The Brookhaven ledger. (Brookhaven, Miss.) 1875-1883, 1879-07-17
Picnic nj Hickman,s.
Editor Brookhapen Ledger:-

III w %
Editor Brookhapen Ledger
On the morning of the 4th your cores
pendent, in company with a lady acluain-
lance, found himself at the depot in Brook.
haven awaiting the arrival Of the south
bound mail train. During the interval
between the time of our arrival and that
of the train others continued TO arrive I'M
til there was at least u score who like our
selves were bound for the Beech" The
train soon arrived, and in an incredible
short space of time We were at Chamber
lain's Switch, where we left the cars just us
the rosy dawn began to gid the east Our
genial friend Dan Hickman was on hand
to welcome us and took myself and COM
panion to his pleasant home, situated a
few hundred yards distance, where we
made the acquaintance of his excellent
wife, which nv companion insists was
ample reward for the whole trip. In
due time a bonntiful breakfast was set be-
fore US, to which we did ample Justice,
assisted by Mr.. A. Scarborough, his wife
and daughter, who were also partakers oil
the same hospitality.
After breakfast. in company with others,
we repaired to the mill pond, which had
been nearly empiied Of water by raising
the water gates at the mill for the pur
pose of catching fish, and soon the sport
began. A dozen young men entered the
water at different points and the fnny
tribes were fast depopulated. Not les
than a barrel of fish was obtained
We were shown one front which mus
have have weighed very nearly sever
pounds. Oaa of the Young men, Will,
catching the fish, used the pockets OF hi,
pants until they would become full anC
would then empty them, hut, this method
Of procedure brought him to grief in du,
course of time. We mentally predicte,
this IA we saw him catch mn unusally large
perch and thrust it hastily head foremost
down his left hand pocket. Presently ltc
began to unload and all went smoothly IN
ill he came to that left hand pocket. ii,
seized the occupant by the tail and gave a
long steady pull but isiy didn't move 4
every fin held him firmly in his place
Again he tried and the lockers on EN-
couraged him to renewed effort, though h,
did not seem to appreciate their sympathy
Finally he gave it up, and slowly ans
sadly removed those pants-laboriousiy
turned the pocket inside out and now
upon the tablet Of his momoiy is en-
graved this maxium: "Never pat a fish il
vour pocket head foremost"
We now repaired to the picnic ground'
in order to take 4 look at them. The frs
feature was a giant beech tree which give.
the locality its name-The Beech. w
never saw its equal in size or shapeliness
1t is at least SIX feet in diameter at its base
and FIVE hundred people could obtair
shelter from the sunlight under its leafy
canopy. Under its protection was placed
the stand for the speaker ard one ample
platform to be used by the ~votaries of the
dance. Near at hand WAS a large table ar
ranged a. a hollow square, and in crossing
a rustic bridge we came upon a gIoriou'
gum spring. cool and delicious aud afford
ing water for thousands if needed.
Soon the crowd began to gather. They
came from all directions. From the tender
infant t. the gray haired matron and sire
and all came to enjoy themselves, and all
did enjoy themselves. BV careful estimate
i. was ascertained that there were not les.
than five hundred persons present.
We met many friends who contributed
.,l tL,t -
others and intended to make special men.
ton Of them bnt want Of space forbii1, an q
where ali were kind It would be inyiiiou'
to mention m
Mr.. Scarborough has fine school near
this point, oil which he and is patrons are
Justly proud. They marched down to thu
number Of ifty-th.ee and we were inform
ed that over a dozen were absent.
Alter this the v~iolin9 struck up lively
and the young people began to dance.
| There was no lack of pretty girls and gal
LAM -onng me-. The older ones looked
| rleasan.lv on or gathered IN merry group.
to converse Together, while there vert
| inst enough Candidates OF hand to make
1t interesting for The undecided voter. Bu'
| must hurry through, though | cou't
WTile paSes iuuic upon thc P"'S'
loved.
Just before noon the Couu,y Snpern.
tendent, by request. delivered 4 shor
speech on the sulject OF Education. y
It's conclusion he informed the audience
that dinner was waiting, and they gathere,
around the table. Aud snsh Il table! IT
broad extended surface was literally hid
den from view with every substantial o
delicacv which the season affords. Before
moor and when the crowd became so large
some fears were expressed rs TO whether III,
supply OF food would be sufficient, bl
wagon loads after wagon leads arrived an'
the sight of the table di-pelled every fear
There were boxes and baskets which wer
left unopened, and after the vast GROVE
had been satisfied there was still enougl
to have fed them again, and it was laugh
ingly proposed by some to remain ant
take supper.
But | must close now for the printer
sake, by raying that whenever there i
another picnic at The Beech may we b
there 10 see" CARL.