Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1874-05-19

| iuCl "OuaQ iOO biNhAibS ssN w
/ hives and sometimes they have beer
known 10 attack aud destroy young cattle
The bear story which we are about tc
relate is well authenticated and The rrin
cipal actor il we except the bear lseli, /:
still living and was q member OF the last
Maine legislature.
On the 10th day OF September, 1916,
0rin Foster, son OF Euoch. aud grandson
OF Asa,of whom wo have already spoken.
was sent by his father 10 search for some
cattle which had strayed away into the
woods, and were lost. lie was then a
young man, some l6 or Is years oi age.
Ills route took him up the side OF Puzzle
mountain, through pasture and woodland.
and when about two miles from home. he
came across cattle trail which led 10 a
brook. Thinking that he had got on
track OF the lost cattle, he pursued the
trail and ere long hc heard the tramp oil
some animal in the bushes near by which
hc thought must be one OF the cattle Of
which he was in pursuit. lie kept on
some twenty rods when he was surprised
and alarmed at hearing three distinct
bo2nds and fearful gnashing of teeth,
and Immediately huge bear sprang
from the thickct about three rods distant
Young Foster stopped and clapped his
hands and tried 10 encourage the dog, by
which he was accompanied.t 10 attack the
monster. But the dog was very much
frightened and sunk away and hid him
self in the bushes. Foster turned and
went about two rods TO n sapp.inS beech
which was tho only tree in the vicinity,
and which was about seven inches in
diImoterat The ground. The body OF the
tree was smooth, and the lower limbs
were about eight feet from the ground
The bear with jaws distcndcd and eyes
glowing like fire, was close upon him.
aHd his only chance was in being able TO
climb The tree. lie sprang with all his
strength yd tried to grasp the lower
limbs but failed, but he seized tho trunk
OF the tree with both hands and drew his
feet MP. The bear comprehending his
intentions, sprang alter him but happily
/ falling little short OF his aim, he struck
at the root OF the tree. Fos.er succeeded
in reaching the limbs and rs the bear re
covered, he again sprang and rakcd
Fosters foot as he was drawing himself
into the lower branches. lie came very
near drawing Foster down, but with all
his strength he broke away and ascendcd
the tr,o with the bear in close pursuit. -
He went up nea~!y thirty set from the
ground where The rec WAS o small tha, he
could easily clasp it in his hands. and the
bear foaming with rage and diSappoiat-
mcni, was about four feet below him.
The tree began 10 bend under the great
weight. and Foster tried To balance it.
but the bear kept slowly advancing. In
! this moment al extreme peril. il occurred
to Foster TO Try and shake his pursucr
from the tee. Securing his hold with =
vice like clutch. and with all his strength.
| quickcned aud increased by the fear OF y
horrible death. he shook tho tree, and the
bear being unable TO sustain his weight
on the under side, fell 10 tho ground.-
| Ills fall OF twenty. five feet momcnarily
stunned him, but he soon sprnng mp and
made several unsuccessful efforts 10 re-
climb the tree. but each time fell back
| While Bruin was trying To climb mp =
second time, Foster was not idle. Taking
out his jacknifc, he descended the tree n
short distance, and cut off large limb
about five feet long which he whitfield To
point ut one end, intending to make m
attempt at the bears eyes, should he sue
ceeded in rcclimbing the tree. Being
! ioied in his attempts ut climbing, he
watched Fosters motions for n lew
moments, and then went for the dog
But tho dog was not pleased with Bruins
attentions and kept himself at safe dis.
tance from his bearship, and finally lett
| for home The bear then returned TO The
foot of the tree, and vented his anger in
dismal howls and in gnashing his teeth.
lie would then follow the cattle path for
twenty rods or more and then return TO
the tree thinking probably thatFoster had
ayaiIed himself OF his absence and had
descended from the tree. lie tried this
ruse again and again, but At last he be
came discouraged nj the prospect OF an
evening meal in this direction, and about
sunset with howl that seemed 10 shake
the mountains and reverbcra,e through
its dark raviucs and caycrns. he slowly
retired.
When Foster rushed against The beech,
he bruised his stomach and after the
Immediate danger from the bear had
passed. his chest began 10 pain him Sc
yerIy, aud be found it was badly swollen.
He was without coat and exposed on the
north side OF mountain, to the chilly
blasts OF an autumn night. lie also be
gan 10 suffer from hunger aud thirst,
having neither ale or drank since morn
irg. Ills hands and feet were badly
swollen BY holding on 10 the tree, and
the blood rushed to his head and throat,
so as to almost produce dclirium. lie
had called for assistance until his voice
had failed him, and. after The bear lef!
-: l. l;1 80, ,I,ra m lava tho irop