320 FORTY-FOUR YEARS OF 



[ saw the tail of a deer, and expected to see him run off; 

 but, as he again lowered his tail, I found that he was noi 

 aware of my presence. Venturing a step or two farther, 

 I saw a tremendous pair of horns, and discovered that lie 

 was feeding on chestnuts. At every mouthful he took, he 

 would raise his head to see if there was any danger of an 

 enemy approaching. I was then within thirty steps of 

 him, but could see nothing to shoot at with certainty, on 

 account of the thick brush. At last, however, I saw his 

 back over a fallen tree ; when, as I feared the wind would 

 turn toward him, I took a good aim at him, and let fly 

 Down he came, and as quick as possible I jumped on him, 

 made a slash at his throat, cutting it to the bone, and after 

 a few struggles he became my prize. I was a little unwell ; 

 but, calling for the boys, they came to me, and helped nie 

 carry him to the camp. 



He was as fine a buck as any one could wish to see. We 

 took off his skin, roasted some of the venison, which was 

 of the best quality, and passed a merry night, as we had 

 plenty of wild honey and apples, together with everything 

 necessary to render us comfortable. We continued our 

 hunt until a snow fell, which made fine sport for us. 



On the following day, I went out early, and remained in 

 the woods until after dark. Returning to my camp, I 

 passed by one of my traps, and found a bear in it, which 

 became furious as soon as I drew near ; but, it being so 

 dark that I could not see to shoot, I left it until the next 

 day. 



Early next morning I went to my trap, in which I found 

 a large she-bear and a yearling ; but the small one was 

 dead. I then shot the old one, and, oi\ examination, 

 found that the old one had become so mad because she 

 could not get at me the previous evening, that she fell on 

 her owu young one and tore it to pieces. It was so dirty 

 and torn that I threw it away. We continued our hunt. 



