American Big-Game Hunting 



to me, and to be avoided if possible, I prefer 

 the evening shooting. So, fortified v^ith a 

 eood niorht's rest, and a breakfast calculated 

 to last me till the morrow, I set forth alone 

 and on foot. 



In hunting, as in most cases where real 

 work is to be done, one is best alone. Two 

 people are apt to talk just at the wrong time. 

 And even if you do not talk at all, four feet 

 make — of necessity — more noise than two, 

 and two bodies are easier seen than one. I 

 left my horse behind, because I did not wish 

 to burden myself with an extra responsibility. 

 A horse can be a dreadful nuisance. You 

 may want to go where he cannot, and so you 

 must either leave him tied up somewhere, or 

 else suit your way to his. Again, you lose 

 valuable time in dismounting and tying up, 

 before stalking or shooting your game. And 

 both time and temper suffer when you can't 

 find the place where you left your horse. 

 Some men have the true woodsman's instinct, 

 and never get lost or turned round. These 

 are fortunate beings, and worthy of respectful 

 admiration. But woe to him who, unendowed 

 by nature with their gifts, seeks to imitate 

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