288 AUDUBOisr the naturalist. 



still as before tliis adventure. We supposed 

 tlie bear had been started at some distance, and 

 that his pursuers, not being able to follow him 

 through the almost impenetrable canes, had 

 given up the hunt. 



Being one night sleeping in the house of a 

 friend, who was a planter in the state of Louis- 

 iana, we were awakened by a servant bearing a 

 light, who gave us a note, which he said his 

 master had just received. We found it to be 

 a communication from a neighbour, reqiiesting 

 our host and ourself to join him as soon as pos- 

 sible, and assist in killing some bears at that 

 moment engaged in destroying his com. We 

 were not long in dressing, and on entering the 

 parlour, found our friend equipped. The over- 

 seer's horn was heard calling up the negroes, 

 some were already saddling our horses, whilst 

 others were gathering all the cur-dogs of the 

 plantation. All was bustle. Before half an 

 hour had elapsed, four stout negro men, armed 

 with axes and knives, and mounted on strong 

 nags, were following us at a round gallop 

 through the woods, as we made directly for 

 the neighbour's plantation. 



The night was none of the most favourable, 

 a drizzling rain rendering the atmosphere thick 

 and rather sultry ; but as we were well ac- 

 quainted with the course, we soon reached the 



