The Ely miner. [volume] (Ely, Minn.) 1895-1986, 1909-11-19


but there is something about the
name of pather that brings out those
delicate essences of border romance
which have come down to us as heri-
tage from picturesque past of thrill
ing struggle and adventure. 1t is sig
nificant of the difference in tempera-
ment between the peoples north and
south of the international boundary
that whereas in the western states
the name mountain lion is now used
almost exclusively, in British Column
bia the animal retains the name of
panther.
Its somewhat truculent aspect and
terrific fighting powers when angered,
command respect, even among those
who are familiar with it's cowardly
nature, and in consequence the chase
Ct the panther is to-day regarded as
the most exciting sport, next to bear
hunting, that can be had on the
American continent. 1t is yearly grow
ing in popularity, and the number of
men who make long and expensive
journeys in order to enjoy it's excite
ments and spice of danger is already
very considerable.
The best season for hunting panth-
ers is the winter, and the best way is
with dogs. Stalking a panther is a
rare occurrence; but on occasions one
is shot over a carcass, or, more rare
ly yet, by chance when the hunter is
still-hunting other game. They are
stealthy creatures, however, and no
animal understands better the art of
keeping out of the way. Were their
capture dependent on human craft,
few would be killed. On the other
hand when pursued by dogs they sell
dom escape. N. w. Frost, famous
hunter of Cody, Wyo., has pack Of
Aierdales and hounds which are &C.
counted the most successful hunting
dogs in the west, and day spent
with them usually terminates in de-
lirious wake over the body of de-
funct lion.
Frost himself is credited with be-
ing the best hunter in a state where
hunters are abundant. Naturally, a
man who has spent large part of
his life in the wilderness, and has
killed scores of mountain lions, has
had many exciting experiences. On
one occasion, when he was out with a
party of eastern sportsmen, the dogs
freed a lion after long run across
some of the worst country In western
Wyoming, where lions are very abun-
dant. When the hunters came up
they found the lion braced in a fork
about 40 feet from the ground, fire in
its eye and rage in every hair of its
body. Photographs were taken, and
then one of the hunters stepped for
ward and fred But he was new to
the country and the game, and his
bullet merely cut through the base of
the lions ear. Ordinarily, such a
wound would not stir lion out of it's
tree, but for some reason-probably
because it was partly stunned-this
one launched out In clean leap of 60
feet, striking tho ground with thud
that should have knocked the breath
of life out of it's body. There was an
instant scattering OF men and dogs,
followed by an immediate re-assem-
bling of the dogs. For moment top
sy-turvydom reigned. Then the lion
bounced out of the melee and started
to climb a nearby pine. 1t scratched
up a little way, and seemed to be
clear of the dogs, when plucky Aire-
dale. making an astonishing spring,
fastened on the tip of its tail and
brought it down into the midst Of. the
pack. Thereupon. as they say in the