The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1893-08-02
I4SSOED TIE PANTH Err.
The Exciting Experience OF Two Hunter
I'm Oregon.

The first panther story of the season
Is a good one and comes from the South
ern portion OF the country, says the Gold
Beach Gazette II happened one day last
week in this wise. Early in the week
Fred Smith, a son-in-law Of Mr.. SnOd-
grass, and a man named Hardenbrook,
shouldered their guns for jaunt in tbe
hills. and. calling a favorite dog, started
up the trail They were merely on trip
to hunt up cattle and count the number
OF calves with which they had been en-
riched. therefore they took but a small
amount Of ammunition for their rifles.
They were but partially successful in
their search, and after being out several
hours, started homeward, each having
four bullets left I'm his rifle. and not
anxious to meet any large game.
Their dog, however, was more ambi-
tious and with a predispostion to dis
cover and worry felines, soon had his am
bition gratihed by soaring up a panther.
which he forced into tree after garru-
lous but harmless matinee. The hunters,
hearing the turmoil, went 10 the rescue OF
the dog. and soon were pumping lead at
the terrified beast. The last shot from
Hardenbrooks rife broke a hind leg OF
the panther at the shank, and with howl
Of rage he was upon the ground making
II interesting for the dog. However, the
combination OF dog men. rocks, and CLUBS
brought into play was too mucn for hlh'
and he again took TO a tree. Here was
given Smiths opportunity for record
as n narksman, and he made the record.
Three shots failed to take effect, whlle
the fourth and last one raked the panther
fore and aft. blowing a furrow through
his skin, but failing TO dislodge nm.
with ammunition all gone and the
wounded panther still able TO wag Ills
tail in defiance from the limo OF the tree'
the men held n consultation as to what
sbouId no done. and finally decided not 20
20 home unless they could take the var
minis hide home with them. They finally
hlt upon a plan, and at once put II into
execution. Taking a lariat from one oil
the horses. they made a running moose
in the end Of Il. Then, securing pore
Smith climbed the tree and endeaVoied 10
,iio Tho moose over the panthers head.
The animal was TOO sharp for him. now
over and every time the rope ana pole
came near he sent IL away with strCh9
NJ his paw. In his efforts 10 protect nus
head. however, the panther forgot ms
mind quarters, and carelessiy lcI no
broken leg dangle below the iino. re
l,rev NOT the men he was dealing wlth'
for seeing this leg, Smith succeeded III
Ginning The moose over II and ughtenins
i, inst where the break occurred, the
broken bone keeping the rope from slip
ping. ..u.,o, ~ the
Ground the dog was turned loose the men
began to pull and the circus was III IuI
operation. The panther heid on ~,
awhile. but his endurance was not equal
TO the strain, and as he came Gown 'lie
air seemed filled with teeth, tails, spit,
fire and fur, which lit close 10 the Dog
There was a short and interesting Dout
when the varmint broke away and MADE
a dash for one OF the men. BY qulcA
manipulation Of the rope, however me
PANTHER was thrown over the edge OF
high bank. where completely used up ne
dangled until killed by liberal use oil
clubs and stones, and his hide was car
ried home I'm triumph by the victors-
Last week was good one Tor polh
panthers and Smiths. During the "eeN
Albert Smith. Of Hunters Creek, was out
after his COW and came across panther
I'm the brush. He fired shot at the aul-
NAL. but failed TO hit IL, as II escaped III
the brush. Coming on toward n"Hle
Sr,ttb dIecovered the panther was follow
,na, him and. watching for a good oppor-
turitv he caught sight Of IT In an open
Mace and by a well-directed shot stopped
i,s further progress. II proved TO be
female that measured eight feet long.
During the middle of the week sam
Collins while coming up from PISTOL
river. saw three panthers alongside the
road. Having but a pistol, he talled 20
hit any OF them, though he TOOK seVeaal
shots Later he returned with rlne,
hut the rain had obliterated the tracks OF
the animals and he was unable 10 tran
them I'D.