THE DIARY OF DAVID ROSS - EXCERPTS - INTRODUCTION The courage of early emigrants is, in most cases, impossible to measure. However, respecting Scottish emigrant David Ross , we have the evidence of it in his daily journals which were written from 1836 to 1879. David Ross , a native of Edinburgh, Scotland , came here in the summer of 1833 with his sisters Elizabeth and Annie. David was well educated, musically talented, and had at least some military training as he was to hold the rank of Captain of the Thistle Company Volunteer Militia. David had been a notary in Edinburgh, as had Wm. Reith, who is frequently mentioned in the diary during the first years. David's diary reveals times of hardship, frustration, satisfaction and some moments when he recognizes the beauty of nature around him. The diary in its entirety may be seen at the UPEI library. Following is a limited selection of entries covering a range of topics, such as crops, travel, weather, along with compassion and humour. 1836 June 22 - In Town about pig killed yesterday. June 27 - Making brush fence back of Marsh. June 29 - Pulling pales out to marsh and repairing sea fence of same with Donald & son. Mr. R. [Reith] in Town for to cite witnesses in Pig case, Donald -?- and wife, H. Smith , tailor and Duncan Fergusson . July 8 - Donald McLean and Duncan Fergusson performing our Statute Labour today and yesterday July 11 - Strawberries ripe, goose berries formed. July 12 - Donald McLean ploughed and harrowed small piece of ground SW corner of field for Aberdeen Yellow Turnips. July_22 - sowed clover in barley field August 1 - Preparation for front sill of house. August 2 - Put in sill. Engaged from breakfast till sun set. August 3 - Donald absent at Frolic and nothing done. August 19 - Gathering day. Jn Fergusson down at dinnertime - showed us mode of taking in hay in Cork . September 3 - McR., self and Elize in town for necessaries - upset cart at new bridge returning home - no damage. September 8 - Hard frost this morning again. Donald and self quarrying stones. September 21 - Donald down and cut oats and field of wheat in hollow at bush fence 10 till dusk. October 6 - McR. went to speak to Thomson, mason to build chimney. Myself repairing barn floor. October 17 - Thatched wheat stack and took into barn small quantity of hay. October 18 - Threshing wheat, felling firewood, gathered in remainder of small white potatoes. October 19 - Ann, Elize gathering potatoes in garden (late). October 21 - Donald down this morning and ploughed up 16 drills potatoes. Yield 22 barrels. October 24 - Went up with Capt to Donald's who turned up quantity of his potatoes - thereafter he came down with plough and turned up 8 drills do to us yielding 21 barrels. October 25 - McR. In town about Pig case and brought out subpoenas. Hauled 5 carts seaweed. Reith served Chasson and McGregor with subpoenas. October 28 - Pig trial. All of us to town with cart. Cause decided in appellants favour without hearing -137-