2 QO HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 



muscular : it has five toes on each foot, and uses its 

 fore feet .as hands, although the toes are not 

 separated as in most animals that do so ; the largest 

 finger is on the outside. 



The voice of the Bear is a deep and surly kind of 

 growl, which it frequently exerts without the least 

 cause. It is very easily irritated, and at that time 

 its resentment is furious, and often capriciously 

 exerted. 



When tamed, it appears mild and obedient to its 

 master; but is not to be trusted without the utmost 

 caution. It may be taught to walk upright, to 

 dance, to lay hold of a pole with its paws, and 

 perform various tricks to entertain the multitude, 

 who are highly pleased to see the awkward move- 

 ments of this rugged creature, which it seems to 

 suit to the sound of an instrument, or to the voice 

 of its leader. But to give the Bear this kind of 

 education, it must be taken when young, and 

 accustomed early to restraint and discipline: an 

 old Bear will suffer neither, without discovering the 

 most furious resentment: neither the voice nor the 

 menaces of his keeper have any effect upon him; 

 he equally growls at the hand that is held out to 

 feed, as at that which is raised to correct him. 



The excessive cruelties practised upon this poor 

 animal, in teaching it to walk erect, and regulate 

 its motions to the sound of the flagelet, are such as 

 make sensibility shudder. Its eyes are put out, and 

 an iron ring being put through the cartilage of the 

 nose to lead it by, it is kept from food, and beaten, 

 till it yield obedience to the will of its savage tutors. 

 Some of them are taught to perform by setting 

 their feet upon hot iron plates, and then playing to 

 them whilst in this uneasy situation. It is truly 



