University reporter; (Athens) 18??-current, December 03, 1887, Image 1

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DEVOTED TO THE INTERESTS OF \l'HE TO VOL. VII. 5RSITY OF GEORGIA. ATHENS, GA., SATURDAY DEC. 3,1887. NO. 8 A WINTER IN THE ROCKIES. The increasing severity of tiie cold and constantly recurring snow storms warned us that winter was upon us, and that it behooved us to prepare for the four months. Ac cordingly our party was disbanded, and as it subsequently happened, never to meet again. Every man was tob! to look out for himself, though this was entirely unnecessary advice, for if we did not look out for ourselves, we would soon have been food for the coyotes, that roam ed so plentifully around us. Most of the boys decided that they had enough of roughing, and all but three started to Helena to spend the winter as comfortably as possible. We t hree though, reali zing the privations we must under go, resolved to have a whole winter of hunting, fishing and other winter sports. We selected a place for our winter home, at the head of the lake where Swan river empties into it.— The place was adtnitably suited to our wants, being sheltered front the cold winds that sweep across the lake, by several over hanging cliffs. It was also adjacent to fire wood, and the lake near by furnished us an abundance of good water. After much difficulty, for we were novices in that art, we built a small log cab in. This was a very plain and ’un pretentious affair—having no floor, and tiie roof consisting of poles stretched across from side to side, these poles being covered with dirt. This answered every purpose, as we were in tire rainless belt of America We laid in a supply of provisions, cooking utensils, and other neces saries from a neighboring trading post, and our life began in earnes*. The first thing to be done was to obtain a supply of meat, as our larder was minus thatartitcle. Ry. and I decided to try our luck,so in tl e morning we rose early, and put off in our canoe down the lake. The lake was perfectly calm and we made good progress until pfter go ing about five miles, the wind began to freshen, and the swell became so heavy that we bad tc put ashore to keep from being swamped. A heavy snow was on the ground, and at the water’s edge, we could see any quan tity of d eer tracks. Here and there would be large trails, that looked like they had been made by la drove of cattle. The signs of d’er were everywhere, and we knew fiat we would soon have some fun. We seuarated, l keeping near the like and following the In dian trail,while my partner went fun, hei in o the timber, our courses being parallel. I followed down the trail for about a quarter, when com ingon a little rise I saw on the other side of this - mountain, about 300 yards from me a heard of deer feed ing; as I came into view every head was raised, and with head erect they watched me intently . It was a l$ng shot, but seeingthat they were trtriitened and about to run. I deteir^iined to try them. 1 elevated llmfrighi.s of my Winches ter and tookjsteady aim at the lead er of the guiig, an anriered buck To my surprise he fell, and the mb ers with frantic leaps made off'. I fired two shots at them, but without suc cess. After dressing the buck and securing him from the coyotes, 1 eonllnif'eiTmweti die trail. I hud walked but a few minutes when 1 approached a cop*e of fir bushes; knowing that this was the favorite refuge of the deer in snow-storms, I approached with caution. I saw nothing until fairly into the clump when suddenly the woods around me were filled w ith fleeing forms. 1 had unawares eome upon a sleeping deer, and was almost upon them be fore I was discovered. They made a few leaps, and then stopped in be wilderment, uncertain which way to run. Two of th e largest halted al most together, in a little open spot; that gave me a fair shot. I fired quickly—one fell, and before the other one could move off I had her. I approached in ecstasy anti louud that they were two large does. I uow had three fine deer—a pret ty good day’s sport already, but I was not half satisfied. 1 had not walked out of gun shot, when a large buck sprang from the side of the trail and started off. As he jumped a log, I fired at him, but missed him. Confused by the sound, and not knowing from whence it came, he stopped. This was my opportunity and I had a beautiful shot as he stood side ways to me, his head thrown back as he gazed in wonder at me. I aimed at his eye and he fell without a struggle. As I was cleaning him I heard a snort, and looking up I saw in the trail, not 40 feet from me, the prettiest sight I ever beheld—an old doe and a fawn were there gazing on the strange sight. Mv rifle was leaning against a tree some few feet away, and I jumped for it. As I jumped they made off, and by the time I bed my gun ready they were out of range. I killed three more before the day was over, and when I joined my partner, I found that he had bagged two.— [’here we had 8 fine deer for our day’s hunt, but what do with them was now the question. We decided to take them home in the boat with us. The lake was now very rough, and the waves were dashing and beating upon the rocky banks in a manner that was harrowing to a person that knew he had to ride for six miles in a frail canoe on these waves, with every probability of be ing swamped. We packed the deer down to file boat, threw them in, and pushed off. Before the boat could he headed right, a huge wave i struck on the side, and we w thrown instantly in the water. As I struck the water two deer fell on tup of me, and forced me under. As I came to the top another wave struck me, but this proved my rescue, as it immediately dashed me against the rocks. I climbed out more dead than alive, and saw my partner with Ids arms around one of the deer, washed ashore. lu a few seconds more we had the boat on the laud together with the deer. We resolv ed to make one more attempt to get fl, and watching our chance we shoved off between the waves, and as the next wave thundered in, we headed her right for it, and site rode it like a top. Once out in the water we were all right, aud soon we were rounding the point that led to our landing. We spent many happy and care less days in our mountain home— hunting, fishing, spearing gsh in tiie night, and making long exploring trips down tae lake. In the mid winter a very cold spell came, and the lake froze ent irely over, and re mained so for six weeks. There were more deer than we could shoot, and more fish in tiie lake than we could catch, conse quenlly, we had a royal time, and it was with sincere regret that we gave up our wild life, and returned to civilization; and the memories of the days spent in the “Far West” will ever be with us. “Tinch.” EXCHANGES. Looking over the exchanges on our table, we find among others wor thy of notice, the South Carolina Collegian, which we are always pleased to receive. The Reveille pays the Reporter a compliment in the last number, which we can heartily return. It is among our best exchanges. : The Sibyl by its articles of soiled sense anil good reasoning, show's that some rare talent is present on its staff of editors. We must not fail in hurrying along, to bid the Purdue welcome. Gome again. The Binghamite, coming from Bingham School, N. C., is full of news, anil articles ot interest to tiie student. We read it here witii much pleasure. | The Messenger from Richmond < allege has arrived. Let us see you j eYiu from uow ou. WE HA VE HEARD. That a new fraternity will soon enter the ranks of the University Greeks. That the girls all call W. A. Davis • Pretty” Davis. That Bassingeris the handsomest member of the University. That Threadcraft meditates study ing for the ministry alter gradua tion. That McRee’s new name is “Mal aga.” That “'88 is a dogged (dog-head) good class.”—Senior. See? That “ ’88 is going to the dogs.”— Sophomore. That the Class Poem, by Paul Hubert Estes, has been universally admired. That there are five candidates for anniversarian in 1888 out in the Demosthenian already. That Jack Evans sold his Senior s'ick to a Freshman fora dime. That an inter-fraternity contest in tennis would be quite interesting. That Brick Stonewall Miller is very fond of looking through “tele scopes” when in the opera house. The Pennsylvauian, from Phila delphia, is as usual on hand. It is full of good, newsy articles.