APPENDIX. 487 



to it. It climbs trees or scales precipices with great 

 facility ; and, being very wary, is not easily killed in 

 the summer. But extreme caution sometimes proves 

 the cause of its destruction ; for on hearing a noise 

 or apprehending danger, it stands upon its hind legs 

 every now and then to look over the bushes, and, by 

 thus showing its position, enables the skilful hunter to 

 make his approach. The bear is, however, much more 

 frequently taken in its winter retreat; and being al- 

 ways fat when hybernating, with the fur in prime 

 order, it is a valuable prize to the Indian, who, from 

 long practice, acquires an extraordinary skill in discover- 

 ing its den, by indications that would attract no notice 

 from the eye of an inexperienced person. But though 

 the native hunter never neglects an opportunity of kill- 

 ing a bear, he deems it an honour to be related to an 

 animal possessing so much strength and sagacity ; and 

 before he proceeds to skin and cut up the carcass, he 

 shows it the utmost respect, and begs a thousand par- 

 dons for the liberty he is about to take with his erand- 

 mother. The fat of the bear resembles hog's lard, and 

 is generally considered as a delicacy by the Indians ; but 

 its strong flavour is disagreeable to Europeans. 



Barren-ground Bear. Ursus ArctosP F. B. A. 1. 



p. 21. 



This bear, which closely resembles the brown bear 

 of Europe, and is probably the same species, frequents 

 the barren lands lying to the north of the wooded 

 country ; and in the summer time haunts the shores of 

 the Arctic sea. It feeds upon roots and berries, and 

 also upon such animals as it can surprise, or that it 

 finds dead — being much more carnivorous than the 



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