260 THE BOOK OF THE ANIMAL KINGDOM 



diminuty of stature by being a very formidable beast to tackle. 

 Indeed it has been described by an eye-witness in its native haunts 

 as "a perfect fiend, rushing about hither and thither, clawing and 

 biting anything he comes against, yelling and roaring all the time." 



The food of this Bear is made up of flowers, fruits and honey, 

 whilst the long muzzle and mobile lips admirably assist it to procure 

 white ants, beetles and grubs. The power of suction is very remark- 

 able in this animal, as well as the propelling of wind from its mouth, 

 and it is by this means that it is able to procure the white ants or 

 termites from their strongholds. The sugar-cane is another delicacy 

 of which the Sloth Bear takes heavy toll, and whilst the diet men- 

 tioned is mainly partaken of, instances have been forthcoming of 

 flesh also being eaten. 



Most kinds of Bears usually produce two cubs, and there is no 

 exception to the general rule in the case of the species under review. 

 In some instances three cubs are born, but this is an uncommon 

 occurrence. One well-known observer has recorded that the cubs 

 are carried on the back of the parent until they are several months 

 old. It is also well to recognize that such "an ugly-looking animal " 

 is exceedingly affectionate among its own kith and kin, and capable 

 of being well tamed when taken young. Of timid disposition as a 

 general rule, the Sloth Bear has nevertheless been known to attack 

 a human being without its first having been interfered with, but it 

 is only fair to state that competent observers have remarked that 

 these attacks are probably more due to timidity than ferocity. When 

 once the attack is made, however, the fight is bound to be a stiff 

 one, for the Sloth, by means of its teeth and claws, is one of the 

 most dangerous animals to encounter at close quarters. 



COMMON RED FOX. Among the wool- and fur-bearing animals 

 so far considered we have only made acquaintance with the Old 

 and New World Camels and the Bears. In such a section as this 

 the Foxes must occupy a prominent place, and whilst attention may 

 be drawn to the various animals shown in Figs. 205 to 209 inclusive, 

 a great deal cannot be written of all the species illustrated, and a 

 general account of the Common Red Fox will be sufficient to indicate 

 their general life and habits. A few notes may be given of the others 

 at a later stage before concluding our acquaintance with them. 



As regards the Common Fox, few people in Britain at any rate 

 have such fine opportunities of studying it to advantage as game- 

 keepers, and I am indebted very largely to Mr. Thos. Bamford, head 



