East Saginaw courier. (East Saginaw, Mich.) 1859-18??, 1860-04-26

we crossed the creek at the head oil
the island by means of slSiff, and, as
cending the high grounds on the shore of
the main land, we proceeded, in north
westernly direction, through tract Of
country excessively wild and desolate,
where no trace of human footsteps was
to be seen. Legrand led the way with
decision, pausing only for an instant, here
and there, to consult what appeared to be
certain landmarks Of his own contrivance
upon former occasion.
In this manner we journeyed for about
two hours, and the sun was just setting
when we entered region infinitely more
dreary than any yet seen. 1t was spe-
cies of table land, near the summit of an
almost inaccessible hill, densely wooded
from base to pinnacle, and interspersed
with huge crags that appeared to lie
loosely upon the soil, and, in many cases,
were prevented from precipitating them
selves into the valleys below merely by
the support of the trees against which
they reclined Deep ravines, in various
directions, gave an air Of still sterner so.
lemnity to the scene.
The natural platform to which we had
clambered was thiclxly overgrown with
brambles, through which we soon dscov-
cred that it would have been impossible
to force our way but for the scythe; and
Jupiter, by direction of his master, pro.
ceeded to clear for us a path to the foot
of an enormously tall tulip tree, which
stood, with some eight or ten oaks, upon
the level, and far surpassed them all, and
all other trees which l had then ever
seen, in the beauty of its foliage aud
form, in the wide spread of its branches,
and in the general majesty of its appear
ance. When we reached this tree Le-
grand turned to Jupiter and asked him if
he thought he could climb it, The old
man seemed little staggered by the
question, and for some moments made no
reply. At length he approached the tree,
walked slowly round its huge trunk, and
examined itwith minute attention. When
he had completed his scrutiny he merely
said:
yes, massa, Jup climb any tree he
ebber see in he life.'
'Then up with you as soon as possible,
for it will soon be too dark to see what
we are about
'How far mus go up, NASSAU inquired
Jupiter.
Get up the main trunk first, and then
will tell you which way to 90 = and
here - stop = take this beetle up with
YOU
de bug, Massa Wilde goolc bug =
cried the negro, drawing back in dislnay
what for mus tote de bug way up de
tree?-d-n if do!'
IF you are afraid, Jup, great big
negro like you, to take hold of harm
less little dead beetle, why you can carry
it up by this string, but if you do not
take it up with you in some way shall
be under the necessity Of breaking your
head with this shovel
'What de matter, now, Nasal said
Jup, evidently shamed into compliance;
always want to raise fuss wild old Mig
ner. Was only funnin' anyhow. he
feered de BUG what l keer for de bug !?
Here he took cautious hold of the ex-
tremc end of the string, aud maintaining
the insect as far from his person as cir
cumstances would permit, prepared to
ascend the tree.
In youth the tulip tree, or LiriodsndrOn
T'ApJeram, the most magnificent Of
American foresters, has trunk peculiar
ly smooth, and often rises to a great
hight without lateral branches, but in its
ripper age the bark becomes gnarled and
uneven, while many short limbs make
| Al. 1,a 90 E,,, ho
difficulty of accession in the present case
lay more in semblance than in reality
Embracing the huge cylinder as closely
as possible with his arms and knees,
he seized with his hands some projections,
and resting his naked toes upon others,
Jupiter after one or two narrow escapes
from falling, at length wriggled himself
into tho first great fork, and seemed to
consider the whole business as virtually
accomplished. The risk of the achieve
ment was in fact now over, although the
climber was some sixty or seventy feet
from the ground.
(which way mus 60 now, Massa WHIP
he asked.
keep mp the largest branch-thc one
on this side, said Legrand. The negro
obeycd him promptly, and apparently
with but little trouble; ascending higher
and higher, until no glimpse of his squat
figure could be obtained through the
dense foliage which envelopel it, Pres
emily his voice was heard in a sort Of
halloo,
'How much fuddcr has got for go?'
THow high u2 arc you?' asked Logrand.
'Ebber so fur replied the negro; can
see dc sky fru dc top oh de tree !.
'Never mind the sky, but attend to
what say. Look down the trunk and
count the limbs below you on this side.
How many limbs have you passed?'
'One, two, three, four, fbe Il done
pass fibe big limbs, massa, 'pon dis side.
'Then 60 one limb higher
In few minutes the voice was heard
again, announcing that the seventh limb
was attained.
'Now, Jup,' cried Legrand, evidently
much excited, Il want you to work your
way out upon that limb as far as you can.
IL you see anything strange let me know.
, BY this time what little doubt / might
, have entertained of my poor friends in
: sanity was put finally at rest. l had nc
, alternative but to conclude him stricken
: with lunacy, and ] became seriously anx
;o,s aho,t ,ratt;nc, hin, hnmc Whilo