Maumee express. [volume] (Maumee City, Ohio) 1837-1838, 1838-03-24
COMMUNICATIONS.
For the Maumee Express.
A NIGHT IN THE BEECH WOODS,
BY AN IDLER

/ A ANAoA llN 1A1c w OOOJs
BY AN IDLER.
Eightor ten years ago, that portion of
Northern Pennsylvania, known ras the
Beech Woods, was very thinly inhabit-
ed, and the thick, heavy timber with
which the land abounded, render the TO-
rests gloomy and desolate. But since
the discovery of vast mines Of Anthra-
cite Coal, and the consequent improves
ments, many delightful villages have
sprung into existence, and numerous en- I
terprising settlers have caused the forest
to blossom as the rose.'
In 1871, my father was employed by
a company in Philadelphia to make sur
veys in that section of country bordering
north on the New York State line and
east on the Delaware, which was al.
most entirely uninhabited. Being then
but boy, and fond of roaming the fields
and woodlots at home, | imagined il
would be rare sport to accompany my
father. After many entreaties, and a
statement from him Of the great hard
ships should be compelled 10 endure, he
consented.
Shouldering knapsack Of provisions
and taking with me favorite rifle, | set
out in high spirits on my new and ardu-
Gus excursion. For the first day or two,
| kept pace with the company and had
many fine opportunities for displaying
my 6untsmanlike capacities, in shooting
pheasants, squirrels, &C., and on one oc-
casion wounded a large buck and only
needed good hound 10 have secured
him. On the fourth day | began to grow
weary of the sport, and often wished
myself at home, pouring over my school
book. Night at lengthovertook us, and
we encamped in the woods, at the foot
of one Of those high, towering mountains
which raise their majestic heads along
the shores of the Delaware. AS the sun
descended behind the western hills, and
night spread her shadowy mantle around
us, the brow of the mountain assumeda
deep, frowning gloom, and the overhang-
ing branches Of the dark shaggy hem
locks, rendered its appearance exceed
ingly dreary. We built large fire, and
seating ourselves upon rock overgrown
with moss and running vines, partook
Of the contents ofour knapsacks. had
never known food to taste so delicious
as on this occasion. Being both hum
cry and weary, | ate very hearty, and
retired to rest upon my blanket.
Being aware that the mountains along
the Delaware abounded with wild and
ferocious beasts, my father cautioned the
company against allowing the fire 10 be-
come extinguished, as its light was a.
sure safeguard against the invasion OF
any unwelcome night-prowler. To-
wards morning, awoke from troubled
sleep. The food had eaten sat heavy
upon my stomach, and frightful dreams
had continually harrassed me. The fire
was nearly extinguished, and every thing
presented dreary aspect. was al
ways afraidof the dark, and on this oc-
casion my fears were doubly oppressive.
| raised my head to take survey ofthe
premises, preparatory to rebuilding the
fire, when my eyes encountered a most
frightful object, no less formidable than a
huge Panther, crouched upon a fallen
tree, ready to spring upon me. Twas
too muchfrightened to scream, and dared
scarcely breathe. The fire was contlnu-
ally flashing up into brilliant light and
then dying away to a shadowy gloom.
When it was light could distinguish the
proportions Of his body, the shape ofhis
well made limbs, his huge jaws, and I
.frightful claws. When the light subsi-
ded, | could only see his glaring ewes,
having the appearance Of two balls Of fire,
rolling in their sockets, and flashing death
upon me.
Summoning all the courage Of which
Twas master, determined to shoot him!
My loaded rifle was lying close beside
INCREASING it perpendicular Ia the air,
turned upon my side, eased my body
upon my elbow, and resting tie rifle a.
cross the body my companion, too1a
deadly aim. The fire flashed 10 bright
ly, and could see his whole frame h.
deed, could almost see bis heart palpis
tate I'll felt sure Of him. He raised
himself upon his fore-feet, and bracin&
uponhis launches, prepared fora sprin&
Then the FIRE died away, and nothine
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