Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1834-10-16
AFFECTING INCIDKNr.
THE FOREST FOUNDING.
From HE 81. .fndre,rs .Sfnn.L,rd.

From the Sc. .9ndrescs Standard.
Averse, as we are, to the practice Of
Selling on any little local incident and
rendering il the subject Of embellished
detail, yet We occasionally hear of oc-
ourrences so touching and pathetic in
their nature as to awaken our sympa-
tines, and interest us in their narration.
OF such a nature is that which We now
present 10 the reader.
Mr.. Charles Bergan left the north
cast part OF this Province short time
ago and took what is called the upper
road from Fredericton to ST. Stephens,
on his way to the United States On
the 9th August he passed the thriving
village at Hartt's Mills on the Rusha-
gonis very early in the morning, and
expected 10 reach Trew's tavern, at the
Pislahagan by night. Properly equip
ped for the woods, furnished with suit
able provision, his blanket and his axe
siung behind, and his gun on his shout
der he trudged daily along, until he
arrived at Shin creek, which is unbridg-
ed, and was at that time much swol-
len with late rains.
A woodman seldom hesitates at such
obstacles; he proceeded up the bank of
the stream and set about telling tree
across it, TO serve as temporary bridge;
II swung aside in falling, and, launch
ing into deep water, it moved away
inalestically down the stream. Our
traveller looked and looked, and visit
not what 10 do" He was not inclined
To resume his axe. and therefore resoly-
ed to proceed up stream, in hopes of
finding favorable place for crossing.
At length he arrived at one of those
placid-looking pools which form deep
stretches in our rivers and are general
~ termed still water places. Here he
made kind Of raft sufficient to bear up
hIS clothes and gun, and keep them dry,
while he swan over and drew them af-
Ter bim.-He was soon busily engaged
IN re-habIting his limbs, and refreshing
himself with bit of biscuit, seated on
The llowcry margin of natural mea-
dow, which extended along the banks
ct The stream, when his ear was startled
by whining noise, resembling the
sounds frequently uttered BY young
bears. He instantly seized his gun, ex-
ahmed the touch-hole, and reprinted
then clapping ball into the barrel,
"vith look intent,
" and eye Aod ear attentive bent"
ne cautiously stole towards the spot
whence the sound issued. They were
no longer uttered, but he now and then
heard a cracking noise among the I'M
der brush, and perceived twitching
motion OF the twigs and spray, but could
not discover who caused them. Con-
Vinced, however, that he had some ami
nal to encounter, his gun was at his
shoulder, and his finger on the trigger.
He then silently reasoned with himself
whether or not he should FIRE at random,
but experience cautioned him against
50 rash an action, for no animal is more
furious than a wounded bear. As thus
hc unused, his eyes became suddenly
dIlated, his heart throbbed violently. he
raised himself erect. and let the butt
end Of has gun drop quickly 90 the
ground Behold among the raspber-
~ buShes-and seen through the inter.
slices Of their many twinkling leaves
Of dcwy grcen--he sees beautiful IN.
iantile arm, huully stretched out, and
little taper fingers plucking the rich.
npe. crimson fruit.
Ailer be had experienced the first flush
oi the mingled emotions and surprise
at the extraordinary sight--of horror at
The bare idea Of his gun and his intend
ed aot-and pleasure IN the expecta-
ION Of meeting society IN these deep
and solemn solitudes, oar traveller adj
'anccd and bcheld little girl, about
seven years old scdulously engaged in
pulling and eating Of tho abundant
Mid berrIes which were spread IN great
Faneiy over that naturally nch and YER
'sn' SPOT She appeared ~ BE- an in