88 THE SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE; 



however, still standing, speaking to us, like the Egyptian 

 pyramids, of the times that have passed ; and these dead 

 trunks without branches are now surrounded by young, 

 living trees, which have sprung up subsequently to these 

 fires. Other changes had already been inaugurated, but 

 not by the sturdy pioneer ; these originated with the city 

 denizens, who have selected certain choice spots on which 

 they have erected summer-homes. 



We have thus carefully described the island and its sur- 

 roundings prior to inviting the reader to witness with us 

 the joyful ceremony which was just about to be performed 

 in this romantic spot. The appointed day was at hand; the 

 sun was journeying rapidly towards the western horizon ; it 

 was already three o'clock ; the hour of four had been fixed 

 for the performance of the ceremony, and our informant 

 had determined to be on the spot in time to witness the 

 arrival of the bride and groom, who, with their city friends, 

 were expected to come on the steamboat, which would land 

 them on the island. The other invited guests, living about 

 the lake, were expected to come in such boats, canoes, etc., 

 as they possessed. Soon after three o'clock there could 

 have been seen approaching the island several small row- 

 boats, a half-dozen canoes, and a single dug-out. Each boat 

 carried several persons, males and females, young and old, 

 attired in their holiday suits : these boats contained the 

 more wealthy class of pioneers with their families. The 

 occupants of the canoes were chiefly males and belonged 

 to the huntincr classes. These hunters were for the most 

 part attired in hunting-coats, which were ornamented with 

 much fringe, thus displaying a characteristic of the original 



