102 The Hunting Field With Horse and Hound 



which the river and the valley have taken their names. It was 

 to destroy this famous, or rather infamous settlement, that 

 General Washington sent hither the SulHvan expedition. 



On the way we shall point out to you the "Bigtree Farm," 

 the property of Mr. Craig and his brother, J. S. Wadsworth, 

 so-called from its having at one time the famous "Bigtree" 

 (since blown down) celebrated in history, story and song, as 

 the official rendezvous, or State Capitol of the Six Nations. 

 From the council fire, here, the young bucks were sent, as 

 runners, with messages to the chiefs of the different tribes, 

 as far east as the Hudson, west into Ohio and south into 

 Pennsylvania. It was underneath the Bigtree, a section of 

 wliich has been preserved on the Hon. James Wadsworth's 

 lawn, that the famous speeches of "Red Jacket," "Corn 

 Planter" and "Logan" were made. 



It was here the Six Nations buried the hatchet and smoked 

 the pipe of peace with the representatives of Washington. 

 "What," you may ask, "has tliis to do with hounds and 

 hunting in the Genesee Valley?" Notliing, save a bit of sen- 

 timent, which the natives are fond of keeping alive. We simply 

 wish to add this sentimental colouring to the trees of the valley, 

 and to remind you as you ride along the banks of the noble 

 waters of the "Chen-na-see," of the red man, who once loved 

 it as well. 



It was here the returning warrior came to court his "dusky 

 mate." It was the same old story that many a paleface has 

 found the heart and courage to repeat, as he paddled along 

 these shady banks in the light of a harvest moon. 



We are nearing the village of Geneseo and a fond recol- 

 lection comes over us, as we recall the tempting menus of the 

 "Big Tree Inn" — "A Hotel for Sportsmen Designed." 



It is during the last mile before we reach the village, that 

 we shall be able to show you one of the most beautiful views 

 to be had of the valley. From here you will see the great 



