Note 83 — Chapter VIII

To some who have read the descriptions of bear–hunts in Norway and Russia it may appear neither wonderful nor unusual that a single hunter should kill a full–grown bear; but it must be borne in mind, that the bear of the north of Europe bears about the same proportion to a grisly bear of the Rocky Mountains (Ursus horribilis) as a panther does to a Bengal tiger. The grisly bear is not only the largest and most ferocious of his species, but his tenacity of life is so remarkable that he frequently runs a considerable distance and survives some hours after receiving several balls through the lungs, head, and heart. On this account it is never safe for the most experienced marksman to attack him alone, unless there be some tree or place of safety at hand, for the grisly bear cannot or will not climb a tree; and some idea of the animal’s strength may be formed from the fact, attested by many credible witnesses, that, after killing a bison, he will frequently drag the carcase some distance to his lair. For descriptions and anecdotes of the grisly bear, see Lewis’s and Clark’s Expedition to the Rocky Mountains, and Major Long’s ditto. A feat almost similar to that recorded in the text was performed some years ago by an Iroquois, one of the last of his tribe, and who, though grievously wounded, survived. The Author saw this Indian hero arrive at St. Louis in a canoe, containing only himself and a boy, they having descended the Missouri for more than 1500 miles in their frail bark; and having passed in their perilous voyage the villages of Crows, Riccarees, Sioux, Black–feet, and other predatory tribes.