318 PRA.IR1K AND FOREST. 



sion, and the wild strawberry was scattered in patches 

 wherever sufficient sustenance from the impoverished soil 

 could be gained for its support. In straying about, I found 

 two nests of the night-hawk ; the maternal parent of both 

 was of different plumage from those I have so frequently 

 seen on a summer evening on the banks of the Ohio River ; 

 the eggs in each were four in number, of a dirty color, 

 smudged with bi'own, and almost lying on the bare rock. 

 This bird is doubtless migratory, resorting here in summer 

 for the purpose of propagation, and spending its winters 

 in the more genial climate of the Southern States, where it 

 changes its plumage to one of less brilliancy, and receives 

 the local appellation of " bull bat." 



In the rocks and sand I found some fossils of shells, and 

 on such elevated ground that it caused me at the time sur- 

 prise and wonder whether shell-fish were once denizens of 

 land instead of water, or whether these mountains had once 

 been submerged. Hares appeared to be numerous, as their 

 paths crossed and recrossed each other, forming a perfect 

 labyrinth. Ptarmigan and the Canada partridge I also saw 

 so frequently, that I have little doubt, in the month of Sep- 

 tember, fine sport might be obtained with dog and gun. 

 Bear signs were also abundant, a solitary stump showing 

 evidence of the power of their claws, and, from the height 

 some of these convincing proofs extended up its side, the 

 Bruin family are evidently not stunted in growth in this 

 locality.* After walking for almost an hour, I succeeded 

 in reaching the crest of one of the numerous swells, and, as 

 I turned to survey the scenery, one of the most enchant- 

 ing panoramas that ever I witnessed broke upon my vision. 



* In localities where bears are numerous, all appear to select the same 

 tree to try their claws upon. Of course the larger bears make the highest 

 incisions. From these marks an expert hunter can form a good estimate 

 of the size of the visitors. 



