r
branches, where he can lie concealed and munch his food at leisure. The
most certain way to obtain the animal in this case is to cut down the
tree and shoot him as he reaches the ground, for, as may be supposed, he
is in no amiable mood when thus disturbed, and, unless speedily killed,
would attempt to wreak a fearful vengeance on his assailants. The black
bear springs on his prey in the same way as does the tiger or panther of
the southern part of the continent. He thus frequently kills the young
moose, though the full-grown animal is too active and powerful to be
thus caught. He will even attack horses in the same way, though the
latter animal often receives him with a furious kick.

In the summer, the black bears unite and hunt in gangs, making the
forest resound with their fearful snarling and loud moaning cries. They
give warning to the hunter to pile fuel on his camp-fire, and to take
his rifle in hand, for, strong in numbers, they will not hesitate to
approach him, and, if pressed by hunger, to make an assault on his camp.

THE GRIZZLY BEAR.

The most dreaded inhabitant of the Rocky Mountains and their
neighbourhood, is the savage grizzly, frequently called by the hunters
Old Ephraim. Even the bravest hunter, when making his way through this
wild region, finds it necessary to call all his courage and hardihood to
his aid, when he sees one of these huge monsters sitting upon its
hind-legs prepared for a rush towards him, and uttering a loud, harsh
sound, like a person breathing quickly. Should he not wish for a
contest, his best plan is to face the monster boldly, moving slowly on,
but ever keeping his eyes fixed on the animal. The bear will, in most
cases, after watching him attentively for some time, turn round and
gallop off. If, however, he should lose his presence of mind, and
attempt to fly--or should he fail, when he fires, to shoot the monster
through the brain--in all probability he will quickly be torn to pieces.

The grizzly frequently attains a length of nine feet, and weighs from
700 to 800 pounds. His head, in proportion to his muzzle, is very
large. He has a long, narrow muzzle, somewhat flattened, with large,
powerful, canine teeth. His eyes are small, and deeply sunk in his
head. His tail is so short, that it is completely concealed by the
surrounding hair. He possesses remarkably long feet, which, in the
full-grown animal, are eighteen inches in length; and they are armed
with