2-979-687 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

A Mid-day Halt on the Rio Trombutas, Brazil, 1857. 'Among the experiences of the Colt revolver we know none more interesting than those of Mr. Catlin, the celebrated American explorer and sportsman, or more decisive as to its efficacy. While descending the River Trombutas...in a canoe, Catlin was in the habit of passing the mid-day heats under the shade on shore. One day he was roasting a wild hog for dinner and saw a large panther...playing with the legs of his companion who was asleep...Catlin went cautiously down for his revolver rifle which had been left in the boat. But the panther had put down his head...so Catlin giving a whistle, the panther raised his head just the height he wanted, and immediately received a ball between the eyes. That the sleeper, on awakening, was astonished at his simultaneous release from the arms of Morpheus and a panther, may be well believed'. From "Illustrated London News", 1857.