488 AUDUBON 



And now the roasting viands perfume the air, and all ap- 

 pearances conspire to predict the speedy commencement 

 of a banquet such as may suit the vigorous appetite of 

 American woodsmen. 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 advanc- 

 ing under the protection of her sturdy lover, the neighing 

 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 

 and gayly advanced towards the barbecue, they resembled a 

 procession of nymphs and disguised divinities. Fathers and 

 mothers smiled upon them as they followed the brilliant cor- 

 tege. 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 conveyed 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 gladden- 

 ing words on every ear, and although it probably did not 

 equal the eloquence of a Clay, an Everett, a Webster, 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 oppor- 

 tunity of reading his happiness. How the viands dimin- 



