220 THE ADIRONDACK. 



breadth. This lake was discovered under circum- 

 stances somewhat amusing ; and in a manner that 

 presented its features in a bold and impressive aspect. 

 Two gentlemen with their packs on their backs, left 

 the east shore of Eighth Lake, in search of a lake 

 discovered by Prof. Emmons, lying in that vicinity ; 

 but, as afterwards appeared, to the south of the one 

 in question. After tugging some four or five hours, 

 and surmounting several high ridges, crossing valleys, 

 climbing over wind-falls, and tearing their way 

 through the thick under-brush, they came to the sum- 

 mit of a still higher ridge, covered with thick 

 spruces, so dense and dark, as to obstruct the view in 

 every direction. Here they seated themselves upon a 

 log to rest, and while calculating upon the probable 

 proximity to the object of their search, they were 

 startled by the cracking of the dry brush, under the 

 footsteps of some heavy animal. They had left their 

 trusty rifle behind them to lighten their burden, and 

 their onty means of defence consisted in an antiquated 

 pistol, a family relic, that had seen much service, 

 but which in this age of revolvers and improvements 

 was, to say the least, of doubtful character. They, 

 however, placed themselves in a posture of defence — 



