22 BIG GAME FIELDS 



chief objects in view were to complete a study of 

 the jaguar in his true haunts, to learn something 

 of the ways of the jungle and the principal game 

 therein; also to bring back one jaguar skin of my 

 own killing. These primeval forests are not 

 traversed by any roads or trails. It is true there 

 are many game trails, but they lead nowhere in 

 particular, and can only be followed by continu- 

 ally wielding the cutlass. The only mode then 

 that remains is to proceed by water, and a net- 

 work of waterways with wide tributaries and 

 multitudinous streams offers the traveler a wide 

 selection, if he has but a mind to penetrate these 

 sequestered wilds. 



The first difficulties that arise are the rapids 

 and waterfalls. To overcome this, peculiarly 

 adapted river craft are necessary, one form of 

 which is known as a curial, and, equally as im- 

 portant, not less than six bushmen or native In- 

 dians to paddle, haul or carry, as the case may 

 be, through or around these various waterways. 



Having become acquainted with the require- 

 ments, I at once set about to get such a crew and 

 necessary outfit. There was one other point I 

 had in mind, and that was to procure, if possible, 

 a few good hounds that had had some experience 

 in hunting the jaguar. I knew beforehand that 



