Page:Across the sub-Arctics of Canada (1897).djvu/216

 many wounds, but before he had time to demonstrate his displeasure, Mac. had thrust the gaff through his skull, Con. had cleft his head with the axe, and my knife had spilled his heart's blood upon the rocks.

In the animal world the polar bear is admittedly the monarch of the north. He is the bear of bears, being described by all Arctic travellers as possessing enormous strength and great voracity. Of the score of polars whose more or less intimate acquaintance I have had occasion to make, I have seen at least two whose tracks in the snow measured fifteen by eighteen inches, whose length measured over nine feet, and whose slain carcases tipped the steelyard at from fifteen to sixteen hundred pounds.

Consequently I have always had great respect for the sentiments expressed in the following lines by an author whose name I regret being unable to recall:—

"Of the black bear you need not be afraid, But killing white ones is a dangerous trade. In this be cool, and well direct your lead, And take your aim at either heart or head; For struck elsewhere, your piece not level'd true, Not long you'll live your erring hand to rue."