THE PUMA. | Oe ie | 
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 tuken 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 the 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 ina 
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. 
““The Dogs soon began to mouth, and suddenly quickened 
their pace. My companion concluded that the beast was on 
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