96 AUDUBON THE NATURALIST. 
tler’s dogs, but the packs which attended the 
strangers. Intent upon their enterprise, the 
party proceeded in silence till they arrived at the 
edge of a swamp, when call agreed to disperse and 
separately seek the track of the panther, with the 
condition that the triumphant discoverer shoulr 
remain to keep guard on the spot, till joined by 
the rest of the retinue. They had not long to 
wait the exciting signal. In less than two hours 
the horn was distinctly heard. Guided by its 
repeated call, the place of rendezvous was soon 
reached. The most reliable dog was then sent 
forward to scent the track of the formidable 
cougar, and its course was told as the whole 
pack, following their leader, bore towards the 
interior of the swamp. The huntsmen with 
their rifles in great trim pressed on their rear, 
determined to have the panther or nothing for 
their prey. 
The dogs continued to quicken their pace and 
increase their noise, when suddenly their bark- 
ing altered, from which it was evident that the 
animal was treed, that is, he had ascended a tree 
for safety or to rest for.a few moments.* Should 
it not be shot when thus situated, a long chase 
must ensue. At this critical moment, the hunt- 
* When “treed,” panthers will ascend to the highest limba 
of the tallest trees to gain a perfect security. 
