OBJECTION TO USELESS SLAUGHTER. 27 



its accomplishment. I once undertook to make a 

 pair of trousers. With the legs, which required 

 merely straight cutting, I succeeded admirably, 

 though I had only a hunting-knife to do the duty 

 of shears ; but the fork, or seat of the inexpressibles, 

 beat me. First, it was too high up, and almost split 

 me ; then it was too low down, and braced my thighs 

 so closely together that I was like a hobbled horse. 

 Ultimately I determined to fill up the vacancy which 

 I had made by too free a use of 'my knife, with 

 pieces skilfully sewn in. These, however, were so 

 numerous that the garment became ponderous, and 

 the weight was exactly where it was least desirable. 

 I made another attempt to render this maiden 

 effort in tailoring successful, but not having a 

 goose with which to press the seams, their edges 

 chafed me so dreadfully that, much against my will, 

 I was obliged to wear for some time a kilt a cos- 

 tume not suited for climates that produce mosquitoes. 

 However, I have the consolation of knowing that 

 ultimately I succeeded in obtaining a good fit, a 

 salve that helped to soften much the wounds of 

 disappointment and insects' mandibles. 



If the wild animals that I have met form an 

 estimate of my consequence by the amount of de- 

 struction I have committed upon their respective 

 races, they must regard me, in the language of the 

 States, as ' very small punkins/ I wish more of my 

 countrymen could say the same. Unless for sus- 

 tenance, or to obtain information on subjects of 



