172 THE BEAR. 



The white Greenland bear differs both in size and 

 proportion from the two animals already described; 

 the brown bear of the Alps is seldom above six feet, 

 and the black bear is never equal in size ; whilst that of 

 Greenland, and the Icy regions, is often known to be 

 thirteen feet in length. The brown bear is formed 

 strong and sturdy like the mastiff; whilst the figure of 

 the white one, though concealed under its long hair, 

 is infinitely more slight and slender, and rather resem- 

 bles the greyhound in shape. All other species of 

 animated nature diminish in figure as they approach 

 the poles, but the bear being unmolested in those de- 

 solate climates, increases in size from the abundance 

 of its food. As they entirely live upon fish and seals, 

 their flesh has a strong and unpleasant taste ; and, 

 though their destruction is attended with great danger, 

 the skin, which is valuable, is the only reward. 



THE BADGER. 



The badger is a solitary slothful animal, apparently 

 averse to cheerfulness and light, and digs itself an abode 

 deep in the earth, which it only quits at the approach 

 of night. The legs of this quadruped are very short ; 

 and, from the length of hair, the belly seems almost to 

 touch the ground. 



As the fox cannot dig so expertly as the badger, it 

 frequently watches an opportunity to take possession of 

 its hole ; this treacherous innovation the animal sub- 

 mits to, and sets about forming another retreat. The 

 badger, like the fox, is a carniverous quadruped, and 

 does not reject any thing that has life ; but is particu- 

 larly fond of young rabbits, and regales its young with 

 the honey formed by wild bees ; she first accustoms 

 them to the breast, and weans them from it by pro- 

 curing them a supply of young birds, and such food as 



