INTRODUCTION 



Having been in some degree instrumental in introducing 

 the following pages to the public, it may not be improper 

 to inform the reader of the circumstances which led to my 

 fonnection with their publication. 



For several years past, I have been in the habit of 

 visiting the mountainous regions of the States of Mary* 

 laud and Virginia, as well in search of the picturesque 

 amid some of the wildest and grandest scenery in America, 

 as with a view of recruiting my health, and enjoying a re- 

 laxation from engrossing business cares. Some years 

 since, during these visits, I became acquainted with the 

 history of the Author, as an old and very successful hunter 

 in the AUeganies ; and many of the incidents here described 

 — as well those connected with social life, as others 

 peculiar to the chase — were listened to with much interest, 

 because narrated by persons familiar with the details, and 

 frequently participants in them. 



Supposing that others would enjoy these adventures 

 with equal zest, several messages were sent to the Author, 

 BUggesting their compilation and publication ; and offer- 



(iii) 



