Carrier Pigeons and a Cougar on Rainier

PUYALLUP, April 8.—Special.—Fred S. Meeker and Dr. Rutine did not return with the remainder of the mountain climbers, as announced by the last carrier pigeon from Camp Davids, but remained to push on up toward the summit, which they intend to pass, 'even if it takes all summer.' The following dispatch has just come in:

'Sixteen miles up river from Camp Davids. We came up here last night and camped and went to the deer the cougar killed at 3:30 this morning. Mr. Cougar was having his breakfast. He saw us and ran like lightning. Hunter and two other dogs took after him and had him treed in five minutes. I shot him and have the skin. We will put the dogs out for deer here. We have a trapper's cabin to stay in. The doctor is much better, and is about feeling himself again.'

The camp from which the dispatch comes is up in the heart of the great Cascade range, and under the shadow of the great mountain 'Rainier,' 'Tacoma' or 'Rainier-Tacoma,' and is nearly 6,000 feet above the snow line. Mr. Meeker has now but two of his famous carrier pigeons with him, which he is reserving for carrying future dispatches.

The party may return to Camp Davids for further supplies and guides and then push on up further into the mountains, establishing caches of supplies for future excursions, as the snow and weather permits further advances toward the summit.

Mr. Meeker writes in a private note: 'I am feeling fine and am very glad we got the cougar. It is the first one I ever got.'