Fishing in North Carolina. 81 



lots of squirrel in the swamp but very difficult 

 to come at, and there are dangers to be met in 

 the pursuit. An involuntary wetting is not alto- 

 gether pleasant. The cypress knees are pro- 

 miscuous and hard to get friendly with, and the 

 snakes are ugly, impudent and numerous. Prost 

 had not yet driven them into winter quarters; 

 so that I had little pleasure in hunting. But 

 such fishing! Jack-rocking! I am glad I was 

 taught this fun. I would not be without the 

 experience. I am not sanctified. The people 

 thereabout belong to the Sanctificationists. Three 

 of us went jack-rocking one night. We collected 

 an armful of fat lightwood splinters for torches, 

 a box of matches, a jug of strong water; and 

 groped our way to the landing place of the boats, 

 on the creek or drain. Lashing two boats to- 

 gether, side by side, we took our places, one in 

 the bow, one in the stem and myself amidship. 

 I was torch-bearer. All being ready, I made 

 light and the others paddled, splashed and made 

 as much fuss as possible. Here they came — ^the 

 jacks — a big one butting, banging against my 



