87 
Tlie Polar bear is the largest of the 
species, and has frequently been found 
of an immense size. Barentz killed one 
thirteen feet in length, and they have 
been said to be found of a much larger 
size, but not on equally good authority. 
The one which Captain Phipps describes, 
was only seven feet one inch long, and 
the largest we got on board did not ex¬ 
ceed seven feet six inches; though we 
killed one apparently much larger, but a 
gale coming on, we were obliged to bear 
away, and leave it on the ice. 
The hair of this species is very long, 
woolly, and of a yellowish white colour. 
Its teeth lock into each other like those 
of a rat-trap, and are so remarkably 
strong and sharp, that it has been known 
to shiver lances made of steel. Its head 
is small, and a good deal elongated: nose 
black, and without hair: ears short, erect, 
and rounded: neck slender. Its limbs 
are of a vast thickness, and each foot is 
