know every thing about them countries, but have no doubts
upon any matter, and ask no questions; in fact, they not
only know more than me, but more than the people themselves
do, what they want. It's curious, but it's a fact. A
colonist is the most beautiful crittur in natur to try
experiments on, you ever see; for he is so simple and
good-natured he don't know no better; and so weak, he
couldn't help himself if he did. There's great fun in
making these experiments, too. It puts me in mind of
"Gander Pulling;" you know what this is, don't you?'

"'No,' he said. 'I never heard of it. Is it an American
sport?'

"'Yes,' sais I, 'it is; and the most excitin' thing, too,
you ever see.'

"'You are a very droll man. Mr Slick,' said he, 'a very
droll man indeed. In all your books there is a great deal
of fun; but in all your fun, there is a meanin'. Your
jokes hit, and hit pretty hard, too, sometimes. They make
a man think as well as laugh. But. describe this Gander
Pulling.'

"'Well, I'll tell you how it is,' sais I. 'First and
foremost, a ring-road is formed, like a small race-course;
then, two great long posts is fixed into the ground, one
on each side of the road, and a rope made fast by the
eends to each post, leavin' the middle of the rope to
hang loose in a curve. Well, then they take a gander and