184 • MEADVILLE. 



the Cucumber trees loaded with brilhant fruits, and the Spruces throwing 

 a shade over the land in good keeping for a mellow picture. The late- 

 ness of the crops was the only disagreeable circumstance that struck us ; 

 hay was yet standing, probably, however, a second crop ; the peaches 

 were quite small and green, and a few persons here and there, as we pas- 

 sed the different farms, were reaping oats. At length we came in sight 

 of French Creek, and soon after reached MeadviUe. Here we paid the 

 five dollars promised to our conductor, who instantly faced about, and 

 applying the whip to his nags, bade us adieu, and set off. 



We had now only a hundred and fifty cents. No time was to be lost. 

 We put our baggage and ourselves under the roof of a tavern-keeper 

 known by the name of J. E. Smith, at the sign of the Traveller's Rest, and 

 soon after took a walk to survey the little village that was to be laid un- 

 der contribution for our further support. Its appearance was rather 

 dull ; but, thanks to God, I have never despaired while rambling thus 

 for the sole purpose of admiring his grand and beautiful works. I had 

 opened the case that contained my drawings, and putting my portfolio 

 under my arm, and a few good credentials in my pocket, walked up 

 Main Street, looking to the right and left, examining the different heads 

 which occurred, until I fixed my eyes on a gentleman in a store who 

 looked as if he might want a sketch. I begged him to allow me to sit 

 down. This granted, I remained purposely silent until he very soon 

 asked me what was " in that portfolio.'''' These three words sounded 

 well, and without waiting another instant, I opened it to his view. This 

 was a Hollander, who complimented me much on the execution of the 

 ' drawings of birds and flowers in my portfolio. Shewing him a sketch of 

 the best friend I have in the world at present, I asked him if he would 

 like one in the same style of himself. He not only answered in the af- 

 firmative, but assured me that he would exert himself in procuring as 

 many more customers as he could. I thanked him, be assured, kind 

 reader ; and having fixed upon the next morning for drawing the sketch, 

 I returned to the TraveUer''s Rest, with a hope that to-morrow might 

 prove propitious. Supper was ready, and as in America we have gene- 

 rally but one sort of Table cThote, we sat down, when, every individual 

 looking upon me as a Missionary priest, on account of my hair, which in 

 those days flowed loosely on my shoulders, I was asked to say grace, 

 which I did with a fervent spirit. 



Daylight returned. I visited the groves and woods around, with my 



