Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1845-05-16
From the Oiire Branch.
THE BELLE OF THE FOREST,
OR,
THE FISHERMAN'S DAUGHTER.
ny MISS CHARLOTTE mILBoRN.

OF the old fisherman, as II stood almost con-
ceaed by the wild wood shrubbcry, which
grew in luxuriance at the base Of u craggy
mountain, from the top Of which rough and
overhanging rocks, lrowned upon its humble
tenants, while they screened them from the
cold northern breath Of Autumn, aud the
keener blasts of Winter A little 10 the south
ii was shielded from the dashng aud foam
ing waves by high reef OF rocks, towering
Irighilully from the barren shore, like
strong rampant to mighty and inaccessible
ratification. The wild, lone dreariness of
the surrounding scenery, combined with the
rough exterior of the lisherman's cot might
have been revolving to the eye Of modern
refinement, but peace and contentment
dwelt within, and poverty, which is the moth
err of invention, had instructed the frugal
dame in adding many little comfort to the
interior of her happy home. Far away from
the noise, hustle aud strife of the world,
they lved-never aspiring to its honors,
never seeking its smiles, or fearing its frowns.
No Sherifi's bills found an entrance under
his lowly roof, for he was monarch of all he
surveyed-the little patch potatoe ground,
the field of golden corn, the well arranged
garden, and the gentle COW, with her tink-
| ling bell, claiming the broad shadowy forest
as her pasture ground, were all his own, and
there were none who dared dispute his right
For, unlike Alexander Sclkirk, he thought
il better to reign there, than to dwell in the
midst Of busy and noisy population, for it
was not solitude to them where the roman
tic and sublime, the grand and beautiful of
Nature were combined although they did
not look upon them with an artists eye, or
poets warm imaginngs, yet every shrub,
rock and tree were familiar objects, and had
been endeared to them by time, and the re-
membrance of other days.
1t had been one Of those calm, bright,
sunny days of Autumn, so soothingly tran
QUILTING and subduiug to the soul of man
not breeze stirred the leafy forest-not a
sound was heard, but the wild birds hum, or
the buzz of the bees, as they darted athwart
the m1untain ferns, mingled with the crick-
cts chirp, and harvest flies song. All na-
ture seemed to be diyesting herself of her
cav and beautiful adorning, and clothing
herself in the less gaudy attire of dreary
Autumn. |, had been a calm. bright day,
and the sun was rapidly Fastening to its
place Of concealment in the far west.
The fisherman in his 'bonny boat had
glded swiftly from the shore, at early morn
and the good dame now seemed busiIy en-
gagged in preparing for her lord cordial re-
ception. A stump fire was brightly blazing
upon the smooth stone hearth, so carefully
swept, before which yellow corn-cake,
neatly spread out upon broad tin sheet
was placed in an erect position, the indls-
pensable pot of potatoes we're boiling over
the bright blaze, and the frying-pan stood
ready to receive the rich treat from the brit
ny waters. A wistful eye was often cast III
the direction of the setting sum- it was get
ting late, and anxiety seemed to take the
place of expectation With heart filled
with fear, the fisherman's wife ran along
the winding path, and ascending reef o.
rocks which had served as a lookout on for
mer occasions, hastily glanced her eye along
the rocky coast, and to her inexpressble JOY
saw the little skiff dashing along the smooth
water, in the direction of the cove, which
proved to be a harbor of safety and security
She waved her hand in token ofrecognltion
and then fastened down to lend helpin.
hand in bearing the spoil.
| was Just in time, Sally, said the fisher
man, as she reached the cove, into which
he had moored and secured the bonny skilf
| was Just in time 10 save myself and th'
bonny boat from the winds aud rains of
stormy night, for It's coming, don't YOU SCI
itl Pm an old sailor, or might have beef
tempted to remain little longer with tn
finny tribe, in hopes of finding my way owe
moon, but calm, sunny day don't deceiv
IL 4 Il. \ 4 ~,
seek a shelter from the storm, under m
own snug roof did not relish the idea q
going without supper, after a hard day
work, and slice from that fellow, he con
tinued, as he tossed a large sparkling ifs
into the basket, slice from that fellow wi
well make up the loss of dinner.
Every thing was made secure at the cove
and the happy pair hastened home, congra
uIatinp themselves OH the success ofthe day
Supper was soon served up, Of which tn
: fisherman partook with right good will, nc
forgetting, at the time, wonderful rehea
sal of the wonderful adventures Of the day
and many were the fish stories ofolden time
brought TO remembrance, and told for III
qualification of his better half, who listene
with breathess and fearful anxiety. ATE
supper the pipe was resorted to, and the
came the witch stories of his grandmothe
the will-o-t he-wsp chases in dark, fogg
nights, through dismal swamps and intrica
forests, and many other thrilling tales, unit
; the good spouse imagined that she heard Il
voices and mirth of witches, in the boar!
: autumnal winds, as they ftfully whistle
4 through the open crevices of the cabin
: roof, and in every gust of wind and rain
!, painst the windows and sides of the cot. 81