228 ORDER V. 



be referred the selection of bear skins for military 

 ensigns by several nations, or, when they are of un- 

 usual colours, such as yellow, pied, or white, they 

 caused them to be assumed by wizards in their incan- 

 tations ; and, more lately, as donations to churches 

 in the north, where they are even now spread for 

 rugs to warm the feet of the humble pastors during 

 service. 



In Southern Asia, where another sub-genus is 

 most common, the natives still have similar ideas 

 of supernatural influence ; and something like a 

 sacred character belongs to their Badger-bol (pro- 

 bably the common Prochilus labiatus). Captain 

 Williamson relates a characteristic anecdote of an 

 English ofKcer, passing in his palankeen through a 

 forest, being encountered by one, and left to his 

 fate by the bearers, who, during a gallant struggle 

 with the brute, stood aloof, alternately exclaiming 

 as the soldier or the bear rolled uppermost in the 

 conflict, " well done master ! well done bear !" and 

 at length coming forward to congratulate " Sahib" 

 on his victory, when the officer was observed to be 

 master. Here the chief cause of admiration may 

 depend upon the histrionical habits of the animals 

 in question, who often appear in the travellers' path, 

 and perform numerous tumbling antics, as if to 

 entertain them, and then depart without attempt- 

 ing mischief. 



Bears were long said not to exist in Palestine, 

 and Pliny, more peremptorily than is usual with 

 him, denies their presence in Africa ; yet, that they 



