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Subject: Excerpt Of History
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 2004 09:14:26 EST
Ottawa Times Nov 22, 1870
" Sir John E. Packenham, an officer in the English army, who has been
spending the last year in her Majesty's northern provinces, arrived at Fort Buford
with an animal of rare beauty, and never before caught on this continent, nor
has been known till late years that the specie existed in this country. It
is of the same family as the giraffe, or camelopard, of Africa, and is known to
naturalists as the tygomelia. They are known to inhabit the high table lands
of Cashmere and Hindoo Kush, but are more frequently seen on the high peaks
of the Himalaya Mountains. The animal was taken when quite young, and is
thoroughly domesticated, and follows its keeper like a dog. It is only four
months old, and ordinarily stands about five feet high, but is capable of raising
its head two feet, which makes the animal seven feet when standing erect. It
is of a dark brown mouse colour, large projecting eyes, with slight
indications of horns growing out. This wonderful animal was caught north of Lake
Athabaska, on the water of the McKenzie's River. It has a craw similar to the
pelican, by which means it can carry subsistence for several days. It was very
fleet, being able to outfoot the fastest horse in the country. The black dapper
spots on the rich brown colour make it one of the most beautiful animals in
existence, more beautiful than the leopard of the Chinese jungle. Sir John
did not consider it safe to transport this pet by water down the Mississippi
River, fearing the uncertain navigation and the great change of climate from
the Manitoba to the sunny south. He has, therefore, wisely concluded to go by
way of St. Paul, Minnesota. The commander of Fort Buford furnishes him with an
escort for the trip. He will then proceed through Canada to Montreal, where
he will ship his cargo to England."
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