When the fields were gleaned, the pease turned out “not worth the gathering, the sun having parched them in the blossom;” the barley was “indifferent good;” and there was “a good increase of Indian corn.” “They had about a peck of meal a week to a person; or now, since harvest, Indian corn to that proportion.”[269]
Seven substantial dwelling-houses had been built, “and four for the use of the plantation,” while others were being constructed. Fowl were so abundant in the autumn, that “four men in one day killed as much as, with a little help besides, served the community almost a week.” “There was great store of wild turkeys, of which they took many, besides venison.” The fowlers had been sent out by the governor, “that so they might, after a special manner, rejoice together, since they had gathered the fruit of their labors;” this was the origin and the first celebration of the national festival of New England, the autumnal THANKSGIVING. On that occasion of hilarity they “exercised their arms,” and for three days “entertained and feasted” Massasoit and some ninety of his people, who made a contribution of five deer to the festivity. Health was restored; household fires were blazing brightly; and in good heart and hope the lonely but thankful settlers disposed themselves to meet the rigor of another winter.[270]
“Here was free range; the hunter’s instincts could bourgeon and grow; the deer that browsed, the fish that swam, the fowl that flew, were free to all—might be captives to each man’s bow and spear. Here were ‘herring, cod, and ling,’ ‘salt upon salt,’ ‘beavers, otters, furs of price,’ ‘mines of gold and silver,’ ‘woods of all sorts,’ ‘eagles, gripes, whales, grampus, moose, deer,’ ‘bears, and wolves,’ ‘all in season, mind you, for you cannot gather cherries at Christmas in Kent.’ Who then would live at home in degradation, only to eat, and drink, and sleep and to die?”[271]
CHAPTER X.
REINFORCEMENT.
“A golden treasure is the tried friend;
But who may gold from counterfeits defend?
Trust not too soon, nor yet too soon mistrust;
Who twines betwixt, and steers the golden mean,
Nor rashly loveth, nor mistrusts in vain.”