Page:Early western travels, 1748-1846 (1907 Volume 11).djvu/304

 the common earth-worms eat up all the stalk or stem of the feather, and leave the remainder a well manufactured mass of down, fit for use.

Mr. Maidlow states that Judge Waggoner, at the celebration of the 4th of June last at Evansville, was chairman, when by some gentlemen present it was proposed that due provision should be made for the coming day in the form of a subscription. This, without passing to a vote, was amended by another rising to say, "I motion, that as some cannot command money they should bring vegetables, such as beef, mutton, venison, and {324} pork!" which amendment was put by the judge, and carried in the above form.

A traveller through Illinois to Missouri was, while in bed, twice disturbed in one night by a fellow entering with an axe on his shoulder. The traveller pointed his pistol and told him that if he did not start, he would shoot him; he retired, but in two hours after returned, and was repulsed again by the wakeful traveller. A line of houses on the lonely road to Missouri is, (says Mr. Birkbeck to Mr. Wheeler) in existence, and kept up by these Rowdey robbers and murderers for the reception of travellers, and villains to rob them. These houses are known by extravagant, unprecedented charges, such as 20 dollars a night for man and horse, which must be paid, or the traveller is exposed to robbery, and, perhaps, murder.

24th.—I was indebted to Mr. Phillips for the company of Mr. Wheeler, a pleasant young Englishman from Bristol, with his wife, seeking a refuge here.

At midnight a severe hail-storm preceded a heavy fall of snow. The hail fell thick through the roof and floor on my pillow, and into my mouth, and I licked in the hail-*stones as a luxury.