96 CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE 



It is somewhat difficult for us to understand and appreciate the 

 tremendous difficulties to be overcome, the hardship and priva- 

 tion encountered, and the resolute courage required to face the 

 dangers that beset the first settlers, even in times of peace. The 

 mere exhibition of physical strength and endurance almost sur- 

 passes belief. Aside from the inseparable musket and hunting- 

 knife, powder-horn and shot, an axe or hatchet was always a part 

 of the outfit ; to these was frequently added a pack of blankets, 

 a pot or frying-pan, and other utensils and tools, the combined 

 weight of which was often fifty or more pounds. In summer 

 the pack was sometimes slung on poles, between two sets of 

 stalwart shoulders, or in winter drawn upon sledges, and the 

 varied yield of the chase or the treasures of traps were trans- 

 ported in like manner. 



Further evidence of this early occupation and settlement will 

 be considered in the next and concluding part of the series, to 

 which will be added some sketches of home-life, churches and 

 schools, the whole to conclude with an account of the rise, de- 

 cline and fall of the Derryfield Social Library. These contribu- 

 tions will not at present bring the record of events later than 

 the first quarter of the present century. 



