172 WILD SPORTS IN THE FAR WEST. 



settlers in the older states. This circumstance had 

 given so bad a name to Arkansas, that many thought 

 all its inhabitants went about armed to the teeth with 

 pistols and bowie-knives; but I have traversed the 

 State in all directions, and met with as honest and 

 upright people as are to be found in any other part of 

 the Union. 



On the 24th October, two heavily laden carts 

 arrived, each drawn by one horse : they' contained all 

 sorts of things useful for settlers. Their owners are 

 called peddlers, and they ask high prices for their goods, 

 and are said to make a good thing of it. S. bought 

 only a few trifles. 



S. having sold most of his cattle, decided on parting 

 with this farm, and removing to Oiltrove bottom. Our 

 contract having been dissolved by Uhl's departure and 

 my frequent sickness, was no longer to be thought of. 

 Preparations were made for moving; S. had been 

 already to AMiite river and made his purchase. When 

 about to start, we found that two more oxen were 

 necessary: we had four, but the load was too heavy 

 ■with such soft boggy roads. So we rode into the 

 woods, and drove a coujDle of wild bulls into the 

 inclosure, threw nooses over their horns, and fastened 

 them to trees. They made tremendous efforts to free 

 themselves, jerking the leather thongs with all their 

 force ; and Avhen they found all their struggles were in 

 vain, they threw themselves on tlie ground and bel- 

 lowed with rage. Thus they remained all the day and 

 night, during which we gave them nothing but a little 

 water to quench their thirst. About nine o'clock 

 next morning they were yoked each with a steady old 



