244 THE horse's rescue. 



The caiise of all this and all other fluctuations 



Is the want of system and better regulations. 



In the fall, when the most work was to be done, 



This old ditch was crowded full and overrun. 



Right in the worst time you could have this work to do, 



It's froze up solid ; there is no such thing as getting through. 



"Wc have got business, resolute men of this make, 



This ice for many miles they will pound and break. 



In order their freight to market to get 



They will work night and day in cold and wet, 



In this last fluctuation in the fall. 



"With many it's make or break, perhaps lose all. 



After all these poor men and horses have done, 



It's full of loaded boats unable to run. 



"With any power this old ditch to navigate. 



It always would have to be done at this slow rate. 



In its day it was the best they could do, 



It was all well enough, it was all they knew. 



Better power has now taken its place. 



To lay out money on this ditch is only waste ; 



To keep it up in repair, I mean. 



If men think and have eyes it can be seen 



With railroads and steam it never can compete ; 



Nearly always wrecked, and that, too, in fleets. 



If you try to sail it is only half the year round, 



And then in fleets you're frozen in or on the ground; 



Then the produce you are trying to market take. 



The people would all starve before the port you could make ; 



And that is not all ; you cannot get the work to do. 



They will not wait for this old ditch to crowd it through. 



To conduct the produce of a country through such a place 



Must always be attended with shipwreck, trouble, and waste. 



This is the way it always has and will have to be done. 



These troubles never will nor never can be overcome. 



There is nothing in favor of this stinking ditch can be said ; 



A man might use a little argument in its favor if he was out of his 



head. 

 Tou cannot carry perishable produce at any time of the year ; 

 It will not be long, if you get any to carry it will be queer. 

 They cannot carry hogs, cattle, neither alive nor dead. 



