Sentence:  The inference drawn by the northern chasseurs from this is, that the <WSD>"tappen</WSD>", in conjunction with repose, is the cause of the bear retaining his condition, though without taking any kind of nourishment, for nearly one-half of the year. 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A plug that forms in the anus of a (bear) or other (mammal) during hibernation.