Montgomery County sentinel., 1880-04-30
freed by w olives.

A letter from Williamsport, Pa, TO Phila-
delphia paper says: Wolves have been un-
usually plenty in portions of Elk and Nc
Kean counties, and many farmers have lost
large numbers of sheep from these bold
intruders. Heavy rewards were offered in
some instances for the destruction of the ami
mails, and many exciting adventures are re-
ported by those who engaged in the search
In wild part of Elk county it is reported
that pack had repeatedly followed stage,
and the inhabitants were kept in constant
state of alarm for fear of being attacked at
night by the ravenous beasts
Richard Davidson and Porter Smith, of
Jersey Shore, stimulated partly by the large
reward and partly by a spirit of adventure,
started out on grand wolf hunt early last
week. They proceeded to Elk county by
rail, accompanied by a boy about fourteen
years of age who insisted on going along.
Leaving the cars at st. Marys they proceed
ed to the haunts of the wolves in the wilder
ness, where they had been attracted by the
carcass of an OK which had died some days
before. They Travelled in light wagon,
drawn by two horses of little value, so that
in case of disaster the loss would not be
heavy. They had abundance of ammuni-
ton, two double-barreled rifles, provisions,
ropes, axes, etc. Within short distance of
the hunting ground was an old deserted sta.
Bile, which had been used by crew of lum-
bermen. The horses and wagon were left
there in care of the boy when they started
for the hunting ground each carrying pine
board about sixteen feet long, for the pur-
pose of putting up platform. They found
two small trees, about twelve feet apart
where they erected platform with the
plank and rope about fifteen feet above tho
ground, and to each tree they fastened ropes
to assist them up and down. They then
started in search of the wolves, leaving their
guns on their platform, cautiously watching
each step of the way. Their pockets were
filled with asaltntida, in order that the wolves
might scent them. They had gone but a
short distance when the wolves made their
appearance, and they Immediately retreated
and ascended the platform, when the wolves
were at the base of the trees in n few minutes.
They selected four of the pack and shot
them ut once, when, to their discontinue,
they discovered that through an oversight
they had left the ammunition at the stables,
and they were without powder or ball. The
prospect was not cheering. Night was com
ing on and the cold was severe They had
but little room on the platform to move
around, and at the foot of the trees drove
of wolves, which their Imagination magni-
fled into almost legion, were making night
hideous with their howlings and jumping
up half way TO the platform. They secured
themselves TO the boards and trees by means
of ropes, SO that il overcome for want Of sleep
they might not fall II they should lose their
balance. Davidson threw n small piece of
meat, strongly seasoned with strychnine,
among them, and soon had the satisfaction
of seeing one of the number struggling in
the agonies of death. Soon after dark the
pack was reinforced by three more hungry
looking devils, which had been attracted by
the howings The night was spent on the
and IL was a night of terror, made
all the gloomler by the yells Of the iniu-
rated beasts, maddened by their Intellectual
attempts 10 reach the scaifold. Some time
In the night portion Of them left, and the
sharp crack of revolver was proof that the
boys place Of refuge had been discovered.
About sunrise the remainder departed in the
direction Of the carcass Of the OK.