IN SEARCH OF FOOD. 299 



It was swimming towards the carcass of a dead 

 buffalo lodged in the prongs of a " sawyer" or 

 " snag," but on seeing us it raised on its bind 

 feet until quite erect, uttered a loud grunt or 

 snort, made a leap from the water, gained the 

 upper bank of the river, and disappeared in an 

 instant amid the tangled briars and bushes there- 

 abouts. Many wolves of different colours — ■ 

 black, white, red, or brindle— were also intent 

 on going to the buffalo to gorge themselves on 

 the carrion, but took fright at our approach, and 

 we saw them sneaking away with their tails 

 pretty close to their hind-legs. 



The grizzly bear generallj^ inhabits the 

 swampy, well covered portions of the districts 

 where it is found, keeping a good deal among 

 the trees and bushes, and in these retreats it has 

 its " beds" or lairs. Some of these we passed by, 

 and our sensations were the reverse of pleas- 

 ant whilst in such thick, tangled, and dangerous 

 neighbourhoods ; the bear in his concealment 

 having decidedly the advantage in case one 

 should come upon him unawares. These ani- 

 nals ramble abroad both by day and night. In 

 nany places we found their great tracks along 

 ihe banks of the rivers where they had been 

 prowling in search of food. There are seasons 

 during the latter part of summer, when the wild 

 fruits, that are eagerly sought after by the bears, 



