96 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 



tier's dogs, but the packs whicli attended the 

 strangers. Intent upon their enterprise, the 

 party proceeded in silence till they arrived at the 

 edge of a swamp, when call agreed to disperse and 

 separately seek the track of the panther, with the 

 condition that the triumphant discoverer should 

 remain to keep guard on the spot, till joined by 

 the rest of the retinue. They had not long to 

 wait the exciting signal. In less than two hours 

 the horn was distinctly heard. Guided by its 

 repeated call, the place of rendezvous was soon 

 reached. The most reliable dog was then sent 

 forward to scent the track of the formidable 

 cougar, aDd its course was told as the whole 

 pack, following their leader, bore towards the 

 interior of the swamp. The huntsmen with 

 their rifles in great trim pressed on their rear, 

 determined to have the panther or nothing for 

 their prey. 



The dogs continued to quicken their pace and 

 increase their noise, when suddenly their bark- 

 ing altered, from which it was evident that the 

 animal was treed, that is, he had ascended a tree 

 for safety or to rest for a few moments.* Should 

 it not be shot when thus situated, a long chase 

 must ensue. At this critical moment, the hunt- 



*'When "treed," panthers will ascend to the highest limbs 

 of the tallest trees to gain a perfect security. 



