Poetry · Chapter
Endnotes explained
The author provides endnotes clarifying and expanding upon references in the main text, including local history, cheese production, notable figures, and literary allusions.
What happens
The author provides endnotes clarifying and expanding upon references in the main text, including local history, cheese production, notable figures, and literary allusions.
Themes in this chapter
Agriculture and Rural Economy
Extensive notes on cheese factories, dairy production, and the economic importance of agriculture in Ontario.
Cultural Heritage and Immigrant Identity
References to Scottish heritage, the entwining of thistle and maple, and the contributions of Scots to Canadian history.
Progress and Technology
Mentions of cold storage warehouses, the Canadian Pacific Railway, and advancements in cheese manufacturing.
Local Patriotism and Regional Pride
Pride in local cheese factories winning prizes and the beauty of the Thames River and Oxford County.
Characters to notice
- James McIntyre
The author, who compiled the volume and provides these endnotes.
- Tom Moore
Mentioned as having paddled along Lake Erie and written the 'Canadian Boat Song'.
- Mrs. Moody
Noted as having died in Toronto; the author sent her a copy of his poems in 1885.
- Hugh Millar
Referenced in connection with Dick, a geologist and botanist who assisted him.
- Edgar Allan Poe
Cited for the idea that the Albatross sleeps in air.
- Samuel Coleridge
Referenced for 'The Rime of the Ancient Mariner' and the calamity of killing the albatross.
- Longfellow
Mentioned in relation to Matthew Arnold's criticism and a poem set in Canada.
- Gordon Cumming
Referenced as the Lion Hunter, and his niece is noted as a celebrated lady traveller.
Key passages
“From our experience of over a quarter of a century, writing rhymes on local subjects, we find they are preserved more carefully, and are more impressed on people’s minds than prose articles on the same subjects.”
After more than 25 years, the author has observed that poems about local topics are remembered and valued more than prose on the same subjects.
Author's justification for compiling the volume of poetry.
“Tom Moore paddled his own canoe along the Canadian shore of Lake Erie and was enraptured with the view. He landed and remained over night at a farm house. His 'Canadian Boat Song' is immortal.”
Tom Moore traveled by canoe along Lake Erie's Canadian shore, was captivated by the scenery, stayed overnight at a farm, and his 'Canadian Boat Song' remains famous.
Anecdote about the poet Tom Moore's visit to Canada.
“Some imagine the Thames is too insignificant a stream to be sung in verse. 'Distance lends enchantment to the view,' and they fancy the old Scottish rivers are more worthy of song; but many of them are polluted of late years with vile odors from factories; and, as the county of Oxford is agreeably diversified with hills and dales, the clear, sparkling stream, flowing over a pebbly bottom, is indeed 'a thing of beauty and a joy forever.'”
Some think the Thames River is too minor for poetry, preferring Scottish rivers, but the author argues that many Scottish rivers are now polluted, while the Thames in Oxford County remains clear and beautiful.
Defense of the Thames River as a worthy subject for poetry.
“Entwining of the thistle around the maple tree, Scotia’s sons have indented their names deep in Canadian history. The names of McDonald, McKenzie, Cameron and Mowat stand conspicuous, and Brown second to none.”
Scottish Canadians have deeply influenced Canadian history, with figures like McDonald, McKenzie, Cameron, Mowat, and Brown being prominent.
Celebration of Scottish contributions to Canada.
