64 FRANCE AND ENGLAND IN AMERICA. [1754. 



British settlements were creeping along the valley 

 of the Mohawk, and ascending the eastern slopes 

 of the Alleghanies. Forests crashing to the axe, 

 dark spires of smoke ascending from autumnal fires, 

 were heralds of the advancing host ; and while, on 

 one side of the mountains, Celeron de Bienville was 

 burying plates of lead, engraved with the arms of 

 France, the ploughs and axes of Virginian woods- 

 men were enforcing a surer title on the other. The 

 adverse powers were drawing near. The hour of 

 collision was at hand. 



