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winter months; but the problem is in direct ratio to 

 the size of the animal. Hence we find the marmot, a 

 much larger animal, making no provision, although 

 his habitat is confined to the higher altitudes and 

 his period of hibernation is extended over a greater 

 length of time than many other species. His food 

 consists wholly of grass and other green plants, and 

 it is doubtful if he could subsist on dry food. Grant- 

 ing that he cpuld, the amount required would be 

 prohibitive, otherwise he would make some effort 

 in that direction, as do the conies, a much smaller 

 animal. 



"Being omnivorous and of great size, a bear 

 could not secure or preserve the necessary amount 

 of food to carry him through five months. Such 

 food could not consist of any variety other than 

 vegetation, and he is not a 'hay' eater, and so, na- 

 ture has provided him a means of surviving the 

 long period of fasting and probably, without dis- 

 comfort. 



**It is well known that bears show a distinct 

 preference for fruit during the late summer and 

 autumn months. Not because that is the season 

 for the various fruits, but through a need of their 

 sugar content and its fattening qualities. Com- 



96 



