THE MONARCH OF THE MOUNTAIN. 95 



be well adapted to tlie nature of the animal, although in- 

 dividuals differ somewhat in size and shape even in the 

 same localities ; some having shorter legs, shorter body, 

 the head broad and flat between the ears, and a short 

 peaked muzzle of light gray color, while others have long- 

 er legs, longer body, a head equally broad between the 

 ears, but more rounded, longer, and larger, and the muz- 

 zle of brown color. It is a formidable antagonist when 

 wounded or provoked, but seldom makes battle when al- 

 lowed to escape. It has wonderful vitality, and, to use 

 a hunter's phrase, will carry off more lead than any other 

 animal. 



6. u I believe that an old lean bear can travel more 

 miles over a rough country in the space of one week than 

 any other wild animal. The gray wolf might gain a few 

 lengths during the first three days, but at the end of the 

 week I think the bear would come out several miles ahead. 

 Who ever heard of a lean bear tiring down? Let him 

 thoroughly understand that he has got to go, and he will 

 lead off a race that will surprise both men and dogs. 

 When closely pursued by dogs, he has a peculiar trick of 

 changing ends ; that is, making a sudden whirl rearward, 

 and woe to the unlucky dog that is within the sweep of 

 his murderous paw ! This sudden turn causes a moment- 

 ary halt among the pack, while the speed of the bear 

 doesn't seem to be diminished, and he gets about a quarter 

 of a mile the start before the dogs begin to comprehend 

 the trick. 



7. " The bear can subsist on very short allowance, and 

 will thrive fast when food is plenty, and at such times will 

 frequently become extremely fat, when he becomes a more 

 easy prey to the hunters. The flesh of the bear, when 

 fattened on mast, is of excellent quality and fine flavor, 

 and was highly prized by the early frontier inhabitants. 



