190 



BEARS. 



impression of their paws on the sand, several 

 had recently left. On the 17th, we came to a 

 tent of Indians, who were encamped on the 

 shore, for the purpose of killing them, in the 

 front of which was the head of one that they 

 had lately shot, stuck upon some painted sticks, 

 in expression of some superstitious notions 

 respecting the animal. They have a great 

 dread of bears, and are very fond of wearing 

 their claws round their necks, ornamented as a 

 necklace, under the idea that they shall be 

 preserved from their ferocious attacks. A short 

 time before I left the Red River Colony, a 

 Saulteaux Indian came to my residence with a 

 necklace strung with some large claws; and 

 prevailing upon him to part with it for some 

 tobacco, he addressed it in a very grave speech, 

 when he took it from his neck, and laid it for 

 me on the table, in language to the following 

 effect: — " My grandfather! you and I have 

 been together some time — we must now part. 

 Go to that Chief ; and in leaving me, be not 

 angry, but let me kill buff aloe when I am 

 hungry, and another bear when I meet with it, 

 and then I will make another necklace of the 

 claws." I smiled at this address, when, looking 

 at me very seriously, he said, " If you offend 



