OKDER V. THE CAUNIVOIJA. 12,j 



tlien flew at flic prostrate beast ; but a single blow from liis paw laid liim 

 dead by his side. lu tiiis state of things, finding tiiat his comrade was 

 dead, and that tiiere was still danger in ajiproaehing tiie wounded animal, 

 he retired, and witli all haste brought several persons to the spot where the 

 unfortunate hunter and botli the dogs were l3'iiig dead together. 



In the southern and western portions of North America the puma dwells 

 in swamps and upon tiie prairies, subsisting chiefly on deer, but sometimes 

 robbing tlie farmer of his hugs, and not unfrc(jucnlly making sad havoc 

 among his sheep. This aninud is not satisfied with killing one beast, and 

 satiating liis appetite with the flesh, but he will kill as many as he can, and 

 suck their blood. On tjiis account lie is hunted like the lion in Africa, by 

 a mingled band of squatters' dogs and horses. 



IIuNTiXG THE Pu-^rA. — As we have given a description of a lion-hunt in 

 Africa, we will insert here an interesting account of the manner in which 

 the American lion is luinted. It is from the pen of Audidjon. 



"The hunters accordingly made their appearance just as the sun was 

 emerging from beneath the horizon. They were five in numlier, and fully 

 cqni[)ped for the chase, being mounted on horses, which, in some parts of 

 Europe, might appear soiay nags, but which, in strength, speed, and bot- 

 tom, are better fitted for pursuing a cougar or a bear through woods and 

 morasses tliau any in tliat country. A pack of large, ugly curs were already 

 engaged in making acquaintance with those of the squatter. lie and myself 

 mounted his two best horses, whilst his sons were ijestriding others of inferior 

 quidity. Few words were uttered by tiie party until we had reached the 

 edge of tlie swanqi, where it was agreed that all should disperse, and seek 

 for the fresh track of the painter, it being previously settled that the discov- 

 erer should blow his horn, and remain on the spot until the rest should j(.iin 

 him. In less tlian an Ikuu' the sound of the horn was clearly heard, and, 

 sticking close to the squatter, off we went through the thick woods, guided 

 only by the now and then repeated call of the di.~taiit huntsman. AVe soon 

 readied the spot, and in a short time the rest of the jiarty came u}). The 

 best dog was sent forward to track the cougar, and in a few minutes the 

 whole pack were observed diligently trailing, and bearing in their course 

 f )r the interior of the swamp. The rifles were immediately put in trim, and 

 the party followed the dogs, at separate distances, but in sight of each other, 

 determined to shoot at no other game than the panther. 



"The dogs soon began to mouth, and suddenly quickened their pace. 

 ily companicm concluded that the beast was on tlie ground, and, putting 

 our horses to a gentle gallop, we follovi'cd the curs, guided by their voices. 

 The noise of the dogs increased, when, all of a sudden, their mode of bark- 

 ing became altered, ami the squatter, urging me to push on, told me that 



