CHAPTER X.

THE BEAR FAMILY--THE BEARS.

Characters of the URSIDÆ--Their Mode of Progression--Teeth--Skull--Geographical Distribution--THE BROWN BEAR--Its Occurrence--Character--Habit of Hibernating--Diet--Moral Characteristics--Bear-baiting--Varieties--THE AMERICAN BLACK BEAR--Its Habits--Superstitions of the Indians regarding it--THE GRIZZLY BEAR--THE SYRIAN BEAR--THE HIMALAYAN BEAR--THE SUN BEAR--THE SLOTH BEAR--Its Ant- and Bee-eating Propensities--THE SPECTACLED BEAR--THE POLAR BEAR--Its Size--Characteristics--Habits--Method of Hunting--The supposed Poisonous Properties of its Liver 163