THE BLACK BEAR. 



The Black Bear is still numerous in many parts of Florida, espe- 

 cially near the coast. Contrary to what might be expected, it grows 

 as large, if not larger, in Florida than elsewhere in the United States. 

 I have killed old males which I believe weighed over five hundred 

 pounds, and old hunters have repeated!}' told me that they have 

 killed them weighing six hundred pounds. LInfortunately, the above 



weights were estimated and the animals were not actually placed 

 upon the scales. However, I am satisfied that there is at least one 

 bear in Florida alive to-day (or he was last spring) which will tip 



