The free grant lands of Canada, from practical experience of bush farming in the free grant districts of Muskoka and Parry Sound

Front matter

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the estate of

Preface

The fact of my being the first settler in the Township of Draper and first Reeve of the united Townships of Draper, Macaulay, Stephenson, &c., in the District of Muskoka, has given me considerable notoriety, hence I have received letters from all parts of the world asking for information about the country, and, although hard pressed for time I have always willingly responded to those appeals ; but, in the opinion of the Author, the time has now arrived in the history of the settlement, when something more is wanted than a courteous reply to letters of enquiry. There are tens of thousands in the United Kingdom, and many even in Canada who are anxious to know whether this country is fit for settlement or not.

With a view, therefore, to put them in possession of the most reliable information, this work has been written. Having resided in the settlement now for about ten years, during which I have closely watched its growth and development, and being in possession of many facts which must prove both interesting and instructive, I desire to give them the fullest publicity, so that others may be benefited by my knowledge ..and experience.

THOMAS McMURRAY.

Bracebridge,

21st February, 1871.