196 FAMILIAR LIFE IN FIELD AND FOREST. 



Thundering out whether they are asleep or only 



mope for they easily wake." * 



On the whole, it is not to be 

 regretted that the black bear is a 

 good deal of a coward, for, on 

 occasions when he is thoroughly 

 aroused, there 

 is usually-some 

 terrific execu- 



Fore paw and hind paw ^j^^ ^j^j^ j^j^ 

 of the black bear, 



showing the planti- sliarp-clawcd 

 grade character. 



foi'e paws and 

 his formidable canine teeth. A 

 casual glance at his thick shoul- 

 ders, however, reveals the true 

 point of his strength ; and his 

 method of attack shows how 

 completely he relies upon the big 

 muscles of his forearm. He 

 does not seize his prey with his 

 teeth, but strikes a most terrible 

 down ward hlow with his fore paw, 

 which tears flesh and bone asunder. The sharp 

 claws are like steel hooks, and nothing can with- 

 stand the power which lies behind them. For some 



Bruin's autograph. 



* Vide Forest and Stream for December 26, 1878. 



