92 THE POLAR BEAR. 
submarine journeys so well, that when it ascends to the surface for the last 
time, it is in close proximity to the slumbering seal. The fate of the unfor- 
tunate victim is now settled, for it cannot take refuge in the water without 
falling into the clutches of its pursuer, and if it endeavours to escape by land 
it is speedily overtaken and destroyed by the swifter-footed Bear. 
So powerful an animal as the Polar Bear must necessarily be very dangerous 
when considered in the light of a foe. Sometimes it runs away as soon as it 
sees or smells a human being, but at others it is extremely malicious, and will 
attack a man without any apparent reason. As is the case with nearly all the 
Bears, it is very tenacious of life, and even when pierced with many wounds, 
will fight in the most desperate manner, employing both teeth and claws in 
the combat, and only yielding the struggle with its life. 
The colour of the Nennook’s fur is a silvery white, tinged with a slight 
yellow hue, rather variable in different individuals. Even in specimens that 
were confined in the Zoological Gardens there was a perceptible difference in 
POLAR REAR.—(TZhalarctos maritimus.) 
the tint of their fur, the coat of one of them being of a purer white than that 
of the other. The yellowish tinge which has been just mentioned is very 
similar to the creamy yellow hue which edges the ermine’s fur. The feet are 
armed with strong claws of no very great length, and but slightly curved. 
Their colour is black, so that they form a very bold contrast with the white 
fur that falls over the feet. Even at a considerable distance, and by 
means of its mere outline, the Polar Bear may be distinguished from every 
other member of the Bear tribe by its peculiar shape. The neck is. although 
extremely powerful, very long in proportion tothe remainder of the body, and 
the head is so small and sharp that there is a very snake-like aspect about that 
portion of the animal’s person. . 
The young of the Nennook are generally two in number, and, when they 
make their first appearance outside the snow-built nursery in which their few 
months of existence have been passed, are about the size of shepherds’ dogs, 
and in excellent condition. 
PRESERVING somewhat of the ursine aspect and much of the ursine habits, 
the RACOON, or MaPACH, as it is sometimes named, is an active, spirited, and 
