188 AUDUBON, THE NATURALIST 



however, we could discern a new bridge, which had two im- 

 mense arches spanning the river. 



At eight o'clock in the morning we left Lancaster for Eliza- 

 bethtown, distant nine miles. The roads were miserable, and 

 we suffered a severe jolting and shaking up. Arriving there, we 

 procured two additional horses, which made six all told, and 

 went on to Middletown, where we breakfasted at a tavern named 

 the "Eagle" ; the village was small, with few houses, and noth- 

 ing of interest. 



Journeying on to Harrisburg without mishap, over roads 

 somewhat improved, we finally arrived, and discovered a very 

 beautiful river called the Susquehanna. The city of Harris- 

 burg itself appeared very attractive to us, and its situation 

 is beautiful; proceeding, we were first compelled to cross the 

 river, which was accomplished by means of a large flatboat 

 propelled by a sweep of generous proportions. The captain, 

 who proved a most voluble person, informed us that the river 

 abounded in fish, and then related marvelous tales of the re- 

 markable catches that had been made; many of his stories, 

 however, were of such glaring improbability that we were forced 

 to doubt his veracity. 



Carlisle, sixteen miles distant, was reached in due course, 

 and there we changed horses at a tavern called the "John 

 Mason." This city, though small, presented a fine appear- 

 ance, having a market place, two large churches, many brick 

 buildings, a large academy, and several attractive taverns. 

 Continuing, we finally came to Walnut Bottoms, where we en- 

 gaged chambers at a very imposing tavern ; this proved far 

 superior to any we had hitherto visited ; it was clean and in- 

 viting; its appointments were good, and its service excellent. 

 On our journey we were impressed by a tree of great size, that 

 resembled an oak, but upon inquiry learned that it was called 

 Hackberry, 3 and produced a fruit similar in size to a cherry. 

 On the north and south of us were high mountains which pre- 



3 In the rich bottom-lands of the Ohio River basin the hackberry or 

 sugarberry (Celtis occidentalis) sometimes exceeds one hundred feet in 

 height, and has a diameter of from four to five feet. 



