346 THE COMMOJT BEAR. 



climb trees in search of prey, or to escape from theit 



enemies, 



THE COMMON BEAR *. 



The Common Bears are inhabitants of" the forests 

 iti the northern regions of Europe, and are also 

 found on some of the Indian Islands. They vary 

 much in colour; some of them being brown, others 

 black, and others grey. The Brown Bears live 

 chiefly on vegetables ; and the Black ones in a great 

 measure on animal food, on Lambs, Kids, and even 

 Cattle, which they destroy, sucking the blood in 

 the manner of the Weesel tribe. They generally 

 blow up the carcases of such animals as they kill, 

 and hide in the marshes wdiat they cannot devour. 



They are said to be particularly fond of honey. 

 In search of this they climb trees, in order to get at 

 the nests of wdld Bees ; for the Bear, notwithstanding 

 his awkward form, is expert in climbing, and 

 sometimes takes up his residence in the hollow of a 

 large tree. He will also catch and devour iish ; and 

 occasionally frequents the banks of rivers for that 

 purpose. 



He is a savage and solitary animal, living in the 

 most retired and unfrequented parts of the forest. 

 Great part of the winter he spends in his den, in a 

 state of repose and abstinence, louring this period 

 tli^ females bring forth and suckle their young. 



* Synonyms.- — Uisus Arctos. Lini). — Ours. Bufnn. — Common, or 

 Browuiiear, t\<in. Sha-^'i Ccn.Zv^I.pl. 102. — Jitxc- Suad.HQi. 



