Please let me tell the Cousins of an exciting hunt for a famous animal here in the mountains of Southwestern Tamaulipas, Mexico. We have the largest known Mexican lions, and it is of one of the largest I wish to tell you.

Early one Sunday morning, Soltaro, a Mexican cowboy, came hurriedly into the ranchhouse to say he had just seen the tracks of a very large lion crossing the road, going down the Frank Young branch. At once, each hand was rushing for his horse, saddle and rope. Dogs were hurriedly sent for, horns were sounded, and the hunt was on. At the crossing of the branch, or creek, there were, sure enough, the biggest tracks ever seen in these parts. Two men, our very best trackers were selected to follow these tracks until it was found that the hounds could be trusted to take up the trail. On and on, the trackers went, we following with all dogs under leash.

Never did the beast quit the creek. As there was but little water, he had no trouble in making the creek bed his road of travel.

Two miles and still there was no order to turn loose the dogs; three miles and the monster cat found a log leading out of the creek bed into the thicket. Old Rush was called for and was at once wild to begin the chase. Only Rush and his mate, Queen, were loosed, and these two immediately took up the trail and soon we knew from their baying they had jumped the beast. In circles they ran, all the time in hearing, frequently coming within a few hundred yards of us.

Then a run was made that carried them almost out of hearing. But listen! They are coming nearer! All eyes were strained to see him, as it was plain he would come in sight. Yes, here he comes!

Jumping onto the log on which he had quitted the creek bed, down he came in great leaps. Just as he landed on the ground, our crack shot, Jess Crawford, fired at him. With one great jump he cleared the creek bed and was in the brush, with a half dozen dogs close on his heels. Running only a few yards, he returned to the creek. Jess fired a second shot that brought down the old fellow.

His length from tip of nose to his toenails on hind feet, 7 feet 4 inches, weight 400 pounds.

Later we learned he had killed a cow the night before; had eaten a large part of it. ---Geo. E. Blalock

(Thank you, Mr. Blalock, for the thrilling story of the big lion. Must say I'm glad I wasn't there, and the girl Cousins will feel the same, but every boy will wish he could have shared in the hunt! I will be glad if you will write us occasionally of adventures and scenes, and send some pictures too. The Cousins like adventure; so does Aunt Sallie.-Aunt Sallie.)