IN THE FAR WEST. 57 



will then fight if surprised suddenly, cornered, or wounded, or 

 if she thinks any harm is intended towards them. 



The female brings forth her young late in December or early 

 in January, the period of gestation commencing in October 

 and lasting, generally, about 112 days. When in this con- 

 dition she retires to a tree., top or a cavern, and there remains 

 until the cubs are able to move about briskly enough to flee 

 to her if attacked by wolves or other foes. So carefully do 

 the mothers secrete themselves at a certain season that I never 

 heard of a pregnant one being killed, nor did I ever see one, 

 to the best of my knowledge. During unusually cold seasons 

 in the north the bears migrate to the south, where food and 

 warmth may be procured ; but in these migrations even, 

 when many are shot, no person could say that a gravid animal 

 was seen, though females were frequently found among the 

 throngs. 



The animal cannot be attacked at close range with impunity 

 during these excursions, for hunger and cold make it rather 

 desperate. As its fur is valuable, however, professional 

 hunters slay it at every opportunity, and sometimes follow 

 groups for two or three days together. Its flesh, which is 

 succulent and fat from June to the period of hibernation, 

 becomes lean and dry during the migration, so that it is not 

 much sought for as an accessory to the larder. Should its 

 winter rest even be undisturbed, the flesh is leathery and 

 disagreeable when it reappears in the spring, and continues in 

 that condition until the wild roots and fruits are ripe, when it 

 fattens up in a short time. 



During its hibernation the bear is said to suck its forepaws 

 so much that they are very tender when it arouses itself from 

 its torpor ; and it is even said by some telescope-sighted 

 hunters to close the anus with clay, to prevent the passage 

 of any element of nutrition that could support existence 

 while in its dormant state. 



As a game animal, when in good condition, the bear may 

 be classed with the fox or badger, for while it is harder to 

 kill, and more difficult to find, it is equally as harmless to 

 man if he will nut throw himself into its embraces, and 



