THE POLAR BEAR. 
21 
Owing to the peculiar nature of the substance in which the 
White Bear ( Thalarctos maritimus ) makes its curious burrows, 
I have placed it after, instead of before, the earth-burrowing 
rodents. 
POLAR EEAR. 
Towards the month of December the White Bear retreats to 
the side of a rock, where by dint of scraping, and allowing the 
snow to fall upon her, she forms a cell in which to reside during 
the period of her accouchement. Within this strange nursery 
