torn into ribbons, and his back and shoulders one mass of lacerated
wounds. His reason had already become unseated. In his native language
he would call out to his now visionary foe, "If you are a brave man,
come on." Although the most delicate care and assistance was rendered
to Sanchez, it was many weeks before he was able to resume his
occupation; and, even then, he owed his life to the wonderful
recuperative powers of his healthy and iron constitution. Had the
fact been otherwise, he could not have survived his injuries. One more
brave heart must have yielded its last drop of heroic blood in defence
of youthful weakness. This picture, because it does not exaggerate the
facts, we leave with regret; for, it is a pleasure to contemplate
such nobility of character, whatever be the name which declares the
governmental allegiance of the hero.

It is not going beyond the bounds of truth to assert that the grizzly
bear of the Rocky Mountains is as formidable an enemy as the hunter
is called upon to meet, wherever the hunting-ground and whatever the
animal which opponents to our assertion may set up. When caught out on
the open prairie, where he can be attacked on horseback and lassoed,
the chances are against the bear; but, in a broken country, woe to his
assailants, unless life is saved by some trick; or, happy fortune; a
lucky shot; a telling blow, like Sanchez's with his slung-shot;
or, the fanciful drumming, such as was Kit's, on the noses of
his antagonists; or, some other equally singular and unlooked-for
expedient. The weight of one of these monsters often runs as high as
fifteen hundred pounds; and, their fore paws, which they can manage
with the greatest dexterity, frequently measure fourteen inches. The
courage, sagacity and skill invariably evinced by this species of
bear, when engaged in a fight, is not equaled by any other wild animal
on the face of the globe, not excepting the lion.