Ichabod is surveying the abundant crops as he journeys to the Van Tassel's party, and his thoughts wander to the delicacies which might be served there, and pretty Katrina who will serve them.  The author sticks with the metaphor of feeding in describing Ichabod's anticipation of both good food and the attention of the lovely lady.

Ichabod, who is tall and extremely thin, with a small head and big ears, strikes a comic figure plodding along on his horse Gunpowder, who is "broken down...gaunt and shagged...(with) one eye, glaring and spectral".  This is in contrast with Brom,  "burly...broad-shouldered, with short curly black hair", who tears about recklessly on "his favorite steed Daredevil...full of mettle and mischief".