ENGLISH SETTER.ENGLISH SETTER.A typical but rather coarse specimen of a beautiful variety.
ENGLISH SETTER.A typical but rather coarse specimen of a beautiful variety.
ENGLISH SETTER.
A typical but rather coarse specimen of a beautiful variety.
SMOOTH-COATED SAINT BERNARD.Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.SMOOTH-COATED SAINT BERNARD.The illustration gives a capital idea of these handsome dogs.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.SMOOTH-COATED SAINT BERNARD.The illustration gives a capital idea of these handsome dogs.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.
SMOOTH-COATED SAINT BERNARD.
The illustration gives a capital idea of these handsome dogs.
Great Danes, though mostly classed amongst Non-sporting Dogs, have much of the hound in their bearing and appearance. The whole-coloured are not so popular as the variousshades of brindle and harlequin, but I have seen many beautiful fawns, blues, and other whole colours. They are being bred with small natural drooping ears. One of the first I remember seeing exhibited was a large harlequin belonging to the late Mr. Frank Adcock, with the appropriate name of "Satan," as, although always shown muzzled, he required the attentions of three or four keepers to deal with him; and at one show I attended he overpowered his keepers, got one of them on the ground, tore his jacket off, and gave him a rough handling.
Non-sporting Varieties.
Saint Bernards, although sometimes exceeding 3 feet at the shoulder, are as a rule very docile and good-tempered, and many are owned by ladies. The coat may be rough or smooth, according to taste; but either are splendid animals. They are sometimes seen self-coloured, but those with markings—shades of rich red, with white and black, for preference—are the handsomest. They are still used as "first aids" in the snow on the Swiss mountains. So far as I remember, this is the only breed of dog used for stud and exhibition for which as much as £1,500 has been paid; and this has occurred on more than one occasion.
GREAT DANE.Photo by Fratelli Alinari][Florence.GREAT DANE.This shows a typical specimen of this breed, with cropped ears, which will be discontinued in show dogs.
Photo by Fratelli Alinari][Florence.GREAT DANE.This shows a typical specimen of this breed, with cropped ears, which will be discontinued in show dogs.
Photo by Fratelli Alinari][Florence.
GREAT DANE.
This shows a typical specimen of this breed, with cropped ears, which will be discontinued in show dogs.
Newfoundlandshave regained their place in popularity, and many good blacks and black-and-whites can now be seen. Numerous cases are on record of their rendering aid to persons in danger of drowning, and establishing communication with wrecked vessels and the shore.
Mastiffsare looked on as one of the national breeds. Their commanding presence and stately manner make them highly suitable as guards, and they are credited with much attachment and devotion to their owners. The colours are mostly shades of fawn with black muzzle, or shades of brindle. I am able to give the portrait of one of the best specimens living, belonging to Mr. R. Leadbetter.
Bull-dogsare also regarded as a national breed. They are at present in high favour. The sizes and colours are so various that all tastes can be satisfied. Recently there has been a fancy for toy bull-dogs, limited to 22 lbs. in weight, mostly with upright ears of tulip shape. In spite of the many aspersions on their character, bull-dogs are usually easy-going and good-tempered, and are often very fastidious feeders—what fanciers call "bad doers."
DACHSHUND.Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.DACHSHUND.The photograph conveys a fair idea of those quaint dogs.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.DACHSHUND.The photograph conveys a fair idea of those quaint dogs.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.
DACHSHUND.
The photograph conveys a fair idea of those quaint dogs.
DALMATIANS.Photo by Kitchener Portrait Co.DALMATIANS.All are typical, but the first is the best in quality and markings.
Photo by Kitchener Portrait Co.DALMATIANS.All are typical, but the first is the best in quality and markings.
Photo by Kitchener Portrait Co.
DALMATIANS.
All are typical, but the first is the best in quality and markings.
NEWFOUNDLAND.Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.NEWFOUNDLAND.The dog shown here gives a good idea of size and character, but is not in best coat.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.NEWFOUNDLAND.The dog shown here gives a good idea of size and character, but is not in best coat.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.
NEWFOUNDLAND.
The dog shown here gives a good idea of size and character, but is not in best coat.
Rough Colliesare very graceful, interesting creatures, and stand first in intelligence amongst canines. They are highly popular. Several have been sold for over £1,000, and the amounts in prize-money and fees obtained by some of the "cracks" would surprise persons not in "the fancy." A high-bred specimen "in coat" is most beautiful. The colours most favoured are sables with white markings; but black, white, and tans, known as "tricolors," are pleasing and effective. I quite hoped to give a portrait of one of the most perfect of present-day champions, belonging to H.H. the Princess de Montglyon, but could not find room.
Smooth Colliesare a handsome breed, full of grace, beauty, and intelligence, and very active and lively. A favourite colour is merle, a sort of lavender, with black markings and tan and white in parts, usually associated with one or both eyes china-coloured. Specimens often win in sheep-dog trials; a bitch of mine won many such, and was more intelligent in other ways than many human beings.
Old English Sheep-dogsare a most fascinating breed, remarkably active, possessed of much endurance and resource, and very faithful and affectionate. I have often made longjourneys through cross-country roads accompanied by one or more of them, and never knew them miss me, even on the darkest night or in the crowded streets of a large town. The favourite colour is pigeon-blue, with white collar and markings. The coat should be straight and hard in texture. The illustration is from a portrait of one of the best bitches ever shown, belonging to Sir H. de Trafford.
BULL-DOGS.Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.BULL-DOGS.The photograph is remarkably good and characteristic of this variety.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.BULL-DOGS.The photograph is remarkably good and characteristic of this variety.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.
BULL-DOGS.
The photograph is remarkably good and characteristic of this variety.
Dalmatiansare always white, with black, liver, or lemon spots, the size of a shilling or less, evenly distributed over the body, head, ears, and even tail, and pure, without mixture of white. There is much of the pointer about this variety, which has long been used for sporting purposes on the continent of Europe. I can testify to their many good qualities as companions and house-dogs. To quote again from the article above mentioned: "It is commonly believed that the spotted carriage-dogs once so frequently kept in England were about the most useless creatures of the dog kind, maintained only for show and fashion. This is a mistake. They were used at a time when a travelling-carriage carried, besides its owners, a large amount of valuable property, and the dog watched the carriage at night when the owners were sleeping at country inns. We feel we owe an apology to the race of carriage-dogs.... While this dog is becoming extinct, in spite of his useful qualities, other breeds are invading spheres of work in which they had formerly no part." There is only one point in which I differ from the above, and that is contained in the last sentence. There are a number of enthusiastic breeders very keen on reviving interest in this variety, and I have during the last few years had large entries to judge, so that we shall probably see more of them in the future.
Poodlesare of many sizes and colours. They are very intelligent, easily taught tricks, and much used as performing dogs. They have various kinds of coats:corded, in which the hair hangs in long strands or ringlets;curly, with a profusion of short curls all overthem, something like retrievers; andfluffy, when the hair is combed out, to give much the appearance of fleecy wool. A part of the body, legs, head, and tail is usually shorn.
OLD ENGLISH SHEEP-DOG.OLD ENGLISH SHEEP-DOG.This is a remarkably fine photograph of a well-known specimen of this interesting variety.
OLD ENGLISH SHEEP-DOG.This is a remarkably fine photograph of a well-known specimen of this interesting variety.
OLD ENGLISH SHEEP-DOG.
This is a remarkably fine photograph of a well-known specimen of this interesting variety.
Bull-terriersare now bred with small natural drooping ears, and should have long wedge-shaped heads, fine coats, and long tails. There is also a toy variety, which hitherto has suffered from round skulls and tulip ears, but is rapidly improving. I have bred many as small as 3 lbs. in weight. In each variety the colour preferred is pure white, without any markings, and with fine tapering tails.
Irish Terriersare very popular, and should be nearly wholly red in colour, with long lean heads, small drooping ears, hard coats, not too much leg, and without coarseness. They make good comrades.
Bedlington Terriershave long been popular in the extreme north of England, and are another fighting breed. It is indeed often difficult to avoid a difference of opinion between show competitors. Their lean long heads, rather domed skulls, with top-knot of lighter hair, long pointed ears, and small dark eyes, give them a peculiar appearance. The coats, which are "linty" in texture, should be shades of blue or liver.
Three breeds, all more or less hard in coat-texture, and grizzled in colour on heads and bodies, while tanned on other parts, areAiredale,Old English, andWelsh Terriers, which may be divided into large, medium, and small. The first-named make very good all-round dogs; the Old English, less in number, make useful dogs, and are hardy and companionable; while Welsh terriers are much the size of a small wire-haired fox-terrier, but usually shorter and somewhat thicker in the head. I intended one of Mr. W. S. Glynn's best dogs to illustrate the last-named.
Fox-terriersare both smooth- and wire-haired. Their convenient size and lively temperament make them very popular as pets and companions for both sexes and all ages. The colour is invariably white, with or without markings on head or body, or both.
Black-and-tanandWhite English Terriersare built upon the same lines, differing chiefly in colour, the former being raven-black, with tan markings on face, legs, and some lower parts of the body, and the latter pure white all over. Both should have small natural drooping ears, fine glossy coats, and tapering sterns. The toy variety of the former should be a miniature of the larger, and is very difficult to produce of first-class quality.
MASTIFF.MASTIFF.The photograph gives almost an ideal picture of this national breed, the colour being known as black-brindle.
MASTIFF.The photograph gives almost an ideal picture of this national breed, the colour being known as black-brindle.
MASTIFF.
The photograph gives almost an ideal picture of this national breed, the colour being known as black-brindle.
DEER-HOUND.Photo by Lambert Lambert][Bath.DEER-HOUND.This is a capital portrait of one of the best of this graceful variety.
Photo by Lambert Lambert][Bath.DEER-HOUND.This is a capital portrait of one of the best of this graceful variety.
Photo by Lambert Lambert][Bath.
DEER-HOUND.
This is a capital portrait of one of the best of this graceful variety.
POINTER.Photo by H. Cornish][Crediton.POINTER.This is a young dog not yet shown, but full of quality and type.
Photo by H. Cornish][Crediton.POINTER.This is a young dog not yet shown, but full of quality and type.
Photo by H. Cornish][Crediton.
POINTER.
This is a young dog not yet shown, but full of quality and type.
SKYE TERRIER.Photo by Villiers & Sons][Newport.SKYE TERRIER.The photograph is of a well-known winner in show form.
Photo by Villiers & Sons][Newport.SKYE TERRIER.The photograph is of a well-known winner in show form.
Photo by Villiers & Sons][Newport.
SKYE TERRIER.
The photograph is of a well-known winner in show form.
CORDED POODLE.Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.CORDED POODLE.The length of the cords of which the coat is composed is clearly shown.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.CORDED POODLE.The length of the cords of which the coat is composed is clearly shown.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.
CORDED POODLE.
The length of the cords of which the coat is composed is clearly shown.
POMERANIAN.By permission of Mrs. Hall-Walker.POMERANIAN.Probably about the best all-black Toy Pomeranian ever shown.
By permission of Mrs. Hall-Walker.POMERANIAN.Probably about the best all-black Toy Pomeranian ever shown.
By permission of Mrs. Hall-Walker.
POMERANIAN.
Probably about the best all-black Toy Pomeranian ever shown.
SCOTTISH TERRIER.Photo by Kitchener & Salmon][Bond Street.SCOTTISH TERRIER.A smart picture of one of the best of these popular dogs.
Photo by Kitchener & Salmon][Bond Street.SCOTTISH TERRIER.A smart picture of one of the best of these popular dogs.
Photo by Kitchener & Salmon][Bond Street.
SCOTTISH TERRIER.
A smart picture of one of the best of these popular dogs.
MALTESE TOY TERRIER.Photo by G. N. Taylor][Cowley Road.MALTESE TOY TERRIER.A very excellent representation of one of the best specimens of the present day.
Photo by G. N. Taylor][Cowley Road.MALTESE TOY TERRIER.A very excellent representation of one of the best specimens of the present day.
Photo by G. N. Taylor][Cowley Road.
MALTESE TOY TERRIER.
A very excellent representation of one of the best specimens of the present day.
BUTTERFLY-DOG.Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.BUTTERFLY-DOG.The photograph gives an excellent idea of this somewhat rare variety.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.BUTTERFLY-DOG.The photograph gives an excellent idea of this somewhat rare variety.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.
BUTTERFLY-DOG.
The photograph gives an excellent idea of this somewhat rare variety.
Scottish Terriersare very interesting, often with much "character" about them. The usual colours are black, shades of grey, or brindle, but some are seen fawn, stone-colour, and white. The ears should be carried bolt upright, the coat as hard as a badger's, teeth even, small dark expressive eyes, fore legs straight, the back short. One I brought from Skye many years since I took with me when driving some miles into the country; coming back by a different route, he missed me; but on nearing my starting-point I found him posted at a juncture of four roads, by one of which I must return. He could not have selected a better position. The illustration is that of a first-rate specimen of the variety, "Champion Balmacron Thistle."
HER MAJESTY QUEEN ALEXANDRA, WITH CHOW AND JAPANESE SPANIELS.Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.HER MAJESTY QUEEN ALEXANDRA, WITH CHOW AND JAPANESE SPANIELS.A group which will be studied with much interest by all.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.HER MAJESTY QUEEN ALEXANDRA, WITH CHOW AND JAPANESE SPANIELS.A group which will be studied with much interest by all.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.
HER MAJESTY QUEEN ALEXANDRA, WITH CHOW AND JAPANESE SPANIELS.
A group which will be studied with much interest by all.
Dandie Dinmont Terriershave many quaint and charming ways. They are very strongly built, being among the most muscular of the terriers, of high courage, devotedly attached to their owners, and admirably adapted for companions, being suitable for indoors or out, and at home anywhere. The colours are pepper (a sort of darkish iron-grey) and mustard (a yellowish red fawn), both with white silky hair on head, called the top-knot, and lustrous dark eyes, very gipsy-like and independent in expression.
Skyes, bothPrick-andDrop-eared, are another Scottish breed which well deserve their popularity, as they are thorough sporting animals. The colours are chiefly shades of dark or light grey, but sometimes fawn with dark points and whites are seen. The texture of coat should be hard and weather-resisting; the eyes dark and keen in expression; bodies long, low, and well knit; legs straight in front; even mouths; tails carried gaily, but not curled over the back.
Schipperkesare of Belgian origin. To those who do not know them, they are something like medium-sized Pomeranians, short of coat, but without tails. They are nearly always pure black in colour, with coats of hardish texture, fullest round the neck and shoulders, the ears standing straight up like darts, short cobby bodies, and straight legs. They make smart guards and companions.
SAND-DOG.Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.SAND-DOG.A quaint picture of a quaint variety, quite hairless, and much the colour of Castille soap.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.SAND-DOG.A quaint picture of a quaint variety, quite hairless, and much the colour of Castille soap.
Photo by T. Fall][Baker Street.
SAND-DOG.
A quaint picture of a quaint variety, quite hairless, and much the colour of Castille soap.
Chowsoriginally came from China, but are now largely bred here. They are square-built sturdy dogs, with dense coats, tails carried over the side, blunt-pointed ears, and rather short thick heads. They have a little of a large coarse Pomeranian, with something of an Eskimo about them, but are different from either, with a type of their own. The colour is usually some shade of red or black, often with a bluish tinge in it. One marked peculiarity is that the tongues of chows are blue-black in colour.
Pomeranianscan be procured of any weight from 3 to 30 lbs., and of almost every shade of colour. At present brown of various shades is much in favour, but there are many beautiful whites, blacks, blues, sables, and others. They are very sharp and lively, and make charming pets and companions. Really good specimens command high prices. The illustration is of one of the best of his colour ever seen—"Champion Pippin."
Pugs, both fawn and black, are old-fashioned favourites very quaint and peculiar in appearance. They should have squareheads and muzzles, with small ears, large protruding eyes, short thick bodies, and tails tightly curled over the back. The illustration, "Duchess of Connaught," is of a well-known winner.
Maltese Terriersare very beautiful when pure bred. They have a long straight coat of silky white hair nearly reaching the ground, black nose and eyes, and the tail curled over the back of their short cobby body. Their beauty well repays the trouble of keeping them in good condition. The illustration, from a photograph taken for this article, is that of the high-class dog "Santa Klaus."
PUG AND PEKINESE SPANIEL.Photo by County of Gloucester Studio, Cheltenham.PUG AND PEKINESE SPANIEL.A typical portrait of two well-known winners in these popular varieties.
Photo by County of Gloucester Studio, Cheltenham.PUG AND PEKINESE SPANIEL.A typical portrait of two well-known winners in these popular varieties.
Photo by County of Gloucester Studio, Cheltenham.
PUG AND PEKINESE SPANIEL.
A typical portrait of two well-known winners in these popular varieties.
Yorkshire Toy Terriers, with their steel-blue bodies and golden-tanned faces, legs, and lower parts, and long straight coats, require skilful attention to keep in order, but are very attractive as pets.
Toy Spanielsare very old members of the toy division, dating from or before the time of His Majesty King Charles:King Charles Spanielsbeing black and tan;Prince Charles Spanielsblack, white, and tan; another strain, theBlenheim, white, with shades of reddish-tan markings on the head and body, and a spot of same colour on forehead; and theRuby, a rich coppery red all over. They should be small and stout in size and shape, without coarseness, long in the ear, with large full protruding eyes of dark colour, a short face, a straight coat, and not leggy.
Japanese Spanielscarry heavy coats, usually black, or yellow, and white in colour, shorter in the ears, which are carried more forward than in the last-named, broader in the muzzle, with nearly flat faces, dark eyes, and bushy tails carried over the back. They have very short legs, and their hair nearly reaches the ground as they walk. When I kept them they were much larger in size, but they are often now produced under 6 lbs. in weight.
FOX-TERRIER.Photo by C. Reid][Wishaw, N.B.FOX-TERRIER.A picture full of life and go—at present odds in favour of our friend with the prickly coat.
Photo by C. Reid][Wishaw, N.B.FOX-TERRIER.A picture full of life and go—at present odds in favour of our friend with the prickly coat.
Photo by C. Reid][Wishaw, N.B.
FOX-TERRIER.
A picture full of life and go—at present odds in favour of our friend with the prickly coat.
Pekin Spaniels, the last of the toy spaniels I need mention, come from China. They should have soft fluffy coats, tails inclined to turn over the back, short faces, broad muzzles, large lustrous eyes, and a grave, dignified expression. The colour is usually some shade of tawny fawn or drab, but I have seen them black and dark brown; whatever colour, it should be without white. The illustration, Mrs. Lindsay's "Tartan Plaid," was one of the early importations.
BLENHEIM AND PRINCE CHARLES SPANIELS.Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.BLENHEIM AND PRINCE CHARLES SPANIELS.This little group will serve to show the appearance of these charming little pets.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.BLENHEIM AND PRINCE CHARLES SPANIELS.This little group will serve to show the appearance of these charming little pets.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.
BLENHEIM AND PRINCE CHARLES SPANIELS.
This little group will serve to show the appearance of these charming little pets.
Italian Greyhounds, another old-fashioned variety of toy dog, should not exceed 12 lbs. in weight, but in my opinion are better if they are some pounds less. Much like miniature greyhounds in shape and build, they are elegant, graceful little creatures, very sensitive to cold. Shades of fawn, cream, or French grey are most common; but some are slate-blue, chestnut-red, and other tints. Of late years the breed has met with more encouragement, and there is less fear of its being allowed to die out.
Griffons Brusseloishave been greatly taken up the last few years. They are something like Yorkshire toy terriers in size and shape, but with a shortish harsh coat, generally of some shade of reddish brown, very short face, small shining dark eyes, heavy under-jaw, short thick body, and an altogether comical appearance. Imported specimens, particularly before reaching maturity, are often difficult to rear.
TheAfrican Sand-dogoccasionally seen in this country (mostly at shows) is remarkable for being entirely hairless, except a few hairs of a bristly character on the top of the head and a slight tuft at the end of the tail; it is chiefly blue-black or mottled in colour, something in shape and size like a coarse black-and-tan terrier, and very susceptible to cold.
Having been supplied with an illustration ofPariah Puppies, I will say a few words about this variety, which is seen in large numbers at Constantinople and other Eastern cities, where they roam about unclaimed, and act as amateur scavengers; they are said to divide the places they inhabit into districts or beats, each with its own leader, and resent any interference with their authority. I have known cases where they have made a determined attack on travellers out late at night; but they are rather a cowardly race, and easily repulsed with a little firmness on the part of the attacked. Probably these are the descendants of the dogs so often mentioned in Scripture with opprobrium; and, among Eastern peoples, to call a man "a dog" is even now the most insulting epithet that can be used. By the Jews, in ancient times, the dog never seems to have been used, as with us, in hunting and pursuing game and wild animals, but merely as a guardian of their flocks, herds, and sometimes dwellings.
PARIAH PUPPIES.Photo by the Duchess of Bedford. Woburn Abbey.PARIAH PUPPIES.This capital photograph of a variety seldom seen in this country will be very interesting.
Photo by the Duchess of Bedford. Woburn Abbey.PARIAH PUPPIES.This capital photograph of a variety seldom seen in this country will be very interesting.
Photo by the Duchess of Bedford. Woburn Abbey.
PARIAH PUPPIES.
This capital photograph of a variety seldom seen in this country will be very interesting.
COMMON BROWN BEAR.Photo by Ottomar Anschütz][Berlin.COMMON BROWN BEAR.In Scandinavia a few still haunt the highest mountain-ridges, as here shown.
Photo by Ottomar Anschütz][Berlin.COMMON BROWN BEAR.In Scandinavia a few still haunt the highest mountain-ridges, as here shown.
Photo by Ottomar Anschütz][Berlin.
COMMON BROWN BEAR.
In Scandinavia a few still haunt the highest mountain-ridges, as here shown.
THE BEARS.
Except the great cats, no creatures have longer held a place in human interest than theBears. Their size and formidable equipment of claws and teeth give the touch of fear which goes with admiration. On the other hand, they do not, as a rule, molest human beings, who see them employing their great strength on apparently insignificant objects with some amusement. Except one species, most bears are largely fruit and vegetable feeders. The sloth-bear of India sucks up ants and grubs with its funnel-like lips; the Malayan bear is a honey-eater by profession, scarcely touching other food when it can get the bees' store; and only the great polar bear is entirely carnivorous. The grizzly bear of the Northern Rocky Mountains is largely a flesh-eater, consuming great quantities of putrid salmon in the Columbian rivers. But the ice-bear is ever on the quest for living or dead flesh; it catches seals, devours young sea-fowl and eggs, and can actually kill and eat the gigantic walrus.
AN INVITING ATTITUDE.Photo by Ottomar Anschütz, Berlin.AN INVITING ATTITUDE.The upright position is not natural to the brown bear. It prefers to sit on its hams, and not to stand.
Photo by Ottomar Anschütz, Berlin.AN INVITING ATTITUDE.The upright position is not natural to the brown bear. It prefers to sit on its hams, and not to stand.
Photo by Ottomar Anschütz, Berlin.
AN INVITING ATTITUDE.
The upright position is not natural to the brown bear. It prefers to sit on its hams, and not to stand.
THREE PERFORMING BEARS.Photo by Fratelli Alinari][Florence.THREE PERFORMING BEARS.Those on the right and left are Himalayan black bears. The white collar is plainly seen.
Photo by Fratelli Alinari][Florence.THREE PERFORMING BEARS.Those on the right and left are Himalayan black bears. The white collar is plainly seen.
Photo by Fratelli Alinari][Florence.
THREE PERFORMING BEARS.
Those on the right and left are Himalayan black bears. The white collar is plainly seen.
Every one will have noticed the deliberate flat-footed walk of the bears. This is due partly to the formation of the feet themselves. The whole sole is set flat upon the ground, and the impressions in a bear's track are not unlike those of a man's footsteps. The claws are not capable of being retracted, like those of the Cats; consequently they are worn at the tips where the curve brings them in contact with the ground. Yet it is surprising what wounds these blunt but hard weapons will inflict on man—wounds resembling what might be caused by the use of a very large garden-rake. Against other animals protected by hair bears' claws are of little use. Dogs would never attack them so readily as they do were they armed with the talons of a leopard or tiger. The flesh-teeth in both jaws of the bear are unlike those of other carnivora. The teeth generally show thatbears have a mixed diet. Bears appear to have descended from some dog-like ancestor, but to have been much modified.
EUROPEAN BROWN BEAR.Photo by Ottomar Anschütz][Berlin.EUROPEAN BROWN BEAR.The specimen of the brown bear of Europe from which this picture was taken was an unusually light and active bear. Its flanks are almost flat.
Photo by Ottomar Anschütz][Berlin.EUROPEAN BROWN BEAR.The specimen of the brown bear of Europe from which this picture was taken was an unusually light and active bear. Its flanks are almost flat.
Photo by Ottomar Anschütz][Berlin.
EUROPEAN BROWN BEAR.
The specimen of the brown bear of Europe from which this picture was taken was an unusually light and active bear. Its flanks are almost flat.
Except the ice-bear, all the species are short and very bulky. It is said that a polar bear has been killed which weighed 1,000 lbs. It is far the largest, and most formidable in some respects, of all the Carnivora. The claws of the grizzly bear are sometimes 5 inches long over the outer curve. All bears can sit upright on their hams, and stand upright against a support like a tree. Some can stand upright with no aid at all. Except the grizzly bear, they can all climb, many of them very well. In the winter, if it be cold, they hibernate. In the spring, when the shoots of the early plants come up, they emerge, hungry and thin, to seek their food. Bears were formerly common in Britain, and were exported for the Roman amphitheatres. The prehistoric cave-bears were very large. Their remains have been found in Devon, Derbyshire, and other counties. The species inhabiting Britain during the Roman period was the common brown bear of Europe.
The Common Brown Bear.
Only one species of bear is found in Europe south of the ice-line, though above it the white ice-bear inhabits Spitzbergen and the islands off the White Sea. This is theBrown Bear, the emblem of Russia in all European caricature, and the hero of innumerable fragments of folklore and fable, from the tents of the Lapps to the nurseries of English children. Except the ice-bear, it is far the largest of European carnivora, but varies much in size. Russia is the main home of the brown bear, but it is found in Sweden and Norway, and right across Northern Asia. It is also common in the Carpathian Mountains, in the Caucasus, and in Mount Pindus in Greece. In the south it is found in Spain and the Pyrenees, and a few are left in the Alps. The dancing-bears commonly brought to England are caught in the Pyrenees. The "Queen's bear," so called because its owner was allowed to exhibit it at Windsor, was one of these. But lately dancing-bears from Servia and Wallachia have also been seen about our roads and streets. In Russia the bear grows to a great size. Some have been killed of 800 lbs. in weight. The fur is magnificent in winter, and in great demandfor rich Russians' sledge-rugs. The finest bear-skins of all are bought for the caps of our own Grenadier and Coldstream Guards. In the Alps the bears occasionally visit a cow-shed in winter and kill a cow; but as a rule the only damage done by those in Europe is to the sheep on the hills in the far north of Norway. Tame brown bears are amusing creatures, but should never be trusted. They are always liable to turn savage, and the bite is almost as severe as that of a tiger. Men have had their heads completely crushed in by the bite of one of these animals. In Russia bears are shot in the following manner. When the snow falls, the bears retire into the densest thickets, and there make a half-hut, half-burrow in the most tangled part to hibernate in. The bear is tracked, and then a ring made round the cover by beaters and peasants. The shooters follow the track and rouse the bear, which often charges them, and is forthwith shot. If it escapes, it is driven in by the beaters outside. High fees are paid to peasants who send information that a bear is harboured in this way. Sportsmen in St. Petersburg will go 300 or 400 miles to shoot one on receipt of a telegram.
The brown bear, like the reindeer and red deer, is found very little modified all across Northern Asia, and again in the forests of North America. There, however, it undergoes a change. Just as the red deer is found represented by a much larger creature, the wapiti, so the brown bear is found exaggerated into the great bear of Alaska. The species attains its largest, possibly, in Kamchatka, on the Asiatic side of Bering Sea; but the Alaskan bear has the credit with sportsmen of being the largest. A skin of one of the former, brought to the sale-rooms of Sir Charles Lampson & Co., needed two men to carry it. Last spring, in the sale-rooms of the same great firm, some persons present measured the skin of an Alaskan bear which was 9 feet across the shoulders from paw to paw.
SYRIAN BEAR.Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.SYRIAN BEAR.This is the bear generally alluded to in the Old Testament.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.SYRIAN BEAR.This is the bear generally alluded to in the Old Testament.
Photo by E. Landor][Ealing.
SYRIAN BEAR.
This is the bear generally alluded to in the Old Testament.
LARGE RUSSIAN BROWN BEAR.Photo by W. P. Dando][Regent's Park.LARGE RUSSIAN BROWN BEAR.The picture shows to what a size and strength the brown bear attains.
Photo by W. P. Dando][Regent's Park.LARGE RUSSIAN BROWN BEAR.The picture shows to what a size and strength the brown bear attains.
Photo by W. P. Dando][Regent's Park.
LARGE RUSSIAN BROWN BEAR.
The picture shows to what a size and strength the brown bear attains.
The Grizzly Bear.
This is a very distinct race of brown bear. It has a flat profile, like the polar bear; in addition it grows to a great size, is barely able to climb trees, and has the largest claws of any—they have been known to measure 5 inches along the curve. The true grizzly, which used to be found as far north as 61° latitude and south as far as Mexico, is a rare animal now. Its turn for cattle-killing made theranchmen poison it, and rendered the task an easy one. It is now only found in the Northern Rocky Mountains, and perhaps in North California and Nevada. Formerly encounters with "Old Ephraim," as the trappers called this bear, were numerous and deadly. It attacked men if attacked by them, and often without provocation. The horse, perhaps more than its rider, was the object of the bear. Lewis and Clarke measured a grizzly which was 9 feet long from nose to tail. The weight sometimes reaches 800 lbs. Measurements of much larger grizzly bears have been recorded, but it is difficult to credit them. On a ranche near the upper waters of the Colorado River several colts were taken by grizzly bears. One of them was found buried according to the custom of this bear, and the owner sat up to shoot the animal. Having only the old-fashioned small-bored rifle of the day, excellent for shooting deer or Indians, but useless against so massive a beast as this bear, unless hit in the head or heart, he only wounded it. The bear rushed in, struck him a blow with its paw (the paw measures a foot across), smashed the rifle which he held up as a protection, and struck the barrel on to his head. The man fell insensible, when the bear, having satisfied himself that he was dead, picked him up, carried him off, and buried him in another hole which it scratched near the dead colt. It then dug up the colt and ate part of it, and went off. Some time later the man came to his senses, and awoke to find himself "dead and buried." As the earth was only roughly thrown over him, he scrambled out, and saw close by the half-eaten remains of the colt. Thinking that it might be about the bear's dinner-time, and remembering that he was probably put by in the larder for the next meal, he hurried home at once, and did not trouble the bear again. Not so a Siberian peasant, who had much the same adventure. He had been laughed at for wishing to shoot a bear, and went out into the woods to do so. The bear had the best of it, knocked him down, and so frightfully mangled his arm that he fainted. Bruin then buried him in orthodox bear fashion; and the man, when he came to, which he fortunately did before the bear came back, got up, and made his way to the village. There he was for a long time ill, and all through his sickness and delirium talked of nothing but shooting the bear. When he got well, he disappeared into the forest with his gun, and after a short absence returned with the bear's skin!
AMERICAN BLACK BEAR.Photo by New York Zoological Society.AMERICAN BLACK BEAR.The black bear was the species first encountered by the early settlers on the Atlantic side of America. The grizzly belongs to the Rocky Mountain region.
Photo by New York Zoological Society.AMERICAN BLACK BEAR.The black bear was the species first encountered by the early settlers on the Atlantic side of America. The grizzly belongs to the Rocky Mountain region.
Photo by New York Zoological Society.
AMERICAN BLACK BEAR.
The black bear was the species first encountered by the early settlers on the Atlantic side of America. The grizzly belongs to the Rocky Mountain region.
The American Brown Bear.
The brown bear of America is closely allied to that of Europe; it was first described by Sir John Richardson, who called it the Barrenlands Bear, and noted, quite rightly, that it differed from the grizzly in the smallness of its claws. The difference in the profile is very marked—the brown bear having a profile like that of the European bear, while that of the grizzly is flat. The brown bear of North America lives largely on the fruits and berries of the northern plants, on dead deer, and on putrid fish, of which quantities are left on the banks of thenorthern rivers. Whether the large brown bear of the Rocky Mountains is always a grizzly or often this less formidable race is doubtful. The writer inclines to think that it is only the counterpart of the North European and the North Asiatic brown bear. The following is Sir Samuel Baker's account of these bears. He says: "When I was in California, experienced informants told me that no true grizzly bear was to be found east of the Pacific slope, and that Lord Coke was the only Britisher who had ever killed a real grizzly in California. There are numerous bears of three if not four kinds in the Rocky Mountains. These are frequently termed grizzlies; but it is a misnomer. The true grizzly is far superior in size, but of similar habits, and its weight is from 1,200 lbs. to 1,400 lbs." After giving various reasons for believing this to be a fair weight, Sir Samuel Baker adds that this weight is equivalent to that of an English cart-horse. There are certainly three Rocky Mountain bears—the Grizzly, the Brown, and the small Black Bear. There is probably also another—a cross between the black and the brown. It is ridiculous to say that the brown bears which come to eat the refuse on the dust-heaps of the hotels in the Yellowstone Park, and let ladies photograph them, are savage grizzly bears.
YOUNG SYRIAN BEAR FROM THE CAUCASUS.Photo by L. Medland, F.Z.S.][North Finchley.YOUNG SYRIAN BEAR FROM THE CAUCASUS.This is, properly speaking, a Syrian bear, but the species is found in the Caucasus and in the Taurus Range.
Photo by L. Medland, F.Z.S.][North Finchley.YOUNG SYRIAN BEAR FROM THE CAUCASUS.This is, properly speaking, a Syrian bear, but the species is found in the Caucasus and in the Taurus Range.
Photo by L. Medland, F.Z.S.][North Finchley.
YOUNG SYRIAN BEAR FROM THE CAUCASUS.
This is, properly speaking, a Syrian bear, but the species is found in the Caucasus and in the Taurus Range.
The Syrian Bear.
This bear, which figures in the story of Elisha, is a variety of the brown bear. It is found from the Caucasus to the mountains of Palestine, and is a smaller animal than the true brown bear, weighing about 300 lbs. The fur in summer is of a mixed rusty colour, with a whitish collar on the chest. It steals the grapes on Mount Horeb, and feeds upon ripe fruits, apples, chestnuts, corn, and the like. It is then ready to face the long winter sleep.
The American Black Bear.
This is the smallest North American species, and perhaps the most harmless. It seldom weighs more than 400 lbs. Its coat is short and glossy, and its flesh, especially in autumn, is esteemed for food. The early backwoodsmen found it a troublesome neighbour. The bears liked Indian corn, and were not averse to a young pig. "Like the deer," says Audubon, "it changes its haunts with the seasons, and for the same reason—viz. the desire of obtaining food. During the spring months it searches for food in the low alluvial lands that border the rivers, or by the margins of the inland lakes. There it procures abundance of succulent roots, and of the tender, juicy stems of plants, upon which it chiefly feeds at that season. During the summer heat it enters the gloomy swamps, and passes much of its time in wallowing in the mud like a hog, and contents itself with crayfish, roots, and nettles; now and then, when hard pressed by hunger, it seizes a young pig, or perhaps a sow or calf. As soon as the different kinds of berries ripen, the bears betake themselves to the high grounds, followed by their cubs. In much-retired parts of the country, where there are no hilly grounds, it pays visits to the maize-fields, which it ravages for a while. After this the various kinds of nuts and grapes, acorns and other forest fruits, attract its attention. The black bear is then seenwandering through the woods to gather this harvest, not forgetting to rob every tree which it comes across."
The Indian Sloth-bear.
Few people would believe that this awkward and ugly beast is so formidable as it is. It is the commonest Indian species, seldom eats flesh, prefers sucking up the contents of a white ants' nest to any other meal, and is not very large; from 200 lbs. to 300 lbs. is the weight of a male. But the skull and jaws are very strong, and the claws long and curved. As they are used almost like a pickaxe when the bear wishes to dig in the hardest soil, their effect upon the human body can be imagined.
Sir Samuel Baker says that there are more accidents to natives of India and Ceylon from this species than from any other animal.