20 
ANIMALS OF NORTH AMERICA. 
so uniform a ferocity in destroying the life of any animal that 
falls into its power. It inhabits the country adjacent to the 
east side of the Rocky Mountains, not extending further 
south than the confines of Mexico, and affords a very good 
example of the limitation of species. It has been suggested 
by Godman, that this animal once inhabited the Atlantic 
States ; but no remains of it have been found to prove this, 
and he merely starts the idea from a tradition among the 
tribe of Delaware Indians, that “ a big naked bear” (that, 
certainly, does not correspond with Bruin in question) existed 
formerly on the banks of the Hudson River. 
Although contriving, sometimes, to ascend old leaning trees 
in search of honey, he cannot ascend perpendicularly small 
trees, as is shown by the numerous statements of travellers 
who, when pursued, have climbed a tree, where they have 
remained many hours, the terrible beast keeping watch 
below, and shewing signs of rage because unable to reach 
his prey. So much are their powers respected by the 
Indians, that they consider it a feat next to that of taking 
the scalp of an enemy, to kill one of them. Their strength 
is so great, that they have been seen to kill a large bison, 
and seizing him with their teeth, drag him up a steep hill. 
When full grown and fat, they sometimes weigh as much as 
1,800 lbs. 
Old Adams, or as he was better known under the eupho- 
nious title of “ Grizzly Adams,” devoted many years of his life 
to the trapping and taming a number of these animals ; the 
account of his hair-breadth escapes is fulhof the most mar- 
vellous exploits ; but the result in the number of Grizzly Bears 
in subjection, in his menagerie, being chained only to posts, 
and not in cages, shows what man can do by toil and perse- 
verance. 
The following notes of the habits and character of this 
animal were transmitted to the writer, by Capt. R. B. Marcy, 
U. S. A., whose name is well known among men of science: 
