FTERTHOUGHTS. 



J N kind response to a desire expressed that each of the party should 

 ' write a short paper, describing what impressed him most during 

 the trip, the letters which follow were sent, in November following- 

 to the Historian. Townsend, unfortunately was prevented by illness 

 from making his intended contribution; and as for AUoo, his admir- 

 ers will endeavor to keep his memory green, even although, rtgret- 

 fuUy, they have to do without the looked-for story from his pen 



IMPROVED CONDITIONS IN MUSKOKA. 



J T is two years since I visited this locality, and I may safely say that 

 ' I never saw better evidences of substantial progress than are 

 here exhibited. Considering the unfavorable conditions, the hard 

 times that h.ve been experienced, and the natural and other difficul- 

 ties which have conspired to keep the people backward in this re- 

 mote region, the steady progress made is very gratifying. Not only 

 are dwellings much improved, but a more hopeful spirit pervades 

 the people. They are better dressed, their faces are brighter and 

 more cheerful, and the children have grown not only in stature, but 

 in manner and in intelligence. 



On every side I see what pleases me greatly, that is, a sturdy 

 spirit of self reliance and hope for the future. The feeling which 

 used to prevail in this locality was that there was little or no pros- 

 pect of any improvement, and a sense of despair and hopelessness 

 Seemed to have settled in many minds. This state of things is all 

 changed, and I rejoice that in a country I so much love there are so 

 many evidences of progress of the best kind. 



It is impossible to conceive more beauty than pervades these 

 lake regions. The memory of our Camp constantly lingers with me. 



