KENTUCKY BARBICUE. 577 



finny stores ; the melons of all sorts, peaches, plums and pears, would 

 have sufficed to stock a market. In a word, Kentucky, the land of 

 abundance, had supplied a feast for her children. 



A purling stream gave its waters freely, while the grateful breezes 

 cooled the air. Columns of smoke from the newly kindled fires rose above 

 the trees ; fifty cooks or more moved to and fro as they plied their trade ; 

 waiters of all qualities were disposing the dishes, the glasses, and the 

 punch-bowls, amid vases filled with rich wines. " Old Monongahela" 

 filled many a barrel for the crowd. And now, the roasting viands per- 

 fume the air, and all appearances conspire to predict the speedy com- 

 mencement of a banquet such as may suit the vigorous appetite of Ame- 

 rican woodsmen. Every steward is at his post, ready to receive the joy- 

 ous groups that at this moment begin to emerge from the dark recesses of 

 the woods. 



Each comely fair one, clad in pure white, is seen advancing under the 

 protection of her sturdy lover, the neighing of their prancing steeds pro- 

 claiming how proud they are of their burden. The youthful riders leap 

 from their seats, and the horses are speedily secured by twisting their 

 bridles round a branch. As the youth of Kentucky lightly and gaily 

 advanced towards the Barbicue, they resembled a procession of nymphs 

 and disguised divinities. Fathers and mothers smiled upon them, as they 

 followed the brilliant cortege. In a short time the ground was alive with 

 merriment. A great wooden cannon, bound with iron hoops, was now 

 crammed with home-made powder ; fire was conveyed to it by means of a 

 train, and as the explosion burst forth, thousands of hearty huzzas 

 mingled with its echoes. From the most learned a good oration fell in 

 proud and gladdening words on every ear, and although it probably did 

 not equal the eloquence of a Clay, an Everett, a Webster, or a Pres- 

 ton, it served to remind every Kentuckian present of the glorious name, 

 the patriotism, the courage, and the virtue, of our immortal Washing- 

 ton. Fifes and drums sounded the march which had ever led him to 

 o-lory ; and as they changed to our celebrated " Yankee Doodle," the ai' 

 again rang with acclamations. 



Now the stewards invited the assembled throng to the feast. The 

 fair led the van, and were first placed around the tables, which groaned 

 under the profusion of the best productions of the country that had been 

 heaped upon them. On each lovely nymph attended her gay beau, who 

 in her chance or sidelong glances ever watched an opportunity of reading 



VOL. II. ^ o 



