t to bask in the beauties which
surrounded it. Profane history informs us that it was at this place
that Pluto and Proserpine left for the infernal regions. That will
make no difference about the snake story that I will relate. A snake
is a wonderful reptile, and it is not necessary for one to be seen
that one should be frightened. The very mention, in some instances, is
sufficient to scare those who are the least timid. So it was in this
instance. Jones, as I have said before, was one of a party that were
going to the Lake. He was afraid of snakes. Smith and Brown knew it
and they determined to have a little sport at his expense. Jones was
highly delighted with the grandeur of the scenery by the side of the
canal, as they rode along, and was expatiating upon the wonders of
nature. Smith was charmed with the romantic effusions of Jones, and
paid no attention to Brown, who was sitting at the bow of the boat,
here looked toward him, and seeing that he was intently searching for
something, asked what was the matter. Brown answered that a snake was
in the boat and that he was trying to find it. Here Jones commenced to
twist and squirm. "Hallo!" said Brown: "here's another!" No sooner had
he said another when Jones sprang into the canal. He made several
lunges and, Peter like, looked as if he was walking on the water.
Smith added more steam to the boat and Jones was overhauled and taken
into the boat, very much frightened. They had not gone very far when
Brown said: "I believe that snake is in the boat yet," and at the same
time threw at Jones a piece of rattan, which is good to scare one
with--it's a veritable snake. He was again taken into the boat, quite
exhausted and cold from his ablutions. Brown prepared some ciderberry
juice for him, with some pepper and other things that they had along
which, after taking, Jones became more quiet. Brown says that when he
thinks about that snake story it fills him so with laughter that he
has to buckle a strap around him to support his physical organization.
Jones has not ventured to the Lake since that time, and Brown is
afraid to tell him that the snake in the boat was only a piece of
rattan. If you want to see snakes come to Suffolk and get Brown to go
with you to the Lake of the Dismal Swamp, and he will amuse you to
your heart's content.

To be continued, introducing several thrilling stories connected with
the Dismal Swamp and Lake Drummond, together with bear hunting and the
f