SQUATTERS OF THE MISSISSIPPI. 133 



jingling-bell before it is let loose into the neighbouring canebrake, and the 

 horses remain about the house, where they find sufficient food at that sea- 

 son. The first trading boat that stops at their landing, enables them 

 to provide themselves with some flour, fish-hooks, and ammunition, as 

 well as other commodities. The looms are mounted, the spinning-wheels 

 soon furnish some yarn, and in a few weeks the family throw off their 

 ragged clothes, and array themselves in suits adapted to the climate. The 

 father and sons meanwhile have sown turnips and other vegetables ; and 

 from some Kentucky flat boat, a supply of live poultry has been procured. 



October tinges the leaves of the forest, the morning dews are heavy, 

 the days hot, the nights chill, and the unacclimated family in a few days 

 are attacked with ague. The lingering disease almost prostrates their 

 whole faculties, and one seeing them at such a period might well call them 

 sallow and sickly. Fortunately the unhealthy season soon passes over, 

 and the hoarfrosts make their appearance. Gradually each individual 

 recovers strength. The largest ash trees are felled ; their trunks are cut, 

 split, and corded in front of the building ; a large fire is lighted under 

 night on the edge of the water, and soon a steamer calls to purchase the 

 wood, and thus add to their comforts during the winter. 



This first fruit of their industry imparts new courage to them ; their 

 exertions multiply, and when spring returns, the place has a cheerful look. 

 Venison, bearVflesh, wild turkeys, ducks, and geese, with now and then 

 some fish, have served to keep up their strength, and now their enlarged 

 field is planted with corn, potatoes, and pumpkins. Their stock of cattle, 

 too, has augmented; the steamer, which now stops there as if by preference, 

 buys a calf or a pig, together with the whole of their wood. Their store 

 of provisions is renewed, and brighter rays of hope enliven their spirits. 



Who is he of the settlers on the Mississippi that cannot realise some 

 profit ? Truly none who is industrious. When the autumnal months 

 return, all are better prepared to encounter the ague, which then prevails. 

 Substantial food, suitable clothing, and abundant firing, repel its attacks ; 

 and before another twelvemonth has elapsed, the family is naturalized. 



The sons have by this time discovered a swamp covered with ex- 

 cellent timber, and as they have seen many great rafts of saw logs, 

 bound for the mills of New Orleans, floating past their dwelling, they re- 

 solve to try the success of a little enterprise. Their industry and pru- 

 dence have already enhanced their credit. A few cross-saws are pur- 

 chased, and some broad-wheeled " carry-logs" are made by themselves. 



