Fayetteville observer. [volume] (Fayetteville, Tenn.) 1850-1966, 1870-03-31

| LIE PeIegEInaIlonS OF Sn0Wmen
are beset with numerous Difficult.
ties while pursuing their daily
avocations in this our Southern
country, which with the usual
winter rains, heavy roads, and
fordiug of streams, make it very
difficult for the managers to make
good the promises of the agents.
Such was the case with John
Robinson's Circus and Menagerie
a few days since. While perform
ing in Tallahassee, Fla, it was
mentioned to Mr.. j. f. Ro obinson,
Jr., that he might expect some
difficulty in passing through a
long and dismal swamp between
that place and Quincy, on account
of the large number of alligators
who infested the ford at this sea-
son of the year, very ferocious,
and on the watch for an unfortu-
nate mule or horse that may be-
come entangled in the numerous
roots, quicksands, and holes, which
abound at the ford I; but be repli-
ed, as the agent had already made
the arrangements for him to go
through, and it was not bis nature
to turn back, had nothing left but
to follow, trusting to his previous
good fortune in getting thus far.
The result Of his decision, although
anticipating some difficulty, was
far more serious than he anticipa-
ted.
At 8 o'clock P. NJ. on Tuesday,
Jan. 25, Prof. Lewis Huston, who
has charge of the animals, started
with the elephant Empress, the
large Bactrian camel, the beauti-
full Arabian white camel, q fine
thoroughbred mare and colt, and
two spotted coach dogs, to make
the trip to Quincy, although re-
peatedly warned by Mr.. J. F.
Robinson, Jr., not to attempt the
passage of the swamp in any 9TH
er than daylight. He, however,
went through. Before approach.
ing the ford, an occasional below
or roar was heard betokening that
the inhabitants of the locality had
not retired for the night, and a
sudden plunge and splash in the
water would denote that the ene-
my was on the alert for mischief.
The elephant would every few
steps, throw his trunk aloft, emit
ting at the same time a loud
screech of defiance, the camels ut.
tering means, while the horses al
most refused to stir and stood
with fear and the dogs
kept up an .incessant bowling.
the water of the
ford, Huston determined upon the
immediate passage before the alIi-
gators had time to summon their
crew.
Bidding the elephant enter, she
stepped boldly in, at the same
time lashing the water furiousIy !
with her trunk, the camels, horses
and dogs following close in the
rear. He had passed two-thirds
of the way when a sharp yelp of |
pain from one of the dogs, and his
sudden disappearance denoted
that the swamp fends were at
work, and before he could collect
his thoughts tie other dog went
under with a long death howl.
He now began to .hink Of his own
safety, and calling the elephant,
commanded her to turn, as she did.
So a fearful roar was heard from
the large Bactrian camel who had
at that instant been attacked. 1
The water seemed alive with alli- |
gators. The roaring, believing
and screeching of elephant, camels,
and alligators were terrific.
They would throw their ponder.
ous jaws open and tear huge pieces
of flesh from the camel, while the
poor brute would utter heart.rend-L
ing grOans ard cries for relief.