UP THE CALOOSAHATCHIE. 303 



been followed by settlers, cattle- raisers, and cattle , Mid 

 day found us near the dry bed of a summer water-course, 

 where we camped for dinner. I took a spade and dug a 

 shallow hole, from which we obtained water for coffee. 

 After eating, I seated myself in the centre of the trail to 

 enjoy my old pipe. Frank laid himself down a few feet 

 from me, and almost instantly jumped up, with an exclam 

 ation. His fright was easily accounted for, for we heard 

 the warning rattle of the death-dealing snake, within 

 reach of whose fangs he had reclined. He seized his 

 rifle and fired, but excitement spoiled his aim ; he then 

 used his revolver, and with the last chamber wounded 

 his snakeship. In the interim one of the party pro 

 vided himself with a stick, and soon finished the rat 

 tler. Frank claimed the rattles, which, upon removal, 

 numbered eight and a button. 



After our encounter with the snake we hitched up 

 the oxen and started for the lake. Night found us four 

 miles from the large mound at Old Fort Centre. Here 

 we camped, and were favored with the bellowing of an 

 ancient alligator in an adjoining swamp. Early next 

 morning found us following the trail, and at 8 A. M. we 

 reached Old Fort Centre. Leaving Mr. Carl ton to take 

 care of the bullocks, we soon found an Indian canoe and 

 started for the lake, distant, according to the statement 

 of our guide, four miles. We forced our way through 

 several extensive beds of the floating lettuce, and after 

 poling and paddling for two miles, reached a continuous 

 bed of this plant. We were provided with two paddles 

 and a pushing pole sixteen feet long. The banks of the 

 creek were perpendicular, and the water from twelve to 

 fourteen feet deep. In this stream the lettuce was 

 larger and more luxuriant than any we had ever seen in 



