WESTERN WILD SPORTS. 



193 



ears, 2^ to 3^ inches ; on neck above, 3 inches ; on the should- 

 ers above, 4^ inches ; on the throat, 4 inches ; on the belly and 

 behind the fore legs, the lorgest hairs are 6 inches. 



" These measurements are taken from two individuals which 

 Avere by no means full grown, as may be perceived by com- 

 paring them with the measurements heretofore cited from 

 Lewis and Clarke. They will serve, however, to give a fairer 

 idea of the proportions of this animal than any which have been 

 previously given, as they are so much more detailed, and very 

 carefully made." — Godman's American Natural History. 



" The Grizzly bear was found near the Sacramento, in Cali- 

 fornia. The skin of this animal is said sometimes to be as lai'ge 

 as that of an Ox ; its food is the same as that of the Indians, and 

 varies with the seasons. Its strength is said to be prodigiously 

 great, and it has been known when lassoed to drag three 

 horses ; and when baited in the Bull and Bear fights practised 

 in California, will check the charge of a Bull by putting out 

 one of its paws. 



" They will also ascend the oaks for the acorns, and break 

 off branches so large as almost to ruin the tree. It has been 

 generally supposed that they do not climb ; but all the hunters 

 bear testimony that they can do it, although slowly and clum- 

 sily. They are now less numerous than formerly ; indeed, it is 

 alleged that the lower country, near the San Joachim, was once 

 so infested by these Bears that the Indians were obliged to keep 

 to the highlands when travelling. 



" It does not at a'l times kill its enemies when it has them in 

 its power ; rarely attacks a man unless he comes upon him by 

 surprise, and is not considered a dangerous animal. 



" Anecdotes are told of hunters who had fallen into the 

 power of Grizzly Bears, which would cover them up with brush, 

 grass and leaves, and put them down, without further molesta- 

 tion, so long as they remained quiet ; if they attempted to rise 

 again, the Bear would again put them down, cover them over 

 as before, and finally leave them unhu;t 

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