BEARS. 5 



In the Mysore and Annamullay jungles bears are 

 reputed to eat the carcases of bison and elephants if they 

 come across them. There is no doubt that tigers, panthers, 

 and wild pigs do so, as I have frequently seen or found 

 the tracks of these animals close by, and, judging from 

 the habits of other members of the family, it is probable 

 that our friend the black bear may also indulge in this way.* 

 At one time, we used to consider the flesh of the bear quite 

 a luxury ; it tasted of roast beef with a dash of duck, and 

 the hams used to be carefully put into brine and carried 

 back to cantonments for the mess, when we were on short 

 leave of absence. At Kowlass we shot a bear, and had 

 some steaks cooked, which disagreed with us, in fact, we 

 were all very unwell ; and, after that experience, bears' 

 meat disappeared from the menu. 



The bear is often shot on returning from his night's 

 wanderings, by lying in wait for him near his cave. The 

 places resorted to by them always show unmistakable 

 signs of their occupants ; and all that is necessary is to be 

 on the spot before daylight. It sometimes happens, in 

 rocks near villages or roads, that the bear returns before 

 daylight too, and he is met in the darkness near his own 

 domains. This is unpleasant, for you cannot see the sights 

 of your rifle well enough to aim properly, and a random 

 shot may only wound, and make the animal dangerous. 

 The outline of the brute is also very indistinct, and the 

 proper spots to aim at cannot be seen ; these are a dirty 

 white horseshoe mark on the chest, and the usual place 

 just behind the shoulder. In some positions you may 

 brain him, or shoot him through the spine. When a bear 

 charges, he will generally not invariably stand up on 

 his hind legs when within a few yards, and all that is 

 * No authenticated proof exists on this point. 



