nearly as
many genera as there are species,--among which may be mentioned the
ridiculous titles of _Prochilus, Melursus, Helarctos_, and the like.

The Bornean bear is as much a true species of _ursus_ as either the
brown bear of Europe, the black bear of North America, or the black
bears of the Cordilleras; and, indeed, to these last his habits
assimilate him very closely--being, like them, a vegetarian in his diet,
and a great lover of sweets.

Of his _penchant_ for honey our young hunters had proof: for, it was
while actually engaged in plundering a hive they first saw the Bornean
bear. They were at the same time successful in effecting his capture--
which is now to be described.

CHAPTER FIFTY SIX.

THE TALL TAPANG.

On their arrival at Sambos, our young hunters according to their usual
custom, procured a native guide to direct them to the haunts of their
game.

In this case it was a Dyak who became their conductor--one of those who
follow the business of bee-hunters; and who, from the very nature of
their calling, are often brought into contact with the bears as well as
the bees.

Under the direction of the Dyak, our hunters made an excursion to a
range of wooded hills, not far from Sambos, where the sun-bear was known
to exist in great numbers; and where one was likely to be found almost
at any time.

As they were passing through the woods, they observed a very singular
species of tree--indeed many species, that might be styled singular; but
one pre-eminently so, that strongly arrested their attention. These
trees did not grow in any great numbers together; but only two or three
in one place; and more generally they stood singly--apart from any of
their own kind, and surrounded by other trees of the forest. But though
surrounded by other sorts, they were overtopped by none. On the
contrary, their own tops rose above all the others to a vast height;
and, what was most singular, they did not put forth a branch from their
trunks until the latter had shot up to some feet above the "spray" of
the surrounding forest. It was this peculiarity that had drawn the
attention of our hunters. They might not have noticed it, had they kept
on under the trees; but, on crossing a slight eminence--where the ground
was open--they chanced to get a view of a number of these tall trees,
and saw that they towered to a vast height, above all the others.

Even their tops had the appearance of tall trees, standing thi