446 AUDUBON 



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 Missis- 

 sippi, 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 the fire, a tem- 

 porary cabin is erected, to each of the cattle is attached 

 a jingling bell before it is let loose into the neighboring 

 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 off their ragged clothes, and array 

 themselves in suits adapted to the climate. The father 

 and sons meanwhile have sown turnips and other vegeta- 

 bles ; and from some Kentucky flatboat, a supply of live 

 poultry has been procured. 



October tinges the leaves of the forest, the morning 

 dews are heavy, the days hot, the nights chill, and the 

 unacclimated family in a few days are attacked with ague. 

 The lingering disease almost prostrates their whole facul- 

 ties, and one seeing them at such a period might well 

 call them sallow and sickly. Fortunately the unhealthy 

 season soon passes over, and the hoar-frosts make their 

 appearance. Gradually each individual recovers strength. 

 The largest ash-trees are felled; their trunks are cut, 

 split, and corded in front of the building; a large fire is 

 lighted at night on the edge of the water, and soon a 

 steamer calls to purchase the wood, and thus add to their 

 comforts during the winter. 



