Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1841-01-05
MISCELLANEOUS.
From Audubon's Episodes.
DANGERS OF THE PKAIIIES.

DANGERS OF HE IkAll<lES.
On my return from the Upper Mississ-
ippi, found myself obliged TO cross one Of
the wide prairies, which in that portion of
the United States vary the appearance Of
the country. The weather of the country
was fine, all around me was fresh and
blooming as if it had just issued from the
bosom OF nature. My knapsack, my gun,
were all had for baggage and company.
But, although we'll mocc lsined, had moved
slowly along, attracted by the brilIancy of
the flowers, and the gambols of the fawns
around their dams, to all appearance as
thoughtless OF danger as myself,
My march was OF long ddraton; | saw
the sun sinking beneath the horison long
before could perceive any appearance of
woodland, and nothing in the shape of man
| had met with that day. The track which
followed was only an Indian trace, and
as the darkness overshaded the prairie,
felt some desire 10 reach at least copse,
In which | might lie down to rest. The
night hawks were skimming over around
me, attracted by the buzzlng wings of the
beetles, which form their food and the dis
tant bowling of wolves, gave me some
hope that should soon arrive at the skirt
Of some woodland.
did SO, and almost at The same time
freight attracting my eye, | moved to-
ward it, full of confidence that it proceed
ed from the camp OF some wandering in
dams. | was mistaken; discovered by
lis glare that it was from the hearth Of a
small log cabin, and that tai. figure pass
ed and repassed between it and me, as if
busily engaged in the household arrange
ments reached the spot and presenting
myself at the door, ked the tall figure
which proved TO be woman, if | might
take shelter under her roof for the night.
Her voice was gruff and her attire ncgli
gently thrown about her. | walked in,
took n wooden stool, and quietly seated
myself by the fire. The next object that
attracted my notice was a finely formed
young Indian, resting his head between his
hands, with his elbows on his knees. A
long bow rested against the log wall near
him, while a quantity of arrows and two
or three racoon skins lay at his feet. He
moved not-he apparently breathed not
Accustomed TO the habits of the Indians,
and knowing that they pay little attention
To the approach of civilized strangers Ga
circumstance which, in some countries, is
considered evincing the apathy of their
charactcr,) addressed him in French, a
language not unfrcqucntly partially known
to the people in that neighborhood. He
raised his head pointing to one of his eyes
with his finger, and gave me significant
glance with the other. His face was CO.
yerod with blood. The fact was that an
hour before this, as he was in the act of
diScharging an arrow at raccoon in the
top of tree, the arrow hod split upon the
cord and sprung with such violence into
his right eye as TO destroy it forever.
Feeling hungry, inquired what sort of
fare | might expect. Such a thing as a
bed was not 70 be seen, but many large I'M
tanned bear and buffalo hides lay piled in a
corner. drew fine tjmepeice from my
breast told the woman it was late and that
was fatigued She had espied my watch
the richness of which seemed to operate
upon her feelings with electric quickness.
She told me that there was plenty of veni-
son and jerked buffalo meat, and that on
removing the ashes should find cake.
! ! ~. my watch had strrcc1n her fancy, and
her curiosity had to be granted by an inn
mediate sight Of ii. took off The chain
that secured it, from around my neck and
! presented it TO her.
She was all ecstacy. spoke of its beauty
asked me its value, and put the chain round
her brawny neck, saying how happy the
! possession Of such a watch would make