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SAND BEAK.— 'y//-c/o;/j/cr colldris. 



TiiF, curious animnl wliosc portrait is ])r('soiit('(l to tlio reader is known under 

 several titles, among which the Sand-Bear is that by which it Avill be designated 

 in these pages. It is also called the Indian Badger, and sometimes the Balisaur. 

 There is a very great resemblance between this animal and the well-known 

 Enghsh badger, from which creature, however, it may easily be distinguished by 

 the greater comparative length of its legs, and the more hog-like snout. 



In its wild state the Sand-Bear is said to be fierce in disposition, and sufficiently 

 powerful to beat off a dog that would not hesitate to attack a wolf or a hyaena. 

 When attacked or irritated, the Sand-Bear raises itself on its hind legs, after the 

 manner of the bears, and threatens its antagonist with its fore-limbs, in which it 

 seems fully to trust. Its food is of a mixed character, but appears to be more of 

 a vegetable than an animal nature. It is not a veiy common animal, and is 

 generally found in the hill country. 



The general colour of the fur of the Sand-Bear is a yellowish -white, diversified 

 by two black bands that run on each side of the head, and unite by the muzzle. 

 The upper of these bands includes the ear and eye in its course, and curves down- 

 wards at the shoulder, where it is nearly met by the dark hue of the fore-limbs. 



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