Bears will often continue on the road in front of the palanquin for a
mile or two, tumbling and playing all sorts of antics, as if they were
taught to do so. I believe it is their natural disposition; for they
certainly are the most amusing creatures imaginable in their wild state.
It is no wonder that with monkeys they are led about to amuse mankind.
It is astonishing, as well as ludicrous, to see them climb rocks, and
tumble or rather roll down precipices. If they are attacked by any
person on horseback, they stand erect on their hind legs, shewing a fine
set of white teeth, and making a cackling kind of noise. If the horse
comes near them, they try to catch him by the legs, and if they miss
him, they tumble over and over several times. They are easily speared by
a person mounted on a horse that is bold enough to go near them.