a couple of times. I guess they thought it was too cold to thrash again to day but we would have been short handed anyway with me sick and Jim. Law has gone to Stratford to a cheese makers convention. It has not been quite so cold as yesterday but more windy and with a little snow. Frank put in the day fixing a spring on Tiddum's carriage and fixing locks on various doors in the house Wednesday Thursday January 15th Although not quite O.K. I felt ever so much better to-day and was able to do quite a few little chores and fix a bit of sacking in the chicken house window to keep the snow out. Sam & Allan were in this morning and said they thought if it was fair they would thrash Saturday, but we saw Allan again this after noon and he said they would get at it to-morrow. Ted. and Jonas both came over again. Jonas went on over to Tupper's to work but Ted. stayed here all day and chopped wood. This after noon we hooked up Joe and Ginger to the bobsleighs and Dad. Ted and I drove down town and got the mail. We saw Dick but as there is a dance on to-night he didn't come home with us for Wiggins is going to press his every day pants for him. Very soft and cloudy all day looks like rain. Friday January 16th Sam Law came over soon after daylight this morning but as it was raining then he didn't know whether to fire up or not, but at last decided to, as it let up a little it took an hour or two to get any steam for some reason or other and it was after ten before they got started to thrash and then a belt broke - and it took half an hour to fix it. Ted. George was the only 9 �man to show up early Jim Law came over the middle of the fore noon and Jonas in time for dinner he was over at Tupper's. There was only a little alsike left and we just got about a bushel of seed out of it. They finished it up and got all moved over to the other barn by half past twelve as they had to spend half an hour or so getting the engine through a snow drift. By the time we got through dinner it was raining again so we hung around in the drive shed for quite awhile where Jim Law mauled the life pretty near out of Jonas - and then over in the barn where we kept snowballs on the fly but at last Sam decided to quit. and told them to be back by tomorrow noon. Dad. and I did up the chores and then we drove Belle down after the mail and took Ted. with us. Dad. saw Dr. Cook about the baby as he has been very miserable to day, the whooping cough is bad enough but he is cutting another tooth Saturday January 17th I drove Dick down to the bank first thing this morning and when I got back Dad. and I hooked Harry and Belle to the sleigh and went down to Porter's, we didn't get back till about noon. Sam Law came over while we were gone & fired up and they got started up about one o'clock and finished about four, there was about two bags and a half of seed from the four loads. Allan & Jim Law & Bert Munroe were all down at Ern Flemming's to a dance last night and didn't get in till about six o'clock this morning they said they had a fine time but thought it a little strange that they should be invited to a private house with the slipulation that the ladies were to bring refreshments, and that a collection should be taken up to pay the fiddler - and that the host should keep two dollars out - and submit the remaining five to the fiddler, who was Lym Waddle. After tea to-night Dad. & I drove down to get the mail and we took Ted. George with us, (the others all went home to tea) we chased all over town to find Dick as he had the key to the post office box and at last found him and he came home with us, he got another fifty dollar raise in his salary to-day dating back to December 1st. That is the secon one since he has been in there which is just a little over a year. Lila has been over all day and is staying all night. Tiddums feels pretty rotten but is a little brighter to-day. It was cloudy and blustery this morning but the sun came out this after noon and it was not so cold high north wind all day. Sunday January 18th I just did a few chores this morning and went down to church alone Lila went down earlier to be ready for Sunday school. Frank's calf was too bad for him to go, Dick was in bed, Enah had to look after Tiddums and Dad's. time was taken up ministering to the needs of a heifer calf which Charlotte presented us with soon after we went out this morning. Its ear froze a 10 �couple of times but Dad. and Frank thawed it out with snow, when I came home it was on the kitchen floor, they had to bring it in to keep it from freezing to death. They took it out after it got good and warm and dry and I had taken a picture of it but Charlotte didn't seem very anxious to own it so Dad is going to try to teach it to drink now but it hasn't drunk any to-day. Allan Law came in this morning with a bottle of stuff which he bought down town for Witch Hazel for Sam's eye. Sam said it wasn't the right color (dark brown) for with Hazel and told him to ask Dad. Dad smelt it and tasted it and said it was clear whisky. Allan said if Sam had known that he would have swallowed it but Dad said he hadn't better as something else might be in it, so he gave him some of his. Allan said his sleighs had come but weren't set up yet, so he said we would go to Jarvis with our seed to-morrow with our sleighs and his team. This after noon I drove Enah down town to see the Doctor about Tiddums, Dick went down with us and I suppose has gone to church to-night. It has been pretty cold all day but fairly sunny and no wind, milder to-night. Monday January 19th I was up before six this morning and we had the seed loaded and allready to start for Jarvis at eight o'clock, Allan brought his team up soon after and by the time we got his seed on and on the road it was ten minutes to nine, but the sleighing was fine and we got there in a little more than an hour. We unloaded the seed at Jake Fesses and he just got started on our lot a little before dinner. I had my dinner alone as Allan was down at Roy Misner's. I was over at Fesses all the after noon but Allan was just there a little while. They finished cleaning up the seed about four o'clock in time for me to get my check cashed which I did as I wanted to buy half a dozen bags from Fess and forgot to tell him to take the price of them off the check. The whole thing came $55.26. The alsike cleaned away about half, so I only got 4 bushels and 20 lbs, he docked me a little on it as there was a little white clover in it but I got $8.00 a bushel for it. The red seed he said had a little buckhorn in it and I only got 7.75 for it. I brought home about a bushel of it and sold 2 bushel and 40 lbs. Alan only had about a pail ful of alsike which he brought home and he got the same as me for his red seed, it had no buck horn in it but he docked him on brown seed. We got home here just about dark pretty well satisfied with the day's doings Dad. I guess did chores most of the day the new calf got loose this after noon and milked Charlotte for him. Miss Newel was over to see Tiddums and he drove her home. Cloudy, mild and a little breeze looks like snow or rain Tuesday January 20th 11 �We didn't get up till about eight o'clock this morning so were late with every thing. Dad. drove Dick down town while I was at breakfast After I cleaned out the stables I sacked some corn and Frank and I bagged up some oats to take down to be chopped. Dad. wanted to go down to a meeting of the cream factory patrons but it was too late when we got through dinner. He and I took our grist to the mill after dinner and came up around by Uncle Ward's and got another load of wood when we got it unloaded Frank and I went down town for the mail and provisions and came up around by the mill and got our chop and some bran, shorts & buckwheat, getting home soon after five. Dad. did chores and cut wood while we were gone. Mrs. Art Ryersie was in this morning with some garlicks which she said mixed with rum made a fine concoction for the whooping cough and she thought Tiddums would benefit by it I don't know whether he is to take it internally or not I think it will be {infernally?} which ever way it goes. Alan and Jim Law brought our sleigh home this morning. They drove down in them to get their own which are Bain make and cost $32.00. They are very similar to ours but a little heavier and there is $4.00 difference in the price. Rotten day, very cloudy and foggy, fine rain most of the day freezing light breeze to-night. Wednesday January 21st First thing this morning Molly had a fine big bull calf, good red one and as big as Charlotte's now or bigger. Dad. drove Dick down to the bank this morning and we didn't do any thing much but chores the rest of the morning. Lloyd Phillips came over and got a load of hay but he had Garf Porrit and another fellow with him so we didn't have to help him put it on. This after noon Dad. Frank and I wrote to Uncle Hal. for his birthday and I went over to Martin's with the bit Frank borrowed from Art. Quanbury the other day, I saw Mr. Briley and he was telling me that he didn't think a mash was the right thing at all for laying hens, while Chris told me to feed it so it's hard to tell what to do exactly. Dad. and I hooked Joe & Ginger to the bobs and went down to post Uncle Hal's letter but we were too late for to-night's mail. Dick and Wiggins rode over as far as the corner with us and then walked on around the hill we gave {Bruce?} Vice a ride home too. We also brought some lumber over from Tommy Gilles's for John Quanbury as Chris asked us to on our way down. We had great difficulty to-night in trying to catch Dreadnaught and drive him into his stall and at last by running him through the deep snow until he was tired and he went in of his own accord. Snowed an inch or two last night and has been rather cold and blustery all day. Thursday January 22nd 12 �I did chores this morning and cleaned the straw out of the chicken house and also sat in the dining room for awhile to catch Tiddums if he woke up coughing and put in the time sorting "Farmer's Advocate's" Dad. and Frank sawed down the old Northern Spy in the pig yard as it was dead. This after noon they cut some of it up and got a lot of first class fire wood out of it. After dinner I put a lot of fresh straw in the chicken house - and helped Dad fix a pent in the corner of the old barn to put the calves into. Lovely day, fairly sunny and not too cold, looks like snow. Friday January 23rd We spent most of the morning battoning up the calf pen and Dad. put the window in. This after noon he put the surcingle & bridle on Osprey. He didn't like it at all at first but once he got started he walked down to the corner and back alright but sweat up a lot. When we got back I did a few chores and Dad and Frank got some more apple wood. Cousins Loll & Phoebe came over - and about four o'clock Frank & I drove them home we also got the mail and a couple of boxes to feed the calves in Charlie Butler was in at noon to see Dad. about some horse. It has been cloudy and very soft all day. Looks very much like a storm. Saturday January 24th It was raining when we got up this morning, turned to snow about nine o'clock and snowed till noon. Dad. put the harness and bridle on Osprey again but we couldn't take him out so just left him there all morning He must have gone through some violent exercise, probably trying to get loose - as when we went in at noon he was wringing wet. Dad. also trimmed his front feet and had to resort to chastisement to make him behave We put the old waggon and the plow in the shed out of the rain before dinner. This after noon it stopped storming but got a little colder. Frank went down to the McBain's auction sale but didn't buy anything he said there was a big crowd there. I spent half the after noon looking at a book of house plans and then helped Dad. saw up a few pieces of the old apple tree we then did chores. I drew a plan for our new barn to-night. Sunday January 25th Frank was the only one from here who went to church this morning as it was late when we got up and Dad. and I spent most of the fore noon doing chores and we also took Osprey out for a little exercise. Dick was asleep the greater part of the morning. Frank and I went for a skate down on the pond this afternoon. Dick went down but I guess there weren't enough girls on the ice to catch him so he went on up town and lent his skates to Fred. 13 �Tuck. I was late getting there so only had an hour or two's skate but I enjoyed that much for the ice was pretty good and as it was my first skate this season maybe it was just as well not to make it too long. I went down to church to-night and came home right after, but didn't see any thing of Dick who was not home to tea. It has been sunny and quite mild all day but is a little colder to-night. Monday January 26th After we did chores this morning, we hooked up Harry and Belle to the waggon and went over to Sam's to get our quarter of beef. We took it down to Alfred's and weighed it and it was just 90 lbs which was pretty good for the front quarter of a calf not quite a year old. It was just about noon when we got home but we went and got a jag of rails before dinner. After dinner we went and got another load of rails and then went down town for the mail and some yeast cakes and got back about five. John Wess was in just before dark as his mare has a little touch of lymphangitis again. Dad. told him what to do for it and said that he would go over and see it in the morning. To-night I went down to the pond for a skate as I saw they had quite a lot shovelled off. I got a ride part way down with Allan Law and he said they were going to start hauling ice to-morrow and that he could haul ours for us if we wanted him to. I told him we couldn't put it in to-morrow but we might the day after. There wasn't a big crowd on the pond and only a very few girls but the ice was good. I put in most of the time chasing Bunyan Beecraft and Tony Bannister to punish them for throwing snowballs all over. I caught Tony early in the game and twisting his hair till he got down on the ice and filling his hat with snow succeeding in persuading him to behave himself but Bunyan was another proposition. In the first place I couldn't begin to catch up with him, being out of practice I suppose - and then he was so nimble getting around the corners. I would sometimes be nearly on him and he would jump right off the track into the snow and aparently make just as good progress there as on the ice. I jumped in after him once but my feet slid out from under me and I cleaned off quite an area of ice in a very short time and carried most of the snow off on my clothes. At last Alex Spain joined in the chase and we both got Bunyan headed for Ivey's point where we thought we would catch him for sure, we could just see his figure ahead of us - and followed him around the point right through the snow - and some very poor ice till the first thing we knew he was taking to the land like one of these aligator boats, we hiked back around the point hoping to be where we thought he would get on the ice again by the time he was but there was no sign of him. He told us after wards when we were taking our skates off in Greenbury's woodshed that he was up behind Ivey's ice house and heard us go past. Dick came down before I left and hung 14 �around till I got my skates off and went up to Huby's after a loaf of bread I got up town. We got home about ten. Very soft all day not wind enough to turn the windmill till after dark. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Tuesday January 27th As soon as we got things done up this morning which was about ten o'clock we hooked up and went over to John Wesses and Dad. gave his mare a ball. Mr. Morgan was looking over there and we got looking at his gasoline engine and he was running it and grinding oats and showing us all around so it was after noon when we got home. Mr. Morgan came home with us and stayed to dinner and half the after noon, consequence being that we didn't get any thing but chores done although we had intended to haul some rails and clear out the ice house Allan Law was in to-night and said if they were hauling ice to-morrow he would haul ours for us but I think it is raining now so not likley they will be doing much with the ice. It has been very soft and spring like to-day. It rained last night and took most of the snow of the roads and left them very slippery. Wednesday January 28th We cleaned out the ice house first thing this morning and got it all ready to fill. It rained last night and was so very mild that we didn't think Alan was coming but just as we got ready for him he came along with a load, he said he went to see Val. about it last night but Val. was at lodge, so this morning he went down after a load of sand for the chickens as the thought they wouldn't be cutting to-day but some body saw him down town and told him that Val. wanted him to haul what was on the stand over here so he did, he got two loads over before dinner and four this after noon. we didn't get the last load chincked or placed to-night and if all is well he is going to haul one or two more loads in the morning. We think we are putting this in better than we did last year, we are leaving a good space between the walls and the ice for sawdust - and we put rails and sawdust in the bottom, but the ice isn't as good as last year especially what has been out of the water in the sun all day. Jim Coley was over this morning and got Dad. to give him a two weeks option on his lots, he says he can almost guarantee the sale of them at $600.00. Bob. and Cars. Rankin also drove over and brought the saddle & bridle back. Bluch was very glad to see them and followed them way down the road but came back when we called him. Tupper came in to get his post auger which we borrowed to dig the holes for the windmill feet. Mrs. Tupper and the baby were with him. I guess Mrs. Tupper wanted to see Tiddums but she didn't want to bring her kid in on account of the whooping cough and it was asleep anyway, Enah 15 �brought Tiddums to the window to wave at her. It has been very spring like and the sleighing is going fast. Thursday January 29th Just about as we got ready for him this morning Alan came along with a load of ice and hauled one more before dinner, we then saw that we needed eleven more cakes to fill up the ice house evenly so he brought 14 over this after noon, he said he had a hard time getting them as the machine wasn't working. We put the extra three on top. Dad. chincked it while I cleaned out the horse stable which has been neglected for two days, that makes over eight loads of ice that can be put in that ice house. Old Bill George drove over before dinner to get the fork that Ted. left over here. He was driving his yearling colt to the cutter and the sleighing is about gone, it is the same age as Queen and not nearly so big so that sort of treatment must be hard on it. Harry Dyer, his brother and Hammy Innes were over for awhile this after noon. Dick came home to tea to-night to change his clothes and attend the dance of the Orchestra's in the town hall. Another April day, water is running over everything and "the buds are within a holy ace of bustin" as Art. Ryersie says. The snow is fast giving place to mud and it looks as if it would rain again. Quite a strong south west breeze all day. Friday January 30th It was freezing when Dick came home at three o'clock this morning and has been freezing in the shade all day but not very hard. We found that the south west wind the early part of last night had melted quite a lot of the ice that it could reach through the west window, so Dad. had to fix it a little and we put in all the sawdust we had, but will need quite a lot more. Dad. thought the roads would be too icy to go to-day. We gave Osprey a little exercise before dinner - and I sorted out a lot of the apples down cellar. This afternoon we tore down a lot more of the gully fence but just put the rails in piles. It was a lovely day to do it as the snow is nearly all gone. More like a lat fall day to-day except that there is so much running water. Saturday January 31st We didn't do much but chores to-day. Dad. cut a big pile of wood and I Frank carried it and I wheeled most of the sand which Dad. got for Frank Slocomb to mend the cistern with from the house over to the drive shed and put it in to dry up the mud - as the water as run in a lot since it thawed. This afternoon Dad. and Frank drove down town to get the mail and 16 �some provisions. They got a letter from "The Library of Original Sources" saying that our books would doubtless be here with in the next few days. I spent the evening making entries for the past month in my book keeping book. The hens haven't nearly payed for themselves. I got six eggs to-day which is the most yet. Mr. and Mrs. Walt McCall drove Dolly over this morning. She cawked one of her front feet and Walt got Dad. to look at it. It has been a very blizzardy day but not cold. It was hail sleet when we got up this morning then rain and a blow this after noon with strong east wind which shifted right around. Tonight it is blowing hard but I think clear. Sunday January February 1st I haven't done much all day. This morning Enah and I drove down to church but got home very early. After dinner Dick and I went down town I went over to Harry Moon's and spent the after noon and stayed to tea. Harry was showing me over the new part of his house which he has fixed up pretty slick but hasn't quite finished the upstairs yet. They went to church to-night so I went down to Huby's. Quint. and Win were at church and Lila was over here but Huby and Aunty Maude were home. Frank came home with Lila while I was there so I went home with him. I don't know where Dick went but I have a sneaking idea that he spent the after noon over at Dyers. Last night when Dad. locked up the stable there wasn't a sign of Bluch so we thought he must have followed them down town when they went down after the mail last night, although they watched him, so to-day after church Frank went down to the Rankin's and sure enough he found Bluch there so brought him home. Bob. Rankin told Huby. that Jimmy cried himself to sleep last night because they wouldn't let Bluch sleep with him and told him they couldn't keep him. Some fellow was in here from Nanticoke to-day to have Dad look at his horse. I got seven eggs to-day. It has not been very cold stormy to-day but there has been a cold strong west wind. Monday February 2nd After we got the chores done we went out and hauled up three loads of rails before dinner, we got nearly all we had torn down. We also cut the tips off Erie's and Spotty's horns as we thought that the comfort or even saftey of the other animals was hazarded by their sharp points, we cut one of Erie's a little lower than we intended and severed a little artery. It soon stopped after we let her out but this after noon she scrubbed it against Snowdrop or the straw stack and covered Snowdrop with gore and when we let them in to-night a beautiful little spurt was coming out of it but Dad. soon stopped it but putting a little chop stuff on it. We intended to go prospecting for sawdust this after noon but by the time I got the rails 17 �unloaded The Law's came in to take their clover mill and engine down to Bob. Leitch's as the roads are now in grand shape. We were very glad to have the clover mill out of the barn as it was a great nuisance, but we didn't get a chance to go for our saw dust as they were here most of the after noon getting up enough steam to raise hel the engine out of the ground where she was frozen in, when Alan threw her in she would hump and stop "breathing" just like a horse trying to lift a big load, but after a few strains she loosened up and got out. Sam's brother-in-law was with them and he seemed to understand quite a lot about it. When they went Dad. put Joe's harness on Osprey and hooked him up to the bobs with Belle. he did pretty fair but seems to throw or paddle his nigh forefoot. Jonas came over this morning and borrowed a pitch fork and the hay knife as he is going to move the hay from McBains barn to Sam McBrides as they are tearing down the old McBain barn to-day. he brought them back to-night and is now playing checkers with Frank. The bear had ample chance to see his shadow to-day as the sun has been shining nearly the whole time it has been an ideal winter day, not too cold and just enough wind to turn the wind mill. I got seven eggs again to-day. They are getting a lot of milk now and it is beginning to tell on them. Tuesday February 3rd I got up about five this morning and read till daylight When Dad. came out I found that Dick had brought home word last night that {Winkey?} Smith was dead and was to be brought here on the eleven o'clock train to be buried, and as the funeral was to be taken charge of by the mason's, Dad. was wanted at the lodgeroom at ten o'clock. I drove down with Dad. and hung around till the train came in and then drove up to the cemetery with him. After the service was over there we drove over to Evan's woods on the Radical opposite old Stringer's place to see if there was any saw dust. We had quite a time finding any signs of a sawmill but at last Dad. came on it way back in a little ravine. He said there were no men around but quite a few bags and a pile of saw dust. This after noon Dad. went down and got his hair cut and was gone all the after noon. I watered the horses and cleaned out the cow stable and then I took a walk back the lane to look at the little trees. Most of them on the west side are dead while most on the east are alive. To-night Dad. went over to a men's party at Jack Martin's. It has been very soft all day and the sleighing is just about gone. There is snow lying in the fence corners and on the north side of things but it looks very Spring like, water is running every where and the fields are nearly all brown and where ever the sun can reach it looks dry and warm. I got twelve eggs to-day which I thought was pretty good. 18 �{Harry Barrett (Toby's father) wrote the entries for February 4th and 5th.} Wednesday February 4th Tobe did not write this up last night as he went skating. I did not get up this morning until 7.30. I found Toby up and the kitchen fire on and good and warm. Dick did not get home last night till sometime after I did and then we talked till after 2 O'Clock. After doing up the usual round of chores, we caught the 5 roosters and took them over to Jack Martin. It was dinner time when we got home from there. After noon we put on a small load of hay to take over to the other barn for the cows and calves. Frank went to skate after school. After tea Toby and I went down town he to skate and I to a school board meeting where we had a lively time, it looked at first as if we would not get anything done but it became quite peaceable towards the close. Old Mark Topley is getting along fine in his walking and his cough is much better. Rus Lampkins came in this evening and I paid him for the windmill. Fairly cold all day. Thursday February 5th It was late again this morning when I got up, 7 O'Clock, being out at night does not agree with me. Dick worked late last night Toby and I came home with Jack Martin and got home first. Dick brought home word that the long looked for books had come. After the chores were done we hauled the hay over that we loaded yesterday and put it off, then we hauled ni a load of corn stalks. After dinner we went down town and got the books. That accounts for my writing tonight, Toby is absorbed in them. Dick went to Simcoe this afternoon, Frank went down and had his hair cut after school, Enah and little {Taphy?} went through their usual daily round. It has been pretty cold all day, but for the most part bright. I find it hard to keep awake, I will have to take a look at the new books. Friday February 6th We took a load of grist to the mill this morning six bags of oats and four of corn, we got one bag of the oats rolled for the chickens. Tige. Farr was in for awhile to see if he could rent some of the back of the place for pasture but of course there was nothing doing. Dad. went down town right after dinner to give the deeds of his lots to Jim Caley but as Cousin Willie was sick they couldn't get them fixed up so he & Enah will have to go down some other time to sign off. he got home about four and we then went down to the mill for our chop. We had quite a time getting up the hill as it was very icy and the horses slipped all the way. Old Jonas was over this morning to get a dose of salts for his pig which he says he thinks 19 �will die Dad. looked at it and he thinks so too - if it does he will only have one left as two have died already. Allan & Jim Law were in to-night Allan's horse got its legs cut in some way he doesn't know how and he wanted Dad. to look at it. I got up at half past four this morning to read the new books and also learn a little Latin out of Dad's old book. It froze pretty hard last night - and there was a cold east wind all morning but it turned mild at noon and has been snowing & raining alternately all day afternoon. Poor Tiddums felt very miserable this morning and they thought the poor little cus had the earache but after he had his sleep he felt a lot better - and has been all rigt the rest of the day Saturday February 7th I got up about half past five this morning learned latin till Dad. came out about half past six, then I went out to do chores It has been blowing a hurricane and snowing all day so we didn't do anything but chores and Dad. cut a pile of wood. This after noon Frank went down town this after noon to see if there were any waves on the lake but there weren't although it was a south west wind, but likely there is a lot of ice in the lake. Dad. and I started to make a boock case for the new books out of the box they came in. Frank got some cloth down town to line it with. I got thirteen eggs to-day. It has been pretty cold and very blizzardy to-day. Sunday February 8th Frank went down to Sunday school and church and Dad. and I went down to church this morning we were late for although we came accross the pond we had to stop in at Henderson's as my ear got frozen by the cold wind on the pond and we went in there where Dad. thawed it out with snow I nearly froze my hand holding snow on it from the pond up there. We came around by Huby's on our way home and got the old glue pot to make some glue for our book case and also looked at the old chicken house as we are going to bring it over here for a breeding pen. This after noon we read did chores and listened to Enah play the piano. Dick got up and had a bath before dinner, got Dad. to shave him and went down town about the middle of the after noon as he says he is going to church to-night. Frank spent most of the after noon skating on the ditch out here from the lane fence up to the oak trees and down in Bannister's gully. Very cold and strong west wind, a little snow otherwise not a bad day Monday February 9th 20 �It froze about the hardest yet last night and has been pretty cold and breezy all day, but was bright and sunshiny part of the time, and snowing a little part of the time. We didn't do any thing but chores and Dad. cut wood. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day and as it was too cold and draughty for Tiddums in the kitchen Frank had to stay home to look after him in the dining room. Dad. and Enah were contemplating a trip down town this after noon to sign the deeds to the lots but Mr. Howey who is buying them and a Mr. Ross brought them over this after noon and saved them the trouble. The option is up on them to-morrow so they wanted to get things settled. He paid Dad. a check for the six hundred. Jonas was over here most of the afternoon selling seeds. Dad. gave him an order for some of L.P. Gunson's seed oats and we are going to make out and order for him to-night of garden seeds from Simmers No body was down town to-day, so we haven't got the mail. Tuesday February 10th Dad saw a load of ice going into Mrs Battersby's this morning and just remembered that we had not returned John Quanbury's little ice tongs, and as we thought he might be needing them I took them down but he said he never used them as they were too small so told me to take them home again which I did. I stayed there quite awhile helping & watching him. Bob. Leitch was hauling the ice, it is a lot bigger and better looking than ours but John says it doesn't keep at all well in Mrs. Battersby's ice house. It is cement and built right in the side hill. The let the ice slide down the hill and drop about eight feet to the bottom of the ice house and it breaks up badly. Dad. cut wood while I was away and when I got back helped me clean out the chicken house. This after noon I cut a piece off the stack and Dad carried over a lot of straw to the chicken house. Jonas came over this morning and we gave him the Simmer's order although we are sure he is not an authorized agent, but as we don't have to pay for the stuff till we get it I suppose it will be alright. Dad. told him he was crazy to waste his time selling seeds instead of cutting his hedge down for wood over at Myers but Jonas said he had to get a little money some way as he only had fifty cents. Frank said he was working down cutting ice this after noon. It has been much milder though still freezing to-day cloudy and just breeze enough this after noon to turn the wind mill, snowing a little to-night. Wednesday February 11th We did chores and Dad cut wood most of the day, this afternoon we put some poles across a couple of beams in the big barn and covered them with hay to make a pen for the ewes'. The old ram seems to be getting crosser, he attacked me to-day for the first time, and we 21 �think it is because he has some way got the wool all pulled away from his eyes - and can see much better all around him. I got fourteen eggs to-day, the cold weather doesn't seem to affect the hens any, I guess it is the feed and care that counts. Enah cut the cloth for the book case of my new books this after noon and to-night Dad and I glued it on the wood, it is going to look pretty nice I think. It froze very hard last night. Frank said it was seven below zero, and although bright and sunny has been frosty all day barely thawing even in the sun. They say there was a slight earthquake felt in different parts of Ontario and in Montreal but I think the ones that felt it here just thought so after they got the paper. Thursday February 12th Dad. and I took a walk down to Porter's and back this morning, we got back about half past one. This after noon we just did chores. To-night after a lot of hesitation I decided to go down to the dance. Dick said he didn't think there would be many there but there was enough to suit me. No-one from Simcoe was down but all the Dover bunch was there and I had a good time. I didn't miss more than half a dozen dances and much to my surprise found that I could dance fairly well. I didn't expect to be able to do any better than the last time I tried especially as I haven't been down for over a month. They say it was fifteen below zero down town this morning and although it has been a lovely sunny day with out breeze enough to blow the wind mill, it has been freezing hard all day, and is just as cold tonight. Friday February 13th After we did the chores up this morning Dad. & I hooked Harry and Belle to the sleighs and went down town, the sleighing was good most of the way in town but was pretty icy in places. I took down 7 1/2 doz. eggs and got at the rate of 35 cts a doz for them but traded them off for groceries. Dad. got some lumber to fix up the sheep pen with and settled up with Tommy. This after noon we just did chores and I had a little snooze as I only had about four hours last night or rather this morning. To-night Dad. dressed up and went down to pay a visit to Alfred. and Lulu. Billy Faulkner came over this morning and took their heifer away. An old Peddler came in to-night about five he looked about frozen and piked off towards Sam Law's who he evidently knew as he asked up if he didn't live down by the mill before he moved up here. This is poor weather I should think for his job. I wouldn't mind it at all in the summer. pretty frosty all day and a cold north east wind but mostly sunny. It is milder to-night and trying to snow. 22 �Saturday February 14th I did chores all morning and Dad. & Frank cut up the old apple tree in the pigyard. They had some pretty hard sawing in it. This after noon Dad and I took the team and waggon sleigh and hauled it up to the house where Dad. split a lot of it. Frank went down town and got his tooth filled - and sent off a lot of valentines. Bert. Thompson came over this afternoon to see if we had any Black Orpington hens. There was just one left of the ones that Huby hatched out three years ago of the eggs he got from Bert. I knew she wasn't laying and was glad enough to get rid of her, I would have sold her for fifty cents or less but Bert offered me a dollar for her so I let him have her. Dad. had quite a visit down at Alfred's last night, the old peddler, whose name is Foster was there. Lulu was in Toronto but got home before he left, she told them that Art Ryersie who had brought her home heard down town that Blaikie was dead, but as we have heard nothing about it to-day, we feel pretty sure there is a mistake some-where. It has been milder to-day a little though still freezing hard. It snowed a little but was mostly sunny. Sunday February 15th Enah and I walked down to church this morning and Frank went down to Sunday school and church. This after noon Cousins Clare and Phoebe came over and also Quint, Huby and Lila. Dick was in bed all morning and went down town this after noon and says he is going to church to-night. Huby said Aunty Maude was pretty sick to-day. Dad. and I walked down to church to-night and went around to see Aunty Maude on our way home, she was sitting up on the sofa but looks pretty miserable, we got home about nine o'clock and Dick soon after we did. It is still pretty frosty but getting milder I think. cloudy most of the day and to-night. Huby told us of a great joke they played on old Tom the cook on the Vigilant. It seems he is quite a lady's man and gets a letter occasionally from a young lady he met in St. Thomas. Young Archie McQueen knew this and put Bill Davis, Parks and a few more of the bunch wise to it and they with Mrs. Walt. McCalls assistance composed a letter to Tom, from his girl telling him to meet her at the Fair corner (so as everything could be seen from the Dominion Hotel windows) at noon yesterday and to be sure and bring a bottle of gin along. When Tom. got the letter he never caught on and was in a great state of excitement all morning and kept his eyes on the Fair corner, meanwhile Archie had been getting togged up in a lot of Mrs. McCall's clothes, he is rather small and good looking and about two o'clock slipped out of the side door at the hotel and around the block up to the Fair corner, of course old Tom was right there to meet him and Archie immediately inquired about the gin so Tom told him to go over to the hotel and wait for him at the head of the stairs while he 23 �got it. He rushed into the bar to get a fifty cent bottle but Walt. told him that they didn't have any smaller than a dollar and a quarter bottles.Tom was in such a hurry that he said any thing would do so took a big bottle up stairs and rushed the fair one of to his room. Archie told Huby after wards that it would have been rich if he could have played his part a little longer but when Tom began to kiss his hands, he could stand no more, so with a burst of laughter he picked up his skirts and fled down stairs. Tom was so mad he never spoke to any one the rest of the day but got bory eyed on the bottle of gin. Monday February 16th Dad. and I went down as soon as we could get ready this morning to get the chicken house down home ready to move Huby helped us and we got it raised and up on blocks by noon. While we were at it, who should come along, bare headed, and without an overcoat, but Walter, he had come through the house and Aunty Maude had told him where we were, so that accounted for the absence of hat and overcoat, but as we hadn't the slightest idea that he was within a thousand miles of us, we were quite surprised to see him, but this after noon we got a letter from Roy which we should have got on Saturday, saying that Walter was then in Barrie having come down with the body of Mrs. {illegible} father. He got into Toronto Friday night and {illegible} up here this morning but had to go right back again tonight. He stayed at Huby's to dinner for as he said a walk over here before dinner did not sound {illegible} tempting and right after dinner Dad. hooked up Belle and went down and got him, he was only here an hour or two and then Dad. and I drove him down he had to stop in for a minute or two to see Miss Phipps, Cousins Bessie, Clare and Loll and say goodbye to Aunty Maude. Dick Quint at Huby went to the station to see him off so he had a very hurried visit, but we were all very glad to see him if it was only for a short time. Old Jonas came over to-night to get his orders ready to send away, and to get a little corn but I think principally for a visit. Aunty Maude says she feels better to-day but looks very miserable. I only got twelve eggs to-day. It was a beautiful morning but this after noon the wind got up and it was a rotten after noon very blizzardy and cold. Quieter and colder tonight. Tuesday February 17th We just did chores and cut wood this morning, I read for awhile this afternoon and then Dad. and I drove down town and Dad. saw Johnny Walker about bringing over the hen house, he said he thought he could load it on the sleigh and bring it over to-morrow after noon we went down to see if we could get it any more ready but thought we couldn't do 24 �much more to it alone. A couple of the little Ryersie girls came in with Frank after school and young Roy Bannister appeard from somewhere soon after Frank got home and they went sleigh riding back in the gully and Roy borrowed a book to take home with him. Tonight I blew a little on my horn for the first time since election night. It was a very blizzardy blustery morning, but turned out a nice bright after noon, snowed quite a little bit, and there wasn't enough wind to turn the windmill. Wednesday February 18th Dad. and I did chores most of the morning besides taking the wire off the posts in the hen yard so we could get through with the other hen house which we intend to put in the north east corner of the yard. We had to pump water for the cattle this morning as there wasn't enough wind to turn the wind mill, it took us over half an hour to pump half a tank full, we took turns at it, it is the first time we have had to pump for them this winter, and if we had a bigger tank which would hold two or three days supply, it wouldn't matter about it being quiet for one day. As soon as we could after dinner Dad and I went down to get the old hen house Jack Walker didn't come for quite a while, but I went up town and got Huby and we got it raised up in front nearly high enough to back the sleighs under, when Johnny came he said he thought it would pay us to raise it up high enough behind to back the sleighs, so we did and without so very much more work got it loaded beautifully, we were afraid the top of the pigeon house which Dad. built on the roof of the hen house would catch on wires and branches but we hated to take it off - as it has been there so long but Johnny said he thought it would go alright. The first obstruction occured going out the lane and we had to chop a limb off Mrs. Low's apple tree, but got past. Then going from the lane gate to the road where Dad. had a nice driveway fixed the road-scraper made a nasty ditch and never filled it in. Johnny was afraid the building might tip over on the horses going over the bump so Dad. went over and borrowed some rope from Gint. Rankin and tied it to the {rave?} of the Sleigh over the roof of the chicken house, we thought we had her solid but Johnny let his horses go a little fast down hill and rounding the curve with such a big top weight, she just keeled right over sleigh and all at the side of the road on end just nicely between the side walk and the road. I thought the jar would rack her all to pieces but as far as we could see it did hurt a bit, except knocked the pigeon house right off the roof. We decided to leave her there for the night and Johnny said he would get a pair of skids from Val. and take her over on them in the morning. Old Faucet said he would hang a light on to-night for us. We got a ride home with Charlie Quanbury. Tonight Dad. togged up in his dress suit and went down to pay a visit to Cousin Loll as she likes to see him dressed up so much. It was 25 �about eight below zero last night they say but has been a lovely day, rather Foggy but quite mild and no wind. Thursday February 19th Dad. and I went down about half past nine this morning as that was the time Johnny said he would be on the spot but there was no sign of him so Dad went down to see if Jim Low had any chestnut coal but he hadn't a pound. When he came back from there he went in to see old Mrs. Fawsett for awhile Huby and I carried back Mrs. Jim Low's blocks which we borrowed and then went and sat in the house, then as there was no sign of Johnny Dad. came over. At last about eleven we thought he wasn't coming so thought we would go home. Huby went down to the mill with us as they saw Johnny go in there with a load of shooks, when we found him he said he was just ready to go so we went back with him. It took us quite awhile to get it turned over on to the skids and we had to get a few extra hands to help us. Allan Law came along just as we were about ready to start and as one of Johnny's horses is very poor on the draw and he couldn't start it Allan hooked his team on and the two snaked it along to Allan's corner, then Johnny took his team off as they thought two teams would be too wide going down that narrow road and over the bridge. Allan hauled it to the top of the hill and then Johnny took it alone the rest of the way, he let his team sail right through and as it was too hard work keeping up afoot I rode part of the way so did Huby. Johnny got stuck in our lane here where the snow was deep and he ran into the side of the bank, we had to take the little horse off and put old Harry on with Johnny's big horse and they pulled it easily. Huby stayed to dinner and this after noon we placed the hen house just where we want to leave it and put it up on blocks. Dad. and Huby then drove back to straighten things up down there and to take back some stuff we borrowed from Mrs. Jim Low. I did chores while they were gone. Charlie Butler was in for a few minutes this after noon to see Dad. about his horse which has something like lymphangitis. Dad. brought the pigeon house back with him this after noon. Nice day, snowed a little, mostly sunny with a little breeze. Friday February 20th After we did chores this morning Dad. and I sacked up eleven bags of oats and took them down to get chopped. We went on down town and got some stuff and then down to Huby's where we cut down a little locust tree and sawed it up in lengths to fit the waggon box and brought it over for fire wood we also took a big limb which was broken off the old Newton pippin tree. We didn't get home till nearly one. This after noon we discovered we 26 �had left Alfred's cross-cut saw down at Huby's so we hooked up Joe and Ginger (who were delighted to get out after about a month's confinement) and went down and got the saw and came around by the mill and got our grist. It was time to do chores when we got home. Tonight Dad. went down to a school board meeting, he didn't feel much like it especially as he didn't know that it was specially important. Frank went down with him to go to the moving picture show. Pretty cold, sunny but cold breeze. Dick told us that Frances Henry got badly hurt last night on Edmonson's hill where a bunch were sleigh riding. She was walking up hill and fell and a sleigh coming down ran in to her and cut an awful gash in her leg. I practiced my horn a little to-night. Dad. heard down town that Billy Anderson was dead Saturday February 21st Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's this morning and got a couple of roosters, as we want to mate up a breeding pen as soon as possible. We got what they said over there were a couple of good ones although they were tough looking characters, as owing to their blood stained countenances it appears as though they had been indulging in a passage at arms. When we got home Frank helped Dad. saw up the wood we got yesterday and I cleaned out the new chicken pen. After dinner, Dad and I went down and got a load of coal, as Allan Law was in before dinner and told us there was a car in, we thought it would pay to get in in time and wood saved. I took down eight dozen eggs to-day but the price is down to thirty two cents, when we got home Dad helped me put windows, perches and straw in the new hen house and after tea to-night we caught fifteen nice looking pullets - and mated up a pen in there. Frank went back to the gully to-night this after noon and killed a dandy muskrat. Dick got home to tea to-night - as he had a bath to-night. Sunny and nice day but a cold wind. We three boys had a bath to-night and sat on the kitchen table in our night shirts till midnight telling bad stories, while Dad. snored in the big chair. Sunday February 22nd Frank was the only member of the family who went to church to-day and he went to the Roman Catholic (to see what it was like) but he went to our Sunday school. As the wind last night tore the door of the new chicken house off its hinges, Dad. and I were forced to break the Sabbath and put it on. We just did chores and sat around all day I drew a little this after noon I am going to try and draw the picture I took of the mill and Herb. Cooke's house from the old cemetery at the top of the hill, and Frank went back to the gully. Dick slumbered peacefully all morning and went down town this after noon, with the intention of going to 27 �church to-night. I got fifteen eggs to-day, eight of them were from the breeding pen of fifteen pullets, we thought that was pretty good for the first day. I drew a little to-night. It snowed to-day and was very windy and blustery, pretty cold. Monday February 23rd I learned this morning that our hard luck with the sheep deal was not over yet for when I went out to feed them I found a fine big pair of ewe lambs lying dead on the barn floor, as last night was one of the coldest nights we have had, I suppose the poor little things had hardly lived at all after they were born, but still I think if we had only been there to bring them in the warm as soon as they came we could have saved them but we never dreamed of any of them lambing before the 25th and this ewe wasn't due till next Saturday. It has been very cold all day (one of the coldest days we have had) so we didn't do any thing but chores and nail up a few boards for a sheep pen. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day, in spite of the weather. I got seventeen eggs to-day. Tuesday February 24th I went to bed with my clothes on last night as I got up about three to have a look at the sheep but they were all right, it is a good thing no lambs came last night for it was bitterly cold. We fooled with the ewe which had her lambs quite a lot this morning and shut her up in the stable this after noon away from the others. Dad. went over to see if Brirely had ever had such a case to deal with as he used to be a sheppard in the old country but he didn't get much information. Quint was here for a little while this after noon. He and Big George Hamaker had come back to the gully on the trail of a skunk which Bill Oakes saw tracks of, but they found Wilson McPherson and some Matthews had got ahead of them and were digging it out up in Robert John's gully, George joined them but Quint said they were all covered with mud so he didn't care for the job and came home via this place. He says Ivey's gully is full of men and teams hauling sod but I guess they finished to-night. This afternoon Dad. and I unloaded the load of coal we got and hauled up a load of rails which Frank unloaded when he got home. Sam. Law was in this morning and Dad. paid him for the threshing and beef. To-night Dad. and Enah went down to the Library concert leaving Tiddums in our care. (Frank's & mine) but Dad. says he will not enjoy himself at all for fretting. I also have to keep watch on the sheep for although it is not so cold as last night it would be too much for little lambs. It has been freezing hard all day in the shade but it was very sunny and thawed a lot in the sun. I think it is gradually getting milder. 28 �Wednesday February 25th I slept with my clothes on again last night and got up about four to look at the sheep, there were no lambs but I noticed one of the ewes was not well, she has been sick all day and has not eaten anything but snow, we offered her water and she drank a lot which made Dad think she was feverish, she was also quite badly foundered, and is evidently suffering from indigestion. To-night Frank and Dad. tried to dose her with salts but couldn't get much down her. Dad is afraid she won't pull through, it certainly looks doubtful. We don't know what caused it unless she has eaten some of the old chaff that came out of the clover mill and which is mixed up with the hay on the barn floor. Dad. thinks she may have got an overfeed of corn as he found them the other day out by the corn crib where Frank's pig had rooted a slat loose and had got out a pile of corn out on the ground. The ewe that lost her lambs and which we had shut up in the stable, we found to be all right this morning so after trimming her up a little Dad. let her out with the rest in the shed, while we were there we heard a racket in the barn and on entering found the split eared ewe, the one which was due to lamb to-day engaged in a desperate fight with Frank's pig, down in the corner was a wee lamb just arrived and unhurt thanks to the courage of its mother as the pig would have made short work of it, if she had alloud it. I had the satisfaction of landing that pig a swift one and send it squealing out of there. I hadn't been there very long when another lamb came bigger that the first one. It wasn't very cold in the barn but we had to take the little fellows in the house by turns and warm them Enah and Tiddums looked after them, the latter was greatly interested in them. When they both got good and warm and dry, we moved them and the ewe into the horse stable where it is very much warmer than the barn and they all three seem to be all right. Jim Waddle was in this morning to see Dad. as his horses have lymphangitis. Jonas was in at noon with our parcel of seeds from Simmer's, he said he guessed they wanted him to work for nothing, so I suppose he will not get any commission and as he had to pay express on the seeds I don't know just where the profit comes in, but he was going off canvassing again this after noon. He says he is through with "Ivorys" for ever now, he had some rumpus with them about his house rent. Dad. told him he was going to kill a couple of the biggest pigs this after noon soon and wanted his valuable assistance. Jonas is a wonderful pig sticker (as he says).. A fellow from Simcoe was in here to see him soon after he had gone. Lorne Brown came in after dinner with the sink and fixtures, he said Rus would be down to put it in as soon as we got the ditch dug for the drain. To-night I went down and got my hair cut and also to the moving picture show principally to go in with young Schrammy who was too young to go alone Dick got home 29 �soon after I did and we sat up till after twelve but I went to bed in a more civilized manner to-night. Sunny and soft but cold wind. Thursday February 26th As this is Saturday night and I am dead sleepy I can't remember the details of Thursday's happenings, we hauled two loads of sawdust from Evan's place up on the Radical road we just took the waggon box full this morning but as there were no very bad spots we took side boards with us this after noon and hauled twice as big a load. Dad. saw Evans about getting some wood and he is going to start buzzing up the limbs & tops of trees next week and said we could get 10 loads of it for a dollar a cord sixteen inches long. The sick ewe seems ever so much better to-night, she is not lame and picks at the hay a little. Dick went down to the dance to-night. I fully intended to go but thought as it was Lent I would go over to Quanbury's instead - as they were having a surprise party I think in honor of Charlie & Lottie coming home from the West. I had a good time in spite of the fact that they played Pedro and I tried to learn the game, but couldn't. Thawed hard in the sun, cold wind. Friday February 27th We went up again this morning and got another load of sawdust. We had to go around by town this morning to get some groceries, when we got up there young Stickney from Port Ryersie was there ahead of us but had his load nearly on, the pit was pretty well undermined but we got a good load alright and got home about one, the sleighing is just about gone. This after noon we unloaded the Sawdust we filled up all we wanted inside the ice house and Dad. threw the rest outside to pack in between the outside and inside walls. When we got through there we started to clean out the boxstall which hasn't been cleaned out for over a month. Dad. took two sleigh loads out and put on the old garden and there is still another load, the two days accumulation in the stable made the biggest part of the first load. Frank went over to tell Jonas to come and kill pigs in the morning as he told us he was going to work for "Ivory's" on Monday. He drove Frank home about seven he was bound for some Englishman's place way out past Tupper's some where to sell seeds. The sick ewe is apparently all right to-night. The salts had their effect and we found where she had eaten a whole pile of corn and not digested it at all, very sunny and mild barely froze last night. Saturday February 28th Jonas came over about nine o'clock this morning armed with a formidable looking knife, which he told us was no good all ready to show us how to "boocher" hogs. He did quite a lot 30 �of ordering around and knife grinding before he was ready. We killed the two biggest pigs of the lot and they weren't very big, and did it up in the pig-pen. Dad. & I held the pig while Jonas with great display made the fatal thrust. It took him a good big minute to do it which isn't a record breaking speed as Dave Waddle claims to be able to stick a pig and get the knife out with out getting a drop of blood on the knife, however they died alright under Jonas' treatment, we hauled them down to the old house on Frank's sleigh and scalded them both to-gether. Dad. said it was a dandy scald and Jonas says it was due to his method of putting a dipper of woodashes in the barrell and to his accuracy in testing the temperature of the water with his had. Dad. helped scrape them and then had to go out to Jim Waddle's to see his lymphatic horse as he was in after him this morning. Jonas and Frank dressed the pigs and I guess made a pretty fair job of it. I cleaned out the chicken house and fooled around. They finished up before dinner and Jonas stayed to dinner. The same fellow that was here to-day the other day from Simcoe was in again to-day to see Jonas and caught him this time. This after noon I drove Enah down town to do shopping, she took down ten dozen eggs but the price had dropped to twenty eight cents. I got twenty eggs yesterday and to-day. I had to wait quite awhile for Enah so drove around with Fred Tuck. Very soft and mostly sunny but cool wind raining and snowing a little to-night. Sunday March 1st Frank went down to Sunday school and church to-day and Dad. drove Enah down to church but didn't stay himself. I didn't go down at all to-day principally because I was too lazy. I didn't get up till way late this morning and haven't done any thing much all day but a few chores. Dick went through his regular Sunday programme, stayed in bed till noon, went down town after dinner and I suppose to church to-night. He took my camera down and was going to get a film for it. Dad. and I intended to go out to the Shand's this after noon but it was so late when we got ready that we didn't go. Mostly sunny but cold North wind, freezing hard to-night and wind getting worse. Monday March 2nd Dad. cut up the pigs this morning we weighed them with the old stillyard which Dad. brought over from home and they just came to 105 lbs apiece. I put in the whole morning writing to Aunty and at the same time watching Tiddums who was asleep. This after noon we did chores and covered over all of the sheep pen instead of a part of it we tried to fasten up the door which blew out of the peak of the barn but it fell out again while we were working at it and as it broke a little we left it for another time. I also helped Dad carry over a 31 �couple of loads of hay to the other barn on his back with the {illegible} rope. We couldn't do much out side to-day as there has been a terriffic north wind with a little snow and besides it has been cold. The storm was much worse in other parts of the province than here but has gone down to-night. Tuesday March 3rd After we did chores this morning Dad. fixed some bars up at the south end of the horse stable out of the old wind mill posts to keep the sheep in their own yard. Arthur Preston came over to borrow some of Dad's show clothes to wear at the Methodist concert next week. Colin Ryersie was also over for awhile. About noon Dand. and I drove down town to get some stuff and he wanted to see Harry Moon to see what kind of duds he wanted for the concert. I went over to the barn when we got home and found a lamb just arriving, the ewe was No. 117 and we didn't expect lambs from her till Saturday. This was a good big ram lamb, we left him there till after dinner and when I went out then his sister was just getting off. We brought them both into the house for awhile one at a time and to-night put them in the little box stall in the horse stable. We didn't do any thing much but fool with the lambs this after noon. Much milder to-day and sunny but frosty to-night. Wednesday March 4th Dad. and I didn't take our clothes off all night last night. Dad crawled into bed about half past two and I dozed in the big chair the rest of the night going out to the barn every hour or so to see how the sheep were, we expected lambs all along but they didn't show up nor all day to-day, so I guess we will have another night's vigil. It is the ewe which was sick that we are watching, she is due on Friday. We spent about half an hour this morning trying to get Osprey out of the stable to give him a little exercising. Dad. put the harness on him and went to lead him out the door where there is a drop of about a foot into the drivehouse, and he hung back. Dad. tried to coax him but he was positive and the more determined Dad was to bring him out the more determined he was not to come out. Dad. put a little rope under his chin and we tugged on that for quite awhile but couldn't get him any farther than the door. Then we tried whipping him but that had not the desired effect although it put old Harry into the notion of kicking and scared the other horses. Osprey would rear and paw and throw himself but not go ahead. Then Dad. put a rope on his front foot and we tried pulling him out that way but he would just paw and must have thrown himself a dozen times or more some times right under Belle's or Harry's feet. At last one time when he threw himself I took a hitch around a post with the rope on his leg and by dragging him out and 32 �not giving him a chance to fly back we at last got him out. He didn't seem at all mad and I took him down to the corner and back and he went beautifully. We didn't do any thing much the rest of the day but chores and I had a little snooze after dinner. Frank worked at the old house after he got home from school he is boarding it up so as he can fill it in with sawdust around the ice. Thawed all day, some snow & cold wind. Since writing this we have put in quite a night of it. I went over to the barn about eight o'clock and found Dad's ewe with a lamb. I came to the house and got Frank and Dad. who was asleep in the chair the only sleep he had all night to come out, while they were there another one arrived, so we brought the first one to the house to get warm, we noticed the sick one the one we have been watching all day looked very much as if she would lamb in a few minutes, but she didn't till about four o'clock. We all sat up for a long time, till Dick came home and he and Frank went to bed. I sat up till about one or two and then I went to bed. Dad. sat up and out at the barn all night with the two little fellows as they were both very weak at first but got stronger and he held an old coat over them a long time to keep them warm till they went to sleep and stopped trying to crawl out and till the old one lay down beside them and stopped trying to paw the coat off. He also had his eye on the other ewe and about four o'clock came in and woke me up, he said he hated to as I was so sound asleep and I guess he didn't hate to any more than I hated to get up but he thought the sick ewe was not right and something ought to be done so I went out with him and we caught her but didn't bother her much and we hadn't been out very long when her baby came, it was a ram and a bouncer, the biggest one yet I think, but she is the first ewe that didn't have twins. I went to bed again about five o'clock but Dad. stayed up all night. Thursday March 5th I didn't get up till about eleven this morning, so I guess I had my sleep out. Dad put the harness on Osprey and we gave him quite a long exercise, we got him out of the stable easier to-day. I held Belle out in the drive house and when Dad saw Osprey wouldn't lead out he just let him loose and got behind him and touched him a little with the whip till he jumped out with out much fooling. I started to take him down the road and got about as far as the culvert and he didn't want to go any farther. I wouldn't let him go back so we just turned around and around in the road till Dad. came out and he got him to go down to the corner and back alright. I then took him down the other way as far as Preston's barnyard and he got frightened and their cows and would go past so I started the same performance there again and at last started to lead him past but Dad. came down and said to take him home as it was so late. This after noon I cleaned out the hen house and did chores. 33 �Whitesell was in this after noon to see Dad. about a sick horse. Thawed all day in the sun but not in the shade cold east wind. Friday March 6th I camped in the big chair all night last night and Dad. went to bed. I didn't go to sleep till after midnight as I wasn't at all sleepy so had a good read. I went out to the barn at 12, 3 and half past 6 and slept in the mean time, every thing was alright out there. When I woke up at half past six this morning my knee was pretty stiff but it soon limbered up. I find I have a brute of a cold due I think to getting my feet wet. We did chores this morning and Dad. put the harness on Osprey and I took him out and he went fine, he started his little game of trying to turn around and go back this morning but I found out that instead of trying to make him go ahead which to me was impossible, I just let him turn around and then back him up in the direction I want him to go, he soon wants to turn around and when he does goes all right in the right direction. I tried it on him several times and it worked fine every time. I took him down to Flemming's corner on the side road and then back and down to Mrs. Battersby's corner. This after noon I had a sleep and then took what few eggs I had over to Jack Martin and was over there quite awhile. I only got sixteen eggs to-day I don't know what is the matter with the hens. To-night Frank and Enah went down to see "Satan" at the moving picture show I was going down but as I had such a cold thought I would wait till to-morrow night. It snowed all day to-day but didn't put much in the ground. Not very cold. Saturday March 7th Dad. and I sacked up 12 bags of oats this morning while Frank went down town after some salt petre to salt the pork with, then he and Dad. went down to the mill with the load. When they got back they cleaned out the rest of the box-stall and I started to chop a hole out in the chicken yard to put a post in but it was frozen too deep. This afternoon Dad. and Frank went down to the mill and got their grist and I took Osprey out while they were gone he went fine. When they got back Dad. drove Enah down town and left her there and I minded Tiddums all the after noon he slept for awhile. Frank worked at the old house and Dad. did chores when he got back. To night I went down to the moving picture show and saw "Satan" I thought it was pretty good. Cloudy and snowy but quite soft. Raw breeze. Sunday March 8th 34 �Neither Dad nor I have been off the farm all day to-day but have just done chores and sat around. We thought of hooking Osprey and Belle to the buggy and going out to the Shand's this after noon but we didn't, we have to keep a rather close watch on one of the ewes Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and Enah walked down to church alone to-night. We didn't get through in time to go with her. Dick slept till dinner and after dinner went down town, he will likely go to church to-night. Cloudy and rather cold with some snow and raw wind. Monday March 9th We didn't do any thing much but chores to-day and watch sheep Dad. was not in bed at all last night and when he went out at four this morning to look at the sheep, found the wideheaded ewe with a lamb, which if it had been left much longer would have perished with the cold; but Dad. wrapped it up in his old pea jacket and brought it around alright. Mrs McBride was here washing all day and it has been very miserable out cold and windy. To-night Enah and I went down to the Methodist Choir concert, and thought it was great especially the costumes which were all old fasioned. The hall was packed full, and they say some were turned away. It lasted till late, we got home about twelve half past eleven o'clock. Dick and Dad. were both up. Tuesday March 10th We did chores all morning. Mr. Fleming was over for a little while this after noon. We hitched Osprey and Belle up to the bob-sleigh and drove them down to Jonas' corner and back a couple of times as that was the only place there was any snow. Tommy Jackson was over for quite awhile late this after noon to see about getting some corn stalks, he was telling us a lot about sheep and a good many other things. Cold, raw wind, sunny. Wednesday March 11th Dad. was up all night last night again and hardly slept at all I stayed up awhile but got so sleepy and chilly that I couldn't stand it so went to bed. The white ewe, which is due to lamb to-morrow was in rather bad shape all night, and there was no sign of lambs so Dad. got us all up early this morning and we had breakfast over by a little after seven and then Dad went out to examine her, and in about half an hour, we had two more buck lambs but one was dead. She was very weak, so we just left her alone for awhile and brought the live lamb in the house to get warm. When we took it out, the ewe wouldn't own it so it has been in the house all day and Dad. takes it out every now and then for refreshments, she was so 35 �weak we didn't like to urge her. We were afraid this morning that she wouldn't pull through but she seems much stronger now, she eats and chews her cud so I guess will recover. We haven't done much to day but chores and sit around. Dad is very tired. Tonight Colin Ryersie was here and Bill Duncan's man wanted Dad to go up there but he was too tired to go. There was a grand wedding in town to-day, Leo O'Heron and Inez Schram, Frank saw them go off. Tiddums can walk now all alone but he is a little afraid to unless someone's right besid him to catch him. Very sunny to-day but cold north wind. There was a fine eclipse of the moon to-night, we didn't know about it till we saw it. Thursday March 12th We did up the chores this morning and then hauled the hay rack over to where the sheep are and put on a load of hay, we got it on by noon and hauled it over to the horse stable Cousins Phoebe & Loll were over to dinner and after Dad. had showed them all around the ranch and talked awhile we put the load off over the horse stable and hauled another load over to the other barn for the cows and left it on the barn floor. The little lamb has been in the pen with its mother all day but still she doesn't recognise it although isn't bad to it. Dad. has to catch her for the little fellow to get refreshments but once he gets started she stands quietly. Tiddums started off of his own accord to walk to-day noon and was greatly pleased with himself to find out he could. he has prancing around ever since Jonas was over for a visit, after tea, and gave us a few selections on the mouth organ. It has been freezing pretty hard in the shade all day, fairly sunny. Friday March 13th This morning we did chores and I cleaned out the chicken house and separator as we want to begin separating again now. Loyd Ryersie came in at noon with a notice for Dad to attend a meeting of the school board at three o'clock on the school grounds. We wanted to go after a load of wood up to Evan's this after noon so went around that way although it made us pretty late. The way they have it surveyed out now, there is just the same width of ground on each side of the building and is fifty feet in from Main St. This they all think is too close to the street but they can't move it back without cutting down or trimming up the old hickory nut tree and as none of them want that done, they think it will have to go where they now have it unless they buy some more lots. When Dad. got through with them we went up to Evan's and got the waggon box full of wood. a lot of it was cut too long for our stove but we managed to get on about three quarters of a cord. We just got home a little before six. Not quite so cold to-day although freezing all day in the shade. 36 �Saturday March 14th Dad was up at twenty minutes to five this morning and I got up at six so he and Frank were able to get started at half past eight for a load of wood at Evans. They got back at noon with a little over a cord. I did chores all morning. They got another load this after noon and I piled the two loads that were here along the end of the old house, besides doing a few chores and watching the colts. dogs. chickens and Frank's pig that they didn't get into mischief. It was too muddy to take Osprey out on the road so I let him out in the yard and he and Dave ran around and chased the sheep out of the barn once. I also let this pen of hens out all over the place as I wanted to clean their place out and some out of the other pen got out in the hen yard so I couldnt let both pens in there to-gether. Tom Abbot was in here to see Dad about a cow of his but as Dad. wasn't here he came in again just before dark. He is going to start coming here for cream a week from Monday, if he is alive and well. It has thawed all day in the shade to-day and is very muddy and wet Sunday March 15th I didn't get up in time to get ready to go to church to-day and unless Dick goes to-night and I suppose he will Frank was the only one of this family who went to-day. I just did chores and poked around. About noon Dad. and Enah took Tiddums out to see the lambs, it was the first time he had been out side the house since New Year's day. I took a couple of snapshots of him - Dick also got up about that time and came out. This after-noon Frank went back to the gully and Dick went down town. The cows all wandered back to the gully and I went back after them we noticed they were all covered with mud and Dad is afraid they have been slipping down the hill, but seem to be all right. It has been very mild sunny and spring like to-day. Water and mud all over. Monday March 16th We did chores most of the morning, this after noon Huby came over as Frank told him this morning that we could use him now. he was glad to get to work he said and we hauled in two loads of corn stalks, putting two shocks on a load. They are in great shape to haul now as they have all thawed out. Tupper came in for quite a visit on his way home from town. He and Huby were both telling us about Tom Hurley hanging himself. Huby stayed to tea and Frank and I went down town with him. I went to band practice, the first one of the season. Walt had a lot of new music but there were only one or two of us there. Frank went to the moving picture show and then came up to the band room Dick came in too so we all came 37 �home to-gether. From the way they all talk there are going to be great doings in Dover this year, with the rail road, big soup factory and harbor improvements. It has been a lovely spring day sunny and mild and very muddy Tuesday March 17th Huby was over at seven o'clock this morning and we started as soon as possible to haul corn stalks. we hauled in two more loads and now have all in the barn that we have room for and left the last load on the waggon, there are only three shocks left out there now. Huby and I put in nearly the whole afternoon setting a couple of anchor posts in the chicken yard to put a cross fence in to make a separate yard for the breeding pen, they all got out together to-day. The frost was in the ground about two feet but by a lot of chopping and scaping Huby managed to get down past it. Dad is tickled to-night to think that the old white ewe has at last recognised her lamb. She noses him and lets him get "meals at all hours" and apparently thinks as much of him as the others did when their lambs were first born we blame it to St. Patrick. Froze pretty stiff last night, mild and muddy to-day. There have been a lot of robins seen in town but I haven't seen one yet. Wednesday March 18th I got up about half past four this morning but have been very lazy all day. Just sat around and did as few chores as possible, I had a sleep this after noon, I think the reason I felt so rotten was because my feet were so cold and wet. When Dad. went out to the cow stable this morning he found a black and white calf the property of Snowdrop up and running around with its poor mother tied fast in her stanchions; we got them both around in the barn where the soon were all right. By after breakfast another calf arrived on the scene this one a red and white one and Jim's both were bulls. Dad. just turned all the cows out of stable and let Jim and her calf have it to themselves. Tonight he tied Jim's calf in the alley way in front of her and let Snowdrop's run loose in the barn and tied both of the mothers up and milked them. He thinks they are both going to be good milkers and easy to milk Jim especially. This after noon Dad. and I drove down town in the waggon and got some groceries and also half a bushel of beans from George Gamble as Huby said he had some very nice ones. Dad. got me a pair of rubber boots which have made my feet ever so much more comfortable. Dad. went to a school board meeting to-night and I thought I would go down and get the films from Dick which he took down the other day to have developed. He said he was going to work to-night so I went up to the bank but no one was there so I went down and saw the moving picture show, they had on "Robinson Crusoe" and it was pretty 38 �good. When I got out of there I went again to the bank but there was still no sign of life so I came home and fell in with Dad. Mr. Flemming and Jack Martin. They are having some squabble about the street up there which the council orderd closed but which Vyse never signed (just dirty work. They have also decided to cut down the old hickory nut tree. Dick got home soon after we did and said he was at the bank all the time but he wasn't. It snowed last night and has been pretty cold and wet all day. Freezing hard to-night. Thursday March 19th We didn't do any thing much but chores to-day except set a hen up over the drive house in the loft on 15 eggs, we also wrung Frank's pig which we hope will keep him her from comitting any depredation by rooting. It has been pretty cold all day but fairly sunny. I drew some more to-night at my picture of the mill & Herb Cooke's house. Friday March 20th We just did chores to-day as there wasn't much else we could do except take a grist to the mill and we didn't bother with that. This after noon I practiced on my horn a little and finished my bookcase. Dick Faulmsbe was over this morning to see if Dad. would put any thing in for the canning factory, but Dad. told him he wouldn't although he signed his name to show McPherson that Dick had been here. There is more excitement down town now over the swing bridge; it seems at the council meeting the other night after Henderson had left having been told that no more important business was on that Taylor moved and Uncle Ward seconded that the County council go ahead and build a stationer bridge over the creek which is just what the Board of Trade is fighting against. Billy Laings made a vigorous kick (could be heard a block away) but he couldn't do any thing and Vyse, he just, oh he just smiled I suppose up his sleeve. Cold with raw wind sunny and freezing hard to-night. Saturday March 21st I did chores most of the morning and Dad. & Frank sacked up twelve bags of oats. Two Cooper kids and young Hayan came up the lane - and when they saw Dad. asked him if they could cut through here. Dad. told them he thought they had cut through and then Bluch charged them. This afternoon Dad. Frank went down town and took their grist to the mill. They saw a big flock of geese light out in the swail holes just before they left and and in a very short time Jim Law appeared and wanted to see if we had a shot gun as he had seen them too. Ont their way home from down town, just as they got to the garage the tire broke on one of the wheels of the old waggon, they crawled along to Ray Waddles and left the 39 �wheel and as it happened Bob. Law's waggon was at Chris Fairchild's with a broken axle so they just took one of Bob's wheels. I took Osprey out for a little run while they were gone and then came in the house and read. Tiddums feels rather out of sorts these days as he is cutting four big teeth. Sunny and bright but froze all day in the shade. Sunday March 22nd Frank went down to church and Sunday school and Enah and I walked down to church, while Dad watched Tiddums and kept house. This after noon Dick having got up for dinner he and I decided to go for a ride. so Dad. saddled Joe and I was to ride her to the corner and then bring her back for Dick. I got on her alright but as soon as I did she began to perform. I don't know just what she did but I know I was a little uncertain till I got out of the lane whether I could manage to sit on her or not, but did. I rode her down to the corner and back and when I came up Dick had vanished. Dad. said he had had enough before even I got nicely started and had got in to change his clothes and go down town. Dad. cinched Joe up again and I rode her around the block. I was very much surprised to find Tupper, John Wess and all out that way had the rural mail service. I wasn't gone very long and came home and read till it was time to do chores. Quint & Lila came over with Frank who had stayed down there to dinner. Quint had his shotgun with him as Frank had told him about the geese and they went to look for them but didn't get a shot at any thing. They followed a white hawk or owl all over the country but didn't get it either Quint went down before tea as he wanted to get ready for church but Lila stayed and Frank walked down with her after tea. Tiddums feels pretty miserable yet. Much milder to-day sunny and breezy. When Dad. went out to the cow stable he found a lovely red and white heifer calf lying dead behind Erie. It had been born dead and about a month ahead of time. Dad. thinks she must have been hurt when she fell back in the gully last Sunday. Monday March 23rd We did chores most of the morning and spent quite awhile with Erie. Huby came over after dinner and pruned trees all the after noon. I helped him till about four and then went down town with Dad. to get our own wheel for the waggon and take Bob. Law's back. Mrs. McBride was here all day. To-night I lugged my horn down to band practice but there was none. Frank came down with me to go to the moving picture show so I went with him it was pretty fair. I saw the orchestra there so understood why there was no band practice Walt. was there and told me it would be Wednesday. Allan Law overtook us on our way home and gave us a ride to their corner. We got home about half past eleven and Dick arrived before 40 �we were asleep. Snowed a lot more last night but has been very mild and sunny all day freezing to-night. We started sending our cream to the factory this morning. Tuesday March 24th I got up at five this morning although I hated to and didn't feel wide awake for an hour or two, but got the chores pretty well done up before breakfast. Huby was over at seven and pruned orchard all day. I helped him most of the day except doing a few chores. We didn't get over many trees but we gave the ones we were at a proper old trimming, especially the russet tree which has an awful brush pile under it now. Dad did chores all day, and late this after noon a new calf arrived via Spotty. It is a big bull calf and nearly all black. This morning Dad and I put some Nitrate of potash on the bulls calves horns to see if we could take them out, we can't tell yet whether it is going to work alright or not. Dick came home to tea tonight to try on his clown suit which Enah is making for him for the masquerade dance he had to go back again after tea. It thawed a lot to-day in the sun, but froze all day in the shade. Dad. sent away for a gobbler to-day. Wednesday March 25th Huby came over this morning and pruned the orchard most of the day. I didn't help him any as Dad. and I put up a fence across the chicken yard to separate the two pens. It begant to rain about the middle of the after noon so Huby and I put the cornstalks off the waggon and then he and Dad. started to clean out the calf pen. Enah went down town at three to havel her tooth fixed and Dad. and I minded Tiddums by turns till Frank got home. We forgot to tell Tom Abbot to bring us any butter although he hasn't brought our can back anyway yet, and as Frank forgot to get any on his way home, he had to traipse back to town and get some when Enah got home. I went down to band practice to-night but as Harry Moon, Walt. and Carl were the only ones there we didn't have any. It was a lovely day till it rained and was very mild all day and to-night. Thursday March 26th Huby trimmed orchard till we got the chores done and then we went over to the big barn and put on a load of hay before dinner. When we took the team over to the trough to water them at noon I let go of old Harry thinking he would go to the stable but the old fool lit out right for the field and Belle after him and they tore around there quite awhile before we caught them but didn't damage their harness any. This after noon we hauled the hay over to the other barn and put it off for the cows and then went over and got another load for 41 �the horse stable but didn't get time to haul it over. Huby did Frank's skins up for him and he is going to send them down to Hallam. Dick came home to tea to get all fixed up for the dance, he looked fine. I was kind of sorry I didn't go to a little trouble and fix up myself. It was terribly muddy and dark so I drove him down to the side walk. He didn't come home after it was over. It has been very dark all day and rained nearly all the after noon we heard thunder growl two or three times which Dad. now believes when heard in Spring to be a sure sign of cold weather off and on for six weeks but according to the other reliable forecast that the wind on the twenty first and twenty second will be the prevailing wind for six weeks we are to have it from the south west so Bill Oakes says, but they are having it very cold in the North West -6 below at Edmonton. Friday March 27th It rained nearly all day and got much colder as the wind veered right around to the north. Huby couldnt work in the orchard so put in the whole morning cleaning out the calf pen. I helped him for a couple of hours before dinner and Dad. for quite awhile but we finished soon after dinner. We then cleaned up the barn floor and sacked up what few oats were in the small bin so as we could have the bin to put the seed oats which we cleaned up in, we set the fanning mill but didn't have time to put any through to-night only a few to see if it was all right. Dad & I sat up till after twelve to night and finished reading Friar Tuck. Dick didn't come home again I suppose he couldn't get through the mud. Frank brought the new gobbler home to-night and weighed 18 lbs. but is young he looks all righ Saturday March 28th We didn't do any thing much but chores to-day. Huby didn't get over till about ten o'clock and he trimmed in the orchard all day. Frank took his furs down town to post and worked a lot at the old house. After dinner he, Huby and I went back to the gully to see if we could see a fish in the creek but failed although we saw a coupe of ducks get up out of a swail in the old timothy sod. There were two very interesting letters in the "Maple Leaf" yesterday everlastingly jumping on Vyse for not signing the bylaw which the council passed for closing Alma St for school property and also for representing to the County Council that it is the wish of the people of Port Dover to have a stationary bridge erected over Black Creek where a swing bridge ought to be, a good many other of his misdeeds are mentioned. Sunny & muddy cold north wind Sunday March 29th 42 �Frank went down to Sunday school and church and I drove Enah down to the corner and she walked down to church as she could make better time that way than driving the roads are so bad. I cleaned out the stables while she was gone and then drove down again after her. Lila was with her and came over to spend the after noon. Frank came home through Flemming's gully and found a skunk cabbage. Just before dinner Charlie Shand came over as he had walked down to church and he stayed all the after noon. Sam. and Tom Jacques came over for a little while late this after noon. Tom wanted to see if he could get a gobbler. Dick came home last night, spent the morning in bed and the afternoon down town I suppose he is at church to-night. Mild & muddy. Monday March 30th It was raining when we got up this morning and rained most of the fore noon but cleared off before dinner and although cloudy it didn't rain at all after dinner, rather a raw wind all day. Huby came over and while we were doing chores he sharpened the spade, shovel, pick and axes, and after break fast we cleaned up oats for seed we ran through over sixty bushels so think we have enough. This after noon Huby pruned the orchard. I did chores and helped him for a couple of hours, Dad. spent most of the after noon doing chores and writing to Aunty. Sam Law came over to borrow the buggy pole. Quint came through the orchard while we were out there. He and George Hamaker had been up creek and Quint came around this way to see if he could get a shot at the ducks but I don't think he saw them. He and George have been out since early this morning through all the rain, just to fish & hunt. Jonas came over to-night and as Frank was very anxious to go back to the gully to see if he could get a fish as the Ryersie's told him they got some in the little creek, and as neither of us were very anxious to go Jonas went with him. Tuesday March 31st Huby didn't come over this morning as he had some insurance to look after. Dad. and I did chores and I cleaned out the hen houses. We also docked all the lambs, we did the trick with a hammer, butcher knife and block. They all seemed to come through pretty well except the little fellow belonging to the white ewe. The shock seemed harder on him than the rest and he suffered more, but I think he will pull through allright. We also trimmed up the ewes. Huby came over after dinner and pruned in the orchard all the after noon I helped him for a little while but spent most of my time pitching the wet straw off the stack and carrying dry over to the chicken house and stables. I got a letter from Rus. Gordon to-day asking if he could come up here to spend his Easter holidays, it was about the first I had 43 �heard for three or four years from him. Frank and Jonas got home last night about half past eleven and never saw a fish although the Ryersie's were out and got a dozen I think Frank said. Jonas has been over at Tupper's all day pruning his orchard. It has been sunny and windy and very nice all day the mud is beginning to stiffen in spots. Wednesday April 1st Huby spent most of the morning repairing the long ladder but about ten he and I went out and started to prune we worked away till nearly one. Dad. went down town but didn't get back till after two. He spent most of the after noon doing chores and Huby cleaned up the old house - and put the lead in the cider barrel as Dad. took it out when we scalded the pigs. I took what eggs I had over to Jack Martin and just sat around and watched Huby till it was time to do chores. Jonas came through on his way from Tupper's Frank stuck a wind mill up on a fence post to-night (entered by request). I got a lovely bit of poetry from Louise to-day but not one of her own it is a college song she says. Mr. Morgan was through here this morning canvassing for the canning factory he said Dick Faulmsbe being out had helped him any. About noon Dick drove in with the Rural Mail carrier. He was a Scotchman and Dick was evidently showing him round, but neither of them seemed to know just where to go and Dick and his horse wouldnt keep still long enough to tell him any thing (it wasn't Dick's old horse I didn't know it at all) This was the first day they started on this new route. We didn't know they came past the front of this place but Dad. thinks it is just as handy to have Frank bring it from school. Huby asked Dick if he had quit the Canning factory and he said he was laid off till further notice. It drizzled a good part of the fore noon and rained quite hard most of the after noon, no wind. Thursday April 2nd Huby brought a coupl of quarts of harness oil over with him this morning and also a couple of saw benches which he made. While we were doing chores he fixed up the step ladder. We then took a tub of warm water out to the stable, slung up a couple of poles and began to clean harness. Dad. had wiped off all the windows which let in considerably more light. It was nearly noon and as we didn't want to get our hands all oily before dinner we just washed one set. About noon we saw Jonas mooching through the orchard headed for Tupper's. Dad told him it was too wet to prune trees so he came over and helped us oil harness all the after noon for half a dollar. Dad. did chores most of the after noon but Huby and I worked at it steadily, we washed it and Jonas oiled and what time Dad. had he put it to-gether after it had been oiled. We got all the heavy double harness done and half the 44 �light double set. Bruce Dell brought Rex over for Dad. to look at as he has a little lump on his back. Frank got the money to-day from Hallam for his musk rat skins I think they brought him $2.23. It has been a rotten day. It snowed quite a lot this morning and been either raining or snowing most of the day. Very mudy and raw nor'west wind. Friday April 3rd The ground was covered with snow when we got up this morning and it was quite cold although not freezing very hard but it got colder during the day and is freezing pretty hard to-night. Huby pruned trees for a couple of hours till we got things all fed up and then we started in at the harness again. Jonas came over soon after we got started and helped all the after noon We got all the harness including bridles, breaking harness & kicking strap oiled and put to-gether before six. Huby and Jonas worked steadily at and I was there most of the time but Dad did the chores so was not there so much. We had quite a concert at noon Jonas & Tiddums with the mouth organ & Enah with the guitar and all of them singing. Frank set the alarm to get up at half past four in the morning to go fishing with the Ryersies. Saturday April 4th It froze the ground stiff enough last night for us to haul the load of hay we have had on the waggon for the last two or three weeks over to the horse stable. I was pretty glad to haul it over as it was a great nuisance carring it over from the barn by the forkful. Huby fixed up one of the little ladders we got of the wind mill this morning while he was waiting for us to get the hay over thinking we would need him to help mow it away but we found we didn't so he pruned in the orchard the rest of the day. After we hauled the hay over we took the rack back to the big barn and hooked to the waggon and loaded up with the oats which we sacked up the other day. Dad. also hauled the sleighs over to where they will be handy to put in the shed as they have been standing out in the lane ever since winter. This after noon Dad. & Frank to the oats to the mill for chop, went down town while it was being chopped and got some shingles for the old house, and got home about four. Old Ivey at the mill who we have named the marquis owing to his likeness to gentleman of that title in "St. George & St. Michael" got Dad. to haul 600 lbs of flour down town as Herb's horse is rather laid up owing to the mud. The roads are a fright. I cleaned out the stables and helped Huby for about an hour. It was a lovely sunny morning but cloudy & a raw wind this after noon. Last night's snow thawed off to-day but the ground is covered again to-night. Froze all day in the shade. 45 �Sunday April 5th Frank went down to Sunday school and church and Enah and I walked down to church. I went up to see Ed. after church as he told Dad. if I came down any time last week he would give me a couple of grapevines but as I hadn't been able to get down I went up to tell him I would try and get them to-morrow. They are a couple he set out up there and as he is going to move down into Mrs. Allan's house opposite the evaporator and has no place for them down there, he didn't care to leave them especially as they have never done very well along the fence where he had them. I thought of going for a ride this after noon but the roads are in such a condition that I didn't think I would enjoy it much so didn't do any thing much but a few chores and read myself to sleep. Frank went back to the gully and Dick who was up for dinner went down town. It was a lovely sunny morning and the snow which fell during the night nearly all disappeared by noon but this after noon it got cloudy and colder and I think will pretty soon freeze Monday April 6th Dad. and I spent most of the morning doing chores but just before noon I went back and tore down a little of the gully fence. Huby came over late as he had to go up town to get his insurance papers and he spent a good part of the day measuring the buildings and renewing the insurance aplication. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. After dinner I took some eggs over to Jack Martin and then went down town to get my grapevine which Ed. gave me. I stopped in at Uncle Ward's on my way home to ask him about them and he talked to me for about an hour and told me all about his Uncle Loudon Bougner's vinyard over at Flint. I couldnt plant out my grapevines when I got home so just put them down cellar in a bag. To-night I walked down to band practice and had a fairly good one although there were only five of us there. It snowed nearly all day and has been a rotten day, Tuesday April 7th I didn't do much this morning but get dressed up and go down and meet Rus. Gordon. I drove down although the roads were awful. He came alright and we got home about noon. Huby didn't come over this morning as he had to finish up his insurance. He came over this after noon and Russ. helped us put on a load of hay. Huby also put in the two grape vines I got from Ed. He brought over a piece of hard wood and braced the step ladder. It has been a miserable day not at all cold but terribly muddy and cloudy all the fore noon and it rained 46 �all the after noon Dick came home early to-night and slept with Russ. I put the alarm clock in their room to-night set for half past three. Wednesday April 8th After we did chores this morning we cleaned up the barn floor where the fanning mill was and hauled over the load of hay which we put on yester day for the cow stable Russ & I put it off and Dad. bathed Spottys udder, the bad quarter is better and he was able to get the siphon in this morning. Huby came over about ten and pruned apple trees all day he saw the ducks get up out of one of the swail holes this after noon so went over and built a hide of some corn shocks, he also found two tame duck eggs in the orchard. This after noon Russ and I put on another small load of hay on the rack to take to the horse stable. After we got it on we went back to the gully and fooled around for awhile armed with Frank's rifle but we didn't shoot anything except a fence post we both took a shot at it and Russ hit it. It has been a miserable day, it snowed last night and has been cold - and windy all day, freezing hard to-night. Thursday April 9th After we did chores this morning Dad. hauled the load of hay we put on yesterday over the horse stable and Russ and I put it off. We then went out and cleaned out some of the big wood in the orchard. This afternoon Russ and I went down town. I got my hair cut and he went to see the Morgan's, then we both went up to school and had a talk with Mr. Smith after four and came home around by the mill with Frank. The old setting hen hatched out a few chicks to-day but I don't know how many. Huby came over at seven this morning and pruned nearly all day, it was too windy for awhile this after noon so he put a window in the wood shed which is a great improvement. Sam Law was over for quite awhile to tell us we could get butter over there now. It has been very cold and windy all day. It looked as if it would be a lovely day this morning although it froze very hard last night, but it clouded up and snowed every now and then all day. Freezing hard to-night. Friday April 10th Good Friday Huby pruned in the orchard most of the day but this morning he and I took a walk back to the gully and he paced off the length of fence it would take to go along the top of the gully to the road. When we came back I cleaned up some more brush in the orchard, I worked at it a little this afternoon to. This being Good Friday. Enah went down to church. Dick had a holiday so stayed in bed till noon. Frank and Russ spent the after noon back in the gully, 47 �they saw some fish but had no way of catching them. Dick was down town all after noon got home at mid night. We three boys went down to the Moving Picture show to see the battle of Waterloo, it was pretty good only all about the same. Lovely day sunny and windy much milder. Saturday April 11th It was cloudy cold and raining at seven o'clock this morning but Huby came over and worked around in the old house till we did chores he then went over with Dad. & me to see Tupper. Dad. wanted to ask him if he could borrow his hay rack and we took the shotgun & fish spear. After we'd seen all around the place Huby and I struck off down Tupper's creek we followed it way down to Black Creek but never saw a thing we then cut across to Art. Ryersies where we saw Wilson & James McPherson & Stewart Reeves with two or three measly looking fish. We got home quite awhile after noon. This afternoon Rus. & I did chores. Huby pruned orchard and late Dad. went over and got Tuppers hay waggon & scales which Tupper. was very anxious he should bring over. Frank went down town this after noon to get some window sash fixed & glazed for his shop. Quint came over this after noon and saw the ducks out in the swail hole and shot at them but was not close enough. Huby and I saw six geese fly over the place this after noon. It didn't turn out to be a bad after noon at all but is freezing a little to-night. Sunday April 12th Easter. I haven't done a thing in the shape of chores to-day since seven this morning. I got up fed the chickens sheep and horses and then went down with Dick to the early communion service we ran nearly all the way down or rather dog trotted but it just about killed me but Dick didn't seem to mind it, when we got home we had breakfast and then went down to the eleven o'clock service. The church was packed and Zeitha Barwell sang a solo. Every member of the Barrett family except Dad. and Tiddums was at church from both houses. After church, Rus. Quint, Frank and I took a walk over to the Thompson's with Joe who is keeping hatch at present. Quint came over with us to dinner which we had rather late Rus. wanted to make a few calls this afternoon so I went with him down town, we went to the Hobbes where we found Zeitha, Murry and Ada. Miss Prest is here over Easter. we had such a good time that the first thing we knew it was time to come home for tea. I did a few chores after I got home. The old hen I set on fifteen eggs up in the loft hatched out nine chicks but during yesterday the old hen got off the nest which is about a foot off the floor and three little fellows got off and couldn't get back when we went up at night we found 48 �them chilled to death and beyond all recovery. One of the turkey hens has disappeared, and we don't know where she is. It has been very windy all day but a nice day. The roads are drying up. Monday April 13th We loaded the hogs up first thing this morning and Dad. and I took them down to Neil. Elliot, we put Frank's pig in with the others and he weighed 172 lbs. We weighed them all on Tuppers scales before we started aand we made the total weight 994 lbs. none of them weighed 200 lbs and the lightest was 153 lbs. On Jim Law's scales they just came to 950 we didn't think they shrank 44 lbs coming down town and don't think we made any mistake, how ever we only got paid $9.00 a cwt for 950 lbs of hogs. We came around by Tommy Gillies to get some lumber for Frank to fix up the old house. Hazen was over for awhile this morning but didn't stay long. Dick didn't get up till the middle of the fore noon and then went down town to get some ham to make sandwiches for the dance to-night. He was down town all the afternoon playing base ball. This after noon we put a scaffold up along the east side of the old house and the boys and Huby got two or threes rows of shingles laid while we were doing chores. Huby pruned a little in the orchard and opened a ditch up out in the corn stubble. To-night we three boys went down to a dance in the hall given by the Sewing Club. The boys supplied the "eats" and the girls put up for the hall Dick went down early and went to the picture show first and Rus. and I got there about half past nine. We had a good though mighty hot time and got home about two o'clock. It has been a nice sunny day but cold raw wind. Tuesday April 14th I didn't do any thing much but chores and sow red clover seed on the wheat east of the orchard It froze hard last night and by the time I got that piece sowed it was too muddy & wet to sow the other. Rus. Huby & Frank shingled nearly all day at the old house and have it nearly finished. Rus. had to go back to Toronto to-night or they likely would have finished. I drove him down to the train, he said he had a good time while he was here, and felt a lot better than when he came. I drove Dick up town from the station he said he had been very busy all day and would have to work late to-night. I got a bunch of shingles from Tommy and the seed oats we got from Jonas on my way home. There was a school board meeting to-night but Dad. had such a terrible headache he couldn't attend. Frank went down to a nigger show which I suppose he enjoyed. I felt rotten with a cold to-night and nearly coughed my insides out after I went to bed. It has been a lovely day one of the nicest we 49 �have had this year - it was fairly hot. The young stock all got back across the gully after dinner and Dad and I had to go back after them we took Bluch on the chain. Wednesday April 15th Huby and Frank finished shingling the old house this morning and Dad. helped them put the ridgeboards on. I just did chores and fooled around. Mr. & Mrs Tupper came in and Tupper wants Dad. to put a team on the road scraper to-morrow if it is a nice day. After dinner Dad. and Enah drove to Simcoe and Lila and I looked after Tiddums with out any trouble. Dad. went up to pay Reid for discharging the mortgage and got all the old papers belonging to the farm - We spent the whole evening exploring them. The deed which gave Colin McNellige the place from the Crown in 1837 is lost but there is a big pile of other deeds and mortgages - and the will of old Alexander Clark which {Fa?}. drew up for him, where he leaves the place to his son. Huby finished pruning the orchard this after noon and started to trim up the trees in front of the house Frank worked all the afternoon at the old house. I got twenty four eggs to-day, it is the first time I have got above twenty. It has been very cloudy but not very cold all day. Quint came over this after noon and stayed to tea and fixed the music box. Thursday April 16th I haven't done much to-day but sit around and do chores. I have a pretty bad cold and don't feel up to much Huby and Frank worked at the old house most of the morning and Huby trimmed the trees out in front this after noon. Dad. did chores, went down to Sam. Law's after butter and helped Frank this after noon. Mr. Shand was over for a few minutes to see Dad. about one of his heifers. Art. Quanbury came over to get what eggs I had I only got fifteen to-day and two of my little chickens died. It rained all morning but wasn't a bad after noon, not cold. Friday April 17th Huby and Quint were over before seven this morning to see if the ducks were out in the water hole in the timothy sod they wern't so they set a lot of musk rat traps for them. Quint was here all morning and he and Huby helped Frank with the old house. Dad. started to dig an anchor post hole at the north west corner of the big barn as he wants to stretch some wire accross the barn yard for the old rail fence will not keep the cattle in this time of year, they are bound to get into the field which they punch all up. I didn't feel much like working so after I got the chores done I started back to the gully. Quint saw me going so got his gun 50 �and joined me. He didn't shoot any thing but got a crack at a ground hog but was a little too far away. We found a lot of spring beautys in Robert John's place they were on a sunny side hill. I suppose the may flower's are out too but we didn't run accross any plants Quint got one blood root. He didn't stay to dinner as he said he wanted to go up the Radical Road after dinner. Huby and Dad continued to dig anchor post holes this after noon and they set a couple of posts with an auger Frank borrowed from Jack Martin. Huby also pruned some more of the pear tree out in front. I started to stretch chicken wire down the fence between the plum orchard and lawn. Allan Law went by at noon with a new horse he sold his little chestnut yester day, he was going down to work at the school. It has been a beautiful day, sunny and warm. Spring at last. Saturday April 18th Huby and I hung some rails ont the bottom of the line fence where Ivy's tile drain runs through there is a depression in the land and the sheep walk right under the fence but we fixed it to hold them I think. This after noon Huby set the rest of the posts accross the barn yard, burned the old brush heap in the pasture field near Ivy's fence which has been there for a couple of years and pruned some more of the trees in front of the house. I stretched the rest of the roll of chicken wire which I started on yesterday. it just reached part way down the plum orchard fence. I also cut a hole in the yard fence - and let one pen of hens out to-night they were tickled to death and soon explored the whole plum orchard and most of them got out through the fence where there is nou poultry netting. They didn't all find the way back to roost - and we found one on a fence post way back the lane. John Wess McBride came over to-night about seven before we had had our tea, and got Dad. to go over and look at one of his mares which was sick. I went back with them and we didn't get back to supper till about half past nine. Dad didn't know what was the matter with the mare. She didn't seem very sick but was breathing very hard when we got there and was a little stiff in the nigh fore leg. Before we left her breathing got better and Dad. said he hadn't the slightest idea what ailed her. John Wess was up all night last night with Ray Lampkin's who died about ten o'clock this morning. Beautiful day, hot. windy to-night. Sunday April 19th Frank went to church and Sunday school this morning and Dick got up at noon had dinner and went down town, with the intention of attending church to-night but the rest of the family stayed home. I didn't like the idea of going to church and coughing or blowing my nose all through service so we just did chores and sat around. Ed. came over this after noon 51 �with Marion, he brought over a couple of dandy plans for the pig pen, the side elevation and ground floor plan. Frank stayed at Huby's to dinner. Huby said that Charlie McQueen told him he had seen our hen turkey over in Preston's woods Frank went to look for her but didn't see her. It rained most of the morning but not hard. Cloudy most of the day but very mild The wheat and grass has got very green to-day. Monday April 20th Huby & I spent the whole morning clearing the brush of the lawn and we got it all nicely raked and the brush piled in the plum orchard. Dad. put in the forenoon receiving visitors Dick Faulmsbe was the first caller. Billy Faloon then came in for a long time. He has a sick horse - and Bruce wanted him to get Dad's advice. He said {Buse?} was just about bushed, he had been practicing night and day and every thing he has been doctoring this spring has died. Charlie Martin then "dropped in on us" for awhile and the purport of his mission was to ascertain whether it would be convenient to smoke his meat in our smoke house. As Dad. has our meat just about ready to smoke, he told Charlie to bring his over any time so he came over with five pieces after dinner This after noon we put the fence up against the posts in the barn yard. We braced one anchor post well by putting wire around it and around the corner post in the barn but we couldn't stretch the wire tight although we had all of old Mr. Walker's outfit but the other anchor post was in very soft earth and the brace post was fairly floating. We forgot to get any staples so couldn't fasten it to the posts but we got so that we think it will keep the cattle out in till we can stretch it better. It has been cloudy and rather raw all day and drizzled & rained all the after noon. Mrs McBride was here washing all day. Huby brought over the grape vine that was down at the boat house and planted it along the front fence it has a big root & stalk. Tuesday April 21st Huby brought over another grape vine this morning and set it out down under the old willow. After breakfast he and I set fire to the pile of brush in the plum orchard it didn't burn very fast but it nearly all burned up. Dad. was very busy attending to a new bull calf which arrived this morning and for whose arrival Bobbie is responsible. We hung the meat in the smoke house and he and Huby started to build a stake and rider fence four panels long from the north west corner of the old barn to within a gate's width of the north anchor post of the new fence. We got it up by noon and it is a dandy about seven feet high. I went over to Jack Martin's with some eggs and to ask him about getting an incubator as I think I will have to have one or no chickens. none of the hens show any symptoms of wanting to sit. I 52 �found out he has one he wants to sell it being to small or something for him. It is a "Peerless" and he said he would let me have it and the brooder for half price or seventeen dollars. He told me he was paying me 36 cts a dozen for my eggs, so I have sold him more than enough eggs to pay for the outfit. This after noon we built five more panels of stake & rider fence from the north east corner of the big barn to the north west corner of the horse stable and we fixed up an old gate to put at the gate way between the old barn and new fence at the end of the rail fence we built this morning. We didn't get it quite fixed but set it up so now have the barnyard pretty well fenced. John Wess was in to-night to see if it would be all right to work his mare to-morrow. Dad. said he thought it would be all right for although her leg is swollen she seems all right every other way. Cloudy and raw all day. Wednesday April 22nd Huby didn't get over till late this morning he had gone over to Stickney's to get his rubber boots fixed and then up to Val. Leaney's to see Bill Rankin about fixing an old saw he has.. and he saw so many people that he couldn't get away but when he did get here we hooked old Harry to the stone boat and started to clean the brush out of the orchard. we hauled it up to the far end of the orchard and piled it where we burned it before. This morning we just had the little stone boat but it took such a small load that Dad. nailed a couple of boards to it and we found we could put more than twice as much on but when we started up the brush caught on the ground and the stone boat pulled out from under it, but Dad. got another board and put down the middle so there was no space for the brush to stick in the ground and it went all right. Huby and I went up with every load one on each side with a bar jammed into the brush for a lever to hold it on. We put on big loads and packed them well by taking the long iron bar and putting it accross the top of the load every now and then and one got on each end of the bar and bear down with all our weight and every now and then Huby would walk up the load and tramp on it. By to-night we had nearly all the brush which was separated from the big limbs cleaned up. spare moments Huby painted the places on the trees where he cut big limbs off and has got over most of the trees. Alfred paid us a visit this after noon he had come up the gully with a fish spear on a "wild goose chase" so he said and just stopped in on his way home. By today's paper we see that the Mexican war with the U.S. has started. The Americans have taken the Vera Cruz custom house with only four of their men killed and about 200 Mexicans. Canon Hicks died yesterday with pneumonia so Dick told us. It has been a lovely sunny day with a drying breeze. Thursday April 23rd 53 �We finished the orchard up to-day, it looks very nice and neat. We got the brush all hauled up by noon but are going to leave it till Saturday if it is a nice day so Lila can see it. We hauled the big limbs up and piled them between the old house and the woodshed. We also hauled the old stump of the dead tree that we cut down last winter up to the house and to-night before we took old Harry of the stone boat Huby and I hauled the old shoes which have been in the garret over the old house since the days of Titus up to the brush pile and dumped them. There was an awful pile of them. Huby brought over some suckers with him this morning that Quint caught and Frank went fishing after school to-night and caught seven perch down at the pier. They are about the first he has got since he has been here. Enah got a letter from Louise to-day inviting her down next Wednesday night to hear the new organ in St. Pauls cathedral. It is supposed to be the best organ in America and they are having the best payed organist in the world to play it so it ought to be good. Of course she said she couldn't go but there is no reason what ever why she can't as so I guess she will It has been a nice sunny day but a cold raw wind this morning. I got twenty three eggs from the white chickens alone to-day. Friday April 24th After we did up the chores this morning Huby and I went back with some old rags and a bottle of crude oil to make torches to burn of the blue grass field. It was just the day for the job with a little east wind and when we set fire at the east end of the field it swept over the whole area in no time. It burned quite a few of the fence posts and the first thing we knew it was in the wood. It was not burning fast in there but was spreading steadily Huby said we would have a very hard job putting it out and we might better let it go as it would be a good thing to clean the ground up and was not hot enough to hurt the little trees. He didn't think it would burn far any way so we took a walk over to McQueens in quest of the lost turkey hen, we found Charlie at the black smith trade shoeing a team for Phil Shaver and the old man outside. As John Henry Butler is about dead and Ralph Waddle is sick Charlie picks up quite a lot of business. Coming home Huby and I separated and looked both sides of McQueens gully and through Preston's wood. We had Bluch and he put up a rabbit but we saw no sign of the turkey - but just as we were about home coming along the top of Ivey's gully Bluch scared her up, we didn't find her nest but left her back there. It was nearly noon when we got to our gully and we thought of coming up to dinner but on second thought we decided to see how the fire in the wood was progressing. The blue grass field was black all over but the wood was full of smoke and after we got in a little way we found Dad. who had seen the fire in the wood and come back and had been fighting to keep it away from Evan's 54 �fence. It had got pretty well all through the wood but hadn't got to the fence yet, we all three fought for an hour or so and at last got it pabout stamped out of course there were stumps on fire. I was by myself most of the time and Huby and Dad had an awful time trying to keep it away from a few panels of rail fence between John Wess and us {arrows indicate order of names in this sentence} but about one or after we thought it was safe to leave till after dinner, then Huby and I went back again. We found it all out through the wood except a few stumps but it had started up at the fence again and completely destroyed it for a fence as the rails in two panels were nearly burned up and we had to tear them down and throw them on to the burnt territory. It had also started in the grass on the other side again and if we had been a few minutes later it would have been into Evan's wood and we would have had our morning's fun repeated. We were back there all the after noon trimming the trees along the edge of the wood whose branches hang over the field. We looked at the fence again before we came up to-night but it seemed to be out so we left. It looks like rain to-night and if it does; that will fix it. Nice day but cloudy. Dad started disking on the corn stubble this morning but found it too wet in spots. Sam Law was harrowing they are the only ones I know of around here who have tried it at all Saturday April 25 It was raining when we got up this morning but cleared of during the fore noon. Huby came over and worked at the old house and sawed wood most of the day. I spent most of the morning making a hopper for my little chickens so the turkeys can't steal their food. This after noon I drove Enah down to doo some shopping and she walked back Lila came over this after noon. Win was coming over but she thought it would be too wet to burn the bonfire in the orchard so didn't come when I got home, we went out to try it. it was a little too wet but Huby got a fire started in one place and it would probably have gone but a big thunder storm came up about six and not only quenched the fire but drove them all in from looking after it. Huby and Lila stayed to tea but as it stopped raining they went down after wards. Dad. Frank & I had a bath to-night (for a change). There was another editorial in the "Maple Leaf" everlastingly raking Vyse down. Every body seems to think Vyse will try to enter a libel suit against L.G. but I guess its all true about him Sunday April 26th I was up fairly early this morning so was able to get the chores all done, get ready and drive Enah down to church on time. There was a very short service and no sermon as Mr. Johnson felt sick. This after noon I went down town for a little while. I went around by Hubys 55 �and found him pruning his apple trees he is getting them in pretty nice shape. Dick went through his Sabbath routine. Frank went back to the gully and the rest of the family stayed home for company's sake. Cloudy and breezy all day not a bad day. Monday April 27th I finished making my little chicken feed hopper this morning all but putting the hinges on the lid. I didn't do any thing else much. Huby didn't get over till late this morning as he waited for Stickney to see if he had the post auger, he hadn't but said Stocker would make it and some of them would bring it down in a day or two. Sam Law came over after Dad. to go down and see his pig. Huby brought down over some stone nest eggs and put them in the various turkey nests. This after noon Dad. spent the after noon getting his hair cut and Huby and I sorted the apples and cleaned out the cellar. Tonight I went down to band practice. Harry Moon wasn't there but we had a good practice Murray was there with his picilo and a new man who is learning the clarinet. Cloudy mostly cool Tuesday April 28th We didn't get much done this morning. Huby and I cleaned out the wood shed and chored around. This after noon I took some eggs (three dozen) over to Jack Martin's. I am going to save all the eggs from both pens now for myself till I get enough to fill the incubator. I have ninety three now. I got twenty five altogether to-day, the most I have got yet. Sam. Law came after Dad. again to go and see a cow. When we got back we made some alterations in the site of the building in the back yard and to-night the view from the dining room window is considerably improved. Tupper was in to-night to say that he wants Dad. to put a team on the road scraper to-morrow but it is raining to-night so we will probably be relieved from the job. Cousin Clare came over this morning to stay till Enah gets back from Toronto. It has been very hot and muggy all day feels very much like rain. Wednesday April 29th I got up about four this morning and the rest of the family soon after. Dad. drove Enah down to the station, and as Belle was a little nervous of the train shunting around he let her out a little way up the street just as Mr. Barwell came along he was bound for Toronto too so she was alright. Huby came back with Dad. I didn't do much to-day except plant out some little daisy plants in the front border bed and fix it up a little. Cousin Clare brought the plants over. I had to stay with Tiddums a little while after dinner. He has been very good all day especially as he hasn't been able to be out although he is lonesome of course. Huby worked 56 �around out side and cleaned out the old house nicely. Jim Waddle came after Dad. just before dinner to go and see a sick colt and he didn't get back till about three o'clock. It has been a miserable day. Cloudy and chilly. Rained a lot during the night and drizzled off and on all day. Thursday April 30th Frank McBride came over before breakfast this morning with some maple syrup which Mrs Carpenter sent to Frank. He told us just where we Aleta had found the turkey's nest in Ivey's gully over near Preston's fence, so after breakfast Huby and I went back to look for it, we found the place but didn't see any nest so went over to ask Aleta. On our way over we saw the old turkey on the other side of Preston's wood. Aleta told us the nest was just where she we had been looking but as she had taken the eggs out of it, we thought she might have moved so went down to the mill to ask Clarence Ferris as he had found it before and taken two eggs out. He said it was in the same place, we got the two eggs from him and the five Aleta had taken and went back and found what we supposed to be the empty nest but although we searched for quite awhile we could find no sign of the old turkey. We brought the eggs home and and got Huby's gloves which have been back at the wood ever since the fire. This after noon Huby lined out his ditch at the end of the old garden and got it started the whole length. I did chores and fooled around and Dad. put in most of the day minding Tiddums who is terribly home-sick. Winnie came over after school while he was alone with Cousin Clare and she supposes he thought it was Enah for when he was terribly disappointed when he recognised Win. To-night I went down to a surprise party of Hazel Silverthorne's. The sewing club was meeting at her place and she invited eight or nine boys over, we all rounded up at the bank and went over in a body. We played pedro which I don't know any more about than I do about making toads, but still I would have had a great time only my head ached and I felt rather sick for some unknown reason. We also played a lot of other games to add to the card playing score. One table blew bubbles, another cut out paper dolls, another speared peanuts in a bowl with hat pins, next played crocono, next snipped buttons - and the other made some sort of rhymes, we had dandy refreshments but I couldn't take much and felt so rotten before I left that I forgot to say good-night. Dad. went down and met Enah. She said she had a great time "to the city" and enjoyed the organ very much. Tiddums was glad to see her but didn't kick up much fuss over it. Art. Quanbury came over to-night with my incubator and brooder. Nice day but rather raw. Friday May 1st 57 �Huby and I put on a small load of hay this morning and this after noon Dad. hauled it over to the barn for the cows we then put on a pretty good sized load and Dad. & Huby unloaded it in the horse stable, while I took little Joe and drove Cousin Clare home. Tupper came over this morning to get Dad. to put a team on the road scraper, but Dad rode down with him to Sam Law's and got him to go on instead. Whit. Dixon came in while he was gone - after a pig for Bob. Miller, he brought two of the most horrible looking sheep I ever saw. He said Bob. had had them down in the barn in a crate and nobody fed them much except Mrs. Tate. He said Bob. wanted him to bring them over here and if Dad. didn't want to keep them till they got in shape to kill to leave them for a few days anyway, Whit. said he supposed Bob. thought if he got them unloaded here they would stay. The poor things could hardly stand up when they took them out of the waggon and they have been gorming grass ever since they got loose. Whit. was telling Huby and me all about his western experiences, he is sick of it. We sent down the biggest pig with Whit. Huby worked. Mrs. McBride was here all day housecleaning. Sunny with cool breeze Saturday May 2nd After I did chores this morning I went over to Martin's and borrowed Art Quanbury's spirit level and leveled up my incubator and started the lamp going, I won't put the eggs in till I see how it is going to go. George Holden and his brother brought the fifty Carolina poplars and the two English wallnuts. I heeled them in the garden and this after noon Huby and I planted them out. We planted the two wallnuts out in front. They were very healthy looking trees - and a good size. It was pretty late when we got them planted so we just took ten poplars back to the gully, we put them out in the east end of the gully mostly on the flat. but a couple on the hill, we stuck slips in all over mostly on ant hills. We didn't get back till about seven o'clock. Huby stayed to tea and he and Frank set fire to the bonfire in the orchard but it didn't burn well and they had to leave it after being out there an hour or two, sunny and nice to-day but cool Sunday May 3rd Dad. and I intended going to church to-day but -. First of all we didn't get up very early, then Fred's calf got into the pig yard and the old sow got out so Dad. had to fix it. Then I noticed old split ear walking lame over in the pasture and we found the wall of her foot was turned over. While we were trimming her feet up, Mr. Brirely came along and stayed till about noon telling us all about chickens and things. He said he would come over in a night or two to see if the incubator is going all right. I think I will fill it up to-morrow. I have the 58 �temperature up to about 103° now. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove out to Jim Waddle's. I just sat around the house while they were gone and read a little, snoozed a little, practiced a little on my horn and a little on the guitar. Frank went back to the gully but I don't think it had changed much since last night, he got some wild flowers. Dick spent the after noon in town, which I have no doubt he also will find in much the same condition as when he last saw it. He will likely go to church to-night. It has been a lovely day quite hot. Dad is afraid it will rain before long if it doesn't we are going to start work on the land tomorrow if all is well. Monday May 4th We got a fairly early start this morning and I had both teams cleaned and ready to slap the harness on and start farming but just about seven it began to rain. It didn't last long but plenty long enough to put an end to {starting?} operations to-day. It came out sunny and a nice breeze after the shower but this after noon it was more cloudy and threatening. It is very hot and lightening to-night. Dad. and Huby fixed the wind mill rod which Dad. broke yesterday and I took Art Quanbury's spirit level back and got a few final instructions about the incubator. I filled it up about noon and by to-night she was up to 97° and blowing off. I didn't know whether to regulate it or not but I happened to overtak Mr. Brirely coming home to-night and he told me I should. This after noon Dad. and Huby went back to the gully and fixed the fence as well as they could as there will soon bee picking enough to let the young stock out I started to grub out the trees between along the fence between the plum orchard. I got a couple of little plum trees out but didn't get any of the cherries {illegible} We want to set out a cedar hedge along there if we ever get time. I went down to band practice to-night and we had pretty fair practice. Harry Moon wasn't there but Mid. is back home now and he was there. Tuesday May 5th It was pouring rain when we got up this morning and kept it up till the middle of the after noon and it had been raining most of the night. Dad was pretty well disgusted but that didn't seem to do much good. I got a loaf of bread last night and left it up in the band room so this morning I drove Dick down town and went up and got it. Dick had a bad toothache last night. Huby hadn't come over so I went around and got him, he thought there wouldn't be any thing to do if it rained but he came over so to be there in case it cleared up. We didn't do any thing much all day. He worked at the old house tacking up old window blinds for wall covering. He brought a lot of burlap over the other day and is going to use it to but 59 �the wind blows through it more that it does the blinds. He scraped some of the apple trees when it quit raining. Enah broke a tooth to-day so had to go down and get it fixed while Dad. minded Tiddums. Wednesday May 6th I didn't get up till late this morning, and haven't done any thing much but chores all day. I had to turn my eggs in the incubator twice to-day. Huby and Dad. squared up the old block they got from the dead apple tree in the orchard. It makes a beauty and is good and solid. Huby dug quite a bit at his ditch and Dad. took the storm windows off. Whit Dixon came in this after noon and got another pig. Two other fellows were in they wanted Dad. to go down to Henderson's to-night and have a look at their big black Percheron stallion. They want to travel him down this way. Dad. got notice of a school board meeting to-night so he went down. I got chores done up early hoping to take Osprey out for a run before dark but it began to rain just before dark. It has been very hot all day and felt like rain. I don't think it rained very hard nor long Winnie & Jonny Miller were over for awhile before tea. Thursday May 7th We put the halter on Pommer's for the first time this morning and tied him in Joes stall for awhile, he was pretty crazy at first but soon quieted down when he found there was no use fighting. We put the harness on Osprey and I took him down to the corner and back. He felt pretty gay and looked fine. Dad. and Huby cleaned up a lot more of the old barn floor. This after noon we hooked up Osprey and Harry to the waggon and the whole three of us went down to Billy Cunningham's to get Dave's cart. We found him and Billy Loan building a house. He said he had brought the cart up to Bobbie McMullins two or three weeks ago so Huby is going to bring it over in the morning We got a couple of nice little silver birch trees in Hammond's bush on our way home and Huby set one out on the lawn. He wants to put the other in the gully. We saw Tom Abbot and he gave us our cream check. It wasn't very high this month as butter has gone down. We only got a little over 19 dollars. Tom told us that Wilbur and Orpha Ryersie are the proud parents of a daughter. We met another man with an Iron grey Percheron stallion to-day. Huby said he liked the black one the best, but Dad. liked this one the best in some ways although he had poor legs. T.A. Ivey was in this morning to have his old mare's teeth fixed and also to get Dad to attend a friendly meeting to the farmer's who will be affected by some ditch on the other road that he wants the council to put in. It won't really affect any body much but him. Osprey went fine we had a stay chain on old Harry's double tire. None of the farmers down that way have any oats in - 60 �and we didn't see any wheat that could beat ours east of the orchard. It has been very nice to-day and clear to-night. Tiddums isn't very well to-night Friday May 8th Huby went around by Bobbie McMullin's this morning to see if he had our cart done but it wasn't quite finished. He took the other birch trees back to the gully and planted it out and set two little ones which were in the earth at the roots of the other one. Dad and I started to measure the distance from the road to the gully along the lane and orchard fence so as to get the fence we are going to put along the top of the gully the same distance from the road (concession) at the east end as at the west where it joins the lane fence at right angles. We got as far as the north orchard fence at right an when it was raining so hard we had to stop. Huby. put some more burlap and paper on the walls of the shop and late this after noon dug some more at his ditch. This after noon Dad. went down to Sam. Law's after the butter and I took a couple of dozen eggs over to Quanbury's as John was over and said Art. wanted to get them I had quite a visit with Charlie who was planting potatoes. He has his garden nearly all in and it looks fine. Enah went down to the Methodist church for choir practice as they want her to sing with the "Mothers day bunch" on Sunday. Frank went down with her intending I think to take in the movies. Tiddums doesn't feel very well yet. I started to cut the lawn to day but it was not long enough for the lawn mower. I couldn't see where I had gone. Saturday May 9th I started after breakfast towards town to head Huby off with the cart he was going to haul over because as we were going down in the waggon we thought it was too bad for him to draw it all the way over here, but when I got to Martin's I saw Art Quanbury and he was showing me how to test eggs and when I got back to the side walk Huby had come and as he had got so far he persisted in taking it all the way. It was a good cart but will need a little patching. We then hooked up Harry and Belle to the waggon and went down town. We got four big anchor posts and four small posts, some siding for the shop, lime for the chicken house and plaster for the kitchen. We saw Harry Ansley and he gave us three nice white fish. This after noon I took some eggs over to Martin's. Art Quanbury wanted another half dozen, he wanted two settings instead of two dozen. Huby planted out a lot more of the poplars along the rail fence. I went out with him when I got back and we got a lot put out on both sides of the corner field. Mr. Lawrie was here when we came up. He Huby and Lila stayed to tea. Lila came over this after noon - and rode Frank's bicycle and she and Frank 61 �went back to the woods. Frank put a lot of the siding on the shop. Dad. has felt very miserable all day and his muscles ache all over his body. Up till to-day it has just been in his arms. He is afraid it is rheumatism. It has been a lovely day. Quite hot this morning but nice fresh breeze this after noon. Sunday May 10th We got up rather late this morning and I have had my old clothes on all day. Frank went down to Sunday school but didn't go to church this morning I drove Enah down and on my way home fell in with Jimmy and Billie Rankin who {boned?} me for a ride so I brought them over to see Bluch who was overjoyed to see them. They went back to the gully with Frank and got some flowers and went home with Dick when he drove down after Enah. It rained a little now and then during the day so I think Frank was prevented from making his periodical call on the gully this after noon but Dick went down town. He was pretty tired last night and had some excuse for sleeping all morning. Wiggins offered him a quarter yesterday if he would cut the lawn around the bank so he started in at two o'clock, when he got it done Mr. Hobbes offered him double the price of cutting the two lawns if he would cut his lawn too so Dick kept right at it till eight o'clock and then with out any supper started to work at his balance sheets or whatever it was. This morning his hands were blistered all over and as he didn't get up to breakfast he went twenty four hours without a meal but made $1.30 out of it. He has been ledger keeper for the last week and balanced up very easily the other night. To-night I drove Enah and Frank down to church Enah turned Methodist for to-night as she is going to sing with the mothers this being their "day" I met Hazen on his way over to tak his girl to church so I gave him a ride over. When I let him out at Flemming's, I found Bluch who in spite of all our commands to go home had followed us down was not following me back so I went back and as I expected found him at Rankin's. After quite a lot of coaxing I induced him to get into the buggy and brought him home. It would have been a nice day but for a shower ever now and then. Tiddums feels very rotten to-day - cutting teeth. Monday May 11th It rained a good deal to-day so we didn't do very much, but remark on the inclemencey of the weather. We saw Reeve Vyse go past with his disks just before it began to rain but after going a few rounds it chased him in. We could see old Sam at it for quite awhile but at last he had to give up no doubt in disgust. Dad. and I put on a load of hay this morning and Huby oiled up the little dining room stove and pipes and put it away. This after noon I made a bootjack. I have tugged and pulled and nearly broken the rungs out of the kitchen chairs 62 �ever since I have got my rubber boots trying to pull them off at night and now when it is about sollid enough to do with out them I have made a neat little boot jack; however it will be ready for next season and I have hung it handy in the wood shed for us anytime we get mad. Huby covered more of the walls of the shop with some stiff wrapping paper he got from Tip. Varey and tinkered around. Dad. minded Tiddums who is fare from scoocum today. Geordie Allan was over for a little while, he is just up to Dover for a visit. To-night Chris Quanbury came over and test my eggs for me, he found 32 infertile out of the 138 which he said was a better test than most of theirs were doing. It is just about 23% bad. Raining hard with thunder and lightening to-nigh. Tuesday May 12th It poured rain nearly all day. It let up for awhile at noon and hasn't rained much since five to-night, but there was a steady downpour the rest of the time. Every thing is covered with water, and it looks as if we'd have to postpone some of the features in the game of farming for another season. I was pretty busy all day. This morning I cleaned all the straw out of the hen houses and this after noon started to white wash them. I couldn't find the white wash brush so I had to use a broom so I don't know whether it will make much improvement in appearance but will sweeten the place up. I got the pen this way white washed and part of the one we brought over from Huby's and used a pail of white wash, then I had to quit to do chores. Huby came over this after noon and worked at the old house. Dad did think of taking Joe down to Bobby McMillian to be shod but when he was ready thought better of it. Tom. Abbot came after the cream this morning and request Dad not to mention the weather, he hears enough about it. Wednesday May 13th I finished white washing the other hen house this morning. I did white wash the pen where the colored hens are as I had no place to let them out and they make such a fuss if I try to work with them in there. Huby scraped some of the trees in the orchard this morning but it started to rain so he came in and worked at the shop it didn't rain long but he worked in there most of the day. He put some of the white wash I had left over on the trees he scraped. Dad. took Joe down to be shod this morning but Bobby McMillian's shop was full so he came home. He doesn't want to take her to Joe Howel for fear she will make him mad, and he says Ralph Waddle knows too much. Bob. Davis was in this after noon with Bycler's big black horse. He is certainly a nice looking one. I put another broody hen up over the hog 63 �pen to-night. I don't know whether she will sit or not as I didn't notice her setting till to-day. It has been cloudy all day with a little rain before dinner and to-night the sun was out. Thursday May 14th We spent quite awhile giving Pommers a lesson on the halter. We took both the colts out and I held Queen while Dad. and Huby worked awhile with Pommers. We then let them run in the front field the rest of the day. We put Joe in the box stall for the day and Dave in Joe's stall but put them all back in to night and Dave out, he was pretty lonesome as we let all the young stock back the lane to-day and left them back. We let the cows back too but didn't let them out after they were milked to-night. This after noon Dad. put the harness on Dave and took him down the road a little way. It was the first time he has had a bit in his mouth so didn't do so badly. When we get him broken Huby is going to take him for his driver. We are very glad we didn't shoot him last fall as we intended. This morning we three boys went back and fixed a good set a bars from the gully into the blue grass field on the west side next John Wess's (the field not the bars). Dad cut new bars in the wood. We took the chain back and measured our share of John Wess's line fence. It was just 10 chains and one foot. We want to put up a new fence there if we can. This after noon Dad. and I put off the load of hay we loaded up for the horse stable the other day and Huby put out the rest of the young poplars. Stan Lowrie was in this morning to have Dad. look at his horse's mouth. He says some of them down there around Nanticoke have oats in but they are afraid after this rain they will rot in the ground. The rain caused a lot of damage up in Western Ontario, The whole country was flooded in places and they say even barns floated off their foundations. Poor Tiddums is pretty sick to-night. Cutting teeth, whooping cough and fever. Lovely day sunny & mild. Friday May 15th I got up about four o'clock this morning to choke off the alarm clock. I wanted to get out anyway before the hens did as I discovered yesterday that the old duck was laying in the chicken yard and so I wanted to leave the yard open for her to get in during the night but as I don't let the same pen out two days in succession I had to get up before the hens to shut it up. I didn't think to shut them in the house but I will here after I hope. Dick brought home word last night that Mr. Hobbes wanted two settings of eggs so I went over to ask Jack Martin if he wanted them especially but he wasn't home and Chris was down town so I sent them down. Vyse was over for awhile, after breakfast Huby got the brush heap in the orchard burned at last. I threw the brush out of the pig yard and helped him carry it over to 64 �the fire. After we burned it we started to clean up the wheat. We got it all cleaned by about half past four this after noon. There was only about forty bushels of it cleaned. we put a coarse seive in the bottom so got a lot of stuff in the drip box nearly enough to fill up the chicken feed bin. When we got it done Huby and I tore down and piled up handy to where we could get them with the waggon what few rails were left from the old barn yard fence. Sunny but raw wind all day. Sam Law was on his field to-day but Tom Abbot says it is very mucky. Poor Tiddums is very miserable, the whooping cough is back again. Saturday May 16th Lila came over with Huby first thing this morning and has been over all day. Jim Bannister sent over word with them for Dad. to come over as his mare was just foaling. Dad. has been over two or three times during the day - and is there now with Frank. Burt is there from Simcoe, and Dad. says his is afraid Jim will lose the mare, the colt I think is dead. Dad. and I hauled up a load of rails this morning from the old barn yard fence and then took the wheat to the mill. We made two trips of it and took down three sacks of oats for chop. We had 44 bushels and 14 lbs of wheat and it is just a dollar a bushel so we did gain a little by waiting after all. After dinner Huby and I went back to the woods and were gone nearly all the after noon but we got a beautiful little elm and set it out out here near the drive house and just behind the anchor post for this lane fence, we got it out in the open and it is a perfect shape and as we didnt cut much of the top off it will be pretty from the first. Frank and Lila went back with us but went the other way when we got to the gully and got a lot of flowers and some merels which Huby found the other day and told them about. Our little tree was all out in leaf but Huby took great pains in planting it, and he thinks with the attention we will be able to give it being so near the house that it will grow. Dad. was going down town this afternoon but as we didn't get back he didn't go so I helped him milk and then hooked up Joe and took Huby & Lila down, we took Win in at Uncle Ward's and she went up and got the stuff for me. I gave Joe Thompson a lift over the hill and old Mrs. Martin home from about Chris Quanbury's. Lovely day sunny and dry. Messers Flemming & Evans scraped the road again. Sunday May 17th Frank went down alone to church and Sunday School this morning. After breakfast Dad. and I went over to Jim Bannister's for a little while, the mare was dead and buried. Vyse was there and Jack Spain soon came. When we got home, we hooked Joe and Osprey up to the buggy and took them around the block. Joe was the worst colt of the two but they went 65 �fine. Dick got up for dinner and he and I played catch for awhile before he went down town. Then Frank and I went back to the gully and went in for a swim in Robert John's big pool. The water was pretty cold at first but after we got out and let the wind blow on us it felt warm to get in. I came home about four and unintentionally went to sleep. Dad. Enah and Tiddums were all out for a drive and while things were in this condition Mr. & Mrs. John Shand came, they never woke me up and so thought no one was home, pinned a note on the door and left but Dad. and Enah just came along as they were going out the lane so they came back. I got the chores done as quickly as possible and got ready and went down to church. I overtook Quint. After church I went up with him to see Big George about a fishing excursion to-morrow but he wasn't home so Quint came over as far as Martin's with me. Dick came along while we were talking. He said he felt pretty sick so we came home and he went to bed. It has been a lovely day, Sunny and a little breeze. Monday May 18th I woke up about three o'clock and heard Dad prowling around, he said he had just come back from town. Al Faulkner had come over after him to go and see his colt, which had got tangled up in the halter shank and was in awful shape. I got up at four o'clock and would have been ready to get a good early start on the land but for visitors. First Mr. Porter drove in then a little while afterwards old Mr. Duncan, he had what he thought to be a sick cow and wanted Dad to go up so Dad. didn't get out at all this morning and I didn't till about nine. When Dick got up he felt very miserable and was bound to go to work but they persuaded him not to so he lay down and slept most of the day and Dad. on his way to Duncan's stopped in and told Wiggins. Huby and Dad. started for Duncan's but met old Bill who told them the horse cow was alright. I got over the field once lengthwise with the disks and started to go again and Dad. gave it a good harrowing this after noon. Huby took my team for awhile after dinner while I got a nest ready to set a hen. Sam. Law came over and borrowed the drill at noon, he has his piece about in shape. Mrs McBride was here washing all day. To-night I went down to band practice and didn't get to bed till eleven Lovely day sunny and not too hot Tuesday May 19th I was up at four again this morning, the way I manage it I wind the alarm clock up so it will ring for quite awhile and set it over on the bureau where I can't reach it from the bed. Then in the morning it makes such a clatter that I can't stand the noise so have to get up to smother it and once I'm up I stay up although I felt pretty tough for awhile this morning. Try 66 �as we did we weren't able to get in the field before eight, but we got both teams started about the same time and got a pretty good day in I finished the field lengthwise and got more than half over it cross wise. Dad harrowed it both ways and is now following me down cross wise with the harrows. He thinks when we get done that way, it will be in good shape to drill. It was a hard day on the poor little team, they are too tired to eat to-night. I had to make several trips to the ditch to swab my eyes off with cold water and keep them from going to sleep. Old Bluch plodded up and down after the disks all day long. Once I took the little team and harrowed to keep awake when I wasn't near the ditch and poor Bluch was badly puzzled. He didn't know which one of us to follow. Sam Law brought the drill back and left it in the field. Vyse drilled his piece in to-day.. I set two hens to-night on thirty eggs. Huby worked around here and helped mind Tiddums all day. Dick felt better to-day but didn't go to work. He went down town this after noon to get his tooth fixed and didn't feel quite so well to-night. Cars. Rankin went by here to-day with an automobile they just bought. They have started to take down the dam bridge. They are going to put up a new ston one. It has been a nice day but pretty hot. Wednesday May 20th Four o'clock for mine again this morning and I didn't feel so sleepy during the day as I got to bed at ten last night. I did have one little short snooze on the disks while the horses were resting. Water is getting pretty hard to find now, but I located some in the wood to swab my eyes with. I got out soon after eight, and finished cross disking then hooked on the harrows and cross harrowed from where Dad left off till noon. Dad. didn't get out till ten o'clock owing to divers hindrances, so he started right in to drill. He put Jonas' oats in on the north head land they went two drill widths the width of the field and quite a few left over. He took out four big two bushel and a half bags and had the drill set for sowing 2 bushels and a peck and used all the seed and didn't quite finish to-night so there is something wrong as we didn't think there was more than four acres in the field. I finished cross harrowing soon after dinner and then took the disks back to the field accross the gully, and got over quite a chunk of it. Huby sowed clover seed to-day on the piece of wheat north of the orchard he also cleaned up around the shop a lot. Dick went to work today although he is far from well. It has been fine and pretty hot to-day. Thursday May 21st I didn't get over the gully to work till nearly nine o'clock so didn't get through disking till after dinner I then started over it again length ways with the disks a notch deeper. Dad. 67 �finished drilling in the other field, harrowed it all over and brought the harrows back and got a good chunk done in the back field. Huby didn't come over this morning till noon as he had some insurance to attend to. Dick has been home all day and has a pretty sore throat. Fine and sultry. Friday May 22nd Dad. had to take my team this morning to run the ditches in the field we have in so I hooked up Joe and took my eggs over to Jack Martin and took Dick down to see Dr. Cook. He gave Dick some pills and I think told him he would be alright soon. When we got home I got a little ice out and put it in the refrigerator which we placed in the kitchen this morning. Dad. had gone back over the gully and was disking but about the time we got home it began to rain. It rained hard enough to persuade Dad. to come in and then stopped for the day although it has been cloudy. Dad. helped me take the old bits of sacking from the chicken house windows and put in poultry fencing. Dad. and I went back after dinner and he harrowed and I disked but didn't get quite over the piece. I had to stop for awhile to drive a herd of cattle into out of Sam Law's wheat. I took Bluch and he chased them into the wood's so I suppose they were Art Ryersies. Huby had more insurance to look after so didn't get over till after dinner. I got up at four o'cock this morning but went to sleep saying my prayers and slumbered peacefully till nearly five. Tom Abbot told us this morning that Edna Sidway isn't expected to live. Saturday May 23rd Dad. and I got a fairly good day's work in on the land to-day, he harrowed and I disked. I am part way over it cross ways and have the disks set in the last hole but one except on the sand knolls. It makes them {lug?}. John Wess was over for a long time this morning talking to Dad. He is working on his buckwheat stubble. Huby and Lila came over this morning early and during the fore noon Quint and Charlie Ferris brought a ferrit over. They were going to put him after the rats under the corn crib but he was so big he couldn't get into their holes. They burned the three corn shocks in the field but didn't get any there either. Huby cleaned the ditches most of the afternoon in the sowed field. He got a toad and put on the front lawn to eat ants. Dick was better to-day and was down town this after noon, but Frank is all in to-day. He took the lawn mower down to be sharpened but feels tough. Quite cold today but mostly sunny. Sunday May 24th 68 �I haven't been off the place all day. I intended to go to church to-night but went to sleep before tea so couldn't get ready in time. Dad. and Enah & Tiddums drove down with Joe & Ginger this morning. They left Tiddums with Huby while they went to church and Huby took him up to the dam in the scow. There was no organist at church till Enah got there so she had to go down to-night again alone. Elva has quit for sure. I sat around and read nearly all day. This morning when I took the eggs out of the incubator to caul them I could hear the chickens peeping and one or two eggs chipped. To-night one chick is out. Dick got up and went to church this morning stayed at Huby's to dinner, down town all the after noon and came home to tea to-night. Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and back to the gully this after noon. Lovely day. Monday May 25th Dad. and I both got a pretty fairl early start this morning and I nearly finished cross disking by noon. He drilled all morning but after dinner harrowed with the little team till after dinner I finished disking then took my team and hooked on the drill I finished harrowing with his team only went length ways instead of cross ways which made a much better job. When I finished I brought the little team and the disks up but Dad. stayed back till about seven o'clock and finished drilling. Jack Hodge and family just drove in as I came up and startled poor Huby who was running around in his bare feet. Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's with some eggs - and I wanted to ask Chris about the brooder. There is an awful grist of chickens out. We sprinkled the eggs that weren't hatched again to-night and I put a fire in the brooder. The boys had holidays to-day but Dick was down town all day working part of the time. Frank worked around home and he and Tony Bannister went back to the gully. Jonas came over in high glee this morning he says he has the prettiest little colt he ever saw, he told Dad. that he and the woman had to dance for the joy of it. It has been very sultry all day and looked very like rain this morning, fresh breeze to-night. Tuesday May 26th I didn't get up till half past four this morning, but it rained a little so we couldn't go back first thing any way. Dad. took 38 little chickens out of the incubator and put them in the brooder this morning. I went over and got a little grit and charcoal to feed them from Chris. He says not to give them anything for forty eight hours. Dad. thinks they will all starve to death before that. After dinner we took 23 more out and there are still five or six just hatched. A lot of them have died in the shell after they got it all picked ready to come out. Just before dinner Dad. took the big team and roller back and started roll the back field as we thought 69 �that would just break all the lumps nicely. After dinner I went back and hooked on the roller and he came back about an hour later and started to harrow after me. He harrowed till I finished rolling about five o'clock, then he came up with his little team and the roller and I finished harrowing it took me till about seven. Huby. didn't come over this morning but was here this after-noon. He worked at the ditch, sawed wood and minded Tiddums & Frank brought home the news that poor Edna Sidway is dead. It has been way hot and sultry all day but quite a strong breeze. Wednesday May 27th Dad. helped me carry my incubator out this morning we took the seven little chickens that were in it and put them in a basket over the stove. I took the unhatched eggs out and buried them, there were forty thirty eight and twenty four of them had chickens in them. There are 68 chicks altogether and they all seem healthy and sound but one of these seven which has crooked legs. Dad. took the big team back to run the the ditches in the back field and I went over to Martins to get some chick feed and scratch feed. We fed the little fellows in the brooder. to-day. They thought over there that I had a dandy hatch especially as it was the first attempt. It began to rain while I was over there and rained quite hard for awhile so I didn't get back very soon. I didn't do any thing much after that except fool around. Huby came over at noon he had insurance to look after, and dug some more at his ditch. Dad. disked the garden all up. It had got so hard he thought he had better disk it before he ploughed it. Bob. Davis was in for about an hour. Quint also came over for a little while, he expects to go to work to-morrow. They are drilling at Blackheath where ever that is, somewhere down towards Canfield Junction. Aleta McBain was here house cleaning all day. About half past four we hooked up to the waggon and Dad and I went down and got a load of tile for Huby's ditch. We got three inch as they didn't have any four. We took Enah down to Miss Buckwells tea party and she walked home. Huby looked after Tiddums. It came out pretty hot after the rain but is cooler to-night. The rain freshened things up a lot and we noticed that the English walnuts which we thought were dead are budding. Thursday May 28th Old Jonas came over long before breakfast this morning and pestered around for Dad to go and look at his colt and while Dad. was at breakfast Jimmy Corbett came in to ask about his colt. Dad. gave him some stuff, he went over with Jonas with for a few minutes. I made a yard for the little chickens in the brooder and let them out. I also fixed it so as the old hens couldn't get in the yard where they are at all. One little fellow died last night but the rest 70 �look fine. Huby came over about nine thinking Dad was going down town before dinner. Vyse came over to fix his hammer handle for a while. About ten o'clock I took the disks out and started in the timothy sod. I worked all the after noon but didn't get over half of it. It is very grassy but I think will work up fine and make a fine piece for corn. This after noon Dad. & Huby went down town. They got Joe shod at Joe Howells and put in a big load of shaving to put in the ditch over the tile so Dad. didn't get home till about six. It has been very hot all day but breezy, cool to-night. Friday May 29th I disked all day on the corn ground and got all over it by to-night and started to straddle the furrows Dad brought the harrows out and worked for a couple of hours before dinner. This after noon he went back and borrowed a set of three horse eveners from John Wess McBride. John Wess was just ready to shear sheep so Dad. stayed and watched him for awhile. Huby laid the tile in the ditch as far as the chicken house which is far as it is leveled and covered them with shavings and got most of the earth shovelled in. Cars. Rankin brought a couple of girls over in his automobile to see Bluch this after noon. I didn't get up till five this morning I put the clock under the bed where I could grab it and consequently went to sleep again. Dick tells us that Norm. Brock is the latest purchaser of a car and Mr. Johnsons father gave him one. Very hot to-day but nice breeze. Saturday May 30th I went out this morning and straddled the furrows with the disks as we will put corn on and then started to harrow. I didn't lap the harrows at all so got over quite a piece. Frank and Dad. went down town this morning with the waggon and got some stuff chopped at the mill and the windo shash for the shop which have been at the widespread all spring. Huby worked around - This after noon we had to move the stove into the wood shed. We got it out all right but they broke another side of the base or rather the end so we had to set it up on bricks. We then went rat hunting. Huby had flooded all the holes with water this morning and ripped some boards off the floor of the corn crib but we found we couldnt get them without taking up nearly the whole floor so we did. We were all armed with clubs and had the three dogs. Dad. stayed inside and scared them out and the dogs would catch them Lila killed one big one with a lath but Bluch killed most of the others. Huby says he is the best rat dog he ever saw he doesn't waste any time about nabbing them and never let one get away. Nig. got one or two. I think we got five great big ones and two half grown ones besides a nest of eleven little fellows. When we got through with them it was too late for 71 �Dad. to plow the garden - as he had hoped to do but Huby and Frank surveyed all the land east of the lane and this side of the gully and "got stakes up" to set the fence posts by. They figur there is about fifty acres. Lila ha been over all day and Win. came over about five They and Huby stayed to tea. Frank and I went down with them after tea and found they had just laid fresh cement on the bridge and no-one could go over. So we went through Uncle Wards and took Ada's boat down from the barn and launched it for her. She went over with us in the boat and as it leaked like a seive Huby had to make two trips of it. I went up to get my hair cut and Frank went to the moving picture show. Ada was going to wait for us at Huby's so we could go back with her but when I got down there she and Huby had just gone. Frank came soon after I did and when we got down to the bridge Huby was just coming back with the boat so we took it back with us and left it below Woodson's. Dick came home afterwards when the watchmen didn't happen to be around and walked over the cement but didn't leave any tracks. The papers are full of the awful wreck of the Empress of Ireland which went down off Father Point yesterday with nearly 1000 people. It was a heavy fog and another a coal boat ran into her. Hot but nice breeze. Sunday May 31st Dad and Enah went to church this morning and left Tiddums with Huby. Dick and I went down and had a swim at the stump the water was fine we then came home and got dinner started Frank went to Sunday school and church. This after noon I had a dandy ride on Joe. We went up to Smythe's but Pud was at Vittoria Frank started for Marburg on his wheel but got held up at Ryersie's and fooled around with them all the after noon. Dick went down town and to church to-night. Enah and I went to church to-night. Mr. Johnson came over with his automobile to take Enah down, so I didn't wait for her after church thinking he would bring her home but walked down as far as the bridge with Quint and then home. I found Dad. looking after Tiddums who was too tired to go to sleep and Dad. having been so beset with visitors that the chores weren't all done. Enah got home about ten I don't what did happen to her except that she went down to Huby's. Cousins' Loll, Bessie, Harry & Willie drove over for a little while this after noon. To-night young Billy Louis came in to get his horse's shoulder lanced and hung around till dark so people wouldn't see the blood. Then Sam. Law came over to see if he could borrow the roller in the morning. Jonas then came for a short visit. It has been hot to-day but a very nice strong breeze. Monday June 1st 72 �I put in the whole morning writing in this and to Aunty Alice & Aunty, while Dad. ploughed the garden. This after noon I worked down the garden I disked it lengthwise & crosswise a couple of times each and once right around & around. I rolled it and harrowed it so it looks in pretty fair shape. Sam. Law borrowed the roller this morning and he rolled it before he took it away and then again when he brought it back at noon. Dad. spent nearly all the after noon shearing a ewe. He did pretty well and says he thinks if he had a good pair of shears he could do all right. Huby didn't get over this morning as he had to see about Kolbe's insurance. Kolbe was over at Erie so he has to see him about eleven to-night. He goes over to Erie every morning about five o'clock and doesn't get back at night till eleven. Dad. went down to a school board meeting and I went down to band practice. We didn't have any though as there weren't enough there. Walt says we will have to quit for awhile anyway if the council don't come over with the extra money he wants. The town hall was full of meetings. Council meeting, School meeting, band practice and a whole bunch out on the stairs I don't know whether they were all fellows tendering for the heating of the school or the bridge builders waiting on the council for money. Dad. and I met at Huby's and didn't get home till after twelve. Huby went down to the lake about eleven and found Kolbe & Harry Ansley down there. He got Kolbe's insurance raised and as it has run out will have to make out a new application so won't be over to-morrow fore-noon. Quite cool all day. Tuesday June 2nd We didn't get very much done to-day. Jim's calf was sick this morning, all bloated so Dad. & I gave it a dose of salts. It is much better to-night. I went out about eleven and rolled the corn ground till one. I couldn't hear the whistles. This after noon Dad. and I surveyed the field and fence along the top of the gully and decided to put a notch in the fence where the dividing fence between the two fields go. We then measured off six acres of what is ploughed for corn and the remaining four for buckwheat. I came out about half past four and finished rolling the corn ground. Huby didn't come over to-day, I don't know whether he went up to the nomination in Port. Rowan or not. They wanted him to but he said he wasn't going. There are two bunches of delegates going up from here One bunch cosists of Vyse, Cliff Lees and R.E. Matthews and I don't know who go from the other faction. I saw Tupper to-day and he said he might be able to slip over towards the end of the week to shear sheep for us. Bruce was in for a little while before tea. He wanted to get some instruments. It has been sunny but fairly cool all day. Wednesday June 3rd 73 �We hauled out manure all day to-day. We didn't get started very early and were bothered this afternoon by Bob. Davis coming, so only got out nine loads. Dad. is spreading it on the corn ground. Frank was home from school to-day as it was a sort of half in half holiday, being the King's birthday. The kids could go if they wanted to but it wouldn't be marked against them if they didn't so Frank stayed. We heard the bell ringing all through the day so there must have been some fools there. Frank worked all day putting in the garden and we helped him between loads. Dad. ploughed six potatoes furrows this morning and we got the Dad. Atkinson ones planted but there was only three of them so they didn't go very far. Huby planted two rows of Golden Bantam corn and we got in some cabbage and raddishs lettuce and onion seed. Huby's turkey eggs all came out to-day. The one down the road hasn't been off the nest as far as we know since she started to sit so all her eggs were rotten, but as near as they can see the one in the smoke house and Mrs. Bannister's old hen had a fairly good hatch. Dad. and I moved the twelve little chickens that hatched out Monday down in the yard where the brooder is; one of them died. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Huby didnt go up to Nomination yesterday but as near as he can find out Andrew Innes and his gang didn't get a chance to say a word as Mr. Slippery Slick at the last minute got ahead of them. Cloudy, cool, raining to-night. Thursday June 4th It rained steadily all night and rained a lot during the day. Huby came over this morning laden down with tomato plants and cabbage plants which he got from Ed. and some seed corn which he got from John Quanbury and four of the consignment of axes in the back of his hunting coat. He set out a row of Frank's asters the whole length of the garden and we put out some of the to-mato plants but it began to rain so hard we had to quit. However he got them out later in the day and a long row of cabbage plants out. Dad. sowed clover seed on the oats this morning till the rain drove him in when he was within five lands of finishing. We won't have enough seed to sow the piece across the gully. I cleaned the incubator all out and started it going this after noon. I had to go over to Martin's to borrow a spirit level this after noon. Carl. Coleman was in for a little while this morning to see if Tupper was here, he was going up to Stocker's to get his horse shod so Huby told him to bring our post auger down if it was done. John told Huby this morning that Mrs. Battersby has sold her place to some fellow in Los. Angeles. Dick didn't get home at all last night and he expects to start for Toledo to-morrow or next day. Friday June 5th 74 �I failed to get up till five this morning. After I got the chores all done I cleaned out the separator. I then went out and planted another row of Golden Bantam corn and a couple of rows of Country Gentleman. I also helped Huby cut some potatoes, which he planted. He came over this morning with about a dozen tomato plants which Uncle Ward. gave him. We only wanted three and Frank bought them to-night over at Quanbury's on his way home from {arrow pointing to blank space}. After dinner I made some drills and got some of the pecans planted. Tommy Jackson was in here soon after dinner to ask Dad. about a colt and he told us our cattle were all in the far end of the gully so Dad. and I went back we found they had broken down the fence where there were some rails. Nine of them were on the road but not far away we got them back with out much trouble, but found they had just torn our little white birch tree all to pieces. Dad. spent most of the day ploughing the pig yard, working it down and sowing the thousand headed kale on it. He also finished sowing the clover seed in the oats. He shut the old sow up this morning and she went to work and had sixteen young ones three of which got killed in the squabble for seats at the refreshment booth which will only accomodate twelve. We gave the eight turkeys that Mrs. Bannister's hen hatched out to the old turkey hen which made her family number twenty two as near as we can count. She struck off into the orchard with them but didn't get very far. Huby and I picked about half of them out of the ditch at noon where they had fallen in the attempt to follow her across. Mr. Monteith was in to-night to buy some seed corn. He has gone past with two loads of tomato plants. Sunny cool Saturday June 6th Huby didn't get over till about ten o'clock this morning as he went up town to buy a hoe. He also got some new kind of plants from Arthur Anderson called Koli Rabbi which are a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. Frank went down on his wheel to get some provisions and Mr. Johnson gave him a few plants of stocks. He came over with Huby and Lila rode his wheel over. We started hauling out manure as soon as Huby got here and all day got out 7 loads. The colts broke the wire we had stretched across the gap into the alsike and all got in so Huby, Frank and I had to put them out and fix the fence. I spent most of the day between loads putting in the rest of the peas and Huby dug out some posts which were in the shed covered with manure. He started to paint the window frames of the shop with some paint he found out in the brush heap. Frank fooled around with Lila most of the day and pulled some bindweed out in the oats. Art Quanbury came over this morning to see if he could borrow the roller for Jack Martin's corn ground and Bill Philips came over this after 75 �noon to get it. He told us that Jim Bannister has sold his place for $6000. Dick left this after noon for Toledo to visit Ferdie. His holidays last a couple of weeks. Hot & sunny all day. Sunday June 7th I lay "a bed" most of the day not getting up till seven o'clock but I got some chores done and drove Enah down to church. We got home and got through a light lunch early so had a long after noon most of which I spent in sleep although I read and wrote quite a bit too. Dad. and Enah talked of going for a drive till Tiddums went to sleep and then they couldn't. Frank rode his wheel over to the McPherson's and made arrangements to get a skip of bees from Mr. McPherson when they swarm. He is to get a hive from Boyd in Simcoe which will cost four dollars and the bees will cost two dollars I may put something into it if I ever have any money to invest. He and I spoke of going for a swim to-night but it got so rainy looking that we decided not too. It has been sultry and hot all day and to-night is thundering and very cloudy. It sprinkled a few drops. {Harry Barrett (Toby's father) wrote the entries for June 8, 9, and 10.} Monday June 8th We did not get a very early start this morning though we were up early and ready to begin but Mr Monteith came for a bushel of seed corn and he visited some little time we hauled out manure till about 10-30 when I had a break down, went through the double tree. I heard some one laugh when I went off the seat and there was Bruce and Ashleigh in a buggy on the side road they came in and stayed to dinner so we were late in getting to work in the afternoon. Frank rode his wheel down after dinner and got me some bolts and I fixed the double tree. Tobe and Hubert were busy with the garden and odd Jobs while I was out with a load. Tupper came along about 5 O'Clock on his way to the mill. Toby took his load on for him and he stayed to shear sheep so I helped him and we worked till after 7 we then had tea and it was good and late before we had finished every thing It has been a terribly hot day the thunder storm Sunday night did not cool things off. The horses nearly melted this afternoon. Tuesday June 9th I finished the shearing as there was one ewe we did not get done last night. Hubert and Toby went back to fix up the fence in the gully between Ivey and us I had my sheep finished and was putting on a load of manure when the boys got back, we hoped to have finished 76 �clearing out the old shed tonight but there are a few loads yet it has been another roasting hot day. Wednesday June 10th We finished hauling out manure at noon and after dinner I went down to Mr Flemings and got his diamond tooth harrows, it took some time to rig up a three horse outfit when I got back. Hubert helped me hitch Osprey with Joe and Ginger and I got in an hour and a half or so in the field. Toby was disking, if all is well we hope to get in a good day tomorrow. Toby and Frank went over to the McPhersons tonight with a bea hive so that accounts for my writing this. Thursday June 11th I didn't get up till nearly five this morning and Dad. & I didn't get started in the field till nine o'clock. We worked on the corn ground all day. I disked and he harrowed with the three horses and Flemming's diamond tooth. I had to make a couple of trips to the creek in the gully to keep myself awake. I did go to sleep several times but not for very long. I would see the horses in front of me when I woke up and be frightened for fear of running into them. Huby didn't get over till after we were in the field this morning. He was up town last night and heard some rich news. Charlton has pulled out of the election campaign and Andrew Innes is going to run against Pratt. Independent. Huby spent the day doing odd jobs and filling in his ditch. I cut a little lawn and set out a little castor oil bean plant. Very hot for awhile this morning and this afternoon but about noon it was quite cool and looked very rainy Friday June 12th I was up at four o'clock this morning and wrote in this and hoed in the garden till five. I then started to do chores and by leaving the stables for Huby to clean out and not cleaning any horses but Belle & Harry I managed to get into the field a very few minutes after seven. I worked steadily all day although I slept a little at the same time I got it all cross disked by about four o'clock and about half of it rolled. Dad got out about half past eight this morning and finished crossing with the diamond tooth and harrowed it all over with the drags by six to-night. It made quite a long day for his team and Ginger seems pretty tired but Osprey aparently is all right. Huby is going to try and get Bill Oakes to come over and mark it for us in the morning and we hope to get it planted. Quite chilly all morning & windy but sunny and pretty hot after dinner. Frank has gone down to the show to-night. 77 �Saturday June 13th Huby and Bill came over this morning at seven o'clock and Bill and I got right out and started to mark the corn ground. We took Harry & Belle and they proved to be a great improvement on Harry and Joe as a corn marking team. Bill made a beautiful job of it, with very little blasphemy. He got through a little before noon and stayed here to dinner. He said no other man but Dad would have got him to-day as he was very busy and has to be back this after noon. He shouldn't have come away this morning but George Gamble relieved him They are putting the canopy top on the new launch that he and George have just finished building for George Faulmsly. Frank scoured the country this morining in search of corn planters, we have one of our own and we wanted two more. He got one from John Wess which proved very satisfactory and one from Tupper which proved very unsatisfactory. It was an ancient and decrepit looking instrument with one handle and a spring and foot at the bottom to open it and release the corn. Huby took John Wesses and after he got his gait had no trouble at all. Dad. took our own and it was all right, but I got Tupper's and had to quit about the fourth hill, the corn came out from all over it, so I left it and went over to Alfred's, to borrow his. I went through Sam's place but he didn't have one. He said he borrowed Charlie McQueens two years ago and it was a good one. Alfred gave me one he said was a dandy. I brought it home but couldn't do anything with it, so traded with Dad. He worked it awhile but at last decided it was no good. By this time it was about half past four and he decided to go up and do chores so Huby and I stayed there till about eight o'clock when we ran out of seed although Dad. had sent some more out. We only had six more rows to plant, but my back was nearly broken and I was fairly hungry. We left a sand knoll near the south west corner of the field to plant potatoes and roots on. Lila and Dorothy Anderson have been over all day nursing Tiddums, who didn't seem to mind it much. Win came over for a little while this evening and said that Uncle Ward wants to get Huby for all day Monday. She didn't know what for but we supposed it was to set out tomato plants, Dad. told Huby to tell him that he wouldn't see him stuck but if possible to get someone else. Cloudy most of the day and cool. Sunday June 14th I didn't get up this morning till eight o'clock. and haven't done any thing all day but loaf around and do chores. Frank went down to Sunday school this morning but there was no church. They said Mr. Johnson had gone away and a temperance man was supposed to take his place but he never showed up, so Frank came home. I was out in the shop trying to caulk up the cracks in the chicken trough so as they would hold water when we heard some 78 �crows. We took the shotgun and started out in pursuit. We saw them flying around in the vicinity of the corn field but they were not within a mile of the place when we got there. We hid in a thick bush for quite awhile but no crows showed up, so we took a walk up the gully to Ivey's strawberry patch and made a careful examination of all the plants we could find, but there were very few ripe ones. We got all there were and nearly all the half ripe ones, which seemed to be much more edible than they generally are. It was about half past twelve when we got up to the house and Dad was getting ready to put the harness on Osprey. We got the cart out and it was very rickety. We oiled one wheel but couldn't get the other one off We hooked Osprey to it though and Dad. got on. Osprey didn't know just what was expected of him at first and cut up a little down at the end of the lane but once he got started he went beautifully. Dad took him down to Jonas' corner and then up the other way and down the side road to Flemming's corner and I couldn see but what he trotted pretty straight Dad said he didn't like doing it on Sunday but I think he enjoyed it when he got started. He doesn't feel very well to day. We had dinner about three much to Enah's disgust and after dinner Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down with Quint's tent and some bed springs. The gas drillers are going to camp down at Black Heath and they wanted this tent to cook in Charlie Martin came over for a visit a little while before they left but didn't stay long after. Frank spent the after noon down with the Ryersie's. We just did chores to night and went to bed soon after tea. Nice day but cool breeze Monday June 15th Craig Long came over before breakfast this morning to see Dad about Ivey's mare. She was down and in pain and he didn't know what ailed her, so Dad. went over right after break fast to see her. She had the colic and he told them to send for Bart if she did not show any symptoms of improvement, but she was better in a short time. Dad. went from there down to Martin's - and I came down with Joe and the cart as soon as I had break fast and got two bushels of potatoes for seed. They are very small so we will exchange the same ammount of them for the ones of Preston's that are left in the cellar. Frank went over to Preston's before school and found out that he could get a couple of bushels there so I went right down there and got them as soon as I got home from Martin's. I then shelled enough seed corn to finish planting and went out and finished. Dad went out and furrowed out the potatoe patch. After dinner we did up the chores and hooked Harry and Belle to the waggon and went down town to get some provisions and a pile of sand for Tiddums to play in. Huby has been agitating that move for quite awhile. He wants a pile on each side of the wood shed so Tiddums can always be in the shade. We took Enah and Tiddums and the 79 �baby carriage down with us and Enah walked home. Tiddums went to sleep before he got home and never woke up all evening. We saw Huby down at Uncle Wards, having a great time. He had three or four kids which he said were the best in town and they had all their tomatoes set out and waiting for more and a lot of potatoes planted. Chris said that they found Martin's dog but he was dead down at Sovereign's. Charlie Martin had told Mr. Flemming to shoot at it if it came around his place so Mr. Flemming did just to scare it. He didn't know he had killed it till they found it. He felt very badly about but Jack. felt worse. He wouldn't have taken fifty dollars for it. They say poor old Jimmy Larose has been sent down for eighteen months for forging a check, sunny, cool breeze. Tuesday June 16th I went over to Martin's first thing this morning and sold my eggs and got some scratch feed for the little fellows. I hadn't been home very long when Billy Louis came in with Tupper's team and fancy buggy and the news that Tupper wanted a couple of men for a couple of hours so as Dad. felt pretty miserable he said for Huby and me to go. Huby jumped at the chance of a ride in such a carriage and would have climbed over the back of the seat he said if Billy hadn't have tipped up the front ones and let him into a sort of trap nest. When we got over there Huby didn't know how to get out. We found old Maneer was bossing the job. All they are doing is raising the peak of the roof to square pitch, so we simply had to lift on the rafters with shores and when we got them up to the desired height didn't do anything but sit around and talk, while some of those who appeared to enjoy it worked like niggers spiking pieces on the ends of the rafters to meet at the peak. We stayed to dinner and hung around a little while after dinner - and helped raise a very little. Old Maneer was going to leave at noon to go to Vittoria as Andrew Innes is having a mass meeting there today, but I guess Tupper induced him to stay. We came home soon after dinner. Huby said he had a lovely time "socially" but didn't know whether he rendered much valuable assistance. The rest of the gang certainly appeared to enjoy his company. We got home about two o'clock or after and after I did up the chores I went out and planted beans on the two outside rows on each side of the cornfield. I planted them with the planter but couldn't see the marks along the head land. Dad. has felt too rotten to do anything to-day. It has been almost cold all day although sunny but cold wind. Wednesday June 17th Frank's exams started to-day at noon so he didn't have to go to school this morning. Rigt after breakfast he and I went out and planted mangel and turnip seed in the rows we left 80 �for them on the knoll in the cornfield. We planted two rows of each and seemed to have about as much seed when we got through as when we started and we watched to see that it was being planted plenty thick enough. We only had the four rows so I don't know what we will do with the rest of the seed. Huby and Dad. cut potatoes while we were out there so when we got through we came and got some and got quite a few rows planted before dinner. Huby and I went out after dinner and planted all there were cut which were Preston's, we had nearly 15 rows of them. We then brought out Jack Martin's, and planted over nine rows of them which was all there was in the field. They were much smaller so we had quite a few left and we think we will planted them in the old garden Dad. harrowed them in. Huby and I went and spread the manure Dad. hauled out on it last winter. Win was over to dinner to-day her exams are over. Mrs. McBride was here all after noon and nearly all evening washing and ironing. Whit Dixon & Bob. Miller drove over after tea to look at Fred's calf. Frank went back to the gully with them. The steer with Spottys last year's calf were through the fence into Ivey's but they got them back. Bob. told Dad. he would take him and not due him a dollar on the price which was $75.00. Mr. & Mrs. Lea Marshall were in before they left. Tom. Abbot. had told them we had a horse for sale so he came to look at it. Dad. took Osprey out and paraded him around and I think Lea might have taken him but his wife thought he wasn't big enoug to fit the price $150.00. She said he was worth about $125.00 However we are to hook him up and take him down some night so they can see him in harness. Dad. brought Ginger and Joe out and she was stuck on them especially Ginger but Dad. would not think of selling them. She thought Ginger was bigger than Osprey but Dad. told her she was mistaken. She said she wasn't as heavy but she was taller and in reality Ginger is about a head shorter but heavier than Osprey. She guessed Joe's age (thirteen) first time although Dad. told her Joe was the biggest colt in the stable. It has been pretty cool and dry all day. Thursday June 18th Dad. and I hooked to the waggon this morning and took the buggy down to Joe Howel's to have the tires set and brought back a load of fence posts, we unloaded them out along the top of the gully where we want to put them in. We were talking to Uncle Ward and he said they would be terribly hard digging it was so hard, and he said the best way to do was to dig down about a foot and fill the hole with water and leave it for a day and then it would be just in right shape. Huby spent the morning fixing the orchard fence so we can let the calves out. This after noon He. and Dad hung the gate we brought over from his place and let the five calves in the orchard. We didn't let Horace out as Dad. has to wean him from 81 �Erie and teach him to drink first. I hoed in the garden while they were at that and Col. McDonald came over. I had never seen him before and Huby didn't recognise him at first but Dad. knew him first thing. He said he and other officers of the insurance company were up taking a motor trip through this country visiting their agents. He didn't know when he started out that Dover was on the list. Dad was very glad to see him and appreciated his visit very much. About four o'clock Dad took the team out and we went to finish planting potatoes, just plow them right under the sod, but we only got two rows planted when a big thunder shower came up and we had to seek shelter at the house. Dad. and Huby got soaked but I got there a little sooner so didn't get the worst of it. Frank was back in the gully with the shotgun so he got a pretty good soaking. We heard the gun go off he shot at a crow, both barrels went off at the same time but he missed the crow. His papers have been pretty easy so far the only one he is much afraid of is the spelling. It didn't rain very long but freshened things up considerably. It has been very hot and sultry to-day but is cooler since the rain. Tiddums feels in a very festive humor to-night. The house is all torn up from the ravages of house cleaning and he thinks it's great. Friday June 19th I got up at four this morning and wrote in this till five. I then hurried through chores and cut quite a lot of grass on the front lawn. It rained a little about breakfast and looked so cloudy afterwards that Dad. didn't like to take the team out so he and I hoed in the garden and Huby worked in the shop. About ten Dad. thought it wasn't going to rain so we went out and ploughed in the rest of the potatoes in the patch we were at in the old garden. It began to rain just as Huby and I were through so we dug for the shop and got pretty wet but Dad. had to plough a little more so got properly soaked. We didn't do anything till after dinner. It stopped raining soon after dinner and when we got our chores done Dad. hooked Osprey to the cart again and took him down the road away with satisfactory results. We then hooked up the big team to the waggon and Dad & Huby and I went down town. Huby stayed down and Dad. & I went up and got our buggy from Joe Howell On our way back we got 18 more fence posts from Tommy. Frank is through his exams, he thinks he did fairly well on most of the papers. I saw Lila to-night she said both Huby's goslings were dead, died from exposure. Cold & wet. Saturday June 20th I worked all morning on the front lawn. I got all the long grass cut with the scythe and a good patch cut with the lawnmower, besides weeding out the flower beds. Dad. Huby and 82 �Frank went back and staked out the fence along the top of the gully and Huby. dug anchor post holes and bored ordinary post holes all day. Dad. fixed fence and plastered up some holes in our bed room this morning and this afternoon hooked Osprey up to the cart and took him for a little jaunt and then rolled down most of the buckwheat ground and the potato patches. I went down to meet Dick to-night. He came on the Woodstock train so was home early. He had a great time in Toledo and I guess enjoyed his holidays immensly. Lila was over here all day. Harry Ansley was over this morning electioneering. He told Huby he could get him the job of deputy returning officer but Huby didn't want it. It has been sunny & fair all day but cool wind. Sunday June 21st Frank rode his wheel down to Sunday school this morning and I drove Enah down to church. We called around by Huby's on our way home but didn't see any sign of the Lang's - This after noon it looked rather rainy so I read and played duets with Enah. Dad. sat around and slept and did all the chores. About four o'clock he took Osprey out all the way around the block. Frank went back to the gully and brought home some lovely {illegible}. Dick went down town after dinner with the intention of going to church to night. Elva. & Mr. Brady were over for a few minutes on the latter's motor cycle which was inclined to be balky. They had a side saddle rigged on behind for Elva. Jack Martin and Mr. {Culp?} were over for a little while before (tea looking at the horses. It has been cloudy all day and sprinkled a few times but not much Monday June 22nd Huby dug post holes all day and I helped him set the posts and tamp them in. We had to do a little surveying after dinner to get the two anchor posts in line which go lengthwise with the field. We got all the posts except anchor and brace posts, between the road and the jog in the fence which is just half way. I helped Dad. take the anchor posts out this morning and then he went down to the mill for some feed. This after noon he rolled down the rest of the buckwheat ground and disked the old garden where we planted the potatoes He started to harrow the corn ground, the corn is just coming up but quit at five and took Osprey around the block. They were doing road work over by McQueen's but he never paid any attention to them, He said someone shot a gun off right beside them going down Preston's hill and he never jumped. He has never seen an automobile yet. Tupper and Billy Louis came over this mornin to night to invite Dad. to Tupper's raising tomorrow. He has the roof off the other half of the barn now and is going to put plates up to run right through. 83 �Frank finished putting in the garden to-day he planted carrots beets and beans. Cloudy but not so cool. Tuesday June 23rd Dad went over to Tupper's raising as soon after seven as he could this morning and was over there till after dinner. This afternoon he finished harrowing the corn ground. Huby and I worked at the fence all morning. It took us a good part of the morning to get it lined out on account of two or three little dips where we couldn't see the stakes. We dug two more anchor post holes I dug one and Huby the other. I got mine started all crooked but fixed it so as the post will sit straight. We got the posts set part way across the field. The ground is getting pretty hard. When I came in to-night, the temperature in the incubator had gone up to 110°. I don't know whether it cooked all the chickens or not. It couldn't have been that way very long because I looked at it at noon, and as they are due to hatch in a day or so I think mabee they will be strong enough to stand it. To-night Dad. and I drove Joe and Osprey down to Lea Marshall's but he had gone to lodge so we told Mrs. Marshall we would be down again in the morning. Old Tom Abbot told us he was pretty sure Lea would take him if we dropped the price a little. It has been very hot & sultry. Wednesday June 24th Dad. and I got started about nine o'clock for Marshall's with Joe and Osprey. He took quite awhile to decide but at last bought him. I came down to $135 and he wouldn't go higher that $130 so we split the difference. He said he would come and get him in a few days. A big thunder cloud came up while we were gone and it began to rain just as we got home. Huby was back at the fence - and got soaked. It didn't rain very long but came out almost unbearably hot and sultry after it although there was a strong wind but it seemed hot too. We didn't do any thing much before dinner but this after noon worked at the fence. Huby dug the last anchor post hole but the ground was so hard that I only got two holes bored and three or four started, so I got a couple of pails and filled the holes all up with water. Huby is afraid we got a little low in the line going through one of the little dips and I guess we did. He went over to Ivey's and got a hat full of strawberries to refresh us a little. Bob. Davis was in this after noon. Dad. worked around the house till he came and then struck out four or five lands in the buckwheat ground. Mrs. McBride was here to-day and they have ripped the paper all of the kitchen walls. She is coming to paper it on Saturday if all's well. Frank and I went down for a swim at Quanburys to-night and Enah and Dad went down town to get Slocomb to come over and do some plastering in the kitchen. We saw Tupper 84 �to-night and he told us that there was a car of crushed stone to haul on the Winding Hill but Dad. told him we wouldn't have time to do it. Very hot. Thursday June 25th Slocomb and his man came over about eight and were all morning patching the kitchen, there was a lot to do. Dad. helped them and I did chores and got some of the chicken wire stretched along the fence between the garden and orchard. Huby dug post holes all day but the ground is very hard and he had to put water in a lot of them. This afternoon Dad and I went and got a load of gravel Enah and Tiddums went down with us and we took the baby carriage and they Enah walked home. We couldn't get any gravel on the beach but as Bob. Law was down there Dad. bought a load from him and he charged Dad a dollar We took it right out to the field when we got home and a couple of bags of cement and left a pile at each anchor place where we are going to put an anchor post. It was time to do chores when we got through with that it was time to After tea Dad. and I went down to hear Pratt. He has got to be quite an orator, and I think turned several who were a little doubtful which to vote for. He pointed out how the Whitney administration had closed so many bars where the two Liberal governments before him although they had made great promises the same as Rowel is doing now had not done a thing.. He had a wine list of the Ontario Club which is the headquarters for the Liberal party in Town and he said it was the most compete and elaborate list of drinks he had ever seen and among the list of directors he read out Mr. Rowel and several other temperance politicians. It was a good speech anyway and we were glad we went. Frank rode his wheel down. Lea Marshall and Jack Richardson were in to-night and Lea wanted to take Osprey wth them but as they were going to town first and would have to stand him in Henderson's barn. The other fellow persuaded him to leave him and we told him we would take him down to-morrow night. Hot all day. Friday June 26th I took some eggs over to Jack Martin's this morning but he has stopped buying them. Old Ivey came over about nine o'clock and wanted Dad. to come over and roll down the field he is getting ready for tomatoes. He said the factory fellows were over this morning. The have rented it and he prepares the ground for them then they plant them and look after them altogether after that. He seemed in such a pinch and offered fifty cents an hour so Dad. sent me over. I was over there about seven hours so didn't do so badly. Huby and Dad. worked all day setting the anchor posts along the line of the new fence. Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting but it wasn't very important. Fairly hot all day. 85 �Saturday June 27th Dad. and I cultivated the corn and potatoes in the garden this morning and then I hoed in it all day and got over nearly all of it. Huby and Dad. finished setting their anchor posts today. Mrs. McBride was here all day and stayed till twelve o'clock to-night papering the kitchen. She had poor Frank helping her and he put in an awful day of it. Dick came home to tea to-night to inform me that there was a band practice on at eight o'clock as it was then half past six and I hadn't got all the chores done or had my tea it made me hump to get down there by half past eight. They were practising for Decoration day to-morrow. I drove down and got home about ten just before a big thunder storm came up Mrs McBride papered up till twelve and then went home with the lantern and wouldn't listen to anyone going with her and it was too dark to drive. Henry {Odd?} came over this morning and got some more seed corn they soaked the last they planted in zincoleum and it never sprouted. Cloudy & threatening. Sunday June 28th We took the little chickens out of the incubator this morning and gave 16 to each of the four hens, there were sixty five but one was a cripple so we killed it. Dad fixed up some coops for them this morning while I cleaned my horn or tried to. It took me till dinner time and right after I had to hike down to the band room. It was a dandy day for a march as it was much cooler after yesterday's rain but on account of puddles we had to go on the side walk - Walt. had two Simcoe fellows on the baritone and alto - and a stranger who is working here for the summer on a cornet - so we had a pretty good band. I couldn't do much as I haven't had any practice either in playing or marching but still managed to escape from making any conspicuous errors. I was down at Huby's for awhile after we got through and when I got home We put the old hens with chickens all out under coops. None were dead yet but Dad. had to change one hen as she was pecking the little fellows and had several with raw spots on their heads.. Cloudy and cool all day quite cold to-night. Monday June 29th I ploughed all day to-day around the strike outs which Dad. made the other day. Huby didn't come over till late as he had to vote for Pratt. Walt McCall brought him and Lila over in an automobile and took Dad. out to Wiggin's to vote. They went around by Myer's and called for old Jonas and he went out and cast his ballot for Pratt.The Myer's were very much annoyed at it as Lorne had tried to induce him to go with him and vote for Andrew. The 86 �latest news we heard to-night was that Pratt was elected, Andrew got a big majority in Dover and Woodhouse but Houghton & Walsingham sent Pratt's majority way up. There was quite an interesting article in the Globe to-day about a lawsuit which has just been opened by A.C. Pratt, Conservative candidate for South Norfolk againss Fred Mossop, proprietor of the Hotel Mossop Toronto for damages in a series of poker games amounting to I think something like $3500.00. It is a sort of counter claim against a suit Mossop entered against Pratt for over $500. owing to him. This is a very nice mix-up for Mr. Pratt. anyway just before election and now people will know that he is more than a crooked skunk but a fool and a poor sport as these games have been going on for a long time and Pratt's been getting skinned right along. This after noon Huby Dad. & Frank set some of the braces and brace posts. Drizzled most of the day and has been cool. Tuesday June 30th When Huby came over this morning he told us that the Whitney Government was returned with an overwhelming majority and Pratt had beaten Andrew by 130 something. Old Tom was in next hurrahing for Pratt and he got a little Union Jack here and tacked on the front of his rig. He said he didn't know whether he would ever get back alive sallying forth in that manner into the teeth of the Innes men down east. Huby and I spent the whole day back in the gully barricading the little poplars. Huby bored holes three feet deep with the post auger and I stuck in rails we got four done and the hole started for five. We are going to stretch wire barbed if we can get enough of it around the rails. It was a slow job as the ground was pretty hard in lots of places. Dad. did some patch plastering in the pantry this morning and plowed the rest of the day he finished the land that I was at and struck out the rest of the fields. Enah and Frank papered the pantry all but part of the border. Mr. Johnson went past this morning in his automobile with Winnie, Lila, Norah Cunningham and some other girls on a wild strawberry hunt and they came in and paid Dad. a visit on their way back. Frank has been investigating in the corn and reports a large number of wireworms in places which news causes Dad. much distress as the corn is all up so nicely. The mangels and turnips are also up but there is no sign of the potatoes yet. It has been pretty hot today. Wednesday July 1st The first thing on the programme for to-day's celebration was a little foot raise by Tiddums. He was sitting by Enah at break fast and while she was pouring the coffee the handle came off the coffee pot and the red hot liquid spilt on Tiddum's foot. He had his stockings pinned 87 �on and by the time they were off the skin was off his foot. It gave him a horrible scald but only blistered one foot. He cried himself to sleep after a while and when he woke up felt very much like himself again as long as people would leave his foot alone but there are some beautiful blisters on it. Mrs. McBride came and worked around most of the morning. Dick went down town but didn't have to work much so helped Joe on the merry-go-round. Frank spent the after noon and evening down town but came home to tea. For the first time that I can remember I spent the entire first of July at home. Huby came over and we went back to the gully to finish barricading the little trees but didn't get much done on account of the rain. Dad rolled down what he ploughed this morning and this after noon we hung around till Bob. Davis came and then Dad. undertook to ring the old sow. He fooled around trying to get a rope in her mouth and when he did and made three attemts to ring her with one ring sticking the rope slipped out of her mouth I thought it would take all the after noon unless the old sow got mad and ripped Dad's leg off so I came in the house and wrote in this pesky thing. Huby wasn't any to keen about and Dad. couldn't manage alone so they worked in the garden till five o'clock when we quit to do chores. Mr. Brady came over on his motor cycle with a bottle of mentholatum salve Elva sent over for Tiddums foot. There was an editorial in "The Globe yesterday relating to A.C. Pratt's gambling and intimating that there were points in common between that episode and the one referred to in Bret Hartes poem entitled the "Heathen Chinee" Cloudy and cool all day and drizzly to rainy off and on all day. Thursday July 2nd I ploughed all day around Dad's strike outs and rolled down what I ploughed to-night. About another day will finish the ploughing but we want to start haying as soon as possible. Huby Dad. & Frank worked at the fence all morning fixing braces and putting in some extrat posts. Dad. hauled the wire out and this after noon Dad. & Huby set a lot of it up along the posts as they didn't know whether Sid McBride could come or not right away and Dad is anxious to let the cows in that end of the gully, but about five to-night Frank rode his wheel down to Marburg and saw Sid. McBride. He said he would be up tomorrow after noon. Dad. and Huby came up early and ground one of the mower knives so as we can get started tomorrow. Enah and Tiddums went down town this after noon. Lila was over all day. Charlie Martin came over and borrowed the disks for some thing. Mrs. Innes told Enah that Perce Brock was here yesterday and had been to a lawyer to see if he could claim his baby who has been down at old Mrs. Well's for the last two months. The lawyer told him that if he could prove that he was more capable of caring for it that its mother that he should have it. 88 �So Perce said it was the only thing he had to live for and meant to have it as he had a good place for it in St. Thomas, it seems his wife and her mother have all gone to the dogs and the baby has been in a home. So this morning when he knew Mrs. Wells was up town he went up to the house and found Mat. Lawrie looking after the kid, so grabbed it and lit out hotfoot up St. Patrick St. and up to his mother's where his sister was waiting with a horse and rig to drive him to Simcoe where he caught the St. Thomas train. Cloudy, hot, cool wind. Friday July 3rd I tried to get an early start this morning but as it took a little time to get the mower into running order I didn't get out till after eight. Dad. went the first round with me and then I mowed pretty steadily all day. I started on the south east corner field and have a good chunk down but it will take a couple of hours to finish. Huby and Dad & Frank hauled out some rocks on the stone boat this morning to put in the dips along the fence to anchor it. This after noon they put wire around a couple of the trees in the gully and waited around for Sid McBride but he never showed up, so that will put us out a little as we hoped to get the fence up to-day. Mrs. Woodson and Betty were over to-night to inquire after Tiddums foot. He doesn't seem to feel it much as he tramps all around the floor in his sock feet. Old Tom Abbot told us that Osprey rolled into a wire fence in pasture last night and will have to be laid up for awhile. He was getting along fine and Marshall was very well pleased with him. Tom. said Roy Hammond was telling around that he supposed we passed off the horse that was so badly poisoned with alsike last fall. He must think Marshall is an awful fool or else doesnt know what alsike poison is like for old Dave's feet show the scars yet and probably always will. Cloudy this morning but sunny and pretty hot this after noon. Saturday July 4th I finished mowing about half past ten this morning and hooked right on to the rake and finished raking about five o'clock. Dad. & Frank went down in the waggon with Joe & Ginger and got a couple of bushels of buckwheat for seed and took the wool down but the mill was closed as usual on Saturday and the watchman put it in the wool house. Huby waited down for them thinking they would take the tank he got for us but it was bolted fast to the trucks and Dad. didn't want to take time to get it loose. They got over about eleven and put up a few cocks before dinner. Sid. McBride came after dinner so Huby, Dad & Frank had to help him, they worked till after six but have the fence all stretched in fine shape but it isn't stapled yet. I just did up my chores when I got through raking. Enah went down to Maud Jamieson's sale this after noon but nearly every thing was sold when she got there. Cousin 89 �Clare was over for a little while this after noon and Lila most of the day. Sid McBride stayed to tea and it was late when we got through and Dad. had to milk after wards but Huby, Frank and I went out and cocked up hay. It was moonlight but rather cloudy most of the time so wasn't very light We worked till after eleven and got quite a chunk done. Dad. came out and relieved Frank a little while before we quit. I drove Huby home and got back about one. Enah spent the evening painting the oilcloth in the kitchen and the floor around the edge so I had to go to bed via the window. One of the Scotch mail-men was in to see Dad. to day about his horse which he said was sore inside. J.H. Butler died this morning and Capt. Spain & Mrs. Dave Turner are very low. Fairly hot to-day. Sunday July 5th Enah and I managed to get to church this morning although we didn't get up till very late. Frank didn't go to Sunday school or church but went for a swim and while riding around on his wheel caught his shoe in the chain and got upset and hurt his arm. Dick spent the morning in bed and went down town after dinner. Enah had to play the organ as Topsy who has applied for the job and who has been practising came this morning without her hat and had to go back to the Methodist choir for to-day where they eliminate their roofs. This after noon the family spent in peaceful slumber or literary pursuits. I hit the hay about three and never got up till six. Then chores and a family gathering on the front step to partake of some sandwiches and cake. Old man West was over this after noon to tear off a few fairy tales and disturb all the family but me. Lovely day sunny but not scorching. Monday July 6th We didn't get a very early start this morning and I ploughed till noon - and Huby and Dad. cocked up hay. Frank was exempt from strenuous labor owing to his injured wrist which he deems necessary to be exceptionally careful of. He took John Wess' corn planter home and went over to McPherson's to inquire after our bees. They have a skip in the hive for us and we can get them anytime. He came home around by Tupper's and borrowed his corn cultivator as it has a special thistle cutter on it but he didn't bring it home with him. This after noon Dad. finished up what I plowed and has just a couple more loads to finish up to have the field all turned under. Huby and I continued to cock up but didn't get through. Frank spent some time picking paper off the kitchen oilcloth which is out on the lawn. Enah painted it Saturday night right here on the kitchen floor and yesterday morning it wasn't dry so she put down a lot of newspapers down but they all stuck to the paint and made an awful mess of it. Frank scraped a lot off and then went down town and got the mail. He also 90 �saw the Doctor about his wrist and he put a bandage on it and told him to keep it there for a week Frank has it in a sling and I think is highly satisfied. Lila was over most of the day. The old guinea hatched out to-day but we don't think she had an extra good hatch. It would have been very hot to-day but for a cool nice breeze. Tuesday July 7th This being Dad's birthday and everybody wishing him a happy one and many returns we put in about the most strenuous day this summer. Dad. decided we had better haul in the hay before any rain gets on it although we are very anxious to get the buckwheat in and the thistles are whooping it up in the cornfield. It took us a long time to get started as various preparations had to be made for the slings, but we got one load in and off before dinner but not before twelve. This after noon we managed to get in three good sized ones and left the last on the barn floor. Huby helped us put on the last two but bunched up the winrows while we were unloading. This morning he had to throw a lot of old straw out of the bay in the big barn where we are putting the hay. As a little special sensation for Dad. the cows all came up early, the first time they have done it since they were out this year - and as the gates were all open - got into the garden before Frank noticed them and trimmed the "Country Gentleman" corn completely. We had the colts shut up in the stable and the sheep in the orchard. We had quite a time putting them in this morning as they would get nearly to the gate when one fool would run back and the rest of course all follow. They got in to the garden on trip and trimmed what little they could in half a minute. Frank of course is about useless but does a little with one hand. He helped Enah paint the oil cloth this after noon which they put out between the stable and the barn he also painted his wheel. Winnie was over this morning to dinner and Lila this after noon. It has been pretty warm to-day but a nice breeze Wednesday July 8th We hauled hay all day to-day and got in five loads leaving the last one on the barn floor. I went down town to-night to get my hair cut and got wet - owing to the fact that I indulged in two swims. I had one on my way down below Quanbury's but it was a premeditated one, then while I was in the barber shop Kindree came in to invite {Corny?} to go in and I joined them. Charlie Cooper and Booze Waddle also went we went in the pond at the danger sign and had a good one. I saw Dick with a new bank clerk. The other poor fellow is too sick to work and is going back home to-morrow. When I got home we had quite a hunt for some 91 �pills which Huby gave Dad for his birthday, and which Huby is very anxious for him to take as he thinks it will cure his arm. Hot and dry. Thursday July 9th Huby didn't come over till noon to-day as he had to attend to Mrs. Faulmsbee's insurance so we didn't try to haul in any hay. Frank and I took the team and waggon and went over to Tupper's first thing and borrowed his cultivator, he had to put the thistle cutter on which were the advantage it had over our own. When we got home we went down to the mill and got a couple of sacks of shorts for the pigs. Dad. had been training Jonas's mare to cultivate in the garden with our own cultivator but when we came took her out to the cornfield and worked with her till noon. She goes pretty well but gets rammy at the ends of the rows and walks fast. When we got back from the mill I hooked the team to the disks and disked on the buckwheat ground till noon. Huby came over at noon and we hauled in hay, we didn't rush at it so it was dark when we hauled the last load in but we had had our tea at six o'clock. We got in three loads and all we are going take off that field. There are a few winrows of couch grass which Tom Abbot is going to take as we don't want the seed to get in the manure. It has been very hot everything is drying up and we need a rain badly. Friday July 10th Huby Frank and I spent the whole day in the gully, we put the wire around the four little trees which we had the stakes around. This took us a long time as we put split rails around the stakes to brace them. Dad. & Huby did two the other day. Frank sat around with his pesky arm which everybody is getting heartily tired of. We used him principally as an object to heap abusive language on. We went all around the fence and patched it up as well as possible but it is in awful shape. We didn't do anything to the culvert hoping that the cows will be so delighted with the new pasture that they will not try to escape through the culvert till we can make a good fix of it. We let them all in to-night and the first thing they did was to tramp straight down along the creek and examine all the tree barricades. Tonight Frank and I went for a swim down below Quanbury's. Frank couldn't resist the temptation in spite of his poor wrist which he has been unable to wash for a week on account of the bandage but went in and swam around so now will have no excuse for not making a little use of it. Another very hot day, but nice breeze. Dad cultivated corn all day. Saturday July 11th 92 �Huby and Dad had a little work to attend to with the calves and pigs which took them an hour or so this morning. I took Belle out and cultivated a few rows of corn till Dad came out and relieved me. Then I went to help Huby staple on the wirefence, but I didn't feel very well for awhile so didn't do anything. Snowdrop got out at the culvert and stood in the middle of the road for about half an hour so we went down just before dinner to put her in. We met an old man on the road with a good looking setter and he and Huby had quite a conversation about sport. He wouldn't tell Huby his name but said Hec. Henderson would tell him. This after noon I felt better and we stapled on the wire fence - and then Huby went up and got a lot of wire and we barricaded the culvert. We stretched three strands of wire from the two posts each side of it and hung rails from the center at the bottom. It took us till after six quite a bit and then we took a look at Ivey's strawberry patch but there were hardly any left. To-night about eleven o'clock Dad. went out to wash his feet and and saw a fire down town. I lit right out for town but didn't know till I got to the top of the hill that it was the brickyard. The big building and the new long shed were beyond all hope when I got that far. I went down and sat on Huby's front step for awhile. Then Frank came down on his wheel and rode over to it he said the machinery was all ruined. I came part way home with old Jonas and induced him to go for a swim with me below Quanbury's. It was about midnight then. Frank has been driving his old mare all day. He went down town with her this morning and washed the buggy. This after noon he drove Enah and Tiddums down town. Warm but breezy all day. Dad got over the corn lengthwise going twice in a row and has started going crosswise. Sunday July 12th We didn't get up till very late this morning but I managed to get down to church. Frank also went down to church and Sunday School. Before we finished dinner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Waddle came over and stayed all the after noon. It was very hot this morning but began to rain the middle of the after noon and cooled things off. It didn't rain very long nor extra heavy. Tupper and a bunch of fellows drove in out of the rain and ran their buggy in the shed. Dick was in bed all morning down town this afternoon and at church to-night. Frank went down town on his wheel for a little while to look at the debris over at the brickyard. There was no insurance on the buildings, the rate being to high to carry it. They don't know at all how it started. A cow and calf got in the wheat this after noon & Frank and Bluch had quite a time with them. Monday July 13th 93 �Dad. & Frank went down town first thing this morning in the waggon and as it was so muddy they took Dick down with them. They got the tank at the Widespread which Huby has had ready for them for the last week or two. It is just a mate for the one we have and we are going to put it at the end of this one and connect them with a pipe at the top. Huby and Lila came back with them. I did chores and set out cabbage plants all morning. Huby helped me when he came, we got out a lot in the garden. Dad. worked on the buckwheat ground till noon. After dinner I disked the rest of the buckwheat ground and Dad. harrowed. Huby took all the rest of the cabbage plants and set them out in the corn field where there are hills of corn missed. He didn't get them all out by to-night so I guess we will be well fixed for cabbages next winter. Frank worked all day cleaning up the wood shed and the shop. He got a ticket from the inspector to-day bearing the joyful tidings that he had failed on his examination. He failed on Spelling and Arithmetic and was way down on the total. The failure doesn't appear to sit very heavy on his mind and I don't think he will lose very many meals over it. Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting to-night. Cloudy and not hot. Tuesday July 14th We worked on the buckwheat ground most of the day. I disked & rolled and this after noon Dad. sowed with the broadcast seeder. I harrowed after him till he finished and then he took the harrows and finished. He got the four two bushels on the four acres but had to go over some of it twice to cover it. Enah Frank and Tiddums went down to the Sunday school picnic this afternoon. I went down after tea thinking there might be a dance but I saw Joe and he said they were going to have a little dance but some of them left and delayed it so long that Morley closed up the pavillion. I fooled around with Joe, we went for a little drive but it began to rain so we went down to the moving picture show, we saw {Hale?} Long just as we came out and I didn't get home till nearly midnight. I picked Dick up at the bank he was talking to Douglas who is going to leave them soon. Huby worked in the garden all morning and picked all the cherries. Pretty cloudy all day and rain to-night. Wednesday July 15th We didn't get a very early start this morning but I cut hay all day and have quite a chunk of the timothy down; I had to leave one corner to cut afterwards as it is bounded on two side by ditches which I couldn't go over. I quit mowing before six and raked up what I cut this morning as it was dry. There is one spot or two where the timothy is not bad but most of it is very short blue grass. Dad cultivated the corn with Joe this after noon. He didn't do too badly. Huby and Frank worked in the garden. Huby got a lot of red cabbages from {Stan?} 94 �and set them out. Mrs. McBride was here all day, washing and stoning the cherries which Huby picked yesterday. Jonas presented us with a lot of vegetables to-night. Old Maneer was through here on his way to Tupper's to look at the shed. Pretty hot. Lila was over all day. The sheep all got out of the orchard to-day and got in the wheat. Thursday July 16th I finished cutting the hay this morning and raked it up after dinner. Then I helped Huby and Frank cock up we got quite a bit of it up, it will be a light crop. Dad. cultivated corn all morning with Joe but she didn't behave very well so he took Belle as soon as I got through raking. The Simcoe band came down to-night and we all went down to hear them Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down and didn't stay very long but Frank and I walked and went in for as swim at Quanbury's on our way down. We went down to Huby's for a minute or so and he was the only one home. After the band quit we went over and watched the dance for awhile getting home about midnight. Hot with nice breeze. Friday Saturday July 17th Dad. cultivated corn all morning with Belle and Huby Frank and I cocked up hay. We got it all up but a few windrows. A big thunderstorm rolled in at noon but although there were some very close flashes of lightning and some beautiful cracks of thunder it didn't last long. It rained very hard for a few minutes but soon dried off. It was too wet to cock hay this after noon so Huby and Frank went back and fixed the fence where the cattle got into Ivey's last night. Dad. took Harry and I took Belle and we cultivated all the after noon. We didn't get a very early start or we would have finished. It has been cooler and breezy this afternoon. Saturday July 18th Dad. finished cultivating the corn this morning and went through the potatoes again. He also went through the potatoes in the old garden which are up enough to see. Huby and I thinned the turnips and Huby thinned the mangels and hoed some of the potatoes. This after noon we got the binder out and cut the wheat east of the orchard. It took quite awhile to get started but Dad. cut it by soon after six but it took the three of us Huby, Dad. & me till dark to shock it all up. It is a good crop with hardly a thistle in it. Frank cleaned the binder up this morning and has been hobnobbing around with old Jonas all the rest of the day. They went to Simcoe this after noon with Nellie & Jonas' old rattletrap of a democrat, and Frank got a hive and various apiary supplies. Lila was over all the after noon and Win most of the morning. It has been a nice day a little cloudy. 95 �Sunday July 19th Enah and I went to church this morning and Frank went down to Sunday school and church. Dick didn't get up till noon and then drove down town with me I went around and got Marj. Clarke and we had a very enjoyable drive When I got home Ed. was here and had been here all the after noon. Lovely day with nice breeze. Monday July 20th We put off the load of hay that was on the barn floor and then had to chance the car over to the horse stable as that is where we want to put the timothy. It took us quite awhile to get ready so we only got in one load before dinner and didn't get it unloaded. We unloaded it after dinner but as we have to use the fork in the horse stable it took quite awhile. We got one more in and unloaded and then about four o'clock I drove Enah down. We went around to Miss Battersby and got a hanging lamp which Miss Battersby gave us. I went down to the station as Marj. told me she was going to-night but I found she had changed her mind. Dad. cut alsike from about six till I had my tea and then I cut till dark while Dad. did chores. Nice day pretty hot. Tuesday July 21st I set the alarm for half past three this morning and although I heard it go off was too sleepy to get up and stayed in bed till Dad. called me about five. I got out to the alsike field as soon as possible and cut till after seven, but there is still quite a bit to cut yet. We got started hauling hay as soon as we could after break fast and got two in before dinner. It took a long time to put on a load as the cocks are so far apart we have to chase all over the field to get enough to make a load. After dinner we got all the hay there was left which wasn't quite a load and got it unloaded by a little before four. Dad. then went out and started to cut the wheat north of the orchard. Huby and Frank helped him shock up and as there wasn't anything very pressing for me to doo Enah Tiddums and I drove down town. They went to see Elva and she went down and got some ice cream with them and I went down to the station to say goodbye to Marj. She & Bessy Perry went to-night. Quite a strong breeze to-day but hot. Wednesday July 22nd Dad. took the alarm clock last night and got me up soon after half past four and I went out and finished the alsike soon after eight. Dad. took Nellie Green & Joe and raked up what 96 �was cut yesterday. We didn't have breakfast till after nine so Dad didn't get much of the wheat cut before noon. We noticed this morning that for some reason the windmill although revolving was not pumping. We surmised that some of the rods were uncoupled so Frank took Nellie & the democrat and went down and got old Felix. He was here all the after noon and found the valve in the cylinder had gone out order but he put in a new one Dad. finished cutting the wheat this after noon and we put the binder back in the woodshed. Huby and I shocked up for a little while before dinner but helped old Felix all the after noon so most of the wheat has to be shocked up any way. Frank went over to John Wess to-night to see if he would like a little help to-morrow as from here it looks as if he had a lot of hay out, and we knew he had no man. He was cutting wheat and expected to be at it to-morrow but said a man would come in hadny the next day, so I guess I will go over. Frank has put in most of the day running errands. He drove Felix home to-night and Huby went down with them. Felix told us that Jack McCarty cut his throat this morning. He has been sick for quite awhile and I suppose it has left him in bad shape. The papers are giving very apalling accounts of the terrible damage being done by the army worms in the counties directly north of us. They say they have struck the O.A.C. at Guelph. Pretty hot today. Thursday July 23rd Dad. routed me out again this morning before five and I went out and raked up the alsike finishing about seven. Huby got over early and went right out to shock up wheat. Frank went out soon after to help him and Dad. to help them as soon as he could and I to help them as soon as I got through with my chores. It didn't take long to finish it up but we were hindered a little by the horses all getting out on the road, they ran up the lane and as both the stable doors had been left open ran right through on to the road. Luckily they didn't go far either way and we managed to head them off without a great deal of difficulty. Enah ran out to help us and left Tiddums in his bath. When Dad. came in afterwards he found him standing up in the tub filling one of his (Dad's) slippers with water. and pouring it all over himself. When we got the wheat shocked up we hooked up to go after a load off the other piece. Huby & Frank cleaned up the barn floor while Dad. and I were after a load. By the time we got the first load off the waggon it was raining quite a shower so we couldn't haul any more. I hooked Joe up to the buggy and Huby and I drove down to see old Felix as the windmill was working again this morning without pumping and we thought the sucker must be again out of order. Felix said it would kill him to go out in the rain but that we could fix it any way. He said some of the scales off the inside of the pipe end jerked down and got 97 �underneath the valve and all it needed was a pail of water poured down the pipe. We tried it and sure enough the old coon was right. Huby had some insurance to do so didn't come back with me. This after noon Dad. took Belle and cultivated the potatoes in the field and garden. I cut the weeds around the wheat field we last cut. About four o'clock Dad. thought it was dry enough to haul wheat so we got started in about an hour after a load. We just got it unloaded by six but went out and got another and left it on the barn floor. Harry Harding was over for awhile to see Dad. but he couldn't stay long as his mother is in very bad shape and he didn't like to be away from her for very long at a time. Allan Law came in for a little while to see if he could borrow the manure spreader to-morrow. Frank rode down town tonight to get the mail and Huby told him that he didn't finish his insurance so wouldn't be able to be over to-morrow morning so I won't be able to go over and help John Wess as we have to get our own wheat in first of all. Cloudy but hot after the rain. Friday July 24th Frank rode over first thing to tell John Wess that I wouldn't be able to be over. He said that Crysler's man helped him yester day and was going to again to-day, and if he wanted me to-morrow he would come over, but Allan Law was in this morning to get the spreader and he said he was going to take John Wess a man to-night. We unloaded the load on the waggon as soon as we could get started after breakfast but only got in two before dinner. However we cleaned the one field. Tupper came in for awhile to ask us to bring back his cultivator and just as he was leaving he broke the cross bar on his buggy and had to borrow our shaftues. Zeitha Barwell came over for a little while to see if she and Mr. Crooker could come over this evening and practice som songs for the concert as they want Enah to play for them. We got in two loads off the other field this after noon. We got a late start and quit at five to have tea but unloaded a load after tea. Frank and I went down to Quanbury's for a swim - and Frank went on down and got them mail. When I got home Zeith, Miss Wimmer and Mr. Crooker were here Zeitha and Mr. Crooker were practicing with Enah while Verdi. was looking after Tiddums. He took her all over the place and enjoyed himself immensely. Old Jonas had Nellie to-day and sent her home with young Mertland one of his boarders kids who isn't bigger than a skinned minute and he let her come in the lane on the run and ran smash into the cutter in the drive house. I don't think he broke anything but I told him to tell Mr. Jonas to come after the mare and bring him home himself after this. As soon as we could get ready we left for Mrs.Scofield's where Aunty Maude and Ada were having a party although I felt much more like going to bed. Dad. stayed home to mind Tiddums but Enah Frank and I went Zeitha went with us to the party, but the other two didn't go. Frank didn't 98 �stay very long as Huby had to play bridge instead of spending the evening with Frank as he had wanted to. All the older people played cards but there was just a nice bunch to dance. They were nearly all strangers to me but I had a good time although it was awfully hot. Enah and I got home about three o'clock. Pretty hot. Thursday Saturday July 25th I woke up very suddenly this morning about five o'clock by having the two dogs barking and on investigation found two or three of Vyse's lambs in the garden. Dad. was out and was just getting them out. When I came to my senses I found I felt very rotten and had quite a bad pain. I went to sleep again for a little while and my pain got better but I still felt pretty miserable and haven't done any thing much all day although I felt better this after noon. I don't know what ailed me. all my bones seemed to ache and it hurt to take a long breath. Huby got over about nine o'clock. He said last night that his foot hurt him all day yesterday but he got a new pair of shoes and it isn't so bad to-day. He Dad. and Frank hauled in the rest of the wheat and I helped mow it away - we finished it up before five. They got in four loads. We then went out to get a load of alsike. Huby and Frank bunched up enough to make a load and Dad. pitched it on to me. It was very short and it took us till after six to put on a load and it wasn't a big one. My back got pretty tired. To-night Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down town. Dad. got his nearly semi-annual crop of hair reaped and Enah and Tiddums went to Cousin Clare's. Frank rode down to the moving picture show. Dick didn't come home to-night and we suppose he went to Turkey Point with Hazen in the "Lake fly". They intended going up there to-night and stay at Tip Varey's cottage and then go across to Long Point and home to-morrow. Joe & {Hali"} Long were going in the "Pilot". We thought there would be quite a sea on as there was quite a strong South West wind. The last report of the army worm is that they have gone to camp at Niagara. I neglected to say that yesterday was my birthday and that I received handsome gifts, letters and good wishes from all members of the family. Breezy. Sunday July 26th I didn't get up till very late this morning and haven't been off the place all day. I just chored around slept & read and to-night wrote a letter to Aunty & Aunty Alice and another to Roy. Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and has been riding around on his wheel the rest of the day. He went to the stump for a swim to-night. Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove over to John Wess McBride's this morning before Tid. has his morning sleep and he hasn't slept a wink all day. Dad. tried to have a sleep this after noon but Tiddums 99 �wouldn't allow it. Dad. and Enah wanted to go down to the Methodist Church to hear Mr. Crooker sing but Tiddums wouldn't go to sleep and was inclined to be cranky so they didn't go. Dick got home late to-night burned to a crisp. I guess he didn't enjoy his sail as much as he expected. He and Hazen didnt get out of the boat till Sunday Morning and they left here at six o'clock Saturday night but there was no wind. They went over to Ryerson's Island where Joe & Hal. Long joined them and they went in for a swim. They saw Quint & George Hamaker over there. They had a good sail home they left at twelve and got here about two o'clock. Poor old A.M. Todd formerly of the "Maple Leaf" died to-day of heart failure while in bathing in the lake. They didn't find his body till about three hours afterwards when some people happened to run into it. Nobody missed him. Fair day. Monday July 27th We unloade the load of alsike we had on and got in one more and unloaded it before dinner. We got out right after dinner and managed to get in three by half past six. It is very slow stuff to handle it is so heavey & short and loose. Huby and Frank bunched up the first load, and then Frank bunched all the rest up this after noon. Frank Odd. came for Dad. while we were at dinner to go and see one of Flemming's horses so Huby and Frank pitched on after dinner till Dad. got back. Enah went down town this after noon to practice in the hall with some of the ones at the concert. Mr. Johnson brought Lila. Tiddums & her home at six. Lila and Tiddums stayed but Enah went back. Huby went down with them. She left word that Mr. Crooker never showed up and that Murray was coming up on the evening train and she wanted to practice with each of them. She got home about eleven and said that Murray didn't come and Mr. Crooker couldn't be found any where. She forgot and left today's paper down town but Lila says it reported bloodshed in Ireland. Cool and pretty breezy all day. We thought at noon we would get a rain but it seems to have passed over. Tuesday July 28th Huby didn't get over this morning as he had some insurance to look after but Dad. & I got in what was left of the alsike alone and Frank helped mowed it away. There was just one full load and a half of one. We left it on the waggon as it was half past twelve when we got in with it. This after noon we ground a mower knife and I got a few rounds cut in the blue grass and weeds this side of the gully while Dad. and Frank hoed some of the potatoes in the old garden. Dad. quit at five and I quit soon after so that he could get ready in plenty of tim for the concert. Billy Barwell came over at noon with some music for Enah to practice for the concert and he played around with Frank for quite awhile. Later Tuppy Fick brought Huby, 100 �Lila and Aunty Maude over in his car. Huby & Lila stayed and Aunty Maude took the musick back for Murray to practice. Huby went out and piled up the marsh grass we left out in the timothy sod to make duck hides. He thinks there will be lots of ducks next fall with the corn and buckwheat so near. When he got through Tuppy came back and got him. Tonight Dad. & Enah went to the church concert and Frank Lila & I stayed home with Tiddums. He went to sleep before they left and didn't wake up at all while they were gone. Dad. said he enjoyed the singing and playing of Zeitha, Miss Prest & Mr. Crooker very much and Pursell for his class, but the rest he didn't care for at all. Cloudy and cool all day and quite cold to-night. Nor'east wind. Wednesday July 29th Dad. & I hooked up Belle this morning and drove up to Bickler's. Dad. was never in there before but we found it to be a beautiful farm of 800 acres with the buildings set in a grove of natural timber a half a mile in from the road. It was gettin on to noon when we left there but we drove over to Dunkin's. He was down at a picnic at Port Ryersie so the young fellow told us so we went down there and saw him. He has had pretty rough luck again this year. He was sick all spring and nearly died and the young fellow had so much to look after that he lost five of his crop of eight lambs and the ones he has left don't look anything extra. He hasn't ours registered yet but is going to see about it as soon as he can. We heard several reports of the army worms on the radical road but didn't see any. Fred. Warren told us they were thick in all the pea fields but didn't seem to be doing any damage so we came to the conclusion they weren't the genuine army worm as they didn't seem to be anywhere but in the peas. Innes said they were the real thing and wouldn't take the peas green but will buy them thrashed. We got home about two o'clock. After we had our dinner I went out and cut a little more hay with Joe & Harry and Dad. cultivated corn & potatoes with Belle. Frank picked raspberries for Ivey this morning and helped Huby hoe potatoes this after noon. Mrs. McBride was here all day and looked after Tiddums this after noon while Enah took old Nellie and went to the Methodist Bazaar. Jonas sent a couple of kids after Nellie. He never said anything about wanting her to-day so he had to wait till Enah got back. Cool & windy no sign of rain. Thursday July 30th I cut hay all morning and nearly finished the piece I went out after dinner and only got a few rounds cut when the rivets came out of the pitman rod and it came loose so I had to quit mowing. I hooked on to the rake and raked for the remainder of the after noon but didn't 101 �get over it all. Dad cultivated corn all day. Huby didn't get over till noon and he burn a lot of worms nests in the trees. Frank and he hoed some thistles in the corn and potatoes and started to cock up hay but Enah called to them that the old sow was out and she got way down the road with all the little ones and it took them a long time to round her up, so they didn't get much hay cocked. They saw some fellows on the road who told them that the army worms were on Charlie Dixon's & Charlie Clalland's places and were skinning the oats; that is a Charlie Dixon who lives way out Black Creek on the fourth concession. John Wes. came over this forenoon to see if he could rent the manure spreader but Dad told him he would lend it to him, so he came over after dinner and got it. Tonight Frank went down to the moving picture show with Roy Bannister. An automobile came in after dark to-night and I think Dad. is holding a post mortem on a dog or something I don't know who the people are except their names are Simpson from Toronto. According to to-days reports nothing short of a miracle can prevent a general war in Europe. Austria has all ready declared war with Servia and Belgrade is taken. Russia is mobilizing an inormous army to support Servia and Germany. Britain and France are all beginning to squirm. Cool, cloudy day. Friday July 31st We spent quite awhile this morning watching Dad. operate on the dead dog. In daylight he found the left side of it full of shot and dug eleven no. 5 shot out of its hind leg. They had gone right through the flesh but didn't come through the skin. He then opened it and found a shot in its lungs and all through it so came to the conclusion that whoever shot it carried it to the lake and threw it in as that is where it was found dead. He thought it must have been fired at from close range but when Huby came he said a full choke gun would make the same pattern at forty yards. Huby didn't get over till quite late this morning as he didn't wake up and we didn't get out in the field till nearly ten o'clock. Frank took the pitman rod down and got Joe Howell to rivet it. The rest of us cocked up till he got back. Then I finished mowing before dinner. This after noon I finished raking about three o'clock - and then went out and cocked up with the rest of them. We didn't quite finish. Frank went over to John Wes's after dinner and brought Bluch home. He followed John Wes. home with the spreader yesterday and stayed all night. Jonas sent another hoach of kids after his mare again today and they chased her all over the field and then had to get Frank to help them so Dad. gave Jonas beans when he brought her home to-night. John Watts was in for a few minutes tonight to ask Dad. about a cow or some thing. Cool & breezy with a few clouds Frank went down after the paper to-night and went to tell Mr. Simpson about his dog. He has Aikens on the trail. 102 �Saturday August 1st Dad. and I put off the half load of alsike which was on the waggon and changed the car and pulleys from the barn to the horse stable it didn't take us very long as we didnt take any of the pulleys off the ropes Frank and Huby cocked up till we got out in the field and then Huby helped Dad. pitch on a load and Frank finished cocking up this afternoon we got one load in before dinner and three in this after noon but hauled the last one in on the barn floor and left it. We couldn't haul full loads as we had to use the slings and too big a lift wouldn't go in the doors but we got in some pretty good sized ones. I drove down town to-night with Huby to get provisions and the town was so full and the stores so crowded that I didn't get home till late. Frank went down on his wheel to see Professor Atkinson do some stunts in the town hall but I guess the show didnt ammount to much. Huby and I are planning a trip to-morrow to go and see Dr. McInnes about growing ginseng and come home by way of Billington's. It has been breezy and not hot all day. We need a rain very much everything is drying up and if it doesn't come soon it will be too late when it does come. Sunday August 2nd I got down to Huby's about nine o'clock and he was already to start but it took us quite awhile to get what we wanted to take loaded in the buggy. We had to take our lunch and several other things. Quint came home last night and he said he would like to accompany us so Huby fixed a seat in front of the dashboard for him so we didn't have to hold him on our knees. We let Joe take it easy as the sun was hot and the flys were bad and we made quite a load. Huby found Dr. Macinnes in his office in Vittoria and he told him quite a lot about Ginseng. He said that there never was a better market price for the roots as there is now and he thought that anybody starting in now would be independent in ten years. He had none of it there to show us as he grows it all on his farm four miles west of Vittoria, but he invited us to go up there - and wrote to his man introducing us. He told us where to find it if the man was not at home and said to put the horse in and feed her. We went up, it seemed like a long drive through about the most barrenest looking country I ever saw although Huby said there was worse in other spots. When we got there we found the man was not at home so did as the doctor told us and put Joe in. The Ginseng gardens were in plain sight and all in lattice work houses or sheds they have to be grown in the shade so he has these sheds built of pickets and clothes which lets in all the air but which keeps out most of the sunlight. It is as near like a forest as could be built. He must have had nearly an acre under cover like this and all the beds were full but the plants were not all the same age some just seedlings and others eighteen inches high. We took a good look around and then 103 �went over to the well to eat our lunch. There were fully a million half starved and half grown chickens beseiging us the whole time and we couldnt lay a piece of bread down for a minute but they would seize it and run off with it. It was very annoying and Huby felt very much like catching a couple biting their necks and broiling them. We left right after we had our lunch for Billington's but it was about two o'clock then. We got a little mixed up with the roads and went quite a bit out of our way, but got to Billington's about four or soon after. They were very glad to see Huby. We stayed there to tea and till after nine visiting. Before it got dark I took some pictures of the bunch and fooled around the creek. Huby and Quint spent most of the time in its vicinity but didn't have extra good luck. We got home about midnight it was moonlight but very chilly. It hasn't been at all hot all day and this after noon it rained a shower but there wasn't enough to do any harm or good. Monday August 3rd We hauled in all the rest of the hay off that field to-day. It took us all day and there were just five loads. We put four of them in the horse stable loft and left one on the old barn floor for the bull. Huby and Dad pitched one, I loaded and Huby and Frank mowed away. Frank spent most of the time between loads fixing the boiler pipe which Rus Lampkins brought down for the sink from the pump to the orchard fence to carry water to the calves and sheep in the orchard. Dad is not at all in favor of the scheme as he says Frank can't make it work and it blocks his path to the pig pen, but Frank is undaunted and has it nearly carrying water. Pretty hot to-day. Tuesday August 4th Huby didn't come over at all to-day, he had some insurance to look after and spent the rest of the day working around his own garden. Dad. and Frank went back this morning to fix the line fence between John Wes. and us as the cows got it last night and broke it down and tramped through his oats & buckwheat and ate up his beans. John Wes. came back with the spreader while they were gone and when I told him he just laughed and said such things would happen. They didn't get back till noon. I cut weeds while they were gone. This after noon Dad cultivated corn and Frank and I started to hoe the potatoes. Harry Harding came over and I went back to the gully with him to look at the horses and cattle. It was getting on to five when we got back and then I drove him down town and got some provisions. Dad. quit early. He and Enah went out to the Shand's last night and invited them all over here tonight for some music. Mr. Crooker, Zeitha, Verdi, Wimmer all came over and Mr. Johnson brought Aunty Maude. Win & Lila and Nora Cunningham over in his car. Dick also managed 104 �to get home, and all the Shands came so we had a very pleasant evening. Not hot to-day. Quite cold to-night. Wednesday August 5th {Harry Barrett (Toby's father) wrote the following entry and much of August 12.} We were up about the usual time after our night of song. I cultivated corn all day and the boys hoed all the weeds and thistles out that the cultivator missed Wednesday August 12th For a whole week this interesting and valuable record has been missed owing to an accumulation of circumstances, the terrible war being the chief upsetting cause for after reading the paper Toby had no time to make entries in this, he wanted to go down to get his hair cut tonight to I said I would do my best to write the doings of the past week. I think we began hauling out manure on the 4 acres we had sowed with Buckwheat on Thursday 6th and we hauled until Saturday noon. We then got the binder out and cut the oats in the old well field, it was a nice crop but the weather is and has been so dry that the grain was very light. Hubert and Frank cobbled up the fence around the hog yard on Friday and Saturday forenoon, Saturday afternoon they all shocked up oats. Sunday Morning Toby drove down to church, had dinner at Huberts and he and Hubert went up to {illegible} Hooleys in the after noon, Frank was at S.S. and church. Dick did not get up until noon. Hattie intended going to church but did not feel very well in the morning so did not go as she had to go down in the evining to play for Mr Crooker who sang a solo. I went down also in the evening there were very few in church a young student tried to preach. It was a very hot day and looked a little like a thunder storm. On Monday I had to go and load the binder on the truck the first thing Frank went with me, after bringing it in I went and got the roller and put it in, Hubert worked at the Hog fence, and Toby at the fence around the orchard to keep his chickens in. I brought up the old hay {illegible} valves and Frank has been taking it to pieces. Monday afternoon we all worked at the sheep for some time separating them so as to try and mark them for {resist....?} it actually rained quite a shower Monday evening and laid the dust. On Tuesday morning we marked the lambs, Hubert worked at his fence. In the afternoon Toby and I hauled out manure. It was quite cool at night. This morning, Wednesday we took {Toby resumed writing the diary at this point.} the binder back over the gully to cut the oats. We didn't get started very early either in the morning or after dinner so didn't finish to-night. Frank and I shocked up but we didn't get it all up either as 105 �we didn't work very hard. The oats are so rusted that they are all bent flat and there is nothing whatever in them. To-night Frank and I drove down town I got my hair cut and Frank got a pair of boots. On our way down we got started on the approach to the bridge before we saw a team on the bridge and we had to back up. Joe got a little impatient and hacked accross the road and got herl hind legs down a nasty hole between the bank and the sidewalk but didn't hurt herself. We saw Huby down town and he told us he had more insurance to look after tomorrow so couldn't come over again. He says his leg is bad again even worse as it hurts him now. Chris Quanbury asked us if two of us could come over to Martin's and help them thrash. It looked a little like rain to-day but didn't. Thursday August 13th We went back this morning and finished cutting and shocking up the oats just at noon but by the time we got up to the house and had dinner and put the binder in winter quarters it was pretty late and soon after dinner we saw the thrashing out fit coming around the hill so Dad. and I went over to Martins. They didn't get started thrashing till after four but we finished up about six. Their wheat only turned out about 20 bushels to the acre both Charlie's and Jack's. Neither one of them was there. Chris. was running things. The machine was out side and they put the straw in the barn. Dad. and I carried away. Cousin Clare was here all the after noon and stayed all night. One of us will have to go and help Flemming thrash to-morrow. It has been rather cloudy and threatening all day and to-night it did rain quite a shower and thundered quite a lot. It still looks very black. Friday August 14th There was a very hard thunder shower after we went to bed last night and every thing was pretty wet this morning but it has been windy and sunny all day so the mud is about dried up. We needed the rain very badly and it will likely do a lot of good to the corn roots and late sowed potatoes, but we could stand a lot more of it. Dad. had an early breakfast and got down to Flemming's about seven. He only thrashed his wheat and a load of oats so they finished at noon. Dad. said the wheat didn't turn out very well but the oats weren't so bad. I just did chores this morning and wrote in this and made a new milk record card and tacked it up in the cow stable. Frank and I looked at the bees and put in three frames which had full sheets of foundation in, in place of three which they hadn't worked on at all. We just took them from the super and put them in the lower hive. I got stung for the first time. We didn't do anything much right after dinner. Frank went down and got the paper but there wasn't anything startling in it. They don't know where the British Army is at all Kitchener is keeping 106 �its whereabouts strictly secret. The first decoration for gallantry was awarded to a French lieutenant of dragoons who had the Cross of the Legion of Honor confered upon him for doing what he would have been guillotined for a month ago. Such incidents do make war look horribly foolish. Dad. and I went out to look at the potatoes in the field to see if the wire worms were in them at all but we couldn't find any. They promise to be a fair crop for this year. When we came in we took the team and went down to Uncle Ward's and got a load of shingles. It was six o'clock when we got home. To-night Cousin Clare and Enah have gone over to see Mrs. Battersby and Frank has gone down town with Roy Bannister Lila is over here for all night. Frank went over to see Mrs. McPherson and her bees this after noon and got stung too. Like every one else's hers have made very little honney this year. Saturday August 15th We chored around about half the morning and then went out and straightened the oat shocks up a little, some of them were pretty wet and one or two heads had sprouted. We then came in and put the load of hay off that was on the rack before dinner Frank mowed it nearly all away in by Dreadnought's stall. He also unloaded our load of shingles while Dad. was examining the refrigerator, it was leaking and we didn't know what caused it but Dad. found the overflow pipe was blocked up. Frank went down and got the paper right after dinner and Dad. went to sleep. He has been saying so long how much he would like to take a sleep so we let him go till Tiddums came in about half past three and woke him up. We then went out and hauled out five loads of manure before tea. Frank hoed the potatoes in the old garden, and I helped him between loads. We got the buckwheat ground all covered. Bob. Davis & Jonas came in to-night while we were at tea with "Golden Crown". Enah drove Cousin Clare and Lila home after tea. Very windy. Sunday August 16th We didn't get up till late this morning, but Enah and I went to church. Frank went to church and Sunday school. Mr. Leigh preached he is from Courtright and Enah knew him when she was there. This after noon I read "The Lady of the Lake." Dad. Tiddums & Enah slept. Dick went down town and Frank rode out to Teeple's woods to see a lot of bees that some fellow from Simcoe has there. He didn't see the owner and Teeple's told him he had taken a lot away. Sam Law came in this morning to say he was going to thrash his oats out of the field to-morrow if it didn't rain and wanted us and our team and waggon, so I guess we will take a load of our oats over and thrash them. It rained a little this after noon and has been cool & cloudy. 107 �Monday August 17th It was raining when I got up this morning but didn't last long but it was too wet to thrash oats out of the field so after breakfast I went out and disked up most of the buckwheat ground. I got over the part where the buckwheat is the thickest. The buckwheat won't ammount to any thing now as only a little of it came up on the knolls and we are going to work it in and put wheat on it. Dad. spent the forenoon I think writing to Aunty. Tupper was in to see if we wanted to haul stone for road work but I guess Dad will pay it. I went over to Sam's at one o'clock and helped them thrash their wheat out, and Frank and Dad. came over with the team and rack to haul oats. They had three teams, ours and two of their own and three waggons, ours, Art Ryersies and theirs. Dad. and I each hauled in and Art. pitched on to us. Frank helped a little, while Bert Munro & Al. Martin pitched off the load standing. They had poor Skinner Manning and Douglas the Scotchman on the stack. Skinner says it is the last stack he is going to work on. The oats were very light. There were 830 bushels of oats and 66 of wheat. We all three stayed over there to tea. Huby came up creek in the boat and walked up here but Enah said he didn't feel very well he rode back as far as Sam's with Ham Thompson who was coming down to see Dad. His old mare was kicked by Frank Mar's horse and had her leg broken. Dad. told him to shoot her. The Japs have sent an ultimatum to Germany now giving them orders to get their cruisers out of the Far East. Pretty hot to-day and lightening a lot to-night. Tuesday August 18th Just as we got ready for bed to-night a terrific thunder storm broke on us. Dick just got home in time. There was an almost steady flicker of vivid lightening although there were no ear breaking thunder claps, but the rain came down by the barrell. The wind was so strong that it sounded like hail battering at the west side of the house. It was still raining when I got up this morning but was not so boisterous about it. It rained off and on all morning and has been very hot and sultry all day. It is thundering again to-night and seems to be shaping for another round. I drove Dad. down right after breakfast and got some groceries. I went down to Joe Howell's to have Joe shod, but he had a team to shoe all around so I didn't wait. When I got home Dad. drove down to the mill and got a bag of flour. Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's with his two roosters which I have had over here since last spring. I spent the rest of the day building a trap nest according to instructions I read. Dad. put the cloak shelf up in the kitchen and Frank has been prowling around with his bee book looking for enlightenment on several subjects pertaining to bees. To-night I drove Dad. down to a school board meeting and got the mail. Mr. Flemming was in this after noon to have Dad. 108 �look at his horses mouth as she didn't eat right. Dad. found a great big piece of wood wedged in some way. Wednesday August 19th Last night we had a repetition of night before last's storm with more and heavier thunder. Dad. came home in it and got soaked. The school board are in trouble again. The debentures haven't been sold yet and they are afraid there will be difficulty in disposing of them now on account of the war. Secord is going to quit work on the school if they don't pay him. It rained a little more this morning but has been sunny with a fresh breeze all the after noon but very sultry and muggy before noon. This morning Dad. drove over after Mrs. McBride who has been here washing and ironing all day while I cut wood and then we both drove down town. Dad went and saw Mr. Smith to consult with him on the advisability of keeping Frank out of school till the hot weather is over as Aunty suggested. Mr. Smith thought it would be a good idea, so I guess Dad. will let him if he doesn't object. This after noon Enah took Nellie and drove down town to visit Cousin Clare and others and Mrs. McBride minded Tiddums. Dad. & I took the plow back to the alsike stubble and plowed all the after noon. I made a couple of strike outs my first ones and they certainly looked like it. Frank came back and joined us after a while Dad. went up about half past five to milk and I plowed till after six. Thursday August 20th It began to rain soon after breakfast this morning and rained steadily and quite heavily till after dinner it then cleared up for the rest of the day but it doesn't act as if it was through with us yet. I read all morning, the last bulletin from the Department of Agriculture on Lightening Rods. Frank studied his bee book and Dad minded Tiddums and slept. A fellow drove in to see if he could sell us oil wholesale but he couldn't so didn't stay long. This after noon Frank and I took Joe down to Joe Howell's and had her shod. Frank stopped in at Uncle Ward's on his way home to see how his vice was attached to his bench and was in there about half an hour. We got home a little before five. I looked over the paper and then carried Tiddums back to where Dad. was plowing and from there to the gully. We got back about six. Dad. plowed all the after noon. Friday August 21st It rained hard again during the night but has been sunny and windy all day and to-night the sky looks clear and it is cooler. Dad. plowed all morning and Frank and I tidied up a little 109 �around the yard in the vicinity of the woodshed and shop. This after noon Frank drove Enah and Tiddums down town to go visiting and brought Uncle Ward. back with him as he had some tools he wanted to sharpen on our grindstone and Frank turned it for him. As Jonas wanted Nellie at three o'clock I had to drive down before tea and get Enah and Tiddums who was getting homesick. Uncle Ward. wouldn't stay to tea so I took him home. Dad. and I spen the after noon turning the oats We turned every shock as far as we went but didn't finish. The ones that stood up weren't very wet but there weren't many that were left standing and the down ones were very wet and some of them sprouted. I had to help Dad. milk to-night and it was very late when we got through. We tried to get John into the stancions and nearly had her in when Tige commenced to bark at the Shand boys coming in and frightened her out. Whit Dixon came over this morning and Dad. let him have her calf and she has been bawling for it all the after noon. Dad. says he feels like a traitor as John. went back this morning without her calf thinking it was safe up here and when he, Frank and Whit surrounded it, it was all alone. It was watching Whit thinking (so Dad says) that he (Dad) would protect it when he came up from behind & grabbed it. To-day's paper says that the war is commencing now in earnest and the Germans now occupy Brussels. They, the Canadian Government, have put a war tax on Sugar Coffee Tobacco & liquors. so Dad thinks he will have to quit smoking. Huby left to-night for Toronto. Saturday August 22nd Dad. plowed all day and got in a good day Frank and I took a look at the bees first thing and then I went out and finished turning the oats which took me till noon. This after noon I put in cutting weeds along the fence bottoms & in the old garden, and to-night feel a great admiration for the pioneers who would swing a scythe all day and carouse all night. I don't wonder a lot of whisky was consumed in those days although I got along without even any water. Frank worked around up at the house all day. Winnie, Lila and Miss Leigh where here to dinner. This was the day of the Great Boughner Picnic which this year assembled in Simcoe, it is the first time they went out of Dover this wouldn't {happen} now only they got every inducement from the Simcoe people to come there while other years Dover has soaked them for all they could get out of them. A lot of cheap sports down town here got up another picnic to-day in opposition and made arrangements with Buck to get the Park free. They got out bills and put them all over the country they say advertising it as being formerly the Boughner Picnic but the Boughners threatened to take action against them and they had to around and collect all their posters. I guess they didn't get much of a crowd. The Toronto regiments got a sudden order to go from Long Branch to Valcartier and 110 �they all left to-day. Aunty told us in her letter that Fred. McDonald is with the 48th Highlanders and Elva told Enah that Byron Johnson belongs to the signal corps of the Chatam regiment. Dick is wishing he was old enough to enlist. I don't know but that I would if I were in his place but I think untill conditions develop more and the odds are against Britain, the Canadian farmer is of as much importance as the soldier, as they cant fight on empty stomachs, and Canada is where they are looking for their bread & butter, but I'm good & ready to scrap when they do need me. It has been pretty hot to-day, but looks fair. Sunday August 23rd Enah & Dad. went to church this morning and Frank went to Sunday school & church. I stayed home to watch Tiddums. He woke up before they got home and I took him back to the gully and woods where appeared to enjoy himself. Dick stayed in bed till noon and went down town after dinner. This afternoon Dad. Enah & Tiddums drove out to the Shand's and got back just before it began to rain. I got two or three mushrooms back in the gully this morning so Frank went back this after noon to see if he could find any. He came back with about a peck of them. I read, slept and cursed flies all the after noon till Frank came home and fixed a fly net over me which was a great protection. Huby got home last night - and I guess had a good time and saw everybody he knew either by lucky chance or by a premeditated call. He said Rus. Skey took him into the private office and talked for an hour. He is crazy to go to the war as an assistant army surgeon but they won't take him. Huby told Dad. & Enah that Vernon said we could all go down there any time and stay as long as we liked and that we could go in a body or by installments and that if Quint was home for him to go too. It has been very hot and a big thunderstorm came up this after noon. It poured rain for a few minutes and hasn't cleared off yet. Monday August 24th It rained hard again during the night but has been cool and windy all day and feels as if it had cleared up. We all got up pretty early and Dad. got a good fore-noon's plowing done. I cleaned out the separator and cut a little wood and before dinner went out to see if the oats were ready to be turned again as yesterday's wind knocked a lot of them down but they hadn't dried out quite enough on the outside. Frank spent most of the morning down town with Nellie, he got some groceries and then took Nellie down and let Lila drive Mr. & Mrs. Leigh over to dinner - and he waited down and got the mail. Early this morning he went back to the gully and got a nice lot of mushrooms. This after noon we didn't get out so early as Dad. wanted to talk to Mr. & Mrs. Leigh for awhile after dinner. He went back and struck 111 �out a couple of lands and then I came back and plowed around them and left three or four furrows on each for him to finish up. He came back about half past five and plowed till six. In the meantime he fixed at the pig yard fence to try & keep the little fellows in as they have been running all over the place and to-day took to roving on to Martin's domains and helping themselves to his chicken food. Dad. didn't finish the job but thinks it efficient as far as he has gone. Tuesday August 25th We hooked up Belle to the buggy this and I called for Huby about eight o'clock. We drove up to Bickler's again. We stopped in at Andrew Smith's but he was not at home Bickler's weren't home either but the man was and we went over to see Bickler as he was on another farm he has bought just south of Vittoria. We had a fine drive and got home about one. Dad. tried to plow this morning with Joe and Harry but had a terrible time as Joe acted very mean so he was glad enough to have Belle back this afternoon. Frank spent the after noo morning fixing the rest of the pig fence. After dinner Frank and I started to turn out all the oats in this field but got about half done when Mr. Morgan came to see the English Wallnut trees and we didn't get any more done that day, but Frank & I hauled up a load of rails with Harry and Belle as Dad. quit early. To night Dad. & Enah went down to a musical at Mrs. Hobbes and Frank and I stayed home to watch Tiddums. Quite cold this morning and cool all day. Wednesday August 26th We didn't get up very early this morning and Jim Bannister came over to get Dad. to go over and see a sick cow he has. She wouldn't eat last night or this morning and can't get up. Dad. went over and said he was afraid she was going to die. We got one load of oats in before dinner and three after and there is still a load out there. To-night I went down and joined a surprise party which they had for Verdy Wimmer who is going away next week to train for a nurse. There was quite a bunch and we went up there and played pedro all evening. I have never learned anything about the pesky game yet but I had a rattling good time just the same. I went up to the bandroom and found several practicing up there for to-morrow. Harry Moon told me the other day they were going to have a flag day Thursday but I didn't know they were going to practice for it. Cloudy and cool. Thursday August 27th 112 �I helped Dad. & Frank to get the load of oats off which we left on the barn floor and then got ready to go down town at half past ten. Jim Bannister's cow died so Dad. went over to hold a post mortem on her but could find nothing abnormal except an enlarged gall bladder. I went down to Huby's first thing to see if he could come over and help get in the rest of the oats but he didn't seem to feel very well but went over after dinner. Verdy Wimmer nailed me to buy a flag just as I was going into Huby's and I had to buy another from Pansy Fischer before I got up town, however they did me for the day although they were both sold again before the day was over. I was up at the bandroom on time but nobody else was we had to wait about an hour before the float appeared and it was then to late to meet the eleven o'clock train as we intended. Harry Moon had been working hard all morning and he and Jack Ivey I had Johnny Walker's dray all rigged up fin with flags and flowers and drawn by four horses. They had Al. Faulkner's spotted team on the lead and Johnny Walker's team on for wheelers but they had to have two drivers. Anyway they toated the band all over town all day and we played all the patriotic tunes we could find.. They had all the pretty girls in town pretty nearly riding on the a running board around the dray where it was easy for them to jump on and off selling flags. They sold all their flags early in the day and had to make a lot of little tricolored bows and sell flowers which Ivey gave them. We came over Prosper Hill here where they collected over thirty dollars mostly from Mrs. Battersby and Jack Martin, we also went over Brant hill I stayed to Huby's for dinner and went home for supper and didn't go down to the dance after dinner tea. The girls were going to sell flowers over at the dance but I guess most of them were pretty tired as they were on the go all day. They got a little over two hundred and fifty dollars. It will be sent to the patriotic fund for the releif of the wives of soldiers gone to the front. Dad. & Frank got the rest of the oats of the front field in and Huby came over to help them after dinner but they found the oats over the gully to be soaking wet so they turned a load out and left them. Dad. plowed for about an hour and Huby Frank and Lila hunted mushrooms. Very cloudy and threatening all day & cool. Friday August 28th Dad. went over first thing this morning to see John Quanbury's cow which has been taken sick the same way Jim Bannister's was and has been running in the same pasture Dad. says it is going to die but doesn't know what is the matter with it. I cut a little lawn and Frank and I pitched of the few sheaves while he was gone - and then we took the rack back over the gully. We all turned out for awhile and then Frank finished up and Dad & I put on a load. We got one load on before dinner. This afternoon we hauled three in and left a couple out there. 113 �We threw them up on top the alsike. To-night Enah had to go down to choir practice as Topsy asked her to play for her while she is in Toronto so I drove her down. We called for Miss Draton who was waiting for us at the gate of Mrs. Battersby. It was drizzling when we went down and was raining quite hard when we got home It rained very hard during the night. Saturday August 29th It rained a good part of the morning. Dad. went over to Billy Lewis' as he couldnt do anything else and the old man came over after him last night to see a sick heifer. He stopped in at Shand's on his way home and was there till after noon.They were weighing up all their stock. This after noon Charlie Quanbury came over after him to go and take a last look at their cow. She was better last night and this morning but before dinner took a turn for the worse and is on her last legs. Dad. couldn't imagine what was the matter with her. He got some new veterinary down from Simcoe and he happened to have the inspector with him so they both came down, they said it must be Anthrax the germs of which have come in with a lot of chickens Jack Martin has just bought from some fellow on the other side, but Dad. says he doesn't think it is that because the eggs or whatever it comes from wouldn't have had time to develop yet. He says if it is that, that likely all the cattle on this place will be infected through him and no telling where it will end. I didn't do anything much all day except write part of a letter to Uncle Hal. Tom. Abbot brought Mrs. McBride over after dinner and Frank and I took her down as far as Preston's orchard to-night. We intended driving on down town but just as I cramped the buggy off for Mrs. McBride to get out Joe gave a quick switch around and brought the wheel up against the bed of the buggy and the shaft broke at the curve. It held enough to pull me home but I didn't like to go down town so Frank walked down and got Dad's tobacco. Cloudy and cool all day. Sunday August 30th Dad. and Enah drove down to church this morning after we had fixed a good whipple tree to a good pair of shafts in a poor way. I stayed home to watch Tiddums. We stayed out in the barn for about half an hour and then we came in the house and he chased around till he rooted Dick out of bed. Dick got up and he & I took five pictures of Tiddums. This after noon Dick took the camera and took twelve pictures. Dad. and I drove out to the Shands to get a book of Dad's on sick cows but none of them were home. To-night Enah and I drove down to church. Cloudy and cool but looks clearer. 114 �Monday August 31st Dad. plowed this fore noon and opened some ditches out of some of the holes in the cornfield. Frank went back and turned over the rest of the oats across the gully. Huby came over a little while before dinner and piled up his duck hide hay. This after noon Dad. and I hauled in the last two loads of oats and Huby helped us unload them. Between loads he fixed up a gate post at the north end of the drive house and fixed the fence. Cloudy but fair very hot for awhile this after noon but fresh breeze sprang up later Bill Donald was in tonight to have Dad look at a shoe boil on his {toe?} Tuesday September 1st It was sprinkling this morning when Dad. took the team out but he didn't think it would ammount to much so took the roller out as he wanted to roll down what he has plowed before he puts any manure on it with the spreader. He just nicely got started when a nut broke on the roller and he had to quit, he would have had to anyway for just then it began to pour rain. It rained very hard for awhile but aparently cleared up before dinner but after dinner another cloud came up and we had a short session of the hardest down pour this year. Every thing was flooded in no time. I spent the morning in putting another roost in the far chicken pen and enlarging the table underneath. This after noon I made another trap nest or at least started another. Dad. went over to Tupper's this morning to pay him for our road work. Wednesday September 2nd Dad. got a fairly good day in plowing to day although he had a couple of visitors. Young Hawn came in to ask him about a sick cow and a map agent went over and sold him a new map of the Dominion. This morning Frank and I took the brooder and chicken coops out of the chicken yard and I dug up where they were. We then went out to the corn field and I opened some more ditches from some more holes and Frank started to dig the potatoes in the wet place but he said they were all rotten. This afternoon I cut the lawn, I had quite a time with the lawn mower as the {pauls?} have been worn. Mrs. McBride has been here washing all day. To-night Enah and I drove down and got the mail. We got a letter from Aunty bearing the astounding news that Walter is on the verge of getting married. Breezy all day very hot after dinner and looked very much like rain for awhile. Thursday September 3rd 115 �Dad. plowed all day again to-day and the flies weren't quite so bad. I spent the whole day trimming the edges and digging up the rhubarb bed and also digging a piece in the strip where the currant bushes are. I didn't get much done as my back ached quite a lot from the digging. Frank cut wood and this after noon went down town and got the mail. To-night he has gone down to the moving picture show as Johnny Walker has on a twenty cent show "The Mobilization of the British Army." Cool and windy today. A short shower before tea. Friday September 4th We hauled manure all day to-day and got out 16 loads which just covered the unplowed part of the alsike stubble I spent in between loads cutting a little lawn and choring Frank went down town this morning and this afternoon cut wood. He has a big pile cut which he expects to last till he gets back from Toronto. A Mr. Walker was in this morning and bothered Dad. for awhile showing him a Nature Study chart which he said this school ought to have. Dad. told him the Minister of Education was a goat for putting stuff like Nature Study on the school curriculum but gave his name as one of the trustees in favor of buying a chart. It has been very cold all day and tried to rain this morning. {Harry Barrett (Toby's father) wrote the diary from this point to the end of Saturday, September 12.} Hattie went to choir practice tonight and the boys printed photographs, they had some very good ones. Saturday September 5th First thing after breakfast Toby, Frank and I went out to put the new bolt in the roller to replace the one that broke and we had a time but at last succeeded. I got the team out there and went at the ploughing Hubert and Quint came over for a little while Just before noon but would not stay for dinner as Hubert wanted to go to Charley Teeples and get some weed to send down to Roy. Toby and Frank had to do so many odds and ends preparing for their trip to Toronto. They left here about 3-30 and the whole four of them got off on the 5 O'Clock train, taking a basket of things down to Roy and Vernon. I had to quit the plough at 5 O'Clock and then it was late enough when I had every thing done up. It is terribly lonely I will be glad to see them all back safely. It has been cool all day. Sunday September 6th I put in a very lazy day. Hattie had to go to church both morning and evening and baby and I stayed home he was very good all day. I had to do the chores up early in the evening so 116 �that Hattie could get off in time. It rained a little in the early morning. I read while baby was asleep when I should have been writing letters. Monday September 7th I was up at 5-15 this A.M. and had nearly all the chores done up by 7. I had to go out to the corn field after the disk and it looked so much like rain I hardly knew whether to go to the field or not but I went and it did not rain but was so cold that I nearly froze but I got over a big piece. Hattie went down town in the afternoon and Lila came home with her to stay all night Hubert was over for a few minutes to tell me that he could not come in the morning as he had to see about the insurance on the Town Hall Tuesday September 8th This has been a most unsatisfactory day I got out fairly early considering I had every thing to do and rolled nearly all I had ploughed by noon. I thought I would have a good afternoon at the plough but Just as I was going out after dinner John Quanbury came and wanted me to talk to McMahon he had a report on the blood he sent away from John's cow stating an organism had been found in it that looked suspicious when I got back from talking to him Hattie told me that Charlie Shand had been here to say the three colts were out at their fence so I had to saddle Joe and go after them I had quite a time getting them home and it was too late to go to the field when I got back, in fact it took me all my time to get everything done up before dark Hattie and baby went down town again today It has been very cold all day. Wednesday September 9th I have had another upset day, a most trying one. In the first place I did not get up very early. Dick came home about midnight and the dogs woke me up barking at him, we talked for a long time after he came to bed, then I remembered that I had not shut the wind mill off and I stayed awake a long time wondering if the wind would get up before daylight, finally I got up and went out and shut it off and then could not get to sleep for ever so long after I went back to bed, so the consequence was when I did go to sleep I did it so properly that I never heard the alarm and slept until 6 O'Clock. I was Just ready for breakfast when Jack King drove in to have me fix his old grey mare's teeth, and after getting breakfast doing up all the chores, backing the spreader out of the barn oiling it and hitching up it was 10 O'Clock. I had my fourth load Just on when Jim Banister came over to beg me to go to Simcoe with him to argue the case of Lead poisoning against that of Anthrax with Dr McMahon. (Jim said) he 117 �would get Jack Martin to take us up in his car if he could, so after dinner Jack, Charlie Jim and I went to Simcoe to find our man in Delhi. I telephoned him and he said he would be in Simcoe in an hour and a quarter so we waited and when he showed up I showed him that in all reason and common sense the animals did not have Anthrax while there was every reason and many symptoms to charge the death to Lead poison. Hubert did not come over today and it was a splendid day to work. Jim said he would be over to help me in the morning so maybe we can get a little caught up. I must write to Walter now. It has been cool all day and from the looks of things there was quite a frost about Simcoe last night. I do hope the frost will keep off for a while yet and give the poor corn a chance for it has not had much of a one so far this Summer. Thursday September 10th I got up at daylight this morning and had most of the chores done before breakfast. I was putting the harness on the horses after breakfast when Jim Banister came over and he helped me with the manure till noon. Hubert came over Just before dinner and he and I worked all the afternoon. Harry Harding came over about 3 O'Clock and he stayed out with us till we quit work. Hattie went down town and Win came home with her they all stayed to tea and after tea I drove Win home and waited at Allan's corner until the boys came along. Then Harry drove up with me and held Joe while I went in and said goodbye to Miss Battersby, she leaves on Saturday for Brantford. It has been cold all day but much warmer than yesterday. Dick went to the dance at night and I don't know what time he got home. Friday September 11th I was up before it was light this morning It looked very like rain, in fact it did sprinkle several times, Hubert came over about 8 O'Clock and we got a fairly good start, we hauled manure all day but I did not keep account of the loads so I suppose Tobe will go for me. We expect them home tonight but it is now 8.20 and there is no sign of them so I think we will have tea It has been a horrible day, such a strong, cold East Wind, but it was a pretty good day to work. Saturday September 12th We got a horrible disappointment last night the boys did not come. Hattie had killed the fatted calf, which consisted of a boiled ham, (the last one) a fruit cake, baked custard, hot biscuit, fried potatoes and several "Entres" as Mrs McBride would say. We waited tea to give them plenty of time to get home after the train came in but there were no boys so we had 118 �our tea, Lila had come over to be here to see what old "Sunny Jim" would do when he first saw them but she was fooled too. This morning I wanted to get started for town early but I was Just putting the bridle on Belle when Whit Dixon came to see if he could buy Erie and Artful, I asked him $130.00 but he beat me down $5.00, he talked for so long "understand" that it was 10 O'Clock before Lila and I got started, and it was after 11 when Hubert and I got back with the plank for the barn floor. We did not get it quite done before dinner and Alan Law got here with the separator before we were ready for him, but we soon had the floor fixed and he then put the machine in the barn and put his team on our roller and took it home with him. Hubert and I then went at the yard manure again and have the place for the stack cleared. It has been a lovely day though quite a cool East Wind, we are expecting the boys any minute now, 8 O'Clock. Sunday September 13th Well we all got back at last safley last night after a very enjoyable week of it. We went over to Niagara Falls on Thursday, which took a day out of our plans. It was the first time Frank and I had ever seen the Falls but Quint had been there before. We thought they were great. It was also the first time we had ever been in the U.S. - We weren't so favorably impressed with it. We came over from Toronto by boat to Lewiston and from there to Niagara Falls by the Gorge Route so weren't on the Canadian Side at all. We were at the Exhibition three times, at two theatres, and out at Riverdale Zoo, besides down town and on several visits so we spent very little time sitting around. Rebecca proved to be a very entertaining person, and very good most of the time. Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and Harry Harding came back with him to dinner. I went for a walk back to the gully and around the farm and found it still all there. This after noon Dad. hooked up Joe and Ginger to the buggy and took Harry Harding for a long drive. Uncle Ward came over and stayed all the after noon. The Barwell family were in for about a minute. Dick slept all morning and went down to take some pictures with my camera this after noon. It was late when we got through to-night. It has been a lovely day, sunny but not hot. Monday September 14th We didn't get out very early this morning. I disked all morning on the alsike stubble and Dad. & Frank hauled rails with Joe & Ginger. Huby and Tiddums cleaned up all the little sticks out of the barnyard with the wheel barrow which Tiddums calls the auto. He is about the most comical looking thing imaginable now as he wears a little pair of blue overalls which Uncle Hall sent him and is never happy unless working at some thing. This after noon we hauled 119 �out eight loads of manure but the field isnt covered yet. Allan Law came over and borrowed the drill and the roller. Another nice cool but sunny day. If things keep on the way they are now it looks as if the war couldn't last much longer. The Germans (what are left of them) seem to be in full flight with the British & French after them and the Russians haven't got started at them yet. Tuesday September 15th We hauled manure all day and got out 16 loads and the field covered. We got through about half past four or five and I disked till six. Huby didn't get over till late this morning a rat stole seven of his little chickens. Quint came over and put in a connection in the two water troughs for us and stayed till after dinner. Frank spent most of the day running messages as we expect to have the threshers here to-morrow morning. It won't take long though to thrash us out. Allan Law brought back our drill and roller. Warmer. Wednesday September 16th We got up early this morning and were getting thing's all prepared to thrash when about seven o'clock Allan Law came over to inform us that they had broken the mud {parte?} (what ever that is) off the engine and unless they could get one in Dover which was very unlikely they would have to go to Simcoe or telephone to Hamilton. They telephoned to Hamilton so won't be over here till to-morrow. The cream separator wouldn't work this morning. It went all right yesterday morning but last night it bucked and again this morning. They took it all apart both times and washed and could find nothing wrong with it but they couldn't get it to go. However to-night it went beautifully although they hadn't done anything to it. Huby came over good & early and chopped wood all morning, and this after noon He and Frank went back to see if they could fix the fence along the woods. They took the shotgun with them. Dad & I worked on the land all day. I disked and Dad. harrowed on the alsike stubble. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Dave. Waddle & a man named Hawkins drove over after dinner and had a little shooting. Sunny quite hot and flies very bad. Thursday September 17th The threshers arrived this morning but didn't get started quite early enough to finish before dinner, but it only took about half an hour after. We only had 145 bushels of oats, of course it was only off one field but we will have to be economical with them to make them last.There were 208 bushels of wheat or about 26 or 7 bushels to the acre, but it was a lovely sample and clean. Sam. Law said it was the best he had thrashed this year. Most of it 120 �around here is shrivelled. This afternoon I took the team and went out and disked on the buckwheat ground. The rest stayed up here to clean up around the barn. Dad. said Jonas came over about five o'clock after he had got dressed up from thrashing and he was crying like a baby. He poured forth an awful tale of woe to Dad. & Huby saying that Myers was robbing him. He had just come and taken his canning factory ticket. I suppose Jonas owes Myers everything as he has been hireing men all summer for Jonas, but Jonas doesn't understand it. The flower show is on to-night and Jonas had taken a lot of vegetables down so Dad. told him to forget his troubles and go and take a prize on his onions, so about teatime he came across the fields in great excitement waving his hat and apparently as happy as a king, and yelled over to them that he had got three first prizes on his onions and a second on his tomatoes. Enah and I drove down to-night to go to the show and Jonas was there to show us his prizewinning stuff. The also had an orchestra consisting of Sany Lawson, Chris Fairchilds and Frank Mar. George Thompson had his Victrola there. I don't know who was the proudest one there, Jonas, Sandy or George Thompson. Another hot day but cold at night Friday September 18th I disked all day to day on the buckwheat ground I got over the part I didn't get done yesterday lengthways this morning and over most of it crossways this afternoon. We want to sow it tomorrow if we can. Dad. went down this morning and got Sam Law's team Ben & Ned. He told Dad. yesterday he could have them if he wanted them, so Dad. has been plowing all day. He had to quit though about five o'clock as the ground was very hard and the shear dull. Frank did chores all morning and put fresh straw in the chicken house. This after noon he & Huby cleaned up enough wheat to sow to-morrow and he harrowed over what Dad plowed when Dad. quit. Huby had to go down and insure Sam Law's furniture & implements & stock this morning. Pretty hot. Saturday September 19th We worked on the land all day and Dad. got the buckwheat stubble drilled and the ditches run out. I finished disking crossways and then hooked on to the harrows. I finished harrowing length ways by noon and after dinner harrowed it over again after the drill. It was after six by the time Dad. got all the ditches run. I disked over what he plowed yesterday on the alsike stubble before I quit. Huby and Frank cleaned up a lot more wheat. Enah and Tiddums went down this after noon to Miss Battersby's sale but didn't buy anything but a 121 �five cent wash tub. She was going to bid on the cook stove but discovered the back was all out of it so didn't get it. It has been very hot again to-day and the flies very bad. Sunday September 20th Frank went to church and Sunday school, and was the sole representative of the family. We got up very late so I spent about half the forenoon doing chores and helping Dad. trim up some of the sheep. Dick and I went down to Quanbury's for a swim just before dinner, we needed one badly enough but the water wasn't as warm as I have felt it. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums went for a drive down the lake shore. Frank went for a ride on his wheel Dick went down town and I fooled around here for awhile and then went down town to Hubys. Tonight I drove Enah down to church. Mr. Johnson was having service in Vittoria so Cousin Willie was in charge of things. He made a much better job of it than Mr. Johnson generally does. There was no service in either of the other churches as the preachers' are all taking their holidays, so we had a few outsiders with us. Lovely day but still pretty warm. Monday September 21st We got a good long day in on the land but the flies have been so bad and it was so hot that we couldn't go very fast. Frank went down and got Sam's team again and Dad. finished plowing. It was so hard that he didn't try to plow the head land along the lane. Frank took the team back to-night. They want to use old Ned to-morrow so we won't be able to get them again. Dad. just wanted them till he finished plowing. I disked all day. Huby didn't get over till a little before noon but put in the after-noon shovelling out ditches in the buckwheat ground. {Harry Barrett (Toby's father) wrote the entry for Tuesday September 22.} Tuesday September 22nd It has been very hot all day and the flies are enough to drive horses and men crazy we worked at the wheat ground and had it in fine shape by 3 P.M. and got the seed and drill out and several rounds by 4 O'Clock. Toby worked with me to help keep the drill from cloging with grass roots and it kept him busy in places we worked as long as we could see and got more than half the field in, but we Just got the drill and wagon put safely in and the horses in the barn when it began to sprinkle it has not rained very much yet, though there have been several sharp showers. I do hope it wont rain much till we get the field finished. Hattie 122 �and Tobe are printing photographs of the baby tonight. We got some great pictures. There were two fires to-night north. Wednesday September 23rd Although it rained pretty hard before we went to bed last night. It didnt rain much more and as a breeze sprang up soon after Dad. thought we might get the rest of the field in after all so we got up pretty early it began to rain again however just about seven and has kept it up off and on all day and shows no signs of letting up to-night. It is also quite a bit cooler. I read all morning and Frank & Dad. worked around the house. This after noon I did a few chores and then started to fix a drawer so as to fit under one of the shelves in the pantry. Huby came over at noon and worked at flooring the old corn crib till about four when Dad. & Frank drove down in the waggon to get some plank to rig up a pig pen in the barn and Huby went down with them. We also put rings in the pig's noses this morning. Three of the British cruisers are sunk Thursday September 24th We didn't get around very early this morning and Dad & Frank worked till noon penning off the bay in the barn with the plankk they got yesterday. Huby helped them after he come. I spent most of the morning in the shop experimenting with the old moulding planes which were in the tool chest. They work far better than I thought. After dinner we took seven of the biggest pigs out of the pen and put them over in the barn in the pen they made this morning. Dad. & I each took a front leg and Huby took the hind legs and we just carried them that way They were just about all we could handle too. We rubbed each one with crude oil before putting them in as the lice were rather thick on them. Frank and Tiddums watched the caught ones while we were after another. Tiddums was a little afraid when they squealed but very much interested. Dick came over post haste after dinner to inform us that Vernon & Rebecca came up to the Woodson's to-day, so Enah went over to see them. Vernon brought the baby up as she hasn't been able to eat or sleep well lately. They are going to be here till after Thanksgiving. Dad. spent the rest of the afternoon in fixing the pig pen so the four left could roost upstairs instead of the other half so as the old sow could use it. Huby & Frank fanned wheat and I cut lawn. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Enah went down to "Pinafore" practice to-night & Frank to confirmation class. It was cloudy most of the day & cold, but we thought clear, but to-night it is very black & sprinkling. Friday September 25th 123 �Huby and Quint came over this morning. Quint went back to the woods with his gun but I guess didn't get anything much Huby and Frank cleaned up more wheat. Dad. & I put the drawer, we got fixed, on the pantry shelf for Enah and then we went to fix the hog pen some way diffrent and I dug a little more out at the side of the house. This after noon Dad. & I finished drilling the alsike stubble, much to our surprise we found it drilled better that it did on Tuesday, and I think it will come on all right. Huby sawed wood nearly all the after noon and Frank & Quint got the vise nearly ready to put on the bench Quint has made a beautiful job of it. There was a great old piece of oak out there which he used for one side and he is going to put a piece of iron on the bench for the other. Old Walker was over this morning to collect a little for his wire - and Mrs. Jack Martin came over to invite Dad. & Enah to go to Simcoe with them to-night to a patriotic concert. They accepted and so Frank & I are left alone to keep house which we have managed to do without waking up Tid. Win was over to tea. It has been pretty cool all day. Saturday September 26th Dad. went out this morning and harrowed over the sand knoll which didnt cover very well. This after noon he ran the furrows and crossditches. Vernon brought Rebecca over this morning but they didn't stay very long. Tiddums tried his best to make friends with Rebecca but she wouldn't have anty thing whatever to do with him. Lila was over and we took Rebecca & Tiddums out to show them the animals. Tid explained every thing too her but she turned a deaf ear to him. Betty came over with Huby and Quint and went back with Vernon, who said if the roads didn't get better she couldn't bring the baby carriage over again. She started twice yesterday but couldnt make it. She didn't know about coming through Martin's. Lila went down to the Ryersies and spent the day. This after noon Huby, Quint, Frank, Billy Barwell and I went back to the woods. They had their guns but didn't shoot any thing much. Quint shot a bittern which Frank brought home to eat and also a crow. Huby and I went over to John Wes's to take a look at his corn horse and he told us to take it home and use it as he has no corn to cut this year. He isn't through seeding yet. He and old Robert John were harrowing on a six acre field which if the weather permits he wants to get in on Monday. When we got back we fixed up the gap from the alsike field into the gully. Dad. was still running out furrows and Harry Harding was with him. He has to go back West on Wednesday although his mother isn't much better. Val. Laney came over this after noon to see Dad about some thing so as there wasn't much for Huby to do, he Quint Lila and Billy all jumped on Val's dray and rode home. I dug a little more before it was time to do chores. Enah took in the sale of Winkey Smith's stuff this after noon, but the stove 124 �was too small for what she wanted, but Cousin Bessy told her that they had one for sale and wants Dad. to take a look at it. She bought a set of bedsprings. Frank and I drove down to-night as I needed a hair cut and Frank had to get some groceries. We went around to Smith's to get the bed springs but they weren't there so Effie told us that some fellow that lives in the brick house way up St. Patrick St. must have them as he had sent word that he had a set delivered to him which he didn't buy so Frank and I went up there and found the springs on the veranda, and as there was no one home left word with the neighbour and carried them down to Huby's and put them in the woodshed. It was pretty late when we got home. Dick got home soon after with "Larned's History of the World" in five volumes & a dandy big war map all of which he got for $1.98 and some cupons out of a newspaper. We got a letter last night from Aunty saying they all hoped to be home here about the end of October. It has been pretty sunny but a cold wind all day. Sunday September 27th Frank went to Sunday school and church this morning and Dad. & Enah drove down to church as it was Harvest Home and communion, I stayed home to look after Tiddums and had my hands full too after he got up. It was late when they got home as they went around to Cousin Bessy's to see the stove. They are satisfied with it and are going to bring it over and try it before they set on a price. This after noon Dad. put up the box stove in the hall as we were about frozen. Vernon. Rebecca and Betty were all over again this after noon. Dick went down town and Frank went back to the gully. Winnie came over too and stayed to tea. I walked down with her and went to church to-night. It was Harvest Home and we had saved a lot of nice wheat for their decorations and told Mr. Johnson about it, but he either forgot it or was too lazy to come after it so the pigs will get it. I went in to Huby's for awhile after church. Quint expects to go to Jarvis to-morrow to pick apples. Cold wind all day. It froze the night before las and looks & feels as if it would go again to-night. Monday September 28th We got started as soon as possible down town this morning in the waggon to get the stove at Cousin Bessy's. Frank, Dad. & I went down, we picked Huby up on the way and called around for Harry Harding, but he didn't seem to be home, so we took Dave Waddle who happened along instead. Bert Matthews was up there mixing mortar so we had lots of help. The stove seemed to be pretty badly cracked up but we brought it over. We had to stop in at Joe Howell's and get him to fix a piece of the base. We went around by Huby's and got the springs Enah bought at the sale. By the time we got home & unloaded it was nearly 125 �noon. This after noon after we did a few odd Jobs Frank and I started to cut corn. It was getting on to three when we started and we worked till a little after six but we got 20 shocks cut. It seems to be a little green yet and I had a lot of trouble getting bands that wouldn't break. Huby cleaned out ditches in the alsike stubble & Dad. finished plowing out the ditches and started to plow the headland which was too hard before. There was quite a frost last night but it didnt seem to hurt any thing. Quint left for Jarvis this morning to pick apples. Not so cold to-day. Tuesday September 29th Dad. got out good and early this morning and finished plowing the head land, he also rolled it, harrowed it and drilled it, he says it will need rolling and harrowing again. The wheat on the buckwheat ground is up nicely now Frank and I got out about nine o'clock and finished cutting the row there were 13 more shocks in it. We didn't begin another as we didn't know whether it is quite ripe enough yet or not and thought we would leave it a day or two to see if more of it isn't glazed. We started to pull the two rows of beans then Frank got his row done by noon but I only got about half of mine done, however Frank finished it after dinner. This after noon Dad. Enah & Tiddums lit out for Simcoe. Enah went up to attend the Deanery meeting and she stayed to come down by train to-night. Dad. brought Tid. home had his tea and has driven down again to Pinafore practice where he is to meet Enah. They have left Frank & me in charge again with Tiddums asleep. We have just finished washing the dishes, Huby didn't come over till noon and he Frank and I hauled rails this afternoon, we only got up two loads as we had a few visitors Charlie Shand came in just after Dad left with his old dog who has a lump on its jaw about the size of a baseball. I told him to leave it till Dad came home and come after it to-night but when Dad. came home the old dog wouldn't let him touch him, however Mr Shand came in before tea and between them they managed to tie his mouth so that Dad. could jab his knife into it but I guess it didn't do much good so Mr. Shand took him home. To-night is the first night that Tiddums has waked up under Frank's & my care but to-night he not only woke up and stayed awake but he howled as long & loud as he could for "Daddy & Momma. We tried several ways to pacify him and at last showed him his book and told him we would take him out and show him Tige, but Tige wasn't in the woodshed and it was took cold to take him outside. We then showed him Eaton's catalogue which has a picture of a man in it which Tid. calls Daddy. That pleased him for awhile and then we induced him to go into his carriage. Frank jiggled the carriage and I crouched in front of it to jump at him and keep in a good humor. The trouble with that was he got in such a good humor that he wouldnt go to sleep so I just 126 �jumped up when he showed signs of crying but I had to stay crouched in front on my hands & knees where he couldnt see me, as I was afraid if he saw me go way he would commence; However we were releived before very long by the folks arrival home. Cold to-night sunny all day. Wednesday September 30th Dad. went down to see Harry Harding off this morning and brought Huby back with him. He went around to see if he could get old Maneer to come and fix the shed but the old coon wasn't home and whent Frank went down at noon they told him that "Pa" was going to pick apples in the morning and so I suppose we can't get him. Frank and I milked and I had an awful time trying to milk John as her teats are so short. Heny Odd came over to see if he could borrow our hay rack. I told him he could and after breakfast we had to help him put off the load of oats which was on it. Whit Dixon & Mr. Morgan were in on a little visit and Frank and I didn't get out till about {ink blot hiding writing} o'clock but we got twenty shocks cut before dinner. This afternoon we cut thirty more so got in a pretty fair day. Dad. spent most of the day fixing the well as the weight broke off the chain and he had to fish for it with grappling irons. Huby cut wood and helped him most of the after noon. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Nice day. Thursday October 1st Frank and I cut corn all morning and got on fairly well. Dad. came out for a few minutes and helped us with two or three shocks. Huby didn't get over till late and when he came he and Dad tended to a little dog which Tom Abbot brought here for vetinary treatment. This after noon Dad. Frank and I all went down to the Rural School Fair in the pavillion under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture. We thought it was fine. The exhibits consisted of poultry all Plymouth Rocks from eggs given to the school children, apples, corn, grain, potatoes and tomatoes. The boys showed samples of carpentry work which consisted chiefly of milk stools and hammer handles. The first prize milk stool which was made by Willie Nixon and hammer handle were beautifully made while the poorest ones looked as if the only tools employed in their manufacture had been an axe & a jack knife. The girls showed cookery & needlework which looked to me to be just as good as {anybody?} could do. Winnie Wadle got first prize on her sewing. They also had collections of bags & butterflys and also drawings & compositions. I went down partly to see Mr. Wilson the District Representative but there was such a crowd there that I didn't get a chance. I wanted to ask him about his baby beef competition. Huby spent the afternoon 127 �back in the gully putting in barricades for some little trees which we hope to plant next spring. To-night Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting. I guess they didn't do much but annoy old Stringer. There was also a Pinnafore practice, part of which Dad. took in, Frank went down to confirmation class. Weather has been very much the same. The days are sunny and nice but the nighs are very cold and as a rule there is a touch of frost. Friday October 2nd Frank and I cut corn all day but didn't get on quite so fast for some reason. We had to take the {horse?} up at noon and Frank put a new piece in its tail. We cut over as far as the potato patch and cut all the corn south of the potato patch so we are quite a bit more than half done the field. Huby and Dad. hauled manure all day on the oat stubble and to-night they have all the old faile which was under the alsike stack cleaned up. I walked down town to-night to get the mail. I {ink blot but writing can be read under it} hung around up town for awhile and then went down to Hubys for another awhile. When I got home they told me my face was dirty. The above blot was caused by my lapsing into a dormant condition with my fountain pen in my hand and on awaking rubbing agains a big drop of ink which had run from the pen. Saturday October 3rd Frank and I cut corn all morning and got on fairly well. Huby and Dad. hauled manure. This after noon Frank went down to Will Bush's sale to bid on some apple crates but they went too high. Tom Abbot said you could have bought them full of apples for the same price - any where else, eleven cents apiece I think. I didn't like to cut corn without Frank so Dad. Huby and I to say nothing of Tiddums who was least but not last in the game caught all the sheep and marked the ewes at least the old ones and trimmed them and as we had no place to dip them we mixed up a solution of zencoleum and poured it down the middle of their backs from a beer bottle. We parted the wool and the stuff ran pretty well all over their bodies as it didn't soak in to the wool at all. These operations took up all the after noon. I drove Huby down to-night and got some provisions. It has been a very nice day and a lovely night. Sunday October 4th Enah and I drove down to church this morning. Frank went down to church and Sunday school and went down to Huby's for dinner and they all went up creek this after noon after butternuts. Vernon and Rebecca came over to Martin's fence just after we got through 128 �dinner and Vernon wanted Dad. & Enah to go down to the Woodson's this afternoon to see them as Mrs. Woodson got a little sore about them not coming. She also wanted Enah to formally invite her over here on Friday as Mrs. Woodson didn't like the idea of her coming without. Dad. Enah and Tiddums got all ready to go when Mr. & Mrs. W.J. Thompson came in. They didn't stay very long so they went down Woodson's but Enah neglected to invite Vernon as she wanted her to do so I don't know how it will pan out. I sat around and read and wrote to Aunty till it was time to do chores and fooled with the guitar all evening. It has been another lovely day. Quint came home last night and isn't going back right away to pick Monday October 5th Frank and I cut corn again all day and by to-night only had twenty one more shocks to cut. Huby and Dad. hauled manure all the after noon. Huby didn't get over till late and they had to fix the spreader a little this morning. The axle had slipped out of place. Misner the livery stable man was over this morning to get his horses teeth filed, and Tupper came over after dinner to get Dad. to go over and look at his Clyde mare but as Dad. was all booked up he said he would wait till morning. Tupper was telling us a great way to cut short clover seed like ours is this year. He says if we cut it with the mower we can never gather it up with the rake but he says if we take the table canvas off the binder and set the reel low we can just take the heads off and when we get the table full we can rake them off. He was also talkin about tile drains. Bill told us there was no use trying to drain clay land with tile as the water wont go through it, but Tupper says that is only blue clay. This red clay he says is the best land for tile as they don't fill up like they do in the sand but it takes a year or two to get all the little pores and channels in the soil running to the tile established. The longer they are in the better they work. It has been much milder to-day and looks as if it might rain soon. Enah and Tiddums went down town this afternoon. Tuesday October 6th Frank and I finished cutting the corn about eleven o'clock amidst great rejoicings on our part. Quint came over this morning and told us Huby was doing insurance work for Ed Moon. He was to have come at noon but didn't appear. Dad. had to go over and see Tupper's mare so Quint rode over with him. When they got back Quint helped him pitch on three or four loads of manure. This after noon Dad. & I hauled manure and made quite a hole in the pile but neglected to keep track. Between loads I swept off the floor of the loft above the hog pen and moved all the old boxes & coops that I had hens with chickens under up there and to-night Dad. helped me get the brooder up. Tiddums was out with us 129 �and would get right where if the brooder ever slipped it would fall on him and Dad. stepped on a hen that was roosting up there and when it squacked it scared poor Tiddums and he more than howled. The latest addition to his vocabulary is hammer pronounced hamoure and ice, he saw Dad. cracking ice with the hammer the other day and has been commenting on the action ever since. He is also developing the typical and aparently inborn desire of young ones to play with the hammer. Frank found him in the chicken yard with it to-night but luckily he had not attacked the bee hive. Frank and Quint went for a tramp with the gun this after noon and got a lot of chestnuts, I suppose at Charlie McQueens. The Jim Waddle family were in about five o'clock and as we hadn't got the mail yet, it was news when he told of a big snow storm out west two feet of snow in Calgary and McCloud and $35,000 worth of property destroyed in the shape of {garages?}. It has been much cooler and cloudy all day with rain but not much to-night. The wheat needs rain badly as it hasn't come up yet in the hard spots and on the head land which Dad. plowed last. Wednesday October 7th We hauled manure all day and to-night got the yard all cleaned up and the field a little more than covered. It is the first time we have had the yard cleaned right up since we have been here. Huby didnt come over till noon and then he brought Jimmy Rankin with him who proved very entertaining. Lila came over after school to stay all night but changed her mind when Huby went home and went with him. Alfred paid us a short visit this morning and also three dollars. Dad. bought a couple of roosters from him to kill for Thanksgiving as ours are not big enough so Frank went down and got them this after noon. This morning he took a walk down the road to see if he could see Hubys old turkey hen but Mr. Johnson picked him up by Art. Ryersie's and took him for a long ride down mud street and up the lake shore in his automobile. Frank didn't see the turkey hen but Mrs. Law told him it roosted right near their door every night and fed with the chickens in the mornings. Enah and Tiddums went down to the Woodson's this afternoon and Enah invited Vernon over here on Friday. Frank has been making arrangemens with Jonas to get Nellie to-morrow as he and Quint want to go after nuts. Poor old Jonas is having a bad time again with his "gitneys" and can't work very hard. It has been sunny and nice all day flies are bad. Thursday October 8th Frank got started this morning about half past seven with Nellie and the democrat to call for Quint and go after nuts. Lila went with them. Frank expected to get back soon after dinner, but they went all the way to Billington's after hazel nuts and didn't get back till after 130 �six. They got lots of wallnuts, chest nuts and hazel nuts but hardly any butternuts or hickory nuts. About nine or a little after Dad and I got started in the waggon for Vittoria. We took the old ram home to Dunkin's and intended bringing the other one back. We also expected to be back by dinner time but it was noon when we got there. Neither of the Dunkin's were home and the hired Englishman didn't know any more about any thing than a hole in a stump. Mrs. Dunkin told us that Mr. Dunkin expected to be back by one, so Dad. and I hung around the barn for about an hour and a half. Dad. took a walk back the lane and saw the ewes and then I took a walk back and saw the two rams the old one and a lamb which I thought was a little beauty. There were three chest nut trees back there just loaded and the burrs were wide open so we got our pockets full of nuts. When I got up to the house Dad. had put the team in and was in the house having dinner so I went in, while we were eating Percy came home he had driven his sister to Simcoe to the teacher's convention. Dunkin himself was off performing b bailiff's duties. Percy was rather provoked that no apples were picked - as he evidently packs for the association up there and if they didn't get theirs packed to-day he wouldn't be able to do it. A Mr. Sharp came in to borrow their waggon to haul buckwheat but he said he would help pick apples till they got them picked but as he was anxious to get his buckwheat loaded before the dew fell, Dad. told him that we could help pick till Dunkin came home. We just got out when Dunkin came so Dad. didn't pick very long only till Dunkin got his dinner. He didn't like to let us have the old ram unless we bought him as there was another fellow who was thinking of buying him and he would want him right away so of course he didn't want to lose the sale of him but Dunkin said we could have the lamb for twelve dollars - and as he was a beauty way better than the old one, we thought we would take him. I picked apples till they went back the lane - got the ram brought him up and loaded him then about four o'clock Dad. and I got started for home. Dunkin gave me a water melon just as I left. We would have been home about six but as we came past her place Mrs. Harry Moon hailed us and asked us to go down and see Jack Walker. He had been after Dad. all day to see one of his horses. We went down and found it was old Joe who had been sick since last night. Dad. was put out at him for not sending to Simcoe for someone instead of waiting so long but brought him home with us and turned him out and to-night gave him a hall. When we got home we found Enah and Huby beginning to get alarmed that none of the family had showed up. When they saw us coming up the road with old Joe they thought Nellie had run away and we were leading her home. I guess poor old Nellie has forgotten long since how to run away but they thought some thing must have happened. However Frank got home about half an hour later and said every thing was all right and after his little calling dow recounted alll his adventures. He had been in at Dunkin's just after we left, and they gave him a lot of watermelons. Huby and 131 �Jimmy Rankin who has been over here all day - affording endless amusement for Huby spent the day digging post holes in the gully and putting in rails for barricades of little trees. Dad. and I met the little tyke just in front of Martins tugging for all he was worth at Bluch who he had on a rope. Dad. asked him what he was going to do with him - and Jimmy said he was going to bring him back in the morning. Dad thought he said back to the farm so told him to just let him go and he would follow. Jimmy had no difficulty in letting him go as Bluch recognised us and the team was just about pulling Jimmy with him. When we got home they told us that Jimmy had asked Enah if couldn't take Bluch home and bring him back in the morning and she told him he had better ask Huby so he went out and told Huby that Enah said it would be alright and he lit out with him. Eliza McBride was here washing this morning. Enah said about noon a couple of auto mobiles went past here so fast they couldn't count the people in them and Eliza surmised that it was Bessy Perry and Pat who were to have been married to-day. It has been a lovely day but hot looks rainy. Friday October 9th It rained quite a shower last night so we didn't do much to-day. Huby came over and went out and dug a bushel of potatoes for himself - and then he and Dad. hauled up a few cornstalks in the waggon box to husk in the barn for the pigs. I started to make a rough plan of a signboard which we intend to tack on the corner out here stating that we have rams lambs for sale. I then went over and took a look at Jack Martin's big new chicken house which Art. Quanbury and Joe Fields are building. I wanted to see what kind of stuff they were using so that I would know what to get for my shed which I hope to build soon. Art. said Jack got a lot of siding that he didn't kneed and he thought I could get it from him. The rest of the building is all hemlock. This after noon Dad. and I figured out how much stuff I needed and we were going down town to haul it but it began to rain so didn't go. Dad. went down town later in the buggy and got the mail. He then got Vernon and Rebecca and brought them over. To-night we went down to meet Roy. I didn't wait at the station to see him but went up town for awhile to see Marj. Clarke as I heard she was here. She came down to help Bessy get married. I stopped in at the bank on my way home and got my camera which Dick had. I then went down to Huby's and borrowed his boots to walk home in but it as it had rained quite a lot and looked as if it would rain quite a lot more. It proved to be an unnessary precaution however as Allan Law over took me on Marshall's hill and drove me right around to the lane. They were all up when I got home. Cloudy wet and cold all day. Saturday October 10th 132 �As soon as we could get started this morning which was any thing but early, we took the lumber waggon down and got a load of stuff from old Tommy to build the henhouse. It was mostly two by four hemlock for the frame and some cheap pine boards for sheeting. We brought Huby and Win over with us. Cousin Clare walked over so we had quite a dinner party. This after noon I took Joe and the buggy and went down and got Marj. to go for a drive in quest of chest nuts. We got up above Port Ryersie when it commenced to thunder, we thought it was a long way off and didn't pay much attention to it. We got up a little farther and found two or three trees loaded with chestnuts and the burs wide open so I got up one of the trees and although I could see it very black in the west I stayed till I shook off all the nuts. Marj. gathered them as fast as she could and I had got down and picked up a hand full or two when it commenced to rain. We hiked for the buggy but before I had the side curtains half on I was drenched. We drove as fast as possible up the road to the next house but the rain beat right in on us. However we managed to get under a driveway which leaked about as bad as the sky, but there was no wind so Joe was content to stay there and we hiked for the house which belonged to the Mr. {Law?}, who married Miss Dixon We waited there till the worst of the storm died down but as it didn't look as if it was going to stop altogether, we lit out for home which we reached soon after five. We didn't get nearly as many nuts as we might have but we had a very enjoyable experience. I don't know exactly what happened around here but I don't think anything in particular Roy and Vernon started for up the creek but the rain prevented them. Sunday October 11th We didn't do any thing much this morning but sit around the house. Frank went to church and Sunday school. Roy & Enah said they were going to church but it was about eleven before they started to get ready. Mrs. Woodson and Betty came over and took Vernon and Rebecca down to see Miss. Dick spent the morning in bed and Dad. cleaned chickens. I went back to the gully and got Nellie for them to drive to church but when they decided not to go Dick took her and went down and brought Aunty Maude over to dinner. He then went and got Vernon who had been waiting at the Woodson's expecting them to go past to church. Then he and Dad. went down to the Law's after the butter. Lila and Win. came over to dinner. This after noon I took five snapshots of the two babies together but I don't know whether they will be very successful as the sun wasn't very bright. Roy and Vernon went back the lane and then down to Mrs. Woodson's for tea. Dad. wrote to Aunty and then drove Aunty Maude home. I didn't do anything much but went down to church to-night. It has been sunny but windy and cool all day. 133 �Monday October 12th Frank got up this morning about five o'clock as he Quint & Lila figured on making another nutting trip up to Billington's. He had to feed old Nellie and take her down to Jonas' to hook her to the democrat. I thought I might as well get up and ride down town with him. It was just seven o'clock when we got down there and I took a walk around by the station and found that Marj. was leaving so I said goodbye to her. I came up around by town and found Joe and Fatty Turner sitting on Anderson's steps waiting for the complement of their different parties to put in an appearance. They both had hunting coats on but Fatty only was armed with a shot gun. He was waiting for Billy Smith. Art. Smith evidently was expected but Fatty found him in bed when he called for him. Joe was very impatient - as Hazel had promised to meet him at seven o'clock to go after chest nuts but hadn't showed up. He walked over as far as Hussy's corner with me grouching all the way. Huby came over but we didn't do much all day. Huby battoned up one of the doorways leading from the shop into the ice house and we expect to put some shelves in. We also got it figured out about where we want our henhouse lined to. Dick. and Dad. went back this morning and drove the cattle out of the back field and Dick went over to the woods where he says he saw a black squirrel. This being Thanksgiving day, Dick had a holiday but had to go down and put the mail through or something. This banking is a dandy job alright. We had a late dinner and Roy and Vernon had to leave soon after for the station. Enah went down later to see them off and Huby, Tiddums, Dad. and I spent the remainder of the after noon separating the ewe lambs from the old ones. We put them in the field back of the orchard but the orchard fence was so bad we were afraid they might break through so we took one of the rolls of wire which we got from old Walker and strung it along the inside of the orchard fence. Cold and raw day. The boys and Lila got lots of wall nuts but someone had picked most of the chest nuts. Tuesday October 13th It was rainy and cold this morning so we didn't get much done I sat around and read half the forenoon and then made a board to paint "Rams for sale" on. Alex. Jameson was in to look at them but he thought ten dollars too much to pay so Dad. didn't bother trying to sell him one Huby didn't come over till noon. Frank fixed up a lot of the old crates around the place so they would hold apples. Dad. husked corn out in the barn. This after noon we nailed the door on the west end of the big barn which blew off last winter. This was the first day of the Simcoe Fair and has been anything but nice weather. 134 �Wednesday October 14th Dad. went over to Uncle Ward's this morning to see if he could get him to put up a barrell of Spies as Aunty Alice wanted him to send a barrell out to Mr. {Shira?}. Uncle Ward couldn't let him have them but he saw Art Quanbury on his way home and he told him they would put up the apples if he could get a barrell so Frank inquired at Bagley & Miller's and found he could get a sugar barrell & an oatmeal and as we want one to ship Roy's apples in, we are all fixed. I went over to Martin's and borrowed Art Quanbury's spirit level and Chris. asked Jack if he would sell the lumber that he got too much off and he said he would. When I got home I gave my signboard a coat of paint. Huby came over before Dad. came back and when he did we levelled up the two chicken houses and they look much better. This after noon we hooked up to the waggon and went out and hauled in five or six more shocks of unhusked corn. Huby stayed out and husked all the after noon. When Frank came home and shelled some hickory nuts he helped him. Dad. and I went over to Jacks Martin's and got our lumber and piled it up over the old house. We then went out and got a load of rails. Tiddums went with us out there but didn't enjoy him self much as he couldn't sit on the seat while we were putting on the load. When we got them unloaded Dad. went out and got Huby with all the corn he had husked which was about four bushels. The five ewe lambs got out of their field to-day and got in with the rest of the bunch then they all got in on the wheat and couldn't be kept off. Mrs. McBride was here all day washing. I went down town after tea and got my films which weren't too bad. I called around by Huby's for a little while. The pesky German's seem to have had a little stroke of luck lately. They now have Antwerp and just about all of Belgium. Much milder to-day. Thursday October 15th Dad. and I had intended going to Simcoe to-day to take in the last day of the fair but it looked so much like rain we didn't start and about nine o'clock it began to drizzle and kept it up all morning and was cloudy all the after noon. This morning I put another roost in the middle hen house so that I will have room enough to accomodate all the cockerels. Dad I think husked corn and Frank shelled nuts and cleaned some fish which Huby sent over last night. He didn't come over all day. This after noon we drove all the sheep in the barn and separated the five ewe lambs and left them in the barn for to-night as they had been in on the wheat and one looked a little bloated. About half past four Dad. hooked up and drove Enah and Tiddums down town to get the mail and some other things. Frank went back to the gully and I dug a little more in the patch at the side of the house. Frank attended confirmation class to-night. Dad. helped me and we got all the cockerels we could pick out. 135 �Friday October 16th It rained quite a lot last night and was rainy looking and muddy this morning so I drove Dick down to work. It drizzled most of the day so we couldn't do much outside. This morning we put ear labels in the nine lambs as we got a bunch yesterday from Hamilton. We had quite a time of it as it was hard to keep the inner & outer skin of the ear opposite after the incision was made but Dad. got the harness punch and his nicking knife and we managed to get them all decorated. After that I spent most of the day making the letters on the signboard. I didn't have any paint but I marked them all out. Dad. & Frank cleaned up the barn floor and Huby came over this after noon and they all cleaned up wheat. About five o'clock I drove Huby down and got the mail. I practiced on the guitar and drew to-night. Tiddums was sick after they went to bed to-night. Saturday October 17th I spent nearly all the morning painting my sign.I did it with just lampblack, boiled oil and turpentine and don't know whether it will prove satisfactory or not. Dad. and Frank took what wheat there was sacked up down to the mill and out of seventeen bags six of which were big ones they had 38 bushels and twenty odd lbs. and got $1.05 for it. Lila came over this morning but Huby didn't get over till noon. He is helping Aunty Maude houseclean. He Dad and I just got nicely started to clean up some more wheat when Bill Donald came in with the information that the gully fence along the road was flat and that all the cattle were out. He had driven them up this way so we just turned them into the barnyard. He said they had been in Sam Law's wheat but Allan didn't know whose they were which seemed rather queer. Bill recognised them. The six calves Harry Dyer's cow and Jonas' heifer weren't with the bunch and I had to go over and head them into the gully from the road. I saw Charlie Quanbury just going out to his farm. He has bought Billy Louis' place this side of Shand's Schoolhouse and is going to raise truck. Dad. and Huby came back the lane with the shovel and some a posts and we got some more which we knew were in the woods and repaired the fence as well as possible by putting posts down about a foot and wiring the old broken off posts to them. Joe Fields came over this morning and borrowed their post auger again so we had to rely on the shovel to perform our operations and it was not very satisfactory. The gate was badly smashed too where they had run through. Somebody I suppose hunters take the wire off the gate and don't bother fixing it again so Dad. fixed it up and wired it solid this time. It was five o'clock when we got up but they fanned wheat for about half an hour. To-night Frank and I printed the pictures I took of the two babies on Sunday some of them were pretty good. Mrs. McBride was here cleaning to-day. Poor old Tid. had a pretty 136 �rough night of it last night. He was sick a lot and feels pretty tough to-day. Frank went down with Jonas this after noon and got a couple of barrels at Bagley & Miller's to pack apples in. It has been a lovely day to-day. Sunday October 18th This being Frank's birthday, he stayed home from Sunday school pricipally though because there wasn't any, this being children's day at church. Frank went to church and to his credit be it said he was the only member of the family who attended all day unless Dick went tonight. I sat around and read most of the morning. This after noon Dad. put the saddle on Joe for me and I had a very enjoyable ride out to see Pud. Smythe. He invited me to go to Simcoe to-morrow night to make inquiries about joining a Captain Simpson's company of the 39th - and I think I will go if I can as he says it is not composed of quite the same class of fellows as the other companys which I guess are pretty tough. If the rules are not too strict and the obligations too great I think I will join, as the Norfolk Rifles belongs to the department of Malitia and defence they wont have to be called out of Canada and if they are ever needed here I would want to be there any way and so I might as well have a little training. Winnie was over for a little while this after noon and Tiddums was much better. It has been cloudy and cool all day inclined to drizzle this morning Monday October 19th First thing after breakfast I put the saddle on Joe and rode her down to be shod. Whit Dixon came in before I left and took the Artful Dodger. Sam Jacques also came over to talk "Pinnafore" to Dad. Their books have come but it seems some English theatre has a royalty on them and won't alow it to be played in public, however I guess they are going on with it just the same. It was getting on to noon when I got home with Joe and I brought the whipple tree off the buggy home with me but when I got here discovered I had lost the little device off it I never dreampt of it coming off as we couldn't take it off when we tried. I had to walk all the way back to look for it. Chris. Quanbury joined me as far as his place and when I got to the bottom of the hill Carl Sovereign plodded up the middle of the road with me. I got all the way to Joe Howell's shop and found it about two feet away from where I started. This afternoon we cleaned up the rest of the wheat Dad. had taken one load down and had on I think 48 bus {bushels} and the last load had on 30 something I went down with him the last load and it was half past five when we got home, so I had to get ready. Dick came home just before six and he went up with me to Simcoe. We called in at Smythe's and left Joe there with and drove the rest of the way with Pud's old skate, it took us about an hour to get to 137 �Simcoe. Pud and I went to the Armories but Dick went over to town and knocked around till we went home. We didn't sign up at all but fell in line with a bunch of beginners and had a little drill and the captain (which is the same fellow who brought his dead dog over here last summer) told us that we could come up as often as we liked and drill and we would be under no obligation till we signed up to go to camp for three years but we didn't have to do that till next June. He said they were going to fix a shooting gallery up in the Armories and also their rifle ranges down by their track and so soon would be having rifle practice. We left Simcoe at ten o'clock but it was twelve when Dick and I got home. Louise came down to-day and is going to stay awhile. Very nice day but a very heavy fog to-night. Tuesday October 20th It was six o'clock before I woke up this morning and then Dad. woke me He wanted to get off to Toronto but thought he wasn't going to make it at that time. But we persuaded him to shave and and I hiked out and hooked Joe up and by not eating any thing he managed to get down in time to catch the train. Huby was down at the train but Dad. got right on to see what damage - a jar of cream had done - as we saw some of it on the robe and the bottom of the buggy so didn't see Huby. I drove around to the house - and got him on there and brought him over. Frank and I spent most of the morning doing chores but Huby husked corn. We went out and helped him when we got through. Alex Jamison came in again to see about a ram and as Dad. wasn't here to beat down he gave us ten dollars and took old Greynose's lamb so we can now rub it into Dad. who seemed to think farm operations would come to a stand still if he left for half an hour but he couldn't sell old Alex a sheep when he was here before. Another fellow was in to-night to inquire about them but he didn't care about them being pure bred and so didn't want to pay so much. Frank told him they could be registered but he said quite solemnly that it wouldn't do him any good if they were red breasted. We didn't know who he was. This after noon Frank hooked up Nellie and Enah Louise and Tiddums went for a drive. Huby and Frank picked apples for Roy while I gave my sign another coat of paint and then I helped them fill the barrel. We got some beautiful Seeks & Spys and a few Canada Reds and what were left of the 20 oz Pippins. It was six o'clock before we we got the barrel filled so we had to leave it out there all night with out any head on it. We didn't know exactly how to pack & head them any way. It was very late when we got through chores. Beautiful day. Sunny and mild. Wednesday October 21st 138 �The total results of our exertions to-day show, our advertisement hung out at the cross roads, a barrel of apples headed and a turnip pulled. After we got the morning chores done which was in pretty good time, Frank and I went out and tacked the signboard on the corner post of the cover field It was pretty well on the slant but I guess people can read it all right. Alfred was plowing in his wheat stubble and we had a short talk with him. We then went over and pulled a good sized turnip for dinner. Huby came over soon after we got in, with old Stringer's apple barrel press which Uncle Ward had lent him, and said Uncle Ward told him just how to head the barrel and that we could do it before dinner. How ever we worked for quite awhile at it and couldn't get the head in, it seemed too big for the barrel, so by dinner time we had come to the conclusion that the best course for us to pursue was to go down and get Uncle Ward and let him do it. Huby said he had to go down after dinner any way so I drove him down got the mail and got Uncle Ward on my way home, After a lot of squeezing he managed to get the head in, but had to enlarge the wooden hoop and put it below the wire as the head was too big and spread the staves. I drove him home - and took Tiddums with me. Frank and I drove down to the station to-night and Louise & Enah stayed home. They all got home safely and Al. Faulkner drove them up to Huby's. I went around and saw them all but didn't stay at all. Dad. and Frank drove home with me as Dad. hadn't had his tea. It has been another lovely day. The quartette that left for the point Monday morning in Faulmsbe's new boat are all back again, poorer than when they left. They got over all right and anchored behind some bluff Monday night and got up early yesterday morning to get started shooting. Cars Rankin and Charlie O'Lair were going down the beach and Bill Oakes & George were going to stay with the boat. Bill had crawled up in the bow which was tightly enclosed and was have a smoke, when George who was near the engine lit a match for his pipe. There had been some gasoline leaking and the fumes immediately ignited and the gasoline which was under the false bottom of the boat caught and the consequence was that although they worked hard to save it George's dandy new launch burned to the waters edge and sank. They managed to save their guns and some of their clothing. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day and Cousin Clare was here to dinner. Thursday October 22nd We got a fairly good start this morning and Dad. started to plow the oat stubble. He thought he was going to have nice easy plowing but it turned over so waxy and stiff that the horse could hardly draw the plow through it. He had to quit once and get the other plow the mould board of which has more shape to it. Frank and I dug potatoes in the cornfield and got about ten rows dug, they were beauties, no small ones and no whoppers. Huby 139 �came over at noon and he and Frank finished digging them out there and piled them up. Dad. & I took the team and waggon and took Roy's apples down and shipped them, we called in at Quanbury's and as they had the barrel all headed that Aunty Alice wanted to send to Mr. Shera, we took it too. We saw all the folks when we were down town. Dad. went out and got what corn we husked the other day. There were 19 1/2 bushels of potatoes of the patch out there. Enah and Louise drove Nellie down town to-day. Allan Law was in tonight inviting two of us over there to thrash to-morrow. It is a little colder to-night but has been a lovely day. Friday October 23rd Dad. and I got over to Sam's to thrash this morning soon after they got started I worked in the mow all day with Art Ryersie but there wasn't any thing for Dad. to do this morning so he went home till after dinner. He then came back and helped some one-eyed guy who is staying at Bill Bush's in the straw which they put in a shed till they got it filled up and then they started to put it in the barn and it was awful, you could hardly see across the barn, and it being alsike dust it was killing. The one eyed man who was in the straw gave out first and had to retire.. I worked till I couldn't breathe - and then I had to quit with the chill. I went and sat by the engine till they quit which was pretty soon although they didn't get it all out. Dad. and I came right home. Aunty was over but went down with Huby. It was all I cared to do to get home and huddle up to the stove. I didn't do a chore. Dad. of course stared off with mentioning what a hot specimen I would be to go to the war if I couldn't stand a little dust but I told him it was just such mugs as me they ought to send, we're no good here and everybody concerned and the country would be much better off if they shipped us all over there and killed us off. Huby and Frank dug six rows of the potatoes in the old garden and got fifteen bushels. They sold another ram this morning to Nixon and Bawyer out at Renton. They took the little fellow. It has been another July day. Saturday October 24th Dad. took the team and rack town to Flemming's this morning as he thought they were going to thrash buckwheat out of the field but it began to rain soon after he left so they just thrashed the oats in the barn and finished about an hour or so after dinner. Frank and I didn't do any thing much this morning on account of the rain. He husked some corn and I dug what potatoes were left in the garden here, and I also drove Louise down to Huby's for dinner. This after noon Frank went and caught Nellie for Enah and then he and I went and dug the rest of the spuds in the old garden we got six more bushels so that altogether we 140 �now have 40 1/2 bushels. Several of the cattle got through the gully fence to-day and so Dad. had to go back and fix it. We got chores done early to-night for a change. A little colder wind to-day. Sunday October 25th Everybody except Dad. & Tiddums went to church this morning even Dick broke into his Sunday timetable and got up to attend Frank went to Sunday school. Aunty came over with us to dinner and stayed all the after noon. After dinner Frank and I went down and joined Huby and Quint and the four of us sailed went up to Wealey's, Quint bought a dandy little strip built skiff with a sail and everything complete. We started to sail up there but found it would take too long tacking so Quint and I rowed up. We got our Ginseng plant and sailed back. It only took about half an hour and there wasn't much wind either. It was nearly six when Frank and I got home so Dad. couldn't get off to church but he and Aunty walked down after tea and he went to see Aunty Alice & Uncle Hal. Uncle Hal. gave me a great black snake skin to-day and Frank his best knife. He gave Quint his shotgun yesterday. It has been colder to-day although sunny and nice but raw breeze. Monday October 26th We didn't do anything much but chores this morning. Frank went over to Flemming's to see what they were going to do but found they wouldn't thrash to-day. We husked a little corn in the barn. This after noon Al. Faulkner drove Aunty Alice & Uncle Hal over in his car. Huby came over with them but didn't stay. Frank went down with them to get the mail. I took the Ginseng root back to the woods and planted it. When Frank got home he and Dad. sawed up one of the old sleepers in the barnyard for the little stove. To-night Louise and I drove up to the Bawlby's where I left Louise as she is going to help them move into their new house. I went on in to Simcoe and to the Armories. We didn't have any drill to-night but the officer gave us musketry instruction. This was Lila's birthday. It has been cold & windy all day and is freezing very hard to-night. Tuesday October 27th It was very late when we got out this morning and after breakfast Dad. & I went out to inspect the oat stubble to see if it was frozen too hard to plow but we saw Allan Law up at the corner with his engine and he said Flemming was going to thrash to-day so Dad. came right home and got the team & rack and went down. It froze very hard last night and seemed harder as it is the first frost this fall. The apples are all frozen on the trees and the 141 �ground is like a board. It hasn't thawed out all day to-day but isn't freezing so hard to-night although there is a cold wind from the west. I sawed wood most of the morning and Frank went out and covered the four piles of potatoes with earth although he said they weren't injured by the frost. The mangels were frozen in the ground but Mr. Flemming says if they are not touched till the frost goes out of them they will be all right. Dad. came home at noon and said they were shorthanded down at Flemming's so I had to go back with him. We finished up early. I pitched on all the after noon so didn't suffer from the dust any. I rode Joe down town after the mail to-night. The big spotted yearling jumped over the bars from the blue grass field to-night, lit on his head and broke one of his horns and mabee worse. Wednesday October 28th John Wess came over this morning to see if we could fix up the line fence a little as he wanted to turn his cattle in on his oat stubble. Dad. told him to turn in and let them break through if they wanted to, there was nothing there they could hurt. He and Frank went back and fixed the gully fence a little to keep our cattle in there. Frank and I husked a little corn this morning for the pigs and then I made a trough for the chickens and spent the morning fixing up the yards to keep the chickens inside and separate. This after noon Frank and I picked the Sprys. I picked and he sorted. I think the frost was all out of most of them so I guess they will be all right. It was too windy to pick but I put the ladder on the inside of the tree and got most of them although there is a lot of nice ones yet around the out side. There were about five bushels of good ones and three of frozen ones & culls. Dad plowed all the after noon and said it went a little better but I guess it was pretty stiff. I went to Simcoe again to-night and had a little drill I drove Aunty home so went around by town. I saw Ed. Turner down there and asked him if he wanted to go up but he didn't to-night. While I was talking to him Andy Moore came along and he wanted to go up so I took him. I told him to be around at the stable about nine and I would drive him home, but when I went down he had been there, paid for the horse and said he wasn't going back. I drove around by town and saw him and he said Tom Law was up there with his car, pickled, and he wanted Andy to drive him home, so I came home alone. Milder to-day but very strong west wind. Very mild to-night and looks like rain. Thursday October 29th It rained during the night and all day, not hard but a steady fine rain. We couldn't do anything much outside but chores. Dad. went back this morning and fixed the gully fence where the cattle got into the west blue grass field and I cleaned out the cellar ready to put 142 �in the apples and roots. This after noon Dad. drove Uncle Hal. and Aunty Alice down to Huby's where they are going to stay for awhile. It was a miserable day to go out but Uncle Hal. was anxious to go. Dad. wanted to bring Huby back with him to help move the stove but he wasn't home so we moved the stove out of the woodshed into the kitchen by ourselves. We put the warming oven on this stove off Cousin Bessy's. When the cattle came up to-night they were all there but the three heifers. Dad. went back to the end of the lane but it was dark and we knew they must be out some where. He didn't milk the others Friday October 30th We didn't get out very early this morning. Josh Varey came over and Dad. had to file his old horse's teeth off for him Huby came up the creek with Quint and then down here and he told me my sign had blown down at the corner so I had to go and fix it up. I cleaned up one of the chicken yards and then we all went out and pulled and topped the mangels and turnips. Dad went back and fixed the place where the heifers got out on the road and the rest of us husked a shock of corn, which we hauled up with us. This after noon Dad. & I hauled in the roots and put them down cellar, there was scarcely a load of mangels but a good load of turnips. We then hauled up a load of rails. Huby & Frank husked corn all the after noon. Jonas helped them for awhile. He is going to work out what he owes for pasture. Win came over after school and I drove Huby and her home and then got the mail. The Turks are now in on this War and have begun hostilities with Russia. They say it may lead to a holy war and all the Mohammedens side in with Turkey. It has been raw and mostly cloudy to-day with a couple of spits of rain. There were some very queer lights in the direct east this after noon. The looked something like the Northern Lights but were not colored. They looked more like rays from some huge light beneath the horizon. Saturday October 31st Dad. got right out after breakfast and plowed, he got in a pretty fair day. Huby came over and he, Frank, Jonas & I husked corn all morning we got about a load husked. There is a lot of nubbins on it which we don't husk. This after noon we picked apples Dad. and Frank went down to Sam Law's with the waggon and borrowed a ladder and then went out and picked up the corn and brought it in and Dad. went on plowing. He gave Jonas a tree of Seeks and told him he could have them if he would help us pick ours, but he picked his own this after noon. We were just picking seeks as there are some beauties and bushels of them. We just picked the biggest ones and when we got a tree done it could hardly be told that we had been it it. We will shake the rest down for cider. To-night Frank went down to the picture 143 �show and I went down with him and got the mail and some provisions. I forgot all about it being Hallowe'en till I heard the school bell ringing when on my way down but the town was full of dressed up girls & noisy boys. It has been a lovely day sunny & bright but rather windy. Sunday November 1st Frank went down to Sunday school and Dad. and I drove down to church. Enah had a headache so didn't go. After church Dad. drove Aunty up to the cemetry and Frank and I went down to Huby's and waited till they got back. We went down and helped Quint pull his new boat out of the creek and turned it over on the bank to see if we could find out where it leaked and we found three or four spots were the strips were punky. Quint was disappointed as he thought she was all sound. This after noon Dad. and Enah drove out to see Mrs. Jim Waddle who is going to the hospital to-morrow. Winnifred had the chicken pox so they didn't stay long with the baby. They came home around by the Shand's but Charlie was the only one home there. Dad. says somebody has been playing Hallowe'en tricks on the side road and have ripped the bars down going into the woods and strung them half way across the road. Ed. came over soon after they left and he, Marion and I took a walk back the lane. We happened to see Snowdrop out on the road so had to go and put her in. Frank spent the afternoon back in the gully and surrounding country. Dick spent the morning in bed and after dinner after we had a little football match and nearly broke all the windows around the place - he went down town where he spent the after noon, evening and part of the night, he likely went to church. It has been a lovely day but looked very rainy to-night. Monday November 2nd Poor Frank started back to school this morning, he didn't say any thing but I don't think the prospect was very cheering. Dad. plowed all day and has the field half done to-night. Huby came over and sawed wood till I got the chores all done and then we went back to the gully to see if we could find any weak spots in the fence but it seemed all right. Snowdrop got out at the edge of the culvert and we blocked a post up there with stone as well as we could. We then went up the road to fix up some Hallowe'en pranks. They had taken the old post by the bars going into the woods and pulled it and the wire half way across the road and had Sam Law's gate and another big one and our bars all scattered around. They had had a fence built right across the road, but some one had taken it down to get past. When we got through there we went up through the woods and were just going up the lane when 144 �we heard turkeys way up Ivey's gully. We thought we had better go up and drive ours home if they were there but we tramped all over the gully & woods and didn't see or hear a thing more of them. Huby had the shot gun - and a chicken hawk flew over us so Huby shot him. He fell on his back and lay there, We thought shurely he was a goner but old Nig went prowling around and he got up and flew away. Huby took another shot and he swerved but kept right on flying and lit on the side hill. We went over to him there and raised again. Huby put a black powder shell in and took a crack at him and this time knocked a bunch of feathers out of his back. He first flew a little farther and dropped. When we got up to him he was sufficiently dead for us to finish the job with a club. After dinner Huby picked apples and I sorted them and carried them down cellar. We now have all the boxes we can find around the place filled with Seeks or Spys and will have to put what few russets we get on the floor. I went down to the corner to see if I could find any trace of my sighn. The Hallowe'en fellows ripped it down and took it away some place. Charlie Quanbury said he saw it down in the bank window but Dick didn't know anything about it. I went up to Simcoe to-night. I called for Ed. Turner but he changed his mind about going to-night but said he would accompany me next Monday. I then Called for Pud. Smythe but he had gone. We had company drill up there to-night. There was a class for any who wanted to stay after wards to study for N.C.O's. but as it meant four nights a week for three or four weeks I didn't stay. The Daughters of the Empire were giving the fellows who are leaving for the front a supper. It was cloudy all day but turned out a beautiful night. DIARY. 1914 T.B.Barrett. Port Dover, Ontario. The Farm........................ {decorative descending triangle of horizontal straight lines} From November 3rd 1914 to December 31st 1914 Tuesday November 3rd 1914. It rained most of the morning so we didn't do much outside. I drove the boys down to the school and the bank and when I got back Tom Abbot had his horse in the drive house and he was in the house getting warm and waiting for the rain to let up. When he left I went out and cleaned out the horse stable and then Dad. & I oiled the buggy and put on the other 145 �whipple tree. Jonas came over and got Nellie with a view to taking the rest of his apples home. We saw Art Quanbury prowling around over by Martin's gully so we went over to see what they were all doing thinking we might get Joe Fields to help me build the new hen house. He said they were all busy but I might get Henry Odd who left Saturday. Art. went to take the old hen home that was sitting under the willow tree and discovered she had just hatched out five chicks so he stuffed them all in his pocket and took them over. Dad. plowed all the after noon. I drove down to town to see Henry. and found him working up at Jim. Caley's new house. I told him what I wanted and he told me he would see me to-night that the job he was at was too hard. I went down to-night and got my hair cut and saw him and he said he would be over Thursday morning. I went down to Huby's for a little while and it was fairly late when I got home. Huby came over this after noon and cleaned up the chicken yard. It has been a lovely after noon and night Wednesday November 4th Dad. got out early this morning to plow and got a good day in. Jonas came over fairly early to help as he is going to try and work out what he owes us for pasture He picked a few more russets first but couldn't get many then he cleaned up the garden. The cabbages all seem to have wilted and have no heads so he just piled them out behind the shop. Huby came over later and he and I sorted the russets and put them down cellar then carried all the apples beets & carrots down. This after noon Jonas didn't come over and we suppose he went to a sale. Huby and I husked corn but didn't get much done. I had to quit early to get off to Simcoe to-night. I drove Win up. She wanted to p a visit to Norah Cunningham. I left her there and when I got through drilling we went down to the moving picture show Norah had sprained her ankle and hadn't been able to get out. Aunty came over to dinner and went down with me to-night. She took Tiddums out to the cornfield where he seemed greatly pleased to find Huby and called him by name for the first time. He is learning to talk quickly. Mrs McBride was here all day washing. Cloudy and showery this after noon but a lovely night. It seems to be a sort of second spring. Several people have found ripe raspberries and Dad is plowing under barley out in head and An old guinea hen hatched out then young ones to-day. Thursday November 5th Henry Auld. came over this morning and I have put in most of the day helping him. We had to quit once or twice for rain and it took us quite awhile to get the sills laid so by to-night we had about half at the front and back studding up. Henry quit early to pick some apples. 146 �He wanted some Tolman Sweets and as we had quite a lot we don't want we told him he could have them. Dad. plowed nearly all day but got the field finished all but running the cross ditches. Jim Bush is plowing up the gull for Jack and I guess is having quite a time of it. This was Aunty Alice's birthday and Aunty has been up visiting her all day. Enah and Tiddums went down to see her this after noon and we were going down after tea but it was so wet we didn't go I went to bed about eight o'clock. Frank went down to confirmation class and to call on Jonas who fell down cellar this morning and hurt himself. I guess he thinks he is about killed. It has been a miserable day. Cloudy and cold and wet. Aunty has sent Tiddums a dandy doll she made out of corn husks. Friday November 6th Right after breakfast this morning Frank and I drove down in the lumber waggon and got some more nails and scantling, we also took what apples Henry had picked down to him. Frank went on to school when he got the stuff for me. Henry and I worked all day at the hen house and have the frame all up and the back siding on. Dad. hauled in the corn that was husked and some rails and ran out the ditches in the field he just plowed. This after noon he plowed the garden. He hauled the waggon in the orchard to fill with apples to take up to Walker Waddles to-morrow. Frank was down at Jonas's for a long time to-night visiting him. He seems greatly stuck on him. Jonas says he has broken a rib and seems to be trying to make himself believe he is killed. It has been a rather decent day not so cold as yesterday. Saturday November 7th Henry was over at half past six this morning and put what he could of the sheeting on but discovered that there was only about half enough so Dad. & I drove down in the rack after breakfast to get some but both Tommy & the Widespread were all out of it but expected some in a day or two. We tried at Jack. Martin's to see if he had any he could let us have but they were waiting for it too. We got some roofing paper and nail and got Huby's two cider kegs and came home rather disgusted as it was a fine day to put on the roofing and we didn't know when there will be another like it. Henry picked a few apples for himself and cut the boards for the front cornice. Dad. & I hauled in some cornstalks before dinner This after noon Dad. & Frank took the load of apples that Frank picked up this morning up to Walker Waddles and got our barrel and Huby's 2 kegs filled. They didn't get back till about five. Henry and I were all the after noon puting siding on the end of the old chicken house and it has improved the appearance of it 100%. Henry left his tools here and said he would come back when the lumber came if he wasn't busy. He only charged me $3.75 for all he 147 �has done and then told me not to pay him now and he has made a fine job so far. Marsh from up the Gravel Road was in this morning to look at the rams but didn't buy on account of the price. It has been another lovely day sunny & mild. Sunday November 8th It rained all morning and part of the after noon but Dad. and Frank drove down to church. Aunty came back with them and she and I walked down to church to-night. I went down to Hubys for about an hour after church. Huby was playing solitare much to Aunty's sorrow, and the worst of it was Aunty Alice would show him a move occasionally. Huby gave me some cider and handed me a large piece of plaster which he told me was Scotch short bread. Before I knew what I was doing I had my mouth full of it. This after noon Dick went down town and Frank back to the gully. I sat around and read and drew. It had cleared off and was a beautiful night to-night but was freezing hard when I came home. Monday November 9th We didn't get started very early this morning and Dad. and I spent most of the day working with the potatoes. We sorted the two pits in the field and got quite a few frozen ones and some which were not frozen but still rotting. We sacked them up and this afternoon we hauled them in and Dad. took 6 bushels down to Huby. Tupper came in and borrowed our waggon box to take his seed to Hagersville. To-night I went to Simcoe. I called for Ed Turner but he was tired and didn't go. After drill Captain Simpson told us we would have to sign up now. He told me I was under no obligations as if I had a good excuse I needn't go to camp and could resign if I wanted to. In case of Canada being invaded I could be turned out for six or eighteen months service but I in that case I would go any way so I swore obedience & fidelity to His Majesty and signed up with C Company. Tuesday November 10th It has been a rotten day to-day cold, windy, cloudy & wet. It snowed a little but rained mostly. Dad. & I put off the load of cornstalks which was on the waggon and then went out and husked a shock and divided three or four unhusked shocks so that we could load them on the waggon. We then took the rack out and with the aid of a sling rope put on nearly a whole row of unhusked shocks. This after noon we did chores and stretched a bit of poultry wire around the old calves' pen in the barn and to-night caught what single comb roosters we could find and an old black hen and confined them in their death cell as we are going to 148 �eat them when we get hungry. Frank says he thinks our lumber has come. Quint & Bill got back from the Point. Wednesday November 11th We didn't do much but chores to-day it has been cloudy and threatening all day. We unloaded the load of cornstalks which was on the waggon and and husked a little corn for the pigs. Dad. killed a couple of chickens and Sid. McBride and an agent came in representing {Gumas?} limited. They were here a long time and went away with a ten dollar order for beef scrap and hog meal. Tupper brought the wagon back. I didn't intend to go to Simcoe to-night it looked so stormy but Dick came home to go with me so we went and although it was dark and sprinkled a little it wasn't a bad night. I got my uniform to-night. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Thursday November 12th Did chores and husked corn all morning. This after noon Dick and I drove to Simcoe. Dick got his photograph taken at Moores and I took a lot of harness up to Church's to be fixed. Dick and hung around town till most of it was done, shot two or three games of pool with Dick, first games I ever played, didn't do so badly considering. I had to leave a bridle up there, we left Simcoe about six so it was fairly late when I had my tea. Cloudy most of the day and inclined to be rainy but not cold. Dad started to plow the plum orchard this after noon, awful job. Young Snider from down {Jaw?} lake bought Dad's ram lamb to-day. Friday November 13th It rained a good part of the morning and I drove the boys down to the bank & school. During the morning a terrific wind came up and lifted the top of the straw stack and flopped it between the stack and barn. Dad. & I discovered that Charlotte's heifer was under it but we could hear her lowing. It took us quite awhile to dig her out but she didn't seem any the worse she was up agains the stack so the big weight wasn't on her. Dad. & I went down town before dinner and got our lumber at Tommy's. This after noon Dad. plowed in the plum orchard and I did chores and husked a little corn. It was cloudy windy and rather cold this after noon with occasional spits of sharp rain. Saturday November 14th 149 �I spent the morning doing chores. Frank helped me husk some corn for the pigs and then went down town after some jars Harry Dyer came after his cow and calf. This after noon Frank & I sorted out another pit of potatoes and found a lot of rotten ones. We husked a little more corn. Frank went back to the gully and found Snowdrop in Sam. Law's wheat so brought her up. The others were all right. Dad. got in a full day and finished the plum orchard. He hauled in the potatoes we sorted to-night. After tea he & Frank killed and dressed a couple of roosters. Aunty, Aunty Alice & Lila were over for a little while this after noon. Sunny but cold east wind. Sunday November 15th It rained steadily all day so none of us went down town but sat around and read. Enah and I had a piano & horn concert this after noon. Dick didn't come home last night so we don't know what happened to him nor any of the news. Very windy night. Monday November 16th Dad. & I took the plow and waggon back over the gully this morning and loaded up a load of rails of John Wess' line. He came over and said he would bring his engine over and buzz them up for us when we got them all hauled. Dad. started to plow the old alsike stubble and took in a band or so of the bluegrass field to plow off the little gully. He plowed all the afternoon and got a good start made. I did chores most of the after noon but went back and put on another load of rails for Dad. to haul up to-night.To-night I went down to a surprise party at Billy Boughner's which Elva and the sewing club got up. Had a great time. Bill Buck came and borrowed the hay rack to haul a load of boxes from Simcoe. It has been very cold and windy all day and is freezing hard to-night. Tuesday November 17 It was frozen up solid this morning and very cold and windy so Dad didn't take the team out although he thought he could have plowed in the sod. He killed and plucked a couple of chickens and I went back to John Wess' to see his cement fence post mould. I was over there quite awhile. Didn't do anything much this after noon. Dad. went down to Sam Law's and got our turkeys and I went over to Jack Martin's to see if he wanted to buy my roosters. He said he would come over soon to look at them. Dad. & Frank went down town as Uncle Hall wasn't so well to-day. Wednesday November 18th 150 �Huby came over this morning and we hauled a load of hay over from the big barn to the other and put it over the bull pen. We then went out and divided all the big shocks of corn in one row and hauled them in this after noon. Quint came over to tea and he and I drove to Simcoe to-night. Quint went over to the armories and but didn't drill. We got home about twelve. Aunty was over here all the after noon and is going to stay awhile. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Cold & windy. Thursday November 19th Dad. & I unloaded the load of corn this morning and Huby came over and he & I went out and divided another lot of big shocks so we could put them on the waggon. We hauled in another row before dinner. I just about froze and felt a little sick at noon so didn't do anything for awhile after dinner till Dad. & Huby husked some corn then we put the load off and got another load in without dividing them. Enah, Aunty and Tiddums all went down town this after noon. It has been thawing all day but a very cold raw wind and before dinner we had a short but fierce snow storm. Friday November 20th We intended to haul in the rest of the cornstalks to-day but Henry Auld came over about nine o'clock so I had to help him. It was pretty cold so we didn't try to put the roofing on but we got the sheeting and front on. Huby came over about noon and he and Dad. husked corn and did chores. About five o'clock Mully rather unexpectedly presented us with a heifer calf althoug we discovered that it was just due instead of being a month early as Dad. supposed. It is a dandy and clear red except for a white tip on its tail which Huby says will be a fine landmark if Bluch doesn't bite it off. That makes six head of cattle that I now own. It has been sunny to-day but didn't thaw at all and there was a cold west wind. Saturday November 21st Henry came over again this morning and made the frames for the front of the henhouse and this after noon we put the roofing on. It was pretty cold and we had to heat the tar so it would run. Dad. Frank and I hauled cornstalks this morning. We got them all in in two loads and got the last load after dinner. We had to leave one shock in the middle of a water hole as it was frozen solid. Henry only charged me seven dollars for all his work Thursday December 3rd 151 �It is nearly two weeks since I last wrote in this but this is first day I have been at all in the mood to write as I have been laid up with the "Yaller Janders" and have felt pretty rotten although spending only one entire day in bed. I am not yet able to do anything outside although I feel ever so much better. Frank and Dad. have had a pretty rough time of it and haven't been able till to-day to get a thing done but chores although the frost went out early last week and all the other farmers are well up with their plowing. Dad. got a good early start this morning and Mr. Flemming came over with this team and plow for a surprise so they will get on famously to-day. A week ago Sunday Uncle Hal. was taken very much worse, and Quint came over after Dad. who was down nearly every night and often during the day so got hardly any sleep at all. Uncle Hal. grew gradually worse through the week and although they didn't think he suffered much actual pain often had a very hard time with his breathing, and on Monday morning about four o'clock he died. He was consious I think right up to the last. Roy came up Sunday Saturday night and went back Monday night. He might have stayed longer but got word from Vernon that Rebecca was sick but I don't think it was any thing serious. The funeral was yester day and Dad. Frank & Enah all went down and took the baby with them I stayed here with Mrs. McBride. It has been pretty nice sunny weather for the most part since the frost went out and has only frozen slightly a couple or so nights. It has rained once or twice one all day rain on Tuesday I think. Friday December 4th Mr. Flemming came over and gave Dad. another day's work to-day so they have got on fine Dad. says he can nearly finish it if he gets a good day in to-morrow I felt ever so much better to-day and cleaned out the chicken house and husked & shelled some corn this morning. This after noon I went down and got the Beef scrap and gut at the station I took Nellie and Jonas' old democrat. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over to-night they are going to stay here for awhile.. Cold, raw wind and cloudy all day. Saturday December 5th Dad. plowed all day to-day and nearly finished the field. He took the waggon back with him at noon and Frank and I went back and filled it with rails and Dad. hauled it up to-night. I spent the whole morning and what time I had this after noon in cleaning up the chicken yard and houses and putting fresh straw in. I got it pretty well fixed up. Frank did most of the chores and Dad. cut his hair to-night. Enah sold one of the young gobblers to-night to Will McNeily. Cloudy and windy to-day but not very cold. 152 �Sunday December 6th Aunty & Frank went down to Sunday School and Dick and I joined them at church. This after noon Frank & I did up most of the chores and Dad. drove Aunty Alice up to the cemetry. Enah took Frank's and my picture. To-night Frank is to be confirmed and Dad. Enah & Aunty have all gone down to church and Aunty Alice and I are looking after the house. It froze a little last night but hasn't been cold to-day. Monday December 7th Huby came over to-day and has been ditching in the back field all day. Dad. finished the piece he was at and got a good start on the bluegrass side hill. I did chores all day it takes so long to husk corn enouh for the pigs that I don't get time to do anything else, although I did go over and see Brierly to ask him about feeding beef scrap. He told me to mix it with rolled oats and feed in a hopper. Jack said he was coming over to-day to look at the roosters but he didn't come. Mr. Morgan came over before dinner and stayed most of the after noon. I ordered a pecan tree from him. Quint came over to tea to-night and he and I went to Simcoe. I was very much behind as I missed all the rifle drill last week. We went out on a march way down to Yeager's place Dad is in a great figit to-night as he was summoned to appear as a jury man and he thinks Court sits to-morrow but he lost the notice and neglected to write and ask if he wasn't exempt as he ase US Tuesday December 8th Dad was very wrathy this morning as I found out in Simcoe last night that the best thing for him to do was to turn up at the court house to morrow and Cousin Willie told him this morning the same thing. He telephoned to Kelly and found out that he had to be there by one o'clock so he went up but he managed to get off as he is a Vet. It would have been a great day to plow. Huby ditched all day and I didn't do a pesky thing but chores principally husk corn for the pigs. Mr. Flemming came over and said he was going to thrash to-morrow but said he could get along if it would have to stop Dad. from plowing or if I didn't feel well enough to work in the dust but Dad. went over to-night to Quanbury's to telephone to Billy Lewis as he said he would give us a hand when we wanted him. Cloudy and windy but not very cold. Wednesday December 9th 153 �It snowed during the night and has been snowing & blowing all day but not very cold. Dad. helped me husk corn this morning but plowed all the after noon. Both Tupper & John Wess told him they were going to give him some help if it stays open. They say plowing under an inch or two of snow is as good as a coat of manure and that is what Dad is doing. This after noon I hooked up Nellie to the democrat and drove Aunty Alice down town I went around by the mill to get a couple of bags of oats rolled for the chickens but they were to light so I got them chopped and rolled and bought some rolled oats I also got a bag of flour and took it down to the Belgian Relief house. We got home about five o'clock. Thursday December 10th Dad. plowed all day and Tupper sent his man over this after noon so they got quite a chunk done. I did chores and this morning built a hopper in the chicken shed and filled it with twenty five lbs of rolled oats and three or four lbs of beef scrap and they seemed very greedy for it. Enah drove down town this morning and brought Cousin Clare over. She was here all day. There was an extra drill on to-night for the recruits but it was so late when we got through that I didn't go up. Friday December 11th Dad. got in a full day again to-day. I went back for awhile this morning and this after noon I hooked up Nellie to the democrat and drove Aunty Alice over to Mrs. Cooke's and went around by Tupper's and borrowed Charlie Butler's side hill plow, Dad. says it saves a lot of carrying furrows but is very awkward, and it is impossible to do a nice job with it, what bothers him most is seeing the furrow go to the left. Sunny day. Saturday December 12th Dad. plowed all day again and John Wess came over and helped him all day so they got on fine. I did chores and putterd around. Frank went down with Nellie and the democrat and got the box which Cousin Lizzie Hyde sent to us it contained a lot of old family treasures of Fa's older brother. There was a pair of old hosllers, an old sword, a revolver of ancient pattern an old portable desk with some old papers and photo-graphs in it some old silverware and a few books and papers. Huby & Lila came over with Frank and Huby husked corn all the after noon. I got four eggs yesterday which is the most I have got yet but none at all to day. Not so sunny but not cold. Sunday December 13th 154 �Auntie and Frank went down to Sunday school and Enah drove down to church. This after noon Aunty and I drove out to the Smythe's. To-night I walked down to church and Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to Huby's as Aunty Alice wants to be down there to-morrow to get ready for her trip to Ingersoll to see Uncle Hal's sister. Dad. went down to Alfred's to-night and found Blaikie down there so had quite a long visit. It has been snowing pretty much all day. It was coming down very thickly this after noon and evening and when I came home it was very soft, the water was dripping into the cistern. Monday December 14th When we got up this morning we found it had turned much colder and quite a strong wind had got up. The wind kept up all day and was terrific to-night and it was also very cold but sunny and freezing very hard to-night. Dad. & I went back this morning and chased the horses all up and put them in the barnyard. We put Ginger in but the others stayed out all night. We took Charlie Butler's side hill plow and put it through the fence on to the road and then came up and hooked up the team to the bob sleighs and to it home to Tuppers and on our way back got our own plow and took it up. This after noon we did chores principally. Blaike came in to tea. Quint came over to go to Simcoe with me but it was so windy & cold we didn't go. I went down town with him after tea and we were both glad we decided not to go. We went up to Tip's and I bought myself a pretty nice over coat for $13.00. I hung around town awhile and went down to Huby's for a little while. Tuesday December 15th We did chores principally to-day and I shovelled some snow. We were going to haul a load of rails up this after noon but Huby came over to tell Dad. that the township council was meeting this after noon and Hammond sent word over for Dad. to come down and see about his taxes so Dad. went but found it was the same mistake in the asesement which the town council was going to rectify but he saw the asessor and had the pleasure of telling him what he thought of him. When he came home Jack Martin came over to look at the roosters and said he could pick twenty out of this lot. Froze hard all day but wind not so strong. Wednesday December 16th Dad. and I hooked up to the bob-sleighs before dinner and hauled up a load of rails. After dinner we went down to the mill and got a couple of hundred of oat chop for the pigs. Then I filled up the three days' accumulation of manure in the horse stable into the bob-sleigs 155 �and Dad hauled it over to the potato pit. When he came up we hauled the manure spreader from the shed at the cow stable over to the shed at the big barn. We did chores early and I went to Simcoe to-night Quint didn't come over so I went alone. We had a good drill after which I went over to the rink for a minute or two they have started skating up there. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Not quite as cold or windy to-day. Thursday December 17th Dad. and I went back to John Wess' line and got another load of rails this morning. We didn't do any thing much but chores this after noon. Aunty was over to dinner but went back again. Dick told us that Dave. Waddle would be over in the morning to butcher hogs. Much milder to-day & sunny but still freezing. The German's bombarded two or three towns on the English coast. Friday December 18th Dave Waddle & Powell McIntosh came over this morning about ten o'clock armed with a rifle and numerous pig killing utensils We let the pigs out of the pen two at a time and Dave shot them & stuck them. He only had to shoot one twice. They had the whole four all dressed by twelve o'clock - and wouldn't stay to dinner nor take any pay. Sid. McBride came in as they left and I paid him for the chicken feed. We then measured the fence along the road and Dad. orderd 120 rods of fence from him. This after noon we hooked up to the waggon and Dad. Frank and I went down with Huby's pig. It was the biggest and dressed 120 lbs. Very much milder to-day and nice out. Saturday December 19th It was snowing hard when we got up this morning and there was quite a wind It was very soft and hasn't frozen all day but is freezing to-night. We moved the calf this morning from the horse stable over to the barn and put the colts in. We also cleaned out the rooster's pen. Chris told me he was coming over to get some of them this morning. He didn't come till to night and as it was getting dusk he only picked out 16! This after noon we hooked up Joe & Ginger to the bob sleighs and the whole family went down town. We left Tiddum's in Aunty's care at Hubys and Aunty Alice who got back on the noon train went up with us. Dad. went in to Moses' and got measured for a suit which Dick is going to have made for him Aunty supplying the stuff. He then went down and cut up Huby's pig for him while Frank and I brought the team home. 156 �Sunday December 20th Daddy & Frank went down to communion at eight o'clock this morning and Frank stayed down to Sunday school and the later service. I didn't go to church at all to-day. About twelve o'clock Dad. hooked up Joe & Ginger to the bob sleighs and drove down and brought over Cousin Clare, Aunty & Aunty Alice to dinner in honor of Tiddum's second anniversary birthday. Dad. drove Aunty Alice & Cousin Claire home before tea and Aunty stayed here to mind Tiddums while Dad. & Enah went down to the Methodist church to hear Nell. Smith sing a solo. Beautiful day, sunny & mild. Monday December 21st It snowed a lot more during the night and it was very wet and heavy but there was quite a cold wind all day and it dried out. I drove the boys down this morning in the bob sleighs and got a couple of bags of chop at the mill for the pigs. Later Dad & I drove down in the cutter and took Aunty down. Dad. went around to see Niel Elliot to see what he would give for Charlotte who is nearly a new milks cow; but Niel wasn't in town but Joe Long said he would tell him. This after noon Dad. cut up a couple of the pigs and I shaved and got ready to go to Simcoe to-night. Dick & Quint came over to tea and we all three went up but it made things pretty crowed in the cutter and consequently cold and heavy pulling. Dick went over to the rink and skated all evening and I drilled. Quint went on a fruitless trek somewhere in the country in quest of a ferret and Dick and I hung around the barn till nearly twelve o'clock and we didn't get home till after one. Tuesday December 22nd We did chores all morning and Dad. cut up the other pig. This afternoon we hooked up to the bob sleighs and drove down and Dad. brought Aunty & Aunty Alice over but I stayed up town got my hair cut and walked home. Frank got out of school at recess to-day for the holidays. He has gone down to the picture show to-night. There has been a very cold wind all day and is freezing hard to-night. Wednesday December 23rd Dad. & Frank went back this morning and got a load of rails and also cut a lot of green poplar sticks out of the woods I spent the morning tacking cotton in one of my chicken frames. This after noon Dad. & Enah drove out to see Mrs. Jim. Waddle who is very ill and not expected to live long. Mrs McBride was here all day. To-night I drove to to Simcoe alone. 157 �We didn't have a long drill as it was so near Christmas so I got home before the family had retired. Windy all day. Cold & still to-night. Frank spent the after noon getting a little Christmas tree for Tiddums. Thursday December 24th I drove Aunty down town this morning in the bob sleighs and got 6.00 of chop at the mill. This after noon Dad. dressed a turkey for to-morrow's dinner and I did chores principally. Winny & Lila came over this after noon with the mail and stayed to tea. Tonight Dad. walked down to get his hair cut and Frank and I hooked up the team later to the bob sleigh and took Win. & Lila down I waited around in the bobs till the Woodstock train came in and then drove Dick, Ferdy who came to spend the holidays with Dick, Dad & Frank home. Cloudy & rather cold. Friday December 25th This being Christmas Day we didn't try to get any more work than was absolutely necessary done. Aunty Alice looked after Tiddums while all the rest of us went down to church Enah got word last night from Harry Moon that Topsy wouldn't be here so she had to play the organ which was rather strenuous as she hasn't had any practice with the choir. Dick & Ferdy spent the after noon at the Dyer's and didn't show up till five o'clock when we had dinner. After church we went around by Huby's and got all of that family but Quint who was hunting but who showed up before dinner. Aunty Maude didn't feel very well but managed to get over Dad. drove them all back again to-night. In the after noon we had a little tree for Tiddums and Huby was Santa Claus. Nobody got or gave any presents (which was arranged before hand) but Tiddums & Lila. Aunty Alice did get us boys some socks etc. but said they weren't Christmas presents. Quint, Tiddums & I went to sleep to-night in the dining room and the rest of the family played "Pit" in the kitchen. Ferdy & Dick went down town after dinner and didnt get back till late when it was discovered that Ferdy's ear was frozen. Beautiful day. Clear and frosty but sunny. Saturday December 26th I did chores principally to-day and Dad & Frank cut down the old snow apple tree in the orchard. Ferdy got up about noon and he had an ear on him as big as a turnip and a great big blister on it. Dad opened it and found it was so badly frozen that poor Ferdy had to stay in the house all day. I guess it was pretty slow but a half-starved Englisman drifted in here looking for work and entertained him while he was getting warm and eating enough to do 158 �him as he said himself till tomorrow morning. Aunty went down town and told us when she came home that some farmer had telephoned in to say this englishman we are sure left him and stole all there was in the house. Dick came home to tea but had to go back again. Huby & Quint came over after tea to catch the little pigeons for a match but could only get two as they roosted so high up in the barn. They came in and played "Pit" with us for quite awhile. They say it was down to 20° below zero last night but has been a beautiful sunny, still but frosty day. Snowed a little this afternoon. Sunday December 27th We didn't get up till late this morning so Dad. & I didn't get to church at all. Aunty walked down to Sunday School and I drove Enah and Frank down to church. Dad. drove after them at noon. Dick & Ferdy spent the morning in bed and the after noon and evening down town. I fooled around and did chores all the after noon. Not so cold to-day but windy & cloudy. Monday December 28th We got a late start again this morning. Dad. & Frank went back to the woods and got some more poplar poles. I went over to Jack Martin's and settled up with him. He gave me a check for $79.00. Neil Elliott came to look at Charlotte but didn't want to give $60.00 for so Dad. thought he would keep her and veal her calf and make enough out of the cream all winter to pay for keeping her although she isn't a very heavy milker. This after noon Dad. intended to go down to Nomination but Tom told us this morning that Mr. Lemon's funeral was this after noon at two o'clock. Right after dinner I drove Enah and Ferdy down town and when I got back Dad. took Joe to go to the funeral but Tom had been here and said he had been mistaken and it was at one o'clock so Dad met them at the Winding Hill and went to the cemetery with them and brought Enah and Tiddums home with him from town. Tonight Dad. Frank and I went down to town nomination but there was no fun Vyse was the only speaker to amount to any thing and will probably go in again by acclaimation. He brought up one little incident of a private nature to spite L.G. Morgan for the articles appearing in the "Maple Leaf" last summer but Murray got up and took L.G.'s part and explained the case satisfactorily. Milder Tuesday December 29th We did chores this morning and this after noon I drove Aunty & Aunty Alice down town in the bob-sleigh. They are going to stay down for awhile to call. Ferdy & Frank went back to the woods with the shotgun, axe & rifle and chopped down a few trees and shot a few 159 �stumps. To-night I went down town thinking there was a band meeting but nobody showed up. Nice day. Wednesday December 30th I went down town this morning to see if I could get Joe shod but Joe Howell's shop was full till noon but I took her down this after noon and got her in Ferdy & Frank went down with me and Frank got the saws from Chris Fairchilds which I took down yesterday to be sharpened and Ferdy stayed down for awhile. While I was at the shop a wedding {illegible} went past which which turned out to be Jean Davis. Quint came over to tea and we went to Simcoe to-night. Quint went to skate and I to drill. There was no light at the armories so they took us out for a couple of miles march and gave us some formations on the march. After this Quint and I went in to the "Reformer" shop to see Karl. who showed us all about his wonderful Linotype machine. Mrs. Jim. Waddle died this afternoon. Nice day and lovely night. Thursday December 31st I didn't do anything but chores all day and this after noon I shaved. Dad. Ferdy and Frank went back to the woods and got a load of poles. This after noon Ferdy & Frank went down town and Ferdy showed Frank through the mill. Ferdy stayed down to tea some where. Tonight I went down to a dance which the "Everready Sewing Club" got up for the relief of the Belgium's. There was a big crown there and altogether they took in fifty four dollars and fifty cents which was clear as they got every thing free. I had a dandy time and danced every dance I could get. I was dancing when the clock struck twelve and Anno Domini One Thousand nine hundred and fourteen was not more than history. For more information on Theobald (Toby) Barrett, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca 160 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911-1925 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1911 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1913 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1914 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1915 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1916 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1917 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1918 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1919 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1920-1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925-1926 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1926-1927 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1914 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1914 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1914 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> January 1st 1914. Thursday. I began the New Year very badly by allowing the sun to get up or nearly so before me, but I was utterly unaware of it until too late, of course we didn't pretend to do any thing but chores so it didn't matter much. We got every thing done up and I got dressed ready for dinner at Aunty Maude's which was supposed to be at half past one sharp, but as Tiddums went to sleep and they didn't like to wake him, Dad, Enah, Roy & Frank didn't get down till about half past two, but I went down on time and told Aunty Maude how things stood. However when we did get after the turkey we soon polished him off. Dad, Tiddums and I came home about five and did chores and minded Tiddums by turns. Roy had to go back to-night and Enah and Frank went down to the station to see him off Enah and Aunty Maude also went over to Mrs. Johnson's reception where Winnie was tending door. Mrs. Johnson's sent word over to have Huby go over this morning, as she wanted a man to be the first caller on New Year's day. Dick was skating all the afternoon and I guess it is great on the pond. Enah came home after dark and Frank and Lila a little later. Huby and Aunty Maude went up to Mrs. Belle's to a party, Winnie came over to Aunt Lucy's and Quint is capable of looking after himself so Lila came over here to stay all night. Ed. was over here just before Dad. went down town this morning to talk over the coming election. Ed. says he has gone over the voters' list and given Vyse all the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> doubtful ones and has I think one hundred and fifty something votes to Vyse's one hundred and ten, but still Dad. is shaking in his shoes for fear of Ed. being defeated. Dad. sent a card to Rus. Lampkins to-day saying to come down to morrow if at all possible and put up the windmill. It has been freezing and cloudy all day but nice. The wind is rising to-night. Friday January 2nd Rus. Lampkins came at last this morning, he and his man have been here all day and now have the windmill all put to-gether and all ready to erect. I expected to see them build it up but instead of that they put the whole thing to-gether on the ground and rais it with, ropes, pulleys and a team. Huby and Quint came over at noon, Huby was up at his party till three o'clock so didn't get up this morning. He put in the after noon digging the holes for the foundation of the legs, they are just a little inside of the old legs and as they have been put in with stone and brick piled around them he had a fierce time but got them nearly dug. Frank went over and borrowed Tupper's post hole digger and that helped a lot as it will pick out a good sized stone. Chris Quanbury came over this morning and took 16 of the roosters. Lila has been over all day but went home with them to-night. Old Mrs. Martin and {Mrs. Atkinson?} were over this after noon. Cloudy with raw wind, not very cold. Saturday January 3rd It has been a very disagreeable day, it was just spitting snow when we went out this morning and threatened to clear up several times during the fore noon, but after dinner it settled in to snow and stayed right at it till by to-night there was a blinding snow storm raging, before tea the flakes were big and wet but there is quite a north east wind and the snow is drifting. First thing this morning Jim Waddle drove in canvassing for Aikens but Dad. didn't promise him his vote. When he left Rus. Lampkins and his man came, and soon after them Huby and Lila, although they were very doubtful about the weather permitting them to finish the job. We worked all morning digging the holes and Rus. levelled the little tank up and fitted the overflow pipe into it, after dinner they set two of the legs in cement, they just put a little cement in the bottom of the holes around the plates which are bolted on to the legs, and filled the rest up with clay. He said he didn't like to set the other two feet till he got the mill up and saw just where the wanted to go, and he couldn't raise it to-day on account of the snow, he said he would get his ropes all wet, so they left about three o'clock or a little after. Huby and Lila went at the same time. Rus. sized up the kitchen at noon and said he could put in a sink and all fittings from cistern to sink and all for about $9.00 Dad. thinks he will let him. We put the three heifers in the cow stable to-night but let John go loose in there we had a bad time tying Snowdrop up as she was frightened </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday January 4th When we got up this morning which was late we found ourselves almost snowed in, so we had to get right to work and spend an hour or two shovelling ourselves out, but by breakfast which we had some where in the vicinity of ten o'clock we had the buildings pretty well connected by canals through the drifts, some of the paths are pretty roundabout but we took advantage of all bare spots along the sides of the buildings and made them part of the paths. We put in the rest of the day doing chores Dick couldn't very well get down town this after noon so he slept till noon and this after noon he helped us move the piano from the parlor to the living room and Enah played for us most of the afternoon. Tiddums also tore off a little ragtime for us but spent most of his time on the floor. No one has been off the place to-day and no outsider been on it. It has been cloudy (mostly) cold and windy but as the snow had packed a little it didn't drift much to-day, it is milder to-night. Monday January 5th Dad hooked up Joe to the cutter and drove the boys down this morning as Frank had to start back to school, the drifts were pretty bad but he only had to break the trail to the corner as Ed. Forest had been up to Ivey's. Dad noticed just before he started out that Joe had rubbed the skin all off under her fetlock we supposed on Ginger's rope, she has been pretty sore on it all day. Dad. came right back and we did up all the chores this morning. After dinner we both drove down town. Dad. voted for Ed. and then I don't know where he went as there is a new law or else an old one being enforced that no one except the candidate can drive a voter to the polls, so Dad. lent Ed. the horse to do a little canvassing with, we took Belle because Dad. thought if he was allowed to drive any elderly ladies to vote they would not be at all afraid to ride behind Belle and they might be with Joe and Joe's leg was sore and Belle needed the exercise. I went around and got my hair cut and hung around all the after noon although things were very quiet. Dad. and Frank went home about five but as I had to be down at the band room at seven o'clock I didn't go home to tea but stayed at Huby's and Dad. and Frank drove down again with my horn. Quint and I were up in Jim Low's pool room when they were counting ballots, when we thought they ought to be about through we came down and the first person we saw was Hugh McQueen and my heart dropped when he told us that Vyse had beat Ed. by 40 of course we thought he was lying but on going down street we found Ed. in the Dominion, and it was all too true, although it is rather hard to understand. The councillors are Freeman Henderson, Billy Langs, Ward Sovereign and R.M. Taylor. I was up at the band room soon after seven and all the boys were there except Murphy and Fred Warren although they were both in town. and they say </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Murphy was the one who first proposed that we go out to-night, but they suppose he was a little sore at the way things went, he should have seen Harry Moon who must have been as much disappointed as any of us and yet went out and enjoyed himself as much as any one. We started out soon after seven with Al. Martin and Douglas the Scotchman hauling Harry Dyer and his drum on a hand sleigh in the {car?} and followed by a large number of kids ranging from those about two sizes larger than Tiddums right up to those old enough to know better, and we had Barge Waddles {Jeik?} McDonald, Tisy and Ceicl Schram as torch bearers. Of course we set out for Vyse's first but by the time we got over the hill our horns were frozen solid so we had to go in to Carl Coleman's to thaw them out we got treated there to wine and fruit cake and in return played a measly waltz, which I got hopelessly mixed up in, we then went up to Vyse's and by the time we got there my horn was frozen solid and I had to thaw it out on a torch we got more wine and fruit cake in there to say nothing of the eloquent speeches of Walt. and Vyse, the former extending congratulations on behalf of the band and the latter slobbering smooth {loush} all over us, intimating how grand and fortunate for the band to have had him in the past and to have him again in the future. Dover's chief cook and bottle washer. We then dropped in on Uncle Ward where we got a royal reception, Aunty Maude, Win and Lila were all there and Huby had been over with some cider which was very much enjoyed by all who partook of it, we also had coffee, cake and oranges fixed up, as we were leaving Uncle Ward. remembered he had a box of cigars for us so chased us out into the snow to give them to us. I didn't take one but induced Pud. Slocombe to give me a few puffs on his, he became alarmed for fear I was going to keep it so knocked it out of my mouth into the snow but smoked it all the way down town then volunteered the information that it had been too much for him, our next call was on Mr. Taylor, but we had to thaw our horns out first at Bob. Rankin's before we could make our presence known to R.M. He didn't ask us in but made a donation to the band and passed around more cigars one of which I collared and smoked (foolishly I suppose) and was not bothered by Pud. claiming any puffs or by any feeling that it was too much for me. The next man on our calling list was Henderson and we thawed out at Mr. Thompson's before doing our little stunt for him. He made another donation and speech which contained the information that his house was much too small for us, which we know to be perfectly correct. Walt also gave his recitation which he had pretty well off by heart at this time, the same as we had the piece of music which he had us play and every stop. Billy Langs living farthest away was the last councillor for us, so we beat our steps for his domain. None of our number resided in that vicinity so we called unceremoniously on George Steel to be warmed up. George told us we were a hot bunch to come in on a feller with out being asked and that Bill Langs had just as much gas as he did but he lit another fire for us and we rattled off "We wont go </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> home till morning" for him, he said it was pretty poor playing and sounded to him just like "To hell with Bill Langs. To hell with Bill {Young?}. When we went over to Billys he took us in and fed us up properly. I had got pretty well filled up before though so didn't partake of much We were there quite awhile and on coming out trailed down street in any old order playing "Marching throu Georgia" and such airs as we didn't need music for. I know I was coming down Main street beside Carl who banged the drum, with Harry Moon ahead of me and leads and other parts both ahead and behind. It was getting late but at the door of the Dominion we found George Hammond who we had heard had beaten Aikens by 109 votes so we went inside and kicked up a little row in honor of him Gundry who was last on the list of township councillors was also there. Hammond bought cigars but I {let}bad enough alone. We played The "Campbells are comin" in which the horns drone on one note with out music. Harry struck the note but neither of us remember the name of it, I got Eb which sounded about like Harry's and played it all through finding out after wards that it was the wrong note the right one being Ab. but Enah said that it would not be a discord although I guess it wouldn't have mattered much if it was and mabee would have been better to give the desired bagpipe effect. We then broke up, and went home I picked Dick up or at least he fell in with me as he had been spending the evening at the Dyer's and we got home about twelve. Every body was in bed of course but Dad. was not asleep as he was brooding over the elections, the only bright spot in the whole day for him was a little incident this morning. When he was coming down Main street after leaving Frank at school, old man Stringer hailed him and asked him for a ride down town Dad. pulled up and growled at him to get in and then said he supposed he was going down to kill his (Dads) vote 'Ah!' says old Henry "I dont know". "Well I know" Dad said good and savagely "darned well you are". They hadn't got quite to old Henry's place and hadnt gone half a block when he thought he would like to get out home and change his clothes, but Dad. assured him that his clothes were plenty good enough for the man he was going to vote for, however the old boy disembarked and told Dad. he thought he had used him a little rough, he had always had a great admiration for him Dad. said he had a mighty queer way of showing it. But what tickled Dad. about it was that Jack Martin told him to-night that old Henry has told the tale among the Vysebites. It has been a pretty nice day as far as the weather was concerned, and a beautiful night, clear, frosty and moonlight. It think it froze pretty hard before midnight judging from the looks of things and the way the boards in the side walks scrunched and creaked, I didn't feel a bit cold although I had no overcoat or gloves on I think it turned milder towards morning. Tuesday January 6th Dad. drove the boys down this morning and got a sack of flour. Rus. Lampkins and his man came while he was gone but they </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> met him so he went around and got Huby. It took till noon to get everything ready to raise the wind mill as the snow made things nasty to work with, but right after dinner we raised it with out any trouble Harry and Bell walked it up nicely and by to-night it was all complete and pumping water, it works all right. Mr. Flemming was here to-day to invite us to go thrashing there to-morrow. It has been a raw, damp, miserable day and windy Wednesday January 7th Dad. went down to Sam. Laws this morning and got Jimmy to go over to Flemming's for us as he thought my cold would be pretty was too bad to go thrashing, and as they are coming here next we were too busy to go any way. After breakfast he drove the boys down to school & bank and saw Butler about getting a set of bobsleighs. Butler had sold the set which was there but was getting two more in a day or so. When Dad got home he went down and borrowed Alfred's. We did up the chores this morning as we had neglected a lot of yesterdays we had {lots} to do. After dinner we went down to Penmans to see if we could get a load of soft coal for the thrashers. Harry Moon said that the General Superintendent was there then and Henderson didn't like to sell any coal but we could get it if we came down after five to-night or early to-morrow morning, so we went down and weighed the sleighs and on our way home stopped in at Uncle Ward's to get some wood. He has some good apple wood which he split and piled in the shed last winter hoping to have it for his furnace but he found it smoked there so said we could have it. We got all that he had in the shed in two trips and put it in the wood shed here. He has some more long stuff piled out side but we didn't take it to-day. This was Dick's birthday but he didn't get home till late to-night. Fine and mild. Thursday January 8th Dad. and I went down right after breakfast this morning and got our load of Coal Dick rode down as far as the mill with us. We only got 1850 lbs. and as no one was around the office to pay we don't know how much it cost. It wasn't very good as there were hardly any big lumps, when we brought it home and unloaded it. Frank and I took the sleighs back to Alfred's as he wants to get a load of hard coal and Omar said it was going fast. Dad. did chores. This after noon we cleaned up the floor of the old barn and about five Enah and I drove down town for provisions Frank was sick last night and has not been at school all day. Dad. also feels pretty rotten with a cold so does Enah but Tiddums and mine are getting better I think. It has been cloudy but very soft all day it looked as though our sleighing wouldn't last long. There hasn't been wind enough to drive the wind mill since six o'clock this morning. Friday January 9th Dad. and I put in most of the morning cleaning up the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> big barn floor and Dad. patched the weak spots. Jack McBride and Albert Reid brought over the wire fencing that Dad. ordered from Sid. McBride. He was in yesterday and said he would dump it off the car down there some place for us to get when we had time but as it is we are saved a trip. They finished at Flemming's soon after dinner and moved right over here, it took them quite awhile to get set and they didn't thrash any this afternoon. About four o'clock Frank and I drove down for some more provisions which Enah forgot to get yesterday. While I was waiting for him Johnny and Helen Anderson came along and expressed the desire to see New York so I took them for a swirl around half a dozen blocks or so. Jim Law was in this afternoon and only charged Dad. $3.00 for two days and a half thrashing. It has been very soft again all day. There wasn't enough wind to drive the windmill till late this after noon and then she pumped a trough tank full of water. Saturday January 10th We thrashed all day to-day in the alsike but didn't quite finish as the clover mill broke down some where this after noon and there is still another load or so in the mow, it hasn't turned out very well so far we have only got about seven bushels of seed. We put the straw out doors and I looked after it or at least was supposed to I have kind of a {stede?} & square one but of course it isn't topped out yet. It was rather hard to build owing to a strong nor' west wind. It was pretty rotten up there except just on the north west corner. I kept that corner pretty well tramped. Dad. hired Jim Law again and Tupper sent Jonas over. Mr. Flemming sent old Bill George and Bill sent Teddy. Dad. did all the chores and as Enah had no one to help her, he and Frank I think looked after Tiddums quite a lot. It has been much colder today, froze a little all day and windy with a little snow. Sunday January 11th Dad. and I did chores off and on all day and I read, shelled corn and darned a sock in the intervals. Frank was sick in the night and has felt very miserable all day hardly stirring away from the stove. Dick got up about noon and this after noon took Belle and went for a drive we are not sure who with, conscience tells us it was Dess. Dyer but Dick tells us it was Mr. Hobbes. He didn't stay long ast it was a nasty day but went down to the pond as soon as he got home he said there was a big bunch down there, he intended to go to church and I guess did. Allan Law came over this afternoon and put a little fire in the engine to warm up the water in the boiler. He said his father sprained his ankle last night and was pretty lame on it to-day. I was a beautiful sunny morning with out any wind but this after noon it got cloudy and blustery with a little snow and to-night there is a fierce south west wind with snow. Dad. had to kill one of the pigeons which came here from the shooting match to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday January 12th This has been the worst day we have had this winter. There has been a high north west wind and the snow blowing in clouds so that at times we couldn't see from the house to the barns, it has been very cold, and freezing hard all day. First thing this morning Mrs. McBride came over but of course didn't try to wash. Jonas and Ted. George came over too but there was no possibility of thrashing so they didn't stay long. I drove Dick down to the bank this morning and when I got back took Mrs. McBride home. The roads weren't impassable any where but our lane was drifted full in the road way so I had to go along the top of the bank next the lawn fence. We didn't try to do any thing but tend to the stock, not even clean out the horse stable. Allan Law came over this afternoon to put a fire in the engine to thaw her out. About five o'clock Dad. walked down town and got the mail and some whooping cough medicine from Dr. Cook for Tiddums as we are pretty sure he has it. He left word at Huby's for Dick to stay down all night. Frank was a little better to-day but feels pretty sick yet. Tuesday January 13th We didn't do any thing but chores and shovel snow all day. Mrs. McBride came this morning and was tuckered right out after her walk through the drifts. The road from here to the corner is impassable with a cutter and we shovelled a road out the lane. Ted George came over this morning thinking we would be thrashing but it was too cold so he played in the house with Frank most of the day building a swing bridge with Frank's Meccano. Sam and Allan came over this after noon to thaw out the boiler and fix the mill where it broke the other night. Sam said they never thrashed when it was below zero. They said it was 7° below zero down town this morning and I think it must have stayed about that all day for I had to spend about half the time keeping my hands and ears from freezing although it was a lovely sunny day with just breeze enough to run the windmill. Dick went to Simcoe to-night with a sleigh load which Billy Boughner took up and he said it was 16 below up there. In Toronto it was lower temperature than they had had for 27 years. Wednesday January 14th I didn't feel very well when I got up this morning, and while I was watering the horses a sick & weak feeling came on me and it was all I could manage to get to the house and flop myself on the sofa in the kitchen. I haven't done any thing but sit around the stove and read all day. To-night I went out to have a little tea but while I was at it I felt deathly sick and made for the door. I can just remember standing there for a minute and then tumbling over on the wood shed floor. Dad. and Enah hiked out and got me in on the sofa where I felt quite a lot better. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Ted. George was over again to-day but as they didn't thrash he helped Dad. do chores. Jonas was also over but didn't stay long. Dad. and Ted went down with the team this morning and got the bobsleighs from Butler, this after noon they put the box on them and went down town again for groceries and got a load of apple wood at Uncle Ward's, this is smaller limbs than the last we got and will have to be sawed a couple of times I guess they thought it was too cold to thrash again to day but we would have been short handed anyway with me sick and Jim. Law has gone to Stratford to a cheese makers convention. It has not been quite so cold as yesterday but more windy and with a little snow. Frank put in the day fixing a spring on Tiddum's carriage and fixing locks on various doors in the house Wednesday Thursday January 15th Although not quite O.K. I felt ever so much better to-day and was able to do quite a few little chores and fix a bit of sacking in the chicken house window to keep the snow out. Sam & Allan were in this morning and said they thought if it was fair they would thrash Saturday, but we saw Allan again this after noon and he said they would get at it to-morrow. Ted. and Jonas both came over again. Jonas went on over to Tupper's to work but Ted. stayed here all day and chopped wood. This after noon we hooked up Joe and Ginger to the bob-sleighs and Dad. Ted and I drove down town and got the mail. We saw Dick but as there is a dance on to-night he didn't come home with us for Wiggins is going to press his every day pants for him. Very soft and cloudy all day looks like rain. Friday January 16th Sam Law came over soon after daylight this morning but as it was raining then he didn't know whether to fire up or not, but at last decided to, as it let up a little it took an hour or two to get any steam for some reason or other and it was after ten before they got started to thrash and then a belt broke and it took half an hour to fix it. Ted. George was the only man to show up early Jim Law came over the middle of the fore noon and Jonas in time for dinner he was over at Tupper's. There was only a little alsike left and we just got about a bushel of seed out of it. They finished it up and got all moved over to the other barn by half past twelve as they had to spend half an hour or so getting the engine through a snow drift. By the time we got through dinner it was raining again so we hung around in the drive shed for quite awhile where Jim Law mauled the life pretty near out of Jonas, and then over in the barn where we kept snowballs on the fly but at last Sam decided to quit. and told them to be back by to-morrow noon. Dad. and I did up the chores and then we drove Belle down after the mail and took Ted. with us. Dad. saw Dr. Cook about the baby as he has been very miserable to day, the whooping cough is bad enough but he is cutting another tooth </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday January 17th I drove Dick down to the bank first thing this morning and when I got back Dad. and I hooked Harry and Belle to the sleigh and went down to Porter's, we didn't get back till about noon. Sam Law came over while we were gone & fired up and they got started up about one o'clock and finished about four, there was about two bags and a half of seed from the four loads. Allan & Jim Law & Bert Munroe were all down at Ern Flemming's to a dance last night and didn't get in till about six o'clock this morning they said they had a fine time but thought it a little strange that they should be invited to a private house with the stipulation that the ladies were to bring refreshments, and that a collection should be taken up to pay the fiddler, and that the host should keep two dollars out and submit the remaining five to the fiddler, who was {Lym Waddle?}. After tea to-night Dad. & I drove down to get the mail and we took Ted. George with us, (the others all went home to tea) we chased all over town to find Dick as he had the key to the post office box and at last found him and he came home with us, he got another fifty dollar raise in his salary to-day dating back to December 1st. That is the secon one since he has been in there which is just a little over a year. Lila has been over all day and is staying all night. Tiddums feels pretty rotten but is a little brighter to-day. It was cloudy and blustery this morning but the sun came out this after noon and it was not so cold high north wind all day. Sunday January 18th I just did a few chores this morning and went down to church alone. Lila went down earlier to be ready for Sunday school. Frank's calf was too bad for him to go, Dick was in bed, Enah had to look after Tiddums and Dad's. time was taken up ministering to the needs of a heifer calf which Charlotte presented us with soon after we went out this morning. Its ear froze a couple of times but Dad. and Frank thawed it out with snow, when I came home it was on the kitchen floor, they had to bring it in to keep it from freezing to death. They took it out after it got good and warm and dry and I had taken a picture of it but Charlotte didn't seem very anxious to own it so Dad is going to try to teach it to drink now but it hasn't drunk any to-day. Allan Law came in this morning with a bottle of stuff which he bought down town for Witch Hazel for Sam's eye. Sam said it wasn't the right color (dark brown) for with Hazel and told him to ask Dad. Dad smelt it and tasted it and said it was clear whisky. Allan said if Sam had known that he would have swallowed it but Dad said he hadn't better as something else might be in it, so he gave him some of his. Allan said his sleighs had come but weren't set up yet, so he said we would go to Jarvis with our seed to-morrow with our sleighs and his team. This after noon I drove Enah down town to see the Doctor about Tiddums, Dick went down with us and I suppose has gone to church to-night. It has been pretty cold all day but fairly sunny and no wind, milder to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday January 19th I was up before six this morning and we had the seed loaded and allready to start for Jarvis at eight o'clock, Allan brought his team up soon after and by the time we got his seed on and on the road it was ten minutes to nine, but the sleighing was fine and we got there in a little more than an hour. We unloaded the seed at Jake Fesses and he just got started on our lot a little before dinner. I had my dinner alone as Allan was down at Roy Misner's. I was over at Fesses all the after noon but Allan was just there a little while. They finished cleaning up the seed about four o'clock in time for me to get my check cashed which I did as I wanted to buy half a dozen bags from Fess and forgot to tell him to take the price of them off the check. The whole thing came $55.26. The alsike cleaned away about half, so I only got 4 bushels and 20 lbs, he docked me a little on it as there was a little white clover in it but I got $8.00 a bushel for it. The red seed he said had a little buckhorn in it and I only got 7.75 for it. I brought home about a bushel of it and sold 2 bushel and 40 lbs. Alan only had about a pailful of alsike which he brought home and he got the same as me for his red seed, it had no buck horn in it but he docked him on brown seed. We got home here just about dark pretty well satisfied with the day's doings Dad. I guess did chores most of the day the new calf got loose this after noon and milked Charlotte for him. Miss Newel was over to see Tiddums and he drove her home. Cloudy, mild and a little breeze looks like snow or rain Tuesday January 20th We didn't get up till about eight o'clock this morning so were late with every thing. Dad. drove Dick down town while I was at breakfast After I cleaned out the stables I sacked some corn and Frank and I bagged up some oats to take down to be chopped. Dad. wanted to go down to a meeting of the cream factory patrons but it was too late when we got through dinner. He and I took our grist to the mill after dinner and came up around by Uncle Ward's and got another load of wood when we got it unloaded Frank and I went down town for the mail and provisions and came up around by the mill and got our chop and some bran, shorts & buckwheat, getting home soon after five. Dad. did chores and cut wood while we were gone. Mrs. Art Ryersie was in this morning with some garlicks which she said mixed with rum made a fine concoction for the whooping cough and she thought Tiddums would benefit by it I don't know whether he is to take it internally or not I think it will be informally which ever way it goes. Alan and Jim Law brought our sleigh home this morning. They drove down in them to get their own which are Bain make and cost $2.00. They are very similar to ours but a little heavier and there is $4.00 difference in the price. Rotten day, very cloudy and foggy, fine rain most of the day freezing light breeze to-night. Wednesday January 21st First thing this morning Molly had a fine big bull calf, good red one and as big as Charlotte now or bigger. Dad. drove Dick down </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to the bank this morning and we didn't do any thing much but chores the rest of the morning. Lloyd Phillips came over and got a load of hay but he had Garf {Porcrit?} and another fellow with him so we didn't have to help him put it on. This after noon Dad. Frank and I wrote to Uncle Hal. for his birthday and I went over to Martin's with the bit Frank borrowed from Art. Quanbury the other day, I saw Mr. Briley and he was telling me that he didn't think a mash was the right thing at all for laying hens, while Chris told me to feed it so it's hard to tell what to do exactly. Dad. and I hooked Joe & Ginger to the bobs and went down to post Uncle Hal's letter but we were too late for to-night's mail. Dick and Wiggins rode over as far as the corner with us and then walked on around the hill we gave {Bruce?} Vice a ride home too. We also brought some lumber over from Tommy Gilles's for John Quanbury as Chris asked us to on our way down. We had great difficulty to-night in trying to catch Dreadnaught and drive him into his stall and at last by running him through the deep snow until he was tired and he went in of his own accord. Snowed an inch or two last night and has been rather cold and blustery all day. Thursday January 22nd I did chores this morning and cleaned the straw out of the chicken house and also sat in the dining room for awhile to catch Tiddums if he woke up coughing and put in the time sorting "Farmer's Advocate" Dad. and Frank sawed down the old Northern Spy in the pig yard as it was dead. This after noon they cut some of it up and got a lot of first class fire wood out of it. After dinner I put a lot of fresh straw in the chicken house and helped Dad fix a pent in the corner of the old barn to put the calves into. Lovely day, fairly sunny and not too cold, looks like snow. Friday January 23rd We spent most of the morning battoning up the calf pen and Dad. put the window in. This after noon he put the surcingle & bridle on Osprey. He didn't like it at all at first but once he got started he walked down to the corner and back alright but sweat up a lot. When we got back I did a few chores and Dad and Frank got some more apple wood. Cousins Loll & Phoebe came over and about four o'clock Frank & I drove them home we also got the mail and a couple of boxes to feed the calves in Charlie Butler was in at noon to see Dad. about some horse. It has been cloudy and very soft all day. Looks very much like a storm. Saturday January 24th It was raining when we got up this morning, turned to snow about nine o'clock and snowed till noon. Dad. put the harness and bridle on Osprey again but we couldn't take him out so just left him there all morning He must have gone through some violent exercise, probably trying to get loose as when we went in at noon he was wringing wet. Dad. also trimmed his front feet and had to resort to chastisement to make him behave </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We put the old waggon and the plow in the shed out of the rain before dinner. This after noon it stopped storming but got a little colder. Frank went down to the McBain's auction sale but didn't buy anything he said there was a big crowd there. I spent half the after noon looking at a book of house plans and then helped Dad. saw a few pieces of the old apple tree we then did chores. I drew a plan for our new barn to-night. Sunday January 25th Frank was the only one from here who went to church this morning as it was late when we got up and Dad. and I spent most of the fore noon doing chores and we also took Osprey out for a little exercise. Dick was asleep the greater part of the morning. Frank and I went for a skate down on the pond this afternoon. Dick went down but I guess there weren't enough girls on the ice to catch him so he went on up town and lent his skates to Fred. Tuck. I was late getting there so only had an hour or two's skate but I enjoyed that much for the ice was pretty good and as it was my first skate this season maybe it was just as well not to make it too long. I went down to church to-night and came home right after, but didn't see any thing of Dick who was not home to tea. It has been sunny and quite mild all day but is a little colder to-night. Monday January 26th After we did chores this morning, we hooked up Harry and Belle to the waggon and went over to Sam's to get our quarter of beef. We took it down to Alfred's and weighed it and it was just 90 lbs which was pretty good for the front quarter of a calf not quite a year old. It was just about noon when we got home but we went and got a jag of rails before dinner. After dinner we went and got another load of rails and then went down town for the mail and some yeast cakes and got back about five. John Wess was in just before dark as his mare has a little touch of lymphangitis again. Dad. told him what to do for it and said that he would go over and see it in the morning. To-night I went down to the pond for a skate as I saw they had quite a lot shovelled off. I got a ride part way down with Allan Law and he said they were going to start hauling ice to-morrow and that he could haul ours for us if we wanted him to. I told him we couldn't put it in to-morrow but we might the day after. There wasn't a big crowd on the pond and only a very few girls but the ice was good. I put in most of the time chasing Bunyan Beecraft and Tony Bannister to punish them for throwing snowballs all over. I caught Tony early in the game and twisting his hair till he got down on the ice and filling his hat with snow succeeding in persuading him to behave himself but Bunyan was another proposition. In the first place I couldn't begin to catch up with him, being out of practice I suppose - and then he was so nimble getting around the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> corners I would sometimes be nearly on him and he would jump right off the track into the snow and aparently make just as good progress there as on the ice. I jumped in after him once but my feet slid out from under me and I cleaned off quite an area of ice in a very short time and carried most of the snow off on my clothes. At last Alex Spain joined in the chase and we both got Bunyan headed for Ivey's point where we thought we would catch him for sure, we could just see his figure ahead of us and followed him around the point right through the snow and some very poor ice till the first thing we knew he was taking to the land like one of these aligator boats, we hiked back around the point hoping to be where we thought he would get on the ice again by the time he was but there was no sign of him. He told us after wards when we were taking our skates off in Greenbury's woodshed that he was up behind Ivey's ice house and heard us go past. Dick came down before I left and hung around till I got my skates off and went up to Huby's after a loaf of bread I got up town. We got home about ten. Very soft all day not wind enough to turn the windmill till after dark. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Tuesday January 27th As soon as we got things done up this morning which was about ten o'clock we hooked up and went over to John Wesses and Dad. gave his mare a {ball?}. Mr. Morgan was looking over there and we got looking at his gasoline engine and he was running it and grinding oats and showing us all around so it was after noon when we got home. Mr. Morgan came home with us and stayed to dinner and half the after noon, consequence being that we didn't get any thing but chores done although we had intended to haul some rails and clear out the ice house Allan Law was in to-night and said if they were hauling ice to-morrow he would haul ours for us but I think it is raining now so not likley they will be doing much with the ice. It has been very soft and spring like to-day. It rained last night and took most of the snow of the roads and left them very slippery. Wednesday January 28th We cleaned out the ice house first thing this morning and got it all ready to fill. It rained last night and was so very mild that we didn't think Alan was coming but just as we got ready for him he came along with a load, he said he went to see Val. about it last night but Val. was at lodge, so this morning he went down after a load of sand for the chickens as he thought they wouldn't be cutting to-day but some body saw him down town and told him that Val. wanted him to haul what was on the stand over here so he did, he got two loads over before dinner and four this after noon. we didn't get the last load chincked or placed to-night and if all is well he is going to haul over two more loads in the morning. We think we are putting this in better </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> than we did last year, we are leaving a good space between the walls and the ice for sawdust, and we put rails and sawdust in the bottom, but the ice isn't as good as last year especially what has been out of the water in the sun all day. Jim Coley was over this morning and got Dad. to give him a two weeks option on his lots, he says he can almost guarantee the sale of them at $600.00. Bob. and Cars. Rankin also drove over and brought the saddle & bridle back. Bluch was very glad to see them and followed them way down the road but came back when we called him. Tupper came in to get his post auger which we borrowed to dig the holes for the windmill feet. Mrs. Tupper and the baby were with him. I guess Mrs. Tupper wanted to see Tiddums but she didn't want to bring her kid in on account of the whooping cough and it was asleep anyway, Enah brought Tiddums to the window to wave at her. It has been very spring like and the sleighing is going fast. Thursday January 29th Just about as we got ready for him this morning Alan came along with a load of ice and hauled one more before dinner, we then saw that we needed eleven more cakes to fill up the ice house evenly so he brought 14 over this after noon, he said he had a hard time getting them as the machine wasn't working. We put the extra three on top. Dad. chincked it while I cleaned out the horse stable which has been neglected for two days, that makes over eight loads of ice that can be put in that ice house. Old Bill George drove over before dinner to get the fork that Ted. left over here. He was driving his yearling colt to the cutter and the seighing is about gone, it is the same age as Queen and not nearly so big so that sort of treatment must be hard on it. Harry Dyer, his brother and Hammy Innes were over for awhile this after noon. Dick came home to tea to-night to change his clothes and attend the dance of the Orchestra's in the town hall. Another April day, water is running over everything and "the buds are within a holy ace of bustin" as Art. Ryersie says. The snow is fast giving place to mud and it looks as if it would rain again. Quite a strong south west breeze all day. Friday January 30th It was freezing when Dick came home at three o'clock this morning and has been freezing in the shade all day but not very hard. We found that the south west wind the early part of last night had melted quite a lot of the ice that it could reach through the west window, so Dad. had to fix it a little and we put in all the sawdust we had, but will need quite a lot more. Dad. thought the roads would be too icy to go to-day. We gave Osprey a little exercise before dinner and I sorted out a lot of the apples down cellar. This afternoon we tore down a lot more of the gully fence but just put the rails in piles. It was a lovely day to do it as the snow is nearly all gone. More like a lat fall day to-day except that there is so much running water. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday January 31st We didn't do much but chores to-day. Dad. cut a big pile of wood and I Frank carried it and I wheeled most of the sand which Dad. got for Frank Slocomb to mend the cistern with from the house over to the drive shed and put it in to dry up the mud as the water as run in a lot since it thawed. This afternoon Dad. and Frank drove down town to get the mail and some provisions. They got a letter from "The Library of Original Sources" saying that our books would doubtless be here with in the next few days. I spent the evening making entries for the past month in my book keeping book. The hens haven't nearly payed for themselves. I got six eggs to-day which is the most yet. Mr. and Mrs. Walt McCall drove Dally over this morning. She cawked one of her front feet and Walt got Dad. to look at it. It has been a very blizzardy day but not cold. It was hail sleet when we got up this morning then rain and a blow this after noon with strong east wind which shifted right around. To-night it is blowing hard but I think clear. Sunday January February 1st I haven't done much all day. This morning Enah and I drove down to church but got home very early. After dinner Dick and I went down town I went over to Harry Moon's and spent the after noon and stayed to tea. Harry was showing me over the new part of his house which he has fixed up pretty slick but hasn't quite finished the upstairs yet. They went to church to-night so I went down to Huby's. Quint. and Win were at church and Lila was over here but Huby and Aunty Maude were home. Frank came home with Lila while I was there so I went home with him. I don't know where Dick went but I have a sneaking idea that he spent the after noon over at Dyers. Last night when Dad. locked up the stable there wasn't a sign of Bluch so we thought he must have followed them down town when they went down after the mail last night, although they watched him, so to-day after church Frank went down to the Rankin's and sure enough he found Bluch there so brought him home. Bob. Rankin told Huby. that Jimmy cried himself to sleep last night because they wouldn't let Bluch sleep with him and told him they couldn't keep him. Some fellow was in here from Nanticoke to-day to have Dad look at his horse. I got seven eggs to-day. It has not been very cold stormy to-day but there has been a cold strong west wind. Monday February 2nd After we got the chores done we went out and hauled up three loads of rails before dinner, we got nearly all we had torn down. We also cut the tips off Erie's and Spotty's horns as we thought that the comfort or even saftey of the other animals was hazarded by their sharp points, we cut one of Erie's a little lower than we intended and severed a little artery. It soon stopped after we let her out but this after noon she scrubbed it against Snowdrop or the straw stack </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and covered Snowdrop with gore and when we let them in to-night a beautiful little spurt was coming out of it but Dad. soon stopped it but putting a little chop stuff on it. We intended to go prospecting for sawdust this after noon but by the time I got the rails unloaded The Law's came in to take their clover mill and engine down to Bob. Leitch's as the roads are now in grand shape. We were very glad to have the clover mill out of the barn as it was a great nuisance, but we didn't get a chance to go for our saw dust as they were here most of the after noon getting up enough steam to raise hel the engine out of the ground where she was frozen in, when Alan threw her in she would hump and stop "breathing" just like a horse trying to lift a big load, but after a few strains she loosened up and got out. Sam's brother-in-law was with them and he seemed to understand quite a lot about it. When they went Dad. put Joe's harness on Osprey and hooked him up to the bobs with Belle. he did pretty fair but seems to throw or paddle his nigh forefoot. Jonas came over this morning and borrowed a pitch fork and the hay knife as he is going to move the hay from McBains barn to Sam McBrides as they are tearing down the old McBain barn to-day. he brought them back to-night and is now playing checkers with Frank. The bear had ample chance to see his shadow to-day as the sun has been shining nearly the whole time it has been an ideal winter day, not too cold and just enough wind to turn the wind mill. I got seven eggs again to-day. They are getting a lot of milk now and it is beginning to tell on them. Tuesday February 3rd I got up about five this morning and read till daylight When Dad. came out I found that Dick had brought home word last night that Winckey Smith was dead and was to be brought here on the eleven o'clock train to be buried, and as the funeral was to be taken charge of by the mason's, Dad. was wanted at the lodgeroom at ten o'clock. I drove down with Dad. and hung around till the train came in and then drove up to the cemetery with him. After the service was over there we drove over to Evan's woods on the Radical opposite old Stringer's place to see if there was any sawdust. We had quite a time finding any signs of a sawmill but at last Dad. came on it way back in a little ravine. He said there were no men around but quite a few bags and a pile of sawdust. This after noon Dad. went down and got his hair cut and was gone all the after noon. I watered the horses and cleaned out the cow stable and then I took a walk back the lane to look at the little trees. Most of them on the west side are dead while most on the east are alive. To-night Dad. went over to a men's party at Jack Martin's. It has been very soft all day and the sleighing is just about gone. There is snow lying in the fence corners and on the north side of things but it looks very Spring like, water is running every where and the fields are nearly all brown and where ever the sun can reach it looks dry and warm. I got twelve eggs to-day which I thought was pretty good. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday February 4th Tobe did not write this up last night as he went skating. I did not get up this morning until 7.30. I found Toby up and the kitchen fire on and good and warm. Dick did not get home last night till sometime after I did and then we talked till after 2 O'Clock. After doing up the usual round of chores, we caught the 5 roosters and took them over to Jack Martin. It was dinner time when we got home from there. After noon we put on a small load of hay to take over to the other barn for the cows and calves. Frank went to skate after school. After tea Toby and I went down town he to skate and I to a school board meeting where we had a lively time, it looked at first as if we would not get anything done but it became quite peaceable towards the close. Old Mark Topley is getting along fine in his walking and his cough is much better. Rus Lampkins came in this evening and I paid him for the windmill. Fairly cold all day. Thursday February 5th It was late again this morning when I got up, 7 O'Clock, being out at night does not agree with me. Dick worked late last night Toby and I came home with Jack Martin and got home first. Dick brought home word that the long looked for books had come. After the chores were done we hauled the hay over that we loaded yesterday and put it off, then we hauled ni a load of corn stalks. After dinner we went down town and got the books. That accounts for my writing tonight, Toby is absorbed in them. Dick went to Simcoe this afternoon, Frank went down and had his hair cut after school, Enah and little {Taphy?} went through their usual daily round. It has been pretty cold all day, but for the most part bright. I find it hard to keep awake, I will have to take a look at the new books. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday February 6th We took a load of grist to the mill this morning six bags of oats and four of corn, we got one bag of the oats rolled for the chickens. Tige. Tarr was in for awhile to see if he could rent some of the back of the place for pasture but of course there was nothing doing. Dad. went down town right after dinner to give the deeds of his lots to Jim Caley but as Cousin Willie was sick they couldn't get them fixed up so he & Enah will have to go down some other time to sign off. he got home about four and we then went down to the mill for our chop. We had quite a time getting up the hill as it was very icy and the horses slipped all the way. Old Jonas was over this morning to get a dose of salts for his pig which he says he thinks will die Dad. looked at it and he thinks so too if it does he will only have one left as two have died already. Allan & Jim Law were in to-night Allan's horse got its legs cut in some way he doesn't know how and he wanted Dad. to look at it. I got up at half past four this morning to read the new books and also learn a little Latin out of Dad's old book. It froze pretty hard last night and there was a cold east wind all morning but it turned mild at noon and has been snowing & raining alternately all day afternoon. Poor Tiddums felt very miserable this morning and they thought the poor little cus had the earache but after he had his sleep he felt a lot better - and has been all rigt the rest of the day Saturday February 7th I got up about half past five this morning learned latin till Dad. came out about half past six, then I went out to do chores It has been blowing a hurricane and snowing all day so we didn't do anything but chores and Dad. cut a pile of wood. This after noon Frank went down town this after noon to see if there were any waves on the lake but there weren't although it was a south west wind, but likely there is a lot of ice in the lake. Dad. and I started to make a book case for the new books out of the box they came in. Frank got some cloth down town to line it with. I got thirteen eggs to-day. It has been pretty cold and very blizzardy to-day. Sunday February 8th Frank went down to Sunday school and church and Dad. and I went down to church this morning we were late for although we came accross the pond we had to stop in at Henderson's as my ear got frozen by the cold wind on the pond and we went in there where Dad. thawed it out with snow I nearly froze my hand holding snow on it from the pond up there. We came around by Huby's on our way home and got the old glue pot to make some glue for our book case and also looked at the old chicken house as we are going to bring it over here for a breeding pen. This after </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> noon we read did chores and listened to Enah play the piano. Dick got up and had a bath before dinner, got Dad. to shave him and went down town about the middle of the after noon as he says he is going to church to-night. Frank spent most of the after noon skating on the ditch out here from the lane fence up to the oak trees and down in Bannister's gully. Very cold and strong west wind, a little snow otherwise not a bad day. Monday February 9th It froze about the hardest yet last night and has been pretty cold and breezy all day, but was bright and sunshiny part of the time, and snowing a little part of the time. We didn't do any thing but chores and Dad. cut wood. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day and as it was too cold and draughty for Tiddums in the kitchen Frank had to stay home to look after him in the dining room. Dad. and Enah were contemplating a trip down town this after noon to sign the deeds to the lots but Mr. Hawey who is buying them and a Mr. Ross brought them over this after noon and saved them the trouble. The option is up on them to-morrow so they wanted to get things settled. He paid Dad. a check for the six hundred. Jonas was over here most of the afternoon selling seeds. Dad. gave him an order for some of L.P. Gunson's seed oats and we are going to make out and order for him to-night of garden seeds from Simmers No body was down town to-day, so we haven't got the mail. Tuesday February 10th Dad saw a load of ice going into Mrs Battersby's this morning and just remembered that we had not returned John Quanbury's little ice tongs, and as we thought he might be needing them I took them down but he said he never used them as they were too small so told me to take them home again which I did. I stayed there quite awhile helping & watching him. Bob. Leitch was hauling the ice, it is a lot bigger and better looking than ours but John says it doesn't keep at all well in Mrs. Battersby's ice house. It is cement and built right in the side hill. The let the ice slide down the hill and drop about eight feet to the bottom of the ice house and it breaks up badly. Dad. cut wood while I was away and when I got back helped me clean out the chicken house. This after noon I cut a piece off the stack and Dad carried over a lot of straw to the chicken house. Jonas came over this morning and we gave him the Simmer's order although we are sure he is not an authorized agent, but as we don't have to pay for the stuff till we get it I suppose it will be alright. Dad. told him he was crazy to waste his time selling seeds instead of cutting his hedge down for wood over at Myers but Jonas said he had to get a little money some way as he only had fifty cents. Frank said he was working down cutting ice this after noon. It has been much milder though still freezing to-day cloudy and just breeze enough this after noon to turn the wind mill, snowing a little to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday February 11th We did chores and Dad cut wood most of the day, this afternoon we put some poles across a couple of beams in the big barn and covered them with hay to make a pen for the ewes'. The old ram seems to be getting crosser, he attacked me to-day for the first time, and we think it is because he has some way got the wool all pulled away from his eyes and can see much better all around him. I got fourteen eggs to-day, the cold weather doesn't seem to affect the hens any, I guess it is the feed and care that counts. Enah cut the cloth for the book case of my new books this after noon and to-night Dad and I glued it on the wood, it is going to look pretty nice I think. It froze very hard last night. Frank said it was seven below zero, and although bright and sunny has been frosty all day barely thawing even in the sun. They say there was a slight earthquake felt in different parts of Ontario and in Montreal but I think the ones that felt it here just thought so after they got the paper. Thursday February 12th Dad. and I took a walk down to Porter's and back this morning, we got back about half past one. This after noon we just did chores. To-night after a lot of hesitation I decided to go down to the dance. Dick said he didn't think there would be many there but there was enough to suit me. No-one from Simcoe was down but all the Dover bunch was there and I had a good time. I didn't miss more than half a dozen dances and much to my surprise found that I could dance fairly well. I didn't expect to be able to do any better than the last time I tried especially as I haven't been down for over a month. They say it was fifteen below zero down town this morning and although it has been a lovely sunny day with out breeze enough to blow the wind mill, it has been freezing hard all day, and is just as cold to-night. Friday February 13th After we did the chores up this morning Dad. & I hooked Harry and Belle to the sleighs and went down town, the sleighing was good most of the way in town but was pretty icy in places. I took down 7 1/2 doz. eggs and got at the rate of 35 cts a doz for them but traded them off for groceries. Dad. got some lumber to fix up the sheep pen with and settled up with Tommy. This after noon we just did chores and I had a little snooze as I only had about four hours last night or rather this morning. To-night Dad. dressed up and went down to pay a visit to Alfred. and Lulu. Billy Faulkner came over this morning and took their heifer away. Arnold Peddler came in to-night about five he looked about frozen and piked off towards Sam Law's who he evidently knew as he asked up if he didn't live down by the mill before he moved up here. This is poor weather I should think for his job I wouldn't mind it at all in the summer, pretty frosty all day and a cold north east wind but mostly sunny. It is milder to-night and trying to snow. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday February 14th I did chores all morning and Dad. & Frank cut up the old apple tree in the pigyard. They had some pretty hard sawing in it. This after noon Dad and I took the team and waggon sleigh and hauled it up to the house where Dad. split a lot of it. Frank went down town and got his tooth filled - and sent off a lot of valentines. Bert. Thompson came over this afternoon to see if we had any Black Orpington hens. There was just one left of the ones that Huby hatched out three years ago of the eggs he got from Bert. I knew she wasn't laying and was glad enough to get rid of her, I would have sold her for fifty cents or less but Bert offered me a dollar for her so I let him have her. Dad. had quite a visit down at Alfred's last night, the old peddler, whose name is Foster was there. Lulu was in Toronto but got home before he left, she told them that Art Ryersie who had brought her home heard down town that Blaikie was dead, but as we have heard nothing about it to-day, we feel pretty sure there is a mistake some-where. It has been milder to-day a little though still freezing hard. It snowed a little but was mostly sunny. Sunday February 15th Enah and I walked down to church this morning and Frank went down to Sunday school and church. This after noon Cousins Clare and Phoebe came over and also Quint, Huby and Lila. Dick was in bed all morning and went down town this after noon and says he is going to church to-night. Huby said Aunty Maude was pretty sick to-day. Dad. and I walked down to church to-night and went around to see Aunty Maude on our way home, she was sitting up on the sofa but looks pretty miserable, we got home about nine o'clock and Dick soon after we did. It is still pretty frosty but getting milder I think. cloudy most of the day and to-night. Huby told us of a great joke they played on old Tom the cook on the Vigilant. It seems he is quite a lady's man and gets a letter occasionally from a young lady he met in St. Thomas. Young Archie McQueen knew this and put Bill Davis, Parks and a few more of the bunch wise to it and they with Mrs. Walt. McCalls assistance composed a letter to Tom, from his girl telling him to meet her at the Fair corner (so as everything could be seen from the Dominion Hotel windows) at noon yesterday and to be sure and bring a bottle of gin along. When Tom. got the letter he never caught on and was in a great state of excitement all morning and kept his eyes on the Fair corner, meanwhile Archie had been getting togged up in a lot of Mrs. McCall's clothes, he is rather small and good looking and about two o'clock slipped out of the side door at the hotel and around the block up to the Fair corner, of course old Tom was right there to meet him and Archie immediately inquired about the gin so Tom told him to go over to the hotel and wait for him at the head of the stairs while he got it. He rushed into the bar to get a fifty cent bottle but Walt. told him that they didn't have any smaller than a dollar and a quarter bottle.Tom was in such a hurry that he said any thing would do so took a big bottle up stairs and rushed the fair one of to his room. Archie told Huby after wards that it would have been rich </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> if he could have played his part a little longer but when Tom began to kiss his hands, he could stand no more, so with a burst of laughter he picked up his skirts and fled down stairs. Tom was so mad he never spoke to any one the rest of the day but got bozy eyed on the bottle of gin. Monday February 16th Dad. and I went down as soon as we could get ready this morning to get the chicken house down home ready to move Huby helped us and we got it raised and up on blocks by noon. While we were at it, who should come along, bare headed, and without an overcoat, but Walter, he had come through the house and Aunty Maude had told him where we were, so that accounted for the absence of hat and overcoat, but as we hadn't the slightest idea that he was within a thousand miles of us, we were quite surprised to see him, but this after noon we got a letter from Roy which we should have got on Saturday, saying that Walter was then in Barrie having come down with the body of Mrs. {illegible} father. He got into Toronto Friday night and came up here this morning but had to go right back again to-night. He stayed at Huby's to dinner for as he said a walk over here before dinner did not sound tempting and right after dinner Dad. hooked up Belle and went down and got him, he was only here an hour or two and then Dad. and I drove him down he had to stop in for a minute or two to see Miss Phipps, Cousins Bessie, Clare and Loll and say goodbye to Aunty Maude. Dick Quint & Huby went to the station to see him off so he had a very hurried visit, but we were all very glad to see him if it was only for a short time. Old Jonas came over to-night to get his orders ready to send away, and to get a little corn but I think principally for a visit. Aunty Maude says she feels better to-day but looks very miserable. I only got twelve eggs to-day. It was a beautiful morning but this after noon the wind got up and it was a rotten after noon very blizzardy and cold. Quieter and colder to-night. Tuesday February 17th We just did chores and cut wood this morning, I read for awhile this afternoon and then Dad. and I drove down town and Dad. saw Johnny Walker about bringing over the hen house, he said he thought he could load it on the sleigh and bring it over to-morrow after noon we went down to see if we could get it any more ready but thought we couldn't do much more to it alone. A couple of the little Ryersie girls came in with Frank after school and young Roy Bannister appeard from somewhere soon after Frank got home and they went sleighriding back in the gully and Roy borrowed a book to take home with him. To-night I blew a little on my horn for the first time since election night. It was a very blizzardy blustery morning, but turned out a nice bright afternoon, snowed quite a little bit, and there wasn't enough wind to turn the windmill. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday February 18th Dad. and I did chores most of the morning besides taking the wire off the posts in the hen yard so we could get through with the other hen house which we intend to put in the north east corner of the yard. We had to pump water for the cattle this morning as there wasn't enough wind to turn the wind mill, it took us over half an hour to pump half a tank full, we took turns at it, it is the first time we have had to pump for them this winter, and if we had a bigger tank which would hold two or three days supply, it wouldn't matter about it being quiet for one day. As soon as we could after dinner Dad and I went down to get the old hen house Jack Walker didn't come for quite a while, but I went up town and got Huby and we got it raised up in front nearly high enough to back the sleighs under, when Johnny came he said he thought it would pay us to raise it up high enough behind to back the sleighs, so we did and without so very much more work got it loaded beautifully, we were afraid the top of the pigeon house which Dad. built on the roof of the hen house would catch on wires and branches but we hated to take it off as it has been there so long but Johnny said he thought it would go alright. The first obstruction occured going out the lane and we had to chop a limb off Mrs. Low's apple tree, but got past. Then going from the lane gate to the road where Dad. had a nice driveway fixed the road-scraper made a nasty ditch and never filled it in. Johnny was afraid the building might tip over on the horses going over the bump so Dad. went over and borrowed some rope from {Yint?} Rankin and tied it to the {rave?} of the Sleigh over the roof of the chicken house, we thought we had her solid but Johnny let his horses go a little fast down hill and rounding the curve with such a big top weight, she just keeled right over sleigh and all at the side of the road on end just nicely between the side walk and the road. I thought the jar would rack her all to pieces but as far as we could see it did hurt a bit, except knocked the pigeon house right off the roof. We decided to leave her there for the night and Johnny said he would get a pair of skids from Val. and take her over on them in the morning. Old Faucet said he would hang a light on to-night for us. We got a ride home with Charlie Quanbury. Tonight Dad. togged up in his dress suit and went down to pay a visit to Cousin Loll as she likes to see him dressed up so much. It was about eight below zero last night they say but has been a lovely day, rather foggy but quite mild and no wind. Thursday February 19th Dad. and I went down about half past nine this morning as that was the time Johnny said he would be on the spot but there was no sign of him so Dad went down to see if Jim Low had any chestnut coal but he hadn't a pound. When he came back from there he went in to see old Mrs. Fausett for awhile Huby and I carried back Mrs. Jim Low's blocks which we borrowed and then went and sat in the house, then as there was no sign of Johnny Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> came over. At last about eleven we thought he wasn't coming so thought we would go home. Huby went down to the mill with us as they saw Johnny go in there with a load of shooks, when we found him he said he was just ready to go so we went back with him. It took us quite awhile to get it turned over on to the skids and we had to get a few extra hands to help us. Allan Law came along just as we were about ready to start and as one of Johnny's horses is very poor on the draw and he couldn't start it Allan hooked his team on and the two snaked it along to Allan's corner, then Johnny took his team off as they thought two teams would be too wide going down that narrow road and over the bridge. Allan hauled it to the top of the hill and then Johnny took it alone the rest of the way, he let his team sail right through and as it was too hard work keeping up afoot I rode part of the way so did Huby. Johnny got stuck in our lane here where the snow was deep and he ran into the side of the bank, we had to take the little horse off and put old Harry on with Johnny's big horse and they pulled it easily. Huby stayed to dinner and this after noon we placed the hen house just where we want to lever it and put it up on blocks. Dad. and Huby then drove back to straighten things up down there and to take back some stuff we borrowed from Mrs. Jim Low. I did chores while they were gone. Charlie Butler was in for a few minutes this after noon to see Dad. about his horse which has something like lymphangitis. Dad. brought the pigeon house back with him this after noon. Nice day, snowed a little, mostly sunny with a little breeze. Friday February 20th After we did chores this morning Dad. and I sacked up eleven bags of oats and took them down to get chopped. We went on down town and got some stuff and then down to Huby's where we cut down a little locust tree and sawed it up in lengths to fit the waggon box and brought it over for fire wood we also took a big limb which was broken off the old Newton pippin tree. We didn't get home till nearly one. This after noon we discovered we had left Alfred's cross-cut saw down at Huby's so we hooked up Joe and Ginger (who were delighted to get out after about a month's confinement) and went down and got the saw and came around by the mill and got our grist. It was time to do chores when we got home. Tonight Dad. went down to a school board meeting, he didn't feel much like it especially as he didn't know that it was specially important. Frank went down with him to go to the moving picture show. Pretty cold, sunny but cold breeze. Dick told us that Frances Henry got badly hurt last night on Edmonson's hill where a bunch were sleigh riding. She was walking up hill and fell and a sleigh coming down ran in to her and cut an awful gash in her leg. I practiced my horn a little to-night. Dad. heard down town that Billy Anderson was dead Saturday February 21st Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's this morning and got a couple of roosters, as we want to mate up a breeding pen as soon as possible. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We got what they said over there were a couple of good ones although they were tough looking characters, as owing to their blood stained countenances it appears as though they had been indulging in a passage at arms. When we got home Frank helped Dad. saw up the wood we got yesterday and I cleaned out the new chicken pen. After dinner, Dad and I went down and got a load of coal, as Allan Law was in before dinner and told us there was a car in, we thought it would pay to get in in time and wood saved. I took down eight dozen eggs to-day but the price is down to thirty two cents, when we got home Dad helped me put windows, perches and straw in the new hen house and after tea to-night we caught fifiteen nice looking pullets and mated up a pen in there. Frank went back to the gully to-night this after noon and killed a dandy muskrat. Dick got home to tea to-night as he had a bath to-night. Sunny and nice day but a cold wind. We three boys had a bath to-night and sat on the kitchen table in our night shirts till midnight telling bad stories, while Dad. snored in the big chair. Sunday February 22nd Frank was the only member of the family who went to church to-day and he went to the Roman Catholic (to see what it was like) but he went to our Sunday school. As the wind last night tore the door of the new chicken house off its hinges, Dad. and I were forced to break the Sabbath and put it on. We just did chores and sat around all day I drew a little this after noon I am going to try and draw the picture I took of the mill and Herb. Cooke's house from the old cemetery at the top of the hill, and Frank went back to the gully. Dick slumbered peacefully all morning and went down town this after noon, with the intention of going to church to-night. I got fifteen eggs to-day, eight of them were from the breeding pen of fifteen pullets, we thought that was pretty good for the first day. I drew a little to-night. It snowed to-day and was very windy and blustery, pretty cold. Monday February 23rd I learned this morning that our hard luck with the sheep deal was not over yet for when I went out to feed them I found a fine big pair of ewe lambs lying dead on the barn floor, as last night was one of the coldest nights we have had, I suppose the poor little things had hardly lived at all after they were born, but still I think if we had only been there to bring them in the warm as soon as they came we could have saved them but we never dreamed of any of them lambing before the 25th and this ewe wasn't due till next Saturday. It has been very cold all day (one of the coldest days we have had) so we didn't do any thing but chores and nail up a few boards for a sheep pen. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day, in spite of the weather. I got seventeen eggs to-day. Tuesday February 24th I went to bed with my clothes on last night as I got up about three to have a look at the sheep but they were all right, it is a good thing </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> no lambs came last night for it was bitterly cold. We fooled with the ewe which had her lambs quite a lot this morning and shut her up in the stable this after noon away from the others. Dad. went over to see if Brirely had ever had such a case to deal with as he used to be a sheppard in the old country but he didn't get much information. Quint was here for a little while this after noon. He and Big George Hamaker had come back to the gully on the trail of a skunk which Bill Oakes saw tracks of, but they found Wilson McPherson and some Matthews had got ahead of them and were digging it out up in Robert John's gully, George joined them but Quint said they were all covered with mud so he didn't care for the job and came home via this place. He says Ivey's gully is full of men and teams hauling sod but I guess they finished to-night. This afternoon Dad. and I unloaded the load of coal we got and hauled up a load of rails which Frank unloaded when he got home. Sam. Law was in this morning and Dad. paid him for the threshing and beef. To-night Dad. and Enah went down to the Library concert leaving Tiddums in our care. (Frank's & mine) but Dad. says he will not enjoy himself at all for fretting. I also have to keep watch on the sheep for although it is not so cold as last night it would be too much for little lambs. It has been freezing hard all day in the shade but it was very sunny and thawed a lot in the sun. I think it is gradually getting milder. Wednesday February 25th I slept with my clothes on again last night and got up about four to look at the sheep, there were no lambs but I noticed one of the ewes was not well, she has been sick all day and has not eaten anything but snow, we offered her water and she drank a lot which made Dad think she was feverish, she was also quite badly foundered, and is evidently suffering from indigestion. To-night Frank and Dad. tried to dose her with salts but couldn't get much down her. Dad is afraid she won't pull through, it certainly looks doubtful. We don't know what caused it unless she has eaten some of the old chaff that came out of the clover mill and which is mixed up with the hay on the barn floor. Dad. thinks she may have got an overfeed of corn as he found them the other day out by the corn crib where Frank's pig had rooted a slat loose and had got out a pile of corn out on the ground. The ewe that lost her lambs and which we had shut up in the stable, we found to be all right this morning so after trimming her up a little Dad. let her out with the rest in the shed, while we were there we heard a racket in the barn and on entering found the split eared ewe, the one which was due to lamb to-day engaged in a desperate fight with Frank's pig, down in the corner was a wee lamb just arrived and unhurt thanks to the courage of its mother as the pig would have made short work of it, if she had alloud it. I had the satisfaction of landing that pig a swift one and send it squealing out of there. I hadn't been there very long when another lamb came bigger that the first one. It wasn't very cold in the barn but we had to take the little fellows in the house by turns and warm them Enah and Tiddums looked after them, the latter was greatly interested in them. When they both got </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> good and warm and dry, we moved them and the ewe into the horse stable where it is very much warmer than the barn and they all three seem to be all right. Jim Waddle was in this morning to see Dad. as his horses have lymphangitis. Jonas was in at noon with our parcel of seeds from Simmer's, he said he guessed they wanted him to work for nothing, so I suppose he will not get any commission and as he had to pay express on the seeds I don't know just where the profit comes in, but he was going off canvassing again this after noon. He says he is through with "Ivorys" for ever now, he had some rumpus with them about his house rent. Dad. told him he was going to kill a couple of the biggest pigs this after noon soon and wanted his valuable assistance. Jonas is a wonderful pig sticker (as he says). A fellow from Simcoe was in here to see him soon after he had gone. Lorne Brown came in after dinner with the sink and fixtures, he said Rus would be down to put it in as soon as we got the ditch dug for the drain. To-night I went down and got my hair cut and also to the moving picture show principally to go in with young Schrammy who was too young to go alone Dick got home soon after I did and we sat up till after twelve but I went to bed in a more civilized manner to-night. Sunny and soft but cold wind. Thursday February 26th As this is Saturday night and I am dead sleepy I can't remember the details of Thursday's happenings, we hauled two loads of sawdust from Evan's place up on the Radical road we just took the waggon box full this morning but as there were no very bad spots we took side boards with us this after noon and hauled twice as big a load. Dad. saw Evans about getting some wood and he is going to start buzzing up the limbs & tops of trees next week and said we could get 10 loads of it for a dollar a cord sixteen inches long. The sick ewe seems ever so much better to-night, she is not lame and picks at the hay a little. Dick went down to the dance to-night. I fully intended to go but thought as it was Lent I would go over to Quanbury's instead, as they were having a surprise party I think in honor of Charlie & Lottie coming home from the West. I had a good time in spite of the fact that they played Pedro and I tried to learn the game, but couldn't. Thawed hard in the sun, cold wind. Friday February 27th We went up again this morning and got another load of sawdust. We had to go around by town this morning to get some groceries, when we got up there young Stickney from Port Ryersie was there ahead of us but had his load nearly on, the pit was pretty well undermined but we got a good load alright and got home about one, the sleighing is just about gone. This after noon we unloaded the Sawdust we filled up all we wanted inside the ice house and Dad. threw the rest outside to pack in between the outside and inside walls. When we got through there we started to clean out the boxstall which </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> hasn't been cleaned out for over a month. Dad. took two sleigh loads out and put on the old garden and there is still another load, the two days accumulation in the stable made the biggest part of the first load. Frank went over to tell Jonas to come and kill pigs in the morning as he told us he was going to work for "Ivory's" on Monday. He drove Frank home about seven he was bound for some Englishman's place way out past Tupper's some where to sell seeds. The sick ewe is apparently all right to-night. The salts had their effect and we found where she had eaten a whole pile of corn and not digested it at all, very sunny and mild barely froze last night. Saturday February 28th Jonas came over about nine o'clock this morning armed with a formidable looking knife, which he told us was no good all ready to show us how to "boocher" hogs. He did quite a lot of ordering around and knife grinding before he was ready. We killed the two biggest pigs of the lot and they weren't very big, and did it up in the pig-pen. Dad. & I held the pig while Jonas with great display made the fatal thrust. It took him a good big minute to do it which isn't a record breaking speed as Dave Waddle claims to be able to stick a pig and get the knife out with out getting a drop of blood on the knife, however they died alright under Jonas' treatment, we hauled them down to the old house on Frank's sleigh and scalded them both to-gether. Dad. said it was a dandy scald and Jonas says it was due to his method of putting a dipper of woodashes in the barrell and to his accuracy in testing the temperature of the water with his had. Dad. helped scrape them and then had to go out to Jim Waddle's to see his lymphatic horse as he was in after him this morning. Jonas and Frank dressed the pigs and I guess made a pretty fair job of it. I cleaned out the chicken house and fooled around. They finished up before dinner and Jonas stayed to dinner. The same fellow that was here to-day the other day from Simcoe was in again to-day to see Jonas and caught him this time. This after noon I drove Enah down town to do shopping, she took down ten dozen eggs but the price had dropped to twenty eight cents. I got twenty eggs yesterday and to-day. I had to wait quite awhile for Enah so drove around with Fred Tuck. Very soft and mostly sunny but cool wind raining and snowing a little to-night. Sunday March 1st Frank went down to Sunday school and church to-day and Dad. drove Enah down to church but didn't stay himself. I didn't go down at all to-day principally because I was too lazy. I didn't get up till way late this morning and haven't done any thing much all day but a few chores. Dick went through his regular Sunday programme, stayed in bed till noon, went down town after dinner and I suppose to church to-night. He took my camera down and was going to get a film for it. Dad. and I intended to go out to the Shand's this after noon but it was so late when we got ready that we didn't go. Mostly sunny but cold North wind, freezing hard to-night and wind getting worse. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {This page is a copy of the previous page} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday March 2nd Dad. cut up the pigs this morning we weighed them with the old {steelyard?} which Dad. brought over from home and they just came to 105 lbs apiece. I put in the whole morning writing to Aunty and at the same time watching Tiddums who was asleep. This after noon we did chores and covered over all of the sheep pen instead of a part of it we tried to fasten up the door which blew out of the peak of the barn but it fell out again while we were working at it and as it broke a little we left it for another time. I also helped Dad carry over a couple of loads of hay to the other barn on his {back?} with the {illegible} rope. We couldn't do much out side to-day as there has been a terriffic north wind with a little snow and besides it has been cold. The storm was much worse in other parts of the province than here but has gone down to-night. Tuesday March 3rd After we did chores this morning Dad. fixed some bars up at the south end of the horse stable out of the old wind mill posts to keep the sheep in their own yard. Arthur Preston came over to borrow some of Dad's show clothes to wear at the Methodist concert next week. Colin Ryersie was also over for awhile. About noon Dand. and I drove down town to get some stuff and he wanted to see Harry Moon to see what kind of duds he wanted for the concert. I went over to the barn when we got home and found a lamb just arriving, the ewe was No. 117 and we didn't expect lambs from her till Saturday. This was a good big ram lamb, we left him there till after dinner and when I went out then his sister was just getting off. We brought them both into the house for awhile one at a time and to-night put them in the little box stall in the horse stable. We didn't do any thing much but fool with the lambs this after noon. Much milder to-day and sunny but frosty to-night. Wednesday March 4th Dad. and I didn't take our clothes off all night last night. Dad crawled into bed about half past two and I dozed in the big chair the rest of the night going out to the barn every hour or so to see how the sheep were, we expected lambs all along but they didn't show up nor all day to-day, so I guess we will have another night's vigil. It is the ewe which was sick that we are watching, she is due on Friday. We spent about half an hour this morning trying to get Osprey out of the stable to give him a little exercising. Dad. put the harness on him and went to lead him out the door where there is a drop of about a foot into the drivehouse, and he hung back. Dad. tried to coax him but he was positive and the more determined Dad was to bring him out the more determined he was not to come out. Dad. put a little rope under his chin and we tugged on that for quite awhile but couldn't get him any farther than the door. Then we tried whipping him but that had not the desired effect although it put old Harry into the notion of kicking and scared the other horses. Osprey would rear and paw and throw himself but not go ahead. Then Dad. put </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> a rope on his front foot and we tried pulling him out that way but he would just paw and must have thrown himself a dozen times or more some times right under Belle's or Harry's feet. At last one time when he threw himself I took a hitch around a post with the rope on his leg and by dragging him out and not giving him a chance to fly back we at last got him out. He didn't seem at all mad and I took him down to the corner and back and he went beautifully. We didn't do any thing much the rest of the day but chores and I had a little snooze after dinner. Frank worked at the old house after he got home from school he is boarding it up so as he can fill it in with sawdust around the ice. Thawed all day, some snow & cold wind. Since writing this we have put in quite a night of it. I went over to the barn about eight o'clock and found Dad's ewe with a lamb. I came to the house and got Frank and Dad. who was asleep in the chair the only sleep he had all night to come out, while they were there another one arrived, so we brought the first one to the house to get warm, we noticed the sick one the one we have been watching all day looked very much as if she would lamb in a few minutes, but she didn't till about four o'clock. We all sat up for a long time, till Dick came home and he and Frank went to bed. I sat up till about one or two and then I went to bed. Dad. sat up and out at the barn all night with the two little fellows as they were both very weak at first but got stronger and he held an old coat over them a long time to keep them warm till they went to sleep and stopped trying to crawl out and till the old one lay down beside them and stopped trying to paw the coat off. He also had his eye on the other ewe and about four o'clock came in and woke me up, he said he hated to as I was so sound asleep and I guess he didn't hate to any more than I hated to get up but he thought the sick ewe was not right and something ought to be done so I went out with him and we caught her but didn't bother her much and we hadn't been out very long when her baby came, it was a ram and a bouncer, the biggest one yet I think, but she is the first ewe that didn't have twins. I went to bed again about five o'clock but Dad. stayed up all night. Thursday March 5th I didn't get up till about eleven this morning, so I guess I had my sleep out. Dad put the harness on Osprey and we gave him quite a long exercise, we got him out of the stable easier to-day. I held Belle out in the drive house and when Dad saw Osprey wouldn't lead out he just let him loose and got behind him and touched him a little with the whip till he jumped out with out much fooling. I started to take him down the road and got about as far as the culvert and he didn't want to go any farther. I wouldn't let him go back so we just turned around and around in the road till Dad. came out and he got him to go down to the corner and back alright. I then took him down the other way as far as Preston's barnyard and he got frightened and their cows and would go past so I started the same performance there again and at last started to lead him past but Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> came down and said to take him home as it was so late. This after noon I cleaned out the hen house and did chores. Whitesell was in this after noon to see Dad. about a sick horse. Thawed all day in the sun but not in the shade cold east wind. Friday March 6th I camped in the big chair all night last night and Dad. went to bed. I didn't go to sleep till after midnight as I wasn't at all sleepy so had a good read. I went out to the barn at 12, 3 and half past 6 and slept in the mean time, every thing was alright out there. When I woke up at half past six this morning my knee was pretty stiff but it soon limbered up. I find I have a brute of a cold due I think to getting my feet wet. We did chores this morning and Dad. put the harness on Osprey and I took him out and he went fine, he started his little game of trying to turn around and go back this morning but I found out that instead of trying to make him go ahead which to me was impossible, I just let him turn around and then back him up in the direction I want him to go, he soon wants to turn around and when he does goes all right in the right direction. I tried it on him several times and it worked fine every time. I took him down to Flemming's corner on the side road and then back and down to Mrs. Battersby's corner. This after noon I had a sleep and then took what few eggs I had over to Jack Martin and was over there quite awhile. I only got sixteen eggs to-day I don't know what is the matter with the hens. To-night Frank and Enah went down to see "Satan" at the moving picture show I was going down but as I had such a cold thought I would wait till to-morrow night. It snowed all day to-day but didn't put much in the ground. Not very cold. Saturday March 7th Dad. and I sacked up 12 bags of oats this morning while Frank went down town after some salt petre to salt the pork with, then he and Dad. went down to the mill with the load. When they got back they cleaned out the rest of the box-stall and I started to chop a hole out in the chicken yard to put a post in but it was frozen too deep. This afternoon Dad. and Frank went down to the mill and got their grist and I took Osprey out while they were gone he went fine. When they got back Dad. drove Enah down town and left her there and I minded Tiddums all the after noon he slept for awhile. Frank worked at the old house and Dad. did chores when he got back. To-night I went down to the moving picture show and saw "Satan" I thought it was pretty good. Cloudy and snowy but quite soft. Raw breeze. Sunday March 8th Neither Dad nor I have been off the farm all day to-day but have just done chores and sat around. We thought of hooking Osprey and Belle to the buggy and going out to the Shaw's this after </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> noon but we didn't, we have to keep a rather close watch on one of the ewes Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and Enah walked down to church alone to-night. We didn't get through in time to go with her. Dick slept till dinner and after dinner went down town, he will likely go to church to-night. Cloudy and rather cold with some snow and raw wind. Monday March 9th We didn't do any thing much but chores to-day and watch sheep Dad. was not in bed at all last night and when he went out at four this morning to look at the sheep, found the wide-headed ewe with a lamb, which if it had been left much longer would have perished with the cold; but Dad. wrapped it up in his old pea jacket and brought it around alright. Mrs McBride was here washing all day and it has been very miserable out cold and windy. To-night Enah and I went down to the Methodist Choir concert, and thought it was great especially the costumes which were all old fasioned. The hall was packed full, and they say some were turned away. It lasted till late, we got home about twelve half past eleven o'clock. Dick and Dad. were both up. Tuesday March 10th We did chores all morning. Mr. Fleming was over for a little while this after noon. We hitched Osprey and Belle up to the bob-sleigh and drove them down to Jonas' corner and back a couple of times as that was the only place there was any snow. Tommy Jackson was over for quite awhile late this after noon to see about getting some corn stalks, he was telling us a lot about sheep and a good many other things. Cold, raw wind, sunny. Wednesday March 11th Dad. was up all night last night again and hardly slept at all I stayed up awhile but got so sleepy and chilly that I couldn't stand it so went to bed. The white ewe, which is due to lamb to-morrow was in rather bad shape all night, and there was no sign of lambs so Dad. got us all up early this morning and we had breakfast over by a little after seven and then Dad went out to examine her, and in about half an hour, we had two more buck lambs but one was dead. She was very weak, so we just left her alone for awhile and brought the live lamb in the house to get warm. When we took it out, the ewe wouldn't own it so it has been in the house all day and Dad. takes it out every now and then for refreshments, she was so weak we didn't like to urge her. We were afraid this morning that she wouldn't pull through but she seems much stronger now, she eats and chews her cud so I guess will recover. We haven't done much to day but chores and sit </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> around. Dad is very tired. Tonight Colin Ryersie was here and Bill Duncan's man wanted Dad to go up there but he was too tired to go. There was a grand wedding in town to-day, Leo O'Heron and Inez Schram, Frank saw them go off. Tiddums can walk now all alone but he is a little afraid to unless someone's right beside him to catch him. Very sunny to-day but cold north wind. There was a fine eclipse of the moon to-night, we didn't know about it till we saw it. Thursday March 12th We did up the chores this morning and then hauled the hay rack over to where the sheep are and put on a load of hay, we got it on by noon and hauled it over to the horse stable. Cousins Phoebe & Loll were over to dinner and after Dad. had showed them all around the ranch and talked awhile we put the load off over the horse stable and hauled another load over to the other barn for the cows and left it on the barn floor. The little lamb has been in the pen with its mother all day but still she doesn't recognise it although isn't bad to it. Dad. has to catch her for the little fellow to get refreshments but once he gets started she stands quietly. Tiddums started off of his own accord to walk to-day noon and was greatly pleased with himself to find out he could he has prancing around ever since. Jonas was over for a visit, after tea, and gave us a few selections on the mouth organ. It has been freezing pretty hard in the shade all day, fairly sunny. Friday March 13th This morning we did chores and I cleaned out the chicken house and separator as we want to begin separating again now. Loyd Ryersie came in at noon with a notice for Dad to attend a meeting of the school board at three o'clock on the school grounds. We wanted to go after a load of wood up to Evan's this after noon so went around that way although it made us pretty late. The way they have it surveyed out now, there is just the same width of ground on each side of the building and is fifty feet in from Main St. This they all think is too close to the street but they can't move it back without cutting down or trimming up the old hickory nut tree and as none of them want that done, they think it will have to go where they now have it unless they buy some more lots. When Dad. got through with them we went up to Evan's and got the waggon box full of wood a lot of it was cut too long for our stove but we managed to get on about three quarters of a cord. We just got home a little before six. Not quite so cold to-day although freezing all day in the shade. Saturday March 14th Dad was up at twenty minutes to five this morning and I got up at six so he and Frank were able to get started at half past eight for a load of wood at Evans. They got back at noon with a little over a cord. I did chores all morning. They got another load this after </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> noon and I piled the two loads that were here along the end of the old house, besides doing a few chores and watching the colts. dogs. chickens and Frank's pig that they didn't get into mischief. It was too muddy to take Osprey out on the road so I let him out in the yard and he and Dave ran around and chased the sheep out of the barn once. I also let this pen of hens out all over the place as I wanted to clean their place out and some out of the other pen got out in the hen yard so I couldnt let both pens in there to-gether. Tom Abbot was in here to see Dad about a cow of his but as Dad. wasn't here he came in again just before dark. He is going to start coming here for cream a week from Monday, if he is alive and well. It has thawed all day in the shade to-day and is very muddy and wet Sunday March 15th I didn't get up in time to get ready to go to church to-day and unless Dick goes to-night and I suppose he will Frank was the only one of this family who went to-day. I just did chores and poked around. About noon Dad. and Enah took Tiddums out to see the lambs, it was the first time he had been out side the house since New Year's day. I took a couple of snapshots of him Dick also got up about that time and came out. This afternoon Frank went back to the gully and Dick went down town. The cows all wandered back to the gully and I went back after them we noticed they were all covered with mud and Dad is afraid they have been slipping down the hill, but seem to be allright. It has been very mild sunny and spring like to-day. Water and mud all over. Monday March 16th We did chores most of the morning, this afternoon Huby came over as Frank told him this morning that we could use him now, he was glad to get to work he said and we hauled in two loads of corn stalks, putting two shocks on a load. They are in great shape to haul now as they have all thawed out. Tupper came in for quite a visit on his way home from town. He and Huby were both telling us about Lom Hurley hanging himself. Huby stayed to tea and Frank and I went down town with him. I went to band practice, the first one of the season. Walt had a lot of new music but there were only one or two of us there. Frank went to the moving picture show and then came up to the band room Dick came in too so we all came home to-gether. From the way they all talk there are going to be great doings in Dover this year, with the rail road. big soap factory and harbor improvements. It has been a lovely spring day sunny and mild and very muddy Tuesday March 17th Huby was over at seven o'clock this morning and we started as soon as possible to haul corn stalks. we hauled in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> two more loads and now have all in the barn that we have room for and left the last load on the waggon, there are only three shocks left out there now. Huby and I put in nearly the whole afternoon setting a couple of anchor posts in the chicken yard to put a cross fence in to make a separate yard for the breeding pen, they all got out to-gether to-day. The frost was in the ground about two feet but by a lot of chopping and scaping Huby managed to get down past it. Dad is tickled to-night to think that the old white ewe has at last recognised her lamb. She noses him and lets him get "meals at all hours" and apparently thinks as much of him as the others did when their lambs were first born we blame it to St. Patrick. Froze pretty stiff last night, mild and muddy to-day. There have been a lot of robins seen in town but I haven't seen one yet. Wednesday March 18th I got up about half past four this morning but have been very lazy all day. Just sat around and did as few chores as possible, I had a sleep this after noon, I think the reason I felt so rotten was because my feet were so cold and wet. When Dad. went out to the cow stable this morning he found a black and white calf the property of Snowdrop up and running around with its poor mother tied fast in her stanchions, we got them both around in the barn where the soon were all right. By after breakfast another calf arrived on the scene this one a red and white one and Jim's both were bulls. Dad. just turned all the cows out of stable and let Jim and her calf have it to themselves. Tonight he tied Jim's calf in the alley way in front of her and let Snowdrop's run loose in the barn and tied both of the mothers up and milked them. He thinks they are both going to be good milkers and easy to milk Jim especially. This after noon Dad. and I drove down town in the waggon and got some groceries and also half a bushel of beans from George Yanoble as Huby said he had some very nice ones. Dad. got me a pair of rubber boots which have made my feet ever so much more comfortable. Dad. went to a school board meeting to-night and I thought I would go down and get the films from Dick which he took down the other day to have developed. He said he was going to work to-night so I went up to the bank but no one was there so I went down and saw the moving picture show, they had on "Robinson Crusoe" and it was pretty good. When I got out of there I went again to the bank but there was still no sign of life so I came home and fell in with Dad. Mr. Flemming and Jack Martin. They are having some squabble about the street up there which the council orderd closed but which Vyse never signed (just dirty work). They have also decided to cut down the old hickory nut tree. Dick got home soon after we did and said he was at the bank all the time but he wasn't. It snowed last night and has been pretty cold and wet all day. Freezing hard to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday March 19th We didn't do any thing much but chores to-day except set a hen up over the drive house in the loft on 15 eggs, we also wrung Frank's pig which we hope will keep him her from comitting any depredation by rooting. It has been pretty cold all day but fairly sunny. I drew some more to-night at my picture of the mill & Herb Cooke's house. Friday March 20th We just did chores to-day as there wasn't much else we could do except take a grist to the mill and we didn't bother with that. This after noon I practiced on my horn a little and finished my bookcase. Dick {Faulmsbe?} was over this morning to see if Dad. would put any thing in for the canning factory, but Dad. told him he wouldn't although he signed his name to show McPherson that Dick had been here. There is more excitement down town now over the swing bridge, it seems at the council meeting the other night after Henderson had left having been told that no more important business was on that Taylor moved and Uncle Ward seconded that the County council go ahead and build a stationer bridge over the creek which is just what the Board of Trade is fighting against. Billy Laings made a vigorous kick (could be heard a block away) but he couldn't do any thing and Vyse, he just, oh he just smiled I suppose up his sleeve. Cold with raw wind sunny and freezing hard to-night. Saturday March 21st I did chores most of the morning and Dad. & Frank sacked up twelve bags of oats. Two Cooper kids and young Hayan came up the lane - and when they saw Dad. asked him if they could cut through here. Dad. told them he thought they had cut through and then Bluch charged them. This afternoon Dad. Frank went down town and took their grist to the mill. They saw a big flock of geese light out in the swail holes just before they left and and in a very short time Jim Law appeared and wanted to see if we had a shot gun as he had seen them too. On their way home from down town, just as they got to the garage the tire broke on one of the wheels of the old waggon, they crawled along to Ray Waddles and left the wheel and as it happened Bob. Law's waggon was at Chris Fairchild's with a broken axle so they just took one of Bob's wheels. I took Osprey out for a little run while they were gone and then came in the house and read. Tiddums feels rather out of sorts these days as he is cutting four big teeth. Sunny and bright but froze all day in the shade. Sunday March 22nd Frank went down to church and Sunday school and Enah and I walked down to church, while Dad watched Tiddums and kept house. This after noon Dick having got up for dinner he and I decided to go for a ride. so Dad. saddled Joe and I was to ride her to the corner and then bring her back for Dick. I got on her </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> alright but as soon as I did she began to perform. I don't know just what she did but I know I was a little uncertain till I got out of the lane whether I could manage to sit on her or not, but did. I rode her down to the corner and back and when I came up Dick had vanished. Dad. said he had had enough before even I got nicely started and had got in to change his clothes and go down town. Dad. cinched Joe up again and I rode her around the block. I was very much surprised to find Tupper, John Wess and all out that way had the rural mail service. I wasn't gone very long and came home and read till it was time to do chores. Quint & Lila came over with Frank who had stayed down there to dinner. Quint had his shotgun with him as Frank had told him about the geese and they went to look for them but didn't get a shot at any thing. They followed a white hawk or owl all over the country but didn't get it either Quint went down before tea as he wanted to get ready for church but Lila stayed and Frank walked down with her after tea. Tiddums feels pretty miserable yet. Much milder to-day sunny and breezy. When Dad. went out to the cow stable he found a lovely red and white heifer calf lying dead behind Erie. It had been born dead and about a month ahead of time. Dad. thinks she must have been hurt when she fell back in the gully last Sunday. Monday March 23rd We did chores most of the morning and spent quite awhile with Erie. Huby came over after dinner and pruned trees all the after noon. I helped him till about four and then went down town with Dad. to get our own wheel for the waggon and take Bob. Law's back. Mrs. McBride was here all day. To-night I lugged my horn down to band practice but there was none. Frank came down with me to go to the moving picture show so I went with him it was pretty fair. I saw the orchestra there so understood why there was no band practice Walt. was there and told me it would be Wednesday. Allan Law overtook us on our way home and gave us a ride to their corner. We got home about half past eleven and Dick arrived before we were asleep. Snowed a lot more last night but has been very mild and sunny all day freezing to-night. We started sending our cream to the factory this morning. Tuesday March 24th I got up at five this morning although I hated to and didn't feel wide awake for an hour or two, but got the chores pretty well done up before breakfast. Huby was over at seven and pruned orchard all day. I helped him most of the day except doing a few chores. We didn't get over many trees but we gave the ones we were at a proper old trimming, especially the russet tree which has an awful brush pile under it now. Dad did chores all day, and late this after noon a new calf arrived via Spotty. It is a big bull calf and nearly all black. This morning Dad and I put some Nitrate of potash on the bulls calves horses </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to see if we could take them out, we can't tell yet whether it is going to work alright or not. Dick came home to tea to-night to try on his clown suit which Enah is making for him for the masquerade dance he had to go back again after tea. It thawed a lot to-day in the sun, but froze all day in the shade. Dad. sent away for a gobbler to-day. Wednesday March 25th Huby came over this morning and pruned the orchard most of the day. I didn't help him any as Dad. and I put up a fence across the chicken yard to separate the two pens. It began to rain about the middle of the after noon so Huby and I put the cornstalks off the waggon and then he and Dad. started to clean out the calf pen. Enah went down town at three to have her tooth fixed and Dad. and I minded Tiddums by turns till Frank got home. We forgot to tell Tom Abbot to bring us any butter although he hasn't brought our can back anyway yet, and as Frank forgot to get any on his way home, he had to traipse back to town and get some when Enah got home. I went down to band practice to-night but as Harry Moon, Walt. and Carl were the only ones there we didn't have any. It was a lovely day till it rained and was very mild all day and to-night. Thursday March 26th Huby trimmed orchard till we got the chores done and then we went over to the big barn and put on a load of hay before dinner. When we took the team over to the trough to water them at noon I let go of old Harry thinking he would go to the stable but the old fool lit out right for the field and Belle after him and they tore around there quite awhile before we caught them but didn't damage their harness any. This after noon we hauled the hay over to the other barn and put it off for the cows and then went over and got another load for the horse stable but didn't get time to haul it over. Huby did Frank's skins up for him and he is going to send them down to Hallam. Dick came home to tea to get all fixed up for the dance, he looked fine. I was kind of sorry I didn't go to a little trouble and fix up myself. It was terribly muddy and dark so I drove him down to the side walk. He didn't come home after it was over. It has been very dark all day and rained nearly all the after noon we heard thunder growl two or three times which Dad. now believes when heard in Spring to be a sure sign of cold weather off and on for six weeks but according to the other reliable forecast that the wind on the twenty first and twenty second will be the prevailing wind for six weeks we are to have it from the south west so Bill Oakes says, but they are having it very cold in the North West -6 below at Edmonton. Friday March 27th It rained nearly all day and got much colder as the wind veered right around to the north. Huby couldnt work in the orchard so </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> put in the whole morning cleaning out the calf pen. I helped him for a couple of hours before dinner and Dad. for quite awhile but we finished soon after dinner. We then cleaned up the barn floor and sacked up what few oats were in the small bin so as we could have the bin to put the seed oats which we cleaned up in, we set the fanning mill but didn't have time to put any through to-night only a few to see if it was all right. Dad & I sat up till after twelve to-night and finished reading Friar Tuck. Dick didn't come home again I suppose he couldn't get through the mud. Frank brought the new gobbler home to-night he weighed 18 lbs. but is young he looks all right. Saturday March 28th We didn't do any thing much but chores to-day. Huby didn't get over till about ten o'clock and he trimmed in the orchard all day. Frank took his furs down town to post and worked a lot at the old house. After dinner he, Huby and I went back to the gully to see if we could see a fish in the creek but failed although we saw a couple of ducks get up out of a swail in the old timothy sod. There were two very interesting letters in the "Maple Leaf" yesterday everlastingly jumping on Vyse for not signing the bylaw which the council passed for closing Alma St for school property and also for representing to the County Council that it is the wish of the people of Port Dover to have a stationary bridge erected over Black Creek where a swing bridge ought to be, a good many other of his misdeeds are mentioned. Sunny & muddy cold north wind Sunday March 29th Frank went down to Sunday school and church and I drove Enah down to the corner and she walked down to church as she could make better time that way than driving the roads are so bad. I cleaned out the stables while she was gone and then drove down again after her. Lila was with her and came over to spend the after noon. Frank came home through Flemming's gully and found a skunk cabbage. Just before dinner Charlie Shand came over as he had walked down to church and he stayed all the after noon. Sam. and Tom Jacques came over for a little while late this after noon. Tom wanted to see if he could get a gobbler. Dick came home last night, spent the morning in bed and the afternoon down town I suppose he is at church to-night. Mild & muddy. Monday March 30th It was raining when we got up this morning and rained most of the fore noon but cleared off before dinner and although cloudy it didn't rain at all after dinner, rather a raw wind all day. Huby came over and while we were doing chores he sharpened the spade, shovel, pick and axes, and after breakfast we cleaned up oats for seed we ran through over sixty bushels so think we have enough. This after noon Huby pruned the orchard. I did chores and helped him for a couple of hours, Dad. spent most of the after noon doing </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> chores and writing to Aunty. Sam Law came over to borrow the buggy pole. Quint came through the orchard while we were out there. He and George Hamaker had been up creek and Quint came around this way to see if he could get a shot at the ducks but I don't think he saw them. He and George have been out since early this morning through all the rain, just to fish & hunt. Jonas came over to-night and as Frank was very anxious to go back to the gully to see if he could get a fish as the Ryersie's told him they got some in the little creek, and as neither of us were very anxious to go Jonas went with him. Tuesday March 31st Huby didn't come over this morning as he had some insurance to look after. Dad. and I did chores and I cleaned out the hen houses. We also docked all the lambs, we did the trick with a hammer, butcher knife and block. They all seemed to come through pretty well except the little fellow belonging to the white ewe. The shock seemed harder on him than the rest and he suffered more, but I think he will pull through allright. We also trimmed up the ewes. Huby came over after dinner and pruned in the orchard all the after noon I helped him for a little while but spent most of my time pitching the wet straw off the stack and carrying dry over to the chicken house and stables. I got a letter from Rus. Gordon to-day asking if he could come up here to spend his Easter holidays, it was about the first I had heard for three or four years from him. Frank and Jonas got home last night about half past eleven and never saw a fish although the Ryersie's were out and got a dozen I think Frank said. Jonas has been over at Tupper's all day pruning his orchard. It has been sunny and windy and very nice all day the mud is beginning to stiffen in spots. Wednesday April 1st Huby spent most of the morning repairing the long ladder but about ten he and I went out and started to prune we worked away till nearly one. Dad. went down town but didn't get back till after two. He spent most of the after noon doing chores and Huby cleaned up the old house - and put the lead in the cider barrel as Dad. took it out when we scalded the pigs. I took what eggs I had over to Jack Martin and just sat around and watched Huby till it was time to do chores. Jonas came through on his way from Tupper's Frank stuck a wind mill up on a fence post to-night (entered by request). I got a lovely bit of poetry from Louise to-day but not one of her own it is a college song she says. Mr. Morgan was through here this morning canvassing for the canning factory he said Dick {Faulmsby?} being out had helped him any. About noon Dick drove in with the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Rural Mail carrier. He was a Scotchman and Dick was evidently showing him round, but neither of them seemed to know just where to go and Dick and his horse wouldnt keep still long enough to tell him any thing (it wasn't Dick's old horse I didn't know it at all) This was the first day they started on this new route. We didn't know they came past the front of this place but Dad. thinks it is just as handy to have Frank bring it from school. Huby asked Dick if he had quit the Canning factory and he said he was laid off till further notice. It drizzled a good part of the fore noon and rained quite hard most of the after noon, no wind. Thursday April 2nd Huby brought a couple of quarts of harness oil over with him this morning and also a couple of saw benches which he made. While we were doing chores he fixed up the step ladder. We then took a tub of warm water out to the stables slung up a couple of poles and began to clean harness. Dad. had wiped off all the windows which let in considerably more light. It was nearly noon and as we didn't want to get our hands all oily before dinner we just washed one set. About noon we saw Jonas mooching through the orchard headed for Tupper's. Dad told him it was too wet to prune trees so he came over and helped us oil harness all the after noon for half a dollar. Dad. did chores most of the after noon but Huby and I worked at it steadily, we washed it and Jonas oiled and what time Dad. had he put it to-gether after it had been oiled. We got all the heavy double harness done and half the light double set. Bruce Dell brought Rex over for Dad. to look at as he has a little lump on his back. Frank got the money to-day from Hallam for his musk rat skins I think they brought him $2.23. It has been a rotten day. It snowed quite a lot this morning and been either raining or snowing most of the day. Very mudy and raw nor'west wind. Friday April 3rd The ground was covered with snow when we got up this morning and it was quite cold although not freezing very hard but it got colder during the day and is freezing pretty hard to-night. Huby pruned trees for a couple of hours till we got things all fed up and then we started in at the harness again. Jonas came over soon after we got started and helped all the afternoon. We got all the harness including bridles, breaking harness & kicking strap oiled and put to-gether before six. Huby and Jonas worked steadily at and I was there most of the time but Dad did the chores so was not there so much. We had quite a concert at noon Jonas & Tiddums with the mouth organ & Enah with the guitar and all of them singing. Frank set the alarm to get up at half past four in the morning to go fishing with the Ryersies. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday April 4th It froze the ground stiff enough last night for us to haul the load of hay we have had on the waggon for the last two or three weeks over to the horse stable. I was pretty glad to haul it over as it was a great nuisance carring it over from the barn by the forkful. Huby fixed up one of the little ladders we got of the windmill this morning while he was waiting for us to get the hay over thinking we would need him to help mow it away but we found we didn't so he pruned in the orchard the rest of the day. After we hauled the hay over we took the rack back to the big barn and hooked to the waggon and loaded up with the oats which we sacked up the other day. Dad. also hauled the sleighs over to where they will be handy to put in the shed as they have been standing out in the lane ever since winter. This afternoon Dad. & Frank to the oats to the mill for chop, went down town while it was being chopped and got some shingles for the old house, and got home about four. Old Joey at the mill who we have named the marquis owing to his likeness to gentleman of that title in "St. George & St. Michael" got Dad. to haul 600 lbs of flour down town as Herb's horse is rather laid up owing to the mud. The roads are a fright. I cleaned out the stables and helped Huby for about an hour. It was a lovely sunny morning but cloudy & a raw wind this after noon. Last night's snow thawed off to-day but the ground is covered again to-night. Froze all day in the shade. Sunday April 5th Frank went down to Sunday school and church and Enah and I walked down to church. I went up to see Ed. after church as he told Dad. if I came down any time last week he would give me a couple of grapevines but as I hadn't been able to get down I went up to tell him I would try and get them to-morrow. They are a couple he set out up there and as he is going to move down into Mrs. Allan's house opposite the evaporator and has no place for them down there, he didn't care to leave them especially as they have never done very well along the fence where he had them. I thought of going for a ride this after noon but the roads are in such a condition that I didn't think I would enjoy it much so didn't do any thing much but a few chores and read myself to sleep. Frank went back to the gully and Dick who was up for dinner went down town. It was a lovely sunny morning and the snow which fell during the night nearly all disappeared by noon but this after noon it got cloudy and colder and I think will pretty soon freeze Monday April 6th Dad. and I spent most of the morning doing chores but just before noon I went back and tore down a little of the gully fence. Huby came over late as he had to go up town to get </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> his insurance papers and he spent a good part of the day measuring the buildings and renewing the insurance aplication. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. After dinner I took some eggs over to Jack Martin and then went down town to get my grapevine which Ed. gave me. I stopped in at Uncle Ward's on my way home to ask him about them and he talked to me for about an hour and told me all about his Uncle Loudon Bougner's vineyard over at Flint. I couldnt plant out my grapevines when I got home so just put them down cellar in a bag. To-night I walked down to band practice and had a fairly good one although there were only five of us there. It snowed nearly all day and has been a rotten day, Tuesday April 7th I didn't do much this morning but get dressed up and go down and meet Rus. Gordon. I drove down although the roads were awful. He came alright and we got home about noon. Huby didn't come over this morning as he had to finish up his insurance. He came over this after noon and Russ. helped us put on a load of hay. Huby also put in the two grapevines I got from Ed. he brought over a piece of hard wood and braced the step ladder. It has been a miserable day not at all cold but terribly muddy and cloudy all the fore noon and it rained all the after noon Dick came home early to-night and slept with Russ. I put the alarm clock in their room to-night set for half past three. Wednesday April 8th After we did chores this morning we cleaned up the barn floor where the fanning mill was and hauled over the load of hay which we put on yesterday for the cow stable Russ & I put it off and Dad. bathed Spottys udder, the bad quarter is better and he was able to get the siphon in this morning. Huby came over about ten and pruned apple trees all day he saw the ducks get up out of one of the swail holes this afternoon so went over and built a hide of some corn shocks, he also found two tame duck eggs in the orchard. This after noon Russ and I put on another small load of hay on the rack to take to the horse stable. After we got it on we went back to the gully and fooled around for awhile armed with Frank's rifle but we didn't shoot anything except a fence post we both took a shot at it and Russ hit it. It has been a miserable day, it snowed last night and has been cold and windy all day, freezing hard to-night. Thursday April 9th After we did chores this morning Dad. hauled the load of hay we put on yesterday over the horse stable and Russ and I put it off. We then went out and cleaned out some of the big wood in the orchard. This afternoon Russ and I went down town. I got my hair cut and he went to see the Morgan's, then we both went up to </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> school and had a talk with Mr. Smith after four and came home around by the mill with Frank. The old setting hen hatched out a few chicks to-day but I don't know how many. Huby came over at seven this morning and pruned nearly all day, it was too windy for awhile this after noon so he put a window in the wood shed which is a great improvement. Sam Law was over for quite awhile to tell us we could get butter over there now. It has been very cold and windy all day. It looked as if it would be a lovely day this morning although it froze very hard last night, but it clouded up and snowed every now and then all day. Freezing hard to-night. Friday April 10th Good Friday Huby pruned in the orchard most of the day but this morning he and I took a walk back to the gully and he paced off the length of fence it would take to go along the top of the gully to the road. When we came back I cleaned up some more brush in the orchard, I worked at it a little this afternoon to. This being Good Friday. Enah went down to church. Dick had a holiday so stayed in bed till noon. Frank and Russ spent the after noon back in the gully, they saw some fish but had no way of catching them. Dick was down town all after noon got home at midnight. We three boys went down to the Moving Picture show to see the battle of Waterloo, it was pretty good only all about the same. Lovely day sunny and windy much milder. Saturday April 11th It was cloudy cold and raining at seven o'clock this morning but Huby came over and worked around in the old house till we did chores he then went over with Dad. & me to see Tupper. Dad. wanted to ask him if he could borrow his hay rack and we took the shotgun & fish spear. After we'd seen all around the place Huby and I struck off down Tupper's creek we followed it way down to Black Creek but never saw a thing we then cut across to Art. Ryersies where we saw Wilson & James McPherson & Stewart Reeves with two or three measly looking fish. We got home quite awhile after noon. This afternoon Rus. & I did chores. Huby pruned orchard and late Dad. went over and got Tuppers hay waggon & scales which Tupper. was very anxious he should bring over. Frank went down town this after noon to get some window sash fixed & glazed for his shop. Quint came over this after noon and saw the ducks out in the swail hole and shot at them but was not close enough. Huby and I saw six geese fly over the place this after noon. It didn't turn out to be a bad after noon at all but is freezing a little to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday April 12th Easter. I haven't done a thing in the shape of chores to-day since seven this morning. I got up fed the chickens sheep and horses and then went down with Dick to the early communion service we ran nearly all the way down or rather dog trotted but it just about killed me but Dick didn't seem to mind it, when we got home we had breakfast and then went down to the eleven o'clock service. The church was packed and Geitha Barwell sang a solo. Every member of the Barrett family except Dad. and Tiddums was at church from both houses. After church, Rus. Quint, Frank and I took a walk over to the Thompson's with Joe who is keeping hatch at present. Quint came over with us to dinner which we had rather late Rus. wanted to make a few calls this afternoon so I went with him down town, we went to the Hobbes where we found Geitha. Murry and Ada. Miss Prest is here over Easter we had such a good time that the first thing we knew it was time to come home for tea. I did a few chores after I got home. The old hen I set on fifteen eggs up in the loft hatched out nine chicks but during yesterday the old hen got off the nest which is about a foot off the floor and three little fellows got off and couldn't get back when we went up at night we found them chilled to death and beyond all recovery. One of the turkey hens has disappeared, and we don't know where she is. It has been very windy all day but a nice day. The roads are drying up. Monday April 13th We loaded the hogs up first thing this morning and Dad. and I took them down to Neil. Elliot, we put Frank's pig in with the others and he weighed 172 lbs. We weighed them all on Tuppers scales before we started aand we made the total weight 994 lbs. none of them weighed 200 lbs and the lightest was 153 lbs. On Jim Law's scales they just came to 950 we didn't think they shrank 44 lbs coming down town and don't think we made any mistake, how ever we only got paid $9.00 a cwt for 950 lbs of hogs. We came around by Tommy Gillies to get some lumber for Frank to fix up the old house. Hazen was over for awhile this morning but didn't stay long. Dick didn't get up till the middle of the fore noon and then went down town to get some ham to make sandwiches for the dance to-night. He was down town all the afternoon playing base ball. This after noon we put a scaffold up along the east side of the old house and the boys and Huby got two or three rows of shingles laid while we were doing chores. Huby pruned a little in the orchard and opened a ditch up out in the corn stubble. To-night we three boys went down to a dance in the hall given by the Sewing Club. The boys supplied the "eats" and the girls put up for the hall Dick went down early and went to the picture show first and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Rus. and I got there about half past nine. We had a good though mighty hot time and got home about two o'clock. It has been a nice sunny day but cold raw wind. Tuesday April 14th I didn't do any thing much but chores and sow red clover seed on the wheat east of the orchard. It froze hard last night and by the time I got that piece sowed it was too muddy & wet to sow the other. Rus. Huby & Frank shingled nearly all day at the old house and have it nearly finished. Rus. had to go back to Toronto to-night or they likely would have finished. I drove him down to the train, he said he had a good time while he was here, and felt a lot better than when he came. I drove Dick up town from the station he said he had been very busy all day and would have to work late to-night. I got a bunch of shingles from Tommy and the seed oats we got from Jonas on my way home. There was a school board meeting to-night but Dad. had such a terrible headache he couldn't attend. Frank went down to a nigger show which I suppose he enjoyed. I felt rotten with a cold to-night and nearly coughed my insides out after I went to bed. It has been a lovely day one of the nicest we have had this year, it was fairly hot. The young stock all got back across the gully after dinner and Dad and I had to go back after them we took Bluch on the chain. Wednesday April 15th Huby and Frank finished shingling the old house this morning and Dad. helped them put the ridgeboards on. I just did chores and fooled around. Mr. & Mrs Tupper came in and Tupper wants Dad. to put a team on the road scraper to-morrow if it is a nice day. After dinner Dad. and Enah drove to Simcoe and Lila and I looked after Tiddums with out any trouble. Dad. went up to pay Reid for discharging the mortgage and got all the old papers belonging to the farm. We spent the whole evening exploring them. The deed which gave Colin McNellige the place from the Crown in 1837 is lost but there is a big pile of other deeds and mortgages and the will of old Alexander Clark which {Fa?}. drew up for him, where he leaves the place to his son. Huby finished pruning the orchard this after noon and started to trim up the trees in front of the house Frank worked all the afternoon at the old house. I got twenty four eggs to-day, it is the first time I have got above twenty. It has been very cloudy but not very cold all day. Quint came over this after noon and stayed to tea and fixed the music box. Thursday April 16th I haven't done much to-day but sit around and do chores. I have a pretty bad cold and don't feel up to much Huby and Frank </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> worked at the old house most of the morning and Huby trimmed the trees out in front this after noon. Dad. did chores, went down to Sam. Law's after butter and helped Frank this after noon. Mr. Shand was over for a few minutes to see Dad. about one of his heifers. Art. Quanbury came over to get what eggs I had I only got fifteen to-day and two of my little chickens died. It rained all morning but wasn't a bad after noon, not cold. Friday April 17th Huby and Quint were over before seven this morning to see if the ducks were out in the water hole in the tin alley sod they wern't so they set a lot of musk rat traps for them. Quint was here all morning and he and Huby helped Frank with the old house. Dad. started to dig an anchor post hole at the north west corner of the big barn as he wants to stretch some wire accross the barn yard for the old rail fence will not keep the cattle in this time of year, they are bound to get into the field which they punch all up. I didn't feel much like working so after I got the chores done I started back to the gully. Quint saw me going so got his gun and joined me. He didn't shoot any thing but got a crack at a ground hog but was a little too far away. We found a lot of spring heartys in Robert John's place they were on a sunny side hill. I suppose the mayflower's are out too but we didn't run accross any plants Quint got one blood root. He didn't stay to dinner as he said he wanted to go up the Radical Road after dinner. Huby and Dad continued to dig anchor post holes this after noon and they set a couple of posts with an auger Frank borrowed from Jack Martin. Huby also pruned some more of the pear tree out in front. I started to stretch chicken wire down the fence between the plum orchard and lawn. Allan Law went by at noon with a new horse he sold his little chestnut yesterday, he was going down to work at the school. It has been a beautiful day, sunny and warm. Spring at last. Saturday April 18th Huby and I hung some rails on the bottom of the line fence where Ivy's tile drain runs through there is a depression in the land and the sheep walk right under the fence but we fixed it to hold them I think. This after noon Huby set the rest of the posts accross the barn yard, burned the old brush heap in the pasture field near Ivy's fence which has been there for a couple of years and pruned some more of the trees in front of the house. I stretched the rest of the roll of chicken wire which I started on yesterday, it just reached part way down the plum orchard fence. I also cut a hole in the yard fence and let one pen </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> of hens out to-night they were tickled to death and soon explored the whole plum orchard and most of them got out through the fence where there is no poultry netting. They didn't all find the way back to roost and we found one on a fence post way back the lane. John Wess McBride came over to-night about seven before we had had our tea, and got Dad. to go over and look at one of his mares which was sick. I went back with them and we didn't get back to supper till about half past nine. Dad didn't know what was the matter with the mare. She didn't seem very sick but was breathing very hard when we got there and was a little stiff in the nigh fore leg. Before we left her breathing got better and Dad. said he hadn't the slightest idea what ailed her. John Wess was up all night last night with Ray Lampkin's who died about ten o'clock this morning. Beautiful day, hot. windy to-night. Sunday April 19th Frank went to church and Sunday school this morning and Dick got up at noon had dinner and went down town, with the intention of attending church to-night but the rest of the family stayed home. I didn't like the idea of going to church and coughing or blowing my nose all through service so we just did chores and sat around. Ed. came over this after noon with Marion, he brought over a couple of dandy plans for the pig pen, the side elevation and ground floor plan. Frank stayed at Huby's to dinner. Huby said that Charlie McQueen told him he had seen our hen turkey over in Preston's woods Frank went to look for her but didn't see her. It rained most of the morning but not hard. Cloudy most of the day but very mild The wheat and grass has got very green to-day. Monday April 20th Huby & I spent the whole morning clearing the brush of the lawn and we got it all nicely raked and the brush piled in the plum orchard. Dad. put in the forenoon receiving visitors Dick Faulmsbe was the first caller. Billy {Faloun?} then came in for a long time. He has a sick horse and Bruce wanted him to get Dad's advice. He said {Buse?} was just about bushed, he had been practicing night and day and every thing he has been doctoring this spring has died. Charlie Martin then "dropped in on us" for awhile and the purport of his mission was to ascertain whether it would be convenient to smoke his meat in our smoke house. As Dad. has our meat just about ready to smoke, he told Charlie to bring his over any time so he came over with five pieces after dinner This after noon we put the fence up against the posts in the barn yard. We braced one anchor post well by putting wire around it and around the corner post in the barn but we couldn't stretch the wire tight although we had </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> all of old Mr. Walker's outfit but the other anchor post was in very soft earth and the brace post was fairly floating. We forgot to get any staples so couldn't fasten it to the posts but we got so that we think it will keep the cattle out in till we can stretch it better. It has been cloudy and rather raw all day and drizzled & rained all the after noon. Mrs McBride was here washing all day. Huby brought over the grape vine that was down at the boat house and planted it along the front fence it has a big root & stalk. Tuesday April 21st Huby brought over another grape vine this morning and set it out down under the old willow. After breakfast he and I set fire to the pile of brush in the plum orchard it didn't burn very fast but it nearly all burned up. Dad. was very busy attending to a new bull calf which arrived this morning and for whose arrival Bobbie is responsible. We hung the meat in the smoke house and he and Huby started to build a stake and rider fence four panels long from the north west corner of the old barn to within a gate's width of the north anchor post of the new fence. We got it up by noon and it is a dandy about seven feet high I went over to Jack Martin's with some eggs and to ask him about getting an incubator as I think I will have to have one or no chickens none of the hens show any symptoms of wanting to sit. I found out he has one he wants to sell it being to small or something for him. It is a "Peerless" and he said he would let me have it and the brooder for half price or seventeen dollars. He told me he was paying me 36 cts a dozen for my eggs, so I have sold him more than enough eggs to pay for the outfit. This after noon we built five more panels of stake & rider fence from the north east corner of the big barn to the north west corner of the horse stable and we fixed up an old gate to put at the gate way between the old barn and new fence at the end of the rail fence we built this morning. We didn't get it quite fixed but set it up so now have the barnyard pretty well fenced. John Wess was in to-night to see if it would be all right to work his mare to-morrow. Dad. said he thought it would be all right for although her leg is swollen she seems all right every other way. Cloudy and raw all day. Wednesday April 22nd Huby didn't get over till late this morning he had gone over to Stickney's to get his rubber boots fixed and then up to Val. Leaney's to see Bill Rankin about fixing an old saw he has and he saw so many people that he couldn't get away but when he did get here we hooked old Harry to the stone boat and started to clean the brush out of the orchard, we hauled it up to the far end of the orchard and piled it </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> where we burned it before. This morning we just had the little stone boat but it took such a small load that Dad. nailed a couple of boards to it and we found we could put more than twice as much on but when we started up the brush caught on the ground and the stone boat pulled out from under it, but Dad. got another board and put down the middle so there was no space for the brush to stick in the ground and it went all right. Huby and I went up with every load one on each side with a bar jammed into the brush for a lever to hold it on. We put on big loads and packed them well by taking the long iron bar and putting it accross the top of the load every now and then and one got on each end of the bar and bear down with all our weight and every now and then Huby would walk up the load and tramp on it. By to-night we had nearly all the brush which was separated from the big limbs cleaned up, spare moments Huby painted the places on the trees where he cut big limbs off and has got over most of the trees. Alfred paid us a visit this after noon he had come up the gully with a fish spear on a "wild goose chase" so he said and just stopped in on his way home. By today's paper we see that the Mexican war with the U.S. has started. The Americans have taken the Vera Cruz custom house with only four of their men killed and about 200 Mexicans. Canon Hicks died yesterday with pneumonia so Dick told us. It has been a lovely sunny day with a drying breeze. Thursday April 23rd We finished the orchard up to-day, it looks very nice and neat. We got the brush all hauled up by noon but are going to leave it till Saturday if it is a nice day so Lila can see it. We hauled the big limbs up and piled them between the old house and the woodshed. We also hauled the old stump of the dead tree that we cut down last winter up to the house and to-night before we took old Harry of the stone boat Huby and I hauled the old shoes which have been in the garret over the old house since the days of Titus up to the brush pile and dumped them. There was an awful pile of them. Huby brought over some suckers with him this morning that Quint caught and Frank went fishing after school to-night and caught seven perch down at the pier. They are about the first he has got since he has been here. Enah got a letter from Louise to-day inviting her down next Wednesday night to hear the new organ in St. Pauls cathedral. It is supposed to be the best organ in America and they are having the best payed organist in the world to play it so it ought to be good. Of course she said she couldn't go but there is no reason what ever why she can't as so I guess she will </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> It has been a nice sunny day but a cold raw wind this morning. I got twenty three eggs from the white chickens alone to-day. Friday April 24th After we did up the chores this morning Huby and I went back with some old rags and a bottle of crude oil to make torches to burn of the blue grass field. It was just the day for the job with a little east wind and when we set fire at the east end of the field it swept over the whole area in no time. It burned quite a few of the fence posts and the first thing we knew it was in the wood. It was not burning fast in there but was spreading steadily Huby said we would have a very hard job putting it out and we might better let it go as it would be a good thing to clean the ground up and was not hot enough to hurt the little trees. He didn't think it would burn far any way so we took a walk over to McQueens in quest of the lost turkey hen, we found Charlie at the black smith trade shoeing a team for Phil {Shaver?} and the old man outside. As John Henry Butler is about dead and Ralph Waddle is sick Charlie picks up quite a lot of business. Coming home Huby and I separated and looked both sides of McQueens gully and through Preston's wood. We had Bluch and he put up a rabbit but we saw no sign of the turkey but just as we were about home coming along the top of Ivey's gully Bluch scared her up, we didn't find her nest but left her back there. It was nearly noon when we got to our gully and we thought of coming up to dinner but on second thought we decided to see how the fire in the wood was progressing. The blue grass field was black all over but the wood was full of smoke and after we got in a little way we found Dad. who had seen the fire in the wood and come back and had been fighting to keep it away from Evan's fence. It had got pretty well all through the wood but hadn't got to the fence yet, we all three fought for an hour or so and at last got it about stamped out of course there were stumps on fire. I was by myself most of the time and Huby and Dad had an awful time trying to keep it away from a few panels of rail fence between us and John Wess but about one or after we thought it was safe to leave till after dinner, then Huby and I went back again. We found it all out through the wood except a few stumps but it had started up at the fence again and completely destroyed it for a fence as the rails in two panels were nearly burned up and we had to tear them down and throw them on to the burnt territory. It had also started in the grass on the other side again and if we had been a few minutes later it would have been into Evan's wood and we would have had our morning's fun repeated. We were back there all the after noon trimming </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the trees along the edge of the wood whose branches hang over the field. We looked at the fence again before we came up to-night but it seemed to be out so we left. It looks like rain to-night and if it does that will fix it. Nice day but cloudy. Dad started disking on the corn stubble this morning but found it too wet in spots. Sam Law was harrowing they are the only ones I know of around here who have tried it at all Saturday April 25 It was raining when we got up this morning but cleared of during the fore noon. Huby came over and worked at the old house and sawed wood most of the day. I spent most of the morning making a hopper for my little chickens so the turkeys can't steal their food. This after noon I drove Enah down to doo some shopping and she walked back Lila came over this after noon. Win was coming over but she thought it would be too wet to burn the bonfire in the orchard so didn't come when I got home, we went out to try it, it was a little too wet but Huby got a fire started in one place and it would probably have gone but a big thunder storm came up about six and not only quenched the fire but drove them all in from looking after it. Huby and Lila stayed to tea but as it stopped raining they went down afterwards. Dad. Frank & I had a bath to-night (for a change). There was another editorial in the "Maple Leaf" everlastingly raking Vyse down. Every body seems to think Vyse will try to enter a libel suit against L.G. but I guess its all true about him Sunday April 26th I was up fairly early this morning so was able to get the chores all done, get ready and drive Enah down to church on time. There was a very short service and no sermon as Mr. Johnson felt sick. This after noon I went down town for a little while. I went around by Hubys and found him pruning his apple trees he is getting them in pretty nice shape. Dick went through his Sabbath routine. Frank went back to the gully and the rest of the family stayed home for company's sake. Cloudy and breezy all day not a bad day. Monday April 27th I finished making my little chicken feed hopper this morning all but putting the hinges on the lid. I didn't do any thing else much. Huby didn't get over till late this morning as he waited for Stickney to see if he had the post auger, he hadn't but said Stocker would make it and some of them would bring it down in a day or two. Sam Law came over after Dad. to go down and see his pig. Huby brought down over some stone nest eggs and put them in the various turkey nests. This after noon Dad. spent the after noon getting his hair cut and Huby and I sorted the apples and cleaned out the cellar. Tonight I went down to band practice. Harry Moon wasn't there but we had a good practice Murray was there with his picilo and a new man who is learning the clarinet. Cloudy mostly cool </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday April 28th We didn't get much done this morning. Huby and I cleaned out the wood shed and chored around. This after noon I took some eggs (three dozen) over to Jack Martin's. I am going to save all the eggs from both pens now for myself till I get enough to fill the incubator. I have ninety three now. I got twenty five altogether to-day, the most I have got yet. Sam. Law came after Dad. again to go and see a cow. When we got back we made some alterations in the site of the building in the back yard and to-night the view from the dining room window is considerably improved. Tupper was in to-night to say that he wants Dad. to put a team on the road scraper to-morrow but it is raining to-night so we will probably be relieved from the job. Cousin Clare came over this morning to stay till Enah gets back from Toronto. It has been very hot and muggy all day feels very much like rain. Wednesday April 29th I got up about four this morning and the rest of the family soon after. Dad. drove Enah down to the station, and as Belle was a little nervous of the train shunting around he let her out a little way up the street just as Mr. Barwell came along he was bound for Toronto too so she was alright. Huby came back with Dad. I didn't do much to-day except plant out some little daisy plants in the front border bed and fix it up a little. Cousin Clare brought the plants over. I had to stay with Tiddums a little while after dinner. He has been very good all day especially as he hasn't been able to be out although he is lonesome of course. Huby worked around out side and cleaned out the old house nicely. Jim Waddle came after Dad. just before dinner to go and see a sick colt and he didn't get back till about three o'clock. It has been a miserable day. Cloudy and chilly. Rained a lot during the night and drizzled off and on all day. Thursday April 30th Frank McBride came over before breakfast this morning with some maple syrup which Mrs. Carpenter sent to Frank. He told us just where we Aleta had found the turkey's nest in Ivey's gully over near Preston's fence, so after breakfast Huby and I went back to look for it, we found the place but didn't see any nest so went over to ask Aleta. On our way over we saw the old turkey on the other side of Preston's wood. Aleta told us the nest was just where she we had been looking but as she had taken the eggs out of it, we thought she might have moved so went down to the mill to ask Clarence Ferris as he had found it before and taken two eggs out. He said it was in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the same place, we got the two eggs from him and the five Aleta had taken and went back and found what we supposed to be the empty nest but although we searched for quite awhile we could find no sign of the old turkey. We brought the eggs home and and got Huby's gloves which have been back at the wood ever since the fire. This after noon Huby lined out his ditch at the end of the old garden and got it started the whole length. I did chores and fooled around and Dad. put in most of the day minding Tiddums who is terribly home-sick. Winnie came over after school while he was alone with Cousin Clare and she supposes he thought it was Enah for when he was terribly disappointed when he recognised Win. To-night I went down to a surprise party of Hazel Silverthorne's. The sewing club was meeting at her place and she invited eight or nine boys over, we all rounded up at the bank and went over in a body. We played pedro which I don't know any more about than I do about making toads, but still I would have had a great time only my head ached and I felt rather sick for some unknown reason. We also played a lot of other games to add to the card playing score. One table blew bubbles, another cut out paper dolls, another speared peanuts in a bowl with hat pins, next played crocono, next snipped buttons and the other made some sort of rhymes, we had dandy refreshments but I couldn't take much and felt so rotten before I left that I forgot to say good-night. Dad. went down and met Enah. She said she had a great time "to the city" and enjoyed the organ very much. Tiddums was glad to see her but didn't kick up much fuss over it. Art. Quanbury came over to-night with my incubator and brooder. Nice day but rather raw. Friday May 1st Huby and I put on a small load of hay this morning and this after noon Dad. hauled it over to the barn for the cows we then put on a pretty good sized load and Dad. & Huby unloaded it in the horse stable, while I took little Joe and drove Cousin Clare home. Tupper came over this morning to get Dad. to put a team on the road scraper, but Dad rode down with him to Sam Law's and got him to go on instead. Whit. Dixon came in while he was gone after a pig for Bob. Miller, he brought two of the most horrible looking sheep I ever saw. He said Bob. had had them down in the barn in a crate and nobody fed them much except Mrs. Tate. He said Bob. wanted him to bring them over here and if Dad. didn't want to keep them till they got in shape to kill to leave them for a few days anyway, Whit. said he supposed Bob. thought if he got them unloaded here they would stay. The poor things could hardly stand up when </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> they took them out of the waggon and they have been gorming grass ever since they got loose. Whit. was telling Huby and me all about his western experiences, he is sick of it. We sent down the biggest pig with Whit. Huby worked. Mrs. McBride was here all day housecleaning. Sunny with cool breeze. Saturday May 2nd After I did chores this morning I went over to Martin's and borrowed Art Quanbury's spirit level and leveled up my incubator and started the lamp going, I won't put the eggs in till I see how it is going to go. George Holden and his brother brought the fifty Carolina poplars and the two English wallnuts. I heeled them in the garden and this after noon Huby and I planted them out. We planted the two wallnuts out in front. They were very healthy looking trees and a good size. It was pretty late when we got them planted so we just took ten poplars back to the gully, we put them out in the east end of the gully mostly on the flat. but a couple on the hill, we stuck slips in all over mostly on ant hills. We didn't get back till about seven o'clock. Huby stayed to tea and he and Frank set fire to the bonfire in the orchard but it didn't burn well and they had to leave it after being out there an hour or two, sunny and nice to-day but cool Sunday May 3rd Dad. and I intended going to church to-day but. First of all we didn't get up very early, then Fred's calf got into the pig yard and the old sow got out so Dad. had to fix it. Then I noticed old split ear walking lame over in the pasture and we found the wall of her foot was turned over. While we were trimming her feet up, Mr. Brirely came along and stayed till about noon telling us all about chickens and things. He said he would come over in a night or two to see if the incubator is going all right. I think I will fill it up to-morrow. I have the temperature up to about 103° now. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove out to Jim Waddle's. I just sat around the house while they were gone and read a little, snoozed a little, practiced a little on my horn and a little on the guitar. Frank went back to the gully but I don't think it had changed much since last night, he got some wild flowers. Dick spent the after noon in town, which I have no doubt he also will find in much the same condition as when he last saw it. He will likely go to church to-night. It has been a lovely day quite hot. Dad is afraid it will rain before long if it doesn't we are going to start work on the land to-morrow if all is well. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday May 4th We got a fairly early start this morning and I had both teams cleaned and ready to slap the harness on and start farming but just about seven it began to rain. It didn't last long but plenty long enough to put an end to starting operations to-day. It came out sunny and a nice breeze after the shower but this after noon it was more cloudy and threatening. It is very hot and lightening to-night. Dad. and Huby fixed the wind mill rod which Dad. broke yesterday and I took Art Quanbury's spirit level back and got a few final instructions about the incubator. I filled it up about noon and by to-night she was up to 97° and blowing off. I didn't know whether to regulate it or not but I happened to overtake Mr. Brirely coming home to-night and he told me I should. This after noon Dad. and Huby went back to the gully and fixed the fence as well as they could as there will soon bee picking enough to let the young stock out I started to grub out the trees between along the fence between the plum orchard. I got a couple of little plum trees out but didn't get any of the cherries {out?} We want to set out a cedar hedge along there if we ever get time. I went down to band practice to-night and we had pretty fair practice. Harry Moon wasn't there but Mid. is back home now and he was there. Tuesday May 5th It was pouring rain when we got up this morning and kept it up till the middle of the after noon and it had been raining most of the night. Dad was pretty well disgusted but that didn't seem to do much good. I got a loaf of bread last night and left it up in the band room so this morning I drove Dick down town and went up and got it. Dick had a bad toothache last night. Huby hadn't come over so I went around and got him, he thought there wouldn't be any thing to do if it rained but he came over so to be there in case it cleared up. We didn't do any thing much all day. He worked at the old house tacking up old window blinds for wall covering. He brought a lot of burlap over the other day and is going to use it to but the wind blows through it more that it does the blinds. He scraped some of the apple trees when it quit raining. Enah broke a tooth to-day so had to go down and get it fixed while Dad. minded Tiddums. Wednesday May 6th I didn't get up till late this morning, and haven't done any thing much but chores all day. I had to turn my eggs in the incubator twice to-day. Huby and Dad. squared up the old block they got from the dead apple </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> tree in the orchard. It make a beauty and is good and solid. Huby dug quite a bit at his ditch and Dad. took the storm windows off. Whit Dixon came in this after noon and got another pig. Two other fellows were in they wanted Dad. to go down to Henderson's to-night and have a look at their big black Percheron stallion. They want to travel him down this way. Dad. got notice of a school board meeting to-night so he went down. I got chores done up early hoping to take Osprey out for a run before dark but it began to rain just before dark. It has been very hot all day and felt like rain. I don't think it rained very hard nor long Winnie & Jonny Miller were over for awhile before tea. Thursday May 7th We put the halter on Pommer's for the first time this morning and tied him in Joes stall for awhile, he was pretty crazy at first but soon quieted down when he found there was no use fighting. We put the harness on Osprey and I took him down to the corner and back. He felt pretty gay and looked fine. Dad. and Huby cleaned up a lot more of the old barn floor. This after noon we hooked up Osprey and Harry to the waggon and the whole three of us went down to Billy Cunningham's to get Dave's cart. We found him and Billy Loan building a house. He said he had brought the cart up to Bobbie McMullins two or three weeks ago so Huby is going to bring it over in the morning We got a couple of nice little silver birch trees in Hammond's back on our way home and Huby set one out on the lawn. He wants to put the other in the gully. We saw Tom Abbot and he gave us our cream check. It wasn't very high this month as butter has gone down. We only got a little over 19 dollars. Tom told us that Wilbur and Orpha Ryersie are the proud parents of a daughter. We met another man with an Iron grey Percheron stallion to-day. Huby said he liked the black one the best, but Dad. liked this one the best in some ways although he had poor legs. T.A. Ivey was in this morning to have his old mare's teeth fixed and also to get Dad to attend a friendly meeting to the farmer's who will be affected by some ditch on the other road that he wants the council to put in. It won't really affect any body much but him. Osprey went fine we had a stay chain on old Harry's double tire. None of the farmers down that way have any oats in and we didn't see any wheat that could beat ours east of the orchard. It has been very nice to-day and clear to-night. Tiddums isn't very well to-night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday May 8th Huby went around by Bobbie McMullin's this morning to see if he had our cart done but it wasn't quite finished. He took the other birch trees back to the gully and planted it out and set two little ones which were in the earth at the roots of the other one. Dad and I started to measure the distance from the road to the gully along the lane and orchard fence so as to get the fence we are going to put along the top of the gully the same distance from the road (concession) at the east end as at the west where it joins the lane fence at right angles. We got as far as the north orchard fence at right an when it was raining so hard we had to stop. Huby. put some more burlap and paper on the walls of the shop and late this after noon dug some more at his ditch. This after noon Dad. went down to Sam. Law's after the butter and I took a couple of dozen eggs over to Quanbury's as John was over and said Art. wanted to get them I had quite a visit with Charlie who was planting potatoes. He has his garden nearly all in and it looks fine. Enah went down to the Methodist church for choir practice as they want her to sing with the "Mothers day bunch" on Sunday. Frank went down with her intending I think to take in the movie. Tiddums doesn't feel very well yet. I started to cut the lawn to day but it was not long enough for the lawn mower. I couldn't see where I had gone. Saturday May 9th I started after breakfast towards town to head Huby off with the cart he was going to haul over because as we were going down in the waggon we thought it was too bad for him to draw it all the way over here, but when I got to Martin's I saw Art Quanbury and he was showing me how to test eggs and when I got back to the side walk Huby had come and as he had got so far he persisted in taking it all the way. It was a good cart but will need a little patching. We then hooked up Harry and Belle to the waggon and went down town. We got four big anchor posts and four small posts, some siding for the shop, lime for the chicken house and plaster for the kitchen. We saw Harry Ansley and he gave us three nice white fish. This after noon I took some eggs over to Martin's. Art Quanbury wanted another half dozen, he wanted two settings instead of two dozen. Huby planted out a lot more of the poplars along the rail fence. I went out with him when I got back and we got a lot put out on both sides of the corner field. Mr. Lawrie was here when we came up. He Huby and Lila stayed to tea. Lila came over this after noon and rode Frank's bicycle and she and Frank went back to the wood. Frank put a lot of the siding on the shop. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dad. has felt very miserable all day and his muscles ache all over his body. Up till to-day it has just been in his arms. He is afraid it is rheumatism. It has been a lovely day. Quite hot this morning but nice fresh breeze this after noon. Sunday May 10th We got up rather late this morning and I have had my old clothes on all day. Frank went down to Sunday school but didn't go to church this morning I drove Enah down and on my way home fell in with Jimmy and Billie Rankin who boned me for a ride so I brought them over to see Bluch who was overjoyed to see them. They went back to the gully with Frank and got some flowers and went home with Dick when he drove down after Enah. It rained a little now and then during the day so I think Frank was prevented from making his periodical call on the gully this after noon but Dick went down town. He was pretty tired last night and had some excuse for sleeping all morning. Wiggins offered him a quarter yesterday if he would cut the lawn around the bank so he started in at two o'clock, when he got it done Mr. Hobbes offered him double the price of cutting the two lawns if he would cut his lawn too so Dick kept right at it till eight o'clock and then with out any supper started to work at his balance sheets or whatever it was. This morning his hands were blistered all over and as he didn't get up to breakfast he went twenty four hours without a meal but made $1.30 out of it. He has been ledger seeker for the last week and balanced up very easily the other night. To-night I drove Enah and Frank down to church Enah turned Methodist for to-night as she is going to sing with the mothers this being their "day" I met Hazen on his way over to tak his girl to church so I gave him a ride over. When I let him out at Flemming's, I found Bluch who in spite of all our commands to go home had followed us down was not following me back so I went back and as I expected found him at Rankin's. After quite a lot of coaxing I induced him to get into the buggy and brought him home. It would have been a nice day but for a shower ever now and then. Tiddums feels very rotten to-day - cutting teeth. Monday May 11th It rained a good deal to-day so we didn't do very much, but remark on the inclemencey of the weather. We saw Reeve Vyse go past with his disks just before it began to rain but after going a few rounds it chased him in. We could see old Sam </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> at it for quite awhile but at last he had to give up no doubt in disgust. Dad. and I put on a load of hay this morning and Huby oiled up the little dining room stove and pipes and put it away. This after noon I made a bootjack. I have tugged and pulled and nearly broken the rungs out of the kitchen chairs ever since I have got my rubber boots trying to pull them off at night and now when it is about sollid enough to do with out them I have made a neat little boot jack; however it will be ready for next season and I have hung it handy in the wood shed for us anytime we get mad. Huby covered more of the walls of the shop with some stiff wrapping paper he got from Tip. Varey and tinkered around. Dad. minded Tiddums who is fare from scoocum to-day. Geordie Allan was over for a little while, he is just up to Dover for a visit. To-night Chris Quanbury came over and test my eggs for me, he found 32 infertile out of the 138 which he said was a better test than most of theirs were doing. It is just about 23% bad. Raining hard with thunder and lightening to-nigh. Tuesday May 12th It poured rain nearly all day. It let up for awhile at noon and hasn't rained much since five to-night, but there was a steady downpour the rest of the time. Every thing is covered with water, and it looks as if we'd have to postpone some of the features in the game of farming for another season. I was pretty busy all day. This morning I cleaned all the straw out of the hen houses and this after noon started to white wash them. I couldn't find the white wash brush so I had to use a broom so I don't know whether it will make much improvement in appearance but will smarten the place up. I got the pen this way white washed and part of the one we brought over from Huby's and used a pail of white wash, then I had to quit to do chores. Huby came over this after noon and worked at the old house. Dad did think of taking Joe down to Bobby McMullan to be shod but when he was ready thought better of it. Tom. Abbot came after the cream this morning and request Dad not to mention the weather, he hears enough about it. Wednesday May 13th I finished white washing the other hen house this morning. I did white wash the pen where the colored hens are as I had no place to let them out and they make such a fuss if I try to work with them in there. Huby scraped some of the trees in the orchard this morning but it started to rain so he came in and worked at the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> { Error in page number} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Error in page number} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Wednesday May 13th continued} shop it didn't rain long but he worked in there most of the day. He put some of the white wash I had left over on the trees he scraped. Dad. took Joe down to be shod this morning but Bobby McMillian's shop was full so he came home. He doesn't want to take her to Joe Howel for fear she will make him mad, and he says Ralph Waddle knows too much. Bob. Davis was in this after noon with Bycler's big black horse. He is certainly a nice looking one. I put another broody hen up over the hog pen to-night. I don't know whether she will sit or not as I didn't notice her setting till to-day. It has been cloudy all day with a little rain before dinner and to-night the sun was out. Thursday May 14th We spent quite awhile giving Pommers a lesson on the halter. We took both the colts out and I held Queen while Dad. and Huby worked awhile with Pommers. We then let them run in the front field the rest of the day. We put Joe in the box stall for the day and Dave in Joe's stall but put them all back in to night and Dave out, he was pretty lonesome as we let all the young stock back the lane to-day and left them back. We let the cows back too but didn't let them out after they were milked to-night. This after noon Dad. put the harness on Dave and took him down the road a little way. It was the first time he has had a bit in his mouth so didn't do so badly. When we get him broken Huby is going to take him for his driver. We are very glad we didn't shoot him last fall as we intended. This morning we three boys went back and fixed a good set a bars from the gully into the blue grass field on the west side next John Wess's (the field not the bars). Dad cut new bars in the wood. We took the chain back and measured our share of John Wess's line fence. It was just 10 chains and one foot. We want to put up a new fence there if we can. This after noon Dad. and I put off the load of hay we loaded up for the horse stable the other day and Huby put out the rest of the young poplars. Stan Lowrie was in this morning to have Dad. look at his horse's mouth. He says some of them down there around Nanticoke have oats in but they are afraid after this rain they will rot in the ground. The rain caused a lot of damage up in Western Ontario, The whole country was flooded in places and they say even barns floated off their foundations. Poor Tiddums is pretty sick to-night. Cutting teeth, whooping cough and fever. Lovely day sunny & mild. Friday May 15th I got up about four o'clock this morning to choke off the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> alarm clock. I wanted to get out anyway before the hens did as I discovered yesterday that the old duck was laying in the chicken yard and so I wanted to leave the yard open for her to get in during the night but as I don't let the same pen out two days in succession I had to get up before the hens to shut it up. I didn't think to shut them in the house but I will hereafter I hope. Dick brought home word last night that Mr. Hobbes wanted two settings of eggs so I went over to ask Jack Martin if he wanted them especially but he wasn't home and Chris was down town so I sent them down. Vyse was over for awhile, after breakfast Huby got the brush heap in the orchard burned at last. I threw the brush out of the pig yard and helped him carry it over to the fire. After we burned it we started to clean up the wheat. We got it all cleaned by about half past four this after noon. There was only about forty bushels of it cleaned we put a coarse seive in the bottom so got a lot of stuff in the drip box nearly enough to fill up the chicken feed bin. When we got it done Huby and I tore down and piled up handy to where we could get them with the waggon what few rails were left from the old barn yard fence. Sunny but raw wind all day. Sam Law was on his field to-day but Tom Abbot says it is very mucky. Poor Tiddums is very miserable, the whooping cough is back again. Saturday May 16th Lila came over with Huby first thing this morning and has been over all day. Jim Bannister sent over word with them for Dad. to come over as his mare was just foaling. Dad. has been over two or three times during the day - and is there now with Frank. Burt is there from Simcoe, and Dad. says he is afraid Jim will lose the mare, the colt I think is dead. Dad. and I hauled up a load of rails this morning from the old barn yard fence and then took the wheat to the mill. We made two trips of it and took down three sacks of oats for chop. We had 44 bushels and 14 lbs of wheat and it is just a dollar a bushel so we did gain a little by waiting after all. After dinner Huby and I went back to the wood and were gone nearly all the after noon but we got a beautiful little elm and set it out out here near the drive house and just behind the anchor post for this lane fence, we got it out in the open and it is a perfect shape and as we didnt cut much of the top off it will be pretty from the first. Frank and Lila went back with us but went the other way when we got to the gully and got a lot of flowers and some merels which Huby found the other day and told them about. Our little tree was all out in leaf but Huby took great pains in planting it, and he thinks </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> with the attention we will be able to give it being so near the house that it will grow. Dad. was going down town this afternoon but as we didn't get back he didn't go so I helped him milk and then hooked up Joe and took Huby & Lila down, we took Win in at Uncle Ward's and she went up and got the stuff for me. I gave Joe Thompson a lift over the hill and old Mrs. Martin home from about Chris Quanbury's. Lovely day sunny and dry. Messers Flemming & Evans scraped the road again. Sunday May 17th Frank went down alone to church and Sunday School this morning. After breakfast Dad. and I went over to Jim Bannister's for a little while, the mare was dead and buried. Vyse was there and Jack Spain soon came. When we got home, we hooked Joe and Osprey up to the buggy and took them around the block. Joe was the worst colt of the two but they went fine. Dick got up for dinner and he and I played catch for awhile before he went down town. Then Frank and I went back to the gully and went in for a swim in Robert John's big pool. The water was pretty cold at first but after we got out and let the wind blow more it felt warm to get in. I came home about four and unintentionally went to sleep. Dad. Enah and Tiddums were all out for a drive and while things were in this condition Mr. & Mrs. John Shand came, they never woke me up and so thought no one was home, pinned a note on the door and left but Dad. and Enah just came along as they were going out the lane so they came back. I got the chores done as quickly as possible and got ready and went down to church. I overtook Quint. After church I went up with him to see Big George about a fishing excursion to-morrow but he wasn't home so Quint came over as far as Martin's with me. Dick came along while we were talking. He said he felt pretty sick so we came home and he went to bed. It has been a lovely day, Sunny and a little breeze. Monday May 18th I woke up about three o'clock and heard Dad prowling around, he said he had just come back from town. Al Faulkner had come over after him to go and see his colt, which had got tangled up in the halter shank and was in awful shape. I got up at four o'clock and would have been ready to get a good early start on the land but for visitors. First Mr. Porter drove in then a little while afterwards old Mr. Duncan, he had what he thought to be a sick cow and wanted Dad </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to go up so Dad. didn't get out at all this morning and I didn't till about nine. When Dick got up he felt very miserable and was bound to go to work but they persuaded him not to so he lay down and slept most of the day and Dad. on his way to Duncan's stopped in and told Wiggins. Huby and Dad. started for Duncan's but met old Bill who told them the horse cow was alright. I got over the field once lengthwise with the disks and started to go again and Dad. gave it a good harrowing this afternoon. Huby took my team for awhile after dinner while I got a rest ready to set a hen. Sam. Law came over and borrowed the drill at noon, he has his piece about in shape. Mrs McBride was here washing all day. To-night I went down to band practice and didn't get to bed till eleven Lovely day sunny and not too hot Tuesday May 19th I was up at four again this morning, the way I manage it I wind the alarm clock up so it will ring for quite awhile and set it over on the bureau where I can't reach it from the bed. Then in the morning it makes such a clatter that I can't stand the noise so have to get up to smother it and once I'm up I stay up although I felt pretty tough for awhile this morning. Try as we did we weren't able to get in the field before eight, but we got both teams started about the same time and got a pretty good day in I finished the field lengthwise and got more than half over it crosswise. Dad harrowed it both ways and is now following me down crosswise with the harrows. He thinks when we get done that way, it will be in good shape to drill. It was a hard day on the poor little team, they are too tired to eat to-night. I had to make several trips to the ditch to swab my eyes off with cold water and keep them from going to sleep. Old Bluch plodded up and down after the disks all day long. Once I took the little team and harrowed to keep awake when I wasn't near the ditch and poor Bluch was badly puzzled. He didn't know which one of us to follow. Sam Law brought the drill back and left it in the field. Vyse drilled his piece in to-day. I set two hens to-night on thirty eggs. Huby worked around here and helped mind Tiddums all day. Dick felt better to-day but didn't go to work. He went down town this after noon to get his tooth fixed and didn't feel quite so well to-night. Cars. Rankin went by here to-day with an automobile they just bought. They have started to take down the dam bridge. They are going to put up a new stone one. It has been a nice day but pretty hot. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday May 20th Four o'clock for mine again this morning and I didn't feel so sleepy during the day as I got to bed at ten last night. I did have one little short snooze on the disks while the horses were resting. Water is getting pretty hard to find now, but I located some in the wood to swab my eyes with. I got out soon after eight, and finished cross disking then hooked on the harrows and cross harrowed from where Dad left off till noon. Dad. didn't get out till ten o'clock owing to divers hindrances, so he started right in to drill. He put Jonas' oats in on the north headland they went two drill widths the width of the field and quite a few left over. He took out four big two bushel and a half bags and had the drill set for sowing 2 bushels and a peck and used all the seed and didn't quite finish to-night so there is something wrong as we didn't think there was more than four acres in the field. I finished cross harrowing soon after dinner and then took the disks back to the field accross the gully, and got over quite a chunk of it. Huby sowed clover seed to-day on the piece of wheat north of the orchard he also cleaned up around the shop a lot. Dick went to work to-day although he is far from well. It has been fine and pretty hot to-day. Thursday May 21st I didn't get over the gully to work till nearly nine o'clock so didn't get through disking till after dinner I then started over it again lengthways with the disks a notch deeper. Dad. finished drilling in the other field, harrowed it all over and brought the harrows back and got a good chunk done in the back field. Huby didn't come over this morning till noon as he had some insurance to attend to. Dick has been home all day and has a pretty sore throat. Fine and sultry. Friday May 22nd Dad. had to take my team this morning to run the ditches in the field we have in so I hooked up Joe and took my eggs over to Jack Martin and took Dick down to see Dr. Cook. He gave Dick some pills and I think told him he would be alright soon. When we got home I got a little ice out and put it in the refrigerator which we placed in the kitchen this morning. Dad. had gone back over the gully and was disking but about the time we got home it began to rain. It rained hard enough to persuade Dad. to come in and then stopped for the day although it has been cloudy. Dad. helped me take the old bits of sacking from the chicken house windows and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> put in poultry fencing. Dad. and I went back after dinner and he harrowed and I disked but didn't get quite over the piece. I had to stop for awhile to drive a herd of cattle into out of Sam Law's wheat. I took Bluch and he chased them into the wood's so I suppose they were Art Ryersies. Huby had more insurance to look after so didn't get over till after dinner. I got up at four o'cock this morning but went to sleep saying my prayers and slumbered peacefully till nearly five. Tom Abbot told us this morning that Edna Sidway isn't expected to live. Saturday May 23rd Dad. and I got a fairly good day's work in on the land to-day, he harrowed and I disked. I am part way over it crossways and have the disks set in the last hole but one except on the sand knolls. It makes them {lug?}. John Wess was over for a long time this morning talking to Dad. He is working on his buckwheat stubble. Huby and Lila came over this morning early and during the fore noon Quint and Charlie Ferris brought a ferrit over. They were going to put him after the rats under the corn crib but he was so big he couldn't get into their holes. They burned the three corn shocks in the field but didn't get any there either. Huby cleaned the ditches most of the afternoon in the sowed field. He got a toad and put on the front lawn to eat ants. Dick was better to-day and was down town this after noon, but Frank is all in to-day. He took the lawn mower down to be sharpened but feels tough. Quite cold to-day but mostly sunny. Sunday May 24th I haven't been off the place all day. I intended to go to church to-night but went to sleep before tea so couldn't get ready in time. Dad. and Enah & Tiddums drove down with Joe & Ginger this morning. They left Tiddums with Huby while they went to church and Huby took him up to the dam in the scow. There was no organist at church till Enah got there so she had to go down to-night again alone. Elva has quit for sure. I sat around and read nearly all day. This morning when I took the eggs out of the incubator to caul them I could hear the chickens peeping and one or two eggs chipped. To-night one chick is out. Dick got up and went to church this morning stayed at Huby's to dinner, down town all the after noon and came home to tea to-night. Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and back to the gully this after noon. Lovely day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday May 25th Dad. and I both got a pretty fair early start this morning and I nearly finished crossdisking by noon. He drilled all morning but after dinner harrowed with the little team till after dinner I finished disking then took my team and hooked on the drill I finished harrowing with his team only went lengthways instead of crossways which made a much better job. When I finished I brought the little team and the disks up but Dad. stayed back till about seven o'clock and finished drilling. Jack Hodge and family just drove in as I came up and startled poor Huby who was running around in his bare feet. Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's with some eggs and I wanted to ask Chris about the brooder. There is an awful grist of chickens out. We sprinkled the eggs that weren't hatched again to-night and I put a fire in the brooder. The boys had holidays to-day but Dick was down town all day working part of the time. Frank worked around home and he and Tony Bannister went back to the gully. Jonas came over in high glee this morning he says he has the prettiest little colt he ever saw, he told Dad. that he and the woman had to dance for the joy of it. It has been very sultry all day and looked very like rain this morning, fresh breeze to-night. Tuesday May 26th I didn't get up till half past four this morning, but it rained a little so we couldn't go back first thing any way. Dad. took 38 little chickens out of the incubator and put them in the brooder this morning. I went over and got a little grit and charcoal to feed them from Chris. He says not to give them anything for forty eight hours. Dad. thinks they will all starve to death before that. After dinner we took 23 more out and there are still five or six just hatched. A lot of them have died in the shell after they got it all picked ready to come out. Just before dinner Dad. took the big team and roller back and started roll the back field as we thought that would just break all the lumps nicely. After dinner I went back and hooked on the roller and he came back about an hour later and started to harrow after me. He harrowed till I finished rolling about five o'clock, then he came up with his little team and the roller and I finished harrowing it took me till about seven. Huby. didn't come over this morning but was here this after-noon. He worked at the ditch, sawed wood and minded Tiddums & Frank brought home the news that poor Edna Sidway is dead. It has been way hot and sultry all day but quite a strong breeze. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday May 27th Dad. helped me carry my incubator out this morning we took the seven little chickens that were in it and put them in a basket over the stove. I took the unhatched eggs out and buried them, there were forty thirty eight and twenty four of them had chickens in them. There are 68 chicks altogether and they all seem healthy and sound but one of these seven which has crooked legs. Dad. took the big team back to run the the ditches in the back field and I went over to Martins to get some chick feed and scratch feed. We fed the little fellows in the brooder. to-day. They thought over there that I had a dandy hatch especially as it was the first attempt. It began to rain while I was over there and rained quite hard for awhile so I didn't get back very soon. I didn't do any thing much after that except fool around. Huby came over at noon he had insurance to look after and dug some more at his ditch. Dad. disked the garden all up. It had got so hard he thought he had better disk it before he ploughed it. Bob. Davis was in for about an hour. Quint also came over for a little while, he expects to go to work to-morrow. They are drilling at Blackheath whereever that is, somewhere down towards Canfield Junction. Aleta McBain was here house cleaning all day. About half past four we hooked up to the waggon and Dad and I went down and got a load of tile for Huby's ditch. We got three inch as they didn't have any four. We took Enah down to Miss Buckwells tea party and she walked home. Huby looked after Tiddums. It came out pretty hot after the rain but is cooler to-night. The rain freshened things up a lot and we noticed that the English walnuts which we thought were dead are budding. Thursday May 28th Old Jonas came over long before breakfast this morning and pestered around for Dad to go and look at his colt and while Dad. was at breakfast Jimmy Corbett came in to ask about his colt. Dad. gave him some stuff, he went over with Jonas with for a few minutes. I made a yard for the little chickens in the brooder and let them out. I also fixed it so as the old hens couldn't get in the yard where they are at all. One little fellow died last night but the rest look fine. Huby came over about nine thinking Dad was going down town before dinner. Vyse came over to fix his hammer handle for a while. About ten o'clock I took the disks out and started in the timothy sod. I worked all the after noon but didn't get over half of it. It is very grassy but I think will work up fine and make a fine </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> piece for corn. This after noon Dad. & Huby went down town. They got Joe shod at Joe Howells and put in a big load of shaving to put in the ditch over the tile so Dad. didn't get home till about six. It has been very hot all day but breezy, cool to-night. Friday May 29th I disked all day on the corn ground and got all over it by to-night and started to straddle the furrows Dad brought the harrows out and worked for a couple of hours before dinner. This after noon he went back and borrowed a set of three horse eveners from John Wess McBride. John Wess was just ready to shear sheep so Dad. stayed and watched him for awhile. Huby laid the tile in the ditch as far as the chicken house which is far as it is leveled and covered them with shavings and got most of the earth shovelled in. Cars. Rankin brought a couple of girls over in his automobile to see Bluch this after noon. I didn't get up till five this morning I put the clock under the bed where I could grab it and consequently went to sleep again. Dick tells us that Norm. Brock is the latest purchaser of a car and Mr. Johnsons father gave him one. Very hot to-day but nice breeze. Saturday May 30th I went out this morning and straddled the furrows with the disks as we will put corn on and then started to harrow. I didn't lap the harrows at all so got over quite a piece. Frank and Dad. went down town this morning with the waggon and got some stuff chopped at the mill and the window shash for the shop which have been at the widespread all spring. Huby worked around. This after noon we had to move the stove into the wood shed. We got it out all right but they broke another side of the base or rather the end so we had to set it up on bricks. We then went out hunting. Huby had flooded all the holes with water this morning and ripped some boards off the floor of the corn crib but we found we couldnt get them without taking up nearly the whole floor so we did. We were all armed with clubs and had the three dogs. Dad. stayed inside and scared them out and the dogs would catch them Lila killed one big one with a lath but Bluch killed most of the others. Huby says he is the best rat dog he ever saw he doesn't waste any time about nabbing them and never let one get away. Nig. got one or two. I think we got five great big ones and two half grown ones besides a nest of eleven little fellows. When we got through with them it was too </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> late for Dad. to plow the garden as he had hoped to do but Huby and Frank surveyed all the land east of the lane and this side of the gully and "got stakes up" to set the fence posts by. They figur there is about fifty acres. Lila has been over all day and Win. came over about five They and Huby stayed to tea. Frank and I went down with them after tea and found they had just laid fresh cement on the bridge and no-one could go over. So we went through Uncle Wards and took Ada's boat down from the barn and launched it for her. She went over with us in the boat and as it leaked like a seive Huby had to make two trips of it. I went up to get my hair cut and Frank went to the moving picture show. Ada was going to wait for us at Huby's so we could go back with her but when I got down there she and Huby had just gone. Frank came soon after I did and when we got down to the bridge Huby was just coming back with the boat so we took it back with us and left it below Woodson's. Dick came home afterwards when the watchmen didn't happen to be around and walked over the cement but didn't leave any tracks. The papers are full of the awful wreck of the Empress of Ireland which went down off Father Point yesterday with nearly 1000 people. It was a heavy fog and another a coal boat ran into her. Hot but nice breeze. Sunday May 31st Dad and Enah went to church this morning and left Tiddums with Huby. Dick and I went down and had a swim at the stump the water was fine we then came home and got dinner started Frank went to Sunday school and church. This after noon I had a dandy ride on Joe. We went up to Smythe's but Pud was at Vittoria Frank started for Marburg on his wheel but got held up at Ryersie's and fooled around with them all the after noon. Dick went down town and to church to-night. Enah and I went to church to-night. Mr. Johnson came over with his automobile to take Enah down, so I didn't wait for her after church thinking he would bring her home but walked down as far as the bridge with Quint and then home. I found Dad. looking after Tiddums who was too tired to go to sleep and Dad. having been so beset with visitors that the chores weren't all done. Enah got home about ten I don't what did happen to her except that she went down to Huby's. Cousins' Loll, Bessie, Harry & Willie drove over for a little while this after noon. To-night young Billy Louis came in to get his horse's shoulder lanced and hung around till dark so people wouldn't see the blood. Then Sam. Law came over to see if he could borrow the roller in the morning. Jonas then came for a short visit. It has been hot to-day but a very nice strong breeze. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday June 1st I put in the whole morning writing in this and to Aunty Alice & Aunty, while Dad. ploughed the garden. This after noon I worked down the garden I disked it lengthwise & crosswise a couple of times each and once right around & around. I rolled it and harrowed it so it looks in pretty fair shape. Sam. Law borrowed the roller this morning and he rolled it before he took it away and then again when he brought it back at noon. Dad. spent nearly all the after noon shearing a ewe. He did pretty well and says he thinks if he had a good pair of shears he could do all right. Huby didn't get over this morning as he had to see about Kolbe's insurance. Kolbe was over at Erie so he has to see him about eleven to-night. He goes over to Erie every morning about five o'clock and doesn't get back at night till eleven. Dad. went down to a school board meeting and I went down to band practice. We didn't have any though as there weren't enough there. Walt says we will have to quit for awhile anyway if the council don't come over with the extra money he wants. The town hall was full of meetings. Council meeting, School meeting, band practice and a whole bunch out on the stairs I don't know whether they were all fellows tendering for the heating of the school or the bridge builders waiitng on the council for money. Dad. and I met at Huby's and didn't get home till after twelve. Huby went down to the lake about eleven and found Kolbe & Harry Ansley down there. He got Kolbe's insurance raised and as it has run out will have to make out a new application so won't be over to-morrow fore-noon. Quite cold all day. Tuesday June 2nd We didn't get very much done to-day. Jim's calf was sick this morning, all bloated so Dad. & I gave it a dose of salts. It is much better to-night. I went out about eleven and rolled the corn ground till one. I couldn't hear the whistles. This after noon Dad. and I surveyed the field and fence along the top of the gully and decided to put a notch in the fence where the dividing fence between the two fields go. We then measured off six acres of what is ploughed for corn and the remaining four for buckwheat. I came out about half past four and finished rolling the corn ground. Huby didn't come over to-day, I don't know whether he went up to the nomination in Port. Rowan or not. They wanted him to but he said he wasn't going. There are two bunches of delegates going up from here the bunch cosists of Vyse, Cliff Lees and R.E. Matthews and I don't know who go from the other faction. I saw Tupper to-day and he said he might be able to slip over towards the end of the week to shear sheep for us. Bruce was in for a little while before tea. He wanted to get some instruments. It has been sunny but fairly cool all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday June 3rd We hauled out manure all day to-day. We didn't get started very early and were bothered this afternoon by Bob. Davis coming, so only got out nine loads. Dad. is spreading it on the corn ground. Frank was home from school to-day as it was a sort of half in half holiday, being the King's birthday. The kids could go if they wanted to but it wouldn't be marked against them if they didn't so Frank stayed. We heard the bell ringing all through the day so there must have been some fools there. Frank worked all day putting in the garden and we helped him between loads. Dad. ploughed six potatos furrows this morning and we got the Dad. Atkinson ones planted but there was only three of them so they didn't go very far. Huby planted two rows of Golden Bantam corn and we got in some cabbage and raddishs lettuce and onion seed. Huby's turkey eggs all came out to-day. The one down the road hasn't been off the nest as far as we know since she started to sit so all her eggs were rotten but as near as they can see the one in the smoke house and Mrs. Bannister's old hen had a fairly good hatch. Dad. and I moved the twelve little chickens that hatched out Monday down in the yard where the brooder is, one of them died. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Huby didnt go up to Nomination yesterday but as near as he can find out Andrew Innes and his gang didn't get a chance to say a word as Mr. Slippery Slick at the last minute got ahead of them. Cloudy, cool, raining to-night. Thursday June 4th It rained steadily all night and rained a lot during the day. Huby came over this morning laden down with tomato plants and cabbage plants which he got from Ed. and some seed corn which he got from John Quanbury and four of the consignment of axes in the back of his hunting coat. He set out a row of Frank's asters the whole length of the garden and we put out some of the tomato plants but it began to rain so hard we had to quit. However he got them out later in the day and a long row of cabbage plants out. Dad. sowed clover seed on the oats this morning till the rain drove him in when he was within five lands of finishing. We won't have enough seed to sow the piece across the gully. I cleaned the incubator all out and started it going this after noon. I had to go over to Martin's to borrow a spirit level this after noon. Carl. Coleman was in for a little while this morning to see if Tupper was here, he was going up to Stocker's to get his horse shod so Huby told him to bring our post auger down if it was done. John told Huby this morning that Mrs. Battersby has sold her place to some fellow in Los. Angeles. Dick didn't get home at all last night and he expects to start for Toledo to-morrow or next day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday June 5th I failed to get up till five this morning. After I got the chores all done I cleaned out the separator. I then went out and planted another row of Golden Bantam corn and a couple of rows of Country Gentleman. I also helped Huby cut some potatoes, which he planted. He came over this morning with about a dozen tomato plants which Uncle Ward. gave him. We only wanted three and Frank bought them to-night over at Quanbury's on his way home from {blank space}. After dinner I made some drills and got some of the pecans planted. Tommy Jackson was in here soon after dinner to ask Dad. about a colt and he told us our cattle were all in the far end of the gully so Dad. and I went back we found they had broken down the fence where there were some rails. Nine of them were on the road but not far away we got them back with out much trouble but found they had just torn our little white birch tree all to pieces. Dad. spent most of the day ploughing the pig yard, working it down and sowing the thousand headed kale on it. He also finished sowing the clover seed in the oats. He shut the old sow up this morning and she went to work and had sixteen young ones three of which got killed in the squabble for seats at the refreshment booth which will only accomodate twelve. We gave the eight turkeys that Mrs. Bannister's hen hatched out to the old turkey hen which made her family number twenty two as near as we can count. She struck off into the orchard with them but didn't get very far. Huby and I picked about half of them out of the ditch at noon where they had fallen in the attempt to follow her across. Mr. Monteith was in to-night to buy some seed corn. He has gone past with two loads of tomato plants. Sunny cool Saturday June 6th Huby didn't get over till about ten o'clock this morning as he went up town to buy a hoe. He also got some new kind of plants from Arthur Anderson called Holi Rabbi which are a cross between a cabbage and a turnip. Frank went down on his wheel to get some provisions and Mr. Johnson gave him a few plants of stocks. He came over with Huby and Lila rode his wheel over. We started hauling out manure as soon as Huby got here and all day got out 7 loads. The colts broke the wire we had stretched across the gap into the alsike and all got in so Huby, Frank and I had to put them out and fix the fence. I spent most of the day between loads putting in the rest of the peas and Huby dug out some posts which were in the shed covered with manure. He started to paint the window frames of the shop with some paint </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> he found out in the brush heap. Frank fooled around with Lila most of the day and pulled some bindweed out in the oats. Art Quanbury came over this morning to see if he could borrow the roller for Jack Martin's corn ground and Bill Philips came over this after noon to get it. He told us that Jim Bannister has sold his place for $6000. Dick left this after noon for Toledo to visit Ferdie. His holidays last a couple of weeks. Hot & sunny all day. Sunday June 7th I lay "a bed" most of the day not getting up till seven o'clock but I got some chores done and drove Enah down to church. We got home and got through a light lunch early so had a long after noon most of which I spent in sleep although I read and wrote quite a bit too. Dad. and Enah talked of going for a drive till Tiddums went to sleep and then they couldn't. Frank rode his wheel over to the McPherson's and made arrangements to get a skip of bees from Mr. McPherson when they swarm. He is to get a hive from Boyd in Simcoe which will cost four dollars and the bees will cost two dollars I may put something into it if I ever have any money to invest. He and I spoke of going for a swim to-night but it got so rainy looking that we decided not too. It has been sultry and hot all day and to-night is thundering and very cloudy. It sprinkled a few drops. Monday June 8th We did not get a very early start this morning though we were up early and ready to begin but Mr. Monteith came for a bushel of seed corn and he visited some little time we hauled out manure till about 10-30 when I had a breakdown, went through the double tree. I heard some one laugh when I went off the road and there was Bruce and Ashleigh in a buggy on the side road they came in and stayed to dinner so we were late in getting to work in the afternoon. Frank rode his wheel down after dinner and got me some bolts and I fixed the double tree. Tobe and Hubert were busy with the garden and odd jobs while I was out with a load. Tupper came along about 5 O'Clock on his way to the mill. Toby took his load on for him and he stayed to shear sheep so I helped him and we worked till after 7 we then had tea and it was good and late before we had finished every thing </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> It has been a terribly hot day the thunder storm Sunday night did not cool things off. The horses nearly melted this afternoon. Tuesday June 9th I finished the shearing as there was one ewe we did not get done last night. Hubert and Toby went back to fix up the fence in the gully between Ivey and us I had my sheep finished and was putting on a load of manure when the boys got back, we hoped to have finished clearing out the old shed tonight but there are a few loads yet it has been another roasting hot day. Wednesday June 10th We finished hauling out manure at noon and after dinner I went down to Mr. Fleming's and got his diamond tooth harrows, it took some time to rig up a three horse outfit when I got back. Hubert helped me hitch Osprey with Joe and Ginger and I got in an hour and a half or so in the field. Toby was disking, if all is well we hope to get in a good day tomorrow. Toby and Frank went over to the McPhersons tonight with a bea hive so that accounts for my writing this. Thursday June 11th I didn't get up till nearly five this morning and Dad. & I didn't get started in the field till nine o'clock. We worked on the corn ground all day. I disked and he harrowed with the three horses and Flemming's diamond tooth. I had to make a couple of trips to the creek in the gully to keep myself awake. I did go to sleep several times but not for very long. I would see the horses in front of me when I woke up and be frightened for fear of running into them. Huby didn't get over till after we were in the field this morning. He was up town last night and heard some rich news. Charlton has pulled out of the election campaign and Andrew Innes is going to run against Pratt. Independent. Huby spent the day doing odd jobs and filling in his ditch. I cut a little lawn and set out a little castor oil bean plant. Very hot for awhile this morning and this afternoon but about noon it was quite cool and looked very rainy Friday June 12th I was up at four o'clock this morning and wrote in this and hoed </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> in the garden till five. I then started to do chores and by leaving the stables for Huby to clean out and not cleaning any horses but Belle & Harry I managed to get into the field a very few minutes after seven. I worked steadily all day although I slept a little at the same time I got it all cross disked by after four o'clock and about half of it rolled. Dad got out about half past eight this morning and finished crossing with the diamond tooth and harrowed it all over with the drags by six to-night. It made quite a long day for his team and Ginger seems pretty tired but Osprey aparently is all right. Huby is going to try and get Bill Oakes to come over and mark it for us in the morning and we hope to get it planted. Quite chilly all morning & windy but sunny and pretty hot after dinner. Frank has gone down to the show to-night. Saturday June 13th Huby and Bill came over this morning at seven o'clock and Bill and I got right out and started to mark the corn ground. We took Harry & Belle and they proved to be a great improvement on Harry and Joe as a corn marking team. Bill made a beautiful job of it, with very little blasphemy. He got through a little before noon and stayed here to dinner. He said no other man but Dad would have got him to-day as he was very busy and has to be back this after noon. He shouldn't have come away this morning but George Gamble relieved him They are putting the canopy top on the new launch that he and George have just finished building for George Faulmsly. Frank scoured the country this morining in search of corn planters, we have one of our own and we wanted two more. He got one from John Wess which proved very satisfactory and one from Tupper which proved very unsatisfactory. It was an ancient and decrepit looking instrument with one handle and a spring and foot at the bottom to open it and release the corn. Huby took John Wesses and after he got his gait had no trouble at all. Dad. took our own and it was all right, but I got Tupper's and had to quit about the fourth hill, the corn came out from all over it, so I left it and went over to Alfred's to borrow his. I went through Sam's place but he didn't have one. He said he borrowed Charlie McQueens two years ago and it was a good one. Alfred gave me one he said was a dandy. I brought it home but couldn't do anything with it so traded with Dad. He worked it awhile but at last decided it was no good. By this time it was about half past four and he decided to go up and do chores so Huby and I stayed there till about eight o'clock when we </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> ran out of seed although Dad. had sent some more out. We only had six more rows to plant, but my back was nearly broken and I was fairly hungry. We left a sand knoll near the south west corner of the field to plant potatoes and roots on. Lila and Dorothy Anderson have been over all day nursing Tiddums, who didn't seem to mind it much. Win came over for a little while this evening and said that Uncle Ward wants to get Huby for all day Monday. She didn't know what for but we supposed it was to set out tomato plants, Dad. told Huby to tell him that he wouldn't see him stuck but if possible to get someone else. Cloudy most of the day and cool. Sunday June 14th I didn't get up this morning till eight o'clock. and haven't done any thing all day but loaf around and do chores. Frank went down to Sunday school this morning but there was no church. They said Mr. Johnson had gone away and a temperance man was supposed to take his place but he never showed up, so Frank came home. I was out in the shop trying to caulk up the cracks in the chicken trough so as they would hold water when we heard some crows. We took the shotgun and started out in pursuit. We saw them flying around in the vicinity of the corn field but they were not within a mile of the place when we got there. We hid in a thick bush for quite awhile but no crows showed up so we took a walk up the gully to Ivey's strawberry patch and made a careful examination of all the plants we could find, but there were very few ripe ones. We got all there were and nearly all the half ripe ones, which seemed to be much more edible than they generally are. It was about half past twelve when we got up to the house and Dad was getting ready to put the harness on Osprey. We got the cart out and it was very rickety. We oiled one wheel but couldn't get the other one off We hooked Osprey to it though and Dad. got on. Osprey didn't know just what was expected of him at first and cut up a little down at the end of the lane but once he got started he went beautifully. Dad took him down to Jonas' corner and then up the other way and down the side road to Flemming's corner and I couldn see but what he trotted pretty straight Dad said he didn't like doing it on Sunday but I think he enjoyed it when he got started. He doesn't feel very well to-day. We had dinner about three much to Enah's disgust and after dinner Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down with Quint's tent and some bedsprings. The gas drillers are going to camp down at Black Heath and they wanted this tent to cook in Charlie Martin came over for a visit a little while </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> before they left but didn't stay long after. Frank spent the afternoon down with the Ryersie's. We just did chores to-night and went to bed soon after tea. Nice day but cool breeze. Monday June 15th Craig Long came over before breakfast this morning to see Dad about Ivey's mare. She was down and in pain and he didn't know what ailed her, so Dad. went over right after breakfast to see her. She had the colic and he told them to send for Bart if she did not show any symptoms of improvement but she was better in a short time. Dad. went from there down to Martin's and I came down with Joe and the cart as soon as I had breakfast and got two bushels of potatoes for seed. They are very small so we will exchange the same ammount of them for the ones of Preston's that are left in the cellar. Frank went over to Preston's before school and found out that he could get a couple of bushels there so I went right down there and got them as soon as I got home from Martin's. I then shelled enough seed corn to finish planting and went out and finished. Dad went out and furrowed out the potato patch. After dinner we did up the chores and hooked Harry and Belle to the waggon and went down town to get some provisions and a pile of sand for Tiddums to play in. Huby has been agitating that move for quite awhile. He wants a pile on each side of the wood shed so Tiddums can always be in the shade. We took Enah and Tiddums and the baby carriage down with us and Enah walked home. Tiddums went to sleep before he got home and never woke up all evening. We saw Huby down at Uncle Wards, having a great time. He had three or four kids which he said were the best in town and they had all their tomatoes set out and waiting for more and a lot of potatoes planted. Chris said that they found Martin's dog but he was dead down at Sovereign's. Charlie Martin had told Mr. Flemming to shoot at it if it came around his place so Mr. Flemming did just to scare it. He didn't know he had killed it till they found it. He felt very badly about but Jack. felt worse. He wouldn't have taken fifty dollars for it. They say poor old Jimmy Larose has been sent down for eighteen months for forging a check, cool breezy. Tuesday June 16th I went over to Martin's first thing this morning and sold my eggs and got some scratch feed for the little fellows. I hadn't been home very long when Billy Louis came in with Tupper's team and fancy buggy and the news that Tupper wanted a couple of men for a couple of hours so as Dad. felt pretty miserable he said for Huby and me to go. Huby jumped at the chance of a ride in such a carriage and would have climbed over the back of the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> seat he said if Billy hadn't have tipped up the front ones and let him into a sort of trap nest. When we got over there Huby didn't know how to get out. We found old Maneer was bossing the job. All they are doing is raising the peak of the roof to square pitch so we simply had to lift on the rafters with shores and when we got them up to the desired height didn't do anything but sit around and talk while some of those who appeared to enjoy it worked like niggers spiking pieces on the ends of the rafters to meet at the peak. We stayed to dinner and hung around a little while after dinner and helped raise a very little. Old Maneer was going to leave at noon to go to Vittoria as Andrew Innes is having a mass meeting there to-day but I guess Tupper induced him to stay. We came home soon after dinner. Huby said he had a lovely time socially but didn't know whether he rendered much valuable assistance. The rest of the gang certainly appeared to enjoy his company. We got home about two o'clock or after and after I did up the chores I went out and planted beans on the two outside rows on each side of the cornfield. I planted them with the planter but couldn't see the marks along the headland. Dad. has felt too rotten to do anything to-day. It has been almost cold all day although sunny but cold wind. Wednesday June 17th Frank's exams started to-day at noon so he didn't have to go to school this morning. Rigt after breakfast he and I went out and planted mangel and turnip seed in the rows we left for them on the knoll in the cornfield. We planted two rows of each and seemed to have about as much seed when we got through as when we started and we watched to see that it was being planted plenty thick enough. We only had the four rows so I don't know what we will do with the rest of the seed. Huby and Dad. cut potatoes while we were out there so when we got through we came and got some and got quite a few rows planted before dinner. Huby and I went out after dinner and planted all there were cut which were Preston's, we had nearly 15 rows of them. We then brought out Jack Martin's, and planted over nine rows of them which was all there was in the field. They were much smaller so we had quite a few left and we think we will planted them in the old garden Dad. harrowed them in. Huby and I went and spread the manure Dad. hauled out on it last winter. Win was over to dinner to-day her exams are over. Mrs. McBride was here all after noon and nearly all evening washing and ironing. Whit Dixon & Bob. Miller drove over after tea to look at Fred's calf. Frank went back to the gully with them. The steer with Spottys last year's calf were through </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the fence into Ivey's but they got them back. Bob. told Dad. he would take him and not due him a dollar on the price which was $75.00. Mr. & Mrs. Lea Marshall were in before they left. Tom. Abbot. had told them we had a horse for sale so he came to look at it. Dad. took Osprey out and paraded him around and I think Lea might have taken him but his wife thought he wasn't big enoug to fit the price $150.00. She said he was worth about $125.00 However we are to hook him up and take him down some night so they can see him in harness. Dad. brought Ginger and Joe out and she was stuck on them especially Ginger but Dad. would not think of selling them. She thought Ginger was bigger than Osprey but Dad. told her she was mistaken. She said she wasn't as heavy but she was taller and in reality Ginger is about a head shorter but heavier than Osprey. She guessed Joe's age (thirteen) first time although Dad. told her Joe was the biggest colt in the stable. It has been pretty cool and dry all day. Thursday June 18th Dad. and I hooked to the waggon this morning and took the buggy down to Joe Howel's to have the tires set and brought back a load of fence posts, we unloaded them out along the top of the gully where we want to put them in. We were talking to Uncle Ward and he said they would be terribly hard digging it was so hard and he said the best way to do was to dig down about a foot and fill the hole with water and leave it for a day and then it would be just in right shape. Huby spent the morning fixing the orchard fence so we can let the calves out. This after noon He. and Dad hung the gate we brought over from his place and let the five calves in the orchard. We didn't let Horace out as Dad. has to wean him from Erie and teach him to drink first. I hoed in the garden while they were at that and Col. McDonald came over. I had never seen him before and Huby didn't recognise him at first but Dad. knew him first thing. He said he and other officers of the insurance company were up taking a motor trip through this country visiting their agents. He didn't know when he started out that Dover was on the list. Dad was very glad to see him and appreciated his visit very much. About four o'clock Dad took the team out and we went to finish planting potatoes, just plow them right under the sod, but we only got two rows planted when a big thunder shower came up and we had to seek shelter at the house. Dad. and Huby got soaked but I got there a little sooner so didn't get the worst of it. Frank was back in the gully with the shotgun so he got a pretty good soaking. We heard the gun go off he shot at a crow, both barrels went off at the same time but he missed the crow. His papers have been pretty easy so far the only one he is much afraid of is the spelling. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> It didn't rain very long but freshened things up considerably. It has been very hot and sultry to-day but is cooler since the rain. Tiddums feels in a very festive humor to-night. The house is all torn up from the ravages of house cleaning and he thinks it's great. Friday June 19th I got up at four this morning and wrote in this till five. I then hurried through chores and cut quite a lot of grass on the front lawn. It rained a little about breakfast and looked so cloudy afterwards that Dad. didn't like to take the team out so he and I hoed in the garden and Huby worked in the shop. About ten Dad. thought it wasn't going to rain so we went out and ploughed in the rest of the potatoes in the patch we were at in the old garden. It began to rain just as Huby and I were through so we dug for the shop and got pretty wet but Dad. had to plough a little more so got properly soaked. We didn't do anything till after dinner. It stopped raining soon after dinner and when we got our chores done Dad. hooked Osprey to the cart again and took him down the road away with satisfactory results. We then hooked up the big team to the waggon and Dad & Huby and I went down town. Huby stayed down and Dad. & I went up and got our buggy from Joe Howell On our way back we got 18 more fence posts from Tommy. Frank is through his exams, he thinks he did fairly well on most of the papers. I saw Lila to-night she said both Huby's goslings were dead, died from exposure. Cold & wet. Saturday June 20th I worked all morning on the front lawn. I got all the long grass cut with the scythe and a good patch cut with the lawnmower, besides weeding out the flower beds. Dad. Huby and Frank went back and staked out the fence along the top of the gully and Huby. dug anchor post holes and bored ordinary post holes all day. Dad. fixed fence and plastered up some holes in our bedroom this morning and this afternoon hooked Osprey up to the cart and took him for a little jaunt and then rolled down most of the buckwheat ground and the potato patches. I went down to meet Dick to-night. He came on the Woodstock train so was home early. He had a great time in Toledo and I guess enjoyed his holidays immensly. Lila was over here all day. Harry Ansley was over this morning electioneering. He told Huby he could get him the job of deputy returning officer but Huby didn't want it. It has been sunny & fair all day but cool wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday June 21st Frank rode his wheel down to Sunday school this morning and I drove Enah down to church. We called around by Huby's on our way home but didn't see any sign of the Lang's. This after noon it looked rather rainy so I read and played duets with Enah. Dad. sat around and slept and did all the chores. About four o'clock he took Osprey out all the way around the block. Frank went back to the gully and brought home some lovely {furs?}. Dick went down town after dinner with the intention of going to church to-night. Elva. & Mr. Brady were over for a few minutes on the latter's motor cycle which was inclined to be balky. They had a side saddle rigged on behind for Elva. Jack Martin and Mr. {Cuper?} were over for a little while before tea looking at the horses. It has been cloudy all day and sprinkled a few times but not much Monday June 22nd Huby dug post holes all day and I helped him set the posts and tramp them in. We had to do a little surveying after dinner to get the two anchor posts in line which go lengthwise with the field. We got all the posts except anchor and brace posts, between the road and the jag in the fence which is just half way. I helped Dad. take the anchor posts out this morning and then he went down to the mill for some feed. This after noon he rolled down the rest of the buckwheat ground and disked the old garden where we planted the potatoes He started to harrow the corn ground, the corn is just coming up but quit at five and took Osprey around the block. They were doing road work over by McQueen's but he never paid any attention to them, He said someone shot a gun off right beside them going down Preston's hill and he never jumped. He has never seen an automobile yet. Tupper and Billy Louis came over this mornin to-night to invite Dad. to Tupper's raising tomorrow. He has the roof off the other half of the barn now and is going to put plates up to run right through. Frank finished putting in the garden to-day he planted carrots beets and beans. Cloudy but not so cool. Tuesday June 23rd Dad went over to Tupper's raising as soon after seven as he could this morning and was over there till after dinner. This afternoon he finished harrowing the corn ground. Huby and I worked at the fence all morning. It took us a good part of the morning to get it lined out on account of two or three little dips where we couldn't see the stakes. We dug two more anchor post holes I dug one and Huby the other. I got mine started all crooked but fixed it so as the post will sit straight. We got the posts set part way across the field. The ground is getting pretty hard. When I came in to-night, the temperature in the incubator had gone up </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to 110°. I don't know whether it cooked all the chickens or not. It couldn't have been that way very long because I looked at it at noon and as they are due to hatch in a day or so I think mabee they will be strong enough to stand it. To-night Dad. and I drove Joe and Osprey down to Lea Marshall's but he had gone to lodge so we told Mrs. Marshall we would be down again in the morning. Old Tom Abbot told us he was pretty sure Lea would take him if we dropped the price a little. It has been very hot & sultry. Wednesday June 24th Dad. and I got started about nine o'clock for Marshall's with Joe and Osprey. He took quite awhile to decide but at last bought him. I came down to $135 and he wouldn't go higher that $130 so we split the difference. He said he would come and get him in a few days. A big thundercloud came up while we were gone and it began to rain just as we got home. Huby was back at the fence and got soaked. It didn't rain very long but came out almost unbearably hot and sultry after it although there was a strong wind but it seemed hot too. We didn't do any thing much before dinner but this after noon worked at the fence. Huby dug the last anchor post hole but the ground was so hard that I only got two holes bored and three or four started, so I got a couple of pails and filled the holes all up with water. Huby is afraid we got a little low in the line going through one of the little dips and I guess we did. He went over to Ivey's and got a hat full of strawberries to refresh us a little. Bob. Davis was in this after noon. Dad. worked around the house till he came and then struck out four or five lands in the buckwheat ground. Mrs. McBride was here to-day and they have ripped the paper all of the kitchen walls. She is coming to paper it on Saturday if all's well. Frank and I went down for a swim at Quanburys to-night and Enah and Dad went down town to get Slocomb to come over and do some plastering in the kitchen. We saw Tupper to-night and he told us that there was a car of crushed stone to haul on the Winding Hill but Dad. told him we wouldn't have time to do it. Very hot. Thursday June 25th Slocomb and his man came over about eight and were all morning patching the kitchen, there was a lot to do. Dad. helped them and I did chores and got some of the chicken wire stretched along the fence between the garden and orchard. Huby dug post holes all day but the ground is very hard and he had to put water in a lot of them. This afternoon Dad and I went and got a load of gravel </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Enah and Tiddums went down with us and we took the baby carriage and they Enah walked home. We couldn't get any gravel on the beach but as Bob. Law was down there Dad. bought a load from him and he charged Dad. a dollar We took it right out to the field when we got home and a couple of bags of cement and left a pile at each anchor place where we are going to put an anchor post. It was time to do chores when we got through with that it was time to After tea Dad. and I went down to hear Pratt. He has got to be quite an orator, and I think turned several who were a little doubtful which to vote for. He pointed out how the Whitney administration had closed so many bars where the two Liberal governments before him although they had made great promises the same as Rowel is doing now had not done a thing. He had a wine list of the Outlaw Club which is the headquarters for the Liberal party in Town and he said it was the most compete and elaborate list of drinks he had ever seen and among the list of {illegible} he read out Mr. Lowel and several other temperance {politicians?}. It was a good speech anyway and we were glad we went. Frank rode his wheel down. Lea Marshall and Jack Richardson were in to-night and Lea wanted to take Osprey wth them but as they were going to town first and would have to stand him in Henderson's barn. The other fellow persuaded him to leave him and we told him we would take him down to-morrow night. Hot all day. Friday June 26th I took some eggs over to Jack Martin's this morning but he has stopped buying them. Old Ivey came over about nine o'clock and wanted Dad. to come over and roll down the field he is getting ready for tomatoes. He said the factory fellows were over this morning. The have rented it and he prepares the ground for them then they plant them and look after them altogether after that. He seemed in such a pinch and offered fifty cents an hour so Dad. sent me over. I was over there about seven hours so didn't do so badly. Huby and Dad. worked all day setting the anchor posts along the line of the new fence. Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting but it wasn't very important. Fairly hot all day. Saturday June 27th Dad. and I cultivated the corn and potatoes in the garden this morning and then I hoed in it all day and got over nearly all of it. Huby and Dad. finished setting their anchor posts to-day. Mrs. McBride was here all day and stayed till twelve o'clock to-night papering the kitchen. She had poor </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Frank helping her and he put in an awful day of it. Dick came home to tea to-night to inform me that there was a band practice on at eight o'clock as it was then half past six and I hadn't got all the chores done or had my tea it made me bump to get down there by half past eight. They were practising for Decoration day to-morrow. I drove down and got home about ten just before a big thunder storm came up Mrs McBride papered up till twelve and then went home with the lantern and wouldn't listen to anyone going with her and it was too dark to drive. Henry Odd came over this morning and got some more seed corn they soaked the last they planted in {ginoleum?} and it never sprouted. Cloudy & threatening. Sunday June 28th We took the little chickens out of the incubator this morning and gave 16 to each of the four hens, there were sixty five but one was a cripple so we killed it. Dad fixed up some coops for them this morning while I cleaned my horn or tried to. It took me till dinnertime and right after I had to hike down to the bandroom. It was a dandy day for a march as it was much cooler after yesterday's rain but on account of puddles we had to go on the sidewalk. Walt. had two Simcoe fellows on the baritone and alto - and a stranger who is working here for the summer on a cornet - so we had a pretty good band. I couldn't do much as I haven't had any practice either in playing or marching but still managed to escape from making any conspicuous errors. I was down at Huby's for awhile after we got through and when I got home We put the old hens with chickens all out under coops. None were dead yet but Dad. had to change one hen as she was pecking the little fellows and had several with raw spots on their heads. Cloudy and cool all day quite cold to-night. Monday June 29th I ploughed all day to-day around the strike outs which Dad. made the other day. Huby didn't come over till late as he had to vote for Pratt. Walt McCall brought him and Lila over in an automobile and took Dad. out to Wiggin's to vote. They went around by Myer's and called for old Jonas and he went out and cast his ballot for Pratt.The Myer's were very much annoyed at it as Lorne had tried to induce him to go with him and vote for Andrew. The latest news we heard to-night was that Pratt was elected, Andrew got a big majority in Dover and Woodhouse but Houghton & Walsingham sent Pratt's majority way up. There was quite an interesting article in the Globe to-day about a lawsuit which has just </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> been opened by A.C. Pratt, Conservative candidate for South Norfolk against Fred Mossop, proprietor of the Hotel Mossop Toronto for damages in a series of poker games amounting to I think something like $3500.00. It is a sort of counter claim against a suit Mossop entered against Pratt for over $500. owing to him. This is a very nice mix-up for Mr. Pratt. anyway just before election and now people will know that he is more than a crooked skunk but a fool and a poor sport as these games have been going on for a long time and Pratt's been getting skinned right along. This after noon Huby Dad. & Frank set some of the braces and brace posts. Drizzled most of the day and has been cool. Tuesday June 30th When Huby came over this morning he told us that the Whitney Government was returned with an overwhelming majority and Pratt had beaten Andrew by 130 something. Old Tom was in next hurraking for Pratt and he got a little Union Jack here and tacked on the front of his rig. He said he didn't know whether he would ever get back alive sallying forth in that manner into the teeth of the Innes men down east. Huby and I spent the whole day back in the gully barricading the little poplars. Huby bored holes three feet deep with the post auger and I stuck in rails we got four done and the hole started for five. We are going to stretch wire barbed if we can get enough of it around the rails. It was a slow job as the ground was pretty hard in lots of places. Dad. did some patch plastering in the pantry this morning and plowed the rest of the day he finished the land that I was at and struck out the rest of the fields. Enah and Frank papered the pantry all but part of the border. Mr. Johnson went past this morning in his automobile with Winnie, Lila, Norah Cunningham and some other girls on a wild strawberry hunt and they came in and paid Dad. a visit on their way back. Frank has been investigating in the corn and reports a large number of wireworms in places which news causes Dad. much distress as the corn is all up so nicely. The mangels and turnips are also up but there is no sign of the potatoes yet. It has been pretty hot to-day. Wednesday July 1st The first thing on the programme for to-day's celebration was a little foot raise by Tiddums. He was sitting by Enah at breakfast and while she was pouring the coffee the handle came off the coffee pot and the red hot liquid spilt on Tiddum's foot. He had his stockings pinned on and by the time they were off the skin was off his foot. It gave him a horrible </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Repeat of yesterday's page} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> scald but only blistered one foot. He cried himself to sleep after a while and when he woke up felt very much like himself again as long as people would leave his foot alone but there are some beautiful blisters on it. Mrs. McBride came and worked around most of the morning. Dick went down town but didn't have to work much so helped Joe on the merry-go-round. Frank spent the after noon and evening down town but came home to tea. For the first time that I can remember I spent the entire first of July at home. Huby came over and we went back to the gully to finish barricading the little trees but didn't get much done on account of the rain. Dad rolled down what he ploughed this morning and this after noon we hung around till Bob. Davis came and then Dad. undertook to ring the old sow. He fooled around trying to get a rope in her mouth and when he did and made three attemts to ring her with one ring sticking the rope slipped out of her mouth I thought it would take all the after noon unless the old sow got mad and ripped Dad's leg off so I came in the house and wrote in this pesky thing. Huby wasn't any to keen about and Dad. couldn't manage alone so they worked in the garden till five o'clock when we quit to do chores. Mr. Brady came over on his motorcycle with a bottle of mentholatum salve Elva sent over for Tiddums foot. There was an editorial in "The Globe" yesterday relating to A.C. Pratt's gambling and intimating that there were points in common between that episode and the one referred to in Bret Hartes poem entitled the "Heathen Chinese" Cloudy and cool all day and drizzly to rainy off and on all day. Thursday July 2nd I ploughed all day around Dad's strike outs and rolled down what I ploughed to-night. About another day will finish the ploughing but we want to start haying as soon as possible. Huby Dad. & Frank worked at the fence all morning fixing braces and putting in some extra posts. Dad. hauled the wire out and this after noon Dad. & Huby set a lot of it up along the posts as they didn't know whether Sid McBride could come or not right away and Dad is anxious to let the cows in that end of the gully but about five to-night Frank rode his wheel down to Marburg and saw Sid. McBride. He said he would be up tomorrow after noon. Dad. and Huby came up early and ground one of the mower knives so as we can get started to-morrow. Enah and Tiddums went down town this after noon. Lila was over all day. Charlie Martin came over and borrowed the disks for some thing. Mrs. Innes told Enah that Perce Brock was here yesterday and had been to a lawyer to see if he could claim his </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> baby who has been down at old Mrs. Well's for the last two months. The lawyer told him that if he could prove that he was more capable of caring for it that its mother that he should have it. So Perce said it was the only thing he had to live for and meant to have it as he had a good place for it in St. Thomas, it seems his wife and her mother have all gone to the dogs and the baby has been in a home. So this morning when he knew Mrs. Wells was up town he went up to the house and found Mat. Lawrie looking after the kid, so grabbed it and lit out hotfoot up St. Patrick St. and up to his mother's where his sister was waiting with a horse and rig to drive him to Simcoe where he caught the St. Thomas train. Cloudy, hot, cool wind. Friday July 3rd I tried to get an early start this morning but as it took a little time to get the mower into running order I didn't get out till after eight. Dad. went the first round with me and then I mowed pretty steadily all day. I started on the south east corner field and have a good chunk down but it will take a couple of hours to finish. Huby and Dad & Frank hauled out some rocks on the stone boat this morning to put in the dips along the fence to anchor it. This after noon they put wire around a couple of the trees in the gully and waited around for Sid McBride but he never showed up, so that will put us out a little as we hoped to get the fence up to-day. Mrs. Woodson and Betty were over to-night to inquire after Tiddums foot. He doesn't seem to feel it much as he tramps all around the floor in his sock feet. Old Tom Abbot told us that Osprey rolled into a wire fence in pasture last night and will have to be laid up for awhile. He was getting along fine and Marshall was very well pleased with him. Tom. said Roy Hammond was telling around that he supposed we passed off the horse that was so badly poisoned with alsike last fall. He must think Marshall is an awful fool or else doesnt know what alsike poison is like for old Dave's feet show the scars yet and probably always will. Cloudy this morning but sunny and pretty hot this after noon. Saturday July 4th I finished mowing about half past ten this morning and hooked right on to the rake and finished raking about five o'clock. Dad. & Frank went down in the waggon with Joe & Ginger and got a couple of bushels of buckwheat for seed and took the wool down but the mill was closed as usual on Saturday and the watchman put it in the wool house. Huby waited down for them thinking they would take the tank he got for us but it was bolted fast to the trucks and Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> didn't want to take time to get it loose. They got over about eleven and put up a few cocks before dinner. Sid. McBride came after dinner so Huby, Dad & Frank had to help him, they worked till after six but have the fence all stretched in fine shape but it isn't stapled yet. I just did up my chores when I got through raking. Enah went down to Maud Jamieson's sale this after noon but nearly every thing was sold when she got there. Cousin Clare was over for a little while this after noon and Lila most of the day. Sid McBride stayed to tea and it was late when we got through and Dad. had to milk afterwards but Huby, Frank and I went out and cocked up hay. It was moonlight but rather cloudy most of the time so wasn't very light We worked till after eleven and got quite a chunk done. Dad. came out and relieved Frank a little while before we quit. I drove Huby home and got back about one. Enah spent the evening painting the oilcloth in the kitchen and the floor around the edge so I had to go to bed via the window. One of the Scotch mail-men was in to see Dad. to day about his horse which he said was sore inside. J.H. Butler died this morning and Capt. Spain & Mrs. Dave Turner are very low. Fairly hot to-day. Sunday July 5th Enah and I managed to get to church this morning although we didn't get up till very late. Frank didn't go to Sunday school or church but went for a swim and while riding around on his wheel caught his shoe in the chain and got upset and hurt his arm. Dick spent the morning in bed and went down town after dinner. Enah had to play the organ as Topsy who has applied for the job and who has been practising came this morning without her hat and had to go back to the Methodist choir for to-day where they eliminate their roofs. This after noon the family spent in peaceful slumber or literary pursuits. I hit the hay about three and never got up till six. Then chores and a family gathering on the front step to partake of some sandwiches and cake. Old man West was over this after noon to tear off a few fairy tales and disturb all the family but me. Lovely day sunny but not scorching. Monday July 6th We didn't get a very early start this morning and I ploughed till noon and Huby and Dad. cocked up hay. Frank was exempt from strenuous labor owing to his injured wrist which he deems necessary to be exceptionally careful of. He took John Wess' corn planter home and went over to McPherson's to inquire after our bees. They have a skip in the hive for us and we can get them anytime. He </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> came home around by Tupper's and borrowed his corn cultivator as it has a special thistle cutter on it but he didn't bring it home with him. This after noon Dad. finished up what I plowed and has got a couple more loads to finish up to have the field all turned under. Huby and I continued to cock up but didn't get through. Frank spent some time picking paper off the kitchen oilcloth which is out on the lawn. Enah painted it Saturday night right here on the kitchen floor and yesterday morning it wasn't dry so she put down a lot of newspapers down but they all stuck to the paint and made an awful mess of it. Frank scraped a lot off and then went down town and got the mail. He also saw the Doctor about his wrist and he put a bandage on it and told him to keep it there for a week Frank has it in a sling and I think is highly satisfied. Lila was over most of the day. The old guinea hatched out to-day but we don't think she had an extra good hatch. It would have been very hot to-day but for a cool nice breeze. Tuesday July 7th This being Dad's birthday and everybody wishing him a happy one and many returns we put in about the most strenuous day this summer. Dad. decided we had better haul in the hay before any rain gets on it although we are very anxious to get the buckwheat in and the thistles are whooping it up in the cornfield. It took us a long time to get started as various preparations had to be made for the slings but we got one load in and off before dinner but not before twelve. This after noon we managed to get in three good sized ones and left the last on the barn floor. Huby helped us put on the last two but bunched up the winrows while we were unloading. This morning he had to throw a lot of old straw out of the hay in the big barn where we are putting the hay. As a little special sensation for Dad. the cows all came up early, the first time they have done it since they were out this year and as the gates were all open got into the garden before Frank noticed them and trimmed the "Country Gentleman" corn completely. We had the colts shut up in the stable and the sheep in the orchard. We had quite a time putting them in this morning as they would get nearly to the gate when one fool would run back and the rest of course all follow. They got in to the garden on {trap?} and trimmed what little they could in half a minute. Frank of course is about useless but does a little with one hand. He helped Enah paint the oilcloth this after noon which they put out between the stable and the barn he also painted his wheel. Winnie was over this </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> morning to dinner and Lila this after noon. It has been pretty warm to-day but a nice breeze Wednesday July 8th We hauled hay all day to-day and got in five loads leaving the last one on the barn floor. I went down town to-night to get my hair cut and got wet owing to the fact that I indulged in two swims. I had one on my way down below Quanbury's but it was a premeditated one, then while I was in the barber shop {Kinden?} came in to invite {Corey?} to go in and I joined them. Charlie Cooper and Booze Waddle also went we went in the pond at the danger sign and had a good one. I saw Dick with a new bank clerk. The other poor fellow is too sick to work and is going back home to-morrow. When I got home we had quite a hunt for some pills which Huby gave Dad for his birthday, and which Huby is very anxious for him to take as he thinks it will cure his arm. Hot and dry. Thursday July 9th Huby didn't come over till noon to-day as he had to attend to Mrs. {Folmshee's?} insurance so we didn't try to haul in any hay. Frank and I took the team and waggon and went over to Tupper's first thing and borrowed his cultivator he had to put the thistle cutter on which were the advantage it had over our own. When we got home we went down to the mill and got a couple of sacks of shorts for the pigs. Dad. had been training Jonas's mare to cultivate in the garden with our own cultivator but when we came took her out to the cornfield and worked with her till noon. She goes pretty well but gets rammy at the ends of the rows and walks fast. When we got back from the mill I hooked the team to the disks and disked on the buckwheat ground till noon. Huby came over at noon and we hauled in hay, we didn't rush at it so it was dark when we hauled the last load in but we had had our tea at six o'clock. We got in three loads and all we are going take off that field. There are a few winrows of couch grass which Tom Abbot is going to take as we don't want the seed to get in the manure. It has been very hot everything is drying up and we need a rain badly. Friday July 10th Huby Frank and I spent the whole day in the gully we put the wire around the four little trees which we had the stakes around. This took us a long time as we </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> put split rails around the stakes to brace them. Dad. & Huby did two the other day. Frank sat around with his pesky arm which everybody is getting heartily tired of. We used him principally as an object to heap abusive language on. We went all around the fence and patched it up as well as possible but it is in awful shape. We didn't do anything to the culvert hoping that the cows will be so delighted with the new pasture that they will not try to escape through the culvert till we can make a good fix of it. We let them all in to-night and the first thing they did was to tramp straight down along the creek and examine all the tree barricades. To-night Frank and I went for a swim down below Quanbury's. Frank couldn't resist the temptation in spite of his poor wrist which he has been unable to wash for a week on account of the bandage but went in and swam around so now will have no excuse for not making a little use of it. Another very hot day but nice breeze. Dad cultivated corn all day. Saturday July 11th Huby and Dad had a little work to attend to with the calves and pigs which took them an hour or so this morning. I took Belle out and cultivated a few rows of corn till Dad came out and relieved me. Then I went to help Huby staple on the wirefence but I didn't feel very well for awhile so didn't do anything. Snowdrop got out at the culvert and stood in the middle of the road for about half an hour so we went down just before dinner to put her in. We met an old man on the road with a good looking setter and he and Huby had quite a conversation about sport. He wouldn't tell Huby his name but said {Hec.?} Henderson would tell him. This after noon I felt better and we stapled on the wire fence and then Huby went up and got a lot of wire and we barricaded the culvert. We stretched three strands of wire from the two posts each side of it and hung rails from the center at the bottom. It took us till after six quite a bit and then we took a look at Ivey's strawberry patch but there were hardly any left. To-night about eleven o'clock Dad. went out to wash his feet and and saw a fire down town. I lit right out for town but didn't know till I got to the top of the hill that it was the brickyard. The big building and the new long shed were beyond all hope when I got that far. I went down and sat on Huby's front step for awhile. Then Frank came down on his wheel and rode over to it he said the machinery was all ruined. I came part way home with old Jonas and induced him </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to go for a swim with me below Quanbury's. It was about midnight then. Frank has been driving his old mare all day. He went down town with her this morning and washed the buggy. This after noon he drove Enah and Tiddums down town. Warm but breezy all day. Dad got over the corn lengthwise going twice in a row and has started going crosswise. Sunday July 12th We didn't get up till very late this morning but I managed to get down to church. Frank also went down to church and Sunday School. Before we finished dinner Mr. and Mrs. Jim Waddle came over and stayed all the after noon. It was very hot this morning but began to rain the middle of the after noon and cooled things off. It didn't rain very long nor extra heavy. Tupper and a bunch of fellows drove in out of the rain and ran their buggy in the shed. Dick was in bed all morning down town this afternoon and at church to-night. Frank went down town on his wheel for a little while to look at the debris over at the brickyard. There was no insurance on the buildings, the rate being to high to carry it. They don't know at all how it started. A cow and calf got in the wheat this after noon & Frank and Bluch had quite a time with them. Monday July 13th Dad. & Frank went down town first thing this morning in the waggon and as it was so muddy they took Dick down with them. They got the tank at the Widespread which Huby has had ready for them for the last week or two. It is just a mate for the one we have and we are going to put it at the end of this one and connect them with a pipe at the top. Huby and Lila came back with them. I did chores and set out cabbage plants all morning. Huby helped me when he came, we got out a lot in the garden. Dad. worked on the buckwheat ground till noon. After dinner I disked the rest of the buckwheat ground and Dad. harrowed. Huby took all the rest of the cabbage plants and set them out in the cornfield where there are hills of corn missed. He didn't get them all out by to-night so I guess we will be well fixed for cabbages next winter. Frank worked all day cleaning up the woodshed and the shop. He got a ticket from the inspector to-day bearing the joyful tidings that he had failed on his examination. He failed on Spelling and Arithmetic and was way down on the total. The failure doesn't appear to sit very heavy on his mind and I don't think he will lose very many meals over it. Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting to-night. Cloudy and not hot. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday July 14th We worked on the buckwheat ground most of the day. I disked & rolled and this after noon Dad. sowed with the broadcast seeder. I harrowed after him till he finished and then he took the harrows and finished. He got the four two bushels on the four acres but had to go over some of it twice to cover it. Enah Frank and Tiddums went down to the Sunday school picnic this afternoon. I went down after tea thinking there might be a dance but I saw Joe and he said they were going to have a little dance but some of them left and delayed it so long that {Morley?} closed up the pavillion. I fooled around with Joe, we went for a little drive but it began to rain so we went down to the moving picture show, we saw {Hube?} Long just as we came out and I didn't get home till nearly midnight. I picked Dick up at the bank he was talking to Douglas who is going to leave them soon. Huby worked in the garden all morning and picked all the cherries. Pretty cloudy all day and rain to-night. Wednesday July 15th We didn't get a very early start this morning but I cut hay all day and have quite a chunk of the timothy down I had to leave one corner to cut afterwards as it is bounded on two side by ditches which I couldn't go over. I quit mowing before six and raked up what I cut this morning as it was dry. There is one spot or two where the timothy is not bad but most of it is very short blue grass. Dad cultivated the corn with Joe this after noon. He didn't do too badly. Huby and Frank worked in the garden. Huby got a lot of red cabbages from {Stan?} and set them out. Mrs. McBride was here all day washing and stoning the cherries which Huby picked yesterday. Jonas presented us with a lot of vegetables to-night. Old Maneer was through here on his way to Tupper's to look at the shed. Pretty hot. Lila was over all day. The sheep all got out of the orchard to-day and got in the wheat. Thursday July 16th I finished cutting the hay this morning and raked it up after dinner. Then I helped Huby and Frank cock up we got quite a bit of it up, it will be a light crop. Dad. cultivated corn all morning with Joe but she didn't behave very well so he took Belle as soon as I got through raking. The Simcoe band came down to-night and we all went down to hear them Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down and didn't stay very long but Frank and I walked and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> went in for a swim at Quanbury's on our way down. We went down to Huby's for a minute or so and he was the only one home. After the band quit we went over and watched the dance for awhile getting home about midnight. Hot with nice breeze. Friday Saturday July 17th Dad. cultivated corn all morning with Belle and Huby Frank and I cocked up hay. We got it all up but a few windrows. A big thunderstorm rolled in at noon but although there were some very close flashes of lightning and some beautiful cracks of thunder it didn't last long. It rained very hard for a few minutes but soon dried off. It was too wet to cock hay this after noon so Huby and Frank went back and fixed the fence where the cattle got into Ivey's last night. Dad. took Harry and I took Belle and we cultivated all the after noon. We didn't get a very early start or we would have finished. It has been cooler and breezy this afternoon. Saturday July 18th Dad. finished cultivating the corn this morning and went through the potatoes again. He also went through the potatoes in the old garden which are up enough to see. Huby and I thinned the turnips and Huby thinned the mangels and hoed some of the potatoes. This after noon we got the binder out and cut the wheat east of the orchard. It took quite awhile to get started but Dad. cut it by soon after six but it took the three of us Huby, Dad. & me till dark to shock it all up. It is a good crop with hardly a thistle in it. Frank cleaned the binder up this morning and has been hobnobbing around with old Jonas all the rest of the day. They went to Simcoe this after noon with Nellie & Jonas' old rattletrap of a democrat, and Frank got a hive and various apiary supplies. Lila was over all the after noon and Win most of the morning. It has been a nice day a little cloudy. Sunday July 19th Enah and I went to church this morning and Frank went down to Sunday school and church. Dick didn't get up till noon and then drove down town with me I went around and got Marj. Clarke and we had a very enjoyable drive When I got home Ed. was here and had been here all the after noon. Lovely day with nice breeze. Monday July 20th We put off the load of hay that was on the barn floor and then had to change the car over to the horse stable as that is </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> where we want to put the timothy. It took us quite awhile to get ready so we only got in one load before dinner and didn't get it unloaded. We unloaded it after dinner but as we have to use the fork in the horse stable it took quite awhile. We got one more in and unloaded and then about four o'clock I drove Enah down. We went around to Miss Battersby and got a hanging lamp which Miss Battersby gave us. I went down to the station as Marj. told me she was going to-night but I found she had changed her mind. Dad. cut alsike from about six till I had my tea and then I cut till dark while Dad. did chores. Nice day pretty hot. Tuesday July 21st I set the alarm for half past three this morning and although I heard it go off was too sleepy to get up and stayed in bed till Dad. called me about five and got out to the alsike field as soon as possible and cut till after seven, but there is still quite a bit to cut yet. We got started hauling hay as soon as we could after breakfast and got two in before dinner. It took a long time to put on a load as the cocks are so far apart we have to chase all over the field to get enough to make a load. After dinner we got all the hay there was left which wasn't quite a load and got it unloaded by a little before four. Dad. then went out and started to cut the wheat north of the orchard. Huby and Frank helped him shock up and as there wasn't anything very pressing for me to do Enah Tiddums and I drove down town. They went to see Elva and she went down and got some ice cream with them and I went down to the station to say goodbye to Marj. She & Bessy Perry went to-night. Quite a strong breeze to-day but hot. Wednesday July 22nd Dad. took the alarm clock last night and got me up soon after half past four and I went out and finished the alsike soon after eight. Dad. took Nellie Green & Joe and raked up what was cut yesterday. We didn't have breakfast till after nine so Dad didn't get much of the wheat cut before noon. We noticed this morning that for some reason the windmill although revolving was not pumping. We surmised that some of the rods were uncoupled so Frank took Nellie & the democrat and went down and got old Felix. He was here all the after noon and found the valve in the cylinder had gone out order but he put in a new one </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dad. finished cutting the wheat this after noon and we put the binder back in the woodshed. Huby and I shocked up for a little while before dinner but helped old Felix all the after noon so most of the wheat has to be shocked up any way. Frank went over to John Wess to-night to see if he would like a little help to-morrow as from here it looks as if he had a lot of hay out and we knew he had no man. He was cutting wheat and expected to be at it to-morrow but said a man would come in hadny the next day, so I guess I will go over. Frank has put in most of the day running errands. He drove Felix home to-night and Huby went down with them. Felix told us that Jack McCarty cut his throat this morning. He has been sick for quite awhile and I suppose it has left him in bad shape. The papers are giving very apalling accounts of the terrible damage being done by the army worms in the counties directly north of us. They say they have struck the O.A.C. at Guelph. Pretty hot to-day. Thursday July 23rd Dad. routed me out again this morning before five and I went out and raked up the alsike finishing about seven. Huby got over early and went right out to shock up wheat. Frank went out soon after to help him and Dad. to help them as soon as he could and I to help them as soon as I got through with my chores. It didn't take long to finish it up but we were hindered a little by the horses all getting out on the road, they ran up the lane and as both the stable doors had been left open ran right through on to the road. Luckily they didn't go far either way and we managed to head them off without a great deal of difficulty. Enah ran out to help us and left Tiddums in his bath. When Dad. came in afterwards he found him standing up in the tub filling one of his (Dad's) slippers with water. and pouring it all over himself. When we got the wheat shocked up we hooked up to go after a load off the other piece. Huby & Frank cleaned up the barn floor while Dad. and I were after a load. By the time we got the first load off the waggon it was raining quite a shower so we couldn't haul any more. I hooked Joe up to the buggy and Huby and I drove down to see old Felix as the windmill was working again this morning without pumping and we thought the sucker must be again out of order. Felix said it would kill him to go out in the rain but that we could fix it anyway. He said some of the scales off the inside of the pipe had jerked down and got underneath the valve and all it needed was a pail of water poured down the pipe. We tried it and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> sure enough the old coon was right. Huby had some insurance to do so didn't come back with me. This after noon Dad. took Belle and cultivated the potatoes in the field and garden. I cut the weeds around the wheat field we last cut. About four o'clock Dad. thought it was dry enough to haul wheat so we got started in about an hour after a load. We just got it unloaded by six but went out and got another and left it on the barn floor. Harry Harding was over for awhile to see Dad. but he couldn't stay long as his mother is in very bad shape and he didn't like to be away from her for very long at a time. Allan Law came in for a little while to see if he could borrow the manure spreader to-morrow. Frank rode down town to-night to get the mail and Huby told him that he didn't finish his insurance so wouldn't be able to be over to-morrow morning so I won't be able to go over and help John Wess as we have to get our own wheat in first of all. Cloudy but hot after the rain. Friday July 24th Frank rode over first thing to tell John Wess that I wouldn't be able to be over. He said that Crysler's man helped him yesterday and was going to again to-day, and if he wanted me to-morrow he would come over, but Allan Law was in this morning to get the spreader and he said he was going to take John Wess a man to-night. We unloaded the load on the waggon as soon as we could get started after breakfast but only got in two before dinner. However we cleaned the one field. Tupper came in for awhile to ask us to bring back his cultivator and just as he was leaving he broke the cross bar on his buggy and had to borrow our shafts. Zeitha Barwell came over for a little while to see if she and Mr. Crooker could come over this evening and practice some songs for the concert as they want Enah to play for them. We got in two loads off the other field this after noon. We got a late start and quit at five to have tea but unloaded a load after tea. Frank and I went down to Quanbury's for a swim and Frank went on down and got the mail. When I got home Zeith, Miss Wimmer and Mr. Crooker were here Zeitha and Mr. Crooker were practicing with Enah while Werdi. was looking after Tiddums. He took her all over the place and enjoyed himself immensely. Old Jonas had Nellie to-day and sent her home with young Mertland one of his boarders kids who isn't bigger than a skinned minute and he let her come in the lane on the run and ran smash into the cutter in the drive house. I don't think he broke anything </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday July 26th I didn't get up till very late this morning and haven't been off the place all day. I just chored around slept & read and to-night wrote a letter to Aunty & Aunty Alice and another to Roy. Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and has been riding around on his wheel the rest of the day. He went to the stump for a swim to-night. Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove over to John Wess McBride's this morning before Tid. has his morning sleep and he hasn't slept a wink all day. Dad. tried to have a sleep this after noon but Tiddums wouldn't allow it. Dad. and Enah wanted to go down to the Methodist Church to hear Mr. Crooker sing but Tiddums wouldn't go to sleep and was inclined to be cranky so they didn't go. Dick got home late to-night burned to a crisp. I guess he didn't enjoy his sail as much as he expected. He and Hazen didnt get out of the boat till Sunday Morning and they left here at six o'clock Saturday night but there was no wind. They went over to Ryerson's Island where Joe & Hub. Long joined them and they went in for a swim. They saw Quint & George Hamaker over there. They had a good sail home they left at twelve and got here about two o'clock. Poor old A.M. Todd formerly of the "Maple Leaf" died to-day of heart failure while in bathing in the lake. They didn't find his body till about three hours afterwards when some people happened to run into it. Nobody missed him. Fair day. Monday July 27th We unloade the load of alsike we had on and got in one more and unloaded it before dinner. We got out right after dinner and managed to get in three by half past six. It is very slow stuff to handle it is so heavy & short and loose. Huby and Frank bunched up the first load and then Frank bunched all the rest up this after noon. Frank Odd. came for Dad. while we were at dinner to go and see one of Flemming's horses so Huby and Frank pitched on after dinner till Dad. got back. Enah went down town this after noon to practice in the hall with some of the ones at the concert. Mr. Johnson brought Lila. Tiddums & her home at six. Lila and Tiddums stayed but Enah went back. Huby went down with them. She left word that Mr. Crooker never showed up and that Murray was coming up on the evening train and she wanted to practice with each of them. She got home about eleven and said that Murray didn't come and Mr. Crooker couldn't be found anywhere. She forgot and left today's paper down town but Lila says it reported bloodshed in Ireland. Cool and pretty breezy all day. We thought at noon we would get a rain but it seems to have passed over. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday July 28th Huby didn't get over this morning as he had some insurance to look after but Dad. & I got in what was left of the alsike alone and Frank helped mowed it away. There was just one full load and a half of one. We left it on the waggon as it was half past twelve when we got in with it. This after noon we ground a mower knife and I got a few rounds cut in the blue grass and weeds this side of the gully while Dad. and Frank hoed some of the potatoes in the old garden. Dad. quit at five and I quit soon after so that he could get ready in plenty of time for the concert. Billy Barwell came over at noon with some music for Enah to practice for the concert and he played around with Frank for quite awhile. Later Tuppy Fick brought Huby, Lila and Aunty Maude over in his car. Huby & Lila stayed and Aunty Maude took the musick back for Murray to practice. Huby went out and piled up the marsh grass we left out in the timothy sod to make duck hides. He thinks there will be lots of ducks next fall with the corn and buckwheat so near. When he got through Tuppy came back and got him. To-night Dad. & Enah went to the church concert and Frank Lila & I stayed home with Tiddums. He went to sleep before they left and didn't wake up at all while they were gone. Dad. said he enjoyed the singing and playing of Zeitha, Miss Prest & Mr. Crooker very much and Pursell for his class, but the rest he didn't care for at all. Cloudy and cool all day and quite cold to-night. Nor'east wind. Wednesday July 29th Dad. & I hooked up Belle this morning and drove up to Bickler's. Dad. was never in there before but we found it to be a beautiful farm of 800 acres with the buildings set in a grove of natural timber a half a mile in from the road. It was getting on to noon when we left there but we drove over to Dunkin's. He was down at a picnic at Port Ryersie so the young fellow told us so we went down there and saw him. He has had pretty rough luck again this year. He was sick all spring and nearly died and the young fellow had so much to look after that he lost five of his crop of eight lambs and the ones he has left don't look anything extra. He hasn't ours registered yet but is going to see about it as soon as he can. We heard several reports of the army worms on the radical road but didn't see any. Fred. Warren told us they were thick in all the pea fields but didn't seem to be doing any damage so we came to the conclusion they weren't the genuine army worm as they didn't seem to be anywhere but in the peas. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Innes said they were the real thing and wouldn't take the peas green but will buy them thrashed. We got home about two o'clock. After we had our dinner I went out and cut a little more hay with Joe & Harry and Dad. cultivated corn & potatoes with Belle. Frank picked raspberries for Ivey this morning and helped Huby hoe potatoes this after noon. Mrs. McBride was here all day and looked after Tiddums this after noon while Enah took old Nellie and went to the Methodist Bazaar. Jonas sent a couple of kids after Nellie. He never said anything about wanting her to-day so he had to wait till Enah got back. Cool & windy no sign of rain. Thursday July 30th I cut hay all morning and nearly finished the piece I went out after dinner and only got a few rounds cut when the rivets came out of the pitman rod and it came loose so I had to quit mowing. I hooked on to the rake and raked for the remainder of the after noon but didn't get over it all. Dad cultivated corn all day. Huby didn't get over till noon and he burn a lot of worms nests in the trees. Frank and he hoed some thistles in the corn and potatoes and started to cock up hay but Enah called to them that the old sow was out and she got way down the road with all the little ones and it took them a long time to round her up, so they didn't get much hay cocked. They saw some fellows on the road who told them that the army worms were on Charlie Dixon's & Charlie Clalland's places and were skinning the oats, that is a Charlie Dixon who lives way out Black Creek on the fourth concession. John Wess came over this forenoon to see if he could rent the manure spreader but Dad told him he would lend it to him, so he came over after dinner and got it. Tonight Frank went down to the moving picture show with Roy Bannister. An automobile came in after dark to-night and I think Dad. is holding a post mortem on a dog or something I don't know who the people are except their names are Simpson from Toronto. According to to-days reports nothing short of a miracle can prevent a general war in Europe. Austria has all ready declared war with Servia and Belgrade is taken. Russia is mobilizing an inormous army to support Servia and Germany. Britain and France are all beginning to squirm. Cool, cloudy day. Friday July 31st We spent quite awhile this morning watching Dad. operate on the dead dog. In daylight he found the left side of it full of shot and dug eleven no. 5 shot out of its hind leg. They had gone right through the flesh but didn't come </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> through the skin. He then opened it and found a shot in its lungs and all through it so came to the conclusion that whoever shot it carried it to the lake and threw it in as that is where it was found dead. He thought it must have been fired at from close range but when Huby came he said a full choke gun would make the same pattern at forty yards. Huby didn't get over till quite late this morning as he didn't wake up and we didn't get out in the field till nearly ten o'clock. Frank took the pitman rod down and got Joe Howell to rivet it. The rest of us cocked up till he got back. Then I finished mowing before dinner. This after noon I finished raking about three o'clock and then went out and cocked up with the rest of them. We didn't quite finish. Frank went over to John Wess's after dinner and brought Bluch home. He followed John Wess home with the spreader yesterday and stayed all night. Jonas sent another hoach of kids after his mare again today and they chased her all over the field and then had to get Frank to help them so Dad. gave Jonas beans when he brought her home to-night. John Watts was in for a few minutes to-night to ask Dad. about a cow or something. Cool & breezy with a few clouds Frank went down after the paper to-night and went to tell Mr. Simpson about his dog. He has Aikens on the trail. Saturday August 1st Dad. and I put off the half load of alsike which was on the waggon and changed the car and pulleys from the barn to the horse stable it didn't take us very long as we didnt take any of the pulleys off the ropes Frank and Huby cocked up till we got out in the field and then Huby helped Dad. pitch on a load and Frank finished cocking up this afternoon we got one load in before dinner and three in this after noon but hauled the last one in on the barn floor and left it. We couldn't haul full loads as we had to use the slings and too big a lift wouldn't go in the doors but we got in some pretty good sized ones. I drove down town to-night with Huby to get provisions and the town was so full and the stores so crowded that I didn't get home till late. Frank went down on his wheel to see Professor Atkinson do some stunts in the town hall but I guess the show didnt ammount to much. Huby and I are planning a trip to-morrow to go and see Dr. McInnes about growing ginseng and come home by way of Billington's. It has been breezy and not hot all day. We need a rain very much everything is drying up and if it doesn't come soon it will be too late when it does come. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday August 2nd I got down to Huby's about nine o'clock and he was already to start but it took us quite awhile to get what we wanted to take loaded in the buggy. We had to take our lunch and several other things. Quint came home last night and he said he would like to accompany us so Huby fixed a seat in front of the dashboard for him so we didn't have to hold him on our knees. We let Joe take it easy as the sun was hot and the flys were bad and we made quite a load. Huby found Dr. Macinnes in his office in Vittoria and he told him quite a lot about Ginseng. He said that there never was a better market price for the roots as there is now and he thought that anybody starting in now would be independent in ten years. He had none of it there to show us as he grows it all on his farm four miles west of Vittoria, but he invited us to go up there - and wrote to his man introducing us. He told us where to find it if the man was not at home and said to put the horse in and feed her. We went up, it seemed like a long drive through about the most barrenest looking country I ever saw although Huby said there was worse in other spots. When we got there we found the man was not at home so did as the doctor told us and put Joe in. The Ginseng gardens were in plain sight and all in lattice work houses or sheds they have to be grown in the shade so he has these sheds built of pickets and clothes which lets in all the air but which keeps out most of the sunlight. It is as near like a forest as could be built. He must have had nearly an acre under cover like this and all the beds were full but the plants were not all the same age some just seedlings and others eighteen inches high. We took a good look around and then went over to the well to eat our lunch. There were fully a million half starved and half grown chickens beseiging us the whole time and we couldnt lay a piece of bread down for a minute but they would seize it and run off with it. It was very annoying and Huby felt very much like catching a couple biting their necks and broiling them. We left right after we had our lunch for Billington's but it was about two o'clock then. We got a little mixed up with the roads and went quite a bit out of our way, but got to Billington's about four or soon after. They were very glad to see Huby. We stayed there to tea and till after nine visiting. Before it got dark I took some pictures of the {illegible} and fooled around the creek. Huby and Quint spent most of the time in its vicinity but didn't have </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> extra good luck. We got home about midnight it was moonlight but very chilly. It hasn't been at all hot all day and this after noon it rained a shower but there wasn't enough to do any harm or good. Monday August 3rd We hauled in all the rest of the hay off that field to-day. It took us all day and there were just five loads. We put four of them in the horse stable loft and left one on the old barn floor for the bull. Huby and Dad pitched one, I loaded and Huby and Frank mowed away. Frank spent most of the time between loads fixing the boiler pipe which Rus Lampkins brought down for the sink from the pump to the orchard fence to carry water to the calves and sheep in the orchard. Dad is not at all in favor of the scheme as he says Frank can't make it work and it blocks his path to the pig pen, but Frank is undaunted and has it nearly carrying water. Pretty hot to-day. Tuesday August 4th Huby didn't come over at all to-day, he had some insurance to look after and spent the rest of the day working around his own garden. Dad. and Frank went back this morning to fix the line fence between John Wes. and us as the cows got it last night and broke it down and tramped through his oats & buckwheat and ate up his beans. John Wes. came back with the spreader while they were gone and when I told him he just laughed and said such things would happen. They didn't get back till noon. I cut weeds while they were gone. This after noon Dad cultivated corn and Frank and I started to hoe the potatoes. Harry Harding came over and I went back to the gully with him to look at the horses and cattle. It was getting on to five when we got back and then I drove him down town and got some provisions. Dad. quit early. He and Enah went out to the Shand's last night and invited them all over here to-night for some music. Mr. Crooker, Zeitha, Verdi, Wimmer all came over and Mr. Johnson brought Aunty Maude. Win & Lila and Nora Cunningham over in his car. Dick also managed to get home, and all the Shands came so we had a very pleasant evening. Not hot to-day. Quite cold to-night. Wednesday August 5th We were up about the usual time after our night of song. I cultivated corn all day and the boys hoed all the weeds and thistles out that the cultivator missed </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday August 12th For a whole week this interesting and valuable record has been missed owing to an accumulation of circumstances, the terrible war being the chief upsetting cause for after reading the paper Toby had no time to make entries in this, he wanted to go down to get his hair cut tonight to I said I would do my best to write the doings of the past week. I think we began hauling out manure on the 4 acres we had sowed with Buckwheat on Thursday 6th and we hauled until Saturday noon. We then got the binder out and cut the oats in the old well field, it was a nice crop but the weather is and has been so dry that the grain was very light. Hubert and Frank cobbled up the fence around the hog yard on Friday and Saturday forenoon, Saturday afternoon they all shocked up oats. Sunday Morning Toby drove down to church, had dinner at Huberts and he and Hubert went up to {illegible} Hooleys in the after noon, Frank was at S.S. and church. Dick did not get up until noon. Hattie intended going to church but did not feel very well in the morning so did not go as she had to go down in the evining to play for Mr Crooker who sang a solo. I went down also in the evening there were very few in church a young student tried to preach. It was a very hot day and looked a little like a thunder storm. On Monday I had to go and load the binder on the truck the first thing Frank went with me, after bringing it in I went and got the roller and put it in, Hubert worked at the Hog fence, and Toby at the fence around the orchard to keep his chickens in. I brought up the old hay {illegible} valves and Frank has been taking it to pieces. Monday afternoon we all worked at the sheep for some time separating them so as to try and mark them for {resist....?} it actually rained quite a shower Monday evening and laid the dust. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> On Tuesday morning we marked the lambs, Hubert worked at his fence. In the afternoon Toby and I hauled out manure. It was quite cool at night. This morning, Wednesday we took the binder back over the gully to cut the oats. We didn't get started very early either in the morning or after dinner so didn't finish to-night. Frank and I shocked up but we didn't get it all up either as we didn't work very hard. The oats are so rusted that they are all bent flat and there is nothing whatever in them. To-night Frank and I drove down town I got my hair cut and Frank got a pair of boots. On our way down we got started on the approach to the bridge before we saw a team on the bridge and we had to back up. Joe got a little impatient and hacked accross the road and got her hind legs down a nasty hole between the bank and the sidewalk but didn't hurt herself. We saw Huby down town and he told us he had more insurance to look after tomorrow so couldn't come over again. He says his leg is bad again even worse as it hurts him now. Chris Quanbury asked us if two of us could come over to Martin's and help them thrash. It looked a little like rain to-day but didn't. Thursday August 13th We went back this morning and finished cutting and shocking up the oats just at noon but by the time we got up to the house and had dinner and put the binder in winter quarters it was pretty late and soon after dinner we saw the thrashing outfit coming around the hill so Dad. and I went over to Martins. They didn't get started thrashing till after four but we finished up about six. Their wheat only turned out about 20 bushels to the acre both Charlie's and Jack's. Neither one of them was there. Chris. was running things. The machine was outside and they put the straw in the barn. Dad. and I carried away. Cousin Clare was here all the after noon and stayed all night. One of us will have to go and help Flemming thrash to-morrow. It has been rather cloudy and threatening all day and to-night it did rain quite a shower and thundered quite a lot. It still looks very black. Friday August 14th There was a very hard thunder shower after we went to bed last night and every thing was pretty wet this morning but it has been windy and sunny all day so the mud is about dried up. We needed the rain very badly and it will likely do a lot of good to the corn roots </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and late sowed potatoes, but we could stand a lot more of it. Dad. had an early breakfast and got down to Flemming's about seven. He only thrashed his wheat and a load of oats so they finished at noon. Dad. said the wheat didn't turn out very well but the oats weren't so bad. I just did chores this morning and wrote in this and made a new milk record card and tacked it up in the cow stable. Frank and I looked at the bees and put in three frames which had full sheets of foundation in, in place of three which they hadn't worked on at all. We just took them from the super and put them in the lower hive. I got stung for the first time. We didn't do anything much right after dinner. Frank went down and got the paper but there wasn't anything startling in it. They don't know where the British Army is at all Kitchener is keeping its whereabouts strictly secret. The first decoration for gallantry was awarded to a French lieutenant of dragoons who had the Cross of the Legion of Honor confered upon him for doing what he would have been guillotined for a month ago. Such incidents do make war look horribly foolish. Dad. and I went out to look at the potatoes in the field to see if the wire worms were in them at all but we couldn't find any. They promise to be a fair crop for this year. When we came in we took the team and went down to Uncle Ward's and got a load of shingles. It was six o'clock when we got home. To-night Cousin Clare and Enah have gone over to see Mrs. Battersby and Frank has gone down town with Roy Bannister Lila is over here for all night. Frank went over to see Mrs. McPherson and her bees this after noon and got stung too. Like every one else's hers have made very little honney this year. Saturday August 15th We chored around about half the morning and then went out and straightened the oat shocks up a little, some of them were pretty wet and one or two heads had sprouted. We then came in and put the load of hay off that was on the rack before dinner Frank mowed it nearly all away in by Dreadnought's stall. He also unloaded our load of shingles while Dad. was examining the refrigerator, it was leaking and we didn't know what caused it but Dad. found the overflow pipe was blocked up. Frank went down and got the paper right after dinner and Dad. went to sleep. He has been saying so long how much he would like to take a sleep so we let him go till Tiddums came in about half past three and woke him up. We then went out and hauled out five loads of manure before tea. Frank hoed the potatoes in the old garden, and I helped him between loads. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We got the buckwheat ground all covered. Bob. Davis & Jonas came in to-night while we were at tea with "Golden Crown". Enah drove Cousin Clare and Lila home after tea. Very windy. Sunday August 16th We didn't get up till late this morning, but Enah and I went to church. Frank went to church and Sunday school. Mr. Leigh preached he is from Courtright and Enah knew him when she was there. This after noon I read "The Lady of the Lake." Dad. Tiddums & Enah slept. Dick went down town and Frank rode out to Teeple's woods to see a lot of bees that some fellow from Simcoe has there. He didn't see the owner and Teeple's told him he had taken a lot away. Sam Law came in this morning to say he was going to thrash his oats out of the field to-morrow if it didn't rain and wanted us and our team and waggon, so I guess we will take a load of our oats over and thrash them. It rained a little this after noon and has been cool & cloudy. Monday August 17th It was raining when I got up this morning but didn't last long but it was too wet to thrash oats out of the field so after breakfast I went out and disked up most of the buckwheat ground. I got over the part where the buckwheat is the thickest. The buckwheat won't ammount to anything now as only a little of it came up on the knolls and we are going to work it in and put wheat on it. Dad. spent the forenoon I think writing to Aunty. Tupper was in to see if we wanted to haul stone for road work but I guess Dad will pay it. I went over to Sam's at one o'clock and helped them thrash their wheat out, and Frank and Dad. came over with the team and rack to haul oats. They had three teams, ours and two of their own and three waggons, ours, Art Ryersies and theirs. Dad. and I each hauled in and Art. pitched on to us. Frank helped a little, while Bert Munro & Al. Martin pitched off the load standing. They had poor Skinner Manning and Douglas the Scotchman on the stack. Skinner says it is the last stack he is going to work on. The oats were very light. There were 830 bushels of oats and 66 of wheat. We all three stayed over there to tea. Huby came up creek in the boat and walked up here but Enah said he didn't feel very well he rode back as far as Sam's with Ham Thompson who was coming down to see Dad. His old mare was kicked by Frank Mar's horse and had her leg broken. Dad. told him to shoot her. The Japs have sent an ultimatum to Germany now giving them orders to get their cruisers out of the Far East. Pretty hot to-day and lightening a lot to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday August 18th Just as we got ready for bed to-night a terrific thunder storm broke on us. Dick just got home in time. There was an almost steady flicker of vivid lightening although there were no ear breaking thunder claps, but the rain came down by the barrell. The wind was so strong that it sounded like hail battering at the west side of the house. It was still raining when I got up this morning but was not so boisterous about it. It rained off and on all morning and has been very hot and sultry all day. It is thundering again to-night and seems to be shaping for another round. I drove Dad. down right after breakfast and got some groceries. I went down to Joe Howell's to have Joe shod, but he had a team to shoe all around so I didn't wait. When I got home Dad. drove down to the mill and got a bag of flour. Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's with his two roosters which I have had over here since last spring. I spent the rest of the day building a trap nest according to instructions I read. Dad. put the cloak shelf up in the kitchen and Frank has been prowling around with his bee book looking for enlightenment on several subjects pertaining to bees. To-night I drove Dad. down to a school board meeting and got the mail. Mr. Flemming was in this after noon to have Dad. look at his horses mouth as she didn't eat right. Dad. found a great big piece of wood wedged in some way. Wednesday August 19th Last night we had a repetition of night before last's storm with more and heavier thunder. Dad. came home in it and got soaked. The school board are in trouble again. The debentures haven't been sold yet and they are afraid there will be difficulty in disposing of them now on account of the war. Secord is going to quit work on the school if they don't pay him. It rained a little more this morning but has been sunny with a fresh breeze all the after noon but very sultry and muggy before noon. This morning Dad. drove over after Mrs. McBride who has been here washing and ironing all day while I cut wood and then we both drove down town. Dad went and saw Mr. Smith to consult with him on the advisability of keeping Frank out of school till the hot weather is over as Aunty suggested. Mr. Smith thought it would be a good idea, so I guess Dad. will let him if he doesn't object. This after noon Enah took </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Nellie and drove down town to visit Cousin Clare and others and Mrs. McBride minded Tiddums. Dad. & I took the plow back to the alsike stubble and plowed all the after noon. I made a couple of strike outs my first ones and they certainly looked like it. Frank came back and joined us after a while Dad. went up about half past five to milk and I plowed till after six. Thursday August 20th It began to rain soon after breakfast this morning and rained steadily and quite heavily till after dinner it then cleared up for the rest of the day but it doesn't act as if it was through with us yet. I read all morning, the last bulletin from the Department of Agriculture on Tightening Rods. Frank studied his bee book and Dad minded Tiddums and slept. A fellow drove in to see if he could sell us oil wholesale but he couldn't so didn't stay long. This after noon Frank and I took Joe down to Joe Howell's and had her shod. Frank stopped in at Uncle Ward's on his way home to see how his vice was attached to his bench and was in there about half an hour. We got home a little before five. I looked over the paper and then carried Tiddums back to where Dad. was plowing and from there to the gully. We got back about six. Dad. plowed all the afternoon. Friday August 21st It rained hard again during the night but has been sunny and windy all day and to-night the sky looks clear and it is cooler. Dad. plowed all morning and Frank and I tidied up a little around the yard in the vicinity of the woodshed and shop. This after noon Frank drove Enah and Tiddums down town to go visiting and brought Uncle Ward. back with him as he had some tools he wanted to sharpen on our grindstone and Frank turned it for him. As Jonas wanted Nellie at three o'clock I had to drive down before tea and get Enah and Tiddums who was getting homesick. Uncle Ward. wouldn't stay to tea so I took him home. Dad. and I spen the after noon turning the oats We turned every shock as far as we went but didn't finish. The ones that stood up weren't very wet but there weren't many that were left standing and the down ones were very wet and some of them sprouted. I had to help Dad. milk to-night and it was very late when we got through. We tried to get John into the stancions and nearly had her in when Tige commenced to bark at the Shand boys coming in and frightened her out. Whit Dixon came over this morning and Dad. let him have </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> her calf and she has been bawling for it all the after noon. Dad. says he feels like a traitor as John. went back this morning without her calf thinking it was safe up here and when he, Frank and Whit surrounded it, it was all alone. It was watching Whit thinking (so Dad says) that he (Dad) would protect it when he came up from behind & grabbed it. To-day's paper says that the war is commencing now in earnest and the Germans now occupy Brussels. They, the Canadian Government, have put a war tax on Sugar Coffee Tobacco & liquors. so Dad thinks he will have to quit smoking. Huby left to-night for Toronto. Saturday August 22nd Dad. plowed all day and got in a good day Frank and I took a look at the bees first thing and then I went out and finished turning the oats which took me till noon. This after noon I put in cutting weeds along the fence bottoms & in the old garden, and to-night feel a great admiration for the pioneers who would swing a scythe all day and carouse all night. I don't wonder a lot of whisky was consumed in those days although I got along without even any water. Frank worked around up at the house all day. Winnie, Lila and Miss Leigh where here to dinner. This was the day of the Great Boughner Picnic which this year assembled in Simcoe, it is the first time they went out of Dover this wouldn't {happen} now only they got every inducement from the Simcoe people to come there while other years Dover has soaked them for all they could get out of them. A lot of cheap sports down town here got up another picnic to-day in opposition and made arrangements with Buck to get the Park free. They got out bills and put them all over the country they say advertising it as being formerly the Boughner Picnic but the Boughners threatened to take action against them and they had to around and collect all their posters. I guess they didn't get much of a crowd. The Toronto regiments got a sudden order to go from Long Branch to Valcartier and they all left to-day. Aunty told us in her letter that Fred. McDonald is with the 48th Highlanders and Elva told Enah that Byron Johnson belongs to the signal corps of the Chatam regiment. Dick is wishing he was old enough to enlist. I don't know but that I would if I were in his place but I think until conditions develop more and the odds are against Britain, the Canadian farmer is of as much importance as the soldier, as they cant fight on empty stomachs, and Canada is where they are looking for their bread & butter, but I'm good & ready to scrap when they do need me. It has been pretty hot to-day, but looks fair. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday August 23rd Enah & Dad. went to church this morning and Frank went to Sunday school & church. I stayed home to watch Tiddums. He woke up before they got home and I took him back to the gully and woods where appeared to enjoy himself. Dick stayed in bed till noon and went down town after dinner. This afternoon Dad. Enah & Tiddums drove out to the Shand's and got back just before it began to rain. I got two or three mushrooms back in the gully this morning so Frank went back this after noon to see if he could find any. He came back with about a peck of them. I read, slept and cursed flies all the after noon till Frank came home and fixed a fly net over me which was a great protection. Huby got home last night and I guess had a good time and saw everybody he knew either by lucky chance or by a premeditated call. He said Rus. Skey took him into the private office and talked for an hour. He is crazy to go to the war as an assistant army surgeon but they won't take him. Huby told Dad. & Enah that Vernon said we could all go down there anytime and stay as long as we liked and that we could go in a body or by installments and that if Quint was home for him to go too. It has been very hot and a big thunderstorm came up this after noon. It poured rain for a few minutes and hasn't cleared off yet. Monday August 24th It rained hard again during the night but has been cool and windy all day and feels as if it had cleared up. We all got up pretty early and Dad. got a good forenoon's plowing done. I cleaned out the separator and cut a little wood and before dinner went out to see if the oats were ready to be turned again as yesterday's wind knocked a lot of them down but they hadn't dried out quite enough on the outside. Frank spent most of the morning down town with Nellie, he got some groceries and then took Nellie down and let Lila drive Mr. & Mrs. Leigh over to dinner and he waited down and got the mail. Early this morning he went back to the gully and got a nice lot of mushrooms. This after noon we didn't get out so early as Dad. wanted to talk to Mr. & Mrs. Leigh for awhile after dinner. He went back and struck out a couple of lands and then I came back and plowed around them and left three or four furrows on each for him to finish up. He came back about half past five and plowed till six. In the meantime he fixed at the pig yard fence to try & keep the little fellows in as they have been running all over the place and to-day took to roving in to Martin's domain and helping themselves to his chicken food. Dad. didn't finish the job but thinks it efficient as far as he has gone. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday August 25th We hooked up Belle to the buggy this and I called for Huby about eight o'clock. We drove up to Bickler's again. We stopped in at Andrew Smith's but he was not at home Bickler's weren't home either but the man was and we went over to see Bickler as he was on another farm he has bought just south of Vittoria. We had a fine drive and got home about one. Dad. tried to plow this morning with Joe and Harry but had a terrible time as Joe acted very mean so he was glad enough to have Belle back this afternoon. Frank spent the after noo morning fixing the rest of the pig fence. After dinner Frank and I started to turn out all the oats in this field but got about half done when Mr. Morgan came to see the English Wallnut trees and we didn't get any more done that day, but Frank & I hauled up a load of rails with Harry and Belle as Dad. quit early. To-night Dad. & Enah went down to a musical at Mrs. Hobbes and Frank and I stayed home to watch Tiddums. Quite cold this morning and cool all day. Wednesday August 26th We didn't get up very early this morning and Jim Bannister came over to get Dad. to go over and see a sick cow he has. She wouldn't eat last night or this morning and can't get up. Dad. went over and said he was afraid she was going to die. We got one load of oats in before dinner and three after and there is still a load out there. To-night I went down and joined a surprise party which they had for Verdy Wimmer who is going away next week to train for a nurse. There was quite a bunch and we went up there and played pedro all evening. I have never learned anything about the pesky game yet but I had a rattling good time just the same. I went up to the bandroom and found several practicing up there for to-morrow. Harry Moon told me the other day they were going to have a flag day Thursday but I didn't know they were going to practice for it. Cloudy and cool. Thursday August 27th I helped Dad. & Frank to get the load of oats off which we left on the barn floor and then got ready to go down town at half past ten. Jim Bannister's cow died so Dad. went over to hold a post mortem on her but could find nothing abnormal except an enlarged gall bladder. I went down to Huby's first thing to see if he could come over and help get in the rest of the oats but he didn't seem to feel very well but went over after dinner. Verdy Wimmer nailed me to buy a flag just as I was going </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> into Huby's and I had to buy another from Pansy Fischer before I got up town, however they did me for the day although they were both sold again before the day was over. I was up at the bandroom on time but nobody else was we had to wait about an hour before the float appeared and it was then to late to meet the eleven o'clock train as we intended. Harry Moon had been working hard all morning and he and Jack Ivey had Johnny Walker's dray all rigged up fine with flags and flowers and drawn by four horses. They had Al. Faulkner's spotted team on the lead and Johnny Walker's team on for wheelers but they had to have two drivers. Anyway they toated the band all over town all day and we played all the patriotic tunes we could find. They had all the pretty girls in town pretty nearly riding on the a running board around the dray where it was easy for them to jump on and off selling flags. They sold all their flags early in the day and had to make a lot of little tricolored bows and sell flowers which Ivey gave them. We came over Prosper Hill here where they collected over thirty dollars mostly from Mrs. Battersby and Jack Martin, we also went over Brant hill I stayed to Huby's for dinner and went home for supper and didn't go down to the dance after dinner tea. The girls were going to sell flowers over at the dance but I guess most of them were pretty tired as they were on the go all day. They got a little over two hundred and fifty dollars. It will be sent to the patriotic fund for the releif of the wives of soldiers gone to the front. Dad. & Frank got the rest of the oats of the front field in and Huby came over to help them after dinner but they found the oats over the gully to be soaking wet so they turned a load out and left them. Dad. plowed for about an hour and Huby Frank and Lila hunted mushrooms. Very cloudy and threatening all day & cool. Friday August 28th Dad. went over first thing this morning to see John Quanbury's cow which has been taken sick the same way Jim Bannister's was and has been running in the same pasture Dad. says it is going to die but doesn't know what is the matter with it. I cut a little lawn and Frank and I pitched of the few sheaves while he was gone and then we took the rack back over the gully. We all turned out for awhile and then Frank finished up and Dad & I put on a load. We got one load on before dinner. This afternoon we hauled three in and left a couple out there. We threw them up on top the alsike. To-night Enah had to go down to choir practice as Topsy asked her to play for her while she is in Toronto so I drove her down. We called for Miss Draton who was waiting for us at the gate of Mrs. Battersby. It was drizzling when we went </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> down and was raining quite hard when we got home It rained very hard during the night. Saturday August 29th It rained a good part of the morning. Dad. went over to Billy Lewis' as he couldnt do anything else and the old man came over after him last night to see a sick heifer. He stopped in at Shand's on his way home and was there till after noon.They were weighing up all their stock. This after noon Charlie Quanbury came over after him to go and take a last look at their cow. She was better last night and this morning but before dinner took a turn for the worse and is on her last legs. Dad. couldn't imagine what was the matter with her. He got some new veterinary down from Simcoe and he happened to have the inspector with him so they both came down, they said it must be Anthrax the germs of which have come in with a lot of chickens Jack Martin has just bought from some fellow on the other side, but Dad. says he doesn't think it is that because the eggs or whatever it comes from wouldn't have had time to develop yet. He says if it is that, that likely all the cattle on this place will be infected through him and no telling where it will end. I didn't do anything much all day except write part of a letter to Uncle Hal. Tom. Abbot brought Mrs. McBride over after dinner and Frank and I took her down as far as Preston's orchard to-night. We intended driving on down town but just as I cramped the buggy off for Mrs. McBride to get out Joe gave a quick switch around and brought the wheel up against the bed of the buggy and the shaft broke at the curve. It held enough to pull me home but I didn't like to go down town so Frank walked down and got Dad's tobacco. Cloudy and cool all day. Sunday August 30th Dad. and Enah drove down to church this morning after we had fixed a good whipple tree to a good pair of shafts in a poor way. I stayed home to watch Tiddums. We stayed out in the barn for about half an hour and then we came in the house and he chased around till he rooted Dick out of bed. Dick got up and he & I took five pictures of Tiddums. This after noon Dick took the camera and took twelve pictures. Dad. and I drove out to the Shands to get a book of Dad's on sick cows but none of them were home. To-night Enah and I drove down to church. Cloudy and cool but looks clearer. Monday August 31st Dad. plowed this fore noon and opened some ditches out of some of the holes in the cornfield. Frank went </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> back and turned over the rest of the oats across the gully. Huby came over a little while before dinner and piled up his duckhide hay. This after noon Dad. and I hauled in the last two loads of oats and Huby helped us unload them. Between loads he fixed up a gate post at the north end of the drivehouse and fixed the fence. Cloudy but fair very hot for awhile this after noon but fresh breeze sprang up later Bill Donald was in to-night to have Dad look at a shoe boil on his {toe?} Tuesday September 1st It was sprinkling this morning when Dad. took the team out but he didn't think it would ammount to much so took the roller out as he wanted to roll down what he has plowed before he puts any manure on it with the spreader. He just nicely got started when a nut broke on the roller and he had to quit, he would have had to anyway for just then it began to pour rain. It rained very hard for awhile but apparently cleared up before dinner but after dinner another cloud came up and we had a short session of the hardest downpour this year. Everything was flooded in no time. I spent the morning in putting another roost in the far chicken pen and enlarging the table underneath. This after noon I made another trap nest or at least started another. Dad. went over to Tupper's this morning to pay him for our road work. Wednesday September 2nd Dad. got a fairly good day in plowing to day although he had a couple of visitors. Young Hawn came in to ask him about a sick cow and a map agent went over and sold him a new map of the Dominion. This morning Frank and I took the brooder and chicken coops out of the chicken yard and I dug up where they were. We then went out to the cornfield and I opened some more ditches from some more holes and Frank started to dig the potatoes in the wet place but he said they were all rotten. This afternoon I cut the lawn, I had quite a time with the lawn mower as the bauls have been worn. Mrs. McBride has been here washing all day. To-night Enah and I drove down and got the mail. We got a letter from Aunty bearing the astounding news that Walter is on the verge of getting married. Breezy all day very hot after dinner and looked very much like rain for awhile. Thursday September 3rd Dad. plowed all day again to-day and the flies weren't </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> quite so bad. I spent the whole day trimming the edges and digging up the rhubarb bed and also digging a piece in the strip where the currant bushes are. I didn't get much done as my back ached quite a lot from the digging. Frank cut wood and this after noon went down town and got the mail. To-night he has gone down to the moving picture show as Johnny Walker has on a twenty cent show "The Mobilization of the British Army." Cool and windy today. A short shower before tea. Friday September 4th We hauled manure all day to-day and got out 16 loads which just covered the unplowed part of the alsike stubble I spent in between loads cutting a little lawn and choring Frank went down town this morning and this afternoon cut wood. He has a big pile cut which he expects to last till he gets back from Toronto. A Mr. Walker was in this morning and bothered Dad. for awhile showing him a Nature Study chart which he said this school ought to have. Dad. told him the Minister of Education was a goat for putting stuff like Nature Study on the school carricalum but gave his name as one of the trustees in favor of buying a chart. It has been very cold all day and tried to rain this morning. Hattie went to choir practice tonight and the boys printed photographs, they had some very good ones. Saturday September 5th First thing after breakfast Toby, Frank and I went out to put the new bolt in the roller to replace the one that broke and we had a time but at last succeeded. I got the team out there and went at the ploughing Hubert and Quint came over for a little while just before noon but would not stay for dinner as Hubert wanted to go to Charley {Tuples?} and get some weed to send down to Roy. Toby and Frank had to do so many odds and ends preparing for their trip to Toronto. They left here about 3.30 and the whole four of them got off on the 5 O'Clock train, taking a basket of things down to Roy and Vernon. I had to quit the plough at 5 O'Clock and then it was late enough when I had every thing done up. It is terribly lonely I will be glad to see them all back safely. It has been cool all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday September 6th I put in a very lazy day. Hattie had to go to church both morning and evening and baby and I stayed home he was very good all day. I had to do the chores up early in the evening so that Hattie could get off in time. It rained a little in the early morning. I read while baby was asleep when I should have been writing letters. Monday September 7th I was up at 5.15 this A.M. and had nearly all the chores done up by 7. I had to go out to the corn field after the disk and it looked so much like rain I hardly knew whether to go to the field or not but I went and it did not rain but was so cold that I nearly froze but I got over a big piece. Hattie went down town in the afternoon and Lila came home with her to stay all night Hubert was over for a few minutes to tell me that he could not come in the morning as he had to see about the insurance on the Town Hall Tuesday September 8th This has been a most unsatisfactory day I got out fairly early considering I had every thing to do and rolled nearly all I had ploughed by noon. I thought I would have a good afternoon at the plough but just as I was going out after dinner John Quanbury came and wanted me to talk to McMahon he had a report on the blood he sent away from John's cow stating an organism had been found in it that looked suspicious when I got back from talking to him Hattie told me that Charlie Shand had been here to say the three colts were out at their fence so I had to saddle Joe and go after them I had quite a time getting them home and it was too late to go to the field when I got back, in fact it took me all my time to get everything done up before dark Hattie and baby went down town again today It has been very cold all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday September 9th I have had another upset day, a most trying one. In the first place I did not get up very early. Dick came home about midnight and the dogs woke me up barking at him, we talked for a long time after he came to bed, then I remembered that I had not shut the windmill off and I stayed awake a long time wondering if the wind would get up before daylight, finally I got up and went out and shut it off and then could not get to sleep for ever so long after I went back to bed, so the consequence was when I did go to sleep I did it so properly that I never heard the alarm and slept until 6 O'Clock. I was just ready for breakfast when Jack King drove in to have me fix his old grey mare's teeth, and after getting breakfast doing up all the chores, backing the spreader out of the barn oiling it and hitching up it was 10 O'Clock. I had my fourth load just on when Jim Banister came over to beg me to go to Simcoe with him to argue the case of Lead poisoning against that of Anthrax with Dr McMahon. (Jim said) he would get Jack Martin to take us up in his car if he could, so after dinner Jack, Charlie Jim and I went to Simcoe to find our man in Delhi. I telephoned him and he said he would be in Simcoe in an hour and a quarter so we waited and when he showed up I showed him that in all reason and common sense the animals did not have Anthrax while there was every reason and many symptoms to charge the death to Lead poison. Hubert did not come over today and it was a splendid day to work. Jim said he would be over to help me in the morning so maybe we can get a little caught up. I must write to Walter now. It has been cool all day and from the looks of things there was quite a frost about Simcoe last night. I do hope the frost will keep off for a while yet and give the poor corn a chance for it has not had much of a one so far this Summer. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday September 10th I got up at daylight this morning and had most of the chores done before breakfast. I was putting the harness on the horses after breakfast when Jim Banister came over and he helped me with the manure till noon. Hubert came over just before dinner and he and I worked all the afternoon. Harry Harding came over about 3 O'Clock and he stayed out with us till we quit work. Hattie went down town and Win came home with her they all stayed to tea and after tea I drove Win home and waited at Allan's corner until the boys came along. Then Harry drove up with me and held Joe while I went in and said goodbye to Miss Battersby, she leaves on Saturday for Brantford. It has been cold all day but much warmer than yesterday. Dick went to the dance at night and I don't know what time he got home. Friday September 11th I was up before it was light this morning It looked very like rain, in fact it did sprinkle several times, Hubert came over about 8 O'Clock and we got a fairly good start, we hauled manure all day but I did not keep account of the loads so I suppose Tobe will go for me. We expect them home tonight but it is now 8.20 and there is no sign of them so I think we will have tea It has been a horrible day, such a strong, cold East Wind, but it was a pretty good day to work. Saturday September 12th We got a horrible disappointment last night the boys did not come. Hattie had killed the fatted calf, which consisted of a boiled ham, (the last one) a fruit cake, baked custard, hot biscuit, fried potatoes and several "Entres" as Mrs McBride would say. We waited tea to give them plenty of time to get home after the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> train came in but there were no boys so we had our tea, Lila had come over to be here to see what old "Sunny Jim" would do when he first saw them but she was fooled too. This morning I wanted to get started for town early but I was just putting the bridle on Belle when Whit Dixon came to see if he could buy Erie and Artful, I asked him $130.00 but he beat me down $5.00, he talked for so long "understand" that it was 10 O'Clock before Lila and I got started, and it was after 11 when Hubert and I got back with the plank for the barn floor. We did not get it quite done before dinner and Alan Law got here with the separator before we were ready for him, but we soon had the floor fixed and he then put the machine in the barn and put his team on our roller and took it home with him. Hubert and I then went at the yard manure again and have the place for the stack cleared. It has been a lovely day though quite a cool East Wind, we are expecting the boys any minute now, 8 O'Clock. Sunday September 13th Well we all got back at last safley last night after a very enjoyable week of it. We went over to Niagara Falls on Thursday, which took a day out of our plans. It was the first time Frank and I had ever seen the Falls but Quint had been there before. We thought they were great. It was also the first time we had ever been in the U.S. We weren't so favorably impressed with it. We came over from Toronto by boat to Lewiston and from there to Niagara Falls by the Gorge Route so weren't on the Canadian Side at all. We were at the Exhibition three times, two theatres, and out at {illegible} besides down town and on several visits so we spent very little time sitting around. Rebecca proved to be a very entertaining person, and very good most of the time. Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and Harry Harding came back with him to dinner. I went for a walk back to the gully and around the farm and found it still all there. This after noon Dad. hooked up Joe and Ginger to the buggy and took Harry Harding for a long drive. Uncle Ward came over and stayed all the after noon. The Barwell family were in for about a minute. Dick slept all morning and went down to take some pictures with my camera this after noon. It was late when we got through to-night. It has been a lovely day, sunny but not hot. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday September 14th We didn't get out very early this morning. I disked all morning on the alsike stubble and Dad. & Frank hauled rails with Joe & Ginger. Huby and Tiddums cleaned up all the little sticks out of the barnyard with the wheelbarrow which Tiddums calls the auto. He is about the most comical looking thing imaginable now as he wears a little pair of blue overalls which Uncle Hall sent him and is never happy unless working at some thing. This after noon we hauled out eight loads of manure but the field isnt covered yet. Allan Law came over and borrowed the drill and the roller. Another nice cool but sunny day. If things keep on the way they are now it looks as if the war couldn't last much longer. The Germans (what are left of them) seem to be in full flight with the British & French after them and the Russians haven't got started at them yet. Tuesday September 15th We hauled manure all day and got out 16 loads and the field covered. We got through about half past four or five and I disked till six. Huby didn't get over till late this morning a rat stole seven of his little chickens. Quint came over and put in a connection in the two water troughs for us and stayed till after dinner. Frank spent most of the day running messages as we expect to have the threshers here to-morrow morning. It won't take long though to thrash us out. Allan Law brought back our drill and roller. Warmer. Wednesday September 16th We got up early this morning and were getting thing's all prepared to thrash when about seven o'clock Allan Law came over to inform us that they had broken the {illegible} (what ever that is) off the engine and unless they could get one in Dover which was very unlikely they would have to go to Simcoe or telephone to Hamilton. They telephoned to Hamilton so won't be over here till to-morrow. The cream separator wouldn't work this morning. It went all right yesterday morning but last night it bucked and again this morning. They took it all apart both times and washed and could find nothing wrong with it but they couldn't get it to go. However to-night it went beautifully although they hadn't done anything to it. Huby came over good & early and chopped wood all morning and this after noon He and Frank went back to see if they could fix the fence along the woods. They took the shotgun with them. Dad & I worked on the land all day. I disked </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and Dad. harrowed on the alsike stubble. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Dave Waddle & a man named Hawkins drove over after dinner and had a little shooting. Sunny quite hot and flies very bad. Thursday September 17th The threshers arrived this morning but didn't get started quite early enough to finish before dinner, but it only took about half an hour after. We only had 145 bushels of oats, of course it was only off one field but we will have to be economical with them to make them last.There were 208 bushels of wheat or about 26 or 7 bushels to the acre, but it was a lovely sample and clean. Sam. Law said it was the best he had thrashed this year. Most of it around here is shrivelled. This afternoon I took the team and went out and disked on the buckwheat ground. The rest stayed up here to clean up around the barn. Dad. said Jonas came over about five o'clock after he had got dressed up from thrashing and he was crying like a baby. He poured forth an awful tale of woe to Dad. & Huby saying that Myers was robbing him. He had just come and taken his canning factory ticket. I suppose Jonas owes Myers everything as he has been hiring men all summer for Jonas, but Jonas doesn't understand it. The flower show is on to-night and Jonas had taken a lot of vegetables down so Dad. told him to forget his troubles and go and take a prize on his onions, so about teatime he came across the fields in great excitement waving his hat and aparently as happy as a king and yelled over to them that he had got three first prizes on his onions and a second on his tomatoes. Enah and I drove down to-night to go to the show and Jonas was there to show us his prizewinning stuff. The also had an orchestra consisting of Sany Lawson, Chris Fairchilds and Frank Mar. George Thompson had his Victrola there. I don't know who was the proudest one there, Jonas, Sandy or George Thompson. Another hot day but cold at night Friday September 18th I disked all day to day on the buckwheat ground I got over the part I didn't get done yesterday lengthways this morning and over most of it crossways this afternoon. We want to sow it tomorrow if we can. Dad. went down this morning and got Sam Law's team Ben & Ned. He told Dad. yesterday he could have them if he wanted them, so Dad. has been plowing all day. He had to quit though about five o'clock as the ground </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was very hard and the shear dull. Frank did chores all morning and put fresh straw in the chicken house. This after noon he & Huby cleaned up enough wheat to sow to-morrow and he harrowed over what Dad plowed when Dad. quit. Huby had to go down and insure Sam Law's furniture & implements & stock this morning. Pretty hot. Saturday September 19th We worked on the land all day and Dad. got the buckwheat stubble drilled and the ditches run out. I finished disking crossways and then hooked on to the harrows. I finished harrowing lengthways by noon and after dinner harrowed it over again after the drill. It was after six by the time Dad. got all the ditches run. I disked over what he plowed yesterday on the alsike stubble before I quit. Huby and Frank cleaned up a lot more wheat. Enah and Tiddums went down this after noon to Miss Battersby's sale but didn't buy anything but a five cent wash tub. She was going to bid on the cook stove but discovered the back was all out of it so didn't get it. It has been very hot again to-day and the flies very bad. Sunday September 20th Frank went to church and Sunday school, and was the sole representative of the family. We got up very late so I spent about half the forenoon doing chores and helping Dad. trim up some of the sheep. Dick and I went down to Quanbury's for a swim just before dinner, we needed one badly enough but the water wasn't as warm as I have felt it. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums went for a drive down the lake shore. Frank went for a ride on his wheel Dick went down town and I fooled around here for awhile and then went down town to Hubys. Tonight I drove Enah down to church. Mr. Johnson was having service in Vittoria so Cousin Willie was in charge of things. He made a much better job of it than Mr. Johnson generally does. There was no service in either of the other churches as the preachers' are all taking their holidays, so we had a few outsiders with us. Lovely day but still pretty warm. Monday September 21st We got a good long day in on the land but the flies have been so bad and it was so hot that we couldn't go very fast. Frank went down and got Sam's team again and Dad. finished plowing. It was so hard that he didn't try to plow the headland along the lane. Frank took the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> team back to-night. They want to use old Ned to-morrow so we won't be able to get them again. Dad. just wanted them till he finished plowing. I disked all day. Huby didn't get over till a little before noon but put in the after noon shovelling out ditches in the buckwheat ground. Tuesday September 22nd It has been very hot all day and the flies are enough to drive horses and men crazy we worked at the wheat ground and had it in fine shape by 3 P.M. and got the seed and drill out and several rounds by 4 O'Clock. Toby worked with me to help keep the drill from cloging with grass roots and it kept him busy in places we worked as long as we could see and got more than half the field in, but we Just got the drill and wagon put safely in and the horses in the barn when it began to sprinkle it has not rained very much yet, though there have been several sharp showers. I do hope it wont rain much till we get the field finished. Hattie and Tobe are printing photographs of the baby tonight. We got some great pictures. There were two fires to-night north. Wednesday September 23rd Although it rained pretty hard before we went to bed last night. It didnt rain much more and as a breeze sprang up soon after Dad. thought we might get the rest of the field in after all so we got up pretty early it began to rain again however just about seven and has kept it up off and on all day and shows no signs of letting up to-night. It is also quite a bit cooler. I read all morning and Frank & Dad. worked around the house. This after noon I did a few chores and then started to fix a drawer so as to fit under one of the shelves in the pantry. Huby came over at noon and worked at flooring the old corn crib till about four when Dad. & Frank drove down in the waggon to get some plank to rig up a pig pen in the barn and Huby went down with them. We also put rings in the pig's noses this morning. Three of the British cruisers are sunk Thursday September 24th We didn't get around very early this morning and Dad & Frank worked till noon penning off the bay in the barn with the plankk they got yesterday. Huby helped them after he come. I spent most of the morning in the shop </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> experimenting with the old moulding planes which were in the tool chest. They work far better than I thought. After dinner we took seven of the biggest pigs out of the pen and put them over in the barn in the pen they made this morning. Dad. & I each took a front leg and Huby took the hind legs and we just carried them that way They were just about all we could handle too. We rubbed each one with crude oil before putting them in as the lice were rather thick on them. Frank and Tiddums watched the caught ones while we were after another. Tiddums was a little afraid when they squealed but very much interested. Dick came over post haste after dinner to inform us that Vernon & Rebecca came up to the Woodson's to-day, so Enah went over to see them. Vernon brought the baby up as she hasn't been able to eat or sleep well lately. They are going to be here till after Thanksgiving. Dad. spent the rest of the afternoon in fixing the pig pen so the four left could roost upstairs instead of the other half so as the old sow could use it. Huby & Frank fanned wheat and I cut lawn. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Enah went down to "Pinafore" practice to-night & Frank to confirmation class. It was cloudy most of the day & cold, but we thought clear, but to-night it is very black & sprinkling. Friday September 25th Huby and Quint came over this morning. Quint went back to the woods with his gun but I guess didn't get anything much Huby and Frank cleaned up more wheat. Dad. & I put the drawer, we got fixed, on the pantry shelf for Enah and then we went to fix the hog pen some way diffrent and I dug a little more out at the side of the house. This after noon Dad. & I finished drilling the alsike stubble, much to our surprise we found it drilled better that it did on Tuesday, and I think it will come on all right. Huby sawed wood nearly all the after noon and Frank & Quint got the vise nearly ready to put on the bench Quint has made a beautiful job of it. There was a great old piece of oak out there which he used for one side and he is going to put a piece of iron on the bench for the other. Old Walker was over this morning to collect a little for his {wire?} and Mrs. Jack Martin came over to invite Dad. & Enah to go to Simcoe with them to-night to a patriotic concert. They accepted and so Frank & I are left alone to keep house which we have managed to do without waking up Tid. Win was over to tea. It has been pretty cool all day. Saturday September 26th Dad. went out this morning and harrowed over the sand knoll </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> which didnt cover very well. This after noon he ran the furrows and crossditches. Vernon brought Rebecca over this morning but they didn't stay very long. Tiddums tried his best to make friends with Rebecca but she wouldn't have anything whatever to do with him. Lila was over and we took Rebecca & Tiddums out to show them the animals. Tid explained everything too her but she turned a deaf ear to him. Betty came over with Huby and Quint and went back with Vernon, who said if the roads didn't get better she couldn't bring the baby carriage over again. She started twice yesterday but couldnt make it. She didn't know about coming through Martin's. Lila went down to the Ryersies and spent the day. This after noon Huby, Quint, Frank, Billy Barwell and I went back to the woods. They had their guns but didn't shoot anything much. Quint shot a bittern which Frank brought home to eat and also a crow. Huby and I went over to John Wes's to take a look at his corn horse and he told us to take it home and use it as he has no corn to cut this year. He isn't through seeding yet. He and old Robert John were harrowing on a six acre field which if the weather permits he wants to get in on Monday. When we got back we fixed up the gap from the alsike field into the gully. Dad. was still running out furrows and Harry Harding was with him. He has to go back West on Wednesday although his mother isn't much better. Val. Laney came over this after noon to see Dad about something so as there wasn't much for Huby to do, he Quint Lila and Billy all jumped on Val's dray and rode home. I dug a little more before it was time to do chores. Enah took in the sale of Winkey Smith's stuff this after noon but the stove was too small for what she wanted, but Cousin Bessy told her that they had one for sale and wants Dad. to take a look at it. She bought a set of bedsprings. Frank and I drove down to-night as I needed a haircut and Frank had to get some groceries. We went around to Smith's to get the bedsprings but they weren't there so Effie told us that some fellow that lives in the brick house way up St. Patrick St. must have them as he had sent word that he had a set delivered to him which he didn't buy so Frank and I went up there and found the springs on the veranda and as there was no one home left word with the neighbour and carried them down to Huby's and put them in the woodshed. It was pretty late when we got home. Dick got home soon after with "Larned's History of the World" in five volumes & a dandy big war map all of which he got for $1.98 and some cupons out of a newspaper. We got a letter last night from Aunty saying they all hoped to be home here about the end of October. It has been pretty sunny but a cold wind all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday September 27th Frank went to Sunday school and church this morning and Dad. & Enah drove down to church as it was Harvest Home and communion, I stayed home to look after Tiddums and had my hands full too after he got up. It was late when they got home as they went around to Cousin Bessy's to see the stove. They are satisfied with it and are going to bring it over and try it before they set on a price. This after noon Dad. put up the box stove in the hall as we were about frozen. Vernon. Rebecca and Betty were all over again this after noon. Dick went down town and Frank went back to the gully. Winnie came over too and stayed to tea. I walked down with her and went to church to-night. It was Harvest Home and we had saved a lot of nice wheat for their decorations and told Mr. Johnson about it, but he either forgot it or was too lazy to come after it so the pigs will get it. I went in to Huby's for awhile after church. Quint expects to go to Jarvis to-morrow to pick apples. Cold wind all day. It froze the night before las and looks & feels as if it would go again to-night. Monday September 28th We got started as soon as possible down town this morning in the waggon to get the stove at Cousin Bessy's. Frank, Dad. & I went down, we picked Huby up on the way and called around for Harry Harding, but he didn't seem to be home, so we took Dave Waddle who happened along instead. Bert Matthews was up there mixing mortar so we had lots of help. The stove seemed to be pretty badly cracked up but we brought it over. We had to stop in at Joe Howell's and get him to fix a piece of the base. We went around by Huby's and got the springs Enah bought at the sale. By the time we got home & unloaded it was nearly noon. This after noon after we did a few odd jobs Frank and I started to cut corn. It was getting on to three when we started and we worked till a little after six but we got 20 shocks cut. It seems to be a little green yet and I had a lot of trouble getting bands that wouldn't break. Huby cleaned out ditches in the alsike stubble & Dad. finished plowing out the ditches and started to plow the headland which was too hard before. There was quite a frost last night but it didnt seem to hurt anything. Quint left for Jarvis this morning to pick apples. Not so cold to-day. Tuesday September 29th Dad. got out good and early this morning and finished plowing the headland, he also rolled it, harrowed it and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> drilled it, he says it will need rolling and harrowing again. The wheat on the buckwheat ground is up nicely now Frank and I got out about nine o'clock and finished cutting the row there were 13 more shocks in it. We didn't begin another as we didn't know whether it is quite ripe enough yet or not and thought we would leave it a day or two to see if more of it isn't glazed. We started to pull the two rows of beans then Frank got his row done by noon but I only got about half of mine done, however Frank finished it after dinner. This after noon Dad. Enah & Tiddums lit out for Simcoe. Enah went up to attend the Deanery meeting and she stayed to come down by train to-night. Dad. brought Tid. home had his tea and has driven down again to Pinafore practice where he is to meet Enah. They have left Frank & me in charge again with Tiddums asleep. We have just finished washing the dishes, Huby didn't come over till noon and he Frank and I hauled rails this afternoon, we only got up two loads as we had a few visitors Charlie Shand came in just after Dad left with his old dog who has a lump on its jaw about the size of a baseball. I told him to leave it till Dad came home and come after it to-night but when Dad. came home the old dog wouldn't let him touch him, however Mr Shand came in before tea and between them they managed to tie his mouth so that Dad. could jab his knife into it but I guess it didn't do much good so Mr. Shand took him home. To-night is the first night that Tiddums has waked up under Frank's & my care but to-night he not only woke up and stayed awake but he howled as long & loud as he could for "Daddy & Momma. We tried several ways to pacify him and at last showed him his book and told him we would take him out and show him Tige, but Tige wasn't in the woodshed and it was took cold to take him outside. We then showed him Eaton's catalogue which has a picture of a marmit which Tid. calls Daddy. That pleased him for awhile and then we induced him to go into his carriage. Frank jiggled the carriage and I crouched in front of it to jump at him and keep in a good humor. The trouble with that was he got in such a good humor that he wouldnt go to sleep so I just jumped up when he showed signs of crying but I had to stay crouched in front on my hands & knees where he couldnt see me as I was afraid if he saw me go way he would commence. However we were releived before very long by the folks arrival home. Cold to-night sunny all day. Wednesday September 30th Dad. went down to see Harry Harding off this morning and brought Huby back with him. He went around to see if he </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> could get old Maneer to come and fix the shed but the old coon wasn't home and whent Frank went down at noon they told him that "Pa was going to pick apples in the mornng" and so I suppose we can't get him. Frank and I milked and I had an awful time trying to milk John as her teats are so short. Heny Odd came over to see if he could borrow our hay rack. I told him he could and after breakfast we had to help him put off the load of oats which was on it. Whit Dixon & Mr. Morgan were in on a little visit and Frank and I didn't get out till about {ink blot hiding writing} o'clock but we got twenty shocks cut before dinner. This afternoon we cut thirty more so got in a pretty fair day. Dad. spent most of the day fixing the well as the weight broke off the chain and he had to fish for it with grappling irons. Huby cut wood and helped him most of the after noon. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Nice day. Thursday October 1st Frank and I cut corn all morning and got on fairly well. Dad. came out for a few minutes and helped us with two or three shocks. Huby didn't get over till late and when he came he and Dad tended to a little dog which Tom Abbot brought here for vetinary treatment. This after noon Dad. Frank and I all went down to the Rural School Fair in the pavillion under the supervision of the Department of Agriculture. We thought it was fine. The exhibits consisted of poultry all Plymouth Rocks from eggs given to the schoolchildren, apples, corn, grain, potatoes and tomatoes. The boys showed samples of carpentry work which consisted chiefly of milk stools and hammer handles. The first prize milk stool which was made by Willie Nixon and hammer handle were beautifully made while the poorest ones looked as if the only tools employed in their manufacture had been an axe & a jack knife. The girls showed cookery & needlework which looked to me to be just as good as {ink blot hiding writing} could do. Winnie Wadle got first prize on her sewing. They also had collections of bags & butterflys and also drawings & compositions. I went down partly to see Mr. Wilson the District Representative but there was such a crowd there that I didn't get a chance. I wanted to ask him about his {baby?} beef competition. Huby spent the afternoon back in the gully putting in barricades for some little trees which we hope to plant next spring. To-night Dad. had to go down to a school board meeting. I guess they didn't do much but annoy old Stringer. There was also a Pinnafore practice, part of which Dad. took in, Frank went down to confirmation class. Weather has been very much the same. The days are sunny and nice but the nighs are very cold and as a rule there is a touch of frost. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday October 2nd Frank and I cut corn all day but didn't get on quite so fast for some reason. We had to take the horse up at noon and Frank put a new piece in its tail. We cut over as far as the potato patch and cut all the corn south of the potato patch so we are quite a bit more than half done the field. Huby and Dad. hauled manure all day on the oat stubble and to-night they have all the old faile which was under the alsike stack cleaned up. I walked down town to-night to get the mail I {ink blot but writing can be read under it} hung around up town for awhile and then went down to Hubys for another awhile. When I got home they told me my face was dirty. The above blot was caused by my lapsing into a dormant condition with my fountain pen in my hand and on awaking rubbing agains a big drop of ink which had run from the pen. Saturday October 3rd Frank and I cut corn all morning and got on fairly well. Huby and Dad. hauled manure. This after noon Frank went down to Will Bush's sale to bid on some apple crates but they went to high. Tom Abbot said you could have bought them full of apples for the same price anywhere else, eleven cents apiece I think. I didn't like to cut corn without Frank so Dad. Huby and I to say nothing of Tiddums who was least but not last in the game caught all the sheep and marked the ewes at least the old ones and trimmed them and as we had no place to dip them we mixed up a solution of genoleum and poured it down the middle of their backs from a beer bottle. We parted the wool and the stuff ran pretty well all over their bodies as it didn't soak in to the wool at all. These operations took up all the after noon. I drove Huby down to-night and got some provisions. It has been a very nice day and a lovely night. Sunday October 4th Enah and I drove down to church this morning. Frank went down to church and Sunday school and went down to Huby's for dinner and they all went up creek this afternoon after butternuts. Vernon and Rebecca came over to Martin's fence just after we got through dinner and Vernon wanted Dad. & Enah to go down to the Woodson's this afternoon to see them as Mrs. Woodson got a little sore about them not coming. She also wanted Enah to formally invite her over here on Friday as Mrs. Woodson didn't like the idea of her coming without. Dad. Enah and Tiddums got all ready to go when Mr. & Mrs. W.J. Thompson came in. They didn't stay very long so they went down Woodson's but Enah neglected </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to invite Vernon as she wanted her to do so I don't know how it will pan out. I sat around and read and wrote to Aunty till it was time to do chores and fooled with the guitar all evening. It has been another lovely day. Quint came home last night and isn't going back right away to pick Monday October 5th Frank and I cut corn again all day and by to-night only had twentyone more shocks to cut. Huby and Dad. hauled manure all the after noon. Huby didn't get over till late and they had to fix the spreader a little this morning. The axle had slipped out of place. Misner the livery stable man was over this morning to get his horses teeth filed and Tupper came over after dinner to get Dad. to go over and look at his Clyde mare but as Dad. was all booked up he said he would wait till morning. Tupper was telling us a great way to cut short clover seed like ours in this year. He says if we cut it with the mower we can never gather it up with the rake but he says if we take the table canvas off the binder and set the reel low we can just take the heads off and when we get the table full we can rake them off. He was also talkin about tile drains. Bill told us there was no use trying to drain clay land with tile as the water wont go through it, but Tupper says that is only blue clay. This red clay he says is the best land for tile as they don't fill up like they do in the sand but it takes a year or two to get all the little pores and channels in the soil running to the tile established. The longer they are in the better they work. It has been much milder to-day and looks as if it might rain soon. Enah and Tiddums went down town this afternoon. Tuesday October 6th Frank and I finished cutting the corn about eleven o'clock amidst great rejoicings on our part. Quint came over this morning and told us Huby was doing insurance work for Ed Moon. He was to have come at noon but didn't appear. Dad. had to go over and see Tupper's mare so Quint rode over with him. When they got back Quint helped him pitch on three or four loads of manure. This afternoon Dad. & I hauled manure and made quite a hole in the pile but neglected to keep track. Between loads I swept off the floor of the loft above the hog pen and moved all the old boxes & coops that I had hens with chickens under up there and to-night Dad. helped me get the brooder up. Tiddums was out with us and would get right where if the brooder ever slipped it would fall on him and Dad. stepped on a hen that was roosting up there and when it squacked it scared poor Tiddums and he more than howled. The latest addition to his vocabulary is hammer pronounced </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> hamoure and ice, he saw Dad. cracking ice with the hammer the other day and has been commenting on the action ever since. He is also developing the typical and aparently inborn desire of young ones to play with the hammer. Frank found him in the chicken yard with it to-night but luckily he had not attacked the bee hive. Frank and Quint went for a tramp with the gun this after noon and got a lot of chestnuts I suppose at Charlie McQueens. The Jim Waddle family were in about five o'clock and as we hadn't got the mail yet, it was news when he told of a big snow storm out west two feet of snow in Calgary and McCloud and $35,000 worth of property destroyed in the shape of {garages?}. It has been much cooler and cloudy all day with rain but not much to-night. The wheat needs rain badly as it hasn't come up yet in the hard spots and on the headland which Dad. plowed last. Wednesday October 7th We hauled manure all day and to-night got the yard all cleaned up and the field a little more than covered. It is the first time we have had the yard cleaned right up since we have been here. Huby didnt come over till noon and then he brought Jimmy Rankin with him who proved very entertaining. Lila came over after school to stay all night but changed her mind when Huby went home and went with him. Alfred paid us a short visit this morning and also three dollars. Dad. bought a couple of roosters from him to kill for Thanksgiving as ours are not big enough so Frank went down and got them this after noon. This morning he took a walk down the road to see if he could see Hubys old turkey hen but Mr. Johnson picked him up by Art. Ryersie's and took him for a long ride down mud street and up the lake shore in his automobile. Frank didn't see the turkey hen but Mrs. Law told him it roosted right near their door every night and fed with the chicken in the mornings. Enah and Tiddums went down to the Woodson's this afternoon and Enah invited Vernon over here on Friday. Frank has been making arrangemens with Jonas to get Nellie to-morrow as he and Quint want to go after nuts. Poor old Jonas is having a bad time again with his "gitneys" and can't work very hard. It has been sunny and nice all day flies are bad. Thursday October 8th Frank got started this morning about half past seven with Nellie and the democrat to call for Quint and go after nuts. Lila went with them. Frank expected to get back soon after dinner, but they went all the way to Billington's after hazelnuts and didn't get back till after six. They got lots </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> of wallnuts, chestnuts and hazelnuts but hardly any butternuts or hickory nuts. About nine or a little after Dad and I got started in the waggon for Vittoria. We took the old ram home to Dunkin's and intended bringing the other one back. We also expected to be back by dinnertime but it was noon when we got there. Neither of the Dunkin's were home and the hired Englishman didn't know any more about anything than a hole in a stump. Mrs. Dunkin told us that Mr. Dunkin expected to be back by one, so Dad. and I hung around the barn for about an hour and a half. Dad. took a walk back the lane and saw the ewes and then I took a walk back and saw the two rams the old one and a lamb which I thought was a little beauty. There were three chestnut trees back there just loaded and the burrs were wide open so we got our pockets full of nuts. When I got up to the house Dad. had put the team in and was in the house having dinner so I went in, while we were eating Percy came home he had driven his sister to Simcoe to the teacher's convention. Dunkin himself was off performing bailiff's duties. Percy was rather provoked that no apples were picked as he evidently packs for the association up there and if they didn't get theirs packed to-day he wouldn't be able to do it. A Mr. Sharp came in to borrow their waggon to haul buckwheat but he said he would help pick apples till they got them picked but as he was anxious to get his buckwheat loaded before the dew fell Dad. told him that we could help pick till Dunkin came home. We just got out when Dunkin came so Dad. didn't pick very long only till Dunkin got his dinner. He didn't like to let us have the old ram unless we bought him as there was another fellow who was thinking of buying him and he would want him right away so of course he didn't want to lose the sale of him but Dunkin said we could have the lamb for twelve dollars and as he was a beauty way better than the old one we thought we would take him. I picked apples till they went back the lane got the ram brought him up and loaded him then about four o'clock Dad. and I got started for home. Dunkin gave me a watermelon just as I left. We would have been home about six but as we came past her place Mrs. Harry Moon hailed us and asked us to go down and see Jack Walker. He had been after Dad. all day to see one of his horses. We went down and found it was old Joe who had been sick since last night. Dad. was put out at him for not sending to Simcoe for someone instead of waiting so long but brought him home with us and turned him out and to-night gave him a ball. When we got home we found Enah and Huby beginning to get alarmed that none of the family had showed up. When they saw us coming up the road with </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> old Joe they thought Nellie had run away and we were leading her home. I guess poor old Nellie has forgotten long since how to run away but they thought something must have happened. However Frank got home about half an hour later and said everything was all right and after his little calling {illegible} recounted all his adventures. He had been in at Dunkin's just after we left and they gave him a lot of watermelons. Huby and Jimmy Rankin who has been over here all day affording endless amusement for Huby spent the day digging post holes in the gully and putting in rails for barricades of little trees. Dad. and I met the little tyke just in front of Martins tugging for all he was worth at Bluch who he had on a rope. Dad. asked him what he was going to do with him and Jimmy said he was going to bring him back in the morning. Dad thought he said back to the farm so told him to just let him go and he would follow. Jimmy had no difficulty in letting him go as Bluch recognised us and the team was just about pulling Jimmy with him. When we got home they told us that Jimmy had asked Enah if couldn't take Bluch home and bring him back in the morning and she told him he had better ask Huby so he went out and told Huby that Enah said it would be alright and he lit out with him. Eliza McBride was here washing this morning. Enah said about noon a couple of automobiles went past here so fast they couldn't count the people in them and Eliza surmised that it was Bessy Perry and Pat who were to have been married to-day. It has been a lovely day but hot looks rainy. Friday October 9th It rained quite a shower last night so we didn't do much to-day. Huby came over and went out and dug a bushel of potatoes for himself and then he and Dad. hauled up a few cornstalks in the waggon box to husk in the barn for the pigs. I started to make a rough plan of a signboard which we intend to tack on the corner out here stating that we have rams lambs for sale. I then went over and took a look at Jack Martin's big new chicken house which Art. Quanbury and Joe Fields are building. I wanted to see what kind of stuff they were using so that I would know what to get for my shed which I hope to build soon. Art. said Jack got a lot of siding that he didn't need and he thought I could get it from him. The rest of the building is all hemlock. This after noon Dad. and I figured out how much stuff I needed and we were going down town to haul it but it began to rain so didn't go. Dad. went down town later in the buggy and got the mail. He then got Vernon and Rebecca and brought them over. To-night we went down to meet Roy. I didn't wait at the station to see him but went up town for awhile to see Marj. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Clarke as I heard she was here. She came down to help Bessy get married. I stopped in at the bank on my way home and got my camera which Dick had. I then went down to Huby's and borrowed his boots to walk home in but it as it had rained quite a lot and looked as if it would rain quite a lot more. It proved to be an unnessary precaution however as Allan Law overtook me on Marshall's hill and drove me right around to the lane. They were all up when I got home. Cloudy wet and cold all day. Saturday October 10th As soon as we could get started this morning which was anything but early, we took the lumber waggon down and got a load of stuff from old Tommy to build the henhouse. It was mostly two by four hemlock for the frame and some cheap pine boards for sheeting. We brought Huby and Win over with us. Cousin Clare walked over so we had quite a dinner party. This after noon I took Joe and the buggy and went down and got Marj. to go for a drive in quest of chestnuts. We got up above Port Ryersie when it commenced to thunder, we thought it was a long way off and didn't pay much attention to it. We got up a little farther and found two or three trees loaded with chestnuts and the burs wide open so I got up one of the trees and although I could see it very black in the west I stayed till I shook off all the nuts. Marj. gathered them as fast as she could and I had got down and picked up a handfull or two when it commenced to rain. We hiked for the buggy but before I had the side curtains half on I was drenched. We drove as fast as possible up the road to the next house but the rain beat right in on us. However we managed to get under a driveway which leaked about as bad as the sky but there was no wind so Joe was content to stay there and we hiked for the house which belonged to the Mr. {Taar?}, who married Miss Dixon We waited there till the worst of the storm died down but as it didn't look as if it was going to stop altogether, we lit out for home which we reached soon after five. We didn't get nearly as many nuts as we might have but we had a very enjoyable experience. I don't know exactly what happened around here but I don't think anything in particular Roy and Vernon started for up the creek but the rain prevented them. Sunday October 11th We didn't do anything much this morning but sit around the house. Frank went to church and Sunday school. Roy & Enah said they were going to church but it was about eleven before they started to get ready. Mrs. Woodson and Betty came </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> over and took Vernon and Rebecca down to see Miss. Dick spent the morning in bed and Dad. cleaned chickens. I went back to the gully and got Nellie for them to drive to church but when they decided not to go Dick took her and went down and brought Aunty Maude over to dinner. He then went and got Vernon who had been waiting at the Woodson's expecting them to go past to church. Then he and Dad. went down to the Lane's after the butter. Lila and Win. came over to dinner. This after noon I took five snapshots of the two babies together but I don't know whether they will be very successful as the sun wasn't very bright. Roy and Vernon went back the lane and then down to Mrs. Woodson's for tea. Dad. wrote to Aunty and then drove Aunty Maude home. I didn't do anything much but went down to church to-night. It has been sunny but windy and cool all day. Monday October 12th Frank got up this morning about five o'clock as he Quint & Lila figured on making another nutting trip up to Billington's. He had to feed old Nellie and take her down to Jonas' to hook her to the democrat. I thought I might as well get up and ride down town with him. It was just seven o'clock when we got down there and I took a walk around by the station and found that Marj. was leaving so I said goodbye to her. I came up around by town and found Joe and Fatty Turner sitting on Anderson's steps waiting for the complement of their different parties to put in an appearance. They both had hunting coats on but Fatty only was armed with a shotgun. He was waiting for Billy Smith. Art. Smith evidently was expected but Fatty found him in bed when he called for him. Joe was very impatient as Hazel had promised to meet him at seven o'clock to go after chestnuts but hadn't showed up. He walked over as far as Hussy's corner with me grouching all the way. Huby came over but we didn't do much all day. Huby battoned up one of the doorways leading from the shop into the ice house and we expect to put some shelves in. We also got it figured out about where we want our henhouse lined to. Dick. and Dad. went back this morning and drove the cattle out of the back field and Dick went over to the woods where he says he saw a black squirrel. This being Thanksgiving day Dick had a holiday but had to go down and put the mail through or something. This banking is a dandy job alright. We had a late dinner and Roy and Vernon had to leave soon after for the station. Enah went down later to see them off and Huby, Tiddums, Dad. and I spent the remainder of the after noon separating the ewe lambs from the old ones. We put them in the field back of the orchard but the orchard fence was so bad </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we were afraid they might break through so we took one of the rolls of wire which we got from old Walker and strung it along the inside of the orchard fence. Cold and raw day. The boys and Lila got lots of wallnuts but someone had picked most of the chestnuts. Tuesday October 13th It was rainy and cold this morning so we didn't get much done I sat around and read half the forenoon and then made a board to paint "Rams for sale" on. Alex. Jameson was in to look at them but he thought ten dollars too much to pay so Dad. didn't bother trying to sell him one Huby didn't come over till noon. Frank fixed up a lot of the old crates around the place so they would hold apples. Dad. husked corn out in the barn. This after noon we nailed the door on the west end of the big barn which blew off last winter. This was the first day of the Simcoe Fair and has been anything but nice weather. Wednesday October 14th Dad. went over to Uncle Ward's this morning to see if he could get him to put up a barrell of Spies as Aunty Alice wanted him to send a barrell out to Mr. Shera. Uncle Ward couldn't let him have them but he saw Art Quanbury on his way home and he told him they would put up the apples if he could get a barrell so Frank inquired at Bagley & Miller's and found he could get a sugar barrell & an oatmeal and as we want one to ship Roy's apples in, we are all fixed. I went over to Martin's and borrowed Art Quanbury's spirit level and Chris. asked Jack if he would sell the lumber that he got too much off and he said he would. When I got home I gave my signboard a coat of paint. Huby came over before Dad. came back and when he did we levelled up the two chicken houses and they look much better. This after noon we hooked up to the waggon and went out and hauled in five or six more shocks of unhusked corn. Huby stayed out and husked all the after noon. When Frank came home and shelled some hickory nuts he helped him. Dad. and I went over to Jack Martin's and got our lumber and piled it up over the old house. We then went out and got a load of rails. Tiddums went with us out there but didn't enjoy himself much as he couldn't sit on the seat while we were putting on the load. When we got them unloaded Dad. went out and got Huby with all the corn he had husked which was about four bushels. The five ewe lambs got out of their field to-day and got in with the rest of the bunch then they all got in on the wheat and couldn't be kept off. Mrs. McBride was here all day washing. I went down town after tea and got my films which weren't too bad. I called around by Huby's for a little while. The pesky German's seem to have had a little stroke of luck lately. They now have Antwerp and just about all of Belgium. Much milder to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday October 15th Dad. and I had intended going to Simcoe to-day to take in the last day of the fair but it looked so much like rain we didn't start and about nine o'clock it began to drizzle and kept it up all morning and was cloudy all the after noon. This morning I put another roost in the middle hen house so that I will have room enough to accomodate all the cockerels. Dad I think husked corn and Frank shelled nuts and cleaned some fish which Huby sent over last night. He didn't come over all day. This after noon we drove all the sheep in the barn and separated the five ewe lambs and left them in the barn for to-night as they had been in on the wheat and one looked a little bloated. About half past four Dad. hooked up and drove Enah and Tiddums down town to get the mail and some other things. Frank went back to the gully and I dug a little more in the patch at the side of the house. Frank attended confirmation class to-night. Dad. helped me and we got all the cockerels we could pick out. Friday October 16th It rained quite a lot last night and was rainy looking and muddy this morning so I drove Dick down to work. It drizzled most of the day so we couldn't do much outside. This morning we put ear labels in the nine lambs as we got a bunch yesterday from Hamilton. We had quite a time of it as it was hard to keep the inner & outer skin of the ear opposite after the incision was made but Dad. got the harness punch and his nicking knife and we managed to get them all decorated. After that I spent most of the day making the letters on the signboard. I didn't have any paint but I marked them all out. Dad. & Frank cleaned up the barn floor and Huby came over this after noon and they all cleaned up wheat. About five o'clock I drove Huby down and got the mail. I practiced on the guitar and drew to-night. Tiddums was sick after they went to bed to-night. Saturday October 17th I spent nearly all the morning painting my sign.I did it with just lampblack, boiled oil and turpentine and don't know whether it will prove satisfactory or not. Dad. and Frank took what wheat there was sacked up down to the mill and out of seventeen bags six of which were big ones they had 38 bushels and twenty odd lbs. and got $1.05 for it. Lila came over this morning but Huby didn't get over till noon. He is helping Aunty Maude houseclean. He Dad and I just got nicely started to clean up some more wheat when Bill Donald came in with the information that the gully fence along the road was flat and that all the cattle were out. He had driven them up this way so we just turned them into the barnyard. He said they had </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> been in Sam Law's wheat but Allan didn't know whose they were which seemed rather queer. Bill recognised them. The six calves Harry Dyer's cow and Jonas' heifer weren't with the bunch and I had to go over and head them into the gully from the road. I saw Charlie Quanbury just going out to his farm. He has bought Billy Louis' place this side of Shand's Schoolhouse and is going to raise truck. Dad. and Huby came back the lane with the shovel and some a posts and we got some more which we knew were in the woods and repaired the fence as well as possible by putting posts down about a foot and wiring the old broken off posts to them. Joe Fields came over this morning and borrowed their post auger again so we had to rely on the shovel to perform our operations and it was not very satisfactory. The gate was badly smashed too where they had run through. Somebody I suppose hunters take the wire off the gate and don't bother fixing it again so Dad. fixed it up and wired it solid this time. It was five o'clock when we got up but they fanned wheat for about half an hour. To-night Frank and I printed the pictures I took of the two babies on Sunday some of them were pretty good. Mrs. McBride was here cleaning to-day. Poor old Tid. had a pretty rough night of it last night. He was sick a lot and feels pretty tough to-day. Frank went down with Jonas this afternoon and got a couple of barrels at Bagley & Miller's to pack apples in. It has been a lovely day to-day. Sunday October 18th This being Frank's birthday, he stayed home from Sunday school pricipally though because there wasn't any, this being children's day at church. Frank went to church and to his credit be it said he was the only member of the family who attended all day unless Dick went to-night. I sat around and read most of the morning. This after noon Dad. put the saddle on Joe for me and I had a very enjoyable ride out to see Pud. Smythe. He invited me to go to Simcoe to-morrow night to make inquiries about joining a Captain Simpson's company of the 39th. and I think I will go if I can as he says it is not composed of quite the same class of fellows as the other companys which I guess are pretty tough. If the rules are not too strict and the obligations too great I think I will join, as the Norfolk Rifles belongs to the department of Malitia and defence they wont have to be called out of Canada and if they are ever needed here I would want to be there anyway and so I might as well have a little training. Winnie was over for a little while this after noon and Tiddums was much better. It has been cloudy and cool all day inclined to drizzle this morning Monday October 19th First thing after breakfast I put the saddle on Joe and rode her down to be shod. Whit Dixon came in before I left and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> took the Artful Dodger. Sam Jacques also came over to talk "Pinnafore" to Dad. Their books have come but it seems some English theatre has a royalty on them and won't alow it to be played in public, however I guess they are going on with it just the same. It was getting on to noon when I got home with Joe and I brought the whipple tree off the buggy home with me but when I got here discovered I had lost the little device off it I never dreampt of it coming off as we couldn't take it off when we tried. I had to walk all the way back to look for it. Chris. Quanbury joined me as far as his place and when I got to the bottom of the hill Carl Sovereign plodded up the middle of the road with me. I got all the way to Joe Howell's shop and found it about two feet away from where I started. This afternoon we cleaned up the rest of the wheat Dad. had taken one load down and had on I think 48 bus {bushels} and the last load had on 30 something I went down with him the last load and it was half past five when we got home, so I had to get ready. Dick came home just before six and he went up with me to Simcoe. We called in at Smythe's and left Joe there with and drove the rest of the way with Pud's old skate it took us about an hour to get to Simcoe. Pud and I went to the Armories but Dick went over to town and knocked around till we went home. We didn't sign up at all but fell in line with a bunch of beginners and had a little drill and the captain (which is the same fellow who brought his dead dog over here last summer) told us that we could come up as often as we liked and drill and we would be under no obligation till we signed up to go to camp for three years but we didn't have to do that till next June. He said they were going to fix a shooting gallery up in the Armories and also their rifle ranges down by their track and so soon would be having rifle practice. We left Simcoe at ten o'clock but it was twelve when Dick and I got home. Louise came down to-day and is going to stay awhile. Very nice day but a very heavy fog to-night. Tuesday October 20th It was six o'clock before I woke up this morning and then Dad. woke me He wanted to get off to Toronto but thought he wasn't going to make it at that time. But we persuaded him to shave and and I hiked out and hooked Joe up and by not eating anything he managed to get down in time to catch the train. Huby was down at the train but Dad. got right on to see what damage - a jar of cream had done - as we saw some of it on the robe and the bottom of the buggy so didn't see Huby. I drove around to the house and got him on there and brought him over. Frank and I spent most of the morning doing chores but Huby husked corn. We went out and helped him when we got through. Alex Jamison came in again to see about a ram and as Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> wasn't here to beat down he gave us ten dollars and took old Greynose's lamb so we can now rub it into Dad. who seemed to think farm operations would come to a standstill if he left for half an hour but he couldn't sell old Alex a sheep when he was here before. Another fellow was in to-night to inquire about them but he didn't care about them being purebred and so didn't want to pay so much. Frank told him they could be registered but he said quite solemnly that it wouldn't do him any good if they were red breasted. We didn't know who he was. This after noon Frank hooked up Nellie and Enah Louise and Tiddums went for a drive. Huby and Frank picked apples for Roy while I gave my sign another coat of paint and then I helped them fill the barrel. We got some beautiful Seeps & Spys and a few Canada Reds and what were left of the 20 oz Pippins. It was six o'clock before we we got the barrel filled so we had to leave it out there all night without any head on it. We didn't know exactly how to pack & head them anyway. It was very late when we got through chores. Beautiful day. Sunny and mild. Wednesday October 21st The total results of our exertions to-day show, our advertisement hung out at the crossroads, a barrel of apples headed and a turnip pulled. After we got the morning chores done which was in pretty good time, Frank and I went out and tacked the signboard on the corner post of the cover field It was pretty well on the slant but I guess people can read it all right. Alfred was plowing in his wheat stubble and we had a short talk with him. We then went over and pulled a good sized turnip for dinner. Huby came over soon after we got in, with old Stringer's apple barrel press which Uncle Ward had lent him, and said Uncle Ward told him just how to head the barrel and that we could do it before dinner. However we worked for quite awhile at it and couldn't get the head in, it seemed too high for the barrel, so by dinner time we had come to the conclusion that the best course for us to pursue was to go down and get Uncle Ward and let him do it. Huby said he had to go down after dinner anyway so I drove him down got the mail and got Uncle Ward on my way home. After a lot of squeezing he managed to get the head in, but had to enlarge the wooden hoop and put it below the wire as the head was too big and spread the staves. I drove him home and took Tiddums with me. Frank and I drove down to the station to-night and Louise & Enah stayed home. They all got home safely and Al. Faulkner drove them up to Huby's. I went around and saw them all but didn't stay at all. Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and Frank drove home with me as Dad. hadn't had his tea. It has been another lovely day. The quartette that left for the point Monday morning in {Faulmsbe's} new boat are all back again poorer than when they left. They got over all right and anchored behind some bluff Monday night and got up early yesterday morning to get started shooting. Cars Rankin and Charlie O'Lair were going down the beach and Bill Oakes & George were going to stay with the boat. Bill had crawled up in the bow which was tightly enclosed and was have a smoke, when George who was near the engine lit a match for his pipe. There had been some gasoline leaking and the fumes immediately ignited and the gasoline which was under the false bottom of the boat caught and the consequence was that although they worked hard to save it George's dandy new launch burned to the waters edge and sank. They managed to save their guns and some of their clothing. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day and Cousin Clare was here to dinner. Thursday October 22nd We got a fairly good start this morning and Dad. started to plow the oat stubble. He thought he was going to have nice easy plowing but it turned over so waxy and stiff that the horse could hardly draw the plow through it. He had to quit once and get the other plow the mouldboard of which has more shape to it. Frank and I dug potatoes in the cornfield and got about ten rows dug, they were beauties, no small ones and no whoppers. Huby came over at noon and he and Frank finished digging them out there and piled them up. Dad. & I took the team and waggon and took Roy's apples down and shipped them, we called in at Quanbury's and as they had the barrel all headed that Aunty Alice wanted to send to Mr. Shera, we took it too. We saw all the folks when we were down town. Dad. went out and got what corn we husked the other day. There was 19 1/2 bushels of potatoes of the patch out there. Enah and Louise drove Nellie down town to-day. Allan Law was in to-night inviting two of us over there to thrash to-morrow. It is a little colder to-night but has been a lovely day. Friday October 23rd Dad. and I got over to Sam's to thrash this morning soon after they got started I worked in the mow all day with Art Ryersie but there wasn't anything for Dad. to do this morning so he went home till after dinner. He then came back and helped some one-eyed guy who is staying at Bill Bush's in the straw which they put in a shed till they got it filled up and then they </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> started to put it in the barn and it was awful, you could hardly see across the barn, and it being alsike dust it was killing. The one eyed man who was in the straw gave out first and had to retire. I worked till I couldn't breathe and then I had to quit with the {chill?}. I went and sat by the engine till they quit which was pretty soon although they didn't get it all out. Dad. and I came right home. Aunty was over but went down with Huby. It was all I cared to do to get home and huddle up to the stove. I didn't do a chore. Dad. of course stared off with mentioning what a hot specimen I would be to go to the war if I couldn't stand a little dust but I told him it was just such mugs as me they ought to send, we're no good here and everybody concerned and the country would be much better off if they shipped us all over there and killed us off. Huby and Frank dug six rows of the potatoes in the old garden and got fifteen bushels. They sold another ram this morning to Nixon and Bawyer out at Renton. They took the little fellow. It has been another July day. Saturday October 24th Dad. took the team and rack town to Flemming's this morning as he thought they were going to thrash buckwheat out of the field but it began to rain soon after he left so they just thrashed the oats in the barn and finished about an hour or so after dinner. Frank and I didn't do anything much this morning on account of the rain. He husked some corn and I dug what potatoes were left in the garden here and I also drove Louise down to Huby's for dinner. This after noon Frank went and caught Nellie for Enah and then he and I went and dug the rest of the spuds in the old garden we got six more bushels so that altogether we now have 40 1/2 bushels. Several of the cattle got through the gully fence to-day and so Dad. had to go back and fix it. We got chores done early to-night for a change. A little colder wind to-day. Sunday October 25th Everybody except Dad. & Tiddums went to church this morning even Dick broke into his Sunday timetable and got up to attend Frank went to Sunday school. Aunty came over with us to dinner and stayed all the after noon. After dinner Frank and I went down and joined Huby and Quint and the four of us sailed went up to Wealey's, Quint bought a dandy little strip built skiff with a sail and everything complete. We started to sail up there but found it would take too long tacking so Quint and I rowed up. We got our Ginseng plant and sailed back. It only took about half an hour and there wasn't much </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> wind either. It was nearly six when Frank and I got home so Dad. couldn't get off to church but he and Aunty walked down after tea and he went to see Aunty Alice & Uncle Hal. Uncle Hal. gave me a great black snake skin to-day and Frank his best knife. He gave Quint his shotgun yesterday. It has been colder to-day although sunny and nice but raw breeze. Monday October 26th We didn't do anything much but chores this morning. Frank went over to Flemming's to see what they were going to do but found they wouldn't thrash to-day. We husked a little corn in the barn. This after noon Al. Faulkner drove Aunty Alice & Uncle Hal over in his car. Huby came over with them but didn't stay. Frank went down with them to get the mail. I took the Ginseng root back to the woods and planted it. When Frank got home he and Dad. sawed up one of the old sleepers in the barnyard for the little stove. To-night Louise and I drove up to the Bawlby's where I left Louise as she is going to help them move into their new house. I went on in to Simcoe and to the Armories. We didn't have any drill to-night but the officer gave us musketry instruction. This was Lila's birthday. It has been cold & windy all day and is freezing very hard to-night. Tuesday October 27th It was very late when we got out this morning and after breakfast Dad. & I went out to inspect the oat stubble to see if it was frozen too hard to plow but we saw Allan Law up at the corner with his engine and he said Flemming was going to thrash to-day so Dad. came right home and got the team & rack and went down. It froze very hard last night and seemed harder as it is the first frost this fall. The apples are all frozen on the trees and the ground is like a board. It hasn't thawed out all day to-day but isn't freezing so hard to-night although there is a cold wind from the west. I sawed wood most of the morning and Frank went out and covered the four piles of potatoes with earth although he said they weren't injured by the frost. The mangels were frozen in the ground but Mr. Flemming says if they are not touched till the frost goes out of them they will be all right. Dad. came home at noon and said they were shorthanded down at Flemming's so I had to go back with him. We finished up early. I pitched on all the after noon so didn't suffer from the dust any. I rode Joe down town after the mail to-night. The big spotted yearling jumped over the bars from the blue grass field to-night lit on his head and broke one of his horns and mabee worse. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday October 28th John Wess came over this morning to see if we could fix up the line fence a little as he wanted to turn his cattle in on his oat stubble. Dad. told him to turn in and let them break through if they wanted to, there was nothing there they could hurt. He and Frank went back and fixed the gully fence a little to keep our cattle in there. Frank and I husked a little corn this morning for the pigs and then I made a trough for the chickens and spent the morning fixing up the yards to keep the chickens inside and separate. This after noon Frank and I picked the Sprys. I picked and he sorted. I think the frost was all out of most of them so I guess they will be allright. It was too windy to pick but I put the ladder on the inside of the tree and got most of them although there is a lot of nice ones yet around the outside. There were about five bushels of good ones and three of frozen ones & culls. Dad plowed all the after noon and said it went a little better but I guess it was pretty stiff. I went to Simcoe again to-night and had a little drill I drove Aunty home so went around by town. I saw Ed. Turner down there and asked him if he wanted to go up but he didn't to-night. While I was talking to him Andy Moore came along and he wanted to go up so I took him. I told him to be around at the stable about nine and I would drive him home but when I went down he had been there, paid for the horse and said he wasn't going back. I drove around by town and saw him and he said Tom Law was up there with his car, pickled, and he wanted Andy to drive him home so I came home alone. Milder to-day but very strong west wind. Very mild to-night and looks like rain. Thursday October 29th It rained during the night and all day, not hard but a steady fine rain. We couldn't do anything much outside but chores. Dad. went back this morning and fixed the gully fence where the cattle got into the west blue grass field and I cleaned out the cellar ready to put in the apples and roots. This after noon Dad. drove Uncle Hal. and Aunty Alice down to Huby's where they are going to stay for awhile. It was a miserable day to go out but Uncle Hal. was anxious to go. Dad. wanted to bring Huby back with him to help move the stove but he wasn't home so we moved the stove out of the woodshed into the kitchen by ourselves. We put the warming oven on this stove off Cousin Bessy's. When the cattle came up to-night they were all there but the three heifers. Dad. went back to the end of the lane but it was dark and we knew they must be out somewhere. He didn't milk the others </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday October 30th We didn't get out very early this morning Josh Varey came over and Dad. had to file his old horse's teeth off for him Huby came up the creek with Quint and then down here and he told me my sign had blown down at the corner so I had to go and fix it up. I cleaned up one of the chicken yards and then we all went out and pulled and topped the mangels and turnips. Dad went back and fixed the place where the heifers got out on the road and the rest of us husked a shock of corn, which we hauled up with us. This after noon Dad. & I hauled in the roots and put them down cellar, there was scarcely a load of mangels but a good load of turnips. We then hauled up a load of rails. Huby & Frank husked corn all the after noon. Jonas helped them for awhile. He is going to work out what he owes for pasture. Win came over after school and I drove Huby and her home and then got the mail. The Turks are now in on this War and have begun hostilities with Russia. They say it may lead to a holy war and all the Mohammedens side in with Turkey. It has been raw and mostly cloudy to-day with a couple of spits of rain. There were some very queer lights in the direct east this after noon. The looked something like the northern lights but were not colored. They looked more like rays from some huge light beneath the horizon. Saturday October 31st Dad. got right out after breakfast and plowed, he got in a pretty fair day. Huby came over and he, Frank, Jonas & I husked corn all morning we got about a load husked. There is a lot of nubbins on it which we don't husk. This after noon we picked apples Dad. and Frank went down to Sam Law's with the waggon and borrowed a ladder and then went out and picked up the corn and brought it in and Dad. went on plowing. He gave Jonas a tree of {Sleks?} and told him he could have them if he would help us pick ours, but he picked his own this after noon. We were just picking {sleks?} as there are some beauties and bushels of them. We just picked the biggest ones and when we got a tree done it could hardly be told that we had been it it. We will shake the rest down for cider. To-night Frank went down to the picture show and I went down with him and got the mail and some provisions. I forgot all about it being Hallowe'en till I heard the school bell ringing when on my way down but the town was full of dressed up girls & noisy boys. It has been a lovely day sunny & bright but rather windy. Sunday November 1st Frank went down to Sunday school and Dad. and I drove down to church. Enah had a headache so didn't go. After </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Repeat of previous page}. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> church Dad. drove Aunty up to the cemetry and Frank and I went down to Huby's and waited till they got back. We went down and helped Quint pull his new boat out of the creek and turned it over on the bank to see if we could find out here it leaked and we found three or four spots were the strips were punky. Quint was disappointed as he thought she was all sound. This after noon Dad. and Enah drove out to see Mrs. Jim Waddle who is going to the hopspital to-morrow. Winnifred had the chickenpox so they didn't stay long with the baby. They came home around by the Shand's but Charlie was the only one home there. Dad. says somebody has been playing Hallowe'en tricks on the side road and have ripped the bars down going into the woods and strung them halfway across the road. Ed. came over soon after they left and he. Marion and I took a walk back the lane. We happened to see Snowdrop out on the road so had to go and put her in. Frank spent the afternoon back in the gully and surrounding country. Dick spent the morning in bed and after dinner after we had a little football match and nearly broke all the windows around the place, he went down town where he spent the after noon, evening and part of the night, he likely went to church. It has been a lovely day but looked very rainy to-night. Monday November 2nd Poor Frank started back to school this morning, he didn't say anything but I don't think the prospect was very cheering. Dad. plowed all day and has the field half done to-night. Huby came over and sawed wood till I got the chores all done and then we went back to the gully to see if we could find any weak spots in the fence but it seemed all right. Snowdrop got out at the edge of the culvert and we blocked a post up there with stone as well as we could. We then went up the road to fix up some Hallowe'en pranks. They had taken the old post by the bars going into the woods and pulled it and the wire halfway across the road and had Sam Law's gate and another big one and our bars all scattered around. They had had a fence built right across the road but someone had taken it down to get past. When we got through there we went up through the woods and were just going up the lane when we heard turkeys way up Ivey's gully. We thought we had better go up and drive ours home if they were there but we tramped all over the gully & woods and didn't see or hear a thing more of them. Huby had the shotgun and a chicken hawk flew over us so Huby shot him. He fell on his back and lay there. We thought shurely he was a goner but old Nig went prowling around and he got up and flew away. Huby took another shot and he swerved but kept right on flying and lit on the side hill. We went over to </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> him there and raised again. Huby put a black powder shell in and took a crack at him and this time knocked a bunch of feathers out of his back. He first flew a little farther and dropped. When we got up to him he was sufficiently dead for us to finish the job with a club. After dinner Huby picked apples and I sorted them and carried them down cellar. We now have all the boxes we can find around the place filled with Seeks or Spys and will have to put what few russets we get on the floor. I went down to the corner to see if I could find any trace of my sighn. The Hallowe'en fellows ripped it down and took it away some place. Charlie Quanbury said he saw it down in the bank window but Dick didn't know anything about it. I went up to Simcoe to-night. I called for Ed. Turner but he changed his mind about going to-night but said he would accompany me next Monday. I then Called for Pud. Smythe but he had gone. We had company drill up there to-night. There was a class for any who wanted to stay afterwards to study for N.C.O's. but as it meant four nights a week for three or four weeks I didn't stay. The Daughters of the Empire were giving the fellows who are leaving for the front a supper. It was cloudy all day but turned out a beautiful night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> DIARY. 1914 T.B. Barrett. Port Dover, Ontario. The Farmer <pre> {descending triangle of straight lines} </pre> From November 31st 1914 to December 31st 1914 </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday November 3rd 1914. It rained most of the morning so we didn't do much outside. I drove the boys down to the school and the bank and when I got back Tom Abbot had his horse in the drivehouse and he was in the house getting warm and waiting for the rain to let up. When he left I went out and cleaned out the horse stable and then Dad. & I oiled the buggy and put on the other whipple tree. Jonas came over and got Nellie with a view to taking the rest of his apples home. We saw Art Quanbury prowling around over by Martin's gully so we went over to see what they were all doing thinking we might get Joe Fields to help me build the new hen house. He said they were all busy but I might get Henry Odd who left Saturday. Art. went to take the old hen home that was sitting under the willow tree and discovered she had just hatched out five chicks so he stuffed them all in his pocket and took them over. Dad. plowed all the after noon. I drove down to town to see Henry. and found him working up at Jim. Caley's new house. I told him what I wanted and he told me he would see me to-night that the job he was at was too hard. I went down to-night and got my hair cut and saw him and he said he would be over Thursday morning. I went down to Huby's for a little while and it was fairly late when I got home. Huby came over this after noon and cleaned up the chicken yard. It has been a lovely after noon and night Wednesday November 4th Dad. got out early this morning to plow and got a good day in. Jonas came over fairly early to help as he is going to try and work out what he owes us for pasture He picked a few more russets first but couldn't get many then he cleaned up the garden. The cabbages all seem to have wilted and have no heads so he just piled them out behind the shop. Huby came over later and he and I sorted the russets and put them down cellar then carried all the apples beets & carrots down. This after noon Jonas didn't come over and we suppose he went to a sale. Huby and I husked corn but didn't get much done. I had to quit early to get off to Simcoe to-night. I drove Win up. She wanted to p a visit to Norah Cunningham. I left her there and when I got through drilling we went down to the moving picture show Norah had sprained her ankle and hadn't been able to get out. Aunty came over to dinner and went down with me to-night. She took Tiddums out to the cornfield where he seemed greatly pleased to find Huby and called him by name for the first time. He is learning to talk quickly. Mrs McBride was here all day washing. Cloudy and showery this after noon but a lovely night. It seems to be a sort of second spring. Several people have found ripe raspberries and Dad is plowing under barley {illegible} in head and An old guinea hen hatched out then young ones to-day. Thursday November 5th Henry Auld. came over this morning and I have put in most of the day helping him. We had to quit once or twice for rain and it took us quite awhile to get the sills laid so by to-night we had about half at the front </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and back studding up. Henry quit early to pick some apples. He wanted some Tolman Sweets and as we had quite a lot we don't want we told him he could have them. Dad. plowed nearly all day but got the field finished all but runnng the cross ditches. Jim Bush is plowing up the gull for Jack and I guess is having quite a time of it. This was Aunty Alice's birthday and Aunty has been up visiting her all day. Enah and Tiddums went down to see her this after noon and we were going down after tea but it was so wet we didn't go I went to bed about eight o'clock. Frank went down to confirmation class and to call on Jonas who fell down cellar this morning and hurt himself. I guess he thinks he is about killed. It has been a miserable day. Cloudy and cold and wet. Aunty has sent Tiddums a dandy doll she made out of corn husks. Friday November 6th Right after breakfast this morning Frank and I drove down in the lumber waggon and got some more nails and scantling, we also took what apples Henry had picked down to him. Frank went on to school when he got the stuff for me. Henry and I worked all day at the henhouse and have the frame all up and the back siding on. Dad. hauled in the corn that was husked and some rails and ran out the ditches in the field he just plowed. This after noon he plowed the garden. He hauled the waggon in the orchard to fill with apples to take up to Walker Waddles to-morrow. Frank was down at Jonas's for a long time to-night visiting him. He seems greatly stuck on him. Jonas says he has broken a rib and seems to be trying to make himself believe he is killed. It has been a rather decent day not so cold as yesterday. Saturday November 7th Henry was over at half past six this morning and put what he could of the sheeting on but discovered that there was only about half enough so Dad. & I drove down in the rack after breakfast to get some but both Tommy & the Widespread were all out of it but expected some in a day or two. We tried at Jack. Martin's to see if he had any he could let us have but they were waiting for it too. We got some roofing paper and nail and got Huby's two cider kegs and came home rather disgusted as it was a fine day to put on the roofing and we didn't know when there will be another like it. Henry picked a few apples for himself and cut the boards for the front cornice. Dad. & I hauled in some cornstalks before dinner This after noon Dad. & Frank took the load of apples that Frank picked up this morning up to Walker Waddles and got our barrel and Huby's 2 kegs filled. They didn't get back till about five. Henry and I were all the after noon puting siding on the end of the old chicken house and it has improved the appearance of it 100%. Henry left his tools here and said he would come back when the lumber came if he wasn't busy. He only charged me $3.75 for all he has done and then told me not to pay him now and he has made a fine job so far. Marsh from up the Gravel Road was in this morning to look at the rams but didn't buy on account of the price. It has been another lovely day sunny & mild. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday November 8th It rained all morning and part of the after noon but Dad. and Frank drove down to church. Aunty came back with them and she and I walked down to church to-night. I went down to Hubys for about an hour after church. Huby was playing solitare much to Aunty's sorrow and the worst of it was Aunty Alice would show him a move occasionally. Huby gave me some cider and handed me a large piece of plaster which he told me was Scotch shortbread. Before I knew what I was doing I had my mouth full of it. This after noon Dick went down town and Frank back to the gully. I sat around and read and drew. It had cleared off and was a beautiful night to-night but was freezing hard when I came home. Monday November 9th We didn't get started very early this morning and Dad. and I spent most of the day working with the potatoes. We sorted the two pits in the field and got quite a few frozen ones and some which were not frozen but still rotting. We sacked them up and this after noon we hauled them in and Dad. took 6 bushels down to Huby. Tupper came in and borrowed our waggon box to take his seed to Hagersville. To-night I went to Simcoe. I called for Ed Turner but he was tired and didn't go. After drill Captain Simpson told us we would have to sign up now. He told me I was under no obligations as if I had a good excuse I needn't go to camp and could resign if I wanted to. In case of Canada being invaded I could be turned out for six or eighteen months service but I in that case I would go anyway so I swore obedience & fidelity to His Majesty and signed up with C Company. Tuesday November 10th It has been a rotten day to-day cold, windy, cloudy & wet. It snowed a little but rained mostly. Dad. & I put off the load of cornstalks which was on the waggon and then went out and husked a shock and divided three or four unhusked shocks so that we could load them on the waggon. We then took the rack out and with the aid of a sling rope put on nearly a whole row of unhusked shocks. This after noon we did chores and stretched a bit of poultry wire around the old calves' pen in the barn and to-night caught what single comb roosters we could find and an old black hen and confined them in their death cell as we are going to eat them when we get hungry. Frank says he thinks our lumber has come. Quint & Bill got back from the Point. Wednesday November 11th We didn't do much but chores to-day it has been cloudy and threatening all day. We unloaded the load of cornstalks which was on the waggon and and husked a little corn for the pigs. Dad. killed a couple of chickens and Sid. McBride and an agent came in representing {Gumas?} limited. They were here a long time and went away with a ten dollar order for beef scrap and hog meal. Tupper brought the wagon back. I didn't intend to go to Simcoe to-night it looked so stormy but Dick came home to go with me so we went and although it was dark and sprinkled a little it wasn't a bad night. I got my uniform to-night. Mrs. McBride was here all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday November 12th Did chores and husked corn all morning. This after noon Dick and I drove to Simcoe. Dick got his photograph taken at Moores and I took a lot of harness up to Church's to be fixed. Dick and hung around town till most of it was done, shot two or three games of pool with Dick, first games I ever played, didn't do so badly considering. I had to leave a bridle up there, we left Simcoe about six so it was fairly late when I had my tea. Cloudy most of the day and inclined to be rainy but not cold. Dad started to plow the plum orchard this after noon, awful job. Young Snider from down Jaw lake bought Dad's ram lamb to-day. Friday November 13th It rained a good part of the morning and I drove the boys down to the bank & school. During the morning a terrific wind came up and lifted the top of the straw stack and flopped it between the stack and barn. Dad. & I discovered that Charlotte's heifer was under it but we could hear her lowing. It took us quite awhile to dig her out but she didn't seem any the worse she was up agains the stack so the big weight wasn't on her. Dad. & I went down town before dinner and got our lumber at Tommy's. This after noon Dad. plowed in the plum orchard and I did chores and husked a little corn. It was cloudy windy and rather cold this after noon with occasional spits of sharp rain. Saturday November 14th I spent the morning doing chores. Frank helped me husk some corn for the pigs and then went down town after some jars Harry Dyer came after his cow and calf. This after noon Frank & I sorted out another pit of potatoes and found a lot of rotten ones. We husked a little more corn. Frank went back to the gully and found Snowdrop in Sam. Law's wheat so brought her up. The others were all right. Dad. got in a full day and finished the plum orchard. He hauled in the potatoes we sorted to-night. After tea he & Frank killed and dressed a couple of roosters. Aunty, Aunty Alice & Lila were over for a little while this after noon. Sunny but cold east wind. Sunday November 15th It rained steadily all day so none of us went down town but sat around and read. Enah and I had a piano & horn concert this after noon. Dick didn't come home last night so we don't know what happened to him nor any of the news. Very windy night. Monday November 16th Dad. & I took the plow and waggon back over the gully this morning and loaded up a load of rails of John Wess' line. He came over and said he would bring his engine over and buzz them up for us when we got them all hauled. Dad. started to plow the old alsike stubble and took in a land or so of the bluegrass field to plow off the little gully. He plowed all the afternoon and got a good start made. I did chores most of the after noon but went back and put on another load of rails for Dad. to haul up to-night.To-night I went down to a surprise party at Billy Boughner's which Elva and the sewing club got up. Had a great time. Bill Buck came and borrowed the hay rack to haul a load of boxes from Simcoe. It has been very cold and windy all day and is freezing hard to-night. Tuesday November 17th It was frozen up solid this morning and very cold and windy so Dad didn't take the team out although he thought he could have plowed in the sod. He killed and plucked a couple of chickens and I went back to John Wess' to see his cement fence post mould. I was over there quite awhile. Didn't do anything much this after noon. Dad. went down to Sam Law's and got our turkeys and I went over to Jack Martin's to see if he wanted to buy my roosters. He said he would come over soon to look at them. Dad. & Frank wemt down town as Uncle Hall wasn't so well to-day. Wednesday November 18th Huby came over this morning and we hauled a load of hay over from the big barn to the other and put it over the bull pen. We then went out and divided all the big shocks of corn in one row and hauled them in this after noon. Quint came over to tea and he and I drove to Simcoe to-night. Quint went over to the armories and but didn't drill. We got home about twelve. Aunty was over here all the after noon and is going to stay awhile. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Cold & windy. Thursday November 19th Dad. & I unloaded the load of corn this morning and Huby came over and he & I went out and divided another lot of big shocks </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> so we could put them on the waggon. We hauled in another row before dinner. I just about froze and felt a little sick at noon so didn't do anything for awhile after dinner till Dad. & Huby husked some corn then we put the load off and got another load in without dividing them. Enah, Aunty and Tiddums all went down town this after noon. It has been thawing all day but a very cold raw wind and before dinner we had a short but fierce snow storm. Friday November 20th We intended to haul in the rest of the cornstalks to-day but Henry Auld came over about nine o'clock so I had to help him. It was pretty cold so we didn't try to put the roofing on but we got the sheeting and front on. Huby came over about noon and he and Dad. husked corn and did chores. About five o'clock Mully rather unexpectedly presented us with a heifer calf althoug we discovered that it was just due instead of being a month early as Dad. supposed. It is a dandy and clear red except for a white tip on its tail which Huby says will be a fine landmark if Bluch doesn't bite it off. That makes six head of cattle that I now own. It has been sunny to-day but didn't thaw at all and there was a cold west wind. Saturday November 21st Henry came over again this morning and made the rfames for the front of the henhouse and this after noon we put the roofing on. It was pretty cold and we had to heat the tar so it would run. Dad. Frank and I hauled cornstalks this morning. We got them all in in two loads and got the last load after dinner. We had to leave one shock in the middle of a water hole as it was frozen solid. Henry only charged me seven dollars for all his work Thursday December 3rd It is nearly two weeks since I last wrote in this but this is first day I have been at all in the mood to write as I have been laid up with the "Yaller Janders" and have felt pretty rotten although spending only one entire day in bed. I am not yet able to do anything outside although I feel ever so much better. Frank and Dad. have had a pretty rough time of it and haven't been able till to-day to get a thing done but chores although the frost went out early last week and all the other farmers </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> field. He took the waggon back with him at noon and Frank and I went back and filled it with rails and Dad. hauled it up to-night. I spent the whole morning and what time I had this after noon in cleaning up the chicken yard and houses and putting fresh straw in. I got it pretty well fixed up. Frank did most of the chores and Dad. cut his hair to-night. Enah sold one of the young gobblers to-night to Will McNeily. Cloudy and windy to-day but not very cold. Sunday December 6th Aunty & Frank went down to Sunday School and Dick and I joined them at church. This after noon Frank & I did up most of the chores and Dad. drove Aunty Alice up to the cemetry. Enah took Frank's and my picture. To-night Frank is to be confirmed and Dad. Enah & Aunty have all gone down to church and Aunty Alice and I are looking after the house. It froze a little last night but hasn't been cold to-day. Monday December 7th Huby came over to-day and has been ditching in the back field all day. Dad. finished the piece he was at and got a good start on the bluegrass side hill. I did chores all day it takes so long to husk corn enough for the pigs that I don't get time to do anything else, although I did go over and see Brierly to ask him about feeding beef scrap. He told me to mix it with rolled oats and feed in a hopper. Jack said he was coming over to-day to look at the roosters but he didn't come. Mr. Morgan came over before dinner and stayed most of the after noon. I ordered a pecan tree from him. Quint came over to tea to-night and he and I went to Simcoe. I was very much behind as I missed all the rifle drill last week. We went out on a march way down to Yager's place Dad is in a great figit to-night as he was summoned to appear as a jury man and he thinks Court sits to-morrow but he lost the notice and neglected to write and ask if he wasn't exempt as he is {US?} Tuesday December 8th Dad was very wrathy this morning as I found out in Simcoe last night that the best thing for him to do was to turn up at the court house to-morrow and Cousin Willie told him this morning the same thing. He telephoned to Kelly and found out that he had to be there by one o'clock so he went up but he managed to get off as he is a Vet. It would have been a great day to plow. Huby ditched all day and I didn't do a pesky thing but chores principally husk corn for the pigs. Mr. Flemming came over and said he was going to thrash to-morrow but said he could get along if it would have to stop Dad. from plowing or if I didn't feel well enough to work in the dust but Dad. went over to-night to Quanbury's to telephone to Billy Lewis as he said he would give us a hand when we wanted him. Cloudy and windy but not very cold. Wednesday December 9th It snowed during the night and has been snowing & blowing all day but not very cold. Dad. helped me husk corn this morning but plowed all the after noon. Both Tupper & John Wess told him they were going to give him some help if it stays open. They say plowing under an inch or two of snow is as good as a coat of manure and that is what Dad is doing. This after noon I hooked up Nellie to the democrat and drove Aunty Alice down town I went around by the mill to get a couple of bags of oats rolled fror the chickens but they were to light so I got them chopped and rolled and bought some rolled oats. I also got a bag of flour and took it down to the Belgian Relief house. We got home about five o'clock. Thursday December 10th Dad. plowed all day and Tupper sent his man over this after noon so they got quite a chunk done. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I did chores and this morning built a hopper in the chicken shed and filled it with twenty five lbs of rolled oats and three or four lbs of beef scrap and they seemed very greedy for it. Enah drove down town this morning and brought Cousin Clare over. She was here all day. There was an extra drill on to-night for the recruits but it was so late when we got through that I didn't go up. Friday December 11th Dad. got in a full day again to-day. I went back for awhile this morning and this after noon I hooked up Nellie to the democrat and drove Aunty Alice over to Mrs. Cooke's and went around by Tupper's and borrowed Charlie Butler's side hill plow, Dad. says it saves a lot of carrying furrows but is very awkward and it is impossible to do a nice job with it, what bothers him most is seeing the furrow go to the left. Sunny day. Saturday December 12th Dad. plowed all day again and John Wess came over and helped him all day so they got on fine. I did chores and putterd around. Frank went down with Nellie and the democrat and got the box which Cousin Lizzie Hyde sent to us it contained a lot of old family treasures of Fa's older brother. There was a pair of old hosllers, an old sword, a revolver of ancient patteen an old portable desk with some old papers and photographs in it some old silverware and a few books and papers. Huby & Lila came over with Frank and Huby husked corn all the after noon. I got four eggs yesterday which is the most I have got yet but none at all to day. Not so sunny but not cold. Sunday December 13th Auntie and Frank went down to Sunday school and Enah drove down to church. This after noon Aunty and I drove out to the Smythe's. To-night I walked down to church and Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to Huby's as Aunty Alice wants to be down there to-morrow to get ready for her trip to Ingersoll to see Uncle Hal's sister. Dad. went down to Alfred's to-night and found Blaikie down there so had quite a long visit. It has been snowing pretty much all day. It was coming down very thickly this after noon and evening and when I came home it was very soft, the water was dripping into the cistern. Monday December 14th When we got up this morning we found it had turned much colder and quite strong wind had got up. The wind kept up all day and was terrific to-night and it was also very cold but sunny and freezing very hard to-night. Dad. & I went back this morning and chased the horses all up and put them in the barnyard. We put Ginger in but the others stayed out all night. We took Charlie Butler's side hill plow and put it through the fence on to the road and then came up and hooked up the team to the bob sleighs and to it home to Tuppers and on our way back got our own plow and took it up. This after noon we did chores principally. Blaike came in to tea. Quint came over to go to Simcoe with me but it was so windy & cold we didn't go. I went down town with him after tea and we were both glad we decided not to go. We went up to Tip's and I bought myself a pretty nice overcoat for $13.00. I hung around town awhile and went down to Huby's for a little while. Tuesday December 15th We did chores principally to-day and I shovelled </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> some snow. We were going to haul a load of rails up this after noon but Huby came over to tell Dad. that the township council was meeting this after noon and Hammond sent word over for Dad. to come down and see about his taxes so Dad. went but found it was the same mistake in the assement which the town council was going to rectify but he saw the asessor and had the pleasure of telling him what he thought of him. When he came home Jack Martin came over to look at the roosters and said he could pick twenty out of this lot. Froze hard all day but wind not so strong. Wednesday December 16th Dad. and I hooked up to the bob-sleighs before dinner and hauled up a load of rails. After dinner we went down to the mill and got a couple of hundred of oat chop for the pigs. Then I filled up the three days' accumulation of manure in the horse stable into the bob-sleigs and Dad hauled it over to the potato pit. When he came up we hauled the manure spreader from the shed at the cow stable over to the shed at the big barn. We did chores early and I went to Simcoe to-night Quint didn't come over so I went alone. We had a good drill after which I went over to the rink for a minute or two they have started skating up there. Mrs. McBride was here all day. Not quite as cold or windy to-day. Thursday December 17th Dad. and I went back to John Wess' line and got another load of rails this morning. We didn't do anything much but chores this after noon. Aunty was over to dinner but went back again. Dick told us that Dave. Waddle would be over in the morning to butcher hogs. Much milder to-day & sunny but still freezing. The German's bombarded two or three towns on the English coast. Friday December 18th Dave Waddle & Powell McIntosh came over this morning about ten o'clock armed with a rifle and numerous pig killing utensils We let the pigs out of the pen two at a time and Dave shot them & stuck them. He only had to shoot one twice. They had the whole four all dressed by twelve o'clock and wouldn't stay to dinner nor take any pay. Sid. McBride came in as they left and I paid him for the chicken feed. We then measured the fence along the road and Dad. orderd 120 rods of fence from him. This after noon we hooked up to the waggon and Dad. Frank and I went down with Huby's pig. It was the biggest and dressed 120 lbs. Very much milder to-day and nice out. Saturday December 19th It was snowing hard when we got up this morning and there was quite a wind. It was very soft and hasn't frozen all day but is freezing to-night. We moved the calf this morning from the horse stable over to the barn and put the colts in. We also cleaned out the rooster's pen. Chris told me he was coming over to get some of them this morning. He didn't come till to-night and as it was getting dusk he only picked out 16! This after noon we hooked up Joe & Ginger to the bob sleighs and the whole family went down town. We left Tiddum's in Aunty's care at Hubys and Aunty Alice who got back on the noon train went up with us. Dad. went in to Moses' and got measured for a suit which Dick is going to have made for him Aunty supplying the stuff. He then went down and cut up Huby's pig for him while Frank and I brought the team home. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday December 20th Daddy & Frank went down to communion at eight o'clock this morning and Frank stayed down to Sunday school and the later service. I didn't go to church at all to-day. About twelve o'clock Dad. hooked up Joe & Ginger to the bob sleighs and drove down and brought over Cousin Clare, Aunty & Aunty Alice to dinner in honor of Tiddum's second anniversary birthday. Dad. drove Aunty Alice & Cousin Claire home before tea and Aunty stayed here to mind Tiddums while Dad. & Enah went down to the Methodist church to hear Nell. Smith sing a solo. Beautiful day, sunny & mild. Monday December 21st It snowed a lot more during the night and it was very wet and heavy but there was quite a cold wind all day and it dried out. I drove the boys down this morning in the bob sleighs and got a couple of bags of chop at the mill for the pigs. Later Dad & I drove down in the cutter and took Aunty down. Dad. went around to see Niel Elliot to see what he would give for Charlotte who is nearly a new milk cow; but Niel wasn't in town but Joe Long said he would tell him. This after noon Dad. cut up a couple of the pigs and I shaved and got ready to go to Simcoe to-night. Dick & Quint came over to tea and we all three went up but it made things pretty crowed in the cutter and consequently cold and heavy pulling. Dick went over to the rink and skated all evening and I drilled. Quint went on a fruitless task somewhere in the country in quest of a ferret and Dick and I hung around the barn till nearlyy twelve o'clock and we didn't get home till after one. Tuesday December 22nd We did chores all morning and Dad. cut up the other pig. This afternoon we hooked up to the bob sleighs and drove down and Dad. brought Aunty & Aunty Alice over but I stayed up town got my hair cut and walked home. Frank got out of school at recess to-day for the holidays. He has gone down to the picture show to-night. There has been a very cold wind all day and is freezing hard to-night. Wednesday December 23rd Dad. & Frank went back this morning and got a load of rails and also cut a lot of green poplar sticks out of the woods I spent the morning tacking cotton in one of my chicken frames. This after noon Dad. & Enah drove out to see Mrs. Jim. Waddle who is very ill and not expected to live long. Mrs McBride was here all day. To-night I drove to to Simcoe alone. We didn't have a long drill as it was so near Christmas so I got home before the family had retired. Windy all day. Cold & still to-night. Frank spent the after noon getting a little Christmas tree for Tiddums. Thursday December 24th I drove Aunty down town this morning in the bob sleighs and got 6.00 of chop at the mill. This after noon Dad. dressed a turkey for to-morrow's dinner and I did chores principally. Winny & Lila came over this after noon with the mail and stayed to tea. To-night Dad. walked down to get his hair cut and Frank and I hooked up the team later to the bob sleigh and took Win. & Lila down I waited around in the bobs till the Woodstock train came in and then drove Dick, Ferdy who came to spend the holidays with Dick, Dad & Frank home. Cloudy & rather cold. Friday December 25th This being Christmas Day we didn't try to get any more work than was absolutely necessary done. Aunty Alice looked after Tiddums while all the rest of us went down to church Enah got word last night from Harry Moon that Topsy wouldn't be here so she had to play the organ which was rather strenuous as she hasn't had any practice with the choir. Dick & Ferdy spent the after noon at the Dyer's and didn't show up till five o'clock when we had dinner. After church we went around by Huby's and got all of that family but Quint who was hunting but who showed up before dinner. Aunty </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Maude didn't feel very well but managed to get over Dad. drove them all back again to-night. In the after noon we had a little tree for Tiddums and Huby was Santa Claus. Nobody got or gave any presents (which was arranged beforehand) but Tiddums & Lila. Aunty Alice did get us boys some socks etc. but said they weren't Christmas presents. Quint, Tiddums & I went to sleep to-night in the dining room and the rest of the family played "Pit" in the kitchen. Ferdy & Dick went down town after dinner and didnt get back till late when it was discovered that Ferdy's ear was frozen. Beautiful day. Clear and frosty but sunny. Saturday December 26th I did chores principally to-day and Dad & Frank cut down the old snow apple tree in the orchard. Ferdy got up about noon and he had an ear on him as big as a turnip and a great big blister on it. Dad opened it and found it was so badly frozen that poor Ferdy had to stay in the house all day. I guess it was pretty slow but a half-starved Englishman drifted in here looking for work and entertained him while he was getting warm and eating enough to do him as he said himself till tomorrow morning. Aunty went down town and told us when she came home that some farmer had telephoned in to say this englishman we are sure left him and stole all there was in the house. Dick came home to tea but had to go back again. Huby & Quint came over after tea to catch the little pigeons for a match but could only get two as they roosted so high up in the barn. They came in and played "Pit" with us for quite awhile. They say it was down to 20° below zero last night but has been a beautiful sunny, still but frosty day. Snowed a little this afternoon. Sunday December 27th We didn't get up till late this morning so Dad. & I didn't get to church at all. Aunty walked down to Sunday School and I drove Enah and Frank down to church. Dad. drove after them at noon. Dick & Ferdy spent the morning in bed and the after noon and evening down town. I fooled around and did chores all the afternoon. Not so cold to-day but windy & cloudy. Monday December 28th We got a late start again this morning. Dad. & Frank went back to the woods and got some more poplar poles. I went over to Jack Martin's and settled up with him. He gave me a check for $79.00. Neil Elliott came to look at Charlotte but didn't want to give $60.00 for so Dad. thought he would keep her and veal her calf and make enough out of the cream all winter to pay for keeping her although she isn't a very heavy milker. This after noon Dad. intended to go down to Nomination but Tom told us this morning that Mr. Lemon's funeral was this after noon at two o'clock. Right after dinner I drove Enah and Ferdy down town and when I got back Dad. took Joe to go to the funeral but Tom had been here and said he had been mistaken and it was at one o'clock so Dad met them at the Winding Hill and went to the cemetery with them and brought Enah and Tiddums home with him from town. To-night Dad. Frank and I went down to town nomination but there was no fun Vyse was the only speaker to amount to anything and will probably go in again by acclaimation. He brought up one little incident of a private nature to spite L.G. Morgan for the articles appearing in the "Maple Leaf" last summer but Murray got up and took {Leny's?} part and explained the case satisfactorily. Milder Tuesday December 29th We did chores this morning and this after noon I drove Aunty & Aunty Alice down town in the bob-sleigh. They are going to stay down for awhile to call. Ferdy & Frank went back to the woods </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> with the shotgun, axe & rifle and chopped down a few trees and shot a few stumps. To-night I went down town thinking there was a band meeting but nobody showed up. Nice day. Wednesday December 30th I went down town this morning to see if I could get Joe shod but Joe Howell's shop was full till noon but I took her down this after noon and got her in Ferdy & Frank went down with me and Frank got the saws from Chris Fairchilds which I took down yesterday to be sharpened and Ferdy stayed down for awhile. While I was at the shop a wedding {illegible} went past which which turned out to be Jean Davis. Quint came over to tea and we went to Simcoe to-night. Quint went to skate and I to drill. There was no light at the armories so they took us out for a couple of miles march and gave us some formations on the march. After this Quint and I went in to the "Reformer" shop to see Karl. who showed us all about his wonderful Linotype machine. Mrs. Jim. Waddle died this afternoon. Nice day and lovely night. Thursday December 31st I didn't do anything but chores all day and this after noon I shaved. Dad. Ferdy and Frank went back to the woods and got a load of poles. This after noon Ferdy & Frank went down town and Ferdy showed Frank through the mill Ferdy stayed down to tea somewhere. Tonight I went down to a dance which the "Everready Sewing Club" got up for the relief of the Belgium's. There was a big crowd there and altogether they took in fifty four dollars and fifty cents which was clear as they got everything free. I had a dandy time and danced every dance I could get. I was dancing when the clock struck twelve and Anno Domini One Thousand nine hundred and fourteen was not more than history. </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/782ed0b4e84a7b827c6b02fc0202cd64.pdf 654c1f2406dcee6b09e5835c01736d12 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/e34a7a2b4a866f8a43f5451d32528d0e.pdf e617428b6b40fc236f2d2db8addbefc0 PDF Text Text �� https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5e4942842c8b1ffa340c577636b61900.pdf 3a62b8de8908bb70d97267546bbdef20 PDF Text Text Theobald (Toby) Barrett (1895-1969) 1918 Transcribed by Rural Diary Archive volunteers DISCLAIMER: This diary depicts some discriminatory content which some may find offensive. During the diary’s time period, such racial terms and prejudices were commonplace in Canadian society. They are considered wrong today. {Blank Front Cover Inside page on the left} {Right side page} DIARY. 1918 T.B.Barrett Port Dover, Ontario Knockfierna From January 1st 1918 to December 31st 1918 {Blank left page} Tuesday January 1st 1918 About the first thing I did to celebrate the New Year was to go to bed, all the rest of the family had retired at different times during the last evening of the old year but Enah & I had printed three dozen pictures most of which we intend to send to Dick for his birthday and I was till nearly midnight getting the last of them washed. To-day Frank and I have just done chores and sat around the house. Tupper was in for an hour or more this morning and I gave him my note for the heifer we bought from him. Aunty Alice came over to dinner but went down again soon after. Aunty came over to tea and stayed all night. Enah, Frank and I all went down to the dance in the hall to-night given by the I.O.D.E. I took Win & Frank got Dess to go with him. We found an enormous crowd at the hall gathered from the four corners of the county waiting impatiently for the music to start for an old time dance as was advertised. At last about an hour late a young duck from Simcoe came in and sat down at the piano. When it was discovered that he represented the entire orchestra and that there were no fiddlers there were marked signs of anger in the crowd, and by the time one or two 1 �one-steps had been danced by about half a dozen couples, the sons of the soil were just about foaming at the mouth, however after Art Ryerse went out and demanded (from poor Dr. Cook who had locked himself in the council chamber and was taking Art's denunciations through the wicket) proper music for square dances or their money back, they managed to skirmish up a fiddle and some fiddlers and callers-off and everybody got their fill of old fasioned dances. We quit about half past two. It is still very cold. Wednesday January 2nd Frank and I haven't done any thing else but chores to-day and cut enough wood for tonight. I pasted some snapshots in an album to send to Dick for his birthday. To-night I went down town and met Marj. who came back from Haliburton to-night. She left there at six o'clock this morning and it was nearly ten when she got in to-night so she was just about all in. She says it has been down to 25?° below zero up there since she went home. I got a pair of rubbers at Caley's to-night for Frank and me to give Aunty for her birthday. I also went over to the James and got some wallnuts to put in the box Dad and Enah are getting ready to send to Dick on his birthday. Aunty Alice sent over some doughnuts to put in it. It has been very cold all day with quite a wind from the north. Thursday January 3rd This being Aunty's birthday Dad. Enah & the baby went down there to dinner and to spend the after noon. Frank went down in the morning and took down some pigeons to Hec. Henderson He has spent the last few evenings catching them. He also got an axe handle to replace the one I broke yesterday. We did chores and he worked quite awhile trying to put in the new axe handle but didn't suceed very well I sat around and read quite a bit of the time. We started rather late to cut off a big block from the butt of the old oak but chore time overtook us before we finished so will have to finish it to-morrow. It is still down around zero but not so windy. Friday January 4th I have done nothing else but chores to-day except sit around and write to Douglas and send him a checque to pay off my note. Frank went down to the Law's to thrash this after noon and didn't get back till about nine o'clock to-night. His delay was caused more from visiting than working though. Dad did his chores up and it didn't seem to hurt his finger so it must be a lot better. He went down town for awhile to-night to see Aunty & Aunty Alice. It 2 �has been very much milder to-day and it looked like snow. There was no wind and we had to pump for the cattle Saturday January 5th The principal event of to-day was the arrival of a calf (red bull) of which Frank's heifer is the mother. Dad found it when he first went out this morning and it was covered with white frost and very cold but he got it rubbed dry and covered it up so that by noon it was quite frisky. Dad went over to John Wess's just before dinner and was there most of the after noon. Frank went down to the mill for some feed and I spent most of the day when I wasn't doing other chores, pumping water and sleigh riding with the baby. Enah took a couple of snap shots of us at this job. Frank went down town to-night. It has been a beautiful sunny day with no wind. It was quite hot around noon being 22° above zero. Sunday January 6th Enah and I walked down to church this morning and just about froze. Enah had to leave she was so cold. The temperature of the church was not much above freezing and we had communion and the King's proclamation regarding prayer for peace read. I went down again this after noon and stayed to tea at Miss Kerney's. Dad said it wouldn't hurt the cows to go without milking to-night. Much milder with an ice storm. Monday January 7th It snowed quite a little bit during the night and as it came on top of the ice of yesterday's storm it made good sleighing. It has been very soft all day and has been flurrying snow most of the day. Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's and borrowed his hog crate and this after noon loaded one of the young sows and took her down to Coleman & Kindee's boar but she was not ready for him so we had to bring her back. I spent about an hour this after noon taking some pictures of the ice coated trees which are very pretty to-day. It was a very dull day and I took short time exposures so don't know how they will turn out. Dad. Enah and I sat up till nearly twelve to-night singing, playing & reading. I received a couple of sample copy's of "The Breeder's Gazette" to-day. It looks like a great magazine. Tuesday January 8th We got up at six o'clock this morning and got most of the morning chores done up early so that we were able to get down to the first meeting of the Short Course in Agriculture in 3 �good time. Dad's finger is so much better that he can do the noon chores so that we stayed down at Aunty's to dinner. We had a good turnout at the Course there being about 18 in, and all showed a good interest in the lectures Neff gave us on Soils & Fertilizers and Insect Pests. We got home in plenty of time to do up the night chores. Enah was rather upset by news she got from Courtright to-day saying that Jean James was married having done the trick on the sly. Colder. Wednesday January 9th Frank and I went down to the Course this morning and we had a young fellow from Cayuga up to give us a talk on Cultivation but he wasn't much account. Neff also took up Fruit Growing. The fellow from Cayuga said they were to have started a Short Course down there yesterday but all the boys were afraid to leave the farms for fear of being drafted so he said. The tribunals exempted them on condition that they would not go off the farm for more than three days. This after noon the class went up to Ham Thompson's to judge poultry but as I found out from Huby that Jack Ivey had a car of coal in and that we could get a ton if we came after it right away I came home and Dad and I went down and got a ton. We were very lucky to get it as the car was nearly empty and there is no telling when there will be any more in and we were just out. To-night Frank and I went down to Aunty's for tea where Win, Lila, Dess and Marj. were also assembled so we had a very pleasant evening. Not so cold but rather blustery to-day. Thursday January 10th Frank and I were down at the Short Course all day. This after noon we tested whole milk for butter fat. I took down a Sample of Elgitha's milk and it tested 3.3% which Neff said wasn't bad. I only took the milk from her front quarters and didn't get the strippings which would make it go higher. I got my film from Billy Gordon to-day and to-night Enah and I printed pictures. The ones I took of the ice covered trees were pretty good. Not cold rather windy. Dad separated the new calf from his mother to-day. Friday January 11th Frank and I went down to school this morning and had Feeds & Feeding and Bacteriology and this after noon most of the class came over here to judge our sheep. Tupper's & Stace Lowrie's law suit came off this after noon and Frank heard when he was down to-night that Tupper lost his suit and Stace got $6.00. Frank went down to the Red Cross dance to-night 4 �Saturday January 12th When Frank came home from the dance about four o'clock this morning he said that it had been raining but was then snowing a nice steady storm. Big flakes coming right straight down and barely freezing. So when we got up about seven I was very surprised to see a terrific blizzard raging and on going out to find the thermometer registering zero. It has kept it up all day and has kept getting colder. To-night it was 10° below zero. We have done nothing whatever outside today except hike from the house to the barn & back again two or three times and all we did in the barn was to feed the stock and milk. We were out of hay in the old barn so all we could give the cows was straw and they got no water all day. It was out of the question to try to get hay over to them. Dad went down town this morning to see if they were alive down home and he could hardly manage to get through Jack's field. The gas was very poor down at Aunty's and Mr. & Mrs. Millman had come the night before. Mr. Millman wanted to go to Simcoe on business but the radial car only got about two miles up the track and had to work its way back and stay back and the Grand Trunk trains except the the Woodstock, it got as far as Norich this morning didn't attempt to go out at all. Frank and I just sat around the stove and read most of the day and this after noon I made a list of all our bulletins and reports issued by the two departments of Agriculture Dominion & Provincial. We had a dandy coal fire all day, the stove was red hot part of the time but we could see our breath right over it and it was freezing all day in our room. There are little snow drifts all over the house as the snow is so fine it blows in the smallest cracks and there are lots of cracks in this house that aren't microscopic in size. The snow blew in between the base board & the floor in the kitchen even after Dad. had plugged it up as well as he could with rags and it didn't melt all day although it wasn't six feet away from the stove. Nice day but windy. Sunday January 13th We didn't get up till eight o'clock this morning and found the storm had not abated in the least although the thermometer was up to zero. I went out to the barn and found the door had blown open between the calves pen & the barn floor and the calves especially Daisy May's were covered with snow which the heat of their bodies had melted and then it had frozen again so I was about half an hour scrubbing them off dry. After breakfast which we had about ten o'clock I got ready and went down to Aunty's getting there about noon. The gas down there was poor but the house was fairly comfortable. Mr. Millman was still in bed but Mrs. Millman had just got up and had dinner with us. They nearly froze in the night and Mr. Millman got up and wrapped Aunty Alice's sweater around his head. After dinner I went 5 �up to see Marj. but came back to Aunty's to tea. Huby was there and decided he'd stay to tea as he didn't think he would get any thing to eat at home on account of the poor fires. I didn't see any body that was at church this morning but I went up to-night but found there was no church so went over and spent the evening at the Moore's. I stayed all night at Aunty's so I would be able to shovel their snow in the morning. It moderated considerably by night. Monday January 14th I got up fairly early this morning and shovelled Aunty's snow and then had my breakfast down there so got home about half past eight, but Dad. was finished milking. We spent most of the morning shovelling through various snow drifts and Dad. shovelled it out of the wood shed. We had quite a job shovelling the lane out but got it done by noon. This after noon Frank went down to the mill with some grist and Tom was in for awhile on his way after cream. I cleaned out the calf pen and Dad. split up some wood. To-night Frank and I went down to see "Frecles" {should be spelled "Freckles"} at the picture show but the films are stormbound some place so they put on the Saturday night show which was very poor. Mr. Millman went to Simcoe to-day as the radial got running by one o'clock but there hasn't been a G.T.R. train moving in or out of here all day so he came back to Dover to-night and he & Mrs. Millman will go by electric car to Brantford to-morrow and get through to Toronto from there. We were sure there would be no classes to-day so didn't go down. Neff couldn't get down till this after noon from Simcoe and none of the boys could get in from far out in the country. They said Lloyd Ryerse was up here to dinner yesterday so he was visiting the neighbors to see how they survived the storm and he told them that Harry Dyer and old Mr. Mead nearly perished in the storm Saturday night. They had been out working at the inside of Farr's new house and he was driving them in at night but after his horse had gone down a couple of times they decided that they couldnt get through our cut on the side road with the rig so Farr let them out to walk in and he went back. They got up the hill some way but before they got to the corner old Mead said he would have quit as he couldn't stand the storm any longer, however Harry encouraged to renewed efforts by telling him they were not far from Pickford's and they eventually got there where the spent the night but Harry's face was frozen and Mr. Mead all in. Tuesday January 15th Frank and I went down to the class this morning and found our instructors there but very few students none from very far out as most of the roads & cuts were just shovelled out by 6 �to-day. Mr. Will from Toronto was here all day lecturing us on bees and he made things very interesting even for one who was not particularly interested in apiculture. Mr. & Mrs. Millman left at eleven for Brantford but there are no G.T.R. trains running yet, here. The radial is running pretty well and brings in the Toronto papers but no mail. They say this is the worst storm in fifty years but I think the cold counts in on that. It is still cold & blustery. Wednesday January 16th We had Dr. Reid from Georgetown down at the class to-day giving us talks on veterinary work and horse breeding, he was very good. Neff gave us a little talk on field crops and young Martin on poultry but he is no good for a talker although he does his best and is always apologizing and wishing he could make things clearer. I guess we don't make things any easier for him. Young Will. Sidway and I sit next to each other and invariably get laughing at some things though not intending to upset poor Mr. Martin. I am afraid it has that effect. Two engines with two cabooses and a snow plow came in on the Hamilton track about noon and Dave Turner went out at 4:30 with the mail train but the Woodstock track is still blocked. Still blustery and pretty cold: Karl Colman & Val. Leany are getting ahead of Cliff Lees who wants to soak them $600.00 for cutting ice off the pond, by taking it off the creek, just below Colman's point. Thursday January 17th Frank and I went down to the class this morning and Mr. Gardhouse of Weston was there and gave us the morning on Beef Cattle and Sheep but he had to leave at noon, and as the Woodhouse Council met this after noon we had to give up the council chamber to them and had no class. Frank came home to dinner to tell Dad how matters stood as he had all the chores done up ready to come down this after noon and hear Gardhouse. I stayed at Aunty's to dinner and went up this after noon to have Dr. Lemons fix my tooth but as he couldn't tend to it till four o'clock I went with Aunty over to see Miss Battersby and up to see Cousin Loll, then up to Bill's. He just put a temporary filling in. When I went down to Aunty's I found Dad. there and we came home to-gether. To-night Frank went down to see Tom Mark's show and I went over to Mrs. Battersby's to take her the picture of her house and trees with the ice on them. We got our mail for the first time to-day since last Friday, but the Woodstock road is not open yet and every one down town is predicting a storm to strike here about to-morrow which will put this last one in the shade. They say the station agents have received wires warning them to be ready for it. It was yesterday supposed to be sweeping Chicago. 7 �Friday January 18th Frank and I have been down at the class all day as Mr. Duke was supposed to be here to day to address us on Hogs but he didn't show up. We had insect pests and bee's this morning and this after noon tested cream and chose up sides for a debate next Friday. Corby, young Butler and I have to take the affirmative of the resolution that the Present war will prove a benefit to humanity and Clarence Finch, Ham Thompson & young Challand are to take the negative. I don't know beans about the subject but suppose I can think up something by that time. To-night Marj, Miss Kerney & I went to see "Freckles" at the picture show, he got through at last and was only on for to-night. We went to the first show but the place was packed to the doors so we went back and waited till the second show then I went in after the show and had some tea & cake so it was rather late when I got home. It has been a beautiful day but colder to-night. Saturday January 19th We didn't do much this morning but got the lane cleared out enough for Frank to get through with the bob-sleighs and go down to the mill and get the chop he left down there the other day. I went down to Aunty's to dinner and this after noon went to Simcoe on the car to hear what Mr. Hart from Toronto had to say about forming a Norfolk Cooperative Association for buying farm supplies and marketing farm produce. It looks as if it would be organized alright. I came home at five o'clock on what was really the 3 o'clock car... There was a bad storm on at noon and it was cold, so that the cars were all late but it had quieted down a lot by this afternoon. We had a concert tonight piano & horn. Sunday January 20th I walked down to church this morning and Aunty walked back with me to dinner, this after noon I went back down town soon after dinner, spent the after noon over at Mrs. McQueen's with Marj. and had tea at Aunty's. Huby was there to tea also. Aunty and I went to church after tea, church being held in the Sunday school both services, and Marj. and I walked home with Aunty and spent the evening laughing at Huby's stories. Huby had his dog down there and she made as if she would eat Marj. up when she first came in that tickled Huby to see her show some spirit. Mr. James, Eloas & Brant Bloodsworth and Lila were all over here this after noon and Dad drove them all home before tea in the bob sleigh. It has been a lovely day & fine night. Clear & frosty but sunny & not much wind. Monday January 21th 8 �Frank and I went down to the Short Course to-day and had a good day but no special speakers. Dad. Enah and the baby drove down this after noon to post a couple of letters for Tom but didn't stay. Huby came over to tea to-night and brought over a couple of pairs of army boots one pair that Quint had left & one pair that Jackson from Turkey Point who has been discharged, had given him. The principal object of this visit was to tell Dad. that Stringer the gas-man was down to-day and wants to make arrangements to lease his farm and to drill for gas right away. Sunny & cold. Tuesday January 22nd Frank and I have been at school all day. Mr. Kydd, formerly of Simcoe and now in the Government employ was here all day lecturing us on fruit growing and was interesting and entertaining. The Domestic Science Course started to-day and Neff said there were about fifty women up there this after noon. To-night I went down to see Marj. and see if I could arrange to go to Simcoe for a skate but she thought we had better put it off till next week. It has not been quite so cold to-day. Wednesday January 23rd Frank and I went down to school this morning and we had Mr. Stevenson of Ancaster lecturing us on Dairy Cattle this morning and this after noon the whole bunch of us went up to Simcoe on the car to see Mr. Alex Wallace's (the would be M.P.) herd of holsteins and have Mr. Stevenson demonstrate the points of dairy cattle to us and we had a judging class in which I picked out the winner but didn't hit the second prize right. We had a very good time. To-night I am going down to stay all night at Aunty's as she expects to leave for Toronto in the morning and Aunt Ida is going to Port Rowan for a visit. Cold & Cloudy but milder to-night. Thursday January 24th We got up fairly early this morning and I went down to the station and saw Aunty safely on her train for Toronto. I then went up and remined Al. Faulkner to call for Aunt Ida in time for her to catch the nine o'clock car which he did. Aunty Alice went up to Simcoe with Aunt Ida and put her in the hands of Mrs. {Os.?} Bowlby who saw her safely on the Pt. Rowan train. Aunty Alice came back on the eleven. Dad. and Frank brought old Sheild's down to Colman's this morning and sold him for 8 cts a lb which was dirt cheap but the best we could do. He weighed 214 lbs. I spent all the morning down in the library writing up my debate. This after 9 �noon we had skim milk testing and drainage. Aunty Alice spent the night up at Cousin Loll's. It has been very mild all day but snowing. Friday January 25th We both went to school this morning and had Mr. Rush from Toronto lecturing us on market gardening. He was interesting soley on account of his being well posted by experience on his subject as there was vast room for improvement in his language & other oratorical attributes. He spent the morning and for an hour after dinner with us and then went upstairs to talk to the girls. When he left our debate came off. Corby, Butler and I were against Challand, Tige Mc.Bride and Clarence Finch, we had to uphold the affirmative of the resolution "That the present war will prove a benefit to civilization." and according to the judges who were Lorne Myers, Sheppard and Cruickshanks, we had the best of the argument. We were limited to ten minutes to speak and consequently after I had tried to refute all my opponents statements, I only got away with about half of what I had prepared which was very annoying. Neff was chairman and Martin was critic. I went up to Bill's tonight to have my tooth fixed but he said it wasn't ready yet. Aunty Alice came over here with me to stay all night. To-night Frank went down to another dance in the hall. Mild all day but colder to night. Saturday January 26th Aunty Alice went back home right after breakfast this morning and wouldn't hear to any of us driving her down. I spent the morning cleaning out the chicken house and putting fresh straw in and went down and had dinner with Aunty Alice and then went to Simcoe again on the one o'clock car to take in another meeting of the "Norfolk County Co-operative Association" which I joined by signing a note for $100.00 payable on demand but which will not have to be paid unless the Company breaks as it is just for the purpose of establishing credit at the bank. I left the meeting before it was over to catch the five car so wasn't able to vote on the directors. Before I went to the meeting I went up to the rink where I ran into a half a dozen kids who begged me to play hockey with them for an hour so as they supplied the skates and stick I did for a little while and had quite a lot of fun. Stringer the gas man was in town to-day and Dad went down to Huby's office to meet him and made arrangements with him to lease the farm for them to drill for gas next summer. Frank went down town to-night and will likely stay with Aunty Alice to-night. It has been pretty cold all day. 10 �Sunday January 27th Frank didn't come home last night but stayed down with Aunty Alice and went to sunday school and church and as I didn't get up till half past seven we didn't get through chores in time for me to get to church. Dess. came over with Frank to dinner and Aunty Alice came over soon after them. I went down town right after dinner and spent the afternoon up at the Moore's. Aunty Alice came back down town before tea so I went down there for tea and then went to church which was held in the Sunday school and where I nearly froze. After church Marj. and I went over to post a couple of letters and ran into the J. Gordon Patterson's and Mrs. Pary so we went down with them to Pat's and spent the evening. I went down to Aunty Alice's to change my boots before I went home but and she had gone up to Cousin Loll's to spend the night but left the house so that I could get in. Cold east wind to day. Monday January 28th Frank has been at school all day but I didn't go down. I stayed home this morning to help Dad. take one of our young sows down to Kindree's and then at noon I decided I wouldn't bother going down. I went down to-night and Marj. and I went to the picture show to see "The Whip" and it was very good. It was a very rough morning with an east wind and sleet but got milder this after noon and almost rained although it didn't go above ten above zero. Trains are all late again. Tuesday January 29th Frank and I stayed home this morning intending to haul ice but when we went down, we found that they weren't cutting as the water had backed up on the creek so we came home and told Dad. and he thought we had better go down and get a load of coke, as they have a car of it in and don't know when they will have any coal in. We got a load but could only put on 1300 lbs as it is light stuff. It burns quicker than coal and makes a hot fire. Dad. went down with us to see Jim Bannister's old mare and Jim brought him back. Jim was going around with yesterday's mail as he didn't get any farther than Evan's yesterday and there was no mail in on the Hamilton road to-day. This after noon Frank and I went down to the class but they all came over to Martin's to pick and judge chickens, so I shovelled Aunty Alice's snow and came right back. Milder this after noon & cloudy. Wednesday January 30th 11 �Frank and I went down to haul ice this morning and we got one load but they told us not to come after any more till to-morrow as Val. was filling cars and was afraid he wouldn't have enough, so this after noon we went down to the class. We had a little work on fruit growing and then formed a club to be known as the Junior Farmer's Improvement Association which is quite a large organization throughout the province. They put me in as president and Frank secretary-treasurer. I stayed down to tea at Aunty Alice's and to-night Marj. and I went up to Simcoe for a skate. There was a big crowd at the rink as it was a special event put on by the Presbyterians. We had a good time as there were several up there we knew Belle Symington and Bill Baron went up from here and we saw Clara Hoag, Neff, Martin, and others up there I have a brute of a cold. 10° below zero this morning. Nice day. Thursday January 31st Aunty Alice got up about half past five this morning and got my breakfast. I stayed down there all night as I felt so tough with my cold. I got home about half past six before any of the family were up. Frank and I hauled ice all day and got five loads and as Alan hauled one for us last night one more that would have been for we only need one more to make our eight loads but when we went down after it to-night the men had quite working and the tools were all locked up. They don't work after five. We got four of our loads out of the creek back of the vinegar works where Val. was cutting yesterday and where he had all the ice that was cut out of the hole. He thought there would be enough there for us and so there would but Monty Burke's men got two loads from there so Frank and I had to go down to the harbour where they are cutting to fill Harry Ansley's ice house for our last load. The ice down there is the first cutting and twenty six inches thick so we could only haul six cakes to the load but we can cut it in two and make nice sized cakes of it. It is all fine ice. Dad. had to pump all the water for the stock to-day as the bolt broke in the windmill. Cold all day but nice & sunny. Friday February 1st Frank stayed at Aunty Alice's last night and went to Simcoe on the seven car to see Russ Lampkins about getting a new bolt for the windmill. He found Russ had moved to Lynn Valley but he ordered the bolt from his successor in business. Frank came back on the nine car but went right up to school. I went down this morning and hauled our last load of ice, and brought it home & just left it in the sleigh box. We have three loads out side now which we will have to put in the ice house. This after noon I went down to the school and found the boys & the girls of the Domestic Class in a great commotion getting ready for the 12 �wind-up banquet and dance to-night. Tige McBride sent me over to borrow the I.O.D.E boiler to make coffee in and when I got back Corby and I went down to the picture show where we found Neff and most of the boys practising yells and songs for to-night. When we went back to the hall we moved the piano upstairs to the Red Cross room which was to be the banquet hall, and the rest of the after noon was spent in preparing. I went up to Dr. Lemon's about four o-clock and then home but didn't do any chores, just changed my collar and shirt and hiked back again. Neff had informed me that as I was president of the J.F.I.A. I would be expected to make a reply to the toast to Agriculture; this news rather took my breath away as I had no idea what to say and had to put in the remainder of the after noon thinking up something polish to say. Enah came down to the banquet with Frank and it went off in fine shape. Mr. Johnson was Chairman and Messers. Barwell, Bond, Jack Martin proposed toasts to Our Country, The Ladies and Agriculture respectively and I got my speech off without fainting and different ones said it was allright. The dance started about five o'clock and and kept up all night. It was well sprinkled with square dances and the orchestra consisted of Harry Moon, Tom Schram & Mrs. Frank Slocomb. Enah and I stayed till about two o'clock and then came home and wished we had come before. Very cold but sunny. Saturday February 2nd I didn't get up very early this morning and have done nothing but chores all morning, Frank got home about noon, he had stayed at the hall all night and helped clear things up after the dance, so he didn't go to bed at all. Dad. and I split up the big cakes of ice by sawing them half way through with the cross cut saw and splitting them with the wedge. This after noon Frank and I drove down town with Belle & Queen. We went around by the mill and got some flour & hog feed and got Jack Martin's hog rack on our way back to ship the hogs in on Monday. We all went to bed early to-night. It has been sunny all day but is still down around zero. Sunday February 3rd We didn't get up in time to get to church this morning, but I took Elva's cream down this morning and told Aunty Alice to wait for Dad. to drive her over. As it was quite stormy Dad. drove over to Tupper's this morning in the bob sleigh to borrow his scales and hog crate as he was afraid the road would be too drifted by to-morrow. When he got home he drove down and got Aunty Alice and Marj. whom I brought down from church and who came over here to dinner with us. Frank drove us all back down town about four o'clock. Enah went 13 �down with us as she wanted to practice a duet with Elva to play at the church concert on Tuesday night. While Frank was waiting for Enah he took Marj. and me for a sleigh ride. We started up the Radical road and were just passing Symington's when Woodyer & Bill Gutcher came out, & piled in the sleigh. Belle saw them get in so yelled at us to wait and she & Bill Barron joined the party so we went up as far as George Eagle's in the teeth of a raging snow storm but we kept warm by laughing at Woodyer's crazy actions, His hat blew off twice and when he was getting back into the sleigh after rescuing it he turned a somersault into the box. The second time he lost it Frank kept right on driving when Woodyer got out and made him run about 10 rods to catch us. When we got back to town Frank went around and got Enah and I went down to Aunty Alice's to tea, she and I went to church to-night and after church Marj. and I went up to see Miss Martin but she wasn't home so we came back to Uncle Hughie's. I stayed all night with Aunty Alice. Very stormy but much milder 20° above. Monday February 4th Aunty Alice got me up about half past six this morning and got my breakfast. I went up to Hecs on my way home to see if Neil was going to ship hogs as we were afraid yesterday's storm might have blocked the trains, but as both trains went out this morning, Hec. said they would ship. So I came home and we weighed our two hogs and put one in each crate, one weighed 217 and the other 232 lbs acording to our weight but all Clare Deal could make it was 435, they gave us 17¼ cts which brought the check up to $75.04 which wasn't so bad for two pigs. Niel wasn't around himself and we had to leave the poor pigs in the open yard where it was perishingly cold and I don't know how long they would have to stay there as Huby told us Dave Turner's train didn't get any further out than the cheese factory this morning and there has been no mail in to-day. The drifts are so high now in places along the track as there has been no thaw for over a month that the least little blizzard blocks things up. When we got home we weighed the four ram lambs and the old ram, he only weighed about 140 lbs and the biggest of the lambs weighed 117 lbs. Dad. went down town this after noon and had tea with Aunty Alice and to-night went up town to meet Stringer and got the gas lease fixed up. It has been very cold this afternoon. Tuesday February 5th It was 26° below zero by our thermometer when we went out this morning and has been below zero all day with a cold wind. I have scarcely done anything all day. Dad. and Frank did most of the chores, this after noon Frank and I took Tupper's scales and hog crate 14 �home, he wasn't home but we put the things away where Dad said he got them I nearly perished coming home and only kept from freezing by getting behind Frank who had Dad's fur coat on. I just sat around the house when I got home. Frank went down to the mill and took Enah down town, she stayed down to tea as she had to play at the show to-night for Kelly who the church has got here. I was to have gone down and go to the concert with Aunty Alice but I hated the idea of going out after tea so gave my ticket to Frank. He went down but Aunty Alice didn't go as Harry Ansley was worse again, he had five attacks yesterday. Dad. & Frank did all the chores to-night and I got tea ready. I read & slept all evening. Wednesday February 6th Dad. Frank and I put the ice in the ice house this morning, which took us all the fore noon. This after noon we did up the chores and then hooked old Dave up, we put him on the bob sleigh with Harry and took him around the block. He went fine and was very good while we were hooking him up and unhooking him. Sam Law was in for quite awhile this after noon and settled up with Dad. for thrashing. To-night Frank and I went down to a meeting of our club but didn't do much. Mr. Groff was down from Simcoe to explain the advantages of the Co-operative society but there weren't many there, however a few more gave their notes. We drove down and it was pretty dark but we got along alright till just as we turned in the lane, when when runner got up on the snow bank and the side of the track and upset the cutter dumped both of us out and then Joe ran up the lane with the cutter on its side past the drive house and wound up in a drift by the windmill, she couldn't go any farther for the barnyard fence. I expected to find the cutter and harness all smashed to pieces but except for the back-hand being broken every thing was sound. It has been thawing all day. First for a month Thursday February 7th We hooked Dave and Harry up again this morning and drove down town. Dave behaved very well. We saw Aunty Alice who said she couldn't get over till Cousin Willie was better as Cousin Loll wanted her to stay with them. This after noon Frank and I put the sawdust back in the ice house. We left Pommers for an hour in the box stall this morning with the surcingle and bridle on him. To-night I went down town and spent the evening with Marj. She was packing candy cigarettels and socks to send to {Stiffy Warren?}. Lovely day, thawing in the sun but about 20° above in shade 15 �Friday February 8th After we got the chores done up this morning we hooked Dave and Harry up again and Frank & I drove them around the block past John Wesses. After dinner Dad. put the surcingle on Pommers and Dad. put a hobble on him with a rope to pull up his front foot if he made any lunges. I took the lines and Dad. took the hobble rope and Frank opened the drive house door. Pommers just made about two jumps across the lane and got his front foot over the little wire fence then wheeled around and plunged through the snow drifts up to the windmill, we couldn't hold him any more than we could a steam engine and Dad's. rope didn't seem to stop him so we had to let him go. He tore around for a few minutes but we caught him at last up in the corner of the pig pen & orchard fence. Dad. then put a halter on him and he took it while Frank and I each took a line - and in the course of about fifteen minutes we managed to get him back to the stable without him getting away. When we put him in Frank and I hooked up Harry & Belle and started to clean out the box stall which hasn't been cleaned out all winter, we hauled out three good loads to the old garden and left about one load still to be cleaned out. Jack Lawrie & Ralf Waddle came over to have Dad. look at Jack's old mare and when they left Dad. Enah and the baby drove down town. Frank went down to a dance to-night which Merrit & Charlie Long are running. I felt pretty rotten with a cold & cough. We all feel pretty tough. Saturday February 9th I felt rather tough to-day with my cold so didn't do much all day, this morning I wrote to Neff and to Aunty. Frank didn't get home from the dance till about eight o'clock as it rained in the night and they didn't break it up till day light on account of the roads being so bad, so he didn't feel very lively all day and seized every opportunity for snoozing. This after noon we hooked Pommers up again or at least put the harness on him and took him out without his getting away. Dad. put a rope on him with a string under his chin fastend to his halter bit rings, and Dad & Frank took the rope and I took the lines. Lila came over this after noon and Dad. went back with her and they had tea at Aunty Alice's. Lila stayed there all night. I went to bed early as my cold felt pretty bad and Enah made me soak my feet in hot water & mustard and drink hot black currant water. It has been thawing all day and a nice day. Sunday February 10th 16 �I got a note from Marj. yesterday asking me to come down to Nanticoke for her to-day if I could as her cousin had come up for her Friday and invited me down to dinner to-day, so as two of Joe's shoes are off I took Queen and left here about half past ten. I made very good time as the folks were just going into church when I went through Nanticoke, but I found out afterwards they were fifteen or twenty minutes late. When I got to the Banfields I found they had all gone to church but Mrs. Banfield and Cal. Howden the hired man (?.) He is one of Oscar's kids and is about as big as a skinned minute.). The rest got home about an hour after I arrived. Besides Mr. & Mrs. Warrie Banfield, Mr. & Mrs. Dick Doughty and Marj. came. Marj. had been staying over there till to-day. We had a very enjoyable time. all interest being centred on the Banfield baby which Cal. informed me would soon be a year old and is a comical little thing. Marj. and I left for home about half past three and came straight here as Dad. told me that he was going to take Aunty Alice & Lila down in the bobsleighs and would take Marj. and me too which would save me having to bring Queen back from town and then probably walking back again. We got here about five and they were just leaving but Enah invited Marj. to stay to tea which she did, so we didn't go down with them. I had the milking done when Dad. got back. Marj. and I walked down about nine o'clock. Quite mild but cold wind. Monday February 11th This morning Frank and I finished cleaning out the box stall in one big load. When we got back Dad. put the harness on Pommers and we took him down to the corner, he behaved very well but would have got away once or twice if Dad. hadn't had the rope in his halter. Aunty Alice walked over to dinner and this after noon she and Enah went calling down to the Ryerse's and Pickford's. Frank took them down in the bob sleighs and left them there an hour and then went after them. Aunty Alice was very anxious to get back as Cousin Loll had sent over a note in the mail saying Harry Ansley was very weak. Frank drove them right down town so that Enah could find out how he was and she said he was about the same. Alfred came up and got Dad. to go down with him to look at one of his pigs which is in bad shape owing to the cold weather. I spent the after noon cutting the tops off some of the high apple-trees according to the instructions given us at the Short Course by by Mr. Kydd. Sunny with a fresh thawing breeze. It has thawed a lot to-day and water is standing over everything. It is still soft to-night. We intend to butcher our hog to-morrow Tuesday February 12th 17 �It rained hard last night and has been very soft all day. It was cloudy all morning rained quite hard at noon and early this after noon then came out sunny and a fresh breeze but mild. On account of the weather we had to postpone our butchering operations and have just done odd jobs. I cleaned off the dropping board in the henhouse this morning as it has been frozen too hard all winter and then went out to see if I could let some water off the wheat as it was backed up by the snow. Then I started to scrape some of the apple trees. Dad. & Frank changed the stroke of the windmill again and put in the longest one. This after noon we cleaned out the box in the barn so that we could put my heifer in when she calves. I went up to Ham Thompson's to ask him what time our meeting on Saturday was to be and was up there quite awhile looking at the stock. Charlie Quanbury went out to the farm this morning with a load of manure but got stuck on the hill and left his load in the road. The snow is all undermined & honeycombed with water and the team went right down to their bellies Charlie had a hard time getting them loose. Wednesday February 13th We spent most of the morning getting things ready for and butchering our pig, and got it all done by noon. Dad. got a very nice stick and scald on her and she dressed a dandy. Charlie Munroe came in just as we started to scald so he helped us during the dressing operations. He walked over to get Dad. to look at one of his horses which has a bad cold so Dad. went back with him to dinner. This after noon I got ready and went down town to have my tooth fixed but as it was after four when I got there Bill said I had better come early to-morrow after noon. I stayed at Aunty Alices to tea and went to church to-night this being Ash Wednesday. Marj. had proposed going up to Miss Martin's to-night but as she. Marj.. had a sore throat we didn't go. I called for Aunty Alice at Cousin Loll's and stayed down at Aunty's all night. We had a letter to-day from a man in Omemee inquiring about the prices of ram lambs, he having seen in the report of the Co-operative wool sales that we had the highest percentage of our wool in the highest grade of any one in Ontario. It has not been thawing all day but has been quite mild and cloudy. There came nearly being bad flood. Thursday February 14th I came home about nine o'clock this morning but as I had to go right back after dinner I didn't change my clothes. I wrote to Mr. Bent the man who inquired about the rams and I also measured the lawn and flower beds as I had a letter from Mr. Tomlinson saying he had mislaid my first sketch and if I would send another he would be sure to send me a blueprint. I went down to Aunty Alices for dinner and went up to Bills right after. He filled my tooth 18 �and found a hole in another one He couldn't finish the job right away so I went back at four o'clock when he finished the job for which I paid him $1.50. While I was there the last time Karl Lemons came in and said the Penman's dam had gone out and the bridge had dropped at one end. I went down to Aunty Alice's and got my rubber boots on and she and Lila went down with me to see the wreck. It was a bad mess. The road at the north end of the bridge had caved in as the water has been leaking through the buttment of the dam all winter and washed a big hole out under the road. Then the big head of water coming from the last few day's thaw took the top of the north end of the dam out which was loosened by the bridge dropping down on the buttment and buckeing it. It would have been a very dangerous proceeding for me to try to go across the bridge but several had gone across on the ice on the pond making quite a detour away from the bridge so I followed their tracks and as I had my rubber boots on didn't get wet. Dad. cut up the pig this morning and I took some of it down to Aunty Alice, Huby and Mr. James. Frank fixed up a feed box for the calf and this afternoon, they moved the ram lambs over to the colony house with old McPherson. It has been sunny and thawing a lot all day. Thunderstorm to-night. Friday February 15th It was much colder to-day with a strong north west wind so we didn't do much out side. I started in to clean up the Tommy Jackson harness but didn't get any more than the bridle done but I made the nickel on it shine. This after noon Dad and I took Pommers out and he went like an old horse, we just had him on the line, and Dad. had the rope in his halter but didn't have to tighten on it once. Frank made a rack for the ram's hay this morning and put it in the colony house and this afternoon he went down to a meeting of the Black Creek Creamery patrons and announced our meeting to-morrow thinking he could get it more farmer's easier that way than any other. He said that they raised Lea Marshall's salary 1/4 cent per pound. and one old fellow kicked very much at it. He didn't think Lea needed it because he kept a hired girl and ran a Ford car. Jim Bannister told Dad. at noon that to add to Penman's troubles they had a bad fire down in the mill this morning which did a great deal of damage to the stock; it was caused they say, by a nail getting into the pickers, heating and being blown into the inflamable cotton. Saturday February 16th We didn't do much but chores this morning except take Pommers down to the corner again, he is certainly good never made a misstep. Frank and I went down to dinner at Aunty Alice's and this after noon we went up to a fairly successful meeting of farmers. Neff & Jas 19 �E. Johnson manager of the Norfolk Co-operative Assn. were down and explained the working of the Association very clearly and about ten more signed notes. We were there till nearly five and then I went up and got my hair cut, so it was after six when I got home. I came home by the dam and came across the ice. Frank went around by the mill (the same way we went down) and got home the same time I did but he was delayed by having to go back to the hall after his books and then winding the town clock for George Steele. Johnny Payne was buried to-day and Bob. Law died very suddenly this after noon. They said he was well when he fed his team this morning but lay down on the sofa when he came in and didn't feel like going out again at noon and soon after noon he was dead. News has also just come to town of the death of young Billy Thompson. He had just been moved to New York, they say on a $2000 salary when he took pneumonia and died in a few days. Bright and sunny but freezing hard all morning but snowing hard and milder this after noon. Sunday February 17th I walked down to church this morning and as Aunty Alice said she felt as if she was catching cold and didn't feel like walking over to the farm I decided to stay and have dinner with her but just as we were about ready to sit down Dad came down with the team and sleigh to take Aunty Alice over for dinner, so we both went. We came back down town about four o'clock and I stopped on the way down to see Mrs. Sinclair and after Mrs. Bell about having a social gathering next week the boys of the J.F.I.A. and the girls of the W.I. meeting together. Mrs. Bell advised me to see Olga Ryerse and offered her house for the occasion. I had tea with Aunty Alice and neither of us went to church but went up right after and she went up to Cousin Loll's for awhile and I went over to see Marj. who had been up with Glad Law all the after noon. I stayed all night at Aunty Alices. It has been cold but sunny all day. Freezing to-night. Monday February 18th I came home about nine o'clock this morning and came around by town and got fifty post cards to notify the members of the J.F.I.A. of the meeting here on Thursday night. Frank, Enah and I. spent quite awhile this morning writing them we sent out twenty five. Jack Walker was over for a little while to see if Enah {single page list that was probably used to make longer diary entries later} 20 �Jan 9 – F, I went down to the course - talk on Cultivation. Neff - fruit growing class at H Thompson's judging poultry Jan 10 - testing milk for % of the fat Jan 11 Feeds & feeding Bacteriology afternoon - judging sheep, at Farrs Blizzard Jan 11 & 12 & 14 Roads & R R all blocked Jan 15 - course resumed apiculture Jan 16 - Dr Reed - Test for {?} on vet work & horse breeding, Only radial TB & young Will Sidway get laughing Jan 17 - beef cattle & sheep - no rural mail from Jan 11 - Jan 17 Mr. Meade & Harry Dyer lost in storm & spent night at Pickfords - frozen faces Jan 19 - Mr. Hart on forming a Norfork Co oper for buying & marketing in Simcoe. Jan 22 - Mr. Kydd formerly Simcoe on fruit growing {continuation of list; written on graph paper} Jan 22 - womens course started about 50 entered Jan 23 - Dairy cattle - Mr Stevenson of Ancaster. Afternoon at Alex Wallace's - Holsteins very good time Jan 24 - preparing for debate This war will be a benefit jan 25 - Mr Rush on market Gardening Jan 26 - 2nd meeting re Co op joined & signed note for $100 Jan 29 - picking & judging chix at Martins Jan 30 - formed a club TB Pres Feb 1 - very busy preparing for wind up of course - TB responds to toast Trains still irregular very very cold 21 �would come down and play at Billy Thompson's funeral tomorrow after noon. It will be in the church and they wanted the choir out. This after noon Dad. walked down to Bob. Law's funeral and was gone all the after noon I walked down to see Olga Ryerse as Mrs. Bell suggested and when I got back Frank and I polished harness for a little while. Lloyd Ryerse was in for awhile to-night to see what to do for an old ewe that lambed early and has a caked udder. Quanbury’s cow had a pair of twin calves this morning which has caused considerable excitement in the neighborhood. When Dad. went down this after noon they had them in Jack Martin's wash-house where it was hot. The latest news is that Jack Payne has bought Wess Boughner's farm and is putting Lilly Myer’s husband on it to raise Shorthorns and Wess Boughner has bought Mrs. Duncan's place. Froze very hard last night. Fine sunny day. Tuesday February 19th It started to rain during the night and has rained most of the day so we didn't do anything much but chores. Dad. and Frank put the pig in pickle this morning. This after noon Dad. and Enah went down to Billy Thompson's funeral as Enah had to play. It was a masonic funeral but Dad. had got no notice so wasn't with the Masons. Frank drove them down in the bobsleigh although there were some very icy spots on the road. They got home about half past three and brought with them the geese that Enah bargained with Al. Faulkner for before Christmas. I spent most of the after noon reading "Queen Zixi of Ix" to Tid. I finised a good book to night. "The Double Four" by Phillips Oppenheim. Wednesday February 20th It turned very cold during the night and has been down to zero with a strong west wind all day. We haven't down anything much but chores as it has been too cold to work out side with comfort. I wrote a letter to Mr. Bent this morning promising him our best ram lamb next fall as I had a letter from him yesterday saying he would be willing to pay $55.00 for it. Tupper was in for a few minutes before noon on his way home from town and Charlie Munroe walked through on his way to the mill. He told Dad. his horse was better but not well yet. This after noon Dad. walked over to John Wesses and took him one of the calendars we got from the Department of Agriculture. He found John Wess just the same, feels fine as long as he doesn't try to do anything. Dad. went down to Charlie Munroe's from John Wesses and found his horse had developed distemper with its throat all swelled up, but it is getting on well. I read most of the after noon and went down to tea to Aunty Alice's. She and I went to church to-night but as the church was very cold and the lights very poor, we 22 �only had the war-time litany which lasted only 8 or 10 minutes. I went home with Marj. and stayed all night at Aunty Alices. Thursday February 21st I got home about nine o'clock and found the family all huddled around the stove and I was glad to join them. It was down below zero again with a biting north west wind. It has been pretty cold all day but the wind went down towards evening and it has been sunny We didn't do much but chores. Frank and I cleared up a little in the drive house this after noon to make room for any horses that members of the J.F.I.A. might drive to our meeting tonight. Then Frank rode his wheel down town to get some coffee. Although the roads were very hard and icy there were ten came to our meeting It was a nice night and the wind had died down. We had a very good meeting and they all seemed enthusiastic about growing a patch of potatoes this summer, after we talked over our business they played cards and checkers. Enah dished up some coffee and war bread and Corby & Fred Rolson sang for us. The meeting broke up about twelve. We went out to look at my heifer after the boys left and found her very near calving, so I went to bed with my clothes on, to get up and look at her later. Friday February 22nd I got up at four o'clock and went out to look at the heifer but she seemed easy so I went to bed again. Dad. got up at six and went out and she had just dropped her calf then. The calf is a red roan & a bull. She has a very big bag and is alright. We did chores most of the morning and Dad. and Frank went back to the gully and brought up a dozen boards off the cross fence back there to make sheep troughs of. This after noon Frank got three troughs pretty well made. I went down town to telephone Neff to see what night he could come down next week to our social meeting but he was out of town so I went down and talked to Huby for awhile and found there was a car of coal in, then I walked down to Corbetts and told Corby to telephone Neff to-night. He & his father were getting up wood off the lake bank which has slid terribly last year. I walked through their place to the creek and went up to the Ryerse's. Olga seems to be having a hard time getting the girls to-gether. I got home about five. Dad. was getting ready to go down to Aunty Alice's for tea and to meet the train as Aunty came home to-night. He stopped in at Quanbury's on his way down and got Charlie to say he would get us a load of coal in the morning as the roads are to icy for our horses. It has been milder with west wind and snow to-day. 23 �Saturday February 23rd We got up about six this morning and I was over at Quanbury's by eight o'clock to go down with Charlie and get our coal. Charlie was just at his breakfast so it was half an hour before we got started and had to go in the waggon, however the coal wasn't all gone when we got there but was going fast. They were only selling half ton lots to one person so we took half a load of coal and half coke. Frank was waiting for us at the mill with a couple of bags of feed which he put on the waggon. Charlie didn't charge Dad. anything for hauling it. This after noon Dad. Enah and the baby walked down to see the dam and went on across and saw Aunty for awhile. She has a cold a neuralgia. The wind was from the south west to-day and it was sunny and quite soft. Frank said he heard crows once. There was a faint touch of Spring in the air which made it feel nice to be alive. Frank finished making the sheep troughs and I for want of some thing to do shingled half of the "Library." I also turned over the hotbed manure pile. Sunday February 24th I walked down to church this morning and Aunty and Aunty Alice walked back with me to dinner. About three o'clock I went back down town. Glad. Law went back to Toronto on the 3'o'clock car and Marj. was down to see here off but I didn't get down in time to see Glad. but spent the rest of the after noon with Marj. About five o'clock she went up to Miss Martin's to tea and I went down to Aunty's. Aunty and I went to church and I came back there for awhile after church but didn't stay long. I didn't go home by the dam as there was a lot of water on the ice when I came down, I went home by the mill and met Marj. on her way home. Monday February 25th As it was mild and soft and fairly good footing for the horses we decided to move the straw stack in to-day. Dad. and I pitched the top of it off and most of the ice out of it while Frank dug away the big snow bank on the east side of the drive house and we got one load over to the horse stable before dinner but didn't pitch it off. We put it off right after dinner and got another jag over and off and left the butt of the stack to put in the old barn. We put the waggon back on the old barn floor and while we were at it the colts which were in the barnyard came through the gate we left open and took a good run over the wheat tramping & cutting it up considerably. About four o'clock Dad. and I started up to Ham Thompson's with Dad's heifer. It began to rain just as we left and before we got home was pouring down. 24 �It developed into a terrific thunderstorm but had stopped before we went to bed, but was cloudy and windy. I got two eggs to-day, the first I have got. Frank has been getting a duck egg daily for the last few days. A strip of paper has blown off the chicken shed roof and this wind will take more off so it looks pretty badly Tuesday February 26th There was a very strong west wind this morning and it had turned cold again during the night being about 10° above zero so we didn't do much but chores all day. I wrote a couple of letters this morning one to the Co-Operative Association ordering some clover seed oil cake and seed potatoes and one to the Canadian Sheep Breeders' to see if some arrangement couldn't be made to have Canadian registered sheep transferred to the American Book. Art. and Lloyd Ryerse were up most of the after noon, they wanted to see if we would be willing to put a telephone in. About four Art. and I went down town and Frank & Lloyd went off with Collin, {Spray?} & young George. Art and I went in to see Patterson about the telephone but from what he said I don't think there is much chance of the Co. putting up a line out our way till the war is over and prices are normal. We went down around by the mill but came home by crossing the creek at Colman's point where the big chunks of ice are frozen in. Wednesday February 27th It was cloudy and blustery this morning but not cold but later it came out sunny and nice. We moved what was left of the straw stack into the barn this morning, then Dad. and I took Pommers out on the rein, he went just as well as ever. About noon a peddlar came in and asked if he could have his dinner and put his horse in, so he did and turned out to be an old acquaintance of Dad's by the name of "Chinny" Klause, one-time farmer, milk dealer and carpenter on the Round Plains and at present travelling all over the country in the interests of the famous Rundel. Pain King Medicine Co. leaving bottles of None Such Liniments salve "to be paid for next year and collecting money for what was left last year. He seemed to honestly believe that it would do all that the Company claimed for it which was that it would cure any ailment that affects man or beast and can be applied either externally or internally. He and Dad. had quite a visit and he proved to be very entertaining telling of his experiences on the road, and others. He used to be a great pal of Jeff. Langs and told Dad quite a lot of news about them. This after noon Frank went down to Corbetts to get Leigh to telephone all the boys of the J.F.I.A. and tell them about the meeting the Woman's Institute 25 �are having and invited us to. I went down town to-night and came home with Enah who had gone down to tea and church. I was too late for church. We had to walk around by the mill. Thursday February 28th We put on a load of hay this morning and took it over to the barn for the cows, but didn't unload it. This after noon Dad. and I drove down town and had Joe shod and Dad also negotiated with old Walker for a loan of another fifty dollars to pay for our supplies from the Norfolk Co-Operative Association. Huby was here when we got home, he had walked over to have Dad. look at his dog, he didn't stay to tea. Frank cleaned out the shop this afternoon. Art & Charlie Quanbury stopped in on their way home from Henry Misner's sale which they said went well and where Art bought Hay rope & slings, to tell us that Tupper was going to thrash in the morning & wanted a man from here. Mild but cloudy & rainy all day. Friday February March 1st Dad. went thrashing over to Tupper's this morning and was gone all day. They didn't get started till after noon so didn't finish by night. Neither Henry Misner was there with the machine nor Tupper, he had to go to Simcoe. Frank went to the mill this morning and got some chop. We also went up to the old cherry tree and got some sand to plant seeds in. Mrs. McPherson was over here to-dinner. This after noon Frank and I put off the load of hay we got over yesterday but didn't do anything else much but chores. To-night we went down to the Women's Institute meeting to which the J.F.I.A. was invited and heard Mr. Johnson & Mrs. Bond talk about growing & canning vegetables. Neff was down but didn't have the dramas with him. He suggested that we should have a box social next Thursday. The others seemed to think it would be a good idea so I suppose we will have to have it. Young Crosbie drove Frank & me home and I thought he would upset us for sure. Nice day. Blustery this morning though. Saturday March 2nd Dad. went back to Tuppers this morning and they finished but he didn't get home till after noon as he went over to John Wesses for dinner and took him "Happy Hawkins" to read. About half past four he, Enah & the baby drove down town for some groceries. I spent most of my time to-day when I wasn't doing chores in fixing up boxes of earth and to-night sowed some tomato seed. We have them on a little table in front of the window in our 26 �room. Frank chased around this morning and this after noon went down to Ryerse's with his rifle. Lila was over to dinner. Nice sunny day but windy. Sunday March 3rd Frank and I drove down to church this morning. It was the first time Frank had been at church for a long time. We spent a nice hour and a half in the back seat and I was aroused from a nice doze about the middle of the sermon by some kids having a high time out side playing on the cellar door. Frank was taking the sermon very much to heart as Mr. Johnson was talking about the wickedness of those who didn't attend church regularly. Frank concluded he was lost. We were in to see Mrs. Bell before church to arrange for our box social next Thursday night. I drove Aunty and Aunty Alice over to dinner and Frank walked home going over the ice above the dam. I went back down town right after dinner and spent the after noon with Marj. I went up to Harry Moon’s just before tea to ask if he would help us with a concert and he said he would. I had tea at Aunty's. They had walked home as Sam & Mrs. Law had come in here just before they left so Dad. couldn't drive them down. Aunty Alice was afraid to go over the ice so they came all the way around by the mill and she was too tired to go to church but Aunty and I went. Marj. and I came back with her. Lovely sunny day. Cool breeze Monday March 4th We spent the whole day cleaning out the sheep barn floor. We hauled out seven or eight waggon loads and spread them on the old garden but there is quite a lot in there yet. We couldn't haul big loads as the road was rough and it jiggled off and we had no side boards on. It was sunny this morning but got very cloudy and rained this after noon and to-night. Very mild. Tuesday March 5th We finished cleaning out the sheep barn to-day but it took us till after dinner. We hauled out I think five loads and covered all the old garden west of the currant bushes and part of the strip that is left east of them. When we got through Dad. and Frank started to put the handle in the old axe head and I went down to Ryerse's to see what Olga found out about the box social and then walked over to Corby's to get him to telephone all the members of the J.F.I.A. and summon them to attend. At present it looks as if there would be about two women to every boy. Dad. & Enah got an invitation out to a party at Lish Farr's to-morrow 27 �night where they want them to "render a few selections". I suppose it is a house warming party as their new house is just finished. Foggy & mild. Wednesday March 6th Dad. and I went up to Ham. Thompson's right after breakfast with my two-year old heifer and didn't get back till nearly noon. Frank took a couple of axe heads down town and got the nicks ground out of them. He didn't get home till after we did. Alan Law was here when we got back, he had driven one of this horses up to have her clipped but as she was wet and muddy we thought we couldn't clip her so Frank went back home with him and they took the machine down and clipped the other mare this after noon. Alan drove Frank home with the clipped mare and they certainly made a slick job. They left the machine down there to clip the other mare when she is dry. Dad. spent most of the after noon trying to hang an axe handle but had a hard time with it. I read and wrote to Miss Wade Secretary of the American Sheep Registry Ass'n to find out about recording sheep over there. To-night I went down to church and spent the evening with Marj. Dad. and Enah had not decided whether to go out to Farr's when I left and they didn't decide until it was too late to go so stayed home. Huby got a cablegram from Quint sent on Sunday saying he was leaving the next day for France so I suppose he's pretty near the Front by this time. It has been cloudy & raw but not freezing all day. Snowing to-night. Thursday March 7th Frank and I didn't do much else all day but oil harness. We put a fire on in the shop and got Belle’s heavy harness oiled, washed, mended and put to-gether. It was about three o'clock when we finished the one harness so we didn't start on another one. I had a rather bad pain under my pinny this after noon so came in the house and lay down till chore time when it had disappeared. Dad. spent most of the after noon putting an axe handle in another head. He finished the one he was at yesterday, this morning. He got the handle in the head just so far then couldn't get it either in or out so he heated the head and then drove it in which made a very tight fit. According to to-day's "Globe" all the bank clerks in On except those who were granted exemption on personal grounds are to be called up, so I guess old Dick will be a soldier yet. Colder to-day but nice day. To-night we went down to our box social at Mrs. Bell's Friday March 8th. We had a very good time. There were not as many ladies there as we expected and so the boys & girls were about even in numbers. We played games and at the wind up I auctioned off the boxes for which we realized about $15.00 half of that went to the WAI & half to the J.F.I.A. Frank and I got home about one o'clock. 28 �Friday March 8th I went to Simcoe on the nine car this morning to see Johnson. Neff called me up last night to say they had a car of corn in and would send it down here with what stuff was ordered from around here, so I wanted to find out a little more about it and who had ordered from around here. Johnson said they hadn't many orders and wanted me to get more and send them up to him to-night. I meant to come home on the eleven car but missed it so walked home by the G.T.R. track. It was a lovely day for a walk especially down along the creek and I heard a lot of Spring birds and saw my first robin this morning. Frank was here alone when I got home about half past twelve as Dad. Enah & the baby went down to Aunty's for dinner. Right after dinner I went down town and went up to telephone Ham. Thompson from Aunty Maude's to see if knew of anyone who would buy corn, but he had gone over to our place. I visited with Aunty Maude for quite awhile and then went down to Aunty's till Dad. and Enah left. They drove and I walked, stopped in to see Harry Moon at the mill and Charlie Quanbury's new horse that he got at Porter's sale so it was six o'clock when I got home Saturday March 9th Frank and I took Elgitha up to Ham Thompson's this morning and Dad. did chores. They had intended going back and cutting some wood but it was snowing hard when we got back so they didn't go. This after noon Frank and I walked over to see John Wess. Cam has gone home for a little while and Albert Newcombe is doing chores over there. Dad. went down town to see Aunty for awhile. Aunty Alice was in Brantford all day visiting with "Miss" Watts and Vernon is up there too. Aunty Alice came back at five o'clock. Frank went down to a party to-night at Bill Barwell's to celebrate Bill's birthday. Frank stayed down all night. It has been a miserable day with a regular blizzard all the after noon and a thunderstorm to-night. Sunday March 10th We woke up this morning to find that our Spring has left us and Winter is here again. There is a lot of snow and it has been not above 15° above zero all day with a cold north wind but sunny. To-night when I came home it was down to zero. Dad. Enah Tid and I drove down to church in the cutter and the sleighing is better than it has been all winter although there is a crust over it which formed I suppose after last night's thunderstorm which brought sleet with it. After church Frank and I drove home and the rest went over to the James for dinner. I drove down after dinner and left Joe in the Presbyterian shed for them to drive home and I spent the after noon and evening with Marj. having tea and going to church with Aunty & 29 �Aunty Alice. Enah counted 25 robins this morning in the lilac bush outside the clothes room window. The poor little fellows evidently made a misguess and came north too soon. Monday March 11th We hauled down two loads of manure to Aunty's to-day, one this morning and another this after-noon. The sleighing was good and we took Belle and Queen. Frank went down this after noon to unload the car that should have come from the Norfolk Co-Operative Ass'n but Murray told him it wasn't in but called up Jack Martin after he got home and told him it was. Dad. Enah and I went down to a concert to-night given by Miss Prest & Miss Symonds for the prisoners of war. It was great. Much milder. Tuesday March 12th Frank went down first thing this morning to unload the Association car. Dad. and I put on another load of manure and took it down to Aunty's but had quite a time getting down as the sleighing was gone in places. We went down to the car and got our bag of oil cake but our clover seed didn't come. Smith from down on the town line had been up and got four bags of oil cake and left his sacks to be filled with corn so Frank wanted me to stay and help bag it up. We had dinner at Aunty's and were down at the car all the after noon. I called up Johnson right after dinner and he said the oil cake should have been weighed and Frank let Smith have his without, thinking there was just 300 lbs in a bag. We got Smith's bags all filled and he came after them about four o'clock. Lorne Myers was down and bagged up some for himself and Ham & Bert Thompson took two bags of oil cake which cleaned us out of it. It has been very windy and soft all day. Wednesday March 13th Whan Frank first went out this morning he found one of the four year old ewes No 8 with a fine ewe lamb. Frank went down to the car right after breakfast and didn't get home till about seven o'clock to-night, but said he got it all unloaded except a load or two for Charlie Ivey which Murray said he wouldn't charge demurrage for. As soon as they could get ready Dad. took Tid down to Aunty's and then came back got Enah and went out to the Shand's for dinner and spent the after noon not getting home till after half past six. They had dinner & the Harvey Shand's and spent part of the afternoon at Willie's. I spent the day doing chores and scraping a few of the apple trees. I had my dinner at one and sat around quite awhile reading the paper afterwards. I went out to look at the sheep about three o'clock and found old Lop ear (117) just at the lambing performance. In about half an hour she had 30 �two nice ones a buck & a ewe up and running around. I had most of the chores done up when Dad. got home but he fed the sheep and I came in and dressed and went down town. I was too late for church but took Aunty some cream and went up to see Marj. It was a fine day but turned out a bad night. Colder & raining hard. They say that yesterday's thaw broke the ice up in the pond and that last night about eleven the water was running over the road again and they thought the bridge would go out but it didn't. Thursday March 14th This has been a very disagreeable day. It rained hard most of the morning and drizzled all the after noon and was cloudy, muddy, and cold. Dad. and Frank went out to the sheep barn about six o'clock this morning and found three more lambs, Dad's ewe had one and No 10 had two. the ram lamb of No 10's was just about dead when they found him, for although he had not been born long there was a scum over his nostrils and he couldn't breathe. Dad. brought him in the house and revived him a little but he soon died. None of them seem to get enough milk for some reason or other so Frank got a nipple for the feed bottle this morning and Dad. has been feeding them cow's milk all day. To-night he brought Lop ears ewe lamb in the house for all night. It is in bad shape and doesn't seem to know enoug to suck except the bottle. It seems queer as they were all strong when they were born. Frank has been down town most of the day again, helping Charlie Ivey part of the time. We haven't done much but chores and watch the sheep. I got a letter from Miss Wade to-day saying that the records of sires & dams of any sheep recorded in the American Shropshire Registry must also appear on the book. I wrote to R. W. Wade asking for more definite information. Friday March 15th I haven't done much all day except stand around the sheep barn and shiver or sit around the house and sleep. It was a sunny day but the raw north wind made it very disagreeable. Matters were made worse by the bad luck we are having with the lambs. Lop ear's little ewe lamb died this morning and Dad opened it and said there was nothing in its stomach. One of the two year old ewes lambed to-day No 22. and the second lamb died just after it was born by being smothered with scum. The mother seemed to have no milk at all so we took the live lamb in the house and Dad. has been feeding it all day, as well as the lamb of Dad's ewe. By to-night. No 68 had a big pair of twins which seemed to get enough and which we put in the box stall in the horse stable. The situation looks a little brighter to-night but we have the two in a box in the house and Dad. has to feed them every hour or so from a 31 �bottle. Frank has increased their the ewe's grain ration and is giving a few mangels so we are hoping that they will soon "come to their milk". Saturday March 16th Charlie Quanbury came over this morning to get one of us to go over and help Billy Mills put straw over Jack's strawberries, so I went. Billy wasn't through with his chores when I got there as he has a lot of pigs to feed. We gathered up the straw from around the stack and as it was frozen it was slow pitching and we only got two loads out before dinner, by that time the ground was getting to soft to work on so I didn't go back this afternoon. Frank and Dad. took the oil cake down to the mill and weighed it and this after noon Frank went up to Simcoe to report to Johnson, his stewardship was evidently satisfactory as Johnson gave him 30 cents an hour for unloading the car. He drew about $7.00 and gave me $1.20 for my after noons work. Dad. and I didn't do much but chores this after noon and I cleaned and rubbed up my Tommy Jackson harness. To-night I went down town and got my hair cut and took my drawings down to Aunty and she picked out some to send to the Correspondence School. No more lambs have come and the ones we have are doing well. Two are still in the house. West wind but not cold. Sunday March 17th Frank and I went down to Sunday school this morning as we were up in plenty of time. I didn't take my clothes off all night but got up at two and fid the lambs in the house and looked at the ones in the barn I could hardly hold my head up in Sunday school and did sleep most of the time in church. Dad. drove Enah down to church but didn't stay himself and she walked home. I went back down town right after dinner and Marj. and I went up to Miss McDonald's and took her a school Art manual which she is studying. We then went up to Miss Martin's but she wasn't home so we walked down to the dam with Mr. & Mrs. Bagley whom we overtook. Ont our way back from there we went into Miss McQueen's for a few minutes where we found Miss Martin. I stayed down at Aunty's for tea, Win. was there too and went to church with them to-night. After church Marj. and I started out for a walk but met Mrs. Moon who had some church money to give Marj. and so we went in there for awhile. Then on our way home we met Said. Davis, who had spent the day in Simcoe and was rather excited at having some fellow, whom she didn't know offer to carry her club bag for her, so we walked up to Mrs. Richardson's with her where she is staying. It has been a beautiful sunny mild Spring day with a soft west wind. The spring birds are thick 32 �Monday March 18th I went over to Jack's first thing this morning and found him just milking his Jerseys. He said that instead of covering strawberrys this morning he would have me help Billy load some hogs to ship. I helped Billy do his chores and we had a lot of little things to do to get ready for the hogs which were in Charlie Martin's barn. We had to catch the two smallest ones and one of the biggest ones and weigh them. There were five and the smallest weighed 158 lbs & the big one went just over 200 but we took them all down as the price is way up 19 cts here I think. I came home as soon as we got them loaded and have spent most of the day getting manure out of the hog stall for the hot bed Frank murdered old Nellie this morning and worked with her most of the day and this after noon took her over to Jack. Dad has had a busy day with the lambs. He let the two biggest ones out to-day with the big sheep and left the two that were in the house out in the barn. He goes out every now and then and holds his ewe so that the two can suck as she won't own them. Two of the twoyear olds lambed to-day one had a single and one twins. The one with twins seems to have no milk but they are fine strong lambs. Frank went to a dance to-night. Lovely day. Tuesday March 19th Frank got home from the dance about four o'clock this morning and I got up soon after he went to bed. Dad. lay on the sofa all night with his clothes on so that he could go out and feed the lambs in the night. I spent nearly all the morning making a frame for the hot bed and got it just about finished I got the boards from the old fence along the road. On one of my trips out after boards Frank went with me and we measured the corner field to see how much wire it would take to fence it and figured it at 120 rds. to go around three sides of it and we have enough wire for the front. This after noon Frank and I drove down town and took poor old Nellie's hide down which Frank shipped to Hallam. While I was waiting for Frank at the station an engine came along and before I had time to turn around old Belle got frightened and broke the old tonge on the waggon. Then Harry fell down or she knocked him down and Belle jumped with her front feet over him. It was quite a tangle but I don't think either of them were hurt and nothing but the tongue and Harry's bit was broken. Frank got a new bit and we borrowed a sleigh tongue from Joe Howell which Waters roped to the old one so that the draw bolt went partly through both of them and it made it solid enough for us to go up to Jack McBride's where we put on four rolls of wire for the corner field fence and we got home with them all right. A new lamb had arrived when we got home. Dad. let all the lambs but the very youngest and the two that the mother doesn't own out with their mothers to-day as it was a beautifully warm sunny day with no wind. Tupper came in to- 33 �night and left a load of corn here which he had hauled from Simcoe. His team was tired and he didn't want to tackle the hill with his load. Wednesday March 20th I spent quite awhile this morning working at the hot bed and then helped Dad. & Frank put on a jag of hay to haul to the horse stable. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over to dinner and just as we sat down Tupper came after his corn so came in and had dinner with us. He hung around and visited till about three o'clock. Aunty and Aunty Alice went home about four and Enah went down to tea with them. After they left Dad. & I hauled the hay over and put it off over the horse stable. Frank went up to Mrs. Duncan's sale right after dinner and got back just as we got our load off. He bought a hog rack for $3.25. We were late getting through tea as another lamb arrived just after dark. I went down town but was too late for church. I spent the evening over at the Moore's and came home with Enah. Lidney & Wilma McQueen were over at Uncle Hughie's when I was there and Lidney was having a picnic chasing the kids away from his sap as he has the maples in front of the house tapped. He came in on two different occasions each time announcing that he had caught a couple of them. The last time he came in he said he left Garf on sentry and chuckled in great style over it because he said the kids would outrun him. The Sunday school was lit up and I think he expected a bunch of kids to get out of it but it was the weekly meeting of the I.O.D.E. It has been a beautiful day. No wind and quite hot. 84° in the sun. Ed. Moon got home from England to-night. Thursday March 21st We put on another load of hay this morning and hauled it over to the cow stable. While we were at it Lloyd Ryerse rushed in greatly excited to get Dad. to go down and poke a corn cob out of their purebred cow's throat as she was choking. Dad went down with him but when they got there the cow was alright. Dad. says Art. was standing in front of her with a broomstick and Colin behind her with a corn stalk and it was hard to say which was the wildest Art or the cow. This after noon Dad. and Frank cleared up a lot of the old fence bottom around the corner field and burnt over nearly the whole field. To-night Dad. went down to put Aunty's parlor carpet down and didn't get back till after twelve as they had a visit from Edgar Cantelon the artist and Huby was there to talk to him. Another great big lamb came to-night, the property of No. 6. It looks as if it was a week old. Pickford was over this morning to borrow our cyclone seeder to so his Spring wheat and he did this afternoon, 34 �but those who saw him disking and harrowing say it was a very muddy operation It has been even warmer to-day than yesterday & no wind. Friday March 22nd Lloyd Ryerse came in again this morning while we were at breakfast to get Dad. to go down to see their purebred cow as she had another spell the same as yesterday. Dad decided it was from drinking too much cold water. I went out this morning to catch Dad's ewe and hold her for the two lambs to suck and was very surprised to see her licking a new lamb. In about an hour another one arrived. Both of them were fine big strong lambs a ram & and ewe, and it was a week ago yesterday that she dropped the first one. At eleven o'clock I went up to Simcoe to take in Yeager's sale. I thought maybe I could get a cheap saddle but they didn't start the sale till half past one and I left at four so I didn't see anything but horses sold. The bidding was very slow on them and there were no big prices paid. They brought in a big bunch of Clydes which averaged about $350 a team and the highest price paid for hackneys at the sale was $700. for a team. I came down on the five o'clock car with Louise who has come up for over Easter. Another fine day but cool north wind. Saturday March 23rd I went over to Jack's again this morning and helped Billy get out two more loads of straw on the strawberries. It got pretty soft when the sun got up well and we got stuck with the second load and had to put part of it off. This after noon I put soil in the hot bed. The manure is heating well now and I am a little afraid of it burning out too fast. Dad. and Frank burned the grass along the road west of the lane where it will make nice pasture for the sheep. They said Ham Thompson was over again this morning he has a sick ewe up there. Another lamb arrived this after noon. Arthur McPherson has been over playing with Tid all the after noon so Tid has had a fine time except when they found a little mouse under Frank's bee hive and it bit him and later in the day when Arthur shoved him in the ditch and he had to come in the house and run around pantless the remainder of the after noon. They had a "net" set in the ditch and he had to content himself watching Arthur out of the window who went down periodically to lift it. Frank went down town to-night. Sunny but a cold north wind. Sunday March 24th Frank and I didn't get down to Sunday school this morning but went to church and so did Enah. I stayed down at Aunty's to both dinner and tea but spent the after noon and evening 35 �with Marj. and went to church to-night with Aunty, Aunty Alice & Louise I got home about twelve and went out to feed lambs, but as there was another lamb arriving I didn't go to bed till it came - about two o'clock and then just changed my clothes and lay down. Nice day. Cool breeze. Monday March 25th I went over to Jack's this morning and helped Billy cover strawberries till noon. We got out three jags. Aunty and Louise were here to dinner and after dinner Louise went out and inspected all the stock and took some pictures of the lambs.. After that I slept nearly all the after noon. Frank went down town and got his hair cut and Dad wrote a letter to Dick. Tonight Dad. went down to go with Aunty and hear Mr. Crosley the evangelist at the Methodist Church. They heard him here thirty years ago but Dad. said he had changed greatly. The morning war news was gloomy. The Germans claimed the capture of 30,000 British, 600 guns and advanced in some places 15 miles but Dad. heard to-night that Haig's men had taken 400,000 Germans and the Crown Prince. It seems incredible but Mr. Brand announced it in church as being authentic Tuesday March 26th I went over and helped Billy cover strawberries this morning and Jack told me he wanted me to help do chores around the chicken pens this after noon so I put in the after noon, watering chickens and cleaning off dropping boards and about four o'clock went down with old Jack and the democrat and got a couple of boxes of eel-parts. I saw May Perry down town, she was home for a day. The big war news yesterday proved to be all a fake. The British are still retreating but their lines are not broken and they are inflicting heavy losses on the Germans who still persist in attacking in massed formations. Nice day. Raw Wednesday March 27th I have been over at Jack's all day fiddling around watering, feeding and cleaning out chicken houses and doing anything anybody told me to. Snowdrop presented us with a big black bull calf this morning and ewe no 15 had a pair of lambs. To-night I went down town and went down to the station with Marj. who went to get her tickets for Haliburton. She is going home for Easter to-morrow. It has been a fine day but freezing to-night. Thursday March 28th 36 �I have put in another day over at Jack's, valet for the chickens all morning but this after noon I helped Billy haul a load of straw over from his place to the red barn and then Jack and I gathered the sap or at least he gathered it and I drove. We got a big milk can full, some of the buckets were running over. To-night Frank and I went down to a Horticultural meeting. Neilson was down from the College lecturing on vegetable growing and Neff was down with his moving picture machine which is a dandy. Ray and Rebecca came to-night. Enah went down to-night to choir practice and came back with us. It has been a fine day. Freezing to-night. Friday March 29th Good Friday. Same round of chicken chores to-day and this after noon gathered the sap twice. Some of the buckets were running over after dinner so I gathered a milk can full and then again at six I got about half a can again. Coakwell and I went down to Chris's this morning and helped him move his pig pent back further. Enah went down to church this morning and stayed to dinner. One of No 15's lambs died to-day. Dad opened it and found it was inflammation of the bladder. Another beautiful day. Saturday March 30th I put in most of the day just watering chickens and scraping off dropping boards. I watered every chicken pen & coop on the place and cleaned off every dropping board. I started to dig a hole to bury some dead hens this after noon but had to stop to help Jack gather sap. We didn't get so much to-day. It didn't freeze as hard last night and has been cloudy quite a lot to-day. I saw Pud. Slocomb to-day. He is up for over Easter and came over to Jack's at noon to get Frances. He says he doesn't have to go into the army till the 14th of May and that will give him time to finish his year at the University. The war news is looking better. The Germans are still advancing toward Amiens but are losing a pile of men and seem to be putting themselves in a rather dangerous salient position where there is a possibility of catching them between the French & British armies. They had to call out the militia down in Quebec yesterday to quell a riot which started over the rouning up of some fellow under the Military Service Act. Cloudy & mild. One of Jack's men who was to come to work Monday has disappointed him so he wants me back next week. I had to tell him I wouldn't see him stuck, but hate to go back. Sunday March 31st Easter. 37 �We all went down to church this morning, it being Easter. Ray and Louise sang in the choir which Ray has practiced a couple of times. Alf from Aunty's came over here to dinner but had to go back early as Ray had to show Rebecca to Aunty Alice Cousin Bessie this after noon. Tid. and Rebecca had a great time. Enah went down with Louise a little later than the others and stayed down to tea and evening church. Her father has been pretty sick. I didn't go to church but drove down afterwards and brought Enah home. It has been very mild all day and feels like rain. One of Split ears lambs died to-day. It was alright last night. Monday April 1st I was up at half past three this morning and didn't go to bed again. My big calf was loose out in the barn so I tied him up and then did some writing. I spent the day over at Jack's. He, Chris and I were the only ones there to do chickent chores as his new man that he expected didn't show up. Frank and Dad. cleaned up oats this after noon. Frank was going to try to plow on the corn ground to-day but it rained a little so he didn't go out. They docked eleven of the biggest lambs this morning. To-night Dad. and Enah went down to the Masonic dance. Very mild, cloudy and rainy. Tuesday April 2nd I have been over at Jack's all day and Frank started to plow this morning but didn't get much done. Enah had such cramps this morning that she had to go back to bed before breakfast and was very sick when I left. I came home again in about an hour or two and she was no better and Dad. was beginning to feel sick, soon after that I saw Frank going down town after Aunty as Dad. was laid up and when I got home at noon Dr. Cook was here. He says there are about forty of the ones who went to the dance last night laid up in the same way. They blame it to some chicken sandwiches they had, the chicken having been pressed or cooked in tin dishes. Neither Dad nor Enah have been able to sit up all day. Aunty is staying all night. Everyone is roasting Dr. Cook in a good-natured way as he was one of the two who looked after the banquet, Woodyer was the other and he is very sick and all of Dr. Cook's family is sick but he is alright. Wednesday April 3rd Dad. doesn't seem to be much better to-day but Enah was up at noon and felt much better. Aunty Alice came over this morning but went back again before tea. Aunty stayed till after tea and then I walked down with her. I spent the day over at Jacks. He has two new men on over there to-day but wanted me to stay the rest of the week till he gets them 38 �"broken in". To-night I went up to Ham Thompson's from town and borrowed a setting hen. I have one of my own and I think I will get a setting of Ham's bred-to-lay Rocks and a setting of good ones from Jack which he said he would let me have at half price and see which do the best. I intended to trap nest any pullets I raise as I think if I just have a few I can look after them better. Sunny but cold east wind. Freezing to-night. Thursday April 4th I have put in another day at Jack's cleaning out chicken houses most of the time. Enah seems to be alright again but Dad. is still pretty miserable he lay around all day but was able to eat a little. Aunty and Lila were over here to dinner. I had a letter from The Shaw Correspondence School yester day saying that my drawings showed I had ability to make a success as an Illustrator. I suppose they say the same to everyone but I think if possible I will take the course in the Fall. Fine and Cold. Freezing to-night. Friday April 5th I have been over at Jacks all day. Dad. felt well enough to help me milk this morning and he went down town for dinner, when I got home to-night he had the milking all done and separated. He feels a little weak yet and has a bad cold. Frank went down town on his wheel and got Alan Law to bring home our new waggon tongue which Joe Howell made and ironed off for only two dollars. To-night Frank and I went with Aunty to hear Mr. Crossley and see him give his physical culture exercises. She had invited the Oddfellows and Masons to come and hear him so the Presbyterian Church was well filled. Saturday April 6th I put in my last day at Jack's to-day. He may want me to help feed next Tuesday but I don't have to go at it steadily again. Frank went down town this after noon and got some coal oil and this after when he came back he started to plow the plum orchard which worked well he said. To-night Frank and I walked down town and spent the evening bumming around town. Sunny & mild all day. Cloudy to-night. Sunday April 7th Frank and I went down to Sunday school and church this morning and after church I went up to the McBain property to meet Ham Thompson and look over a plot which we think will do for the J.F.I.A. Aunty was over here to dinner. Dad. Enah and the baby drove down to 39 �church but Dad. & Tim. went over to see Dave. Waddle while Enah went to church. This afternoon I went down town I went around to the Moore's to see if Marj. had come yet but she hadn't. I was there for an hour or two. I went down to meet the five o'clock car and went up to Huby's for tea and part of the evening. I went down and met the nine o'clock car on which Marj. arrived and I spent the rest of the evening up at Mr. Moore's. It has been cloudy with a cool wind and looks stormy. Monday April 8th Frank and Dad. went to the back field this morning and Frank has been disking back there all day, and says it works fine. Dad. went over to see John Wess for awhile but he had gone down to meet Cam. I went up to Ham Thompson's and got a setting of Rock eggs and got him to telephone Neff. to come down here Wednesday night and he said he would tell the rest of the boys to meet and arrange for growing our potatoes. When I got home I went over to Jack's to get a setting from him but they didn't have a setting from the pen I wanted them from so I had to leave my basket. This after noon Dad. and I cleaned up oats Dad. went down to-night and went to hear Mr. Crossley with Aunty on the wickedness of cardplaying and dancing but he didn't care for him so much. It has been cold this after noon with north wind but was nice this morning. Tuesday. April 9th It froze hard last night so Frank didn't go to the back field but plowed all morning in the plum orchard. Dad. and I went to the back field and opened up a ditch along by the woods which was plowed in last fall. This after noon Dad. & Frank went back with two teams to work on the back field. Frank took Belle & Queen and harrowed. I went back with him and helped him get hooked up and then came up and helped Dad. put Harry and Dave together and he went back and disked. Enah went down to a meeting of Mr. Crossley's addressed solely to the ladies but she didn't like it much. I stayed here with Tim and spent most of the after noon grinding up oil-cake in the cider mill. To-night I went down to see Marj. for awhile. It has been cold with a strong north east wind. Wednesday April 10th Frank and I went down town this morning and got our seed potatoes and clover seed. Dad. went back with Harry & Dave and disked and Frank harrowed with Belle & Queen when we got back from town. Frank disked this after noon with Belle & Harry and Dad and I treated enough oats with formaldehyde for smut to sow the back field. To-night Frank and I went 40 �over to Ham Thompson's to a J.F.I.A. meeting but there were not many out. Neff. was down and wanted us to get a plot for our potatoes with both clay & sand in it so that we could run the two experiments, so we decided to go over and have a look at a piece of Lorne Myer's which he thinks will answer the requirements so a committee of Arnold McBride, Ham & I were empowered to go over and look at the plot and decide this week whether we would take it or Taylor's piece. After After we chewed the rag over our potatoes for an hour or so we had a game of cards and some music everybody contributing. It has been cloudy & very cold all day with a strong north east wind and is snowing tonight. Thursday April 11th We didn't do much this morning but ear tag the lambs but that took quite awhile not only to put the labels in but to get them in the right lambs & mark it down. I did the same as last year and put all the lambs down first in a book then started with the oldest and put the smallest number in his ear and so on to the youngest. By putting them all down first it is easier to check off the ones we have done and don't have to catch them in regular order. Art Quanbury yelled at me this morning to tell me that Jack wanted me over there to-day but I couldn't go till noon but was over there all the afternoon. Dad. and Frank ear marked the yearling ewes and rams and got some hay ready to load and bring over to the horsestable. It has been cloudy and windy to-day but not cold. The ground was covered with snow this morning and it is not all melted off by to-night. They moved eight loads of the gas drilling outfit on to Jack Martin's place to-day on the top of the gully hill near the road. Friday April 12th I went over to Lorne Myer's after breakfast this morning and met Ham Thompson and we picked out two half acre plots one clay loam and the other lighter soil which we think will do for our potatoes. Lorne wasn't home but left word for us to pick out what we wanted. I went over Jack's when we got through and worked till noon and then put in the after noon over there. Dad. and Frank moved some hay over to the horse stable this morning and this after noon Frank went down and got the money from Mr. Walker and sent a check to Johnson for his potatoes and clover seed. They plowed some more of the plum orchard. To-night I went down and saw Marj. for awhile. It has been cold and raw all day. Saturday April 13th I went over to Jack's this morning and fed up and then came back and helped Dad. put on a jag of hay for the cow stable. I was over at Jack's all the after noon. Frank finished plowing 41 �the plum orchard this morning and this after noon he and Dad. worked on the back field and got on fairly well. Frank and I went down town to-night and I had my hair cut and hung around town till midnight. The Daylight saving plan came into operation to-night and all the clocks were put on one hour. It is funny to hear the comments of those who uphold and oppose the bill. I am rather in favor of it as I think it will benefit the country as a whole although it may make it a little awkward for us farmers during haying and harvest when there are heavy dews but otherwise I can' t see how it will affect us in the least, but some people, Dad. and Aunty among them can't understand how it is that they aren't going to lose an hour's sleep in the morning, but I think they will find they depend more on the clock than they suppose. It has been a lovely sunny day. Sunday April 14th I didn't get up till seven o'clock (new time) this morning and was too late for Sunday school but Frank went down on his wheel and Enah and I drove down to church, our church ran on new time but the others didn't as they thought the people in the country didn't all know about it. Miss Morgan and Miss Newell came in just as church was over. Elva invited Marj. and me through Enah to go for a motor ride this after noon as Brant Bloodsworth had his father's car down here so we did and had a nice after noon but we got rather tired. I didn't think they were going far but we went to Brantford and a long way out on the Hamilton road from Brantford and didn't get home till nine o'clock. We had a nice time but a little too much of it. Frank and Lila rode their wheels down to the Ward's this after noon and Frank didn't get home till nine o'clock either. Aunty and Aunty Alice were over to dinner and Huby was over here to tea. The Pickford's and Gilbert Lynchs were also over this after noon. Lovely sunny day. Monday April 15th Dad. and Frank have worked both teams on the back field to-day and got it about half drilled in by to-night. I went over to Jack's for a couple of hours this morning and this after noon I did the chores over here at noon so was late getting to Jack's and then spen about half an hour helping to dig a big car out of the mud hole at the corner. The new time makes things later in the morning but its nice at night. Clementine Tupper had a red bull calf this morning and the white ewe had a pair of twins which don't seem very strong, that brings the lamb crop up to twenty four, eleven ewes & thirteen ram lambs. Tuesday April 16th 42 �Dad. finished drilling in the back field this morning and sowed a little piece near the woods broadcast as it was the other side of the ditch which he didn't want to cross. This afternoon he harrowed it over and Frank worked all the after noon on the piece back of the orchard. I put in a little over four hours over at Jack's and spent the rest of the time over at J doing chores. Very cloudy & mild. Wednesday April 17th Dad. and Frank furrowed out the oat field this morning and went down to the mill and got three bushels of barley to mix with oats and sow on the three acres of wheat along the side road as they are sure it is killed completely. On their way home from the mill they came in to Jack's and got three oak blocks which Frank Awde was going to burn on the bonfire as he said they were too tough to split. I was over there most of the morning and part of the after noon, but after dinner I helped Dad. treat the rest of the oats that were cleaned up. Frank went out to plow and got in an hour or two but rain drove him in at five o'clock. To-night I spent the evening with Marj. It has been cloudy all day. Sultry this morning and rainy all the after noon It rained heavily for a couple of hours but when I came home to-night It had stopped. Thursday April 18th I have been over at Jack's most of the day to-day. It has been cloudy and windy but too wet to work on the land but Frank plowed this after noon. He was on the sod east of the lane and says it it is pretty wet. This morning Dad. and Frank docked the rest of the lambs. The white ewes lambs are doing better but she is inclined not to own the youngest one however he gets enough milk some way to keep him satisfied. The Germans are making an awful drive now towards Ypres and have gained some high ground. There is talk now of calling out all the physically fit men in Canada between 20 & 23 and granting no exemptions at all but the bill has not been put through yet. Enah had a letter from Quint today. He has been up to the front line with a machine gun battery but evidently not in any action yet. It snowed again to-night. Friday April 19th Dad. plowed this morning in the sod field back of the orchard and Frank took a shear down to Halloway to be sharpened. This after noon Frank plowed and Art Ryerse came up to get Dad. to go down and see their purebred heifer as she had another fit but when they got down there she was dead. Aunty was over here to dinner to-day. To-night Frank went 43 �down to a dance in the town hall. Tiny & Joe Dyer came home this after noon. It has been cold and cloudy all day. I have been over at Jack's most of the day but a new man came today. Saturday April 20th I went over to Jack's about nine o clock this morning and found the new man, Frank Reid had most of the chores done on this side of the road so I did up most of Chris's for him. This after noon I didn't go back till five o'clock and then went back to show Ried how to feed up and get the eggs in the right pens of the egg baskets. He is just a schoolboy from down near Kingston but doesn't seem like a bad sort. I spent most of the after noon washing the buggy. Frank worked up the plum orchard and Dad. sowed oats on it and I sowed rape seed and then Frank harrowed it. He went out and plowed when he got through. Dad. Enah and the baby drove down town after I got the buggy washed. I worked till dark to-night raking up the lawn and then went over to Jack's and got an egg tester and tested out my two settings and just took out three eggs Sunday April 21st Enah and I walked down to church this morning as it rained hard during the night and this morning and we didn't want to get the buggy dirty. I stayed down and had dinner with Aunty Alice and Aunt Ida but Aunty came over here to dinner with Enah. I spent the after noon and evening with Marj. and had tea at Miss Kerney's. Marj. and I went to church and then walked up to ask after old Mr. Martin who is very sick with pneumonia. Cloudy but mild. Monday April 22nd It rained a little again early this morning and has been cloudy and windy most of the day but looks clearer to-night. It was too wet to do anything on the land so this morning we moved a couple of jags of hay over to the horse stable we didn't put on a full load as we thought the ground was too soft. This after noon Frank and I took a very small jag over to the cow stable and Dad. went over with Cam. McBride to operate on a pig. I got some more raking done on the lawn to-night. Geordie Boughner was in to-night to look at my red steer but only offered me 8½ cts for him so I decided to feed him for another month. Dad. had a letter from Dick to-day saying that intends to resign soon as he is now certain that he will be drafted although he has not had any notice from the Military Authorities yet. He hopes to go and see Granddaddy and spend a week on some ranch out there learning to ride. 44 �Tuesday April 23rd I sowed clover seed on the wheat back of the barn this morning. There doesn't seem to be much chance of any wheat coming but it is clean and so we thought we would take a chance on something coming to shade the clover seed. Dad. and Frank started to plow the old garden one plowed and the other raked the long manure into the furrow. I went over and took Dad's place when I got through sowing and Dad. went over and rolled up some of the barbed wire around the corner field along the front road. This afte rnoon Dad. and Frank plowed all they could of the old garden which was just on top of the knoll as the west and south sides were too wet. When they finished there Dad. went out and rolled up the rest of the wire along the south side of the field and Frank went on plowing along the east side of the field north of the orchard as it was fairly dry. I did up the chores at noon and then raked up the yard where the raspberries are. Enah and Tid. went down town to tea and Dad. Frank and I went down afterwards to go to a show "The Village Doctor" put on by the Jarvis Methodist Bible Class. It was a pretty punk show but they didn't do so badly considering what they had to work on. Tid. seemed to enjoy it. It has been a fine day but raining again to-night. Wednesday April 24th Frank plowed all morning and Dad. took down barbed wire from around the corner field and this after noon Dad. finished up Frank's lands and Frank finished rolling up the wire. I raked up on the lawn all morning and this after noon I did up the chores and then went over to Lorne Myer's to see if our choice of land for potato plots was satisfactory to him, he is very willing to do all he can to help. To-night Dad drove Enah down to choir practice but it was just about over when she got there. Dad. spent the evening quarrelling with Huby about farmers’ position. Huby upholding his favorite contention that the farmer's were making more money than anyone else, which being untrue and Huby's arguments so foolish made Dad. mad. Cloudy and cold raw wind. Freezing hard to-night. Thursday April 25th I spent the morning finishing raking the lawn and working at my rose bushes. Dad. plowed the headlands of the field north of the orchard as the west side of the field is too wet yet to plow. This after noon Frank harrowed with Queen & Belle on the fall plowing and Dad. disked up the old garden with Harry & Dave. Then I took his team and disked on the field and he helped Enah put in some onion sets. Aunty Alice and Dess were over here to tea and I went 45 �down with them this evening to go to a sidesmans meeting at the Rectory but was the only one there so just sat there and visited with Mr. & Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Top. Dunkin who had come down from Vittoria with Mr. Johnson he has 6 acres up there which he and Top. are raising vegetables on. Frank and I went to the mill this morning and got some chop to finish off my big steer with. Sunny but raw. Friday April 26th Dad. and Frank disked and harrowed back of the orchard and this after noon Dad. drilled in all the oats we had cleaned up which sowed all of the fall plowing but not quite all of the oat stubble. Frank harrowed after the drill. I spent the morning doing a few chores and cleaning out the rest of my rose bushes and mulching them. This after noon I planted some Irish Cobbler potatoes out in the old garden. I went down town to-night. Cloudy but mild. Saturday April 27th This morning Dad. and Frank ran out the ditches in the piece Dad. drilled yesterday and then Frank started to disk up the three acres along the side road where we put wheat last fall but on which there is not a sign of anything alive except the grass on a few sods here and there. Frank didn't get all over it by noon but says it works up like a garden. Dad. cleaned out some ditches while I planted a few more potatoes and then we cleaned up what few seed oats we had left about four or five bushels. After dinner Dad. took Joe & Queen and the drill and Frank took Belle & Harry. Dad. harrowed till Frank got through disking and then drilled the piece in with oats & barley mixed half & half. Frank harrowed after the drill and Dad. went out after he brought his team & the drill up and they ran out the furrows finishing about seven. I spent most of the after noon chasing after the sheep which wouldn't stay in the gully but wandered all over the farm and putting and planing potatoes. I now have about five rows planted the length of the old garden and the sixth one started. Very warm and rather sultry to-day. Sunday April 28th Frank and I went down to church this morning and Aunty and Marj. came over to dinner. This after noon Aunty, Marj. & Tid. And I went to the woods and got a great lot of mayflowers and Spring beauties and a few adder tongues, the trilliums are not out yet. The flowers are very thick back there and are big and a great variety of colours. Jim and Mrs. Waddle were here when we got back and Dad. said Ham and Bert Thompson had been here. Frank was down at the Ryerse's on his wheel. Enah, Aunty, Marj. and I went down to 46 �Aunty's for tea. Aunty Alice had been down seeing Lila off as she went up to Lynn Valley on the five car and is going to start working for Chris Quanbury to-morrow. We all went to church to-night except Aunty and Aunt Ida and Perce Kindree & I assumed our duties as sidesmen. After church Marj. and I went down with Aunty Alice as Marj. had left some flowers down there. I got home before Frank as he had gone to Simcoe on the car with young Lampkins and Crosby. It has been very warm all day with a south breeze but it rained a little shower to-night. Monday April 29th Frank has been plowing all day on the five acre north of the orchard and thinks he can finish it to-morrow. Dad. went over first thing to see if he could get some barley from Jack. And saw Billy Mills who said they had a little but didn't know whether they would have six bushels more than enough for themselves but I went over and helped him clean it up and he decided that he could let us have our six bushels. Dad. Tid and I went after it right after dinner and then Dad. went down to Sam's and borrowed his disk drill and drilled till about seven o'clock on the wheat back of the barn. It was in beautiful shape and the disk drill hardly cut out any wheat but as he didn't have it set in very deep it didn't all cover. He didn't get all the field in as it began to rain before dark, so there is the little piece west of the ditch unsowed. Young Leo Mitchell was in this afternoon to have Dad. lance a big lump on his mare's breast. Fine day, a little shower to-night. Tuesday April 30th Frank plowed all morning and got the field done except for finishing up the last lands and Dad. finished them up this after noon. Dad. decided not to sow barley on the knoll west of the ditch as the wheat is pretty good in spots on it and we thought we would leave it for the sake of comparison; so we took the barley out of the drill and Dad. took it home. When he got back he disked with Joe & Queen till noon and this after noon Frank took them and disked. A Mr. Broadley from Charlotteville came in just before dinner with a big grey Percheron stallion and he stayed here to dinner. The stallion was "Jason" the one Chart Wooley bought at Yeager's sale, this Broadley has just bought him from Chart and wants to travel him down this way. He is the same one that Stinhoff had through here last year and didn't leave many colts. I did odd jobs & chores all day. Neil Elliott was in this after noon and looked at my big steer and offered me 10 cts for him now, but I didn't sell him. Sunny & cool. Wednesday May 1st 47 �Frank and I worked on the five acre field pretty much all day and have gone over it twice with the disk lengthways and twice with the harrows the same way and Frank started over it with the disks crossways. Dad. did chores and cleaned out ditches all day and to-night just before tea went over to Quanbury's and bagged up six bags of oats to sow, where we are working now. After tea the Quanbury boys brought their flat rack and the oats over here and left them as we want the flat rack to sheer sheep on. I went down town to-night. It has been sunny but very cold north wind all day. Thursday May 2nd Frank disked the field north of the orchard crossways this morning getting over it by a little after twelve but he didn't lop the disks half. Dad. and I sawed up one of the old oak limbs and then cleaned up the oats that the Quanbury boy's brought over. This after noon I harrowed with Queen & Dave and Dad. started to drill with Harry and Belle. We hoped to have been through seeding to-night but Dad. ran out of seed so we had to stop. Frank went down town and got a board at the Widespread and spent the afternoon making a woolpressing box. Pickford came over to-night to borrow the clover seeder and was here all the evening. Not cold but very strong south west wind. Friday May 3rd Dad and I cleaned up what few oats we had in the bin this morning and Dad. finished drilling the field before dinner but it took him till night to get it all harrowed and furrowed out. We are now through seeding. I spent the morning fixing up a coop to put my little chickens in and cleaning up the back yard. Frank went out and pulled all the posts out around the cornerfield cleaned out his bee hives and put them away (as the bees are all dead) and worked some more on the wool box, when Dad. was ready he went out and helped him run the ditches. Neff was in the after noon with some of the potatoes for the J.F.I.A. plot and I went with him over to Lorne Myer's Lorne wasn't home but we left the potatoes there and had a look at the land. Neff said it was alright. To-night I rode Queen up to Ham Thompson's to see about spraying. Dess was over after tea to-night. She and Dad. each got a letter from Dick who expects to be home in a couple of weeks. He wants to get in the Navy but Head Office ordered him to report for accountant at Imperial. Sask. but the manager told him it wasn't worth his while. Fine day. Saturday May 4th 48 �We expected to start in first thing this morning and shear the sheep, but when we went to take the horse clipping attachment off to put the sheep shearers on we couldn't do it. The directions with the machine said to put a screwdriver between the cogs and jerk the handle backward and we tried that several times but were afraid of breaking the little cogs in fact we did chip a couple of them. Art Quanbury came in and tried it but couldn't do any better so at last Frank took it down to Mr. James. He worked at it for an hour than advised Frank to take it up to the garage. The fellow up there and old Hamaker couldn't take it off but when George Gamble came in and did according to directions aparently the same as all the rest had tried it came off in a minute. He seems to be a regular wizzard with machinery. Frank didn't get home till after noon so it was late when we got started and Rus Lampkins was in for quite awhile so we only got the white ewe and the old ram sheared. This morning Dad. and I cleaned out the worst ditch in the oat field across the gully and I moved the little chickens down into their outside coops. I have just twelve out of each setting. Frank went down town to-night. Rus. Lampkins took the inch pipe he left here two or three years ago for the sink. Cloudy morning but fine day. Sunday May 5th We all went to church this morning. Frank Enah and I walked down and Dad. & Tim drove down. Frank and I drove Joe home and the rest stayed down at Aunty's for dinner. I helped Frank do chores and then hooked Queen up and took Marj. for a drive. We drove down the lake shore and took Mr. Moore some provisions. He seemed very glad to see us and took us in and showed their house and the farm. They have 19 acres in. I picked Winnie up on the way home and she was over here to tea and I walked down with her after tea but was too late for church. I met Marj. after church and spent the evening with her. It has been warm and sunny all day and feels as if it would rain. We would be glad to see a rain now as things are getting pretty dry. Monday May 6th We have been shearing all day but only got eight done, we didn't get started very early and made better time with last few. Jack Walker was over this after noon to get some elms for Gus to set out in front of his house. I went back with him to the woods and we got four. Tonight I got the lawn mower out of winter quarters but didn't have time to cut much lawn before dark. Very warm. Tuesday May 7th 49 �We have been at the shearing all day again to-day and only got eight sheep done. Mr. Broadley and Jason were in again for dinner and he sheared a couple for us one with the machine and one with the shears. He likes the shears best and made better time with them. Ham Thompson was in too while he was here. He came to tell me that the spraying was all off as it was too late now. Dad. had a letter from Dick from Regina enclosing the check for his trunk which is at the station now. He said the whole town of Cadillac was at the station to see him off. They had a surprise party for him at which they intended presenting him with a wrist watch but as it didn't come for the occasion, they will ship it to Dover for him. A letter addressed to him also came here from the Registrar of Saskatchewan saying that he had transferred Dick's name to the Toronto Registrar and for Dick to see him as soon as possible. Enah sent the letter to Ray as Dick intends to stay in Toronto a day or two before he comes home. I cut more of the lawn to-night. It was raining when we got up this morning has been very warm all day and although sunny at times rained several times quite heavily. Wednesday May 8th We sheared sheep all day and got 9 done to-day which was a slight improvement. We only have three left now to shear. To-night I went down town and Marj. and I went to the Presbyterian Church to hear Mr. Fulton Presbyterian Minister in Simcoe give a talk on Ireland which wasn't bad. Frank and Enah drove down and Enah went to Choir practice but there weren't enough there to have any. Fair & cooler. No ink in the house. Thursday May 9th We finished shearing the sheep this morning but it took us till noon. This after-noon Frank and I took down the piece of wire fence which we had along the potato patch back of the barn last year and put it between the orchard and the plum orchard so that we could let the sheep in the orchard. Tom came in just as we got that done and wanted us to clip Maude so Dad. Tom and I clipped her and Frank went down town and got some oil and when he got back he disked up last year's potato patch back of the barn and when we got Maud clipped he and Dad. went out to plow the old garden. Winnie & Dess came over this after noon and were here to tea. Alex Jameson was in too for a short visit. Tom brought Dick's trunk over for us so saved us a trip down with the waggon. Brant Bloodsworth & Elva came over after tea in the car and took the girls home and Enah & Tid for a ride. Brant. left the bank to-day and has to report in Brantford on Monday, he has got into the Flying Corps. Neff came over in his car this after noon and brought us the twine for our wool which he promised to send us. Dad. had a letter from Dick to-day from Toronto saying he would be 50 �home in a day or two, he couldn't get into the Navy, but is going to try the Aviation or Artillery. To-night Frank and I drove Queen over to Lorne Myers for a drive around the block. Fine growing day. Friday May 10th I spent most of the morning tying up the wool. Frank and Dad. went out to finish plowing the old garden but it began to rain so they had to come in and Frank helped me with the wool. Art. Quanbury came over at noon to borrow the clippers as he wanted to shear his sheep and Frank went over with him and sheared the first one. It was very windy and rather cold this after noon so we didn't haul any hay as we intended but when Frank came home we put the wool in the big sack they sent us from the Association. I had to get in and tramp it and we had a hard job putting the thirty fleeces in but we did but couldn't get the bundle of tags in so will have to send them separately. To-night Dad. went down town with Aunty Alice's milk and Frank and I spent the evening over at the gas well. Dad. wasn't home when we went to bed, and we were very surprised to be wakened soon after we were asleep by no less a personage than old Dick, he had come in on the seven o'clock car and had come home with Dad. He. Dad. and Enah sat up till after midnight, Dick telling them of his life since he left. He evidently had some good times in the West and is very much in love with the Prairies. He hasn't enlisted yet nor been drafted. He hoped to see Joe Dyer here as he is to be in command of three batteries of artillery in Toronto, but he has just left for Chicago for a week. Saturday May 11th We moved a pretty good load of hay over the horse stable this morning and took a small jag to the cow stable. We were delayed while putting it on by the cattle breaking down a post of the barnyard fence and getting into the wheat. There was one piece about 2 yards square of fairly good wheat and they trimmed it right to the ground. Aunty came over to dinner and this afternoon Dad. Dick. Aunty & Tim all went down town and Dad. fixed up the walks and the bay-window bed down home. Dick didn't come back to tea and stayed down town all night. Frank and I went back to the gully this after noon and started to take down the crossfence as it has become so delapitated that it is past fixing. We got the wire off and rolled on this side of the creek but didn't get much done at the other side. We went back to the woods to see our ginseng and golden-seal. The Ginseng is not up yet but the Golden seal looks fine. Frank caught a snapping turtle back there and took it over to Henry at the gas well as he eats them. We saw a big flock a hundred or more of American 51 �Goldfinches back in the gully. It seemed as if they had just come. To-night Frank and I went down town and I got my hair cut. Sunny morning but rainy after noon. Sunday May 12th It was raining when we got up this morning and rained pretty much all morning but cleared off for the after noon but was showery again all the evening. Enah and I drove down to church and I drove Enah home after church and then drove back to the top of Marshall's hill and picked Dick and Dess up who had started to walk over to dinner. After dinner Dick took our picture and then I went down town I had tea at Aunty's and went to church with her and spent the evening learning Latin from Marj. Dad. drove Dick and Dess part way down town soon after I left and they went to Brantford on the five car to see Musa and came back on the eleven. I waited till the car came in but not till Dick {illegible} come. Monday May 13th We have spent the whole day working at the fence around the corner field. We took the team and waggon out this morning and gathered up all the wire, short posts and rubbish along the fence bottom and measured off where our anchor post at the north west corner has to go. Frank borrowed Jack's chain this morning when he went over to get the seven ducks that Jack hatched for him. Dick came over right after dinner and as he was going to Toronto to-night to see if he could get into the Artillery we sat around for awhile after dinner talking to him, and about three or half past Dad. drove him down town to catch the train. There was notice of a registered parcel for him in the mail and it proved to be a dandy wrist watch which his friends in Cadillac had sent him. Frank and I went on surveying the fence while Dad. was down town and when he came back he brought the team out and started to plow a ridge along the front road for a fence bottom. They had to stop working at the gas well to-night as they have run out of rope. It has been cool and rather cloudy. Tuesday May 14th We have been all day at the fence again to-day and Dad. got the ridge for the fence bottom plowed all the way around the field. It kept Frank and me pretty busy setting stakes and making sure of the measurements. We grafted a couple of small wild apple trees on the road, just to see what we could do Walt Demming and Geordie Boughner were in this after noon to look at the red steer but only offered me $75 for him Niel was in yesterday and offered me $80. I asked $85 for him and if I don't get it I wont sell him. To-night I caught the 52 �cat which we have caught twice stealing my little chickens and took her down to the pond or at least the creek and drowned her. Fine day. Wednesday May 15th This morning Dad. and I went back to fix the gully fence while Frank took the two plow shears down to be sharpened and to have something done to his teeth. After dinner Frank and I took a load of manure over to our potato patch at Lorne Myers. We were over there quite awhile and got some more stuff at the mill for the calves and Frank's ducks so it was about half past four when we got home. We put on a load of manure and took it back to the sand knoll across the gully where we had the turnips last year and where we hope to have some potatoes this year Dad and Enah were working in the garden till we came home and then Dad. came back and he and Frank fixed a little more of the gully fence while I threw the last of the load off and brought the team up. To-night I went down town and learned Latin. Lorne Myers said to-day he thought he could have our plots ready to plant by Saturday so we are going to try it. Fine day but cold breeze. Thursday May 16th Frank and I hauled four loads more back over the gully this morning and one this after noon which covered the patch. Dad. finished fixing the gully fence and went back to John Wesses and borrowed his spud and spoon to dig anchor post holes. This after noon Dad. let the cattle back. When Frank and I got through hauling manure back over the gully, they we hauled a load out to the old garden to put on east of the currant bushes. It was a big load and Frank got stuck going through a wet place so we had to throw part of it off. He and Dad. started to plow the rest of the old garden and I started to dig an anchor post hole, but we quit early so that Frank and I could get started out to notify the J.F.I.A. members of our intention of planting potatoes on Saturday and to invite them all to help. I took Joe and the saddle and went north as far as Butlers and Frank went east on his wheel and the ones we didn't get the others will telephone. All I saw said they would come in the after noon anyway except Willard Butter and he said he couldn't. He and his brother have 160 they are trying to farm as old Nate is not able to work so the doctor told him and the oldest brother has just been drafted. Karl and Fred Coleman were over this morning and offered me $85 if I kept him for two weeks so I let him go. Mary presented us with another clear red heifer calf to-night. This was Dad's & Enah's 12th wedding {Toby made a squiggle and an arrow pointing to this comment in the margin :"Wavy lines denote intense drowsiness"} anniversary so Aunty and Aunty Alice were over to tea. Fine day, not much breeze. Very hot. 53 �Friday May 17th I went up to Ham Thompson's first thing this morning as Frank said he intended to spray his orchard for second spray but when I got up there and told him that we wouldn't have time to spray our orchard, he decided that he didn't either so I came home. I sowed clover seed on the three acres by the side road when I got home and then went over to Lorne Myer's to help him get the formalin solution ready and start treating the seed potatoes so as to have some ready to cut to-morrow. Dad. and Frank plowed the rest of the old garden to-day. This after noon we plowed in some potatoes in the sod east of the current bushes. Frank went down town soon after dinner to have his gum lanced where a wisdom tooth is coming and which has been very sore all day. Neff came in about five o'clock and got me to go over to Myer's to help him measure out the plots. He decided we wouldn't have enough seed for and acre so made the plots quite a lot smaller. Frank went down to Glen Ryerse's to-day to see if he could get some strawberry plants but couldn't. They seem to be very scarce. Fine day and hot. Saturday May 18th Frank and I went over to Lorne Myer's first thing after breakfast and have been over all day as we took our lunch. We got all our potatoes planted and were through by six o'clock. Frank and I were the first ones there and Neff .Tige McBride & Tick Nunn and Lloyd Crysler came soon after. We cut potatoes and measured off the plots all morning and Lorne cultivated and ran the furrows for us. Neff and Tick didn't come back after dinner but the others did and a big force besides consisting of Rolson, Charlie Blake, Ham Thompson, Leo Challand, Willie Nixon, Charlie Shand, Charlie Stitt and Eldon Crosbie also Arnold Myers and Alex England. It didn't take us long to plant and cover them but we had far more seed than enough to sow the plots that Neff marked out so we had to take about half as much land again and get Lorne to run us some more furrows. Dad. Enah, Tid & Frank went down town to-night. Sunday May 19th Enah and I drove down to church this morning and left Frank and Dad pasturing the sheep on the lawn. Enah stayed down at her mother's to dinner so Frank, Dad. and I had dinner alone. Right after dinner I hooked Queen up and Marj. and I went for a drive up above Fisher's Glen. Dad. was very disgusted at me when I got home as he had spent two hours this morning trimming the long hair off Queen's legs and ears and I never noticed it. Ed. 54 �Moon was over here to tea and had been reading Dad. his diary which he kept all the time he was in the Army. I hurried around, had tea before the rest and went down to church. I was late but went in and heard a Mr. Trivet who has been a missionary in Honan, China. He was very interesting. A Mr. Anderson from. Waterford was here this morning and he had been in India for quite awhile. I spent the evening with Marj. Sunny and hot but nice breeze. Monday May 20th We spent a couple of hours this morning with Billy and Pommers as Dad. trimmed their feet and pulled out some milk teeth out of each of them. Then I went out and finished digging the anchor post hole which I began the other day. This after noon I dug another one and got to within about a foot of the bottom of the third and last one. I would just about finished it but I put another crack in the handle of John Wesses spoon so had to take a half an hour off to wind it, however the last foot always takes longer to dig than all the rest. I am using John Wesses spud and spoon so that I won't have to dig a great big hole. Before dinner Dad. and Frank got the manure spreader all oiled up and did a little more disking and fixing up this end of the lane. Dad. got it all plowed on Saturday. This after noon they hauled out eleven loads of manure on the corn ground getting about half the pile at the cow stable out there. Aunty was over for awhile this after noon and told Enah our dipping tank was at the station. John Shand was also over for a visit. Fine day and hot. Tuesday May 21st Dad. and Frank hauled out manure all morning and got the shed at the cow stable all cleaned out. I went out to finish the anchor post hole but the colts had got into the back field so I had to go and put them out and cut a pole in the woods to put across the gap for a top bar. As the span is about fifteen feet I had to cut one with a good sized butt. The first one I got was too short and the second one was so heavy, it was all I could do to drag it out of the woods and up the hill. I had a chance, though, to look at my ginseng which is coming up. I then went back and finished the post hole before dinner. This after noon Frank, Tid. and I went down town in the waggon with Joe & Queen & got our dipping tank and five cement tiles one of which broke all to pieces coming home as it was only a month old. Dad. wanted them to put across the lane gate in the barnyard. We had to go back down to the mill after we unloaded our tank & tile to get some feed oats and one of our barrells to treat potatoes in which Lorne Myers brought down to the mill for us. When we got them home we took two of the locust anchor posts and a couple of brace posts out to the field. Tonight Frank and I hooked up Queen and drove up to Saville's this side of Lynn Valley as old 55 �Broadley who was here at noon said he had some strawberry plants but he hadn't, however we called in at Trinder's on our way home and he said he could let us have three hundred if we came after them in the morning. We got home soon after ten and I was just going to bed when Dick came in, he had come up on the nine car. We sat around and talked for an hour or more. He told us that Joe Syer was going to get him into the Artillery but had given him till Saturday morning to come home, they then expect to go to Petewawa and he doesn't think he will be able to get home till they go overseas. He brought us up a package of Cooper's dipping powder with about a bushel of booklets pertaining to sheep He says he had a whale of a time in Toronto. Fine day. Wednesday May 22nd Frank went up after the strawberry plants as soon as he could this morning and got back before dinner with three hundred. We didn't got started very early as a very heavy thunderstorm came up about breakfast time and lasted for about half an hour or more. Marie & George Ryerse were on their way to school and came in here till it was over and Alan Law also brought his team in. He had been hauling water for the gas well and he empties it into the ditch just above the culvert as they have it dammed. This morning he was in the shack letting the water run out of his tank when a flash of lightening scared his team and they started up the road so he brought them in here till it was over. It didn't rain hard enough to keep Dad. from plowing so he plowed the rest of the morning and I went back to the woods and cut about 100 stakes for tomato plants. I just cut bass wood as they are no particular good in the woods. This after noon we all went out to the old garden to set out the strawberry plants. Dad. disked the piece and rolled it. I made the holes and Frank and Enah planted. Dad. went back to the corn ground and plowed as soon as we started planting and when we finished about four we went over to plant potatoes on the sandy ridge that runs through the cornfield from the lane to Ben's fence. Enah helped us out and Frank and I planted in every third furrow as Dad. plowed. We got four rows the full length of the field planted by six o'clock but have a lot of seed left yet. To-night I went down town. It has been hot all day and to-night a very heavy thunderstorm came up but only lasted about half an hour. Dick was over to dinner and I went into Aunty's on my way home to see if he was coming over to-night but he was going to have a bath and stay down all night. I sat there and talked for about an hour so was pretty late getting home. I got Dad. some tobacco to-night although he says he has decided to quit smoking till the war is over as he only gets two very small plugs of Briar for a quarter now that they have begun taxing luxurys but I thought he had better have it handy. 56 �Thursday May 23rd Frank and I planted three more rows of potatoes this morning in the cornfield and Dad. plowed them in. When we finished we went back to the gully and pulled out the posts that were in the old crossfence and got the wire coild from the south gully fence to about the middle. This after noon Frank and Dad. started to haul out manure but when they went to oil up they found some springs all bent in one of the drive wheels so Frank drove up to Simcoe to get new ones. He also got some Hydrated Lime and Bluestone to make Bordeaux mixture to spray potatoes. Dad. plowed and Tid and I went back to the gully. Tid to catch frogs & pollywogs and I to fill up the old post holes and take down more wire but I didn't get very much done as I had a pain all the after noon which made me feel sick and sort of weak. I felt all right after tea but thought I wouldn't go to the Hard Time dance which the Women's Institute put on. Frank and Dick both went and I drove Frank down and as it was a beautiful moonlight night went around and took Marj. for a very short drive as it was late when I got down. It has been a fine day sunny with cool breeze. Friday May 24th We didn't get started at anything very early this morning and were delayed by Charlie Quanbury's team getting away from him while he was hooking them up. They came up this road and we went out to stop them. While out there Art Ryerse came along with Glen with some asparagus for us and came in to see Knockfierna which he thought was a dandy. Just as he was leaving Ed. Nunn came in after him, I don't know what for unless it was to go fishing. Frank and Dad. got five loads of manure out before dinner and two after dinner and finished cleaning out the box stalls. I went out and hoed the strawberrys and some of the potatoes which are just coming up. Dick and Dess were over to dinner and about three o'clock we hooked up to the waggon and all went down to see Dick off on the 4.30 train for Toronto as he has to report to-morrow to Joe Dyer. Dess, Win Frances & two McBride girls went down to Jarvis with him. Dad. Frank & Enah & Tid came right home after the train went out and Dad. and Frank went out to work in the old garden till tea and Enah went to call on Mrs. Zealand. I went up to see L.G. Morgan and find out what I could about the Dicky Stephen's "Sheep Pasture", but he referred me to Slaght in Simcoe as he is administrator. Frank sent in his name, age & address to the Military Registrar in Toronto to-day according to the regulations in the proclamation just issued ordering all men over 19 to register. I saw several cars going down the side road bristling with fish poles to-day and there were quite a lot of people in town celebrating. The "City of Dover" was also running excursions this after noon. It has been a beautiful day. 57 �Saturday May 25 Dad. and Frank started to haul out manure this morning and I went over to hoe what potatoes I could find up but about ten o'clock it began to rain so we all had to quit. Enah was out in the old garden too setting out cabbage plants. It didn't rain very hard and Dad. put on an old waterproof and went out and set out the rest of the cabbage plants till noon. I wrote in this and fooled around figuring on the size of a board to paint a sign on for the J.F.I.A. potato patch. Frank made staples for cement posts. This afternoon we decided to dip the sheep and it took the best part of the after noon to get ready. We put Art's flat rack on the barn floor and put the tank in the shed so that we could walk the sheep from the platform into the tank at the other end of the tank we put the waggon with the tail gate and front end taken out so that the drip would run down into a tub at the far end. We used ¾ of the package of Coopers dipping powder with 75 gallons of water but should have had 100 gallons to cover the old sheep. We didn't get started till about four o'clock so were late getting through. We dipped the lambs first and gave them all a good soaking It made them beautifully white with a yellowish tinge and soon after they were dipped the ticks began to come out to the end of the wool. They were all badly infested and should have been dipped before. The dip only came about halfway up on the old sheep but they stood well and we poured it over their backs and as their wool is so short they got well soaked and there were scarcely any ticks on them anyway. It was heavy work handling the old ones and I was very tired to-night. Cruikshank the Massey-Harris agent from Simcoe was in this after noon for a long time to look at the binder as something was wrong with it. Frank showed him around. He is also agent for the Confederation Life Insurance Co. and Frank took out a policy. By the time we got the chores all done to-night it was nearly ten o'clock so I had a bath and went right to bed. Fine all the after noon but rained again towards evening. Sunday May 26th It began to rain quite early this morning and it developed into about the heaviest thunderstorm we have had and kept it up till nearly noon. I got all ready for church but it was raining so hard at the time to start that I didn't go but stayed home and read all morning. I went down right after dinner and spent the afternoon with Marj. About five o'clock she and I went down to Auntys for tea as they had asked me to bring her down to see the white cactus which has to beautiful blossoms. When we got there Dad. was there just ready to take Aunty and Aunty Alice up to the cemetry and it was late when we got through tea but Aunty. Marj. and I went to church. We came back down to Aunty's after church and spent the evening down there. Dad. Enah and Tid stayed up at Huby's for tea. 58 �Monday May 27th We hauled out manure all day to-day but didn't get started very early Frank went down town to get some oil this morning and I helped Dad. haul out all morning and cut lawn while he was out in the field. Frank hoed the potatoes till noon after he got home from town. Dad. and I got out five six loads. This after noon Frank and Dad. hauled out and got out 12 loads. I finished cutting the lawn after dinner and then Enah and I set out some tomato plants. I quit at six o'clock and went up to Simcoe on the 7 car to see Slaght about the Dicky Stephen's place. He says he has full power to dispose of it and may be able to make an agreement with me, but he has to come down first to estimate the value of it. Cloudy and hot all day. Tuesday May 28th Dad. and Frank hauled out manure all morning and finished covering the field. This after noon Dad. Plowed. I set out more tomato plants this morning and finished two rows making about 175 plants and leaving a few in the cold frame for Huby and Aunty Alice. When I got through I went back to the woods and got a few of the stakes I cut but as they were too limber to drive in I got John Wesses spud and made a hole beside each plant with it. I finished that after dinner and about four o'clock Frank and I went back to John Wesses with Joe & Queen and took his spud & spoon home. Frank had been disking while I was making the holes. We bred Belle to-day. Cloudy & warm. Wednesday May 29th Dad. plowed all morning and most of the after noon but it began to rain about four o'clock so he had to quit. It rained from then till about dark but not very hard. Frank and I put on a load of straw this morning and Dad. hauled it over to the drive house at noon and we put it off right after dinner. We spent most of the morning back in the gully taking the wire off the crossfence and rolling itt we got it all done by noon. We went back to the woods at noon and got a few of the tomato stake and carried them to the top of the gully hill but they got too heavy to lug any farther. We had them on a hickory pole and each had one end of the pole. Cruikshanks, the machine and insurance agent was down to see Frank this morning and left his cane here so he and the District agent for the Confederation Life Co. were in again while Frank and I were putting off the straw and induced me to take out a 20 year endowment policy for $1000. I didn't pay anything down on it but told them I would in a week or so. If I can ever raise the money for the premiums I guess its a good thing. When they left, Frank and I went out to the side road to dig post holes but Pickford came over to 59 �visit us and it began to rain so we had to hike for his barn and only got two posts set. I went down town to-night and stayed all night at Aunty Alice's, she and Aunt Ida were over here to-dinner to-day. Aunty is in London. Thursday May 30th Dad. has plowed all day to-day. Frank and I intended going on with the fence but Ham Thompson came after me to help him put on the third spray so I have been up there all day not getting home till nearly eight o'clock. I was up this morning at five and Aunty Alice insisted on getting up and giving me my breakfast before I came home. Frank pulled all the steeples and let the fence down to the ground around the pasture in front of the house and threw sod in the low places so that the sheep couldn't crawl underneath. No wind to-day warm and rainy looking. Friday May 31st Frank and I went up to Ham's first thing this morning with Joe & Queen and got the spray outfit. We stopped in on the way home at the mill and got some feed for the calves and chickens and I paid $65.00 on my account as Karl came yesterday and got my steer and gave Frank the money for him. When we got home we sewed up the wool sack as I got a letter from Neff saying they were going to start a car loading here on Monday to go to Guelph. He wants one of us to be at the car till it goes out. Dad. plowed till noon and then helped us spray. We got over all the trees but couldn't do the north east side very well on account of the wind. We only put on tank of spray on It didn't seem to have the force to it that it should. We got through about half past four and Dad. went on out to plow and Frank and I took the sprayer back. After tea to-night Dad. & Enah went out to work in the garden and Frank and I let the sheep out in the lane and put up barricades so that they couldn't go on the lawn, I washed off the buggy. A good many people are very anxious these days over the war news as the Germans have started another desperate drive towards Paris on a front between Soissons & Rheims The French are holding the outskirts of both cities but the Germans have got nearly to the Marne in the centre but Allied reserves are coming in fast. They finished drilling to-night and struck a dry hole. Saturday June 1st I spent most of the day to-day hoeing in the garden. The potatoes are all up nicely now so I got them and the strawberries and tomatoes all hoed. Dad. plowed all morning and after dinner went over to the garden to get the harrows so while he was there he hooked Belle to 60 �the little straight toothed cultivater of Ben's and I helped him cultivate the garden. He harrowed the parts where nothing is planted and where the last potatoes are not up yet. He then went and plowed till six. Frank has had Joe. & Queen on the disks and roller all day on the corn ground. To-night Frank and I went down town and I met Marj. and Clara Garrie a friend of hers from Toronto who came in on the eleven car and is going to stay over the King's birthday. Very hot and very windy all day. Sunday June 2nd Enah and I drove down to church this morning and Frank walked down. This after noon I hooked Queen up and took Marj. and Miss Garrie for a drive down the Lake Shore. We came back past here and I put Queen in and we walked over to see Jack's chickens and then on down town around by the mill. I stayed at the Moore's to tea. We didn't go to church tonight but went down to the beach for awhile. Dad. and the baby went down to Aunty's this after noon. Stace Lowrie was in to see if he could get pasture for his old mare. Cloudy and cooler. Monday June 3rd Frank went down town right after breakfast to find out about the wool car and found that there was one for the wool at the L.E.&N. siding on Main St. so we went down with our wool and Quanbury's. We found England, Paw & Sidway had all been there with their wool. Frank took the team home and I stayed at the car as Neff asked me to be there to see that all the tickets were on all right. I stayed there till after dinner and didn't have anything to do as there were only about a dozen brought wool so I slept and studied Latin all fore noon and went without dinner. I went down to the station to get Ham Thompson's & Art Quanbury's freight bills about half past one and when I got back I found Billy M cNeilly there and he said the freight had been in and gone out again without taking our car. I don't understand it as Neff said it was to go out at 2.30. Dad. has plowed on the corn ground all day and Frank had worked the little team on the disks till I came home then I took them and he sprayed the potatoes with the Bordeaux mixture which he prepared this morning. To-night John James & family motored in having come in this after noon from Courtright, they went back down town for the night. Tuesday June 4th Dad. plowed corn ground all day but didn't quite finish. I disked with the little team all day. Frank went down town this morning and got Dad. a plow shear and got his hair cut. John. 61 �James and his family were all here to dinner and so was Mr. Broadley. After dinner they all went down to the greenhouse and Enah and Frank went with them. Very cool to-day & tonight. Wednesday June 5th I spent the morning planting five rows of mangel seed out in the old garden. I tried a scheme of Uncle Wards of planting five one or two seeds in a place about a foot apart, but it is too slow to do much of a patch. This after noon Frank and I took the little team and hauled out a load and a half of manure and put a good lot in between the tomatoes, a shovelfull to a plant. We also mixed up a lot of it with the soil in ten hills where we intend to plant some watermelons. We have never grown any before and it may be too late for them but we had lots of room so thought we would try them. Dad. finished plowing the corn ground. I went down town to-night. Thursday June 6th It has been a rainy day with very short intervals of sun shine. It rained quite heavily early this morning and has been drizzly the rest of the time. We put on a load of hay this morning and took it over to the horse stable. Alfred Ryerse was up to ask Dad. about a sick cow. Dad got his culvert fixed in the barnyard across the lane gate where there has always been a bad mud-hole. This after noon Frank and I put the shop all in the barn to pick out some yearlings to sell in case anyone comes of them but we only found two that we thought it wise to let go now one very small one and the one that didn't have milk enoug to raise a lamb, she is a decendant of the white ewe and few of her stock are up to much the best of the ewes all being descended from old Lop-Ear. When we got through with them we went over and got our bundle of tomato stakes and put them in Dad. hoed over in the garden most of the after noon. To-night Frank and I went down town to see Jack Pickford at the show in "The Varmint." Win & Marj. went with us. It was pretty good. Thursday Friday June 7th Frank and I went up to Ham Thompson's with a heifer this morning. Ham said he would come down to morrow after noon and plant our corn for us as Dad. thinks we can have it ready by then. I shelled corn all day after I got back from Ham's. The three bushels in the crates on the cob made about a bushel and a half of shelled corn. Dad. and Frank cut down a dead apple tree in the orchard this after morning and this after noon worked both teams on the corn ground. To-night Frank and I went over to Lorne Myer's to hoe the J.F.I.A. 62 �potatoes. Nixon Blake. Roleson and Charlie Stitt were the only others there but we got one patch the sandy one all hoed, if there had been more out we would have got them all hoed. Sunny but very cold west wind all day. Saturday June 8th Dad. and Frank worked both teams on the corn ground all day and have it very nice shape. I went over to Quanbury's this morning and borrowed their seed drill and sowed ten rows of mangels in the cornfield just north of the potatoes. I sowed one pound of seed which we had and then got another half pound from Quanbury's and sowed it. Ham Thompson came at noon and planted corn with the machine all the after noon but didn't finish but says he will come back, Monday. The machine is certainly a rig. It is the first one we ever saw work and it is hard to believe that the rows will be in line crossways but Ham says they will. I cut most of the lawn this after noon . To-night Frank and I went down town for a little while. Cold wind all day and a white frost last night. Sunday June 9th Frank and I went to Sunday School this morning as Jack asked me last yesterday if I couldn't get down, just as we got there we saw Jack leaving in a car with two fellows, however Aunty Maude took the class. Tid went down to Sunday School with me he said he liked it fine. Dad. and Enah drove down to church and brought Miss Phipps with them. Dad. was going to go home again to put the sheep in as some of them were out when he left, but I came home and put them in and then brought Joe back for them to drive home. Frank stayed down at Aunty's to dinner and went for a walk with Lila this after noon. I went down town about three o'clock. Stayed at Aunty's to tea and went to church with them to-night. They have started having church at 7.30 for the summer instead of 7 o'clock. I spent Most of the evening up at Cousin Loll's. Marj. was at Essie's Birthday party. It was pouring rain when I started home so I stayed all night at Aunty's. It has been cloudy all day and it looks like an all night rain. Monday June 10th I didn't get up very early this morning and had breakfast down at Aunty's so Dad. was about through milking when I got home. Frank and I stretched a barbed wire along the west side of the lane as part way up the lane as the colts have been bending the fence badly reaching over to eat the wheat. Dad. plowed and disked the garden back of the shop to-day. This after noon Art Quanbury came over to help me put in fence posts so we worked at it all the 63 �after noon. I borrowed Pickford's auger and we got it all the posts along the side road but the two brace posts and got four in along the north side of the field. Ham came down and he and Frank finished planting the corn. To-night Frank and I went over to the J.F.I.A. potato patch to hoe, there was a good bunch there to-night and we got them all hoed and Bill Sidway and Charlie Stitt brought horses and cultivated so the plots look much better. We got through about dark and then Lloyd Ryerse, Tige & Albert McBride and Frank and I went down to the creek and had a swim but it was a little to cold for comfort the air especially. Dad. and Enah & Tid drove down town to-night to take Aunty Alice's milk down to her. Cool all day. Tuesday June 11th Frank and I took our dipping tank and powder up to Ham's this morning and dipped all his sheep in return for the corn planting. We got home before noon. Dad. spent most of the day working down the garden back of the shop and planting fodder corn on it and harrowing the potatoes. This after noon Frank and I put in some more fence posts but didn't get out till late as Mr. Broadley was here. Frank had a stiff knee too. We quit early and he and I drove Queen to Simcoe to-night to answer our medical questions for insurance It got pretty black and very hot when we were going up to Simcoe and was beginning to thunder and lightening just as we were ready to start home but we thought we would take a chance on being caught so got all ready to start back, however just as we were ready to get into the buggy it began to pour down and for the next two hours we had a storm that would equal in its fury any of the worst of the 1915 models. It sounded terrible on the tin roof of Burts barn where we were and Queen was a little scared although she didn't make any fuss but I could tell by the way she put her nose in my face and hands that she wondered what it all meant. After the first spasm was over we looked out and the sky in the north was all a deep red so we knew that somebody's barn a long way out of town was struck, but when the next burst of rain came the red light disappeared. We waited there till the storm was over and got home before two o'clock, the roads weren't muddy but were washed bare and packed hard. Wednesday June 12th I didn't get up very early this morning and Dad. went back after the cows. He was in a great state of despondency over the storm, he thought everything would be ruined and he says there are lakes all over the cornfield so that it will be all drowned out. Edmond England was over last night to invite us to a bee at the School house to level the grounds so I went over 64 �about ten o'clock, that wasn't as late as I thought for they all work on the old time out there. I found a big bunch there with scrapers and plows and there was really more men than there was work, but I hung around all day filling scrapers and shovelling a little but principally visiting. I intended to come home at noon and tell Dad. what more they needed so that he could come this after noon but as Dave Lampkin invited me to dinner and I didn't think there was any use of any more coming I didn't go home. Neff was down on Monday and staked all the levels out for them and by to-night they had it in very nice shape. Dad. and Frank just did odd jobs and chores as it was too wet to do much. Aunty was over here to dinner I went down town to-night. Cloudy with strong & cold wind. Thursday June 13th I went over to John Wesses this morning and borrowed his spoon again to dig the earth out of the anchor post holes which has caved in since I dug them. When I got back we took out some sand, cement and the dipping tank which we filled with water bailed out of the holes, (they were nearly full) and put in the locust posts for anchor posts. We set one before dinner and the other two this after noon. I too John Wesses spoon back before tea when I got through with it. Enah went down town this after noon. I cut a little more lawn to-night. Sunny but still a cool breeze. Friday June 14th We took out some brace posts and all the good fence posts we could find around the place this morning and gathered up the few that were left along the road. Frank and I put them in before dinner and finished the row from the road to the north west anchor posts. Dad. spent the day harrowing over the corn-ground but didn't finish. This after noon Frank and I pulled out the rest of the fence posts in the gully cross-fence and stretched a little more barbed wire on the top of the lane fence. We all quit early and after tea Frank and I went over to the potato patch. I rode Belle over and cultivated the clay patch and Tig M cBride cultivated the others, we also went through Lorne's. There were seven or eight hoeing but they only got the sandy patch hoed and we intend to hoe the clay on Monday. Frank took his football over and we had quite a game when we got through work. Dad. Enah & Tid drove down town. Enah went to hear a missionary from the North-West and Dad. & Tid went fishing. Cool. Saturday June 15th 65 �Dad. took the team and waggon back to the top of the gully hill this morning and we hauled up a load of posts and fence boards out of the gully with the team and chain making several trips. We got all the stuff from the fence on the north side of the gully pretty well cleaned up. We got enough posts out of the load to go along the west side of the corner field and after we had unloaded the other stuff we took them out and Frank and I worked till noon putting them in and Dad. went on harrowing the corn field. This after noon Dad. finished harrowing the cornfield and the garden north of the shop and then cultivated all through everything he could in the old garden. Frank spent the afternoon in the old garden hoeing and spraying the potatoes. I drove Enah and Tim down town for Enah to get some provision and we got home about half past four and then I went back to the mill got some oat chop and washed the buggy. Huby was over this after noon and got a bag of straw for the pen his puppies are in. Miss Phipps was over to-night and brought us some lovely peonies. I got a fine blueprint from the Horticultural Department at Guelph showing how to plant the lawn with a complete planting list. It has been sunny & warmer to-day but a cold breeze yet. Sunday June 16th Tip Varey brought Barwell and his little Boston bulldog over in his car this morning. The poor little thing is having a hard time having puppies. Dad. got one from her and they left her here. Tim and I rode down with them to Sunday school. I went to church and Dad. drove Enah down but didn't stay. Aunty came over here with me for dinner. Just before dinner Dick Cook and Mr. Barwell came over to take the dog down to see Dr. Colemen at Jarvis and they waited till Dad. has his dinner and took with them, but the doctor said nothing could be done but just leave her quiet, so they brought her back and left her here. I hooked up Queen and took Marj. for a drive this after noon. I came home to tea and helped Dad. milk and then went down again. Marj. and I went over to Miss McQueen to show her my blueprint I got from Guelph. Lila was over here to tea. She has been cultivating corn she says most of this week and is having a good time up there as a farmerette. Cloudy & hot all day. Monday June 17th I had to go up to Ham Thompson's with Kate right after breakfast this morning and it was late when Frank and I got out to put posts in but we got in all but three on the east side of the field. Dad. did odd jobs & chores all morning and got another pup away from Barwell's bitch, he was very pleased at that. This after noon he took the plow and the harrows back over the gully and plowed and harrowed the turnip patch. It took him till about seven 66 �o'clock. Frank and I went back with Dad. and carried the tomato stakes out of the woods and put them in the waggon so that Dad. could bring them up. Then we finished putting in the posts on the east side of the field and the three brace posts on the west side so now we just have the cement posts to put in along the front. Charles and Art Quanbury came by on a load of hay and delayed us a little as I pulled Charlie off the load by the leg and he started in to lick me but I think I convinced him of the foolishness of that enterprize. We didn't get through though till late. We had our tea and I had part of the milking done when Dad. came up. Frank and Lloyd Ryerse went over to the potato patch as soon as they could but I didn't get over till nearly dark on account of the chores but was there in time to get a few kicks at the football. There was a good crowd there to-night. Mitchell, Butler Challand, & Nixon all came in from Renton in a car. On the way home Lloyd & Colin Ryerse, Tige McBride and Frank and I all stopped in at the mill to see Stan Dollar and got making so much noise singing and kicking the football around the mill, that old Herb Cook came across in a very peeved state and accused us of keeping one man from his sleep and another from his work. He was so crusty that we thought it best to break up the party so we came home and except setting fire to the gas well which wouldn't burn for more than a few seconds, committed no depredations on the way. Clear & much warmer to-day. Tuesday June 18th Frank and I didn't get to work very early this morning and worked till noon lining up and digging holes for the cement posts along the front of the field. We just bored the holes and will put the posts in when we first bring them out so as to save handling twice. Dad. went over and rolled down the turnip ground. This after noon I went over to sow the turnips. I had to go over to Art. Quanbury's to get his seed drill and I got about half over the field and then had to quit as I ran out of seed, so came up and helped Dad. and Frank who were stapling the wire on the posts along the side road. We don't intend to stretch it just now. To-night all of us but Dad. went down to see Mary Pickford in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm". Enah and Tid went down to the first show and Frank and I went to the second. Sam Law was here when we left and Barwell came over with young Howey to see his dog which is about the same. Fine day. Wednesday June 19th This morning I put in All the stakes I had left for the tomatoes and tied them up. We are going to let the rest go unstaked and seef if they are any worse. It was nearly noon when I got that done but I went over and sowed the rest of the turnip patch before dinner. Dad. 67 �cultivated in the garden all morning. Frank was down town most of the morning as the tire came off his wheel last night while he was down town and he went down to get it. He also got some 12 guage shotgun shells to shoot at the crows in the cornfield. Art. Quanbury lent him his shotgun. Aunty Alice was over to dinner. This after noon we tacked up the rest of the wire along the north end west side of the field so now just have the front to put the posts and wire along. We got a cheque for ninety dollars to-day as part payment for our wool. Sunny but cool breeze. Thursday June 20th Frank took down the piece of wire that ran along the north end of the plum orchard and we took it out and finished the west side of the field with it. Frank and I finished boring the holes along the front while Dad hoed in the garden. This after noon we started putting the cement posts in and got 12 of them out there and about 8 or 9 set. It was a big job getting them lined up as some of the holes had to be enlarged as they were a little out of line. They show much plainer if they are not just straight than the others do but they certainly look neat and substantial when they are in right. Enah went down town this after noon and when we came up there was a whole pile of calling tickets on the table which had been left by Winnie, Dess & some of the Zealand's while Enah was away. To-night I went down to the school house where Marj. and the other teachers were registering folks in accordance with the new regulation making it compulsory for every man & woman over 16 years of age to register and answer a question card before by June 22nd. It was nearly dark when I got down so they had to quit work. I went home with Marj. and she registered me down there. I was the 97th one she had done. The War news just now looks pretty good. The big Austrian drive in Italy has been stopped without them gaining enough to make up for their losses and the African French troops broke up a German rush for Rheims. Sunny but cold wind. Friday June 21st We took out the rest of the cement posts this morning and the roll of wire for the front but didn't get any more set as it began to rain and rained pretty much all day. Dad. wrote to Dick this morning and Frank and I got things ready to make a cement post. After dinner I sat down to read the paper and went to sleep and slept for an hour or two, but there was nothing else much to do. Frank fixed the binder. They said that for awhile when I was asleep it got almost as dark as night. About four o'clock Frank and I went out and made another post. I had to go up to Ham Thompson's with Elgitha to-night. Frank took milk to Aunty Alice. 68 �Saturday June 22nd I had to go up to Ham's this morning with Marj. and when I got back Dad. and Frank had gone out to the school house to register. Enah went over to Jack Martin's and registered. Dad. and Frank didn't get home till noon as they stopped in on the way and borrowed Tuppers post auger to enlarge the holes. It is a sort of plunger. I made some more reinforcement wires and got some sand over to make another post, but we didn't get it made. This after noon we got the rest of the posts in but didn’t get the wire up. Frank and I went down town to-night. It has been cloudy with a very cold north west wind all day. We were afraid of frost to-night but I guess it won't freeze. Sunday June 23rd I had to go up to Ham Thompson's with Snowdrop this morning so was too late to go to Sunday school but I drove Enah down to church. Aunty came home with us to dinner. I didn't go down town this after noon as Marj. told me she was going up to the Davis' for dinner. We all went out to look at the new fence and take the sheep out after dinner and then Uncle Ward came over. Aunty went home early but Uncle Ward stayed all the after noon I read and slept. Went down to-night and spent the evening with Marj. Sunny & cold. Monday June 24th I drove over to Tupper's this morning and took his post auger back and when I got back we finished putting up the front fence, we put in three wooden posts at this end and wired the fence to the cement posts. Dad. went down to Aunty's just before dinner and was down there all the after noon trimming the paths and cutting the long grass in front of the house. As soon as we could get started after dinner Enah Tid. and I drove to Simcoe with Queen. I got some rape seed and a grease cup for the brass boxing on the mower and went around to see Slaght. He said he had been down to see the "Sheep Pasture" but had not come to any decision in his own mind as to its value but again assured me that he would make not disposition of it without letting me know, but it might not be till fall. Enah and the baby went on a few errands and I picked them up at Charlie Martin's store. We got home by six o'clock. Warmer to-day. Cloudy to-night Frank spent the afternoon planting in corn where the crows took it. Tuesday June 25th 69 �Dad. has been cultivating corn all day with Belle Frank and I started to put some roofing paper on the chicken house roof to cover a patch that blew off during the winter but didn't quite finish before dinner. Just before noon Harvey Ross and a Mr. Thornton one of the sheep men belonging to the Anaka Farms of Wisconsin came over to see if we had any sheep for sale so I sold him the four yearling rams for $35.00 apiece which was all I asked him and which I thought was a pretty good price for them He would have bought the old ram for sixty but we didn't decide whether to sell him or not. I forgot to mention Ham's yearling ram to him so right after dinner I drove up and told Ham to call him up. This after noon I set up some aster plants which Mrs Quanbury sent over and finished putting the paper on the chicken house roof. Frank spent the after noon planting in missed corn hills. Dad. is very distressed at the way the crows and blackbirds are working in the cornfield. To-night we went over to hoe potatoes and play football and had 14 out. We got the loam patch hoed and had a good game. Warmer. Wednesday June 26th Dad. cultivated corn nearly all day and is so so stiff to-night he can hardly walk. He quit about half-past four and he and Enah drove down town after some groceries. Frank planted corn this morning and I hoed the mangels in the old garden and this after noon we both hoed in the old garden. Fine and pretty hot to-day. Thursday June 27th I took Belle out to cultivate corn this morning and worked till Dad. came out and took her I couldn't keep her from walking to one side of the rows. Dad. finished the field by noon. Frank and I finished hoeing the old garden this morning. Arthur Preston was over most of the morning visiting. This after noon Dad. started to plow the orchard. Frank and I cleared up the brush and Frank burned it. I spent most of the after noon painting lables to distinguish our different plots of J.F.I.A. potatoes. Winnie, Des & Frasa Dyer were over here to tea to-night. I promised Tige McBride that I would go over and help him cultivate the potatoes at Lorne Myer's to-night but it was so late before we got through with chores that I sent Frank over. He got all the clay patch loam patch gone through but Tige didn't show up so the clay didn't get done. I went over when I got through to see Henry Misner to see if he would spray them for us. He wasn't home but Mrs. Misner & Hazel entertained me till he got back, he said he would spray them for us if Edmond England would agree to have a new wheel put on the waggon but as he owns a half interest in the outfit he would have to be consulted. Fine and warm all day. 70 �Friday June 28th There was a thunderstorm during the night and it rained a little this morning so we didn't do much except make a cement post. This after noon Dad and Frank cut the thistles in the plum orchard and then Dad. started in again on the orchard and got a little more plowed while Frank drove Enah and the baby down town. I spent the after noon raking up the lawn as last night's wind storm had it badly littered with leaves and branches off the old willow I got the cows up early and we milked before tea and to-night I went down and took Marj. & Dorrie to the show. It has been hot again to-day & to-night. Saturday June 29th Dad. has been plowing in the orchard all day and finished it to-night. Frank and I went out this morning and hoed the potatoes in the field. We got through about half past eleven and then took Martha up to Ham Thompson's. Ham was back drilling in his cornfield over again with ensilage corn and didn't come up till nearly one o'clock so we were late getting through dinner. This afternoon Frank sprayed all the potatoes in the field and I cut the lawn. Very hot. Sunday June 30th I drove Enah down to Bill Lemon's this morning as she had a bad toothache all night and then Tid. and I went to Sunday school. Dad. walked down to church and drove Enah & Tid home. I walked over as far as Mrs. Woodson's with Roy as he and Rebecca came up last night and stayed there for dinner to-day. I slept for part of the after noon and then wrote old Billy Beattie to see what I could get a good yearling ram for. Dad. and Tid. were all ready to go down town to see Joe Dyer and ask him what chance there was of getting Dick off on harvest leave but it got so dark they didn't go It rained hard for about an hour but cleared up about five and I drove down and got Marj. & Dorrie and brought them over here for tea and drove them back about half past ten. Monday July 1st I disked in the orchard all morning and Frank sprayed potatoes in the old garden. Dad. went down town to see Col. Dyer about getting Dick off and he told Dad. to get a certificate from Neff to say Dick was needed at home and it would strengthen his application. Aunty and Rebecca walked over before noon and Roy came over at noon with Dad. This after noon we all fooled around for an hour or two putting in mower sections and fishing for the bucket 71 �and chain which dropped down the well Saturday night. We got the bucket but couldn't get the weight so Roy wired an old axe head to the end of the chain. About four o'clock Aunty and Roy walked back down town and Dad. drove Enah and the two kids down. Frank and I went back over the gully with mower and I went a round with Frank on the twelve acre meadow and then brought the cows up and Frank went another round. To-night I went down to say goodbye to Marj. She is going to Port Hope in the morning to go to a Summer school for a week. Very cold & cloudy all day. Tuesday July 2nd Dad. and I drove down town this morning and I got Joe shod while Dad. went up to Simcoe on the 9 car to see Neff who made application for Dick's leave of absence for him. Dad. came back on the eleven car and drove home with me. I went down to Aunty's for awhile this morning and cut their lawn. Frank mowed in the back field all day but didn't finish it. He took Joe & Harry this after noon and Dad. cultivated corn with Belle. I drove down to Jarvis this after noon to see old Russ about shipping our rams and he said he would let me know when the veterinary inspection was coming and we could bring our sheep down there. I drove Queen and took Tid with me. We were home by half past six, we then went back to the gully and got another purebred calf which Maple Hill Nellie presented us with this morning It is a dandy Roan heifer marked very much like Knockfierna. We had a little trouble getting it up as Nellie is very wild over it but after we got it up Daisy May adopted it and wouldn't let the mother near it and she Daisy May bawled around all night for the calf. This was the night we should have gone over to hoe potatoes but it was so late when we got through and I had to take my two year old heifer up to Ham Thompson's that we didn't get over. Tige McBride & Lloyd Crysler came over in the latter's car and got the football and the Ryerse boys brought it back. They said they got the patch pretty well hoed. Warmer. Wednesday July 3rd Dad. cultivated corn all morning and Frank mowed. I went down to the mill with Queen & the buggy and got a couple of bags of oat chop and then went back and shook up some of the heavy spots in the hay till noon. After dinner we all went back and Dad. and I finished shaking out the heavy spots that were cut yesterday and Frank finished mowing the field. Frank then started to rake what was fit and Dad. and I and Tid. cocked up till after six getting about half of what was raked put up in cock. To-night Dad. took some milk down to Aunty Alice. Frank went over to Ben's pea field and picked a basket of peas and I went out 72 �to prune and tie up the tomatoes again but I didn't get out till nearly dark so didn't get many done. Warmer and fair. Thursday July 4th Frank and I went down town this morning and got the lime, bluestone and aresenate of lead which Neff sent down to spray the potato plots with and took it up and left it at Henry Misner's. He said he could spray them for us on Saturday after noon if some of us would go over and help him put the tank on the waggon. We got home about eleven and went back and shook out the heaviest of the hay that was fit and didn't get up till nearly one. Dad. cultivated all morning. This after noon Frank raked up all the hay west of the little gully (about 10 acres) and Dad. and I cocked up till seven o'clock. Frank sprayed our early potatoes to-night. Fine hay day. Not hot nor windy. Friday July 5th We all three cocked up hay all day to-day and finished cocking all that was raked before six. There are still about two acres on the east side of the field to rake up yet. To-night Frank and I went over and got Lorne Myers and got him to help us go and put Henry Misner's tank on the waggon. We had an awful job as just as we were getting the thing on the hind holster of the waggon the weight of the engine rolled it over and we worked till eleven o'clock before we got it fixed. He is going to spray our potatoes for us tomorrow after noon. I felt tough all day and to-night it was all I wanted to do to walk home and roll into bed. Saturday July 6th Dad. cultivated corn this morning and Frank went down and got the piece of the ladder at the Widespread. I went back and turned out the heaviest of the hay that was in swath but didn't feel much like working and spent a good deal of the morning under a tree. Frank came back and raked it up before noon. This after noon Dad and Frank went back and cocked it up and then brought a load up and pitched it off in the horse stable. Neff came after me soon after dinner to go and get the sprayer attachment and help him put it on the sprayer. We were all the after noon at the job and didn't get any spraying done. Neff said he would be down Wednesday night to spray. Cloudy with very cool breeze to-day. Sunday July 7th 73 �Enah and I drove down to church this morning and Dad. and Tid. walked down to Aunty's for dinner where Enah went from church, this being Dad's birthday they were down there all the after noon. Huby brought them home in the boat as far as Black Creek bridge and he and Aunty walked up here to tea with them. Frank and I had dinner alone and this after noon Frank went for a ride on his wheel with Lila and I went up to Ham Thompson's as Harvey Ross was over here this morning to say that we were to take our rams down to his father's in the morning as the inspector was to be there. I asked Ham to bring his ram down to our place and let us hook to his waggon as the tires are so loose on our own. I came back home and read and slept all the after noon. Huby brought Tid one of the spaniel puppies to-day. Frank and I got Dad three books, Shorthorn Cattle, Feeds & Feeding & Breeding Farm Animals. Jackie Pickford was over for a visit to-night. Quite cold to-day & windy Monday July 8th Frank and I were all ready when Ham came with his ram soon after eight this morning but by the time we got ours loaded and our team hooked up it was about nine when we left for Jarvis. We didn't drive very furiously on account of Ham's tires being loose and it was about eleven when we got there. There was not a sign of anyone around the place but after waiting for about half an hour Mrs. Ross drove in with the inspector who proved to be the Mr. Henderson that Aunty and I met up at Penmer's five or six years ago. We put our sheep in the orchard and as it was so near noon we thought we might as well accept Mrs. Ross's invitation and stay to dinner so put the team in. We had to wait about an hour for dinner however as they seem to work on the old time down there. We were entertained through dinner by Mr. Ross's denunciations of the Union Government and especially the members of it who had been followers of Sir Wilfred. According to him they have wrought their own destruction by "oppressing the farmers" the way they have and that the time is coming when the farmers will rule the land and have a newspaper of their own which will tell them the truth. I could hardly help smiling to hear about this better farmer's paper idea and think it will be a ratty old country that is dominated by a bunch of hot-headed rubes such as are at the head of the United Farmer's of Ontario, but there is no danger of it ever coming to pass. We left for home soon after dinner and got home about four. I took Ham's waggon home and got our own which he drove up there this morning. Just as I came down Exelby's hill the tire came of one of the front wheels and I couldn't get it on again. Ben Ivey came along and gave me a had and we got it partly on and wired it. Then coming in the lane the tire came off the opposite wheel. Dad. cultivated corn all day. Frank sprayed the potatoes in the field after he got home and when I got home he and I cut the old dead willow log that 74 �fell over on the cornfield a couple of times and hauled it over to the fence Mr. & Mrs. Ham Thompson were here to-night. Sunny but cool breeze. Tuesday July 9th It rained enough during the night to keep us from haying and has been cloudy cold and drizzly all day although not enough water has fallen to make anything very wet. I cultivated corn for an hour or two this morning while Dad. and Frank sawed up the old willow that blew over in the cornfield. F and did some other chores. Then Dad. came out and cultivated till noon and I came up and filled out the application blank for registering the lambs. This after noon it was still rainy so Dad. cleaned out the cellar. Frank made a patent trough for feeding salt to the sheep. It has a false bottom with holes in it which his sheep stick their noses in to eat salt and the edges of the holes are pine tarred so that they get the tar all over their noses which keep the flies of the grub in the head from laying eggs in their nostrils. Enah and I drove down town and I sent off the application for the registration of the lambs and for the transfer of the yearlings. Enah got some provision and went to get her teeth out but Bill was busy. When we got home, Frank had things all ready and we made another cement post. To-night Frank and I went over to Henry Misner's and put the bluestone in a barrell to dissolve to be ready to spray to-morrow night. Wednesday July 10th It was still drizzling this morning and Dad. and I went out to cultivate the mangels. They are so small that I had to lead Belle. Frank went down town with Aunty Alice's milk and when he came back he harrowed over the orchard. Old Evans was over to have as he said a little chat with Dad. about his cow that has the broken leg. He feels very badly about it because he broke it unintentionaly by throwing bit of iron at her from his forge when she was eating through the fence. This after noon Dad. went on cultivating corn and Frank rolled down the orchard and I sowed the rape seed on it but we didn't get it harrowed in as it began to rain hard and we had quite a heavy rain for the rest of the after noon. I spent the time painting the J.F.I.A. sign. Frank and I also tidied up the shop and after tea it cleared off but too wet we thought to go over to spray potatoes so I went out and pruned the tomatoes and tied a few of them up Frank pulled weeds in the strawberrys and helped me Thursday July 11th I finished painting my sign this morning. Frank and Dad. put the sheep in and trimmed them up then Dad. went over to the garden and weeded onions and Frank and I took a jag of 75 �straw over to the horse stable. After dinner Dad. went out to cultivate corn and Frank and I went back and turned out the hay that Dad. & Frank bunched up Saturday. When we got up we found Rus Lampkin here fixing the windmill and soon after Dr. Grant Enahs Chinese missionary uncle came over. He and Frank went over to the old garden to hoe the strawberries and I sowed the rape-seed on the garden back of the shop and just went in to get the team out to harrow it and the orchard over when it began to rain and a very heavy thunderstorm came up and flooded things for half an hour or so and then cleared off, but we couldn't do anything on the land. Enah and Tid were down at the Zealand's at the Sunday school picnic but said they didn't get wet as they went in the house. Dr. Grant. stayed to tea and Frank drove him down to the side walk after tea. Friday July 12th Dad. and Frank have worked over in the garden hoeing and weeding all day. I spent most of the morning raking and cutting the lawn. This after noon I finished tying up the tomatoes and then came up and dug holes for the beds of spring bulbs where they are marked on the blue-print. They are up near the road fencing the very stiff red clay so I just dug them about a foot deep and wheeled the clay up and dumped it in the mudhole under the gate at the north end of the horse stable and intend to fill them up with good earth to plant the bulbs in. Enah went down town this after noon and didn't come back for tea. To-night Frank and I drove over to Lorne Myer's and put up the sign and the label on the plots. Lorne called Neff up but he wasn't home so Lorne left word for him to call him up in the morning if he could come down and spray to-morrow after noon. It has been very muggy and rather cloudy to-day It sprinkled a little here but Lorne Myers said it poured over there. Saturday July 13th Frank and I spent most of the morning hoeing over in the old garden Dad. went back and turned out some of the hay but said it would be too wet to haul this after noon. This after noon Frank and I went back and got part of the turnip patch hoed. Dad. brought the {illegible} back but couldn't do much with it. He was going over to pick berries in the woods but saw Mrs. John Wess and a couple of other women heading for the patch and they scared him out. Young Myers came after me about five o'clock to go and help spray the potatoes so I went over and was over there till dark. We had to fill the tank at the flume and it took a long time to strain the lime in so it was late when we got started and then the thing got plugged up so we had to quit. I am sick of the job. 76 �Sunday July 14th Tid. and I drove down to Sunday School this morning and both of us went to church I drove Aunty Alice over here after church and Jack Martin brought Aunty and Tid over in the car. AuntaIda has gone up to the Bawlby's for a week. Mr. & Mrs. James Douglas were here when we got home and we spent the after noon showing "Jimmy" the stock. He didn't like the old ram on account of his high shoulders and the black {skat?} but thought the calves were fine. He thought the purebred calf was better than Knockfierna as she has dairy hocks. Orm Millman was over in his car this after noon and brought Nita, Kathleen, Towser, and a Mr. Tait. They all came up from Toronto last night and are going back to-night except Kathleen & Tow who are going to stay in Dover for a couple of weeks. Orm took Mrs. Douglas and the rest of the ladie's down to Aunty's and we went Dad. Frank and I went in Douglass car up to Ham Thompson's and had a look at his stock then went down to Aunty's. The Douglases left before tea and we all stayed at Aunty's for tea and Enah stayed down to church but the rest of us came home to do chores and Dad. drove down for Enah when we got through. Fine. Monday July 15th First thing this morning we gave all the lambs a dose for tape-worm using Cooper's worm tablets. Then Frank harrowed the orchard and Dad. and I went back and turned out two or three rows of hay cocks. It is all pretty damp and blackened but not musty. When we were going back we saw Pommers pull his foot out of the barbed wire fence along this end of the woods near Charlie Munroe's line and when we went over we found his foot badly cut at the back and above the hoof, but we didn't bring him up as Dad. thought he would be better back there if the joint isn't cut into. We couldn't get close enough to him to see. This after noon we got in a couple of loads of hay. To-night Frank and I went over to the potato patch it was too late when we got over to spray and we found them all playing football. Tige McBride said he would help spray to-morrow night. Fine day, breezy Tuesday July 16th Dad. went back this morning and turned out some more hay and Frank and I put some bolts through the reach of the rack as it was cracked and went back for a load about ten o'clock. We just got one load up before dinner but got three up this after noon by working on the old time. It looked very cloudy all day so we didn't turn out any more. Frank went up to Ham's to-night and found out that Ross had made application to the Canada Food Board 77 �for export licences for our rams so that we won't need to. He also went over to the potato patch and found Alex England helping Henry. They got the loam patch sprayed but didn't have enough spray for the other patch as some of it leaked out. Sultry to-day. Wednesday July 17th It sprinkled a little during the night so that we couldn't do anything with the hay this morning. It cleared off but looked so threatening that we didn't like to turn out any more but about five o'clock went back and got the load that was turned out. Dad. cultivated corn all the rest of the day. This morning Frank and I mowed away the hay we had in and changed the pulley so that we can put the hay in the west end of the barn. I went down to the mill and got some chop and flour. I had to take 25% substitute with the flour as the new regulations of the Canada Food Board are that 25% substitute must be mixed with all the flour that is used so I got Rye flour. Frank hoed mangels before dinner and this after noon borrowed Quanbury's sprayer and sprayed all the potatoes. Before we went after the hay I pruned the tomatoes and went back to the gully to see if I could coax Pommers up but I couldn't. His foot looks pretty bad. Kathleen & Tow came over after tea to-night and Frank drove them home about ten o'clock. Thursday July 18th Frank cut about a dozen rounds around the field east of the orchard this morning and Dad and I went back and shook out about three more loads across the gully. This after noon we hauled in two more loads from across the gully. Aunty and Aunty Alice and Elva and Enah's aunt from Hamilton were all over here to tea. It has been a good hay day but a little windy The war news looks better. The Germans were almost completely repulsed in their last drive on the Marne by French & Americans. Friday July 19th When the dew went off enough this morning we all went out and shook out the heaviest parts of what Frank cut yesterday and then went back and got a load from the back field before dinner getting up here with it about one o'clock, but we have gone back to the old time pretty much through haying anyway. This after noon Dad. cultivated corn and got nearly all of what was untouched since the last rain gone over. Frank raked up the hay he cut and we both cocked up all the after noon but didn't get any more than half of it up. It has been a fine hay day & not too hot. 78 �Saturday July 20th We all went out and finished cocking up this morning all that was raked and then put off the hay that we hauled yesterday before dinner. We got a good early start after dinner and got in three more loads from the back field but there is more back there yet. Frank and I went down town to-night. I got my hair cut and had a swim in the spate under the dam. We got to bed about 2 a.m. Fine day. Sunday July 21st Tid and I drove down to Sunday school and church this morning. Mr. Ward Butcher was there to take the service as Mr. Johnson has gone to Petawawa Camp to be chaplin for Col. Syer. This after noon I went down to see Aunty and Aunty Alice and took a shamrock up to Miss Kerney. Frank went down to the beach and went for a swim, he said there was an awful crowd down there and the noise they were making could be heard all over town. He went down town again after tea. Dad. Enah and Tid. all went for a drive this after noon back north some place. It has been scorching hot all the afternoon. Monday July 22nd We hauled hay from the back field all day but didn't quite finish as there is about half a load back there, we only got in four loads. The rope that held the pulley in the peak of the barn broke twice this after noon. Lloyd Crysler and Lorne Myers were over in Lloyd's car this after noon to see if we would go to Burlington with them to-morrow. Neff wants us to go down to some farmer's gathering so I suppose we will go although we shouldn't. Tuesday July 23rd We were all up fairly early this morning so that we would be ready for Lloyd when he called but it began to rain about seven o'clock and rained quite hard for an hour or more so we thought Lloyd wouldn't go but about half past eight young Myers came over and told us that Neff had telephoned down to tell us to go around by Simcoe & Brantford and meet him and the rest of the bunch in Hamilton so we got ready and went down to the mill where he said Lloyd would call for us. We waited there for an hour and then went up to Henry Misner's where we found Lorne all togged up waiting and we hung around there till noon but Lloyd never showed up so we went home. Charlie Stitt came past and said he saw tracks out of Crysler's lane as if a car had come out, skidded all over the road and gone back again. Frank went up to Simcoe this after noon and got our check cashed which we got from 79 �Anoka Farms for our rams and settled up his insurance with Cruikshanks. Dad. cultivated corn all the after noon and I hoed mangels. Frank and I went up to Ham Thompson's tonight with Daisy May. Ham said he waited all the morning for Lloyd Crysler too. Rainy all morning Sunny & hot this after noon Wednesday July 24th Dad. and I went back this morning and got the three lifts that were left in the back field and we were glad to see the field cleaned. Frank went on cutting at the field east of the orchard with Joe & Queen but didn't finish, he broke one of the guards this after noon and that delayed him awhile. Dad. and I put off the load we got over the gully and as it was nearly noon we went out and just put on a small load and pitched it off in the horse stable. We got in two more good sized loads this after noon but had to change the pulley block as we put it in the east end of the barn. It is very nice sheep hay and we want it on top. This afternoon Dess & Win came over to tea and Aunty came over after tea to celebrate my birthday. I got two shirts from Enah, a tie from Dad. a film from Tid a knife from Frank and a year's subscription to the "Literary Digest" from Aunty Alice & Aunty and also a letter from Aunt Leena and we had ice cream for tea. Frank and I walked down to the bridge with Aunty & the girls and went for a swim. Very hot to-day Looks rainy. Thursday July 25th We put off the load that was in the barn and got another load and left it on the barn floor. Then Frank took the team and raked what was fit and then finished cutting about one o'clock while Dad and I cocked up what he raked. This after noon we put off the load and put another on and Frank raked a little more and Dad. and I cocked up till after six. After we got through the chores I went out and hoed a few mangels and Frank hoed the strawberries. Sunny & hot but a nice breeze. Friday July 26th We put the load off this morning that was on the barn floor and Dad. and I put on another big load and left it at the field gate till noon. Frank mowed away and changed to the hay fork instead of the slings and then came and shook out a little and when we got the load on he took the team and raked. We all cocked up till about four o'clock then Frank brought the team out and we hauled in two loads and put one of them off. We used the fork in the top of the mow as the sling ropes get caught in the hay. Dad. and Frank put the hay on those two loads in a hurry but I don't think there was nearly so much on a load. Frank 80 �went over to hoe potatoes to-night and I took a book over to Art. Preston as h he was over this morning and wanted Dad. to come over to-night and look at his cow which has developed a sudden case of {gargel?} Dad. was too tired to go over so sent the book over. I was too late to go over to the patch. Hot, nice breeze. Saturday July 27th We hauled in hay all day and in spite of several delays managed to clear our field in seven loads. We had to change our car from the barn to the horse stable and the first loads we put on were so big we couldn't get the lifts in the door of the mow without a terrible ammount of straining. The second load we tried to build a little smaller but the third lift stuck in the doorway and we broke one strand of the big rope pulling on it, that was just at noon and it looked as if we were held up for the after noon but Dad. thought of Lew. Brock so Frank went out and got him and he spliced the rope for us. This after noon we built very small loads and had no more trouble getting them in except once when we had to trip the lift and let it fall on the ground. The last load we brought in we knew would be a big one so we didn't use the slings but just put on all we could pile on intending to haul it on the barn floor and put it in the horse stable with the fork when we got time. I had so much on though, that going into the barn the hay rolled back on the top of the door and broke the back ladder off the rack. We did chores after tea and it was half past ten when we got through. Frank went down town and I hung around till about midnight and then went down to the dam for a swim as I knew there would be a bunch down there about that time and there was. I got a very nice illustrated volume of Whitcomb Riley's Farm Poems from Marj. to-day for a birthday present. Frank says that Paw. Nila and Paddy came up in the car to-night and brought Roy & Rebecca with them. They are going to take the girls home to-morrow. Hot to-day, but nice breeze A big thunderstorm went north of us but we didn't get hit. Sunday July 28th We didn't get up in time to go to Sunday school this morning but Enah, Frank, Tid. and I all went to church. Dad. walked down to Aunty's intending to drive Enah home but she stayed at her mother's to dinner so Dad. put Joe in Aunty's barn and stayed there to dinner and Frank and I came home. I just sat around and read all the afternoon. Dad. Enah and Tim got home about four o'clock. The Millman's didn't come over but left this after noon for Toronto. Roy is going back in the morning and Rebecca is going to stay for awhile. It has been very hot all day. We got the first ripe tomato off our own vines to-day. 81 �Monday July 29th Dad went down to Lew Brock's this morning to see if he could make a dicker with him for his woodpile and he got what he thinks is a great bargain. He got the woodpile which consists of about three cords of fairly good stove wood and everything else around the place in the shape of boards including the stable and smokehouse for ten dollars. When he got back we put the load of hay off and went down and got one load of the stuff and there is another load of loose stuff down there. This afternoon Frank started to cut the bluegrass out north and east of the old garden Dad. cultivated corn and I hoed mangels. To-night Frank and I drove Queen out to Marbury to pay Sid McBride for our fence. It came to $83.50. A thunderstorm came up before we got home but we didn't get very wet, the road was very dark though. Tuesday July 30th As soon as it dried off this morning and Frank went out and cut some more of the bluegrass. Dad. cultivated the garden and I hoed a few more mangels. Neff came over for awhile, he said an inspector was over at our potato patch looking for diseases on them so he came over here to wait for him. Aunty Alice and Rebecca and Lila were over here to dinner. This after noon Frank went down to Joe Howell's and got the collar for the binder and then hoed a few strawberries Dad. parisgreened the potatoes in the old garden and I did a little hoeing for awhile then I started to rake and Dad. cocked up hay. I didn't get it all done. I went over to the potato patch to-night but it was too dark to do anything by the time I got there. I found Tige McBride, Alex England and Bill Sidway there. Much cooler today & breezy. Wednesday July 31st Dad. and I cocked up hay most of the day and Frank finished raking what was cut and then hoed the strawberries and set the runners. He helped us cock up a little this afternoon. We didn't quite finish as we quit early to get the chores done so that Frank and I could go up to Simcoe to the last evening of the Chautauqua which they have had up there for the past week. The music was fine especially a violinist and the lecture which was entitled "Acres of Diamonds" by Dr. Russel Conley, principal of Temple University. Philadelphia was pretty good but rather peculiar I thought. We just got out in time to catch the last car. We were with Tige McBride and Lela ran to catch the car and hurt her ankle, when we got to Dover she said it hurt so badly that she couldn't walk home on it so Frank and I waited with her at 82 �the Main St. crossing while Tige went home and got the car and came after her, so Frank and I were pretty late getting home. We found Dad. up though as he, Enah and the baby had been down town at the {Mabelore?}. Fair & not too hot. Thursday August 1st I went out this morning and finished cocking up the hay. We got the binder out and cut one round around the wheat and barley before dinner. Frank cut all the after noon but didn't finish the field, he had Harry and Belle on and couldn't make them walk up. Dad. and I shocked up but it didn't keep us very busy. Enah was down town nearly all day helping at the Sunday school bazaar at which they cleaned up over $100.00 to pay for the piano. Tid was down all day at a picnic with Aunty. Lila, Rebecca and Helen Tibbits down at the Lake. We quit early to-night and went over to hoe potatoes but there were only a few of the boys there Edmond England was to have sprayed there for us to-night but he couldn't get the engine to work. Cool breeze. Friday August 2nd We finished cutting the wheat and barley this morning and Frank and Dad. went back with Harry and Joe to cut the wheat on the back side hill. They had the three horses on this morning. I finished shocking up the field and about five o'clock took Belle back to put on with the other two but Dad. thought as it was so late it wasn't worth while so we just went a couple of more rounds and quit. The first few rounds are the worst on that field. Still cool. Saturday August 3rd I hoed turnips for awhile this morning till Dad. and Frank got a few more rounds cut and then started shocking up. They got nearly off the hill before dinner. Just before noon I heard a shrill whistle which I knew to be Dick's and looked and saw him and Tid coming down the gully. He came home last night and stayed at Aunty's all night. We were all very surprised to see him as he just got his pass before he left. He is as black as an Indian but looks very well and soldierly in his artillery uniform. Aunty came over with him to dinner. After dinner Dad. Frank and I went down to Lew Brook's and got the rest of our wood, we have everything now but the stable and smokehouse When we got our wood unloaded we went back and finished cutting the wheat and shocked it up, it was certainly a thin crop on top of the hill only about a dozen shocks. We got up soon after seven. Frank went down town to-night and Dick was down all the after noon and most of the night. It has been fair and cool all day. 83 �Sunday August 4th Tid and I drove down to Sunday school and Enah and Frank came down to church and I drove Enah home. Dad. stayed home and made ice cream and Dick didn't get up till noon After dinner we took some pictures of Dick and then he, Frank and I walked down town. I spent the after noon down at Aunties and Frank went up town for awhile, we didn't see Dick again as he didn't get home till about two o'clock. We spent the evening home reading. Very hot but breezy. Monday August 5th We have hauled wheat and barley all day to-day and got our field cleaned by to-night We had six loads of wheat and barley mixed and one load of pure wheat. Dick stayed here to dinner and went down town right after and did not come back to-night as he has to leave on the seven o'clock car in the morning. Enah went down town to tea and took in the grand I O.D.E. cabaret in the pavillion. The rest of us all went down to say good-bye to Dick after we got the chores done which was about ten o'clock but when we got to Aunty's Enah was there and said Dick had gone to Simcoe with some of the crowd he thought we weren't coming down. Enah drove home with Dad. and I walked I took a dip in the pond on my way. Frank rode his wheel down. Hot. Tuesday August 6th We put off the load of wheat that we hauled in last night and put it in the swing mow up over the driveway so as to have it separate, it is the only pure Plymouth we have. Frank and Dad. hauled in the rest wheat off the back field to-day in three small loads. It took them a long time to get it off the side hill but there is some very good wheat there. I helped them put off the loads, we put it in a pile by itself at one end of the mow and in between times I tried to cut my plots back of the barn with the sickle but it was very hot and tedious. I got about a dozen sheaves cut and tied up but come to the conclusion that it was too primitive a method of harvesting for this enlightened age so about five o'clock I went down and borrowed Alfred's cradle and will let Dad. finish the job with it. Lila was over here to tea. Very hot, breezy. Wednesday August 7th We started oat harvest to-day and it has been very hot although there was quite a strong breeze. I don't know when I have felt the heat so much. Frank cut all day on the back field 84 �by the woods and got it all done but a little piece by the woods. Its a great crop. Dad. and I shocked up but didn't quite finish. Frank and I went for a swim to-night in the upper pond off the mill dam. Its a great hole I never was in there before. Thursday August 8th We finished cutting and shocking up the back field of oats by noon and this after noon Frank cut the three acres of barley and oats along the side road I shocked up while Dad. cradled and bound my plots of wheat and about six o'clock Dad. & Frank came out and finished shocking up while I took the cows up. It has been hot to-day but a very strong breeze so that it wasn't so hard to work. Just about dark a thunderstorm came up and it rained hard for quite awhile. If it clears off soon it will do no harm and a lot of good as things were getting dry. Friday August 9th It was too wet for us to do much to-day but putter around. I took Alfred's cradle down to Newton Silverthorne’s as he wanted it to cut his Spring wheat on his garden and on the way down I had quite a visit with Uncle Ward to whom the sight of the cradle recalled memories of early days and he told me about George Adams the best man he ever saw swing a cradle and who cut a six acre field of wheat for Uncle Ward's brother one time between half past seven in the morning and six at night. On my way home I met Aunty and Rebecca who were on their way over to the farm for dinner so I came over with Rebecca, Aunty stopped in for a few minutes to see Mr. Johnson. Dad. and Frank had been setting up the wheat sheaves off my plots along the barn and this after noon Dad. and I put them in the barn. We put on a jag of straw before dinner out of the mow over the granary just about cleaning it out and hauled it over to the box stall in the horse stable for Frank to use for bed. Frank drove Rebecca and Tid down town this after noon and Aunty and Enah walked down and Enah drove back with Frank. Dad. and I spent most of the after noon putting a door in the north side of the old barn so that we could let the calves out on the wheat stubble. To-night we went over to Lorne Myer's as Tige McBride was over here this morning and said he would call a meeting of the J.F.I.A. to decide on who would enter the Judging Competitions at the Toronto Fair and what classes they would enter. There was a pretty good turnout and six or seven of us are going to Toronto. Frank and I have entered on sheep & beef cattle Most of us went for a swim at the mill on our way home Saturday August 10th 85 �Frank and I had to go up to Ham Thompson's this morning and when we got back we all three went back to straighten up some of the oat sheaves in the back field Some of them were pretty wet but not sprouted. Dad. finished fixing up the calf pen and let the whole six of them out. This after noon Frank cut around the oat field just east of the lane and cut a road through it. Dad. and I shocked up. I got a couple of heads of oats with 100 grains on them. Frank found them and we are going to keep them for seed. To-night Dad. Enah and Frank all went down town. It has been pretty hot to-day and doesn't feel clear yet. Sunday August 11th Frank Tid. and I walked down to Sunday school this morning but as there was no teacher for the Bible Class Frank and I went down to the beach and got back in time for church. Mr. Farney took the sermon as Mr. Butcher has been called up for service that is military service. Dad. and Enah drove down to church. Tid and I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and all the after noon. Huby was over here for tea. It has been very hot all day winding up with a small thunderstorm. Monday August 12th Last night's rain made it too wet to cut oats first thing this morning so I finished making a trough to feed the calves in and Dad. and Frank put a fence around the cucumbers back of the barn so that the calves wouldn't get at them, and also the sheep as we intend letting them out on the wheat stubble. Frank cut for about an hour before dinner and all the after noon and got all the east half of the field cut when but about one round when the doubletree broke so he quit. Enah was down town nearly all day as Elva and Brant got married. Frank went up to tell Tige McBride to-night that I made a mistake in telling the boys that they could enter the livestock class and the fruit & grain classes for fifty cents as I had a letter from Neff to-day telling me they were fifty cents entry fee for each class. The War News has been great lately. The Germans are on the defensive along the whole Western front and are steadily being pushed farther back. The American & French drive between Soissons & Reims where they drove them to the Vesle river had just slowed up when Sir Douglas Haig started another one farther north with British, French Canadian and Australian troops and so far has captured over 40,000 prisoners and 500 guns. In some places the German retreat seems to be almost a rout but in others they are putting up a stiff fight. Fairly hot to-day but feels clearer and fresher. Nice breeze. Tuesday August 13th 86 �We finished cutting the oats by one o'clock new time and put the binder back in its winter quarters in the woodshed after dinner. We then hauled the barley & oats from the strip along the side-road in three loads, they seem to be very heavy and dry. Very hot, but strong wind. Wednesday August 14th It was a very hot night but before morning the wind went around to the north and it has been nice and cool all day. It looked very rainy this morning in fact it did rain a little but soon cleared off. Dad. and I went back this morning to the back field and put on a load of oats and as it was nearly 12 o'clock when we got it off we didn't go back again before dinner, but Dad went back and turned out a couple of loads while Frank and I started to put a brace on the old cracked arm of the rack. We had an awful time trying to bore the holes through it, we blamed it to the bit being dull but after Frank had gone over to Quanbury's and borrowed another, he discovered we were trying to bore through nails. After dinner I went over and borrowed a waggon from Jack Martin while Dad. and Frank finished fixing the rack and we hauled in with two waggons and got four loads up by working till eight o'clock but didn't unload the last two. We turned out all the shocks before we hauled them as some of them were pretty damp. Alan Law was in to-night to see if he could get one of us to help thrash in the morning but said as we were so busy he would try to get someone else; and I guess he did. Thursday August 15th We didn't get on as fast to-day as we had hoped to as we only got up four more loads from the back field and left at least three back there. We had to pitch off the two that we brought up last night and every load now gets harder to pitch as the mow gets fuller. There should by rights be another man in the mow as it is too far to pitch across the two {beats?}. Dad. and I turned out all the shocks in the field this morning so that delayed us. Cool. Friday August 16th We got the back field cleared by to-night instead of last night as we had hoped. Our delay to-day was caused by me upsetting a load on the gully hill just coming out of the gate, my off wheel got in the rut and before I knew what was coming off I was on the ground and the waggon on its side. We took Frank's load up and unloaded it then came back with Jack' s rack (it was our rack that upset) and put part of my load on it and Frank got a reach from 87 �Tupper as ours was broken. We had a hard job getting it put in but managed to at last and then put the rest of the load in our rack but had to load carefully as one arm of the rack was broken. After we got the loads off we had to put an old hinge iron on the broken arm and Frank had to go to town after some bolts. It all took time and by the time we got two more loads up (the last two) it was after seven, we put the load off of Jack's rack and Frank took it home. Enah's sister Mrs. Johnson was over here to tea and Uncle Ward came over to get Dad. to offer a special prize at the Horticultural Show so he did for honey. Frank drove them home, or at least Dad. drove Uncle Ward home after Frank got back from taking Mrs. Johnson. Cool. Saturday, August 17th Frank had to go thrashing over at Quanbury's this morning so Dad. spoke to Pickford last night about getting one of the boys to help us to-day and Arthur came over this morning. He turned sheaves on the stack for us all day and was a good little worker. Dad. kept telling him that if the stack was a good one he would claim to be the builder of it, but if it was a poor one, he would tell that Arthur built it. We put five loads on the stack and left one standing on the barn floor. Dad. took a lot of pains building it as he laid every sheaf by hand and kneeled them all in, but one corner of it slid out a little much to his disappointment. Frank didn't get home till nearly dark and then went over to Quanbury's to tea but they finished over there and got about 1300 bushels from the 30 acres. Frank went down town to-night and said there were a bunch of Dominion Police down there rounding up fellows who didn't have their military and registration papers. Frank said they had quite a bunch of them in the lock-up but let them out on bail. He also said that Aunty Alice went to Toronto with Rebecca this morning and that, Ade, Orm, Kathleen & Lars all came up last night. Cool and strong north east wind. Sunday August 18th Frank and I and Tid. walked down to church this morning and Dad. and Enah were just ready to drive down when. Ade & Orm and the two girls came over in the car, as that delayed them, Orm drove Enah down to church and Ade drove down with Dad, who put Joe in Aunty's barn and didn't come to church. After church Enah went with the choir for a picnic and didn't get home till after church to-night, when Jack Walker brought her home in the car. Aunty and Aunt Ida came with them in the car just for the ride. Dad. & Tid stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and Frank and I had dinner alone and stayed home all the after noon and evening. Cool north east wind all day. Quite cold to-night. 88 �Monday August 19th We have hauled oats all day and got in five loads but there are still a couple more in the field. We put part of one load on the stack and one in the barn and then started to build another stack on the west side of the barn doors. The sheaves are shorter now and much harder to stack. Frank helped us unload and spent the rest of the time weeding in the garden. Still cool with east wind. Tuesday August 20th We finished oat harvest to-day at noon. There was only about a load and a half left in the field and we put part of it on the stack and the rest in the barn. This after noon we started haying again, but just got in two loads. It seems awful to be starting at it again this late in the season. We quit early as Dad. and Enah went down to the church concert which they said was very poor and Frank went down to the Ryerse's to a corn roast. I took Maple Hill Nellie up to Hams's. Enah was over at the Martin's this afternoon and heard that Jimmy Caley has gone so badly out of his mind that they had to take him to the hospital in connection with the asylum. Warm but not hot. Wednesday August 21st We finished hauling the hay that was cut to-day We got three loads in this morning and the third one we hauled around to the oat stacks and put the top of it off on them and Dad. topped them out with hay. This took quite awhile after dinner and then we had to do some mowing in the horse stable before we could get the load in so that it was late when we went out after the last little jag of 20 cocks, and by the time we got it off was about six o'clock. Warmer & cloudy, looked rainy. Thursday August 22nd Frank has been cutting hay in the old bluegrass meadow all day and got it more than half cut. He took Joe and Queen this morning and the old team after dinner. Dad. and I went over to Tupper's this morning and harrowed 11 bags of oats and took part of them down to the mill to be chopped. I went down after dinner and got the chop and then took the waggon out to the field. I raked up most of what Frank cut and then Dad put on a small load out of the windrow which I hauled up to-night. Dad. cocked up while I was raking. Enah and Tid have been down town all day. To-night Frank and I went down to the mill and had a good bath under the dam. It has been much warmer. 89 �Friday August 23rd Frank finished cutting the bluegrass to-day noon. Dad. and I changed the rack from the horse stable to the big barn and then went out and cocked up what was in windrow. This after noon I raked the whole thing up and Dad. cocked up what he could. Frank picked the ripe tomatoes and took a bushel over to Mrs. Pickford as Jackie spoke about getting them yesterday and a basket down to Mrs. Jim Low. To-night Zeitha Elva and Mrs. Johnson came over for the evening and Aunt Ida came over with Frank this after noon for tea She walked home to-night with the rest. Pretty warm. Saturday August 24th Frank had to go down town with some cream for Aunty Alice and was gone quite awhile but we got all the hay up in cock by noon. This after noon we put off the load that was on the barn floor and got one more in and then quit as Dad. wanted to go down and meet Dick. He got a letter from him at noon saying that he would be home on the five o'clock car having got six weeks farm leave. It seems queer that he should get farm leave now after everything is in when they wouldn't allow it before, but it seems it is on account of the Western Battalions getting it. Dick is tickled to death and won't have to go back to Petawawa but will likely put in the winter in Toronto. Dick, Frank and I went down town to-night. Dick went to the dance and stayed down town all night. I bummed around town awhile and then went and got my hair cut. Mr. & Mrs. Millman & Nita came up in the car this after noon and are going to take Percy and Kathleen back to-morrow. Pretty hot and rainy looking. Sunday August 25th Tid. and I went down to Sunday school this morning but as no Bible Class teacher showed up, I went over to see Hazen Waddle who is home on a weekend leave. I hadn't seen him since he got into uniform till this morning. I found him at breakfast in company with three damsels two of whom were strangers to me and the third one Miss Shiltz. Hazen seems to be standing the army racket pretty well although he says he is just getting over a little attack of Ptomain poisoning. He told me he was talking to a returned man the other day who in the course of conversation asked him where he was from and when Hazen told him his home-town was Port Dover, the fellow said "That's funny, I could show you a place in France where there is a stick in the ground with a board on it on one side of which is written “Here lies a Fritz" and on the other side is printed 'The Port Dover Canning Company.'" I went to church from there and sat in the front seat with Aunty, Aunt Ida and 90 �Dick, but Dick and I slept most of the time Morton Brown was again the preacher. Dad. drove Enah down with Queen as Joe is lame from some unknown cause, and so Dad. didn't stay to church but drove Tid. home. Enah and I went down to Aunty's after church where we ran across the Millmans and Mr. Millman drove us home in the car. Huby and Dick came over with us but went back to Aunty's with Mr. Millman for dinner. I read and slept all the after noon. Frank went down town and for a swim in the lake with Lloyd Ryerse and Dad. and Tid went down to the mill for a swim but I guess just paddled around in the creek. John Quanbury came over after Dad. to-night and he went over with him to see his sick cow but Dad. said it was all right. Wilbur Ryerse came in to-night to tell me that if I went over there to Tuppers in the morning I could go down to Douglas’s with them. Frank said that the Millman's went to turn the car around down in front of Aunty's this after noon and backed the thing right down the hill on to the railway track and they had to get Water's with his team to pull it up the hill again. Dick had to go down to the station and get them to telephone to the switch to have the car stop, but they said it came down as far as where the automobile was and then stopped and unloaded a whole car load of people who helped get the thing off. The brakes were out of order. It has been pretty hot again to-day. Monday August 26th We got four loads of our hay in to-day and put off the one that we hauled in Saturday night. It took a long time to put the loads off as the last load filled the west end of the barn right up and every load had to be mowed. Dick didn't get over till noon but this after noon he and Frank mowed away while we were putting the loads off and then Frank stayed in the mow and mowed it well away while Dick Dad. and I were out after loads. Wilbur Ryerse was in again to-night to tell me that they weren't going to start for Douglas's till noon as Tupper didn't want to go in the morning and he is going to take us down in his car. Rather cloudy and strong west & north west wind. Tuesday August 27th We went out this morning and got a fairly good load and put it off on the east side of the barn which had just about room enough for a couple of loads. Frank and Dick mowed it away. It was about eleven o'clock when we got it off so I came in and got ready to go to Caledonia with Tupper & Frank & Wilbur Ryerse, but Dad. and the boys got the rest of the hay in and hauled two slingfuls up and put them in the barn and then hauled the last load and Dad pitched it off by hand. I was over at Tupper's in lots of time as he hadn't come in yet from the field but we got started fairly early had a very nice drive and lots of time to 91 �see all of Douglas' cattle and got home before dark. Douglas himself was home and took us all over the farm to show us his cattle and Frank and Wilbur bought a $210.00 bull from him a yearling. We went up to the house where they pressed us to stay to tea but we didn't but the girls played their victrola for us. When I got back I just had my tea and went up to McBrides as Tige was down this morning to tell us that Neff was coming down to give us some pointers on judging fruit and vegetables. Frank wasn't through with his chores so didn't come up. I didn't get home till about twelve o'clock but got quite a few pointers on judging fruit which I knew very little about. Neff also announced that he was going to award prizes for general proficiency and best kept notes at last years winters short course and I was very agreeably surprised to learn that I had won First Prize for General proficiency and Tige McBride second. Leo Challand won first prize for best kept notes and Frank second. The prizes were all books mine was "Principles of Breeding" by Davenport and Frank's was "The Breeds of Farm Animals" by Gay. This after noon Frank and Dick burned some of the old swail grass that was in windrow out by the side road and Dad, Enah and Tid went down town and got some salt. Fine, cool & breezy. Wednesday August 28th It rained hard early this morning and all the after noon. We didn't do much but sit around and read. Dad. did a little ditching this morning and I took Ham Thompson's old red hen home about noon. Just at dinnertime an automobile party ran in here out of the rain to put chains on their wheels. The three women of the crowd came into the house and told us they were from Tilsonburg and on their way to Bridgeburg. About the middle of the afternoon Harvey Skey came over well protected from the weather by rubber coat and boots. He was after cream. Thursday August 29th First thing this morning Dad. Dick and I went down and started to tear down Lew Brock's old stable. Frank came down later with the team. We got more than half of it down and the nails out of the boards by noon and took one load home. This after noon Dad. and Dick got most of the rest of it down and Frank and I went down town and got a load of soft coal and took the wheels of the old waggon down to Hallam to have the tires set. We came back to Lews and got another load of boards after we had put the coal off. Mr. James and Mr. Johnson were over here this after noon and Dess and Win came over to tea. Dick went down with them to the dance this evening. I felt rather tough to-day, think I had a touch of the colic. Fine day cool and breezy. 92 �Friday August 30th We wanted to start hauling manure to-day but before we could haul the spreader out of the lane gate we had to put some more earth over the cement tile that Dad. put in there, so we went back to the end of the lane with the waggon to get some clay but as there was a big water hole back there we had to drain the water out of it before we could haul a load through it. Dad. ran a furrow from the hole to the top of the hill and threw the sods out of the furrow into the hole. We hauled two loads of clay from the gully and put them over the tile at the barnyard end of the lane. It was noon when we got through. Aunty and Aunty Alice were here to dinner and after dinner Bruce Smith and Frank Marr came over after Dad. as Frank's cow was choking on an apple so Dad. went down and managed to get the apple. We boys got the manure spreader out and Frank and Dick pitched manure while I went back and pulled weeds out of the mangels. Frank hauled out till Dad. came home and then went and weeded strawberries. To-night Dick and I went to a corn roast put up by Mrs. Hobbes and Frank went to another one that the McBrides were having. Both corn roast were up the beach about 100 yards apart below Globe Park. After we had burned up all the corn we had and then eaten it, we went up to the Hobbes and sat around till after midnight. Fine day. Saturday August 31st It rained quite hard during the night and quite a bit this morning so that I didn't do much but lie around read and sleep during the fore noon Frank made a plant stand for Enah out of an old desk we got down at Lew Brock's. This after noon Dad. and I went back and patched up the gully fence a little along the cornfield as there were two or three posts broken and we were afraid the delapitated condition of the fence might tempt the cattle to try to explore the cornfield. Frank spent the after noon cleaning and fixing up the granary bins. Sam's outfit is now at old Evan's and he will be at Pickford on Monday. Dick took a holiday this after noon and went down town. We did the chores up early and I went down town tonight, went down to the station and met Marj. who came back to-night. Sunny & cool wind this after noon. Sunday September 1st We were late getting around this morning so I wasn't able to take Tid. down to Sunday school so Dad. drove him down. He seems to like Sunday school and the stories Aunty tells them. He told Enah that last Sunday Aunty told them about a man who saw a burning bush 93 �and a voice came out of the bush which said "Take off your boots, for the ground where you stand is full of holes and you'll get your feet muddy." Obviously the story was about Moses and he took the Biblical phrase "holy ground" to mean full of holes and so he generally takes his boots off when he goes back to the gully to keep them from getting muddy, he thought Moses did it for the same reason. I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and they invited Professor Andrew’s down there to dinner. He came down to preach this morning and there was no one to meet him and no choir or or organist so he played the organ himself. This after noon I went up to see Marj and went home to tea. Dad. came down to church to-night and Enah stayed down to tea at Aunty's and played to-night. I went to Patterson's with Marj. to-night. Monday September 2nd Dick and Dad. hauled out manure this morning and Frank and I dug potatoes and got some vegetables to take down to Vernon to-morrow. This after noon he and I went over to Pickford's to thrash. Dick took a holiday this after noon it being Labor day and Dad. hauled out manure alone. We got home from Pickford's about eight and thrashed {illegible} all out nearly 600 bushels all together. Enah had our valises packed when we got home so I got dressed up and went down town I went up to see Marj. for awhile and then came back to Aunty's to stay all night so as to be ready to catch the car in the morning. Frank was there and had just had a bath so I had one too. Fine day but looks rainy. Saturday September 7th As Frank and I have been in Toronto since last Tuesday till last night, I will have to put our doings in condensed form as I have not been able to write them day by day. We left Tuesday morning on the seven o'clock car and went to Brantford where after bumming around for an hour or so we took the radial for Hamilton getting there about eleven where we had our dinner and fooled in two or three more hours and then took the 2.15 boat for Toronto. We arrived there about five so we were nearly all day “en route.” We didn't mind though as there were five of us Charlie Blake, Tige McBride and Lloyd Ryerse being with us and we had an ideal trip over on the boat. Frank and I went to stay with Roy and Vernon of course and the other three stayed down on Bloor St. about three blocks away. That night we all went down to the Princess theatre and saw "The Garden of Allah" which Tige and I liked but which the other fellows didn't care for. Wednesday we put in the whole day out at the Fairgrounds. Frank went out early to the Sharples seperator company with a piece of the seperator to have it fixed and then went to his sheep judging competition at which he 94 �got 10th place. I went down later and just poked around till I ran into the other three fellows, we had our lunch on the grounds and met in the Breeders’ Ring at 2.30. I for the Beef Cattle judging and the others for the poultry. We had a class of aged Aberdeen Angus cows and one of Shorthorn heifers. I had a hard time coming to a decision on them as they were all pretty even but I tried to make out a good case for my placings when giving my reasons orally and I discovered I won 9th place among about 20. I didn't get the placings on the Shorthorn's right either, That night we got a free ticket to Mumby's dining hall and I had tea with Prof. Graham & Marcellus. After tea most of us went over to the Grand Stand performance but some of them thought it was going to be too wet for it as it drizzled all evening. We got a free ticket to it and had seats reserved for us. It was pretty good but nothing extra. It rained hard that night and Frank and I didn't get out very early to the Exhibition and Frank's class of grain and roots was partly over, however he entered and won 6th place amongst about thirty five. Our Fruit and Vegetable judging contest came off next and I got 6th prize in it. Leo Challand got 4th. After it was over we found all the Norfolk bunch which consisted of Challand, Butler, two Stitts and Corby besides us five. Rolson was also down judging hogs but he disappeared the first day and none of us saw him again. We all had lunch together and happend into the same tent that Neff was dining in. We prowled around the grounds all the after noon and had a lot of fun with Corby who stopped and interviewed anyone who would talk to him. One was a fellow demonstrating wooden arms and hands and another was showing off saftey razors. I went over to the Model Comp and saw Hazen for a few minutes and also saw a couple of boxing bouts between Canadian & Yankee soldiers. There was a whole battalion of Yankees down there. We went back to Vernon's for tea - or at least dinner and at night. Frank went to a Charlie Chaplin show and I went down town and drifted into Britnels book store where I spent the whole evening. Friday morning we went down town and did some shopping and then went over to the Millman's office and Orm took us up to the top of the Royal Bank building to see the city and then over to the Dominion bank to see the 40 ton door of the vaults and Jessie Kirtland and Paddy O'Flynn. We had lunch at Roy’s but had to leave right after it to catch our 2.15 boat for Hamilton. The other three were waiting for us and we all came home to-gether getting in last night on the nine o'clock car. Dick and Dad. hauled manure and thrashed most of the time we were away. They thrashed Jack Martin out and a little for Mr Flemming. They had a very bad wind and rain storm here and everything is pretty wet. Dick took a holiday to-day. Dad. and I spent most of the morning digging potatoes and this after noon we cleaned up the old barn to be ready for the thrashers. Frank did odd jobs. Fine day. Sunday September 8th 95 �I left my razor down at Auntys in the suitcase the other night so had to go down there to shave this morning. I took Tid down with me intending to send him to Sunday school with Aunty but they had gone so we just went to church. Dad. and Enah drove down to church. I stayed down at Aunty's for lunch but went home right after, got Queen and took Marj. for a drive up around by Vittoria. I didn't get down to church to-night but Dad. and I walked down after. He went down to Aunty's and Marj. and I spent the evening up at Miss Martin's Dick was going to Simcoe yesterday to spend Sunday with Dess at Grandpa Mead's and no one has seen him all day. It has been a very nice day. Monday September 9th Dad. and I hauled out manure all day and got out 13 loads. Frank rode up to Mat. Wilson's this morning to see when Sam could come here to thrash and he said not before Thursday. He told Dad. he would be here about Tuesday but took on some new job up there. Frank picked tomatoes and weeded strawberries the rest of the day. Dick spent most of the morning in bed and went to Simcoe this afternoon to have his picture taken. Cecil McPherson was over after school to-night picking plums for Enah. Cool. Tuesday September 10th Dick and Dad. finished covering the field with manure by to-night. Frank and I spent most of the day gathering up the windfalls in the orchard as we want to turn the sheep in there. It was quite a job but we got them all. Tupper was over this morning to get me to do his chores for him while he goes to the London Fair, so I went over to-night to see what to do. Aunty, Aunty Alice and Cousin Clair were over to tea to-night. Miss Kerney & Mrs. Hallam came over to-day and bought some plums from Enah. Cold wind. Wednesday September 11th We seperated the rams from the ewes this morning and put the rams in the orchard and the ewes back in their old pasture in front of the barn. Dad. got started to plow this morning on the oat stubble just north of the orchard. I think the five acres of spring plowing is all we will try to put in. Frank fixed up the fence around the orchard and I barricaded the two little plum trees I set out this spring so that the rams couldn't eat them off again, they have been nibbled down a couple of times but are still alive. Dick picked some plums to take down to Mrs. Dyer. This after noon Dick, Enah and I drove down town in the waggon and got some provisions for the thrashers whom we expect to-morrow. We took some plums down to the Canning Factory and I got the plow which we left at Hallam's to have the shear sharpened. 96 �We picked Melissa Tupper and Hazel Ward up and gave them a ride home. Melissa didn't go to the fair with the rest on account of some school work so she got Hazel Ward to go home with her and Mrs. Art Walker stayed with them all right. I hooked Joe to the buggy and drove them on over to Tupper's place and I did up the chores. To-night Marj. & I went to the picture show and saw Jack Pickford in "Huck & Tom". It has been cloudy all day and rained hard this after noon & evening. Thursday September 12th I drove over to Tupper's as soon as I got up this morning but it was a little late then, but as the walking was so bad I drove the girls down to school. They were late waiting for me to get through with the chores. I didn't get through with my breakfast till after ten o'clock and then went down to Flemmings & Jack Martin's to tell them we expected the thrashers. When I got back I spent the rest of the morning cleaning up my harness as it got pretty muddy. Dick and Frank spent most of the morning fixing up the granary. They put a partition in the middle bin and boarded up the tops so that the bins can be filled up to the ceiling. Dad. also battened up the cracks in the little boxstall in the horse stable so that we can use in for a granary too. It rained nearly all day so we couldn't do much outside Aunty Alice came over to help Enah if the thrashers came and Dess came over too, she and Dick went down to the show to-night. I went over to Tupper's soon after five and did up the chores in the rain. No one had been there all day and Melissa didn't come home so the milk utensils didn't get a very good washing. When I got home I found they had got the machine here and Alan, Sam & Ray were just leaving, they had a hard time moving. Friday September 13th I got over to Tupper's this morning before daylight and got the chores all done and home before they started to thrash. It rained a little and I suppose delayed them a little but it hasn't been raining at all to-day but has been cloudy, windy and cold. We thrashed pretty steadily all day and got everything thrashed but one stack. The oats turned out well about fifty bushels to the acre, and the mixed grain did well too We just had 117 bushels of clear wheat. The stack really thrashed better than the stuff in the barn as it was a little tough but the stack was perfectly dry so all Dad's worrying over the rain was no use. We have to-night 65 bushels over the 1000 mark and the other stack to thrash yet so this will be away the best turn out we have ever had. Tupper didn't get home to-day so I had to go over again to-night to do chores I was late getting over but Melissa was home and had the cows up and partly milked. She went over to Donald's to get Ina to stay with her to-night. 97 �Saturday September 14th I was over at Tupper's again this morning before daylight and found the lantern still burning on the table where I had left it last night thinking that Melissa and Ina would be right back but Melissa stayed over at Donald's all night. Tupper didn't get home to-day so I went over to-night and was surprised and a little worried to find that Melissa had not emptied the cream nor washed the seperator and aparantly had not been near the house all day so when I got the chores done I went over to Bill Donald's to see if she got there alright last night. They were all just coming out of the lane heading for town and Melissa was with them so I had my mind made easy and got a ride home. We finished thrashing the other stack this morning and it turned out just as well as the rest and made the total number of bushels up to 1240. The granary bins are all full as well as the little boxstall in the horse stable. When they got through here they moved down to Alfred's and Dick Frank and I went down with them. We thrashed there till about four o'clock and got finished at Alfred's. He had 408 bushels of oats and 14 of wheat and is as tickled as he can be. The wheat was nearly pure bluegrass. I was in the straw all the time as no-one else would go into it so felt pretty dirty to-night. When we got home Dad. had gone down town to see the dam and hear what Hon. Mr. Cavell had to say about the harbor. He says they will start work next week repairing the pier. I went down to-night and got my hair cut but there wasn't much going on. Charlie Quanbury treated me to ice cream. Fair. Sunday September 15th None of us went down to church this morning as we were late having breakfast. I didn't get back from Tupper's till about ten o'clock. This after noon Dick and I went down town and I went to Miss McQueen's with Marj. I came home thinking I would have to go over to Tupper's again to-night but was rejoiced to find him here to tell me he had got home. He said everything was in good shape and gave me two dollars for my trouble. I had my tea and went back down town thinking I would be in time for church. I went but just got in before the sermon and I discovered that they had changed the time back from half past seven to seven. I went over and spent the evening with Marj. She has changed her boarding house over to the Monteith's. It has been cloudy, and cold rained to-night. Monday September 16th Dick and Frank went over to Quanbury's (Art's) to thrash this morning and were over there till nearly noon but didn't get their dinner out of it. Dad. and I bagged up 12 bags of oats for 98 �Tupper and tied up all the bags that were in the barn. This after noon Dick and I took Tupper's oats back to him but the 12 bags fell a bushel short of what we borrowed by weight. We got 12 or 13 bassword poles over there to put over the mow in the old barn. When we got back we took all the filled bags that were in the barn over and dumped them in the little boxstall in the horse stable and took Art Quanbury's oats back which we borrowed at seeding time and took Ivey's bags back to them so most of the after noon was spent in returning borrowed goods. Frank and Dad. did odd jobs as it was raining and cloudy all day rain to-night. Tuesday September 17th Frank and I took Frank's ducks down to the station this morning and he shipped them to Silverwood's in London. Dad. did some odd jobs around and I helped him clean out the calf pen when I got back. This afternoon Dad. plowed on the wheat ground and Dick Frank and I went back to pull plantain in the clover seed but as there wasn't very much we went on over to John Wes’'s McBride's and visited with Cam. most of the after noon. To-night Dad. and Enah drove out to the Shand's to see the Virginia Nixon's Frank and I stenciled Dad's name on some bags. Dick went down town and just after Frank and I went to bed he came in and spanked us awake with his whip and informed us that a telegram had come for him from Col. Syer telling him he had a chance to go either to Siberia or Overseas with a tank battalion, he is tickled at the chance to go to Siberia. Sunny and fair but not hot to-day. Wednesday September 18th I went over to Lorne Myer's this morning to see what our potatoes looked like. The early ones are ready to dig but in the clay patch are too wet. I went on over to McBride's to see Tige but he wasn't home so I went in to see Ham. Thompson. He was going to try to get some wheat in and so was too busy to help with the potatoes so I thought we had better leave it for awhile. Dad. plowed this morning and Frank dug potatoes in our own garden. Dick went down town right after breakfast to wire Col. Syer that he would go to Siberia but didn't get any word back to-day He was down town all day and is staying down to-night. It rained a little at noon but soon cleared up and Dad. Enah and the baby drove down to see the Horticultural Show. Frank plowed all the after noon and I cut the lawn or at least part of it. It poured rain to-night but I went down town. I went up to the Flower Show but there was very little there so I went around and spent the evening with Marj. It cleared off but was cold and very windy when I came home. 99 �Thursday September 19th We were very late having breakfast this morning and it was nearly eleven o'clock before we got a grist bagged up and Frank and I got started for Lynn Valley to have it chopped. We had to take it up there as the flume down here at Charlie Ivey's just about collapsed the other day and is now in course of repair. Frank and I didn't get home till nearly three o'clock and found Dad. and Enah hadn't had dinner yet as they were waiting for us. After dinner we were sitting around the little coal oil stove reading as it was raining hard when Dick and Dess came over. Dick hadn't been home since yesterday morning. He had a telegram in his pocket from Col. Syer telling him to return to camp immediately as he was wanted for Siberia, so he set to work to pack his kit and intends to leave in the morning. We did up the chores early and Dad. drove him and Dess and his kit down town before dark and stayed down all night to take him to the station in the morning. It was sunny early this morning but was cold and wet all day. Friday September 20th Frank and I did chores this morning and Dad. didn't get home till after the nine o'clock car went out as after he saw Dick off safely he and Huby ran across Jock Paine who was telling them that he has just sold out his business for a quarter of a million and is now the richest man in Port Dover. He bought the first prize car at the Toronto Exhibition so he told them and said he was coming over here to get some mushrooms but he never came. We spent most of the day cleaning out the chicken houses and Dad. carried over the weed seeds and chaff off the barn floor and put in the sheds for them to scratch in. William Ryerse was in after dinner to invite us three boys out to a dance at his place to-night. He didn't know Dick had gone. Frank and I went out and had a pretty fair time although there was a little too big a crowd. The barn was full of horses and the house fuller still of folks. Wilbur spent the whole evening going around in his old clothes with a lantern like a night-watchman putting horses away and getting them out and occasionally taking a walk though the house to see how things were progressing. Dave and Mr. McNeilly furnished the music but as we had to dance in two small rooms each side of a hall full of people, the one room didn't get a very full share. It has been sunny and quite warm to-day Saturday September 21st Dad. and Frank cleaned up the wheat to-day and got somewhere around twenty-five bushels of clean seed, part of which we will sow, if it ever clears up. There was quite a lot of 100 �shrunken stuff in it. This morning I went over to Ben's and dug up a few peony roots to send to Dorrie Clarke and took them down to Marj. She packed them and I took them down and expressed them but had to wait for about an hour at the station to get them looked after so I was late getting home for dinner. Alfred Ryerse came up after dinner to pay us for helping him thrash but we wouldn't take it of course. We finished cleaning up wheat this after noon and I carried over some straw to the chicken houses. To-night I shut them all up but the young ones are so wild I couldn't do much with them. Frank went down town tonight and says that Ray & Vernon & the kids came up to Aunty's last night. Fine day but cold wind. Sunday September 22nd None of us went down to Sunday school this morning but all hands went to church. Enah drove Ray, Rebecca and Tim home and Dad. walked. Frank rode his wheel and I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner. This afternoon Marj. and I went over to see Glad. Law who came home last night. I went to church to-night with Aunty Alice and then Marj. Glad. and I went up to Miss Martin's. I didn't go home to tea and Frank and I stayed down all night as we want to go to Brantford in the morning to see Archie McEwen about another ram Enah was down at Aunty's to tea and played the organ to-night and Dad. drove down after her to-night. It has been fair but quite cool. Monday September 23rd Frank and I got off on the seven o'clock car this morning and went to Simcoe. We went to see Johnson about the apples and he said he would be down about the end of the week to have a look at them. I also gave Cruikshank $20.00 more for my insurance and then we got the nine o'clock car for Archie's place. Roy was on it so we went up with him. We had dinner at McEwen's and made a deal with him for another ram, one we like the looks of much better than the old McPherson ram and which has a far better fleece and skin. He is going to take the old ram back and let us have this one for ten dollars more. We came home on the three o'clock car but didn't do anything but chores after we got home. They lifted the bridge down at the dam this after noon. Dad. didn't do any plowing to-day. Fine day and warmer. Tuesday September 24th I spent most of the morning clearing up rubbish and putting away chicken coops and crates and Frank cleaned up the pen in the big barn to put our ram in as he has been used to being in. Dad. plowed all morning. This after noon we loaded up old McPherson and took 101 �him down to meet the after noon Express. Archie had sent the new ram down on it so we just took him out of the crate and put McPherson in and sent him back on the same car. Dad. thinks the new ram is a great improvement on the other. We stopped in for awhile at Aunty's on our way home and Dad. wanted to stay there and play with Roy's baby. It was time to do chores when we got home as Enah wanted us to get through early for Miss Phipps had been over to invite Dad. Enah and me over there for the evening. Mr. Barker, Mrs. D. Cook and Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Battersby were there. Dad. had a letter from Dick to-day saying he would leave Petewawa this week for the coast and Joe Syer told him that they were to leave Vancouver for Siberia not later than the 10th of October so that there will be no chance of his getting home again. He has been attached to the Veterinary Corps. There hasn't been much war news from the Western Front the last few days, as the doings in Palestine seem to be the centre of interest. General Allenby has just about freed that country from the Turks so they say and has entirely wiped out two Turkish armies. Cool & fine. Wednesday September 25th It rained again this morning but soon cleared off and was a very nice day. Dad. plowed most of the day but was late getting out because we let the ewes out in the corner field and put the ram lambs in the pasture in front of the barn. Frank and I spent most of the day building a hurdle fence across from the end of the horse stable to the big barn to make a paddock for the ram. Winnie was over to tea to-night and after tea Frank, Enah, Win and I went down town. Winnie & Enah went to choir practice but we met them all coming away from the church. I spent the evening over at the Monteiths. Frank went to the picture show and we all met at Aunty's and came home. Thursday September 26th Dad. has plowed all day to-day and is nearly finished. He didn't get out very early this morning as he helped us catch a couple of the best ewes to turn in with the new ram to try him out. Frank and I dug potatoes in the garden till dinnertime. This after noon I disked with Queen and Joe till about half past four and then gathered up the potatoes and onions that were dug as we fully expected a frost to-night. It has been very cold all day due to a wind from the north. I had my overcoat and gloves on this after noon and then nearly perished. Frank went down to Walk. Well's sale this afternoon. Tom told us this morning that some of our humorists had put on the sale bills that Sat. Robinson was to be Clerk. Where the joke of that come in is that Walk had Sat up in court a couple of weeks ago and had him fined 102 �ten dollars for endeavoring to aleinate the affections of his hired girl, or something of that nature. Friday September 27th Dad. finished plowing this morning and I have been disking most of the day. This morning I drove down town and got Vernon and the two kids and brought them over for dinner. Aunty and Aunty Alice walked over. This after noon about five o'clock I drove them home again. Frank and Aunty Alice picked beans over in the garden and Dad. dug potatoes. Our checks for prize money at the Toronto Exhibition came to-day. I got $22.00 and Frank $11.00. It has been nice to-day and much milder. Saturday September 28th I disked and Frank harrowed with the little team on the wheat ground. I didn't finish disking till about three o'clock and then Dad. started to drill and Frank harrowed after him. They worked till dark but got the field finished. I came up and cut part of the lawn it had got very long so after I cut it first I raked it and cut it again but that was just a small patch in the center. Enah went down town this afternoon to practice with Zeitha who is going to sing in church to-morrow. She told Dad. she thought she would be home to tea but didn't get home till about ten. Dad. got a little anxious about her so I went down to Aunty's to look for her, but they said she got a ride home with Jack Martin. I just missed them. Cloudy but milder. Sunday September 29th We all walked down to church this morning and I stayed down at Aunty's to dinner. The rest came in to Aunty's after church and there was great excitement when the car came in as several of us happened to look out and saw Dick's face in the window. We hadn't the faintest idea that he would be home as he was supposed to leave Petawawa for Vancouver to-morrow, but we all rushed out the back gate and met him at Reeve's corner and he informed us that they weren't to leave for the coast till Wednesday and that they had given him a three day pass so he hadn't asked any more questions but beat it. He stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and then he and Dess went over to the farm and stayed to tea. I spent the afternoon with Marj. and Glad Law and then Marj. and I came over here to tea. Tid stayed down at Aunty's to dinner and went with them up to Huby's for tea and to-night Dad. went after him. We didn't leave till he got back, and Dick spent most of the evening sleeping. He said he hadn't had a decent sleep since he left home. 103 �Monday September 30th Dad. drove down right after breakfast this morning to be with Dick who stayed down town all night and also to get Joe shod. Frank got the mower in shape to start cutting clover seed and I raked up some more of the lawn and cleaned out the calf pen. We had an early dinner and then Frank Enah Tid and I walked down to see Dick off on the one o'clock car. After he left Frank and I went up town and got our checks for prize money and then came home. We let the sheep out and Frank went back about four o'clock to start on the clover seed. I did a few chores, read the paper and raked up some more lawn. Dad. Enah and Tid didn't get home till six. Huby came over this after noon with his dog and shotgun to look for some ducks and snipe. There were four ducks out in the waterhole north of the old garden. He stayed to tea. The war news is about the best yet to-day. The whole Western Front is on the move and the Germans seem to be going back all the way from the Belgian Coast to the Swiss border. Positions along the Hindenburg line that were thought to be impregnable have been smashed and the Canadians are in the outskirts of Cambrai and the Belgians under King Albert's personal leadership, French and Americans are all just hooking it up. Cloudy & cold raw wind. Tuesday October 1st Frank cut clover seed all day to-day with the little team but didn't finish the field. I dug potatoes this morning and this after noon went back with Frank to carry a mower knife back and then threw the sods out of some of the ditches in the wheat. Dad. and I also let the ram out with the flock this after noon. Dad. ran out the furrows and ditches in the wheat field to-day. I had a letter to-day from Douglas to tell me he had found a couple of rams that would suit us so I wrote him to-night to tell him we had one. To-day's news says that Bulgaria has completely surrendered to the Allies. Wednesday October 2nd It rained a little during the night so it was too wet to cut clover seed and Frank and I both went over to Lorne Myer's to dig potatoes. Neff was down and Corby, Tige, Tick Nunn, Charlie Stitt and Willie Nixon and Ham Thompson were over there. We got all the Cobblers on the sand patch dug and put them in Henry Misener's barn. We got about two bags off the plot that was grown from Old Ontario seed and over four bags off each of the other two plots that were 104 �{There are two pages missing (ie one PDF) here. Toby numbers his pages in the upper right or left corners, so they would be #234-235 in the original diary. The dates are end of Oct.2 -October 4, inclusive.} Saturday October 5th Frank went back to Art's to thrash this morning and they finished early, before noon. Dad. and I cleaned out ditches in the wheat field and I dug a few potatoes in the cornfield this morning. There are some good potatoes out there as far as size and cleanness but the wire worms are bad in them. This after noon we went back to get a load of clover seed but there was such a wind I couldn't load it and when we got a little more than the rack full it began to rain so that we had to quit. It didn't rain much but drizzled. When we came up Dad. went to clean some more ditches and Frank dug some more potatoes. I picked what few Duchess apples there were left and then washed the buggy. Huby was over with his dog and gun this after noon and he and the baby trailed all over the farm. Huby wanted to give Gyp a lesson in retrieving so shot a blackbird out in the cornfield and let her find it but she nabbed it and hiked for the barn with it and he supposes ate it but he couldn't get near her. He stayed to tea. Huby stayed to tea and rode down town with Neff who came to see if we had got any more potatoes dug. Sunday October 6th Enah and I drove down to church alone this morning. Cousin Willie took the service and Zeitha sang a solo which was very pretty. This afternoon. Marj. Glad Law and I went for a drive up towards Vittoria and got some chestnuts, they seem to be thick but not quite ripe. It began to rain before we got home and has been drizzling and raining all evening. After tea Dad. & I went down town. Dad. went down to see Roy at Aunty's and Marj. and I went over to see Glad Law who is going away in the morning. We got very muddy and wet coming home and found Frank sitting up waiting for us to tell us that Enah was sick. She had a bad attack of cramps and had gone to bed, Frank having packed her in hot irons. Monday October 7th Enah was sick most of the night and has been in bed all day but felt a little better to-night. This morning Frank and I took Clementine and Marj. out to Renton as Demming ships from there. I led them both and Frank drove. We didn't have much trouble, we were late getting started as Edmond England was in before breakfast and bought a ram lamb from us for $40.00. This afternoon, we went over to the patch to dig potatoes. Lloyd Crysler, Charlie 105 �Stitt. Charlie Shand, Tige and Bill Sidway were there and we got the Green Mountains on the sand patch dug. Lorne Myer's was up getting cider at Walker Waddle's and as we all had what we could drink we forgave him for not helping us. He did come out anyway with his team and waggon and took the down potatoes down to the mill where we weighed them. For some unknown reason the ones grown from Old Ontario seed yeilded better than the other two plots which was opposite result to what we expected and to what it has been in other experiments. We were very surprised to-night to see Enah's brother and his family they came down in their car from Courtright to-day, they didn't stay here long but are coming to morrow. Nice afternoon. Tuesday October 8th Frank and I went to the Simcoe Fair to-day but we didn't get ready in time to catch the nine o'clock car so went up on the eleven. I went up town first and deposited my two checks from Edmond England and Demming so now have quite a bank account but it won't last long. As soon as I got to Simcoe I paid out about $20.00 to Cruikshank for insurance but have it all paid up. Frank and I had dinner at Walt. McCall's and then went out to the Fair Grounds. We tried to find Neff to give him a sample of our potatoes but couldn't find him for some time. I did locate him though later. He couldn't figure out how the Ontario plot beat the rest unless we could have by any chance got the labels mixed or the ground a little better. I lost Frank soon after we got there and didn't find him again. I spent most of the after noon watching the races with Bill Sidway and stayed there too long to catch the five car so Bill said I could ride home with him and Clark Horn as they were alone and had Clark's car. I did and had tea at the Sidway’s and then came on down town with Clark and his wife. I went down to Aunty's to tell them that I was home and then went up and got my hair cut. I stayed there all night so that I could catch the car for Hamilton to-morrow. Fine day. Wednesday October 9th I left for Hamilton this morning on the 7.30 train and got there about 10.30 there were four other fellows on on the train bent on the same errand as I was so we started off to-gether from the station but just stepped out the door when a plain clothes man held us up for our military papers and registration certificates, but we all had them so he told us how to get to the Armouries. That was the first time I was ever asked to show my papers. We all had to answer a list of questions before we went before the examining board and then we all went upstairs where the doctors were. There were several misfits around the room but most of 106 �the boys looked to be in pretty fair shape. They had me take my shoes and socks off and they looked at my knee for awhile and then told me to go and wait for awhile so I went back to the stove which had a railing around it just the right temperature to be comfortable for my feet and one of the other boys (Abbott from Courtland) and sat there with our bare feet up on the stove watching the other fellows getting put through their paces. There was one old fat fellow who was lame and they took a long time to pass on him. They had him stripped to the waist and made him lie out flat on the table which seemed to give him considerable trouble then they made him prance up and down the room and alternated these exercises all the time I was there. The last I saw of him he was reclining on the table with his abdomen heaved high in the air and the doctors had aparently forgotten him. Another one they had a lot of fun with was one of the Norfolk boys who came down with me. He had a shrunken muscle in his leg or some thing which appeared to me to become very much worse when we reached the Armouries than it had been before. However I might be mistaken about that. They had him hop down the room on his well leg and then try to hop back on his bad one. He didn't hop very gracefully on his well leg but the faces he made when he tried to hop on the other were pitiful to behold. He vowed he couldn't do it but the doctors urged him to make a stab at it so he did manage to get to the other end of the room. I don't know what happened to him eventually. They called me back in a few minutes and felt and pinced my knee till they hurt it and it has been lame all day. They at last decided that I wasn't bad enough for an E man, which is the same opinion I have always had, so put me up to B2 and gave me a certificate saying that my papers were taken from me and that I would hear from them in about two weeks. That finished my examination so I left feeling a much better man that I did last year. I went up to the Herrings where I intended to hit them up for a day's keep and a night's lodging as I was very much to anxious to go to the theatre to-night to see John E. Kellerd in "Julius Ceaser." I considered myself very lucky to get the chance to see the play as I have always wanted to see it more than any other Shakesperian play and have never had a chance before. When I got to the Herring's I found Cousin Clair had gone to Brantford for the day but Mr. Herring was home and he treated me right royally. I told him I wanted to go to the play to-night so he asked me if a matinee would be too much and treated me to it which was "The Bells" by the same company. He then took me all around the city and to the Library and Armouries where he showed me through the Officer's quarters. To-night he and I went to see Julius Caeser at which I stood treat and I certainly enjoyed it immensely. When we got home we found Cousin Clair had not yet returned so we waited up for her. She came in on the twelve o'clock car. I asked her what she thought of me landing in on them without warning. "Well" she said "Why shouldn't you, what have you got relations for," in a tone of voice that made 107 �me feel very much at home. We didn't wait up long after she got home and I went to bed feeling very much beholden to the Military Authorities for giving me the opportunity of having such a good time and more than paying my expenses. Thursday October 10th Cousin Clair gave me my breakfast this morning and I got off in plenty of time to catch the Dover train which left at 9.20. This being Caledonia Fair day there was a big crowd on and we didn't get into Dover till nearly twelve. I had dinner at Aunty's and then went up to get their mail for them. Everyone I saw seemed very interested to know how I made out in Hamilton. Aunty and Rebecca came over to the farm with me. I didn't get home very early but Dad Frank and I went back and got a load of clover seed. Dess came over to tea and tonight we managed to persuade Dad. to go down and stay at Aunty's so that he could go to the Caledonia Fair to-morrow. I also went down to see Marj. Lovely day. Friday October 11th Frank and I got the chores done up nearly as early as usual this morning but as we thought it was too wet to haul clover seed this morning on account of the dew we started in to cut corn and got about fifteen shocks cut before dinner. We went back right after dinner and put on a pretty good load of clover seed and then Frank raked up the rest of one side and I bunched up till he got through and then we came up with our load. To-night Frank went down to get Dad. but as his train was late they didn't get home till quite late. Dad. had a pretty good time at the Fair I guess as it was a lovely day. Roy came up to-night too. Saturday October 12th It rained a little during the night so was too wet to do anything at the clover seed this morning. I started to make a crate to ship Mr. Bent's ram lamb in but didn't finish it. Dad. and Frank cut up some wood and brought in the cabbages from the garden with the team and waggon. This after noon as it was a nice day and Marj. is going to be in Nanticoke over Thanksgiving day (Monday) she and I went after chestnuts. We went up north of Vittoria and only stopped at three trees but got a lot of nuts, they were thick on all the trees. We got requested to leave one tree by an angry farmer so we did, after we got all the nuts we could. It was a lovely afternoon and we got home before dark. Dad. and Frank hauled in the clover seed that was bunched up but the rest was a little too wet. Sunday October 13th 108 �Dad. Enah and Tid. drove down to church this morning and I walked down. Frank didn't go down as he wanted to go after chestnuts this after noon early. This after noon I drove Marj. down to the Doughty's at Nanticoke and left her there to spend Thanksgiving day. They invited me to stay to tea but I didn't and got home here in time to have tea and do chores. Roy and Vernon were here but they didn't stay long as they wanted to go to church tonight. Dad. and Enah were down there this afternoon. Frank went after chestnuts but didn't get any. I don't know why. He went up to Bowlby on the car and cut across south where there are lots of trees, and anywhere we were yesterday there were lots of nuts. I didn't go down town to-night. This morning there was a south wind and the air full of smoke which made everything look very queer. A north wind got up about noon and the air cleared but got colder. Monday October 14th (Thanksgiving Day) We finished hauling in the clover seed to-day. We went back this morning and Frank finished raking and Dad. and I bunched up and brought one load up before dinner and this after noon put it off and got the rest in one load and put it off. Enah and the baby went down to see Roy and Vernon off this after noon. Windy & cool. Tuesday October 15th Dad. started fall plowing to-day on the oat stubble in the back field. He also got a load of wood back there in the woods just old brokenl treetops and rubbish. Frank and I went up to Ham Thompson's and when we got back we started to pick the apples that were dropping the most and Frank picked up the windfalls and put them in the ice house for cider. I picked the King's and one tree of Canada Reds or whatever they are. Lila was over most of the day as the school has been closed on account of Spanish Influenza. I went down to-night intending to go to the picture show but Marj. thought it wouldn't be wise as the Flu. is spreading rapidly. There are all the way from 70 to 80 cases reported in town and to-day poor old Bob. Miller died of it and all the rest of his family are sick with it. They got word today that Geordie Spain has been killed in action. It has been a beautiful day. Froze. Wednesday October 16th Dad. has been plowing all day and got on fairly well. Frank and I finished building the crate to ship our ram to Omemee in this morning and I wrote to Mr. Bent and made out the applications for transfer while Frank went over to Quanbury's to set some saws. We also put the rams in the paddock and trimmed Mr. Bent's up a little and when Dad. came up at 109 �noon put the label in his ear. We picked apples this after noon and got the russets all picked. Huby was over shooting this after noon and stayed to tea. I drove him home tonight and then went for a little drive alone as it was a beautiful moonlight night and Queen enjoyed it too. Frank went for a ride somewhere on Joe. Frank and I were wokedd up this morning about three o'clock by the factory whistle and after we got up we heard the fire bells so hiked down town to find a small crowd around the planing mill where there had been a fire in the shavings. We were down there about an hour but they had it under control. The old Felix engine worked fine. We came home and went to bed again. Dad. got up after we left thinking he heard the six o'clock whistle and when he discovered his mistake he stayed up. Beautiful day. Thursday October 17th Frank and I dug potatoes all morning and I dug all the after noon out in the cornfield. We got two full rows and what was left of the one that Frank started on the other day. We would have got more done but Frank had to kill and pluck a couple of ducks. Dad. plowed all day and got on well. Cousins Clare and Phoebe were over for awhile this after noon. Frank went for a ride again to-night with Alex England and Colin Ryerse. Friday October 18th We were up soon after five this morning and Frank and I got down to the station with Mr. Bent's ram about ten minutes before the train went out. I went in and asked Stace Lampkins if I had better wait till the train pulled up or load him right away and he said to wait till it pulled up. We did but it pulled up and right out before we could get him on the car. They said they were late and couldn't wait a minute. It was very provoking but there was nothing to be done but leave him there till to-night so this after noon I went down early and saw that he got on the car, although the old pile of junk didn't pull out till a quarter of an hour later than it should. It is such occassions as this that make a fellow wish for a strong arm and a blasphemous tongue to curse the G.T.R. into a heap and lick all of its wooden headed and unaccomodating employee’s. Dad. plowed again all day and Frank and I dug potatoes all morning. Frank finished digging them in the cornfield this afternoon. Aunty and Aunty Alice were over to dinner to celebrate Frank's birthday. To-night I went down town and Marj. informed me that we were invited over to the Hobbes so we spent the evening over there. North east wind to-day and much colder. Saturday October 19th 110 �Dad. plowed all day and has about half the field plowed. Frank and I dug potatoes all day in the old garden but didn't get them all dug. They are much harder to dig out there than they were in the cornfield as they were weedier and "soddier". We only got two bags. Charlie Quanbury went through at noon to thrash at Art Walker's and told Dad. that the "Flu" is still spreading. Frank Awde is very sick with it and Toots Law is dead, only being sick 36 hours. One of the Alair boys is dead but he had pneumonia. They now say that Bob. Miller didn't have it but died of his old trouble. It has been clear and windy to-day but not so cold. Sunday October 20th It began to rain some time during the night and kept it up pretty well till about noon. I didn't get up till nearly nine o'clock and none of us went down to church. Frank stayed down all night so he went with Aunty but said there were hardly any there. There was no Sunday school and will no service to-night. The flu is still spreading and to day Charlie Alair died of it, just as they were taking out the body of his boy. I went down soon after dinner and spent the after noon with Marj. She went to the Bagley's for tea so I didn't see her to-night but I stayed to tea at Aunty's and all evening. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Ross came to town last night and are staying at Andrew Innes's for a week before they go to Toronto where Jim has been moved. Monday October 21st I went over to Tupper's right after breakfast this morning and paid him his note. I was over there most of the morning watching him break his big Clyde colt. He got on his back first but didn't stay there long. Dad. and Frank went down to Lew Brock's and got some more wood. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tid drove down in the buggy to see Jim Ross and Frank took the cider barrell down to have some hoops put on it. He also got a new suit. I sorted potatoes. Fresh day. Tuesday October 22nd Dad. plowed all day to-day. Frank and I picked apples this morning and got two trees of sweet ones picked. It froze hard last night so we didn't get out very early at it. This after noon we cut corn. It was a slow job too as up at the far end it was very short and full of ragweed. Mr. Smythe from Vittoria was in at noon yesterday to buy a ram but he thought $40.00 was pretty high and he wanted him recorded in the American book so we didn't make a deal yet. I got a card from Mr. Bent to-day saying that the ram arrived Saturday night so was slack but he seemed satisfied with him. Dad. had a letter from Dick from New 111 �Westminster and he says they are out of quarantine now but there are still a few cases of "Flu". Everyone here now seems to be on the mend. I went down town to-night. It has been a lovely day but cloudy to-night. Wednesday October 23rd Dad. plowed all day and Frank and I cut corn all day we got about 55 shocks cut. Dad. heard from Dick from the hospital saying he had the Flu but was doing well. His fever had been up to nearly 104° but was down to 101. Johnson's man was in at noon to look at the orchard. He thought there might be 20 bbls {barrels} of orchard. Enah went down town this after noon and told us to-night that Mrs. Frank Awde was dead and Frank himself very low with Influenza. Thursday October 24th Dad. has plowed all day. Frank and I picked apples this morning as we expected Pud. Smythe down to borrow some barley & oats as Mrs. Smythe asked Enah if they could get them yesterday. He came and got about ten bags and as he was going to have them chopped We got him to take a grist for us down to the mill too. I went down with him and didn't get back till about noon. This after noon Frank and I hooked up Joe and Queen to go after our chop but it wasn't done when we got there so we drove around the block instead of waiting. We met Ham Thompson when we were coming home. He had been over here to see if he could get us to help him fill silo to-morrow morning so we said we could. Tige McBride was in last night to see if we could did the rest of the potatoes to-morrow after noon as Neff could come down, so we said we would. Cloudy. Friday October 25th Dad. has plowed all day but Frank and I have been away from home all day. We went up to help Ham. fill his silo and were there all morning. We didn't finish at noon as the blower plugged up several times but after dinner Tige who was also helping and I went over to the plot to dig potatoes as Tige had sent out the summons again to the boys. Frank stayed to help Ham and Tige and I were the only ones at the plot till about five o'clock when Neff came then Frank a little later. Young Wilfred Myers helped us pick up all the afternoon and when Neff came he plowed out all the rest of the Cobbler’s on the clay patch. Tige and I had plowed out a row or two. I didn't get home till dark and Jack Martin had been here to get a couple of us to help fill his silo to-morrow. I had promised to go back to dig potatoes 112 �so Dad. said he would go although he could finish plowing to morrow. I went down town tonight. It has been cloudy and warm to-day. Saturday October 26th Dad. and Frank went over to Jack Martin's to help fill silo this morning and I took the team over to Lorne Myer's. Tige McBride and his father came over and Charlie Blake and Fred Rolson were there and a little later Neff came down with Leo Challand. Lorne Myers also helped us but no more of the boys came. Neff took our team and he and Rolson plowed all the potatoes out and we got the ones off the clay patch all picked up before dinner. This after noon I went back and Tige and Corby came and Lorne Myer’s pretty late. Rolson came with a lot of crates and picked up 20 bushels by measure for himself. Neff came down and helped us till after five. Tige Corby and I worked till dark and finished the job and Lorne Myer's hauled them up to his barn. When I got home Frank informed me that the silo filler had broken down so they had come home about four o'clock and Dad. Enah and the baby had gone down to Aunty's for tea as Jim & Mrs. Ross were there. I did the milking and Frank and I had tea then Frank went down town and I went down to stay at Frank Awdes as he is still pretty sick and his sister in law told me at noon that she would be very glad if someone would come so that she could get a little sleep as no-one but herself and Earl have been there since before Mrs. Awde died. Frank told Dad. I was there so he came in on his way home and stayed the rest of the night. It has been cloudy and mild all day. Sunday October 27th As there has been no church to-day none of us got around very early this morning. Dad. got home about half past five but went to bed for a little while. Aunty Alice came over after breakfast for a little while just to see how we were. Aunty had gone up to the Marr's to nurse Woodyer and his sister and Miss Gutcher who are all down with the Flu and she has been there all day. They changed the time back to the old system again to-day so everyone of the kickers ought to be happy. I went down town this after noon and went for a walk. I had tea with Aunty Alice alone as Aunty didn't get home till after we were through tea. I spent the evening with Marj. Dess was over here yesterday with a letter from Dick saying he was much better but in the hospital at Coquiltam. Beautiful warm day, rained a little. Monday October 28th 113 �Frank and I went down to Mr. Flemming's to thrash this morning but it began to rain before we got started and rained all morning. We hung around down there for an hour or so and then Tupper brought us home in the his car, we went down town with him first to get some gasoline. Frank spent most of the morning cleaning up root seed and I cleaned harness. This afternoon I went down town to get my tooth fixed as the filling came out of it yesterday. I got my hair cut and went down to Tip's to get a suit and a hat. I brought them back on approval. Young Earl Awde came over this after noon to ask someone to go down and stay all night to-night so Dad. went down. There is great consternation in town over the news which arrived this morning of Billy Faulkner's death. He died in England but no one knows what of but suppose it was the Flu. He just enlisted a little while ago. Tuesday October 29th Dad. finished plowing his field to-day but did not get a full day in as he was pretty tired after sitting up all night with Frank Awde. He didn't get home till daylight. Frank went down to Flemmings and they finished thrashing about four o'clock. I didn't go as Mr. Flemming said yesterday he didn't expect us both but Frank said they could have used me early in the day. I did chores and picked apples all day but didn't get in a very long day at the job. Fine day. Wednesday October 30th Frank and I picked apples all day and got all the Spy's picked and a lot of the Seek-noFurther’s or Vandeveers as Johnson’s man called them the other day. Dad. started to plow the side hill across the gully to-day. We want if we possibly can to get it seeded down with Alfalfa next year. It began to rain about four o'clock and drizzled all evening. I went down town to-night and intended to stay all night but when I got to Aunty's they told me that Neff had been down and wanted me to go to Guelph with him to-morrow. He had telephoned Tige before and wanted me to go but I told him I couldn't, but when he came down and went over to the farm Dad. said I could go so he came all the way down to Aunty's to tell me. As it had cleared off a little I went home for the night. Cloudy and rain. Thursday October 31st Tige McBride was down before breakfast this morning to tell me I couldn't go to Guelph as Neff had said last night that Tige was going to take Lloyd Ryerse and me in his car, but Tige said he was all alone as his father was off canvassing for Victory Loan subscriptions and Albert was picking apples for George Duncan but Lloyd said he thought the real cause was 114 �that his mother was afraid of him getting the Flu. He went on down to tell Lloyd and by the time they got back I was about ready to go so we drove up to McBride's and telephoned Neff. At first he said he could take us up with him but as Butler, Nixon & Mitchell were going too we thought it would be quite a load so we said we would go to Galt by Radial and he could pick us up there so we did. He got us all right at Galt and we got to Guelph in time for dinner. This after noon we went up to the College for the sale of surplus stock. I thought things went fairly cheaply although the stock was nothing extra. Mostly sows but a few sheep and cattle. There was one very nice young Shorthorn bull which went up around five hundred, and Carpenter & Ross bought a white heifer for over a thousand. We went back to the Royal Hotel for supper as soon as the sale was over, but Neff went out somewhere to tea I think to Neilson's. I went down to the Bard's to see how they all were but I found the old man and lady had gone out to the country and their married daughter that was there told me that Edna was drowned last summer while in bathing down by the old Victoria bridge. That was very sad news indeed and accounted for the old folks being away as they could bear to stay alone. To-night we didn't know what to do with ourselves as everything in the shape of entertainment was closed up. Butler and Mitchell were very anxious to pick up some "chickens" and I guess did chase up a couple but I went over to the Y.M.C.A. for awhile and then Nixon and I went back and I went to bed. Lloyd wandered around town for awhile and I was asleep when he came in. He and I had the same room. It has been cloudy raw & inclined to rain all day. Friday November 1st Neff left a call for us fellows last night and the old fellow came banging at our door this morning about seven o'clock, however, Lloyd and I were up, Lloyd having got up at intervals I think all night every time he heard a train go past. Neff doesn't eat any breakfast and was all ready for us when we got through ours and we were on the road soon after eight. Elliott. the District Rep recently from Lincoln County and Hampden from Welland were each there with a class of boys to fit for the Intie-County judging competition at the Guelph Winter Fair, for which Neff is going to pick a team of three from amongst us. Elliott was ahead of us with his car and he took Nixon with him as he didn't have as big a load, so that just left five in our car. We drove out ten or twelve miles north of Guelph and stopped first at John Lowe's an Aberdeen Angus breeder and had two or three classes to judge. Elliott gave us a little instruction and when Hampden came a little later he had a Mr. Franklin from "The Farmer's Advocate" staff and he gave us some pointers. From there we travelled north again through the little villages of Elora and Salem to J.A. Watt's place and saw his famous 115 �Shorthorns or at least a few of them including a couple of yearling heifers which he is fitting for the Chicago International and the old Gainford Marquis the herd Leader. The boys from Lincoln county had never seen much purebred stock as they haven't any down there and when we left Lowe's place they were all Angus enthusiasts but when they saw the Shorthorns and got their hands on them, their breath was fairly taken away and judging from their muttered exclamations they were all Shorthorn men when we left Watt's. We went from there back to Elora for dinner and had to wait for awhile as they hadn't had much notice at the little hotel and didn't have dinner ready for sixteen. We were all hungry as bears it being a cold morning and the driving in the wind seemed to whet our appetites. After dinner we started back towards Guelph but turned east at the little country store and hotel labeld Marden and went out to J. J. Elliots place, where we saw some more beautiful Shorthorns. Elliot himself wasn't home but his Scotch herdsman Alex showed us some of the fancy stock. He too was fitting for the International and had two two-year old heifers in excellent shape. Franklin from "The Farmer's Advocate" seemed well acquainted with all these fellows. He accosted "Alex" who was curling the two year old heifers by asking him what kind of cattle they were and telling him that the boys wanted to get a little practice in judging and so came out here although they knew they weren't very good samples of Shorthorns. One of the poor fellows from Lincoln Co. got himself into hot water by putting Herefords down on his judging card instead of Shorthorns. They threatened to put salt in his tea or sugar on his meat. We went back to Guelph from Elliots and paid our hotel bills and then went out to the College for awhile and had a look around. Prof. Wade Tovle gave us a little class on judging sheep but it was too late to get much there. We left the College about twenty minutes to six and started right for home having picked up Nixon there. We sailed right through, six of us in Neff's Ford, so we didn't bounce around much although we often came down pretty hard on the hind axle. We stopped for half an hour in Brantford and had our supper a good one at a Chink restaurant and came on down to Simcoe. We stopped for a few minutes in Waterford for Nixon to telephone his father to meet him in Simcoe and we got in Simcoe at twenty minutes to ten. Lloyd and I went down and waited at the station for the eleven o'clock car but Mitchell, Butler and Nixon started to walk for home as Nixon was afraid his father would miss him so thought he would meet him on the road. I got home about half past eleven. Saturday November 2nd Dad. has plowed all day and is getting on well with the side hill field. Frank and I cut corn today but didn't quite finish the north end of the field. Frank had cut a little while I was away. 116 �Winnie and Dess were over here to tea to-night and Frank and I went down town with them. I went up to Tip's and got my new suit and then came home. Fine but raw. Sunday November 3rd Several new cases of flu. broke out during the week so there was no church again to-day. We put the ram in with the sheep this morning and Huby came over with Chum. to have Dad take a lot of big warts out of his mouth. I went down town this after noon and Marj. and I walked around the hill with Mr. Smith and Bill and stopped at the dam for awhile to watch the crane work. We then went up to Miss McQueen's for a little while and went down to Aunty's for tea. Mrs. Skey was there but didn't stay very late. Very mild all day but rainy tonight. Monday November 4th Dad. plowed all day and Frank and I picked apples this morning. This after noon Jack Martin came over to tell us he wanted one of us to help him fill silo so Frank went over. I cleaned out the calf pen and got the cow stable ready to have the cows in to-night. I picked a few more apples but not many. The news to-day says that Austria has surrendered completely to the terms of the Allied armistice and Austrian troops on all fronts will lay down their arms to-day. Cloudy and cold wind all day. Tuesday November 5th Frank and I cut corn this morning and finished cutting all the corn north of the mangels and cut one row from the lane to Ivey's fence. Dad. plowed all day and he said at noon he thought we had better get the cider apples loaded ready to take up to Walker Waddle's so Frank filled the waggon box up this after noon from the pile we had picked up off the ground and put in the ice-house, some of them had gone bad so we had to get a few more out of the orchard. I fixed up the cow stable and picked a few more apples. Bruce Smith and Gov. Hammond were in this after noon canvassing for the Victory Loan but we couldn't help them out nay. Bruce said Norfolk's objective was one million dollars but that so far they had only raised three hundred thousand. Tom & Mrs. Chapman were in and bought three of my cockrels for $1.50 apiece, including the one that came here in the summer. Zeitha was over also to get her riding habit which she left her a week or so ago hoping to have a ride but she is going away on Saturday. Enah was down town as this was Aunty Alice's birthday. I went down to-night. It has been a fine day. 117 �Wednesday November 6th Frank and I got started right after breakfast this morning for Walker Waddle's but there were two loads of apples in ahead of us, however it didn't take long and we got 65 gallons of cider made. We took Huby one 10 gallon jug and Aunty 15 gallons and we brought the 40 gallon barrell home. We got home a little after one. Dad. didn't plow this morning as we had the team and this after noon it was such a lovely day he thought we had better get up the mangels so we went out and got part of the ones out of the old garden but didn't get them all, we had about a waggon load. Aunty and Aunty Alice came over to tea. It froze very hard last night but lovely day. Thursday November 7th Frank and I went up to Mat. Wilson's this morning first thing and got 10 apple barrells as we found out yesterday we could get them there. We saw Ham. and he said he would be down one day this week to help us pack. We saw one of Johnson's men yesterday on the road and he told us that their cars were odered for Dover and that they would probably be shipping next week. We took Joe and Queen and I could hardly hold them. When we got back we helped Dad. unload the mangels into the cellar and went out and got what was left in the old garden as well as the carrots and beets. We unloaded them right after dinner and Frank and Dad. went back to the cornfield to get what good ones there were out there, they were out all the after noon but didn't get them all. We have all been in quite a state of excitement this after noon and to-night. It began by an airplane flying over the town at noon. We were having dinner and heard what we thought was a car stuck some place near. Frank went out and saw the airplane and called us all out to see it. Soon after we got started to unload our mangels we heard first one then another whistle begin to blow in the direction of Simcoe. They kept it up so long that we were sure some great news had come. Then Jim. came with the mail and we saw by the paper that a German delegation had come across to the French lines under a white flag to meet Foch and hear the armistice terms. Soon after this the Dover whistles began to blow and the fire bell to ring so we knew that word must have come that the armistice had been signed. When we got the load off I went over to Jack Martin's and down to Sovereign to find out more particulars but all I could find out was that the German delegation had signed the armistice. We don't know just what the terms are but we know that if the Germans agree to them peace will inevitably follow as one of the stipulations is that Germany withdraw her troops 25 miles east of the Rhine and give the Allies control of all the Rhine forts while the peace terms are being "dictated to her" and not "discussed with her". The news made us all feel pretty much like going down town 118 �but I came home and picked a few more apples and Frank and I went down town to-night. The whole town was out and was feeling good, it hasn't been so lively since the war started. All the kids had tin cans and horns and they certainly kicked up a merry row and. We cleaned up all the rubbish from back of the stores and built a fair bon-fire on Main St. in front of the flag pole and some of the boys got a barrell full of tarred pound nets and set fire to it. Then of course they had to have a few speeches from the bandstand. Jack Martin made one then Mr. Robertson prayed then the bunch sang then Cousin Willie got humorous, then the kids banged their tin cans then we all gave three cheers, sang God Save the King, then there were more speeches and more singing and more cheers and more noise and everybody just felt good. Every now and then some kid would start ringing the fire bell or Harry Moon would fire off his shotgun and all the time cars were tearing up and down street honking and cutting up as many didos as a car is capable of. When the nine o'clock car came in with the papers it was found that the rumour was denied and that the Germans had not yet conferred with Foch but that didn't make any difference for everyone feels that if the fighting isn't over yet it soon will be, and we can have another celebration when the real thing comes. While most of the citizens were indulging in such jollification there were some sad hearts. I didn't know it till late in the evening but the body of Ina Nunn was brought here for burial to-day, she having died of the Flu. in Hamilton and Charlie Long who has been at the point of death for the last two days cashed in about midnight he also being a victim of Flu. Friday November 8th Dad. and Frank finished taking up the mangels this morning and got them all in the cellar. I picked up apples all morning and got all but one tree of the Vandeveers or whatever they are picked. Before we got through dinner Ham Thompson came down to help us pack apples. He said Johnson was in at his place this morning and told him that they had three cars down there and wanted to get them loaded by tomorrow noon Dad. helped us sort and we got four barrells put up this after noon 3 of Spys and one Sweets. We couldn't get a barrell of No 1. Spys so had to put them up Domestic. Lila was over this after noon and told us that George Murphy was dead - Flu -. She stayed to tea and as it was a nasty night all night I went down town and told them up at Huby's that Lila was going to stay down at the farm. It has been cloudy all day and rained a little to-night. Saturday November 9th 119 �Ham came back this morning and helped us pack the other six barrells of apples. We got two more of sweets and four of Pheonix, that is the latest name for the red apples which we use to call Seek-no-furthers and which Johnson's man said were Vandeveers but Johnson said to-day he thought they were Pheonix so that is what we labeled them. Frank and I got them down to the Main St siding on the radial track a little before noon but could find nobody around, except some section men playing poker in the tool house. They said that two cars were loaded but that they expected another one down this after noon. Johnson ordered three cars and they came but the fellows at the station let George Duncan have one of them so that rather made a mess of things. We unloaded our ten barrells on the side of the track right near a load of Irvin Paw's and Sid. Marsh's and then went down to find Johnson, we found him at the Dominion and he gave us a receipt for the apples. Alan Law came up at noon to-day to get Frank to go down and help him clip a horse this after noon so Frank was down there all the after noon Dad. and I got the cider barrell into the woodshed and tapped it and then I packed Roy's barrell of apples. Frank went down town to-night. Rainy and cloudy all day. Sunday. November 10th We all went down town to church this morning for the first time for about three weeks. I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and then went up to see Marj. She was just starting down town to get some medicine for Sade Davis who is pretty sick with the flu. We got her medicine and went to see Miss McQueen for awhile and then went up to the Davis's and Mrs. Law who is looking after Sade. sent us back again to get some oranges and grapes but Sam Morell had gone to Simcoe and Jimmy Leany hasn't had any oranges for quite awhile as the price is so high, so we went back and then back to Monteith's and read "The Old Curiosity Shop". I had tea and Aunty's and she Aunty Alice and I went to church to-night. They had a meeting after church and Miss Martin & Marj. informed me that I had been put on a committee with Jack Martin to canvass the hill for subscriptions to Victory Bonds which the Sunday school wants to buy to put in an Endowment Fund for Coquimbo Missions and also to get a shield with maple leaves on it to inscribe the names of all the boys from the Sunday school who have died or been killed at the Front. Every sunday school that buys a Victory Bond gets one. H.W. Ansley gave them the price of one Bond so they want to get another. Pat. had a bulletin board out to-day with the announcement that the Kaiser has abdicated and the Crown Prince renounced his right to succession and that Germany is in control of the Socialists. Monday November 11th 120 �Dad. and Frank baged up a grist this morning and while they were at it I went over to Jack Martin's to tell him about the canvassing the hill and to ask him for a man to help cut corn this after noon as he promised us time in return for helping him fill silo. He told me that the Armistice was signed according to official announcement and the paper to-day says that the Kaiser, Crown Prince and the rest of the crew have all escaped to Holland. Frank and I took the grist to the mill and then went up to the mill Tige McBride's and got Mrs. Jolley's potatoes. No one was home up there but we would have taken Joe Smith's too but we found some rotten ones so thought we had better leave them to be spread out. We went on down town with Roy's barrell of apples and left it at the station to be shipped. All the town was decorated with flags and a half holiday proclaimed for this after noon to celebrate the "dawn of peace" Jack Martin gave all his men a holiday and as Frank had to go over to Pickford's to thrash and Dad. went back to plow this after noon I went down town as I didn't feel like cutting corn alone. Enah and the baby also went down and while I was waiting for them to get ready to drive down I went around my beat and they all said they would give something. Later I got a dollar each from the Quanbury's & Karl Coleman. I saw Pickford this morning but he thought he wouldn't subscribe as he is peeved at the preachers for talking politics and prohibition in church. I drove Enah and Tid down about three o'clock but by the time I got Joe put in Aunty's barn was just too late to see the big parade. Everybody in town was in it and all the cars in the country. Karl Coleman had the big band drum and Harry Moon, Mr. Bagley, Jack Walker and Art Lawson with their horns and several kids with bugles and snare drums. After their parade they settled in the Park and had a lot of speeches from the bandstand where all the preachers town fathers and returned soldiers were collected. They told me to come down again to-night and bring the Eb horn so I walked home and helped Dad milk and then polished up the old bass horn a little and went down. Dad. and Frank came down later and Dad. drove Enah home. With our horns drums and tin cans we raised a great hullabaloo to-night. We pranced around Main St. blowing "Hail, Hail. the gang's all here" (the only thing we could play.) till my lungs were sore. Harry Moon and Billy Gordon had a dummy made to represent the Kaiser so we rode him around on a rail then soaked him with coal oil and finally dumped him in the big bonfire they had in front of the town hall. Everybody was out singing, cheering and raising Cain in general just about as much racket as if there had been lots of booze instead of none. Tuesday November 12th Frank has been thrashing all day, they finished at Pickford's about three o'clock and moved right out to Art. Quanbury's. He expects to be there most of the day to-morrow Dad. 121 �plowed all day and finished the side hill field. I fixed up the crossfence in the chickin yard this morning so that I think it will hold the Rock Pullets and then I sorted the potatoes in the woodshed and put them down cellar. I cut corn this after noon but it is a slow job alone and I didn't get much done. Froze hard last night, but has been fine day Wednesday November 13th Frank has been thrashing at Art Quanburys nearly all day. They got through about four o'clock and Art got 22 bushels of good seed. This morning Dad. and I went back and Dad. ran out some furrows in the 12 acre clover sod some of which we want to put in with summer pasture We cut both sides of the ditch with the plow and hauled the sods over and put them in the waterhole over there. This after noon I cut corn and got another row cut and Frank Dad. plowed in the 12 acre field. I went down town to-night. My four Rock pullets were all on their favorite perch to-night. I havent got them fenced in yet. Thursday November 14th Frank and I cut corn all day and got nearly 4 rows cut we figured that if we could keep at it steadily we could finish by Saturday noon but Neff came down this after noon and wants us to go to Caledonia to-morrow to judge stock so that so that will prevent us finishing this week. It begins to look as if we never would get through. Dad. plowed all day on the clover sod. It has been a fine day. Cold wind. Friday November 15th Neff and Charlie Blake arrived here promptly at 8:30 this morning and Frank and I were all ready for them. We went with Charlie in his car with {name?} and Neff had Tige. Nixon & Butler in with him, we had a fine day and visited Douglas, where we had a class in Shorthorns and Listers then Richardson's near Caledonia where we saw his Holsteins, we had dinner in Caledonia and then went on out to Miller's who showed us his Clydesdales as well as a lot of pictures of famous Clyde in Scotland. We then went to Mr. Turner's near Hamilton where we had a class of Ayrshires. We had supper in Hamilton and Neff went to his father's for tea. He met us later and we all went to Low's. We left Hamilton at 11.20 and got home about one. Beautiful day. Mild. Saturday November 16th 122 �Frank and I cut corn to-day and made good time this morning getting 35 shocks cut but this after noon we were delayed by Ham Thompson bringing his sheep down and also by a visit from Tige McBride over Ivey's fence so we only got one row cut (15 shocks) Dad. didn't plow to-day but cleaned out ditches in the field he plowed. He got them all cleaned out. Very mild and rather cloudy. Sunday November 17th It was raining when we got up this morning and has been cloudy and rainy all day but looked cleared off to-night. I drove Enah down to church but she stayed down to dinner so that she could go to choir practice this after noon, they are having Thanksgiving Service next Thursday night also to-day and next Sunday for Peace. I walked down after dinner and spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. Monteiths but had tea and went to church with Aunty. Aunty Alice hurt her eye quite badly this morning with her umberella. Monday November 18th It rained quite a lot this morning and has been cloudy & muddy all day. We spent the morning cleaning up the woodshed. Dad. plowed this after noon and Frank and I sorted some of the apples in the barn to put down cellar. We quit early as Frank went down to tea at Aunty's Tuesday November 19th It has rained pretty much all day making things very muddy and disagreeable but has not been cold. Frank & I cleaned up some of the wheat & barley (mixed) this morning & Dad. cleaned out the calf pen and did odd jobs. Tupper was in with our note. This after noon I went down town and posted a letter. We couldn't do much as it poured rain. Enah and I printed some pictures to-night. Dad. got a letter from Dick. He expects to sail soon. Wednesday November 20th Frank and I went down town in the waggon this morning and took a sample of our wheat & barley to the mill and to Billy Langs. They offered us 2 ½ a hundred for it. We went up to McBride's and got the rest of the J.F.I.A. potatoes and took them down to Mrs. Jolley, Joe Smith and Mr. Norm Brock. They are all sold but the little ones now. We also went down to Aunty's and got her empty cider pig. This after noon Dad. plowed and Frank and I cleaned up wheat & barley I went down town to-night and Frank went down to Ryerse's to tell Lloyd 123 �to come up to McBride's in the morning as we expect to go to Burford to-morrow. Cloudy but not raining. Thursday November 21st Frank and I went up to Tige's about half past eight this morning where Corby joined us and Tige took us in his car to Simcoe. Lloyd Ryerse didn't show up at all. Mitchell's car was with Neff's own car in front of his office and Butler, Mitchell, Nixon, Tick Nunn and Charlie Stitt were all waiting for us. Blake & Roleson came up on the car to Simcoe. We went straight to Brethane's? at Burford and judged a couple of classes of sheep before dinner, we had dinner at Burford where the lady of the house was very distressed at not having enough for us to eat but where we managed to load up to the "busting" point just the same. We went back to Brethane's after dinner and judged hogs. From there we went to a Mr. Barkers where we had a couple of classes of Southdowns. It was dark when we left there so we all went into Brantford for supper and took in a show which was pretty poor. We got home about one o'clock. The District Representative from Brant was with us all day with his boys. Neff has put Butler, Tige and I on the judging team. Cloudy and raw all day. Friday November 22nd Frank and I took down what grain we had cleaned this morning to Billy Langs. We had on nearly a ton so it paid the twine bill at $28.00 and there was about $22.00 over. This afternoon we cut another row of corn. Dad. was down at Aunty's most of the day banking up the house. Blaikie was in for awhile this after noon but Frank and I didn't see him. He has been up north all summer. They got letters from Quint to-day telling of their entrance into French towns that the Germans have held for four years. He said he was with the first troops to enter and he never spent a happier birthday seeing the joy of the inhabitants who were released. The letter was written before the armistice. Saturday November 23rd It froze the ground quite stiff last night and has been freezing in the shade all day with a cold wind. Frank and I actually finished cutting the corn to-day about the middle of the after noon. We also husked a bushel. Dad. cleaned up the old garden this morning and tried to plow it this after noon but couldn't with the rolling coulter so came up and started to plow the patch back of the shop with the other plow. Enah and the baby were down town this afternoon. Frank to-night. 124 �Sunday November 24th Enah Frank and I walked down to church this morning. Aunty Alice came over here to dinner and I stayed down with Aunty and Aunt Ida. This afternoon Marj. and I went up to Miss Martin's for awhile and then walked around the hill we met Aunty Alice going home so went down with her and stayed to tea. We went to church with Aunty. Mr. Farney preached. Fine day but cold wind. Monday November 25th Frank and I cleaned up barley and oats all morning and part of the after noon and we took a load of it down to the mill this after noon. We also went up to McPhersons and got the trap nests that Emery had made for me. It was frozen too hard for Dad. to plow the garden this morning but sod would have plowed. Dad. helped us part of the time and did chores. Frank and I picked out six ewes this morning and marked them to sell if anyone comes around that wants them. Dess was over to-night with a letter she got from Dick lately. Fair cold wind. Tuesday November 26th We cleaned up the rest of the barley and wheat this morning and took it down to the mill this after noon We had over 18 cwt. on and we took three bags besides to Jack Martin's to pay for the seed we got last Spring. When we got home we bagged up some barley and oats for chop and took it down but left it till morning as there was such a lot there. To-night we had a meeting of the J.F.I.A. down at Aunty Alice's. There was a good turnout and we had a good time and arranged for a winter program. Tom. didn't get back till to-night with the can and butter. They got word yesterday that Doss. was dead of the Flu and poor old Tom and Maw. are broken hearted. Cold, but fine day. Wednesday November 27th Frank and I went down after our grist this morning and then cleaned up some oats. I spent the after noon working at the front flower beds. Dad. and Frank fixed the dining room chimney and Frank nailed some shingles on the barn roof. I went down town to-night. Aunty Alice left this morning for Toronto. It has been a beautiful day. Thursday November 28th 125 �Frank and I took about fifteen bushels of apples up to Walker Waddle's this morning and got another big barrel of cider. It began to rain while we were there and poured for an hour or two. We got home about one o'clock. This after noon Frank went over to Joe Long's sale and bought a set of scales and a scoop shovel. I slept till it stopped raining and then Dad. and I unloaded the cider barrel and put it down cellar. We had quite a job getting it down and had Enah helping us. We slid it down on rails but they spread till it was all on one rail, then we had to let it go the last three or four feet and it came down and bashed a hole in the cement floor of the cellar. About dark another big storm came up this time with thunder and lightening. Teriffic south west wind. Next day - The rain last night took away more of the old East Pier. The water was so high it carried the Jim & Tom right over the East Pier. Friday November 29th This morning we slew the biggest of the three pigs and it took us all morning to get ready, kill and dress him. This after noon I went down town to get a hair cut and met Tige McBride to pick out a suitable club room for the J.F.I.A. We finally arranged to get Mrs. Bell's cement block cottage which the bunch had two years ago. Frank went over to Joe Long's with Art. Quanbury to get their purchases, and we weighed the pig on the scales so were not long in using them. He dressed just 165 lbs. To night Frank and I went to the W.I. dance and had a good time. Saturday November 30th Dad. spent the morning cutting up the pig Frank sent out cards to notify the J.F.I.A. of a meeting Tuesday night and I worked at the flower beds in the front. Right after dinner I went down to send some of Dick's money out to Norman Denton as Dick asked Dad to do that. He has been running shy of cash again and borrowing from Baldy. Frank and Dad. ran out the ditches in the cornfield and plowed the garden back of the shop. Enah went down town this afternoon. Windy, Cloudy and freezing a little all day. Sunday December 1st Enah and I walked down to church this morning. Dad. and Tid walked down a little later and went with Enah to the Jame's for dinner. Frank and I had dinner alone. I went down town soon after dinner and spent the after noon at the Monteith's except for a few minutes I spent in at Pattersons seeing May Perry. She got home for 4 days and tapped at the window as I went past I had tea at Aunty's and went to church to-night. Aunty didn't go as 126 �she didn't like to leave Aunt Ida alone. I spent the evening with Marj. Sunny but cold to-day but snowing and milder to-night. Monday December 2nd We didn't get started very early this morning and Frank and I went down town but didn't get home till noon. We got some coal oil and some lumber to make a partition in the woodshed. This after noon Dad. and Frank cut down a dead apple tree in the orchard and I worked a little more at the flower beds. Much milder this morning but dark and sleet this afternoon. Tuesday December 3rd Dad. has been sick all day but was able to do a few chores. He thought he ate too much fresh pork. Frank and I cleaned up oats all day and got somewhere about 200 bushels cleaned up. To-night we had our first J.F.I.A. meeting in Mrs. Bell's cottage. There were only ten members out but we had a good meeting and everyone was very pleased with the room Rolson & Myers got some biscuits, cheese & sardines which the rest of us put in for. Stormy day, rainy to-night. I stayed down all night. Wednesday December 4th I had breakfast with Aunty this morning and caught the nine o'clock car for Simcoe. Tige got on at Main St. and we met Butler at Neff's office. We went out to Callver's and had a look at some Percheron's. We had dinner in Simcoe and then went out to old Decew’s to see his Jersey's and came back to Alex Wallaces and went over his Holsteins (and met his farmerettes). We got home on the seven o'clock car and I went home, shaved & went down town Thursday December 5th Frank and I hauled a load of oats down to the mill this morning but had to leave them there in the bags as they were filled up, so we couldn't haul down any more as we had intended. We had 19 bags and it weighed up to 53 bushels. We borrowed some more bags and cleaned up some more this after noon. Winnie & Dess were over here to tea to-night and Frank and I walked down with them. Enah and Tid drove down town with Mexico, the buckskin pony that Mrs. Wilson wants Enah to keep for the winter. Very mild but snowed more. Friday December 6th 127 �I haven't done a thing all day. I felt tough this morning so just lay around the house but feel better to-night. Dad. and Frank got the bob sleighs out this morning and took Gladys down to Coleman's. I think they spent most of the after noon cutting wood. Tid had a great time riding Mexico. Nice day. Saturday December 7th I went down town this morning and drew out the last $14.00 of my bank account to finance my trip to Guelph. I vainly imagined when I deposited $120.00 two months ago that I would be able to keep it there for the winter at least, but alas 5-6 cents is all my account represents now. I went down to Auntys for a few minutes and saw Aunty Alice who got back from Toronto Thursday night. This after noon we hauled over a small load of hay for the cows. Tom brought some of his fruit up to put in the cellar for the winter and bought a couple of dozen eggs @ 60 c. {cents}. Enah & Tid drove Mexico down town. Nice day and very mild. Sunday December 8th Frank went down to Sunday school this morning but none of the rest of us went to church. I didn't think I would have time as I left on the one o'clock car for Guelph. Tige got on at Dover and Butler & Neff at Simcoe. When we got to Galt we found the other electric cars didn't run on Sunday so we had to hire a motor bus to take us across to Kitchner. We got a G.T.R. train there for Guelph and got in there about six. Neff had a boarding house arranged for us but he didn't stay with us. We all three went to church to-night. Nice day here. Monday December 9th We spent the whole day to-day judging and waiting to give our reasons to the judges so didn't see much of the Fair. We didn't do very well judging beef cattle but not too bad on Dairy cattle, sheep and swine. The two latter classes we had this after noon up at the College. Neff told us we stood third so Neff told us with Durham County first. Butler did the best of the three, he was awarded three prizes, third & fifth in hogs and fifth in sheep. I got fifth in hogs. Tige didn't get any. To-night we went down to the Fair and saw the Thoroughbreds judged there were some beauties. Very cold up there. Tuesday December 10th 128 �We judged two classes of Clydesdales this morning but did poorly on them and dropped from third place to sixth. At the wind up Durham County was first with York second. We were ahead of York last night but they came up on horses. As we hadn't seen a bit of the show we decided to stay till to-morrow morning and put in the rest of the after noon looking over the stock. We saw Douglas' white heifer calf get first prize in a class of 21 and a red calf from old Browndale that Elva Douglas sold to Watt and which took first at Chicago come second. Several fellows congratulated us this after noon on our judging so we didn't feel so badly. Neff was quite tickled he said as Norfolk had never come higher than tenth before. There were 18 teams competing. To-night we saw "Hearts of the World." Tige came home quite sick and put in a bad night. Stormy night. Wednesday December 11th We didn't get up early this morning and went right to the station after breakfast as our train left for Galt at 10.35. I went over to the Fair building for awhile and got Neff. as he thought the train didn't go till 11 o'clock. We all four drove home together had dinner in Galt and Tige and I got to Dover on the three oclock radial. Neff & Butler got off at Simcoe. Tige felt pretty poorly all day but was better by the time we reached familiar home territory. We found a great difference in the weather up there from here. Here there was no snow whatever but up there, there was skating and sleighing. Dad. had plowed the old garden while I was away and when I got home had ridden Joe up to Port Ryerse to pay the taxes. He didn't get home till dark and I had the milking done. To-night Dad. Enah and Tid. went down to Aunty Alice's to hear Mrs. Rigg's a friend of Elva's sing. The James were down there and also Elva & Brant who has now got his discharge. I went up to see Marj. and Frank went to bed as he young Myers & Albert McBride stayed all night last night in the J.F.I.A. cottage. Mild & Cloudy. Thursday December 12th Dad. and I cleared up some of the apples out in the barn to-day and put them down cellar but there are a lot more to get yet. Frank went down to the mill this morning and borrowed some more money from Charlie Ivey to pay the town taxes and went down to Uncle Ward's & paid them. Dad. put up the little old soft coal stove in the dining room this afternoon and we had a fine fire in there to-night. Frank took the team down to the mill this after noon to get a little chop. He didn't take a grist as their chopper down there is not working. He came back with Pud. Smythe and the grain he borrowed. Lila was over here to tea last to-night. & Frank went home with her. Mild cloudy and very muddy. 129 �Friday December 13th It has been a very nasty day. Mild but raining all day the mud is a fright. I didn't do anything in particular Dad. and Frank worked most of the after noon putting the partition up in the woodshed. Frank went down to a dance Lila was having up in Schofield's to-night. I have a bad cold. Saturday December 14th It has rained all day. I didn't do a thing but sit around the house. Dad. finished the partition in the woodshed and Frank did odd jobs. I have a queer dizzy feeling all the time, but don't feel at all sick in any way. Sunday December 15th Frank went down to Sunday school this morning but didn't stay to church. I went to church and stayed at Aunty's for dinner. This after noon Marj. and I went for a walk around the hill and came out here and stayed for tea . Enah has a bad cold. Nice day. Monday December 16th Enah's cold has been very bad all day and she has been in bed most of the time but was up and feeling a little better to-night. Dad. has been busy all day doing chores indoors and out. Frank and I shut old Grey Nose & the White ewe up to-day to fatten and Frank husked a couple of tubs full of corn. I didn't do much all day. To-night Frank and I went down to tea at Auntys and went to the picture show to-night. Aunty Alice went with us. Lovely day. Muddy. Tuesday December 17th Frank took a grist to the mill this morning and Dad. did chores. I spent most of the morning washing dishes and the seperator. Enah was up to-day but doesn't feel well at all. Aunty Alice was over this morning and stayed to dinner. I didn't do much this after noon. Dad. doesn't feel very well. Frank went down to the J.F.I.A. to-night but Aunty Alice forbade me to go. It has been a beautiful warm day. Wednesday December 18th 130 �Dad. has been in bed all day and has a terrible pain in his eyes. Enah is up and says she feels better but is a long way from well yet. The baby who was quite sick all day yesterday is better to-day. We didn't do anything but chores to-day. I went down to Aunty's for tea. Marj. was down there and she didn't feel at all well so we went home early. Thursday December 19th The family is still pretty well knocked out. Dad. was up to-day but is not much better, he got so sore lying in bed he had to get up. Enah is about the same and Frank is beginning to feel tough. We just did chores all day. I went down to-night to see how Marj. was. She has been in bed all day with an awful pain in her eyes like Dad's. She is very disappointed at not being able to go home to-morrow. Pickford was in to tell us that Charley Ivey wants us to haul oats to the car to-morrow. The weather is still very mild but freezing nights. Friday December 20th Dad feels a little better to-day but is very weak while Enah doesn't seem quite as well. This is the baby's birthday, so he is happy although he didn't have much celebration. Frank has felt weak all day but kept going and helped me load two loads of oats and bag one. We took them down to a car on the L.E.& N. siding which Charlie Ivey is loading. After we took the first load down we went down and got a ton of soft coal. They had in a car of stove coal but wouldn't let any farmers have it. This after noon we unloaded the coal and took down another load of oats, it was nearly dark when I got home. Aunty was over this after noon for a little while. I walked down to-night to see how Marj. was. She was a little better. Fine day. Saturday December 21st Dad. & Enah seem to be a little stronger to-night but the baby has been quite miserable all day and Frank who has been on the go all day in spite of the fact that he felt very weak is about all in to-night. We finished hauling the oats in two loads the last one only 13 bags and have taken down about 261 bushels. The weather is wonderful for this time of year. It didn't freeze last night and has been very warm all day and looks like rain Aunty was over yesterday with some celer{y} which she dug that day. The roads are very bad and by tonight I think there is no frost in them. Sunday December 22nd 131 �I spent the whole morning doing chores. Frank fed the horses this morning and then caved in and hasn't been able to do anything all day. I went down town this after noon for an hour or two to see Marj. who is slightly improved. When I got home Dad. had the cattle fed and Frank had fed the chickens and as I didn't bother milking I wasn't so late getting through. Aunty was over this after noon. Enah feels quite a lot better to-day and Dad. is better but still feels weak and his tobacco and coffee still taste bad. The baby hasn't been well all day. Very mild but dark & wet. Monday December 23rd I haven't done anything much but chores to-day although Dad. felt well enough this morning to help me put on a jag of hay to take over for the cows as the yard is in awful shape to carry hay across. This after noon Dad. went down town to take some stuff down to Aunty's. He rode part way with Tom. but walked all the way home but was pretty tired when he got back. Frank has been in the house all day. To-night I went down to see Marj. for a little while. She had to telegraph home that she couldn't get there for Christmas and was disappointed but Aunty Alice invited her down there for our dinner. I went over to the J.F.I.A. for awhile. Very mild & soft. Tuesday December 24th It was a little colder with an east wind this morning and we had hopes of it freezing but it snowed for awhile and then turned to rain and has been raining all day. We are all sick of the mud. Dad. has been doing odd chores all day to-day so is quite a bit better and Frank was able to do a little to-night. Enah & the baby are also better. I went down to Aunty's for dinner to cut a little wood for to-morrow's cooking and then went up town to do some Santa Claus errands but was home early to do chores. I saw Ed. Turner up town who got home from the front Friday night and also Joe Thompson in naval uniform. I think he is just home for Christmas. Wednesday December 25th I was the only member of this household at church this morning as the others didn't feel like going down. Dad. drove Enah and the baby down to Aunty's this after noon then brought Joe home, helped us do up the chores and he Frank and I walked down by six o'clock for dinner. All at Huby's were there as well as Marj. She had been over to the Bagley's for dinner at noon and had got Faulkner to bring her down to Aunty's for to-night. After we had all stuffed ourselves with turkey (which Huby provided for the occasion and plum 132 �pudding we all adjourned to the parlor where a huge pile of presents was distributed. I drew a book, some handkerchiefs, socks, rubbers and a necktie, to say nothing of a dandy scarf which I got this morning from Santa Claus. The baby got heaps of toys and books as well as "useful" ones but seemed most pleased with a small cannon that Winnie gave him that would shoot a small wooden plug a few feet. After this we had games and music at which Huby provided his full quota of entertainments. He told us of the great excitement that prevailed about the time he was going to school when some body found out the world was round. He said he wasn't much interested but he rembered how Mr. Smith used to talk about it and prove it by saying that the masts of a ship coming into port could always be seen before the hull. Huby figured out from that, that if there was curve enough on the earth's surface to show only the masts of a ship at a distance of about 20 miles or Long Point which is as far away as a ship could be seen, that by the time you got to Erie it would be about under our feet, making a rather small globe. Other reminiscent stories equally amusing and his continual conversation with the baby imploring him not to sit on his, Huby's stomach or to shoot the cat with his cannon, contrary to Aunty Alice's injunctions, in place of his toes kept things lively till pretty late in the evening. Dad. Frank and I walked home but Enah and the baby stayed down all night. Marj. also stayed there, she feels a lot better but is pretty weak yet. Dad. didn't seem very well again. Thursday December 26th Huby told us last night that there was another car of coal in and that he thought we could get a little of it if we tried so Dad. went over to Uncle Ward's right after breakfast to ask him as he is municipal fuel controller. It was stove coal and the town people aren't very keen after it so he never hesitated in giving Dad. an order for a ton of it. While Dad. was gone Frank and I bagged up some grain for a grist. Charlie Quanbury came over to get Dad. to go and see old Dick who was sick Charlie thought he had got too much alsike thrashing. As soon as Dad. got back Frank and I went down to get the coal but it was noon by the time we got down and {Clais Deal?} gone to dinner. However Kolbe weighed our waggon and we got over a ton but by the time we got home it was two o'clock. The roads are awful and it is a wonder we didn't smash our old waggon jolting over the ruts as it froze last night enough to hold the waggon up. After we got the load off and had dinner Dad. went down with the buggy to get Enah and Frank and I hooked up to take our grist down but when we brought Belle out of the stable we found she was quite lame, we supposed having hurt her foot on the road this morning, so we put the harness on Queen and took her. We left our grist and didn't wait for the chop and it was time to start in on the chores when we got home. Dad. 133 �Enah and Tid got home about the same time and said Marj. was going to stay at Auntys all night again to-night. To-night Frank and I went down to the J.F.I.A. Social evening. We took Winnie & Dess with us. There were not many there but enough to fill the place up. Not one of the Social committee were present, but we had a pretty good time playing games. Friday December 27th Frank and I went down and got our chop this morning and then took a jag of hay over to the barn for the cows and a little straw over to the horse stable and got in a few shocks of corn. Dad. went over to Quanbury's to see Charlie's horse which died this after noon and got pretty tired. After dinner I went down town to get some coal oil and drive Marj. home but she decided to stay till to-morrow. Frank skinned old Dick. I spent the evening down at Aunty's. A little colder to-day with a flurry of snow Saturday December 28th Frank and I took a little jag of straw out in the waggon box and covered the strawberries that Dad. didn't get covered with corn stalks and tomato vines. We then went over to Quanburys and got his horsehide. This after noon I went over to Bill Sidway's to try and inspire a little energy into him for Tuesday night as it is our Agricultural evening and he is on the committee. I met him going down town so went down with him and then came back and beat him shooting with his rifle. Dark when I got home. Fine day, still frozen but mild. Sunday December 29th Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning but I didn't get up in time to get the chores done so that I could get down. I spent the after noon and evening down at Aunty's. Marj. is still down there but feels much better. I came home at six to do chores. Mr. James and Elva were over here this after noon. Not cold but raw. Still frozen. Monday December 30th Dad. and the baby walked down to Aunty's to dinner to-day and were there most of the after noon. Dad. has felt very miserable to-day and doesn't seem any better to-night. Frank took his horsehide down this morning and shipped it to Hallam. I spent most of the day doing chores. To-night I went down to see how Marj. Was, she went up to the Monteith's to-day and says she feels very much better. Cloudy and looked like snow but not cold nor windy. 134 �Tuesday December 31st I haven't done anything but chores all day except husk some of the corn which Frank and I hauled in the other day. Frank spent the morning taking some pickets off the wire which he and Mexico hauled in out of the orchard yesterday. This after noon he went out with Charlie Quanbury to help him put on a load of hay. Aunty came over to tea to-night to see how Dad. was and went back with Frank and me. Dad. feels a little better to-day. Frank and I went down to the J.F.I.A. meeting but owing to the rottenness of the weather and the diversion of a couple of dances one in the hall and one out at Oscar Ryerse's there were very few out. I read them my speech which I had prepared and then I went up to Huby's and the rest went to the show. It was next year when I got home. Very mild and misty later turning to a foggy drizzle. For more information on Theobald (Toby) Barrett, check out the “Meet the Diarists” section under “Discover” on our website: ruraldiaries.uoguelph.ca 135 � Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911-1925 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1911 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1913 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1914 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1915 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1916 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1917 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1918 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1919 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1920-1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925-1926 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1926-1927 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1918 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1918 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1918 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript & Typed Transcription UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Blank Front Cover Inside page on the left} {Right side page} Diary. 1918 T.B.Barrett Port Dover, Ontario Knockfierna From January 1st 1918 to December 31st 1918 </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Blank left page} Tuesday January 1st 1918 About the first thing I did to Celebrate the New Year was to go to bed, all the rest of the family had retired at different times during the last evening of the old year but Enah & I had printed three dozen pictures newest of which we intend to send to Dick for his birthday and I was till nearly midnight getting the last of them washed. To-day Frank and I have just done chores and sat around the house. Tupper was in for an hour or more this morning and I gave him my note for the heifer we bought from him. Aunty Alice came over to dinner but went down again soon after. Aunty came over to tea and stayed all night. Enah, Frank and I all went down to the dance in the hall to-night given by the O.D.E. I took Win & Frank got Dess to go with him. We found an enormous crowd at the hall gathering from the four corners of the county waiting impatiently for the music to start for an old time dance as was advertised. At last about an hour late a young duck from Simcoe came in and sat down at the piano. When it was discovered that he represented the entire orchestra and that there were no fiddlers there were marked signs of anger in the crowd, and by the time one or two one steps had been danced by about half a dozen couples, the sons of the soil were just about </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> foaming at the mouth, however after Art Ryerse went out and demanded (from poor Dr. Cook who had locked himself in the council chamber and was taking Art's denunciations through the wicket) proper music for square dances or their money back, they managed to skirmish up a fiddle and some fiddlers and callers-off and everybody got their fill of old fasioned dances. We quit about half past two. It is still very cold. Wednesday January 2nd Frank and I haven't done any thing else but chores to-day and cut enough wood for to-night. I pasted some snapshots in an album to send to Dick for his birthday. To-night I went down town and met Marj. who came back from Haliburton to-night. She left there at six o'clock this morning and it was nearly ten when she got in to-night so she was just about all in. She says it has been down to 5 below zero up there since she went home. I got a pair of rubbers at {Caley's?} to-night for Frank and me to give Aunty for her birthday. I also went over to the James and got some wallnuts to put in the box Dad and Enah are getting ready to send to Dick on his birthday. Aunty Alice sent over some dough nuts to put in it. It has been very cold all day with quite a wind from the north. Thursday January 3rd This being Aunty's birthday Dad Enah & the baby went down there to dinner and to spend the afternoon. Frank went down in the morning and took down some pigeons to Hec. Henderson He has spent the last few evenings catching them. He also got an axe handle to replace the one I broke yesterday. We did chores and he worked quite awhile trying to put in the new axe handle but didn't suceed very well I sat around and read quite a bit of the time. We started rather late to cut off a big block from the butt of the old oak but chore time overtook us before we finished so will have to finish it to-morrow. It is still down around zero but not so windy. Friday January 4th I have done nothing else but chores to-day except sit around and write to Douglas and send him a checque to pay off my note. Frank went down to the Law's to thrash this afternoon and didn't get back till about nine o'clock to-night. His delay was caused more from visiting than working though. Dad did his chores up and it didn't seem to hurt his finger so it must be a lot better. He went down town for awhile to-night to see Aunty & Aunty Alice. It has been very much milder to-day and it looked like snow. There was no wind and we had to pump for the cattle </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday January 5th The principal event of to-day was the arrival of a calf (red bull) of which Frank's heifer is the mother. Dad found it when he first went out this morning and it was covered with white frost and very cold but he got it rubbed dry and covered it up so that by noon it was quite frisky. Dad went over to John Wess's just before dinner and was there most of the afternoon. Frank went down to the mill for some feed and I spent most of the day when I wasn't doing other chores, pumping water and sleigh riding with the baby; Enah took a couple of snapshots of us at this job. Frank went down town tonight. It has been a beautiful sunny day with no wind. It was quite hot around noon being 22° above zero. Sunday January 6th Enah and I walked down to church this morning and just about froze. Enah had to leave she was so cold. The temperature of the church was not much above freezing and we had communion and the King's proclamation regarding prayer for peace read. I went down again this afternoon and stayed to tea at Miss Kerney's. Dad said it wouldn't hurt the cows to go without milking to-night. Much milder with an ice storm. Monday January 7th It snowed quite a little bit during the night and as it came on top of the ice of yesterday's storm it made good sleighing. It has been very soft all day and has been flurrying snow most of the day. Frank and I went over to Jack Martin's and borrowed his hog crate and this afternoon loaded one of the young sows and took her down to Colemand Kindee's boar but she was not ready for him so we had to bring her back. I spent about an hour this afternoon taking some pictures of the ice coated trees which are very pretty to-day. It was a very dull day and I took short time exposures so don't know how they will turn out. Dad, Enah and I sat up till nearly twelve to-night singing, playing & reading. I received a couple of sample copy's of "The Breeder's Gazette" to-day. It looks like a great magazine. Tuesday January 8th We got up at six o'clock this morning and got most of the morning chores done up early so that we were able to get down to the first meeting of the Short Course in Agriculture in good time. Dad's finger is so much better that he can do the noon chores we that we stayed down at Aunty's to dinner. We had a good turnout at the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Course there being about 18 in, and all showed a good interest in the lectures Neff gave us on Soils & Fertilizers and Insect Pests. We got home in plenty of time to do up the night chores. Enah was rather upset by news she got from Courtright today saying that Jean James was married having done the trick on the sly. Colder. Wednesday January 9th Frank and I went down to the Course this morning and we had a young fellow from Cayuga up to give us a talk on Cultivation but he wasn't much account. Neff also took up Fruit Growing. The fellow from Cayuga said they were to have started a Short Course down there yesterday but all the boys were afraid to leave the farm for fear of being drafted so he said. The tribunals exempted them on condition that they would not go off the farm for more than three days. This afternoon the class went up to Ham Thompson's to judge poultry but as I found out from Huby that Jack Ivey had a car of coal in and that we could get a ton if we came after it right away I came home and Dad and I went down and got a ton. We were very lucky to get it as the car was nearly empty and there is no betting when there will be any more in and we were just out. To-night Frank and I went down to Aunty's for tea where Win, Lilu, Dess and Marj. were also assembled so we had a very pleasant evening. Not so cold but rather blustery to-day. Thursday January 10th Frank and I were down at the Short Course all day. This afternoon we tested whole milk for butter fat. I took down a Sample of Elgitha's milk and it tested 3.3% which Neff said wasn't bad. I only took the milk from her front quarters and didn't get to the strippings which would make it go higher. I got my film from Billy Gordon to-day and to-night Enah and I printed pictures. The ones I took of the ice covered trees were pretty good. Not cold rather windy. Dad sepurated the new calf from his mother today. Friday January 11th Frank and I went down to school this morning and had Feeds & Feeding and Bacteriology and this afternoon most of the class came over here to judge our sheep. Tupper's & {Stau?} Lowrie's law suit came off this afternoon and Frank heard when he was down to-night that Tupper lost his suit and {Stau?} got $6.00. Frank went down to the Red Cross dance to-night </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday January 12th When Frank came home from the dance about four o'clock this morning he said that it had been raining but was then snowing a nice steady storm. Big flakes coming right straight down and barely freezing. So when we got up about seven I was very surprised to see a terrific blizzard raging and on going out to find the thermometer registering zero. It has kept it up all day and has kept getting colder. To-night it was 10° below zero. We have done nothing whatever outside today except hike from the house to the barn & back again two or three times and all we did in the barn was to feed the stock and milk. We were out of hay in the old barn so all we could give the cows was straw and they got no water all day. It was out of the question to try to get hay over to them. Dad went down town this morning to see if they were alive down home and he could hardly manage to get through Jack's field. The gas was very poor down at Aunty's and Mr. & Mrs. Millman had come the night before. Mr. Millman wanted to go to Simcoe on business but the radial car only got about two miles up the track and had to work its way back and stay back and the Grand Trunk trains except the {?} Woodstock, it got as far as Norich this morning didn't attempt to go out at all. Frank and I just sat around the stove and read most of the day and this afternoon I made a list of all our bulletins and reports issued by the two departments of Agriculture Dominion & Provincial. We had a dandy coal fire all day, the stove was red hot part of the time but we could see our breath right over it and it was freezing all day in our room. There are little snow drifts all over the house as the snow is so fine it blows in the smallest cracks and there are lots of cracks in this house that aren't microscopic in size. The snow blew in between the base board & the floor in the kitchen even after Dad had plugged it up as well as he could with rags and it didn't melt all day although it wasn't six feet away from the stove. Nice day but windy. Sunday January 13th We didn't get up till eight o'clock this morning and found the storm had not abated in the least although the thermometer was up to zero. I went out to the barn and found the door had blown open between the calves pen & the barn floor and the calves especially Daisy May's were covered with snow which the heat </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> of their bodies had melted and then it had frozen again so I was about half an hour scrubbing them off dry. After breakfast which we had about ten o'clock I got ready and went down to Aunty's getting there about noon. The gas down there was poor but the house was fairly comfortable. Mr. Millman was still in bed but Mrs. Millman had just got up and had dinner with us. They nearly froze in the night and Mr. Millman got up and wrapped Aunty Alice's sweater around his head. After dinner I went up to see Marj. but came back to Aunty's to tea. Huby was there and decided he'd stay to tea as he didn't think he would get any thing to eat at home on account of the poor fires. I didn't see any body that was at church this morning but I went up to-night but found there was no church so went over and spent the evening at the Moore's. I stayed all night at Aunty's so I would be able to shovel their snow in the morning. It moderated considerably by night. Monday January 14th I got up fairly early this morning and shovelled Aunty's snow and then had my breakfast down there so got home about half past eight, but Dick was finished milking. We spent most of the morning shovelling through various snow drifts and Dad shovelled it out of the woodshed. We had quite a job shovelling the lane out but got it done by noon. This afternoon Frank went down to the mill with some grist and Tom was in for awhile on his way after cream. I cleaned out the calf pen and Dad split up some wood. To-night Frank and I went down to see "Frecles" {should be spelled "Freckles"} at the picture show but the films are stormbound some place so they put on the Saturday night show which was very poor. Mr. Millman went to Simcoe to-day as the radial got running by one o'clock but there hasn't been a G.T.R. Train moving in or out of here all day so he came back to Dover tonight and he & Mrs. Millman will go by electric car to Brantford tomorrow and get through to Toronto from there. We were sure there would be no classes today so didn't go down. Neff couldn't get down till this afternoon from Simcoe and none of the boys could get in from far out in the country. They said Lloyd Ryerse was up here to dinner yesterday so he was visiting the neighbors to see how they survived the storm and he told them that that Harry Dyer and old Mr. Mead nearly perished in the storm Saturday night. They had been out working at the inside of Farr's new house and he was driving them in at night but after his horse </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> had gone down a couple of times they decided that they couldn't get through our cut on the side road with the rig so Farr let them out to walk in and he went back. They got up the hill some way but before they got to the corner old Mead said he would have quit as he couldn't stand the storm any longer, however Harry encouraged to renewed efforts by telling him they were not far from Pickford's and they eventually got there where the spent the night but Harry's face was frozen and Mr. Mead all in. Tuesday January 15th Frank and I went down to the class this morning and found our instructors there but very few students none from very far out as most of the roads & cuts were just shovelled out by to-day. Mr. Will from Toronto was here all day lecturing on bees and he made things very interesting even for one who was not particularly interested in agriculture. Mr. & Mrs. Millman left at eleven for Brantford but there are no G.T.R. Trains running yet, here. The radial is running pretty well and brings in the Toronto papers but no mail. They say this is the worst storm in fifty years but I think the cold counts in on that. It is still cold & blustery. Wednesday January 16th We had Dr. Reid from Georgetown down at the class to-day giving us talks on veterinary work and horse breeding, he was very good. Neff gave us a little talk on field crops and young Martin on poultry but he is no good for a talker although he does his best and is always apologizing and wishing he could make things clearer. I guess we don't make things any easier for him. Young Will Sidway and I sit next to each other and invariably get laughing at some things though not intending to upset poor Mr. Martin. I am afraid it has that effect. Two engines with two cabooses and a snow plow came in on the Hamilton track about noon and Dave Turner went out at 4:30 with the mail train but the Woodstock track is still blocked. Still blustery and pretty cold: Karl Colman & Val. Leary are getting ahead of Cliff Lees who wants to soak them $600.00 for cutting ice off the pond, by taking it off the creek, just below Colman's point. Thursday January 17th Frank and I went down to the class this morning and Mr. Gurdhouse of Weston was there and gave us the morning on Beef Cattle and Sheep but he had to leave at noon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and as the Woodhouse Council met this afternoon we had to give up the council chamber to them and had no class. Frank came home to dinner to tell Dad how matters stood as he had all the chores done up ready to come down this afternoon and hear Gardhouse. I stayed at Aunty's to dinner and went up this afternoon to have Dr. Lemons fix my tooth but as he couldn't tend to it till four o'clock I went with Aunty over to see Miss Battersby and up to see Cousin Loll, then up to Bill's. He just put a temporary filling in. When I went down to Aunty's I found Dad. there and we came home to-gether To-night. Frank went down to see Tom Mark's show and I went over to Mrs. Battersby's to take her the picture of her house and trees with the ice on them. We got our mail for the first time to-day since last Friday, but the Woodstock road is not open yet and everyone down town is predicting a storm to strike here about to-morrow which will put this last one in the shade. They say the station agents have received wires warning them to be ready for it. It was yesterday supposed to be sweeping Chicago. Friday January 18th Frank and I have been down at the class all day as Mr. Duke was supposed to be here to day to address us on Hogs but he didn't show up. We had insect pests and bee's this morning and this afternoon tested cream and chose up sides for a debate next Friday. Corby, young Butler and I have to take the affirmative of the resolution that the Present war will prove a benefit to humanity and Clarence Finch, Ham Thompson & young Challand are to take the negative. I don't know beans about the subject but suppose I can think up something by that time. To-night Marj, Miss Kerney & I went to see "Freckles" at the picture show, he got through at last and was only on for to-night. We went to the first show but the place was packed to the doors so we went back and waited till the second show then I went in after the show and had some tea & cake so it was rather late when I got home. It has been a beautiful day but colder to-night. Saturday January 19th We didn't do much this morning but got the lane cleared out enough for Frank to get through with the bob-sleigh and go down to the mill and get the chop he left down there the other day. I went down to Aunty's to dinner and this afternoon went to Simcoe on the car </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to hear what Mr. Hart from Toronto had to say about forming a Norfolk Cooperative Association for buying farm supplies and marketing farm products. It looks as if it would be organized alright. I came home at five o'clock on what was really the 3 o'clock car...There was a bad storm on at noon and it was cold, so that the cars were all late but it had quieted down a lot by this afternoon. We had a concert tonight piano & horn. Sunday January 20th I walked down to church this morning and Aunty walked back with me to dinner, this afternoon I went back down town soon after dinner, spent the afternoon over at Mrs. McQueen's with Marj. and had a tea at Aunty's. Huby was there to tea also. Aunty and I went to church after tea, church being held in the Sunday school both services, and Marj. and I walked home with Aunty and spent the evening laughing at Huby's stories. Huby had his dog down there and she made as if she would eat Marj. up when she first came in that tickled Huby to see her show some spirit. Mr. James, Eloas & Brant Bloodsworth and Lila were all over here this afternoon and Dad drove them all home before tea in the bob sleigh. It has been a lovely day & fine night. Clear & frosty but sunny & not much wind. Monday January 21st Frank and I went down to the short Course today and had a good day but no special speakers. Dad, Enah and the baby drove down this afternoon to post a couple of letters for Tom but didn't stay. Huby came over to tea to-night and brought over a couple of pairs of army boots one pair that Quint had left & one pair that Jackson from Turkey Point who has been discharged, had given him. The principal object of this visit was to tell Dad that Stringer the gas-man was down today and wants to make arrangements to lease his farm and to drill for gas right away. Sunny & Cold. Tuesday January 22nd Frank and I have been at school all day. Mr. Kydd, formerly of Simcoe and now in the Government employ was here all day lecturing us on fruit growing and was interesting and entertaining. The Domestic Science Course started to-day and Neff said there were about fifty women up there this afternoon. To-night I went down to see Marj. and see if I could arrange to go to Simcoe for a skate but she thought we had better put it off till next week. It has not been quite so cold to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday January 23rd Frank and I went down to school this morning and we had Mr. Stevenson of Ancaster lecturing us on Dairy Cattle this morning and this afternoon the whole bunch of us went up to Simcoe on the car to see Mr. Alex Wallace's (the would be M.P.) herd of holstein and have Mr. Stevenson demonstrate the points of dairy cattle to us and we had a judging class in which I picked out the winner but didn't hit the second prize right. We had a very good time. To-night I am going down to stay all night at Aunty's as she expects to leave for Toronto in the morning and Aunt Ida is going to Port Rowan for a visit. Cold & Cloudy but milder to-night. Thursday January 24th We got up fairly early this morning and I went down to the station and saw Aunty safely on her train for Toronto. I then went up and remined Al. Faulkner to call for Aunt Ida in time for her to catch the nine o'clock car which he did. Aunty Alice went up to Simcoe with Aunt Ida and put her in the hands of Mrs. {name} Bowlby who saw her safely on the Pt. Rowan train. Aunty Alice came back on the eleven. Dad and Frank brought old Sheild's down to Colman's this morning and sold him for 8 cts a lb which was dirt cheap but the best we could do. He weighed 214 lbs. I spent all morning down in the library writing up my debate. This afternoon we had skim milk testing and drainage. Aunty Alice spent the night up at Cousin Loll's. It has been very mild all day but snowing. Friday January 25th We both went to school this morning and had Mr. Rush from Toronto lecturing us on market gardening. He was interesting soley on account of his being well {posted?} by experience on his subject as there was vast room for improvement in his language & other oratorical attributes. He spent the morning and for an hour after dinner with us and then went up stairs to talk to the girls. When he left our debate came off. Corby, Butler and I were against Challand, Tige McBride and Clarence Finch, we had to up hold the affirmative of the resolution "That the present war will prove a benefit to civilization." and according to the judges who were Lorne Myers, Sheppard and Cruick shanks, we had the best of the argument. We were limited to ten minutes to speak and consequently after I had tried to refute all my opponents statements, I only </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> got away with about half of what I had prepared which was very annoying. Neff was chairman and Martin was critic. I went up to Bill's to-night to have my tooth fixed but he said it wasn't ready yet. Aunty Alice came over here with me to stay all night. To-night Frank went down to another dance in the hall. Mild all day but colder to night. Saturday January 26th Aunty Alice went back home right after breakfast this morning and wouldn't hear to any of us driving her down. I spent the morning cleaning out the chicken house and putting fresh straw in and went down and had dinner with Aunty Alice and then went to Simcoe again on the one o'clock car to take in another meeting of the "Norfolk County Co operative Association" which I joined by signing a note for $100.00 payable on demand but which will not have to be paid unless the Company breaks as it is just for the purpose of establishing credit at the bank. I left the meeting before it was over to catch the five car so wasn't able to vote on the directors. Before I went to the meeting I went up to the rink where I ran into a half a dozen kids who begged me to play hockey with them for an hour or so as they supplied the skates and stick I did for a little while and had quite a lot of fun. Stringer the gas man was in town to-day and Dad went down to Huby's office to meet him and made arrangements with him to lease the farm for them to drill for gas next summer. Frank went down town to-night and will likely stay with Aunty Alice to-night. It has been pretty cold all day. Sunday January 27th Frank didn't come home last night but stayed down with Aunty Alice and went to sunday school and church and as I didn't get up till half past seven we didn't get through chores in time for me to get to church. Dess came over with Frank to dinner and Aunty Alice came over soon after them. I went down town right after dinner and spent the afternoon up at the Moore's. Aunty Alice came back down town before tea so I went down there for tea and then went to church which was held in the Sunday school and where I nearly froze. After church Marj. and I went over to post a couple of letters and ran into the J. Gordon Patterson's and Mrs. Pary so we went down with them to Pat's and spent the evening. I went down to Aunty Alice's to change my boots before I went home and she had gone up to Cousin Loll's to spend the night but left the house so that I could get in. Cold east wind to day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday January 28th Frank has been at school all day but I didn't go down, I stayed home this morning to help Dad take one of our young sows down to Kindree's and then at noon I decided I wouldn't bother going down. I went down to-night and Marj. and I went to the picture show to see "The Whip" and it was very good. It was a very rough morning with an east wind and sleet but got milder this afternoon and almost rained although it didn't go above zero. Trains are all late again. Tuesday January 29th Frank and I stayed home this morning intending to haul ice but when we went down, we found that they weren't cutting as the water had backed up on the creek so we came home and told Dad. and he thought we had better go down and get a load of coke, as they have a car of it in and don't know when they will have any coal in. We got a load but could only put on 1300 lbs as it is light stuff. It burns quicker than coal and makes a hot fire. Dad. went down with us to see Jim Bannister's old mare and Jim brought him back. Jim was going around with yesterday's mail as he didn't get any farther than Evan's yesterday and there was no mail in on the Hamilton road to-day. This afternoon Frank and I went down to the class but they all came over to Martin's to pick and judge chickens. so I shovelled Aunty Alice's snow and came right back. Milder this afternoon & cloudy. Wednesday January 30th Frank and I went down to haul ice this morning and we got one load but they told us not to come after any more till to-morrow as Val. was filling cars and was afraid he wouldn't have enough, so this afternoon we went down to the class. We had a little work on fruit growing and then formed a club to be known as the Junior Farmer's Improvement Association which is quite a large organization through out the province. They put me in as president and Frank secretary-treasurer. I stayed down to tea at Aunty Alice's and to-night Marj. and I went up to Simcoe for a skate. There was a big crowd at the rink as it was a special event put on by the Presbyterians. We had a good time as there were several up there we knew Belle Symington and Bill {Baron?} went up from here and we saw Clara Hoag, Neff, Martin, and others up there I have a brute of a cold. 10° below zero this morning. Nice day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday January 31st Aunty Alice got up about half past five this morning and got my breakfast. I stayed down there all night as I felt so tough with my cold. I got home about half past six before any of the family were up. Frank and I hauled ice all day and got five loads and as Alan hauled one for us last night one more that would have been for we only need one more to make our eight loads but when we went down after it to-night the men had quite working and the tools were all locked up. They don't work after five. We got four of our loads out of the creek back of the vinegar works where Val. was cutting yesterday and where he had all the ice that was cut out of the hole. He thought there would be enough there for us and so there would but Monty Burke's men got two loads from there so Frank and I had to go down to the harbour where they are cutting to fill Holly Ainsley's ice house for our last load. The ice down there is the first cutting and twenty six inches thick so we could only haul six cakes to the load. but we can cut it in two and make nice sized cakes of it. It is all fine ice. Dad. had to pump all the water for the stock to-day as the bolt broke in the windmill. Cold all day but nice & sunny. Friday February 1st Frank stayed at Aunty Alice's last night and went to Simcoe on the seven car to see Russ Lampkins about getting a new bolt for the windmill. He found Russ had moved to Lynn Valley but he ordered the bolt from his successor in business. Frank came back on the nine car but went right up to school. I went down this morning and hauled our last load of ice, and brought it home & just left it in the sleigh box. We have three loads out side now which we will have to put in the ice house. This afternoon I went down to the school and found the boys & the girls of the Domestic Class in a great commotion getting ready for the wind-up banquet and dance to-night. Tige McBride sent me over to borrow the {I.O.D.C.?} boiler to make coffee in and when I got back Corby and I went down to the picture show where we found Neff and most of the boys practising yells and songs for to-night. When we went back to the hall we moved the piano up stairs to the Red Cross room which was to be the banquet hall, and the rest of the afternoon was spent in preparing. I went up to Dr. Lemon's about four o-clock and then home but didn't do any chores, just changed my </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Collar and shirt and hiked back again. Neff had informed me that as I was president of the J.F.I.A. I would be expected to make a reply to the toast to Agriculture; this news rather took my breath away as I had no idea what to say and had to put in the remainder of the afternoon thinking up something polish to say. Enah came down to the banquet with Frank and it went off in fine shape. Mr. Johnson was Chairman and Messers. Barwell, {Bond?}, Jack Martin proposed toasts to Our Country, The Ladies, and Agriculture respectively and I got my speech off with out fainting. and different ones said it was allright. The dance started about five o'clock and and kept up all night. It was well sprinkled with square dances and the orchestra consisted of Harry {Nivon?}, Tom Schram & Mrs. Frank Slocomb. Enah and I stayed till about two o'clock and then came home and wished we had come before. Very cold but sunny. Saturday February 2nd I didn't get up very early this morning and have done nothing but chores all morning, Frank got home about noon, he had stayed at the hall all night. and helped clear things up after the dance, so he didn't go to bed at all. Dad. and I split up the big cakes of ice by sawing them half way through with the cross cut saw and splitting them with the wedge. This afternoon Frank and I drove down town with Belle & Queen. We went around by the mill and got some flour & hog feed and got Jack Martin's hog rack on our way back to ship the hogs in on Monday. We all went to bed early to-night. It has been sunny all day but is still down around zero. Sunday February 3rd We didn't get up in time to get to church this morning, but I took Elva's cream down this morning and told Aunty Alice to wait for Dad. to drive her over. As it was quite stormy Dad. drove over to Tupper's this morning in the bob sleigh to borrow his scales and hog crate as he was afraid the road would be too drifted by to-morrow. When he got home he drove down and got Aunty Alice and Marj. whom I had brought down from church and who came over here to dinner with us. Frank drove us all back down town about foure o'clock. Enah went down with us as she wanted to practice a duet with Elva to play at the church concert on Tuesday night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> While Frank was waiting for Enah he took Marj. and me for a sleigh ride. We started up the Radical road and were just passing Symington's when Woodyer & Bill Gutcher came out, & piled in the sleigh. Belle saw them get in so yelled at us to wait and she & Bill Barron joined the party so we went up as far as George Eagle's in the teeth of a raging snow storm but we kept warm by laughing at Woodyer's crazy actions, His hat flew off twice and when he was getting back into the sleigh after rescuing it he turned a somersault into the box. The second time he lost it Frank kept right on driving when Woodyer got out and made him run about 10 rods to catch us. When we got back to town Frank went around and got Enah and I went down to Aunty Alice's to tea, she and I went to church to-night and after church Marj. and I went up to see Miss Martin but she wasn't home so we came back to Uncle Hughie's. I stayed all night with Aunty Alice. Very stormy but much milder 20° above. Monday February 4th Aunty Alice got me up about half past six this morning and got my breakfast. I went up to Hecs on my way home to see if Neil was gong to ship hogs as we were afraid yesterday's storm might have blocked the trains, but as both trains went out this morning. Hec. said they would ship. So I came home and we weighed our two hogs and put one in each crate, one weighed 217 and the other 232 lbs according to our weight but all Clare Deal could make it was 435. they gave us 17 1/4 cts which brought the check up to $75.04 which wasn't so bad for two pigs. Niel wasn't around himself and we had to leave the poor pigs in the open yard where it was perishingly cold and I don't know how long they would have to stay there as Huby told us Dave Turner's train didn't get any further out than the cheese factory this morning and there has been no mail in to-day. The drifts are so high now in places along the track as there has been no thaw for over a month that the least little blizzard blocks things up. When we got home we weighed the five ram lambs and the old ram, he only weighed about 140 lbs and the biggest of the lambs weighed 117 lbs. Dad. went down town this afternoon and had tea with Aunty Alice and to-night went up town to meet Stringer and got the gas lease fixed up. It has been very cold this afternoon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday February 5th It was 26° below zero by our thermometer when we went out this morning and has been below zero all day with a cold wind. I have scarcely done anything all day. Dad. and Frank did most of the chores, this afternoon Frank and I took Tupper's scales and hog crate home, he wasn't home but we put the things away where Dad said he got them I nearly perished coming home and only kept from freezing by getting behind Frank who had Dad's fur coat on. I just sat around the house when I got home. Frank went down to the mill and took Enah down town, but she stayed down to tea as she had to play at the show to-night. for Kelly who the church has got here. I was to have gone down and go to the concert with Aunty Alice but I hated the idea of going out after tea so gave my ticket to Frank. He went down but Aunty Alice didn't go as Harry Ainsley was worse again. he had five attacks yesterday. Dad. and Frank did all the chores to-night and I got tea ready. I read and slept all evening. Wednesday February 6th Dad. Frank and I put the ice in the ice house this morning, which took us all the fore noon. This afternoon we did up the chores and then hooked old Dave up. We put him on the bob sleigh with Harry and took him around the block. He went fine and was very good while we were hooking him up and unhooking him. Sam Law was in for quite awhile this afternoon and settled up with Dad. for thrashing. To-night Frank and I went down to a meeting of our club but didn't do much. Mr. Groff was down from Simcoe to explain the advantages of the Co-operative society but there weren't many there. however a few more gave their notes. We drove down and it was pretty dark but we got along alright till just as we turned in the lane, when when runner got up on the snow bank and the side of the track and up set the cutter dumped both of us out and then Joe ran up the lane with the cutter on its side past the drive house and wound up in a drift by the windmill, she couldn't go any farther for the farmyard fence. I expected to find the cutter and harness all smashed to pieces but except for the back-hand being broken every thing was sound. It has been thawing all day. First for a month </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday February 7th We hooked Dave and Harry up again this morning and drove down town. Dave behaved very well. We saw Aunty Alice who said she couldn't get over till Cousin Willie was better as Cousin Loll wanted her to stay with them. This afternoon Frank and I put the saw dust back in the ice house. We left Pommers for an hour in the box stall this morning with the surcingle and bridle on him. To-night I went down town and spent the evening with Marj. She was packing candy cigarettels and socks to send to {Stiffy Wasren?}. Lovely day, thawing in the sun but about 20° above in shade Friday February 8th After we got the chores done up this morning we hooked Dave and Harry up again and Frank & I drove them around the block past John Wesses. After dinner Dad. put the surcingle on Pommers and Dad. put a hobble on him with a rope to pull up his front foot if he made any lunges. I took the lines and Dad took the hobble rope and Frank opened the drive house door. Pommers just made it about two jumps across the lane and got his front foot over the little wire fence then wheeled around and plunged through the snow drifts up to the windmill. we couldn't hold him any more than we could a steam engine and Dad's rope didn't seem to stop him so we had to let him go. He tore around for a few minutes but we caught him at last up in the corner of the pig pen & orchard fence. Dad. then put a halter on him and he took it while Frank and I each took a line - and in the course of about fifteen minutes we managed to get him back to the stable with out him getting away. When we put him in Frank and I hooked up Harry & Bell and started to clean out the box stall which hasn't been cleaned out all winter, we hauled out three good loads to the old garden and left about one load still to be cleaned out. Jack Lawrie & RalfWaddle came over to have Dad. look at Jack's old mare and when they left Dad. Enah and the baby drove down town. Frank went down to a dance to-night which Merrit & Charlie Long are running. I felt pretty rotten with a cold & cough. We all feel pretty tough. Saturday February 9th I felt rather tough to-day with my cold so didn't do </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> much all day. this morning I wrote to Neff and to Aunty. Frank didn't get home from the dance till about eight o'clock as it rained in the night and they didn't break it up till day light on account of the roads being so bad, so he didn't feel very lively all day and seized every opportunity for snoozing. This afternoon we hooked Pommers up again or at least put the harness on him and took him out with out his getting away Dad. put a rope on him with a string under his chin fastend to his halter bit rings, and Dad & Frank took the rope and I took the lines. Lila came over this afternoon and Dad. went back with her and they had tea at Aunty Alice's. Lila stayed there all night. I went to bed early as my cold felt pretty bad and Enah made me soak my feet in hot water & mustard and drink hot black currant water. It has been thawing all day and a nice day. Sunday February 10th I got a note from Marj. yesterday asking me to come down to Nanticoke for her to-day if I could. as her cousin had come up for her Friday and invited me down to dinner to-day, so as two of Joe's shoes are off I took Queen and left here about half past ten. I made very good time as the folks were just going into church when I went through Nanticoke, but I found out afterwards they were fifteen or twenty minutes late. When I got to the Banfields I found they had all gone to church but Mrs. Banfield and Cal. Howden the hired man (?.) He is one of one of {Ascar's?} kids and is about as big as a skinned minute.). The rest got home about about an hour after I arrived, Besides Mr. & Mrs. Warrie Banfield, Mr. & Mrs. Dick Doughty and Marj. came. Marj. has been staying over there till to-day. We had a very enjoyable time. all interest being centred on the Banfield baby which Cal. informed me would soon be a year old and is a comical little thing. Marj. and I left for home about half past three and came straight here as Dad. told me that he was going to take Aunty Alice & Lila down in the bob-sleighs and would take Marj. and me too which would save me having to to bring Queen back from town and then probably walking back again. We got here about five and they were just leaving but Enah invited Marj. to stay to tea which she did. so we didn't go down with them. I had the milking done when Dad. got back. Marj. and I walked down about nine o'clock. Quite mild but cold wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday February 11th This morning Frank and I finished cleaning out the box stall in one big load. When we got back Dad. put the harness on Pommers and we took him down to the corner. he behaved very well but would have got away once or twice if Dad. hadn't had the rope in his halter. Aunty Alice walked over to dinner and this afternoon she and Enah went calling down to the Ryerse's and Pickford's. Frank took them down in the sleighs and left them there an hour and then went after them. Aunty Alice was very anxious to get back as Cousin Loll had sent over a note in the mail saying Harry Ainsley was very weak. Frank drove them right down town so that Enah could find out how he was and she said he was about the same. Alfred came up and got Dad. to go down with him to look at one of his pigs. which is in bad shape owing to the cold weather. I spent the afternoon cutting the tops off some of the high apple-trees according to the instructions given us at the Short Course by by Mr. Kydd. Sunny with fresh thawing breeze. It has thawed a lot to-day and water is standing over everything. It is still soft to-night. We intend to butcher our hog to-morrow Tuesday February 12th It rained hard last night and has been very soft all day. It was cloudy all morning rained quite hard at noon and early this afternoon then came out sunny and a fresh breeze but mild. On account of the weather we had to postpone our butchering operations. and have just done odd jobs. I cleaned off the dropping board in the henhouse this morning as it has been frozen too hard all winter and then went out to see if I could let some water off the wheat as it was backed up by the snow. Then I started to scrape some of the apple trees. Dad. & Frank changed the stroke of the windmill again and put in the longest one. This afternoon we cleaned out the box in the barn so that we could put my heifer in when she calves. I went up to Ham Thompson's to ask him what time our meeting on Saturday was to be. and was up there quite awhile looking at the stock. Charlie Quanbury went out to the farm this morning with a load of manure but got stuck on the hill and left his load in the road. The snow is all undermined & honeycombed with water and the team went right down to their bellies Charlie had a hard time getting them loose. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday February 13th We spent most of the morning getting things ready for and butchering our pig, and got it all done by noon. Dad. got a very nice stick and scale on her and she dressed a dandy. Charlie Munroe came in just as we started to scald so he helped us during the dressing operations. He walked over to get Dad. to look at one of his horses which has a bad cold so Dad. went back with him to dinner. This afternoon I got ready and went down town to have my tooth fixed but as it was after four when I got there Bill said I had better come early to-morrow afternoon. I stayed at Aunty Alices to tea and went to church to-night this being Ash Wednesday. Marj. had proposed going up to Miss Martin's to-night but as she. Marj.. had a sore throat we didn't go & I called for Aunty Alice at Cousin Loll's and stayed down at Aunty's all night. We had a letter to-day from a man in {place?} inquiring about the prices of ram lambs, he having seen in the report of the Co-operative wool sales that we had the highest percentage of our wool in the highest grade of anyone in Ontario. It has not been thawing all day but has been quite mild and cloudy. There came nearly being bad {frost?} Thursday February 14th I came home about nine o'clock this morning but as I had to go right back after dinner I didn't change my clothes. I wrote to Mr. Bent the man who inquired about the rams. and I also measured the lawn and flower beds as I had a letter from Mr. Tomlinson saying he has mislaid my first sketch and if I would send another he would be sure to send me a blueprint. I went down to Aunty Alices for dinner and went up to Bills right after. He filled my tooth and found a hole in another one He couldn't finish the job right away so I went back at four o'clock, when he finished the job for which I paid him $1.50. While I was there the last time Karl Lemons came in and said the Penman's dam had gone out and the bridge had dropped at one end. I went down to Aunty Alice's and got my rubber boots on and she and Lila went down with me to see the wreck. It was a bad mess. The road at the north end of the bridge had caved in as the water has been leaking through the buttment of the dam all winter and washed a big hole out under the road. Then the big head of water coming from the last few day's thaw took the top of the north end </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> of the dam out which was loosened by the bridge dropping down on the buttment and buckeing it. It would have been a very dangerous proceeding for me to try to go across the bridge but several had gone across on the ice on the pond making quite a detour away from the bridge so I followed their tracks and as I had my rubber boots on didn't get wet. Dad. cut up the pig this morning and I took some of it down to Aunty Alice, Huby and Mr. James. Frank fixed up a feed box for the calf and this afternoon, they moved the ram lambs over to the colony house with old McPherson. It has been sunny and thawing a bit all day. Thunderstorm to-night. Friday February 15th It was much colder to-day with a strong north west wind. so we didn't do much out side. I started in to clean up the Tommy Jackson harness but didn't get any more than the bridle done but I made the nickel on it shine. This afternoon Dad and I took Pommers out and he went like an old horse, we just had him on the line, and Dad. had the rope in his halter but didn't have to tighten on it once. Frank made a rack for the ram's hay this morning and put it in the colony house and this afternoon he went down to a meeting of the Black Creek Creamery patrons and announced our meeting to-morrow thinking he could get more farmer's easier that way than any other He said that they raised Lea Marshall's salary 1/4 cent per pound. and one old fellow kicked very much at it. He didn't think Lea needed it because he kept a hired girl and ran a Ford car. Jim Bannister told Dad at noon that to add to Penman's troubles they had a bad fire down in the mill this morning which did a great deal of damage to the stock; it was caused they say, by a nail getting into the pickers, heating and being blown into the inflamable cotton. Saturday February 16th We didn't do much but chores this morning except take Pommers down to the corner again, he is certainly good never made a misstep. Frank and I went down to dinner. at Aunty Alice's and this afternoon we went up to a fairly successful meeting of farmers. Neff & Jas E. Johnson manager of the Norfolk Co-operative Assn. were down and explained the working of the Association very clearly and about ten more signed notes. We </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> were there till nearly five and then I went up and got my hair cut, so it was after six when I got home. I came home by the dam and came across the ice. Frank went around by the mill (the same way we went down) and got home the same time I did but he was delayed by having to go back to the hall after his books and then winding the town clock for George Steele. Johnny Payne was buried to-day and Bob Law died very suddenly this afternoon. They said he was well when he fed his teams this morning but lay down on the sofa when he came in and didn't feel like going out again at noon and soon after noon he was dead. News has also just come to town of the death of young Billy Thompson. He had just been moved to New York, they say on a $2000 salary when he took pneumonia and died in a few days. Bright and sunny but freezing hard all morning but snowing hard and milder this afternoon. Sunday February 17th I walked down to church this morning and as Aunty Alice said she felt as if she was catching cold and didn't feel like walking over to the farm I decided to stay and have dinner with her but just as we were about ready to sit down Dad came down with the team and sleigh to take Aunty Alice over for dinner, so we both went. We came back down town about four o'clock and I stopped on the way down to see Mrs. Sinclair and after Mrs. Bell about having a social gathering next week the boys of the J.F.I.A. and the girls of the W.I. meeting to-gether. Mrs. Bell advised me to see Olga Ryerse and offered her house for the occasion. I had tea with Aunty Alice and neither of us went to church but went up right after and she went up to Cousin Loll's for awhile and I went over to see Marj. who had been up with Glad Law all the afternoon. I stayed all night at Aunty Alices. It has been cold but sunny all day. Freezing to-night. Monday February 18th I came home about nine o'clock this morning and came around by town and got fifty post cards to notify the members of the J.F.I.A. of the meeting here on Thursday night. Frank, Enah and I. spent quite while this morning writing them we sent out twenty five. Jack Walker was over for a little while to see if Enah </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {single page list that was probably used to make longer diary entries later} Jan 9 - Frank went down in the courses - talk on Cultivation. Neff - fruit growing class if H Thompson's judging poultry Jan 10 - testing milk for % of the fat Jan 11 Feeds & Feeding Bacteriology afternoon - judging sheep, at Farrs Blizzard Jan 11 & 12. 14 Roads 1 R R all blocked Jan 15 - course resumed agriculture Jan 16 - Dr Reed - Test for {?} on vet work & horse breeding, only radial TB & young Will Sidway got laughing Jan 17 - beef cattle & sheep - no rural mail from Jan 11 - Jan 17 Mr. Mead & Harry Dyer lost in storm & spent night at Pickfords. Frozen faces Jan 19 - Mr. Hart on forming a Norfork Co oper for buying & marketing in Simcoe. Jan 22 - Mr. Kydd formerly Simcoe on fruit growing </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {continuation of list; written on graph paper} Jan 22 - womens course started about 50 entered Jan 23 - Dairy cattle - Mr Stevenson of Ancaster. Afternoon at Alex Wallace's - Holstein very good herd Jan 24 - preparing for debate This war will be a benefit jan 25 - Mr Rush on market Gardening Jan 26 - 2nd meeting re Co op joined & signed note for $100 Jan 29 - picking & judging chick at Martins Jan 30 - formed a club TB Pres Feb 1 - very busy preparing for wind up of course - TB responds to toast Trains still irregular very very cold </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> would come down and play at Billy Thompson's funeral tomorrow afternoon. It will be in the church and they wanted the choir out. This afternoon Dad. walked down to Bob. Law's funeral and was gone all the afternoon I walked down to see Olga Ryerse as Mrs. Bell suggested and when I got back Frank and I polished harness for a little while. Lloyd Ryerse was in for awhile to-night to see what to do for an old ewe that lambed early and has a caked udder. {Surname's} cow had a pair of twin calves this morning which has caused considerable excitement in the neighborhood. When Dad. went down this afternoon they had them in Jack Martin's wash-house where it was hot. The latest news is that Jack Payne has bought Wess Boughner's farm and is putting Lilly {surname} husband on it to raise Shorthorns and Wess Boughner has bought Mrs. Duncan's place. Froze very hard last night. Fine sunny day. Tuesday February 19th It started to rain during the night and has rained most of the day so we didn't do anything much but chores. Dad. and Frank put the pig in pickle this morning. This afternoon Dad. and Enah went down to Billy Thompson's funeral as Enah had to play. It was a masonic funeral but Dad. had got no notice so wasn't with the Masons. Frank drove them down in the bob-sleigh although there were some very icy spots on the road. They got home about half past three and brought with them the geese that Enah bargained with Al. Faulkner for before Christmas. I spent most of the afternoon reading "Queen Zixi of Ix" to Tid. I finished a good book to night. "The Double Four" by Phillips Oppenheim. Wednesday February 20th It turned very cold during the night and has been down to zero with a strong west wind all day. We haven't down anything much but chores as it has been too cold to work out side with comfort. I wrote a letter to Mr. Bent this morning promising him our best ram lamb next fall as I had a letter from him yesterday saying he would be willing to pay $55.00 for it. Tupper was in for a few minutes before noon on his way home from town and Charlie Munroe walked through on his way to the mill. He told Dad. his horse was better but not well yet. This afternoon Dad. walked over to John Wesses and took him one of the calendars we got from the Department of Agriculture. He found </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> John Wess just the same. feels fine as long as he doesn't try to do anything. Dad. went down to Charlie Munroe's from John Wesses and found his horse had developed distemper with its throat all swelled up, but it is getting on well. I read most of the afternoon and went down to tea to Aunty Alice's. She and I went to church to-night but as the church was very cold and the lights very poor, we only had the war-time litany which lasted only 8 or 10 minutes. I went home with Marj. and stayed all night at Aunty Alices. Thursday February 21st I got home about nine o'clock and found the family all huddled around the stove and I was glad to join them. It was down below zero again with a biting north west wind. It has been pretty cold all day but the winds went down towards evening and it has been sunny We didn't do much but chores. Frank and I cleared up a little in the drive house this afternoon to make room for any horses that members of the J.F.I.A. might drive to our meeting to-night. Then Frank rode his wheel down town to get some coffee. Although the roads were. very hard and icy there were ten came to our meeting It was a nice night and the wind had died down. We had a very good meeting and they all seemed enthusiastic about growing a patch of potatoes this summer after we talked over our business they played cards and checkers. Enah dished up some coffee and war bread and Corby & Fred Rolson sang for us. The meeting broke up about twelve. We went out to look at my heifer after the boys left and found her very near calving, so I went to bed with my clothes on. to get up and look at her later. Friday February 22nd I got up at four o'clock and went out to look at the heifer but she seemed easy so I went to bed again. Dad. got up at six and went out and she had just dropped her calf then. The calf is a red roan & a bull. She has a very big bag and is alright. We did chores most of the morning and Dad. and Frank went back to the gully and brought up a dozen boards off the cross fence back there to make sheep troughs of. This afternoon Frank got three troughs pretty well made. I went down town to telephone Neff to see what night he could come down next week to our social meeting but he was out of town so I went. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> down and talked to Huby for awhile and found there was a car of coal in. then I walked down to Corbetts and told Corby to telephone Neff to-night. He & his father were getting up wood off the lake bank which has slid terribly last year. I walked through their place to the creek and went up to the Ryerse's. Olga seems to be having a hard time getting the girls to-gether. I got home about five. Dad. was. getting ready to go down to Aunty Alice's for tea and to meet the train as Aunty came home to-night. He stopped in at Quanbury's on his way down and got Charlie to say he would get us a load of coal in the morning as the roads are to icy for our horses. It has been milder with west wind and snow to-day. Saturday February 23rd We got up about six this morning and I was over at Quanbury's by eight o'clock to go down with Charlie and get our coal. Charlie was just at his breakfast so it was half an hour before we got started and had to go in the waggon, however the coal wasn't all gone when we got there but was going fast. They were only selling half ton lots to one person. so we took half a load of coal and half coke. Frank was waiting for us at the mill with a couple of bags of feed which he put on the waggon. Charlie didn't charge Dad. anything for it. This afternoon Dad. Enah and the baby walked down to see the dam and went on across and saw Aunty for awhile. She has a cold a neuralgia. The wind was from the south west to-day and it was sunny and quite soft. Frank said he heard crows once. There was a faint touch of spring in the air, which made it feel nice to be alive. Frank finished making the sheep troughs and I for want of some thing to do shingled half of the "Library." I also turned over the hot-bed manure pile. Sunday February 24th I walked down to church this morning and Aunty and Aunty Alice walked back with me to dinner. About three o'clock I went back down town. Glad Law went back to Toronto on the 3'o'clock car and Marj. was down to see here off but I didn't get down in time to see Glad. but spent the rest of the afternoon with Marj. About five o'clock she went up to Miss Martin's to tea and I went down to Aunty's. Aunty and I went to church and I came back there for awhile after church but didn't stay long. I didn't go home by the dam as there was a lot of water on the ice when I came down, I went home by the mill and met Marj. on her way home. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday February 25th As it was mild and soft and fairly good footing for the horses we decided to move the straw stack in to-day. Dad. and I pitched the top of it off and most of the ice out of it while Frank dug away the big snow bank on the east side of the drive house. And we got one load over to the horse stable before dinner but didn't pitch it off. We put it off right after dinner and got another jag over and off and left the butt of the stack to put in the old barn. We put the waggon back on the old barn floor and while we were at it the colts which were in the barnyard came through the gate we left open and took a good run over the wheat tramping & cutting it up considerably. About four o'clock Dad. and I started up to Ham Thompson's with Dad's heifer. It began to rain just as we left and before we got home was pouring down. It developed into a terrific thunderstorm but had stopped before we went to bed, but was cloudy and windy. I got two eggs to-day, the first I have got. Frank has been getting a duck egg daily for the last few days. A strip of paper has blown off the chicken shed roof and this wind will take more off so it looks pretty badly Tuesday February 26th There was a very strong west wind this morning and it had turned cold again during the night being about 10° above zero so we didn't do much but chores all day. I wrote a couple of letters this morning one to the Co-Operative Association ordering some clover seed oil cake and seed potatoes and one to the Canadian Sheep Breeders' to see if some arrangement couldn't be made to have Canadian registered sheep transferred to the American Book. Art. and Lloyd Ryerse were up most of the afternoon, they wanted to see if we would be willing to put a telephone in. About four Art. and I went down town and Frank & Lloyd went off with Collin, {name?} & young George. Art and I went in to see Patterson about the telephone but from what he said I don't think there is much chance of the Co. putting up a line out our way till the war is over and prices are normal. We went down around by the mill but came home by crossing the creek at Colman's point where the big chunks of ice are frozen in. Wednesday February 27th It was cloudy and blustery this morning but not cold but later it came out sunny and nice. We moved what was left of the straw stack into the barn this </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> morning, then Dad and I took Pommers out on the rein. he went just as well as ever. About noon a peddler came in and asked if he could have his dinner and put his horse in, so he did and turned out to be an old acquaintance of Dad's by the name of "Chinny" Klause, one-time farmer, milk dealer and carpenter on the Round Plains and at present travelling all over the country in the interests of the famous Rundel. Pain King Medicine Co. leaving bottles of None Such Liniments salve "to be paid for next year and collecting money for what was left last year. He seemed to honestly believe that it would do all that the Company claimed for it which was that it would cure any ailment that affects man or beast and can be applied either externally or internally. He and Dad. had quite a visit and he proved to be very entertaining telling of his experiences on the road. and others. He used to be a great pal of Jeff. Langs and told Dad quite a lot of news about them. This afternoon Frank went down to Corbetts to get Leigh to telephone all the boys of the J.R.I.A. and tell them about the meeting the Woman's Institute are having and invited us to. I went down town to-night and came home with Enah who had gone down to tea and church. I was too late for church. We had to walk around by the mill. Thursday February 28th We put on a load of hay this morning and took it over to the barn for the cows, but didn't unload it. This afternoon Dad. and I drove down town and had Joe shod and Dad also negotiated with old Walker for a loan of another fifty dollars to pay for our supplies from the Norfolk Co-Operative Association. Huby was here when we got home, he had walked over to have Dad. look at his dog, he didn't stay to tea. Frank cleaned out the shop this afternoon. Art & Charlie Quanbury stopped in on their way home from Henry Misner's sale which they said went well and where Art bought Hay rope & slings, to tell us that Tupper was going to thrash in the morning & wanted a man from here. Mild but cloudy & rainy all day. Friday March 1st Dad. went thrashing over to Tupper's this morning and was gone all day. They didn't get started till afternoon so didn't finish by night. Neither Henry Misner was there with the machine nor Tupper, he had to go to Simcoe. Frank went to the mill this morning and got some chaf. We also went up to the old cherry tree and to some sand to plant seeds in. Mrs. McPherson </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was over here to-dinner. This afternoon Frank and I put off the load of hay we got. over yesterday but didn't do anything else much but chores. To-night we went down to the Woman's Institute meeting to which the J.F.I.A. was invited and heard Mr. Johnson & Mrs. Bond talk about growing & canning vegetables. Neff was down but didn't have the {dramas?} with him. He suggested that we should have a box social next Thursday. The others seemed to think it would be a good idea so I suppose we will have to have it. Young Crosbie drove Frank & me home and I thought he would upset us for sure. Nice day. Blustery this morning though. Saturday March 2nd Dad. went back to Tuppers this morning and they finished but he didn't get home till afternoon as he went over to John Wesses for dinner and took him "Happy Hawkins" to read. About half past four he, Enah & the baby drove down town for some groceries. I spent most of my time to-day when I wasn't doing chores in fixing up boxes of earth and to-night sowed some tomato seed. We have them on a little table in front of the window in our room. Frank chased around this morning and this afternoon went down to Ryerse's with his rifle. Lila was over to dinner. Nice sunny day but windy. Sunday March 3rd Frank and I drove down to church this morning. It was the first time Frank had been at church for a long time. We spent a nice hour and a half in the back seat and I was aroused from a nice doze about the middle of the sermon by some kids having a high time out side playing on the cellar door. Frank was taking the sermon very much to heart as Mr. Johnson was talking about the wickedness of those who didn't attend church regularly. Frank concluded he was lost. We were in to see Mrs. Bell before church to arrange for our box social next Thursday night. I drove Aunty and Aunty Alice over to dinner and Frank walked home going over the ice above the dam. I went back down town right after dinner and spent the afternoon with Marj. I went up to Harry {Morris's?} just before tea to ask if he would help us with a concert and he said he would. I had tea at Aunty's. They had walked home as Sam & Mrs. Law had come in here just before they left so Dad. couldn't drive them down. Aunty Alice was afraid to go over the ice so they came all the way around by the mill and she was too tired to go to church but Aunty and I went. Marj. and I came back with her. Lovely sunny day. Cool breeze </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday March 4th We spent the whole day cleaning out the sheep barn floor. We hauled out seven or eight waggon loads and spread them on the old garden but there is quite a lot in there yet. We couldn't haul big loads as the road was rough and it jiggled off and we had no sideboards on. It was sunny this morning but got very cloudy and rained this afternoon and to-night. Very mild. Tuesday March 5th We finished cleaning out the sheep barn to-day but it took us till after dinner. We hauled out I think five loads and covered all the old garden west of the currant bushes and part of the strip that is left east of them. When we got through Dad. and Frank started to put the handle in the old axe head and I went down to Ryerse's to see what Olga found out about the box social and then walked over to Corby's to get him to telephone all the members of the J.F.I.A. and summon them to attend. At present it looks as if there will be about two women to every boy. Dad. & Enah got an invitation out to a party at Lish Farr's to-morrow night where they want them to "render a few selections". I suppose it is a house warming party so their new house is just finished. Foggy & mild. Wednesday March 6th Dad. and I went up to Ham Thompson's right after breakfast with my two-year old heifer and didn't get back till nearly noon. Frank took a couple of axe heads down town and got the nicks ground out of them. He didn't get home till after we did. Alan Law was here when we got back, he had driven one of this horses up to have her clipped but as she was wet and muddy, we thought we couldn't clip her so Frank went back home with him and they took the machine down and clipped the other mare this afternoon. Alan drove Frank home with the clipped mare and they certainly made a slick job. They left the machine down there to clip the other mare when she is dry. Dad. spent most of the afternoon trying to hang an axe handle but had a hard time with it. I read and wrote to Miss Wade Secretary of the American Sheep. Registry Ass'n to find out about recording sheep over there. To-night I went down to church and spent the evening with Marj. Dad. and Enah had not decided whether to go out to Farr's when I left and they didn't decide until it was too late to go so stayed home. Huby got a cablegram from Quint sent on Sunday saying he was leaving the next day for France so I suppose he's pretty near the Front by this time. It has been cloudy & raw but not freezing all day. Snowing to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday March 7th Frank and I didn't do much else all day but oil harness. We put a fire on in the shop and got Bell's heavy harness oiled, washed, mended and put to-gether. It was about two o'clock when we finished the one harness so we didn't start on another one. I had a rather bad pain under my {?} this afternoon so came in the house and lay down till chore time when it had disappeared. Dad. spent most of the afternoon putting an axe handle in another head. He finished the one he was at yesterday, this morning. He got the handle in the head just so far then couldn't get it either in or out so he heated the head and then drove it in which made a very tight fit. According to to-day's "Globe" all the bank clerks in On except those who were granted exemption on personal grounds are to be called up. so I guess old Dick will be a soldier yet. Colder to-day but windy. To-night we went down to our box social at Mrs. Bell's Friday March 8th. We had a very good time. There were not as many ladies there as we expected and so the boys & girls were about even in numbers. We played games and. at the wind up I auctioned off the boxes for which we realized about $15.00 half of that went to the WAI & half to the J.F.I.A. Frank and I got home about one o'clock. Friday March 8th I went to Simcoe on the nine car this morning to see Johnson. Neff called me up last night to say they had a car of corn in and would send it down here with what stuff was ordered from around here, so I wanted to find out a little more about it and who had ordered from around here.. Johnson said they hadn't many orders and wanted me to get more and send them up to him to-night. I meant to come home on the eleven car but missed it so we walked home by the G.T.R. track. It was a lovely day for a walk especially down along the creek and I heard a lot of Spring birds and saw my first robin this morning. Frank was here alone when I got home about half past twelve as Dad. Enah & the baby went down to Aunty's for dinner. Right after dinner I went down town and went up to telephone Ham Thompson from Aunty Maude's to see if knew of anyone who might buy corn, but he had gone over to our place. I visited with Aunty Maude for quite awhile and then went down to Aunty's till Dad. and Enah left. They drove and I walked. stopped in to see Harry {Man?} at the mill. and Charlie Quanbury's new horse that he got at Porter's sale so it was six o'clock when I got home </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday March 9th Frank and I took Elgitha up to Ham Thompson's this morning and Dad. did chores. They had intended going back and cutting some wood but it was snowing hard when we got back so they didn't go. This afternoon Frank and I walked over to see John Wess. Cam has gone home for a little while and Albert Newcombe is doing chores over there. Dad. went down town to see Aunty for awhile. Aunty Alice was in Brantford all day visiting with "Miss" Watts and Vernon is up there too. Aunty Alice came back at five o'clock. Frank went down to a party to-night at Bill Barwell's to celebrate Bill's birthday. Frank stayed down all night. It has been a miserable day. with a regular blizzard all the afternoon and a thunderstorm to-night. Sunday March 10th We woke up this morning to find that our Spring has left us and Winter is here again. There is a lot of snow and it has been not above 15° above zero all day with a cold north wind but sunny. To-night when I came home it was down to zero. Dad. Enah Tid and I drove down to church in the cutter and the sleighing is better than it has been all winter although there is a crust over it which formed I suppose after last night's thunderstorm which brought sleet with it. After church Frank and I drove home and the rest went over to the James for dinner. I drove down after dinner and left Joe in the Presbyterian shed for them to drive home and I spent the afternoon and evening with Marj. having tea and going to church with Aunty & Aunty Alice. Enah counted 25 robins this morning in the lilac bush out side the clothes room window. The poor little fellows evidently made a misguess and came north too soon. Monday March 11th We hauled down two loads of manure to Aunty's to-day, one this morning and another this afternoon. The sleighing was good and we took Belle and Queen. Frank went down this afternoon to unload the car that should have come from the Norfolk Co-Operative Ass'n but Murray told him it wasn't in but called up Jack Martin after he got home and told him it was. Dad. Enah and I went down to a concert to-night given by Miss Prest & Miss Symonds for the prisoners of war. It was great. Much milder. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday March 12th Frank went down first thing this morning to unload the Association car. Dad. and I put on another load of manure and took it down to Aunty's but had quite a time getting down as the sleighing was gone in places. We went down to the car and got our bag of oil cake but our clover seed didn't come. Smith from down on the town line had been up and got four bags of oil cake and left his sacks to be filled with corn so Frank wanted me to stay and help bag it after. We had dinner at Aunty's and were down at the car all this afternoon. I called up Johnson right after dinner and he said the oil cake should have been weighed and Frank let Smith have his without, thinking there was just 300 lbs in a bag. We got Smith's bags all filled and he came after them about four o'clock. Lorne Myers was down and bagged up some for himself and Ham & Bert Thompson took two bags of oil cake which cleaned us out of it. It has been very windy and soft all day. Wednesday March 13th Whan Frank first went out this morning he found one of the four year old ewes No 8 with a fine ewe lamb. Frank went down to the car right after breakfast and didn't get home till about seven o'clock to-night, but said he got it all unloaded except a load or two for Charlie Ivey which Murray said he wouldn't charge demurrage for. As soon as they could get ready Dad. took Tid down to Aunty's and then came back got Enah and went out to the Shand's for dinner and spent the afternoon not getting home till after half past six. They had dinner & the Harvey Shand's and spent part of the afternoon at Willie's. I spent the day doing chores and scraping a few of the apple trees. I had my dinner at one and sat around quite awhile reading the paper afterwards. I went out to look at the sheep about three o'clock and found old Lop ear (117) just at the lambing performance. In about half an hour she had two nice ones a buck & a ewe up and running around. I had most of the chores done up when Dad. got home but he fed the sheep and I came in and dressed and went down town. I was too late for church but took Aunty some cream and went up to see Marj. It was a fine day but turned out a bad night. Colder & raining hard. They say that yesterday's thaw broke the ice up in the pond and that last night about eleven the water was running over the road again and they thought the bridge would go out. but it didn't. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday March 14th This has been a very disagreeable day. It rained hard most of the morning and drizzled all the afternoon and was cloudy, muddy, and cold. Dad. and Frank went out to the sheep barn about six o'clock this morning and found three more lambs, Dad's ewe had one and No 10 had two. the ram lamb of No 10's was just about dead when they found him, for although he had not been born long there was a scum over his nostrils and he couldn't breathe. Dad. brought him in the house and revived him a little but he soon died. None of them seem to get enough milk for some reason or other so Frank got a nipple for the feed bottle this morning and Dad. has been feeding them cow's milk all day. To-night he brought Lop ears ewe lamb in to the house for all night. It is in bad shape, and doesn't seem to know enoug to suck except the bottle. It seems queer as they were all strong when they were born. Frank has been down town most of the day again, helping Charlie Ivey part of the time. We haven't done much but chores and watch the sheep. I got a letter from Miss Wade to-day saying that the records of sires & dams of any sheep recorded in the American Shropshire Registry must also appear on the book. I wrote to R. W. W. Wade, asking for more definite information. Friday March 15th I haven't done much all day except stand around the sheep barn and shiver or sit around the house and sleep. It was a sunny day but the raw north wind made it very disagreeable. Matters were made worse by the bad luck we are having with the lambs. Lop ear's little ewe lamb died this morning and Dad opened it and said there was nothing in its stomach. One of the two year old ewes lambed to-day No 22. and the second lamb died just after it was born by being smothered with scum. The mother seemed to have no milk at all so we took the live lamb in the house and Dad. has been feeding it all day, as well as the lamb of Dad's ewe. By to-night. No 8 had a big pair of twins which seemed to get enough and which we put in the box stall in the horse. stable. The situation looks a little brighter to-night but we have the two in a box in the house and Dad. has to feed them every hour or so from a bottle. Frank has increased their the ewe's grain ration and is giving a few mangolds so we are hoping that they will soon "come to their milk". Saturday March 16th Charlie Quanbury came over this morning to get one </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> of us to go over and help Billy Mills put straw over Jack's strawberries, so I went. Billy wasn't through with the chores when I got there as he has a lot of pigs to feed. We gathered up the straw from around the stack and as it was frozen it was slow pitching and we only got two loads out before dinner. by that time the ground was to soft to work on. so I didn't go back this afternoon. Frank and Dad. took the oil cake down to the mill and weighed it and this afternoon Frank went up to Simcoe to report to Johnson, his steward ship was evidently satisfactory as Johnson gave him 30 cents an hour for unloading the car. He drew about $7.00 and gave me $1.20 for my afternoons work. Dad. and I didn't do much but chores this afternoon and I cleaned and rubbed up my Tommy Jackson harness. To-night I went down town and got my hair cut and took my drawings down to Aunty and she picked out some to send to the Correspondence School. No more lambs have come and the ones we have are doing well. Two are still in the house. West wind but not cold. Sunday March 17th Frank and I went down to Sunday school this morning as we were up in plenty of time. I didn't take my clothes off all night but got up at two and fid the lambs in the house and looked at the ones in the barn I could hardly hold my head up in Sunday school and did sleep most of the time in church. Dad. drove Enah down to church but didn't stay himself and she walked home. I went back down town right after dinner and Marj. and I went up to Miss McDonald's and took her a school Act manual which she is studying. We then went up to Miss Martin's but she wasn't home so we walked down to the dam with Mr. & Mrs. Bagley whom we overtook. Ont our way back from there we went into Miss McQueen's for a few minutes where we found Miss Martin. I stayed down at Aunty's for tea, Win. was there too. and went to church with them to-night. After church Marj. and I started out for a walk but met Mrs. Moon who had some church money to give Marj. and so we went in there for awhile. Then on our way home we met {Said?} Davis who had spent the day in Simcoe and was rather excited at having some fellow, whom she didn't know offer to carry her club bag for her, so we walked up to Mrs. Richardson's with her where she is staying. It has been a beautiful sunny mild Spring day with a soft west wind. The spring birds are thick </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday March 18th I went over to Jack's first thing this morning and found him just milking his Jerseys. He said that instead of covering strawberrys this morning he would have me help Billy load some hogs to ship. I helped Billy do his chores and we had a lot of little things to do to get ready for the hogs which were in Charlie Martin's barn. We had to catch the two smallest ones and one of the biggest ones and weigh them. There were five and the smallest weighed 158 lbs & the big one went just over 200 but we took them all down as the price is way up 19 cts here I think. I came home as soon as we got them loaded and have spent most of the day getting manure out of the hog stall for the hot bed Frank murdered old Nellie this morning and worked with her most of the day and this afternoon took her over to Jack. Dad has had a busy day with the lambs. He let the two biggest ones out to-day with the big sheep and left the two that were in the house out in the barn. He goes out every now and then and holds his ewe so that the two can suck as she won't own them. Two of the two year olds lambed to-day one had a single and one twins. The one with twins seems to have no milk. but they are fine strong lambs. Frank went to a dance to-night. Lovely day. Tuesday March 19th Frank got home from the dance about four o'clock this morning and I got up soon after he went to bed. Dad. lay on the sofa all night with his clothes on so that he could go out and feed the lambs in the night. I spent nearly all the morning making a frame for the hot bed and got it just about finished I got the boards from the old fence along the road. On one of my trips out after boards Frank went with me and we measured the corner field to see how much wire it would take to fence it and figured it at 120 rds. to go around three sides of it and we have enough wire for the front. This afternoon Frank and I drove down town and took poor old Nellie's hide down which Frank shipped to Hallam While I was waiting for Frank at the station an engine came along and before I had time to turn around old Belle got frightened and broke the old tonge on the waggon. Then Harry fell down as she knocked him down and Belle jumped with her front feet over him. It was quite a tangle but I don't think either of them were hurt and nothing but the tongue and Harry's bit was broken. Frank got a new bit and we borrowed a sleigh tongue from Joe Howell which Waters roped to the old one so that the draw bolt went partly through both of them and it made it. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> solid enough for us to go up to Jack McBride's where we put on four rolls of wire for the corner field and we git home with them all right. A new lamb had arrived when we got home. Dad. let all the lambs but the very youngest and the two that the mother doesn't own out with their mothers to-day as it was a beautiful warm sunny day with no wind. Tupper came in to-night and left a load of corn here which he had hauled from Simcoe. His team was tired and he didn't want to tackle the hill with his load. Wednesday March 20th I spent quite awhile this morning working at the hot bed and then helped Dad. & Frank put on a jag of hay to haul to the horse stable. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over to dinner and just as we sat down Tupper came after his corn so came in and had dinner with us. He hung around and visited till about three o'clock Aunty and Aunty Alice went home about four and Enah went down to tea with them. After they left Dad. & I hauled the hay over and put it off over the horse stable. Frank went up to Mrs. Duncan's sale right after dinner and got back just as we got our load off. He bought a hog rack for $3.25. We were late getting through tea as another lamb arrived just after dark. I went down town but was too late for church. I spent the evening over at the Moore's and came home with Enah. Lidney & Wilma McQueen were over at Uncle Hughie's when I was there and Lidney was having a picnic chasing the kids away from his sap as he has the maples in front of the house tapped. He came in on two different occasions each time announcing that he had caught a couple of them. The last time he came in he said he left {Garf?} on sentry and chuckled in great style over it because he said the kids would out run him. The Sunday school was lit up and I think he expected a bunch of kids to get out of it but it was the weekly meeting of the I.O.D.E. It has been a beautiful day. No wind and quite hot. 84° in the sun. Ed Moon got home from England to-night. Thursday March 21st We put on another load of hay this morning and hauled it over to the cow stable. While we were at it Lloyd Ryerse rushed in greatly excited to get Dad. to go down and poke a corn cob out of their purebred cow's throat. as she was choking. Dad went down with him but </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> when they got there the cow was alright. Dad. says Art. was standing in front of her with a broom stick and Colin behind her with a corn stalk. and it was hard to say which was the wildest Art or the cow. This afternoon Dad. and Frank cleared up a lot of the old fence bottom around the corner field and burnt over nearly the whole field. To-night Dad. went down to put Aunty's parlor carpet down and didn't get back till after twelve as they had a visit from Edgar Cantelon the artist and Huby was there to talk to him. Another great big lamb came to-night, the property of No. 6. It looks as if it was a week old. Pickford was over this morning to borrow our cyclone seeder to so his Spring wheat and he did this afternoon, but those who saw him disking and harrowing say it was a very muddy operation It has been even warmer to-day than yesterday & no wind. Friday March 22nd Lloyd Ryerse came in again this morning while we were at breakfast to get Dad. to go down to see the purebred cow as she had another spell the same as yesterday. Dad decided it was from drinking too much cold water. I went out this morning to catch Dad's ewe and hold her for the two lambs to suck and was very surprised to see her licking a new lamb. In about an hour another one arrived. Both of them were fine big strong lambs a ram and ewe. and it was a week ago yesterday that she dropped the first one. At eleven o'clock I went up to Simcoe to take in Yeager's sale. I thought may be I could get a cheap saddle but they didn't start the sale till half past one and I left at four so I didn't see any thing but horses sold. The bidding was very slow on them and there were no big prices paid. They brought in a big bunch of Clydes which averaged about $350 a team and the highest price paid for hackneys at the sale was $700. for a team. I came down on the five o'clock car with Louise who has come up for over Easter. Another fine day but cool north wind. Saturday March 23rd I went over to Jack's again this morning and helped Billy get out two more loads of straw on the straw berries. It got pretty soft when the sun got up well and we got stuck with the second load and had to put part of it off. This afternoon I put </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> soil in the hot bed. The manure is heating well now and I am a little afraid of it burning out too fast. Dad. and Frank burned the grass along the road west of the lane where it will make nice pasture for the sheep. They said Ham Thompson was over again this morning he has a sick ewe up there. Another lamb arrived this afternoon. Arthur McPherson has been over playing with Tid all the afternoon so Tid has. had a fine time except when they found a little mouse under Frank's {bee hive?} and it bit him and later in the day when Arthur shoved him in the ditch and he had to come in the house and run around pantless the remainder of the afternoon. They had a "net" set in the ditch and he had to content himself watching Arthur out of the window who went down periodically to lift it. Frank went down town to-night. Sunny but a cold north wind. Sunday March 24th Frank and I didn't get down to Sunday school this morning but went to church and so did Enah. I stayed down at Aunty's to both dinner and tea but spent the afternoon and evening with Marj. and went to church to-night with Aunty, Aunty Alice & Louise I got home about twelve and went out to feed lambs, but as there was another lamb arriving I didn't go to bed till it came - about two o'clock and then just changed my clothes and lay down. Nice day. Cool breeze. Monday March 25th I went over to Jack's this morning and helped Billy cover strawberries till noon. We got out three jags. Aunty and Louise were here to dinner and after dinner Louise went out and inspected all the stock and took some pictures of the lambs.. After that I slept nearly all the afternoon. Frank went down town and got his hair cut and Dad wrote a letter to Dick. To-night Dad. went down to go with Aunty and hear Mr. Crosley the evangelist at the Methodist Church. They heard him here thirty years ago but Dad. said he had changed greatly. The morning war news was gloomy. The Germans claimed the capture of 30,000 British, 600 guns and advanced in some places 15 miles but Dad. heard to-night that Haig's men had taken 400,000 Germans and the Crown Prince. It seems incredible but Mr. Brand announced it in church as being authentic </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday March 26th I went over and helped Billy cover strawberries this morning and Jack told me he wanted me to help do chores around the chicken pens this afternoon so I put in the afternoon, watering chickens and cleaning off dropping boards and about four o'clock went down with old Jack and the democrat and got a couple of boxes of eel-parts.. I saw May Perry down town, she was home for a day. The big war news yesterday proved to be all a fake. The British are still retreating but their lines are not broken and they are inflicting heavy losses on the Germans who still persist in attacking in massed formations. Nice day. Raw Wednesday March 27th I have been over at Jack's all day fiddling around watering, feeding and cleaning out chicken houses and doing anything anybody told me to. Snowdrop presented us with a big black bull calf this morning and ewe no 15 had a pair of lambs. To-night I went down town and went down to the station with Marj. who went to get her tickets for Haliburton. She is going home for Easter to-morrow. It has been a fine day but freezing to-night. Thursday March 28th I have put in another day. over at Jack's, valet for the chickens all morning but this afternoon I helped Billy haul a load of straw over from his place to the red barn and then Jack and I gathered the sap or at least he gathered it and I drove. We got a big milk can full. some of the buckets were running over. To-night Frank and I went down to a Horticultural meeting. Neilson was down from the College lecturing on vegetable growing and Neff was down with his moving picture machine which is a dandy. Roy and Rebecca came to-night. Enah went down to-night to choir practice and came back with us. It has been a fine day. Freezing to-night. Friday March 29th Good Friday. Same round of chicken chores to-day. and this afternoon gathered the sap twice. Some of the buckets were running over after dinner so I gathered a milk can full and then again at six I got about half a can again. Coakwell and I went down to Chris's this morning and helped him move his pig pent back further. Enah went down to church this morning. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and stayed to dinner. One of No 15's lambs died to-day. Dad opened it and found it was inflammation of the bladder. Another beautiful day. Saturday March 30th I put in most of the day watering chickens and scraping off dropping boards. I watered every chicken pen & coop on the place and cleaned off every dropping board. I started to dig a hole to bury some dead hens this afternoon but had to stop to help Jack gather sap. We didn't get so much to-day It didn't freeze as hard last night and has been clearing quite a bit to-day. I saw Pud. Slocomb to-day. He is up for over Easter and came over to Jack's at noon to get Frances. He says he doesn't have to go into the army till the 14th of May and that will give him time to finish his year at the University. The war news is looking better. The Germans are still advancing toward Amiens but are losing a pile of men and seem to be putting themselves in a rather dangerous salient position where there is a possibility of catching them between the French & British armies. They had to call out the militia down in Quebec yesterday to quell a riot which started over the rouning up of some fellow under the Military Service Act. Cloudy & mild. One of Jack's men who was to come to work Monday has disappointed him so he wants me back next week. I had to tell him I wouldn't see him stuck, but hate to go back. Sunday March 31st Easter. We all went down to church this morning, it being Easter. Ray and Louise sang in the choir which Ray has practiced a couple of times. Alf from Aunty's came over here to dinner but had to go back early as Ray had to show Rebecca to Aunty Alice Cousin Bessie this afternoon. Tid. and Rebecca had a great time. Enah went down with Louise a little later than the others and stayed down to tea and evening church. Her father has been pretty sick. I didn't go to church but drove over afterwards and brought Enah home. It has been very mild all day and feels like rain. One of Split ears lambs died to-day. It was alright last night. Monday April 1st I was up at half past three this morning and didn't go to bed again. My big calf was loose out in the barn </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> so I tied him up and then did some writing. I spent the day over at Jack's. He, Chris and I were the only ones there to do chickent chores as his new man that he expected didn't show up. Frank and Dad. cleaned up oats this afternoon. Frank was going to try to plow on the corn ground to-day but it rained a little so he didn't go out. They docked eleven of the biggest lambs this morning. To-night Dad. and Enah went down to the Masonic dance. Very mild. Cloudy and rainy. Tuesday April 2nd I have been over at Jack's all day and Frank started to plow this morning but didn't get much done. Enah had such cramps this morning that she had to go back to bed before breakfast and was very sick when I left. I came home again in about an hour or two and she was no better and Dad. was beginning to feel sick. soon after that I saw Frank going down town after Aunty as Dad. was laid up and when I got home at noon Dr. Cook was here. He says there are about forty of the ones who went to the dance last night laid up in the same way. They blame it to some chicken sandwiches they had, the chicken having been pressed or cooked in tin dishes. Neither Dad nor Enah have been able to sit up all day. Aunty is staying all night. Every one is roasting Dr. Cook in a good-natured way as he was one of the two who looked after the banquet, Woodyer was the other and he is very sick and all of Dr. Cook's family is sick but he is alright. Wednesday April 3rd Dad. doesn't seem to be much better to-day but Enah was up at. noon and felt much better. Aunty Alice came over this morning but went back again before tea. I spent the day over at Jacks. He has his new men on over there to-day but wanted me to stay the rest of the week till he gets them "broken in". To-night I went up to Ham Thompson's from town and borrowed a setting hen. I have one of my own and I think I will get a setting of Ham's bred-to-lay Rocks and a setting of good ones from Jack which he said he would let me have at half price and see which do the best. I intended to trap nest any pullets I raise as I think if I just have a few I can look after them better. Sunny but cold east wind. Freezing to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday April 4th I have put in another day at Jack's cleaning out chicken houses most of the time. Enah seems to be alright again but Dad. is still pretty miserable he lay around all day but was able to eat a little. Aunty and Lila were over here to dinner. I had a letter from the Shaw Correspondence School yesterday saying that my drawings showed I had the ability to make a success as an Illustrator. I suppose they say the same to every one but I think if possible I will take the course in the Fall. Fine and Cold. Freezing to-night. Friday April 5th I have been over at Jacks all day. Dad. felt well enough to help me milk this morning and he went down town for dinner. when I got home to-night he had the milking all done and separated. He feels a little weak yet and has a bad cold. Frank went down town on his wheel and got Alan Law to bring home our new waggon tongue which Joe Howell made and ironed off for only two dollars. To-night Frank and I went with Aunty to hear Mr. Crossley and see him give his physical culture exercises. She had invited the Odd Fellows and Masons to come and hear him so the Presbyterian Church was well filled. Saturday April 6th I put in my last day at Jack's to-day. He may want me to help feed next Tuesday but I don't have to go at it steadily again. Frank went down town this afternoon and got some coal oil and this after when he came back he started to plow the plum orchard which worked well he said. To-night Frank and I walked down town and spent the evening bumming around town. Sunny & mild all day. Cloudy to-night. Sunday April 7th Frank and I went down to Sunday school and church this morning and after church I went up to the McBain property to meet Ham Thompson and look over a plot which we think will do for the J.F.I.A. Aunty was over here to dinner. Dad. Enah and the baby drove down to church but Dad. & Tim. went over to see Dave. Waddle while Enah went to church. This afternoon I went down town I went around to the Moore's to see if Marj. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> had come yet but she hadn't. I was there for an hour or two. I went down to meet the five o'clock car and went up to Huby's for tea and part of the evening. I went down and met the nine o'clock car on which Marj. arrived and I spent the rest of the evening up at Mr. Moore's. It has been cloudy with a cool wind and looks stormy. Monday April 8th Frank and Dad. went to the back field this morning and Frank has been disking back there all day, and says it works fine. Dad. went over to see John Wess for awhile but he had gone down to meet Cam. I went up to Ham Thompson's and got a setting of Rock eggs and got him to telephone Neff. to come down here Wednesday night and he said he would tell the rest of the boys to meet and arrange for growing our potatoes. When I got home I went over to Jack's to get a setting from him but they didn't have a setting from the pen I wanted them from so I had to leave my basket. This afternoon Dad. and I cleaned up oats Dad. went down to-night and went to hear Mr. Crossley with Aunty on the wickedness of card-playing and dancing but he didn't care for him so much. It has been cold this afternoon with north wind but was nice this morning. Tuesday. April 9th It froze hard last night so Frank didn't go to the back field but plowed all morning in the plum orchard. Dad. and I went to the back field and opened up a ditch along by the woods which was plowed in last fall. This afternoon Dad. & Frank went back with two teams to work on the back field. Frank took Belle & Queen and harrowed. I went back with him and helped him get hooked up and then came up and helped Dad. put Harry and Dave to-gether and he went back and disked. Enah went down to a meeting of Mr. Crossley's addressed solely to the ladies but she didn't like it much. I stayed here with Tim and spent most of the afternoon grinding up oil-cake in the cider mill. To-night I went down to see Marj. for awhile. It has been cold with a strong north east wind. Wednesday April 10th Frank and I went down town this morning </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and got our seed potatoes and clover seed. Dad. went back with Harry & Dave and disked and Frank harrowed with Belle & Queen when we got back from town. Frank disked this afternoon with Belle & Harry and Dad and I treated enough oats with formaldehyde for smut to sow the back field. To-night Frank and I went over to Ham Thompson's to a J.F.I.A. meeting but there were not many out. Neff was down and wanted us to get a plot for our potatoes with both clay & sand in it so that we could run the two experiments, so we decided to go over and have a look at a piece of Lorne Myer's which he thinks will answer the requirements so a committee of Arnold McBride, Ham & I were empowered to go over and look at the plot and decide this week whether we would take it as Taylor's piece. After After we chewed the rag over our potatoes for an hour or so we had a game of cards and some music everybody contributing. It has been cloudy & very cold all day with a strong north east wind and is snowing tonight. Thursday April 11th We didn't do much this morning but ear tag the lambs but that took quite awhile not only to put the labels in but to get them in the right lambs & mark it down. I did the same as last year and put all the lambs down first in. a book then started with the oldest and put the smallest number in his ear and so on to the youngest. By putting them all down first it is easier to check off the ones we have done and don't have to catch them in regular order. Art Quanbury yelled at me this morning to tell me that Jack wanted me over there to-day but I couldn't go till noon but was over there all the afternoon. Dad. and Frank ear marked the yearling ewes and rams and got some hay ready to load and bring over to the horse-stable. It has been cloudy and windy to-day but not cold. The ground was covered with snow this morning and it is not all melted off by to-night. They moved eight loads of the gas. drilling outfit on to Jack Martin's place to-day on the top of the gully hill near the road. Friday April 12th I went over to Lorne Myer's after breakfast this morning and met Ham Thompson and we picked out </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> two halfacre plots one clay loam and the other lighter soil which we think will do for our potatoes. Lorne wasn't home but left word for us to pick out what we wanted. I went over Jack's when we got through and worked till noon and then put in the afternoon over there. Dad. and Frank moved some hay over to the horse stable this morning and this afternoon Frank went down and got the money from Mr. Walker and sent a check to Johnson for his potatoes and clover seed. They plowed some more of the plum orchard. To-night. I went down and saw Marj. for awhile. It has been cold and raw all day. Saturday April 13th I went over to Jack's this morning and fed up and then came back and helped Dad. put on the jag of hay for the cow stable. I was over at Jack's all the afternoon. Frank finished plowing the plum orchard this morning and this afternoon he and Dad. worked on the back field and got on fairly well. Frank and I went down town to-night and I had my hair cut and hung around town till midnight. The Daylight saving plan came into operation to-night and all the clocks were put on one hour. It is funny to hear the comments of those who up hold and oppose the bill. I am rather in favor of it as I think it will benefit the country as a whole although it may make it a little awkward for us farmers during haying and harvest when there are heavy dews but otherwise I can' t see how it will affect us in the least, but some people. Dad. and Aunty among them can't understand how it is that they aren't going to lose an hour's sleep in the morning, but I think they will find they depend more on the clock than they suppose. It has been a lovely sunny day. Sunday April 14th I didn't get up till seven o'clock (new time) this morning and was too late for Sunday school but Frank went down on his wheel and Enah and I drove down to church, our church ran on new time but others didn't as they thought the people in the country didn't all know about it. Miss Morgan and Miss Newell came in just as church was over. Elva invited Marj. and me through </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Enah to go for a motor ride this afternoon as Brant Bloodsworth had his father's car down here so we did and had a nice afternoon but we got rather tired. I didn't think they were going far but we went to Brantford and a long way out on the Hamilton road from Brantford and didn't get home till nine o'clock. We had a nice time but a little too much of it. Frank and Lila rode their wheels down to the Ward's this afternoon and Frank didn't get home till nine o'clock either. Aunty and Aunty Alice were over to dinner and Huby was over here to tea. The Pickford's and Gilbert Lynchs were also over this afternoon. .Lovely sunny day. Monday April 15th Dad. and Frank worked both teams on the back field to-day and got it about half drilled in by to-night. I went over to Jack's for a couple of hours this morning and this afternoon I did the chores over here at noon so was late getting to Jack's and then spen about half an hour helping to dig a big car out of the mud hole at the corner. The new time makes things later in the morning but its nice at night. Clementine Tupper had a red bull calf this morning and the white ewe had a pair of twins which don't seem very strong, that brings the lamb crop up to twenty four. eleven ewes and thirteen ram lambs. Tuesday April 16th Dad. finished drilling in the back field this morning and sowed a little piece near the woods broadcast as it was the other side of the ditch which he didn't want to cross. This afternoon he harrowed it over and Frank worked all the afternoon on the piece back of the orchard. I put in a little over four hours over at Jack's and spent the rest of the time over at J doing chores. Very cloudy & mild. Wednesday April 17th Dad. and Frank furrowed out the oat field this morning and went down to the mill and got three bushels of barley to mix with oats and sow on the three acres of wheat along the side road as they are sure it is killed. completely. On their way home from the mill they came in to Jack's and got three oak blocks which Frank Awde was going to burn on the bonfire as he said. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> they were too tough to split. I was over there most of the morning and part of the afternoon. but after dinner I helped Dad. treat the rest of the oats that were cleaned up. Frank went out to plow and got in an hour or two but rain drove him in at five o'clock. To-night I spent the evening with Marj. It has been cloudy all day. Sultry this morning and rainy all the afternoon It rained heavily for a couple of hours but. when I came home to-night It had stopped. Thursday April 18th I have been over at Jack's most of the day to-day. It has been cloudy and windy but too wet to work on the land but Frank plowed this afternoon. He was on the sod east of the lane and says it it is pretty wet. This morning Dad. and Frank docked the rest of the lambs. The white ewes lambs are doing better but she is inclined not to own the youngest one however he gets enough milk some way to keep him satisfied. The Germans are making an awful drive now towards Ypres and have gained so me high ground. There is talk of calling out all the physically fit men in Canada between 20 & 23 and granting no ex emptions at all but the bill has not been put through yet. Enah had a letter from Quint to-day. He has been up to the front line with a machine gun battery but evidently not in any action yet. It snowed again to-night. Friday April 19th Dad. plowed this morning in the sod field back of the orchard and Frank took a shear down to Halloway to be sharpened. This afternoon Frank plowed and Art Ryerse came up to get Dad. to go down and see their purebred heifer as she had another fit but when they got down there she was dead. Aunty was over here to dinner to-day. To-night Frank went down to a dance in the town hall. Tiny & Joe Dyer came home this afternoon. It has been cold and cloudy all day. I have been over at Jack's most of the day but a new man came to-day. Saturday April 20th I went over to Jack's about nine o clock this morning and found the new man, Frank Reid had most of the chores done on this side of the road so I did up most of Chris's for him. This afternoon I didn't go back till five o'clock and then went back to show Ried how </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to feed up and get the eggs in the right pens of the egg baskets. He is just a schoolboy from down near Kingston but doesn't seem like a bad sort. I spent most of the afternoon washing the buggy. Frank worked up the plum orchard and Dad. sowed oats on it and I sowed rape seed and then Frank harrowed it. He went out and plowed when he got through. Dad. Enah and the baby drove down town after I got the buggy washed. I worked till dark to-night raking up the lawn and then went over to Jack's and got an egg tester and tested out my two settings and just took out three eggs Sunday April 21st Enah and I walked down to church this morning as it rained hard during the night and this morning and we didn't want to get the buggy dirty. I stayed down and had dinner with Aunty Alice and Aunt Ida but Aunty came over here to dinner with Enah. I spent the afternoon and evening with Marj. and had tea at Miss Kerney's. Marj. and I went to church and then walked up to ask after old Mr. Martin who is very sick with pneumonia. Cloudy but mild. Monday April 22nd It rained a little again early this morning and has been cloudy and windy most of the day but looks clearer to-night. It was too wet to do anything on the land so this morning we moved a couple of jags of hay over to the horse stable we didn't put on a full load as we thought the ground was too soft. This afternoon Frank and I took a very small jag over to the cow stable and Dad. went over with Cam. McBride to operate on a pig. I got some more raking done on the lawn to-night. Geordie Boughner was in to-night to look at my red steer but only offered me 8 1/2 cts for him so I decided to feed him for another month. Dad. had a letter from Dick to-day saying that intends to resign soon as he is now certain that he will be drafted although he has not had any notice from the Military Authorities yet. He hopes to go and see Granddaddy and spend a week on some ranch out there learning to ride. Tuesday April 23rd I sowed clover seed on the wheat back of the barn this morning. There doesn't seem to be much chance </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> of any wheat coming but it is. clean and so we thought we would take a chance on something coming to shade the clover seed. Dad. and Frank started to plow the old. garden one plowed and the other raked the long manure into the furrow. I went over and took Dad's place when I got through sowing and Dad. went after and rolled up some of the barbed wire around the corner field along the front road. This afternoon Dad. and Frank plowed all they could of the old garden which was just on top of the knoll as the west and south sides were too wet. When they finished there Dad. went out and rolled up the rest of the wire along the south side of the field and Frank went on plowing along the east side of the field north of the orchard as it was fairly dry. I did up the chores at noon and then raked up the yard where the raspberries are. Enah and Tid. went down town to tea. and Dad. Frank and I went down afterwards to go to a show "The Village Doctor" put on by the Jarvis Methodist Bible Class. It was a pretty punk show but they didn't do so badly considering what they had to work on. Tid. seemed to enjoy it. It has been a fine day but raining again to-night. Wednesday April 24th Frank plowed all morning and Dad. took down a barbed wire from around the corner field and this afternoon Dad. finished up Frank's lands and Frank finished rolling up the wire. I raked up on the lawn all morning and this afternoon I did up the chores and then went over to Lorne Myer's to see if our choice of land for potato plots was satisfactory to him. he is very willing to do all he can to help. To-night Dad drove Enah down to choir practice but it was just about over when she got there. Dad. spent the evening quarrelling with Huby about farmer's position. Huby up holding his favorite contention that the farmer's were making more money than any one else, which being untrue and Huby's arguments so foolish made Dad. mad. Cloudy and cold raw wind. Freezing hard to-night. Thursday April 25th I spent the morning finishing raking the lawn and working at my rose bushes. Dad. plowed the head lands of the field north of the orchard as the west side of the field is too wet yet to plow. This afternoon Frank harrowed with Queen & Belle on the {?} plowing and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dad. disked up the old garden with Harry & Dave. Then I took his team and disked on the field and he helped Enah put in some onion sets. Aunty Alice and Dess were over here to tea and I went down with them this evening to go to a sidesmans meeting at the Rectory but was the only one there so just sat there and visited with Mr. & Mrs. Johnson and Mrs. Top. Durkin who had come down from Vittoria with Mr. Johnson he has 6 acres up there which he and Top. are raising vegetables on. Frank and I went to the mill this morning and got some chop to finish off my big steer with. Sunny but raw. Friday April 26th Dad. and Frank disked and harrowed back of the orchards and this afternoon Dad. drilled in all the oats we had cleaned up which sowed all of the full plowing but not quite all of the oat stubble. Frank harrowed after the drill. I spent the morning doing a few chores and cleaning out the rest of my rose bushes and mulching them. This afternoon I planted some Irish Cobbler potatoes out in the old garden. I went down town to-night. Cloudy but mild. Saturday April 27th This morning Dad. and Frank ran out the ditches in the piece Dad. drilled yesterday and then Frank started to disk up the three acres along the side road where we put wheat last fall but on which there is not a sign of anything alive except the grass on a few sods here and there. Frank didn't get all over it by noon but says it works up like a garden. Dad. cleaned out some ditches while I planted a few more potatoes and then we changed up what few seed we had left about four or five bushels. After dinner Dad. took Joe & Queen and the drill and Frank took Belle & Harry. Dad. harrowed till Frank got through disking and then drilled the piece in with oats & barley mixed half & half. Frank harrowed after the drill and Dad. went out after he brought his team & the drill up and they ran out the furrows finishing about seven. I spent most of the afternoon chasing after the sheep which wouldn't stay in the gully but wandered all over the farm and putting and planting potatoes. I now have about five rows planted the length of the old garden and the sixth one started. Very warm and rather sultry to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday April 28th Frank and I went down to church this morning and Aunty and Marj. came over to dinner. This afternoon Aunty, Marj. & Tid. And I went to the woods and got a great lot of may flowers and Spring beauties and a few adder tongues, the trilliums are not out yet. The flowers are very thick back there and are big and a great variety of colours. Jim and Mrs. Waddle were here when we got back. and Dad. said Ham and Bert Thompson had been here. Frank was down at the Ryerse's on his wheel. Enah, Aunty, Marj. and I went down to Aunty's for tea. Aunty Alice had been down seeing Lila off as she went up to Lynn Vally in the five car and is going to start working for Chris Quanbury to-morrow. We all went to church to-night except Aunty and Aunt Ida and Perce Kindree & I assumed our duties as sidesmen. After church Marj. and I went down with Aunty Alice as Marj. had left some flowers down there. I got home before Frank as he had gone to Simcoe on the car with young Lampkins and Crosby. It has been very warm all day with a south breeze but it rained a little shower to-night. Monday April 29th Frank has been plowing all day on the five acres north of the orchard and thinks he can finish it to-morrow. Dad. went over first thing to see if he could get some barley from Jack. And saw Billy Mills who said they had a little but didn't know whether they would have six bushels more than enough for themselves but I went over and helped him clean it up and he decided that he could let us have our six bushels. Dad. Tid and I went after it right after dinner and then Dad. went down to Tam's and borrowed his disk drill and drilled till about seven o'clock on the wheat back of the barn. It was in beautiful shape and the disk drill hardly cut out any wheat but as he didn't have it set in very deep it didn't all cover. He didn't get all the field in as it began to rain before dark, so there is the little piece west of the ditch unsowed. Young Leo Mitchell was in this afternoon to have Dad. lance a big lump on his mare's breast. Fine day, a little shower to-night. Tuesday April 30th Frank plowed all morning and got the field done </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> except for finishing up the last loads and Dad. finished them up this afternoon. Dad. decided not to sow barley on the knoll west of the ditch as the wheat is pretty good in spots on it and we thought we would leave it for the sake of comparison; so we took the barley out of the drill and Dad. took it home. When he got back he disked with Joe & Queen till noon and this afternoon Frank took them and disked. A Mr. Broadley from Charlotteville came in just before dinner with a big grey Pickeron stallion. and he stayed here to dinner. The stallion was "Jason" the one Chart Wooley bought at Yeager's sale. this Broadley has just bought him from Chart and wants to travel him down this way. He is the same one that Stinhoff had through here last year and didn't have many colts. I did odd jobs & chores all day. Neil Elliott was in this afternoon and looked at my big steer and offered me 10 cts for him now, but I didn't sell him. Sunny & cool. Wednesday May 1st Frank and I worked on the five acre field pretty much all day and have gone over it twice with the disk lengthways and twice with the harrow the same way and Frank started over it with the disks crossways. Dad. did chores and cleaned out ditches all day. and to-night just before tea went over to Quanbury's and bagged up six bags of oats to sow, where we are working now. After tea the Quanbury boys brought their flat rack and the oats over here and left them as we want the flat rack to sheer sheep on. I went down town to-night. It has been sunny but very cold north wind all day. Thursday May 2nd Frank disked the field north of the orchard crossways this morning getting over it by a little after twelve but he didn't lop the disks half. Dad. and I sawed up one of the oak limbs and then cleaned up the oats that the Quanbury boy's brought over. This afternoon I harrowed with Queen & Dave and Dad. started to drill with Harry and Belle. We hoped to have been through seeding to-night but Dad. ran out of seed so we had to stop. Frank went down town and got a board at the {Widespread?} and spent the afternoon making a wool-pressing box. Pickford came over to-night to borrow the clover seeder and was here all the evening. Not cold but very strong south west wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday May 3rd Dad and I cleaned up what few oats we had in the bin this morning and Dad. finished drilling the field before dinner but it took him till night to get it all harrowed and furrowed out. We are now through seeding. I sent the morning fixing up a coop to put my little chickens in and clearing up the back yard. Frank went out and pulled all the posts out around the cornerfield cleaned out his bee hives and put them away (as the bees are all dead.) and worked some more on the wool box. when Dad. was ready he went out and helped him run the ditches. Neff was in the afternoon with some of the potatoes for the J.R.I.A. plot and I went with him over to Lorne Myer's Lorne wasn't home but we left the potatoes there and had a look at the land. Neff said it was alright. To-night I rode Queen up to Ham Thompson's to see about spraying. Dess was over after tea to-night. She and Dad. each got a letter from Dick who expects to be home in a couple of weeks. He wants to get in the Navy but Head Office ordered him to report for accountant at Imperial. Sask, but the manager told him it wasn't worth his while. Fine day. Saturday May 4th We expected to start in first thing this morning and shear the sheep, but when we went to take the horse clipping attachment off to put the sheep shearers on we couldn't do it. The directions with the machine said to put a screw driver between the cogs and jerk the handle backward and we tried that several times but were afraid of breaking the little cogs in fact we did chip a couple of them. Art Quanbury came in and tried it but couldn't do any better so at last Frank took it down to Mr. James. He worked at it for an hour than advised Frank to take it up to the garage. The fellow up there and old Hamaker couldn't take it off but when George Gamble came in and did according to directions aparently the same as the rest had tried it came off in a minute. He seems to be a regular wizzard with machinery. Frank didn't get home till afternoon so it was late when we got started and Rus Lampkins was in for quite awhile so we only got the white ewe and the old ram sheared. This morning Dad. and I cleaned out the worst ditch in the oat field across the gully </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and I moved the little chickens down into their outside coops. I have just twelve out of each setting. Frank went down town to-night. Rus Lampkins took the inch pipe he left here two or three years ago for the sink. Cloudy morning but fine day. Sunday May 5th We all went to church this morning. Frank Enah and I walked down and Dad. & Tim drove down. Frank and I drove Joe home and the rest stayed down at Aunty's for dinner. I helped Frank do chores and then hooked Queen up and took Marj. for a drive. We drove down the lake shore and took Mr. Moore some provisions. He seemed very glad to see us and took us in and showed their house and the farm. They have 19 acres in. I picked Winnie up on the way home and she was over here to tea. and I walked down with her after tea but it was too late for church. I met Marj. after church and spent the evening with her. It has been warm and sunny all day and feels as if it would rain. We would be glad to see a rain now as things are getting pretty dry. Monday May 6th We have been shearing all day but only got eight done. we didn't get started very early and made better time with last few. Jack Walker was over this afternoon to get some elms for Gus to set out in front of his house. I went back with him to the woods and we got four. To-night I got the lawn mower out of winter quarters but didn't have time to cut much before dark. Very warm. Tuesday May 7th We have been at the shearing all day again to-day and only got eight sheep done. Mr. Broadly and Jason were in again for dinner and he sheared a couple for us with the machine and one with the shears. He likes the shears best and made better time with them. Ham Thompson was in too while he was here. He came to tell me that the spraying was all off as it was too late now. Dad. had a letter from Dick from Regina enclosing the check for his truck which is at the station now. He said the whole town of Cadillac was at the station to see him off. They had a surprise </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> party for him at which they intended presenting him with a wrist watch but as it didn't come for the occasion, they will ship it to Dover. for him. A letter addressed to him also came here from the Registrar of Saskatchewan saying that he had transferred Dick's name to the Toronto Registrar and for Dick to see him as soon as possible. Enah sent the letter to Ray as Dick intends to stay in Toronto a day or two before he comes home. I cut more of the lawn to-night. It was raining when we got up this morning has been very warm all day and although sunny at times rained several times quite heavily. Wednesday May 8th We sheared sheep all day and got 9 done to-day which was a slight improvement. We only have three left now to shear. To-night I went down town and Marj. and I went to the Presbyterian Church to hear Mr. Falton Presbyterian Minister in Simcoe give a talk on Ireland which wasn't bad. Frank and Enah drove down and Enah went to Choir practice but there weren't enough there to have any. Fair & cooler. No ink in the house. Thursday May 9th We finished shearing the sheep this morning but it took us till noon. This afternoon Frank and I took down the piece of wire fence which we had along the potato patch back of the barn last year and put it between the orchard and the plum orchard so that we could let the sheep in the orchard. Tom came in just as we got that done and he wanted us to clip Maude so Dad. Tom and I clipped her and Frank went down town and got some oil and when he got back he disked up last year's potato patch back of the barn and when we got Maud clipped he and Dad. went out to plow the old garden. Winnie & Dess came over this afternoon and were here to tea. Alex Jameson was in too for a short visit. Tom brought Dick's truck over for us so saved us a trip down with the waggon. Brant Bloodsworth & Elva came over after tea in the car and took the girls home and Enah & Tid for a ride. Brant. left the bank to-day and has to report in Brantford on Monday. He has got into the Flying Corps. Neff came over in his car this afternoon and brought us the twine for our wool which he promised to send us. Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> had a letter from Dick to-day from Toronto saying he would be home in a day or two. he couldn't get into the Navy. but is going to try the Aviation or Artillery. Tonight Frank and I drove Queen over to Lorne Myers for a drive around the block. Fine growing day. Friday May 10 I spent most of the morning tying up the wool. Frank and Dad. went out to finish plowing the old garden but it began to rain so they had to come in and Frank helped me with the wool. Art. Quanbury came over at noon to borrow the clippers as he wanted to shear his sheep and Frank went over with him and sheared the first one. It was very windy and rather cold this afternoon so we didn't haul any hay as we intended but when Frank came home we put the wool in the big sack they sent us from the Association I had to get in and tramp it and we had a hard job putting the thirty fleeces in but we did but couldn't get the bundle of tags in so will have to send them separately. To-night Dad. went down town with Aunty Alice's milk and Frank and I spent the evening over at the gas well. Dad. wasn't home when we went to bed, and we were very surprised to be wakened soon after we were asleep by no less a personage than old Dick. he had come in on the seven o'clock car and had come home with Dad.. He. Dad. and Enah sat up till after mid night. Dick telling them of his life since he left. He evidently had some good times in the West and is very much in love with the Prairies. He hasn't enlisted yet nor been drafted. He hoped to see Joe Dyer here as he is to be in command of three batteries of artillery in Toronto, but he has just left for Chicago for a week. Saturday May 11th We moved a pretty good load of hay over the horse stable this morning and took a small jag to the cows stable. We were delayed while putting it on by the cattle breaking down a post of the barnyard fence and getting into the wheat. There was one piece about 2 yards square of fairly good wheat and they trimmed it right to the ground. Aunty came over to dinner and this afternoon Dad. Dick. Aunty & Tim all went down town and Dad. fixed up the walks and the bay- </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> window bed down home. Dick didn't come back to tea and stayed down town all night. Frank and I went back to the gully this afternoon and started to take down the cross fence as it has become so dilapidated that it is past fixing. We got the wire off and rolled on this side of the creek but didn't get much done at the other side. We went back to the woods to see our ginseng and golden-seal. The Ginseng is not up yet but the Golden Seal looks fine. Frank caught a snapping turtle back there and took it over to Henry at the gas well as he eats them. We saw a big flock a hundred or more of American Goldfinches back in the gully. It seems as if they had just come. To-night Frank and I went down town and I got my hair cut. Sunny morning but rainy afternoon. Sunday May 12th It was raining when we got up this morning and rained pretty much all morning but cleared off for the afternoon but was showery again all the evening. Enah and I drove down to church and I drove Enah home after church and then drove back to the top of Marshall's hill and picked Dick and Dess up who had started to walk over to dinner. After dinner Dick took our picture and then I went down town I had tea at Aunty's and went to church with her and spent the evening learning Latin from Marj. Dad. drove Dick and Dess part way down town soon after I left and they went to Brantford on the five car to see Musa and came back on the eleven. I waited till the car came in but not till Dick {?} come. Monday May 13th We have spent the whole day working at the fence around the corner field. We took the team and waggon out this morning and gathered up all the wire, short posts and rubbish along the fence bottom and measured off where our anchor post at the north west corner has to go. Frank borrowed Jack's {chair?} this morning when he went over to get the seven ducks that Jack hatched for him..Dick came over right after dinner and as he was going to Toronto to-night. to see if he could get into the Artillery we sat around for awhile after dinner talking to him. and about three or half past Dad. drove him down town to catch the train. There was notice of a registered </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> parcel for him in the mail and it proved to be a dandy wrist watch which his friends in Cadillac had sent him. Frank and I went on surveying the fence while Dad. was down town and when he came back he brought the team out and started to plow a ridge along the front road for a fence bottom. They had to stop working at the gas well to-night as they have run out of rope. It has been cool and rather cloudy. Tuesday May 14th We have been all day at the fence again to-day and Dad. got the ridge for the fence bottom plowed all the way to the field. It kept Frank and me pretty busy setting stakes and making sure of the measurements. We grafted a couple of small wild apple trees on the road, just to see what we could do Walt {Deanming?} and Geordie Baughner were in this afternoon to look at the red steer but only offered me $75 for him Niel was in yesterday and offered me $80. I asked $85 for him and if I don't get it I wont sell him. To-night I caught the cat which we have caught twice stealing my little chickens and took her down to the pond or at least the creek and drowned her. Fine day. Wednesday May 15th This morning Dad. and I went back to fix the gully fence while Frank took the two plow shears down to be sharpened and to have something done to his teeth. After dinner Frank and I took a load of manure over to our potato patch at Lorne Myers. We were over there quite awhile and got some more stuff at the mill for the calves and Frank's ducks so it was about half past four when we got home. We put on a load of manure and took it back to the sand knoll across the gully where we had the turnips last year and where we hope to have some potatoes this year Dad and Enah were working in the garden till we came home and then Dad. came back and he and Frank fixed a little more of the gully fence while I threw the last of the load off and brought the team up. To-night I went down town and learned Latin. Lorne Myers said to-day he thought he could have our plots ready to plant by Saturday so we are going to try it. Fine day but cold breeze. Thursday May 16th Frank and I hauled four loads more back over the gully this morning and one this afternoon which covered </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the patch. Dad. finished fixing the gully fence and went back to John Wesses and borrowed his spud and spoon to dig anchor post holes. This afternoon Dad. let the cattle back. When Frank and I got through hauling manure back over the gully. they we hauled a load out to the old garden to put on east of the currant bushes. It was a big load and Frank got stuck going through a wet place so we had to throw part of it off.. He and Dad. started to plow the rest of the old garden and I started to dig an anchor post hole, but we quit early so that Frank and I could get started out to notify the J.F.I.A. members of our intention of planting potatoes on Saturday and to invite them out to help. I took Joe and the saddle and went north as far as Butlers and Frank went east on his wheel and the ones we didn't get the others will telephone. All I saw said they would come in the afternoon anyway except Willard Butter and he said he couldn't. He and his brother have 160 they are trying to farm as old Nate is not able to work so the doctor told him and the oldest brother has just been drafted. Karl and Fred Coleman were over this morning and offered me $85 if we kept him for two weeks so I let him go. Mary presented us with another clear red heifer calf to-night. This was Dad's & Enah's 12th wedding {Toby made a squiggle and an arrow pointing to this comment in the margin :"Wavy lines denote intense drowsiness"} anniversary so Aunty and Aunty Alice were over to tea. Fine day, not much breeze. Very hot. Friday May 17th I went up to Ham Thompson's first thing this morning as Frank said he intended to spray his orchard for secondspray but when I got up there and told him that we wouldn't have time to spray our orchard. he decided that he didn't either so I came home. I sowed clover seed on the three acres by the side road when I got home and then went over to Lorne Myer's to help him get the formalin solution ready and start treating the seed potatoes so as to have some ready to cut tomorrow. Dad. and Frank plowed the rest of the old garden to-day. This afternoon we plowed in some potatoes in the sod east of the current bushes. Frank went down town soon after dinner to have his gum lanced where a wisdom tooth is coming and which has been very sore all day. Neff came in about five o'clock and got me to go over to Myer's to help him measure out the plots. He decided we wouldn't have enough seed for and acre </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> so made the plots quite a lot smaller. Frank went down to Glen Ryerse's to-day to see if he could get some strawberry plants but couldn't. They seem to be very scarce. Fine day and hot. Saturday May 18th Frank and I went over to Lorne Myer's first thing after breakfast and have been over all day as we took our lunch. We got all our potatoes planted and were through by six o'clock. Frank and I were the first ones there and Neff .Tige McBride & Tick Nunn and Lloyd Crysler came soon after. We cut potatoes and measured off the plots all morning and Lorne cultivated and ran the furrows for us. Neff and Tick didn't come back after dinner but the others did and a big force besides consisting of Rolson, Charlie Blake, Ham Thompson, Leo Challand, Willie Nixon, Charlie Shand, Charlie Stitt and Eldon Crosbie also Arnold Myers and {Alex?} England. It didn't take us long to plant and cover them but we had for more seed than enough to sow the plots that Neff marked out so we had to take about half as much land again and get Lorne to run us some more furrows. Dad. Enah, Tid & Frank went down town to-night. Sunday May 19th Enah and I drove down to church this morning and left Frank and Dad pasturing the sheep on the lawn. Enah stayed down at her mother's to dinner so Frank, Dad. and I had dinner alone. Right after dinner I hooked Queen up and Marj. and I went for a drive up above Fisher's Glen. Dad. was very disgusted at me when I got home as he had spent two hours this morning trimming the long hair off Queen's legs and ears and I never noticed it. Ed. Moon was over here to tea and had been reading Dad. his diary which he kept all the time he was in the Army. I hurried around, had tea before the rest and went down to church. I was late but went in and heard a Mr. {surname} who has been a missionary in Honan, China. He was very interesting. A Mr. Anderson from. Waterford. was here this morning and he had been in India for quite awhile. I spent the evening with Marj. Sunny and hot but nice breeze. Monday May 20th We spent a couple of hours this morning with Billy and Pommers as Dad. trimmed their feet and pulled out some milk teeth out of each of them. Then </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I went out and finished digging the anchor post hole which I began the other day. This afternoon I dug another one and got to within about a foot of the bottom of the third and last one. I would just about finished it but I put another crack in the handle of John Wesses spoon so had to take a half an hour off to wind it. however the last foot always takes longer to dig than all the rest. I am using John Wesses Spud and spoon so that I won't have to dig a great big hole. Before dinner Dad. and Frank got the manure spreader all oiled up and did a little more disking and fixing up this end of the lane. Dad. got it all plowed on Saturday. This afternoon they hauled out eleven loads of manure on the corn ground getting about half the pile at the cow stable out there. Aunty was over for awhile this afternoon and told Enah our dipping tank was at the station. John Shand was also over for a visit. Fine day and hot. Tuesday May 21st Dad. and Frank hauled out manure all morning and got the shed at the cow stables all cleaned out. I went out to finish the anchor post hole but the colts had got into the back field so I had to go and put them out and cut a pole in the woods to put across the gap for a top bar. As the span was about fifteen feet I had to cut one with a good sized butt. The first one I got was too short and the second one was so heavy, it was all I could do to drag it out of the woods and up the. hill. I had a chance, though, to look at my ginseng which is coming up. I then went back and finished the post hole before dinner. This afternoon Frank, Tid. and I went down town in the waggon with Joe & Queen & got our dipping tank and five cement tiles one of which broke all to pieces coming home as it was only a month old. Dad. wanted them to put across the lane gate in the barnyard. We had to go back down to the mill after we unloaded our tank & tile to get some feed oats and one of our barrells to treat potatoes in which Lorne Myers brought down to the mill for us. When we got them home we took two of the locust anchor posts and a couple of brace posts out to the field. To-night Frank and I hooked up Queen and drove up to Saville's this side of Lynn Valley as old Broadley who was </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> here at noon said he had some strawberry plants but he hadn't. however we called in at Linder's on our way home and he said he could let us have three hundred if we came after them in the morning. We got home soon after ten and I was just going to bed when Dick came in, he had come up on the nine car. We sat around and talked for an hour or more. He told us that Joe Dyer was going to get him into the Artillery but had given him till Saturday morning to come home, they then expect to go to Petewawa and he doesn't think he will be able to get home till they go overseas. He brought us up a package of Cooper's dipping powder with about a bushel of booklets pertaining to sheep He says he had a whale of a time in Toronto. Fine day. Wednesday May 22nd Frank went up after the strawberry plants as soon as he could this morning and got back before dinner with the three hundred. We hadn't got started very early as a very heavy thunderstorm came up about breakfast time and lasted for about half an hour or more. Marie & George Ryerse were on their way to school and came in here till it was over and Alan Law also brought his team in. He has been hauling water for the gas well and he empties it into the ditch just above the culvert as they have it dammed. This morning he was in the shack letting the water run out of his tank when a flash of lightening scared his team and they started up the road so he brought them in here till it was over. It didn't rain hard enough to keep Dad. from plowing so he plowed the rest of the morning and I went back to the woods and cut about 100 stakes for tomato plants. I just cut bass wood as they are no particular good in the woods. This afternoon we all went out to the old garden to set out the strawberry plants. Dad. disked the piece and rolled it. I made the holes and Frank and Enah planted. Dad. went back to the corn ground and plowed as soon as we started planting and when we finished about four we went over to plant potatoes on the sandy ridge that runs through the cornfield from the lane to Ben's fence. Enah helped us out and Frank and I planted .in every third furrow as Dad. plowed. We got four rows the full length of the field planted by six o'clock but have a lot of seed left yet. To-night I went down town. It has been </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> hot all day and to-night a very heavy thunderstorm came up but only lasted about half an hour. Dick was over to dinner and I went into Aunty's on my way home to see if he was coming over to-night but he was going to have a bath and stay down all night. I sat there and talked for about an hour so was pretty late getting home. I got Dad. some tobacco to-night although he says he has decided to quit smoking till the war is over as he only gets two very small plugs of Briar for a quarter now that they have begun taxing luxurys but I thought he had better have it handy. Thursday May 23rd Frank and I planted three more rows of potatoes this morning in the cornfield and Dad. plowed them in when we finished we went back to the gully and pulled out the posts that were in the old cross fence and got the wire coild from the south gully fence to about the middle. This afternoon Frank and Dad. started to haul out manure but when they went to oil up they found some springs all bent in one of the drive wheels so Frank drove up to Simcoe to get new ones He also got some Hydrated Lime and Bluestone to make Bordeaux mixture to spray potatoes. Dad. plowed and Tid and I went back to the gully. Tid to catch frogs & polly wogs and I to fill up the old post holes and take down more wire but I didn't get very much done as I had a pain all the afternoon which made me feel sick and sort of weak. I felt all right after tea but thought I wouldn't go to the Hard Time dance which the Women's Institute put on. Frank and Dick both went and I drove Frank down and as it was a beautiful moon light night went around and took Marj. for a very short drive as it was late when I got down. It has been a fine day sunny with cool breeze. Friday May 24th We didn't get started at any thing very early this morning and were delayed by Charlie Quanbury's team getting away from him while he was hooking them up. They came up this road and we went out to stop them. while out there Art Ryerse came along with Glen with some asparagus for us and came in to see Knockfierna which he thought was a dandy. Just as he was leaving Ed. Nunn came in after them, I don't know what for unless it was to go fishing. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Frank and Dad. got five loads of manure out before dinner and two after dinner and finished cleaning out the box stalls. I went out and hoeed the strawberrys and some of the potatoes which are just coming up. Dick and Dess were over to dinner and about three o'clock we hooked up to the waggon and all went down to see Dick off on the 4:30 train for Toronto as he has to report to-morrow to Joe Dyer. Dess, Win Frances & two McBride girls went down to Jarvis with him. Dad. Frank & Enah & Tid came right home after the train went out and Dad. and Frank went out to work in the old garden till tea and Enah went to call on Mrs. Zealand. I went up to see Lyle Morgan and find out what I could about the Dicy Stephen's "Sheep Pasture". but he referred me to Slaight in Simcoe as he is administrator. Frank sent in his name, age & address to the Military Registrar in Toronto to-day according to the regulations in the proclamation just issued ordering all men over 19 to register. I saw several cars going down the side road bristling with fish poles to-day and there were quite a lot of people in town celebrating The "City of Dover" was also running excursions this afternoon. It has been a beautiful day. Saturday May 25th Dad. and Frank started to haul out manure this morning and I went over to hoe what potatoes I could find up but about ten o'clock it began to rain so we all had to quit. Enah was out in the old garden too setting out cabbage plants. It didn't rain very hard and Dad. put on an old waterproof and went out and set out the rest of the cabbage plants till noon. I wrote in this and fooled around figuring on the size of a board to paint a sign on for the J.F.I.A. potato patch. Frank made staples for cement posts. This afternoon we decided to dip the sheep and it took the best part of the afternoon to get ready. We put Art's flat rack on the barn floor and put the tank in the shed so that we could walk the sheep from the platform into the tank at the other end of the tank we put the waggon with the tail gate and front end taken out so that the drip would run down into a tub at the far end. We used 3/4 of the package of Coopers dipping. powder with 75 gallons of water but should have had 100 gallons to cover the old sheep. We didn't get started till about four o'clock so were late getting through. We dipped the lambs first and gave them all a good soaking It made them beautifully white with a yellowish </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> tinge and soon after they were dipped the ticks began to come out to the end of the wool. They were all badly infested and should have been dipped before. The dip only came about halfway up on the old sheep but they stood well and we poured it over their backs and as their wool is so short they got well soaked and there were scarcely any ticks on them anyway. It was heavy work handling this old ones and I was very tired to-night. Cruikshank the Massey-Harris agent from Simcoe was in this afternoon for a long time to look at his binder as something was wrong with it. Frank showed him around. He is also agent for the Confederation Life Insurance Co. and Frank took out a policy. By the time we got the chores all done to-night it was nearly ten o'clock so I had a bath and went right to bed. Fine all the afternoon but rained again towards evening. Sunday May 26th It began to rain quite early this morning and it developed into about the heaviest thunderstorm we have had and kept it up till nearly noon. I got all ready for church but it was raining so hard at the time to start that I didn't go but stayed home and read all morning. I went down right after dinner and spent the afternoon with Marj. About five o'clock she and I went down to Auntys for tea as they had asked me to bring her down to see the white cactus which has to beautiful blossoms. When we got there Dad. was there just ready to take Aunty and Aunty Alice up to the cemetary and it was late when we got through tea but Aunty. Marj. and I went to church We came back down to Aunty's after church and spent the evening down there. Dad. Enah and Tid stayed up at Huby's for tea. Monday May 27th We hauled out manure all day to-day but didn't get started very early. Frank went down town to get some oil this morning and I helped Dad. haul out all morning and cut lawn while he was in the field. Frank hoed the potatoes till noon after he got home from town. Dad. and I got out six full loads. This afternoon Frank and Dad. hauled out and got out 12 loads. I finished cutting the lawn after dinner and then Enah and I set out some tomato plants. I quit at six o'clock and went up to Simcoe on the 7 car to see Slaght about the Dicky Stephen's place. He says he has full power to dispose of it and may be able to make an </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> agreement with me, but he has to come down first to estimate the value of it. Cloudy and hot all day. Tuesday May 28th Dad. and Frank hauled out manure all morning each finished covering the field. This afternoon Dad. plowed I set out more tomato plants this morning and finished two rows making about 175 plants and leaving a few in the cold frame for Huby and Aunty Alice. When I got through I went back to the woods and got a few of the stakes I cut but as they were too limber to drive in I got John Wesses spud and made a hole beside each plant with it. I finished that after dinner and about four o'clock Frank and I went back to John Wesses with Joe & Queen and took his spud & spoon home. Frank had been disking while I was making the holes; We bred Belle to-day. Cloudy & warm. Wednesday May 29th Dad. plowed all morning and most of the afternoon but it began to rain about four o'clock so he had to quit. It rained from then till about dark but not very hard. Frank and I put on a load of straw this morning and Dad. hauled it over to the drive house at noon and we put it off right after dinner. We spent most of the morning back in the gully taking the wire off the cross fence and rolling itt we got it all done by noon. We went back to the woods at noon and got a few of the tomato stake and carried them to the top of the gully hill but they got too heavy to lug any farther. We had them on a hickory pole and each had one end of the pole. Cruikshanks. the machine and insurance agent was down to see Frank this morning and left his cane here so he and the District agent for the Confederation Life Co. were in again while Frank and I were putting off the straw and induced me to take out a 20 year endowment policy for $1000. I didn't pay anything down on it but told them I would in a week or so. If I can ever raise the money for the premiums I guess its a good thing. When they left. Frank and I went out to the side road. to dig post holes but Pickford came over to visit us and it began to rain so we had to hike for his barn and only got two posts set. I went down town to-night and stayed all night at Aunty Alice's. she and Aunt Ida were over here to-dinner to-day. Aunty is in London. Thursday May 30th Dad. has plowed all day to-day. Frank and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I intended going on with the fence but Ham Thompson came after me to help him put on the third spray so I have been up there all day not getting home till nearly eight o'clock. I was up this morning at five and Aunty Alice insisted on getting up and giving me my breakfast before I came home. Frank pulled all the steeples and let the fence down to the ground around the pasture in front of the house and threw some in the low places so that the sheep couldn't crawl underneath. No wind to-day warm and rainy looking. Friday May 31st Frank and I went up to Ham's first thing this morning with Joe & Queen and got the spray outfit. We stopped in on the way home at the mill and got some feed for the calves and chickens and I paid $60.00 on my account as Karl came yesterday and got my steer and gave Frank the money for him. When we got home we sewed up the wool sack as I got a letter from Neff saying they were going to start a car loading here on Monday to go to Guelph. He wants one of us to be at the car till it goes out. Dad. plowed till noon and then helped us spray. We got over all the trees but couldn't do the north east side very well on account of the wind. We only put on tank of spray on It didn't seem to have the force to it that it should. We got through about half past four and Dad. went on out to plow and Frank and I took the sprayer back. After tea to-night Dad. & Enah went out to work in the garden and Frank and I let the sheep out in the lane and put up barricades so that they couldn't go on the lawn, I washed off the buggy. A good many people are very anxious these days over the war news as the Germans have started another desperate drive towards Paris on a front between Soissons & Rheims The French are holding the outskirts of both cities but the Germans have. got nearly to the Marne in the centre. but Allied reserves are coming in fast. They finished drilling to-night and struck a dry hole. Saturday June 1st I spent most of the day to-day hoeing in the garden. The potatoes are all up nicely now so I got them and the strawberries and tomatoes all hoed. Dad. plowed all morning and after dinner went over to the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> garden to get the harrows so while he was there he hooked Belle to the little straight toothed cultivater of Ben's and I helped him cultivate the garden. He harrowed the parts where nothing is planted and where the last potatoes are not up yet. He then went and plowed till six. Frank has had Joe. & Queen on the disks and roller all day on the corn ground. To-night Frank and I went down town and I met Marj. and Clara Garrie a friend of hers from Toronto who came in on the eleven car and is going to stay over the King's birthday. Very hot and very windy all day. Sunday June 2nd Enah and I drove down to church this morning and Frank walked down this afternoon. I hooked Queen up and took Marj. and Miss Garrie for a drive down the Lake Shore. We came back past here and I put Queen in and we walked over to see Jack's chickens and then on down town around by the mill. I stayed at the Moore's to tea. We didn't go to church to-night but went down to the beach. for awhile. Dad. and the baby went down to Aunty's this afternoon. {Stace?} Lowrie was in to see if he could get pasture for his old {mare?}. Cloudy and cooler. Monday June 3rd Frank went down town right after breakfast to find out about the wool car and found that there was one for the wool at the L.E.&N. siding on Main St. so we went down with our wool and Quanbury's. We found England, Parr & Sidway had all been there with their wool. Frank took the team home and I stayed at the car as Neff asked me to be there to see that all the tickets were on all right. I stayed there till after dinner and didn't have anything to do as there were only about a dozen brought wool so I slept and studied Latin all fore noon and went with out dinner. I went down to the station to get Ham Thompson's & Art Quanbury's freight bills about half past one. and when I got back I found Billy McNeilly there and he said the freight had been in and gone out again with out taking our car. I don't understand it as Neff said it was to go out at 2.30. Dad. has plowed on the corn ground all day and Frank had worked the little team on the disks till I came home then I took them and he sprayed the potatoes with the Bordeaux mixture which he prepared this morning. To-night John James & family motored in having come in this afternoon from Courtright. They went back down town for the night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday June 4th Dad. plowed corn ground all day but didn't quite finish. I disked with the little team all day. Frank went down town this morning and got Dad. a plow shear and got his hair cut. John. James and his family were all here to dinner and so was Mr. Broadley. After dinner they all went down to the greenhouse and Enah and Frank went with them. Very cool to-day & to-night. Wednesday June 5th I spent the morning planting five rows of mangel seed out in the old garden. I tried a scheme of Uncle Wards of planting five one or two seeds in a place about a foot apart, but it is too slow to do much of a patch. This afternoon Frank and I took the little team and hauled out a load and a half of manure and put a good lot in between the tomatoes a shovelfull to a plant. We also mixed up a lot of it with the soil in ten hills where we intend to plant some watermelons. We have never grown any before and it may be too late for them but we had lots of room so thought we would try them. Dad. finished plowing the corn ground. I went down town to-night. Thursday June 6th It has been a rainy day with very short intervals of sun shine It rained quite heavily early this morning and has been drizzly the rest of the time. We put on a load of hay this morning and took it over to the horse stable. Alfred Ryerse was up to ask Dad. about a sick cow. Dad got his culvert fixed in the barnyard across the lane gate where there has always been a bad mud-hole. This afternoon. Frank and I put the stock all in the barn to pick out some yearlings to sell in case any one comes of them but we only found two that we thought it wise to let go now one very small one and the one that didn't have milk enoug to raise a lamb. she is a decendant of the white ewe and few of her stock are up to much the best of the ewes all being descended from old Lop-Ear When we got through with them we went over and got our bundle of tomato stakes and put them in Dad. hoed over in the garden most of the afternoon. To-night Frank and I went down town to see Jack Pickford at the show in "The Varmint." Win & Marj. went with us. It was pretty good. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday Friday June 7th Frank and I went up to Ham Thompson's with a heifer this morning. Ham said he would come down to morrow afternoon and plant our corn for us as Dad. thinks we can have it ready by then: I shelled corn all day after I got back from Ham's. The three bushels in the crates on the cob made about a bushel and a half of shelled corn. Dad. and Frank cut down a dead apple tree in the orchard this after morning and this afternoon worked both teams on the corn ground. To-night Frank and I went over to Lorne Myer's to hoe the J.F.I.A. potatoes. Nixon Blake. Roleson and Charlie Stitt were the only others there but we got one patch the sandy one all hoed, if there had been more out we would have got them all hoed. Sunny but very cold west wind all day. Saturday June 8th Dad. and Frank worked both teams on the corn ground all day and have it very nice shape. I went over to Quanbury's this morning and borrowed their seed drill and sowed ten rows of mangels in the cornfield just north of the potatoes. I sowed one pound of seed which we had and then got another half pound from Quanbury's and sowed it. Ham Thompson came at noon and planted corn with the machine all the afternoon but didn't finish but says he will come back, Monday. The machine is certainly a rig. It is the first one we ever saw working and it is hard to believe that the rows will be in line cross ways but Ham says they will. I cut most of the lawn this afternoon . To-night Frank and I went down town for a little while. Cold wind all day and white frost last night. Sunday June 9th Frank and I went to Sunday School this morning as Jack asked me last yesterday if I couldn't get down. just as we got there we saw Jack leaving in a car with two fellows, however Aunty Maude took the class. Tid went down to Sunday School with me he said he liked it fine. Dad. and Enah drove down to church and brought Miss Phipps with them. Dad. was going to go home again to put the sheep in as some of them were out when he left, but I came home and put them in and then brought Joe back for them to drive home. Frank stayed down at Aunty's to dinner and went for a walk with Lila this afternoon. I went down town about. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> three o'clock. Stayed at Aunty's to tea and went to church with them to-night. They have started having church at 7.30 for the summer instead of 7 o'clock. I spent Most of the evening up at Cousin Loll's. Marj. was at Essie's Birthday party. It was pouring rain when I started home so I stayed all night at Aunty's. It has been cloudy all day and it looks like an all night rain Monday June 10th I didn't get up very early this morning and had breakfast down at Aunty's so Dad. was about through the milking when I got home. Frank and I stretched a barbed wire along the west side of the lane as part way up the lane as the colts have been bending the fence badly reaching over to eat the wheat. Dad. plowed and disked the garden back of the shop to-day. This afternoon Art Quanbury came over to help me put in fence posts so we worked at it all the afternoon. I borrowed Pickford's auger and we got it all the posts along the side road but the two brace posts and got four in along the north side of the field. Ham came down and he and Frank finished planting the corn. To-night Frank and I went over to the J.F.I.A. potato patch to hoe. there was a good bunch there to-night and we got them all hoed. and Bill Sidway and Charlie Stitt brought horses and cultivated so the plots look much better. We got through about dark and then Lloyd Ryerse, Tige & Albert McBride and Frank and I went down to the creek and had a swim but it was a little to cold for comfort the air especially. Dad. and Enah & Tid drove down town to-night to take Aunty Alice's milk down to her. Cool all day. Tuesday June 11th Frank and I took our dipping tank and powder up to Ham's this morning and dipped all his sheep in return for the corn planting. We got home before noon. Dad. spent most of the day working down the garden back of the shop and planting fodder corn on it and harrowing the potatoes. This afternoon Frank and I put in some more fence posts but didn't get out till late as Mr. Broadley was here. Frank had a stiff knee too. We quit early and he and I drove Queen to Simcoe to-night to answer our medical questions for insurance It got pretty black and very hot when we were </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> going up to Simcoe and was beginning to thunder and lightening just as we were ready to start home but we thought we would take a chance on being caught so got all ready to start back, however just as we were ready to get into the buggy it began to pour down and for the next two hours we had a storm that would equal in its fury any out of the worst of the 1915 models. It sounded terrible on the roof of Burts barn where we were. and Queen was a little scared although she didn't make any fuss but I could tell by the way she put her nose in my face and hands that she wondered what it all meant. After the final spasm was over we looked out and the sky in the north was all a deep red so we knew that somebody's barn a long way out of town was struck but when the next burst of rain came the red light disappeared. We waited here till the storm was over and got home before two o'clock, the roads weren't muddy but were washed bare and packed hard. Wednesday June 12th I didn't get up very early this morning and Dad. went back after the cows. He was in a great state of despondency over the storm, he thought everything would be ruined and he says there are lakes all over the cornfield so that it will be all drowned out. Edmond England was over last night to invite us to a bee at the School house to level the grounds so I went over about ten o'clock. that wasn't as late as I thought for they all work on the old time out there. I found a big bunch there with scrapers and plows and there was really more men than there was work but I hung around all day filling scrapers and shovelling a little but principally visiting. I intended to come home at noon and tell Dad. what more they needed so that he could come this afternoon but as Dave Lampkin invited me to dinner and I didn't think there was any use of any more coming I didn't go home. Neff was down on Monday and staked all the levels out for them and by to-night they had it in very nice shape. Dad. and Frank just did odd jobs and chores as it was too wet to do much. Aunty was over here to dinner I went down town to-night. Cloudy with strong & cold wind. Thursday June 13th I went over to John Wesses this morning and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> borrowed his spoon again to dig the earth out of the anchor post holes which has caved in since I dug them. When I got back we took out some sand. cement and the dipping tank which we filled with water bailed out of the holes (they were nearly full) and put in the locust posts for anchor posts. We set one before dinner and the other two this afternoon. I too John Wesses spoon back before tea when I got through with it. Enah went down town this afternoon. I cut a little more lawn to-night. Sunny but still a cool breeze. Friday June 14th We took out some brace posts and all the good fence posts we could find around the place this morning and gathered up the few that were left along the wall. Frank and I put them in before dinner and finished the row from the road to the north west anchor posts. Dad. spent the day harrowing over the corn-ground but didn't finish. This afternoon Frank and I pulled out the rest of the fence posts in the gully cross-fence and stretched a little more barbed wire on the top of the lane fence. We all quit early and after tea Frank and I went over to the potato patch. I rode Belle over and cultivated the clay patch and Tig McBride cultivated the others, we also went through Lorne's. There were seven or eight hoeing but they only got the sandy patch hoed and we intend to hoe the clay on Monday. Frank took his football over and we had quite a game when we got through work. Dad. Enah & Tid drove down town. Enah went to hear a missionary from the North-West and Dad. & Tid went fishing. Cool. Saturday June 15th Dad. took the team and waggon back to the top of the gully hill this morning and we hauled up a load of posts and fence boards out of the gully with the team and chain making several trips. We got all the stuff from the fence on the north side of the gully pretty well cleaned up. We got enough posts out of the load to go along the west side of the corner field and after we had unloaded the other stuff we took them out and Frank and I worked till noon putting them in and Dad. went on harrowing the corn field. This afternoon Dad. finished harrowing the cornfield and the garden north of the shop and then cultivated all through everything he could in the old garden. Frank spent the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> afternoon in the old garden hoeing and spraying the potatoes. I drove Enah and Tim down town for Enah to get some provision and we got home about half past four and then I went back to the mill got some oat chop and washed the buggy. Huby was over this afternoon and got a bag of straw for the pen his puppies are in. Miss Phipps was over to-night and brought us some lovely peonies. I got a fine blueprint from the Horticultural Department at Guelph showing how to plant the lawn with a complete planting list. It has been sunny & warmer to-day but a cold breeze yet. Sunday June 16th Tip Varey brought Barwell and his little Boston bull dog over in his car this morning. The poor little thing is having a hard time having puppies. Dad. got one from her and they left her here. Tim and I rode down with them to Sunday school. I went to church and Dad. drove Enah down but didn't stay. Aunty came over here with me for dinner. Just before dinner Dick Cook and Mr. Barwell came over to take the dog down to see Dr. Colemen at Jarvis and they waited till Dad. has his dinner and {took?} with them, but the doctor said nothing could be done but just leave her quiet, so they brought her back and left her here. I hooked up Queen and took Marj. for a drive this afternoon. I came home to tea and helped Dad. milk and then went down again. Marj. and I went over to Miss McQueen to show her my blueprint I got from Guelph. Lila was over here to tea. She has been cultivating corn she says most of this week and is having a good time up there as a farmerette. Cloudy & hot all day. Monday June 17th I had to go up to Ham Thompson's with Kate right after breakfast this morning and it was late when Frank and I got out to put posts in but we got in all but three on the east side of the field. Dad. did odd jobs & chores all morning and got another pup away from Barwell's bitch. he was very pleased at that. This afternoon he took the plow and the harrows back over the gully and plowed and harrowed the turnip patch. It took him till about seven o'clock. Frank and I went back with Dad. and carried the tomato stakes out of the woods and put them in the waggon so that Dad. could bring them up. Then we finished putting in the posts on the east side of the field </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and the three brace posts on the west side so now we just have the cement posts to put in along the front. Charles and Art Quanbury came by on a load of hay and delayed us a little as I pulled Charlie off the load by the leg and he started in to lick me but I think I convinced him of the foolishness of that enterprize. We didn't get through though till late. We had our tea and I had part of the milking done when Dad. came up. Frank and Lloyd Ryerse went over to the potato patch as soon as they could but I didn't get over till nearly dark on account of the chores but was there in time to get a few kicks at the football. There was a good crowd there to-night. Mitchell, Butler Challand, & Nixon all came in from Renton in a car. On the way home. Lloyd & Colin Ryerse. Tige McBride and Frank and I all stopped in at the mill to see Stan Dollar and got making so much noise singing and kicking of the football around the mill, but old Herb Cook came across in a very peeved state and accused us of keeping one man from his sleep and another from his work. He was so crusty that we thought it best to break up the party so we came home and except setting fire to the gas well which wouldn't burn for more than a few seconds, committed no depredations on the way. Clear & much warmer to-day. Tuesday June 18th Frank and I didn't get to work very early this morning and worked till noon lining up and digging holes for the cement posts. along the front of the field. We just hoed the hobs and will put the posts in when we first bring them out so as to save handling twice. Dad. went over and rolled down the turnip ground. This afternoon I went over to sow the turnips. I had to go over to Art. Quanbury's to get his seed drill and I got about half over the field and then had to quit as I ran out of seed, so came up and helped Dad. and Frank who were stapling the wire on the posts along the side road. We don't intend to stretch it just now. To-night all of us but Dad. went down to see Mary Pickford in "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm". Enah and Tid went down to the first show and Frank and I went to the second. Sam Law was here when we left. and Barwell came over with young Howey to see his dog which is about the same. Fine day. Wednesday June 19th This morning I put in all the stakes I had left for the tomatoes and tied them up. We are going to let the rest go unstaked and seef if they are any worse </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> It was nearly noon when I got that done but I went over and sowed the rest of the turnip patch before dinner. Dad. cultivated in the garden all morning. Frank was down town most of the morning as the tire came off his wheel last night while he was down town and he went down to get it. He also got some 12 gauge shot gun shells to shoot at the crows in the cornfield. Art Quanbury left him his shot gun. Aunty Alice was over to dinner. This afternoon we tacked up the rest of the wire along the north end west side of the field so now just have the front to put the posts and wire along. We got a cheque for ninety dollars to-day as part payment for our wool. Sunny but cool breeze. Thursday June 20th Frank took down the piece of wire that ran along the north end of the plum orchard and we took it out and finished the west side of the field with it. Frank and I finished boring the holes along the front while Dad hoed in the garden. This afternoon we started putting the cement posts in and got 12 of them out there and about 8 or 9 set. It was a big job getting them lined up as some of the holes had to be enlarged as they were a little out of line. They show much plainer if they are not just straight than the others do but they certainly look neat and substantial when they are in right. Enah went down town this afternoon and when we came up there was a whole pile of calling tickets on the table which had been left by Winnie, Dess & some of the Zealand's while Enah was away. To-night I went down town the school house where Marj. and the other teachers were registering folks in accordance with the new regulation making it compulsory for every man & woman over 16 years of age to register and answer a question card before by June 22nd. It was nearly dark when I got down so they had to quit work. I went home with Marj. and she registered me down there. I was the 97th one she had done. The war news just now looks pretty good. The big Austrian drive in Italy has been stopped without them gaining enough to make up for their losses and the African French troops broke up a German rush for Rheims. Sunny but cold wind. Friday June 21st We took out the rest of the cement posts this morning and the roll of wire for the front but didn't get any more set as it began to rain and rained pretty </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> much all day. Dad. wrote to Dick this morning and Frank and I got things ready to make a cement post. After dinner I sat down to read the paper and went to sleep and slept for over an hour or two, but there was nothing else much to do. Frank fixed the binder. They said that for awhile when I was asleep it got almost as dark as night. About four o'clock Frank and I went out and made another post. I had to go up to Ham Thompson's with Elgitha to-night. Frank took milk to Aunty Alice. Saturday June 22nd I had to go up to Ham's this morning with Marj. and when I got back Dad. and Frank had gone out to the school house to register. Enah went over to Jack Martin's and registered. Dad. and Frank didn't get home till noon as they stopped in on the way and borrowed Tuppers post auger to enlarge the holes. It is a sort of plunger. I made some more reinforcement wires and got some sand over to make another post. but didn't get the wire up. Frank and I went down town to-night. It has been cloudy with a very cold north west wind all day. We were afraid of frost to-night but I guess it won't freeze. Sunday June 23rd I had to go up to Ham Thompson's with Snowdrop this morning so was too late to go to Sunday school but I drove Enah down to church Aunty came home with us to dinner. I didn't go down town this afternoon as Marj. told me she was going up to the Davis' for dinner. We all went out to look at the new fence and take the sheep out after dinner. and then Uncle Ward came over. Aunty went home early but Uncle Ward stayed all the afternoon I read and slept. Went down to-night and spent the evening with Marj. Sunny & cold. Monday June 24th I drove over to Tupper's this morning and took his post auger back and when I got back we finished putting up the front fence, we put in three wooden posts at this end and wired the fence to the cement posts. Dad. went down to Aunty's just before dinner and was down there all the afternoon trimming the paths and cutting the long grass in front of the house. As soon as we could get started after dinner Enah Tid. and I drove to Simcoe with Queen. I got some rope and a grease cup for the brass boxing on the mower and went around to see </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Slaght. He said he had been down to see the "Sheep Pasture" but hadn't come to any decision in his own mind as to its value but again assured me that he would make not disposition of it without letting me know, but it might not be till fall. Enah and the baby went on a few errands and I picked them up at Charlie Martin's store. We got home by six o'clock. Warmer to-day. Cloudy to-night Frank spent the afternoon planting in corn where the crows {?} it. Tuesday June 25th Dad. has been cultivating corn all day with Belle Frank and I started to put some roofing paper on the chicken house roof to cover a patch that blew off during the winter but didn't quite finish before dinner. Just before noon Harvey Ross and a Mr. Thornton one of the sheep men belonging to the Anaka Farms of Wisconsin came over to see if we had any sheep for sale so I sold him the four yearling rams for $35.00 which was all I asked him and which I thought was a pretty good price for them He would have bought the old ram for sixty but we didn't decide whether to sell him or not. I forgot to mention Ham's yearling ram to him so right after dinner I drove up and told Ham to call him up. This afternoon I set up some {astie?} plants which Mrs Quanbury had sent over and finished putting the paper on the chicken house roof. Frank spent the afternoon planting in missed corn hills. Dad. is very distressed at the way the crows and black birds are working in the cornfield. To-night we went over to hoe potatoes and play football and had 14 out. We got the loam patch hoed and had a good game. Warmer. Wednesday June 26th Dad. cultivated corn nearly all day and is so so stiff to-night he can hardly walk. He quit about half-past four and he and Enah drove down town after some groceries.. Frank planted corn this morning and I hoed the mangels in the old garden and this afternoon we both hoed in the old garden. Fine and pretty hot to-day. Thursday June 27th I took Belle out to cultivate corn this morning and worked till Dad. came out and took her I couldn't keep her from walking to one side of the rows. Dad. finished the field by noon. Frank and I finished hoeing the old garden this morning. Arthur Preston was over most of the morning visiting. This afternoon Dad. started to plow the orchard. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Frank and I cleared up the brush and Frank burned it. I spent most of the afternoon painting lables to distinguish our different plots of J.F.I.A. potatoes. Winnie, Des & {Frasa?} Dyer were over here to tea to-night. I promised Tige McBride that I would go over and help him cultivate the potatoes at Lorne Myer's to-night but it was so late before we got through with chores that I sent Frank over. He got all the clay patch loam patch gone through but Tige didn't show up so the clay didn't get done. I went over when I got through to see Henry Misner to see if he would spray them for us. He wasn't home but Mrs. Misner & Hazel entertained me till he got back, he said he would spray them for us if Endmond England would agree to have a new wheel put on the waggon but as he was a half interest in the outfit he would have to be consulted. Fine. and warm all day. Friday June 28th There was a thunderstorm during the night and it rained a little this morning so we didn't do much except make a cement post. This afternoon Dad and Frank cut the thistles in the plum orchard. and then Dad. started in again on the orchard and got a little more plowed while Frank drove Enah and the baby down town. I spent the afternoon raking up the lawn as last night's wind storm had it badly littered with leaves and branches off the old willow I got the cows up early and we milked before tea and to-night I went down and took Marj. & Dorrie to the show. It has been hot again to-day & to-night. Saturday June 29th Dad. has been plowing in the orchard all day and finished it to-night. Frank and I went out this morning and hoed the potatoes in the field. We got through about half past eleven and then took Martha up to Ham Thompson's. Ham was back drilling in his cornfield over again with ensilage corn and didn't come up till nearly one o'clock so we were late getting through dinner. This afternoon. Frank sprayed all the potatoes in the field and I cut the lawn. Very hot. Sunday June 30th I drove Enah down to Bill Lemon's this morning as she had a bad toothache all night and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> then Tid and I went to Sunday school. Dad. walked down to church and drove Enah & Tid home. I walked over as far as Mrs. {Woodion's?} with Roy as he and Rebecca came up last night and stayed there for dinner to-day. I slept for the best part of the afternoon and then wrote to old Billy Beattie to see what I could get a good yearling ram for. Dad. and Tid. were all ready to go down town to see Joe Dyer and ask him what chance there was of getting Dick off on harvest leave but it got so dark they didn't go It rained hard for about an hour but cleared up about five and I drove down and got Marj. & Dorrie and brought them over her for tea and drove them back about half past ten. Monday July 1st I disked in the orchard all morning and Frank sprayed potatoes in the old garden. Dad. went down town to see Col. Dyer about getting Dick off and he told Dad. to get a certificate from Neff to say Dick was needed at home and it would strengthen his application. Aunty and Rebecca walked over before noon and Roy came over at noon with Dad. This afternoon we all fooled around for an hour or two putting in mower sections and fishing for the bucket and chain which dropped down the well Saturday night. We got the bucket but couldn't get the weight so Roy wired an old axe head to the end of the chain. About four o'clock Aunty and Roy walked back down town and Dad. drove Enah and the two kids down. Frank and I went back over the gully with mower and I went a round with Frank on the twelve acre meadow and then brought the cows up and Frank went another round. To-night I went down to say goodbye to Marj. She is going to Port Hope in the morning to go to a Summer school for a week. Very cold & cloudy all day. Tuesday July 2nd Dad. and I drove down town this morning and I got Joe shod while Dad. went up to Simcoe on the 9 car to see Neff who made application for Dick's leave of absence for him. Dad. came back on the eleven car and drove home with me. I went down to Aunty's for awhile this morning and cut their lawn. Frank mowed in the back field all day but didn't finish it. He took Joe & Harry this afternoon and Dad. cultivated corn with Belle. I drove down to Jarvis this afternoon to see old Ross about shipping </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> our rams and he said he would let me know when the veterinary inspection was coming and we could bring our sheep down there. I drove Queen and took Tid with me. We were home by half past six. we then went back to the gully and got another purebred calf which Maple Hill Nellie presented us with this morning It is a dandy Roan heifer marked very much like Knockfierna. We had a little trouble getting it up as Nellie is very wild over it but after we got it up Daisy May adopted it and wouldn't let the mother near it and she Daisy May bawled around all night for the calf. This was the night we should have gone over to hoe potatoes but it was so late when we got through and I had to take my two year old heifer up to Ham Thompson's that we didn't get over. Tige McBride & Lloyd Crysler came over in the latter's car and got the football and the Ryerse boys brought it back. They said they got the patch pretty well hoed. Warmer. Wednesday July 3rd Dad. cultivated corn all morning and Frank mowed. I went down to the mill with Queen & the buggy and got a couple of bags of oat chop and then went back and shook up some of the heavy spots in the hay till noon. After dinner we all went back and Dad. and I finished shaking out the heavy spots that were cut yesterday. Frank finished mowing the fields. Frank then started to rake what was fit and Dad. and I and Tid. cocked up till after six getting about half of what was raked put up in cock. To-night Dad. took some milk down to Aunty Alice. Frank went over to Ben's pea field and picked a basket of peas and I went out to prune and tie up the tomatoes again but I didn't get out till nearly dark so didn't get many done. Warmer and fair. Thursday July 4th Frank and I went down town this morning and got the lime, bluestone and aresenate of lead which Neff sent down to spray the potato plots with. and took it up and left it at Henry Misner's. He said he could spray them for us on Saturday afternoon if some of us would go over and help him put the tank on the waggon. We got home about eleven and went back and shook out the heaviest of the hay that was fit and didn't get up till nearly one. Dad. cultivated all morning. This afternoon Frank raked up all the hay west of the little gully (about 10 acres) and Dad. and I cocked up till seven o'clock. Frank sprayed our early potatoes to-night. Fine hay day. Not hot nor windy. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday July 5th We all three cocked up hay all day to-day and finished cocking all that was raked before six. There are still about two acres on the east side of the field to rake up yet. To-night Frank and I went over and got Lorne Myers and got him to help us go and put Henry Misner's tank on the waggon. We had an awful job as just as we were getting the thing on the hind holster of the waggon the weight of the engine rolled it over and we worked till eleven o'clock before we got it fixed. He is going to spray our potatoes for us tomorrow afternoon. I felt tough all day and to-night it was all I wanted to do to walk home and roll into bed. Saturday July 6th Dad. cultivated corn this morning and Frank went down and got the piece of the ladder at the Widespread. I went back and turned the heaviest of the hay that was in swath but didn't feel much like working and spent a good deal of the morning under a tree. Frank came back and raked it up before noon. This afternoon Dad and Frank went back and cocked it up and then brought a load up and pitched it off in the horse stable. Neff came after me soon after dinner to go and get the sprayer attachment and help him put it on the sprayer We were all the afternoon at the job and didn't get any spraying done. Neff said he would be down Wednesday night to spray. Cloudy with very cool breeze to-day. Sunday July 7th Enah and I drove down to church this morning and Dad. and Tid. walked down to Aunty's for dinner where Enah went from church. this being Dad's birthday they were down there all the afternoon. Huby brought them home in the boat as far as Black Creek bridge and he and Aunty walked up here to tea with them. Frank and I had dinner alone and this afternoon Frank went for a ride on his wheel with Lila and I went up to Ham Thompson's as Harvey Ross was over here this morning to say that we were to take our rams down to his father's in the morning as the inspector was to be there. I asked Ham to bring his ram down to our place and let us hook to his waggon as the tires are so loose on our own. I came back home and read and slept all the afternoon. Huby brought Tid one of the special puppies to-day. Frank and I got Dad three books, Shorthorn Cattle, Feeds & Feeding & Breeding Farm Animals. Jackie Pickford was over for a visit to-night. Quite cold to-day & windy </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday July 8th Frank and I were all ready when Ham came with his ram soon after eight this morning but by the time we got ours loaded and our team hooked up it was about noon when we left for Jarvis. We didn't drive very furiously on account of Ham's tires being loose and it was about eleven when we got there. There was a not a sign of anyone around the place but after waiting for about half an hour Mrs. Ross drove in with the inspector who proved to be the Mr. Henderson that Aunty and I met up at {Penner's?} five or six years ago. We put our sheep in the orchard and as it was so near noon we thought we might as well accept Mrs. Ross's invitation and stay to dinner so put the team in We had to wait about an hour for dinner however as they seem to work on the old time down there. We were entertained through dinner by Mr. Ross's denunciations of the Union Government and especially the members of it who had been followers of Dr Wilfred. According to him they have wrought their own destruction by "oppressing the farmers" the way they have and that the time is coming when the farmers will rule the land and have a newspaper of their own which will tell them the truth. I could hardly help smiling to hear about this better farmer's paper idea. and think it will be a ratty old country that is dominated by a bunch of hot-headed rubes such as are at the head of the United Farmer's of Ontario. but there is no danger of it even coming to pass. We left for home soon after dinner and got home about four. I took Ham's waggon home and got our own which he drove up there this morning.. Just as I came down {Exelby's?} hill the tire came off one of the front wheels and I couldn't get it on again. Ben Ivey came along and gave me a had and we got it partly on and wired it. Then coming in the lane the tire came off the opposite wheel. Dad. cultivated corn all day. Frank sprayed the potatoes in the field after he got home and when I got home he and I cut the old dead willow log that fell over on the cornfield a couple of times and hauled it over to the fence Mr. & Mrs. Ham Thompson were here to-night. Sunny but cool breeze. Tuesday July 9th It rained enough during the night to keep us from haying and has been cloudy cold and drizzly all day although not enough water has fallen to make any thing very wet. I cultivated corn for an hour or two this </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> morning while Dad. and Frank sawed up the old willow that blew over in the cornfield. F and did some other chores Then Dad. came out and cultivated till noon and I came up and filled out the application blank for registering the lambs. This afternoon it was still rainy so Dad cleaned out the cellar. Frank made a patent trough for feeding the sheep. It has a false bottom with holes in it which his sheep stick their noses in to eat salt and the edges of the holes are pins tarred so that they get the tar all over their noses which keep the flies of the grub in the head from laying eggs in their nostrils. Enah and I drove down town and I sent off the application for the registration of the lambs and for the transfer of the yearlings. Enah got some provision and went to get her teeth out but Bill was busy. When we got home, Frank had things all ready and we made another cement post. To-night Frank and I went over to Henry Misner's and put the blue stone in a barrell to dissolve to be ready to spray to-morrow night. Wednesday July 10th It was still drizzling this morning and Dad. and I went out to cultivate the mangels. They are so small that I had to lead Belle. Frank went down town with Aunty Alice's milk and when he came back he harrowed over the orchard. Old Evans was over to have as he said a little chat with Dad. about his cow that has the broken leg. He feels very badly about it be cause he broke it unintentionaly by throwing bit of iron at her from his forge when she was eating through the fence. This afternoon Dad. went on cultivating corn and Frank rolled down the orchard and I sowed the rape seed on it but we didn't get it harrowed in as it began to rain hard and we had quite a heavy rain for the rest of the afternoon. I spent the time painting the J.F.I.A, sign. Frank and I also tidied up the shop. and after tea it cleared off but too wet we thought to go over to spray potatoes so I went out and pruned the tomatoes and tied a few of them up Frank pulled weeds in the strawberrys and helped me Thursday July 11th I finished painting my sign this morning. Frank and Dad. put the sheep in and trimmed them up then Dad. went over to the garden and weeded onions and Frank and I took a jag of straw over to the horse stable. After dinner Dad. went out to cultivate corn and Frank and I went back and turned out the hay that Dad. & Frank bundled </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> up Saturday. When we got up we found Rus Lampkin here fixing the windmill and soon after Dr. Grant Enahs Chinese missionary uncle came over. He and Frank went over to the old garden to hoe the strawberries and I sowed the rape-seed on the garden back of the shop and just went in to get the team out to harrow it and the orchard over when it began to rain and a very heavy thunderstorm came up and flooded things for half an hour or so and then cleared off. but we couldn't do any thing on the land Enah and Tid were down at the Zealand's at the Sunday school picnic but said they didn't get wet as they went in the house. Dr. Grant. stayed to tea and Frank drove him down to the side walk after tea. Friday July 12th Dad. and Frank have worked over in the garden hoeing and weeding all day. I spent most of the morning raking and cutting the lawn. This afternoon I finished tying up the tomatoes and then came up and dug holes for the beds of spring bulbs where they are marked on the blue-print. They are up near the road fencing the very stiff red clay so I just dug them about a foot deep and wheeled the clay up and dumped it in the mud hole under the gate of the north end of the horse stable and intend to fill them up with good earth to plant the bulbs in; Enah went down town this afternoon and didn't come back for tea. To-night Frank and I drove over to Lorne Myer's and put up the sign and the label on the plots. Lorne called Neff up but he wasn't home so Lorne left word for him to call him up in the morning if he could come down and spray to-morrow afternoon It has been very muggy and rather cloudy to-day It. sprinkled a little here but Lorne Myers said it poured over there. Saturday July 13th Frank and I spent most of the morning hoeing over in the old garden Dad. went back and turned out some of the hay but said it would be too wet to haul this afternoon. This afternoon Frank and I went back; and got part of the turnip patch hoed. Dad. brought the {?} back but couldn't do much with it. He was going over to pick berries in the woods but saw Mrs. John Wess and a couple of other women heading for the patch and they scared him out. Young Myers came after me about five o'clock to go and help spray the potatoes so I </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> went over and was over there till dark. We had to fill the tank at the flume and it took a long time to strain the lime in so it was late when we got started and then the thing got plugged up so we had to quit. I am sick of the job. Sunday July 14th Tid. and I drove down to Sunday School this morning and both of us went to church I drove Aunty Alice over here after church and Jack Martin brought Aunty and Tid over in the car. AuntaIda has gone up to the Bawlby's for a week. Mr. & Mrs. James Douglas were here when we got home and we spent the afternoon showing "Jimmy" the stock. He didn't like the old ram on account of his high shoulders and the black {?} but thought the calves were fine. He thought the purebred calf was better than Knockfierna as she has dairy hocks. Clem Millman was over in his car this afternoon and brought Nita, Kathleen, Towser, and a Mr. Tait. They all came up from Toronto last night and are going back to-night. Kathleen & Tow who are going to stay in Dover for a couple of weeks. Clem took Mrs. Douglas and the rest of the ladie's down to Aunty's and we went Dad. Frank and I went in Douglas car to Ham Thompson's and had a look at his stock then went down to Aunty's. The Douglases left before tea and we all stayed at Aunty's for tea and Enah stayed down to church but the rest of us came home to do chores and Dad. drove down for Enah when we got through. Fine. Monday July 15th First thing this morning we gave all the lambs a dose for tape-worm using Cooper's worm tablets. Then Frank harrowed the orchard and Dad. and I went back and turned out two or three rows of hay cocks. It is all pretty damp and blackened but not musty. When we were going back we saw Pommers pull his foot out of the barbed wire fence along this end of the woods near Charlie Munroe's line and when we went over we found his foot badly cut at the back and above the hoof, but we didn't bring him up as Dad. thought he would be better back there if the joint isn't cut into. We couldn't get close enough to him to see. This afternoon we got in a couple of loads of hay. To-night Frank and I went over to the potato patch it was too late when we got over to spray and we found them all playing football. Tige McBride said he would help spray to-morrow night. Fine day. breeze </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday July 16th Dad. went back this morning and turned out some more hay and Frank and I put some bolts through the reach of the rack as it was cracked and went back for a load about ten o'clock. We just got one load up before dinner but got three up this afternoon by working on the old time. It looked very cloudy all day so we didn't turn out any more. Frank went up to Ham's to-night and found out that Ross had made application the Canada Food Board for export licences for our farms so that we won't need to. He also went over to the potato patch and found Alex England helping Henry. They got the loam patch sprayed but didn't have enough spray for the other patch as some of it leaked out. Sultry to-day. Wednesday July 17th It sprinkled a little during the night. so that we couldn't do any thing with the hay this morning. It cleared off but looked so threatening that we didn't like to turn out any more but about five o'clock went back and got the load that was turned out. Dad. cultivated corn all the rest of the day. This morning Frank and I mowed away the hay we had in and changed the pulley so that we can put the hay in the west end of the barn. I went down to the mill and got some chop and flour. I had to take 25% substitute with the flour as the new regulations of the Canada Food Board are that 25% substitute must be mixed with all the flour that is used so I got Rye flour. Frank hoed mangels before dinner and this afternoon borrowed Quanbury's sprayer and sprayed all the potatoes. Before we went after the hay I pruned the tomatoes and went back to the gully to see if I could coax Pommers up but I couldn't. His foot looks pretty bad. Kathleen & Low came over after tea to-night and Frank drove them home about ten o'clock. Thursday July 18th Frank cut about a dozen rounds around the field east of the orchard this morning. and Dad and I went back and shook about three more loads across the gully. This afternoon we hauled in two more loads from across the gully. Aunty and Aunty Alice and Elva came and Enah's aunt from Hamilton were all over here to tea. It has been a good hay day but a little windy The war news looks better. The Germans were almost completely repulsed in their lust drive on the Marne by French & Americans. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday July 19th When the dew went off enough this morning we all went out and shook out the heaviest pacts of what Frank cut yesterday. and then went back and got a load from the back field before dinner getting up here with it about one o'clock, but we have gone back to the old time pretty much through haying anyway. This afternoon Dad. cultivated corn and got nearly all of what was untouched since the last rain gone over. Frank raked up the hay he cut and we both cocked up all the afternoon but didn't get any more than half of it up. It has been a fine hay day & not too hot. Saturday July 20th We all went out and finished cocking up this morning all that was raked and then put off the hay that we hauled yesterday before dinner. We got a good early start after dinner and got in three more loads from the back field but there is more back there yet. Frank and I went down town to-night. I got my hair cut and had a swim in the chute under the dam. We got to bed about 2 a.m. Fine day. Sunday July 21st Tid and I drove down to Sunday school and church this morning. Mr. Ward Butcher was there to take the service as Mr. Johnson has gone to Petawawa Camp to be chaplin for Col. Dyer. This afternoon I went down to see Aunty and Aunty Alice and took a shamrock up to Miss Kerney. Frank went down to the beach and went for a swim, he said there was an awful crowd down there and the noise they were making could be heard all over town. He went down town again after tea. Dad. Enah and Tid. all went for a drive this afternoon back north some place. It has been scorching hot all the afternoon. Monday July 22nd We hauled hay from the back field all day but didn't quite finish as there is about half a load back there, we only got in four loads. The rope that held the pulley in the peak of the barn broke twice this afternoon. Lloyd Crysler and Lorne Myers were over in Lloyd's car this afternoon to see if we would go to Burling ton with them to-morrow. Neff wants us to go down to some farmer's gathering so I suppose we will go although we shouldn't. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday July 23rd We were all up fairly early this morning so that we would be ready for Lloyd when he called but it began to rain about seven o'clock and rained quite hard for an hour or more so we thought Lloyd wouldn't go but about half past eight young Myers came over and told us that Neff had telephoned down to tell us to go around by Simcoe & Brantford and meet him and the rest of the bunch in Hamilton so we got ready and went down to the mill where he said Lloyd would call for us. We waited there for an hour and then went up to Henry Misner's where we found Lorne all togged up waiting and we hung around there till noon but Lloyd never showed up so we went home. Charlie Stitt came past and said he saw tracks out of Crysler's lane as if a car had come out skidded all over the road and gone back again. Frank went up to Simcoe this afternoon and got our check cashed which we got from Anaka Farms for our rams and settled up his insurance with Cruikshanks. Dad. cultivated corn all the afternoon and I hoed mangels. Frank and I went up to Ham Thompson's to-night with Daisy May. Ham said he waited all the morning for Lloyd Crysler too. Rainy all morning Sunny & hot this afternoon Wednesday July 24th Dad. and I went back this morning and got the three lifts that were left in the back field. and we were glad to see the field cleaned. Frank went on cutting at the field east of the orchard with Joe & Queen but didn't finish, he broke one of the guards this afternoon and that delayed him awhile. Dad. and I put off the load we got over the gully and as it was nearly noon we went out and just put on a small load and pitched it off in the horse stable. We got in two more good sized loads this afternoon but had to change the pulley block as we put it in the east end of the barn. It is very nice sheep hay and we want it on top. This afternoon Dess & Win came over to tea and Aunty came over after tea to celebrate my birthday. I got two shirts from Enah, a tie from. Dad. a film from Tid a knife from Frank and a year's subscription to the "Literary Digest" from Aunty Alice & Aunty and also a letter from. Aunt Leena and we had ice cream for tea. Frank and I walked down to the bridge with Aunty & the girls and went for a swim. Very hot to-day Looks rainy. Thursday July 25th We put off the load that was in the barn and got another </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> load and left it on the barn floor. Then Frank took the team and raked what was fit and then finished cutting about one o'clock while Dad and I cocked up what he raked. This afternoon we put off the load and put another on and Frank raked a little more and Dad. and I cocked up till after six. After we got through the chores I went out and hoed a few mangels and Frank hoed the strawberries. Sunny & hot but a nice breeze. Friday July 26th We put the load off this morning that was on the barn floor and Dad. and I put on another big load and left it at the field gate till noon. Frank mowed away and changed to the hay fork instead of the slings and then came and shook out a little and when we got the load on he took the team and raked. We all cocked up till about four o'clock then Frank brought the team out and we hauled in two loads and put one of them off. We used the fork instead the top of the maw as the sling ropes got caught in the hay. Dad. and Frank put the hay on those two loads in a hurry but I don't think there was nearly so much on a load. Frank went over to hoe potatoes to-night and I took a book over to {Art Preston?} as h he was over this morning and wanted Dad. to come over to-night and look at his cow which has developed a sudden case of {?} Dad. was too tired to go over so sent the book over. I was too late to go over to the patch. Hot. nice breeze. Saturday July 27th We hauled in hay all day and in spite of several delays managed to clear our field in seven loads. We had to change our car from the barn to the horse stable and the first loads we put on were so big we couldn't get the lifts in the door of the {?} without a terrible amount of straining. The second load we tried to build a little smaller but the third lift stuck in the doorway and we broke one strand of the big rope pulling on it, that was just at noon and it looked as if we were held up for the afternoon but Dad. thought of Lew. Brock so Frank went out and got him and he spliced the rope for us. This afternoon we built very small loads and had no more trouble getting them in except once when we had to trip the lift and let it fall on the ground. The last load we brought in we knew would be a big one so we didn't use the slings but just put on all we could pile on </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> intending to haul it on the barn floor and put it in the horse stable with the fork when we get time. I had so much on though, that going into the barn the hay rolled back on the top of the door and broke the back ladder off the rack. We did chores after tea and it was half past ten when we got through. Frank went down town and I hung around till about midnight and then went down to the dam for a swim as I knew there would be a bunch down there about that time and there was. I got a very nice illustrated volume of Whitcomb Riley's Farm Poems from Marj. to-day for a birthday present. Frank says that Paw. Nila and Paddy came up in the car to-night and brought Roy & Rebecca with them. they are going to take the girls home to-morrow. Hot to-day, but nice breeze A big thunderstorm north of us but we didn't get hot. Sunday July 28th We didn't get up in time to go to Sunday school this morning but Enah Frank, Tid. and I all went to church. Dad. walked down to Aunty's intending to drive Enah home but she stayed at her mother's to dinner so Dad. put Joe in Aunty's barn and stayed there to dinner and Frank and I came home. I just sat around and read all the afternoon. Dad. Enah and Tim got home about four o'clock. The Millman's didn't come over but left this afternoon for Toronto. Roy is going back in the morning and Rebecca is going to stay for awhile. It has been very hot all day. We got the first ripe tomato off our own vines to-day. Monday July 29th Dad went down to Lew Brock's this morning to see if he could make a dicker with him for his woodpile and he got what he thinks is a great bargain. He got the woodpile which consists of about three cords of fairly good stove wood and every thing else around the place in the shape of boards including the stable and smokehouse for ten dollars. When he got back we put the load of hay off and went down and got one load of the stuff and there is another load of loose stuff down there. This afternoon Frank started to cut the blue grass out north and east of the old garden Dad. cultivated corn and I hoed mangels. To-night Frank and I drove Queen out to Marbury to pay Sid McBride for our fence. It came to $83.50. A thunderstorm came up before we got home but we didn't get very wet, the road was very dark though. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday July 30th As soon as it dried off this morning and Frank went out and cut some more of the blue grass. Dad. cultivated the garden and I hoed a few more mangels Neff came over for awhile, he said an inspector was over at our potato patch looking for diseases on them so he came over here to wait for him. Aunty Alice and Rebecca and Lila were over here to dinner. This afternoon Frank went down to Joe Howell's and got the collar for the binder and then hoed a few strawberries Dad. paris greened the potatoes in the old garden and I did a little hoeing for awhile there I started to rake and Dad. cocked up hay. I didn't get it all done. I went over to the potato patch to-night but it was too dark to do anything by the time I got there. I found Tige McBride, Alex England and Bill Sidway there. Much cooler to-day & breezy. Wednesday July 31st Dad. and I cocked up hay most of the day and Frank finished raking what was cut and then hoed the strawberries and set the runners. He helped us cock up a little this afternoon, We didn't quite finish as we quit early to get the chores done so that Frank and I could go up to Simcoe to the last evening of the Chautauqua which they have had up there for the past week. The music was fine especially a violinist and the lecture which was entitled "Acres of Diamonds" by Dr. Russel Conley, principal of Temple University. Philadelphia was pretty good but rather peculiar I thought. We just got out in time to catch the last car. We were with Tige McBride and Lela ran to catch the car and hurt her ankle. when we got to Dover she said it hurt so badly that she couldn't walk home on it so Frank and I waited with her at the Main St. crossing while Tige went home and got the car and came after her, so Frank and I were pretty late getting home. We found Dad. up though as he, Enah and the baby had been down town at the {Mabelore?}. Fair & not too hot. Thursday August 1st I went out this morning and finished cocking up the hay. We got the binder out and cut one round around the wheat and barley before dinner. Frank cut all the afternoon but didn't finish the field. he had Harry and Belle on and couldn't make them walk up Dad. and I shocked up but it didn't keep us very busy. Enah was down town nearly all day helping at the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday school bazaar at which they cleaned up over $100.00 to pay for the piano. Tid was down all day at a picnic with Aunty. Lila, Rebecca and Helen Tibbits down at the Lake. We quit early to-night and went over to hoe potatoes but there were only a few of the boys there Edmond England was to have sprayed there for us to-night but he couldn't get the engine to work. Cool breeze. Friday August 2nd We finished cutting the wheat and barley this morning and Frank and Dad. went back with Harry and Joe to cut the wheat on the back side hill. They had the three horses on this morning. I finished shocking up the hill and about five o'clock took Belle back to put on with the other two but Dad. thought as it was so late it wasn't worth while so we just went a couple of more rounds and quit. The first few rounds are the worst on that still {?} field. Saturday August 3rd I hoed turnips for awhile this morning till Dad. and Frank got a few more rounds cut and then started shocking up. They got nearly off the hill before dinner. Just before noon I heard a shrill whistle which I knew to be Dick's and looked and saw him and Tid coming down the gully. He came home last night and stayed at Aunty's all night. We were all very surprised to see him as he just got his pass before he left. He is as black as an Indian but looks very well and soldierly in his artillery uniform. Aunty came over with him to dinner. After dinner Dad. Frank and I went down to Lew Brook's and got the rest of our wood. we have everything now but the stable and smokehouse When we got our wood unloaded we went back and finished cutting the wheat and shocked it up, it was certainly a thin crop on top of the hill only about a dozen shocks. We got up soon after seven. Frank went down town to-night and Dick was down all the afternoon and most of the night. It has been fair and cool all day. Sunday August 4th Tid and I drove down to Sunday school and Enah and Frank came down to church and I drove Enah home. Dad. stayed home and made ice cream and Dick didn't get up till noon After dinner we took some pictures of Dick and then he, Frank and I walked down town. I spent the afternoon down at. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Aunties and Frank went up town for awhile. we didn't see Dick again as he didn't get home till about two o'clock. We spent the evening home reading. Very hot but breezy. Monday August 5th We have hauled wheat and barley all day to-day and got our field cleaned by to-night We had six loads of wheat and barley mixed and one load of pure wheat. Dick stayed here to dinner and went down town right after and did not come back to-night as he has to leave on the seven o'clock car in the morning. Enah went down town to tea and took in the grand I O.D.E. cabaret in the pavillion. The rest of us all went down to say good-bye to Dick after we got the chores done which was about ten o'clock but when we got to Aunty's Enah was there and said Dick had gone to Simcoe with some of the crowd he thought we weren't coming down. Enah drove home with Dad. and I walked I took a dip in the pond on my way. Frank rode his wheel down. Hot. Tuesday August 6th We put off the load of wheat that we hauled in last night and put it in the swing {mow?} up over the drive way so as to have it separate, it is the only pure Plymouth we have. Frank and Dad. hauled in the rest wheat off the back field to-day in three small loads. It took them a long time to get it off the side. hill but there is some very good wheat there. I helped them put off the loads. we put it in a pile by itself at one end of the {mow?} and in between tines. I tried to cut my plots back of the barn with the sickle but it was very hot and tedious. I got about a dozen sheaves cut and tied up but come it the conclusion that it was too primitive a method of harvesting for this enlightened age so about five o'clock I went down and borrowed Alfred's cradle and will let Dad. finish the job with it. Lila was over here to tea. Very hot, breezy. Wednesday August 7th We started oat harvest to-day and it has been very hot although there was quite a strong breeze. I don't know when I have felt the heat so much. Frank cut all day on the back field by the woods and got it all done but a little piece by the woods. {?} a great crop. Dad. and I shocked up but didn't quite finish. Frank and I went for a swim to-night in the upper pond off the mill dam. Its a great hole I never was in there before. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday August 8th We finished cutting and shocking up the back field of oats by noon and this afternoon Frank cut the three acres of barley and oats along the side road I shocked up while Dad. cradled and bound the plots of wheat and about six o'clock Dad. & Frank came out and finished shocking up while I took the cows up. It has been hot to-day but a very strong breeze so that it wasn't so hard to work. Just about dark a thunderstorm came up and it rained hard for quite awhile. If it clears off soon it will do no harm and a lot of good as things were getting dry. Friday August 9th It was too wet for us to do much to-day but putter around. I took Alfred's cradle down to Newton Silver as he wanted to to cut his spring wheat on this garden. and on the way down I had quite a visit with Uncle Ward to whom the sight of the cradle recalled memories of early days and he told me about George Adams the best man he ever saw swing a cradle and who cut a six acre field of wheat for Uncle Ward's brother one time between half past seven in the morning and six at night. On my way home I met Aunty and Rebecca who were on their way over to the farm for dinner so I came over with Rebecca. Aunty stopped in for a few minutes to see Mr. Johnson. Dad. and Frank had been setting up the wheat sheaves off my plots along the barn and this afternoon Dad. and I put them in the barn. We put on a jag. of straw before dinner out of the mow over the granary just about cleaning it out and hauled it over to the box stall in the horse stable for Frank to use for bed. Frank drove Rebecca and Tid down town this afternoon and Aunty and Enah walked down and Enah drove back with Frank. Dad. and I spent most of the afternoon putting a door in the north side of the old barn so that we could let the calves out on the wheat stubble. To-night we went over to Lorne Myer's as Tige McBride was over here this morning and said he would call a meeting of the J.F.I.A. to decide on who would enter the Judging Competitions at the Toronto Fair and what classes they would enter. There was a pretty good turnout and six or seven of us are going to Toronto. Frank and I have entered our sheep & beef cattle Most of us went for a swim at the mill on our way home </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday August 10th Frank and I had to go up to Ham Thompson's this morning and when we got back we all three went back to straighten up some of the oat sheaves in the back field Some of them were pretty wet but not sprouted. Dad. finished fixing up the calf pen and let the whole six of them out This afternoon Frank cut around the oat field just east of the lane and cut a road through it. Dad. and I shocked up. I got a couple of loads of oats with 100 grains on them. Frank found them and we are going to keep them for seed. To-night Dad. Enah and Frank all went down town. It has been pretty hot to-day and doesn't feel clear yet. Sunday August 11th Frank Tid. and I walked down to Sunday school this morning but as there was no teacher for the Bible Class Frank and I went down to the beach and got back in time for church. Mr. Farney took the sermon as Mr. Butcher has been called up for service that is military service Dad. and Enah drove down to church. Tid and I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and all the afternoon. Huby was over here for tea. It has been very hot all day winding up with a small thunderstorm. Monday August 12th Last night's rain made it too wet to cut oats first thing this morning so I finished making a trough to feed the calves in and Dad. and Frank put a fence around the cucumbers back of the barn so that the calves wouldn't get at them, and also the sheep as we intend letting them out on the wheat stubble. Frank cut for about an hour before dinner and all the afternoon and got all the east half of the field cut when but about one round when the double-tier broke so he quit. Enah was down town nearly all day as Elva and Brant got married. Frank went up to tell Tige McBride to-night that I made a mistake in telling the boys that they could enter the livestock class and the fruit & grain classes for fifty cents as I had a letter from Neff to-day telling me they were fifty cents entry fee for each class. The War News has been great lately. The Germans are on the defensive along the whole Western front and are steadily being pushed farther back. The American & French drive between Saissons & Reims where they drove them to the {?} river had just showed up when Sir Douglas Haig started another one farther north with British, French </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Canadian and Australian troops and so far has captured over 40,000 prisoners and 500 guns. In some places the German retreat seems to be almost a rout but in others they are putting up a stiff fight. Fairly hot to-day but feels clearer and fresher. Nice breeze. Tuesday August 13th We finished cutting the oats by one o'clock new time and put the binder back in its winter quarters in the woodshed after dinner. We then hauled the barley & oats from the strip along the side-road in three loads, they seem to be very heavy and dry. Very hot, but strong wind. Wednesday August 14th It was a very hot night but before morning the wind went around to the north and it has been nice and cool all day. It looked very rainy this morning in fact it did rain a little but soon cleared off. Dad. and I went back this morning to the back field and put on a load of oats and as it was nearly 12 o'clock when we got it off we didn't go back again before dinner. but Dad went back and turned out a couple of loads while Frank and I started to put a brace on the old cracked arm of the rack. We had an awful time trying to bore the holes through it, we blamed it to the bit being dull but after Frank had gone over to Quanbury's and borrowed another, he discovered we were trying to bore through nails. After dinner I went over and borrowed a waggon from Jack Martin while Dad. and Frank finished fixing the rack and we hauled in with two waggons and got four loads up by working till eight o'clock but didn't unload the last two. We turned out all the shocks before we hauled them as some of them were pretty damp. Alan Law was in to-night to see if he could get one of us to help thresh in the morning but said as we were so busy he would try to get some one else; and I guess he did. Thursday August 15th We didn't get on as fast to-day as we had hoped to as we only got up four more loads from the back field and left at least three back there. We had to pitch off the two that we brought up last night and every load now gets harder to pitch as the mow gets fuller. There should by rights be another man in the mow as it is too far to pitch across the two {?}. Dad. and I turned out all the shocks in the field this morning so that delayed us. Cool. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday August 16th We got the back field cleared by to-night instead of last night as we had hoped. Our delay to-day was caused by me upsetting a load on the gully hill just coming out of the gate. my off wheel got in the rut and before I knew what was coming off I was on the ground and the waggon on its side. We took Frank's load up and unloaded it then came back with Jack' s rack (it was our rack that upset) and put part of my load on it and Frank got a reach from Tupper as ours was broken. we had a hard job getting it put in but managed to at last and then put the rest of the load in our rack. but had to load carefully as one arm of the rack was broken. After we got the loads off we had to put an old hinge iron on the broken arm and Frank had to go to town after some bolts It all took time and by the time we got two more loads up (the last two) it was after seven, we put the load off of Jack's rack and Frank took it home. Enah's sister Mrs. Johnson was over here to tea and Uncle Ward came over to get Dad. to offer a special prize at the Horti cultural Show so he did for honey. Frank drove them home, or at least Dad. drove Uncle Ward home after Frank got back from taking Mrs. Johnson. Cool. Saturday, August 17th Frank had to go thrashing over at Quanbury's this morning so Dad. spoke to Pickford last night about getting one of the boys to help us to-day and Arthur came over this morning. He turned sheaves on the stack for us all day and was a good little worker. Dad. kept telling him that if the stack was a good one he would claim to be the builder of it, but if it was a poor one, he would tell that Arthur built it. We put five loads on the stack and left one standing on the barn floor. Dad. took a lot of pains building it as he laid every sheaf by hand and kneeled them all in, but one corner of it slid out a little much to his disappointment. Frank didn't get home till nearly dark and then went over to Quanbury's to tea but they finished over there and got about 1300 bushels from the 30 acres. Frank went down town to-night and said there were a bunch of Dominion Police down there rounding up fellows who didn't have their military and registration papers. Frank said they had quite a bunch of them in the lock-up but let them out on bail. He also said that Aunty Alice went to Toronto with Rebecca this morning and that, Ada, Clem, Kathleen & Lars all came up last night. Cool and strong north east wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday August 18th Frank and I and Tid. walked down to church this morning and Dad. and Enah were just ready to drive down when. Ade & Clem and the two girls came over in the car. as that delayed them, Clem drove Enah down to church and Ade drove down with Dad, who put Joe in Aunty's barn and didn't come to church. After church Enah went with the choir for a picnic and didn't get home till after church to-night, when Jack Walker brought her home in the car. Aunty and Aunt Ida came with them in the car just for the ride. Dad. & Tid stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and Frank and I had dinner alone and stayed home all the afternoon and evening. Cool north east wind all day. Quite cold to-night. Monday August 19th We have hauled oats all day and got in five loads but there are still a couple more in the field. We put part of one load on the stack and one in the barn and then started to build another stack on the west side of the barn doors. The sheaves are shorter now and much harder to stack. Frank helped us unload and spent the rest of the time weeding in the garden. Still cool with east wind. Tuesday August 20th We finished oat harvest to-day at noon. There was only about a load and a half left in the field and we put part of it on the stack and the rest in the barn. This afternoon we started haying again, but just got in two loads. It seems awful to be starting at it again this late in the season. We quit early as, Dad. and Enah went down to the church concert which they said was very poor and Frank went down to the Ryerse's to a corn roast. I took Maple Hill Nellie up to Hans's. Enah was over at the Martin's this afternoon and heard that Jimmy {Caley?} has gone so badly out of his mind that they had to take him to the hospital in connection with the asylum. Warm but not hot. Wednesday August 21st We finished hauling the hay that was cut to-day We got three loads in this morning and the third one we hauled around to the oat stacks and put the top of it off on them and Dad. topped them out with hay. This took quite awhile after dinner and then we had to do some mowing in the horse stable before we could get the load in so that </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> it was late when we went out after the last little jag of 20 cocks, and by the time we got it off was about six o'clock. Warmer & cloudy, looked rainy. Thursday August 22nd Frank has been cutting hay in the old blue grass meadow all day and got it more than half cut. He took Joe and Queen this morning and the old team after dinner. Dad. and I went over to Tupper's this morning and harrowed 11 bags of oats and took part of them down to the mill to be chopped. I went down after dinner and got the chop and then took the waggon out to the field. I raked up most of what Frank cut and then Dad put on a small load out of the wind row which I hauled up to-night. Dad. cocked up while I was raking. Enah and Tid have been down town all day, To-night Frank and I went down to the mill and had a good bath under the dam. It has been much warmer. Friday August 23rd Frank finished cutting the blue grass to-day noon. Dad. and I changed the {rack?} from the horse stall to the big barn and then went out and cocked up what was in the wind row. This afternoon I raked the whole thing up and Dad cocked up what he could. Frank picked the ripe tomatoes and took a bushel over to Mrs. Pickford as Jackie spoke about getting them yesterday and a basket down to Mrs. Jim Low. To-night {Zeitha?} Elva and Mrs. Johnson came over for the evening and Aunt Ida came over with Frank this afternoon for tea She walked home to-night with the rest. Pretty warm. Saturday August 24th Frank had to go down town with some cream for Aunty Alice and was gone quite awhile but we got all the hay up in cock by noon. This afternoon we put off the load that was on the barn floor and got one more in and then quit as Dad. wanted to go down and meet Dick. He got a letter from him at noon saying that he would be home on the five o'clock car having got six weeks farm leave. It seems queer that he should get farm leave now after everything is in when they wouldn't allow it before, but it seems it is on account of the Western Battalions getting it. Dick is tickled to death and won't have to go back to Patawawa but will likely put in the winter in Toronto. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dick, Frank and I went down town to-night. Dick went to the dance and stayed down town all night. I bummed around town awhile and then went and got my hair cut. Mr. & Mrs. Millman & Nita came up in the car this afternoon and are going to take Percy and Kathleen back to-morrow. Pretty hot and rainy looking. Sunday August 25th Tid. and I went down to Sunday school this morning but as no Bible Class teacher showed up, I went on to see Hazen Waddle who is home on a week end here. I hadn't seen him since he got into uniform till this morning. I found him at breakfast in company with three damsels two of whom were strangers to me and the third one Miss Shiltz. Hazen seems to be standing the army racket pretty well although he says he is just getting over a little attack of Ptomain poisoning. He told me he was talking to a returned man the other day who in the course of conversation asked him where he was from and when Hazen told him his hometown was Port Dover, the fellow said "That's funny, I could show you a place in France where there is a stick in the ground with a board on it on one side of which is written 'there lies a Fritz" and on the other side is printed 'The Port Dover Canning Company.'" I went to church from there and sat in the front seat with. Aunty, Aunt Ida and Dick, but Dick and I slept most of the time Morton Brown was again the preacher. Dad. drove Enah down with Queen as Joe is lame from some unknown cause, and so Dad. didn't stay to church but drove Tid. home. Enah and I went down to Aunty's after church where we ran across the Millmans and Mr. Millman drove us home in the car. Huby and Dick came over with us but went back to Aunty's with Mr. Millman for dinner. I read and slept all the afternoon. Frank went down town and for a swim in the lake with Lloyd Ryerse and Dad. and Tid went down to the mill for a swim but I guess just paddled around in the creek. John Quanbury came over after Dad. to-night and he went over with him to see his sick cow but Dad. said it was all right. Wilbur Ryerse came in to-night to tell me that if I went over there to Tuppers in the morning I could go down to Douglas with them. Frank said that the Millman's went to turn the car around down in front of Aunty's this afternoon and backed the thing right down the hill on to the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> railway track and they had to get Water's with his team to pull it up the hill again. Dick had to go down to the station and get them to telephone to the switch to have the car stop, but they said it came down as far as where the auto mobile was and then stopped and unloaded a whole car load of people who helped get the thing off. The brakes were out of order. It has been pretty hot again to-day. Monday August 26th We got four loads of our hay in to-day and put off the one that we hauled in Saturday night. It took a long time to put the loads off as the last load filled the west end of the barn right up and every load had to be mowed. Dick didn't get over till noon but this afternoon he and Frank mowed away while we were putting the loads off and then Frank stayed in the mow and mowed it well away while Dick Dad. and I were out after loads. Wilbur Ryerse was in again to-night to tell me that they weren't going to start for Douglas's till noon as Tupper didn't want to go in the morning and he is going to take us down in his car. Rather cloudy and strong west & north west wind. Tuesday August 27th We went out this morning and got a fairly good load and put it off on the east side of the barn which had just about room enough for a couple of loads. Frank and Dick mowed it away. It was about eleven o'clock when we got it off so I came in and got ready to go to Caledonia with Tupper & Frank & Wilbur Ryerse. but Dad. and the boys got the rest of the hay in. and hauled two slingfuls up and put them in the barn and then hauled the last load and Dad pitched it off by hand. I was over at Tupper's in lots of time and he hadn't come in yet from the fields but we got started fairly early had a very nice drive with lots of time to see all of Douglas' cattle and got home before dark. Douglas himself was home and took us all over the farm to show us his cattle and Frank and Wilbur bought a $210.00 bull from him a yearling. We went up to the house where they pressed us to stay to tea but we didn't but the girls played their victrola for us. When I got back I just had my tea and went up to McBride as Tige was down this morning to tell us that Neff was coming down to give us some pointers on judging fruit and vegetables. Frank wasn't </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> through with his chores so didn't come up. I didn't get home till about twelve o'clock but got quite a few pointers on judging fruit which I knew very little about. Neff also announced that he was going to award prizes for general proficiency and best kept notes at last years winters short course and I was very agreably surprised to learn that I had won First Prize for General proficiency and Tige McBride second. Leo Challand won first prize for best kept notes and Frank second. The prizes were all books mine was "Principles of Breeding" by Davenport and Frank's was "The Breeds of Farm Animals" by Gay. This afternoon Frank and Dick burned some of the old {?} grass that was in the wind rows out by the side road and Dad, Enah and Tid went down town and got some salt. Fine, cool & breezy. Wednesday August 28th It rained hard early this morning and all the afternoon. We didn't do much but sit around and read. Dad. did a little ditching this morning and I took Ham Thompson's old red hen home about noon. Just at dinnertime an auto mobile party ran in here out of the rain to put chains on their wheels. The three women of the crowd came into the house and told us they were from Tilsonburg and on their way to Bridgeburg. About the middle of the afternoon Harvey {?} came over well protected from the weather by rubber coat and boots. He was after cream. Thursday August 29th First thing this morning Dad. Dick and I went down and started to tear down Lew Brock's old stable. Frank came down late. with the team. We got more than half of it down and the nails out of the boards by noon and took one load home. This afternoon Dad. and Dick got most of the rest of it down and Frank and I went down town and got a load of soft coal and took the wheels of the old waggon down to Hallam to have the tires sets. We came back to Lews and got another load of boards after we had put the coal off. Mr. James and Mr. Johnson were over here this afternoon and Dess and Win came over to tea. Dick went down with them to the dance this evening. I felt rather rough to-day, think I had a touch of the colic. Fine day cool and breezy. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday August 30th We wanted to start hauling manure to-day but before we could haul the spreader out of the lane gate we had to put some more earth over the cement tile that Dad. put in there, so we went back to the end of the lane with the waggon to get some clay but as there was a big water hole back there we had to drain the water out of it before we could haul a load through it. Dad. ran a furrow from the hole to the top of the hill and threw the sods out of the furrow into the hole. We hauled two loads of clay from the gully and put them over the tile at the barnyard end of the lane. It was noon when we got through. Aunty and Aunty Alice were here to dinner and after dinner Bruce Smith and Frank Marr came over after Dad. as Frank's cow was choking on an apple so Dad. went down and managed to get the apple. We boys got the manure spreader out and Frank and Dick pitched manure while I went back and pulled weeds out of the mangels. Frank hauled out till Dad. came home and then went and weeded strawberries. To-night Dick and I went to a corn roast put up by Mrs. Hobbes. and Frank went to another one that the McBrides were having. Both corn roast were up the beach about 100 yards apart below Globe Park. After we had burned up all the corn we had and then eaten it. we went up to the Hobbes and sat around till after mid night. Fine day. Saturday August 31st It rained quite hard during the night and quite a bit this morning so that I didn't do much but lie around read and sleep during the fore noon Frank made a plant stand for Enah out of an old desk we got down at Lew Brock's. This afternoon Dad. and I went back and patched up the gully fence a little along the cornfield as there were two or three posts broken and we were afraid the delapidated condition of the fence might tempt the cattle to try to explore the cornfield. Frank spent the afternoon cleaning and fix ing up the granary bins. Sam's outfit is now at old Evan's and he will be at Pickford on Monday. Dick took a holiday this afternoon and went down town. We did the chores up early and I went down town to-night, went down to the station and met Marj. who came back to-night Sunny & cool wind this afternoon. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday September 1st We were late getting around this morning so I wasn't able to take Tid. down to Sunday school so Dad. drove him down. He seems to like Sunday school and the stories Aunty tells them. He told Enah that last Sunday Aunty told them about a man who saw a burning bush and a voice came out of the bush which said "Take off your boots, for the ground where you stand is full of holes and you'll get your feet muddy." Obviously the story was about Moses and he took the Bible phrase "holy ground" to mean full of holes and so he generally takes his boots off when he goes back to the gully to keep them from getting muddy. He thought Moses did it for the same reason. I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and they invited Professor Andrews down there to dinner. He came down to preach this morning and there was no one to meet him and no choir or or organist so he played the organ himself. This afternoon I went up to see Marj and went home to tea. Dad. came down to church to-night and Enah stayed down to tea at Aunty's and played to-night. I went to Patterson's with Marj. to-night. Monday September 2nd Dick and Dad. hauled out manure this morning and Frank and I dug potatoes and got some vegetables to take down to Vernon to-morrow. This afternoon he and I went over to Pickford's to thrash. Dick took a holiday this afternoon it being Labor day and Dad. hauled out manure alone. We got home from Pickford's about eight and thrashed {?} all out nearly 600 bushels all together. Enah had our valises packed when we got home so I got dressed up and went down town I went up to see Marj. for awhile and then came back to Aunty's to stay all night so as to be ready to catch the car in the morning. Frank was there and had just had a bath so I had one too. Fine day but looks rainy. Saturday September 7th As Frank and I have been in Toronto since last Tuesday till last night, I will have to put our doings in condensed form as I have not been able to write them day by day. We left Tuesday morning on the seven o'clock car and went to Brantford where after bumming around for an hour or so we took the radial for Hamilton getting there about </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> eleven where we had our dinner and fooled in two or three more hours and then took the 2.15 boat for Toronto. We arrived there about five so we were nearly all day en route We didn't mind though as there were five of us Charlie Blake, Tige McBride and Lloyd Ryerse being with us and we had an ideal trip over on the boat Frank and I went to stay with Roy and Vernon of course and the other three stayed down on Bloor St. about three blocks away That night we all went down to the Princess theatre and saw "The Garden of Allah" which Tige and I liked but which the other fellows didn't care for. Wednesday we put in the whole day out at the Fair grounds. Frank went out early to the {Sharplers?} seperator company with a piece of the seperator to have it fixed and then went to his sheep judging competition. at which he got 10th place. I went down later and just poked around till I ran into the other three fellows, we had our lunch on the grounds and met in the Breeder's Ring at 2.30. I for the Beef Cattle judging and the others for the poultry. We had a class of aged Abeerdeen {?} cows and one of Shorthorn heifers. I had a hard time coming to a decision on them as they were all pretty even but I tried to make out a good case for my placings when giving my reasons orally and I discovered I won 9th place among about 20. I didn't get the placings on the Shorthorn's right either, That night we got a free ticket to Mumby's dining hall and I had tea with Prof. Graham & Marcellus. After tea most of us went over to the Grand Stand performance but some of them thought it was going to be too wet for it as it drizzled all evening. We got a free ticket to it and had seats reserved for us. It was pretty good but nothing extra. It rained hard that night and Frank and I didn't get out very early to the Exhibition and Frank's class of grain and roots was partly over. however he entered and won 6th place amongst about thirty five. Our Fruit and Vegetable judging contest came off next and I got 6th prize in it. Leo Challand got 4th. After it was over we found all the Norfolk bunch which consisted of Challand, Butler, two Stitts and Corby besides us five. Rolson was also down judging hogs but he disappeared the first day and none of us saw him again. We all had lunch together and happend into the same tent that Neff </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was dining in. We prowled around the grounds all the afternoon and had a lot of fun with Corby who stopped and interviewed any one who would talk to him. One was a fellow demonstrating wooden arms and hands and another was showing off safety razors. I went over to the Model Comp and saw Hazen for a few minutes and also saw a couple of boxing bouts between Canadian & Yankee soldiers. There was a whole battalion of Yankees down there. We went back to Vernon's for tea - our best dinner and the night. Frank went to a Charlie Chaplin show and I went down town and drifted into Britnels book store where I spent the whole evening. Friday morning we went down town and did some shopping and then went over to the Milman's office and Clem took us up to the top of the Royal Bank building to see the city and then over to the Dominion bank to see the 40 ton door of the vaults and Jessie Kirtland and Paddy O'Flynn. We had lunch at {Rap?} but had to leave right after it to catch our 2.15 boat for Hamilton. The other three were waiting for us and we all came home to-gether getting in last night on the nine o'clock car. Dick and Dad. hauled manure and thrashed most of the time we were away. They thrashed Jack Martin out and a little for Mr Flemming. They had a very bad wind and rain storm here and every thing is pretty wet. Dick took a holiday to-day. Dad. and I spent most of the morning digging potatoes and this afternoon we cleaned up the old barn to be ready for the thrashers. Frank did odd jobs. Fine day. Sunday September 8th I left my razor down at Auntys in the suitcase the other night so had to go down there to shave this morning. I took Tid down with me intending to send him to Sunday school with Aunty but they had gone. so we just went to church. Dad. and Enah drove down to church. I stayed down at Aunty's for lunch but went home right after, got Queen and took Marj. for a drive up around by Vittoria. I didn't get down to church to-night. but Dad. and I walked down after. He went down to Aunty's and Marj. and I spent the evening up at Miss Martin's Dick was going to Simcoe yesterday to spend Sunday with Dess at Grandpa Mead's and no one has seen him all day. It has been a very nice day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday September 9th Dad. and I hauled out manure all day and got out 13 loads. Frank rode up to Mat. Wilson's this morning to see when Sam could some here to thrash and he said not before Thursday. He told Dad. he would be here about Tuesday but took on some new job up there. Frank picked tomatoes and weeded strawberries the rest of the day. Dick spent most of the morning in bed and went to Simcoe this afternoon to have his picture taken Cecil McPherson was over after school to-night picking plums for Enah. Cool. Tuesday September 10th Dick and Dad. finished covering the field with manure by to-night. Frank and I spent most of the day gathering up the wind falls in the orchard as we want to turn the sheep in there. It was quite a job but we got them all. Tupper was over this morning to get me to do his chores for him while he goes to the London Fair. so I went over to-night to see what to do. Aunty, Aunty Alice and Cousin Clair were over to tea to-night. Miss Kerney & Mrs. Hallam came over to-day and bought some plums from Enah. Cold wind. Wednesday September 11th We seperated the rams from the ewes this morning and put the rams in the orchard and the ewes back in their old pasture in front of the barn Dad. got started to plow this morning on the oat stubble just north of the orchard I think the five acres of spring plowing is all we will try to put in Frank fixed up the fence around the orchard and I barricaded the two little plum trees I set out this spring so that the rams couldn't eat them off again, they have been nibbled down a couple of times but are still alive. Dick picked some plums to take down to Mrs. Dyer. This afternoon Dick, Enah and I drove down town in the waggon and got some provisions for the thrashers whom we expect to-morrow. We took some plums down to the Canning Factory and I got the plow which we left at Hallam's to have the shear sharpened. We picked Melissa Tupper and Hazel Ward up and gave them a ride home. Melissa didn't go to the fair with the rest on account of some school work so she got Hazel Ward to go home with her and Mrs. Art Walker stayed with them all right. I hooked Joe to the buggy and drove them on over to Tupper's place and I </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> did up the chores. To-night Marj. & I went to the picture show and saw Jack Pickford in "Huck & Tom". It has been cloudy all day and rained hard this afternoon & evening. Thursday September 12th I drove over to Tupper's as soon as I got up this morning but it was a little late there, but as the walking was so bad I drove the girls down to school. They were late waiting for me to get through with the chores. I didn't get through with my breakfast till after ten o'clock and then went down to Flemmings & Jack Martin's to tell them we expected the thrashers. When I got back I spent the rest of the morning cleaning up my harness as it got pretty muddy. Dick and Frank spent most of the morning fixing up the granary. They put a partition in the middle bin and boarded up the tops so that the bins could be filled up to the ceiling. Dad. also battened up the cracks in the little box stall in the horse stable so that we can use in for a granary too. It rained nearly all day so we couldn't do much out side Aunty Alice came over to help Enah if the thrashers came and Dess came over too, she and Dick went down to the show to-night. I went over to Tupper's soon after five and did up the chores in the rain. No one had been there all day and Melissa didn't come home so the milk utensils didn't get a very good washing. When I got home I found they had got the machine here and Alan, Sam & Ray were just leaving, they had a hard time moving. Friday September 13th I got over to Tupper's this morning before daylight and got the chores all done and home before they started to thrash. It rained a little and I suppose delayed them a little but it hasn't been raining at all to-day but has been cloudy, windy and cold. We thrashed pretty steadily all day and got everything thrashed but one stack. The oats turned out well about fifty bushels to the acre, but the mixed grain did well too we just had 117 bushels of clear wheat. The stack really thrashed better than the stuff in the barn as it was a little tough but the stack was perfectly dry so all Dad's worrying over the rain was no use. We have to-night 65 bushels over the 1000 mark and the other stack to thrash yet so this will be away the best turn out. we have ever had. Tupper didn't get home to-day so I had to go over again to-night to do </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> chores I was late getting over. but Melissa was home and had the cows up and partly milked. She went over to Donald's to get Ina to stay with her to-night. Saturday September 14th I was over at Tupper's again this morning before daylight and found the lantern still burning on the table where I had left it last night. thinking that Melissa and Ina would be right back but Melissa stayed over at Donald's all night. Tupper didn't get home to-day so I went over to-night and was surprised and a little worried to find that Melissa had not emptied the cream nor washed the seperator and aparantly had not been near the house all day so when I got the chores done I went over to Bill Donald's to see if she got there al right last night. They were all just coming out of the lane heading for town and Melissa was with them so I had my mind made easy and got a ride home. We finished thrashing of the other stack this morning and it turned out just as well as the rest and made the total number of bushels up to 1240. The granary bins are all full as well as the little box stall in the horse stable. When they got through up here they moved down to Alfred's and Dick Frank and I went down with them. We thrashed there till about four o'clock and got finished at Alfred's. He had 408 bushels of oats and 14 of wheat and is as tickled as he can be. The wheat was nearly pure blue grass. I was in the straw all the time as no-one else would go into it so felt pretty dirty to-night. When we got home Dad. had gone down town to see the dam and hear what Hon. Mr. Cavell had to say about the harbor. He says they will start work next week repairing the pier. I went down to-night and got my hair cut but there wasn't much going on. Charlie Quanbury treated me to ice cream. Fair. Sunday September 15th None of us went down to church this morning as we were late having breakfast. I didn't get back from Tupper's till about ten o'clock. This afternoon Dick and I went down town and I went to Miss McQueen's with Marj. I came home thinking I would have to go over to Tupper's again to-night but was rejoiced to find him here to tell me he had got home. He said everything was in good. shape and gave me two dollars for my trouble. I had my tea and went back down town </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> thinking I would be in time for church. I went but just got in before the sermon and I discovered that they had changed the time back from half past six to seven. I went over and spent the evening with Marj. She has changed her boarding house over to the Monteith's. It has been cloudy, and cold rained to-night. Monday September 16th Dick and Frank went over to Quanbury's (Art's) to thrash this morning and were over there till nearly noon but didn't get their dinner out of it. Dad. and I bagged up 12 bags of oats for Tupper and tied up all the bags that were in the barn. This afternoon Dick and I took Tupper's oats back to him but the 12 bags fell a bushel short of what we borrowed by weight. We got 12 or 13 bassword {poles?} over there to put over the mow in the old barn. When we got back we took all the filled bags that were in the barn over and dumped them in the little box stall in the horse stable and took Art Quanbury's oats back which we borrowed at seeding time and I took Ivey's bags back to them so most of the afternoon was spent in returning borrowed goods. Frank and Dad. did odd jobs as it was raining and cloudy all day rain to-night. Tuesday September 17th Frank and I took Frank's ducks down to the station this morning and he shipped them to Silverwood's in London. Dad. did some odd jobs around and I helped him clean out the calf pen when I got back. This afternoon Dad. plowed on the wheat ground and Dick Frank and I went back to pull plantain in the clover seed but as there wasn't very much we went on over to John Wess's McBride's and visited with Cam. most of the afternoon. To-night Dad. and Enah drove out to the Shand's to see the Virginia Nixon's Frank and I stenciled Dad's name on some bags. Dick went down town and just after Frank and I went to bed he came in, and spanked us awake with his whip and in formed us that a telegram had come for him from. Col. Dyer telling him he had a chance to go either to Siberia or Overseas with a tank battalion, he is tickled at the chance to go to Siberia. Sunny and fair but not hot to-day. Wednesday September 18th I went over to Lorne Myer's this morning to see </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> what our potatoes looked like. The early ones are ready to dig but in the clay patch are too wet. I went on over to McBride's to see Tige but he wasn't home so I went in to see Ham Thompson. He was going to try to get some wheat in and so was too busy to help with the potatoes so I thought we had better leave it for awhile. Dad. plowed this morning and Frank dug potatoes in our own garden. Dick went down town right after breakfast to wire Col. Dyer that he wants to go to Siberia but didn't get any word back to-day He was down town all day and is staying down to-night. It rained a little at noon but soon cleared up and Dad. Enah and the baby drove down to see the Horticultural Show, Frank plowed all the afternoon and I cut the lawn or at least part of it. It poured rain to-night but I went down town. I went up to the Flower Show but there was very little there so I went around and spent the evening with Marj. It cleared off but was cold and very windy when I came home. Thursday September 19th We were very late having breakfast this morning and it was nearly eleven o'clock before we got a grist bagged up and Frank and I got started for Lynn Valley to have it chopped. We had to take it up there as the flume down here at Charlie Ivey's just about collapsed the other day and is now in course of repair. Frank and I didn't get home till nearly three o'clock and found Dad. and Enah hadn't had dinner yet as they were waiting for us. After dinner we were sitting around the little coal oil stove reading as it was raining hard when Dick and Dess came over. Dick hadn't been home since yesterday morning. He had a telegram in his pocket from Col. Dyer telling him to return to camp immediately as he was wanted for Siberia. so he set to work to pack his kit and intends to leave in the morning. We did up the chores early and Dad. drove him and Dess and his kit down town before dark and stayed down all night to take him to the station in the morning. It was sunny early this morning but was cold and wet all day. Friday September 20th Frank and I did chores this morning and Dad. didn't get home till after the nine o'clock car went out. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> as after he saw Dick off safely. he and Huby ran across Jock Paine who was telling them that he has just sold out his business for a quarter of a million and is now the richest man in Port Dover. He bought the first prize car at the Toronto Exhibition so he told them and said he was coming over here to get some mushrooms but he never came. We spent most of the day cleaning out the chicken houses and Dad. carried over the weed seeds and chaff off the barn floor and put in the sheds for them to scratch in. William Ryerse was in after dinner to in vite us three boys out to a dance at his place to-night. He didn't know Dick had gone. Frank and I went out and had a pretty fair time although there was a little too big a crowd. The barn was full of horses and the house fuller still of folks. Wilbur spent the whole evening going around in his old clothes with a lantern like a night-watchman putting horses away and getting them out and occasionally taking a walk though the house to see how things were progressing. Dave and Mr. McNeilly furnished the music but as we had to dance in the small rooms each side of a hall full of people, the one room didn't get a very full share. It has been sunny and quite warm to-day Saturday September 21st Dad. and Frank cleaned up the wheat to-day and got somewhere around twenty-five bushels of clean seed, part of which we will sow, if it ever clears up. There was quite a lot of shrunken stuff in it. This morning I went over to Ben's and dug up a few peony roots to send to Dorrie Clarke and took them down to Marj. She packed them and I took them down and expressed them but had to wait for about an hour at the station to get them looked after so I was late getting home for dinner. Alfred Ryerse came up after dinner to pay us for helping him thrash but we wouldn't take it of course. We finished cleaning up wheat this afternoon and I carried over some straw to the chicken houses To-night. I shut them all up but the young ones are so wild I couldn't do much with them. Frank went down town to-night and says that Ray & Vernon & the kids came up to Aunty's last night. Fine day but cold wind. Sunday September 22nd None of us went down to Sunday school this morning but all hands went to church. Enah drove Ray, Rebecca and Tim home and Dad. walked. Frank </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> rode his wheel and I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner. This afternoon Marj. and I went over to see Glad. Law who came home last night. I went to church to-night with Aunty Alice and then Marj. Glad. and I went up to Miss Martin's. I didn't go home to tea and Frank and I stayed down all night as we want to go to Brantford in the morning to see Archie McEwen about another ram Enah was down at Aunty's to tea and played the organ to-night and Dad. drove down after her to-night. It has been fair but quite cool. Monday September 23rd Frank and I got off on the seven o'clock car this morning and went to Simcoe. We went to see Johnson about the apples and he said he would be down about the end of the week to have a look at them. I also gave Cruikshank $20.00 more for my insurance and then we got the nine o'clock car for Archie's place. Roy was on it so we went up with him. We had dinner at McEwen's and made a deal with him for another ram, one we like the looks of much better than the old McPherson ram and which has a far better fleece and skin. He is going to take the old ram back and let us have this one for ten dollars more. We came home on the three o'clock car but didn't do any thing but chores after we got home. They lifted the bridge down at the dam this afternoon. Dad. didn't do any plowing to-day. Fine day and warmer. Tuesday September 24th I spent most of the morning clearing up rubbish and putting away chicken coops and crates and Frank cleaned up the pen in the big barn to put our ram in as he has been used to being in. Dad. plowed all morning. This afternoon we loaded up old McPherson and took him down to meet the afternoon Express. Archie had sent the new ram down on it so we just took him out of the crate and put McPherson in and sent him back on the same car. Dad. thinks the new ram is a great improvement on the other. We stopped in for awhile at Aunty's on our way home and Dad. wanted to stay there and play with Roy's baby. It was time to do chores when we got home as Enah wanted us to get through early for Miss Phipps had been over to invite Dad. Enah and me over there for the evening. Mr. Barker, Mrs. Dr. Cook and Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Battersley were there. Dad. had a letter from Dick to-day saying he would leave Petewawa this </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> week for the coast and Joe Dyer told him that they were to leave Vancouver for Siberia not later than the 10th of October. so that there will be no chance of his getting home again. He has been attached to the Veterinary Corp. There hasn't been much war news from the Western Front the last few days, as the doings in Palestine are to be the centre of interest. General Allenby has just about freed that country from. the Turks so they say and has entirely wiped out two Turkish armies. Cool & fine. Wednesday September 25th It rained again this morning but soon cleared off and was a very nice day. Dad. plowed most of the day but was last getting out because we let the ewes out in the corner field and put the ram lambs in the pasture in front of the barn. Frank and I spent most of the day building a hurdle fence across from the end of the horse stable to the big barn to make a paddock for the ram. Winnie was over to tea to-night and after tea Frank, Enah, Win and I went down town. Winnie & Enah went to choir practice but we met them all coming away from the church. I spent the evening over at the Monteiths. Frank went to the picture show and we all met at. Aunty's and came home. Thursday September 26th Dad. has plowed all day to-day and is nearly finished. He didn't get out very early this morning as he helped us catch a couple of the best ewes to turn in with the new ram to try him out. Frank and I dug potatoes in the garden till dinnertime. This afternoon I disked with Queen and Joe till about half past four and then gathered up the potatoes and onions that were dug as we fully expected a frost to-night. It has been very cold all day due to a wind from the north. I had my over coat and gloves on this afternoon and then nearly perished. Frank went down to Walk. Well's sale this afternoon. Tom told us this morning that some of our humorists had put on the sale bills that Sat. Robinson was to be Clerk. Where the joke of that come in is that Walk had Sat up in court a couple of weeks ago and had him fined ten dollars for endeavoring to aleinate the affections of his hired girl, or something of that nature. Friday September 27th Dad. finished plowing this morning and I have been disking most of the day. This morning I drove down town and got Vernon. and the two kids and brought </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> them over for dinner. Aunty and Aunty Alice walked over. This afternoon about five o'clock I drove them home again. Frank and Aunty Alice picked beans over in the garden and Dad. dug potatoes. Our checks for prize money at the Toronto Exhibition came to-day. I got $22.00 and Frank $11.00. It has been nice to-day and much milder. Saturday September 28th I disked and Frank harrowed with the little team on the wheat ground. I didn't finish disking till about three o'clock and then Dad. started to drill. and Frank harrowed after him. They worked till dark but got the field finished. I came up and cut part of the lawn it had got very long so after I cut it first I raked it and cut it again but that was just a small patch in the center. Enah went down town this afternoon to practice with Zeitha who is going to sing in church to-morrow. She told Dad. she thought she would be home to tea but didn't get home till after tea. Dad. got a little anxious about her so I went down to Aunty's to look for her, but they said she got a ride home with Jack Martin. I just missed them. Cloudy but milder. Sunday September 29th We all walked down to church this morning and I stayed down at Aunty's to dinner. The rest came in to Aunty's after church and there was great excitement when the car came in as several of us happened to look out and saw Dick's face in the window. We hadn't the faintest idea that he would be home as he was supposed to leave Petawawa for Vancouver to-morrow, but we all rushed out the back gate and met him at Reeve's corner and he informed us that they weren't to leave for the coast till Wednesday and that they had given him a three day pass so he hadn't asked any more questions but beat it. He stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and then he and Dess went over to the farm and stayed to tea. I spent the afternoon with Marj. and Glad Law and then Marj. and I came over here to tea. Tid stayed down at Aunty's to dinner and went with them up to Huby's for tea and to-night Dad. went after him. We didn't leave till he got back, and Dick spent most of the evening sleeping. He said he hadn't had a decent sleep since he left home. Monday September 30th Dad. drove down right after breakfast this morning </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to be with Dick who stayed down town all night and also to get Joe shod. Frank got the mower in shape to start cutting clover seed and I raked up some more of the lawn and cleaned out the calf pen. We had an early dinner and then. Frank Enah Tid and I walked down to see Dick off on the one o'clock car. After he left Frank and I went up town and got our checks for prize money and then came home. we let the sheep out and Frank went back about four o'clock to start on the clover seed. I did a few chores, read the paper and raked up some more lawn. Dad. Enah and Tid didn't get home till six. Huby came over this afternoon with his dog and old gun to look for some ducks and snipe. There were four ducks out in the water hole north of the old garden. He stayed to tea. The war news is about the best yet to-day. The whole Western Front is on the move and the Germans seem to be going back all the way from the Belgian Coast to the Swiss border. Positions along the Hindenburg line that were thought to be impregnable have been smashed and the Canadians are in the out skirts of Cambrai and the Belgians under King Albert's personal leadership, French and Americans are all just {?} it up. Cloudy and cold raw wind. Tuesday October 1st Frank cut clover and all day to-day with the little team but didn't finish the field. I dug potatoes this morning and this afternoon and went back with Frank to carry a mower knife back and then threw the sods out of some of the ditches in the wheat. Dad. and I also let the ram out with the flock this afternoon. Dad. ran out the furrows and ditches in the wheat field to-day. I had a letter to-day from Douglas to tell me he had found a couple of rams that would suit us so I wrote him to-night to tell him we had one. To-day's news says that Bulgaria has completely surrendered to the Allies. Wednesday October 2nd It rained a little during the night so it was too wet to cut clover seed and Frank and I both went over to Lorne Myer's to dig potatoes. Neff was down and Corby, Tige,Tick Nunn, Charlie Stitt and Willie Nix on and Ham Thompson were over there. We got all the Cobblers in the sand patch. dug and put them in Henry Misener's barn. We got about two bags off the plot that was grown from Old Ontario seed and over four bags off each of the other two plots that were </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {There are two pages missing (ie one PDF) here. Toby numbers his pages in the upper right or left corners, so they would be #234-235 in the original diary. The dates are end of Oct.2 -October 4, inclusive.} Saturday October 5th Frank went back to Art's to thrash this morning and they finished early before noon. Dad. and I cleaned out ditches in the wheat field and I dug a few potatoes in the cornfield this morning. There are some good potatoes out there as far as size and cleanness but the wire worms are bad in them. This afternoon we went back to get a load of clover seed but there was such a wind I couldn't load it and when we got a little more than the rack full it began to rain so that we had to quit. It didn't rain much but drizzled. When we came up Dad. went to clear some more ditches and Frank dug some more potatoes. I picked what few {Duchess?} apples there were left and then washed the buggy. Huby was over with his dog and gun this afternoon and he and the baby trailed all over the farm. Huby wanted to give Gyp a lesson in retrieving so shot a black bird out in the cornfield and let her find it but she nabbed it and hiked for the barn with it and he supposes ate it but he couldn't get near her. He stayed to tea. Huby stayed to tea and rode down town with Neff who came to see if we had got any more potatoes dug. Sunday October 6th Enah and I drove down to church along this morning. Cousin Willie took the service and Zietha sang a solo which was very pretty. This afternoon. Marj. Glad Law and I went for a drive up towards Vittoria and got some chest nuts, they seem to be thick but not quite ripe. It began to rain before we got home and has been drizzling and raining all evening. After tea Dad. & I went down town. Dad. went down to see Roy at Aunty's and Marj. and I went over to see Glad Law who is going away in the morning. We got very muddy and wet coming home and found Frank sitting up waiting for us to tell us that Enah was sick. She had a bad attack of cramps and had gone to bed, Frank having packed her in hot irons. Monday October 7th Enah was sick most of the night and has been in bed all day but felt a little better to-night. This morning Frank and I took Clementine and Marj. out to Renton as {Demming?} ships from there. I led them both and Frank drove. We didn't have much trouble. we were late getting started as Edmond England was in before breakfast and bought a ram lamb from us for $42.00 </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> This afternoon, we went over to the patch to dig potatoes. Lloyd Crysler, Charlie Still. Charlie Shand, Tige and Bill Sidway were there and we got the Green Mountain on the sand patch dug. Lorne Myer's was up getting cider at Walker Waddle's and as we all had what we could drink we forgave him for not helping us. He did come out anyway with his team and waggon and took the cleen potatoes down to the mill where we weighed them. For some unknown reason the ones grown from Old Ontario seed yielded better than the other two plots which was opposite result to what we expected and to what it has been in other experiences. We were very surprised to-night to see Enah's brother and his family they came down in their car from Cartright to-day. They didn't stay here long but are coming to morrow. Nice afternoon. Tuesday October 8th Frank and I went to the Simcoe Fair to-day but we didn't get ready in time to catch the nine o'clock car so went up on the eleven. I went up town first and deposited my two checks from Edmond England and Demming so now have quite a bank account but it won't last long. As soon as I got to Simcoe I paid out about $20.00 to Cruikshank for insurance but have it all paid up. Frank and I had dinner at Walt. MccCall's and then went out to the Fair Grounds. We tried to find Neff to give him a sample of our potatoes but couldn't find him for some time. I did locate him though later. He couldn't figure out how the Ontario plot beat the rest unless we could have by any chance got the labels mix ed or the ground a little better. I lost Frank soon after we got there and didn't find him again. I spent most of the afternoon watching the races with Bill Sidway and stayed there too long to catch the five car so Bill said I could ride home with him and Clark Horn as they were alone and had Clark's car. I did and had tea at the Sidways and then came on down town with Clark and his wife. I went down to Aunty's to tell them that I was home and then went up and got my hair cut. I stayed there all night so that I could catch the car for Hamilton to-morrow. Fine day. Wednesday October 9th I left for Hamilton this morning on the 7.30 train and got there about 10.30 there were four other fellows on on the train bent on the same errand as I was so we started off to-gether from the station but just stepped out the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> door when a plain clothes man held us up for our military papers and registration certificates, but we all had them so he told us how to get to the Armouries. That was the first time I was ever asked to show my papers. We all had to answer a list of questions before we went before the examining board and then we all went up stairs where the doctors were. There were several misfits around the room but most of the boys looked to be in pretty fair shape. They had me take my shoes and socks off and they looked at my knees for awhile and then told me to go and wait for awhile so I went back to the stove which had a railing around it just the right temperature to be comfortable for my feet and one of the other boys (Abbott from Coast land) and sat there with our four feet up on the stove watching the other fellows getting put through their paces. There was one old fat fellow who was lame and they took a long time to pass on him. They had him stripped to the waist and made him lie out flat on the table which seemed to give him considerable trouble then they made him prance up and down the room and alternated these exercises all the time I was there. The last I saw of him he was reclining on the table with his abdomen heaved high in the air and the doctors had aparently forgotten him. Another one they had a lot of fun with was one of the Norfolk boys who came down with me. He had a shrunken muscle in his leg or some thing which appeared to me to become very much worse when we reached the Armouries than it had been before. However I might be mistaken about that. They had him hop down the room on his well leg and then try to hop back on his bad one. He didn't hop very gracefully on his well leg but the faces he made when he tried to hop on the other were pitiful to behold. He vowed he couldn't do it but the doctors urged him to make a stab at it so he did manage to get to the other end of the room. I don't know what happened to him eventually. They called me back in a few minutes and felt and pinced my knee till they hurt it and it has been lame all day. They at last decided that I wasn't bad enough for an E man. which is the same opinion I have always had. so put me up to B2 and gave me a certificate saying that my papers were taken from me and that I would hear from them in about two weeks. That finished my examination so I left feeling a much better man that I did last year. I went up to the Herrings where I intended to hit them up for a day's keep and a night's lodging as I was very </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> much to anxious to go to the theatre to-night to see John E. Kellerd in "Julius Ceaser." I considered myself very lucky to get the chance to see the play as I have always wanted to see it and have never had a chance before. When I got to the Herring's I found Cousin Clair had gone to Brantford for the day but Mr. Herring was home and he treated me right royally. I told him I wanted to go to the play to-night so he asked me if a matinee would be too much and treated me to it which was "The Bells" by the same company. He then took me all around the city and to the Library and Armouries where he showed me through the Officer's quarters. To-night he and I went to see Julius Caeser at which I stood treat and I certainly enjoyed it immensely. When we got home we found Cousin Clair had not yet returned so we waited up for her. She came in on the twelve o'clock car. I asked her what she thought of me landing in on there without warning. "Well" she said "Why shouldn't you, what have you got relations for," in a tone of voice that made me feel very much at home. We didn't wait up long after she got home and I went to bed feeling very much beholden the the Military Authorities for giving me the opportunity of having such a good time and more than paying my expenses. Thursday October 10th Cousin Clair gave me my breakfast this morning and I got off in plenty of time to catch the Dover train which left at 9.20. This being Caledonia Fair day there was a big crowd on and we didn't get into Dover till nearly twelve. I had dinner at Aunty's and then went up to get their mail for them. Every one I saw seemed very interested to know how I made out in Hamilton. Aunty and Rebecca came over to the farm with me. I didn't get home very early but Dad Frank and I went back and got a load of clover seed. Dess came over to tea and to-night we managed to persuade Dad. to go down and stay at Aunty's so that he could go to the Caledonia Fair to-morrow. I also went down to see Marj. Lovely day. Friday October 11th Frank and I got the chores done up nearly as early as usual this morning but as we thought it was too wet to haul clover seed this morning on account of the dew we started in to cut corn and got about fifteen shocks cut before dinner. We went back right after dinner and put on a pretty good load of clover seed and then Frank raked up the rest of one side and I bunched up till he got through and then we came up with our load. To-night Frank went </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> down to get Dad. but as his train was late they didn't get home till quite late. Dad. had a pretty good time at the Fair I guess as it was a lovely day. Roy came up to-night too. Saturday October 12th It rained a little during the night so was too wet to do any thing at the clover seed this morning. I started to make a crate to ship Mr. Bent's ram lamb in but didn't finish it. Dad. and Frank cut up more wood and brought in the cabbages from the garden with the {?} and waggon. This afternoon as it was a nice day and Marj. is going to be in Nanticoke over Thanksgiving day (Monday) she and I went after chestnuts. We went up north of Vittoria and only stopped at three trees but got a lot of nuts, they were thick on all the trees. We got requested to leave one tree by an angry farmer so we did. after we got all the nuts we could. It was a lovely afternoon and we got home before dark. Dad. and Frank hauled in the clover seed that was bunched up but the rest was a little too wet. Sunday October 13th Dad. Enah and I drove down to church this morning and I walked down. Frank didn't go down as he wanted to go after chestnuts this afternoon early. This afternoon I drove Marj. down to the Doughty's at Nanticoke and left her there to spend Thanksgiving day. They invited me to stay to tea but I didn't and got home here in time to have tea and do chores. Roy and Vernon were here but they didn't stay long as they wanted to to to church to-night. Dad. and Enah were down there this afternoon. Frank went after chestnuts but didn't get any. I don't know why. He went up to Bowlby on the car and cut across south where there are lots of trees, but anywhere we were yesterday there were lots of nuts. I didn't go down town to-night. This morning there was a south wind and the air full of smoke which made everything look very queer. A north wind got up about noon and the air cleared but got colder. Monday October 14th (Thanksgiving Day) We finished hauling in the clover seed to-day. We went back this morning and Frank finished raking and Dad. and I bunched up and brought one load up before dinner and this afternoon put it off and got the rest in one load and put it off. Enah and the baby went down to see Roy and Vernon off this afternoon. Windy & cool. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday October 15th Dad. started fall plowing to-day on the oat stubble in the back field. He also got a load of wood back there in the woods just old brokenl treetops and rubbish. Frank and I went up to Ham Thompson's and when we got back we started to pick the apples that were dropping the most and Frank picked up the windfalls and put them in the ice house for cider. I picked the King's and one tree of Canada Reds or whatever they are. Lila was over most of the day as the school has been closed on account of Spanish Influenza. I went down to-night intending to go to the picture show but Marj. thought it wouldn't be wise as the flu is spreading rapidly. There are all the way from 70-80 cases reported in the town and to-day poor old Bob. Miller died of it and all the rest of his family are sick with it. They got word to-day that Geordie {surname?} has been killed in action. It has been a beautiful day. Froze. Wednesday October 16th Dad. has been plowing all day and got on fairly well. Frank and I finished building the crate to ship our ram to {?} in the morning and I wrote to Mr. Bent and made all the applications for transfer while Frank went over to Quanbury's to set some saws. We also put the rams in the paddock and trimmed Mr. Bent's up a little and when Dad. came up at noon put the label in his ear. We picked apples this afternoon and got the russets all picked. Huby was over shooting this afternoon and stayed to tea. I drove him home to-night and then went for a little drive alone as it was a beautiful moonlight night and Queen enjoyed it too. Frank went for a ride some where on Joe. Frank and I were wokeded this morning about three o'clock by the factory whistle and after we got up we heard the fire bell so hiked down town to find a small crowd around the planing mill where there had been a fire in the shavings. We were down there about an hour but they had it under control. The old Felix engine worked fine. We came home and went to bed again. Dad. got up after we left thinking he heard the six o'clock whistle and when he discovered his mistake he stayed up. Beautiful day. Thursday October 17th Frank and I dug potatoes all morning and I dug all the afternoon out in the cornfield. We got two full rows and what was left of the one that Frank started on the other day. We would have got more done but Frank </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> had to kill and pluck a couple of ducks. Dad. plowed all day and got on well. Cousins {two names?} were over for awhile this afternoon. Frank went for a ride again to-night with Alex England and Colin Ryerse. Friday October 18th We were up soon after five this morning and Frank and I got down to the station with Mr. Bent's ram about ten minutes before the train went out. I went in and asked Stace Lampkins if I had better wait till the train pulled up or load him right away and he said to wait till it pulled up. We did but it pulled up and right out before we could get him on the car. They said they were late and couldn't wait a minute. It was very provoking but there was nothing to be done but leave him till to-night so this afternoon I went down early and saw that he got on the car although the old pile of junk didn't pull out till a quarter of an hour later than I should. It is such occassions as this that make a fellow wish for a strong arm and a blasphemous tongue to curse the G.T.R. into a heap and lick all of its wooden headed and unaccomodating employees. Dad. plowed again all day and Frank and I dug potatoes all morning. Frank finished digging them in the cornfield this afternoon. Aunty and Aunty Alice were over to dinner to celebrate Frank's birthday. To-night I went down town and Marj. informed me that we were invited over to the Hobbs so we spent the evening over. there. North east wind to-day and much colder. Saturday October 19th Dad. plowed all day and has about half the field plowed. Frank and I dug potatoes all day in the old garden but didn't get them all dug. They are much harder to dig out there than they were in the cornfield as they were weedier and "soddier". We only got two bags. Charlie Quanbury went through at noon to thrash at Art Walker's and told Dad. that the "Flu" is still spreading. Frank Awde is very sick with it and Toots Law is dead. only being sick 36 hours. One of the Alair boys is dead but he had pneumonia. They now say that Bob. Miller didn't have it but died of his old trouble. It has been clear and win dy to-day but not so cold. Sunday October 20th It began to rain some time during the night and kept it up pretty well till about noon. I didn't get </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> up till nearly nine o'clock and none of us went down to church. Frank stayed down all night so he went with Aunty but said there were hardly any there. There was no Sunday school and with no service to-night. The flu is still spreading and to day Charlie Alair died of it, just as they were taking out the body of his boy. I went down soon after dinner and spent the afternoon with Marj. She went to the Bagley's for tea so I didn't see her to-night but I stayed to tea at Aunty's and all evening. Mr. & Mrs. Jim Ross came to tea last night and are staying at at Andrew Innes's for a week before they go to Toronto where Jim has been {?}. Monday October 21st I went over to Tupper's right after breakfast this morning and paid him for his note. I was over there most of the morning watching him break his big Clyde colt. He got on his back first but didn't stay there long. Dad. and Frank went down to Lew Brock's and got some more wood. This afternoon Dad. Enah and Tid drove down in the buggy to see Jim Ross and Frank took the cider barrell down to have some hoops put on it. He also got a new suit. I sorted potatoes. {?} day. Tuesday October 22nd Dad. plowed all day to-day. Frank and I picked apples this morning and got two trees of sweet ones picked. It froze hard last night so we didn't get out very early at it. This afternoon we cut corn. It was a slow job too as up at the far end it was very short and full of rag weed. Mr. Smythe from Vittoria was in at noon yesterday to buy a ram but he thought $40.00 was pretty high and he wanted him recorded in the American book so we didn't make a deal yet. I got a card from Mr. Bent to-day saying that the ram arrived Saturday night so was slack but he seemed satisfied with him. Dad. had a letter from Dick from New Westminster and he says they are out of quarantine now but there are still a few cases of "Flu". Every one here now seems to be on the mend. I went down town to-night. It has been a lovely day but cloudy to-night. Wednesday October 23rd Dad. plowed all day and Frank and I cut corn all day we got about 55 shocks cut. Dad. heard from Dick from the Hospital saying he had the Flu but was doing well. His fever had been up to nearly 104° but was down to 101. Johnson's man was in at noon to look </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> at the orchard. He thought there might be 20 {bbls?} of orchard. Enah went down town this afternoon and told us to-night that Mrs. Frank Awde was dead and Frank himself very low with Influenza. Thursday October 24th Dad. has plowed all day. Frank and I picked apples this morning as we expected Pud. Smythe down to borrow some barley & oats. as Mrs. Smythe asked Enah if they could get them yesterday. He came and got about ten bags and as he was going to have them chopped we got him to take a grist from us down to the mill too. I went down with him and didn't get back till about noon. This afternoon Frank and I hooked up Joe and Queen to go after our chop but it wasn't done when we got there so we drove around the block instead of waiting. We met Sam Thompson when we were coming home. He had been over here to see if he could get us to help him fill silo tomorrow morning so we said we could. Tige McBride was in last night to see if we could did the rest of the potatoes to-morrow afternoon as Neff could come down, so we said we would. Cloudy. Friday October 25th Dad. has plowed all day but Frank and I have been away from home all day. We went up to help Ham. fill his silo and were there all morning. We didn't finish at noon as the blower plugged up several times. but after dinner Tige who was also helping and I went over to the plot to dig potatoes as Tige had sent out the summons again to the boys. Frank stayed to help Ham and Tige and I were the only ones at the plot till about five o'clock when Neff came there Frank a little later Young Wilfred Myers helped us pick up all the afternoon and when Neff came he plowed out all the rest of the Cobbles on the clay patch. Tige and I had plowed out a row or two. I didn't get home till dark and Jack Martin had been here to get a couple of us to help till his silo to-morrow. I had promised to go back to dig potatoes. so Dad. said he would go although he could finish plowing to morrow. I went down town to-night. It has been cloudy and warm to-day. Saturday October 26th Dad. and Frank went over to Jack Martin's to help fill silo this morning and I took the team over to Lorne Myer's. Tige McBride and his father came </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> over and Charlie Blake and Fred Rolson were there and a little later Neff came down with Leo Challand. Lorne Myers also helped us but no more of the boys came. Neff took our teams and he and Rolson plowed all the potatoes out and we got the ones off the clay patch all picked up before dinner. This afternoon I went back and Tige and Corby came and Lorne Myers pretty late. Rolson came with a lot of crates and picked up 20 bushels by measure for himself. Neff came down and helped us till after five. Tige Corby and I worked till dark and finished the job and Lorne Myer's hauled them up to his barn. When I got home Frank informed me that the silo filler had been broken down so they had come home about four o'clock and Dad. Enah and the baby had gone down to Aunty's for tea as Jim & Mrs. Ross were there. I did the milking and Frank and I had tea then Frank went down town and I went down to stay at Frank Awdes as he is still pretty sick and his sister in law told me at noon that she would be very glad if some one would come so that she could get a little sleep as no one but herself and Earl have been there since before Mrs. Awde died. Frank told Dad. I was there so he came in on his way home and stayed the rest of the night. It has been cloudy and mild all day. Sunday October 27th As there has been no church to-day none of us got around very early this morning. Dad. got home about half past five. but. went to bed for a little while. Aunty Alice came over after breakfast for a little while just to see how we were. Aunty had gone up to the Marr's to nurse Woodyer and his sister and Miss Gutcher who are all down with the Flu. and she has been there all day. They changed the time back to the old system again to-day so every one of the kickers ought to be happy. I went down town this afternoon and went for a walk. I had tea with Aunty Alice alone as Aunty didn't get home till after we were through tea. I spent the evening with Marj. Dess was over here yesterday with a letter from Dick saying he was much better but in the hospital at Coquitlam. Beautiful warm day. Rained a little. Monday October 28th Frank and I went down to Mr. Flemming's to thrash this morning but it beganto rain before we got started. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and rained all morning. We hung around down there for an hour or so and then Tupper brought us home in his car we went down town with him first to get some gasoline. Frank spent most of the morning cleaning up root seed. and I cleaned harness. This afternoon I went down town to get my tooth fixed as the filling came out of it yesterday. I got my hair cut and went down to Tip's to get a suit and a hat. I brought them back on approval. Young Earl Awde came over this afternoon to ask someone to go down and stay all night to-night so Dad. went down. There is great consternation in town over the news which arrived this morning of Billy Faulkner's death. He died in England but no one knows what of but suppose it was the Flu. He just enlisted a little while ago. Tuesday October 29th Dad. finished plowing his field to-day but did not get a full day in as he was pretty tired after sitting up all night with Frank Awde. He didn't get home till daylight. Frank went down to Flemmings and they finished thrashing about four o'clock. I didn't go as Mr. Flemming said yesterday he didn't expect us both but Frank said they could have used me early in the day. I did chores and picked apples all day but didn't get in a very long day at the job. Fine day. Wednesday October 30th Frank and I picked apples all day and got all the Spy's picked and a lot of the Suck-no-Furthers or Vandeveers as John's man called them the other day. Dad. started to plow the side hill across the gully to-day. We want if we possibly can to get it seeded down with Alfalfa next year. It began to rain about four o'clock and drizzle all evening. I went down town to-night and intended to stay all night but when I got to Aunty's they told me that Neff had been down and wanted me to go to Guelph with him to-morrow. He had telephoned Tige before and wanted me to go but I told him I couldn't, but when he came down and went over to the farm Dad. said I could go so he came all the way down to Aunty's to tell me. As it had cleared off a little I went home for the night. Cloudy and rain. Thursday October 31st Tige McBride was down before breakfast this </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> morning to tell me I couldn't go to Guelph as Neff had said last night that Tige was going to take Lloyd Ryerse and me in his car, but Tige said he was alone as his father was off canvassing for Victory Loan subscriptions and Albert was picking apples for George Duncan but Lloyd said he thought the real cause was that he mother was afraid of him getting the Flu. He went on down to tell Lloyd and by the time they got back I was about ready to go so we drove up to McBrides's and telephoned Neff. At first he said he could take up up with him but as Butler, Nixon & Mitchell were going too we thought it would be quite a load so we said we would go to Galt by Radial and he could pick us up there so we did. He got us all right at Galt and we got to Guelph in time for dinner. This afternoon we went up to the College for the sale of surplus stock. I thought things went fairly cheaply although the stock was nothing extra. Mostly sows but a few sheep and cattle. There was one very nice young Shorthorn bull which went up around five hundred, and Carpenter & Ross bought a white heifer for over a thousand. We went back to the Royal Hotel for supper as soon as the sale was over, but Neff went out some where to tea I think to Neilson's. I went down to the Bard's to see how they all were but I found the old man and lady had gone out to the country and their married daughter that was there told me that Edna was drowned last summer while in bathing down by the old Victoria bridge. That was very sad news indeed and accounted for the old folks being away as they could bear to stay alone. To-night we didn't know what to do with ourselves as everything in the shape of entertainment was closed up. Butler and Mitchell were very anxious to pick up some "chickens" and I guess did chase up a couple but I went over to the Y.M.C.A. for awhile and then Nixon and I went back and I went to bed. Lloyd wander d around town for awhile and I was asleep when he came in. He and I had the same room. It has been cloudy raw & inclined to rain all day. Friday November 1st Neff left a call for us fellows last night and the old fellars came banging at our door this morning </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> about seven o'clock, however, Lloyd and I were up, Lloyd having got up at intervals I think all night every time he heard a train go past. Neff doesn't eat any breakfast and was all ready for us when we got through ours and we were on the road soon after eight, Elliott. the District Rep recently from Lincoln County and Hampden from Welland were each there with a class of boys to fit for the Intie-County judging competition at the Guelph Winter Fair, for which Neff is going to pick a team of three from amongst us. Elliott was ahead of us with his car and he took Nixon with him as he didn't have as big a load. so that just left {?} in our car. We drove out ten or twelve miles north of Guelph and stopped first at John Lowe's an Aberdeen Angus breeder and had two or three classes to judge Elliott gave us a little instruction and when Hampden came in a little later he had a Mr. Franklin from "The Farmer's Advocate" staff and he gave us some pointers. From there we travelled north again through the little villages of Elora and Salem to J.A. Watt's place and saw his famous Shorthorns or at least a few of them including a couple of yearling heifers which is fitting for the Chicago International and the old Gainford Marquis the herd Leader. The boys from Lincoln county had never seen much purebred stock as they haven't any down there and when we left Lowe's place they were all Angus enthusiasts but when they saw the Shorthorns and got their hands on them, their breath was unfairly taken away and judging from their muttered exclamations they were all Shorthorn men when we left Watt's. We went from there back to Elora for dinner and had to wait for awhile as they hadn't had much notice at the little hotel and didn't have dinner ready for sixteen. We were all hungry as bears it being a cold morning and the driving in the wind seemed to whet our appetites. After dinner, we started back towards Guelph but turned east at the little country store and hotel labeld Marden and went out to J. J. Elliots place, where we saw some more beautiful Shorthorns. Elliot himself wasn't home but his Scotch herdsman Alex showed us some of the fancy stock. He too was fitting for the International and had two two-year old heifers in excellent shape. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Franklin from "The Farmer's Advocate" seemed well acquainted with all these fellows. He accosted "Alex" who was curling the two year old heifers by asking him what kind of cattle they were and telling him that the boys wanted to get a little practice in judging and so came out here although they knew they weren't very good samples of Shorthorns. One of the poor fellows from Lincoln Co. got himself into hot water by putting Herefords down on his judging card instead of Shorthorns. They threatened to put salt in his tea or sugar on his meat. We went back to Guelph from Elliots and paid our hotel bills and then went out to the College for awhile and had a look around. Prof. Wade {surname?} gave us a little class on judging sheep but it was too late to get much there. We left the College about twenty minutes to six and started right for home having picked up Nixon there. We sailed right through, six of us in Neff's Ford. so we didn't bounce around much although we often came down pretty hard on the hind axle. We stopped for half an hour in Brantford and had out supper a good one at a Chink restaurant. and came on down to Simcoe. We stopped for a few minutes in Waterford for Nixon to telephone his father to meet him in Simcoe and we got in Simcoe at twenty minutes to ten. Lloyd and I went down and waited at the station for the eleven o'clock car but Mitchell, Butler and Nixon started to walk for home as Nixon was afraid his father would miss him so thought he would meet him on the road. I got home about half past eleven. Saturday November 2nd Dad. has plowed all day and is getting on well with the side hill field. Frank and I cut corn to-day. but didn't quit finish the north end of the field. Frank had cut a little while I was away. Winnie and Dess were over here to tea to-night and Frank and I went down town with them. I went up to Tip's and got my new suit, and then came home. Fine but raw. Sunday November 3rd Several new cases of flu. broke out during the week so there was no church again to-day. We put the ram in with the sheep this morning and Huby came over with Chum. to have Dad take a lot of </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> big warts out of his mouth. I went down town this afternoon and Marj. and I walked around the hill with Mr. Smith and Bill and stopped at the dam for awhile to watch the crane work. We then went up to Miss McQueen's for a little while, and went down to Aunty's for tea. Mrs. Sky was there but didn't stay very late. Very mild all day but rainy to-night. Monday November 4th Dad. plowed all day and Frank and I picked apples this morning. This afternoon Jack Martin came over to tell us he wanted one of us to help him fill silo so Frank went over. I cleaned out the calf pen and got the cow stable ready to have the cows in to-night. I picked a few more apples but not many. The news to-day says that Austria has surrendered completely to the terms of the Allied armistice and Austrian troops on all fronts will lay down their arms to-day. Cloudy and cold wind all day. Tuesday November 5th Frank and I cut corn this morning and finished cutting all the corn north of the mangels and cut one row from the lane to Ivey's fence. Dad. plowed all day and he said at noon he thought we had better get the cider apples loaded ready to take up to Walker Waddle's so Frank filled the waggon box up this afternoon from the pile we had picked up off the ground and put in the ice-house, some of them had gone bad so we had to get a few more out of the orchard. I fixed up the cow stable and picked a few more apples. Bruce Smith and Gov. Hummond were in this afternoon canvassing for the Victory Loan but we couldn't help them out {?} Bruce said Norfolk's objective was one million dollars but that so far they had only raised three hundred thousand. Tom & Mrs. Chapman were in and bought three of my cockrels for $1.50 apiece. including the one that came here in the summer. {Zeitha?} was over also to get her riding habit which she left her a week or so ago hoping to have a ride but she is going away on Saturday. Enah was down town as this was Aunty Alice's birthday. I went down to-night. It has been a fine day. Wednesday November 6th Frank and I got started right after breakfast this morning for Walker Waddle's but there were two loads of apples in ahead of us, however it didn't take long and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we got 65 gallons of cider made. We took Huby one 10 gallon jug and Aunty 15 gallons and we brought the 40 gallon barrell home. We got home a little after one. Dad. didn't plow this morning as we had the team and this afternoon it was such a lovely day. he thought we had better get up the mangels so we went out and got part of the ones out of the old garden but didn't get them all, we had about a waggon load. Aunty and Aunty Alice came over to tea. It froze very hard last night but lovely day. Thursday November 7th Frank and I went up to Mat. Wilson's this morning first thing and got 10 apple barrells as we found out yesterday we could get them there. We saw Ham. and he said he would be down one day this week to help us pack. we saw one of Johnson's men yesterday on the road and he told us that their cars were odered for Dover and that they would probably be shipping next week. We took Joe and Queen and I could hardly hold them. When we got back we helped Dad. unload the mangels into the cellar and went out and got what was left in the old garden as well as the carrots and beets. We unloaded them right after dinner and Frank and Dad. went back to the cornfield to get what good ones there were out there they were out all the afternoon but didn't get them all. We have all been in quite a state of excitement this afternoon and to-night. It began by an air plane flying over the town at noon. We were having dinner and heard what we thought was a car stuck some place near. Frank went out and saw the air plane and called us all out to see it. Soon after we got started to unload our mangels we heard first one then another whistle begin to blow in the direction of Simcoe. They kept it up so long that we were sure some great news had come. Then Jim came with the mail and we saw by the paper that a German delegation had come across to the French lines under a white flag to meet Foch and hear the armistice terms. Soon after this the Dover whistles began to blow and the fire bell to ring so we knew that word must have come that the armistice had been signed. when we got the load off I went over to Jack Martin's and down to {?} to find out more particulars but all I could find out was that the German delegation had signed the armistice. We don't know just what the terms are but we know that if the Germans agree to them peace will inevitably </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> follow as one of the stipulations is that Germany with draw her troops 25 miles east of the Rhine and give the Allies control of all the Rhine forts while the peace terms are being "dictated' to her" and not "discussed with her". The news made us all feel pretty much like going down town but I came home and picked a few more apples and Frank and I went down town to-night. The whole town was out and was feeling good, it hasn't been so lively since the war started. All the kids had tin cans and horns and they certainly kicked up a merry row and. We cleaned up all the rubbish from back of the stores and built a fair bon-fire on Main St. in front of the flag pole. and some of the boys got a barrell full of tarred pound nets and set fire to it. Then of course they had to have a few speeches from the bandstand. Jack Martin made one then Mr. Robertson prayed then the bunch sang then Cousin Willie got humorous, then the kids banged their tin cans then we all gave three cheers, sang God Save the King, then there were more speeches and more singing and more cheers and more noise and everybody just felt good. Every now and then some kid would start ringing the fire bell or Harry Moon would fire off his shot gun and all the time cars were tearing up and down street honking and cutting up as many dido - as a car is capable of. When the nine o'clock car came in with the papers it was found that the rumour was denied and that the Germans had not yet conferred with Foch but that didn't make any difference. for everyone feels that if the fight isn't over yet it soon will be, and we can have another celebration, when the real thing comes. While most of the citizens were indulging in such jollification there were some sad hearts. I didn't know it till late in the evening but the body of Ina Nunn was brought here for burial to-day, she having died of the Flu. in Hamilton and Charlie Long who has been at the point of death for the last two days cashed in about midnight he also being a victim of Flu. Friday November 8th Dad. and Frank finished taking up the mangels this morning and got them all in the cellar. I picked up apples all morning and got all but one tree of the Vandeveers or whatever they are picked. Before we got through dinner Ham Thompson came down to help us </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> pack apples. He said Johnson was in at his place this morning and told him that they had three cars down there and wanted to get them loaded by tomorrow noon Dad. helped us sort and we got four barrells put up there afternoon & of Spys and one Sweets. We couldn't get a barrell of No 1. Spys so had to put them up Domestic. Lilu was over this afternoon and told us that George Murphy was dead - Flu -. She stayed to tea and as it was a nasty night all night I went down town and told them up at Huby's that Lila was going to stay down at the farm. It has been cloudy all day and rained a little to-night. Saturday November 9th Ham came back this morning and helped us pack the other six barrells of apples. We got two more of sweets and four of Pheonix. That is the latest name for the red apples which we use to call Suk-no-furthers and which Johnson's man said were Vandeveers but Johnson said to-day he thought they were Pheonix so that is what we labeled them. Frank and I got them down to the Main St siding on the radial track a little before noon but could find nobody around, except some station men playing poker in the tool house. They said that two cars were loaded but that they expected another one down this afternoon. Johnson ordered three cars and they came but the fellows at the station let George Duncan have one of them so that rather made a mess of things. We unloaded our ten barrells on the side of the track right near a load of Irwin Paw's and Sid. Marsh's and then went down to find Johnson. we found him at the Dominion and he gave us a receipt for the apples. Alan Law came up at noon to-day to get Frank to go down and help him clip a horse this afternoon so Frank was down there all the afternoon Dad. and I got the cider barrell into the woodshed and tapped it and then I packed Roy's barrell of apples. Frank went down town to-night. Rainy and cloudy all day. Sunday. November 10th We all went down town to church this morning, for the first time for about three weeks. I stayed down at Aunty's for dinner and then went up to see Marj. She was just starting down town to get some medicine for Sade Davis who is pretty sick with the flu. We got her medicine and went to see Miss McQueen for awhile and then went up to the Davis's and Mr. Law who is looking after Sade. sent us back again to get some oranges and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> grapes but Sam Morell had gone to Simcoe and Jimmy Leamy hasn't had any oranges for quite awhile as the price is so high, so we went back and then back to Monteith's and read "The Old Curiosity Shop". I had tea and Aunty's and she Aunty Alice and I went to church to-night. They had a meeting after church and Miss Martin & Marj. informed me that I had been put on a committee with Jack Martin to canvass the hill for subscriptions to Victory Bonds which the Sunday school wants to buy to put in an Endowment Fund for {?} Missions and also to get a shield with maple leaves on it to inscribe the names of all the boys from the Sunday school who have died or been killed at the Front. Every sunday school that buys a Victory Bond gets one. H.W. Ansley gave them the price of the Bond so they wanted to get another. Pat had a bulletin board out to-day with the announcement that the Kaiser has abdicated and the Crown Prince renounced his right to succession and that Germany is in control of the Socialists. Monday November 11th Dad. and Frank hayed up a grist this morning and while they were at it I went over to Jack Martin's to tell him about the canvassing the hill. and to ask him for a man to help cut corn this afternoon as he promised us time in return for helping him fill silo. He told me that the Armistice was signed according to official announcement and the paper to-day says that the Kaiser, Crown Prince and the rest of the crew have all escaped to Holland. Frank and I took the grist to the mills and then went up to the mill Tige McBride's and got Mrs. Jolley's potatoes. No one was home up there but we would have taken Joe Smith's too but we found some rotten ones so thought we had better leave them to be spread out. We went on down town with Ray's barrell of apples and left it at the station to be shipped. All the town was decorated with flags and a half holiday proclaimed for this afternoon to celebrate the "dawn of peace" Jack Martin gave all his men a holiday and as Frank had to go over to Pickford's to thrash and Dad. went back to plow this afternoon I went down town as I didn't feel like cutting corn alone. Enah and the baby also went down and while I was waiting for them to get ready to drive down I went around my beat and they all said they would give some thing. Later I got a dollar each from the Quanbury's & Karl Coleman. I saw Pickford this morning but he thought he wouldn't subscribe as he is peeved at the preachers for talking politics and prohibition in church. I drove </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Enah and Tid down about three o'clock but by the time I got Joe put in Aunty's barn was just too late to see the big parade. Everybody in town was in it and all the {cars?} in the country. Karl Coleman had the big band drum and Harry Moon, Mr. Bagley. Jack Walker and Art Laws with their horns and several kids with bugles and some drums. After their parade they settled in the Park and had a lot of speeches from the band stand where all the preacher's town fathers and returned soldiers were collected. They told me to come down again to-night and bring the Ek horn so I walked home and helped Dad milk and then polished up the old brass horn a little and went down. Dad. and Frank came down later and Dad. drove Enah home. With our horns drums and tin cans we raised a great hullabaloo to-night. We pranced around Main St. blowing "Hail, Hail. the gang's all here" (the only thing we could play.) till my lungs were sore. Harry Moon and Billy Gordon had a dummy made to represent the Kaiser so we rode him around on a rail then soaked him with coal oil and finally dumped him in the big bonfire they had in front of the town hall. Everybody was out singing, cheering and raising Cain in general just about as much racket as if there had been lots of booze instead of none. Tuesday November 12th Frank has been thrashing all day, they finished at Pickford's about three o'clock and moved right out to Art. Quanbury's. He expects to be there most of the day to-morrow Dad. plowed all day and finished the side hill field. I fixed up the cross fence in the chickin yard this morning so that I think it will hold the Rock Pullets. and then I sorted potatoes in the woodshed and put them down cellar. I cut corn this afternoon but it is a slow job alone and I didn't get much done. Froze hard last night, but has been fine day Wednesday November 13th Frank has been thrashing at Art Quanburys nearly all day. They got through about four o'clock and Art got 22 bushels of good seed. This morning Dad. and I went back and Dad. ran out some furrows in the 12 acre clover sod some of which we want to put in with summer pasture We cut both sides of the ditch with the plow and hauled the sods over and put them in the water hole over there. This afternoon I cut corn and got another row cut and Frank Dad. plowed in the 12 acre field. I went down town to-night. My four Rock pullets were all on their favorite perch to-night. I haven't got them fenced in yet. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday November 14th Frank and I cut corn all day and got nearly 4 rows cut we figured that if we could keep at it steadily we could finish by Saturday noon but Neff came down this afternoon and he wants us to go to Caledonia to-morrow to judge stock so that so that will prevent us finishing this week. It begins to look as if we never would get through. Dad. plowed all day on the clover sod. It has been a fine day. Cold wind. Friday November 15th Neff and Charlie Blake arrived here promptly at 8:30 this morning and Frank and I were all ready for them. We went with Charlie in his car with {name?} and Neff had Tige Nixon & Butter in with him, we had a fine day and visited Douglas, where we had a class in Shorthorns and {?} then Richardson's near Caleonia where we saw his Holsteins we had dinner in Caledonia and then went on out to Miller's who showed us his Clydesdale as well as a lot of pictures of famous Clyde in Scotland. We then went to Mr. Turner's near Hamilton where we had a class of {?} We had supper in Hamilton and Neff went to his father's for tea. He met us later and we all went to Loew's. We left Hamilton at 11.20 and got home about one. Beautiful day. Mild. Saturday November 16th Frank and I cut corn to-day and made good time this morning getting 35 shocks cut but this afternoon we were delayed by Ham Thompson bringing his sheep down and also by a visit from Tige McBride over Ivey's fence so we only got one row cut (15 shocks) Dad. didn't plow to-day but cleaned out ditches in the field he plowed. He got them all cleaned out. Very mild and rather cloudy. Sunday November 17th It was raining when we got up this morning and has been cloudy and rainy all day but looked cleared off tonight. I drove Enah down to church but she stayed down to dinner so that she could go to choir practice this afternoon. they are having Thanksgiving Service next Thursday night also to-day and next Sunday for Peace. I walked down after dinnr and spent the afternoon and evening at Mr. Mon teiths but had tea and went to church with Aunty. Aunty Alice hurt her eye quite badly this morning with her umbrella. Monday November 18th It rained quite a lot this morning and has been cloudy & muddy all day. We spent the morning cleaning up the woodshed. Dad. plowed this afternoon and Frank and I sorted </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> some of the apples in the barn to put down cellar. We quit early as Frank went down to tea at Aunty's Tuesday November 19th It has rained pretty much all day making things very muddy and disagreeable but has not been cold. Frank & I cleaned up some of the wheat & barley (mixed) this morning & Dad. cleaned out the calf pen and did odd jobs. Tupper was in with our note. This afternoon I went down town and posted a letter. We couldn't do much as it poured rain. Enah and I printed some pictures to-night. Dad. got a letter from Dick. He expects to sail soon. Wednesday November 20th Frank and I went down town in the waggon this morning and took a sample of our wheat & barley to the mill and to Billy Langs. They offered us 2 1/2 a hundred for it. We went up to McBride's and got the rest of the J.F.I.A. potatoes and took them down to Mrs. Jolley, Joe Smith and Mr. Norm Brock. They are all sold but the little ones now. We also went down to Aunty's and got her empty cider keg. This afternoon Dad. plowed and Frank and I cleaned up wheat & barley I went down town to-night and Frank went down to Ryerse's to tell Lloyd to come up to McBride's in the morning as we expect to go to Burford to-morrow. Cloudy but not raining. Thursday November 21st Frank and I went up to Tige's about half past eight this morning when Corby joined us and Tige took us in his car to Simcoe. Lloyd Ryerse didn't show up at all. Mitchell's car was with Neff's own car in front of his office and Butter, Mitchell, Nixon, Tick Nunn and Charlie Stitt were all waiting for us. Blake & Robs on came up on the car to Simcoe We went straight to {Brethane's?} at Burford and judged a couple of classes of sheep before dinner, we had dinner at Burford where the lady of the house was very distressed at not having enough for us to eat. but where we managed to load up to the "busting" point just the same. We went back to {Brethane's?} after dinner and judged hogs. From there we went to a Mr. Barkers where we had a couple of classes of Southdown. It was dark when we left there so we all went into Brantford for supper and took in a show which was pretty poor. We got home about one o'clock. The District Representative from Brant was with us all day with his boys. Neff has put Butter, Tige and I on the judging team. Cloudy and raw all day. Friday November 22nd Frank and I took down what grain we had cleaned this morning to Billy Langs. We had on nearly a ton so it paid the twine bill at $28.00 and there was about $22.00 over. This </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> afternoon we cut another row of corn. Dad. was down at Aunty's most of the day banking up the house. Blaikie was in for awhile this afternoon but Frank and I didn't see him. He has been up north all summer. They got letters from Quint to-day telling of their entrance into French towns that the Germans have held for four years. He said he was with the first troops to enter and he never spent a happier birthday seeing the joy of the inhabitants who were released. The letter was written before the armistice. Saturday November 23rd It froze the ground quite stiff last night and has been freezing in the shade all day with a cold wind. Frank and I actually finished cutting the corn to-day about the middle of the afternoon. We also husked a bushel. Dad. cleaned up the old garden this morning and tried to plow it this afternoon but couldn't with the rotting {?} so came up and started to plow the patch back of the shop with the other plow. Enah and the baby were down town this afternoon. {Frost?} to-night Sunday November 24th Enah Frank and I walked down to church this morning. Aunty Alice came over here to dinner and I stayed down with Aunty and Aunt Ida. This afternoon Marj. and I went up to Miss Martin's for awhile and then walked around the hill we met Aunty Alice going home so went down with her and stayed to tea. We went to church with Aunty. Mr. Farney preached. Fine day but cold wind. Monday November 25th Frank and I cleaned up barley and oats all morning and part of the afternoon and we took a load of it down to the mill this afternoon. We also went up to McPhersons and got the trap-nests that Emery had made for me. It was frozen too hard for Dad. to plow the garden this morning but sod would have plowed. Dad. helped us part of the time and did chores. Frank and I picked out six ewes this morning and marked them to sell if anyone comes around that wants them. Dess was over to-night with a letter she got from Dick lately. Fair cold wind. Tuesday November 26th We cleaned up the rest of the barley and wheat this morning and took it down to the mill this afternoon We had over 18 {?} on and we took three bags besides to Jack Martin's to pay for the seed we got last spring </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> When we got home we bagged up some barley and oats for chop and took it down but left it till morning as there was such a lot there. To-night we had a meeting of the J.F.I.A. down at Aunty Alice's. There was a good turnout and we had a good time and arranged for a winter program Tom. didn't get back till to-night with the car and butter. They got word yesterday that {Doss.?} was dead of the Flu and poor old Tom and Maw. are broken hearted. Cold. but fine day. Wednesday November 27th Frank and I went down after our grist this morning and then cleaned up some oats. I spent the afternoon working at the front flower beds. Dad. and Frank fixed the dining room chimney and Frank nailed some shingles on the barn roof. I went down town to-night. Aunty Alice left this morning for Toronto. It has been a beautiful day. Thursday November 28th Frank and I took fifteen bushels of apples up to Walker Waddle's this morning and got another big barrel of cider. It began to rain while we were there and poured for an hour or two. We got home about one o'clock. This afternoon Frank went over to Joe Long's sale and bought a set of scales and a scoop shovel. I slept till it stopped raining and then Dad. and I unloaded the cider barrel and put it down cellar. We had quite a job getting it down and had Enah helping us. We slid it down on rails but they spread till it was all on one rail. then we had to let it go the last three or four feet and it came down and bashed a hole in the cement floor of the cellar. About dark another big storm came up this time with thunder and lightening. Teriffic south west wind. Nextday - The rain last night took away more of the old East Pier. The water was so high it carried the Jim & Tom right over the East Pier. Friday November 29th This morning we slew the biggest of the three pigs and it took us all morning to get ready, kill and dress him. This afternoon I went down to get a hair cut and met Tige McBride to pick out a suitable club room for the J.F.I.A. We finally arranged to get Mrs. Bell's cement block cottage which the bunch had two years ago. Frank went over to Joe Long's with Art. Quanbury to get their purchases, and we weighed the pig on the scales so were not long in using them. He dressed just 165 lbs. To night Frank and I went to the W.I. dance and had a good time. Saturday November 30th Dad. spent the morning cutting up the pig Frank </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> sent out cards to notify the J.F.I.A. of a meeting Tuesday night and I worked at the flower beds in the front. Right after dinner I went down to send some of Dick's money out to Norman {Denton?} as Dick asked Dad to do that. He has been running shy of cash again and borrowing from Baldy Frank and Dad. ran out the ditches in the cornfield and plowed the garden back of the shop. Enah went down town this afternoon. Cloudy and freezing a little all day. Sunday December 1st Enah and I walked down to church this morning. Dad. and Tid walked down a little later and went with Enah to the Jame's for dinner. Frank and I had dinner alone. I went down town soon after dinner and spent the afternoon at the Monteith's except for a few minutes I spent in at Patterson's seeing May Perry. She got home for 4 days and tapped at the window as I went past I had tea at Aunty's and went to church to-night. Aunty didn't go as she didn't like to leave Aunt Ida alone. I spent the evening with Marj. Sunny but cold to-day but snowing and milder to-night. Monday December 2nd We didn't get started very early this morning and Frank and I went down town but didn't get home till noon. We got some coal oil and some lumber to make a partition in the woodshed. This afternoon Dad. and Frank cut down a dead apple tree in the orchard and I worked a little more at the flower beds. Much milder this morning but dark and sleet this afternoon. Tuesday December 3rd Dad. has been sick all day but was able to do a few chores. He thought he ate too much fresh pork. Frank and I cleaned up oats all day and got some where about 200 bushels cleaned up. To-night we had our first J.R.I.A. meeting in Mrs. Bell's cottage. There were only ten members out but we had a good meeting. and every one was very pleased with the room Rolson & Myers got some biscuits, cheese & s ardines which the rest of us put in for. Stormy day, rainy to-night. I stayed down all night. Wednesday December 4th I had breakf ast with Aunty this morning and caught the nine o'clock car for Simcoe. Tige got me at Main St. and we met Butter at Neff's office. We went out to Callver's and had a look at some Percheron's. We had dinner in Simcoe and then went out to old {?} to see his Jersey's and came back to Alex Wallaces and went over his Holsteins (and met his farmerettes). We got home on the seven o'clock car and I went home, shaved & went down town </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday December 5th Frank and I hauled a load of oats down to the mill this morning but had to leave them there in the bags as they were filled up, so we couldn't haul down any more as we had intended. We had 19 bags and it weighed up to 53 bushels. We borrowed some more bags and cleaned up some more this afternoon. Winne & Dess were over here to tea to-night and Frank and I walked down with them. Enah and Tid drove down town with Mexico, the buckskin pony that Mrs. Wilson wants Enah to keep for the winter. Very mild but snowed more. Friday December 6th I haven't done a thing all day. I felt tough this morning so just lay around the house but feel better to-night. Dad. and Frank got the bob sleighs out this morning and took Gladys down to Coleman's. I think they spent most of the afternoon cutting wood. Tid had a great time riding Mexico. Nice day. Saturday December 7th I went down town this morning and drew out the last $14.00 of my bank account to finance my trip to Guelph. I vainly imagined when I deposited $120.00 two months ago that I would be able to keep it there for the winter at least. but alas 5-6 cents is all my account represents now. I went down to Auntys for a few minutes and saw Aunty Alice who got back from Toronto Thursday night. This afternoon, we hauled over a small load of hay for the cows. Tom brought some of his fruit up to put in the cellar for the winter and brought a couple of dozen eggs @ {?} Enah and Tid drove Mexico down town. Nice day and very mild. Sunday December 8th Frank went down to Sunday school this morning but none of the rest of us went to church. I didn't think I would have time as. I left on the one o'clock car for Guelph. Tige got on at Dover and Butter & Neff at Simcoe. When we got to Galt we found the other electric cars didn't run on Sunday so we had to hire a motor bus to take us across to Kitchner. We got a G.T.R. train there for Guelph and got in there about six. Neff had a boarding house arranged for us but he didn't stay with us. We all three went to church to-night. Nice day here. Monday December 9th We spent the whole day to-day judging and waiting to give our reasons to the judges so didn't see much of the Fair. We didn't do very well judging {beef?} cattle but not too bad on Dairy cattle, sheep and swine. The two latter classes </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we had this afternoon up at the College. Neff told us we stood third so Neff told us with Durham County first. Butter did the best of the three, he was awarded three prizes, third & fifth in hogs and fifth in sheep. I got fifth in hogs. Tige didn't get any. To-night we went down to the Fair and saw the Thoroughbreds judged there were some beauties. Very cold up there. Tuesday December 10th We judged two classes of Clydesdales this morning but did poorly on them and dropped from third place to sixth. At the wind up Durham county was first with York second. We were ahead of York last night but they came up on horses. As we hadn't seen a bit of the show we decided to stay till to-morrow morning and put in the rest of the afternoon looking over the stock. We saw Douglas' white heifer calf get first prize in a class of 21 and a red calf from old Browndale that Douglas sold to Walt and which took first at Chicago come second. Several fellows congratulated us this afternoon on our judging so we didn't feel so badly. Neff was quite tickled he said as Norfolk had never come higher than tenth before. There were 18 teams competing. To-night we saw "Hearts of the Wild." Tige came home quite sick and put in a bad night. Stormy night. Wednesday December 11th We didn't get up early this morning and went right to the station after breakfast as our train left for Galt at 10.35. I went over to the Fair building for awhile and got Neff. as he thought the train didn't go till 11 o'clock. We all four drove home together had dinner in Galt. and Tige and I got to Dover on the three oclock radial. Neff & Butter got off at Simcoe. Tige felt pretty poorly all day but was better by the time we reached familiar home territory. We found a great difference in the weather up there from here. While there was no snow whatever but up there. there was skating and sleighing. Dad. had plowed the old garden while I was away and when I got home had ridden Joe up to Port Ryerse to pay the taxes. He didn't get home till dark and I had the milking done. To-night Dad. Enah and Tid. went down to Aunty Alice's to hear Mr. Rigg's a friend of Elva's sing. The James were down there and also Elva & Brant who has now got his discharge. I went up to see Marj. and Frank went to bed as he young Myers & Albert McBride stayed up all night last night in the J.F.I.A. cottage. Mild & Cloudy. Thursday December 12th Dad. and I cleaned up some of the apples out in the barn and put them down cellar but there are a lot </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> more to get yet. Frank went down to the mill this morning and borrowed some more money from Charlie Ivey to pay the town taxes and went down to Uncle Ward's & paid them. Dad. put up the little old soft coal stove in the dining room this afternoon and we had a fine fire in there to-night. Frank took the team down to the mill this afternoon to get a little chop. He didn't take a grist as their chopper down there is not working. He came back with Pud. Smythe and the grain he borrowed. Lila was over here to tea to-night. & Frank went home with her. Mild cloudy and very muddy. Friday December 13th It has been a very nasty day. Mild but raining all day the mud is a fright. I didn't do anything in particular Dad. and Frank worked most of the afternoon putting the partition up in the woodshed. Frank went down to a dance Lila was having up in Schofield's to-night. I have a bad cold. Saturday December 14th It has rained all day. I didn't do a thing but sit around the house. Dad. finished the partition in the woodshed. and Frank did odd jobs. I have a queer dizzy feeling all the time, but don't feel at all sick in any way. Sunday December 15th Frank went down to Sunday school this morning but didn't stay to church. I went to church and stayed at Aunty's for dinner. This afternoon Marj. and I went for a walk around the hill and came out here and stayed for tea . Enah has a bad cold. Nice day. Monday December 16th Enah's cold has been lvery bad all day and she has been in bed most of the time but was up and feeling a little better to-night. Dad. has been busy all day doing chores in doors and out. Frank and I shut old Grey {?} & the White ewe up to-day to fatten and Frank husked a couple of tubs full of corn. I didn't do much all day. To-night Frank and I went down to tea at Auntys and went to the picture show to-night. Aunty Alice went with us. Lovely day. Muddy. Tuesday December 17th Frank took a grist to the mill this morning and Dad. did chores. I spent most of the morning washing dishes and the separator. Enah was up to-day but doesn't feel well at all. Aunty Alice was over this morning and stayed to dinner. I didn't do much this afternoon. Dad. doesn't feel very well. Frank went down to the J.F.I.A. to-night. but Aunty Alice for bade me to go. It has been a beautiful warm day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday December 18th Dad. has been in bed all day and has a terrible pain in his eyes. Enah is up and says she feels better. but is a long way from well yet. The baby who was quite sick all day yesterday is better to-day. We didn't do anything but chores to-day. I went down to Aunty's for tea. Marj. was down there and she didn't feel at all well so we went home early. Thursday December 19th The family is still pretty well knocked out. Dad. was up to-day but is not much better, he got so sore lying in bed he had to get up. Enah is about the same and Frank is beginning to feel tough. We just did chores all day. I went down to-night to see how Marj. was. She has been in bed all day with an awful pain in her eyes like Dad's. She is very disappointed at not being able to go home to-morrow. Pickford was in to tell us that Charley Ivey wants us to haul oats to the car to-morrow. The weather is still very mild but freezing nights. Friday December 20th Dad feels a little better to-day but is very weak while Enah doesn't seem quite as well. This is the baby's birthday. So he is happy although he didn't have much celebration. Frank has felt weak all day but kept going and helped me load two loads of oats and bag one. We took them down to a car on the L.E.& N. siding which Charlie Ivey is loading. After we took the first load down we went down and got a ton of soft coal. They had in a car of stove coal but wouldn't let any farmers have it. This afternoon we unloaded the coal and took down another load of oats, it was nearly dark when I got home Aunty was over this afternoon for a little while. I walked down to-night to see how Marj. was. She was a little better. Fine day. Saturday December 21st Dad. & Enah seem to be a little stronger to-night but the baby has been quite miserable all day and Frank who has been on the go all day in spite of of the fact that he felt very weak is about all in to-night. We finished hauling the oats in two loads the last one only 13 bags and have taken down about 261 bushels. The weather is wonderful for this time of year. It didn't freeze last night and has been very warm all day and looks like rain Aunty was over yesterday with some {?} which she dug that day. The roads are very bad and by to-night I think there is no frost in them. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday December 22nd I spent the whole morning doing chores. Frank fed the horses this morning and then caved in and hasn't been able to do anything all day. I went down town this afternoon for an hour or two to see Marj. who is slightly improved. When I got home Dad. had the cattle fed and Frank had fed the chickens and as I didn't bother milking I wasn't so late getting through. Aunty was over this afternoon Enah feels quite a lot better to-day and Dad. is better but still feels weak and his tobacco and coffee still taste bad. The baby hasn't been well all day. Very mild but dark & wet. Monday December 23rd I haven't done anything much but chores to-day. although Dad. felt well enough this morning to help me put on a jag of hay to take over for the cows as the yard is in awful shape to carry hay across. This afternoon Dad. went down town to take some stuff down to Aunty's. He rode part way with Tom. but walked all the way home but was pretty tired when he got back. Frank has been in the house all day. To-night I went down to see Marj. for a little while. She had to telegraph home that she couldn't get there for Christmas and was disappointed but Aunty Alice invited her down there for our dinner. I went over to the J.F.I.A. for awhile. Very mild & soft. Tuesday December 24th It was a little colder with an east wind this morning and we had hopes of it freezing but it snowed for awhile and then turned to rain and has been raining all day. We are all sick of the mud. Dad. has been doing odd chores all day to-day so is quite a bit better and Frank was able to do a little to-night. Enah & the baby are also better. I went down to Aunty's for dinner to cut a little wood for to-morrow's cooking and then went uptown to do some Santa Claus errands but was home early to do chores. I saw Ed. Turner up town who got home from the front. Friday night and also Joe Thompson in naval uniform. I think he is just home for Christmas. Wednesday December 25th I was the only member of this house hold at church this morning as the others didn't feel like going down. Dad. drove Enah and the baby down to Aunty's this afternoon then brought Joe home. helped us do up the chores and he Frank and I walked down by six o'clock for dinner. All at Huby's were there as well as Marj. She had been over. to the Bagley's for dinner at noon and had got Faulkner to bring her down to Aunty's for to-night. After we had all stuffed ourselves with turkey (which Huby provided for the occasion </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and plum pudding we all adjourned to the parlor where a huge pile of presents was distributed. I drew a book, some handkerchiefs, socks, rubbers and a necktie, to say nothing of a dandy scarf which I got this morning from Santa Claus. The baby got heaps of toys and books as well as "useful" ones but seemed most pleased with a small cannon that Winnie gave him that would shoot a small wooden plug a few feet. After this we had games and music, all at which Huby provided his full quota of entertainments. He told us of the great excitement that prevailed about the time he was going to school when some Lady found out the world was round. He said he wasn't much interested but he rembered how Mr. Smith used to talk about it and prove it by saying that the masts of a ship coming into port could always be seen before the hull. Huby figured out from that that if there was curve enough on the earth's surface to show only the masts of a ship at a distance of about 20 miles or Long Point which is as far as a ship could be seen, that by the time you get to Erie it would be about under our feet, making a rather small globe. Other reminscent stories equally amusing and his continual conversation with the baby im ploring him not to sit on his, Huby's stomach or to shoot the cat with his cannon. contrary to Aunty Alice's injunctions, in place of his toes kept things lively till pretty late in the evening. Dad. Frank and I walked home but Enah and the baby stayed down all night. Marj. also stayed there, she feels a lot better but is pretty weak yet. Dad. didn't seem very well again. Thursday December 26th Huby told us last night that there was another car of coal in and that he thought we could get a little of it if we tried so Dad. went over to Uncle Ward's right after breakfast to ask him as he is municipal fuel controller. It was stove coal and the town people aren't very keen after it so he never hesitated in giving Dad. an order for a ton of it. While Dad. was gone Frank and I bagged up some grain for a grist. Charlie Quanbury came over to get Dad. to go and see old Dick who was sick Charlie thought he had got too much {?} thrashing. As soon as Dad got back Frank and I went down to get the coal but it was noon by the time we got down and {Clair Deal?} gone to dinner. However {two words?} had </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> our waggon and we got over a ton but by the time we got home it was two o'clock. The roads are awful. and it is a wonder we didn't smash our old waggon jolting over the ruts as it froze last night. enough to hold the waggon up. After we got the load off and had dinner Dad. went down with the buggy to get Enah and Frank and I hooked up to take our grist down but when we brought Belle out of the stable we found she was quite lame, we supposed having hurt her foot on the road this morning. so we put the harness on Queen and took her. We left our grist and didn't wait for the chop and it was time to start in on the chores when we got home. Dad. Enah and Tid got home about the same time. and said Marj. was going to stay at Aunty's all night again to-night. To-night Frank and I went down to the J.F.I.A. Social evening We took Winnie & Dess with us. There were not many there but enough to fill the place up. Not one of the Social committee were present. but we had a pretty good time playing games. Friday December 27th Frank and I went down and got some chop this morning and then took a jag of hay over to the barn for the cows and a little straw over to the horse stable and got in a few shocks of corn. Dad. went over to Quanbury's to see Charlie's horse which died this afternoon and got pretty tired. After dinner I went down town to get some coal oil and drive Marj. home but she decided to stay till to-morrow. Frank skinned old Dick. I spent the evening down at Aunty's. A little colder to-day with a flurry of snow Saturday December 28th Frank and I took a little jag of straw out in the waggon box and covered the strawberries that Dad. didn't get covered with corn stalks and tomato vines. We then went over to Quanburys and got his horsehide. This afternoon I went over to Bill Sidway's to try and in spire a little energy into him for Tuesday night as it is our Agricultural evening and he is on the committee. I met him going down town so went down with him and then came back and beat him shooting with his rifle. Dark when I got home. Fineday. still frozen but mild. Sunday December 29th Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning but I didn't get up in time to get the chores done so that I could get down. I spent the afternoon and evening down at Aunty's. Marj. is still down there but feels much better. I came home at six to do chores. Mrs. James and {?} were over here this afternoon. Not cold but raw. Still frozen. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday December 30th Dad. and the baby walked down to Aunty's to dinner to-day and were there most of the afternoon. Dad. has felt very miserable to-day and doesn't seem any better to-night. Frank took his horsehide down this morning and shipped it to Hallam. I spent most of the day doing chores. To-night I went down to see how Marj. was. she went up to the Monteith's to-day and says she feels very much better. Cloudy and looked like snow but not cold nor windy. Tuesday December 31st I haven't done any thing but chores all day except husk some of the corn which Frank and I hauled in the other day. Frank spent the morning taking some pickets off the wire which he and Mexico hauled in out of the orchard yesterday. This afternoon he went out with Charlie Quanbury to help him put on a load of hay. Aunty came over to tea to-night to see how Dad. was and went back with Frank and me. Dad. feels a little better to-day. Frank and I went down to the J.R.I.A. meeting but owing to the rottenness of the weather and the diversion of a couple of dances one in the hall and one out at {?} Ryerse's there were very few out. I read them my speech which I had prepared and then I went up to Huby's and the rest went to the show. It was next year when I got home. Very mild and misty later turning to a foggy drizzle. </div> transcribed https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2ec1494bf0b5e6604180e5be7bb49cbf.pdf c949edd07f5058fab477f5f9bc51fccc PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. {Blank Front Cover Inside page on the left} {Right side page} DIARY. 1915 T.B.Barrett, Port Dover, Ontario. The Farm From January 1st 1915 to December 31st 1915. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/386a95eb794297f88bfa030495166992.pdf e88c48211d812d09ebecd6621270cdee PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday January 1st 1915 When The New Year came in all of us who were dancing joined hands in a circle and sang "Should Auld Aquaintance be forgot", after which we had refreshments and danced for a couple of more hours. Ferdy didn't dance but was down there till the last and I suppose saw one of the girls home. He, Dick and I met at the bank and got home a little before three and turned in a half an hour later. After a few hours slumber I got up and did chores for the rest of the day. This evening I distressed Aunty Alice by sitting around and not going to bed and pleased Aunty by sitting up till nearly eleven o'clock and repeating the first canto of "The Lady of the Lake" off by heart. Charlie Teeple was in this morning and spoke as if Jim Waddle rather wanted to see Dad. so he and Enah drove out there this after noon. They want Dad. for one of the bearers. Dick and Ferdy stayed in bed till noon and spent the after noon and evening down town. Not cold all day turning very windy & stormy to-night. Saturday January 2nd It snowed and blew all night and has kept it up all day to-day so all the roads & tracks are drifted full but except for the wind it has not been very cold. I drove https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/88536facce84829ece96f3a8069e4d5c.pdf 1b4a593123579d28a4cdebff0928c96e PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Aunty Alice and Dick down town this morning in the bob sleighs and came home by the mill and got some chop Aunty Alice had to go down to the dentist's and stayed down to dinner. This after noon Dad. & I drove out to Mrs. Waddle's funeral, he was a bearer so I drove up to the cemetry to bring him home. We didn't know when we started but we had to go up to St. John's. Dad. & I both got our feet pretty cold. We came home around by town and brought Aunty Alice home. She got five new fake teeth. Sunday January 3nd We were too late this morning for Aunty or Frank to get to Sunday school although it was Aunty's birthday but I drove Enah, Aunty & Frank down to church in the bob sleighs and drove down again to bring them home. Winnie & Lila came over to dinner. This after noon Frank, Lila & I went back to the gully to try the tobaggan that Ferdy & Frank made yesterday out of a cheese box. It worked fine and went over the drifts beautifully. I lay down on it once to go down and when I came to the bottom of the hill it stopped and I slid ahead and banged my head. Dick and Ferdy didn't get up till noon and after dinner went down town. It has been a beautifully bright day with not a breath of wind. Rather cold this morning but milder to-night. Monday January 4th Frank stayed home from school to-day to see the last of the hogs. It took us quite awhile to get the waggon box rigged to hold them but with plank and stakes managed to make a satisfactory rack. We had no trouble in loading them as the whole seven ran right in to root in the fresh oat straw which was in the bottom, but they were very troublesome to unload. Neil weighed them. Dad. hoped Ed. would be there but he was up town electioneering but I guess Neil gave him good weight. They just weighed 1250 lbs and as the price has gone up to $7.40 percent. Dad. got a little over $92.00 out of them. We came around by Huby's on our way home and got a load of shingles for kindling. We boys and Fa. stored them away down there in the woodshed when they shingled the house. Hammond was in this morning to urge Dad. to go out and vote for him this after noon and take old Jonas with him so he did drive out to Wiggin's. He took Enah and Tiddums as far as the Shand's and left them while he & Jonas went on out to vote. Tom came back with the car while he was gone and said if he thought Dad. would vote for Hammond he'd quit hauling his cream. Frank and I did chores and unloaded the shingles. The two Miss Hardings came over this after noon but nobody was home as Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to Huby's before dinner and are https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/be927ae1306386be94adb7f889064ced.pdf e904080d5a2bc0ed297526ef4376dca8 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. not coming back before they go to Toronto. To-night I hooked up Joe and Belle to the bobsleighs and took a bunch to Simcoe to see the hockey match between Simcoe & Welland. Dad. went down with me to see how the election went and learned to his satisfaction that Wm. Walker beat Vyse by 31 of a majority and Hammond beat Baughner by 240. The only town councillors that qualified were Wms. Laing & Caley so they will have to have another nomination. They defeated Local Option in Simcoe on an even vote by a majority of fiftynine. I got Quint in down at the house and the rest of the load which Dick had invited were waiting at the Dyer's. They consisted of Dess & Fraser Dyer, Rachel Henry and May Rankin. Dick and Ferdy. Cars. Rankin came home with us. They all went over to the rink right away but Quint and I went to the Armories and Quint went later to the rink. They had no lights again to-night so we had a short drill in the street. Thern I went over to the match. They had only been playing ten minutes when I got there and the score was one in favor of Simcoe. It was a good game and there were very few penalties handout but a lot of offsides but it wound up with a score of five to four in favor of Welland. The girls in our bunch had attracted two Simcoe fellows, Charlie Barker & Sam Hasley and after the match we all went over to the Battersby House to get warm and cut up over there for half an hour or so except Ferdy and Cars. who went over to the quick lunch as they hadn't had any supper. It was a junior O.H.A. match to-night but Cars. didn't play. I guess he doesn't know whether he is on the team or not yet. He has had a room up there at the Melbourne ever since the season opened trying out for it. We had a lovely drive home. It was a little misty but frosty and bright moonlight. I dare say we left in our wake a good many suddenly awakened farmers. Joe and Belle made a very suitable team for although I didn't go at all furiously they slid along at a good steady trot without any urging. Faulkner passed us going up with a load of eighteen all men or boys. Herb Lowril took another cargo of the same kind up. We got home about one. It has been a very nice day sunny and mild. Tuesday January 5th Frank went back to school this morning and Ferdy who for the first time nearly since he has been here got up about ten o'clock and had breakfast and spent the rest of the day down town saying goodbye. He went down to Huby's about two o'clock to say goodbye down there and had his dinner. This after noon Dad. Enah Tiddums and I drove down in the bob sleighs to say goodbye to Aunty and Aunty Alice who went to-night to Toronto https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c1a349e10eb0e0914007b3530ef89dfe.pdf 478dfdac84632393bfbf3d1816496839 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. to stay with Roy and Vernon for awhile. Dad. settled up with his creditors and bought me a new pair of shoes and overshoes at Andrew's without telling me. Andrew seemed very cheerful and didn't mention election. Dad. got a postcard to-night he is sure it was from Ed. with a little verse on it applying to Vyse It's a long way to the old farm / Good-bye Council Chamber It's a long way to go / Farewell Andrew dear It's a long way to the old farm / It's a long, long way to the old farm Where I have got to go / And my heart's not there. Misner was in this morning to have Dad. look at a horse and said Old Stringer had had his cutter out yesterday to get Ellis Ryersie to vote and had broken it, so Dad's conjectures were evidently right. Last night on his way home he saw somebody drive very carelessly around Geordie Long's corner at the top of the hill and up towards Vyse's where they went in. He heard the driver yell at Vyse and he thought the voice sounded like Old Stringer's. When Vyse came to the door Old Stringer asked him if he had won and Vyse answered very gruffly for him in the negative. It has been a beautiful day sunny & mild. Wednesday January 6th Dick drove Ferdy to Simcoe this morning so that he could catch a 10.45 train at the Air Line station. I think they took Dess. Dyer up with them and Dick didn't get back till after twelve. We did nothing but chores to-day. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Frank went over to a Sunday school entertainment after school and stayed to tea. Enah was to have gone down but it was to bad a night. It has rained nearly all day and our January thaw has set in. Thursday January 7th This was Dick's birthday but we didn't celebrate it in any way and postponed it until Sunday. We did chores all morning and Dad. helped me clean the straw out of the chicken shed as the water ran in last night and flooded it. Allan Law came over and borrowed our bob sleighs to take their seed to Green in Simcoe as Fess isn't buying this year. This after noon Dad. and I drove down town and Dad. told Toty Smith he didn't want to qualify again for school trustee. Frank went over to John Wess' to-night canvassing for subscriptions to "The Farmer's Advocate" but didn't get any. He had a long and amusing conversation with old Mrs. Watson. There has been an awful wind all day and it has been freezing. According to the papers the Germans will soon be starving. The French are making great progress in upper Alsapce and the Russians are trimoving the Turks in great shake. The British took the capital of German East Africa the other day and the British and French are trying to force their way into the Dardanelles but the Turks have sunk a lot of old ships in the straits laden with stone and earth which for the present holds them. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/1cb9cbe66022ef07e25ab0c0744339ce.pdf 39df5c66f17ea269bdab99f5f3011d6a PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday January 8th When Allan Law brought our <s>waggon</s> sleighs back this morning Dad. got him to go up to Duncan's and get us a load of the rails he bought from Duncan last Spring, he didn't like to sell a load as there is only about another load up there but as we can't get back over the plowing to get any wood he said he wouldn't see us stuck so I went up and helped him put on a load. We got back a little before noon. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down town and I went skating for a little while. The pond is a glace of ice all over except around the edge which is all water there being only about three places connecting the land with the ice but it is inclined to be rough. Sunny but cold with a little wind. Saturday January 9th Dad. drove Dick down this morning and went in to ask Hec' Henderson if Neil Elliott wanted to buy Charlotte as Dad. didn't tell him positively whether he would sell her or not the other day but just as he got home Neil and his man drove in and they not only bought Charlotte and her calf for fiftysix dollars but gave us seven for Joe Lamb and took him with them. Frank Dad. & I went down right away with Charlotte. I drove ahead with the calf in the cutter and the others followed. We went up town and Dad. cashed his check and got his new suit at the tailor's. After dinner Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down town and got Dick some birthday presents. Frank went back to the woods and cut down some more trees. I cleaned the straw out of the hen houses and put fresh in. Bob. Ellis was in before tea representing Tyler's tea Company of London and left a couple tins here. I don't think he would have if he had been anybody else. Poor old Bob. he looks rather seedy. He has been working down at Tom Fearge's all fall. Cloudy and mild. Sunday January 10th We were late this morning so Frank was the only one who went to church. Dad. and I got the chores pretty well done up and we had an early dinner and celebrated Dick's birthday. This after noon Dad. Enah. Tiddums and I went out to the Shand's and were out there all the after noon. Winnie & Lila came over just as we were starting off and so had to go back Frank and Dick were skating on the pond all the after noon I think. Tonight I walked down to church. All Huby's family including Huby himself were in church and I went around afterward to see them, but Huby had gone around to see Jim Greenbury so I missed him. I wanted to say goodbye to Quint especially as Jack Herring has got him a job in one of his <s>woollen</s> cotton mills in New Bedford and Quint is leaving on Tuesday moring so if he takes the job and stays I won't seem him again maybe for a couple of years. Nice day to-day. Not very sunny but mild. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ff587b0a259ee3ffee5513ac2f9deda0.pdf d2876b90eac8c446535e586da8ed37a4 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Monday, January 11th We were all up pretty early this morning as Toby had to leave for Guelph at 6-30. I drove him down and we got there in time, but he had very little time to get his ticket, the train was moving out when he came out of the station. I drove round by Huberts to get him but he was not ready so I had to go in and wait for him. Lila came over with us, she and Frank had a holiday as Mr Smith had gone to Toronto to attend Birdie's wedding. Frank and Hubert went back to the woods and worked there all day. I worked around the place. It began snowing about 3 O'Clock and I drove Hattie down to Mrs H. Cooks to get measured for her dress. Lila has gone down to get the mail and post a letter and just got back in time to go with us. Quintin came over in the evening to say goodbye, he leaves D.V. in the morning for New Bedford. He, Hubert and Lila went home before tea, after tea I fell asleep as usual. When Dick came home he asked me to call him at 6 he wanted to go down and see Quint off I gave the Windmill a good oiling. It has been a lovely day, very mild and did not storm much. Tuesday January 12th I jumped out of bed this morning owing to some crazy dream I suppose and thought it was 6-50, but when I struck a match and looked at the clock I found it was only 4-40 so I went back to bed and stayed there nearly an hour. I called Dick and Frank at 6 and they got up and went to see Quintin off. Hubert did not come over with them as he thought it looked like rain but said he would come if it cleared off. I let Frank stay home from school as they might work in the woods together but Hubert never showed up all day and old Frank worked alone. I cleaned out all the hen houses and hog pen, killed 6 roosters and Mrs McBride cleaned them. It has been colder today with a high N.E. wind but it has been thawing all day. Dick came home to tea tonight and had gone to a dance and will be tired out. It is terribly lonely and only two days gone. I am nearly asleep now. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/7250e701dcc36b3e4e78c034b4816108.pdf cd7be536d23666bba0735abef17c8556 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Wednesday, January 13th We were not up so early this morning. Hubert did not get over till nearly noon. Frank and I fixed a fence for the steer we are trying to fatten and Hubert helped us move him, after dinner Hubert and Frank went back to the woods. I did up all the chores, it has been a lovely day, quite a strong wind. Thursday, January 14th Hubert and Frank worked all day in the bush and got a pretty good day in, I did considerable fixing up at difficult things cow stable and rocking chairs etc. Harry Ausley drove his new horse over just as I was busy with the evening chores and it made me late. Has been a lovely mild day, barely freezing in the shade. Friday, January 15th Hubert got over this morning about 9.30 and he and Frank went to the woods, after I did all the morning chores I went to the mill with Joe and the cutter and got 200$ chop $1.75 per {cent?}. The boys took their lunch to the woods with them so Hattie, Sunny Jim and I had a rather lonesome dinner. Hattie started for town about 3 O'Clock to mail a letter to Tobe and to get the mail. We did hope for a letter from Toby but none came. Hattie took the baby down in his carriage but brought him home in a grand red sleigh that his grand-dady made him it is a beauty. I went back to the woods and brought up a load but it is quite bare on the ploughed land we cant haul much till we get more snow. It has been a beautiful day more like Spring than mid-winter. I got 4 eggs today. Saturday, January 16th As soon as we had everything fed this morning Frank and I cut up the load of green wood I hauled yesterday. Hubert did not get over until after 11 O'Clock, he sawed up a lot of rails. Frank carried all the wood we cut into the woodshed, he and Hubert worked at it nearly all the afternoon, quit in time to husk some corn. I worked at the chores. It has been another lovely day. Frank and I had a bath tonight. Hattie had a long letter from Toby and we all knocked off work to hear it. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/d5c1d2521cdc9115bd7ecdbfd29fc6db.pdf 71697b3c3a78e89a39f080cb3eedfa59 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Sunday, January 17th It rained last night and was very dark this morning I thought our trip to the Shands was off, but it turned out a beautiful day and we all left in the bob-sleigh soon after 12, the sleighing was not too bad. We drove Joe and Belle. We did not have dinner till 2 O'Clock. Mr and Mrs Harvey Shand and Charlie were over, Flossie and Willie had to stay with Mrs Nixon. We had a very nice day and did not get started for home till 5 O'Clock. We all got home safely but had a little mix up putting the horses away, Frank was doing up Belle and I did Joe, and through some mistake Joe's line was left fastened to Belle's bridle with the result that as soon as the stable door was opened Joe jumbed in as she always does and would have taken poor Belle's head with her if the bridle and bit had not broken. Old Sunny Jim had the time of his life prowled all over the house and they just let him go, he was very good and a great nights sleep. The sleighing was almost completely gone when we came home. It has been just like a march day. Dick went to church this evening Monday, January 18th I was up early this morning and wrote Toby a short letter, Frank got up and helped me do some of the chores before he went to school. Mrs McBride came quite early for her, we did not expect her until tomorrow. Hubert did not get over till nearly noon, he told us that poor old T. L. Gillies dropped dead in his lumber yard about 10 O'Clock. I cleaned the straw out of one end of the chicken shed as it was pretty wet. Hubert husked corn all the afternoon. Frank went down with him this evening as he had forgotten the paper. They have all gone to bed now and I must go too. It snowed quite a lot this morning and several times through the day it was very wet almost rain, I think it is getting colder tonight. I got 10 eggs today. Tuesday, January 19th Hubert did not come over at all today, he had some insurance to look after. Frank went to school. I did up the chores and we had an early dinner https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4c8fbd3d012370e2b4cf0b3be5967e3e.pdf 931c06b44321254fcc693e9a1f5a05c7 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. as soon after as possible I drove Hattie and baby down to Mrs Herb Cooks, left them there and went on down town and mailed a letter to the girls, came back got Hattie and baby and went out to the Waddles, Jim was in Simcoe so I did not see him. The sleighing is splendid not it snowed a lot last night and it was a wet heavy snow and stuck in spite of the wind. After tea Frank and I drove out to the H. Shands and did not get home till midnight. Colin was there and we had a great talk. It has been a fine day. Wednesday, January 20th Hubert got over about noon today. After dinner I drove him down to Art Ryerses, he wanted to see Art about the insurance on the new school, but he had gone to T. L. Gillies funeral. We then went a got a load of wood and were back at 3 O'Clock so I went after another load and Hubert stayed and sawed up rails. Dick came home for tea and we had it early and he started for Simcoe to see a Hockey game. Hubert stayed to tea and drove down with him. It is now after 10 O'Clock and he is not home yet. it has been a lovely day. I had a long letter from Toby and Frank and I wrote him tonight. Thursday, January 21st Nothing of importance was on today. I did not get up till nearly 7 O'Clock. I waited up for Dick last night and it was almost 2 O'Clock when he and I went to bed. Hubert was not over at all today. Frank went to school. I did the usual round of chores and got up two loads of wood. Hattie made dough-nuts and cookies beside all her ordinary work, she is stocking up against Toby's homecoming. We had letters from the girls today and I had a card from Quint today and am going to write him now. It has been much colder today and is freezing pretty hard tonight. Friday, January 22nd Owing to Toby's absence from home the diary has so far been kept by Daddy but as he is almost asleep tonight I am going to try a turn at it. This has been rather a blustery https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ae63be4b9c2c09346ab22dd8374b739f.pdf 38038ce85e9ea814b5cac7a87d357bf2 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. day, the worst day we have had this year. Cold East wind and snow. Hubert did not come over today. Lila told Frank he was fixing the smoke house. Daddy had to do everything himself. He killed and dressed three roosters. The little steer that we have shut up to fatten has been "off her feed" for the last two days but Daddy thinks she is some better tonight. Frank came home from school via Mrs. Cook's and brought my dress also a couple of rolled oats from the mill. He said Mr. Cook told him that Col. Thompson is dead and was to be cremated. He died out in California. Frank went down to the "Movie" tonight to see "The Millionaire Cowboy." He invited me to go but the weather looked too <s>disaggreeable</s> disagreeable for me. We are expecting Toby tomorrow evening and will be very glad to have him home again Saturday January 25th I see the family have been very faithful in keeping account of events of the past two weeks but as soon as I got within forty miles of home their efforts ceased and as I didn't pull in till to-night I don't know exactly what happened to-day, but perhaps a summary of my history of the last fortnight would not be out of place just here. The first day I arrived in Guelph I found the place full of strangers like myself prepared to take some of the short courses at the O.A.C. I was lucky enough to get the last place in a boarding house within walking distance of the College. The last place turned out to be a cot several inches too short for me in a room already occupied by two fellows in a double bed. There were only three bedrooms and seven of us. I slept in the cot the first night but my knee was bad the next day so as one of the other fellows said I could sleep with him in a decent bed I decided to do so, but in order to accomplish this I had to displace another and sentence him to the cot. This could not be done peaceably so we had to use force. This disturbed the household and the old man appeared in his nightshirt to inform us that it would be expedient for me or more of us to hunt a new boarding house. However things went smoother after that and I have slept in a bed ever since and instead of us any of us departing another was introduced and another cot erected for his benefit a week before I left. They weren't a bad bunch of fellows all students at the College. Two of them Jim De Leplante and Copelan were regular students https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/9418bcc329dadbf10b44128ce5c8534b.pdf 9203edf5a76ee2407cd37c0e84d5d0e1 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. and the other four {illegible}. Ben Tex & Jack were taking the short three months dairy course and Coatsworth the last addition to the family was also a dairyman. One of then was from Toronto two from Buffalo one from Prince Edward Island one from England originally and Jack the fellow that got kicked out of bed was from a little town somewhere near St. Thomas. Tex who was my bedfellow proved to be the wildest and most entertaining of the bunch. His father lived in Chicago but owned a factory in Guelph. Tex wasn't bound much by home ties and said his father had threatened to disown him on one occasion for some of his rash actions. He had put in a lot of time in Texas and the West and would talk a blue streak about his numerous adventures. I would like to say whether they were all true or not. There was another very nice fellow up there by the name of Hamilton and he has had some experiences about as thrilling as Tex's and after hearing him recount them a fellow can just about bank on them being straight. He is altogether different from Tex a steady going well educated fellow and very interested in his studies. He has a great scheme about a chicken ranch and a market garden in his head, which if he doesn't make good on I don't think will be his fault. The life at the boarding house was very interesting and the life at the College was none the less so and much more educative. Our classes started at half past eight and every morning we had seed judging for an hour and a half. Prof. Javitz conducted all those classes but the last three which were devoted to the study of weed seeds and were taken by another fellow who name I don't remember. After the seed classs we went to the judging pavillion and put in the rest of the day. The first day we had sheep judging and an old breeder Mr. Harding did most of the talking but Prof. Day was the chief instructor. He was there for all the stock except the horses. The method they took every day was to give a discussion on whatever species of livestock we had before us then give the students a chance to place them in what they thought was the order meriting prizes and then for the proffessor or breeder to place them right and give reasons the students being permitted to ask all the questions they liked at any time. After the sheep we had swine with Mr. Bretham to talk on them then fat cattle and an old fellow named Mr. Gosling then Dairy Cattle with Mr. Bull of Brampton for Jersey's and Mr. Brenan for Holsteins and another for Holsteins. Last of all we had horses and Dr. Hugo Reid took Prof. Day's place. We had all the different types of horses. Some of the sheep cattle & hogs they killed and brought the dressed carcasses into the ring to demonstrate the relations between the live and the https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c1ee5a3b988a701e77b2b94a407e16f5.pdf 1b2b19faf2cfc225c311e49d0f906d50 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. dressed. We used to get through as a rule soon after four and would have time to look around the farm or go for a swim in the gym or go over to the library as they had a fine one in connection with college. I went over to the poultry department and had a talk with Prof. Graham one night. He told me he was going to bring his class down here to see Jack Martin's chickens in a couple of weeks Two or three evenings they had a lecture or something on which was always interesting. I would have had lots of skating as they had a dandy rink at the College and two or three down town but my knee was bad nearly the whole time. However I did go and skate after a carnival they had and as I knew Hammond who is a second year man up there I got an introduction to several of the girls. I spent one evening with the Graeser's who are friends of Miss Scott and the Millman's so taking it all round I had a mighty good two weeks of it my knee being the only drawback. Sunday January 24th Frank was the only member of this family who went to church this morning and Dick was the sole representative to-night. I had a sore throat all day and felt pretty tough. Dad. spent the day doing chores and about five o'clock took Enah and Tiddums for a short drive. Frank spent the after noon in the woods. Cold but lovely day, sunny and bright. Monday Janaury 25th Frank stayed home from school to-day and he and Dad. did chores and cut wood all day. They got a big pile cut. I felt too rotten to go out of the house at all. Cold day but nice. Tuesday January 26th Frank stayed home again to-day and this morning he and Dad. took the little steer over to the slaughter house. Whit. killed it and dressed it to-day and they went over and got it in the bobsleigh to-night. Enah and Tiddums went down town with them and waited down town while they went over and got the meat. They took one quarter down to Huby and another to Mrs. McBride. He just dressed 352 lbs. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Cold & bright. Wednesday January 27th Dad. cut up one of the quarters of beef this morning and this after noon he Enah & Tiddums drove down to Law's to get one of them to haul ice to-morrow Sam was there and he said if Alan couldn't come he would https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/74f4e7640640e85bbf078a51b2b4dcce.pdf 9bdccdec5237138d28c72182102d94d9 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Frank went to school to day but Huby came over and cleaned out the ice house. We had a long visit from Jonas to-night. Still cold and bright. Thursday January 28th Dad. and Huby have been busy to-day filling the ice house Alan came and hauled eight loads. it is nice ice now but the blocks are thick Huby came over just before dinner on Alan's second load. He voted first they are voting for councillors to-day. Dick came home for tea to have a feed of beef heart and he told us that Ed. headed the poles with Mat. Wilson second. Harry Smith just missed by one vote There were just the three running and only two were to be elected. I felt better to-day and took Tiddums out for a ride in his dandy new sleigh which his Granfather made him Weather about the same as yesterday. Friday January 29th I have been out a little more to-day and did a few chores and put the cotton on another of my window frames. Huby has been over all day packing sawdust around the ice. I guess we will have to get another load. Dad. took a load of ice down to Lea Marshall's this after noon as all the farmers are helping him fill his ice house. Frank went down to see a broom-ball match to-night which they are having between the East and West side of Main St. Very cold and windy to-day. Snow drifting. Saturday January 30th Alan Law came over this morning and borrowed our sleighs to haul ice for Bob. Miller but left his here so Dad. and I cleaned out the horse stable and boxstall which had been cleaned out for two weeks so altogether there were two good sleigh loads and Dad. hauled it out on the old garden. I also made a rack in the chicken house to hold the window frames when there are not in use. Huby came over about noon and he and Frank cut wood all the afternoon Dad. and I did chores. Lila came over with Huby. Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down town about five o'clock They took down eight dozen eggs and got 32 cts a doz. Very cold last night and cold all day but very sunny and still. Sunday January 31st We were very late getting up this morning and except for Frank and Dick nobody has been off or on the farm all day Frank went to church & sunday school this morning and Dick who didn't get up till after noon went down town about three o'clock. Dad. & I did chores most of the morning and I https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3324bf214ad7a218881f0abca96b1645.pdf dcf56289f4fa5eb4ed3a38ab8d61aa49 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. read this afternoon. To-night Dad. wrote letters and I drew Enah. went to sleep and Frank wrote a letter to Aunt Leena. It has been mild and cloudy all day snowed this morning turning to an icy rain. Monday February 1st It rained all night last night and this morning everything was flooded so I drove the boys down to school and the bank. It began to freeze before noon and the wind got up so by to-night there was a fierce storm raging with a cutting sleet and it was pretty cold. We didn't do anything but chores all day and not any more of them than was necessary. We sat around and read most of the after noon. Tuesday February 2nd This has been the worst storm we have had for quite awhile. It stormed all night and all to-day but to-night is quieter. No trains came in at all to-day and they took the engine of the freight to pull the Stratford train out Dave Turner got out a mile or so but came back. The snow is so solid it is just like sand drifts. I walked down town this morning and got my hair cut This after noon put cotton on another window frame for the chicken house. It was nearly full of snow this morning. Frank came home about three o'clock as there was hardly anyone at school and the room was so cold the snow which drifted in didn't melt all day. Mrs. McBride came over this morning I don't know whether she intended to wash or not but she didn't. The old bear didn't see his shadow to-day but its very doubtful if he stuck his nose outside his log all day, so I suppose we should have an early spring. Wednesday February 3rd Dad. and I spent most of the fore noon shovelling snow as everything was drifted full. Tupper and Mr. Evans broke the trail from the Winding Hills to the mill bridge. Tupper was in here to get a cure for ringworm he has a patch of it near his mouth. I don't think any trains went out to-day but the mail train got in about five o'clock to-night. Frank went down after tea to get the mail and see another broom ball match. Dick didn't come home at all last night. This has been a lovely day. Cold but very sunny and not much breeze. Frank has just come home and said it was the snowplow which came in instead of the mail train but the track is clear now. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a484f87e4d38ab5131f396d300c6503e.pdf 194fc4fcc9ad59f432460ad741ce6655 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday February 4th Tims and I are alone tonight, the others are all down at the Cadets' concert and as they thought there would be a dance after it I suppose they will be late getting home so I think when I have written this I will go to bed. I have read a lot of the papers Miss Newell sent to Frank we have had no mail since Monday and I dont believe there has been a train in on the Hamilton road since the storm. We prepared for Mrs McBride today but she did not come. Toby and I got a couple of loads of wood up today, it was quite a job breaking the road there is a lot of snow now. It has been a very fine day pretty cold but bright. Friday February 5th We were late getting up this morning but managed to get the chores done up in time to haul up one load of wood. We took Tiddums back with us and he had a fine time. Coming home he showed signs of uneasiness I think owing to the fact that his feet were cold although he declared they were not but when Snoop and Bluch threatened to have a passage at arms he cheered up considerably.The dogs didn't fight however as Sam called Snoop home. Yesterday they had a little set to but old Bluch settled the dispute very quickly. Snoop is game but Bluch is too much for him. It was beginning to rain when we got in and when we got the load off Dad. went down to the mill and got <s>a</s> bags of flour, chop, & rolled oats. By after dinner it was raining too hard to go back to the woods and it kept it up all the after noon and is still raining to-night. I put in the after noon making a door for the partition between the two pens in the chicken shed. Dad. did chores and took the pork out of the pickle and put the beef in. I was going up to Simcoe to-night with a load that Cars. Rankin got up to see a hockey match but as it was raining so hard I didn't go. I don't suppose the rest would as I don't think the ice would be any good let alone the unpleasantness of the trip. The train came in on the Hamilton track to-day for the first time since the blockade and we got out mail to-night after being without it for three or four days. This has been one of the worst storms we have had for a long time. They say the snowplow and two engines ran off the track down by the Creamery yesterday and smashed the snowplow all to pieces and injured one of the engineers quite severly. The last we heard of the Port Rowan train it was stuck in a snowbank a couple of miles south of Simcoe https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/8079e58264beacf6c13af090121c3493.pdf ba19b389753124a612167fe7279d9e80 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Saturday February 6th It rained all fore noon and turned later to snow it has been cold and raw all day. After chores I spent most of the day fixing around the chicken house and made a door for the opening at the east end of the shed. Dad. and Frank sawed wood all morning and right after dinner hooked up and went down after a load of shingles and pickets to make a {sheep rack?}. Huby had them in the woodshed down home. Win came back with them and stayed to tea. After they got home we separated the calves from the sheep and put the former over in the barn near Deadnought's stall. After tea Win, Frank and I went down to the Moving Picture show Win & I got in at the first show but Frank and Lila who were a little later couldn't get in on account of the crowd but they got in at the second show and saw The "Million Dollar Mystery" which was the principal thing we went to see. The films didn't come till the late train so Win. & I missed it. One of the ewes the old fat one looks very sick to-night. Her legs seem stiff and she is panting very hard and not eating, we don't know what ails her but she looks to be pretty sick I have got up fairly early in the morning to write this and although I have the fire lit. It is still so cold in here that I have put on my gloves and cap and pulled down the ear tabs in the hope of feeling comfortable Sunday February 7th Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and Dad. & I did up the chores. Dick got up in time for dinner. We all got ready to drive down to see the wreck of the snowplow after dinner on the bobsleighs but just as we got ready a terrific snowstorm came up and in the midst of it Elva, Said. Davis & May Perry came over and were here all the after noon and evening. Then we hooked up to the bobsleigh & Dick Frank and I drove them down home. We had a mighty pleasant time but poor Dick didn't get down at all to see Dess and he was terribly afraid she would be mad. It has been a lovely day most of the time but for a snowstorm now and then. The sick ewe was a lot better to-day but something is wrong with her. Monday February 8th I got up fairly early this morning and got most of my chores done before breakfast. I didn't do much during the morning but make some buttons to hold the frames in the chicken house. We had dinner early and hooked up to the bobsleighs and all drove down to meet the one o'clock train as Aunty & Aunty Alice came in on it from Brantford as they had gone over there from Toronto to see Miss Battersby. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/1c94179f486823e6e1601fa1bca91109.pdf aa546933aeab6190a635642c948eae72 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. They went to Huby's and so we didn't see much of them to-day. When we got home Art Ryersie and Colin came in to settle up some accounts. They were here a long time and Art was expressing his opinion of the war, hard times, and the outlook for feeding till Spring and others which are troubling the most of us just now. To-night just about six Jack Highland came in and wanted Dad. to take down the three bags of bluegrass seed. Huby told me the other day that he wanted it to-day but we didn't know whether he meant it or not so forgot it, so Dad. & Frank had to take it down to-night. I went to Simcoe to drill to-night and took Colin Ryersie with me but when I got there I found them practicing for another patriotic concert in the Armories and they weren't having any drill and wouldn't let Colin in at all so we didn't stay long and I got home before Dad. went to bed. Raw & Cold. Tuesday February 9th We were going after a load of wood this morning but Jack McBride came after Dad. to see a sick cow so I did up the chores and cut a little wood for Mrs McBride who was here washing. This after noon I went over to Jack Martin's thinking Prof. Graham would be there from the O.A.C. with his short course students as he told me he was coming down about this time and John Quanbury told us yesterday he was coming to-day but I found out he had come last night and been over here this morning so I missed them. After I got back Dad. & Tiddums drove down in the bobsleighs and brought Aunty & Aunty Alice over. it has been a nice day, sunny but pretty cold. Wednesday February 10th Dad. and I went back this morning and got a load of rails. We got all we could and nearly all there were but there are still a few under the snow. While we were at dinner Cars. Rankin came over to task me if I would take a load to Simcoe to-night. He said there were three or four fellows promised to go and an equal number of girls and that it would be worthwhile Dad. told me to tell him I wouldn't go so I did and then Dad said if i wanted to take Belle & Joe I could so I promised him I would. This after noon Dad. and I went up and got a load of gravel at Cantelon's and I had to hurry to get down town at the right time When I got there I found ten girls waiting and only one boy Charlie Nun. The others had disappeared and Cars. had gone up on the train. They all piled in and then I remembered that in my hurry I had come away without https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a79166e7c5a887bbdeb0c7b1aa356921.pdf 68f405e3413e8e2cd1d1bfa493f0ffcf PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. my skates so they said for me to go around by home and get them which I did but it made us late and we didn't reach Simcoe till nearly nine o'clock and there Charlie Nun proved himself to be worth all the rest of the bunch put to-gether who promised to go and didn't for he paid for most of the girls' way in to the rink and also for my ticket Dick had gone up on the afternoon train so he took Dess over. The game was between the Simcoe O.H.A. Juniors and Waterford. Cars. played with Simcoe and their team proved to be far more than a match for the Waterford fellows and the score was 7-3 I think favor of Simcoe. It was a pretty poor game and pretty dirty on the Waterford side especially. We had a half an hour or so skating after the match and got well warmed up and left for home before twelve. I nearly knocked one of my teeth out and Mildred Henry's brains at the same time while we were skating We were playing tag and I was it and as she was skating towards me I made at her to tag her. She saw me coming and turned around as I thought to skate away, but instead tried to dodge me or some thing with the result of a great collision and the above mentioned consequences. Dick and Cars. came back with us and we got back about half past one or two. Lovely day & night but pretty cold. Thursday February 11th This morning Dad. hauled wood while I did up the chores and this after noon we hauled another load of gravel from Cantelon's. There was a bunch up there including John Wess & Tupper. Rus. Lampkins also came in but decided he couldn't get through to Lynn Valley with a load so didn't stay. This morning Art Munroe came over after Dad. as their (Ivey's) black mare was down and they couldn't get her up She was over in the back field by the woods and had an attach of the colic. She got up after a while but was pretty stubborn about it. It has been pretty cold and breezy to day. Friday February 12th Dad. hauled wood all day to-day, he got up four loads which was all there was back there. I did up the chores and worked around at odd jobs while he was gone and helped him to unload the loads of wood. The last load out but one Dad. took Enah and Tiddums down to Alfred's and called for them again when he had unloaded. He and I also went down to the mill and got a bag of buckwheat and a bag of shelled corn for the chickens. Frank went down town to-night and asked Huby if he would come over to-morrow and help him saw wood. Huby said he would. Very mild and Spring like to day. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/7b66c1b83cebc349bcff0e00dd5bdbe8.pdf 7b593abf7da9b58ee41cff8d14ae5930 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Saturday February 13th Huby and Lila came over this morning and have been here all day Huby & Frank cutting wood most of the time. This morning Dad. Lila and I went up and got another load of gravel. Yesterday's thaw made the roads pretty slippery and in some places the snow was nearly all gone, we had no trouble getting home with our load however, although Preston's hill was pretty bad in spots. As Frank wanted to make a trip to the Gravel pit he and Dad. went up for a load this after noon. They wanted to put it off way up at Sam's corner but when they crossed the ditch the bobs got stuck and they had to throw the load of where it was, unleach the team as Harry fell down and pull the sleighs out with the cham. Huby helped me put the netting on the chicken house windows this after noon and then Enah. Tiddums and I drove down town. Enah took down seven dozen eggs and got 28 cts for them. We saw Dick down town and while Enah was shopping he, Tiddums and I had a great drive around town which apparently delighted Tid. to the utmost. It rained this morning and hasn't frozen all day but the wind is much colder. Sunday February 14th I just watered the horses and fed the chickens this morning and then got ready and went down to Sunday school with Frank. Hazen started back a few weeks ago so I thought I would keep him company. I went around and called for him. He invited me over to dinner so I went after church. Hazen, Dave & Booze were keeping hatch to-day and Hazen did the cooking. We had a chicken which was mighty good. I was over there all the afternoon and didn't get home till after five. Just as I was coming over the bridge Dad overtook me with the team, sleigs and all the family, they had been out at the Shand's and had come around by town to get Aunty's and Aunty Alice's luggage as they are going to stay over here for awhile. To night We all listened to Aunty read "Little Lord Fauntleroy." Very mild and Spring like all day with quite a heavy shower of rain after dinner. Monday February 15th I happened to get up early this morning and while poking around heard a sheep blat. I lit the lantren and went out and saw the ewe which as been sick all week No 24 looked very much like lambing so I called Dad. and sure enough before long there was a lamb and before breakfast another and soon after a third but it was dead. Dad. has been running back and forward to the barn all day with first one and then the other to keep them warm and also to feed them as the ewe so far has hardly any milk for them, but to-night they look fairly comfortable https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/70ea2d3d9645221565e86fcb007e0b48.pdf 0f8516202ce5e14d7519585c0f0508f3 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. We built a pen over in the barn this after noon and shut the ewe and her lambs in it which separates them from the other sheep. Dad. helped me put the gate on the chicken yard and to-night I separated the three pens but haven't them sorted out yet. To-night Dad. & Enah went down to a concert by the Nanticoke Minstrel's. Frank went down to change a vest he got at Butler's. It has been mild to-day but cloudy. Tuesday February 16th This morning I went over first thing and got some roosters from Jack Martin. I got four to mate up with about fortytwo or three hens. I also got a little brandy from Mrs. Quanbury for the lambs as one of them was nearly all in this morning when Dad. went out but when I got home this one little fellow was dead. However the brandy revived the other one and by to-night was quite lively. This after noon I spent most of the time being coachman for the family. First I drove Aunty down town as she wanted to go to auxilliary Just as I got home Enah was ready to go down town to I drove her down. Then I nicely got back to the head of the lane when Mrs. McBride who has been here washing all day came out on her way home so I turned around and drove her home. I then was able to put Joe in for about an hour or so and then drove down and got Aunty & <s>Aunty</s> Enah and brought them home. To-night Dad. helped me get all the single comb hens out from the others and by themselfes and also to even up the other two pens a little better, so now I have about twenty hens and twenty two or three pullets. There may be a pullet or two in with the hens. It was colder to-day and cloudy and threatened to snow all day. I sat up till half past one reading "The Broad Highway." Wednesday February 17th I did chores most of the morning and nothing else much all day as I spent the time reading My "Broad Highway" I intended only to read at it odd minutes but it was too much for me and I put in nearly the whole day with it, after reading it, going back to feeding chickens and cleaning stables seems an unbearably tame way of living. This being Ash Wednesday Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to church this morning and Miss Harding came back with them to dinner She was here all the after noon and drove down to-night with Enah and <s>I</s> as we went to church this evening. Frank walked down to church but came back with us. The other lamb died to-day. About 9.30 to-night Tupper came after Dad to see a sick ewe. Sunny & thawing but raw. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/95df3d2350562df0149f73b3a9ab6917.pdf e83ab0aeac5ddfd21c679e18a9ed8080 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday February 18th This morning I drove Aunty to Vittoria to catch the 11.40 train for Port Rowan as she went up for the day to see Aunt<s>y</s> Ida. I didn't come straight home but went around to see if I could come down the front road but I saw both the Dunkin's and they said I couldn't get through that way so I had to come back around by Vittoria. Mr. Dunkin told me that he hadn't had the sheep registered yet and got me to give him the numbers again. As I wasn't in a special hurry I drove down the road that goes past the mill but after getting along it quite a way had to turn back but I wasn't sorry I went as it is so pretty. I think I have been through before but it must have been a long time ago and in the summer, it is just a pretty in winter, as the little stream is running along just the same, and the snow, sunshine and evergreens all combine to give it a very cosy & comfortable appearance and the narrow little roadway bounded by the artistic old rail fences over which you occasionally catch a glimpse of a field keep you in mind of the fact that you are still within reach of civilization but at the same time fits in beautifully with the fairyland surroundings. That is certainly a lovely country up there if it isn't much good. I didn't get home till after the rest had had dinner and as Sid. McBride had been here to tell us our wire had come Dad. and I had to go down after in this after noon. Dick came home to tea to-night and afterwards he and I went down to the Orchestra's dance. We had a dandy time, there were not many boys there but lots of girls. I danced pretty nearly every dance and with pretty nearly every girl and by half past two wasn't any more than able to toddle home. Perce Brock was down with his troops and so with him and Murray combined we couldn't help but have dandy music, the rest of the Orchestra was there too of course. The old ewe who has lambed could not get up to-day and all the after noon has been stretched out flat and although she was chewing her cud this after noon to-night she is just about dead. It has been a beautiful day fairly cold breeze but very sunny Friday February 19th Dad. and I didn't do anything all morning but tend to sheep and lambs. The sick ewe died during the night. Dad thought of skinning her but when he saw that her skin was all mottled he decided not to touch her as he was afraid of blood poison and besides the wool came right off her I suppose from fever. He took the fleece of her by pulling it and it came as easily and left the skin https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/9333e53d21aada957b875718ff29f31d.pdf e25a9d4de1f1e4f439c59a3e946b82a8 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. as clean as a whistle. First thing this morning old ewe No 117 had three lambs, the first one not much bigger than a half grown kitten, the second one a little bigger but weak and the last one the biggest and huskiest. The first two were not only weak but didn't know enough to go and get their natural breakfast so Dad. has been carrying them back and forward to the house to feed them and keep them warm. About noon old Splitear had a pair of twins but they were bigger and much more sensible. This after noon we did chores principally and Dad. buried the dead ewe. Colin Ryersie came in for quite a visit To-night Frank went down to the train and Aunty came home with him Lovely sunny day Saturday February 20th We didn't do much this morning but chores and I put Queen in Ginger's stall and cleaned her up and monkeyed with her for quite awhile till when I was washing her stifle she kicked me on my sore knee which settled me till after dinner. Jim Waddle and the two little girls came in and were here for a long time staying till dinner time. Frank tore down some of the barbed wire fence along the road. This after noon I drove Enah and Tiddums down town Aunty went as far as Uncle Ward's with us. To-night we all stayed home and Frank and I had a bath. When Dick came home he stayed up till three oclock reading "The Money Moon" which Aunty Alice gave him Very mild and soft to-day. Sleighing nearly gone Sunday February 21st I went down to Sunday school again this morning with Aunty and Frank and also to church. Aunty and Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Key's for dinner. This after noon Frank and I went for a ride, he took Belle with the little saddle and I was mounted on Joe. We had a dandy galop We went up the Gravel to the corner this side of the Half-Way-House crossed over to the Radical at the Brick School House and down the Radical through town and home. We were rather stiff to-night and Frank went to bed at eight o'clock but before I hit the strawpile we had some music. Softer and sunnier than ever to-day Sleighing no good at all Monday February 22nd Dad. didn't go to bed at all last night on account of the sheep. His ewe had one lamb about one oclock, it is very small and just as foolish as the others were about nursing we didn't pay much attention to it all day just holding https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/60f02cce0fc2b458dd37288341c6f1cc.pdf 86c0208afda7ecdb028906b9c33d4dae PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. the mother a couple of times for the lamb to suck but this evening when Dad. went to look at it it was nearly dead. He brought it in the house and has been tending to it and feeding it out of the bottle with brandy & milk all evening and although for awhile he and Aunty Alice thought they had a hopeless case but now it has revived a little I haven't done much all day but chores and cleaned out the far chicken pen I also gave Queen a little brushing off and cleaned out the boxstall it has been a very rainy after noon and I read the "Money Moon" for an hour or two. Jonas came over before tea and bought a setting of eggs It has been very soft and Springlike but cloudy with a little rain. Tuesday February 23rd It has rained nearly all day to-day so we didn't do anything much except chores and Dad. put in a lot of time tending to the sheep. His lamb died to-day so he is going to try to put the little pet lamb on his ewe although she hasn't much bag. This after noon Dad. & I drove Aunty & Aunty Alice down town in the bobsleighs although the roads were mostly mud. They are going to stay down till Sunday. We brought Blaikeys old iron pot back from Butlers where it has been ever since Blaikey gave it to us <s>since</s> when he had his sale three years ago. Mrs. McBride was here to wash to-day and hung the clothes in the woodshed. Wednesday February 24th This morning we did up the chores and I put the harness & bridle on Queen but didn't take her out. I also went over to Jack Martin's and got an egg crate to start saving eggs for him. Old Mr. Silverthorn was over to see what we would send to the men's banquet on Friday night and put us down for some cream. Dad. & I took a walk back to see what the wheat looked like before dinner. The piece next Ivey's looks fine and there is no water lying on it although Ivey's place is flooded in spite of his tile. The other piece doesn't look so well especially on the knoll where it seems to be killed out and there are several places where the water is lying on it. Charlie Quanbury brought Chris' hams over to be smoked this after noon and I went out to his farm with him. He was fixing up his cow stable as he wants to get moved out in a week. He is going to keep hatch. I am afraid it will be pretty lonely for him but he thinks he wont mind. Frank went down to church to-night. It has been cloudy & very mild all day. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/95b8302d3feb9373671360fff9ac3da1.pdf 045226a27b329248c9329329fa6ff6c1 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday February 25th This morning we put the pork in the smoke house and Dad. started a fire in the old iron pot we got from Butler's He thought it would make a fine firebox as there is a big hole in the bottom of the side which he thought would do for a damper (which it certainly did). He went out after dinner to see it and the pot had melted a hole in the ice for the smoke house had been flooded and when the pot sunk the water ran in the hole and put the fire out. This after noon I started to tidy up the shop and Dad. and I cut a little wood. To-night Dad. & I walked down to see Aunty & Aunty Alice and Dad. got his hair cut. They are staying up at Cousin Loll's for a day or two & Cousin Loll & Willie have gone to Toronto to see Hugh. They thought it very queer that last night Cousin Loll dreamt all night about Hugh She thought he had come home and it was so real she woke up and got up, then went to sleep again and dreamt the same thing over again, so she thought surely she would get a letter to-day from him but was disappointed, but late this afternoon Cousin Willie came up and said Hugh had just telephoned him from Toronto as he was there on business but wouldn't have time to come to Dover so wanted them to go down there. Cousin Willie had planned to go down anyway to a board of trade meeting so Cousin Loll went with him this morning and they expect to be back to-morrow night. Aunty & Aunty Alice expect to leave for the West Monday night. Tom Abbot and Billy {Haron?} were in this after noon Tom's mare has flatulent colic which is the same as Tuple's horse died of the other day so poor Tom was pretty frightened and wanted Dad to go down but Dad. gave him some medicine instead. It has been much colder and very blustery with snow today. Friday February 26th Dad. and I cut some wood this morning besides doing up the chores. This afternoon we were preparing to go over and pay Tupper a visit when Tom Abbot came in to get Dad. to go down and see Maude so we all walked down there judging from appearances Maude didn't seem in bad health except that she was a little bloated, but she was active and attentive and didn't seem in any pain however Dad. left Tom some medicine and advice. It was after five when we got home. I went down to the Men's missionary hangout for supper. I bought a ticket from Dick for fifty cts the other day so thought I had better use it. The cadets waited on the table and as I happened https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2b38b105e22509ca7532b9ca13f12910.pdf 9e32e6f34c34531778e3c90e9b4da0ea PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. think I was doing too badly when I could run up the G. scale two octaves and pretty nearly come down again and could also scrape off "Drink to me only" & "Sun of my Soul" so that you could tell what I was trying to play. Dick went down town this after noon after spending the first half of the day in bed according to custom and got home to-night about twelve It has been a sunny day but a cold raw wind. Monday March 1st The first thing on the programme this morning was the presentation of another pair of lambs by Greynose 118. I found them about half an hour after Dad. had looked in and found nothing. They were both dandy big fat strong ones and didn't need any nursing at all. When the sun got good and hot Dad. turned the old ewe and lambs in the shed where they were out of the wind. We did chores all morning and this after noon went down to say good-bye to Aunty & Aunty Alice as they left for the West to-night and are going to stay with Roy & Vernon to-night. I took 6 dozen eggs over to Jack Martin and Enah took five dozen down town. Jack said he wanted to send over a couple more roosters to put in the single comb pen. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. To-night Dick and I went to Simcoe as Dick wanted to see a hockey match between Simcoe & Hamilton. Dad. assured us that the roads would be impassable as they said they were last Thursday but as Dick heard from several that they were good and as two or three had come down in automobiles and as it was a lovely full moon to-night we thought we would risk it, we were very glad we did for the roads were as smooth and hard as could be hardly any snow left on them except in one or two spots. It was a very good game between the Seniors & Hamilton and finished in two periods with a score of 4-2 in favor of Simcoe. I think the Hamilton fellows were a little the best team but Simcoe's goal-tender saved them. I went over to the Armories before the match and had about half an hour's drill. The third contingent fellows of which there are about thirty from the 39th are living at the Armories. They are going to have target practice down in the basement next Wednesday and cut out the drill one night a week. Sunny but cold to-day. Tuesday March 2nd I felt rather tough to-day as I had a sore throat and a cold I suppose due to my last night's exploit as Dick & I did considerable singing on the road home. First thing I went over to Martin's and got a couple of cockerels for the single comb https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/8b07ca2ae1a8d9561defb5f0dcd9a133.pdf e459e8ee78aeae10f10c47d99a11252f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. to sit down at a table which was under the supervision of Ed. Lindsay who didn't seem to do anything but run around with a large pitcher of hot coffee, I think I could have got a much better tea at home for nothing only I wouldnt have had three different kinds of cake. After supper we had to sit for about three hours and listen to speeches from fellows from Simcoe and Toronto as well as our own local talent. They didn't do or say anything much but crack jokes and talk about the war and the Kaiser and the missionary movement. Frank came down after tea and waited till I went home Dick was at the supper but had some excuse about having to work so missed the speeches. Cold wind and blustery. Lovely night. Saturday 27th February We didn't do anything much this morning but chores and cut a little wood. Frank and I had a good boxing match in the shop, he's not bad with his fists at all. Winnie & Lila came over to dinner Winnie had a collection box collecting to buy surplices for the choir. I donated a very nice two inch nail which I happened to have in my pocket. Winnie didn't seem very appreciative. Tom came in after dinner to tell Dad. that Maude isn't well yet although she is getting her appetite back having eat four bran mashes and is ready for as many more Dad. said she was doing all right but gave Tom a ball to give her. The minute Tom came in Tiddums solicited a nickel from him and got it. Just after Tom left Tupper came in and was here most of the after noon just visiting. Frank went down to-night to help eat up what was left over from last night's banquet. He'll get his supper for ten cents and won't have to listen to any speeches. It has been freezing all day with cold wind but sunny. Sunday February 28th Frank and I went down to Sunday school & church and Enah came down to church as they had a hymn sang to the tune of "Tell Aunty Rhody the Grey Goose is dead." And so Harry Moon sent her a special invitation to be there Aunty was in church and she & Aunty Alice came over here to dinner. They went back before tea however as Aunty Alice has a bad cold and didn't want to be out after sundown Dad. went down to church to-night and around to see them They expect to leave for the West to-morrow night. They were able to get cheap tickets after all. This evening Enah & I played a few duets but the parlor was pretty cold so I spent the rest of the evening practicing on the fiddle. Last night was the first time I ever tried it so didn't https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/824711f085aae4ab1f0bb86e1c577cc5.pdf 048a0812b156559aacb89ce89f4619ab PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. pen I also took the little cockerel which has been running with them over but they said he was too small to be any good so I brought him back and shut him in the corn crib with the Old Plymouth Rock & Rhode Island Red to await execution. When Dad. went out the cow stable this morning he found a heifer calf belonging to Jim. so that has taken up a little extra time but it is a fine red calf & good & strong but a little finer than Mary, Dad. thinks Martha would be a good name for it. This after noon Enah went down to Auxiliary and I minded Tiddums who was wonderfully good but didn't seem to be able to satiate his ravenous appetite for apples and I didn't like to give him too many. Dad took the old Rhode Island Red hen down to Alfred's and traded her off for a rooster to kill. We hated to kill her as she is laying. It has been a sunny but very windy & raw day. Wednesday March 3rd I didn't do anything to-day but chores as I felt rather tough with a cold and there was a cold high wind all day Dad chopped the smoke house door open again and put a fire in. I got twenty five eggs to-day, they are picking up. To-night Enah and Frank went to church & choir practice and I went to a party at Pat's & Bessies. I went up to the bank first and went down with Dick & Hazen. There was a big crowd down there playing pedro, we had a mighty good time but didn't get home till about two o'clock so I suppose will feel the effects later. Dick <s>one</s> won the gentleman's first prize which was a book. Art. Lawdon got the booby I think he was one game lower than me. Thursday March 4th As I expected I felt tough to-day but more on account of my cold than anything. I did chores and pruned some of the peach trees this morning and slept most of the after noon Dad. went down to the mill and had quite a visit with old Ivey and made arrangements to get about forty bushels of seed oats and run his {face?} for them I guess he succeeded all right and will get them to-morrow. Nice sunny day. Friday March 5th We hooked up the team this morning and went down to the mill to get our seed oats. We got forty bushels and put them in Ed's big bin It took us nearly all morning to fix things to hold them We left some right in the bags. We hauled over a few forkfuls of the old thrashed bluegrass out of the shed to the other barn. This after noon I took Ivey's sacks back to him and did chores. Old Jonas paid us quite a visit https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/99ad5c195a154c5a96541e57e5d09c07.pdf b3d94cf10254e0078df6d5fdd7ce439b PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. last night. He has rented Hew Morgan's property up the radical roads about twenty two acres, house & barn some fruit and a grape vine for $75 a year. He thinks he will be able to make it growing vegetables. To-night Enah & I went down to Elva's to another pedro party. We got there early so I went back to town and came over with Dick & Harry {Wrey?}. We had another very enjoyable evening but didn't get home till two o'clock. Dick won a box of blacking this time for the booby prize with the inscription "If you can't shine at the head shine at the foot. There has been a rather raw wind all day and this after noon it began to snow it was still snowing when we came home but the wind had gone down and it had turned very soft. Saturday March 6th I havent done anything but chores all day and havent been very swift at them. I had a short nooze before dinner Tonight before six Frank & I went down and got the mail & some coal oil. Tony Bannister came over after dinner an he and Frank went back to see if there were any fish in the creek but there wasn't any water in it yet. Truman Walker was in at noon and borrowed the saddle as he was taking one of his mares to Simcoe to sell her for an artillery horse. His father is in Toronto having his eye treated and has been gone for several weeks Trum. says it will be a long time before he will be back It has been cloudy and snowing a little but very soft. There were quite a few cutters & sleighs out to-day but I guess it sleighing is pretty poor Sunday March 7th Frank was the only member of this family at church or Sunday school this morning and he stayed down at Huby's for dinner. My cold was so bad that I didn't do a pesky thing all day but sit around, practice on the fiddle write a letter to Quint. and read. Dad. did all the chores and this morning drove Enah and Tiddums down to the latter's Grandma's where they had dinner and <s>and</s> spent the afternoon Dad. brought them home at five o'clock. Dick got up about two o'clock and went down to see Dess for the rest of the day & a good part of the night. I went to bed right after tea. Snowed a little but mild. Monday March 8th I didn't get up till after noon to-day and have just sat around all the rest of the day. Dad. went down this morning to ask Sairy if she wanted his blind lamb to look after and this after noon Jonas came after it. They are getting all ready to https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/e60b797ec3bfb5c4b13e4218b3231fa2.pdf ed58d59c958fbd7e3056dde3e0798dc0 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. move up to their farm to-morrow. The chief item of intrest was Dick coming home to tea to-night to help us eat roast chicken, not only that but he stayed home all evening and went to bed quite early not before we had a grand musicale however with Dad. & Enah <s>and</s> the fiddle & guitar and Dick on the mouth organ and tin whistle Dick became so jubilant that he could not refrain from dancing very noisily around the kitchen and waking up Tiddums who came running out here in his bare feet and wouldn't go back to bed for about an hour. Dick had brought him home a tin drum full of animal shaped biscuits which he aparently enjoyed very mucch. It froze pretty hard last night but has been very sunny & soft today. Tuesday March 9th I got up for breakfast this morning but have been in the house all day. This morning Billy Hawn came after Dad. to go down and see John Watts mare but Dad. didnt have time so gave him some medicine. Then Alfred came up as the old black horse was sick again & Alfred wanted <s>them</s> her put out of her misery either kill or cure so Dad. went down but said She wasn't dangerously ill. I guess Alfred rather wishes She would die as she is 25 years old and as long as he has her he hasn't got room for another and yet when she is well she can do her share of work so he hates to kill her. This after noon Dad Enah & Tiddums drove down town and back then Dad. drove Mrs. McB home who has been here washing all day. Cecil MacPherson came over with Frank after school and borrowed one of Dad's canary cages the breeding cage as his mother is going to raise canarys. Very mild & sunny all day. Wednesday March 10th My cold was much better to-day and I have been outside most of the day. Dad. helped me bring the incubator up out of the cellar this morning and I cleaned it out and started the lamp. The door of the egg chamber is warped or rather swollen that it won't shut, we thought the spare room would be the best place to run the first hatch through this year as the cellar is so full of apples & vegetables that we were afraid the air would not be pure enough and it would take a long time to get it ready down there. John Wess came in to see Dad. this morning about one of his mares and Sat. Robinson was in this after noon for vetinary advice. This evening the assessor, Mr. Austin of two years ago was around and knocked off the five hundred dollars that Vair put on the assessment last year which pleased Dad. greatly https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3fcfee3c09d54cda167a4cffef9737d2.pdf b3e54d4b2179341a2427447cda67798f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. To-night Frank went down to the weekly Lenten service presumably to sit and watch Rosy. Sunny & mild all day. There are some very fishy stories going the rounds just now about Henry Hoffman being arrested in New York as a German Spy and having on him papers concerning Canadian Government buildings & forts which everyone should not know. Thursday March 11th I went over to Martin's this morning to ask Chris about the incubator, I was afraid the thermostat had gone wrong but he said it was all right. When I got back Dad. & I went down to Hammonds bush and got a waggon box full of sawdust to put on the ice. We didn't get back till after one I saw for the first time a very interesting looking character in the person of Ad. Frolic. I never heard of him till a little while ago but Dad. says he has been around here ever since he can remember, he & Jack Richardson were building a log hut down in the bush where Ad. intends to live in future. It doesn't look as if it would be a very comfortable habitation and is in great contrast to the mansion on the other side of the road where Oscar Howden has built up his old shack into a hip roofed structure of very prepossessing appearance or will be if Oscar ever takes time to paint it or clear up the rubbish around it but I suppose he wont have time for that kind of foolishness. Regarding the personal appearance of the above mentioned Mr. Frolic at a distance he looks very much like the gentleman universally known as Santa Claus as he <s>is about</s> wears his whiskers the same way and is about the same size & shape except that there is not such a large portion of the abdomen which shakes like and rhymes with jelly. On closer inspection however he would never be taken for old St. Nick as his face would I think have the opposite effect upon that part of humanity which the other so delights. It is of a rich reddish purple colour and all puffed and shiny and is used up nearly altogether to make up his nose which is bigger than any other two noses I ever saw. He was just going home to {dinner?} when we saw him and he had pulled on his old overcoat without bothering to pull the collar from where it had rolled under on his back. When I told Tom Abbott the other day that I didn't think I had ever seen him Tom. said he guessed I hadn't as I would be sure to remember if I ever had and I think I most certainly would. I spent the after noon washing out the incubator and getting it in shape to run but to-night the temperature hadn't gone up at all beyond 98°. Tonight Sam & Mrs. Law came over to spend the evening. It was rather cold https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4c9bdadb4cce9911deea7728126ee208.pdf 899934ef24b2dd8d958e521bed044a86 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. in the parlor so we didn't have any music. They were here till about eleven o'clock. It has been sunny but rather raw to-day Friday March 12th I took the mate to the rooster that died over to Martin's this morning and brought two more back here I didn't want to bring just one and put him in with the other for fear they would fight. When I came back I pruned a couple of trees in the orchard. Dad. took a look at the wheat and reported it all right so far. This weather lately has been hard on it as the snow is all off it and it looks terribly brown. This afternoon I started to clear up some of the rubbish around the windmill. It has been sunny and mild but cold breeze. We got a letter from Aunty to-day saying they arrived safely in Fort Saskatchewan. Saturday March 13th This morning I took Chris' ham over to him as Dad. thought they were smoked enough. I wanted to ask him about the incubator, this morning when I went in the temperature had gone down to about sixty seven and the flame was aparently just the same. Chris said it might have been on account of the outside temperature and advised me to put the eggs in, so I did when I got home. I put in 136 eggs and let it go. It has got up to 103° to-night and I put a screen up to keep the cold air from the window off it. I just did odd jobs the rest of the morning and Dad. & Frank went out and opened up the potato pit and found them in good condition so they sacked them all up and hauled them in this after noon. The baby went out to the field with us in the waggon and I took him back as far as the gully while they were loading. When we got in I rode down town and got the mail. Winnie & Lila were over all the after noon & Frank went down with them to-night to play poker. Snowdrop presented us with a black & white heifer calf to-day. Sunny & mild but freezing nights. Sunday March 14th Frank and I went down to Sunday school and church this morning <s>and</s>. They had service in the Sunday school as the church is in a state of upheaval owing to the cleaning of its inside walls and ceiling. Dad. did chores most of the day and Dick slept till dinner time and then went down town. Colin Ryersie rode up this after noon on Lady and as I was thinking of going for a ride myself I took Joe and we had a great ride for a couple of hours or so. Joe was full of mischief and I didn't have to urge to go at all. Frank went down to church to-night. Dad. has been reading Happy Hawkins to us all evening. Beautiful day no wind & very mild just like Spring. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a9d05ebb5ee256551d76ec2865e5e7fa.pdf e7e5caeb220ee9589cd1a3f2a461c502 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Monday March 15th I got up at five this morning and we got the chores done up fairly early. Dad. & I drove out to Jim Waddle's this fore noon as he had a steer out there with an absess on its jaw which he wanted Dad. to look at, it was nothing serious though, we poked around out there looking at the stock for about an hour and came home around by town and got the mail. Dad. also saw Old Walker and asked him if he could borrow fifty dollars to buy our seed with till we sell one of the two year old steers Old Walker said he could have as much as he liked for as long as he wanted it. This after noon I rode Joe down and got her shod so that took up most of the after noon. When I got back I went over to Jack Martin's with a doz. more eggs. Tonight I walked down and got my hair cut. Mrs McBride Nice day. Tuesday March 16th After we did chores this morning we put on a load of oat-sheaves and hauled them over to the horse stable, it took about an hour to chop the ice so that we could open the barn doors. This after noon we put on a load of hay which had been under the oat sheaves and hauled it over to the other barn for the cows we just left it on the waggon. Dad. then put the harness on old Dave and gave him a little exercise. Tiddums was out with us for a long time so long that he went in of his own accord. We got a letter from Aunty & Aunty Alice to-day. It has been sunny but a very cold wind to-day. Mrs. Charlie Martin started getting milk from us to-day. Wednesday March 17th We went down to the mill this morning as soon as we could and got some oats chopped and I got some short bran & corn for the chickens. Dad alao got 9 bushels of O.A.C. No 21 barley for seed It was $1.15 a bushel but was a lovely clean sample When we got back we cleaned out the box stall there was over a waggon load and Dad. hauled it out to where we had the potatoes in the old garden last year This after noon I took Dave out for a little exercise. We tried to get the chores done up as early as possible as Frank & Enah went down to a St. Patrick's Day tea at the Methodist Church and Winnie came over to tea to go to Simcoe with me as she wanted to pay Norah a visit. We had to go way up to the other end of the town to find the house. I went down to the Armories and we had target practice, it is the third one they have had. I made 12 out of 30 which was worse than most but not as bad as some. When I went back to the Cunninghams I found Norah & Winnie had gone to the picture show and I had https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/93ffca7b561831d8a46d24ad1b67f37b.pdf 0f7688f31a0d9d687a80896d9a819442 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. to wait quite awhile for them but Norah's younger sister Hildaguard was home so I didn't much mind the wait. Win & I didn't get home till quite awhile after twelve Dick and I had an invitation to a big dance down in the town hall to-night but neither of us went. Allan Law & one of the Powells down the lake shore got it up It has been a nice day but a rather raw wind. Thursday March 18th This morning we did chores and then treated the two youngest calves horns with acostic potash to kill them. Mary, Mully's calf, didn't have any horns so she escaped the ordeal, we haven't quite decided on a name for the other two calves but we thought that for Jim's calf coming next after Mary, that Martha would suit very well and for Snowdrop's blackie we thought "Just Gone along" might fit in, the only thing with that name is I am afraid that when she becomes of age and is eligible to be sworn at it will be rather a nuisance. This afternoon Dad. drove Enah & Tiddums down to the mill house to call on Mrs. Josef Ivey and he drove on down town and got a bushel of clover seed from Billy Laings. Charlie Nunn sent word over by him that he was having a party and wanted me to go down so I went. There were just a few there, the Henry girls and May Rankin & Mabel Almas and two or three boys but we had a good time and still got home soon after twelve. We didn't play cards or any such tame sport as that but we just cut up all the time peeled the rugs of the floor & danced and played a lot of games which we could run around at. It has been a nice day but rather a raw wind. Friday March 19th This afternoon morning Dad. Tiddums & I drove up to Billy Dixon's and got our seed corn we got all we think we will need for a dollar. Dad. stopped in on the way up & saw George Duncan about getting some rails George told him they were going to tear down a lot of fence around the big orchard & Carpenters bush and that we & Allan Law could start in to haul it right away so Dad. went down to see Alan when we got home and he said he could go tomorrow morning. It was a lovely morning and I think Tiddums enjoyed himself but couldn't keep awake to enjoy the latter half of the journey and when we came through town he was sound asleep on my knee Dick & Harry Ausley both wanted to wake him up, he did open his eyes but shut them again immediately. This after noon I took both Dave & Queen out for a little exercise. Queen https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/d9ee7cdab541c7a667a2a7ca4d3783fb.pdf 564591ffcfa0b44a7db60496046f6176 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. went fairly well but Dave took me unawares once and got away. We had quite a little trouble catch him and getting him quiet. Lila came over after school to-night to stay all night. It has been a lovely day. They say Art Ryersie was working on the land to-day his flats too. Saturday March 20th Dad & Frank got off about eight o'clock to haul rails from Duncan's Alan went up with his team at the same time, he had Frank McBride to help him. They got back just about noon with a good sized load. They came down through town and around by Mrs. Munroes instead of around the hill or up Preston's hill. They got off about two o'clock after another load, they didn't expect Alan to be there this after noon but he was there ahead of them. Dad. said the field was very bad pulling and he told Alan he intended to haul half a load out to the road at a time instead of pulling a full load through the soft field but Alan was so sure his horses could pull it and so he piled on all the rails he could and the consequence was he got bogged in the middle of the field and had to throw half load all off besides tramping the sod all up. They got home about five. I did chores and this morning pruned apple trees but the wind was too cold for that this after noon so I just puttered around. I went down to the mill and paid them $20.00 on the account and then took 1/2 dozen eggs over to Jack Martin. It was a lovely day this morning but a rather cold wind has been blowing since dinner. Sunday March 21st I didn't get the chores done in time to go to Sunday school but Frank went down and Enah & I drove down to church. They had the church all cleaned up in great shape but Mr. Johnson was sick so Cousin Willie ran the service and did twice as well as Mr. Johnson. This after noon I coaxed Dick into going for a ride he took Belle & I took Joe, we had a nice little ride but Dick says he got terribly sore. When we got back I rode down and asked Colin Ryersie if he wanted to go to Simcoe Wednesday night, riding, and he said if his horse wasn't working to hard he would. They have got some seed in the ground down along the creek and part of the side hill is sowed. Dick went down town when he got home. To night I practiced on the fiddle. Frank went for a ride on his bicycle this after noon. There has been a cold wind all day to day and to-night was spitting snow. I broke an egg in the incubator to-night and found a live chicken in it.'' https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a01dd5b27b5e3745458b2587f4258ee1.pdf 43776b49ff0b5c16e4cc196edaad5dc3 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Monday March 22nd Dad. got off about half past eight this morning after rails and got with a pretty good sized load about noon he was there quite awhile before Alan so was all alone as I didn't go with him this morning but stayed home and did chores. I got everything done up so went up with him this afternoon. Alan was a little more careful to-day and this after noon hauled half his load out to the road. We both had on a big load to-night. Alan seemed greatly troubled over the fate of Jack Wardell who he was talking to on the road He hired out to Ged. McSloy for a year with the intentions of getting married to Bert Sindon's daughter but her parents wont let her get married so he threw up his job and was going home yesterday. Alan gave him some very good advice and told him to make a date with the girl to-night and scoot and get married but he thought he would go home and let the matter settle for awhile. To-night Frank and I tested the eggs we saved out forty one out of one hundred and thirty six but after cracking one of the ones we saved out and finding a chicken in it we put six back so that leaves a hundred and one still in the machine. It was inclined to want to snow this morning and to rain this after noon but didn't do either very vigorously and has not been very cold but a raw wind all day. Tuesday March 23rd Dad. & I got off pretty early this morning and got back with a good big load of rails by noon. This afternoon we went up and hauled what were left all except a few panels which were behind a big pile of rails.We only had half a load on this after noon. Alan didn't haul at all to-day but was in at noon for a few minutes, he has an awful cold and can hardly speak. Dad. told him last night that rum was the best thing on earth for a cold so he said he was going to try it. This after noon when we got home we unloaded our rails put the waggon in the shed and hauled the bobsleighs over into the barn as up till now they have been standing out in the lane. Mrs McBride was here washing to day. Sunny & mild but a raw wind. Wednesday March 27th This morning Dad, Tiddums and I drove around to John Wess' and Dad. made arrangements with him to come over the day after to-morrow with his engine and saw and cut up our rail pile as he promised to come over when we got enough rails to make it worthwhile last fall. He said he went over to the Shands the other day and cut up sixty cords of ash which were {illegible} tops and limbs from the logs they sold this winter. We drove up as far as Duncan's https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a8379e046c744496cf52f3cf449b3a86.pdf d21e7b4f2febc2bb88716522a27884a0 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. orchard as Dad. wanted to pay George for the rails but he didn't see anything of him around outside he didn't go in as he was afraid he might see old Bill and not be able to get away from him for the rest of the day. This afternoon we didn't do anything much for an hour or so after dinner Dad. had a snooze and I read chunks of Charles O'Malley then we went out and started to clean out the calf pen but didn't finish the job before it was time to do chores. Colin Ryersie was up here about six o'clock on his black mare to go to Simcoe with me. I wasn't quite ready so we didn't get started till nearly half past six and although we didn't ride at all hard we got there about half past seven and as we were home much earlier we decided that riding was the ideal way to go. We had rifle practice again and I made five more points than I did last time. I hit the bull once. The first shot I had I blazed away at a hole in the wall instead of the target but I got another shot Pud. Smythe was there to-night. It has been a pretty cold wind all day and looked very much like rain this after noon and to-night but didn't. Lovely night Enah and Frank went down to church to-night. Thursday March 25th It rained most of the day to day so we couldn't do much outside Dad and I spent a large part of the morning trying to take a nut off a bolt in the oven damper of the old stove we got from Cousin Bessie but all out efforts were in vain for although we soaked it in coal oil and heated it and had all manner of instruments from a flat rasp to Dad's equine dental forceps we could not budge it so we left it, we put the sleighs away however over in the big barn. This after noon I sat around and read for quite awhile and about four o'clock drove down town to get some household supplies. There was a great {tril?} going on this after noon between Sam Jacques and Nichols the new hotel keeper over a bottle of whiskey which Sam got hold of a couple of weeks ago. I went up for a few minutes but the place was packed and it was rather late so I didn't stay long. Frank was up there and when I left said he guessed he wouldn't come home just yet but we were rather surprised and Dad. very much annoyed when he didn't turn up till about eight o'clock. He had stayed till the thing was over but he said they couldn't come to any decision. It was much colder to-night. Friday March 26th Frank didn't go to school this morning and he and Dad. went over in the waggon to help John Wess load his engine & saw and bring it over. They got back about eleven with the saw but https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/445f8ba8e4e1337f04f520a1c72ce27d.pdf bc9b18f66fa19ec4ab5b58045c0edab7 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. John Wess didn't come as it was so windy, he said it was a horrible job with a wind as the sawdust gets in the eyes. He said he would be over the first fine day. I did chores while they were gone and helped Enah entertain a visitor who was here in quest of old rags & rubbers and also to sell wonderful pails which were guaranteed forever against leaking, burning, melting, bruising, bursting & breaking and which Hugh McQueen could make for a quarter at the bargain prices of 45 cents & 25 cts. We gathered up some old rubbers and gave them to-gether with 10 cts for one of his small pails to induce him to proceed upon his journey to the Doy's next whether he said he was bound. Frank went to school this after noon & Dad. & I just did chores and sat around. It has been very cold all day and windy. To-night the wind has gone down but it is freezing hard. It snowed a little this morning. Saturday March 27th I got up early this morning and wrote to Aunty & Aunty Alice as I heard from them yesterday. After we did up the chores Dad. Frank. Tiddums & I amputated the tails of the six lambs. It should have been done before as the lambs were big and bled pretty freely, however I think to-night they are all right. Dad. & I finished cleaning out the calf pen before dinner and Frank cleaned out the old musty straw and hay out of the hay in the big barn. This after noon we hauled it and the thrashed bluegrass which was over the shed over to the other barn and Dad. is going to use it to bed the cows. We then put on a load of hay and hauled it over to the other barn for the cows. We didn't take it off the waggon. Tony Bannister was over here all the after noon. The German from Jack Martin's came over this after noon and got my eggs I had 10 1/2 doz. for him. Lila has been over since before dinner and went back after tea. Nobody has been down town to get the mail to-day but Lila brought us over three "Jack Canucks" which Dad seems to be enjoying. It froze very hard last night but has been sunny though cold wind. Sunday March 28th When we went out this morning we found a big, red heifer calf depending on the maternal instincts of Bobby for protection & sustenance. It is the first heifer she has ever had and is the sixth heifer to come this year or rather this season as some came before the New Year. Last year they were all steers but one. I didn't get chores done in time to go to Sunday school and instead of going to church I looked after Tiddums and induced Dad. to go. I don't know whether I will get the job again or not as I let him play out on the front lawn and incidentally https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/fac3c538b2d419838b5bbbaad4010378.pdf eea2a54c41158d32f4f9980775d2ce59 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. to fall into the ditch, he went to walk over the plank that lies accross the ditch and not looking where he was going stepped one foot off and fell k-spat in and got soaked. It didn't hurt him but he must have been frightened for I couldn't under any conditions persuade him to stop crying till he got ready and then when I had all his wet duds off and he was beginning to take a more optimistic view of the trials and tribulations of life when he happened to touch a wet spot on his dress. This incident aparently called back visions of the forgotten-for-the-present past for he burst forth again with renewed energy and wept profusely. However Dick was up and we soon got him into a more cheerful frame of mind and kept him there till the folks got home and assumed the responsibility for his conduct and disposition and as far as I was concerned were most welcome to it. This was not the only adventure of the morning in which a change of raiment due to the effects of aqua pura was concerned but time, space and my accursed bashful nature will permit me to give no more details. This after noon Colin & Floyd Ryersie came up on horseback and I joined them. We had a very enjoyable ride although I started out a little too vigorously considering the dinner I had just partaken of and consequently felt some qualms of consience of stomach. I was not in a position then to figure out which but upon reflection I have become convinced it was the latter troubled me most. We went down the lakeshore to Corbett's had a talk with Corby went through their lane to the plank down the plank to the {illegible} and from there home. This evening I intended to go to church but failing to get ready in time I went down after church and called on the Harry Moons, and it was after midnight when I "hit the hay" It has been cold and raw all day. Snowed a little tonight and freezing hard Monday March 29th This morning Dad's tooth was so bad that he went down and had it pulled. It was broken and in awful shape as it was all ulcerated. Bill Lemmons injected some of his dope into it to ease the pain but it didn't do any good and Dad. has been nearly sick with it all day. This after noon Enah went down to the dentist's and got some teeth filled Mrs McBride was over here washing this after noon Enah expected her this morning but she had been over at Preston's where they are all sick. I did chores and sat around all day. Frank and I managed them with Dad. assisting us only by instructions. This has been a fierce day very windy with snow, a regular blizzard and and raging this after noon. To-night it is freezing hard and the ground is white. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/46cee9eac798973547b13b58face66cb.pdf 2364df41089708476804448834aa6e19 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. {There is a wee sketch of a conifer tree at the top of this page} Tuesday March 30th Dad. fed the calves this morning but hasn't been out of the house since and feels very miserable. His head ached to-night. It took me all day just doing chores. I went over to Martins for a minute or two this after noon. To-night I spent an hour and a half leg banding the pullets with stove pipe wire. Cold & windy to-day, not so bad as yesterday. Wednesday March 31st Although Dad. has felt much better to-day he was not able to get out of the house at all, so I was busy all day with chores and Frank helped me when he came home, this after noon I rode Joe down to the Ryersie's to tell Colin I couldn't go to Simcoe to-night. This morning a man walked over here from town to see the old duelling pistols. He is a traveller but told Dad. that at his home is in St. Mary's and that he had over two hundred firearms besides swords, dirks and suchlike. He would have liked to have bought them but didn't like to say so. He said the sight of them was well worth the walk. Sid McBride was in to-night selling fertilizer & binder twine. Dad <s>offered</s> ordered 50 lbs of the latter. We heard on Monday from Roy they are coming up to-morrow for Easter. It hasn't neen nearly so cold to-day but cloudy. Thursday April 1st Dad. helped me milk this morning but his mouth was pretty sore and he wasn't going out again but John Wess came over with his engine to saw up the rail pile so Dad. had to be out all day. As Vernon & Rebecca were coming up on the eleven o'clock train I had to leave to go down and meet them, that made us short handed so I called in at the school house and sent Frank home He was very good about it and didn't seem to mind very much. Huby was down at the station and I got him to come over. So this after noon there was lots of help and they got through in lots of time. Vernon & Rebecca arrived safely. Dick Huby & Aunty Maude were down at the station. I did chores most of the after noon and to-night drove down to meet Roy. Miss Ethel Phipp's came up on the same train so we drove her home. Not at all windy but rather cold. Friday April 2nd When we got up this morning the ground was white as it had snowed a little in the night so as there was no wind I went out before breakfast and sowed about half the clover seed on not quite half the field of wheat which is on the old alsike stubble. I spilt a little of it by pulling https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/e31c8b29fe9af394687a0c6abd871f0f.pdf 7e2abc4df4e26122f2ad5315d92f864e PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. the feed lever back too far till it caught and it sowed too thickly anyway. This being Good Friday Dick had a holiday and Enah, Vernon & Frank went down to church Dad & Roy looked after the babies. I watched the incubator most of the day. The eggs are beginning to come out and Roy & Vernon are very much interested in them especially the latter, she sat in the room for about an hour watching the little fellows pick themselves out and drop overboard in to the nursery below. This after noon Dad. helped me get the brooder down from over the hog pen and put it in the empty chicken shed. Very nice day Saturday April 3rd I got up this morning and sowed the other half the wheat field and had quite a lot of seed left so Dad. thinks it isn't thick enoug and will have to be gone over again. I had the machine shut tighter and walked quite a lot faster. Roy & I spent most of the morning getting the brooder in shape and he fixed up Enah's dairy thermometer to put in the brooder. Dad. did chores most of the morning This after noon Dad. went down to Carl Coleman's to see a sick cow and then on down town to the dentist's as his tooth was still sore and Bill picked out some pieces of bone. We hooked up the team to the waggon and took the whole family down town, Roy, Frank & I went down to the beach and got a part of a load of sand for to put in front of the brooder to soak up the mud. Mr. Pickford was down there getting a load and we had quite a visit with him We came up around by town and got Enah, Vernon & the two babies on, we had to go down to Mrs. Skey's stepping block to let Vernon in as her skirts were too narrow to get in on Main St. Dad. walked home as he had to go in on his way back again to see Carl's cow. When we got home Roy & I put the sand in in front of the brooder. To-night Vernon & Roy went over to Mrs. Battersby's to tea and I drove Enah down to choir practice. I drove down after her about ten o'clock and met her coming home with Truman & Topsy Walker. It has been a very nice day. Vernon has been dyeing hard boild eggs for the kids to-night. Sunday April 4th Roy got up early and went down to early communion this morning so that he could keep Rebecca and let Vernon go down to the other service but Vernon stayed home and kept house so the whole bunch of us went down at eleven o'clock even Dad. & Dick. This after noon we moved the chicks to the brooder, there were just fifty eight and some of them were https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/edb5cccf9f19874fb29c2dcc17c7d950.pdf 158d39f48f67bea6ee240d056227af0f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. crippled. The two Ryersie boys came up on horseback and got Frank and me to go with them Frank took Belle & I took Joe. We had a dandy ride and called in for Corby and got him to go with us. We went way down the lake shore to the town line from there to Mud Street and up it home. A couple of times we rode down on the beach and then made the horses climb the hill. It was nearly six o'clock when we got home. Roy went down to Huby's for tea and He Frank and Enah went to church. Enah had to play for Zeitha Barwell who sang a solo. Tiddums wouldn't stay with Vernon after Enah left and I came in and found him under the table just yelling for all his might but he soon cheered up when I took him out and showed him old Gladys and the horses. It has been a very nice mild day but raw breeze Monday April 5th This morning Frank and I took down three sacks of oats to the mill to be chopped and then went down and got a load of sand and unloaded it before dinner and went back down to the mill and got our grist. Dad. drove Vernon & Tiddums out to Tommy Jackson's as Vernon wanted to see Mrs. Jackson about getting some eggs. (Toby and Frank are going down to Huberts tonight so I said I would finish this up as it is behind it now being Wednesday night). He did not do much in the afternoon, worked at the brooder a little. It has been a raw day and threatened rain several times this afternoon. Roy went down town and Vernon and Rebecca went to Mrs Battersbys to play bridge. I drove Hattie down there for tea. We took the baby with us and he came home with me. Willard won the big fight. Tuesday April 6th We were all up early this morning and I drove Roy to the station. Mrs McBride came to do the washing, the boys and I put a load of hay over the horse stable, after dinner Toby and I took a little hay to the cow stable and then we hitched to the other wagon and took the girls and babies down town on our way we picked up Mrs Jack Martin and Miss Cope. We unloaded at the Post Office then Toby and I went to get a load of sand, brought it home hitched Joe to the buggy and started to see Vernon off, but it took us so long to get home with the sand on account of the roads that we missed the train https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/835995821ec25d8afb375d278202720c.pdf db86116dde0564171bea7f1da65ff414 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Frank had been fishing all the afternoon with his usual luck. Toby walked home and I brought Hattie and the baby. It has been a beautiful day, mild and bright. Wednesday April 7th As soon as all the morning chores were done I sowed oats in the little orchard, then I went over to Charlie Martins to telephone to Atkinson about pulling up the headstone for Alice they said they would put it up between 1 and 2 O'Clock so I got ready and Hattie gave us an early dinner and I started with Hattie and baby a little after 12, but they had the stone up and gone. Mrs Charlie Munro said they left about 10-30. Toby started Frank on the disk and he worked up the little orchard in good shape and then harrowed it. Toby and I went back to see how the land was over the gully and decided we would try and sow tomorrow. The boys as I said before have gone down to Huberts. Thursday April 8th Out of bed at five o'clock and on the hump ever since is a summary of to-days record. Dad. & I got back to the back field about half past eight and Dad. started to sow the oats broadcast right on the furrows and I followed with the disk. The ground except in one or two spots where it was a little wet was in beautiful shape to work as it is just as the frost left it without having had any big rains on it to pack it and it works up just like an ash heap. Some of the travellers on the side road thought Dad's method a queer one and didn't seem to approve of it but Dad. says they always used to do it out West & Charlie Batty was past and said they used to do it here with success. Dad. thought it was better to get the seed in & covered before a rain than to work the land all up and then run chanches of getting a big soaker on it. We took back six bags of oats with us this morning and Dad. sowed nearly all of it and although he couldn't tell exactly he wanted to sow {2?} bushels ot the acre. Dad. disked this after noon and finished he had sowed but couldn't go crossways very well on account of the piece in the centre which he didn't get plowed last fall Allan Law was harrowing for a couple of hours this morning https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5b7297a39a0c2c8d5e0994d30c0f4c00.pdf f2d718214976eb64c65584abbdb4673f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. on their side hill but he didn't come back this after noon. Huby & Lila came over this morning and this after noon they burned the grass off the back field next the woods It looks as if there would be good pasture there soon Last night when I came home from town I went to look at the brooder and found that the temperature had gone down to forty on account of the window being left out and this morning there were nine dead chickens in the brooder and four have died since. Chris. told me yesterday that lake sand would kill them so we got some yellow sand and covered up the lake sand which was in the pen. The white ewe had a pair of twins this morning but won't own one of them so has to be caught every now and then to give the lamb a chance to suck Lovely Spring day with a south westerly breeze and not freezing to-night. Mrs. Lorne Myers was in to-night and got Dad's hen canary which he was has been wanting to get rid of for quite awhile. Friday 9th April Dad. and I got back fairly early this morning and Dad sowed about four bushels more seed while I harrowed the hill I crossed it which necessitated marching up and down hill all morning I didn't mind it much but I guess it was pretty hard on the horses. This afternoon I disked what Dad sowed this morning and he harrowed with Joe & Ginger. We got all the seed pretty well covered when it began to rain and is still keeping it up. We took the little team back in the shape of a four horse team with them as the leaders but Joe was no good for a leader as she lagged. Lila came over this after noon and is staying all night. It has been fine and very mild all day and this is a warm rain which was needed for the wheat & hay badly. Saturday April 10th We didn't get started so early this morning as we didn't know whether it had rained enough to make things too wet or not, however we found it hadn't rained much so Dad. went back to finish plowing the little piece on top of the hill which was left over from last fall. He finished it about three o'clock in some spots it was very wet & sticky and other places the frost isn't out yet but it is pretty good. He intended to sow it as soon as he got done and work it in but when I went back at three o'clock the wind was so strong and it looked so rainy that we both came up and Dad. drove Enah & Tiddums down town to get the mail. I took some eggs over to Martin's this morning and Frank got the cyclone clover seeder from Vyse and when I came https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/bfa86df4ce96e4325eabc9496c69f61e.pdf c66fbe825d1e73b5cbba56af93ccb031 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. back I sowed the half of the wheat field that I sowed the thinnest over again. Chris. didn't seem to know what ailed my little chickens they are aparently as lively as can be one day and the next there will be two or three dead and two or three more getting ready to die. I have lost nearly half of them now and don't know what to do for them. Cloudy mild windy & showery. It thundered and rained heavily to-night. Sunday April 11th I didn't get ready in time to go to Sunday school with Frank this morning but Enah and I drove down to church. It was a beautiful mild sunny morning and Dad. intended to drive Enah over to the Tupper's this after noon but it began to rain so they couldn't go and we had a musical instead. It rained quite hard for awhile and it is colder & windy to-night. It is wonderful to see how much greener the grass & wheat have got during the night. Monday April 12th Dad. was ditching in the back field all morning and I drove down town to get some coal oil and I took a pair of guinea fowl down to Cousin Bessy. She told me to shut them up and Julien the {illegible} would show me where to put them, but she had so much difficulty in making Julien who doesn't speak English very well understand what she wanted that she told me to put them in a little coop which had a wired in yard to it. I let them both in there but while I was talking to her the cock bird got out of a patched up hole in the wire, he went over into Joe Jacques backyard and Jacques dog scared it up into an apple tree. Cousin Harry had appeared by this time and said he knew the yard wasn't tight and that they would watch the guinea cock and catch him to-night but Dick who came home for tea said they had caught him. This after noon we sat around till about three o'clock and then put on a jag of timothy hay and hauled it over for the cows. Dick was home for tea but had to go back, he said Huby was working over at Jack Martin's now but didn't know how long he would be there. It has been cloudy and raw all day with a drizzling rain most of the time. Tuesday April 13th Huby came over after breakfast this morning to get his smock and I went back over to Martin's with him and took an old sick rooster over whose comb was all black and that had been sitting around with no life in him for two or three days. Brirely & Chris said he had indigestion https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/fb9db988b6597b4b205b77b8f11d99d5.pdf 02678e48c8531b3edfcd7a7a0bffdb3d PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. so I left him over there. When I came back I started to rake up down under the old willow tree. Dad. & Enah worked at the stove and at last succeeded in getting the nut which caused us so much vexation the other day, out by cutting the head off with a cold chisel. This after noon Dad went back to look at John Wess' cow as John Wess came after him, he was over there quite awhile and then opened out some ditches in the field we have in. I continued to clean up down at the road and but to-night have it looking pretty nice I burned the grass all along the road so there will be some nice pasture there soon. Huby came over after six to-night and borrowed the alarm clock as their timepieces are all broken down there and he needs his watch. He was giving us a very amusing account of his duties He says the watering the chickens takes too much brain work going the rounds with a pail and a dipper filling the little drinking cups and rinsing them out and hooking the myriads of doors and gates all gets on his nerves. Dad. said than one of the England kids came in after school to-night to John Wess' with a great big bunch of hepaticas for Mrs. McBride we didn't think they were out yet. It has been a lovely day sunny & mild. They gave Bunnian a hearing down here to-day but will have to put the trial off till the Vigilant comes in with some witnesses. Wednesday April 14th Dad has been opening up ditches in the field out here where we intend to put the barley all morning, he says it is pretty wet. I cleaned out the roosters in the chicken pens this morning and raked up along the old fence bottom which divided the field from the yard in front of the big barn & horse stable. This after noon I went back to see what the new piece of plowing on top of the hill looked but it was pretty wet so I got some earth along the creek and brougt it up and planted tomato seed in it. Frank got home early, he has had a holiday all day as Mr. Smith is sick in bed with La Grippe. Frank, Billy Miller & Harv. Taylor were fishing up creek and on the pier all morning. Billy Barlow was in to-night for a short visit. Another lovely day. Tuesday April 15th Dad. was back ditching again this morning, he thinks the back field will be dry enough to go on to-morrow if it doesn't rain. I went down to Vyse's and borrowed his post auger and he gave me a ride home on his way down Mud Street to sell machinery and as he thought he was going to feel cold and had come away without his overcoat he borrowed mine. Dad. didn't seem to approve of being https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/71b2189294137f9ca130a3e6d7710a4b.pdf c0648df3c10ff79d25c3e5072324e59a PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. at all friendly to Vyse, but I have nothing in particular against the poor cuss and this backbiting sore head business gives me a pain anyway. Dad's always friendly enough when he happens to meet him and I don't see why he isn't other times or why if he hates him so much as he says he does, he doesn't tell him so. I spent the rest of the morning and most of the after noon boring the post holes and inserting posts there in to stretch a piece of chicken wire on to divide off another yard for the single combed hens. Dad. made a gate for the yard. Lila has been over all day as she & Frank are both home on account of Mr. Smith's illness. Winnie came over after four and stayed to tea but Lila had to go back and have her music lesson. Huby was over to dinner. Tonight Frank and I went down with Winnie and Huby, Aunty Maude, Lila. Frank and I spent the evening playing poker. Enah & Frank have been been house cleaning all day. It has been a nice sunny day & is a mild night but looks like rain. <s>Thursday</s> Friday April 16th When we got up this morning the sky was the color of lead and has been all day but except for one pretty heavy shower this morning has rained very little only a very light drizzle part of the time but still enough to keep us off the land and to keep Dad's spirits down. This morning he and Frank helped me put the wire on the posts in the chicken yard and put the gate on. This after noon Dad. helped Enah house clean and I just puttered around and raked some leaves and old grass out of the ditch at the foot of the lawn. Frank went fishing down at the East pier but said they weren't biting, he has about the poorest luck of any body I ever heard of I don't remember of his having caught a fish since he has been here. He says he is going to get up early some morning to try his luck and if it isn't any better he is going to quit. I had a practice on the fiddle to-night. I am making a little progress. Saturday April 17th Although we had visions of doing a little work this morning of some kind or other just to keep in trim but we wound up in doing nothing but receive callers the number of which was two. First Alfred came over with some cabbages for us and he was here a long time talking of every thing under the sun except the war which is getting rather played out as a topic of conversation amongst us farmers now that Spring work has commenced and the weather is of such vital importance to us. Alfred thinks it is going to be fine now for awhile I guess like Dad that the wish https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/114c5302bfeae3d875e0055fec26d5c0.pdf 8276440dc3a544afcecf41f103475447 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. is father to the thought. He hadn't been gone long when John Wess drove in and wanted Dad. to give his mare a ball so Dad did but she was the worst one he said he ever tackled not that she was very mean although she scraped about half the skin off the back of his hand and took a chunk out of the end of his finger, but her mouth was so narrow that he couldn't get the dose back far enough but at last after two unsuccessful attempts he managed to get one down her. This after noon we hauled a load of hay over to the horse stable and a jag over to the barn for the cows. Frank cleaned out the shop and now has it very tidy. Before tea we got the old stove we got from Cousin Bessy set up on its blocks but Dad has to cut a piece off the stove pike to make it fit the chimney It has been a lovely sunny day and is a nice clear night although the wind as gone around to the south an its pretty hard to say what it will do The new moon is nearly flat on its back and that is a positively certain sign that one of the two prophecies concerning it in that position will prove correct. Some say it is that way so the indians can thang their powder horns on it and stay in camp as it will rain or else when in that shape it will hold water and not spill any consequence being a dry "spell" Sunday April 18th I got up fairly early this morning and was able to get around in time for Sunday school with Frank. Hazen was there and volunteered to teach Mrs. Tuck's class. After Sunday school he & I went to inquire after Mr. Smith, he came to the door himself and said he was feeling better but that Harry would not let him go to school to-morrow He seemed very worried about missing so much school at this time of year, he said Mrs. Smith was very ill and that if Harry hadn't come up the other day she would have never got better but as he did she was better this morning. Instead of going to church we took a walk up the lake shore and got quite a few mayflowers in McCoy's & Dixon's woods then Hazen came over with me to dinner. This after noon we took another walk back to the gully and through Charlie McQueen's place and I went part way down town with Hazen. Colin Ryersie came up to go for a ride so Frank went with him. Dad & Enah went over to Tupper's the took Tiddums but he kicked up an awful row they said when they tried to take him in the house but was alright after they got in. It has been a lovely day but looks very much like rain. Monday April 19th We have been working on the land all day. This morning https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4e2ad4f5fb584d569c4e0de993945146.pdf 69bf2289ca6938d59bed22b84f9cf675 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Dad. sowed the little piece of spring plowing on top of the hill and I worked it in. This after noon (Tobe has gone to sleep over this so I will take it) We worked two teams on the other part of the field over the gully I had Joe and Dave, Dave went first rate for his first hitching. Beautiful day warm and bright. Sunday April 20th I worked on the field alone this forenoon, finished disking. After dinner I took Harry and Dave and Tobe Belle and Joe and we cross harrowed and disked the field, finished about 5 O'Clock then Tobe came up with Joe and Dave and I put Harry and Belle on the drill and drilled until 6-30. Tobe and Frank were busy at odds and ends all forenoon. Another fine day but cooler. We got the good news to-day that {Wese?} and Alice were coming home. Wednesday April 21st Toby and Frank cleaned out the cellar this forenoon and I went <s>f</s>back and finished drilling and began harrowing. Young Porritt came way back then with one of Hugh McQueens hounds to have me sew it up. I told him I could not do it there but to leave it tied up in the barn and I would fix it up at noon, that and other chores made me so late that I thought I would not go to the back of the place but would begin on the corn stubble it works up all right. Frank went back to see if he could measure in some way the number of acres we have sowed he has not made his calculations yet. Hattie is tired to night she has been house-cleaning the clothes room and it is a big job. Frank has gone down town Toby to bed and I must go too. I nearly froze on the disk this after noon it was very cold a nasty North East wind all day but bright. Thursday April 22nd Dad. finished harrowing over the gully this morning and has been harrowing on the corn stubble the rest of the day he had Joe & Ginger all day. Frank disked for an hour or two this morning while I finished up with the chores and then I went out till noon but Frank has been disking all the after noon with the big team. The corn stubble will take a https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/cc17e7b4f25b8c8480b783ea48ddd744.pdf cd420e0432a304ded15ad62577c85c41 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. lot of work on this side as it is so soddy. I did chores all the after noon and went down to the mill to see if they had any barley for seed as Dad. thinks he will mix oats & barley to sow on the corn stubble. They only had the O.A.C. No 21 and it was $1.10 a bushel but I guess Dad. will get some. There were a couple of fellows down this morning from Simcoe Murdock was one of them and they want Dad. for a witness at a lawsuit that is coming off next Tuesday Murdock says that Hamilton & Yeager hired Lea to skin him on a horse deal. The horse is the big grey stallion with the crooked legs that was travelling down here last spring and as Dad. saw him they want him to say that he was unsound. Poor old Bluch has a pretty sore leg to-day and can only hop around on three legs. He & Snoop Law got into a scrap yesterday and aparently Snoop was the best dog for once in his life. It has been milder to-day with the wind in the south but very cloudy with a little rain. Friday April 23rd It rained hard enough during the night to prevent us from going on the land but will do a lot of good as it was hot & cloudy all morning and will make things grow Frank and I drove down to Billy Langs this morning to see if he had any barley cheaper than they had at the mill, but Jack was at school and poor Billy was sick <s>and</s> in bed. We went up to the house and after I chased around from the front to the back door three or four times to discover a fain hallo! which I was sure I heard in answer to my knock I discovered it was escaping from a partially raised window which evidently belonged to the room where Billy was in bed. His voice sounded unnaturally weak as he told me he hadn't any barley so Frank and I went on up and got six bushels at the mill. We found Dad. with the old white ewe half sheared when we got home and he & Frank finished her by noon while I did chores. This after noon Dad. helped me get my incubator down cellar again and then we mixed the oats & barley out on the barn floor. We put one bag of oats through the fanning mill so see if we could clean any of the straws out of it but we got more good oats out behind than we did dirt so we stopped. It is pretty clean anyway. Dad. & I then put the beans through and got most of the dirt out of them while Frank went down town. Dad. has felt very miserable all day Saturday April 24th We didn't do much but chores all morning and <s>Dad</s> I https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a71f3ab1b957e1e21c9f1065bffe8ed3.pdf 711098feaa04d55eb72100df074d1131 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. cleaned out the bull's pen. Dad felt pretty miserable all morning but still worked around he & Frank went out to look at the field to see if it was dry and they thought it would do to go on after dinner, so Frank got out early and got a good half day in at it while Dad. sheared old Greynose. I helped him hold her and according to my nature when I am not in action, went fast asleep. I also went over to Jack Martin's to see what I could get fifty eggs for to set under the hens I got from Tupper and I was agreeably suprised when he told me he would trade evenly with me and that I could get them Monday. I thought it was pretty decent of him as he said they would be better eggs than mine and I could toe punch the chicks for cockrels. Dad. went out about five to relieve Frank who came in and went down to Huby's to tea as this was Winnie's birthday. I went down after tea as Huby was over to dinner and said we would have a game of poker but there were two or three girls there who didn't care to play poker so we played catechism instead. We got home early. It has been hot all day and is very hot to-night feels very much like rain. Sunday April 25th I got up at five o'clock this morning so managed to get to Sunday school and church with Frank. As Topsy has resigned Enah had to go down and play the organ Dad. drove her down and came back after her leaving Tiddums in Dick's charge. This after noon Charlie Dunkin & Frank Bond drove in and Dunkin brought us the registration papers for the ewes, at last we thought we were never going to get them, they were here most of the after noon but Dad & I wernt back over the wheat to the gully and Tiddums followed us. The wheat is pretty fair only spots which don't look very well. I drove Enah down to church again to-night but came back home. Frank has been down all the after noon so he will be at church. Colin Ryersie rode in after dinner but we thought it was too hot to go for a ride so he went down the lake shore alone to get Corby. It has been very hot all day but is a little cooler to-night. Looks rainy Monday April 26th Dad. & Frank got out good and early this morning <s>and</s> with both teams and I got out about eight to take Franks team as he had to go to school to-day. Mr. Smith being well enough to be on the job again. Sam Law came over to give us a day with his springtooth I had the disks and Sam & I got over to the middle of the field by noon & Dad. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/42ee485cea97a7fe2325274ec3d7af8a.pdf 3c68205e83e9f69adbc2aa4c292a2dbb PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. got it all harrowed. This afternoon Dad. took the drill out and got four rounds drilled when it commenced to rain a thunderstorm had come up very suddenly and there were two or three very close flashes of lightening. It seemed to be all around us, it rained very hard for a few minutes and Sam went home. Dad. brought the seed in and after it was over went out to bring in the drill. When he got out there he found it had soaked right in and has scarcely wet the ground so he went right on & harrowed and then came & got the seed and finished drilling, he worked till after dark and then didn't have enough seed to sow the headlands. He started with the drill set at two bushel of oats to the acre but he found it was going too fast all to-gether, as when it is set for two bushels of oats it is three of barley so he tightened it up a little but it was still going too fast so he finally got it sowing two bushels of barley which is the same as one of oats he sowed what seed there was left at this rate. I just did chores this after noon and went over to get my eggs from Jack Martin to-night I set them under five hens. Mrs McBride was here all day. Tuesday April 27th Dad. went out first thing and sowed the headlands of the corn stubble broadcast with oats out of the granary & harrowed them in, he then started harrowing on the barley ground I did up the chores and came out about half past nine to relieve him, as he wanted to leave for Simcoe at half past eleven to be at the court house at one. I harrowed all morning and got nearly all over it. It works up beautifully. Frank came home at noon and after he did up the noon chores he came out and disked while I just did chores around. Dad. took Enah & Tid with him and they didn't get back till about eight o'clock so Frank and I had to look after ourselves. We were rather disappointed to hear that after all they settled the {illegible} without any lawsuit, but Dad. had to wait up there all the after noon to find it out. He saw everybody he knew up there though and got the harness fixed. Bob. Davis went past to-day with an enormous black Percheron stallion with a white strip in his face he would weigh about twenty one hundred and twice the size of Bickler's. In to-day's and yesterday's papers there are long lists of Canadian casualties. They had their first serious engagement on Friday & Saturday at Langemark where they recaptured some lost guns & ground and prevented a wedge of Germans from surrounding and taking a body of French troops. The paper said their losses were heavy but they saved the day. Nice day https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/877d22eb14898258a32563d2955a3774.pdf bf7cc55d7f3c266123f1d80830f26f89 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Wednesday April 28th Dad. took the big team out first thing this morning and disked and as soon as I got the chores done I went out with the littlle team. Dad. took them and harrowed over the corn stubble and I disked on the barley ground till noon. This after noon Dad. took the big team and ran out the land furrows in the corn stubble it took him all the after noon and he didn't get any cross ditches run. We didn't work the little team as they had a pretty hard morning of it and we didn't want to put Ginger on a tongue anyway so I did chores all the afternoon. The cows broke out of the barnyard and I thought if I let them on the road they wouldn't go far as there is some lovely pasture but they weren't content to stay anywhere so after chasing around for about an hour I had to put them in. Win came over to tea to-night and Frank has just gone down with her. Bickler was down here to day with "Trachety". It has been sunny all day with cool breeze a little thunder shower early this morning Poor Ade Millman was married to-day. Thursday April 29th Dad. finished running out the ditches this morning while I did chores and then I took the big team and disked the rest of the barley ground while Dad. shovelled out the ditches in the barley & oats, he says he dug up quite a few wireworms. I just finished disking by noon and took the disks up. This after noon I harrowed with the little team and Dad followed me with the drill. He didn't get started till after four so it was dark before he finished but he got through all but a plot 20 yds square in the north east corner which we left to sow my O.A.C. No 72 oats on. Enah got an announcement of Earney Skey's wedding, he was married yesterday. Nice day but cool wind all day. Friday April 30th Dad. went out first thing this morning and sowed the little plot of O.A.C. No 72 oats and harrowed them in as he sowed them broadcast he said they were a little thin in the centre of the plot as he ran short of seed. When he came in, he Tiddums and I went down town in the waggon and got Aunty Alice's trunks which were at the station having been checked right through and took them up to Hubys My little chestnut tree from Glen Bros was there too. It cost me $1.00 duty & expenses. We got some cream jars over at the James' and some oats chopped at the mill Dad took a whole waggon load of bags up to the mill for old Ivey and we also got a bushel of clover seed at Billy Laings to sow on the barley and oats. It was raining a little when we got back https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2fbda31c5b56898320da9a9311b776ec.pdf 41a201de8998cf55719457b4d07a91bb PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. and Tiddums was just about asleep. Dad. helped me set out my chestnut tree before dinner, we put in the same place where one of the little English walnuts had been and filled the hole up with nice black earth from the garden and back of the barn instead of the stiff clay of the lawn. This after noon old Mr. Evans came after Dad in a great state of alarm as he had let his cows out on the road and one of them came home very bloated. Dad. went over with him and found John Wess & Cam there looking at the cow but didn't seem to know what to do. Dad just tied a stick in her mouth and he said the never saw bloat go down so fast, before he left she was chewing her cud and old Evans was tickled to death. Dad. was over there the best part of the after noon and when he got back he put the dining room carpet down for Enah. I spent the after noon cleaning out the chicken houses. Harry Smith drove in to-night with the little Pecan tree I ordered from Brown Bros. through Mr. Morgan. It wasn't wrapped up at all and had a long tap root about twice as long as the top and very little fibrous roots I just heeled it in for to-night. Harry stood out in the rain for about half an hour dicussing the future prosperity of Dover in his comical and <s>characestistic</s> characteristic (or however you spell the dum word) way and telling us the difficulties he had in getting money on the lots he sold over Brant Hill, but he thought the war couldn't last for ever and hard times would be over some day and when the new railway "come in from Brantford" and they established a lake traffic and "drudged the mashes" all out up the creek, why he looked for a big boom. Old Ivey told us this morning that last nights paper had the news that Blight had been completely burned out and Dick said to-night that it was reported he had lost thirty thousand dollars as he had just put in seventeen thousand dollars worth of new machinery It has rained most of the day but it has been a nice gentle rain Saturday May 1st Dad. put in another whole day on the barley ground, this morning he rolled it and this afternoon harrowed it and ran out the ditches and started to clean some. Frank and I spent most of the forenoon trying to catch the old white ewe or her lamb to give the little fellow a suck but she was too cute for us and wouldn't get in a corner at last we got her around in the shed and managed to catch her and put her in the barn. Tiddums followed us all over the field saying he was having a good time, he could hardly walk part of the time for laughing at us and the ewe. We then https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f7b9421f7ce0e9b25045a6c9299f4adc.pdf b13ae34d10fbdbaf0d34421592832677 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. {This is a repeat of the previous page} https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/1a9635c78b4954f7c83e650c6312811c.pdf 410db8860e9b0317fb344e7039b1cb18 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. went out with a rail & a chain and started to pull the posts along the old fence bottom which is between the barley field and the corner field. Frank took Dad's place on the roller and Dad. helped me pull posts, we got about half of them out by noon. This after noon I went over to Jack Martins with some eggs and borrowed their post auger, when I came back I dug a hole with it in the lane in front of the house and Frank helped me plant my Pecan tree in it. I have my grave doubts about it ever ammounting to anything although it had root enough. Frank went over to Preston's and sacked up four bushels of potatoes as we are out of them now and when Dad finished harrowing we took the team & waggon and went and got them they were forty five cents a bushel. I went in for a few minutes to see Arthur who has been laid up for about a month and he looks tough, he hasn't had energy enough to shave and with his beautiful beard is the image of the old man. Bluch followed us down there and while prowling around saw Mrs. Herb. Cook's tame rabbit and took after it. The rabbit was too fat to run so the consequence was he killed it. Darn him! I spent the whole evening practicing on the fiddle and piano. Dad. was up at five o'clock this morning and took a letter he had written to Aunty down to post then while he was separating the milk Jack Anderson came after him to tell him his grandfather's cow was choking on an apple Dad. was hopping mad at old Lige sending after him but he went down and fixed the cow and said he gave Lige an awful calling down and told him never to send for him again. Lila and Dorothy Anderson have been over here all the after noon. Today's paper has another long list of Canadian Casualties and the 48th Highlanders have lost heavily. Fred McDonald is missing and his picture is in the Globe, it says the missing are either prisoners or their bodies still lie in the no man's land between the two armies. It has been cooler to-day and cloudy but no rain. Sunday May 2nd I was up fairly early this morning but didn't get to Sunday school, Frank went and Enah and I drove down to church, we were late so I sat up behind the organ. It was communion sunday and after the sermon I thought I would go out till those of the choir who didn't stay <s>could</s> went out and I went down and was talking to Pud. Slocombe for awhile and when I got back to church I was too late to go in This afternoon Colin Ryersie came up and he Frank & I went for a ride. Colin's mare "Lady" & Belle had both been https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3c7074e48e2f9fdc693954997d399c20.pdf 60a0a93cda85faa54b1edadd702db263 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. working all week so we didn't ride them hard, we went down the Lake Shore to Corbett's but Corby didn't go with us. When we got home Enah, Dad. & Tiddums had gone back to the gully for a walk. Cool & rather cloudy all day but no rain. Monday May 3rd Dad. cleaned at the ditches in the barley field most of the morning but didn't quite finish them. Enah, Tiddums & I went down town in the lumber waggon as Enah wanted to get some oilcloth for our bedroom and some other stuff. We got a post auger at James', he said it was the best kind he knew but it was just like Vyse's. When we got back Dad. and I gathered up the good posts that we pulled the other day from the fence bottom between the barley & corner fields and took them back to the gully to fix the cross fence. On our way back we gathered up the other posts that were pulled and what rubbish there was and brought it up to the house. This after noon Dad let the cattle back the lane and we went back with them to fix fence, we were back there most of the after noon and got soaking wet as we were out in the biggest part of a cold rain, but we put in four posts and got the fence fixed fairly well. The cattle as soon as they got out instead of gorging themselves on grass took a walk around every fence to see if there was any place where they could get out. Mary who Dad. let out of the barn for the first time this morning didn't know what grass was and was afraid of the mudhole in the lane so didn't go back with the others, but I think she will soon be acquainted with the outside world. Charlie Quanbury was in on his way home from his farm to-night, he said Steve Powell hadn't heard anything from or of Cecil since the big battle so they supposed he wasn't in it, the last letter they got from him he was in the hospital with pneumonia which he contracted after spending forty eigh hours in the trenches. I saw Herb. Cooke this morning and he informed me that in retaliation for the sudden death of his pet rabbit he was going to shoot Bluch the next time he came around his place I told him to go ahead and shoot him. Cloudy and a cold east wind to-day. It rained all the after noon and evening but will likely do good. Tuesday May 4th Dad. & I went back to the gully to finish fixing fence but while we were back there John Wess came along to ask Dad. about a cow that stood around and didn't eat but grunted. Dad. told him to give her a dose of salts but he said he did so we went back with him to see her. We had a look at her and then turned her out for a bite of https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/62b5314663c5f9a284ac8ed47aa1962f.pdf c278ceaa243f6d32fcc807f12e6a3e15 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. grass, had a look at his new bull which is a beauty but very small, got weighed on his new scales, I weighed 156 lbs and Dad. shrunk a few pounds since the other day when he was over so that he didn't weigh so much as John Wess. We then all had a drink of cider and a look at the sick horse and the young calves and went in to the house to see the new 25. calibre rifle that Cam brought home and the new telescope sight he brought for his father, he also brought him a little 22. and we had a few shots out of it at a target while Dad. was talking to Mrs. McBride and when he came out he wanted to know where the sick cow had got to so we had to go and look for her. John Wess and I had forgotten all about her but she was out behind the barn nipping a little grass but it was beginning to rain so we put her in. John Wess gave us about a peck of peas for seed in the garden and after having a look at the little pigs and the wheat we started for home, his wheat looks beautiful it is so even and clean. The piece that was sowed first was on a summer fallow and was up a little higher than that on the pea stubble which was in pretty late but was not so good a color. One part of the pea stubble field next the lane didn't get any manure on it and there is about four inces difference in the growth of it and the other part of the same field. He has a dandy catch of clover but clover is going to be thicker than we expected but the {illegible} is thicker still. It was nearly one o'clock when we got up and Enah and Eliza McBride were waiting dinner for us Mrs McBride is in Buffalo on a visit so Eliza<s>s</s> is on the job to-day. They said the two Quanbury boys had been over and had looked all over the farm and the whole length & breadth of the gully for us to get their pigs but couldn't find us of course. Just after dinner Mrs. Tom Cooper and old Mrs. Billy Anderson tramped over in the pouring rain to see Dad. about old Mehaley's little dog which got a crack over the back with a club the other day. As they were soaking wet there was nothing for it but for Dad. to hook up and take them home. It poured rain all the after noon so we didn't do much but sit around and get in Enah's & Eliza's road. I was pretty lucky this after noon though in steering clear of job for Eliza is just as bad as her mother to work. I drove her home after tea. It has been a cold rain but no thunder. Wednesday May 5th Dad and I took a walk over the barley ground or around it rather and around the barley & oats but there https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3ca2aae71517fdbee0c05dcc8db4ead1.pdf 8df5c738103e3292469a6520754d3dcd PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. was very little water lying but the ditches were all full Dad. of course thinks we got altogether too much rain but we saw Tupper coming along the side road and he gave us a ride around to the house, he thinks we just got enough rain as it is really the first rain to ammount to anything all year. Tupper wanted some advice from Dad about a cow with a teat torn so that the milk came out of the side of it. He turned his cattle on the road the other day and they got up near Walker's lane and Trum set the dog on them and he took after the best cow Tupper had. Dad. told him to put a siphon in it and draw it up and wrap it with adhesive tape. I spent the rest of the day cutting the lawn and got it looking better although the old lawn mower doesn't work very well and leaves it all streaked. Dad. helped Enah paste up some wallpaper in the hall and this after noon went back to set a couple more fence posts. The war news is not very cheerful to-day. The Allies are advancing all right in Turkey but the Russians are being driven back by the Austro-German advance in Galicia and the Germans are bringing in a half a million fresh troops to the Western Front. I don't think we know much about it from these papers. There has been rain and sunshine by spells all day to-day. Milder Thursday May 6th Dad. Tiddums and I went down to the mill first thing this morning as I was right out of chicken feed. When we got back we went out and pulled the old posts that were in the old garden and the few that were left in the old fence bottom and hauled them back to the gully and strewed them along the road fence. Tiddums went with us but got pretty sleepy. We had to go up the road to turn around and Art Quanbury had left his waggon on the road with his horse food in it and Evans & Lampkins cows were all into it. Art. was plowing but I guess it would be too wet. This after noon Dad. & I went back and fixed more fence in this end of the gully, we got the crossfence and the north fence pretty well fixed. About five o'clock we went over to John Wess' to see his sick cow He had her out although she wasn't feeling right yet. She ate and chewed her cud but still grunted. We were there till nearly six visiting. We shouldn't have stayed so long as it made us too late to get down to the train and Aunty & Aunty Alice came home to-night. Frank went down to meet them and Dad. & I went down to Huby's later to see them. It has been nice and sunny to-day but a rather cold wind. The Quanbury's got their four pigs yesterday. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/687fce7aae54f2c973c2fd11da498ee9.pdf 49603258415e2218b36c047c41063591 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday May 7th It rained before we got up this morning and has been raining pretty much all day although there were a few patches of sunshine. This after noon there was a terrific downpour but it didn't last long. The ground is full of water now and of course Dad. thinks or says he does that we are ruined, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we lived through it all and maybe even through next winter without starving to death. I tested the eggs in the incubator this morning and they tested out about half I took out sixty four and left a lot of doubtful ones in. I didn't expect much of a hatch anyway as the eggs were old. I hard boiled all the ones I took out and am going to keep them for the little fellow. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums went down town to see Aunty & Aunty Alice, they didn't get caught in the heavy rain but got some of it. I spent the day making hen's nests for setting hens and a coop for hens and chicks or rather repairing an old one which Williams left here. To-night I went down and got my hair cut and then down to Huby's to see Aunty and Aunty Alice. Everybody is talking now about the news in to-night's paper. The Germans have torpedoed the "Lusitania" and about fifteen hundred passengers were drowned. They gave warning to passengers in Washington before she sailed but everybody had such confidence in her great speed being such a protection to her that they didn't pay any attention to the warnings of the German embassy. Dad. thinks they were perfectly justified in sinking her as she was carrying a large consignment of ammunition and other contraband of war, but even then it doesn't seem to me to be any excuse for sinking so many women and babies. I think the Captain and the Cunard line were also very much to blame for allowing women passengers to go with such a cargo. There were about 150 babies on board and they all either drowned or died of exposure about six hundred people were saved. They were in the Irish Sea about ten miles out from the Irish coast and there were a lot of ships came out immediately she sank but it was so sudden and she sank in thirty minutes that there was no time to get ready for it. Aunty & Aunty Alice came home on the train with a little woman 21 years old with a four months old baby who was going from her home in Saskatoon to her father in Englan as he was all alone, his five sons being at the front and she was the only other child. She was to have sailed on the Lusitania. The porter on the train begged her not to go on that boat as she was doomed but she said she was not afraid. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/d49bbfe6e378fdb80d358094f9d05e38.pdf 51fa6279eb217c21ac589cd8651d610d PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Saturday May 8th Instead of fixing fence this morning as we intended Dad. & Frank worked all morning cleaning out the woodshed while I weeded out the rose bed and got it looking much better. This after noon Aunty & Aunty Alice came over and we all except Enah went back to the woods for awhile. They intended to go back down town after tea but it rained so hard they had to stay here all night. I got a letter from Ottawa to-day with a copy of the Canada Gazette enclosed with a law marked in it prohibiting the importation of chestnut trees from the States and saying that I would have to either export it back or destroy it. I was naturally pretty mad about it as I thought they should have never let it cross the line and not sent it up here and let me pay duty on it and get it all set out, however I wrote them a nice letter asking them to let me keep it if possible. It has been a lovely day but rained to-night. Sunday May 9th I didn't get ready in time this morning to get to Church or Sunday school so Dad. drove Enah down and went down again after her. I wrote to Quint instead of going to church. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over to dinner with Frank and Win also came over for the afternoon. After dinner we had a little music and then Dad. drove Aunty & Aunty Alice up to the cemetry. Soon after they left Mrs. Smythe & Pud drove in and were here all the after noon and to tea Pud. and I went to the back of the place and wandered around Enah, Mrs. Smythe, Frank & Win. went down to church while Dad. Pud & I stayed here to guard Tid in case he woke up Dicky Smith was in for a while after tea to get some information concerning the dehorning of a cow. Charlie Quanbury & Colin Ryersie were both in a different times this after noon on horseback. Nice day but cooler. Monday May 10th We fixed fence all day to-day but as we were working along the road we didn't get on so amazingly fast, but we got it pretty well fixed from Evan's line down to the gate into the big gully, we also fixed the gate which got all broken to pieces during the winter or on Hallowe'en, I forget which The two Quanbury boys were pulling posts on their side of the road and that was conducive to considerable mutual visiting and restarted progress. This after noon Art. Walker came along and told us all his experiences during his ten weeks stay in the General Hospital having his eye https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a6974fc2364cff4d346f961383bb3550.pdf 01171c389a2d6f2b637461bb2e9faa5a PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. treated. As it was the longest period Art. ever spent away from home, there was much to tell. Then Tupper appeared on the scene with about half a dozen boards in his waggon & had evidently been down town all the after noon at the very least but we were up on the hill and couldnt hear him talk very well on account of the wind so he didn't stay long with us but went up and spent half an hour or so talking to the Quanbury boys. To-nights paper says that Fred McDonald is a prisoner in Germany and Aunty got a letter from Cousin Carrie which confirms the report. They heard through some lady in London whose son is sharing the same fate at Fred. Cousin Carrie said that if they had received the news ten days ago it would have been awful but after the suspence they have been in since he was reported missing it is a happy relief. George Duncan came over to-night on his motorcycle and said the rails which Dad spoke for are in their road now as they have to put their fence up so Dad. told him we would be up to-morrow after them, although we hated to stop our other work. Sunny and warm. Tuesday May 11th We got a good early start this morning and managed to get home two loads of rails before one o'clock. This after noon we only got one load as we were delayed considerably. Jack Davis came in before we left with King Chocolate. I think we will use him this year with Belle as we can't seem to get any colts from a heavy horse and we don't know of a thorobred stallion in the country. Sensation has gone to Montreal where he stands for $100. and I guess King Chocolate is the next best we can get. We were stopped again on the road by Wess Buchner who wanted to ask Dad. about his horse's shoulder. He, Jack McBride, Wm. Walker and another fellow are all riding the road machine to-day and seem to be having a very sociable & enjoyable time of it, they have changed the beats now and those fellows come right down to our corner, Dad. told them he wouldn't raise any kick if they scraped our lane for us and we were very much surprised to-night to find they had. Our next holdup was when we reached Duncan's as old Bill was in the lane clipping weeds when we went up and coming back. He would have been talking yet but happily they were hauling manure so we had to move on in a little while to get out of the men's way. We didn't get home till nearly six o'clock and there is still a load up there which https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3407742f57dd6c51fc96fea0b09efe5c.pdf e66a9199dcbf06a79869e5c5e4888bd0 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. we will have to get in the morning. Mrs. McPherson & Mrs. Myers were in this morning each with her "youngest". Mrs. Myers brought back the hen canary she got the other day as it wouldn't mate with hers. Dad. thought that as he had given it to her she might have had the decency to keep it as we don't want the pesky thing. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over to-night to stay awhile. We saw in to-nights paper that Earl Dewar who was at the front with the 10th Battalion was dead. I think he must have died of some illness and not wounds as we saw a week or so ago that he was seriously ill. Very hot & sunny to-day Wednesday May 12th This morning we went back after our last load of rails. We were gone all morning as Dad. had to stop in at Wess Buchner's to lance his horses' shoulder. He had two of them each with an awful shoulder. He just ran the exploring needle into one and says it will have to be opened again. On our way out of Duncan's lane with our rails we ran across old Bill again. He was worrying to death because one of the manure spreaders wouldn't work. He says he worries all the time and can't help it. he is afraid everything will go wrong when he isn't at the head of things and every little mishap he sees drives him nearly crazy. George is in reality doing fine. We had a very early dinner and right after it Dad. drove Aunty & Aunty Alice up to the cemetry and I spent the after noon disking, harrowing and rolling the garden and disking & harrowing the strip in the plum orchard where we are going to put the raspberries. After they got back Dad. caught his ewe and sheared her and before tea Aunty Alice put in some onion sets or multipliers at the head of the garden. Aunty and Tim-boy worked all the after noon at the flower bed in front of the house.Very nice day not so hot as yesterday. Thursday May 13th Aunty Alice and I worked in the garden all morning and got in a row of squaw corn which she brought from the West three rows of peas which John Wess gave us five or six rows of Dad. Atkinson potatoes and Aunty Alice went over to the Quanbury's and got some cabbage and tomato plants and put them out We then ran out of seed but Enah had to go down town this after noon to give Miss Dyer some instructions about playing the organ in church and she got some more https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4105e0dbf815430bd97e4e5312e5f95f.pdf 4cf72ad797109a6993357ac452571f88 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Dad. sowed clover seed on the barley & oats and alsike on the wheat this morning and this after noon ran a ditch up through the garden and helped me set out some raspberrys which I dug up out of the old garden. It was very hot this morning but got cloudy and cooler. Friday May 14th I helped Dad. stick up some wire this morning between the orchard & the plum orchard as there is fine pasture in the one while the oats in the plum orchard aren't big enough to turn on yet. I then helped Aunty Alice put in the rest of the garden we put in beets, carrots, beans and a lot of Golden Bantam corn which I planted with the planter and some radish, lettuce & pepper seed and some lettuce plants which came up from seed. This after noon Dad. & I worked at the gully fence again and got it pretty well fixed along the road. Aunty & Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's to roll bandages for the Red Cross Mr. Quanbury gave Aunty Alice some more cabbage plants and lettuce plants as the old gobbler ate a half a dozen of the other cabbages. Miss Harding and Winnie were over to tea to-night. I got word yesterday that my little chestnut tree must go back to the States or perish here. Nice day. Saturday May 15th Frank had to go to school this morning for some special exam so Dad. & I spent the morning fixing the fence along the north side of the gully at least he did but I just sat around most of the time. It is a job that two have to be at part of the time but part of the time one is out of a job. This after noon Frank helped him and I dug up my little tree and took it down and expressed it back to Glen Bros. asking them to refund my money but I don't suppose they will, Aunty & Aunty Alice went down town too. We were in at Huby's for a little while He has been working all week at his garden and has it all in now. He says he is coming over to the farm on Monday There has been quite a cold wind all day and it froze last night but not enough to hurt anything here. Sunday May 16th Dad. woke up somewhere about four o'clock this morning and was reminded that he didn't turn the windmill out by hearing it going so he got up to do it, and on taking a look behind the old barn found Ginger with great big mouse colored colt as fine as a fiddle. As it was beginning to rain and was cold Dad. got me and we put https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ba2209f90319149a1f5035db5860c71a.pdf ce877c3d8c894cfa82f869ad6b27382a PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. them in the box stall. Billy is a dandy horse colt as straight as a string two white feet and a spot in his forehead. Dad. thinks he will be black. Aunty, Frank and I drove down to Sunday school and church this morning but none of us ezxcept Dick who followed his usual course of action went anywhere else all day but spent the after noon reading and I had a little practice on my horn with Enah. It has rained a quiet drizzling rain nearly all day but has been cold. Monday May 17th Huby came over at seven this morning and he and Dad have worked all day up at the cemetry doing some work for Aunty Alice. They took a waggon load of rich earth up and a lot of sod. This after noon Aunty, Aunty Alice and Tid. went up with them and they were rather late getting home. I spent the day cutting the lawn and doing odd jobs, my chickens are all starting to hatch to-day and there seems to be quite a bunch of them. I wernt over to Jack Martin's a couple of times to see if I could get some chicken feed but just enough for to-night and the morning. Albert Buck was over to-night to see if he could sell Aunty Alice his house. Everyone seems to be deluded into thinking that she wants to buy although she has never had the slightest intention of it. Some even went so far as to say she had bought Maneers house on Main St. Enah and Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's after tea and when they got back Enah and I had a little practice on the fiddle & piano. It has been cloudy and very raw and cold all day. Tuesday May 18th Dad & I took the chickens out of the machine this morning and stuck them under the old hens over the hog pen. They only had thirteen between the three of them and one hen didn't hatch any at all. About thirty came out of the incubator and they are still hatching. I put the eggs which weren't hatched from under the hens in the incubator. Dad. got started to plow the corn ground but Bob Miller & Whit Dixon came over to look at the steers and they were here about an hour. Dad. wouldn't sell either of his steers but Whit came over to where I was and asked me what I wanted for my steer. I thought likely he had been dickering with Dad or I wouldn't have sold him but Whit said the market was glutted so I let him go for seventy dollars and they get him when they want him. I guess I lost on him but if I https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c881cfe22f32b3c784302b0ce0a3e097.pdf 321e171910b3f8da7d42a74a73e968da PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. can get my money for him right away it will be worth something. Huby dug up enough more raspberries out of the old garden to finish the line we started and another one. After we set them out after dinner, we went back and grubbed out some old trees which were along the old fence bottom at the north end of the <s>gully fence</s> wheat stubble and where Dad is plowing He is going to plow it up the fence bottom and put potatoes on it if we ever get around to it as Peter McArthur says. We didn't finish this job till it was time to come up and do chores. Aunty & Aunty Alice went up to the Smythe's to-day to stay for a day or two. It is still cold and raw. It froze last night and will again to-night. It is bad weather for all the crops. Wednesday May 19th Huby has been over all day and has been grubbing out dead trees in the plum orchard most of the day and got them all cleaned out. I did chores most of the morning and this after noon went over and got 559 lbs of mixed feed from Jack Martin for the chickens. I had to sack it up myself so was gone quite awhile. Chris told me to hook old Jack up to the democrat and bring it home which I did. Dad. quit plowing about five and we all went down to get Aunty Alice's freight which Dick told us came yesterday. Enah & the baby went down with us and stayed at Huby's till we came back from the train, we left the boxes at Huby's. I got a letter from Glen Bros. to-night saying that they could not accept the tree as it was not barred from entering the Dominion. They sent me a copy of a letter they received from the Government Botanist of B.C. saying there were only two varietys of chestnut trees barred. They also sent me a copy of a letter they wrote to Mr. {Gusson?} telling him he was wrong. To-night I rode out to the Smythe's to see how they were out there and found them all right It was after half past nine when I got there so I didn't stay long. Huby brought over two little <s>chest</s> butternut tree which he got on his way over and set them out. It has been cloudy & cold all day but is not going to freeze to night. It did again last night. Charlie Quanbury lost 600 tomato plants in a cold frame. Thursday May 20th Huby came over this morning and has been digging out old peach trees in the old garden all day, while Dad. plowed. Sam Law came over and borrowed the disks, roller & harrows to work up his garden and and his lane which he graded up. I did a lot of chores aided by Tid both after breakfast & after dinner. I have about sixty little chicks all to-gether under three hens, the incubator did better than I expected. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/450d43953eaa56b1d58c5286d11972f7.pdf 51b096a460715330198a378694007735 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. after I did chores I went out and helped Huby We got out all the old peach trees and all but a few of the old currant bushes We left a few for this summer's crop. We also burned the old haycocks which were out in the field. It began to rain about five o'clock and we had to come in. It has been a little warmer to day but a cold wind and cloudy. Friday May 21st It has rained off and on nearly all day clearing up late this after noon. Dad. plowed three rounds but got pretty wet. It would stop raining every time he got to this end of the field and look so clear that he would start off again when it would immediately start in again to rain, this kept up for three rounds but the fourth he quit anyway although in the dry but it was wet again before he got to the house We didn't do much all day but chores. This after noon we hooked up to the waggon and went down to the mill after some chop & flour. Tid. went with us. We saw John Wess who was telling us about his neighbor Smith who is Bill Oakes son-in-law and who just moved down on Wright's place this Spring. He is sick in bed with Typhoid fever and the other day John Wess had to go over and bury his horse which got over a barbed wire fence and cut itself so badly that it bled to death. It was a fine big three year old which he had been offered $275.00 for this Spring. About seven o clock Mrs. Smythe brought Aunty & Aunty Alice back. Frank spent the evening down town playing poker with Huby & Aunty Maude as Win & Lila were at the show. Milder since the rain. Saturday May 22nd Dad. got in a pretty good day plowing to day. Frank had to go to school this morning and I just did chores. This after noon he & I levelled up the water troughs. The one at this end had sagged so that when it filled the water ran out of the top instead of the overflow pipe but I think we got it fixed pretty well. When we got that done Frank, Lila & Dorothy Anderson went back to the woods and I started to hoe the patch where the currant bushes are. Enah went down town this after noon and I drove down after her about half past five. Aunty & Aunty Alice went down town this morning and Aunty stayed at Huby's to dinner. She & Winnie came over this after noon & Win. went down with me before tea. Mrs. Col. Smith & Mrs. Hobbes came over this after noon and Aunty Alice and Tiddums entertained them. It has been a fine day but rather windy and cool much milder that it was though. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5445f6d9b0d2b1598b80fc86f692647b.pdf 9b1ad900daa43897b4fd5c756252666d PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Sunday May 23rd Aunty & Frank got <s>a pretty</s> down to Sunday School & church this morning and Dad. & Enah got a pretty good start for the Smythe's so that they were able to get to St. John's for church Mrs. Smythe invited them up there to dinner to see Louise as she came up from Toronto yesterday with the Evan's in their car to the Bowlby's but as they found they would see much more of Louise if they went to the Bowlby's to dinner so Mrs. Smythe was nice enough to let them go, they were there all the afternoon and Dad. got back in time to help me milk. They left Tiddums in Aunty's & Aunty Alice's care and he was very good and didn't cry a bit. At dinner he got a little egg on his dress and he looked up at Aunty and said "I usually wear a bib." This after noon Mr. Lawrie & Hubert came over for awhile they are here for over the 24th. Aunty Alice & I had a little concert this after noon. Frank went up to Walleys to look for Ginseng but didn't find any. Frank went down to church to-night. Nice sunny cool day. Monday May 24th Dad. plowed all day to-day, he helped me get the brooder out of the shed this morning and put it in the plum orchard and I was quite awhile cleaning it out and working around out there. I let the three old hens with their broods run loose to-day. I went over to Jack Martin's and got some chick food & scratch food. This after noon to celebrate the day Enah, Tiddums and I took a long and very pretty drive up around Vittoria & Port Ryersie, we took some pictures. Frank was down town all the after noon. Dover & <s>Simcoe</s> Nanticoke were playing baseball, but Dover got beaten by nine runs. Cars. Rankin accidently hit Art. Lawson in the eye with a bat and broke his glasses cutting his eye. Dick was down town all day too. Frank went with Winnie to the Moving Picture show to-night. Huby and Skinner Manning drove over to see Dad this after noon. It has been a lovely day. Sunny & warm Tuesday May 25th Dad. plowed till about five o'clock but had to stop as his shear was so badly worn so he disked till six I did up the chores and hoed every thing that was up in the garden I hoed a little more around the currant bushes it took me a good part of the day doing chores as the little chickens take up so much time. Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to have dinner with Mrs. Allen at the Norfolk House to-day and stayed down at Huby's to-night. Huby was over all day and got all the old rubbish out in the old garden https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/10ac5cdf07d7d84b06b3bcd86314f7ce.pdf 194210716c07d1ac3fa2d1081f42b646 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. burned and the old post holes filled up. Frank went down town to-night to get Aunty to help him with his lessons. Very warm all day and a lovely gentle rain to-night. Bred Belle to King Chocolate this morning. Wednesday May 26th I did chores nearly all morning and sorted out the barrel of apples down cellar. I also started the incubator going. Huby came over and after he finished cleaning up the old fence bottom beween the barley and the clover field which he started yesterday, we started to line up for the chicken fence which I want to put up along east of the raspberries in the plum orchard. We were at that all the after noon and got stakes set and enough old posts and rails which we will use for posts between the bigger posts. We got enough old boards off the road fence to put along the bottom. Dad. plowed all day but didn't quite finish. He was delayed at noon by Bickler's man coming in with Truchety and we bred Ginger. He quit about five and to-night he & Enah went out to the John Shand's, they didn't get back till about twelve. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over this after noon but Tid didn't wake up. Colin Ryersie went past this morning and said they had started plowing the big flats yesterday, they were going to start two or three weeks ago. Colin said "It is just eighteen years ago the day before yesterday that Paw and {Drake?} Watts were out before the crow flapped her wings in the morning and planted the big field by one o'clock, then went down to play football for the Queen's birthday sports in the after noon". That was the last time the flats were plowed and Huby says it is just about that long ago next October when the creek was the highest he ever saw it and was running full with corn shucks, pumpkins, rail fences and down around the swing bridge apple barrels where they had floated off the cars at the station. This may account for the long span of years that Art's big flats were left in sod, but the creek is about two feet lower now than it was in those days. It has been cloudy and a very cold north wind all day and it looks like frost to-night. Thursday May 27th Huby didn't come over to-day so I spent the most of the morning doing chores but got the two lines of raspberries hoed and some of the old manure out of the chicken yard put around them. Dad. finished plowing the corn ground and got nearly over it with the disks it will take a lot of work. This after noon I drove Enah & Tid. down town for some groceries just as we got back Mr & Mrs Johnson & George came in with their car and they took Aunty Aunty Alice Enah & Tid up to the cemetry. Lila https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/828fe31360f9c9f05700b0830b9e07ce.pdf 5ba4dc22324669075d1d571e89503714 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. came over with them. To-night Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's to borrow a book and I went with her. I also took Mrs. Charlie Martin a setting of eggs for which she paid me forty cents. I see by to-day's "Norfolk Reformer" that Capt. Simpson left this morning for England to join the Army Service Corps, I wish I had been up to drill before he went. Dick said to-night that May Ivey who is at the Culp's with plural pneumonia is not expected to live through the night. It froze hard again last night and did a lot of damage I guess. Some of our tomato plants in the garden were nipped and some were not, has been sunny but a very cold wind all day from the north. Friday May 28th After I did up the chores this morning I went out and took the team and Dad. came up and took the old sow down to Porter's, he was down there to dinner and didn't get back till four o'clock. I rolled the corn ground and got started to harrow it. Huby was over all day and set the posts in the plum orchard for the fence along the raspberries Something has been wrong with Snowdrop all day and to-night Huby Dad. & Frank examined her but couldn't see much but a little spot on her jaw which Dad. didn't think would affect her much, she went around all day with her nose to the ground and didn't eat at all. He ran the probang down her throat but everything seemed clear. Frank and I went down to Huby's to-night and had a game of poker. They had a baseball game down town to-night between the married and single men. Frank took it in but I didn't get down in time The single men men beat 6-5. Much warmer to-day. Saturday May 29th I worked on the corn ground all day to-day. I finished harrowing it and got it disked over lengthwise. Dad & Frank sheared sheep all day, they got four done I think Dad. says he is getting quite expert at it. Lila and Dorothy Anderson were over all the after noon and I let them ride the horses in from the field to-night which they seemed to enjoy, they had been waiting around for about an hour for me to unhook. Snowdrop is aparently all right to-day, we don't know what could have been wrong with her unless there was something in her throat that Dad. loosened with the probang and didn't know it. Aunty Alice has been tending to the little chickens for me, a lot of them have their eyes swelled shut. I think they have caught cold. It has been sunny all day but there has been a cold east wind. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/d090d963625b1d257109536464505e6d.pdf 40371d2541c37a14a0b4b05e3852c890 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Sunday May 30th Aunty & Frank and I went to Sunday school and church. Enah came down to church and Dad. brought the baby down and went over with Enah to the James' for dinner and to spend the after noon, they took Tid. down to the lake for a little while and had an early tea down there. I saddled Joe and went for a ride after dinner. I went down to the Ryerse's but none of them went for a ride so I went out to the Shand's and got Charlie to go with me. His uncle John had the little sorel which he generally rides so he had to take Billy the big grey and the consequence was we couldn't go much off a walk. We went down to Marburg and up the third concession. I stopped in to see Sid. McBride but he wasn't home. I wanted to ask him about getting some more of his hog-meal. We also saw Hammond on his way home from Sunday school, we were talking to him for about an hour. He was telling us all his Guelph experiences, he would like to go to the war but his Dad. won't let him, the whole three of us would go if we got the chance, but Charlie is not well at all. I don't know what is wrong with him. Frank rode to Simcoe this after noon on his wheel, when I got home he was back after the cows. He was gone a very long time and upon investigation I found that a newly arrived calf was causing the delay, it belonged to Spot and Frank was bringing it up to the barn. It was a fine big red & white bull and had evidently been born quite early in the day. Dad. just got home as we got it up into the yard. Aunty and Aunty Alice went down to stay at Huby's for a week It has been a fine day but a cold east wind. Monday May 31st I disked crosswise on the corn ground all day but didn't get quite over it. Dad. sheared some more sheep, I think he only has two more to do now. Huby was over all day and put a post in at this end of the lane to put the gate latch on, he also fixed the fence at the end of the lane between the gatepost and the anchor post, he didn't feel very well to-day. To-night Frank and I went down to see another baseball match between the married and single men. The single beat 5-4. I fooled around town till about nine o'clock and then went down to Huby's for a little while. Frank was down there and Aunty was going over his lessons with him. They were all working late in the bank to-night as it is the end of the month. It has been quite hot all day to-day but the wind is still from the East. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/dcd4d5dc969feb5a650bade0b97b6c7f.pdf 50d35ece2f7abbc0db0cac811b4eccdd PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Tuesday June 1st This morning I finished disking the corn ground and got started to roll it At noon I drove Enah and Tiddums down to Mrs. Leslie Battersby's for dinner and brought Huby over, he said he felt well enough to work but didn't like to walk over, he sat in the house and shelled corn all the afternoon. I also got old Daddy's collar from Val. as Dad was going to hook Joe & him up but he sheared the last sheep instead, he sheared the other one this morning, he took the team till I got out after I had my dinner. I finished rolling and started to harrow crosswise, about five Dad. came out and relieved me and I drove Huby home. I drove him out to Charlie Tuple's first to get some archangel which is a weed that grows in a ditch out there and which Charlie claims to be a cure for Huby's ailment, he steeps it and makes a tea of it. We went around to see Bill to see if he could come and mark the corn ground for us to-morrow after noon he went down and asked his boss at the canning factory and said he could get off. He was telling us that they operated on his son-in-law over here who has just got over typhoid fever for apendicitus last night and Bill doesn't think he will live through it. May Ivey is still alive and I guess stands a chance of pulling through. Hot to-day. Wednesday June 2nd I drove Dick down to work this morning and went around to Billy Laing's to see if I could get any seed corn as Dad. is afraid to use what we have. Some of the cobs were mouldy when Huby shelled it and some Dad. planted in a flower pot only tested about 60%. Billy didn't have any and didn't know where there was any Aunty went up to Mrs. Battersby's with me and got some dahlia bulbs to send over here. When I got home Huby went over and telephoned to the Smythe's and they said they had a little so I hiked right out there but found it was just in the crib and didn't look as if it would be as good as what we have so I didn't get any. It began to pour rain just as I lef so I got pretty wet. This after noon after it stopped raining I cut part of the lawn. Huby spent the after noon building a fence two panels long from the pig pen to the orchard fence to make a small yard for the little pigs. Dad. rolled this morning but it was a little too wet this after noon so he hoed in the garden. I drove Huby down to-night and we saw Bill Oakes and told him not to come over till he thought the ground was fit to mark. Frank saw Billy Laings to-night and he said he could get us some corn in Simcoe. Cloudy and wet all day raining to-night. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/770ae9a0e3c1f20902deb626165f96fe.pdf 3eeaaef834ecd9fbadecc310cae67fe3 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday June 3rd It rained hard during the night so that everything was flooded this morning but it was a good rain and as it has been pretty hot all day will do a lot of good. Dad. is beginning now to talk about a big crop of wheat this fall. This being the King's birthday Dick had a holiday. There wasn't any school but Frank went down to see and was down there all morning. I didn't do very much but cut a little lawn. Huby & Lila came over but it was too wet to do anything much so Huby went back home. Dad. opened up a few ditches. This after noon Frank and I drove to Simcoe to see if we could get any seed corn but we found that Simcoe has begun already to shut up Thursday after noons so we couldn't get in anywhere but Edmond's and they didnt have any, we got some rocksalt there. We went down to see what Brook's Mill was paying for wool and they said the same as it was quoted at in Toronto and in to-day's paper they have removed the embargo and unwashed fine which is ours has jumped from 18cts to 23 & 25cts. We saw all the Dover cadets up there they went up to take part in some contest but as near as I can make out they were the only company present so took the prizes. Frank McBride got four dollars and a medal for shooting. Friday June 4th This morning I finished rolling the corn ground and Dad. fixed fence in the gully as the cattle have been in on the oats the last two mornings. Frank saw Bill on his way to school this morning and Bill came over this after noon and marked the corn ground. It was in nice shape on top. Huby came over this after noon too and tore down fence along the road. After Bill started to mark crossways I started to plant instead of helping and Dad. helped him. It was a little too wet to plant but I got quite a lot done when Charlie Martin came over and wanted Dad. to go and look at his old mare's leg which Sam Law's mare had kicked and he was afraid had broken. She had been running at pasture in Sam's gully. Dad. went and Charlie took Huby with his shotgun over. Dad. said it was properly smashed, so Huby cut a shell and shot her. I had planted smart-nose corn from Charlie Dixon's as far as I went but when Frank came home he said Billy Laing's told him we could get some down at Jack Mason's so he and Dad. went down after tea and got about half a bushel. Aunty came over to dinner to-day and brought a piece of the blue lilly from home which we set out in the front bed. Nice day and very warm https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/38c065d990bf30a8c37f7956290ace72.pdf 149c07fa328b1546f6d57ab1cb390874 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Saturday June 5th Huby and I started in first thing to plant corn and have been at it all day. Dad. has suffered intense agony from a pain in his back which stabs him with terrible torture if he gives it the slightest twist, he doesn't know what caused it unless he hurt it a little yesterday after noon when he was helping Bill. He rolled down part of the barley and oats this morning and before noon drove out to Lorne Kniffens and took Aunty Lila & Tiddums with him to get some more seed corn as Kniffen stopped this morning and told him that Billy Laing said we were short and that he had about half a bushel left, we also got about a peck from Jack Martin this morning so that we got the biggest percentage of the field in with "Longfellow" instead of "Santrose" Dad. helped us plant this after noon till Frank finished rolling the barley & oats and then Frank helped us finish while Dad. did chores but we got it all in before six and think it ought to be a good crop. Aunty, Aunty Alice & Cousin Clare have been over all the after noon and Winnie was over to tea Aunty & Aunty Alice stayed all night. It has been very hot all day. Sunday June 6th Frank and Aunty went to Sunday school this morning and I went for a swim down at the Quanbury's. Mrs. Quanbury was very anxious to have me use their bathroom instead of the pond but I didn't and the water was fine. She gave us some asparagus and <s>lettuce</s> onions to bring home. Art has been sick and got pretty well behind with his work so Dad. told him last night that I would take the team and give him a day on Monday and he seemed very pleased. When I got home I got dressed up and Dick, Aunty Alice, Enah & I went down to church. This afternoon soon after dinner Jim Waddle and the two little girls came in and were here for quite awhile, before they left Uncle Ward & Bob. Ellis came in. Bob. didn't stay very long but went down to see Clarence Ferris but about five o'clock Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Shand came in and they & Uncle Ward stayed to tea. Frank and I did the milking and Mr. Shand drove Uncle Ward home before he & Mrs. Shand left. Dad's side has been better to-day but there is still quite a pain there when he twists it. It has been very hot to-day and feels like rain. Monday June 7th Dad's back felt worse again this morning but he helped me milk. It was nine o'clock however before I could get out with the team and started for Quanbury's https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/0d3ba24ddaa647174fa45058809af034.pdf f3ee89c5580fb66633e873d8494beee6 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. with the disks, Charlie was disking with their team and Art. was setting out tomato plants. We worked up a pen to put more tomatos on. We all went over to Charlie's place where Charlie cooked dinner, he said he didn't approve of cold lunches. After dinner we had a look around Charlie's ranch, he has corn planted on the flats and he marked it himself. It is so crooked the crows cant follow the rows to steal it. Art. hooked his team on to the waggon to drive back to his place but Charlie & I each rode one of my horses and had "some time" on the return trip. It began to rain about five o'clock so Art. who was equipped with a rubber coat drove my team home and their old team went home without driving, while Charlie & I took to the woods and walked home after the rain had dried up a little. It was hot all day but sultry. Tuesday June 8th I saddled Joe first thing this morning and rode over to John Wess' as he was going to telephone up and find out what wool was worth in Simcoe. I found it was only 20 cts which was what Henderson told Frank he was paying so when I got back Dad. & I weighed it all up and put it in a sheet and loaded it into the buggy but found it was too big a bundle to take in the buggy so we caught Belle & harnessed Joe & her and put the wool in the waggon. Old Ivey from the mill came in for awhile and talked He wanted to put his horse out to pasture for a couple of weeks but I don't know whether he will or not. By the time I got started down town it was getting near noon I didn't stop at the mill on the way down but went and got Huby to hold the team for me and when we got back Henderson had gone to dinner El. Ryerse was there so we put the wool in the warehouse and left it. I was going up to see about some locust fence posts which Dick Faulmsbe had but Huby saw Place and he said he had a car load of cedar posts on the way here so I thought we had better wait. When I got home Aunty & Aunty Alice had gone to the Harding's for dinner and Enah was due to go but Tid. wasn't awake yet so I had to hook Joe to the buggy and drive them down when he did wake up. On my way home I stopped in at the mill and got the money for the wool which was 97 lbs I got 20 cts. $19.40 When I got back I had my dinner and then Dad. & I went down to Mr. Flemming's and got a load of old shingles for Kindling as he has put a new roof on the west side of his barn and told us we could have what shingles we wanted to pick up. Dad. felt a little better to-day but not much It has been pretty hot to-day but a cool breeze https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/0214abe27901d4754f0bc84db50dec76.pdf e5da275ef92679fe34b12b1d725e2ef0 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Wednesday June 9th We didn't do anything much this morning but putter around and talk about going down town but Dad. was pretty lame so we didn't get around to it till after dinner. This after noon Dad. Aunty, Tid & I went down in the waggon and were down most of the after noon Aunty didn't come home with us but walked home to tea. Dad. went to the doctor and got an electric shock on his sore back and some medicine. I got a roll of poultry netting and Mr. James loaded up the waggon with boxes. We saw Bruce up the street a little farther and were talking to him for quite awhile. Dad. & Bruce held a sort of court of advice on Main St. as farmers from all over came flocking around with tales of woe concerning their livestock. Aunty didn't come home with us but walked over. Winnie & Rosa Jack came over to tea. Mrs. & Miss Woodson were in for a minute or two after tea before going to a bridge party at Mrs. Martin's. We had some music this evening but the girls went home early. Frank & I went down town with them. Nice day. Thursday June 10th This morning we hooked up the team and Dad & I went down to Flemming's to get another load of shingles. We took Tid. with us. Just as we got there we noticed that our colts were out of the gully and in the field so I struck right accross to put them back but I couldn't head them off alone and so they got out on the road and ran up the lane to the house. There with Enah's & Aunty Alice's help I managed to get them into the barnyard. I had to go back to the gully and fix up the place were they got out. I took the shotgun with me in case there were crows on the corn field but there weren't so I went on over to the woods but didn't see one. It was nearly noon when I got back but Dad. & Tid weren't home yet so I walked over to see if they were waiting for me but just as I got there they had left but I ran accross Vyse and he kept me in conversation for half an hour. Aunty & Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's for dinner in honor of Mrs. Skey's birthday. This after noon Dad. & I took a strand of barbed wire and stretched it over the piece of fence where the colts broke out and fixed it a little better. It was in the middle of the new gully fence where we left a place for gates but only stretched a piece of wire by hand. I think old Dandy probably caught his foot in it. Dad. felt quite a bit better in his back to-day but felt a little sick. Nice day. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/228399b1fecdea62c4baa0a08b73b046.pdf d30e5f2b74fd260dd99242b63d9b9348 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday June 11th I don't remember just what we did this morning but this afternoon I drove Enah down town for provisions as we just got word last night that the Millman's are coming up to-morrow to stay over Sunday & take Aunty and Aunty Alice back with them. When we got back Dad. & I started to clean out the floor of the big barn where the sheep were all winter. Dad. hauled a couple of loads out to the old garden to plow under. While we were there old Ivey from the mill brought his horse over to turn in the pasture. Aunty went down to a Red Cross party at Mrs. Buck's this after noon. Aunty Alice got word to-night that Mr. Billings was dead. He died at the hospital in Montreal and Mrs. Billings left right away for the West so Aunty Alice won't see her as She hoped. She feels very badly about it. Another nice day. Saturday June 12th When Dad. got up this morning he found old Ivey's horse over in Thos. A's oats. Harry must have kicked him over during the night as they didn't seem very friendly. I spent nearly the whole day cutting the lawn but I got it all cut front and back and it looks pretty nice I also dug up the rhubarb bed but not the plants. Dad put in all the day cleaning the manure out of the barn and got it looking pretty slick. We put old Ivey's chariot and our buggy in there as we will put the Millman's car in the drive house Frank spudded thistles to-day in the barley. Dick came home to tea to-night to see the Millman's. They got here just before tea. Mr & Mrs Millman, Kathleen & Orm who acted as chaffeur. After tea Orm took us three boys, Kathleen & Enah to Simcoe also Winnie & Lila. It has been hot to-day but breezy. Frank and I went down to Huby's to sleep to-night. Sunday June 13th I came home as soon as I got up this morning but Frank stayed down to go to Sunday School and church. Aunty was the only one who went down from here. Orm. Dick and I went for a swim this morning as soon as they got up, the water wasn't bad at all. After dinner I took Joe out and jumped on her back and as Kathleen was so anxious for a ride Orm out her up behind me but we didn't go very far as it was too strenuous to hang on without a saddle so then I put the saddle on her and Orm took a short ride while Kathleen was putting on an old pair of overalls then she had a little ride. They both seemed to enjoy it. This after noon Orm took all but Aunty, Aunty Alice Frank and me https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/6cde8e9585b41e410a43ec28a595d105.pdf a8a17e04f135ad778084b0f0602cca08 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. down to Hammond's bush to see old Ad. Frolick's log cabin, he got some of them down at Huby's too. When they came back Orm. Frank, Kathleen, Tiddums & I went for a ride down town and up to see Globe Park. They thought it had changed a lot since they used to summer there. We took Aunty down to stay at Mrs Leslie Battersby's to tea. After tea we took Cousin Clare home as she had been down here all the after noon - got Aunty and went up to Cousin Loll's for awhile came home again, then Orm took Frank and me down to Huby's so the car had a busy day of it. Dick was down town all the after noon. It has been very hot all day. Monday June 14th Huby came over with Frank and me to breakfast after which Huby, Mr Millman, Orm and I left for Billington's armed with fishing tackle and arms ammunition and a spade as Paw was anxious to get some ground hogs and trout We didn't get up there much before noon and spent an hour or so hunting woodchuck. Mr. Millman killed one and shot at two others at once but they went down the hole. He also set Huby and Orm to work digging one out but that got too tiresome so we quit for dinner. The Billington Bros. were very pleased to see us and gave Huby & me a pressing invitation to come up again some Sunday for a fish. We fished most of the after noon <s>was had</s> but they weren't biting, we caught four fish alto-gether. Mr. Millman one and I caught three. Before we came home we had another groundhog hunt but didn't get any. It was after eight when we left but it didn't take long to get home. We went through Normandale and saw old Bowlry Oakes. Tonight Orm took the notion that he wanted to sleep in the barn so of course none of us would be stumped and the whole four of us gathered up all the robes and quilts we could find and made a very comfortable bed but we didn't get into it till midnight and Dick was telling stories when I went to sleep but I never woke up till daybreak. It was pretty warm all day but a cool breeze. Tuesday June 15th It rained during the night and has been rather wet all morning but cleared off and was a fine afternoon Mr. Millman wanted to start for home this morning but we thought the roads would be too wet for the car so I drove Dick down to the bank this morning and took Orm with me before he was up. When Orm & I got back we thought they had decided not to go to-day so we went down again and took Kathleen with us. I took Joe down and had https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3e2cf607693ddd73c8bea3b0b91d858c.pdf 2c0971ac9755ab351736f97efacf6317 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. her shod so we didn't get back till noon but fooled around down town all morning. At dinner we were very disappointed to find that Mr. Millman was determined to go this after noon, we did our best to persuade him that the clay roads of Walpole would hold him up but it was no use. They didn't get started till two o'clock but I guess they got home safely, the place seems lonely with so many gone all at once. I don't know how the chickens will get along without Aunty Alice. A special train came up from Hamilton this after noon with about 15 members of the Board of Trade and a brass band, they were here for about an hour and the Dover fellows took them around town in their automobiles. They delivered a few speeches. R. L. Tobey from Hamilton made a speech from all accounts principally about Huby and said he wanted to see him, but Huby wasn't up town. Huby used to be in the store in Chatam when Tobey was errand boy Huby said they used to kick him all over and never had much use for him. Enah and I & Tid. drove down for a little while but were late, we met all the automobiles on the hill and had to turn around. We saw the cadets march down town. There was crowd enough for the first of July. I went to bed about the first thing after tea to-night. Wednesday June 16th Huby came over this morning and started going over the cornfield and planting the hills which the crows and blackbirds have taken. He saw a blackbird pulling some up but the crows don't come around when any one is near. I worked around the garden most of the day. This after noon Dad. & I cultivated it. We went over to Mrs. McBrides this morning and got five bushels of dandy potatoes some of which we will use for seed. Bickler's man was in this after noon and we had to breed Ginger again. Fine and warm to-day. Thursday June 17th Huby got over the rest of the cornfield to-day and we got a bushel or so of potatoes planted. Huby & I planted and Dad. plowed them in. We put them right on the sod in every third furrow. When Frank came home to-night he told us that Place's carload of posts had come. Sunny & hot. Friday June 18th Dad. went down first thing this morning and twenty five of the new cedar posts. He brought Huby over with him and they went right back to John Wesses line with them and burned the old stump that was in the line. Shand came in while https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a97d4b830929cf47630b9b0902433c73.pdf bb43b6afdad8b676011b5ecc74b10414 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. they were gone and said the two cars of crushed rock had come and he wanted us to turn out this after noon and help haul it, so Dad. & I went down with the team and waggon I stayed down there at the car loading waggons all the after noon. There were nine or ten teams hauling all to-gether. Dad had a tight box so he hauled the fine stuff. They are putting it on the big hill on the side road out here by our place It has been sunny and sultry all day, looks like rain. Saturday June 19th I got up good and early this morning and Dad. & I went down to haul stone again. I spen the whole morning in one of the cars shovelling out the side that didn't dump. I finished it all but about a wheel barrow load by noon but it was heavy work. They hired Huby for the day and he & Tupper's man were in the other car. They finished hauling the stone by soon after dinner, but Dad. was all the after noon hauing the fine stuff. There wasn't nearly enough of it to cover the big stones so they had to use earth which I am afraid will not be nearly as good. I stayed down at Huby's to dinner. Enah and I printed pictures to-night. Frank took Gladys down to Porter's this morning and this afternoon caught old {Dadudy?} and cultivated corn. Rained a little last night. Hot to-day but windy. Sunday June 20th Frank went to church & Sunday school this morning but Dick and I went down to Quanburys for a swim, we both swam across to the stump and back. The water was elegant but the wind rather cold. This after noon Dad. Enah & Tid went for a drive out to Mt. Zion Church. Frank went for a ride on his wheel and Dick down town I wrote to Aunty Alice. Five or six of my littlest chickens disappeared yesterday and I suspected a cat and to-night Frank caught the white cat running under the shop with one so to-night Frank put her in a sack and took her down to the fish shanties to lose her. It has been sunny all day but there has been a cool breeze. Monday June 21st We were all ready to get at the roadwork again this morning when Harvey Shand came in and said that there was another car with some fine stuff on the road and he thought it would be better to wait for it than to cover the stones up with earth, so after breakfast. We took the little jag we had on the waggon from Saturday night and put it on the road. Enah and Tiddums went with us and picked some wild straw berries along the road. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/446ed4a541905762a490370d4b38bcca.pdf 46ed8cfa42b6a035379cf639fef1cb5c PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Huby came over and when we got back we planted some more potatoes. We have been at that all day and Dad. is plowing them in. Huby hoed corn while Dad. was plowing the empty furrows and I pulled the sour dock in the barley. We quit early to-night and Enah & I went down to the the picture show to see Mary Pickford in "Tess of the Storm Country". It was pretty good. Frank rode down on his wheel, his exams started to-day, he had History, Hygiene, Composition & Spelling, he thinks he did pretty well except in the spelling which he isn't sure about.There has been a strong East wind all day and it rained quite a spatter to-night. Tuesday June 22nd I went over to Martins with some more eggs this morning and Jack said he wouldn't be wanting any more. Huby didn't get over till late as he thought it would be too wet to do any thing but he and I put the boards along the ground on the posts he set in the plum orchard for a chicken run. Mr. Morgan came over and was here to dinner, he talked to Dad. all morning who was hoeing in the garden. He told me he would get me other walnut trees and a pecan for the ones that died. This after noon we didn't get out very early but I disked over the potato patch that was planted and we planted two or three more lines all tnat we will plant I think. Huby hoed some more corn and then went back to the woods to see if he could shoot a crow but was unsuccessful. He took a couple of sitting hens down to-night to set on some Plymouth Rock eggs he is going to get from Mrs. Flemming. The white cat came back from town last night some time and was purring around complacently this morning when we went out so to-night we caught her and put her in a bag with a lot of stones and I threw her over the dam bridge, so don't expect to see her back. I hated to do it and it may bring bad luck but I don't think it is very lucky to keep her here and feed her chickens. I went down to-night for awhile and got my hair cut. Sunny but cool breez all day. Wednesday June 23rd Dad. finished plowing the patch between the potatoes and the corn this morning and disked it up well. I went over to Jack Martins with the roosters and took some bags over to get chicken feed, he said he would fill them and I could get them in the morning. Huby came over and we rolled out the poultry netting along the posts and found it https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f0841f640613b4960e607494a586b59c.pdf 6971dab217b16c4bf4492d39f106a448 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. till about eleven and then went down town and got some wire to finish the chicken fence. Dad. helped me put it up after dinner before he went out to cultivate. I planted some pop corn in the garden between the potatoes rows and then spudded thistles till chore time. Charlie Shand was in to tell us the stone had come for the road. Quite warm to-day but nice breeze. Huby set nine posts along J.W's line to-day. Saturday June 26th Dad. & I got down to the car about half past eight this morning and I stayed there until we got it all unloaded. Huby was there too. There was only half a car for us, the other half was a little coarser and was for Dave Lampkin's bridge but they had a little more than they wanted so we took two or three loads of it. We were really through at noon but Dad. & Tupper said they wouldn't mind coming back for the sake of having it done right so instead of going home to dinner I went out to the Shand's and saved a long walk. Dad. went home. This after noon we got some sandy loam along Tupper's fence and covered the rest of the stones on the Winding Hills. We didn't work very hard but got it all done by six o'clock. Frank cultivated corn all day and has big blisters on his feet. Huby came over at noon and set some more fence posts. It has been pretty hot and sunny all day. We need a good rain now. Sunday June 27th Frank went to Sunday School and church this morning but Dick and I went down to the Quanbury's for a swim. Dad. Enah and Tid drove up to the cemetry. This after noon Dick and I went down town and Frank went for a ride on his wheel and didn't get home till about eight o'clock. The Oddfellows marched this after noon and went up to the cemetry but they didn't have any band. I just hummed around the beach and park all the after noon It was very hot and sunny all day Monday June 28th th Frank has put in another good long day in the cornfield with old Dandy. It is beginning to look pretty nice. Huby has been setting fence posts all day and this after noon Dad. went back with him and slashed down a lot of young ash that were in the road. It is pretty hard digging back there now. This morning Dad. & I sharpened the mower knives and I got started culling on the corner field. It is so weedy Dad. wants to get it done before the frist of July as he doesn't want sojourners into Dover to see it. I got a pretty good start with it but was bothered considerably with the brass boxing at the end of the pitman rod heating and had to take it off two or three times. Chris Quanbury from Lynn Valley came down to https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/d9152aa51ec894c28a735a44241a6fbc.pdf 9b45606abad7a9b68a22b12fa714f69f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. night with a crate of straw-berries for Enah at eight cents About nine o'clock Elva Said. Davis, May Parry & Bessie came over with Billy Boughner in his car to see if we knew where they could get some Brown Eyed Susan's to decorate Billy's car with on the First, but I guess it is a little early for them. I took Bluch back after the cows this morning and tied a plow shear to his rope and let him chase them hoping it would teach him not to be so savage. It holds him back a little but I don't know how it is goin to work. Very warm all day and feels a little like rain. Tuesday June 29th Frank and I went down town in the waggon this morning and got our hog meal at the station a bag of sugar for Enah to do up all her strawberries and I got some wheat screenings at the mill for the little chickens. When we got home I mowed & Frank cultivated corn till noon Dad. & Huby spent the morning at the fence and have it nearly ready to turn the cattle in the back field. This after noon I raked up what was cut yesterday while Dad. Huby and Frank cocked up. Then I cocked up while Frank went on and mowed. He kept on till it was too dark to see and then Dad. finished the field. The rest of us came in and had tea at six o'clock and then Dad. milked and Huby & I went right out again and cocked up till dark. There is only about one side of the field in windrow now and it is beginning to rain a little to-night. Pretty hot all day. Wednesday June 30th It rained part of the morning so there was nothing doing in the hayfield. I drove Dick down town this morning and got some turnip seed and some cabbage plants at the Quanbury's. Dad. & I set them out before dinner over in the old garden next the potatoes. We put out over a hundred. Huby came over after dinner and he and Dad. worked all the after noon at their fence but it isn't quite ready yet to put the wire on Frank cultivated corn with Belle all the after noon I went over to Charlie Quanburys and got his little seed drill to plant the turnips and when I got back went over to Mrs. McBride's and got another bushel of potatoes, then planted the turnip seed. The drill was certainly a great improvement on last years method. I planted nine rows the full length of the old garden in a little over an hour. Changing the lines took the most time as I didn't have a marker on. Sultry all the after noon but a nice breeze https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/82af03fe865d473b8b05c39115a69abd.pdf fa2b29a6eb45a35e6937ba52ce69e897 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. was seventeen paces too short so I went down town and got some more but got just seventeen feet instead of yards, so it still about ten yards short but Dad. & Huby put it up on the posts as far as it went this after noon and let the sheep & hens out into the oats. The sheep instead of going for the oats as we expected kept pecking right around the chicken coops and nibbling what suckers they could find around the trees. I went out and rolled the potato patch over a couple of times and then harrowed it. There has been a very cold north west wind to-day and it looks as if it might freeze to-night. Cold enough for overcoats. Thursday June 24th First thing this morning Frank and I went over in the waggon to Martin's to get my chicken feed. They hadn't it mixed up yet so we had to go over to Bush's barn to get some buckwheat and then wait for Chris to mix it so we were quite awhile but when we got back Dad. was out cultivating corn with Dandy and Frank went out and relieved him. Frank has been cultivating all day and has got all over the cornfield lengthwise and started over crosswise going twice in a row. After I got my chicken feed put away and some chores done I went out and spudded thistles in the barley till noon. I had some chores to do after dinner but got a couple more hours in this after noon in the barley Huby & Dad. have been back at John Wess' all day getting a line staked out for the fence. John Wess thought William's had crowded the last fence they put up a little and so they wanted to get it right and had to measure from the road. They found it about three feet shorter at one end than the other. To-night Dad. & Enah went down to a concert for the Patriotic Fund. Tiddums of course woke up and I had to tell him Jack & the Beanstak till we both went to sleep, we were both sound asleep in the big chair when they got home. It has been much milder to-day but there is still a cool breeze Fruday June 25th Dad. & Frank were figuring on getting in a good day in the cornfield to-day cultivating with Belle & Dandy but young Harv. Leany came & got Dandy just before seven. They were disappointed but Dad. took old Harry and got Ivey's cultivator and tried it. He got quite a lot done but I guess old Harry was very exasperating. Frank and Belle got on all right and kept at it steadily all day. They are going crosswise and twice in the cow. I spudded thistles https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f769a48549923a1f6cacd52b647e8332.pdf 2451d6e2f099bc22c7a4ac0b77a01874 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday July 1st Dad. and I went back first thing this morning and fixed the wire on the posts that Huby put in on John Wess' line and Dad. let the cattle into the back field. There is some lovely pasture in there and it is beginning to get short in the gully. Frank went down town to celebrate and has been down all day but came home at supper time to help Dad. do chores I went down after dinner, stayed at Huby's for tea and went up and sat around the park till half past ten. Enah and Tid went down this morning and stayed at the James' all day. Dad. drove after them to-night. It was a fine day for the celebration and there was a big crowd. It was sunny but not too hot or dusty. It looked very black this after noon but all blew over but they say there was an awful storm down east. Besides the usual list of foot races and tug of war, they had the cadets perform and representation of the "Queen Elizabeth" under Rear Admiral John Gordon bombard the forts at the Dardanelles Harry Moon was very much in evidence in this performance with a long tailed blue coat and flowing beard. He yelled himself hoarse through an instrument which served equally well for a megaphone, ear trumpet or funnel when he took a drink from a black bottle which was suspended in mid-air on a gallows which later in the day served to stretch the neck of an imitation Kaiser. Another item on the list of sports which I think was an original idea was a duck chase in the harbor. They let an old tame duck loose in the harbor and gave a prize for the one that caught it. There were a good many boys swimming after it but they couldn't catch it. They tried diving and coming up under it and cornering it but it was no use so at last they drove it up on land and let young Dickerson catch it. Huby was down there with the scow and Lila went in after the duck. Young {Brufy Cooker?} got a chill from being in the water too long but apart from that I didn't hear of any accidents and everyone had a good time. Friday July 2nd We thought the hay was a little to damp to work in this morning so Dad. hoed corn and I cut some of the lawn. Before dinner we greased the waggon and put the stakes for the slings on the rack, as it looked rainy and we thought it would be better to get a load in first and then rake up what was in swath. We got a small load in after dinner but it was very heavy and short. We put https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/85d120c8b99c59835b3cf2b17dc68252.pdf a5f5361ffa452572bef439c6d00635cd PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. it over the horse stable and the last lift came broadside of the stakes in some way and broke them both off. When we got the load off. We went out to rake but just as we got there it began to rain. It just rained enough to dampen the hay and make it unfit to rake so we came in and Dad. & Frank fixed the sling stakes. Frank cultivate corn all morning but young Harve Leany came after him before dinner so Frank helped us this after noon. I went down town to-night and fooled around for awhile It has been cloudy and not too hot to-day Saturday July 3rd It was too wet to go out first thing this morning into the hay, so I washed the buggy. Ed. Forest came over to have Dad. look at his horse's tail as she had hacked through the window during the night and he thought there was some glass in there. Dad probed around and succeeded in extracting three pieces of glas two of which were large pieces. About ten o'clock Dad. & I went out to put up the rest of the hay. It looked very black in the West but Dad. went a couple of rounds with the rake before it commenced but then we had to quit. We had a good steady shower and were glad to see it as every thing needs it. The oats are commencing to head out and are only about six inches high. Whit Dixon was over to ask us to put my big steer in Sunday night as they want him Monday. This after noon Dad. & I ground the extra mower knife. Frank rode Belle down town after the mail and was down most of the after noon, he said it was raining hard down there but it didn't rain much over here It cleared up about five and to-night I went down town to see Marj. I didn't get to bed till about twelve o'clcock Sunday July 4th Dick got up fairly early this morning and we all then went for a swim and then Dick went down town to go to Brantford with the Dyer's. Frank and I went down to church I drove Enah down. This after noon Marj. & I went for a drive, we had a very happy time, when I got home Mrs. Lawrie & Edith & B. Kains were here to tea. It has been a lovely day as near as I can remember. Monday July 5th It rained very hard last night so we couldn't do any thing with the hay this morning. Dad. & I cut thistles in the barley & oats till noon and after dinner Dad. started to rake hay but just as he did start a shower blew in https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ce5e4213a646fcd0fdeaf8941b107382.pdf 4adb114b5d4bd6c37166bffa0717191f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. for about two minutes and soaked things so he came in We just sat around the rest of the afternoon and every now and then a little shower would come up. It has been cold and a strong west wind all day. Whit. came over this morning and got the big steer of mine which we put in for him last night. Billy Barlow was in this after noon to try and buy the others but Dad. told him he had promised them to Bob. Another fellow was around buying cattle to-day. Billy said it was likely Lea from Simcoe. Old Joey brought a couple of fellows over in a car to look at his horse and later two other fellows drove in to look at him but none of them took him away Dad. was wishing they would because he leans over the fence and eats Ivey's oats and bends the fence all over. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. Enah and Frank painted the kitchen this after noon and every body is forgetting about it in spite of the smell and getting into it. Dad. was going down town to-night but he woke the baby up getting dressed and it took him about an hour to put him to sleep again so he stayed home, but Frank went down to Huby's to play poker. Tuesday July 6th Dad. thought it was too wet to work in the hay this morning so he and I hoed a patch of couch grass in the corn. Frank cultivated with old Dandy all day but Harve Leany came after him to-night. This after noon Dad. raked up the rest of the hay and he and I cocked up. It looked rainy after tea to-night so we went out after tea and got quite a lot more cocked before dark. Landon Ivey sent over after the rake when we were through with it and told Dad. he could have the upstairs part of the root house over there for Enah to paint the oil cloth in the kitchen. Vernon & Rebecca were to have come up this morning to stay at the Woodson's Nice day but windy. Wednesday July 7th We got in four loads of hay to-day, we would have got in another but the rain prevented us, but we hauled in out of the windrow and what is left out is in cock except a few windrows of couch grass. Frank bunched it up ahead of us and Dad. <s>loaded</s> pitched on & I loaded. We put it all in the horse stable but we are going to change the car to the barn for what is left. This being Dad's birthday, Win & Lila came over to see him this morning. Enah & Tid went down to see Vernon so we had a cold lunch but had dinner to-night when Dick came home and stayed home all evening. I drove down town town after tea and right back again to get my pants from Tip and some pictures. Windy & cool all day cool rain. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/67414012f6536c93ef4888f88fd6a8a5.pdf c8a9ce4fb45b146e6fb266021045af94 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday July 8th It rained hard nearly all night so we couldn't do any thing in the hay. Dad. drove Dick down town and got his hair cut. Frank and I fooled around here and went over to Ivey's to measure the upstairs part of their root house to see if there was room to put the kitchen oil cloth down to paint it, we found there would be lots of room. When Dad. got home we took Joe and drove out to McPherson's with the beehive as Mrs. McPherson is going to give Frank another skip for the one which died. This after noon Dad. and I changed the car from the horse stable to the barn and Dad. tied a pulley up in the west end of the barn he had to do it with one hand and nearly fell once so we are afraid it wont hold when the strain comes on it. Frank spent the after noon making a super for his bee hive he made a dandy, he then worked half the night making a stick for the reel of the binder as one got broken. We took up the kitchen oilcloth this after noon and Dad. & I took it over to Ivey's root house. To-night I went down town & Marj. & I went to the show. Dick came home with me as I was driving. It has been sunny & windy all day Friday July 9th I cut the lawn this morning and worked around the garden Dad put some sleepers down in the hay in the big barn and put some rails a<s>c</s>cross them to keep the hay up off the ground This after noon we put rails across the two beams over where we ran some implements in so that the hay wouldnt come right to the floor. We then went out and brought in a load, but the rope that Dad. was afraid of broke and we were so long getting it fixed that we could only get the one load. Dad put another rope up but couldn't fix it very strongly as there wasn't enough hay in the bottom to shove the ladder up very high. To-night I rode down town and got the mail. Cousin Clare came over this morning and is going to stay all night. Nice day Saturday July 10th We hauled in hay all day but only got in five loads and left the last one on the floor. We would have finished the field but we were bothered a lot with the ropes breaking.Two lifts just got on the track when, with the first one the rope on pulley in the end of the barn broke and we couldnt uncatch the car from the gate so we had to trip the lift on the barn floor and pitch it into the east hay by hand. The next one that acted that way https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2c4326cd161b5b5754e76fc4c464b72e.pdf 43beec4eb1f6836b84a4908d88af4d68 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. the pulley over the door gave<s>y</s> way splitting the rafter it was attached to and pulling the hook right out. We had to trip this lift too but lay a sling rope on the floor and managed to catch most of it so saved pitching by hand. We came to the conclusion that the track being so loose was what was causing the trouble so Dad. managed to tighten it a little at the risk of his life, however all our delays prevented us from cleaning up the field. Frank and Dad. brought the last load in and I rode down to Nanticoke and right back. Cousin Clare went home to-night. It has been hot all day and was a warm night. Sunday July 11th Frank and I went for a swim this morning Dick has a game knee so didn't get up to go, he doesn't know what is the matter with it but he is very lame. Frank went down to Sunday school from the pond and I came home and got ready to go to church. Enah & I were going to drive down but just as we were ready to start it began to rain and poured down from then till about four in the after noon After dinner Dick and I drove down town. We both came back to tea. We saw Huby and Bill Oakes down town they had been out to Old Ed. McQueen's funeral. Monday July 12th It was too wet to work in the hay to-day so I drove Dick down first thing and when I came back I set out a lot of asters and stocks. Dad. & Tiddums drove down to Law's <s>after the butter</s> to pay for the butter and Frank went over to Ivey's root house and gave the oil cloth another coat of paint. Dad. also made a short ladder to nail up in the east end of the big barn to tighten the nut on the rod as he has it screwed up as tight as it will go at the other end. This after noon I drove Enah down town, she wanted to see Cousin Loll as it was her birthday and as it was too wet to work I went around to take Marj. for a boat ride She, Essie & Joe Brown who is staying there were down at the lake swimming, so I went down there by the time they got dressed and Marj. was ready it was about four o'clock and looked very black in the north but we went down to Jakes and got a boat as he said he didn't think it would rain. We met Bird Smith and her husband Mr. Parker and Nell Smith and her lover in two canoe's at Coleman's point and they told us it was going to rain but we went up as far as the Willows below Joe Long's before we turned back and then it began to sprinkle so we got back to Jake's as fast as possible and just got inside https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3fb3afb13633e69198493e963b303e4d.pdf a258d627b141c36391c1df2eb0114b4d PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. his place when it began to pour and then followed the heaviest rain we have had for a long time. In a few minutes the foot of Main St. was a lake and there were torrents running down each side. Bird was in at Jake's and her husband was over trying to get a white fish at the fish shanties. Nell's beau had to get off on the {fire?} train so they had gone home and had to come back down to the station in the bus. After the train went out it was impossible to get from the station to Jake's so we four had ice cream and peanuts watching poor Nell over in the door of the express shed, where she stood for about half an hour, then when the storm had abated a little she sent Al. Faulkner over with his car as he had been imprisoned in the station too and got us all in and took us home. Al. had to make three or four attempts to get up Main St. but he managed at last I waited at the Bagley's till about six and then it was pretty well cleared off I went around to the Jome's after Enah and the baby but found they were going to stay to tea so I stayed down too.The town was a pretty mess. All the cellars and low spots were flooded and they said there were boxes floating all over Anderson's store. Very nice day but poor hay weather. Tuesday July 13th I drove Dick down town this morning and as the roads were next to impassable I drove around to bring Mrs. McBride over but she had left before I got there and I didn't catch her till she was half way up this road. I didn't do any thing much all day but set out the rest of the stocks out under Dick's bedroom window. This after noon I drove Enah & Tid. down town for the mail and as Mrs. Charlie Martin is having a tobaccoshower for the soldiers to-morrow Enah had to get some of it. Dad. cut thistles in the plum orchard this morning and this after noon took a walk over the place. He says the oats in the barley & oats have come on wonderfully since the rains and that what last week looked like a field of straight barley now looks like a field of straight oats but the oats across the gully although the grains are filling well are very short & thin. Lila has been over all day and she & Frank have picked cherries and Frank put a shelf up in the shop this after noon. He went down town to-night with Lila. I had a little practice on the fiddle to-night It has been hot & sultry all day. This seems to have been the only place that got any rain yesterday. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/db35f27b20ff8ca603eb9f4f69b6ffdd.pdf 6c402090cdacfdae99dfb5a5ff628e32 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Wednesday July 14th As soon as the dew was off this morning Dad. started to cut the clover and bluegrass east of the orchard. It was high time it was cut as the bluegrass was a little too ripe. Frank and I went out and turned out few cocks there were in the corner field. They were all damp but not in such very bad shape. Tupper came along and talked for about an hour so we were out there the best part of the morning, when we got through I staked a few of the little poplars along the road and Frank went over to Ivey's to give the oilcloth another coat. This after noon I staked the rest of the poplars and Dad mowed till I quit about four o'clock, he got all the one field down and got several rounds cut on the field north of the orchard. It looks to be a nice quality and fairly heavy for this year. We then put of the load that was on the barn floor and got another in of what we turned out this morning It was still a little damp and so heavy, but we thought we had better get it in. There is still a load out there We left it on the barn floor. To-night I went to the picture show with Marj. Dick came home with me. It has been fine & hot all day. Looks rainy to-night. Thursday July 15th It began to drizzle here before breakfast this morning and kept it up most of the morning. It cleared off in the after noon but this evening there was a very heavy thunder storm. This morning I levelled off the hay in the big barn where it had just been left as the slings dropped it and Dad. cut the grass & weeds around the fences of the meadows he cut. Frank tidied up the shop and before noon we picked some cherries for Enah. This after noon Dad. finished cutting the field north of the orchard. Tiddums followed him out and rode around on his lap most of the after noon. Betty Jean & Rebecca all came over this after noon. Frank was in the "Reformer" to-day that he has passed Entrance and feels so elated over the fact that he actually wants to go back to school after the holidays. Dick walked home to-night and got covered with mud. Thursday July 22nd I have neglected writing in this for a week as I have either been away or too sleepy at night and not up in time in the morning and too busy all day. It was too wet of course to work in https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/6567cdaada5642ba2f7fba5b425323b7.pdf f2d5cba022abaa95b4cf23caf0f7cc24 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. the hay Friday so Frank and I hauled a load of broken tile and two loads of sand and put them in front of the cow stable door as there was an awful mud hole then Dad. cleaned the muck all out and we put the broken tile in on the solid ground and the sand on top of them, The cows didn't appreciate the improvement much and we had an awful time making them go over it. Saturday was a fine hay day - and I went down about eight to get Huby. He came over and cocked up all day. Dad. raked up both<s>e</s> fields which were down and we got the one all cocked up by noon. We all four cocked up till about four o'clock and then Dad. & I hauled in the one load which was left on the corner field. It was pretty dark so we hauled it in the old barn and will put it up over the granary. Huby & Frank cocked up till dark but we had a lot of trouble with the callte. We had to put Bluch after them to make them go in and he chased Snowdrop over the barnyard fence. She hit on her head and turned a beautiful summersault. We couldn't get John it at all so she didnt get milked to-night. I drove Huby & Lila home to-night and brought Enah back. Poor John R. Davis died very suddenly this evening, he had a sort of stroke over on the bowling green and died in a few hours. Sunday Dick, Frank and I went for a swim and Frank went from there to Sunday school, Dick and I came home but drove down to church with Enah. This after noon Marj. and I went for a drive and I stayed down at the Bagleys to tea. Marj. and I went to church but as we were about ten minutes late we didn't go in but went for a walk and then up to see Glad. Law to tell her about the visit we paid the Preston's this after noon. Monday was a fine day although it looked very rainy all day. Dad. Frank and I cocked up in the field north of the orchard till about ten o'clock and then Huby came over, he had been up to see Harry Ansley about getting the Customs House job in John R. Davis' place. Harry said they would do all they could for him and are going to get out a petition to be signed by all the conservative voters they can. Huby and Frank cocked up the rest of the hay and finished by to-night. Dad. & I hauled in and got in three loads After tea I went down and got Marj. and drove her to Simcoe to get C.P.R. tickets for herself and Mrs Bagley. She is going to the {illegible} & Mrs. Bagley out to Saskatchewan. We went to the show up there and got home a little after twelve. We had a lovely time. Dad. rode Belle out to Jim. Waddle's to get his influence in getting Huby the job but Jim said he had applied for it himself. Tuesday https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/bb8757ff50b33914238e9038ea89cff3.pdf 54f6c62a6ec93b97881519472a729840 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Huby came over first thing and mowed away or hoed in the garden. Dad. & I hauled in two loads this morning but as he & Huby went to John R's funeral this after noon we had to quit on time. Dad. went with the Masons. In the after noon Frank & I hauled in two loads, we cleaned up the field east of the orchard and got one load off the other field. When Dad. got home he & I got in another load. After tea I walked down town and got my hair cut. It rained a little. Haib died yesterday he has been sick about a month and was only twenty eight years old. The then Dyers kids (boys) were over here picking wild raspberries in the woods all day, they are thick back there Dad. & Frank got up at half past three this morning and went back and picked a lot. Wednesday I got up before five and got fixed up and went down to see Marj. off. She & Mrs. Bagley left for Toronto and from there up the lakes. It was too wet to haul all morning so Dad. & Frank cultivated the garden and the raspberries I didn't do much but hoe a little We put off the load that was on the barn floor before dinner and this after noon Dad. & I got in three more, we were going out after the fourth when it commenced to rain. It had been raining all around us all the after noon and we got a piece of it at night. It rained pretty hard for about an hour. I went back after the cows and got soaked. Aleta McBride was over all morning picking cherries. This morning Thursday, Dad. & Enah & Tid. have been out all morning canvassing the country for names to go on Huby's petition for the custom's office. Dad. got about a dozen nearly all the ones he saw were very anxious to sign it as they all think the job belongs to Huby A lot of them had signed Huby's in town. Mr. McPherson was the only one who didn't sign and he said he was very sorry but he had another man in view. The other man was aparently Wilson as they saw him on their way out and he told them that he had applied for the job but when he saw Huby's petition last night he put his name on it. Huby and Sandy Leitch were over after dinner in the latter's car and Huby had a paper three feet long filled with two columns of names. He had over 200 to-night. Frank mowed all morning the field north of the old garden he finished it soon after dinner. I cut the lawn this morning. Aleta McBride was over and picked the rest of the cherries. After dinner Dad. went out and turned out a lot more hay and about four we hauled in a load. Then we went out and cocked it all up again https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4bb37ddeec760a0eb1da968abbb64025.pdf ecb4faafec22dcc6a6da0b1bd7668bec PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. as it looked very rainy. However it didn't rain here although we could see a terrific storm raging north of us. Dad. & Enah drove down town to-night and took Mrs. McBride's share of the cherries around to her. They went down to see Huby and he had just heard from Jack Herring saying poor old Quint was in the hospital. Huby was pretty anxious about him but I don't believe he is very bad. Lila is also laid up with biliousness Friday July 23rd We put off the load that we hauled on the barn floor last night and then Dad. took the team and raked up what Frank cut yesterday. Frank and I threw the tops of the cocks which didn't get turned yesterday and then came in and changed the car from the barn to the horse stable. Dad. came in before we were through but the time we got that done it was half past eleven - and not worthwhile going after a load, we got out fairly early after dinner and got three loads in leaving the last one on the barn floor, we quit early as Huby was over and wanted Dad. to go to Simcoe to-night with him, Barwell & Ansley to see Alex McCall about Huby's job. Frank and I did the chores. Dad. said that it looks pretty well for Huby as McCall wants him to have it and says in the face of the petition that Huby has over 250 names it would not be right to let it go anywhere else but of course he hasn't all the say and Jim Waddle has all the Conservative committe on his side outside of Dover, but they think there is a chance of him dropping out. It has been sunny and breezy to-day a good drying day. Saturday July 24th This being my birthday Dad. & Enah presented me with a tripod for my camera, Frank with a necktie and Dick with a box of Holeproof hosiery. Aunty sent me a shirt and Aunty Alice a dollar so I came off pretty hicky. We hauled hay all day, got the load and and a little over that was on the field north of the orchard and then hauled in off the bluegrass field which Frank cut on Thursday. We got it all in but about half a load. There were only about three loads on it, but it took a long time to haul as it was in windrow and Frank just bunched it up ahead of us It was in nice shape though as it didn't get wet at all. Dad. and Frank did up all the chores to-night as I felt rather sick. I haven't felt extra well all day but to-night I felt really rotten. It has been a nice day sunny and windy, looked a little hazy this after noon https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/5e1582f6016086b9b965e7be7da82b6e.pdf 8d97390e7a8c6d57799d74b63a503808 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Sunday July 25th I didn't feel up to much all day and Enah was right down sick so nobody went to church all day. Dick & Frank went for a swim before dinner. Huby was over for a little while this morning, he said he didn't feel very well either I don't know what is the matter with all of us but Enah and I felt better to-night. I drove Huby home. This after noon Dick went down town and Frank went back to the woods and discovered a black cherry tree with dandy big cherries on it right at the edge of the woods. He also reported that the wild raspberries were thick back there Sam Law came after Dad. to go and see a sick pig he had Dad. went and saw it, came back to get a syringe and when he got back the pig was dead. I wrote a letter to Aunty & Aunty Alice. Enah spent the after noon in bed. About four o'clock Rus. Ickey cam over and stayed to tea. We were of course highly entertained by his conversation. Fine day. Monday July 26th Frank and I spent the morning back in the woods picking raspberries and supplying breakfast to the one million hungry mosquitos which inhabit that portion of the ranch We got a nice lot of berries. Enah put down five quarts and we had some for dinner and tea. Dad. cut hay all morning. Just after dinner it began to rain and we had quite a long shower so couldn't do any thing more in the fields. I wrote a letter to Mr. Yussou about my chestnut tree and also one to Prof. Zavitz asking for another potato platform in place of the one I lost. When it stopped raining I put up a bit of two foot poultry netting across the bottom of the raspberry patch and shut the five young dudes in. Frank spent most of the after noon making a whipple tree for the cultivator out of a piece of hickory. He is making pretty good job of it. They got word from Quint to-day or rather of him, they are afraid of typhoid fever, his temperature goes up at night to over 103° and down in the morning, they are pretty anxious about him. Tuesday July 27th Dad. and I spent the whole morning hoeing potatoes out in the old garden but got on very slowly owing to the grass which has come up so thick with the potatoes since the rain. Frank finished cutting the old timothy sod and brought the mower up as everything is cut now. At noon Sam Law came over to see if Dad. would go down with our binder and cut his wheat and let him come up here, but Dad. told him he had better bring his team up and hook on the binder. Their binder won't work at all the knotter https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/dd47e3aa73987ad824b79752d24c4400.pdf 98dd723cfef53c5994fb9402449bf886 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. seems to be at fault. Krompart told them he would be down to day but Sam is anxious to get his wheat cut and thrashed before he goes out with the thrashing outfit which he expects to have to do about the end of the week. Dad. & Frank went over with Alan after dinner and they got things going with our binder when Krompart & the General Agent came along and they were there all the after noon, put a new knotter on but it didn't work any better At last they discovered that the tension sit screw had been turned up as tight as it would go and that was what was causing all the trouble. Then they took a link out of one of the chains on our binder which was too loose and which Dad. never could tighten, but it was four o'clock or after before Dad. got home. However Dad. went out and raked up what hay was down and got it all up in windrow by about half past seven. Frank and I did up all the chores. I went down town right after dinner to get some coal oil and the mail and some cucumber plants from Huby which I set out when I got home. I don't know whether they will live or not as they were pretty big to move, but I also fixed some hills in the garden to plant seed in. To night Frank and I went over to McPhersons and got the bees they have been in the hive over a week. Percy Millman was down at Hubys to dinner to-day, he came up to look for a cottage, he said that the rest were all coming up Friday in the car and Aunty was coming with them. Cloudy and warm all day. Wednesday July 28th We were going to haul in what Dad. raked up last night right out of windrow but just as we got the team hooked up to draw the load that was on the barn floor out and unload it, we decided that it looked so black it would pay to go and cock up as we could get more cocked up than we could loaded and it would be in fair shape while if left in windrow it would be an awful mess. We hadn't been out there an hour when it commenced to rain and rained pretty hard for the best part of the fore noon. After dinner Frank and I drove down town and got the mail, they heard from Quint down at Hubys, he has typhoid all right but it has been running for sixteen days and they think the worst is over with. I went around to Howey's saw mill and found they had lots of stuff to build a colony house if I can only scrape up money enough to buy it. When we got home Frank and Dad. went over to Law's to load the binder and bring it home but just nicely got there when it commenced to rain and poured for about two hours from four to six. I went out and separated the old hens from last years, I want to see if they are laying and if not I will kill them off. I went to bed early to-night as I have started getting up earlier. I have come to the conclusion that an hour to read & write in the morning is worth about two at night. I got up at four this morning and got quite a lot done beside getting a good early start for the day's work. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f50e8728dbb6a229a66327976919ad8d.pdf af93035fc5ee0200d9b925a7513f5b46 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday July 29th It was of course too wet to do any thing in the field this morning so Dad. & Frank went over to Law's and loaded the binder on the trucks and Alan hauled it home and borrowed the manure spreader. I went over to Martins to get a few more pointers on building an 8 x 10 colony house and when I got back Frank and I went down with the team and waggon and got all the lumber I wanted at Howey's. I was a little surprised to find the bill was only $15.10 as I thought it would be more, but I acting on Mr. Howey's advice I got Hemlock for the walls instead of pine as he said if painted there was no fear of it warping. Right after dinner Frank and I drove<s>d</s> down in the buggy to get the mail and some stuff we couldn't get this morning. Bob. Miller & Whit Dixon drove over right after dinner and Bob gave Dad. his price $140.00 for the two steers much to Whit's disgust who said it wasn't in them. The evidently had some altercation about the red & white one's disposition as Dad. was very anxious that he would act as quietly as mine did as Whit said he was a wild nervous brute. They want to take him in the morning so we put him in the cow stable to-night without much trouble. Herb Cook came over and took old Dandy, I suppose to work for awhile as his mare is lame. Zeitha Barwell came over to see if Enah could play for her at the concert to-morrow night but as we expect the Millman's Enah told her she couldn't. When we got home Dad. went and turned out some hay and Frank and I started in on the colony house. We did pretty well and apart from getting a rather warped scantling for front sill and putting the floor on up side down, we did pretty well for a first attempt. I was going down to Tom Abbotts to-night to see some half grown chickens he wants to sell but it got too dark Cloudy & sultry. Friday July 30th Frank and I got out as soon as possible this morning and worked on the colony house all morning. Whit came over after the steer and we had to help load him Dad's hopes for his good conduct were not realized by a long shot as he raised cain. We managed to get him loaded but Whit's horse waas frightened so we had to take him out and put old Harry in his place. Dad. went down with him and they were nearly all morning getting him tied up over at the slaughter house. I think Whit was rather pleased that he did cut up so that he could say "I told you so" to Dad. who said he that if the bottom of the rack was not so slippry he would have been all right. This after noon Dad & I https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/aa16b7a725238da4e467f7c02e7dc234.pdf b952bb77a6e77b80410d5fb55d9a5c88 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. went out and started to cock up the hay that Dad. turned out yesterday but scarcely got out to the field when we heard the wind and rain sweeping across the cornfield so we lit for the house. We just got there in time as the rain came down it torrents. We went in the shop and ground the binder knives till it was over, we then went out and worked a little more at the hen house and got quite a little bit more done. Allan Law and Frank McBride brought back the manure spreader. The Millman's hadn't arrived by six o'clock and we thought there was no chance of them getting here, but they did seven strong including Aunty. Their car was covered with mud and they said the roads had been awful but they had got a bit of rain. Nita and Billy came up with them this time. Percy with his wife, baby, maid & dog came up on the train this morning and is boarding down at Harry Moon's for a couple of weeks. After tea we all went down town again to see Percy and went down to Hubys to see Walter who came up on the train to-night. We four boys slept in the barn to-night. Saturday July 31st The ground was too wet to cut wheat this morning so Dad. & I worked nearly all day at the colony house and it is beginning to look quite respectable. Frank and Nita drove Dick down this morning and Kathleen & Orm spent most of the morning with us. They all went down in the car about eleven o'clock to bring Walter & Huby over to dinner but didn't get back till after one and Walter walked over and was here before them. He was here for only a short time after dinner as he had to go back to Toronto to-night. He is going to stay wth Ray till after Monday which is Civic Holiday in Toronto and then is going back to Regina. All the Millman's and Enah and the baby went down to the lake for a bathe which they all enjoyed very much except Tid. who {sadly?} cried Win was down there and they said she nearly got swamped She was out in the deep water and got a mouth full. Fortunately Percy noticed her as she couldn't call and was about all in. To-night we went down to the dance, we were just going to look on but Kathleen, Orm, Dick & I went in and I had about every dance. Enah, Nita & Billy watched from outside or rode around in the car. Dick & Orm saw girls home but I came home in the car with the rest and the other two with Alan Law. Frank was sound asleep in the hay when we got home so we joined him and sang ourselves to sleep. It has been cloudy & squawky all day rained to-night. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/33612e97890ce930724753ee35f7c3f5.pdf 41ac0837fcf31d6b403a7ed1ba21596c PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Sunday August 1st This morning Orm, Dick, Frank and I went for a swim before we had our breakfast and didn't get back until ten o'clock, we just lay around under the willow tree with the rest of the family till dinner time. After dinner we had a little music and then Billy, Kathleen, Orm, Dick Frank and I went down to the lake for a swim. The rest went to Port Ryersie and took Harry Ansley, he & Mr. Millman went up to interview H.P. Innes on Huby's behalf. They said they had a satisfactory consultation. Nita drove the car and Dad. went up with them. Dick and Orm separated from us when we got down town and Frank went to some nouk of his own to undress when we first got there, we couldn't get an empty bathing house, there was such a crowd in but at last one was vacant in the men's section and we all three used it Kathleen undressed first and then Billy and I. Orm came down after awhile with Mildred Henry and used it too but managed to get another one for Mildred. Percy & his wife were down there and we were in a long time as the water was fine. We went up to Huby's to tea where Mr. & Mrs. Millman, Nita and Enah joined us. Dick and Frank went to Dyer's and home respectively. We sat around down at Huby's most of the evening. Some of them went out to the Ansley's and Tibbits for awhile. it has been hot and sunny all day. Monday August 2nd Dad. started to cut the wheat this morning and worked till after dark to-night but got it all the one 8 acre field down. We didn't get it nearly all set up but if it doesn't rain we want to haul it right in. The Millman's all left this after noon. They went down to the lake this morning and didnt get back till about one when the were supposed to have started but they all got off soon after dinner. We went out after tea to-night to run the binder in the barn and were about an hour at it. It was half past ten when we got back to the house. It has been a fine day to-day but looks black. Tuesday August 3rd We were preparing for a good day hauling in to-day but first thing before breakfast a heavy shower came up and dashed our plans to pieces. I drove Dick down to the bank and got some roofing paper for the new chicken house. Dad. and I worked at the hen house the rest of the day <s>althou</s>. About five o clock we went out to look at the wheat and shocked a little of it up. I went after the cows at half past five and just as I got to the gully it began to rain and kept it up for two or three hours of heavy pelting. I sought https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/e8b65475f0119675377e56df69e0d50e.pdf b1a539fa79a7ca279ba89831db7d992e PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. shelter under some trees for awhile but soon found that I was getting very little and losing considerable time so I struck out into it. I couldn't see the cows so tramped all through the woods and back as far as John Wess' and then saw them all in behind a point of the hill on this side of the gully. By the time I got to the house I was soaked through and had to change all my clothes. Enah and Frank were down town so they got pretty wet too. Wednesday August 4th Dad. Frank and I went out this morning and started to set up the wheat. Dad. devised a new and under the circumstances improved method of putting up one sheaf at a time. We couldn't have done it if the sheaves hadn't been as heavy and big as they were, but by jabbing them down hard on the ground we managed to make them stand pretty well of course an occasional one would fall. It took longer than to shock but it certainly dried quicker. The heads would all separate with the jar and by noon the ones we set up first were perfectly dry in the heads but of course wet under the band. We didn't get through by noon so Dad. & I went out again but the wind kept getting stronger and the last ones I did I had to put up two at a time. We got it all up by to-night. Frank took Aunty down town this after noon. They heard from New Bedford to day and Quint's temperature is down nearly to normal. We saw by today's paper that yesterday's storm was far worse all around us than it was here. Toronto was the worst hit in Canada, trees and gardens being destroyed but in Erie there was a regular flood and twenty five people were killed, two thousand homeless and about three million dollars damage down. Thursday August 5th Morley Buck came over in his Ford this morning to get Dad. to go down and see their horse. When he came back we went out and shook out the hay again. What was in windrow was very wet and all except the pure bluegrass was spoiled but what had been shaken out was not in such bad shape. This after noon we worked at the hen house and got most of the roof on but it rained again towards evening. Friday August 6th We set up the wheat again this morning, there was quite a lot of it down and we had to put most of it two sheaves to-gether. This after noon Frank took Bluch over to Bob. Ross. He lost his old dog and wanted a new one and Tom said he was very good to his dogs so we thought as old Bluch was so https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ab2c119754976fd97003cea6227fcedc.pdf a0770e82702b6b170e4035f134c2baf7 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. rough with the cattle and they were getting to be afraid he might hurt the baby who would persist in teasing him, that we thought we had better let him go. Frank said old Bob. was delighted to get him but Bluch coaxed to come home, however he will soon get used to it. I rode down town soon after dinner and got the mail. When I got back Dad. and I worked some more at the hen house. Very hot and rained again. Saturday August 7th This morning Aunty and I tied up the dahlias and worked a little at the flower beds. Then Dad. and I went and worked at the chicken house. Dad. made a door and I put in the dropping board. This after noon Dad. put a latch on the door and I cut the lawn. Frank pretty sick this after noon but he drove Aunty and Tid. down town. To-night he felt so miserable that I thought he would feel better sleeping alone so I went out and camped in the horse stable. Rained a little more. Sunday August 8th Dick and I went for our weekly swim this morning but Frank didn't feel like joining us. As soon as we got home Dick left with Joe & the buggy to take Dess. to Simcoe to spend the day with "Grandpa & Grandma" Mead. I started to get ready for church but just about time to leave an awful shower came up so I didn't go. Aunty had gone down to Sunday school and by after church it had cleared off so she came home to dinner. I was going down town this after noon to see if I could find the Millmans but it began to rain again and this time proved to be about the worst storm I ever saw, and it kept up for two or three hours, in the middle of it there was a hail storm with hail stones as big or bigger than marbles. When they rolled off the rooves they were inches thick and didn't all melt by to-night. There are huge lakes all around us and the ditch in front of the house is six feet wide and rushing about forty miles an hour. I don't know when we will be able to get on the ground to cut the rest of the crops. We didn't do any thing much this after noon but lie around. Dick got home about half past nine, he said it rained & hailed heavily in Simcoe but not as badly as it did here. He said some fields of Wess Buchner's and J.A. McBride were about two feet deep with water. He said he saw Vyse & Aiken's hauling in wheat this morning, they just got in one load before the rain. Monday August 9th When Quanbury's went past this morning they told Dad. that the hail storm yesterday had broken 10,000 panes of glass in Ivey's greenhouses. They had it far worse down town and up the gravel than we did, the stones were as big as walnuts down https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c72b7e21cf4fe415c2b0db9145bfc410.pdf 575e3d063fef0607f415751220693020 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. town Alan Law said and they say it broke thirty panes of glass in Bill Duncan's house but down east at the Dog's Nest & on down they didn't get a hit nor they didn't get it at Shand's school house and very lightly at John Wess's. I drove Dick down town this morning and when I got back went out & helped Dad. & Frank set up the sheaves which were down. We got through about eleven and then went over to see the oats across the gully and wandered over to see John Wess's stuff. Blaikie was out turning shocks. It is in about the same shape as ours and beginning to show signs of sprouting. I took the camera with me and took a picture of our wheat field and of John Wess, Blaikie, Cam, Dad & Frank in the barn over there we didn't get back till about one. After dinner Dad. drove Enah & Tid down town and Aunty as far as Mrs. Battersby's Frank and I shelac'd the knots on the chicken house and worked at it full the after noon and got it all ready for the chickens. To-night Dad. Frank and I moved them over. We took two big boxes of them and had sixty one all to-gether. Alan Law was in to-night & says they want to thrash. It looks a little better to-day & clearer to-night. Tuesday August 10th Dad. <s>Frank</s> and I & Tid. drove Aunty down town this morning We were going around to get Kathleen and bring her over but we met her on the way, so I came back with her and when Dad. came home with Joe, Kathleen and I drove down to Tom Abbots to see his chickens he wants to sell, they are a nice looking lot if he doesn't want too much for them. Kathleen had to go back for dinner so I drove her down, she was greatly distressed because she got her nice clean middy blouse mud spattered. This after noon Dad. & Frank went over to Sam's to thrash. Frank said he would sooner go over there than go to the Sunday school picnic, so he did but I guess there wasn't much for him to do. Huby was over for a few minutes to get Aunty's suitcase which they forgot to take out of the buggy this morning but I was just going to drive Enah & the baby down to the picnic so I took it. After I took them down I came home and fixed a bed along the house under the kitchen windows. To-night Dad. & I did chores and Frank drove down after Enah & the baby Aunty came back with them because Landon Ivey brought over some raspberries and she wanted to do them up to-night. It looks fair to-night and has been all day Wednesday August 11th It was a very heavy dew last night so we couldn't start hauling in very early, but Dad. & I went out and turned out a few which we thought we could haul and they were in pretty fair shape except around the bands. Frank cleaned https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a329742c729a3384557e1c6311aec04e.pdf d2dda340154bd3c22489b242da47c652 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. up the barn floor and harnessed the team. Art Quanbury came in to see if he and Charlie couldn't help us haul in so they did and we hauled in with both teams, the consequence is that we have the field nearly cleaned, it certainly gave us a great lift. We could only haul small jags as the ground was so soft but we got in {blank} of them and there are three or four out there yet. Frank turned out nearly all the sheaves in the field and then turned them in the mow for us when we unloaded. It has been pretty hot & sultry all day and looks rainy to-night. Thursday August 12th It rained hard again last night and this morning so we have not been able to do anything much all day. Dad. has felt sick with a headache and sour stomach all day. I think brought on principally by worry and discouragement at the wet weather, it is really beginning to look very serious. Up around Port Rowan they say they have turned their hogs into lots of the uncut fields. This morning I drove Dick down and went around and got Kathleen and brought her over, we went down around by Hubys and got some poppy roots, which I set out when I got home, we didn't do anything all morning but this after noon I drove Enah, Tid & Kathleen down and we went for a short swim in the lake and dressed up at the James'. Enah was going to stay down there to tea but the baby was too cranky so she had to bring him home. Her sister, Mrs. Johnson was coming to-night so Frank drove her down after tea and he went to some rail road meeting. I let my chickens out of the colony house to-day and about a dozen of them came back to the brooder to roost to-night. It has been hot and muggy all day cloudy to-night. Friday August 13th It was very black this morning and rained several times during the fore noon but cleared off nicely this after noon. Dad. has felt pretty miserable all day, he drove Dick down town this morning and this after noon set up the little bit of wheat that was left out. I put the wire over the colony house windows this morning and Frank and I spent the rest of the morning digging in the ditch in the timothy sod, we were just levelling it to get the proper fall before we started digging deep enough for the tile. After dinner we went down to Tom Abbot's and I got thirteen of his chickens, we then went down for the mail and took the baby with us. It was time to do chores when we got home. Saturday August 14th This morning Frank and I hooked Joe & Belle to the waggon and took the harrows down to Hallam's the new black- https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/1046e395e43bff64358e30c14ae07373.pdf 8e4971ccf49f83f858d8d60f0f03194d PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. smith to be sharpened, we took Dick down with us. We then went down to the station and got a barrel of freight which came for Aunty Alice and took it up to the house, there was a whole bunch of girls there with Win. and they wanted to go over to Martin's to see the chickens so piled in the waggon and came over with us Aunty and Lila came over to the farm with us. This after noon we were going to haul in the rest of the wheat but right after dinner Archie & Clark Langs, his daughter and Mrs. Jack Foster came in and paid us quite a visit so it was late by the time we got out. We got in four more jags but there are still two or three left. About half past six the four Millmans and Aunty Alice arrived, we didn't expect them quite so soon but they said the roads were fine and they made very good time. Billy & Orm wanted to go for a swim to-night so Frank and I went down with them. We went down and got Percy at the Moon's and also Kathleen but she didn't go in, we all undressed down below the park in the car except Billy who undressed & put on his bathing suit right in the car in front of the Moons house with Kathleen standing on the running board beseeching him to behave himself. After we had a swim Billy went in with Percy and the rest of us came over here Orm. wanted to go down to the dance so we got Enah and came right back. Enah went into the store to see Mrs. Johnson and from there around to the house where Percy picked her up and took Billy & her home about ten and then left the car down at the Moon's for Orm. I didn't go into the dance but Orm went in and Kathleen went in once or twice with him. Frank went off some where and came back in time to get a ride home We started off for home as I thought right after the dance was over, and after Kathleen and gone home, and picked Dick up at the Methodist Church when Orm. said he would like to take Mildred Henry for a drive, so we went around there and as Donald Ingram & Stan Sutton were there she said to come back in about ten minutes so we went up and got Dess. I thought he was just going for a short spin up the Gravel but the first thing I knew we were well on the road for Simcoe and so went in and Orm got some sandwichs at the chink's before we came home. It was half past two before we got home, we had a good time but it was a crazy thing to do, we all went to bed in the barn as Orm was afraid to go in the house for fear of waking some body up. It has been a nice day but rained a little to-night. They brought news in to-night that J.G. {illegible} was killed by the train in Hamilton. Sunday August 10th I woke up about five this morning by hearing Orm & Dick crawling out, they said they hadn't slept a wink all night on https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/e95d73cf949ee1335d072db728b7654d.pdf e3cc44b3cb7039eb0dc21415216cb6c4 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. account of mosquitos, they had taken off most of their clothes so they were bothered worse than I was. Orm got down and dressed and then went to bed again and stayed there till after ten while Dick sought rest in the automobile and then went and curled up in the house for awhile. Billy said he had lain over on one side of the bed most of the night expecting someone to come & sleep with him and he didn't get much of a rest either. We sat around most of the morning but after they routed Orm out we went down to the lake for a swim. I didn't go in but sat around. They got Kathleen, Percy & family and took them down too. Boxer, Percy's dog got into a little scrap with another dog came along and started it and Boxer got his eyelid a little torn. Anybody would have thought there had been a baby murdered but the fuss the kicked up Mrs. Millman came with a club swearing vengeance on the dog and the owners while Percy who came in from the lake at his wife's shouts said he was going to kill it. It was nearly <s>noon</s> dinner time when we got home and we found Archie Lang and Uncle Roebuck here to dinner. He said Queen was a dandy but he had one a little better. They say he has the rails on the fence all worn smooth where he sits and watches it eat. They left soon after dinner and the Millmans left about four. Orm went down town first and got Kathleen and her impedimenta which included a mud turtle & Boxer. Billy was very annoyed at the idea of Boxer accompanying them and said it was a wonder Percy didn't have cheek enough to send his baby. We got the chores done early and this <s>after noon</s> evening Dad. Enah and I drove down to church. Mr. Leigh prought and I went sound asleep. I think more from the fact that I had only had three hours the night before than any soothing effects of the sermon. We went over to the Jame's after church and didn't get home till about ten. Earl Brown and Walter Fletcher came in in Brown's Ford. after we got home and were out there a long time getting Dad's advice about Fletcher's horse It has been a lovely day sunny and a cool breeze. Monday August 16th This morning I cut the grass around the back of the house and Dad. opened up a few ditches around the hog yard. This after noon we hauled in the rest of the wheat, there were three more jags of it. It began to rain before we got through and rained quite a shower. When we got through Dad. went over to the Quanbury's and had a hot bath as they have given<s>t</s> him several invitations to make use of their bathroom. To-night he & Enah went down to a musical at the Hobbes for the Red Cross Bandage club. Aunty & Aunty Alice were here to watch Tid if he woke up and he did. It has been very hot all day https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/1d397ba3a221214a73c5596190173666.pdf c366a87e2257e4793b6e4ea78a941498 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Tuesday August 17th This morning Dad. Frank & I all dug a little more at the tile ditch out in the old timothy sod and this afternoon got started to cut the barley, but only got a few rounds cut as it was in awful shape, all tangled up and in some spots as Colin Ryerse says, the big wheel "drug." I spent a long time to-night catching young chickens which came back from the colony house to roost around the brooder, there are a couple of dozen which persist in coming back to the yard everyday and then don't go back. I had quite a time catching them as I had shut them out of the brooder and they were roosting on a sheep's back and when I went out the sheep got frightened and ran away up the orchard with the chickens. It hasn't rained all day and looks like fair weather for awhile. Wednesday August 18th It took us the whole day to finish cutting the barley and then we didn't get much of it shocked up. It was in such a tangled mess and thislley that we didn't take our hands to it but Frank and I shocked it up with forks what little we got done. Dad. cut my O.A.C. 72 Oats the last thing and we got 37 nice straight sheaves out of them some of them about four feet long. I didn't feel very well to-day. Aunty & Aunty Alice went to Pt Rowan to-night. Thursday August 19th We decided to haul the barley right in to-day instead leaving it for although some of it was pretty green in the butts it would be in a hopeless mess if it ever got rained on so we hauled in all day but didn't finish, it was very slow as there was so much loose stuff and we hauled good big loads, we only got in four loads. Walt. McCall came over this after noon and got Dad. to go over to see Jack Martin to see if he would go to Simcoe in Huby's interests but Jack wasn't home. Huby came over to night at half past twelve and wandered all over the house before he could wake any of us up and he wanted Dad. to go with Harry Ansley & Cousin Willie in the morning to Delhi and Waterford to see executive of the Conservative committee to whom the appointment of customs officer is left. This was Dover's Boughner Picnic but I guess they didn't have much of a crowd as all the farmers were too busy to attend and besides they had one in Simcoe last Saturday, there has evidently been a split in the house of Broughner over the decision of a suitable place to hold their annual reunion. Aunty & Aunty Alice were home from Port Rowan to-night, they were in Simcoe all the after noon and had Lila go up and meet them to give her a treat in Simcoe but as it was Thursday after noon all the stores and restaurants were closed and no-one on the streets. Fine day https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4083e034aff97ae51ecda490cc85f03d.pdf 31e2f26ef95c6d3c537efe31b2feab8e PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday August 20th We had hoped to get a good early start this morning and get the barley all in by noon but Dad. had to be down town at eight o'clock so we didn't manage it. Frank drove him down and brought Aunty Alice back. He was supposed to be back by noon but he didn't get back till about six. Al. Faulkner took them, Cousin Willie & Harry Ansley went with him. They went to Waterford and Delhi to interview the fellows who are responsible for the Customs appointment, and Dad. thinks they had a pretty satisfactory time, he says Harry Ansley is certain of Huby's success but Dad. isn't so sure. They are supposed to decide to-morrow. Frank and I didn't get out till about nine o'clock and just got in two loads before dinner, we didn't know how we were going to manage to get the stuff mowed away at the back of the mow by the cow stal but Enah voulanteered her services and thanks to her timely assistance we got on fine. She helped us put off two loads by passing the sheaves from Frank to me. We got in another big load after dinner and so cleaned the field but left it on the barn floor. It was four o'clock when we got in. We thought we would have time to go and have a try at cutting the wheat, so we hooked on the waggon and I went out and loaded about half of my O.A.C. 72 Oats on it while Frank was oiling up and then we tackled the wheat. Frank drove and we got one round cut but about halfway around the twine got tangled in the twine box and it took us quite awhile to get it threaded and at the far end, the wheat was so heavy and a little down that it wouldnt elevate at all and Frank had to stop every few feet for me to rake it off the table so by the time we got back to where we started we thought we had better quit. I took the team and was hooking on the waggon while Frank was putting the canvass on the binder when old Wallace Brock who has been helping Vyse all day came over and said Vyse was stuck and wanted us to pull him out so I didn't put any more of my oats on but we went over. He had thrown most of his load off so Frank had no trouble in getting our team to lift it and when we got it out we helped him load it again and hauled it out on the road for him Dad. just got home at the same time we did. It has been fair but hot & sultry all day & looks rainy. Saturday August 21st It was raining when we got up this morning and has been at it pretty much ever since although the sun was out for a little while this morning. Dad. & I drove Dick down this morning and Dad. went down to see Huby for quite awhile. We didn't do much the rest of the day but sit around and I cleaned out the chicken house. Dad. & Frank drove down about five o'clock and got the mail, but Huby hadn't heard any thing yet. He and {Sam Fick?} have been working for the last few days building a retaining wall of plank in https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/58398ee926e8c404c892ca7e1a15cad1.pdf e06810b41a02755e6b76ca00e74aba2f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. front of the Johnston's house. He was working at it all the after noon in the rain. Yesterday's paper reported the sinking of a White Star liner westward bound and several lives were lost. The U.S. is mighty hot over it but Wilson is waiting to find out for certain if they had no excuse, they say if she was convoyed they had if not it was an unjustifiable act. It begins to look doubtful if Wilson's patience will last much longer. Sunday August 22nd Huby walked over this morning about seven to bring the tidings of his success. The committee was unanamous in his favor all but one man and he voted for Huby when he saw how he stood, the two Waddle men were not there, so Huby's recomendation has gone into Parliament already and of course he is nearly certain notw of getting the appointment especially as Mr. Millman has things shaped at the Ottawa end of it. Of course Dick enlightened Dad. with the cold facts this morning when he was half asleep but Huby embellished them with all the details. The news I think saved Dad. from considerable worrying as it has been raining all night and every thing is flooded. I went back after the cows and had to wade up to my knees across the creek channels and parts of the flats are flooded. All the family but Aunty Alice & Tid went down to church this morning. Frank drove Huby and me to the sidewalk and then came back after Dad. & Enah Huby and I went to-gether. After church Dad. & I went up to the Ansley's as Dad. wanted to congratulate Harry and also express his gratitude for the time & labor he has spent on Huby's behalf. We waited there till Frank came with the buggy & called for us after he had driven Enah & Aunty over home. This after noon I started to read but was soon overpowered by sleep and wasted nearly all the after noon under the influence of that great enemy of my leisure & willpower, when I woke up it was time to do chores and Aunty had gone down to church. She & Aunty Alice stayed down all night. Dad. drove Aunty Alice and the baby up to the cemetry this after noon. Tid. took the poor old German Roller canary up in a matchbox and buried him this after noon, the poor old fellow has been sick for a long time and died the other night. Fine day. Monday August 23rd I went out this morning about five and caught some of the young chickens and took them out to the wheat stubble in the hope that they would stay there all day and then go to roost in the colony house but they are bound to come back here. This morning Frank and I went down to Howe and got a load of slabs as it was too wet to do any thing https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/caa6067b20b1ca98caf42a89ead96706.pdf bb2bd90df6e52465533fe7be21f5a1c4 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. else and this after noon we got another load. I cut some of the lawn after I got back. This morning Frank drove Dick down and brought Aunty back and Dad. & I brought in the rest of my O.A.C. 72 oats and stacked them around in the barn Aunty Alice walked over this after noon and to-night she, Enah, Frank & I played pedro and Aunty Alice told our fortunes by our hands. It is a pity we couldn't bank on the prophecies because the future certainly looks brilliant for most of us. Fine day but sultry. Tuesday August 24th I spent most of the morning digging and weighing up my two plots of Guelph potatoes, they were a very slim crop and weren't ripe but I thought they were going to rot anyway so I dug them. There was only enough for two or three good square meals on both plots, but the Davies Warrior outclassed the Eureka in every respect. They were larger and more of them and not so many rotten ones Fred. Johnson came over this morning and he and Frank went out with the guns this morning to shoot a hawk but didn't get him. Huby came over about noon to tell us he thought things were nearly settled as Porter the head office man in Simcoe had been down to see him and get his age and suchlike. I drove him down before dinner and got the paper. It began to rain soon after dinner and poured most of the after noon, it was one of the worst we have had and to-night there were some pretty close claps of thunder. Mrs. McBride was here all the after noon. To-night Aunty, Aunty Alice, Fred, Frank & I had a game of rum under Fred's instructions. We didn't do any thing all the after noon but sit around the house Wednesday August 25th Frank drove Dick down this morning and Aunty went down with them to stay for awhile as she wants to fix things up a little down there. Frank brought Mrs. Johnson over with him and she has been here spending the day with Enah. Billy Louis was in for quite awhile this morning to see Dad. about a sick cow or some thing and they were bewailing our common sad plight but Billy has got past his streak of profanity and come to the conclusion that there are other poor devils worse off than we are. Frank, Fred & I pulled the weeds out in the raspberry patch but didn't do much else all morning This after noon I drove Aunty Alice down town and she is going to stay down with Aunty. We met Lila on the way down and she informed us with great glee that Huby had just been sworn in and passed his medical examination or https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/fc2c429c8d11a2afdfc845f45e1f6bab.pdf ab0c1a394a9a1e7d3dca96df197ce2c8 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. whatever they call it and is to start work to-morrow morning. We saw Huby later down town. I put Joe in at Hallam's and had her shod and went down town and got hair cut and a new felt hat. We also heard that the mill was going to open up again to-morrow and the full staff is going to work full-time on Monday, the paper also had very cheerful reports from the Dardenelles which they hope to have forced in a few weeks, to cap all this good news, we heard to-night that Quint was going to be home on Friday having recoverd enough since he left the hospital to travel. It has been cloudy but a cold north wind all day and doesn't feel rainy Thursday August 26th This morning we all went down town, Enah & the baby went up and spent the day at the James' and Dad. Frank & I started to cut down the old bad locust tree in front of Hubys. We were afraid to cut it at the roots as it was so tall we were afraid it would fall on the telegraph wires so we sawed it through about half way up and Frank climbed up as high as he could and tied a rope to it so we had a good purchase. We didn't get it sawed enough before dinner so stayed at Hubys for dinner. After dinner we went up two or three times and sawed it through as far as we thought we dared before we pulled it down. We also had it notched on the side we wanted it to fall on but the wood was so tough that we had to saw it nearly through or else we would have broken<s>t</s> it off at the roots. Sandy came over as Dad. had borrowed a rope from him and he spent a very enjoyable after noon advising & assisting us and also telling us a long story about a tree he cut down up in Colbourne. At last when the top did come over it crashed right down through the little maple tree and broke about half of it. Dad. told Sandy he could have the broken limbs off the maple which brought forth several grunts of satisfaction & gratitude. When all this was accomplished I went up town and took my pants up to Tip to see if he could match them with any of his samples as I want to get a coat if possible but Tip wasn't there. I fooled around with Hazen for awhile and then came home. I overtook Dad. Frank Win. & her friend Kitty Lyons in the bugg<s>g</s>y heading for home talking to Huby. This has been his first day in office and he has been fairly busy. Win & Kitty got our tea for us and after tea Dad. drove down and got Enah & the baby, to-night. I printed a lot of pictures for Win, who with her friend stayed all night. They say poor old Ed. Turner (Dave's) is just about all in and they are going to bring him home to-morrow night to die. Quite cloudy and cold to-day but fair. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f537f85387a2cf4d3a2631fc0e05836d.pdf ba2ca8a7bf0bee3ae55817918c4427be PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday August 27th We went out this morning and tried the binder again both on the wheat and the barley & oats, we got once around but had to quit as it dragged in several places. Sid. McBride went past and said down there around Marburg they were putting chains on their binder wheels to make them pull through the mud. This after noon we hauled out manure and got out six loads, we put it on the clover sod east of the orchard which we hope to get in with wheat. We couldn't go through the lane on account of the mudhole at the gate so Dad. had to haul out by the road and around the barley stubble. I cut lawn between loads but had to use the scythe as it has got so long the lawnmower wont work. Dick went to Hagersville this morning and met Quint. who came in on a through Michigan Central sleeper from Boston to Chicago. Dad. Aunty Alice & I walked down to-night to see him and Frank rode his wheel down. He looks fine only a little thin. Aunty Alice stayed down Cloudy & cool all day. Saturday August 28th We hauled manure all day to-day and got out and got out thirteen loads. I worked on the lawn all the time between loads To-night I walked down town and got my pants back from Tip he couldn't match them with any of his samples. I fooled around up town for awhile and then went down to Hubys for awhile. Huby seemed very provoked because Quint had killed his pet snake. Huby says he has always killed every snake he saw as he thought it was good luck but has he never had any good luck he quit killing them about a month ago and his affairs have been in a blossoming condition ever since, and he had this special snake with its tail cut off which used to live some where in the garden. It has been a little warmer to-day but cloudy and is drizzling to-night. Sunday August 29th Dad. & I went back at half past five this morning and got Pommers out of John Wess' back field where I found him last night, we had to take the wire down off two of the posts to let him through. About eight before we had breakfast Frank and I went over to Quanbury's for a swim. Mrs. Quanbury saw us going down to the pond and got John to call us back and invite us to indulge in the luxury of their bathroom, as it was a rather raw morning we did and it certainly was lovely but it took much longer and by the time Frank had had his bath breakfast was plum ready and we had to stay and partake of it with them the consequence was we didn't get home till about ten https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/479c2a8c4c5b172e92f0bd585007b8d2.pdf 241cd2cadc3bf6a6ab0241a8a1e13a0a PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. o'clock and it was too late to get ready for church & Dad. couldn't go either but took Enah down. Frank got dinner ready and Dad. drove down and brought Enah & Aunty Alice back from church.This after noon Colin Ryersie rode in but we didn't want to take either of the horses out as they are working so Colin, Frank & I went for a walk back as far as Charlie Quanbury's farm and as Charlie wasn't home we ate all the platable fruit there was on the place before we came home but didn't do very much damage any where in our travels. Dad. Enah & Tid were out at the Shand's when we got home, but Aunty & Aunty Alice were here. Frank and I did chores to-night and Dad. went to church with Aunty & Aunty Alice. It has been fair but cool to-day. Monday August 30th We at last got started to cut the barley & oats this morning the wheat ground was still too soft to get on with the binder, we didn't get much done as it was so close to the road, first old Ham. Butler came along and stopped and called us over to tell us that he had heard that by getting off the binder and walking it would go through the wet spots all right but also told us every thing else he knew about the weather and how he had never seen the ground so wet except once before and that was in the fall. Tupper came past about noon to get Art. Quanbury's gasolie<s>n</s> engine. They are going to put it on the binder back of the table and put a pulley on the packers shaft and let the engin run the binder and the horses just pull the weight of the binder, they hope by that means to go through the soft place all right. Mr. Flemming was over this morning to get one of us to go over and help him thrash this after noon. Sam moved down there from Iveys. I cut lawn till they left Iveys and then went down. Dad. kept on cutting but quit early as the horses were tired and helped Frank shock up for awhile, still fair with cold breeze. Tuesday August 31st I went over to Flemmings to thrash about seven this morning and we got through in a couple of hours he only thrashed out part of his wheat and four loads of oats which came of six acres he only got 96 bushels off the six acres, the hail pounded the whole field flat he said and thrashed out way more than half of them, when I got home Frank & Dad. were still shocking up and hadn't got started to cut yet but Dad. got the team out when I got there. I went over to Tupper's for awhile to see how the gasoline engine was working but they had taken it off as it ran things too fast and they thought it wasn't worth while monkeying around getting a larger pulley https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/71d4d58a75169cdf830e78f323ead2ae.pdf 0c15dccccff6e9e4c9afbae9623277a0 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. We didn't get through with the oats & barley till to-night and didn't have time to get started at the wheat. Old Joe Ivey, Charlie & Bruce Smith came along in the Ivey's car this after noon and old Ivey wanted to know if Dad. was like Woodrow Wilson and had some thing wrong with his eyes that he was cutting oats before he was wheat, he says Woodrow can't see that Germany is kicking the U.S. in the face. They quarrelled away for about half an hour. About four o'clock Dad. got so disgusted with the way things were going that he was mad enough to quit, the binder would drag in places and the green stuff wouldn't elevate so Frank volunteered to drive it. Dad. told him if he thought he could do it any better to go ahead but he knew he couldn't, however he did do it better I suppose because he is lighter so now he is established as binder driver and both he & Dad. are delighted with the change. Still fair & cool. Wednesday September 1st We got started getting the wheat as soon as it was dry enough this morning it took quite awhile to get around it as it is so thick and hard to elevate, but by cutting a narrow swath Frank managed fairly well, he had to cut through north of one of the water holes and he cut that piece of separately, and it took all day to cut it. It is slow work as he has to take such a narrow swath. Dad. & I shocked up, what bothered mostly was the wild buckwheat which has grown up fairly thickly in spots and it is twined around the wheat and pulls a lot of it off the table. We lost an hour or so at noon as one of the slats on the table canvas broke and poked a hole in the canvas so Dad. took it off and brought it up to the house and fixed it with a piece of hook iron and Aunty Alice patched it. Frank drove down and brought Mrs. Leigh & Herbert over to dinner Mr. Leigh walked over. Frank was showing Mr. Leigh the bees after dinner and one stung him (Frank) above the ear. Much warmer to-day but fair. Thursday September 2nd We finished cutting the wheat to-day, that is all we can cut with the binder, there is still some left around the water hole that we will have to get with the mower or scythe. It went better to-day as Dad. rigged a stick at the end of the table to catch & break the buckwheat stems. It would have been easily a forty or forty five bushel to the acre crop of beautiful wheat if we could have saved it but now it is all sprouted and an awful lot of it shells out on the ground. We ran out of binder twine so to-night Frank went down to Billy Langs and got some. He drove Aunty & Aunty Alice down to church and they going to stay down. Quint, Win & Hilda Leigh were over to dinner to-day. Mr. Smythe was down this morning and bought the one ram lamb that will register for ten dollars but didnt take him. Much warmer to-day. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/22ee1236354146980bd7a50b1e036dde.pdf b8866332031e30af3b632fa9f05e3bb4 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. {This a repeat of the previous page}. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ff96bb248c6fee086768402fd3053721.pdf d88649789602ea99d470ec12c5c81645 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday September 3rd This morning Frank & Dad. went out and loaded the binder and took it over the gully, it took quite awhile and as they didn't go out very early on account of the dew they just got one round cut before noon. I guess it was a big job cutting it as they had to go around the side hills. I spent the morning taking the sod off a strip down along the fence extending from the south end of the rose bed to the ditch the same width as the rose bed and as soon as I get it fixed in shape I want to fill it in with roses from down home. This after noon it looked pretty rainy so Dad. thought we had better haul in what we could of the barley & oats, we had to pitch off the load of barley which was on the waggon and it took us quite awhile so we only got in two loads, we put them in the old barn on top of the barley & wheat, it was slow moving it away but to-morrow we hope to unload in the big barn with the slings. It has been very hot & sultry to-day Aunty was over to dinner. Saturday September 4th Dad. went out this morning and turned out nearly all the barley & oat shocks, while he was doing that Frank and I changed the car from the horse stable to the big barn and put the sling standards on the rack. When we got ready I took the team out and we put on a load but as we had to move the calf out of the barn to the orchard and spread out a pile of hay which was in the bay so it was twelve o'clock <s>so</s> before we unloaded but it only took us a very few minutes to take it off with he slings. This after noon we got five more loads and all there was on the field except a few shocks, we worked till about seven o'clock and it was dark before we got in. We got a letter & a telegram from Mr. Millman to-day one saying they would be up here to-night and the other saying they found they couldn't get away. It has been pretty hot to-day & looks rainy. Sunday September 5th Dad. & I got up & half past five this morning as the calves and young stock which were shut in the lane got through the bars at the end of the orchard and came around by the road in to the drive house, but they hadn't done any damage. Frank and I went for a swim before breakfast and got back in time to get ready for church Frank went down to Sunday school. Dad & Enah drove down to church & left Tid in Dick's care I walked down to Huby's and went up to church with Quint. This after noon Dick & I drove down town and I went around to see Marj. she has come back to teach in Miss Watt's place. To-night Dad. Aunty & I drove https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/c9f573991bbcb66c0e94495826ff9308.pdf b847c041103b02752232ef3d40c13180 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. down to church. It was Mr. Leigh's last Sunday so Dad. wanted to say good bye to him. It has been very cloudy and has rained several times during the day but not hard. Monday September 6th It was too wet to cut Dad. thought this morning so he drove Aunty, Aunty Alice & Tid. up to the cemetry. I cut lawn most of the morning but wasted a lot of time with Dick who as it was Labor day got a holiday. This after noon I got ready and went down about four o'clock to a picnic the Ever-ready club were having down the lake shore, we had a great time and nearly every body in town was down there. We had a lot of fun but it looked rainy so we got home early. Most of them went over to the pavillion to the last dance of the season but I went around home with Marj. for awhile and intended going to the dance but it was beginning to rain when I started for home and I was a little tired so I thought I wouldn't go and walked part way home with Charlie Quanbury and borrowed his umbraella as it was raining, but it didn't ammount to much. Tuesday September 7th Frank started back to school this morning in high spirits His passing Entrance must have created a high degree of intrest for study in him, because he didn't have to go back unless he wanted to. Lila McBride is assistant in the High School this year so likely she will make them toe the scratch. Dad. & I started to plow this morning Dad. plowed four or five rounds in the little gully in the clover sod next to the orchard & then I took it till noon, the north side of the hill is very hard & chunky and it is all most impossible for me to hold the plow in the ground but the south bank plows nicely. This after noon Frank didn't have to go back to school as we expected and so we went back over the gully and cut oats, we had to ride the table going around the side hill, we didn't get very many rounds cut as we broke the doubletrees when the big wheel dropped into a ditch on the side hill, they were Sam Law's too, we had broken a hook on one of ours & Dad. went over and took Sam's off his binder which was back in the field. Bert Munroe came over this morning and borrowed the disks for Sam. Mrs. Harding died last night. It has been fair & hot all day. Tuesday September 14th I have got so behind with this through neglecting to write that I cannot remember what we did day by day, but I know we got all the oats cut across the gully and left them as they dropped from the binder thinking they would dry out. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f543c478f77962ab43824cf52d1ebf80.pdf 53e0e314d7afcf3c2c034adffed7b4ed PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. and Saturday we got in I think three loads of wheat and put it in the mow over the oats & barley, we got a little more plowing done but Saturday morning while Dad. was plowing old Harry walked through his harness breaking the strap which connects the tug with the harness. Dad. went down to Mrs. Harding's funeral on Thursday afternoon and I borrowed Joe Field's boat and went over to watch the steam shovel for a little while. Poor old Ed. Turner died on Wednesday. It rained a little shower on Friday night and rained hard on Sunday so Dad & I spent all day yesterday setting up the oats across the gully but didn't quite finish. The Millmans all came up again Friday night, but not here as they have taken a cottage for a month over Brant Hill. They were all down here Sunday night to tea. Nita came up with them but of course Orm. was the only one of the boys and he & Paw had to go back yesterday. Last night Marj. & her sister Dorrie & I went to the show which wasn't much good but it was the only time Dorrie could go as she & her father were here over Sunday and are going back to-day. I worked all day setting up oats across the gully and then didn't finish. It was slow work doing it alone and was very hot down around the side hill. Dad. plowed all day and finished the little side hill, it was very hard.To-night I went up the beach to a corn roast. There was a big bunch of girls up there but very few boys. I found Dorrie Clarke & her father had changed their plans and aren't going till to-morrow morning so she went with us. We had a good time eating sand & burned corn and weren't very late. Very hot all day & a nice breeze to-night. Wednesday September 15th I set up some more oats this morning and Dad. plowed. George Duncan came up after him to see a colt with a lame foot and he went up there right after dinner and took Enah & the baby with him. I shocked up till he got back and then we hauled in a load of wheat and found it in dandy shape. Colin Ryersie rode in to-night and after tea he, Frank & I went for a swim. I had a bad cold to-day so went right to bed as soon as I got home. It has been very hot all day Thursday September 16th Tid and I drove over to Tupper's this morning to get his man as he promised to lend him to us when we could use him most but he had gone over to help old Dave Lampkins haul in his oats but Tupper said he would send him over to-morrow. I have this all wrong as I haven't written it lately. It was Wednesday that John couldn't come and we hauled in our wheat alone. Thursday https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/cfb3c1cfb0737235d06091f40381d50d.pdf f29bba44436265ba0f871f3ae8074e64 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. (to-day) he did come and helped us in the mow hauling in oats I felt too sick to work after I had put on the first load after dinner so he went back and pitched on a load. I came in and had a rest and felt much better. Alan Law and Frank McBride came in after the roller while Dad. was back after the load. Enah & the baby went down town to see the flower show this after noon and stayed over at the Millman's cottage to tea. After tea Dad. drove down after them and I went down with him and went up to see the flower show. Charlie Quanbury & Fat Turner bought a dandy watermelon and invited me to help eat it. We went up to the Turner's & partook of it all by ourselves in the kitchen. I came home with Charlie about half past eleven. Aunty & Aunty Alice are staying down at the old house now and are awfully busy getting it cleaned up and ready for papering. Huby has got all moved and pretty well settled I guess up in Bill Slocomb's house next to Gus. Smith. Another pretty hot day. Friday September 17th Dad. & I went back after a load of oats first thing this morning and we rather expected John Robins back to help us as he said he would be but he didn't show up and when Dad. came down the hill with the load and went to back up for me to unlock the wheel the neck yoke snapped right in two so I ran over to Tupper's to borrow one and he said he had to keep John home to-day as he needed him, he kept talking to me so long that Dad. thought I wasn't coming we got that load off before dinner but didn't have time to get another. We got two loads in this after noon. To-night I went down town to see the Millman's. I stopped in to see Aunty & Aunty Alice and found Mrs. Millman in there waiting for Nita and Kathleen who were up town getting ice cream & the mail. Quint came in and after we had eaten the ice cream and visited for awhile Quint & I & Frank who had come down on his wheel went over to Brant Hill with the Millman's and visited for a long time. Not so hot. Saturday September 18th We all got up early this morning and got a good early start, we had to start our stack with the last load we hauled last night. We also hauled up a load of old hay last night and we used it for the bottom of the stack and to top it out with. There was a very dense fog till late on in the morning which made things almost as wet as a rain but we hauled in just the same and finished the oats to-night, we left the last load on the barn floor & kept https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f72979317c02361d5b013d18400da9ca.pdf 9d4cc5453ae470b25db0d5f96b6d5c41 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. four loads in the stack, making altogether ten loads of oats off the back fields. John Wess came over and borrowed the manure spreader he has bought a new one but can't get it yet. Later in the day Lundon Ivey came over to borrow the drill. It has not been so hot to-day. Sunday September 19th It was too cold to go for a swim this morning but Frank went down to Sunday school and Dick & I went to church I drove Enah down and Dick walked. I got up fairly early this morning and washed & oiled the buggy. This after noon I took Marj. & Essie for a drive we had a dandy time and went up by Port Ryersie. The Millman's all came over here and got Enah & Frank to go for a swim. Ed. Moon was over here and they took him down town with them and told him that they were all going to stay over Brant Hill to tea, he met Mr. & Mrs. Bagley and told them that they were going to stay to tea so <s>she</s> Mrs. Bagley invited me to stay there and I did and as there wasn't any Methodist church we all went to ours. When I got home about eleven I found that they had changed their plans and had come back here to tea. It has been a very nice day, fair & cool {The following entry has been written by Toby's father}. Thursday September 30th There has been an unavoidable lapse in the chronical of events, so I wont try to put down the doings of each day. I began ploughing the piece of sod East of the orchard on Monday Sep 20th and it was very hard. The weather was hot and dry all week and the flys bother the horses terribly. Toby went to help Vyse thrash on Thursday 23rd and got very sick. Old Felix was over that day fixing the pump at the windmill. Toby could not hold his head up Friday and Saturday. Sunday was a very wet day up till noon I drove Hattie down to church in a down pour. We were all to have gone over to have dinner with the Millmans and they all got there but Alice, Toby and me. Ormond brought {name?} and Hattie and the baby home about 4-30, it was getting much colder then and it has been cooler ever since freezing pretty hard every night since. I finished ploughing on Monday and as it was too wet to work I took the table down home and Toby went with me and stayed with the girls until today. Kathleen and Nila were over to tea last night and Frank went home with them, Toby https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3f320917b3744f1adc4cdbe042515284.pdf df58a8668675ef55663099ca0aec8a59 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. came home this morning and we got his plots of wheat sowed. Frank and I went down to Sam Law's and got eight bushels of wheat and I got nearly half of I sowed bought. I think this is a fair summing up of the doings of the last ten days. {Toby now resumes his diary} Friday October 1st Dad. finished drilling the four acres this morning and harrowed it I had to go over to Sam's and get about a peck more seed to finish the headland. This after noon Dad. Enah & the baby got all ready to go down to the Rural School Fair but the weather got so bad they changed their minds. Dad. gave Queen a good cleaning instead, he is getting her looking & acting petty nicely I got my membership tickets for the fair this morning and expect to go up and enter Queen to-morrow Dad. didn't get the ditches run out in the wheat field yet. It is a pretty small field to put in but I guess to try to put in more now would be foolish I haven't done any thing much all day It drizzled all morning and rained hard all the afternoon and is still raining. East wind. Frank came home from school but went right off again in the rain to go to the Millman's for tea and stay all night with Quint. Saturday October 2nd It was too wet to furrow out the field this morning so we just did chores. I spent quite awhile cleaning out the chicken house dropping boards as they haven't been cleaned for a week. I then dressed a couple of posts which I want to put in for a grapevine trellis. Dad. cut the burs around the pasture as we want to turn the sheep in, he also killed and cleaned a couple of old hens. Frank stayed down town all night over at the Millman's but came home before breakfast. Mr. & Mrs. Millman & Orm. came up in the car last night they didn't get here till after ten and Frank said the car was in awful shape. He went back after breakfast to see if Orm would mind taking the car up to Simcoe this after noon but they said it was too wet and muddy so Dad. & I drove up. We went in to see Yeager and he advised us not to show Queen as he said there was no chance of her taking the money as there were two more that he knew of that had been training all summer and could step as high as a tree and then as he said it wasn't going to do her any good in fact she would be far better running out. He says to hang on to everything we have in the shape of horses as they are going to be worth all kinds of money soon. He says they have drained the U.S. of horses and have held the Canadian ones in reserve. We took his advice and didn't enter Queen as https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ad97abc093d082f8d1a2ed7d207f67dd.pdf bd2552cffa5e8221e03b84a545c3d7ed PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. we intended but went on into Simcoe and I got my watch fixed and the halter fixed. I drove Dad. down to Sam Law's corner when we got home and he went on down and opened Sam's pig which just lay down and died without any warning before dinner. Dad. says its lungs were full of froth and it has choked to death but from what cause he couldn't imagine. I went on down town while he was down there and got Enah & the baby who had walked down and brought them home. It has been cloudy & cool to-day. Sunday October 3rd Dick Enah & I drove down to church this morning and Frank rode his wheel down. The Millman's all went down to Aunty's & Aunty Alice's for dinner so they couldnt come over here. This after noon Marj. & I went for a drive. I got home about six o'clock and Mr. Millman was here waiting for Dad. to get through with the chores to go over to their place to tea. Orm. Paw & Quint were all back in the gully shooting crows so Dad. Enah, Frank & the baby all went over there but I had tea alone and walked down to church and spent the evening down town. Cool but Sunny. Monday October 4th This morning we didn't get up very early and I spent most of the morning putting patches of roofing paper on the chicken house roof. Dad. started to make a corn horse and as I was standing out there holding it for him I suddenly felt so sick and weak that I had to go in and lie down till noon Alfred came in to get one of us to go thrashing to-morrow morning he was here for about an hour and then Dad.went out and furrowed out the wheat ground and sowed the other plot of wheat for me and I raked it in and smothed the edges of the furrows he ploughed through the flats. I went down town to tea to-night and walked up with Aunty to a Sunday school meeting. It began to rain soon after tea and was such a bad night that I stayed down there all night. Quite warm all day. Tuesday October 5th I had breakfast down at Aunty's this morning but came home right after wards and got here about eight o'clock. Dad. & Frank were just leaving for Alfred's to go thrashing. I fed the chickens and found that the roof had leaked about as badly as ever so I went up and put some of the tar over the seams and I also put tar on the roof of the colony house which had never been done. Dad. & Frank got home about noon so Frank went to school but Dad. had a headache so didnt https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/8c142390a3f7946c4e4f1b85f1f5757b.pdf e4b1741403178fd8ca9ca70a8783e8bd PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. do much this after noon. I made a couple of legs for the corn horse out of rails and put them in I then took it out to the field and went over to Sam Law's and got our sickle and cut five shocks of the smutnose corn. I started in on it because it looked a little the ripest but I don't know that it really is, up at that far end of the field the grass is nearly as long as the corn so it was a nasty job. I intended to go down to a dance to-night which the girls are getting up for Helen Anderson who is just home for three weeks but I thought maybe I hadn't better so stayed home. Much cooler & cloudy. Wednesday October 6th I have spent the day cutting corn and finished cutting the row across the end and one the length of the field over forty shocks. I started about half past eight and quit before five so I think I could cut about fifty a day Dad. cleaned out his ditches this morning and went back and put up the {illegible} from the gully into the back pasture field and went on over to see John Wess for a minute or two. He was cutting his corn, he has about given up the idea of getting his <s>summer</s> fall pea stubble in with wheat. This after noon among othe things he husked a bushel of corn for the pigs Win came over to tea to-night Cool & cloudy all day looks rainy Thursday October 7th I cut corn all day and got another long row & nine shocks cut forty six cut to-day. I quit cutting at half past four and husked four shocks of the smutnose up at the far end of the field we thought it was more mature than the Longfellow but although the stalks seem drier the corn itself I don't think is Dad. took the plow back over the gully this morning and has been plowing all day around the big hill. The war is getting more mixed up than ever, the British & French the latter especially have made considerable advances lately on the western front and taken a lot of the Germans elegant trenches which they thought were impregnable and the German drive in Russia has about petered out, but it is now certain that Bulgaria has cast in her lot with the central powers and has begun an invasion of Serbia, and in Greece they are fearing civil war as the premier has resigned, he and the people want to keep their treaty with Serbia and lend help in case of Bulgaria's invasion but the King will not fight with his brother-in-law the Kaiser. Frank and I drove down to Ot. Collins to-night as he wanted to get some ball bearings for his bicycle, warmer to-day https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2ee761f68f34b7af3be3c8e235def37b.pdf 62ad2a6a8ae6f13b2481fcbf29b76218 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday October 8th Dad. & I hauled manure all day to-day and got out twelve loads we want to get the yard cleaned up as soon as possible so that we can thrash when the machine comes down here again to thrash out Art. Ryersie. Between loads I got a couple of holes dug to set the posts for a grapevine trellis east of the house but I didn't feel very well after the first load or two so didn't do much. Mrs. Millman was over this after noon for a little while, she expected Paw. Orm, and a Mr. Brown some freind of Orm's up to-night. Aunty Alice was over to dinner and bought a couple of young cockrels from me I killed them to-night & Dad. plucked them but didn't clean them they weighed 8 1/2 lbs uncleaned and she gave me 18 cts a lb. which is the same price as at Coleman's. Colin Ryerse rode in for a little while too. Art & George have gone off to the Caledonia fair so Colin is taking things easy Mrs. Millman told us that Roy. Vernon & Rebecca landed in down at Aunty's for dinner, so to-night I took Enah down to choir practice and after making a few calls one of which was to get Roy's suitcases at the station I went down there and waited for Enah, all the Woodson family & Cousins Bessy & Harry Ansley were there Jean Marks came up with them this morning. There has been a cold wind all day and is cold to-night. Saturday October 9th Dad. got in a pretty good day's plowing to-day across the gully, this morning I sawed some wood oiled the buggy and did a few chores while Frank husked five shocks of corn and went down and got some flour. This afternoon I went nutting with Essie & Marj. We went way up the front road above Port Ryerse and got a few hickory nuts, a few chestnuts and quite a lot of wallnuts. The chestnuts are hardly ripe yet although some of the burrs are wide open. We would have got more on Farr's place but the trees were so close to the barns that we didn't dare make much noise clubbing and across the road on Smythe's place we thought we saw some of them coming after us so didn't take time to gather as many as we might have. However I think we all enjoyed ourselves and didn't get home till long after dark. Frank & I had to go down town again after tea as I forgot to call for some stuff @ Bagley & Miller's Frank went up the Radical Road with the Millman's and got a few chestnuts but their outing was spoiled by poor old Orm jumping over a fence and spraining his ankle. It was very painful and Nita had to drive the car home. To-night Dr. Jolley looked at it and said he had broken a bone & torn some ligaments, it is so swollen that he couldn't tell much about it. It has been rather cloudy & raw all day with occasional spits of rain. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4304f7ecb0c24e44af338218f241985f.pdf dad20b10d56ecc721a007936bb319e6f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Sunday October 10th We didn't get up till after seven this morning but Frank Enah and I managed to get down to church. This afternoon I sat around the house for awhile and then Dad. drove down to see Huby so I went down with him as far as Aunty's and stopped in there. Roy & Vernon had gone up to Huby's so Aunty Alice & I walked over Brant Hill to see the Millman's. Orm's foot wasn't paining so much but looked very bad and he couldn't bear it to the ground. Quint had borrowed a pair of crutches for him from Mrs. Lawson. About five they all went down town to say goodbye to the Ansley's & Tibbet's so I rode down as far as Aunty's with them and then home with Dad. to do chores. They all but Mrs. Millman came over in the car a little later and Mr. Millman, Mr. Brown, Quint, Frank & Nita all went back to the woods to shoot crows. When I got dressed Kathleen and I walked back over to the cottage stopping in for a minute at Aunty's and the rest all came over in the car soon after. We were all over there to tea and all evening. Nita brought us home about ten o'clock. They all intend to go back in the morning so we bid them good-bye. Sunny but cold wind all day. I didn't see anything much of Roy or Vernon to-day as they went over to the Woodson's to tea. Monday October 11th We have been hauling out manure all day but only got out about {19?} loads as we didn't get started till late and quit early. Roy, Vernon, Rebecca & Aunty were all over to dinner and Aunty asked Dad. Enah and Tid down there to tea so Enah and the baby went down with them and called on Mrs. Battersby on their way down. Dad. did chores and then walked down. Frank and I had our tea alone and then drove down leaving Joe down at the house for Dad and Enah to drive home and we went to the picture show as they had Charlie Chaplin on to-night. I went around and got Marj. It was laughable but absolutely nonsensical. It was eleven o'clock when we got out and we went around to see how Mr. Smith was as he had an attack of colic or something to-night, he was still pretty sick and they were sitting up with him so Essie went over to stay all night with Nellie. I stopped in for a few minutes on my way home to say goodbye to Roy & Vernon they are going back in the morning. It was after twelve when I got to bed. I guess they had a great reunion out at Shand's schoolhouse to-day of all the scholars that went to school out there to Mrs. Dolly Smith who taught there for seventeen years. Mrs McBride has been talking about it for weeks, she's one of them It has been a lovely fall day sunny and mild. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/86cfe8273798121a4cf47d3b6a0e6af5.pdf 75a25d9ce44b4cdc5b3b7f7473de67e8 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Tuesday October 12th We got on a little better to-day and got out 12 loads of manure. Dad. went down to Art. Ryerse's to see Sam Law as they are thrashing down there to see what his programme was He expected to be through at Art's to-night but said he didn't suppose anyone would want to thrash to-morrow or Thursday as the Simcoe show is on so he said if we could be ready he would pull in here Friday morning so Dad. said all right, we thought we could get enough manure out for the stack and we wont try to get the big barn ready to thrash out as we can do that when we thrash the clover seed. It has been a nice day but looks a little like rain. Wednesday October 13th We got out 9 loads to-day but quit soon after dinner as Alan & Bert came in with the thrashing outfit and we had to sped the rest of the day getting ready for them, we had to take the binder out of the other barn and put it in the wood shed. About five o'clock we went down to the fish shanty and got a load of soft coal for them We also took down the old kitchen cupboard a little stand and a rocking chair to Aunty. She was in Simcoe to meet Aunt Ida who came to-night and is going to stay a month with them and maybe longer. To-night Frank drove down town to get a load of groceries and I went down with him and went up to the Bagley's to print pictures, we didn't get as many done as we expected as Essie's weren't done yet and Marj. couldn't find a lot of hers, but we printed mine and they were pretty good. It rained most of the evening so I went down to Aunty's to sleep. It has been a very fine day. Thursday October 14th It was raining when I got up this morning and has been cloudy & wet all day. I had breakfast down town and got over here about eight o'clock, Enah was sick not having slept all night as She had a very lame back, but she said she felt better when she got up, Frank had intended going to Simcoe on his wheel to-day but changed his mind on account of the weather so I drove him & Dick down to school and the bank. I got some stuff at Bagley & Miller's and then went down to Aunty's to return some rain clothes I had borrowed and Aunty was just going up town so I drove her up, it was after ten when I got home. Sam Law had been over and told Dad. he could just as well thrash the other barn out as not so Dad. thought we had better and we have been busy all the after noon getting it cleaned up. Before tea I saddled Belle https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/2a723b1a6c210dcdb48a0f6fcf6b06e7.pdf b09bf8d803b74a25e21473eabbcff8c0 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. and rode down to Mr. Flemming's and out to Tupper's to get their help thrashing. Tupper wasn't home yet from the Fair so I left a note for him. It has been a bad day for the fair and their aeroplane which was to have been the chief feature didn't arrive. Word just came the other day that Gordon McCall who enlisted with the second contingent has died of wounds Friday October 15th We have been thrashing all day and got on faster than we expected. We got the old barn all thrashed out before four o'clock and got moved over to the other barn and got most of the wheat over there thrashed out. We got 268 bushels of wheat at the other barn 200 of which is very little sprouted and 68 bushels not badly, but the worst sprouted is in the big barn and is not running out nearly so fast, There were 156 bushels of barley 45 of barley and oats and 80 of oats out of the stack, all the grain was in excellent shape except the oats and they were soaking wet as the stack was drenched. If we had got all the grain we would have had a bumper turn out. Aunty Alice has been over all day helping Enah and is staying all night, she sorted out her books to-day and gave me a lot of them, the old ones, there is nothing I would rather have. Cool & cloudy. Saturday October 16th We finished thrashing about noon and according to the tally got 896 bushels of grain altogether, but as I wasn't out there much I don't know how much of each there was, there was only about seventy five or eight bushels of the sprouted wheat I think but a nice pile of barley & oats and quite a few oats which are pretty good though badly discolored. My O.A.C. 72 Oats turned out four bushels. Just as I got the chores done this morning I got such a sick feeling that I had to go and lie down for an hour or so, but felt allright the rest of the day. I drove Aunty Alice down town this morning to get some more meat for dinner and when we got back I cleaned up part of the old barn floor and spread the wet oats out over it. This after noon Dad. helped us sack up a grist before he went down to help Flemming thrash and Frank and I took it down to the mill, we then came back and took one of the big bookcases down home and a load of books, we got the mail and came around by Vyses and got our fanning mill, we then went back to the mill and got our chop. It was time to do chores when we got home. We were pretty well through when Dad. got home, he said he had had a hard day of it down at Flemming's as he was shorthanded. Cloudy all morning but lovely after noon https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/6f40300047af080404099a41594e2e33.pdf f448018d8b34ee0f06d2e069726736a3 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Sunday October 17th Frank rode his wheel down to Sunday school and church this morning and Dick, Enah and I drove down, it was Children's day in church so the service wasn't very long We sat in the back seat and were very amused all through proceeding's at the actions of a man across the isle who was aparently in a sleepy state of drunkenness He had a little girl with him who was just as lively as he was dull - and they made an interesting pair. When we got home we found Dad had the meat roasted as he had been pestered all morning with visitors. Val Leany came over and got old Dandy and took him home. Dick, Frank and I went out to the hickory nut tree and Dick climbed it and shook all the nuts he could off and Frank and I gathered up two basketfulls of shells and all. Frank spent the after noon picking up the rest and got a bag full of husks and all and a peach basket full of husked nuts. Marj. and I went for a drive down the Lake Shore and I came home at half past five and helped Frank do chores as Dad & Enah & the baby stayed down to tea at Aunty's they went down to see Aunt Ida When Frank and I had our tea we drove Joe down and left her for Dad. to drive home. I didn't go in down there but went on up town and met Aunty Alice & Dad. coming out of church and going up to Huby's so I went up with them for a little while Aunty Maude has to go to Brantford in the morning for an operation, none of us knew any thing about it till to-day. I left Dad. & Aunty Alice at the Bagley's Corner and although there was no one home there I soon found Essie & Marj. coming home from church so spent the remainder of the evening with them. It has been a lovely autumn day and a beautiful night. Monday October 18th Dad. has been down at Flemming's all day thrashing but they got through to-night. He said Mr. Flemming didn't thrash quite as much as we did. I did up the chores and then went back and plowed, I didn't get on very fast but still didn't do so badly going around the side hill. I got ten rounds ploughed all day about four o'clock the bolt came half way out of the drawchain and bent so I had to quit at noon. I thought it was going to rain so spent half an hour or so cleaning up the barn floor to run some stuff through the fanning mill but it didn't rain so I went back with the team instead. This is Frank's birthday. It has been dark and cloudy with little spits of rain all day and I went out and boxed up the cockrels in the colony house https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/7a82bec5378bd943bbaa8e171dcf8ffe.pdf c24691377ade9bdf421c398735ee5022 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Tuesday October 19th First thing this morning I took the team around and got the cockrels in the colony house which Frank and I caught last night and brought them up and shut them in the yard here at the house with the others. Dad. went over to Quanbury's last night to have a bath and they wanted to get us to give them a lift with the team on Charlie's wood shed which he is moving to make into a hog pen so we went out this morning and took the baby, we got the thing moved and back home by noon. John presented us with a heifer calf yesterday. This after noon Dad. plowed and I cut corn, we both got on pretty well. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day and gave us a great account of the reunion at Shand's schoolhouse, she evidently enjoyed it. To-night Dad. & Enah drove out to the Shand's as it was old Mrs. Nixon's birthday. She had gone to bed but they saw her. Charlie they told them went to the hospital in Brantford a week ago for the rest cure. They also were invited out there on Thursday night to a kitchen shower for Marnie who is to be married next Wednesday. Tid. didnt wake up all evening. Colin Ryerse was in for awhile on horseback as it was a beautiful moon light night. Rather cloudy all day Wednesday October 20th Dad. has been plowing all day and I cut corn I didn't get started very early and quit about four but got quite a lot cut and finished the fourth row. Frank came right home from school and he and I got the fanning mill set and a few of the wet oats run through. To-night I went down town and took Marj. for a drive. It was a lovely moon light night but very foggy, however I enjoyed it very much and I think she did. Doc. Hicks was down to-day and said Aunty Maude was getting on as well as possible. She had to go to Brantford on Monday for an operation. Cloudy & Rainy looking all day. Thursday October 21st I have been cutting corn all day and just got another row cut. Dad plowed all day and is getting the side hill across the gully nearly cornered. Pud. Smythe was in this morning to get their lamb and paid me ten dollars. To-night Dad & Enah drove out to the kitchen shower they are having for Marine. Aunty was over here to dinner and she and Enah walked down town this after noon. It has been a beautiful sunny & mild day and is a lovely night. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/65bf883b09165b8e5db70eac788b961b.pdf 1303061564d0e034a2075c5bf8c4ba28 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday October 22nd Old Tid. woke up last night at twelve o'clock last night and when I woke up soon after he was howling like a savage. I managed to get him pacified but he refused to lie down again and sat bolt upright till two o'clock or after when they got home I managed to keep him in a cheerful mood but I was nearly frozen and asleep in my tracks. They had a grand time out at the Shand's, there were over fifty out there and the {John?} Shand's hadn't the slightest idea there was any thing up. This morning we didn't get up till late and Whit Dixon came after the steer they bought last summer before we had breakfast so we had to go back to the gully and bring them up We didnt' have much trouble loading him and he was much quieter than the last one was, but Whit thought it would be safer to take old Harry than his horse so Dad. had a little breakfast and went down with him I just did chores till they got back and then Dad & I went back and tried to catch Ginger to cut clover seed with Joe & her but she was full of mischief and we couldn't so we came up and trimmed up a couple of the ram lambs before dinner. After dinner we sharpened a mower knife and Dad. started to cut the clover seed with Belle & Harry. I started to cut corn but couldn't make much headway as the corn is light and dry now and it was very windy. Frank came home early and as he was stiff from his fall off his wheel yesterday he took the team and mowed till dark and Dad. & I came up and cleaned up the oats which were on the barn floor. Aunty Alice came over to tea to-night. Frank went down with her and is going to stay all night with Quint, they are going after nuts to-morrow with Bill Slocomb's horse & rig. Morley Buck drove Zeitha Barwell over to-night to say good bye to Enah she is going to Toronto in the morning. It has been sunny but a cold wind all day Saturday October 23rd We didn't get out very early again this morning and as Dad. discovered that the oats which we put in on top of the barley & oats was getting pretty hot so we ran it through the mill and spread them out on the floor That took nearly all the morning but I went out when we got through and cut four shocks of corn before noon and Dad. cleaned three old hens which we killed this morning. Henry Awde came over when we were at dinner and picked a couple of bags of Tolman Sweets for his wife https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/a9b2b724f7c38375ca531ff7a19a50bf.pdf 3933eb9303c7c8a3b2c85cb39e12b5a3 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. and as I had to go down right after dinner for some groceries & the mail I drove them down for him. I hurried back but it must have been after half past two when I got out to the corn field but by working till after sundown I managed to get the row cut through, it kept me busy as there must have been twenty five or six shocks. Dad. cut clover seed all the after noon and says it won't take long to finish, he caught a little rabbit out there and we brought it up to the house but it seemed so frightened that we let it go out on the lawn, we saw a black sqirrel go up the willow tree the other morning, they say they are thick this fall and grey too - as it has been close season for them for four or five years but I guess they are shooting lots of them now although the season isn't open except two weeks in November. Frank got home soon after tea he had his down at Auntys, he said the nuts were nearly all gone, he hiked back down town again as soon as he changed his clothes. It froze hard last night, beautiful day. Sunday October 24th Dad. Dick and I drove down to church this morning and after church Dad. drove Aunty Alice up to the cemetry All Huby's family were over to dinner, which was rather late. Quint, Dick, Frank and I went out and picked up a lot more hickory nuts before dinner. This after noon I drove Huby home and then took Marj. for a drive, she was keeping house all alone as Mr. & Mrs. Bagley had gone to Simcoe and Essie was out at Marburg, so we drove around by Marburg but didn't see her. I went down to church to-night and spent the evening up at the Bagley's. It froze very hard last night and has been sunny but cold all day. Monday October 25th Dad. plowed this morning as it was to wet to cut clover seed but he cut all the after noon but didn't quite finish I cut corn all day and got started on the eighth row Tom Abbot came in to-night and got a bag of wheat and a bag of barley & oats in part payment for the chickens I got from him, he is going to take it all in feed. I have to pluck a hen to-night for Aunty Alice. Frank is busy pasting weeds on a big piece of cardboard and Dad. is denouncing the Education Department for causing such a foolish waste of time. Milder to-night and looks like rain Tuesday October 26th I cut corn all morning and finished another row. This https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/99a7fe87a3cd7889b4a18cc011b862b9.pdf a9c8f593ed999be543fca1b2c46e0d99 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. afternoon I helped Dad. clean up some oats and barley and move the fanning mill and then I raked up clover seed till night. Dad. put Enah's shelves in the clothes room this morning and then finished cutting the clover seed This after noon he started to clean up the barn floor so we could haul in the clover seed. It was a big job as he had to carry most of the dirt out to the chicken yard or big yard and then dump the oats which were in the box on the floor with the other oats and fill the box with the barley & oats from the bin and then put the oats on the floor into the bin, so he didn't get nearly finished, he didn't feel very well and had Tid to help him. To-night I took Joe down town with the saddle on her and both Essie & Marj. got on her, neither of them could reach the stirrups so they couldn't ride far and I held Joe's head most of the time. I had the big saddle on so couldn't shorten the stirrups but I promised to bring her down again with the little saddle. I went down to Aunty's for awhile before I came home, they expected Aunty Maude to-night but she didn't come. Nice day, very windy Wednesday October 27th I cut corn all morning and got on fairly well, Dad. finished cleaning up the barn floor and this after noon we hauled in two loads of clover seed, out of the wind row, we left the last load on the barn floor. Charlie McBarty was in to-night and bought the biggest ram lamb for eight dollars. Enah and the baby were down town this after noon. We saw Mr. Robertson going out the side road this after noon so we supposed Maime Shand's wedding came off all right. Ray Hammond was to be married to-day too, to Miss Austin out on the town line. Enah said she saw another wedding party down town of which Miss Bloxom & Mr. Todd were the chief figures. Very cloudy & cool. Thursday October 28th I cut corn all morning and got about 24 shocks cut. Dad. chored around till the dew dried off about ten o'clock and then raked up the clover seed or part of it, he didn't quite finish by noon, he just raked one way of the field so that we didn't have so much turning. This after noon we hauled in a couple more loads, the first was rather a small one, and we left the last on the waggon. Dick came home about two o'clock and took Josie and went to Simcoe as Dess is up there visiting. Enah has been house cleaning the dining room all day. Alan Law told us that Pickford has bought their farm and they will have to get off, we were sorry to hear it. Cloudy mostly & windy https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ce3a8587abfb30190d9b21b2b45d2f93.pdf a77713eca80353af95544b2da0bcc51f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Friday October 29th We put off the load we hauled last night first thing this morning and then Dad. went out and raked up the rest of the field. I mowed away what was up there and then dug the rest of my rose border before he came in, we then went out and loaded till twelve but didn't have much of a load. After dinner we put it off and hauled two more. Frank got home early and helped us mow away the first and the second we left on the barn floor, we got all the stuff in that had any seed in it but there is still a load of couch grass out there To-night I put the little saddle on Joe and took her down to give the girls another lesson. Essie had to go to choir practice but Marj. rode down to Perry's and we got Marj. to go for a little ride, the little saddle was a great improvement. I went down to Aunty's for awhile before I came home. It has been windy & cloudy all day quite cold Saturday October 30th I cut corn all day but didn't get on extra well as it was so windy. Frank and Dad. took a grist to the mill this morning and also took the other bookcase and a lot of books & the old sofa down to Aunty's, and brought back a little sofa that Elva gave Enah. This after noon they put off the load of clover seed and went out and got the load of couch grass, it took a long time to put it on as it was so light and the wind was so strong, Dad. fixed Enahs shelves in the <s>pantry</s> clothes closet. To-night Frank and I went down town and he took a basket of hickory nuts down for the ones at Aunty's, he went to the picture show and I got my hair cut, there were a lot in town and a lot of kids out as they are celebrating to-night as Hallowe'en. It has been a nice day but cloudy & windy. Sunday October 31st I walked down to church this morning and Dad. Enah & the baby drove down they left the baby with Aunty Alice and then went there for dinner. I brought Joe home and we three boys had dinner alone. After dinner I drove Dick down town and got Marj. & Glad. Law who is up here for a week convalescing and we drove out to Renton I wanted to get the number of the ram we sold to Nixon & Berger last fall and we had a great time finding the place as I took the wrong turn at Wiggins school house, we did find it at last but they didn't know the number but said they would find it and send it to me It was late when we got back but I stayed at the Bagley's. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3a51cb9cfd54fdb0c5f4f059666e61d9.pdf c8baec6de6c5d0ffb046ca9001793423 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. to tea and put Joe in at Faulkner's. Glad also stayed and we then didn't go to church like the family but stayed home and washed the dishes and played with Charlie the kitten. I came home early and brought Dick with me. Just as I was about ready to get into bed to-night I heard the screen door open and then the kitchen door very quietly and I watched it open quietly and stealthily for it seemed like a long time and I didnt know what on earth was coming when Frank stuck his head in, he had been out somewhere and I didn't know it. It was rather dark in the bedroom and I was sure he was in bed, so I was getting ready for a scrap. It has been a lovely day but cloudy. Monday November 1st I cut corn all day and have about twelve shocks more to cut to finish the field I thought I would have finished but there are two more rows of corn in the last row of shocks and it makes a big difference, Dad. ploughed all day and finished the piece he was at. Edmond England was in with a Court of Revision notice that some body had complained that my name was wrongly ommeted from the voter's list, but I guess I don't have to go down. Another nice day but windy & cloudy. Tuesday November 2nd We were up fairly early this morning and Dad. got a good morning in ploughing. Frank found one of the ram lambs dead this morning so we concluded he had got too many apples so Frank and I got the roll of wire from behind the barn where it had been around the stack and put it up where it was before from the orchard fence over to the chicken yard and shut the other two rams in the plum orchard I then went out and finished cutting the corn it was an awful job as the wind was very strong, and it took me nearly till noon, when I got up Frank and Felix Perkins had a "hickey" on the pump and were fixing it, the rods had come disconnected as the collars where the lengths join had worn out agains the pipe. Aunty Alice came over to dinner, she was going to pick apples but it was too cold & windy, but she picked up a lot of hikory nuts. Mrs. McBride was here too so we had an exceedingly interesting dinner party especially when Dad. & Felix got arguing about the new school. I set out some rose bushes Aunty sent over after dinner & Dad. lost all the after noon working with Felix. Frank stayed home too. I drove Felix home about four o'clock and got Joe shod at Joe Howells. Very cold cloudy & windy https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/b07e9647f3eaff8b5691e35b15492732.pdf 5d03e7e73f8739979ab2c8f51676a58f PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. {This is a repeat of page 133} https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/3a70bf7d5eb290f8419a6b12b3fbf182.pdf 6bd67554ad0c03320f30ced0421092c7 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. {This is a repeat of page 133} https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/79ed849fa272c9705e81997d49c06d08.pdf 6ead3d7e8eb173f1eeabd6bcae3f7695 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Wednesday November 3rd I drove Dick down this morning and went on up to Dunkin's to see if I could get a ram, but he said he didn't know of one in the country, but he has Lloyd-Jones first prize Simcoe ram with his ewes and said I could bring my five yearlings up if I liked so I thought I would. I got home about noon and Dad. had to go over and give Charlie Quanbury two or three hours thrashing so I plowed till he got back and then I husked a little corn. I got ready and went down to Aunty's to tea. To-night Marj. & I went down to the show. It has been cloudy, cold, windy & damp. Thursday November 4th It rained quite hard early this morning so I drove Dick down again and found out that I could get Coleman's stock waggon to take the yearling ewes up to Dunkins I thought it was going to be rainy so Dad. couldn't plow and I could take te big team, so I went down to Coleman's before dinner and got it and we got all the sheep in the barn tagged then and let them all out except the five yearlings and the lamb which will register. I got started right after dinner for Dunkin's with the six ewes It was slow going up and I didn't get there till about four o'clock, but I didn't have any accidents or adventures, and got home by six o'clock. It turned out to be a beautiful after noon and every body along the road was plowing so it seemed a shame to have the team and keep Dad. from plowing. Dad. helped Enah house clean Friday November 5th I buried the dead ram this morning and picked a few of the spies when Gordon {Doracot?} came over to get me to go thrashing over at Jack Martin's. I went over but we only thrashed the buckwheat and there were only 121 bushels of it as the hail had ruined it. The spring on the governor broke and also a pipe running down into the boiler and as the engine had to cool off to fix it we couldn't thrash any more to-day and after we all had dinner over at Jack's we went home. I picked more apples this after noon. Bill Bush was cutting weeds over in his gully this after noon and cut the leg off one off our guinea's which was sitting I caught it and killed it. Dad. plowed all day, but will have to with me to thrash to-morrow. Enah went down town and stayed to tea at Aunty Alice's as it was her birthday. I walked down to-night to wish her a happy birthday. It has been a nice day but cloudy & cold. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/76182452d8ce3113606729a57b84e37f.pdf 9b792142ab6ad43c3b88445d987d8a60 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Saturday November 6th Dad. and I went over this morning to thrash and put in a strenuous fore noon of it. I carried away and it kept me very busy as the wheat rolld out faster than the oats and there were 210 bushels Dad. had the dirtiest job as he was in the straw and they put some of it in the barn, there were over 400 bushels altogether, we didn't get through till after dinner. I didn't do much after I got home as I felt a little tough but I picked a few apples Dad. tried to plow on the barley stubble as he thought it wasn't worth while to go back over the gully but it was too hard so he had to quit. Aunty Alice came over this after noon and she & Frank picked up a lot of hickory nuts. Frank walked down wth her to-night and was down till about midnight. I had a bath instead. Pretty cold wind to-day. Sunday November 7th Frank went down to Sunday school this morning and Dad. Dick & I drove down to church. Aunty Maude was in church this morning, it was the first walk she has taken since she came home, so Dad. drove her home after church. Quint drove over to dinner with us. This afternoon I went down town and got Essie & we drove down to Nanticoke and got Marj. who has been down at the Banfield's since Friday night, we didn't stay down there long although they wanted us to stay to tea but Essie had to get back to play the organ so we came back I put Joe in the church shed and stayed with them to tea and then took Joe home while they went to church I just got home as Dad. was about ready to start down town after Enah so I went back and got her, she had been down with the baby to a duck dinner at Huby's, when we got home I walked down again and spent the evening at the Bagley's. Ed & Marion were over there this after noon. Lovely day but cold wind. Monday November 8th Dad. got in a good day to-day plowing. Frank didn't go to school this morning but rode down to Geo. Miller's to see about getting a new dividing wall for the separator as the old one won't stay up in the hauls, Mrs. Miller told him it would be better to get a new one. He came around by Tommy Jackson's to see about getting some honey for his bees but Tommy hadn't extracted yet so he will have to use sugar. I drove Dick. down to the bank and around to see if Neil Elliott would give me $100.00 for Mully but he said he wouldn't but would come to look at her. Tid. went down with me and I took a bag of Tolman Sweets down to Aunty Alice. When I got back I went out & https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/37c7758ec78f45980b41dc4ba948402b.pdf aad83a7a6e5d88dc9e5bc50e4779a036 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. burned the old hay we left out on the timothy sod. This after noon I picked apples and got pretty much all that were any good out there. Mrs McBride was here washing to day. Aunty came over to tea and to stay all night. Very much milder to-day but cloudy this after noon Tuesday November 9th Dad. got a good early start this morning but just nicely got hooked up when {Leo?} Horn got him to come up and look at his mare, so he was delayed for over an hour, the mare was up here in the stable, she was sweating terribly and seemed in awful pain so Dad. said he thought she had a touch of spasmodic colic he didn't have any thing to give her but she seemed to get better so he took her home. I spent the day cleaning up the garden and putting the vegetables & apples in the cellar. I also put off the load of couch grass which was on the waggon and Dad. took it over to the other barn at noon. This after noon I cleaned the barn floor and threw the oats out again out of the bin. To-night I took Joe down town again with the saddle on her and gave the girls another ride. Marj. is getting on fine but it was only the second time for Essie. I got home about half past ten. Very windy all day and freezing hard to-night. Wednesday November 10th Dad. got a good day in plowing to-day and only had one interruption when Will Philips came over to ask him about his sick cow. He got the east half finished and got quite a lot done on the west side. I hardly got anything done as I had so many visitors I got started twice to husk corn but I first old Felix came after some wheat that Dad. gave him for wages and then Neil Elliot came to look at Mully He said she was only worth $75. This afternoon I drove Enah and Tid down to the Jame's and then went over to the slaughter house to see Whit Dixon, he said if he were in my place he wouldn't sell Mully for less than $90.00 I was over there quite awhile and it was getting late when I got home and Huby had sent some historical man over here to look at the mound. I took him back to see it and he said he was sure it was a natural formation although a very peculiar one. He is here to see about putting up a little monument on the spot where a party of French explorers wintered about 200 years ago, he says they have located the spot where their hut stood from the rough map they drew and the description of the place and have found the place has never been disturbed. It is up Black Creek a little way in a little ravine about 200 feet in from the creek. Lovely day, sunny & not windy. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/97a598221b958d90f582f98e7ac702c4.pdf 6b998a004c33ad0bdaf4c6a717e88152 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday November 11th It rained a little during the night so I thought it would be a little wet to husk corn so spent the morning working in front of the house I am going to take the sod all off in front of the dining room window where the rhubard bed was and put it down by the road where the grass doesn't grow, then I want to dig the other up and put some flowers in and train a grape vine across in front of it from the corner of the house to the plum orchard fence. Neil Elliot came in about ten o'clock and I went back with him to look at the steer and see Dad. about buying Dreadnaught, he said he would give $45 for him and Dad. said he'd take it. I asked him $125 for Mully & the steer but he said the steer was only worth forty and Mully seventy five, but he came up five dollars on Mully & then two & a half so I thought I wouldn't stick for two & a half and let them go, and to-night I wrote to two men who advertise dual purpose Shorthorns in the Farmer's Advocate. This after noon I went out to husk a little more corn but didn't get much done when it began to rain so I came in Mr. Waterbury the historical man was here, he wanted to know the way to get to Tommy Jackson's and I told him the shortest way was to go up the creek and he said as it was raining so he wouldnt go to-day, he wanted to see if Tommy would donate an old axe that old Stringer had of his to their museum, he brought over the book telling of the travels of the French exploring party and which was originally writen by one of two French priests who were with the party. It was written in French & English both and there was an old map which they had drawn of their voage, it was pretty crude but still wonderfully correct when they had only the shoreline to go by. It gave a great description of this country where they wintered and called it the "earthly paradise of Canada." There were also a couple of pictures in the book of Black Creek and the spot where their camp stood, it was al-to-gether a most interesting book but Frank has to take it back to Huby's office in the morning. I didn't do much this after noon but pain the names of my different plots of wheat on some stakes for labels. Enah started to read the history book to-night but we all went to sleep in spite of it being so interesting. Friday November 12th I spent all the morning working out in front and got nearly all the sod taken off and put down by the road. This after noon I went out and put the lable stakes in my wheat plots https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/9c150bb28b7a5dce0b74d88c7b12b550.pdf b40dc1a9d794184f706e4fbc9b67f203 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. and stretched the garden line around each of them and hoed around each one so that there would be more come up outside the line I then husked a little more corn. Dad. got in a good day plowing. It has been a beautiful day. Saturday November 13th We had to take our stock down to Neil Elliot to ship to day so I went back right after breakfast to bring up the steer, he seemed determined not to come up and I had to bring the whole bunch to get him. We left him in the yard with Mully while we tied the calf in the waggon box, we thought Mully would follow the calf and the steer go with her and Dad. lead the bull we got as far as the road when the calf got loose and while we were tying him up the steer got back in the lane and jumped into the field with the rest. After a lot of chasing we got him out as far as the road again, when Dreadnaught in some way twisted the snap on the stick out of his nose and got loose and he & the steer ran up into the wheat. Enah came out wielding a broom. However we got them in and at last got well started. They ran into Martin's but Art. Quanbury came down from there with us Dad. Frank & Art came right home when they were unloaded. Frank drove the lumber waggon with the calf in it down so they came around home by Aunty's and got Mis Buckwells sofa which they bought and brought it home. I went up town and got the honey and left it in the {illegible}. This after noon Frank and I took a grist to the mill and got a walnut table up at Mrs. McBrides we got Jack Martin's skids and took them over to the colony house which I want to move up as soon as possible Dad. & I then cleaned up some wheat to pay Sam Lees back and also some oats for Art Quanbury while Frank shot three guinea hens. Frank and I took the wheat back about dark. It has been a nice day but a cold wind. Sunday November 14th Frank rode his wheel down to church this morning and Dick, Enah & I drove down. Aunty Alice came over with us to dinner. This after noon Marj. & I went for a walk up the Radical Road and got full of burrs. I went down to Aunty's for tea and went up with Aunty & Aunt Ida to church Dick & I got home to-gether about half past ten. The Nixon's were here this after noon and left the number of the ram. Dad. had to go over to Frank Lemon's to see a horse and didn't get back till dark. Enah & the baby went down to the Jame's for tea and Elva https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/adca70d4d4df423910fb1fa6c6f3daf5.pdf ec917efafe16e71b7a8d66f0e6622422 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Said. Davis, May Perry & Gladys Fischer came over with her after church. It has been cloudy and cold all day. Monday November 15th Dad. got a good day in plowing to-day but didn't quite finish the oat stubble. I spent most of the morning tidying up the rubbish between the wood shed and the shop and cleaned the windows and swept down the cobwebs in the <s>cow</s> horse stable. This after noon I chopped down the rest of the cherry trees which were along the plum orchard fence and started to get a trench dug for my hedge. Holly Bush came in to-night to get a loaf of bread. He brought Enah over a sack of flour the other day to have her bake a loaf or two of bread a week. Very windy and cold all day. It snowed a little and is freezing hard to-night. Tuesday November 16th This morning as it was pretty cold I got Dad. to help me move the colony house It took quite awhile to get it on the skids but once it was loaded it slid along in fine shape. We put it in the yard where we set out the raspberries. Dad. went right back and plowed when we got it over and has plowed all after noon. He finished the oat stubble and got started to plow in the weeds. I separated the chickens put the pullets in where the cockrels were as that is to be their winter quarters, put the cockrels in where the old hens were and put the old hens in the colony house. I then ran the wagon out of the shed and started to pick up some apples off the ground in the orchard for cider. I picked all the after noon but didn't get the wagon box full. It was milder to-night but was snowing quite hard about dark. <s>Tuesday</s> Wednesday November 17th Quint came over with Dick last night to stay awhile so he Frank and I picked up a few more apples and took them up to Walker Waddle's for cider. Dad. drove down in the buggy and got two of the kegs from down at Aunty's for us to take up as he didn't want us to drive way down around that way. We didn't get back till after one o'clock. We didn't have quite enough apples we filled the two ten gallon kegs and put about thirty in the barrell, we came back by town and left a keg at Huby's and one at Aunty's. Dad. drove Aunty up to the cemetry this morning and had to go over to Tupper's to thrash this after noon. Aunty stayed here to dinner and I drove her back this after noon, when https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/d09d67b7b08f6b1350e719218512e58e.pdf 54ad67535ae6356a359bf97583ac45ee PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. I got back it was pretty late so I just took back Jack Martin's skids and Quanbury's chain and did chores. Quint and Frank husked a basketfull of corn and then set some traps back in the gully. There has been a cold wind to-day and it has been freezing in the shade all day. Thursday November 18th Dad. has been over at Tupper's all day thrashing. He says the stuff is in awful shape. It is full of thistles and weeds and is so tough they can hardly stick a fork in it. This morning I didn't do much but chores and clean up around the wood shed. Quint wanted to go for a ride so I put the little saddle on Joe and he took her down town and back. When he got back the saddle blanket was gone and he hadn't missed it. He said she nearly put him off once and just about got away from him. He and I walked back the road to look for the blanket and found it hanging on the sidewalk railing below Marshals place. After dinner Quint helped me stand all the rails up that were out in the pile in front of the shop and we got it slicked up nicely. Quint went down about three o'clock. I quit early to do chores and about half past five left for Woodhouse to a chicken pie social. I picked Marj up on the way and we had a hot time. When we got there the place was crowded and I couldn't get Joe in the sheds but got her in a sheltered spot. We had to get in line for supper and were nearly squashed flat, after about an hour's waiting we got in to the dining hall where we had a sumptuous repast of roast chicken and then had to wait another hour for the programme to commence, but we were lucky enough to get good seat so enjoyed ourselves, the entertainers were principally composed of Doverites, and all came up in a load Essie presided at the organ and the male quartette did most of the singing. Mrs. J.H. Butler also performed several times and Miss McGillvary from Simcoe <s>also</s> sang. Frank Reid was chairman and Mr. {Geoff?} and all the Methodist preachers in the country spoke, it was about twelve o'clock when we got out, and Joe didn't seem in a mood to travel very fast so it was after one when I got home. We came down the Radical as there was no other traffic on it. It has been a beautiful day and a very mild nigh. It started to rain a little about midnight and was raining quite hard when I got home. Friday November 19th I had to go over to Sam Law's to thrash this morning https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/ff6408fec72077dfcc45f23db2809dde.pdf d0fa1c790598a795f94ca5e6dba073e3 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. and Dad. went over to Tupper's to finish up. We only thrashed for about half an hour and then as there was such a headwind we quit. The straw was blowing everywhere and the roof was covered. Sam. said if it was his he wouldn't care but he didn't want to do anything mean as he was leaving. I stood around over there about an hour talking to Sam and Art Ryersie and listening to their discussion of various farming problems. Soon after I got home Enah and Tid. wanted to go down town so I drove them down, on my way back I picked up Jack Martin and he came over and had a look at the cockrels, he said there would be some he could take. I had my dinner all alone but Dad. came home before I finished. He had had his and they had finished over at Tupper's. This afternoon it rained quite a lot. Dad. & I got the cider barrel in the wood shed and about half past three I drove down after Enah and the baby who were then at Aunty's. It rained heavily last night and has been raining a lot to-day. Raw west wind. Saturday November 20th It was still very windy this morning and has been all day so I knew there was no use going over to Sam's to thrash. This morning after we did up the chores rather late I stripped the north wall of the old barn next Dreadnaughts stall {illegible} of straw as we want to get the calves in now. Dad. killed and dressed a couple of chickens. After dinner {name?} came after Landon Ivey's calf so we went back with him and brought them all up and the horses too. I did chores then and Dad. built a manger over against the granary wall for the calves. Just before dark I put the bridle on Queen and got on her back. The other horses were all there so she trotted around the straw stack with them a few times and then they all cantered out of the yard into the field. Just as we got out the gate, she began to rear a little and I wasn't looking for it so after a few of them I found myself on my back on the ground with my feet in the air. Queen got away with the bridle on her and got back with the rest but luckily they didn't go into the gully and I chased them back to the barn where Dad. got the bridle off her, she hadn't got the reins down either. To-night we put Ginger & Billy in the box stall. Dad. got his steer in too that he is going to kill for home consumption. Whit Dixon was over this morning and got our veal calf. Tupper came https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/92f55360258438bf7e4b7513144cabfe.pdf 3ff4fd74fbb3345ff33a3a957724ff41 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. over last night to kill our ram but when he felt him he said it would be foolish as there wasn't much more than a good meal on him, so Whit looked at him this morning and said if we fed him awhile, he might be worth killing, so Dad. has him tied up in the stable now. To-night Dad. has gone down to see the folks. Frank has a bad cold and sore throat. He went over to Tupper's this morning to set some traps for a skunk. Cloudy, windy and a little rain to-day. Sunday November 21st Frank's cold was too bad to go out of the house to-day so Dad. & I drove down to church alone. Aunty came back with Dad. and I stayed down there to dinner and tea. This after noon I went visiting and also to-night after church. There was quite a commotion down town this after noon when Perce Ryerse's house, his new one caught on fire. I went up but they got it under control before it did any damage beyond smoking the house all up. It seems the kid set fire to a pile of rubbish down cellar. I went to church to-night and saw Dick to speak to for the first time to-day. Huby and Lila wemt down to Aunty's to-night and killed all his spring chickens, there were eight of them most of them cockrels. I went down about ten o'clock and got the old hen I lent him last summer to hatch them out. I don't know what the neighbors thought as she let out a series of the most unearthly squaks I ever hard as far as Allan's corner and then she wasn't so bad unless I {jabed?} her. Dick caught up to me at Uncle Wards. When we got home I put the old hen up to Frank's ear and pinched her and old Frank didn't know what was coming off. I had her in a bag and the next thing she did was to get loose in the kitchen and of course caused a terrible commotion while I was catching her. Very windy and blizzardy to-day. Monday November 22nd This morning I went over to Sam Law's to thrash. It was still windy but a little more from the West so didn't blow right in the barn, we were there till about eleven o'clock. I was on the blower most of the time but the stack got too high to put all the straw on so we had to let it go to one side. We had dinner over there and I got back before they had dinner here. This after noon I did up the chores and then put the little saddle on Ginger. I got on her in the drive house but she was https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/cf12cd2898b5d3cdd8d7aa014d13bf79.pdf 7d246bb80a3fadc66ea897f67716b834 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. so nervous with the curb bit, saddle and being away from Billy that she wouldn't go out at last she got herself worked up into such a state that she started to back up, she backed up into a pile of rubbish and sat down. I got off her and took her outside and got on her, she still refused to go and went through the same performance again this time though when I went down I hit my head and my back and she came over pretty heavily on my leg. I tried her again without success so took her down to the road and then up to where Dad. was plowing in the barley stubble and he started her off and she came back all right. Frank who has been sick in the house all day wanted me to go out to Tupper's and look at some trap he set for some skunks so i put the big saddle on Joe and went out there. Dad. started to plow the barley stubble to-day as the creek was so high he didn't want to go back over the gully and he thought if it should freeze the stubble would freeze first. Enah went down town this after noon and Aunty Alice came back with her to tea. Dad. went down with her after tea. To-night all the Harvey Shand's but Willie came in. Charlie is going out West some time next week and came over to say good bye. Rather cold wind and cloudy to-day. Tuesday November 23rd This morning I did up the chores and put the big saddle on Ginger to give her another lesson, she behaved pretty well putting it on, but coming out of the door she gave a jump, caught the stirrup in the door and tore the strap right off at the saddle. I felt pretty sick about it and put her back in and went out and husked corn. I husked corn all the after noon and to-night I went down town and gave Marj. a carving lesson. It was raining when I <s>got</s> started for home but I got a ride out with Dick and Alan Law. Cloudy, but mild to-day. Wednesday November 24th We didn't get out very early this morning and I just did chores. This after noon I went to Simcoe and got the saddle mended and also a lot of other harness. I was up there for quite awhile and stopped in to see Louise at the Bowlby's for a few minutes on the way home so it was pretty late when I got home. Enah and the baby were waiting for me down town but I came home first. Dad. got in and drove me down and I stayed down at Aunty's all night as I want to leave for Caledonia in the morning. Dad. plowed on the barley stubble all day, he doesn't feel very well. Frank https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/dd1eb723f4c19077d932e9c4ded997c0.pdf cf5a2695aa9efbd5d631db49f1f69e82 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. is not very well either and has not been at school to-day. Aunty Alice & Dick left for Toronto to-night to see Billy Millman play, he is in Toronto all this week with Taversham in "The Hawk." Cloudy this morning but nice day. Thursday November 25th Aunty got up at six o'clock this morning and got my breakfast and I left for Caledonia. When I got there there was no sign of Douglas so the fellow at the station said I had better telephone him so I did and found that as I had said on my card I would D.V. be down Thursday morning he didn't quite understand and thought it meant to drive down, however he came right in after me in his Ford and we got out to his place about four miles out about ten o'clock, he showed me all through his cattle, he has over a hundred head and it was like going to a show, he has both Bates bred and Scotch bred Shorthorn's and some of the familys have been on the farm for sixty years. I wanted to get a cow with a record and giving milk now if I could but as he lets his calves suck all his cows so of course had no records and he advised me not to get a cow that has had a calf sucking her as he said they never let their milk down as well when milked by hand so I wound up by buying a two year old heifer from him which he said was from the best milking cow on the farm and of a good milking family, she was just bred yesterday and so I will have to run chances of having to breed her again to some bull around here. I gave $180.00 dollars for her $100 cash and my note for 12 mos @ 6% for the $80. He is to ship her up next Wednesday. I had dinner there and visited with Mr. Douglas for an hour or so after and then he took me down town where I waited for the 6.40 train for Dover. Mr. & Mrs. Brad. Bowlby were on the train coming up from Toronto. They had heard Billy Sunday give his temperance lecture. Mrs. Bowlby was terribly shocked and thought he was too wild all to-gether. I stopped in at Aunty's on my way home but had tea over here. It has been a beautiful day. Friday November 26th Dad. has plowed all day to-day and I did chores and set out my two grapevines or at least transplanted them. It took me the best part of the after noon as I took considerable pains about it and put some tile https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/b4f353ba932268b977a45c5bd8c0d63d.pdf e92a6f692ffd7fbbc8c14eb2995e7aaf PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. in the bottom at the base and mixed the earth up with mould from around the big barn and some wood ashes. Art. Quanbury & Ive Fields were around Jack Martin's fence fixing it and I was over talking to them for awhile. It has been another most beautiful Indian Summer day. Saturday November 27th Dad. left here at seven<s>l</s> o'clock this morning to get Huby and go down to Mr. {Faurey's?} funeral, he didn't get back till nearly ten, he got some lime down town and Frank whitewashed the cow stable. This after noon they got a grist ready for the mill and Frank took it down but it was too late to get it to-night. I did chores and went over to Martin's to find out how strong to make the solution of coal oil and carbolic acid for scaly leg. {Brilely?} said zenoleum would do as well as carbolic acid and and not to use more than a table spoon full in a cup of water so to-night Dad. and I went through them we got all the young pullets & cockrels done but not all the old yearling hens as they were so thick we couldn't tell which had been done and which hadn't. It has been a very disagreeable day. It rained this morning and has been cold and windy. Sunday November 28th Enah Frank and I went down to church this morning. Frank rode the wheel down and we drove. I was down town all the after noon and went up the beach for a walk and stayed down at Aunty's for tea. Dad. walked down and he Aunty and I went up to church to-night and I spent the evening up at the Bagley's. It has been a most beautiful and very mild day but it was a wild night when I started for home raining and a terrific wind so I went down and stayed all night at Aunty's. They had all gone to bed when I got there but I sneaked in and lit the light and then went up and told Aunty I was there, she was glad I came. Monday November 29th I had breakfast down at Aunty's this morning and got home about nine o'clock. I then went down to the mill and got the grist that Frank left there on Saturday. I took a bag of wheat down and Clarence said it ought to be worth about 90 cts but by today's paper Ottawa has comandeered a lot of Canadian wheat so whether that will affect prices here or not I don't know. This after noon I did https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/cf84814b2314ac754d97469a903ddee3.pdf a0b73ab2f3165a2fb1bb9fbd6fb247ba PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. up the chores and then husked a basket of corn. Dad. plowed all the after noon. To-night Frank & I went down to the A.Y.P.A. and had a fairly good time. I got my hair cut and went down on my way home to see Aunty Alice she came home to-night. Frank met her at the train. It has been a raw windy day and is freezing hard to-night. Tuesday November 30th This morning being cold and blustery Dad. decided to put the calves in, it took quite awhile to finish the preparations for their reception and still longer to get them in and tied however we did by about ten o'clock and we think they will soon settle down in contentment. It wasn't worthwhile for Dad. to go out and plow before dinner so we went down and got the coal stove that Mrs. James gave Enah, it is a dandy, we had to get some groceries and by the time we got home and got the stove unloaded it was about two o'clock. Dad. plowed after dinner but didn't quite finish the barley stubble he is going to plow the old fence bottom in with it. I did up the chores, cut some wood and went out and opened up a ditch in the plowed field. Mrs. McBride was here this morning, washing. Cold raw & windy. Wednesday December 1st Frank stayed home from school this morning and he and I did chores while Dad. finished plowing the barley stubble. Then the whole family went down in the lumber waggon and Dad. & I put on a load of chestnut coal for the new stove, it just come in. Frank got some stuff up town and then took the coal home while Dad. and I got my heifer which came in on the noon freight, she was like a mad bull she was so wild in spite of the blind old Douglas had put over her head, we couldn't do anything with her at the station so they shunted her over to the yard by the brickyard much against one of the men's will who was very much put out at wasting so much time and kept up a running stream of oaths, however with two long ropes one of which was Ed's and one which Dad. got over at the slaughter house we got her out in a short time without hurting her. Ed. helped us bring her over and came all the way over with us but wouldn't stay to dinner. Enah & the baby walked home. Dad. is highly delighted wth the heifer and she certainly does look nice in the stable with the others and she is getting quieted down. This after noon I helped Frank and Dad. get the stove in place and then https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/0b169a112ade53cb183d20ea6041bec4.pdf 601573af59191e27e96af3e1727cae3b PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. I went up to the Bowlby's after Louise. Frank went to school till recess and then met Dad. down town and they got another load of coal. Louise and I got back about six. Cold all day snowed all after noon & evening Dick didn't quit work for yesterday till 3.30 this morning and then walked home. It was the end of the year & month. Thursday December 2nd Dad. & I did chores most of the morning and fixed up a corner out in the old barn to put the bull calf as he is too mean to leave with the heifer calve we also unloaded the load of coal he got yesterday afternoon into a bin he fixed up in the wood shed. We two had dinner by ourselves as Enah, Louise & the baby all went down to Aunty's to dinner and to spend the afternoon. This afternoon Dad. & I hauled in a load of corn stalks most of which were unhusked and put them in the bay of the old barn. To-night Dad. read "Going Some" out loud it is a funny story by Rex Beach. It has been cold & raw all day anbd is freezing hard to-night. Friday December 3rd Dad. has plowed across the gully all day and says it plows better than it has<s>s</s> all fall, he was surprised that it did as when he went back he was afraid he couldn't make it go it froze so hard last night, he got quite a lot done although he didn't get back there very early. I went over to see Charlie Shand this morning as I told him I would before he left; he is going West next Tuesday He showed me all over and we were up in the silo. Louise went down to Aunty's to dinner and Aunty came back with her to tea. I just did chores this after noon. To-night I went down town with Aunty and went to the picture show with Marj., this being her birthday. On my way home I looked in at the Commercial hotel and saw Alan Law and Dick sitting there waiting for Alan to finish his cigar to go home so I joined them. George Henderson was with them sitting with his feet up on a table, his cap down over his eyes and a smile on his face which showed he was just awake enough to enjoy his comfortable state. Presently a man evidently a traveller came in from the back room and expressed his intention of "going to roost" where at George stretched himself out of his chair and over to the register and the traveller registerd and went to bed. This sort of aroused the party and when Alan had bought another cigar we left for home. Alan was drawn from the https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/24134baec17ec50a3adf3700d493288a.pdf d776460144344e3e97e6c177e9223b83 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. familiar channels of his conversation to-night by extolling the many virtues of a new nine dollar & a quarter corduroy coat with fur felt lining that his girl sent away and got for him for a Christmas present. When we got home the whole family was listening to Enah read "Going Some". Dad. had had his snooze on the sofa and had evidently brought down the house a few minutes before we came in by waking up with a wild burst of laughter caused by his dreaming of the story Enah was reading and exclaiming "I don't see how people can be so dam' funny", this being a quotation from the book He got up then so I occupied the sofa for the remainder of the evening, it then being close to midnight. Raw & cloudy, freezing to-night. Saturday December 4th Dad. has been plowing all day again to-day.This morning Frank did up most of the chores and I husked corn in the barn, he helped husk some too. This after noon he went back with Dad. to help him run out some cross furrows and I drove Louise back to the Bowlby's. I got home before tea. We have never let Alguitha out yet but she is beginning to show signs of getting tame but she won't let us take the halter off her head yet. They have according to the "Maple Leaf" got all the officers for the 133rd overseas regiment which they are going to try and recruit in Norfolk. A.C. Pratt the little shrimp is colonel an Murray Dillon one of the lieutenants neither one of them I suppose know any more about military matters than a young rabbit, but I suppose each is pulling down a nice fat salary from it. Murray is recruiting officer for these regions. Cold & cloudy to-day but not so windy. I guess Murry is only a provisional lieutenant and has to try his examinations yet. Sunday December 5th Enah and Frank were the only ones from here at church this morning. I drove Enah down but it was so late I didn't go in but waited down at Aunty's for them. Aunty Alice drove over with us to dinner. I spent the after noon down town and went for a walk up the beach. I had tea at Aunty's and Dad. came down with Aunty Alice to tea and he Aunty & I went to church. I spent the evening down town. Nice day but cloudy and cold. Monday December 6th I find I have only <s>ten</s> eleven pages left in this book so if I am going to get the rest of the year in I will https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/07d1b1eed907726db9302b2d88b6d43e.pdf 65f871291b37d14f04fad4722d0de843 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. have to considerably boil down the news. Dad. has plowed all day but says the frost is beginning to make it stiff. Mrs. McBride was here all day. I did chores and went over to Martin's to hurry them up after my cockrel's. Enah went down to church this after noon. The Bishop was here and confirmed Mrs. Jack & Mrs Chas Martin, Mrs Cope, Bill Dunbar, Joe Thompson & Alf Powell. Frank & I went down to A.Y.P.A. to-night. Hazen read us a story. Cold & Cloudy to-day & freezing hard to-night. Tuesday December 7th Dad. didn't plow to-day but we hauled two loads of corn stalks instead one in the morning and one this afternoon, besides doing up all the chores. Jack Martin & Chris came over this morning and took eleven of my cockrels and left a few more here to grow awhile, they were not as fat as they should have been and we discovered the cause was mites. To-night Dad. & I leg banded all the pullets. Much milder to-day. Wednesday December 8th I went down to the mill this morning and borrowed fifteen bags to haul out our wheat, we just did chores this morning and Dad. killed and cleaned three cockrels and I painted the roosts in the old part of the hen house with crude oil for mites. This after noon we cleaned up about 35 bushels of wheat but didn't have time to haul any. Quite mild to day but very cloudy and a little snow which melted. Thursday December 9th Frank stayed home to help us to day. Dad. hauled the load down we cleaned up yesterday and we cleaned two more and hauled them to-day. We hauled 16 bags each trip and they averaged a few pounds over 34 bushels so it weighs pretty well and scarcely any cleans out but there isn't going to be as much by about 40 bushels in the granary as there was from the machine. We could have got more done but we had to quit early for chores It has been cloudy with a very cold north wind all day. Friday December 10th Dad. hauled two more loads to-day, we cleaned up all the wheat in the granary and took the last half load out of the big bin. It is sprouted worse but it cleans up to just about as good a sample. Dad. said he didn't think they made any difference down at the mill. Cold, cloudy and windy again to-day. Dick says Cecil Powell got back from the front to-night, there was a big crowd to meet them https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/4084c48bfb453565f01f480ba16d2046.pdf 04e831508eec5a7a24e423d5e7640d1c PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Saturday December 11th We cleaned up all the wheat left over in the barn this morning which was about 13 1/2 bags. Dad. hauled it down before dinner and I think it brought the total up to a little over 199 bushels, he didn't settle with Ivey this morning as they were so busy. This after noon I went down town to get some groceries. Art Quanbury paid me 21 dollars for the three ewe lambs. Frank went back to the gully and found a hole with three skunks in it but didn't get one - it got him properly - phew! He has gone down town to-night. They are going to present Cecil Powell with a watch but I am reading "The Amateur Gentleman" so can't go down. It has been cold again to day but it has also been sunny. Sunday December 12th Frank and I were the only ones that went to church from here this morning. I drove down and brought Aunty and Elva back with me. Jim Waddle & the two little girls also were here to dinner, Dad wanted to have them as we had roast duck. Dick and I didn't get down town very early this after noon as we <s>both</s> each smoked a cigar first, and Marj. had gone for an automobile ride to Waterford. I stayed down to tea at Aunty's and Mrs Smythe and Pud. were there I went to church and Marj. & I went up to Glad. Law's for awhile afterwards. Nice day snow to-night. Monday December 13th The ground was covered with snow this morning so we thought it was time we were getting the sheep home from Dunkin's. Dad. went down to the mill and settled up with Ivey paid him ${?} and got $130.00 back. This after noon we borrowed B & M's cattle waggon and went up and got our sheep. We took old Harry & got back about six. To night Frank and I went down to A.Y.P.A. Colder and pretty cloudy. Tuesday December 14th I took B & M's waggon back this morning and took Art Quanbury his three lambs. I hurt my thumb down town slapping my hands to get them warm and havent done anything much all day. Uncle Ward came over this after noon to see Algitha and was here most of the after noon. We let her out for the first time to day got her in without much trouble but are afraid she is not in calf. Colder & blizzardy Wednesday December 15th I have done very little all day my thumb is stiff and a<s>w</s>kward I went down this morning and orderd some flooring at the Widespread for my chicken shed. Aunty Alice came back with me and stayed to dinner. Huby came over before tea and got Dad. to go down and cut up a pig for him. Dad. and Frank have gone down to-night. I sat up till 3 o'clock this morning to finish the "Amateur Gentleman" Nice day cold wind. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/d83a60d3aeec9e347500d3fae1eb738d.pdf 734ebcc454a8ecbafc2f67644c95459e PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Thursday December 16th We did chores all morning, my thumb was still stiff so I didnt do much. This after noon I took a grist to the mill and went on down to get my lumber but they hadn't it ready yet, I stopped in at Aunty's for a few minutes, and got my chop when I got home. To-night I went to the show with Marj. To-night Aunty Alice had a bridge party, Toby Smith and Miss Buckwell and I stopped in there on my way home and got some cake Very mild but cloudy. Booze Waddle was over saying his father would come to morrow to kill pigs Friday December 17th It began to rain about six this morning and has been a wet miserable day. I drove Dick down to the bank and saw Dave. he said he and Val Leany would be right over if we could work in the dry so we rigged up a place in the old barn, and so before two o'clock the four pigs were all dressed. We then had dinner but they wouldn't take anything for pay. Just {chore?} then. Saturday December 18th Frank and I went down with the team this morning and got my lumber for the chicken house floor. This after noon I unloaded it and we hauled the pigs (dead ones) over to the house and took one down to Sam's, it weighed 145 lbs by Alfred's scales. Dad. & Frank caught all the little ones and put them in the pen where the other four had been Dad. cleaned it all out this morning. Lila has been over all day. Cloudy and colder freezing. Sunday December 19th We got up late this morning and none of us but Frank went to church. I went down town this after noon and stayed at Aunty's to tea. Aunty and I went to church to-night, after church Marjorie and I walked down with her. I came home with Dick & Alan Law It has snowed hard most of the day but has not been cold. Monday December 20th This being Tid's birthday all the family celebrated at Aunty's but me. I drove them down in the bobsleigh but came back and had dinner with Mrs. McBride here. Dad. came back soon after dinner and helped me do the chores. To-night I drove Essie & Marj. down to Marburg Sunday school Christmas tree and we had a great time Wilson Porter drove Essie home. Frank went with the Ryerse's to the Lake Shore school concert, he walked It has been colder to day and our sleighing has frozen dry and blown off. Tuesday December 21st Besides doing chores I cleaned out chicken house and Dad. cut up a pig. Jack Martin paid me $20.93 for eggs & cockrels Dad. & I went to the Patriotic Rally to-night. Nice day. https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/fbb5138fe0da8ce9ba73beaf6453b669.pdf a3cda73edf388bedb288d67691f22207 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. Wednesday December 22nd We hooked up Joe & Queen to the bobsleighs this morning and drove down town with Aunty Alice's cream and beets Queen went fine considering it was the first time she has been hooked up to anything. Frank got home at noon and his Christmas holidays have begun. He and I husked some corn this morning and about five o'clock Dad. & I & the baby drove Joe & Ginger down to the cutter. Tonight I went down town and stayed down at Aunty Alice's all night. Aunty left for Toronto this morning to stay with Roy for Christmas week. Walter & Elsie are coming there tomorrow but sleighing not good. Snowed most of day. Thursday December 23rd I went down to the train this morning to wish Marjorie a Merry Christmas before she left for home. Essie was down to see her off Aunty Alice got up and had breakfast ready for me when I got back. I walked home in time to drive Dick down as it was raining hard. It has rained most of the day and the snow is nearly all gone. I husked corn and did chores most of the day Dad. has cut up pigs and has them all cut up and Enah has most of the lard rendered out. Frank has been making a knife drawer for Enah. Last night Frank went down to the Mud Street school show (Bertha England's) with the Ryerse's, they went in bobs this time. Friday December 24th I spent most of the morning cleaning out the chicken houses and tacking cotton in the windows. Tom Abbot came in and got a rooster. This afternoon Dad. went down town to get his hair cut and Frank and I to do some Christmas shopping. Dad. and I came home to-gether. The town seems to have quite a few soldiers home for Christmas. I saw Billy Loan in uniform didn't know he had enlisted. Frank is going to try and catch some pigeons for Hec. Henderson's shooting match to night. Very mild but cloudy all day. Christmas Day I drove Enah and Frank down to church in the cutter this morning with Joe and Ginger but as all the chores had to be done up this morning and one of us had to look after the baby so I came back home again. Dad. and I then dressed up and drove Joe down in the buggy to the James where the whole family of us partook of Christmas dinner we took the baby down with us, the McPherson family were all there too. We had a dandy time especially Frank who had a cigar after dinner and spent the remainder of the after noon in the Catholic church shed. We came home about four and then I drove Harry & Belle down and got Aunty Alice and Aunty Ida and https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/f857a98d0ea29f2b7ec6353363fddacf.pdf 59827e3e250400fab4cbb227e13cf326 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. all Huby's family except Aunty Maude who is at Uncle Wards look after Mrs. Scofield who got "took bad" the other day but is now better. We just had tea over here but had a Christmas tree for Tid. and Huby acted as Santa Claus. He nearly gave poor Aunt Ida a fit laughing at his actions and words, there was quite an array of dandy presents considering nobody was going to give any. I drove them all back in the sleigh quite early but had to leave Huby at the Sovereign's as Mrs. Scofield wouldn't mind them and he had to pretend he was the doctor, so Win & Lila stayed at Aunty Alices all night. It has been very soft and mild all day but is colder to-night. Sunday December 26th Dad. & Frank stayed home this morning and Enah and I walked down to church. The choir was out in its new "shrouds" as Whit Dixon called the surplices. This after noon Dad. & I walked over to Frank Crysler's to see his bull but weren't very stuck on him. To-night I went down to Aunty Alice's to tea and to church. Went up to Huby's after church and was there quite awhile as Win was there all alone. Lovely day bright and colder than yesterday. Monday December 27th Dad. and I went down to nomination this after noon but it was pretty slow reeve & counsillors went in by acclamation reeve is Gilbert and same old council except Nath. Butler who takes Gilbert's place. Frank and I went down to-night to our nomination and it was much more fun Billy Langs & Bill Coley nearly got into a scrap Vyse and old Walker are going to run again for reeve. Snowing to-night. Tuesday December 28th Dad. & I went over to John Wes's this morning to see his bull and stayed over there till one o'clock watching John Wess & Robert John Watson kill a pig. This after noon Dad. went up to see Ham Thompson's bull and Frank went skating. I did chores. To-night Dad. and I went down and stayed at Aunty Alice's. Nice day. Wednesday December 29th Dad. and I went down to Caledonia this morning to see Mr. Douglas. He came in for us in a cutter and we spent the whole day out there as it was a terrible day, a regular blizzard cold east wind and snow. While we were there two fellows Mr Brook & son drove down from Paris (24 miles) in the teeth of the gale, there were two other batches of visitors there relations of the Douglas' so there was a housefull, but we had a good look at the stock and a great visit with Douglas and Dad. was highly delighted with the cattle. Douglas drove us in after we had https://ruraldiaries.lib.uoguelph.ca/transcribe/files/original/203859135be077c52a289687680ba9a6.pdf d9fa6a519e77fc911db6e27973f18db6 PDF Text Text � Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. tea in time to catch the train but we had to wait about an hour as the Hamilton train was held up at Caledonia by the storm, and the Dover train had to wait at Rymal to get through, we saw Win. and two of her friends at the station for a minute or two. Thursday December 30th We have put in all our spare tme to day putting the floor in the chicken shed and got all the joice in place and spliced and nearly a third of the floor laid. Frank was here to help us, no he wasn't either. I have got a little mixed up Dad. and I just got some of the joice in to-day Lovely day sunny and cold. Frank took the old sow down to Porter's. Friday December 31st To day after we did chores we worked at the hen house floor and Frank cut the boards for us and it was to-night when we quit that we had nearly a third of the floor down. Dad. drove Enah and the baby down to Aunty Alice's to tea. To night I went down to the dance the girls were having to raise funds for the Red Cross. I got there about nine but they hadn't started and there were not many there but they soon started to come and eventually there was a big crowd. At 11.30 I went over to the church with some more of them as they were having service and praying for victory. This has been a black year for the world. Very mild all day, raining Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1911-1925 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Table Of Contents A list of subunits of the resource. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1911 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1913 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1914 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1915 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1916 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1917 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary & Transcription, 1918 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1919 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1920-1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1921 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1925-1926 Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1926-1927 Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript Dublin Core The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/. Title A name given to the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary, 1915 Creator An entity primarily responsible for making the resource Theobald "Toby" Barrett Source A related resource from which the described resource is derived Courtesy of Archival and Special Collections, University of Guelph Date A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource 1915 Language A language of the resource English Coverage The spatial or temporal topic of the resource, the spatial applicability of the resource, or the jurisdiction under which the resource is relevant 20th Century, Norfolk County, Woodhouse Township, Ontario Date Created Date of creation of the resource. January 1, 1915 Is Part Of A related resource in which the described resource is physically or logically included. Theobald "Toby" Barrett Diary Collection Medium The material or physical carrier of the resource. Scanned Manuscript UG Transcription Progress Scripto transcription progress Done Scripto Transcription A written representation of a document. <div class="mw-parser-output"> {Blank Front Cover Inside page on the left} {Right side page} DIARY. 1915 T.B.Barrett, Port Dover, Ontario. The Farm From January 1st 1915 to December 31st 1915. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday January 1st 1915 When The New Year came in all of us who were dancing joined hands in a circle and sang "Should Auld Aquaintance be forgot", after which we had refreshments and danced for a couple of more hours. Ferdy didn't dance but was down there till the last and I suppose saw one of the girls home. He, Dick and I met at the bank and got home a little before three and turned in a half an hour later. After a few hours slumber I got up and did chores for the rest of the day. This evening I distressed Aunty Alice by sitting around and not going to bed and pleased Aunty by sitting up till nearly eleven o'clock and repeating the first canto of "The Lady of the Lake" off by heart. Charlie Teeple was in this morning and spoke as if Jim Waddle rather wanted to see Dad. so he and Enah drove out there this after noon. They want Dad. for one of the bearers. Dick and Ferdy stayed in bed till noon and spent the after noon and evening down town. Not cold all day turning very windy & stormy to-night. Saturday January 2nd It snowed and blew all night and has kept it up all day to-day so all the roads & tracks are drifted full but except for the wind it has not been very cold. I drove </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Aunty Alice and Dick down town this morning in the bob sleighs and came home by the mill and got some chop Aunty Alice had to go down to the dentist's and stayed down to dinner. This after noon Dad. & I drove out to Mrs. Waddle's funeral, he was a bearer so I drove up to the cemetry to bring him home. We didn't know when we started but we had to go up to St. John's. Dad. & I both got our feet pretty cold. We came home around by town and brought Aunty Alice home. She got five new fake teeth. Sunday January 3nd We were too late this morning for Aunty or Frank to get to Sunday school although it was Aunty's birthday but I drove Enah, Aunty & Frank down to church in the bob sleighs and drove down again to bring them home. Winnie & Lila came over to dinner. This after noon Frank, Lila & I went back to the gully to try the tobaggan that Ferdy & Frank made yesterday out of a cheese box. It worked fine and went over the drifts beautifully. I lay down on it once to go down and when I came to the bottom of the hill it stopped and I slid ahead and banged my head. Dick and Ferdy didn't get up till noon and after dinner went down town. It has been a beautifully bright day with not a breath of wind. Rather cold this morning but milder to-night. Monday January 4th Frank stayed home from school to-day to see the last of the hogs. It took us quite awhile to get the waggon box rigged to hold them but with plank and stakes managed to make a satisfactory rack. We had no trouble in loading them as the whole seven ran right in to root in the fresh oat straw which was in the bottom, but they were very troublesome to unload. Neil weighed them. Dad. hoped Ed. would be there but he was up town electioneering but I guess Neil gave him good weight. They just weighed 1250 lbs and as the price has gone up to $7.40 percent. Dad. got a little over $92.00 out of them. We came around by Huby's on our way home and got a load of shingles for kindling. We boys and Fa. stored them away down there in the woodshed when they shingled the house. Hammond was in this morning to urge Dad. to go out and vote for him this after noon and take old Jonas with him so he did drive out to Wiggin's. He took Enah and Tiddums as far as the Shand's and left them while he & Jonas went on out to vote. Tom came back with the car while he was gone and said if he thought Dad. would vote for Hammond he'd quit hauling his cream. Frank and I did chores and unloaded the shingles. The two Miss Hardings came over this after noon but nobody was home as Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to Huby's before dinner and are </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> not coming back before they go to Toronto. To-night I hooked up Joe and Belle to the bobsleighs and took a bunch to Simcoe to see the hockey match between Simcoe & Welland. Dad. went down with me to see how the election went and learned to his satisfaction that Wm. Walker beat Vyse by 31 of a majority and Hammond beat Baughner by 240. The only town councillors that qualified were Wms. Laing & Caley so they will have to have another nomination. They defeated Local Option in Simcoe on an even vote by a majority of fiftynine. I got Quint in down at the house and the rest of the load which Dick had invited were waiting at the Dyer's. They consisted of Dess & Fraser Dyer, Rachel Henry and May Rankin. Dick and Ferdy. Cars. Rankin came home with us. They all went over to the rink right away but Quint and I went to the Armories and Quint went later to the rink. They had no lights again to-night so we had a short drill in the street. Thern I went over to the match. They had only been playing ten minutes when I got there and the score was one in favor of Simcoe. It was a good game and there were very few penalties handout but a lot of offsides but it wound up with a score of five to four in favor of Welland. The girls in our bunch had attracted two Simcoe fellows, Charlie Barker & Sam Hasley and after the match we all went over to the Battersby House to get warm and cut up over there for half an hour or so except Ferdy and Cars. who went over to the quick lunch as they hadn't had any supper. It was a junior O.H.A. match to-night but Cars. didn't play. I guess he doesn't know whether he is on the team or not yet. He has had a room up there at the Melbourne ever since the season opened trying out for it. We had a lovely drive home. It was a little misty but frosty and bright moonlight. I dare say we left in our wake a good many suddenly awakened farmers. Joe and Belle made a very suitable team for although I didn't go at all furiously they slid along at a good steady trot without any urging. Faulkner passed us going up with a load of eighteen all men or boys. Herb Lowril took another cargo of the same kind up. We got home about one. It has been a very nice day sunny and mild. Tuesday January 5th Frank went back to school this morning and Ferdy who for the first time nearly since he has been here got up about ten o'clock and had breakfast and spent the rest of the day down town saying goodbye. He went down to Huby's about two o'clock to say goodbye down there and had his dinner. This after noon Dad. Enah Tiddums and I drove down in the bob sleighs to say goodbye to Aunty and Aunty Alice who went to-night to Toronto </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to stay with Roy and Vernon for awhile. Dad. settled up with his creditors and bought me a new pair of shoes and overshoes at Andrew's without telling me. Andrew seemed very cheerful and didn't mention election. Dad. got a postcard to-night he is sure it was from Ed. with a little verse on it applying to Vyse It's a long way to the old farm / Good-bye Council Chamber It's a long way to go / Farewell Andrew dear It's a long way to the old farm / It's a long, long way to the old farm Where I have got to go / And my heart's not there. Misner was in this morning to have Dad. look at a horse and said Old Stringer had had his cutter out yesterday to get Ellis Ryersie to vote and had broken it, so Dad's conjectures were evidently right. Last night on his way home he saw somebody drive very carelessly around Geordie Long's corner at the top of the hill and up towards Vyse's where they went in. He heard the driver yell at Vyse and he thought the voice sounded like Old Stringer's. When Vyse came to the door Old Stringer asked him if he had won and Vyse answered very gruffly for him in the negative. It has been a beautiful day sunny & mild. Wednesday January 6th Dick drove Ferdy to Simcoe this morning so that he could catch a 10.45 train at the Air Line station. I think they took Dess. Dyer up with them and Dick didn't get back till after twelve. We did nothing but chores to-day. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Frank went over to a Sunday school entertainment after school and stayed to tea. Enah was to have gone down but it was to bad a night. It has rained nearly all day and our January thaw has set in. Thursday January 7th This was Dick's birthday but we didn't celebrate it in any way and postponed it until Sunday. We did chores all morning and Dad. helped me clean the straw out of the chicken shed as the water ran in last night and flooded it. Allan Law came over and borrowed our bob sleighs to take their seed to Green in Simcoe as Fess isn't buying this year. This after noon Dad. and I drove down town and Dad. told Toty Smith he didn't want to qualify again for school trustee. Frank went over to John Wess' to-night canvassing for subscriptions to "The Farmer's Advocate" but didn't get any. He had a long and amusing conversation with old Mrs. Watson. There has been an awful wind all day and it has been freezing. According to the papers the Germans will soon be starving. The French are making great progress in upper Alsapce and the Russians are trimoving the Turks in great shake. The British took the capital of German East Africa the other day and the British and French are trying to force their way into the Dardanelles but the Turks have sunk a lot of old ships in the straits laden with stone and earth which for the present holds them. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday January 8th When Allan Law brought our waggon sleighs back this morning Dad. got him to go up to Duncan's and get us a load of the rails he bought from Duncan last Spring, he didn't like to sell a load as there is only about another load up there but as we can't get back over the plowing to get any wood he said he wouldn't see us stuck so I went up and helped him put on a load. We got back a little before noon. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down town and I went skating for a little while. The pond is a glace of ice all over except around the edge which is all water there being only about three places connecting the land with the ice but it is inclined to be rough. Sunny but cold with a little wind. Saturday January 9th Dad. drove Dick down this morning and went in to ask Hec' Henderson if Neil Elliott wanted to buy Charlotte as Dad. didn't tell him positively whether he would sell her or not the other day but just as he got home Neil and his man drove in and they not only bought Charlotte and her calf for fiftysix dollars but gave us seven for Joe Lamb and took him with them. Frank Dad. & I went down right away with Charlotte. I drove ahead with the calf in the cutter and the others followed. We went up town and Dad. cashed his check and got his new suit at the tailor's. After dinner Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down town and got Dick some birthday presents. Frank went back to the woods and cut down some more trees. I cleaned the straw out of the hen houses and put fresh in. Bob. Ellis was in before tea representing Tyler's tea Company of London and left a couple tins here. I don't think he would have if he had been anybody else. Poor old Bob. he looks rather seedy. He has been working down at Tom Fearge's all fall. Cloudy and mild. Sunday January 10th We were late this morning so Frank was the only one who went to church. Dad. and I got the chores pretty well done up and we had an early dinner and celebrated Dick's birthday. This after noon Dad. Enah. Tiddums and I went out to the Shand's and were out there all the after noon. Winnie & Lila came over just as we were starting off and so had to go back Frank and Dick were skating on the pond all the after noon I think. Tonight I walked down to church. All Huby's family including Huby himself were in church and I went around afterward to see them, but Huby had gone around to see Jim Greenbury so I missed him. I wanted to say goodbye to Quint especially as Jack Herring has got him a job in one of his woollen cotton mills in New Bedford and Quint is leaving on Tuesday moring so if he takes the job and stays I won't seem him again maybe for a couple of years. Nice day to-day. Not very sunny but mild. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday, January 11th We were all up pretty early this morning as Toby had to leave for Guelph at 6-30. I drove him down and we got there in time, but he had very little time to get his ticket, the train was moving out when he came out of the station. I drove round by Huberts to get him but he was not ready so I had to go in and wait for him. Lila came over with us, she and Frank had a holiday as Mr Smith had gone to Toronto to attend Birdie's wedding. Frank and Hubert went back to the woods and worked there all day. I worked around the place. It began snowing about 3 O'Clock and I drove Hattie down to Mrs H. Cooks to get measured for her dress. Lila has gone down to get the mail and post a letter and just got back in time to go with us. Quintin came over in the evening to say goodbye, he leaves D.V. in the morning for New Bedford. He, Hubert and Lila went home before tea, after tea I fell asleep as usual. When Dick came home he asked me to call him at 6 he wanted to go down and see Quint off I gave the Windmill a good oiling. It has been a lovely day, very mild and did not storm much. Tuesday January 12th I jumped out of bed this morning owing to some crazy dream I suppose and thought it was 6-50, but when I struck a match and looked at the clock I found it was only 4-40 so I went back to bed and stayed there nearly an hour. I called Dick and Frank at 6 and they got up and went to see Quintin off. Hubert did not come over with them as he thought it looked like rain but said he would come if it cleared off. I let Frank stay home from school as they might work in the woods together but Hubert never showed up all day and old Frank worked alone. I cleaned out all the hen houses and hog pen, killed 6 roosters and Mrs McBride cleaned them. It has been colder today with a high N.E. wind but it has been thawing all day. Dick came home to tea tonight and had gone to a dance and will be tired out. It is terribly lonely and only two days gone. I am nearly asleep now. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday, January 13th We were not up so early this morning. Hubert did not get over till nearly noon. Frank and I fixed a fence for the steer we are trying to fatten and Hubert helped us move him, after dinner Hubert and Frank went back to the woods. I did up all the chores, it has been a lovely day, quite a strong wind. Thursday, January 14th Hubert and Frank worked all day in the bush and got a pretty good day in, I did considerable fixing up at difficult things cow stable and rocking chairs etc. Harry Ausley drove his new horse over just as I was busy with the evening chores and it made me late. Has been a lovely mild day, barely freezing in the shade. Friday, January 15th Hubert got over this morning about 9.30 and he and Frank went to the woods, after I did all the morning chores I went to the mill with Joe and the cutter and got 200$ chop $1.75 per {cent?}. The boys took their lunch to the woods with them so Hattie, Sunny Jim and I had a rather lonesome dinner. Hattie started for town about 3 O'Clock to mail a letter to Tobe and to get the mail. We did hope for a letter from Toby but none came. Hattie took the baby down in his carriage but brought him home in a grand red sleigh that his grand-dady made him it is a beauty. I went back to the woods and brought up a load but it is quite bare on the ploughed land we cant haul much till we get more snow. It has been a beautiful day more like Spring than mid-winter. I got 4 eggs today. Saturday, January 16th As soon as we had everything fed this morning Frank and I cut up the load of green wood I hauled yesterday. Hubert did not get over until after 11 O'Clock, he sawed up a lot of rails. Frank carried all the wood we cut into the woodshed, he and Hubert worked at it nearly all the afternoon, quit in time to husk some corn. I worked at the chores. It has been another lovely day. Frank and I had a bath tonight. Hattie had a long letter from Toby and we all knocked off work to hear it. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday, January 17th It rained last night and was very dark this morning I thought our trip to the Shands was off, but it turned out a beautiful day and we all left in the bob-sleigh soon after 12, the sleighing was not too bad. We drove Joe and Belle. We did not have dinner till 2 O'Clock. Mr and Mrs Harvey Shand and Charlie were over, Flossie and Willie had to stay with Mrs Nixon. We had a very nice day and did not get started for home till 5 O'Clock. We all got home safely but had a little mix up putting the horses away, Frank was doing up Belle and I did Joe, and through some mistake Joe's line was left fastened to Belle's bridle with the result that as soon as the stable door was opened Joe jumbed in as she always does and would have taken poor Belle's head with her if the bridle and bit had not broken. Old Sunny Jim had the time of his life prowled all over the house and they just let him go, he was very good and a great nights sleep. The sleighing was almost completely gone when we came home. It has been just like a march day. Dick went to church this evening Monday, January 18th I was up early this morning and wrote Toby a short letter, Frank got up and helped me do some of the chores before he went to school. Mrs McBride came quite early for her, we did not expect her until tomorrow. Hubert did not get over till nearly noon, he told us that poor old T. L. Gillies dropped dead in his lumber yard about 10 O'Clock. I cleaned the straw out of one end of the chicken shed as it was pretty wet. Hubert husked corn all the afternoon. Frank went down with him this evening as he had forgotten the paper. They have all gone to bed now and I must go too. It snowed quite a lot this morning and several times through the day it was very wet almost rain, I think it is getting colder tonight. I got 10 eggs today. Tuesday, January 19th Hubert did not come over at all today, he had some insurance to look after. Frank went to school. I did up the chores and we had an early dinner </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> as soon after as possible I drove Hattie and baby down to Mrs Herb Cooks, left them there and went on down town and mailed a letter to the girls, came back got Hattie and baby and went out to the Waddles, Jim was in Simcoe so I did not see him. The sleighing is splendid not it snowed a lot last night and it was a wet heavy snow and stuck in spite of the wind. After tea Frank and I drove out to the H. Shands and did not get home till midnight. Colin was there and we had a great talk. It has been a fine day. Wednesday, January 20th Hubert got over about noon today. After dinner I drove him down to Art Ryerses, he wanted to see Art about the insurance on the new school, but he had gone to T. L. Gillies funeral. We then went a got a load of wood and were back at 3 O'Clock so I went after another load and Hubert stayed and sawed up rails. Dick came home for tea and we had it early and he started for Simcoe to see a Hockey game. Hubert stayed to tea and drove down with him. It is now after 10 O'Clock and he is not home yet. it has been a lovely day. I had a long letter from Toby and Frank and I wrote him tonight. Thursday, January 21st Nothing of importance was on today. I did not get up till nearly 7 O'Clock. I waited up for Dick last night and it was almost 2 O'Clock when he and I went to bed. Hubert was not over at all today. Frank went to school. I did the usual round of chores and got up two loads of wood. Hattie made dough-nuts and cookies beside all her ordinary work, she is stocking up against Toby's homecoming. We had letters from the girls today and I had a card from Quint today and am going to write him now. It has been much colder today and is freezing pretty hard tonight. Friday, January 22nd Owing to Toby's absence from home the diary has so far been kept by Daddy but as he is almost asleep tonight I am going to try a turn at it. This has been rather a blustery </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> day, the worst day we have had this year. Cold East wind and snow. Hubert did not come over today. Lila told Frank he was fixing the smoke house. Daddy had to do everything himself. He killed and dressed three roosters. The little steer that we have shut up to fatten has been "off her feed" for the last two days but Daddy thinks she is some better tonight. Frank came home from school via Mrs. Cook's and brought my dress also a couple of rolled oats from the mill. He said Mr. Cook told him that Col. Thompson is dead and was to be cremated. He died out in California. Frank went down to the "Movie" tonight to see "The Millionaire Cowboy." He invited me to go but the weather looked too disaggreeable disagreeable for me. We are expecting Toby tomorrow evening and will be very glad to have him home again Saturday January 25th I see the family have been very faithful in keeping account of events of the past two weeks but as soon as I got within forty miles of home their efforts ceased and as I didn't pull in till to-night I don't know exactly what happened to-day, but perhaps a summary of my history of the last fortnight would not be out of place just here. The first day I arrived in Guelph I found the place full of strangers like myself prepared to take some of the short courses at the O.A.C. I was lucky enough to get the last place in a boarding house within walking distance of the College. The last place turned out to be a cot several inches too short for me in a room already occupied by two fellows in a double bed. There were only three bedrooms and seven of us. I slept in the cot the first night but my knee was bad the next day so as one of the other fellows said I could sleep with him in a decent bed I decided to do so, but in order to accomplish this I had to displace another and sentence him to the cot. This could not be done peaceably so we had to use force. This disturbed the household and the old man appeared in his nightshirt to inform us that it would be expedient for me or more of us to hunt a new boarding house. However things went smoother after that and I have slept in a bed ever since and instead of us any of us departing another was introduced and another cot erected for his benefit a week before I left. They weren't a bad bunch of fellows all students at the College. Two of them Jim De Leplante and Copelan were regular students </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and the other four {illegible}. Ben Tex & Jack were taking the short three months dairy course and Coatsworth the last addition to the family was also a dairyman. One of then was from Toronto two from Buffalo one from Prince Edward Island one from England originally and Jack the fellow that got kicked out of bed was from a little town somewhere near St. Thomas. Tex who was my bedfellow proved to be the wildest and most entertaining of the bunch. His father lived in Chicago but owned a factory in Guelph. Tex wasn't bound much by home ties and said his father had threatened to disown him on one occasion for some of his rash actions. He had put in a lot of time in Texas and the West and would talk a blue streak about his numerous adventures. I would like to say whether they were all true or not. There was another very nice fellow up there by the name of Hamilton and he has had some experiences about as thrilling as Tex's and after hearing him recount them a fellow can just about bank on them being straight. He is altogether different from Tex a steady going well educated fellow and very interested in his studies. He has a great scheme about a chicken ranch and a market garden in his head, which if he doesn't make good on I don't think will be his fault. The life at the boarding house was very interesting and the life at the College was none the less so and much more educative. Our classes started at half past eight and every morning we had seed judging for an hour and a half. Prof. Javitz conducted all those classes but the last three which were devoted to the study of weed seeds and were taken by another fellow who name I don't remember. After the seed classs we went to the judging pavillion and put in the rest of the day. The first day we had sheep judging and an old breeder Mr. Harding did most of the talking but Prof. Day was the chief instructor. He was there for all the stock except the horses. The method they took every day was to give a discussion on whatever species of livestock we had before us then give the students a chance to place them in what they thought was the order meriting prizes and then for the proffessor or breeder to place them right and give reasons the students being permitted to ask all the questions they liked at any time. After the sheep we had swine with Mr. Bretham to talk on them then fat cattle and an old fellow named Mr. Gosling then Dairy Cattle with Mr. Bull of Brampton for Jersey's and Mr. Brenan for Holsteins and another for Holsteins. Last of all we had horses and Dr. Hugo Reid took Prof. Day's place. We had all the different types of horses. Some of the sheep cattle & hogs they killed and brought the dressed carcasses into the ring to demonstrate the relations between the live and the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> dressed. We used to get through as a rule soon after four and would have time to look around the farm or go for a swim in the gym or go over to the library as they had a fine one in connection with college. I went over to the poultry department and had a talk with Prof. Graham one night. He told me he was going to bring his class down here to see Jack Martin's chickens in a couple of weeks Two or three evenings they had a lecture or something on which was always interesting. I would have had lots of skating as they had a dandy rink at the College and two or three down town but my knee was bad nearly the whole time. However I did go and skate after a carnival they had and as I knew Hammond who is a second year man up there I got an introduction to several of the girls. I spent one evening with the Graeser's who are friends of Miss Scott and the Millman's so taking it all round I had a mighty good two weeks of it my knee being the only drawback. Sunday January 24th Frank was the only member of this family who went to church this morning and Dick was the sole representative to-night. I had a sore throat all day and felt pretty tough. Dad. spent the day doing chores and about five o'clock took Enah and Tiddums for a short drive. Frank spent the after noon in the woods. Cold but lovely day, sunny and bright. Monday Janaury 25th Frank stayed home from school to-day and he and Dad. did chores and cut wood all day. They got a big pile cut. I felt too rotten to go out of the house at all. Cold day but nice. Tuesday January 26th Frank stayed home again to-day and this morning he and Dad. took the little steer over to the slaughter house. Whit. killed it and dressed it to-day and they went over and got it in the bobsleigh to-night. Enah and Tiddums went down town with them and waited down town while they went over and got the meat. They took one quarter down to Huby and another to Mrs. McBride. He just dressed 352 lbs. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. Cold & bright. Wednesday January 27th Dad. cut up one of the quarters of beef this morning and this after noon he Enah & Tiddums drove down to Law's to get one of them to haul ice to-morrow Sam was there and he said if Alan couldn't come he would </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Frank went to school to day but Huby came over and cleaned out the ice house. We had a long visit from Jonas to-night. Still cold and bright. Thursday January 28th Dad. and Huby have been busy to-day filling the ice house Alan came and hauled eight loads. it is nice ice now but the blocks are thick Huby came over just before dinner on Alan's second load. He voted first they are voting for councillors to-day. Dick came home for tea to have a feed of beef heart and he told us that Ed. headed the poles with Mat. Wilson second. Harry Smith just missed by one vote There were just the three running and only two were to be elected. I felt better to-day and took Tiddums out for a ride in his dandy new sleigh which his Granfather made him Weather about the same as yesterday. Friday January 29th I have been out a little more to-day and did a few chores and put the cotton on another of my window frames. Huby has been over all day packing sawdust around the ice. I guess we will have to get another load. Dad. took a load of ice down to Lea Marshall's this after noon as all the farmers are helping him fill his ice house. Frank went down to see a broom-ball match to-night which they are having between the East and West side of Main St. Very cold and windy to-day. Snow drifting. Saturday January 30th Alan Law came over this morning and borrowed our sleighs to haul ice for Bob. Miller but left his here so Dad. and I cleaned out the horse stable and boxstall which had been cleaned out for two weeks so altogether there were two good sleigh loads and Dad. hauled it out on the old garden. I also made a rack in the chicken house to hold the window frames when there are not in use. Huby came over about noon and he and Frank cut wood all the afternoon Dad. and I did chores. Lila came over with Huby. Dad. Enah and Tiddums drove down town about five o'clock They took down eight dozen eggs and got 32 cts a doz. Very cold last night and cold all day but very sunny and still. Sunday January 31st We were very late getting up this morning and except for Frank and Dick nobody has been off or on the farm all day Frank went to church & sunday school this morning and Dick who didn't get up till after noon went down town about three o'clock. Dad. & I did chores most of the morning and I </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> read this afternoon. To-night Dad. wrote letters and I drew Enah. went to sleep and Frank wrote a letter to Aunt Leena. It has been mild and cloudy all day snowed this morning turning to an icy rain. Monday February 1st It rained all night last night and this morning everything was flooded so I drove the boys down to school and the bank. It began to freeze before noon and the wind got up so by to-night there was a fierce storm raging with a cutting sleet and it was pretty cold. We didn't do anything but chores all day and not any more of them than was necessary. We sat around and read most of the after noon. Tuesday February 2nd This has been the worst storm we have had for quite awhile. It stormed all night and all to-day but to-night is quieter. No trains came in at all to-day and they took the engine of the freight to pull the Stratford train out Dave Turner got out a mile or so but came back. The snow is so solid it is just like sand drifts. I walked down town this morning and got my hair cut This after noon put cotton on another window frame for the chicken house. It was nearly full of snow this morning. Frank came home about three o'clock as there was hardly anyone at school and the room was so cold the snow which drifted in didn't melt all day. Mrs. McBride came over this morning I don't know whether she intended to wash or not but she didn't. The old bear didn't see his shadow to-day but its very doubtful if he stuck his nose outside his log all day, so I suppose we should have an early spring. Wednesday February 3rd Dad. and I spent most of the fore noon shovelling snow as everything was drifted full. Tupper and Mr. Evans broke the trail from the Winding Hills to the mill bridge. Tupper was in here to get a cure for ringworm he has a patch of it near his mouth. I don't think any trains went out to-day but the mail train got in about five o'clock to-night. Frank went down after tea to get the mail and see another broom ball match. Dick didn't come home at all last night. This has been a lovely day. Cold but very sunny and not much breeze. Frank has just come home and said it was the snowplow which came in instead of the mail train but the track is clear now. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday February 4th Tims and I are alone tonight, the others are all down at the Cadets' concert and as they thought there would be a dance after it I suppose they will be late getting home so I think when I have written this I will go to bed. I have read a lot of the papers Miss Newell sent to Frank we have had no mail since Monday and I dont believe there has been a train in on the Hamilton road since the storm. We prepared for Mrs McBride today but she did not come. Toby and I got a couple of loads of wood up today, it was quite a job breaking the road there is a lot of snow now. It has been a very fine day pretty cold but bright. Friday February 5th We were late getting up this morning but managed to get the chores done up in time to haul up one load of wood. We took Tiddums back with us and he had a fine time. Coming home he showed signs of uneasiness I think owing to the fact that his feet were cold although he declared they were not but when Snoop and Bluch threatened to have a passage at arms he cheered up considerably.The dogs didn't fight however as Sam called Snoop home. Yesterday they had a little set to but old Bluch settled the dispute very quickly. Snoop is game but Bluch is too much for him. It was beginning to rain when we got in and when we got the load off Dad. went down to the mill and got a bags of flour, chop, & rolled oats. By after dinner it was raining too hard to go back to the woods and it kept it up all the after noon and is still raining to-night. I put in the after noon making a door for the partition between the two pens in the chicken shed. Dad. did chores and took the pork out of the pickle and put the beef in. I was going up to Simcoe to-night with a load that Cars. Rankin got up to see a hockey match but as it was raining so hard I didn't go. I don't suppose the rest would as I don't think the ice would be any good let alone the unpleasantness of the trip. The train came in on the Hamilton track to-day for the first time since the blockade and we got out mail to-night after being without it for three or four days. This has been one of the worst storms we have had for a long time. They say the snowplow and two engines ran off the track down by the Creamery yesterday and smashed the snowplow all to pieces and injured one of the engineers quite severly. The last we heard of the Port Rowan train it was stuck in a snowbank a couple of miles south of Simcoe </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday February 6th It rained all fore noon and turned later to snow it has been cold and raw all day. After chores I spent most of the day fixing around the chicken house and made a door for the opening at the east end of the shed. Dad. and Frank sawed wood all morning and right after dinner hooked up and went down after a load of shingles and pickets to make a {sheep rack?}. Huby had them in the woodshed down home. Win came back with them and stayed to tea. After they got home we separated the calves from the sheep and put the former over in the barn near Deadnought's stall. After tea Win, Frank and I went down to the Moving Picture show Win & I got in at the first show but Frank and Lila who were a little later couldn't get in on account of the crowd but they got in at the second show and saw The "Million Dollar Mystery" which was the principal thing we went to see. The films didn't come till the late train so Win. & I missed it. One of the ewes the old fat one looks very sick to-night. Her legs seem stiff and she is panting very hard and not eating, we don't know what ails her but she looks to be pretty sick I have got up fairly early in the morning to write this and although I have the fire lit. It is still so cold in here that I have put on my gloves and cap and pulled down the ear tabs in the hope of feeling comfortable Sunday February 7th Frank went down to church and Sunday school this morning and Dad. & I did up the chores. Dick got up in time for dinner. We all got ready to drive down to see the wreck of the snowplow after dinner on the bobsleighs but just as we got ready a terrific snowstorm came up and in the midst of it Elva, Said. Davis & May Perry came over and were here all the after noon and evening. Then we hooked up to the bobsleigh & Dick Frank and I drove them down home. We had a mighty pleasant time but poor Dick didn't get down at all to see Dess and he was terribly afraid she would be mad. It has been a lovely day most of the time but for a snowstorm now and then. The sick ewe was a lot better to-day but something is wrong with her. Monday February 8th I got up fairly early this morning and got most of my chores done before breakfast. I didn't do much during the morning but make some buttons to hold the frames in the chicken house. We had dinner early and hooked up to the bobsleighs and all drove down to meet the one o'clock train as Aunty & Aunty Alice came in on it from Brantford as they had gone over there from Toronto to see Miss Battersby. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> They went to Huby's and so we didn't see much of them to-day. When we got home Art Ryersie and Colin came in to settle up some accounts. They were here a long time and Art was expressing his opinion of the war, hard times, and the outlook for feeding till Spring and others which are troubling the most of us just now. To-night just about six Jack Highland came in and wanted Dad. to take down the three bags of bluegrass seed. Huby told me the other day that he wanted it to-day but we didn't know whether he meant it or not so forgot it, so Dad. & Frank had to take it down to-night. I went to Simcoe to drill to-night and took Colin Ryersie with me but when I got there I found them practicing for another patriotic concert in the Armories and they weren't having any drill and wouldn't let Colin in at all so we didn't stay long and I got home before Dad. went to bed. Raw & Cold. Tuesday February 9th We were going after a load of wood this morning but Jack McBride came after Dad. to see a sick cow so I did up the chores and cut a little wood for Mrs McBride who was here washing. This after noon I went over to Jack Martin's thinking Prof. Graham would be there from the O.A.C. with his short course students as he told me he was coming down about this time and John Quanbury told us yesterday he was coming to-day but I found out he had come last night and been over here this morning so I missed them. After I got back Dad. & Tiddums drove down in the bobsleighs and brought Aunty & Aunty Alice over. it has been a nice day, sunny but pretty cold. Wednesday February 10th Dad. and I went back this morning and got a load of rails. We got all we could and nearly all there were but there are still a few under the snow. While we were at dinner Cars. Rankin came over to task me if I would take a load to Simcoe to-night. He said there were three or four fellows promised to go and an equal number of girls and that it would be worthwhile Dad. told me to tell him I wouldn't go so I did and then Dad said if i wanted to take Belle & Joe I could so I promised him I would. This after noon Dad. and I went up and got a load of gravel at Cantelon's and I had to hurry to get down town at the right time When I got there I found ten girls waiting and only one boy Charlie Nun. The others had disappeared and Cars. had gone up on the train. They all piled in and then I remembered that in my hurry I had come away without </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> my skates so they said for me to go around by home and get them which I did but it made us late and we didn't reach Simcoe till nearly nine o'clock and there Charlie Nun proved himself to be worth all the rest of the bunch put to-gether who promised to go and didn't for he paid for most of the girls' way in to the rink and also for my ticket Dick had gone up on the afternoon train so he took Dess over. The game was between the Simcoe O.H.A. Juniors and Waterford. Cars. played with Simcoe and their team proved to be far more than a match for the Waterford fellows and the score was 7-3 I think favor of Simcoe. It was a pretty poor game and pretty dirty on the Waterford side especially. We had a half an hour or so skating after the match and got well warmed up and left for home before twelve. I nearly knocked one of my teeth out and Mildred Henry's brains at the same time while we were skating We were playing tag and I was it and as she was skating towards me I made at her to tag her. She saw me coming and turned around as I thought to skate away, but instead tried to dodge me or some thing with the result of a great collision and the above mentioned consequences. Dick and Cars. came back with us and we got back about half past one or two. Lovely day & night but pretty cold. Thursday February 11th This morning Dad. hauled wood while I did up the chores and this after noon we hauled another load of gravel from Cantelon's. There was a bunch up there including John Wess & Tupper. Rus. Lampkins also came in but decided he couldn't get through to Lynn Valley with a load so didn't stay. This morning Art Munroe came over after Dad. as their (Ivey's) black mare was down and they couldn't get her up She was over in the back field by the woods and had an attach of the colic. She got up after a while but was pretty stubborn about it. It has been pretty cold and breezy to day. Friday February 12th Dad. hauled wood all day to-day, he got up four loads which was all there was back there. I did up the chores and worked around at odd jobs while he was gone and helped him to unload the loads of wood. The last load out but one Dad. took Enah and Tiddums down to Alfred's and called for them again when he had unloaded. He and I also went down to the mill and got a bag of buckwheat and a bag of shelled corn for the chickens. Frank went down town to-night and asked Huby if he would come over to-morrow and help him saw wood. Huby said he would. Very mild and Spring like to day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday February 13th Huby and Lila came over this morning and have been here all day Huby & Frank cutting wood most of the time. This morning Dad. Lila and I went up and got another load of gravel. Yesterday's thaw made the roads pretty slippery and in some places the snow was nearly all gone, we had no trouble getting home with our load however, although Preston's hill was pretty bad in spots. As Frank wanted to make a trip to the Gravel pit he and Dad. went up for a load this after noon. They wanted to put it off way up at Sam's corner but when they crossed the ditch the bobs got stuck and they had to throw the load of where it was, unleach the team as Harry fell down and pull the sleighs out with the cham. Huby helped me put the netting on the chicken house windows this after noon and then Enah. Tiddums and I drove down town. Enah took down seven dozen eggs and got 28 cts for them. We saw Dick down town and while Enah was shopping he, Tiddums and I had a great drive around town which apparently delighted Tid. to the utmost. It rained this morning and hasn't frozen all day but the wind is much colder. Sunday February 14th I just watered the horses and fed the chickens this morning and then got ready and went down to Sunday school with Frank. Hazen started back a few weeks ago so I thought I would keep him company. I went around and called for him. He invited me over to dinner so I went after church. Hazen, Dave & Booze were keeping hatch to-day and Hazen did the cooking. We had a chicken which was mighty good. I was over there all the afternoon and didn't get home till after five. Just as I was coming over the bridge Dad overtook me with the team, sleigs and all the family, they had been out at the Shand's and had come around by town to get Aunty's and Aunty Alice's luggage as they are going to stay over here for awhile. To night We all listened to Aunty read "Little Lord Fauntleroy." Very mild and Spring like all day with quite a heavy shower of rain after dinner. Monday February 15th I happened to get up early this morning and while poking around heard a sheep blat. I lit the lantren and went out and saw the ewe which as been sick all week No 24 looked very much like lambing so I called Dad. and sure enough before long there was a lamb and before breakfast another and soon after a third but it was dead. Dad. has been running back and forward to the barn all day with first one and then the other to keep them warm and also to feed them as the ewe so far has hardly any milk for them, but to-night they look fairly comfortable </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We built a pen over in the barn this after noon and shut the ewe and her lambs in it which separates them from the other sheep. Dad. helped me put the gate on the chicken yard and to-night I separated the three pens but haven't them sorted out yet. To-night Dad. & Enah went down to a concert by the Nanticoke Minstrel's. Frank went down to change a vest he got at Butler's. It has been mild to-day but cloudy. Tuesday February 16th This morning I went over first thing and got some roosters from Jack Martin. I got four to mate up with about fortytwo or three hens. I also got a little brandy from Mrs. Quanbury for the lambs as one of them was nearly all in this morning when Dad. went out but when I got home this one little fellow was dead. However the brandy revived the other one and by to-night was quite lively. This after noon I spent most of the time being coachman for the family. First I drove Aunty down town as she wanted to go to auxilliary Just as I got home Enah was ready to go down town to I drove her down. Then I nicely got back to the head of the lane when Mrs. McBride who has been here washing all day came out on her way home so I turned around and drove her home. I then was able to put Joe in for about an hour or so and then drove down and got Aunty & Aunty Enah and brought them home. To-night Dad. helped me get all the single comb hens out from the others and by themselfes and also to even up the other two pens a little better, so now I have about twenty hens and twenty two or three pullets. There may be a pullet or two in with the hens. It was colder to-day and cloudy and threatened to snow all day. I sat up till half past one reading "The Broad Highway." Wednesday February 17th I did chores most of the morning and nothing else much all day as I spent the time reading My "Broad Highway" I intended only to read at it odd minutes but it was too much for me and I put in nearly the whole day with it, after reading it, going back to feeding chickens and cleaning stables seems an unbearably tame way of living. This being Ash Wednesday Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to church this morning and Miss Harding came back with them to dinner She was here all the after noon and drove down to-night with Enah and I as we went to church this evening. Frank walked down to church but came back with us. The other lamb died to-day. About 9.30 to-night Tupper came after Dad to see a sick ewe. Sunny & thawing but raw. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday February 18th This morning I drove Aunty to Vittoria to catch the 11.40 train for Port Rowan as she went up for the day to see Aunty Ida. I didn't come straight home but went around to see if I could come down the front road but I saw both the Dunkin's and they said I couldn't get through that way so I had to come back around by Vittoria. Mr. Dunkin told me that he hadn't had the sheep registered yet and got me to give him the numbers again. As I wasn't in a special hurry I drove down the road that goes past the mill but after getting along it quite a way had to turn back but I wasn't sorry I went as it is so pretty. I think I have been through before but it must have been a long time ago and in the summer, it is just a pretty in winter, as the little stream is running along just the same, and the snow, sunshine and evergreens all combine to give it a very cosy & comfortable appearance and the narrow little roadway bounded by the artistic old rail fences over which you occasionally catch a glimpse of a field keep you in mind of the fact that you are still within reach of civilization but at the same time fits in beautifully with the fairyland surroundings. That is certainly a lovely country up there if it isn't much good. I didn't get home till after the rest had had dinner and as Sid. McBride had been here to tell us our wire had come Dad. and I had to go down after in this after noon. Dick came home to tea to-night and afterwards he and I went down to the Orchestra's dance. We had a dandy time, there were not many boys there but lots of girls. I danced pretty nearly every dance and with pretty nearly every girl and by half past two wasn't any more than able to toddle home. Perce Brock was down with his troops and so with him and Murray combined we couldn't help but have dandy music, the rest of the Orchestra was there too of course. The old ewe who has lambed could not get up to-day and all the after noon has been stretched out flat and although she was chewing her cud this after noon to-night she is just about dead. It has been a beautiful day fairly cold breeze but very sunny Friday February 19th Dad. and I didn't do anything all morning but tend to sheep and lambs. The sick ewe died during the night. Dad thought of skinning her but when he saw that her skin was all mottled he decided not to touch her as he was afraid of blood poison and besides the wool came right off her I suppose from fever. He took the fleece of her by pulling it and it came as easily and left the skin </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> as clean as a whistle. First thing this morning old ewe No 117 had three lambs, the first one not much bigger than a half grown kitten, the second one a little bigger but weak and the last one the biggest and huskiest. The first two were not only weak but didn't know enough to go and get their natural breakfast so Dad. has been carrying them back and forward to the house to feed them and keep them warm. About noon old Splitear had a pair of twins but they were bigger and much more sensible. This after noon we did chores principally and Dad. buried the dead ewe. Colin Ryersie came in for quite a visit To-night Frank went down to the train and Aunty came home with him Lovely sunny day Saturday February 20th We didn't do much this morning but chores and I put Queen in Ginger's stall and cleaned her up and monkeyed with her for quite awhile till when I was washing her stifle she kicked me on my sore knee which settled me till after dinner. Jim Waddle and the two little girls came in and were here for a long time staying till dinner time. Frank tore down some of the barbed wire fence along the road. This after noon I drove Enah and Tiddums down town Aunty went as far as Uncle Ward's with us. To-night we all stayed home and Frank and I had a bath. When Dick came home he stayed up till three oclock reading "The Money Moon" which Aunty Alice gave him Very mild and soft to-day. Sleighing nearly gone Sunday February 21st I went down to Sunday school again this morning with Aunty and Frank and also to church. Aunty and Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Key's for dinner. This after noon Frank and I went for a ride, he took Belle with the little saddle and I was mounted on Joe. We had a dandy galop We went up the Gravel to the corner this side of the Half-Way-House crossed over to the Radical at the Brick School House and down the Radical through town and home. We were rather stiff to-night and Frank went to bed at eight o'clock but before I hit the strawpile we had some music. Softer and sunnier than ever to-day Sleighing no good at all Monday February 22nd Dad. didn't go to bed at all last night on account of the sheep. His ewe had one lamb about one oclock, it is very small and just as foolish as the others were about nursing we didn't pay much attention to it all day just holding </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the mother a couple of times for the lamb to suck but this evening when Dad. went to look at it it was nearly dead. He brought it in the house and has been tending to it and feeding it out of the bottle with brandy & milk all evening and although for awhile he and Aunty Alice thought they had a hopeless case but now it has revived a little I haven't done much all day but chores and cleaned out the far chicken pen I also gave Queen a little brushing off and cleaned out the boxstall it has been a very rainy after noon and I read the "Money Moon" for an hour or two. Jonas came over before tea and bought a setting of eggs It has been very soft and Springlike but cloudy with a little rain. Tuesday February 23rd It has rained nearly all day to-day so we didn't do anything much except chores and Dad. put in a lot of time tending to the sheep. His lamb died to-day so he is going to try to put the little pet lamb on his ewe although she hasn't much bag. This after noon Dad. & I drove Aunty & Aunty Alice down town in the bobsleighs although the roads were mostly mud. They are going to stay down till Sunday. We brought Blaikeys old iron pot back from Butlers where it has been ever since Blaikey gave it to us since when he had his sale three years ago. Mrs. McBride was here to wash to-day and hung the clothes in the woodshed. Wednesday February 24th This morning we did up the chores and I put the harness & bridle on Queen but didn't take her out. I also went over to Jack Martin's and got an egg crate to start saving eggs for him. Old Mr. Silverthorn was over to see what we would send to the men's banquet on Friday night and put us down for some cream. Dad. & I took a walk back to see what the wheat looked like before dinner. The piece next Ivey's looks fine and there is no water lying on it although Ivey's place is flooded in spite of his tile. The other piece doesn't look so well especially on the knoll where it seems to be killed out and there are several places where the water is lying on it. Charlie Quanbury brought Chris' hams over to be smoked this after noon and I went out to his farm with him. He was fixing up his cow stable as he wants to get moved out in a week. He is going to keep hatch. I am afraid it will be pretty lonely for him but he thinks he wont mind. Frank went down to church to-night. It has been cloudy & very mild all day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday February 25th This morning we put the pork in the smoke house and Dad. started a fire in the old iron pot we got from Butler's He thought it would make a fine firebox as there is a big hole in the bottom of the side which he thought would do for a damper (which it certainly did). He went out after dinner to see it and the pot had melted a hole in the ice for the smoke house had been flooded and when the pot sunk the water ran in the hole and put the fire out. This after noon I started to tidy up the shop and Dad. and I cut a little wood. To-night Dad. & I walked down to see Aunty & Aunty Alice and Dad. got his hair cut. They are staying up at Cousin Loll's for a day or two & Cousin Loll & Willie have gone to Toronto to see Hugh. They thought it very queer that last night Cousin Loll dreamt all night about Hugh She thought he had come home and it was so real she woke up and got up, then went to sleep again and dreamt the same thing over again, so she thought surely she would get a letter to-day from him but was disappointed, but late this afternoon Cousin Willie came up and said Hugh had just telephoned him from Toronto as he was there on business but wouldn't have time to come to Dover so wanted them to go down there. Cousin Willie had planned to go down anyway to a board of trade meeting so Cousin Loll went with him this morning and they expect to be back to-morrow night. Aunty & Aunty Alice expect to leave for the West Monday night. Tom Abbot and Billy {Haron?} were in this after noon Tom's mare has flatulent colic which is the same as Tuple's horse died of the other day so poor Tom was pretty frightened and wanted Dad to go down but Dad. gave him some medicine instead. It has been much colder and very blustery with snow today. Friday February 26th Dad. and I cut some wood this morning besides doing up the chores. This afternoon we were preparing to go over and pay Tupper a visit when Tom Abbot came in to get Dad. to go down and see Maude so we all walked down there judging from appearances Maude didn't seem in bad health except that she was a little bloated, but she was active and attentive and didn't seem in any pain however Dad. left Tom some medicine and advice. It was after five when we got home. I went down to the Men's missionary hangout for supper. I bought a ticket from Dick for fifty cts the other day so thought I had better use it. The cadets waited on the table and as I happened </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> think I was doing too badly when I could run up the G. scale two octaves and pretty nearly come down again and could also scrape off "Drink to me only" & "Sun of my Soul" so that you could tell what I was trying to play. Dick went down town this after noon after spending the first half of the day in bed according to custom and got home to-night about twelve It has been a sunny day but a cold raw wind. Monday March 1st The first thing on the programme this morning was the presentation of another pair of lambs by Greynose 118. I found them about half an hour after Dad. had looked in and found nothing. They were both dandy big fat strong ones and didn't need any nursing at all. When the sun got good and hot Dad. turned the old ewe and lambs in the shed where they were out of the wind. We did chores all morning and this after noon went down to say good-bye to Aunty & Aunty Alice as they left for the West to-night and are going to stay with Roy & Vernon to-night. I took 6 dozen eggs over to Jack Martin and Enah took five dozen down town. Jack said he wanted to send over a couple more roosters to put in the single comb pen. Mrs. McBride was here washing all day. To-night Dick and I went to Simcoe as Dick wanted to see a hockey match between Simcoe & Hamilton. Dad. assured us that the roads would be impassable as they said they were last Thursday but as Dick heard from several that they were good and as two or three had come down in automobiles and as it was a lovely full moon to-night we thought we would risk it, we were very glad we did for the roads were as smooth and hard as could be hardly any snow left on them except in one or two spots. It was a very good game between the Seniors & Hamilton and finished in two periods with a score of 4-2 in favor of Simcoe. I think the Hamilton fellows were a little the best team but Simcoe's goal-tender saved them. I went over to the Armories before the match and had about half an hour's drill. The third contingent fellows of which there are about thirty from the 39th are living at the Armories. They are going to have target practice down in the basement next Wednesday and cut out the drill one night a week. Sunny but cold to-day. Tuesday March 2nd I felt rather tough to-day as I had a sore throat and a cold I suppose due to my last night's exploit as Dick & I did considerable singing on the road home. First thing I went over to Martin's and got a couple of cockerels for the single comb </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to sit down at a table which was under the supervision of Ed. Lindsay who didn't seem to do anything but run around with a large pitcher of hot coffee, I think I could have got a much better tea at home for nothing only I wouldnt have had three different kinds of cake. After supper we had to sit for about three hours and listen to speeches from fellows from Simcoe and Toronto as well as our own local talent. They didn't do or say anything much but crack jokes and talk about the war and the Kaiser and the missionary movement. Frank came down after tea and waited till I went home Dick was at the supper but had some excuse about having to work so missed the speeches. Cold wind and blustery. Lovely night. Saturday 27th February We didn't do anything much this morning but chores and cut a little wood. Frank and I had a good boxing match in the shop, he's not bad with his fists at all. Winnie & Lila came over to dinner Winnie had a collection box collecting to buy surplices for the choir. I donated a very nice two inch nail which I happened to have in my pocket. Winnie didn't seem very appreciative. Tom came in after dinner to tell Dad. that Maude isn't well yet although she is getting her appetite back having eat four bran mashes and is ready for as many more Dad. said she was doing all right but gave Tom a ball to give her. The minute Tom came in Tiddums solicited a nickel from him and got it. Just after Tom left Tupper came in and was here most of the after noon just visiting. Frank went down to-night to help eat up what was left over from last night's banquet. He'll get his supper for ten cents and won't have to listen to any speeches. It has been freezing all day with cold wind but sunny. Sunday February 28th Frank and I went down to Sunday school & church and Enah came down to church as they had a hymn sang to the tune of "Tell Aunty Rhody the Grey Goose is dead." And so Harry Moon sent her a special invitation to be there Aunty was in church and she & Aunty Alice came over here to dinner. They went back before tea however as Aunty Alice has a bad cold and didn't want to be out after sundown Dad. went down to church to-night and around to see them They expect to leave for the West to-morrow night. They were able to get cheap tickets after all. This evening Enah & I played a few duets but the parlor was pretty cold so I spent the rest of the evening practicing on the fiddle. Last night was the first time I ever tried it so didn't </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> pen I also took the little cockerel which has been running with them over but they said he was too small to be any good so I brought him back and shut him in the corn crib with the Old Plymouth Rock & Rhode Island Red to await execution. When Dad. went out the cow stable this morning he found a heifer calf belonging to Jim. so that has taken up a little extra time but it is a fine red calf & good & strong but a little finer than Mary, Dad. thinks Martha would be a good name for it. This after noon Enah went down to Auxiliary and I minded Tiddums who was wonderfully good but didn't seem to be able to satiate his ravenous appetite for apples and I didn't like to give him too many. Dad took the old Rhode Island Red hen down to Alfred's and traded her off for a rooster to kill. We hated to kill her as she is laying. It has been a sunny but very windy & raw day. Wednesday March 3rd I didn't do anything to-day but chores as I felt rather tough with a cold and there was a cold high wind all day Dad chopped the smoke house door open again and put a fire in. I got twenty five eggs to-day, they are picking up. To-night Enah and Frank went to church & choir practice and I went to a party at Pat's & Bessies. I went up to the bank first and went down with Dick & Hazen. There was a big crowd down there playing pedro, we had a mighty good time but didn't get home till about two o'clock so I suppose will feel the effects later. Dick one won the gentleman's first prize which was a book. Art. Lawdon got the booby I think he was one game lower than me. Thursday March 4th As I expected I felt tough to-day but more on account of my cold than anything. I did chores and pruned some of the peach trees this morning and slept most of the after noon Dad. went down to the mill and had quite a visit with old Ivey and made arrangements to get about forty bushels of seed oats and run his {face?} for them I guess he succeeded all right and will get them to-morrow. Nice sunny day. Friday March 5th We hooked up the team this morning and went down to the mill to get our seed oats. We got forty bushels and put them in Ed's big bin It took us nearly all morning to fix things to hold them We left some right in the bags. We hauled over a few forkfuls of the old thrashed bluegrass out of the shed to the other barn. This after noon I took Ivey's sacks back to him and did chores. Old Jonas paid us quite a visit </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> last night. He has rented Hew Morgan's property up the radical roads about twenty two acres, house & barn some fruit and a grape vine for $75 a year. He thinks he will be able to make it growing vegetables. To-night Enah & I went down to Elva's to another pedro party. We got there early so I went back to town and came over with Dick & Harry {Wrey?}. We had another very enjoyable evening but didn't get home till two o'clock. Dick won a box of blacking this time for the booby prize with the inscription "If you can't shine at the head shine at the foot. There has been a rather raw wind all day and this after noon it began to snow it was still snowing when we came home but the wind had gone down and it had turned very soft. Saturday March 6th I havent done anything but chores all day and havent been very swift at them. I had a short nooze before dinner Tonight before six Frank & I went down and got the mail & some coal oil. Tony Bannister came over after dinner an he and Frank went back to see if there were any fish in the creek but there wasn't any water in it yet. Truman Walker was in at noon and borrowed the saddle as he was taking one of his mares to Simcoe to sell her for an artillery horse. His father is in Toronto having his eye treated and has been gone for several weeks Trum. says it will be a long time before he will be back It has been cloudy and snowing a little but very soft. There were quite a few cutters & sleighs out to-day but I guess it sleighing is pretty poor Sunday March 7th Frank was the only member of this family at church or Sunday school this morning and he stayed down at Huby's for dinner. My cold was so bad that I didn't do a pesky thing all day but sit around, practice on the fiddle write a letter to Quint. and read. Dad. did all the chores and this morning drove Enah and Tiddums down to the latter's Grandma's where they had dinner and and spent the afternoon Dad. brought them home at five o'clock. Dick got up about two o'clock and went down to see Dess for the rest of the day & a good part of the night. I went to bed right after tea. Snowed a little but mild. Monday March 8th I didn't get up till after noon to-day and have just sat around all the rest of the day. Dad. went down this morning to ask Sairy if she wanted his blind lamb to look after and this after noon Jonas came after it. They are getting all ready to </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> move up to their farm to-morrow. The chief item of intrest was Dick coming home to tea to-night to help us eat roast chicken, not only that but he stayed home all evening and went to bed quite early not before we had a grand musicale however with Dad. & Enah and the fiddle & guitar and Dick on the mouth organ and tin whistle Dick became so jubilant that he could not refrain from dancing very noisily around the kitchen and waking up Tiddums who came running out here in his bare feet and wouldn't go back to bed for about an hour. Dick had brought him home a tin drum full of animal shaped biscuits which he aparently enjoyed very mucch. It froze pretty hard last night but has been very sunny & soft today. Tuesday March 9th I got up for breakfast this morning but have been in the house all day. This morning Billy Hawn came after Dad. to go down and see John Watts mare but Dad. didnt have time so gave him some medicine. Then Alfred came up as the old black horse was sick again & Alfred wanted them her put out of her misery either kill or cure so Dad. went down but said She wasn't dangerously ill. I guess Alfred rather wishes She would die as she is 25 years old and as long as he has her he hasn't got room for another and yet when she is well she can do her share of work so he hates to kill her. This after noon Dad Enah & Tiddums drove down town and back then Dad. drove Mrs. McB home who has been here washing all day. Cecil MacPherson came over with Frank after school and borrowed one of Dad's canary cages the breeding cage as his mother is going to raise canarys. Very mild & sunny all day. Wednesday March 10th My cold was much better to-day and I have been outside most of the day. Dad. helped me bring the incubator up out of the cellar this morning and I cleaned it out and started the lamp. The door of the egg chamber is warped or rather swollen that it won't shut, we thought the spare room would be the best place to run the first hatch through this year as the cellar is so full of apples & vegetables that we were afraid the air would not be pure enough and it would take a long time to get it ready down there. John Wess came in to see Dad. this morning about one of his mares and Sat. Robinson was in this after noon for vetinary advice. This evening the assessor, Mr. Austin of two years ago was around and knocked off the five hundred dollars that Vair put on the assessment last year which pleased Dad. greatly </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> To-night Frank went down to the weekly Lenten service presumably to sit and watch Rosy. Sunny & mild all day. There are some very fishy stories going the rounds just now about Henry Hoffman being arrested in New York as a German Spy and having on him papers concerning Canadian Government buildings & forts which everyone should not know. Thursday March 11th I went over to Martin's this morning to ask Chris about the incubator, I was afraid the thermostat had gone wrong but he said it was all right. When I got back Dad. & I went down to Hammonds bush and got a waggon box full of sawdust to put on the ice. We didn't get back till after one I saw for the first time a very interesting looking character in the person of Ad. Frolic. I never heard of him till a little while ago but Dad. says he has been around here ever since he can remember, he & Jack Richardson were building a log hut down in the bush where Ad. intends to live in future. It doesn't look as if it would be a very comfortable habitation and is in great contrast to the mansion on the other side of the road where Oscar Howden has built up his old shack into a hip roofed structure of very prepossessing appearance or will be if Oscar ever takes time to paint it or clear up the rubbish around it but I suppose he wont have time for that kind of foolishness. Regarding the personal appearance of the above mentioned Mr. Frolic at a distance he looks very much like the gentleman universally known as Santa Claus as he is about wears his whiskers the same way and is about the same size & shape except that there is not such a large portion of the abdomen which shakes like and rhymes with jelly. On closer inspection however he would never be taken for old St. Nick as his face would I think have the opposite effect upon that part of humanity which the other so delights. It is of a rich reddish purple colour and all puffed and shiny and is used up nearly altogether to make up his nose which is bigger than any other two noses I ever saw. He was just going home to {dinner?} when we saw him and he had pulled on his old overcoat without bothering to pull the collar from where it had rolled under on his back. When I told Tom Abbott the other day that I didn't think I had ever seen him Tom. said he guessed I hadn't as I would be sure to remember if I ever had and I think I most certainly would. I spent the after noon washing out the incubator and getting it in shape to run but to-night the temperature hadn't gone up at all beyond 98°. Tonight Sam & Mrs. Law came over to spend the evening. It was rather cold </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> in the parlor so we didn't have any music. They were here till about eleven o'clock. It has been sunny but rather raw to-day Friday March 12th I took the mate to the rooster that died over to Martin's this morning and brought two more back here I didn't want to bring just one and put him in with the other for fear they would fight. When I came back I pruned a couple of trees in the orchard. Dad. took a look at the wheat and reported it all right so far. This weather lately has been hard on it as the snow is all off it and it looks terribly brown. This afternoon I started to clear up some of the rubbish around the windmill. It has been sunny and mild but cold breeze. We got a letter from Aunty to-day saying they arrived safely in Fort Saskatchewan. Saturday March 13th This morning I took Chris' ham over to him as Dad. thought they were smoked enough. I wanted to ask him about the incubator, this morning when I went in the temperature had gone down to about sixty seven and the flame was aparently just the same. Chris said it might have been on account of the outside temperature and advised me to put the eggs in, so I did when I got home. I put in 136 eggs and let it go. It has got up to 103° to-night and I put a screen up to keep the cold air from the window off it. I just did odd jobs the rest of the morning and Dad. & Frank went out and opened up the potato pit and found them in good condition so they sacked them all up and hauled them in this after noon. The baby went out to the field with us in the waggon and I took him back as far as the gully while they were loading. When we got in I rode down town and got the mail. Winnie & Lila were over all the after noon & Frank went down with them to-night to play poker. Snowdrop presented us with a black & white heifer calf to-day. Sunny & mild but freezing nights. Sunday March 14th Frank and I went down to Sunday school and church this morning and. They had service in the Sunday school as the church is in a state of upheaval owing to the cleaning of its inside walls and ceiling. Dad. did chores most of the day and Dick slept till dinner time and then went down town. Colin Ryersie rode up this after noon on Lady and as I was thinking of going for a ride myself I took Joe and we had a great ride for a couple of hours or so. Joe was full of mischief and I didn't have to urge to go at all. Frank went down to church to-night. Dad. has been reading Happy Hawkins to us all evening. Beautiful day no wind & very mild just like Spring. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday March 15th I got up at five this morning and we got the chores done up fairly early. Dad. & I drove out to Jim Waddle's this fore noon as he had a steer out there with an absess on its jaw which he wanted Dad. to look at, it was nothing serious though, we poked around out there looking at the stock for about an hour and came home around by town and got the mail. Dad. also saw Old Walker and asked him if he could borrow fifty dollars to buy our seed with till we sell one of the two year old steers Old Walker said he could have as much as he liked for as long as he wanted it. This after noon I rode Joe down and got her shod so that took up most of the after noon. When I got back I went over to Jack Martin's with a doz. more eggs. Tonight I walked down and got my hair cut. Mrs McBride Nice day. Tuesday March 16th After we did chores this morning we put on a load of oat-sheaves and hauled them over to the horse stable, it took about an hour to chop the ice so that we could open the barn doors. This after noon we put on a load of hay which had been under the oat sheaves and hauled it over to the other barn for the cows we just left it on the waggon. Dad. then put the harness on old Dave and gave him a little exercise. Tiddums was out with us for a long time so long that he went in of his own accord. We got a letter from Aunty & Aunty Alice to-day. It has been sunny but a very cold wind to-day. Mrs. Charlie Martin started getting milk from us to-day. Wednesday March 17th We went down to the mill this morning as soon as we could and got some oats chopped and I got some short bran & corn for the chickens. Dad alao got 9 bushels of O.A.C. No 21 barley for seed It was $1.15 a bushel but was a lovely clean sample When we got back we cleaned out the box stall there was over a waggon load and Dad. hauled it out to where we had the potatoes in the old garden last year This after noon I took Dave out for a little exercise. We tried to get the chores done up as early as possible as Frank & Enah went down to a St. Patrick's Day tea at the Methodist Church and Winnie came over to tea to go to Simcoe with me as she wanted to pay Norah a visit. We had to go way up to the other end of the town to find the house. I went down to the Armories and we had target practice, it is the third one they have had. I made 12 out of 30 which was worse than most but not as bad as some. When I went back to the Cunninghams I found Norah & Winnie had gone to the picture show and I had </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to wait quite awhile for them but Norah's younger sister Hildaguard was home so I didn't much mind the wait. Win & I didn't get home till quite awhile after twelve Dick and I had an invitation to a big dance down in the town hall to-night but neither of us went. Allan Law & one of the Powells down the lake shore got it up It has been a nice day but a rather raw wind. Thursday March 18th This morning we did chores and then treated the two youngest calves horns with acostic potash to kill them. Mary, Mully's calf, didn't have any horns so she escaped the ordeal, we haven't quite decided on a name for the other two calves but we thought that for Jim's calf coming next after Mary, that Martha would suit very well and for Snowdrop's blackie we thought "Just Gone along" might fit in, the only thing with that name is I am afraid that when she becomes of age and is eligible to be sworn at it will be rather a nuisance. This afternoon Dad. drove Enah & Tiddums down to the mill house to call on Mrs. Josef Ivey and he drove on down town and got a bushel of clover seed from Billy Laings. Charlie Nunn sent word over by him that he was having a party and wanted me to go down so I went. There were just a few there, the Henry girls and May Rankin & Mabel Almas and two or three boys but we had a good time and still got home soon after twelve. We didn't play cards or any such tame sport as that but we just cut up all the time peeled the rugs of the floor & danced and played a lot of games which we could run around at. It has been a nice day but rather a raw wind. Friday March 19th This afternoon morning Dad. Tiddums & I drove up to Billy Dixon's and got our seed corn we got all we think we will need for a dollar. Dad. stopped in on the way up & saw George Duncan about getting some rails George told him they were going to tear down a lot of fence around the big orchard & Carpenters bush and that we & Allan Law could start in to haul it right away so Dad. went down to see Alan when we got home and he said he could go tomorrow morning. It was a lovely morning and I think Tiddums enjoyed himself but couldn't keep awake to enjoy the latter half of the journey and when we came through town he was sound asleep on my knee Dick & Harry Ausley both wanted to wake him up, he did open his eyes but shut them again immediately. This after noon I took both Dave & Queen out for a little exercise. Queen </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> went fairly well but Dave took me unawares once and got away. We had quite a little trouble catch him and getting him quiet. Lila came over after school to-night to stay all night. It has been a lovely day. They say Art Ryersie was working on the land to-day his flats too. Saturday March 20th Dad & Frank got off about eight o'clock to haul rails from Duncan's Alan went up with his team at the same time, he had Frank McBride to help him. They got back just about noon with a good sized load. They came down through town and around by Mrs. Munroes instead of around the hill or up Preston's hill. They got off about two o'clock after another load, they didn't expect Alan to be there this after noon but he was there ahead of them. Dad. said the field was very bad pulling and he told Alan he intended to haul half a load out to the road at a time instead of pulling a full load through the soft field but Alan was so sure his horses could pull it and so he piled on all the rails he could and the consequence was he got bogged in the middle of the field and had to throw half load all off besides tramping the sod all up. They got home about five. I did chores and this morning pruned apple trees but the wind was too cold for that this after noon so I just puttered around. I went down to the mill and paid them $20.00 on the account and then took 1/2 dozen eggs over to Jack Martin. It was a lovely day this morning but a rather cold wind has been blowing since dinner. Sunday March 21st I didn't get the chores done in time to go to Sunday school but Frank went down and Enah & I drove down to church. They had the church all cleaned up in great shape but Mr. Johnson was sick so Cousin Willie ran the service and did twice as well as Mr. Johnson. This after noon I coaxed Dick into going for a ride he took Belle & I took Joe, we had a nice little ride but Dick says he got terribly sore. When we got back I rode down and asked Colin Ryersie if he wanted to go to Simcoe Wednesday night, riding, and he said if his horse wasn't working to hard he would. They have got some seed in the ground down along the creek and part of the side hill is sowed. Dick went down town when he got home. To night I practiced on the fiddle. Frank went for a ride on his bicycle this after noon. There has been a cold wind all day to day and to-night was spitting snow. I broke an egg in the incubator to-night and found a live chicken in it. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Monday March 22nd Dad. got off about half past eight this morning after rails and got with a pretty good sized load about noon he was there quite awhile before Alan so was all alone as I didn't go with him this morning but stayed home and did chores. I got everything done up so went up with him this afternoon. Alan was a little more careful to-day and this after noon hauled half his load out to the road. We both had on a big load to-night. Alan seemed greatly troubled over the fate of Jack Wardell who he was talking to on the road He hired out to Ged. McSloy for a year with the intentions of getting married to Bert Sindon's daughter but her parents wont let her get married so he threw up his job and was going home yesterday. Alan gave him some very good advice and told him to make a date with the girl to-night and scoot and get married but he thought he would go home and let the matter settle for awhile. To-night Frank and I tested the eggs we saved out forty one out of one hundred and thirty six but after cracking one of the ones we saved out and finding a chicken in it we put six back so that leaves a hundred and one still in the machine. It was inclined to want to snow this morning and to rain this after noon but didn't do either very vigorously and has not been very cold but a raw wind all day. Tuesday March 23rd Dad. & I got off pretty early this morning and got back with a good big load of rails by noon. This afternoon we went up and hauled what were left all except a few panels which were behind a big pile of rails.We only had half a load on this after noon. Alan didn't haul at all to-day but was in at noon for a few minutes, he has an awful cold and can hardly speak. Dad. told him last night that rum was the best thing on earth for a cold so he said he was going to try it. This after noon when we got home we unloaded our rails put the waggon in the shed and hauled the bobsleighs over into the barn as up till now they have been standing out in the lane. Mrs McBride was here washing to day. Sunny & mild but a raw wind. Wednesday March 27th This morning Dad, Tiddums and I drove around to John Wess' and Dad. made arrangements with him to come over the day after to-morrow with his engine and saw and cut up our rail pile as he promised to come over when we got enough rails to make it worthwhile last fall. He said he went over to the Shands the other day and cut up sixty cords of ash which were {illegible} tops and limbs from the logs they sold this winter. We drove up as far as Duncan's </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> orchard as Dad. wanted to pay George for the rails but he didn't see anything of him around outside he didn't go in as he was afraid he might see old Bill and not be able to get away from him for the rest of the day. This afternoon we didn't do anything much for an hour or so after dinner Dad. had a snooze and I read chunks of Charles O'Malley then we went out and started to clean out the calf pen but didn't finish the job before it was time to do chores. Colin Ryersie was up here about six o'clock on his black mare to go to Simcoe with me. I wasn't quite ready so we didn't get started till nearly half past six and although we didn't ride at all hard we got there about half past seven and as we were home much earlier we decided that riding was the ideal way to go. We had rifle practice again and I made five more points than I did last time. I hit the bull once. The first shot I had I blazed away at a hole in the wall instead of the target but I got another shot Pud. Smythe was there to-night. It has been a pretty cold wind all day and looked very much like rain this after noon and to-night but didn't. Lovely night Enah and Frank went down to church to-night. Thursday March 25th It rained most of the day to day so we couldn't do much outside Dad and I spent a large part of the morning trying to take a nut off a bolt in the oven damper of the old stove we got from Cousin Bessie but all out efforts were in vain for although we soaked it in coal oil and heated it and had all manner of instruments from a flat rasp to Dad's equine dental forceps we could not budge it so we left it, we put the sleighs away however over in the big barn. This after noon I sat around and read for quite awhile and about four o'clock drove down town to get some household supplies. There was a great {tril?} going on this after noon between Sam Jacques and Nichols the new hotel keeper over a bottle of whiskey which Sam got hold of a couple of weeks ago. I went up for a few minutes but the place was packed and it was rather late so I didn't stay long. Frank was up there and when I left said he guessed he wouldn't come home just yet but we were rather surprised and Dad. very much annoyed when he didn't turn up till about eight o'clock. He had stayed till the thing was over but he said they couldn't come to any decision. It was much colder to-night. Friday March 26th Frank didn't go to school this morning and he and Dad. went over in the waggon to help John Wess load his engine & saw and bring it over. They got back about eleven with the saw but </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> John Wess didn't come as it was so windy, he said it was a horrible job with a wind as the sawdust gets in the eyes. He said he would be over the first fine day. I did chores while they were gone and helped Enah entertain a visitor who was here in quest of old rags & rubbers and also to sell wonderful pails which were guaranteed forever against leaking, burning, melting, bruising, bursting & breaking and which Hugh McQueen could make for a quarter at the bargain prices of 45 cents & 25 cts. We gathered up some old rubbers and gave them to-gether with 10 cts for one of his small pails to induce him to proceed upon his journey to the Doy's next whether he said he was bound. Frank went to school this after noon & Dad. & I just did chores and sat around. It has been very cold all day and windy. To-night the wind has gone down but it is freezing hard. It snowed a little this morning. Saturday March 27th I got up early this morning and wrote to Aunty & Aunty Alice as I heard from them yesterday. After we did up the chores Dad. Frank. Tiddums & I amputated the tails of the six lambs. It should have been done before as the lambs were big and bled pretty freely, however I think to-night they are all right. Dad. & I finished cleaning out the calf pen before dinner and Frank cleaned out the old musty straw and hay out of the hay in the big barn. This after noon we hauled it and the thrashed bluegrass which was over the shed over to the other barn and Dad. is going to use it to bed the cows. We then put on a load of hay and hauled it over to the other barn for the cows. We didn't take it off the waggon. Tony Bannister was over here all the after noon. The German from Jack Martin's came over this after noon and got my eggs I had 10 1/2 doz. for him. Lila has been over since before dinner and went back after tea. Nobody has been down town to get the mail to-day but Lila brought us over three "Jack Canucks" which Dad seems to be enjoying. It froze very hard last night but has been sunny though cold wind. Sunday March 28th When we went out this morning we found a big, red heifer calf depending on the maternal instincts of Bobby for protection & sustenance. It is the first heifer she has ever had and is the sixth heifer to come this year or rather this season as some came before the New Year. Last year they were all steers but one. I didn't get chores done in time to go to Sunday school and instead of going to church I looked after Tiddums and induced Dad. to go. I don't know whether I will get the job again or not as I let him play out on the front lawn and incidentally </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to fall into the ditch, he went to walk over the plank that lies accross the ditch and not looking where he was going stepped one foot off and fell k-spat in and got soaked. It didn't hurt him but he must have been frightened for I couldn't under any conditions persuade him to stop crying till he got ready and then when I had all his wet duds off and he was beginning to take a more optimistic view of the trials and tribulations of life when he happened to touch a wet spot on his dress. This incident aparently called back visions of the forgotten-for-the-present past for he burst forth again with renewed energy and wept profusely. However Dick was up and we soon got him into a more cheerful frame of mind and kept him there till the folks got home and assumed the responsibility for his conduct and disposition and as far as I was concerned were most welcome to it. This was not the only adventure of the morning in which a change of raiment due to the effects of aqua pura was concerned but time, space and my accursed bashful nature will permit me to give no more details. This after noon Colin & Floyd Ryersie came up on horseback and I joined them. We had a very enjoyable ride although I started out a little too vigorously considering the dinner I had just partaken of and consequently felt some qualms of consience of stomach. I was not in a position then to figure out which but upon reflection I have become convinced it was the latter troubled me most. We went down the lakeshore to Corbett's had a talk with Corby went through their lane to the plank down the plank to the {illegible} and from there home. This evening I intended to go to church but failing to get ready in time I went down after church and called on the Harry Moons, and it was after midnight when I "hit the hay" It has been cold and raw all day. Snowed a little tonight and freezing hard Monday March 29th This morning Dad's tooth was so bad that he went down and had it pulled. It was broken and in awful shape as it was all ulcerated. Bill Lemmons injected some of his dope into it to ease the pain but it didn't do any good and Dad. has been nearly sick with it all day. This after noon Enah went down to the dentist's and got some teeth filled Mrs McBride was over here washing this after noon Enah expected her this morning but she had been over at Preston's where they are all sick. I did chores and sat around all day. Frank and I managed them with Dad. assisting us only by instructions. This has been a fierce day very windy with snow, a regular blizzard and and raging this after noon. To-night it is freezing hard and the ground is white. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {There is a wee sketch of a conifer tree at the top of this page} Tuesday March 30th Dad. fed the calves this morning but hasn't been out of the house since and feels very miserable. His head ached to-night. It took me all day just doing chores. I went over to Martins for a minute or two this after noon. To-night I spent an hour and a half leg banding the pullets with stove pipe wire. Cold & windy to-day, not so bad as yesterday. Wednesday March 31st Although Dad. has felt much better to-day he was not able to get out of the house at all, so I was busy all day with chores and Frank helped me when he came home, this after noon I rode Joe down to the Ryersie's to tell Colin I couldn't go to Simcoe to-night. This morning a man walked over here from town to see the old duelling pistols. He is a traveller but told Dad. that at his home is in St. Mary's and that he had over two hundred firearms besides swords, dirks and suchlike. He would have liked to have bought them but didn't like to say so. He said the sight of them was well worth the walk. Sid McBride was in to-night selling fertilizer & binder twine. Dad offered ordered 50 lbs of the latter. We heard on Monday from Roy they are coming up to-morrow for Easter. It hasn't neen nearly so cold to-day but cloudy. Thursday April 1st Dad. helped me milk this morning but his mouth was pretty sore and he wasn't going out again but John Wess came over with his engine to saw up the rail pile so Dad. had to be out all day. As Vernon & Rebecca were coming up on the eleven o'clock train I had to leave to go down and meet them, that made us short handed so I called in at the school house and sent Frank home He was very good about it and didn't seem to mind very much. Huby was down at the station and I got him to come over. So this after noon there was lots of help and they got through in lots of time. Vernon & Rebecca arrived safely. Dick Huby & Aunty Maude were down at the station. I did chores most of the after noon and to-night drove down to meet Roy. Miss Ethel Phipp's came up on the same train so we drove her home. Not at all windy but rather cold. Friday April 2nd When we got up this morning the ground was white as it had snowed a little in the night so as there was no wind I went out before breakfast and sowed about half the clover seed on not quite half the field of wheat which is on the old alsike stubble. I spilt a little of it by pulling </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the feed lever back too far till it caught and it sowed too thickly anyway. This being Good Friday Dick had a holiday and Enah, Vernon & Frank went down to church Dad & Roy looked after the babies. I watched the incubator most of the day. The eggs are beginning to come out and Roy & Vernon are very much interested in them especially the latter, she sat in the room for about an hour watching the little fellows pick themselves out and drop overboard in to the nursery below. This after noon Dad. helped me get the brooder down from over the hog pen and put it in the empty chicken shed. Very nice day Saturday April 3rd I got up this morning and sowed the other half the wheat field and had quite a lot of seed left so Dad. thinks it isn't thick enoug and will have to be gone over again. I had the machine shut tighter and walked quite a lot faster. Roy & I spent most of the morning getting the brooder in shape and he fixed up Enah's dairy thermometer to put in the brooder. Dad. did chores most of the morning This after noon Dad. went down to Carl Coleman's to see a sick cow and then on down town to the dentist's as his tooth was still sore and Bill picked out some pieces of bone. We hooked up the team to the waggon and took the whole family down town, Roy, Frank & I went down to the beach and got a part of a load of sand for to put in front of the brooder to soak up the mud. Mr. Pickford was down there getting a load and we had quite a visit with him We came up around by town and got Enah, Vernon & the two babies on, we had to go down to Mrs. Skey's stepping block to let Vernon in as her skirts were too narrow to get in on Main St. Dad. walked home as he had to go in on his way back again to see Carl's cow. When we got home Roy & I put the sand in in front of the brooder. To-night Vernon & Roy went over to Mrs. Battersby's to tea and I drove Enah down to choir practice. I drove down after her about ten o'clock and met her coming home with Truman & Topsy Walker. It has been a very nice day. Vernon has been dyeing hard boild eggs for the kids to-night. Sunday April 4th Roy got up early and went down to early communion this morning so that he could keep Rebecca and let Vernon go down to the other service but Vernon stayed home and kept house so the whole bunch of us went down at eleven o'clock even Dad. & Dick. This after noon we moved the chicks to the brooder, there were just fifty eight and some of them were </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> crippled. The two Ryersie boys came up on horseback and got Frank and me to go with them Frank took Belle & I took Joe. We had a dandy ride and called in for Corby and got him to go with us. We went way down the lake shore to the town line from there to Mud Street and up it home. A couple of times we rode down on the beach and then made the horses climb the hill. It was nearly six o'clock when we got home. Roy went down to Huby's for tea and He Frank and Enah went to church. Enah had to play for Zeitha Barwell who sang a solo. Tiddums wouldn't stay with Vernon after Enah left and I came in and found him under the table just yelling for all his might but he soon cheered up when I took him out and showed him old Gladys and the horses. It has been a very nice mild day but raw breeze Monday April 5th This morning Frank and I took down three sacks of oats to the mill to be chopped and then went down and got a load of sand and unloaded it before dinner and went back down to the mill and got our grist. Dad. drove Vernon & Tiddums out to Tommy Jackson's as Vernon wanted to see Mrs. Jackson about getting some eggs. (Toby and Frank are going down to Huberts tonight so I said I would finish this up as it is behind it now being Wednesday night). He did not do much in the afternoon, worked at the brooder a little. It has been a raw day and threatened rain several times this afternoon. Roy went down town and Vernon and Rebecca went to Mrs Battersbys to play bridge. I drove Hattie down there for tea. We took the baby with us and he came home with me. Willard won the big fight. Tuesday April 6th We were all up early this morning and I drove Roy to the station. Mrs McBride came to do the washing, the boys and I put a load of hay over the horse stable, after dinner Toby and I took a little hay to the cow stable and then we hitched to the other wagon and took the girls and babies down town on our way we picked up Mrs Jack Martin and Miss Cope. We unloaded at the Post Office then Toby and I went to get a load of sand, brought it home hitched Joe to the buggy and started to see Vernon off, but it took us so long to get home with the sand on account of the roads that we missed the train </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Frank had been fishing all the afternoon with his usual luck. Toby walked home and I brought Hattie and the baby. It has been a beautiful day, mild and bright. Wednesday April 7th As soon as all the morning chores were done I sowed oats in the little orchard, then I went over to Charlie Martins to telephone to Atkinson about pulling up the headstone for Alice they said they would put it up between 1 and 2 O'Clock so I got ready and Hattie gave us an early dinner and I started with Hattie and baby a little after 12, but they had the stone up and gone. Mrs Charlie Munro said they left about 10-30. Toby started Frank on the disk and he worked up the little orchard in good shape and then harrowed it. Toby and I went back to see how the land was over the gully and decided we would try and sow tomorrow. The boys as I said before have gone down to Huberts. Thursday April 8th Out of bed at five o'clock and on the hump ever since is a summary of to-days record. Dad. & I got back to the back field about half past eight and Dad. started to sow the oats broadcast right on the furrows and I followed with the disk. The ground except in one or two spots where it was a little wet was in beautiful shape to work as it is just as the frost left it without having had any big rains on it to pack it and it works up just like an ash heap. Some of the travellers on the side road thought Dad's method a queer one and didn't seem to approve of it but Dad. says they always used to do it out West & Charlie Batty was past and said they used to do it here with success. Dad. thought it was better to get the seed in & covered before a rain than to work the land all up and then run chanches of getting a big soaker on it. We took back six bags of oats with us this morning and Dad. sowed nearly all of it and although he couldn't tell exactly he wanted to sow {2?} bushels ot the acre. Dad. disked this after noon and finished he had sowed but couldn't go crossways very well on account of the piece in the centre which he didn't get plowed last fall Allan Law was harrowing for a couple of hours this morning </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> on their side hill but he didn't come back this after noon. Huby & Lila came over this morning and this after noon they burned the grass off the back field next the woods It looks as if there would be good pasture there soon Last night when I came home from town I went to look at the brooder and found that the temperature had gone down to forty on account of the window being left out and this morning there were nine dead chickens in the brooder and four have died since. Chris. told me yesterday that lake sand would kill them so we got some yellow sand and covered up the lake sand which was in the pen. The white ewe had a pair of twins this morning but won't own one of them so has to be caught every now and then to give the lamb a chance to suck Lovely Spring day with a south westerly breeze and not freezing to-night. Mrs. Lorne Myers was in to-night and got Dad's hen canary which he was has been wanting to get rid of for quite awhile. Friday 9th April Dad. and I got back fairly early this morning and Dad sowed about four bushels more seed while I harrowed the hill I crossed it which necessitated marching up and down hill all morning I didn't mind it much but I guess it was pretty hard on the horses. This afternoon I disked what Dad sowed this morning and he harrowed with Joe & Ginger. We got all the seed pretty well covered when it began to rain and is still keeping it up. We took the little team back in the shape of a four horse team with them as the leaders but Joe was no good for a leader as she lagged. Lila came over this after noon and is staying all night. It has been fine and very mild all day and this is a warm rain which was needed for the wheat & hay badly. Saturday April 10th We didn't get started so early this morning as we didn't know whether it had rained enough to make things too wet or not, however we found it hadn't rained much so Dad. went back to finish plowing the little piece on top of the hill which was left over from last fall. He finished it about three o'clock in some spots it was very wet & sticky and other places the frost isn't out yet but it is pretty good. He intended to sow it as soon as he got done and work it in but when I went back at three o'clock the wind was so strong and it looked so rainy that we both came up and Dad. drove Enah & Tiddums down town to get the mail. I took some eggs over to Martin's this morning and Frank got the cyclone clover seeder from Vyse and when I came </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> back I sowed the half of the wheat field that I sowed the thinnest over again. Chris. didn't seem to know what ailed my little chickens they are aparently as lively as can be one day and the next there will be two or three dead and two or three more getting ready to die. I have lost nearly half of them now and don't know what to do for them. Cloudy mild windy & showery. It thundered and rained heavily to-night. Sunday April 11th I didn't get ready in time to go to Sunday school with Frank this morning but Enah and I drove down to church. It was a beautiful mild sunny morning and Dad. intended to drive Enah over to the Tupper's this after noon but it began to rain so they couldn't go and we had a musical instead. It rained quite hard for awhile and it is colder & windy to-night. It is wonderful to see how much greener the grass & wheat have got during the night. Monday April 12th Dad. was ditching in the back field all morning and I drove down town to get some coal oil and I took a pair of guinea fowl down to Cousin Bessy. She told me to shut them up and Julien the {illegible} would show me where to put them, but she had so much difficulty in making Julien who doesn't speak English very well understand what she wanted that she told me to put them in a little coop which had a wired in yard to it. I let them both in there but while I was talking to her the cock bird got out of a patched up hole in the wire, he went over into Joe Jacques backyard and Jacques dog scared it up into an apple tree. Cousin Harry had appeared by this time and said he knew the yard wasn't tight and that they would watch the guinea cock and catch him to-night but Dick who came home for tea said they had caught him. This after noon we sat around till about three o'clock and then put on a jag of timothy hay and hauled it over for the cows. Dick was home for tea but had to go back, he said Huby was working over at Jack Martin's now but didn't know how long he would be there. It has been cloudy and raw all day with a drizzling rain most of the time. Tuesday April 13th Huby came over after breakfast this morning to get his smock and I went back over to Martin's with him and took an old sick rooster over whose comb was all black and that had been sitting around with no life in him for two or three days. Brirely & Chris said he had indigestion </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> so I left him over there. When I came back I started to rake up down under the old willow tree. Dad. & Enah worked at the stove and at last succeeded in getting the nut which caused us so much vexation the other day, out by cutting the head off with a cold chisel. This after noon Dad went back to look at John Wess' cow as John Wess came after him, he was over there quite awhile and then opened out some ditches in the field we have in. I continued to clean up down at the road and but to-night have it looking pretty nice I burned the grass all along the road so there will be some nice pasture there soon. Huby came over after six to-night and borrowed the alarm clock as their timepieces are all broken down there and he needs his watch. He was giving us a very amusing account of his duties He says the watering the chickens takes too much brain work going the rounds with a pail and a dipper filling the little drinking cups and rinsing them out and hooking the myriads of doors and gates all gets on his nerves. Dad. said than one of the England kids came in after school to-night to John Wess' with a great big bunch of hepaticas for Mrs. McBride we didn't think they were out yet. It has been a lovely day sunny & mild. They gave Bunnian a hearing down here to-day but will have to put the trial off till the Vigilant comes in with some witnesses. Wednesday April 14th Dad has been opening up ditches in the field out here where we intend to put the barley all morning, he says it is pretty wet. I cleaned out the roosters in the chicken pens this morning and raked up along the old fence bottom which divided the field from the yard in front of the big barn & horse stable. This after noon I went back to see what the new piece of plowing on top of the hill looked but it was pretty wet so I got some earth along the creek and brougt it up and planted tomato seed in it. Frank got home early, he has had a holiday all day as Mr. Smith is sick in bed with La Grippe. Frank, Billy Miller & Harv. Taylor were fishing up creek and on the pier all morning. Billy Barlow was in to-night for a short visit. Another lovely day. Tuesday April 15th Dad. was back ditching again this morning, he thinks the back field will be dry enough to go on to-morrow if it doesn't rain. I went down to Vyse's and borrowed his post auger and he gave me a ride home on his way down Mud Street to sell machinery and as he thought he was going to feel cold and had come away without his overcoat he borrowed mine. Dad. didn't seem to approve of being </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> at all friendly to Vyse, but I have nothing in particular against the poor cuss and this backbiting sore head business gives me a pain anyway. Dad's always friendly enough when he happens to meet him and I don't see why he isn't other times or why if he hates him so much as he says he does, he doesn't tell him so. I spent the rest of the morning and most of the after noon boring the post holes and inserting posts there in to stretch a piece of chicken wire on to divide off another yard for the single combed hens. Dad. made a gate for the yard. Lila has been over all day as she & Frank are both home on account of Mr. Smith's illness. Winnie came over after four and stayed to tea but Lila had to go back and have her music lesson. Huby was over to dinner. Tonight Frank and I went down with Winnie and Huby, Aunty Maude, Lila. Frank and I spent the evening playing poker. Enah & Frank have been been house cleaning all day. It has been a nice sunny day & is a mild night but looks like rain. Thursday Friday April 16th When we got up this morning the sky was the color of lead and has been all day but except for one pretty heavy shower this morning has rained very little only a very light drizzle part of the time but still enough to keep us off the land and to keep Dad's spirits down. This morning he and Frank helped me put the wire on the posts in the chicken yard and put the gate on. This after noon Dad. helped Enah house clean and I just puttered around and raked some leaves and old grass out of the ditch at the foot of the lawn. Frank went fishing down at the East pier but said they weren't biting, he has about the poorest luck of any body I ever heard of I don't remember of his having caught a fish since he has been here. He says he is going to get up early some morning to try his luck and if it isn't any better he is going to quit. I had a practice on the fiddle to-night. I am making a little progress. Saturday April 17th Although we had visions of doing a little work this morning of some kind or other just to keep in trim but we wound up in doing nothing but receive callers the number of which was two. First Alfred came over with some cabbages for us and he was here a long time talking of every thing under the sun except the war which is getting rather played out as a topic of conversation amongst us farmers now that Spring work has commenced and the weather is of such vital importance to us. Alfred thinks it is going to be fine now for awhile I guess like Dad that the wish </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> is father to the thought. He hadn't been gone long when John Wess drove in and wanted Dad. to give his mare a ball so Dad did but she was the worst one he said he ever tackled not that she was very mean although she scraped about half the skin off the back of his hand and took a chunk out of the end of his finger, but her mouth was so narrow that he couldn't get the dose back far enough but at last after two unsuccessful attempts he managed to get one down her. This after noon we hauled a load of hay over to the horse stable and a jag over to the barn for the cows. Frank cleaned out the shop and now has it very tidy. Before tea we got the old stove we got from Cousin Bessy set up on its blocks but Dad has to cut a piece off the stove pike to make it fit the chimney It has been a lovely sunny day and is a nice clear night although the wind as gone around to the south an its pretty hard to say what it will do The new moon is nearly flat on its back and that is a positively certain sign that one of the two prophecies concerning it in that position will prove correct. Some say it is that way so the indians can thang their powder horns on it and stay in camp as it will rain or else when in that shape it will hold water and not spill any consequence being a dry "spell" Sunday April 18th I got up fairly early this morning and was able to get around in time for Sunday school with Frank. Hazen was there and volunteered to teach Mrs. Tuck's class. After Sunday school he & I went to inquire after Mr. Smith, he came to the door himself and said he was feeling better but that Harry would not let him go to school to-morrow He seemed very worried about missing so much school at this time of year, he said Mrs. Smith was very ill and that if Harry hadn't come up the other day she would have never got better but as he did she was better this morning. Instead of going to church we took a walk up the lake shore and got quite a few mayflowers in McCoy's & Dixon's woods then Hazen came over with me to dinner. This after noon we took another walk back to the gully and through Charlie McQueen's place and I went part way down town with Hazen. Colin Ryersie came up to go for a ride so Frank went with him. Dad & Enah went over to Tupper's the took Tiddums but he kicked up an awful row they said when they tried to take him in the house but was alright after they got in. It has been a lovely day but looks very much like rain. Monday April 19th We have been working on the land all day. This morning </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dad. sowed the little piece of spring plowing on top of the hill and I worked it in. This after noon (Tobe has gone to sleep over this so I will take it) We worked two teams on the other part of the field over the gully I had Joe and Dave, Dave went first rate for his first hitching. Beautiful day warm and bright. Sunday April 20th I worked on the field alone this forenoon, finished disking. After dinner I took Harry and Dave and Tobe Belle and Joe and we cross harrowed and disked the field, finished about 5 O'Clock then Tobe came up with Joe and Dave and I put Harry and Belle on the drill and drilled until 6-30. Tobe and Frank were busy at odds and ends all forenoon. Another fine day but cooler. We got the good news to-day that {Wese?} and Alice were coming home. Wednesday April 21st Toby and Frank cleaned out the cellar this forenoon and I went fback and finished drilling and began harrowing. Young Porritt came way back then with one of Hugh McQueens hounds to have me sew it up. I told him I could not do it there but to leave it tied up in the barn and I would fix it up at noon, that and other chores made me so late that I thought I would not go to the back of the place but would begin on the corn stubble it works up all right. Frank went back to see if he could measure in some way the number of acres we have sowed he has not made his calculations yet. Hattie is tired to night she has been house-cleaning the clothes room and it is a big job. Frank has gone down town Toby to bed and I must go too. I nearly froze on the disk this after noon it was very cold a nasty North East wind all day but bright. Thursday April 22nd Dad. finished harrowing over the gully this morning and has been harrowing on the corn stubble the rest of the day he had Joe & Ginger all day. Frank disked for an hour or two this morning while I finished up with the chores and then I went out till noon but Frank has been disking all the after noon with the big team. The corn stubble will take a </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> lot of work on this side as it is so soddy. I did chores all the after noon and went down to the mill to see if they had any barley for seed as Dad. thinks he will mix oats & barley to sow on the corn stubble. They only had the O.A.C. No 21 and it was $1.10 a bushel but I guess Dad. will get some. There were a couple of fellows down this morning from Simcoe Murdock was one of them and they want Dad. for a witness at a lawsuit that is coming off next Tuesday Murdock says that Hamilton & Yeager hired Lea to skin him on a horse deal. The horse is the big grey stallion with the crooked legs that was travelling down here last spring and as Dad. saw him they want him to say that he was unsound. Poor old Bluch has a pretty sore leg to-day and can only hop around on three legs. He & Snoop Law got into a scrap yesterday and aparently Snoop was the best dog for once in his life. It has been milder to-day with the wind in the south but very cloudy with a little rain. Friday April 23rd It rained hard enough during the night to prevent us from going on the land but will do a lot of good as it was hot & cloudy all morning and will make things grow Frank and I drove down to Billy Langs this morning to see if he had any barley cheaper than they had at the mill, but Jack was at school and poor Billy was sick and in bed. We went up to the house and after I chased around from the front to the back door three or four times to discover a fain hallo! which I was sure I heard in answer to my knock I discovered it was escaping from a partially raised window which evidently belonged to the room where Billy was in bed. His voice sounded unnaturally weak as he told me he hadn't any barley so Frank and I went on up and got six bushels at the mill. We found Dad. with the old white ewe half sheared when we got home and he & Frank finished her by noon while I did chores. This after noon Dad. helped me get my incubator down cellar again and then we mixed the oats & barley out on the barn floor. We put one bag of oats through the fanning mill so see if we could clean any of the straws out of it but we got more good oats out behind than we did dirt so we stopped. It is pretty clean anyway. Dad. & I then put the beans through and got most of the dirt out of them while Frank went down town. Dad. has felt very miserable all day Saturday April 24th We didn't do much but chores all morning and Dad I </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> cleaned out the bull's pen. Dad felt pretty miserable all morning but still worked around he & Frank went out to look at the field to see if it was dry and they thought it would do to go on after dinner, so Frank got out early and got a good half day in at it while Dad. sheared old Greynose. I helped him hold her and according to my nature when I am not in action, went fast asleep. I also went over to Jack Martin's to see what I could get fifty eggs for to set under the hens I got from Tupper and I was agreeably suprised when he told me he would trade evenly with me and that I could get them Monday. I thought it was pretty decent of him as he said they would be better eggs than mine and I could toe punch the chicks for cockrels. Dad. went out about five to relieve Frank who came in and went down to Huby's to tea as this was Winnie's birthday. I went down after tea as Huby was over to dinner and said we would have a game of poker but there were two or three girls there who didn't care to play poker so we played catechism instead. We got home early. It has been hot all day and is very hot to-night feels very much like rain. Sunday April 25th I got up at five o'clock this morning so managed to get to Sunday school and church with Frank. As Topsy has resigned Enah had to go down and play the organ Dad. drove her down and came back after her leaving Tiddums in Dick's charge. This after noon Charlie Dunkin & Frank Bond drove in and Dunkin brought us the registration papers for the ewes, at last we thought we were never going to get them, they were here most of the after noon but Dad & I wernt back over the wheat to the gully and Tiddums followed us. The wheat is pretty fair only spots which don't look very well. I drove Enah down to church again to-night but came back home. Frank has been down all the after noon so he will be at church. Colin Ryersie rode in after dinner but we thought it was too hot to go for a ride so he went down the lake shore alone to get Corby. It has been very hot all day but is a little cooler to-night. Looks rainy Monday April 26th Dad. & Frank got out good and early this morning and with both teams and I got out about eight to take Franks team as he had to go to school to-day. Mr. Smith being well enough to be on the job again. Sam Law came over to give us a day with his springtooth I had the disks and Sam & I got over to the middle of the field by noon & Dad. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> got it all harrowed. This afternoon Dad. took the drill out and got four rounds drilled when it commenced to rain a thunderstorm had come up very suddenly and there were two or three very close flashes of lightening. It seemed to be all around us, it rained very hard for a few minutes and Sam went home. Dad. brought the seed in and after it was over went out to bring in the drill. When he got out there he found it had soaked right in and has scarcely wet the ground so he went right on & harrowed and then came & got the seed and finished drilling, he worked till after dark and then didn't have enough seed to sow the headlands. He started with the drill set at two bushel of oats to the acre but he found it was going too fast all to-gether, as when it is set for two bushels of oats it is three of barley so he tightened it up a little but it was still going too fast so he finally got it sowing two bushels of barley which is the same as one of oats he sowed what seed there was left at this rate. I just did chores this after noon and went over to get my eggs from Jack Martin to-night I set them under five hens. Mrs McBride was here all day. Tuesday April 27th Dad. went out first thing and sowed the headlands of the corn stubble broadcast with oats out of the granary & harrowed them in, he then started harrowing on the barley ground I did up the chores and came out about half past nine to relieve him, as he wanted to leave for Simcoe at half past eleven to be at the court house at one. I harrowed all morning and got nearly all over it. It works up beautifully. Frank came home at noon and after he did up the noon chores he came out and disked while I just did chores around. Dad. took Enah & Tid with him and they didn't get back till about eight o'clock so Frank and I had to look after ourselves. We were rather disappointed to hear that after all they settled the {illegible} without any lawsuit, but Dad. had to wait up there all the after noon to find it out. He saw everybody he knew up there though and got the harness fixed. Bob. Davis went past to-day with an enormous black Percheron stallion with a white strip in his face he would weigh about twenty one hundred and twice the size of Bickler's. In to-day's and yesterday's papers there are long lists of Canadian casualties. They had their first serious engagement on Friday & Saturday at Langemark where they recaptured some lost guns & ground and prevented a wedge of Germans from surrounding and taking a body of French troops. The paper said their losses were heavy but they saved the day. Nice day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday April 28th Dad. took the big team out first thing this morning and disked and as soon as I got the chores done I went out with the littlle team. Dad. took them and harrowed over the corn stubble and I disked on the barley ground till noon. This after noon Dad. took the big team and ran out the land furrows in the corn stubble it took him all the after noon and he didn't get any cross ditches run. We didn't work the little team as they had a pretty hard morning of it and we didn't want to put Ginger on a tongue anyway so I did chores all the afternoon. The cows broke out of the barnyard and I thought if I let them on the road they wouldn't go far as there is some lovely pasture but they weren't content to stay anywhere so after chasing around for about an hour I had to put them in. Win came over to tea to-night and Frank has just gone down with her. Bickler was down here to day with "Trachety". It has been sunny all day with cool breeze a little thunder shower early this morning Poor Ade Millman was married to-day. Thursday April 29th Dad. finished running out the ditches this morning while I did chores and then I took the big team and disked the rest of the barley ground while Dad. shovelled out the ditches in the barley & oats, he says he dug up quite a few wireworms. I just finished disking by noon and took the disks up. This after noon I harrowed with the little team and Dad followed me with the drill. He didn't get started till after four so it was dark before he finished but he got through all but a plot 20 yds square in the north east corner which we left to sow my O.A.C. No 72 oats on. Enah got an announcement of Earney Skey's wedding, he was married yesterday. Nice day but cool wind all day. Friday April 30th Dad. went out first thing this morning and sowed the little plot of O.A.C. No 72 oats and harrowed them in as he sowed them broadcast he said they were a little thin in the centre of the plot as he ran short of seed. When he came in, he Tiddums and I went down town in the waggon and got Aunty Alice's trunks which were at the station having been checked right through and took them up to Hubys My little chestnut tree from Glen Bros was there too. It cost me $1.00 duty & expenses. We got some cream jars over at the James' and some oats chopped at the mill Dad took a whole waggon load of bags up to the mill for old Ivey and we also got a bushel of clover seed at Billy Laings to sow on the barley and oats. It was raining a little when we got back </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and Tiddums was just about asleep. Dad. helped me set out my chestnut tree before dinner, we put in the same place where one of the little English walnuts had been and filled the hole up with nice black earth from the garden and back of the barn instead of the stiff clay of the lawn. This after noon old Mr. Evans came after Dad in a great state of alarm as he had let his cows out on the road and one of them came home very bloated. Dad. went over with him and found John Wess & Cam there looking at the cow but didn't seem to know what to do. Dad just tied a stick in her mouth and he said the never saw bloat go down so fast, before he left she was chewing her cud and old Evans was tickled to death. Dad. was over there the best part of the after noon and when he got back he put the dining room carpet down for Enah. I spent the after noon cleaning out the chicken houses. Harry Smith drove in to-night with the little Pecan tree I ordered from Brown Bros. through Mr. Morgan. It wasn't wrapped up at all and had a long tap root about twice as long as the top and very little fibrous roots I just heeled it in for to-night. Harry stood out in the rain for about half an hour dicussing the future prosperity of Dover in his comical and characestistic characteristic (or however you spell the dum word) way and telling us the difficulties he had in getting money on the lots he sold over Brant Hill, but he thought the war couldn't last for ever and hard times would be over some day and when the new railway "come in from Brantford" and they established a lake traffic and "drudged the mashes" all out up the creek, why he looked for a big boom. Old Ivey told us this morning that last nights paper had the news that Blight had been completely burned out and Dick said to-night that it was reported he had lost thirty thousand dollars as he had just put in seventeen thousand dollars worth of new machinery It has rained most of the day but it has been a nice gentle rain Saturday May 1st Dad. put in another whole day on the barley ground, this morning he rolled it and this afternoon harrowed it and ran out the ditches and started to clean some. Frank and I spent most of the forenoon trying to catch the old white ewe or her lamb to give the little fellow a suck but she was too cute for us and wouldn't get in a corner at last we got her around in the shed and managed to catch her and put her in the barn. Tiddums followed us all over the field saying he was having a good time, he could hardly walk part of the time for laughing at us and the ewe. We then </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {This is a repeat of the previous page} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> went out with a rail & a chain and started to pull the posts along the old fence bottom which is between the barley field and the corner field. Frank took Dad's place on the roller and Dad. helped me pull posts, we got about half of them out by noon. This after noon I went over to Jack Martins with some eggs and borrowed their post auger, when I came back I dug a hole with it in the lane in front of the house and Frank helped me plant my Pecan tree in it. I have my grave doubts about it ever ammounting to anything although it had root enough. Frank went over to Preston's and sacked up four bushels of potatoes as we are out of them now and when Dad finished harrowing we took the team & waggon and went and got them they were forty five cents a bushel. I went in for a few minutes to see Arthur who has been laid up for about a month and he looks tough, he hasn't had energy enough to shave and with his beautiful beard is the image of the old man. Bluch followed us down there and while prowling around saw Mrs. Herb. Cook's tame rabbit and took after it. The rabbit was too fat to run so the consequence was he killed it. Darn him! I spent the whole evening practicing on the fiddle and piano. Dad. was up at five o'clock this morning and took a letter he had written to Aunty down to post then while he was separating the milk Jack Anderson came after him to tell him his grandfather's cow was choking on an apple Dad. was hopping mad at old Lige sending after him but he went down and fixed the cow and said he gave Lige an awful calling down and told him never to send for him again. Lila and Dorothy Anderson have been over here all the after noon. Today's paper has another long list of Canadian Casualties and the 48th Highlanders have lost heavily. Fred McDonald is missing and his picture is in the Globe, it says the missing are either prisoners or their bodies still lie in the no man's land between the two armies. It has been cooler to-day and cloudy but no rain. Sunday May 2nd I was up fairly early this morning but didn't get to Sunday school, Frank went and Enah and I drove down to church, we were late so I sat up behind the organ. It was communion sunday and after the sermon I thought I would go out till those of the choir who didn't stay could went out and I went down and was talking to Pud. Slocombe for awhile and when I got back to church I was too late to go in This afternoon Colin Ryersie came up and he Frank & I went for a ride. Colin's mare "Lady" & Belle had both been </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> working all week so we didn't ride them hard, we went down the Lake Shore to Corbett's but Corby didn't go with us. When we got home Enah, Dad. & Tiddums had gone back to the gully for a walk. Cool & rather cloudy all day but no rain. Monday May 3rd Dad. cleaned at the ditches in the barley field most of the morning but didn't quite finish them. Enah, Tiddums & I went down town in the lumber waggon as Enah wanted to get some oilcloth for our bedroom and some other stuff. We got a post auger at James', he said it was the best kind he knew but it was just like Vyse's. When we got back Dad. and I gathered up the good posts that we pulled the other day from the fence bottom between the barley & corner fields and took them back to the gully to fix the cross fence. On our way back we gathered up the other posts that were pulled and what rubbish there was and brought it up to the house. This after noon Dad let the cattle back the lane and we went back with them to fix fence, we were back there most of the after noon and got soaking wet as we were out in the biggest part of a cold rain, but we put in four posts and got the fence fixed fairly well. The cattle as soon as they got out instead of gorging themselves on grass took a walk around every fence to see if there was any place where they could get out. Mary who Dad. let out of the barn for the first time this morning didn't know what grass was and was afraid of the mudhole in the lane so didn't go back with the others, but I think she will soon be acquainted with the outside world. Charlie Quanbury was in on his way home from his farm to-night, he said Steve Powell hadn't heard anything from or of Cecil since the big battle so they supposed he wasn't in it, the last letter they got from him he was in the hospital with pneumonia which he contracted after spending forty eigh hours in the trenches. I saw Herb. Cooke this morning and he informed me that in retaliation for the sudden death of his pet rabbit he was going to shoot Bluch the next time he came around his place I told him to go ahead and shoot him. Cloudy and a cold east wind to-day. It rained all the after noon and evening but will likely do good. Tuesday May 4th Dad. & I went back to the gully to finish fixing fence but while we were back there John Wess came along to ask Dad. about a cow that stood around and didn't eat but grunted. Dad. told him to give her a dose of salts but he said he did so we went back with him to see her. We had a look at her and then turned her out for a bite of </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> grass, had a look at his new bull which is a beauty but very small, got weighed on his new scales, I weighed 156 lbs and Dad. shrunk a few pounds since the other day when he was over so that he didn't weigh so much as John Wess. We then all had a drink of cider and a look at the sick horse and the young calves and went in to the house to see the new 25. calibre rifle that Cam brought home and the new telescope sight he brought for his father, he also brought him a little 22. and we had a few shots out of it at a target while Dad. was talking to Mrs. McBride and when he came out he wanted to know where the sick cow had got to so we had to go and look for her. John Wess and I had forgotten all about her but she was out behind the barn nipping a little grass but it was beginning to rain so we put her in. John Wess gave us about a peck of peas for seed in the garden and after having a look at the little pigs and the wheat we started for home, his wheat looks beautiful it is so even and clean. The piece that was sowed first was on a summer fallow and was up a little higher than that on the pea stubble which was in pretty late but was not so good a color. One part of the pea stubble field next the lane didn't get any manure on it and there is about four inces difference in the growth of it and the other part of the same field. He has a dandy catch of clover but clover is going to be thicker than we expected but the {illegible} is thicker still. It was nearly one o'clock when we got up and Enah and Eliza McBride were waiting dinner for us Mrs McBride is in Buffalo on a visit so Elizas is on the job to-day. They said the two Quanbury boys had been over and had looked all over the farm and the whole length & breadth of the gully for us to get their pigs but couldn't find us of course. Just after dinner Mrs. Tom Cooper and old Mrs. Billy Anderson tramped over in the pouring rain to see Dad. about old Mehaley's little dog which got a crack over the back with a club the other day. As they were soaking wet there was nothing for it but for Dad. to hook up and take them home. It poured rain all the after noon so we didn't do much but sit around and get in Enah's & Eliza's road. I was pretty lucky this after noon though in steering clear of job for Eliza is just as bad as her mother to work. I drove her home after tea. It has been a cold rain but no thunder. Wednesday May 5th Dad and I took a walk over the barley ground or around it rather and around the barley & oats but there </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was very little water lying but the ditches were all full Dad. of course thinks we got altogether too much rain but we saw Tupper coming along the side road and he gave us a ride around to the house, he thinks we just got enough rain as it is really the first rain to ammount to anything all year. Tupper wanted some advice from Dad about a cow with a teat torn so that the milk came out of the side of it. He turned his cattle on the road the other day and they got up near Walker's lane and Trum set the dog on them and he took after the best cow Tupper had. Dad. told him to put a siphon in it and draw it up and wrap it with adhesive tape. I spent the rest of the day cutting the lawn and got it looking better although the old lawn mower doesn't work very well and leaves it all streaked. Dad. helped Enah paste up some wallpaper in the hall and this after noon went back to set a couple more fence posts. The war news is not very cheerful to-day. The Allies are advancing all right in Turkey but the Russians are being driven back by the Austro-German advance in Galicia and the Germans are bringing in a half a million fresh troops to the Western Front. I don't think we know much about it from these papers. There has been rain and sunshine by spells all day to-day. Milder Thursday May 6th Dad. Tiddums and I went down to the mill first thing this morning as I was right out of chicken feed. When we got back we went out and pulled the old posts that were in the old garden and the few that were left in the old fence bottom and hauled them back to the gully and strewed them along the road fence. Tiddums went with us but got pretty sleepy. We had to go up the road to turn around and Art Quanbury had left his waggon on the road with his horse food in it and Evans & Lampkins cows were all into it. Art. was plowing but I guess it would be too wet. This after noon Dad. & I went back and fixed more fence in this end of the gully, we got the crossfence and the north fence pretty well fixed. About five o'clock we went over to John Wess' to see his sick cow He had her out although she wasn't feeling right yet. She ate and chewed her cud but still grunted. We were there till nearly six visiting. We shouldn't have stayed so long as it made us too late to get down to the train and Aunty & Aunty Alice came home to-night. Frank went down to meet them and Dad. & I went down to Huby's later to see them. It has been nice and sunny to-day but a rather cold wind. The Quanbury's got their four pigs yesterday. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday May 7th It rained before we got up this morning and has been raining pretty much all day although there were a few patches of sunshine. This after noon there was a terrific downpour but it didn't last long. The ground is full of water now and of course Dad. thinks or says he does that we are ruined, but I wouldn't be a bit surprised if we lived through it all and maybe even through next winter without starving to death. I tested the eggs in the incubator this morning and they tested out about half I took out sixty four and left a lot of doubtful ones in. I didn't expect much of a hatch anyway as the eggs were old. I hard boiled all the ones I took out and am going to keep them for the little fellow. This after noon Dad. Enah and Tiddums went down town to see Aunty & Aunty Alice, they didn't get caught in the heavy rain but got some of it. I spent the day making hen's nests for setting hens and a coop for hens and chicks or rather repairing an old one which Williams left here. To-night I went down and got my hair cut and then down to Huby's to see Aunty and Aunty Alice. Everybody is talking now about the news in to-night's paper. The Germans have torpedoed the "Lusitania" and about fifteen hundred passengers were drowned. They gave warning to passengers in Washington before she sailed but everybody had such confidence in her great speed being such a protection to her that they didn't pay any attention to the warnings of the German embassy. Dad. thinks they were perfectly justified in sinking her as she was carrying a large consignment of ammunition and other contraband of war, but even then it doesn't seem to me to be any excuse for sinking so many women and babies. I think the Captain and the Cunard line were also very much to blame for allowing women passengers to go with such a cargo. There were about 150 babies on board and they all either drowned or died of exposure about six hundred people were saved. They were in the Irish Sea about ten miles out from the Irish coast and there were a lot of ships came out immediately she sank but it was so sudden and she sank in thirty minutes that there was no time to get ready for it. Aunty & Aunty Alice came home on the train with a little woman 21 years old with a four months old baby who was going from her home in Saskatoon to her father in Englan as he was all alone, his five sons being at the front and she was the only other child. She was to have sailed on the Lusitania. The porter on the train begged her not to go on that boat as she was doomed but she said she was not afraid. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday May 8th Instead of fixing fence this morning as we intended Dad. & Frank worked all morning cleaning out the woodshed while I weeded out the rose bed and got it looking much better. This after noon Aunty & Aunty Alice came over and we all except Enah went back to the woods for awhile. They intended to go back down town after tea but it rained so hard they had to stay here all night. I got a letter from Ottawa to-day with a copy of the Canada Gazette enclosed with a law marked in it prohibiting the importation of chestnut trees from the States and saying that I would have to either export it back or destroy it. I was naturally pretty mad about it as I thought they should have never let it cross the line and not sent it up here and let me pay duty on it and get it all set out, however I wrote them a nice letter asking them to let me keep it if possible. It has been a lovely day but rained to-night. Sunday May 9th I didn't get ready in time this morning to get to Church or Sunday school so Dad. drove Enah down and went down again after her. I wrote to Quint instead of going to church. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over to dinner with Frank and Win also came over for the afternoon. After dinner we had a little music and then Dad. drove Aunty & Aunty Alice up to the cemetry. Soon after they left Mrs. Smythe & Pud drove in and were here all the after noon and to tea Pud. and I went to the back of the place and wandered around Enah, Mrs. Smythe, Frank & Win. went down to church while Dad. Pud & I stayed here to guard Tid in case he woke up Dicky Smith was in for a while after tea to get some information concerning the dehorning of a cow. Charlie Quanbury & Colin Ryersie were both in a different times this after noon on horseback. Nice day but cooler. Monday May 10th We fixed fence all day to-day but as we were working along the road we didn't get on so amazingly fast, but we got it pretty well fixed from Evan's line down to the gate into the big gully, we also fixed the gate which got all broken to pieces during the winter or on Hallowe'en, I forget which The two Quanbury boys were pulling posts on their side of the road and that was conducive to considerable mutual visiting and restarted progress. This after noon Art. Walker came along and told us all his experiences during his ten weeks stay in the General Hospital having his eye </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> treated. As it was the longest period Art. ever spent away from home, there was much to tell. Then Tupper appeared on the scene with about half a dozen boards in his waggon & had evidently been down town all the after noon at the very least but we were up on the hill and couldnt hear him talk very well on account of the wind so he didn't stay long with us but went up and spent half an hour or so talking to the Quanbury boys. To-nights paper says that Fred McDonald is a prisoner in Germany and Aunty got a letter from Cousin Carrie which confirms the report. They heard through some lady in London whose son is sharing the same fate at Fred. Cousin Carrie said that if they had received the news ten days ago it would have been awful but after the suspence they have been in since he was reported missing it is a happy relief. George Duncan came over to-night on his motorcycle and said the rails which Dad spoke for are in their road now as they have to put their fence up so Dad. told him we would be up to-morrow after them, although we hated to stop our other work. Sunny and warm. Tuesday May 11th We got a good early start this morning and managed to get home two loads of rails before one o'clock. This after noon we only got one load as we were delayed considerably. Jack Davis came in before we left with King Chocolate. I think we will use him this year with Belle as we can't seem to get any colts from a heavy horse and we don't know of a thorobred stallion in the country. Sensation has gone to Montreal where he stands for $100. and I guess King Chocolate is the next best we can get. We were stopped again on the road by Wess Buchner who wanted to ask Dad. about his horse's shoulder. He, Jack McBride, Wm. Walker and another fellow are all riding the road machine to-day and seem to be having a very sociable & enjoyable time of it, they have changed the beats now and those fellows come right down to our corner, Dad. told them he wouldn't raise any kick if they scraped our lane for us and we were very much surprised to-night to find they had. Our next holdup was when we reached Duncan's as old Bill was in the lane clipping weeds when we went up and coming back. He would have been talking yet but happily they were hauling manure so we had to move on in a little while to get out of the men's way. We didn't get home till nearly six o'clock and there is still a load up there which </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we will have to get in the morning. Mrs. McPherson & Mrs. Myers were in this morning each with her "youngest". Mrs. Myers brought back the hen canary she got the other day as it wouldn't mate with hers. Dad. thought that as he had given it to her she might have had the decency to keep it as we don't want the pesky thing. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over to-night to stay awhile. We saw in to-nights paper that Earl Dewar who was at the front with the 10th Battalion was dead. I think he must have died of some illness and not wounds as we saw a week or so ago that he was seriously ill. Very hot & sunny to-day Wednesday May 12th This morning we went back after our last load of rails. We were gone all morning as Dad. had to stop in at Wess Buchner's to lance his horses' shoulder. He had two of them each with an awful shoulder. He just ran the exploring needle into one and says it will have to be opened again. On our way out of Duncan's lane with our rails we ran across old Bill again. He was worrying to death because one of the manure spreaders wouldn't work. He says he worries all the time and can't help it. he is afraid everything will go wrong when he isn't at the head of things and every little mishap he sees drives him nearly crazy. George is in reality doing fine. We had a very early dinner and right after it Dad. drove Aunty & Aunty Alice up to the cemetry and I spent the after noon disking, harrowing and rolling the garden and disking & harrowing the strip in the plum orchard where we are going to put the raspberries. After they got back Dad. caught his ewe and sheared her and before tea Aunty Alice put in some onion sets or multipliers at the head of the garden. Aunty and Tim-boy worked all the after noon at the flower bed in front of the house.Very nice day not so hot as yesterday. Thursday May 13th Aunty Alice and I worked in the garden all morning and got in a row of squaw corn which she brought from the West three rows of peas which John Wess gave us five or six rows of Dad. Atkinson potatoes and Aunty Alice went over to the Quanbury's and got some cabbage and tomato plants and put them out We then ran out of seed but Enah had to go down town this after noon to give Miss Dyer some instructions about playing the organ in church and she got some more </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Dad. sowed clover seed on the barley & oats and alsike on the wheat this morning and this after noon ran a ditch up through the garden and helped me set out some raspberrys which I dug up out of the old garden. It was very hot this morning but got cloudy and cooler. Friday May 14th I helped Dad. stick up some wire this morning between the orchard & the plum orchard as there is fine pasture in the one while the oats in the plum orchard aren't big enough to turn on yet. I then helped Aunty Alice put in the rest of the garden we put in beets, carrots, beans and a lot of Golden Bantam corn which I planted with the planter and some radish, lettuce & pepper seed and some lettuce plants which came up from seed. This after noon Dad. & I worked at the gully fence again and got it pretty well fixed along the road. Aunty & Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's to roll bandages for the Red Cross Mr. Quanbury gave Aunty Alice some more cabbage plants and lettuce plants as the old gobbler ate a half a dozen of the other cabbages. Miss Harding and Winnie were over to tea to-night. I got word yesterday that my little chestnut tree must go back to the States or perish here. Nice day. Saturday May 15th Frank had to go to school this morning for some special exam so Dad. & I spent the morning fixing the fence along the north side of the gully at least he did but I just sat around most of the time. It is a job that two have to be at part of the time but part of the time one is out of a job. This after noon Frank helped him and I dug up my little tree and took it down and expressed it back to Glen Bros. asking them to refund my money but I don't suppose they will, Aunty & Aunty Alice went down town too. We were in at Huby's for a little while He has been working all week at his garden and has it all in now. He says he is coming over to the farm on Monday There has been quite a cold wind all day and it froze last night but not enough to hurt anything here. Sunday May 16th Dad. woke up somewhere about four o'clock this morning and was reminded that he didn't turn the windmill out by hearing it going so he got up to do it, and on taking a look behind the old barn found Ginger with great big mouse colored colt as fine as a fiddle. As it was beginning to rain and was cold Dad. got me and we put </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> them in the box stall. Billy is a dandy horse colt as straight as a string two white feet and a spot in his forehead. Dad. thinks he will be black. Aunty, Frank and I drove down to Sunday school and church this morning but none of us ezxcept Dick who followed his usual course of action went anywhere else all day but spent the after noon reading and I had a little practice on my horn with Enah. It has rained a quiet drizzling rain nearly all day but has been cold. Monday May 17th Huby came over at seven this morning and he and Dad have worked all day up at the cemetry doing some work for Aunty Alice. They took a waggon load of rich earth up and a lot of sod. This after noon Aunty, Aunty Alice and Tid. went up with them and they were rather late getting home. I spent the day cutting the lawn and doing odd jobs, my chickens are all starting to hatch to-day and there seems to be quite a bunch of them. I wernt over to Jack Martin's a couple of times to see if I could get some chicken feed but just enough for to-night and the morning. Albert Buck was over to-night to see if he could sell Aunty Alice his house. Everyone seems to be deluded into thinking that she wants to buy although she has never had the slightest intention of it. Some even went so far as to say she had bought Maneers house on Main St. Enah and Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's after tea and when they got back Enah and I had a little practice on the fiddle & piano. It has been cloudy and very raw and cold all day. Tuesday May 18th Dad & I took the chickens out of the machine this morning and stuck them under the old hens over the hog pen. They only had thirteen between the three of them and one hen didn't hatch any at all. About thirty came out of the incubator and they are still hatching. I put the eggs which weren't hatched from under the hens in the incubator. Dad. got started to plow the corn ground but Bob Miller & Whit Dixon came over to look at the steers and they were here about an hour. Dad. wouldn't sell either of his steers but Whit came over to where I was and asked me what I wanted for my steer. I thought likely he had been dickering with Dad or I wouldn't have sold him but Whit said the market was glutted so I let him go for seventy dollars and they get him when they want him. I guess I lost on him but if I </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> can get my money for him right away it will be worth something. Huby dug up enough more raspberries out of the old garden to finish the line we started and another one. After we set them out after dinner, we went back and grubbed out some old trees which were along the old fence bottom at the north end of the gully fence wheat stubble and where Dad is plowing He is going to plow it up the fence bottom and put potatoes on it if we ever get around to it as Peter McArthur says. We didn't finish this job till it was time to come up and do chores. Aunty & Aunty Alice went up to the Smythe's to-day to stay for a day or two. It is still cold and raw. It froze last night and will again to-night. It is bad weather for all the crops. Wednesday May 19th Huby has been over all day and has been grubbing out dead trees in the plum orchard most of the day and got them all cleaned out. I did chores most of the morning and this after noon went over and got 559 lbs of mixed feed from Jack Martin for the chickens. I had to sack it up myself so was gone quite awhile. Chris told me to hook old Jack up to the democrat and bring it home which I did. Dad. quit plowing about five and we all went down to get Aunty Alice's freight which Dick told us came yesterday. Enah & the baby went down with us and stayed at Huby's till we came back from the train, we left the boxes at Huby's. I got a letter from Glen Bros. to-night saying that they could not accept the tree as it was not barred from entering the Dominion. They sent me a copy of a letter they received from the Government Botanist of B.C. saying there were only two varietys of chestnut trees barred. They also sent me a copy of a letter they wrote to Mr. {Gusson?} telling him he was wrong. To-night I rode out to the Smythe's to see how they were out there and found them all right It was after half past nine when I got there so I didn't stay long. Huby brought over two little chest butternut tree which he got on his way over and set them out. It has been cloudy & cold all day but is not going to freeze to night. It did again last night. Charlie Quanbury lost 600 tomato plants in a cold frame. Thursday May 20th Huby came over this morning and has been digging out old peach trees in the old garden all day, while Dad. plowed. Sam Law came over and borrowed the disks, roller & harrows to work up his garden and and his lane which he graded up. I did a lot of chores aided by Tid both after breakfast & after dinner. I have about sixty little chicks all to-gether under three hens, the incubator did better than I expected. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> after I did chores I went out and helped Huby We got out all the old peach trees and all but a few of the old currant bushes We left a few for this summer's crop. We also burned the old haycocks which were out in the field. It began to rain about five o'clock and we had to come in. It has been a little warmer to day but a cold wind and cloudy. Friday May 21st It has rained off and on nearly all day clearing up late this after noon. Dad. plowed three rounds but got pretty wet. It would stop raining every time he got to this end of the field and look so clear that he would start off again when it would immediately start in again to rain, this kept up for three rounds but the fourth he quit anyway although in the dry but it was wet again before he got to the house We didn't do much all day but chores. This after noon we hooked up to the waggon and went down to the mill after some chop & flour. Tid. went with us. We saw John Wess who was telling us about his neighbor Smith who is Bill Oakes son-in-law and who just moved down on Wright's place this Spring. He is sick in bed with Typhoid fever and the other day John Wess had to go over and bury his horse which got over a barbed wire fence and cut itself so badly that it bled to death. It was a fine big three year old which he had been offered $275.00 for this Spring. About seven o clock Mrs. Smythe brought Aunty & Aunty Alice back. Frank spent the evening down town playing poker with Huby & Aunty Maude as Win & Lila were at the show. Milder since the rain. Saturday May 22nd Dad. got in a pretty good day plowing to day. Frank had to go to school this morning and I just did chores. This after noon he & I levelled up the water troughs. The one at this end had sagged so that when it filled the water ran out of the top instead of the overflow pipe but I think we got it fixed pretty well. When we got that done Frank, Lila & Dorothy Anderson went back to the woods and I started to hoe the patch where the currant bushes are. Enah went down town this after noon and I drove down after her about half past five. Aunty & Aunty Alice went down town this morning and Aunty stayed at Huby's to dinner. She & Winnie came over this after noon & Win. went down with me before tea. Mrs. Col. Smith & Mrs. Hobbes came over this after noon and Aunty Alice and Tiddums entertained them. It has been a fine day but rather windy and cool much milder that it was though. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday May 23rd Aunty & Frank got a pretty down to Sunday School & church this morning and Dad. & Enah got a pretty good start for the Smythe's so that they were able to get to St. John's for church Mrs. Smythe invited them up there to dinner to see Louise as she came up from Toronto yesterday with the Evan's in their car to the Bowlby's but as they found they would see much more of Louise if they went to the Bowlby's to dinner so Mrs. Smythe was nice enough to let them go, they were there all the afternoon and Dad. got back in time to help me milk. They left Tiddums in Aunty's & Aunty Alice's care and he was very good and didn't cry a bit. At dinner he got a little egg on his dress and he looked up at Aunty and said "I usually wear a bib." This after noon Mr. Lawrie & Hubert came over for awhile they are here for over the 24th. Aunty Alice & I had a little concert this after noon. Frank went up to Walleys to look for Ginseng but didn't find any. Frank went down to church to-night. Nice sunny cool day. Monday May 24th Dad. plowed all day to-day, he helped me get the brooder out of the shed this morning and put it in the plum orchard and I was quite awhile cleaning it out and working around out there. I let the three old hens with their broods run loose to-day. I went over to Jack Martin's and got some chick food & scratch food. This after noon to celebrate the day Enah, Tiddums and I took a long and very pretty drive up around Vittoria & Port Ryersie, we took some pictures. Frank was down town all the after noon. Dover & Simcoe Nanticoke were playing baseball, but Dover got beaten by nine runs. Cars. Rankin accidently hit Art. Lawson in the eye with a bat and broke his glasses cutting his eye. Dick was down town all day too. Frank went with Winnie to the Moving Picture show to-night. Huby and Skinner Manning drove over to see Dad this after noon. It has been a lovely day. Sunny & warm Tuesday May 25th Dad. plowed till about five o'clock but had to stop as his shear was so badly worn so he disked till six I did up the chores and hoed every thing that was up in the garden I hoed a little more around the currant bushes it took me a good part of the day doing chores as the little chickens take up so much time. Aunty & Aunty Alice went down to have dinner with Mrs. Allen at the Norfolk House to-day and stayed down at Huby's to-night. Huby was over all day and got all the old rubbish out in the old garden </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> burned and the old post holes filled up. Frank went down town to-night to get Aunty to help him with his lessons. Very warm all day and a lovely gentle rain to-night. Bred Belle to King Chocolate this morning. Wednesday May 26th I did chores nearly all morning and sorted out the barrel of apples down cellar. I also started the incubator going. Huby came over and after he finished cleaning up the old fence bottom beween the barley and the clover field which he started yesterday, we started to line up for the chicken fence which I want to put up along east of the raspberries in the plum orchard. We were at that all the after noon and got stakes set and enough old posts and rails which we will use for posts between the bigger posts. We got enough old boards off the road fence to put along the bottom. Dad. plowed all day but didn't quite finish. He was delayed at noon by Bickler's man coming in with Truchety and we bred Ginger. He quit about five and to-night he & Enah went out to the John Shand's, they didn't get back till about twelve. Aunty & Aunty Alice came over this after noon but Tid didn't wake up. Colin Ryersie went past this morning and said they had started plowing the big flats yesterday, they were going to start two or three weeks ago. Colin said "It is just eighteen years ago the day before yesterday that Paw and {Drake?} Watts were out before the crow flapped her wings in the morning and planted the big field by one o'clock, then went down to play football for the Queen's birthday sports in the after noon". That was the last time the flats were plowed and Huby says it is just about that long ago next October when the creek was the highest he ever saw it and was running full with corn shucks, pumpkins, rail fences and down around the swing bridge apple barrels where they had floated off the cars at the station. This may account for the long span of years that Art's big flats were left in sod, but the creek is about two feet lower now than it was in those days. It has been cloudy and a very cold north wind all day and it looks like frost to-night. Thursday May 27th Huby didn't come over to-day so I spent the most of the morning doing chores but got the two lines of raspberries hoed and some of the old manure out of the chicken yard put around them. Dad. finished plowing the corn ground and got nearly over it with the disks it will take a lot of work. This after noon I drove Enah & Tid. down town for some groceries just as we got back Mr & Mrs Johnson & George came in with their car and they took Aunty Aunty Alice Enah & Tid up to the cemetry. Lila </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> came over with them. To-night Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's to borrow a book and I went with her. I also took Mrs. Charlie Martin a setting of eggs for which she paid me forty cents. I see by to-day's "Norfolk Reformer" that Capt. Simpson left this morning for England to join the Army Service Corps, I wish I had been up to drill before he went. Dick said to-night that May Ivey who is at the Culp's with plural pneumonia is not expected to live through the night. It froze hard again last night and did a lot of damage I guess. Some of our tomato plants in the garden were nipped and some were not, has been sunny but a very cold wind all day from the north. Friday May 28th After I did up the chores this morning I went out and took the team and Dad. came up and took the old sow down to Porter's, he was down there to dinner and didn't get back till four o'clock. I rolled the corn ground and got started to harrow it. Huby was over all day and set the posts in the plum orchard for the fence along the raspberries Something has been wrong with Snowdrop all day and to-night Huby Dad. & Frank examined her but couldn't see much but a little spot on her jaw which Dad. didn't think would affect her much, she went around all day with her nose to the ground and didn't eat at all. He ran the probang down her throat but everything seemed clear. Frank and I went down to Huby's to-night and had a game of poker. They had a baseball game down town to-night between the married and single men. Frank took it in but I didn't get down in time The single men men beat 6-5. Much warmer to-day. Saturday May 29th I worked on the corn ground all day to-day. I finished harrowing it and got it disked over lengthwise. Dad & Frank sheared sheep all day, they got four done I think Dad. says he is getting quite expert at it. Lila and Dorothy Anderson were over all the after noon and I let them ride the horses in from the field to-night which they seemed to enjoy, they had been waiting around for about an hour for me to unhook. Snowdrop is aparently all right to-day, we don't know what could have been wrong with her unless there was something in her throat that Dad. loosened with the probang and didn't know it. Aunty Alice has been tending to the little chickens for me, a lot of them have their eyes swelled shut. I think they have caught cold. It has been sunny all day but there has been a cold east wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday May 30th Aunty & Frank and I went to Sunday school and church. Enah came down to church and Dad. brought the baby down and went over with Enah to the James' for dinner and to spend the after noon, they took Tid. down to the lake for a little while and had an early tea down there. I saddled Joe and went for a ride after dinner. I went down to the Ryerse's but none of them went for a ride so I went out to the Shand's and got Charlie to go with me. His uncle John had the little sorel which he generally rides so he had to take Billy the big grey and the consequence was we couldn't go much off a walk. We went down to Marburg and up the third concession. I stopped in to see Sid. McBride but he wasn't home. I wanted to ask him about getting some more of his hog-meal. We also saw Hammond on his way home from Sunday school, we were talking to him for about an hour. He was telling us all his Guelph experiences, he would like to go to the war but his Dad. won't let him, the whole three of us would go if we got the chance, but Charlie is not well at all. I don't know what is wrong with him. Frank rode to Simcoe this after noon on his wheel, when I got home he was back after the cows. He was gone a very long time and upon investigation I found that a newly arrived calf was causing the delay, it belonged to Spot and Frank was bringing it up to the barn. It was a fine big red & white bull and had evidently been born quite early in the day. Dad. just got home as we got it up into the yard. Aunty and Aunty Alice went down to stay at Huby's for a week It has been a fine day but a cold east wind. Monday May 31st I disked crosswise on the corn ground all day but didn't get quite over it. Dad. sheared some more sheep, I think he only has two more to do now. Huby was over all day and put a post in at this end of the lane to put the gate latch on, he also fixed the fence at the end of the lane between the gatepost and the anchor post, he didn't feel very well to-day. To-night Frank and I went down to see another baseball match between the married and single men. The single beat 5-4. I fooled around town till about nine o'clock and then went down to Huby's for a little while. Frank was down there and Aunty was going over his lessons with him. They were all working late in the bank to-night as it is the end of the month. It has been quite hot all day to-day but the wind is still from the East. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday June 1st This morning I finished disking the corn ground and got started to roll it At noon I drove Enah and Tiddums down to Mrs. Leslie Battersby's for dinner and brought Huby over, he said he felt well enough to work but didn't like to walk over, he sat in the house and shelled corn all the afternoon. I also got old Daddy's collar from Val. as Dad was going to hook Joe & him up but he sheared the last sheep instead, he sheared the other one this morning, he took the team till I got out after I had my dinner. I finished rolling and started to harrow crosswise, about five Dad. came out and relieved me and I drove Huby home. I drove him out to Charlie Tuple's first to get some archangel which is a weed that grows in a ditch out there and which Charlie claims to be a cure for Huby's ailment, he steeps it and makes a tea of it. We went around to see Bill to see if he could come and mark the corn ground for us to-morrow after noon he went down and asked his boss at the canning factory and said he could get off. He was telling us that they operated on his son-in-law over here who has just got over typhoid fever for apendicitus last night and Bill doesn't think he will live through it. May Ivey is still alive and I guess stands a chance of pulling through. Hot to-day. Wednesday June 2nd I drove Dick down to work this morning and went around to Billy Laing's to see if I could get any seed corn as Dad. is afraid to use what we have. Some of the cobs were mouldy when Huby shelled it and some Dad. planted in a flower pot only tested about 60%. Billy didn't have any and didn't know where there was any Aunty went up to Mrs. Battersby's with me and got some dahlia bulbs to send over here. When I got home Huby went over and telephoned to the Smythe's and they said they had a little so I hiked right out there but found it was just in the crib and didn't look as if it would be as good as what we have so I didn't get any. It began to pour rain just as I lef so I got pretty wet. This after noon after it stopped raining I cut part of the lawn. Huby spent the after noon building a fence two panels long from the pig pen to the orchard fence to make a small yard for the little pigs. Dad. rolled this morning but it was a little too wet this after noon so he hoed in the garden. I drove Huby down to-night and we saw Bill Oakes and told him not to come over till he thought the ground was fit to mark. Frank saw Billy Laings to-night and he said he could get us some corn in Simcoe. Cloudy and wet all day raining to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday June 3rd It rained hard during the night so that everything was flooded this morning but it was a good rain and as it has been pretty hot all day will do a lot of good. Dad. is beginning now to talk about a big crop of wheat this fall. This being the King's birthday Dick had a holiday. There wasn't any school but Frank went down to see and was down there all morning. I didn't do very much but cut a little lawn. Huby & Lila came over but it was too wet to do anything much so Huby went back home. Dad. opened up a few ditches. This after noon Frank and I drove to Simcoe to see if we could get any seed corn but we found that Simcoe has begun already to shut up Thursday after noons so we couldn't get in anywhere but Edmond's and they didnt have any, we got some rocksalt there. We went down to see what Brook's Mill was paying for wool and they said the same as it was quoted at in Toronto and in to-day's paper they have removed the embargo and unwashed fine which is ours has jumped from 18cts to 23 & 25cts. We saw all the Dover cadets up there they went up to take part in some contest but as near as I can make out they were the only company present so took the prizes. Frank McBride got four dollars and a medal for shooting. Friday June 4th This morning I finished rolling the corn ground and Dad. fixed fence in the gully as the cattle have been in on the oats the last two mornings. Frank saw Bill on his way to school this morning and Bill came over this after noon and marked the corn ground. It was in nice shape on top. Huby came over this after noon too and tore down fence along the road. After Bill started to mark crossways I started to plant instead of helping and Dad. helped him. It was a little too wet to plant but I got quite a lot done when Charlie Martin came over and wanted Dad. to go and look at his old mare's leg which Sam Law's mare had kicked and he was afraid had broken. She had been running at pasture in Sam's gully. Dad. went and Charlie took Huby with his shotgun over. Dad. said it was properly smashed, so Huby cut a shell and shot her. I had planted smart-nose corn from Charlie Dixon's as far as I went but when Frank came home he said Billy Laing's told him we could get some down at Jack Mason's so he and Dad. went down after tea and got about half a bushel. Aunty came over to dinner to-day and brought a piece of the blue lilly from home which we set out in the front bed. Nice day and very warm </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday June 5th Huby and I started in first thing to plant corn and have been at it all day. Dad. has suffered intense agony from a pain in his back which stabs him with terrible torture if he gives it the slightest twist, he doesn't know what caused it unless he hurt it a little yesterday after noon when he was helping Bill. He rolled down part of the barley and oats this morning and before noon drove out to Lorne Kniffens and took Aunty Lila & Tiddums with him to get some more seed corn as Kniffen stopped this morning and told him that Billy Laing said we were short and that he had about half a bushel left, we also got about a peck from Jack Martin this morning so that we got the biggest percentage of the field in with "Longfellow" instead of "Santrose" Dad. helped us plant this after noon till Frank finished rolling the barley & oats and then Frank helped us finish while Dad. did chores but we got it all in before six and think it ought to be a good crop. Aunty, Aunty Alice & Cousin Clare have been over all the after noon and Winnie was over to tea Aunty & Aunty Alice stayed all night. It has been very hot all day. Sunday June 6th Frank and Aunty went to Sunday school this morning and I went for a swim down at the Quanbury's. Mrs. Quanbury was very anxious to have me use their bathroom instead of the pond but I didn't and the water was fine. She gave us some asparagus and lettuce onions to bring home. Art has been sick and got pretty well behind with his work so Dad. told him last night that I would take the team and give him a day on Monday and he seemed very pleased. When I got home I got dressed up and Dick, Aunty Alice, Enah & I went down to church. This afternoon soon after dinner Jim Waddle and the two little girls came in and were here for quite awhile, before they left Uncle Ward & Bob. Ellis came in. Bob. didn't stay very long but went down to see Clarence Ferris but about five o'clock Mr. & Mrs. Harvey Shand came in and they & Uncle Ward stayed to tea. Frank and I did the milking and Mr. Shand drove Uncle Ward home before he & Mrs. Shand left. Dad's side has been better to-day but there is still quite a pain there when he twists it. It has been very hot to-day and feels like rain. Monday June 7th Dad's back felt worse again this morning but he helped me milk. It was nine o'clock however before I could get out with the team and started for Quanbury's </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> with the disks, Charlie was disking with their team and Art. was setting out tomato plants. We worked up a pen to put more tomatos on. We all went over to Charlie's place where Charlie cooked dinner, he said he didn't approve of cold lunches. After dinner we had a look around Charlie's ranch, he has corn planted on the flats and he marked it himself. It is so crooked the crows cant follow the rows to steal it. Art. hooked his team on to the waggon to drive back to his place but Charlie & I each rode one of my horses and had "some time" on the return trip. It began to rain about five o'clock so Art. who was equipped with a rubber coat drove my team home and their old team went home without driving, while Charlie & I took to the woods and walked home after the rain had dried up a little. It was hot all day but sultry. Tuesday June 8th I saddled Joe first thing this morning and rode over to John Wess' as he was going to telephone up and find out what wool was worth in Simcoe. I found it was only 20 cts which was what Henderson told Frank he was paying so when I got back Dad. & I weighed it all up and put it in a sheet and loaded it into the buggy but found it was too big a bundle to take in the buggy so we caught Belle & harnessed Joe & her and put the wool in the waggon. Old Ivey from the mill came in for awhile and talked He wanted to put his horse out to pasture for a couple of weeks but I don't know whether he will or not. By the time I got started down town it was getting near noon I didn't stop at the mill on the way down but went and got Huby to hold the team for me and when we got back Henderson had gone to dinner El. Ryerse was there so we put the wool in the warehouse and left it. I was going up to see about some locust fence posts which Dick Faulmsbe had but Huby saw Place and he said he had a car load of cedar posts on the way here so I thought we had better wait. When I got home Aunty & Aunty Alice had gone to the Harding's for dinner and Enah was due to go but Tid. wasn't awake yet so I had to hook Joe to the buggy and drive them down when he did wake up. On my way home I stopped in at the mill and got the money for the wool which was 97 lbs I got 20 cts. $19.40 When I got back I had my dinner and then Dad. & I went down to Mr. Flemming's and got a load of old shingles for Kindling as he has put a new roof on the west side of his barn and told us we could have what shingles we wanted to pick up. Dad. felt a little better to-day but not much It has been pretty hot to-day but a cool breeze </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday June 9th We didn't do anything much this morning but putter around and talk about going down town but Dad. was pretty lame so we didn't get around to it till after dinner. This after noon Dad. Aunty, Tid & I went down in the waggon and were down most of the after noon Aunty didn't come home with us but walked home to tea. Dad. went to the doctor and got an electric shock on his sore back and some medicine. I got a roll of poultry netting and Mr. James loaded up the waggon with boxes. We saw Bruce up the street a little farther and were talking to him for quite awhile. Dad. & Bruce held a sort of court of advice on Main St. as farmers from all over came flocking around with tales of woe concerning their livestock. Aunty didn't come home with us but walked over. Winnie & Rosa Jack came over to tea. Mrs. & Miss Woodson were in for a minute or two after tea before going to a bridge party at Mrs. Martin's. We had some music this evening but the girls went home early. Frank & I went down town with them. Nice day. Thursday June 10th This morning we hooked up the team and Dad & I went down to Flemming's to get another load of shingles. We took Tid. with us. Just as we got there we noticed that our colts were out of the gully and in the field so I struck right accross to put them back but I couldn't head them off alone and so they got out on the road and ran up the lane to the house. There with Enah's & Aunty Alice's help I managed to get them into the barnyard. I had to go back to the gully and fix up the place were they got out. I took the shotgun with me in case there were crows on the corn field but there weren't so I went on over to the woods but didn't see one. It was nearly noon when I got back but Dad. & Tid weren't home yet so I walked over to see if they were waiting for me but just as I got there they had left but I ran accross Vyse and he kept me in conversation for half an hour. Aunty & Aunty Alice went over to Mrs. Battersby's for dinner in honor of Mrs. Skey's birthday. This after noon Dad. & I took a strand of barbed wire and stretched it over the piece of fence where the colts broke out and fixed it a little better. It was in the middle of the new gully fence where we left a place for gates but only stretched a piece of wire by hand. I think old Dandy probably caught his foot in it. Dad. felt quite a bit better in his back to-day but felt a little sick. Nice day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday June 11th I don't remember just what we did this morning but this afternoon I drove Enah down town for provisions as we just got word last night that the Millman's are coming up to-morrow to stay over Sunday & take Aunty and Aunty Alice back with them. When we got back Dad. & I started to clean out the floor of the big barn where the sheep were all winter. Dad. hauled a couple of loads out to the old garden to plow under. While we were there old Ivey from the mill brought his horse over to turn in the pasture. Aunty went down to a Red Cross party at Mrs. Buck's this after noon. Aunty Alice got word to-night that Mr. Billings was dead. He died at the hospital in Montreal and Mrs. Billings left right away for the West so Aunty Alice won't see her as She hoped. She feels very badly about it. Another nice day. Saturday June 12th When Dad. got up this morning he found old Ivey's horse over in Thos. A's oats. Harry must have kicked him over during the night as they didn't seem very friendly. I spent nearly the whole day cutting the lawn but I got it all cut front and back and it looks pretty nice I also dug up the rhubarb bed but not the plants. Dad put in all the day cleaning the manure out of the barn and got it looking pretty slick. We put old Ivey's chariot and our buggy in there as we will put the Millman's car in the drive house Frank spudded thistles to-day in the barley. Dick came home to tea to-night to see the Millman's. They got here just before tea. Mr & Mrs Millman, Kathleen & Orm who acted as chaffeur. After tea Orm took us three boys, Kathleen & Enah to Simcoe also Winnie & Lila. It has been hot to-day but breezy. Frank and I went down to Huby's to sleep to-night. Sunday June 13th I came home as soon as I got up this morning but Frank stayed down to go to Sunday School and church. Aunty was the only one who went down from here. Orm. Dick and I went for a swim this morning as soon as they got up, the water wasn't bad at all. After dinner I took Joe out and jumped on her back and as Kathleen was so anxious for a ride Orm out her up behind me but we didn't go very far as it was too strenuous to hang on without a saddle so then I put the saddle on her and Orm took a short ride while Kathleen was putting on an old pair of overalls then she had a little ride. They both seemed to enjoy it. This after noon Orm took all but Aunty, Aunty Alice Frank and me </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> down to Hammond's bush to see old Ad. Frolick's log cabin, he got some of them down at Huby's too. When they came back Orm. Frank, Kathleen, Tiddums & I went for a ride down town and up to see Globe Park. They thought it had changed a lot since they used to summer there. We took Aunty down to stay at Mrs Leslie Battersby's to tea. After tea we took Cousin Clare home as she had been down here all the after noon - got Aunty and went up to Cousin Loll's for awhile came home again, then Orm took Frank and me down to Huby's so the car had a busy day of it. Dick was down town all the after noon. It has been very hot all day. Monday June 14th Huby came over with Frank and me to breakfast after which Huby, Mr Millman, Orm and I left for Billington's armed with fishing tackle and arms ammunition and a spade as Paw was anxious to get some ground hogs and trout We didn't get up there much before noon and spent an hour or so hunting woodchuck. Mr. Millman killed one and shot at two others at once but they went down the hole. He also set Huby and Orm to work digging one out but that got too tiresome so we quit for dinner. The Billington Bros. were very pleased to see us and gave Huby & me a pressing invitation to come up again some Sunday for a fish. We fished most of the after noon was had but they weren't biting, we caught four fish alto-gether. Mr. Millman one and I caught three. Before we came home we had another groundhog hunt but didn't get any. It was after eight when we left but it didn't take long to get home. We went through Normandale and saw old Bowlry Oakes. Tonight Orm took the notion that he wanted to sleep in the barn so of course none of us would be stumped and the whole four of us gathered up all the robes and quilts we could find and made a very comfortable bed but we didn't get into it till midnight and Dick was telling stories when I went to sleep but I never woke up till daybreak. It was pretty warm all day but a cool breeze. Tuesday June 15th It rained during the night and has been rather wet all morning but cleared off and was a fine afternoon Mr. Millman wanted to start for home this morning but we thought the roads would be too wet for the car so I drove Dick down to the bank this morning and took Orm with me before he was up. When Orm & I got back we thought they had decided not to go to-day so we went down again and took Kathleen with us. I took Joe down and had </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> her shod so we didn't get back till noon but fooled around down town all morning. At dinner we were very disappointed to find that Mr. Millman was determined to go this after noon, we did our best to persuade him that the clay roads of Walpole would hold him up but it was no use. They didn't get started till two o'clock but I guess they got home safely, the place seems lonely with so many gone all at once. I don't know how the chickens will get along without Aunty Alice. A special train came up from Hamilton this after noon with about 15 members of the Board of Trade and a brass band, they were here for about an hour and the Dover fellows took them around town in their automobiles. They delivered a few speeches. R. L. Tobey from Hamilton made a speech from all accounts principally about Huby and said he wanted to see him, but Huby wasn't up town. Huby used to be in the store in Chatam when Tobey was errand boy Huby said they used to kick him all over and never had much use for him. Enah and I & Tid. drove down for a little while but were late, we met all the automobiles on the hill and had to turn around. We saw the cadets march down town. There was crowd enough for the first of July. I went to bed about the first thing after tea to-night. Wednesday June 16th Huby came over this morning and started going over the cornfield and planting the hills which the crows and blackbirds have taken. He saw a blackbird pulling some up but the crows don't come around when any one is near. I worked around the garden most of the day. This after noon Dad. & I cultivated it. We went over to Mrs. McBrides this morning and got five bushels of dandy potatoes some of which we will use for seed. Bickler's man was in this after noon and we had to breed Ginger again. Fine and warm to-day. Thursday June 17th Huby got over the rest of the cornfield to-day and we got a bushel or so of potatoes planted. Huby & I planted and Dad. plowed them in. We put them right on the sod in every third furrow. When Frank came home to-night he told us that Place's carload of posts had come. Sunny & hot. Friday June 18th Dad. went down first thing this morning and twenty five of the new cedar posts. He brought Huby over with him and they went right back to John Wesses line with them and burned the old stump that was in the line. Shand came in while </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> they were gone and said the two cars of crushed rock had come and he wanted us to turn out this after noon and help haul it, so Dad. & I went down with the team and waggon I stayed down there at the car loading waggons all the after noon. There were nine or ten teams hauling all to-gether. Dad had a tight box so he hauled the fine stuff. They are putting it on the big hill on the side road out here by our place It has been sunny and sultry all day, looks like rain. Saturday June 19th I got up good and early this morning and Dad. & I went down to haul stone again. I spen the whole morning in one of the cars shovelling out the side that didn't dump. I finished it all but about a wheel barrow load by noon but it was heavy work. They hired Huby for the day and he & Tupper's man were in the other car. They finished hauling the stone by soon after dinner, but Dad. was all the after noon hauing the fine stuff. There wasn't nearly enough of it to cover the big stones so they had to use earth which I am afraid will not be nearly as good. I stayed down at Huby's to dinner. Enah and I printed pictures to-night. Frank took Gladys down to Porter's this morning and this afternoon caught old {Dadudy?} and cultivated corn. Rained a little last night. Hot to-day but windy. Sunday June 20th Frank went to church & Sunday school this morning but Dick and I went down to Quanburys for a swim, we both swam across to the stump and back. The water was elegant but the wind rather cold. This after noon Dad. Enah & Tid went for a drive out to Mt. Zion Church. Frank went for a ride on his wheel and Dick down town I wrote to Aunty Alice. Five or six of my littlest chickens disappeared yesterday and I suspected a cat and to-night Frank caught the white cat running under the shop with one so to-night Frank put her in a sack and took her down to the fish shanties to lose her. It has been sunny all day but there has been a cool breeze. Monday June 21st We were all ready to get at the roadwork again this morning when Harvey Shand came in and said that there was another car with some fine stuff on the road and he thought it would be better to wait for it than to cover the stones up with earth, so after breakfast. We took the little jag we had on the waggon from Saturday night and put it on the road. Enah and Tiddums went with us and picked some wild straw berries along the road. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Huby came over and when we got back we planted some more potatoes. We have been at that all day and Dad. is plowing them in. Huby hoed corn while Dad. was plowing the empty furrows and I pulled the sour dock in the barley. We quit early to-night and Enah & I went down to the the picture show to see Mary Pickford in "Tess of the Storm Country". It was pretty good. Frank rode down on his wheel, his exams started to-day, he had History, Hygiene, Composition & Spelling, he thinks he did pretty well except in the spelling which he isn't sure about.There has been a strong East wind all day and it rained quite a spatter to-night. Tuesday June 22nd I went over to Martins with some more eggs this morning and Jack said he wouldn't be wanting any more. Huby didn't get over till late as he thought it would be too wet to do any thing but he and I put the boards along the ground on the posts he set in the plum orchard for a chicken run. Mr. Morgan came over and was here to dinner, he talked to Dad. all morning who was hoeing in the garden. He told me he would get me other walnut trees and a pecan for the ones that died. This after noon we didn't get out very early but I disked over the potato patch that was planted and we planted two or three more lines all tnat we will plant I think. Huby hoed some more corn and then went back to the woods to see if he could shoot a crow but was unsuccessful. He took a couple of sitting hens down to-night to set on some Plymouth Rock eggs he is going to get from Mrs. Flemming. The white cat came back from town last night some time and was purring around complacently this morning when we went out so to-night we caught her and put her in a bag with a lot of stones and I threw her over the dam bridge, so don't expect to see her back. I hated to do it and it may bring bad luck but I don't think it is very lucky to keep her here and feed her chickens. I went down to-night for awhile and got my hair cut. Sunny but cool breez all day. Wednesday June 23rd Dad. finished plowing the patch between the potatoes and the corn this morning and disked it up well. I went over to Jack Martins with the roosters and took some bags over to get chicken feed, he said he would fill them and I could get them in the morning. Huby came over and we rolled out the poultry netting along the posts and found it </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> till about eleven and then went down town and got some wire to finish the chicken fence. Dad. helped me put it up after dinner before he went out to cultivate. I planted some pop corn in the garden between the potatoes rows and then spudded thistles till chore time. Charlie Shand was in to tell us the stone had come for the road. Quite warm to-day but nice breeze. Huby set nine posts along J.W's line to-day. Saturday June 26th Dad. & I got down to the car about half past eight this morning and I stayed there until we got it all unloaded. Huby was there too. There was only half a car for us, the other half was a little coarser and was for Dave Lampkin's bridge but they had a little more than they wanted so we took two or three loads of it. We were really through at noon but Dad. & Tupper said they wouldn't mind coming back for the sake of having it done right so instead of going home to dinner I went out to the Shand's and saved a long walk. Dad. went home. This after noon we got some sandy loam along Tupper's fence and covered the rest of the stones on the Winding Hills. We didn't work very hard but got it all done by six o'clock. Frank cultivated corn all day and has big blisters on his feet. Huby came over at noon and set some more fence posts. It has been pretty hot and sunny all day. We need a good rain now. Sunday June 27th Frank went to Sunday School and church this morning but Dick and I went down to the Quanbury's for a swim. Dad. Enah and Tid drove up to the cemetry. This after noon Dick and I went down town and Frank went for a ride on his wheel and didn't get home till about eight o'clock. The Oddfellows marched this after noon and went up to the cemetry but they didn't have any band. I just hummed around the beach and park all the after noon It was very hot and sunny all day Monday June 28th th Frank has put in another good long day in the cornfield with old Dandy. It is beginning to look pretty nice. Huby has been setting fence posts all day and this after noon Dad. went back with him and slashed down a lot of young ash that were in the road. It is pretty hard digging back there now. This morning Dad. & I sharpened the mower knives and I got started culling on the corner field. It is so weedy Dad. wants to get it done before the frist of July as he doesn't want sojourners into Dover to see it. I got a pretty good start with it but was bothered considerably with the brass boxing at the end of the pitman rod heating and had to take it off two or three times. Chris Quanbury from Lynn Valley came down to </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> night with a crate of straw-berries for Enah at eight cents About nine o'clock Elva Said. Davis, May Parry & Bessie came over with Billy Boughner in his car to see if we knew where they could get some Brown Eyed Susan's to decorate Billy's car with on the First, but I guess it is a little early for them. I took Bluch back after the cows this morning and tied a plow shear to his rope and let him chase them hoping it would teach him not to be so savage. It holds him back a little but I don't know how it is goin to work. Very warm all day and feels a little like rain. Tuesday June 29th Frank and I went down town in the waggon this morning and got our hog meal at the station a bag of sugar for Enah to do up all her strawberries and I got some wheat screenings at the mill for the little chickens. When we got home I mowed & Frank cultivated corn till noon Dad. & Huby spent the morning at the fence and have it nearly ready to turn the cattle in the back field. This after noon I raked up what was cut yesterday while Dad. Huby and Frank cocked up. Then I cocked up while Frank went on and mowed. He kept on till it was too dark to see and then Dad. finished the field. The rest of us came in and had tea at six o'clock and then Dad. milked and Huby & I went right out again and cocked up till dark. There is only about one side of the field in windrow now and it is beginning to rain a little to-night. Pretty hot all day. Wednesday June 30th It rained part of the morning so there was nothing doing in the hayfield. I drove Dick down town this morning and got some turnip seed and some cabbage plants at the Quanbury's. Dad. & I set them out before dinner over in the old garden next the potatoes. We put out over a hundred. Huby came over after dinner and he and Dad. worked all the after noon at their fence but it isn't quite ready yet to put the wire on Frank cultivated corn with Belle all the after noon I went over to Charlie Quanburys and got his little seed drill to plant the turnips and when I got back went over to Mrs. McBride's and got another bushel of potatoes, then planted the turnip seed. The drill was certainly a great improvement on last years method. I planted nine rows the full length of the old garden in a little over an hour. Changing the lines took the most time as I didn't have a marker on. Sultry all the after noon but a nice breeze </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> was seventeen paces too short so I went down town and got some more but got just seventeen feet instead of yards, so it still about ten yards short but Dad. & Huby put it up on the posts as far as it went this after noon and let the sheep & hens out into the oats. The sheep instead of going for the oats as we expected kept pecking right around the chicken coops and nibbling what suckers they could find around the trees. I went out and rolled the potato patch over a couple of times and then harrowed it. There has been a very cold north west wind to-day and it looks as if it might freeze to-night. Cold enough for overcoats. Thursday June 24th First thing this morning Frank and I went over in the waggon to Martin's to get my chicken feed. They hadn't it mixed up yet so we had to go over to Bush's barn to get some buckwheat and then wait for Chris to mix it so we were quite awhile but when we got back Dad. was out cultivating corn with Dandy and Frank went out and relieved him. Frank has been cultivating all day and has got all over the cornfield lengthwise and started over crosswise going twice in a row. After I got my chicken feed put away and some chores done I went out and spudded thistles in the barley till noon. I had some chores to do after dinner but got a couple more hours in this after noon in the barley Huby & Dad. have been back at John Wess' all day getting a line staked out for the fence. John Wess thought William's had crowded the last fence they put up a little and so they wanted to get it right and had to measure from the road. They found it about three feet shorter at one end than the other. To-night Dad. & Enah went down to a concert for the Patriotic Fund. Tiddums of course woke up and I had to tell him Jack & the Beanstak till we both went to sleep, we were both sound asleep in the big chair when they got home. It has been much milder to-day but there is still a cool breeze Fruday June 25th Dad. & Frank were figuring on getting in a good day in the cornfield to-day cultivating with Belle & Dandy but young Harv. Leany came & got Dandy just before seven. They were disappointed but Dad. took old Harry and got Ivey's cultivator and tried it. He got quite a lot done but I guess old Harry was very exasperating. Frank and Belle got on all right and kept at it steadily all day. They are going crosswise and twice in the cow. I spudded thistles </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday July 1st Dad. and I went back first thing this morning and fixed the wire on the posts that Huby put in on John Wess' line and Dad. let the cattle into the back field. There is some lovely pasture in there and it is beginning to get short in the gully. Frank went down town to celebrate and has been down all day but came home at supper time to help Dad. do chores I went down after dinner, stayed at Huby's for tea and went up and sat around the park till half past ten. Enah and Tid went down this morning and stayed at the James' all day. Dad. drove after them to-night. It was a fine day for the celebration and there was a big crowd. It was sunny but not too hot or dusty. It looked very black this after noon but all blew over but they say there was an awful storm down east. Besides the usual list of foot races and tug of war, they had the cadets perform and representation of the "Queen Elizabeth" under Rear Admiral John Gordon bombard the forts at the Dardanelles Harry Moon was very much in evidence in this performance with a long tailed blue coat and flowing beard. He yelled himself hoarse through an instrument which served equally well for a megaphone, ear trumpet or funnel when he took a drink from a black bottle which was suspended in mid-air on a gallows which later in the day served to stretch the neck of an imitation Kaiser. Another item on the list of sports which I think was an original idea was a duck chase in the harbor. They let an old tame duck loose in the harbor and gave a prize for the one that caught it. There were a good many boys swimming after it but they couldn't catch it. They tried diving and coming up under it and cornering it but it was no use so at last they drove it up on land and let young Dickerson catch it. Huby was down there with the scow and Lila went in after the duck. Young {Brufy Cooker?} got a chill from being in the water too long but apart from that I didn't hear of any accidents and everyone had a good time. Friday July 2nd We thought the hay was a little to damp to work in this morning so Dad. hoed corn and I cut some of the lawn. Before dinner we greased the waggon and put the stakes for the slings on the rack, as it looked rainy and we thought it would be better to get a load in first and then rake up what was in swath. We got a small load in after dinner but it was very heavy and short. We put </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> it over the horse stable and the last lift came broadside of the stakes in some way and broke them both off. When we got the load off. We went out to rake but just as we got there it began to rain. It just rained enough to dampen the hay and make it unfit to rake so we came in and Dad. & Frank fixed the sling stakes. Frank cultivate corn all morning but young Harve Leany came after him before dinner so Frank helped us this after noon. I went down town to-night and fooled around for awhile It has been cloudy and not too hot to-day Saturday July 3rd It was too wet to go out first thing this morning into the hay, so I washed the buggy. Ed. Forest came over to have Dad. look at his horse's tail as she had hacked through the window during the night and he thought there was some glass in there. Dad probed around and succeeded in extracting three pieces of glas two of which were large pieces. About ten o'clock Dad. & I went out to put up the rest of the hay. It looked very black in the West but Dad. went a couple of rounds with the rake before it commenced but then we had to quit. We had a good steady shower and were glad to see it as every thing needs it. The oats are commencing to head out and are only about six inches high. Whit Dixon was over to ask us to put my big steer in Sunday night as they want him Monday. This after noon Dad. & I ground the extra mower knife. Frank rode Belle down town after the mail and was down most of the after noon, he said it was raining hard down there but it didn't rain much over here It cleared up about five and to-night I went down town to see Marj. I didn't get to bed till about twelve o'clcock Sunday July 4th Dick got up fairly early this morning and we all then went for a swim and then Dick went down town to go to Brantford with the Dyer's. Frank and I went down to church I drove Enah down. This after noon Marj. & I went for a drive, we had a very happy time, when I got home Mrs. Lawrie & Edith & B. Kains were here to tea. It has been a lovely day as near as I can remember. Monday July 5th It rained very hard last night so we couldn't do any thing with the hay this morning. Dad. & I cut thistles in the barley & oats till noon and after dinner Dad. started to rake hay but just as he did start a shower blew in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> for about two minutes and soaked things so he came in We just sat around the rest of the afternoon and every now and then a little shower would come up. It has been cold and a strong west wind all day. Whit. came over this morning and got the big steer of mine which we put in for him last night. Billy Barlow was in this after noon to try and buy the others but Dad. told him he had promised them to Bob. Another fellow was around buying cattle to-day. Billy said it was likely Lea from Simcoe. Old Joey brought a couple of fellows over in a car to look at his horse and later two other fellows drove in to look at him but none of them took him away Dad. was wishing they would because he leans over the fence and eats Ivey's oats and bends the fence all over. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day. Enah and Frank painted the kitchen this after noon and every body is forgetting about it in spite of the smell and getting into it. Dad. was going down town to-night but he woke the baby up getting dressed and it took him about an hour to put him to sleep again so he stayed home, but Frank went down to Huby's to play poker. Tuesday July 6th Dad. thought it was too wet to work in the hay this morning so he and I hoed a patch of couch grass in the corn. Frank cultivated with old Dandy all day but Harve Leany came after him to-night. This after noon Dad. raked up the rest of the hay and he and I cocked up. It looked rainy after tea to-night so we went out after tea and got quite a lot more cocked before dark. Landon Ivey sent over after the rake when we were through with it and told Dad. he could have the upstairs part of the root house over there for Enah to paint the oil cloth in the kitchen. Vernon & Rebecca were to have come up this morning to stay at the Woodson's Nice day but windy. Wednesday July 7th We got in four loads of hay to-day, we would have got in another but the rain prevented us, but we hauled in out of the windrow and what is left out is in cock except a few windrows of couch grass. Frank bunched it up ahead of us and Dad. loaded pitched on & I loaded. We put it all in the horse stable but we are going to change the car to the barn for what is left. This being Dad's birthday, Win & Lila came over to see him this morning. Enah & Tid went down to see Vernon so we had a cold lunch but had dinner to-night when Dick came home and stayed home all evening. I drove down town town after tea and right back again to get my pants from Tip and some pictures. Windy & cool all day cool rain. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday July 8th It rained hard nearly all night so we couldn't do any thing in the hay. Dad. drove Dick down town and got his hair cut. Frank and I fooled around here and went over to Ivey's to measure the upstairs part of their root house to see if there was room to put the kitchen oil cloth down to paint it, we found there would be lots of room. When Dad. got home we took Joe and drove out to McPherson's with the beehive as Mrs. McPherson is going to give Frank another skip for the one which died. This after noon Dad. and I changed the car from the horse stable to the barn and Dad. tied a pulley up in the west end of the barn he had to do it with one hand and nearly fell once so we are afraid it wont hold when the strain comes on it. Frank spent the after noon making a super for his bee hive he made a dandy, he then worked half the night making a stick for the reel of the binder as one got broken. We took up the kitchen oilcloth this after noon and Dad. & I took it over to Ivey's root house. To-night I went down town & Marj. & I went to the show. Dick came home with me as I was driving. It has been sunny & windy all day Friday July 9th I cut the lawn this morning and worked around the garden Dad put some sleepers down in the hay in the big barn and put some rails accross them to keep the hay up off the ground This after noon we put rails across the two beams over where we ran some implements in so that the hay wouldnt come right to the floor. We then went out and brought in a load, but the rope that Dad. was afraid of broke and we were so long getting it fixed that we could only get the one load. Dad put another rope up but couldn't fix it very strongly as there wasn't enough hay in the bottom to shove the ladder up very high. To-night I rode down town and got the mail. Cousin Clare came over this morning and is going to stay all night. Nice day Saturday July 10th We hauled in hay all day but only got in five loads and left the last one on the floor. We would have finished the field but we were bothered a lot with the ropes breaking.Two lifts just got on the track when, with the first one the rope on pulley in the end of the barn broke and we couldnt uncatch the car from the gate so we had to trip the lift on the barn floor and pitch it into the east hay by hand. The next one that acted that way </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the pulley over the door gavey way splitting the rafter it was attached to and pulling the hook right out. We had to trip this lift too but lay a sling rope on the floor and managed to catch most of it so saved pitching by hand. We came to the conclusion that the track being so loose was what was causing the trouble so Dad. managed to tighten it a little at the risk of his life, however all our delays prevented us from cleaning up the field. Frank and Dad. brought the last load in and I rode down to Nanticoke and right back. Cousin Clare went home to-night. It has been hot all day and was a warm night. Sunday July 11th Frank and I went for a swim this morning Dick has a game knee so didn't get up to go, he doesn't know what is the matter with it but he is very lame. Frank went down to Sunday school from the pond and I came home and got ready to go to church. Enah & I were going to drive down but just as we were ready to start it began to rain and poured down from then till about four in the after noon After dinner Dick and I drove down town. We both came back to tea. We saw Huby and Bill Oakes down town they had been out to Old Ed. McQueen's funeral. Monday July 12th It was too wet to work in the hay to-day so I drove Dick down first thing and when I came back I set out a lot of asters and stocks. Dad. & Tiddums drove down to Law's after the butter to pay for the butter and Frank went over to Ivey's root house and gave the oil cloth another coat of paint. Dad. also made a short ladder to nail up in the east end of the big barn to tighten the nut on the rod as he has it screwed up as tight as it will go at the other end. This after noon I drove Enah down town, she wanted to see Cousin Loll as it was her birthday and as it was too wet to work I went around to take Marj. for a boat ride She, Essie & Joe Brown who is staying there were down at the lake swimming, so I went down there by the time they got dressed and Marj. was ready it was about four o'clock and looked very black in the north but we went down to Jakes and got a boat as he said he didn't think it would rain. We met Bird Smith and her husband Mr. Parker and Nell Smith and her lover in two canoe's at Coleman's point and they told us it was going to rain but we went up as far as the Willows below Joe Long's before we turned back and then it began to sprinkle so we got back to Jake's as fast as possible and just got inside </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> his place when it began to pour and then followed the heaviest rain we have had for a long time. In a few minutes the foot of Main St. was a lake and there were torrents running down each side. Bird was in at Jake's and her husband was over trying to get a white fish at the fish shanties. Nell's beau had to get off on the {fire?} train so they had gone home and had to come back down to the station in the bus. After the train went out it was impossible to get from the station to Jake's so we four had ice cream and peanuts watching poor Nell over in the door of the express shed, where she stood for about half an hour, then when the storm had abated a little she sent Al. Faulkner over with his car as he had been imprisoned in the station too and got us all in and took us home. Al. had to make three or four attempts to get up Main St. but he managed at last I waited at the Bagley's till about six and then it was pretty well cleared off I went around to the Jome's after Enah and the baby but found they were going to stay to tea so I stayed down too.The town was a pretty mess. All the cellars and low spots were flooded and they said there were boxes floating all over Anderson's store. Very nice day but poor hay weather. Tuesday July 13th I drove Dick down town this morning and as the roads were next to impassable I drove around to bring Mrs. McBride over but she had left before I got there and I didn't catch her till she was half way up this road. I didn't do any thing much all day but set out the rest of the stocks out under Dick's bedroom window. This after noon I drove Enah & Tid. down town for the mail and as Mrs. Charlie Martin is having a tobaccoshower for the soldiers to-morrow Enah had to get some of it. Dad. cut thistles in the plum orchard this morning and this after noon took a walk over the place. He says the oats in the barley & oats have come on wonderfully since the rains and that what last week looked like a field of straight barley now looks like a field of straight oats but the oats across the gully although the grains are filling well are very short & thin. Lila has been over all day and she & Frank have picked cherries and Frank put a shelf up in the shop this after noon. He went down town to-night with Lila. I had a little practice on the fiddle to-night It has been hot & sultry all day. This seems to have been the only place that got any rain yesterday. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday July 14th As soon as the dew was off this morning Dad. started to cut the clover and bluegrass east of the orchard. It was high time it was cut as the bluegrass was a little too ripe. Frank and I went out and turned out few cocks there were in the corner field. They were all damp but not in such very bad shape. Tupper came along and talked for about an hour so we were out there the best part of the morning, when we got through I staked a few of the little poplars along the road and Frank went over to Ivey's to give the oilcloth another coat. This after noon I staked the rest of the poplars and Dad mowed till I quit about four o'clock, he got all the one field down and got several rounds cut on the field north of the orchard. It looks to be a nice quality and fairly heavy for this year. We then put of the load that was on the barn floor and got another in of what we turned out this morning It was still a little damp and so heavy, but we thought we had better get it in. There is still a load out there We left it on the barn floor. To-night I went to the picture show with Marj. Dick came home with me. It has been fine & hot all day. Looks rainy to-night. Thursday July 15th It began to drizzle here before breakfast this morning and kept it up most of the morning. It cleared off in the after noon but this evening there was a very heavy thunder storm. This morning I levelled off the hay in the big barn where it had just been left as the slings dropped it and Dad. cut the grass & weeds around the fences of the meadows he cut. Frank tidied up the shop and before noon we picked some cherries for Enah. This after noon Dad. finished cutting the field north of the orchard. Tiddums followed him out and rode around on his lap most of the after noon. Betty Jean & Rebecca all came over this after noon. Frank was in the "Reformer" to-day that he has passed Entrance and feels so elated over the fact that he actually wants to go back to school after the holidays. Dick walked home to-night and got covered with mud. Thursday July 22nd I have neglected writing in this for a week as I have either been away or too sleepy at night and not up in time in the morning and too busy all day. It was too wet of course to work in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> the hay Friday so Frank and I hauled a load of broken tile and two loads of sand and put them in front of the cow stable door as there was an awful mud hole then Dad. cleaned the muck all out and we put the broken tile in on the solid ground and the sand on top of them, The cows didn't appreciate the improvement much and we had an awful time making them go over it. Saturday was a fine hay day - and I went down about eight to get Huby. He came over and cocked up all day. Dad. raked up bothe fields which were down and we got the one all cocked up by noon. We all four cocked up till about four o'clock and then Dad. & I hauled in the one load which was left on the corner field. It was pretty dark so we hauled it in the old barn and will put it up over the granary. Huby & Frank cocked up till dark but we had a lot of trouble with the callte. We had to put Bluch after them to make them go in and he chased Snowdrop over the barnyard fence. She hit on her head and turned a beautiful summersault. We couldn't get John it at all so she didnt get milked to-night. I drove Huby & Lila home to-night and brought Enah back. Poor John R. Davis died very suddenly this evening, he had a sort of stroke over on the bowling green and died in a few hours. Sunday Dick, Frank and I went for a swim and Frank went from there to Sunday school, Dick and I came home but drove down to church with Enah. This after noon Marj. and I went for a drive and I stayed down at the Bagleys to tea. Marj. and I went to church but as we were about ten minutes late we didn't go in but went for a walk and then up to see Glad. Law to tell her about the visit we paid the Preston's this after noon. Monday was a fine day although it looked very rainy all day. Dad. Frank and I cocked up in the field north of the orchard till about ten o'clock and then Huby came over, he had been up to see Harry Ansley about getting the Customs House job in John R. Davis' place. Harry said they would do all they could for him and are going to get out a petition to be signed by all the conservative voters they can. Huby and Frank cocked up the rest of the hay and finished by to-night. Dad. & I hauled in and got in three loads After tea I went down and got Marj. and drove her to Simcoe to get C.P.R. tickets for herself and Mrs Bagley. She is going to the {illegible} & Mrs. Bagley out to Saskatchewan. We went to the show up there and got home a little after twelve. We had a lovely time. Dad. rode Belle out to Jim. Waddle's to get his influence in getting Huby the job but Jim said he had applied for it himself. Tuesday </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Huby came over first thing and mowed away or hoed in the garden. Dad. & I hauled in two loads this morning but as he & Huby went to John R's funeral this after noon we had to quit on time. Dad. went with the Masons. In the after noon Frank & I hauled in two loads, we cleaned up the field east of the orchard and got one load off the other field. When Dad. got home he & I got in another load. After tea I walked down town and got my hair cut. It rained a little. Haib died yesterday he has been sick about a month and was only twenty eight years old. The then Dyers kids (boys) were over here picking wild raspberries in the woods all day, they are thick back there Dad. & Frank got up at half past three this morning and went back and picked a lot. Wednesday I got up before five and got fixed up and went down to see Marj. off. She & Mrs. Bagley left for Toronto and from there up the lakes. It was too wet to haul all morning so Dad. & Frank cultivated the garden and the raspberries I didn't do much but hoe a little We put off the load that was on the barn floor before dinner and this after noon Dad. & I got in three more, we were going out after the fourth when it commenced to rain. It had been raining all around us all the after noon and we got a piece of it at night. It rained pretty hard for about an hour. I went back after the cows and got soaked. Aleta McBride was over all morning picking cherries. This morning Thursday, Dad. & Enah & Tid. have been out all morning canvassing the country for names to go on Huby's petition for the custom's office. Dad. got about a dozen nearly all the ones he saw were very anxious to sign it as they all think the job belongs to Huby A lot of them had signed Huby's in town. Mr. McPherson was the only one who didn't sign and he said he was very sorry but he had another man in view. The other man was aparently Wilson as they saw him on their way out and he told them that he had applied for the job but when he saw Huby's petition last night he put his name on it. Huby and Sandy Leitch were over after dinner in the latter's car and Huby had a paper three feet long filled with two columns of names. He had over 200 to-night. Frank mowed all morning the field north of the old garden he finished it soon after dinner. I cut the lawn this morning. Aleta McBride was over and picked the rest of the cherries. After dinner Dad. went out and turned out a lot more hay and about four we hauled in a load. Then we went out and cocked it all up again </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> as it looked very rainy. However it didn't rain here although we could see a terrific storm raging north of us. Dad. & Enah drove down town to-night and took Mrs. McBride's share of the cherries around to her. They went down to see Huby and he had just heard from Jack Herring saying poor old Quint was in the hospital. Huby was pretty anxious about him but I don't believe he is very bad. Lila is also laid up with biliousness Friday July 23rd We put off the load that we hauled on the barn floor last night and then Dad. took the team and raked up what Frank cut yesterday. Frank and I threw the tops of the cocks which didn't get turned yesterday and then came in and changed the car from the barn to the horse stable. Dad. came in before we were through but the time we got that done it was half past eleven - and not worthwhile going after a load, we got out fairly early after dinner and got three loads in leaving the last one on the barn floor, we quit early as Huby was over and wanted Dad. to go to Simcoe to-night with him, Barwell & Ansley to see Alex McCall about Huby's job. Frank and I did the chores. Dad. said that it looks pretty well for Huby as McCall wants him to have it and says in the face of the petition that Huby has over 250 names it would not be right to let it go anywhere else but of course he hasn't all the say and Jim Waddle has all the Conservative committe on his side outside of Dover, but they think there is a chance of him dropping out. It has been sunny and breezy to-day a good drying day. Saturday July 24th This being my birthday Dad. & Enah presented me with a tripod for my camera, Frank with a necktie and Dick with a box of Holeproof hosiery. Aunty sent me a shirt and Aunty Alice a dollar so I came off pretty hicky. We hauled hay all day, got the load and and a little over that was on the field north of the orchard and then hauled in off the bluegrass field which Frank cut on Thursday. We got it all in but about half a load. There were only about three loads on it, but it took a long time to haul as it was in windrow and Frank just bunched it up ahead of us It was in nice shape though as it didn't get wet at all. Dad. and Frank did up all the chores to-night as I felt rather sick. I haven't felt extra well all day but to-night I felt really rotten. It has been a nice day sunny and windy, looked a little hazy this after noon </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday July 25th I didn't feel up to much all day and Enah was right down sick so nobody went to church all day. Dick & Frank went for a swim before dinner. Huby was over for a little while this morning, he said he didn't feel very well either I don't know what is the matter with all of us but Enah and I felt better to-night. I drove Huby home. This after noon Dick went down town and Frank went back to the woods and discovered a black cherry tree with dandy big cherries on it right at the edge of the woods. He also reported that the wild raspberries were thick back there Sam Law came after Dad. to go and see a sick pig he had Dad. went and saw it, came back to get a syringe and when he got back the pig was dead. I wrote a letter to Aunty & Aunty Alice. Enah spent the after noon in bed. About four o'clock Rus. Ickey cam over and stayed to tea. We were of course highly entertained by his conversation. Fine day. Monday July 26th Frank and I spent the morning back in the woods picking raspberries and supplying breakfast to the one million hungry mosquitos which inhabit that portion of the ranch We got a nice lot of berries. Enah put down five quarts and we had some for dinner and tea. Dad. cut hay all morning. Just after dinner it began to rain and we had quite a long shower so couldn't do any thing more in the fields. I wrote a letter to Mr. Yussou about my chestnut tree and also one to Prof. Zavitz asking for another potato platform in place of the one I lost. When it stopped raining I put up a bit of two foot poultry netting across the bottom of the raspberry patch and shut the five young dudes in. Frank spent most of the after noon making a whipple tree for the cultivator out of a piece of hickory. He is making pretty good job of it. They got word from Quint to-day or rather of him, they are afraid of typhoid fever, his temperature goes up at night to over 103° and down in the morning, they are pretty anxious about him. Tuesday July 27th Dad. and I spent the whole morning hoeing potatoes out in the old garden but got on very slowly owing to the grass which has come up so thick with the potatoes since the rain. Frank finished cutting the old timothy sod and brought the mower up as everything is cut now. At noon Sam Law came over to see if Dad. would go down with our binder and cut his wheat and let him come up here, but Dad. told him he had better bring his team up and hook on the binder. Their binder won't work at all the knotter </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> seems to be at fault. Krompart told them he would be down to day but Sam is anxious to get his wheat cut and thrashed before he goes out with the thrashing outfit which he expects to have to do about the end of the week. Dad. & Frank went over with Alan after dinner and they got things going with our binder when Krompart & the General Agent came along and they were there all the after noon, put a new knotter on but it didn't work any better At last they discovered that the tension sit screw had been turned up as tight as it would go and that was what was causing all the trouble. Then they took a link out of one of the chains on our binder which was too loose and which Dad. never could tighten, but it was four o'clock or after before Dad. got home. However Dad. went out and raked up what hay was down and got it all up in windrow by about half past seven. Frank and I did up all the chores. I went down town right after dinner to get some coal oil and the mail and some cucumber plants from Huby which I set out when I got home. I don't know whether they will live or not as they were pretty big to move, but I also fixed some hills in the garden to plant seed in. To night Frank and I went over to McPhersons and got the bees they have been in the hive over a week. Percy Millman was down at Hubys to dinner to-day, he came up to look for a cottage, he said that the rest were all coming up Friday in the car and Aunty was coming with them. Cloudy and warm all day. Wednesday July 28th We were going to haul in what Dad. raked up last night right out of windrow but just as we got the team hooked up to draw the load that was on the barn floor out and unload it, we decided that it looked so black it would pay to go and cock up as we could get more cocked up than we could loaded and it would be in fair shape while if left in windrow it would be an awful mess. We hadn't been out there an hour when it commenced to rain and rained pretty hard for the best part of the fore noon. After dinner Frank and I drove down town and got the mail, they heard from Quint down at Hubys, he has typhoid all right but it has been running for sixteen days and they think the worst is over with. I went around to Howey's saw mill and found they had lots of stuff to build a colony house if I can only scrape up money enough to buy it. When we got home Frank and Dad. went over to Law's to load the binder and bring it home but just nicely got there when it commenced to rain and poured for about two hours from four to six. I went out and separated the old hens from last years, I want to see if they are laying and if not I will kill them off. I went to bed early to-night as I have started getting up earlier. I have come to the conclusion that an hour to read & write in the morning is worth about two at night. I got up at four this morning and got quite a lot done beside getting a good early start for the day's work. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday July 29th It was of course too wet to do any thing in the field this morning so Dad. & Frank went over to Law's and loaded the binder on the trucks and Alan hauled it home and borrowed the manure spreader. I went over to Martins to get a few more pointers on building an 8 x 10 colony house and when I got back Frank and I went down with the team and waggon and got all the lumber I wanted at Howey's. I was a little surprised to find the bill was only $15.10 as I thought it would be more, but I acting on Mr. Howey's advice I got Hemlock for the walls instead of pine as he said if painted there was no fear of it warping. Right after dinner Frank and I droved down in the buggy to get the mail and some stuff we couldn't get this morning. Bob. Miller & Whit Dixon drove over right after dinner and Bob gave Dad. his price $140.00 for the two steers much to Whit's disgust who said it wasn't in them. The evidently had some altercation about the red & white one's disposition as Dad. was very anxious that he would act as quietly as mine did as Whit said he was a wild nervous brute. They want to take him in the morning so we put him in the cow stable to-night without much trouble. Herb Cook came over and took old Dandy, I suppose to work for awhile as his mare is lame. Zeitha Barwell came over to see if Enah could play for her at the concert to-morrow night but as we expect the Millman's Enah told her she couldn't. When we got home Dad. went and turned out some hay and Frank and I started in on the colony house. We did pretty well and apart from getting a rather warped scantling for front sill and putting the floor on up side down, we did pretty well for a first attempt. I was going down to Tom Abbotts to-night to see some half grown chickens he wants to sell but it got too dark Cloudy & sultry. Friday July 30th Frank and I got out as soon as possible this morning and worked on the colony house all morning. Whit came over after the steer and we had to help load him Dad's hopes for his good conduct were not realized by a long shot as he raised cain. We managed to get him loaded but Whit's horse waas frightened so we had to take him out and put old Harry in his place. Dad. went down with him and they were nearly all morning getting him tied up over at the slaughter house. I think Whit was rather pleased that he did cut up so that he could say "I told you so" to Dad. who said he that if the bottom of the rack was not so slippry he would have been all right. This after noon Dad & I </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> went out and started to cock up the hay that Dad. turned out yesterday but scarcely got out to the field when we heard the wind and rain sweeping across the cornfield so we lit for the house. We just got there in time as the rain came down it torrents. We went in the shop and ground the binder knives till it was over, we then went out and worked a little more at the hen house and got quite a little bit more done. Allan Law and Frank McBride brought back the manure spreader. The Millman's hadn't arrived by six o'clock and we thought there was no chance of them getting here, but they did seven strong including Aunty. Their car was covered with mud and they said the roads had been awful but they had got a bit of rain. Nita and Billy came up with them this time. Percy with his wife, baby, maid & dog came up on the train this morning and is boarding down at Harry Moon's for a couple of weeks. After tea we all went down town again to see Percy and went down to Hubys to see Walter who came up on the train to-night. We four boys slept in the barn to-night. Saturday July 31st The ground was too wet to cut wheat this morning so Dad. & I worked nearly all day at the colony house and it is beginning to look quite respectable. Frank and Nita drove Dick down this morning and Kathleen & Orm spent most of the morning with us. They all went down in the car about eleven o'clock to bring Walter & Huby over to dinner but didn't get back till after one and Walter walked over and was here before them. He was here for only a short time after dinner as he had to go back to Toronto to-night. He is going to stay wth Ray till after Monday which is Civic Holiday in Toronto and then is going back to Regina. All the Millman's and Enah and the baby went down to the lake for a bathe which they all enjoyed very much except Tid. who {sadly?} cried Win was down there and they said she nearly got swamped She was out in the deep water and got a mouth full. Fortunately Percy noticed her as she couldn't call and was about all in. To-night we went down to the dance, we were just going to look on but Kathleen, Orm, Dick & I went in and I had about every dance. Enah, Nita & Billy watched from outside or rode around in the car. Dick & Orm saw girls home but I came home in the car with the rest and the other two with Alan Law. Frank was sound asleep in the hay when we got home so we joined him and sang ourselves to sleep. It has been cloudy & squawky all day rained to-night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday August 1st This morning Orm, Dick, Frank and I went for a swim before we had our breakfast and didn't get back until ten o'clock, we just lay around under the willow tree with the rest of the family till dinner time. After dinner we had a little music and then Billy, Kathleen, Orm, Dick Frank and I went down to the lake for a swim. The rest went to Port Ryersie and took Harry Ansley, he & Mr. Millman went up to interview H.P. Innes on Huby's behalf. They said they had a satisfactory consultation. Nita drove the car and Dad. went up with them. Dick and Orm separated from us when we got down town and Frank went to some nouk of his own to undress when we first got there, we couldn't get an empty bathing house, there was such a crowd in but at last one was vacant in the men's section and we all three used it Kathleen undressed first and then Billy and I. Orm came down after awhile with Mildred Henry and used it too but managed to get another one for Mildred. Percy & his wife were down there and we were in a long time as the water was fine. We went up to Huby's to tea where Mr. & Mrs. Millman, Nita and Enah joined us. Dick and Frank went to Dyer's and home respectively. We sat around down at Huby's most of the evening. Some of them went out to the Ansley's and Tibbits for awhile. it has been hot and sunny all day. Monday August 2nd Dad. started to cut the wheat this morning and worked till after dark to-night but got it all the one 8 acre field down. We didn't get it nearly all set up but if it doesn't rain we want to haul it right in. The Millman's all left this after noon. They went down to the lake this morning and didnt get back till about one when the were supposed to have started but they all got off soon after dinner. We went out after tea to-night to run the binder in the barn and were about an hour at it. It was half past ten when we got back to the house. It has been a fine day to-day but looks black. Tuesday August 3rd We were preparing for a good day hauling in to-day but first thing before breakfast a heavy shower came up and dashed our plans to pieces. I drove Dick down to the bank and got some roofing paper for the new chicken house. Dad. and I worked at the hen house the rest of the day althou. About five o clock we went out to look at the wheat and shocked a little of it up. I went after the cows at half past five and just as I got to the gully it began to rain and kept it up for two or three hours of heavy pelting. I sought </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> shelter under some trees for awhile but soon found that I was getting very little and losing considerable time so I struck out into it. I couldn't see the cows so tramped all through the woods and back as far as John Wess' and then saw them all in behind a point of the hill on this side of the gully. By the time I got to the house I was soaked through and had to change all my clothes. Enah and Frank were down town so they got pretty wet too. Wednesday August 4th Dad. Frank and I went out this morning and started to set up the wheat. Dad. devised a new and under the circumstances improved method of putting up one sheaf at a time. We couldn't have done it if the sheaves hadn't been as heavy and big as they were, but by jabbing them down hard on the ground we managed to make them stand pretty well of course an occasional one would fall. It took longer than to shock but it certainly dried quicker. The heads would all separate with the jar and by noon the ones we set up first were perfectly dry in the heads but of course wet under the band. We didn't get through by noon so Dad. & I went out again but the wind kept getting stronger and the last ones I did I had to put up two at a time. We got it all up by to-night. Frank took Aunty down town this after noon. They heard from New Bedford to day and Quint's temperature is down nearly to normal. We saw by today's paper that yesterday's storm was far worse all around us than it was here. Toronto was the worst hit in Canada, trees and gardens being destroyed but in Erie there was a regular flood and twenty five people were killed, two thousand homeless and about three million dollars damage down. Thursday August 5th Morley Buck came over in his Ford this morning to get Dad. to go down and see their horse. When he came back we went out and shook out the hay again. What was in windrow was very wet and all except the pure bluegrass was spoiled but what had been shaken out was not in such bad shape. This after noon we worked at the hen house and got most of the roof on but it rained again towards evening. Friday August 6th We set up the wheat again this morning, there was quite a lot of it down and we had to put most of it two sheaves to-gether. This after noon Frank took Bluch over to Bob. Ross. He lost his old dog and wanted a new one and Tom said he was very good to his dogs so we thought as old Bluch was so </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> rough with the cattle and they were getting to be afraid he might hurt the baby who would persist in teasing him, that we thought we had better let him go. Frank said old Bob. was delighted to get him but Bluch coaxed to come home, however he will soon get used to it. I rode down town soon after dinner and got the mail. When I got back Dad. and I worked some more at the hen house. Very hot and rained again. Saturday August 7th This morning Aunty and I tied up the dahlias and worked a little at the flower beds. Then Dad. and I went and worked at the chicken house. Dad. made a door and I put in the dropping board. This after noon Dad. put a latch on the door and I cut the lawn. Frank pretty sick this after noon but he drove Aunty and Tid. down town. To-night he felt so miserable that I thought he would feel better sleeping alone so I went out and camped in the horse stable. Rained a little more. Sunday August 8th Dick and I went for our weekly swim this morning but Frank didn't feel like joining us. As soon as we got home Dick left with Joe & the buggy to take Dess. to Simcoe to spend the day with "Grandpa & Grandma" Mead. I started to get ready for church but just about time to leave an awful shower came up so I didn't go. Aunty had gone down to Sunday school and by after church it had cleared off so she came home to dinner. I was going down town this after noon to see if I could find the Millmans but it began to rain again and this time proved to be about the worst storm I ever saw, and it kept up for two or three hours, in the middle of it there was a hail storm with hail stones as big or bigger than marbles. When they rolled off the rooves they were inches thick and didn't all melt by to-night. There are huge lakes all around us and the ditch in front of the house is six feet wide and rushing about forty miles an hour. I don't know when we will be able to get on the ground to cut the rest of the crops. We didn't do any thing much this after noon but lie around. Dick got home about half past nine, he said it rained & hailed heavily in Simcoe but not as badly as it did here. He said some fields of Wess Buchner's and J.A. McBride were about two feet deep with water. He said he saw Vyse & Aiken's hauling in wheat this morning, they just got in one load before the rain. Monday August 9th When Quanbury's went past this morning they told Dad. that the hail storm yesterday had broken 10,000 panes of glass in Ivey's greenhouses. They had it far worse down town and up the gravel than we did, the stones were as big as walnuts down </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> town Alan Law said and they say it broke thirty panes of glass in Bill Duncan's house but down east at the Dog's Nest & on down they didn't get a hit nor they didn't get it at Shand's school house and very lightly at John Wess's. I drove Dick down town this morning and when I got back went out & helped Dad. & Frank set up the sheaves which were down. We got through about eleven and then went over to see the oats across the gully and wandered over to see John Wess's stuff. Blaikie was out turning shocks. It is in about the same shape as ours and beginning to show signs of sprouting. I took the camera with me and took a picture of our wheat field and of John Wess, Blaikie, Cam, Dad & Frank in the barn over there we didn't get back till about one. After dinner Dad. drove Enah & Tid down town and Aunty as far as Mrs. Battersby's Frank and I shelac'd the knots on the chicken house and worked at it full the after noon and got it all ready for the chickens. To-night Dad. Frank and I moved them over. We took two big boxes of them and had sixty one all to-gether. Alan Law was in to-night & says they want to thrash. It looks a little better to-day & clearer to-night. Tuesday August 10th Dad. Frank and I & Tid. drove Aunty down town this morning We were going around to get Kathleen and bring her over but we met her on the way, so I came back with her and when Dad. came home with Joe, Kathleen and I drove down to Tom Abbots to see his chickens he wants to sell, they are a nice looking lot if he doesn't want too much for them. Kathleen had to go back for dinner so I drove her down, she was greatly distressed because she got her nice clean middy blouse mud spattered. This after noon Dad. & Frank went over to Sam's to thrash. Frank said he would sooner go over there than go to the Sunday school picnic, so he did but I guess there wasn't much for him to do. Huby was over for a few minutes to get Aunty's suitcase which they forgot to take out of the buggy this morning but I was just going to drive Enah & the baby down to the picnic so I took it. After I took them down I came home and fixed a bed along the house under the kitchen windows. To-night Dad. & I did chores and Frank drove down after Enah & the baby Aunty came back with them because Landon Ivey brought over some raspberries and she wanted to do them up to-night. It looks fair to-night and has been all day Wednesday August 11th It was a very heavy dew last night so we couldn't start hauling in very early, but Dad. & I went out and turned out a few which we thought we could haul and they were in pretty fair shape except around the bands. Frank cleaned </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> up the barn floor and harnessed the team. Art Quanbury came in to see if he and Charlie couldn't help us haul in so they did and we hauled in with both teams, the consequence is that we have the field nearly cleaned, it certainly gave us a great lift. We could only haul small jags as the ground was so soft but we got in {blank} of them and there are three or four out there yet. Frank turned out nearly all the sheaves in the field and then turned them in the mow for us when we unloaded. It has been pretty hot & sultry all day and looks rainy to-night. Thursday August 12th It rained hard again last night and this morning so we have not been able to do anything much all day. Dad. has felt sick with a headache and sour stomach all day. I think brought on principally by worry and discouragement at the wet weather, it is really beginning to look very serious. Up around Port Rowan they say they have turned their hogs into lots of the uncut fields. This morning I drove Dick down and went around and got Kathleen and brought her over, we went down around by Hubys and got some poppy roots, which I set out when I got home, we didn't do anything all morning but this after noon I drove Enah, Tid & Kathleen down and we went for a short swim in the lake and dressed up at the James'. Enah was going to stay down there to tea but the baby was too cranky so she had to bring him home. Her sister, Mrs. Johnson was coming to-night so Frank drove her down after tea and he went to some rail road meeting. I let my chickens out of the colony house to-day and about a dozen of them came back to the brooder to roost to-night. It has been hot and muggy all day cloudy to-night. Friday August 13th It was very black this morning and rained several times during the fore noon but cleared off nicely this after noon. Dad. has felt pretty miserable all day, he drove Dick down town this morning and this after noon set up the little bit of wheat that was left out. I put the wire over the colony house windows this morning and Frank and I spent the rest of the morning digging in the ditch in the timothy sod, we were just levelling it to get the proper fall before we started digging deep enough for the tile. After dinner we went down to Tom Abbot's and I got thirteen of his chickens, we then went down for the mail and took the baby with us. It was time to do chores when we got home. Saturday August 14th This morning Frank and I hooked Joe & Belle to the waggon and took the harrows down to Hallam's the new black- </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> smith to be sharpened, we took Dick down with us. We then went down to the station and got a barrel of freight which came for Aunty Alice and took it up to the house, there was a whole bunch of girls there with Win. and they wanted to go over to Martin's to see the chickens so piled in the waggon and came over with us Aunty and Lila came over to the farm with us. This after noon we were going to haul in the rest of the wheat but right after dinner Archie & Clark Langs, his daughter and Mrs. Jack Foster came in and paid us quite a visit so it was late by the time we got out. We got in four more jags but there are still two or three left. About half past six the four Millmans and Aunty Alice arrived, we didn't expect them quite so soon but they said the roads were fine and they made very good time. Billy & Orm wanted to go for a swim to-night so Frank and I went down with them. We went down and got Percy at the Moon's and also Kathleen but she didn't go in, we all undressed down below the park in the car except Billy who undressed & put on his bathing suit right in the car in front of the Moons house with Kathleen standing on the running board beseeching him to behave himself. After we had a swim Billy went in with Percy and the rest of us came over here Orm. wanted to go down to the dance so we got Enah and came right back. Enah went into the store to see Mrs. Johnson and from there around to the house where Percy picked her up and took Billy & her home about ten and then left the car down at the Moon's for Orm. I didn't go into the dance but Orm went in and Kathleen went in once or twice with him. Frank went off some where and came back in time to get a ride home We started off for home as I thought right after the dance was over, and after Kathleen and gone home, and picked Dick up at the Methodist Church when Orm. said he would like to take Mildred Henry for a drive, so we went around there and as Donald Ingram & Stan Sutton were there she said to come back in about ten minutes so we went up and got Dess. I thought he was just going for a short spin up the Gravel but the first thing I knew we were well on the road for Simcoe and so went in and Orm got some sandwichs at the chink's before we came home. It was half past two before we got home, we had a good time but it was a crazy thing to do, we all went to bed in the barn as Orm was afraid to go in the house for fear of waking some body up. It has been a nice day but rained a little to-night. They brought news in to-night that J.G. {illegible} was killed by the train in Hamilton. Sunday August 10th I woke up about five this morning by hearing Orm & Dick crawling out, they said they hadn't slept a wink all night on </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> account of mosquitos, they had taken off most of their clothes so they were bothered worse than I was. Orm got down and dressed and then went to bed again and stayed there till after ten while Dick sought rest in the automobile and then went and curled up in the house for awhile. Billy said he had lain over on one side of the bed most of the night expecting someone to come & sleep with him and he didn't get much of a rest either. We sat around most of the morning but after they routed Orm out we went down to the lake for a swim. I didn't go in but sat around. They got Kathleen, Percy & family and took them down too. Boxer, Percy's dog got into a little scrap with another dog came along and started it and Boxer got his eyelid a little torn. Anybody would have thought there had been a baby murdered but the fuss the kicked up Mrs. Millman came with a club swearing vengeance on the dog and the owners while Percy who came in from the lake at his wife's shouts said he was going to kill it. It was nearly noon dinner time when we got home and we found Archie Lang and Uncle Roebuck here to dinner. He said Queen was a dandy but he had one a little better. They say he has the rails on the fence all worn smooth where he sits and watches it eat. They left soon after dinner and the Millmans left about four. Orm went down town first and got Kathleen and her impedimenta which included a mud turtle & Boxer. Billy was very annoyed at the idea of Boxer accompanying them and said it was a wonder Percy didn't have cheek enough to send his baby. We got the chores done early and this after noon evening Dad. Enah and I drove down to church. Mr. Leigh prought and I went sound asleep. I think more from the fact that I had only had three hours the night before than any soothing effects of the sermon. We went over to the Jame's after church and didn't get home till about ten. Earl Brown and Walter Fletcher came in in Brown's Ford. after we got home and were out there a long time getting Dad's advice about Fletcher's horse It has been a lovely day sunny and a cool breeze. Monday August 16th This morning I cut the grass around the back of the house and Dad. opened up a few ditches around the hog yard. This after noon we hauled in the rest of the wheat, there were three more jags of it. It began to rain before we got through and rained quite a shower. When we got through Dad. went over to the Quanbury's and had a hot bath as they have givent him several invitations to make use of their bathroom. To-night he & Enah went down to a musical at the Hobbes for the Red Cross Bandage club. Aunty & Aunty Alice were here to watch Tid if he woke up and he did. It has been very hot all day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday August 17th This morning Dad. Frank & I all dug a little more at the tile ditch out in the old timothy sod and this afternoon got started to cut the barley, but only got a few rounds cut as it was in awful shape, all tangled up and in some spots as Colin Ryerse says, the big wheel "drug." I spent a long time to-night catching young chickens which came back from the colony house to roost around the brooder, there are a couple of dozen which persist in coming back to the yard everyday and then don't go back. I had quite a time catching them as I had shut them out of the brooder and they were roosting on a sheep's back and when I went out the sheep got frightened and ran away up the orchard with the chickens. It hasn't rained all day and looks like fair weather for awhile. Wednesday August 18th It took us the whole day to finish cutting the barley and then we didn't get much of it shocked up. It was in such a tangled mess and thislley that we didn't take our hands to it but Frank and I shocked it up with forks what little we got done. Dad. cut my O.A.C. 72 Oats the last thing and we got 37 nice straight sheaves out of them some of them about four feet long. I didn't feel very well to-day. Aunty & Aunty Alice went to Pt Rowan to-night. Thursday August 19th We decided to haul the barley right in to-day instead leaving it for although some of it was pretty green in the butts it would be in a hopeless mess if it ever got rained on so we hauled in all day but didn't finish, it was very slow as there was so much loose stuff and we hauled good big loads, we only got in four loads. Walt. McCall came over this after noon and got Dad. to go over to see Jack Martin to see if he would go to Simcoe in Huby's interests but Jack wasn't home. Huby came over to night at half past twelve and wandered all over the house before he could wake any of us up and he wanted Dad. to go with Harry Ansley & Cousin Willie in the morning to Delhi and Waterford to see executive of the Conservative committee to whom the appointment of customs officer is left. This was Dover's Boughner Picnic but I guess they didn't have much of a crowd as all the farmers were too busy to attend and besides they had one in Simcoe last Saturday, there has evidently been a split in the house of Broughner over the decision of a suitable place to hold their annual reunion. Aunty & Aunty Alice were home from Port Rowan to-night, they were in Simcoe all the after noon and had Lila go up and meet them to give her a treat in Simcoe but as it was Thursday after noon all the stores and restaurants were closed and no-one on the streets. Fine day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday August 20th We had hoped to get a good early start this morning and get the barley all in by noon but Dad. had to be down town at eight o'clock so we didn't manage it. Frank drove him down and brought Aunty Alice back. He was supposed to be back by noon but he didn't get back till about six. Al. Faulkner took them, Cousin Willie & Harry Ansley went with him. They went to Waterford and Delhi to interview the fellows who are responsible for the Customs appointment, and Dad. thinks they had a pretty satisfactory time, he says Harry Ansley is certain of Huby's success but Dad. isn't so sure. They are supposed to decide to-morrow. Frank and I didn't get out till about nine o'clock and just got in two loads before dinner, we didn't know how we were going to manage to get the stuff mowed away at the back of the mow by the cow stal but Enah voulanteered her services and thanks to her timely assistance we got on fine. She helped us put off two loads by passing the sheaves from Frank to me. We got in another big load after dinner and so cleaned the field but left it on the barn floor. It was four o'clock when we got in. We thought we would have time to go and have a try at cutting the wheat, so we hooked on the waggon and I went out and loaded about half of my O.A.C. 72 Oats on it while Frank was oiling up and then we tackled the wheat. Frank drove and we got one round cut but about halfway around the twine got tangled in the twine box and it took us quite awhile to get it threaded and at the far end, the wheat was so heavy and a little down that it wouldnt elevate at all and Frank had to stop every few feet for me to rake it off the table so by the time we got back to where we started we thought we had better quit. I took the team and was hooking on the waggon while Frank was putting the canvass on the binder when old Wallace Brock who has been helping Vyse all day came over and said Vyse was stuck and wanted us to pull him out so I didn't put any more of my oats on but we went over. He had thrown most of his load off so Frank had no trouble in getting our team to lift it and when we got it out we helped him load it again and hauled it out on the road for him Dad. just got home at the same time we did. It has been fair but hot & sultry all day & looks rainy. Saturday August 21st It was raining when we got up this morning and has been at it pretty much ever since although the sun was out for a little while this morning. Dad. & I drove Dick down this morning and Dad. went down to see Huby for quite awhile. We didn't do much the rest of the day but sit around and I cleaned out the chicken house. Dad. & Frank drove down about five o'clock and got the mail, but Huby hadn't heard any thing yet. He and {Sam Fick?} have been working for the last few days building a retaining wall of plank in </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> front of the Johnston's house. He was working at it all the after noon in the rain. Yesterday's paper reported the sinking of a White Star liner westward bound and several lives were lost. The U.S. is mighty hot over it but Wilson is waiting to find out for certain if they had no excuse, they say if she was convoyed they had if not it was an unjustifiable act. It begins to look doubtful if Wilson's patience will last much longer. Sunday August 22nd Huby walked over this morning about seven to bring the tidings of his success. The committee was unanamous in his favor all but one man and he voted for Huby when he saw how he stood, the two Waddle men were not there, so Huby's recomendation has gone into Parliament already and of course he is nearly certain notw of getting the appointment especially as Mr. Millman has things shaped at the Ottawa end of it. Of course Dick enlightened Dad. with the cold facts this morning when he was half asleep but Huby embellished them with all the details. The news I think saved Dad. from considerable worrying as it has been raining all night and every thing is flooded. I went back after the cows and had to wade up to my knees across the creek channels and parts of the flats are flooded. All the family but Aunty Alice & Tid went down to church this morning. Frank drove Huby and me to the sidewalk and then came back after Dad. & Enah Huby and I went to-gether. After church Dad. & I went up to the Ansley's as Dad. wanted to congratulate Harry and also express his gratitude for the time & labor he has spent on Huby's behalf. We waited there till Frank came with the buggy & called for us after he had driven Enah & Aunty over home. This after noon I started to read but was soon overpowered by sleep and wasted nearly all the after noon under the influence of that great enemy of my leisure & willpower, when I woke up it was time to do chores and Aunty had gone down to church. She & Aunty Alice stayed down all night. Dad. drove Aunty Alice and the baby up to the cemetry this after noon. Tid. took the poor old German Roller canary up in a matchbox and buried him this after noon, the poor old fellow has been sick for a long time and died the other night. Fine day. Monday August 23rd I went out this morning about five and caught some of the young chickens and took them out to the wheat stubble in the hope that they would stay there all day and then go to roost in the colony house but they are bound to come back here. This morning Frank and I went down to Howe and got a load of slabs as it was too wet to do any thing </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> else and this after noon we got another load. I cut some of the lawn after I got back. This morning Frank drove Dick down and brought Aunty back and Dad. & I brought in the rest of my O.A.C. 72 oats and stacked them around in the barn Aunty Alice walked over this after noon and to-night she, Enah, Frank & I played pedro and Aunty Alice told our fortunes by our hands. It is a pity we couldn't bank on the prophecies because the future certainly looks brilliant for most of us. Fine day but sultry. Tuesday August 24th I spent most of the morning digging and weighing up my two plots of Guelph potatoes, they were a very slim crop and weren't ripe but I thought they were going to rot anyway so I dug them. There was only enough for two or three good square meals on both plots, but the Davies Warrior outclassed the Eureka in every respect. They were larger and more of them and not so many rotten ones Fred. Johnson came over this morning and he and Frank went out with the guns this morning to shoot a hawk but didn't get him. Huby came over about noon to tell us he thought things were nearly settled as Porter the head office man in Simcoe had been down to see him and get his age and suchlike. I drove him down before dinner and got the paper. It began to rain soon after dinner and poured most of the after noon, it was one of the worst we have had and to-night there were some pretty close claps of thunder. Mrs. McBride was here all the after noon. To-night Aunty, Aunty Alice, Fred, Frank & I had a game of rum under Fred's instructions. We didn't do any thing all the after noon but sit around the house Wednesday August 25th Frank drove Dick down this morning and Aunty went down with them to stay for awhile as she wants to fix things up a little down there. Frank brought Mrs. Johnson over with him and she has been here spending the day with Enah. Billy Louis was in for quite awhile this morning to see Dad. about a sick cow or some thing and they were bewailing our common sad plight but Billy has got past his streak of profanity and come to the conclusion that there are other poor devils worse off than we are. Frank, Fred & I pulled the weeds out in the raspberry patch but didn't do much else all morning This after noon I drove Aunty Alice down town and she is going to stay down with Aunty. We met Lila on the way down and she informed us with great glee that Huby had just been sworn in and passed his medical examination or </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> whatever they call it and is to start work to-morrow morning. We saw Huby later down town. I put Joe in at Hallam's and had her shod and went down town and got hair cut and a new felt hat. We also heard that the mill was going to open up again to-morrow and the full staff is going to work full-time on Monday, the paper also had very cheerful reports from the Dardenelles which they hope to have forced in a few weeks, to cap all this good news, we heard to-night that Quint was going to be home on Friday having recoverd enough since he left the hospital to travel. It has been cloudy but a cold north wind all day and doesn't feel rainy Thursday August 26th This morning we all went down town, Enah & the baby went up and spent the day at the James' and Dad. Frank & I started to cut down the old bad locust tree in front of Hubys. We were afraid to cut it at the roots as it was so tall we were afraid it would fall on the telegraph wires so we sawed it through about half way up and Frank climbed up as high as he could and tied a rope to it so we had a good purchase. We didn't get it sawed enough before dinner so stayed at Hubys for dinner. After dinner we went up two or three times and sawed it through as far as we thought we dared before we pulled it down. We also had it notched on the side we wanted it to fall on but the wood was so tough that we had to saw it nearly through or else we would have brokent it off at the roots. Sandy came over as Dad. had borrowed a rope from him and he spent a very enjoyable after noon advising & assisting us and also telling us a long story about a tree he cut down up in Colbourne. At last when the top did come over it crashed right down through the little maple tree and broke about half of it. Dad. told Sandy he could have the broken limbs off the maple which brought forth several grunts of satisfaction & gratitude. When all this was accomplished I went up town and took my pants up to Tip to see if he could match them with any of his samples as I want to get a coat if possible but Tip wasn't there. I fooled around with Hazen for awhile and then came home. I overtook Dad. Frank Win. & her friend Kitty Lyons in the bugggy heading for home talking to Huby. This has been his first day in office and he has been fairly busy. Win & Kitty got our tea for us and after tea Dad. drove down and got Enah & the baby, to-night. I printed a lot of pictures for Win, who with her friend stayed all night. They say poor old Ed. Turner (Dave's) is just about all in and they are going to bring him home to-morrow night to die. Quite cloudy and cold to-day but fair. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday August 27th We went out this morning and tried the binder again both on the wheat and the barley & oats, we got once around but had to quit as it dragged in several places. Sid. McBride went past and said down there around Marburg they were putting chains on their binder wheels to make them pull through the mud. This after noon we hauled out manure and got out six loads, we put it on the clover sod east of the orchard which we hope to get in with wheat. We couldn't go through the lane on account of the mudhole at the gate so Dad. had to haul out by the road and around the barley stubble. I cut lawn between loads but had to use the scythe as it has got so long the lawnmower wont work. Dick went to Hagersville this morning and met Quint. who came in on a through Michigan Central sleeper from Boston to Chicago. Dad. Aunty Alice & I walked down to-night to see him and Frank rode his wheel down. He looks fine only a little thin. Aunty Alice stayed down Cloudy & cool all day. Saturday August 28th We hauled manure all day to-day and got out and got out thirteen loads. I worked on the lawn all the time between loads To-night I walked down town and got my pants back from Tip he couldn't match them with any of his samples. I fooled around up town for awhile and then went down to Hubys for awhile. Huby seemed very provoked because Quint had killed his pet snake. Huby says he has always killed every snake he saw as he thought it was good luck but has he never had any good luck he quit killing them about a month ago and his affairs have been in a blossoming condition ever since, and he had this special snake with its tail cut off which used to live some where in the garden. It has been a little warmer to-day but cloudy and is drizzling to-night. Sunday August 29th Dad. & I went back at half past five this morning and got Pommers out of John Wess' back field where I found him last night, we had to take the wire down off two of the posts to let him through. About eight before we had breakfast Frank and I went over to Quanbury's for a swim. Mrs. Quanbury saw us going down to the pond and got John to call us back and invite us to indulge in the luxury of their bathroom, as it was a rather raw morning we did and it certainly was lovely but it took much longer and by the time Frank had had his bath breakfast was plum ready and we had to stay and partake of it with them the consequence was we didn't get home till about ten </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> o'clock and it was too late to get ready for church & Dad. couldn't go either but took Enah down. Frank got dinner ready and Dad. drove down and brought Enah & Aunty Alice back from church.This after noon Colin Ryersie rode in but we didn't want to take either of the horses out as they are working so Colin, Frank & I went for a walk back as far as Charlie Quanbury's farm and as Charlie wasn't home we ate all the platable fruit there was on the place before we came home but didn't do very much damage any where in our travels. Dad. Enah & Tid were out at the Shand's when we got home, but Aunty & Aunty Alice were here. Frank and I did chores to-night and Dad. went to church with Aunty & Aunty Alice. It has been fair but cool to-day. Monday August 30th We at last got started to cut the barley & oats this morning the wheat ground was still too soft to get on with the binder, we didn't get much done as it was so close to the road, first old Ham. Butler came along and stopped and called us over to tell us that he had heard that by getting off the binder and walking it would go through the wet spots all right but also told us every thing else he knew about the weather and how he had never seen the ground so wet except once before and that was in the fall. Tupper came past about noon to get Art. Quanbury's gasolien engine. They are going to put it on the binder back of the table and put a pulley on the packers shaft and let the engin run the binder and the horses just pull the weight of the binder, they hope by that means to go through the soft place all right. Mr. Flemming was over this morning to get one of us to go over and help him thrash this after noon. Sam moved down there from Iveys. I cut lawn till they left Iveys and then went down. Dad. kept on cutting but quit early as the horses were tired and helped Frank shock up for awhile, still fair with cold breeze. Tuesday August 31st I went over to Flemmings to thrash about seven this morning and we got through in a couple of hours he only thrashed out part of his wheat and four loads of oats which came of six acres he only got 96 bushels off the six acres, the hail pounded the whole field flat he said and thrashed out way more than half of them, when I got home Frank & Dad. were still shocking up and hadn't got started to cut yet but Dad. got the team out when I got there. I went over to Tupper's for awhile to see how the gasoline engine was working but they had taken it off as it ran things too fast and they thought it wasn't worth while monkeying around getting a larger pulley </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> We didn't get through with the oats & barley till to-night and didn't have time to get started at the wheat. Old Joe Ivey, Charlie & Bruce Smith came along in the Ivey's car this after noon and old Ivey wanted to know if Dad. was like Woodrow Wilson and had some thing wrong with his eyes that he was cutting oats before he was wheat, he says Woodrow can't see that Germany is kicking the U.S. in the face. They quarrelled away for about half an hour. About four o'clock Dad. got so disgusted with the way things were going that he was mad enough to quit, the binder would drag in places and the green stuff wouldn't elevate so Frank volunteered to drive it. Dad. told him if he thought he could do it any better to go ahead but he knew he couldn't, however he did do it better I suppose because he is lighter so now he is established as binder driver and both he & Dad. are delighted with the change. Still fair & cool. Wednesday September 1st We got started getting the wheat as soon as it was dry enough this morning it took quite awhile to get around it as it is so thick and hard to elevate, but by cutting a narrow swath Frank managed fairly well, he had to cut through north of one of the water holes and he cut that piece of separately, and it took all day to cut it. It is slow work as he has to take such a narrow swath. Dad. & I shocked up, what bothered mostly was the wild buckwheat which has grown up fairly thickly in spots and it is twined around the wheat and pulls a lot of it off the table. We lost an hour or so at noon as one of the slats on the table canvas broke and poked a hole in the canvas so Dad. took it off and brought it up to the house and fixed it with a piece of hook iron and Aunty Alice patched it. Frank drove down and brought Mrs. Leigh & Herbert over to dinner Mr. Leigh walked over. Frank was showing Mr. Leigh the bees after dinner and one stung him (Frank) above the ear. Much warmer to-day but fair. Thursday September 2nd We finished cutting the wheat to-day, that is all we can cut with the binder, there is still some left around the water hole that we will have to get with the mower or scythe. It went better to-day as Dad. rigged a stick at the end of the table to catch & break the buckwheat stems. It would have been easily a forty or forty five bushel to the acre crop of beautiful wheat if we could have saved it but now it is all sprouted and an awful lot of it shells out on the ground. We ran out of binder twine so to-night Frank went down to Billy Langs and got some. He drove Aunty & Aunty Alice down to church and they going to stay down. Quint, Win & Hilda Leigh were over to dinner to-day. Mr. Smythe was down this morning and bought the one ram lamb that will register for ten dollars but didnt take him. Much warmer to-day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {This a repeat of the previous page}. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday September 3rd This morning Frank & Dad. went out and loaded the binder and took it over the gully, it took quite awhile and as they didn't go out very early on account of the dew they just got one round cut before noon. I guess it was a big job cutting it as they had to go around the side hills. I spent the morning taking the sod off a strip down along the fence extending from the south end of the rose bed to the ditch the same width as the rose bed and as soon as I get it fixed in shape I want to fill it in with roses from down home. This after noon it looked pretty rainy so Dad. thought we had better haul in what we could of the barley & oats, we had to pitch off the load of barley which was on the waggon and it took us quite awhile so we only got in two loads, we put them in the old barn on top of the barley & wheat, it was slow moving it away but to-morrow we hope to unload in the big barn with the slings. It has been very hot & sultry to-day Aunty was over to dinner. Saturday September 4th Dad. went out this morning and turned out nearly all the barley & oat shocks, while he was doing that Frank and I changed the car from the horse stable to the big barn and put the sling standards on the rack. When we got ready I took the team out and we put on a load but as we had to move the calf out of the barn to the orchard and spread out a pile of hay which was in the bay so it was twelve o'clock so before we unloaded but it only took us a very few minutes to take it off with he slings. This after noon we got five more loads and all there was on the field except a few shocks, we worked till about seven o'clock and it was dark before we got in. We got a letter & a telegram from Mr. Millman to-day one saying they would be up here to-night and the other saying they found they couldn't get away. It has been pretty hot to-day & looks rainy. Sunday September 5th Dad. & I got up & half past five this morning as the calves and young stock which were shut in the lane got through the bars at the end of the orchard and came around by the road in to the drive house, but they hadn't done any damage. Frank and I went for a swim before breakfast and got back in time to get ready for church Frank went down to Sunday school. Dad & Enah drove down to church & left Tid in Dick's care I walked down to Huby's and went up to church with Quint. This after noon Dick & I drove down town and I went around to see Marj. she has come back to teach in Miss Watt's place. To-night Dad. Aunty & I drove </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> down to church. It was Mr. Leigh's last Sunday so Dad. wanted to say good bye to him. It has been very cloudy and has rained several times during the day but not hard. Monday September 6th It was too wet to cut Dad. thought this morning so he drove Aunty, Aunty Alice & Tid. up to the cemetry. I cut lawn most of the morning but wasted a lot of time with Dick who as it was Labor day got a holiday. This after noon I got ready and went down about four o'clock to a picnic the Ever-ready club were having down the lake shore, we had a great time and nearly every body in town was down there. We had a lot of fun but it looked rainy so we got home early. Most of them went over to the pavillion to the last dance of the season but I went around home with Marj. for awhile and intended going to the dance but it was beginning to rain when I started for home and I was a little tired so I thought I wouldn't go and walked part way home with Charlie Quanbury and borrowed his umbraella as it was raining, but it didn't ammount to much. Tuesday September 7th Frank started back to school this morning in high spirits His passing Entrance must have created a high degree of intrest for study in him, because he didn't have to go back unless he wanted to. Lila McBride is assistant in the High School this year so likely she will make them toe the scratch. Dad. & I started to plow this morning Dad. plowed four or five rounds in the little gully in the clover sod next to the orchard & then I took it till noon, the north side of the hill is very hard & chunky and it is all most impossible for me to hold the plow in the ground but the south bank plows nicely. This after noon Frank didn't have to go back to school as we expected and so we went back over the gully and cut oats, we had to ride the table going around the side hill, we didn't get very many rounds cut as we broke the doubletrees when the big wheel dropped into a ditch on the side hill, they were Sam Law's too, we had broken a hook on one of ours & Dad. went over and took Sam's off his binder which was back in the field. Bert Munroe came over this morning and borrowed the disks for Sam. Mrs. Harding died last night. It has been fair & hot all day. Tuesday September 14th I have got so behind with this through neglecting to write that I cannot remember what we did day by day, but I know we got all the oats cut across the gully and left them as they dropped from the binder thinking they would dry out. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and Saturday we got in I think three loads of wheat and put it in the mow over the oats & barley, we got a little more plowing done but Saturday morning while Dad. was plowing old Harry walked through his harness breaking the strap which connects the tug with the harness. Dad. went down to Mrs. Harding's funeral on Thursday afternoon and I borrowed Joe Field's boat and went over to watch the steam shovel for a little while. Poor old Ed. Turner died on Wednesday. It rained a little shower on Friday night and rained hard on Sunday so Dad & I spent all day yesterday setting up the oats across the gully but didn't quite finish. The Millmans all came up again Friday night, but not here as they have taken a cottage for a month over Brant Hill. They were all down here Sunday night to tea. Nita came up with them but of course Orm. was the only one of the boys and he & Paw had to go back yesterday. Last night Marj. & her sister Dorrie & I went to the show which wasn't much good but it was the only time Dorrie could go as she & her father were here over Sunday and are going back to-day. I worked all day setting up oats across the gully and then didn't finish. It was slow work doing it alone and was very hot down around the side hill. Dad. plowed all day and finished the little side hill, it was very hard.To-night I went up the beach to a corn roast. There was a big bunch of girls up there but very few boys. I found Dorrie Clarke & her father had changed their plans and aren't going till to-morrow morning so she went with us. We had a good time eating sand & burned corn and weren't very late. Very hot all day & a nice breeze to-night. Wednesday September 15th I set up some more oats this morning and Dad. plowed. George Duncan came up after him to see a colt with a lame foot and he went up there right after dinner and took Enah & the baby with him. I shocked up till he got back and then we hauled in a load of wheat and found it in dandy shape. Colin Ryersie rode in to-night and after tea he, Frank & I went for a swim. I had a bad cold to-day so went right to bed as soon as I got home. It has been very hot all day Thursday September 16th Tid and I drove over to Tupper's this morning to get his man as he promised to lend him to us when we could use him most but he had gone over to help old Dave Lampkins haul in his oats but Tupper said he would send him over to-morrow. I have this all wrong as I haven't written it lately. It was Wednesday that John couldn't come and we hauled in our wheat alone. Thursday </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> (to-day) he did come and helped us in the mow hauling in oats I felt too sick to work after I had put on the first load after dinner so he went back and pitched on a load. I came in and had a rest and felt much better. Alan Law and Frank McBride came in after the roller while Dad. was back after the load. Enah & the baby went down town to see the flower show this after noon and stayed over at the Millman's cottage to tea. After tea Dad. drove down after them and I went down with him and went up to see the flower show. Charlie Quanbury & Fat Turner bought a dandy watermelon and invited me to help eat it. We went up to the Turner's & partook of it all by ourselves in the kitchen. I came home with Charlie about half past eleven. Aunty & Aunty Alice are staying down at the old house now and are awfully busy getting it cleaned up and ready for papering. Huby has got all moved and pretty well settled I guess up in Bill Slocomb's house next to Gus. Smith. Another pretty hot day. Friday September 17th Dad. & I went back after a load of oats first thing this morning and we rather expected John Robins back to help us as he said he would be but he didn't show up and when Dad. came down the hill with the load and went to back up for me to unlock the wheel the neck yoke snapped right in two so I ran over to Tupper's to borrow one and he said he had to keep John home to-day as he needed him, he kept talking to me so long that Dad. thought I wasn't coming we got that load off before dinner but didn't have time to get another. We got two loads in this after noon. To-night I went down town to see the Millman's. I stopped in to see Aunty & Aunty Alice and found Mrs. Millman in there waiting for Nita and Kathleen who were up town getting ice cream & the mail. Quint came in and after we had eaten the ice cream and visited for awhile Quint & I & Frank who had come down on his wheel went over to Brant Hill with the Millman's and visited for a long time. Not so hot. Saturday September 18th We all got up early this morning and got a good early start, we had to start our stack with the last load we hauled last night. We also hauled up a load of old hay last night and we used it for the bottom of the stack and to top it out with. There was a very dense fog till late on in the morning which made things almost as wet as a rain but we hauled in just the same and finished the oats to-night, we left the last load on the barn floor & kept </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> four loads in the stack, making altogether ten loads of oats off the back fields. John Wess came over and borrowed the manure spreader he has bought a new one but can't get it yet. Later in the day Lundon Ivey came over to borrow the drill. It has not been so hot to-day. Sunday September 19th It was too cold to go for a swim this morning but Frank went down to Sunday school and Dick & I went to church I drove Enah down and Dick walked. I got up fairly early this morning and washed & oiled the buggy. This after noon I took Marj. & Essie for a drive we had a dandy time and went up by Port Ryersie. The Millman's all came over here and got Enah & Frank to go for a swim. Ed. Moon was over here and they took him down town with them and told him that they were all going to stay over Brant Hill to tea, he met Mr. & Mrs. Bagley and told them that they were going to stay to tea so she Mrs. Bagley invited me to stay there and I did and as there wasn't any Methodist church we all went to ours. When I got home about eleven I found that they had changed their plans and had come back here to tea. It has been a very nice day, fair & cool {The following entry has been written by Toby's father}. Thursday September 30th There has been an unavoidable lapse in the chronical of events, so I wont try to put down the doings of each day. I began ploughing the piece of sod East of the orchard on Monday Sep 20th and it was very hard. The weather was hot and dry all week and the flys bother the horses terribly. Toby went to help Vyse thrash on Thursday 23rd and got very sick. Old Felix was over that day fixing the pump at the windmill. Toby could not hold his head up Friday and Saturday. Sunday was a very wet day up till noon I drove Hattie down to church in a down pour. We were all to have gone over to have dinner with the Millmans and they all got there but Alice, Toby and me. Ormond brought {name?} and Hattie and the baby home about 4-30, it was getting much colder then and it has been cooler ever since freezing pretty hard every night since. I finished ploughing on Monday and as it was too wet to work I took the table down home and Toby went with me and stayed with the girls until today. Kathleen and Nila were over to tea last night and Frank went home with them, Toby </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> came home this morning and we got his plots of wheat sowed. Frank and I went down to Sam Law's and got eight bushels of wheat and I got nearly half of I sowed bought. I think this is a fair summing up of the doings of the last ten days. {Toby now resumes his diary} Friday October 1st Dad. finished drilling the four acres this morning and harrowed it I had to go over to Sam's and get about a peck more seed to finish the headland. This after noon Dad. Enah & the baby got all ready to go down to the Rural School Fair but the weather got so bad they changed their minds. Dad. gave Queen a good cleaning instead, he is getting her looking & acting petty nicely I got my membership tickets for the fair this morning and expect to go up and enter Queen to-morrow Dad. didn't get the ditches run out in the wheat field yet. It is a pretty small field to put in but I guess to try to put in more now would be foolish I haven't done any thing much all day It drizzled all morning and rained hard all the afternoon and is still raining. East wind. Frank came home from school but went right off again in the rain to go to the Millman's for tea and stay all night with Quint. Saturday October 2nd It was too wet to furrow out the field this morning so we just did chores. I spent quite awhile cleaning out the chicken house dropping boards as they haven't been cleaned for a week. I then dressed a couple of posts which I want to put in for a grapevine trellis. Dad. cut the burs around the pasture as we want to turn the sheep in, he also killed and cleaned a couple of old hens. Frank stayed down town all night over at the Millman's but came home before breakfast. Mr. & Mrs. Millman & Orm. came up in the car last night they didn't get here till after ten and Frank said the car was in awful shape. He went back after breakfast to see if Orm would mind taking the car up to Simcoe this after noon but they said it was too wet and muddy so Dad. & I drove up. We went in to see Yeager and he advised us not to show Queen as he said there was no chance of her taking the money as there were two more that he knew of that had been training all summer and could step as high as a tree and then as he said it wasn't going to do her any good in fact she would be far better running out. He says to hang on to everything we have in the shape of horses as they are going to be worth all kinds of money soon. He says they have drained the U.S. of horses and have held the Canadian ones in reserve. We took his advice and didn't enter Queen as </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> we intended but went on into Simcoe and I got my watch fixed and the halter fixed. I drove Dad. down to Sam Law's corner when we got home and he went on down and opened Sam's pig which just lay down and died without any warning before dinner. Dad. says its lungs were full of froth and it has choked to death but from what cause he couldn't imagine. I went on down town while he was down there and got Enah & the baby who had walked down and brought them home. It has been cloudy & cool to-day. Sunday October 3rd Dick Enah & I drove down to church this morning and Frank rode his wheel down. The Millman's all went down to Aunty's & Aunty Alice's for dinner so they couldnt come over here. This after noon Marj. & I went for a drive. I got home about six o'clock and Mr. Millman was here waiting for Dad. to get through with the chores to go over to their place to tea. Orm. Paw & Quint were all back in the gully shooting crows so Dad. Enah, Frank & the baby all went over there but I had tea alone and walked down to church and spent the evening down town. Cool but Sunny. Monday October 4th This morning we didn't get up very early and I spent most of the morning putting patches of roofing paper on the chicken house roof. Dad. started to make a corn horse and as I was standing out there holding it for him I suddenly felt so sick and weak that I had to go in and lie down till noon Alfred came in to get one of us to go thrashing to-morrow morning he was here for about an hour and then Dad.went out and furrowed out the wheat ground and sowed the other plot of wheat for me and I raked it in and smothed the edges of the furrows he ploughed through the flats. I went down town to tea to-night and walked up with Aunty to a Sunday school meeting. It began to rain soon after tea and was such a bad night that I stayed down there all night. Quite warm all day. Tuesday October 5th I had breakfast down at Aunty's this morning but came home right after wards and got here about eight o'clock. Dad. & Frank were just leaving for Alfred's to go thrashing. I fed the chickens and found that the roof had leaked about as badly as ever so I went up and put some of the tar over the seams and I also put tar on the roof of the colony house which had never been done. Dad. & Frank got home about noon so Frank went to school but Dad. had a headache so didnt </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> do much this after noon. I made a couple of legs for the corn horse out of rails and put them in I then took it out to the field and went over to Sam Law's and got our sickle and cut five shocks of the smutnose corn. I started in on it because it looked a little the ripest but I don't know that it really is, up at that far end of the field the grass is nearly as long as the corn so it was a nasty job. I intended to go down to a dance to-night which the girls are getting up for Helen Anderson who is just home for three weeks but I thought maybe I hadn't better so stayed home. Much cooler & cloudy. Wednesday October 6th I have spent the day cutting corn and finished cutting the row across the end and one the length of the field over forty shocks. I started about half past eight and quit before five so I think I could cut about fifty a day Dad. cleaned out his ditches this morning and went back and put up the {illegible} from the gully into the back pasture field and went on over to see John Wess for a minute or two. He was cutting his corn, he has about given up the idea of getting his summer fall pea stubble in with wheat. This after noon among othe things he husked a bushel of corn for the pigs Win came over to tea to-night Cool & cloudy all day looks rainy Thursday October 7th I cut corn all day and got another long row & nine shocks cut forty six cut to-day. I quit cutting at half past four and husked four shocks of the smutnose up at the far end of the field we thought it was more mature than the Longfellow but although the stalks seem drier the corn itself I don't think is Dad. took the plow back over the gully this morning and has been plowing all day around the big hill. The war is getting more mixed up than ever, the British & French the latter especially have made considerable advances lately on the western front and taken a lot of the Germans elegant trenches which they thought were impregnable and the German drive in Russia has about petered out, but it is now certain that Bulgaria has cast in her lot with the central powers and has begun an invasion of Serbia, and in Greece they are fearing civil war as the premier has resigned, he and the people want to keep their treaty with Serbia and lend help in case of Bulgaria's invasion but the King will not fight with his brother-in-law the Kaiser. Frank and I drove down to Ot. Collins to-night as he wanted to get some ball bearings for his bicycle, warmer to-day </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday October 8th Dad. & I hauled manure all day to-day and got out twelve loads we want to get the yard cleaned up as soon as possible so that we can thrash when the machine comes down here again to thrash out Art. Ryersie. Between loads I got a couple of holes dug to set the posts for a grapevine trellis east of the house but I didn't feel very well after the first load or two so didn't do much. Mrs. Millman was over this after noon for a little while, she expected Paw. Orm, and a Mr. Brown some freind of Orm's up to-night. Aunty Alice was over to dinner and bought a couple of young cockrels from me I killed them to-night & Dad. plucked them but didn't clean them they weighed 8 1/2 lbs uncleaned and she gave me 18 cts a lb. which is the same price as at Coleman's. Colin Ryerse rode in for a little while too. Art & George have gone off to the Caledonia fair so Colin is taking things easy Mrs. Millman told us that Roy. Vernon & Rebecca landed in down at Aunty's for dinner, so to-night I took Enah down to choir practice and after making a few calls one of which was to get Roy's suitcases at the station I went down there and waited for Enah, all the Woodson family & Cousins Bessy & Harry Ansley were there Jean Marks came up with them this morning. There has been a cold wind all day and is cold to-night. Saturday October 9th Dad. got in a pretty good day's plowing to-day across the gully, this morning I sawed some wood oiled the buggy and did a few chores while Frank husked five shocks of corn and went down and got some flour. This afternoon I went nutting with Essie & Marj. We went way up the front road above Port Ryerse and got a few hickory nuts, a few chestnuts and quite a lot of wallnuts. The chestnuts are hardly ripe yet although some of the burrs are wide open. We would have got more on Farr's place but the trees were so close to the barns that we didn't dare make much noise clubbing and across the road on Smythe's place we thought we saw some of them coming after us so didn't take time to gather as many as we might have. However I think we all enjoyed ourselves and didn't get home till long after dark. Frank & I had to go down town again after tea as I forgot to call for some stuff @ Bagley & Miller's Frank went up the Radical Road with the Millman's and got a few chestnuts but their outing was spoiled by poor old Orm jumping over a fence and spraining his ankle. It was very painful and Nita had to drive the car home. To-night Dr. Jolley looked at it and said he had broken a bone & torn some ligaments, it is so swollen that he couldn't tell much about it. It has been rather cloudy & raw all day with occasional spits of rain. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday October 10th We didn't get up till after seven this morning but Frank Enah and I managed to get down to church. This afternoon I sat around the house for awhile and then Dad. drove down to see Huby so I went down with him as far as Aunty's and stopped in there. Roy & Vernon had gone up to Huby's so Aunty Alice & I walked over Brant Hill to see the Millman's. Orm's foot wasn't paining so much but looked very bad and he couldn't bear it to the ground. Quint had borrowed a pair of crutches for him from Mrs. Lawson. About five they all went down town to say goodbye to the Ansley's & Tibbet's so I rode down as far as Aunty's with them and then home with Dad. to do chores. They all but Mrs. Millman came over in the car a little later and Mr. Millman, Mr. Brown, Quint, Frank & Nita all went back to the woods to shoot crows. When I got dressed Kathleen and I walked back over to the cottage stopping in for a minute at Aunty's and the rest all came over in the car soon after. We were all over there to tea and all evening. Nita brought us home about ten o'clock. They all intend to go back in the morning so we bid them good-bye. Sunny but cold wind all day. I didn't see anything much of Roy or Vernon to-day as they went over to the Woodson's to tea. Monday October 11th We have been hauling out manure all day but only got out about {19?} loads as we didn't get started till late and quit early. Roy, Vernon, Rebecca & Aunty were all over to dinner and Aunty asked Dad. Enah and Tid down there to tea so Enah and the baby went down with them and called on Mrs. Battersby on their way down. Dad. did chores and then walked down. Frank and I had our tea alone and then drove down leaving Joe down at the house for Dad and Enah to drive home and we went to the picture show as they had Charlie Chaplin on to-night. I went around and got Marj. It was laughable but absolutely nonsensical. It was eleven o'clock when we got out and we went around to see how Mr. Smith was as he had an attack of colic or something to-night, he was still pretty sick and they were sitting up with him so Essie went over to stay all night with Nellie. I stopped in for a few minutes on my way home to say goodbye to Roy & Vernon they are going back in the morning. It was after twelve when I got to bed. I guess they had a great reunion out at Shand's schoolhouse to-day of all the scholars that went to school out there to Mrs. Dolly Smith who taught there for seventeen years. Mrs McBride has been talking about it for weeks, she's one of them It has been a lovely fall day sunny and mild. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday October 12th We got on a little better to-day and got out 12 loads of manure. Dad. went down to Art. Ryerse's to see Sam Law as they are thrashing down there to see what his programme was He expected to be through at Art's to-night but said he didn't suppose anyone would want to thrash to-morrow or Thursday as the Simcoe show is on so he said if we could be ready he would pull in here Friday morning so Dad. said all right, we thought we could get enough manure out for the stack and we wont try to get the big barn ready to thrash out as we can do that when we thrash the clover seed. It has been a nice day but looks a little like rain. Wednesday October 13th We got out 9 loads to-day but quit soon after dinner as Alan & Bert came in with the thrashing outfit and we had to sped the rest of the day getting ready for them, we had to take the binder out of the other barn and put it in the wood shed. About five o'clock we went down to the fish shanty and got a load of soft coal for them We also took down the old kitchen cupboard a little stand and a rocking chair to Aunty. She was in Simcoe to meet Aunt Ida who came to-night and is going to stay a month with them and maybe longer. To-night Frank drove down town to get a load of groceries and I went down with him and went up to the Bagley's to print pictures, we didn't get as many done as we expected as Essie's weren't done yet and Marj. couldn't find a lot of hers, but we printed mine and they were pretty good. It rained most of the evening so I went down to Aunty's to sleep. It has been a very fine day. Thursday October 14th It was raining when I got up this morning and has been cloudy & wet all day. I had breakfast down town and got over here about eight o'clock, Enah was sick not having slept all night as She had a very lame back, but she said she felt better when she got up, Frank had intended going to Simcoe on his wheel to-day but changed his mind on account of the weather so I drove him & Dick down to school and the bank. I got some stuff at Bagley & Miller's and then went down to Aunty's to return some rain clothes I had borrowed and Aunty was just going up town so I drove her up, it was after ten when I got home. Sam Law had been over and told Dad. he could just as well thrash the other barn out as not so Dad. thought we had better and we have been busy all the after noon getting it cleaned up. Before tea I saddled Belle </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and rode down to Mr. Flemming's and out to Tupper's to get their help thrashing. Tupper wasn't home yet from the Fair so I left a note for him. It has been a bad day for the fair and their aeroplane which was to have been the chief feature didn't arrive. Word just came the other day that Gordon McCall who enlisted with the second contingent has died of wounds Friday October 15th We have been thrashing all day and got on faster than we expected. We got the old barn all thrashed out before four o'clock and got moved over to the other barn and got most of the wheat over there thrashed out. We got 268 bushels of wheat at the other barn 200 of which is very little sprouted and 68 bushels not badly, but the worst sprouted is in the big barn and is not running out nearly so fast, There were 156 bushels of barley 45 of barley and oats and 80 of oats out of the stack, all the grain was in excellent shape except the oats and they were soaking wet as the stack was drenched. If we had got all the grain we would have had a bumper turn out. Aunty Alice has been over all day helping Enah and is staying all night, she sorted out her books to-day and gave me a lot of them, the old ones, there is nothing I would rather have. Cool & cloudy. Saturday October 16th We finished thrashing about noon and according to the tally got 896 bushels of grain altogether, but as I wasn't out there much I don't know how much of each there was, there was only about seventy five or eight bushels of the sprouted wheat I think but a nice pile of barley & oats and quite a few oats which are pretty good though badly discolored. My O.A.C. 72 Oats turned out four bushels. Just as I got the chores done this morning I got such a sick feeling that I had to go and lie down for an hour or so, but felt allright the rest of the day. I drove Aunty Alice down town this morning to get some more meat for dinner and when we got back I cleaned up part of the old barn floor and spread the wet oats out over it. This after noon Dad. helped us sack up a grist before he went down to help Flemming thrash and Frank and I took it down to the mill, we then came back and took one of the big bookcases down home and a load of books, we got the mail and came around by Vyses and got our fanning mill, we then went back to the mill and got our chop. It was time to do chores when we got home. We were pretty well through when Dad. got home, he said he had had a hard day of it down at Flemming's as he was shorthanded. Cloudy all morning but lovely after noon </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Sunday October 17th Frank rode his wheel down to Sunday school and church this morning and Dick, Enah and I drove down, it was Children's day in church so the service wasn't very long We sat in the back seat and were very amused all through proceeding's at the actions of a man across the isle who was aparently in a sleepy state of drunkenness He had a little girl with him who was just as lively as he was dull - and they made an interesting pair. When we got home we found Dad had the meat roasted as he had been pestered all morning with visitors. Val Leany came over and got old Dandy and took him home. Dick, Frank and I went out to the hickory nut tree and Dick climbed it and shook all the nuts he could off and Frank and I gathered up two basketfulls of shells and all. Frank spent the after noon picking up the rest and got a bag full of husks and all and a peach basket full of husked nuts. Marj. and I went for a drive down the Lake Shore and I came home at half past five and helped Frank do chores as Dad & Enah & the baby stayed down to tea at Aunty's they went down to see Aunt Ida When Frank and I had our tea we drove Joe down and left her for Dad. to drive home. I didn't go in down there but went on up town and met Aunty Alice & Dad. coming out of church and going up to Huby's so I went up with them for a little while Aunty Maude has to go to Brantford in the morning for an operation, none of us knew any thing about it till to-day. I left Dad. & Aunty Alice at the Bagley's Corner and although there was no one home there I soon found Essie & Marj. coming home from church so spent the remainder of the evening with them. It has been a lovely autumn day and a beautiful night. Monday October 18th Dad. has been down at Flemming's all day thrashing but they got through to-night. He said Mr. Flemming didn't thrash quite as much as we did. I did up the chores and then went back and plowed, I didn't get on very fast but still didn't do so badly going around the side hill. I got ten rounds ploughed all day about four o'clock the bolt came half way out of the drawchain and bent so I had to quit at noon. I thought it was going to rain so spent half an hour or so cleaning up the barn floor to run some stuff through the fanning mill but it didn't rain so I went back with the team instead. This is Frank's birthday. It has been dark and cloudy with little spits of rain all day and I went out and boxed up the cockrels in the colony house </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Tuesday October 19th First thing this morning I took the team around and got the cockrels in the colony house which Frank and I caught last night and brought them up and shut them in the yard here at the house with the others. Dad. went over to Quanbury's last night to have a bath and they wanted to get us to give them a lift with the team on Charlie's wood shed which he is moving to make into a hog pen so we went out this morning and took the baby, we got the thing moved and back home by noon. John presented us with a heifer calf yesterday. This after noon Dad. plowed and I cut corn, we both got on pretty well. Mrs. McBride was here washing to-day and gave us a great account of the reunion at Shand's schoolhouse, she evidently enjoyed it. To-night Dad. & Enah drove out to the Shand's as it was old Mrs. Nixon's birthday. She had gone to bed but they saw her. Charlie they told them went to the hospital in Brantford a week ago for the rest cure. They also were invited out there on Thursday night to a kitchen shower for Marnie who is to be married next Wednesday. Tid. didnt wake up all evening. Colin Ryerse was in for awhile on horseback as it was a beautiful moon light night. Rather cloudy all day Wednesday October 20th Dad. has been plowing all day and I cut corn I didn't get started very early and quit about four but got quite a lot cut and finished the fourth row. Frank came right home from school and he and I got the fanning mill set and a few of the wet oats run through. To-night I went down town and took Marj. for a drive. It was a lovely moon light night but very foggy, however I enjoyed it very much and I think she did. Doc. Hicks was down to-day and said Aunty Maude was getting on as well as possible. She had to go to Brantford on Monday for an operation. Cloudy & Rainy looking all day. Thursday October 21st I have been cutting corn all day and just got another row cut. Dad plowed all day and is getting the side hill across the gully nearly cornered. Pud. Smythe was in this morning to get their lamb and paid me ten dollars. To-night Dad & Enah drove out to the kitchen shower they are having for Marine. Aunty was over here to dinner and she and Enah walked down town this after noon. It has been a beautiful sunny & mild day and is a lovely night. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday October 22nd Old Tid. woke up last night at twelve o'clock last night and when I woke up soon after he was howling like a savage. I managed to get him pacified but he refused to lie down again and sat bolt upright till two o'clock or after when they got home I managed to keep him in a cheerful mood but I was nearly frozen and asleep in my tracks. They had a grand time out at the Shand's, there were over fifty out there and the {John?} Shand's hadn't the slightest idea there was any thing up. This morning we didn't get up till late and Whit Dixon came after the steer they bought last summer before we had breakfast so we had to go back to the gully and bring them up We didnt' have much trouble loading him and he was much quieter than the last one was, but Whit thought it would be safer to take old Harry than his horse so Dad. had a little breakfast and went down with him I just did chores till they got back and then Dad & I went back and tried to catch Ginger to cut clover seed with Joe & her but she was full of mischief and we couldn't so we came up and trimmed up a couple of the ram lambs before dinner. After dinner we sharpened a mower knife and Dad. started to cut the clover seed with Belle & Harry. I started to cut corn but couldn't make much headway as the corn is light and dry now and it was very windy. Frank came home early and as he was stiff from his fall off his wheel yesterday he took the team and mowed till dark and Dad. & I came up and cleaned up the oats which were on the barn floor. Aunty Alice came over to tea to-night. Frank went down with her and is going to stay all night with Quint, they are going after nuts to-morrow with Bill Slocomb's horse & rig. Morley Buck drove Zeitha Barwell over to-night to say good bye to Enah she is going to Toronto in the morning. It has been sunny but a cold wind all day Saturday October 23rd We didn't get out very early again this morning and as Dad. discovered that the oats which we put in on top of the barley & oats was getting pretty hot so we ran it through the mill and spread them out on the floor That took nearly all the morning but I went out when we got through and cut four shocks of corn before noon and Dad. cleaned three old hens which we killed this morning. Henry Awde came over when we were at dinner and picked a couple of bags of Tolman Sweets for his wife </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and as I had to go down right after dinner for some groceries & the mail I drove them down for him. I hurried back but it must have been after half past two when I got out to the corn field but by working till after sundown I managed to get the row cut through, it kept me busy as there must have been twenty five or six shocks. Dad. cut clover seed all the after noon and says it won't take long to finish, he caught a little rabbit out there and we brought it up to the house but it seemed so frightened that we let it go out on the lawn, we saw a black sqirrel go up the willow tree the other morning, they say they are thick this fall and grey too - as it has been close season for them for four or five years but I guess they are shooting lots of them now although the season isn't open except two weeks in November. Frank got home soon after tea he had his down at Auntys, he said the nuts were nearly all gone, he hiked back down town again as soon as he changed his clothes. It froze hard last night, beautiful day. Sunday October 24th Dad. Dick and I drove down to church this morning and after church Dad. drove Aunty Alice up to the cemetry All Huby's family were over to dinner, which was rather late. Quint, Dick, Frank and I went out and picked up a lot more hickory nuts before dinner. This after noon I drove Huby home and then took Marj. for a drive, she was keeping house all alone as Mr. & Mrs. Bagley had gone to Simcoe and Essie was out at Marburg, so we drove around by Marburg but didn't see her. I went down to church to-night and spent the evening up at the Bagley's. It froze very hard last night and has been sunny but cold all day. Monday October 25th Dad. plowed this morning as it was to wet to cut clover seed but he cut all the after noon but didn't quite finish I cut corn all day and got started on the eighth row Tom Abbot came in to-night and got a bag of wheat and a bag of barley & oats in part payment for the chickens I got from him, he is going to take it all in feed. I have to pluck a hen to-night for Aunty Alice. Frank is busy pasting weeds on a big piece of cardboard and Dad. is denouncing the Education Department for causing such a foolish waste of time. Milder to-night and looks like rain Tuesday October 26th I cut corn all morning and finished another row. This </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> afternoon I helped Dad. clean up some oats and barley and move the fanning mill and then I raked up clover seed till night. Dad. put Enah's shelves in the clothes room this morning and then finished cutting the clover seed This after noon he started to clean up the barn floor so we could haul in the clover seed. It was a big job as he had to carry most of the dirt out to the chicken yard or big yard and then dump the oats which were in the box on the floor with the other oats and fill the box with the barley & oats from the bin and then put the oats on the floor into the bin, so he didn't get nearly finished, he didn't feel very well and had Tid to help him. To-night I took Joe down town with the saddle on her and both Essie & Marj. got on her, neither of them could reach the stirrups so they couldn't ride far and I held Joe's head most of the time. I had the big saddle on so couldn't shorten the stirrups but I promised to bring her down again with the little saddle. I went down to Aunty's for awhile before I came home, they expected Aunty Maude to-night but she didn't come. Nice day, very windy Wednesday October 27th I cut corn all morning and got on fairly well, Dad. finished cleaning up the barn floor and this after noon we hauled in two loads of clover seed, out of the wind row, we left the last load on the barn floor. Charlie McBarty was in to-night and bought the biggest ram lamb for eight dollars. Enah and the baby were down town this after noon. We saw Mr. Robertson going out the side road this after noon so we supposed Maime Shand's wedding came off all right. Ray Hammond was to be married to-day too, to Miss Austin out on the town line. Enah said she saw another wedding party down town of which Miss Bloxom & Mr. Todd were the chief figures. Very cloudy & cool. Thursday October 28th I cut corn all morning and got about 24 shocks cut. Dad. chored around till the dew dried off about ten o'clock and then raked up the clover seed or part of it, he didn't quite finish by noon, he just raked one way of the field so that we didn't have so much turning. This after noon we hauled in a couple more loads, the first was rather a small one, and we left the last on the waggon. Dick came home about two o'clock and took Josie and went to Simcoe as Dess is up there visiting. Enah has been house cleaning the dining room all day. Alan Law told us that Pickford has bought their farm and they will have to get off, we were sorry to hear it. Cloudy mostly & windy </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Friday October 29th We put off the load we hauled last night first thing this morning and then Dad. went out and raked up the rest of the field. I mowed away what was up there and then dug the rest of my rose border before he came in, we then went out and loaded till twelve but didn't have much of a load. After dinner we put it off and hauled two more. Frank got home early and helped us mow away the first and the second we left on the barn floor, we got all the stuff in that had any seed in it but there is still a load of couch grass out there To-night I put the little saddle on Joe and took her down to give the girls another lesson. Essie had to go to choir practice but Marj. rode down to Perry's and we got Marj. to go for a little ride, the little saddle was a great improvement. I went down to Aunty's for awhile before I came home. It has been windy & cloudy all day quite cold Saturday October 30th I cut corn all day but didn't get on extra well as it was so windy. Frank and Dad. took a grist to the mill this morning and also took the other bookcase and a lot of books & the old sofa down to Aunty's, and brought back a little sofa that Elva gave Enah. This after noon they put off the load of clover seed and went out and got the load of couch grass, it took a long time to put it on as it was so light and the wind was so strong, Dad. fixed Enahs shelves in the pantry clothes closet. To-night Frank and I went down town and he took a basket of hickory nuts down for the ones at Aunty's, he went to the picture show and I got my hair cut, there were a lot in town and a lot of kids out as they are celebrating to-night as Hallowe'en. It has been a nice day but cloudy & windy. Sunday October 31st I walked down to church this morning and Dad. Enah & the baby drove down they left the baby with Aunty Alice and then went there for dinner. I brought Joe home and we three boys had dinner alone. After dinner I drove Dick down town and got Marj. & Glad. Law who is up here for a week convalescing and we drove out to Renton I wanted to get the number of the ram we sold to Nixon & Berger last fall and we had a great time finding the place as I took the wrong turn at Wiggins school house, we did find it at last but they didn't know the number but said they would find it and send it to me It was late when we got back but I stayed at the Bagley's. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> to tea and put Joe in at Faulkner's. Glad also stayed and we then didn't go to church like the family but stayed home and washed the dishes and played with Charlie the kitten. I came home early and brought Dick with me. Just as I was about ready to get into bed to-night I heard the screen door open and then the kitchen door very quietly and I watched it open quietly and stealthily for it seemed like a long time and I didnt know what on earth was coming when Frank stuck his head in, he had been out somewhere and I didn't know it. It was rather dark in the bedroom and I was sure he was in bed, so I was getting ready for a scrap. It has been a lovely day but cloudy. Monday November 1st I cut corn all day and have about twelve shocks more to cut to finish the field I thought I would have finished but there are two more rows of corn in the last row of shocks and it makes a big difference, Dad. ploughed all day and finished the piece he was at. Edmond England was in with a Court of Revision notice that some body had complained that my name was wrongly ommeted from the voter's list, but I guess I don't have to go down. Another nice day but windy & cloudy. Tuesday November 2nd We were up fairly early this morning and Dad. got a good morning in ploughing. Frank found one of the ram lambs dead this morning so we concluded he had got too many apples so Frank and I got the roll of wire from behind the barn where it had been around the stack and put it up where it was before from the orchard fence over to the chicken yard and shut the other two rams in the plum orchard I then went out and finished cutting the corn it was an awful job as the wind was very strong, and it took me nearly till noon, when I got up Frank and Felix Perkins had a "hickey" on the pump and were fixing it, the rods had come disconnected as the collars where the lengths join had worn out agains the pipe. Aunty Alice came over to dinner, she was going to pick apples but it was too cold & windy, but she picked up a lot of hikory nuts. Mrs. McBride was here too so we had an exceedingly interesting dinner party especially when Dad. & Felix got arguing about the new school. I set out some rose bushes Aunty sent over after dinner & Dad. lost all the after noon working with Felix. Frank stayed home too. I drove Felix home about four o'clock and got Joe shod at Joe Howells. Very cold cloudy & windy </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {This is a repeat of page 133} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> {This is a repeat of page 133} </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday November 3rd I drove Dick down this morning and went on up to Dunkin's to see if I could get a ram, but he said he didn't know of one in the country, but he has Lloyd-Jones first prize Simcoe ram with his ewes and said I could bring my five yearlings up if I liked so I thought I would. I got home about noon and Dad. had to go over and give Charlie Quanbury two or three hours thrashing so I plowed till he got back and then I husked a little corn. I got ready and went down to Aunty's to tea. To-night Marj. & I went down to the show. It has been cloudy, cold, windy & damp. Thursday November 4th It rained quite hard early this morning so I drove Dick down again and found out that I could get Coleman's stock waggon to take the yearling ewes up to Dunkins I thought it was going to be rainy so Dad. couldn't plow and I could take te big team, so I went down to Coleman's before dinner and got it and we got all the sheep in the barn tagged then and let them all out except the five yearlings and the lamb which will register. I got started right after dinner for Dunkin's with the six ewes It was slow going up and I didn't get there till about four o'clock, but I didn't have any accidents or adventures, and got home by six o'clock. It turned out to be a beautiful after noon and every body along the road was plowing so it seemed a shame to have the team and keep Dad. from plowing. Dad. helped Enah house clean Friday November 5th I buried the dead ram this morning and picked a few of the spies when Gordon {Doracot?} came over to get me to go thrashing over at Jack Martin's. I went over but we only thrashed the buckwheat and there were only 121 bushels of it as the hail had ruined it. The spring on the governor broke and also a pipe running down into the boiler and as the engine had to cool off to fix it we couldn't thrash any more to-day and after we all had dinner over at Jack's we went home. I picked more apples this after noon. Bill Bush was cutting weeds over in his gully this after noon and cut the leg off one off our guinea's which was sitting I caught it and killed it. Dad. plowed all day, but will have to with me to thrash to-morrow. Enah went down town and stayed to tea at Aunty Alice's as it was her birthday. I walked down to-night to wish her a happy birthday. It has been a nice day but cloudy & cold. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday November 6th Dad. and I went over this morning to thrash and put in a strenuous fore noon of it. I carried away and it kept me very busy as the wheat rolld out faster than the oats and there were 210 bushels Dad. had the dirtiest job as he was in the straw and they put some of it in the barn, there were over 400 bushels altogether, we didn't get through till after dinner. I didn't do much after I got home as I felt a little tough but I picked a few apples Dad. tried to plow on the barley stubble as he thought it wasn't worth while to go back over the gully but it was too hard so he had to quit. Aunty Alice came over this after noon and she & Frank picked up a lot of hickory nuts. Frank walked down wth her to-night and was down till about midnight. I had a bath instead. Pretty cold wind to-day. Sunday November 7th Frank went down to Sunday school this morning and Dad. Dick & I drove down to church. Aunty Maude was in church this morning, it was the first walk she has taken since she came home, so Dad. drove her home after church. Quint drove over to dinner with us. This afternoon I went down town and got Essie & we drove down to Nanticoke and got Marj. who has been down at the Banfield's since Friday night, we didn't stay down there long although they wanted us to stay to tea but Essie had to get back to play the organ so we came back I put Joe in the church shed and stayed with them to tea and then took Joe home while they went to church I just got home as Dad. was about ready to start down town after Enah so I went back and got her, she had been down with the baby to a duck dinner at Huby's, when we got home I walked down again and spent the evening at the Bagley's. Ed & Marion were over there this after noon. Lovely day but cold wind. Monday November 8th Dad. got in a good day to-day plowing. Frank didn't go to school this morning but rode down to Geo. Miller's to see about getting a new dividing wall for the separator as the old one won't stay up in the hauls, Mrs. Miller told him it would be better to get a new one. He came around by Tommy Jackson's to see about getting some honey for his bees but Tommy hadn't extracted yet so he will have to use sugar. I drove Dick. down to the bank and around to see if Neil Elliott would give me $100.00 for Mully but he said he wouldn't but would come to look at her. Tid. went down with me and I took a bag of Tolman Sweets down to Aunty Alice. When I got back I went out & </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> burned the old hay we left out on the timothy sod. This after noon I picked apples and got pretty much all that were any good out there. Mrs McBride was here washing to day. Aunty came over to tea and to stay all night. Very much milder to-day but cloudy this after noon Tuesday November 9th Dad. got a good early start this morning but just nicely got hooked up when {Leo?} Horn got him to come up and look at his mare, so he was delayed for over an hour, the mare was up here in the stable, she was sweating terribly and seemed in awful pain so Dad. said he thought she had a touch of spasmodic colic he didn't have any thing to give her but she seemed to get better so he took her home. I spent the day cleaning up the garden and putting the vegetables & apples in the cellar. I also put off the load of couch grass which was on the waggon and Dad. took it over to the other barn at noon. This after noon I cleaned the barn floor and threw the oats out again out of the bin. To-night I took Joe down town again with the saddle on her and gave the girls another ride. Marj. is getting on fine but it was only the second time for Essie. I got home about half past ten. Very windy all day and freezing hard to-night. Wednesday November 10th Dad. got a good day in plowing to-day and only had one interruption when Will Philips came over to ask him about his sick cow. He got the east half finished and got quite a lot done on the west side. I hardly got anything done as I had so many visitors I got started twice to husk corn but I first old Felix came after some wheat that Dad. gave him for wages and then Neil Elliot came to look at Mully He said she was only worth $75. This afternoon I drove Enah and Tid down to the Jame's and then went over to the slaughter house to see Whit Dixon, he said if he were in my place he wouldn't sell Mully for less than $90.00 I was over there quite awhile and it was getting late when I got home and Huby had sent some historical man over here to look at the mound. I took him back to see it and he said he was sure it was a natural formation although a very peculiar one. He is here to see about putting up a little monument on the spot where a party of French explorers wintered about 200 years ago, he says they have located the spot where their hut stood from the rough map they drew and the description of the place and have found the place has never been disturbed. It is up Black Creek a little way in a little ravine about 200 feet in from the creek. Lovely day, sunny & not windy. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday November 11th It rained a little during the night so I thought it would be a little wet to husk corn so spent the morning working in front of the house I am going to take the sod all off in front of the dining room window where the rhubard bed was and put it down by the road where the grass doesn't grow, then I want to dig the other up and put some flowers in and train a grape vine across in front of it from the corner of the house to the plum orchard fence. Neil Elliot came in about ten o'clock and I went back with him to look at the steer and see Dad. about buying Dreadnaught, he said he would give $45 for him and Dad. said he'd take it. I asked him $125 for Mully & the steer but he said the steer was only worth forty and Mully seventy five, but he came up five dollars on Mully & then two & a half so I thought I wouldn't stick for two & a half and let them go, and to-night I wrote to two men who advertise dual purpose Shorthorns in the Farmer's Advocate. This after noon I went out to husk a little more corn but didn't get much done when it began to rain so I came in Mr. Waterbury the historical man was here, he wanted to know the way to get to Tommy Jackson's and I told him the shortest way was to go up the creek and he said as it was raining so he wouldnt go to-day, he wanted to see if Tommy would donate an old axe that old Stringer had of his to their museum, he brought over the book telling of the travels of the French exploring party and which was originally writen by one of two French priests who were with the party. It was written in French & English both and there was an old map which they had drawn of their voage, it was pretty crude but still wonderfully correct when they had only the shoreline to go by. It gave a great description of this country where they wintered and called it the "earthly paradise of Canada." There were also a couple of pictures in the book of Black Creek and the spot where their camp stood, it was al-to-gether a most interesting book but Frank has to take it back to Huby's office in the morning. I didn't do much this after noon but pain the names of my different plots of wheat on some stakes for labels. Enah started to read the history book to-night but we all went to sleep in spite of it being so interesting. Friday November 12th I spent all the morning working out in front and got nearly all the sod taken off and put down by the road. This after noon I went out and put the lable stakes in my wheat plots </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and stretched the garden line around each of them and hoed around each one so that there would be more come up outside the line I then husked a little more corn. Dad. got in a good day plowing. It has been a beautiful day. Saturday November 13th We had to take our stock down to Neil Elliot to ship to day so I went back right after breakfast to bring up the steer, he seemed determined not to come up and I had to bring the whole bunch to get him. We left him in the yard with Mully while we tied the calf in the waggon box, we thought Mully would follow the calf and the steer go with her and Dad. lead the bull we got as far as the road when the calf got loose and while we were tying him up the steer got back in the lane and jumped into the field with the rest. After a lot of chasing we got him out as far as the road again, when Dreadnaught in some way twisted the snap on the stick out of his nose and got loose and he & the steer ran up into the wheat. Enah came out wielding a broom. However we got them in and at last got well started. They ran into Martin's but Art. Quanbury came down from there with us Dad. Frank & Art came right home when they were unloaded. Frank drove the lumber waggon with the calf in it down so they came around home by Aunty's and got Mis Buckwells sofa which they bought and brought it home. I went up town and got the honey and left it in the {illegible}. This after noon Frank and I took a grist to the mill and got a walnut table up at Mrs. McBrides we got Jack Martin's skids and took them over to the colony house which I want to move up as soon as possible Dad. & I then cleaned up some wheat to pay Sam Lees back and also some oats for Art Quanbury while Frank shot three guinea hens. Frank and I took the wheat back about dark. It has been a nice day but a cold wind. Sunday November 14th Frank rode his wheel down to church this morning and Dick, Enah & I drove down. Aunty Alice came over with us to dinner. This after noon Marj. & I went for a walk up the Radical Road and got full of burrs. I went down to Aunty's for tea and went up with Aunty & Aunt Ida to church Dick & I got home to-gether about half past ten. The Nixon's were here this after noon and left the number of the ram. Dad. had to go over to Frank Lemon's to see a horse and didn't get back till dark. Enah & the baby went down to the Jame's for tea and Elva </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Said. Davis, May Perry & Gladys Fischer came over with her after church. It has been cloudy and cold all day. Monday November 15th Dad. got a good day in plowing to-day but didn't quite finish the oat stubble. I spent most of the morning tidying up the rubbish between the wood shed and the shop and cleaned the windows and swept down the cobwebs in the cow horse stable. This after noon I chopped down the rest of the cherry trees which were along the plum orchard fence and started to get a trench dug for my hedge. Holly Bush came in to-night to get a loaf of bread. He brought Enah over a sack of flour the other day to have her bake a loaf or two of bread a week. Very windy and cold all day. It snowed a little and is freezing hard to-night. Tuesday November 16th This morning as it was pretty cold I got Dad. to help me move the colony house It took quite awhile to get it on the skids but once it was loaded it slid along in fine shape. We put it in the yard where we set out the raspberries. Dad. went right back and plowed when we got it over and has plowed all after noon. He finished the oat stubble and got started to plow in the weeds. I separated the chickens put the pullets in where the cockrels were as that is to be their winter quarters, put the cockrels in where the old hens were and put the old hens in the colony house. I then ran the wagon out of the shed and started to pick up some apples off the ground in the orchard for cider. I picked all the after noon but didn't get the wagon box full. It was milder to-night but was snowing quite hard about dark. Tuesday Wednesday November 17th Quint came over with Dick last night to stay awhile so he Frank and I picked up a few more apples and took them up to Walker Waddle's for cider. Dad. drove down in the buggy and got two of the kegs from down at Aunty's for us to take up as he didn't want us to drive way down around that way. We didn't get back till after one o'clock. We didn't have quite enough apples we filled the two ten gallon kegs and put about thirty in the barrell, we came back by town and left a keg at Huby's and one at Aunty's. Dad. drove Aunty up to the cemetry this morning and had to go over to Tupper's to thrash this after noon. Aunty stayed here to dinner and I drove her back this after noon, when </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I got back it was pretty late so I just took back Jack Martin's skids and Quanbury's chain and did chores. Quint and Frank husked a basketfull of corn and then set some traps back in the gully. There has been a cold wind to-day and it has been freezing in the shade all day. Thursday November 18th Dad. has been over at Tupper's all day thrashing. He says the stuff is in awful shape. It is full of thistles and weeds and is so tough they can hardly stick a fork in it. This morning I didn't do much but chores and clean up around the wood shed. Quint wanted to go for a ride so I put the little saddle on Joe and he took her down town and back. When he got back the saddle blanket was gone and he hadn't missed it. He said she nearly put him off once and just about got away from him. He and I walked back the road to look for the blanket and found it hanging on the sidewalk railing below Marshals place. After dinner Quint helped me stand all the rails up that were out in the pile in front of the shop and we got it slicked up nicely. Quint went down about three o'clock. I quit early to do chores and about half past five left for Woodhouse to a chicken pie social. I picked Marj up on the way and we had a hot time. When we got there the place was crowded and I couldn't get Joe in the sheds but got her in a sheltered spot. We had to get in line for supper and were nearly squashed flat, after about an hour's waiting we got in to the dining hall where we had a sumptuous repast of roast chicken and then had to wait another hour for the programme to commence, but we were lucky enough to get good seat so enjoyed ourselves, the entertainers were principally composed of Doverites, and all came up in a load Essie presided at the organ and the male quartette did most of the singing. Mrs. J.H. Butler also performed several times and Miss McGillvary from Simcoe also sang. Frank Reid was chairman and Mr. {Geoff?} and all the Methodist preachers in the country spoke, it was about twelve o'clock when we got out, and Joe didn't seem in a mood to travel very fast so it was after one when I got home. We came down the Radical as there was no other traffic on it. It has been a beautiful day and a very mild nigh. It started to rain a little about midnight and was raining quite hard when I got home. Friday November 19th I had to go over to Sam Law's to thrash this morning </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> and Dad. went over to Tupper's to finish up. We only thrashed for about half an hour and then as there was such a headwind we quit. The straw was blowing everywhere and the roof was covered. Sam. said if it was his he wouldn't care but he didn't want to do anything mean as he was leaving. I stood around over there about an hour talking to Sam and Art Ryersie and listening to their discussion of various farming problems. Soon after I got home Enah and Tid. wanted to go down town so I drove them down, on my way back I picked up Jack Martin and he came over and had a look at the cockrels, he said there would be some he could take. I had my dinner all alone but Dad. came home before I finished. He had had his and they had finished over at Tupper's. This afternoon it rained quite a lot. Dad. & I got the cider barrel in the wood shed and about half past three I drove down after Enah and the baby who were then at Aunty's. It rained heavily last night and has been raining a lot to-day. Raw west wind. Saturday November 20th It was still very windy this morning and has been all day so I knew there was no use going over to Sam's to thrash. This morning after we did up the chores rather late I stripped the north wall of the old barn next Dreadnaughts stall {illegible} of straw as we want to get the calves in now. Dad. killed and dressed a couple of chickens. After dinner {name?} came after Landon Ivey's calf so we went back with him and brought them all up and the horses too. I did chores then and Dad. built a manger over against the granary wall for the calves. Just before dark I put the bridle on Queen and got on her back. The other horses were all there so she trotted around the straw stack with them a few times and then they all cantered out of the yard into the field. Just as we got out the gate, she began to rear a little and I wasn't looking for it so after a few of them I found myself on my back on the ground with my feet in the air. Queen got away with the bridle on her and got back with the rest but luckily they didn't go into the gully and I chased them back to the barn where Dad. got the bridle off her, she hadn't got the reins down either. To-night we put Ginger & Billy in the box stall. Dad. got his steer in too that he is going to kill for home consumption. Whit Dixon was over this morning and got our veal calf. Tupper came </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> over last night to kill our ram but when he felt him he said it would be foolish as there wasn't much more than a good meal on him, so Whit looked at him this morning and said if we fed him awhile, he might be worth killing, so Dad. has him tied up in the stable now. To-night Dad. has gone down to see the folks. Frank has a bad cold and sore throat. He went over to Tupper's this morning to set some traps for a skunk. Cloudy, windy and a little rain to-day. Sunday November 21st Frank's cold was too bad to go out of the house to-day so Dad. & I drove down to church alone. Aunty came back with Dad. and I stayed down there to dinner and tea. This after noon I went visiting and also to-night after church. There was quite a commotion down town this after noon when Perce Ryerse's house, his new one caught on fire. I went up but they got it under control before it did any damage beyond smoking the house all up. It seems the kid set fire to a pile of rubbish down cellar. I went to church to-night and saw Dick to speak to for the first time to-day. Huby and Lila wemt down to Aunty's to-night and killed all his spring chickens, there were eight of them most of them cockrels. I went down about ten o'clock and got the old hen I lent him last summer to hatch them out. I don't know what the neighbors thought as she let out a series of the most unearthly squaks I ever hard as far as Allan's corner and then she wasn't so bad unless I {jabed?} her. Dick caught up to me at Uncle Wards. When we got home I put the old hen up to Frank's ear and pinched her and old Frank didn't know what was coming off. I had her in a bag and the next thing she did was to get loose in the kitchen and of course caused a terrible commotion while I was catching her. Very windy and blizzardy to-day. Monday November 22nd This morning I went over to Sam Law's to thrash. It was still windy but a little more from the West so didn't blow right in the barn, we were there till about eleven o'clock. I was on the blower most of the time but the stack got too high to put all the straw on so we had to let it go to one side. We had dinner over there and I got back before they had dinner here. This after noon I did up the chores and then put the little saddle on Ginger. I got on her in the drive house but she was </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> so nervous with the curb bit, saddle and being away from Billy that she wouldn't go out at last she got herself worked up into such a state that she started to back up, she backed up into a pile of rubbish and sat down. I got off her and took her outside and got on her, she still refused to go and went through the same performance again this time though when I went down I hit my head and my back and she came over pretty heavily on my leg. I tried her again without success so took her down to the road and then up to where Dad. was plowing in the barley stubble and he started her off and she came back all right. Frank who has been sick in the house all day wanted me to go out to Tupper's and look at some trap he set for some skunks so i put the big saddle on Joe and went out there. Dad. started to plow the barley stubble to-day as the creek was so high he didn't want to go back over the gully and he thought if it should freeze the stubble would freeze first. Enah went down town this after noon and Aunty Alice came back with her to tea. Dad. went down with her after tea. To-night all the Harvey Shand's but Willie came in. Charlie is going out West some time next week and came over to say good bye. Rather cold wind and cloudy to-day. Tuesday November 23rd This morning I did up the chores and put the big saddle on Ginger to give her another lesson, she behaved pretty well putting it on, but coming out of the door she gave a jump, caught the stirrup in the door and tore the strap right off at the saddle. I felt pretty sick about it and put her back in and went out and husked corn. I husked corn all the after noon and to-night I went down town and gave Marj. a carving lesson. It was raining when I got started for home but I got a ride out with Dick and Alan Law. Cloudy, but mild to-day. Wednesday November 24th We didn't get out very early this morning and I just did chores. This after noon I went to Simcoe and got the saddle mended and also a lot of other harness. I was up there for quite awhile and stopped in to see Louise at the Bowlby's for a few minutes on the way home so it was pretty late when I got home. Enah and the baby were waiting for me down town but I came home first. Dad. got in and drove me down and I stayed down at Aunty's all night as I want to leave for Caledonia in the morning. Dad. plowed on the barley stubble all day, he doesn't feel very well. Frank </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> is not very well either and has not been at school to-day. Aunty Alice & Dick left for Toronto to-night to see Billy Millman play, he is in Toronto all this week with Taversham in "The Hawk." Cloudy this morning but nice day. Thursday November 25th Aunty got up at six o'clock this morning and got my breakfast and I left for Caledonia. When I got there there was no sign of Douglas so the fellow at the station said I had better telephone him so I did and found that as I had said on my card I would D.V. be down Thursday morning he didn't quite understand and thought it meant to drive down, however he came right in after me in his Ford and we got out to his place about four miles out about ten o'clock, he showed me all through his cattle, he has over a hundred head and it was like going to a show, he has both Bates bred and Scotch bred Shorthorn's and some of the familys have been on the farm for sixty years. I wanted to get a cow with a record and giving milk now if I could but as he lets his calves suck all his cows so of course had no records and he advised me not to get a cow that has had a calf sucking her as he said they never let their milk down as well when milked by hand so I wound up by buying a two year old heifer from him which he said was from the best milking cow on the farm and of a good milking family, she was just bred yesterday and so I will have to run chances of having to breed her again to some bull around here. I gave $180.00 dollars for her $100 cash and my note for 12 mos @ 6% for the $80. He is to ship her up next Wednesday. I had dinner there and visited with Mr. Douglas for an hour or so after and then he took me down town where I waited for the 6.40 train for Dover. Mr. & Mrs. Brad. Bowlby were on the train coming up from Toronto. They had heard Billy Sunday give his temperance lecture. Mrs. Bowlby was terribly shocked and thought he was too wild all to-gether. I stopped in at Aunty's on my way home but had tea over here. It has been a beautiful day. Friday November 26th Dad. has plowed all day to-day and I did chores and set out my two grapevines or at least transplanted them. It took me the best part of the after noon as I took considerable pains about it and put some tile </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> in the bottom at the base and mixed the earth up with mould from around the big barn and some wood ashes. Art. Quanbury & Ive Fields were around Jack Martin's fence fixing it and I was over talking to them for awhile. It has been another most beautiful Indian Summer day. Saturday November 27th Dad. left here at sevenl o'clock this morning to get Huby and go down to Mr. {Faurey's?} funeral, he didn't get back till nearly ten, he got some lime down town and Frank whitewashed the cow stable. This after noon they got a grist ready for the mill and Frank took it down but it was too late to get it to-night. I did chores and went over to Martin's to find out how strong to make the solution of coal oil and carbolic acid for scaly leg. {Brilely?} said zenoleum would do as well as carbolic acid and and not to use more than a table spoon full in a cup of water so to-night Dad. and I went through them we got all the young pullets & cockrels done but not all the old yearling hens as they were so thick we couldn't tell which had been done and which hadn't. It has been a very disagreeable day. It rained this morning and has been cold and windy. Sunday November 28th Enah Frank and I went down to church this morning. Frank rode the wheel down and we drove. I was down town all the after noon and went up the beach for a walk and stayed down at Aunty's for tea. Dad. walked down and he Aunty and I went up to church to-night and I spent the evening up at the Bagley's. It has been a most beautiful and very mild day but it was a wild night when I started for home raining and a terrific wind so I went down and stayed all night at Aunty's. They had all gone to bed when I got there but I sneaked in and lit the light and then went up and told Aunty I was there, she was glad I came. Monday November 29th I had breakfast down at Aunty's this morning and got home about nine o'clock. I then went down to the mill and got the grist that Frank left there on Saturday. I took a bag of wheat down and Clarence said it ought to be worth about 90 cts but by today's paper Ottawa has comandeered a lot of Canadian wheat so whether that will affect prices here or not I don't know. This after noon I did </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> up the chores and then husked a basket of corn. Dad. plowed all the after noon. To-night Frank & I went down to the A.Y.P.A. and had a fairly good time. I got my hair cut and went down on my way home to see Aunty Alice she came home to-night. Frank met her at the train. It has been a raw windy day and is freezing hard to-night. Tuesday November 30th This morning being cold and blustery Dad. decided to put the calves in, it took quite awhile to finish the preparations for their reception and still longer to get them in and tied however we did by about ten o'clock and we think they will soon settle down in contentment. It wasn't worthwhile for Dad. to go out and plow before dinner so we went down and got the coal stove that Mrs. James gave Enah, it is a dandy, we had to get some groceries and by the time we got home and got the stove unloaded it was about two o'clock. Dad. plowed after dinner but didn't quite finish the barley stubble he is going to plow the old fence bottom in with it. I did up the chores, cut some wood and went out and opened up a ditch in the plowed field. Mrs. McBride was here this morning, washing. Cold raw & windy. Wednesday December 1st Frank stayed home from school this morning and he and I did chores while Dad. finished plowing the barley stubble. Then the whole family went down in the lumber waggon and Dad. & I put on a load of chestnut coal for the new stove, it just come in. Frank got some stuff up town and then took the coal home while Dad. and I got my heifer which came in on the noon freight, she was like a mad bull she was so wild in spite of the blind old Douglas had put over her head, we couldn't do anything with her at the station so they shunted her over to the yard by the brickyard much against one of the men's will who was very much put out at wasting so much time and kept up a running stream of oaths, however with two long ropes one of which was Ed's and one which Dad. got over at the slaughter house we got her out in a short time without hurting her. Ed. helped us bring her over and came all the way over with us but wouldn't stay to dinner. Enah & the baby walked home. Dad. is highly delighted wth the heifer and she certainly does look nice in the stable with the others and she is getting quieted down. This after noon I helped Frank and Dad. get the stove in place and then </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> I went up to the Bowlby's after Louise. Frank went to school till recess and then met Dad. down town and they got another load of coal. Louise and I got back about six. Cold all day snowed all after noon & evening Dick didn't quit work for yesterday till 3.30 this morning and then walked home. It was the end of the year & month. Thursday December 2nd Dad. & I did chores most of the morning and fixed up a corner out in the old barn to put the bull calf as he is too mean to leave with the heifer calve we also unloaded the load of coal he got yesterday afternoon into a bin he fixed up in the wood shed. We two had dinner by ourselves as Enah, Louise & the baby all went down to Aunty's to dinner and to spend the afternoon. This afternoon Dad. & I hauled in a load of corn stalks most of which were unhusked and put them in the bay of the old barn. To-night Dad. read "Going Some" out loud it is a funny story by Rex Beach. It has been cold & raw all day anbd is freezing hard to-night. Friday December 3rd Dad. has plowed across the gully all day and says it plows better than it hass all fall, he was surprised that it did as when he went back he was afraid he couldn't make it go it froze so hard last night, he got quite a lot done although he didn't get back there very early. I went over to see Charlie Shand this morning as I told him I would before he left; he is going West next Tuesday He showed me all over and we were up in the silo. Louise went down to Aunty's to dinner and Aunty came back with her to tea. I just did chores this after noon. To-night I went down town with Aunty and went to the picture show with Marj., this being her birthday. On my way home I looked in at the Commercial hotel and saw Alan Law and Dick sitting there waiting for Alan to finish his cigar to go home so I joined them. George Henderson was with them sitting with his feet up on a table, his cap down over his eyes and a smile on his face which showed he was just awake enough to enjoy his comfortable state. Presently a man evidently a traveller came in from the back room and expressed his intention of "going to roost" where at George stretched himself out of his chair and over to the register and the traveller registerd and went to bed. This sort of aroused the party and when Alan had bought another cigar we left for home. Alan was drawn from the </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> familiar channels of his conversation to-night by extolling the many virtues of a new nine dollar & a quarter corduroy coat with fur felt lining that his girl sent away and got for him for a Christmas present. When we got home the whole family was listening to Enah read "Going Some". Dad. had had his snooze on the sofa and had evidently brought down the house a few minutes before we came in by waking up with a wild burst of laughter caused by his dreaming of the story Enah was reading and exclaiming "I don't see how people can be so dam' funny", this being a quotation from the book He got up then so I occupied the sofa for the remainder of the evening, it then being close to midnight. Raw & cloudy, freezing to-night. Saturday December 4th Dad. has been plowing all day again to-day.This morning Frank did up most of the chores and I husked corn in the barn, he helped husk some too. This after noon he went back with Dad. to help him run out some cross furrows and I drove Louise back to the Bowlby's. I got home before tea. We have never let Alguitha out yet but she is beginning to show signs of getting tame but she won't let us take the halter off her head yet. They have according to the "Maple Leaf" got all the officers for the 133rd overseas regiment which they are going to try and recruit in Norfolk. A.C. Pratt the little shrimp is colonel an Murray Dillon one of the lieutenants neither one of them I suppose know any more about military matters than a young rabbit, but I suppose each is pulling down a nice fat salary from it. Murray is recruiting officer for these regions. Cold & cloudy to-day but not so windy. I guess Murry is only a provisional lieutenant and has to try his examinations yet. Sunday December 5th Enah and Frank were the only ones from here at church this morning. I drove Enah down but it was so late I didn't go in but waited down at Aunty's for them. Aunty Alice drove over with us to dinner. I spent the after noon down town and went for a walk up the beach. I had tea at Aunty's and Dad. came down with Aunty Alice to tea and he Aunty & I went to church. I spent the evening down town. Nice day but cloudy and cold. Monday December 6th I find I have only ten eleven pages left in this book so if I am going to get the rest of the year in I will </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> have to considerably boil down the news. Dad. has plowed all day but says the frost is beginning to make it stiff. Mrs. McBride was here all day. I did chores and went over to Martin's to hurry them up after my cockrel's. Enah went down to church this after noon. The Bishop was here and confirmed Mrs. Jack & Mrs Chas Martin, Mrs Cope, Bill Dunbar, Joe Thompson & Alf Powell. Frank & I went down to A.Y.P.A. to-night. Hazen read us a story. Cold & Cloudy to-day & freezing hard to-night. Tuesday December 7th Dad. didn't plow to-day but we hauled two loads of corn stalks instead one in the morning and one this afternoon, besides doing up all the chores. Jack Martin & Chris came over this morning and took eleven of my cockrels and left a few more here to grow awhile, they were not as fat as they should have been and we discovered the cause was mites. To-night Dad. & I leg banded all the pullets. Much milder to-day. Wednesday December 8th I went down to the mill this morning and borrowed fifteen bags to haul out our wheat, we just did chores this morning and Dad. killed and cleaned three cockrels and I painted the roosts in the old part of the hen house with crude oil for mites. This after noon we cleaned up about 35 bushels of wheat but didn't have time to haul any. Quite mild to day but very cloudy and a little snow which melted. Thursday December 9th Frank stayed home to help us to day. Dad. hauled the load down we cleaned up yesterday and we cleaned two more and hauled them to-day. We hauled 16 bags each trip and they averaged a few pounds over 34 bushels so it weighs pretty well and scarcely any cleans out but there isn't going to be as much by about 40 bushels in the granary as there was from the machine. We could have got more done but we had to quit early for chores It has been cloudy with a very cold north wind all day. Friday December 10th Dad. hauled two more loads to-day, we cleaned up all the wheat in the granary and took the last half load out of the big bin. It is sprouted worse but it cleans up to just about as good a sample. Dad. said he didn't think they made any difference down at the mill. Cold, cloudy and windy again to-day. Dick says Cecil Powell got back from the front to-night, there was a big crowd to meet them </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Saturday December 11th We cleaned up all the wheat left over in the barn this morning which was about 13 1/2 bags. Dad. hauled it down before dinner and I think it brought the total up to a little over 199 bushels, he didn't settle with Ivey this morning as they were so busy. This after noon I went down town to get some groceries. Art Quanbury paid me 21 dollars for the three ewe lambs. Frank went back to the gully and found a hole with three skunks in it but didn't get one - it got him properly - phew! He has gone down town to-night. They are going to present Cecil Powell with a watch but I am reading "The Amateur Gentleman" so can't go down. It has been cold again to day but it has also been sunny. Sunday December 12th Frank and I were the only ones that went to church from here this morning. I drove down and brought Aunty and Elva back with me. Jim Waddle & the two little girls also were here to dinner, Dad wanted to have them as we had roast duck. Dick and I didn't get down town very early this after noon as we both each smoked a cigar first, and Marj. had gone for an automobile ride to Waterford. I stayed down to tea at Aunty's and Mrs Smythe and Pud. were there I went to church and Marj. & I went up to Glad. Law's for awhile afterwards. Nice day snow to-night. Monday December 13th The ground was covered with snow this morning so we thought it was time we were getting the sheep home from Dunkin's. Dad. went down to the mill and settled up with Ivey paid him ${?} and got $130.00 back. This after noon we borrowed B & M's cattle waggon and went up and got our sheep. We took old Harry & got back about six. To night Frank and I went down to A.Y.P.A. Colder and pretty cloudy. Tuesday December 14th I took B & M's waggon back this morning and took Art Quanbury his three lambs. I hurt my thumb down town slapping my hands to get them warm and havent done anything much all day. Uncle Ward came over this after noon to see Algitha and was here most of the after noon. We let her out for the first time to day got her in without much trouble but are afraid she is not in calf. Colder & blizzardy Wednesday December 15th I have done very little all day my thumb is stiff and awkward I went down this morning and orderd some flooring at the Widespread for my chicken shed. Aunty Alice came back with me and stayed to dinner. Huby came over before tea and got Dad. to go down and cut up a pig for him. Dad. and Frank have gone down to-night. I sat up till 3 o'clock this morning to finish the "Amateur Gentleman" Nice day cold wind. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Thursday December 16th We did chores all morning, my thumb was still stiff so I didnt do much. This after noon I took a grist to the mill and went on down to get my lumber but they hadn't it ready yet, I stopped in at Aunty's for a few minutes, and got my chop when I got home. To-night I went to the show with Marj. To-night Aunty Alice had a bridge party, Toby Smith and Miss Buckwell and I stopped in there on my way home and got some cake Very mild but cloudy. Booze Waddle was over saying his father would come to morrow to kill pigs Friday December 17th It began to rain about six this morning and has been a wet miserable day. I drove Dick down to the bank and saw Dave. he said he and Val Leany would be right over if we could work in the dry so we rigged up a place in the old barn, and so before two o'clock the four pigs were all dressed. We then had dinner but they wouldn't take anything for pay. Just {chore?} then. Saturday December 18th Frank and I went down with the team this morning and got my lumber for the chicken house floor. This after noon I unloaded it and we hauled the pigs (dead ones) over to the house and took one down to Sam's, it weighed 145 lbs by Alfred's scales. Dad. & Frank caught all the little ones and put them in the pen where the other four had been Dad. cleaned it all out this morning. Lila has been over all day. Cloudy and colder freezing. Sunday December 19th We got up late this morning and none of us but Frank went to church. I went down town this after noon and stayed at Aunty's to tea. Aunty and I went to church to-night, after church Marjorie and I walked down with her. I came home with Dick & Alan Law It has snowed hard most of the day but has not been cold. Monday December 20th This being Tid's birthday all the family celebrated at Aunty's but me. I drove them down in the bobsleigh but came back and had dinner with Mrs. McBride here. Dad. came back soon after dinner and helped me do the chores. To-night I drove Essie & Marj. down to Marburg Sunday school Christmas tree and we had a great time Wilson Porter drove Essie home. Frank went with the Ryerse's to the Lake Shore school concert, he walked It has been colder to day and our sleighing has frozen dry and blown off. Tuesday December 21st Besides doing chores I cleaned out chicken house and Dad. cut up a pig. Jack Martin paid me $20.93 for eggs & cockrels Dad. & I went to the Patriotic Rally to-night. Nice day. </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> Wednesday December 22nd We hooked up Joe & Queen to the bobsleighs this morning and drove down town with Aunty Alice's cream and beets Queen went fine considering it was the first time she has been hooked up to anything. Frank got home at noon and his Christmas holidays have begun. He and I husked some corn this morning and about five o'clock Dad. & I & the baby drove Joe & Ginger down to the cutter. Tonight I went down town and stayed down at Aunty Alice's all night. Aunty left for Toronto this morning to stay with Roy for Christmas week. Walter & Elsie are coming there tomorrow but sleighing not good. Snowed most of day. Thursday December 23rd I went down to the train this morning to wish Marjorie a Merry Christmas before she left for home. Essie was down to see her off Aunty Alice got up and had breakfast ready for me when I got back. I walked home in time to drive Dick down as it was raining hard. It has rained most of the day and the snow is nearly all gone. I husked corn and did chores most of the day Dad. has cut up pigs and has them all cut up and Enah has most of the lard rendered out. Frank has been making a knife drawer for Enah. Last night Frank went down to the Mud Street school show (Bertha England's) with the Ryerse's, they went in bobs this time. Friday December 24th I spent most of the morning cleaning out the chicken houses and tacking cotton in the windows. Tom Abbot came in and got a rooster. This afternoon Dad. went down town to get his hair cut and Frank and I to do some Christmas shopping. Dad. and I came home to-gether. The town seems to have quite a few soldiers home for Christmas. I saw Billy Loan in uniform didn't know he had enlisted. Frank is going to try and catch some pigeons for Hec. Henderson's shooting match to night. Very mild but cloudy all day. Christmas Day I drove Enah and Frank down to church in the cutter this morning with Joe and Ginger but as all the chores had to be done up this morning and one of us had to look after the baby so I came back home again. Dad. and I then dressed up and drove Joe down in the buggy to the James where the whole family of us partook of Christmas dinner we took the baby down with us, the McPherson family were all there too. We had a dandy time especially Frank who had a cigar after dinner and spent the remainder of the after noon in the Catholic church shed. We came home about four and then I drove Harry & Belle down and got Aunty Alice and Aunty Ida and </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> all Huby's family except Aunty Maude who is at Uncle Wards look after Mrs. Scofield who got "took bad" the other day but is now better. We just had tea over here but had a Christmas tree for Tid. and Huby acted as Santa Claus. He nearly gave poor Aunt Ida a fit laughing at his actions and words, there was quite an array of dandy presents considering nobody was going to give any. I drove them all back in the sleigh quite early but had to leave Huby at the Sovereign's as Mrs. Scofield wouldn't mind them and he had to pretend he was the doctor, so Win & Lila stayed at Aunty Alices all night. It has been very soft and mild all day but is colder to-night. Sunday December 26th Dad. & Frank stayed home this morning and Enah and I walked down to church. The choir was out in its new "shrouds" as Whit Dixon called the surplices. This after noon Dad. & I walked over to Frank Crysler's to see his bull but weren't very stuck on him. To-night I went down to Aunty Alice's to tea and to church. Went up to Huby's after church and was there quite awhile as Win was there all alone. Lovely day bright and colder than yesterday. Monday December 27th Dad. and I went down to nomination this after noon but it was pretty slow reeve & counsillors went in by acclamation reeve is Gilbert and same old council except Nath. Butler who takes Gilbert's place. Frank and I went down to-night to our nomination and it was much more fun Billy Langs & Bill Coley nearly got into a scrap Vyse and old Walker are going to run again for reeve. Snowing to-night. Tuesday December 28th Dad. & I went over to John Wes's this morning to see his bull and stayed over there till one o'clock watching John Wess & Robert John Watson kill a pig. This after noon Dad. went up to see Ham Thompson's bull and Frank went skating. I did chores. To-night Dad. and I went down and stayed at Aunty Alice's. Nice day. Wednesday December 29th Dad. and I went down to Caledonia this morning to see Mr. Douglas. He came in for us in a cutter and we spent the whole day out there as it was a terrible day, a regular blizzard cold east wind and snow. While we were there two fellows Mr Brook & son drove down from Paris (24 miles) in the teeth of the gale, there were two other batches of visitors there relations of the Douglas' so there was a housefull, but we had a good look at the stock and a great visit with Douglas and Dad. was highly delighted with the cattle. Douglas drove us in after we had </div> <div class="mw-parser-output"> tea in time to catch the train but we had to wait about an hour as the Hamilton train was held up at Caledonia by the storm, and the Dover train had to wait at Rymal to get through, we saw Win. and two of her friends at the station for a minute or two. Thursday December 30th We have put in all our spare tme to day putting the floor in the chicken shed and got all the joice in place and spliced and nearly a third of the floor laid. Frank was here to help us, no he wasn't either. I have got a little mixed up Dad. and I just got some of the joice in to-day Lovely day sunny and cold. Frank took the old sow down to Porter's. Friday December 31st To day after we did chores we worked at the hen house floor and Frank cut the boards for us and it was to-night when we quit that we had nearly a third of the floor down. Dad. drove Enah and the baby down to Aunty Alice's to tea. To night I went down to the dance the girls were having to raise funds for the Red Cross. I got there about nine but they hadn't started and there were not many there but they soon started to come and eventually there was a big crowd. At 11.30 I went over to the church with some more of them as they were having service and praying for victory. This has been a black year for the world. Very mild all day, raining </div> transcribed