268 THE SPORTSMAN'S PARADISE; 



Knowing full well that the game was now in motion, 

 "Jim" promptly passed from the shore on which he was 

 standing to his canoe, which was at this moment resting 

 lightly on the water near him. The example of my guide 

 was quickly followed by me, and the little bark was promptly 

 brought out into the lake, which gave us a broader view 

 of our surroundings. The baying of the hounds was 

 occasionally lost to us, but after the lapse of a longer or 

 shorter interval these sounds were agfain audible. It was 

 very evident to our minds that the deer, when first started 

 by the hounds, had not moved off in a direct line for the 

 water, but had circled about in the woods ; therefore "Jim" 

 concluded, thus early in the chase, that our hounds were 

 running- a stronor buck. 



The opinion here expressed is based on observation, 

 and is supposed to have its origin in the greater strength 

 and superior confidence possessed by these males, since 

 the females and fawns, when started by hounds, run imme- 

 diately to the water; in which, by swimming, they can 

 easily distance their tormentors, — where, as a matter of 

 fact, they rarely attempt to follow them. 



Having gained a position on the lake which enabled us 

 to examine the various objects along the shore for a con- 

 siderable distance, we soon discovered a large buck, which 

 was walking in the water at this time, and occasionally 

 stopping to listen to the hounds. These animals were 

 now rapidly approaching the lake, and every moment ren- 

 dered their voices more distinct to us. The old buck did 

 not seem to be particularly anxious for his own safety, but 

 was, nevertheless, moving very cautiously in order to throw 



