The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1855-05-12
Gc!cft 41(isfcllanD.

ABOUT BEAhS.-Mr. Phllp Tome, an old
hunter Of Pennsylvania. has published an in
teresLng book entitled "Pioncer Life, or
Thirty Years Hunter" from which we
take the following paragraphs concerning the
manners and customs Of Bruin-
BEAR EATING HONEY.
'Oncc, while was in the woods hunting,
heard a noise like that made by bear
while in tree after nuts. 1t seemed some
nuts, and after accommodating for some time
discovered bear high up on dead pine
Tree, scratching and paving at the wood very
nduStriously. l resolved to ascertain the
cause Of his strange conduct, and seated nv
self where | could see the performance. In
about half an hour he had penetrated the
Shell, and, thrushing in his paws, he brought
them out loaded with honey. The bees flew
ont at him. singing his head. paws and
tongue. lie rubbed his head with his rcek-
Ing paws, but did not allow the stings to in
iclrnpt his feast for a moment. He continued
to gorge himself, and growl his imrotcnt rage
at his little tormcntors, until had witnessed
enough, when | called loudly to him. He
looked at me. but was so intent upon his
rcpast that he paid but little attention. |
repeated my call, and swung my hat, when
he conprchcndcd the nature of the intruder,
and, letting go his hold he dropped to the
ground and made a prccpitatc retreat
BEAR EATING CHERRIES.
Once. when out on deer-hunt. my wan
behring's having led me to a grove of tall cher
ry-trccs, heard a cracking and rustling over
head. After looking and listening a while
l perceived bear in lofty chcrry-trce gath
cling the fruit, it being the season when it
was ripe. He would break and drop to the
earth the large limbs, which We're covered
with fruit, watching each limb until it reach
ca the ground, and if one lodged on lower
branch, he went down and liberated it,
observed his proceedings for fifteen or TWEEN
ty minutes, and then, concealing myself be-
hind tree, called to him at the top of my
voice. If a sudden shock of an earthquake
had Frustrated the tree in which he was
stationed, BRuIN could not have experienced
more astonishment than he exhibited at the
sound of my voice breaking the stiffness of
the forest. He raised himself upon his
launches, and stood looking eagerly around
with ludcrous ..tture of establishment and
defiance. L stepped out from my conceal
mcnt, and again called, when, with loud
cry of terror, he slipped off the limb, but
while still grasping with his forc-paws he
looked to the ground. The tree leaned over
a small precipice, and if he relinquished his
hold he must fall at least a hundred feet He
hung there, apparently balancing the matter
in bis mind, for few minutes, when his
dread of man prevailed, and gradually relax
ing his hold, he fell heavily to-the earth, roll
ed up like ball. lie quickly iccoved from
the shock, and, Strengthening himself out, he
made the best possible use Of his legs, and
was soon out Of sight.
sIlE-BEARS.
1T is often dangerous to meet an old she
bear with her cubs, although the old one will
cndcayor to escape with her young: but the
simple creatures will often come directly up
to II man when they meet him, and the en-
ragged dam will attack him with fury
which leaves him no hope but in his weapon
If he attempts to flee, the cubs will follow
him, which increases the rage Of the old
bear. A few year since | was near the south
bank Of the Allegheny River, in Cattaraugus
county, New York examining a road which
had been made for drawing logs, when oh.
served three black animals approaching me,
but thinking they were hogs, paid no at.
tention to them. When l again looked in
the same direction they were hut short dis.
lancet nc, and perceived that it was q
btary No cubs. was somewhat alarm.
cd, al lew the ferocity ola bear when with
her {; but knowing there was no chance
for !, seized hand-spikc and prepar.
cd ifcnd myself the best could AS the
be .me near, she raised herself erect, anG
az ced with open mouth When she wa.
~ q reach, prostlatcd her by blow up