Business in the Harbor

Our harbor, at this time, presents a striking contrast to the in-locked dreariness of a few weeks since. Then, "the sullen waters, dark and deep," fretted and surged against the icy fetters that held our various craft, and the wind sang a requiem through the cordage. Now the river seems to laugh in the sunshine - the lake ripples a glad invitation to commerce - life and vitality are everywhere seen - Caulking irons have been made to play a grand symphony. As if by magic, the Painter's brush has obliterated the storm scars that made grand, by association, every vessel "that walked the waters like a thing of life," - white sails are being bent, and as if conscious of their beauty and majesty, each noble hull rises and falls as if giving glad greeting to its neighbor.

Today we have strolled along the dock, and paid silent homage to the skill and enterprise of our mechanics, our sailors, and their employers. Beauty and strength have been combined in their vessels - skill and nimble daring have guided them in fair weather and foul, and risking the bowling tempest and the hungry waves, fortunes have been entrusted in their bottoms - Enterprise receives its merited reward, and to architect and builder - to navigator and shipper, we hope the coming season may prove propitious and profitable beyond example.

Among the vessels about ready to sail, we notice three, the "Senator Blood," "Forrest" and "Sarah Bond" belonging to Mr. O.M. Bond.

The "Senator Blood" is commanded by Capt. George A. Ford, and is a beautiful vessel in all respects.Her cabins are conveniently arranged, neatly finished, and large. Everything betokens comfort, substantiality and perfect seamanship. She is a new vessel, and will sail new week for Chicago.

The "Forrest" is a beautiful model, as neat as possible, and the beau-ideal of a seaman's pride. She is commanded by Capt. Wm. A. McCarthy, a gentleman and skilled seaman, who treats every man on the "square" and never allows a duty to go unperformed if within the length of his "cable tow." She will leave for Toronto next Wednesday.

The "Sarah Bond," Capt. Edward Doran, is a very substantial vessel, intended for the Lumber Trade. She looks clean and neat, and we wish her owner, officers and crew, a profitable and safe season. She will sail about the first of next week.