always "to correct and
enlarge the heart;" nor do the blandishments of life invariably add to
the sum of moral excellence; they are often "as dead sea fruit that
tempts the eye, but turns to ashes on the lips."--While a rough
exterior as frequently covers a temper of the utmost benignity, happy
in itself and giving happiness to all around.

Such were the pioneers of this country; and the greater part of
mankind might now derive advantage from the [103] contemplation of
"their humble virtues, hospitable homes and spirits patient, noble,
proud and free--their self respect, grafted on innocent thoughts;
their days of health and nights of sleep--their toils, by danger
dignified, yet guiltless--their hopes of cheerful old age and a quiet
grave, with cross and garland over its green turf, and their grand
children's love for epitaph."

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[1] Now spelled Buckhannon.--R. G. T.

[2] Sycamores, which attain gigantic proportions, are given
to rotting in the lower portions of the trunk, and chambers
eight feet in diameter are not uncommon. In the course of a
canoe voyage down the Ohio, in the summer of 1894, I frequently
saw such cavities, with the openings stopped by pickets or
rails, utilized by small bottom farmers as hog-pens,
chicken-coops, and calf stalls.

L. V. McWhorter, of Berlin, W. Va., who has kindly sent me
several MS. notes on Withers's _Chronicles_ (all of which will
be duly credited where used in this edition), writes: "The aged
sycamore now (1894) occupying the site, is the third
generation--the grand-child--of that which housed the Pringles.
It stands on the farm of Webster Dix, who assures me that it
shall not be destroyed. A tradition held by his descendants has
it, that when John Pringle went back to the South Branch for
ammunition, Charity, the wife of Samuel, who was left behind,
started immediately for the wilderness home of her husband, and
found him by the path which John had blazed for his own
return."--R. G. T.

[3] This early and meritorious pioneer was born near
Winchester, Va., Jan. 1, 1743, figured prominently in the
Indian wars of his region, and served on Col. G. R. Clark's
Illinois campaign of 1778; he died at his home on Hacker's
Creek, April 20, 1821, in his 82d year.--L. C. D.

[4] Its Indian name signified "Muddy Wate