208 THE COUGAR. 



body, but on seeing the dogs at the foot of a large tree, separated again 

 and galloped off to surround it. 



Each hunter now moved with caution, holding his gun ready, and al- 

 lowing the bridle to dangle on the neck of his horse, as it advanced slow- 

 ly towards the dogs. A shot from one of the party was heard, on which 

 the Cougar was seen to leap to the ground, and bound off Avith such ve- 

 locity as to shew that he was very unwilling to stand our fire longer. 

 The dogs set off in pursuit with great eagerness and a deafening cry. 

 The hunter who had fired came up and said that his ball had hit the 

 monster, and had probably broken one of his fore-legs near the shoulder, 

 the only place at which he could aim. A slight trail of blood was dis- 

 covered on the ground, but the curs proceeded at such a rate that we 

 merely noticed this, and put spurs to our horses, which galloped on to- 

 wards the centre of the Swamp. One bayou was crossed, then another 

 still larger and more muddy ; but the dogs were brushing forward, and 

 as the horses began to pant at a furious rate, we judged it expedient to 

 leave them and advance on foot. These determined hunters knew that 

 the Cougar being wounded, would shortly ascend another tree, where in 

 all probabiUty he would remain for a considerable time, and that it would 

 be easy to follow the track of the dogs. We dismounted, took off the 

 saddles and bridles, set the bells attached to the horses' necks at liberty 

 to jingle, hoppled the animals, and left them to shift for themselves. 



Now, kind reader, follow the group marching through the swamp, 

 crossing muddy pools, and making the best of their way over fallen 

 trees and amongst the tangled rushes that now and then covered acres of 

 ground. If you are a hunter yourself, all this will appear nothing to 

 you ; but if crowded assemblies of " beauty and fashion," or the quiet 

 enjoyment of your " pleasure-grounds," alone delight you, I must mend 

 my pen before I attempt to give you an idea of the pleasure felt on such 

 an expedition. 



After marching for a couple of hours, we again heard the dogs. 

 Each of us pressed forward, elated at the thought of terminating the 

 career of the cougar. Some of the dogs were heard whining, although 

 the greater number barked vehemently. We felt assured that the Cou- 

 gar was treed, and that he would rest for some time to recover from his 

 fatigue. As we came up to the dogs, we discovered the ferocious animal 

 lying across a large branch, close to the trunk of a cotton-wood tree. 



His broad breast lay towards us ; his eyes were at one time bent on us 



2 



