GENUS OF BEARS. 51 



first establish their abodes in caverns or in dens, which they dig 

 with their strong and hooked nails ; in winter they sleep in their 

 retreats, and when the cold is severe, pass the whole of this 

 season in a profound lethargy. During the period of hibernation 

 they take no nourishment, but seem to depend upon the fat, with 

 which they abound in the autumn, for their existence ; so that 

 when they leave their retreats they are extremely thin. 



Prudence is the chief feature in the character of the bear. 

 Whenever he can, he retires from what he is unacquainted with, 

 and when forced to approach it, he does so very slowly, and with 

 great circumspection; yet he does not want courage, and does 

 not seem to be susceptible of fear. He is never known to run; 

 he opposes strength to strength, and when his life is threatened, 

 or his young in danger, his fury and his efforts become terrible. 



The fur of these animals is thick and composed of long shining 

 hair ; it is much sought, and forms an important article of com- 

 merce. In the winter and in the coldest countries, it is most 

 beautiful ; therefore, it is at this season they are most actively 

 hunted. Most of the bear skins used are from the north of Russia 

 and America. Since they have been employed- for making or 

 adorning military caps, three or four thousand are annually con- 

 sumed in France. 



Bears are found in all parts of the world, and in every latitude, 

 except South Africa and Australia. There are several species, 

 the chief of which are : 



8. 1st. The Brown Bear Ursus Arctos; it is this species that 

 the mountebanks in France train for their exhibitions. This 

 animal may attain a length of four or five feet ; his height, when 

 standing on all his feet, does not exceed three feet : his hair, thick 

 and tufted, except on the muzzle and paws where it is black, is 

 chestnut brown on the shoulders, back, thighs, and legs; yellowish 

 on the sides of the head, ears, and flanks. It is common in the 

 Alps, and is found in all the high mountains and great forests of 

 Europe ; it lives solitary, and ordinarily does not attack man ex- 

 cept when provoked ; but then he becomes very formidable, and 

 strives to crush his antagonist beneath his feet, or strangle him in 

 the embrace of his paws. 



9. 2d. The White Bear Ursus Maritimus (Plate 2. fig. 12.) 

 is easily distinguished by his form and by the colour of his coat. 



8. Describe the Brown Bear ? In what parts of the world is it found ? 

 What are its habits ? 



9. How do you distinguish the White Bear ? In what parts of the world 

 is he found ? Upon what does he feed ? In what particular does the White 

 Bear differ in his habits from all other bears ? How does the White Bear 

 pass the winter ? 



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