THE SEAR FAMILY. 



163 



HYAENA DOG. 



versing when their teeth are chattering violently from cold. This cry is emitted at night, when 

 large numbers of them are together and they are excited by any particular occurrence, such as being 

 barked at by Domestic Dogs. The third cry, and the one most commonly uttered by them, is a sort of 

 rallying note to bring the various members of the pack together when they have been scattered in 

 following several individuals of a troop of Antelopes. It is a peculiarly soft and melodious cry, yet, 

 nevertheless, may be distinguished at a great distance. It very much resembles the second note 

 uttered by the Cuckoo, which visits our island during the summer months ; and when heard on a calm 

 morning echoing through the distant woodlands, it has a very pleasing effect." * 



CHAPTER X. 



THE BEAR FAMILY. THE BEARS. 



Characters of the URSID^E Their Mode of Progression Teeth Skull Geographical Distribution THE BROWN BEAR Its 

 Occurrence Character Habit of Hibernating Diet Moral Characteristics Bear-baiting Varieties THE AMERICAN 

 BLACK BEAR Its Habits Superstitions of the Indians regarding it THE GRIZZLY BEAR THE SYRIAN BEAR THE 

 HIMALAYAN BEAR THE SUN BEAR THE SLOTH BEAR Its Ant-and Bee-eating Propensities THE SPECTACLED BEAR 

 THE POLAR BEAR Its Size Characteristics Habits Method of Hunting The supposed Poisonous Properties of 

 its Liver. 



THE BEAR FAMILY.f 



WE now come to the last group of Carnivora that of the Arctoidea and to a family which forms an 

 extreme limit to the long series, of which the Dogs constitute the centre, and the Cats the opposite end. 



* Gordon Gumming quoted by A. Murray: " Geographical Distribution of Mammals." t IfrsidcR. 



