122 THE GII'SY-CAMP. 



The way in which I should first introduce myself to these wild 

 denizens of the forest was far more difficult to me than if I had been 

 compelled to enter into the presence of my monarch ; I knew they 

 shunned the haunts of men that they might enjoy more freedom, and 

 would look suspiciously on an intruder like myself. I was not a 

 stranger to their habits ; for when a boy, hungry and weary with 

 bird-nesting, I have fearlessly entered their camps, partaken of their 

 food, played with their children, rode upon their dogs and donkeys, 

 or buried myself beneath their tent-blankets. I was now a man, and 

 came as an observer, yet no less resolute to mould myself to their 

 ways, throw aside all restraint and be as happy as circumstances 

 would allow. 



" You've been very merry," said I, approaching the large stick 

 fire and lighting a cigar. The deep and angry salutation of watch- 

 dogs was the only answer to my remark ; until a few kicks, and tf lay 

 down, Lounger, Snap, and Guider \" had had the effect of soothing 

 stout and faithful defenders, who still continued growling, as if dis- 

 satisfied with the terms of peace. 



" Yase, sir, we're not often sad," replied a lovely sun-burnt girl; 

 et will you sit down ?" I sat down beside her upon a bundle of straw ; 

 but not without receiving a searching glance from a young man, who 

 was busily employed in carving the head of an immense stick. 



" Have you got any pipes, old friend ? " The man whom I addressed 

 had knelt down several times before the fire, to light a short pipe, 

 which appeared to contain very little tobacco. "|Yes," was the reply, 

 " plenty, but very little backer." I then produced a large pouch full, 

 and bade all partake who choose ; and setting the example, by throw- 

 ing my cigar into the fire and seizing a short black pipe. While we 

 sat smoking around the cheering blaze of a crackling fire, with the 

 deep blue midnight for a canopy, and the stars hung above for chan- 

 deliers, I shall endeavour to make my readers better acquainted 

 with my companions, and their residence. The three tents stood in 

 the shape of a triangle, each entrance fronting the fire. They were 

 erected after the manner in which carrier-carts are tilted ; in the 

 centre flamed a large fire, and around, for the space of eight or ten 

 feet, were bottles or sheaves of straw placed for seats. This was bar- 

 ricaded to the height of four or five feet ; huge stakes were driven 

 down for supporters, and covered with long grass and reeds, of which 

 plenty grew in the adjacent woods ; the shattered trees that grew near 

 plainly showed from what quarter the stakes and fuel came. There 

 was a slight curtaining which divided the outer work and a tent ; this, 

 too, was covered in with grass and weeds, and appeared to form a 

 distinct couch from the rest. The cackle of cocks and hens often 

 arose from some of the outer- works, and I once fancied I heard the 

 distinct grunt of a pig ; but deemed it wise to ask no questions. The 

 faces of sun-burnt children emerged at times from their dirty 

 blankets ; but they no sooner met my glance than they were again 

 invisible. In the centre sat a dark, tall, thin, aged woman, busily 

 engaged in watching the progress of three skinned hedgehogs, which 

 she was frying for supper : there seemed to be no lack of lard in her 

 frying-pan, no doubt, fortune- telling had drawn thatfrom some well-fed 



