Richard Herrick, a wealthy young man with a gentle disposition, becomes enamored with nature after being rejected by the woman he loves, Miss Catherweight. He dedicates himself to transforming an abandoned farm into a model estate, complete with a game preserve where he nurtures local wildlife. Herrick believes that nature offers a pure and fulfilling love, unlike human relationships, which can lead to heartache. His friend Jackson, who enjoys the company of women, mocks Herrick's devotion to nature. During a night out in New York, Herrick is appalled by a vaudeville show featuring trained bears, which he views as a degradation of their natural state. This experience ignites a passionate desire in him to rescue the bears from their life of performance. Despite his friends' skepticism about the practicality and morality of his plan, Herrick decides to purchase the bears and release them into his game preserve. After acquiring the bears, Herrick invites friends to witness their release. Despite initial reluctance and skepticism from his companions, he successfully opens the cages, and the bears joyfully explore their new environment. Herrick feels a sense of triumph, believing he has restored their freedom and happiness. However, his celebration is short-lived. As he revels in the success of his endeavor, the bears are seen performing their tricks on the terrace, revealing that they have not forgotten their training and enjoy the attention. The story culminates in Herrick's realization that his idealistic view of nature and freedom is flawed. The bears, despite being freed, revert to their learned behaviors, highlighting the complexities of domestication and the impact of human influence on wild animals. Herrick's journey reflects the tension between romantic ideals of nature and the harsh realities of animal behavior, ultimately questioning the authenticity of his connection to the natural world.
By Richard Harding Davis · First published 1896 · Genre: Literary Fiction, Satire, Nature Writing