THE BIG BEAR OF ARKANSAS. 
A stEamBoaT on the Mississippi, frequently, in making 
her regular trips, carries between places varying from 
one to two thousand miles apart; and, as these boats 
advertise to land passengers and freight at “all inter- 
mediate landings,” the heterogeneous character of the 
passengers of one of these up-country boats can scarcely 
be imagined by one who has never seen it with his own 
eyes. 
Starting from New Orleans in one of these boats; 
you will find yourself associated with men from every 
State in the Union, and from every portion of the globe; 
and a man of observation need not lack for amusement 
or instruction in such a crowd, if he will take the trouble 
to read the great book of character so favorably opened 
before him. 
Here may be seen, jostling together, the wealthy 
