70 tjesid;e. 



A moderate sized one measured 7 feet 6 inches in length, and was above 

 3 feet La height. 



This fine bear belongs to restricted Ursus of some writers, being of the 

 same type as the brown bear of Europe. The claws are less powerful than 

 in the other groups, straight and obtuse. It is supposed by some to be 

 identical with the Syrian bear. It is found only on the Himalayas, and at 

 great elevations in summer, close to the snow. In auturmi they descend 

 lower, coming into the forests to feed on various fruit, seeds, acorns, hips 

 of rose bushes, &c., and often coming close to villages to plunder apples, 

 walnuts, apricots, buck-wheat, &c. Their usual food in spring and sum- 

 mer is grass and roots. They also feed on various insects, and are seen 

 turning over stones to look for scorpions (it is said), and insects that 

 harbour in such places. In winter they retreat to caves, remaining in a 

 state of semi-torpidity, issuing, forth in March and AprU. Occasionally 

 they are said to Irill sheep or goats, often wantonly apparently, as they do 

 not feed on them. They litter in April and May, the female having 

 generally two cubs. If taken young, they are very easily domesticated. 

 This bear does not climb trees well. They abound particularly in the 

 N. W. Himalayas, and in the mountains round Kashmir. Many are 

 killed every year by sportsmen. 



To this division belong the Brown bear of Europe, U. arctos, L., of 

 which I see it surmised (Nat. Hist. Eeview, 1865, pt. I.) that our species 

 is only a well marked variety or race ; the Black bear of N. America, U. 

 americanus ; and the huge Grisly bear of the rocky mountains, U.ferox. 



The next group has been named Ilelarctos, br Sun bears. They are 

 found on mountains in India and Malayana. The claws are larger and 

 more curved than in restricted Ursus. 



90. Tlrsus tibetanus. 



P. CuviEE. Mammif. pi. 56. — Blyth, Cat. 225. — U. torqiiatits, 

 SoHiNZ. — i7. /eroa; apud Robinson, Acc. of Assam. — Bhalu, H. — Bhalah, 

 Beng. — Thorn, Bhot. — Sona, Lepch. 



The Himalayan Black Bear. 



Descr. — Black, the lower lip white, also a large crescentric mark on the 

 breast, sending up a branch on each side in front of the shoulder. Of 

 moderate size. Neck thick ; head flattened ; forehead and muzzle being 

 almost on a straight lino ; ears rather large ; body compact ; limbs thick 

 and clumsy. 



