172 PIONEEE LIF$ ; OK, 



and before night the dogs treed one of them and 1 

 .shot it through the head. Near by I found a shelter 

 about four feet wide, and twice that length, formed 

 by a projecting rock, under which I dragged the 

 dead bear, and prepared to pass the night. The 

 animal bore shocking marks of the recent encounter, 

 his throat and forward parts being so badly lacerated 

 that he could not have survived the winter. About 

 dark it commenced raining, and I considered myself 

 fortunate in having found so snug a shelter. About 

 nine o'clock two panthers made their appearance, 

 and finding what was perhaps their jisual quarters 

 invaded, they set up a screaming that would have sent 

 the blood to the stoutest heart. I took my gun in 

 one hand, my tomahawk in the other, while my dog 

 stood near me, and I resolved, if they should attack 

 me, to give them a warm reception. They kept up 

 their fearful serenade until midnight, when they 

 withdrew, and I heard no more of them. In the 

 morning all traces of the other bears was obliterated, 

 and I was accordingly compelled to abandon the idea 

 of any further search for them. 



I have tamed at different times four bears, but 

 disposed of them when they were about a year old, 

 except the one I have now in my possession. I com- 

 menced training this one when he was about a year 

 (*!d # at first using the lash freely, but I soon found 

 that whipping did not subdue him, but rendered him 

 obstinate. I then tried milder means, and soon had 

 him completely under my control. I taught him to 

 lead bv -nnlline* gently upon the string, offering food 



