238 SOUND SLEEPING. 



traordinary age, unless cut off by the ravages of war or some unforeseen 

 event. Consumption, dyspepsy, colds, and fevers, are alike strangers to 

 them. 



The same observation holds good in regard to the whites who reside in 

 this country and subsist in a similar manner. 



I have known confirmed cases both of consumption and dyspepsy 

 cured by visiting these regions and submitting exclusively to this mode of 

 living. 



For my own part, I felt not the least indisposed during the entir 

 period of my stay, nor did I even hear of an instance of death from 

 natural causes in the mean time, and but rarely of a case of sick- 

 ness, however slight. The same also has been repeatedly remarked in 

 my hearing by persons who have resided here for ten or twelve years, 

 and whose united experience corroborates my own. 



A further fact, relative to the teetli, is worthy of note in connection 

 with this subject. These never suffer by decay or aches, when em- 

 ployed only in the mastication of flesh ; or, at least, I have never seen or 

 heard of an instance of the kind. 



I am, therefore, led to conclude from the foregoing facts, that animal 

 food is in every respect the most wholesome and innocent diet which 

 can be adopted. 



A perp^on in the enjoyment of good health and a quiet mind, generally 

 sleeps sound. In proof that such was the case with our party, I need only 

 advert to a circumstance which here occurred. 



Having awoke one moonshiny night, and observing an unusual number 

 of wolves in the vicinity of camp, I seized my rifle and shot one of them; 

 soon after I improved the opportunity to lay another prostrate, and in a few 

 minutes subsequent a third fell in like manner ; all at three several shots. 



A continuation of the sport seemed likely to detract too much from the 

 hours of sleep, and so, placing the victims in front of the camp-fire, I ad- 

 dressed myself to repose. 



A light snow fell in the interval, and sunrise found us all in bed, patiently 

 waiting to see who would have the courag-e to rise first. At leng^th, one 

 man jumped up and turned to renew the fire. On noticing the wolves 

 before it he wheeled for his rifle, in his eagerness to secure which he fell 

 sprawling at full length. 



" Hello !" says one ; "what's the matter, my boy. Is that are a sample 

 of the ups and downs of life ?" 



"Matter?" exclaimed our hero, gathering himself up in double-quick 

 time, and rushing for his gun ; " matter enough ! The cursed wolves have 

 grown so bold and saucy, that they come to the fire to warm themselves ! 

 Only look ! A dozen or more of 'em are there now, in broad day-light ! 

 Get up, quick ! and let's kill 'em !" 



Aroused by this extraordinary announcement, the whole posse were in- 

 stantly on their feet to repel the audacious invaders ; when, lo ! the cause 

 of alarm proved three dead carcases. 



But, where did they come from ? When were they killed ? Who placed 

 them there ? These were questions none were able to solve, and in regard 

 to which all were profoundly ignorant. Finally, the circumstance occa- 



