BARREN GROUND BEAR. 55 



says this accurate observer, " lying to the northward and 

 eastward of Great Slave Lake, and extending to the Arctic 

 Sea, are frequented by a species of bear which differs 

 from the American black bear in its greater size, profile, 

 physiognomy, longer soles, and tail ; and from the grisly 

 bear also in colour, and the comparative smallness of its 

 claws. Its greatest affinity is with the brown bear of 

 Norway ; but its identity with that species has not been 

 established by actual comparison. It frequents the sea 

 coast in the autumn, in considerable numbers, for the 

 purpose of feeding on fish. They are frequently called 

 White bears by the Indians and interpreters, probably 

 from the circumstance of its long hair, during summer, 

 frequently becoming very pale towards the tips. This 

 bear resorts to the shore of the Arctic Sea in August, 

 and preys indiscriminately upon animals and vegetables. 

 Although much dreaded by the Copper Indians, who 

 cautioned our travellers against these ' white bears ' 

 of the barren lands, all the individuals that were en- 

 countered, fled from the party at once. The Indians 

 avoid burning bones in their encampments, lest the smell 

 should attract the bears." 



The following anecdote of an encounter between one 

 of these animals and an old hunter, given by Dr. Richard- 

 son, is too amusing to be omitted. " Reskarrah, an 

 aged Indian, was seated at the door of his tent, pitched 

 by a small stream not far from Fort Enterprise, when a 

 large bear came to the opposite bank, and remained for 

 some time, apparently surveying hini. Reskarrah con- 

 sidered himself in great danger ; and having no one to 

 assist him but his aged wife, made a speech to the fol- 

 lowing effect : — ' Oh, bear ! I never did you any harm ; 

 1 have always had the highest respect for you and your 

 relations ; and never killed any of them except through 

 necessity. Go away, good bear, and let me alone, and 

 I promise not to molest you.' The bear walked off; 

 and the old man, fancying that he owed his safety to 

 his eloquence, favoured us, on his arrival at the fort, 

 with his speech at length." 



E 4 



