CHAPTER XI. 



The National Jubilee of 4th op July — Festivities on Beabgkass 

 Cheek — A Maple Sugak Camp — Wild Scenes in the Woods — 

 HuNTiNa the Eacoon — Peepaeations fob the Hunt — Success of 

 the Huntees — Felling Teees .to find Game. 



DuKiNO his residence in Kentucky, Audubon had frequent 

 opportunities of joining in the great American festival of the 

 4th July. The particular occasion he describes as a " Kentucky 

 Barbiere," and instances a very delightful jubilee held on 

 the Beargrass Creek, at which all the settlers, with their wives 

 and families, assisted. The festival was held in a forest glade 

 by the river's side: the company arrived in their waggons, 

 bringing provisions of every kind, such fruits as the country 

 afforded, wine, and " Old Monongahela " whisky. When the 

 company had assembled, an immense cannon, built of wood 

 hooped with iron, and lighted by a train, was fired, after which 

 orations were made by various oracles. The good things 

 provided were then largely enjoyed, after which dancing was 

 indulged in with an enthusiasm suitable to such an occasion. 

 Music was provided by various amateurs, and the fun was only 

 closed by a ride home in the starlight. 



" A maple sugar camp " was always a pleasant refuge to 

 Audubon while wandering in the woods. ' He describes the 

 wild appearance these camps presented when suddenly reached 

 in the darkness, afar in the woodland solitudes, and only 

 heralded by the snarling of curs and the bowlings of the sugar- 

 makers. 



£ 



