FOREST LIFE. 109 



the excitement attendant upon each load as it moves to the land- 

 ing, ten times the number of tobacco quids are required than 

 would abundantly suffice him on his return. 



Their look at the relaxation and comfort of the return. The 

 jingling chains, as they trail along on the hard-beaten way, dis- 

 course a constant chorus. With his goad-stick under his arm 

 or as a stafi", he leisurely walks along, musing as he goes, emit- 

 ting from his mouth the curling smoke of his unfailing pipe, like 

 a walking chimney or a locomotive ; anon whistling, humming, 

 or pouring forth with full-toned voice some favorite air or merry- 

 making ditty. He varies the whole exercise by constant address- 

 es to the oxen, individually and collectively : " Haw, Bright !" 

 " Ge, Duke !" " Whoap ! whoap I" " What ye 'bout there, you 

 lazy — " " If I come there, I'll tan your old hides for you I" 

 " Pchip, pschip, go along there !" Knowing him not half in 

 earnest, unless it happens to be a sharp daj^ the oxen keep on 

 the even tenor of their way, enjoying the only apparent comfort 

 an ox can enjoy while away from his crib — chewing the cud. 



Recently, however, the wolves have volunteered their services, 

 by accompanying the teams, in some places, on their way to and 

 from the landing, contributing infinitely more to the fears than 

 conscious security of the teamsters. 



Three teams, in the winter of 1844, all in the same neighbor- 

 hood, were beset with these ravenous animals. They were of 

 unusually large size, manifesting a most singular boldness, and 

 even familiarity, without the usual appearance of ferocity so char- 

 acteristic of the animal. 



Sometimes one, and in another instance three, in a most un- 

 welcome manner, volunteered their attendance, accompanying 

 the teamster a long distance on his way. They would even 

 jump on the log and ride, and approach very near the oxen. 

 One of them actually jumped upon the sled, and down between 

 the bars, while the sled was in motion- 



