142 PRAIRIE AND FOREST. 



with the nose for an apex; the ears are small and 

 rounded, the same distance in situation behind the eye 

 that the eye is from the nose ; the measurement in 

 circumference close in front of the shoulder is almost 

 as great as, behind, which gradually increases as it 

 ranges backwards till the loftiest point of the spinal 

 vertebra is reached ; while the hind limbs, from their 

 immense muscular power, as well as abundance of 

 flesh, appear like the extremities of a man encased in 

 pegtop trousers. In walking, the toes of the fore feet 

 are turned in, while the use of the nether limbs is so 

 human as to appear like a burlesque on genus homo ; 

 but if a casual observer be thus struck, the anatomist 

 recognises in this exaggerated formation the means 

 supplied the animal by nature to ascend trees, escape 

 enemies, or earn its support. The colour, when the 

 pelt is prime, is glossy black; but in early spring a 

 rufous tint is strongly developed ; this is assisted by 

 the undergrowth of wool becoming elongated, and 

 showing through the coarser black hairs that at other 

 seasons are the only visible covering, unless a close 

 and minute inspection be made. From the eyes, in a 

 straight line almost at right angles to the nose, the 

 fur is brown, with a tip of the same colour frequently 

 over the eyebrow. At the same time, exceptions, 

 more particularly among those of the North-western 

 States, are to be found which are black to the 

 nostrils. 



As a general rule, when this bear is in a state of 

 nature, he is extremely timorous of man, flying from 

 him with a stealth and rapidity almost marvellous; 

 but wound him, hurt him, even insult his dignity, and 

 the huntsman must be prepared for a conflict that will 



