VII. 



DAYS ON THE ILLINOIS. 



LIKE the bottoms of other Western rivers 

 those of the Illinois were once a great place for 

 camping. However cold the night we needed 

 little tent, and that only to shed possible rain ; 

 for driftwood was everywhere, and piled high in 

 front it filled the open tent with light and com- 

 fort, while the glare shot across the river until 

 the deaa cottonwoods on the other side looked 

 like imploring ghosts reaching their arms heaven- 

 ward. Often by its light we could see the white 

 collars on the geese drifting through the night 

 above, and plainly distinguish the glossy head of 

 the mallard as he swept the tree-tops. All 

 worldly cares went whirling skyward in the vor- 

 tex of flame and sparks, and on the dark rotunda 

 around it fancy hung many a bright picture of 

 the kind the sportsman alone can see. 



106 



