THE BROWN BEAR. 
35 
very long, and furnished with muscles, by which it can protrude 
them in a most singular manner ; its eyes are small, black and 
heavy, and its aspect lowering ; its legs and thighs are remarkably 
thick and strong, which resemble those of the common hear ; it 
has five long, crooked white claws on each foot, which it uses 
with great dexterity, either separately or together, like fingers, to 
break its food and convey it to the mouth. It is a gentle, good 
natured animal, hut, when irritated or disturbed, utters an abrupt 
roar, ending in a whining tone, expressive of impatience. This 
curious animal is a native of the interior parts of Bengal ; it 
burrows in the ground, and feeds on nuts, fruit, honey, or bread. 
THE BROWN BEAR. 
/^'his is a savage and solitary animal, and is found in almost 
i I . every climate. It inhabits the most unfrequented parts, 
and chooses its den in the most gloomy parts of the forest, 
in some cavern that has been hollowed by the workings of time, 
or in the hollow of an enormous tree. It subsists chiefly on 
roots, fruits and vegetables, but is occasionally carnivorous. It 
retires to its den in the' latter part of autumn (when it is exceed- 
ingly fat) and lives throughout the winter in a state of inactivity, 
without provisions, or without stirring abroad in quest of food. 
It seems to sustain itself upon the plenitude of fat that it has 
accumulated during the summer months, and only feels the cra- 
vings of hunger when its adipose has considerably wasted. When 
this occurs, which it generally does at the expiration of forty or 
