A GALLANT STEED. 255 



speed of the affrighted horse, retains his hold with one paw, 

 while with the other he firmly grasps the first tree they pass 

 (as illustrated in the accompanying sketch) ; when, owing to 

 the enormous strength of his enemy, the poor horse is at 

 once brought up and at his mercy. It sometimes happens, 

 however, that if the tree or hush grasped is only slightly 

 embedded in the soil, it is torn up by the roots ; when, 

 for a second or two at least, the horse, the bear, and the tree 

 may be seen careering together through the forest ! 



Though in general horses, when attacked by the bear, 

 make no resistance, but trust to their heels for safety, some 

 are found who will stand gallantly on the defensive, and not 

 unfrequently beat off the assailant. 



This was the case with a certain mare in Wermeland, 

 which was known to have come off victorious in numerous 

 conflicts. But this animal exhibited extraordinary courage, 

 as well as wonderful sagacity ; for instinct telling her that 

 her own soft heels would have but little effect on Bruin's 

 iron carcase, she would not, after passing the winter in the 

 stable, betake herself to the woods in the spring, until duly 

 provided with shoes. But when the blacksmith had per- 

 formed his part, feeling she was then prepared to meet the 

 enemy on equal terms, she would trot off gaily to the depths 

 of the forest. 



I have also read of a mare at Wuollerim, in Jockmock's 

 Lappmark, that was celebrated for thus combating wild 

 beasts. For the mere fun of the thing, indeed, she herself 

 would at times become the assailant. On one occasion she 

 slaughtered three wolves, which were prowling in company 

 on a newly-frozen lake. 



Though I have never seen the horse in conflict with the 



