ed, yellow, white, grey, silver,
and snow, stowing the numerous varieties of colour met with in the
species. Some of these varieties are to be attributed to the different
seasons of the year, and the age of the animal.

Of all these designations, that of "snow bear" appears the most
characteristic, since it avoids the risk of a confusion of names--the
other titles being equally bestowed upon certain varieties of the _ursus
americanus_ and _ursus ferox_. It is also appropriate to the Himalayan
animal: since his favourite haunt is along the line of perpetual snow;
or in the grassy treeless tracts that intervene between the snow-line
and the forest-covered declivities--to which they descend only at
particular times of the year.

In identifying this species, but little reliance can be placed on
colour. In spring their fur is long and shaggy--of various shades of
yellowish brown, sometimes reddish-brown, and not unfrequently of a grey
or silvery hue. In summer this long yellowish fur falls off; and is
replaced by a shorter and darker coat, which gradually grows longer and
lighter as the winter approaches. The females are a shade
lighter-coloured than the males; and the cubs have a broad circle of
white around the neck, which gradually disappears as they grow to their
full size.

The snow bear _hybernates_, hiding himself away in a cave; and he is
only seen abroad when the spring sun begins to melt the snow upon the
grass-covered tracts near the borders of the forest. On these he may be
found throughout the summer--feeding upon grass and roots, with such
reptiles and insects as come in his way. In the autumn he enters the
forests in search of berries and nuts, and at this season--like his
congener, the black bear--he even extends his depredations to the
cultivated grounds and gardens of the villagers, in search of fruit and
grain, buckwheat being a favourite food with him.

Though naturally a vegetarian in his diet, he will eat flesh-meat upon
occasions; and frequently makes havoc among the flocks of sheep and
goats, that in summer are taken up to pasture on the grassy tracts above
mentioned. While thus engaged, he does not regard the presence of man;
but will attack the shepherds who may attempt to drive him off.

Among the many strange items that compose the larder of the snow bear,
grubs and scorpions have a prominent place. He spends much of his time
in searching for these--scratching them out of their holes