438 BIG GAME OF NORTH AMERICA. 



particles of fur, showing where the Lynx had evidently tar- 

 ried quite often, this being in a secluded, out-of-the-way 

 gulch. 



Setting the trap on the ground, I covered it loosely over 

 with snow, and hung a dead rabbit above the trap some 

 three feet, tying it securely to a vine maple, in such position 

 that the Lynx would be compelled to step on the trap to get 

 at the rabbit. Returning home, I repaired to the trap again 

 toward sundown the following day. On approaching the 

 trap, I discovered my victim securely held by a fore foot, 

 the leg being much lacerated, as, not relishing his imprison- 

 ment, he had tried to pull his big paw bodily therefrom. A 

 blow of a stick on his spine soon ended his sufferings. 



In regions much frequented by Lynx, an inclosure some- 

 times is built, to keep out the rancher's or Indian's dog, and 

 to apprise the hunter of the danger within, and a steel- 

 trap, spring-gun, or pitfall prepared, baited with a rabbit, 

 grouse, or small bird the inclosure being visited at inter- 

 vals to ascertain results. Many trappers have a series of 

 such inclosures and traps, which they visit, one after the 

 other, each day. A Bear-trap is set on a run where a Bear 

 travels in search of salmon; a Beaver-trap is placed in a 

 swamp, slough, or other place where the Beaver makes his 

 home and has his dam; one or more traps being set in 

 sections of the woods traversed by the Lynx, Wildcat, or 

 Cougar. 



While hunting Deer in the Cascade Range, and on our 

 second day out, we wounded a fine buck. We followed his 

 trail for several hours, blood being liberally sprinkled all 

 along it. AY hen almost up to where we expected to find him, 

 certain feline tracks, following the Deer's, attracted our 

 attention. Believing them to be those made by the Mount- 

 ain Lion, we carefully concealed ourselves in the brush, 

 listening intently for the faintest sound ahead. Hearing 

 nothing, we advanced cautiously and silently through the 

 thick timber, great care being taken to step upon no twig 

 or broken limb, nor to cause the slightest sound. Our 



