Alma record. (Alma, Mich.) 1878-1928, 1891-02-13
HOW TO HUNT THE COON.



There is but one way Of hunting the
coon. Hunted only at night, to fol-
low him the boldest rider must dis
mount. vet he who risks neck and
limb, or melts or freezes for sports
sake. aud deems no sport manly that
has not spice of danger or discom-
fort IN it. must not despiSe this humble
pastime for such reason.
On leaving the highway that leads
nearest to the hunting ground, the
way of the coon hunters takes them. in
darkness or feeble lantern light. over
rough and uncertain footing, till the
cornlield's edge is reached and the
dogs cast off. Away 90 the hounds,
their course only indicated by the
rustling of the corn leaves. as they
range through the field. until one old
trutn-teller gives tongue on the trail
of Br'er Coon, who perhaps has brought
his whole family out for nocturna
picnic. The hounds sweep straight
away, in full cry. on the hot scent to
hill or swamp where their steadfast
baying proclaims that the game is
freed.
Then follows a pell-mell scramble
toward the musical uproar. Stones.
brambles and all the inanimate enc
mics that lie in wait for man when he
hastens in the dark. combine to trap,
bump. bruiSe, sprain, scratch. and be-
mire the hurrying hunters.
Then when all have gathered at the
center of attraction. where the excited
hounds are raving about the boil of
some great tree, the best and boldest
climber volunteers to 60 aloft into the
upper darkness and shake the quarry
down or shoot him if may be. Ii he
succeeds in accomplishing the difficult
task what a melee ensues.
Fewer voices never broke the still
ness of night with sounds more un-
earthly than the medley of raging.
yelping. and growing. cheering and
vociferous orders given forth by dogs.
coon aud hunters. while hillside and
woodland toss to and fro mere dis
cordant bandage of echo.
The coon is not great beast. but a
tough aud sharp-toothed one. who car
ries beneath his gray coat and fat ribs
a stout heart and wonderful vitality.
and n tussle with veteran of the tribe
of cornicld robbers tests the pluck of
dogs aud the GOODNESS of men.
If the coon takes refuge in tree
too tall and limbIess for his pursuers
10 climb, there is nothing for them but
TO keep watch and wait till daylight
discovers him crouched in his lofty
perch.
A huge fire eulivens the long hours
of guard-keeping. A foraging party
repairs TO the nearest corntield for
roasting ears and the hunters shorten
the slow night tide with munching
scorched corn. sauced by joke aud
song and tales of coon hunts of by
gone years.
The waning moon throbs into view
above a scrrated hill-crest. then climbs
the sky. while the shadows draw east
ward then pales in the dawn and
when it is Il bIotch of white cloud in
the zenith. "A sunrise gun welcomes
day and brings the coon tumbling to
earth. Or, perhaps, not coon. but
some vagrant house cat is the poor re-
ward of the long watch. Then tho
weary hunters plod homeward 10
breakfast and the mailing of their
trophies to the barn door.
When the sweet acornS, dropping in
the frosty night, tempt the coon 10 a
later feast. there is rs good sport and
primer peltry. In any of the nights
wherein this sport may be pursued,
the man Of lazy mold and contempla'
tive mind loves best the hunt deemed
unsuccessful 6y the more ardent hunt
org whom the hounds strike the trail
of a wandering fox aud carry Il tide OF
wild music, flooding aud ebbing over
valley and hilltop, while the indolen,
hunter reclines at ease. smoking hi,
! pipe and listening, content TO let more
ambitious hunters stumble over ledge,
and wallow through swamps in pur
suit of the elusive coon.--F'oreSt dnc
Stream.