
          634

persimmons growing in well-drained soil are sweet, whereas those
growing in poorly drained soil are astringent.  This same view, we found
was also held by Dr. B. whom we later met at the station.

It was about 4 o'clock when we reached Mrs. R's.  We found the old
lady splitting wood for to-morrow's kindling.  In place of her house was
only a heap of ruins.  Twenty dollars which the old lady had saved
and had stowed away in her bedding had also been burned up, but
Mr. O. the owner of the place kindly gave her an equal amount.

After a little chat we started for G. taking the route through the
woods.  Just as we passed the little shanty near the church we
saw a dog lying on the road-side.  Mr. W. had still some bread 
and thought the dog might eat it.  But we found the dog was
sick and refused to eat.  The <s>poor</s> animal was certainly in a 
pitiful condition and we thought what a good thing it would be to
kill the poor animal.  We had just been talking to the pleasant
colored woman that occupied the house, seeing her now again, we
called to her, if it was her dog and what was the matter with him.
She said it was her dog and that he was sick.  We then asked her
why she did not kill him.  Whe [when] she told us "Oh no, we never kill
a cat or a dog, it would be bad luck" and that the poor dog - "he will have
        