116 WILD BROTHER 
on them. After enjoying this sport, he would 
lower himself by his paws from one limb to an- 
other, like a monkey, and drop to the ground. 
In July, when eighteen months old, he weighed 
eighty-five pounds and, standing on his hind-legs, 
measured four feet, six inches. We could almost 
see him grow—and his appetite was growing 
too. As summer came on, he began to develop a 
liking for fruit and vegetables. Bananas were in 
special favor; one day he ate six of them and then 
whined for more. Carrots, turnips, and parsnips 
also were considered as delicacies by him: Though 
it was against the rules, he liked to get into the 
garden and dig them for himself. 
One morning we found Bruno in the middle of 
the tomato patch, thoroughly enjoying a feast of 
the red ripe fruit. A friend who was visiting me 
volunteered to drive the marauder away from his 
plunder, but the bear was stubborn and defiantly 
stood his ground. Suddenly a well-aimed hard 
green tomato landed with a thud on the side of his 
head. The effect of this successful shot was start- 
ling — the robber left his booty and, making a 
rapid advance upon his assailant, drove him out of 
the garden and pursued him down into the 
meadow. Here, the day being warm and his temper 
having abated, Bruno gave up the chase. Then, 
with Foxy’s help, I escorted him back to his cage. 
