SOLON ROBINSON, 1850 441 



ience of rolling barrels and bales in and out of one of 

 these carts can readily be seen ; and upon hard ground or 

 plank roads, or a long wharf like that of Coburg, they 

 must be extremely convenient and run just as well as 

 though the load were mounted up in the air as high as 

 the back of an elephant. There is common sense and 

 utility in such carts for many situations. A very com- 

 mon sight in Canada are dog carts, and it is very sur- 

 prising to see what large vehicles they are, and what 

 loads a couple of stout dogs will carry. I doubt however, 

 the utility. 



Another very common vehicle, in Quebec, is the "ca- 

 leche." It is somewhat like the body of an old-fashioned 

 gig, without the top. In place of the dash board is the 

 driver's seat ; so there is room for two inside passengers. 

 It is useless for me to tell you how they drive up and 

 down these crooked mountain streets and lanes barely 

 wide enough for two of these break-neck furies to pass. 

 The thing must be seen to be believed. Don't offer to 

 ride in one, unless your life is insured for the benefit 

 of your family or some charitable institution and you 

 feel quite willing to have your neck broken for the pro- 

 motion of the happiness of those you leave behind you — 

 a good way behind, if you ride long at the usual speed. 



Upon the farm of Capt. Rhodes,^ near Quebec, I saw a 

 wagon that had some new features about it, at least so 

 to me, though common in England, I believe. Forward 

 of the axle, in place of the horses, is a frame as wide 

 and as far forward as the bed, with a convenient iron 



^ William Rhodes, Quebec, second son of William Rhodes, of 

 Branhope Hall, Yorkshire. England. In 1838 joined the Sixty- 

 eighth Regiment of Light Infantry as ensign; after ten years re- 

 signed with rank of captain. Married the daughter of Robert Dunn 

 of Quebec. Represented the county of Megantic in the House of 

 Assembly from 1854 to 1858. Owned a riverside farm, Benmore, 

 near Quebec, where by judicious cultivation and careful stock selec- 

 tion, he showed what might be done by a practical agriculturist in 

 the face of severe winters. Achieved a considerable reputation as 

 a sportsman and hunter. Notman, W., and Taylor, Fennings, Por- 

 traits of British Americans, 2:39-50 (Montreal, 1867). 



