42 AUDUBON [HE NATURALIST 
CHArTER IV. 
URING the residence of Audubon at Hen- 
derson, his attention, notwithstanding his 
numerous ornithological researches, was not un- 
frequently dirested to other kinds of scientific 
pursuits or exercises, more properly termed, 
perhaps, by the inhabitants of the State, Ken-, 
tucky sports.. The origin of that peculiar incli- 
nation and aptitude shown by the Kentuckians 
for the warlike diversions of nail driving, 
squirrel barking, and candle snuffing, is not 
improbably the long and sanguinary contest 
between the Virginian settlers and the Indians, 
which took place before the superiority of 
the former could be established in the State. 
The settlers, incited by the indomitable courage 
of their renowned leader, and attracted by the 
wild luxuriance of the uncultivated soil, pressed 
with the unequalled enterprise of Americans, 
regardless of endurance, danger, or defeat, to- 
waids the shores of the Ohio. With an axe, a 
zouple of horses, a heavy rifle, and store of am- 
munition, but with very light provision, trusting 
