SUMMER RETREAT IN ARKANSAS. 33 
of a dead tree for a back-log; our saddles, guns, and 
other necessaries were brought within the circle of its 
light, and lolling upon the ground we partook of a fru- 
gal supper, the better to be prepared for our morrow’s 
exertions and our anticipated breakfast. 
Beds were next made up, and few can be better than 
a good supply of cane tops, covered with a blanket, with 
a saddle for a pillow; upon such a rude couch, the 
hunter sleeps more soundly than the effeminate citizen 
on his down. The crescent moon with her attendant 
stars, studded the canopy under which we slept, and the 
blazing fire completely Suga? the chilliness of a 
southern December nighte Sg 
9 
& Ae) 
The old adage of “ early 0 bed and early to rise” 
was intended to be acted upon, that we might salute the 
tardy sun with the heat of our sport; and probably we 
would have carried out our intentions, had not Bob 
Herring very coolly asked if any of us snored “ unkim- 
monly loud,” for he said his o/d shooting iron would go 
off at a good imitation of a bear’s breathing. This 
sally from Bob brought us all upright, and then there 
commenced a series of jibes, jokes, and stories, that no 
one can hear or witness except on an Arkansas hunt 
with “old coons.’? Bob, like the immortal Jack, was 
witty himself, and the cause of wit in others; but he 
sustained himself against all competition, and gave in 
his notions and experience with an unrivalled humor 
and simplicity. 
Q* 
