70 URSID^E. 



A moderate-sized one measured 7 feet 6 inches in length, and was 

 above 3 feet in height. 



This fine bear belongs to restricted Ursus of some writers, being of 

 the same type as the brown bear of Europe. The claws are less powerful 

 than in the other groups, straight and obtuse. It is supposed by some 

 to be identical with the Syrian bear. It is found only on the Himalayas, 

 and at great elevations in summer, close to the snow. In autumn they 

 descend lower, coming into the forests to feed on various fruit, seeds, 

 acorns, hips of rose-bushes, &c., and often coming close to villages to 

 plunder apples, walnuts, apricots, buck-wheat, <fec. Their usual food in 

 spring and summer is grass and roots. They also feed on various insects, 

 and are seen turning over stones to look for scorpions (it is said) and 

 insects that harbour in such places. In winter they retreat to caves, 

 remaining in a state of semi- torpidity, issuing forth in March and April. 

 Occasionally they are said to kill sheep or goats, often wantonly appa- 

 rently, as they do not feed on them. They litter in April and May, the 

 female having generally two cubs. If taken young, they are very easily 

 domesticated. This bear does not climb trees well. They abound par- 

 ticularly in the N. W. Himalayas, and in the mountains round Kashmir. 

 Many are killed every year by sportsmen. 



To this division belong the Brown bear of Europe, U. arctos, L., of 

 which I see it surmised (Nat. Hist. Review, 1865, pt. I.) that our species 

 is only a well-marked variety or race ; the Black bear of N. America, U. 

 americanus ; and the huge Grisly bear of the Rocky Mountains, U. ferox. 

 The next group has been named Helarctos, or Sun bears. They are 

 found on mountains in India and Malayana. The claws are larger and 

 more curved than in restricted Ursus. 



90. Ursus tibetanus. 



F. CUVIEB, Mammif. pi. 56. BLYTH, Cat. 225. U. torquatus, 

 SCHINZ. U. ferox apud ROBINSON, Ace. of Assam. Bhalu, H. Bhcdak, 

 Beng. Thorn, Bhot. Sona, Lepch. 



THE HIMALAYAN BLACK BEAR. 



Descr. Black, the lower lip white, also a large crescentric mark on 

 the breast, sending up a branch on each side in front of the shoulder. 

 Of moderate size. Neck thick ; head flattened ; forehead and muzzle 

 being almost on a straight line ; ears rather large ; body compact ; limbs 

 thick and clumsy. 



