White Sulphur papers; or, Life at the springs of Western Virginia

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144 WHITE SULPHUR P A P E R S«
and a great variety of fire-arms— hunting dresses
and bugles—which are hung around.
The party on this occasion numbered about twenty.
The firing of a gun from the front door, (something
new) was the signal that all was ready—and to
notify absent guests who were expected, to be forthcoming.
The table was spread with a most inviting repast,
the delecate -
productions from the limits of twenty
miles : The noble deer was there before us, the
spoil of the morning, in every shape in
haunch, in
stew and in stake—and barbecues and strange
dishes, all novelties to a city man. In the centre of
the table was something peculiar—it's
name is nO|
uncommon, mint-julap, but w^e had never seen one
like this. The tumbler, if it can so be called, was of
half gallon size, frozen on the outside, and so rich
were the contents, the green herb was actually
sprouting from the surface,
or else very ingenously
placed there.
The top was ornamented with flowers,
to make it more insinivating, as Capt. observed
who sat near me. This was passed round to be
looked at, various times, but it still appeared as
original and as fresh as at the beginning ;
or magic
changed the glass.
The enjoyment and merriment were rare—the
characters were original—the stories were new and