STRATEGY VERSUS STRENGTH. 27 



During severe winters, the puma is frequently obliged to go for long periods 

 without food, as the deer, which it often makes its prey, are capable of serious 

 resistance — the does being usually accompanied by the bucks, whose sharp horns, 

 wielded with great dexterity, render them no despicable antagonists. At such times 

 it will pay a visit to the sheep-fold, and create great slaughter among its terrified 

 and helpless inmates. For it is naturally cruel in disposition, and slays, when it 

 has the opportunity, more than is required for the moment's consumption. When 

 pursued by the hunter with his hounds, if closely pressed, this active animal 

 betakes itself to some lofty tree, where snugly ensconced in the fork of a large 

 branch, generally lying close to the trunk, it looks down quietly upon its four-footed 

 pursuers that bark angrily at the base of the tree, and bound against its sides, in 

 their vain efforts to reach their natural enemy. Even when shot and mortally 

 wounded, so as to be obliged to leave its place of refuge, and to fall headlong into 

 the midst of the waiting pack, it is capable of making a serious defence, and is 

 rarely despatched before some of the dogs are killed — its terrible teeth and claws 

 making fearful and ghastly wounds. Such is the fierce animal portrayed in our 

 illustration ; and now, having obtained an insight into its habits and mode of life, 

 let us witness the manner in which the occurrence happened, which made it 

 necessary to bring into play all the strategical power of the imperilled deer, to free 

 itself from the strength and fury of its unwelcome rider. 



Walking quietly through the forest, cropping the tender leaves that hang 

 above their heads, a small troop of female Wapiti are seeking a suitable place to 

 pass the dark hours of the coming night. Unaccompanied by their armed guardians, 

 who at this season are dwelling apart in chosen loneliness, they trust for protec- 

 tion to their quick sense of smell and hearing, as well as to their powers of speed. 

 The pure, soft breeze is borne to them untainted by any lurking foe, and no hostile 

 sound has arisen to startle their early-awakened fears. But, at no great distance 

 away, their greatest enemy is watching the unconscious deer with eyes of fire. He 

 marks their projected course, and, on velvet feet, steals softly away to the over- 

 hanging branch of a lofty tree that spans their chosen path ; and crouched close 

 against the limb, waits for their coming. He lies like a figure carved in stone, 

 giving no sign of life, save by the unconscious movement of the claws as they 

 indent the yielding bark. Slowly they come, those timid, graceful creatures, ever 

 and anon stopping to sniff the air, or to catch with ample ears the sound of an 



