68 LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



lead the procession, followed by the hounds and other dogs. 

 Their day's journey is short and not agreeable. The cattle, 

 stubborn or wild, frequently leave the road for the woods, giving 

 the travellers much trouble ; the harness of the horses here and 

 there gives way, and immediate repair is needed. A basket 

 which has accidentally dropped must be gone after, for nothing 

 that they have can be spared. The roads are bad, and now and 

 then all hands are called to push on the waggon, or prevent it 

 from upsetting. Yet by sunset they have proceeded perhaps 

 twenty miles. Fatigued, all assemble round the fire, which has 

 been lighted ; supper is prepared, and a camp being run up, there 

 they pass the night. Days and weeks pass belore they gain the 

 end of their journey. They have crossed both the Carolinas, 

 Georgia, and Alabama. They have been travelling from the 

 beginning of May to that of September, and with heavy hearts 

 they traverse the neighbourhood of Mississippi. But now arrived 

 on the banks of the broad stream, they gaze in amazement on the 

 dark deep woods around them. Boats of various kinds they see 

 gliding downwards with the current, while others slowly ascend 

 against it. A few inquiries are made at the nearest dwelling, 

 and assisted by the inhabitants with their boats and canoes, they 

 at once cross the river, and select their place of habitation. 

 The exhalations arising from the swamps and morasses around 

 them have a powerful effect on these new settlers, but all are 

 intent on preparing for the winter. A small patch of ground is 

 cleared by the axe and fire, a temporary cabin is erected ; to 

 each of the cattle is attached a bell before it is let loose into the 

 neighbouring cane-brake, and the horses remain about the 

 house, where they find sufficient food at that season. 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 ofi" 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 purchased. October tinges the leaves of the 

 forest; the morning dens are heavy; the days hot and the nights 



