New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1889-12-13
AN ELNIRA NAN IND BEARS.

AN ELNIRA NAN AND BEARS.
An Elmira man, whom we will call Jones, had
most discouraging experience few weeks ago
while on a little hunting trip across the line in
Pennsylvania. On the authority of that able
zoologist, the late Artemus Ward, the kangaroo
has been considered the most amusing and en-
Pertaining member of the animal kingdom: but, if
the story the Elmira man tells is true, the com
mon black bear.will compare favorably with the
antipodean marsupial when it comes to the pos
session of a well-developed sense of humor.
According to local account of the affair, we
learn that Mr.. Jones is not himself very
enthusiastic hunter, but that he consented to
accompany two or three friends on the trip. They
went TO what is considered the best bear neighbour
hood in Pennsylvania and established their camp
Then they gave themselves up TO the chase but
found no bears. At the end of a week it seemed
as if they had walked several hundred miles. but
the nearest they had come TO the object of
the hunt was few tracks and lit
tie gorge which, in the words of the leader,
looked mighty beary." Jones became weary, and
proposed one morning that he stay in camp and
rest while the others again went out and con-
tinued the search for big game. lie said seven
DAYS walking had convinced him that the supply
of bears was not up to the demand, and he was
willing 10 stay in camp until these great under.
lying principles had had time to restore the
equilibrium in the bear market Mr.. Joness
proposal agreed to, and he was left in
camp
They had been gone a half-hOur, perhaps and
Mr. Jones was lying on blanket spread near the
tent, with his head proppcd up on sack of
-four and his feet toward the dying breakfast
fire. when he heard slight noise behind him
Raising himself up on his elbow. he looked around,
and WAS astonished to large bear resting on his
launches only few yards away. Mr.. Jones had
been looking for bears for week. but he
realized how little he had understood his
feelings 1t dawned on him that he had not
wanted to find n bear at ALL Mr. Jones said
subsequently that he had stood in Wdll-st. and
looked up at Trinity Church spire, but it did not
seem so high to him as this bear. lie got up
hastily, and began looking for his gun. 1t was
only the work of moment to find it but as the
bear was sitting on it. Mr. Jones determined
not TO disturb him. Mr.. Jones had suddenly
developed theory that il was best to be polite,
even 10 bears There tall tree the other
side of the fire. so Mr.. Jones climbed it, He adj
mits that he went up partly on account OF the
bear but he needed exercise anyhow. lie perched
on the lowest limb about thirty feet from the
ground lie would gladly have followed the play
full advice Of the sarcastic political paragrapher
and pulled the tree up after him, but this was
impossbilty
Jones Of EImira. now settled down astride of
the limb and gave himself up to holding on, while
the bear plunged into a round OF Slsslpatioh
which il was frightful to behold. lie hrSt tore
omen the hour-sack and devoured the contents
lie then turned his attention to the other pro-
visions The bill of fare seemed to please hlHi' as
he sampled everything with numerous satlsneu
grunts ending by taking long drink from a "rse
,u,o- Gallon stone Jug with which the
hunters had provided themselves, and lew grains
~ coGec evidently to disguise his breath lie
explored the tent occasionally while doihs So
uniting his head out of the opening and gazing
aronnd ms if looking at the weather and wonder
inc II there would be fall of bear hunters soon
Rut bc seemed 10 find especial pleasure in, to
.ouoto the words of the account, nos:ng the gun
around camps lie nearly wore the gun out with
bis attentions Jones still fingered patiently
about IN the tree The forenoon wore away ana
tho afternoon naturally followed; still the pear
.oid Nothing about going. At o'clock other
hoors HOGAN "a drop in-an old one with two cuoS'
. ror,,, If three black bears and two brown ones
ho.idos several miscellaneous bears. Each visited
tho stone ing several times and Their sprlt'
sor,od IN rise with every visit. Others continued
IN arrive. and ju.t after sunset they tore down
H. font uilcd il and the other camp furniture
dpcIudinc the gum in wrecked condition about
tho tree in which Mr.. Jones was temporarily
stovino. and through the fastgatherlng darkness
ho Looked down on thirteen bears dancing wlld'
upbolloweI Virginia reel around the tree Nir
Ioncs felt offended, indeed hurt, but retained MS
seat Al o'clock he heard his friends return
ina The bears also heard them and trotted OIL
tho original caller reelng away in an upright
nosition with the stone jug under one arm and
trvinc-pan perched ralxishly on his head. MIR
lane was rescued, and after two hours work
,,,os stroiebtencd out and restored to his normal
shape $50 -, -. 81, :;
Worc these ordinary wild bears or troupe OF
tame hears escaped from some travelling circus or
wondering trained bear exhibitors? lie is al
most certain that the first one at least was a
Gained hear The Tribune feels that there is
food for thought in the inquiry, but could scarcely
,.or,rre an answer with its present bear data.
7, yvould seem that the matter might he ap
,,,onriately referred to the managers OF the
Central Park menagcrie.