THE AUTHOR'S PREFACE. 



The publication of a book of sport, after the 

 works of such Nimrods as Elzear Blase, Deyeux, 

 Foudras, Delegorque, Leon Bertrand and Jules 

 Gerard may seem to my readers a proof of self- 

 conceit. I wish, however, to prove my innocence 

 of that crime — should I ever be accused of it — by 

 placing this preface at the head of the following 

 pages. 



During a residence of nine years in the United 

 States (i.e. from 1841 to 1849) my passion for 

 adventure often tempted me into desert wilds and 

 distant shores, in search of birds and quadrupeds 

 unknown to the European sportsman. I have seen 

 much, and have taken a great many notes, and by 

 the aid of this and of my memory I have compiled 

 for the gratification of my brethren in St. Hubert 

 a series of fantastic sporting scenes, in which the 

 principal actors are Indians, trappers, squatters, 

 whites and negroes. 



The description of a new country and of a luxu- 



