loaded with it, as when at his
father's, and his house, like his father's, soon became known as a warm
and kind shelter for the wandering traveller. In this industrious and
quiet way of farming and hunting, years were spent, and Daniel Boone was
contented and happy. Several little children were now added to his
group; and, with his wife, his children, and his rifle, for companions,
he felt that all was well.

But his peace was at length disturbed once more. His old troubles
pursued him; men again began to come near. The crash of falling trees
was heard, as the new settlers levelled the forests; huts were seen
springing up all around him; other hunters were roaming through the
woods, and other dogs than his were heard barking. This was more than he
was willing to bear. Happy as he had made his home, he determined to
leave it, and find another in the wilderness, where he could have that
wilderness to himself. For some time he was at a loss to know where to
go; yet his heart was fixed in the determination to move. The
circumstances which pointed him to his new home, and where that new home
was made, you may learn in the next chapter.

CHAPTER II.

My young friends all know where the state of Kentucky is situated. It is
hardly necessary for me to say, that at the time of which I am writing,
that region was an unbroken wilderness.

It was in the year 1754 that a white man first visited the country of
Kentucky. This was James M'Bride. In company with several others during
that year, he was passing down the Ohio, when he discovered the mouth of
Kentucky river, and made a landing. Near the spot where he landed, he cut
upon a tree the first letters of his name; and these letters, it is said,
could be seen and distinctly read for many years afterward. With his
companions, he wandered through the wilderness; the country struck them
all as being remarkably beautiful. It is not wonderful, then, that when
they returned home, they were filled with fine stories about the new
region. They declared that it was "the best tract of land in North
America, and probably in the world."

In spite of their pleasant stories, however, it was a long time before
any one was disposed to follow in their track. At length, Doctor Walker,
of Virginia, with a number of friends, started upon a western tour of
discovery. Some say that he was in search of the Ohio river particularly;
others that he went merely to collect strange plants and flower