IN SEARCH OF FOOD. 299 
It was swimming towards the carcass of a dead 
buffalo lodged in the prongs of a “sawyer” or 
“snag,” but on seeing us it raised on its hind 
feet until quite erect, uttered a loud grunt or 
snort, made a leap from the water, gained the 
upper bank of the river, and disappeared in an 
instant amid the tangled briars and bushes there- 
abouts. Many wolves of different colours— 
black, white, red, or brindle—were also intent 
on going to the buffalo to gorge themselves on 
the carrion, but took fright at our approach, and 
we saw them sneaking away with their tails 
pretty close to their hind-legs. 
The grizzly bear generally inhabits the 
swampy, well covered portions of the districts 
where it is found, keeping a good deal among 
the trees and bushes, and in these retreats it has 
its “beds” or lairs. Some of these we passed by, 
and our sensations were the reverse of pleas- 
ant whilst in such thick, tangled, and dangerous 
neighbourhoods; the bear in his concealment 
having decidedly the advantage in case one 
thould come upon him unawares. These ani- 
nals ramble abroad both by day and night. In 
nany places we found their great tracks along 
-he banks of the rivers where they had been 
prowling in search of food. There are seasons 
daring the latter part of summer, when the wild 
fruits, that are eagerly sought after by the bears, 
