58 
MEMOIR OP PENNANT. 
to a great log. Tlie bear runs its head into the 
noose, and finding itself engaged, grows furious, 
and either falls dorvn some precipice and hills itself, 
or wearies itself to death by its agitations. 
“ The killing of a bear in fair battle, is reckoned 
as great a piece of heroism by the Kamtschatkans, 
as it is with the Americans. The victor makes a 
feast on the occasion, and regales his neighbours 
with the beast ; then hangs the head and thighs 
about his tent by way of trophies. These people use 
the skins to lie on, and for coverlets ; also for bon- 
nets, gloves, collars for their dogs, and soles for 
their shoes, to prevent them slipping on the ice. 
Of the shoulder blades they make instruments 
(scythes) to cut the grass ; of the intestines, covers 
for their faces to protect them from the sun during 
spring; and the Cossacks extend them over their 
windows instead of glass. The flesh and fat are 
among the chief dainties of the country. 
“ Superstitions relative to this animal, did not 
confine themselves to America and Asia ; but 
spread equally over the North of Europe. The 
Laplanders held it in the greatest veneration ; they 
called it the ‘ Dog of God,’ because they esteemed it 
to have the strength of ten men, and the sense of 
twelve. They never presume to call it by its proper 
name, lest it revenge the insult on their flocks, but 
style it muedda-aigia, or the old gentleman in a fur- 
red cloak. The killing of a bear is reckoned a great 
exploit. The Laplanders bring home the slain 
