TORONTO OP OLD. 191 



In the heart of the forest, midway between York and the bridge over the Huinber, was 

 another famous resting-place for teams — the Peacock Tavern — a perfect specimen of a respect- 

 able wayside hostelry of the olden time, with very spacious driving-houses and other appro- 

 priate outbuildings on an extensive scale. 



Not far from the Peacock a beaten track branched off westerly, wliich soon led the Eques- 

 trian into the midst of beautiful oak woods, the trees constituting it of no gi'eat magnitude, 

 tut, as is often the case on sandy plains, of a gnarled, contorted aspect, each presenting a good 

 study for the sketcher. This track also conducted to the Humber, descending to the valley of 

 that stream where its waters, now become shallow but rapid, passed over sheets of rock. 

 Here the surroundings of the bridle-road and foot-path were likewise picturesque, exhibiting 

 rock plentifully amidst and beneath the foliage and herbage. Here in the vale of the Humber 

 stood a large Swiss-like structure of hewn logs, vrith two tiers of balcony on each of its sides. 

 This was the house of Mr. John Scarlett. It was subsequently destroyed by fire. Near by 

 were mills and factories also belonging to Mr. Scarlett. He was well connected in England ; 

 a man of enlightened views and fine personal presence. He loved horses and was much at 

 home in the saddle. A shrewd observer when out among his fellow men, at his own fireside 

 he was a diligent student of books. 



