IN THE DISMAL SWAMP--COLONEL GODFREY'S VISIT TO
SOUTHAMPTON.

It is customary in the fall season to have what is called bear hunts
in the Dismal Swamp, and parties are frequently made up to go on such
hunts. Before going it is necessary that some preparation should be
made. Bear hunting is very dangerous, and is sometimes attended with
difficulty. Before starting you should provide yourself with a cowboy
suit, a good rifle, a pair of revolvers, a bowie knife (16 inch blade)
and sub-marine armor. When thus equipped you can enter the Swamp. You
proceed cautiously along listening to hear the bears lapping, when you
go in the direction of the sound. Bears move very cautiously, and you
should be sure to keep a good lookout in your rear, as it sometimes
happens that when you are going forward a drove of them are following
you, and when least expected they make the attack, and if the parties
should be the least separated, it often happens that all perish. I was
told of a party that were out on a bear hunt in the Dismal Swamp, who
supposed that they could face anything. The party consisted of eight
good men. They had not proceeded very far in the Swamp when they heard
in the distance the lapping of bears. Of course it is very exciting,
and if one has any courage he is apt to show it at the time. A halt
was made and the question asked, what should be done? They were not
thinking of the danger that surrounded them. They did not think that
bears were on their path. But it was too late. Whilst discussing what
to do they were sprung upon from the rear, and six were badly
lacerated, one rode off on the back of a bear and the last one
retreated to the Lake for safety. Should you at any time go to the
Dismal Swamp to hunt bears be exceedingly careful to have your rear
well guarded.

Researches among old papers often bring to light subjects that long
have been forgotten, and which, if cultivated, tends in many ways to
the benefit of the rising generation. We often hear of events that
have long since transpired, which at the time we pass unnoticed, but
somehow or other an impression is made, and sooner or later something
transpires that brings to our recollection a circumstance which
refreshes our memory of some important event of which we have a slight
remembrance. Looking over the fourteenth volume of Col. Godfrey's
work entitled "Important Discoveries," to see if we could find
anything therein written by which we could identify "U