way into the hands of civilised artisans; and, since it can be procured
at a cheaper rate, and is quite equal to the real ivory for many useful
and ornamental articles, it has become an important item of commerce.

But however much the vegetable ivory may be esteemed by the Indians, or
by bipeds of any kind, there is one quadruped who thinks quite as much
of it as they, and that is the black bear of the Andes (_ursus
frugilegus_). It is not, however, when it has reached the condition of
ivory that Bruin cares for it. Then the nut would be too hard, even for
his powerful jaws to crack. It is when it is in the milky state--or
rather after it has become coagulated to a paste--that he relishes it;
and with so much avidity does he devour the sweet pulp, that at this
season he is easily discovered in the midst of his depredations, and
will scarce move away from his meal even upon the appearance of the
hunter! While engaged in devouring his favourite negro-head, he appears
indifferent to any danger that may threaten him.

Of this our hunters had proof, and very shortly after entering among the
tagua trees. As the tigrero had predicted, they soon came upon the
"sign" of a bear, and almost in the same instant discovered Bruin
himself browsing upon the fruit.

The young hunters, and Pouchskin too, were about getting ready to fire
upon him; when, to their surprise, they saw the tigrero, who was mounted
on a prancing little horse, spur out in front of them, and gallop
towards the bear. They knew that the killing of the animal should have
been left to them; but, as they had given their guide no notice of this,
they said nothing, but looked on--leaving the tigrero to manage matters
after his own way.

It was evident that he intended to attack the bear, and in a peculiar
fashion. They knew this by seeing that he carried a coil of raw-hide
rope over his arm, on one end of which there was a ring and loop. They
knew, moreover, that this was a celebrated weapon of the South
Americans--the _lazo_, in short; but never having witnessed an
exhibition of its use, they were curious to do so; and this also
influenced them to keep their places.

In a few minutes the horseman had galloped within some twenty paces of
the bear. The latter took the alarm, and commenced trotting off; but
with a sullen reluctance, which showed that he had no great disposition
to shun the encounter.

The ground was tolerably clear, the taguas standing f