PETCHORA 



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learnt that these traps were set for Squirrels, and not 

 for Hares. The trap was baited between the staked 

 sides or ribs with hay and a fresh twig, and it was 

 so arranged that if the animal either pushed or trod 



upon the bushy end of the twig it would displace the 

 triangular piece of wood held down by the arch, and the 

 spring flying up, the whole of the heavy roofing would 

 fall on top of the Hare. We wondered rather that 

 Petchora Hares could 

 be so foolish as to 

 enter such a con- 

 spicuous fall-trap; 

 scarcity of food, no 

 doubt, compels them. 

 They are principally 

 caught for their fur, 



as none of the people here eat the flesh — ' unclean,' these 

 Old Believers say. So we had thought when we found it. 

 A year-old Bear was killed by the woodcutters lately, 

 and we got half of it — one side, hind and fore quarters. 

 Our first cut was a part of the saddle baked, and most 

 delicious meat it is, juicier than beef, and sweeter, with a 

 slightly gamy or spiced flavour. 



