vale, which was now
enamelled with scarlet strawberries and blooming plants, of innumerable
kinds, through the midst of which the river meandered, in a most
pleasing manner. The adjacent heights were so formed and disposed, that,
with little, expence of military architecture, they might have been
rendered almost unassailable. In the vicinity of Keowe, Mr. Bartram saw
several ancient Indian mounts or tumuli, and terraces.

On leaving this place he crossed the river at a ford, and, soon
afterwards, began to ascend the steep ridges on the west side of the
valley. The prospects of the surrounding country here presented to his
view, were, in many instances, peculiarly beautiful. Having reached the
summits of the mountains, he afterwards passed through a series of
magnificent forests, and then approached an ample meadow, bordered with
a high circular amphitheatre of hills, the ridges of which rose
magnificently one above another. After this the surface of the land was
level, and, in some places exhibited views of grand forests, and dark,
detached groves, and in others of fertile vales and meadows.

After having crossed a delightful river, a main branch of the _Tugilo_,
Mr. Bartram passed through a mountainous country. Here, being overtaken
by a tremendous hurricane, accompanied with torrents of rain, and the
most awful thunder imaginable, in the midst of a solitary wilderness,
he was glad to obtain shelter in a forsaken Indian dwelling. In this he
lighted a fire, dried his clothes, comforted himself with a frugal
repast of biscuit and dried beef, and afterwards passed the night.

At some distance beyond this cottage, were the ruins of an Indian town
called _Sticoe_. At this place was a vast Indian mount or tumulus, with
a great terrace. Here also were old peach and plum-orchards, some of the
trees of which still appeared to be thriving and fruitful. From Sticoe,
proceeding along a vale, and crossing a delightful brook, which falls
into the Tenessee, Mr. Bartram followed its course nearly as far as
_Cowe_, an Indian town which stands in a valley on the bank of one of
the branches of the _river Tenessee_. He had letters of introduction to
a gentleman resident in this place, who had, for many years, been a
trader with the Indians, and who was noted for his humanity, his
probity, and his equitable dealings with them. By this gentleman he was
received with every demonstration of hospitality and friendship.

After having staid