Monmouth weekly herald. [volume] (Freehold, N.J.) 1854-1860, 1855-12-26
Exciting and Dangerous Encounter
With Wildcat

MI. IL. u. Simmons called at our ONCE
Tor the purpose of showing us remarka-
ble-specimen of Il wild animal which he
had shot and captured few days since
while on hunting excursion, below this
city about 50 niles near Herculaneum.
1t was Of the panther species and meas
ured in body two and d half feet long, and
twenty inches high. 1t had a short,
stumpy tail, six inches inslength, fblack
and white spotted ears, grayish hair. and
large limbs, to which was attached long
claws, of wonderful polish and sharpness.
The details of the capture of this fero-
cious native of the forest are thus nara.
ted by Mr.. Simmons:
He was armed with double-barreled
shotgun, one Of the barrels Of which was
useless. Not dreaming for an instant Of
meeting such formidable game, he was
sauntering leisurely along the Autumn
woods, depending upon a brace of hounds
to arouseany game that might be in reach.
Suddenly the deep bay of one Of the dogs
broke thesilence Of tie forest, and soon
was joined by the answering voice of the
other. Mr. Simmons quickened his steps
in the direction Of the hounds, expecting
to find a'eoon, possum or squirrel, the OBJ
.ject Of his dogs alarm. AS he came in
sight and glanced upward, he observed, at
a height of about forty feet from the
ground, lying alonga limb of an oak tree,
an animal which he at first supposed was
a domestic cat. He stood doubtingly,
watching its movements fora short peri
a Al LODI .fO sf,rr 70 al
Of a load Of shotinits body at all events.
Simultaneously with the report of the
gun, which freverberated far and wide
through the woods, down tumbled the
game, which no sooner had struck the
ground than both hounds attacked it with
great courage The charge of shot had
lodged in its side and its fall had also bro
ken its back, yet'it natural strength and
ferocity were so great that in moment
or two both dogs quit the contest and
came cowardly and crouchingly to their
masters feet.
Mr.. Simmonswhilet the fight was raging,
had been rcloading his gun, and when
ready fired another charge into the ami
malls body, which proved a death-shot.---
He now went forward and was surprised
to behold the size and character Of the ami
NAL that lay dead at his feet. AS he was
reloading, and while his dogs were taking
fresh courage and smelling around their
once powerful enemy, he was startled by
a crash in the leaves and dry brush in
front of him, and looking up. beheld at a
distance of about thirty feet another ami
NAL, which he at once thought to be the
mate of the female he had killed. TWAS
crouching at if ready to make spring
whileits tail was lashing the ground be-
hind, its hair erect on its back, and its
eyes flashing with rage. The situation Of
Mr. S. was very critical. He knew his
dogs were worthless against such foe,
and he felt certain that charge from his
shotgun, instead Of relieving him of his
enemy, would but aggravate its wrath and
render tie contest one Of still greater
desperation and danger. Excepting the
putting on of cap. his gun was loaded.
AS he lifted up-The butt Of the piece to
do this, the animal made huge bound,
and alighted within fifteen feet of where
he stood. The dogs had fed. At this
moment Mr.. S. remembered the popular
belief that the only way to conquer fe-
rocious beast was to look it full in the
eyes, and accordingly returned the fixed
gaze of the enemy, with all the resolution
he could command. lie then slowly
stopped down, ard selling the dead wild
cat by one of its legs, began slow and
deliberate retreat, not quitting for an in
slant his gaze, and depending solely upon
his feet to guide him to an open field
which lay at short distance.
The male wild cat followed, inch by
inch, maintaining, however, a respectful
distance, and awed, as it seemed, by the
superior look Of Dir. s. The skirt Of the
wood reached, the animal pursued no fur
Their, and the hunter took his way with a
brisker step and lighter heart for
home.
We suggest a grand hunt for this re
nlainiag wildcat of the Missouri woods.
Can't we have something after the fash
ion Of the Old Germany bear-hunt.- ST.
LOUIS Democrat.