There is another kind of hybernation, in some respects resembling torpidity, which deserVes to be taken notice of in this place, and which merits the appellation of QUIES CENCE. The animals which observe this condition, remain during the winter months in an inactive state, requiring but little food, without however experiencing the change to torpidity.
Of these quiescent animals, the common bear (Ursas arctos) is the most remarkable example. Loaded with fat, he retires in the month of November to his den, which he has rendered comfortable by a lining of soft moss, and seldom reappears until the month of March following. During this period he sleeps much, and when awake almost constantly licks with his tongue the soles of his feet, particularly those of the fore paws, which are with out hair, and full of small glands. From this source it is supposed that he draws his nourishment during the period of his retirement.
This quiescence appears to differ in its kind from tor pidity. This animal is always in season before he retires to his winter quarters, and the female brings forth her young, before the active period of the spring returns, and before she comes forth from her hiding place.
The common badger is supposed to pass the winter in the same manner as the bear, with which, in structure and habit, he is so nearly related. It is also probable, that many species of the genus Arvicola become quiescent, particu larly the amjthibia, or common water rat, which always leaves its ordinary haunts during the winter.
It is in this state of hybernation that many of our river fishes subsist at the season of the year when a supply of food cannot be obtained, A similar condition prevails among the fresh water mollusca, and also among many species of Annelides. But we must observe, that accu rate observations on this branch of the subject are still wanting.
In concluding the subject of torpidity, it may he proper to mention a few of those questions to which it has given rise, without, however, going into detail. It has been ask ed, Is torpidity a condition natural to those animals, or is it a habit produced by external circumstances ? Mr Gough, indeed, considers " the torpidity of these animals in a wild state, to be nothing but a custom, imposed by necessity, on a constitution which nature has intended to retain life dur ing the cold season of winter, with but little food, and an imperfect degree of respiration, as well as a languid, or perhaps a partial action of the sanguiferous system."
Since these animals, when in a natural or perfectly wild state, invariably become torpid, we must regard such a con dition, not as the effect of " custom imposed by necessity," but as the effect of a law of their constitution, enabling them to accommodate themselves to circumstances natural to their condition.
Some have supposed that these torpid animals were at first natives of warmer regions, and have acquired the habit of torpidity, in consequence of having removed to colder countries. Before attempting to account for the occur rence of torpidity in such circumstances, a proof of the as sertion regarding the origin of these torpid animals ought to be given. Besides, we know but little of the effects ex erted by climate on this tendency to become torpid ; neither do we know whether our torpid animals would remain all the year active and lively if removed to a warmer country, nor whether the animals of warmer countries would be come torpid if brought to us. The fact, that torpid ani mals are chiefly found in cold countries, is a proof of the great influence exerted by climate on the habits of animals ; but it is also probable, that this influence will be chiefly felt, where the constitution has been previously arranged, to accommodate itself to the vicissitudes of cold regions.
In all these different kinds of hybernation, we meet with difficulties in investigating the laws of animal life. We cannot account for the phenomena which present themselves, or ascertain the relation of these to external objects. But it is both easy and delightful to trace the benevolent intentions of nature in providing for the wants of her creatures, in accommodating their feelings and propensities to the cir cumstances in which they are placed, in removing them from situations of danger, and in continuing to them life, and health, and enjoyment. (J. F.)