IN THE FAR WEST. 59 



shot when running or while trying to fight its way through a 

 pack of dogs. 



To hunt it successfully, a person should be accompanied by 

 dogs trained specially to pursue it. These ought not to be 

 large, fierce creatures, that would attack it boldly and fight 

 until it resulted in the death of either; they should, on the 

 contrary, be lithe, active and high-tempered, and pugnacious 

 enough to nip at it whenever they get the opportunity, and 

 discreet enough to avoid a blow or a hug. Large rough-coated 

 terriers make capital bear-dogs, as they have endurance, mettle, 

 a keen nose, and sufficient combativeness to assail any animal 

 that runs on four legs ; and of these I do not know any better 

 breed than that peculiar to Ireland. Any dogs having a good 

 nose, speed, and activity, would do, however, if trained to the 

 business, as they can detect bruin's strong odour from amid 

 that of any of the fcrcc naturcc, and follow it with little trouble, 

 and often with the keenest interest. 



The bear, when cornered by dogs, generally seeks safety in a 

 tree, if it is any way near; and there it remains in false security 

 until the hunter arrives on the scene and brings it down with 

 a bullet planted in its heart or brain. 



Experienced dogs keep away from the foot of the tree when 

 their master opens fire on "Cuffey," and when that individual 

 tumbles to the ground they take excellent care not to go too 

 close, for fear of receiving a blow that would soon end their 

 earthly career. They should, however, be prepared to attack it 

 in the legs and flanks whenever it attempts to escape, else it 

 may prove indifferent to their barking, and attack the hunter 

 with a fierceness by no means agreeable. 



The Indian dogs make good lymers, and few bears escape 

 them before being treed, so that a person is almost confident of 

 bagging one, at least, while in their company, if any are 

 aroused. A fifty-calibre express rifle is a capital weapon for 

 hunting this animal ; but in the woods I prefer a breech-loader 

 carrying a heavy charge of buckshot, as some of that is almost 

 sure of reaching its destination, whereas the bullet is liable to 

 be swerved from its course by the undergrowth. 



Bears, when they are special objects of the chase, should be 



