284 THE SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE; 



The train on which we were to travel to Toronto did 

 not arrive promptly that morning, and consequently we 

 were compelled to remain at this station about an hour. 

 My son during this period kept a close watch on the 

 market-basket containing the ruffed grouse, w^hich he was 

 very anxious to convey to his mother and sister, who were 

 now stopping at the Queen's Hotel in Toronto, where we 

 expected to arrive about eight o'clock that evening. The 

 train finally arrived, and we promptly entered the cars, 

 which were roughly constructed and primitive in their ap- 

 pearance. There were on the train at the time about 

 twenty passengers. The greater number of them were 

 pioneers from the backwoods, who had that morning left 

 their log cabins for a day's recreation in travel over this 

 newly-constructed railroad, the completion of which was 

 expected to mark a new era of prosperity and happiness 

 in their lives. Among this class of passengers there was 

 one who was especially conspicuous. He was evidently a 

 sturdy son of toil, and had spent several years in the back- 

 woods, although a Scotchman by birth and education, who 

 proclaimed his nativity by his brogue, features, and the 

 dress that he wore. 



The appearance of the man indicated that he had al- 

 ready passed threescore years or more. He carried with 

 him on this occasion his bagpipes, and entertained us with 

 his choicest music, while a happy smile lighted up his 

 wrinkled face. He played on the old musical instrument 

 with great energy, and scarcely halted for breath so long 

 as two or three of the passengers seemed willing to give 

 him audience. He manifested much anxiety, whenever the 



