42 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



CHAPTER lY. 



T ^UKING the residence of Audubon at Hen- 

 ^^ derson, his attention, notwithstanding his 

 numerous ornithological researches, was not un- 

 frequently directed to other kinds of scientific 

 pursuits or exercises, more properly termed, 

 perhaps, bj the inhabitants of the State, Ken- 

 tucky sports. The origin of that peculiar incli- 

 nation and aptitude shown by the Kentuckians 

 for the warlike diversions of nail driving, 

 squirrel barking, and candle snufiing, is not 

 improbably the long and sanguinary contest 

 between the Virginian settlers and the Indians, 

 which took place before the superiority of 

 the former could be established in the State. 

 The settlers, incited by the indomitable courage 

 of their renowned leader, and attracted by the 

 wild luxuriance of the uncultivated soil, pressed 

 with the unequalled enterprise of Americans, 

 regardless of endurance, danger, or defeat, to- 

 wards the shores of the Ohio. With an axe, a 

 couple of horses, a heavy rifle, and store of am- 

 munition, but with very light provision, trusting 



