182 BIRCH BROWSINGS. 



The east or Pepacton branch of the Delaware it- 

 elf takes its rise near here, in a deep pass between 

 the mountains. I have many times drunk at a copious 

 spring by the roadside, where the infant river first sees 

 the light. A few yards beyond, the water flows tho 

 other way, directing its course through the Bear Kill 

 and Schoharie Kill into the Mohawk. 



Such game and wild animals as still linger in the 

 State, are found in this region. Bears occasionally 

 make havoc among the sheep. The clearings at the 

 head of a valley are oftenest the scene of their depre- 

 dations. 



Wild pigeons, in immense numbers, used to breed 

 regularly in the valley of the Big Ingin and about 

 the head of the Neversink. The tree-tops for miles 

 were full of their nests, while the going and coming 

 of the old birds kept up a constant din. But the 

 gunners soon got wind of it, and from far and near 

 were wont to pour in during the spring, and to 

 slaughter both old and young. This practice soon 

 had the effect of driving the pigeons all away, and 

 now only a few pairs breed in these woods. 



Deer are still met with, though they are becoming 

 scarcer every year. Last winter near seventy head 

 were killed on the Beaver Kill alone. I heard of 

 one wretch, who, finding the deer snowbound, walked 

 up to them on his snowshoes, and one morning be- 

 fore breakfast slaughtered six, leaving their carcasses 

 where they fell. There are traditions of persons 

 having been smitten blind or senseless when about to 



