THE POLAR BEAR* 10? 



Instances of ferocity and revenge. 



jumps into their boat; and, if he does not overset 

 it/ sits calmly where he first alighted, and like a 

 passenger suffers himself to be rowed along. The 

 Greenlunder is never very fond of his unwieldy 

 guest, however, he makes a virtue of necessity, 

 and hospitably rows him to shore. 



The Polar bears are sometimes remarkably 

 ferocious; and instances have occurred in the 

 island of Nova Zembla, of their attacking sea- 

 men, seizing them in their mouths, carrying 

 them off with the utmost ease, and devouring 

 them even in sight of their comrades. 



When irritated or injured, they also exhibit 

 the most obstinate perseverance in seeking re- 

 venge; as appears from the following anecdote: 

 Some years ago, the crew of a boat belonging to 

 a ship iii the whale-fishery, shot at a bear at a 

 little distance, and wounded it. The animal im- 

 mediately uttered the most dreadful howl, and 

 ran along the ice towards the boat. Before he 

 reached it, a second shot was fired, which hit 

 him. This, however, served but to increase his 

 fury. He presently swain to the boat, and in at- 

 tempting to get on board, placed one of his fore 

 feet upon the gunnel; but a sailor, having a 

 hatchet in his hand, cut it off. The animal still 

 continued to swim after them, till they arrived at 

 the ship; and several shots were fired at him, 

 which took effect: but on reaching the ship, he 

 immediately ascended the deck; and the crew 

 having fled into the shrouds, he was pursuing 

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