CARNIVORA. URSIDiE. 21 



in. t'ths. 



Length of the posterior molar, 10 



Width of the zygomatic space, 2 8 



Length of the lower jaw measured on the outside, . . 8 



Observations. So far as information can be gathered from 

 writers or hunters, there is but one species of bear inhabiting the 

 New England States. Individuals present, it is true, considera- 

 ble diversity in size, color, and form ; but they furnish no perma- 

 nent marks by which a distinct species can be formed. Thus, 

 some individuals have the fawn-colored spots over the eyes ; 

 others are marked with a white stripe along the forehead, or nose ; 

 and others still have a white spot beneath the chin. There is also 

 a difference in the general color of individuals ; some are much 

 blacker than others ; this character, however, varies somewhat 

 with the season of the year, as they are always darker in the 

 spring. There is too, a marked difference in the length of the 

 legs, so much so, that hunters always notice it, and speak of this 

 character as marking a distinct variety or kind. The above dif- 

 ferences are to be considered as only accidental, and not occur- 

 ring with sufficient uniformity to make specific characters. 



The configuration of the cranium of the Bear is a very dis- 

 tinctive family mark or character. Thus, the line extending from 

 the base of the incisors to the occipital crest, is uniformly arched. 

 The length is also great in proportion to the width, or, in other 

 words, the skull is deep, narrow, and elongated. In conformity 

 with the general form, the axes of the eyes are almost on a line 

 with the long axis of the cranium. The middle of the skull is 

 narrow, the zygomatic arches long, and the portion occupied by 

 the eye small. This arrangement gives a large space for the 

 powerful temporal muscles, thus increasing immensely the power 

 of the jaws. The Bear subsists principally on fruit, such as 

 apples, acorns, and nuts. Grubs and worms are also sought for, 

 as is well known by their turning over logs, and removing the 

 bark from stumps and decayed trees. Honey and all sweet fruits 

 are peculiarly grateful, and furnish for him a rich repast. An 

 indication of this is afforded by his selecting, when he visits an 

 orchard, the sweetest fruit for his meal. The Bear frequently 

 destroys pigs and sheep. He is, however, more injurious to the 



