XI 
THE BEAR 
405 
possibly return to the Settite, and after drinking, 
they will take a new departure, and march to the 
river Royan or to the Bahr Salaam. 
A bear is a rapid traveller, and although sluggish 
in appearance when confined, it is extremely active; 
therefore outward signs of digging, although evi¬ 
dence of nocturnal visits, cannot be accepted as 
proofs of the bear’s proximity. 
I believe that leopards may be frequently 
crouching among the branches of trees, and 
remain unseen, while a person, unconscious of their 
presence, may pass beneath ; but although the sloth 
bear is most active in ascending a tree, it would 
be difficult for it to remain unobserved, owing to 
its superior size and remarkable black colour. A 
very large old tree with a considerable cavern¬ 
like hole at the bottom should always be carefully 
examined, as bears are particularly fond of these 
impromptu dwellings. I knew a man who was 
thus surprised whilst cutting wood from a large 
tree, unconscious of the fact that a bear was 
concealed within the hollow trunk. The blows of 
the axe disturbed the occupant, which immediately 
bolted from the hollow, and seized the wood-cutter 
by the thigh. Fortunately the man had his axe, 
with which he at once belaboured the bear upon the 
head until it relinquished its hold. I saw the 
* scars of the wound inflicted by the canine teeth ; 
these were about 6 inches in length, extending 
from inside the thigh to the knee-joint. The man 
declared that if his axe had been heavier he could 
