96 WILD BROTHER 
thing of this kind before. While it is probably true 
that no other bear’s life had ever been saved in the 
same way for a similar reason, I was soon to learn 
of an extraordinary custom that has to do with the 
feeding of bears’ cubs in an analogous way. This 
curious practice is indulged in by the Ainus, those 
quaint and primitive people of Aryan stock who 
were the original inhabitants of the Japanese 
islands, and who now, in dwindling numbers, live 
on the island of Yezo. It is an ancient belief of the 
Ainus that they are descended from the bear, the 
animal that plays the most prominent part in cer- 
tain of their religious ceremonies. 
Bears’ cubs are highly prized and much sought 
by these simple people. The Ainu hunters are will- 
ing to risk their lives in order to secure a live cub. 
When captured, the little creatures are handed 
over to certain women who have been specially 
chosen to nurse and bring them up. These cubs, 
as was the case with Bruno, often become mem- 
bers of the family and play with the children; 
but their treatment does not come from any 
love of the animal or from any wish to preserve 
its life. Quite the contrary, in fact. At a certain 
age, its life is sacrificed, and with much rejoicing, 
at the time of a great feast, the flesh is eaten. 
I became aware of these customs in a curious 
and singular way. In the fall of 1904 I attended the 
