CURIOUS CREATURES. 107 



of the animal, and only a very slight quantity of liquid ; 

 there are a few drops of blood only, near the heart, but 

 none whatever in any other part of the body. They 

 leave their retreat in the spring, the males being re- 

 markably fat ; of this circumstance, however, we cannot 

 give any satisfactory explanation, for the sleep, during 

 which they increase so much in bulk, lasts, as we have 

 already stated, only fourteen days. When they come 

 out, they eat a certain plant, which is known as Aros, 

 in order to relax the bowels, which would otherwise 

 become in a state of constipation ; and they sharpen the 

 edges of their teeth against the young shoots of the 

 trees. 



" Their eyesight is dull, for which reason in especial, 

 they seek the combs of bees, in order that from the 

 bees stinging them in the throat, and drawing blood, 

 the oppression in the head may be relieved. The head 

 of the bear is extremely weak, whereas, in the lion, it 

 is remarkable for its strength : on which account it is, 

 that when the bear, impelled by any alarm, is about to 

 precipitate itself from a rock, it covers its head with its 

 paws. In the arena of the Circus they are often to be 

 seen killed by a blow on the head with the fist. The 

 people of Spain have a belief, that there is some kind 

 of magical poison in the brain of the bear, and therefore 

 burn the heads of those that have keen killed in their 

 public games ; for it is averred, that the brain, when 

 mixed with drink, produces, in man, the rage of the 

 bear. 



" These animals walk on two feet, and climb trees 

 backwards. They can overcome the bull, by suspending 

 themselves, by all four legs, from his muzzle and horns, 

 thus wearing out its powers by their weight. In no 



