118 SPORT IN NORTH AMERICA. 



his log-liut. We both kept our promises faith- 

 fully. 



In 1845, M. Simonds was settled on the slopes of 

 the Masserne mountains, in the northern corner of 

 the State of Arkansas, and for three years past he 

 had entreated me to pay him a visit at " Appenzell 

 Bottom." At last I determined to entrust myself 

 to the railway and pay a visit to my American 

 friend. Ten days after my departure from New 

 York I arrived at Fayetteville, and next day, about 

 sunset, my guide led me to the banks of a little lake 

 surrounded by noble poplars, and thronged with 

 splendid wild fowl of every description ; at the 

 further end of which was a very well built Swiss 

 chalet. Surrounding this were some picturesque 

 farm buildings, and this was the residence of my 

 friend Simonds. 



How pleased we were to meet one another once 

 more, and how swiftly passed the hours which suc- 

 ceeded our reunion! My friend had a vast deal to 

 tell me of the troubles he had had to encounter in 

 settling himself and his colony in " Appenzell 

 Bottom." Our conversation naturally turned upon 

 hunting, and among other sports, my host promised 

 me a hunt after the wild goats of the Masserne 

 mountains. I had heard a great deal of the chamois- 

 hunting of Europe, without ever having taken part 

 in it, and the proposal delighted me vastly. 



Some days afterwards, om' preparations were 



