404 



THIBETIAN SUN-BEAR. 



then replaced in the cage, where it lay for five or six minutes without motion, and at 

 last, contrived to get on its legs, and walk very unsteadily into its den. The next 

 morning saw the Bear sitting at its ease, restored to the blessings of sight, and feeling 

 no apparent inconvenience from- the contrast between the brilliant morning's light and 

 the thick dulness that had for so long a time oppressed its vision. 



THE animal which is represented in the accompanying engraving is an example of a 

 group of Bears which have received the title of Sun-Bears, from their habit of basking 

 in the rays of the burning sun, instead of withdrawing to their dens, as is the custom 

 with the generality of Bears, as long as the sun pours its meridian beams on the earth. 

 The name Helarctos, by which the genus is designated, is composed of two Greek 

 words, the former signifying the sun, and the latter a Bear. 



The country in which the Thibetian Bear resides, is manifest by its name. It has 

 also been discovered in the Nepal range of mountains. The fur of this creature is 



THIBETIAN SUN-BEAR. Helarctos Tibetanus. 



tolerably thick and smooth, and is generally of a black color, with the exception of 

 the lower lip and a large patch of white hairs on the breast, which is narrow at the lower 

 part, and, widening as it approaches the chin, separates into two short horns, which 

 partially extend towards the shoulders. The entire spot bears, therefore, some re- 

 semblance to the letter Y rather imperfectly delineated, and with its upright stem rather 

 shortened. 



The body of the Thibetian Bear is heavily, but strongly made, and the limbs seem 

 to be rather less agile than those of the American or Scandinavian Bears. The claws 

 are not so powerful as those of the generality of Bears, the ears are comparatively large, 

 and the neck is peculiarly thick. It seems chiefly to rely for its subsistence on fruit, 

 roots, and various vegetable productions. It is not quite so large as the Bears which 

 have already been mentioned. 



A VERY curious example of the Sun-Bears is found in the species which is known by 

 the name of the BRUANG, or MALAYAN SUN-BEAR, and has been rendered famous by 

 the spirited description of its appearance and habits which has been given by Sir 

 Stamford Raffles. 



