NEW YORK ZOOLOGICAL PARK. 119 
was given to him solely as a means of visible expression of 
good nature. But he has his enemies and detractors. The 
coyote loves his plump and toothsome body; the ‘‘granger’’ 
hates him for the multitude of his holes, and puts spoonfuls 
of poisoned wheat into his burrow. 
THE BEAR DENS, No. 37. 
The bears of the world form a very interesting group; 
and when its representatives are properly installed— 
in large, open yards, with abundant sunlight, fresh air and 
room for exercise—they develop finely, live happily, and 
furnish endless entertainment. Under proper conditions, 
bears are cheerful animals, full of the playful spirit that 
robs captivity of its chief terror. To confine large bears 
singly, in small cages, or in wet-floored, high-walled dun- 
geons, or in the unspeakable ‘‘pits’’ of mediaeval type, is a 
sin against Nature. It is to be noted, however, that small 
and timid bears, like Ursus japonicus, are better off in small 
cages than in the very large ones; and it is for this reason 
that eight small dens have been provided, opposite the ori- 
ginal series. 
The Zoological Society has put forth considerable effort 
in constructing a series of nine large Bear Dens which pro- 
vide ideal conditions for their inmates. Bears do not need 
buildings! Their habits call for large, open yards, properly 
situated, with snug and dry sleeping-dens attached, to 
which they can retire whenever they wish. To them, 
masonry walls are worse than useless, for they cut off sun- 
light and promote dampness; but rocks and trees upon 
which to climb are very beneficial. In warm weather, all 
bears are fond of bathing, and a bathing pool in each cage 
is very necessary. 
It is cruelty to animals for visitors to throw peanuts, or 
food of any kind, into our bear dens; and it is strictly for- 
bidden. All persons who do not wish to be reprimanded in 
public, or arrested, are advised to refrain from it. Teasing 
with food always irritates bears, sets them to fighting, spoils 
their dispositions and renders them dangerous to the keepers 
who have to go in with them! All visitors who are law- 
abiding, and friendly to the Zoological Society, are requested 
to assist the keepers and policemen in preventing lawless per- 
sons from throwing focd into the bear dens, A stern repri- 
mand often prevents serious trouble. 
