Page:Once a Week Dec 1860 to June 61.pdf/361

348 As to the bears, it happens sometimes that they make their appearance among the villagers, mounted, as it were, on their horses, though this prank they commonly pay for by their hides. More frequently, the small and feeble horses of the Tchuvashes are caught by the bears in the Sesourian forests, and destroyed without resistance. The bear is accustomed to scramble on the horse’s back, and grappling his victim with three of his paws, he suffers the fourth paw to trail against the ground, till the poor horse, fatigued and tormented beyond his strength, falls exhausted to the ground, and becomes an easy prey to the bear. At times, however, the horse succeeds in reaching the village, with the bear still clinging to him, when he is quickly relieved from his rider.

The Tchuvashes commonly kill bears with the gun, but they also employ, by way of trapping, a log of wood; and sometimes drug the animal with brandy. In trapping with the log of wood, they select some narrow spot in the accustomed track of the bear, where they can avail themselves of two trees, standing near enough together; from these trees they suspend, by a strong rope, a heavy log of oak, in such a way, as entirely to block up the passage of the bear, yet hanging free to swing, and on a level with his head. The bear, upon his wonted march, meets with the log, which bars his farther progress; he raises his snout, examines it, smells it, touches it, and finding no artifice in it, throws it aside, and then deliberately pursues his way. The log, however, like a pendulum, returns from its impulse, and strikes him on his back. The bear quickly turns to the log, seizes it, and throws it away again, then raises his head to see what becomes of it. The log flies back, and hits him perhaps on the shoulder. The bear is now furious, collects all his strength, and with a loud growl, again hurls away the log, and stands with open mouth, trembling with rage, observing it. The log returns with its whole weight, and striking upon his skull, ends at once the contest and the indignation of the bear.

The Tchuvashes sometimes overpower the bear by means of brandy. Across his usual path they either find or place a fallen tree, in which they scoop out a hollow receptacle, which they fill with brandy. The bear, passing, smells the liquor, and at once drinks, for he is as fond of spirits as he is of sweets. The drink soon takes effect; and the bear falls into a dead sleep, during which the Tchuvashe kills him.

Yet once more on the organ play To me, old neighbour mine; Try if my heart may be refreshed Still by its tones divine—”

The sick one prayed, the neighbour played, So played he ne’er before; So glorious are the tones that he Knows his own touch no more.

Tis some unearthly blessed strain Bursts forth as he doth play— He stops with awe—the list’ner’s soul Hath gently passed away.