ITI") DIVISION I. VERTEBRAL ANIMALS. — CLASS I. MAMMALIA. 



liimscir to tlic mercy of the animal wlilfli oceupietl it. IMarco, liowevcr, in- 

 stead ot'duing any injury to tlie eliikl, took liim between his paws, anil warmed 

 him by pressing him to his breast, until next morning, when he sidlered him 

 to depart, to randjle about the city. The young Savoyard returned in the 

 e\ening to tlie hut, and was received with the same aflei'tion. For several 

 days he had no other retreat ; and it added not a little to his joy to perceive 

 that the bear regularly reserved part of his food for him. A number of days 

 passed in this manner, without the servants knowing anything of the circum- 

 stance. At length, when one of them came to bring the bear its supper 

 rather later than ordinary, he was astonished to see the animal roll his eyes 

 in a furious manner, and seeming as if he wished him to make as little noise 

 as [>ossible, ibr fear of awaking the child, whom he clasped to his Ijreast. 

 The bear, though ravenous, did not appear the least moved with the food 

 which was placed before him. The report of this extraordinary circumstance 

 was soon S])read at court, and reached the ears of Leopold, who, with part 

 of liis c(iurticrs, was desirous of being satisfied of the truth of Marco's gen- 

 erosity. Se\eral of them passed the night near his hut, and beheld, with 

 astonislnnent, that the bear never stirred as long as his guest showed an in- 

 clination to slee[). At break of day the child awoke, was very nnich ashamed 

 to find iiimsclf discovered, and, fearing that he would be punished for his 

 temerity, begged pardon. The l)ear, however, caressed him, and endeavored 

 to ])re\ail on him to eat what bad been brought to jiim the evening before, 

 which he did at the request of the s[)ectators, who afterwards conducted him 

 to the prince. Having learned the whole history of this singular alliance, 

 and the time which it had continued, Leopold ordered care to be taken of the 

 litlle Savoyard, who doubtless would have soon made his fortune, had he not 

 died a short time after." 



In cold climates the males, and in some species all the females, are disposed 

 to pass the season of cold and snow in a deep slumber, witliout food, 'i'he 

 place of repose may be a cavern, or a cavity imder the snow, or a rude hut 

 constructed by "the skill of the bear itself. At the close of this period of 

 hibernation, the females produce their j'oung, which are fostered for many 

 days before the mother rises to break out of her retreat. '\Miere hibernation 

 is interrupted by captivity, young bears, especially, are liable to temporary 

 blindness. Colonel Smith relates the following instance: "A young black 

 bear was brought from Quebec late in the autunm ; the nictitating membrane, 

 early during the passage home, spread over both eyes, and became fixed, 

 although the animal was as lively as c\er, being permitted to go free about 

 the ship ; he coidd, in this state, widk over the sides into tlie chains, climb 

 up the ropes, and was a full match for the tricks tlie young midshipmen 

 played him, by retorting occasionally with extraordinary quickness and pre- 



