412 WRETCHED GUNS. 



shooting the bear, the gun of one of the party went off 

 accidentally, and the ball passing through the head of a 

 comrade, killed him on the spot ! 



Similar occurrences are not unfrequent in the northern 

 forests; and one cannot wonder at it, after seeing the very 

 wretched guns generally used by the peasantry. The locks 

 are at times so defective, that it is only by retaining the 

 hammer in its proper position with the hand, whilst the 

 aim is taking, that the gun can be fired. During a three 

 days' excursion in the forest, indeed, only two years ago, the 

 guns of both my men sportsmen in their way were,, 

 owing to some defect or other in the lock, rendered utterly 

 useless before our return home. To say nothing of accidents 

 amongst themselves, it is mainly owing to this state of 

 things that the northern Chasseurs are so frequently mal- 

 treated by bears. 



To proceed. On reaching the ground, and after posting 

 our guide. Elg and I entered the Ring. Fortunately it 

 blew desperately hard, and that even in the forest, where 

 one seldom feels much of the wind. This was greatly in 

 our favour, as what with the rustling and crashing of the 

 trees, as the gale surged through them, the bear was little 

 likely to be aware of our presence, until such time as we 

 were close upon him. The wind being from the southward, 

 we took the precaution of commencing operations at the 

 northern extremity of the Ring. 



Had there been only a little snow on the ground, we 

 should from choice have proceeded on foot; but the snow 

 being rather deep, we were necessitated to retain our Skidor, 

 which, in thick cover and broken ground, are always in- 

 convenient, and hamper one's movements greatly. Previously 



