Country Life in Canada Fifty Years Ago Personal recollections and reminiscences of a sexagenarian   By: Canniff Haight (1825-1901)

In "Country Life in Canada Fifty Years Ago," author Canniff Haight takes readers on a vivid journey through the Canadian countryside, painting a nostalgic picture of a bygone era. Haight's personal recollections and reminiscences as a sexagenarian offer a unique perspective, allowing readers to glimpse into the daily lives of rural Canadians in the late 19th century.

The book is divided into several chapters, each highlighting a different aspect of country life during that time. From farming and agriculture to hunting and fishing, Haight skillfully describes the hard work and simple joys that defined the lives of the people he encountered. His attention to detail is remarkable, bringing the landscapes, seasons, and rural communities to life.

One of the book's standout features is Haight's ability to evoke a strong sense of nostalgia. Readers will be transported to a time when life moved at a slower pace and communities thrived on close-knit relationships. Through his vivid descriptions, Haight captures the essence of rural Canadian life, enabling readers to experience the beauty and challenges of that era alongside him.

Moreover, Haight shares fascinating anecdotes, personal experiences, and encounters with notable figures, adding depth and variety to the narrative. His storytelling is engaging and often accompanied by an understated humor that brings a lightheartedness to the otherwise rustic setting.

However, one aspect where the book falls short is the occasional lack of cohesiveness. While each chapter offers its own insights, they sometimes feel somewhat disconnected from each other, making it difficult to follow a central theme or narrative thread. Additionally, Haight's writing style, though eloquent, may seem a bit outdated to modern readers, and some may struggle with its formality.

Nevertheless, "Country Life in Canada Fifty Years Ago" remains a valuable resource for those interested in Canadian history and the rural way of life in the late 1800s. Haight's personal perspective infuses the text with an authenticity that cannot be found in dry historical accounts. This book serves as a loving tribute to a time long gone yet still cherished, reminding us of the resilience, simplicity, and community spirit that once defined the Canadian countryside.

First Page:

The thoughts of the world are sown broadcast, very much as the seed falls from the sweep of the husbandman's hand. It drops here and there, in good ground and in stony places. Its future depends upon its vitality. Many a fair seed has fallen on rich soil, and never reached maturity. Many another has shot up luxuriantly, but in a short time has been choked by brambles. Other seeds have been cast out with the chaff upon the dung heap, and after various mutations, have come in contact with a clod of earth, through which they have sent their roots, and have finally grown into thrifty plants... Continue reading book >>