HISTORY OF QUADRUPEDS. 263 



not feparated as in mod animals that do fo •, the largeft 

 linger is on the outfide. 



The voice of the Bear is a deep and furly kind of 

 growl, which it frequently exerts without the leaft caufe, 

 — It is very eafily irritated ; and at that time its refent- 

 ment is furious, and often capricioufly exerted. 



When tamed, it appears mild and obedient to its m af- 

 ter ; but it is not to be trufted without the utmoft cau- 

 tion. — It may be taught to walk upright, to dance, to lay 

 hold of a pole with its paws, and perform various tricks 

 to entertain the multitude, who are highly pleafed to fee 

 the aukward meafures of this rugged creature, which it 

 feems to fuit to the found of an inftrument, or to the 

 voice of its leader. But to give the Bear this kind of 

 education, it muft be taken when young, and accuftom- 

 ed early to reftraint and difcipline : An old Bear will 

 fuffer neither, without difcovering the moil furious re- 

 fentment ; neither the voice nor the menaces of his keep- 

 er have any effecl: upon him he equally growls at the 

 hand that is held out to feed, as at that which is raifed 

 to correct him. 



The exceffive cruelties practifed upon this poor animal 

 in teaching it to walk erect, and regulate its motions 

 to the found of the flagelet, are fuch as make fenfibility 

 (hudder. Its eyes are put out ; and an iron ring being 

 put through the cartilage of the nofe to lead it by, it is 

 kept from food, and beaten, till it yield obedience to the 

 will of its favage tutors. Some of them are taught to 

 perform by fetting their feet upon hot iron plates, and 

 then playing to them whilft in this uneafy fituation. — It 

 is truly fhocking to every feeling mind to reflect, that 

 fuch cruelties mould be exercifed upon any part of the 



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