88 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



the upper waters of the Brazos, Red and Canadian' 

 Rivers. If driven into open country they are easily 

 overtaken and pulled down by a strong greyhound. 

 Shot or ball are indifferently used in their pursuit, 

 choice in your projectiles being guided by whether the 

 nature of the country is open or wooded. 



The following experiences in its pursuit will give an 

 idea of its habits, and the localities where the sports- 

 man may find them. Near Vincennes, Indiana, I once 

 knew a man who was pretty nearly master of the art of 

 deer-stalking, and he could as well discriminate a good 

 day for this purpose from an indifferent one as he could 

 a thoroughbred from a mustang. " No use going out 

 to-day, Cap.," he would say, in answer to an inquiry ; 

 " the woodpeckers have got their heads up, and the 

 deer are lying : best stop at home ; " and best it always 

 was. 



It was in the month of December or January, I 

 cannot precisely state which, but on rising from my 

 bed, to my surprise I found the ground covered with 

 a few inches of snow, just sufficient, and none to 

 spare, to track a deer with a degree of certainty. 

 Now, I was hungry for venison, and such a chance 

 was not to be let slip. From a very bad habit which 

 is unaccountable among many when they go from 

 home, I had a morning cocktail brewed, and with a 

 glass in each hand sought the dormitory of my friend, 

 and over this beverage we discussed the prospects and 

 our plan of campaign. 



The horses were ordered to be in readiness after 

 breakfast ; buck-shot and bullets were hunted out, 

 shooting boots greased, and 'baccy and pocket pistols 

 loaded to the neck and stuffed in our saddle bags. A 



