RIVER LIFE. 253 



by an eye-witness (Mr. Coony), of the great Mirimachi fire, ex- 

 ceeds any thing of the kind that ever occurred." 



"The summer of 1825 was unusually warm in both hemis- 

 pheres, particularly in America, where its effects were fatally 

 visible in the prevalence of epidemical disorders. During July 

 and August, extensive fires raged in different parts of Nova Sco- 

 tia, especially in the eastern division of the peninsula. The pro- 

 tracted drought of the summer, acting upon the aridity of the 

 forests, had rendered them more than naturally combustible ; and 

 this, facilitating both the dispersion and the progress of the fires 

 that appeared in the early part of the season, produced an un- 

 usual warmth. On the 6th of October, the fire was evidently 

 approaching New Castle ; at different intervals fitful blazes and 

 flashes were observed to issue from diff^erent parts of the woods, 

 particularly up the northwest, at the rear of New Castle, in the 

 vicinity of Douglasstown and Moorfields, and along the banks of 

 the Bartibog. Many persons heard the crackling of falling trees 

 and shriveled branches, while a hoarse, rumbling noise, not dis- 

 similar to the roaring of distant thunder, and divided by pauses, 

 like the intermittent discharges of artillery, was distinct and au- 

 dible. On the 7th of October the heat increased to such a de- 

 gree, and became so very oppressive, that many complained of 

 its enervating effects. About twelve o'clock, a pale, sickly mist, 

 lightly tinged with purple, emerged from the forest and settled 

 over it. 



" This cloud soon retreated before a large dark one, which, 

 occupying its place, wrapped the firmament in a pall of vapor. 

 This encumbrance retaining its position till about three o'clock, 

 the heat became tormentingly sultry. There was not a breath of 

 air ; the atmosphere was overloaded ; and irresistible lassitude 

 seized the people. A stupefying dullness seemed to pervade every 

 place but the woods, which now trembled, and rustled, and shook 

 with an incessant and thrilling noise of explosions, rapidly fol- 



