BEAR HUNTING. 



17 



shed loading, I looked up, and the bear had got clear of the 

 dogs and was pitching at me. She was not eight feet off. 

 I sprang and ran a short distance, every step of which I could 

 not help cringing, for I almost felt the embrace of the bear, 

 and expected every instant to see her huge paws coming 

 round me. As soon as I dared to look behind me, I found 

 my faithful dogs had seized the bear, and she had turned to 

 fight them. This gave me the very chance I wanted, and I 

 let drive at her head, and shot her square through. She 

 died instantly." In Canada the bears usually den up in 

 winter, and lie in something of a torpid state. During a 

 thaw, they sometimes venture out, but that is seldom. In 

 warmer climates they ramble more while snow is on the 

 ground. 



The same person was very successful in hunting the elk, 

 and displayed his courage in many desperate encounters with 

 that beast, so formidable when at bay. 



2* 



