SYRIAN BEAR, OR DUBB. 



shoulders and front of the neck, the hair is so perpendicularly set, and projects so firmly, 

 that it gives ^the appearance of a mane, somewhat resembling that of the hyena. 



At the present day, the Syrian Bear may be found in the mountainous parts of 

 Palestine, and has been frequently seen upon the higher Lebanon mountains. The 

 summit of the mountain itself is composed of two snow-clad peaks, and it is remarkable 

 that the Bear has only been found on one of these peaks, " Makmel " as it is called, 

 while the other Gebel Sanin is apparently free from these animals. The Bear 

 appears to remain upon the upper portions of the mountains during the hours of day- 

 light, but as soon as the evening draws near it descends from its rocky fastness in 

 search of food, and often causes considerable alarm to the traveller. 



SYRIAN BEAR, OR DUBB.-t/rsus Isabelllaus. 



The food of the Syrian Bear is mostly of a vegetable nature, although the creature 

 is perfectly capable of feeding on animal substances, and frequently does so. In con- 

 sequence of its vegetarian tastes, it often inflicts considerable damage on the cultivated 

 lands that may happen to lie within the boundary of its range. It is especially fond of 

 a species of chick-pea which is largely cultivated in those regions, and in its endeavors 

 to appease its enormous appetite does incalculable damage to the ripening crops. 



To this species belonged an animal which enjoyed a high reputation at Oxford and 

 elsewhere on account of his singularly gentle and amusing manners. The Bear, which 

 was generally known by the name of " Tig," being an abbreviation of the somewhat 

 lengthy name of Tiglath Pileser, was for some time a noted celebrity in Oxford, whither 

 he was brought in his early boyhood. High-spirited and rather tetchy in temper, he 

 was very affectionate to those who treated him with consideration, and was perfectly 

 amenable to proper discipline. 



