WESTERN WILD SPORTS. 
193 
ears, 2\ to 3^ inches ; on neck above, 3 inches ; on the should¬ 
ers above, 4^ inches; on the throat, 4 inches; on the belly and 
behind the fore legs, the longest hairs are 6 inches. 
“ These measurements are taken from two individuals which 
were by no means full grown, as may be perceived by com¬ 
paring them with the measurements heretofore cited from 
Lewis and Clarke. They will serve, however, to give a fairer 
idea of the proportions of this animal than any which have been 
previously given, as they are so much more detailed, and very 
carefully made.”— Godman’s American Natural History. 
“ The Grizzly bear was found near the Sacramento, in Cali¬ 
fornia. The skin of this animal is said sometimes to be as large 
as that of an Ox ; its food is the same as that of the Indians, and 
varies with the seasons. Its strength is said to be prodigiously 
great, and it has been known when lassoed to drag three 
horses; and when baited in the Bull and Bear fights practised 
in California, will check the charge of a Bull by putting out 
one of its paws. 
“ They will also ascend the oaks for the acorns, and break 
off branches so large as almost to ruin the tree. It has been 
generally supposed that they do not climb ; but all the hunters 
bear testimony that they can do it, although slowly and clum¬ 
sily. They are now less numerous than formerly ; indeed, it is 
alleged that the lower country, near the San Joachim, was once 
so infested by these Bears that the Indians were obliged to keep 
to the highlands when travelling. 
“ It does not at all times kill its enemies when it has them in 
its power ; rarely attacks a man unless he comes upon him by 
surprise, and is not considered a dangerous animal. 
“Anecdotes are told of hunters who had fallen into the 
power of Grizzly Bears, which would cover them up with brush, 
grass and leaves, and put them down, without further molesta¬ 
tion, so long as they remained quiet; if they attempted to rise 
again, the Bear would again put them down, cover them over 
as before, and finally leave them unhurt. 
VOL. ii. 13 
