VICTOR, THE SON OF AUDUBON 77 



and gayly advanced toward the barbecue, they resembled 

 a procession of nymphs and disguised divinities. Fathers 

 and mothers smiled upon them as they followed the bril- 

 liant cortege. In a short time the ground was alive with 

 merriment. A great wooden cannon bound with iron hoops 

 was now crammed with home-made powder, fire was con- 

 veyed to it by means of a train, and as the explosion burst 

 forth, thousands of hearty huzzas mingled with its echoes. 

 From the most learned a good oration fell in proud and 

 gladdening words on every ear, and although it probably 

 did not equal the eloquence of a Clay, an Everett, a Web- 

 ster, or a Preston, it served to remind every Kentuckian 

 present of the glorious name, the patriotism, the courage, 

 and the virtue of our immortal Washington. Fifes and 

 drums sounded the march which had ever led him to glory; 

 and as they changed to our celebrated Yankee Doodle, the 

 air again rang with acclamations. 



" Now the stewards invited the assembled throngs to 

 the feast. The fair led the van, and were first placed 

 around the tables, which groaned under the profusion of 

 the best productions of the country that had been heaped 

 upon them. On each lovely nymph attended her gay beau, 

 who in her chance or sidelong glances ever watched an 

 opportunity of reading his happiness. How the viands 

 diminished under the action of so many agents of destruc- 

 tion I need not say, nor is it necessary that you should 

 listen to the long recital. Many a national toast was offered 



