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S. / Jy " — — — '^-Mv -jk,,rnr- csisxa ■: -T------ -jgaj^ ajfa ^Ki^aBT^ ^Sd t \ A NEW WAGGON OR CARRIAGE, ANY STYLE! ANY QUALITY! OR ANY PRIOE! We invite you to the Central Carriage Factory, where we build repair or paint all kinds of Waggons, Carriages or Sleighs at short notice, by some of the best workmen in the city. Satisfaction guaranteed. WE OFFER THE PUBLIC THE BEST WORK AT LOWEST PRICES. HOSTERMAN & GRAVES, Central Carriage Factory, 92 to 96 GRAFTON STREET, HALIFAX, N. S. //77S/ 3 .Ty-»5ff A »>V^ flII Readers o? this book SHOULiD EflT SCRIVEfJ'S iiiiiiiiiii mil ""• iiiiiiiiiiiiiiii 11,1,11 BREAD. g ••lllllllll,,,,,,,,,,,,, IIIIIIHI,,,,,,,,,,,, It is the BEST. TELEPHONE 312. ,i W. R. SCRIVEN. J. ^. SCRIVEN. %- Brou/9 ^ros. 9 ^o. I I i I I ri I I I I I I I I I I I I ( I I I I »i|i»i|l,|i«'|«i|, ■ji|,|,|:i|ii|j|Mt|:,|,i|i,|:,|,i| n I ||J.|.:| M'1l«>tn»|i.| i; I II I mil I II I I I « I i!i|.| r I I I 1 1 1 11 VI I.I 11 1114 11 II r -Duffd5 ^orpers," Crapuille St. HAiiiFflX, ft. s. Established 1859. Tl?e pir^est pppoi^ted aijd Best Ec lipp^d Dru9 Store iij tl^e /T\aritime prouiijees. SPONGES, PERFUMERY, HAIR BRUSHES, COMBS, FLESH GLOVES, Etc., Etc. ^^@r^' T. liflJ^SEJ^ 8t CO. THE LEADING SHOE HOUSE IN HALIFAX. liQdies Bicycle Boots and beggings IN CHOCOLATE, TAN, BLACK, &c. HALIFAX, N. 5 ^i©i?0^ ^f, PERILOUS ADVENTURES -OF- A BEAR HUNTER. ^hrllling experience of the writer, who In his hunting has met face to face and slain many of these ferocious animals. A TRUE STORY. PUBLISHED BY FAOEIR BROS. 123 Argyle Street, Cor. Bell's Lane. • halifax, n. s. Gipe pah\h\}eri ppcfaee. In writing the following narrative the principal object of the narrator is to make plain ami simple the experience he has had, and obtained from those asso- ciated with him, in hunting the largest and fiercest of our wild beasts, (with the exception of the moose which however is not fierce and terrible) the Black Bear. In some counties the animal abounds more plentifully than in others of the province of Nova Scotia. If it ^ivere not for the fear most people entertain for Mr. Bruin we believe, that fur bearing animal would almost be extinct, l»ut owing to the fact that fully eight-tenths of the people would rather not encounter the king of our forest wilds ; and of those that would have pleasure in this excit'ng sport, per- haps net one-fifth are privileged to get near the haunts of the four-footed king. Therefore the nar- rator with the assurance that many middle aged as well as j'oung men would enjoy the narrative in detail, dares to produce in the following lines, the history of his experience and those associated with him, covering a period of twenty-five years, and of the captuj-e and encountering of twenty-five bears : there will also be found many points in the habits and //77S/ features of our quadruped king that majr prove instructive to any who are desirous of enjoying some- thing of the exciting sport to be had m hunting the ttrt\hT "• ^'^ •^^^"^^^ ^'^^-^-^ -quests, hat the hues conveying truth indeed, may be care - iuHy followed so hat you may at length fancy your- self in the writers position with gun, hatchet, knife trap, or snare, ready to act the noble part declaring that man is predominant ^' v ? I ! CHAPTER I. MY FATHER SEES TWO BEARS, KILLS ONE. Almost every school boy has been urged to make enquiry with regard to wild beasts of the forest, more especially on account of the famous case of Braggart and Quickwit, such a grand exposition of cowardice and empty, vain, deceitful braggadocio. A fable, of couise, but conveying a grand lesson to the young, never to boast of being able to do what they know nothing about and have had no experience with. I shall endeavor to give to the reader some inter- esting facts in the following chronol f^y of bear hunt- ing and shooting. The first to come to my notice was the killing of a bear by my ff cher when I wa,s quite a young boy, in fact, only a school boy of ten summers. Hunting was a sport that father delighted in, especi- ally bear, moose, otter and fox, for which he seemed to have only sufficient fear to keep him at a safe dis- tance, and yet to engage in pursuits the most daring. From early boyhood he delighted in traversing the forest wilds of our country and sought opportunity to become master of our forest king. Tho first bear that father killed I recollect quite easily. I was attending school ; it wac that season of the year when it seems to the observer as if ten thousand times ten thousand painters had been despatched from celestial worlds and displayed their ta:6ns; md brush in the most ••i-^ * ■» ^>g ■»■ > 6 uHj, ovei hiJl and dale, soanoa over lakes L/i tording stream., until the brush mthl ^^'/"^ Autu,:: ' "" '""'' P'™^""' '■' ^'o™ Scotia, the The very efficient breach-loadin.. »m„ „„, k.- the forest -"' ''^".^"f "' ^^arted away for a ramble in the,,, was „lx>ut 'o retu™ l1 ? ""P"'""' so,„eemws dartinVj ' ""dWenly he beheld observedtU ri > v '" " """•" '^' >^'>«-« '»' -od bene! a'r Hh::;:-" "'""' '" '"'^'"' of day neeessita'!,)! h . """« """■ Tl" "-"e :n 'bfdarj^t;,:?-:'"^ :''':'' t"-" Ion«, t;,e dry far ,„en," , , '"^"'" '*"'« «...e.ted i jt,::;E ,da„TL',:"r *■■:"" were bent forward to whe,-e in a li„l \ , •" -b:;tr::e7.::t"trL7xf:fr""T similar experience it i^ h«..i ^ v "*is nad a •i'c-Nn. r-od„eedt h te Ch de, Ifi^ "■" , -"'«' H-i,y,a„din,,„,.i„,,„„/,,f;:f|:™;^:Port. '-:^:i^^ the hunter's part is indispensable to success (creeping). I can see the form gliding along as if on a beaten path or iawn, the eagerness and ability at this point is shown in the extreme carefulness and a well estab- lished knowledge of what he was trying to accom- plish. At this stage in creeping on bears the moments seem as long as hours, steps so slow and accurate seems to over-tax the patience, time seems so long on such exciting occasions. His route lay first through high swampy-lands, t^^ence a short distance around the base of a small hill. With keen eye, quick ear, fearless and soft tread, through a small thicket, a few paces more and the heart will be relieved of the vexed question it has put a thousand times since the dark objects were first discovered, viz,, (success or disappointment) the bears when last seen were playing on the side of a mountain having nothing but shrubbery in which to conceal both man and beast. Fortunately a semi-base of the mountain projected between the pursued and pursuer, thus affording natural cover while approaching more closely the object of his pursuit. By this time the sun had lowered sufficient for the peak of the mountain to throw off the powerful rays removing a serious obstacle, the r'^ader may have noticed how difficult it is to see an object lying directly in range and beneath the rays of the sun, especially whpn shiaing out of a clear sky. Having reached the base of the mountain a few moments more and the case is finally decided, the deed done, the turning of a leaf at this point alarms the hnnter, it seems as though noise is more loud and arousing at a if^T^-i-r 8 time like this. How cautious he must step now Betore he decides to make a step he mast first see that there is nothing beneath bis foot in the form of stick that will break, or stone that may move and . cause him to stumble, one miss-step now will spoil the sport. He must now get down and crawl on hands and knees, the pulse seems to beat faster now for fear of disturbing the black forest gem. while a few more yards of the enemy's ground is ge^.ned. At length the spot IS reached from which the deadly work must be done, the last place of concealment as was calcu- lated to be close enough to carry on the warfare He must expose himself now. the time has come when clever creeping is of no advantage, the gun is primed and caped, pla^-.d to his shoulder ready for action Gradually rising he gazes in the direction he expects to see the object of his last hours toil, and to his entire satisfaction discovers himself placed within gun-shot of two bears. Just at this moment the bears seem to have a faint knowledge of an approach- ing loe, for at the moment father arose one of the two oars^ sprang on top of a rock just as though he woula see and tell the other, acting as if someone had whispered in his ear that the enemy was at hand No shaking, nervous form, but a detennination to conquer, the arm that holds tlie gun pointing at the bear may justly be regarded as steady and fearless as ever held firearms before a foe. The trigger is drawn the gun discharged, the intervening space filled with smoke, the report re-echoing in the distance a moment later and the bear is seen t.ying to dmg 1 self away in the direction of its playmate, which by this time had fied to a convenient .eeting Mr. Brum. The bear had been struck in the loin, thus ^Jisabling it still not killing it outright. But quick as theoldtime shot-gun could be loaded t'atheF had it done and another sight taken, the gun discharged,, this time the .shot goes in at the back of the neck and lodges under the lower jaw. Tlie l»ear is dead, the sun is set, yonder in the shady thicket is another bear waiting for its companion now lying silent from, which Slumber it should never awaken. We must therefore leare the waiting bear yonder to pro'^l alone through river dale and forest glen, having: for the last time played with its mate. We must follow in detail what uas done vith the bear that was killed. To. be in the forest with the dead body of a bear as your canipanion. the dull grey clouds of a western sky looking scornfully upon you.. the rumbling noise of streams as they unceasingly whispering in the hunter's ear, the day far spent, the swoop of tV.o hawk, the occasional chirp of birds> perched for the night betoken the fact that all nature seeks rest. But the unfinished sport must be com pleted. The bear proved to be a small one weighing, about eighty pounds wlren cleaned. Fathwr openecJ the bear, took out the contents and carried it to the lake Doat, thence by lake and stream until he reached the main road, from whence he carried it a half-mile- to the shore of B. Bay. He had then about a mile and a half to row, landing at a pofnt about a .fuarter of a mile from home where he finally carried it for the last time. The reader may fustly imagine that we were growing exceedingly aiixious about father, it 11 ^eingf then far into the night. Mother had grown so 'Anxious that she summoned a host of the neighbours ;to go in setirch of father, the supposed lost hunter. They had gathered at father's house to get ideas and determine the route most iik^Iy to find traces of the •lost hunter They would have had the pleasure of -an outing which would have been enjoyed by some of •them, from what I know of his manner of travelling through forest wilds. I would have nearly as much •contideuce in an expedibiun starting to Hnd a lead- pencil mislay ed by an arctic explorer in arctic regions. It was now about half past nine o'clock, the stars ■shining but no moon. The relief party was calculat- ing to start when someone heard footsteps passing, every bod 3''s attention was drawn and a moment later the door is opened, the supposed lost hunter arrives, the more anxious and excited are ready to meet him •at the door, the reader may justly fancy that I was not a great way off myself. But something is bang- ing over his back and shoulders and a universal shout resounds— a bear. After inspecting the splendid fur of this young •animal we gathered around father to hear him relate his experience and perilous adventure. Having heard it a* hereinbefore stated, the reader may fancy the pleasure 1 had in relating the same to my school- mates next day, my feeling, exultant as it was is best described in an extract from Bingia on the Rhine, written by Caroline E. Morton, (My heart leaped forth to hear him tell of struggles tierce and wild.) Some people dread the black bear as much as the African lion, the East Indian tiger, or the American •fongdhe region where ,„y f.«,er killed the fi,^ hear and not far fronr where . „ heve seen- an,l Hn 1 n>.ny «nce As he saontered alTn^ 1 ^^1 11 11 ^'^ ^'" t>''other-ir>-lav. toJd me that CHAPTER II. father's friend deserts him while in the act op killing a bear. A short time elapsed when the excitement was aroused again, this time, father haa a friend with him, who had been away from his native country a good while, and in relating his experience on southern sea and in southern lands, he had caused his people to believe that what would daunt him would be useless for mortals to attempt to face. Being very much about our place he became quite intimate, so that when the hunting sea-ion arrived he was considered a partner in the sport. The time arrived for the hunters, viz. (father and his friend, whom we shall name a sailor in this narrative) to put down their traps ; thus at an appointed time they went into the forest to set the traps, appointing a day when they would visit them again. The time arrived, and they started for the day's sport, the route lay up streams, across lakes, over mountains and through deep dark valleys ; a fine specimen of ail. They had gone some miles up lakes and streams, when crossing a part of one of our largest lakes, the sailor called father's attention to whit he called a moose, the animal having just emerged from the thicket to the frcat of a mountain. Father called the sailor's moose a bear and began to plan for the sport of killing it. They watched the bV^?««'- u movement of Bruin a little while, and concluded that he was movin^^ in a direction that would cross their path. They calculated the distance and time it would teke both man and beast to reach a certain place father bem^r well acquainted v.ith the localiiy took the lead, the bold and daring sailor foIlowin(r; .rivintr vent to many expressions to strencrthen father's con"- fidence in him. At length they reached the place effected a landing with the necessary arrangements' their arms consisting of one gun, (muzzle-loadino^ shot-gun) hatchet and sheath knife. Father knovMn" the pathway that would thwart that of Bruin, started on the way; having gone as stealthily as possible with the usual speed when travelling, calls for much accurate and precise stepping. The time for special preparations had arrived, the conversation which until now, had passed in the usual undertone common to the hunter ; was reduced to that of whispering Having decided to load the gun with a special char"e tor the occasion, a second charge was meted out to the sailor, who as it was understood should hold it ready for instant use. This being done the sailor assured father that he would not desert him durin.r the conflict, that he had the staying qualities required on such an occasion, having as previously stated the second supply of munitions, sheath knife, and sundry fixtures in connect-on with the same. Father being the recognized gunner led the way on, passing through some swamp thicket, led ou over some little hiMs which rising one above the other as they do, literally ton II a mountain. The ascent had scarcely begun when they were rewarded by the appearance Bruin just emerging 15 from the thicket, into the path going from them, father heing prepared for an immediate attack, observed that the work was to be instant, owing to the zig zag form of the path ; being within shooting distance at once took aim and fired ; the instant he fired Bruin fell, made a summers.-*ult, down a little hill towards th»m, and fell among some small maple trees just large enough tor the power of Bruin to act upon with good ett'ect. The shot although proving fatal had not killed Bniin instantly, leaving strength enough in him to sho'v the hunter, that his embrace is not one to be desired. The brave sailor referred to must have exhausted the last of his courage on the southern seas in raging tempests or surging waves, otherwise must have regarded this engagement more perilous and attended with inci-eased danger ; for the moment he observed the bear falling, and tumbling around, he ran at full speed, down the hill into the valley, shouting to father to follow. We remember having in our reading exercises in early school days, a fable of an encounter with wild betists, by Braggart aiK^ Quick wit, — Braggart boasting of what he could and would do in the event of an engagement. He would stand by his friend Quickwit like a man. The fablous engagement came and Braggart being light and nimble climbed a tree, leaving his friend Quick- wit, who is represented as stout and unable to climb, to face the foe alone. In the case before us the Braggart of this narrative ran away, carrying with him the ammunition that liad been prepared, and also the cutting implidients. Just fancy father's feelings for a moment, the situation he was placed in, not o'.ilv the stalwart arm forsaking him. but it tieeing 16 with the only means of reh'ef th«f « u u insfanM,, u L leiiei tnat could be used near,, eo^t'",: X ^X Jf^T- tT' ''' the be., »?d'::"? ' r^." *'™ .""^ '«'"' how of which must be r. 1.7 '''^'"™ '°'''^''" '»; «hore. H deolilT, '"'.'"^r '•">"■■'« " '" 'he lake h-t.ejt:iTerr:r;Mr",e- lathers exneripnna k^ "uum ^o. lwn the coast, a panorama indeed; from the many signs that are given there is no doubt that the black monarch of the forest spent many sunny hours on this monatam top. where he could see all that ap- proached the place, or take scent of the same as it i= quite evident that he depends more on his powers of scent than sight With the above and many other • 7'^""7 ^^ h'« '^'^""^J Presence we engaged the task ot building the trap. We were not very long getting ^ ready, materials being handy and of g.od quality VVe therefore soon had made what we regarded a death warrant for either man or beast that meddled with It in the manner intended when setting The accompanying picture of a bear in a dead-fall or trap will sho^v the reader the kind referred t. atK)ve. Having completed the job of building the trap we waited patiently the arrival of spring to umke use of it. About the first of May in that y^ar we bated and lifted the trap stick inviting the black forest king to the newly prepared .juarters to taste of the dainty mess prepared for his majesty only A space ot about four days usually intervened between visits. I began to visit it alone, the reader can fancv my feeling attending a bear trap at the age of four- een. I reccollect in approaching it I could see the end ot the dead stick a good distance ofl' by getting on a arge rock which acf.ed as a kind of fore-warning whether Bruin had visited it or no*t. I remember pa/- htf. 21 his&:*.-i-m:' rs 22 in^ the trap several visits without any sign of Bruin When nearly about the time to stop for that season I went to vis,t it and when I got upon the large rock a^ usual the dead stick was lost to view. I at once made up my mind that the reward of my many un- successful trips was firmly fastened in those awful jaws whose griip appearance betokens death to the most formidable forest foe. I came down off the rock as quick as possible and prepared for an encounter, if such should b^ in 'ue case , but to my surprise clever Bruin had climbed in over the side wall at the back part near the third or bait tree, making use of the dainty mess that was harfgmg in an enticing manner and without leavincra complementry ticket repaired to his forest haunts " I could not raise the dead stick alone it being so exceedingly heavy, and for reasons I cann- explain nere, it was never set again. I visited the place about fifteen years later in company with a brother and found the ruins a decayed mass almost covered with moss. i CHAPTER IV. THE DISCOVERY OF BEAR DEN, IN WHICH FATHER AND I KILL A LARGE BEAR. The next experience I had with the forest king was vastly different to those related. It is remark- able thp varity of sport that can be had with Bruiu. I shall endeavor to relate my experience of an engagement with Bruin in a den. Six or seven years had passed away during which time father had moved to another village. Joining a couple of cousins of about my age, we set out for a good time hunting, prepared tor shooting and snaring. Taking with us provisions for nearly a week we started away, having the trip for the most part geographically planned. We were destined to an old camp that had been built a number of years before, the distance being five miles from home. We reached the old log camp safely and in time to make ample provisions for the nipht which was speedily coming on. Had luncheon served and began to enjoy the comforts of camp quarters. On the following day we started out setting snares and shooting all of wild foul that did honor to the gunner, that we met with in our course. As we travelled around regardless of forest wilds we frequently extended our route m different parts of the surrounding country. When about tha last day we were there we uiuUe a special circuit which 24 required the entire day. Going through some wooded s«ramps w,th small hills r.sing in the centre, and covered vv'ith a mixture of spruce, fir, juniper, and birch, thickly hlled with alder and withrod. Pas-incr along through the dense mass with the shades of mght faiHng the reader may fancy my surprise when I found myself suddenly stepping out of the thicket on a heap of newly removed ground We inspected the place thoroughly and decided that Mr. Bruin was about to construct a winter palace there. The site was chosen on the southern or sunny side of the hill A poplar tree had blown out in a norta westerly direction with two roots attached to the under part standing vertically, forming the capital letter A Here between the two roots Bruin had exercised his might in removing the earth to the extent of five or SIX feet by three or four of a solid mass, quite a good job of earthwork considering the tools in use and reflecting honor on the quadruped architect Taking a careful survey of the locality we depart- ed determined to revisit the place as soon as we were sure that Bruin had gone to bed for the winter Ihree or four weeks had elapsed before we started to rev-isitthis wonder of the age, the discovery havina served as a splendid text for teasin^. Resolved that nothing of that%ort should dis- courage us, one cusin came with me and we started out for the den. Arriving,- in the locality where the den should be we experienced some difficulty in find- ing It. Having made several circuits without success we were about to abandon the affair when we deeded to give it one more trial, and in doing found the den. From the a so ppearance Mr. Bruin had ^25 TOot returned from the time of our first visit and •discovery. Satisfied that we had found the place at first discovered and that it was an uninhabited l^ear den we retui'ued home only to get a liberal share of teasing. About a year passed away during which the talk ■of bears and bear dens had been utterly silenced. The time of j'ear had arrived when we naturally •suppose that bears have gone into winter quarters and have already slumbered a good while of the long ^leep that none but the infinite and supernatural can •explain in detail. We had been exceedingly busy all through the autumn scarcely loosing a moment, to my surprise one evening father sugojested that he and .1 should go next morning to visit the den found more than a year ago Heartily responding to father's request we at once began to prepare for the trip, which should begin as early as possible on the morrow. In accordance with the proposition the night before we were awake early next morning, affording us ample tin»e to reach the den and return by night. We started off at a good rate and in a couple of hours reached the vicinity of the den ; the reader may not be able to realize how difficult it is to find a small hole in the €arth in one particular place in a wooded country where hundred.^ of acres bear the «ame appearance. I determined to exhaust the last effort in trying to locate the den ; as we approached the thicket the grounds seeff ^»d to possess the appear- ance as I fiad forseen them on the way going back. We had not far to go now if in the right locality; the trees seemed to be the right size, quality and ■n-^w^^^r • «5 26 rfenoiiiifafeion, the underbrush too afeo seemed to be of the right kind. We were ascending a small hil> when srxidenly we beheld places indicating the gathering of leaves. Father suggested at once a bear's wark and a&ked me if we were getting close to the den. Just then I could see through the alders- the tcp end of the blown out poplak- under which the den must lay if we were in the right locality, the mouth of the den opened in a southerly direction and we approached it from a northerly direction, bringing- «s some ten or fifteen j'ards from the mouth o** the den. From the time we saw signs of Bruin we crept very cautiously and as noiselessly as possible to the above named position and had just halted when some laurels hanging down over the den moved quite freely. We both noticed this evidence of an inmate at on;;e. Father having the gun got ready for active service ; the class of gun a light muzzle hading shot gun. My firearms consisted of a large new axe of four and one-half pounds. We were not long conclud- ing that the best method to avoid a loss of this great sport, would be for me to go out on the den and have the first blow as his black inajesty pushed out from winter quarters, giving the gunner the next chance if required : all this had been said and planned m a few seconds, and we were satisfied we had *.he right plan if carried out accordingly. During this talk I had been standing with my hand on father's shoulder, he being almost in a sitting posture. The pen can't do justice to the feelings of the hunter at this vital moment, there seems to be a rushing of various sensations to one vital centre and as they meet they strive for the mastery. A thought, shall I ^7 kill the enemy at first shot, will the {jun do her duty ; the danger of a dautaged cap ; knowing also that if wounded and not disabled the beast will naturally •endeavor 1,0 pounce down u|)on hiia. He may at this point foresee himself a victim to the paw and tusks of the foref.t king. Lastly and above all the exultant position v>f conqueror supports him and he rushes 01. to the very jaws of death out of which he wrenches the object of his sport. I made a step to go out on the don and that instant the bear pushed his nose out far enough for fathei to see his sparkling eye. Father wtts ready and fired which was a great surprise <» me, having turned from him bui a second before. However I hurried down to the den, there met my gaze the fore> shoulders, neck and head of a bear, uncovered and in such agony that he could not raise his head from •earth, the meantime making a dull gurgling s.mnd. As the head of Uie beast rolled to u,a<' fro I called to father that I thought it was small and no need of ■delay. I took hold of it by the ears and endeavored to draw it from the den, but of no avail, we were obliged to make a rope of twisted rods and fasten them to the forepaws of the animal, requiring even then all the power we had to remove him from the den. There lay one of the finest, largest and fattest specimens of our forest king, the monster dead, conquered by his natural foe. There lay limbs and paws, the death warrant for all that is natural in man ; tusks when clasped might be regarded as a maro.moth forceps, a muscular mass of strength, well proportioned by the supernatural that has framed this monarch of forest wilds. rtikrr^w » %rraa 2S The animal had tilled the hole so complete that tliere v-as no room to spare. By this time it was- beginning to storm. I was anxious to get the bear home whole. Father said he bad no faith in our getting the bear home any other way than clearie<* and in pieces, however he gratihed my request. We thereupon fastened the legs together, put a pole- through and endeavored to lift the carcass, but could not get it clear of the ground. Observing that we had but littl.j day before us we very soon had the animal skinned and quartered. Father carried the pel^ and I carried a hind quarter, it was quite a pleasant surprise to those at home when we appeared before them with the proof of o.r success. The news, spread very rapidly calling the attention of a number of the neighbors. The next morning the force was stren^ihened by two or three cousins who enjoyed the trip to the den very ranch. Arriving at the den we found it presented a .scrt of victualling establish- ment, to see the quarters of dressed meat hanging around, and many places on the ground betokened the slaughter of the day before. As we explained the battle in detail the remaining portions of the carcase were cut up so that each one would have semething to carry. Our principal object in getting the carcase out of the forest was to enable us to weigh it. Not including the pelt it weighed three hundred and eighty-five pounds. This was one of the finest furred and fattest animals we have ever killed. CHAPTER VII. MY FATHER AXD I RECEIVE ADVICE OK A MAN IS OUR BEAR TRAP, AND START AWAY Ai' NIGHT] TO TAKE HIM OUT. The most fearful experience I have had was that of expecting to take a man out of a bear trap at night. Arriving home long after sun.^et one evening the alarming news awaited me of the expectancy of a man being in our bear trap which was setting at J swamp ab'^ut four or five miles fro home. The alarming > ews originated with two gentlemen who had been cut in our forest shooting. They travelled around in various directions rinding game .scarce. The wind was blowing from the north-west, and had during the day increased to a moderate gale. The two gentlemen referred to, while strolling carelessly around, came into the heavy wooded forest known as P. Hill, and while tnere, heard as they reported an exceedingly weird and uncanny sound, tlie shrieks indicating a man in distress. So aoleful was the sound that they proceeded on for home (whether stricken with fear or not I leave it for the reader to decide,) arriving at or before sunset. The unwelcome report was borne to father by a worthy gentleman who spoke in deepest tones of sympathy for both hunter and victim, and strongly advised that the least possible delay be made in endeavoring to release the sufferer I reached home shortly after the .serious 30 news had been delivered, only to hear ifc with the most sincere regret, while yet entertaining a taint hope that providence would graciously intervene and render the report unfounded. I began to investigate the report iinmediatfsly and from what I gained in that respect, caused the case to grow more serious in my opinion. The direction of the wind and their position when they heard as they suspected, the shrieks of a doomed man, all seamed to make it more clear, that we had, fastened in the solid grip of those awful jaws, a poor suffering fellow man. Oh awful thought, a burden unbearable to feel the guilt of catching a human being in a steel bear trap and keep him fastened there untill life ebbed away to relieve him cf his suffering. I could not rest a moment, I felt that if anything was left undone in regard to relieving the suspected sufferer, his blood would cry out ^rom the ground. Besides the expres- sions of sir oere regret rendered by father, I could see in his countenance that he was deeply anxious and was ready for any call to relieve the sufferer. Night had strewn her dark pall around us ; the stars looking down from their exalted sphere seemed to appeal in behalf of the suspected sufferer, while in turn they appeared to us to be distant and unaffec- tionate comforters to a wounded prisioner serving an unjust penalty in midst of forest wilds, it vcas dark, and the thought of s-tartiug out at night ;.o r^ach the bear trap was regarded by some to be quite unreason- able. They pitied the suspected sufferer, but it was regarded as increased misery when we began to arrange for this midnight stroll. We were advised 31 by some to wait and start at daylight next morning ; bv otheis to wait uotill the moon would nse: some wantej us to wait untill we could strengthen the party by two or three. We couldn't think of waiting a moment longer than it recjuired to be equipped for the trip, which consisted of a little choice liquors to act as a stimu- lant, some dainty food, prepared to give him if found in a condition to receive it, a cup of cocoa, etc. We also provided nice cloths for bandages, and approved medicines to apply in the event of a broken or lacerated leg. Also a large piece of heavy goods to form a temporary cot, on which he could be borne to our home. With the above fitout, two lanterns and a snider rifle, farther and I started on a mission attended with anticipated resulta the most direful. Oh the many thougiits, the variety of ways that the .sufferer was presented to the mind as we travelled on to his relief. How often a b.^'h betokened an appeal to Infinite power tt at it might be otherwise ti. ,n a poor fello\sraan fastened in thai awful clasp. I ■•• » * ▼■■-x H2 I 33 We seemed to feel his agony. I imagined the the iiwt'ul sensation when the great teeth of the steel giant would crash into thn marrow. I could hear that natural exclamation, (Oh my God I am done). I thought I could feel the sensation of the benumbed foot as those massive jaws forced by mammoth springs kept the vital liquid from its natural course. I could see his vain endeavor to get rid of the heart- less monster. I seemed to feel the pain as it shot upward from the wounded and tortured leg. Why could we not throw oft' those wierd and tireing thoughts, the atmosphere appeared to be filled with them, they seem also to follow step by step as we proceeded on, The way to the trap led through soft marshy places, over rude bridges with barely suffi- cient covering to carry us over, thence through rough uplands covered with spruce and firs, all adding dole- I'ulness to our dreary mission. The travelling was bad, the road being used in winter tiire only when snow is depended upon to make it passable. Thus in •summer and autunm it is quite unsafe to travel and especially at night time, the stumps, rocks, mounds, elevated roots worn out of the turf, or occasionally a deep hole partly covered by the falling leaves or broken limbs, form a terrible menace to travelling We travelled on steadily not vc-ry fast, but very care- ful, until we arrived at T. pond, where our travelling became more difficult. Here the wide woods path ■ended and we were obliged to follow for a short ilistance a winding path which had nearly grown over from the infr^quency of travelling, nevertheless we found our way down to the river, fording it with ^eat difficulty on account of the raoon just rising and 34 4 sfiineing through the tall tree tops, throwing innumer- able shadows on the vale below and causing the river to appear full of stones covered with black river moss, when in reality they - .re but the shadows of tree tops. We were fortm.att enough to get over without tutnbling in. There lay before us a pathless waste, with here and there a bunch of spruce trees- standing close together as if crouching down from the stroke of supernatural power. The pale moon as- she mounted the &ky seemed to lose her brightness as we wearily passed on, it seemed more distant thai> ever before, the shadows were made thrice dark,, numerous hills seemed to rise where there had ever been any, small rocks appeared to expand as their Hkeness was thrown on the opposite hills. All was. calm and still, we could hear the muimur of distant streams m they performed their endless task, they seemed to sing a midnight song of sadqess whose warning voice tingled in our ears for miles. As we- became more elevated we couM behold in the distance in different directions splendid sheets of water, on which there was not a ripple, we had often enjoyed a row out on their fair bosoms, at other times they seemed to greet us with a smile But they appear now to wear a frown, as they lay slumbering in their eternal beda there appeared to be written across their crystal bosom the word guilt;-. We still stride on, we have no guide, we depend sulely on our ability as hunters to lead us on without loss of time or use- less travelling. But hark ! a rush, the dry autumn leaves rustel, the thick alders shake, we are on the summit of a hill and the moon causes a dark shadow, we seem to feel the hairs of our heads to stiffen, thJ 85 Sslood worried aid over-heated from travelling, seems to chii), and for a moment we forget our mission of relief while we prepare for battle. Father held a position ou the hill top while I went around the base to find traces or disturb the animal that caused the -great rustling sound among the trees, but could find none. We therefore proceeded on, we were now about a mile from the trap if in the right direction. Wi were growing more anxious as we drew nearer, the surroundings put on a ghostly appearance as if the suspected dead or tortured spirit would follow us back to the place of its unwarranted doom. Wr were now within speaking distance of the trap, what shall we do ? Oh the burden lying on us -at this awful moment, we ^re standing on a large granite cliff about two nundred yards from the trap, we must approach it the right way. Oh that some inhabitant ^f the air would soar across the spot, and on ifc pinions of peace, bear us the joyful news that the day was yet unborn during which a fellowman should suffer a foretaste of the regions of darkness «,nd death in our trap. Can it be that we are ■despatched to go down into the large swamp lying at our feet and unfasten from the jaws of death the wounded, dying •o»* dead ? With what extreme plei are we would accept the news that the trip was rain, and the case unfounded, being bproiy supposi- tion. Are we alone in .=uch stress as this, are there none that may appeal to heaven that we may be relieved and rested. Ah y. , there are hearts at home beating and labouring with intense anxiety ; and yet we shall be favoured above them, for we must soon o^: m prove the ease, while they wait in intensified suspense- until we arrive with the news. We reason tne case.— If a poor man had fallen a victim to the steel giant we had visited only a few days before, he may by this tinre have lost his sanity and at f '.e apy^roaeh of one going to his relief might le'-Ii his rifle and shoot him. The reader may regard such a thought vain. Let us therefore consider the- situation of the victim. While attempting to cross J. swamp he unfortunatery steps into a trap, varying as they do from thirty to sixty pounds in weight, (the style of bow springs) its teeth projecting about an inch aud one-quarter, flat and pointed, its springs strong enough to raise a thousand pounds.* He endeavors to get rid of it in various way, such as- down the springs, but he has no power, he is suflering too much to apply his strength in full. He trys to drag the awful thing along with him but fa-^'s in the useless attempt. He shouts that some passer-by may hear and come to his relief. He shrieks out the agonizing prayer, Oh God must I die here in this awful place. Ke gazes down at his foot below the steel bands that clasp his leg, he sees the impossibil- ity of getting clear, daylight is giving place to the darkness of night, he foresees the weariness of the long hours. His mind strays home to anxious hearts that will wait long into the night for his return. He can hear little ones as thoy inquire what can be keeping papa so late There is one in that home whose unxiousness has overwhelmed the heart, he can «^ee a gentle tear stolen off* her cheek that others may not know her anxiety. If he has scanty means he can see his dear little ones scattered among their "Z^^-^^fK^s ' .^, enabling tlieni to reach the lake early enough to give it a fair trial. It was not i.3^:i..OH_ . A Jfc Tar* 48 long before they reached the lake, and pushed out of the extreme south-western corner. Thej at once noticed the fish rising to take off the may fly, for which the lake is noted. Mr. C. respectfully declined to take the first privilege of fishing, giving his friend J. the chance of killing the first nsh, while he pushed their majestic craft along very gently. As they pushed out of the cove, they turned their beat close around the shores of a point jutting out into the lake, where the may fly seemed to be lodged on the laurels in great masses. Not far ahead of them there was a place where the flies appeared more lively than anywhere else, occasionally a great swarm going into the air as if disturbed by something. The boat by this time was distant about twenty yards, when Mr. C. said he thought he saw something black lying in among the thick laurels. His friend Mr. J. who was more elevated on account of being in the act of fishing, exclaimed yes, for heaven's sake pull oflT, there's a bear. The excited animal sprang up when Mr. J. spoke in such tremendous tones, and made a few leaps up the side of a hill, and halted there, looking back as if she had left something down at the edge of the lake, from Arhich she could not tear away. Their only means of defence was the first joint of a fishing rod or a pocket knife. But while they gaze at the mighty beast yonder, tAr. C. noticed the bush,>s by the edge of the lake shaking again, and said to h s friend J. I believe she has cubs there. By this time the boat had drifted quite close to the shore, in the direction of the place where the old bear ran from, and where until now the little one had been lying. 49 I The litfcle ones at this stage ran up from the shore, towards their mother, who was determined to defend them, and started at full speed for the shore of the lake in the direction of the boat and her precious freight Mr. J. who by this time had become excited, yelled out for— God sake — pull away she is after us. Whereupon Mr. C. pushed out €rora the shore depriving the angry beast of treating her cubs to a dainty dish of human flesh. As the boat pushed cv.t from shore Mrs. Bruin appeared sur- prised at the easy method the strange looking creatures had of moving. She did not remain long in that position, but decided to fio away from the shores of the laka Mrs. Bruin now turned, and with all her powers of speed in exercise she bounded off over the hilltop. The cubs immediately following around the side of the hill where all three met and bounded away making a noise like distant thunder, that would send a thrill through the secret chambers of the heart Remaining on the lake they fished until time to return to the camp, having caught a splendid fare while on the new laka They now pro- ceed to their camping ground, and one prepares tea while the other takes the fish down to the mossy bank of the river and places the days splendid fare under cover for the night A fine night, plea-sant fire, good camp quarters, a good tea served, and an excellent fare of nice large fish, are clever agencies to influence a desire for sleep. Night began to speed away, and after making use of a couple of iiine havanas and a liberal replenishing of fuel, they relinquished themselves to camp rule. The watch took up his position and the other was 5i!¥S%=- ^Tsr ::*^ :-■-*:- ^^ Mii^^^ . ^ ■\^^-^^ .-.^kT-.U 50 soon fust asleep, and not lonuf at'terwards,^ an irresfat- able monster of the night crept into the camp- unnoticed and placing his drovyrsy lingers on the eyes of the guard, soon found him fast asleep. They slept on soundly, meanwhile for want of fuel their tire had nearly burned out. It was about midnight when the drowsy guard awoke. He was very u>uch surprised when consulting his watch be discovered that he had been asleep a couple of hours. He was tJiirsty and at once started for the stream to get son>e water. He had only gone a few steps when he heard a noise resembling the breaking of sticks on the other side of the stream. He stepped back to the camp and arous- ing Mr, C. told him of tlie strange noise he had heard across the stre^xm ; whereupon the}' crept cautiously out of camp and soon heard the noise again, it ap- peared to be coming down to the stream from a large mountain on the opposite side, it still kept coming on: occcsionally a stick breaking indicated tJie size of the prowling niridnight visitor, still his footsteps could be heard slowly but steadily drawing nearer. They remained perfectly silent, when suddenly they were relieved by the unwelcome visitor starting off at- a great rate for his mountain home. They regarded the visit the outcome of an invitation ascribino- it to the scent of the splendid fare of fish now lying under cover at the river bank. Mr. J. prized the fare of Hsh so much, that he couldn't as he expressed it, leave them in such danger of being stolen by Bruin, there- fore he carried them l)ack to the side of the camp. They rebuilt the fiis and went into camp resolved that their sleeping wis over for that night. They had not long to wait when dayligh" wa» observed in -^M '■m-;^ 51 the eastern sky. They prepared Lreakfast and par- took of it at an early hour, packed their nice fare of ■fish, Cf.mp utensils, etc., and started for home reaching there shortly before noon. Mr. C's. friend assured him that he had enjoyed a pleasant outing, where- upon both agreed they had an experience with Fish «nd Fur that would long be re» embered. kxa — ac^ fc^r 4cr» j. A.myi-^- CHAPTER IX. WHILE FISHrNO THREE BEARS COME DOWN- TO THE LAKE. Another view of Bruin bad its birth in or near the aame locality that Mr. C. had discovered them. I happened to see this mysdtV I had gone out on the )ake with a party of three fishermen, one a Major, another a coni'eetiwier^ the third u dry goods clerk. We started off early. The lake to whicb we were going lying distant about two and one half miles. The wind blew from the north-west around to north. We arrived safely at the lake, after sharing some amusement by the portly old Major striding aud wallowing through the swamp. Not only did the party arrive but a goodly supply of firewater also. Not making it a practice to drink strong drink I only counted fourth man in other maUers. Opening one of the bottles the party did themselves good, as they called it. We got into the boat and started for the best fishing stand, with the wind from the north. We were very successful, catching a great ruf^ny pairs, and sometimes three splendid fish at once ; che reader can imagine that such good fishing called for a great deal of drinking Consequently in a little the old Major cared very little whether bis tackle was in a fit condition for fishing or whether it was lying in the boat, he being scarcely able to sit on the thwart. The confectioner had not imbibed so freely. 53 and was still able to fish. The dry goods clerk had between drinking and smoking become literally paralized. I had therefore only one man that could tish and I sometimes fancy the trout had summoned some clever one of the finny tribe to take a snap shot of this most graceful of anglers. The time had glided away, we had partaken of luncheon and were lurking about in the sheltered parts of the lake, when .sudden- ly my friend the confectioner told me to turn round and tell him what the dark object was he .saw at the other part of the lake. I looked down the lake and instantly named the black thing a bear. I at once started for the place anxious to know how close her ladyship would suffer us to come. My friend the confectioner was 5*0 much afraid, that he implored by all means not to approach the bear. The Major was too far gone to do anything more than grunt. The dry goods clerk cried out in his orgies that we were able to kill the bear with a fishing rod and an oar. I had not gone far when out jumped two more bears, proving by their size and action that, the first was the mother and these her cubs. The cabs seemed to torment her by springing from rock to rock of a dry ledge in the lake ; the mother in the meantime trying to show them that there was great danger in remain- ing there too long. We were continually drawing nearer, and when about a nice gun shot from tbsm the cubs ran up into the woods, the mother follov ing immediately after and at such a pace that would cause one to have no desire to be in the race. r .»»c>i.K«,'!j a-jtii^isi CHAPTER X. A MOTHER BEAR SALUTeT^^S rx DEFENCE OP HER LITTLE ONES.-OUR FIRST BEAR TRAP. Seeing so many bears and the many si^ns that Brum mhabited quite frPPli. fh. . '" our forest wilds • a 10^ -^ P^'"'"" ^^ r..^i J V ,' brother of mme and Mr C H Ooolen, decided to trv traunina r,^f u a place fwttty oatietr* ""?"" '"*°" ^^o^^" the forest, set U Ld v Jj ^^f '"7°' ""- '"'° succe* Ho«-ever f. h! , f """' "''"'™' Not bemg entirely discouracred Mr C ^pf f h . up aaain and visited ■> „ t- ^''^ '^^'^P about the last o7th! 7 '""''" '""^^- ^'^en last ot the season for bears Mr. G. founri 55 himself iu the situation referred to above ; the trap sprung and carried some distance and its supposed victim gone. My brother and Mr. C. brought the iron nuisance out of fche forest and condemned it. It was taken to the junk store and disposed of i^ hardly one-eighth its original cost, thus ending tneir bear trapping for the time being and teaching a lesson in thri«^ line not to be forgotten. They then ordered from a leading hardware firm a first class trap warranted to hold the largest bear in our forest, at a cost of about twice the original cost of the first trap, to be imported early enough for hunting, the follow- ing sprintf. The merchants referred to, the well known firm of W. B. Arthur & Co, of Halifax, carried out their part, but by this time the attention uf Mr. C. had been drawn in an entirely new direc- tion, thus leaving the ordered article as stock; which however, was taken hold of by the writer's father, brother, and himself, and the project carried out as previously planned. May the ninth, eighteen ninty-four, the large and magnificent steel bea/ trap arrived, amid the applause and admiration of all who had the pleasure of behold- ing it. That evening a party of fishermen arrived to go out fishing the following day. Their minds were filled with stories of fishing and they appeared to want to know nothing else. The morning came, and the party with my brother as guide, started for the fishing ground, where about two hours later we were supposed to meet them and be landed across the lake, to proceed on our way to the place where we at first calculated to put our trap. When we arrived at the lake « new idea struck us. My brother rsported M the pleasing neN.'s of seeing a bear on the shore of the lake that morning, and showing «s wh^re, he venhed his statement by landing us at the place where we found indisputable evidences productive only of Brum. Thi. bright sign of bears cancelled our arrangements and instead of continuing on to the piMe at hrst agreed upon, the present influence led us to put the trap in a path leading from T. lake to F. lake. We left it setting two days and revisited it and found .t undisturbed, and verythmg in perfect order. Not regarding this as the propef haunt for bear^ we took up our trap and proceeded to the shores ot C. lake, m the vicinity where Mr. C. and my brother had met with such poor success. The day we shifted the trap will bug be remembered by father and I. The morning appeared fair and some what cool w.th an indication of the wind xor the day blowing from the northwest, giving u. one of these much to be desired bright sunny day.« abou the time we arrived at the trap, the wind had'incr asd to a strong bree.e. We however took the trap and Tk i f ''' ''^'^'"^ '^' ^^'' having from there to the end of the lake some severe muscular exercise Our and route now consisted of much barren ru...ed country, makmg the travelling very difficult, espe^cLl- ly when beanng such a burden of steel. xVot daunted at t. premeditated journey, we soon found ourselves dlZ\irT.' '"""= "^'•^^>' P'--' climbing dreary aad wild mountain heights, crossing fissures and pa^smg deep gorges until we reached^the pi h ln?r '.l^'^'^. ""'^ '^'•'^^^^^ pleasant trfvt «plend.d ..xture of timW. tall and state'y with a 57 •^reiit tuft of liiiil.s ut the top and clear trunk?, nl the root they are coverefl with solid green moss. Here ut tiieir feet runs nuijesticall}- the stream from the lake we were apprf)ttching. We traveled on and soon iK-f^an to notioe fresh s-igns of hears •hich im- parted a new impulse fcf» our hope of success. We pr-'ssed on prudently untd Wf arrived at the head of the stream where we rested a while. Father Wrts thirsty ami went down to the stream to get a drink of its sparkling liquid. While sitting there I was in a position to gaii^e sicross the lake, and thought I observed a iilaek body moving in the thick hushes that covered the shore at that place. My vision was fixed on that spot and I was soon relieved by a very large black bear emerg- ing from the thicket. I called softly to father that I saw a bear, which had by this time walked out on a gras.sy point and began to lap May tlys from the lake. Ou: errand was to set the trap and nothing more chat day ; on account of the burden of the trap we had taken a single barrel muzzle loading shot gun. We deci led however to try for the prize. We with- ilrew the charge and replaced it by a brace of bullets, nnd measured out a second charge ready to drop into the gun : the above and a small condemned hatchet with a broken handle, which we carried for the pur- pose of cutting out a place in the earth wherein to set the trap, was the e{]uipment of our warfare. Father led on as gunner. Our route lay around the southeast end of the lake ; the tirst part we travelled fast until wc arrived at the- end of the lake, from where we could see the bear still feeding along the shore; one thing in our favour was the wind. : >■< ^-^rr^w A m^Y^ 5» wFiich was blowing as previousl/ stated down Cher Iftke from the norUi-west a stronj^f breeze, carrying before it all scent or truces ok" the same. A magniti- eent niornrnf; indeed, a bright s»n peering dowi* through cheery spring cloutte on the blue bossom of the majestic little lake lying nestled annoug the Hiountains, was a sigl^t not soon to be forgotten. At this part of the lake we were obliged to crawl, being so close to the shore that we bed nothing but the low taurels in which to conceal ourselves. Wp were some- what favoured by a rude path, forn*ed by the con- stant traveMng of wild beasts, along which we were now crawling, and which led into a kind of jungle out of which if we kept on we would en>erge near a cove in the lake, making the distance much shorter^ little thinking that we should experience a shock that for a moment, until overcome, would chill the blood Id our veins and make the hairs of our head ta .stiffen. We were just properly covered in the jungle when a few yards from us-in the dense thicket came a rough good morning in the form of a tremendous' grunt and snort mingled with terror ; not from the bear we started to kill but another, and this a larp;e mother bear with two cubs One of the little ones climbed a tree, and the other ran in the jungle with its mother, who occa.« ally gave vent to the most hideous sound that ever fell on mortal ears, all the while keeping ai a distance and moving back and forth as indicated by the terrifying noise, as if wait- ing for her cub to return to her. I advised father to pay attention to the chances of seeing and shooting the old one as we were not equipped for a three handed engagement at once ; we were perfectly silent, hoping ■Mi 59 tlia't the mothfi- would come to the fr nt to see aboot the unwelcome visitors that entered her domains without warnintf. While w^ we*-e en*her bear and her two cuKs, they were out on a marshy point feeding on May Hy. We il jOxT? r'ATQT A vrrv 64 watched their actions a little while and concluded they intended to travel around the cove following in from the point just mentioned, arriving at this con- clusion we started out to meet them, feeling satisfied that if we could kill the mother bear, we should experience little difficulty in securing the cubs. Our plan was to creep to a bunch of thick trees and remain perfectly silent waiting until Mrs. Bruin and her two little children would stroll by. But her ladyship decided to go directly back when done feed- ing, causing defeat, and robbing us of the sport we prized so much Upon ac-epting defeat we did not rush to the lake with violence, but crept back almost as stealthily as we came. We crept down to where our trap was setting and found it undisturbed except a few leaves blown off which had servec^ as a cover- ing, replacing those, we crept away agaui very care- fully. Before leaving the lake for home, which was our present intention, we rested a while, taking cold luncheon at m spot overlooking the lake. 1 sat facing the lake and while partaking of food kept my gaze fized on the opposite shore ; the dulness of the sky, the easterly wind with a mist caused it to be- come quite difficult to see any distance among the trees. We had eaten our lunch and intended to move on for home. I had not stirred, but kept my eyes firmly fixed on a dark spot behind some limbs ; at this moment a nice sized l)ear pushed out slowly and cautiously towards the shore. I drew father's atten- tion, and just then another of the same size pushed out. We were pleased to see and know they wer^ there, and began to plan although getting late, to go and creep them.— the hunter's term. °The two ^^ TA, iffe^^ 1(55 bears fed slowly along the shore eating the May fly that had drifted in. About this time another bear emerged from the wood? it eclipsed all other bears I have ever seen. As this tremendous beast pushed out from cover I could hardly remain silent. Oh monster, of forest wilds the giant. The two bears that came out from cover first, appeared to shrink before our eyes. In the last bear that emerged from the thicket there appeared to be something to cause the stoutest heart to shrink. As the mammoth beast climed over rocks and old stumps man appeared to be living in terror, and yet the exciting sport was too good to give way to such thoughts. At length we decided to go down to the side of the lake until directly opposite, and fire from there, it being too late to engage in the task of creeping around the lake to them. We arrived at the proposed place and there ■directly before us were three bears, two of ordinary size and one uncommonly large. I could not get in a good position but however I brought the rifle to bear on the shoulderblade of the largest and fired ; the shot did not prove as fatal as it should have done. The two small bea-s fled instantly and could be seen no more; the large one fell back towards the lake and father immediately fired, but owing to the long range and his small experience with the new breach load- ing gun, the shot was ineflectual, and by this time tlie great beast had recovered and was sheltered by the limbs of a large trea We remained silent for a time and as we listened we could hear the monster gruntin^ with agony as if endeavoring to get away. We now starred around the lake hurrying with all speed, regardless of man or beast, to find traces of the #^^W» irt»i 66 severely wounded bear, but as it was growing dark and the travelling was bad we were forced toabandoi> further pursuit. Just before leaving the scene of action we separat- ed, going in different directions, still hoping to disturb the wounded animal. While we were separated father started a small bear just catching a glimpse of it as it ran away, but not knowing just the direction I was in he was afraid to tire — shortly after I came up to him having been unsuccessful. We had a lor>g distance and bad roads before us, and as the shades of night were falling we were compelled to travel carefully and slowly, to mak sure of our way. We arrived home a long while after dark. Leaving a lasting impression on my memory of a piece of sport rarely enjoyed, but made miserable by the report of a party a while afterward telling that they passed close by the body of a large animal in such a state of decomposition that they could not make a close in- spection. From the statement rendered, the direction they were in, proves that the bear struggling to get rid of the death summons travelled as far as its strength suffered, and then laid down and died. CHAPTER XII. WHILE TAKING A LARGE BEAR OUT OF THE TRAP THREE OTHERS COME DOWN TO THE LAKE. Taking a large bear out of a trap is an exciting piece of sport of which I have enjoyed much, Mr. C, who is mentioned in another part of this book, and myself started early one morning in May to visit three large bear traps. We had a pear shaped journey to make. Our first trap was setting by "the shore of R. River: we had a hard time gett-ng up the large lake, the wind blowing from the northwest astrcng breeze; the clouds appeared to be tearing away from each other and hurrying on to settle away below the eastern horizon, nevertheless we reached the landing place quite safely and proceeded to trap G. It was pleasant travelling over the mountains that lay in our path. Upon reaching the river valley we found the trap untouched, and immediately proceeded to trap A at C. Lake, one of the most renowned for bears I have ever heard tell of. Permit me to say here, that we have built a small boat and put in this lake and nam.d her Little Queenie, for no other purpose than completing the equipment for the proper convenience of bear hunting. As we ap- proached the shores of C. Lake we did it cautiously, and arrivfid at a point directly opposite our trap A. y^ r » m ■ 6S To our Joy when we peererl across the lake there met our gaze a splendid large bear in the trap : the beast was trying to pull over a tree it had gnawed almost off, and its manner represented extreme agony, Without delay we hastened to where we had secreted queenie and pushing off the tiny bark we stepped in. A nice breeze coming do\r rw^ T^-KTr^Y * ii.T"r^ 76- :1 parts of the forest, closely inspecting any cleft or hollow root that gave indications of a bear's den. We travelled some distance along a pathle?s swamp, out of which we emerged and were now ascending a small hill, when I observed an excavation beneath a large tree similar to the original appearance of the den we had just left ; as we ascended the hill, the place was regarded as a porcupine shelter, but the nearer we drew the stronger the evidence became that it was a bear den ; the place had been formed after the manner of a tunnel, with two outlets, as the elements wrested the tree from its original position, there followed a great deal of turf, which served as a roof to the den. If Bruin was there he was very •luiet, or sleepy. Not .«>atistied with just merely talk- ing about the place being a good sight for a bear'* winter palace, Mr. C. who was carrying the ritie laid it alongside, and began to disturb the leaves in the one entrance while I did the same at the other end of the tunnel shaped den. We were both on our knees at work renioving Bruin's winter blankets, which consisted of a lot of leaves, when suddenly I started him towards my friend C whose face almost touched the bear, whereupon he retreated from that end of the den, determined to come out where I was, and a moment later the mighty paws and snarling face of a black bear greeted me at the niouth of the den, his paws landing but a couple of inches from my knees. As I knelt before the black monster, I had nothiUj^^ but empty hands to face him with, and I tried to get out of the way as(iuicklyas possible, possessing no desire to have such a creature in my arms, much Jess to be carried away in his deadly embrace, but the 77 bear was upon me, a moment later and my friend C. sent a snider bullet through the monster's heart. In a position like the above is where the staying (juali- ties of a friend is proved. Man in full sympathy with his fellowman. Had he forsaken me the result is better imagined than discribed ; the seriousness of such a situation can never be forgotten, it is the privilege of a glimpse in the valley of the shadow of death, another step and I should have been beneath the power of those lacerating claws and rending tusks, the victim of a heartless monster. I have much pleasure in stating that my friends C. and F. stood by me like men in the hour of extreme peril, and became the instr-i mental power of wresting me from the jaws of death. After going through the usual course of butchering at the den, we proceeded direct for home, where we arrived just as daylight gave place to night, closing one of the most eventful days of peril and sport it may be my lot ever to experience, and a journey never to be forgotten. 78 CHAPTER XV. A PECULIAR INCIDENT LEADS TO THE FINDING OF A BEAR DEN IX WHICH BRUIN IS KILLED. It is not always the hunter of many years experi- ence and much roving, that is crowned with success in discovering bear dens. I have frequently had the privilege of converijing with men of thirt}' and forty years experience, and much surprised to hear them say they never fornd a hear den. The bear dens I have found have been purely incidental as hereinbefore related and described. It may be of interest to the reader to relate the incidental finding of a bear den by my friend C. who so faithfully performed the duty becoming manliness as related in the preceeding chapter. He and a friend D. had a pleasant little route not extending far into the forest, but affording much sport in small game. It was about mid-winter when there appeared to be uo use for the gun on such a short trip, they carried ^nothing more defensive than a hatchet and sheath knife. Tiiey visited their traps and snares several times without any strange occurance. On one occas- ion they startel a rabbit from its setting phice. Mr. C. at once placed a snare in its road after whicL he made a large circuit to make the little creature ret.reat. He had not gone far when a jet black spot attracted his attention, which he curiously inspected, The place where he observed the black spot was II W^'^m >-i».T '^ 80 beneath a large rock, it presented an appearance Vuze that c»f a mine shaft, almost immeasurable in depth. He crept very cautiously to the rock and peeping over discovered that the black spot under the rock was the t'oreshoulder and neck of a bear. Meanwhile his friend called out for him ; he dare not answer but endeavored to get away as easily as possible, and he was soon in the presence of his friend and related the accidental finding of a bear den. They then hastened home for firearms but were disappointed, a brother having the nfle away on a shooting excursion. That night it began to rain, which cast a gloom over their hopes, it continued somewhat rainy until next night keeping them in awful suspense for fear of losing their sport. The following morning came and with it unwelcome showers, but they decided that the time had come when the prize must be won, ajd so they started of with two guns, prepared to take all the unpleasantness of travelling through wet bushes for the sport of bear killing. They reached the place not knowing whether the prize had fled or not. Mr. C prepared for battle and crept around tb.e large rock as previously described, being much pleased to find drowsy Bruin undisturbed. He spoke to his comrades in distinct tones— he's here. The animal thereupon raised its head and Mr. C. fired killing it instantly. They soon had the animal skinned, and set out for home, attributing the finding of the uen to the hunt- ing of a rabbit. 81 s »2 ' > r In placing before the public this brief history the writer hereby declares its validity. The reader there- fore may expect to tind just such traits in Bruin as this brief history relates. Having been engaged ia the killing of them in each season of the year, and having carefully observed its characteristics, haunts^ habits, food, the kind, and manner of obtaining it,. their winter quarters, how formed and where gener- ally located. All this may prove helpful to the amateur who may vindicate his aspirations for the sport of slaying the fiercest and most terrible of our forest animals. Yours Respectfully, X. B. FADER. 83 THE HUNTER'S STORY. The subject of this story We all know very well, But within the lines of poetry There's something yet to tell. 'Tis the experience of the writer, Who o'er hills and dales did go, Accompanied by his father To hunt our forest foe. The dread of every village — Most daring in our land- Is chased by these two hunters Until face to face they stand. By the side of a calm still water, With the sky so clear and bright. They meet their bold pursuer And forthwith engage in fight. They stop just for a moment And to each other say- Have we sufficient firearms To take his life away. What a thrilling time for hunters As the thought now passes o'er, If we just wounded Bruin, We may be at death's door. The hunters then began the fight — The ffun was levelled o'er, The fiiiccer on the trigger bent And Bruin was no more. They skinned the mighty monarch And then pursued their way With many thanks to Providence For the prize they gained that day. They reach their home in triumph, Greeted by their friends again, One more added to the number Of the many bears they've shiin. Thus ends this thrilling story Of the men we know .so well, Who within the pages of this book Do many stories tell. Samiel L. Fader. IF YOU t^lDE RH E & D S.* BICYCLE iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii DODGE The bears written about in this book will not be able to overtake you, nor will any other kind of wheds made, as this runs as easily geared at 80 as other Bicycles at 66 It does not need oiling nor ■cleaning of the bearings as the dust cannot get in nor the oil get out. INVESTIGATE I THE W. H. JOHNSON CO, LIMITED. HALIFAX, N. S. Sole Ag-ents for Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii T«^^ & m'c^^K^i^:, '\^- -='• .■a IMAGE EVALUATION TEST TARGET (MT-3) // / %^ X? / fe t/j (/, 1.0 I.I li^MM |2.5 ^ its. ill 2.0 1.25 lU lA. Hill 1.6 d <^ 'W/ /} '/a ^' / /A Sciences Corporation \\ !^ "^ ^-i> 6^ '^'^ 33 WEST MAIN STREET WEBSTER, N.Y. MS«0 (716) 872-45r<3 '^ it i WimBQ)mB MT&WM BT&MM^ Successor to J. E. WILSON, 206 and 208 HOLLIS STREET^ HALIFAX, N. S. STOVES, SHIPS' CASTINGS,, REGISTER GRATES, FOUNDRY SUPPLIES, KITCHEN FURNISHINGS, SHIPS' FURNISHINGS, LOBSTER BOILERS, LOBSTER BATHS, LOBSTER PANS, SOLDER MOULDS, SOLDER FURNACES. FIREPOTS. &c. caiNDsoi^, Yfl^jvroUTH and SnCKVlIiLiE c^rwk^c f^AHGES ■and t^EPfllt^S, ]\o\: f\\T pijr9aee5 FITTED UP IN ANY PART OF THE COUNTRY. CORRESPONDENCE SOLICITED. V V X COME ALONG TO HI f ALL PAFI BEST 1^ 7ME CITY. DAVID ROCHE, Contracting P^ainter-, Dealer in Wall Paper and Decorations, Artist's Materials, &.c., Ac ESTIMATES GIVEN FOR PLATE CLASS. 236 Arggle Street, near Jacob St HALIFAX, K. S. L t^ ' in the Federal Life. What has your Papa ^ . Got?" \ ^>7^ PEDERAL Policies World Wide I I 1^ f"* ^^^^^ ^"*^ ^^'^ ''^^"' Issue. IjIi D Assurance Co. Head Office: HAMILTON, CANADA. ACCUMMULATION POLICIES. COMPOUND INVESTMENT POLICIES. GUARANTEED INSURANCE BONDS. Capital and Assets, - $1,051,610,78 Surplus to Policyholders, • $714,935.75 JAS. H. BEATTY, DAVID DEXTER, President. Managing Director. Loans made on Policies after 2 years. Paid op Policies alter 3 years The Nova Scotia Branch Office will be renioved May 1st, 1897, from the Metropole Building to U/ri^l7t'8 fleu/ -St. pauI" Buildip^, Cor. Barrington & Prince Sts. Applicants for Agencies apply to m. B. HOESTIS, PROVINCIAL MANAGER, HALIFAX. RiCHARt) S. THHAKSTO^^, ■i (i I j(S> ^ 4 Book and ir\ • i_ JOB. A.— Printer. LETTER AND NOTE HEADS, STATEMENTS AND BILL HEADS, ENVELOPES AND CIRCULARS, DODGERS AND POSTERS, ETC., ETC. 287 Sappiipgtoip (§tpeet, ^alifax. Tlie Halifax Advertiser Published every Friday. 2,000 copies delivered free from House to House, making it the best advertising medium for the City of Halifax. RATES LOW. PEOPLE'S ma mu. CHAl^IiOTTETOWfl, P. H. I. Dealers in all kinds of (Jrocerles and Provl^lon^, WHOLESALE and RETAIL. Having just completed a full stock of same for Spring and Summer Trade, I especially invite my city custo- mers, and all who will favour me with a call, to inspect the same. I ^LJV^ii. BUTTER, EQGS AND COUNTRY GOODS ^^When coming to the City call and see me. THE PEOPLE'S CASH STORE, JOHN WHEATLEY. N0TICE »-3P»RiF3M6fJ.^ Anyone who enjoys the pleasure of Trout Fish in jf can be accommodated ct B^iyVIBW POTEL, BTIYglDE. 18 miles from Halifax, where you can enjoy the pleasure of fishing on a variety of lakes equal to any in Nova Scotia. Boats on each lake for the accominodation of Sportsmen, iind within a few minutes of .the Hotel. Tents caii' , be hiul at the Hotel if needed for the pleaiuie of campini; out. A man wno undei-stands the iishinjj grounds th >roughly will he on hnnd to accompany anyone who» is desirous of the pleasure of tishing. We also call attention to the fact that we can accommodate RUMMER -f Be7iPERg3k-^ from early Spring until late in tbe Autumn, on very reasonable terms. The Hotel contains 22 rooms, fitted ■,- itii every convenience. Situated near the bay, where the water is smooth, giving , you the privilege of boating, bathino, sailing, etc., without the danger of rough seas! As we have entertained some of the most prominent people of Halifax, who continue visiting our place in summer, we feel confident we can accommodate a great many more and give the same satisfaction.. Respectfully yours, MRS. MARTIN FADER, PROPRIETRESS. For further particulars apply to FADER BROS. TEL. asa. ARGYLE ST.. HALIFAX. jm^ 1 117751 Fader, N.P, A S295 .F3 PerHouB pdventureK of a O'^ar hunter DATE ISSUED TO Zu^ "77^/ I I \