THE RACCOON. i>0 



'em only come -within reach of our rifles and we 

 have no scruple in taldng their skins as a slight 

 compensation for the mischief they do us. Their 

 skins make capital -waistcoats, and their flesh a very 

 good stew. About here, we have plenty of 'em, 

 and it is reall}' very good sport, on such a clear 

 night as this, to go after them. It is not often 

 that -^ve bring an empty bag home with us, unless 

 we're ver}'- unlucky. We must show you a little 

 of that sport, sir, if you would like to see it." 



" Whj' not this very evening ? " saidi to my host. 

 " I am not so tired now, after the excellent dinner 

 we have had, but that I could go out with you." 



" I was afraid that the cold night " 



" Have no fear ; I'm quite at your disposal." 

 " So be it then," cried the host ; and without more 

 ado, Mr. Danielson took down a couple of rifles, 

 which were reposing on a magnificent pair of stag's 

 horns over the fire-place, and rubbing them with 

 a greasy rag, he loaded them with all the minute 

 care with which a Kentuckian trapper performs that 

 act. Then seizing a large ox's horn vv'ith a silver 

 mouth-piece which hung on a lower branch of the 

 horns, he opened the front door, advanced a few 

 steps, and applying this primitive trombone to his 

 lips, blew with all the power of his lungs, and 

 produced a noise which might have put an army 

 to flight. Not a word had been spoken, but my 

 host, in answer to my inquiries, subsequently told 



