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little home, which was all paid for, and built a new house on the North River, where he and his brother carried on ship-building. This proved an unfortunate change financially, for the new house, which father spared no pains in building, cost much more than he got for the old ; and from the debts thus incurred, followed by a decline in business, he was never able to extricate himself. I remember how mother mourned over it; and how, in view of thi experience, she used to say to me, " William, never get in debt." But, child as I was, I was delighted, as all children are, with the idea of moving; and remember going to the place selected, close to the ship-yard, to see them break ground for the cellar with oxen and ploughs and scrapers. Our moving from the old house to the new may mark the transition from my childhood to my boyhood. MY BOYHOOD. 1817-1822. Block House Built.— Coasting.— Skating.— Fishing On The North River.— Tandem Fishing.— Outside Fishing. The site of our new house was at a bend of the river, just above Union Bridge, known from early days as the "Block House," where there were a fort and garrison in Philip's War. This was the dear spot where I spent my boyhood. It is precious with a thousand memories that can neither be told nor forgotten. The new house was but one story, like the old one; but it was larger, and two chambers were finished. We had a large barn, and convenient out-buildings for pigs, hens, etc., and a garden plot. Soon after moving, we had a " house- warming," a large company of old and new neighbors being invited. Father and mother loved society, and made the company enjoy themselves. We had dancing, I remember, in the longkitchen, with yellow painted floor. There was a colored man named John Wood, who played the violin. He wore a tall bel...