14 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



vests are ripened into gold, and orchards bow 

 their laden branches, gentle breezes waft the 

 scent of richest flowers, and the woods are melo- 

 dious with song, the free-hearted Kentnckians 

 assemble to enjoy the pleasures of a Barbecue. 

 'No invitation is given, because every one is 

 welcome. For a week or more, all have been 

 busy clearing an area for the assembly. The 

 undergrowth cut down and the low branches 

 lopped off, the grass alone is left — a beautifully 

 enameled pavilion. Wagons loaded with con- 

 tributions from every inhabitant of the State ; 

 oxen, hams, turkeys, venison and foAvls, wend 

 their way to the spot. Flagons of every bev- 

 erage, and fruits of every kind arrive too for 

 the feast. Columns of smoke from the kindled 

 fires rise above the trees, fifty or more cooks 

 bustle to and fro, while waiters disperse dishes, 

 glasses and punch-bowls, and vases crimsoned 

 with rich wines. Everything announces a ban- 

 quet, as joyous groups emerge from out the 

 dark recesses of the woods. White-robed 

 maidens on their palfreys, and youthful horse- 

 men on prancing steeds advance like the bril- 

 liant cortege of a tournament. 



Soon the whole arena resounds with merri- 

 ment. A huge cannon gives forth a salute, and 

 a thousand cheers mingle with its echoes. It is 

 succeeded by orations, sometimes eloquent, and 



