20 DAY-DREAMS. 



ly longed to explore some portion of that continent where all 

 my predilections could be fully indulged, and where much 

 still remained in obscurity which might advantageously be 

 brought to light. The expense, however, of such a journey 

 was to me an insurmountable obstacle. I had, therefore, 

 long since given up all idea of making it, and had turned my 

 thoughts northward to Iceland, a country within my reach, 

 and where I purposed studying the habits and characteristics 

 of the rarer species of the northern fauna. While at Hull, 

 accordingly, I consulted some whaling captains on the sub- 

 ject of my enterprise, and had almost completed my arrange- 

 ments, when a visit to London, on some private affairs, en- 

 tirely changed my destination. 



Before leaving Hull I witnessed a striking example of that 

 attachment toward each other so frequently found to exist 

 in the most savage animals. By the kindness of the secre- 

 tary, I had been permitted to place my collection in the gar- 

 dens of the Hull Zoological Society. Among others were 

 two brown bears — twins — somewhat more than a year old, 

 and playful as kittens when togethei'. Indeed, no greater 

 punishment could be inflicted upon these beasts than to dis- 

 unite them for however short a time. Still, there was a 

 marked contrast in their dispositions. One of them was 

 good-tempered and gentle as a lamb, while the other fre- 

 quently exhibited signs of a sulky and treacherous character. 

 Tempted by an offer for the purchase of the former of these 

 animals, I consented, after much hesitation, to his being sep- 

 arated from his brother. 



It was long before I forgave myself this act. On the fol- 

 lowing day, on my proceeding, as usual, to inspect the col- 

 lection, one of the keepers ran up to me in the greatest haste, 

 exclaiming, "Sir, I am glad you are come, for your bear 

 has gone mad!" He then told me that, during the night, 

 the beast had destroyed his den, and was found in the morn- 

 ing roaming wild about the garden. Luckily, the keeper 



