398 RINGED WITH DIFFICULTY. 



gallop. Had they doubled at all, nevertheless, it is very 

 possible that, with the assistance of the dogs, a good account 

 might have been given of them ; but unfortunately their 

 course was nearly as straight as the crow flies ; and as we 

 were not enabled to turn them in a single instance, it was 

 considered best, after the lapse of about three hours, to 

 desist for that day from all farther pursuit. 



Somewhat tired and dejected, we therefore faced for 

 home. On our way and in the wilds of the forest we 

 came to a cottage, where I left Elg to pass the night, with 

 directions to ring the beasts on the following day, and after- 

 wards to rejoin me at Ostanas, to which place I myself 

 forthwith proceeded. 



But it was not until the third day that my man made his 

 appearance. He reported having ringed the beasts far away 

 to the south-eastward, at a distance of fifteen to eighteen 

 miles from their last lair, and upwards of twenty from that 

 occupied by them in the first instance ; also, that he had 

 had great difficulty in accomplishing the task, from the 

 Spar being imperceptible in many places. 



As in the then state of the snow any farther attempt to 

 run down the bears on Skidor was pretty sure to prove a 

 failure, and as besides rousing them again would be attended 

 with great risk for unless killed, and that snow was to 

 fall, (whereby the tracks would be obliterated), they might 

 escape us altogether it was determined that a Skall 

 should be got up for their destruction. I therefore posted 

 off to the authorities of the district, who, on seeing my 

 credentials furnished by M. Falk, immediately placed be- 

 tween three and four hundred men at my disposal. 



Elg and I now proceeded to Lindforss, near to which 



