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 faponicus, 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 lazvless per- 

 sons from throwing foG<d into the bear dens. A stern repri- 

 mand often prevents serious trouble. 



