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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Rambles of a Naturalist, by John D. Godman
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Rambles of a Naturalist
+
+Author: John D. Godman
+
+Release Date: June 2, 2011 [EBook #36304]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK RAMBLES OF A NATURALIST ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Chris Curnow, Anna Hall and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This
+file was produced from images generously made available
+by The Internet Archive)
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+  RAMBLES
+
+  OF
+
+  A NATURALIST.
+
+
+
+  WITH A
+
+  MEMOIR OF THE AUTHOR,
+
+  DR. JOHN D. GODMAN.
+
+
+
+  PHILADELPHIA:
+
+  PUBLISHED BY THE
+
+  ASSOCIATION OF FRIENDS FOR THE DIFFUSION OF RELIGIOUS
+  AND USEFUL KNOWLEDGE,
+
+  109 NORTH TENTH STREET.
+
+  1859.
+
+
+
+
+  The account of the life and character of DR. JOHN D. GODMAN has been
+  prepared from the several brief memoirs and eulogies published shortly
+  after his decease, and from the tract issued by "The Tract Association
+  of Friends," entitled "A Sketch of the Life and Character of Dr. John
+  D. Godman."
+
+  "The Rambles of a Naturalist" have been republished from "The Friend,"
+  a weekly paper, for the columns of which the essays were originally
+  contributed.
+
+
+
+
+MEMOIR OF DR. JOHN D. GODMAN.
+
+
+Dr. John D. Godman, the author of the pleasing descriptions which, under
+their simple title, "Rambles of a Naturalist," contain so much of the
+beautiful and true, was born at Annapolis, in Maryland, in the year
+1798. At a very early age he was deprived, by their death, of both his
+parents. He was then placed under the care of an aunt, whose
+intellectual attainments and elevated piety, united to much sweetness of
+disposition, eminently qualified her for the direction of the youthful
+mind. His fondness for books and aptitude for learning were remarkable;
+while his frank, sensitive, and sweet temper gained the affection of all
+around him. It is said that he had such a reverence for truth, even from
+infancy, that he was never known to equivocate. When he attained the age
+of six years, his excellent aunt died. The patrimony which should have
+provided for his wants, was lost through the mismanagement of those to
+whom the care of it had been entrusted; and thus, without resources,
+and without suitable protection, he was left exposed to adversity and
+temptation. It appears, however, that the moral and religious
+impressions which had already been made upon his mind, though obscured
+for a time, were never obliterated. In his last illness he bore this
+testimony to the affectionate religious care of his pious aunt. "If,"
+said he, "I have ever been led to do any good, it has been through the
+influence of her example, instruction, and prayers."
+
+Little is known of the next ten years of his life. He appears to have
+had some opportunities for attending school; but to his own native
+energy and uncommon intellectual endowments, self cultured under many
+obstacles and discouragements, is his future superiority of mental
+attainment to be chiefly attributed. An interesting incident of his
+character, after he had attained his fifteenth year, has been furnished
+by a physician who was, in 1810, a senior student in the office of Dr.
+Thomas E. Bond, of Baltimore. "The office," says he, "was fitted up with
+taste, and boys, attracted by its appearance, would frequently drop in
+to gaze on the labelled jars and drawers. Among them I discovered one
+evening an interesting lad, who was amusing himself with the manner in
+which his comrades pronounced the 'hard words' with which the furniture
+was labelled. He appeared to be quite an adept in the Latin language. A
+strong curiosity soon prompted me to inquire, 'What is your name, my
+little boy?' He was small of his age. 'My name is John D. Godman.' 'Did
+you study the Latin language with Mr. Creery?' 'No, he does not teach
+any but an English school.' 'Do you intend to prosecute your studies
+alone?' 'I do; and I will, if I live, make myself a Latin, Greek, and
+French scholar.'"
+
+In 1812 he was bound an apprentice to a printer of a newspaper, in
+Baltimore, but soon became much dissatisfied with the occupation, which,
+he said, in a letter to a friend, "cramped his genius over a font of
+types, where there are words without ideas." He had been placed in this
+situation against his own wish, being anxious to enter a more
+intellectual pursuit, and had selected that of medicine; but his
+guardian was opposed to it.
+
+His early views of the Christian religion are thus expressed in a letter
+to a friend, in the early part of 1814: "I have not ever had a fixed
+determination to read the works of that modern serpent (Thomas Paine),
+nor had I determined not to do it; and it seems to me surprising that a
+fellow-student of yours should recommend the perusal of such writings.
+
+"There is a great comfort in the belief of that glorious doctrine of
+salvation that teaches us to look to the Great Salvator for happiness in
+a future life; and it has always been my earnest desire, and I must
+endeavour to die the death of the righteous, that my last end and future
+state may be like His. It would be a poor hope indeed, it would be a
+sandy foundation for a dying soul, to have no hope but such as might be
+derived from the works of Bolingbroke and Paine; and how rich the
+consolation and satisfaction afforded by the glorious tidings of the
+blessed Scriptures! It is my opinion there has never one of these modern
+deists died as their writings would lead us to believe; nor are but few
+of their writings read at the present day."
+
+About this time he appears to have left the printing-office, and became
+a sailor on board the flotilla stationed in Chesapeake bay, under Com.
+Barney. It was while in this situation that an incident occurred to
+which he has himself attributed much of the buoyancy and energy of his
+character. A raw sailor, who had been sent aloft by the captain, and was
+busy in performing some duty which required him to stoop, was observed
+to falter and grow dizzy. "_Look aloft_" cried the captain; and the
+fainting landsman, as he instinctively obeyed the order, recovered his
+strength and steadiness. The young philosopher read a moral in this
+trifling incident which he never forgot, and which frequently animated
+and aroused him in the most adverse circumstances. It is not treating
+the subject with undue levity to add, that in the last and closing scene
+of his life, when the earth was receding from his view, and his failing
+strength admonished him of his peril, the watchword was still ringing in
+his ear. At that awful period he "looked aloft" to "worlds beyond the
+skies," and therein derived strength and hope, which supported him in
+his passage through the narrow valley.
+
+At the close of the war, young Godman received an invitation from Dr.
+L., the physician already mentioned, to come to his house in
+Elizabethtown, Pa., where he would have the opportunity of studying
+medicine. This offer was accepted with joy; and he resolved, by the most
+indefatigable study and diligence, to deserve the kindness of his
+friend. "In six weeks," says the doctor, "he had acquired more knowledge
+in the different departments of medical science, than most students do
+in a year. During this short period he not only read Chaptal, Fourcroy,
+Chesselden, Murray, Brown, Cullen, Rush, Sydenham, Sharp, and Cooper,
+but wrote annotations on each, including critical remarks on the
+incongruities in their reasonings. He remained with me five months, and
+at the end of that time you would have imagined from his conversation
+that he was an Edinburgh graduate." When he sat down to study, he was so
+completely absorbed by his subject, that scarcely any event would
+withdraw his attention.
+
+Returning to Baltimore, he commenced the attendance of the medical
+lectures in that city, and pursued his studies under the direction of an
+eminent medical preceptor. In this situation he, through many affecting
+difficulties, finished his education as a physician. At one time his
+feelings are thus described in a letter: "I have been cast among
+strangers. I have been deprived of property by fraud that was mine by
+right. I have eaten the bread of misery. I have drunk of the cup of
+sorrow. I have passed the flower of my days in a state little better
+than slavery, and have arrived at what? Manhood, poverty, and
+desolation. Heavenly Parent, teach me patience and resignation to Thy
+will!"
+
+Professor Sewall, in his eulogy on Dr. Godman, remarks, in relation to
+this period of his life: "He pursued his studies with such diligence and
+zeal as to furnish, even at that early period, strong intimations of his
+future eminence. So indefatigable was he in the acquisition of
+knowledge, that he left no opportunity of advancement unimproved; and,
+notwithstanding the deficiencies of his preparatory education, he
+pressed forward with an energy and perseverance that enabled him not
+only to rival, but to surpass all his fellows."
+
+While attending his last course of lectures in the University of
+Maryland, Professor Davidge, who was his preceptor, was disabled by the
+fracture of a limb from completing the course. He selected his gifted
+pupil to supply his place. "This situation he filled for several weeks
+with so much propriety; he lectured with such enthusiasm and eloquence;
+his illustrations were so clear and happy, as to gain universal
+applause. At the time he was examined for his degree, the superiority of
+his mind, as well as the extent and accuracy of his knowledge, were so
+apparent, that he was marked by the professors of the university as one
+who was destined at some future period to confer high honour upon the
+profession."
+
+Dr. Godman graduated in the Second month, 1818, and soon after settled
+in Maryland, as a practitioner, in a county bordering on the Chesapeake,
+the spot described with so much truthful beauty in some of the numbers
+of his "Rambles of a Naturalist." Here he devoted all the intervals of
+leisure from a laborious practice to the study of natural history, in
+which, from his ardent love of the subject, and his minute, persevering
+investigation of it, he became so distinguished.
+
+His intellectual powers had fitted him for a wider sphere than that of a
+village doctor. His nature urged him to enter on a field more worthy of
+his gifts. He returned to Baltimore, with the hope of being engaged in
+the university as a professor, but found that arrangements different
+from what he anticipated had been made. Here he married, and not long
+after received an appointment to fill the chair of surgery in the
+medical college of Ohio, located at Cincinnati. He was recommended by
+one of the professors of the school in which he had been educated, in
+this emphatic language: "In my opinion, Dr. Godman would do honour to
+any school in America."
+
+The Ohio school not succeeding, Dr. Godman resided in Cincinnati for one
+year only; but in that short period inscribed himself deeply on the
+public mind. The memory of his works remains. In the midst of his varied
+scientific labours, he found time to cultivate his social relations, and
+every day added a new friend to the catalogue of those who loved him for
+his simplicity and frankness, not less than they admired him for his
+genius, vivacity, and diligence.
+
+He returned to Philadelphia, and soon after began to lecture on anatomy
+and physiology, his first and greatest objects. His residence in this
+city continued for several years, during which time he wrote many
+valuable papers on scientific subjects, and published his celebrated
+work, "The Natural History of American Quadrupeds," which has attained
+deserved popularity.
+
+The fame of Dr. Godman as a teacher of anatomy was now widely spread,
+and he was solicited to accept the professorship of that branch in the
+Rutgers Medical College at New York. His practice soon became extensive,
+and the affairs of the college prosperous, when, in the midst of his
+second course of lectures, a severe cold settled on his lungs,
+accompanied by a copious hemorrhage, and compelled him to abandon his
+pursuits, and flee for his life to a milder region. He sailed for the
+West Indies, and passed the remainder of the winter and spring in the
+island of Santa Cruz. Returning after this to Philadelphia, he took a
+house in Germantown, and by the labours of his pen, continued to support
+his family. His consumptive disease continued, though for a time so far
+mitigated, that his friends flattered themselves his life was yet to be
+spared to science and his country. At this time he says of himself: "At
+present, that I am comparatively well, my literary occupations form my
+chief pleasure; and all the regret I experience is, that my strength is
+so inadequate to my wishes. Should my health remain as it is now, I
+shall do very well; and I cannot but hope, since we have recently passed
+through a severe spell of cold weather without my receiving any injury.
+All my prospects as a public teacher of anatomy are utterly destroyed,
+as I can never hope, nor would I venture if I could, again to resume my
+labours. My success promised to be very great, but it has pleased God I
+should move in a different direction."
+
+His disease advanced with steady pace, and, though there were many
+fluctuations, his strength continued to decline. The gradual progress of
+his disorder allowed him many intervals of comparative ease. In these he
+returned to his literary labours with his usual ardour, and wrote and
+translated for the press until within a few weeks of his death.
+Perfectly aware of the fatal character of his disorder, he watched its
+progress step by step with the coolness of an anatomist, while he
+submitted to it with the resignation of a Christian. The "Rambles of a
+Naturalist" were among the last productions of his pen, and were written
+in the intervals of acute pain and extreme debility. These essays are
+not inferior in poetical beauty, and vivid and accurate description, to
+the celebrated letters of Gilbert White on the natural history of
+Selbourne. He came to the study of natural history as an investigator of
+facts, and not as a pupil of the schools; his great aim being to learn
+the instincts, the structure, and the habits of all animated beings.
+This science was a favourite pursuit, and he devoted himself to it with
+indefatigable zeal. He has been heard to say that, in investigating the
+habits of the shrew mole, he walked many hundred miles. His powers of
+observation were quick, patient, keen, and discriminating: it was these
+qualities that made him so admirable a naturalist.
+
+His fame, however, rested chiefly, during his life, upon his success as
+a teacher of anatomy, and in this capacity he raised himself at once to
+the top of his profession. He was so intent on making his students
+understand him, and he was so fully master of the subject himself, that
+his clear and animated flow of eloquence never failed to rivet their
+attention; and he became, wherever he taught, the idol of his pupils.
+His lectures on anatomy were real analytical experiments. The subject
+was placed before the class; tissue and muscle and blood, vessel and
+bone, were laid bare in their turn, their use and position exemplified
+to the eye, and enforced by the most lively and precise description;
+while the student was at the same time receiving the most valuable
+lessons in practical dissection.
+
+Dr. Godman had a remarkable capacity for concentrating all his powers
+upon any given object of pursuit. What he had once read or observed he
+rarely, if ever, forgot. Hence it was that, although his early education
+was much neglected, he became an excellent linguist, and made himself
+master of Latin, French, and German, besides acquiring a knowledge of
+Greek, Italian, and Spanish. He had read the best works in these
+languages, and wrote with facility the Latin and French. His character
+and acquirements are justly portrayed by a distinguished journalist, in
+the extracts which follow. "The tributes," said he, "which have been
+paid in the newspapers to the late Dr. Godman, were especially due to
+the memory of a man so variously gifted by nature, and so nobly
+distinguished by industry and zeal in the acquisition and advancement of
+science. He did not enjoy early opportunities of self-improvement, but
+he cultivated his talents, as he approached manhood, with a degree of
+ardour and success which supplied all deficiencies; and he finally
+became one of the most accomplished general scholars and linguists,
+acute and erudite naturalists, ready, pleasing, and instructive
+lecturers and writers, of his country and era. The principal subject of
+his study was anatomy in its main branches, in which he excelled in
+every respect. His attention was much directed also to physiology,
+pathology, and natural history, with an aptitude and efficiency
+abundantly proved by the merits of his published works, which we need
+not enumerate.
+
+We do not now recollect to have known any individual who inspired us
+with more respect for his intellect and heart, than Dr. Godman; to whom
+knowledge and discovery appeared more abstractly precious; whose eye
+shed more of the lustre of generous and enlightened enthusiasm; whose
+heart remained more vivid and sympathetic amidst professional labour and
+responsibility, always extremely severe and urgent. Considering the
+decline of his health for a long period, and the pressure of adverse
+circumstances, which he too frequently experienced, he performed
+prodigies as a student, an author, and a teacher; he prosecuted
+extensive and diversified researches; composed superior disquisitions
+and reviews, and large and valuable volumes; and in the great number of
+topics which he handled simultaneously, or in immediate succession, he
+touched none without doing himself credit, and producing some new
+development of light, or happy forms of expression. He lingered for
+years under consumption of the lungs; understood fully the incurableness
+of his melancholy state; spoke and acted with an unfeigned and beautiful
+resignation; toiled at his desk to the last day of his thirty-two years,
+still glowing with the love of science and the domestic affections."
+
+Upon all this bright attainment and brighter promise for the future the
+grave has closed. Divine Providence saw fit to arrest him in the midst
+of his unfinished labours. We have now to view him in another and far
+more important relation--that which man, as an immortal being, bears to
+his Almighty Creator.
+
+Dr. Godman's generous and enthusiastic devotion to science and learning
+commands our admiration; and perhaps no more ennobling pursuits can
+occupy the mind of him who looks not beyond the present state of
+existence; but when these are brought into contrast with the solemn and
+momentous concerns of eternity, they sink into utter insignificance. How
+then was the subject of this memoir influenced by _religious_
+considerations?
+
+Unhappily, the philosophical and religious opinions of Dr. Godman were
+formed originally in the school of the French naturalists of the last
+century. Many of the most distinguished of these men were avowed
+atheists, and a still greater number rejected absolutely the Christian
+revelation. Such is fallen human nature! Surrounded by the most
+magnificent displays of Almighty Wisdom--placed on a scene where all
+things speak of God, and invite us to worship and obey Him--a purblind
+philosophy may devote herself to the study of His works, yet pass by the
+testimony they furnish of His existence and attributes, and see nothing
+in all this wonderful creation more noble than the mere relations of
+colour and form. It was so with Dr. Godman; for, while assisted by such
+lights as these, and guided alone in his investigations by perverted
+reason, he became, as he tells us, _an established infidel_, rejecting
+revelation, and casting all the evidences of an existing Deity beneath
+his feet. In the merciful providence of a long-suffering God, the light
+of truth at length beamed upon his darkened understanding. In the winter
+of 1827, while engaged in his course of lectures in New York, an
+incident occurred which led him to a candid perusal of the New
+Testament. It was a visit to the death-bed of a Christian--the death-bed
+of a student of medicine. There he saw what reason could not explain nor
+philosophy fathom. He opened his Bible, and the secret was unfolded. He
+was in all things a seeker of the truth, and could not satisfy himself
+with any superficial examination.
+
+He applied himself assiduously to the study of the New Testament; and
+that this sincere and thorough examination of the inspired volume was
+made the means of his full conversion, will best appear from his own
+eloquent pen. The following is an extract of a letter he addressed to a
+medical friend, Dr. Judson, a surgeon in the navy of the United States,
+who was at that time in the last stage of consumption:
+
+
+                                   "_Germantown, December 25th, 1828._
+
+In relation to dying, my dear friend, you talk like a sick man, and just
+as I used to do, when very despondent. Death is a debt we all owe to
+nature, and must eventually ensue from a mere wearing out of the
+machine, if not from disease. Nature certainly has a strong abhorrence
+to this cessation of corporeal action, and all animals have a dread of
+death who are conscious of its approach. A part of our dread of death is
+purely physical, and is avoidable only by a philosophical conviction of
+its necessity; but the greater part of our dread, and the terrors with
+which the avenues to the grave are surrounded, are from another and a
+more potent source. ''Tis conscience that makes cowards of us all,' and
+forces us by our terrors to confess, that we dread something beyond
+physical dissolution, and that we are terrified not at merely ceasing to
+breathe, but that we have not lived as we ought to have done, have not
+effected the good that was within the compass of our abilities, and
+neglected to exercise the talents we possessed, to the greatest
+advantage. The only remedy for this fear of death is to be sought by
+approaching the Author of all things in the way prescribed by himself,
+and not according to our own foolish imaginations. Humiliation of
+pride, denial of self, subjection of evil tempers and dispositions, and
+an entire submission to His will for support and direction, are the best
+preparatives for such an approach. A perusal of the gospels, in a spirit
+of real inquiry after a direction how to act, will certainly teach the
+way. In these gospels the Saviour himself has preached His own
+doctrines, and he who runs may read. He has prescribed the course; He
+shows how the approval and mercy of God may be won; He shows how awfully
+corrupt is man's nature, and how deadly his pride and stubbornness of
+heart, which cause him to try every subterfuge to avoid the humiliating
+confession of his own weakness, ignorance, and folly. But the same
+blessed Hand has stripped death of all the terrors which brooded around
+the grave, and converted the gloomy receptacle of our mortal remains
+into the portal of life and light. Oh! let me die the death of the
+righteous; let my last end and future state be like his!
+
+This is all I know on the subject. I am no theologian, and have as great
+an aversion to priestcraft as one can entertain. I was once an infidel,
+as I told you in the West Indies. I became a Christian from conviction
+produced by the candid inquiry recommended to you. I know of no other
+way in which death can be stripped of its terrors; certainly none better
+can be wished. Philosophy is a fool, and pride a madman. Many persons
+die with what is called _manly firmness_; that is, having acted a part
+all their lives, according to their prideful creed, they must die
+_game_. They put on as smooth a face as they can, to impose on the
+spectators, and die _firmly_. But this is all deception: the true state
+of their minds at the very time, nine times out of ten, is worse than
+the most horrible imaginings even of hell itself. Some who have led
+lives adapted to sear their conscience and petrify all the moral
+sensibilities, die with a kind of indifference similar to that with
+which a hardened convict submits to a new infliction of disgraceful
+punishment. But the man who dies as a man ought to die, is the
+humble-minded, believing Christian; one who has tasted and enjoyed all
+the blessings of creation; who has had an enlightened view of the wisdom
+and glory of his Creator; who has felt the vanity of merely worldly
+pursuits and motives, and been permitted to know the mercies of a
+blessed Redeemer, as he approaches the narrow house appointed for all
+the living. Physical death may cause his senses to shrink and fail at
+the trial; but his mind, sustained by the Rock of Ages, is serene and
+unwavering. He relies not on his own righteousness, for that would be
+vain; but the arms of mercy are beneath him, the ministering spirits of
+the Omnipotent are around him. He does not die manfully, but he rests in
+Jesus; he blesses his friends, he casts his hope on One all-powerful to
+sustain and mighty to save, then sleeps in peace. He is dead, but
+liveth; for He who is the resurrection and the life has declared, 'Whoso
+believeth on me, though he were dead, yet shall he live.' 'And whosoever
+liveth and believeth in me, shall never die.'" ...
+
+
+This letter, which so truly contrasts the death-bed scene of the infidel
+with that of the Christian, so beautifully portrays the history of the
+change which had been effected in Dr. Godman's own sentiments and
+affections, and so clearly points the benighted wanderer to the true
+source of life and light, was not lost upon his friend to whom it was
+addressed. It described his condition, and it reached his heart.
+
+Dr. Judson, though religiously instructed when young, having a pious
+clergyman for his father, and another for his elder brother, had
+nevertheless long since freed himself from what he called the prejudices
+of education, the shackles of priestcraft, and was ranging the fields of
+infidelity. He had acquired wealth and reputation, and was an estimable
+man in all the domestic relations of life; but the self-denying
+doctrines of the Saviour were too humbling to his proud spirit, and he
+could not submit to their influence. At the time he received Dr.
+Godman's letter, however, he was gloomy and despondent, looking forward
+with fearful forebodings to the period of his dissolution, which seemed
+not far distant. He had no confidence but that of the sceptic--no hope
+but that of ceasing to be. Aware of the fatal nature of the disease
+under which he had lingered for years, he had long been arming himself
+to meet the king of terrors with composure, that he might die like a
+philosopher, "_with manly firmness_;" but as he drew nearer to the
+grave, the clouds and darkness thickened around him, and he began to
+fear that there might be something beyond this narrow prison. His
+infidelity now began to give way, and he inquired with solicitude: "Is
+there such a thing as the new birth, and if so, in what does it
+consist?" He at length consented to make the investigation recommended
+by Dr. Godman. He took up the New Testament, and read it in the spirit
+of candid inquiry. A conviction of the truth of its doctrines fastened
+upon him. The clouds which had so long enveloped him were dissipated,
+light broke in upon his mind, and he was enabled to lay hold of the
+promises. The remaining days of his life were devoted to fervent prayer
+and the constant study of the Scriptures. Through the holy influences of
+Divine grace, he was enabled to rely with undoubting confidence on the
+infinite merits of his Redeemer, his soul was filled with heavenly
+composure, and the last words he uttered were, "Peace, peace." If he did
+not die with "_manly firmness_," he "_rested in Jesus_."
+
+Dr. Godman's views of the authenticity and practical tendency of the
+gospel, are expressed with singular force and beauty in the following
+extract from an essay written not long before his death:
+
+"Is proof wanting that these gospels are true? It is only necessary for
+an honest mind to read them candidly, to be convinced. Every occurrence
+is stated clearly, simply, and unostentatiously. The narrations are not
+supported by asseverations of their truth, nor by parade of witnesses:
+the circumstances described took place in presence of vast multitudes,
+and are told in that downright, unpretending manner which would have
+called forth innumerable positive contradictions had they been untrue.
+Mysteries are stated without attempt at explanation, because
+_explanation_ is not necessary to establish the _existence_ of facts,
+however mysterious. Miracles, also, attested by the presence of vast
+numbers, are stated in the plainest language of narration, in which the
+slightest working of imagination cannot be traced. This very simplicity,
+this unaffected sincerity, and quiet affirmation, have more force than a
+thousand witnesses--more efficacy than volumes of ambitious effort to
+support truth by dint of argumentation.
+
+What motive could the evangelists have to falsify? The Christian kingdom
+is not _of this world_, nor _in it_. Christianity teaches disregard of
+its vanities, depreciates its honours and enjoyments, and sternly
+declares that none can be Christians but those who escape from its vices
+and allurements. There is no call directed to ambition, no gratification
+proposed to vanity: the sacrifice of self, the denial of all the
+propensities which relate to the gratification of passion or pride, with
+the most humble dependence upon God, are invariably taught and most
+solemnly enjoined, under penalty of the most awful consequences. Is it,
+then, wonderful that such a system should find revilers? Is it
+surprising that sceptics should abound, when the slightest allowance of
+belief would force them to condemn all their actions? Or is it to be
+wondered at that a purity of life and conversation so repugnant to human
+passion, and a humility so offensive to human pride, should be opposed,
+rejected, and contemned? Such is the true secret of the opposition to
+_religion_--such the cause inducing men who lead unchristian lives, to
+array the frailties, errors, weaknesses, and vices of individuals or
+sects, against _Christianity_, hoping to weaken or destroy the system by
+rendering ridiculous or contemptible those who _profess_ to be governed
+by its influence, though their conduct shows them to be acting under an
+opposite spirit.
+
+What is the mode in which this most extraordinary doctrine of
+Christianity is to be diffused? By force, temporal power, temporal
+rewards, earthly triumphs? None of these. By earnest persuasion, gentle
+entreaty, brotherly monition, paternal remonstrance. The dread resort of
+threatened punishment comes last; exhibited in sorrow, not in anger;
+told as a fearful truth, not denounced with vindictive exultation; while
+to the last moment the beamy shield of mercy is ready to be interposed
+for the saving of the endangered.
+
+Human doctrines are wavering and mutable; the doctrines of the blessed
+and adorable Jesus, our Saviour, are fixed and immutable. The traditions
+of men are dissimilar and inconsistent; the declarations of the gospel
+are harmonious, not only with each other, but with the acknowledged
+attributes of the Deity, and the well-known condition of human nature.
+
+What do sceptics propose to give us in exchange for this system of
+Christianity, with its 'hidden mysteries,' 'miracles,' 'signs and
+wonders?' Doubt, confusion, obscurity, annihilation! Life, without
+higher motive than selfishness; death, without hope! Is it for this that
+their zeal is so warmly displayed in proselyting? Is such the gain to
+accrue for the relinquishment of our souls? In very deed, this is the
+utmost they have to propose; and we can only account for their rancorous
+efforts to render others like themselves, by reflecting that misery
+loves company."
+
+His intellect was strong and undimmed to the last, and almost the only
+change that could be observed in his mind was that which belongs to a
+being on the verge, of eternity, in whose estimate the concerns of this
+life are sinking in comparison with the greater interests of that to
+which he is approaching. His principal delight was in the promises and
+consolations of the Bible, which was his constant companion. On one
+occasion, a few days before his death, while reading aloud from the New
+Testament to his family, his voice faltered, and he was desired to read
+no longer, as it appeared to oppress him. "It is not that," replied he;
+"but I feel so in the immediate presence of my Maker, that I cannot
+control my emotion!" In a manuscript volume which he sent to a friend,
+and which he intended to fill with original pieces of his own
+composition, he wrote as follows: "Did I not in all things feel most
+thoroughly convinced that the overruling of our plans by an all-wise
+Providence is always for good, I might regret that a part of my plan
+cannot be executed. This was to relate a few curious incidents from
+among the events of my most singularly guided life, which, in addition
+to mere novelty or peculiarity of character, could not have failed
+practically to illustrate the importance of inculcating correct
+religious and moral principles, and imbuing the mind therewith from the
+very earliest dawn of intellect, from the very moment that the utter
+imbecility of infancy begins to disappear. May His holy will be done,
+who can raise up abler advocates to support the truth." "This is my
+first attempt to write in my Token; why may it not be the last? Oh!
+should it be, believe me, that the will of God will be most acceptable.
+Notwithstanding the life of neglect, sinfulness, and perversion of heart
+which I so long led, before it pleased Him to dash all my idols in the
+dust, I feel a humble hope in the boundless mercy of our blessed Lord
+and Saviour, who alone can save the soul from merited condemnation. May
+it be in the power of those who chance to read these lines, to say, Into
+thy hands I commit my spirit, for Thou hast redeemed me, O Lord! thou
+God of Truth!"
+
+A reliance on the mercies of God through Jesus Christ became indeed the
+habitual frame of his mind, and imparted to the closing scenes of his
+life a solemnity and a calmness, a sweet serenity and a holy
+resignation, which robbed death of its sting and the grave of its
+victory. The following extracts from some of his letters afford
+additional evidence of the great and glorious change which he had been
+permitted to experience.
+
+
+                                     "_Philadelphia, Feb. 17th, 1829._
+
+"MY DEAR FRIEND,--Since my last to you my health has suffered various
+and most afflicting changes."--"But thanks to the mercies of Him who is
+alone able to save, the valley and shadow of death were stripped of
+their terrors, and the descent to the grave was smoothed before me.
+Relying on the mercies and infinite merits of the Saviour, had it
+pleased God to call me then, I believe I should have died in a peaceful,
+humble confidence. But I have been restored to a state of comparative
+health, perhaps nearly to the condition in which I was when I wrote to
+Dr. Judson; and I am again allowed to think of the education of my
+children and the support of my family."
+
+
+In reply to a letter from Professor Sewall, giving an account of the
+last moments of his friend Dr. Judson, he responds in the following
+feeling manner:
+
+
+                                        "_Germantown, May 21st, 1829._
+
+MY DEAR FRIEND,--I feel very grateful for your attention in sending me
+an account of our dear Judson's last moments. After all his doubts,
+difficulties, and mental conflicts, to know that the Father of mercies
+was pleased to open his eyes to the truth, and shed abroad in his heart
+the love and, salvation offered through the Redeemer, is to me a source
+of the purest gratification, and a cause of the most sincere rejoicing.
+The bare possibility of my having been even slightly instrumental in
+effecting the blessed change of mind he experienced, excites in me
+emotions of gratitude to the Source of all good which words cannot
+express."--"My health has been in a very poor condition since my last to
+you. The warm weather now appears to have set in, and possibly I may
+improve a little, otherwise it will not be long before I follow our
+lately departed friend. Let me participate in the prayers you offer for
+the sick and afflicted, and may God grant me strength to die to His
+honour and glory, in the hopes and constancy derived from the merits and
+atonement of the blessed Saviour."
+
+
+                                      "_Philadelphia, Oct. 6th, 1829._
+
+MY DEAR FRIEND,--My health is, as for a considerable time past, in a
+very tolerable condition; that is, I can sit up a great part of the day,
+writing or reading, without much injury. My emaciation is great, and,
+though not very rapid, is steady, so that the change in my strength
+takes place almost imperceptibly. On the whole, though I suffer greatly,
+compared with persons in health, yet so gently have the chastenings of
+the Lord fallen upon me, that I am hourly called upon for thankfulness
+and gratitude for His unfailing mercies. Equal cause have I had for
+rejoicing, that I have learned to put my whole trust in Him, as He has
+raised me up help and friends in circumstances which seemed to render
+even hope impossible, and has blessed me and mine with peace and content
+in the midst of all afflictions, trials, and adversity."
+
+
+In his last letter to Dr. Best, of Cincinnati, with whom he had long
+maintained an affectionate correspondence, he writes:
+
+"It gives me great happiness to learn that you have been taught, as well
+as myself, to fly to the Rock of Ages for shelter against the
+afflictions of this life, and for hopes of eternal salvation. But for
+the hopes afforded me by an humble reliance on the all-sufficient
+atonement of our blessed Redeemer, I should have been the most wretched
+of men. But I trust that the afflictions I have endured have been
+sanctified to my awakening, and to the regeneration of my heart and
+life. May we, my dear friend, persist to cling to the only sure support
+against all that is evil in life and all that is fearful in death!"
+
+Dr. Best's circumstances were in several respects similar to those of
+his friend Godman: like him, he had been a disbeliever in the Christian
+religion, and like him had been brought by a careful examination of its
+evidences to a perception and an acknowledgment of the truth. He too was
+at this time languishing in consumption, which brought him to the grave
+a few months after Dr. Godman; and like him he was supported and
+animated by the precious faith of the gospel, and yielded up his spirit
+in hope and peace.
+
+Professor Sewall,[A] from whose account much of this memoir has been
+derived, remarks: "In the last letter which I ever received from him,
+he observes: 'I have just concluded the publication of the translation
+of Levasseur's account of Lafayette's progress through the United
+States, which will appear next week. My health has for the last week or
+two been very good, for me, since, notwithstanding my rather excessive
+application during this time, I continue to do well. My cough and
+expectoration are sufficiently troublesome; but by light diet, and
+avoiding all irritation, I have but very little trouble from night
+sweats, and generally sleep tolerably well. To-morrow I must resume my
+pen to complete some articles of zoology for the Encyclopedia Americana,
+now preparing in Boston. It shall be my constant endeavour to husband my
+strength to the last; and, by doing as much as is consistent with safety
+for the good of my fellow-creatures, endeavour to discharge a mite of
+the immense debt I owe for the never-failing bounties of Providence.'"
+
+  [A] "An Introductory Lecture delivered November 1st, 1830, by
+  Thomas Sewall, M. D., Professor of Anatomy and Physiology in the
+  Columbian College, District of Columbia."
+
+He did husband his strength, and he toiled with his pen almost to the
+last hours of his life; and by thus doing has furnished us with a
+singular evidence of the possibility of uniting the highest attainments
+in science, and the most ardent devotion to letters, with the firmest
+belief and the purest practice of the Christian. But the period of his
+dissolution was not distant: the summons arrived; and conscious that the
+messenger, who had been long in waiting, could not be bribed to tarry,
+he commended his little family in a fervent prayer to Him who has
+promised to be the 'Father of the fatherless, and the widow's God,' and
+then, with uplifted eyes and hands, and a face beaming with joy and
+confidence, resigned his spirit into the arms of his Redeemer, on the
+morning of the 17th of Fourth month, 1830.
+
+A friend who was his constant companion during his sickness, and
+witnessed his last moments, writes thus:
+
+"You ask me to give you an account of his last moments: they were such
+as have robbed me of all terror of death, and will afford me lasting
+comfort through life. The same self-composure and entire resignation
+which were so remarkable through his whole sickness, supported him to
+the end. Oh! it was not death; it was a release from mortal misery to
+everlasting happiness. Such calmness, when he prayed for us all--such a
+heavenly composure, even till the breath left him, you would have
+thought he was going only a short journey. During the day, his
+sufferings had been almost beyond enduring. Frequently did he pray that
+the Lord would give him patience to endure all till the end, knowing
+that it could not be many hours; and truly his prayers were heard.
+'_Lord Jesus, receive my soul_,' were the last words he uttered, and his
+countenance appeared as if he had a foretaste of heaven even before his
+spirit left this world."
+
+The fine imagination and deep enthusiasm of Dr. Godman occasionally
+burst forth in impassioned poetry. He wrote verse and prose with almost
+equal facility, and had he lived and enjoyed leisure to prune the
+exuberance of his style, and to bestow the last polish upon his
+labours, he would have ranked as one of the great masters of our
+language, both in regard to the curious felicity and the strength and
+clearness of his diction. The following specimens of his poetical
+compositions are selected less for their intrinsic excellence, than for
+the picture which they furnish of his private meditations.
+
+
+A MIDNIGHT MEDITATION.
+
+    "'Tis midnight's solemn hour! now wide unfurled
+    Darkness expands her mantle o'er the world;
+    The fire-fly's lamp has ceased its fitful gleam;
+    The cricket's chirp is hushed; the boding scream
+    Of the gray owl is stilled; the lofty trees
+    Scarce wave their summits to the failing breeze;
+    All nature is at rest, or seems to sleep;
+    'Tis thine alone, O man! to watch and weep!
+    Thine 'tis to feel thy system's sad decay,
+    As flares the taper of thy life away
+    Beneath the influence of fell disease:
+    Thine 'tis to _know_ the want of mental ease
+    Springing from memory of time misspent,
+    Of slighted blessings, deepest discontent
+    And riotous rebellion 'gainst the laws
+    Of health, truth, heaven, to win the world's applause!
+
+    --Such was thy course, Eugenio; such thy hardened heart,
+    Till mercy spoke, and death unsheathed the dart,
+    Twanged his unerring bow, and drove the steel
+    Too deep to be withdrawn, too wide the wound to heal,
+    Yet left of life a feebly glimmering ray,
+    Slowly to sink and gently ebb away.
+
+    --And yet, how blest am I!
+    While myriad others lie
+    In agony of fever or of pain,
+    With parching tongue and burning eye,
+    Or fiercely throbbing brain;
+    My feeble frame, though spoiled of rest,
+    Is not of comfort dispossest.
+    My mind awake, looks up to Thee,
+    Father of mercy! whose blest hand I see
+    In all things acting for our good,
+    Howe'er thy mercies be misunderstood.
+
+    --See where the waning moon
+    Slowly surmounts yon dark tree-tops,
+    Her light increases steadily, and soon
+    The solemn night her stole of darkness drops:
+    Thus to my sinking soul, in hours of gloom,
+    The cheering beams of hope resplendent come,
+    Thus the thick clouds which sin and sorrow rear
+    Are changed to brightness, or swift disappear.
+
+    Hark! that shrill note proclaims approaching day;
+    The distant east is streaked with lines of gray;
+    Faint warblings from the neighbouring groves arise,
+    The tuneful tribes salute the brightening skies,
+    Peace breathes around; dim visions o'er me creep,
+    The weary night outwatched, thank God! I too may sleep.
+
+
+LINES WRITTEN UNDER A FEELING OF THE IMMEDIATE APPROACH OF DEATH.
+
+    The damps of death are on my brow,
+    The chill is in my heart,
+    My blood has almost ceased to flow,
+    My hopes of life depart;
+    The valley and the shadow before me open wide,
+    But thou, O Lord! even there wilt be my guardian and my guide,
+    For what is pain, if Thou art nigh its bitterness to quell?
+    And where death's boasted victory, his last triumphant spell?
+    O Saviour! in that hour when mortal strength is nought,
+    When nature's agony comes on, and every anguished thought
+    Springs in the breaking heart a source of darkest woe,
+    Be nigh unto my soul, nor permit the floods o'erflow.
+    To Thee, to Thee alone! dare I raise my dying eyes;
+    Thou didst for all atone, by Thy wondrous sacrifice;
+    Oh! in Thy mercy's richness, extend Thy smiles on me,
+    And let my soul outspeak Thy praise, throughout eternity!"
+
+Beneath the above stanzas, in the manuscript alluded to, is the
+following note: "Rather more than a year has elapsed since the above was
+first written. Death is now certainly nearer at hand; but my sentiments
+remain unchanged, except that my reliance on the Saviour is stronger."
+
+It was a melancholy sight to witness the premature extinction of such a
+spirit; yet the dying couch on which genius, and virtue, and learning
+thus lay prostrated, beamed with more hallowed lustre, and taught a more
+salutary lesson, than could have been imparted by the proudest triumphs
+of intellect. The memory of Dr. Godman, his blighted promise and his
+unfinished labours, will long continue to call forth the vain regrets of
+men of science and learning. There are those who treasure, up in their
+hearts, as a more precious recollection, his humble faith and his
+triumphant death, and who can meet with an eye of pity the scornful
+glance of the scoffer and the infidel, at being told that if Dr. Godman
+was a philosopher, he was also a Christian.
+
+
+
+
+RAMBLES OF A NATURALIST.
+
+
+
+
+RAMBLES OF A NATURALIST.
+
+
+
+
+No. I.
+
+
+From early youth devoted to the study of nature, it has always been my
+habit to embrace every opportunity of increasing my knowledge and
+pleasures by actual observation, and have ever found ample means of
+gratifying this disposition, wherever my place has been allotted by
+Providence. When an inhabitant of the country, it was sufficient to go a
+few steps from the door, to be in the midst of numerous interesting
+objects; when a resident of the crowded city, a healthful walk of half
+an hour placed me where my favourite enjoyment was offered in abundance;
+and now, when no longer able to seek in fields and woods and running
+streams for that knowledge which cannot readily be elsewhere obtained,
+the recollection of my former rambles is productive of a satisfaction
+which past pleasures but seldom bestow. Perhaps a statement of the
+manner in which my studies were pursued, may prove interesting to those
+who love the works of nature, and may not be aware how great a field
+for original observation is within their reach, or how vast a variety of
+instructive objects are easily accessible, even to the occupants of a
+bustling metropolis. To me it will be a source of great delight to
+spread these resources before the reader, and enable him so cheaply to
+participate in the pleasures I have enjoyed, as well as place him in the
+way of enlarging the general stock of knowledge, by communicating the
+results of his original observations.
+
+One of my favourite walks was through Turner's Lane, which is about a
+quarter of a mile long, and not much wider than an ordinary street,
+being closely fenced in on both sides; yet my reader may feel surprised
+when informed that I found ample employment for all my leisure, during
+six weeks, within and about its precincts. On entering the lane from the
+Ridge road, I observed a gentle elevation of the turf beneath the lower
+rails of the fence, which appeared to be uninterruptedly continuous; and
+when I had cut through the verdant roof with my knife, it proved to be a
+regularly arched gallery or subterranean road, along which the
+inhabitants could securely travel at all hours, without fear of
+discovery. The sides and bottom of this arched way were smooth and
+clean, as if much used; and the raised superior portion had long been
+firmly consolidated by the grass roots, intermixed with tenacious clay.
+At irregular and frequently distant intervals, a side path diverged into
+the neighbouring fields, and, by its superficial situation,
+irregularity, and frequent openings, showed that its purpose was
+temporary, or had been only opened for the sake of procuring food.
+Occasionally I found a little gallery diverging from the main route
+beneath the fence, towards the road, and finally opening on the grass,
+as if the inmate had come out in the morning to breathe the early air,
+or to drink of the crystal dew which daily gemmed the close-cropped
+verdure. How I longed to detect the animal which tenanted these
+galleries, in the performance of his labours! Farther on, upon the top
+of a high bank, which prevented the pathway from continuing near the
+fence, appeared another evidence of the industry of my yet unknown
+miner. Half-a-dozen hillocks of loose, almost pulverised earth were
+thrown up, at irregular distances, communicating with the main gallery
+by side passages. Opening one of these carefully, it appeared to differ
+little from the common gallery in size, but it was very difficult to
+ascertain where the loose earth came from, nor have I ever been able to
+tell, since I never witnessed the formation of these hillocks, and
+conjectures are forbidden, where nothing but observation is requisite to
+the decision. My farther progress was now interrupted by a delightful
+brook which sparkled across the road, over a clear sandy bed; and here
+my little galleries turned into the field, coursing along at a moderate
+distance from the stream. I crept through the fence into the meadow on
+the west side, intending to discover, if possible, the animal whose
+works had first fixed my attention, but as I approached the bank of the
+rivulet, something suddenly retreated towards the grass, seeming to
+vanish almost unaccountably from sight. Very carefully examining the
+point at which it disappeared, I found the entrance of another gallery
+or burrow, but of very different construction from that first observed.
+This new one was formed in the grass, near and among whose roots and
+lower stems a small but regular covered way was practised. Endless,
+however, would have been the attempt to follow this, as it opened in
+various directions, and ran irregularly into the field, and towards the
+brook, by a great variety of passages. It evidently belonged to an
+animal totally different from the owner of the subterranean passage, as
+I subsequently discovered, and may hereafter relate. Tired of my
+unavailing pursuit, I now returned to the little brook, and seating
+myself on a stone, remained for some time unconsciously gazing on the
+fluid which gushed along in unsullied brightness over its pebbly bed.
+Opposite to my seat was an irregular hole in the bed of the stream, into
+which, in an idle mood, I pushed a small pebble with the end of my
+stick. What was my surprise, in a few seconds afterwards, to observe the
+water in this hole in motion, and the pebble I had pushed into it gently
+approaching the surface. Such was the fact: the hole was the dwelling of
+a stout little crayfish, or fresh-water lobster, who did not choose to
+be incommoded by the pebble, though doubtless he attributed its sudden
+arrival to the usual accidents of the stream, and not to my thoughtless
+movements. He had thrust his broad lobster-like claws under the stone,
+and then drawn them near to his mouth, thus making a kind of shelf; and,
+as he reached the edge of the hole, he suddenly extended his claws, and
+rejected the incumbrance from the lower side, or down stream. Delighted
+to have found a living object with whose habits I was unacquainted, I
+should have repeated my experiment, but the crayfish presently returned
+with what might be called an armful of rubbish, and threw it over the
+side of his cell, and down the stream, as before. Having watched him for
+some time while thus engaged, my attention was caught by the
+considerable number of similar holes along the margin and in the bed of
+the stream. One of these I explored with a small rod, and found it to be
+eight or ten inches deep, and widened below into a considerable chamber,
+in which the little lobster found a comfortable abode. Like all of his
+tribe, the crayfish makes considerable opposition to being removed from
+his dwelling, and bit smartly at the stick with his claws: as my present
+object was only to gain acquaintance with his dwelling, he was speedily
+permitted to return to it in peace. Under the end of a stone lying in
+the bed of the stream, something was floating in the pure current, which
+at first seemed like the tail of a fish; and being desirous to obtain a
+better view, I gently raised the stone on its edge, and was rewarded by
+a very beautiful sight. The object first observed was the tail of a
+beautiful salamander, whose sides were of a pale straw colour, flecked
+with circlets of the richest crimson. Its long lizard-like body seemed
+to be semi-transparent, and its slender limbs appeared like mere
+productions of the skin. Not far distant, and near where the upper end
+of the stone had been, lay crouched, as if asleep, one of the most
+beautifully-coloured frogs I had ever beheld. Its body was slender
+compared with most frogs, and its skin covered with stripes of bright
+reddish-brown and grayish-green, in such a manner as to recall the
+beautiful markings of the tiger's hide; and, since the time alluded to,
+it has received the name of _Tigrina_ from Leconte, its first scientific
+describer. How long I should have been content to gaze at these
+beautiful animals, as they lay basking in the living water, I know not,
+had not the intense heat made me feel the necessity of seeking a shade.
+It was now past twelve o'clock: I began to retrace my steps towards the
+city; and, without any particular object, moved along by the little
+galleries examined in the morning. I had advanced but a short distance,
+when I found the last place where I had broken open the gallery was
+_repaired_. The earth was perfectly fresh, and I had lost the chance of
+discovering the miner, while watching my new acquaintances in the
+stream. Hurrying onward, the same circumstance uniformly presented; the
+injuries were all efficiently repaired, and had evidently been very
+recently completed. Here was one point gained: it was ascertained that
+these galleries were still inhabited, and I hoped soon to become
+acquainted with the inmates. But at this time it appeared fruitless to
+delay longer, and I returned home, filled with anticipations of pleasure
+from the success of my future researches. These I shall relate on
+another occasion, if such narrations as the present be thought of
+sufficient interest to justify their presentation to the reader.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. II.
+
+
+On the day following my first related excursion, I started early in the
+morning, and was rewarded by one sight, which could not otherwise have
+been obtained, well worth the sacrifice of an hour or two of sleep.
+There may be persons who will smile contemptuously at the idea of a
+_man's_ being delighted with such trifles; nevertheless, we are not
+inclined to envy such as disesteem the pure gratification afforded by
+these simple and easily accessible pleasures. As I crossed an open lot
+on my way to the lane, a succession of gossamer spider-webs, lightly
+suspended from various weeds and small shrubs, attracted my attention.
+The dew which had formed during the night was condensed upon this
+delicate lace, in globules of most resplendent brilliance, whose clear
+lustre pleased while it dazzled the sight. In comparison with the
+immaculate purity of these dew-drops, which reflected and refracted the
+morning light in beautiful rays, as the gossamer webs trembled in the
+breeze, how poor would appear the most invaluable diamonds that were
+ever obtained from Golconda or Brazil! How rich would any monarch be
+that could boast the possession of _one_ such, as here glittered in
+thousands on every herb and spray! They are exhaled in an hour or two,
+and lost; yet they are almost daily offered to the delighted
+contemplation of the real lover of nature, who is ever happy to witness
+the beneficence of the great Creator, not less displayed in trivial
+circumstances, than in the most wonderful of His works.
+
+No particular change was discoverable in the works of my little miners,
+except that all the places which had been a second time broken down,
+were again repaired, showing that the animal had passed between the
+times of my visit; and it may not be uninteresting to observe how the
+repair was effected. It appeared, when the animal arrived at the spot
+broken open or exposed to the air, that it changed its direction
+sufficiently downwards to raise enough of earth from the lower surface
+to fill up the opening; this of course slightly altered the direction of
+the gallery at this point, and though the earth thrown up was quite
+pulverulent, it was so nicely arched as to retain its place, and soon
+became consolidated. Having broken open a gallery where the turf was
+very close, and the soil tenacious, I was pleased to find the direction
+of the chamber somewhat changed: on digging farther with my clasp-knife,
+I found a very beautiful cell excavated in very tough clay, deeper than
+the common level of the gallery, and towards one side. This little
+lodging-room would probably have held a small melon, and was nicely
+arched all round. It was perfectly clear, and quite smooth, as if much
+used: to examine it fully, I was obliged to open it completely. (The
+next day, it was replaced by another, made a little farther to one side,
+exactly of the same kind: it was replaced a second time, but when
+broken up a third time, it was left in ruins.) As twelve o'clock
+approached, my solicitude to discover the little miner increased to a
+considerable degree: previous observation led me to believe that about
+that time his presence was to be expected. I had trodden down the
+gallery for some inches in a convenient place, and stood close by, in
+vigilant expectation. My wishes were speedily gratified: in a short time
+the flattened gallery began at one end to be raised to its former
+convexity, and the animal rapidly advanced. With a beating heart, I
+thrust the knife-blade down by the side of the rising earth, and quickly
+turned it over to one side, throwing my prize fairly into the sunshine.
+For an instant, he seemed motionless from surprise, when I caught and
+imprisoned him in my hat. It would be vain for me to attempt a
+description of my pleasure in having thus succeeded, small as was my
+conquest. I was delighted with the beauty of my captive's fur; with the
+admirable adaptation of his diggers, or broad rose-tinted hands; the
+wonderful strength of his fore-limbs, and the peculiar suitableness of
+his head and neck to the kind of life the Author of nature had designed
+him for. It was the shrew-mole, or _scalops canadensis_, whose history
+and peculiarities of structure are minutely related in the first volume
+of Godman's American Natural History. All my researches never enabled me
+to discover a nest, female, or young one of this species. All I ever
+caught were males, though this most probably was a mere accident. The
+breeding of the scalops is nearly all that is wanting to render our
+knowledge of it complete.
+
+This little animal has eyes, though they are not discoverable during its
+living condition, nor are they of any use to it above ground. In running
+round a room (until it had perfectly learned where all the obstacles
+stood), it would uniformly strike hard against them with its snout, and
+then turn. It appeared to me as singular, that a creature which fed upon
+living earth-worms with all the greediness of a pig, would not destroy
+the larvae or maggots of the flesh-fly. A shrew-mole lived for many weeks
+in my study, and made use of a gun-case, into which he squeezed himself,
+as a burrow. Frequently he would carry the meat he was fed with into his
+retreat; and, as it was warm weather, the flies deposited their eggs in
+the same place. An offensive odour led me to discover this circumstance,
+and I found a number of large larvae, over which the shrew-mole passed
+without paying them any attention; nor would he, when hungry, accept of
+such food, though nothing could exceed the eager haste with which he
+seized and munched earth-worms. Often, when engaged in observing him
+thus employed, have I thought of the stories told me, when a boy, of the
+manner in which snakes were destroyed by swine: his voracity readily
+exciting a recollection of one of these animals, and the poor worms
+writhing and twining about his jaws answering for the snakes. It would
+be tedious were I to relate all my rambles undertaken with a view to
+gain a proper acquaintance with this creature, at all hours of the day,
+and late in the evening, before day-light, etc. etc.
+
+Among other objects which served as an unfailing source of amusement,
+when resting from the fatigue of my walks, was the little inhabitant of
+the brook which is spoken of in the extract made from the "Journal of a
+Naturalist," in last week's Friend. These merry swimmers occupied every
+little sunny pool in the stream, apparently altogether engaged in sport.
+A circumstance (not adverted to in that extract) connected with these
+insects, gives them additional interest to a close observer--they are
+allied by their structure and nature to those nauseous vermin, the
+cimices, or _bed-bugs_; all of which, whether found infesting fruits or
+our dormitories, are distinguished by their disgusting odour. But their
+distant relatives, called by the boys the _water-witches_ and
+_apple-smellers_, the gyrinus natator above alluded to, has a delightful
+smell, exactly similar to that of the richest, mellowest apple. This
+peculiarly pleasant smell frequently causes the idler many unavailing
+efforts to secure some of these creatures, whose activity in water
+renders their pursuit very difficult, though by no means so much so as
+that of some of the long-legged water-spiders, which walk the waters
+dry-shod, and evade the grasp with surprising ease and celerity. What
+purposes either of these races serve in the great economy of nature, has
+not yet been ascertained, and will scarcely be determined until our
+store of _facts_ is far more extensive than at present. Other and still
+more remarkable inhabitants of the brook, at the same time, came within
+my notice, and afforded much gratification in the observation of their
+habits. The description of these we are obliged to defer for the
+present, as we have already occupied as much space as can be allowed to
+our humble sketches.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. III.
+
+
+In moving along the borders of the stream, we may observe, where the
+sand or mud is fine and settled, a sort of mark or cutting, as if an
+edged instrument had been drawn along, so as to leave behind it a track
+or groove. At one end of this line, by digging a little into the mud
+with the hand, you will generally discover a shell of considerable size,
+which is tenanted by a molluscous animal of singular construction. On
+some occasions, when the mud is washed off from the shell, you will be
+delighted to observe the beautifully regular dark lines with which its
+greenish smooth surface is marked. Other species are found in the same
+situations, which, externally, are rough and inelegant, but within are
+ornamented to a most admirable degree, presenting a smooth surface of
+the richest pink, crimson, or purple, to which we have nothing of equal
+elegance to compare it. If the mere shells of these creatures be thus
+splendid, what shall we say of their internal structure, which, when
+examined by the microscope, offers a succession of wonders? The
+beautiful apparatus for respiration, formed of a network regularly
+arranged, of the most exquisitely delicate texture; the foot, or organ
+by which the shell is moved forward through the mud or water, composed
+of an expanded spongy extremity, capable of assuming various figures to
+suit particular purposes, and governed by several strong muscles, that
+move it in different directions; the ovaries, filled with myriads, not
+of eggs, but of perfect shells, or complete little animals, which,
+though not larger than the point of a fine needle, yet, when examined by
+the microscope, exhibit all the peculiarities of conformation that
+belong to the parent; the mouth, embraced by the nervous ganglion, which
+may be considered as the animal's brain; the stomach, surrounded by the
+various processes of the liver, and the strongly acting but transparent
+heart, all excite admiration and gratify our curiosity. The puzzling
+question often presents itself to the inquirer: Why so much
+elaborateness of construction and such exquisite ornament as are common
+to most of these creatures, should be bestowed? Destined to pass their
+lives in and under the mud, possessed of no sense that we are acquainted
+with, except that of touch, what purpose can ornament serve in them?
+However much of vanity there may be in asking the question, there is no
+answer to be offered. We cannot suppose that the individuals have any
+power of admiring each other, and we know that the foot is the only part
+they protrude from their shell, and that the inside of the shell is
+covered by the membrane called the mantle. Similar remarks may be made
+relative to conchology at large: the most exquisitely beautiful forms,
+colours, and ornaments are lavished upon genera and species which exist
+only at immense depths in the ocean, or buried in the mud; nor can any
+one form a satisfactory idea of the object the great Author of nature
+had in view, in thus profusely beautifying creatures occupying so low a
+place in the scale of creation.
+
+European naturalists have hitherto fallen into the strangest absurdities
+concerning the motion of the bivalved shells, which five minutes'
+observation of nature would have served them to correct. Thus, they
+describe the upper part of the shell as the _lower_, and the _hind_ part
+as the front, and speak of them as moving along on their rounded convex
+surface, like a boat on its keel, instead of advancing with the edges or
+open part of the shell towards the earth. All these mistakes have been
+corrected, and the true mode of progression indicated from actual
+observation, by our fellow-citizen, Isaac Lea, whose recently published
+communications to the American Philosophical Society reflect the highest
+credit upon their author, who is a naturalist in the best sense of the
+term.
+
+As I wandered slowly along the borders of the run, towards a little
+wood, my attention was caught by a considerable collection of shells
+lying near an old stump. Many of these appeared to have been recently
+emptied of their contents, and others seemed to have long remained
+exposed to the weather. On most of them, at the thinnest part of the
+edge, a peculiar kind of fracture was obvious, and this seemed to be the
+work of an animal. A closer examination of the locality showed the
+footsteps of a quadruped, which I readily believed to be the muskrat,
+more especially as, upon examining the adjacent banks, numerous traces
+of burrows were discoverable. It is not a little singular that this
+animal, unlike all others of the larger gnawers, as the beaver, etc.
+appears to increase instead of diminishing with the increase of
+population. Whether it is that the dams and other works thrown up by men
+afford more favourable situations for their multiplication, or their
+favourite food is found in greater abundance, they certainly are quite
+as numerous now, if not more so, than when the country was first
+discovered, and are to be found at this time almost within the limits of
+the city. By the construction of their teeth, as well as all the parts
+of the body, they are closely allied to the rat kind; though in size,
+and some peculiarities of habit, they more closely approximate the
+beaver. They resemble the rat, especially, in not being exclusively
+herbivorous, as is shown by their feeding on the uniones or muscles
+above mentioned. To obtain this food requires no small exertion of their
+strength; and they accomplish it by introducing the claws of their
+fore-paws between the two edges of the shell, and tearing it open by
+main force. Whoever has tried to force open one of these shells,
+containing a living animal, may form an idea of the effort made by the
+muskrat: the strength of a strong man would be requisite to produce the
+same result in the same way.
+
+The burrows of muskrats are very extensive, and consequently injurious
+to dykes and dams, meadow banks, etc. The entrance is always under
+water, and thence sloping upwards above the level of the water, so that
+the muskrat has to dive in going in and out. These creatures are
+excellent divers and swimmers, and, being nocturnal, are rarely seen
+unless by those who watch for them at night. Sometimes we alarm one near
+the mouth of the den, and he darts away across the water, near the
+bottom, marking his course by a turbid streak in the stream:
+occasionally we are made aware of the passage of one to some distance
+down the current, in the same way; but in both cases the action is so
+rapidly performed, that we should scarcely imagine what was the cause,
+if not previously informed. Except by burrowing into and spoiling the
+banks, they are not productive of much evil, their food consisting
+principally of the roots of aquatic plants, in addition to the
+shell-fish. The musky odour which gives rise to their common name is
+caused by glandular organs placed near the tail, filled with a viscid
+and powerfully musky fluid, whose uses we know but little of, though it
+is thought to be intended as a guide by which these creatures may
+discover each other. This inference is strengthened by finding some such
+contrivance in different races of animals, in various modifications. A
+great number carry it in pouches similar to those just mentioned. Some,
+as the musk animal, have the pouch under the belly; the shrew has the
+glands on the side; the camel on the back of the neck; the crocodile
+under the throat, etc. At least no other use has ever been assigned for
+this apparatus, and in all creatures possessing it the arrangement seems
+to be adapted peculiarly to the habits of the animals. The crocodile,
+for instance, generally approaches the shore in such a manner as to
+apply the neck and throat to the soil, while the hinder part of the body
+is under water. The glands under the throat leave the traces of his
+presence, therefore, with ease, as they come into contact with the
+shore. The glandular apparatus on the back of the neck of the male
+camel, seems to have reference to the general elevation of the olfactory
+organs of the female; and the dorsal gland of the peccary, no doubt, has
+some similar relation to the peculiarities of the race.
+
+The value of the fur of the muskrat causes many of them to be destroyed,
+which is easily enough effected by means of a trap. This is a simple
+box, formed of rough boards nailed together, about three feet long,
+having an iron door, made of pointed bars, opening _inwards_, at both
+ends of the box. This trap is placed with the end opposite to the
+entrance of a burrow observed during the day-time. In the night, when
+the muskrat sallies forth, he enters the box, instead of passing into
+the open air, and is drowned, as the box is quite filled with water. If
+the traps be visited and emptied during the night, two may be caught in
+each trap, as muskrats from other burrows may come to visit those where
+the traps are placed, and thus one be taken going in as well as one
+coming out. These animals are frequently very fat, and their flesh has a
+very wholesome appearance, and would probably prove good food. The musky
+odour, however, prejudices strongly against its use; and it is probable
+that the flesh is rank, as the muscles it feeds on are nauseous and
+bitter, and the roots which supply the rest of its food are generally
+unpleasant and acrid. Still, we should not hesitate to partake of its
+flesh, in case of necessity, especially if of a young animal, from which
+the musk-bag had been removed immediately after it was killed.
+
+In this vicinity the muskrat does not build himself a house for the
+winter, as our fields and dykes are too often visited. But in other
+parts of the country, where extensive marshes exist, and muskrats are
+abundant, they build very snug and substantial houses, quite as
+serviceable and ingenious as those of the beaver. They do not dam the
+water as the beaver, nor cut branches of trees to serve for the walls of
+their dwellings. They make it of mud and rushes, raising a cone two or
+three feet high, having the entrance on the south side, under water.
+About the year 1804, I saw several of them in Worrell's marsh, near
+Chestertown, Maryland, which were pointed out to me by an old black man
+who made his living principally by trapping these animals for the sake
+of their skins. A few years since I visited the marshes near the mouth
+of Magerthy river, in Maryland, where I was informed, by a resident,
+that the muskrats still built regularly every winter. Perhaps these
+quadrupeds are as numerous in the vicinity of Philadelphia as elsewhere,
+as I have never examined a stream of fresh water, dyked meadow, or
+mill-dam, hereabout, without seeing traces of vast numbers. Along all
+the water-courses and meadows in Jersey, opposite Philadelphia, and in
+the meadows of the Neck, below the Navy-Yard, there must be large
+numbers of muskrats. Considering the value of the fur, and the ease and
+trifling expense at which they might be caught, we have often felt
+surprised that more of them are not taken, especially as we have so many
+poor men complaining of wanting something to do. By thinning the number
+of muskrats, a positive benefit would be conferred on the farmers and
+furriers, to say nothing of the profits to the individual.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. IV.
+
+
+My next visit to my old hunting-ground, the lane and brook, happened on
+a day in the first hay-harvest, when the verdant sward of the meadows
+was rapidly sinking before the keen-edged scythes swung by vigorous
+mowers. This unexpected circumstance afforded me considerable pleasure,
+for it promised me a freer scope to my wanderings, and might also enable
+me to ascertain various particulars concerning which my curiosity had
+long been awakened. Nor was this promise unattended by fruition of my
+wishes. The reader may recollect that, in my first walk, a neat burrow
+in the grass, above ground, was observed, without my knowing its author.
+The advance of the mowers explained this satisfactorily, for in cutting
+the long grass, they exposed several nests of field-mice, which, by
+means of these grass-covered alleys, passed to the stream in search of
+food or drink, unseen by their enemies, the hawks and owls. The numbers
+of these little creatures were truly surprising: their fecundity is so
+great, and their food so abundant, that, were they not preyed upon by
+many other animals, and destroyed in great numbers by man, they would
+become exceedingly troublesome. There are various species of them, all
+bearing a very considerable resemblance to each other, and having, to an
+incidental observer, much of the appearance of the domestic mouse.
+Slight attention, however, is requisite to perceive very striking
+differences, and the discrimination of these will prove a source of
+considerable gratification to the inquirer. The nests are very nicely
+made, and look much like a bird's nest, being lined with soft materials,
+and usually placed in some snug little hollow, or at the root of a
+strong tuft of grass. Upon the grass roots and seeds these nibblers
+principally feed; and, where very abundant, the effects of their hunger
+may be seen in the brown and withered aspect of the grass they have
+injured at the root. But, under ordinary circumstances, the hawks, owls,
+domestic cat, weasels, crows, etc. keep them in such limits, as prevent
+them from doing essential damage.
+
+I had just observed another and a smaller grassy covered way, where the
+mowers had passed along, when my attention was called towards a wagon at
+a short distance, which was receiving its load. Shouts and laughter,
+accompanied by a general running and scrambling of the people, indicated
+that some rare sport was going forward. When I approached, I found that
+the object of chase was a jumping mouse, whose actions it was truly
+delightful to witness. When not closely pressed by its pursuers, it ran
+with some rapidity, in the usual manner, as if seeking concealment. But
+in a moment it would vault into the air, and skim along for ten or
+twelve feet, looking more like a bird than a little quadruped. After
+continuing this for some time, and nearly exhausting its pursuers with
+running and falling over each other, the frightened creature was
+accidentally struck down by one of the workmen, during one of its
+beautiful leaps, and killed. As the hunters saw nothing worthy of
+attention in the dead body of the animal, they very willingly resigned
+it to me; and with great satisfaction I retreated to a willow shade, to
+read what nature had written in its form for my instruction. The general
+appearance was mouse-like; but the length and slenderness of the body,
+the shortness of its fore-limbs, and the disproportionate length of its
+hind-limbs, together with the peculiarity of its tail, all indicated its
+adaptation to the peculiar kind of action I had just witnessed. A sight
+of this little creature vaulting or bounding through the air, strongly
+reminded me of what I had read of the great kangaroo of New Holland; and
+I could not help regarding our little jumper as in some respects a sort
+of miniature resemblance of that curious animal. It was not evident,
+however, that the jumping mouse derived the aid from its tail, which so
+powerfully assists the kangaroo. Though long, and sufficiently stout in
+proportion, it had none of the robust muscularity which, in the New
+Holland animal, impels the lower part of the body immediately upward. In
+this mouse, the leap is principally, if not entirely, effected by a
+sudden and violent extension of the long hind-limbs, the muscles of
+which are strong, and admirably suited to their object. We have heard
+that these little animals feed on the roots, etc. of the green herbage,
+and that they are every season to be found in the meadows. It may
+perhaps puzzle some to imagine how they subsist through the severities
+of winter, when vegetation is at rest, and the earth generally frozen.
+Here we find another occasion to admire the all-perfect designs of the
+awful Author of nature, who has endowed a great number of animals with
+the faculty of retiring into the earth, and passing whole months in a
+state of repose so complete, as to allow all the functions of the body
+to be suspended, until the returning warmth of the spring calls them
+forth to renewed activity and enjoyment. The jumping mouse, when the
+chill weather begins to draw nigh, digs down about six or eight inches
+into the soil, and there forms a little globular cell, as much larger
+than his own body as will allow a sufficient covering of fine grass to
+be introduced. This being obtained, he contrives to coil up his body and
+limbs in the centre of the soft dry grass, so as to form a complete
+ball; and so compact is this, that, when taken out with the torpid
+animal, it may be rolled across a floor without injury. In this snug
+cell, which is soon filled up and closed externally, the jumping mouse
+securely abides through all the frosts and storms of winter, needing
+neither food nor fuel, being utterly quiescent, and apparently dead,
+though susceptible at any time of reanimation, by being very gradually
+stimulated by light and heat.
+
+The little burrow under examination, when called to observe the jumping
+mouse, proved to be made by the merry musicians of the meadows, the
+field-crickets, _acheta campestris_. These lively black crickets are
+very numerous, and contribute very largely to that general song which is
+so delightful to the ear of the true lover of nature, as it rises on the
+air from myriads of happy creatures rejoicing amid the bounties
+conferred on them by Providence. It is not _a voice_ that the crickets
+utter, but a regular vibration of musical chords, produced by nibbing
+the nervures of the elytra against a sort of network intended to produce
+the vibrations. The reader will find an excellent description of the
+apparatus in Kirby and Spence's book, but he may enjoy a much more
+satisfactory comprehension of the whole, by visiting the field-cricket
+in his summer residence, see him tuning his viol, and awakening the
+echoes with his music. By such an examination as may be there obtained,
+he may derive more knowledge than by frequent perusal of the most
+eloquent writings, and perhaps observe circumstances which the learned
+authors are utterly ignorant of.
+
+Among the great variety of burrows formed in the grass, or under the
+surface of the soil, by various animals and insects, there is one that I
+have often anxiously and, as yet, fruitlessly explored. This burrow is
+formed by the smallest quadruped animal known to man, the minute
+_shrew_, which, when full grown, rarely exceeds the weight of
+_thirty-six grains_. I had seen specimens of this very interesting
+creature in the museum, and had been taught, by a more experienced
+friend, to distinguish its burrow, which I have often perseveringly
+traced, with the hope of finding the living animal, but in vain. On one
+occasion, I patiently pursued a burrow nearly round a large barn,
+opening it all the way. I followed it under the barn floor, which was
+sufficiently high to allow me to crawl beneath. There I traced it about
+to a tiresome extent, and was at length rewarded by discovering where it
+terminated, under a foundation-stone, perfectly safe from my attempts.
+Most probably a whole family of them were then present, and I had my
+labour for my pains. As these little creatures are nocturnal, and are
+rarely seen, from the nature of the places they frequent, the most
+probable mode of taking them alive would be, by placing a small
+mouse-trap in their way, baited with a little tainted or slightly
+spoiled meat. If a common mouse-trap be used, it is necessary to work it
+over with additional wire, as this shrew could pass between the bars
+even of a close mouse-trap. They are sometimes killed by cats, and thus
+obtained, as the cat never eats them, perhaps on account of their rank
+smell, owing to a peculiar glandular apparatus on each side, that pours
+out a powerfully odorous greasy substance. The species of the shrew
+genus are not all so exceedingly diminutive, as some of them are even
+larger than a common mouse. They have their teeth coloured at the tips
+in a remarkable manner; it is generally of a pitchy brown, or dark
+chestnut hue, and, like the colouring of the teeth in the beaver and
+other animals, is owing to the enamel being thus formed, and not to any
+mere accident of diet. The shrews are most common about stables and
+cow-houses; and there, should I ever take the field again, my traps
+shall be set, as my desire to have one of these little quadrupeds is
+still as great as ever.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. V.
+
+
+Hitherto my rambles have been confined to the neighbourhood of a single
+spot, with a view of showing how perfectly accessible to all, are
+numerous and various interesting natural objects. This habit of
+observing in the manner indicated, began many years anterior to my visit
+to the spots heretofore mentioned, and have extended through many parts
+of our own and another country. Henceforward my observations shall be
+presented without reference to particular places, or even of one place
+exclusively, but with a view to illustrate whatever may be the subject
+of description, by giving all I have observed of it under various
+circumstances.
+
+A certain time of my life was spent in that part of Anne Arundel county,
+Md. which is washed by the river Patapsco on the north, the great
+Chesapeake bay on the west, and the Severn river on the south. It is in
+every direction cut up by creeks, or arms of the rivers and bay, into
+long, flat strips of land, called necks, the greater part of which is
+covered by dense pine-forests, or thickets of small shrubs and saplings,
+rendered impervious to human footsteps by the growth of vines, whose
+inextricable mazes nothing but a fox, wild-cat, or weasel could thread.
+The soil cleared for cultivation is very generally poor, light, and
+sandy, though readily susceptible of improvement, and yielding a
+considerable produce in Indian corn and most of the early garden
+vegetables, by the raising of which for the Baltimore market the
+inhabitants obtain all their ready money. The blight of slavery has long
+extended its influence over this region, where all its usual effects are
+but too obviously visible. The white inhabitants are few in number,
+widely distant from each other; and manifest, in their mismanagement and
+half-indigent circumstances, how trifling an advantage they derive from
+the thraldom of their dozen or more of sturdy blacks, of different sexes
+and ages. The number of marshes formed at the heads of the creeks,
+render this country frightfully unhealthy in autumn, at which time the
+life of a resident physician is one of incessant toil and severe
+privation. Riding from morning till night, to get round to visit a few
+patients, his road leads generally through pine-forests, whose aged and
+lofty trees, encircled by a dense undergrowth, impart an air of sombre
+and unbroken solitude. Rarely or never does he encounter a white person
+on his way, and only once in a while will he see a miserably tattered
+negro, seated on a sack of corn, carried by a starveling horse or mule,
+which seems poorly able to bear the weight to the nearest mill. The
+red-head wood-pecker and the flicker, or yellow-hammer, a kindred
+species, occasionally glance across his path; sometimes, when he turns
+his horse to drink at the dark-coloured branch (as such streams are
+locally called), he disturbs a solitary rufous-thrush engaged in
+washing its plumes; or, as he moves steadily along, he is slightly
+startled by a sudden appearance of the towhe bunting close to the side
+of the path. Except these creatures, and these by no means frequently
+seen, he rarely meets with animated objects: at a distance the harsh
+voice of the crow is often heard, or flocks of them are observed in the
+cleared fields, while now and then the buzzard, or turkey-vulture, may
+be seen wheeling in graceful circles in the higher regions of the air,
+sustained by his broadly-expanded wings, which apparently remain in a
+state of permanent and motionless extension. At other seasons of the
+year, the physician must be content to live in the most positive
+seclusion: the white people are all busily employed in going to and from
+market, and even were they at home, they are poorly suited for
+companionship. I here spent month after month, and, except the patients
+I visited, saw no one but the blacks: the house in which I boarded was
+kept by a widower, who, with myself, was the only white man within the
+distance of a mile or two. My only compensation was this--the house was
+pleasantly situated on the bank of Curtis's creek, a considerable arm of
+the Patapsco, which extended for a mile or two beyond us, and
+immediately in front of the door expanded so as to form a beautiful
+little bay. Of books I possessed very few, and those exclusively
+professional; but in this beautiful expanse of sparkling water, I had a
+book opened before me which a life-time would scarcely suffice me to
+read through. With the advantage of a small but neatly made and easily
+manageable skiff, I was always independent of the service of the blacks,
+which was ever repugnant to my feelings and principles. I could convey
+myself in whatever direction objects of inquiry might present, and as my
+little bark was visible for a mile in either direction from the house, a
+handkerchief waved, or the loud shout of a negro, was sufficient to
+recall me, in case my services were required.
+
+During the spring months, and while the garden vegetables are yet too
+young to need a great deal of attention, the proprietors frequently
+employ their blacks in hauling the seine; and this in these creeks is
+productive of an ample supply of yellow perch, which affords a very
+valuable addition to the diet of all. The blacks in an especial manner
+profit by this period of plenty, since they are permitted to eat of them
+without restraint, which cannot be said of any other sort of provision
+allowed them. Even the pigs and crows obtain their share of the
+abundance, as the fishermen, after picking out the best fish, throw the
+smaller ones on the beach. But as the summer months approach, the
+aquatic grass begins to grow, and this fishing can no longer be
+continued, because the grass rolls the seine up in a wisp, so that it
+can contain nothing. At this time the spawning season of the different
+species of sun-fish begins, and to me this was a time of much
+gratification. Along the edge of the river, where the depth of water was
+not greater than from four feet to as shallow as twelve inches, an
+observer would discover a succession of circular spots cleared of the
+surrounding grass, and showing a clear sandy bed. These spots, or
+cleared spaces, we may regard as the nest of this beautiful fish. There,
+balanced in the transparent wave, at the distance of six or eight inches
+from the bottom, the sun-fish is suspended in the glittering sunshine,
+gently swaying its beautiful tail and fins; or, wheeling around in the
+limits of its little circle, appears to be engaged in keeping it clear
+of all incumbrances. Here the mother deposits her eggs or spawn, and
+never did hen guard her callow brood with more eager vigilance, than the
+sun-fish the little circle within which her promised offspring are
+deposited. If another individual approach too closely to her borders,
+with a fierce and angry air she darts against it, and forces it to
+retreat. Should any small and not too heavy object be dropped in the
+nest, it is examined with jealous attention, and displaced if the owner
+be not satisfied of its harmlessness. At the approach of man she flies
+with great velocity into deep water, as if willing to conceal that her
+presence was more than accidental where first seen. She may, after a few
+minutes, be seen cautiously venturing to return, which is at length done
+with volocity; then she would take a hurried turn or two around, and
+scud back again to the shady bowers formed by the river grass, which
+grows up from the bottom to within a few feet of the surface, and
+attains to twelve, fifteen, or more feet in length. Again she ventures
+forth from the depths; and, if no farther cause of fear presented, would
+gently sail into the placid circle of her home, and with obvious
+satisfaction explore it in every part.
+
+Besides the absolute pleasure I derived from visiting the habitations of
+these glittering tenants of the river, hanging over them from my little
+skiff, and watching their every action, they frequently furnished me
+with a very acceptable addition to my frugal table. Situated as my
+boarding-house was, and all the inmates of the house busily occupied in
+raising vegetables to be sent to market, our bill of fare offered little
+other change than could be produced by varying the mode of cookery. It
+was either broiled bacon and potatoes, or fried bacon and potatoes, or
+cold bacon and potatoes, and so on at least six days out of seven. But,
+as soon as I became acquainted with the habits of the sun-fish, I
+procured a neat circular iron hoop for a net, secured to it a piece of
+an old seine, and whenever I desired to dine on _fresh_ fish, it was
+only necessary to take my skiff, and push her gently along from one
+sun-fish nest to another, myriads of which might be seen along all the
+shore. The fish, of course, darted off as soon as the boat first drew
+near, and during this absence the net was placed so as to cover the
+nest, of the bottom of which the meshes but slightly intercepted the
+view. Finding all things quiet, and not being disturbed by the net, the
+fish would resume its central station, the net was suddenly raised, and
+the captive placed in the boat. In a quarter of an hour, I could
+generally take as many in this way as would serve two men for dinner;
+and when an acquaintance accidentally called to see me, during the
+season of sun-fish, it was always in my power to lessen our dependence
+on the endless bacon. I could also always select the finest and largest
+of these fish, as, while standing up in the boat, one could see a
+considerable number at once, and thus choose the best. Such was their
+abundance, that the next day would find all the nests reoccupied.
+Another circumstance connected with this matter gave me no small
+satisfaction: the poor blacks, who could rarely get time for angling,
+soon learned how to use my net with dexterity; and thus, in the ordinary
+time allowed them for dinner, would borrow it, run down to the shore,
+and catch some fish to add to their very moderate allowance.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. VI.
+
+
+After the sun-fish, as regular annual visitants of the small rivers
+and creeks containing salt or brackish water, came the crabs,
+in vast abundance, though for a very different purpose. These
+singularly-constructed and interesting beings furnished me with another
+excellent subject for observation; and, during the period of their
+visitation, my skiff was in daily requisition. Floating along with an
+almost imperceptible motion, a person looking from the shore might have
+supposed her entirely adrift; for, as I was stretched at full length
+across the seats, in order to bring my sight as close to the water as
+possible without inconvenience, no one would have observed my presence
+from a little distance. The crabs belong to a very extensive tribe of
+beings which carry their _skeletons_ on the _outside_ of their bodies,
+instead of within; and, of necessity, the fleshy, muscular, or moving
+power of the body is placed in a situation the reverse of what occurs in
+animals of a higher order, which have internal skeletons or solid frames
+to their systems. This peculiarity of the crustaceous animals, and
+various other beings, is attended with one apparent inconvenience--when
+they have grown large enough to fill their shell or skeleton completely,
+they cannot grow farther, because the skeleton, being external, is
+incapable of enlargement. To obviate this difficulty, the Author of
+nature has endowed them with the power of casting off the entire shell,
+increasing in size, and forming another equally hard and perfect, for
+several seasons successively, until the greatest or maximum size is
+attained, when the change or sloughing ceases to be necessary, though it
+is not always discontinued on that account. To undergo this change with
+greater ease and security, the crabs seek retired and peaceful waters,
+such as the beautiful creek I have been speaking of, whose clear, sandy
+shores are rarely disturbed by waves causing more than a pleasing
+murmur, and where the number of enemies must be far less, in proportion,
+than in the boisterous waters of the Chesapeake, their great place of
+concourse. From the first day of their arrival, in the latter part of
+June, until the time of their departure, which in this creek occurred
+towards the first of August, it was astonishing to witness the vast
+multitudes which flocked towards the head of the stream.
+
+It is not until they have been for some time in the creek, that the
+moult or sloughing generally commences. They may be then observed
+gradually coming closer in shore, to where the sand is fine, fairly
+exposed to the sun, and a short distance farther out than the lowest
+water-mark, as they must always have at least a depth of three or four
+inches water upon them.
+
+The individual having selected his place, becomes perfectly quiescent,
+and no change is observed, during some hours, but a sort of swelling
+along the edges of the great upper shell at its back part. After a time,
+this posterior edge of the shell becomes fairly disengaged, like the lid
+of a chest, and now the more difficult work of withdrawing the great
+claws from their cases, which every one recollects to be vastly larger
+at their extremities and between the joints than the joints themselves.
+A still greater apparent difficulty presents in the shedding of the sort
+of tendon which is placed within the muscles. Nevertheless, the Author
+of nature has adapted them to the accomplishment of all this. The
+disproportionate sized claws undergo a peculiar softening, which enables
+the crab, by a very steadily continued, scarcely perceptible effort, to
+pull them out of their shells, and the business is completed by the
+separation of the complex parts about the mouth and eyes. The crab now
+slips out from the slough, settling near it on the sand. It is now
+covered by a soft, perfectly flexible skin; and, though possessing
+precisely the same form as before, seems incapable of the slightest
+exertion. Notwithstanding that such is its condition, while you are
+gazing on this helpless creature, it is sinking in the fine loose sand,
+and in a short time is covered up sufficiently to escape the observation
+of careless or inexperienced observers. Neither can one say how this is
+effected, although it occurs under their immediate observation; the
+motions employed to produce the displacement of the sand are too slight
+to be appreciated, though it is most probably owing to a gradual lateral
+motion of the body, by which the sand is displaced in the centre
+beneath, and thus gradually forced up at the sides until it falls over
+and covers the crab. Examine him within twelve hours, and you will find
+the skin becoming about as hard as fine writing-paper, producing a
+similar crackling if compressed; twelve hours later, the shell is
+sufficiently stiffened to require some slight force to bend it, and the
+crab is said to be in _buckram_, as in the first stage it was in
+_paper_. It is still helpless, and offers no resistance; but, at the end
+of thirty-six hours, it shows that its natural instincts are in action,
+and, by the time forty-eight hours have elapsed, the crab is restored to
+the exercise of all his functions. I have stated the above as the
+periods in which the stages of the moult are accomplished, but I have
+often observed that the rapidity of this process is very much dependent
+upon the temperature, and especially upon sunshine. A cold, cloudy, raw,
+and disagreeable spell happening at this period, though by no means
+common, will retard the operation considerably, protracting the period
+of helplessness. This is the harvest season of the white fisherman and
+of the poor slave. The laziest of the former are now in full activity,
+wading along the shore from morning till night, dragging a small boat
+after them, and holding in the other hand a forked stick, with which
+they raise the crabs from the sand. The period during which the crabs
+remain in the paper state is so short, that great activity is required
+to gather a sufficient number to take to market, but the price at which
+they are sold is sufficient to awaken all the cupidity of the crabbers.
+Two dollars a dozen is by no means an uncommon price for them, when the
+season first comes on: they subsequently come down to a dollar, and even
+to fifty cents, at any of which rates the trouble of collecting them is
+well paid. The slaves search for them at night, and then are obliged to
+kindle a fire of pine-knots on the bow of the boat, which strongly
+illuminates the surrounding water, and enables them to discover the
+crabs. Soft crabs are, with great propriety, regarded as an exquisite
+treat by those who are fond of such eating; and though many persons are
+unable to use crabs or lobsters in any form, there are few who taste of
+the soft crabs without being willing to recur to them. As an article of
+luxury, they are scarcely known north of the Chesapeake, though there is
+nothing to prevent them from being used to a considerable extent in
+Philadelphia, especially since the opening of the Chesapeake and
+Delaware canal. During the last summer, I had the finest soft crabs from
+Baltimore. They arrived at the market in the afternoon, were fried
+according to rule, and placed in a tin butter-kettle, then covered for
+an inch or two with melted lard, and put on board the steam-boat which
+left Baltimore at five o'clock the same afternoon. The next morning
+before ten o'clock they were in Philadelphia, and at one they were
+served up at dinner in Germantown. The only difficulty in the way is
+that of having persons to attend to their procuring and transmission,
+as, when cooked directly after they arrive at market, and forwarded with
+as little delay as above mentioned, there is no danger of their being
+the least injured.
+
+At other seasons, when the crabs did not come close to the shore, I
+derived much amusement by taking them in the deep water. This is always
+easily effected by the aid of proper bait: a leg of chicken, piece of
+any raw meat, or a salted or spoiled herring, tied to a twine string of
+sufficient length, and a hand net of convenient size, is all that is
+necessary. You throw out your line and bait, or you fix as many lines to
+your boat as you please, and in a short time you see, by the
+straightening of the line, that the bait has been seized by a crab, who
+is trying to make off with it. You then place your net where it can
+conveniently be picked up, and commence steadily but gently to draw in
+your line, until you have brought the crab sufficiently near the surface
+to distinguish him: if you draw him nearer, he will see you, and
+immediately let go; otherwise, his greediness and voracity will make him
+cling to his prey to the last. Holding the line in the left hand, you
+now dip your net edge foremost into the water at some distance from the
+line, carry it down perpendicularly until it is five or six inches lower
+than the crab, and then with a sudden turn bring it directly before him,
+and lift up at the same time. Your prize is generally secured, if your
+net be at all properly placed; for, as soon as he is alarmed, he pushes
+directly downwards, and is received in the bag of the net. It is better
+to have a little water in the bottom of the boat, to throw them into, as
+they are easier emptied out of the net, always letting go when held
+over the water. This a good crabber never forgets, and should he
+unluckily be seized by a large crab, he holds him over the water, and is
+freed at once, though he loses his game. When not held over the water,
+they bite sometimes with dreadful obstinacy; and I have seen it
+necessary to crush the forceps or claws before one could be induced to
+let go the fingers of a boy. A poor black fellow also placed himself in
+an awkward situation--the crab seized him by a finger of his right hand,
+but he was unwilling to lose his captive by holding him over the water;
+instead of which, he attempted to secure the other claw with his left
+hand, while he tried to crush the biting claw between his teeth. In
+doing this, he somehow relaxed his left hand, and with the other claw
+the crab seized poor Jem by his under lip, which was by no means a thin
+one, and forced him to roar with pain. With some difficulty he was freed
+from his tormentor, but it was several days before he ceased to excite
+laughter, as the severe bite was followed by a swelling of the lip,
+which imparted a most ludicrous expression to a naturally comical
+countenance.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. VII.
+
+
+On the first arrival of the crabs, when they throng the shoals of the
+creeks in vast crowds, as heretofore mentioned, a very summary way of
+taking them is resorted to by the country people, and for a purpose that
+few would suspect, without having witnessed it. They use a three-pronged
+fork or gig, made for this sport, attached to a long handle; the
+crabber, standing up in the skiff, pushes it along until he is over a
+large collection of crabs, and then strikes his spear among them. By
+this several are transfixed at once, and lifted into the boat, and the
+operation is repeated until enough have been taken. The purpose to which
+they are to be applied is to feed the hogs, which very soon learn to
+collect in waiting upon the beach, when the crab spearing is going on.
+Although these bristly gentry appear to devour almost all sorts of food
+with great relish, it seemed to me that they regarded the crabs as a
+most luxurious banquet; and it was truly amusing to see the grunters,
+when the crabs were thrown on shore for them, and were scampering off in
+various directions, seizing them in spite of their threatening claws,
+holding them down with one foot, and speedily reducing them to a state
+of helplessness by breaking off their forceps. Such a crunching and
+cracking of the unfortunate crabs I never have witnessed since; and I
+might have commiserated them more, had not I known that death in some
+form or other was continually awaiting them, and that their devourers
+were all destined to meet their fate in a few months in the stye, and
+thence through the smoke-house to be placed upon our table. On the
+shores of the Chesapeake I have caught crabs in a way commonly employed
+by all those who are unprovided with boats and nets. This is to have a
+forked stick and a baited line, with which the crabber wades out as far
+as he thinks fit, and then throws out his line. As soon as he finds he
+has a bite, he draws the line in, cautiously lifting but a very little
+from the bottom. As soon as it is near enough to be fairly in reach, he
+quickly, yet with as little movement as possible, secures the crab by
+placing the forked stick across his body, and pressing him against the
+sand. He must then stoop down and take hold of the crab by the two
+posterior swimming legs, so as to avoid being seized by the claws.
+Should he not wish to carry each crab ashore as he catches it, he
+pinions or _spansels_ (as the fishermen call it) them. This is a very
+effectual mode of disabling them from using their biting claws, yet it
+is certainly not the most humane operation: it is done by taking the
+first of the sharp-pointed feet of each side, and forcing it in for the
+length of the joint behind the moveable joint or thumb of the opposite
+biting claw. The crabs are then strung upon a string or wythe, and
+allowed to hang in the water until the crabber desists from his
+occupations. In the previous article, crabs were spoken of as curious
+and interesting, and the reader may not consider the particulars thus
+far given as being particularly so. Perhaps, when he takes them
+altogether, he will agree that they have as much that is curious about
+their construction as almost any animal we have mentioned, and in the
+interesting details we have as yet made but a single step.
+
+The circumstance of the external skeleton has been mentioned; but who
+would expect an animal as low in the scale as a crab, to be furnished
+with ten or twelve pair of jaws to its mouth? Yet such is the fact; and
+all these variously-constructed pieces are provided with appropriate
+muscles, and move in a manner which can scarcely be explained, though it
+may be very readily comprehended when once observed in living nature.
+But, after all the complexity of the jaws, where would an inexperienced
+person look for their teeth?--surely not in the stomach?--nevertheless,
+such is their situation; and these are not mere appendages, that are
+called teeth by courtesy, but stout, regular grinding teeth, with a
+light brown surface. They are not only within the stomach, but fixed to
+a cartilage nearest to its lower extremity, so that the food, unlike
+that of other creatures, is submitted to the action of the teeth as it
+is passing _from_ the stomach, instead of being chewed before it is
+swallowed. In some species the teeth are five in number; but throughout
+this class of animals the same general principle of construction may be
+observed. Crabs and their kindred have no brain, because they are not
+required to reason upon what they observe: they have a nervous system
+excellently suited to their mode of life, and its knots or ganglia send
+out nerves to the organs of sense, digestion, motion, etc. The senses of
+these beings are very acute, especially their sight, hearing, and smell.
+Most of my readers have heard of crabs' eyes, or have seen these organs
+in the animal on the end of two little projecting knobs, above and on
+each side of the mouth: few of them, however, have seen the crab's ear;
+yet it is very easily found, and is a little triangular bump placed near
+the base of the feelers. This bump has a membrane stretched over it, and
+communicates with a small cavity, which is the internal ear. The _organ_
+of smell is not so easily demonstrated as that of hearing, though the
+evidence of their possessing the sense to an acute degree is readily
+attainable. A German naturalist inferred, from the fact of the nerve
+corresponding to the olfactory nerve in man being distributed to the
+antennae, in insects, that the antennae were the organs of smell in them.
+Cuvier and others suggest that a similar arrangement may exist in the
+crustacea. To satisfy myself whether it was so or not, I lately
+dissected a small lobster, and was delighted to find that the first pair
+of nerves actually went to the antennae, and gave positive support to the
+opinion mentioned. I state this, not to claim credit for ascertaining
+the truth or inaccuracies of a suggestion, but with a view of inviting
+the reader to do the same in all cases of doubt. Where it is possible
+to refer to _nature_ for the actual condition of facts, learned
+_authorities_ give me no uneasiness. If I find that the structure bears
+out their opinions, it is more satisfactory; when it convicts them of
+absurdity, it saves much fruitless reading, as well as the trouble of
+shaking off prejudices.
+
+The first time my attention was called to the extreme acuteness of sight
+possessed by these animals, was during a walk along the flats of Long
+Island, reaching towards Governor's Island, in New York, A vast number
+of the small land-crabs, called fiddlers by the boys (_gecarcinus_),
+occupy burrows or caves dug in the marshy soil, whence they come out and
+go for some distance, either in search of food or to sun themselves.
+Long before I approached close enough to see their forms with
+distinctness, they were scampering towards their holes, into which they
+plunged with a tolerable certainty of escape--these retreats being of
+considerable depth, and often communicating with each other, as well as
+nearly filled with water. On endeavouring cautiously to approach some
+others, it was quite amusing to observe their vigilance--to see them
+slowly change position, and, from lying extended in the sun, beginning
+to gather themselves up for a start, should it prove necessary: at
+length standing up, as it were, on tiptoe, and raising their
+pedunculated eyes as high as possible. One quick step on the part of the
+individual approaching was enough--away they would go, with a celerity
+which must appear surprising to any one who had not previously
+witnessed it. What is more remarkable, they possess the power of moving
+equally well with any part of the body foremost; so that, when
+endeavouring to escape, they will suddenly dart off to one side or the
+other, without turning round, and thus elude pursuit. My observations
+upon the crustaceous animals have extended through many years, and in
+very various situations; and for the sake of making the general view of
+their qualities more satisfactory, I will go on to state what I remarked
+of some of the genera and species in the West Indies, where they are
+exceedingly numerous and various. The greater proportion of the genera
+feed on animal matter, especially after decomposition has begun: a large
+number are exclusively confined to the deep waters, and approach the
+shoals and lands only during the spawning season. Many live in the sea,
+but daily pass many hours upon the rocky shores for the pleasure of
+basking in the sun; others live in marshy or moist ground, at a
+considerable distance from the water, and feed principally on vegetable
+food, especially the sugar-cane, of which they are extremely
+destructive. Others, again, reside habitually on the hills or mountains,
+and visit the sea only once a year, for the purpose of depositing their
+eggs in the sand. All those which reside in burrows made in moist
+ground, and those coming daily on the rocks to bask in the sun,
+participate in about an equal degree in the qualities of vigilance and
+swiftness. Many a breathless race have I run in vain, attempting to
+intercept them, and prevent their escaping into the sea. Many an hour of
+cautious and solicitous endeavour to steal upon them unobserved, has
+been frustrated by their long-sighted watchfulness; and several times,
+when, by extreme care and cunning approaches, I have actually succeeded
+in getting between a fine specimen and the sea, and had full hope of
+driving him farther inland, have all my anticipations been ruined by the
+wonderful swiftness of their flight, or the surprising facility with
+which they would dart off in the very opposite direction, at the very
+moment I felt almost sure of my prize. One day, in particular, I saw on
+a flat rock, which afforded a fine sunning place, the most beautiful
+crab I had ever beheld. It was of the largest size, and would have
+covered a large dinner-plate, most beautifully coloured with bright
+crimson below, and a variety of tints of blue, purple, and green above:
+it was just such a specimen as could not fail to excite all the
+solicitude of a collector to obtain. But it was not in the least
+deficient in the art of self-preservation: my most careful manoeuvres
+proved ineffectual, and all my efforts only enabled me to see enough of
+it to augment my regrets to a high degree. Subsequently, I saw a similar
+individual in the collection of a resident: this had been killed against
+the rocks during a violent hurricane, with very slight injury to its
+shell. I offered high rewards to the black people if they would bring me
+such a one, but the most expert among them seemed to think it an
+unpromising search, as they knew of no way of capturing them. If I had
+been supplied with some powder of nux vomica, with which to poison some
+meat, I _might_ have succeeded.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. VIII.
+
+
+The fleet running crab (_cypoda pugilator_), mentioned as living in
+burrows dug in a moist soil, and preying chiefly on the sugar-cane, is
+justly regarded as one of the most noxious pests that can infest a
+plantation. Their burrows extend to a great depth, and run in various
+directions; they are also, like those of our fiddlers, nearly full of
+muddy water, so that, when these marauders once plump into their dens,
+they may be considered as entirely beyond pursuit. Their numbers are so
+great, and they multiply in such numbers, as in some seasons to destroy
+a large proportion of a sugar crop; and sometimes their ravages,
+combined with those of the rats and other plunderers, are absolutely
+ruinous to the sea-side planters. I was shown, by the superintendant of
+a place thus infested, a great quantity of cane utterly killed by these
+creatures, which cut it off in a peculiar manner, in order to suck the
+juice; and he assured me that, during that season, the crop would be
+two-thirds less than its average, solely owing to the inroads of the
+crabs and rats, which, if possible, are still more numerous. It was to
+me an irresistible source of amusement to observe the air of spite and
+vexation with which he spoke of the crabs: the rats he could shoot,
+poison, or drive off for a time with dogs. But the crabs would not eat
+his poison, while sugar-cane was growing; the dogs could only chase them
+into their holes; and if, in helpless irritation, he sometimes fired his
+gun at a cluster of them, the shot only rattled over their shells like
+hail against a window. It is truly desirable that some summary mode of
+lessening their number could be devised, and it is probable that this
+will be best effected by poison, as it may be possible to obtain a bait
+sufficiently attractive to ensnare them. Species of this genus are found
+in various parts of our country, more especially towards the south.
+About Cape May, our friends may have excellent opportunities of testing
+the truth of what is said of their swiftness and vigilance.
+
+The land-crab, which is common to many of the West India Islands, is
+more generally known as the Jamaica crab, because it has been most
+frequently described from observation in that island. Wherever found,
+they have all the habit of living, during great part of the year, in the
+highlands, where they pass the day-time concealed in huts, cavities, and
+under stones, and come out at night for their food. They are remarkable
+for collecting in vast bodies, and marching annually to the sea-side, in
+order to deposit their eggs in the sand; and this accomplished, they
+return to their former abodes, if undisturbed. They commence their march
+in the night, and move in the most direct line towards the destined
+point. So obstinately do they pursue this route, that they will not turn
+out of it for any obstacle that can possibly be surmounted. During the
+day-time they skulk and lie hid as closely as possible, but thousands
+upon thousands of them are taken for the use of the table, by whites and
+blacks, as on their seaward march they are very fat, and of fine
+flavour. On the homeward journey, those that have escaped capture are
+weak, exhausted, and unfit for use. Before dismissing the crabs, I must
+mention one which was a source of much annoyance to me at first, and of
+considerable interest afterwards, from the observation of its habits. At
+that time I resided in a house delightfully situated about two hundred
+yards from the sea, fronting the setting sun, having in clear weather
+the lofty mountains of Porto Rico, distant about eighty miles, in view.
+Like most of the houses in the island, ours had seen better days, as was
+evident from various breaks in the floors, angles rotted off the doors,
+sunken sills, and other indications of decay. Our sleeping room, which
+was on the lower floor, was especially in this condition; but as the
+weather was delightfully warm, a few cracks and openings, though rather
+large, did not threaten much inconvenience. Our bed was provided with
+that indispensable accompaniment, a musquito bar or curtain, to which we
+were indebted for escape from various annoyances. Scarcely had we
+extinguished the light, and composed ourselves to rest, when we heard,
+in various parts of the room, the most startling noises. It appeared as
+if numerous hard and heavy bodies were trailed along the floor; then
+they sounded as if climbing up by the chairs and other furniture, and
+frequently something like a large stone would tumble down from such
+elevations, with a loud noise, followed by a peculiar chirping noise.
+What an effect this produced upon entirely inexperienced strangers, may
+well be imagined by those who have been suddenly waked up in the dark,
+by some unaccountable noise in the room. Finally, these invaders began
+to ascend the bed; but happily the musquito bar was securely tucked
+under the bed all around, and they were denied access, though their
+efforts and tumbles to the floor produced no very comfortable
+reflections. Towards day-light they began to retire, and in the morning
+no trace of any such visitants could be perceived. On mentioning our
+troubles, we were told that this nocturnal disturber was only Bernard
+the Hermit, called generally the soldier-crab, perhaps from the peculiar
+habit he has of protecting his body by thrusting it into any empty
+shell, which he afterwards carries about until he outgrows it, when it
+is relinquished for a larger. Not choosing to pass another night quite
+so noisily, due care was taken to exclude Monsieur Bernard, whose
+knockings were thenceforward confined to the outside of the house. I
+baited a large wire rat-trap with some corn-meal, and placed it outside
+of the back door, and in the morning found it literally half filled with
+these crabs, from the largest-sized shell that could enter the trap,
+down to such as were not larger than a hickory-nut. Here was a fine
+collection made at once, affording a very considerable variety in the
+size and age of the specimens, and the different shells into which they
+had introduced themselves.
+
+The soldier or hermit-crab, when withdrawn from his adopted shell,
+presents, about the head and claws, a considerable family resemblance to
+the lobster. The claws, however, are very short and broad, and the body
+covered with hard shell only in that part which is liable to be exposed
+or protruded. The posterior or abdominal part of the body is covered
+only by a tough skin, and tapers towards a small extremity, furnished
+with a sort of hook-like apparatus, enabling it to hold on to its
+factitious dwelling. Along the surface of its abdomen, as well as on the
+back, there are small projections, apparently intended for the same
+purpose. When once fairly in possession of a shell, it would be quite a
+difficult matter to pull the crab out, though a very little heat applied
+to the shell will quickly induce him to leave it. The shells they select
+are taken solely with reference to their suitableness, and hence you may
+catch a considerable number of the same species, each of which is in a
+different species or genus of shell. The shells commonly used by them,
+when of larger size, are those of the whilk, which are much used as an
+article of food by the islanders, or the smaller conch [strombus]
+shells. The very young hermit-crabs are found in almost every variety of
+small shell found on the shores of the Antilles. I have frequently been
+amused by ladies eagerly engaged in making collections of these
+beautiful little shells, and not dreaming of their being tenanted by a
+living animal, suddenly startled, on displaying their acquisitions, by
+observing them to be actively endeavouring to escape; or, on introducing
+the hand into the reticule to produce a particularly fine specimen, to
+receive a smart pinch from the claws of the little hermit. The instant
+the shell is closely approached or touched, they withdraw as deeply into
+the shell as possible, and the small ones readily escape observation,
+but they soon become impatient of captivity, and try to make off. The
+species of this genus (_pagurus_) are very numerous, and during the
+first part of their lives are all aquatic; that is, they are hatched in
+the little pools about the margin of the sea, and remain there until
+those that are destined to live on land are stout enough to commence
+their travels. The hermit-crabs, which are altogether aquatic, are by no
+means so careful to choose the lightest and thinnest shells, as the land
+troops. The aquatic soldiers may be seen towing along shells of the most
+disproportionate size; but their relatives, who travel over the hills by
+moonlight, know that all unnecessary incumbrance of weight should be
+avoided. They are as pugnacious and spiteful as any of the crustaceous
+class; and when taken, or when they fall and jar themselves
+considerably, utter a chirping noise, which is evidently an angry
+expression. They are ever ready to bite with their claws, and the pinch
+of the larger individuals is quite painful. It is said that, when they
+are changing their shells, for the sake of obtaining more commodious
+coverings, they frequently fight for possession, which may be true where
+two that have forsaken their old shells meet, or happen to make choice
+of the same vacant one. It is also said, that one crab is sometimes
+forced to give up the shell he is in, should a stronger chance to desire
+it. This, as I never saw it, I must continue to doubt; for I cannot
+imagine how the stronger could possibly accomplish his purpose, seeing
+that the occupant has nothing to do but keep close quarters. The invader
+would have no chance of seizing him to pull him out, nor could he do him
+any injury by biting upon the surface of his hard claws, the only part
+that would be exposed. If it be true that one can dispossess the other,
+it must be by some contrivance of which we are still ignorant. These
+soldier-crabs feed on a great variety of substances, scarcely refusing
+anything that is edible: like the family they belong to, they have a
+decided partiality for putrid meats, and the planters accuse them also
+of too great a fondness for the sugar-cane. Their excursions are
+altogether nocturnal: in the day-time they lie concealed very
+effectually in small holes, among stones, or any kind of rubbish, and
+are rarely taken notice of, even where hundreds are within a short
+distance of each other. The larger soldier-crabs are sometimes eaten by
+the blacks, but they are not much sought after even by them, as they are
+generally regarded with aversion and prejudice. There is no reason, that
+we are aware of, why they should not be as good as many other crabs, but
+they certainly are not equally esteemed.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. IX.
+
+
+Those who have only lived in forest countries, where vast tracts are
+shaded by a dense growth of oak, ash, chestnut, hickory, and other trees
+of deciduous foliage, which present the most pleasing varieties of
+verdure and freshness, can have but little idea of the effect produced
+on the feelings by aged forests of pine, composed in a great degree of a
+single species, whose towering summits are crowned with one dark green
+canopy, which successive seasons find unchanged, and nothing but death
+causes to vary. Their robust and gigantic trunks rise an hundred or more
+feet high, in purely proportioned columns, before the limbs begin to
+diverge; and their tops, densely clothed with long, bristling foliage,
+intermingle so closely as to allow of but slight entrance to the sun.
+Hence, the undergrowth of such forests is comparatively slight and thin,
+since none but shrubs, and plants that love the shade, can flourish
+under this perpetual exclusion of the animating and invigorating rays of
+the great exciter of the vegetable world. Through such forests, and by
+the merest foot-paths, in great part, it was my lot to pass many miles
+almost every day; and had I not endeavoured to derive some amusement and
+instruction from the study of the forest itself, my time would have been
+as fatiguing to me, as it was certainly quiet and solemn. But wherever
+nature is, and under whatever form she may present herself, enough is
+always proffered to fix attention and produce pleasure, if we will
+condescend to observe with carefulness. I soon found that even a
+pine-forest was far from being devoid of interest, and shall endeavour
+to prove this by stating the result of various observations made during
+the time I lived in this situation.
+
+The common pitch, or, as it is generally called, Norway pine, grows from
+a seed, which is matured in vast abundance in the large cones peculiar
+to the pines. This seed is of a rather triangular shape, thick and heavy
+at the part by which it grows from the cone, and terminating in a broad
+membranous fan or sail, which, when the seeds are shaken out by the
+wind, enables them to sail obliquely through the air to great distances.
+Should an old corn-field, or other piece of ground, be thrown out of
+cultivation for more than one season, it is sown with pine-seeds by the
+winds, and the young pines shoot up as closely and compactly as hemp.
+They continue to grow in this manner until they become twelve or fifteen
+feet high, until their roots begin to encroach on each other, or until
+the stoutest and best rooted begin to overtop so as entirely to shade
+the smaller. These gradually begin to fail, and finally dry up and
+perish, and a similar process is continued until the best trees acquire
+room enough to grow without impediment. Even when the young pines have
+attained to thirty or forty feet in height, and are as thick as a man's
+thigh, they stand so closely together that their lower branches, which
+are all dry and dead, are intermingled sufficiently to prevent any one
+from passing between the trees, without first breaking these
+obstructions away. I have seen such a wood as that just mentioned,
+covering an old corn-field, whose ridges were still distinctly to be
+traced, and which an old resident informed me he had seen growing in
+corn. In a part of this wood, which was not far from my dwelling, I had
+a delightful retreat, that served me as a private study or closet,
+though enjoying all the advantages of the open air. A road that had once
+passed through the field, and was of course more compacted than any
+other part, had denied access to the pine-seeds for a certain distance,
+while on each side of it they grew with their usual density. The ground
+was covered with the soft layer or carpet of dried pine leaves which
+gradually and imperceptibly fall throughout the year, making a most
+pleasant surface to tread on, and rendering the step perfectly
+noiseless. By beating off with a stick all the dried branches that
+projected towards the vacant space, I formed a sort of chamber, fifteen
+or twenty feet long, which above was canopied by the densely-mingled
+branches of the adjacent trees, which altogether excluded or scattered
+the rays of the sun, and on all sides was so shut in by the trunks of
+the young trees, as to prevent all observation. Hither, during the hot
+season, I was accustomed to retire for the purpose of reading or
+meditation; and within this deeper solitude, where all was solitary,
+very many of the subsequent movements of my life were suggested or
+devised.
+
+From all I could observe, and all the inquiries I could get answered, it
+appeared that this rapidly-growing tree does not attain its full growth
+until it is eighty or ninety years old, nor does its time of full health
+and vigour much exceed an hundred. Before this time it is liable to the
+attacks of insects, but these are of a kind that bore the tender spring
+shoots to deposit their eggs therein, and their larvae appear to live
+principally on the sap, which is very abundant, so that the tree is but
+slightly injured. But after the pine has attained its acme, it is
+attacked by an insect which deposits its egg in the body of the tree,
+and the larva devours its way through the solid substance of the timber;
+so that, after a pine has been for one or two seasons subjected to these
+depredators, it will be fairly riddled, and, if cut down, is unfit for
+any other purpose than burning. Indeed, if delayed too long, it is
+poorly fit for firewood, so thoroughly do these insects destroy its
+substance. At the same time that one set of insects is engaged in
+destroying the body, myriads of others are at work under the bark,
+destroying the sap vessels, and the foliage wears a more and more pale
+and sickly appearance as the tree declines in vigour. If not cut down,
+it eventually dies, becomes leafless, stripped of its bark, and, as the
+decay advances, all the smaller branches are broken off; and it stands
+with its naked trunk and a few ragged limbs, as if bidding defiance to
+the tempest which howls around its head. Under favourable circumstances,
+a large trunk will stand in this condition for nearly a century, so
+extensive and powerful are its roots, so firm and stubborn the original
+knitting of its giant frame. At length some storm, more furious than all
+its predecessors, wrenches those ponderous roots from the soil, and
+hurls the helpless carcass to the earth, crushing all before it in its
+fall. Without the aid of fire, or some peculiarity of situation
+favourable to rapid decomposition, full another hundred years will be
+requisite to reduce it to its elements, and obliterate the traces of its
+existence. Indeed, long after the lapse of more than that period, we
+find the heart of the pitch-pine still preserving its original form,
+and, from being thoroughly imbued with turpentine, become utterly
+indestructible except by fire.
+
+If the proprietor attend to the warnings afforded by the wood-pecker, he
+may always cut his pines in time to prevent them from being injured by
+insects. The wood-peckers run up and around the trunks, tapping from
+time to time with their powerful bill. The bird knows at once by the
+sound whether there be insects below or not. If the tree is sound, the
+wood-pecker soon forsakes it for another; should he begin to break into
+the bark, it is to catch the worm; and such trees are at once to be
+marked for the axe. In felling such pines, I found the woodmen always
+anxious to avoid letting them strike against neighbouring sound trees,
+as they said that the insects more readily attacked an injured tree than
+one whose bark was unbroken. The observation is most probably correct;
+at least the experience of country folks in such matters is rarely
+wrong, though they sometimes give very odd reasons for the processes
+they adopt.
+
+A full-grown pine-forest is at all times a grand and majestic object to
+one accustomed to moving through it. Those vast and towering columns,
+sustaining a waving crown of deepest verdure; those robust and rugged
+limbs standing forth at a vast height overhead, loaded with the cones of
+various seasons; and the diminutiveness of all surrounding objects
+compared with these gigantic children of nature, cannot but inspire
+ideas of seriousness, and even of melancholy. But how awful and even
+tremendous does such a situation become, when we hear the first wailings
+of the gathering storm, as it stoops upon the lofty summits of the pine,
+and soon increases to a deep hoarse roaring, as the boughs begin to wave
+in the blast, and the whole tree is forced to sway before its power. In
+a short time the fury of the wind is at its height, the loftiest trees
+bend suddenly before it, and scarce regain their upright position ere
+they are again obliged to cower beneath its violence. Then the tempest
+literally howls, and amid the tremendous reverberations of thunder, and
+the blazing glare of the lightning, the unfortunate wanderer hears
+around him the crash of numerous trees hurled down by the storm, and
+knows not but the next may be precipitated upon him. More than once have
+I witnessed all the grandeur, dread, and desolation of such a scene, and
+have always found safety either by seeking as quickly as possible a spot
+where there were none but young trees, or, if on a main road, choosing
+the most open and exposed situation out of the reach of the large trees.
+There, seated on my horse, who seemed to understand the propriety of
+such patience, I would quietly remain, however thoroughly drenched,
+until the fury of the wind was completely over. To say nothing of the
+danger from falling trees, the peril of being struck by the lightning,
+which so frequently shivers the loftiest of them, is so great as to
+render any attempt to advance at such time highly imprudent.
+
+Like the ox among animals, the pine-tree may be looked upon as one of
+the most universally useful of the sons of the forest. For all sorts of
+building, for firewood, tar, turpentine, rosin, lamp-black, and a vast
+variety of other useful products, this tree is invaluable to man. Nor is
+it a pleasing contemplation, to one who knows its usefulness, to observe
+to how vast an amount it is annually destroyed in this country, beyond
+the proportion that nature can possibly supply. However, we are not
+disposed to believe that this evil will ever be productive of very great
+injury, especially as coal fuel is becoming annually more extensively
+used. Nevertheless, were I the owner of a pine-forest, I should exercise
+a considerable degree of care in the selection of the wood for the axe.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. X.
+
+
+Among the enemies with which the farmers of a poor or light soil have to
+contend, I know of none so truly formidable and injurious as the crows,
+whose numbers, cunning, and audacity can scarcely be appreciated, except
+by those who have had long-continued and numerous opportunities of
+observation. Possessed of the most acute senses, and endowed by nature
+with a considerable share of reasoning power, these birds bid defiance
+to almost all the contrivances resorted to for their destruction; and
+when their numbers have accumulated to vast multitudes, which annually
+occurs, it is scarcely possible to estimate the destruction they are
+capable of effecting. Placed in a situation where every object was
+subjected to close observation, as a source of amusement, it is not
+surprising that my attention should be drawn to so conspicuous an object
+as the crow; and having once commenced remarking the peculiarities of
+this bird, I continued to bestow attention upon it during many years, in
+whatever situation it was met with. The thickly-wooded and well-watered
+parts of the State of Maryland, as affording them a great abundance of
+food, and almost entire security during their breeding season, are
+especially infested by these troublesome creatures, so that at some
+times of the year they are collected in numbers which would appear
+incredible to any one unaccustomed to witness their accumulations.
+
+Individually, the common crow (_corvus corona_) may be compared in
+character with the brown or Norway rat, being, like that quadruped,
+addicted to all sorts of mischief, destroying the lives of any small
+creatures that may fall in its way, plundering with audacity wherever
+anything is exposed to its rapaciousness, and triumphing by its cunning
+over the usual artifices employed for the destruction of ordinary
+noxious animals. Where food is at any time scarce, or the opportunity
+for such marauding inviting, there is scarcely a young animal about the
+farm-yards safe from the attacks of the crow. Young chickens, ducks,
+goslings, and even little pigs, when quite young and feeble, are carried
+off by them. They are not less eager to discover the nests of domestic
+fowls; and will sit very quietly in sight, at a convenient distance,
+until the hen leaves the nest, and then fly down and suck her eggs at
+leisure. But none of their tricks excited in me a greater interest, than
+the observation of their attempts to rob a hen of her chicks. The crow,
+alighting at a little distance from the hen, would advance in an
+apparently careless way towards the brood, when the vigilant parent
+would bristle up her feathers, and rush at the black rogue to drive him
+off. After several such approaches, the hen would become very angry, and
+would chase the crow to a greater distance from the brood. This is the
+very object the robber has in view, for, as long as the parent keeps
+near her young, the crow has very slight chance of success; but as soon
+as he can induce her to follow him to a little distance from the brood,
+he takes advantage of his wings, and, before she can regain her place,
+has flown over her, and seized one of her chickens. When the cock is
+present, there is still less danger from such an attack, for chanticleer
+shows all his vigilance and gallantry in protecting his tender
+offspring, though it frequently happens that the number of hens with
+broods renders it impossible for him to extend his care to all. When the
+crow tries to carry off a gosling from the mother, it requires more
+daring and skill, and is far less frequently successful than in the
+former instance. If the gander be in company, which he almost uniformly
+is, the crow has his labour in vain. Notwithstanding the advantages of
+flight and superior cunning, the honest vigilance and determined bravery
+of the former are too much for him. His attempts to approach, however
+cautiously conducted, are promptly met, and all his tricks rendered
+unavailing, by the fierce movements of the gander, whose powerful blows
+the crow seems to be well aware might effectually disable him. The first
+time I witnessed such a scene, I was at the side of the creek, and saw
+on the opposite shore a goose with her goslings, beset by a crow: from
+the apparent alarm of the mother and brood, it seemed to me they must be
+in great danger, and I called to the owner of the place, who happened to
+be in sight, to inform him of their situation. Instead of going to their
+relief, he shouted back to me, to ask if the gander was not there too;
+and as soon as he was answered in the affirmative, he bid me be under no
+uneasiness, as the crow would find his match. Nothing could exceed the
+cool impudence and pertinacity of the crow, who, perfectly regardless of
+my shouting, continued to worry the poor gander for an hour, by his
+efforts to obtain a nice gosling for his next meal. At length, convinced
+of the fruitlessness of his efforts, he flew off to seek some more
+easily procurable food. Several crows sometimes unite to plunder the
+goose of her young, and are then generally successful, because they are
+able to distract the attention of the parents, and lure them farther
+from their young.
+
+In the summer the crows disperse in pairs, for the purpose of raising
+their young, and then they select lofty trees in the remotest parts of
+the forest, upon which, with dry sticks and twigs, they build a large
+strong nest, and line it with softer materials. They lay four or five
+eggs, and, when they are hatched, feed, attend, and watch over their
+young with the most zealous devotion. Should any one by chance pass near
+the nest while the eggs are still unhatched, or the brood are very
+young, the parents keep close, and neither by the slightest movement nor
+noise betray their presence. But if the young are fledged, and beginning
+to take their first lessons in flying, the approach of a man, especially
+if armed with a gun, calls forth all their cunning and solicitude. The
+young are immediately placed in the securest place at hand, where the
+foliage is thickest, and remain perfectly motionless and quiet. Not so
+the alarmed parents, both of which fly nearer and nearer to the hunter,
+uttering the most discordant screams, with an occasional peculiar note,
+which seems intended to direct or warn their young. So close do they
+approach, and so clamorous are they as the hunter endeavours to get a
+good view of them on the tree, that he is almost uniformly persuaded the
+young crows are also concealed there; but he does not perceive, as he is
+cautiously trying to get within gun-shot, that they are moving from tree
+to tree, and at each remove are farther and farther from the place where
+the young are hid. After continuing this trick until it is impossible
+that the hunter can retain any idea of the situation of the young ones,
+the parents cease their distressing outcries, fly quietly to the most
+convenient lofty tree, and calmly watch the movements of their
+disturber. Now and then they utter a loud quick cry, which seems
+intended to bid their offspring lie close and keep quiet, and it is very
+generally the case that they escape all danger by their obedience. An
+experienced crow-killer watches eagerly for the tree where the crows
+first start from; and if this can be observed, he pays no attention to
+their clamours, nor pretence of throwing themselves in his way, as he is
+satisfied they are too vigilant to let him get a shot at them; and if he
+can see the young, he is tolerably sure of them all, because of their
+inability to fly or change place readily.
+
+The time of the year in which the farmers suffer most from them, is in
+the spring, before their enormous congregations disperse, and when they
+are rendered voracious by the scantiness of their winter fare. Woe
+betide the corn-field which is not closely watched, when the young grain
+begins to shoot above the soil! If not well guarded, a host of these
+marauders will settle upon it at the first light of the dawn, and before
+the sun has risen far above the horizon, will have plundered every shoot
+of the germinating seed, by first drawing it skilfully from the moist
+earth by the young stalk, and then swallowing the grain. The negligent
+or careless planter, who does not visit his fields before breakfast,
+finds, on his arrival, that he must either replant his corn, or
+relinquish hopes of a crop; and, without the exertion of due vigilance,
+he may be obliged to repeat this process twice or thrice the same
+season. Where the crows go to rob a field in this way, they place one or
+more sentinels, according to circumstances, in convenient places; and
+these are exceedingly vigilant, uttering a single warning call, which
+puts the whole to flight the instant there is the least appearance of
+danger or interruption. Having fixed their sentinels, they begin
+regularly at one part of the field, and pursuing the rows along, pulling
+up each shoot in succession, and biting off the corn at the root. The
+green shoots thus left along the rows, as if they had been arranged with
+care, offer a melancholy memorial of the work which has been effected by
+these cunning and destructive plunderers.
+
+Numerous experiments have been made, where the crows are thus
+injurious, to avert their ravages; and the method I shall now relate I
+have seen tried with the most gratifying success. In a large tub a
+portion of tar and grease were mixed, so as to render the tar
+sufficiently thin and soft, and to this was added a portion of slacked
+lime in powder, and the whole stirred until thoroughly incorporated. The
+seed-corn was then thrown in, and stirred with the mixture until each
+grain received a uniform coating. The corn was then dropped in the
+hills, and covered as usual. This treatment was found to retard the
+germination about three days, as the mixture greatly excludes moisture
+from the grain. But the crows did no injury to the field: they pulled up
+a small quantity in different parts of the planting, to satisfy
+themselves it was all alike; upon becoming convinced of which, they
+quietly left it for some less carefully managed grounds, where pains had
+not been taken to make all the corn so nauseous and bitter.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. XI.
+
+
+It rarely happens that any of the works of nature are wholly productive
+of evil; and even the crows, troublesome as they are, contribute in a
+small degree to the good of the district they frequent. Thus, though
+they destroy eggs and young poultry, plunder the corn-fields, and carry
+off whatever may serve for food, they also rid the surface of the earth
+of a considerable quantity of carrion, and a vast multitude of insects
+and their destructive larvae. The crows are very usefully employed when
+they alight upon newly-ploughed fields, and pick up great numbers of
+those large and long-lived worms which are so destructive to the roots
+of all growing vegetables; and they are scarcely less so when they
+follow the seine-haulers along the shores, and pick up the small fishes,
+which would otherwise be left to putrefy, and load the air with
+unpleasant vapours. Nevertheless, they become far more numerous in some
+parts of the country than is at all necessary to the good of the
+inhabitants, and whoever would devise a method of lessening their
+numbers suddenly, would certainly be doing a service to the community.
+
+About a quarter of a mile above the house I lived in, on Curtis's creek,
+the shore was a sand-bank or bluff, twenty or thirty feet high, crowned
+with a dense young pine-forest to its very edge. Almost directly
+opposite, the shore was flat, and formed a point, extending, in the form
+of a broad sand-bar, for a considerable distance into the water; and,
+when the tide was low, this flat afforded a fine level space, to which
+nothing could approach in either direction without being easily seen. At
+a short distance from the water, a young swamp-wood of maple, gum, oaks,
+etc. extended back towards some higher ground. As the sun descended, and
+threw his last rays in one broad sheet of golden effulgence over the
+crystal mirror of the waters, innumerable companies of crows arrived
+daily, and settled on this point, for the purpose of drinking, picking
+up gravel, and uniting in one body prior to retiring for the night to
+their accustomed dormitory. The trees adjacent and all the shore would
+be literally blackened by these plumed marauders, while their increasing
+outcries, chattering, and screams, were almost deafening. It certainly
+seems that they derive great pleasure from their social habits; and I
+often amused myself by thinking the uninterrupted clatter which was kept
+up, as the different gangs united with the main body, was produced by
+the recital of the adventures they had encountered during their last
+marauding excursions. As the sun became entirely sunk below the horizon,
+the grand flock crossed to the sand-bluff on the opposite side, where
+they generally spent a few moments in picking up a farther supply of
+gravel, and then, arising in dense and ample column, they sought their
+habitual roost in the deep entanglements of the distant pines. This
+daily visit to the point, so near to my dwelling, and so accessible by
+means of the skiff, led me to hope that I should have considerable
+success in destroying them. Full of such anticipations, I loaded two
+guns, and proceeded in my boat to the expected place of action, previous
+to the arrival of the crows. My view was to have my boat somewhere about
+half-way between the two shores, and (as they never manifested much fear
+of boats) to take my chance of firing upon the main body as they were
+flying over my head to the opposite side of the river. Shortly after I
+had gained my station, the companies began to arrive, and everything
+went on as usual. But whether they suspected some mischief from seeing a
+boat so long stationary in their vicinity, or could see and distinguish
+the guns in the boat, I am unable to say: the fact was, however, that
+when they set out to fly over, they passed at an elevation which secured
+them from my artillery effectually, although, on ordinary occasions,
+they were in the habit of flying over me at a height of not more than
+twenty or thirty feet. I returned home without having had a shot, but
+resolved to try if I could not succeed better the next day. The same
+result followed the experiment, and when I fired at one gang, which it
+appeared possible to attain, the instant the gun was discharged the
+crows made a sort of halt, descended considerably, flying in circles,
+and screaming most vociferously, as if in contempt or derision. Had I
+been prepared for this, a few of them might have suffered for their
+bravado. But my second gun was in the bow of the boat, and before I
+could get to it the black gentry had risen to their former security.
+While we were sitting at tea that evening, a black came to inform me
+that a considerable flock of crows, which had arrived too late to join
+the great flock, had pitched in the young pines, not a great way from
+the house, and at a short distance from the road-side. We quickly had
+the guns in readiness, and I scarcely could restrain my impatience until
+it should be late enough and dark enough to give us a chance of success.
+Without thinking of anything but the great number of the crows, and
+their inability to fly to advantage in the night, my notions of the
+numbers we should bring home were extravagant enough, and I only
+regretted that we might be obliged to leave some behind. At length, led
+by the black boy, we sallied forth, and soon arrived in the vicinity of
+this temporary and unusual roost; and now the true character of the
+enterprise began to appear. We were to leave the road, and penetrate
+several hundred yards among the pines, whose proximity to each other,
+and the difficulty of moving between which, on account of the dead
+branches, has been heretofore stated. Next, we had to be careful not to
+alarm the crows before we were ready to act, and at the same time were
+to advance with cocked guns in our hands. The only way of moving
+forwards at all, I found to be that of turning my shoulders as much as
+possible to the dead branches, and breaking my way as gently as I could.
+At last we reached the trees upon which the crows were roosting; but as
+the foliage of the young pines was extremely dense, and the birds were
+full forty feet above the ground, it was out of the question to
+distinguish where the greatest number were situated. Selecting the trees
+which appeared by the greater darkness of their summits to be most
+heavily laden with our game, my companion and I pulled our triggers at
+the same moment. The report was followed by considerable outcries from
+the crows, by a heavy shower of pine twigs and leaves upon which the
+shot had taken effect, and a deafening roar, caused by the sudden rising
+on the wing of the alarmed sleepers. _One_ crow at length fell near me,
+which was wounded too badly to fly or retain his perch, and as the flock
+had gone entirely off, with this one crow did I return, rather
+crest-fallen, from my grand nocturnal expedition. This crow, however,
+afforded me instructive employment and amusement, during the next day,
+in the dissection of its nerves and organs of sense; and I know not that
+I ever derived more pleasure from any anatomical examination, than I did
+from the dissection of its internal ear. The extent and convolutions of
+its semi-circular canals show how highly the sense of hearing is
+perfected in these creatures; and those who wish to be convinced of the
+truth of what we have stated in relation to them, may still see this
+identical crow skull in the Baltimore Museum, to which I presented it
+after finishing the dissection. At least, I saw it there a year or two
+since; though I little thought, when employed in examining, or even when
+I last saw it, that it would ever be the subject of such a reference,
+"in a printed book."
+
+Not easily disheartened by preceding failures, I next resolved to try to
+outwit the crows, and for this purpose prepared a long line, to which a
+very considerable number of lateral lines were tied, having each a very
+small fish-hook at the end. Each of these hooks was baited with a single
+grain of corn, so cunningly put on, that it seemed impossible that the
+grain could be taken up without the hook being swallowed with it. About
+four o'clock, in order to be in full time, I rowed up to the sandy
+point, made fast my main line to a bush, and extending it toward the
+water, pegged it down at the other end securely in the sand. I next
+arranged all my baited lines, and then, covering them all nicely with
+sand, left nothing exposed but the bait. This done, I scattered a
+quantity of corn all around, to render the baits as little liable to
+suspicion as possible. After taking a final view of the arrangement,
+which seemed a very hopeful one, I pulled my boat gently homeward, to
+wait the event of my solicitude for the capture of the crows. As usual,
+they arrived in thousands, blackened the sand beach, chattered,
+screamed, and fluttered about in great glee, and finally sailed over the
+creek and away to their roost, without having left a solitary
+unfortunate to pay for having meddled with my baited hooks. I jumped
+into the skiff, and soon paid a visit to my unsuccessful snare. The
+corn was all gone; the very hooks were all bare; and it was evident that
+some other expedient must be adopted before I could hope to succeed. Had
+I caught but one or two _alive_, it was my intention to have employed
+them to procure the destruction of others, in a manner I shall hereafter
+describe.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+No. XII.
+
+
+Had I succeeded in obtaining some living crows, they were to be employed
+in the following manner: After having made a sort of concealment of
+brushwood within good gun-shot distance, the crows were to be fastened
+by their wings on their backs between two pegs, yet not so closely as to
+prevent them from fluttering or struggling. The other crows, who are
+always very inquisitive where their species is in any trouble, were
+expected to light down near the captives, and the latter would certainly
+seize the first that came near enough with their claws, and hold on
+pertinaciously. This would have produced fighting and screaming in
+abundance, and the whole flock might gradually be so drawn into the
+fray, as to allow many opportunities of discharging the guns upon them
+with full effect. This I have often observed--that when a quarrel or
+fight took place in a large flock or gang of crows (a circumstance by no
+means infrequent), it seemed soon to extend to the whole; and during the
+continuance of their anger all the usual caution of their nature
+appeared to be forgotten, allowing themselves at such times to be
+approached closely; and, regardless of men, fire-arms, or the fall of
+their companions, continuing their wrangling with rancorous obstinacy. A
+similar disposition may be produced among them by catching a large owl,
+and tying it with a cord of moderate length to the limb of a naked tree
+in a neighbourhood frequented by the crows. The owl is one of the few
+enemies which the crow has much reason to dread, as it robs the nests of
+their young, whenever they are left for the shortest time. Hence,
+whenever crows discover an owl in the day-time, like many other birds,
+they commence an attack upon it, screaming most vociferously, and
+bringing together all of their species within hearing. Once this clamour
+has fairly begun, and their passions are fully aroused, there is little
+danger of their being scared away, and the chance of destroying them by
+shooting is continued as long as the owl remains uninjured. But one such
+opportunity presented during my residence where crows were abundant, and
+this was unfortunately spoiled by the eagerness of one of the gunners,
+who, in his eagerness to demolish one of the crows, fixed upon some that
+were most busy with the owl, and killed it instead of its disturbers,
+which at once ended the sport. When the crows leave the roost, at early
+dawn, they generally fly to a naked or leafless tree in the nearest
+field, and there plume themselves and chatter until the day-light is
+sufficiently clear to show all objects with distinctness. Of this
+circumstance I have taken advantage several times, to get good shots at
+them in this way. During the day-time, having selected a spot within
+proper distance of the tree frequented by them in the morning, I have
+built with brushwood and pine-bushes a thick, close screen, behind which
+one or two persons might move securely without being observed. Proper
+openings through which to level the guns were also made, as the
+slightest stir or noise could not be made, at the time of action,
+without a risk of rendering all the preparations fruitless. The guns
+were all in order and loaded before going to bed, and at an hour or two
+before day-light we repaired quietly to the field, and stationed
+ourselves behind the screen, where, having mounted our guns at the
+loop-holes, to be in perfect readiness, we waited patiently for the
+day-break. Soon after the gray twilight of the dawn began to displace
+the darkness, the voice of one of our expected visitants would be heard
+from the distant forest, and shortly after a single crow would slowly
+sail towards the solitary tree, and settle on its very summit. Presently
+a few more would arrive singly, and in a little while small flocks
+followed. Conversation among them is at first rather limited to
+occasional salutations, but as the flock begins to grow numerous, it
+becomes general and very animated, and by this time all that may be
+expected on this occasion have arrived. This may be known, also, by
+observing one or more of them descend to the ground, and if the gunners
+do not now make the best of the occasion, it will soon be lost, as the
+whole gang will presently sail off, scattering as they go. However, we
+rarely waited till there was a danger of their departure, but as soon as
+the flock had fairly arrived, and were still crowded upon the upper
+parts of the tree, we pulled triggers together, aiming at the thickest
+of the throng. In this way, by killing and wounding them, with two or
+three guns, a dozen or more would be destroyed. It was of course
+needless to expect to find a similar opportunity in the same place for a
+long time afterwards, as those which escaped had too good memories to
+return to so disastrous a spot. By ascertaining other situations at
+considerable distances, we could every now and then obtain similar
+advantages over them.
+
+About the years 1800-1-2-3-4, the crows were so vastly accumulated and
+destructive in the State of Maryland, that the government, to hasten
+their diminution, received their heads in payment of taxes, at the price
+of three cents each. The store-keepers bought them of the boys and
+shooters, who had no taxes to pay, at a rather lower rate, or exchanged
+powder and shot for them. This measure caused a great havoc to be kept
+up among them, and in a few years so much diminished the grievance, that
+the price was withdrawn. Two modes of shooting them in considerable
+numbers were followed, and with great success: the one, that of killing
+them while on the wing towards the roost; and the other, attacking them
+in the night, when they have been for some hours asleep. I have already
+mentioned the regularity with which vast flocks move from various
+quarters of the country to their roosting-places every afternoon, and
+the uniformity of the route they pursue. In cold weather, when all the
+small bodies of water are frozen, and they are obliged to protract their
+flight towards the bays or sea, their return is a work of considerable
+labour, especially should a strong wind blow against them: at this
+season, also, being rather poorly fed, they are of necessity less
+vigorous. Should the wind be adverse, they fly as near the earth as
+possible, and of this the shooters, at the time I allude to, took
+advantage. A large number would collect on such an afternoon, and
+station themselves close along the foot-way of a high bank, over which
+the crows were in the habit of flying; and as they were in a great
+degree screened from sight as the flock flew over, keeping as low as
+possible, because of the wind, their shots were generally very
+effectual. The stronger was the wind, the greater was their success. The
+crows that were not injured found it very difficult to rise, and those
+that diverged laterally only came nearer to gunners stationed in
+expectation of such movements. The flocks were several hours in passing
+over; and as there was generally a considerable interval between each
+company of considerable size, the last arrived, unsuspicious of what had
+been going on, and the shooters had time to recharge their arms. But the
+grand harvest of crow heads was derived from the invasion of their
+dormitories, which are well worthy a particular description, and should
+be visited by every one who wishes to form a proper idea of the number
+of these birds that may be accumulated in a single district. The roost
+is most commonly the densest pine-thicket that can be found, generally
+at no great distance from some river, bay, or other sheet of water,
+which is the last to freeze, or rarely is altogether frozen. To such a
+roost the crows, which are, during the day-time, scattered over perhaps
+more than a hundred miles of circumference, wing their way every
+afternoon, and arrive shortly after sunset. Endless columns pour in from
+various quarters, and as they arrive pitch upon their accustomed
+perches, crowding closely together for the benefit of the warmth and the
+shelter afforded by the thick foliage of the pine. The trees are
+literally bent by their weight, and the ground is covered for many feet
+in depth by their dung, which, by its gradual fermentation, must also
+tend to increase the warmth of the roost. Such roosts are known to be
+thus occupied for years, beyond the memory of individuals; and I know of
+one or two which the oldest residents in the quarter state to have been
+known to their grandfathers, and probably had been resorted to by the
+crows during several ages previous. There is one of great age and
+magnificent extent in the vicinity of Rock Creek, an arm of the
+Patapsco. They are sufficiently numerous on the rivers opening into the
+Chesapeake, and are everywhere similar in their general aspect. Wilson
+has signalised such a roost at no great distance from Bristol, Pa.; and
+I know by observation that not less than a million of crows sleep there
+nightly during the winter season.
+
+To gather crow heads from the roost, a very large party was made up,
+proportioned to the extent of surface occupied by the dormitory. Armed
+with double-barrelled and duck guns, which threw a large charge of shot,
+the company was divided into small parties, and these took stations,
+selected during the day-time, so as to surround the roost as nearly as
+possible. A dark night was always preferred, as the crows could not,
+when alarmed, fly far, and the attack was delayed until full midnight.
+All being at their posts, the firing was commenced by those who were
+most advantageously posted, and followed up successively by the others,
+as the affrighted crows sought refuge in their vicinity. On every side
+the carnage then raged fiercely, and there can scarcely be conceived a
+more forcible idea of the horrors of a battle, than such a scene
+afforded. The crows screaming with fright and the pain of wounds; the
+loud deep roar produced by the raising of their whole number in the air;
+the incessant flashing and thundering of the guns; and the shouts of
+their eager destroyers, all produced an effect which can never be
+forgotten by any one who has witnessed it, nor can it well be adequately
+comprehended by those who have not. Blinded by the blaze of the powder,
+and bewildered by the thicker darkness that ensues, the crows rise and
+settle again at a short distance, without being able to withdraw from
+the field of danger, and the sanguinary work is continued until the
+shooters are fatigued, or the approach of day-light gives the survivors
+a chance of escape. Then the work of collecting the heads from the dead
+and wounded began, and this was a task of considerable difficulty, as
+the wounded used their utmost efforts to conceal and defend themselves.
+The bill and half the front of the skull were cut off together, and
+strung in sums for the tax-gatherer, and the product of the night
+divided according to the nature of the party formed. Sometimes the
+great mass of shooters were hired for the night, and received no share
+of scalps, having their ammunition provided by the employers: other
+parties were formed of friends and neighbours, who clubbed for the
+ammunition, and shared equally in the result.
+
+During hard winters the crows suffer greatly, and perish in considerable
+numbers from hunger. When starved severely, the poor wretches will
+swallow bits of leather, rope, rags, in short, anything that appears to
+promise the slightest relief. Multitudes belonging to the Bristol roost
+perished during the winter of 1828-9 from this cause. All the
+water-courses were solidly frozen, and it was distressing to observe
+these starvelings every morning winging their weary way towards the
+shores of the sea, in hopes of food, and again toiling homewards in the
+afternoon, apparently scarce able to fly.
+
+In speaking of destroying crows, we have never adverted to the use of
+poison, which in their case is wholly inadmissible, on this
+account--where crows are common, hogs generally run at large, and to
+poison the crows would equally poison them: the crows would die, and
+fall to the ground, where they would certainly be eaten by the hogs.
+
+Crows, when caught young, learn to talk plainly, if pains be taken to
+repeat certain phrases to them, and they become exceedingly impudent and
+troublesome. Like all of their tribe, they will steal and hide silver or
+other bright objects, of which they can make no possible use.
+
+                                                                 JOHN.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of Project Gutenberg's Rambles of a Naturalist, by John D. Godman
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