194 HUNTING SPeKTS OF THE WEST 



DRIVES. 



THE following graphic and very interesting account 

 of the drives, common in newly settled countries, is ex- 

 tracted from " A Sketch of the Settlement of the Town- 

 ship of Tallmage, in Summit county, Ohio," by Charles 

 Whittlesey. 



This region was originally very well stocked with 

 bear, wolves, deer, and turkeys. The flesh of the two 

 last was not only a luxury, but a necessary article of 

 food. Deer skin breeches, and deer skin facings to 

 woolen pantaloons, (after one season's service,) were the 

 height of fashion. Red foxes were not common. The 

 wolf made great havoc with the few sheep introduced 

 here ; committing depredations at the same time upon 

 the wild deer. He has been known to attack cows. 

 The bear confined himself to hogs, and many instances 

 are given of his boldness in capturing and carrying 

 away provisions of this kind. He springs suddenly 

 upon his victim, grasps him in his arms or forelegs, with 

 a force which is irresistible, erects himself upon his hind 

 legs like a man, and makes off in an instant with his 

 load. The piercing squeal of the hog is the first warn- 

 ing of his presence to the owner. A large bear, who 

 meets with no obstruction, will make his way through a 

 thick wood in this manner, with a hog of good size, faster 

 than a man on foot can follow. The groans and strug- 

 gles of the animal in his embrace, become weaker and 

 weaker, and soon cease entirely. One of these creatures 



