The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1856-02-09
Select 4Hnsfellaup.
An Encounter With WIG Cats.

Mr.. r. ID. Simmons, has called at the
Office of the St. Louis Democrat for the pur
pose Of showing remarkable specimen of q
wild animal, which he had shot and captured
IA few days since, while on q hunting eXcur.
sion near llcrculancum. 1t was of the pan.
thcr species, and measured in body. % feet
| long, ard about 20 inches high. 1t had q
short stump tail e inches in length, black
AMI white spotted cars, grayiSh hair and
| large limbs, to which was attached long
claws, of wondcrful polish and sharpness. -
| The details of the capture of this ferocious
| native of the forest arc thus narrated by Mr..
| Simmons
lie was armed with double barrcllcd shot
gun, one of the barrels Of which was useless.
Not dreaming for an instant of meeting such
formidable game, he was saunterng lcisurely
| along the autumn woods, depending upon a
brace Of hounds to arouse any game that
be in. Suddenly the deep bay of one of the
dogs broke the silence of the forest, and soon
was joined by the answering voice of the
other. Mr.. Simmons quickcncd his steps in
the direction of the sounds, expecting to find
coon, 'possum or squirrel, the object of his
dogs alarm. As he came in sight and
glanced upward, he observed at a height of
about forty feet from ground, lying along
IL limb of an oak tree, an animal which he at
first supposed was a done tic cat.
lie stood, doubtingly, wa CHING its move
ments for a short period, and then concluded
to try the effect of load of shot in its body,
at all events. Simultaneously with the re-
port of the gun, which revcrberated far and
wide through the woods, down tumbled the
game, which no sooner had struck the grounl
than the hounds attacked it with great cour-
age. The charge Of shot had lodged in its
side and the fall had broken its back yet its
natural strength, and ferocity was so great
that in a moment Or two both dogs quit the
contest, and came cowardly and crouchingly
at their masters feet.
Mr.. Summons, 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 rcloading, and while his
dogs were taking fresh courage, and smelling
round their powerful enemy, he was startled
by crash in the leaves and dry brush in
front of him and looking up, beheld at a
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 a
spring while its tail was laShing the ground
behind, its hair erect, and its eyes flashing
with rage. The situation of Mr.. S. was very
critical lie knew his dogs were worthless
against such foe, and he felt certain that a
charge from his shot gun, instead of r,liey-
ing him of his enemy, would but aggrayate
its wrath, and render the contest one of still
greater desperation and danger. Excepting
the putting on cap his gun was loaded
AS he lifted up the butt ofhis piece to do this,
the animal made huge bound, and alghted
within fifteen feet of where he stood. The
dogs had fled
At this moment MIR. S. remembered the
popular belief that the only way to conquer a
ferocious beast was to look it full in the eyes
and accordingly returned the fixed gaze of
his enemy with all the Iesout on he could
command. lie then slowly stopped down,
and SCI i " the dead wild ca. by one Of its
legs, began slow and deliberate retreat, not
quitting for moment his gaze, and depend
ing sol " upon his feet to guide him toward
an opcn fi.ld which lay short distance next
the cd.
The male wild cat followed, inch by inch,
maintaining, however, a respectful distance,
and awcd as it seemed, by the superior look
of Mr. S. The skirt of the wood reached, the
animal pursued no further, and the hunter
took his way with br SIX ep and lighter
heart for home.