RETURX TO SLOWTRAP'S LITTLE ROCK. 355 



both, and could even laugh when a bush knocked my 

 cap off, and cast it into a pool, while the wet branches 

 slapped my face. At length the rain ceased; a cold 

 wind arose and dried my upper garments, though my 

 leggings still flapped disagreeably about my feet. My 

 course was directed towards Little Rock, without know- 

 ing exactly what I was to do there. I was desirous of 

 revisiting New Orleans, yet did not like leaving the 

 woods ; so I wallvcd on, trusting to my good luck, and 

 leaving the rest to chance. Fortunately, I reached a 

 house this evening, and obtained a 'good bandage for 

 my wound and a dry couch. 



On the 27th February I arrived at Slowtrap's, who 

 gave me a hearty welcome ; but I only stopped one 

 night, and crossed the river to Kelfer's, who also re- 

 ceived me kindly. Still I could not remain quiet, and 

 in a few days I continued my journey to Little Rock. 



Little Rock is, without any flattery, one of the dullest 

 towns in the United States ; and I would not have 

 remained two hours in the place, if I had not met with 

 some good friends, who made me forget its dreariness. 

 Several Germans have settled here, some of whom are 

 doing very well ; many of them have good and pros- 

 perous farms in the neighborhood. The land above 

 the town is as dry and barren as it can well be ; but on 

 the other side of the Arkansas, and at a short distance 

 from the town, it is of the finest quality. On the north 

 of the town, with the exception of the valley of the 

 Arkansas, there is little except pine woods growing in 

 a stony soil. 



I made some excursions in the neighborhood, formed 

 an acquaintance with a young American with a Ger- 



