Daily globe. [volume] (St. Paul, Minn.) 1878-1884, 1878-08-21
THE n1AN-EArEK" OF EEL R1vE1
Il HuntbOldt County Man Encounters ,
Formidable Ricer M0nstcr


Formidable Ricer Monster.
Eureka Times.
6. d. Schumacher, of Garberville, has had
the good or bad luck to have seen the IMAM
eater'' of Eel river, and sends the following
report to the Tunes: AS some of your
readers are somewhat interested in the big
snake in the south fork of Eel river, I will
give you some facts for which I will vouch
myself. The snake is not snake, as re-
ported, but an animal somewhat similar |
have seen it, have fought it,
! and conquered. AS l have seen it
and watched it at close range, | will
| give you correct description, OF as near as
can. lfyou or your readers can imagine
you see crocodile, an alligator, Lizard
or water dog, you can form as good an
idea OF its looks as l can. It is between
eight and nine feet long, the head is about
seven inches broad, the body increasing
! slightly about four feet back: the back is
oval, belly flat, color white; the back is
about the color of a water-dog with dark
spots all over. For about three and half
feet from the head back the tail begins and
forms round, and the end is without point
and looks as if it was cut off, leaves the butt
from one and a half to two inches across.
The end of the tail is yellow for about
two and half feet, with dark rings around
it. The two web feet, close behind
the head, the legs about three inches long;
the head is seven inches across and shaped
like frogs; black eyes as large as % cent
pieces. The animal, whatever it is, moves
like an alligator OF crocodile. Last Satur-
| day, or rather yesterday, left Garberville,
coming down the South Fork on my way to
bonneville. After crossing the South
Fork numerous times | came to the last eros
sing, about two miles above what is called
Dyer's Ranch. Starting my horse at the
ford, [ cast my eyes across the river to see
where the outcome was, and measuring the
depth of the middle with my eyes, [ was
about seven feet in the river when nv horse
SHE'D. Looking down on the off or left
side saw strange sight;
head, shoulders and web-feet of
a monstrous animal under my horses feet.
Thinking my time had come, and not having
time to think of any sins, / spurred my
horse to jump from there, which he very
readily did. On looking back, the water
being being clear, saw the monster in the
place where l left it. Taking courage, re-
turned toward it within about four feet |
fired my single-barreled deringer at his head
to watch his movements. Shortly otter my
shot this animal rose, turned over, and
tloated on top. The current being very still,
it almost remained in the same place. and
then it turned over and went down again.
Seeing it was not on the fight,
L repeated the same dose twice, with
the same result, but the third time it came
up it kicked up fearful racket, beating the
water with Its tail and splashing it over me.
Not having more ammunition, I withdrew
from the battlefield. AS luck would have
1t, some Indians were camped within hailing
distance. When they saw me charging back
and forth in the river and shooting at some
thing, they came running toward me. They
! happened to have rifle and two bullets.
which they brought to me. The animal was
turning toward me. The first shot l fred
was line shot, but came short about
eighteen inches. By this time the beast had
again turned toward me, and
came at a fearful rate. Taking a dead
aim firod. At the crack of the gun the
animal made terrible plunge, and then
turned over, its head turning down stream
and floating into deep water. Not having
any more ammunition, I filled my pockets
with rocks, mounted my horse, and followed
the animal as close as prudence would per-
nit 1 fired rocks at it, bat it never moved.
The Indians would not go near the water,
| but promised if it was dead they would skin
| the animal for me and save the hide. For
all of the above will youch This is not
fiction. If I had known that was so near
to habitation-within two miles of Myers'
Il should have staid longer with the beast.
as it may turn out to be quite curiosity.
The handsomest suite of bachelro's quarters
in the city for rent, with furniture for sale at
a great bargain. House contains all the mod
ern conveniencies. Location most desirable.
Inquire at this office.
Soldiers Additional Homesteads for sale by
MORTON MOORE & Co.,