The Grizzly Bear 359 



its hind feet, and blows from its forearm are delivered as 

 frequently and not less effectually than is customary with 

 the lion, but beyond teeth, talons, and concussion, no 

 authentic mention is made of modes by which its victims 

 are put to death. 



All young vertebrates are playful in youth, and if taken 

 early enough, some would be found even in species com- 

 monly regarded as untamable, that for a time at least 

 might be domesticated. Among Ursidce untrustworthiness 

 is the rule. They are quite intelligent, capable of being 

 taught, and competent to understand the necessity for 

 being peaceable. Yet if one judges from reports they are 

 more unreliable than the cats. Relatively these animals 

 are not so highly endowed, and this fact, coupled with in- 

 herent ferocity, and an organization by which passion is 

 made explosive, accounts for the character they bear. 

 Cubs of Ursus horribilis grow savage very soon. Lock- 

 wood and others regard the species as incapable of being 

 completely tamed. As far as that goes, however, the same 

 is true of every wild beast able to do harm. These animals 

 are kept under the same conditions as other show creatures, 

 and seem to be in much the same state. It is neverthe- 

 less probable that either from a greater degree of insensi- 

 bility or less mental capacity, they always remain more 

 dangerous than most ferce. This brute has nothing of the 

 phlegm about him that his appearance suggests. He is 

 morose, surly, and rough at all times, and even more liable 

 to sudden and violent fits of rage than a tiger. 



Either, as seems likely from what we know of the ani- 

 mals in question, on account of the fact that those who 



