WILD-CAT HUNTING. 



In the southern portions of the United States, but es- 

 pecially in Louisiana, the wild-cat is found in abundance. 

 The dense swamps that border on the Mississippi, pro- 

 tect this vicious species of game from extermination, 

 and foster their increase ; and, although every year vast 

 numbers are killed, they remain seemingly as numerous 

 as they ever were '' in the memory of the oldest inhabit- 

 ant." 



The wild-cat seeks the most solitary retreats in 

 which to rear its young, where in some natural hole in 

 the ground, or some hollow tree, it finds protection for 

 itself and its kittens from the destructive hand of man. 

 At night, or early morn, it comes abroad, stealing over 

 the dried leaves, in search of prey, as (^uictly as a 

 zephyr, or ascending the forest tree with almost the 

 ease of a bird. 



