.54 



The National Collection 



FIG. 16. THE GREAT ALASKAX BROWN BEAK SKIN 

 In the Reed-McMillin Collection 



the eyes, forward) . Three forms of Alaskan Brown Bears have been described 

 from the Alaska Peninsula; Ursus merriami, by Allen, Ursus dalli gyas and 

 kidderi, by Merriam. This giant skin, which surely is one of the very finest 

 bear skins in existence, may represent any one of those forms, or neither of 

 them; and the observer of it is left to take his choice of names. 



There are two other bear skins, smaller, of lighter and more varied colors 

 than the giant, and it is reasonably safe to believe that they represent imma- 

 ture specimens of the same species. 



Heads. (Plate XII.) Of mounted heads there are six. Five are of 

 Alaskan Brown Bears, of various ages and sizes, and one is of a large Black 

 Bear. All were killed on the w-estern slope of the Alaska Peninsula in April 

 and May, 1901. Three of the "big Brown Bear" heads are very large, and 

 each has its own peculiarities. All are in fine pelage, but having been killed 



