276 SPORTING ADVENTURES 



Our destination was an island a few 

 outside the harbour, on which deer had been 

 sometimes seen. We reached the place about 

 daylight, and having landed the musicians at 

 the back of the island, we took up our position 

 in the boats, between the island and the nearest 

 beach, so as to intercept any deer or other 

 animal which might take to the water. 

 Presently a rocket gave the signal to advance, 

 the band immediately set up a most hideous 

 uproar, occasionally varying the entertainment, 

 when they could spare the wind, by a selection 

 of the choicest Spanish oaths ; the general effect 

 was most peculiar, and was sufficient to scare 

 any beast that might be on the island. Unfor- 

 tunately they were not at home that day, so we 

 had to content ourselves with blowing up fish 

 with torpedoes of dynamite, and such like 

 innocent amusements, until it was time to 

 return on board. 



One great drawback to hunting in the 

 northern division of Mexico is the presence of 

 the Apache Indians who infest that part of 



