NOVA SCOTIA. 117 



over the dams. Its trout have always been noted for their 

 large size. It is most easily reached by the Intercolonial 

 Railway from Truro to Amherst. Most excellent accommo- 

 dations for anglers can be secured at Ptlrdy's hotel, on the 

 old stage road. It will probably be the first river offered for 

 lease in this part of the Province. By the same route, and 

 stopping at the same hotel, the angler can visit the famous 

 Westchester Lakes, where he can catch trout by the bushel, 

 often of large size, though the average weight is not perhaps 

 half a pound. There is a farm-house, and only one, near by, 

 where lodgings can be obtained. Vividly do I recall a 

 brief visit passed with this Ifospitable family — a God-serving 

 family who never omitted morning and evening devotions. 

 By the farmer and his wife I was kindly enough received 

 when I tumbled my luggage at a venture from the coach, 

 and sohcited entertainment for a few days. But there was a 

 paternal ancestor living there and then, though now gathered 

 to his defunct fathers, a patriarch of eighty years, to whose 

 venerable hairs I doffed my hat in reverence, as became my 

 youth and early education. Ah ! it were better had I saved 

 the obeisance for an occasion more auspicious — for a person 

 more, appreciative. Said he, "with whelming brows, and 

 tremulous voice, and hand repellent : 



" Young man, it is forbidden ! Never dare to lift your hat 

 to me." 



Astounded, I drew back and queried. In withering tones 

 he answered : 



" Is it not written, ' Tliou slialt not how doivn to the Ulce- 

 ness of anything ? ' " 



In consternation, I confessed my crime, and promised 

 never to transgress again. In vain, I made no friend of him. 

 He refused all compromise, but solemnly enjoined upon my 

 attention the threat that came from Sinai, with its cumula- 

 tive penalty to be visited " upon the children of the third 

 and fourth generation." I was so taken aback, as sailors say, 

 with the enormity of the offence and the prospective punish- 



