84 ■L'ifs of Audubon, 



cross the river, and select their place of habitation. The 

 exhalations arising from the swamps and morasses around 

 them have a powerful effect on these new settlers, but all 

 are intent on preparing for the winter. A small patch of 

 ground is cleared by the axe and fire, a temporary cabin 

 is erected ; to each of the cattle is attached a bell before 

 it is let loose into the neighboring canebrake, and the 

 horses remain about the house, where they find sufficient 

 food at that season. The first trading boat that stops at 

 their landing enables them to provide themselves with 

 some flour, fish-hooks, and ammunition, as well as other 

 commodities. The looms are mounted, the spinning- 

 wheels soon furnish some yarn, and in a few weeks the 

 family throw off their ragged clothes, and array them- 

 selves in suits adapted to the climate. 



" The father and sons meanwhile have sown turnips 

 and other vegetables ; and from some Kentucky flat-boat 

 a supply of live poultry has been purchased. October 

 tinges the leaves of the forest; the morning dews are 

 heavy ; the days hot and the nights chill, and the unac- 

 climatised family in a few days are attacked with ague. 

 The lingering disease almost prostrates their whole facul- 

 ties. Fortunately the unhealthy season soon passes over, 

 and the hoar-frosts make their appearance. Gradually 

 each individual recovers strength. The largest ash trees 

 are felled, their trunks are cut, split, and corded in front 

 of the building; a large fire is lighted at night on the 

 edge of the water, and soon a steamer calls to purchase 

 the wood, and thus add to their comforts during the 

 winter. This first fruit of their industry imparts new 

 courage to them ; their exertions multiply, and when 

 spring returns the place has a cheerful look. Venison, 

 bear's flesh, and turkeys, ducks and geese, with now and 

 then some fish, have served to keep up their strength, 

 and now their enlarged field is planted with corn, pota- 



