The Bossier banner. [volume] (Bellevue, Bossier Parish, La.) 1859-1952, 1890-04-03
LOST IN THE FOREST.
A Botanists Foolhardy Attempt to
Travel Without a Guide.

Some six years ago, while connected
with botanical establishment in North
Carolina, had business for the firm,
that carried me into the neigborhood of
the far-famed Black Mountain Range.
My errand accomplished, 1 fingered in
the vicinity for day or two, in order to
do little prospecting on my own ac-
count
ii had long been desirous of making
tie ascent of Mount Mitchell, that
heayenward-soaring Monarch of the
Blacks, rendered doubly interesting be-
cause Of its superior altitude and of it's
pinnacles enshrining the dust of its in
trepid discoverer-the story of whose
tragic death has so often been repeated.
HaFing spoken of this intention to
the mountaineer with whom | was stop
ping, he advised my going round to the
Buncombe County side, and there pro-
curing guide to make the ascent with
me, as there were bridle-paths cut from
that direction. However, he went on to
say, If did not care to take all this
trouble, he could procure a guide for me
On this side, although, he cautioned me,
that ! would find the route exceedingly
rough and not little dangerous.
Now, this idea of taking a guide with
mo was one did not relish much. In
deed, it was the very last thing wanted
70 do. | was young, self-reliant, and
full OF the spirit of adventure. Besides,
wanted something to brag about
among my youthful friends on my re-
turn, and what better could l have than
that had made an ascent, alone, of the
gloomy Blacks? Perhaps, also, I might
discover new peak, perhaps even one
q superior altitude to the towering
Mount Mitchell, and thus hand nv
name down to posterity along with those
Of Dr., Mitchell, General Clingman. and
other famous explorers.
Filled with these thoughts and aspira-
tons, procured generous lunch from
tne VIE OF my mountaineer, and under
pIesence OF going to spend the day and
night with an old trapper, who lived
i've miles away on the Caney river, set
q at daybreak the next morning on my
aaEenturous journey.
i nad made close inquiries in regard
g the various footpaths up the noun
Alh SIDES, and had, as I thought, the
correct bearings of the route ought to
pursue pretty well fixed in my mind.
.aaeed, the peak desired to reach was
Z !an view of my friends front door,
aaa was OF the opinion that, by keep
,ng an eye to the direction, would have
ses little trouble in reaching it.
had been repeatedly told of the al
most impenetrable forests of balsam
,aat covered the upper portion of these
Aiplne-llke peaks, but in my ignorance
Supposed it would be quite easy, in spite
iootways. " o ~ '
NJ host had informed me that it was
seoa ten miles from his door to the sum-
als ol Mount Mitchell. Being blessed
~.sa capital pair of legs, and well ac-
ssassomed to using them, l had calcu-
a'se fhat, by starting at daylight, l |
saia easily make the trip to the sum- |
aas and back to one of the nearer huts
.s 'ae mountaineers, by early nightfall, |
now. But that might be the better
nspaseu, IN case had to camp out, l |
sss'ioed myself with blanket and a
8, - q matches. The former wore in a |
n trapped across my shoulders.
1ien IN the light chestnut forests that
sa sSsslea the lower slopes, I had much
sl.. l.aeuisy In finding my way. In many
49, the trail was barely traceable.
49, s-ose snan once got completely turned
s,sanu' and found myself doubling back
koa my own footsteps.
~. aad never before been in the balsam
.,aSAe's. sa Had 1 been, / am candid
III 70 admit that I would never,
sa .sa ali my love of fame and adventure,
ssms sss ses out alone on what very soon I
sss r'ss % realize was a most foolhardy
1sl.et'aking. The dense gloom of the
ls1'lls mad but little more than en-
ssap $50 me, when began to wish had
g.asA gaeA sne old mountaineer's advice and
caas. sone round on the Buncombe
patss ,s, sac, and assembled by the bride
M No., -. .ake any other civilized mortal.
sosss.l ss.aly dld the almost impenetrable
unssss ss reach away on every side, but
s5ss. -s'aVOt In every direction stretched
sbi.1 oeas OF sponge-like moss, into
aalls = loot sank, often above the
aug yef left no impression.