Fortunately they had been brought up in the early practice of every sort of
usefulness, to endure every privation with cheerful fortitude; not, indeed,
quietly to sit down and wait for better times, but vigorously to create
those better times by every possible exertion that could be brought into
action to assist and ameliorate their condition.
To be up and doing, is the maxim of a Canadian; and it is this that nerves
his arm to do and bear. The Canadian settler, following in the steps of the
old Americans, learns to supply all his wants by the exercise of his own
energy. He brings up his family to rely upon their own resources, instead
of depending upon his neighbours.
The children of the modern emigrant, though enjoying a higher degree of
civilization and intelligence, arising from a liberal education, might not
have fared so well under similar circumstances as did our Canadian Crusoes,
because, unused to battle with the hardships incidental to a life of
such privation as they had known, they could not have brought so much
experience, or courage, or ingenuity to their aid.
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