My First Summer 



than their small, belligerent, strong-scented 

 brethren, and have better manners, though 

 quick to fight when required. Their towns 

 are carved in fallen trunks as well as in 

 those left standing, but never in sound, liv- 

 ing trees or in the ground. When you 

 happen to sit down to rest or take notes 

 near a colony, some wandering hunter is 

 sure to find you and come cautiously for- 

 ward to discover the nature of the intruder 

 and what ought to be done. If you are not 

 too near the town and keep perfectly still he 

 may run across your feet a few times, over 

 your legs and hands and face, up your trou- 

 sers, as if taking your measure and getting 

 comprehensive views, then go in peace 

 without raising an alarm. If, however, a 

 tempting spot is offered or some suspicious 

 movement excites him, a bite follows, and 

 such a bite! I fancy that a bear or wolf 

 bite is not to be compared with it. A quick 

 electric flame of pain flashes along the out- 

 raged nerves, and you discover for the first 



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