Concerning this fair North of ours, many books have been written. Its annals have been set down by Carver, LaHontan, Schoolcraft, Jameson, Henry, Perrot, Charlevoix, Joliet, Marquette, and others whose work is shrouded in the mists of time. It has been the scene of self-abnegation such as the world has seldom witnessed; courage almost beyond the ken of mankind; cruelty to chill the soul with horror. It has experienced strange vicissitudes of fortune. It has sustained one of the world's most remarkable and interesting peoples. Its destinies have hung upon threads so slight as to be now almost forgotten. It has known totems innumerable and three mighty nation's flags.<br><br>Shall we consecrate our lines and compilations to these worthies of old?<br><br>It is little they care for our words of praise.<br><br>Or to the Judge, who has gathered their works with loving care, and who every good citizen of the North hopes will be spared for many years, to a life of usefulness and uprightness?<br><br>Other and better books have been inscribed to him.<br><br>Or to our next Governor?<br><br>But he is a writer of books.<br><br>Sit you down with comfort, my friend, on the shady side of the deck, or wherever you happen to be, and learn of the North. If we diverge from the beaten path here and there, remember that our text is a large one; and that precious stones are sometimes found in the most out of the way places.<br><br>Fall to, then, with all the anticipation in the world, and may you read with pleasure and profit, for these pages are dedicated to You.