Did you know that one of the first things pioneers who settled in Canada had to do was clear the land of trees? It was important to take trees off the land so crops could be planted. Sometimes a “logging bee” was held and settlers joined together to help a new settler clear land. “Bees” were when groups of neighbours gathered together to help each other out.

The first step in getting the land ready for planting was to clear the underbrush or small bushes and trees. The branches were hauled to a place and piled to dry out for a few months. Once it was dry, it was burned.

When the underbrush was cleared, the next step was to cut down larger, taller trees. The long sturdy trunks of the trees were cut into lengths and stacked. The logs were used to build a log cabin.

The last step was to remove the tree stumps. This was not an easy task and settlers used oxen sometimes, to pull the stumps out of the ground.

In the fall, pioneers were usually very busy. Fruits and vegetables needed to be conserved and stored. Candles needed to be made to ensure light was available for the evenings. Animals needed to be killed and preserved by smoking or salting for tasty winter meals. Sometimes the jobs were too big for one family. Neighbourhood bees were held to help prepare for the long winter months. Corn husking, apple paring and quilting bees were just a few activities where settlers joined together to make the work easier. After the work, the early settlers celebrated together.

Colour in the circle beside the correct answer. Be sure to colour only one circle for each question.

1. It was important to take trees off the land
   • so crops could be planted.
   • so cars could easily travel the roads.
   • so horses would not have to swerve through the trees to get down the trails.
2. When the underbrush was cleared
   • the early settlers had lunch.
   • the next step was to cut down larger, taller trees.
   • the pioneers would celebrate with a party bee.
3. In the fall, pioneers
   • left the land and went into town for the winter.
   • would make apple cider.
   • were usually very busy.
4. Neighbourhood bees were held
   • to help prepare for the long winter months.
   • to harvest the honey.
   • to share news of other families.

Answer the questions in full sentences, using information from the story.