Page:Star Lore Of All Ages, 1911.pdf/479

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The Bear is thus represented by the four stars in the bowl of the Dipper, and behind are seven hunters pursuing her. Here again we find the number seven associated with this constellation.

"The first hunter was called 'the Robin' because that star has a reddish tinge, the second 'the Chickadee' because its star is smaller than the others, the fifth hunter the Bluejay because its star is blue. Arcturus becomes the Owl because of its large size, and the star of the seventh hunter, the Saw-whet, because its reddish hue suggests the brilliant feathers which mark the head of that bird.

"Close beside the second hunter is a little star (Alcor), which represents the Pot which he is carrying to cook the bear meat in. Just above the hunters is a group of smaller stars which represent the Bear's den.

"Late in the spring the Bear, waking from her long winter sleep, leaves her rocky hillside den and descends to the ground in search of food. Instantly the sharp-eyed Chickadee perceives her, and being too small to undertake the pursuit alone, calls the other hunters to his aid. Together the seven start after the Bear, the Chickadee with the Pot being placed between two of the larger birds so that he may not lose his way. All the hunters are hungry