Why do not the Americans domesticate this noble bird?  They are much better adapted to bear this climate than the puny breed their ancestors imported from England.  The few that are shot so far to the eastward as to be brought to our markets bear a great price.

The shooting of the back settlers is rather business than sport.  When they are inclined for a frolic of the latter sort, they meet in large parties to shoot the gray squirrel:  the devastation made on these occasions is incredible; the following is from the Kentucky Gazette; and I have no doubt, that it is strictly true:—­

“Lexington, July 13th.

“At a squirrel-hunt in Madison county, on the 29th and 30th ult., the hunters rendezvoused at captain Archibald Wood’s, and upon counting the scalps[Footnote:  By scalp is here meant skin, which is an excellent fur.] taken, it was found they amounted to 5589!”

This sport is not confined to the back woods, but is in such general estimation, as to be preferred to all other shooting.  They find this game by means of a mongrel breed of dogs, trained for that purpose; the squirrel, on being pursued, immediately ascends one of the most lofty trees he can find; the dog follows, and makes a point under the tree, looking up for his game.  The squirrel hides himself behind the branches, and practises a thousand manoeuvres to avoid the shot; sometimes springing from one tree to another, with astonishing agility.  Nature has given him a thick fur; this circumstance, and the height of the trees, make a long barrel, and large shot, indispensable in this kind of shooting.  The best method of cooking the squirrel is in a ragout; this I learnt of a french epicure, who always speaks with rapture of this bonne bouche:  it has a high game flavour, and is justly thought by the Americans to be an excellent dish; but we have many English, who, through mere prejudice, never tasted this animal; their antipathy also extends to bear, opossum, racoon, and cat-fish:—­“Oh!” say the english ladies, “the sight of such frightful creatures is quite enough for me!"’

Fishing parties among the farmers, and in small towns in some parts of America, are very agreeably arranged:  twelve or fourteen neighbours form themselves into a sort of club, and agree to fish one day in the week during the summer; previous:  to which they fix on a romantic situation on the side of a wood commanding the intended scene of action.  Under some of the large trees they erect a sort of hut, forming a dining-room and kitchen.