ORDER CARNASSIER. 241 



and the Baron has given it the name of Ursus Tibe- 

 tanus. 



We cannot fix the characters of the Ursus Labiatus bet- 

 ter than by presenting our readers with the substance of 

 M. A. Duvau eel's observations concerning these three spe- 

 cies ; and though we have already treated of one of them, 

 yet the comparative view which this gentleman gives of 

 the three renders their characteristics more obvious, and 

 enables us to mark with greater precision the differences 

 by which they are distinguished. 



" The analogy which prevails between these three Bears, 

 and the uncertainty which still exists relative to those of 

 the old continent, cause me to hope," says M. D. to the 

 Baron, " that you will receive with interest some compa- 

 rative observations which may tend to give them a more 

 specific character. Their difference, which chiefly consists 

 in the conformation of crania, though less sensible else- 

 where, nevertheless extends through the whole of their or- 

 ganization. In the feet, in the fur, in the proportions of 

 the limbs, many characters may be recognised alike inva- 

 riable and unequivocal. 



" The largest of the three (Ursus Labiatus) has a thick 

 and still most singularly elongated muzzle. The head is 

 small, and the ears are large ; but the hair on the muzzle, 

 at first smooth and even, grows suddenly rough around the 

 head as far as the height of the ears, and completely buries 

 them under a thick fur, and augments considerably the vo- 

 lume of the head. The cartilage of the nose consists of a 

 large plate, almost plane, and possessing great mobility. 

 The end of the lower lip, in all the specimens which I have 

 seen, goes beyond the upper, and moves equally by contrac- 

 tion, by elongation, or in a lateral direction. This gives 

 to the animal a physiognomy (as M. D. happily expresses 

 it) of stupid animation. Its limbs are elevated, its body 

 long, and its motions easy. These characters are more or 



Vol. II. R 



