Norwich bulletin., 1914-10-01
A BRAVE FRIEND

More than half a century ago the upper part of Manhattan Island was still woodland and the Hudson river washed the coves and points just as in and out, just as it had in the days when only red men inhabited the island, and few were the dwell ings north of Canal street.
 A villa or two built by some wealthy. ease-loving citizen might have been seen at rare intervals on the heights above it, but silence reigned every where else, except when a farm wagon or travelling carriage rolled up or down the old Kingsbridge road. the only street or road of any kind leading to the, city of New York.
 Into this quiet and beautiful land there wandered in search of retired home Audubon, the naturalist, one of the great men of the world. He se- lected a spot close to the river, where his friends and acquaintances, the birds and animals
 This estate he and his two sons named "Minniesland," in loving honor of wife and mother (Minnie Is Scotch. meaning little mother). and upon it carpenter ship and blacksmith's forge, with all other conveniences necessary tors the comfort of a family remote from others.
 Both of the sons married and brought their wives to this home and in a few years children's happy voices told of patriarcha1 family.
 To these children the memory of that time is an enchanted one. They had few other human playn1ates. but they had plenty of dumb friends. The great inclosures where deer fed and buffalo ranged and the kennels where many dogs were kept were alike de- dghtful. Among the inmates of the poultry yard was a Muscovy duck, the gift of a neighbor. to Mime. Audubon name of the Grand Mogu1; he was so fierce a bitter that none of them dared venture near him, and most of the .eathered tribe fled at his approach
 One morning there came by the van which conveyed luggage, provisions, stc.. to and from Harlem. gthe nearest .ailway station, a huge crate. It con- .ained a live animal Round his neck vas tied a card on which was writ ,en My name is Sancho" in a hand which was easily recognized by the aafuralist as that of we'll beloved friend.
 Sancho soon became accustomed to lis new surroundings, attached himself warmly to his master and made friends If all the dogs on the place except huncho. the Danish bloodhound.
 During the long winter he enjoyed himself and he endeared himself to he children by digging them from ,l1der the snow when they played Avalanche, and buried themselves un- Ter the deep drifts. or rolled them 'elves down the steep path that he night pull them up again. He was playfellow worth having.
 When June came, and a tribe oi ,athers went daily to the beach fos heir swim. Sancho plunged joyously ntor the river and untiingIy carried he little ones up and down on his ,ack, moving So easily through the rater and holding them so strongly hat the anxious mothers lost all theil ears and enjoyed the fun as rnuct IS the children.
 In July came two young cousins from o1lege to pass the long vacation 1T he hospitable home at Minniesland they admired Sanchos wonderful trength and beauty. They guessed It his age and his career in the fal way snowland. where he was borr md trained by the good monks of St kernard. At last one of the5r sst ar N.Y. a.S .x ,.> 4-->' sza s>44, a.As