Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/267

24th.—Left Mr. Flower and Albion for Wanborough, a village rising on the estate of Mr. Birkbeck, and named after the village in Surrey, where he last lived. Industry seems to have done more for this village than for Albion; every log-house has a cleared inclosure of a few acres attached, and what is done, is done by the occupants or owners, and not by Mr. Birkbeck; whereas, in Albion, all has been done by the purse of Mr. Flower. Both villages are the abode only of the humble mechanic. The farmers live on their quarter-sections, and both are but scantily supplied with water at a distance. Wells, however, it is hoped, will soon be dug with an unfailing supply. Wanborough has, I believe, and will have the advantage over Albion, as it regards water; but both Flower and Birkbeck have never-failing water in wells close to their houses, to which people by permission come to draw it. Springs and streams are found in other prairies. On stopping at the tavern in the ville, we were met by the young Birkbecks, who welcomed and conducted us to the seat of their celebrated father, whom we met near the house returning from shooting, dressed in the common shooting jacket, &c., of an English farmer, sporting over his own lands. Knowing my friend, he received us both very graciously, {280} and with a hearty welcome conducted us in to the ladies. He approached us at first as strangers, and, as is common with him, with a repelling sternness and earnestness of manner, seemed to say, "Who are you?" But this manner, if he is pleased with appearances, soon dies away into smiling kindness and hospitality, which makes all at home. "If I am not," said he, "pleased with all who come, and I cannot, and will not, they go away abusing me and the settlement." Gentler and kinder manners, perhaps, to strangers indis-