Page:Ornithological biography, or an account of the habits of the birds of the United States of America, vol 2.djvu/613

Rh finny stores ; the melons of all sorts, peaches, plums and pears, would have sufficed to stock a market. In a word, Kentucky, the land of abundance, had supplied a feast for her children.

A purling stream gave its waters freely, while the grateful breezes cooled the air. Columns of smoke from the newly kindled fires rose above the trees ; fifty cooks or more moved to and fro as they plied their trade ; waiters of all qualities were disposing the dishes, the glasses, and the punch-bowls, amid vases filled with rich wines. " Old Monongahela" filled many a barrel for the crowd. And now, the roasting viands per- fume the air, and all appearances conspire to predict the speedy com- mencement of a banquet such as may suit the vigorous appetite of Ame- rican woodsmen. Every steward is at his post, ready to receive the joy- ous groups that at this moment begin to emerge from the dark recesses of the woods.

Each comely fair one, clad in pure white, is seen advancing under the protection of her sturdy lover, the neighing of their prancing steeds pro- claiming how proud they are of their burden. The youthful riders leap from their seats, and the horses are speedily secured by twisting their bridles round a branch. As the youth of Kentucky lightly and gaily advanced towards the Barbicue, they resembled a procession of nymphs and disguised divinities. Fathers and mothers smiled upon them, as they followed the brilliant cortege. In a short time the ground was alive with merriment. A great wooden cannon, bound with iron hoops, was now crammed with home-made powder ; fire was conveyed to it by means of a train, and as the explosion burst forth, thousands of hearty huzzas mingled with its echoes. From the most learned a good oration fell in proud and gladdening words on every ear, and although it probably did not equal the eloquence of a Clay, an Everett, a Webster, or a Pres- ton, it served to remind every Kentuckian present of the glorious name, the patriotism, the courage, and the virtue, of our immortal Washing- ton. Fifes and drums sounded the march which had ever led him to glory ; and as they changed to our celebrated " Yankee Doodle," the air again rang with acclamations.

Now the stewards invited the assembled throng to the feast. The fair led the van, and were first placed around the tables, which groaned under the profusion of the best productions of the country that had been heaped upon them. On each lovely nymph attended her gay beau, who in her chance or sidelong glances ever watched an opportunity of reading