the type of a Subgenus of Ursus\ 



I shall not attempt a detail of all the modifications of its man- 

 ners, or to follow it through all the minutiae of character which 

 it exhibits in confinement : these are now subjects of daily ob- 

 servation. My onlj object is to give a concise view of the most 

 prominent traits which are more immediately connected with its 

 organization. Our animal has been shewn to be completely 

 plantigrade : it rests with facility on the posterior feet, and its 

 robust thighs not only support it while sitting, but even enable 

 it to raise itself without difficulty to a nearly erect posture. 

 But it is more generally seen in a sitting attitude, at the door of 

 its apartment, eagerly surveying the visitors and attracting their 

 notice by the uncouthness of its form or the singularity of its mo- 

 tions. Although it appears heavy and stupid, most of its senses, 

 particularly those of sight and smelling, are very acute. The; 

 keeper has frequently observed that it attentively regards, what- 

 ever passes before it in the court. But the olfactory organs ar© 

 peculiarly strong, and appear to be in a state of constant ex- 

 citement. The Helarctos has considerable command over the 

 fleshy extremity of its nose, and the parts adjacent, which it 

 often displays in a very ludicrous manner, particularly when 

 a morsel of bread or cake is held at a small distance beyond 

 its reach. It expands the lateral aperture of the nostrils, pro- 

 trudes its upper lip by a strong effort, thrusting it forward as a 

 proboscis, while it employs its paws to seize the object. After 

 obtaining it and filling the mouth, it places the remainder with 

 great calmness on the posterior feet, bringing it in successive! 

 portions to its mouth. It often voluntarily places itself in an im- 

 ploring attitude, turning the head in different directions, earnestly 

 regarding the spectators and extending the paws. The Helarctos. 

 readily distinguishes the keeper, and evinces an attachment to 

 him. On his approach it employs all its eflforts to obtain food, 

 seconding them by emitting a coarse, but not unpleasant, whining 

 sound. This it continues while it consumes its food, alternately 

 with a low grunting noise ; but if teased at this time, it suddenly 

 raises its voice and emits at intervals harsh and grating sounds. 

 Our animal is excessively voracious, and appears to be disposed 

 to eat almost without cessation. When in a good humour it oftea 



p 2 



