THE GLUTTON. 293 



both equally resolute in defence of their young. Upon this 

 occasion the boldest dogs are afraid to approach them ; 

 they fight obstinately, and bite most cruelly. However, 

 as they are unable to escape by flight, the hunters come 

 to the assistance of the dogs, and easily "overpower them. 

 Their flesh, it may readily be supposed, is not. fit to be 

 eaten ; but the skins amply recompense the hunters for 

 their toil and danger, The fur has the most beautiful 

 lustre that can be imagined, and is preferred before all 

 others, except that of the Siberian fox, or the sable. 

 Among other peculiarities of this animal, Linnaeus informs 

 us, that it is very difficult to be skinned ; but from what 

 cause, whether its abominable strench, or the skin's tena- 

 city to the flesh, he has not thought fit to inform us. 



