THE PUMA. JIT 



those to whose company it is accustomed, lies down upon its 

 back between their feet, and plays with the skirts of their 

 garments, entirely after the manner of a kitten. It shows a 

 great predilection for water, and frequently jumps into and 

 out of a large tub, rolling itself about, and seemingly greatly 

 pleased with the refreshment. While in London, it made its 

 escape into the street during the night, but allowed itself to 

 be taken up by a watchman, without offering even a show of 

 resistance. It was brought from the city of San Paulo, the 

 capital of the district of that name in the Brazilian Empire." 

 Pumas are generally hunted with packs of Dogs, and, when 

 brought to bay, fight with the most determined ferocity, biting 

 and clawing at their antagonists till the last breath. The fol- 

 lowing account of a Puma-hunt is taken from Audubon, who, 

 after detailing the preparations for the sport, writes that — 



" Few words were uttered by the party until we had reached 

 the edge of the swamp, where it was agreed that all should 

 disperse, and seek for the fresh track of the Painter, it being 

 previously settled that the discoverer should blow his horn, 

 and remain on tha spot until the rest should join him. In 

 less than an hour, the sound of the horn was clearly heard ; 

 and, sticking close to the squatter, off we went through the 

 thick woods, guided only by the now and then repeated call 

 of the distant huntsman. We soon reached the spot, and in a 

 short time the rest of the party came up. The best Dog was 

 sent forward to track the Cougar, and in a few minutes the 

 whole pack were observed diligently trailing, and bearing in 

 their course for the interior of the swamp. The rifles were 

 immediately put in trim, and the party followed the Dogs, at 

 separate distances, but in sight of each other, determined to 

 shoot at no other game than the Panther. 



11 The Dogs soon began to mouth, and suddenly quickened 

 their pace. My companion concluded that the beast was on 



