COMMON BEAR. 
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solitary. The tongue is smooth, and snout pro 
minent. The eyes are furnished with a nictitating 
or winking membrane. 
The soies of the feet in all the animals belong- 
ing to this tribe are long, and extend to the heel, 
which gives them a very firm tread. Some of the 
species use their fore paws as hands. From the 
length and sharpness of their claws, they are all 
able to climb trees in search of prey, or to escape 
from their enemies. 
Common bear. 
The common bears are inhabitants of the forests 
in the northern regions of Europe, and are also 
said to be found on some of the Indian islands. 
They vary much in colour : some of them being 
brown, others black, and others grey. The brown 
bears live chiefly on vegetables ; and the black 
ones in a great measure on animal food, on iambs, 
kids, and even cattle, which they destroy, sucking 
the blood in the manner of the weasel tribe. They 
generally blow up the carcases of such animals as 
they kill, and hide in the marshes what they can- 
not devour 
They are particularly fond of honey. In search 
of this they climb trees, in order to get at the nests 
of wild bees; for the bear, notwithstanding his 
awkward form, is expert in climbing, and some- 
times takes up his residence in the hollow of a 
large tree. He will also catch and devour fish; 
and occasionally frequents the banks of rivers for 
that purpose. 
This species has a long head, small eyes, and 
short ears, rounded at the top. Its limbs are 
strong, thick, and clumsy ; its feet are large, and 
its tail is very short ; its body is covered with very 
long shaggy hair. 
The brown bear/’ says Buffo m is not only 
