HUNTING GROUNDS OF FLORIDA. 87 



Along the beach between Indian River and the ocean is a par- 

 ticularly fine hunting ground for bears. They are common in 

 many localities, but trained dogs are required to hunt them suc- 

 cessfully. 



A few deer also occur in that country, but for deer it would be 

 better to go into the interior, and one can nearl}- always get a guide 

 at any of the smaller towns. Ten miles from the north fork of the 

 St. Lucie River was at one time a particularly noted hunting 

 ground, and during my first visit to that locality game was very 

 plenty. It was at St. Lucie in 1885 that I had my first experience 

 with what is known in Florida as a shooting match, where the prize 





WILD DUCKS. 



is a bull or cow, which is rounded up and driven in from the " bush " 

 for the occasion. "Alligator" Jim Russell was a particularly 

 noted character at this time, and was also considered a very good 

 shot. He and the Payne boys and two or three others, whose 

 names I have unfortunately forgotten, took part in this contest. 



Each contestant paid a dollar to the owner of the animal and was 

 allowed five chances. The target was a piece of bark fastened to 

 a tree, about one hundred yards distant. 



We first competed for choice of the " hind quarters," each man 

 shooting once and the one hitting nearest the center of the bull's 

 eye being adjudged the winner. We then tried again for the re- 

 maining hind quarter, and again for the choice of the fore quarters. 



