The School, Well-digging, and a Picnic 



All this was somewhat discouraging, but worse 

 was to follow, as we shall soon see. 



However, the next day was the one arranged 

 by verbal message sent round the country-side 

 for the annual picnic, and though the weather 

 did not look encouraging, we prepared to enjoy 

 ourselves ; for it is characteristic of the prairie- 

 folk that they try to keep up their spirits, however 

 depressing the circumstances, and this is good, 

 for, like the sailor and his ship, it is a poor job 

 >'if those who have left their friends and country 

 'to make a home in a new one lose faith in it. 



A good picnic, dance, concert, or farmers' meet- 

 ing, such as the gatherings of the Grain Growers* 

 I Association, is usually the means of creating a 

 I social spirit and community of interest, so impor- 

 tant in a newly settled district. The same may 

 be said of religious services and Church meetings, 

 but perhaps it would be still more so if people 

 were more ready to recognize that, " though 

 our creeds and rites may differ, yet our Faith 

 and Hope are one." 



As we arrived at the place chosen for the picnic, 

 a two-story farmhouse with the usual log stable, 

 neighbours were fast gathering. 



Buggies, democrats (light vehicles for four or 

 more), wagons with horse teams, and one or two 

 ox teams, had arrived ; but the community had 



.09 



