234 Tuer Aroostook Woops. 

them; that is to keep them well baited and in good working 
order. For nearly three weeks I was almost daily on the beat, 
for the walk, enjoying the tramping through the fragrant pine 
woods, but as yet without success, as to my first bear. I 
often found the traps sprung, probably by the porcupine 
getting inside, thus escaping the fall of the trap as it sprung.” 
‘‘T was getting a little discouraged as I was very anxious 
to catch a bear, when one morning as I arose and found a 
heavy rain had set in, is it any wonder that I hesitated that 
morning about facing the storm? But my great desire to get 
a bear overcame me, and I pulled on my rubber boots and 
struck out over the line. The first traps handy by had not 
been disturbed, but others along the line were sprung and 
some torn down, showing something larger than porcupine 
was abroad this time. This began to look favorable, and 
growing excited, and being ever anxious to see the next trap, 
and again the next, I hastened on without waiting to repair 
any damages, feeling a presentiment as I measured off the 
long yards of wet leaves and mold, that this was to be my 
lucky day.” 
‘¢T must admit that I made good time, and soon passing 
another trap, demolished like many others behind, I remem- 
bered there was but one more chance for me. Only one more 
trap! Being well warmed up to the business in hand, it took 
but a few moments to walk to the vicinity of the last trap, and 
quickly my eyes were peering through the dripping branches 
toward it, eager for a glimpse of the entrance; finally coming 
in sight, my last hope vanished upon seeing it was torn down 
like many others. I was rather reproaching myself for 
taking such a day for the tramping, as I slowly walked up 
towards the trap, when a dark object and a movement beneath 
