. ENTHUSIASTIC NIMRODS. 
169 
to these powerful limbs proves that it needs no second 
blow to secure its victim, and the encounters of bears 
with seals no longer seem incredible as we gaze on 
these massive limbs, one net-work of muscular fibre. 
One man is laden with our rifles; the rest follow^ 
dragging our hide after us—a laborious operation, 
and we are heartily weary of it by the time we 
reach our ship. This successful bear-hunt affords 
much material for comment. The season opens earlier 
this year than last, as no bear was killed in the former 
cruise at this date, and everybody is busy speculating 
on our chances. Every one on board settles down 
into a charming state of rest, and it is only by chance 
that one of the men goes on deck, and, looking over 
the side, sees another Brownie gnawing at the haw¬ 
ser ! Had he crept aft and informed us of his dis¬ 
covery, we should then and there have added another 
bear-skin to our collection; but, taken aback by the 
awkward propinquity of ursus arctus, he holloas out 
Bear, bear ! In an instant every one seizes a gun and 
rushes on deck. Bang go the bullets in all directions, 
—one fellow jumps on the ice and starts in pursuit, 
getting in line of our fire, so that whatever chance we 
might have had is robbed by our too eager hunter. A 
long shot may do wonders, we think ; and so we 
hasten after the retreating bear. By good luck a 
