146 John Bachman. 



going the ordeal). They have already partaken of 

 a substantial supper, and are talking over the sport 

 and triumph of the day. Two noble bucks and a 

 doe have been brought home, swung across the front 

 of the saddles. According to plantation etiquette, 

 the deer taken belongs to the fortunate hunter f 

 whose shot brought him to the ground. Therefore 

 a fine supply of venison and game is secure, not 

 only for the Pastor's table, but for the sick and deli- 

 cate in his flock, who will share in the spoils of the 

 chase. 



John Audubon is making a suggestion that 

 every one of the company be required to prepare a 

 verse for a poem to be sung to a time-honored 

 Southern ditty : " Clare de kitchen, old folks, youruj 

 folks, Old Virginny nebber tire" The proposition is re- 

 ceived with applause. This is Thursday night : Sat- 

 urday the Parson must be at home, therefore the poets 

 must finish their verses by Friday evening. The vote 

 is given, by acclamation, that John Audubon, who 

 has a reputation in that line, should be the minstrel. 

 The next morning is a rare occasion. Quite a little 

 company have assembled from a neighboring plan-* 

 tation. At the wide-open door, appear the ebony, 

 smiling faces of Sambo, March and others who kept 

 the deer stands, etc., yesterday. 



Without delay, John Audubon appears in his 

 hunter's dress, horn at his side and violin under his 

 chin. 



The first verse is laudatory of the hospitality of 

 the Master of the Ceremonies, Dr. Desel. In the verses 



