settled within the bounds of the young republic, and labored and died in Texas.

One of the most remarkable preachers, whose name appears in the early history of the State, was Paul Denton. He was early left an orphan in Arkansas, and lived in a family where he was treated as a servant, and had to cook, wash, scour, and perform other degrading work. Until he was twelve years of age, he was a stranger to hat and shoes. When he became older, he ran away from his oppressors, and commenced life for himself. At an early age he married, and learned to read and write after becoming the head of a family. He finally became a preacher, and soon showed remarkable powers as a public speaker. He was a man of fine person, agreeable manners, and although without any advantages of education, displayed a high degree of eloquence. His first efforts as a preacher of the Gospel were in the Red Lands in Eastern Texas. He afterwards removed to the northern part of the State. He was a man of public spirit, and was brave as well as good. He raised a company of volunteers to chastise the Indians, who had become troublesome to the white settlers, and was killed in battle. Texas has honored him in calling a county by his name.

Among other ministers of the Gospel who came to Texas at an early time the Rev. Sumner Bacon is worthy of honorable notice. He arrived in the country in 1828. He was a native of Massachusetts, and was first a soldier in the United States army before he became a clergyman. He was a man of great energy and courage. In connection with his duties as a preacher, he distributed thousands of copies of the Bible from the Sabine to San Antonio. On one occasion he was overtaken by a band of ruffians, who seized him and threatened him with instant death. He begged his captors to first join with

him in prayer. They refused to unite with him, but consented that he might first pray himself before they put their threat into execution. He knelt down and prayed so fervently, that they all quietly left him. On another occasion, as he and some others were preparing to hold religious services near San Antonio, certain persons sent him word that they intended to come and break up the meeting. Col. James Bowie, being in the neighborhood, and hearing of their purpose, went to the place where the meeting was to be held. He made the sign of the cross on the ground, and informed them that he was captain in those parts, and that the meeting should take place. Knowing the character of Bowie, and fearing his wrath, the opposers of the meeting withdrew, and Bacon and his friends proceeded with their services. Mr. Bacon belonged to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church.

ANIMALS OF TEXAS.

A stranger, on first arriving in Texas, is struck with the large size and spreading horns of the cattle. Their large and superior forms are probably owing to the mild climate and the abundance of grass, which yields a rich supply of food at all seasons of the year. They require no other care than occasional herding to keep them gentle and prevent their straying, and to mark the calves.

Hogs thrive admirably in Texas on grass, roots, mast, and fruits. Pork is easily converted into bacon, and preserved without difficulty, owing greatly to the peculiar dryness of the air.

Herds of wild horses feed on the prairies, and increase in numbers as you proceed west. They are easily subdued to the saddle. The catching of a wild horse by a Mexican is a display of skill and valor which is truly

wonderful. The ranchero on horseback dashes among the herd as they rush over the prairie, and swinging about his head his lariat—a platted rawhide with a running noose at the end-he throws it with great accuracy over the neck of the wild animal, and in a few minutes he is run down and captured. Mules are also raised in great numbers, though perhaps not so good as those of Kentucky.

No country surpasses Texas in abundance of game. Immense herds of buffalo were still found, within a few years past, in the northwestern settlements. Deer flock over every prairie. Wild turkeys, the prairie hen, partridges, the delicate rice-bird, with numerous others, are found in great numbers. During the winter, the bays are alive with thousands of wild geese and ducks. The flamingo is occasionally seen to display its brilliant plumage. The stately swan frequents the waters of the bays; and around the houses of the plantations the mocking-bird sings its melodious notes.

In all the waters, fish, of the choicest kind, abound. Along the coast are oysters of the largest size and finest flavor.

The fiercest wild animal in Texas is probably the panther, though it is rarely met with. There are also bears, wolves and a few wild-cats. Among the lesser animals are the opossum, rabbit, and gray squirrel.

EARLY CHURCHES IN TEXAS.

In a previous article it will be seen that the Methodist Church sent the largest number of clergymen, in early times, to Texas.

The first Baptist preacher who came to the country, was the Rev. Joseph Bays, who emigrated from Missouri, and preached on Peach Creek, on the west side of

the Brazos, in the year 1826. In a short time he removed to San Antonio, where he continued to labor until he was ordered away by the Mexican authorities. In 1829, a number of Baptists, who came from New York, established the first Sabbath-school in the country, in the town of San Felipe. It was taught by T. J. Pilgrim, who was the interpreter of the Spanish language in Austin's colony. The same year another Sabbathschool was opened at Matagorda, and in the year following a similar one was started at "Old Caney," by members of the same Church. After this time, many members and ministers of the Baptist Church came to the country and organized churches in different parts of the State.

In the year 1838, the Rev. Caleb S. Ives, of the Protestant Episcopal Church, arrived at Matagorda, where he collected a congregation, established a school, and built a church. He continued to labor until 1849, when he died. In the fall of 1838, the Rev. R. M. Chapman, of the same Church, came to Houston and organized a parish. In 1840, he was succeeded by Rev. H. B. Godwin.

In the spring of 1840, the Rt. Rev. Leonidas Polk (late General Polk of the Confederate army) visited and explored the country between the Trinity and the Colorado. In 1844, the Rt. Rev. G. W. Freeman, Bishop of Arkansas, visited the churches of Texas, and continued his visits annually for several years. In 1841, the Rev. B. Eaton was sent out, as a missionary, to Galveston and Houston. On January 1, 1849, a separate diocese was organized for Texas with six clergymen. Since that time the Episcopal Church has continued to grow both in numbers and influence.

The Presbyterian Church was not among the pioneer churches in Texas. About the year 1838, the Rev.

Hugh Wilson arrived in the new republic. He was probably the first Presbyterian minister who settled in Texas. He organized a Presbyterian Church in San Augustine shortly after his arrival, and in the year following established one at Independence. He was a laborious and useful man, and will always stand high among the first ministers of the Gospel in Texas. The Rev. John McCulloch came to Galveston about the same time, and gathered a congregation and founded a Sabbath-school under many disadvantages. The state of morals and religion in the Island City at that time was not very favorable to the efforts of the young missionary.*

With the Rev. W. Y. Allen, at Houston, and Rev. W. C. Blair, P. H. Fullen wider, I. J. Henderson, F. Rutherford, and a few others, located at different points in the State, the Presbyterian Church began, about the year 1840, to take a position among the other religious denominations in the country, and has been gradually advancing in influence and usefulness until the present time. As most of the clergymen referred to are still living, we can say but little more respecting them than merely to give their names.

The most laborious and useful minister of the Presbyterian Church, who ever lived in Texas, was the Rev. Dr. Baker, who died within a few years past at Austin. He was a man of great energy and apostolic zeal. All could see that his sole aim and purpose was to preach the Gospel and do good to the souls of men. Coming to Texas as a missionary about the year 1840, he visited almost every part of the State, and preached most abundantly. In all weathers and in all places, he showed himself the fearless soldier of the cross. With a fine

*Mr. McCulloch died within the last three years.