406 



THE BORNEAN SUN-BEAR. 



preference. Such, however, was the case, and the animal was so fondly attached to the 

 champagne-bottle, that -the absence of his favorite liquid was the only circumstance 

 that would make him lose his temper. His affectionate disposition led him to extend 

 his friendship to various of his acquaintances, and he was on such excellent terms with 

 the entire household, that he would meet on equal footing the cat, the dog, and a small 

 Lory, or Blue-mountain bird, and amicably feed with them from the same dish. 



One of these Bears that was successfully domesticated was able to eat animal as 

 well as vegetable food, but was fed exclusively on bread and milk, of which it con- 

 sumed rather more than ten pounds per diem. It is possessed of much flexibility of 

 body, and is very fond of sitting on its hind legs, thrusting out its long tongue to an ex- 

 traordinary distance, and ever and anon withdrawing it into the mouth with a peculiar 

 snapping sound. While thus engaged, it makes the most grotesque and singular gest- 

 ures with the fore-limbs, and rolls its body from side to side with unceasing assiduity. 

 It seldom remains in one position for any length of time, and, although its movements 



BORNEAN SUN-BEAR. Helarctos Burystftus. 



are not characterized by much energy or rapidity, it is evidently possessed of much 

 power over its limbs, and if it were disposed to enter into strife would probably use its 

 long talons to good purpose. 



RESEMBLING the Malayan Bruang in general habits and disposition, the BORNEAN 

 BRUANG, or SUN-BEAR, is acknowledged to belong to a different species from the an- 

 imal which has just been described. The color of its fur is nearly as black as that of 

 the Bruang ; but the patch upon its breast is of an orange hue, instead of the grayish 

 white which is so conspicuous in the Malayan Bruang. 



Like that animal, it can sit or stand on its hinder limbs with the greatest ease, and 

 possesses nearly as much flexile power of the lip and tongue as the Bruang. It has a 

 curious habit of placing superabundant food upon its hinder paws, as if to guard it from 

 the defilement of sand or dust, and feeds itself by slow degrees with dainty carefulness. 



It is extremly fond of fruits and various vegetables, and is, in its native country, a 

 dreaded foe to the cocoa-nut trees and their fruit. The animal is so excellent a climber 



