ACKOSS THE SUB-AECTICS OF CANADA 



we had undertaken. For a short time we watched his move- 

 ments, and observing that he seemed inclined to go ashore, 

 we decided upon a new plan of action. Steaming away 

 around the point, we beached the boat, and, armed with axe, 

 ice-gaff and knife, we climbed the farther side of the cliff, 

 and there concealed ourselves in such a position that we were 

 able to watch the enemy's movements. 



We had not long to wait, for, thinking himself unobserved, 

 he swam ashore at the foot of the bluff and hid among the 

 broken rocks. Feeling that our opportunity had now arrived, 

 we descended stealthily from ledge to ledge and from rock 

 to rock, taking care that we should not be scented or observed. 

 Step by step we drew nearer, until close to the foot of the 

 cliff, and almost at our feet, we came upon the wounded 

 bear. He was much out of humor, and sore enough from 

 his many wounds, but before he had time to demonstrate 

 his displeasure, Mac. had thrust the gaff through his skull. 

 Con. had cleft his head with the axe, and my knife had 

 spilled his heart's blood upon the rocks. 



In the animal world the polar bear is admittedly the 

 monarch of the north. He is the bear of bears, being de- 

 scribed by all Arctic travellers as possessing enormous 

 strength and great voracity. Of the score of polars whose 

 more or less intimate acquaintance I have hnd occasion to 

 make, I have seen at least two whose tracks in the snow 

 measured fifteen by eighteen inches, whose length measured 

 over nine feet, and whose slain carcases tipped the steelyard 

 at irom fifteen to sixteen hundred pounds. 



' Consequently I have always had great respect for the 

 sentiments expressed in the following lines by an author 

 whose name I regret being unable to recall : 



" Of the black bear you need not be afraid, 

 But killing white ones Is a dangerous trade. 

 In this be cool, and well direct your lead, 

 And take your aim at either heart or head; 

 For struck elsewhere, your piece not level'd tru". 

 Not long you'll live your erring hand to rue." 



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