The bear is found in Europe and North America, but it is among the icy
regions around the North Pole, that he attains his greatest size and
fierceness. One of his principal modes of attack is the employment of
his fore-legs in hugging his enemy, and few creatures can resist the
crushing embrace of a large bear.
The people of the cold countries, where he mostly lives, make bedding
and clothing of the skins, and either eat the fat or melt it into oil
for their lamps. Bears, when at rest, are in the habit of constantly
sucking their paws, which curious custom has puzzled many wise men to
explain.
The bear is a good swimmer, and often takes to the water; he climbs
well, but in descending trees always comes down backwards. His sight
is sharp, and his hearing and smelling is excellent. He walks easily
on his hind-legs, and in that position can support heavy burdens.
Though his gait is awkward, he can, if he pleases, go at a great pace.
He is said to grow to about his twentieth and live to his fiftieth
year. Some bears are black, others brown, and a few grey, but those in
cold countries are always white.
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