The Rhode Island Republican

Combat with a Bear.--As mr Daniel Oaks and his son were in the field at work a few days ago, in Stamford, Vt. they discovered a huge bear; the son went home for his rifle, shot the animal and he fell. The father seized a club, and ran to despatch him, but Bruin had no idea of being knocked on the head like a dog: he sprang up, raised himself on his hind feet, and stood on the defensive. And here, it appears, he proved himself an excellent boxer, for as Mr. Oaks was aiming a tremendous blow at his head, he parried the stroke and with his dexter paw laid his antagonist on the ground. How betting stood at that stage of the combat we have not yet heard. But no sooner had Mr. Oaks got upon his feet again, than Bruin tried his strength at a back hug; and grappling his antagonist, began to squeeze him most unmercifully-- when the son having in the mean time reloaded his rifle, placed the muzzle in such position as not to endanger his father, and sent a ball through the bear's head.

Accounts differ as to the magnitude of the animal. Some say he weighed 250, some 300, others 400 lbs, Others again say he was exceedingly lean, and would have weighed four hundred if he had been well fatted.--[Berkshire American.]