58 MEMOIR OF PENNANT. 



to a great log. The bear runs its head into the 

 noose, and finding itself engaged, grows furious, 

 and either falls down some precipice and kills itself, 

 or wearies itself to death by its agitations. 



" The killing of a bear in fair battle, is reckoned 

 as great a piece of heroism by the Kamtschatkans, 

 as it is with the Americans. The victor makes a 

 feast on the occasion, and regales his neighbours 

 with the beast ; then hangs the head and thighs 

 about his tent by way of trophies. These people use 

 the skins to lie on, and for coverlets ; also for bon- 

 nets, gloves, collars for their dogs, and soles for 

 their shoes, to prevent them slipping on the ice. 

 Of the shoulder blades they make instruments 

 (scythes) to cut the grass ; of the intestines, covers 

 for their faces to protect them from the sun during 

 spring; and the Cossacks extend them over their 

 windows instead of glass. The flesh and fat are 

 among the chief dainties of the country. 



" Superstitions relative to this animal, did not 

 confine themselves to America and Asia ; but 

 spread equally over the North of Europe. The 

 Laplanders held it in the greatest veneration ; they 

 called it the c Dog of God/ because they esteemed it 

 to have the strength of ten men, and the sense of 

 twelve. They never presume to call it by its proper 

 name, lest it revenge the insult on their flocks, but 

 style it muedda-aigia, or the old gentleman in a fur- 

 red cloak. The killing of a bear is reckoned a great 

 exploit. The Laplanders bring home the slain 





