NORTH AMERICA. 
i°5 
furround this peninfula, to an almoft infinite dis- 
tance, and then unites its waters with thofe of the 
river, in this little bay which formed our harbour. 
This bay, about the mouth of the creek, is almoft 
covered with the leaves of the nymphsea nekimbo 
its large fweet-fcented yellow flowers are lifted up 
two or three feet above the furface of the water, 
each upon a green ftarol, reprefenting the cap of 
liberty. 
The evening drawing on, and there being no 
convenient landing place for feveral miles higher up 
the river, we concluded to remain here all night. 
Whilft my fellow travellers were employing them- 
felves in colle&ing fire- wood, and fixing our camp, 
I improved the opportunity, in reconnoitering our 
ground ; and taking my fufee with me, I penetrated 
the grove, and afterwards entered fome almoft un- 
limited favannas and plains, which were abfolutely 
enchanting; they had been lately burnt by the In- 
dian hunters, and had juft now recovered their vernal 
verdure and gaiety. 
How happily fituated is this retired fpot of earth ! 
What an elyfium it is! where the wandering Simi- 
nole, the naked red warrior, roams at large, and 
after the vigorous chafe retires from the fcorching 
heat of the meridian fun. Here he reclines, and 
repofes under the odoriferous fhades of Zanthoxy- 
Jon, his verdant couch guarded by the Deity; Li- 
berty, and the Mufes, infpiring him with wifdom 
and valour, whilft the balmy zephyrs fan him to 
fleep. 
Seduced by thefe fublime enchanting fcenes of 
primitive nature, and thefe vifions of terreftrial hap- 
pinefs, I had roved far away from Cedar Point, but 
awakening 
