318 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 
sion, and the wild strawberry was scattered in patches 
wherever sufficient sustenance from the impoverished soil 
could be gained for its support, In straying about, I found 
two nests of the night-hawk; the maternal parent of both 
was of different plumage from those I have so frequently 
seen on a summer evening on the banks of the Ohio River ; 
the eggs in each were four in number, of a dirty color, 
smudged with brown, and almost lying on the bare rock. 
This bird is doubtless migratory, resorting here in summer 
for the purpose of propagation, and spending its winters 
in the more genial climate of the Southern States, where it 
changes its plumage to one of less brilliancy, and receives 
the local appellation of “ bull bat.” 
In the rocks and sand I found some fossils of shells, and 
on such elevated ground that it caused me at the time sur- 
prise and wonder whether shell-fish were once denizens of 
land instead of water, or whether these mountains had once 
been submerged. Hares appeared to be numerous,-as their 
paths crossed and recrossed each other, forming a perfect 
labyrinth. Ptarmigan and the Canada partridge I also saw 
so frequently, that I have little doubt, in the month of Sep- 
tember, fine sport might be obtained with dog and gun. 
Bear signs were also abundant, a solitary stump showing 
evidence of the power of their claws, and, from the height 
some of these convincing proofs extended up its side, the 
Bruin family are evidently not stunted in growth in this 
locality.* After walking for almost an hour, I succeeded 
in reaching the crest of one of the numerous swells, and, as 
I turned to survey the scenery, one of the most enchant- 
ing panoramas that ever I witnessed broke upon my vision. 
*In localities where bears are numerous, all appear to select the same 
tree to try their claws upon. Of course the larger bears make the highest 
incisions. From these marks an expert hunter can form a good estimate 
of the size of the visitors, 
