336 LIFE OF AUDUBON. 



upon some low branch of a large tree to rest for a few moments, 

 and that should we not succeed in shooting him when thus 

 situated, we might expect a long chase of it. As we approached 

 the spot, we all by degrees united into a 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, hold- 

 ing his gun ready, and allowing the bridle to dangle on the 

 neck of his horse, as it advanced slowly 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 with such velocity as 

 to show 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 discovered on the ground, but the 

 curs proceeded at such a rate that we merely noticed this, and 

 put spurs to out horses, which galloped on towards 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 probability 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 ' 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, 



