er animals, that we had
at first taken for dogs, but that we now recognised, by their bushy
tails, sharp snouts, and short erect ears, to have at least as much of
the wolf as dog in them. They were of that kind often met with among
the Indians, and might more properly be called dog-wolves than
wolf-dogs. There were at least half-a-dozen of them sauntering about.
But the most fearful-looking of all were two animals of a tawny red
colour, that lay in crouching attitudes within the porch, almost at the
feet of the woman. Their round, cat-like heads and ears, their short
black muzzles, their white throats, and pale reddish breasts, told us
what they were at a glance.

"Panthers!" ejaculated my companion, drawing a long breath, and looking
at me with a puzzled air. Yes; they were panthers--so called by the
hunters, but more properly cougars--the _felis concolor_ of the
naturalists--the lion of America.

In the midst of all these fierce creatures, the two young girls were
moving about, apparently unconcerned at their presence, while the
animals appeared equally unconcerned about them! The whole scene
reminded us of the fanciful pictures, we had seen, of that time promised
in the Sacred Book, when all the earth shall be at peace, and "the lion
shall lie down with the lamb."

We did not stop to see more. We were satisfied, and went back for our
companions. In five minutes after, the whole of us entered the
clearing, and rode up to the house. Our sudden appearance produced
consternation on all sides. The men shouted to each other--the horses
neighed--the dogs howled and barked hoarsely--and the fowls mingled
their voices in the clamour. We were taken, no doubt, for a party of
Indians; but we were not long in making it understood who and what we
were. As soon as our explanations were given, the white man invited us,
in the politest manner, to alight, and partake of his hospitality. At
the same time he gave orders for our dinner to be prepared; and,
desiring us to lead our horses into one of the enclosures, he commenced
throwing corn into a large wooden trough. In this he was assisted by
the negro, who was his servant, and the two young lads, who appeared to
be his sons.

As yet we had not ceased to wonder. Everything around us was strange
and inexplicable. The animals, which none of us had ever seen, except
in their wild state, were as tame and gentle as farm cattle; and we
noticed some new species at every tu