rs them easy of
identification; though it is certain that under favourable circumstances
the _ursus arctos_ often attains to a similar bulk.

In ferocity of disposition, however, in carnivorous inclination, and in
strength and power to carry out his mischievous propensities, no bear,
not even the _ursus maritimus_, appears to be a match for this monster
of the Rocky Mountains. The hunter never thinks of attacking him,
unless when assisted by a number of his comrades; and even then it may
be a fatal encounter for one or more of them. Were it not for the
advantage obtained by their being mounted on horseback, the grizzly
would always have a wide berth given him: but fortunately this fierce
quadruped is unable to overtake the mounted hunter--although he can
easily come up with a man on foot.

As to fearing or running away from a human antagonist, the younger
grizzlies may sometimes do so; but when an old male has been attacked
the case is quite different. A full-grown individual will stand his
ground against a crowd of assailants--charging from one to the other,
and showing fight so long as there is breath in his body.

The number of Indian and white hunters, who have either been killed or
badly mutilated by grizzly bears, is almost incredible. Were it not
that these men are usually mounted on good horses the list would have
been still greater; and his intended victims often find another means of
escaping from his claws--by taking to a tree.

Fortunate it is that nature has not bestowed upon the grizzly the power
of tree-climbing; else many a pursued hunter, who has succeeded in
gaining the branches of a friendly cottonwood, might have found his
refuge anything but a secure one.

In fact, climbing into a tree--when one can be reached--is the common
resource of all persons pursued by the grizzly bear; and by this means
did our hunters themselves escape from a brace of infuriated grizzlies,
while engaged in hunting these formidable animals.

CHAPTER FORTY NINE.

A FUR-TRADER'S FORT.

Having settled their accounts with Bruin of the Barren Grounds, our
travellers proceeded down the Mackenzie river to the Hudson's Bay post
of Fort Simpson. Thence they ascended a large tributary of the
Mackenzie, known as the "River of the Mountains,"--or as the Canadian
voyagers call it, _Riviere aux Liards_. This large stream has its
sources far beyond the highest peaks of the Rocky Mountains: thus
exhibiting the curious ph