Grand River times. [volume] (Grand Haven, Mich.) 1851-18??, 1851-08-06
THE GIRDLE OF FIRE.

THE GIRDLE OF FIRE.
The lower counties of New Jersey are pro-
verbally barren, being covered with immense
forests of pine, interspersed with cedar swamps.
During the dry summer months, these latter be-
come parched to an extent that is incredible, and
the accidental contagon of a ire-brand often
wraps immense tracks of country in flames.
The rapidity with which the conhagration, when
once kinded, spreads through these swamps,
can scarcely be credited except by those who
know how thoroughly the moss and twigs are
dried up by the heat of an August sun. In
deed, scarcely spot can be pointed out in West
Jersey, which has not, at one time or another,
been ravaged by confagration. 1t was but a
few years since that an immense tract of these
pine barrens was on fire. and the citizens of Phil
adelphia can recollect the lurid appearance of
the sky at night, seen at the distance of thirty
or forty miles from the scene Of the confagra-
ton. The Legendary history of these wild coun-
ties is full of daring deeds and hair. breadth es-
capes which have been witnessed during such
times of peril. One of these traditonary sto-
res it is our purpose to relate. The period of
our tale dates far back into the early history of
the sister state, when the country was even
more thinly settled than at present.
1t was sunny morning in midsummer, when
gay party was assembled at the door of a
neat house in one of the lower counties of New
Jersey. Foremost in the group stood a tall
manly youth, whose frank countenance at once
attracted the eye. BY his side was bright
young creature, apparently about eighteen years
of age, whose golden tresses were fit type of
the sunny beauty of her countenance: but now
her soft blue eyes were dim with tears, and she
leaned on the shoulder of her mother, who was
apparently equally affected. The dress of the
daughter, and her attitude of leave-taking, told
that she was bride, going forth from the home
of her childhood, to enter new and untried
sphere of life. The other members of the group
were composed of her father, her brothers and
sisters, and the bridemen and the bridemaids.
"God bless you, my daughter, and have you
in his holy keeping" said the father, as he gave
her his last embrace" and now farewell !"
The last kiss was given the last parting word
was said, the last long look had been taken, and
now the bridal party was being whirled through
the forest on one of the sweetest mornings of
the month of July.
1t was indeed a lovely day. Their way lay
through an old road which was so rarely trav-
eled that it had become overgrown with grass;
among which the thick dew-drops, glittering in
the morning sun, were scattered like jewels on
a monarchs mantle. The birds sang merrily
in the trees, or skipped gaily from branch to
branch while the gentle signing of the wind,
and the occasional murmur of a brook crossing
the road, added to the exhilarating influences OF
the hour. The travellers were all young and
happy, and so they gradually forgot the sadness
of the parting hour, and ere they had traversed
many miles, the green arcades of that lovely
old forest were ringing with merry laughter
Suddenly, however, the bride paused in her in.
nocent mirth, and, while shade of paleness
overspread her cheek, called the attention oi
her husband to dark black cloud, far off on the
horizon, and yet gloomier and denser than the
darkest thunder-cloud.
"The forest is on frep' was his instant ejac.
ulation; "think you not so, Charnley" and
he turned to his groomsman.
"Yes-but the wind is not towards us, and
the fire must be miles from our course. There
is no need for alarm, Elen," said he, turning to
the bride, his sister.
"But our road lies altogether through the
forest" she timidly rejoined, sand you know
there isn't house or cleared space for miles.
"Yes-but my dear sis, so long as the fire
keeps its distance, it matters not whether oul
road is through the forests or fields. We will
drive on briskly, and, before noon, you will
laugh at your fears. Your parting from home
has weakened your nerves."
No more was said, and for some time the car.
riage proceeded in silence. Meantime the con.
fiagration was evidently spreading with great
rapidity. The dark, dense clouds of smoke
which had at first been seen hanging only in
one spot, had now extended in line along the
horizon, gradually edging around so as to head
off the travellers But this was done so imper
ceptibly, that, for long time, they were not
aware Of it, and they had journeyed at least hall
an hour before they saw their danger. Al
length the bride spoke again;
"Surely, dear Edward" she said, addressing
y L. Al