MEMOIR OF PENNANT. 59 



beasts in triumph ; they erect a new tent near their 

 former dwelling, but never enter it till they have 

 flung off the dress of the chase. They continue in it 

 three entire days, and the women keep at home the 

 same space. The men dress the carcase of the bear 

 in the new tent, and make their repast, giving part 

 to the females ; but take great care never to bestow 

 on them a bit of the rump. Neither will they de- 

 liver to them the meat through the common en- 

 trance of the hut ; but through a hole in another 

 part. In sign of victory, the men sprinkle them- 

 selves with the blood of the beast. After they 

 have finished eating the flesh, they bury the bones 

 with great solemnity, and place every bone in its 

 proper position, from a firm persuasion that the 

 bear will be restored, and reanimate a new body. 



" All who have tasted the flesh of this animal, say 

 that it is most delicious eating. A young bear fat- 

 tened with the autumnal fruits, is a dish fit for the 

 nicest epicure. It is wholesome and nourishing, 

 and resembles pork more than any other meat. 

 The tongue and the paws are esteemed the most 

 exquisite morsels ; the hams are also excellent, but 

 apt to rust, if not very well preserved. Four inches 

 depth of fat has been found on a single bear, and 

 fifteen or sixteen gallons of pure oil melted from it. 

 The fat is of a pure white, and has the singular 

 quality of never lying heavy on the stomach, not- 

 withstanding a person drank a quart of it. The 

 Americans make great use of it for frying their 



