Lewistown gazette. [volume] (Lewistown, Pa.) 1843-1944, 1852-02-13

er to give chase 10 turkeys again unless
mounted.
At stream known as Turkey creek,
where our party lay in camp day, we
found the greatest abundance of this fine
bird. 1t was the place before alluded to,
where SO many deer had been shot, On
the same day three men brought into camp
upwards OF thirty turkeys. This bird, on
an average, is heavier than our domestic
turkey. lis flesh is much the same taste.
Indeed | could not recognize anv differ
ence. The last we saw of them was about
200 miles west Of the Rio Grande. The
country between here and there is too bar
rem for any game of the feathered kind.
Even the Pecos did not, in the one hun
dred and fifty miles we travelled along the
banks, afford any game.
THE PRAIRIE FOWL.
This bird, which belongs to the pheasant
species, abounds in the lower part of Tex
as. have seen none this side of the Pc
cos, and but few between that river and
San Antonio. In the rich prairies below
San Antonio toward the coast, this game
is very abundant, and is in all respects the
finest bird in that region. In size, it is be-
tween a partridge and domestic fowl.
In the prairie it steps along with its head
elevated, and resembles the latter more
than the former. 1t is easily approached
and more easily shot. It's meat resembles
that of the partridge in taste, although
somewhat darker in color So much has
been said of the prairie fowl, which is
well known III the Western States, that
further notice is unnecessary.
ANECDoTE OF THE BLACK TAILED DEER.
\ few evenings since, a stranger visiting
our rancho, brought with him large dog
but no sooner had he entered the area of
the rancho than he was attacked by dog
OF similar size, belonging to the estab-
lishment So violent was their onset, ac-
companied by such a noise, that they
brought out all the occupants of the rancho,
myself among the rest. The Mexicans
clenched the dogs and tried to separate
them, bat their efforts were vain their
noise and screams having the effect rather
to urge the combatants on than to separate
them. Abouta dozen persons stood around.
when the deer, which always came within
the area at night, hearing the noise, stepped
up and took his place among us, eyeing the
fight with great apparent interest. But he
soon became excited, and raised his tail
and ears and took near position, watch
ing the efforts of the men to separate the
dogs. But no sooner had they given up
the task as bad job, than the deer plunged
at the combatants, and with one blow of
his fore feet knocked them heels over head
some ten feet, causing them to let 90 their
grasp.
But the separation was momentary, for
the dogs again flew at each other with the
greatest rage, as though bent to tear each
other to pieces. The Mexicans now took
them by their tails, pulling them in oppo-
site directions, but they still grasped each
others ,hroa,s. The deer had again taken
up his position among US, aud after watch
ing the second efforts TO separate the ami
mails, coolly walked up near them, pranced
about as a EoIicksoinc horse, when max
ing another plunge, he tore them asunder,
and drove them out of the arena. He
then walked leisulely to the gateway, his
usual place of sleeping, and stretched him.
self on the ground, apparently well pleased
with the adventure.
We have four dogs about the premises,
which the deer knows well; but when
any strange cur puts his nose within the
gateway, our so-caled timid creature rush
es at him instantly, and drives him away.