of pork, but the idea remains that it is not a sucking-pig.' This animal is met with all over America. I have seen it in Patagonia, and so plentiful is it there that the Patagonians make large mantles from their skins. Otter (Sutra).-Met with in the low wet prairies of the coast. Dog.-Is the general companion of the indian, hunting with him, and guarding his tent; sometimes the animal lies quiet until a stranger is right on him, and would spring and bite, if not prevented; at other times he gives an alarm the instant he scents, hears, or sees anything not familiar to him. He is of a pretty good size, rather long in the back, blackish small sharp eyes, long nose, and large mouth ; its bark is peculiar, not like that of the European dog, but rather approaching a sharp howl. Sometimes, when pressed for food, will lunt small animals on his « own hook," I have seen European dogs suffer much in Texas in the autumn months. On one occasion we had a dog and bitch with us, and going from the coast towards the west both were persecuted by the ticks (ricmia), their bodies being completely covered with them ; the dogs would come to us every now and then to have the ticks taken off. The dog, however, after much suffering, became very restless ; the head drcoped, the eye became dim and dilated, when one afternoon he gave a few piercing shrieks, ran round in a circle several times, appeared to be mad, and then ran off across the prairie into the timbers of the GuadaJupe; we never saw him more. The bitch, although much affected by the ticks and hot weather, having arrived at San Antonio, got rid of them after a while, became acclimated, and being left there we subsequently heard had commenced improving the breed. Fox (Canis).—The red or grey, and some blackish, is in great abundance. When closely pressed takes to a tree-a bullet whizzes through him-down he falls ; the skin sometimes preserved. Some sorts of dogs will go fox-hunting of their own accord, going cautiously to cover, scent out the fox, start him, give tongue and chase ; the fox soon takes to a tree ; the dogs then get up a furious stationary bark, when if anyone is near with his rifle, it is soon over with the fox. The wolf preys upon the fox, and to escape this pursuer runs up a tree, which the wolf cannot well do. Wolf (Canis lupus),-The large black variety is rare, but there is one called the “ prairie wolf,” which roams about in large packs all over the country ; their howling at night is rather uppleasant, but they are not known to attack man.' Puma (Felis concolor).--Cougar or catamount, American lion. I have hunted it in Chili, Peru, Buenos Ayres, and Texas, without observing any difference. It inhabits the vicinity of the Andes and the hottest plains. It preys on smaller animals and cattle, and may be sowewhat tamed. Jaguar (Felis onca).-Ounce, American tiger, or panther. - This beautiful animal is met with in the cane brakes of river bottoms, as well as in the western county. Ocelot (Felis pardalis).

-Smaller than the jaguar, partaking of its colour and other characteristics. I have occasionally seen the “ cats,” as they are called, of the two last, by some said to be varieties, but they appeared to me to be only young ones. I

Dr. Richardson, a friend of mine, gives the following description of a jaguar he shot on the Rio Grande :* " It measured five feet and four inches from the nose to the root of the tail. The skin appears somewhat ocellated at a distance; but the roundish fort of the black spots becomes an irregular square or patch upon a nearer

view. As one approaches still nearer, the skin is seen to be irregularly spotted, excepting along the back and upper part of the sides, froin the nose to the root of the tail, where it is marked by two regular longitudinal lines of broad elongated deep black patches, extending several inches in length, and forming almost continuous bands. The head is large, and of the feline rotundity and form, and the profile is distinguishingly prominent above the line of the eyes. The black rings towards the end of the tail are nearly circular. The jaguar somewhat resembles the leopard, felis leopardus, in these outlines, as well as in the distinctive features of the genus to which he belongs. There is the black tiger, felis niger, a native of South America, but probably found occasionally in more northern latitudes, which might be mistaken for the felis tigris, but it is only known among naturalists as a variety of the felis onca." I tried for some time to tame two small jaguars caught on the Nueces, but did not succeed.

Marsupialia.--Opossum (Didelphis). There are several species. It burrows in the ground, or the hollows of trees amongst the roots. Seldom seen in the day time. Attacks poultry at night. When huuted it takes to a tree and then shot. Its flesli is sometimes eaten. The female has a cavity under the belly in which she receives and suckles her young. So tenacious is this class of animals of life, that it has given rise to the following saying: -" If a cat has nine lives, an o; os. sum has nineteen."

Rodertia.---Squirrel (Sciurus). There are many species in Texas. They are good eating, fried with bacon The skin is used for making shoes and gloves, Flying Squirrel (Pteromys).-Has a membrane like a bat, i, e., the skin of the sides is extended from the fore to the hind limus, so as to form a sort of sail, which enables it to descend swiftly from a great height in the easiest and most pleasant manner, often passing over a considerable space, It delights in pine forests. Marinot (Arctomys).-Prairie Dog.–Fouud in very great numbers (A. ludovicianus). My friend Mr. Tietbout mentions as follows of this animal inet near the Arkansas :-"We passed through extensive dog villages, extending over thousands of acres. These dogs (marmots) were to be seen sitting at the entrance of their houses, and as we passed they barked at us. They burrow in the ground ; the hole is slanting ; and with their feet they pat the mud, when it becomes perfectly hard at the top, forming a sort of covered portico. Their feet and head have some similarity to the common dog, and are of a foxy colour. They appear to live on grass and roots. They are small, not being larger than the common musk rat or minx, and I am informed are very good eating-i, e., I should think when nothing better is to be obtained. It is said that rattle-snakes, owls (Strix cunicularia), and these marmots live in the same tenement. For the truth of this I cannot vouch, I have seen owls go into the dog-houses, but am under the impression that the house was deserted by its original tenant. Mouse (Mus). A small species found about habitations, and a larger in the fields and woods. Rats. --The Musk Rat, the Field Rat, and a Black Rat, the latter found particularly at Galveston, in all probability but recently imported by the shipping. Beaver (Castor).—On parts of the Rio Grande and the Puercos, the Indians take it with traps. Porcupine (Hystrix).-Hunted by the Indians, using the spines as ornaments. IIare (Lupus americanus). Sometimes called “Buck Rabbit.” It is smaller than the European hare. Found in great numbers West of San Antonio. It takes considerable leaps, requiring caution and dexterity to shoot them. Rabbit --There are two species, the swamp and grey rabbit, the latter found in the pine woods. I looked for the biscacha in the plains, and chinchilla in the mountains, but saw nope,

Edentata.-Vogatherium,- This animal, or rather bones of it, said to have been found at San Felipe de Austen.

Pachydermata.-Mammoth-Mastodon.--Bones and teeth of these found at San Felipe de Austen, and in other parts of Texas such-liko fossil bones are found. Hog (Sus).-Introduced from Europe. Tu new settlements they are of tho razor-back breed, and are found very useful in clearing new locations of snakes in particular. Hog (Ground. )--It is said to be small, and burrows, fighting hard against dogs ere it is taken. Peccary (Dicotyles Tajacu).-Found occasionally ; and once I went on a hunting expedition after them, near to Washington, when we got two young ones from under the roots of a tree. Its meat is good.

Solidungula --Horse (Equus caballus),--Introduced from Spain into the Americas, Here I shall only treat of the mustang or mestena, commonly called the Wild Horse of the Prairie. I have heard much concerning the numbers and excellence of the mustang from some, whilst the observations of others went to show that the animal was not generally what it was “ cracked up to be," being very wild, difficult to break in, full of strange tricks, always on the look-out to run away, and take to the woods when an opportunity offered ; difficult to saddle, bitiny, kicking, &c., &c. From opportunities I have had of seeing the mustaug in various parts of Texas, it appears to me to be inferior to the horses of the Pampas, being deficient in symmetry, &c. Kendall mentions the following, regarding the mustang :

" At sundown a drore of mustangs or wild horses of the prairie paid us a flying visit. They were first seen risiog a hill at the distance of half a mile, and as they were coming towards us were taken for Indians, Standing with their raised heads directly towards us, and forming a line as is their custom, it is almost impossible to take thein for any thing but mounted men. Having satisfied their curiosity, they wheelerl with as much regularity as a cavalry company, and galloped off, their thick long manes waving in the air, and their tails nearly sweeping the ground. Some are fine animals, always in excellent condition, and although smaller than our American horses, are still very compact, and will stand much fatigue. Many stories are told of a large white borse that has been seen often in the vicinity of the Cross Timbers, and near the Red River. He has never been known to gallop, but paces even faster than any horse that has been sent out after him can run; and so game and untiring is the ' II hite Steed of the Prairies,' for he is well known to trappers and traders by that name, that he has tired down no less than three racers sent out expressly to catch him with a Mexican rider. The latter had nothing but a lasso or lariat with him; but although he took a fresh borse after tiring one down, he was never near enough the noble animal to throw a slip-noose over bis head, or even to drive him into a canter. He has been known to paee a mile in less than two minutes, and can keep up this rate hour after hour, or until he has tired down whatever may be in chase. Large sums have been offered to any one who would catch him, and the at, tempt has frequently been made, but he still roams his native prairies in freedom, solitary and alone. One of the hunters even went so far as to tell me that he was too proud to be seen in company with the other mustangs, being a beautiful animal, of far better action than those of his race; but this part of the story I could not make it convenient to believe at the time,”

As a mustang, the animal cannot trace his descent very far back ere ho escaped from his Mexican master from the other side of the Rio Graude, or from the Apaches and Comanches, whose principal employment still consists in stealing horses and mules from the northern frontier of Mexico. The Indians seldom take the mustang, except when young, and then it serves as food, jerking or drying it. The hide is used for several purposes. The tail and mane are manufactured into cabrestos or hair ropes. When ropes are made of bide, then such are called lassos or larietes. I have seen the mustaug in droves of 50 to 200 or 300; but it appears that the “Great Texan mustang nation" roams about the fine musquit grass country between the Nuecs and the Rio Grande. The mustangs, when travelling, appear to be directed by a few, called by the hunters “their Captains," who gallop backwards and forwards outside the party they may bave in charge. When a party of wild horses get into a timbered country, they then go in single or “ Indian file.” Sometimes the mustang is noosed in the open prairie, but is generally driven into large pens. Another plan of taking them is to crese them ; this is done by wounding with a ball just under the mane, about the centre of the neck. When this has been done by a steady marksman, the animal falls, when he is easily taken, the wound soon healing. Should, however, the crese be made too low down in the neck, the animal dies. I have seen mustangs taken and tamed by the Indians in a few days, becoming most serviceable animals ; others retaining their daugerous tricks with “ mighty wicked eyes,” given to bite, kick, shy, making strange leaps, running the rider against trees, and other numberless “mustang accomplishments.” The “ Stampede”-- Fright or “scare" amongst horses. The word comes from the Spanish estampar, to stamp with the feet, and estampido, a noise such as the report of a gun. I have often seen small editions of the stampede in the western country. The vicinity of wild horses, violent thunder, the sudden appearance of Indians on horseback, a puma, deer, or other wild animal getting into camp, particularly at night, will produce the stampede, or fight amongst the horses. The following most graphic account is from a friend :

“We made but a short march this day, and finally encamped near a spring, some two miles from the Brassos. No wood was dear to cook with, and several of the men started off on horseback after it. One of them had a wild, half- broke Mexican pony, and having found a small dry tree cut it down, and very unwisely hitched it to his horse's tail. The animal took it unkindly from the first, and when within a quarter of a mile of camp, began to pitch and kick, and finally started off in a gallop, the cause of all his fright still hanging to him. He made directly for the camp, and soon several of the other horses began to show symptoms of fear at the unusual sight. 'A stampede ! cried out soine of the old campaigners - a stampede ! look out for your horses, or you'll never see them again!' resounded from all quarters. Fortunately for us, the more untractable horses had been hobbled, or staked out, before the stampede became general, else half of them would have been lost. It is singular the effect that sudden fright has, not only upon horses, but oxen, on the prairies. The latter will perhaps run longer and farther than the former, and although not so difficult to "head," from the fact that they cannot run so fast, their onward course it is impossible to stay. Oxen have been known to run forty miles without once stopping to take breath or to look back; and when they did finally hold up, it was simply because exhausted nature would allow them to go no farther. In the instance I have above alluded to, we did not miss a single horse; but at a subsequent period, no less than eighty-seven were irretrievably lost by one stampede. Nothing can exceed the grandeur of the scene when a large cavallada, or drove of horses, take a 'scare. Old, weather-beaten, time-worn, and broken down steeds--horses that have nearly given out from hard work and old age-will at once be transformed into wild and prancing colts. When first seized with that indescribable terror, which induces them to fly, it would seem that they have been suddenly endued with all the attributes of their original wild and free nature. With heads erect, lails and manes streaming in air, eyes lit up and darting beams of fright, old and jaded hacks will be seen prancing and carouring about with all the buoyancy of action which characterise the antics of young colts; then soine one of the drove, more frightened than the rest, will start off in a straight line, the rest scampering af er him, and apparently gaining fresh fears at every jump. The throng will then sweep along the plain with a noise something between a tornado and an earthquake, and as well might feeble man attempt to arrest the latter as the former in their onward course across the trembling earth. The grandeur of the spectacle, as I have said before, nothing can excel. Was the earth rending and cleaving beneath their feet, horses, when under the terrifying influence of a stampede, could not bound away with greater velocity or more majestic beauty of movement. I have witnessed many an interesting race, but have never seen anything half so exciting as the flight of a drove of frightened horses. The spectator, who may possibly have a nag among them, he has been unable to get into a canter by dint of spur and whip, sees his property fairly flying away at a pace that Boston or Fashion might envy. Better time,' to all appearance, he has never seen made; and were it not that he himself is as much astounded as the horse, there might be very pretty betting upon the race. On one occasion, when a closely hobbled horse was rushing madly along the prairie, under the influence of fright, his owner coolly remarked, I wish I could make that critter go as fast on my own account without hobbles as he can with them on, I'd gamble on him, sure.' And so it is. A sudden thunder gust in summer, a flying visit of cold Æolus in winter, a ten feet rise in the Mississippi over night, these, as similes, may give the reader something of the necessary idea; but the most graphic arrangement of words must fall far short in de scribing the startling and imposing effect of a regular stampede.”

Travelling in Texas is mostly performed on American horses, or thosc bred from them. A few English stallions have been introduced, and horse-racing much patronised.

Horse Racing.- Previous to the Mexican revolution, and even up to the settlement of Texas by the Austins, a few Mexican horses and the mustang were the only ones in the country. The settlers, many of whom brought with them their saddle horses, a few for breeding, and lastly, when the Texan revolution broke out, many good horses found their way into Texas for the use of the cavalry, are about the sources of thic present race. After the battle of San Jacinto, cities and towns were founded with rapidity, and amongst other things racecourses were formed, and races established, for the improvement of the breed of horses and for anrusement. At Galveston there is a good course, and at Houston also.“ Other towns have followed these examples, and some plauters have formed courses upon their lands. I was present at a raco for 500 dollars (Diddler v. Moll-row), American horses, or what in England would be called ponies--not standing more than fourteon bands higli. The distance to be run 600 yards. This is more like the South American distance than English, and the race in some measure gained by the jump horses are taught for short distances, than for a long run.