The Rhode-Island Republican. [volume] (Newport, R.I.) 1809-1841, 1833-12-18

When they reached the southern end
of Lake Michigan, the waters we're high
and they floased over the inundated
lands, pushing their boats among the
trees fthe Forest. until they found the
current. which had set towards the north
began to fiow offin the opposite dirsc-
tior, and floased them into small stream
running towards the south Here they
halted for some days to hunt, and repair
their boats. and when they arrived at the
Illinois, The food had subsided, and the
waters were flowing quietly within their
natural chan mel. through the silent forest.
Pierre seemed to awaken to u new
existence when the boats entered upon
this beautiful river and he felt thrill
of pleasure as he surveyed the placid
stream and its lovely shores. The river
deep, unohstructed, and clear a. crystal,
flows with current SO gentle - to be
almost impercepsibls, while the over
hanging trees protect it from the winds,
keeping it as still and inviolate az tho
fountain that sleeps in its native cave
The stately swan smiled upon mirror
that reflected her downy plumsgs, and
the gaudy paroquet, rich in green and
golden huss, sported among the tall
trees. The tangled grape vines hung
in heavy masses from the boughs, and
the wild fruit trees dipped their limbs in
the water. Here and :here the tall bluffs
jutted in upon the river. impressing their
gracefully cnrved outlines upon the clear
blue ground Of the sky, and throwing
their long, deep shadows upon the water.
Sometimes they saw herds Of buffaloes
drinking at the edge of the stream, some
times the lazy bear wallowing in the
mire, and occasionally the slender deer,
standing in the timid attitude of atten-
ton, with one foot raised, and the nose
shrust forward to "scent the approach
of danger upon the tainted breeze -
while every secluded inlet, or shaded
cove, was filled with screaming wild
fowl, of an infinite variety of plumage.
The travellers arrived at length at an
Indian village, where they were entain-
ed with great hospitality. The chief
received them, surrounded by his warri-
ors, painted in gay colours, and decked
with feathers symbolical of peace. and q
great company, of different ages. and
both sexes was assembled to do them
honor. The hump Of the buffalo, the
head of the elk, and the mnrrowy tail Of
the beaver were dressed for them, with
all the akill of aboriginal gourmandism |;
they were feasted besides upon bears oil
Jerked venison, hominy, and delicate
roasted puppies, and the juicy stsams Of
these delicious viands, unvitiated by the
villainous artificial mixtures Of the Eu-
roPean cookery. were pleasantly COM
pounded with tho balmy odours of the
forest. Father Francis, among other
monastic attainments, had acquired a
very competsnt knowledge ofthe art Of
good eating. and did ample justice to the
hospitality ofhis entertainers but being
a reformer Of morals, he determined 70
show bis gratitude by delivering. before
his new friends, homily against iutem-
perance resolving at the same time ia
suggest the propriety Of seasoning such
gross meats with a few wholesome con-
diments; for to his taste, the eating oi
flesh without salt, pepper, or sauce, wa
mere cannibalism. Pierre was refor.
mer too. and he made up his mind to inn.
prove the gassronomic science of his
country, whenever he should become q
marquis, by adding the buffalo's tongue
and hump, and the elk's head, to the lux.
uries of the Parisian, L;': Of fare. The
cooking Of puppies he thought an un.
christian and dangerous innovation,
which might lead to the destruction Of
some Of the harmless Of the human race
who are included under that appsllation.
Having toasted tho advsnturers. the
Indians presented them with feathers.
belts, moccasins, and dressed skins -.
and the chief. in tho profusion Of his
generosity, offered to F ather Francis fif.