Swift running and high jumping through the brush and fallen timber were sports that taught agility in escape.

The boys learned to shoot accurately the long rifles of their time, with a log or a forked stick for a rest, and a moss pad under the barrel to keep it from jerking and spoiling the aim.

They wrestled with each other, mastered the tricks of throwing an opponent, and learned the scalp hold instead of the toe hold.

It was part of their education to imitate the noises of every bird and beast of the forest.

So they learned to lure the turkey within range, or by the bleat of a fawn to bring her dam to the rifle.