Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1858-04-14
LIFE AMONG THE HILLS.

Who is George M'Mullen Ask any old
settler up in Wayne county, Pa, and he will
tell you that he is one who pitched his taber-
nacle in that wilderness long time ago. |
like him, and it seems to me that your read
crs would like him if they knew him. l have
eaten of his savory meat, and blessed him. but
not OF his veniSOn, for George is not now what
lie once was. j man who has passed his six
ueth year, Is not sprightly as at twenty
He cannot bring his rifle down TO as true an
aim, nor as actively pursue the deer, when
In the vigor and strength Of manhood. But
lie had 4 comfortable frcside, plentiful table
and warm heart.
took fancy one pleasant winters day to
visit him, having heard Of his fame as i Nim-
rod. In company with 4 friend we set out for
his mountain home, eleven miles distant. We
followed up the valley of the Lackawanna for
eight miles and then made q turn to the left, ,
pushing towards the Moosic mountain. Did
your readers ever hear of the Lackawanna /?
1t rs be utiful stream, pure and cold from
Its mountain springs, which sparkles as il
dasheS along the mountain S side, to cUmmin-
gle with the Delaware. Paradise did not con-
tain more lovely river. It was full of trout
while the trees of its native forests stood upon
Its banks, and before the invention OF man had
found out so many ways to dam its current
and by means OF vile substances cast in il
from saw mills and tanneries, to drive out and
destroy lis spotted inhabitants. | knew it
when it flowed in its pristine beauty, and
when 10 every deep eddy lay the speckled trout
waiting to make 4 dash at the fly. and many a
fine one has my own line drawn forth in days
that are past, and great blessing they were
10 al who were skiifUl enough to take them.
1t is sufficient to say for the credit Of these
waters that trout lay there, for this dainty fish
never inhabits any but the purest streams
and nothing can exceed in beauty of natural
scenery, the valley which contains the Lacka-
eir
there is gentle descent, with high grounds
upon either side. On the east q range of
mighty hills skirt the stream on the west
the foot OF the Moosic mountain. DeeE elk,
bears, panthers, wolves, and other wild game
were once in abundance here and filled the un-
broken forest.
1t was up in Il mountain glen about four
miles west, that George M'Mulln took up his
abode. He is man OF commanding aspect,
more than six feet in height; and, having en-
joyed the benefits of a good education, he
cleared himself little farm in the wilderness
and occasionally Instructed winter school.
He not only taught ssthc young idea how to
Shoot but was himself 4 good Shot, the best
in all that region. The young looked up to
him with admiration when they saw the bears
and panthers which his rifle laid low; and he
kept mighty good school. The young learn
ed great many things of him. l hope none
iearnedto swear; for occasionailyGeorge would
swear little when things did not go right
with him, but he has, hope. repeuted and
broken Off this wicked habit long time ago.
But the young ideas did learn to shoot, and
any one who could put bullet near that which
George had shot into the ring was privileged
20 be very coed terms with him. George
loved fearless and brave heart as he loved
his child.
But he was not fond of having neighbors.
lie preferred a solitary home far up in the
h1lai trtI
So mp the mountain we went. The beaten
road extended only to within 4 mile of his
'hOme, and we had to push our way through
kind of wood road till we came to an open
space, and there we beheld one of the most
beautiful and commanding sites which the
taste of an old hunter could have selected.
The barn was by the road, and forty or fifty
rods off in an open field, stood the house. We
saw a man chopping wood in front and hailed
him to know if Mr.. Geo. M'Muliin lived there.
Yes was the reply, sswhat's your viii 20
s'Hy will,'' L said, sis to put Kate into the
stable and then go into your house, SO in
we went and found very hospitab!e welcome.
Among the numerous incidents of his life
the old hunter related the following lie had
Just recovered from illness, when he took his
gun and started down in The woods, thinking
'hat he might perhaps see deer and thus Sc
cure saddle Of veuison. he did not put on
ms Deit' containing his tomahawk and knife.
i nc vas not bent upon hunt; though II
|as the usual custom of the hunters to go
mus armed and equipped. He depended on
ms gun anu small pocket knife with which
successful.
Alter proceeding little way he heard a
noise llke the crashing of tree which had
fallen into the crotch of another and Was sba-
zen D! the wind. Presently he distinguished
~ - 'He scrseeh OF come animal, and sd-