THE BLACK BEAR. 
165 
^^tremely numerous, are much more tame and 
S^ntle than their brethren in other parts of 
World. In spring they descend in multi- 
^-Udes from the mountains where they have 
I^^ssed the winter, to the mouths of rivers, 
''^hich abound in fish. If they find plenty of 
kind of food, they eat nothing but the 
. ®ads, and when they discover fishermen’s nets 
the water they will drag them out and 
^tipty them of their contents. 
It is related that, when a Kamtschadale de- 
^^Hes a bear, he endeavours while yet at a 
^listance to conciliate him by courteous ges- 
'■'ii'es and language. So familiar are the ani- 
in consequence, that, when women or 
^^I’ls are gathering roots, herbs, or turf for 
surrounded by a troop of bears, they are 
'^^Ver disturbed by them in their employment ; 
^•^d if any of the shaggy quadrupeds should 
^Pproach, it is only to eat out of their hands, 
have never been known to make the first 
