WILD SPORTS OF THE HIGHLANDS 



mind of an ignorant Highlander. These animals have great 

 skill in finding their prey, and the damage they do to the 

 game must be very great, owing to the quantity of food 

 which they require. When caught in a trap, they fly with- 

 out hesitation at any person who approaches them, not 

 waiting to be assailed. I have heard many stories of their 

 attacking and severely wounding a man, when their escape 

 has been cut off Indeed, a wild cat once flew at me, in the 

 most determined manner. I was fishing at a river in Suther- 

 land, and in passing from one pool to another had to climb 

 over some rock and broken kind of ground. In doing so, I 

 sank through some rotten heather and moss up to my knees, 

 almost upon a wild cat, who was concealed under it. I was 

 quite as much startled as the animal herself could be, when 

 I saw the wild-looking beast so unexpectedly rush out 

 from between my feet, with every hair on her body stand- 

 ing on end, making her look twice as large as she really 

 was. I had three small Skye terriers with me, who immed- 

 iately gave chace, and pursued her till she took refuge 

 in a corner of the rocks, where, perched in a kind of re- 

 cess out of reach of her enemies, she stood with her hair 

 bristled out, and spitting and growling like a common cat. 

 Having no weapon with me, I laid down my rod, cut a good- 

 sized stick, and proceeded to dislodge her. As soon as I was 

 within six or seven feet of the place, she sprang straight at 

 my face over the dogs' heads. Had I not struck her in mid 

 air as she leaped at me, I should probably have got some 

 severe wound. As it was, she fell with her back half broken 

 amongst the dogs, who, with my assistance, dispatched her. 

 I never saw an animal fight so desperately, or one which 



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