PREFACE. THE present condition of Canada points to a future national greatness of no ordinary magnitude. Her inland seas and noble rivers have already become the highways of a vast and rapidly-increasing commerce; and the morning voice of a new nation resounds over a scene as varied as it is beautiful. In the foreground stand the populous cities and flourishing towns, which stud the margins of her rivers and the shores of her lakes; in the perspective, repose the free and happy homes of her rural population. The farmer is the owner, in fee-simple, of the soil he tills, and rejoices in an independence of the most sturdy and complete character. In the various industrial professions, enterprise, economy, and prudence rarely fail to secure success, while in numberless instances they have been the avenues to wealth. This country abounds with merchants and manufacturers who have been eminently successful; and every-day experience presents to our notice mechanics that have won their way to positions alike wellmerited and honourable. The present of Canada supplies a kaleidoscope, brilliant with promise, through which we may gaze at the future. The philanthropist discerns all the essentials of the highest con E. E |