76 IN THE DAYS OF AUDUBON 



under their load of provisions which had been prepared 

 for the common benefit. Each denizen had freely given 

 his ox, his ham, his venison, his turkeys, and other fowls. 

 Here were to be seen flagons of every beverage used in the 

 country; * la belle riviere ' had opened her finny stores; the 

 melons of all sorts, peaches, plums, and pears would have 

 sufficed to stock a market. In a word, Kentucky, the land 

 of abundance, had supplied a feast for her children. A 

 purling stream gave its waters freely, while the grateful 

 breezes cooled the air. Columns of smoke from the newly 

 kindled fires rose above the trees; fifty cooks or more 

 moved to and fro as they plied their trade; waiters of all 

 qualities were disposing the dishes, the glasses and punch- 

 bowls, amid vases filled with rich wines. ' Old Mononga- 

 hela ' filled many a barrel for the crowd. And now the 

 roasting viands perfume the air, and all appearances con- 

 spire to predict the speedy comencement of a banquet such 

 as may suit the vigorous appetite of American woodmen. 

 Every steward is at his post ready to receive the joyous 

 groups that at this moment begin to emerge from the dark 

 recesses of the woods. 



" Each comely fair one, clad in pure white, is seen ad- 

 vancing under the protection of her sturdy lover, the neigh- 

 ing of their prancing steeds proclaiming how proud they 

 are of their burden. The youthful riders leap from their 

 seats, and the horses are speedily secured by twisting their 

 bridles round a branch. As the youth of Kentucky lightly 



