CHAPTER XXXV. 



Fourth Florida Episode: Deee Hunting. 



" The different modes of destroying deer are probably too well 

 understood and too successfully practised in the United States ; 

 for notwithstanding the almost incredible abundance of these 

 beautiful animals in our forests and prairies, such havoc is 

 carried on amongst them, that in a few centuries they will pro- 

 bably be as scarce in America as the great bustard now is in 

 Britain. 



" We have three modes of hunting deer, each varying in some 

 slight degree in the different states and districts. The first is 

 termed ' still hunting,' and is by far the most destructive. The 

 second is called ' fire-light hunting,' and is next in its exter- 

 minating effects. The third, which may be looked upon as a 

 mere amusement, is named ' driving.' Although many deer 

 are destroyed by this latter method, it is not by any means so 

 pernicious as the others. These methods I shall describe sepa- 

 rately. 



" ' Still hunting ' is followed as a kind of trade by mos 

 of our frontier men. To be practised with success, it requires 

 great activity, an expert management of the rifle, and a thorough 

 knowledge of the forest, together with an intimate acquaintance 

 with the habits of the deer, not only at different seasons of the 

 year, but also at every hour of the day, as the hunter must be 

 aware of the situations which the game prefers, and in which it 

 is most likely to be found at any particular time. I might here 



