THE ECCENTRIC NATURALIST. 439 



set fire to. The moisture contained between the joints is converted into 

 steam, which causes the cane to burst with a smart report, and when a 

 whole mass is crackling, the sounds resemble discharges of musquetry. 

 Indeed, I have been told that travellers floating down the rivers, and 

 unacquainted with these circumstances, have been induced to pull their 

 oars with redoubled rigour, apprehending the attack of a host of savages, 

 ready to scalp every one of the party. 



A day being fixed, we left home after an early breakfast, crossed the 

 Ohio, and entered the woods. I had determined that my companion 

 should view a cane-brake in all its perfection, and after leading him seve- 

 ral miles in a direct course, came upon as fine a sample as existed in that 

 part of the country. We entered, and for some time proceeded without 

 much difficulty, as I led the way, and cut down the canes Avhich were 

 most likely to incommode him. The difficulties gradually increased, so 

 that we were presently obliged to turn our backs to the foe, and push 

 ourselves on the best way we could. My companion stopped here and 

 there to pick up a plant and examine it. After a while, we chanced to 

 come upon the top of a fallen tree, which so obstructed our passage that 

 we were on the eve of going round, instead of thrusting ourselves through 

 amongst the branches, when, from its bed in the centre of the tangled 

 mass, forth ruslied a bear, with such force, and snuffing the air in so 

 frightful a manner, that M. de T. became suddenly terror-struck, and, 

 in his haste to escape, made a desperate attempt to run, but fell amongst 

 the canes in such a way, that he looked as if pinioned. Perceiving him 

 jammed in between the stalks, and thoroughly frightened, I could not 

 refrain from laughing at the ridiculous exhibition wliich he made. My 

 gaiety, however, was not very pleasing to the savant, who called out for 

 aid, which was at once administered. Gladly would he have retraced 

 his steps, but I was desirous that he should be able to describe a cane- 

 brake, and enticed him to follow me, by telling him that our worst diffi- 

 culties were nearly over. We proceeded, for by this time the bear was 

 out of hearing. 



The way became more and more tangled. I saw with delight that a 

 heavy cloud, portentous of a thunder gust, was approaching. In the 

 mean time, I kept my companion in such constant difficulties, that he 

 now panted, perspired, and seemed almost overcome by -fatigue. The 

 thunder began to rumble, and soon after a dash of heavy rain drenched 

 us in a few minutes. The withered particles of leaves and bark attached 



