54 NATURE AND WOODCRAFT. 



other articles of diet were added. In the neigh- 

 bourhood of the provincial towns salmon was 

 sold at twopence a pound, and other fish food 

 was equally cheap. With almost every article 

 of diet, however, oatmeal was largely eaten. 

 But this state of things has long since come to 

 an end. 



The great revolution in the manners and 

 customs of the 'Statesmen began at the close of 

 the last century. Much that was singular and 

 characteristic among them vanished at the 

 opening of the turnpike-roads. This and the 

 extension of commerce afforded facilities for the 

 purchase of objects of elegance and ease, and 

 produced results which soon spread even to the 

 more secluded mountain dales. The tracks of 

 the pack-horses were difficult at all times, 

 and, as a rule, were ill-kept. Personal inter- 

 course with the southern portions of the country 

 was extremely difficult. We speak lightly now 

 of the will-making of our forefathers before 

 starting on a long journey. To them it was a 

 matter of no light consideration, and those whose 

 business took them from home settled their 

 worldly affairs before starting. Many of them 

 were manufacturers of woollen goods, and 



