THIBETIAN SUN-BEAR.—Helarcto Tibetanu 
then replaced in the cage, where it lay for five or six minutes without motion, and at last, 
contrived to get on its legs, and walk very unsteadily into its den. The next morning 
saw the Bear sitting at its ease, restored to the blessings of sight, and feeling no apparent 
inconvenience from the contrast between the brilliant mornine’s leht and the thick 
dulness that had for so long a time oppressed its vision. 
THE animal which is represented in the accompanying engraving is an example of a 
group of Bears which have received the title of Sun- Bears, from their habit of basking in 
the rays of the burning sun, instead of withdrawing to their dens, as is the custom with 
the generality of Bears, as long as the sun pours its meridian beams on the earth. The 
name Helareuos, by which the genus is designated, is composed of two Greek words, the 
former signifying the sun, and the latter a Bear. 
The country in which the Thibetian Bear resides is manifest by its name. It has also 
been discovered in the Nepal range of mountains. The fur of this creature is tolerably 
thick and smooth, and is generally of a black colour, with the exception of the lower lip 
and a large patch of white hairs on the breast, which is narrow at the lower part, and, 
widening as it approaches the chin, separates into two short horns, which partially extend 
towards the shoulders. The entire spot bears, therefore, some resemblance to the letter Y 
rather imperfectly delineated, and with its upright stem rather shortened. 
The body of the Thibetian Bear is heavily, but strongly made, and the limbs seem to 
be rather less agile than those of the American or Scandinavian Bears. The claws are 
not so powerful as those of the generality of Bears, the ears are comparatively large, and 
the neck is peculiarly thick. It seems chiefly to rely for its subsistence on fruit, roots, and 
various vegetable productions. It is not quite so large as the Bears which have already 
been mentioned. 
A VERY curious example of the Sun-Bears is found in the species which is known by 
the name of the BRrUANG, or MALAYAN SuN-Brar, and has been rendered famous by the 
spirited description of its appearance and habits which has been given by Sir Stamford 
Rattles. 
