166 IN THE DAYS OF AUDUBON 



and that it would be easy to follow the track of the dogs. 

 We dismounted, took off the saddles and bridles, set the 

 bells attached to the horses' necks at liberty to jingle, 

 hoppled the animals, and left them to shift for themselves. 



" Now, kind reader, follow the group marching through 

 the swamp, crossing muddy pools, and making the best of 

 their way over fallen trees, and among the tangled rushes 

 that now and then covered acres of ground. If you are 

 a hunter yourself all this will appear nothing to you; but 

 if crowded assemblies of ' beauty and fashion ' or the quiet 

 enjoyment of ' your pleasure grounds ' delight you, I must 

 mend my pen before I attempt to give you an idea of the 

 pleasure felt on such an expedition. After marching for a 

 couple of hours we again heard the dogs: each of us pressed 

 forward, elated at the thought of terminating the career 

 of the cougar. Some of the dogs were heard whining, 

 although the greater number barked vehemently. 



" We felt assured that the cougar was treed, and that 

 he would rest for some time to recover from his fatigue. 

 As we came up to the dogs we discovered the ferocious 

 animal lying across a large branch, close to the trunk of 

 a cottonwood-tree. His broad breast lay toward us; his 

 eyes were at one time bent on us and again on the dogs 

 beneath and around him; one of his fore legs hung loosely 

 by his side, and he lay crouched, with his ears lowered close 

 to his head, as if he thought he might remain undiscov- 

 ered. Three balls were fired at him at a given signal, on 



