Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1855-12-19
From the st. Louis Democrat
Exciting and Dangerous Encounter with two
Wildcats

Mr.. r. d. Simmons called at our Office for
the purpose of showing a remarkable speci-
men of wild animal which he had shot and
captured a few days since, while on a hunting
excursion, below this city about thirty miles,
near Herculaneum. 1t was of the panther
species, and measured in body % feet long
and 30 inches high It had short stumpy
tail. six inches in length, black 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 ferocious
native of the forest are thus narrated by Mr..
Simmons:
He was armed with bouble-barreled shot
gun, 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 arouse any game that
might be in reach. Suddenly the deep bay
of one of the dogs broke the silence Of the fo-
rest, and soon was joined by the answering
voice of the other. Mr.. Simmons quickened
his steps in the direction of the hounds, ex-
pecting to find coon, possum or squirrel the
object of his dogs alarm As he came in
sight and glanced upward he observed. at
height of about forty feet from the ground,
lying along limb of an oak tree, an animal
which he at first supposed was domestic cat
He stood doubtingly, watching its movements
for short period, and then concluded to try
the effect of load of shot in its body, at all
events Simultaneously with the report of
tue gun, which reverberated far and wide
through the woods down tumbled the game,
which no sooner had struck the ground than
both hounds attacked 1t with great courage
The charge of shot had lodged in its side, and
its fall had broken its back. yet its natural
strength and ferocity were so great that in a
moment or two both dogs quit the contest,
and came cowardly and crouchingly to their
masters feet.
Mr. Simmons, while the fight was raging.
had been reloading his gun. and when ready
fired another charge into the animals body,
which proved death shot. He now went
forward, and was surprised to behold the size
and character of the animal that lay dead at
his feet As he was reloading, and while his
dogs we're taking fresh courage and smelling
around their once powerful enemy, he was
startled by crash in the leaves and dry bush
in front of him, and looking up beheld at
distance of about thirty feet, another animal,
which he at once thought to be the mate of
the female he had killed. 1t was crouching
as if ready to make spring, while its tale
was lashng the ground behind, its hair erect
on its back, and its eyes flashing with rage.
The situation of Mr.. S. was very critical. He
knew his dogs we've worthless against such a
foe, and he felt certain that charge from his
shot gun, instead of relieving him of his ene-
my, would but aggravate its wrath and rem
der the contest one of still greater desperation
and danger. Excepting the putting on of a
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 15 feet of where he stood.
The dogs had fed. At this moment Mr.. S.
remembered the popular belief that the only
way to conquer ferocious beast was TO look
it full in the eyes. and accordingly returned
the fixed gaze of his enemy with all the reso-
luton he could command. He then slowly
stopped down, and sezing the dead wild cat
by one of its legs, began slow and deliberate
retreat not quitting for an instant his gaze,
and depending solely upon his feet to guide
him to an open field which lay at a short dis
tancc.
The male wild cat followed, inch by inch,
maintaining, however, respectful distance.
and awed, as it seemed, by the superior look
of Mr.. s. The skirt of the wood reached,
the animal pursued no further. and the hum
ter took his way with a brisker step and
lighter heart for home.
We suggest grand hunt for this remaining
wild cat of the Missouri woods. Can't we
have something after the fashion of the Old
Germany boar-hunt?
EE Two young ladies of Indianapolis,
Ind yara ont riding in buoov by them