t again
coming upon the _spar_, he concludes that the bear must be lying
somewhere within the circumference which he has traced, and will there
be found. This, then, is termed "ringing" the bear.

You may wonder why the man does not follow up the _spar_ until he
actually reaches the den or lair of the animal. That is easily
explained. The tracker is not always a bear-hunter, and even if he
were, it would not be prudent for him to approach a bear without
assistants, who, by surrounding the animal, should cut off its retreat.
Were he to go forward direct to the bear's hiding-place, Bruin would, in
all probability, discover him before he could approach within shot; and,
making a bolt, might carry him a chase of ten or twelve miles before
stopping. The brown bear often does so.

The tracker, having ascertained the circle within which the animal has
made its temporary resting-place, next proceeds to warn the hunters of
his village or settlement; and then a large party go out for the
destruction of the common enemy. They deploy around the ring, and
closing inward, are pretty sure to find the bear either asleep in his
den, or just starting out of it, and trying to get off. The "ring" will
usually keep for several days--sometimes for weeks--for the bear,
especially in winter time, will remain in the vicinity of his lair for
long spells at a time. Frequently several days will elapse before any
hunters arrive on the ground; but, if the bear should have strayed off
in the mean time, his tracks in the snow will still enable them to
follow and find him. If, however, fresh snow should have fallen, after
the bear has made his exit from the marked circle, then, of course, the
search will prove a blank, and Bruin make his escape--at least out of
that "ring."

One of the most singular features of this custom is, that he who has
succeeded in "ringing" a bear, is regarded as the lawful proprietor of
the animal--or rather of the "ring"--and can dispose of his right to any
hunting party he pleases. Of course he cannot guarantee the killing of
the bear: that is left to the skill of the hunters, who must take their
chance. The tracker only answers for a bear being found within a
prescribed circle, of which he gives proof by pointing out the _spar_.
With such conditions, established by long and well-observed custom, it
will easily be believed that the woodcutters and other peasants make a
market by ringing bears, frequently disposi