142 THE HIVE OF THE BEE-HUx\TER. 



the imagination as being founded on the unerring sim 

 plicity and certainty of nature. 



It may be asked, how is it that the grizzly bear is so 

 formidable to numbers when met in the forest, but when 

 in a cave can be assailed successfully by a single man ? 

 In answer to this, we must recollect that the bear is 

 only attacked in his cave when he is in total darkness, 

 and suffering from surprise and the torpidity of the 

 season. 



These three things are in this method of hunting 

 taken advantage of ; and but for these advantages, no 

 quickness of eye, steadiness of nerve or forest expe- 

 rience, would protect for an instant, the intruder to the 

 cave of the grizzly bear. 



The hunter, having satisfied himself about the cave, 

 prepares a candle, which he makes out of the wax taken 

 from the comb of wild bees, softened by the grease of 

 the bear. This candle has a large wick, and emits a 

 brilliant flame. Nothing else is needed but the rifle. 

 The knife and the belt are useless; for if a struggle 

 should ensue that would make it available, the foe is tot 

 powerful to mind its thrusts before the hand using it 

 would be dead. 



Bearing the candle before him, with the rifle in a 

 convenient position, the hunter fearlessly enters the 

 cave. He is soon surrounded by darkness, and is to- 

 tally unconscious where his enemy will reveal himself. 

 Having fixed the candle in the ground in firm position, 



