is reached. This is a picturesque sheet of imprisoned sea water into
which two or three streams disembogue. This lagoon is a favorite haunt
of that strange bird the Musk Duck which on the near approach of man
darts along the surface of the water with great speed, by using their
rudimentary wings as paddles, with which they beat the water into foam,
uttering at the same time a peculiarly discordant cry. The great dunes
of blown sea sand shut out the ocean from view for a great part of the
distance to George’s Bay, but the deafening roar of the surf is an
accompaniment all the way. At Freshwater Creek, where a stream flows
through a compact reticulation of rushes, sedges, and ferns, horses are
changed. We are now half way to the township of St. Helens. Densely
timbered heights on the one hand, the ocean on the other, and a gay
blossoming heath-covered _parterre_ intervening. A mile or two further
on, and the sand dunes lose much of their height and consequently
glimpses of the ocean are obtained. Yonder island, rising some five
miles off, is Marouard Island, by some called Rabbit Island, owing
to the large number of rabbits it contains. It is granite, and what
in geology is known as an “outlier.” How the rabbits manage to find
a living upon it is matter for marvel, for it has all the appearance
of a barren rock. Coasting crafts avail themselves of it for shelter
in rough weather. It affords but a poor haven at best, but there is
no other between Falmouth and George’s Bay. The small islet nearer
the shore is Paddy’s Island. Both, in days gone by were the resort
of seals. The road now passes through some fenced-in land, and after
crossing a streamlet and a gentle eminence where until very lately
before the new road was made it was the custom of the driver of the
coach to call out, “Now gentlemen” which being interpreted signified
the passengers getting out and walking up the hill to relieve the jaded
horses. This custom has departed now. Upon descending the opposite side
the visitor finds himself face to face with one of the most charming
saltwater lakes in the world. It is