42 
NATURAL HISTORY. 
musket-ball. In Asia these skins are considered 
very valuable, and are manufactured into shields and 
other articles. 
THE BEAR. 
97. There are two principal varieties of the com- 
mon Bear ; the brown and the black. The former 
is found in almost every climate, but particularly in 
the mountains of the Alps. The black Bear is found 
in the northern regions of Europe and America. 
98. The brown Bear is both a savage and solitary 
animal, inhabiting chasms and precipices, and fre- 
quently choosing for its abode the hollow of some 
tree. Here it passes several months in the winter, 
in a state of torpidity, from which it issues in the 
spring, lean, and half famished from its long confine- 
ment. It feeds with avidity upon honey and fruits. 
99. The black Bear resembles the brown in most 
respects except colour. It usually chooses its re- 
treat in a hollow tree. It is hunted for its skin, 
What are the principal varieties of the common Bear ? 
Where are they found ? 
Describe the brown Bear. What does it feed upon with avidity ? 
Describe the black Bear. What is it hunted for ? 
