Trafalgar School - Echoes Yearbook (Montreal, Quebec Canada)

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A Nova Scotian Legend TT THILE travelling in Nova Scotia last summer we were much impressed with the stories and W legends connected with the different parts of the country through which we passed. One very interesting legend was that of Glooscap, the great demigod of the Micmacs, who was supposed to have ruled the world and by means of a magic wand was able to bring the birds and animals to his side. Early one morning we set out to view the haunts of Glooscap. We motored some miles through a very beautiful country, until at a sudden turn in the road we came in sight of Cape Blomi ' don, a very bold cliff rising high from the waters of Minas Basin. We were told that from Partridge Island there would be a much better view. This island is a beautifully wooded mountain almost joining the mainland near Parrsboro. We climbed through winding paths, up and up, until we came to a clearing about seven hundred feet above the sea. It was here that Glooscap and his friends had their feasts, and from here we had a most wonderful view of Blomidon. Blomidon is famous for its amethysts which are said to have been scattered there by the Indian god. The legend tells us that a strange light called the ' ' eye of Glooscap is often seen flashing with unusual brightness out of the dark face of the mountain. Cape Split, at the opposite end of Cape Blomidon, was once joined to the mainland, but one day Glooscap in a rage brought his axe down on the ridge and it swung around, at the same time making a gash in it, while the piece fell out and is now a small island. Although Glooscap loved the birds and animals, the beavers were his special enemies. The Five Islands are supposed to have been rocks he threw at them when in great wrath one day. These islands differ from each other in size and shape, perhaps the most interesting being Cathedral Island which, however, is not rightly one of the five, for at high tide it is joined to one of the others, but at low tide, if one is in the right position, one may see the exact shape of a cathedral. After one of Glooscap ' s quarrels with the beavers in which he was victorious as usual, he and his friends had a feast on Partridge Island. With the aid of a blazing pine tree for a torch, they speared a whale, cooked it, and ate it — blubber, bones and all. Glooscap then kicked the kettle THE. Five ISL MC 3. 1 5 I

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The Castle Throned on a height of elevated land, Tow ' ring in hoary might, surrounded in gloom, There like a frowning guardian does it stand, That ancient castle, dark as any tomb. And when the dusky shadows ' gin to fall, And laccedged trees are outlined ' gainst the sky, When the whole world is held as in a thrall. While the moon peeps out, and breezes softly sigh, Then people passing near that castle grim, Hasten their footsteps, glance round fearfully, Starting at fancied sounds or shadows dim. For haunted is that castle said to be. And so it stands, and so will stand for aye, Till some wild storm will fell each mighty stone, Until its crumbled ruins are in decay; Till then ' t will stand, forbidding and alone. N. Archibald, Form IVa. On Visiting New York Letter from Grandmother to A Mere Child The Maples, Danville, Quebec, April a7th, 1927. My dear Granddaughter: This morning I received a letter from your dear mother telling me of your intended visit to New York. It is many years since I was there but I do not think it has changed so very much. I am sorry that I shall not be there with you, but I shall try to tell you some points of interest of this great city and also advise you about a few matters. Your mother, I am afraid, is too indulgent with you and sometimes forgets how young you really are. Now, my dear, you must be sure not to attend any theatres or other such immoral places. There may be one or two good plays but it is better not to take any unnecessary risks. An occasional concert would be very instructive as well as entertaining, but you must not attend too many as such excitement is not advisable for a child of your years. Your mother tells me she plans to remain there for two or three days. If you use your time wisely I do not doubt but that you will have a most enjoyable stay. A very beautiful spot is Central Park, and if you go there for a walk, besides seeing this delightful place, you will receive the full benefit of the fresh air. But keep away from the bridle paths for you can never tell what these reckless young riders will do. You should also make it a point to visit the Museum of Natural History as well as the Metropolitan Museum of Art. There are some very good bookshops in New York and I should advise you to visit one of these and purchase one or two good books. You will be able to read these in the evening before retiring, but do not read too late for it is not good for your eyes, and your light should be out by nine o ' clock. I hope, my dear, that you realize how fortunate you are to have the opportunity of visiting this well-known city. If you follow my suggestions I feel sure that you will have a most enjoyable stay, but remember at all times that you are only eighteen — a mere child. Your affectionate Grandmother.

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bottom upwards into the sea and now it is Spencer ' s Island, a dome ' shaped island, lonely and un ' inhabited, yet not far from the mainland. There were many more interesting places connected with this legend but, as it was getting late we planned to leave for home. We went by another route and part of the road took us over the Boar ' s Back, a narrow road about nine miles in length with a sheer drop on either side of from thirty to sixty feet in places. This road was formed by Glooscap for the convenience of his friends to enable them to attend more easily their many feasts on Partridge Island. Ruth Simpson, Form IIIb. The Legend of Sleepy Hollow In Sleepy Hollow dwelt a man, A worthy pedagogue, And it was said his whole delight Was his poor boys to flog. His frame was very loose and lank, He had a long sharp nose, His feet were shovels in disguise And he shrank in his clothes. Now Ichabod ' s poor head was filled With tales of ghosts and spooks. And all the knowledge that he had Was from this kind of books. To pay his board he did odd jobs And helped in house and farm. And though he carried many a tale He really meant no harm. A rich old man, who owned a farm. Also had a nice daughter. And though she had another swain, Poor Ichabod still sought her. One night this farmer gave a feast Which lasted very late, And when our hero homeward rode It was to meet his fate. Brom Bones, who was the other swain, Had gone home long ' ere this; Which very fact itself did show That something was amiss. A legend through the town oft told Was very weird ' tis said, A headless horseman, riding fast, Went seeking for his head. 1 6 1