SUMMER RETREAT IN ARKANSAS. 33 



of a dead tree for a back-log; our saddles, guns, and 

 other necessaries were brought within the circle of its 

 light, and lolling upon the ground wc partook of a fru- 

 gal supper, the better to be prepared for our morrow's 

 exertions and our anticipated breakfast. 



Beds were next made up, and few can be better than 

 a good supply of cane tops, covered with a blanket, with 

 a saddle for a pillow ; upon such a rude couch, the 

 hunter sleeps more soundly than the eflfeminate citizen 

 on his down. The crescent moon with her attendant 

 stars, studded the canopy under which we slept, and the 

 blazing fire completely destroyed the chilliness of a 

 southern December night. 



The old adage of ^' early to bed and early to rise " 

 was intended to be acted upon, that we might salute the 

 tardy sun with the heat of our sport ; and probably we 

 would have carried out our intentions, had not Bob 

 Herring very coolly asked if any of us snored " unkim- 

 monly loud," for he said his old shooting iron would go 

 off at a good imitation of a bear's breathing. This 

 sally from Bob brought us all upright, and then there 

 commenced a series of jibes, jokes, and stories, that no 

 one can hear or witness except on an Arkansas hunt 

 with " old coons." Bob, like the immortal Jack, was 

 witty himself, and the cause of wit in others ; but he 

 sustained himself against all competition, and gave in 

 his notions and experience with an unrivalled humor 

 and simplicity. 



