( 30 ) 
Period of gestation. —Uncertain ; it breeds from February to April, the 
litter usually numbering four. 
Description. —It varies a good deal in colour from reddish grey to silver 
grey; the back is darker than the sides, the lower parts are whitish, the chin 
pure white, shading to a creamy hue on the breast, tail shading from rufous 
grey to a black tip. It preys upon small mammals and birds, reptiles, insects and 
eggs ; it also eats fruit and grain. Its scent is not strong, and it is not often 
hunted; it is very quick, active and graceful, and is easily tamed. 
Measurements. —Head and body, about 20 ins.; tail, 13 to 14 ins. ; weight, 
6 to 8 lbs. 
THE BROWN BEAR OR SNOW BEAR. 
Ursus Isabellinus or U. Arctus. Native names: Lai Bhalu , Hind. ; Flarput f 
Kashmir ; Drengmo , Balti; Deub f Nepal; Drin-Mor , Ladak. 
Habitat. —The Himalayas from Afghanistan to Nepal. 
Period of gestation. —About six months ; the cubs, usually two, are born in 
April or May. 1 
Description. —From pale to dark brown ; claws pale or white and of moder¬ 
ate length. Fur long, thick and soft with woolly under-fur, the hair on the back 
