THE BROWN BEAR. 49

natural cavity of the earth, or the cleft
of a rock, which he contrives to line with
moss. Here he remains till the return
of spring, subsisting upon the absorption
of his fat, when he forsakes his lair. The
female remains longer, till she has brought
forth her young, when she sallies forth
with her little family (two or three, ) hun-
gry and savage. Unless provoked, they
never attack man; but when they are,
the assault is dangerous: rising upon
their hind feet, they hug their opponent
between their fore limbs, and he seldom
survives their hug. They are good swim-
mers, and climb well. When tamed, they
seem mild and obedient to their keepers,
and are taught to dance and assume a
variety of attitudes to the sound of music.
4. .