CAMP-MEETING. 187 



heads of the people, and, when gilded by the flames of blazing- 

 fagots, and intermingled by rising sparks, had a supernatu 

 ral and solemn effect. Could I have alone contemplated 

 nature unconnected with the part humanity was acting, my 

 enjoyment might have been great, but the wailings of fellow- 

 beings, and the shouts of boys on reaching the ground, disturb 

 ed returning repose. 



On again approaching my friend, a preacher was thanking 

 the Almighty for the manifestations of his goodness since they 

 had met together, and concluded by requesting all who desi 

 red to be released from their sins, to accompany him to another 

 place, and a procession to the place ensued. This consisted 

 of a small enclosure, formed by a single rail of saplings, 

 nailed to the standing trees, in the centre of which were two 

 branchless trunks lying parallel to each other, and is perhaps 

 what is termed the pen. Here the preacher again requested 

 all who earnestly desired to be relieved from their sins, to 

 come within the lines which had been prepared for them. 



The whole devotees then prayed promiscuously aloud, and 

 when at the height of excitement, the nymph of the gipsy 

 bonnet commenced singing, standing on the outside of the 

 enclosure, and was joined by the people within. 



When the singing ceased, it was announced that Brother 

 Fraiser was to preach, and the people assembled around the 

 shade on the seats prepared for them, after being repeatedly 

 requested to do so. At the conclusion of praise and prayer, a 

 text was given out, and sermon commenced. Mr Fraiser now 

 discovered that he was hoarse, perhaps from previous exertion, 

 and in the midst of his apology to the audience, I took my 

 leave at half-past eight o clock. 



The devotees were few in number, perhaps not more than 

 sixty, and almost either old men or young women, the Irish 

 brogue being conspicuous amongst the former. They seemed 

 of the lowest class, not more than half-a-dozen of well-dressed 

 people being amongst them. There were four ministers. 



1 could not divine why the pretty creature with the gipsy 

 bonnet did not join in prayer, and commenced singing at the 

 proper time. Could her bonnet and clothes be too fine for 



