188 AUDUBON, THE NATURALIST 
however, we could discern a new bridge, which had two im- 
mense arches spanning the river. 
At eight o’clock in the morning we left Lancaster for Eliza- 
bethtown, distant nine miles. The roads were miserable, and 
we suffered a severe jolting and shaking up. Arriving there, we 
procured two additional horses, which made six all told, and 
went on to Middletown, where we breakfasted at a tavern named 
the “Eagle”; the village was small, with few houses, and noth- 
ing of interest. 
Journeying on to Harrisburg without mishap, over roads 
somewhat improved, we finally arrived, and discovered a very 
beautiful river called the Susquehanna. The city of Harris- 
burg itself appeared very attractive to us, and its situation 
is beautiful; proceeding, we were first compelled to cross the 
river, which was accomplished by means of a large flatboat 
propelled by a sweep of generous proportions. The captain, 
who proved a most voluble person, informed us that the river 
abounded in fish, and then related marvelous tales of the re- 
markable catches that had been made; many of his stories, 
however, were of such glaring improbability that we were forced 
to doubt his veracity. 
Carlisle, sixteen miles distant, was reached in due course, 
and there we changed horses at a tavern called the “John 
Mason.” This city, though small, presented a fine appear- 
ance, having a market place, two large churches, many brick 
buildings, a large academy, and several attractive taverns. 
Continuing, we finally came to Walnut Bottoms, where we en- 
gaged chambers at a very imposing tavern; this proved far 
superior to any we had hitherto visited; it was clean and in- 
viting; its appointments were good, and its service excellent. 
On our journey we were impressed by a tree of great size, that 
resembled an oak, but upon inquiry learned that it was called 
Hackberry,* and produced a fruit similar in size to a cherry. 
On the north and south of us were high mountains which pre- 
?In the rich bottom-lands of the Ohio River basin the hackberry or 
sugarberry (Celtis occidentalis) sometimes exceeds one hundred feet in 
height, and has a diameter of from four to five feet. 
