GRIZZLY BEAR. 



totty 



I NOW took a long farewell of the horse, and turned north- 

 ward, electing a line close in by the base of the hills, going 

 along at an improved pace, with the view of reaching the 

 trading-post the same night ; but stopping in a gully to look 

 for water, I found a little pool, evidently scratched out by a 

 bear, as there were foot-prints and claw-marks about it ; and I 

 was aware instinct prompts that brute where water is nearest 

 the surface, when he scratches until he comes to it. This was 

 one of very large size, the foot-marks behind the toes being 

 full nine inches ; and although I had my misgivings about 

 the prudence of facing a great grizzly bear, still the " better 

 part of valor" was overcome, as it often is, by the anticipated 

 honor and glory of a single combat, and conquest of such a 



* Kelly's " Excursion to California." 



4 (37) 



