uld see them sporting at a distance, we could never
come within a mile of them.

The ground was level, and the grass, although short, was excellent
pasture, and richly enamelled with a variety of flowers. It was a
beautiful country. We had fine weather during the day, but the nights
were exceedingly cold, and the dew heavy. Having lost our blankets, we
passed miserable nights. There was no fuel with which we could light
our fire; even the dung of animals was so scarce, that we could not,
during seven days, afford to cook our scanty meals more than thrice, and
the four last grouse that we killed were eaten raw.

About the middle of the eighth day, a dark line was seen rising above
the horizon, far in the south-east, and extending as far as the eye
could reach. We knew it was a forest, and that when we gained it, we
were certain of having, plenty to eat; but it was very far off, at least
twenty miles, and were much exhausted. In the evening we were almost
driven to desperation by hunger, and we found that the approach to the
forest would prove long and difficult, as it, was skirted by a bed of
thick briars and prickly pears, which in breadth, could not be less than
three leagues, and that a passage must be forced through this almost
impassable barrier. The forest was undoubtedly the commencement of that
extended line of noble timber which encircles as a kind of natural
barrier, the States of Louisiana, Arkansas, and Missouri. By reaching
it, we should soon leave privation and fatigue behind us, whereas, on
the contrary, travelling to the north, would have added to our
sufferings, as the same level and untenanted prairie extended to the
very shores of the Red River. We consequently determined to force our
way through the thorns and briars, even if we were obliged to cut a road
with our knives and tomahawks. We journeyed on till sunset, when we
came to a deep dry gully, on the very edge of the prickly pear barrier,
and there we encamped for the night. To go farther without something to
eat was impossible. The wild and haggard looks of my companions, their
sunken eyes, and sallow, fleshless faces, too plainly showed that some
subsistence must be speedily provided more nutritious than the unripe
and strongly acidulated fruit presented to us. We drew lots, and the
parson's horse was doomed; in a few minutes, his hide was off; and a
part of the flesh distributed.

The meat of a young mustang is excellent, but tha