ROMANCE ABOUT IT. 2?1 



consists of a sort of stand, erected at a height of from twenty 

 to thirty feet from the ground, between two umbrageous pines, 

 growing very near each other. It is formed for the most 

 part of interwoven boughs ; and as well for the purpose of 

 screening it from sight, as to prevent one's tumbling out, 

 it is provided in front with a kind of breastwork. At times 

 the Gall is erected near to the carcase of some animal, con- 

 veyed to the forest for that purpose; but most frequently 

 near to the remains of a horse or cow, recently slaughtered 

 by the beast himself, to which, after he has digested his 

 first meal, he is pretty sure to return. 



There is something very interesting in being perched on a 

 Gall, as I myself can testify, having, years ago, passed five 

 consecutive nights alone in one. 



To quote my own words, " the gloomy solitude of the 

 forest in the night season ; the melancholy hootings of the 

 great horned owl, heard ever and anon in the distance; 

 the slaughtered cow lying in a small glade before me, 

 mangled in a dreadful manner by the fangs of the beast ; 

 and to crown the whole, the momentary expectation of 

 the rugged monster making his appearance, tend to keep 

 up the excitement." 





