22 QUADRUPEDS OF MASSACHUSETTS. 



farmer, by his visits to the fields of corn. The time, selected for 

 his depredation, is when the corn is soft and in its milk ; he then 

 eats much, and breaks down much more. The Bear, when taken 

 young, is susceptible of domestication, and becomes playful, 

 though, as it increases in age and size, it is apt to take offence, 

 plays rather roughly, and becomes rather a dangerous pet. It 

 recognises all who may belong to the family ; but, in order to keep 

 it in subjection and obedience, the free use of the whip is nec- 

 essary, and it learns very soon who is master. 



In the domestic state it does not hybernate, nor can it be com- 

 pelled to go into that state. In one instance where two had been 

 confined in a hole, and shut in for the winter, it was found that 

 the stronger had devoured the weaker, and had become extremely 

 thin and poor. Bears in New England go into winter quarters at 

 the fall of the first snow, if it is in considerable quantity. Unless 

 the ground is covered, however, to the depth of 5 or 6 inches, 

 it does not seek a winter retreat. When this has taken place, 

 they may be traced to their lodging which they may have selected 

 at some previous time. This they approach not directly, but by 

 a number of diminishing circles, as if aware that by such routes 

 they increase the difficulty of pursuit, and thereby secured a more 

 safe resting-place for the winter. The male goes into this retreat 

 alone, while the female, if she has cubs, is accompanied by them. 

 In arranging themselves for their winter's sleep, the dam places 

 herself foremost, or towards the entrance of their retreat, and the 

 young immediately in the rear, an arrangement which is intended 

 to secure the safety of the family. When their position is once 

 taken, it is probable that it is not changed until they are aroused 

 by warm weather, as it is invariably found that the old one is always 

 in front ; and instances have occurred, where the snow has been 

 broken away, and disclosed the old one in her sitting posture, 

 though still fast asleep. The precise period, at which the bear 

 goes into winter quarters, depends on the fall of snow. If that is 

 late, he w r anders about, feeding on mast or acorns, &c, and is very 

 often quite poor before his retirement. Occasionally they leave 

 their retreats in January or February, if the weather is warm for 

 several days in succession. The female goes with young seven 

 months, and brings forth pretty uniformly two cubs at a birth. The 



