318 FIGHTING FOR SUPPER. 



is tongh, and is of considerable thickness, and is covered 

 with a dense coat of hair. From a study of the teeth 

 it might be supposed that the diet of the brown bear, 

 as indeed of the other varieties also, consists chiefly of 

 vegetable substances. But the fact is that they are 

 indifferently either carnivorous or frugivorous. When 

 attacked, these animals defend themselves in an up- 

 right position, giving terrible blows with their power- 

 ful fore arms. When the bear emerges from his winter 

 quarters he is at first in capital condition ; but a few days' 

 exposure to the air reduces him to the merest skeleton. 



It has been observed that if the bear removes the 

 litter which he had provided during the previous winter, 

 he intends to re-occupy the same quarters; on the other 

 hand, if he allows it to remain, it is an indication of his 

 intention not to return. 



While Pierre w r as making these remarks, both Jake 

 and Gaultier were busying themselves in getting supper 

 ready a task which had been so unceremoniously in- 

 terrupted. Night soon descended on the scene, and 

 under its shadow the wolves, whose distant howls had 

 been heard for a little time, approached, and fought 

 over the carcass of the bear. In the dim light their 

 fleeting forms were faintly discernible, and the hunters 

 took advantage of their boldness to approach a little 

 nearer. A united volley stretched three of their num- 

 ber dead upon the ground, much to old Jake's delight, 

 as he nourished a grudge against the whole tribe which 

 seemed incapable of being satiated. 



